Horse Breeding

In Theory and Practice

By Burchard von Oettingen

Landstallmeister and Director of the Royal Stud of Trakehnen

(Translated From the German)

Hardcover published by Sampson Low, Marston & Co., London, 1909. 8" wide x 10 1/4". 469pp. First U.K. Edition and also First English Translation. Red cloth with gilt stamping on spine and front board, top edge gilt with other pages uncut.

This is a book for the true student of bloodlines. Much of the content refers to thoroughbreds but the theories can be extrapolated to other breeds. Standardbred bloodlines are often mentioned and there is a detailed and thought- provoking chapter on using thoroughbreds to improve other breeds-- what traits specifically they contribute and why.

·        Just a few of the chapters that will provide riveting reading for the breeder are:

·        The Transmission of Acquired Characteristics

·        Constancy and Individual Prepotency

·        Inbreeding, and Observations on Heredity.

The style of writing is not academic, but rather horseman-to-horseman. The text is straightforward, yet articulate, for example:

 “When discussing the merits of raising horses outdoors as opposed to stabling”

 “The constant skin massage by wind and weather strengthens the whole nervous system.”

The author includes an interesting system for objectively recording the conformation and temperament qualities of offspring. A series of symbols for both good and bad qualities, and degrees of each are recorded in tables.

This book was used as reference by the great breeder Frederico Tesio:

“ . . . still one of the best studies ever undertaken on the breed . . . in modern libraries. From its pages, Tesio gleaned many inspirational ideas . . . ”

Tesio, Master of Matings, Ken McLean

Bound in red cloth boards, this is a rare and valuable book that will appeal not only to the collector, but to anyone interested in horse breeding. 

Book Condtion: Very Good with a tight spine and interior pages that are in near fine condition. Spine is faded with minor soiling and spots but the rest of the book is bright and clean.

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