DIVERSE JUDGMENT OF TWO OWNERS. 53 



chapter would not suffice to describe their respective idio- 

 syncrasies. 



In regard to this point, I will briefly give the opinions on 

 contrition expressed by two different owners on the same 

 animals within the space of a few days. Whilst strolling 

 round the stables one of them said in great astonishment, 

 " Why, William," addressing himself to me, " what on earth 

 have you been doing with so and so, or rather I should say 

 what have you not been doing ? Why, he and the others that 

 have to run next week are like so many bacon hogs," I 

 begged to differ in the opinion he expressed, and said that as 

 far as I knew they were well and fit. This was far from 

 satisfying him ; whilst his colleague, who happened to come 

 a few days after by himself, gave it as his opinion that 

 " the horses were thoroughly unfit." They looked bad in 

 their coats, were too light and as " dry as a chip," wanting 

 at least a month's rest and yet had to run the next week. 

 He added inquiringly " Can they be well ? " I replied as 

 before by saying I thought so. In the result the truth of 

 my view was amply verified by their running ; though I fear 

 little to the benefit of their joint-owners, who both came to 

 the same conclusion as to their unfitness, but, as has been 

 shown, from diametrically opposite bases. 



Such cases are too frequent, and disappointment as 

 assuredly follows. All opinions cannot be right, and of 

 three that differ two must be wrong. How is a trainer to 

 please owners of horses holding these extreme views ? To 

 this one of his many difficulties, I shall have to recur at the 

 proper place. It is not from ostentation that I say so 

 much ; but because, if I am to benefit the reader, I must 

 speak plainly. My experience tells me that if a horse blows 

 too much after galloping, his work must be increased without 



