RACING 203 



in his gallops. For a horse In the condition of a 

 hunter, two or three nearly full speed gallops a 

 week, for a fortnight or three weeks to finish up 

 with, and a spin to open his pipes on the day 

 of the race Is quite enough fast work for the 

 amateur to indulge In. Some very gross 

 horses will need more, but I am convinced that 

 as a rule amateurs Ignorant of the art of training, 

 which requires a lifetime of experience, will do 

 well to err on the side of care and moderation. 

 During the whole time the horse is being 

 prepared his state of health should be care- 

 fully watched. The o-reat slo-n that this Is 

 satisfactory Is a bright eye and a healthy 

 mouth. The state of the dung, too, should 

 be noticed from time to time. When a horse 

 Is fit, his muscles will stand out firm and hard, 

 his eye will be bright and clear. If he have 

 a harassed, wild look it is a sure sign he is 

 overdone, and he must have a day or two off. 

 His legs should be cool and hard, and he should 

 be o^av and lioht-hearted when he comes out of 

 his stable to do his mornlno's work, and after 

 his work his sweat should dry rapidly, and he 

 should not be very thirsty, for excessive thirst 

 is a sign of bad condition whether In mm or 



horse. 



PoNv Racinc. 



Though pony racing is a delightful sport In 



