Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1896-07-17

From the Rider and Driver
As there has been discussion III the
Rider and Driver lately regarding the
requirements of the light-harhess road
ster we have decided, in further thresh-
ing the subject. to obtain the views OF
representative light.harness horsemen'
The ground taken by the Rider and
Driver has been identical with the con-
ditions stipulated in the light-harness
classes at Madison Square Garden Horse
Show-viz: "A roadster when mature
for driving should not be under 10 hands
high. Conformation, color, style OF
going, manners, knee and hook action,
whether driven with ordinary or heavy
shoes to force action, also whether
strained with checking or severe bits
and as they are at the time of showing
il the ring, to be considered in the
Judging" The Philadelphia Horse Show
conditions are about the same except
that they say for single drying the
horse should not be under l5.l, and for
double driving not under 10, hands, and
weigh not less than 800 pounds. 1t may
be recalled that the requirement of hook
and knee action, winch was omitted
from the Brooklyn Horse Show condi-
tons, although "style of going was
taken into consideration by the judges,
has been the bone of contention in some
quarters. The Rider and Driver, how
70, frit hOth sides
of any controversy and the views OF any
light-harness horseman, no matter how
much at variance with our own they
may be. will be published fully. Fol
lowing is from Mr.. Charles \. Newhall,
former secretary of the Philadelphia
Horse Show association, who resigned
that Office last year on account Of i'll
health.
CHESTNUT HILL. Pa, June y. 1896.
7Othe Editor Of he Ridcr aud DFtccf:
Your request for my views on the re-
ouirements of the "light-harneSs road
ster" are herewith cheerfully given.
owned, and drove for years, the fastest
son of Blue Ball, Royal Bounce (2:lO.
He filled the bill exactly. to my think
ing, always ready to go, without pulling
or fretting, head up and carried straight.
quick as the old Canadian pony to get
away" and, withal, lots of speed and a
pleasant prompt logger. Such rOadSters
are scarce. | have found the Knox
family of Maine the nearest approach to
this ideal. In a word, look for style,
trappy gait, easy mouth and plenty of
courage. failing to find which | have no
use for the horse not possessing these
qualities so requisite to your enjoyment
of the afternoon airing.
Very truly yours,
CHARLES \. NEWELL.
The following from Mr.. George Will
ling, also of Philadelphia, derives eXcep-
tional interest from the fact that he was,
with Mr.. Rensselaer, Weston of New
York, the Judge of light-harness horses
at the recent Philadelphia Horse Show;
CHESTNUT HILL, Philadelphia,
June p, 1896.
TO the Editor N the Ridcr and Driccr:
Your favor of the Goth inst. received
asking me for my views ''as to the re-
quirements of the light-harness roadster
OF the present day" | would select a
bay. brown or chestnut. l5:l to l5.3;
sound, of good conformation, head and
naturally that he or she drives comforta-
bly, when moderately checked; ears well
shaped and active; mouth sensitive and
pliable; easily controlled, prompt driver,
well balanced at all gaits, and action that
makes one feel good" and which is
hard to describe.
The heavy.harness h0rsema&, | sup
pose. would say knee and hocE action
that is not exactly it; should describe
it as good gated"
Must 90 without boots and have all
the speed that can he obtained not at the
sacrifice of appearance and good quail
ties.
The best track horses seldom make
good roadsters. as the humdrum OF train
ing, logging, walking and trackwork
generally makes them careless and list
less when going slowly.
The desirable roadster may not be a
show horse. One with Morgan blood in
him is to my mind the most satisfactory
for road use. -
Very truly yours,
GEORGE WILLING.
VARIOUS NOTES.