The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-04-28
TRAINING RACE HORSES.

Frank McCabe Tells How Young Thorough
breds are Handled.
One of the most important individuals
connected with the race track, and the least
thought of by the public, is the trainer. He
is out Of sight and therefore out of mind,
but the effect of his Judgment and his
work in connection with the events is of
supreme importance. A good trainer can
not make an Ell Rio Rey out of a street car
horse, but poor handler OF horses can
easily reduce champion to a wreck. How
the trainer proceeds is a mystery to most
people who enjoy and patronize the race
course. talk, therefore, by one of the
most famous trainers in the country will be
of exceeding interest. Frank McCabe, who
by sending many champions to the post,
says this concerning the method used in
training young racers:
1.-The training of horse is q simple
| thing In one way. as far as the manual
labor goes. and might be easy enough to ex-
the horses in hand form the real basis or
foundation upon which the rest is done.
That would be hard to explain, just as it
would be hard for a man to explain the
different phases of human nature. To
begin with, the Dryers generally 90 down
|
chase new stock. There the colts which
have been born in early spring are looked
| over, and such purchases made as desired.
| They are left there to feed upon the blue
grass until the latter part of August, when
they are brought up here to the stable, and.
work of breaking them is begun. When
they become accustomed to their keepers
and the surroundings of the stable saddle
is put upon their backs in the stall and al
lowed to remain there until they get thor
oughly used to it. Then they are given the
bride, which it takes them some time to
get used to. When matters have gone
thus far the colt has learned that he
is not to be harmed in any way. and by
constant kindness in treatment soon comes
to know what is wanted for him, and is in
nearly every case gentle under the training.
Now that he has become used to the bit and
saddle, he is led about the track by an at
tendant day after day until the time comes
for mounting. Then boy is put upon his
back and he is ready for more advanced ex-
ercise. He is first walked over the track
then trotted and afterward galloped, the
pace gradually being increased as he shows
strength and power to take it. The first
real run of the foal is three-eighths stretch,
and then some idea Of his speed may be
gained. Like everything else, his temper
and work will greatly depend upon his early
training, and have found it an answering
l
! to bring olt all the best traits of the ami.
mails nature, and for kind attendant hs
will do his utmost upon the track"
"Are horses subject to any special treat
ment before entering a racer"
Eyes, to a certain extent. In many cases
as have already said, they are intensely
nervous and lose their appetites. This, t
? delicate and high strung animal, is mo-
! conducive to the best results on the track
They are dieted or drawn as it il called
but not SO much now as of old. Years bacl
the runner on the day before a race Wal
given very little to eat and only sip Of
. water, but at the present time they are al
lowed to have plenty of water and . mod
crate amount of feed. A strong, robust
horse will often eat all the time but in suci
, cases the amount of food given is closel,
, regulated according to his actual needs. s.
: you see the training of the racer ID = bust
ness which needs patience and care."-
Chicago Herald.