Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1870-01-07
Aer1c~HnraI
HORSE P.IPRRs FOR F.sR.uERs.
BY a SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR.

1t seems to me that the Horse question
needs to be presented to farmers somewhat
differently from the manner in which most
of the excellent works on the subject set it
forth; for, while those who make a special
business of horse breeding, and even those
who raise one or two colts year for sale,
are most benefited by the instructions
contained in these works they are not
suited TO all the wants of farmer who re-
CARDS a horse only as part of the outfit of
his business, or as means of recreation,-
who never sells n horse and would be glad
never to buy ne,-raising such as he
wants and wearing them out in his own
service.
like to think of this sort of relation
ship between farmer and his family, and
the horses of the farm. 1t implies an af-
fectionate fondness for the faithful animals
which ensures their kind and considerate
treatment, and the cultivation of an inter-
est in them, which is one of the best parts
of the education of a farmers children,
and which will do more than anything else
to attach them TO their homes and to an oc-
cupation about which such interests clus-
ter. Oxen-good natured dumb beasts
though they are-are not especially Iowa
bic, and they always suggest the coming
butcher; cows are better, but they are
bought and sold without much regard to
anything but dollars and cents while the
smaller animals and the poultry usually
finish their career within year or SO. A
horse on the other hand, which has been
raised on the farm and ends his days in his
breeders possession, becomes almost a
member of the family, and may follow its
fortunes for quarter of a century-grow-
ing up with the children and connecting
himself throughout their lives with their
most interesting "reminiscences of child
hood.
Taking this view of the subject every
farmer who is a farmer not alone from ne
cessity, but from choice as swell, should en-
deavor to have one or more horses that are
fully identified with his farm as n home
He should raise them himself and should
never fix price ON them for a dealer, nor
regard them so much part of his COM
mercial stock, as belonging to the perma-
Htlll NATURES Oh MS establishment.
Shortly after moved into my present
neighborhood, few years ago, l hired a
neighbor to break up piece of sod for me.
His team was pair of oxen with horse
on the lead. As they swung into my barn
yard from side road, my attention was
Immediately attracted by the horse As |
walked towards him with an interested
* 4
cart and came forward with pleased air
and asked what thought of him. eyed
him carefully over, wondering how such a
hor'e ever came TO lead pair of oxen, for
he seemed to be in the prime of life and
had better points than many a thousand
dollar nag that had seen in the city. His
legs were fine and free from putting, his
ears were thin well shaped and active, and
the whole air Of his head was perfect. !
followed him into the field and watched
his work. He stepped off in brisk know
ing way, without any fuss, but with per-
rect business-like gait, tossing his head
now and then as though indignant at hav.
ing to keep pace with oxen. As was il
want OF horse, watched him more close
ly than should otherwise have done, ever
with his decided attractions, and at length
sounded my neighbor to get his opinion o
him. He was loud in his praise, and l be
gan to think, was paving the way for
large price. Finally / asked his age ant
was referred to his mouth, when I fount
to my great surprise, that he was yer.
old horse too old for buying and selling
to be thought of. However, to carry GU
the joke, / asked, show much will yol
take for him?" "There amt money e
nough on this farm to buy that horse,-
that horse amt never ben sold and he ain
never agoing to be; my father raised tina
horse from colt and he raised his mothe
before him. He was foalded twenty -eigt
years ago this month, and when the VIC
men folks bitches him up to go to town
its just all they can do sometimes to hol
him, now. He was got by running hors
that Buckeyes father over here used [
keep, and them thets got his colts dom
want nothin' better. According to my no
ton, if you want any blood any where yol
want it on a farm. That old horse to-da
will tend a third more corn'n any othe
foot onto hill all day long"
Only few days ago as was riding at
brisk gallop along the road, saw tha
same old horse grazing by the roadside
As drew near he gave a whinny and
head and tail up-wheeled around and in
vted me for run, which my rascal wa
ready for, and l had for a few minutes
hard work to keep him from it. Finally
the veteran, disgusted gave a snort an
trotted off like colt. / have seen him e
ing through town (exerting every musc
to its utmost, but over straining nothin,
leading two yoke of oxen before load
manure, and / haye seen him ploddin
along to meeting on Sunday before a ca
ry-all full of children, with the air of
steady church goer, who considered eve
lively trot improper. In short, he is e,
actly the sort of horse that every farm,
should have-steady, honest, active, chez
full, intelligent, and perfectly good tempe
ed, ready for work week in and week on
as fit for duty now as when he was seye
years old, and as reliable for all kinds
service then as now.
This is no ideal animal that l have irnal
ined for the entertainment of my reader,
but real flesh and blood, chestnut hors
with white stripe in his face, that / 81
constantly in my neighbours team. Ii
costs no more to raise and he costs no MOI
to keep, than the veriest. club-footed, lunl