11 INTRODUCTION. 



The secresy observed by training grooms (and 

 which is highly necessary) in the management of 

 their horses, as well in the feeding and working of 

 them, as in attending to their different tempers and 

 constitutions, and to the nature and length of the 

 ground on which they are either to exercise or run, 

 would appear almost incredible. Indeed, so remark- 

 able is this, that it is quite impossible for any one 

 who has not been brought up in racing stables, even 

 to form a correct idea of the discipline and precision 

 observed. 



I beg, however, that it may be understood, I do not 

 presume to write for the information of such training 

 grooms as are found in the stables above-mentioned. 

 These men enter the stables at an early period of life ; 

 and if they have been so fortunate as to have been 

 under training grooms of experience and sound judg- 

 ment, — and if they have made their observations cor* 

 rectly,— nothing can exceed their practical knowledge. 

 Should, however, any part of the following work be 

 found to contain information that may be deemed 

 acceptable by trainers in high practice, I shall be 

 extremely happy. 



My readers are aware, that of late years, it has been 

 the custom with many gentlemen, belonging to dif- 

 ferent hunts about the country, to make up races for 

 the purpose of running their horses in the spring, 

 at the conclusion of the hunting season. Some of 

 these gentlemen, from the good opinion they may 

 have formed of the breed and speed of their hacks. 



