630 THE AMERICAN TROTTING HORSE. 



strengthened by exercise; their blood is not purified by the 

 increased secretions that accompany a quickened circulation of 

 blood ; their courage and endurance are not developed by a 

 long journey occasionally; their emulation is not stimulated by 

 racing; and consequently these qualities, all so desirable in the 

 offspring, are not transmitted in the intensity and power they might 

 be if a more rational plan were pursued. The health and longevity 

 of the stallion are endangered by these debilitating causes, and the 

 best horse might lose reputation as a good trotting-foal getter 

 in a few years of the enervating management too common every- 

 where. It is supposed by many, that a horse that serves many 

 mares has demand enough upon his strength without working. 

 The truth is, he needs plenty of well-regulated exercise to keep 

 his strength up, and his health good, that he may safely and pro- 

 fitably meet the great demand upon his vitality. 



It is becoming quite common to test the speed of trotting colts 

 at three, at two, and even at one year old ; and with proper care, it 

 may be done safely. The trial should be made after a little pre- 

 paration, by gradually increased exercise, and the distance should 

 be short. Curiosity being gratified by a few trials, should be also 

 satisfied, for colts cannot stand much speeding without danger of 

 injury. 



To teach a young horse to trot well requires judgment and care. 

 He is to be improved by practice, there is no other way ; and he 

 should be made to like it, not fear it. He should make his best 

 effort, willingly, eagerly, and doing so repeatedly, he cannot fail 

 to improve. Kindness and gentleness are always necessary in the 

 management of horses, and especially so in the taming and teach- 

 ing of young horses. No horse should be put to a high rate of 

 speed until he is first warmed up and breathing freely, and then 

 he should be rested a little by a slow gait, but not allowed to cool 

 off before he is called on to do his best. 



The young horse does not always know just what is wanted of 

 him, and it is therefore a good plan to trot him on the same piece 

 of level road always, and when he comes to it he will expect to 

 trot. He should never be made tired of it, but always stopped 

 while he is still anxious to go. The training is as much a mental 

 as a physical discipline; it must be both. Some horses need the 

 stimulation of the voice or whip; others will require only to be 

 held to their m ork. The dull one should be stimulated by emula- 

 tion — another horse should be trotted or galloped alongside of 

 him ; and whether the accompanying horse should be kept just 

 even with him, or a little before or behind, must be ascertained by 

 trial. An intelligent horse becomes discouraged by being beaten 

 in a race, and either breaks into a run to catch up, or quits mak- 

 ing any strong effort. Young horses being more impulsive and 



