Below you'll find an excerpt from The Handy Horse Book ©1867 This book is great for tidbits on how the animals were looked at during the 19th century. In most cases you'll find that horses were considered tools in much the same way we consider a car today. They had extreme value and were a very important part of people's lives during the 19th century. Here's a tidbit about saddling a horse.
SADDLING.
A Saddle should be made to fit the horse for which it is intended, and requires as much variation in shape, especially in the stuffing, as there is variety in the shapes of horses' backs.* An animal may be fairly shaped in the back, and yet a saddle that fits another horse will always go out on this one's withers. The saddle having been made to fit your horse, let it be placed gently upon him, and shifted till its proper berth be found. When in its right place, the action of the upper part of the shoulder-'blade should be quite free from any confinement or pressure by what saddlers call the " gullet" of the saddle under the pommel when the animal is in motion. It stands to reason that any interference with the action of the shoulder-blade must, after a time, indirectly if not directly, cause a horse to falter in his movement.
N.B.—A horse left in the stable with his saddle on, with or without a bridle, ought always to have his head fastened up, to prevent his lying down on the saddle .and injuring it.
Girths.—When girthing a horse, which is always done upon the near or left-hand side, the girth should be first drawn tightly towards you under the belly of the horse, so as to bring the saddle rather to the off side on the back of the beast. This is seldom done by grooms ; and though a gentleman is not supposed to girth his horse, information on this as well as on other points may happen to be of essential service to him; for the consequence of the attendant's usual method is, that when the girths are tightened up, the saddle, instead of being in the centre of the horse's back, is inclined to the near or left-hand side, to which it is still farther drawn by the act of mounting, so that when a man has mounted he fancies that one stirrup is longer than the other—the near-side stirrup invariably the longest. To remedy this he forces down his foot in the right stirrup, which brings the saddle to the centre of the animal's back.
All this would be obviated by care being taken, in the process of girthing, to place the left hand on the middle of the saddle, drawing the first or under girth with the right hand till the girth-holder reaches the buckle, the left hand being then disengaged to assist in bracing up the girth. The outer girth must go through the same process, being drawn under the belly of the horse from the off side tightly before it is attached to the girth-holder.
With ladies' saddles most particular attention should be paid to the girthing.
(It must be observed that, with some horses having the knack of swelling themselves out during the process of girthing, the girths may be tightened before leaving the stable so as to appear almost too tight, but which, when the horse has been walked about for ten minutes, will seem comparatively loose, and quite so when the rider's weight is placed in the saddle.)
Stirrup-Irons should invariably be of wrought steel. A man should never be induced knowingly to ride in a cast-metal stirrup, any more than he ought to attempt to do so with a cast-metal bit.
Stirrup-irons should be selected to suit the size of the rider's foot; those with two or three narrow bars at the bottom are decidedly preferable, for the simple reason, that in cold weather it is a tax on a man's endurance to have a single broad bar like an icicle in the ball of his foot, and in wet weather a similar argument may apply as regards damp ; besides, with the double bar, the foot has a better hold in the stirrup, the rings being, of course, indented (rasp-like), as they usually are, to prevent the foot from slipping in them.
This description of stirrup, with an instep-pad, is preferable for ladies to the slipper, which is decidedly obsolete.
Latchford's* ladies' patent safety stirrup seems to combine every precaution for the security of fair equestrians.
A balance-strap to a side-saddle is very desirable, and in general use.
Where expense is no object, stirrups that open at the side with a spring are, no doubt, the safest for gentlemen in case of any accident.
With regard to Stirrup-Leathers, saddlers generally turn the right or dressed side out for appearance ; but as the dressing causes a tightness on that side of the leather, the undressed side, which admits of more expansion, should be outside—because, after a little wear, the leather is susceptible of cracks, and the already extended side will crack the soonest. The leather will break in the most insidious place, either in the D under the stirrup-iron, where no one but the servant who cleans it can see it; or else, perhaps, where the buckle wears it under the flap of the saddle. Stirrupleathers broken in this manner have caused many accidents.
Invariably adjust your stirrup-leathers before mounting.
To measure the length of the stirrup-leathers of a new saddle, place the fingers of the right hand against the bar to which the leathers are attached, and, measuring from the bottom bar of the stirrup up to the armpit, make the length of the leathers and stirrups equal to the length of your arm, from the tips of the fingers to the armpit. Before entering the field, in hunting or crossing country, draw up the leathers two or three holes shorter on each side; and when starting on a long journey it is as well to do the same, to ease both yourself and your bearer.
Showing posts with label Horse. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Horse. Show all posts
Thursday, October 20, 2016
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Various Types of Hay
Naturally, where your story is set has a bearing on which kind of hay you would us but here's a short list of some of the types.
Clover hay has a higher feeding value ton for ton than meadow hay or corn-fodder. It is so much superior that I must be pardoned for illustrating it from Stewart's tables.
Source: The Breeder's Gazette ©1895
(I didn't include the table for this tidbit.)
