SHOWING SADDLE HORSES 167 



found to be entered in the wrong weight division, he 

 is placed in the proper classes by the judges. This, 

 however, cannot be done in saddle classes, and if the 

 horse is not up to the weight required, as, for example, 

 in the 200-pound class, he simply gets the gate with- 

 out explanation. 



If you intend showing a new star for whom you have 

 great hopes, be careful not to make the mistake of 

 bringing him out first at some small local show, where 

 he will compete in mediocre company and is bound to 

 win. For if this show, no matter how small it may 

 be, is a "recognized" show,* your star's first blue rib- 

 bon will render him ineligible to compete in some really 

 worth-while novice class at a big show. Possibly this 

 very class might have been the only one in which he 

 had a chance to win, owing to the fact that he is still 

 too young or green to compete successfully in an open 

 class among veterans. 



The following aids in placing horses and the re- 

 quirements of different classes may be of assistance 

 to the beginner: 



Much has been written about the difference between 

 a park hack and a road hack, but the difference is so 

 subtle that it is almost as hard to define as that elusive 

 word "charm" on which debating societies write es- 

 says. Both park and road hacks must be well formed, 

 have good flat-footed walks, square trots, and easy 

 canters, but the park hack must be more brilliant and 

 flashy. This generally means that he carries a higher 

 head and dock, and has more knee action at the trot. 



*A recognized show is one which is "acknowledged" by the Asso- 

 ciation of American Horse Shows, and managed under its rules. Since 

 the establishment of this association many small local and club shows, 

 at which a horse formerly could win a blue and still be accounted a 

 novice, are now recognized shows, and should be shown at with caution. 



