94 THE BREEDS OF LIVE-STOCK 



ure and utility. The degree to which the trotter em- 

 braces the former field depends on the popularity of racing, 

 both in the circuits and for matinee purposes. Trotting 

 races are an adjunct of nearly every county fair, and 

 occupy a prominent position at all state fairs. However 

 much the attendant gambling may be deplored, the fact 

 remains that trotting and pacing races are popular, and 

 they also assist in developing a speedier and more durable 

 breed of horses. The racing is under the jurisdiction of 

 the National Trotting Association and the American 

 Trotting Register Association, the rules governing the 

 races, under the auspices of either, being almost identical ; 

 and they prevail at all race meetings and on all tracks 

 over which officially accepted records are made. 



After having finished their racing career and having 

 lowered their records so that their money-winning capacity 

 is reduced, many trotters are purchased for matinee racing 

 in our larger cities. This sport has grown in popularity to 

 such an extent that a National League of Amateur Driving 

 Clubs has been formed. 



103. Use as a roadster. It is as a roadster that the 

 trotting-bred horse is most useful. This demands a horse 

 of medium height, 15.2 to 16 hands, of graceful lines, 

 without the least tendency to coarseness in any part. 

 Quality of bone, cleanness of limbs, defined tendons and 

 all other characteristics that forecast durability, should 

 be very much in evidence. With it all there is a refine- 

 ment of form that differentiates this type from the coach 

 or heavy-harness class. Easy, elastic action and an ever- 

 present willingness to cover the ground in jaunty style 

 are desirable characteristics. At an early day, the 

 Thoroughbred was recommended strongly for crossing on 

 common light mares, and such breeding resulted, in many 