Timothy hay is almost universally considered as the best of the long foods for horses. yet many hays from mixed grasses are used. and is some sections alfalfa hay. In recent years in some sections cut and shredded corn fodder has become very popular. and for many years corn blades have been preferred. in the South. by the keepers of race horses.
I prefer Orchard grass hay to timothy hay as it has more blades, timothy dies out in the course of a few years, while an Orchard grass sod will continue to get better each year for many years. One acre of Orchard grass will afford as much pasture as two of clover and timothy. I believe timothy to be an impoverisher of the land, while Orchard grass forms such an immense sod that for plowing under it is equal to a clover one.
Source Henderson's Handbook ©18 quote came from a man in VA.
Alfalfa hay is preferable to either clover or timothy for farm animals, and especially for swine, one acre being worth three of clover for hogs. It is also good for horses, and for oatile it is worth three times as much as red clover.
Source: Report of Kansas State Board of Agriculture ©1893
Oat Hay The results of the experiments indicate that the nutrients of oat hay are in the most digestible form when the heads are in milk. If cut in bloom there is a less yield of poorer composition and digestibility than when cut in milk. If the cutting is delayed till the oats are in the dough stage, the slightly larger yield is more than offset by the poor quality and lessened digestibility of the hay.
Source: Annual Report of Maine ©1898
Below is a list without descriptions of various hays:
Meadow Fescue Hay
Mountain Rye Grass Hay
Canary Reed Grass Hay
Salt Grass Hay
Lupine
White Lupine
Wild Oats Hay
Wheat Hay
Red Top Hay
Clover hay has a higher feeding value ton for ton than meadow hay or corn-fodder. It is so much superior that I must be pardoned for illustrating it from Stewart's tables.
Source: The Breeder's Gazette ©1895
(I didn't include the table for this tidbit.)
Timothy hay is almost universally considered as the best of the long foods for horses. yet many hays from mixed grasses are used. and is some sections alfalfa hay. In recent years in some sections cut and shredded corn fodder has become very popular. and for many years corn blades have been preferred. in the South. by the keepers of race horses.
I prefer Orchard grass hay to timothy hay as it has more blades, timothy dies out in the course of a few years, while an Orchard grass sod will continue to get better each year for many years. One acre of Orchard grass will afford as much pasture as two of clover and timothy. I believe timothy to be an impoverisher of the land, while Orchard grass forms such an immense sod that for plowing under it is equal to a clover one.
Source Henderson's Handbook ©18 quote came from a man in VA.
Alfalfa hay is preferable to either clover or timothy for farm animals, and especially for swine, one acre being worth three of clover for hogs. It is also good for horses, and for oatile it is worth three times as much as red clover.
Source: Report of Kansas State Board of Agriculture ©1893
Oat Hay The results of the experiments indicate that the nutrients of oat hay are in the most digestible form when the heads are in milk. If cut in bloom there is a less yield of poorer composition and digestibility than when cut in milk. If the cutting is delayed till the oats are in the dough stage, the slightly larger yield is more than offset by the poor quality and lessened digestibility of the hay.
Source: Annual Report of Maine ©1898
Below is a list without descriptions of various hays:
Meadow Fescue Hay
Mountain Rye Grass Hay
Canary Reed Grass Hay
Salt Grass Hay
Lupine
White Lupine
Wild Oats Hay
Wheat Hay
Red Top Hay
Friday, March 18, 2016
Boston (Horse)
Following last weeks post I thought I'd add another horse bio. Take note of the price money being offered in the years that Boston raced.
BOSTON, foaled 1833, was bred by Mr. John Wickham, of Richmond, Va., and was by Tiruolecm out of Sister to Tuckahoe, by Ball's Florizel. He first started at Broadrock. Va., April 20, 1836, in a sweepstakes for threeyear-olds, mile heats, but was beaten by his only opponent, Colonel White's colt, by Carolinian, Boston bolting when in the lead. He did not run again until the Fall, when he started for, and won, the two-mile-heat purse at Petersburg, Va., Oct. 12, 1836, beating Nick Biddle and five others, 4:01—4:00, over a heavy track. The following month, he won the Jockey Club Purse, at Hanover, Va. As a four-year-old, at Washington, D. C., he won the three-mileheat race in 6:04—6:10, beating Norwood and four others. At the same place, Oct. 5,1837, he won the three-mile-heat race, in two heats, beating Prince George, Stockton and four others, in 5:55—5:53. A fortnight later, at Baltimore, he won the three-mile-heat purse, in 5:51—6:08, from three opponents, and at Camden, N. J., a week later, he won the three-mile-heat purse, in 5:51—6:02, beating Betsy Andrew. May 3,1838, he walked over for the