Cauelarice, or The English horseman contayning all the arte of horse-manship, as much as is necessary for any man to vnderstand, whether he be horse-breeder, horse-ryder, horse-hunter, horse-runner, horse-ambler, horse-farrier, horse-keeper, coachman, smith, or sadler. Together, with the discouery of the subtill trade or mistery of horse-coursers, & an explanatio[n] of the excellency of a horses vndersta[n]ding, or how to teach them to doe trickes like Bankes his curtall: and that horses may be made to drawe drie-foot like a hound. Secrets before vnpublished, & now carefully set down for the profit of this whole nation: by Geruase Markham. Markham, Gervase, 1568?-1637. 1607 Approx. 1200 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 386 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2003-07 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A06903 STC 17334 ESTC S120787 99855980 99855980 21493 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A06903) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 21493) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 851:18) Cauelarice, or The English horseman contayning all the arte of horse-manship, as much as is necessary for any man to vnderstand, whether he be horse-breeder, horse-ryder, horse-hunter, horse-runner, horse-ambler, horse-farrier, horse-keeper, coachman, smith, or sadler. Together, with the discouery of the subtill trade or mistery of horse-coursers, & an explanatio[n] of the excellency of a horses vndersta[n]ding, or how to teach them to doe trickes like Bankes his curtall: and that horses may be made to drawe drie-foot like a hound. Secrets before vnpublished, & now carefully set down for the profit of this whole nation: by Geruase Markham. Markham, Gervase, 1568?-1637. [16], 88, [4], 212, 233-264, [4], 67, 58-72, [4], 54, [4], 56, [4], 64, [4], 11, 10-81, [5], 21, 25-40 p. : ill. (woodcuts) Printed [by Edward Allde and W. Jaggard] for Edward White, and are to be solde at his shop neare the little north doore of Saint Paules Church at the signe of the Gun, [London : 1607] Imprint from subsidiary title page; printers' names from STC. In eight books, each with separate dated title page and pagination; register is continuous throughout. Reproduction of the original in the British Library. 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Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Horsemanship -- Early works to 1800. 2002-06 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2002-07 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2002-08 Jennifer Kietzman Sampled and proofread 2003-03 Apex CoVantage Rekeyed and resubmitted 2003-04 Jennifer Kietzman Sampled and proofread 2003-04 Jennifer Kietzman Text and markup reviewed and edited 2003-06 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion CAVELARICE , Or The English Horseman : Contayning all the Arte of Horse-manship , as much as is necessary for any man to vnderstand , whether he be Horse-breeder , horse-ryder , horse-hunter , horse-runner , horse-ambler , horse-farrier , horse-keeper , Coachman , Smith , or Sadler . Together , with the discouery of the subtill trade or mistery of horse-coursers , & an explanatiō of the excellency of a horses vnderstāding , or how to teach them to doe trickes like Bankes his Curtall : And that horses may be made to drawe drie-foot like a Hound . Secrets before vnpublished , & now carefully set down for the profit of this whole Nation : By Geruase Markham . TO THE MOSTE HIGH and most mightie Prince , Henry eldest Sonne of our Soueraigne Lord the King , Prince of greate Brittain and Ireland , Duke of Cornwall , Lord of the Isles in Scotland , and Knight of the moste noble order of the Garter . IT is not out of ambition ( most excellent Prince ) to get vnto my selfe a more particular name , then the meanest Groome in your Highnesse Stable , which hath moued me to offer vnto your sacred handes , this poore volume of mine experience in this Arte , which euen from mine infancie I haue pursued so farre forth , as either mine abilitie or obscuritie had power to extēd it self . But because it hath pleased God through the glorie of your countenance to giue a new life to this Art , which not long agoe was so much neglected , that I thinke ( if it had beene possible for vertue , to haue receiued so greate a staine ) it would haue drawn neare to the danger of dispising ; so many vnfurnished stables , like vnpeopled townes , and so many worthie spirits ( ignorant in the noblest action ) beeing prophetique signes of following desolution , but by your highnesse fauours it is not repayred ( for that were but to pecce vp olderuines ) but there is ( as it were ) a new and an eternall foundation laid , which will continue til al the corners of the world be consumed : which as it hath inflamed mee to offer vp this tribute of my zeale and knowledge , so I wish it would likewise kindle some sparkes in others , who hauing attained the top and height of all best perfectiō , might leaue vnto the world some famous recordes of their worthie admirations ; and not by their neglect , suffer a deuine gift to perish with their naturall bodies , knowing that if either Xenophon , Russius , or Grison had beene so vncharitable , they should themselues with much more difficultie haue attained to that in which nowe they haue no equall ; and being by them manifested vnto the world , they shall not onely blesse and make happie posteritie , but also so acertaine vncertaine resolutions , that how euer the world shall boast eyther Spaine , France or Italie , yet it shall then be knowne , that they haue not brought foorth so good Horsemen as haue beene bred , and are now liuing in this Empire of great Brittaine , to whome albe the world may immagine I haue broken the way with too great bouldnesse , yet mine humble soule knowes , I haue doone it with such care and zeale , that they shall neither taske me for absurditie , or misaplycation , to which I will not be able eyther by arte or demonstration to giue an account or satisfaction ; holding it in my selfe a sin vnpardonable to offer to your gracious presence that which shall not taste both of true art , and true duetie : and how euer the first may be mistaken , yet the latter shall be so much vnblemished , that ( though a wor me ) yet my faith shall not be exceeded , but I will liue and dye your highnes Beades-man and vassaile . Geruase Markham . To the three greate Columbes of this Empire : the Nobilitie , the Gentrie , and Yeomanrie of greate Brittaine . NO sooner shal this worke of mine breake foorth into the world , but I know it will stirre vp manye thoughts in many persons : some wondring what new matter I haue to speake of , some fearing old repetitions , and some resting satisfyed in their opinions with that small treatise which I formerly published ; but to all these I knowe the worke it selfe will giue indifferēt satisfactiō , only touching that small treatise of horsemanship , which about foureteene yeres agone ( when myne experience was but youngly fortified ) I brought foorth into the world : giue mee leaue to deliuer you these few reasons . First it was not gathered for any publique viewe or benefit , but onely at the intreatie of a deare kinsman ( in those daies much inamored with delight in riding ) was as essayes or tastes collected for his priuate vse ; and that he might with lesse difficultie attaine the perfection at which he aymed . Next , beeing intended for him , who was well grounded in the arte before , I was lesse carefull to obserue those plaine rules of demonstration , then otherwaies I would haue beene , my thoughts not then plotting the benefit of any such as were ignorant , and so I must confesse I let passe the worke with more obscuritie & darknes then otherwise I shold haue done . Lastly a coppie thereof being corruptly taken , and couetouslye offered to the printing without my knowledge . I thought it as good my selfe to publish it with his naturall wants , as to let it come abroad by others with vilder deformities : and hence proceeded the appearance of my first Epitomie in the world ; which because it hath found fauour both amongst my friendes and strangers , and the better to satisfie them , who haue done me honour in giuing allowance to mine imperfect labours , I thought good to publish this larger volume , wherein I haue not only at full laid open al the obscurities & concealements which haue beene hidden both in it , and in other wrightings , but also made such an euen & dyrect pathe to lead the most ignorantest spirit , through the bowels & hart of this praise-worthy arte , that not any man whatsoeuer ( who will bestow the reading therof ) but shal in his greatest doubt touching any intricate proposition in Horsemanship , finde both reason & satisfaction , whether he be generall , as delighting in al things wherin the vse of horse is imployed , or particular as adicted to anye peculiar braunch or member : wherin as my labour & the expēce of my best houres , hath only tended to a publique good , so I desire my reward may not be either an especiall misconstruction , or a particular enuie ; & that as the strength of my wish hath been to help those which know nothing in this art , so it may be an attractiue perswasion to those which knowe much more then my selfe , to publish their skils , and so to make it a moste compleat art , till when let this booke & my loue be a true testimony of my zeale & seruice to my Countrie , whose flourishing estate and wealthy peace I pray may neuer end , til the last of al times be ended . G. M. A Table of all the Chapters contained in euery seuerall Booke through this whole volume . The Table of the first Booke . Chapters . 1 OF the breeding of Horses , and first touching the choice of grounds , their vses and seperations . 2 Of horses and mares , and of their diuers kinds . 3 Of the mixture of races , for which purpose each is best , and for the breeders commoditie . 4 Of the choice of Stallions and Mares , the knowledge of their age by diuers obseruations , and of the shapes . 5 How and at what time of the yeare horses and Mares should ingender : signes of a Mares desire , how many Mares for one Stallion , and how long hee shal continew with them . 6 Of couering Mares in the house , the dyeting of the Stallion , the time of the day for the act , and to know when she hath conceiued . 7 That Mares may bee made to conceiue either horse-foales or Mare-foales at pleasure , and of what colour the breeder will. 8 If Mares should before'd to take the Horse , and how to moue lust in horse and Mare , and how to abate it . 9 Which Mares should be couered , which not , & which shall not goe barraine . 10 The vse of Mares when they are with foale , and of the casting of Foales . 11 Helpe for a mare that is in danger in foaling & other secrets . 12 How to make a Mare cast her foale . 13 The vse of mares when they haue foaled : of the suckking of foales and other helpes . 14 The knowledge of a Horses shape , and how it is to be knowne when he is new foaled . 15 How horse-foales and Mare-foales grow , and how to knowe the continuance of their goodnes . 16 Of the weaning of Colts , of their ordering , and seperating according to their ages . 17 Of the gelding of Colts and Horses , the cause , the age , the time of the yeare , and manner . 18 When , and at what age to take vp Colts for the saddle , and of the first vse and haltring . 19 Of the cutting of Colts mouthes or tongues , and of the drawing of teeth to help the byt to lie in his true place . 20 Of the seperating of bad colts and mares from the good , and which shall maintaine the race still . The Table of the second Booke . Chapters . 1 OF the natures & dispositions of horses : how they are to be knowne by the collours of the horses , & other especiall markes . 2 The vse and benefit of the Chaine , Cauezan , Head-straine , Musrole and Martingale . 3 Howe to make a colt gentle , how to bring him to the blocke , and of the first bridle and Saddle . 4 Of helpes and corrections , and of the vses and seueral kindes thereof . 5 How to correct a horse that beareth his head or necke awrye , and of all vices belonging to the head . 6 How to correct a horse that doth ouer-reach or strike one foote vpon another . 7 How to correct the euil motions in a horse , which are shewed by the carriage of his head or eares , or other outward signes . 8 Corrections against restifenes , and the seuerall kindes thereof . 9 How to correct a horse that runneth away , and the cause of such euill . 10 How to corect a horse that will reare vpright , or come ouer with his ryder . 11 How to correct a horse that will lye downe in the water as he passeth thorow . 12 How to correct a horse that is skittish and fearefull and findeth many boggards . 13 How to correct a horse that is dull of spirit , and slouenly in his trott . 14 Of the treading of the large rings , and their vse . 15 Of stopping , retiring , aduancing , and the vses . 16 Of yarking behind , and the vse . 17 Of turning vpon both handes , and the seuerall kinds of turnes . 18 Of managing , and the seuerall kindes . 19 Of the passing of a Carrier . 20 When and how to bytt horses , and to make the heade constant . 21 Of bounding aloft , and the manner thereof . 22 Of the Coruet , Capriole , gallop galliard , and of going sidelong . 23 Of running at the ring , and the vse of the Launce . 24 Of the teaching of young schollers , and the ryding of a ridden horse to the best shew . The Table of the third Booke . Chapters . 1 OF hunting horses in generall , and of their chases . 2 The chusing of the hunting horse , & of his shape . 3 At what age horses should hunt , of their first taking from grasse , and of their housing . 4 Of the first fortnights diet , exercising , and dressing . 5 Of the ayring of hunting horses . 6 The second fortnights diet , and first hunting . 7 Of hunting bread , both ordinarie ( as for trayning of horses ) and extraordinarie for matches . 8 Of all manner of purgations or scowrings that are fit for hunting horses , and of their natures . 9 The third fortnights diet , and of sweating . 10 Why horses should haue their sweates after the dogs , and of their cloathing . 11 Of making a hunting match , the obseruations and aduauntages . 12 The dietting of a hunting horse for a match . 13 Of the ryding of a match , and of the aduauntages in ryding . 14 The Triers office and the aduantages he must obserue . 51 The office of the Groome , and helpes in rubbing of hunting horses . The Table of the fourth Booke . Chapters . 1 OF ambling ingenerall , and of the vse & commoditie . 2 Why foales amble from their dammes , and how to make them amble if they doe not . 3 How to teach a horse to amble by the helpe of a newe plowed field , and the faults therein . 4 Of making a horse amble from his gallop , or by ouer-ryding , 5 How to make horses amble by vse of weight . 6 Of making a horse amble out of hand . 7 Of making horses to amble with the help of the hand onely . 8 Of making horses to amble by the help of shoes only . 9 Of teaching horses to amble by the vse of the tramell . The Table of the fift Booke . Chapters . 1 HOw a stable shal be made , the seat and commodities . 2 Of a trauelling horses meate , and the seuerall kindes and vses . 3 Of the seuerall kindes of waters , which is best , and which is worst . 4 Of the dressing , combing , and currying of horses , and of their diet in the time of rest . 5 Of a horses labour or exercise , and how he shall be ordered when he is iourneyed : 6 Of sleeping , waking , fulnesse and emptinesse . 7 Of the soile or scowring horses with grasie , and of other foode : . 8 Of the passions which are in horses , & the loue which keepers should beare vnto them . 9 The office of the Coachman , and obseruations for his place . The Table for the sixt Booke . Chapters . 1 OF running horses ingenerall and their choyce . 2 How running horses shall bee first trayned vp and of their diet . 3 Of the making of a match , and the obseruations . 4 Of the seuerall kindes of ayrings , and foodes belonging to a running horse . 5 Of : he seuerall kindes of sweates , and of their vses , 6 Of the ordering and dieting a running horse for match or wager . 7 Obseruations to bee vsed and inconueniences which happen during the dietting of running horses . 8 Certaine helpes and rules for the ryder , and howe hee shall runne his match to the best aduanntage . 9 The office of the Sadler , & the shapes of his best commodities . 10 The office of the Smith touching the shoing of horses . The Table of the seuenth Booke . Chapters . 1 OF the composition of horses , and the qualitie of the things they are compounded of . 2 Of the Sinues Veynes , and Bones of a horse . 3 Of a horses vrine , and of his excrements . 4 Of letting of horses blood , the time , the cause & signes . 5 Of sicknesse in generall . 6 Of feuers and the diuers kinds thereof . 7 Of the pestilence or gargill . 8 Of the inwarde diseases of the heade , and first of the headach . 9 Of the frenzie or madnes in horses . 10 Of the sleeping euill or lethargie . 11 Of a horse that is taken . 12 Of the staggers . 13 Of the falling-euill or falling-sicknesse . 14 Of the Appoplexie or Palsie . 15 Of the Witch or night mare . 16 Of crampes or conuulsion of sinewes . 17 Of the pose or colde in the head . 18 Of diseases in the eies , & first of watrish eies 19 Of bloodshotten eies . 20 Of dimnes of sight , pin , web , pearls , or spots . 21 Of the Haw . 22 Of the lunatike or moone eies . 23 Of the canker , vlcer , or fistula in the eie . 24 Of diseases belōging to the eares , & first of laue ears or hanging eares . 25 Of the impostume in the eare . 26 Of the poll euill . 27 Of the Viues . 28 Of the cankerous vlcer in the nose : 29 Of bleeding at the nose : 30 Of diseases in the mouth , & first of the bloody riftes : 31 Of the bladders . 32 Of the lampas : 33 Of the canker in the mouth : 34 Of heate in the mouth : 35 Of the tung being hurt with the byt : 36 Of the pappes : 37 Of the paine in the teeth , and of the wolfes : 38 Of the cricke in the necke . 39 Of wennes in the necke . 40 Of swelling in the necke after blood-letting . 41 Of stenching of blood , whether it come by blood letting or by any wound receiued . 42 Of the falling of the crest . 43 Of Mangines or scabs within the maine . 44 Of shedding the haire from the maine or taile . 45 Of the swelling of the withers , either by pinching , or galling with an ill saddle . 46 Of the impostumations in a horses withers . 47 Of hard hornes , knobs , or sitfastes growing vnder the Saddle . 48 Of the nauell Gall. 49 Of the swaying of the backe . 50 Of the weakenes in the back . 51 Of hide bound . 52 Of the strangle . 53 Of the cough . 54 Of the inward and wet cough . 55 Of the frettized , broken , & rotten lungs . 56 Of the putrified or rotten lunges : 57 Of the shortnesse ofbreath or pursiuenes . 58 Of a consumption , and the seueral kinds . 59 Of griefe at the brest . 60 Of the Anticor . 61 Of tyred horses . 62 Of diseases vnder the midriffe . 63 Of the loathing of meate . 64 Of casting out drinke . 65 Of surfaits . 66 Of the hungrie euill . 67 Of the diseases os the liuer . 68 Of the consumption of the liuer . 69 Of diseases in the Gall. 70 Of diseases in the Spleene . 71 Of the yellowes . 72 Of the Dropsie . 73 Of the diseases in the Guts . 74 Of costiuenes or belly bound , 75 Of loosenes . 76 Of the bloody sluxe . 77 Of the bots or wormes , 78 Of paine in the kidnies . 79 Of pissing bloud . 80 Of the colt euill . 81 Of the matering of the yarde . 82 Of the shedding of seede . 83 Of the falling of the yarde , 84 Of the swelling of the cods or stones . 85 Of incording or bursting . 86 Of the botch in the griones . 87 Of the itch or manginesse in the taile . 88 Of pinching , splating , or wrinching the shoulder . 89 Of the swelling of the legs after labour . 90 Of foundring in the legs , 91 Of the splent or Serewe , 92 Of the Mallender or Sallender 93 Of an ouer-reach : or attaint vponthe sinew of the shanke , 94 Of an ouer-reach vpon the heele . 95 Of halting eyther before or behind . 96 Of being hipped . 97 Of being stis●ed . 98 Of the bone spauen . 99 Of the bloud spauen . 100 Of the Kurbe . 101 Of the paines . 102 Of kibd heeles . 103 Of windgalles . 104 Os wrinching the neithe ioint 105 Of the shakell gall . 106 Of the Scratches . 107 Of the Ring-bone , 108 Of the crowne scab . 109 Of hurts vpon the cronet of the hoofes . 110 Of the quitterbone 111 Of grauelling , 112 Of sarbatting . 113 Of a pricke in the soale of the foote . 114 Of retreate . 115 Of Cloying . 116 Of loosening the hoofe . 117 Of casting the hoofe . 118 Of hoofe bound . 119 Of the running frush . 120 Of the leprosie . 121 Of the Farcion . 122 Of the Canker . 123 Of the Fistula . 124 Of an Anbury . 125 Of woundes . 126 Of brusing or swellings . 127 Of sinewes cut or prickt . 128 Of woundes made with gun shot . 129 Of burning with lime . 130 Of the byting of a mad Dog. 131 Of being shrew runne . 132 Of the warble or felter worme . 133 Of being stung with adder or Snakes . 134 Of eating Hens dung . 135 How to kill lice . 136 To keep horses frō the stinging of flies . 137 The cure of broken bones . 138 Of the taking vp of veanes . 139 Of Glisters . 140 Of purgations . 141 Of calteryzing , and the vses . 142 Ceraine speciall receites for speciall purposes . The Table of the eight Booke . Chapters . 1 OF Horse corsers in generall . 2 The obseruations Horse-corsers vse in the choice of horses , and the deceits they vse in couering their saults . 3 Of the discouerie and preuention of the Horse coursers deceites . 4 Of the excellencie of Horses vnderstandings . 5 How a horse may bee taught to doe any tricke doone● by Bankes his Horse . 6 Of drawing drye-foote , and the aptnesse of Horses thereunto . The end of the Table . CAVELARICE . The first Booke : CHAP. 1. Of the breeding of Horses , and first touching the choice of groundes , their vses and seperations . HAuing resolued inwardly in my selfe ( euen to the vttermoste of my best powers ) to giue to euerie creature that shall reade these my labours , a full and vndoubted satisfaction touching anie scruple , misterie , or other Inigma , that hath hitherto beene concealed in this moste famous Art , making a plaine , euen and direct way , where there hath formerly beene much roughnes , some hilles , and many interchangeable turninges ; I thought it moste conuenient to begin with the Art of breeding of Horses ; which how euer it bee not so generally appertayning vnto all men , as the other members of the same Art in this volume following ; yet for as much as bringing fourth , must goe before the vse of the thing brought fourth , and that this Art of breeding is onely appertaining to Princes , Potentates , and men of best place and estimation , it must necessarily challenge the precedent place . Wherefore to you that are the owners of the earth , and desirous to inrich her and your selues , with Beastes of the greatest vse and vertue , I dyrect my discourse . Know then the first obseruation in breeding , is the knowledge of groundes , their natures , clymats , fertilnesse or barrennes . The second , the distinguishment of Horses and Mares according to their breedes , or proportiōs : coupling each kinde together , in such sort as may bee moste commodious for that purpose to which you intende . And the last the disposing and vsing them , being brought foorth both in their foleage , best strength , and old age . For your grounds , I am of opinion with Zenophon and Grison , that you must principally , respect both the quantitie and qualitie : the one for surcharging , the other for too grosse feeding : the quantitie , that your Mares and Colts may not bee throng'd vp , and as it were kept in a pin-folde , wanting libertie to scope and runne vp and downe at pleasure ( then which there is nothing more commodious ) and the qualitie which is the scituation & fertilnes of the soyle : For the scituation , it would be ascending with hilles & dales , & those hilles open vppon the fresh ayre : if the plaines be full of Moale-hills it is much better : For the fertilnes , it wold be a ground neither exceeding ranke , nor extreame barreine , but of an indifferent mixture , rather inclyning to barrennes ; then much rancknes , apportioning to the fruitfulnesse of the ground : the number of your Mares in such sort that they may neither want foode nor surfett with too great aboundance , neither grow so exceeding fat that they be either disabled for bringing foorth , or indangered with rotting ) which onelie springs frō such grossenes ( nor brought so weak with want of foode that they neither take delight in generation , or for lacke of strength die with hunger-bane : an indifferent meane must therefore be obserued , which must be applyed according to the nature of the groūd ; obseruing this order , eyther to increase or diminish the number of your race-mares , as you perceiue them eyther growe fatte or leane in the place of their abyding . Some are of opiniō , that as much ground as will serue a Cowe , will serue a Race-mare , and I am not much opposite to that opinion , onelie I holde it a proportion som what with the moste ; for I haue found in mine owne expe●ēce , that the ground which wold summer but eigh● Kine well , hath sommer●d a douzen Race mares very sufficiently ; but for as much as euerie countrie , nay almoste euerie Lordship differeth one from another , eyther in fruitfulnes , or barrennes ; there cannot be appo●ioned any certaine number or stint to euerie ground , but it must bee referred to the iudgement of the owner , either to increase or decrease his stocke , according as they either prosper or decay . Groūds that be rancke , marrish , cold & wet , are most vilde to breede vpon , for the foode being vnwholsom , the layre vnnaturall , and the treading incertaine ; the foales that are bred thereon , are heauie , slowe , fat headed , great bellyed , round leggd , and weake ioynted , chieflie in the pasterne : your ground therefore ( as before I saide ) must lie hye and firme , and such commonly are the Parkes of Princes , and great Persons , whose imployments in my conceite are moste fitte for this purpose , mixing with the delight of Deare , the delightful benefit of a braue race of Horses , in which euen Kinges of the best memories haue taken vnspeakable pleasures : whosoeuer therefore hath eyther Parke or impal'd ground ( for a lesse fence will hardlie serue a good race ) which hee purposeth to this vse of breeding , must first know that he must not keepe it as one entyre ground , but with a sufficient rayle of so conuenient a height as may controle a Horses leaping : deuide it into three seuerall pastures : the first containing the Launde or plainest part of the Parke , where there is least shelter , water furrowes , or drye ditches , which must bee for your Mares to foale in ; and after their foaling , for the stallyon and the Mares to runne together in : in which it shall be good if there be no other water more then some sayre fresh Pond . Now the reasons for all these choyces are these : first , that it should bee plaine and without shelter , because a Foale at the first foaling would haue all the bitternesse and sharpenesse that the latter end of the Winter can put vppon it , which will so harden and knitte him , that when the warmth of the Spring and Summer shall beginne , he will prosper more in one weeke then another contray-vsed in a Month : and when the Winter shal come vppon him againe , he shall holde both his flesh and courage , when others shall hardly hold life in their bodies : this being a rule amongst all good breeders , that euerie Foale should haue two Winters in the first yeare . Next , that there should be no water furrowes nor drye ditches , is because a Mare out of her owne disposition euer couetteth to foale in the water , or so nere as she cā get : by which meanes , I haue knowne many foales drowned . And againe , in that a Mare commonly foaleth standing , she lesse respecteth where she foaleth , whether in the water , by a ditch side , or other where . The next pasture you are to diuide , would consist partly of good ground , partly of bushes , brouse , and some hie or thick trees for shelter ; it would be ascending , and that ascent plaine and open vpon the ayre ; Moale-hills , small gutters , & vncertain treading is verie good in this ground : Also if some fresh riuer , or rundle issuing from a cleare spring , runne through this ground , it is much the better . And in this ground you shall sommer your Mares and Foales as soone as the Stallion is taken away : the reasons for the former choyses are these ; first , it must be good ground , because it may make your Mares spring with milke : next for bushes and brouse , it is that a Foale taketh great delight in , and makes them hard . The shelter of trees is to defend the heate of the Sun , & the stinging of Flies . To be mountainous & plaine , is that a Foale may by the sharpnesse of the ayre euery morning and euening , recouer stomacke , strength , and liuelihood , or by scoping or galloping vp and downe the hill , come to a purenes of winde , and a nimblenes of bodie . For Moale-hils , smal gutters , or other vncertaine treading , they are to bring a Foale by his wanton gallopping and playing about them , to a nimblenesse and truth of footmanship , to a fine treading , and a suretie of not stumbling . That the water should bee either fresh riuer or spring , is because the puritie thereof ingendreth no euill nutriment or grosnesse , but rather sprightinesse and quicknesse . The third or last ground wherin I would haue you winter your mares & Foales , would bee of reasonable fruitefulnes , & free from al enundation or ouerflow of waters : it would be also vpon the knole of an hill , and if conueniently it may be , full of trees or bushes for shelter . On the top of the hil , I would haue you build certaine crosse houells of stone or other close stuffe , ouer which you may stack your Hay , Oates , or other winter prouision : the quantitie whereof you must measure according to the number of your Mares & Foales . The opēsides of your houells , I would wish to lye East & west , the closse endes north & south , insomuch that in what quarter so euer the winde or wether standeth , they may haue warmth & shelter from the same . Within these houels I wold haue rackes wherein to put the Hay or Oates in the strawe , which will not onelie sau●much from losse & spoyling , but also increase the appetite of a Foale by labouring at the same . I would also haue vnder the rackes , maūgers ; in which you may cast the ouerchauinges of Wheate , Barley , or otherwhite corne , but by no meanes any Pease pulse , for it ingendreth many foule diseases ; as the gargill , strangle , mawe worme & such like : It shal be also good to cast in the maunger that which Horse-men call garbadge , which is wheate straw and the eares , chopt small together , with a fine cutting-knife , for it rayseth the crest , and makes it hie , strong , firme and thin . Now for those great Princes , who are the owners of many Parkes , many wasts , and many large contynents ; they may ( if it seeme good in their eyes ) make these three seuerall grounds , three seuerall Parkes , multiplying their stockes as it hath pleased God to multiply their possessions ; but for him that hath but one Parke , or one peece of ground , fit for this purpose , the course I haue formerly prescribed , I hold most Husbandly for his profit , and the goodnes of the Beast he intends to breede . As for the Yeoman or Husbandman , who neither haue choice of perticular grounds , nor meanes to breed after any exact method , as hauing but onely the benefit of the common fieldes ; yet both for his profit & credits sake desireth to breed a good Horse , To him I can but set downe these few rules : First to foresee that his Mare be of good shape & mettall : next that he put vnto her so good a Horse as either his credit or abilitie can procure : Next , that after his Mare hath foaled , hee keepe her in the teather , shifting her foure or fiue times in a day vnto fresh grasse which wil be a sufficient meanes to preserue the Mares milke , al be she labor and worke much . Next , that she may be teathered so neare as may be vnto corne lands , that whilst the Mare feedeth , the Foale may at its pleasure crop & eate the green blades of Corne , which wil scowre & make the foale grow : & when the Corne is of better ripenes , then it may crop the eares of Corne also , especiallie wheate , which wil bring vnto the Foale such strength , full groath & liuelines , that he will sauor of that seasoning all his life after , so that in the winter he be not brought vnto too great a weakenes ; which to auoide , I would haue the Husbandman euer to winter his Foale in the house , giuing it good store of Chaffe , light Corne , & such like : but in any case neither Pease nor Pease pulse , till March be past at the soonest . And thus much touching the vse of groundesand their diuisions . CHAP. 2. Of Horses and Mares , and of their diuers kinds . FOr mee to enter into as friuolous and idle a discourse of the kindes of Horses and their coulers , as Conradus Gesner hath , filling leaues with names scarce heard of , at least neuer experienced in any of our climates , some being more vgly then prodigies , and some more strange then euen vntruth it selfe can imagin , were to distast the most worthy eares , and make my selfe a second Trumpet of other mens falshoods : but forasmuch as mine ambition is to satissie the world with truths , & not to amaze mē with miracles , I will onely deliuer the kinds and generations of such Horses as I haue approued and knowne within mine owne experience . And first of all , for as much as I know almost all English men , whether out of the inconstancie of their natures ( which is euer most delighted with new sangled nouelties ) or out of the bashfulnesse of their modesties , are euer apt to giue precedencie and prioritie of place to strangers , strange creatures , and strange fashions : yet for as much as I haue formerly , and do dayly find in mine experience , that the vertue , goodnesse , boldnesse , swiftnesse , and indurance of our true bred English Horses , is equall with anie race of Horses whatsoeuer : I will first of all begin with him , and his discription . Some former writers , whether out of want of experience , or to flatter nouelties , or else collecting their workes from others writings , in which not finding the English horse named , they haue thereupon concluded that the English horse is a great strong Iade , deepe ribbed , side-bellied , with strong legges , and good hoofes , yet fitter for the cart thē either the Saddle or any worthy imployment . How false this is , all English Horsmen knowe , and my selfe dare boldly iustifie : for the true English Horse indeed , him I meane that is bred vnder a good clime , on firme ground , and in a pure and temperate ayre , is of tall stature , and large proportion : his head , though not so fine as either the Barbaries , or Turkes , yet is it leane , long , and well fashioned : his crest is hie , only subiect to thicknesse if he be ston'd ; but if he be gelded , then is it thin , firme , & strong : his chyne is straight and broad , and all his lims large , leane , flat , and excellently ioynted , in theym exceeding any Horse of what Countrey soeuer . Now for their inward goodnesse ; first for their valure and indurance in the warres , I haue seene them suffer and execute as much and more then euer I noted in any other of forraine creation : I haue heard it reported , that at the Massacre in Paris , Mongomerie taking an English Mare , first in the night swam ouer the riuer of Seine , and after ranne her so many leagues , as I feare to nominate , least misconstruction might taxe me of too lauish report . And I haue heard Master Romano say , the most induring beast that euer he rid , was an English Mare . Againe , for swiftnesse , what Nation hath brought foorth that Horse which hath exceeded the English ? for proofe whereof wee haue this example : when the best Barbaries that euer were in my remembrance were in their prime , I sawe them ouer-runne by a blacke Hobbie at Salisburie of maister Carltons , and yet that Hobby was more ouer runne by a horse of maister Blackstones called Valentine , which Valentine neither in hunting nor running , was euer equalled , yet was a plaine bredde English Horse both by Syre and Damme : to deseend to our instāt time , what eu● I men may report or imagine , yet I see no shape which can perswade mee that Puppie is any other then an English Horse : and truly for running , I holde him peerlesse . Againe , for infinite labour , and long indurance , which is easiest to bee descerned in our English hunting matches , I haue not seene any horse able to compare with the English horse , so that I conclude , the English horse is of tollerable shape , strong , valiant , swift and durable . Next to the English Horse , I place the Courser of Naples , which is a horse of a strong & comely fashion , of great goodnesse , louing disposition , and of an infinite couragiousnesse : his limbs , and generall features are so strong and well knit together , that he hath euer beene reputed the onely beast for the warres , beeing naturally free from feare or cowardise : the best carracter to knowe him by , is his heade , which beeing long , leane , and verie slender , doth from the eyes to the nose bend like a Hawkes beake : he hath a great and a full eye , a sharpe eare , and a straight legge , which in an ouer-curious eye might appeare a little too slender , which is all the fault , curiositie it selfe can finde . They bee naturally of a loftie pace , they bee louing to their rider , easie to bee taught , most strong in their exercise ; and to conclude , so good in all poynts , that no forraine race hath euer borne a tytle of so much excellencie . The Horses of the Iles of Sardinia , and Corsica , are the nearest of all other horses to the Courser of Naples , onely they bee somewhat shorter bodied , and of somewhat a more fierce and fierie nature , but that by the temperance of a good Rider is casie to be qualified , and conuerted to an excellent vertue . Gesner amongst his other absurdities , saith they bee exceeding little horses , whereas indeed they carry proportion with horses of the best stature . Next these , the Turkie horse is an excellent beast ; I doe not meane those horses which haue beene bred in the Turks first dominions , as in the vpper parts of Scithia , Tartaria , Parthia , Medea , Armenia , Capadocia , & other his Asian countries , albe if we wil beleeue the report of old writers , each of these Countries haue seuerall good races , as Sithia and Tartaria for greatnesse of bodie : Parthia , for limbe and courage : Media , for beautie and comelinesse of shape : Armenia , and Capadocia , for heauinesse of head , and strength of body , with many other such like descriptions : but sith for mine owne part . I haue neuer found grosser vntruthes , ( I speake for horse-manshippe onelye ) then in the recordes of these olde Writers ; and for-as-much as mine experience ( and as I thinke the eye of our Nation ) hath had little dealing with Horses of these Countries , I will omit thē , & referre the curious , who only delight in nouelties , to reade Absirtus , Vegetius , Gesner , and such like , who may happily please their eares , but neuer better their experience ; and for mine owne part I will write of the horse of Greece , which for as much as it is now vnder the Turkes gouernment , the Horses that come from thence are called of vs Turkes ; of which I haue seene diuers , ridden some , and knowne them bred vppon in many parts of England : but first to report what others write of the Horses of Greece : One saith they haue good legges , great bodies , comely heades , hie of stature , and well made forward , but not backeward , because they are pinne buttockt : they bee verie swift , and of exceeding great courage . Now another saith , they be foule , ill shaped , rough ouer all their bodies , great shoulders , ill dispositions , Camell-backt , vnsure pac'd and crook'd legged . Now how these contrarie descriptiōs can agree I vnderstand not , only they say the better horse is of Thessalie , the other of Thracia ; but for mine owne part , touching those Turks which I haue seene , all which haue beene said to come from Constantinople , which is a part of Thrace ; they haue beene Horses of most delicate shape , pace , and mettall : they haue not beene of any monstrous greatnesse , but inclining to a middle size , or indifferencie of height ; they are finely headed almost as the Barbary ; they haue most excellent forehandes , both for length , depth , and proportion ; their limbs are straight , yet rather small then great ; their hoofes are long and narrow ( a great signe of swiftnesse ) their coats are smooth and short , and all their members of sutable qualitie ; they are of great courage & swiftnesse , for I haue seene them vsed at our English Bell-courses . Naturally they desire to amble ; and which is most strange , their trot is full of pride and gracefulnesse . Next the Turk , I place the Barbarie , which are horses bred , either in one of the two Mauritanias , or in Numidia , or the lesser Affrick : they are beyond all horses whatsoeuer for delicacie of shape and proportion , insomuch that the most curious painter cannot with all his Art amend their naturall lineaments . They are to be knowne before all horses by the finenesse of their proportions , especially their heades and necks , which Nature hath so well shap'd , and plac'd , that they commonly saue Art his greatest labour : they are swift beyond other forraigne horses , and to that vse in England we onely imploy them ; yet are their races onely vpon hard grounds , for in soft or deepe grounds , they haue neither strength , nor delight : they are exceeding well winded , which breedes in them a continuance of their swiftnesse : Their colours for the most part are gray , or flea-bitten . I haue seene blacke and bay , but not so generally ; they seldome or neuer founder ; they aske lesse care then others in keeping , beeing both of such temperate diet , and such abilitie of body , that they seldom surfeit , onely they are ( especially such as I haue seene ) of such little and slender stature , that they are vnfit for the warres , or to support armes . Next these horses of Barbarie , I place the Iennet of Spain , which albe Gesner in his ignorant discriptions reports to be a horse of great stature , buttockes short , weake , and vncomely ; of bodie fat and bigge , slow , and cruell to his rider ; yet those which better know by their experience then he by his readings , And for my selfe , both those I haue seene here in England , and also those I haue seene in Spaine , and other places of the King of Spains dominiōs , assure me of the vntruth of such writings . For the Iennet Indeed is a horse but of a middle stature ; finely made , both head , bodie , and legges ; his buttocks though they be long , yet are they well shap'd and strong : but whereas some write they doe exceede al horses in swiftnes , or for that Old wines tale of breeding with the west wind , and ouer-running all winds , I haue in them as little beleefe , as there is in such tales little possibilltie : onely this I thinke , that the Ienes being a horse of great mettall and courage , and therewithall of nimble , light , and actiue proportion , may passe a carrere , that is , runne some twelue or twentie score , with great puissance & swiftnesse ; but for running our English courses , which commonly are three or foure miles , we haue not seene any such vertue or goodnesse in them : their limbs , for the most part , are weake and slender ; yet in the warres they are esteemed to be of wonderfull prowesse , and indurance ; they are cōmonly full six yeares old or more , before they come to any perfection of shape , for they grow one yeare before , and another behind . And the last thing which is complete in them , is their crests , they are many of them naturally giuen to bound , & to performe salu●s ; aboue ground ; but by reason of their weake lymbs , they continue not long without lamenesse ; their trot is somewhat long and waueing : but if at any time they be put to amble , they it take naturally . Next this I place the Polander , or horse of Poland , which is a beast but of a middle stature , well composed and knit togither , their limbs and ioynts are exceeding strong in all proportions , like to our true bred English horses ; their heades are somewhat fine and slender , verie like in proportion to the Irish Hobbie : their necks & crests are well raised vpright , and exceeding strong ; their eares are little and extraordinarily short : they haue exceeding strong backs , broade chines , and the best hoofes of any horse liuing , which is the reason that they are many times trained vp , & made stirrers , as being horses which take an especial delight in bounding , yarking , and other strong saults aboue ground , which most cōmonly they do with such couragious violence & smartnes , that they haue been seene many times to throw their shooes frō their fect , with an almost incredible furie ; they are also exceeding good in trauell , and will indure iourneying beyond many other horses ; they are also exceeding good in the coach , & as some of our English Nobilitie haue experience , equall or beyond most of the best Flemmish races ; onely their generall fault is their littlenesse of stature . Next the Pollander I place the high Almaine horse who is generally of an exceeding great and high stature . And albe he haue neither neatnesse nor finenes in his shape , yet is there great strength in all his proportions ; so that howsoeuer other men esteeme him for the shorke or the manage , yet I account him best for draught , or burthen ; they are much vsed in the warres , but I thinke like their Country-men , rather for a wall or defence , then either for assault or action ; they are great , slow , and hard trotters . Next them is the Hungarian horse , who hath a great flat face , crooked nose , and thick head , great eies , narrow nostrils , and broad iawes ; his maine rough , thicke , & almost extending to the grounde , a bushe tayle , weake pasternes , and a leane bodie : generally , his deformities are so well coupled together , that they appeare comely ; hee is of a temperate courage , and will abide much hardnesse , by reason whereof they are of much vse in the warres . Next the Hungarian , I recken the Flemming , who in most of his shapes differeth little from the Almaine : His stature is tall , his heade shorte and thicke ; his bodie long and deepe , his buttocke round and flat , his legges bigge and rough , and his pace a short & hard tro : : the principall vertue both of the Horses and Mares , is in the draught , in which they exceede all other horses , otherwise for the Saddle they are both vneasie & slothfull ; the Mares are tall , large and wondrous fruitfull . Next these , I place the Friesland horse , whose shape is like the Flemmings , but not full so tall ; he is of a more fierce & hot courage then the Flemming , which makes him a little better for seruice , as being able to passe a short carreire , to manage , beat a coruet and such like : but for his inward disposition , it is diuelish , cruell , and ful of al stubborne frowardnesse ; they are apt to all restiffe and malicious qualities , if the discretion of the ryder preuent not their frenzie ; their pace is a short and hard trot . Next them I place the Sweathland horse , who is a horse of little stature , lesser good shape , but least vertue ; they are for the most part pied , with white legges , and wall eyes : they want strength for the warres , and courage for iourneying ; so that I conclude , they are better to looke vpon then imploy . Next and last , I place the Irish Hobbie , which is a horse of a reasonable good shape , hauing a fine head , a strong necke , and a well cast bodie ; they haue quicke eyes , good limbs , and tollerable buttocks : of all horses they are the surest of foote , and nimblest in daungerous passages , they are of liuely courage , & very tough in trauell , onely they are much subiect to affrights and boggards . They will hardly in any seruice ioyne with their enemies , the reason I imagine to bee these : first , they are for the moste part bredde in wilde races , and haue neyther communitie or fellowshippe with any man till they come to the Saddle , which many times is not till they come to seauen , eight , nine , or ten yeares olde , at what time the countrie rysing , doe forciblie driue the whole studd , both Horses , Mares , Colts , and Fyllies into some bogge , where being layde fast , they halter such as they please to take , and let the rest goe . This wilde bringing vp , and this rude manner of handling , doth in my conceite ingender this fearefulnesse in the Beast , which those ruder people know not how to amend . This Horse though he trot very wel , yet he naturallie desireth to amble : and thus much I thinke sufficient , touching these seuerall kindes of Horses , and their generations . CHAP. 3. Of the mixture of these former races , for which purpose each is best , and for the breeders commoditie . HAuing in the former Chapter , declared the kindes , Generations , shapes and dispositions of all such Horses , as eyther our nation hath been acquainted withall , or my selfe hath tryd in mine owne experience , it shall bee meete that now I mixe these races together , showing which will agree best with our clymate , for what purpose , and howe they bring the best commoditie . First , for the agreeing with our clymate , it is not vnknowne to all Horse-men and men either of greatnesse or experience , that al those races , of which I haue written , haue beene , and are daylie bred in this kingdome , and that of so great vigor , worth and goodnes , that euen their owne nations haue not brought fourth anie of better estimation , as by infinit instances I can approue were it not both teadious and needelesse . Wherefore for me to enter into a Phylosophycall discourse touching the height of the Sunne , the disposition of the ayre , or the alteration of heats and coldes , drawing from their effects the causes or hindrances of conception , were to trouble my felfe to no purpose , and to tyer others with idle ceremonies . But for as much , as diuers men compose their breeds to diuers purposes ; some for the wars , seruice or pleasures of great Princes : some for swiftnesse in running , or toughnes in hunting : some for easinesse of pace , and the vse of trauell ; some for the draught and the portage of great burthens . I will as plainelye as I can , show how each race should become pounded . First , if you couet a race for the warres , or the seruice of Kinges , the Neapolitan courser is of all Stallions the best , to whome I would haue ioyned the sayrest English Mares that can be gotten . The next to him is the Turke , who would bee mixt with the Neapolitan Mare , whence springes a braue race ▪ next him , the Horse of Sardinia or Corscica , who begettes a braue race from the Turkie Mare : lastly the Iennet of Spaine , breeding vpon the fayrest Flaunders Mares . To conclude , any of these Horses vppon faire English Mares , beget much brauer Horses then of their owne kindes , and fayre English Horses vppon any of these countrie Mares , doe begette moste seruiceable beasts : but if you will breede onelie for swiftnesse , then the Barbarie Horse is onelye best ; breeding eyther vppon a Mare of his owne countrie , vppon Turkie Mare or English : the Turkie Horse vpon the English Mare likewise doth beget a swift beast : But if you would breede onelie a tough hunting Horse , there is none better , ( as by daylie experience we finde ) then the fayre bred English Horse , and the English Mare , but if you would breede , easie ambling Horses for trauell and the vse of Iourneying , there is none better then the Turke , or Irish Hobbie : so they be mixed with either English ambling Mares , or bastard Mares of their owne cuntrie , that likewise amble perfectlie . I haue seene many ambling Horses bredde from Ienets of Spaine , yet by reason of his slendernesse of limbes , and length of pasternes , I esteemed him not altogether so good as the two former . Now lastlye , if you would breede Horses for the draught , as eyther for Coach or Cart , or Horses for the portage of great burthens : as eyther for Sumpter or Packe man , the Flaunders , Friesland , or Almaine Horse are your best stallyons , the Flaunders or Friesland , for the Coach or Cart , and the Almaine for the burthen , and for eyther of these purposes the Mares are in all parts as seruiceable as the Horses , according to our present experience in England at this instant . Now you are to vnderstand , that as all these Horses in their seuerall fore named vses , are most best , so likewise their colts thus begottē ( which of some Horse-men is called bastardie ) are likewise excellent Stallyons . For mine owne part , I wold to chuse breede sooner of a Bastard Courser , bastard Ienet , Turke , or Barbary , then of the naturall Horse of the owne countrie ; and my reason is , by their mixture with our Mares , all the imperfections of their owne Countries are amended ; as in the Courser , his length of head , and want of crest , which many times is imperfect . In the Ienet , his weakenes of ioyntes : and in the Turke and Barbarie , their slendernes of limbes : the Flaunders and Friesland which are so extreame rough and hayrie about their pasterns , that the best keepers cannot preserue them from scratches , paines and Mallanders , are by mixture with our Mares brought to a cleane race of sufficient tollerable limbes , so as they neede not be kept , but will keepe themselues from sor●ances : they also by mixing with our Mares , haue their heads much amended ; & their hoofes infinitely much better hardned , which of all the partes of those countrie horses , is the worst , & of least indurance : all which me thinks when a perfect iudgement shall take into his consideration , it shall appeare great honor to our nation , and much shame to them who haue wrongd it with former misreportings : and thus much for the mixing of races . CHAP. 4. Of the choyce of Stallions and Mares : the knowledge of their ages by diuers obseruations , and of their shapes . FOr as much as euery thing is made moste perfect , sufficient , and of longest continuanee , by the strength and surety of his first ground work or foundation , which indeede is the chiefe maister-peece of all that growes frō that beginning : I therfore aduise al those worthy ones , who wil be the breeders of the best Horses , to haue an especiall care to the first choice & creatiō of their studd , sith if in the beginning , there be either insufficiēcie or blemish , it is most likely such staines will by continuance , grow to bee more & more vilde & vgly , & in this circūspection , there is nothing of more importance , then the well chusing of your Stallyons and Mares , sith they are the liuing bodies , from whence you are to deriue both your delight and profit ; he therefore , that will chuse a perfect Stallion ( saith one writer ) must respect his beautie , goodnes , and age . Another saith , shape , colour , merrit , and beautie ; which indeede is all one with the former , and I holde them principall obseruations , but I would likewise haue added vnto them , his descent and generation : for albe , a Clowne may beget a beautifull Son , yet shall he neuer begette an Heroy●call spirrit , but it will euer haue some touch of basenesse : and an ill bred Horse may beget a Colt , which may haue saire colour & shape , which we cal beauty . Toughnes , which we cal goodnes , & youth , which is few yeares , yet stil his inward parts may retaine a secret vildnes of disposition , which may be insufferable in breeding . Now for his beauty , which only is cōtained in his colour & shape , al be I haue in the next book writ sufficiētly touching thē too , yet I wil here a little glaunce at them , by cōparing with thē the opinions of some other writers . First , for the opiniō of Gesner , which mearely is no good opiniō at al in horse-māship , but a collection of idle tales : hee saies the best colours are bay , white , carnatiō , golden russet , mouse colour , fleabittē , pide black & pale , pide blew & gray ; had he put in also orēgtawny , willow colour , & such like , al the world could not haue gone beyōd him , neither shold the Spaniards nor Italians haue need to haue dyed their horses maines & tailes , if horses could haue bin bred of such colors . But to let passe such friuolous notes , the best colour for a stalliō , is browne bay dapled , daple gray , bright bay , or white lyard : the roane , the pure black , with white starre , white foote , or white rach , or the black bay , which hath neither mealy mouth , norred flank , is also sufferable . A stalliō wold be al of one colour , yet not according to the opinion of Gesner , his main & body of one colour , for that is most vilde : for a bright bay horse would haue a black mayne & taile , & black out partes , as the tips of his eares , legs , & such like : a dapple gray , would haue white mayne & taile , & so foorth of the rest : but I would not haue a pide stallion , except it be for him , who esteeming more the strāgenes of colours , thē the goodnesse of horses : places his delight in motleye generations : to such an one a pide Stallion is best : and of pides , the blacke and white , & bright bay & white are most choice : & not blew , carnatiō or goldē pide . For his shape in general , I refer you to the next book , where I haue not as I hope omitted , the least tittle in preportions ; onely for some particular things , which are to be most respected in a stalliō , then in any other horse , I wil giue my opinion . First , for his head , it must be leane , slēder & smal about his mussell , at the setting on of his head to his necke you must haue an especiall regard that his necke swell not vp about his chaules , or that the kirnells which run betwixt his necke and his chaule bee thicke or big , for it is a great signe of sloath , and thicknesse of winde , which is a great fault in the Stallion , especiallye if his maister expect to breede frō him either running horse , hunting horse , or good traueller : neither must hee haue wall eyes , or white spects in his eyes : you must haue care that your stallions yarde be al of one colour , & not pide or spotted : for what stalliō hath such a falr , begetteth weake foales , or for the most part of flegmatick cōplexions , which are sildome good , either for vse or hardnes ; his stones wold be of a meane size , without warts or knobs , wel trussed vp , & close to his body , for if either they hāg side , or one hang lower thē another , it is a signe of surfer , sicknes , or dulnes of Spirit . If your stallion haue vnder his chappes , long thin haires like a beard , which also extend downward euen to his brest , It is much better , and a great signe of swiftnes . Also , you must take care that your Stallion bee free from all natural diseases : as excressions , which are splents , Spauens , Serew , ringbones , Curbes , or such like ; If they put foorth , or appeare before a Horse come to handling : or if he be subiect to lunaticke eyes , or to wenns on his body , or such like . And thus much for his shape . Now for his goodnes , t is true , as some write , that it is of two sortes , eyther naturall or artificiall ; his naturall goodnes consisting in his strength and abilitie of bodye , for the performance of the Arte of generation , in his health , agilitie , swiftnesse , and good disposition . His artificial , in the manner of showing his naturall vertues , which is alwaies the best descerned vnder his rider : but in as much , as that artificiall grace doth little auaile in generation , it shall bee the breeders principall office to take especiall knowledge of his naturall perfections , which if hee shall finde answerable to my former demonstrations , he may presume vppon his fitnes for that purpose : and yet I would not haue you so seriously to regard his naturall goodnesse , that you vtterlie neglect his artificiall : but rather if you shall beholde a Horse vnder the ryder of infinit spirit and indurance , or of wonderfull speede , pride , and statelines , that albe there be some thinges in him you could wish amended , yet to beare with them , and breede vppon him , for the benefit of his other vertues . Now forasmuch as some , whether out of curiositie to appeare excellent in the knowledge of supernaturall things , or to giue a satisfaction to such as out of their too much search , would become Horse-midwiues ; haue set downe as an especiall regarde in the naturall goodnesse of a Stallyon , to knowe the goodnesse or illnesse of the Horses seede , which experience ( for mine owne part ) I haue euer shunned as a thing loathsome , vngentill , vnnaturall , and moste vnmanlye ; yet , for as much as in this worke , I couet to satisfie euerie seuerall desire ; I will set downe what others thinke touching that poynt , and not what I haue approoued ; leauing the triall to such as out of their flemye womanishnesse seeke for such secrets . One Writer saith , that if you will know the goodnesse of your horses seede , you shall when he couers a Mare , cause him to shed some of his seede into water , and if it sinke it is good , if it float aloft it is naught : another saith , if you take the seede of the Horse into wooll , or betweene your finger and your thumbe , and if it rope and be slimie like birdlime , then it is good : but if it be thinne and loose like whey , then it is naught : with other such like midwifely precepts , which I wish euery good breeder rather to hazard , then proue the experiment . Now for the age of your Stallion , though Plinie be of opinion , that a Horse may bee put to a Mare at two yeares olde , and continue getting Foales till he be thirtie three yeares olde : yet for mine owne part I like neither the beginning nor the ending , hauing in them both too much extremitie ; for the beginning is too early , and the continuance too long to prosper : the best age therefore in these dayes ( how euer it hath bin in former ages ) for to put a Horse to a Mare , is when he is betwixt foure and fiue yeares olde , at what time he getteth the goodliest , greatest , & best spirited colts . In Spaine I haue heard the Spaniards say , they let their Colts runne with their Mares , till they couer their Dammes : & indeed I haue seene very yong Horses in some of their Iland races ; but I vtterly dislike such breeding , for it is vild and vnnaturall : for as Plinie reports , a Horse being hoodwinkt whilest he coured a Mare , after perceiuing it was his owne Damme , ranne vp to the rocks , and brake his owne necke : and also that a Mare in the territorie of Realte , kild her keeper for the like ; which reports albe they carry not the fairest liuries of truth , yet are they precedents vnto vs that such māner of breeding is not by former hors-men alowed of : and this in mine own experience I haue both found and know , that if a man will continue his breede altogether in one straine , without any alteration or strangenesse , shall in the ende finde his studd to decay and loose both stature , strength and comelines , which doth intimate to mee , that there is a great dislike in such kinde of breeding . Let your Horse therefore ( as before I said ) be of the age offoure or fiue yeares olde , or betwixt that age , and fourteene or fifteene at the most ; for after that time he is past the vse of generation , except he be some principall rare horse , as some I haue seene , that haue gotten verie sufficient Foales at eighteene and twentie yeares olde , clearely disproouing the opinion of Gesner , which saith , that olde Horses get lame Foales , a thing both false and ridiculous , except he account the hollownesse of the eyes , or sadnesse of countenance lamenesse , which are the greatest faults an olde horse begetteth : For wheras some holde opinion , that an olde Horses Foale is more tender thē the other , and more subiect to sicknesse and infirmitie , I haue for mine owne part found the contrarie , not approouing many Colts more sufficient for health , or of more abilitie in nature to indure sickenesse when it chanceth , then the Colt of an olde Horse ; yet that such an old Horse would haue begot a much better Colt in his youth I make no question ; by which I conclude , that the young Horse is for breed the most principal : but the good olde horse in extremitie or necessitie , not to bee forsaken ; prouided alwayes that he be sound of his limbs and bodie , vnlesse it bee such disease as commeth meerly by mischance or casualtie . And now sith I haue proceeded thus farre in the age of Horses , it shall be requisite that I shew you how you shall knowe the age of any Horse whatsoeuer : First by the pride , fulnesse , and cheerefulnesse of a Horses countenance we adiudge his age : for first if his eies be round , full and starting from his heade ; if the pits ouer his eies be filled , smooth and euen with his temples ; and his countenance smooth and free from sadnesse , then we gesse and knowe that such a Horse is yong : and by the contrarie aspects , we know he is old . Another way , is to take his skin betwixt your finger and your thumbe , and plucke it from the flesh , then letting it goe againe ; if it suddenly returne to the place from whence it came , and be smooth and plaine , without wrinckle , then is he yong and full of vigor ; but if being pulled vp it stande , and not returne to his former place , then is he olde and wasted . Others approue a Horses age in this sort , take him with your fingar and your thumbe by the sterne of the tayle , close at the setting on of the buttocke , and feeling there hard , if you feele betwixt your finger and thumbe , of each side his taile , a ioynt sticke out more then any other ioynt , by the bignesse of an Hasell Nut , then you may presume he is vnder ten yeares olde ; but if his ioynts be all plaine , and no such thing , to be felt , then bee assured he is aboue tenne yeares old . Others approue the age of Horses by their teeth , and that is of all wayes the moste certaine : some will put their fore-finger into the horses mouth , and feele the inside of his vpper tushe : and if therein they finde a little hole or nicke , then they are sure he is vnder ten yeares olde : but if it be plaine and full , then he is aboue ten . Lastly , and the surest way to know a Horses age , i● to looke in a Horses mouth , and if he haue changed no more but his foure formost teeth , then is he but two yeares olde : if he haue two teeth aboue , and two below of each out side to change , then he is three yeares olde : if he haue one tooth aboue , and one belowe of each outside to change , then he is foure yeares olde : at fiue yeares olde he changes his tushes , and at six yeares olde all his teeth are perfite , only his vnder tushes haue a little circle or ring of yong flesh about them , different from his gumme , and his outmost teeth of each side haue little blacke holes in the toppe of them ; which as soone as they be worne out , and are smooth , the horse is past eight yeares olde : if when that marke is gone , and the teeth smooth , the horses teeth beelong , yellow and foule , although he cut euen and close , then he is aboue twelue : i● his vpper teeth ouer-reach his neather , and be worne vneuen , & his tusks long , foule & thick , then is he aboue fifteen ; but if his teeth be foule , vneuē , and his tusks worne close to his chaule , then hee is rather aboue then vnder twentie . Also , if a horse of dark colour grow grissell aboue his eye browes , or vnder his maine , it is a signe of extreame olde age : and thus much touching the Stallion . Now to speake some litle of breeding Mares , which as well as the horse would haue all the three properties of beautie , age , and goodnesse ; by the consent of mine opinion , I woulde haue a breeder to chuse his Mare ( after he is resolued touching her naturall goodnesse and generation ) by the largenesse and goodlye shape of her bodie , not respecting a gaunt , cleane , and eye-pleasing proportion , in any sort comparable with a well fore-handed , side-ribbed , cleane lim'd , and large wombd Mare . For if a Foale haue an ample bed , hee cannot chuse but be of great stature : The best age for a Mare to take the horse in , is at three yeares olde and vpwarde , and the time of their decreasing at twelue : yet for mine owne part , I did know the two and twentieth Foal of one Mare , which was an exceeding good and goodly horse : but that example I holde for no generall rule . Now if you demaund of me why a Mare should go sooner to the Horse then the Horse to the Mare , mine auswere is , because she commeth a yeare sooner to her fulnesse and perfection : for a Horse is not complete , till after six , and a Mare is perfite at fiue . Pline and other Philosophers , are of opinion , that Mares may beare Foales till they be fortie yeares olde , not beeing vsed for other purpose : but I whose Philosophie is mine owne experience , haue found it in generall otherwise , and therfore would wish no Prince , nor man of greatnesse or estate , whose power and purse may vphold his breed in the best maner , to preserue his Mares longer in his studd , then from three yeares olde till ten ; vnlesse it be some such principall Mare of whom you haue such sufficient proofe of extraordinarie goodnesse , that you may aduenture a more then vsuall continuance : for Mares being more apt to the Acte of generation then Horses , are euer founde sooner to decay and grow barraine . That your Mares which you preserue for your studd should runne wilde and vntamed , as I haue seene them doe in Spaine , Ireland , and in some races here in England I vtterly dislike : for albe great persons respect not their worke or labours profit , yet such wildnesse indangers them as oft as they are driuen or remoued from ground to ground , either for casting their Foales , swelting , or other violent euill proceeding from wildnesse : therefore it is most necessarie that your Mares be made as domestical and tame as may be , both that great men may not loose the pleasure of their breed , nor the meaner sort the profite of their worke and labour ; which labour if it be moderate , is most wholsome for the Mare , and makes her more apt and readie for conception ; and moreouer makes her fit either to bee couered in hand , or out of hand , at your will or pleasure . CHAP. 5. How and at what time of the yeare Horses and Mares should ingender : signes of a Mares desire : how many Mares for one Stallion , and how long he shall continue with them . THe next and immediate precepr after the choise of Stallions , and Mares , is to know the time of the yeare , and season when they should ingender : the opinion of Plinie , Palladius , and some other writers is , that the Stallion and Mares should bee put togither , from the midst of March , till the midst of Iune ; and truly the opinion is verie good , & agreeable with our clime : but in the strictnesse of mine own opinion ; & experience , I haue euer found from the beginning of March till the end of Aprill , the very best time of al , for May and Iune are somewhat with the hottest , & a little too late in the yeare ; so that the Foales falling in those times , neither hauing taste of frosts , nor sence of colde dewes ; in the latter end of the yere , when they shall be compelled to endure them , and feele them to increase euery day more and more , the bitternesse will be so extreame , that for want of former custome , they will loose their flesh , grow weake , and mishapen : notwithstanding , if a Mare be not readie ( as it will often happen ) so earely in the yeare : yet rather then shee should goe ouer , or you loose her profite , it shall not be amisse to let her be couered , either in May or Iune , so that the Mare going with Foale ordinarily eleuen Moneths , and tenne dayes , or there abouts , shee may foale though not in the beginning of the spring ( which I woulde euer wish ) yet at such a tollerable time , as both for the tēperature of ayre , and benefite of foode may bee allowed , though not much praysed . Diuers horsmen heere in England ( but not any expert breeders ) I haue heard , hold strong argument against this opinion of mine for early couering of Mares , concluding that to couer Mares in May , is somewhat of the soonest , reasoning thus ; that forasmuch as Italie , Spain , and other Countries much hoter