84 PREPARATION. 



whole length of the course may be galloped at better speed, 

 and on alternate days at half speed, until he is as fit and as 

 well as he can be. The signs of this fitness I shall endeavour 

 to describe in a following chapter. 



As a rule, the training of the yearling is commenced by 

 steadily cantering two or three times daily short distances up 

 to half a mile. At this age they should not be allowed in 

 exercise to exceed nor in trial to go less than this distance. 

 I am aware that both Mr. Scott and Mr. Forth were of 

 opinion that a distance of three furlongs is sufiicient. But 

 as against their authority there are many that think with me, 

 not least of them my father. He never, that I know of, tried a 

 less distance ; and certainly no one tried with greater accuracy 

 or more complete success. It may appear strange, but it is 

 nevertheless true, that some horses as yearlings stay well 

 three furlongs, but never get beyond that distance ; just as 

 we see horses which, as two-year-olds, stay the half mile, but 

 never get beyond it when older. But this part of our subject 

 may be more thoroughly investigated in its proper place. 



It is well perhaps to say here that the yearling wears no 

 clothing in the stable until January, when he also wears it at 

 exercise. In frosty weather the yearlings are exercised with 

 the old horses on the straw bed, and when the weather 

 breaks up they should go on the downs. 



Reverting to the subject of preparation in general, I should 

 not forget to reiterate that unceasing watchfulness is absolutely 

 necessary. From the first canter to the last gallop the 

 condition of the animal must be carefully noted from day 

 to day. Nor does our care cease here ; for even in trials, at 

 the eleventh hour some defect may be seen which if speedily 

 rectified may bring the desired success. Appearances are 

 deceitful, and those who trust in them alone will assuredly be 



