ever much speed you may know him to possess, and 

 many horses unjustly get the reputation of being 

 " quitters " simply because they have not been suffici- 

 ently prepared to stand the strain of racing. A 

 moment's reflection will convince any one that a horse 

 cannot do as well when worked in the cold weather of 

 the North, where when he sweats it is almost impos- 

 sible to get him dry and properly care for him, as he 

 can in a warm climate, where he can be worked and 

 cared for the same in winter as in summer ; and, from 

 my experience, I am satisfied that as much can be 

 accomplished in a climate like Selma in the three 

 months of winter in preparing a horse for the next 

 season's campaign as can be accomplished in six 

 months in the North. 



I prefer to winter the horses I expect to campaign 

 the following season so that I can have them good and 

 strong, with no surplus flesh in the spring. Winter is 

 the time to get their feet in good condition, especially 

 where they have contracted or uneven quarters. 

 A great many trainers use springs in the feet in the 

 summer season when the horses are getting strong 

 work, which I think is injurious, as the sole of the foot 

 has to be trimmed down too thin for the horse to 

 make fast work at that time. Some pull the shoes off 

 and let the horse go barefooted, to let Nature do the 

 work, which is all right, and will be beneficial if you 

 will give them time ; but more can be accomplished 

 with the spring in six weeks then can be accomplished 

 in twelve months when the horse is running bare- 

 footed. If the foot is contracted and needs the spring, 

 stand the horse in hot water up to the coronet thirty 

 minutes ; then take him to the shop and have the sole 

 of the foot well pared, also the wall of the foot taken 



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