Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1907-09-24

| Since the colonial days the state o.
Virginia has been the home of the
thoroughbred and the saddle horse, anG
the interest in them has in no wise dc
creased, but rather, ON the other hand
is on the increase. The horse shows
now held at different points in Virginia
have given q renewed impetus to the
business of raising class of horses thai
will appeal to the fastidious taste Of
those who not only know the difference
between first class horse and an in
different one, but are in a position finan
cially to pay high prices for the kind
that suits them.
The prices for well gated, smoothly
turned saddle horses will range all the
way from $3.50 to $500. They must be
sound in every respect, docile, and have
all the gaits, and must have size and
conformation along with their Other
qualities. The markets for these horses
are Washington, Baltimore, Philadel.
phia and New York, besides many that
are sold to wealthy people in the state Of
Virginia.
These saddle horses are generally
three-fourths to fifteen -sixteenths thor.
oughbred, and the section of country
lying between the Blue Ridge and the
Alleghenys, known as the "Valley OF
Virginia. is the favored section for
breeding and raising them. Here cli-
matte conditions seem perfect for the
rearing of fine stock; the limestone de-
posits in the soil encourage the growth
of nutritious, natural pasturage which
affords grazing that gives size and bone
to the growing colts. Limpid streams
of clear water run through these blue
grass pastures, and while the summer
days are hot the nights are generally
cool, and stock of all kinds will keep
fat on grazing alone, although many
farmers give occasional feeds OF grain
all during the summer season.
When the colts are in their third year
they are taken up and handled enough
to make them gentle; at the same time
they begin to get their lessons in being
put through the saddle gaits, the walk,
trot, canter, single foot and fox or dog
trot. Being saddle bred, both on the
side of sire and dam, they in most in
stances take kindly and naturally to the
several gaits in which they must be per-
fected before they will bring good prices
as saddle horses. At four years of age
they are generally ready to sell.
With combination horses the training
differs; besides having the saddle gaits
they must also be well broken to har-
ness; must show style and action in light
harness and must be able to road along
at decent clip, even if they have no
pretentions to speed.
The prices range about the same for
each class. They are trained first un-
der the saddle, then in the harness until
they are thoroughly broken, and after
ward they are given their work in the
above order until they are well gated
under the saddle and are also prompt,
stylish drivers.
There are many reasons why the Vir-
ginia farmers are giving more attention
to the raising of all kinds of well bred
stock, especially horses. Among the
most cogent are that most of them are
natural born" horsemen and lovers OF
horsefesh in its highest state of develop
ment Another is that farm labor is
getting scarce and they find it pays bet
ter to raise livestock than grain for the
market; and last, but not least, there is
steady demand at paying prices for
every good saddle or combination horse
that they can put on the market.-J.
NJ. Bell in Tribune Farmer.