396 HOUSE POETKAITUEE. 



action, or the foot has had an irregular bearing from the 

 horn wearing unequally, until the colt has acquired a habit 

 which the correction of the primary cause does not re- 

 move. The natural action, which is susceptible of a far 

 greater change by education than many would think, is 

 nevertheless of the utmost importance. There should be 

 energy in all of the paces, especially the trot. I prefer the 

 action that is termed " round " to the very high, the last 

 better than the dwelling stride that often characterizes 

 the horse that covers a good deal of ground at every step. 

 In an untrained horse, more depends on the action of the 

 hind legs than the front ones. Should the hocks be carried 

 the right distance apart, and the hind foot thrown far in 

 advance of where the fore left its impress, I will undertake 

 to leave the supporters to be rolled out of the way, and 

 ultimately make a trotter of the animal that is thus 

 gaited. 



This conversation could be carried to an unreasonable 

 length, expatiating on the best form for a roadster, one 

 that is fitted from his configuration to draw a reasonable 

 load fast ; and I have very slightly touched where much 

 could be said. It may be enough to set the ball in motion 

 in your thoughts, and by comparing the form of the best 

 animals that come under your observation, you will gain 

 more knowledge than I could impart in a week's talk. I 

 must warn you of the danger of thinking yourself an adept 

 in selecting a winner from appearance alone, as the best 

 judge of form and condition that ever placed his eye on 

 the outline of a racer, is often at fault, and you might find 

 yourself in the condition of the mechanical genius who 

 was going to discover the Derby winner by mathematical 

 principles, which would be an infallible guide. His money 

 ran out supporting those he considered of the best form, 

 before he became satisfied of the falacy of his test. The 

 levers and pulleys were all right, but he had no rule 



