188 TRAINING IN INDIA. 



subject. A writer on training can only give illus- 

 trative work and general rules, just as a whist 

 authority may point out the proper leads, and how to 

 play certain hands. In both cases, the inferences to be 

 drawn, and lessons to be learned, will be only for 

 general application. 



In the following pages I shall consider the training 

 of the average style of Australian we have in India ; 

 taking for granted that he continues sound and in good 

 health. If a horse in training has a soft constitution, 

 or has infirm legs, I must leave the trainer to exercise 

 his own common sense to provide for the varying cir- 

 cumstances under which the uncertainty of horse-flesh 

 may place him. 



Detail of Work. To proceed to the routine of 

 training, one should first consider what length of time 

 the horse has to get fit in before running. If there be 

 five or six months, they may be divided into two 

 periods ; namely, preparatory work for about a couple 

 of months, and the remainder actual training. 



Before commencing any work, the horse may get the 

 following alterative ball : 



Barbadoes aloes . . . 2 drachms. 



Nitre 3 



Tartar emetic ... 1 drachm. 

 Treacle enough to make a ball. 



But if he be gross, or with not the best of forelegs 

 to stand the work necessary to reduce his system, a 

 physic ball (of four drachms of aloes and two of ginger) 

 should be given. Before administering the medicine, 

 the corn should be stopped, and bran mashes substi- 

 tuted for a couple of days. 



