280 THE TROTTING-IIORSE OF AMERICA. 



force and resolution. A great deal of mischief may result 

 from such a course. It hurts the temper ; it destroys the 

 steadiness ; it tends to break up a good, lasting gait. There 

 are other evils to be apprehended from such a course. I 

 could name several trotters, of very great speed and power, 

 who were prevented from reaching the excellence they might 

 otherwise have attained, by that means. The horse is a very 

 intelligent animal. His disposition is to do about his best 

 when in company ; and if he finds, that, whenever he is about 

 to do his best, he is suddenly hauled and yanked so as to 

 break up his stride and gait, he is not likely to forget that 

 fact. 



