St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1889-08-24
Profit in Creole Ponies.

Profit in Creole Ponies.
The prairies of Western Louisiana
abound with droves of small horses, erro-
neously supposed to be of Spanish origin,
but actually the defendants of the Cana
dian ponies brought to Louisiana by AGA
dian settlers.
These small animals are widely diffused
throu ehout the State, and are much used
by the Creole and negro population of our
parishes, for cultivating the soil and gen.
eral purposes. They are easily and cheaply
bred, are totally neglected so far as
feeding and grooming is concerned, yet
they not only manage to subsist upon
grass, but keep in excellent order without
grain feed of any description.
The best specimens of the Creole pony
are of fine limb and graceful carriage, gen
tie when properly broken and subjected to
good treatment, and very intelligent be-
sides. In point of speed and endurance
they are unequalled. Now, taking all of
these desirable qualities into consideration,
the thought is naturally suggested by the
growing demand for small horses in the
Northern and Western cities, watering
places and health resorts, why it would
not be a most profitable venture to estab-
lish pony breeding rancho, say in St.
Landry or other parishes, where land is
cheap, and grade them up by using small
thoroughbred stations. To obtain the
latter it would be necessary to send abroad,
which would entail considerable trouble,
but the results would undoubtedly justify
this expenditure of time and money.
And then the question of what would
be the proper species of horse to breed
upon will naturally recur. Grade stocks,
| no matter how high, cannot be relied upon
for this purpose, while thoroughbreds are
almost certain to transmit those character
istics which their progenitors possess.
Hence we would suggest that the Turkish,
American or Persian thoroughbred, which
is small sized to medium animal, very
| active and docile and noted for their speed,
beauty of form and endurance, which they
| inherit from their Arabian ancestors, would
be the only proper cross for our Creole
mares, About the cost of choice stations
of these breeds we cannot intelligently an
swer, but we have heard of purchases
made some years ago at forty to fifty
guineas per head. If then these prices are
approximately correct and an equal sum is
| allowed for transportation and other ex-
penses, the cost OF each animal landed at
the port of New Orleans would be from
$400 to $500.
The cost Of establishing a ranch would
approximate as follows:
100 selected Creole mares at $40. SO, 00C
stations at $500 Observation-Disclosures. 2,o0C
Cost of land and improvements. ........... DUN
Total o,ooC
We base our ideas of profit upon the
probable result of improving our native
stock to the extent of their being in active
demand in all great cities throughout the
United States on account of their superior
form, action and docility. We also take
into consideration prices lately received
for some forty head of Shetland and Ex-
moor ponies at St. Louis, which averaged
$3.50, some choice animals bringing $500.
In calling attention to this sale, Cotnadn' (
Ruraz World says that the best sale OF
ponies ever made in this country was at
the Missouri Horse Exchange, and adds:
"There is large demand for small
ponies at the North. Hence the breeding
of Creole ponies would be decidedly profit.
able"
The american Agr5culturalist, in an
article entitled ponies for Business OF
Pleasure" says the breeding of poniss
would be a success there can be no douEI
as the demand is steadily upon the increase.
Mr.. J B Wilkinson, well known as an agri
cultural writer of ability, besides being
thoroughly identified with all industries
pertaining to agriculture and stock raising,
under the caption of 'How to Make
Money" in late numbrr of the City Item,
says "Thefe can be no more profitable
enterprise than the raising of Creole ponies
for the Northern markets"
If more diminutive size be required,
suggests cross between the Shetland OF
Exmoor, which have the docility and in
telligence which characterize our native
ponies. He also calls attention to the sim
plicity of pony raising, as our Creoles
grow up like weeds, hardy and prolific, are
| thoroughly acclimated, stand ali the vicis
| STUDIES of weather, and are not liable to
epidemics in any form.
Even Charlton, that is so fatal to other
stock, rarely touches the Creole pony. 1t
can be broken to all gaits, either under
saddle or in harness. Is not given to kick
| ing or other bad habits, and is both willing
and docile and possesses all the qualities
required for ladies or children. In regard
to the looks and style, the writer admits
that the influences of civilization are
needed, but with proper growing and feed,
ing the pony will do credit to boulevard (;
in fact, there are many specimens upon
their native heath that will rival high
priced imported stock.
The Times Democrat can hardly venture
\ to figure out the profits that would newt
ably accrue from breeding up our valuable
native horses. We consider them, in point
of fact, the best breeds of horses, accord
ing to their inches, in the United States.
That there is a bonanza for any person
or company who will engage in this emf
inently practical undertaking we have not
the slightest doubt. If our own citizens
fail to grasp this splendid opportunity of
becoming rich, besides helping to develop
one of our long neglected sources OF
wealth, the stranger within our. gates cannot
remain very long in ignorance. Northern
capital, always upon the alert for profit
| able investment, will gladly undertake any
business which will pay from 70 to 100
per cent per annum, which we have every
cause to think this will do.-N. O. Times
| Democrat.
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