DEFINITION AND PROCEDURE 29 



normal conditions, are most likely to be correct. The 

 judge should see to it, therefore, that the first view he 

 takes will be fair to both the animal and himself. Ex- 

 perienced showmen and salesmen appreciate the impor- 

 tance of this first view in establishing favor for or preju- 

 dice against the animal they are exhibiting. If they have 

 an animal possessed of real merit, they endeavor to enter 

 the ring at such a time, usually -either first or last, or to 

 take such a position as will insure the judge's having one 

 good, impressive look at the particular individual in which 

 their interest is centered. This accomplished, they feel 

 assured of careful consideration, in turn, with no danger 

 of being smothered in a large class, as sometimes happens. 

 Given an inferior animal, however, the attendant makes 

 his entry as inconspicuous as possible among the others 

 in order to avoid undue exposure of his exhibit's worthless- 

 ness, in the hope of being left in a higher position than he 

 truly deserves. 



36. Conditions under which shown. — In order not to 

 be misled in his observations the judge should understand 

 and allow for the conditions under which the animals are 

 shown. It seems to be considered legitimate to take 

 advantage of everything that rightfully belongs to an 

 animal so long as there is no real misrepresentation. It is 

 perfectly proper to pose an individual for inspection. 

 That is simply putting his best foot forward, as it were, 

 and it enables the judge to better see him as he really is. 

 Standing a horse uphill, for instance, accentuates his good 

 points, yet there is no deception attempted, and to stand 

 him downhill would be manifestly unfair both to the 

 horse and to the judge. 



37. Posing. — The most extreme posing encountered is 

 the so-called camping of horses. Practiced in moderation. 



Digitized by Microsoft® 



