SHOWING HORSES 



all goods should be displayed to the best advan- 

 tage, if satisfactory results are to follow, and we 

 have many amateurs who are as alive to every 

 '^ trick of the trade " in showing a horse as the 

 best professional. 



To make the best possible impression upon 

 show functionaries every detail of equipage must 

 be just right. This does not mean that the 

 absurd appointment fad must be exactly copied, 

 but that the eternal fitness of things must be 

 plainly evidenced in the conformation, action, 

 and qualities of the animals, — grace and appro- 

 priateness in size and variety of the vehicle, and 

 neatness, snugness, and good fashion and fit of 

 harness, or of saddle and bridle. An absurdly 

 short dock, an unkempt and crooked tail, shaggy 

 mane and fetlocks, dirty vehicle and trappings, — 

 all affect results ; and while it is true that a horse 

 should win on his merits, his entourage has its 

 proper effect on the outcome, and very justly. If 

 pains are not taken to please the official eye, the 

 offender has but his own neglect to blame if 

 passed over. 



The great trouble with the average amateur is 

 self-consciousness, and the fact that through it he 

 works himself into a state of nervousness which 

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