then ours , couer not their Mares before mid-March , or the beginning of April : ours that through the coldnes keeps grasse slow and long ere it spring , may right necessarily stay a month after them , but they are deceiued in their iudgements : For albe our clime be colde , and that grasse be long in growing ; yet this is a certaine rule , that if a Mare haue meate inough to sustaine nature in any good fashion , she wileuer haue milke inough to bring vppe her Foale . Againe , if a Foale fall early in the yeare , as the yeare increases , so both meate and milke increases : but if a Foale fall in the prime time of the yeare , then as the yeare decreases , so meate and milke decreases ; so that the Foale tasteth in his first month his best foode : and when he can eate least , hath the greatest plentie , which is contrarie to rule . Lastly , our Winters being almost double to the Winters in those hot Countries , if our Foales haue not a little taste or seasoning of Winter before our Winter begin , they wil hardly ( as before I said ) indure our Winters . An other Argument those Horsemen haue , which is that our Mares wil not couet the Horse before May , but that is more absurd then the other ; for all men of experience know , that a Mare which is not with foale , will euer couet the Horse before mid-March , at what time if she be suffered to goe ouer , shee will not desire the Horse for a Month after . Againe , if the Mare be with Foale , it is an infallible rule , that as soone as shee hath foaled , she will euer couet the Horse nine nights after : so that it is rather a naturall course , then the pride foode , which makes a Mare couet or not couet the Horse . Now the signes to know when a Mare coueteth the Horse be these : They will runne extraordinarilie vp and downe , and sildome rest in anie one place , and their coursing for the moste part is euer towards the North or South ; they will pricke vp their tailes , wooe one another , and leap one vpon another , they wil pisse oft , and as some doe report in their writinges ; if they may not haue the Horse in the extremitie of their desire , they will runne madde . The time of the yeare beeing thus : from the beginning of March , till the end of Aprill or May : and your Mares being readie for the Horse , the next rule is , the manner of their putting together : t is moste true that , for Princes and great Persons , who haue multitudes of Mares , and great choice of Horses , to whom the spoying of a horse , or the goeing ouer of a Mare , is no losse . The onelie best manner of couering , is to put your Stallion into a well fencst ground , full of fresh water , good shelter , and cleare water , where hee may runne from March till the midst of May , and then to put vnto him so many Mares as with good conueniencie his strength is able to indure & serue : which must be preportioned according to his youth and strength . Plyny is of opinion , that a good Stallion may couer fifteene Mares , and our English horsemen haue ordinarylie preportioned twelue and ten , but for the best Horses that haue beene within my experience , I haue found eight at full suffycient , vnlesse a man would neuer expect more of the Horse , then that one two monthes Ieruice . For a Horse then if youth , strength , and lustinesse eight Mares are a ful number , but if he be old or feeble , then foure is enow , fix to many . According to this preportion , hauing seuered your Stallions & Mares into their proper places , You must appoint such as may be carefull of the fences , least either your stallions shold breake one into another , and so eyther marre the determination of your breede , or spoyle thēselues by fighting ; For Horses like Deare are Iealious of their mares , as may appeare by their keeping them together , & not suffering them to stray or feede a sunder , as in such cases you may easilie obserue , and which as some thinke , is the cause that they are more apt for generation , and doe conceiue more speedily : and truelie for the first , second or third mare , I am of the same opinion : but that it holdeth so in the rest , I differ ; for a Horse which is at such liberty , and is of a mightie spirit , doth so extreamly ; and with such disorder spend himselfe , that in lesse then one weekes space , he bringes such feeblenes vpon him , that he is almost disabled for the purpose you imploy him : and for mine owne part , I haue knowne diuers excellēt horses that haue kild themselues with the violence of their lust . Yet as before I said , for such as haue multitudes of mares , there is no other meane , but the sufferance of this hazard . As soone as you shall perceiue that al your Mares be couered , which necessarilie must bee within the compasse of six weekes , because euerie emptie Mare at that time of the yeare , desireth the Horse once in a month , you shal foorth-with take your horse frō your mares : for it is not good to let him goe any lōger , for these reasons : first for the losse of his vse & seruice , which may be after his recouerie to some good purpose ; but chiefly , least if he run too long , he spoile what hee hath formerlie created : for a Mare , contrarie to the kinde of other beasts , is of so strong a lust , that albe she haue conceiued , yet if she be proud in flesh , fat , full , and lustie , she will notwithstanding desire and take the horse againe , which if at any time she do , she immediatly casteth the Foale where withall formerly she went , which experyment I haue known diuers times approoued , yea euen when a mare hath bin within almoste amonth of her reconing : for which cause I would haue you euer obserue to remoue your stallyō , so soone as he hath doon his office . And thus much for the races of Princes , and Potentates . Now for such priuate Gentlemen , as hauing but one Stallyō , yet diuers mares , they may by no meanes run the hazard of this former course , least by spoyling their horses , they loose both their hope & benefit together , wherfore it behooueth thē to obserue an other course : yet not in mine opiniō , according to the demonstratiō of some of our late English writers , by turning mares single , and by one vnto the Horse , whilst hee runneth in some priuate ●enc'st ground , as some pond-yarde , or such like : for this taketh as sore of the Horse as the other course first mencioned , or rather sorer , by as much as the change and nouelties of new Mares , brought almoste at the end of euerie three daies fresh vnto him , stirreth & inflameth him with a more greedy & eager ●ust , then otherwise he would haue if they were his cōtinuall obiect : therfore he that hath but one Stallion , & popes to inioy him long , ( yet manie Mares for him yearely to couer ) let him obserue the order prescribed in this next Chapter . CHAP. 6. Of couering Mares in the House , the dyeting of the Stallion , the time of the day for the Act , and to know when shee hath coneiued . ALbe this course wee are now about to treate of , be much more troublesome , and a little more chargeable then the former , yet it is by manie degrees safer , and in my conceite much surer . Hee therefore , that out of little meanes will preserue a good breede : Let him first prepare to keepe some warme spott of ground , as eyther Orchard , Garden , or such like : with not being eaten al the yeare before , may haue grasse readie to mow by mid April , at what time you shal put your horse into the soyle , feeding him thoroughlie with bread made of pease meale and mingled with barme and water , well knodden & baked in great housholde loaues : then when you haue a Mare readie to be couerd , let her as soone as the Sun is in setting , be brought into some large emptie barne , and there turned loose : let then the Horse be also brought vnto her , and turned loose , where let him remaine with her all night , till halfe an houre after Sunne rise : then let him be taken and led into the stable , and the first thing you giue him , let it bee a sweete warme mash of malte and water : after that , let him haue grasse and prouender as before he was accustomed : then let the Mare likewise be turned to grasse . This order you shall obserue three nights together , and there is no doubt but your Mare shal be sufficientlie serued : In this māner , & with this dyet , your horse may well serue one after another , ten or twelue mares ; during all which time of soyle & couering , your horse must by no meanes be ridden . Now for as much as some English writers prescribe in this time of soile , for your horses dyet , dryed wheate or dride Pease and Wheate branne , or cleane fytches , and his mashes of wheate , meale and water , I for mine owne part , doe dislike them all , and this is my ground : first , for dride wheate , albe it be a cleane , heartie , and strong foode , yet it is agraine , which of all other dooth soonest cloy a Horse , & is moste dangerous , if a horse shall surfait thereon : besides , it is with vs heere in England , of so little vse for Horses , that when you shal giue it a Horse , his nature ( vnaccustomed thereunto ) receiues it rather as a medcine , then as any familiar foode , and by that meanes takes little or no pleasure therein : Lastly , it is so costlie , that no good Husband ●ut will grudge the expence , except he were assured of some extraordinarie benefit thereby , which I assure ●im he shall neuer reape . Now for pease and branne , who knowes not that ●ath any experience , that it is of all foodes the moste ●ilde , ingendering grosse humors , & bad nutryment , occasioning hart-burning , and manie other scalding ●assiōs in a Horse . And for fytches they are ( if possible ) worse then the other for besides that they are rancke , fulsome , and vnwholesome foode : they haue also in ●em such a dangerous poyson , that by surfetting vpon them , they breede euen the plague amōgst horses . For the mashe of Wheate and Water , it is tollerable , and may bee vsed , but not in this time of couering , because it carryeth neither the strength , pleasant taste , nor sweetenesse , which Malt and water doth . And thus much for the couering of Mares in the house . There is yet another manner of couering of Mares , and that is , for such as eyther hauing some one principal Horse , which they esteeme so pretious , that they wil not aduēture him loose a night together , least they mare either in her wooing , or out of her toying knauishnes , should giue him such a blowe , as might either breede in him griefe or lamenesse ; yet are desirous to haue some one or two especiall Mares couerd with him : or else it is for them who being desirous to get into good races , are fayne to get leapes for their Mares , eyther by courtesie , bribes , or stealth : for these , they must bee content to haue their Mares couered in hand ; which albe it bee not altogether so sure as the former prescribed was , yet the Foales so begotten , are altogether as good as the former : and whereas some haue held opinion that the Horse being at hard meate ( that is , at Hay and Prouender ) and the mare at grasse , or the mare at hard meate , and the horse at grasse , that if these two shall ingēder together , the mare will neuer conceiue or holde , I haue found it meere vntruth , for I haue knowne a horse the night before he shold haue runne for a wager ; who then was not onelie at hard meat , but also in straite dyet , which is the extreamest of hard meate , couer a grasse mare , which mare hath held to that horse , & brought foorth a foale , which both for his shape & vertue , might well challenge his Syre . He therfore that wil haue his mare couered in hand , must obserue this order : as soone as you finde your mare readie for the Horse , which you may knowe by the signes before mencioned , or if for a better assurāce , you may if you please , bring some bad ston'd Iade vnto her , and if you see her wrie her taile , & showe willinges to receiue him , then it is most certaine she is ready : then you shal halfe an houre after Sun-rise ●n the morning , bring your mare into some close court ●r backe yarde , neare vnto the Stable , or for want of ●ch into some emptie barne : then you shall cause the ●orse keeper to bring foorth the Horse , in a watering ●ench , with a strong long rayne : and if at the first sight ●f the mare , the horse ( as it is verie likely hee wil ) fall to ●ound or leape , let not the keeper bee affrayde . ●ut rather cherrish and fortefie the Horse in such salts , ●nely let him so much as is in his power restraine ●im frō comming too suddainely to the mare , that ●f it bee possible hee may bee readye when hee commeth to her , and as soone as hee is vppon her , let ●im haue all the libertie the Horse-keeper can giue ●im . But whereas some would haue the Horse-keeper to helpe the Horse , as by putting his yarde ●o the right place , or such like : I am vtterly against 〈◊〉 , ( except it bee in case of great neede ) for it is so ●uch against the nature of a Horse , so to bee hand●d , that I haue seene a Horse when he hath beene ●adie to couer a mare , by such officiousnes of the keeper , to come immediatelie off frō the mare , & leaue her ●nserued , for more then an houre after . As soone as ●e Horse hath serued the mare , & is comed from her ●ack , let a stander by ( prepar'd for the purpose ) immediately throw a peale of colde water vpon the priuye partes of the Mare , which wil keepe her from shedding the seede ( which naturally a mare wil doe ) and so soone as the water is thrown , let him which holds the mare , runne vp and downe with her the space of a quarter of an houre , making her trot a good pace , which chafing will also make her holde the seede , and whilst this is in dooing , let the Horse be ledde into the stable : and haue some breade giuen him , then within halfe an houre after , let him be brought forth againe as before , and let him couer her the second time , and then no more for that time , & looke , how you doe in the morning , the same you must also doe in the euening , continuing so to doe for three mornings and three euenings together : and it will be sufficient . Now that you may know whether she hath conceiued or no , you shal within ten daies after her couering , offer her some bad stonde Iade againe : which if shee refuse to receiue , it is an euidēt token that she holdeth ; but if at that time month after her couering , you offer her the Horse againe , and she resuse him , it is moste infalliable that she holdeth . Againe , if when you couer your Mare in hand , and let her stand still , she doe not then loose or cast out her seede , it is most certaine that she holdeth . Also when a Mare hath conceiued , her coate will scower , and shee will looke more smooth , sleyght , and full then before she did . The onelie time of the month for couering of Mares , is three daies after the change of the Moone , & three daies before the full of the Moone . And thus much for the couering of Mares . CHAP. 7. That Mares may be made to conceiue either Horse Foales , or Mare Foales at pleasure , and of what colour the breeder will. ALbe euer , euen frō mine infancie , my vttermost ends & ambition hath bin onely to be expert in this art of Horsmanship which I professe : & although I haue not omitted any time , labour , ●r rest ( according to the substāce of mine estate ) which ●ight any way inrich me with any secret belonging ●o the same ; yet whether it hath been the strength of ●y misbeleefe , or the nature of my condition ( which ●ath euer desired in these naturall courses , a naturall ●nd comely proceeding ) I know not , yet well I am assured , that I coulde neuer relish or well disgest these needlesse secrets , into which the fond curiositie of man ●oth to so small purpose wade ; yet for my promise ●ke , and least by this omission some other man might ●ome & deny my CAVELARICE , I am content to ●port the vttermost of other mens opinions , ioyning ●o them mine owne obseruations . One writer therefore saith , that if you wil haue your Horse get a Colt Foale , you must tie vp his left stone with a lace or ribband : but I feare if he haue not the vse of both those instruments , he will get neither Colt nor Fillye : The ●inding vp of the right stone getteth the fillie Foales . Another saith , if you couer a Mare when the north winde blowes , she will conceiue a Colt Foale ; if when the Southwind blowes , a Fillie . Others report , that if you constraine your Horse to stand a good space by the Mare wooing her , and priding himselfe before her , that the Mare out of the conceit of his comlinesse , will at that time conceiue a colt Foale , Others are of opinion , that if you annoint the Horses yard and stones with the oile Petrolium , that it wil occasion him to beget colt Foales : but in all these experiments , I haue little trust . Mine obseruations therefore for this begetting of Males , or Females , hath beene euer these : first , let a Mare be couered three daies after the change , or 3. dayes before the full of the Moone , & it is commōly a meane to make her bring forth a colt Foale : To couer a Mare the third night , or the ninth night after she hath foaled , is a good way to get colt Foales : lastly and which is of all the surest , let your Horse when hee goeth to your Mare , be in as great lust and strength as you can make him , and let your Mare be rather leane then fat , so that in the worke of nature , the horse may be the stronger doer : and from these obseruations I haue many times seene horse-colts to issue . Now that you may know when your mare is couered , whether shoe hath conceiued a horse Colt , or mare Colt : one obserueth , that if the horse when the act of generation is ended , doe come off from her backe on the right side , that then she hath conceiued a colt Foale , if on the left side , then a mare foale . Others obserue , that if when the horse commeth off from the mare , he seeme to be much deiected and ashamed , that it is a strong argument he hath got a colt foale ; but if he shew any alacritie of spirit , or doe ney , it is a manifest token he hath got a mare foale : but both these ob●uations in my conceit are friuolous , nor do I thinke 〈◊〉 ought in truth seeke such superstitious knowledge . Now that your Mare may conceiue her Foale of ●hat colour you will , many Philosophers and some Hors-men are of this minde , that looke what colour ●u shall put vppon the horse when hee couereth the Mare , or what other colour you will present to her eie ●hen she is in couering , that the Foale which she then ●nceiueth shall haue the same colour : Others report , ●at of what colour you will staine or paint the haires 〈◊〉 your Horse , when he goeth to couer your Mare , ●at she wil conceiue herfoale of that colour . Another ●iteth , that if you will paint the portrature of a Horse ●on boord or canuasse , and holde it before the eyes 〈◊〉 the Mare whilest she is in couering , that looke what ●lour or speciall markes the picture containes , that ●e same colour andmarkes the foale shall haue which ●e Mare then conceiueth . How euer these opinions 〈◊〉 maintayned by the Scriptures , or by Labans sheep , ●r mine owne part I hold neither trust nor truth in ●em : for were there a certaintie in such practise , I ●ow so many fantasticall wits in this Nation , that we ●uld not be without a worlde of Gesners Horses , I ●eane horses of all maner of colours in the Rainbow : ●ay some madde men I knowe would haue their Mi●esses names grow on their horses buttockes , But let●g these iugling tricks passe , the only sure way to haue ●our foale of good colour , is to haue both your Horse ●d Mare of a good colour , and that doth neuer faile 〈◊〉 nature . CHAP. 8. If Mares should be forest to take the Horse , and how to moue lust in Horse and Mare , and how to abate it . THough in former ages , as in the dayes of Plintus secundus , & Varro , it hath b● an vsuall custome to force Mares to take the Horse , when they haue had no lust , as by crosse shackling them , tying them to a Poast , and such like violent compulsions : yet I for my part doe vtterly dislike it , and hold it both barbarous & vnnatural : for in al those natural actions there should be a natural accord & agreemēt , or otherwise the labour is lost : or if it auaié , it is the first meanes to bring forth prodigies : therfore if at any time you be offered the benefite of a principall Horse , and because of your Mares vnreadinesse you are likely to loose that faire oportunitie , vnlesse you shall force her by compulsion : mine aduice is , that rather then you shall loose the one , or make vse of the other , that you trie all the meanes that may bee to stirre and mooue lust in your mare , which one writer saith you may thus doe : take Shrimps and beate them in a morter with water , till they be as thicke as honie , then mixe therewith mares seede , and so annoint her priuie parts , and her nose , and it will procure lust ; or else take the powder of Horses stones , and mixing it with sweete wine , giue it the mare to drinke . Another writer saith , that the iuice of a Sea Onion 〈…〉 ng laid vpon the Mares matrixe , will stirre vp lust , 〈◊〉 else to annoint her matrix with Hennes dung and 〈…〉 urpētine mixt togither . But aboue al these vncleanly 〈…〉 eits , the best & surest prouocatiō , is to rub her priuy 〈…〉 rts with keene nettles , for that will not only violent 〈…〉 stirre vp her lust , but also make her conceiue and 〈…〉 ld when she is couered , as I haue seene by due proofe 〈…〉 sūdry times : yet before you make trial , either of this 〈◊〉 of any of the former , I would haue you first put to 〈…〉 ur Mare some bad ston'd Iade , who being so shack 〈…〉 that he cannot couer her , may runne with her a 〈…〉 y or two , in which time , if by his chasing & wooing 〈…〉 r he stirre her to lust , ( as it is most likely he will ) then 〈◊〉 that onely suffice ; otherwise you may follow your 〈…〉 wne opinion : but if it be so that your Mare bee readie 〈…〉 r the Horse , & only the Horse out of a cold or sullen dispositiō refuseth to couer your Mare , as I haue seene any faire Coursers of that nature : thē you must im 〈…〉 oy your Art by stirring lust in your Horse , which 〈…〉 me writers report you may doe , by giuing him to 〈…〉 inke the taile or pizsel of an olde Stag burnt to pow 〈…〉 r : & mixt with sweete wine , and also annointing his 〈…〉 nes therewith , or else to mingle with that powder 〈…〉 e powder of Anny-seedes Saterion , Basil , and Date 〈…〉 ones , and giue them in sweete wine to drinke ; but rather then you shall approue any of these medicines , I 〈…〉 ould wish you to stay the long leasure of the Horse , 〈…〉 nd by often offering to take the Mare from him , seeke 〈…〉 o moue and inflame him ; if you doe with nettles rub 〈…〉 is yard a little it will prouoke him , and is a thing ordinarily vsed . But nowe of the contrarie part , if eyther your Horse or Mare be so proud and strong in lust , that nothing you can doe will abate their heate , you shall then annoynt his stones and yard , and the Mares Vdder and priuie parts with Sallet Oyle , wherein hath beene steeped before Mallowes , Sorrell , and Lertice : but if that preuaile not , you shall twice a day swimme your Horse or Mare im some deepe Riuer . As for that idle opinion of them that thinke the cutting off of a Horse or Mares maine , or taile , will abate their courage , it is most grosse ; for Horses & Mares haue not like Sampson their strengthes in their haires : and thus much touching these naturall secrets , which if to modest eares they bring any euill sound , they are the rules of the best respected Writers , and not by me published but repeated . CHAP. 9. Which Mares should be couered , which not , and which shall not goe barren . PAlladius , Columella , and my selfe am much different in opinion ; for they would haue such Mares as are beautifull , and faire , and there with all haue beene well couered , and haue faire Colt Foales , not to bee couered euerie yeare , but once in two yeares , nay , once in three yeares : their reason beeing , that their Foales may thereby haue the longer time to sucke , and for such Mares as are soule , and haue foule Foales , to be couered euerie yeare , as if they would giue rules to breed bad things often , and good things seldome . Now for mine opinion ; first , where they make a distinction betwixt faire Mares , and foule Mares , I would haue euerie breeder , so neare as hee can , not to preserue one foule or vncomly Mare in his race , or if hee haue any such , to breede so seldome vpon them as may bee ; so that composing his studd all of faire Mares , hee should by Palladius rule , breede but once in three yeares , a husbandrie in my conceyte verye vnprofitable . But to come to our purpose : I woulde haue euerie one that breedes Horses , not to let anye Mare he hath to goe ouer , except it bee that some of his Mares miscarie , and cast their Foales ; which if any doe , then I would haue such Mares to goe ouer for a yeare at least , because if they be couered the next yeare after , they are in danger to cast their Foales againe , although they haue no mischance : as for Palladius reason , that they should goe ouer for the bringing vp of their Foales , hee is much mistaken : for a Foale dooth not sucke any great quantitie of milke aboue nine Monethes , the other three Monethes he sucketh but by snatches , and for wantonnesse ; so that the Mares being with Foale , doth not any thing at all hinder the Foales nourishment . Besides , the Foales sucking vpon the Mare , keepes the Mare in a good estate of bodie , rather leane then fat ; so that when she shall come to bee couered shee will sooner holde , sooner bring forth a Colt foale , and haue more roome , and a larger bedde for her foale to tumble in : Whereas should she be suffered to go ouer a yeare or two , in that time of her barrennesse , she would grow so fat , that she would hardly hold ; or if she did hold , her wombe wold be so closed vp with fatnesse , that when shee shoulde come to foale , shee would bring foorth nought but a wreckling ; mine opinion therefore is , that no Mare should goe ouer , that is worthie the couering , except ( as before is said ) mischance constraine : now to be sure that none of your Mares shall goe barren , trie euerie Mare you haue the Month day after her couering , except such as be fat and proud , but by no meanes trie thē ; & if the other couet the Horse againe , let thē haue him , and so you shall be sure that not any of them shall goe barren : but for turning a Stallion amongest your Mares about Lammas , ( as some aduise ) O it is moste vilde : first through the mischiefe hee may doe to those which haue alreadie conceiued , and next the latenesse of the yeare , at what time I had rather the Mare should goe ouer , then bring a Foale at so bad a season : and albe I haue seene my self , & heard also of many good Lāmas Foales , yet I neuer sawe any such , as thereon to ground a president . And thus much for Mares and their barrennesse . CHAP. 10. The vse of Mares when they are with Foale , and of the casting of Foales . AS soone as your Mares haue conceiued and are with Foale , those great persons which keep their studds onely for breede , and no other labour , are to respect that they may goe in good short , yet sweete pasture , especially if they giue sucke , and that for a month before and after Michaelmasse they be not chased , strained , or troubled , for then is the time of their knitting and quickning , so that a small rush at that time breedes aborsment ( which is the casting of their foales . ) But for such men as must by labor make some especiall vse of their mares , they must haue care , that after their Mares haue conceiued , they labour and worke them very moderately , shunning by all meanes to put them to the cariage of heauie burthens , or the toyle of hastie iourneyes : but aboue all , as before I saide , a month before and after Michaelmas ; Mares that are with Foale , and haue Foales sucking vpon them , must haue in the Winter besides grasse , good store of sweet hay , and light Corne : they must haue good shelter , as house or houel , & dry layre . The houses or houels , where they eate their winter meate , must bee large and spacious , so that they may not bee throng'd vp together , for feare by rushing or striking , they bee forc'st to cast their Foales . Some haue beene of opinion , that the change of strange pastures , and strange waters , will make a Mare cast her foale , but it is not so , onelie a man may by dryuing Mares from pasture to pasture , with vnruely chassing make them cast their foales , with is the cause I would haue mares with foale seldome remoued or dryuen : but that fresh pasture should doe them such hurt , it is senceles . As for the mast of Cedar trees , the treading vpon Wolues or such-like , all which some writers say , wil cause aborsmevt , we here in England need not feare them . But for stinking smells , as the shuffs of candles , carrion , or such like , I hold it verie daungerous , and doe often occasion aborssement : fatnesse in a Mare is dangerous for aborssement also ; or if they scape casting their foales , yet fatnesse puts a Mare to great hazard in her foaling , which is the reason that many good breeders which I know , willet their Mares after they are quickned , be moderately trauelled or wrought , till within some month or six weekes of their foaling , but not any longer : for the onely time of danger is at the first conception , and at the time of teaming . And thus much for this matter . CHAP. 11. Helpe for a Mare that is in danger in foaling , and other secrets . MAres naturally ( contrarie to the custom of other beastes ) doe foale standing : and as certaine ancient Writers report ( for I haue not at any time seen it ) the foales when they are new foaled , haue vppon their foreheads a little blacke thing like a figge called Hypomanes , which they say will procure loue , the dam bites it off , and eates it as soone as the foale is falne , but if she be preuented therof , she will neuer suffer the foal to sucke ; as if the tendernesse or naturall loue which a Mare beares to her yong , sprung from this accidentall cause , and not from the motion of her naturall inclination : but for mine owne part , hauing seene so many Mares foale as I haue done , and neuer perceyuing any such obseruation , I cannot imagine it any other then a fabulous dreame . But to proceede to our purpose : if your mare either by mischance , or by naturall defect , as by taking the Horse when she was too yong , as vnder two yeares olde , or vpon her first foale , which euer hath the greatest perill , be in danger at her foaling , or put to extraordinarie torment in foaling ; you shal ease her by these meanes : first one is of opinion , that if you make one stand before the mare when she is in foaling , that shall holde her nost●ls close , in such sort that shee cannot take her breath , it will procure her to foale with much ease : but for the 〈◊〉 I doubt , onely I knowe it will procure he● more speed in her businesse : but the most 〈◊〉 and surest remedie for this euill is , to take the 〈◊〉 part of the Crab-fish feere , and beating 〈◊〉 to powder , mixe it with sweete Wine , and Sall● Oile , and giue it the mare with a horne to drink , and i● wil bring her ease presently , of which I haue knowne good experience : but if it shall faile , then I woulde haue you take the helpe of some discrete woman , whose better experience knowes best howe to handle such an occasion . Now if after your mare haue foaled , shee doe not scowe away her Secundine , which is the skin wherein the foale is wrapped , after that naturall maner which is requisite in such a case : some thinke it best to giue her this medicin : first to boile two or three hādfuls of fenel in water ; thē to take half a pint of that water & as much old sweet wine , & a fourth part of sallet oile , & mingle them together vpon the fire , thē when it is luke warm , to power it into the mares nostrils , and to holde her nostrils close after it , which will bee a present meanes that she shal expel the former substāce : but for as much as this medicine is somewhat teadious in making , and that a Mare should not be so long in scowring , as this : in compounding , boyling , and cooling . I haue euer obserued , that as soone as my mare hath foald , to giue her a little bottle of green forrage , that is , the blades of young Wheate or Rye , but of the two Rye is the better , and it will both expel and clense a Mare presently : touching the eating of the Secundine , which moste commonly mares doe , some think it is verie vnwholsome , and that it maketh a Mare sicke and vnlustie , which opinion I hold for great truth , adding this with all ; that it is a greate hindrance to the Mares milke : wherefore so far foorth as is in a mans power , I would haue it preuented . And thus much for this matter . CHAP. 12. How to make a Mare cast her Foale . SOme say , it hath beene a practise amongst ancient Horsemen , in times past , that when they haue had a Mare vnworthylie couered , as when a fayre Mare hath either by stealth , or mischance , taken some ill fauoured ston'd Iade , or when a mare of some especiall hope or vertue , as eyt her for ryding , running or hūting , is preseru'd from the horse , and yet not withstanding through some negligence , gets to the Horse , and is couered : In this case , it hath beene a practise to force the mare so couered , to aborsment , which is to cast her Foale , and it is a thing my selfe haue practised vpon a mare , in whose speede I was infinitelie much perswaded , the rather because I know this generall rule neuer to fayle , that a mare which once giueth a Foale sucke shall neuer boast of that speede which in her maydenhood , she inioyed , both because al her powers , organs , and instruments of strength haue then a contrarie imployment ; and also , because nature in foale-bearing looseth the pride and luster of her greatnes . Againe , if you preserue your Mare for beautie , and eye-pleasure , the bearing of foales vtterly taketh away that delight , because the wombe being stretcht out , the vdder broken , and the full parts falne , there is little more then the head & limbs which a man cā call beautiful ; he therefore then which hath eyther swift , mare , or beautifull mare , which is vnworthylie couered , if he would disburden her of that euill burthen , there is no course but to make her cast her Foale : which although some writers holde , may be doone two waies , that is , either by strength of hand or vse of medicine , yet for mine owne part , for that handy course , I vtterly dislike it , both for as much as I know it can neuer be done but to the great hazard of the mares life , & also because I haue seene some mares die in the deed dooing , for that which is to bee done by hand , is not to bee doone , tyll the Foale be so great , that it haue hayre , at what time they cause one to thrust his hand into the wombe of the mare , and to crush the head of the foale , how monrous , immodest & vnnatural this is , who cānot Iudge ? but for the medieinable course , it is lesse dangerous , & by all degrees more tollerable ; Yet for as much as I haue euer vsed such experymēts , but in extreamity and that the medicines are all in other mens records ; I will for modestie sake , referre them to their writings ; and at his instant saue my selfe a labour in repetition , aduising all Horse breeders and Horsemen whatsoeuer , rather to indure the inconuenience of mischances , then the mischiele of these subtile knowledges . CHAP. 13. The vse of Mares when they haue foaled ▪ of the sucking of Foales , and of other helpes and vses . IT is to be intended , that according to the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 are prescribed in the first chapter of this booke , all your 〈◊〉 hold be in that groūd which being plam● and most voide of water furrowes , ditches , and such like , is the safest from danger in foaling : but when your mares haue al foaled , if then you haue any fresh and v●bitten ground , which not being racke , deepe , nor soft , but sweete grasse , short bit , and hard to tread on , with good shelter and fresh water : it shall be good to put your race mares and their foals therin , to the end that their milk may spring & that your foales may come to a fulnesse of strength , beautie , and courage : in which albe some Authors giue aduice ●o chase and rechase your mares vp and downe the ground at certain times , as the best meanes to bring the mares milke into her Vdder , yet I am of a contrary opinion , knowing this by due proofe , that such exercise doth rather hurt then good , because whatsoeuer is don vnwillingly is done with paine , & that painfulnes takes away the sence of profite : as for bringing downe the milke , that the foale it selfe euer doth , whom as hee sucks , you shal euer see with his nose and head to iump and strike against the Vdder of the mare , which is to no other purpose but to break the kernels of the mares Vdder , and to haue the milke haue its passage , so that to conclude , I would haue your mares run with al the quietnesse that may be , knowing this principle , that all horses and mares , which are either in lust or strength , will out of their owne natures , either against raine , wind , or stormes , run , chase , and scope about the groūd where they pasture ; so that where nature is so good a helpe , constraint need to be of little vse . Now for the sucking of foales , although one man writes , that all Authors do agree , that foals should suck two yeres at least : nay , that after the Spanish manner , they shold suck til they couer their dams , I for my part & as I thinke all good English breeders are of a contrarie opiniō ; for how euer in the daies of Plinie , Aristotle , or Anatolius , two years might be thought litle inough ; yet in these our dayes we find it ful one year too much ; wherefore leauing the variable opinions of sundrie men , I cōclude , that in the races of Princes , Noblemen and Gentlemen , for a foale to sucke a yeare complete , that is from his owne foaling , till his dam foale againe , is a time full out sufficient ; but for the husbandman , who may not loose the worke and labor of his mare , it shall bee sufficient for him if his foale sucke but full sixe Moneths complete ; and howe euer some men haue written that Foales sucking so small a time , must necessarylie want much of their inward pythe , strength and healthfulnes , yet by proofe I knowe it doth not generally hould so , and for mine owne part , I could almost giue consent to the wayning of all foales at sixe and seauen monthes , were it not for the greate danger of the Gargill , and maw-worme , which vnto foales wayned so young , are diseases both incydent & common : so that in conclusion , I would haue those which are of abilitie , to let their foales sucke a yeare , & no more . For those which want means , to make their hazard at sixe monthes and vpward . For the housing of foales at their first foaling , which is the opinion of Varro , and some others . I am vtterly against it , because as I haue formerly written , the perfect Horse must euer in one yeare haue the taste of two winters , and therefore in Gods name let your Foale taste the worst of winters farewell . Now for the exercysing of your Foales to eate prouender after they be fiue or sixe monthes old ( which is likewise the opinion of Varro ) it is exceeding good , and nothing more necessary , but that the prouender shold bee either ground Barly , or dride Barley and wheate branne mingled together : That might in those countries , wherein he was experyenst be tolerable , because peraduenture there was no other choice : but with vs heere in England , where we haue so many choices of good foodes , that foode is of all other the vildest , and worst , both because it affordeth the worst nutryment , and also both Barly and wheat bran , are of a hot burning nature , ingendering hot feauers and other drye diseases . The prouender best for foales then , is olde Oates in the sheafe , the ouer chaueing of wheate , garbadge ( which is wheate eares and the straw chopt altogether ) and now and then barly in the chaffe , or if your foales grow drie in their bodies , and costiue , then now & then a sheafe of Rie amongst them . This maner of feeding will not onely make them acquainted with the seuerall taste & vse of meates but also breed such familiaritie betwixt them and their keepers , that they wil be much more domesticall and tame then otherwise they would be , which is a great benefite , both to the breeder , and also to him which shall be the rider ; but in any wise let not their keepers handle or stroke them too much , for that will but hinder their growth , because for the most part , all foure-footed beasts do take dislike in their infancie to bee much handled . The houses or crosse houels which you preserue for winter shelter for your foales , would be faire paued with pibble , boulder , or some other kinde of small stone , and therewithal dayly kept cleane from myre or dung : from myre , that by soft treading the hoofes of your foales growe not weake and tender : and from dung , least standing therevpon it burne and drie vp their hoofes , making them short and brittle . But if naturally you perceiue any of your foales to haue tender houes , then you shall seeke by medicinable meanes to recouer them , as by annointing thē with the vpper sword or skin of fat bacon , or els by taking the eares of Garlike , Swines grease , Goats grease , and Brimstone mixt togither , and annointing their hoofes therewith , or by rubbing the cronets of their hoofes with Tarre and Hogges grease mixt togither , and such like , of which I will speake more in my ●ooke of diseases . CHAP. 14. The knowledge of a horses shape stature and qualitie : and how it is to be knowne when he is new foaled . THis knowledge and experience I haue oftentimes noted , and therefore dare the more boldly protest it which is that a mā may haue almost a certaine knowledge when a Foale is new foaled , what shape , stature , and qualitie hee will carrie when he is a Horse of complete strength and growth : Wherefore , first as touching his shape ; looke what shape , proportion and beautie he hath when he is a full month olde , the same shape and beauty he wil carrie when he is full sixe yeares of age : and the same defects which he then retaineth , the same he will hold when hee comes to his growth , and all his life after . Then for his stature , this is an infallible rule , that for the shinne bone ( which is betwixt the knee and the pasterne of the fore legges ) that bone neuer increaseth , no not from the first foaling , neither the bone from the cambrell to the pasterne of the hinder legge ; insomuch that if those bones be long and large , we are euer assured that the Foale will proue a tall and a large Horse . But for a general knowledge of the height of a Horse by his foalage , take an Incle or Ribband , and measure the Foale when hee is newe foaled , from the knee to the Withers ( which is the toppe of his shoulder ) and double that length he shall be of height when hee comes to be a Horse of complete age . Now for his disposition and qualitie , I am of Varros opinion , that if a Foale be of a stirring and liuely spirit , valiant against all strange sights , and suddaine noises ; wantonly leading the way in his sportings , and to bee the formost in euery chasing , that will voluntarily leap hedges and ditches , boldly passe bridges , straite lanes or places of couert , or to swimme waters , and therewithal to shew a most tractable patience , when they are by ordinarie meanes restrained , This foale or colt I say , and this I haue euer approued and obserued , will proue a horse of all good vertue , tractabilitie , and indurance ; whereas Colts of contrarie dispositions , proue horses of dull , cowardly , and most vnseruiceable qualitie . And thus much for these hopefull and prophetique imaginations . CHAP. 15. How Horse foales , and Mare foales grow , and to know the continuance of their goodnesse . TOuching the groath of horses & mares euen from their first beginning to their complete age , diuerse men are of diuerse opinions : for one supposeth that Horse-foales are sooner fashioned in their Dammes bellyes then Mare foales : and indeede there is some naturall reason for such conceite : but in as much as no man can make any iust proofe or experiment thereof , I will referre it to the readers discretion to beleeue it as hee list . Another is of opinion ( and to that opinion I must needs condiscend , for I find it in dayly experience ) that after foales are foaled , the mare foale commeth to her full growth of height and length at fiue yeares of age : but the horse-foale not before he be full six ; and from that time , although some imagine they spread & grow in breadth and largenesse till they be ten yeares of age ; yet I for mine owne part haue diligently obserued , and foūd by experience , that no horse doth spread , or grow broder , or larger after he is eight yeares of age , at which time onely he is complete , and full in euery member . There is another which writes , that horses with bald or white faces do not grow old so soon as other horses : how he meaneth that saying I scarce vnderstand , for most sure it is , that nature as soone decayeth in them as in others : but if his meaning be that they doe not appeare olde so soone as other horses , then I am of his opinion , because those grisseld haires which in horses of darke colours are the onely markes of olde age , doe neuer appeare in a horse that hath a white face : as for the length of life in such horses , I thinke it is shorter then in the others , for bald faces , white legges aboue the knees or cambrels , and such like superfluities of whitenesse , are the euident tokens of the imperfections of nature , and where nature is imperfite , there life is of least continuance . Now for as much as all horses doe not ▪ attaine to their full growth in one manner and fashion , I will shew you how they growe , according to their seuerall breedes : and first for our English horses , they commonly doe holde their shapes till they bee two yeares olde ; but at three , they loose al beauty and proportion , appearing to the eie weake , loose , and ill fauouredlye cast , no member answering other , either in shape or fitnesse : then at four yeares olde they recouer againe the shape and good fashion of their bodies , only they want necke and crest , which begins not to rise or extend its comelinesse till he be fiue yeares olde , and becommeth perfite and complete at sixe yeares olde . The English horse groweth altogether euen and iust , and not as other horses doe , one while before , and another while behinde ; for whensoeuer you shall perceiue him to grow vneuen , that is higher behinde then before , or hygher before then behinde , be you well assured , he will euer continue so all his life after : so that when you shall see any English Colt of any such vneuen making , neither chuse him , nor preserue him , otherwise thē for present sale or profit . According to the growth of your English horses : so for the most part grow your Almaines , Flemings , and Frisonds . Now for the Neopolitan Courser , he looseth his shape as soone as hee is a yeare olde , and recouereth it not againe , till he be full fiue yeares olde : during all which ●ime he is of loose shape , raw-bond , weak-ioynted , and ●hinne neck'd : at two yeares olde he is higher behinde ●hen before : at three , higher before then behinde : ●t foure , higher behind then before : and at fiue , of euen height , all his ioynts being come to their true euennesse ; and at sixe yeres old , his necke , crest , breast , and buttockes , come to their full beautie , and comelinesse . Nowe it is to bee noted , that if any true bredde Courser doe either at two yeares olde , or three yeares olde , shew the beautie of a good shape , appearing to the eye to be firmely knit , round and close trust together , with all those shapes which should be discerned in his full age : such a Colt euer doth loose his shape at foure and fiue yeares olde , and neuer recouereth it againe during his whole life after . So that I conclude , the worse shape a Courser carrie that two , three , and foure yeares of age , the better hee will beare it at fiue , and sixe , and all his life after . According to the growth of the Neapolitan ; so for the most part growes both the Ienet of Spaine , the Turkes , and Barbaryes . As touching the continuance of a Horses goodnesse , it often appeareth by the Horses hoofes . For if they be tender and soft , as for the most part your Flemings , Almaines , and Frisons are , then are they but of short continuance , as wanting much of their vigor and strength . But if they haue hoofes which are strong , hard , and sounding , as for the most part our English horses , Neapolitans , Ienets , Turkes , and Barbaries haue , then are they of long life , continuance and goodnes , as wanting no benefite that nature can giue . Other obseruations wee haue for the continuance of a horses goodnes ; as from the healthfulnesse of his bodie , or inclination to infirmitie , from his strength or weaknesse of stomacke , or his good or bad disgestion , from his sleepe or watching , and many such like ; by whose excesse we may euer iudge of a horses good or euil habite . And thus much for this matter . CHAP. 16. Of the weaning of Colts , of their ordering , and separating , according to their ages . SO soone as your Foales haue suckt a yeare , or within a month of a yeare , which is till your Mares bee readie to foale againe , which as neare as you can compasse would be about the middest of March , you shall then some three or four dayes before the full of the Moone , about nine or tenne of ●he clock in the fore-noone , take all your foales from ●our Mares , and shutte them vppe in a close house , where they may neither heare the noyse of their dams , ●ortheir dams heare their whinneing . In this house would be either some fewe Oates in the sheafe , some Hay , or some other prouender , not so much as will ●ll their bellies , but so much as will sustaine nature . The Foales hauing thus rested in this house all ●ight , the next morning , although one Authour woulde haue you putte them to their Dammes againe , that they might sucke whilest they are able , ●et in my conceyte it is verie insufficient aduice , neyther woulde I haue you by any meanes to obserue 〈◊〉 , but in steade of putting them vnto their dammes , ●t them bee taken by the strength of men , one ●fter an other , and giue to each of them two or three slips of Sauen , which done , let them rest an houre or two without meate , then after giue them both Hay , Prouender , and water , as much as they wil eate till night , but all night let them fast , and the next morning giue them Sauen againe as before , and in this sort vse thē for three mornings together . This Sauen is the moste wholesomest thing in the world for young foales , because all foales naturally , what through the flegmatick humor of the milke which they sucke , & the raw & movst coldnes of the grasse which they eate , are euer subiect to great aboūdance , both of Maw-wormes , Grubbes , and Bots , which as soone as foales are weaned wanting halfe the nourishment on which formerlye they fedde , they then begin to feede and corrupt the vitall partes , bringing vnto foales manye times a suddaine and vnexpected death : nay , I haue knowne from the corruptiō of these maw-wormes , many times the gargil to proceede , which is a disease little differing from the plague , and is deserned onely by a great swelling about a foales face and neather chaps , which swelling doth not rise aboue two or three houres before the foales death , and when it ryses the Foale is past cure , from all which mischiefes and diseases , this receite of Sauen doth both saue and defend foales : and truely before I knew or found out this medicine , I haue seene foure or fiue foales , which ouer night haue beene scoping , and playing as wantonly as may bee , and in the morning haue beene dead in the house , whome when I haue with mine owne hands opened , I haue found no other occasion of their death , but the extreame aboundance of these maw-wormes , & since I vsed this Sauen , I neuer had any that dyed . When your Foales haue had Sauen giuen them thus three mornings together , you shall then driue thē to that pasture wherein you intend they shall runne all the yere following , which pasture wold be a firme , hard ground , and full of short sweete grasse , and some cleare Springs , pond , or fresh riuer , & not as one of our English writers perswade , keepe them fourteene dayes together in the house : because after a Foale is a yeare old , there is neither in him such fondnes towards his Dam , nor such delight in milke ( which a foale naturally refuseth after he comes to sixe or seauen monthes of age ) as will inforce him to put himselfe into anye danger or hazard . Now the reasons why your pasture for your wean●ings should bee so good , is , because if in this first yeare ( which is the spring time of their growthe ) your foales shall eyther indure thirst , hunger or colde , they will be come staruelings , or such as wee call stockt foales , which is small of stature , weake both of bodie & reines , and full of euill diseases : wherefore I would haue all good Horse-breeders , the first yeare after the weaning of their foales , to put vpon their foales all the strength , ●ust , and liuely-hood , which may begot eyther by food or otherwise . But as soone as your foales haue past the age of two yeares , then I would haue you put them into some ●arge , wilde , hard , and hungrie ground , where , by their vttermoste paine and trauell , they may not fill their bellyes aboue once in the day , which will be sufficient for their growth : for by such meanes of sharpnesse , labour and hunger , they will be made hard , durable , and exceeding healthful : where , on the contrary part , rankrancknes of grasse ▪ and fatnesse of bodie breedes both vnwholesome humors and incurable diseases , so that by keeping such obseruations , as are before prescribed , you shall breed a Colt , nimble , hard and strong ▪ with good legges and sound hoofes , free from surfet , corruption of blood , or outward members . Now lastly ( according to the agreement of all good Horsemen ) I would haue you to seperate your horse-colts from your Mare Colts , in seuerall pastures , and your yearelings from your two yeares old , and your two yeres from your three ; that none going together but such as are of equall age and strength , there may be no disorder or tumult , the great ones beating the lesse , or robbing them of their foode or nourishment . And thus much for the weaning of foales , and the partition of pastures . CHAP. 17. Of the gelding of Colts , and Horses , and the cause , the age , the time of the yeare , and manner of gelding . I Cannot finde in any Author whatsoeuer , that the vse of gelding of Colts , is in any nation whatsoeuer , of so great antiquity , as with vs heere in England , from whence ( as I imagine ) the first originall of that practise began ; and I am the rather induced so to thinke , because I neither know , nor haue heard of any counttie whatsoeuer , that can boast of so many good , goodly , and seruiceable Geldings as Englād at this houre can shoe , the cause wherof I think ●ath proceeded from our continuall vse of trauelling winter & Sūmer , in which men desire to ride easily , fast , ●nd quietly . Now for as much as stond horses naturally out of the pride of their courage , doe most cōmonly trot , & therwithal are exceeding rāmish , & vnruely , especially in the companie of mares and other horses , there sprung from some inuenting brayne , both the ●euice to make horses amble ( which is the pace of ease ) and the practise of gelding horses , which is the meanes of quietnes . Now wheras one of our English writers ●aith , that a stond horse wil not trauell so farre in a day , as a Gelding ; in that he is infinitlie deceiued , and I impute his error onely to his want of experience , for all Horsemen knowe this ( especially those whose practise consists in hunting Horses , or running Horses , that the good stond horse will euer beate and ouer labour the good Gelding : nay more , whereas the Gelding , if once ●e be ouer laboured or tyred , doth neuer againe recouer his first goodnes : the ston'd horse , on the contrarie part , if he be neuer so sore tyred , with a little refreshing getteth againe his strength , and is againe as good as e●er he was for new labour : the reason whereof , I take to be this , that the Geldings wanting that natural and liuelye heate which a stond Horse inioyeth , are of more abiect and deiected spirits , so that when their labour comes to exceed their strength , their faintnesse , and cowardlines of their dispositions , makes them yeeld to tyring , the sence whereof they neuer forgoe all their liues after : but to returne to our purpose , howsoeuer this practise of gelding of Colts was begū , yet for as much as we finde a profit therein , both in our trauell and also in our light seruice in the wars , it shal be requisite that I set downe the age , time of the yeare and moone , which is most fit for the gelding of Colts . And first for the age : although some of our late Authors would haue Colts gelded when they are two yeares old , which in truth is a very good , sure , and tollerable time , because at that age a Coltes stones will be come downe , and hee is of good strength and abilitie to indure both the griefe and torment , yet I doe not holde it the best and choycest time of all , for that purpose : because the longer that a Colt goes vngelt , the thicker and fatter his head will growe : his crest also will be thicke and heauie , and the act it selfe by reason of the toughnesse and hardnesse of the strings and cordes , will be both more dangerous and more painefull . Now therefore the onely choice , and best time of all for gelding of Colts , is euer when the foale is iust nine daies olde , for at that time nature hath so little force in those partes , and the cords and stringes of those instruments , are so tender and easie to be broken , & fluxes of blood and other grosse or impostumating humors , are so little incident to foales of such youngnes , that there is no more danger at that time in gelding of a Foale , then in gelding of a Lambe : neyther is there greater labour ; for to foales of such youngnesse , there needes no caulteryzing with hot yrons , stytching , or other implastering , which elder Colts must of necessitie haue : besides , a Foale of such youngnesse , sucking vpon the Damme , eates no bad or vnwholsome meate , but liuing onely vppon milke , keepes that dyet which preserues the sore from ranckling , swelling , or rotting : insomuch that my selfe haue gelt a foale at that age ( when ●ine experience was almoste in that matter as young ●s the foale ) and haue had him soūd & whole in seauen ●aies , applying nothing to the sore but sweete butter , which is an euident proofe to confute those which say ●at the gelding of a foale young , decayes the growthe ●f the foale , for sure the paine being ended in lesse then ●auen daies , the griefe therof can neither lose growth , ●or strength , but if they meane that the depriuing the ●oale of those instruments so earelye , doth decay his ●owth , then by all reason to geld at two yeares old , ●ust decay it much more , both because the foale at ●at age hath more sence , vse and strength , in those instruments , then at the former age : by meanes whereof ●he losse of them , is by a thousand degrees more painfull & greeuous , & the cure therof , is neuer finished in 〈◊〉 month , many times not in two , and sometimes not ●n three monthes : which teadiousnes of griefe cannot ●huse , but abate both growth , strength and courage . Now the benefit which is gotten by gelding Foales thus yong is , First , besides the safenesse & no danger in the cure , it maketh your Gelding haue a delicate fiine leane head , of comely shape , well fauorednesse and proportion , many times not vnworthy to be compared with the choycest Barbarie : it makes him to haue 〈◊〉 gallant crest , high , thinne , firme , and strong : it is a great cause of swiftnesse , nimblenesse , and courage , by which it is certaine they will not tyer so soone as those which are gelt of elder age . But if it bee so , that your Foale haue not let downe ●is stones so soone , neither that you can by chafing or towsing his codde compel him to let thē come downe , which none but some fewe dull Foales will doe , you must then of necessitie let him ouer-slippe that time ; and stay till the fall of the leafe after , for by no meanes I can allow gelding of Foales in Summer , both because of the excessiue heate , and the crueltie of the flye , both which are dangerous , and sometimes mortall to young foales : but if at the fall of the leafe , hee doe not let downe his stones , then you must stay till the Spring , for the extremitie of the cold in Winter is as euill as the heate in Summer , occasioning inward swelling , canker , and putrification : so that the time to geld Foales , is eyther in the Spring , or at the fall of the leafe : the age from nine daies olde to two yeares olde , and the state of the Moone euer when it is in the weane . If after your foales bee gelt , their cods and sheathes happen to swell exceeding much , as there is no question but they will , especially if they be aboue sixe months olde , when they are gelt , & such swellings doe euer beginne fiue daies after the gelding , you shall then ( notwithstanding someof our English writers giue precepts to the contrarie ) cause those Foales which doe swell to be chafed vp and downe an houre together , both morning and euening , till the swelling cease , which it will doe in lesse then a weekes space , holding this obseruation , that if the foale be aboue a yeare olde when it is gelt , then the more it rotteth , the better and safer is the cure . Now as you may geld foales , so you may also gelde elder Horses , nay horses of almost any age , & that with great safenes also , as I haue diuers times approued in mine own experience , without the vse or help of any o●er instrument or medicine , then such as in those cases ●re vsd about foales . Lastlye touching the manner and way to gelde foales or horses , all be there bee sundry practises , yet there is but one sure and perfit methodde . Some there are which wil take eight or ten strōg horse ●ayres , & knit them fast & strait about the horses cods ●oue his stones , & so with the continuāce & eating of ●e haires , make the colts stones to rot , & fal away , but ●is fashion of gelding , I do vtterly dislike , for it is both 〈◊〉 dāger to mortifie the mēber , & bring it to Gangeran which is deadly without cure ) & also it is so paineful , ●at neither horse nor foale can indure it without the ●azard of madnes . Others vse after they haue slit the ●od , & takē out the stone , to cut the stone away , & only ●o melt a little yellow wax vpō the roote of the strings , & so to anoynt the cod with fresh butter , and let the ●orse or colt goe , but that is not so good neither , because vpon such a cure , a flux of blood may followe , which may kil either horse or foale . The only perfit & certaine way , therfore to geld either foale or horse is : after you haue slit the cod , and taken our the stone betweene a paire of nippers , made of wood for the purpose , thē with a sharpe knife to cut away the stone , then with a hot calteryzing yron to seare the cords & strings of the stone , & then to melt vpon them , waxe , Deare-suet , and Venice Turpentine , made together in a plaister , then to fill the inside of the cod with salte , and to annoint the outside of the cod , the horses sheath , and all betweene his thigh & his bodie , with fresh butter , and so to loose him , and put him into a close house ●or three or foure daies , ( if it bee a Foale or Horse of age ; but if it sucke vpon the Dam , then turne it to the Dam , & the danger of the cure is past . And thus much for the gelding of Horses or Foales . CHAP. 18. When , and at what age to take vp Colts for the Saddle , and of their first vse and haltering . TOuching the taking vp of Colts that they may be broke , and come to the vse of the Saddle : there bee sundrie opinions , according to mens seuerall experiences , yet there is but one most substantiall , allbe the rest haue their groundes of probabilitie and reason : for if when you take vp your Colt that you may make him for the vse of the Saddle , you also determine at the same time to put him either to trauell vpon the high way , or to the exercise of any vyolent lessons : as galloping the large Ringes , passing a Careyre , or managing either in straite or large turnes : then I say , to take vp your Colte at foure yeares olde and the vantage , is full soone enough , or rather with the soonest : but if according to the rule of good Horsemanship , you intend when you take your Colt vp first , onely to make him but acquainted with the saddle , Stirrops , garthes , crooper , brydle , watering trench , musrole & martingale , & other such necessarie implements as are needeful in those cases , And that for the Ryder , the Horse shall the first Winter but only learn to know his waight , in what manner to receiue him , how to goe or walke vndet him , and with what quietnesse to part from him : making all his exercises recreations , and benefites , and not labors or seruices . In this ●ase , and with a firme resolution thus to order your ●orse , you shall then take him vp at three yeares olde ●nd the vauntage , which is at three yeares old and as ●uch as between the time of his foaling , and the midst ●f October , but if you shal faile in this course , & either ●ut of indiscretion or furie , or finding your horses aptnesse to preceed your imagination , put him to any violence or extremitie , you shall not onely indanger the Swaying of his backe , and the dulling of his better spirits , but ( his ioynts being tender and vnknit ) make him ●ut forth wingals , and bonie excressions ( which are splents , spauens , curbs , and ringbones , or such like ) wherefore the onely thing I can aduise any horseman ●nto , in the whole worke of horsmanship , is vnto temperance and patience , especially in the beginning , because the choysest time for taking vp of Colts to the saddle , is in my conceite at three yeares olde and the ●antage , chiefly if they bee Neapolitans , Ienets , Turkes , ●r Barbaries , and keeping the obseruations before prescribed . For if horses of their breede and spirit shal run wilde and vntamed , without either acquaintance with ●e man , or the furniture needfull in riding , till they bee ●oure or fiue yeares olde , they wil be of that stubbornnesse , furie & disobedience , that they will not only put ●e ryder to a three-fold greater trouble then the other which are but three yeares olde and vauntage : but also ●pon the least contention or crossing of their natures , ●ter into restise , dogged & rebellious qualities , which 〈◊〉 reclaime , asks as great labor & industry , as to bring a horse of good qualitie to his best perfection . Againe , if a man will but measure time by an euen proportion , if a horse be foure yeares olde , and the vauntage , ere he be haltered , he must of necessitie be full fiue ere he bee reclaimed from his wildnesse , made familiar with the man , brought to be shod , & to take the saddle with patience : then before he be made to receue the man , to haue his heade well placed , and his raine right fashioned , before he will trot foorth-right in a comely order , change turnes on both handes , trot and gallop , both large and strait rings , and performe other ground manages , he must needes bee full sixe yeares olde . Then before hee come to the vse and perfectnesse of the bytt , or to perform those saults and manages aboue ground , which are both delightfull to the beholders , and wholsome for the health of such as haue them in practise , he will accomplish full the age of seuen , so that more then halfe of the horses life , shall be spent in precept and instruction , whereas beginning at three yeares olde and the vauntage , a horse out of his youth and ignorance will bee so tractable , that in the first sixe Moneths hee will gaine as much knowledge as the other in a yeare and more , neither shall you finde restifenesse or churlishnesse , except it spring from your owne furie ; so that there is no doubt but your horse at the ende of fiue yeares of age , will be absolutely perfite in all that is fit for his vnderstanding . At three yeares old therefore and the aduantage , & in the latter end of the month of October , I wold haue you driue your colts vp into a house , where hauing a halter made of principal hempe , after the fashion of ordinarie halters , onely a size bigger at the least , and the ●ine thereof must be at the least three or foure yardes ●ng , taking some old quiet Iade in your hand , goe amongst them , and with all the patience , lenitie , & lea●e that you can deuise , put the halter vpō one of their ●ads , which if the colt will not suffer you to doe with ●ur hand ( as it is very likely he wil not ) you must then ●e to steale it on , by winding the halter about the end ●a long poale , and holding it before the colts face , you ●all see him with ducking his head downe to thrust it ●to the halter : this is an ordinarie way , and you shall ●uer find it faile as long as you take leasure , and vse no ●olence . When the colt is haltred , you shal prouide , ●at good strength of men take hold vpon the end of ●e chase halter , which done , you shall cause one to se●r the rest of the colts from him that is haltred , and as ●were to driue them to the other end of the house : but the haltred colt offer in furie to rush after them ( as it 〈◊〉 no question but he will ) then shall they which haue ●ld vpon the chase haltar , with a forcible and strong ●itch pull him backe , in such sort that they almost ●ake his necke cracke againe ; which done , let his kee●r after , leasurably , and with gentle words to go vnto 〈◊〉 : but if the colt refuse him , and offer either to ●nne , leape , or strike , let them which haue hold vpon ●e halter , with twitchings & strainings torment him : ●t if that preuaile not , then let them leade him forth ●the house , and when he comes abroade , let some ●nders by chase him about on both handes , till hee ●so tame that he will suffer his keeper ( or some other ) ●come vnto him to cherish him , and clawe him , and ●t he will leade vppe and downe quietlye , which when you haue effected , you shall then forthwith lead him into the stable , and putting on a coller made of strong leather , both broade and flat , and with two reines ; tye him downe to the manger , and take off his chase halter . As for making your first coller of wollen yarne , or of horse haire ( as some Authours aduise ) it is a curiositie , but too curious , and the expence may bee saued : for after a Colt hath beene once well maistred , twicht and conquered in a chase halter , hee will neuer after straine his coller so much as to hurt himselfe . You shall when you place your Colt in the stable , either set him by some old ridden horse , vnder whose couert the keeper may safely come to him ; or else in such a roome where there may bee space inough without danger to come & goe on both sides of him . The keeper after the Colt is in the stable , must neuer be idle , but euer either rubbing , picking , clawing , or cherishing the colt , clapping him somtimes vpon the backe , somtimes vpō the necke , sometimes vnder the belly , betweene the fore-boothes , & about his cods . He must oft stroke his legs down euē vnto the pasterns , & often take vp his feete ; and first with his hand , & after with a little sti● knock him vppon the soales of his feete as if he were shooing him , and euer as the keeper shall find the horse to giue a sufferāce to these motions , so shall he not only increase his cherishings , but also for reward , giue the colt either bread or other prouender , such as he finds him to take most delight in , by which meanes hee shall not onely bring the colt to be tame , but also to take a delight in his tamenesse . If your colt be of so stubburne and rebellious a disposition , that these gentle courses wil not preuaile , you shall then but only augment your labor , and what you not attaine to in one day , you must seeke to win in ●o : for it is no losse of labour if you be two dayes in ●ning your horse to let you but stroke him , so in the ●d with gentle means you compasse it ; and that your ●se in the meane space learne no knauish qualitie , as ●ite , strik , or such like : which