120 Training the Trotter, Coacher and Roadster 



this time gradually increasing the speed until he is 

 going his limit at the end of the 200 yard brush. 

 After this sharp brush give him a little longer to 

 breathe than before. Now let him out and drive 

 back, carrying him to his limit again. This will be 

 sufficient work for the morning exercise. Take the 

 youngster to the stable, remove the harness and 

 boots, give him a very little water to drink, rub him 

 off lightly and then walk him a few minutes. This 

 part of the work should be done in a stable, shed or 

 protected area free from cold drafts. After w^alking, 

 place him in a well-ventilated box-stall and leave 

 him undisturbed so that he may lie down and rest. 



Since young animals recover from the effect of 

 work more rapidly than older ones, the former may 

 be exercised twice daily with little or no risk until 

 two years of age, providing, of course, good judgment 

 is used and the work never overdone. In the after- 

 noon put the colt through the same course as sug- 

 gested for the morning, which will provide sufficient 

 exercise for the day. In this early training much 

 care must be exercised not to overwork the colt. 

 The first sign of track-weariness should be followed 

 by a few days' rest. 



Continue the work daily as outlined, with little 

 or no increase for the first two weeks, after which the 

 number of brushes and the speed may be increased 

 gradually. With young colts it is thought best not 

 to increase the length of the brushes, as they will 