three-mile-heat purse at Union Course, L. I., and two weeks later beat Dosoris for the fuur-mile-heat purse of $1,000 over the Beacon Course, N. J. A week afterwards, he beat Decatur at Camden, N. J., in the four-mile-heat race, in 8:36—8:41, and on June 1, on the Union Course, L. I., he beat Charles Carter, who had been brought on purposely from Virginia to meet him, in the four-mile-heat race, in 7:40. Charles Carter was drawn in consequence of having injured his leg, after the first heat, of which the first three miles were run in 5:36 J—the best time ever made in America at that date. On June 8, over the Beacon Course, he beat Duane for the four-mile-heat puree; time, 7:52—7:54—8:30. l)u;me won the first heat, which was the first that Boston had ever lost; the latter ran unkindly, sulking repeatedly in the second and third heats, in starting for which he was obliged to be whipped off. The same Fall, he beat Polly Green, at Petersburgh, in 9:25; Balie Peyton, at Baltimore, in 8:05 (both drawn after first heat); and Decatur, at the Union Course, L. I., in 8:00— 7:57} and the Beacon Course, N. J., in 8:12—8:26, all four-mile-heat races; besides recovering forfeit twice. On April 16, 1839, he commenced his six-year-old career by being beaten by Portsmouth, in a match for $20,000, twomile heats, in 3:50—3:48. At Richmond, Va., he beat hady Clifden and Brocklesby with ease, in one heat, in 5:46; and at Washington, D. C., he won the four-mile-heat race in 7:53—8:06, from Tom Walker, Black Knight and two others. After walking over for a $1000 purse, fourmile-heats, at Camden, N. J., he next proceeded to Trenton, N. J., and won the Jockey Club Purse of $1000, fourmile-heats, in 7:57—8:24, beating Decatur and Vashti with great ease. The week after, on the Union Course, L. I., he beat Decatur and Bailie Peyton, for the four-mile-heat purse, in 7:47—8:02. Boston won the four-mile-heat purse of $1000, at Petersburg, Va., Sept. 26, 1839, beating the Queen and Omega in 8:02—7:52. October 17, he beat Omega at Camden, N. J., for a purse of $1000, four-mileheats, easily, in 7:49; Omega being drawn after the first heat. Six days after, Boston won the four-mile-heat purse at Trenton, N. J., beating Decatur in 7:57—7:58. On May 1, 1840, at Petersburg, Va., he encountered the gray mare Andrewetta for the four-mile-heat purse. The mare won the first heat in 7:50, the best time ever made over that track, but in the second heat, the game old chestnut turned
the tables on her, and won with ease in 8:04. Andrewotta was then withdrawn. Just a week afterwards, he defeated Reliance and Cippus for the four-mile-heat purse of $1000, at Washington, D. C., in 8:02—8:06, in a heavy rain. After walking over for a $1000 purse at Camden, N. J., he had a summer's rest until October 2, when he defeated Bandit, at Petersburg, Va , in a four-mile race, in 7:57, Bandit was drawn after the first heat. On October 8, at Broadrock, Va., he defeated Texas, Bailie Peyton, and Laneville, for the Jockey Purse of 8500, three-mile-heats, in 5:56—5:49. He next beat Gano, four-mile-heats, winning the first heat in 7:57, when Gano was withdrawn. Ten days after, at Augusta, Ga., he beat Santa Anna and Omega, four-mile-heats, in 7:52—7:49.
Boston then went to the stud and made the season of 1841 at Chesterfield, Va., where he covered forty-two mares, at 8100 each. In the Fall he was again put into training, and made his reappearance on the turf at Petersburg, Va., for the Jockey Club Purse of 8700, four-mile-heats, which he won in one heat from his only opponent, Texas; in time, 8:14}. A week after, at Alexandria, Va., he walked over for the Jockey Club Purse of $800, four-mile heats. Boston next appeared at Washington, D. C., October 15,1841, and there won the four-mile purse of $1000, beating Accident, Ned Hazard, and Green Hill; time, 7:59—8:24. A week later, at Baltimore, he beat Mariner in three heats, for the Jockey Purse, four-mile-heats, Mariner winning the first heat in 8:00}, and Boston the second and third in 8:05 — 8:06. The week after, at Camden, N. J., he started, when dead amiss, against Fashion and John Blount for the fourmile-heat purse, but was distanced in the first heat, won by John Blount in 7:42. Fashion won the second heat and race in 7:48, John Blount breaking down and being withdrawn. In consequence of this unexpected defeat, he was matched against Fashion, four-mile-hcats, over the Union Course, L. I., for $20,000 a side, and on May 10,1842, the great match came off. The number of spectators was estimated from 50,000 to 70,000 ; the weather was fine, and the track in fine order. The betting was $100 to $60 on Boston. In the first heat Boston on the inside took the lead and maintained it to the commencement of the fourth mile, when Fashion collared and passed him in half a dozen strokes, at a tremendous flight of speed, which she maintained to the end, winning the heat by a length, in 7:32 }, the fastest heat run in America up to that time. In the second heat Fashion came home an easy winner in 7:45.
