600 DRIVING CLASSES— THE HEAVY HARNESS HORSE. 



his bank account allows, disport himself in the appointment 

 classes. These displays are highly edifying, most picturesque 

 both in detail and ensemble, and a valuable object lesson. 

 To be successful, one must rank, not as a mere showman, 

 but as a genius, one who possesses the quality aptly defined 

 as " capacity for taking infinite pains." Such details have 

 been carried to absurd length in the past, and while the 

 latter-day judges appear more lenient, they do not noticeably 

 arrive at more consistent conclusions now than of yore. So 

 well are the essentials nowadays understood that practically 

 all equipages shown are appropriately appointed. Some little 

 fad may be noticeable, an occasional immaterial mistake 

 may be made ; but these departures from the correct are as 

 infrequent as they are inconsequential. The percentages 

 allowed for vehicle, etc., are disproportionate. Where all 

 equipages are correct, such accounts must balance, and 

 the classes are practically decided upon the merits of the 

 horses. Were there any accepted standards, like those 

 adopted by the Coaching Club for park and road coaches, 

 matters would adjust themselves, but when the personal 

 caprice of three individuals, not one of whom may be an 

 authority, decides, confusion reigns, and the game emphat- 

 ically is not worth the candle, at least for the beginner or the 

 man of moderate means. 



DRIVING CLASSES. 



THE HEAVY HARNESS HORSE. 



The first cost of a heavy harness animal, really fit to show, 

 is very large, his equipment extremely expensive ; and while, 

 if one of the elect, he may prevent heavy deficit, or even earn 



