-71- 



For single or double light driving, all distinct colors are 

 good. Uneven or curiousJy marked horses are allowable in a 

 fancy team — as a mismatch in distinct colors — as it is called. 

 The colors should be distinct and in strong contrast, or else 

 harmonious. A chestnut and a dark bay would be harmonious, 

 and yet distinct colors. So would be a chestnut and a brown ; 

 a cream with white mane and tail, and a chestnut with dark 

 mane and tail would show a marked contrast, and yet be ele- 

 gant; so would be cream-colored horses so marked. A pure 

 white and a jet black would be the most marked contrast possi- 

 ble, and not for a moment admissable, except both were faultless 

 in form and style of going. Here in fact is where the fine art 

 lies in teams of two distinct colors : "Whatever the mismatch in 

 color, the team should be as near alike in form and carriage as 

 possible. 



Xrv. Action. 



There are really but two styles of action : low, smooth, safe 

 action, and high-stepping, showy action. The latter of little 

 account except for parade and showing off on the road in con- 

 nection with fine style. A high-stepping colt is as unsafe as he 

 ungainly. The action that is slow and safe, and fast and safe, if 

 combined in an animal is invaluable. 



A horse with really good action moves all his limbs evenly, 

 and brings his hind legs well under him at every movement. 

 Some horses with round action in front — paddlers they are 

 called— are often staunch and sure-footed, but this in spite of this 

 action, not in consequence of it. Horses that straddle behind 

 are often exceedingly fast trotters. Yet neither of these move- 

 ments are what would be sought, either in a fine saddle horse 

 or in a good harness horse. 



XV. Past-walking Horses. 



I have before stated that a perfect and fast walking gait 

 is not only indispensable to every horse, but the most valuable 

 gait a horse could have for every day use. Yet we seldom see a 

 horse that will walk four and a half or five miles an hour, even 