Only two days after this great match, Boston beat Mariner (Fashion's half brother) over the same course for the Jockey Club Purse, four-mile-heats, in 8:13—7:46—7:58} ; Mariner winning the first heat. Boston was, of course, very sore from the previous race, and would not extend himself. On May 26, at Camden, N. J., he won the Jockey Club Purse of $1000, four-mile-heats, in 8:00}—8:05, beating Treasurer. In the Fall he again came out, and at Baltimore, won the four-mile-heat race, in 8:09—7:57, beating Wilton Brown, Reliance, and Spectre. This was his last race in 1842, and the year following he only started once, at Petersburgh, Va., fall meeting, when he won the Jockey Club Purse of $300, four-mile-heats, beating Black Dick over a very heavy track, in 6:10—6:21; a race which terminated a racing career unexampled in brilliancy on the American turf. Boston started in forty-five races, winning forty, of which thirty were at four-mile-heats (including five walks over); nine at threemile-heats (one walk over), and one at two-mile-heats.
Source: Famous Horses of America ©1877
the tables on her, and won with ease in 8:04. Andrewotta was then withdrawn. Just a week afterwards, he defeated Reliance and Cippus for the four-mile-heat purse of $1000, at Washington, D. C., in 8:02—8:06, in a heavy rain. After walking over for a $1000 purse at Camden, N. J., he had a summer's rest until October 2, when he defeated Bandit, at Petersburg, Va , in a four-mile race, in 7:57, Bandit was drawn after the first heat. On October 8, at Broadrock, Va., he defeated Texas, Bailie Peyton, and Laneville, for the Jockey Purse of 8500, three-mile-heats, in 5:56—5:49. He next beat Gano, four-mile-heats, winning the first heat in 7:57, when Gano was withdrawn. Ten days after, at Augusta, Ga., he beat Santa Anna and Omega, four-mile-heats, in 7:52—7:49.
Boston then went to the stud and made the season of 1841 at Chesterfield, Va., where he covered forty-two mares, at 8100 each. In the Fall he was again put into training, and made his reappearance on the turf at Petersburg, Va., for the Jockey Club Purse of 8700, four-mile-heats, which he won in one heat from his only opponent, Texas; in time, 8:14}. A week after, at Alexandria, Va., he walked over for the Jockey Club Purse of $800, four-mile heats. Boston next appeared at Washington, D. C., October 15,1841, and there won the four-mile purse of $1000, beating Accident, Ned Hazard, and Green Hill; time, 7:59—8:24. A week later, at Baltimore, he beat Mariner in three heats, for the Jockey Purse, four-mile-heats, Mariner winning the first heat in 8:00}, and Boston the second and third in 8:05 — 8:06. The week after, at Camden, N. J., he started, when dead amiss, against Fashion and John Blount for the fourmile-heat purse, but was distanced in the first heat, won by John Blount in 7:42. Fashion won the second heat and race in 7:48, John Blount breaking down and being withdrawn. In consequence of this unexpected defeat, he was matched against Fashion, four-mile-hcats, over the Union Course, L. I., for $20,000 a side, and on May 10,1842, the great match came off. The number of spectators was estimated from 50,000 to 70,000 ; the weather was fine, and the track in fine order. The betting was $100 to $60 on Boston. In the first heat Boston on the inside took the lead and maintained it to the commencement of the fourth mile, when Fashion collared and passed him in half a dozen strokes, at a tremendous flight of speed, which she maintained to the end, winning the heat by a length, in 7:32 }, the fastest heat run in America up to that time. In the second heat Fashion came home an easy winner in 7:45.
Only two days after this great match, Boston beat Mariner (Fashion's half brother) over the same course for the Jockey Club Purse, four-mile-heats, in 8:13—7:46—7:58} ; Mariner winning the first heat. Boston was, of course, very sore from the previous race, and would not extend himself. On May 26, at Camden, N. J., he won the Jockey Club Purse of $1000, four-mile-heats, in 8:00}—8:05, beating Treasurer. In the Fall he again came out, and at Baltimore, won the four-mile-heat race, in 8:09—7:57, beating Wilton Brown, Reliance, and Spectre. This was his last race in 1842, and the year following he only started once, at Petersburgh, Va., fall meeting, when he won the Jockey Club Purse of $300, four-mile-heats, beating Black Dick over a very heavy track, in 6:10—6:21; a race which terminated a racing career unexampled in brilliancy on the American turf. Boston started in forty-five races, winning forty, of which thirty were at four-mile-heats (including five walks over); nine at threemile-heats (one walk over), and one at two-mile-heats.
Source: Famous Horses of America ©1877
Friday, March 11, 2016
American Eclipse (Horse)
Horses and Horse racing were a huge part of the 19th Century people. Below is a description of American Eclipse. Initially I thought to just give you a couple of tidbits about a few of the American horses during the 19th Century but after reading the history of these horses I thought some of you might glean some interesting ideas to flavor your historical novels with.
