FIRST LESSON. 201 



m consequence from a temporary disability or spoiling 

 the gait to permanent retirement. Do not take chances 

 with a good colt ; boot him safely. It is better to be 

 sm-e than sorry. Xo trainer of experience or ability 

 will neglect this important point in training. 



Having booted him all right, take him into the track 

 and lead him around it several times until he is thor- 

 oughly familiar with his new surroundings. Then let 

 a man follow him around, and give him pretty much 

 his own way until he has time to inspect the paddock, 

 approve of it and become reconciled to the arrange- 

 ments. After doing all this without hurry or bustle, 

 it will be time to turn him loose. Quietl}^ unsnap the 

 leading rope from the halter and start him around. If 

 he wants to run, let him do it at first ; he wiU soon tire 

 of it and settle to a trot. After a preliminary run or 

 so, endeavor to keep him at the trot as much as pos- 

 sible. Two men will stand in the inclosure inside the 

 track ; one near either end, and will be provided with 

 w^hips with long lashes and snappers. The colt will 

 soon learn to obey the sound, the swish and the snap 

 of these whips, together with the commands of the 

 trainers. After ^^ou get him properly to work do not 

 let him run when he breaks. By going toward the 

 rail and slashing the whip across the track in front of 

 him he will stop, and probably turn and go the other 

 direction of the track. Teach him to go around the 

 turn easy, and urge him through the stretches. You 

 will soon learn just how much urging he will stand 

 and just what sort of direction he best understands. 

 He will learn just as quickly what you want him to do. 

 and 3^ou will be surprised to find him soon understand 



