Study the Horse 121 



prove too fatiguing. It is a good plan to continue 

 the practice of giving the colt two or three days' rest 

 each month (p. 116). 



Young animals do not need to be blanketed, 

 sweated, scraped or physicked. They do not take on 

 fat internally like mature ones and do not need to 

 be reduced. Such practice has a tendency to stop 

 growth and muscular development, whereas the 

 youngsters require conditions favorable to physical 

 development in order that they may increase in 

 strength and endurance. 



Study individual peculiarities. — The one fixed 

 rule, that applies in training all horses, is to study 

 each individual critically. It is this one character- 

 istic more than any other that makes successful 

 horse trainers. At this time the colt is begin- 

 ning his track work and it is of the utmost impor- 

 tance that he be directed properly. The bitting, 

 checking, harnessing and shoeing are all important 

 factors in balancing and gaiting. If the youngster 

 is not traveling perfectly square, if there is any rough- 

 ness in his gait, or if he is in any way out of balance, 

 he is not developing that smooth, steady and direct 

 action so essential in the attainment of rnaximum 

 speed or stylish action. Study the individual and 

 adopt such methods as will keep him going true, 

 smootn and level. Never drive him faster than he 

 can go squarely, and he will develop speed and action 

 if it is in him. 



