GENERAL RULES FOR WORK DURING- TRAINING. 185 



who allow this, will, when their horses become lame or 

 get slow, wonder how in the world it occurred ! If a 

 trainer wants to get the fat off a horse, by all means 

 let him put clothing on, and give the animal his sweat 

 a little later than usual in the morning, at a trot, or at 

 alternate trofcs and canters, so that he may not spoil 

 his action, or risk his legs. When the horse is pulled 

 up, let him be well covered over with rugs till the sweat 

 trickles down his pasterns ; and repeat, every week or 

 ten days, this process, which will take the " beef" off 

 the grossest horse quite quick enough. A trainer 

 should consider the feelings of his horses, and it is 

 only reasonable to suppose that an animal which is 

 constantly exercised in heavy clothing, must feel his 

 movements cramped both by the weight he carries, 

 and by the presence of the rugs, and that he will con- 

 sequently lose heart for the want of the exhilaration 

 of spirits produced by a free and untrammelled gallop. 

 The mind of the horse has undoubtedly a great deal to 

 say to the quick, elastic stride, and the lightning dash of 

 speed at the finish, exhibited by a well-trained race- 

 horse. 



Admiral Kous, in his book on " Horse-racing/' states 

 that " generally speaking, race-horses ought to be 

 galloped stripped all the year round, but comfortably 

 clothed indoors suitable to the temperature." 



One should have as light riding boys as possible 

 compatible with their being able to hold their horses 

 together. Even with a screw, it is generally better to 

 put up a stone or so extra, than to be obliged to employ 

 a curb instead of a snaffle for his mouth, in order to 

 enable a light lad to hold him. 



