200 THE PERFECT HORSE. 



work for some colts is the only work which they can 

 stand with safety, and therefore the only work to which 

 they should be put. It is the best way, only because 

 it is the only way. It is to correct faults of formation, 

 rather than to develop perfect formation. This distinc- 

 tion being understood, I give it my hearty indorse- 

 ment. 



We have now progressed so far in our discussion 

 touching the best way to develop the natural capacity 

 of the colt, in order that he may go fast and far, that 

 the matter of driving must be noticed; and we will 

 proceed to consider it. I do not write with the pro- 

 fessional's knowledge or practical experience in racing, 

 nor, indeed, from the professional's stand-point, The 

 object of this book, so far as I am connected with it, is 

 not to attempt to teach professionals in their especial 

 branch of business, of which I know nothing, but to 

 make certain suggestions, based in part on the opinions 

 of other men, and in part upon my own study and ob- 

 servation of the horse when in action, as driven by 

 gentlemen on the road, or at our annual fairs. In many 

 respects it is more difficult to drive a young and un- 

 trained horse well upon the road — requiring greater 

 quickness of the eye and hand, and finer control over 

 one's self — than to" drive trained animals on a smooth 

 level track in the public race. Especially does it 

 require intelligence and a goodly degree of skill to 

 drive a colt in such a way as to prevent him from 

 acquiring vicious habits of going, and to confii'm him in 



