Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1856-05-24
farmers Department.
Horse Breaking.

1t may be accepted as rule, having few
if any exceptions, that it is most profitable to
breed the best descriptions of horses. These
eau only he obtained from first class animals,
and even the use of such will not be sufficient
siderable skill and good Judgment in the rear
ing and management generally
Notwithstanding the unquestioned and mani
fest truth Of this position, many act IN contra
trariety to it, and continue to breed from in
fcrior animals Many permit themselves to in
duge in such short-sightcd economy and in
such erroneous calculations as lead them to
think they cannot afford for breeding purpo-
ses ANYTHING but old and broken down mares
And then the impression seems to be very
general that perfection or good qualities in the
sire will counteract and redeem any defect in
the DAM That the sire does exercise n pow
erful influence on the general appearance of
the progeny is not to be denied, this being
most marked and manifest in the general out
Ines and in color. But the qualities of tenn
per, disposition, endurance, courage and 9th
ers of like nature are generally more evidently
derived from the dam. A gentleman with a
quick eye for good points in horse has sta
ted that in repeated journeys through some of
the Western States he has seldom seen any
SUPERIOR or even any really good horses
Those States, or those portions of them which
are situated upon the main thoroughfares,
seem TO abound in all kinds of half-bred and
defective horses, which would be of small value
in the best Eastern markets.
TO raise good horses it has often been said
but needs to be said agan--wc must begin
with sound and good materials. Both horse
and mare must be free from any constitutional
or transmisSible vice or defect such as SPAWN,
ring-bone, contracted feet. heavcs, or any af-
fection of the breathing apparatus. If either
parent is thus diseased, or otherwise defective
or unsound, we cannot obtain sound proge-
ny. Occasionally an animal may be produced
which may appear to be sound and healthy,
and may continue to appear so until hardship,
ill-fare, or the attack of some disease brings
the defective constitution or hereditary faint
sooner or later to the open light.
While so many errors continue to be COM
mitted in the breeding of horses while so few
possessed of the requisite skill, tact, means and
good Judgment, are engaged in the business,
it cannot be otherwise than that it might be
carried on with no small profit by any possess
ed of the skill tact, convenience and judg-
mcnt, which are necessary for the highest sue
cess a large number, or a majority of pur
chaserS, have discrimination enough to discern
between the offspring of parents Of good con-
stitution and The most valuable points, and
the offspring Of parents defective in these par
ticulars. In addition to proper selection of
animals to breed from, there other things es-
scntial to rearing horses of the most desirable
qualities. Among these we would name as
the most important proper care and feeding
during CESSATION, and also during the whole
period of growth from infancy to maturity
The profits as well as the satisfaction and
pleasure Of the breeder, will, as general rule,
correspond in some measure with the amount
of SKILL and good judgment exercised in these
and other particulars of management.-CouH-
try Gentleman