SECRETARY'S REPORT. 207 



exercise. The distaMce is usually four miles, and the speed is 

 regulated by the trainer, according to the ability of the horse. 

 TIic two objects to be kept in view at this stage are, first, to get 

 rid of offending and useless matter, by thorough sweats, and, 

 secondly, by exercise, to improve the wind, impart firmness and 

 elasticity to [the muscles, and accustom the horse to use his 

 powers in the best manner. 



The greatest danger now is that the legs may become inflamed, 

 or break down from excessive galloping, and much attention, 

 therefore is given to them. They are hand-rubbed at least 

 fifteen minutes each, every day, and, if necessary, bandaged ; 

 and if the horse cannot bear galloping at all times, he must 

 be allowed to walk during his exercise. 



In the final preparation two quarts more of oats, with a 

 quart of split beans, or of Indian meal may be allowed the 

 horse, and he must be galloped with special reference to the 

 proper performance of his work, so that he may extend himself 

 in a steady, regular manner, at the top of his speed, and acquire 

 the power of staying the distance which must be run in the 

 race. 



To put a Thoroughbred horse in perfect condition requires 

 much judgment on the part of the trainer, and attention to 

 many points not even alluded to in these general directions ; 

 and the object in giving them is simply to exhibit the principles 

 in accordance with which the work must be accomplished. 



Only the Thoroughbred horse will continue to train on, con- 

 stantly improving for several months, and ordinary horses in 

 good health and fair condition can be fitted to do all they are 

 capable of in a few weeks of special preparation. Of course, 

 horses which have become much reduced in strength will re- 

 quire much more time. Thus breeding mares will not recover 

 their full power and perfect form in less than six months after 

 they stop suckling, nor even then unless they have been well 

 kept. 



To fit a match trotter to make his fastest time, it is necessary 

 to bestow upon him just that amount of training, by means of 

 physic or mashes, sweats, "walking and trotting exercise, and 

 nutritious food, which will bring him to the highest possible 

 condition, without getting him sore or off his feed ; and not 

 less important is that practice and education in the pace itself 



