148 Training the Trotter, Coacher and Roadster 



difference of opinion as to the advantages of such 

 practice, particularly if the horse is in good condi- 

 tion and going sound. Some one has said that 

 ''two let-ups are as bad as a break-down, " and there 

 seems to be considerable truth in the statement. 

 To throw a horse into complete or comparative idle- 

 ness for any length of time causes his tendons to 

 lose strength, his muscular system to lose tone and 

 his nervous system to lose power of application. 

 True, such a horse may be worked back into condi- 

 tion, but it will take months to restore muscular 

 tone and nervous energy. As a rule, the horse is 

 taken up and put to work at once, with the result 

 that he suffers from muscular soreness and may 

 develop faulty action very difficult to remedy. 

 With the horse that is sound and in good condition, 

 the better plan is to provide regular exercise. 



On the other hand, if the horse . is run down, 

 slightly lame, or otherwise out of condition, compara- 

 tive idleness is almost essential. Such animals are 

 already in poor condition, and there is nothing better 

 than a good blue-grass pasture, well watered and 

 well shaded, especially in the early summer before 

 flies become troublesome. Such pastures provide 

 natural conditions, as the horse in feeding will take 

 some exercise, the morning dew will improve the 

 physical condition of his feet, and pasture consti- 

 tutes the best of food. If convenient, he should 

 be fed grain in addition^ as this aids in regaining 



