VALUE OF ACTION. 83 



tendon must be at their fullest tension ; and this tension 

 we find many very brilliant horses unable to preserve 

 beyond a mile, but at a slightly reduced speed they can 

 keep it up so to say for ever. 



But it may be objected, 'why cannot also the 

 Queen's plater do precisely the same and in an in- 

 creased ratio ? ' The answer is this, he would un- 

 doubtedly do so, if equally possessed of tlie same 

 qualification for steeplechasing, viz., action, forma- 

 tion, a quick eye and foot, and indomitable courage ; 

 but if he does not possess these, he will assuredly 

 suffer an inglorious defeat at the hands of his in- 

 feriors in racing over smooth turf, but his superiors in 

 getting over uneven and unsound ground, and conse- 

 quently his superiors in action. 



It does appear then that action must be the one 

 qualification, and that the horse must be thoroughbred 

 I have already stated as my firm conviction. 



It is also a matter of moment with some to consider 

 what importance attaches to any distinct strain of blood ; 

 whether the very stout or the more speedy strains are 

 to be sought ; but these are questions, for the reasons 

 stated above, on which I must decline to offer any 

 decided opinion ; but this much I think it safe to assert, 

 that if a horse can be found of the stoutest blood and 

 performances together with the desired shape and qua- 

 lifications, undoubtedly he is to be preferred to an 

 animal of more speed but inferior in stoutness ; but if 

 stoutness be his only recommendation it will avail him 

 little in steeplechasing. 



G 2 