AMERICAN ECLIPSE was bred by Gen. Nathaniel Coles, of Dosoris, L. I., on May 25, 1814. His sire was Duroc, and his dam Miller's Damsel, by imp. Messenger. The colt was weaned on November 10, and not broken until September, at three years old. The following March he was trained and given a trial of two miles, which afforded high satisfaction to his owner. When only a suckling of five months old, General Coles had named him "American Eclipse," on account of the high promise he gave of stride, strength and speed. While a colt he was not confined, but in the winter season he was turned out every fine day; he was first shod in the spring, when three years old. His first race was in May, 1818, when he started for the purse for three-mile heats at Newmarket, L. I., and won it with ease, beating Black-eyed Susan and Sea Gull, then called the best three-mile horse of the day. The following spring American Eclipse was sold to Mr. Van Ranst, who, in June, 1819, started him in the four-mile heat purse at Bath, beating Little John, by Virginia Potomac; Bond's Eclipse, by First Consul; and James Fitz James, by Sir Archy. The following October he again ran and won the four-mile heats purse at Bath, beating Little John. Fearnaught, and Mr. Bond's colt, the two latter being withdrawn the second heat; time, 8:13—8:08. He then made two seasons at the stud on Long Island, in the spring of 1820 and 1821, covering, as a common stallion, at $12 50 the season. It was not contemplated to bring him on the turf again, but the Legislature of the State of New York having remodelled the law respecting racing, and a society being reorganized specially for the improvement of our breed of horsos, Mr. Van Ranst was induced again to put Eclipse in training for the four-mile heat race, to be run over the New Union Course, L. I., in October of that year. For this race four horses started, viz., American Kclipse; Lady Lightfoot, by Sir Archy; Flag of Truce, by Sir Solomon; and Heart of Oak. The betting was two to one on Lady Lightfoot, but Eclipse beat her handily in two straight heats, distancing her in the second heat; Flag of Truce and Heart of Oak being drawn after the first heat; time, 8:04 —8:02. In May, 1822, Eclipse won the purse of $700, four-mile heats, on the Union Course, beating Sir Walter, by Hickory; time, 7:54—8:00. The following October he again won the $1000 purse over the same course, beating. a second time, Sir Walter, Duchess of MarIborough, by Sir Archy, and Slow and Easy, by Duroc; the first heat being run in 7:58, after which the mares were withdrawn, and Sir Wralter being distanced in the second heat, which was not timed. A day or two previous to this race, a challenge had appeared in the New York papers from Mr. James J. Harrison, of Virginia, offering to run Sir Charles against American Eclipse over the Washington Course, four-mile heats, for $5000 or $10,000. Mr. Van Ranst promptly accepted this challenge, and chose the larger stake, so that the object of the contest might correspond with the fame of the horses. The time of running was fixed for November 20, 1822, and at the appointed hour both horses were brought out, and the riders mounted, but instead of running agreeably to the challenge, Mr. Harrison gave notice that, as his horse, Sir Charles, had met with an accident, he would pay forfeit. He at the
same time proposed to run a single dash of four miles, for $1500 a side, which the owner of Eclipse at once agreed to. The horses started, Eclipse, who carried 126 Ibs. against Sir Charles's 120 Ibs., taking the lead. On the fourth mile Sir Charles broke down, and Eclipse won in 8:04. In the evening of the same day, William R. Johnson, Esq., of Petersburgh, Va., the recognized "Napoleon of the Turf," offered to produce a horse, on the last Tuesday in May, 1823, to run a race of four-mile heats against Eclipse, over the Union Course, L. I., according to the rules of that track, for $20,000 a side, $3000 forfeit. The challenge was immediately accepted by Mr. John C. Stephens, in consequence of which Colonel Johnson, on the day mentioned, brought on the course the four-year old chestnut colt Henry, by Sir Archy, dam by Diomed, bred by Mr. Lemuel Long, Halifax, N. C., who, two weeks previous, had beaten Betsy Richards, in the four-mile-heats race, at Petersburgh, in 7:54—7:58. Colonel Johnson, when he made the match, intended to run the bay colt John Richards, by Sir Archy, but becoming lame, while en route for the North, Henry was substituted for him, although in a private trial John Richards had proved his superior. The race is one of the most memorable events in the annals of the American turf, and was productive of the most intense and wide excitement throughout the length and breadth of the continent. It was considered as a match between the North and South, and sectional feeling ran high respecting the issue. More than twenty thousand people assembled to witness it, and the betting on the result was enormously heavy, each section backing its representative racing champion without stint or limit. Henry, carrying 108 Ibs., was ridden by a lad; Eclipse, nine years old, 126 Ibs., was mounted by William Crafts. Henry took the lead in the first heat, and was never headed, winning hy half a length, apparently well in hand, in the fastest heat ever run to that day in America in 7:37}. On the call for the second heat, Mr. Samuel Purdy, then warded as the best amateur horseman in the country, mounted Eclipse. Henry, who was the favorite at odds of three to one, again took the lead, and held it until the last quarter of the third mile, when Mr. Purdy made a push for the lead. Eclipse soon reached his rival and passed him at the commencement of the fourth mile, and beat him the heat in 7:40, by thirty feet. Henry having been pulled up after passing the distance pole, the loss of the heat being evident. Upon being' summoned for the third heat, the great trainer Arthur Taylor mounted Henry, instead of The boy who rode him in the first two heats. At the signal, Eclipse took the lead, which he kept to the finish of the race, beating Henry some three lengths, Henry having been reserved for the last quarter; time, 8:24. The twelve miles were run in 23:50A. This established Eclipse's reputation as a racehorse. ()n the evening of the same day the match was run. Colonel Johnson challenged J. C. Stevens and the friends of Eclipse to run Henry against Eclipse the ensuing Fall over the Washington Course, for any sum from $20,000 to $50,000 a side, $10,000 forfeit. The challenge was declined, and Eclipse never ran again. In his latter days he was sent to Kentucky, and made several seasons there, and died, in SheIby County, Ky., in August, 1847, in the thirty-fourth year of his age.—Spirit of the Times.