to eschue , you must euer ●erue , that what you do to a colt , you must doe with ●stancie , boldnesse , & resolution , and not with fear●esse , starting , or tickling , for they are the first occa●s of a horses wickednes . Now , whereas some horse● aduise you in this case to keepe your horse from ●p , and so by ouerwatching him , to make him tame . ●ough it be a course which in mine own knowledge ●d experience , will tame either man or beast , yet to 〈◊〉 it to a colt of such yongnesse , and for faults which ●ly proceed from nature & ignorance , I cannot alow for besides that , it is vnwholsome & breeds infirmi●n such yōg yeres : it is also too cruel , & brings a colt too much faintnesse & weaknesse : wherfore I wold ●uer wish any horseman to tame any with ouer wating , but such as are old ridden horses , & either out of ●ir owne natures , or misgouernment , are not onely come restife and furious , but euen mad & desperate . When you lead your colt either to the water , to aire , such like , you shal let some other ridden horse which ●nds next him be led before him ( which will not only an incouragement , but also be an example ) the colt ●ll with more willingnesse imitate . After your colt is brought to a perfit tamenesse , and ouing familiarity with his keeper , so that he will bee ●'d , drest , clothed , shod , and led vp and downe , you shall then vse him to weare 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Cauezan and Chaine : you shall also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with the Musroll , and Martingall ; which done , you shall then bring him to weare the saddle , the maner whereof is set downe in the next booke . All this perform'd , you shall then put vpon his fore legs a paire of soft and wel-lin'd pasterns , but for tying his hinder foot with a wollen cord , as one of our auncient horsemen aduiseth , I doe not like it , because a colt being fearefull , and suddaine in all his motions , may by starting , or some apprehension of affright indanger the spoyling of his hinder parts . Againe , a horse that is so tyed can not lie downe , neither take rest nor delight in his stall , which you should endeuour to procure him with all industrie ; and for mine owne part it is a toy I did neuer practise : but when I had a horse of diuelish qualitie that would strike and yarke at his keeper with his hinder heeles , or turne himselfe crosse in his stall , to strike at the horse which stood next him , in these cases I haue vsed it but in no other . You shal whilest your colt is in taming ( as neare as you can ) suffer neither fantasticall men , nor apish boyes to come into your stable , who with toying or other foolish affrights may moue those distemperatures in a colt which will hardly be reclaimed . In this maner as I haue prescribed for one colt , so must you vse the rest one after one , if your number be neuer so many . And how euer other riders perswade you to take vp your yong mares for the saddle a yeare sooner then your colts , yet I cannot be induc'd to be of that opinion , but would haue both one age , and one time of the yeare obserued in both kinds . And thus much for the taking vp , and taming of colts . CHAP. 19. Of the cutting of Colts mouthes or tongues , and of the drawing of teeth , to helpe the bit to lie in his true plae . THe braine of man being a busie and laborsome workemaister , to bring to our desires the depth and secrets of that Art which we professe ; often times out of its owne contriuings brings to our ●owledge such false shapes and experiments , as ●ing but onely clad in the colours of Art , for loue to ●r selues , and to our owne inuentions , wee are wil●g to Intertaine them not onely as grounds , but euen the arts best perfectiō . Hence it hath come to passe , ●t some of the best horsemen of the old-past-times , ●ing got both by rule and practise more speculation this Arte then other men , did not yet thinke ●eir skill great inough , except they could both finde ●lts , and approue reasons to controll and amende ●e worke of nature : of which sort Laurentius Russius most principall , who amongest his better knowledges hath set downe certaine precepts for the drawing of a horses teeth , affirming peremptorily , that is impossible for a Horse to haue a good or per●e mouth , except his two tushes of his nether ●appe , & the two wongge teeth of the same next to ●e tushes bee first drawne out , because ( saith hee ) if a ●orse bee once heated or chaft , it is impossible for the rider to hold him frō running away , hauing those teeth : and thereupon prescribes the maner of drawing them out , which should be with an instrument made for the purpose like a crooked paire of Pincers : And the teeth being drawne , to dresse the gums with salt , or with Claret wine , honie and pepper , warmd together , or with wine and honie onely , till the sore place be whole . To make answere to these allegations : First , that the generall proposition is not good , and that the horse should not loose any teeth at all , euerie one knowes that hath seene the worke of nature , that in her creations shee hath not made any thing superfluous , nor can we ( how euer out of our follies wee suggest inconueniences ) diminish one iot of what shee hath made , but by bringing to the beast farre greater mischiefes . For the teeth being the strength of his food , the maintainers of his life , and the instruments both of his defence and strength , take any of them from him and what shall become of those powers ? And againe , a horse hath not any one tooth , which in true iudgement a man can say may bee spared : for first , the two first rankes of teeth which are euen before , serue him onely but to cut vp and gather his meate : of which in number they are not commonly aboue twelue , both aboue and below , and who can alow him a lesser proprotion ? Next those which stand higher in the vpper parts of his chaps , which we call his grinders or woing teeth , they are to chaw & shred his food being gathered vp , & to make it fit for disgestion , & they are in nūber commonly not aboue ten of a side , both aboue and below , which are so few , that if you take any of them away , you doe not onely take away his strength , but a great part of his life also : as for his foure tushes , they ●e to holde in his foode as he gathers it , and so to con●ey it vp to his grinders , so that you may see euerie ●oth hath such an especial office , that not any of them ●n be spared . Now where hee saith a horse cannot haue a good ●outh , except these teeth before named be drawn out , 〈◊〉 if the bytt lying vpon the horses tushes , shold by that meanes be defended from the chap , so that the horse ●uing little or no feeling of the bytt , should therefore ●e vnto the bytt no obedience longer then during his ●ne pleasure . To this I say , all Horse-men knowe ●t the true place of the byt is directly aboue the two ●shes the neather side of the mouth of the byt resting ●t vpon the tush , but against the tush , so that the tush ●a stay and helpe for the byt and no hindrance , but the ●mer Author would haue men imagine , that if the ●t rest aboue the tush , that then there cannot be space ●ugh for the bytt to lie betwixt the tush and the ●ngge teeth , but whosoeuer pleaseth to looke into ●t part of a horses mouth , shall finde that there is full ●re inches betwixt the tush and the horses wongge ●th , and I hope there was neuer any mouth of bytt ●de so broad , especiallye in that part which lyeth ●on the chap. Thus you may see this curious inuention , if it bee ●kt into with a right sence , is both needeles and friuolous , yet because of the greate authoritie of the Author , I know it hath beene retayned , and held authenticall by sundrie horse-men , and by one of our English authors , is not onely commended , but also left in re●rd to posteritie ; which Author , to showe the loue he beareth to noueltie , hath to this deuise of drawing of teeth , added another of his owne of selfe like nature and vertue , and that is , for as much as hee supposeth that a Horses mouth may naturally bee so shallow , that the bytt cannot haue any firme resting place , but shall bee inforced to lye vppon his tushes , or else so inconueniently , that it will much disturbe both the Horse and man ; hee would therefore haue you to make some expert Horse farrier , to slit vp the weekes of your Horses mouth , equallie on both sides of his cheekes , with a sharpe raysor , and then to seare it with a hot yron , and so heale it in such sorte , as the sydes thereof may no more grow together , but appeare like a natural mouth : to whome I make this answere , that I imagine neither hee , nor any other Horse-man hath heere in England seene a horse of that shallownesse of mouth , which wold not giue place for a reasonable bytt to lie in ; or if they haue , surely I knowe it hath beene so seldome , that I holde such Horses rather of a stigmaticall then naturall proportion : but suppose there are Horses of such shallownesse of mouth , yet I say they ought not to haue their mouthes cut to make a place for the bytt , but to haue the bytt moulded and proportioned according to the shallownesse of the mouth , for were it necessarie that all bytts should be of one quantitie & proportion , then I should draw some what nearer to their opinions ; but in as much as they are to bee made eyther in length , roundnes , thicknesse , sharpnes , or flatnes , according to the nature , shape and temper of the mouth , why should horsemen make thēselues eyther tyrants or Fooles , to torment without cause , or inuent to no purpose , those tortures or stratagems , which shall rather make vs scornd then imitated ? Againe , these inconueniences , a horse-man shall finde that wil slit vp his horses mouth : first , the skilfulst horse●each that is , shall neuer heale it ( according to the order prescribed ) in such sort , that euer it will meet close againe , because the searing of the skinne with hot yrons , doth so seauer and dispresse it , that it wil neuer after meete close together againe ; insomuch , that when he eateth his meate , it will fall out of his mouth , and put him to a double trouble , and a double time in eating . Also when hee drinketh , the water likewise wil run out of his mouth , and both annoy and grieue ●im . Lastlye ( and which is of all the foulest eye-sore ) you shall euer haue a horse that is so cut , both in the house and abroad , continually slauering , because the moysture which commeth into his mouth , cannot be ●elde in , but will issue foorth at those open places , to ●e great trouble of the horse himselfe , and the annoyance of such Horses as shall stand neare him ; for this by dayly experience we see , that those barbarous & ignorant Horsemen , which with distempered hands , rough ●rackes , or twound snaffles , doe teare and breake their horses mouthes , that euen those horses haue all the inconueniences before mencioned . Now besides this drawing of teeth , and cutting of mouthes , there is also a third practise , which many yeares since , I haue seene vsed by Prospero , and now to my no little admiration , I see the opinion fortyfide by Salamon de la Broue , a man of exquisite practise and knowledge : and that is , when a horse dooth in his riding thrust foorth his tongue , and will not by any meanes bee made to keepe it in his mouth , he would haue you to take an instrument , made according to the proportion of this figure here presented , which opening and shutting like a paire of flat nippers , you may in it take and hold the horses tongue so hard and flat , that he cannot stirre it , and then according to the circkle of the instrument , which must carrye the proportion of the horses tongue , with a sharpe rasor cut so much of his tongue away , as hee puts out of his mouth . The fashion of the instrument is this : Truely , vnder the correction of his better knowledge , I can giue no allowance to this kinde of dismembring ; for besides that , it is both vnnaturall and hurtfull to the beast , whose tongue is his onely instrumēt for the taking vp of his prouender , & for the conueyance of euerie seuerall kinde of foode downe into his stomack : I see not , but if any part of it taken away or diminished , but that the horse by such lacke , must incur many mischiefes . Againe , this I knowe , that no man hath euer seene anye foale foaled with his tongue , eyther to lōg or too big for his mouth , nature making euerye member sutable to his place and imployment , so that if a horse eyther by custome , torment or sufferance , come to be disfigu●ed , with such a foule and odious falt . I must for mine ●wne part impute the whole ground and cause thereof ●o be onelie the vnskilfulnesse of the Ryder , who wan●ng knowledge or discression , either to make his bytt ●ccording to the modell of the horses mouth , or to ●uowe when the tongue is either at too much libertie , ●r too much streightned , brings on these foule errors , ●hich are not to be cured , but with much greater mis●iefes , and so by these deuises doe imagine to couer ●e deformitie of their Ignorance , for had I euer seene 〈◊〉 my worthy olde Maister , Maister Thomas Storye , or ●ight in these daies see by the example of noble Sir ●obert Alexander , or any of their equall knowledge ●hich without flatterie , I thinke Europe scarse con●ines ) that this drawing of teeth , cutting of mouthes , ●d dismembring of tongnes , whereby they eyther allowed or practised , I should ( whatsoeuer I thought ) ●e more amazedly silent , but because I see horses of ●eir makings , haue no such aparant deformities , & be●sides in my selfe , know that al the errors frō whence ●sius and others draw the groundes of these inuenti●s , haue many better , safer , and more comelie reme●s , I could not chuse but make thys protestation , and ●fence against this tyrannical martyring of poore hor●s , concluding thus : that if eyther your horses teeth ●nd too straite , or his mouth be too shallowe , that you ●ake the preportion of the bit lesse , and fit with the ●orke of nature : and if he thrust out his tongue , as ha●ng too great libertie by the opennesse of the byt , that ●en your bit be made closer , so as it may restraine the ●ngue from too much freedome : but if it proceede from too much closenes and pressing down of the bytt , that then the libertie thereof be augmented , eyther by whole and smooth port , vpset mouth or such like . Lastly , fit proceede from neither of these causes , but euen frō an euill habit & naughty conditiō of the horse , you shall then as soone as the bytt is in his mouth , if hee thrust out his tongue , first knocke it in with the great end of your rodd , and then buckle the nose-band of your brydle head-stall so straight , that he shall not be able to open his teeth , and thus riding him but a weeke or a little more , hee will soone both forget and forgoe that vice : and thus much for these cruell inuentions . CHAP. 20. Of the seperating of bad Colts and Mares from the good , and which shall maintaine the race still . IT is not the dilligence of man , neither the curyositie of his choice ( although they bee the two moste especiall cares which begets a man his owne desires in this matter of breeding of Horses ) which can acertaine vnto any man , that he shall breede horses all of one stature , strength , beautie , and goodnesse , sith thereby diuers casualties ( as sicknesse or infirmitie in the Mare or Foale , negligence in keepers , rushes , straynes , heates or coldes and such like ( which may make foales ( though they be all of one breede ) much different and almoste contrary in proofe , some proouing good , some bad , and some indifferent : wherefore I would wish euerye good breeder once a yeare , especially at Michaelmas , to looke ouer his whole studde , and amongst those Mares and Foales , which shall be three yeres old & the vauntage , to cull out them which be most beautifull , strong , nimble , and couragious , and to seperate them for his owne vse : the rest , which either by infirmitie , or casualtie , haue lost the pride of their naturall ●erfection , I would haue you take into the house , and hauing made them fit for the Saddle and other mens vses , to send them to such fayres and markets as shall bee conuenient , and so sell them to their best profit . But if the greatnesse of the breeders place ●oe disdaine such profit , it shall then bee worthie in ●im , if hee bestowe them either of his officers , or o●her men of merrit : and in this coyling of Studs , there 〈◊〉 great arte and iudgement to bee vsed , for it is not at ●at age , the Colt which is fattest , best proportioned to the eye , round , and close knit together , which maketh the best horse ; nor he that is long , loose , gaunt , & fauoured , which is to be coyled and cast away : for the ●rst when hee commeth to ripenes of age , looseth his ●eautie and goodnesse , and the other increaseth , and when his age is complete , is most worthy and gallant : wherfore as I said , there must be art vsed in the choice ●f coylings , for I haue my selfe seene a Stud coyld whē●here hath beene none so good left behinde as those which haue been sold , & made away for a little money After you haue coyld your Colts and Mares of three yeares olde , and the aduauntage , you shal then take a ●uruay of your younger sorte , and if you shall finde amongst them any that are diseased , as with Ag● or inward sicknesse , with pestilence , Staggers , Ap●plexie , glaunders , strangle , or such like , all which are infections , you shal forthwith , seperate the sound from the vnsound , least the infection of one , breede the losse of all the rest . Lastly , you shall take a Suruey of all your olde breeding mares , and if any of them , eyther through naturall defect , mischance or age , shall become barraine , or 〈◊〉 you shall perceiue any of them , which from yeare to yeare bringeth foorth vncomely foales : or if anye of them hauing brought foorth comely foales , shall not nursse & bring them vp wel , but eyther through want of milke , or the doggednes of some vnnaturall quality , shall stocke and starue their foales ; in any of these cases , it shall be good for you to sell or make away such mares as being vnworthy to be bred vpon , and to store your selfe with none but such as shall bee both good , full of milke , and moste naturall . And thus much I thought good to write , touching the breeding of Horses , and al such necessarie obseruations , as are incident for that art or knowledge , wherin if I haue ascribed to mine owne knowledge or experience , too seueare an authoritie of iudgement , I craue onely to be censur'd by their excellent wisdomes , who being both owners of reason , and maisters of this Art , will not condemne me till there bee iust approbation of mine errors , and in that hope I liue their Seruant . The end of the first Booke . CAVELARICE , Or The Arte and knowledge belonging to the Horse-ryder : how horses are to be handled , ridden , or made perfit , eyther for seruice or pleasure . The second Booke . By Geruase Markham . LONDON Printed for Edward White , and are to be solde at his shop neare the little north doore of Saint Paules Church at the signe of the Gun. 1607. To the High and mightie Prince of greate Brittaine . WHen with seuerer iudgement Ibeholde , The customary habits of our Nation : Nothing I finde so strong or vncontrolde , As is of great mens Actes the immitation . Whence comes it , that to immitate your praise , Our lesser greate ones , ( which would else neglect The noblest acte of vertue ) now doe raise , Their spirits vp , to loue what you respect : O may you euer liue to teach them thus . Those noble Actes which gets the noble name , And may the grace you doe the Arte and vs , Liue to out-liue , Time , Memorie , and Fame , That many ages hence the world may say , You gaue this Arte the life shall neare decay . Geruase Markham . To all the Noble and famous Horse-men or Horse-riders of this Land. IT may seeme in me ( by a strict construction ) more presumption and boldenesse then either art or iudgement thus to publish my rude collections , and prostitute to your censurings the depth of my knowledge , sith I cannot let passe so sleight an error , which to you wil not appeare most grosse , & lie discouered in the playnest nakednesse , because you knowing all thinges which in right shold belong to a wel accomplisht rider are the best able both to correct and condemne mine errors , as hauing in you the onelie sufficiencie both of power and authoritie : but my hope is , that my worst fault is the rudenes of my phrase , not mine ignorance in the arte which I handle ; and though this subiect might haue beseemed ( some of you that are my Maisters ) much better then my selfe , yet since it is the fortune of my forward spirrit , to which you haue giuen an especiall libertie through your silence , let me be helde excused , and what you shall finde to differ either from your owne rules , or from the square of auncient practise , after you haue argued it with reason and the nature of the beast , of which I treate of , if then you haue cause to condemne me , I wil with al humblenes submit to my punnishment which I perswade myselfe shall be moste charitable , because I rather desire your loues then any other mens admirations . G. M. CAVELARICE : The second Booke . CHAP. 1. ●f the natures and dispositions of Horses , how they are to be knowne by the collours of the Horses , and other especiall markes . FOr as much as there is nothing more propper or necesarie to the Horse-ryder then the true knowledge & iudgement of the nature , disposition , complexion , and inclination of the horse , as being the onely dore and perfit entrance into ●e Arte , all other waies being full of absurdities & ●nnatural blindenesse , it shall to me seeme most ex●edient to shewe the true charracters and faces , by ●hich a man shal with the greatest easinesse attaine ●hat speculation : Frederic Grison saith that as a horse ●s colored , so is he for the most part cōplexioned : and according to his complexion , so is his disposition of good or euill qualitie : and according to the predominance or regencie of that Element , of which hee dooth moste entyrelye participate , so for the moste parte are his humours , addictions , and inclinations ; for if he haue most of the earth , then is hee melancholie , dull , cowardlye , and subiect to much faintnesse : and the colours incident to that complexion , is moste commonlye , eyther kyte-glew'd , blacke , both sortes of dunnes , Iron-gray , or pyed with anie of these colours . But if hee haue moste of the water , then is hee flegmaticke , full of sloath , ill vnderstanding , faint spirited , and subiect to much tendernesse : and the colours following that complexion , are Chesnutte colour , Milke-white , Fallowe deare colour , or pyed with any of those colours . If hee haue moste of the Ayre , then is hee sanguine , free of spirite , bolde , nymble , and pleasant : and the colours appertayning to that complexion are , Bright-bay , Darke-bay , Flea-bitten , White-lyard , Ashie-gray , or pyed with anie of these colours : But if hee participate moste of the fire , then is hee chollericke , light , free , stirring , and full of anger : the colouts wayting on this complexion being Bright sorrels , Cole-blacks without whites , or pyed with eyther of those colours . But those complexions are sayde to bee the best , which hauing an equall mixture or composition , dooth participate indifferently of all the foure Elements : and those colours for the moste ●art are browne bayes , plaine , or dapled . Dapple●rayes , Blacke with siluer haires , or well myxt ●oanes , the white Liard , which hath his ●utwarde partes , as the tippes of his eares , maine , ●ile , feete , and such like , blacke . The Ashie gray ●hich hath his feete stryped , Grison also com●endes as good complexions , and notes of trac●ble dispositions : and from this generall opinion ●lomon de la Broue dooth little or not at all differ , ●r there is a strong rule both in nature and reason , that these colours shoulde as well bee the In●xes or Tables to direct our knowledges to the ●derstanding of the Horses disposition , as the ●ce or complexion of a man , in which wee ma●e tymes reade , the verie secrete workings of his ●oste priuate dispositions . It shall therefore bee ●oste behoouefull for euerie good Horse-man , ●st , constantlye , and with a remarkeable iudge●nt to beholde the colour and complexion of 〈◊〉 Horse , together with all the shapes , beauties , ●arkes or figures whatsoeuer wherewith nature ●th eyther adorned or deformed him , and for●much as the best coloured Horses are so much ●e better , by howe much they beare in their ●athermoste partes signes of adustion or blacke●esse : In like case are the woorst coloured Horses ●uch amended in the beauties of their complexi●ns , if their outermoste partes beare any visible markes of blackenesse , onely your browne Bay , your perfire Blacke , your redde Sorrell , and your darke Chesnutte , are much graced , if for a mittigation of their fiercer complexions , they bee accompanied with any white markes , as white Starres in the face , white snippes on the nose , or white feete : the white starre in the face is generally good , and giueth greate hope of a good disposition , so it bee plaine without mixture of contrarie hayres , stande full in the middest of the forehead , and somewhat hie a little aboue the eie browe , the feather of the face making his turninges euen in the middest of the white : next it the white rache downe the face is exceeding good , and the smaller the better : for if it extende to anie greate breadth or largenesse , then is it sayde not to bee a rache , but balde , and that is of great defect , and a signe of euill inclination in a Horse , shewing him to be faint , dull , and of ill memorie . The white snippe vppon the nose is both good and beautifull , so it bee alwaies accompained with a starre in the face , & that the snip bee so small that there appeare vpon the nose no rawnesse or want of hayre , for where eyther of those defectes meete , there the nature altereth , and there is to bee expected contrarye workinges in the Horses disposition : to haue halfe the Horses face white , as from the nose to the eye , or from the roote of the eare to the Ball of the checke , the bodie beeing of one entyre colour , is both an euill marke , and a note of great imperfection ; for white feete , some be good some bad , but generally all are bad , whose whitenesse extendeth it selfe aboue the setlockes , and the higher the worser ; for nothing doth more demonstratiuely snow weakenesse both in minde and bodie . For white feete which are vnder the fetlockes , some of them bee good , some badde : the good are , the white fore-foote , on the right side commonly cald the farre side : the white hinder foote on the left side , commonly cald the neare-side , & both his hinder feete white : and to haue in anie of these whites blacke spots , the bignesse of our english shilling or more , it is an assured signe of great courage , & much aptnes to learne . The white heele , on what foote soe●er it be , is a very good marke , and of the Italians espe●ially commended . The white feete which are badde , ●re these : the neare foote before , the farre foote be●nde , both the fore feete , the fore-foot and hinder foot ●th of one side , or the fore foote or hinder foot crosse ●auersed : as for example , the farre fore-foote , and the ●arre hinder foote , or the narre fore-foote , and the far ●nder-foote . To haue al the fore-feete white , to haue ●oth the hinder feete white : and the farre fore-foote , 〈◊〉 very good , & to haue the hinder feete , and the neare ●ore-foote is tollerable ; but to haue both the fore-feete ●nd any of the hinder feete white is exceeding euill , & ●acke spots to bee mingled with any of these euill ●hites , makes the signes worse , and the horse of lesse ●stimation . The horse ( whose rumpe or docke vnder●eath , is full of white spots , is moste commonlye an excellent good horse , stout & industryous : the horse that is fleabitten by nature ( as from his first foaling , or vppon the casting of his first hayre ) is moste commonlye an excellent Horse and of the best temper , as for the moste parte your Barbaries are : but such whose Flea-bitings come through late Foaling , olde age , or by Arte , or tycke-byting : in them these spots are signes of much euill , faintnesse and weakenesse , and they commonly appeare moste aboundant vppon their shoulders and flankes ; but if they appeare onely about his cheekes , eyes , and nose , holding , their colour more tawnie or redde then ordinarie , then they be signes of stubbornesse , ill will , and restifnesse . The horse that is whale-eyde , or white eyed , is for the most part shrewd , craftie , ful of toyes , and dim sighted , chiefly when snowe is vpon the ground . The Horse that is pure blacke , and hath no white at all vppon him , is furious , dogged , full of mischiefe and mis-fortunes : but if hee bee browne-bay , bright-bay , ches-nut , sorrell or dunne , altogether without white , he may notwithstanding , be tractable and apt in teaching , onely in his pace and naturall motions , he will be fantasticall , forgetfull and incertaine , more or lesse according to the nature of that elemēt , which hath moste predominance in him : but aboue all the markes or Charracters , which declare vnto vs eyther the vertuousnesse or vitiousnesse of a Horses nature , there is none more plaine or infallible then the Ostreige feather on each side of the Horses crest , for in my life time I haue not found one horse naturally euill , which hath been foaled with that mark or ensigne ; and albe those feathers , are euer accounted the best vppon the crest , yet are they also exceeding good vpō any other part or member of the horse , and chiefly when they are pla●ed so as the Horse cannot behold them , euery horse ●y the rule of nature hath a feather in his fore-head , & ●hat feather is euer the better , the higher it standeth . Euerie horse likewise hath feathers vppon his brest , ●nd those feathers are better , the higher they ascend ●pwards towards his throate : moste horses haue fea●hers vppon their neckes , euen vpon the vaine , which ●ee commonly strike them blood of , and they are the ●etter , the broader , and rounder they are : some horses ●aue feathers vpon the pitch of their buttockes , next 〈◊〉 the setting on of the tayle , and they haue a●ongst Horse-men beene taken for a beautie and a ●ertue . Now when the hors-man is able by colours to distin●uish complexions , and by these markes and figures , ●en as it were to reade the good or euill habite of the ●inde , it shall bee necessarie for him then to beholde ●e shape and preportion of the beast : for as stigma●all and abortiue shapes in a man , prognosticate ●ill fortunes and the euents of wickednesse , euen 〈◊〉 vncomelye and monstrous shapes in a Horse are e●er accompained with the worst vices , nature neuer ●owing her selfe a worthy mistresse , but there where ●ee imployeth the best of her graces . Therefore to ●ow the picture of a perfect horse in wordes , albe in ●ome respects I differ much both from Grison , Xeno●hon , and diuers others : yet notwithstanding I will ●ast out mine opinion in this discription ; and although ●iuers Horse-men ( my Maisters ) haue set it downe for 〈◊〉 perfect rule , that in these discriptions we should be●in at the neather most parts , as the members whereon a horseman ought first to fixe his eyes and minde ; yet I not grounded in that beleefe , wil begin with the vppermost partes , as being the moste worthie , fullest of beautie , and of greatest maiestie ; and so consequently to our eies , the best , fittest and moste especiall obiect : wherefore to begin with the head of a Horse , I would haue it in generall leane , so as euerie vaine might be beheld in a natiue plainnesse : his fore-head large , broade , & well rising in the midst , like the fore-head of a Hare , for to be smooth and flat , mare fa●st , showeth dulnesse of spirit , much faintnesse and disabilitie : his eyes should bee big , blacke , round , fierie , and as it were leaping out of his head : the hollownes of his eye-browes would be fild , and as it were swelling outward : his iawes would bee slender , leane , thinne and wide a sunder : his throple , bigge , full and round : his nostrell wide , round , & open : his mouth large , and his mosell aboue his neather lipp , small and slender : his eare small , sharpe , and standing vp right : if they belong , slender , and standing vpright , though they bee not so beautifull , yet bee they especiall notes of greate life and courage : his necke would bee long , vpright , great towards the brest ; bending in the midst , and slender at the setting on of the head : his mayne , neither bushie , thicke , nor too exceeding thin : for as the first showes dulnesse , so the latter showes too fierie madnesse , but of a reasonable and indifferent mixture , which is a proofe both of strength and aptnes : his crest thinne , hye , firme , and strong at the bottome : his withers sharpe pointed , close , and well ioyned ; yet so as a man may discerne from thence the motion of the shoulders : his backe short , plaine , broad , and of a iust leuell , in whose strength consisteth the beautie of all his motions : his sides long , large , and much ben●ing , with a very small space betwixt his shortest ribbe ●nd his huckle bones : his fillets short , thicke , full , and ●welling , euen with his chinne : his flancks full and ●ound , hauing Ostrige feathers , rising vp frō the lowest ●art of their thinnesse , euen to the bottome of his fil●ts : his belly large , yet wel hidden within his ribbes : ●is buttocke round , plumpe , and full , without eyther ●utter or deuision of ioynts , or any vncomely appea●ance of the hippes or huckle bones : his thighes large , ●und and bigge , well let down euen to his houghes : ●is hams leane & straight , his houghes large and croo●ed like a Stag : his legs broad , short , straight and leaue : ●is knees great , plaine , & firmly knit : his fore-thighes , ●newye , short-bon'd , & of iust proportiō : the brawnes ●hereof , when he standeth vpright , and with his legs ●gether , must bee more distant one from another , a●ue next his brest , then beneath his shoulders : long , ●ge , and fleshie : his brest large , round , and bearing ●tward : his ioyntes beneath his knees great , with ●ng feawter locks : his pasternes short & straight , the ●ownets of his hoofes small and hayrie ; his hoofes ●acke and smoothe , large , dry , round , and hollow : ●s heeles swelling and straight : his tayle long and hay●e , but not bushie , but rather crispe and thinne ; the ●erne whereof , small and strong , and close coutched ●etwixt his buttockes : his stones and yarde small and ●acke without white spots , and all his shapes in generall , according to the proportion of his sta●ure , which ●hat horse soeuer hath , doubtlesse hee cannot chuse ●ut be of good disposition : for t is harde to finde a horse 〈◊〉 good shape and colour , which is by nature euill ●clinde . Salomon de la Broue , is of opinion that the temperatures and climes , vnder which a horse is bred , is an especiall Index to declare the nature and disposition of the horse , and questionlesse his iudgement is moste sound : for generally those horses , which are bred nearer to the Sunne , as the Ienet of Spaine , the Barbarie , the Arabyan and the Turke ; ( by which Turke as I take it , hee meaneth the Greeke : for the true naturall Turke indeede , is bredde in the colde partes of Sithia , and is a horse of exceeding largenesse , strength , and sufferance , but not of franke spirit and courage , equall with the other , are euer of more pure mettal , more corragious valour , and more strength and nimblenesse , then either the Almaine , Flemming , or any other discending from the Northerne , colde and barraine races : the reason beeing , that the Sunne , doth with his hot beames expel , dispeirse , and exhall in the first , those grosse , moyst , and corrupt humors , which the colde and frost coniealeth , byndeth , and incorporateth in the latter ; but whereas La Broue , placeth in his first ranke , as worthie the onely soueraigntie amongst horses , as the fittest seare for Kinges , and the best renowned in battayle , the Horse of Spaine : let mee in that take leaue to bee of a cleane different , and contrarye opinion , and to his superlatiue hardlye bee inty●st to lend him a comparatiue , for if I ackowledge him fayre , Noble , gratious and braue , I must not say moste , for then I shall erre exceedingly , for if wee will stand to the opinions of our auncient Maisters in this arte , wee shall finde that one saith they bee of too slender a molde in the hinder partes , their buttockes too narrow , and their limbs too slender . Another saith , they bee weake and cowardly , and a ●ird saith they haue bad hoofes , no pace , and bee ●r the moste part , of curst , and froward dispo●ion : and shall this Horse beare away the prize , ●th for inward or outward perfection ? But let vs compare his vertues with these former de●ctes , the same Authors affirme , hee is finely made , ●th of head and bodie , full of lightnesse and quicke●sse , strong , and able for the induring of trauell , ●d in swiftnesse exceeding , not onely the Parthyans , ●t all other Horses whatsoeuer . T●uelye in shape ●ey are not in any thing comparable with the mea●st of manye Barbaryes , and for their swiftnesse , it ●ot to bee spoake of , chiefly in long courses , where ●e indurance of labour is to bee approoued , in com●rison of many of the meanest of our English races , ●which wee haue spoke more amply in the former ●oke : but to come nearer to our times , and to bring 〈◊〉 best proofes from our owne experiences , I haue my ●e beheld some of the Spanish Studdes , their Mares , ●olts , and Horses , and for mine owne part , I haue ●t seene any whereat to admyre : manye I haue ●held of vncomely molde , loose and ill ioynted ; ●haue seene some serue in the fielde , and haue ●ted in them greate fearefulnesse , chieflie at the ●ght of fire : some I haue ridden , and albe I haue ●und them tractable enough , quick spirited , and full of ●gor , yet haue I found thē with al fantastical , apish , apt 〈◊〉 forget , & prone to restifnes vpon the least indiscreti● , so that I conclude the Ienet is a good horse , but not ●e best : witty , but not of the best vnderstāding : feirce , but not of the most approoued valour : before whome I prefer ( as most principal ) the Courser of Naples . next them , our English bastard Coursers , and true English●d ●d horses . Then the Greeke , next the Barbarie , and then the Spaniard : and all these , are for the most part eyther of wel compounded & mingled complexions , or else Sanguine , or Chollericke , which makes them apt to learne , able to performe , and least deseruing the surie , eyther of torture , or correction . And thus much for the distinction of complexions , and the iudgement by markes and shapes of the inward dispositions , which the hors-man must correct according to his experience in practise . CHAP. 2. The vse and benefite of the chaine Cauezan , Head-straine , Musroll , and Martingall . CAuezzanna , of the ancient Italians was taken both for the Chaine , Headstrain , Musroll , and that to which here in England we giue no other attribute but Cauezan , or any other binding fillet ouer the nose of the horse , to which was vsed anye reynes , whether leather or corde ; but time bringing forth diuers practises , and those practises sundrie experiments , not formerly knowne : we haue not onely altered the names and titles , but euen the vse and maner of imployment : the olde Neapolitans which were indeede the Schoole-masters to all Christendome in the Arte of horse-manship , vsed for their cauezan , nothing but a plaine halter of strong wel twound corde , ●e Musroll , or Noseband , being 〈◊〉 least foure cords broad , well ●w'de together with strong ●ackthreed , with two noozes 〈◊〉 loops ; through which a long ●ne crosse-wise passeth , so as 〈◊〉 pulling or strayning it , you ●ay pinch the Mussell of the ●rse , and force him to bring in 〈◊〉 head , and shew obedience ●hout further compulsion , 〈◊〉 figure whereof is this which ●ere prescribed . The Cauezan or Headstraine . There is no question but this ●ner of Cauezan was inuen●to exceeding good purpose , 〈◊〉 was found of great vse and ●ation amongst the Neapo●es , both by reason of the ●ctability of those horses , their ●ellencie of shape ( wherein ●re doth giue them all the ●sible helpes which may bee the attaining of their per●ion ) and their quicke appre●sion of euery correction ioy● with the moderation , arte , ●ience , and the industrious la●r of the skilfull horse-man ; 〈◊〉 when it once arriued with ●n England , where the horsemans charge consisted , both of Neapolitan courses , Spanish Ienets , Flemings , Frizonds , & our owne English mares : there this maner of cauezan was foūd , sometimes through the naughtie and rebellious disposition of the horse , somtimes thtough naturall defects , as either in the shortnesse of necke , straitnesse of chaule , or dulnesse of spirit , to be of too great lenitie or gentlenes , whence sprang the inuention of another cauezan more full of torment , and therefore reputed of much more especiall vse or authoritie . The figure whereof is this . The Cauezan or chaine with teeth . The cauezan made in fashion of a Chaine● , and in our English phrase commonly called the Chaine , was much accounted of amongst principall horsmen , and found a sufficient correctiō for horses of most seuerall dispositions ; for being vsed with a temperate hand , without extreme haling or pulling , it makes the horse light before , firme and iust in his turning , brings the necke into his true compasse , & setleth the head without any impeachment of the mouth : but when this cauezan chaine came into the hands of the ●uder , and more vnskilfull , who wanting patience to let the horse knowe his fault before they corrected him for his fault , or being as ●tantick in their corrections as the horse wilfull in his disobedience , they haue with their extreame pulling , or ●anging vpon the reines of the cauezan ( which commonly are broad thōgs of leather ) held him 〈◊〉 such a continuall torment , that ●e horse neither vnderstanding ●is riders meaning , nor able to ●dure the punishment , hath faln 〈◊〉 such a wilfull opposition a●inst his rider , that he hath euē●sted and hung his heade vpon ●e cauezan , albe the rider did pul 〈◊〉 hale nener so extreamely : ●hich fault when the rider per●iued in the horse , but wold not ●ehold in himselfe ; forthwith , he ●egan to inuent tormēts of grea●r & more violent nature , hol●ing this ethnicke opinion that ●e greatest feare begat the grea●est obediēce , & hence came this ●ther chaine cauezan , the figure ●herof is here represented : the ●nks which go ouer the nose be●g made hollow , and full of ●arpe teeth . The Cauezan or chaine . This Cauezan I haue seene very good hors-men vse but with such a temperate and Lady-soft a hand , that in my conceite a silke garter woulde at any time haue beene as painful . Many haue attributed the inuention of this cruel cauezan to Seigneor Prospero , but for mine own part I haue seen it vsed before his comming into England , especially in the leading of horses , for which vse I esteemed it , and neuer for other purpose ; yet I muste confesse Prospero was a most tyrannous and cruell ryder , and out of the depth of his knowledge in hors-leach craft ( in which he was most famous ) would aduēture sundry bloodie stratagems & cruelties , beyond reason . And as touching the cauezan which hee most vsed , it was more cruell then the former , and made after this figure . The Cauezan or Chaine with teeth and rings toothed . This cauezan or chaine thus made with these turning rowles , by reason of the extreame crueltie thereof , as it made some horses of slothfull , dogged , and rebellious disposition , more obedient and louing , of more tractable natures whereby the rider tooke some delight , and hope in his trauell : so it made horses of free , quicke and apprehensiue qualitie , ●t times desperate , and so opposite to all the good ●opes which their complexions promised , that no●ing seemed more impossible , then what appeared in ●ason most easie ; and the oftner it so hapned when ●ch violent corrections came into the hands of such ●orse-men , who exercised the same more from the tra●tion and vse of others , then from any certaine know●dge in themselues , of the nature and qualitie of such ●tremities ; for my selfe haue diuers times seene and ●gued with sundrie hors-men , whom I haue behelde ●e with these cruell Cauezans , of the reason and cause 〈◊〉 that extraordinarie terror , who could yeeld mee no ●isfaction but this : that such and such good horsmen ●d vse them , and therefore they ( forgetfull , that ●oso euer will be any mans Ape in such practise must ●essarily haue his iudgement , his temper of hande , 〈◊〉 his discretion in gouernment ) haue them in ●ctise ; for as amongst Scriueners , he which hath a ●ie hand must write with a hard pen ; hee that hath ●ght with a soft : so amongst horsmen , hee that hath a ●iciall temperate hand , may draw good effects from ●el instruments ; but he that hath a rough and stub●rne feeling , cannot haue his instruments made with ●o great softnesse and gentlenesse . Hence it came to 〈◊〉 , that our best horsemen , seeing the euils which ●se euil Cauezans did beget by the roughnes of their ●ne shape , and by the indescretion or the barbarous ●ndler : but most of all by reason of the reynes of such ●ezans , which being alwayes broad thonges of lea●er running cross●-wise ●ugh the eies of the two ●tmost rings , when they were once drawne straight , albe the rider did afterward ease his hand , yet woulde not the reynes recoile or giue appeasment to the horses griefe , but helde him in a continuall paine : which considered , they forthwith inuented an other cauezan of two peeces of Iron writhen abour , which is nothing so cruell as these former Chaines , and made the raynes thereof , of a kinde of soft twound roape , beeing in thicknesse as big as an ordinarie Cart-roape , which running crosse wise through the ringes , did no longer holde the Horse in paine then the hand did pull , but with euerie ease of the hand , recoyled and gaue ease , & libertie to the horse so pained . The figure of which Cauezan is this . The wrythen Cauezzan . This kinde of Cauezan put both the head-straine , & chaines out of all vse , & as it is , & hath beene euer seene , that our English nation is euer moste adicted to strangers & strange trickes ; So now this & none other was reputed most perfect & moste exquisite : which when Prospero perceiued , and saw the adiction of our natures , which esteemed that best for which we could giue the least reason of goodnesse : hee foorth-with in●nted another Cauezan made of two peeces , of yron , ●llowed and ioynted in the midst , full of teeth , long ●d sharpe like a Horse-Combe , with raynes of rope ●e the former fashion , of which this is the Cauezan●t ●t followeth . The Cauezan of two peeces . But he was no sooner seene to vse this cauezan , when almost euerie man that would seeme a horseman , began forthwith to apparell his horse in this new Italian fashion : not arguing the vertues or the vices of the instrument , but onely the quaintnesse and strangenesse , so that euerie one could now imagine faults , and imperfections in all the former cauezans , and now this onely was good and no other : and this was for a long time in such vse , that not any man almost was seene to ride without them : which when Prospero perceiued to be so much diuulged , and grow so generall , Italian like being iealous of his honour , and seeking onely to bee particular ( like the Souldior which renounst his own discipline , because it was made common amongst the wilde Irish ) refuzd the vse of this cauezan , and inuented an other of the same fashion , and with the same like reines only , it was compounded of three peeces , which made it more pliant about the horses nose , and by that meanes more full of sharpe correction . The figure whereof is this which followeth . The Cauezan of three peeces . With this Cauezan I haue seene him ride manie times , and in his right hand a hammer , wherewith hee would strike the Cauezan into the Horses nose , by which meanes I haue seene many foule Farcions , and other cankerous sores breede in the horses face , which for hee could easily heale , hee lesse respected to hurt ; but those violences I absolutely hold brutish , & in euerie rule opposite to all art and horse manship . Now to come to the experience of these latter times : we doe finde all these Chaines and Cauezans formerly expressed to be good , so they be gouerned by art , and according to the propertie of each of their seuerall natures , for which they were inuented , yet Salomon de la Broue will allow ( at least commendeth to our memories ) none but the three last Cauezans , and the first plaine chaine , betweene whome and mee is this difference , that I allowe none of them all , but in cases of great extremitie , where the sufferance of euill hath brought the horse to a habit of euill , so that ordinarie meanes being taken away , there then remaineth nothing but extraordinarie practise : for that they should be as he pretendeth like the swadling clouts to a child , the first garments a Colt shold weare , I holde it mearely against the Arce of Horsemanship , and against the greatest substance of his owne precepts : for if as hee prescribeth , and all arte teacheth , we are to fortifie our Horses vnderstanding with all manner of meekenes , lenitie , and patience , and that we must in no sort begin to correct till we be assured of some apparant & grosse vice , then must we lay aside these instruments , which euen punish in the verie wearing before the mans hand come to be laide vppon them . For first the peeces and ioyntes of which they consist being so plyant and bin●ng about the nose and cheekes of a Horse , together ●ith the sharpnes of their teeth , euen in the sence of ●ason must breede much griefe to the Colt , if either ●e Ryder haue feeling of the Colts head , or the colt a ●nce of his ryders hand , and for the one to be without ●e other was neuer seene in good Horse , nor good ●orseman , nor can the fine temper of any mans hand 〈◊〉 a lawfull excuse for these beginning cruelties : wher●e if it were so as this french Gentleman supposes , that Colt should bee first trainde vp with the Cauezan , ●ich I can neuer allow in my sleight iudgement , yet ●e of these three holde I tollerable : but rather the ●uezan which consisteth all of one intyre peece , ac●ding to this figure following . The Cauezan . In this Cauezan , neither is the teeth filde sharpe so as it can much pricke the Colt , neither is the substance so plyant that it can binde the correction longer , then is the will of the ryder , but as his hand abateth , so the paine van sheth , so that I conclude , of al these Cauezans this is the worthyest to begin with , If there were not a better way of beginning alreadie knowne and approued , and the other to followe , either as vice , stubbornesse , or restie qualities , shal giue occasion , or as the defects in naturall proportions , shall inforce a man to more violent practise . The vse of all these head-straines , chaynes and Ca●ns , only tendeth to one purpose , which is but to as●e and make firme the head , to bring a horse to light● ; and as it were an inward delight of his owne com●es , and to preserue the mouth in sensible and tender ●ing , which being either dul'd , or hardned , there ●ight followeth disobedience , frenzie and disorder . 〈◊〉 that it worketh all these , I haue both seene the ●rarie in others , and found it in mine owne pract● for where a Horse is naturally light headed , forget● , or fantasticall , or where the Horse hath a thicke ●t necke , and a strait narrowe chaule ; there a 〈◊〉 may with the Cauezan and plaine cannon , bestow ●h arte and more labour ; but shall hardly eyther ●g the one to a stayednes , or the other to any come●s , nature being a stronger Mistresse , then art of such ●ke playnnes : and I doe well remember a Gentle● , who at this day in this kingdome , is not reputed ●h inferior to the best Horse-men , who rid a short●kt courser , aboue two yeares with the Cauezan and ●ine cannon , yet brought him to little better per●ion , then at the first day of his backing , when the ●e Horse being brought to the moste famous ●leman , & worthy all praise-ful memorie , Maister ●mas Story of Greenewich , was by him in lesse then ●e halfe yeare made the moste principall best doing ●se which came vpon the Black-heath , and myselfe at ●t instant riding with him , did so diligently obserue ●th his art , his reasons , & his practise , that euen from ●t man , and that Horse , I drew the foundation and ●ound of my after practise . Finding in the vse of the Cauezan , so much insufficiencie , losse of time and libertie to disorder , that I dare confidently maintaine , it is neither the best nor second way to bring a horse to perfection : if thē I shal be questioned what I doe prefer before the Cauezā , as the first instrumēt to bring a horse both to beauty & obediēce , my answere absolutely is , the Musrole and the Martingale , which how euer it be either vnassayde , or vnremembred in the Italian or French practise , yet Iam well assured it is of much better effect , & hath brought foorth moe better examples of perfect arte , then they haue either deliuered vs in their writinges , or wee haue beheld in their practise : But in asmuch as no man hath writ against it , I will imagine all men hold with it , and not goe about to defend , what none in the Arte I think wil impugne . The Musrole therefore would be made after the fashion of the writhen Cauezan , onelye it should bee all of one peece after the fashion of this figure . The Musrole . This Musrole must be couered with strong leather , and a buckle at one end to buckle vnder the Horses chaps , like the nose-band of a brydle : then must a ●s-stall be ioyned vnto it , to goe ouer the Horses ●d . As touching the Martingale , it would be made ●verye stronge leather , with two buckels , a foote ●ant one from another , after the fashion of this fi●e . ●his Martingale must haue the shorter end thereof ●led to the Garthes vnder the Horses bodie , and so ●ght betweene his fore-legges to his head , and the ●er end buckled to the nose-band of the Musrole , ●r the Horses neather chaps . ●he vse of this Musrole and Martingale , is to keepe ●ine and firme a Horses head from tossing shaking ●hing or such like Antick countenances : it rayseth ●e necke , bringeth in the head , and fashioneth the ●e , it keepeth a Horse from plunging , rearing ●e , or running away , and to conclude , doth 〈◊〉 good office , and breedeth that tractabilitie in 〈◊〉 daies ( albe with a meane Horseman ) which the ●ezan or the Chayne will hardly effect ( though 〈◊〉 the best Artes-maister ) in two monthes : so that I ●lude , and dare without ostentation or ambition ●ose my selfe against any man of contrarie opini● to make my Horse sooner and more certaine with Musrole & Martingale , then he with the Chaine or Cauezan , how euer his estimation doe precede my fortune and obscuritie , The place or seate for the Musrole is vppon the strength and midde part of the Horses nose , vnder his eyes more then a handfull , and aboue the tender grisle , about some two inches or there abouts . Grison from whome all Horse-men , and all nations haue taken a greate light , both of their Art and immitatiō , seemeth to giue the least allowāce to these , chieflye the Martingale , which hee esteemeth as a correction , and therefore dooth limmite the vse to certaine perticular and necessarie times , and not to anye generall benefit ; the reason whereof I holde onely to bee this : Euangelista , who was the first inuentor thereof , vsing it alwaies to correct such horses as would reare vpright , and flye ouer and ouer , Grison , not willing to bee beholden to any mans practise but his owne , not proouing the other benefits , was vtterlye ignorant of the vertues , ( this for which it was inuēted , being the least of al other ) & so like one of our old Bel-founders that neuer knew how to melt his mettall , but by the force of a payre of Bellowe● thought it impossible that the new inuented furnaces should bring any profit ; but had our Maister Gryson once put it in practise , I doe not thinke eyther chaine or Cauezan wold haue held with him any estimation . Now for the Musrole , that hee commendeth exceedingly , and to speake truelie , it deserueth all his commendations , and this shall suffice touching the knowledge and vse of the cauezon . CHAP. 3. How to make a Colt gentle , how to bring him to the blocke , and of the first Bridle and Saddle . I Did in my first Treatise of hors-man-ship which I writ many yeares since , for sleight tastes or essayes , to season the knowledge of a young Gentleman , my most especiall friend , & deer ●man , set downe a method how to tame and make ●tle a Colt , being come to full age fitte to weare a ●dle , as namely of three yeares and seuen Mo●s , or at foure yeares at the most ; at which time his ●ts will be knit , his strength compleate , and his ●erstanding fit to intertaine instruction , and both of ●phon , Grison , Baptista , & la Broue , and all hors-men ●ght the time most conuenient , and in the self same ●on I still confidently doe continue : which was , 〈◊〉 hauing housed your colt , and with good strength 〈◊〉 helpe , got a chase haltar made of strong Hempe , 〈◊〉 the reine aboue three fadome long at the least , 〈◊〉 the gentlest meanes that may be vpon his heade : ●n you offer to lead him forth , if he offer ( as it is ●st likely ) he will either to leape , plunge , or runne a● , that then with strong and sharpe twitches , you ●e his necke , and maister his head , in such sort that ●e ende the smallest straine of your hand may bee ●cient to bring him backe , and inforce him to obe●e . This mastring of his head with the halter , brings him to feare and obey the man , make him tender to all other corrections , and assures his keeper when he shal leade him in his hand , or bring him to his rider . But if he be so stubborne that he refuse to leade , and onely hangeth backe , then let some standers by vrge him forward , by threatning him with their voyce ; which if it preuaile not , then let one with a rodde giue him a small yerk or two , till he presse forward ; which if he doe too hastily , or with too suddaine a surie , you shall twitch him backe with the chase halter , and vpon euery instant that he doth any thing orderly , or pleasing to your minde , you must not forget to cherish him , both with sweete words , and by giuing him somthing to eate . After he will leade a turne or two gently , you may set him vp in the stable , take off the chase halter , and put on a smooth coller : let his keeper euer bee trifling and doing something about him , rubbing and handling him most , where he is most coy to bee handled , mingling gentle wordes , and kinde speeches in all his doings , till with your modest curtesie , without any suddaine affright or rashnesse , you haue made him so tractable , that he wil suffer his keeper to handle him in the most ticklish partes , to let his feete be taken vp and shod , and euerie conuenient member to be vsed according as you shall thinke necessarie , which with labour , patience and gentlenesse , will soone bee brought to passe , where as furie , rashnesse , and sodaine approachings , are the first meanes which makes a horse learne to start , strike , bite , and take dislike euen in his keepers countenance . After your horse is thus mand , & made gentle to be drest , shod , and handled , you shal then present vnto him the Saddle , which how euer Grisons opinion is it should only at first be but a pad of straw with●ut any tree , for feare of hurting : yet I hold it neither ●o be disproportion in arte , nor offence to the horse , if ●t first you set a sufficient and seruiceable Saddle , made 〈◊〉 proportion and fashion answerable to this figure . The perfite Saddle . This Saddle when you first present to the Horse , let him smell to it : then rubbe his shoulder with it , his sides and his buttocks , and so breeding acquaintance by degrees , and with faire and gentle wordes , in the end set it vpon his backe : then take it off , and set it on againe twice or thrice before you let it settle , continually giuing faire wordes , and cherishing the Colt : in the ende set it on firme , and place it rather forward then backwarde , except the horse by imperfect shape be too extreamely lowe before , which your eye must iudge and distinguish ; for it is a rule , that the more forwarde the Saddle standes , the more grace the horsman gaines . This done , with the help of another groome that may deliuer the girthes , let the Saddle be girded on ; at the first so gently that he may no more but feel the garths ; then by degrees drawing thē from hole to hole , straiter and straiter , girde it of such a reasonable fastnesse , that it may neither mooue when he goeth , nor pinch him when he either straines himselfe , or breatheth : this once finished , let the stirrops which al this while should be buttond vp close be let down , that they may dangle and beate vpon his sides as he goeth , to make him acquainted both with the Stirrop and Leathers , and such like implements . Now for that the Stirrop is an instrument of especiall consequence in this Arte , as beeing the ground , strength , and stay of the horse-mans legges , sometimes a helpe in the horses lessons ; sometimes a correction for his slouth or errors : and generally the sole grace or ornament of the mans faire seate and comelinesse , it shall not be amisse for me to shewe the true shape and proportion of the right and well fashioned Stirrop , which hitherto for the most part , and of moste men ●ath beene infinitely neglected , some making their ●tirrops of such an extraordinarie waight , compasse ●nd greatnesse , that it is almost impossible for any man 〈◊〉 holde them vpon their ●eete in any sault or leape a●oue ground , or in any swift or double turnings : I ●ue seene some whose feete and anckles haue runne ●ite through the Stirrops , to the great danger of the ●an , and the dislike of the beholders . Some other Stirrops I haue seene also made , of such 〈◊〉 immeasurable straitnesse , that when an armed man ●ing greaues ) vpon his legges , hath put in his foote , 〈◊〉 could not without much difficultie , shake it off a●ne , in such sort that should either the horse by mis●nce haue falne , or the man beene ouerthrowne , his ●ges being fast in the Stirrops , there had beene no ●anes of preseruing his life : which to preuent , I wish ●tirrops to be made after the fashion of this figure ●wing in the next page . The perfite Stirrop . Which bearing his compasse , or bowe out in the midst , and likewise both straitned at the bottome , and the top , giueth the foote a perfite libertie to goe in and out at pleasure ; and yet by his shallownesse giueth the man that certaintie and sure holde , that it can neither at any time shake off against his will , nor easily slide past the hart of the foote , which is euer the most certaine part which should rest vpon the stirrop ; where on the contrarie part , those Stirrops , which in former time , and euen at this present are generally in vse , being made in the fashion of a Scutchion , turned the ●ng endvpward , are made by a direct line , either of 〈◊〉 widenesse , or one straitnesse , and such a large di●ce betwixt the top and the bottome , that the rider ●h no sure foote hold therein , but by extreame pres● or treading vpon it , whereas indeed he ought , but ●peare to touch it and no more , keeping onely the ●op-leather streight and no further ; wherefore for 〈◊〉 satisfaction and that you may auoid the vse ther●u shall beholde the fashion of the euill Stirrop in ●gure following . the euill stirrop . Now as touching the perfite Saddle , and the perfite Stirrop , both which I haue formerly expressed and figured , they are allowed generally of all horsemen , and by la Broue in his booke of precepts , principally commended and figured ; wherefore by some shallow sence best pleased in fault-finding , it may be alledged , that I rob him of his figures , and depriue him of his euention , Truly for the figures , I would our Nation were so industrious , that they would cut them in such perfection as his are , which questionlesse are the best done I haue seene ; or our Nobilitie and Gentrie so much inamoured in the Arte , that mens paines and arts might not be misregarded ; sure it would auaile much to their more vnderstanding . But for the inuention of the Saddle , sure it is , it was neither la Broues , nor mine , but were long before wee were , of much vse amongst the ancient italians , & with vs here in England in the time of Seignier Prospero of especiall estimation , insomuch that amongst our Horsemen , and Sadlers , they were and are still called Prosperos Sadles . Now for the Stirrop , I caused of them to bee made aboue fourteene yeeres agoe , when I was deepe in the practise and vse of riding , hunting horses , and running horses . Where noting well the fashion and proportion of those Stirrops , which we found most commodious for that practice , which are those we can hold fastest in the horses running or leaping , and the soonest shake off in extremitie when he falleth : I foorth-with from the model of the hunting Stirrop , caused the like in proportion ( though stronger , & of more massines ) to be made for the great horse Saddle , and found them better & more certain then any I had before induced . Now to proceed to my purpose ; when your horse is thus man'd , sadled , and firmely gyrt , your crooper sure and strongly buckled , and your stirrops of their euen and due length , which ( according to the opinion of la Broue , ) I would haue the right-foote stirroppe a thought shorter then the left , because when a man encounters his enemie with his Launce , he must a little lean to his left side , putting his right shoulder the more forward ; or when he encounters with the sworde , the lifting vp of his right arme to raise his blow , makes him ease his right foote stirrop , and tread the firmer on his left : for these and such other like reasons , it is found fit to make the left stirrop the longer . When this is done , you shall present vnto your horse the bridle which hee shall first weare , which according to the opinion of my maister Grison , should be the Cauezan head-straine , for he vtterly disallows the byt at the first riding , til a horse can trott forward , and turne readily on both hands : la Broue , he would haue the Cauezan chaine plaine without teeth , which indeede is more generally good , for hauing in it more force of correction , it bringeth the sooner and easier obedience : both haue beene and are good in their kinds ; and diuers horses I know will ride as obediently with them , as with bitte or any other inuention : for , for mine owne part , I once rid a blacke bastard Courser , which was afterwards giuen to the Earle of Essex , in whom I found that tractabilitie and sencablenesse , that before euer I put byt in his mouth , he would haue set a turne on both hands , either double or single , managed faire , or done any ordinarie ayre or sault meete for a horse of seruice : but when he came to weare a byt , I found his mouth so exceeding tender , and out of the greatnesse of his courage , I found him euery way so apt vpon the least torment to disorder and grow franticke , that I condemned my selfe , and found it was a course to spend a double time for one single horse making : wherefore , differing both from Xenophon , Grison , la Broue , and others , I onely relie ( as vpon the surest rocke & foundation layer of this Arte ) vpon my famous maister , maister Thomas Storie , who was so exquisite in euery perfection of horsmanship , that many at this day , who would disdaine to h●e other ranke then amongst the best horsemen , were but groomes and leaders of horses to his schoole , and onely attained their skils by beholding , and obseruing his practise , their eyes and memories being their best school maisters : and according therefore to his rule , I would haue you put vpon your horses heade , the Musroll before prescribed , which done , you shall put into his mouth , ( hauing it fastned to a strong head-stall , & with strong reynes of broad leather ) a trench , in thicknesse as bigge as a Canon of the smallest size : which for your better instruction , you may behold in this figure . The Trench . Notwithstanding I haue seene , who rather to mend the intēperance of their owne hands , then for any iust fault belonging to the trench , haue in stead thereof vsed a plaine watring snaffle , made according to this figure . The outside of the watring snaffle . The inside of the watring snaffle . But this watring snaffle I cannot allow for any other vse thē to leade a gentle horse , or to tie vp a horse withall during the time of his dressing , or for the groome to ryde a ridden horse withall , when there shall be occasion to swim him in the water , as whē he l●eth in the soile , or at such times which is most wholsome . For to apply it according to the nature of the trench , it is too smooth , and doth rather dead and dul the mouth , then preserue it in any sencable feeling : for euery horse naturally , when he shall feele the gentlenesse thereof , will hang vpon it , an● when any cause of contention shall grow betweene the rider and the horse , rather rebell against it , then go about to obey it : the trench therefore I conclude to be of all things most fit for the mouthing of a yong Colt at his first riding . The trench being put on , which you must not forget at the first putting on , to annoint with honie and salt , that the colt may take pleasure therein , you shal then take the Martingall , and buckling the one end vnder the horses brest , you shall buckle the other ende to the neither part of the Musroll , but at such large length , that neither in the tossing vp of his head , nor in thrusting out his nose , he find any impediment thereby ; which done , you shall make the Groom by laying his hand on the left side of the Musroll to leade him to the blocke , which should euer bee placed neare vnto some euen wall , so that the horse might be lead alongst the wall to the blocke : but if hee be of such a flegmatike or melancholie disposition , that either he refuse to lead , or to approach vnto the block , you shall at first ( according to the opinion of la Broue ) fortifie him with incouragements , faire wordes , clappings , and strokings ; but if it auaile not , then you shall cause some by-stander with a rod in his hand to stand behind him , and first with a threatning voice without touching him with the rod , to force him to approach to the block ; but if he still rebell , then shall he that standeth behinde giue him a Ierte or two vpon the nether part of his buttocks , & so inforce him to come to the block ; when he is come to the blocke , both his rider , his leader and his driuer , shall cherish him , and clap him , and giue him grasse , or something els to eate ▪ but if he refuse to stand quietly at the block , and couet to presse forward , then shall another stander by , with a rodde in his hand stand before his face , and threaten him , but not strike him ; if being thus assaild , both before and behind , and on euery side , hee shall fall into any franticke passion , and either seeke to plunge , reare vpright , bite or strike ; then I would haue you ( according to the opinion of Grison ) and the present vse of the Italians , to desist from further molestation , and forthwith lead him to some peece of new plowde ground , where holding the long reine of the trench in your hande , let the standers by chace him about you , first on one hand , then on another ; which done , goe to him , and offer to put your foot in the stirrop ; at which if he seeme coy , you shall then chase him againe , and not leaue him till hee will stand quietly ; suffer you to put your foote in the stirrop , and to heaue your selfe from the ground three or foure times togither ; which effected , you shall instantly cherrish him , and then before you mount , you shall look that the headstall both of the Trench , & the Musroll , lie close behind his eares , that the Musroll lie in his due place ouer the midst of his nose , that the trench lie neither too hie nor too low , but rest iust aboue