New-York tribune., 1920-11-28
Saddle Horses
OF This Country
Please Expert

Change for Better Is Re-
markable, Says F. Vivian
Coocll, of London
An interested spectator at the Ma
tional Horse Show In Madison Square
Garden last week was the international
expert. F. Vivian Gooch, of London,
England, who has always received the
credit Of establishing the thoroughbred
type of saddle horse in the United
States when he came over to serve as
judge more than twenty years ago
Mr.. Gooch on that occasion upset
traditions and set heads wagging when
he selected the thoroughbred gelding
Brigand by Belvedere out of Livonia as
the champion saddle horse of the ex-
hibition. He showed that he had the
courage of his convictions by purchas-
ing Brigand and taking him back to
Enc where he was conspicuous
winner for many seasons. Mr.. Gooch
was in the visitors box watching a
saddle class on Thursday afternoon
last, when he was asked if there had
been any appreciable improvement in
the American saddle type since his last
visit.
markabie," said the British expert
Your horses all show more quality
and you now have the real riding type.
saw a competition here yesterday
afternoon that was surprising for its
excellence. 1t was as good as anything
have witnessed in long time. II
you follow along the lines responsible
for these horses your success is GER
tain"
Keen for Thoroughbred
Mr. Gooch was asked if he was still
es strong for the thoroughbred as when
he was here before Without a moment S
hesitation he replied Il am keener
than ever for that type. Thorough
breds give YOU better ride than any
other horse. How about their being
hot? They are the same as all other
courageous anmates. If you hurt one
ne will fight you back, just as coura-
geous man viii battle for his rights
family, and the higher the artistic de
velopment the greater the display OF
the elemental force we call tempera-
meNt. The morse OF blood is an aristo-
crat and, of course, won't stand the
kicking around that a cold -blooded ami
NAL viii. never had one, though
that | could not handle, and my great
est successes have been won with
them"
Mr. Gooch was asked if the estab-
lishmcnt Of the National Stud had ex-
sNortsmcn of Great Britain. and il it
had led TO better ding
among the people at large as to what
the thoroughbred meant 10 the cOun-
try.
The English didn't need anything to
stimulate their interest in the thor
oughbred," was Mr. Gooch's rejoinder
They have long been keen for rae
ing and steeDlochasing and, of course.
for hunting, which is so closely related
to the other sports. Our love for q
good horse is centuries old, and there
would be a tremendous hue and cry
if anybody interfered with what we
consider our legitimate pleasures.
Racing is fundamental in the British
sport-loving life. and any attempt to
restrict it would be met with a de-
terrined opposition. Without it we
would soon be in bad way for good
horses. and then, too, it keeps alive q
spirit which no nation can we'll afford
to be without. 1t develops the sport
ing instinct and works beneficially in
many ways"
HAS ireland maintained her su-
premacy as the home of the best tvpe
of heavyweight hunter?" Mr.. Gooch
was asked.
High Class Hunters Scarce
II am sorry to say" was the reply
chat the high class hunter in Ireland
is not nearly as plentiful as before
the war. The best horses were taken
when the war broke out, and there was
such demand for troopers mounts al
higN prices that the breeders became
careless in their eagerness to MAKE
money. They sent their mares to the
nearest available horse, and often
times this was q half bred, and as q
result there was e deter Grafton.
we look for return to the old CON
ditions in time, however. The demand
with US for hunters is as stron.s as
ever, but | am sorry to have to say
that the riding horse does not enioy
the degree of favor he formerly did
The cause is due to the especially built
roads for motor cars. There are few
places where the horse may be ridden
with comfort, and there is not much
being done to bring about q movement
for relief"
When asked what he regarded as the
greatest educational factor in the
work Of horse Improvement Mr.. Gooch
said: "Unquestionably the horse show
These should be part of the life OF
every community. They establish type
and are guide to those who want tc
progress. They produce healthy rival
ries. too. and that is what we want in
all our undertakings, whether business
or pleasure is the consideration.
Il have just learned Of your Re
mount Association and, the work it is
dong, and cannot praise it too high
ly: Such cooperation is what has
evolved Frances splendid system OF
horse breeding. You have the idea
combination Of a civil and military or.
ganization, and l shall look for great
results when I next return to the
United States as a result of its estab.
lishment."
Harvard Offers to Join