314 HORSE TRAINING 



It must, moreover, be borne in mind that many Englishmen, though 

 uninfluenced by any desire to race their horses, endeavour to increase the 

 speed of their animals, and consequently a few lines devoted to the main 

 principles of the successful preparation of a trotting horse may assist in 

 attaining the object of these owners. 



The Yearling. In America yearlings are raced (of course trotting is 

 referred to), and as the foals are usually dropped about May, it is necessary 

 to commence their education at a very early age. They are, therefore, 

 usually wearied by the New Year, having been haltered when only about a" 

 fortnight old, and frequently handled whilst at the foot of their clams. As 

 soon as their education commences they should be gently and tenderly 

 led by the halter on a straight, level, and well-secluded road or track, a 

 bit having been previously placed in their mouths; but this should not 

 be attached to the head-stall, or used in any way, being merely put there 

 to familiarize them with the feel of it. After the colt leads quietly, a 

 surcingle with side-straps may be added, but the side reins should be 

 at first quite long, so that he cannot injure his mouth. After a day or 

 two they should be gradually taken up, whilst, as before, he should be 

 led by the halter and not by the bit. When he goes steady, have him 

 shod with tips, and accustom him to the use of the crupper. 



After about two months of this sort of work the regular breaking 

 harness may be put on the yearling, care being taken to fasten up the 

 traces and tugs in such a manner that they cannot flap about or trail 

 on the ground, and so frighten the youngster. Do not put him into a 

 vehicle of any kind until he has become quite accustomed to the harness, 

 but exercise him steadily in long reins, arid encourage him to reach out 

 when set going. After he is quite handy in leather, introduce him to 

 the breaking-cart, letting him examine it well before placing him between 

 the shafts, and taking care not to disgust him with the conveyance by 

 jerking at his mouth or treating him roughly if he gives trouble at first. 

 When the colt is steady in the breaking-cart he may be put in the sulky, 

 being by this time probably about a twelvemonth old. Have him shod 

 lightly, but on no account hurry him in fact, commence to drive him 

 on the track rather slowly at first, permitting him to indulge in a fast 

 spurt only now and then. Never let the youngster go more than a quarter 

 of a mile at his top speed during the earlier period of his education in a 

 sulky; and if he can do this distance a few seconds inside the minute it 

 will be a satisfactory, though not a remarkable, performance. 



About the end of June he must be sent along faster in company with 

 an old horse to lead him, and should be taught the art of starting and 

 getting aw^ay smartly. Teach him also to quicken up when called upon, 