his nether tush , that the reynes of the trench be strong , then you shal looke that the Saddle keepe his true place , and that the gyrths be close and fast , that the stirrops be not slipt , and that the crooper be not too strait : lastly , and most principall , ( according to the opinion of la Broue ) and for mine owne part I holde it one of the best notes amongst all his precepts , you shall confidently , and with a heedfull eye , marke the countenance & gesture of the horse , which is euer the largest Index or Table for a man to finde out his secret disposition ; for if hee clap both his eares close to his necke , or if hee clappe downe but one , and pricke forward the other , if hee turne the eye next to the man backward , as if he would looke behinde him , or if he snore , or cracke in his nostrils , all these are verie euill signes , shewes that hee is displeased , wrathfull , and intendeth mischiefe ; which wicked purposes you may driue from him by vse of the former chasings : but if you see his coūtenance vntroubled ; his eye cheerfull and liuely , and his eares carried in due comelinesse , you may be well assured of his gentle disposition . It is good also to haue a respect to his maner of standing ; for when a horse doth stand but firme vpon two feete , or three feete , heauing and fauoring the other , it is an euill signe of a churlish disposition : but when he standeth fast of all foure , it is a signe of meeknesse . Hauing satisfied your mind in all these caracters , and found euerie thing to your contentment , you shall then by rubbing the horses nose vppon the palme of your hande , or by offring something to the horses nose to smell , drawing your hande inward , you shall see him pull in his heade , and fashion his reyne , to which proportion I would haue you buckle downe your Martingale , so that carying his heade in that place , he may haue no more but a feeling of the Martingale . All these things obserued , you shall then put your foote in the stirrop : and after you haue heaued twice or thrice vp and downe from the ground , and sometime brought your leg halfe way ouer the Saddle , & downe again , at euery motion cherishing the horse exceedingly , you shall at last put your legge cleane ouer ; & seate your selfe fast in the saddle ; that is to say , with your bodie straight & vpright , neither bending forward , nor leaning backward , your eyes fixt betwixt his eares and your nose directly ouer the pommell of the Saddle , which shall euer be a rule for you , to know if your seat be comely : the chine of your backe must directly answer the chine of the horse , your thighs and knees must be close and fast to the Saddle , your legges hanging straight downe , as when you stand vpon your feete , the ball and heart of your feete must rest vpon the stirrops , & your toes and heeles must be so orderly placed , that when you onely moue your head , and not your body , on the one side to looke to your stirrop , your toe may answer with the tip of your nose : Now for the cariage of your hands during the time you exercise your horse vpon the trench , it must be thus 〈◊〉 , you must take the reynes of the trēch , & fold the one side ouer the other , making each side of an euen length , & somwhat short ; then laying both your hands vpon the reynes , about an handfull one from another , you shall neither draw your hands to the saddle pomell , nor close to your bodie , but placing them ouer the midst of the horses crest , cōtinually labor to bring vp his head , which with a sweet hand , comming and going , with gentle motions you shall easily doe : in your right hand you shall carry your rod , with the point directly vpright by your right shoulder ; or if you carry it trauato , crosse wise ouerthwart your brest , and vp by your left shoulder , it shall not bee vncomely . B●ing in this order mounted , seated and accoutered , after you haue paused and cherish your horse , you shall by thrusting your feete forwarde somewhat stiffely vppon your stirrop-leathers , moue your horse to goe forward , which if he doe not , because he vnderstands you not , his keeper shall forthwith lead him some doozen paces forward , where pawsing a while , both your selfe and the keeper shall cherrish him . Then shall you thrust him forward again , and so continue , till the horse finding your meaning will goe forward of himselfe , which will be at the most not aboue an houres worke ; and note , that in al his goings you respect not how he goes , neither which way he goes , so he goe at all ; but the first day suffer him to take the incertaintie of his owne pleasure . Assoone as you haue brought him to go forward , you shal then in the gentlest manner you can ride him home , and light from his backe at the blocke , where you must not light sodainly , but with many heauings , risings , & halfcommings off and on againe : you must dally with him continually , mingling with euerie motion store of cherishings , If when you are lighted off , he offer of himself to depart away , and will not stay at the blocke , you shal force him to come againe to the blocke , where you shall mount vpon his backe againe , and neuer leaue him till he stand still at the blocke , whilest you ease his Martingall , his gyrths , and other implements , which when he doth , you shall giue him something to eat , and so deliuer him to his keeper . CHAP. 4. Of Helpes and Corrctions , and of the vses and seuerall kindes thereof . BEfore I proceede any further into the Horses lessons , because it is reputed the moste substantiall part of Horse-manship , to knowe when to helpe , how to correct , and at what time to cherrish : I wil spend some little time therein . And first for helpes in Horse-manship , Gryson and the other Italians wil allowe but seauen , that is , the voice or tongue , the rodde the brydle , the calues of your legges , the stirropes , the spurres and the ground : he aloweth also as many corrections , which are likewise the voice , the rod , the brydle , and so foorth as before is mentioned , but for the cherishing , he speakes but onely of two wayes , which is either the voice , or the hand ; now for that , both helpes and corrections hold but in their doing this difference , that to help goeth before as to preuent a fault , and correcting comes after as punishment for a fault . I will speake of them seuerally . And first for the voice , as it is the sound which naturallye all creatures moste feare , so it is in disorders the needefullest remedie : and according to the signification of the word , so it is eyther a correction or a helpe , as for example , if it bee roughly or terryblic deliuered , as Hatraytor , Ha Villain , or such like , then t' is a correction for shrewdenesse or obstinacie , but if you crie Hoe , Hoe , or Hey , Hey , or Via , Via , then t is a helpe eyther in gallopping , in turning , or any ayre or sault whatsoeuer . But if you will cherrish , then you must in the myldest manner that may be , cry Holla , Holla , or So boy , so boy , and such like . Now whereas some horsemen would haue a horse be helpt in his going backe , by crying Back I say , or back Boy , and in his aduanncing by saying Hup Boy , Hup , or such like , I am vtterly against it , for neither is it comely in the Rider in euerie motion to vse his tongue so liberally , nor would I haue a horses memory clogd with so much seuerall language : but for this helpe of crying Darrier , Darrier , when a horse should yerke behinde , t is as absurd as fantasticall , and neuer in vse since spurre or rod was inuented . Now for the rod or cudgell , it is both a correctiō & a helpe of great effycacie , especially against eyther a fantasticall , quicke spirited horse , or a stubborne dull Iade , so that the Ryder loose not his time , but correct euen in the moment of the offence dooing : but that it should be vsed as Gryson directs about the head , I am of a cleane contrarie opinion , for such corrections doe distemper and incertaine the head , and makes the horse so fearefull , that if after , the shadowe of the rodde but come in his sight , he will cast his head on one side or other verye disorderly & frātickly , which of al the members about a horses bodie should bee moste stayed and certaine . I doe very much also differ frō the opinion of La Broue , where hee giues allowance for the beating of a horse about the head . Gryson would not haue a ryder , to ride with a rod till his horse come to weare a bytt , but I holde that for no good precept , for it must either argue in the ryder indiscretion to gouerne it , or want of arte to make his horse indure it . Besides , I knowe that euen in the first backing of a Colt , the sound of the rodde stirreth vp life in him , correcteth the disordering of his head , and puts toyes and fantasies out of his minde , Besides , it is such an ornament to a Horseman , that without it , hee lookes like an Alderman or Mule-ryder . Lastlye by rubbing the withers of the Horse with the but end of the rodd , you shall more cherrish and delight your horse then with any thing else whatsoeuer : the rodde doth present to the Horse-man , the vse of the Launce , the sword , and the Battle axe , and is seuerally to be carried after their fashions ; as in short manages , : it presenteth the sword or battail-axe , & is borne either directly vpright by the right shoulder of the mā , or else crosse the horses crest , & thwart the mans body . In long manages or careires , it presenteth the Lance , and is borne lowe by the ryders thighe , but not vppon his thighe with the point vpward , and before you come to the place of turning , you may let it fall of the right side of his head : if you turne on the left hand , and when the turne is made , you may rayse your rodde vpward againe . Now for the helpes and corrections , they bee these : first it helpeth a horse in his aduauncing , if with the close of your legge , you either shake your rodde ouer his head , or let it fall vppon his shoulder : it correcteth a horse if he aduaunce too hie , or when you would not haue him , or reare vpright , if in the very instant of the falt , you iert him vppon the shins , not ceasing to strike him so oft as he aduaunceth against your liking : it is also a great help to a horse in his setting of turnes , double or single : if on what hand you turne your horse , you carrie your rod with the point downeward , ouerthwart the contrarie shoulder , it correcteth a horse that is sloathfull or vnnimble in turning , If you giue him a good Ierte or two orethwart his contrarie shoulder , or if he trayle his hinderfeete , you giue him a good Ierte or two in the flanke of the contrarie side . It helpeth if when in the Coruet , Capryole , or such like ayres you would haue him rayse his hinder parts , you turne the point of your rod directly ouer his rumpe , and let him onely feele it , or heare the sound of it : and it correcteth if when hee will not gether vp his hinder partes , you giue him a good Iert or two , eyther in his flanke , or ouer his buttocks : many other helpes and corrections there bee with the rod , which shall be shewed amongst the horses lessons . For the helpes and corrections of the Bridle , they be as infinite as mens inuentions , and as varyable as our opinions , for according to the nature of the horse , the skill of the Horseman , and the sence or hardnes of the horses mouth , so the helpes and corrections are eyther abated or increased , for as Grison saith , the Sterne doth gouerne the bodie of the Ship , so doth the Bytt gouern all the motions of the horse , and as the bit doth consist not of one entyre peece , but of many : as of mouth , cheeke , kurbe , and such like : nor of one fashion , but of sundrie , so doth the helpes & corrections deuide themselues according to the proportions and seuerall fashions of the bytt . Now , for it is the Ryders office to knowe when to 〈◊〉 his horse with the bytt , how to vse the bytt when 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 int● the horses mouth , in what part of the mouth it should rest ; then how to holde the 〈◊〉 when to vse the false reynes , when to correct , when ●o helpe , and lastly what kinde or fashion of byt is fittest for a horse : you shall vnderstand , that when your horse can ●rott cleane , both in euen furrowe , and large ringe , stop firmely , and turne on each hand readilye : you shall then put a bytt in his mouth . Now for the vse of the bytt , you shall by no meanes put a new bytt , but a worne byt in your horses mouth , and as you did with your Trench , so shal you annoynt your byt the first time with Hony and Salt. The place where the byt ought to rest , is vpon his neather gums , aboue his great tush . For the reynes of the byt , you shal holde them in your left hand , so as your ring finger may be betweene the reynes , your little finger on the contrarie side to your fore finger and great finger , and your thumbe close vppon the reynes , with the brawne thereof turned toward the pomell of your saddle . You shall carrye your reynes ordinarily about the middle of the pommell of your saddle , so that when you eyther stop him , or rayse him , your hand rise not aboue the top of the pommell , nor when you correct him , it fall not lower then the setting on of the pommell . Diuers horsemen vse , and it is also the opinion of Grison , when they take from the Horse either the headstraine , chaine or Cauezan , to put to the eyes of the bytt false reynes , for they correct a horse , if his head be vnsteadie , incertaine , or wrything to one side or other , and of this opinion also is absolutely La Broue , from both which I thus farre differ , that I would not haue the false reynes put to the eyes of the byte , for thē the false reyne and the perfect reyne worke so contrarie one to another , that which of them you moste vse : from the other you take all his opperation ; as for example , if you will beare your horse vpon his bytt , then cannot your false reynes be felt , or serue they for any purpose , because then the Kurbe is in vse , which kurbe cannot bee felt when the false reynes are vsed ; for the drawing in of the false reynes , draweth the Kurbe from the lip , whereas when a horse comes to be ridden onely with the bytt , the Kurbe should neuer bee from his feeling , as the thing of most delight and commaundment : and againe , the false reynes thus placed , doe so drawe the mouth of the bytt out of his due place , and sometimes so presse the lippe with the straitnesse of the cheeke , that I haue found them rather the begetters of th●se vices , then the reformers , and yet I doe allow the false reynes , both for an amender of these falts , and for the moste principall instrument to breed the best acquaintance betwixt the Horse and the bytt , but then I would neuer haue them vsed but to the smoothe Cannon , made with the flying Trench ; and the false reynes to be put onely to the flying Trench , the figure and vse of which bytt you shal see in his due place . Now to proceede to the vses , fashions and properties of seuerall byts , you shall vnderstand that the first bytt a Horse shold weare , should be a smoothe Cannon for it is of all byts the sweetest , as carrying in it no offence or dislike : the fashion wherof is contained in this figure following . The plaine smooth Cannon . This Cannon ordereth and sweeteneth the Horses mouth , helpeth to settle the head , fashion the reyne , and bringeth pride and lightnes to his pace : but for asmuch as nature is a diuers worke woman , and giueth not to euerie creature euerie perfection , but that in euerie member there may be some imperfection , it shal be necessarie for the horseman to haue a diligent eye to euerie part of his horse , especially to his mouth ( whence commeth the ground of all order and disorder ) and if hee shall perceiue that the tongue of his horse shall be so vnnaturally bigge and round , that this plaine Cannon consisting of euen proportion , shall lye so hard , & pressing vpon his tongue , that it robbe him of his delight , which both your eye may discerne if you looke , and also the effectes will show , which are gaping , wrything the mouth , or thrusting out the tongue , you shall then make your Cannon with aduauntage , according to this figure in the next page . The Cannon of aduantage . This mouth , & for this purpose La Broue commendeth ; and his reason is exceeding good , for it giueth libertie to the tongue , offendeth not the barres , and keepeth the mouth in tendernesse and sweetnesse , but where he proceedeth further , and for a more libertie to the tongue , giueth allowance to the cannon , with the vpset mouth made in fashion of this figure . The Cannon with the vpset mouth . To this I can neither out of mine experience nor reason , giue any authority , for I haue euer since I could first gouerne a brydell , beene mearely opposite to all vpset mouthes , ports , trenches , and byts of crueltie as holding them rather to be inuented , eyther to showe caprytchyousnes , of c●ing mens braines , or else to busie the byt-maker with superfluous worke ; or to make the ignorant beleeue there is a curyositie in the arte , more then either sence or reason can diue into , as I will declare heere after more amplye ; yet if such an imperfection be in the greatnesse of the horses tongue , that it must of necessitie haue more libertie then the second figure of the Cannon can allow , I then thinke it not vnfit to make vse of this other Cannon , made all of one peece ; which many yeares a goe I haue found to good purpose , and now finde it by La Broue commended to eternall memorye , the figure whereof is this . This mouth giueth all libertie possible to the tonge , presseth not the gums , nor draweth in the lippes , but giueth that spatiousnesse to euerie seuerall member of the horses mouth , which can be desired . Now after you haue made your horse perfect vpon one of these mouthes , which neuer should bee vsed without the helpe of the Cauezan , then the next bytt you shal vse , and which is the first bytt wherewith you should ride your horse , without any other help , is the smooth Cannon with the fly●g trench made according to this figure . The Cannon with the flying Trench . This Cannon with the flying Trench , is of al byt●s the onely assured best , for the finishing and making vp of your horse , for it consisteth of as much helpe and correction as anie of the former cannons doe , with the helpe of the Cauezan , and all those helpes and corrections being within the mouth , and both naturall & propper to euerie bytt breeds that knowledge and vnderstanding in a horse that no other doth : for this flying Trench is to be made in all proportion like a plain full english Snafle , hauing at each outward end a round ring , whereunto you must fasten your false reynes , which false reynes in ryding , you must hold in this sort : the left side reyne you must lay vpon the perfect reyne of your bytt vnder your thumbe , the right side reyne you must holde of euen length with the other in your right hand , vnder your rod , and when you will haue your horse to feele the bytt and Kurbe , you shall rayse your hand vp to the top of the Saddle pommell , and when you wil sweeten the Horses mouth by easing the Kurbe and bytt , you shal descend your hand to the wythers of the horse , for raysing your hand drawes vp the reynes of the bytt , and le ts loose the false reynes , and putting down your hand drawes strait the false reynes , and eases the bytt , by which meanes you may keepe your horse in what sweetnesse and temper of mouth your selfe best please . This flying Trench is a great helpe to a Horse in all his Turnes and Manages , and a correction when hee refuseth the exchange of eyther hand : it keepes the head staide , the mouth from wrything , and the lippe from being suckt inward to withstand the Cannon . When your horse is absolutelie perfect vpon this byt , both in euerie turne of each seuerall fashion , all kind of Manages , short and long , each Salt , ayre , or other motion aboue ground , according to the nature , abilitie , or aptnes of the horse , you shall then forbeare to ride him any longer with the Cannon , for to holde him to that mouth continuallie , or to iourney him therewith , would in time bring his mouth to an insencible dulnesse , both by reason of the smoothnesse and fulnesse , and also for want of a little pleasant roughnesse , which should sometimes in trauell reuiue and quicken the horses sences : A gaine , though euerie horse ought , and will be brought to perfection , and perfitenes with the Cannon , yet shall the carefull ryder during the time of his instruction , finde such diuers tempers of Horses mouthes , some being too tender in generall , some too hard , some tender below , & hard aboue , some hard belowe & tender aboue , with diuers other infirmities : some cōming from nature , some frō custome , and some from other euill habits , that he shall be constrained to trie his best wits to finde a bytt sutable and fit : to amend the faults of which hee shall haue plaine vnderstanding , wherfore to make you acquainted with other byts , that you may helpe such errors as you finde , I will heere deliuer mine opinion . If your horse be of a temperate and good mouth , sweete , sensible , and without fault , then the next byt you shall vse after the Cannon , shall bee the plaine Scatch , the figure whereof is this . The plaine Scatch with a watryng chaine . aboue . But if your horses mouth be shallow and not great , yet very tender and good , then instead of the Scatch , the Mellon of some cald the Oliue byt is the next best byt , hauing onely a watering chaine aboue , and those mellons or Oliues , must be very smooth and full of holes which the Horse wil take great pleasure to sucke and champe vpon : whose figure is this . The Mellon or Olliue . But if your horse doe sucke in his lippe , to defend the byt from his gums ; if his barres be tender , and his gums a little hard , or if he put out his tongue , you shall then take that bytt which is called the peare bytt , whose figure is this . The peare bytt . But if your Horse sucke vp his tongue , haue hard Barrs , & a large mouth , or if he defend very much with his nether lippe , or wryth his nether chappe , you shall then take that byt which we call the Campanell , and it must be round and imbost ; but if his mouth be litle and straite , the bytt must be flat : both which shapes are comprehended in this figure . The Companell or Bell byt . If your horse haue a hard drie mouth , couets by lowe reyning to rest , and lay euen the waight of his heade vpon his bytt , as if hee disdained to beare anye part of his owne burthen , or if hee continue the thrusting out of his tongue , and will not be reformed , then you shall take a Scatch with two turning rowles , which is the hardest bytt I would wish any hors-man to vse , and is made in the fashion of this figure following . A Scatch with turning rowles . For the same faultes for the which this Scatch with turning rowles is to be vsed , I haue seene some horsmen vse that bytt which wee call the Bastonet or Ieiue bytt , which is made with rounde buttons or great rough rings , made high like wheeles , and sometimes filed rough like a Sawe ; sometime sharpe like the rowel of a Spurre : but of what fashion so euer it be it is naught , nor of any great vse , but amongest such as are tyrants ouer horses : yet for satisfaction sake , and that you may know it to eschue it , the fashion of it is conteyned in this figure : The Bastonet . Of all these byttes both Grison , La Broue , and some others haue written verie largely , & skilfully , & thinke them ( as indeed they are ) mouthes sufficient enough and diuers enough , for any horseman to approue anye practise with . But for mine owne part , I haue in mine experience both prooued and taken especiall note of two other byts , which they haue omitted , and haue found them to exceede almost all these other byts , for some especiall purposes . The first of which byts I cal the Ball byt , or poppie byt , because the cheife peeces are made round like a ball , yet smoothe and inden'ted like those round heads , which containe the seedes of poppie , the fashion whereof is presented in this figure . The Ball bytt or poppye byt . The other I call the ryng bytt , for it consisteth all of ringes , one smoothe , the other rough , and mingled with sundrie small players , according to this figure in the next Page following . The ring Byt. Both these Byts are exceeding sweete and good for a perfite mouth , they make a horse labour his nether lippe , take delight in the Kurbe , and keepes his mouth close : but of the two the ring byt is the harder , for being all of one equall bignesse it presseth the tongue and gummes more ; and were it not for the moouings of the Rings , it were a byt of great extremitie , and might verie well haue place of the hardest ; but beeing as it is , it is of a good composition , and will breede obedience euen in the stubburnest nature . These two byts I haue founde aboue all other most excellent for tracconers , I meane ambling Geldings , or small Nagges , such as are preserued onely for the vse of trauaile , or iourneying , and for such men as not professing the Arte of Hors-manship , respect onely their owne ease , and their horses patience . For albe the hand be extraordinarie rude , yet it can hardly distemper a horses mouth with one of these byts . Againe , these two byttes of all other , I haue noted to bee moste excellent for Coach-horses , or Chariot-horses , where the man sitting farre behinde the horses , and gouerning them with such a long distance , cannot by any meanes carrie so temperate a hande , neither helpe so readily , nor correct so gently , as he which sitteth on the backe of the horse ; for by reason of the farr distance , his strainings are more violent , and his eases more liberall , the first breeding in a horse a dislike , the latter a will to doe euill , both which these two seueral mouthes so temper , that I perswade my selfe , the most skilfull Coachman cannot take exception against eyther of their vses for his office . To all these mouthes for byttes , which I haue formerly prescribed in this Booke , which may well be remembred by the name of close byttes , many excellent and singular horsemen , partly out of their practise , and partly out of their Arte and inuention , which euer out of the best knowledges produceth the rarest deuises , haue added in steade of the plights which fold the two partes of the bytte together , another Peere in fashion of a round hoope , or a halfe moone , which they call a Port , and some times this Port must consist of one peece , and then it is called a whole Port , sometimes of two peeces , and then it is called a broken Port. The fashion of both which are conteined in these figures . The whole Port. The broken Port. After these ports were inuented and put in practise , their cruelty being by many degrees greater then could be found in the close bytt , could not chuse but at the first make the horse beare much more tenderly then with the close byt , for what throgh the extream galling the horse vpon the roofe of the mouth , or the bars , and what through the pressing the tongue with the two sharpe corners of the neather ende of the Port ; ( albee the libertie of the tongue is all the reason men haue for these kind of bytts ) it did bewitch men with an imagination of some profite ; yet in the ende of the worke , I neuer sawe it turne to any thing but disorder : to these Portes were added by the Italians another mouth in steade of them much worse then they , which are called vpset mouthes , for they haue both sharpe corners aboue and belowe , and carrying an euen breadth in the vpper part , consisting of many foldings and peeces , hurt not onely in one place , but generally ouer all the mouth . I haue seene both of these portes , and vpser mouthes , which to make them more cruel , haue had in the tops of them high wheeles , sometimes filed rough , somtimes made like a spurre rowell , bigger then in the Bastonet byt , which hath made me admire how men for pittie could bee so tyrannous , when the greatest fault in a horse is the soonest reclaimed with gentlenes : others to these vpset mouthes , haue added from the eye of the byt to the outside of the vpset , a st●g ●nch , which makes euerie crueltie in the byt grea● 〈◊〉 ●of it owne nature . The fashion of which vpset● , for you● satisfaction , you shall behold in these figures . The 〈◊〉 mouth . The vpset mouth and trench . Both these ports and Vpset mouthes haue receiued alowance both from Grison , and diuers other ancient Italian ryders , and likewise in these daies , not onely passe vnder the authoritie of La Broue , but euen in our best nurceries , or stables of England , we shal see of thē put in vse dayly , whence of necessitye it must come to passe , that I shall bee infinetlie condemned , so peremptorily to condemne that which so generally is allowed : to which I must answere as our great Lawyers doe , ( which holde contrarie opinion in manie cases , how euer otherwise censured in the daies of their forefathers ) and I must say , what euer other ryders haue done , I haue found these bytts naught in my practise . But they will say that was either mine abuse in prepounding false shapes , or my mis-use in wan● of knowledge ; to both these allegations I will make no answer , onely to show the eu●nes of these mouthes , I will propound my reasons . First all the arguments of goodnes that Grison or any other can giue for them , is the libertie of the tongue , which absolutely I deny ; the port doth if it be made in his iust cōpas , for the two nether ends , almost meeting together , euen presse down the tongue hard to the chaule , with more sharpnesse then any other bytt , except you will haue a horses tongue to be no bigger then a mans finger : but say you will not allow it that straitnesse , but that the port shall be much wider , I say , if it be so wide as to giue libertie to the whole tongue , the bytt shall then consist of little or no mouth but the porte onely , which all Horsemen knowe , would be an vnpleasant bytt . Besides , this all Horsemen knowe , that the too greate libertie of the Horses tongue , is the first occasion of a horses drawing vp his tongue , seeking to swallow the bytt , striuing to put his tong ouer the bytt & such like , wherefore it is not good too giue the tonge to great libertie . But conclude they had this one vertue , what were it to the many vices which follow : first they gaule a horses bars , & make thē insensible , they force a horse to gape , & the outward part of the bytt doth presse so sore vppon the horses chap , that they either burse it , or breede in it a nūnes , which taketh away al feeling , whence springeth incōstancy of head , rebelliō , & flat running away . But you wil answere me with Grison , that these ports should not be so hie as to touch the roofe of the mouth , & thē not to accasiō gaping : thē I say they cannot be ports at al , nor carry any more compasse then the close bytt , whose plights I wil stād to it , whensoeuer the cheek of the byt is drawn inward , do cōtinually touch the bats , to conclude , there was neuer that horse made or corrected , with these open mouthes , I meane ports & vpsets , but may bee better made & better corrected with one of the close byts before specified . Some paraduenture wil aske me , what can the ancient Italian riders err in their inuentiōs , O , no , men more grosely , witnesse Prospero & his schoolemaisters . Besides I knew a Gentleman of great practise who being wholy brought vp in Italy , to the art of ryding , was mearely opposite to ●l Chaines , Cauezans , Snafles , Trēches , & false reines , & only wold make his horse frō the first hower of his backing , with the byt ; hauing byts of so many seuerall fashions , as there be falts or disorders in a horse , to his bytts I haue seene such rings mounted one aboue another ▪ that a Germain clocke hath not consisted of more confused peeces . this Gentlemā did I neuer see bring forth an absolute perfect horse . But for run awaies & madde Iades , I haue known him haue seauen or eight in his charge at an instant . But now leauing the praise & dispraise of these bytts , to your experience in practise : I will proceed to the cheekes of bytts & their proportions . First , albe there be many fashions in vse , & sundrie figures set forth by La Broue & some others , yet I will only recōmend vnto you but three , the first is a straight cheeke , which indeed is the first cheek , I would haue a Colt weare , for it putteth vp the horses head , giues him sence of the Kurbe , & breedes a constancy in the carryage of his fore parts , the second is the broken ch●ek , which is to be vsed wlth the flying Trench , and when you lay aside your Chaine or Cauezā , this cheeke as it holdeth vp the necke , so it bringeth in the moosell and boweth the crest to the best fashiō of the reine : the third is the perfect or trauelling cheeke , which is to be vsed when a horse is at his ful perfectiō , & made complet , so as he is either for trauel , pleasure or seruice ; this cheeke carying a larger cōpasse then either of the other , bringeth in the head more then any other , & giueth a more comely grace , both to the horses reyne , and the eye of the beholder , for t is to be noted that the more cōpasse a byt carryeth , the more it compasseth & bringeth in the horses head ; & the straighter the cheek is , the more it putteth vp , & aduaunceth both the head necke and muzzel . Now frō these three cheeks are deriued diuers other cheeks , as the straight cheek broke in two parts , & sometimes three parts , or the cōpasse cheek broken in 1. 2. or 3. parts , & al the breakings made inward , contrary to the breach of the first broken cheeke , and each breach made more inward thē other , & al these cheeks are to bee vsed according to the length or shortnesse of the Horses necke , the straitnesse or widenesse of his Chaule , according to his pride or euill disposition , to reyne well , which your arte & knowledge must better iudge by your practise , then I by writing can giue any discription . Now the cheeke considered , which imitating Gryson , I take to be but from the neathermoste part of the eye of the byt downeward , to the vtmost length of the byt , you are then to respect the eye of the byt , which should be a halfe circular compasse of iust proportion or bignesse , with the mouth of the byt , so as it may come and goe without rubbing or sticking : then from the eye of the bytt vpward , to that part whereunto the headstall of the brydle is fixed , which the Italians call Stanghetta , you are to obserue such a length , that through the shortnesse , the Kurbe doe not fall belowe the round ball of the neather lippe , nor through the length thereof , fasten or binde about part of the bare chap , but lie in his due place , which is to rest vpon the thicke of the neather lippe , where the two neather chappes meete , and make one entyre bone . Now that your eye may giue your eare better instructions , you shall behold the fashion of the three principall cheekes in these figures following . 1. The straite cheeke . 2. The Broken cheeke . 3. The trauelling cheeke . Now forasmuch as I did formerly show vnto you amongst the mouthes of byttes , two mouthes which I did not onely commend for great horses for seruice , but also for abling & traueling Geldings , and aboue others for coach or Charryot horses , I thinke it not amisse , sith the purpose of this my whole discourse is to giue generall satisfaction to all people which desire knowledge in this arte , to showe you heere also the true proportion and fashion of that cheeke which is moste fit for the Coach-horse , with this generall note , that the cheekes of the Coach-horse bytt are euer to be deuided one from another at the neather end , not with any chaine , least the horses in rubbing one vppon another , or in casting their heades vpward or downeward , doe fasten their bytts together , & so cause trouble or disorder : the fashion of the cheeke is contained in the next page following . The Cheeke for the Coach bytt . Hauing thus showed you both the mouthes and cheekes for byttes , it resteth now that I shew you the true Kurbe and the nature thereof . Of Kurbes , diuers horsemen haue inuented diuers fashions , as some of Square linckes , some of square peeces fyled sharpe with poyntes l●ke Diamonds , some made all of one peece of yron and ioyned to the porte within the mouth of the horse , and sometimes those whole peeces of yron hauing sharpe prickes of yron , which as the bytt is drawne vp runne into the chappe of the horse : all which being cruelties and tortures , both barbarous & vnnaturall , I both condemne and loath exceedinglye as being onely brought fourth by error and absurditie . The true Kurbe therefore which is in vse and practise with al good horsemen , is that which is made of round linckes of yron , foulded according to the fashion of the Romain S. & the bigger such linkes be , the better euer they be , and doe lesse hurt and gaule a horse then the small Chaine , which through his smallnesse , when it comes to bevsde with a rough hand , doth euen cut as it bindeth , or being vsde with a moderate han , din his oft motions , or euen with the playing of the horses lip which is the only tokē of a good mouth , it many times frydgeth off the haire , I & sometimes the skinne from the horses neather chap , by reason wherof there many times growes vnder a horses chinne , hard kirnels , or tough skinnes , which takes away both the sence and vse of the Kurbe . The fashion of the perfect Kurbe and hooke you may behold in this figure following : The Kurbe and Hooke . Now whereas some horsemen giue aduise , that wh● the Kurbe hurteth or galleth , either to ride without a Kurbe , or else to make a Kurke of thicke double Inckle , or great Fillet Lace well platted together . For mine own part I dislike thē both : for first to ride without a Kurbe , is cleane to take away the true vse of the ●ytt , & to make the horse take such an euil habit or false custome by such needles forbearance , as wil aske much labour after to redresse , and loose much time , which might be spēt for the horses better knowledge . Thē for this kurbe of Inckle , it is both in nature & feeling so cōtrarie to the perfit Kurbe , that where it should prepare a horse for the wearing of the Kurbe , it rather makes him v●terly to forsake it , and neuer after constantly to endure it , how euer labored by the best meanes whatsoeuer : therefore if there bee any such gallings in the place of the Kurbe , I wish the horse-man rather to an●oynt it ; and by his owne temper of hand , and the vse of the Cauezan to heale it , then by forbearance of the Kurbe , or making strange Kurbs , hazard worse euils : And to obserue this generall rule , that a man must not ●e halling and pulling at the Kurbe , but bring his horse to such a temper , that resting his head vpon the bytt , he may feele the Kurbe and no more . Hauing thus shewed the helpes of the bridle , & byt , the next is the help and corrections of the calues of the legs , which I can neither so well deliuer , nor you so well vnderstand as you shall hereafter when I come to the horses lessons ; yet some little taste I will giue you : you shall vnderstand that when you either trot or gallop any large ring , manage , or set any turne whatsoeuer , looke of what hand you doe any of those rounde ayres : as for example , if you would turne on your right hande , if your horse sticke , and doe not bring his bodie round and close together , but cast out his hinder parts , if then you giue him a stroake with the calue of your legge vpon the left side next behind the formost garth , it is then in nature of a correction , and giues the horse warning of the Spurre , which doth second if amendment be not : if when your horse doth stoppe , and you by leysurely laying the calues of your legges to his sides make him aduaunce ( which is an ornament to his stoppe ) in that place it is taken for a help ; if when you set any loftie or swift turne , you doe coue●tly lay the calue of your legge to his contrarie side , at or vpon euerie aduauncemnet ; it is then also taken for a helpe ; but this must bee done to a readie horse , with such artificiall closenesse , that euen the finest eyde beholder must hardly perceyue the motion , otherwise it is grosse and vncomely : for in that I consent with La Broue , that these farre fetcht motions with the legges , these flancke spurrings , and vniuersitie riding , euer digging in a horses sides , are the most preposterous motions that can be seene in a horseman , and are with vs of too great vse here in England , and chiefly with some who take vpon them the skill of instructing others . Next this is the helpe of the stirrop , and the stirrop leather , which how euer it be neglected is yet doubtlesse exceeding good , and helpeth a yong horse much ere hee come to knowledge : for if by carelesnesse or neglect , hee eyther carrie his necke or heade awry , if you giue him a good clappe with your stirroppe behinde the foreshoulder on the contrarie side , it will correct the fault , and put him in remembrance of his lesson . Againe , if in any gallopping , manage , turne , ●ault , or carreire , your horse begin to grow idle , and doe ●ot pursue his lesson with spirite and agilitie , if with ●our feete you doe but ierte out your stirroppes and ●athers stiffely , and with a good strength , it shall as ●uch auaile to his quickning , as if you gaue him the e●en stroke with both your spurs ; and therein it is coun●ed a great helpe : againe those Iertings and thrustings ●orward with your legges , stirrops , & leathers , are and ●hould be the first motiues to make a horse go forward ●t his first backing . The next helpe and correction is of the spurs , which ●urs , although some riders haue fixed a limitation , or ●refixed time when they shall bee worne , or vsed , yet ●am of this opiniō , that if he be a horsman which wears ●em , can gouern both his body and legs , and knowes ●hen to correct , when to helpe , and when to cherish , ●at the spurs are to be worne euen from the first brea●ng of a colt ; for be wel assured that the sooner a horse 〈◊〉 made to knowe the vse and correction of the spurs , ●e freer hee shall be from restiuenesse , madnesse , and other franticke qualities : Now to knowe when you shall first correct a horse with the Spurres , it must seldome be in the violence or chiefe exercise of any of his first lessons , as in trotting the Ring fast or gallopping : but rather in the beginning when you teach him to go or trot forwarde ; for if from the Stable you trot him through some towne , where he finde scarres or frights , seeming to be fearefull , and loath to passe : if after you haue violently thrust him forward with your feete & stirrop-leathers ; yet notwithstanding he still stickes , it shal then be good for you to giue him the euen stroak of your spurrs , and thrust him into a swift trot for some twentie paces , and then cherish him . Thus you shall vse him at least a doozen times in a day , till hee come to both a knowledge , tendernesse , and feare of the Spurre . The Spurre of all other is the seuerest correction , and is generally vsed in euery lesson , wherein he sheweth extreame dulnesse , too much apish wantonnesse , too fierce couragiousnes , or too dogged restines as shal be more amplie declared both in his lessons , & the particular corrections of vices ; it is a helpe in euery Manage , salt and ayre aboue ground ; and makes them be done with more life and quicknesse , as likewise shall hereafter be declared . Lastly , for the helpe or correction of the ground , it consisteth in the vse and treading of the Rings ; for if the horse take not vp his feet nimbly and roundly , then it shall be a good helpe for him to bee exercised vppon deepe newe plowed lands : but if he be too fierce & raging , insomuch that he will not trot with any temperance or pacience , then you shall correct him by exercising him likewise vppon deepe newe plowed landes , whose softnesse and painfull labour will soone bring him to a calme and quiet riding , with diuerse other such like helpes and corrections , which shall bee more largely spoke of when we come to the horses lessons . CHAP. 5. How to correct a horse that beareth his head or necke awry , and of all vices belonging to the head . DIuers horses , partly through the badde complexions , and constellation , vnder which they are bred , & partly through the rude and vnskilful handling of most indiscreete Riders , are many times cumbred , with most foule and vnsufferable disorders , such as are oft times difficult euen to the best riders to redresse , nature begetting , and custome fortifying their euils against the strength of all industrie ; wherfore that I may as well as I can , d●rect such as are desirous of knowledge , through these darke obscurities , they shall vnderstand , that faults ingendred by these two euils , haue two seueral remedies ; for if they doe proceed from nature , thē must art correcting the euilnesse of that nature instruct to a better dispositiō ; but if they proceede from custome & licence to do euill , then the liberty taken away , the effect therof must needs perish ; wherfore to my purpose , if your horse carry his heade and necke awry , you shall first as he trotteth outright , strike him with your contrarie spur on the contrarie side , & withall carry the reine of the bytt on the contrary side somwhat shorter then the other ; and if at first it auaile not , you shall then carrie the calfe of your legge close to the contrarie side , and at euerie foure or fiue steps , let him feele the euen stroke of that Spurre . At the vse of which if you finde he any thing amendeth , foorthwith you shall take away your legge , and begin to cherish him , that knowing his euill he may eschue his euill ; for horses naturally are like schoole-children , vnwilling to do shrewdly , chiefly vnder their ryders . It is verie good also , on the contrarie side , to giue him a good stroke with your stirrop neare the shoulder , which will make him cast his head the other way to looke at the blow ▪ which assoone as he doth , ease your bridle hand , take away your foot and cherish him . The vse of which correction ioyned with your cherishing , will in time bring him to the knowledge of his error , and when it is once known , it is also reclaimed : to these former correctiōs , wold also be added the correction of the rod vpon the contrary shoulder , for to some horses both are little inough to awake their remēbrance : to these correctiōs you shal also adde now & then a sharp & suddē twitch or two with the cōtrary reine of the cauezan , which wil bring him to as suddain an apprehensiō of that fault , as any other correctiō before shewed , euer obseruing vpō the lest imagined amends , not to forget to cherish him . It is good now & then also to giue him a twitch or two with the contrary reine of the flying trench , which will awaken him , & if it be but only in a gaze , yet it wil make him looke straight , which you must carefully watch , & in the very instant of his straight looking , not forget to cherish him . But if nature & vse haue so incorporated this vice in him , that all the corrections auaile not , then shall you carry him to his rings : & if it be so that he carrie his head & neck to the right side , then shall you trot him about in a swift trot on the left side , some 20. or 30. times without intermission , according to the strength & ability of the horse ; & as he trotteth , labor his cōtrarie side with the calfe of your leg , the reine of the cauezan , and of the flying trench , and if he bee come to that lessō , it shal be most good to labor him some quarter of an houre togither in the Incauallare & there is no question but by these means ( and these corrections , ioyned with a watchfull eie and minde , to cherish him at euery well doing ) he will in very short space he brought both to the perfection of head and necke , and to carry all his body in an euen proportion : in all which corrections I would haue you mingle the vse of the spurre but now and then ; yet when you strike , to strike freely , & soūdly , for the tickling or fridging of a horse with the spurre is a grosse fault , and doth breed manifold disorders . But if it be so that he wrieth onely his moozell , that is his nose and mouth awry , and vncomely , except he haue taken it vp of a long custome , the verie bearing of the contrarie reyne of the bytt shorter then the other will amende it ; but if it faile , I would then haue you gyrde his chappes close together with a Musroll , that hee may not mouth or writh them , and then in stead of a rod ride with a good hand cudgel , & of that side which he wryeth his mouth , beate him with your cudgell , yet so moderately , that you neyther bruse nor hurt his chappes . And after such correction , still to carrie your cudgell in his eye of that side which hee most writheth : This meanes applyed but two or three dayes will without all faile helpe any horse from this fault ; I haue seene some horsemen vse another course , but I stand doubtfull of the goodnesse ; yet this it is ; they haue put three or foure little sharpe nayles on the inside of the Ports-mouth of the contrarie side , & likewise three or foure nayles in his Musroll , and as many in his headstall all of the contrarie side . These nayles you may keepe hidde from sight at your pleasure , eyther if your headstall be of double leather , or if you set them in a thinne plate of Iron , not so broade as the headstall , with these ride your horse about some fortnight , and it will reclaime him : yet I am very doubtfull of this remedie , because there is no end of the correction , nor shall the horse when he obeyeth your pleasure , find any ease of his punishment ; by which not knowing his fault from his well doing , hee shall the longer continue in his euill . But if your horse carrie out his nose , and reyne not well , how euer any man defend such carriage , yet euen the iudgement of our sightes , and a world of reasons purposeles to repeat , assures vs of the cōtrary . Wherfore when your horse hath taken vnto himself any such fault , or vse , you shall first draw in your bridle hande , against which if hee rebell , you shall then holde your hand at that certainty , and with striking him with your spurres one after another , giue him knowledge of correction : & if vpon the correction he offer to presse forward , you shal clap your right hand vpō the midle of his crest , & hold his neck down hard , & draw your left had vp a little straiter : this doing 3. or 4 times togither , you shall find he will bow his necke , and a little put in his nose ; vpon the instant perseuerance whereof you must not forget to cherrish him , but if out of his melancholly or flegmatique complexion , he withstand and rebel against this correction , you shall then compell him to go backe eight or ten paces , and then trot him forward againe , then backward againe , and forward at the least a dozen paces together . This is a moste readie remedie for this error , but if stubbornenes haue taken away the benefit of this , you must to these corrections adde the benefit of your bytt , which must be made of more compasse , as consisting of at least three broken descents all broken inward , vpon which kinde of bytt it is impossible for a horse to stay or settle his head but he must needes bring in his nose , and though at the first out of stubbornesse hee may seeme to carry his head of him ●elfe without the helpe of the bytt , yet after long exer●ce and wearinesse , he wil be forc'd perforce to bring in ●is nose , and rest vpon the bytt . But if contrarie to this ●ice , he haue taken a custome to duck downe his head , when he standeth stil , which is a moste vncomely sight yet verie incident to diuers horses . You shal then vpon your stop , holde both the reines of your bytt , & of your Cauezan firme as at the stop , & by pressing your feete stifly forward vppon your stirrops , holde him that hee retyre not backe , and if then hee offer to ducke downe his head , you shall then giue him a good chocke both with your brydell and Cauezan . After which if hee offer the like againe , you shall then giue him a stroake with your spurres , one after another , but if hee bee of a hot and chollericke nature mad and furious , you shall ●hen vpon euerie correction instantlie cherrish him , that he may vnderstad you correct him , not for going , but for some other disorder in his going , and this shall not onely detaine him from stryuing against his bridle , or running away , but also giue him so easie an apprehension of his fault , that hee will in verie short space amend it , but if hee haue taken such a generall custome of ducking downe his head , that euen in his ordinarye trotting , or galloping , or going , he wil stil vse the same ; you must then leaue exercising him in any lesson whatsoeuer , and onely pace or trott him fairely foorth right , neuer giuing him the least taste or feeling of any correction , til he ducke downe his head ; in the very motion wherof , giue him the euen stroke with both your spurres , & a good chocke in the mouth with your brydle hand , that he may vnderstand his fault proceedeth from his mouth : which done , pace him fairely forward againe , and as oft as he shall offend , vse this correction , and feare not but within three or foure daies hee will be sufficently reclaimed . Many other corrections I haue seene for this fault of much more cruelty , but they haue neuer tasted well in mine experiences , as for example : I haue seene some , that for this fault haue made the Kurbe of their bytt al of one peece of yron , and the one end thereof fastned within the mouth of the bytt , then haue they had that parte which lay without vppon the lip , all full of sharpe prickes , which when the horse hath offered to thrust downe his head , by drawing or holding the reynes in one constant fashion , the prickes haue run into his chaps , by the sence of which torment , the horse hath been reclaimed , the reason I confesse is probable enough , yet where more lenitie will serue with as little labour & lesse cost , there I wish rather the forgetfulnes then the vse of these cruelties , & for mine own part I haue neuer sound the horse which the former corrections would not order & bring to a most setled constancie . CHAP. 6 How to correct a Horse that doth ouer-reach or strike one foote vppon another . OVerreaching is a fault incidēt to yong horses , weake horses and euil trotting horses ; it is also begotten by the vnskilfulnes of the rider , when at the first handling hee will thrust the Colt into 〈◊〉 swift a trot as he can possible without respecting the ●orses strength or naturall skill in trotting , by meanes ●hereof the Colt striuing to goe beyond his ordinarie ●anner , is inforced to ouer-reach and clap his feete one ●on another , which in small time growes to an euill ●stome , wheeras euery horseman before hee backe a Colt , should haue a diligent eye to his naturall pace , & ●it be comely & short , thē he may venture more bold●y , to enter him into a swift trot , which will but make ●im stretch out his legs , & bring lightnes to his body , ●ut if his trot be long and weake , then must he by any meanes keep him to a slow trot , & feeding him with ●is hād , which euen in the instant that it giueth libertie , it must restraine it againe , bring the horse to a pride in himselfe , & a shortnesse of pace . He must also refuse to ●et a weake or loose trotting horse come vppon deepe ●lowd lands , til he haue attained his pace , & brought it ●o a conuenient shortnes , but if it so happen ( the reason ●ot being to be disputed on ) that your horse doth ouer-●each , and it is now your office to redresse it , you shall first ( hauing shodd him with shooes extraordinarilye short at the heeles ) bestowe some three or foure dayes labour in bringing him by the tendernesse and gentill vse of your hand to a soft and slow trot ; in with slowe trot , you shal with the helpe of the calues of your leggs , the sound of your voice , shake of your rodde ouer his eares , and now and then with the euen stroke of both your spurres so quicken and stirre him vp , that partly out of courage partly out of feare , he may gather vp his feete so thicke , and set them downe also so thicke , that he may seeme to trot as hee standeth , and gayneth no ground , which vse will bring him to such a shortnes of treading , that within a little space he will cleane forget his ouerreaching , and loose long trotting , but if he bee of so dull and heauie a disposition , that this agilitie & quicknesse will not bee forc'd into him , then it shall not bee amisse if you digge your large ringes full of stayres and degrees , such as you shall see worne by tracke of horses in the foulest winter wayes , and for a weeke or there abouts onely exercise him in the same , and as hee growes conning in them , so to increase the swiftnesse of his pace . I haue not approued any correction better then this , for this fault . To ride your horse in a hard groūd that is verieful of thistles , or amōgst short gorsse or whinnes is exceeding good , both to remedie this euill , and to make a horse ●rot loftilie and cleanely , for it wil euen make a natural ambler to trot . As touching the strowing of your tinges with stones of all sorts , thereby to take from him his ouer-reaching , I am much against it , for there is no reason leades the vse , and sure I am , there be many euills which pursue it , as namely the brusing or tearing of his hoofes , the bea●ing him vppon the neather Ioyntes ; which will not onely bring foorth windgalles , but also lamenesse ; and the incertaintie of his foote-holde , which to the weakenes of his pace will bring not onely stumbling but also falling . And thus much I thinke sufficient for the amendment of of this fault . CHAP. 7. How to correct the euill motions in a horse , which are shewed by the cariage of his head or eares , or other outward signes . DIuers horses when they are corrected for any fault , and especially with the spurre , will shake their heads , which is a signe of much malitious doggednesse , and desire of reuenge ; which when you shall perceiue , immediately giue him the euen stroake of your spurres , and if he double his offence , doe you also double your correction , not giuing ouer till you haue got the conquest ; and to that correction mingle two or three good strokes with the bigge end of your rodde , vpon his head betweene his eares , but if you perceiue that he pricketh forward one of his eares , and clappeth the other close to his neck , be then moste assured he intendeth some mischiefe : as to plunge , to byte , to strike or to lye downe , which to preuent , omit not to interrupt him , by giuing him a sound stroake on the contrarie side to that eare which hee most mooueth , with your spurre , and if hee instantlye rayse not both his eares together , second that stroake with two or three moe , that your correction going beyond his frenzie , you may tourne his sullennes into fearefulnes : it shall not be amisse if to these former corrections you adde the terrour of your voice by threatning him with a lowde voice ; and presently vpon his amendment , both conuert your corrections to cherrishinges , and your threatnings to sweete language . Now you are to take this obseruation euer with you , which is , that you bee sure when hee vseth any of these motions , that they doe proceede from the sullennesse and euill habyt of his disposition , complexion , or ill instruction , and not from other second causes : as if at the time of the yeare a horse be stung with flyes , or a flye chance to get into the horses eares , if it bee so that the headstall of the brydle shall hurt him about the top of the head , or about the rootes of the eares , or if the Saddle shall wring or pinch his backe ; or if you shall ride so close with your heeles that your spurres tickle him vpon the sides , there is not any of these causes but will make a horse shake his head , lay downe his eares , and showe these frowning countenances of much sullennesse ; which if at any time you finde , doe but remoue the cause , and the effect will little or not at all trouble you , which if it doe , you may soone eyther by thrusting him roundly forward , or with the euen strok of your spurres , put such to yes out of his remembrance . If either in your trauelling , marching , or consorting amongst other horses , your horse shall be so rammege and vuruely , that he will not indure their companie , but fal a whynning , byting & striking , you shal immediately vppon any of those offers , giue him the euen stroke of your spurs● , doubling it so oft as his franticke disposition shall giue occasion , to which correctiō you shall adde the terror of your voice , and in great extreamitie the stroake of your rodde betweene his eares . La Broue is of opinion , that to take from a horse this fault , and to breede in him an acquaintance and familiaritie both with other horses & the vse of trauell , that it is verie good now & then to hunt your horse amongst other horses , & sometimes to follow the chase . Questionlesse it cannot doe amisse in his sence , and his reason is verie well to be allowde of , for hee doth not meane our English manner of hunting , but the French manner where the chase is neither so swift , so painefull , nor so long induring as ours heere in England are : for to tak a horse in the fulnesse of flesh and fatte keept ; in the height of pride and ease , and runne him but one sent after our English houndes , and amongst our hunting horses ; beleeue it he shall be the worse for it the whole yeare after , albe his keeper performe his full office and dutie , but the meaning of La Broue : is moderate exercise and trauel , either in hunting or otherwise amongst other horses , according to the abilitie of the horse , brings a horse from such vilde corruprions of minde & nature , and to such peaceable acquaintance with other horses , that neither in trauell in the land of peace , nor in seruice in the warres , he will show any barbarous or rude disposition . CHAP. 8. Corrections against restifenes , and the seuerall kindes thereof . REstifnes proceedeth from two causes , Nature or Custome , Nature as if the horse be of base and vilde spirit , or of too stout and couragious feircenesse ; Custome , as from the tolleration and sufferance of the vnskilfull ryder , who either wanting knowledge how to correct , or valure to dare to correct , fortefies by his ignorance or cowardise , those errors in the horse , which with much arte and difficultie are reclaymed . Now for naturall restifnesse , that which proceedeth from basenesse , is when a horses exercise exceedes his owne will , or that hee is a little wearyed , foorth of faint spirit he immediately giueth ouer , and will doe iust nothing . That which proceedeth from pride of courage , is when any labour exceedeth his owne appetie , he immediately falles to plunge , striking , byting or such like , thinking to ease himselfe by the disease of his ryder : as for those plungings , or leapings , which a horse doth vse at the first mounting , I holde them rather to come from ignorance then restifnesse , and are soone amended . Customary restiuenesse is when a horse findes , his ryder affraide of him , and that hee rather suffers him in his euil , then dares to punish him , from whence the horse takes such stoutnesse , that what hee will doe hee will doe , and more he will not doe , euen in dispight of his Ryder , Of these kindes of restifnesse , that which comes of custome is the worst , because it addes as it were to these another worse then any ; that is , when naturall restifnesse , and customarie restifnesse meete both in one subiect , and so ioyning both their forces stretch art to his highest knowledge . Wherefore to begin first with such horses as are restife out of the basenesse of their natures ; if such a one you chance vpon , and that he will not by any meanes goe forward , you shall then leade him to some straight wall , and there mounting his backe , offer to put him forward , which if he refuse to doe , you shall your selfe 〈◊〉 stil without offer of correction , and make some standers by with long poales beate him about the thighes ●d legges , rating him with their voyces without cea●g till he goe forward ; which assoone as he doth , let ●em leaue striking , and begin you to cherish him ; in ●is sort let them pursue him from one ende of the wall 〈◊〉 the other seuen or eight times togither at the least , ●ntill such time that with the verie motion or thrusting ●orward of your legges , hee will freely and of his owne ●ccord goe forward , And if at any time during this ex●rcise , he shall cast his buttockes or hinder legges from ●he wall , you shall forthwith cause the standers by with ●heir poales to beate him about the houghes till he car●ie his bodie euen . It may be at the first rather then he will goe forwarde , he will runne backward ; but respect 〈◊〉 not , & let the stāders by vse stil their correction , til he ●ake his way according to your owne fancie : which ●one , light from his backe , cherish him , and giue him ●omething to eate , and so lead him to the stable , where ●fter he hath rested two or three houres , take him out againe , applying him as before : and doe thus three or ●oure times a day for the space of foure daies at the least , and there is no doubt to be made of his reclaiming ; but for the vse of this in the plaine field , ●or vppon newe plowed ground , I holde it altogether preposterous and against Art , albe Grison agree with it ; for the plaine fielde giueth too great libertie for other as grosse disorders : and for the newe plowed ground , the horses fault proceeding from weaknesse , and faintnesse of nature , that were euen the way to make him growe desperate in his faintnesse ; yet thus farre I will excuse Grison , that in his dayes I thinke the vse and benefite of the straight wall , was eyther not knowne , or at least not practised . Nowe where as some horsemen in reclaiming such horses vse al violent courses , neuer ceasing beating and striking the horse till they force him to gallop and run euen to the vttermost of all his force : this I dislike as much as the other : for whereas in these cases of restifnesse a horse shold haue the vnderstanding of his fault giuen him in the plainest maner that might bee ; these violences take both from the horse the apprehension of his euill , and from the man pacience to deliuer the cause of his euill . Other horsemen I haue seene , and it was the ancient practise of old Clifford , to tie a long cord , platted fast in the haires to the sterne of the horses taile , and when the horse refused to go forward , to haue a stander by to pull at the cord with all his force , as if he would haile the horse backward , whereat the horse out of his doggednesse , rather then he would be haild backe , would presse forward , which as soone as hee offred to doe , the by-stander let goe the cord , and the ryd●r cherisht the horse . But if it happen so , that none of these corrections will auaile , then I would haue you vpon his standing still , to make a stander by take a drie wispe , & writhe it hard about a Po●le , then set it on a flame of fire , and bringing it before the face of the horse , thrust it against his buttockes , and against his cods , and there is no question to be made , but hee will goeforward , and onely to be feared that hee will doe it but with too great violence : for fire of all things is that element which a horse will not indure , you may if you please , and if his stubbornnesse drawe you therevnto , cause some stander by to prick him in the buttock with a hot burning yron or goad : but the former corrections I thinke will be sufficient . Now for the horse whose restynes proceedeth from pride , and stoutnesse of courage , ( which oft is found in sanguine and chollericke complexions ) you muste vnderstande , that his faults are plungings , boundings , and such fierce disorders wherefore if at any time you finde him so addicted , you shall immediately put vpon him the Musroll , and the Martingall , binding the Musroll to such a straitnesse , that when hee shall at any ●ime exceed the limits of his trench , & the due proportion of his best reine , hee may foorth-with feele the pinching of his Musroll . And if you shal ( till this error be reclaymed ) take from him the vse of the bytt and onely vse the Musroll , Martingale , and Trench , you shal doe much better ; for this is a generall rule , and infallible , and I dare verie well auerre it vpon many sufficient and experienced trialls , that any horse of what nature or qualitie soeuer hee bee , I will keepe him from all disorderly plunging or leaping with the Musroll , and the Martingall onely , for the reason is this ; if a Horseman bee vppon such a restiffe horses backe , and first see that the Martingall holde the horse to the orderly proportion of his reyne , and then the ryder hold vp his head , so as by no meanes hee may thrust it betweene his legges , or win it to such a loosnesse from the riders hand , that he may yarke vp his hinder partes at his pleasure : then of necessitie it must folow , that the horses head being held at such a constancie , betweene the ryders hand which holdes vpward , and the Martingale which holdes downward , that there is left vnto the horse no possible meanes or abilitie to disorder by plunging . Wherfore to conclude , if his restifnes consist onely in disorderly plunging , there is not in all the Art of Horsmanship , a more infallible remedie then the Musroll , and the Martingall ; Other remedies I know both Grison , La Broue , and diuers other Horsemen haue prescribed , which carrie in them sufficient reason , but much care , more toyle , and most losse of time ; as for exāple , to ride a horse in the open field , & if whilest he is in the exercise of his lessons , you shall perceyue that he prepareth himself for such disorders , that then vpon such imaginations you shall begin to rate him , beate him about the head , and vpon the fore-legs , when it may fall out your thought may erre , and then your corrections preceding his faults , may out of desperatenesse beget a fault the horse neuer thought of , so that in this your too great haste to preuent a fault , you may ingender a fault . And I hold it more in excusable , when with lesse trouble it may bee preueuted ; then with the expence and losse of time , hardly reclaymed . Others vse to ride with a sharpe naile in their hand , with which they pricke the horse continually behinde vpon the rumpe , neuer remouing the punishment , till the horse leaue his stubbornnesse . This sounds in mine experience verie grosly , for such compunctions and tortures wil euen force the best and most gentlest disposed horse , to leap , plunge , and disorder , & then if a man will suffer a horse of free and stout courage , nay more , compell such a horse to plunge whilest he is able , you shall not onely reclaime him from that vice , but also from all vertues , for it is the hie way to kil such a horse ; and of this I haue good experience , for I had once vnder my hande a Mare , bredde from an excellent race of Coursers , which out of her hie pride and stomacke , was naturally giuen to this vice of plunging , which when I perceyued , and noted the manner of her leaps , which were euer exceeding hie , and so round , that she would haue fetched twentie or thirtie together , all in the compasse of her length , by meanes whereof shee would plunge her Riders so blinde , that not any man was able to sit her : my selfe ( beeing then young , and somewhat idly witted ) intending to trie experiments , I reclaymed that Mare , onely to mine owne vse , and for mine owne Saddle , to which shee was as gentle , and as orderly in all vses , as any beast whatsoeuer , but to all other men so diuelish , and full of stubbornnesse , that I neuer sawe any man whatsoeuer hee was , that was able to keepe her backe , insomuch that of diuers Horse-men I wanne diuers wagers ; amongst whome , a Coatchman that was a stronge rough Ryder , and had receyued of her two or three falles , whether mooued with passion , or desire of conquest , I knowe not , but when my selfe was at dinner , and the whole housholde also , hee tooke the Mare priuately , with a great Horse Saddle on her backe into a straitewald place , which was not aboue seuen or eight yards square , and their taking her backe ( as he confest ) hee thought she gaue him aboue twentie falles ; but he not desisting , did