222 CYCLOPEDIA OF LIVE STOCK AND COMPLETE STOCK DOCTOR. 



attain their best speed. This training should begin at two years old. At 

 three, they should be given an extended stride, and they will reach their 

 full powers at four, five or six years of age. 



The training of colts to run fast races at two years old, is severely to 

 be condemned, if the future usefulness of the animal is to be considered. 

 Nevertheless, as long as it is found profitable by breeders and trainers, it 

 will no doubt be practiced. The training of running horses, like the 

 training of trotters, is a fine ai-*-. Yet the general principles, we have 

 given, may be understood by all. A diet of oats and hay, the best of 

 stable care, and daily work upon a proper course, under the eye of an 

 intelligent master, arc the things necessary to get the speed out of well 

 bred horses ; and no other than properly-bred animals should ever be 

 trained for great speed. It is not in them. 



The horse being in motion, the rider throws nearly all his weight in the 

 stirrups, steadying himself with his knees and thighs. The rear of the 

 body is thrown back and the loin arched, so as not to carry the Aveight 

 too far forw^ard. The trainer must know how to ride with the gi-eatesl 

 ease to the horse, and to assist the movement by every means in his power ; 

 thus, the leg, from the knee, will be slightly thrown back, so that by 

 stiffening the leg, the rider's center of weight may be easily changed, 

 without his ceasing to bear firmly in the stirrups. 



These directions are for riders or jockeys of medium weight. Lightei 



ones ride with longer stirrups, supporting themselves more by the thighs. 



The best race-riders scarcely, if at all, touch the seat of the saddle. 



This gives a good command of the horse, but is only used in race-riding, 



since it soon tires out the rider. The same position, however, will ease 



any horse in galloping over bad or rough ground, or any space that mus^ 



be quickly ridden over. 



XXnr. Saddling. 



It will only be necessary to add some general directions to this chapter. 

 In saddling a horse, for whatever purpose, do not use undue haste. Do 

 not throw the saddle on, especially if the horse be young, or in the least 

 inclined to nervousness. Go about the matter quietly and in a business- 

 like way. See that the saddle fits. If it do not, make it fit. See that 

 the girths are properly adjusted, and tightened, and that the crupper- 

 strap, if there be one, is smooth and well fitting. The bridle must also 

 be looked to ; see that it is strong, properly put on, and of the right 

 length from the head-piece to the bit. Before mounting, look again to 

 the girths. They may need tightening another hole. 

 XXIV Harnessing. 



in harnessing a horse it is also necessary that the gear be perfect in its 

 fit, and not heavier than oooa<^on rsquireK. See that the back hand doet 



