84 PREPARATION. 
whole length of the course may be galloped at better speed, 
and on alternate days at half speed, until he is as fit and as 
well as he can be. The signs of this fitness I shall endeavour 
to describe in a following chapter. 
As a rule, the training of the yearling is commenced by 
steadily cantering two or three times daily short distances up 
to half a mile. At this age horses should not be allowed in 
exercise to exceed, nor in trial to go less, than this distance. 
I am aware that both Mr. Scott and Mr. Forth were of 
opinion that a distance of three furlongs is sufficient. But 
as against their authority there are many that think with me, 
not least of them my father. He never, that I know of, tried a 
less distance ; and certainly no one tried with greater accuracy 
or more complete success. It may appear strange, but it is 
nevertheless true, that some horses as yearlings stay well 
three furlongs, but never get beyond that distance; just as 
we see horses which, as two-year-olds, stay the half mile, but 
never get beyond it when older. But this part of our subject 
may be more thoroughly investigated in its proper place. 
It is well perhaps to say here that the yearling wears no 
clothing in the stable until January, when he also wears it at 
exercise. In frosty weather the yearlings are exercised with 
the old horses on the straw bed, and when the weather 
breaks up they should go on the downs. 
Reverting to the subject of preparation in general, I should 
not forget to reiterate that unceasing watch fulness is absolutely 
necessary. From the first canter to the last gallop the 
condition of the animal must be carefully noted from day 
to day. Nor does our care cease here; for even in trials, at 
the cleventh hour some defect may be seen which if speedily 
rectified may bring the desired success. Appearances are 
deceitful and those who trust in them alone will assuredly be 
