76 
REVIEW. 
young stock intrusted to his care. Those who follow hounds 
are frequently in a similar position : whether the duty is un- 
dertaken by the master, or devolves upon the groom, it is a 
task of greater difficulty than that which falls to the lot of 
the trainer ; because there are so many more accomplishments 
required in the experienced hunter than the race horse. In 
fact, the lessons which the latter goes through daily when at 
exercise, nearly qualify him for his duties on the course. * * 
Concluding a colt to be so far advanced in his education that 
he will ride quietly, the next process is to teach him to 
canter ; and in the first probations it is far more rational to 
put up a man of tolerably light weight, or boy of moderate 
proportions with power and experience, who can ride well, 
than incapable urchins with whom it is a matter of great 
chance if the colt does not contract some bad habit, which 
will not easily be corrected. It is to be remembered, at this 
stage of training, the colt is not required to go at a fast pace ; 
it would not be proper, either as regards his education or 
his condition. To promote these intentions, a steady horse 
of more mature age is requisite to lead the work. On all 
occasions it is a consideration of moment to avoid alarming 
a horse ; and although this applies to every hour of his life, 
it is of greater consequence with young than with aged 
horses ; that is to say, young ones will be alarmed at trifling 
objects, which at a future age they would not notice. Exercise 
grounds will frequently be in such order, that the preceding 
horse will throw the dirt upon the one w r hich follows : with 
young ones this should be carefully prevented, by keeping at 
such a distance as to escape the disagreeable salutation. It 
will be time enough to lay up and accustom the young animal 
to this unpleasantness as he becomes more and more advanced 
in his preparation and has gained confidence, at which period 
it is highly advisable he should be occasionally accustomed 
to the unceremonious proceeding, that it may not be new to 
him on being brought to the post to run, wffien he will at 
times be subject to the annoyance. 
e< As the first preparation advances, an increase of pace w ill 
be occasionally necessary; but this must be adopted with 
discretion, for there can be no doubt that more young ani- 
mals are ruined by injudiciously hurrying them in their 
work, both with reference to breaking, and the endeavour 
to promote their condition, than by any other single circum- 
stance. Improvement, in whatever w 7 ay it is courted, must 
be acquired by slow degrees ; and whoever attempts to assail 
the handiworks of nature, by violent or precipitate measures, 
is certain to be foiled in the attempt. 
