view raw text
NEW YORK BREEDING PLAN GROWING. Gcnesco Valley Breeding Association Fostering More Extensive Use of Thoroughbreds. Avon,. X. Y., Juno 23. — If other sections of tlio Tliitcd States, equally favored for the project, t M«k the same interest in the breeding of good horses as is shown in the liencsec Valley there would bo an nbuudant supply of cavalry remounts, fine hunters and saddle horses for all out needs. The Jonosee Valley breeders Association, of •which Mrs. Herbert Wadsworth is the head, is the chief contributing influence to the success of the horse breeding movement which has long passed the infancy stage in a community which has been famous for the quality of its horses since one of the original Wadsworths brought Henry Clay into the valley. While the Jockey Club has since the inception of its ltreediug Kurcau boon sending thoroughbred sires into this region, it was not until the Jenesee Valley Breeders Association was formed that the work look on a breadth and scope that made the turf governors certain of the success of their mission. This organization was the result of several conferences between Mrs. Wadsworth and N". C. Sliiverick, who is associated with her in the Aslian-too Stud at this place, and the most representative farmers of the valley. Flan to Acquire Mares. A plan was formulated whereby marcs which would 1m- acquired by either donation or purchase would be placed with farmers who would have the use of them for light work. The only obligation was that such mares were to be bred to Breeding Bureau sires. As the foals wire to be the property of the farmers the project made friends from the start. The Jockey Club tmught some dams of good type, while others were donated by men interested in racing and hunting. Still more nunc from men and women who wished to encourage the movement. The number will be added to from time to time. From this modest beginning there will be more than a hundred foals this spring, and a recent inspection by a representative of the llrci-ding ItuiiMii deveio]M-d the fact that the foals are a splendid band, witli not a ourby hock in the hunch. The mares which had done regular farm work — and among the number were several thoroughbreds and half-breds had the Basel robust foals. Many of the fanners have l»on oT led 00 or more for their youngsters at weaning time. The incmlM-rs of the association are most enthusiastic and it is predicted that in the mar future 2M head of tlie finest tjrpe of half breds and three-quarter breds will be available in the valley annually. I.onis A. Milliard of iroveland. with a thousand acres of grars and under crop, and who has four of the association mares, voiced the sentiments of many a breeder when he said: Views of an Activo Member. "Its up to us all to do more for this movement. The Jockey Club has done us a gnat service in sending their sires where we can MM thin. There is an abundance of grass on our farms. The four marcs lure now belong to the association, and as a free offering to the campaign 1 have determined to buy four ■sore of tin- right type. This will give me eight, and I may increase the number." Mrs. Wadsworth spent the winter in Kngland and siie had a good chance to study the workings of the National Hunter Stallion Association, which has done so much to promote the breeding of hunters in Kugland. Scotland ami Wales. The fact that there was a money premium for practically every contestant, with a superpiemium for the best of all. appealed io her in particular. "Since my return I have been thinking that we could introduce this system with profit into the fairs in this district." said the mistress of Ashaatee yesterday. "Rochester, which is our biggest fair. J understand is anxious to make a showing in breeding classes. It is so near the valley that practically every breeder would exhibit, and with-a premium of say. M, which is the amount of the special whi his to be given by the Horse Show and Jockey Club combined for I.roeding Bureau two year-olds, divided into. say. ten equal parts, there would be an overwhelming class ami interest in the work of the I.recders Association would be stimulated to a corresponding degree. There could be a trophy of some sort, plate, cap or ribbon for the best, but the even distribution of the money is what counts in tin- end. Breeders Futurity Suggested. "A breeders Futurity, modelled after those for thoroughbreds and trotters, could be undertaken by liorli.stcr advantageously because of its geographical position." resumed Mrs. Wadsworth. "We all know what such events have done for the race ■arse and harness horse families of America. They hold the attention of tlio hading enthusiasts of the • ountry and are the essence of the entire breeding industry. The event could be njwii to all foals by Uro.-dmg r.ureau sires, with a nominal entry fee or BHM at all. and an obligation in the shape of a small forfeit should be imposed in case the breeder wanted to nil the foals and the new owner did not desir- the contract. "In my opinion such competition- would h lp the gate receipts immensely," said Mrs. Wadsworth in conclusion, "for every exhibitor has his friends, and we would arrive at a point where then would be other classes for older horses with farmers sons in the saddle." Mrs. Wadsworth is greatly pleased with the interest which is being shown in the horse breeding industry and predicts a large increase in the foal Ctap of IMS over that of the current year.