continue till she was able to cōntinue no longer , and in the end maistered her , and made her to trot about gently : but the next morning I found the Mare deade in her Stall , which amazing me , I opened her with mine owne hands , both to find the cause of her death , being so suddaine , and also for other experiments , and I found that her rimme was hroken , her cal cleane consumed , and her heart swelled as bigge as fiue hearts , and the blood about it as blacke as I eat , which signes assured me the cause of her death , but by no means it would be confest , till almost a quarter of a yeare after , when both griefe and furie being spent , the Coach-man of himselfe declared the maner of his trial ; from whence I conclude that whosoeuer to a horse of right breed , courage , and complexion , wil giue or inforce libertie of plunging , he shall ( as mine old maister worthy maister Storie was wont to say ) neither euer be good horsman , nor euer make good horse : but if the horses frenzie and rebellious nature , be either so great , that the former rules preuaile not , or the Riders vnderstanding so little , that out of true Arte and iudgement in ryding , he knowes not well how to reclayme him from these plungings , I woulde then haue him to watch his horse , and for three or foure nights and dayes by no meanes suffer him to sleepe , or close his eyes , which hee may doe either by keeping candells light in the Stable , or else by some extraordinarie noyse or other diligence . After he is thus ouer watcht , 〈◊〉 ●e is readie to sleepe as he standes , you shall take him foorth and ride him vppon some newe plowed peece of ground : and if you chuse your houres for this purpose , to bee at such time as the nightes are darkest , It is a great deale the better : and by this meanes onely I haue seene most desperate horses reclaymed , prouided alwayes that you obserue in the time of your ryding , to ride him with the trench , Musroll , and Martingall . There be diuers horses which haue such euill habits of minde , and bee so vnrepressable in the violence of their furies , that when they cannot preuaile by their plungings , eyther to cast their Ryders , or to gayne to themselues that ease which they couet , they will after they haue plunged themselues wearie , fall downe , and in dispight of all strokes , or ordinarie corrections , not stirre from the ground till they haue gotten breath , and then rise vp and plunge as before . In this case , I woulde haue you as soone as hee falleth downe , ( as neare as you can possible ) to keepe your selfe in the Saddle , and to lie with your horse for companie : then you shall cause presently some stander by , to take a Bottle of drie strawe , and lay it round about the horse , especially about and vnder his nose and face : then instantly to set it on fire round about him ; at the sight wherof , there is no question but he will rise vp , and partly out of feare , partly out of furie , take his way forward , which when hee doth forget , not instantly to cherish him , nay if he but rise vp onely , although hee doe not presse forward , yet forget not to cherish him . By this course onely I haue reclaimed diuers , and seene diuers reclaymed by others : forget not then so oft as he thus offendeth , but thus to torment him and I dare almost assure you , this practise will not neede aboue twice or thrice for one horse at the most . There are another sort of horses , which hauing plunged , and leapt disorderly , whilest they haue either breath , or strength , and not beeing able to leape any more , wil foorth with stande stone still and not stirre any foote , how euer vrged by the violence of any correction . Remedies for this fault I haue prescribed in the beginning of this Chapter , where I speake of the basenesse of the horses nature , for it proceeds but seldome of mettall or good courage ; yet forasmuch as euery one in such cases as these , must inuent for himselfe new remedies , where he findes olde precepts faile him , for thence springs the proofe of his Arte : and for that there be diuers practises at this day , both amongst vs and strangers , for the amending of these faultes , some carrying in them apparance of reason ; some no similitude of sense ; yet because I will not be the onely peremptory Iudge , that am the meanest of many schollers , I will shew you both theirs and mine owne , and referre the vse to the liking of best wisdomes . It hath beene the practise of some Horse-men , when they could not make their horse goe forwarde , to tie a shrewd Cat to a Poale , with her heade and feete at libertie , and so thrusting it vnder the horses bellye , or betwene his legges , to make her scratch , byte , and clawe him by the Coddes , and other tender partes of the bodye : the strange torment and violence whereof , will make any horse starte , and runne away . Others haue taken a Hedgehogge , and tying it straite by the foot vnder the horses taile , the Hidiousnesse of the crie of that little beast , will make a Horse not onely goe forward , but also run away violentlie . The like wil the crie of a young whelpe doe , and to say truth any suddaine or strange noyse , or any instant affright or amazement , wil make a horse runne away . Others haue vsed a long peece of yron of a foot lōg , al ful of pricks like a Heckel , which being fastned to the crooper , and hanging down by the horses buttocks , it must haue a long cord made fast to the other end , which cord passing betweene the horses legges , must come vp to the hand of the rider , so that he may at his pleasure torment or ease the horse as he list , and by this instrument , some say horses haue beene reclaymed . Others haue vsed to put a corde with a running knot about the horses stones , and to take the other end of the cord into their hand , and so at their pleasures to pull it straighter , which torment being moste insufferable hath made a horse to goe forward violently . This practise I finde allowed both for this and other purposes by La Broue , & some other horsemē , but as before I said , so I say again , that ( vnder the reformation of their better knowledges ( I neither like nor would haue anye man either practise this or any of the other experimēts ; my reason being , that they are al of that crueltie , eyther in outwardly tormenting the bodye with extraordinarie paine , or inwardly appalling the minde with affright and amazement , that they do not so much good in redressing that one fault ; as hurt in breeding manye faultes of much more worse nature . For a horse that is of good courage and mettall , when hee eyther feeles any of these suddain torments , or apprehēds affrights , doth not instantlie goe forward , for it is against his nature , but first begins to leape , plunge , kicke with one legge , or offer to byte or such like motions , which whē he findes not to auaile he falles euen out of desperation to runne violently away , for when a Horse is payned and neither knowes from whence it proceeds nor for what offence hee is punished , hee hath for himselfe no remedie but plunging , byting and running away , as for example : I haue seene wise men ( as they haue beene ryding abroad ) to make themselues sport with Fooles , haue made one put a nettle vnder the Fooles horses tayle , but the horse hath not vpon the act runne away , but first falne to plunging and leaping , and in the end if the torment haue continued , hee hath runne away ; euen of the selfe same nature , that the nettle is , the same is the scratching of cats , the crying of hedgehogs , the howling of whelpes , the pricking of yrons , and the pinching of the stones , so that to conclude , it is as good the horse should stand still , as by teaching him to goe , to learne him to plunge , byte , strike and runne away . If then you demaund of me in this case , what is to be done , I answere , if you haue a horse infected with this kinde of restifnesse of standing still , ( which continually proceedes from folly ) you shal first when you take his backe , after you are well setled and haue paused awhile , first by thrusting foorth your feete hard and stiffe vpon your stirrops , you shall offer to put forward your horse ; which motion if he wil not vnderstand , after you haue done it twice or thrice euerie time stronger then other , you shall make a stander by , inst●ntly take him by the head , and leade him forward ad 〈◊〉 paces and more , your selfe and the stander by also cherrishing him as hee goes , and with putting your feete forward stiffe vppon your stirrops , quicken him vp , and make him goe chearefully , which when hee doth , the stander by may lay off his hand , and you may make him goe three or foure steps of his own accord , which when hee hath done , immediatelye stop him , cherrish him , and giue him grasse or something else to eate . In this sorte I would haue you to labour your horse three or foure times in a day , for a weeke together , in al which time , I would haue you to vse no correction whatsoeuer , either of spurre , rodde , voice or any thing else , that your horse may by your patience and temperance , come to a perfit knoweledge of your minde or intention ; which hee no sooner knowes but out of the tractabilitie of his owne nature , hee is as willing to performe as you to proffer . After you haue assured your horses knowledge so much that he knowes when he shall goe forward , then if eyther out of his churlishnesse or restife nature hee rebell and withstand your minde , then you shal correct him with the euen stroke of both your spurres , with your rodde ouer his left shoulder , and with the threatning of your voice , all which , if they doe not preuail : you shal then as before make vse of the stander by who shall not onely leade him , but also beate him till hee performe your minde with chearefulnesse , which as soone as hee doth , foorthwith cherrish him , and giue him somewhat to eate . By this lenitie and gentill meanes , first making your● horse to knowe your minde , and after to vnderstand the cause of his punishment for disobeying your minde , you shall make no doubt but hee will performe all you can desire , with both feare and dilligence , for it is a maxime in horsemāship , that as knowledge is the misteris of arte and obedience , so Ignorance is the roote of all euill and disorder . Now albe some horsemen , & especially La Broue is of opinion , that this gentilnesse in restrayning restife horses , is onely to bee vsed but to Colts , and such young horses , whose faults onely proceede from follie , and naturall weakenesse , for mine owne part , I haue found both by experience , and doe approue it in naturall reason ; that these gentill courses which doe giue a horse the surest knowledge , and playnest instruction are the onely assured meanes to bring our desires to a perfect end . Other trickes or violences being but like superficiall workes , which may carrie a showe or apparance , but neuer continue or worke in a naturall fashion : & thus much for restifnes and their seuerall kindes . CHAP. 9. How to correct a horse that runneth away , and the cause of such euill . THis vice of running away , how euer othermen are contrarily opinionated , yet for mine owne part , I hold it for most vndoubted truth , that it euer proceeds from ignorance , and want of discretion in the Horseman , and neuer from any naturall defect or inclynation in the horse , for it is questionlesse that a horse taketh no delight in running away , but rather feeleth offence and dislike ; the causes which make a horse to runne away be these : First , if a horse be of a short fore-hand , that is haue a short , thicke necke , and a strait chaule , if then his rider ( wanting arte ) goe about by compulsion eyther of ciuell and sharpe byts , or by tormenting chaines and cauezās , to make him haue a better reyne then nature or proportion will allowe . In this case a horse beeing tormented aboue his power , and neither knowing ●he cause , nor hauing abilitie to ease his paine , he presently beginnes to runne away , foolishly thinking to ouer goe that which he carries away with him . Secondly if the Ryder haue an vntemperate hand , which euer pulleth and hangeth vpon the horses mouth , neuer giuing him ease or sweetnesse , the horses mouth will grow so dead and sencelesse , that when hee shall bee put to any thing contrarie to his owne minde , hee will presently run away , hauing lost the tendernesse of his mouth , which euer kept him in obediēce Lastlye if the ryder for euery sleight offence in the horse , or to show in him more spirit and courage then he retayneth ; when he would haue the horse doe that which neither himselfe nor the horse knowes how to doe , if he fall to spurre and strike his horse in any of these cases , the horse findes no ease but by running away : If then it be your chance to light vpon the reuersion of any such horse , who by these former ignorances , hath got this fault of running away , you shall first put in his mouth a swoothe wo●ne trench , and vppon his head a strong Musroll and a good Martingale , then taking his backe , you shall ride him i●to some sandye or grauelly way , where you shall at the end of euerie ten or twenty yards , make him stop & go backe , thus shal you do for a myle or two ryding , during which time if he take any suddain toy , & so run away , you shal in his rūning let the reynes of your bridle slack , thē suddainly draw thē vp againe , then ease them againe , & draw them vp againe , and questionles by so doing 3. or 4. times together , you shall make him stay ; the reason being , that his liberty giues him such a perfect feeling of the correction , in one instant feeling two cōtraries , ( that is Ease and Paine ) that euen with amazement he will yeelde and stay . Where on the contrarie parte , if you shall continuallie as hee runnes pull and hang vppon his head , not letting him feele anye ease or libertie at all , the verie want of that contrarie knowledge , shall make him runne away the faster . This course of reclaiming a horse by gentlenesse , and oft stopping and going backe , I haue found much to auaile , and it is verie well allowed of by manye horsemen , especially by La Broue . But if the mallice of your horses nature be so great , that notwithstanding the former obseruations , the horse still continueth running away , you shall then as soone as hee refuseth to yeelde to your hand , thrust him foorth of the hie way vppon some deepe newe plowdeland , and there euen force him to runne till he beginne of himselfe to yeelde , which when you feele , you shall then stay him , and returne againe to the hye way . Where as you did before , you shall againe trot him twentie yardes , and stoppe him , then galloppe twentye yardes and stoppe him , and so as before continue the space of a mile , obseruing at euerie stoppe to make him goe backe two or three paces , in which space if againe hee offer to runne away , you shall againe thrust him ouer the deepe landes as before ; and doe but obserue this order thrice a day at the least for a weeke together , and there is no question but you shall reclaime him . Some will obiect that this course which I haue prescribed , is of too great violence , and may indanger both the Horses strength and winde , but they are deceiued ; for I doe not giue directions that you shall force your horse to runne ouer deepe lands so long as hee is able to runne ( for that were not to hurt but to kill ) but till such time as either hee shall yeeld to your hand , or else through his owne wearinesse fall to a flower pace in his running , which if you obserue , be well assured the horse will neuer doe himselfe hurt out of his owne nature . Againe , this manner of reclayming a runne away horse , doth neither hurt the horses mouth , or bringes him to other inconueniences , which will aske as much or more labour to amend , then the fault it selfe . There bee some Horsemen , which when they haue a runne away Horse , will ride him into a straite lane , & there thrust him into a swift Cariere , then comming to the place of the stop , if the horse doe refuse , and offer to runne further , then he will haue some standers by with long poales to strike the horse vpon the nose and face , and so compell him to stay . Others will haue wispes of fire vppon their Poales , and thurst them into the Horses face , but both these waies I vtterlie dislike , for they breede in the Horse such a cowardlinesse and fearefulnesse , that a horse so reclaymed , will loose his natiue valure ( which aboue all things should bee preserued ) and neuer after be brought eyther to indure the man or any warlike incounter . Againe , I did once see a Gentleman goe a-about to reclaime a runne away by this meanes ; but the standers by instead of striking the horse , stricke the Rider , and knockt him beside his horses backe ; since when I was neuer much inamored of such a practise . There be others that will tie a string about the horses stones , and then bringing it betweene the horses legs , fasten it about the pōmell of the Saddle , and then when the horse runneth away , to draw vp the string so straite , that by the crāping of his stones to force him to stop . This is allowed by some horsemen , yet I cannot but dislike it , for it is nothing but torment that maketh a horse runne away , and therefore mee thinkes the increasing of torment should also increase the fault , and that by consequence if this practise will make a horse stoppe , why then spurring him will doe the same , for they be punishments both of a nature , but our experience assures vs no such effectes issues from such practise . There be others that will haue a strong cord which hauing one end fastned exceeding stronglye to the pōmell of the saddle , will then put a verie strong pasterne vpon one of the horses hinder feete , then passing the other end of the corde thorowe the pasterne , bring it againe to the saddle pommell ; then when the horse runneth away to pull the corde vp with all your strength , by which meanes you shall take from the horse the vse of one of his hinder legges , and compell him either to stoppe or fall downe , by vse where of the horse will be brought to forsake his fault , and wil stop at your pleasure . Both this practise and the other next before it , I haue seen vsed by Prospero , & finde them at this day allowed of by La Broue : for mine own part , the former I would neuer vse neither this latter , but either my wit failed me for better inuention , or when for experience sake I trie the nature of euerie practise . But for generall satisfaction , be well assured that if the first precept in this chapter be followed with good labour & diligence , it wil reclaime any run away horse of how vilde condition soeuer he be ; yet some perhaps may vrge vnto me this doubt , that a horse which out of strength of head , and churlishnesse of nature , runnes away , will not bee turned of which hand a man pleases , but the more a man striues to turne him , the faster hee will runne the contrarie way , and truely I doe confesse it , many times falls out so , which as soone as you shall perceiue , you shall then vse those helpes & corrections , which are heereafter deliuered where I speake of Horses that are harder to turne of one hand then the other ; the least of which remedies will amend this fault . After you haue with the smoothe-worne Trench and Martingale reclaimed your horse , you shall then put into his mouth a smoothe Cannon bytt , and vpon his head the Cauezan of one peece , & with them ride him , and instruct him in such lessons , as eyther hee hath not learnd , or is in learning , and if you shall at anyetime finde him to rest his head too heauily vpon your hand ( which is a testimonie of his hardnesse of mouth ) you shall then raise the bytt a hole higher in his mouth , and so place it in such a place , where formerlie it hath not rested , by which meanes you shall instantlye finde in him such tendernesse of mouth , and lightnesse of head , that hee will performe your will with greate obedience : And for mine own part I haue diuers times reclaimed runne away horses , with no other meanes but by raysing the bytt higher in the horses mouth onely . Now to conclude , albe there are some ( which take vppon them the name of Horsemen ) which when they haue eyther hard mouthd horses , or runne-away Iades , seek only the amendment of such by the cruelty of their byts , as by hye ports with trenches , & rough roules or buttens , or vpset mouthes with Trenches of vnreasonnable length with burres vpon the tops of them like spurre rowels , and many other such like cruelties , yet I aduise all men to shunne them as the onely venomes and poysons of horsemanshippe , and the greatest groundes of horses running away : which the more boldly I affirme , because I haue had some hard mouthes , and some runne awayes , who hauing by others beene brought to their faults by such cruelties , I haue reclaimed and ridde after with smoothe Scatches ; for it is crueltie which takes away sence , and lenitie that giues a horse the best feeling . And thus much for horses that will runne away . CHAP. 10. How to correct a horse that will reare vpright , or come ouer with his Ryder . THis fault of rearing vpright , although it be naturally incident to manye horses , and that oft times to those of best spirit , yet if you shall first ride your horse with the Trench and Martingale , it is almost impossible that you shall finde that vice : and when the horse is of such perfitnesse , that he is fit to forsake the trench and Martingale , then is his experience such , that you can hardly compell a horse to such a fault : so that I conclude , amongst good Horsemen this fault is of least expectation ; but forasmuch as diuers men haue diuers methods in ryding , and that ignorance & libertie may bring a horse to this fault , which all be others beget , yet you may be intreated to amend ; You shall therefore when you haue such a horse , obserue this practise following . If when you either stoppe your horse , and with the helpe of the calues of your legges , compell him to aduance before : or when you would haue him to retyre or goe backe , or in the vse of any other correction hee aduance higher then you would haue him , or aduance when you would not haue him , You shall first , as you draw in your bridle hand , lay your other hand vppon the midst of the horses crest , and holding him downe hard , restraine him for aduauncing , but if eyther his aptnesse in aduauncing , or his sullennesse to adaduance be so great , that you cannot holde him downe with your hand , but that he will aduance whether you wi●l or no , you shall then as hee aduanceth , with your rodde giue him a good ierte ouerthwart his knees , and threaten him with your voice by saying : wilt thou villaine , wilt thou , or such like , and as oft as he aduaunceth , so often strike him , not ceasing till hee keepe his feete fast to the ground , neither strike him in any place but ouerthwart his knees onely . But if the violence of his naughtinesse be so great , that hee not onelie aduaunceth contrarie to your minde , but also in his aduauncing reareth vpright so hie , that either hee commeth ouer backward , or else is in great daunger of the same , you shall then vpon the proffer of such wickednes , and euen in his rising giue him the libertie of his head , and with the euen stroke of both your spurs together ; make him leape forward . This being done in due time , & so oft as occasion is ministred , I haue many times seen to reclaime a horse from this fault : but if he bee so infinitely desperate that it will not preuaile , you shall then cause him to be ledde foorth into some plaine peece of ground , & hauing a long string fastned to the reyne of his brydel , you shal as he trotteth before you , force him to stop and rise vp before , which if he dooth any thing extraordinarily hie , you shal then with the strength of your own hands pull him quite backewards , and assure your selfe , after you haue but giuen him two or three such falles , you shall neuer afterwards compell him to rise so hie , that he will bring himselfe into like daunger . For a horse naturallie , is as much affraide of falling , and as loath to hurt himselfe , as any man is , wherefore when by this meanes he commeth to the knowledge of his euill , he will without any more warning eschue it , and this course in all my practise I haue found most infallible ; yet forasmuch as the vse of the Musroll and Martingall , is an ordinarie way , to represse and keepe a horse from this fault , I would wish euery horsman first therefore to make vse of them , and where they faile , then to make triall of those experiments which are before rehearsed . And thus much for horses that will reare and come ouer with their riders . CHAP. 11. How to correct a horse that will lie downe in the water as he passeth thorow . OF this fault I haue had great experience and find it to be most incident to horses of chollericke complexions , or to such as are foaled in the dogge dayes ( which is from the midst of Iuly , till after the midst of August ) or to such horses as wee call Cades , which are those that neuer sucke their dams , but vpon their first foaling are put vp into a house , and brought vp vpon the finger . These horses haue many times this fault of lying downe in the water , with which if at any time you shall encounter , you shall thus seeke to reclaime him . First you shall faire and softly pace him through some water , not aboue knee deepe , being hard and firme in the bottome : and if you shall finde him offer to stande and draw in his hinder feete , as if he would lie downe , you shall immediately giue him the euen stroke of both your spurres three or foure times together , and make him gallop thorow the water with all violence ; which done , after you haue paused a while , you shall pace him backe againe : and if he offer to lie downe againe , you shall ( as before ) make him gallop thorowe againe ; but if after you haue done thus twise or thrise together , hee notwithstanding still proffereth to lye downe , you shall then cause two or three footemen to follow you into the water , who assoone as he profereth to lie downe , shall suffer him ; but immediatlye when hee is downe , they shall with all their strength holde him downe , and ducke his head vnder the water , holding it there a good space , then letting him take breath , ducke his head againe vnder the water , and this they shall doe twice or thrice before they let him rise , all the while rating him with their voyces , and striking him with their handes , but not by any meanes with any roddes or cudgels , albe Grison commend them both ; for I haue seene that course bring a horse into great desperation . After you haue vsed him thus twise or thrise with the helpe of footmen ; there is no doubt to be made , but he will vtterly refuse to lie downe especially when he eyther seeth , or heareth the footemen followe him : you shall therefore then cause the footemen to forbeare , and onely your selfe ride him into the water ; yet before you ride into the water , you shall make fast with a strong thong of leather to each side of your Saddle-tree iust vnder both your knees , two large and strong rings of Iron , so that nothing but the rings may appeare without the pannell : to these rings you must fasten two cordes that are plyant , and will runne and goe easily . These cords you shall passe from the rings thorow the eye of the bytt , trench , or snaffle , then thorow the rings againe , and thorow the eye of the bytt , trench , or snaffle , and then winde the remainder of the cords about the pōmell of the saddle , but in any case let that which passeth from the rings to the eye of the byt , be so slacke that it may giue the horses head all the libertie possible , then when you come into the water , if the horse offer to lie downe , you shall suffer him , and with all nimblenesse you can , auoiding his backe , looke vpon what side he lyeth most and setting your foote against the saddle , plucke the corde on that side , & it will immediatly , not only pluck his head vnder the water ; but also keepe him that he cannot rise , then at your pleasure you may let the cord goe , and giue him breath . If thus you shall but vse him twise , I dare venture much of my reputation in horsemanship , he will neuer need it the third time . Now forasmuch as some authors giue aduise , to put a cord with a running knot about the horses stones , & to crampe him therwith in the water , I for mine owne part vtterly dislike it : for I haue seene a horse so vsed , who through his violence and strugling in the water , hath so pincht himself , that his stones haue not onely sweld , but also impostumated and rotted , so that there was no remedie but to geld him , to the great blemish of the horsman , and danger of the horses life ; wherefore I would aduise all yong riders , to approue no more , but the former practise , til such time as their owne experience & Art can createthem better knowledge . If when you haue in maner aforesaid reclaimed your horse frō this vice , he shall after , eyther through the violence of nature , or the forgetfulnesse of the correction , begin to fall to it againe ; if vpon the first proffer thereof you doe but put him in remembrance , and quicken him vp with your spurres , and rate him with your voyce , you shall soone perceiue he will amend and eschue it . Yet euer I woulde haue you to keepe this caution in your minde , that when you haue a horse of such qualitie , to be verie carefull of him when you passe thorow any water , and rather to let your correction go before your fault , then your fault before your correction . And thus much for a horses lying downe in the water . CHAP. 12. How to correct a horse that is skittish , and fearefull , and findeth many Boggards . THis fault of skittishnesse , or fearfulnesse proceedeth from foure seueral grounds , that is to say , either from nature , youth , custome , or imperfitnesse of sight . If it proceede from nature , then it is founde in horses of flegmaticke and melancholie complexions , who out of their owne natiue cowardlinesse will start and be affraid of euery strange apprehēsion of the eie , and at euery suddaine noyse or clamor which their care shall receiue . To helpe this defect in nature , you must vse all the lenitie and gentle meanes that may be to fortifie and strengthen his valure ; so that when hee shall finde any affright , as either at windmils , blockes , stones , noyse of drums , trumpets , or such like , you shall not at his first starting eyther with spurre , rodde or threatning voice , compel him to approach to the thing which he feareth , but with gentle wordes and incouragements , first make him stand still , and a prettie space constantly to beholde the thing he feareth ; which done , you shall with the motion of your legges and bodie , by little and little bring him nearer a●d nearer to the thing he feareth , which if he doe with great vnwillingnesse ( if he be a horse that knoweth what correction is ) you shall then quicken him vp and make him aproach to the thing he feareth , by giuing him now & then the euen stroake of both your spurres . Assoone as you haue brought him to the thing he feares , you shall then make him stand by it , and smell vnto it , your selfe all the while cherrishing him , then you shall make him trott about it , and cherrishing him , make him againe smell vnto it . But if it be a man who either through the strangenesse of his apparell , or the carriage of some burthen the horse feares ; then you shal intreat the man to stand still till you bring your horse vnto him , who assoone as your horse approacheth him , let him first cherrish your horse , then stroake him , & if there bee any grasse , let him giue the horse some to eate , and by this meanes he will bee so imboldned , that he will not after be anye thing so readie to aprehend like amazement . If it bee any sound or noyse which hee feareth , you shall then acqaint him with those soundes by little and little , as first in a low and scarse-heard sound , after by degrees , increasing the noise , til it come to the vttermost loudnesse . You shall also let him see and smell both the thing which soundeth , and him that soundes , and by these vses and acquaintances , you shall both depriue him of feare , and create in him a constant valure , obseruing alwaies , neither to doe nor suffer to be done vnto him any thing soddainely or with violence , but after a moste temperate and modest fashion . If the horses fearefulnesse proceede from his youth and youngnesse , you shall then cause an olde ridden horse ( in whose valure you are assured ) to be ridden for a week or a fortnight continually before your colt , who may leade him thorough waters , thwart darke crosse wayes , and vp and downe the streetes of market Townes , where hee may see and heare all manner of noyses , as the fire of Smithes shoppes , the knocking , and beating of Armorers , Puterers , Coopers , Tinckers and such like , with the passing too and froe of all sortes of people , by which vse and acquaintance you shal soone finde him so valiant , that he will not starte for any terror whatsoeuer . But if his fearefulnes proceed from custom ( which is , that hauing been formerly scar'd , eyther with some vndiscreet & foolish sights , or with some strange noyses presented to the horse , with amazement , whēce euer after he feareth , the same sights & noyses ) you shall first in the Stable , after a gentle and familiar fashiō , present the same sights & noyses vnto him , suffering them not all the day to bee from before his eies , till with the acquaintance therof , you see he neither respects or feares them ; which done , you shal then take his backe , & ryding him into the fields , cause those affrights which he most fears to be presented vnto him , either by the corner of some turning lane , vnder some hedge , or in such a couert place , as the horse may not perceiue them , till he be close vpon them ; at which if he chance to starte , you shall first stay till he haue throughly lookt vppon his feare , then forcing him with your bodie , and sometime with your rod and Spurre , make him approach & touch that which he feared , then cherrishing him , & trotting him about it , acquaint him but in this manner , three or foure daies together , and his fearefulnesse will soone forsake him . If his fearefulnesse spring from his want of perfi● sight , which is of al feares the most incurable : you haue but only two helps to reforme it ; the first when hee apprehendes any feare to stay him , and make him with better consideration behold the thing he feares , then to bring him by the helpe of your rodde and spurre a little nearer his feare , and then let him gaze at it againe , then somwhat nearer , & stay againe , & thus by degrees bring him so neare that his owne sight may distinguish what hee feares , which as soone as hee beholdes and knowes what he sees , you shall see him without cōpulsion presse to the thing he formerlie feared , & without anie amazement , both touch & smel to that hee feared to come neare . Your second helpe is , to haue a vigilant and carefull eye to his countenance , as he trauelleth , and when you shall perceiue him to pricke both his eares directly forward , and so holde them any long space together , or if you shall heare him snore or cracke in his nose , or raise vp his head to a more extraordinarye height then vsuallie hee dooth carrie it ; vppon anye of these motions ; you shall bee assured that the Horse apprehendeth some amazement , whereuppon you shall instantlye drawe him to a slowerpace , and with all the encouragement you can giue him , bring him leasurely to that he feares and if the horse of himselfe offer to stay , you shall then both with your spurres , and a Iert with your rodde , compell him to goe forward , yet but ●erie slowlie , least taking any affright in the swiftnesse of his pace , hee by flying out of the way , doe not onelie indanger to hurt himselfe by some suddaine straine or slippe , but also to cast or mischiefe his ryder . Now that you may knowe the true Carractars of these feares , and iudge in your riding which horse is infected with which feare , you shall holde these obseruations . First when you make an olde ridden horse leade you the way where there bee manie Scarres and Boggards , if when the olde horse taketh no affright , but passeth quietlie on , the following horse taketh Scarres almoste at euerie thing he heares & seees , both his eies and eares beeing the ministers of his feare ; when this you note , be assured that horses feare proceedes from the cowardlines of his nature and complexion : if hee followe the olde horse stoutly without any feare , and onely when hee is alone , apprehendeth all manner of feares , then bee assured all his fearefullnesse proceedes onely from his youth and ignorance in those strange sights and noyses which he sees and heares ; but if hee passe stoutlie by many strange sights and stranger noyses , onely at some particular sights and noyses ( paraduenture lesse feareful then those he stoutly endureth ) he finde Scarres and affrights , then assure your selfe that his error comes from custome , and that hee hath in former times beene affrighted with those thinges which then he feareth . If he onelie take affright at what hee sees , and not at what he heares , starting at showes , but not at noyses , then you shall assure your selfe , that all his feares proceede onely from the imperfectnesse of his sight , and from no other cause . But for as much as some horses may haue more then one , nay all these imperfections , as both being naturally fearefully , yong , formerly scard , and imperfect of sight , I would wish all horsmen to haue in their stables , both Drums and Trumpets , which beating and sounding continually in the horses eares , will embolden them , and make them hardie agaynst all soūds whatsoeuer ; yet you must not at the first let such soundes be hard in their full lowdnesse , but making your Drumme first beate verie softly , after increase the lowdnesse , as the horse increases in boldnesse , till in the ende you may beate the Drumme to his vttermost height . And likewise for your Trumpet , you shall at first make it sound verie lowe , by stopping the great ende , either with a Clarin , or with a Gloue , or such like , till the horse bee acquainted there-withall , and then you shall cause the Trumpet to sounde as lowde and shrill as is possible . It is good also when your horse stands in the stable , to fasten to the head-stall of his coller , in stead of reynes , two long Chaines of yron made with rounde long wrythen linkes , which running to and fro through the Maunger , may make a gingling and noyse when the horse mooueth ; you shall also sometime when you ride your horse , cause his heade and necke to bee armed with a Shaferne and other peeces belonging to a horse : and as you ride euer to be rapping vpon the armour with the great ende of your rodde , that you may acquaint him with the noyse thereof ; you shall also at sometimes when the groome dresseth your horse , cause him to bee armed at all peeces aboue the waste , onely his face bare : and being so accoutered , to rubbe and dresse him , which when the horse indureth with pacience , then the groome shal put vpon his heade a close caske , and with it couering his face , goe to the horse , and standing directly before his face , rubbe the horses heade and necke all oner ; which done , hee shall giue him bread , oates , or other prouender . When hee is thus imboldned , you shall arme your selfe at all peeces aboue the waste , and then taking his backe , you shall receyue into your hande a small long Poale , no bigger then a Hawkes Poale , and carrying it vpon your thigh like a Launce , you shall ride him into some conuenient peece of ground , and first vpon his trot , charge it betwixt both his eares ; then on the one side of his head , then on the other , so as he may see it as it is charged on each side of his face , then you shall do the like vpon his galloppe ; And lastly , as he galloppeth , you shall clappe the Poale ouerthwart your breast vnder your arme , and so break it , that your horse may heare the noyse thereof . After you haue practised this a good space , and that he shewes all liuelinesse and spirite in the action , you shall then cause another man also to arme himselfe , and beeing mounted vppon some olde ridden horse , well vsed to such practise , hee shall also take another such like Poale , and beeing come into the fielde , hee shall place himselfe threescore or fourescore yardes from you , and directly opposite against you ; then shall you trott one against the other , yet in pathes so different , that you may passe by each other without touching , or rushing one vppon another : and when you come within twise the length of your Poales one of another , you shall charge your Poales one agaynst another , but not touching one the other with your Poales , you shall passe by each other . After you haue thus done fiue or sixe times together vppon a swift trott ; you shall then doe the same vppon an easie gallop : and at the last , as you come directly one by the other , you shall each of yon breake your Poales vnder your armes , so that your horses may heare the noyse or crash , which done , you shall alight , cherish your horse , giue him either grasse , breade , or some thing els to eate , and so set him vp in the Stable for that time . When your horse is thus perfite in the vse of armour and staffe , you shall then in the stable drawe a bright sworde , before your horses face : and first making him smell to it , you shall then rubbe him about the head , face , and necke with it ; then putting a Shaferne vppon the horses heade , you shall softly and in gentle maner rappe him with the sworde vppon the Shaferne , and vpon those peeces which are vppon his necke , which when hee paciently indureth , you shall then with your sworde in your-right hande , mount vppon his backe , and all the way as you trott to the riding place , you shall brandish the sword about your horses face , so as he may see the sworde , and now and then with the pommell thereof , knocke vpon the horses shaferne : when you come to the riding place , you shall there haue an Image made like a man , and armed at all peeces , from heade to foote : To this Image you shall trott ; and first making your horse smell thereto , you shall then trott about it , and euer as you pace or trott about it , you shall strike vpon it with your sworde , making the armour sounde and ring in the horses eares , your selfe euer cherishing and encouraging your horse in all his exercises . This done , you shall cause an other armed man to mount vppon an olde ridden horse , who comming faire and lostlye towardes you ; as soone as you ioyne knee to knee you shall with each of your swordes rappe softly vpon each others armour , and sometimes softly vpon your horses Shafferns , and other armed peeces : then you shal cause the other horseman to retyre backe from you , whome you must pursue , striking softly , somtimes at the horse , sometimes vpon the man : in the ende you shall make him turne his backe vppon you , and offer to trott away , but you shall followe him , and strike him softly vppon the hinder parts : which done , you shall alight from your horses back , cherish him , and giue him something to eare , and so set him vp . After your horse is perfi●e in these incouragements , you shal then begin to acquaint him with fire and gunshot after this maner . When he standeth in the stable with his heade from the Manger , you shal take Rosen beaten to fine powder , & lay a good deale in the palme of your hand ; then you shall take a little peece of a waxe candle , and setting it betweene your great finger and your Ring finger , you shall throw the powder thorow the blaze of the Candle , and it will rayse vppe a greate flame , which beeing done , directly before the face of the horse , may at first mooue amazement in him : But beeing done fiue or sixe tymes together , the Horse finding neyther annoyance by the flame , nor mislike in the smell ; he will be carelesse and seeme to delight in the sight , which as soone as you perceiue , then you shall instead of the rozen take halfe a thimble full of Gunpowder & laying it in the palme of your hand , doe as you did with the rozen . This is onely to acquaint the horse with the smell of gunpowder , which being done , you shall then take a pistoll which goes with a Snaphaunce , and putting powder onelie in the pan , and no where else , you shall s●ute it off before the horses face halfe a dozen times together , that he may be acquainted with the suddainenesse of that little noyse , This done you shall then charge the pistoll , and first shuting it off a pre●ie distance from your horse , you shall after discharge it nearer and nearer , till in the ende hee will suffer you to discharge it close vnder his nose , which done , you shall then take his backe and ride him into the open fieldes , where you shall cause some footeman , hauing charg'd a ha●quebushe with powder to meete you , and discharge it a prettie distance from you , yet iust before the horses face . Then as soone as hee hath discharged the peece , let him come to the horse , and giue him eyther breade or other prouender to eate , then let him charge the peece againe , and discharge it somewhat nearer then he did before , and euerie time he dischargeth the peece , let him come and cherrish the horse , and giue him something to eate , till there bee such a familiaritie betwixt him and the horse , that euen the horse will take a pride and delight in his shooting , which so soone as you perceiue , you shall vse him to the noyse of shot , both in his trotting and gallopping , making him charge the footeman home , and to galloppe abou● him , the Footeman euer obse●uing to discharge his peece in the face of the horse ; when your horse is thus made perfit for the indurance of the shot , you shall then when you ride him , abroad , make some stander by to flourish an ensigne before him , and then comming towards the horse , set the ensigne so as the winde may blowe the silke about the horses face , the ensigne bearer all the while with his hand cherrishing and fortefying the horse to indure the ratling and waueing of the silke about his eares , which when constantlie hee doth , then hee shall take vp the ensigne , and flourish it both about the horse and your selfe , then setting the staffe downe cherrish the horse againe , and giue him somewhat to eate ; you shall also encourage your horse verie much ▪ both to this and many other such like strange sights , if as you ride you doe but rattle papers about your horses eares , or anie other stuffe , which maketh the lowdest noyse . And thus much for the correction of affrights , and fearefulnesse . CHAP. 13. How to correct a horse that is dull of spirit , dull of the spurs , and slouenly in his trott . SO soone as you haue tamed your Colt , & made him that he will receiue with patience both the Saddle , bridel , and their ornaments , and the Ryder & his postures , and that hee will onely walke forward ( as not knowing any other lesson ) you shall then enter into iudgement of his nature and condition , which you may descerne in his first backing by these carracters . If you finde him light of head , so that hee will carrie it by his owne supporte , and not by the assistance of your hand , and that the tendernesse of his mouth disdaineth the touch or feeling of the Trench , if hee bee more willing to trott then to walke , to gallopp then to trot , or more willing to bound and leape , then either walke , trott or gallop , if you finde that the quicke motion of your bodie , the stirring of your legge , or the sound of your voice , are as greate motiues , as either spurre or rodde ; if this you finde , you shall conclude in your iudgement that hee is a horse of good constitution of bodie , light , tractable , valiant and of the worthiest disposition , so that you are by your owne lenitie and temperate a●te , onelie to seeke to moderate and keepe such good spirit in his height of goodnes by repressing it , till age and strength shall affoard better abilitye , and without further strife or toyle proceede to those lessons which are fit for a horse of his courage , which are the large ringes and other lessons of such like qualitie . But if you finde your Colte ( at first backing ) to be of a contrarie nature , that is to say , of heauie head and countenance , such as your strength shall sooner bee wearie to lift vp , then hee to ouer burthen ; and of a spirit so flemye or melancholly , that hee will rather refuse to doe , then want power to doe , the sullennesse of his nature beeing a traytor both to arte and his beautie ; you shall then ( hauing backt him , and taught him to goe forward , according to the rules prescribed in the third Chapter ) ride him foorth either into some open hard hye way , or into some playne fielde where hee may haue no treading but such as is light and easie : and carrying your handes vppon the reynes of the trench , as is taught in the third chapter : You shall all the way as he goes , with gentill motions easing your handes and drawing them softlie in againe by little and little worke vp his head to the full length of his necke , not at any time suffering your handes to abide firme without motion ; But letting them goe & come continuall with easie , soft , and vndisturbing mouings : such as with their greatest straytnesse may not giue him any checke in the mouth to make him stop : not with their largest libertie ( were he a horse of franck spirit ) giue him leaue to runne away . This comming and going of your hand will force the dullest horse in the world to rayse vp his head of his owne accord , it sweetens and makes tender his mouth , and makes him plyant to a good rayne and countenance . To this motion of your hands , you must adde also the motion of your legges by thrusting thē earnestly forward with a good stiffe Ierte vppon your stirrop leathers , and your bodie likewise by moouing forward to accompany the motion of your legges , yet this moouing of your legges must not bee vsed aboue once or twice in ten or twleue paces going , but when you doe vse it , you must doe it violentlie , for beleeue it ( as an infallible rule in horsemanship ) there is not any motion or torment whatsoeuer , which stirreth more spirrit or alacritie in a horse , then this moouing forward of your legges onelie , as you shall finde by proofe whensoeuer you please to trie it vppon a horse that is moste shamefully tyred . To this forward motion of your legges , you shall now and then adde ( according as you finde the dulnesse of your horse ) a good Iert with your rodde in his flancke , and vnder his bellie ( for spurre as yet you must not by any meanes vse . ) In this sorte , and with these helpes , you shall ryde your horse forward in a slowe trott , aboue sixe or seauen score-yardes , and there stop him by drawing your hand somewhat hard & firme to the pommell of your Saddell , and after a little pause , you shall make him goe backe or retire two or three paces , by drawing your handes to you and easing them againe halfe a dozen times together , euen in the selfe same sorte as you did when he went forward , but that it must be a little more firme and hard , yet not so hard as shal striue to compel , but as it were worke with a milde intreatie . If your horse shal refuse to retire at these motiōs , you shall not much respect it , but thrust him forward again as farre furth●r , and there doe the like , and in this sorte vppon an easie trotte , you shall ride him foorthright aquarter of a mile , and then taking a large compasse about ( of at least fortie of fiftie paces ) turne him homeward , and so rid him backe to the stable , not forgetting but both in going foorth and comming home , to make him stop & retire at the end of euerie sixe or seauenscore yardes . It may bee the first morning you ride him , what through the dulnesse of his spirit , and sloathfulnesse of his nature , you shall neither make him trot with pleasure , stop with willingnesse , nor go backe with any art you can vse , but let not that discourage you , but in the afternoone doe the like againe , by no meanes vsing any violence more then the former motions prescribed : nor exceeding the limits of a quarter of a myle ; also it may be the second time he will bee as little tractable as at the first , yet regarde it not , but as you did at morning and noone , doe the same againe , & after the same manner at the closing vp of the euening , at which time if you finde him as peruersse and as rebellious as in the other two former times , you shall ( as before you did ) with all patience bring him home , and hauing drest him , and giuen him meate for all night , you shal before you goe to bed , come into the Stable , and taking a well dryed bulls pizell , nailde & made fast to a longe staffe ; first cause your horse to turne his forepartes and buttockes from one side of the stalle wherein hee standeth to the other which hee dooing at the first slouenlie , and vnnimbly , you shal take occasion thereupon , and with your buls pizell , beat him about the buttocks , houghes & sides so soundly , that you may make his flesh sore , not by any meanes leauing to beate him til you see him euen with a sprite futye and an actiue nimblenes , passe & repasse in his stall with the sound of your voice onlie : which done , let him rest for that night , & the next morning as you did before , so take him out , & ride him forth right ( with those helps & encouragemēts before taught ) at the least halfe a mile & more only instead of your rod you shall ride with a dryde buls pizell , the correctiō wherof you shal mingle with your former helps , whose sharpenes & tormēt exceeding much the sharpnes of the rod , wil so quicken your horse vp ( especially through the sorenes of his flesh , by his former beating ) that you shal feele him to trot much lighter then before , & to shoe much more tractability & obedience , You shall ( as before you did ) this day , at the end of euery 6. or 7. score yardes , make him stop and retire , obseruing this rule , that if he do not retire vpon the first motion of your hand , not to make any stay at all , but fourthwith to thrust him forward againe , both with the violence of your body , help of your legs , & a good stroak with the buls pizel , giuing him no ease nor respite till hee eyther shoe obedience to your will , or some likelye token of obediēce ; which as soon as you apprehend , you shal instantly cherrish him , and giue him somewhat to eate , then trie him againe the second time , & if then he show more obediēce then before , you shal then cherish him , light from his backe and walke him vp and downe awhile in your hand ; then taking his back againe , trott him fairly homward & as you did this morning , so shal you doe in all pointes againe in the afternoone , onelie you shall increase the swiftnesse of his trot : and as you did in the after noone you shall so doe againe at the closing of the euening , euer increasing the swiftnes of his trot more and more , till you haue brought him that he wil with the motion of your body , raise vp his spirits , & trot both freely & chearefullie : the third day you shall likewise take him foorth , and then you shall trot him out right a mile & more , obseruing stil to mak him stop , & retire euer at the end of sixe or seaueēscore yardes , till hee bee brought to such perfitnes and true knowledge of your minde , that with the least motion of your hand , hee will retyre either as speedilye as you wil , or as far as you will , & in the swiftnes of his retyring , you must obserue to giue him that leasure , that he may take vp his feete one after the other , & not by ouer much haste take them vp so preposterously that he be in danger of ouerthrowing himselfe , for that were as the prouerbe is , more hast the worst speede , but by taking them vp leasurely , and in order , he will come to that perfitnesse that he will euen trot backward , with as comely beautie as many horses doe forward . Which is both exceeding gallant to the eye , and exceeding profitable in seruice , showing hye arte in the horseman , and much obedience in the horse . This third day also to the other helpes and corrections , you shal ad the help of your spurres , mingling with the helpe of your rodde or bulls pizell , now and then the euen stroake of both your spurres , the sharpenesse whereof will take from your horse the melanchollye thoughts and faintnesse , which are the onelie grounds of all his dulnesse , and make him not onely more mindfull of his labour and lessons , but also inspire him with much better spirrit and chearefulnesse , for as to horses of great mettal and couragiousnesse , all torture , extremitie , & prouocation is to be auoided , so to these melanchollye and dull Iades , there is nothing to bee done without violence quicknes , sodainnesse of voice , and helpe of correction ; prouided alwaies that such motions be euer attended on with such temperatenes , that by no meanes they drawe the horse either into amazement or desperation ; but that hee may knowe that all his punishment dooth proceede from his owne sloath and disobedience . And allbe I doe to the reclayming of this dulnesse , prescribe you but onelie three daies labours , yet you must vnderstand , that if euery one of these daies works aske you a weekes worke , you must not thinke much , or holde your time mis-imployed . For mine owne parte I haue beene my selfe three monthes in bringing a horse to spirit and lightnesse , and in the end thought it the best part of my labour . After your horse will trotte forward freelie , & with good courage , stoppe and retire at your pleasure , You shall then for a weeke or tenne daies , onelie● exercise him in trotting forward or round about some greate heathe , plaine , or greene fi●lde ; first a mile , then two mile , after three mile , not stopping him aboue once in a mile , or a mile and a halfe , & by this exercise , & continuall labour , at least once in a day , or not aboue twice at the moste , you shall bring him to such lightnesse of head , nimblenesse of foot , and sence of correction , that nothing you shall put him to ( as long as you keep your selfe within the limits of reason ) will be either troublesome to you or laboursome to the horse . Some there are , as namely Grison and his Schollers , who to the reclaiming of a horse subiect to this dulnes & sloathfulnes of spirit , would haue you ride him vpon newe plowde lands ; reasoning thus : that the deepnesse of the landes will make him plucke vp his feete , bestirre himselfe with more labour , and so consequently bring him to more quicknesse and sharpnesse of spirite . But ( vnder the reformation of his more auncient knowledge ) I am of a cleane contrarie opinion , and so is also La Broue , who absolutelie holdes deepe lands , & rough waies , the worst meanes to bring a horse to spirrit or lightnesse , for if dulnesse proceede from the coldnesse and weakenesse of nature , ingendering faintnesse and floath , then must that which bringeth foorth toyle and labour , without any ease or rellish of pleasure , not onelie increase that faintnes , but bring it to the verie heigh● of all cowardise , as thus for example : a Horse that ▪ sloathful & dull , in so much that you shal hardlie force him to go vpon the paine & smoothest ground ; thinke you he wil trott in deep landes , where stepping euerie foot in earth aboue the pasterne , & sometimes wherewith his best force , hardly drawing his leggs after him , shall feele nothing but toile beyond his strength ? no it is most impossible , but forth with he growes desperate , and where before vpon the plaine ground hee woulde haue gone a little by this ouer-sore vse , he will neither vpon plaine nor deepe ground goe at all ; and from hence many times springeth the groundes of restifnes , tyring & basenes of courage : yet I doe not somuch dislike the vse of the new plowde ground , that I vtterlie prohibite it , but as I discommend it for these faint & dull horses , so I commend it for such horses as are of too ficrie mettall , who out of the pride of their courage will obserue no temper in their going , but one while trotting , another while prauncing , and another while offering to gallop , they both disorder themselues , and trouble their rider ; for these double minded Iades , whose fantastical lightnes & incertain spirits transports them beyond al compasse of moderation , there is nothing better thē the new plowd landes , which with the labour & toyle wherūto they wil put a horse , they easily correct his madnes , & makes him with carefulnes & diligence attend to his labor , & the wil of his rider . Now if your horse haue mettall , courage & strength in ough only out of his stubbornnes of nature , wil not shoe it , you shal thē not only ride him in deep grounds , but also prouide that those grounds be ascending , and mountainous , by labor wherupon , he shal be compeld ●o take vp his feete more roundlye and with greater strength then on the leuel earth , and be forced to more vse of his strength then on the other groundes ; which when at any time he shall slacke , & for such slacknesse feele correction , he will forthwith thrust out the best of his powers , nothing being more contrary to his nature & courage , then the indurāce of torment . When you haue by the method before taught , broght your horse to a quicknes & lightnes of spirit , that he wil trot freely vnder you , answere to the motiō of your body , & yeeld with obedience to the cōmaundmēt of your hand , yet whē you sput him , you find him no more to be moued with the sharpnes of that correctiō , thē with the ease of the other helpes , as if he had no more feele of your spur then of the calfe of your leg , or the Iert of your stirrop leather : when this you finde , you must conclude that your horse is dul vppon the spur , & if you let him passe with that fault vnreformed , then when other helps shal faile you , there shal be nothing left , whereby eyther to bring grace or quicknes to your horses lessons , or to show by the testimonie of his obedience , by what arte and rule you hold him plyant to your commaundement . When therefore your horse is dull vpon the spurre , you shall at first forbeare to spurre him for any sleight fault or omission , but rather vse the correction of your voice or rod , but whē he shal fal into any grose error ( especiallie such an error whereof hee hath had fore knowledge ; then you shal spur him soundly that is , you shall giue him halfe a dozen strokes together , as neare as you can all in one place , & that close behind the hind most garthe , making euerie stroake at the least to draw blood , which done & the fault amended , you shall then cherrish him , and by no meanes spurre 〈◊〉 againe , till you haue the like occasion , which once offered , do as you did before : & thus I wold haue you doe three or foure times in a morning , obseruing not by any meanes to giue that stroake , which shall not fetch blood , nor to spurre him for anie fault at all , but such as shall deserue and haue at least halfe a dozen stroakes together . Your horse being thus wel spur'd & blood drawn vpō both his sides , as soone as you bring him into the Stable , cause the Groome to bathe both his sides with olde pisse and salt , rubbing the same into the sore place so violently , that it may search into the verie bottome of the prickes . This medicine will keep the sore place either from rotting or ranckling , yet notwithstanding it will keepe the sore place so tender and sore , that the least touch of your heele will bring him as great torment as before the greatest stroake with your spurre did . After your horse hath beene thus drest , you sh●ll the next day following take him forth againe , and as you did before , so in all pointes you shall doe againe , spurring him seldome , yet soundly , and as neare as you can in the sore place , and no where else . This practise beeing vsed but three or foure daies together , you shall finde your horse so tender and sore vpon his sides , that the least offer or touch with your spurre will mooue him as much as the greatest stroake you can giue him : which when you haue brought to passe , you shall then with all carefulnesse forbeare to spurre him for any fault whatsoeuer , where there is any other help or correction that wil auaile , for it is a most certaine rule that there is nothing which sooner bringes a horse to bee dull vpon the spurres , then often spurring him , or when you spurr , eeyther to strike your heele false , so that the spurre doth but glaunce vpon his sides , and giues him a taste , but not a perfite feeling of the prickes , which we call tickling a horse with the spurres , or els to hold the rowels of your spurres in your horses sides still , after you haue striken him therewith , as for the most part , Lawiers , Marchants and Schollers do : for these maner of compunctions , and disorderly torments , doe not onely make a horse dul and carelesse of the spurre , but also so faint harted , that a horse will euen tire outright when hee is in his best strength and lustinesse . Whence it comes to passe ( & I haue often approued it vpon the hie way ) that when a horse hath beene to all mens seemings so extreamly tyred with an ignorant rider , that he would goe no further : a horsman lighting vpon the same horse , hath made him goe with as good courage and mettall as any horse in the companie , his helpe beeing nothing els but the forbearance of the spurre , and the vse of the other more moderate helpes and corrections : wherefore I conclude , that to bring your horse to a quicknesse vpon the spurre , is to spurre seldome , but when you spurre , to spurre most surely , and not to spurre at all but vpon great occasion , and that your horse haue a perfite knowledge euer of the offence for which he is spurred . When you haue thus taken frō your horse the dulnes of his spirit , & the dulnesse of the spur , you shal thē considerately looke how he carieth his bodie , and demeaneth his legges , that is whether hee trott cleane , gallantly , and with a good & grace countenance , for so to trott is the first lesson or motion that a horse must learne ; but if you finde that he trotteth slouenly , and foule , that is , he either taketh not vp his feete roundly and loftily ; or he waueth or rowleth as he goes , or taketh too wide strides , or els fetting downe his feete vncertainly doth often stumble and snapper ; if any of these faults you finde , you shall thus correct it . First if he take not vp his feete loftily and roundly , if hee bee a horse of yong yeares , or of faint nature , you shall then onely trott him vp and downe in some harde ground , which is full of Thistles , or short pricking gorsse , or Whinnes , as I declared in the former chapter of ouer-reaching : but if he bee a horse of better age , and fiercer courage , so that when you trot him amongst the sharp prickes , hee will fall to bounde or leape ouer them , then you shall onely exercise him a weeke or more , ouerthwart a new plowed field : and when he begins to grow slow thereupon , then you shall bring him to the hard Thistlie earth , where the grounde beeing more firme , he will then take more delight to trot thervpon : this practise , when the labour of your hand , and other helpes failes you , will neuer faile you . But if hee waue or rowle in his going , or take too long strides , and that you finde the restraint of your hande will not restraine the libertie of his feet ( as before I told you in the chapter of ouer-reaching ) you shall trot him forth-right in some furrow digged full of little ouerthwart gutters , one within lesse then a foote of another . Now wheras in that former chapter I bid you digg your large rings full of such little gutters , you muste there vnderstand , I speake of such horses as at the first , trot faire and comely : but by exercise of their lessons , and by compulsion to trot swiftly , take to themselues the libertie of long strides , ouer-reaching , and foule trotting . But here I speake of such horses who naturally trot long and foule , before eyther they come to know the waight of the man , or the vse of any ting or other lesson ; insomuch that these gutters & degrees must be made in some straight sorrow , wherein as hee learnes to goe , so he may learne to forget his fault . But if it happen as necessarilie it must , that by this practise he learne to trot short and cleane , yet notwithstanding he still waueth and rowleth in his pace , you shall then onely for a weeke or ten dayes , trot him along by a straight wall ( the vse and benefit of which wall is more largely discribed in a Chapter following ) and you shall not make any doubt but that error will be sufficiently amended . Now lastly , if by the incertaintie of his treading , he be much subiect to snapper and stumble , you shall then if he be yong and weake spirited , at such time as the nights are darkest , when neither your self nor the horse can discerne either the way before or vnder you , ride him forth into some plaine grasse fielde which in times past hath been errable , & stil retaineth hye ridges , and deepe sorrowes ; and there exercise him for an houre or two ouerthwart and crosse those leas or ridges , first vpon an ordinarie racke , or footpace , then vpō a slow trott , & after as he growes cunning vpon a swift trott , which sometimes may bee mingled with 2 , or 3. strokes of a gallop : thus exercising him seuen or eight nights , you shall make no doubt of his amendment . You may also , if you please , when you haue your horse skilfull vpon this kinde of ground , ride him vpon some plaine or leuell earth , as either Heath or Moore , which beingful of myerie Ruttes , or Gutters , the Horse by lighling vnawares into them , will growe so carefully fearefull , that hee will take vp his feete so roundly , and set them downe so surely that he will seldome or neuer stumble . If your horse be of great courage , and full strength , it shall not be amisse after you haue exercised him , and made him by night perfite vpon these two fore-named grounds , if thē for two or three nights you trot him swiftly ouer a new plowed field , which wil both make him take vp his feete , and also a certaine his pace most sufficiently ; I haue seene some horsmen , that to helpe this fault , haue ridden their horses hoodwinckt ; but for mine owne part I much disalow it . For besides that the depriuing of the sight taketh away from the horse both hope and delight , it also stirreth in him that amazement and excesse of feare , which many times robbeth him both of remembrance and attention to the businesse about which he goeth : besides , the blind-folding of him is such an actuall and grosse correction , that what fault soeuer is by it reformed , the libertie of the sight againe , brings with it such delight , and contentment , that the former reformation is quite forgotten , and he remaines the same horse hee was before , both in disorder and faultinesse . Many other deuises and compulsions there bee to amend these errors , albe it be but for a short time , which forasmuch as they haue onely beene brought forth by couetousnes , practised by craft , and credited by ignorance and folly , I will banish them this place , where nothing but Art should haue luster ; and referre them to the mystery of Horse-cosing , wherein I will set them down in their true colours , And thus much for the dulnesse of spirit , sence , or pace . CHAP. 14. Of the treading of the large ringes , and of their vse . AFter your horse will with obedience & patience receiue you , and deliuer you both too & from his backe , when hee will with good courage , sencible spirrit , comelie light reyne , and gallant pace trot forward with you ; which as it is the first lesson or A. B. C. of horsemanshippe , so it is to bee regarded , and lookt into with moste vigilant watchfulnesse , because what sleight fault or omission you shall escape in that time of beginning , will so strongly increase in his other lessōs , that in the end they wil proue incurable : when as I say you haue brought him to this first goodnesse , you shall then proceed to the large ringes , after this manner . You shall trot your horse forth into some broad grauelly or sandy way , where the print of your horses feet may the best be seene , which hauing breadth enough for the largenesse of your ringes , you shall first hauing trotted forward 50. or 60 paces , pace out a large ring vppon your right hand , at least fortie paces in