Peter Barrett (B. 1935) "Sporting Horses - Harness" Signed lower left. Watercolor. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 29c Harness Racing stamp issued May 1, 1993. The earliest evidence of harness racing dates back to 1500 B.C., when Assyrian kings possessed elaborate stables and retained professional trainers for their chariot-racing horses. The Olympic Games of the 7th century B.C. also featured similar equestrian events, but it was the Romans who brought the sport of chariot racing to greater prominence. Records were kept of the horses' lineage, and those animals with exceptional racing ability were buried with a list of their victories. The Circus Maximus, Rome's largest arena for chariot racing, was also a significant testament to the sport's popularity. From dawn until dusk, as many as 200,000 spectators crowded this huge hippodrome to cheer for their favorite racers. With the fall of the Roman Empire in the 4th century A.D., came the end of this exciting pastime. Modern harness racing did not evolve until the early 19th century when trotting, a popular event at county fairs, became an organized sport in New England. Today, two types of horses participate in harness racing: trotters and pacers. The differentiation is in the horse's gait -- the "trotter" strides with its left front and right rear leg moving forward simultaneously, while the "pacer" moves both legs on the same side of its body at the same time. Both horses pull a driver in a lightweight two-wheeled vehicle called a "sulky." This term is believed to be derived from an American woman who, upon viewing the cart's single seat, commented that only a "sulky" man would want such a conveyance. Image Size: 13.75 x 12 in. Overall Size: 16.5 x 14.5 in. Unframed. (B14209)