Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1861-02-20
THE Blood Horse.

question: w hlch IS the DcSC Dreeu vi Hol-
ses for all purposes i'll this country?
The points desired in every horse are
freedom of action, rapidity Of, motion,
powers of endurance and dociity. Among
he breeds of horses at present known,
the blood horse possesses these qualities
III higher degree than any, or all others
There arc not wanting those, however,
who deny the adaptability of the blood
horse, for general use upon the grounds,
first, of a want of docility /; second, a
want of the proper gaits. In support of
the first of these objections, it is said that
the blood horse has too much "mettle,
is too high strung ever to become quiet,
gentle and safe. Reading, observation
and practical experience, have convinced
Us that this is not the case. 1t is true that
mettle is one of the distinguishing traits
belonging to the blood horse, but we deny
that he is naturally either irritable or lll-
tempered. On the contrary, being more
intelligent he is more readily taught; be,
ing more affectionate, is more easily man
aged being braver, he is more reliable.
This error has arisen from partial expe-
rience. The system of training used to
put the blood horse in that condition, best
suited to the race course, while it devel-
OPS his speed renders him nervous and
cxcitablc, and from the example OF race
horses it has been enormously concluded
that this nervousness was characteristic
of the blood, when it was i'll truth, only q
result of the training to which the horse
had been subjected. In proof of this, we
might instance the horse, be his blood
what it may, that has been accustomed to
be ridden in the chase; the sound of a
horn arouses him, and pack of hounds in
full cry exctes him beyond measure.
But examples are also numerous of the
present thorough breds being broken to as
quiet service either under the saddle or in
harness, as the coolest blood Conestoga
that snailed it in dray. They establish
the efficiency of this objection.
In support of the second objection, it is
urged that the blood horse is not adapted
to harness, because he does not trot fast.
Here again is an error. Action is the
great headspring of all speed. Action is
dependent upon the shape and strength of
the animal. By long years of ]udiclous
breeding and careful attention, the blood
horse has been brought to that form most
conducive to freedom of action. The re-.
suit has been the highest degree of speed
But all efforts with the blood horse have
been directed to increasing the speed of
one gait-thc gallop or run. The trot is
just as natural gait as the gallop, and it
is but reasonable to suppose that with the
freedom of action resulting from the Pc
cnliar formation of the blood horse, if
properly bred and trained the blood horse
would in short time develope a proper
tionate degree of speed in a trot. The
facts ON record all 60 to confirm this con.
clusion. Flora Temple, the fastest trot-
ting animal now living, has more of the
style, appearance, and so far as anything
is known, the blood of the thoroug bred,
than of amy other breed.
For the saddle, the only remaining use
to which horses are extensively put i'll this
country, the blood horse is peculiarly
adapted. His long obliquc shoulder, quick,
nervous, free, action, all combine to make
his motions pleasant and agreeable to the
rider, while his indomitable courage and
surc.footedneess render him eminently
safe.
For heavy draught the blood horse can.
not begin to compare with his elephantine
brother, the Concstoga. But for all such
work, We have in mules a most excellent
substitute.
Having thus stated the ground and rc;l.
sou Of the superiority Of the blood horse,
isscens but Il short step TO demonstrate
it to be the true policy Of the breeders OF
the country to secure the services of the
best Blood Stallion in reach. But there
are two material obstacles to this course
FIRST the scarcity Of good blood horses in
our midst; second, the necessary high
price of these aud the corresponding low
2rice OF the other Stations. These are
advantages, however, in the end, as they
secure to the blood horses the very best
mares of the country, and their produce
sill tend greatly to raise the estimation
N whcl, this class is held. On the other
hand the probabilities are that the colts
produced from cold-blood horses will be
3clded, while those from the thorough.
bred are kept for breeders. If this course
snail be adopted, as the increased interest
manifested Of late in horses, leads us to
hope, the time is not far distant when
Marry county can boast the best breed OF
'lorscs in that State.--Dcmocratic (Colum-
.;,h .,, Ia