SHOW RING DRIVING. 603 



there is of straight going, insures the horse being straight 

 himself, and allows him the hard footing where others' 

 wheels have run, instead of the deep and cuppy surface 

 where other horses have trod. A horse may thus be eased 

 upon the turns, giving him that long breath or two by which 

 he will profit then or later. Until the " weeding out " 

 begins it will probably be best to make just " show " enough 

 to attract official attention, and prevent rejection via the 

 "gate." Perhaps once, if the judges are looking, it will be 

 well to " pull him together" and let him parade; but do not 

 do too much ; nor fear lest competent judges be not im- 

 pressed favorably by such moderation. A park pace, horse 

 steady and going level (no hopping or skiving), head and 

 all in the right place, etc., if " turned down " now, that 

 fate was impending, anyway. 



Once called in to line up among those reserved for future 

 inspection, come slowly into line, and, if your horse is handy 

 (and the judges are looking), go a length or two beyond the 

 line, and then quietly back into position, that they may 

 be early impressed with the horse's handiness (very helpful 

 also in case he makes some subsequent " bad break " ). Now 

 is the chance to rest, and let the horse's head down, if 

 possible, while the others are being called in ; do not let 

 him stand " in his collar," but ease him every way possible. 

 When the officials come down the line, make your charge 

 "stand out "and show himself; keep him square on his legs, 

 and take any advantage possible, from any restiveness dis- 

 played by competitors, to prove that your horse at least 

 stands still, does not "hog" on his check, nor plunge and 

 rear, nor lie down. 



When again called out, if your animal bears comparison 



