124 Training the Trotter, Coacher and Roadster 



vidual. By careful observation one can soon learn 

 to judge when a horse has sufficient work. 



The number of lessons given daily will depend on 

 the amount and severity of the work. If the exercise 

 is rather light and not too fatiguing, two short les- 

 sons are preferred, whereas if the work is fast and 

 severe one is recommended. The often-repeated 

 sharp brushes are the speed-makers and should be 

 employed when convenient. When this system is 

 used, it is important that the brushes be driven at 

 various places along the track. If the work is con- 

 tinued too long in one place, the colt acquires the 

 habit of slowing down and turning at this particular 

 place. Another annoying habit youngsters often 

 acquire is that of turning out every time they pass 

 the gate leading to the stables. To overcome this, 

 avoid slowing down or turning near the gate and 

 brush past it, then turn and walk back. 



As the time approaches for the horse to enter the 

 race, his endurance must be improved. Thus far it 

 has been a matter of developing speed, without which 

 no horse can win. While the brush system — going 

 a short distance at a fast rate rather than a long dis- 

 tance at a slow rate — develops the muscles and 

 lungs and improves the speed, it does not prepare 

 the horse to withstand the numerous heats of a long- 

 drawn race. To illustrate one method of increasing 

 the endurance a daily program is given. 



