Training on the Small Track 115 



turns rather slowly, and by cracking the whip urge 

 him through the stretches. After the colt under- 

 stands what is wanted do not allow him to run ; if 

 he should break go toward the rail and hold the whip 

 out before him, and if he refuses to slow down to a 

 trot slash it across the track in front of him, exer- 

 cising due care never to strike him about the head. 

 By using a little tact the colt will soon understand 

 what is expected of him and you will be surprised 

 to see how he will take the turns slowly but go 

 through the stretches up to his limit. 



After a few rounds, with two or three sharp brushes 

 through the stretches, let him stop to rest if he wishes. 

 This affords a good opportunity to caress him in order 

 to assure him that he is doing as we wish. After 

 a moment start the colt around the other way. Do 

 not permit him to make the turns always in one 

 direction, as this has a tendency to make his action 

 irregular. Care must be exercised in starting the 

 colt or in urging him, to prevent scaring him. Teach 

 him to respond to the crack of the whip and do not 

 ''shoo" him or make any unnecessary noise to get 

 him to show his action. 



Do not tire the colt. — About fifteen minutes is 

 sufficient time to keep the youngster on the track. 

 The object sought is to create in the colt's mind a 

 love for the exercise, rather than a dread or a dis- 

 dain for the track. This can be done by permitting 

 the colt some freedom and by caressing him often 



