104 



TYPES AND BREEDS 



HIT to 1S40 -was to mate ThoroiigliLrcd stallions with the native 

 French mares of ISTonuaudy, where much of this breeding was 

 done. These mares being of Flemish descent, the mating con- 

 stituted i)ractically a, hot top cross on a cold base. Horses so 

 bred were called, must ajjpropriately, deml sang (half blood). 

 Since 1840 the half-breds have been inter-bred, although Thor- 

 oughbred blood is still close up to many of the French coachers 

 that have come to this cou.ntry. 



Fig. 75.— a French coach stallion of the more refined sort. 



One of the imported stallions, Young Eattler, brought to 

 France in 1S20, gave rise to the side line of coach horses, whose 

 production was originally incidental to the breeding of cavalry 

 mounts. The get of Young Battler for succeeding generations 

 were notable for their heavy harness form, style, and action. 

 Some of the deml sang horses show considerable speed. Trot- 

 ting races, on the turf under saddle for distances from two to 

 three miles, are common events. 



