92 The Trotting and the Pacing Horse 



forward; in short, was perfectly trained to all the 

 paces and evolutions of a parade horse ; and 

 when ridden at military reviews (as was fre- 

 quently the case) his bold, imposing style and 

 spirited, nervous action attracted universal atten- 

 tion and admiration. He was perfectly gentle 

 and kind to handle, and loved to be groomed 

 and caressed ; but he disliked to have children 

 about him, and had an inveterate hatred for 

 dogs, if loose, always chasing them out of sight 

 the instant he saw them. When taken out with 

 a halter or bridle he was in constant motion and 

 very playful. He was a fleet runner at short 

 distances." 



The speed of horses was tested at the run in 

 those days, even in Vermont, and the usual dis- 

 tance was 80 rods. Justin Morgan was quite 

 successful in these races, but it was in harness 

 that he showed at his best. He was full of 

 spirit and a nimble traveller. Pulling bees were 

 common, and he was as successful in them as in 

 running races. Robert Evans, one of his owners, 

 was a poor man with a large family, and he used 

 his stallion in hauling logs and clearing land. 

 This severe work did not affect his legs or 

 vitality, because we are told that a short time 



