Let us take as an example the numerous half-bred horses of Normandy. They are supposed to be the least precocious of all the horses produced in France, and it is generally admitted that they cannot be got ready much earlier than six years old.

Norman breeders naturally class their colts, at first, according to their origin, and afterwards by their make and shape.

The young animals are put into the three following classes :—

1. Match trotters.

2. Horses for fashionable purposes^[1] and for trade work.

3. Remounts.

Trotters begin to be gradually exercised and trained at two years old, or at two and a half at latest. They are generally full grown at three, are in good form and compete in races. The best trotting prizes are reserved for three-year olds. They can actually trot a distance of two miles and a half in about six minutes and a half. The distance is often over three miles, to successfully cover which the trotter requires speed and staying power. During his training, and during the time he is racing, he has to undergo the severest exertion of which a horse is capable.^[2]

A horse for fashionable purposes, which is intended for a dealer who can pay a good price for him, is almost a foal at

cartilages before putting a horse into work, I reply by advising them to buy five-and-a-half year old horses, so as to have them ready at six. They will tell me that such animals cannot be found. Why ? Because trade gives them to the buyer at a much earlier age. Therefore the universal practice is to work them at an earlier age. Q. E. D. The four year old should, of course, be treated with care. Here the important thing is to prove that at that age he is fit for work.