202 THE HORSE IN AMERICA 



mare should be well bred; that is, she would give 

 better results by having some good crosses. By all 

 means let her have a cross of Thoroughbred, say 

 one-quarter, supplemented with strong crosses of 

 some of the larger breeds, and the balance of the 

 breeding may be made up of the better class of 

 the native stock. The mare should have good 

 length, large, well-rounded barrel, good head, 

 long neck, good, broad, flat bone, broad chest, 

 wide between the hips, and good style. 



"Having selected the sire and the dam, the 

 next thing is to produce the colt. The sire, if well 

 kept and in good condition, is ready for business, 

 but not so with the mare. The dam is to be in sea- 

 son ; that is, in heat. Before being bred, to prevent 

 accidents, the mare should be hobbled or pitted. 

 Having taken this precaution, the jack may be 

 brought out, and both will be ready for service. 

 Care should be taken not to overserve the jack, 

 as he should not be allowed to serve over two 

 mares a day. 



" The mare, after being served, may be put to 

 light work, or put upon some quiet pasture by 

 herself for several days until she passes out of 



