136 THE HORSE 



and tear. The smooth easy-going fellows, that go much 

 faster than they appear to go, are the ones for a long race. 

 Such will be found to possess the middle ground of con- 

 formation, front and rear." These remarks practically sum 

 up what is to be learned in this direction. 



To obtain the accurate length, measure from the centre of 

 the hip-joint to the outer point of the hock ; and from the 

 knuckle of the stifle-joint to the same place for the length 

 of the thigh. In conclusion Mr. Helm may be again quoted : 

 " The tape-line is no direct measure of speed, but it is an 

 indicator of the adaptation of part to part— the speed and 

 capacity for endurance at that way of going." 



Other necessary attributes are good sound open feet, 

 to stand the wear and tear of training and racing ; large 

 knees and hocks, with consequent well-developed carpal and 

 tarsal bones, designed to minimise the shock of concussion, 

 and long well-sloped shoulders that have the same end 

 in view. There must also be ample room for the play 

 of lungs and heart, wherefore the chest must be deep 

 and the ribs well sprung ; while to afford space for the wind- 

 pipe, and give ease in breathing when at full speed, the 

 angle of the jaws must be set wide apart, and the neck must 

 not be so thick as to restrict the throat by the mass of 

 muscular surroundings. 



When the form of the horse is such that he is physically 

 adapted to cover a length of ground at each stride, whilst his 

 poise is so perfect he does not need artificial appliances 

 to maintain his balance, with a free-and-easy passage of air 

 to meet the demands of an increasing circulation, whilst his 

 temperament is so generous that he is ever desirous to obey 

 the wishes of his master, yet of such high courage that 

 he is ready to summon forth his utmost power when called 

 upon to do so, then every element is there which is requisite 

 for the highest class of trotter, and to enable him to obtain 

 a niche amongst the noted champions of the track. 



The Breeding of Trotters. 



A careful study of the pedigrees of early famous trotting 

 horses shows that while they had much thoroughbred blood 



