220 TRAINING THE TROTTING HORSE. 



CHAPTER XIX. 



FIRST WORK IN HARNESS SHARP BRUSHES AVOID JOG- 

 GING, SWEATING AND SCRAPING THE COLT MUST BE 



KEPT STRONG AND STOUT COLTS CANNOT ALL BE 



WORKED ALIKE — IMITATION ALL DEPENDS ON THE 



trainer's FITNESS — AN OCCASIONAL LET-UP " SPEED, 



SPEED, MORE SPEED," THE GREAT ESSENTIAL SHOES 



AND WEIGHTS EXPERIENCE WITH CHIMES AND CLAY. 



In tracing our colt's career we have now reached 

 the point where he is going clever in single harness 

 and ready to hitch u]:> for his first lesson on the regular 

 track. He has as yet no shoes in front, but is shod be- 

 hind. Put on all the boots that are necessary — all that 

 caution and safety demand. Colts need practically no 

 jogging, yearlings certainly none whatever. Of course 

 no colt or horse should be worked soon after a meal ; 

 and you will find the yearling, always a trifle nervous, 

 ready to work as soon as you get him on the track. 

 Start him up at a good, fast jog for about 150 to 200 

 yards. Then turn slowly, giving him time to get his 

 breath, and let him brush back a little faster. After 

 going about the same distance, stop again, turning 

 slowly, and send him back again, this time carrying 

 him right up to his clip at some point of the brush, 

 preferably near the end of it. In all his Avork, especi- 

 ally when the brushes are sharp, be careful to let him 



