GENERAL RULES FOR WORK DURING TRAINING 183 



trot, or at alternate trots and canters, so that he may not 

 spoil his action or risk his legs. When the horse is pulled 

 up, let him be well covered over with rugs till the sweat 

 trickles down his pasterns. And repeat every week or 

 ten days this process, which will take the "beef" off the 

 grossest horse quite quick enough. A trainer should 

 consider the feelings of his horses ; and it is only reason- 

 able to suppose that an animal which is constantly exer- 

 cised in heavy clothing must feel his movements cramped 

 both by the weight he carries and by the presence of the 

 rugs, and that he will consequently lose heart for the 

 want of the exhilaration of spirits produced by a free and 

 untrammelled gallop. The mind of the horse has un- 

 doubtedly a great deal to say to the quick, elastic stride, 

 and the lightning dash of speed at the finish, exhibited by 

 a well- trained race-horse. 



Admiral Ecus, in his book on " Horse-racing," states 

 that " generally speaking, race-horses ought to be galloped 

 stripped all the year round, but comfortably clothed 

 indoors suitable to the temperature." 



One should have as light riding-boys as possible com- 

 patible with their being able to hold their horses together. 

 Even with a screw, it is generally better to put up a stone 

 or so extra, than to be obliged to employ a curb instead of 

 a snafile for his mouth, in order to enable a light lad to 

 hold him. 



If a horse can be held with a snaffle, never employ any 

 other bit for him. Never use whip or spur in a training 

 gallop, unless with a very sluggish horse, with one that is 

 apt to bolt off the course, or with young animals that go 

 awkwardly and require a deal of collecting. 



