The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-06-12

Especial Correspondenco.l

NEW YORK, June 7.-One Of the very first
things usually done by men who have ac-
quired wealth is TO buy carriage horses for
themselves and ponies for the children
There IS something in the breast OF every
child that makes him anxious 70 own q
horse. That is shown when the little five
ypar-Old will leave all Of his other toys and,
climbing up on the back Of his hobbyhorse,
rock back and forth perfectly happy and
contented for hours at a time.
The increase OF wealth in recent years in
this country has given parents the means
10 crafty the desires of their children, and
the pony trade is hourishing. OK all the
ponies, native OF imported the only pony
that is suitable for the use Of children is
that docile, intelligent equine dwarf, the
Shetland. For little boys or girls learning
70 ride the Shetlander Is perfection. for,
though be has a will Of his own, with suf-
fcient share of spirit, he is most affection
ate and gentle and soon becomes very fond
Of his rider. III, "a will sometimes happen.
in the queer tricks and uncouth gambols
tho rider goes over hts head. there is but
short distance 10 the ground and Sheltie
always waits for his owner 10 mount again.
J. Murray Hoag, who has handled thou
sands Of them says that he never knew
one TO kick.
Much has been written about their an
cestry, but absolutely nothing positive is
known. They have many indications Of
being descended from the Arab, especially
as the basin face Of the Arab IS the usual
mark on them. They have round, close
~ ribbed up barrel, good shoulders,
short, thick neck, with plentiful name, a
we'll shaped lean and bOny head, very
wide across tho eyes, showing their intelli-
uence. The ears are small and erect, with
large, clear eyes and u superb loin. Their
legs are literally made Of iron 50 fine and
solid IS the bone, and such thing As a
lame Shetlandcr has never been known.
In their native islee OF the south mainland
they run wild on the hills like 50 many
sheep, never beFded. sheltered OF fed. but
picking up a living from the heather grass.
There Is q great contrast between the looks
Of the summer and winter coats Of tho
Sheltie The former is fine, close and
sleek. while in winter the coat very nearly
resembles that OF our buialo-long, thick
and shaggy. This OF course refers 10 win
tiers in their homes in the bleak north.
Here the coat OF these little horses is about
the same the year round.
The price Of good Shetland pony is
today about as much as that OF fair horse,
hut there is 10 way in which boys OF
girls can so soon be taught to consider
dumb brutes as by giving them u pony.
They are naturally interested in teaching
him tricks, and | have seen one Of the lit
tie things shake his head for mo" or bow
for yes" lie down for the owner 80 mount
or stand on his hind legs to beg, with
dozens OF other equally funny perform
ances, seeming to enjoy il as much as the
children.
There is quite difference in Shetiands,
and those thinking Of buying should see
that their purchase is either registered or
eligible 20 registry in the American Shot
tand Pony Stud Book" When they have
purchased one and see the wonderful
amount Of fun the children have and the
astonishing deal Of work the little fellow
will do, they will never regret the price
paid. +. T. RIDDICK.