128 ILLUSTRATED STOCK DOCTOR. 



ing, to take hold of the load steadily and with a growing impulse until 

 it moves. 



XVn. How to Train a Racer. 



The training of racing stock, whether for running or trotting, is a fine 

 art, and one which it would take a volume to properly describe in print. 

 There a.re certain essentials, however, which are easily understood, and 

 which every one who breeds stock for speed should know. The colt 

 having been taught to gallop easily and naturally, should be put upon 

 good sound oats and the cleanest hay. He should be carefully blanketed 

 and groomed and his legs hand rubbed until fine. The exercise should 

 be daily, upon a good course, and ridden under the direction of a horse- 

 man who is thoroughly up in his business. When this cannot be, tha 

 work must be done under the instruction of the master. 



In race riding, the jockey throws about all his weight in the stirrups, 

 steadying himself with the knees and thighs. The seat of the body is 

 carried well back, the loin slightly arched, so the weight will not; be 

 brousfht too far forward, as the breech would be if the rider should stand 

 straight in the stirrups. A jockey of ordinary weight will be found to 

 carry his leg, from the knee, slightly thrown back ; thus by stiffening his 

 knee he can change his center of gravity without ceasing to stand in the 

 stirrups. 



Very light jockeys ride with longer stirrups, throwing their weight 

 principally on their thighs, and with their breech raised entirely from the 

 saddle, thus giving them a strong hold on the horse. Standing in the 

 stirrup, however, cannot be long endured, and is only used for fast racing 

 or galloping over bad ground, rough or deep, or in the case of a hill that 

 must be passed quickly over. 



Training to racing speed on the farm may be summed up as follows : 

 a smooth track, regular feeding four times a day with the soundest of 

 oats and hay, with a bran mash often enough to keep the bowels in regu- 

 lar condition ; the most careful grooming, with plenty of hand rubbing of 

 the legs ; sweating exercise every day, and thorough cleaning afterwards ; 

 a trial gallop to extend the limbs, with an occasional spurt to note the in- 

 crease of speed, and occasionally a fair trial at the distance which the 

 horse is trained, to test his speed, powers of endurance, improvement, 

 •nd capabilities. 



XVili. Training a Stallion. 



The training of a stallion should commence from the time that it is in- 

 Unded to keep him as such, and certainly from the age of one year. 



