70 THE TROTTING-HORSE OF AMERICA. 



bowels are to be watched, and a bran-mash, is to be given 

 when it is thought that it will be beneficial. It may usu- 

 ally be ventured on at least once a week, unless there is a 

 tendency to looseness. Its effects are comforting and sooth- 

 ing, and it promotes the secretions as well as empties the 

 bowels. He is to be fed and to have a little water before 

 going to work, in the same way as I have laid down in 

 regard to the colt at two years old. 



The legs of the colt may be hand-rubbed a little during 

 his course of training ; but they do not want it like those of 

 a battered-up old horse : and my motto is that what is not 

 wanted ought not to be attempted. Water is to be kept 

 away from the legs of the colt as much as possible : they 

 are to be kept clean by means of the brush and cloth. As 

 his work goes on, his brushes may be extended to a quarter 

 of a mile ; but he is always to be kept well within himself. 

 It is to be borne in mind that there are no great things to 

 be done with him this year, except to develop his speed, 

 and see to it that he is kept in good health. More will 

 have to be done in conditioning by and by ; but it will be a 

 year or two, perhaps three, before he is fit to stand the 

 "grand preparation," as our friends the race-horse men 

 call the thorough-training process. Meantime, it is to be 

 thought, that if he has had his health, has stood his work 

 well, and has shown an increase of speed, you will be want- 

 ing to see what he can do towards the race. But you must 

 withstand the temptation to do any thing like what he will 

 be called on to do in public ; for, if he does it for you now, 

 it is likely enough that he will not be able to do it on the 

 day in question. Eight or ten days prior to the race, having 

 ascertained that he feels in good health and strong heart, 

 brush him half a mile. You can tell by the way he finishes, 

 and by how he feels afterwards, whether he will be likely to 

 stand the mile-heat out and to repeat it. Unless the 

 trainer can form a judgment in this matter, there is very 

 little chance for the colt in the race, except the other man 



