184 MY HORSE; MY LOVE 



winners are bred by private, than by public, studs. The 

 latter are obliged to pamper and feed up yearlings, that 

 they may appear well in the sale ring, while the private 

 breeder allows his yearlings to gallop about the paddock 

 until they pass into the trainer's hands. There should 

 be no trees in any field which might attract lightning in 

 thunderstorms. What is much better, is an open shed in 

 each paddock for shelter and shade, and nothing is more 

 important than a constant supply of pure water.' 



It must be very interesting when the training com- 

 mences ? 



* Yes ; for when a yearling passes into the hands of 

 the trainer, his serious troubles begin, and extreme care, 

 patience, and gentleness, on the part of the trainer must 

 be observed. At first he is led about for some time, 

 when he must submit to have the breaking (or first) bit 

 put in his mouth, and the coreson rein on his head. 

 With this slight equipment he is again led about for a 

 few days, then taught to go forwards and back, with 

 the lunging rein. Ankle boots are quite necessary, that 

 he may be prevented from hitting his legs together, as 

 he has not yet learned an even gait. The next thing is 

 to place a roller, a crupper and side reins upon him, 

 and accustom him to carry a rubber, or any light cloth 

 upon his back.' 



Ah ! I see, to prepare him for the saddle ? 



' Yes ; he doesn't always like the saddle, either, but 

 when he feels at home under it, the process of mouthing 

 begins. A lunging rein must be attached to each side 

 of the bridle, and passing the reins through the stirrup 

 irons puts an even pressure on the bit. 



Haven't they mechanical devices now, instead of riders ? 



