Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1857-03-28
TBe Uermont 4genix.
BRATTLEBORO. VT.
SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 1867.
Horse Trotting at Fairs.

II has become quite fashionable of late, in GER
tain quarters, to decry the practice Of allowing
trotting Mt our agricultural fairs for the purpose
of testing the absolute or comparative speed of
horses. Occasionally a newspaper here and there
has joined in this crusade against fast horses and
fast trotting. One Of the local agricultural soci-
etes in Massachusetts resolved that il was i'm
proper to encourage speed exceeding mile in
four minutes. The Vcrmont Chronicle thinks
that the practice of trotting should be dscontn-
ued.
The grand objection urged by these highly re-
spectacle people and papers to exhibitions of speed
and the offering of premiums therefor, is that
such practices have an immoral tendency, in that
they foster betting and encourage that species of
gambling. 1t is furthermore urged that such
displays of equestrianship detract from the inter-
est that would otherwise be manifested in the
other departments Of agricultural exhibitions
We think that the first objection is not well
taken, and that the other possesses but little
weight.
Vermont has achieved an envable reputation
in the number and character of the horses she an
nually furnishes for the markets Of other States.
Most of these animals possess merits not incident
to the common run Of horseAcsh. The three most
essential characteristics of a marketable horse are
speed, bottom, and docility. All these points are
found in perfection in one Of our frst-class hors-
es. The possession of these qualities have made
the names of " Black Hawk" Ethan Allen"
Lancet" as well as a host of others, almost i'm
mortal. The first two qualities enumerated above
are chiefly instrumental in determining the value
in dollars and CENTS at the present day, of horse.
They can be determined only by the usual test on
the course. 1t is idle to say that farmers should
raise other than fast horses. There is no argu-
ment that can be applied against their production
that would not be equally servicablc in ndvoca-
ting the raising of inferior breeds of cattle, sheep
and swine The agriculturist should raise such
animals as are most remunerative. No one will
contend that there is not more profit in raising n
fast horse than in rearing one of an inferior quail
ity. To do this successfully, it becomes import
ant to understand the qualities and capacities of
the stock from which it is derirable to breed. We
repeat that in no way can the speed and bottom
Of horse be ascertained except by actual trial;
and the relative capacities of different animals on
ly by q comparative test Of their qualities on
course.
That men will bet on the absolute and compar-
alive speed of horses is matter that cannot come
within the puryiew Of the managers of agricutu-
raj exhibitions. The same men will bet upon cleo
tons; yet no one would say that the elective fran
chsc is n nuisance and should be abated on that
ground. The same men would probably bet on
the weight Of cattle and horses on their strength
ut draft, any other contingencies that have to
be decided by actual trial That trot or a match
offers facilities for such practices. we will admit
So does every other trial so does all competition,
But that it is in any why responsible for the evil
-'ff the srcst,ng mrs uctracts from the other
departments Of the exhibitions, it shows conclu-
svely the great interest all classes and conditions
Of men take in such exercises. This interest is
both natural and rational. In all ages the horse
has been regarded ms one of the noblest animals.
His praise has been sung by almost every poet
from pous Job to the present day. A love for the
horse has been nstilled in our hearts by teachers
of every age. His labors have, from time imme-
mortal, been pressed into the service of man, and
his feats in the harness and under the saddle have
continually contributed TO their enjoyment and
ministerod to the happiness of old and young.
The business of rearing horses is one of the most
profitable in which farmer in this State can en-
gage. Our stock, our climate, and the luxuriant
heritage that covers our green hills, all indicate
the proprety of this pursuit. Our agricultural
fairs have done more than everything else to bring
this department of our productions to the notice
of purchasers from abroad. We should be sorry
at this time to see any movement made that would
prejudice and retard this interest We venture to
say that the day that shall witness the abolition Of
the course and of trotting ut our agricultural ex-
hbitons will marlSsthc decline of not only our
fairs. but of our whole farming interest. 1t has
now received an impetus which, if duly encour-
aged will add materially to the wealth of our pop
ulation.