126 TRAINING. 



with ten stone, if he is to run for a welter. After 

 an interval of another three days, try two miles 

 and a half with eight stone four pounds, and after 

 three days more, the same distance with the eight 

 stone four pounds again. From this you will learn 

 how he carries weight, and whether he is capable of 

 running a long or short distance best. In all these 

 trials push him well, closing the heels to his sides if 

 of the lazy tribe ; but never punish unless he is a 

 regular sluggard. Continue henceforward taking 

 trials weekly, or every ten days. At one time start 

 at score from the post, and keep him to his best pace 

 the whole way : at another time bound off at a good 

 gallop, but keep in hand the first half of the distance, 

 then push him strongly the remainder, always having 

 every half mile carefully timed : thus you will gain 

 a wrinkle through what means he is enabled to exert 

 his pipes to the most advantage, and consequently 

 when to make play during the race.* In all trials, 

 unless the horse is of the most willing temper, and 

 flies by a pull of the ribands and pressure of the calf, 

 you should have a fresh nag in waiting at the last half- 

 mile post, to accompany him home ; but if you own a 

 superior known good nag in your stable, which is in 

 training, it is better to let him start with the one in 

 trial ; there are so few that will exert themselves to 

 their utmost without a competitor, and it is easy to 

 tell the rider to hold in the first part, if you wish it. 

 Previous to taking a trial, or giving a sweat, always 



* The stride of a well-built running Arab of fourteen hands two inches, 

 at the top of his pace, on a good turf level course, carrying from eight stone 

 to eight stone seven pounds, will be found upwards of fifteen feet ; and if, when 

 at this speed, the hind feet overstep the spot the fore ones have quitted, 

 he has superb springy, and undoubted running action. 



