THIRD ANNUAL YEAR BOOK — PART VI. 351 



Association — the walk, trot, canter, rack, and running walk, fox trot, or 

 slow pace. Any one of the last three of the second style is acceptable to 

 breeders of this type, but the first four must always be present. The dic- 

 tates of fashion have a good deal to do with a market demand for gaits. 

 Just at present a horse with walk, trot, and canter only is somewhat pre- 

 ferred, but the American saddle horse will always be in demand as a very 

 useful animal, and will be valuable in the production of saddlers, for 

 training can bring out the desired action, and for intelligence and ex- 

 treme style no breed will surpass him. Saddle action must, first of all, 

 be sure. A horse inclined to stumble is dangerous. Following this we 

 look for snap, moderate height, and particularly straightness and even- 

 ness in all gaits. 



Demand. — Saddlers are in demand for both city and country trade, 

 and are by no means equal to the demand. 



HUNTERS. 



Size and Weight. — The class of horses known as hunters is divided 

 into "light" and "heavy" hunters; the former carrying ladies and light- 

 weight men, and the latter able to take men of a weight up to 200 pounds. 

 Naturally there will be many variations between these two classes, the re- 

 quirements of each rider indicating the weight of his mount. A range 

 of from 15.2 hands, with a weight of 1,100 pounds, to lfi.2 hands, weighing 

 1,200 or 1,250 pounds, would be a fair approximation. 



Conformation. — A typical hunter shows a conformation of a rather 

 rangy order, but not loosely built, standing pretty well from the ground 

 with legs of much bone, depending on the weight he is to carry. The 

 shoulder should be deep; the body deep and full chested; "short above and 

 long below," the barrel with a good development, but not paunchy — well 

 built in every particular to be a ground gainer. Too much muscularity 

 can hardly be present; the hind quarters should be especially long and 

 deeply muscled. Thick necks are avoided; rather a thin, long neck with 

 a good-sized intelligent head is preferred. 



The hunter must show plenty of quality; stamina is absolutely neces- 

 sary for work such as he is to perform. His head must show that high 

 degree of intelligence and fearlessness that insure the confidence of his 

 rider. 



Action. — The most desirable feature in the motive power of a hunter 

 is his jumping ability. Not only must there be the capacity to clear any 

 reasonable obstacle that presents itself,* but this must be done gracefully 

 and willingly. Of course, a straight, smooth, easy movement is always 

 necessary. Speed adds much to the value of a hunter, especially if his 

 rider has ambitions to gratify. 



• Demand. — This class of horses is in ready demand by persons of 

 means who enjoy the sport of following the hounds. The same condition 

 presents itself that is found in other classes of light horses, namely, that 

 the price of a suitable animal will always be a long one. Riding to 



* The usual height of the fences hunted over ranges from three to four feet. 



