100 



Another thing to be considered is the language used in 

 stopping or starting a horse. In stopping him, if the groom 

 or boy says " Whoa," he should always use just these same 

 words in speaking to the horse. It becomes fixed in his 

 mind and he knows what it means. A trainer should never 

 forget this particular, for it is very helpful. 



The horse's course should be reversed when he is out 

 for exercise or training, so he will get acquainted with the 

 meaning of the bridle rein. He should not be turned always 

 the same way, for it is often the case that swinnie is pro- 

 duced by the constant turning on one shoulder. The muscles 

 of the shoulder through sympathy shrink away. 



Thirty days have passed and the colt is galloping. The 

 distance of these canters may be lengthened from a mile to 

 one and one-quarter miles. The sense of touch of the horse 

 has by this time become so accustomed to handling that 

 plates may be put on his feet. But in order to get him sub- 

 missive to this treatment his feet should be picked out every 

 day, as was at first begun. 



Then the colt should not be kept in the rear. He should 

 be permitted to go alongside the older horse, and after a 

 time he should be galloped first on one side and then the 

 other. This shows him that position does not count for 

 much and he is not going to be injured. At this point on 

 entering the track the colt should always be put in front of 

 the old horse and walked around the place where the gal- 

 loping is to be begun. He should be sent out in front and 

 made to keep that position in order to prevent his becoming 

 a bolter. Teach him to lead as well as follow. 



The colt has caught his stride, and he ought to be sent 

 out to make a run of about an eighth of a mile at a good 

 rate of speed ; but no effort should be made to make him go 

 faster than a 2-minute gait. This should be kept up for sev- 

 eral days. 



The sixth week has been reached and the horse may be 

 extended for a quarter of a mile. He is pretty well used to 

 the changes and begins to realize what is expected of him. 

 After he has gone a quarter of a mile several times at a 

 good rate of speed, during which time he has been taught 

 to go true and straight and not bolt about, he is about ready 

 to show what there is in him. If he is not hurried, he will 

 always go true and straight. 



