130 THE HORSE IN AMERICA 



The trotting men, however, avoid this by say- 

 ing that trotting and pacing are the same gait, be- 

 cause many horses both trot and pace and be- 

 cause a pacer can be converted into a trotter. 

 This theory is beyond my intelligence. I know 

 that the natural gaits of a natural horse are walk, 

 trot, and gallop. Many that do these gaits, as in 

 the case of the Denmarks, can do several others 

 besides the rack and the running walk, for in- 

 stance. Yet no one will say that these gaits are all 

 the same. It is too preposterous to discuss. Be- 

 sides, the pace is not a fit gait for a gentleman's 

 roadster. It may be well enough for butchers, 

 barkeepers and gamblers, but a gentleman 

 should have a gentleman's horse. 



It has not been a pleasure to say these things of 

 what some call the great light harness horse of 

 America; but when breeders, through false prin- 

 ciples, go a wrong road it ought not to be con- 

 sidered an unkindness to call their attention to 

 the fact. A few years ago in a magazine article I 

 told the truth about Hambletonian's breeding, 

 and received many indignant letters of protest. 

 One kind gentleman up in Massachusetts, asked 



