CHAPTER XVIII 



MARKETS AND SHOWS 



The horse show serves a manifold purpose. It entertains 

 the jDublic, furnishes high-class sport for exhibitors, stimulates 

 interest in horses and equestrianism, promotes the horse breed- 

 ing industiy by affording the best means of advertising, and, 

 most imix>rtant of all, it establishes ideals or standards for the 

 guidance of breeders. 



Classes of Show Horses. — Show horses are classified into 

 market and breeding divisions. In the market division the 

 classes are made up on the basis of type, primarily, the hoi-ses 

 of each type being classified either according to weight, height, 

 or performance and further into singles, pairs, threes, fours, 

 sixes, and so on. Age, sex, and breed are not as a rule consid- 

 ered in the market classification. Any class may in addition 

 have special requirements, as " performance only to count " or 

 " conformation 40 per cent., performance 60 per cent.'' 



Breeding classes are made up on the basis of age, duplicated 

 for each sex and in connection with each breed. In addition 

 there are usually classes for get of sire, produce of dam, groups 

 either bred or o^\Tied by exliibitor, and specials. 



Fitting horses for the show ring consists in schooling them 

 for a creditable performance and feeding and grooming them 

 into the condition and bloom in which tliey make the best ap- 

 pearance. All show horses, of whatever type, should be fat 

 in some degree. 



Showing. — Breeding classes are shown " in hand " either 

 with lead bridle or on the lung-e rein, in the case of stallions; 

 to halter frequently, in the case of mares. Trotters and pacers 

 are usually sho^m beside a pony, while drafters and heavy har- 

 ness horses are sho^\ni by runners on foot. 



Market classes are shown in harness or under saddle, as the 

 case may l^e. An exception is made in the case of drafters, 

 which are shown to halter as well as in harness. Harness horses 

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