SPUES. 201 



have frequently remarked that the once well-known 

 Arab galloway, Caliph, very seldom on the day of a 

 race required a setting muzzle ; for he would, of his own 

 accord, neither touch his hay, nor his bedding, and 

 only just wet his lips in the morning, though he would 

 take his allowance of corn all right. I believe the Arab 

 Sunbeam had the same peculiarity. It may be asked 

 how they knew they had to run on some particular day. 

 Very easily, I should say, from the fixed routine they 

 had been accustomed to at previous meetings such as 

 being plated, having their manes plaited, having a slack 

 day on the previous one after several days of fast work, 

 etc. and from the appearance of the race-course, which 

 made the fact manifest that races were about to come 

 off. 



Most platers, on coming to the track of a strange 

 race-course will plainly show that they know what it is. 

 Then again, how many old race-horses know when to 

 make their effort on nearing the winning-post ; though 

 some of them would probably " shut up " were they 

 called upon earlier by their jockeys. How well a horse 

 knows whether his rider has spurs on or not ! Some 

 will be as sluggish as a cow if they are absent, though 

 were the Latchfords on, they would be all life, even 

 without being touched. Others will refuse to try if they 

 get the slightest prick, and, even when the jockey is 

 without spurs, they will require a few kicks in the ribs, 

 just to show no punishment is meant, before they will 

 consent to go kindly. 



There is always a difficulty about riding boys in this 

 country. In England, stable lads can either ride, or 

 are capable of being taught ; but among natives it is 



