THE FIRST DRIVE IN HARNESS 49 



else the one sent had been substituted for the one he 

 actually bought. However, the groom had his greatest 

 task with horses when he brought it from the station 

 depot to our stable; by what I can remember, it 

 pulled him over and got away, but was caught later by 

 two policemen. It was at this particular time that I 

 was taught by my father — one of the best whips of his 

 day — how to break or train a colt, and I watched him 

 with delight when he gave this tiny pony the confidence 

 lesson. Within the hour the midget was following us 

 about the loose-box ; it afterwards became a great 

 favourite. 



At this time my father owned Oats and Barley, an 

 American trotter, who took a record of 2.19 in those 

 days. I well remember going for drives with my father 

 behind this great trotter ; he was quiet and docile, as 

 most trotters are. 



Well, I must apologise for going astray, but these 

 pleasant reminiscences will crop up, and most people 

 who have been brought up with horses have their pet 

 tales to tell about them. 



Returning to the colt, it is presumed that his first 

 drive has taken place in a quiet road or in the field, where 

 there is no dangei of meeting motors or anything that 

 will frighten him. Now before we harness him the second 



D 



