GENERAL PRINCIPLES TO BE FCLLOWED. 85 
disappointed. It is the knowledge of the work that horses 
have done and of what remains for them to do, and the time 
left in which to do it to complete their preparation, that 
is essential; never forgetting that it is safer to stop horses 
in their work from prematureness, than to force two days 
work into one in order to make them fit. But although a 
dangerous practice, yet in extreme cases, and under uncon- 
trollable circumstances, I would rather have recourse to the 
latter than knowingly run a horse unfit. 
No horse should be worked off his appetite, nor indeed 
should he be without one, for this only tends to weaken in- 
stead of strengthening him. Rest is here the only remedy; 
not a total cessation of work, but a diminution of it till 
the return of appetite, and then the requisite work may be 
given, whatever that may be. 
The legs and feet of each animal should be carefully looked 
to every day, as named under stable management. If any- 
thing is amiss with them, practically your horse may as well 
be dead for the time being. Those with sound feet and legs, 
and in other respects well, can scarcely do too much work in 
these lenient days of training: for ifhorses are not thoroughly 
and often extended in their gallops, you may rest assured 
they will be so in their races; and in the latter, when near 
home and apparently winning, they may be often beaten by 
worse animals than themselves for the want of sufficient work 
in this respect. A great deal of course depends upon the last 
week or two. At this time they should not be spared in their 
exercise, but vigorously galloped. Sometimes, even the last 
few gallops do wonders ; so much so, that by their fulfilment 
or neglect you complete or leave unfinished a preparation, 
by the result of which you gain or lose a reputation. 
I must not omit to mention that great care should be taken 
