mares and 30 stallions. Of these Graditz and Trakehnen 

 are the more important. The stallions bred at these 

 establishments are sent to the Rural Studs if they can fulfil 

 the standard of merit required by the committee which is 

 assembled to examine them. Those that fail to satisfy the 

 committee are sold by public auction. 



The largest of these studs is that at, Trakehnen in East 

 Prussia. When Mr. Wrench paid his visit to this estate, 

 which covers about 10,300 acres, the breeding-stock comprised 

 4 Thoroughbred and 12 Half-bred stallions, with over 400 

 mares. The Trakehnen horse, as it may be called, for 

 it now breeds true to type, is generally a long, low black 

 horse, about 16 hands high, with the best of limbs and a 

 beautiful head, " a trifle long in the back, according to English 

 ideas, but a valuable stamp of horse, especially for harness 

 purposes." The extreme quietness and docility of these 

 Trakehnen horses, young and old, evoked comment from 

 Mr. Wrench. 



By the distribution of illustrated pamphlets the German 

 Government endeavours to instruct breeders in the best 

 methods of managing stock, and also concerning the stamps 

 of horse required for the Army. A typical Artillery and 

 heavy-weight saddle-horse is described as follows, for the 

 guidance of breeders : — 



" Height at 3 years, 15. i to 15.2^ ; height when full-grown, i5-2j to 

 16. 1 J. Activity, speed, freedom of action and endurance are required as 

 in the artillery horse. The breast need not be so broad as in the artillery 

 horse. The fetlock should not be too short; while, on the other hand, if 

 too long it bends too low and causes the heavy weight carried to produce 

 fatigue on a long march. A good back for the saddle is as necessary in 

 the cavalry horse as a good shoulder for the collar in the artillery 

 horse." 



The "general requirements" in horses for the German 

 Army are thus detailed : — 



" (i) Small, blood-like head, neck well set on. (2) Strong well-placed 

 legs with big joints. (3) Well-arched ribs and good sloping shoulders. 

 (4) Well-formed, strong back, not too long, well-Coupled and high-lying 

 kidneys. (5) Strong hocks, free from disease. (6) Round, sound hoofs 

 with healthy frogs. (7) Sound constitution and good digestion, and (8) 

 Free, energetic action." 



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