116 Training the Trotter, Coacher and Roadster 



to assure him he is doing well. At this age his mind 

 is receptive, the trotting habit is easily fixed and at 

 the same time he acquires speed and steadiness of 

 action. To overwork the colt at this age not only 

 stops the progress of his education, but he really 

 goes back in that he loses directness of action so 

 essential to horses of speed and high action. 



While the colt should not be exercised too long at 

 a time, he may be worked safely two times a day if 

 convenient. In the beginning it is a much better 

 plan to give him two fifteen minute periods, one in 

 the morning and the other in the afternoon, than to 

 work him for one half-hour period. As the colt ac- 

 quires strength and endurance the length of the exer- 

 cise period may be increased gradually, but always 

 keep on the safe side and underwork rather than over- 

 work the youngster. 



It is a good plan to let the colt rest two or three 

 days each month and if convenient to turn him to 

 pasture where he can have perfect freedom. This 

 serves to break the monotony of the daily exercise 

 and freshens him. After a few days of such freedom 

 he will take his exercise more keenly and with greater 

 vim. The few days of idleness seem to stimulate 

 a desire for the daily exercise so that the colt will 

 gain faster than if he be worked continuously. 



During these early exercising periods the colt 

 should be studied critically. Note carefully the 

 carriage of the head, as this will be of advantage in 



