Horse breeding using the general laws of inheritance applied to practical breeding, along with guidance on the care of breeding stallions, mares, and young foals, as well as the selection of breeding stock. Horse breeding has a long history, beginning between 5000 BC and 3000 BC, approximately simultaneously in various regions of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The use of horses greatly increased the mobility of the peoples that utilized them. Domestication also led to a greater mixing of horse breeds, as humans were always eager to use the breeding stock that appeared most suitable from the now larger pool of available breeds. Initially, the main purposes were likely the transport of goods and meat production; soon, riding and fieldwork were added. Today, there are hundreds of different horse breeds that have adapted to nearly all habitats alongside humans. Horses have a relatively long generation gap. Mares rarely have more than six offspring, which limits their ability to pass on traits compared to stallions, which can establish an entire breeding line. A prime example of this is the breeding of the Thoroughbred, where 95% of the breed's animals trace back to a single stallion. This is a reprint of the historical original edition from 1888.