compasse , and hauing pac'd it three or foure times about , so that your eye may wel descerne the compasse of your ring , which if it carrie not the proportion of a true round , then be assured there is a fault in the carriage of your hand , which after you must indeauour to amend . You shal then trot him straight forward fortie yardes , or three abouts , and then make out an other ring ( of the same largenesse & compasse vpon your left hand ) by trotting it about three or foure times also , so that both your rin● being ioyn'd together by the furrowe which passes b●weene them , they will carrye this figure or proportion . When thus you haue markt out both your ringes , you shall then instantly enter into consideration , vpon which hand your horse with the moste willingnesse , nimblenesse , and best grace , couetteth to trott , and on the contrarie hand , on which he is onelie vnwilling , you shall labour him at the least three or foure turnes more then on the other , making both your begginning and your ending , on that hand on which hee is moste imperfect ; as thus for example , if your horse ( as for the moste part all horses are , ) be more vnwilling to trotte vpon your right hand then on the left , you shall then trot three or foure times about vppon your right hand againe , so that beginning and ending vpon your right hand , that hand may exceede the other by so many tournes as you made in your first beginning , which done , you shall then trott him downe the straight fur●owe to the verdge of the left ring , and thereby mode●ately drawing in your hand , cause him to stop , which done , after a little pause , you shal make him retire three or foure paces , and then cherrishing him , let him rest a good space , then gently putting him forward againe , walke him so softly as foote can fall about the left ring , ●hen downe the straight furrowe to the right ring where you may beginne the lesson againe as before . Now as I speak of the right hand , so I meane likewise of the left hand ▪ if he be either harder or lesse nimble thereupon . In this sort I would haue you exercise your horse dayly , till he be so perfect , that euen of himselfe he will trot these large ringes with such courage , lightnesse , arte and nimblenesse , that he will neither stand in need of helpe or correction , which when you perceiue , you then shall trot him a dozen or fourteene times vppon that hand of which he is hardest , then as oft on the other hand , then as oft vpon the first hand againe , then forthright , then stop , retire , & cherrish . During the exercise of these large ringes , you shall deligentlie keepe these obseruations : first you shall be carefull with the gentill motions of your handes , to keepe his mouth in sweetnes and tendernes , neither pulling so hard at the trench , as to make the horse gape , nor giuing his head such libertie , as to bring him to a loose reyne , but to make him trot with all pride and comelines of countenance . Next you must obserue that his head and necke stand streight , looking directly forward , & not a wrie or inward to that hand of which he trotteth ; for suretie wherof you shal euer carry the outmost reine euer a listraiter then the inmoste , holding it of the two , more tollerable that the horse carrie his head rather from his ringe , then inwarde towards his ring ; for the f●rst will shoe him firme and all of one peece , which is the greatest beautie and glorie of a horse ; the latter shewes him weake neckt , crookt , and apt for disorder ; the bringing of his head into the ring , beeing the first meanes that casts his hinder parts out of the ring . Next you shall obserue , that of what hand soeuer you trott your horse , you shall for a helpe in his beginning vse the calue of your contrary legge , or the thrusting forward of your contrarie foote , and contrarie stirrop leather , or your rodde vpon the horses contrarie shoulder , or ells before the eye of the horse on the contrarie side : as for example , if you trott on your right hand you shall helpe your horse with the calue of your left legge , with your left foot , & with your rod before his left eye , and so on the left hand with the like helpes on the right side . Your voice also is both a verie profitable helpe and a greate encouragement to a horse in the treading of these ringes , as namelie either in his sloath , or forgetfulnes , to crie via , via , or how how , with a shrill voice , & accompayning it now and then either with a lert of your rodde , or the thrusting forward of your feete stiffe vpon your stirrop leathers . I haue found it excellent good also , and it is wel allowed of both by Grison and La Broue , if in the beginning of the treading of these ringes ( chiefly when your Colt is young and foolish ) you make an olde ridden horse to leade him the way , and to treade out the rings before him , for it will both giue him good encouragement and also keep him from amazement & disorder ; yet your horse being brought to the carriage of his head , to perfitnesse of his pace , and readines of the way so that he will keepe an euen pathe , before he come to the vse of these ringes , this helpe of an old ridden horse will be a great deale the lesse needfull . Some will wonder , and happilie out of that wonder mightly condemne me , because the fashion of my rings are different from all those showed by former authors ; for Grison and other writers , would haue the first rings to be Ioyned together , & then as it were from betwixt them to goe the straight furrowe , where they would haue the horse stoppe and turne about in a narrowe compasse . These ringes they woulde haue to bee trodden out vppon newe plowed ground , they woulde haue a certaine number of turnes to bee obserued of both handes , with diuers other such like Cautions , to which I am clearely opposite , for first , that the ringes should be ioyned together I dislike , because the chang being so sodaine , and vnexpected , and a colt so Ignorant and vnnimble , the sodainnes thereof cannot chuse but eyther breede disorder , or make the colt weake neckt , because such quicke changes , doe euer compel the ryder to vse that reyne of the inside more then in arte it should be : then when hee commeth at the ende of the straight furrowe , where hee must stoppe , that there he should turn about in any narrower compasse then the former ringes , is against arte , because a horse ought not to bee taught any straighter compasse till the larger be made perfit , Next that they should be trodden out vppon new plowed ground , that is no good generall rule . For ( as before I saide ) It is onely but for such horses as out of the greatnesse of their courages are of such distempered humors , that they will neither goe nor learne with patience , which faults being ( as they ought to be ) reclaimed before hee bee brought to the vse of these ringes , why after the fault is amended , the horse should indure punishment , I neither vnderstand nor allowe : wherefore for mine owne part , I would haue the ringes made on such ground as might bee most easie for the horse to treade vpon , surest for soote-hold , and moste pleasant for the horse to delight and continue vpon . Lastly , for the certaine number of turnes , which they would haue obserued , as so manie times two , or so many times three and such like , by no meanes either increasing , or decreasing , that I am as much against as anye of the rest , for this Horsemen knowe , there is no creature whatsoeuer which doth so much obserue custome , or beares in his remembrance the forme and manner of thinges taught him , as the horse dooth , so that holding him to anye constant number , or anye prescript forme , when you shall eyther exceede or deminish what you haue accustomablye vsed ; you put such doubtfulnesse in his minde , that from thence proceedeth disobedience and restifnesse , wherefore for mine owne part , I both haue and euer shall ( till I be controled by a much better master ) obserued neuer to obserue any certain number in my turnes , but euer to proportion them according to the aptnesse , strength , and agilitie of my horse . But leauing to discourse vppon other mens mistakings , and to returne to my former purpose . When your horse hath beene exercised so long vpon these two distinct and seuerall ringes , that hee will pace or trot them either slowe or swiftlye with all comelines and perfitnes , which commonly in a month or lesse you may bring to passe & that you finde in his dooing thereof neither error nor disobedience , you shall then begin by little & little to make him galloppe those ringes ; as first in the swiftnes of his trot to gallop two or three stroakes , & then to trot againe , then gallop fiue or sixe paces more , then trot againe , & thus increasing by stroke and by stroke , till in the endefinding in him both a willingnes & an abilitie , you make him gallop the wholering about , taking into your minde this maxime ( which is allowed both by La Broue and others , ) not by any meanes to let your horse galloppe till hee bee moste perfit in his trot ; least by making a confusion in his paces you vtterly disable him for any pace whatsoeuer : during the time that you thus teach your horse to galloppe these ringes ; you shall diligentlie keepe this obseruation , first not to correct him either with spur or rod for anye offence hee shall commit in galloping , but vpon the appehension of any fault to stay him from gallopping , and to put him into his ttott againe , and in his trot to correct such ordinarie errors as shall happen , as the writhing of his bodie , bowing in of his necke inward , or the casting out of his hinder partes . Secondly , you shall obserue that in his gallopping he carrie his head in as constant and firme a place , and his necke with as comely and gracefull a reyne , as when hee trotteth in his greatest pryde , so that if eyther hee offer to thrust out his nose or topresse and hang his head vpon your handes , you instantly stoppe him from gallopping and make him trot againe , labouring him therein till out of the pride of his courage he will gallop and keepe his best beauty , which when hee doth , you shall not then continue him so long therein till he be wearie , and so growe in dislik of his owne goodnes , but after two or three stroakes , performed to your contentment , you shall put him againe into his trott , and cherrish him . This order obserued with care and diligence , you shall make your horse take more delight in gallopping then trotting , & after hee feeles the ease which cōmeth by the constant carriage of his head , hee will not disorder it , or beare it in other place , albe an ignorant ryder should thereto compell him . Lastly you shall obserue in his gallopping , that hee take vp his legges roundly and loftelie one after another , that forelegge which is outmoste , going euer as it were before the other , and his hinher legges following the fore-legs one after another , both closely & roundly trogether , the beating of his hoofes going so distinctly one after another , that they make as it were a kinde of musique in their sounding . To these obseruations you must accompany the helpe of your bodie , which being as it were a fixt member with the horse , must in euerie motion moue as he moueth without either disorder or contraritye . You shall also to quick en him in his gallopping ; helpe him now and then with the calue of your leg , or by letting him heare the noyse of your rodde ouer his head , for other helpes of more violence , I doe not allowe . Now for as much as young horses partly out of their owne willingnesse , partly out of a naturall feare they beare vnto their riders , will in these first lessons she we more aptnesse and strength , then either their knowledge apprehends , or their powers are able to maintaine : you are therefore with great consideration to regard that you put not your horse to so much as he will of himself do , but that you euer in all his doings , ( much more in his beginning ) leaue him in his best strength , with both an vnwearied bodie , and an vntroubled mouth ; by which meanes you shall be assured hee will day by day , both increase in his strength of teaching , and in his willingnesse to be taught : where being contrarily vsed , hee will from doing a little , come in the end to iust nothing , labour bringing faintnesse ; faintnesse dispaire and desperation , absolute restifnesse and rebellion . When your horse can gallop these two rings perfitly , you shall not by any meanes vse him thereuuto aboue twise or thrise in a weeke at the most : and when you doe gallop him , you shal not at the first gallop him aboue fiue or sixe times vpon one hand , and as much vpon the other ; and after increasing as his strength shal increase , till you find him of the abilitie that he is able to indure it for a whole mornings worke : which when you perceiue , you shall then leaue the vse of those two seuerall rings , and onely trot out one single ring of not aboue thirtie paces in compasse , which hauing trotted about vpō your right hand three or foure times ( so that you may descerne the ring perfitely ) you shall then by drawing your left reynes little more firme : and laying it somwhat close to the horses necke , and holding your left reyne no more but straite , and laying the calfe of your left legge close to the horses side , drawe him into the middest of the ring , making a semi-circle from the verge of the ring to the center of the same , according to the proportion of this figure . Then changing your hande ( that is to say ) drawing your right reyne a little fyrmer , and laying it closer to your horses necke , and keeping your left reyne stiffe , and laying the calfe of your right legge to the horses side , you shall make another semi-circle on the left hand from the center of the ring , to the opposite verge of the other side of the ring : which two semi-circles will make within the ring a perfite Roman S. according to this figure . When you haue thus done , you shall trott your horse about the large ring vpon your left hand , three or foure times , and then in that maner and forme , and with those obseruations before prescribed , you shall make your changes againe in two other semi-circles , which meeting euen in the center , will make within the large ring two compleat rings or circles , according to the forme of this figure . In this ring you shall exercise your horse the space of three weekes , or a month , according to his strength and aptnesse , making him pace it , and doe his changes first vppon foote pace onely : when he can pace them perfitely , then you shall make him trot , and make his changes vpon his trot , both slow and swift , and when hs is perfite vpon his trot , then you shall ( as you did in the first rings ) by degrees , and by little and little make him gallop it , and make his changes vpon his gallop , obseruing that in his changes vppon his gallop , you make him take vp his forefeete a little more roundly , and loftily togither then in his ordinary gallop , & that his hinder feete follow his fore-feete a little closer and swifter : which you may doe , if onely when you begiu to straiten your reynes , you either thrust your feet forward hard vppon your stirrop leathers , or shake your rodde ouer his heade , that hee may heare the noyse thereof , or els moue your body forward , which motion must be so couert and close , that all be the horse feele it , yet no by stander may perceiue it . Also that his head and necke ( as wel in the narrowe changes , as in the largenes of the ring ) doe keepe the beautie and true proportion of a good reyne , without either writhing , bending , thrusting out the nose , or striuing for better liberty , any of which faults whē you shall perceiue , you shall instantly correct it before you proceed any further , as eyther by drawing he martingale a little straiter , or carrying the reyne of your trench a little straiter on that side from whence it bendeth , & also by carrying a tender and sweete hand vppon his mouth , which being kept in good temper , brings euerie other parte of his bodie into obedience . This gallopping of these large rings , is the first most constant ground-worke which sweetneth a horses mouth , makes it tender and obedient , certaine and immoueable , & stirreth vp life & courage , nimblenes , and lightnesse in a horse , with many other such like benefits . When your horse is perfit vpon this ring , and will both trott and gallop it lustelie , and with a good courage , you may then according as you feele his strength and abilitie to indure labour , encrease his tournes and his exercise thereupon , making it sometimes his whole mornings worke , sometimes halfe , sometimes more , sometimes lesse at your pleasure : prouided alwaies that the moste turnes you giue him at one time , before he come to a full stop or rest , bee not ( after hee haue pac'd the ring twice or thrice about ) aboue sixe time about on each hand vppon his trot , and sixe times on each hand vpon his galloppe : then stoppe , retire , cherrish , and stand still a good space ; then as before walke him foote pace about the large ringe halfe a dozen times to get him breath , then thrust him into his trot againe , & as you did before , so now againe first trot him , then galloppe him , then stop , retire , cherrish and rest . It may be your horse by long vse & continuance vppon this ring ( as horses naturally are subiect to obserue olde customes ) will with all perfitnesse , strength , and liuelyhood , both pace , trot , and galloppe it , yet if you shall chance eyther vpon the correction of any fault , or vpon the approbation of his credulitie , to put him out of that ring , and offer him another , eyther in another place , or after another fashion , then I say it may chance that he wil not onely at first out of his ignorance , strike and show vn willingnes to performe your will , but also doe that he doth , both with disorder and disobedience , or it may be that when the horse is come to such a perfitnesse of this lesson , that like a toward scoole-boy , he can as it were say it without booke , he will then growe so carelesse and negligent of what he dooth , that out of the frenzie of his spirit , and selfe trust in his owne dooings , he wil exercise his lesson with such wantonnesse & apish toyishnesse , that he will blemish all that which in the beginning he did with best comelinesse . Lastly , it may be , that out of the peruerssenes of his nature ( subiect to rebell against euerie new knowledge ) when you shall either alter his lesson from the forme of his owne vnderstanding , or bring him to any labour more then hee hath ordinaryly vsed , hee will not onelie disorder , but giue signes of plaine restifnesse ; any ofthese three errors , when you shall by your owne iudgement perceiue in your horse ( which euer for the moste part are found in his gallopping ) you shall then without intermission thrust him out of this Ring , and trotting him vpon a swift trot a dozen or twentie paces foorthright , there treade out first a large Ring on the right hand , then another on the left hand , then a third on the right hand again ; which three rings when they are trodden out , will carry the proportion of this figure following , the straight lines markt with this letter . A. being the marke of the euen furrowe , where you shall both enter in and goe forth of the Ringes . Vpon these three ringes I would haue you exercise your horse first in his trot , and after in his galloppe , for many daies together , obseruing euer both to begin & end vpon that hand of which you find him the harder and more vnwilling to goe , yet not to keepe him onely to these three ringes , but to mingle with them the other ringes before discribed ; as thus for example , when you come first to your riding place , you may beginne with the two distinct or seuerall ringes , which after he haue pacd , trotted & gallopped , then riding him forth-right in an euen furrow twentie or thirtie paces , there stoppe , retire , cherrish and rest , which done , then you may treade out these three conioyned ringes , which after you haue pac'd , trotted and gallopped , you may likewise ride foorth in an euen furrow , & there againe stop , retyre , cherrish and rest . After which , you may then treade out the single large ring , containing the two smaller ringes , and when you haue pac'd , trotted and gallopped it , you may then ride him foorth againe in an euen furrow , and there stoppe , retyre , cherrish & rest : when you haue done all this , if notwithstanding you finde this exercise not to be sufficiēt , but that your horse is able to indure much more , or that you finde he doth not treade them with that perfitnesse , so that another repetition would be much auaileable for your horses vnderstanding , in eyther of these cases you may beginne againe with one , two , or all of the aforesaide lessons , continuing til you haue either giuen your horse exercise sufficient for his strength , or your selfe a full contentment according to the proportion of Arte. If it so fall out that your horse in this lesson of these three conioyned ringes , either amazedlye sticke as showing an vnwillingnes to the exercise ; or that hee be of so good a temper of mouth , and nimblenesse of bodie , that he craues no more helpe of one hand , then of another , that is , if he turne of both handes with like cunning , you shall then to these three ringes adde a fourth ring oflike compasse , which being trodden out , shall beare the fashion of this figure following ; the letter , A , showing the entring in , and the going foorth of the ringe : and the letter B , the change or alteration of the hand , as it appeareth . After you haue excercised your horse vpon these foure rings so long that you finde in him besides a cōpleate perfitnes and skil , an extraordinarie lightnes , corage & delight in the lesson , you may thē cōclude that you haue done as much in these large and plaine compasses as Art desireth , so that to proceed to any other confused rings such as some authors haue propounded only to amaze weake sences , & stir admiratiō in none but the ignorāt , is both friuolous & needles ; the rather sith the horse that is expert in these rings before mentioned , cannot be ignorāt how to trot or gallop any ring of what shape or fashion so euer it be moulded : & for other rings thē such as are to be trotted & gallopped , as yet I write not of , but preserue thē for their dew place . The errors which most commonly pursue these large rings , are onely the distemperatures of the horses head , the weaknes or wrything of his necke , the casting outward of his hinder parts , & the sloathfull and slouenly taking vp of his feet , for all which I haue showed you former remedies in the foregoing chapters . For the vses & purposes wherfore these large ringes serue ( to speak generally as ofal rings ) you must vnderstand that the cheife part or soule of this art of horsemāship is but only to make a horse turne teadilie on both hands , his best strength , beauty , and nimblenesse being both redoubled , & adorned by the power of art , which no man can by any other meanes bring better to passe then by continually exercising a horse in these round circles , these large ones being as it were the first letters or alphabet , which makes him cunning in more curious lessons . But to speake more particularly , the first two distinct ringes before shewed , are but onely to acquaint the horse with labour , giuing him a glimpse or little light of cunning , yet in such sort that it neither distemper his minde , body , nor pace , but keepe them all in concord , and albe he goe round , yet he goes at as great ease , as if hee went straight forward . The second ring containing two smaller ringes , that teaches the horse a little more cunning , making him take vp his legs more roūdly & nimbly together , by meanes wherof when hee is brought to a straiter compasse , hee will neither be amazed for want of knowledge , or stagger or reele for want of skill or true vse of his feete , the perfitnes of this ring being a good introduction to all other lessons , how curious or how intrycate soeuer . The last ringes which consist of three ringes , & foure ringes , both bring to the horse breath and nimblenesse and are of great vse and seruice in the warres , chieflie when a man is to charge vpon shot , or to be imployed vppon discouerie , or other light seruice , so as hee neither may stand still , neither keepe on euen and direct foorthright line in his passadges , but first to gallop vppon one hand then on the other , with such incertainty that it shall bee impossible for the best mark-man to take any constant ayme against him ; whereupon , as I imagine , it was termed of horsemen , the gallopping of the field . And thus much for large ringes and their vse . CHAP. 15. Of stopping , retyring , aduauncing , and the vses thereof . ALthough I haue in diuers of the former Chapters spoken of stopping , & of the time and place moste meete when to vse it , yet for as much as I haue not so plainelie explande it as is necessarie for euerie ignorant vnderstanding : I wil heere somewhat more largely discourse of that lesson , and first that you may knowe what stopping is , it is a suddaine staying , or distance from any motion which a horse vseth with his legs , as namely when he either walketh , galloppeth , boundeth , Coruetteth or such like , and it is done by a suddaine & firme setting downe of all his fore-legges together without any further motion . When therefore you will make your horse stoppe which in the first beginning of a horses lessons , would euer be done in an euen furrowe which goeth straight foorth from your Ringes , you shall when you come within three or foure yardes of the end of your furrow , by the liuely motion of your bodie , and by thrusting foorth your feete vpon your stirrope leathers , make your horse ttott with more life and quicknesse , and then with a suddaine , firme , and somewhat hard drawing in of both your handes iust and euen together , you shal make him stop . The thrusting him foorth so freelie immediatelie before the stoppe , beeing an occasion to make the horse coutch his hinder loynes , and to trust more to them then to his fore-parts , and-so stoppe both more comely , and more strongly : but if vpon his first stopping ( as it is a fault almost naturally incident to all horses ) your horse as you drawe in your handes , doe thrust out his nose , or offer to thrust it downe towards the earth , both which motions shew disorder and opposition ; you shall first with your hand giue him a little checke in the mouth ; and then holding your handes constant and firme , giue him no libertie of head till he stand still with obedience : but if notwithstanding hee vse this fault once or twice more , you shall then make some by stander to stand before him at the stoppe , who with the bigge end of a rodde , shall knocke him vpon the nose , when he either thrusteth it forth-right , or downward : but if hee yeeld to your hand , and stand iust with good constancie , then both your selfe and the by stander also , shall cherish the horse exceedingly , and then giue him libertie of head , easing both the Trench and Musroll . If when your horse stoppeth , he doth not stop euen and iust in the furrow , but thrusting his hinder parts out of the path , stoppeth crosse-wise or ouerthwart ; for this fault albe Grison would not haue you by any means to vse either the helpe of your contrarie legge , rodde , or spurte , but onely the assistance of a by stander ; yet I for mine owne part , am not altogither so precise , as knowing that albe a horse is but a beast , yet he hath more vnderstanding then any other beast : wherefore if your horse haue this fault of stopping crosse-wise , I woulde haue you vse the helpe of your legge , or rodde in this maner : if he stoppe crosse , that is thrusting his fore-parts ouerthwart toward your right hand , and his hinder parts ouerthwart towards your left hand , you shall then by giuing him a prettie sharpe twitch with the left reyne of your Trench , and giuing him a clappe with the inside of your right foot , either vpon his foreshoulder , or before his formost gyrth , you shall set his fore-parts euen in the furrow againe : wi●h which reformation of his fore parts , it is verie harde but hee must also reforme his hinder parts , because the bringing of his fore partes to the left hand euer brings his hinder parts to the right hande . But if it bee so that either through his wilfulnes , or want of vnderstanding , he notwithstanding continues in his vice , then you shall make a by stander to remooue his heade and hinder partes into the euen furrow , to whose helpe you shall also accompanie your owne former helpes , that thereby hee may come to a better vnderstanding , both of your will , & to what purpose formerly you vsed those other helpes and corrections ▪ which hee will no sooner perceiue , but he will diligently obey . Now if it fall out so that when he stoppeth , he keepeth his heade and fore-parts firme and euen in the path , onely he puts his hinder parts out of the furrow , you shall for amends thereof , whilest he standeth still , first wi●h gentle-motions giue him two or three little clappes with the calfe of your legge vppon the contrarie side from whence hee swarueth , accompaning therewithall the vse of your rodde , with which you shall not strike , but onely lay vnto his thigh a little aboue his cambrell , on the contrarie side likewise from whence hee turneth : as thus for example , If he cast his hinder partes out of the furrowe towardes your left hand , then you shall lay the calfe of your left legge , and your rodde to his left side and left thigh , which ( because all horses naturally flie from correction ) will make him remoue his hinder partes to the right side againe . But if your horse ( contrarie both to Nature and Arte ) not onely refuses to vnderstande you , but also the more vou vse those helpes , the more hee augments his fault ( as I haue both seene , and had horses of such qualitie ) you shall then cause a stander by with his handes , first to thrust his hinder parts into the furrow with all gentlenesse ; but if the horse shew eyther vnwillingnesse or contention , then the by-stander shall not onely threaten him with his voyce , but also giue him a good stroke or two with a small cudgell , vpon that hough to which hee swarueth , and to his threatnings and stroakes , you shall accompanie those helpes of your owne before prescribed , that your horse may thereby vnderstande , that whatsoeuer before you did , was but by gentle meanes to bring him to that , whereto he is now forc'd by compulsion : and be assured after you haue vsed this course three or foure times , it shall be inough : so that vpon the least motion either of your legge , or rodde , he will amend his vice , with obedience . After your horse is thus brought to know his fault and mend his fault ; if then at any time he happen to vse the same fault ; you shall then obserue , that such vice neither proceedes from ignorance , follie , or want of Art , but merely out of the euill habite of his minde , vildnesse of complexion , and aptnesse to doe euill ; which to reforme , you shall in steade of the calfe of your legge on the contrarie side , giue him the full stroke of your spurre on the contrarie side , and in steade of laying your rodde vnto his hough , giue him two or three good Ierts vpon his hough , augmenting your punishment as he augments his fault , and not desisting till he reforme his vice , which he shall no sooner doe in the smallest measure , but you shall immediately conuert your corrections into cherrishings , obseruing this caution ( both in this errour and all others ) not to continue your correction till he amend the whole substance of his vice : but whensoeuer hee doth but hitch , or remoue one foote , or one steppe in way of amendes : vpon that diminutiue of goodnes not to omit to leaue punishing , and presently to cherish him ; nay if he doe but in semblance show a willingnes to amend , though in motion he doe it not , you shall cherish him for that good show onely , that being thereby fortified and encouraged , hee may with more willingnesse pursue amends and goodnea . When your horse thus with the temperate drawing in of your hands will stop iust , firme , straight and strongly , couching his hinder legges in comely order , and carrying his head constantly without disorder , you shall then after he hath stopped and paused a while , as it were to fetch his breath , and calld together his wits , make him retire and goe backe in this maner . First , you shall drawe both the reynes of your Trench euen together a little more hard then ordinarie , towards the pommell of your Saddle . And if your horse happen ( as it is most likely ) out of his want of knowledge to stand still , and rather , presse his mouth vpon the Trench , then by going backe yeeld to your hand , In this case you shal immediately ease your hand , & with the same motion of ease , drawe it tenderly in againe , dauncing as it were with your handes , and making them come and goe with swift , yet verie soft motions , till in the end hee remoue some one of his feete , which how confusedlye so euer he doth , yet notwithstanding cherish him , that hee may vnderstand your meaning is but the remoouing of his legges , which done , beginne againe , and labour him as before , it may be then he will remoue two of his legges , at which againe pause and cherrish him ; continuing thus to doe till you haue made him goe backe a step or two , which when hee doth , you shal immediately cherish him , light from his backe , and giue him somewhat to eate : then hauing walkt vp and downe awhile , you shall take his backe againe , and solicite him as before : obseruing , that at the first beginning of this lesson , you neither respect nor correct your horse , because he goeth backe either ilfauoredlye or vnnimbly , because this lesson of all other lessons is moste vnnaturall and fearefull , as well because hee hath not the vse of his sight therein , as also it is a motion quite contrarie to that he first learnd of nature ; so that at first you must be satisfied , if he doe but go back though with little or no comelinesse . After you haue brought your horse to goe backe a step or two , if then he sticke , and will goe backe no further , you shall then by no meanes hale or pull at his mouth , but vsing the former tender motions of your hand , turne the point of your rodde downward before his brest , not striking him , but letting him feele the rod , at which if he stirre not , you shall then giue him a Iert or two with your rod vpon the brest , if that auaile not , then you shall giue him a good stroake first of the one side , then of the other with your spurres , at which if hee either start , presse forward , or goe sidelong , bee not you mooued , but staying him , vse againe the same helpes and the same corrections without ceasing , till you haue made him retyre at least sixe or seauen paces , which when hee doth ( albe neuer somuch ill fauoredly ) immediately forget not exceedingly to cherrish him . If it so fall out that your horse at his first beginning to learne to goe backe , eyther out of his dulnesse of spirit , or doggednesse of nature , will not withstanding all your paine and gentill instructions , eyther disobedientlie rebell , or like an insensible blocke stand still without spirit or motion ; in eyther of these extreamities , you shall make a stander-by to stand at the place of stoppe , who as soone as you offer to make your horse retyre , shall with a rodde in his hand threaten him but not strike him , saying vnto him backe , backe : but if the horse notwithstanding continew in his stubbornenesse , hee shall then with the bigge end of his rodde , giue the Horse a rappe or two vppon the nose ; yet this correction I would haue to bee verie sildome vsed for feare thereby the horse grow fearefull of the man , which is a vilde error , but rather to make the stander-by to take the horse by each side of the Musroll and so thrust him backe , but by no meanes let him handle the cheekes of your bytt , ( albe it be the vse of many horsemen , ) for feare the distemprature of his band breed disorder in the horses mouth . After the by stander hath thus three or foure times thrust your horse backe , & by that meanes giuen him a full knowledge of your meaning , if then your horse shall not vppon the first motion of your hand retyre and goe backe , you shall then neither spare the correction of your Spurres , by striking them one after another , neither the vse of your rodde by Ierking him soundlye ouerthwart the brest and shinnes , nor the threatning of your voice , nor anye punnishment , those three helpes , can inflict vpon him , till with obedience he fulfill your minde , and retire at the first motion . This lesson of retyring , you shall not cease dayly to labour him in , till hee bee so perfect , that hee will retire when you will , as farre as you will , and as swiftlye as you will , yea euen with such speede , that taking his legges croswise , nimbly , and cleane from the ground , hee may not onelie seeme to trot , but trot indeed backward , which is a lesson which showes in the ryder great art , and in the horse greate nimblenesse and obedience . All the obseruations you shall respect in this lesson ; is that your horse in his retyring , carrie his head and reyne close and perfect , and yeelding his head inwarde to your hand , and not outward from your hand , which if he doe , you shall correct him by drawing the Martingale so much straiter , as his head in thrusting out seemes to haue got libertie . Next you shall obserue that hee retyre backe as iustlye , and in as euen a furrowe as he trotted forward , not thrusting his hind● partes awry , o● going backe croswise or vneuen ; which if he doe , the same corrections which are prescribed for the amendment of the like fault in the stoppe , will reclaime this error in retyring . Lastly you shall obserue tha● in your Horses retyring you a little , draw your owne legs backeward ; yet not so much that either it may be so groslie perceiued by your beholders , that you may loose the beautie of your seate , nor with that closenes that you touch the horses sides , and mooue amazement , but in such moderate and comelie order , that it may bee onely by your selfe and no other iudged ; then when your horse hath retyred so far as you thinke sufficient , you shall immediately thrust your feet forward stiffe vpon your stirrop leathers , which will presently stay him from retyring any further . When your horse will stop firmly and surely , with a good grace and an humble obedience , and when hee will retire backe , either as swiftly or as slowlye as you will , and as farre as you will ; you shall then teach him to aduance before , which is not onelye an exceeding great ornament and grace vnto all the horses lessons , but also so necessary and profitable , that without it a horse can neither manage , turne vpon either hand , or doe any other ayre or salt with beautie or comlines . To aduance before , is to make a horse raise both his forefeete together from the ground , & set them down instantly in the same place , with as good comelinesse as hee tooke them vp , wherefore the fittest time and place to make a horse aduance , is at the stoppe onelie , and you shall doe it in this manner . After you haue trotted your horse in some grauelly or sandy way , about a dozen or twentie yardes , you shall there stop him , and in the verie instant that you stop him ( that is euen as you drawe vp the reynes of your Trench ) you shall clap both the calues of your legges hard to his sides , holding the reynes constant & firme still , but if at first he will not aduaunce ( as there is no likelihoode he should ) not yet vnderstanding your minde , but rather offreth to retire backe , you shal then by thrusting your feete forward stiffe vpon your stirrop leathers , not onely keep him from retiring , but also thrust him forward into his trot againe as far as before : where stopping him , and giuing him againe the same helpe , with the calues of your legges , it may bee then the horse perceyuing you will neither suffer him to goe forward nor backward , neither yet to stand stil , he wil out of the amazednesse of his owne coniectures , shew some strange motions , all which you shal diligently heede , obseruing that if he take vp but one foot , and set it downe againe , that instantly you ease your hand , and cherish him : which done , trott him forth againe , and vpon the stoppe doe the like , not ceasing vntill you haue inforst him to take both his fore-legges from the ground , in a round and comely order , and so set them downe againe . But if you shall perceiue that in this lesson he sheweth exceeding slouth and dulnesse , and out of the peeuishnesse of his nature ( albe hee vnderstand your will ) yet will not performe your will , in this case you shall nowe and then , in steade of the helpe of the calues of your legs , giue him your spurres one after another , but in any wise not both together , for that will bring him not to aduauncing , but to bounding , an Arte yet too earely for his learning : you may also for your better speede , and to moue spirit and quicknesse in the horse ; now and then as you helpe him with the calues of your legges , giue him a good iert or two with your rodde ouer the left shoulder . To some horses of good mettall , the shake of the rod wil be sufficient when you haue brought your horse that hee will aduance with the helpe of the calues of your legges only , you shall then accustome him to doe it twice , thrice , or foure times togither , euen so oft as it shall please you to giue him warning by the former helpes ; not forgetting to cherish him exceedingly , so oft as he doth performe your pleasure . Now for obseruations in this lesson ; first you shall obserue that you make him stoppe and aduaunce vpon his foote-pace , then vppon his trott , both slowe and swift , and lastly , vppon his galloppe , yet let your greatest exercise at the first bee vppon a swift trott , for it soonest brings a horse to lightnesse , nimblenesse , and vnderstanding . Next you shall obserue , that when you stop your horse , and giue him the helpe of the calues of your legs , that you carrie your leggs so euen and straight by your horses sides , that as it were by an vnperceiued motion you may helpe your horse , & not be discerned by ignorant gazers ; which indeed is the true grace of horsmanship , and not like our S. George riders , carrie your leggs beyond the fore-shoulders of your horse ; so that euerie time you bring them to the horses sides , you fetch a cōpasse , as if you would strike your legs thorow him , both to the scorne of Art , and the dislike of all iudiciall spectators , which fashion is by much too much practised here in England , and makes many times our riders excellent inward knowledges to be vtterly condemned for their outward practise , and for mine owne part I neuer saw , either Italian , Frenchman , or other stranger , equal some of our English riders in any thing , but in the couertnesse of their motions ; which I must confesse is wondrous praise-worthie , because by such Art a horse appeares to do what he doth , rather by nature thē mans industrie ; where on the contrarie part , when the mans motions are so grosse , the horse ( how well spirited soeuer ) seemes to doe nothing but like a cart-●ade which hath the whip euer vpon him . Next you shall obserue that when your horse aduaunceth before that he couch his hinder loynes towards the gronud , and that hee so conueniently trust vpon his hinder feete , that he slide vpon them , and as it were digge vp the ground before him ; which if he do not , you shal then obserue euer to stop him vpon hanging or descending ground with his head downe the descent ; insomuch that vpon necessitie , he cannot aduance , but he must couch his hinder parts . Then you shall obserue that your horse aduaunce not too hie or reare vpright , or that raising vp his fore-leggs , he cast them not out ill fauouredlie , as if he wold spraule or strike with them ; any of these faults if you perceiue , you shall vse those remedies formerly prescribed in the chapter against horses that will reare vpright . Lastly you shal obserue that your horse do not aduāce at any time , no not so much as at his stopp except you giue him the helpe of the calues of your legs ; for auoidance whereof , and for asmuch as horses naturally after they haue got the tricke of aduauncing , will vpon any sleight correction or displeasure , fall to aduaunce and rise before , you shall therfore neuer ( but vpon great extremitie ) vse the help of your spur in aduancing , nor to stop oft in a short course , neither shall you ( although it be the rule of Grison ) teach your horse to aduaunce by the helpe of your voice , as by crying Hup hup , or such like , nor with the sound of your rodde onely , without the helpe of your legges , for such customes doe bring disorders breeding in the horse such an extraordinarie lightnesse , that he wil aduaunce when you would haue him goe forwarde , and in his wanton or sullen motions be so contrarie to your will , that he will fall in the ende to plaine restifenes . Now for the vses and benefits of these three lessons , there is none so ignorant that knowes not the necessity of stopping , because it is the onely ground of order and obedience , and also that it should be sudden , and in an instant , because in seruice the pressing forwarde of one yarde more then should bee , is oft times the losse of both horse & horsman , with many other reasons both probable and effectuall , which I will omit , because I will not be too tedious . Next for the vse of retiring or going back it is almost as necessarie as going forward ; for as it chargeth and annoyeth the enemie ; so this auoydeth and saueth the Rider , giuing him leaue in his combate to take his best aduantage : it maketh a man retreite honourablie from his foe , both with his face vpon him , and vnder the gard of his owne sword and other differences , where contrarie wise , if a man should euer turne his backe , he doth not onely depriue himselfe of all safetie , but euen giues himselfe to the aduantage of his enemie : it is also verie profitable in trauaile , or iourneying , as if a man in an vnknown way shall be so compassed about eyther by bogges , waters or ditches of daunger , that hee can not goe forwarde , neyther turne of eyther hande , if then his horse can not retyre , into what a perplexitie and mischiefe is he drawne ? Lastly going backe , setleth and stayeth the horses mouth , makes him light and easie of reyne , and in the end makes him so nimble of his ●ecte , that not any other lesson but is learned after with a great deale lesse trouble and vexation . Now for the vse of aduauncing ( as before I said , ) it is both an ornament to the horses lessons , and the first introduction which makes a horse turne gallantly and strongly , it brings a horse to knowe the vse and power of each of his feete , making him doe as much with three feete , two feete , and sometimes with one , as other horses do with all foure . And thus much for stopping , retyring , and aduauncing . CHAP. 16. Of yarking behinde and the vse thereof . AFter your horse will stoppe close and firme , retyre readilye , and aduaunce gallantly , if then ( your horse being of complete age and strength , which is fiue yeares olde at least , ) you find him of such quicke spirit and liuelye courage , that hee hath as it were a naturall inclynation to lightnesse , which you shall perceiue both by his tractabilitie and quicke aprehension of his lessons , and also by his agilitie and nimblenes in dooing of his lessons ; when this you finde , it shall not bee amisse if then you teach him when hee stoppes and aduanceth , that hee a●o yarke behinde ; which for mine owne part how euer other precept writers haue s● downe compulsorie meanes , which way to bring a horse vnto it , yet would I neuer haue horse vrg'd therunto , but when you finde him so naturally adicted , that euen of himselfe he beginnes the practise of the lesson ; for besides that it is a lesson of great strength , violence , and hard vnderstanding , it is also so subiect to straines and painefulnesse , that it oft beates the limbes , and bringes both disease , and the effects of age , before nature would bee acquainted with it ; But being so that you haue a horse apt therevnto , and that hee wants but onelye Arte and your helpe to make him perfect , you shall then when you haue trotted your horse about twentie paces , euen in the verie instant that hee stoppeth and aduaunceth , you shall giue him a Iert or two with your rodde in his flanke , to make him gather vp his rumpe , not ceasing till hee take his hinder feete from the ground , which as soone as you shall perceiue him to doe you shall immediately stand still and cherrish him , nay if you finde hee takes vp but one legge , albe he strike it out il fauoredly like a cowe , yet shall you cherish him for so doing , that he may thereby vnderstand to what end your correction serueth . When you haue thus done , you shal labor him againe , euer obseruing in the verie instant of his aduauncing to Iert him vnder the flanke with your rod , til in the end you make him yarke out both his hinder legges , iust and euen together : which when hee doth , you shall cherish him , light from his backe , and giue him somewhat to eate ; which done , you shall take his backe , and doe as you did before , labouring him dayly in this lesson , with such diligence and painefulnesse , that in the end if when hee aduaunceth , you doe but Iert your rodde by his side , and not touch his side , he will foorth with yarke out both his hinder feete euen and close together . Now whereas some giue out precepts to bring a Horse to this lightnesse or yarking behinde , first in the Stable , by beating him vppon the ●umpe with a sharpe rodde , the perch or such like instruments , I for mine owne part , cannot but much discommend them ; both because it is a motion of all others , which in the Stable should bee least vsed ; as well because of the vncomelinesse thereof in the house , as also the danger of the rider or beholders , if he should hap ( as it is vsual with such horses ) to throw off any of his shoes , for casting filth or durt in their faces which stand behinde , that is moste common , yet most loathsome . Againe , a horse that is so vnapt to yarke behinde , that he will not learne it in the fielde , except first it bee made a house lesson ; truelie I holde such a horse vnfit to learn the lesson at all . Now for obseruatiōs in this lesson , you shal first obserue that your horse neuer yark out his hinder legges , whē his forelegs are vpon the ground for that is grose , vncomely , and like a cowe , but that he yarke behinde , when al foure feet are from the ground , contrarie to which when he doth , you shall immediately giue him the euen stroak of both your spurres together , & it will not onely reforme him , but also bring vp his legs with more Spirit . Secondly , you shall obserue that when he yarketh , he ya●k out his hinder feete euen & close together , not one further out then another , neither striding one from another , nor more a wry of one side then the other , any of which whē he doth , you shall immediatly vpon that side on which he moste offendeth , giue him the stroake of that spurre , and not of the other . Lastly , you shall obserue that hee neuer yarke but when you giue him the helpe of your rodde , neither that you carrie your hand in this lesson with any more hardnesse or intemperance , then when you taught him the ordinarie stoppe ; by which meanes if hee shall presse forward at his first teaching , you shall neede no other correction then to make him retire backe as much as against your will he prest forward . Now for the vse of this lesson , it is onely to make your horse light , nimble , and apt to such ayres & salts aboue ground , as are to bee taught after ; eyther for your own instruction in the art , or for the delight of others ; it is good also in seruice , if after you haue incountered your enemye , he seeke to catch aduantage by comming behinde you , or if you shall bee compassed about with moe then one enemie , in any of these cases , if your horse will yarke behinde , you shall finde it verie profitable both for your owne safetie , & the hurt of those which seeke your destruction . And thus much for making a horse to yarke behinde . CHAP. 17. Of turning vpon both hands , and the seuerall kindes of turnes . OF turnes there bee diuers & sundrie kindes , which for in our english tong wee haue no proper nor distinct names , I thinke it not amisse to vse those titles , which the auncient Italians vsed ; being both proper & significant ; at the Incauallare which is the first straite or narrow turne that a horse should learne , which indeede importes a lapping or folding ouer of the outmost legge ouer the inmost ; yet is not done in any such straitnesse , but that the horse hath libertie to vse his hinder legges , as well as his fore-legges , and so to goe as it were in a narrowe ring . The next they call Ciambetta , and that is when a horse turneth his whole bodie , keeping firme vpon the ground but onely one hinder foote . And this turne of al other is the straitest . Thē is there another turn which they call Terra , Terra , and that is when the horse dooth with equall motions raise vp his fore-legges both togither , and pursuing them after with his hinder leggs , beates a ring round about , either of large or strait compasse , and this turne of all other turnes is of most vse , best beautie , and greatest profite . From this turne is deriued diuers other turns , as that which is called Carogola , or snaile-turne , or that which they call Serpegiare , & such like , of all which wee will speake in their seuerall places ; for as touching that method which hath formerly beene prescribed of halfe turnes ; whole turnes , & double turnes , although they in teaching be of good vse , yet to the ignorant Reader they giue not a full satisfaction . Wherefore first of all to begin with that turn which the Italians call Incauallare , you shall thus instruct your horse : first riding him in some grauellye or sandie way , you shall gently walke out a straite rin g on your right hand , beeing at the most not aboue eight yards in his greatest compasse , and in the making therof you shall haue an especiall regard by the carriage of the left reyne of your Trench somewhat more straite then accustomably ; that your horse carrie his head and necke very iust and euen without bending or looking inward to your right side , which done after a little pause , you shal then walke him in an euenline , about two yardes , or two yardes and a halfe at the most forward , and there , by laying your left reyne close to his necke , your left legge close to his side , and your rodde vpon his left shoulder , make him bring his body about , and make iust one quarter of a compleate Circle vpon your right hand : then walk him againe in an euen line as farre further and with the same helpes , and on the same hand make another quarter of a circle , doe thus the third time and the fourth time , till the lines wherein you walke present vnto you this figure following . In this figure you shall walke your horse about at least a dozen times vpon a hand , making at euery point your quarter circles closer & closer , till you perceiue at last he lap & throw his outmost legge ouer his inmost . It may be that at the first practise of these square circulars , the horse will bee so vnnimble , that he wil knock one legge vpon another , and not lap them ouer in order as becommeth , but of that take you no respect , for euen those knocks shall be corrections ynow to bring him vnto reformation ; let your care be only to preserue his reyne , necke and head , constant and firme , and to take that leasure and time in this lesson , that your horse by your haste may not be brought to any doubtfull thought or amazements ; when you haue walkt your horse thus a dozen times on the right hand , you shall then make the like figure , and doe as much vpon the left hand , vsing euer the contrarie helps to the contrarie hand , in these two figures you shall exercise your horse euerie day , at least two or three houres together for the space of eight or ten daies at the least , till he bee so perfit therein , that you shall no sooner mooue your legge , or stirre your hand , but hee wil eftsoones lap his outmost legge ouer his inmoste , and turne with all comelinesse , which when he doth , you shal then make those quarter circles full semycircles , and so change your proportion to this figure . In this figure , you shal exercise him a week at the least till he be so perfect , that by his nimblenes & quicknes , therevpon you find him both apt and cunning inough to make those semycircles whole rounds , which the Italians call cōpleat single turnes , or if you list he wil do them ( onelie with the helpe of your hand ) full twise about , which is a iust double turne , and as you finde him perfect vpon any hand , so you shall alter the ring , and practise him vpon the other , till he be vpon both so cunning , that neither hath aboue other any superioritie . When your horse will thus doe this Incauallare in a ring , which must bee from the center to the verdge , but iust the horses length , you shall then for a dozen turnes together , nay sometimes twentie turnes , exercise him onely therein , making his hinder feete onelie moue in the center , and his fore feet lapping the outmost , ouer the inmoste to beate out the proportion of the outmoste ring ; In this sort , after you haue laboured him , and made him perfit , you shall then after hee hath made two or three turnes on your right hand , cause him to retire three or foure paces , and then without any stay doe as many times on your left hand , then retire as farre againe , and doe as before on the right hand againe , and thus till he be perfit , you shall practise him : onely helping him with your legge , rodde , and the motion of your bodie , leauing a little on the contrarie side to that whereon he turneth , till custom haue brought him to that cunning , that your hand onelye shall be helpe sufficient for this motion . Now for as much as some horses , partlye out of folly , partly out of vnnimblenesse , and partly out of euill inclynation , are many times more apt to turne vpon one hand then vpon another ; nay some so dogged , that they will turne on one hand and not on the other at al , I thinke it not amisse , before I proceed any further , to show you how you shal reclaime so foule an error : first if it proceed from folly & vnnimblenes , thē onely custome and practise will amend it , for the one brings knowledge , the other agilitie , but if it proceede from euill inclynation , or stubbornnesse of will , then must there be some more extraordinarie art vsed , and in it many excellent horsemen haue laboured both their wits and bodies , finding out remedies of sundrie natures , all which though experience haue found them profitable in some Horses , yet the same experience hath also found them vtterlye fruitlesse in horses of other conditions , for there is nothing more hard to reclaime then this vice , insomuch , that I dare not confidentlie say this one practise shall reclaime this fault in anye horse whatsoeuer : albe the goodnesse thereof haue beene esteemed neuer so generall : but to returne to the fault it selfe , if your horse will turne readilie on the right hand , but moste vildelye or not at all vppon the left , ( though in nature Horses euer doe turne more readilie on the left hand then the right ) you shall then treade out your first square with quarter circles on your left hand , and exercise him first thereon , then on the right hand , and then on the left againe , both beginning and ending vppon that hand on which he is moste vnreadie : you shal also to the other helpes before prescribed , adde this , to carrie euer your left reyne a little shorter then the right . Some will in this case of vnwilling turning , haue a Foot-man stand before the horse with a rodde in his hand , who when you would haue your horse to turne , as you vse the helpe of your legge and hand , shall with his rodde strike the horse on the right side of the nose , & threaten the horse by crying turne here and turne there , but in my conceit though it were the precept of Grison himselfe , I holde it barbarous and vnprofitable , for it will both bring the horse to weakenesse and incertaintie of his head , to rearing and plunging , & lastly to such a cowardly fearefulnes , that he will hardly after indure anye man whatsoeuer . Others haue vsed to tye a thong of leather , to the eye of the Trench , on the left side , and the other end ( the thong being drawne verie straite ) to the formoste gyrth on the same side , and then turning him loose into some straite Lane , eyther betweene two walles , or else between two hye fences , and there your selfe being at one end , & some other footeman at the other with roddes in your hands to driue him vp and downe from one end of the Lane to the other , forcing him euer to turne vppon the left hand , as of necessitie hee must doe , because hee cannot turne vppon the right hand , his head being so tyed so much to his left side , but this is more friuolous then the former , and neither hath taste of Arte nor agreement with good sence . For besides that , the manner thereof is full of frantike violence & amazement , rather making a horse mad with his fault , then giuing him knowledge howe to amend his fault , it is also so subiect to indiscretion & misgouernment ; that it is impossible to worke any good effect out of such loose tryall . Another way is vsed to amend this fault by tying a corde either to the chaine or Cauezan , and bringing it through the ring on that side of which he is vnwilling to turne , and making a by-stander holde the cord in his hand : if when you would haue your horse turne on that hand , hee resuse , then shall the by-stander giue him a good twich with the corde , and make him turne whether he will or no. This is somewhat more tollerable then the other , yet not of sufficient goodnesse , for it marres the horses reyne , and makes weake the neck , both which must be with all care preserued . Now for changing the hooke of the Kurbe to that side of which the horse is hard to turne , and hauing sharpe prickes thereon next the horses lippes , or to place sharp nailes through the ports-mouth of the byt , on the contrarie side to that on which the horse will not turne , or if hee will not turne on the left hand , to turne him so oft on the right hand , that you euen tyer him , and so through his dislike of turning on that hand thinke to make him turne on the other : although these be Grisons precepts , and may worke some effect to this purpose , Yet for mine owne part , I would haue them sildome vsed : for the prickes on the Kurbe makes a horse loose the delight in the Kurbe , which is the onely figure that shoes a sweete mouth ; and the prickes in the ports-mouth , makes a horse shake his head , & vse fantastical countenances , which are mightilie to be eschewed , but for tyring him in that lesson wherein hee dooth well , is so preposterous , and giueth him such discouragement , that he will neuer doe any thing but ill afterward . But to come to corrections of some better nature , if your horse refuse to turne as before I saide on your left hand , you shall to the right eye of the trench , fasten a small twound chaine , which chaine you shall bring from thence betwixt the horses neather lippe , and his chappe thorow the left eie of the trench , and thereby casting a knot vppon the chaine , keepe it that it slip not backe , nor fall from betwixt his lippe and chappe , then the remainder of the chaine you shall beare in your left hand like a false reyne , and then practising your horse in the first square roundes , if he sticke or refuse to turne on your left hand you shall then at first twich the chaine gently , that hee may but feele the correction , but if notwithstanding hee perseuer in his stubbornesse , you shal then drawe the Chaine hard , and compell him to turne whether hee will or no , ioyning to this correction a good stroake or two with your spurte on the contrarie side . And as I prescribe this rule for the left hand , so if he bee harder to turne on the right hand , ( which is more common ) you shall but then alter your chaine , your helpes and corrections to the other side , & it will work all one effect . I haue seene some , that instead of this chaine , haue vsde a small corde , but it hath so gald and cut the horses mouth , that I haue seene foule Cankers grow therby ; so that I conclude the Cord to be exceeding ill . I haue seene others , that vsing this Chaine , haue ridden into a new plowde fielde , and there haue trotted him too and froe , as it were in a managing furrowe , and when hee hath shewed any disobedience , they haue not onelye tormented him with the Chaine , and the threatnings of their voice , but they haue also spurred him exceedinglye on both sides , beate him betweene the eares and about his sides with a cudgell so exceedinglye , that I haue seene some borses grow desperate & some so deiected , that they haue stood stil , & would not stirre though a man should haue kild them . This violent course is to be shund . And the grauelly or sandy way , and the gentill manner of instruction , which carries knowledge with it is the best way to reclaime this fault ; yet obseruing this rule , when you eyther vse this Chaine or anye other correction , neuer to desist or suffer your horse to come out of the square rounds , til with Help only , & without the vse of correction , hee performe your pleasure , no not though you be compelled to continue him therein from morning till night , for to leaue him when hee doth euill is to fortefie him in al euil , as also to torment him when he doth well , is to make him loath well dooing , & hold his goodnes his worst error , wherefore as you must labour and trouble him till he do well , so when it is done you must not forget to giue him ease and cherrishings . But to come to a conclusion of these many remedies for this single fault , you shall vnderstand there is one more remayning , in my iudgement , & as I haue found by practise , farre exceeding the rest ; wherefore I would aduise all men not to vse any other till this faile , & thus it is . If your horse be harder to turne on the right hand then on the left , you shall take away the Musrole made of wrythen Iron , and instead thereof , put vpon him a Cauezan , which hauing a short leather fastned to the two ringes , whereto to put the Martingale , it must also haue two raynes to runne crossewise thorowe the ringes , which you must carrie in your hands with the raynes of your Trench . This Cauezan must bee made smoothe without teeth or nickes , but onely for the breadth of two or three inches on the left side , which must not onely be full of sharpe teeth , but also haue certaine sharpe punches or prickes to runne thorowe the Cauezan , and stand euen with the teeth , so that when you shall at any time draw the right reyne ; the teeth and prickes may both bite vppon the side of the horses face , and when at anye time you ease your hand , that then the Cauezan may carrie such compasse , that it no longer presse or hurt the horse : for you must euer obserue , that your correction continew no longer then the reformation of the vice , the fashion of the Cauezan is contained in this figure . I haue seene this Cauezan made with a little stiffe plate of steele , full of holes , through which the prickes and teeth did passe , so that when you doe drawe the reyne and presse the plate , then the prickes would run into the horses cheeke , and when you did ease your hand , the plate of steele would thrust the prickes from the horses face ; this was not amisse , but verie necessarie , neuerthelesse , if the Cauezan bee made in round and iust compasse , it will hurt no more then it if had the plate of steele . Now as these teeth and prickes being placd on the left side of the cauezan , make a horse turne on the right hand , so being placd on the right side they make him turne on the left side . With this Cauezan , and the helpes of the hand , legge and rodde , as aforesaid , I would haue you exercise your horse first in the squares with quarter circles , then in the long furrowe with semycircles , after in whole circles , and so foorth till he be so perfect in this straite turne , that hee will double and redouble it at your pleasure : obseruing euer that in this turne hee carrie his head and neck in euen and iust proportion , that hee lappe his outmoste legge ouer his inmoste with all comelinesse , and lastlye that hee keepe true time with his hinder legges , and remoue them in equall proportion with his fore legges , neither so swiftlye , as if hee would playe Iacke ouer the Chaine with his hinder partes onelye ( which is the fashion of the Almaines ) nor so slowlye , as if his hindder legges were glewed to the ground , and would haue no motion . When your horse is perfect in this turne , the next strait turne is called Ciambetta , and Grison writes therof a very teadious & lōg discourse . The maner of the turn is to make a horse take vp both his fore-leggs from the ground , and not to set them downe till hee bring his head to the place where his buttocks stood , which hee calles a halfe turne ; but if hee bring his heade to the place where before it stoode , then it is a whole turne , and if he doe it twise together , then it is a double turne . In this turne , the horse must keepe firme vppon the ground but onely one hinder foote , which makes the turne so weake , incertaine and vncomely , that ( as there is good cause ) it is meerely out of vse with all good horse-men : for if a man shall come to ioyne with his enemie at the sworde , if in euerie straite turne a horse take three of his feete from the ground : howe easie a matter is it for the enemie by rushing in vpon him , to ouerthrow both him and his horse to the ground : yet in the dayes of Grison , partly because of the straitnesse and curiositie thereof , and partly for want of better experience , it was thought the onely artificiall turne ; and questionlesse in his practise hee did approoue ( as appeares by his writings ) many wayes to bring his horse vnto it , as namely by ryding him in a drie dyke , made about nine ynches deepe , and eighteene ynches broade , wherein stopping him , and making him aduaunce before , in the verie instant of his aduauncing to make him turne about , so that his forefeete may not touch the ground till they come where his hinder parts stood ; or by exercising the like in some narrowe way , deepe worne with water , or by teaching the horse in the stable ( by knocking him vnder the knee with a sticke ) to holde vp one of his legs as long as you list , with many other such like experiments , which because the turne is both naught , dangerous , and out of vse , I wil not clogge your memories with the idle ceremonies thereof , but thinke this I haue already spoken of , to be with the most , vnlesse the matter weare to better profite or purpose . The next turne , and of all the most artificiall , and profitable turne , is that which I tearme ( wanting a more proper name ) Terra , Terra ; for there is in it both beautie , arte , strength , and profite . And albe it carrie a larger compasse then the former turnes , yet when it is brought to perfitnesse , you may make it as straite as any of the other , and with a great deale of lesse danger . The way to bring your horse vnto this turne , is after you haue made him perfite vppon the Incaualare , first in the square , with quarter circles , then in the semicirckles , and lastly in the whole rounds ; you shal then in some grauelly or sandie way , marke out a Ring vppon your right hande , which must be at least a dozen yardes in compasse : which done , you shall pace another of the selfe same compasse vpon your left hand , and ioyne it close to the first : then you shall enter into the first Ring againe , and after you haue trotted your horse once or twice about it , you shall then vppon the trotting of three yards ( which is the ful quarter of your Ring ) by laying the calfe of your left legge close to the horses side , and drawing your hand a little in , make your horse aduaunce before , and then instantly vppon his aduauncing , thrust him forwarde againe