426 THK HORSE. 



the above explanation such is really the case. But in spite of 

 all this recognized superiority of blood, it is indisputable that 

 for the highest degree of success there must be not only high 

 purity of blood, and that of the most winning strains, but there 

 must also be a frame of the most useful character, if not always 

 of the most elegant form. Many of our very best horses have 

 been x)lain. and even coarse-looking — as, for instance, most of 

 the Melbournes, and especially that very fast horse. Sir Tatton 

 Sykes ; but, in spite of their plainness, all the points are good 

 and useful, and the deficiency is in elegance, not in real utility. 

 Nothing can exceed the goodness of the frames of this horse's 

 stock, and their width of hip and general roominess of make is 

 such as to give them enormous power and great substance of 

 muscle, which is particularly serviceable in the fillies got by 

 him, a class of animals more often deficient in these points than 

 colts. From this it results that the distinction must always be 

 made between elegance and utility ; and it must be remembered, 

 that while the former pleases the eye, it is not really conducive 

 to victory ; whilst on the other hand, the ragged hips and gen- 

 eral bony frames of some horses are not so elegant to the eye, 

 but they give strong attachment to the moving powers, and also 

 allow the muscular system to be largely developed on their 

 foundation. The following are the generally admitted good 

 points by which the race-course of high caste is distinguished 

 from the common herd. 



The height of the race-horse varies from 15 hands to 16 1-2 

 hands, or even 17 hands ; but the general height of our best 

 horses is about 15 hands 3 inches. Few first-class performers 

 have exceeded the height of Surplice, who is 16 hands 1 inch, 

 as is also the winner of this year's Derby, Wild Dayrell, Sir 

 Tatton Sykes is 15 1-2 hands ; and between his height and that 

 of Surplice may be ranged evey great winner for the last 10 or 

 12 years. This average, therefore, may be fairly laid down as 

 the best height for the race-horse, though it cannot be denied 

 that for some small and confined courses — as, for instance, that 

 of Chester, a smaller horse of little more than 15 hands height 

 has a better chance, as being more capable of turning round 

 the constantly recurring angles or bends. 



The head and neck should be characterized by lightness. 



