TROTTING. 103 



Let this jogging be continued, gradually as there is ambi- 

 tion and the road is smooth and descending; but let out 

 only so fast, or to the point that the gait is held even and 

 square ; and at first should be pushed only a short distance, 

 after which pull back to a walk and speak encouragingly. 

 This is to be repeated, gradually going a little faster, but 

 never to the point of exhaustion, always encouraging with 

 a kind word or two after doing well. I would here caution 

 against hitching the colt to a heavy wagon or sulky. The 

 weight must be reduced as much as possible, and the better 

 to facilitate the object, always let the bursts of speed be on 

 a smooth, slightly descending piece of road. By this pre- 

 caution you will remove all drag, and the horse is able to 

 use all his powers to the best possible advantage. 



This careful driving and gradually teaching the animal to 

 push forward when commanded is to be continued, but 

 however promising, the risk should not be hazarded of 

 trotting a race, or a long distance, before the system is 

 thoroughly matured and hardened to bear prolonged exer- 

 tion. The gait of many fine trotters is ruined by too much 

 haste and harshness in training. A horse has not his growth 

 until five years old, and should not be put to severe work 

 before six or seven years old. It is proved by experience 

 that much greater age is necessary to attain great speed. 

 Flora Temple made her fastest time of two minutes nineteen 

 and three-quarter seconds, when she was fifteen years old, 

 at Kalamazoo. Dexter is constantly increasing his speed, 

 we are informed, by age and practice; and so it will be 

 found with all the best trotters. They were grown into 

 great speed by careful, persevering work, by which the 

 system is highly developed, the muscles are strengthened 

 and hardened, and useless foul matter that would obstruct 

 the free action of the heart and lungs, and ^increase the 

 weight, is removed. 



Should the horse break when pushed in his gait, he should 

 not be pulled up too suddenly, which would slacken his 

 speed. Rather encourage him to go faster, and by gently 

 and firmly pulling right and left bring him to the trot. The 

 horse has now no disposition to resist control, and he must 

 be taught to rely upon with confidence, as well as yield 

 submission to the control and restraint of the bit. 



