8o PREPARATION. 



accomplished in any other way. (It is the custom, I should 

 here observe, to keep horses in the stable the day after the 

 physic has operated ; but if time be of consequence and the 

 weather fine, I should not object to their being gently 

 exercised for an hour on that day). 



On the other hand, with horses that have to run shortly, the 

 work must be continuous at all risks. The necessary amount 

 for each horse varies with the age and constitution of the 

 animal. A gross feeder would naturally require more than 

 a delicate one, of either sex ; and bad feeders especially 

 should not be overdone with work. In open weather, if the 

 two-year-olds (for to them I shall for a short time direct my 

 remarks), after walking a few minutes feel chilly from a 

 bracing atmosphere, they should be trotted to assist circula- 

 tion. When thus made comfortable they miay, after walking 

 some time, be cantered, and this may be repeated at shoit 

 intervals ; and afterwards they may be galloped about half 

 or three quarters of a mile, gradually increasing the speed 

 as they approach the finish of their preparation. 



Occasionally they may be set off side by side with an old 

 horse, and made to go the whole course, as well as they can 

 all the way; but they must not be abused, or even frightened 

 by the sight of whip or stick. More should be done with 

 the handling of the reins and the use of the heels than by 

 any other mode of urging them to their utmost speed ; 

 whilst just before the finish the young ones should be 

 allowed to pass the old ones, if they could not do so earlier. 

 The commencement of the gallop teaches them the way to set 

 off quickly ; an important part of the tuition of all two-year- 

 olds ; and the finish, by passing the old ones, inspires them 

 with confidence attainable only in this way. This is most 

 desirable ; for if, becoming faint-hearted, they once lose 



