238 TRAINING FOR SPEED. 



plan as the young colt, but his work outs may be longer, say 

 six miles. 



By working the colt on this plan he never becomes dis- 

 tressed for breath and never becomes tired or sore. When you 

 find the speed of a colt for one-eighth of a mile satisfactory, 

 gradually increase the distance to a quarter ; then when he has 

 performed that distance to your satisfaction another eighth 

 may be added, and so on, gradually, until a mile is reached ; but 

 do not forget to be slow and gradual ; learn to labor and to 

 wait. 



Always endeavor to teach your colt to finish fast, whatever 

 the distance may be, as this is a very important item in a race, 

 as the money lies in the last length to the wire. 



"Watch your colt and do not overwork it ; as soon as he 

 shows signs of being restive or sluggish let him up a little. 

 Watch for these symptoms carefully, for this is a critical time ; 

 if you overdo him much now it will be some time before he is 

 himself again. 



The work must be according to his constitution, to the rate 

 of his growth, and to his heartiness of feeding. He should be 

 carefully watched to ascertain whether he improves or not. 



When a trotting colt often breaks his gait in his exercise, it 

 is an indication that he has had too much work for his age, and 

 has got or is getting sore on it. 



Don't waste any time in teaching a young colt to " break 

 and catch." Eemember you are teaching him to trot and not 

 to "go as you please" in his races. He should be taught, if 

 possible, not to break at all. In case he does break, do not 

 jerk, snatch, or see-saw on the bit, but give him a square pull 

 back and swing him very slightly to one side, giving him a 

 chance to catch in the " cross stride." 



It is seldom necessary to use a whip in training a nervous, 

 highly-bred colt, or in driving such colts or horses in their 

 races. 



After speeding him for the day loose his check and con- 

 tinue walking, as a rule, until cooled off. 