into his trot , not suffering him by any meanes to sticke or stay , and so trotting him other three yardes , make him aduaunce againe , and then thrust him into his trott againe other three yards , doing thus till you haue made him to aduaunce foure times in the whole compasse of the Ring , that is to say , once in euerie quarter of the Ring , which done vpon the right hand , you shall then make him doe as much vpon your left hand in the left ring : and for a better explanation whereof , looke vpon this figure following : and where you see the small strokes , there are the foure places where you shal make your horse aduance . In these rings you shall exercise your horse , onely vpon a swift trot , till he grow so light and nimble , that vpon the least motion of your legge hee will presently aduaunce , and away againe without any sticking , neyther disordering his head , reyne , or any other part of his bodie , but carrying euerie member in his place and comelinesse ; When your horse is thus made perfite vpon these foure aduauncements ; then you shall deuide the quarters of your ringes into halfe quarters : And where before he did aduaunce at the end of euery three yards , you shall make him aduaunce at euerie yard and a halfe , so that then your whole ring shall carrie eight aduauncements , according to the lines in this figure following in the next page . Vpon this Ring , and with these eight aduauncings , you shall practise your horse so long , till hee either grow to such perfitenesse , that if as soone as hee hath aduaunced and set downe his fore-feete againe , going but one foot forwarde , you giue him the least helpe with the calue of your legge that may bee , hee will presently aduaunce againe , and then going againe but one steppe forwarde , aduaunce againe , doing thus till he growe so perfite , that as he aduaunceth with the helpe of your legge ; so putting your feete forward , hee will likewise followe with both his hinder feete euen together , and set them down euer in the same place , where he tooke vp his fore feete , onely carrying his inmost fore-foote , and his inmoste hinder foote a little more forwarde then his outmoste feete . whilest hee doth any thing in circle ; but when hee doth it straight forward , then to take vp his fore-feete euen together , & his hinder feete euen also , first not aduauncing thus forward aboue twice or thrice together without cherishing , till he come to that perfection and cunning , that he wil with the helpe of your legge , with these aduauncements beate the whole ring round about : wherein you must obserue , that besides the carriage of his head and reyne , ( which must euer bee constant , round , and in the best grace , ) he doe also follow his aduauncings with his hinder leggs so close and iust , that by no meanes hee may seeme to sticke in his passage , or appeare as if either his hinder parts were glewd to the ground , or else too heauie for him to raise from the earth , as in these dayes you shall see many horses doe , yea euen sometimes vnder those who take vppon them to be as good as the best schoolmaisters ; but it is a fault , vilde and insufferable , springing euer from corruption in teaching , as thus ; when a man will bring his horse to make his turne , by forcing him to aduaunce three or foure times together in one place , and then going a steppe or two forward to aduaunce as oft more : And thus by continuance of these many aduauncings , and few steps going , at last the horse is brought to take vp both his hinder feete together , and so to followe his fore-feet , setting the turne round about ; but those many aduauncings together in one place , is euer the cause of a horses slouthfull bringing on of his hinder partes , because hee thinkes ( according to his first custome ) that he should not remooue vppon the first aduauncement , or if he doe remooue , it 〈◊〉 so little , that it is almost as good as nothing at all , wherefore if you will haue your horse cunning and gallant in this turne , by no meanes let him aduaunce aboue once in his first teaching , before he stoppe forwards . You shall a●so obserue in this turne that your horse keepe true time and lesure , that is , that he aduaunce not faster nor slower at one time then at another , neyther take greater strydes at one time then another , but euer obserue that iust time and measure , which he vndertakes at his first beginning ; the fault whereof ( when at any time it happens ) must euer consist more in the horsman then in the horse ; for the horse neuer aduauncing , but when you giue your helps , look what time you obserue in your helpes , necessarily the same time hee must keepe in his motions , and in this time keeping lieth much arte , because euerie lesson that is rudely done without it , is better vndone , as hauing in it neither grace nor profite . When your horse will with these aduancings beate this large ring about , both strongly , iustlye , and with a good grace , you may then drawe your ring to so small a compasse , that with foure aduauncings , you may make a compleate circkle , according to the small ring in the center of the former ring : obseruing this generall note , that in your first teaching , vppon euerie single turne setting , that is , vppon making one circle compleate , you cherrish your horse , but by no meanes suffer him to stand still , but vpon the finishing of his turne , to make him then trott about the ring that hee may recouer newe breath , and in his trotting cherrish him ; and looke whatsoeuer you doe vppon the right hand , forget not to doe the same vpon the left hand also ; or if he be apter to one hand then the other , looke vpon which hand he is most vnapt , and vpon that hand you must euer double his exercise . After you haue once begunne with this turne , you must not cease dayly to practise your horse therein , till you haue brought him to that perfitenesse , that with the least feeling you can possible giue with your legge , he will both begin and contiuue his turne , by meanes whereof you shall not be compelled to vse those grosse and farre fetched motions , which many of our English Riders vse , but performe your helpes so couertly , that though they be felt , yet they shall not be discerned . You may then also double his turnes ; and where hee went but once about , make him goe twise , thrise , or foure times , according to his strength and courage ; you shall then also leaue these large double rings , & onely mark out one single ring , bearing but halfe the compasse of the former . And after you haue paced and trotted it about , you shall then giue him the helpe of your leg , and make him ( as was before shewed you ) beat the ring round about , raysing vp his fore parts , and following them swiftly with his hinder partes , till hee haue gone twise , thrise , or foure times about , according to your pleasure on your right hand ; which done , you shall then trott him againe aboute the ring foure or fiue times to recouer his breath , and then trotting him out of the ring , take a little compasse about , and turne him vpon your left hand , on which hand you shall doe in all poynts as you did vpon your right hande : the maner and proportion of your change you shal behold in this figure following . When by exercise vppon this Ring , you haue brought your horse both to perfitnesse and constancy ; insomuch that he performes euerie lesson with great Arte , nimblenesse & lightnesse , you may then aduenture to proceede further , and put him to the Caragolo , or Snaile ring , wherein you are to vse no other Art or helpes then were vsed in the former rings , for the difference is onely in the continuance of the labour and the fashion of the roundes and not in any other substance : for as in the former ringes you kept one certaine line without alteration ; so in the Caragolo you shal do otherwise , for when you doe it , you shall at first marke out a ring of about a dozen or fourteene yards in compasse , which after you haue pac'd and trotted , you shall then by giuing the helpe of your outmost legge to the straitnesse of your hand , make your horse beate the Ring round about , and when you come to the closing of the Ring , by drawing your handes a little more straite and inward , keep him still in his aduauncing , and draw the ring to a lesser compasse , which second ring , when you come to close , you shall as you did before againe strai●en and thus straitning ring after ring , bring your horse within the compasse of his own length , which is the straitest turne that may be , & there finish and close vp your turne , which done , trott him crosse the Ring to the largest compasse , and thereby changing your hands , turne vpon your left hand , and doe in all points as much as you did vpon your right hand , the fashion of this Snaile ring , you may beholde in this figure , the first letter A. being the entrance into the ring , the letter B. the closing vp of the turne , and the second A. the changing of the hands . When your horse will perfectly set this turne you may then conclude him to be perfit in all turnes , for there is none more hard or full of difficultie , and it is verrie much commended by Claudio Corte , a man verie famous in this arte , yet for mine owne part , after you are once assured that your horse will doe it sufficiently , you shall then practise your horse therin verie seldome for it weakneth a young horse exceeding much , and abateth his mettall greately , especially if it should bee made a dayly lesson . And thus much for turning , and the seuerall kindes thereof . CHAP. 28. Of Managing and the seuerall kindes thereof . ALthough euerie lesson which is done , eyther artificiallie or beautifullye may by true interpretation be said to bee a manage , yet for asmuch as we heere in England , giue the atribution of that name onely to one particular lesson and no other : which indeede is onelye that we vse when we encounter our enemie with the sword , or else practise in turning , where we vse to galloppe our horse in one direct path , at least twentie or thirtie paces in length , and at either end to turne in a strait or narrow circkle , gallopping too and froe many times together , I thinke it not amisse both for custome sake , & for your better vnderstanding , to holde the title still to that lesson and no other . Now of this kinde of manage , which onelye is proper to the sword , Grison writes both diuersly , & makes diuers kindes thereof , as manage with halfe time , that is after he hath stopt , not to turne him til the second aduancement . manage with whole time , that is to turne vpon the third aduauncement : and manage without time , that is , to turne him presently vppon the stoppe without further respit . Of all these hee hath written both largelye and seriouslie , and doubtles in his daies , and vppon the first foundation of this art , they were found not vnnecessarie ; yet in these daies of ours , where art is brought to a better perfection ; they are all found vselesse and inconuenient , the two first hauing in them a kind of sloath or delay , both discommendable and vncomelye , the other a kinde of quicknesse or sodainnesse full both of danger and incertaintie : wherefore to come to the true manage indeede , which hath in it both Beautie , Art & Profit , You shall after this manner bring your horse vnto it , first in some grauellye or sandye hye way , you shal trot your horse forth-right in one pathe , about some 20. or 30 paces , and at the end therof trotting as it were a halfe moone vpon your right hand , trot down another dyrect path to the point where you began , and thereby making an other halfe moone vpon your right hand againe , ioyne the two pathes together at that end also , so that then the figure wherein you shall trot , will present to your eyes this proportion following in the next page . When you haue walked and trotted in these two pathes twice or thrice about , you shall then thrust your horse forth into a little more swifter trott then before ; and when you come at the end of the path , you shall by drawing your hands a little straiter inward , and by giuing the helpe of the calues of your legges , make your horse stoppe and aduaunce , and presently vpon the aduaunce thruste him forwarde with your feete againe , and then giuing him the calues of your legges againe making him aduaunce againe , you shall as you did in your former turnes , make him beate that semicircle about : which when he hath done , you shall then put him into his trot , and trott him swiftly downe the other path , where stopping him againe , and vsing the former helpes ( as you did before ) you shall now beate the other semicircle about on the same hand also with aduancings as before . When you haue thus done vpō the right hand three or foure times together , you shall then doe as much vpon your left hand , continuing this exercise so long , till he grow so perfit and cunning , that when he comes to the stoppe he will euen of his owne accord , set the halfe turnes without almost any assistance ; which when you perceiue , you shall then put him from his trot , and make him doe the same vpon an easie and stately gallop . In this lesson you must be verie diligent to help and assist your horse in euerie needful time , because in this lesson is comprehended many other lessons , as the grace & perfection of his gallop , the strength and certainty of his stoppe , and the agilitie and nimblenesse of his straite turnes . When you haue made your horse perfit vppon of these Semicircles , and double pathes , then you shall bring him into whole roundes and single pathes after this maner . First you shal pace about a small ring vpon your right hande , not aboue sixe yardes in compasse , which being plainly marked out that you may discerne it , you shall then from that ring trot downe an euen path the length of thirtie paces , and there marke out an other ring vpon your left hand of the same compasse also ; then you shal put your horse into a slow gallop , & so gallop to your first ring , where when you come , by drawing your hands a little inward , and giuing him the calues of your legges somewhat harder then vsuall you shall make him raise both his fore feete from the ground , and then following them closely with his hinder legs , beat the ring roūd about , as he did in his turns . Then you shal galloppe him backe againe , and doe the like vpon the left hand , gallopping him thus from ring to ring , in one direct path , till hee haue set vpon either hand at least three or foure seuerall turnes , in which you shall neither finde difficultie nor disorder , if before you bring him vnto this lesson ( as is before prescribed ) you haue him verie perfit in his strait turnes , I meane onely the Incauallare , and the turne Terra , Terra . Some of our Horsemen of best respect in this kingdome , doe for the manage not so curiously respect the setting of any turne , but being come to the end of the managing path , onelie gallop the straite ring about with a little more firme loftinesse , by drawing the brydell hand in , letting the horse feele , see or heare the rod of the contrarie side , the man carrying his bodie vpright , & at the close of the ring with his contrarie spurre to giue him a good stroake or Iobbe to bring him with spirit againe into the managing path . This lesson of all other is to bee done with great alacritie and chearefulnes both of the man and horse . Now for obseruations in managing , you are to obserue all those rules which you did obserue in your straite turnes , you are likewise to obserue in his gallopping , that hee keepe his path iustlie and euen , without eyther swaruing of one side or other , or casting his hinder parts out of the pathe , as many horses naturallye will doe , which is a moste vild fault in this lesson aboue all other , because if he keepe not his path iust , hee can neither be good for sword nor Launce . If then your horse haue this fault , and that the fault proceede from nature or follye , you may redresse it , if you ride him euerie day , by some euen or straight wall , hauing your ringes at each end of the wall , and the wall so placd that you may ride by either side of it . As you trott him along this wall , if your horse cast his hinder parts from the wall ; you shal first giue him a good iert or two with your rodde vpon his hinder houghes , which are from the wall , and if he take no notice , not amend therupon ; you shal thē giue him a good stroakeor two with your outmost spurre , iust by his hinder garthe , but hy no meanes in the flanke , as many of our riders vse to doe , for it is both vncomely and disorderly , and if at the first hee doe not amend his fault with this correction , doe not you take any care , but still continew your correction , and the riding him by the wal , till he take notice of his vice , and so reforme it . The figure to be cut in the earth . In these deepe ringes , and this deepe furrowe , you shall exercise your horse first vpon pace , then vpon trot and lastly vpon gallop , changing your handes as you shall either finde him apt or vnapt , till hee be both so perfit and so well fortefied , that hee will goe at an inch without either swaruing his bodie or anye other member , which be assured in lesse then a weekes space you may moste easily bring to passe , so that afterwards he will in the playnest field keep his path as iustly as in this deepe furrowe . An olde drie dike is also for this fault as good as this digd surrowe , and where you can finde such a one , you may there saue this labour . Next you are to obserue , that when your horse hath set the turne about , and is come euen to the clofing vp of the circle , and so to depart downe the straite furrow againe , that euen in his departure from the circle , you giue him the euen stroake of both your spurres together with a firm hardnesse , that you may make your horse departe away with a liuelye and good courage , which is an excellent grace in a manage ; and if you doe it so violently , that you make him raise all his fore-feere from the ground , and as it were at the last closing of the ring , euen to bound it away is much more beautiful , which the euen stroake of your spurres will bring him vnto in lesse then two mornings . Lastly , you shall obserue , that if your horse bee one of those horses which our English Horsemen call hot mouth'd horses , that is , which will for a time , and whilest they are well pleased doe any thing with obedience and order : but if once they be moued to anger , or to labour more then is agreeable with their owne willes , they will presently fall to flat running away , not that they take delight in running away , for the labour is worse then their other exercise , but that they imagin by running away , to run from their paine . When this fault you finde , you shall then make your managing course in some faire hie way , neare to some deepe new plowedlandes , and if after you haue giuen him halfe a dozen turnes vpon each hand , and done as much as you can with good order to vexe him , if then he fall to runne away , you shall immediatly thrust him vpon the new plowde lands ; and there threatning him with your voice , and correcting him both with your rodde and spurres , neuer leaue him till you haue made him vpon those deepe lands both galloppe large ringes and straite ringes too and froe , in such a confused manner , that hee may apprehend the true order of no one certaine lesson , but euen toyle and turne vp and down at your owne pleasure , til you feele either his breath or strength weaken by your labour ; then bring him to the hye way againe , and hauing walkt him vp and downe in the Managing furrowe and rings , till hee haue recouered breath ; then fall to manage him againe as at the first . This correction if you vse but twice , I am verifie perswaded it will neuer neede the third time . And thus much for manages , and the kindes thereof . CHAP. 19. Of the passing of a swift Cariere . THis word Cariere is by many ignorant men and some Schollers taken for leaping , bounding , & saults aboue ground ; for I saw in a late trāslated author , where speaking of those loftie ayres , hee calles them Cariering horses ; an epithiton most vnproper : for indeede Cariere is but onelie to runne swiftlye ; and to passe a Cariere , is but to runne with strength and courage such a conuenient course as is meete for his ability ; which euerie horseman must measure according as he findes the spirit and shape of his horse : the heauie & vnweldie horse hauing the shorter course , and the light spirited and fine shapt horse the longer : yet for as much as there is a mediocritie and indifference amongst the moste part , I thinke , and it is also confirmed by manye good Horsemen , that fourescore and ten paces is a verie conuenient Cariere , neither being too long for the slow horse , nor too short for the swift . Wherfore whē your horse is moste perfit in al the lessons before specified , ( and not before ) you shall then make him passe a Cariere in this maner ; being com'd into some large & euen hie way without either ruts or gaules to occasion stumbling , after you haue pacd him three or foure times on your right hād , about a little narrow ring ; you shal then trot him straight forward ( as neare as you can gesse ) at least fourescore and ten paces , and there walke him three or foure times about a narrowe ring on your left hand , & then setting his head directly downe the way you came , make him stand still a prettie space , setling your selfe euen and firme in your saddle , easing your hand , and cherishing your horse , which don , yeilding your bodie a little forward , and Ierting your legs forward with all your strength , stifly vpon your stirrop leathers , and crying with your voice hey or how , start your horse sodenly , into a swift gallop , and then giuing him the euen stroake of your spurrs twice or thrice together , make him runne with all the strength and furie he hath , till he come to the verdge of your first ring , & there , by drawing both your hands hard into the pomel of your sadle , & laying the calues of your legs close to his sides , make him stop close vpon his buttocks , and aduance with all twice or thrice together , & then stand still a good space , whilst you cherrish the horse and case your hand , which done , you may then walk him about a narrow ring againe on your right hand , till hee haue recouered breath and strength , and so trott him home to the Stable . Now that your horse may at the stoppe couch his hinder legges the better , and so make it more close and beautifull , it shall bee good that you chuse such a peece of ground to passe the careire vpon , as may at the last end where your horse shall stop , bee somewhat descending downe the hill , yet so , that it may bee grauelly and firme ground , on which your horse may valiantlie trust his feete ; & not slippery or grasse ground , which once fayling a horse , will make him euer after , out of his distrust both haue worse willnd stop with much lesse beautie . After you haue past your horse a cariere or two , and find that he will doe it strongly , swiftly , and obediently , you shall then not passe him a Cariere aboue once in two or three moneths ; especially after he comes to weare a bytt ; for nothing doth distemper a horses mouth so much as passing many Carieres . And thus much for this lesson . CHAP. 20. When and how to bytt horses , and to wake his head constant . AFter your horse hath beene thus farre trained vp , and taught perfitly in all these former lessons , onely with the Trench , Martingale , and Musroll , and that you find he doth euerie lesson with a comely grace , good courage , great lightnesse , and settled constancie , you shall then take away his Trench , and in stead therof put into his mouth a plaine smooth Cannon bytt , somwhat formerly worne , of the proportion & shape of the first figure of cānons formerly described , & this byt you shall at the first putting on anoynt with hony and salte ; the kurb thereof must bee rounde , smooth , long , and verie full , by any meanes not pressing , but onely lying gently vpon the nether lippe . The cheeke of this first bytt must be straight , according to the first figure of cheekes , and the length according to the proportion of the horse , as thus for example : when your horse standeth in his best glorie , and reyneth most comely , and closest as you may make him doe if you stande by him , and hold either a peece of bread , or a perfumed gloue to his nose ; or if you make a strange horse stande before him , as it were to ouer-face him . Take thē your ryding rodde , and measure him from his neather tush to the vpper part of the fore point of his shoulder , and iust so long must the cheeke of your bytt bee from the eie of the bytt , to the neathermost part thereof . Now when you haue put this bytt into your horses mouth , and placed it in his due place , which is euer aboue the neather tush , so as it may touch , but not rest vpon the tush , you shall then take the last Cauezan formerlye shewed , which cōsists all of one peece , not hauing sharp teeth , but blunt teeth , as appeares by the figure , & with long reynes of good round rope , being both soft , and but halfe twound , put it vpon your horses heade , placing it iust vnderneath the nose-band of your brydle , which is so much lower then your Musroll lay by the iust breadth of your nose-band ; insomuch that the Cauezan shall rest vpon the gristle of the horses nose , which is the tenderest part of the horses face . Now for as much as the weight of the yron , when you ease the reynes of the Cauezan will fall downe , and peraduenture slip ouer the horses nose , you shall vnderstand that all your Cauezans must haue their out-sides couered with leather strong and good , so that the yron may not be seene ; then through this leather you shal put a string , with which string you shall tie the Cauezan vp to the noseband of the bridle , and the noseband in any wise at the first you shall buckle close and straite about the horses chaps , least at the first wearing of a bytt , which is a mouth more full and large then the Trench , he take vnto him the foule vice of gaping . When your horse is thus trimmed , after he haue stoode a while vpon the bytt in the stable , and felt the Kurbe and other implements , you shall then bring him to the blocke , and take his backe . As touching the carriage of the reynes of your bytt , I haue formerly shewed you : and for the reynes of your Cauezan you shall carrie them in all poynts , as before I taught you to carry the false reines of the flying Trench , which is , the left reyne in your left hand , and vnder your left thumbe , and your right reyne in your right hande , of an euen length with the other . After you are wel setled , and euerie thing about your horse orderly disposed , you shall then thrust forward your horse , and trott him faire and softly into some large sandie hie way , bearing his heade onely vpon the Cauezan , and letting him but feele the bytt and no more , no sooner drawing it with the least motion , but instantly easing it againe . You shall the first day neyther put him to large ring , nor any other lesson , but onely trott him straight forwarde , and make him stoppe and retyre , vsing the helpe of the bytt little or nothing at all . After you haue thus ridden him the first day , you shall the next day likewise also ride him straight forthright , & only stop and retire also , yet that day you shall carye an indifferent hand , which is to say , you shall beare him as much vpon the Cannon as vpon the Cauezan , as thus : when you draw vp the reynes of your bytt , you shall let loose the reines of your cauezan , and when you draw downe the reynes of your Cauezan , you shal ease the reines of your bytt , & with these equall and indifferent motiōs , you shall exercise him the second day , bringing him to a little more familiaritie and acquaintance with the bytt , yet euer preseruing his mouth in all sweetnesse possible : When you haue done thus two dayes together , you shall then the third day put him to the same exercise and no other , onely you shall beare his heade , for the most part vpon the Cannon , and little or nothing at all vpon the Cauezan , except in time of necessitie , as to helpe him in turning , or to giue sweetnes to his mouth , least in resting his heade too much vpon the bytt , his mouth should loose some part of it's tendernesse : by these three dayes exercises , the horse will growe both to vnderstand the bytt , and to take knowledge as well of the helpes , as of the corrections , he will find pleasure in the Kurbe , and a constant rest in his mouth whereon to settle and firme his heade . Now for the Cauezan , this is the helpe that it bringeth ; it is in correction and vse of so neare an alliance with the Musroll and Martingall , bindiug and loosing in the selfe sort that they doe , so that the horse imagining he is within his former olde bandes , he dare neyther tosse vp his heade , nor ducke it downe , but beares it in the same constāt maner which formerly he did , til beine acquainted with the bytt , and finding the ease and staidnesse thereof , he will not then vse any of those vilde qualities , albe he haue neuer so great libertie . Againe the Cauezan is as readie a helpe in euerie turne as the Trench , and puts into the horses vnderstanding the vse of the Kurbe , which way it bindeth when it moues a horse to turne vpon the right hande , when vpon the left , and the reynes therof , you shall vse as you vsed the reynes of your Trench , as thus . When you turne vppon your right hand , you shall draw the left reyne of your Cauezan firme , and lay it close to the left side of his necke , to keepe his head and necke straight , and the right reyne you shal draw a little more then ordinarie , giuing him as it were a warning of his turne , and so immediately ease it againe . After these three daies exercises , you shall then put your horse to the large ringes in the selfe same manner as you did at his first breaking ; as first pacing , then trotting , & lastly gallopping , yet so that he be perfit in euery one of them seuerally , before he proceed to other , & not trot before he can pace readilie , nor gallop till hee can trot most perfectly . From two ringes you shall put him to three , from three to foure , and from foure to one large ring , containing two smaller rings within it , all which are in their figures formerly described ; and in all these ringes as you labour your horse , you shall euer by little vse your Cauezan lesse and lesse , and your byt more and more , till you haue wrought in your horse this contrarietie , that as at the first the Cauezan was of moste vse , and the bytt but either a cipher or a verie small helpe , so you must now bring your byt to be onlye of vse , & the Cauezā to lye vpon the horses face to little or no purpose , by degrees , long labouring , and gentill motions , bringing your horse to such a perfect knowledge and delight in the byt , that when at any time you turne or change from hand to hand in your rings , you shall if you turne vpon your right hand , no more but turne the thumbe of your bridell hand which stands vpright , but a little downewards , toward the right shoulder of the horse , and when you turne vppon your left hand , you shall but turne your bridle hād a little backewards towards the left shoulder of the horse , the knowledge of which two motiōs the horse wil sodainly learne , if at first teaching you euer accompany with them the vse of the Cauezan in the verie instant that you mooue your hands : you shall also make your horse so perfit vpon the stop , that if he bee in the fulnes of his cariere , you shall not by any meanes draw your bridle hand aboue the height of your Saddle pommel , nor when you make him retire , you shal not draw your hande hygher then halfe so farre as at the stop , for the bytt being an Engine of the greatest commaundment , which rayseth vp a horse ; head and bodie , both in pace and other motion , with more ease then any other instrument ; if therefore your strayninges , should bee as hard vppon it , as vpon the Trench ( which hath no violence more then what it takes from your hand ) you could not chuse but disorder , or else take from the horses mouth the best sence and feeling : therefore in anye case let your straynings vppon the bytt bee tender and temperate , yet not so verie soft , but that both you and the Horse may haue a full constant feeling of one another . Now for obseruations & notes in this first bytting of a Horse , there bee manye , as first when you haue put the bytt on , to looke within the mouth of your horse , an● see whether your bytt lye in his due place , then tha● the mouth of the bytt bee neither too bigge nor ●oo ●ittle for the Horses mouth , but of a iust proportion and fulnesse , for to bee too bigge makes a horse gape , hurts his vpper barres , and duls his mouth , and to bee too little makes a horse drawe his tongue ouer the bytt , thrust it out of his mouth , either of one side or other ; and lastly ( giuing him no perfit feeling ) takes from him all perfit tendernesse . For them and other faults whatsoeuer , you may finde remedies and alteration of mouthes in the former chapter treating of bytts : you shall also obserue that the Kurbe lye vpon the neather lip , in his due place , yet so loose and without pressing , that albe your horse keepe his teeth fast together , yet he may play with his neather lip vpon the Kurbe , which is a great signe of a sweet & tender mouth . Next these , you shal obserue the shape of your horse , and if you finde he haue such a long , large , Swanne-like neck , that not withstanding the straightnes of your byt cheeke , which is onely to put vp his head , he yet bringeth it somewhat rounder then you would haue him , & so looseth some parte of the beautie of his reyne , you shall then ride him with the broken cheeke according to the second figure of cheekes , where the neather parts are broke more outward thē the vpper , & if one breach bee not sufficent you may vse two , if two faile , three doubtles wil work your pleasure , & put vp his neck so hye as nature will giue it leaue , but if contrarie to this shape , a horse haue a short necke , and a narrow chaule , so that your straight cheek puts vp his head hie enough , but yet it bringeth not in his mozell , nor boweth his neck to anie proportion ; In this case you shal ride him with the broken cheek , but the breach shal be made inward as the other was outward , & if one breach benot sufficient , you shal make two , or else three , til you haue brought his head to the place you desire ; you shall also obserue , that by no meanes at the first byttting of a Horse you drawe your bytt r●shlye or suddainely ; for that is the first occasion which makes a Horse thrust out his nose , and rebell against the bytt , but taking leasure , and drawing the reynes gently , giues him such a knowledge , that hee will yeeld and follow the bytt : which once vsed , he will neuer after contend . Now for the Cauezan , you shal obserue , that if your horse be of hard head , and short neck , so that he presses & hangs vpō this Cauezan of one peecc , which is of all the gentlest , you shal then instead therof vse the wrythen cauezan , consisting of two peeces , which binding somewhat straiter , is of so much the more force in punishing , and breedes a quicker obedience . But if your horse haue been before time in some ignorant hors-mans hād , who for want of art to vse gentil Cauezans , hath so dulde and hardned your horses head , that neither of these Cauezans will preuaile , nor bring lightnesse to your horses head , then in such extreamitie you may vse the other Cauezan , consisting of two peeces , with sharpe teeth , or that which is of three peeces , so you haue this diligent care , that by no meanes you either fridge haire , or take any skinne from the horses face , which is a fault both disgracefull to the horse and man , to the horse , as taking away the beauty of his countenance , and to the man in shewing the hard rudenesse of his hand without either moderation or temper . The Chaine with teeth , and the Chaine with teeth and ringes toothed , are both more sha●he then the former Cauezans , and may ( where the rider hath so lady-soft a hand , as not to bruse or wound ) be vsed in case of great extremitie , and not otherwise . Now some that happily looke not into the true method of my precepts , may taske me of some opposititions or contrarieties in my writings , because in the second Chapter of this booke , I there discommended all these sharpe Cauezans , and yet in this Chapter doe ( after a certaine sort ) allow them ; but they must carrie in their memories these considerations , that I discommended them vtterly as the first instruments or sternes wherwith to gouerne a Colt at his first backing without any other assistance ; and I allow them after a horse is readie in euerie lesson fit for seruice in the warres , for the making him firme , steddie , and perfite vpon his bytt , or where ignorance and a rude hand hath done hurt , there with art and cunning to amend those faults with the helpe of these instruments . Nowe when you haue vpon the smooth Cannon , and Cauezan , made your horse perfite and readie in all the lessons which are formerly taught ; so that hee will doe them with a good grace , and a free spirit , you shall then lay away the Cauezan , and in steade thereof ride him with a smooth Cannon , and a flying Trench , according to the figure in the fourth Chapter , putting to the rings of the flying Trench a paire of false reynes , answerable to the perfite reynes of the Bridle , the carriage of which reynes , are also shewed in the same chapter , and keeping the proportion of the ch●ek as before . Vpon this bytt , and with these false reynes you shall practise your horse both in large rings , strait turns , and all other lessons which are formerly taught in the selfe same maner , as you did with the Cannon and Cauezan , vsing the same helpes , corrections , and obseruations which you did in the vse of the Trench , Musroll , & Martingall , till your horse be so perfit , that a curious eie shall not iudge he hath any other helpe in his motions then onely your imagination ; which lesse then two moneths will fully compleate and perfite . At which time ( if your horse bee of full strength , spirite , and nimblenesse ) proceede to the other lessons , which are ayres and saults aboue ground : and though not fully so necessarie as the former for seruice in the warres , yet are they such , as not without profite may bee practised in those places : And for the pleasure of Princes , and health of a mans bodie , are hoth delightfull and commodious . CHAP. 21. Of bounding aloft , and the manner thereof . WHen you haue made your horse perfite in all the lessons before taught : if then you finde in him a naturall iuclination to lightnesse , and a spirit both apt to apprehend and execute any sault aboue ground , as hauing both good limbs , & a cleane strength . The next lesson you shall teach him , shall be to bound or rise aboue ground with all his foure fee● , euen and iust together , carrying his heade in a iust and due place , without loosing his reyne : and gathering his bodie round and close together , rising & falling againe in one and the selfe same place , which manner of bounding aloft is fittest and easiest to bee taught at such place as you stoppe your horse , as thus for example ; When you haue trotted your horse a dozen or twentie yeards forward in a sandy way , you shall there make him stoppe and aduaunce at least twise together , obseruing euer that at his second aduauncing you giue him the euen stroake of both your spurres together , close by the hindmost gyrth , at which if at first he onely but shewe amazement , or aduaunce higher as not yet vnderstanding your meaning : you shall then trott him as farre forwarde againe , and there ( as you did before at his seconde aduauncement ) giue him the euen stroake of your spurres a little harder then you did before , at which if hee rise not , you shall then not onely spurre him againe , but also giue him a good iert with your rodde vnder his bellie , which putting him into a little more amazement , forth-with tro●tforwarde againe , and as you did the seconde time , doe so nowe the thirde time , onely forbeare your rodde as much as is possible , because the correction thereof tendes to another purpose , and it is your spurres which shoulde onely raise your Horse vppon all foure . When you haue done thus three times togither , doe it the fourth , fift , and sixt time , e●etic time increasing your correction till hecraise all his foure feete from the grounde , which when so euer hee dooth , or howe euill fauouredlye soeuer hee dooth , yet notwithstanding cherish him exceedingly , and bee assured that in twise or thrise bounding hee will amende what fault soeuer was in his first beginning : and surely except hee bee a verie dull Iade , and so not fitte for such practise , you shall not giue him this helpe of your spurre twice before hee will bounde from the grounde vppon all foure . There be some Authors that would haue a horse to doe this bound or leape with the helpe of the calues of your legges , and not with the spurres , saying , that the calues of the legges will make a horse rise higher then the spurres , but the reason is neither good , nor the practise to bee allowed . For if you make your horse bound with the helpe of the calues of your legges , then you make that helpe vselesse for all other purposes ; so that when your horse should but aduaunce , hee will bound ; when he shoulde beate a turne , it will bee all in boundes : and to conclude , hee must either haue spurre-galde sides , or else with euerie lesson hee must mixe boundings , which beeing both vnfitte , and out of order , you shall onely follow the course first prescribed . There be some horsemen , that when their horses do bound , would haue them in the same motion also to yarke out their hinder legges ; as an ayre both full of arte and comelinesse . As touching yarking behinde , and the way to bring your horse vnto it , I haue sufficiently written alreadie in the sixteenth Chapter : Wherefore , if in this lesson also you woulde haue him yarke , you shall do no more but in the verie height of his bounding , giue him euerie time a good ierte with your rodde vnder the bellie , to which after hee is anye long time accustomed , and doeth vnderstande your meaning , hee will growe so perfite , that hee will neuer bounde , but hee will yarke withall , albe you neither giue him helpe nor correction . Now for obseruations in this lesson , besides the beautie and comelinesse of his reyne , there are but two any thing materiall ; the first is , that if hee rise not so hie with his hinder parts , as with his fore-partes , that you accompany with the helpe of your spurres , a good iert with your rod vnder the horses belly , as neare the flanke as you can strike it . The second is , that if in his bounding hee doe not keepe his ground but presse forward as if he stroue how farre he could leape , & not how hie he could leape , that in such a case , looke how much ground he gets in his leape , that so much you make him retire backe ; and being come to his first place , there make him bound againe . Now for the vse of this lesson , it is thus : if when you ride your horse before any great assembly , vpon the finishing vp ofeuerie lesson , whether it be Ring-turne , Manage , Strait-turnes of all sortes , or what lesson soeuer ; if vpon euerie stop and conclusion , ( as the last of all labour ) you make your horse bound and yarke out with all , it is moste comely ; if you shall set the turne Terra , Terra , altogether vpon bounds and yarkings out behinde , ( as I haue seene diuers horses doe ) especiallye a red Roan'd horse of the Earle of Southhamptons , it not onely showes in the Horse a good courage , cleane strength , and a strong chine , but in the horseman a readie hand , a quicke legge and a moste perfit seate : And thus much for bounding aloft or leaping . CHAP. 22. Of the Coruet , Caprioll , gallop Galliard , and going sidelong . THis ayre or sault which we call Coruet , albe it bee deriued from the Spanish word Corua , which is the hinder heele of a horse , yet we haue the best presidents for the doing thereof from the auncient Italians the motion is a kind of dauncing which the horse is made to vse by taking his fore-legs a good height frō the ground , and his hinder legges not halfe so much , prauncing vp and downe all in one place , and in the fiercenes of his contenance & cariage of his bodie , seeming as though he would runne , and yet is restrayined . The labour therof , albe he take his fore-feete vp higher , consisteth most in his hinder partes , because hee must couch and bowe them more nimblye , and also presse them downe the harder . The manner to bring him vnto it is thus : hauing trotted him foorth right in some sandie hie way , at least a dozen paces ; stop him , & with the helpe of the calues of your legges , make him there aduaunce three or foure times together , al in one place ; then trott him as farre further , and there make him aduaunce at least a dozen times , continuing thus to make him aduaunce at the end of euerie dozen paces , sometimes six times sometimes eight timessomtimes more , till in the end you feele him lift vp his hinder parts ; which if he doe heauilie or slowly , you shall then with your rodd iert him vnder the belly , yet so tenderly , that the noise therof may more moue spirit in him , then the smarte , by meanes whereof he will instantly take both his hinder feete from the ground , and as he aduaunceth before , so he will also mooue his hinder parts , and keep a prauncing with both parts indifferentlie . Now if you finde that in his dooing of the Coruett he stand too vpright vpon his loynes , and doe not bow as he ought , you shall then teach him the Coruett vpon the Knowle of some hill , his head being turned downe the descent . Now whereas the Italians ( from the imitation of the Spaniards ) doe in the Coruet , vse to ride shorter then in anye other lesson , and to that purpose haue set downe certaine precepts , I for mine owne parte do not like such rules , neither would haue anye man alter his stirrops from their true place : for what lesson soeuer will not be done with the help of the legge in his best cariage , is either a lesson vnfit to be taught , or else doth carrie in it the vse of some barbarous correction . After your horse is perfit in his Coruet , the next ayre you shal teach him is that salt which Grison and the other Italians call Caprioll , and wee heere in England the Goates leape . It differeth from the Coruet a greate deale more in motiō then in teaching , for whereas the Coruett is an ayre onely to bee done as it were in one place , and the hinder feet not to rise any thing neare so hie as the fore seete , the Capriol contrarilie is an ayrie altogether to be done forward , and the hinder partes euer to rise in equall height with the fore parts , the maner to teach your horse to do it is in this fort ; you shall ride him vppon some sandie or grauellye earth , and there stopping him , you shal make him aduaūce twice or thrice together , then you shall trot him not aboue a step or two at the most , & there make him aduaunce twice more ; then another step or two and aduaunce againe . And thus aduauncing at the end of euerie two steps for the space of thirtie or fortie paces going , you shall bring him to such a custome , and lightnesse in his aduauncings , that in the end instead of the two steps , he will with the helpe of the calue of your legge , raise vp his rumpe and hinder partes , and so passe from stop to stop in aduauncings before , and persuites behinde of one equall height and order ; in which if you finde hee any thing at all sticketh , and doth not raise his hinder partes so hie as you would haue him , you shall then turne your rodde in your hand with the point backward , iust ouer the midst of the horses rumpe , and your hand close against your right side , then when hee aduaunceth ; in his passage forward you shall shake your rodde ouer his rumpe , and now and then Iert him vppon the same , making him thereby to gather vp his loynes from the earth , and to passe with better comelinesse . But if either out of his heauie composition , or stubbornnesse of his nature , this gentle correction doe not auaile ; you shal then ride your horse into some narrowe hollowe hie way , where he cannot flie out of eyther side , or into some olde drie dyke , and there as you practise him in the same lesson , you shall cause a stander by to come behinde you with a long instrument of yron in his hand , bowde at one end , and hauing therein like a greate extraordinarie rowell of a Spurre ; which instrument is called a Peerch , & is made after the fashion of this figure following in the next page . The Perche . With this Perche the stander by shall strike your horse vpon the rumpe , and make him raise vp his hinder parts , whilst your selfe shall onelye but helpe him with the calues of your legges , & the forward ierte with your stirrop leathers : and thus dooing but too or three mornings together , you shall neuer after neede any other help , more then your rodde turned backeward , or the sound of your voice crying Hey , Hey , or How , How. The next lesson to this , is the galloppe Galliard , which Grison demonstrateth to be don vppon the gallop , as thus : putting him into a lustie strong galloppe to cause him at the end of euerie two paces of the gallop to boūd aloft , and yarke out his hinder legs with all , and so to do for the space of twentie paces or more , according to the strength of the horse , and this , from the deriuation of the word gallop-galliard is very probable ; yet with vs this lesson is not of such vse , but we rather doe it in the Coruette or Caprioll , as thus : after your horse hath beaten the coruett three times together , thē giuing him the euen stroake of both your spurres , and a good ierte with your rodde to make him bound aloft , and yarke out withall , and so doe for a dozen boundes together , or so many as his strength may conuenientlie endure : and so likewise in the Capriole after hee haue made three leapes , then to giue him both your spurres together , and the iert with your rodde , and so make him bound and yarke withall , doubling these leapes and boundes according to his strength . These lessons are all verie forcible , and beate a horses limbes exceedinglie , wherfore you are to vse them very sildome , and to teach them to none but such horses as are both couragious , actiue , and strong , to whome nature hath beene so good a mistrisse , that your art shall not create , but keepe in exercise what he brought , euen from the wombe of his damme . The next and last lesson you shall teach your horse , is to goe sidelong , both with his fore parts and hinder parts in equall motions , as farre as youwill , & as little a wayas you will : and though I place it here the last amongst those loftie ayres and hie saults , yet it is as necessarie as any other lesson whatsoeuer , beeing both of great vse in the warres , and of much delight in the place of pleasure ; yet , should it bee taught before other lessons be perfited , it is of that nature , that it would breed disorder : wherefore to bring your horse vnto it , you shal thus doe : as you ride him vpon some plaine peece of ground , if you would haue him to goe sidelong to your right hand , you shall turne your brydle hand a little ouer to his right shoulder , and lay your left legge close to his side , so that hee may not onelie feele your legge but your spurre also , yet in such sorte that your spurre doe not pricke him , and if at the first hee will not remooue his legges , you shall continue still to holde your legge close , and let him feele the spurre more and more ; if then he remoue contrarie to your minde , that is , rather to the left hand then to the right , you shall not respect it but still keep your legge close , and increase your correction till in the end hee begin to remoue his legges right : which as soone as euer you perceiue , immediatelye take away your leg , cherish him , & make him a while stand still . After a little pause , doe as you did before , exercising him therein , til with the least motion of your single leg he will goe sidelong as farre as you will haue him : this done , you shall make him doe as much to his left side , by turning your bridle hand a little backeward , & laying your right legge close to the horses side . When your horse wil thus goe sidelong of which side you will , you shall then by oft practising him therein , make him goe side long so fast , as if he did euen trot , which is both gracefull and profitable ; but if in this lesson you finde his foreparts ( because they are much the nimbler ) to goe faster sidelong then his hinder parts , so that he drawes his hinder parts after him , In this case youshall turne the point of your rodde downeward , crosse ouerthwart his houghes beneath his thighes , and lay it close vnto them , and if at the feeling thereof , hee doe not presentlie amend his fault , you shall then giue him a good iert ▪ or two orethwart his houghes and that wil make him bring on his hinder parts roundlye . When thus your horse will perfectly goe side-long off which hand you please , you may then by the helpe of your contrarielegge , and a little more firme carrying of your brydle hand , make your horse both Coruet and passe the Caprioll side-long to which hand you please , which is a salt much vsed amongst the Italians , yet for mine own part I would haue it practisd but sildome , because in my conceit the best grace that those ayres carrie , is when they are done straight forward , for then they show their best shapes , and the truest Arte in the horse-man , aproueing that his legges keepe one euen time in their motions , and giue one equal sence in their touchinges ; where should hee doe rudely , that is , strike one legge harder then another , or mooue one leg faster then another , why these disorders are the meanes which will make a horse doe these ayres sidelong as well as the vse of the best art . Now to conclud : in these lessons , & all other you are diligētly to obserue true time & measure in your dooings , neither showing furie or amazement in too much haste , nor want of Arte or agility in too much sloath or dulnesse , but holding as your chiefe Iewell this golden treasure , excellent Mediocritie . And thus much for these lessons of pleasure . CHAP. 23. Of running at the Ring , and the vse of the Launce . WHen your horse is compleately perfited , in all the former lessons of seruice and pleasure , and that by labour and Arte you haue brought your worke to a wished end , it thē remaines that you make vse of the benefit of your former labours ; eyther if you liue in the land of peace by imploying your horse for the exercise of your bodie , and sometimes for your benefit in trauaile as occasion shall be ministred , or if you liue in the place of action , by putting him to seruice , and the encounter of your enemies . Yet by the way I must giue you this one note more , which is , you must vnderstād that the Cannon bytts formerly described , being mouthes of such exceeding smoothenes and fulnesse , if you shall either trauell your horse thereupon in long iorneyes , or vse them in the trouble and turmoyle of the warres , where the ouerplus of exercise brings a horse to a certaine faintnesse and wearinesse ; In any of these cases , the horse being compeld to rest much vpon these full smoothe mouthes , will in the end grow both dull , insencible , and hard of mouh , wherefore as soone as you haue perfited your horse in all his lessons and brought his head and reyne to a setled constancie , you shall then according as you finde the temper of the horses mouth , bytt him with either Scatch , Mellon , Peare , Campanell , or some other mouthe formerlye described vnto you , fashioning the cheeke thereof according to the third figure of cheekes formerly described ; onely the length thereof must be according to the proportion of the horses necke , for if the horse haue along vpright necke , and his head rest comelye vpon the same , then the cheeke would bee two inches short of the highest part of his brest , but if his necke bee short and vpright , or long and round bending a little downeward , then the neather part of your bytt checke must come full to the vpper part of his brest , but no lower . Your horse being thus bitted and well setled vppon this bytt , if you haue a delight in the exercise of armes , and the vse of the Launce , it shall bee good for you to practise twice or thrice a weeke to run at the ring , that is , to set a small ring ofyron about eight inches in compasse at the moste , either vpon the top of a tilt barre , or vpon a staffe sixe foote from the ground , close by the midst of the furrowe , where you passe your Cariere , & then standing with your horse & your Launce in your hand , 45. paces or more from the ring , trie how neare you can goe to runne your staffe thorow the ring as your horse passeth his Cariere . Now for as much as in this lesson , there be manye nice and curious obseruations , and also great arte both in the gouerment of your horse and of your hand , and for as much as this lesson being truely and artificially learnd , containeth all other lessons whatsoeuer wherein the Launce is imployed , I will ( according to mine own experience & instruction ) shew the manner therof , wherein if either I faile in arte or garbe , I humbly submit to the correction of those of better iudgement , hoping that albe I showe not all thinges in their best perfection , yet I will show nothing which shal carrie in it any grosse absurditie . Now therefore if you will practise to runne at the ring , after you haue placd your ring in his due place , ( which should euer bee ●the midst of your Cariere ) your horse then beeing brought to the fielde , to the end of the Cariere . As soone as you come vnto him , you shall ere you mount looke that your bridle and bytt bee in their due places , that your Saddle bee fast girt , and your Crooper buckled at his iust length ; then taking the reynes of your Bridle into your left hand , holding them as hath beene formerlie taught you : you shall then mount vppon his backe , and then placing your selfe iust , euen and vpright in your Saddle , with your feete firme vppon your Stirrops and your toes bending rather inward then outward , Some by-stander shall then deliuer into your right hand a Launce , which you shall receiue by no part but that , which is purposelie made for your hand . As soone as you haue receiued the Launce , you shall place the butt ende thereof vppon the midst of your right thigh , bearing the point thereof straight & vpright , so as the outside of your Launce may answere the out-side of your right eie , onelie the point thereof must a little thought leane forward . Being thus seated in your saddle , & your Launce thus truely placd you shal then put forth your horse , and pace him to the end of the Cariere where you intend to start , and there make him stand still , and pause a good space , during which rest you shall conceiue in your mind foure lines which you shall imagine to passe from your Launce to the ring . The first an euē straight line frō the neather end of your Launce or mid thigh , which answering the height of your horse , passes in one euēnes to the ring , & serues for a demonstration of the streightnes of the furrowe wherein you runne , or the euennesse of the tilt barre , in which furrowe or barre should there bee anie crookednes , there could not chuse but in the running be disorder . The second line you are to conceiue is from your right eye or thicke part of your Launce , to the verie center of the ring , from which your eye in running must not swarue . The third line is a dyrect line downward from the point of your Launce to the center of the ring , and your fourth line is from the point of your Launce also to the center of your ring , but it is deuided into three partes : the first third part ( which is at the starte of the Cariere ) being a straight euen line , the length whereof you must carrie your Launce in an euen line without bending , being from the taking your Launce from your thighe to the vttermost putting out of your hād , & it must contain a third part of your half Cariere ; the second third part is a line bending inward , & is from the putting out of your hand to the bringing of your hād to your Rest , & it containeth a secōd third part of your half Carier , the last third part of this fourth line is a little more descending then the second , and is frō the bringing of your Launce to the Rest , to the verie touching or taking of the Ring . The proportion and fashion of which lines for your better satisfaction , you shall beholde in this figure following in the next page . After you haue taken these lines into your consideration , and from rhe leuell of your eie , taken the direct line from your eie to the ring , you shall then start your horse into his Cariere , yet by no meanes suddainelie , or with any furie , but first putting him forward a step or two gentlie , then thrust him fourth into his Cariere , and as soone as hee is started , you shall take your Launce from your thigh , & putting your arme outward , bring your hand downe as lowe almoste as your midd thigh , your arme beeing stretcht out to the vttermost length , and held outward from your bodie , the point of your Launce being stil kept in an euen line : this being your first motion must continew doing , the first third part of your course . Then must you turne your hand from your wrist forward leasurelie inward ; and holding your elbowe outward , bring in that part of your arme from the elbowe to the hand , close to your brest where your Rest should stand , and as you bring in your arme , so you shall descend the point of your Launce a second third part nearer to your Ring , and this being your second motion , must continew doing the second third part of your course . Then your Launce being brought to your Rest , you shall by lifting vp , and keeping open your elbowe from your bodie , and by putting downe your thumbe and fore parte of your hand descend the point of your Launce softlie downe till it fall as it were into the ring : which beeing your third motion must continewe dooing the last third part of your course : and thus hauing taken the Ring , you shall runne your Horse to the end of the Cariere , raysing your staffe againe to his former place , with the same three motions , that is , the first taking your staffe from your Rest , The second to bring your hand to your thigh , and the third to bring vp the neathermoste ende of your Launce vpon your thigh , as it was before you started : And these three latter motions you shall doe so speedilie , that they shall all three bee finished in one third part of the course , running the other two partes of the course out , with your Launce on your thigh gallantlie , and when you come to the vtmoste end of the Cariere , you shall therestoppe your horse close , firme and iust , making him aduaunce once or twice , and then after a little pause , to turne him about , and set his head forward againe towards the ring as hee was before : so that if you please , you may passe another Cariere backe again to the place where you first started , doubling your courses as you finde strength in your horse and abilitie in your owne bodie . Thus you see the whole substance of art in this course at the Ring ; is contained in three distinct motions , the first in discharging your Launce from your thigh , the second bringing it vp to the Rest , ( which is on your brest against your right pappe ) and the third , the fine descending downe of the point of your Launce , till it meete with the marke whereat you run . Where it is to bee noted , that after you haue once started your horse , & begun to discharge your staffe frō your thigh , you shal not stay or rest , but as if all your motions were but one motion , bee continuallye mouing , till your Launce euen as it descends , fal iust into the Ring . You shall also obserue that by no meanes you coutch your Laūce lower thē the ring , & so bring it back vp againe to take the ring , for that is an error of great grosenesse ; neither shall you turne your hand so much in to your left side that you put your Launce wide of either hand the ring , and then bring it backe againe to hit the ring , for that is almoste as ill as the other ; you shall obserue that you carrie your elbow , and that part of your arme from your elbowe to your shoulder of one iust height , giuing your hand libertie to gouerne your Launce euerie way , and not by thrusting downe your elbowe to hugg , or gripe your Launce , whereby it shal be carryed in an euen line , iust from your right shoulder , and so not come neare the ring by diuers yardes , because the ring is euer placd wide of your left shoulder , this fault you shall amend onelie by carrying vp and open your elbowe , and so by turning in your hand , charge your Launce directly ouer the left eare of your horse , which ( the length of your Launce considered ) will carrie it directly vpon the ring which standes a little wider vpon your left hand : you shall also obserue that in the passage of the Cariere , you sit fast , firme and vpright in your saddle : neither bending so much forward , that ( like an ordinary horse runner ) you loose the beauty of your person , nor bending so much backeward that the horse may seeme to carrie you away contrarie to your will and liking ; or to your great disaduauntage , when either in tryumphes you shall bee cald to runne at the Tilt , or in the field , when with your Launce you shall incounter with your enemie : for you must vnderstand that both running at the ring and tilting haue one and the selfe same motions , helpes and obseruations : and he that can hit a ring of fiue or sixe inches , cannot misse a man of much greater quantitye . But sitting gallantlie and vprightly , you shall onely turne your right shoulder a little thought more inward then your left . Lastly , you shall obserue to carrie your bridle hand close vnder the pommell of your Saddle , somewhat lower then the middest , neither giuing the reines such libertie that you shall haue no feele of the horses head , nor restraining them so hard , that he cannot run fourth with his greatest courage , but holding an indifferent meane , force your horse with spurre and legge to passe his carreire with all speed possible , and in such sort , that when you come to the stoppe , you may not draw vp your bridle hand aboue the toppe of the Saddle pommell , nor seeme in that motion either to haue your seat troubled , or to bend your bodie backeward ; and in the whole passage of the carriere , if you run either alongst a wall , or a tylt barre , you shall turne your bridle hande a little backeward towards your left side , to keepe your horses fore-partes close to the wall or barre , and when by your horses slouth occasion is giuen you , you shall spurre your horse rather vpon the right side , which is from the barre then on the left side next to the barre . Now for asmuch as both the former motions , and these obseruations will seeme exceeding difficult to an vnexperienced hand , And forasmuch as Tilt barres & places conuenient for his practise are euer about the Pallaces of Princes , where is continuall concourse of people , to whomscollers at first are loath to prostitute their ignorance : If therefore you would practise in a more priuate maner , it shall not be amisse for you thē in some remote peece of ground , which is both leuell and hath good foot-holde , by setting vp strong stakes and such like stayes , first to passe one line or strong rope from the height of your midde thigh as you sit on horsbackes , the whole length of a cariere , which may serue as the figure of at barre , then in the middest thereof , to set vp your Ring , of the hight formerly described in this Chapter : then shall you by the helpe of hier stakes passe another smaller line from your eie or midde Launce , iust to the center of the Ring ; then by the helpe of two long Poales , passe a third small line from the toppe of your Launce ( as it standes vpon your thigh ) to the center of your Ring also , carying the first thirde part of that line in an euen straightnesse , and the other two partes descending , according to the figure before shewed . And when you haue thus placed your lines , you may then ( as if you were at a tilt barre ) start your horse into his Cariere , and by the directions of the lines direct the motions of your Launce , till by continuall vse and practise , you become so cunning , that you are able to doe euerie motion to a haire , without anie assistance , either of line , or other modell , more then the skill onelie of your hand and bodie , which you shall doe much the better , and sooner attaine vnto , if you cause some man of good vnderstanding ( to whom you haue declared both the beauties & faults of the course ) to stand by you in your first practice , & without flattering you , to tell what faultes you commit in euerye course , which when you knowe , you must by labour and industrie reforme , till you come to the full perfection you wish for . And thus much for this warlike and noble practise . CHAP. 24. Of the teaching of young schollers : and the riding of a ridden horse to the best show . ALthough the precepts and rudiments formerly expressed in this booke , may bring a man ( if he bee of good courage , witte , memorie and actiuitie ) that was neuer trained vp in the rules of horsemanshippe , to frame a horse to some indifferent fashion of good riding : yet for asmuch as the rules are verie intricate , horses natures and conditions exceeding various , and the motions a man must vse full of arte and contrarietic , so that it is impossible without some instruction into the arte : some construction of the arte , and some long practise howe to doe with arte , but a man must spoile and marre manie horses ere hee attaine to the making of one , which to eschew , I would aduise euerie noble spirit , of what qualitie soeuer hee bee , not to meddle with the making of any young horse , till hee haue from some good horsman learned how to ride a ridden horse ; wherefore to giue you some tast of the rules of a hors-schoole , which like an A. B C. or Primmer , & not like a Grammer may prepare you , and make you more capable of better demonstrations , I will in this Chapter set you downe some principall obseruations . First therefore , whē you begin to learne to ride , you must come to the Stable , in such decent and fit apparel , as is meet for such an exercise , that is to say , a hat which must sit close and firme vpon your heade , with an indifferent narrow verge or brim , so that in the saults or bounds of the horse , it may neither through widenesse , or vnweldinesse fall frō your head , nor with the bredth of the brim fall into your eies , and impeach your sight , both which are verie grosse errors . About your neeke you shall weare a falling band , and no ruffe , whose depth or thicknesse , may either with the winde , or motions of your horse , ruffell about your face ; or according to the fashion of the Spaniards , daunce Hobby-horse-like about your shoulders , which though in them it is taken for a grace , yet in true iudgement it is found an errour . Your doublet shal be made close and hansome to your bodie , large wasted , so that you may euer be sure to ride with your points trussed ( for to ride otherwise is most vilde ) and in all parts so easye , that it may not take from you the vse of anie part of your bodie . About your waste you must haue euer your girdle , and thereon a smal dagger or punniard , which must be so fast in the sheath that no motion of the horse may cast it forth , and yet so readie , that vpon any occasion you may draw it . Your hose would be large , rounde , and full , so that they may fill your saddle , which should it otherwise bee emptie and your bodie looke like a small substance in a great comasse , it were wondrous vncomely . Your bootes must be cleane , blacke , long , and close to your legge , comming almost vp to your midde thigh , so that they may lie as a defence betwixt your knee and the tree of your saddle . Your boote-hose must come some two inches higher then your bootes , being hansomely tied vp with points . Your spurres must be strong and flat inward , bending with a compasse vnder your ancle : the neck of your