202 TRAINING THE TROTTING HORSE. 



ing what every crack of the whip and every shout of 

 the trainer means. Be patient and gentle in these first 

 lessons. They are perhaps the most important. Do 

 not generate in his mind a prejudice, a dread or a dis- 

 like for the track. Therefore let the first half-dozen 

 lessons be short, and in showing him into the track and 

 escorting him out of it, be kind, quiet and easy, so as to 

 reassure him. The first few lessons and the eif ect they 

 have on the colt's mind and disposition will have an 

 important influence on his subsequent improvement. 



