Monday, February 25, 2013

Health Stamps - New Zealand 1.8.1984

The 1984 Health Stamp Issue of New Zealand issued on 1.8.1984 featured three popular breeds of horses - Clydesdales, Shetlands and Thoroughbreds. The proceeds of the 'Health' value of health stamps were donated to the Children's Health Camps movement.
Two se-tenant stamps depicting a Clydesdales and Shetland Ponies - 24c + 2c x 2
Clydesdales are distinguished by a combination of weight, size and activity, with exceptionally strong feet and limbs.  The history of the Clydesdale breed dates back to the early part of the 18th century.  Flemish stallions were imported into the Clyde valley area in Scotland, in an attempt to increase the size of the native draught horses.
Shetlands are one of the smallest and at the same time one of the strongest members of the equine world.  Their origin is unknown but their existence has been recorded in the Shetland Islands for many centuries.  The Shetland's docile nature and height make it an ideal saddle pony for small children.
Thoroughbred - 30c + 2c
The descriptive name "thoroughbred" is synonymous with racehorses.  All thoroughbreds are reputed to trace their ancestry back to three eastern sires - the Darley Arabian, the Godolphin Barb and the Byerley Turk.  New Zealand's temperate climate is an ideal environment for breeding thoroughbreds and the colour and spectacle of a race day is part of the New Zealand way of life.
Thank you Maria for this pretty FDC with the set of horses’ stamps.

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