Source: Famous Horses of America ©1877
AMERICAN ECLIPSE was bred by Gen. Nathaniel Coles, of Dosoris, L. I., on May 25, 1814. His sire was Duroc, and his dam Miller's Damsel, by imp. Messenger. The colt was weaned on November 10, and not broken until September, at three years old. The following March he was trained and given a trial of two miles, which afforded high satisfaction to his owner. When only a suckling of five months old, General Coles had named him "American Eclipse," on account of the high promise he gave of stride, strength and speed. While a colt he was not confined, but in the winter season he was turned out every fine day; he was first shod in the spring, when three years old. His first race was in May, 1818, when he started for the purse for three-mile heats at Newmarket, L. I., and won it with ease, beating Black-eyed Susan and Sea Gull, then called the best three-mile horse of the day. The following spring American Eclipse was sold to Mr. Van Ranst, who, in June, 1819, started him in the four-mile heat purse at Bath, beating Little John, by Virginia Potomac; Bond's Eclipse, by First Consul; and James Fitz James, by Sir Archy. The following October he again ran and won the four-mile heats purse at Bath, beating Little John. Fearnaught, and Mr. Bond's colt, the two latter being withdrawn the second heat; time, 8:13—8:08. He then made two seasons at the stud on Long Island, in the spring of 1820 and 1821, covering, as a common stallion, at $12 50 the season. It was not contemplated to bring him on the turf again, but the Legislature of the State of New York having remodelled the law respecting racing, and a society being reorganized specially for the improvement of our breed of horsos, Mr. Van Ranst was induced again to put Eclipse in training for the four-mile heat race, to be run over the New Union Course, L. I., in October of that year. For this race four horses started, viz., American Kclipse; Lady Lightfoot, by Sir Archy; Flag of Truce, by Sir Solomon; and Heart of Oak. The betting was two to one on Lady Lightfoot, but Eclipse beat her handily in two straight heats, distancing her in the second heat; Flag of Truce and Heart of Oak being drawn after the first heat; time, 8:04 —8:02. In May, 1822, Eclipse won the purse of $700, four-mile heats, on the Union Course, beating Sir Walter, by Hickory; time, 7:54—8:00. The following October he again won the $1000 purse over the same course, beating. a second time, Sir Walter, Duchess of MarIborough, by Sir Archy, and Slow and Easy, by Duroc; the first heat being run in 7:58, after which the mares were withdrawn, and Sir Wralter being distanced in the second heat, which was not timed. A day or two previous to this race, a challenge had appeared in the New York papers from Mr. James J. Harrison, of Virginia, offering to run Sir Charles against American Eclipse over the Washington Course, four-mile heats, for $5000 or $10,000. Mr. Van Ranst promptly accepted this challenge, and chose the larger stake, so that the object of the contest might correspond with the fame of the horses. The time of running was fixed for November 20, 1822, and at the appointed hour both horses were brought out, and the riders mounted, but instead of running agreeably to the challenge, Mr. Harrison gave notice that, as his horse, Sir Charles, had met with an accident, he would pay forfeit. He at the
same time proposed to run a single dash of four miles, for $1500 a side, which the owner of Eclipse at once agreed to. The horses started, Eclipse, who carried 126 Ibs. against Sir Charles's 120 Ibs., taking the lead. On the fourth mile Sir Charles broke down, and Eclipse won in 8:04. In the evening of the same day, William R. Johnson, Esq., of Petersburgh, Va., the recognized "Napoleon of the Turf," offered to produce a horse, on the last Tuesday in May, 1823, to run a race of four-mile heats against Eclipse, over the Union Course, L. I., according to the rules of that track, for $20,000 a side, $3000 forfeit. The challenge was immediately accepted by Mr. John C. Stephens, in consequence of which Colonel Johnson, on the day mentioned, brought on the course the four-year old chestnut colt Henry, by Sir Archy, dam by Diomed, bred by Mr. Lemuel Long, Halifax, N. C., who, two weeks previous, had beaten Betsy Richards, in the four-mile-heats race, at Petersburgh, in 7:54—7:58. Colonel Johnson, when he made the match, intended to run the bay colt John Richards, by Sir Archy, but becoming lame, while en route for the North, Henry was substituted for him, although in a private trial John Richards had proved his superior. The race is one of the most memorable events in the annals of the American turf, and was productive of the most intense and wide excitement throughout the length and breadth of the continent. It was considered as a match between the North and South, and sectional feeling ran high respecting the issue. More than twenty thousand people assembled to witness it, and the betting on the result was enormously heavy, each section backing its representative racing champion without stint or limit. Henry, carrying 108 Ibs., was ridden by a lad; Eclipse, nine years old, 126 Ibs., was mounted by William