TRAINING STABLES. 41 



seven pounds better than nine private individuals out 

 of ten, even if the latter were gifted with the same skill 

 and experience, which is not either probable or possible. 

 In the first place, a trainer has the advantage of a 

 good training ground, close to his stables, by which 

 ( tramping for miles ' along a hard stony road is avoided; 

 and also, he has the command of horses equal to the 

 task of testing his progress from time to time, both in 

 speed and stoutness ; and, moreover, can usually com- 

 mand the services of a rider of a weight proportioned 

 to the horse's powers, which immense advantages are 

 rarely ever within the reach of private individuals. 



In addition, it is oftentimes inconvenient to part with 

 a horse for the necessary time at a training stable, in- 

 asmuch as he can carry his owner, almost up to the day 

 of running in a steeplechase, the greater portion of a 

 day's hunting, by which means he is not altogether de- 

 prived of the use of his horse, nor compelled to make 

 an addition to his stud which would be both inconvenient 

 and expensive. Moreover, the value of such stakes 

 do not often warrant the expense of a trainer's bill. 



TRAINING THE TWO-YEAR OLD. 



The colt should reach the stables somewhere about 

 October, immediately after which he should be bitted, 

 which should be performed by placing a roller on his 

 back having a buckle to either side, to which is at- 

 tached the reins, with a loop at the back through 

 which to pass the strap of the crupper. This being 

 accomplished, put in his mouth a smooth, straight 



