DIVERSE JUDGMENT OF TWO OWNERS, 53 
chapter would not suffice to describe their respective idio- 
syncrasies. 
In regard to this point, I will briefly give the opinions on 
condition expressed by two different owners on the same 
animals within the space of a few days. Whilst strolling 
round the stables one of them said in great astonishment, 
“Why, William,” addressing himself to me, “what on earth 
have you been doing with so and so, or rather I should say 
what have you not been doing? Why, he and the others that 
have to run next week are like so many bacon hogs,” I 
begged to differ in the opinion he expressed, and said that as 
far as I knew they were well and fit. This was far from 
satisfying him ; whilst his colleague, who happened to come 
a few days after by himself, gave it as his opinion that 
“the horses were thoroughly unfit.” They looked bad in 
their coats, were too light and as “dry as a chip,” wanting 
at least a month’s rest and yet had to run the next week. 
He added inquiringly “Can they be well?” I replied as 
before by saying I thought so. In the result the truth of 
my view was amply verified by their running ; though I fear 
little to the benefit of their joint-owners, who both came to 
the same conclusion as to their unfitness, but, as has been 
shown, from diametrically opposite bases. 
Such cases are too frequent, and disappointment as 
assuredly follows. All opinions cannot be right, and of 
three that differ two must be wrong. How is a trainer to 
please owners of horses holding these extreme views? To 
this one of his many difficulties, I shall have to recur at the 
proper place. It is not from ostentation that I say so 
much; but because, if I am to benefit the reader, I must 
speak plainly. My experience tells me that if a horse blows 
too much after galloping, his work must be increased without 