Crafts. Henry took the lead in the first heat, and was never headed, winning hy half a length, apparently well in hand, in the fastest heat ever run to that day in America in 7:37}. On the call for the second heat, Mr. Samuel Purdy, then warded as the best amateur horseman in the country, mounted Eclipse. Henry, who was the favorite at odds of three to one, again took the lead, and held it until the last quarter of the third mile, when Mr. Purdy made a push for the lead. Eclipse soon reached his rival and passed him at the commencement of the fourth mile, and beat him the heat in 7:40, by thirty feet. Henry having been pulled up after passing the distance pole, the loss of the heat being evident. Upon being' summoned for the third heat, the great trainer Arthur Taylor mounted Henry, instead of The boy who rode him in the first two heats. At the signal, Eclipse took the lead, which he kept to the finish of the race, beating Henry some three lengths, Henry having been reserved for the last quarter; time, 8:24. The twelve miles were run in 23:50A. This established Eclipse's reputation as a racehorse. ()n the evening of the same day the match was run. Colonel Johnson challenged J. C. Stevens and the friends of Eclipse to run Henry against Eclipse the ensuing Fall over the Washington Course, for any sum from $20,000 to $50,000 a side, $10,000 forfeit. The challenge was declined, and Eclipse never ran again. In his latter days he was sent to Kentucky, and made several seasons there, and died, in SheIby County, Ky., in August, 1847, in the thirty-fourth year of his age.—Spirit of the Times.
Source: Famous Horses of America ©1877
Monday, September 22, 2014
Horses & Summer
A couple weeks ago, I posted some info on horses, this continues that thread. Below are some bits of information on the care of horses during the summer.
HORSES IN SUMMER
From the beginning of the spring work until the sowing of turnip-seed has been completed, the farm-horses have enjoyed no rest; and in the long hours of labour during a period from 15 to 18 weeks, they require a liberal allowance of good food to maintain their strength and condition. A little green food may be obtained for them before the sowing of the root crops is finished; but with this exception, the farm-horses, until the completion of the hard work of root-sowing, are fed just as they were fed while working hard in winter and spring.
Summer Leisure.-—With the conclusion of the root-sowing comes the summer holiday for the horses. In some parts they spend this time of leisure in the cattle-courts and in others on the pasture fields.
Pasturing Work-horses.—On many farms, especially in Scotland, the rule is still to graze the horses. As soon as the warm weather of summer has fully set in, the horses lie out in a pasture field all night, and get cut grass between the yokings in the stable. When the first yoking is over, they are put on pasture until taken up for the afternoon yoking at 1 o'clock, which saves the trouble of cutting grass. Work - horses are liable to suffer much from chilly nights, cold often laying the foundation of diseases—such as rheumatism, costiveness, stiffness of the limbs. The aftermath is good pasture in the interval of work at noon, and the second cutting of clover may last for suppers until the time to betake to the stable altogether.
Soiling Horses.—Many farmers disapprove of pasturing farm-horses, and support them at the steading upon forage. Where there are hammels or courts which could be easily divided, we would adopt this plan at once, but we are doubtful of its advantage in a stable. The heat of a stable in summer—and the doors cannot be left open — with the evaporation of the increased issue of urine from the green food, cannot fail to vitiate the air. The cattle - courts are more open; and if they can be divided so that each pair of horses may have a compartment to themselves, they will thrive admirably here. In the tillage districts of England this system of summering horses in the cattle-courts is extensively pursued. Many farmers, indeed, maintain that there is no better or cheaper method of keeping draughthorses in summer than in the courts, fed with green vetches or other similar succulent food, and dry hay, with perhaps a littlo bruised oats. Very often the grain is omitted. Still it is a good plan to give the horses a week or two of the fresh air in an open pasture field.
Pasturing Young Horses.—Young horses are put to pasture during the day as soon as they can obtain a bite. They should be brought at night into their hammels until the grass has passed through them; after which they should lie out all night in a field which offers them the protection of a shed or other shelter. Work-horses do not care for a shed on pasture, being too much occupied with eating during night to mind it. In rainy weather young horses should be kept in the hammel on cut grass, and not exposed to rain in the field overnight.
The farmer's saddle-horse should have grass in summer, as the best course of physic it can have. But it is more convenient to give it cut grass in a court or hammel than to send it to pasture, in which it may be with considerable difficulty caught when wanted.
