520 



THE EXTERIOR OF THE HORSE. 



we have seen that, in the same time, they can accomplish equal dis- 

 tances. What is the explanation of this fact? Evidently that the 

 smallest horse compensates the shortness of the steps by an aug- 

 mentation in their number. One is therefore correct in the conclusion 

 that, all things being equal otherwise, for the same course, the same 

 surface, the same energy, the speed of the trot is, above all, subser- 

 vient to two causes : the length of the steps and the frequency of their 

 repetition. 



To these must be added another important element, training, the 

 effect of which is so well known. 



Most observers have cited examples relative to the great speed 

 employed in the trot ; a certain number are given in the following 

 table : ^ 



1 For more details, see Charles du Hays, The Trotters (Bru.s.sels, Paris, and Leipsic, 8vo, 

 without date). This book treats of the trotting races which had taken place in France from 1827 

 to 1863, and refers to the speed of the flying /ro<,— that is to say, the broken trot. 



