414 THE HORSE 



performance they have not the temerity to make any charge 

 for seeing it. 



It is not an unusual plan to engage the services of a 

 rough-rider to handle a horse at a Show, including the 

 riding of it in a jumping competition, and so far no case has 

 come into Court with regard to the liability of the owner, 

 in case of an accident, under the Employer's Liability Act. 

 Unless there was a special contract, binding the horse- 

 breaker to the exclusive service of the owner for a given 

 period, and a retainer paid accordingly, it would scarcely 

 seem that the employer would be liable. If injury is caused 

 to a third person, by his negligence when breaking a colt, 

 the horse-breaker is liable for the damage and not the 

 employer, although if the same damage was committed by 

 a groom in the ordinary service of the employer, the latter 

 would be responsible and not the groom. Also if a horse- 

 breaker has improved the value of a horse under his care 

 the law allows him a lien upon the animal, until he has 

 been duly paid for his services. It would seem then that a 

 horse-breaker riding in the Show-ring for a temporary period 

 only would be held to be a professor, and free on his own 

 account, and would not come under the category of a 

 servant. 



Judges. 



The most important person in the Show-ring is un- 

 doubtedly the judge, for on his verdict may depend large sums 

 of money, and the reputation of an animal to a certain 

 extent. How difficult it is to find a competent judge only 

 those know who have been in the ring with many who 

 are constantly officiating. It is very seldom that one 

 is met with who can take a horse to pieces, and having 

 a thorough knowledge of each part of the anatomy can 

 weigh up the good points and the defects, and balance them 

 thoroughly in his mind. Numbers of judges take a very 

 superficial glance at a horse, and will give a prize to an 

 animal who looks showy at a little distance, but on 

 closer inspection has some unpardonable fault. It is a 

 pleasure to be in the ring with a real judge, but a penance 



