116 HANDBOOK OF THE TTJEF. 



weighted according to their merits, in the estimation of the 



handicapper, for the purpose of equalizing their chances of 



winning. 



We never conld see any object in handicap racing, except to enable a 

 poor horse to beat a good one. To this we may add tiie opportunity 

 to bet Avlietlier tliis horse can caiTy ten or twenty pounds more 

 weiglit tlian that one, and beat him.— Wallace's Montlily. 



Handler. One who breaks, educates or handles colts, 

 giving them their first lessons in good service, as distinguished 

 from a trainer or driver in races. 



Handling' Reins. Keins used in handling, or educa- 

 ting colts to the bit. They are usually made of hard rope line, 

 about fifteen feet long, with loops, or handles made of double 

 plaited rope the size of an ordinary clothesline. They are 

 fastened t>y spring hooks to the rings of the bit, and pass 

 through t'^rrets on the pad of the surcingle, to the hands of 

 the person handling the colt. 



Hands on the Reins. [Eq.] A great English rider 

 has said : " One oitght to ride as though he had a silken rein 

 in his hand as fine as hair, and that he was afraid of breaking 

 it." The rider should ncA^er keep a dead pull on the reins, but 

 " give and take," so that the horse may understand his wishes 

 by the feeling of his mouth. 



Hang ovit tlie Prizes. A term used in referring to 

 the premiums, stakes and purses published in the programme of 

 a race meeting. To " hang out," is to offer certain prizes. 



Haras. A French term denoting a stud of horses, and 

 applied generally to the stud establishment of the National 

 government. These breeding establishments are governed by 

 strict regulations, and a law of August 14, 1885, also provides 

 for an inspection as to the character and somidness of the 

 stallions in private ownership, which may be advertised for 

 public use, and the law is rigidly enforced. It provides that a 

 stallion cannot be employed without being first approved and 

 authorized by the Administrator of the Haras — or master of 

 the stud — and he must haA^e a certificate that he is free from 

 certain specified unsoundnesses. This certificate is in force 

 for only one year, and is not issued until an expert official 

 examination of the animal has been made. Violations are 

 punished by fines imposed on the driver and groom. Every 

 owner of a stallion advertising his horse for breeding purposes 

 must notify the Prefect, and the animal is inspected by a com- 

 mittee, consisting of a veterinarian, a breeder and a govern- 

 ment inspector. Terms like " the flower of the haras," " the 

 gem of the haras," are often met with in turf journals or 