Peculiarities of the Horse in Grazing.— It is surprising with what constancy a work-horse will eat at pasture. His stomach being small in proportion to the bulk of his body, the food requires to be well masticated before it is swallowed; and as long as that process is proceeded with while the grass is cropped, no large quantity can pass into the stomach at a time. The horse, like all herbivorous animals, grazes with a progressive motion onwards, and smells the grass before he crops it. His mobile lips seize and gather the stems and leaves of the grass, which the incisors in both jaws bite through with the assistance of a lateral twitch of the head. When grass is rank, he crops the upper part first; and when short, bites very close to the ground. Horses should not graze amongst sheep, as both bite close to the ground; and work-horses often injure sheep that come in their way, either by a sly kick or by seizing the wool with their teeth.
It is proverbial that horses do not graze well upon many of the very best bullock pastures. Horses often do better on rough pasture than on land which has been altered in its herbage by thorough drainage.
Horses Injured by Green Food.— Care must be exercised in beginning horses with green food every year. If allowed to gorge themselves too freely at the outset, serious illness may follow. Begin them sparingly with it, and if it should be wet or very succulent at any time during the season, it will be all the better to be accompanied or mixed with a little dry food such as hay.
Source: The Book of the Farm ©1891
HORSES IN SUMMER
From the beginning of the spring work until the sowing of turnip-seed has been completed, the farm-horses have enjoyed no rest; and in the long hours of labour during a period from 15 to 18 weeks, they require a liberal allowance of good food to maintain their strength and condition. A little green food may be obtained for them before the sowing of the root crops is finished; but with this exception, the farm-horses, until the completion of the hard work of root-sowing, are fed just as they were fed while working hard in winter and spring.
Summer Leisure.-—With the conclusion of the root-sowing comes the summer holiday for the horses. In some parts they spend this time of leisure in the cattle-courts and in others on the pasture fields.
Pasturing Work-horses.—On many farms, especially in Scotland, the rule is still to graze the horses. As soon as the warm weather of summer has fully set in, the horses lie out in a pasture field all night, and get cut grass between the yokings in the stable. When the first yoking is over, they are put on pasture until taken up for the afternoon yoking at 1 o'clock, which saves the trouble of cutting grass. Work - horses are liable to suffer much from chilly nights, cold often laying the foundation of diseases—such as rheumatism, costiveness, stiffness of the limbs. The aftermath is good pasture in the interval of work at noon, and the second cutting of clover may last for suppers until the time to betake to the stable altogether.
Soiling Horses.—Many farmers disapprove of pasturing farm-horses, and support them at the steading upon forage. Where there are hammels or courts which could be easily divided, we would adopt this plan at once, but we are doubtful of its advantage in a stable. The heat of a stable in summer—and the doors cannot be left open — with the evaporation of the increased issue of urine from the green food, cannot fail to vitiate the air. The cattle - courts are more open; and if they can be divided so that each pair of horses may have a compartment to themselves, they will thrive admirably here. In the tillage districts of England this system of summering horses in the cattle-courts is extensively pursued. Many farmers, indeed, maintain that there is no better or cheaper method of keeping draughthorses in summer than in the courts, fed with green vetches or other similar succulent food, and dry hay, with perhaps a littlo bruised oats. Very often the grain is omitted. Still it is a good plan to give the horses a week or two of the fresh air in an open pasture field.
Pasturing Young Horses.—Young horses are put to pasture during the day as soon as they can obtain a bite. They should be brought at night into their hammels until the grass has passed through them; after which they should lie out all night in a field which offers them the protection of a shed or other shelter. Work-horses do not care for a shed on pasture, being too much occupied with eating during night to mind it. In rainy weather young horses should be kept in the hammel on cut grass, and not exposed to rain in the field overnight.
The farmer's saddle-horse should have grass in summer, as the best course of physic it can have. But it is more convenient to give it cut grass in a court or hammel than to send it to pasture, in which it may be with considerable difficulty caught when wanted.
Peculiarities of the Horse in Grazing.— It is surprising with what constancy a work-horse will eat at pasture. His stomach being small in proportion to the bulk of his body, the food requires to be well masticated before it is swallowed; and as long as that process is proceeded with while the grass is cropped, no large quantity can pass into the stomach at a time. The horse, like all herbivorous animals, grazes with a progressive motion onwards, and smells the grass before he crops it. His mobile lips seize and gather the stems and leaves of the grass, which the incisors in both jaws bite through with the assistance of a lateral twitch of the head. When grass is rank, he crops the upper part first; and when short, bites very close to the ground. Horses should not graze amongst sheep, as both bite close to the ground; and work-horses often injure sheep that come in their way, either by a sly kick or by seizing the wool with their teeth.
It is proverbial that horses do not graze well upon many of the very best bullock pastures. Horses often do better on rough pasture than on land which has been altered in its herbage by thorough drainage.
Horses Injured by Green Food.— Care must be exercised in beginning horses with green food every year. If allowed to gorge themselves too freely at the outset, serious illness may follow. Begin them sparingly with it, and if it should be wet or very succulent at any time during the season, it will be all the better to be accompanied or mixed with a little dry food such as hay.
Source: The Book of the Farm ©1891
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