180 HANDBOOK OF THE TURF. 



the mechanism of the odometer with each revolution of the 

 wheel. The dial contains three indexes, each of a different 

 color. A red index registers a mile every time it makes a com- 

 plete revolution, and, as the dial is divided into forty spaces, 

 each space represents one-fortieth of a mile, or eight rods. A 

 yellow index revolves once every forty miles, and each space 

 represents a mile. A blue index revolves once every 1,600 

 miles, so that each space represents forty miles in relation to 

 this index. Around this dial are three rows of figures which 

 register the distance, and with each mile passed the fact is 

 announced by one sharp stroke of a small bell. When designed 

 for attachment to sulkies for training or trotting purposes, a 

 bell strikes each quarter mile. 



Off. Dead-off. Spoken of a horse when out of condition, 

 as off his feed, if ailing; off his feet, if lame; off in going, 

 when he does not do his best. 



Off-and-On. A term used to describe the leap in the 



hunt or cross-country riding; the taking-off' and landing in 



passing a fence or ditch. 



The mare I rode on the journey carried me over the raised water- 

 courses by the Euphrates in the cleverest way in the world; off and 

 on, without the least hanging or hesitation, and always with a foot 

 ready to bring down in case of need.— The Bedouin Tribes of the 

 Euphrates, Lady Anne Blunt. 



Off Side. The right hand side in driving or riding; 

 the side most remote from the driver or rider when on the left 

 side of his horse or team. In English countries the left hand 

 side is the off side, when meeting teams on the highway. 



Offending Horse. A horse, which in the hands of a 

 driver or rider is guilty of disobeying any of the turf rules. 

 The National and American Associations prescribe that if an 

 offending horse violates any of the restrictions, he shall not be 

 entitled to win the heat, but shall be placed behind all the 

 unoffending horses in the heat ; and under certain conditions 

 the judges have the right to rule the horse out and impose a 

 fine upon the rider or driver. 



On-and-Off. Used in describing a safe landing when 



jumping on horseback. 



A good, hard bank on which to land in jumping a ditch or brook, 

 (which is usually taken at a half speed gallo])), so that the rider can 

 land upon it and be off without- danger. — The Practical Horse 

 Keeper, George Fleming, LL. D., M. R. C V. S. 



On His Balance. Said of a horse in good trotting or 

 running condition. 



Open Bridle. A bridle or headstall having no blinds 

 or blinders. 



