Mr. Editor:                                                                                                                                Natchez, Nov. 22, 1830

I have seen with pleasure, and I hope, some profit, the “instructions for training race horses,” given by “A Virginian,” in the 10^th No. of your Magazine; but I am very anxious to learn the best mode of treating, feeding, and exercising a horse, the day previous to, and also on the day of the race.

2dly, what is the best drink to offer a horse between heats? 3rdly, what is the best treatment for a horse, which has to run two races in quick succession?  4thly, whether it is best to train a horse with full weight on, or not?  An Old Turfman, Messrs. Singleton, Johnson, and Winn**, might give valuable information on this subject, and, by so doing, would confer a favour on all young trainers.

Yours, respectfully
A Mississippian

 

Answers.

1^st.  A horse should receive his exercise up to the evening* previous to the race; his water lessened the 12 o’clock previous; ¼ of his food the night before, with about ½ the quantity of water usually allowed; next morning (the day of the race) ½ the food, with ¼ the quantity of water; and at 11 o’clock one-third, which would be 1 quart.  Some trainers allow only 1 pint, and some few do not allow any at 11 o’clock.

2^nd. The best drink for horses, between heats, is Madeira wine and water, though whiskey is generally substituted for wine, owing the large quantity of French brandy in wines found on race fields.  1 pint, during the race, with the same of water, is sufficient.

3^rd. If his appetite is good give him shorter exercise, and quick.

4^th. The lightest weight that can manage the horse is certainly the best.

*Should be walked on the road; and on the morning of the race, let him be walked on the course a mile or two.

 

American Turf Register and Sporting Magazine 2, no. 7 (March 1831): 327.

[**These prominent sportsmen consist of turf writer Cadwallader Colden (“An Old Turfman); breeder Colonel Richard Singleton of South Carolina; Colonel William R. Johnson, the “Napoleon of the Turf,” or “Old Nap;” and General William Wynn of Virginia.—ATTimes Ed.]