TRIALS. 171 



stone four pounds again. From this you will learn 

 how he carries weight, and whether he is capable 

 of running a long or short distance best. In 

 all these trials push him well, closing the heels 

 to his sides if of the lazy tribe ; but never punish 

 unless he is a regular sluggard. Continue hence- 

 forward taking trials weekly, or every ten days. 

 At one time start at score from the post, and 

 keep him to his best pace the whole way : at 

 another time bound off at a good gallop, but keep 

 in hand the first half of the distance, then push 

 him strongly the remainder, always having every 

 half mile carefully timed : thus you will gain 

 a wrinkle through what means he is enabled 

 to exert his pipes to the most advantage, and 

 consequently when to make play during the 

 race.* In all trials, unless the horse is of the 

 most willing temper, and flies by a pull of the 

 ribands and pressure of the calf, you should 

 have a fresh nag in waiting at the last half- 

 mile post, to accompany him home; but if you 

 own a superior known good nag in your stable, 

 which is in training, it is better to let him 



* The stride of a well-built running Arab of fourteen hands 

 two inches, at the top of his pace^, on a good turf level course, 

 carrying from eight stone to eight stone seven pounds, will 

 be found upwards of fifteen feet ; and if, when at this speed, 

 the hind feet overstep the spot the fore ones have quitted, 

 he has superb springy, and undoubted running action. 



