Small Training Track 111 



understanding must exist between the animal and 

 his master. 



The training yard. — Since the youngsters are to 

 be put into training very early in life, ample provision 

 should be made for their accommodation. A small 

 training track is almost indispensable for the young 

 trotters, and a yard or track for the coachers. The 

 small track should be laid off oblong similar to a 

 race track, with proportionate turns and stretches. 

 The length over all should not be less than 140 feet 

 and the width not less than 65 feet. The track it- 

 self should be 10 to 12 feet wide and if convenient 

 should be covered so as to be of service the year 

 around. It should be made of earth good for the 

 feet and should be kept deep and soft. At the turns, 

 the earth should be thrown up two or three inches to 

 the foot, to facilitate turning. 



The construction of the inside fence requires 

 special consideration. The posts should be few in 

 number so as not to obstruct the view of the colt's 

 legs when in action. They should be inclined toward 

 the track in such a manner that the inner rail will 

 prevent the colt from injuring his legs by striking 

 the fence. As a further precaution the posts and 

 railing should be slightly rounded by removing the 

 sharp edges. This inner rail, which should be about 

 six inches wide and of good material, should be placed 

 about as high as the yearling's body. There is no 

 need of a wheel board as the little track is not in- 



