FIRST-HAND BITS OF STABLE LORE 



he could annex. Fast horses (on the flat) have 

 done well over hurdles, but practically never 

 " through the field," and have been regularly and 

 signally beaten by horses which could not (over 

 the flat) " see which way they went.'* 



There is a reason for all things, as for this ; 

 but what is it ? It has always seemed that the 

 action was different — was higher and rounder 

 in the successful cross-country horse. Whether 

 this makes to his advantage over grass, or in 

 jumping, or at both tasks, has never been 

 conclusively and logically explained. Certainly, 

 however, it seems that somehow, and " some 

 why," this sort of action is essential to the suc- 

 cessful jumper ; nor is the mere sprinting, fast 

 horse any more likely than any other to prove a 

 good performer, unless he is classed as a sprinter, 

 for the reason that he cannot carry his high action 

 at speed for any distance without tiring and stop- 

 ping. This explanation is doubly logical because 

 the gist of it is that the possession of speed proves 

 the animal a high-class horse ; and his infirmity of 

 excessive action^ which causes exhaustion at top 

 speed, prevents his taking the position, on the 

 flat, which is his by right of ability. Handi- 

 capped by this shortcoming, he, at other tasks, 



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