XXXIV BROKEN-GAITED TROTTERS. 



This was also the case with broken-gaited trotters, and hence 

 whenever a horse was of these kinds he was soon entered in a 

 course, in which the most potent educator was weight on the feet. 



I have stated, in the previous chaptei-s, that my belief was that 

 the mental effects were greater than the mechanical, and a few illus- 

 trations were given to sustain the argument. I still think that posi- 

 tion is correct, and though the mechanical is the first efiect, after 

 that comes the benefit derived from the reasoning faculties being 

 made subservient. The animal has been compelled into action that 

 is more favorable for speed ; his intelligence then comes to his aid, 

 and, cognizant of having mastered the difl&cnlty, he repeats the method 

 of handling his feet and legs when the monitor is removed. 



There is another phase of the toe-weight problem that adds greatly 

 to the trouble in arriving at a con-ect solution. While broken-gaited 

 horses are generally amenable to the good effects of weight, in a few 

 instances it has been found impossible to correct the faulty action 

 with weights, and then, pei-haps, some other contrivance may work a 

 cure. Again, there are two horses apparently identical in their gait. 

 Weight aids one of them, the other it makes worse. Twelve ounces 

 may be required to accomplish in one what four ounces may do in 

 another, and so the paradoxes apparently come into notice at every 

 stride in the journey ; and, loth though we are to acknowledge the 

 ignorance, it is so palpable that it cannot be denied. 



With all this ignorance there rests the information that certain 

 valuable results have followed the use of weights ; and, though I 

 cannot go so far as my friend H. D. McKinney, of Janesville, Wis- 

 consin, in saying that " I would never try to develop a colt if I could 

 not avail myself of the use of toe-weights if I needed them," I should 

 be at a loss what to do in many instances if debarred from their aid. 

 And, by the way, I have always considered that Mr. McKinney was 

 " better posted " on weights — the various kinds, uses and abuses — 

 than any other person in the country. He invented some of the best 

 patterns of their time, and was largely engaged in the manufacture. 

 Being a practical horseman, skillful in breeding, rearing and driving 

 trotters, and a man of education and intelligence, it could not be 

 otherwise than that he must obtain an esoteric knowledge, valuable 



