When to Begin Training 109 



demands. The plan is followed by a discussion of 

 factors important in training horses of all classes. 



AGE TQ BEGIN TRAINING 



There is much difference of opinion among horse- 

 men as to the proper age to begin training the colt 

 in order to develop maximum speed, style and ac- 

 tion. Some say to begin before the colt is born, 

 which, of course, would lead to a discussion of breed- 

 ing, while others say that the youngster should be 

 well developed before his training begins, particu- 

 larly when high action is desired, as in the coach 

 horse. There is a general feeling, however, espe- 

 cially in the case of the trotting horse, that the train- 

 ing cannot begin too soon, especially if the animal 

 is to be raced while young. Some excellent horse- 

 men are strong in their belief that the prejudice 

 against early training .in the past has hindered the 

 progress in breeding horses for speed. The fact 

 that early breeders were obliged to wait many years 

 for returns from the capital invested, no doubt di- 

 verted attention from breeding trotters. Horse 

 breeders desire quick returns, hence they breed ani- 

 mals that trot young. There can be no doubt that 

 the younger a trotter makes a good record and a 

 coacher shows his style and action, the quicker the 

 breeder can turn his investment into cash and if 

 they go wrong at two years old, they are a cheaper 



