THE BREEDING OF SOBSES 103 



reference to the relative influence of the two parents over the 

 offspring, bat is simply because the stallion controls one-half 

 the characters in the entire crop, whereas the mare controls but 

 one. Often one has no choice of stallions when mating the mares 

 because there is but one male in the vicinity, and this no doubt 

 is responsible for much of the mixed breeding among our horse 

 stock. On the other hand, usually there are several stallions 

 available, and one must choose among them. While there are 

 many things to be taken into account, the following are among 

 the most important : individuality, type, soundness, and 

 breeding. 



THE MAHE 



The most fertile period in the mare's life is usually at four to 

 twelve years of age. In exceptional cases, this period may be 

 extended both ways. Just how young it is safe to breed fillies 

 or young mares is a question concerning which there is great 

 difference of opinion. In some cases it is perfectly safe to 

 breed a two-year-old filly, and in many cases it is far from safe 

 and positively detrimental to both the young mare and her 

 offspring. 



The advisability of breeding a two-year-old filly depends on 

 at least three important factors: First, the breed. Horses 

 of draft breeding mature much earlier than the lighter and 

 more active breeds, so that a draft filly at two years old is 

 often as forward as a trotting or running filly at three years 

 of age. Second, the individual animal. There is consider- 

 able difference in the way mares mature. Usually a smoothly 

 turned, neat, and well-finished filly makes its growth earlier 

 than a rougher, more vigorous individual. Again, the feed 

 and care have much to do with the early maturity of the filly. 

 One that is kept growing continuously will mature earlier than 

 one imperfectly cared for and which receives a set back each 

 winter. Third, the object sought. Is the question to improve 



