GEi\"ERy\L PRIXCIPLES TO BE FOLLOWED. 85 



disappointed. It is the knowledge of the work that horses 

 have done and of what remains for them to do, and the time 

 left in which to do it to complete their preparation, that 

 is essential ; never forgetting that it is safer to stop horses 

 in their work from prematureness, than to force two days 

 work into one in order to make them fit. But although a 

 dangerous practice, yet in extreme cases, and under uncon- 

 trollable circumstances, I would rather have recourse to this 

 than knowingly run a horse unfit. 



No horse should be worked off his appetite, nor indeed 

 should he be without one, for this only tends to weaken in- 

 stead of strengthening him. Rest is here the only remedy ; 

 not a total cessation of work, but a diminution of it till 

 the return of appetite, and then the requisite work may be 

 given, whatever that may be. 



The legs and feet of each animal should be carefully looked 

 to every day, as named under stable management. If any- 

 thing is amiss with them, practically your horse may as well 

 be dead for the time being. Those with sound feet and legs, 

 and in other respects well, can scarcely do too much work in 

 these lenient days of training; for if horses are not thoroughly 

 and often extended in their gallops, you may rest assured 

 they will be so in their races ; and in the latter when near 

 home and apparently winning they may be often beaten by 

 worse animals than themselves for the want of sufficient v/ork 

 in this respect. A great deal of course depends upon the last 

 week or two. At this time they should not be spared in their 

 exercise, but vigorously galloped. Sometimes, even the last 

 few gallops do wonders ; so much so, that by their fulfilment 

 or neglect you complete or leave unfinished a preparation, 

 by the result of which you gain or lose a reputation. 



I must not omit to mention that great care should be taken 



