306 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES 



light, the light horse will be the most useful. In breed- 

 ing farm horses these principles should be kept clearly in 

 mind, as the horse of all work is a myth, and the attempt 

 to produce him will prove a disappointment. Many a 

 small farmer has come to grief because he provided for 

 his family driving before his work and because he looked 

 upon colt raising as causing too much trouble. 



THE MARKET HORSE 



Since the general farmer must keep more horses than 

 he can provide with continuous work, in order that he 

 may manage during the busy season, it has been sug;- 

 gested that he keep brood mares and raise colts, thus 

 increasing the output from the farm. If the farmer 

 breeds to a given type, as suggested above, this will 

 prove a remunerative investment, although it w^ill prob- 

 ably fail if he breeds indiscriminately and without regard 

 to type. The farmer breeding horses in this way should 

 make a careful study of the market requirements and 

 market classes of horses, especially as applies to his 

 local market and to his individual conditions. 



Market requirements. — In breeding and fitting horses 

 for the market there arc a number of market require- 

 ments that should be carefully considered. Chief among 

 these requirements are the general appearance, education 

 and disposition, soundness, quality, condition, action, age, 

 color and sex. 



-Appearance. — The general appearance of the horse has 

 much to do \'\'ith his market value. If able to shape him- 

 self well in harness, a very plain horse often makes a 

 stylish showing and thus commands a good price. The 

 animal should show spirit and energy, which accom- 

 panies good feeding. He should be well groomed, the 

 hair short and sleek, lying close to the body and pos- 

 sessing a luster which is indicative of thrifti The gen- 

 eral form must be indicative of strength, endurance and 



