62 THE BREEDS OF LIV E-STOCK 
when the French government began offering prizes for 
trotting races, with the special object of encouraging long- 
distance trotting, more especially under the saddle. 
The races are usually for distances varying from two to 
three miles, and are run over sod ground. The records 
are established by the kilometer, which is about five- 
eighths of a mile, without reference to whether the race 
extended one or three miles. They are made under saddle 
from a standing start and carrying not less than 120 
pounds. As might be expected, those of the trotting 
type are racier in appearance, being somewhat like our 
own trotters, finely drawn, more angular than the coach 
type, rangier in appearance and somewhat better in 
quality. A horse of stamina and substance, as well as 
speed, is required, for it is to be remembered that the 
races are for long distances over turf, which demands 
strong, bold going and powerful action on the part of the 
animals. 
61. Speed records and races. — As to speed, M. W. 
Dunham, who was an extensive importer and breeder, 
has compiled the following data from official records: 
In 1891, there were 1399 contestants in races, 312 of 
which trotted races of two to three and three-fourths 
miles at less than three minutes per mile; 137 under 
2:50, 112 under 2: 45 and 62 under 2:40. One hundred 
and one of the 312 were three-year-olds. The average 
distance was 2;'5 miles; average time per mile, 2:50; 
fastest time for three-year-olds, distance 2% miles, 
6:33; fastest time for five- to seven-year-olds, distance 
34 miles, 8 minutes. In further reference to speed it 
may be noted that in 1877, Zacinthe is credited with hav- 
ing trotted 184 miles over a good road in 59 minutes, and 
Niger in 1873 trotted 25 miles in 6:55. To prevent the 
