602 SHOW RING DRIVING. 



he may become most brilliant. One can never prophesy, 

 however, and while one horse steps high in two lessons, 

 another, equally promising, will not in two years. 



If at an indoor show and your horse is wearing a very 

 stiff check, bear him up for a while before " putting to," that 

 he may give to it, and supple his neck before you " gag " 

 him up hard — mercilessly, as it is often done — else he may 

 throw himself, or enter the ring plunging, or even balk, all of 

 which may count against him heavily. 



The light harness roadster neither receives, nor responds 

 to, general recognition in the show ring; although he, of 

 all others, represents the national type. Our arenas are 

 too contracted to allow of speed display; such ability is too 

 generously considered ; these horses are never trained for 

 exhibition, and their performance is not sensational, nor 

 attractive to the attendance. Amateur driving clubs are 

 now forming throughout America, and it is for them to 

 see to it that this characteristically American horse receives 

 the recognition and the opportunity for suitable exhibition 

 he deserves. No classes are, to the foreigner especially, so 

 interestingly typical. 



SHOW RING DRIVING. 



First impressions go a long way with judges, and if your 

 horse enters the ring smartly, but bending himself well and 

 showing good deportment, you are sure of consideration at 

 least. 



Once inside, take every advantage of the arena's length ; 

 keep close to the rail all the way round ; nor be deluded 

 by racing or over-driving competitors into doing anything 

 else. This habit is easily formed, and gives every inch 