spurre must be long and straight , and rowels thereof large and sharp , the prickes thereof not standing thicke together , nor being aboue fiue in number . Vpon your handes you must weare a hansome paire of Gloues , and in your right hande you must haue a long rodde finely rush-growne , so that the small ende thereof bee hardly so great as a round packe-threed , insomuch that when you moue or shake it , the noyse thereof may be lowde and sharpe . Being thus accoutred like a Gentleman and a horsman , and the horse ( on which you are to ride should bee verie readie ) perfite , and staid in all lessons whatsoeuer , doing them with an extraordinarie pride and loftinesse : being brought to the block , where you shall get vppe , you shall before you come to the blocke , put off your spurres ; because hauing not learned the vse of your legges , you cannot knowe the vse of your spurres : and then mounting the blocke , turning your left side close to the shoulder of your horse , with your backe rowardes his heade , and your face towardes his buttockes , you shall take vppe the bytt reynes into your left hande , and place your hande and fingers as is shewed you before in the fourth chapter of this Booke : Which done , you shall take the remainder of your reynes vp in the right hande , which stretching out to their vttermost length , you shall pull so euen that one of the cheekes of your bytt shall not hang sider then the other , and withall drawe your bytt to such a limit , that with the straitnesse thereof your horse shall not offer to goe backe , nor with the loosenes offer to goe forward . When you haue thus assured your bytt , and the reynes thereof , you shall with your left hand placed close vpon the Saddle pommell ( standing in the maner aforesaid ) lift vp your left foot , and put it into the stirrop , neither so farre that your stirrop may beat against your shinne , not so little a way that you shall bee forced to get vp by the strength of your toes onely ; but indifferently , a little short of the hollownesse of the soale of your foote : which done , you shall without any heauings , or anticke showes ( as if you would leape ouer your horses backe ) gently and with an actiue nimblenesse raise vp your bodie , by laying your right hand vpon the hinder croope of the saddle , and bringing your right leg in an orderly circle or compasse , set your whole bodie firme and iust in the middest of the Saddle , where contrarilie , shoulde you stand with your face and breast against the Saddle , and so bring vp your bodie and right legge , you would not onely with your waight and force , hazard the pulling of the saddle vnder the horses bellie , but also your motion would be so ill fauoured and slouenly , that in appearance you woulde looke like a Thatcher that were climbing vp a Ladder . When you are hansomly seated in your saddle , that is , when you haue placed the hinder parts of your buttocks fast against the hinder part of your Saddle , the neather part of your bellie against the fore-part of your Saddle , and both your knees harde and firme vnder each of the fore Pillowes of the Saddle , and when you haue againe stretched out your Bridle reynes , and made both the bytt cheekes of an euen sidenesse , you shall then by moouing your feete forwarde , put forth your horse softly a pace or two from the blocke , and there againe stande still whilest thee groome dooth buckle vp both the stirroppes close vnder the skirtes of the Saddle : for you must vnderstande , that till you haue gotten the perfitenesse and certainty of your seat , and that you haue out of your practise and iudgement , found when and where you sit most sure , where moste vnsure , fortifying your selfe in that which you find the best , there is nothing more hurtfull then to ride with stirrops , and the reason is , because ( till you haue found your seate ) you will so much trust vpon your stirrops , that when the horse shall doe any thing roughly , you will with pressing your feete violently vpon them , either ( if you ride long ) loose the place , and fast holde of your knees , or else ( if you ride short ) raise your whole bodie from the Saddle in a moste vncomelye manner . And againe , the stirrop being to the horse both a help and a correction ; if till you knowe how to carrie and vse your legges , you shoulde by anie meanes weare them , your ignorance and vnskilfull motions , woulde sometimes correct , where there were no cause , & some times helpe where there were neede of correction , all which to preuent , you must patiently indure a while to ride without stirrops . When your stirroppes are thus buckled vppe , and you seated as aforesaide , you shall then ( carrying your rodde vpright by your right shoulder , or crosse your breast vppe by your left shoulder ; the first presenting the launce , the latter the sword , & your legs straight , your heeles and toes of one euen height , and your-toes turned a little inwarde towarde the horses shoulder ) put forth your horse , and trott him with a good grace to the place of riding ; where hauing the figures of your ringes formerly made , so as you may plainly discerne them , you shall then first trott one large Ring three times about vpon your right hande bowing your bridle hand a little downward towardes the horses right shoulder : & if the horse be very sloathfull or hard to turn about , you shal thē giue him a good iert with your rod ouer theleft shoulder : whē you haue trotted three times about vpō your right hād , you shal then by turning your bridle hand a little backward towards the horses left shoulder , trot another large ring three times about vpō your left hand ; which done , chāging your bridle hand againe , you shal trot three times more vpon your right hand : and then being come to the place where you first began , you shal there by drawing your bridle hand euen vp almost to the top of the saddle pommell , make the horse stopp close and firme : which done , after a little pause , you shall by drawing in your bridle hand , make him retire backe : then easing your hand , let him stād still , & cherish him . This lesson you shall repeate ouer fiue or sixe times in a morning , till you bee so perfite that you can doe it with a good grace , carrying your head , bodie , handes , legges , and euerie other member in their due place without disorder ( as is formerly shewed you , which that you may attaine to with more certaintie and lesse omission , it is good , if you want a schoolemaister , to let some man of discretion to whom you haue declared your obseruatie on s you are to keepe , to stande in the center of your rings , and to tell you of all your faults ; as when either your body , head , legs or hands , moue in any vncomely order , by which you shal as easily correct them , as if you ●ada skilfull master by you . When you haue made perfit your first lessō , you shal then after you haue trotted your ringes about , by the moouing of your bodie and leggs forward with a liuely spritines , thrust your horse into his galloppe , and in the same manner as you trotted your ringes , you shall now gallop them , obseruing in your gallopping the same vprightnesse ofbodie , constancie of hand , and comelinesse of legges , which you did in trotting : the stander by continually telling you of your escapes and errors . But if in this lesson of gallopping , your horse show any sloathfulnesse , you shall reuiue him with a good iert or two of your rod on the contrarie shoulder : and if he take not vp his feete nimbly and truely , you shall giue him a good clap or two with the calues of your legges vpon his sides : and when in his galloppe you stop him , you shall lay the calues of your legges to his side , and make him aduaunce . This lesson when you haue got so perfitly by long practise and reformation , that you can doe it cunningly without any disorder , your next lesson shall bee to practise to set the turne Terra , Terra , which you shal do first by walking your horse in a narrow ring , the compasse wherof is before set downe , & hauing walkt your horse three or foure times about on your right hand , you shall draw vp your bridle reines , and clapping the calue of your left legge close and hard to the horses side , make him aduaunce , and then with your bodie helping him forward , make him beare the ring round about , helping him in euerie aduaunce with the calue of your leg , & in his going forward with your body , & the sound of your voice , by crying hey , hey , or how , how : & when he hath finished his turne , thrust him into his trot by easing your hand , & then stop him , & cherrish him . This lessō you must practise til you haue it so perfit that you can make your horse do it with the least feeling of your leg that may bee , & you must alwaies obserue in this lesson , that when you begin to raise your horse , you euer let your out most legge ( which is the leg of help , fal neare to the horses side , so that when you help your horse , the motiō may be fetcht so smal away that a by stander may not behold it , and you shall make your horse doe this lesson more cherefully if in euerie motion of the horse you shake your rod ouer the horses eares , that he may heare the noise , but in any case , as you shake your rod , keepe your arme and elbowe close to your side , & not let your arme ( as if you had not the gouernment thereof ) flie at foule libertie , both to your owne disgrace and the breach of your horses time in his lessons , which is so carefully to be regarded , and is by nothing sooner broke then by the least disorder of your bodie , armes , legs , or other members . After you haue made all these lessons perfit , so that you can doe them with a good grace , you may then aduenture both to put on your spurres , and to weare yout Stirrops , , the vses , helps , and corrections of both which , and the times when you shall imploy them , are alreadie sufficiently declared ; so that for any lesson you are to practise after you come to weare spurs and stirrops , as namely Manages of all kindes , the Coruett Caprioll and other ayres aboue ground , I referre you to the former Chapters , where the manner of doing them is amply ynough set downe ; so that this which I haue alreadie writ , I thinke will bee sufficient to satisfie any ingenious scholler , who desirous to be a Horseman , is compeld to be his owne tutor . Now when you finde that you are able to ride a riden horse , both with good arte and comelinesse , if then it shall bee your chance to ride either in any assemblie , or in the presence of some great Potentate , it is not vnnecessarie for you to knowe how in such a case to behaue your selfe , and how to put your Horse to the best showe . If therefore you shal come to ride your horse before a man of worth ; if you haue libertie to chuse your ground , you shall chuse such a place as you may haue a prettie short managing furrowe in the same , and the man of reputation to stand a little distant from the midst thereof . Then you being mounted and seated in good fashion , you shall trot foorth your horse in the verie pride and gallantrie of his pace , and as you passe by the person of esteeme ; if he be either Prince , Nobleman , or a man of great place , you shall as you trot by him , with an humble bowing downe of your bodie towards the Crest of your horse ; doe him solemne reuerence , and then raysing your bodie vp straight again , you shall passe to the end of your short furrowe , where you shal presentlie set the turn Terra , Terra , single once about , and then putting your horse into the Capryol bring him in those hie faults downe the straight furrowe againe , till you come against the person of note where presentlye by the stay of your hand , you shall put your Horse into the Coruett , and so as it were in slowe motions daunce before him a little space . Then ( if he bee a Horse of greate courage ) put him into to the Galloppe Galliarde , till he come to the other end of the furrowe , and there setting another single turne Terra , Terra , at the closing vp thereof , and when the Horses head is toward the great person , you shall make him bound aloft vpon all foure , and yarke out his hinder feet withall , and so stand stil till he haue taken new breath , your selfe rubbing him vpon the necke with the great end of your rod which a horse takes great delight in , and is indeede a greate cherrishing . This done , if you bee assured of his strength , and good winde , you shall trot him towards the greate person , & there casting an indifferent ring about vpon your right hand , you shal beate the Carogolo or Snaile-turne , & when you come into the center , where the horse turnes vpon al soure , you shall not there stay him or bring him fourth of the ring , but changing your hād you shal cause him to make as many straight turns vpō your left hand , and then as before you did by degrees straighten your rings on your right hand , so you shall now inlarge them vpon your left hand , keeping one due time & measure , till you come to the place where you first began your turne , where for the finishing vp of the worke , you shal make your horse bound aloft , & yarke with al , & then stand still with your face opposd against the great person . This done , ( after your horse hath taken breath ) you shall make him retire back very swiftly , then you shal trot him forward again , euen close to the great person ; then you shall make him goe verie swiftlie sidelong from him , then you shall make him come sidelong almost to him againe . When you haue done al this , if in your horse stil remaine good strength , it shall not be amisse if you manage him vp and downe for some two turnes at most vpon a hand , vpon a loftie gallop , & in a furrow not aboue 16. yardes at the most : then stopping him directly against the person of estate , do him againe solemne reuerēce , & so depart ; for these lessons doe containe all lessons whatsoeuer , how euer the face of them doe alter ) and al art & skill that can possible be included in this maner of riding , so far forth as either mine experience vnderstands , or my wit is able to deliuer : both which I will prostitute & humbly yeelde to the controle and censure of our famous and well knowne horsemen , but armed with all violence possible against fooles , parasits and men of ostentation . The end of the second Booke . CAVELARICE OR That parte of Arte wherein is contayned the choice , trayning , and dyeting of hunting Horses , whether it be for pleasure or for wager . The third Booke . LONDON Printed for Ed. White , and are to be solde at his shop nere the little North doore of Saint Paules Church at the signe of the Gun. 1607. TO THE MOSTE NOble and moste mightie Lord , Lewes Duke of Lennox , Earle of Darnley , Baron of Tarbanton and Methuen , great Chamberlaine and Admiral of Scotland , & Knight of the moste noble order of the Garter . THe greatest and most excellent name which the famous Poet Virgil could finde out wherewith to adorne the most renown'd King Picus , was to call him a horseman : & that the Pegasian horse was not onelie fayned to be begotten by the son of Neptune , but also to be the first founder of the learned Wel and the arte of memorie : then I doubt not but this famous Arte of horse manship , which with my best indeuours I haue carefully collected , wil in your graces moste noble thoughts finde both defence and acceptance ; and rather sith it is an Arte wherin I holde your grace as excellent as any prince in Christendome ; & is such on ornament of state , that there is no actiue greatnes vnblemished which pleadeth absolute ignorance in so royal a professiō . Now albe this part of horsemā , ship , which I consecrate to your noble name , be not contained within the rules or principles of the Iralian or french riders ( who albe they can ride wel , yet are ignorant how to make a horse ride long ) yet your grace whose daylye experience and knowledge both of the worth and vse of these hunting horses can best iudge the profit of the art as wel in pleasure , as in vrgent occasiōs wil I hope neither esteeme my labour vaine , nor fruitlesse , for the cuntrie wherin I liue : & strengthning that hope with the noble fauours which you extend to your admirers , I liue to be commaunded by you . Geruase Markham . To all Hunts-men and louers of Hunting . THere is not any pleasure ( Gentlemē ) in the iudgement of my sence , which I can allow to be held equall with hunting , both for the full satisfaction it giues to the minde and bodie , and also for the noble figures and imitations it carries in the exercise of the delight , as long as it is accompained with his true members , which is a readie sent ; perfit Dogs , and aboue all a pure winded horse : for if he be wanting , the other not obseruing the leasure of your foote-steps , wil flie so fast from you , that there will be left nothing but imagination to content you ; which to preuent , and that you may enioy your delight without impeachment , I haue publisht this work ; which being purposely framde for a general good , and not a priuat vse ( as my first little treatise was ) wil ( I doubt not ) giue you all that reasonable satisfaction , which is requisite to be desired eyther in this or any thing belonging to this part of horsemanship , wherein as you shall reape profit , so let me bee repaid with thankes , that when you haue what you wish , I may not want what I desire : and so farwell . G. M. CAVELARICE . The third Booke . CHAP. 1. Of hunting Horses in generall , and of their chases . OF all the fielde pleasures wherewith olde Time and mans inuention hath blest the houres of our recreations , there is none so excellent or so worthily to be pursued as the delight of hunting , being compounded like an harmonious consort of all the best parts of most refined pleasure , as Musicke , Dauncing , Running , Ryding , Hauking , and such like ; nay , what house sport is it which hath not from it some imitatiō ; as Chesse , Cards , Tables , or any such like , where there is pursute one after another : It is the figure of a well composed battaile where the stronger chaseth the weaker to the poynt of destruction : It resembleth the state of a good common-wealth , where the vertue of the Magistrates pursue and finde out the euill pathes of their contraryes : and to conclude , being the best of sports , what should a man say more then that it is most excellent . But letting passe the maine bodie of the pastime , let vs returne to the principall member of the same , which is the hunting Horse , whose strength and puissance carries our bodies and enriches both our eyes , eares , and other senses , with all the delights that are therein conteyned . This hunting horse both for his vertue , strength , goodnesse , and indurance , I place next to the horse of seruice , for two causes . First , because themselues both for their courages , lineaments , and educations are seruiceable in the wars , & in all other places : in the warres , as in sodaine and desperate exploytes , as vpon surprises , Ambascados , long marches , or such like : or vpon discoueries , scowtes , or any thing else wherein either the strength of bodie , puritie of winde , and the puissance of his mettall is to be discorned ; In the land of peace , as vpon the necessitie of some long & tedious iourney , wherin either a mans life or estate is ingaged ; or for a mans pleasure in this sport of hunting , or for his profite , where a man hath tyed him selfe to any greate match or wager : in any of these cases it is almost a thing incredible to speake , what a good Horse being rightly dieted and kept ( and therewithall orderly trayned ) wil performe , but that in this Ilande of great Brittaine we haue before our eyes continuall and dayly witnesse ; and yet I must needes say , that if the recordes of auncient writers bee true , these horses in our daies are nothing so tough and induring as were the horses of former ages : for one authour writes , that the Sarmaria●s being intended to take vpon them any longiourney , would keep their horses fasting for two dayes before , but onely for a little comfortable drinke , and then would gallop them an hundred and fiftie myles without breathing : others tell vs other tales of as much incredulitie , of the Horses of Scithia , Greece , and Barbarie , by which wee may gather , that questionlesse Horses haue indured labours beyond imagination ; and truly in these our dayes should a man but compute and measure the many miles , the rugged and deepe wayes , and the intricate and winding passages which a hunting Horse passeth in a day in one of our English hunting matches , and therewithall takes into his consideration with what wonderfull swiftnesse , strength , and spirit they are performed , hee shall finde them little short of those olde reports , and farre beyonde eyther our hopes or expectations ; yet thus much I must let you vnderstand , that there is not any Horse which naturally out of his owne spirit , being put to his owne choyse of foode , and to the libertie of his owne order in feeding , which is able to doe the least part of those infinite labours which we see dayly performed by horses of cōtrarie keeping : neither can any horse ( how choycely fedde or dieted so euer he be ) performe any extraordinarie labour or imployment , if to the perfection of his feeding he haue not conuenient and moderate exercise ; so that in conclusion to attaine to the substance and depth of this Arte , you are first to learne by shapes , markes , and other semblances howe to chuse a Horse most fitte for this purpose of induring vnspeakable trauaile . Secondly , how to diet and keepe him that he may performe as much as is comprehended within the power eyther of his strength , spirit , or winde , without either daunger of life , or hurt of inferior member . Thirdly , and lastly , what manner of exercise is most conuenient and wholesome for perfiting and bringing to passe your owne desire in this Arte or Science . These three heades or rootes bearing vp the bodies and trees of this knowledge , from whence springs many other branches . Now for asmuch as many of our English horsmen , and those not of the Comparatiue , but Superlatiue degree , who hauing spent their dayes onely in the ryding & trayning vp of great horses for seruice , vtterly neglecting as vndesirous to knowe the secrets of this ▪ Arte whereof I meane now to intreate , and haue some of them in mine owne hearing held long ( but weake ) arguments , both against hunting and dieting of horses , may impugne and kicke against those precepts which I shall discouer , let mee vnder the reformation of their skilles be bold to tell them that such neglects takes from their Arts much reputation and glorie . For who can call himselfe master of that Arte in whose especiall principles he is vtterly ignorant ? as for example , if I haue Arte to make my horse in euery turne winding , & interchangeable motiō to exceed in nimblenesse either Cat or Munkey , and in euery bound , salt , or ayre aboue ground to outmatch either wanton Kid , or sporting Faune ; yet in the same exercise want skill , either how to preserue his wind from breaking , his grease from melting , or his spirit from tyring , I say then my first Arte were better vnlearned , then for want of this latter to doe euill by misimployment : and such are horsemen that can ride , but canot dyet . Againe La Broue , who is the grand-maister of the French Cheuelaria , and whose precepts carie generall authoritie with our English Riders , hee sayth , that for great horses for seruice in the warres there is nothing more profitable then sometimes to hunte them and ride them after swift chases , both because it makes a horse light and nimble , inabling his winde and making him fitt for trauaile , and also breedes in him a kind of ciuilitie and acquaintance with other horses , and takes from him euill thoughts and malicious humours , prouing by his proposition , that this hunting of Horses brings to a horse two benefits , that is , nimblenesse and strength , and takes from him two vices , barbarous ramegnesse and fantasticke restifnesse . Now if you will hunt your horse after swift chases , and know not how to prepare and dyet him , for such violent exercise ; I will bee your moste assured warrant , that you shall either soone spoile your horse or else behold no hunting , but your owne imaginations . Now for as much as I haue hetherto generally spoake of hunting , which word appertaines to chases of all kinds whatsoeuer , I will before I proceede any further , tell you what kinde of hunting , and which chafe is fittest for your horses strength and exercise . To tell you of all the chases , which at this day is either hunted amongst vs , or in other nations , or but to reckon halfe so many as Gesner hath collected into his volumne , as namely of the Lion , the Leopard , the Pauther and such like , were but as a priuileged Traueller , to tell you a long tale of that which rarely or neuer shall come within your experience ; and because the end of mine endeuours is the benefit of this nation , which first gaue me breath , I will trouble you with no other Chases , then those which are exercised in this kingdome , and are moste fit for men and horse to pursue . First for the Chase of the Otter , although it be a cūning chase , and exceeding pleasant to those tastes that can relish such moist delights , yet to exercise your horse therin , I much dislike , because the sent lying for the most part in the water , and he that will faithfully followe it , must hazard his horse to the danger of swimming , it cannot chuse but be both vnwholsome and vnprofitable . Next this is the chase of the Foxe or Badger , which although it bee a chase of much more , swiftnes , and is euer kept vpon the firme ground , yet I cannot allowe it , for the trayning vp of horses , because for the moste part it continues in woody and rough grounds , where a horse can neither conuenientlie make foorth his way , nor can tread without danger of stubing , or other as mischeuous inconueniences The chase which is much better then any of these , is the hunting of the Bucke or Stagge , especially if they bee not confyned within the limits of a parke or pale , but haue libertie to chuse their waies according to their own appetites , which of some Hunts-men is cald hunting at force . This chase is much better then where a Deare is kept within boundes , because when hee is so straightned , for the moste part hee keepes the thicke wood , where a horse can neither enter , nor a man take delight to follow : where otherwise when hee is at libertie , hee will breake fourth his chase into the winde , sometime foure , fiue , and sixe miles foorth-right , nay I haue my selfe followed a Stagge better then ten miles fourth right , from the place of his rousing to the place of his death , besides , al his windings , turnings , and crosse passages . This chase for the time it indures , is moste swift and violent , so that by no meanes it can be allowed off , for the trayning and bringing vp of young horses , but rather to be an exercise for a horse of staid yeares and long practise . Besides , the time of the yeare , for these chases , is from midde May , to midde September , which is the whole cōunuance of al Sommer , & the drie time of the yere , when the sun burneth hottest , and the earth is hardest , o that if a man should hunt a horse of puissance and worth , at such an vnseasonable time of the yeare , the heate of the Sunne mixt with so extream a labour , would both parch and melt him , and his own waight beating vpon the hard earth , would both surbate and bring him to an incurable lamenesse . Now you must vnderstand , that although I disalowe this Chase for the trayning vp of the best horses , yet I do not meane it should be depriued the company of horses : for being of all chases with vs the moste worthiest , and belonging onely to Princes and men of best qualitie , there is no horse too good to be imployed in such a seruice ; yet in that all noble spirits delight to keepe an order and profitable comelinesse in all their pleasures , t is fit they knowe that the Horses which are aptest and best to bee imployployed in this Chase , is the Barbarie , Ienett , or light made English Gelding , beeing but of a meane or middle stature . There is a certaine race of little Horses in Scotland , called Galway Nagges , which I haue seene hunt the Bucke and Stagge exceeding well , and indure the chase with good courage : and not any of these horses but will indure the hard earth without surbating or lamenesse , much better then horses of great puissance and strength . But to conclude , and to come the chase , which is of all chases the best for the purpose wherof we are now to intreate ; it is the chace or hunting of the Hare , which is a chase both swift , pleasant , and of long indurance ; it is also a sporte euer readie and equallye distributed , as well to the wealthie Farmer as the greate Gentleman : It hath his beginning contrarie to the Stagge or Bucke , for it begins at Michaelmas when they end , and is out of date after Aprill , when they come first in season , so that Princes , whose pleasures are their greatest labours , may with these two delightes finish vppe the yeares circuite . And this sport being a Winters sport , is so much more full of labour ; and though the deepnes of the ground shoes the horses strēgth so much the better , yet the toile is not so vtterly without ease and respit , but that by the many stops and stayes which are made therein , the horse recouers his winde , and his strength new increaseth , as when the dogs are at any default or losse , or when the sent is so colde that the Dogges cannot pursue it with any furie . These staies and recouerings of wind in the horse my maisters , the northerne riders call Sobs . If you demaund of me if you may not bring your horse as well to perfection without hunting , as with hunting , I answere no , for to toile a horse vp and downe in the field after nothing , and in no certaine way or path , where hee neither knowes whether hee labours , to what end he labors , nor when he shall finish his labouring . so to doe , I say brings to the Horse amazement , wearines , and dislike in his exercise , for as an old beaten post Iade will runne his knowne course , and stage with all courage and good spirit , yet if you put him but to twelue score beyond his Inne , or turne him into any other pathe which is out of his remembrance , will presently stand still , and tire moste shamefully : euen so the best metald Horses , if they be chast and rechaste , without either delight or some incouragement , will by degrees growe worse and worse in their labour . Now for the following of Houndes , Horses euen naturallie haue taken great delight both in their crie , and in their company , and will ( as I haue often noted ) when they haue heard the crie of houndes by pricking vppe their eares , gazing aloft , and forcing to runne or galloppe , shewe the pleasure they take therein ; and for mine owne part I haue ridden an olde hunting horse , that when pleasure and forgetfulnesse hath so rudely transported mee , that I haue vnhuntsman-like ridden in amongst the dogs , yet haue I found , that no negligence of mine could make the horse touch or treade vppon a a dogge : but shewing more loue then I did iudgement , hath contrarie to my minde shund and auoyded them : from whence I gathered , that questionlesse that horse ( and as he , so others ) take a singular delight and pleasure in the exercise . There is also another chase ( if I may without offence so tearme it ) at least a sport I am sure it is ; and that is when swift Houndes hunt a Cat , which is by some Huntsman drawne in a long string three or foure mile at the most , vppe and downe the fieldes , eyther crosse plowed landes , or thwart greene fieldes , leaping Ditches , Hedges , or other Pales , Rayles or Fences , or running thorow Waters , as the leader of the Catte shall thinke best for the aduauntage of the Horse , for whose benefite hee rydeth . This chase or sport wee here in England call a traine sent , because the sente which the Houndes hunt is trayned alongst the feildes , according to the discretion of the leader therof , and not according to the will of the beast . This chase of all chases is the swiftest , because the sente thereof is hottest , so that the Hounds runne it forth with all the power they haue , making neyther stoppe , nor stay till they eyther ouer-take the traine , or els the man stay and goe no further , insomuch that with the verye egernesse of the chase , and franticke running of the Houndes , bee they Dogges of neuer so free mouthes , yet they shall not bee able to open or spende their mouthes , or if they doe open , it will be verie seldome . This chase is altogether vsed for the tryall of matches betweene Horse and Horse , because it is euer readi● when Hates are incertaine , and the swiftnesse there●●nges a Horse sooner to the height of his speede , and ●o the sense of wearinesse , then any other whatsoeuer . It is also verie good and profitable for the trayning vp of a young Horse , after you haue brought him to cleannesse , and some little perfection of speede , if once or twice in a Weeke , at the latter ende of the day , when you haue finished the hunting of the Hare , you cause one of these traine sentes to be made , vpon such earth as your Horse takes most delight to runne vppon , and of such length as you shall thinke fitte for his strength ( the vtmost of any traine sente beeing not aboue foure myle ) and then laying on fresh dogges ( which dogges indeede should be kept for no other purpose ; for to hunt traine sent dogs with good Har●ers , they wil with their madnes and ●inging spoyle the chase ) make your Horse run the traine with good courage and liuelinesse , and so in his warmenesse trot him home . There is yet another chase which Horsemen call the Wilde-goose chase , and it is neuer vsed but in matches onely , where neither the hunting of the Hare , nor the running of traine sentes is able to decide the doubt which Horse is the better . In this case Horse-men found out ( for the auoyding of controuersie ) this chase , which is called Wilde-goose chase , resembling the manner of the flight of Wilde-geese , which for the moste parte flie euer one after another , keeping as it were an equall distance one from another : so in this chase , after the Horses are started , and haue runne twelue score , then which Horse can get the leading , the other is bounde to followe whether soeuer hee goes , and that too within a certaine distance , as within twise or thrise his length , or els to be beaten vp by the Triers which ryde by to see faire play , being Gentlemen or others chosen for the purpose . And if eyther Horse get before the other tweluescore yeards , or according as the match is made , then the hinder Horse looseth the match : And if the Horse which came first behinde , can gette before him which first ledde , then is hee likewise bounde to followe , till hee can eyther get before , or els the match bee wonne and lost . In this Wilde-goose chase , there is no order or proportion to bee vsed , but the formost Horse to leade howe and which way hee please for his best aduauntage , which is the reason that in this Wilde-goose chase there bee manie aduauntages , such as hereafter shall bee more at large delared . And thus much for the hunting Horse , and the chases fittest to be hunted . CHAP. 2. The chusing of the hunting Horse , and of his shape . ALthough some men hold an opinion that euery horse which can galloppe may bee made an hunting Horse , and albee wee daylye see that manye Horses , which indeede can doe no more but gallop ( and that not long together neyther ) are ordinarilye vsed in this exercise of hunting , yet I am of that minde , that if a Horse haue not some vertue more then ordinarie , as eyther in his swiftnesse , toughnesse , winde , or courage , that hee is not worthie the name of a hunting horse , & neither doth deserue the labour , cost , and good foode which he must eate , nor the grace to be imployed in such an honorable pastime . Now therefore to saue ill imployed cost , and the repentance which folowes houres that are in vaine wasted , you shall ( being admitted to pursue this pleasure ) bee exceeding careful in the choyce of that horse which you intend for hunting : for as before I tolde you in the breeding of horses , some are good for seruice in the warres , some for running , some for coach , some for cart , and some for the hamper , now all these in their kinds good , yet verie few excellent In generall for all these vses whatsoeuer , and those fewe which are so well compounded , both of minde and bodie , that they are fitt for any purpose , they onely and none els are most excellent for this pleasure of hunting , as hauing the strength of the warre horse , the toughnesse of the hunting horse , the good pace of the traueller , the swiftnesse of the runner , a good breast for the coach , a strong ioynt for the cart , and a backe like a beame for the hamper . But forasmuch as there be three especiall caracters or faces by which a man shall chuse a good hunting horse , to witt , his breed , his colour , and the shape of his lineaments , I will by them shew you what obseruations you shall regard when you make choyse for this purpose . And first for his breed , if he be either bastard Courser , bastard Ienet , or bastard Pollander , his breed is not amisse ; for I haue knowne of all these sortes of bastards excellent hunting horses . Now if you demaund what I meane by this worde Bastard ; it is when a horse is begotten by any ●f these Countrie horses , vpon a faire English Mare , or by a faire bred English Horse vpon any of these Countrie Mares ; but neither to flatter other Countries , nor to take from our owne that which is due vnto it , the worlde dooth not affoorde in all poyntes ( both for toughnesse and swiftnesse , being ioyned together ) a better Horse then the true bredde English Horse for hunting : which assertion shoulde I maintaine by the best proofe , which is example , I coulde repeate so manye instances as were sufficient to fill vppe the rest of this volume , but I will not at this instant bee so troublesome . Next to his breede , you are to respect his colour and markes , which forasmuch as I haue most amplie set them downe in the first Chapter of the former booke of ryding , I will referre you thereunto , and not tyer your eare with oft repetitions : your last obseruation is his shapes , which although also I haue in the other booke set downe largelie , yet I must here giue you other notes because a hunting Horse hath certaine proportions , and secrete figures , which doe more agree with goodnesse then beautie . First therefore , you shall looke to the shape and proportion of his minde , obseruing that it be milde , tractable , louing , and familiar with the man , free from dogged maliciousnesse , melancholie sullennesse , or lunaticke frenzie ; but for wantonnesse , running away , leaping , plunging , or other apish trickes ( so they proceede not from hate or enuie ) neuer respect them , for they are ( like the conditions of shrewed boyes , which we say will make good men ) no other but the faces of good spirit and courage : and beeing tempered with Arte , make the Horse not worse but much better . Now for his inwarde shape : his head should be somewhat long , leane , and large , with a spacious wide chaule , both thinne and open ; his eare if it be short and sharpe , it is best , but if it bee long and vpright , it is a signe of speede and good mettall . His foreheade long and rysing in the middest , the feather thereof standing aboue the toppe of his eye ; his eyes full and rounde ; his nostrils wyde , and without rawnesse ; his mouth large and hairie ; his throppell within his chaule as much as a man can gripe & by no means fleshly or so closed with fatnesse , that a man can hardly finde it , ( as many fine shaped Horses are : ) the setting on of his heade to his necke woulde bee strong , but thinne , so as a man may put his hande betwixt his necke and his chaule , and not Bull-cragge-like , thicke and full , that one cannot easilye discerne where his chappe lyeth , his crest strong and well rysen ; his necke straight , firme , and as it were of one peece with his bodie , and not ( as my countrey-men say ) withie craggd , which is loose and plyant . The throppellor nether part of the neck which goes from the vnder chaps to the brest , should when the horse reyneth be straight and euen , not bending like a bowe which is called cocke-throppled , and is the greatest signe of an ill winde : If the neather chaps , and that neather part of the necke also bee full of long haire , and bearded downe to the setting on of the breast , it is a signe of much swiftnesse : a broad strong brest , a short chyne , an out ribbe , a well hidden bellie , shorte and well knitte ioyntes , flat legges , exceeding shorte , straight and vpright pasternes , which is a member aboue all other to be noted : his hoofes both blacke and strong , yet long and narrow : and for his maine and taile , the thinner the more spirit , the thicker the greater signe of dullnesse ; to bee ( as some tearme it , ) sickle hought behinde , that is somewhat crooked in the cambrell ioynt , as Hares and Greyhounds are , is not amisse , though it bee a little eye-sore . And for mine owne part I haue seene many good which haue borne that proportion . And thus much for the choise of hunting horses , their breedes , colours , and outward lineaments . CHAP. 3. At what age Horses shauld hunt : of their first taking from grasse , and of their housing . ALlthough I haue often seene ( and those which followe this pleasure doe dayly see ) Horses trayned vppe to hunting at foure yeares of age , and some not so much : yet for mine owne part I woulde haue no Horse trayned in that exercise till hee bee past fiue at the least , as hauing changed all his teeth , and his ioynts beeing come to their vttermost largenesse , for to put him to the violence thereof in his former tendernesse doth not onely weaken his ioynts , and makes him putt out sorances , but also euen appaalls his minde , and takes away much of his naturall courage , bringing rhumes to the heade , stiffenesse to the ioynts , melancholy thoughts to the minde , and all other effectes of olde age , before those which shoulde bee his best dayes , come to bee numbred . Your horse therefore being full fiue yeares olde and the aduauntage , you shall take him from grasse aboute Bartholmew tide , or within a Weeke after at the furthest , for then Frosts beginning to come in ( which nippe and kill the pride of grasse , making it not so nourishing as before it was ) and the colde Deawes falling from aboue , making the Horses haire beginne to stare ( which though but fewe Horse-men regarde , yet is a rule as worthie as anie other to bee respected ) it is fitte that you suffer your Horse to runne no longer ; but in anie case take him into the Stable whilest his haire lyes smooth & close to his necke and bodie : and that his stomacke haue receyued no ill sustenance , by the rawe coldnesse of the season . When your horse is thus taken from grasse , and set vp in the Stable ( the scituation , fashion , and commoditie of which Stable , is shewed hereafter in the fift Booke ) You neede then but onely looke vppon him , and your eye will tell you whether he be fatte or no : if he be fatte , ( as of necessitie hee must bee ) hauing runne all the former Summer , vnlesse hee be vnsounde and diseased , and so not fitte for your purpose , you shall then let him stande all that night , and the next day vncloathed , and giue him no foode but a little Wheate strawe , and water , and two howers before you giue him anie water , you shall giue him foure or fiue handfulls of Rie , well sunn'd , or dried . This Rie will clense away his grasse , emptie his great bagg , and yet keepe him in good lust and spirit . The seconde day at night you shall make a Groome rubbe him all ouer with a harde wispe , and then girde about him with a Sursingle ( stopping it with soft wispes ) a single Canuasse cloath , then if his Wheat strawe bee spent , put more into his Racke , and throwe some also vnder his bodie to lye vppon , and so let him stande that night , and the nexte day also with nothing but Wheate strawe , Rie and water . The third day at night you shall rubbe him againe ouer with nothing but an hard wispe , then cloath him againe , and let him stand with nothing but wheate-straw till the next morning , at what time as soone as you come vnto him , looke first vppon his dung , and if you finde that all the dark greene colour which formerly it had , is gone , and there is no signe of grasse left in his bodie , but that now his dung is of a pale yellow colour , neither inclyning to blacknes nor drines , you shall then neither giue him any more wheate-strawe , nor any more Rie . Now by the way , although I haue giuen you this rule of giuing your horse rye , for the first three daies after hee is taken from grasse , yet you shall out of your owne discretion gouerne it according to these obseruations : First if your horse be new taken from grasse ( because all grasse is scowring ) if his dung be more soft then ordinarily other horses be , which is a signe he is of a colde constitution , & subiect to much solliblenes , you shall then forbeare the first night , to giue him any Rie at all , because nature beeing a better worke-mistris then arte , takes vpon her that labour : and if the other two daies also his bodie hold the same temper ; you shall then also forbeare giuing him any Rye , & instead therof , giue him after each watering three or foure handfuls of Oates , well dry'd and sifted , the Oates being good , sound and ful , and not like your southerne Oates light and emptie , which in the north wee call skeggs , & is the foode which onelie doth soonest deceiue a horse , but if you finde alter your horse hath stood at wheatestraw a day or more ( which indeed is a verie binding food ) his bodie begin to drie , & that his dung come from him in hard round pellets , not without much strayning , and some paine ( as you may perceiue by the thrusting out his belly ) then you shal giue him Rie in the maner before prescribed , and not otherwise , for although it bee comfortable , yet it is a kinde of scowring , and not to bee giuen to a horse in any sort , but by the way of medicine . And thus much for their age , taking from grasse , and first howsing . CHAP. 4. Of the first fortnights dyet , exercise , and dressing . WHen your horse hath his bellie taken vp , and the grasse scowred foorth , you shall then lay your hand vpon his side by his short ribbes , and to his fillets , & if you feele his fat to be soft & apt to presse down vnder your hand , you shall then knowe that his fatt is vnsound , and not good , so that the least violent exercise will soone melt it : and being once molten , if then by art , medicine and good keeping , it be not auoided or taken away , then the fat belonging to the outward partes of the body falles into his legges , making him haue swolne legges , gowtie and vnnimble , which though vnskilfull Farriers attribute too other causes , yet this and no other is the originall ; and that you may be the more assured therof , you shall know it by these obseruations : his legges will onely swell whē he standeth in the Stable , but when you ride or exercise him abroad , the more you chafe him , the more the swelling will fall , and he wil come home at night with his legges as slender as if they had no imperfection ; but the next morning they will be swelled as big as they were before . The reason heereof is this , the greasse which is falne downe into his legges , with standing still cooleth , & so coniealeth & bindeth together , with other grosse humors , ( which euer accompanie and flowe vnto the weakest parts , ) not onely stopping the naturall course of the bloode , but also occasioning paine and much swelling ; wheras when he comes to be laboured or exercised , the heate of his trauel , ( like fire to frost ) disolues what his rest had bound vp , & so melting the grease againe , dispeirses both it and the other vnwholsome humors generally into euerie member of the horses bodie which is applied with like labour ; and so his legs comes to their first smallnes : then when ●est comes again , the griefe begins againe with rather more then lesse torment , & this disease with many is held incurable , but therin they are mistaken ; yet how so euer it be to be cured , I know it is so difficult , that a man cannot haue too great a regard to preuent it . Now for the inward fat , which is that which remaines within his stomacke , in his small guts & his great bagg , if that after it be once moltē , it be not scowred & takē away , but suffered to remaine in his body & putrifie , it breedes those mortal & deadly diseases , of which a horse sildome escapes , as pestilent feauers , srettings of the guts , cōsumptions & such like . The effects of this mischiefe being not descerned or appearing to outward sence many times , til at least halfe a yere after , whence it comes to passe that 〈◊〉 of horses are lost in this kingdōe only for want of some fou●e pence cost , and a little preuention ; men oft imputing to sodaine death , witchcraft , & such like toyes , The death which themselues wilfully gaue , and might as easilie haue saued : which to preuent , you shal obserue this method ; after you haue laid your hand vpon his body , & found his fat soft and vnsound , you shall then also thrust your hand betweene his neather chappes , and if there you finde much fatnesse , greate round kirnels , or anye thicke & vndisolued substance ; you shal then know that as he is outwardly ful of vnsound fatnesse , so he is inwardly stuft with much glut and pursines , so that neither his winde can haue free passage , nor his bodie indure much labour ; your arte then must bee to harden , and make his outward fat so firme and vndisoluble , that it be a fortifier and augmenter of his strength , and to clense away his inward glut with such comfortable medicine and moderate exercise , that his winde , courage , and powres of his minde , being freed of all grosenes , may appeare in his labour to be more then redoubled ; which thus you shall doe . First you shall take away his wheate-straw , and instead thereof , you shall put into his racke a little bottle of hay , as bigge as a penny bottle in an Inne ; which hay would be sound and well gotten , yet rough , course , and not exceeding pleasant in taste ; wherby the horse taking no great delight to feede thereupon , may rather chewe & eate it to scower his teeth , then either to fill his stomacke or satisfie his hunger . Assoone as you haue taken the strawe fourth of his racke , and giuen him hay , you shall then in the morning by fiue or sixe a clocke , which is the houre your groome should come into the stable , make him after hee hath put away the horses dung , thrust vp his litter , and made his stal cleane and sweet ; take a smoothe snaffle , washt either in some fayre water , or in a little beere , and putting it in the horses mouth , turne his head to that parte of the stalle where his hinder parts stood , & there hanging the reyne vpon some pinne or hooke , placd for the purpose , First let your Groome vncloath him , then currie , rubbe , picke , and dresse him in such sort as belongs to his place and office , which manner of dressing of horses , because it is at large prefigured in the fift booke , where I onely write of those duties ; I wil in this place omit it , and referre you to that place to beholde it . When your Groome hath finished the dressing of your horse , and onely gyrtt the cloath about him with a Sursingle without any wispes ; you shall then take him foorth , and mounting vpon his backe , ride him to some faire Riuer or Spring , and there after he hath drunk , you shall gallop him vpon an easie false gallop for fiue or sixe score yardes , and then giue him winde ; then gallop him as much more , then giue him winde againe : thus you shall doe twice or thrice till you haue warmd the water in his belly , but by no meanes so much , that you may either chafe him , or wet any one hayre about him with sweate , which when you haue done , you shall pace him fayre and softly home , and when you haue brought him into the Stable , you shall make the Groome first to rub and chafe his legs with hard wispes , then to stop his Sursingle with soft wispes , then to take halfe a peck of good white Oates which are killne dryd , and sifting them well in a fine siue , that there may bee no dust left in them ; assoone as you haue taken off his bridle , and put on his coller , making the maunger cleane , put them therein , that he may eate them ; then putting his litter downe round about him , shutvp your Stable windowes close , and so depart till one a clocke in the after noone , at what time you shall come to him againe , and first making your Groome put away his dung , and what other filthynes shall bee about him ; then cause him to turne vp his cloath , and eyther with a hayre cloath , or with a wet hard wispe cause him to rubbe downe his necke , buttocks , and legges ; then let him sift another halfe pecke of Oates , and giue them to the horse , then putting downe his cloathes let him stand till it be betwixt three and foure a clocke in the after noon , at what time let the Groome come to him , & as he did in the morning , let him first put away his dūg , then put vp his litter , wash his snaffle as he did before , put it vpon his head , turn him about , then vncloath him , & as he drest him in the morning , so let him dresse him againe in the after noone , and as soone as hee is drest and his cloathes gyrt about him , you shall as you did before , take his backe , and ride him to the former drinking place , & when he hath drunke , gallop him gently as you did before , with as great care , & with not one iot of more toile to the horse , then bring him home , and as you did in the morning , so now let the Groome rub his legs , stop his sursingle , put down his litter , and giue him another halfe pecke of sifted Oates : then let him stand till it be betwixt eight and nine a clocke at night ; at what time you must come to him againe , make your Groome to put away his dung , to rubbe his head , necke , legges and buttockes , then to giue him new fresh litter , and another halfe pecke of well sifted Oates , and so to let him stand for all the night till the stext morning . Thus as you haue done this day , you shall not faile to doe euerie day for a fortnight together , wherein you are to note your howers for dressing , drinking , and exercise are two ; Morning & Euening . For feeding foure : Morning , Noone , Euening and Night . Now during this first fortnights , keeping , you are to take into your minde diuers especiall obseruations ; as first you shall obserue the nature and condition of your horse , whether hee bee louing , or churlish , fearefull or franticke , and according to his nature so to behaue your selfe vnto him ; as if hee bee louing to requite him with loue againe , and doe al things about him with gentlenes ; if he be churlish , then to doe all thinges about him with a bold courage , & a threatning voice ; shewing your selfe to be a commaunder , & giuing him no good countenance , but when he doth carry himselfe with obedience : if he be feareful , then you shall fortifie him with cherrishings , and do nothing about him rashly : & if he be franticke , you shal by your correctiō show yourselfe to be his master , & neither when you dresse him , or doe any thing else vnto him shal you come to him but with a rod in your hand . After this , you shal obserue the strength of his bodie , whether he be slowe at his meat , or retaine a good stomack ; if you perceiue he be but of a quesie and daintie stomacke , then you shall giue him the lesse at a time , and bee feeding him the oftner , but if his stomacke be strong & good , the proportion before set downe cannot be amended ; then you shal obserue the nature of his disgestion , that is , whether he holde his foode long in his bodye , or disgest and put it out more speedilye , which you shall knowe by his dunging , for if hee dung oft and moyst , then hee holdes not his foode long in his stomake : if hee dung seldome and hard , then hee keepes his foode , and t is a signe of a drie bodie . Now if hee doe holde his foode long , you shall vse once or twice a weeke , whether hee haue exercise or no exercise to giue him with his Oates a handfull or more of hempseede ; if hee doe not retaine his foode , but haue a quicke disgestion , hee is easier to worke vppon , and you shall keepe him with drie prouender . Lastly , you shall obserue whether hee bee a grose and foule feeder , or verie curious and daintie : grose and foule , that is , when hee hath no other meate , hee will eate his litter vnder him , gnawe vppon the Maunger and boardes about him , or eate mudd walles , or Thatch if any be neare him , and so feede as it were and be fat in despight both of labour & his keeper ; Curious and Daintie , that is , though you giue him neuer so good meate , keepe neuer so good howers , and let him haue neuer so much rest , or neuer so much abstinence , yet he will not eate to fill his belly ; and when hee comes to labour , hee will loose more flesh in a daies hunting , then hee will get againe in a whole weekes resting . Now if you doe finde your horse thus curious and daintie , your best course is in his daies of rest , to let him be his own dyeter , that is , you shall euer let meate lie in the maunger before him , yet change it oft ; that is , looke what you giue him in the morning , if you finde any of it in the maunger at noone , you shall sweepe it away , and sift him fresh , then that which you take away after it be well ayred & sunnd againe , will be as good as it was before ; and looke howe you doe at noone , so you may doe at euening and night also . You must also change the nature of his meate and not keepe him to one kinde of foode , but giue him sometimes Oates , sometimes bread , holding him most to that foode which hee best liketh ; you shall also in the time of his rest , let a pale of water stand by him , that hee may drinke at his pleasure , for some horses haue such hot stomacks , that if they may not almoste to euerie bit haue a supp , they cannot possibly eate ; and yet for all this you shall obserue your ordinarie howers for watering him abroad also , and vse the exercise as is aforesaid ; but if your horse be grosse , fat , and a foule feeder , which is calld a kettie horse , then after you haue done as much as is prescrybed for your daies labour , you shall not faile morning and euening , for this first fortnight to ayre him as is showed you in this next Chapter . CHAP. 5. Of the ayring of hunting Horses . THe ayring of Hunting Horses is but at three seasons onelie to be vsed : that is eyther in the first fortnight when they are first taken from grasse , at what time they are so fat and foule , that they cannot bee put to any labour without dāger : or when they are in dyet for some greate match or wager , so that they must bee kept in good breath with moderate exercise , preseruing their chiefe strength and powers till the time of their tryalls : or when a horse hath got anye straine , griefe or mischance , so that you may not ride nor galloppe him , yet you would keepe him in good breath till his sorance be amended ; vpon any of these occasions , ayring is your onelie remedie , and this it is , and thus you are to vse it . Earely in the morning a ful houre and a halfe before Sun rise , you shall come to your stable , and after you haue made your Groome to put away your horses dung , and to rub his head , necke , legges , buttocks and bodie all ouer with a hayrie cloath , then girding his cloathes about him with a sursingle , and making them fast and close before his brest , you shal then washing his Snaffle in a little bear , put it in his mouth , then bringing him foorth , take his backe , and with a faire foote-pace , ride him vp to the top of the knole of some hill , and there walk him vp & down no more but in a foote-pace , till you see the sunne bee risen vp faire in your sight , then walke him fairely home to the stable , and there let your Groome dresse him as before ; then ride him to the water , after his water galloppe him , then bring him home , rubbe him , and giue him prouēder , & vse him in althings as is before taught you ; only whē the sun , is as it were at the instant setting ; or but a litle before ; as you did in the morning , so you shall do in the euening , take him foorth & ayre him , but then you shall not goe to the hilles , but downe to somefayre valley or medow through which some riuer runs , and there alōgst the riuer side you shall ayre him at least for an houre and a halfe , & so bring him home , cause him to be well rubd & chaft , giue him a handfull or two of prouender , and then followe your former directions . During the time of your ayring your horse thus , you shall see him gape , yawne , & as it were shrugg his bodie , & take a delight & pleasure in it , you shall in ayring when your horse will at anye time take occasion to stand still , as it were to gaze about , or to listen to any thing , giue him good leaue ; and in al his ayring suffer him to take his pleasure . The profitte which doth redoūd by this ayring is this , it makes a ketty ful horse emptie both his belly & bladder ; and the sharpe ayre which in the morning is the purest vpon the tops of hils , & most cold and subtill that which comes in the euening from the humiditie of the water will so pierce into the poets of the horses bodie , that it wil euen clense & expell manie grose and suffocating humors , it doth also tēper and cleare the blood , makes the flesh firme & hard , & tēpers the fat with such good qualities , that it is nothing neare so readie to be disolu'd or molten . To conclude ; an ordinary daies hunting takes no sorer of a horse then one of these earely or late ayrings ; After you haue thus for a fortnight aplied your horse with ayrings , & moderatelye exercisd him after his drink ; then you may the next fortnight with more boldnesse aduenture him into stronger labour . CHAP. 6. The second fortnights dyet , and first hunting . AFter you haue with ayring and moderate exercise after his drinke , brought your horse to some prettie state of bodie , which is , that his flesh ouer his short ribbes , will not feele so soft , and loose vnder your hand as before it did , neither the thin part of his flanke is so thicke , and full in your gripe , as it was at his first taking from grasse , nor that you doe finde the kirnels and grosse matter gathered together vnder his neather chaps altogether so greate as at the first they were ; then you shall proceede to a more strickt clensing of his bodie after this manner . Earely in the morning about an houre or more before his accustomed time , your Grome shal come into the stable , and as soone as euer he hath put away your horses dung , hee shall looke what meate your horse hath left in his maunger , and if there bee any , hee shall notwithstanding make cleane the Maunger , and sifting the horse two or three handfuls of fresh Oates , giue him them to eate , and as soone as he hath done eating , he shall brydle him vp , turne him about , & then fall to dresse him . After he is drest , the Groome shall take a good hunting Saddle , with hansome stirroppes and strong wollengarthes , and girt it vpon the Horses backe , then he shall throwe the cloathes ouer the saddle , and so let the Horse stand vppon the Brydle , till the Houndes and your selfe are readie to goe foorth on hunting , which would be an houre or there abouts after Sun-rise at the furthest , then you shal take your horses backe , and that first day followe the houndes verie gentlie , gallopping verie sildome , and no long time together , but crossing the fieldes to your best aduantage , both obserue to make in with the Houndes at euerie default , and also to keepe your horse ( as neare as you can ) within the crie of the dogs , that he may take delight in their musicke ; and when you finde the chace to runne ouer anye faire earth , as either ouer More , Medowe , Heath , greeneswarth , or grasse leyes ; al which my Countrie men of the north call skelping earthes , because a horse may without any greate toile or paine throwe out his legges and bodie , and gallop smoothely thereupon ; you may then thrust out your horse , and for a quarter of a mile , or halfe a mile , ( according as the chace holdes out ) galloppe him faire & softly vpon the hand after the Houndes , that hee may learne how to handle his legs , how to lay his bodie , and how to change and alter his stroake according to the change and alteration of the ground , as if the ground be plaine and leuel , then to lay downe his bodie , stretch foorth his legges and to goe more speedily away , but if the ground bee ruttie and full of false treading , ( which wee call broken swarthe ) or if it bee ouer ridge and furrowe , so that the horse in his gallopping rises and falles , then hee must gather vp his bodie round & close , strike shorter and thicker , to the intent he may auoide ruttes , or setting his forefeete in the bottome of furrowes , which if at any time by mischance hee doe , yet carrying his bodie so round and vpright , hee will euer haue that strength at commaundment , that he will neither stumble nor fall ouer : to which perfection you can no way bring him , but by moderate exercise and custome , and keeping him euer within his winde , that whensoeuer he ends gallopping , hee may bee in his best strength , and haue alwayes a desire to do more then you will suffer him ; thus and by the rule of these obseruations you shall hunt your horse till it be betwixt two and three of the clocke in the after noone , at what time you shall couple vp your Hounds , and then consider the estate of your Horse , whether hee haue had anye great exercise or no ; that is , whether he haue sweat any thing or nothing ( for to sweate exceeding much the first day you must by no meanes suffer him ) and if you find he haue sweat a little , then you shall ride him gently home ; but if he haue not sweat at all , then you shall vpon some faire skelpe earth gallop him , till you make him sweat ; but you must doe it so gently , that you neither grieue him with the labour , nor make him desire the quickening of the spurre in his gallopping , but that all he doth may bee done as it were out of his own voluntarie wil & courage . When you haue made him wet the haires that are at the rootes of his eares , and some fewe vpon his necke and flanke with sweate ( which are all the places you must at first by any meanes make him sweate in ) then you shall ride him gently home : and as soone as you are lighted from his backe , you shall cause him to be set vp in the stable : then tying his head with the Bridle vp to the racke ( where there muste neither bee hay , nor any thing els ) make two groomes at the least , one of one side the horse , and another of the other , with good store of fresh stawe , which must lie vnder him , rubbe his heade and face first ; then all his foure legges , then his necke , bodie , bellie , buttockes , and generally euerie part of the Horse , till they haue not left about him any one wert or soule haire , then let them vngyrd his gyrths , and take off his Saddle , and immediately clap about his bodie and his heart two yeards of some thick strong cotton , then lay on his cloathes which ordinarily he wore , and hauing gyrt them on with the sursingle , let it bee stopt round about with soft wispes , and so let him stande for the space of two houres or more ; then you shall come vnto him and vnbridle him , and then sift two or three handfull of Oates , and mixe with them a good handfull of Hempseed , and giue it him to eate : then put into his racke a little bottell of Hay , and so let him stande till betwixt eight and nine a clocke at night , at what time comming to him , you shall giue him to drinke a sweete mash of ground mault and water luke-warme , which if at first he bee daintie to drinke on , respect not , but placing it in such sort vnder him , that hee cannot throwe it downe ; let it stand by him all night , that hee may drinke at his pleasure . Then you shall cu●e him in small peeces the valewe almost of halfe a pecke of ordinarie hunting breade ( the making and nature whereof shall bee prescribed vnto you in the nexte Chapter ) then putting another small Bottell of Hay into the racke , thrusting vp his litter hansomelye , that his bedde may be softe , and rubbing his heade , necke , and buttockes downe with a haire cloath , let him stande till the nexte morning . Now forasmuch as in this first dayes hunting , there are many obseruations to bee noted , I thinke it not amisse to giue you a tast of them before I proceed any further : first therefore you ought to obserue , that in the morning whē you come into the field , that you doe not put your horse to any gallop for at least two houres ; which time you shal spend in trotting , & walking him after the dogs , & manie times standing still , to make your horse dung , and emptie his belly , which whensoeuer he doth , you shall cherish him , and with oft standing stil , and now & then whistling your horse , doe what you can to prouoke him to pisse , ( which is the wholsomest thing of all others ) then when you finde that your horse by his oft dunging and pissing is reasonably well emptied , you may begin to gallop him in manner before shewed . Next you shall obserue the nature and inwarde qualitie of your Horse ; which is whether he bee of a temperate and sober spirit , one that will doe no more then you put him vnto , nor striue to go faster then you would haue him ; or whether he be a Horse of fierie and forward spirit , one that will chafe , frette , and sweate as much for anger that hee is kept backe and restrayned , as the other when hee is runne a whole sente and soundly spurred : if you finde him of dull and sober mettall , then you shall galloppe him the oftner , but the lesse while together , that you may bring him to a delight in hunting , nowe and then awakning him with your spurres , but by no meanes ( as I sayde beefore ) bringing him to the height of his winde , or the vttermost of his strength . But if hee he a Horse of hot and free mettall , then you shall gallop him the seldomer , but the sorer , thrusting him nowe and then vppon deepe and ouerthwart earth , that by feeling the paine of labour , and the daunger which his fierce and mad running draws him vnto when he is ready to ouerthrow in euerie furrow , hee will euen by those corrections , and the benefite of his owne knowledge , come to a more moderate temper in his running , and so much the better and sooner , if you ( as in true Art you ought to do ) by no meanes either with spurre or rod compel him to doe anye thing ; but that all the myscheefes he feeles , may onely come by his owne voluntarie furie ; you but onely giuing libertie to his frowardnesse : then you shall obserue vpon what earth he gallops most vnnimbly , and vpon that earth vse to gallop him most , yet with such leysure and gentlenesse , that hee may haue both time to know , and time to amende his fault . Lastly , you shall obserue after your Horse begins to eate bread , whether vpon that foode he be quicke or slow of disgestion , as before in the first fortnight ; and if you find that he be quicke of disgestion , that is , that he keepes his bread but a little while in his bodie ( as for the most part your fierie and free Horses doe ) then you shall but onely lightly chip your breade , and so giue it him both crust and crumme together : but if he be slow of disgestion , which is , that hee keepes his meate long in his bellie , then you shall cleaue your loaues in the middest , and giue vnto your Horse nothing but the crumme onely ; for the crumme is quick of disgestion , and soone turnes to blood , cruditie , and excrements : and the crust is slow of disgestion , and askes ( by meanes of his hardnesse and drynesse ) a double time before it be concocted . After you haue thus spent your first hunting day ; as soone as the next morning appeares , you shall come to the stable , and the first thing you doe , shall bee to make your keeper thrust the horses dung from his litter , on which you shall looke , and by treading vpon it with your feete and opening it , you shall see whether you can finde any grease eyther without or within it , or whether it be slimie or greasie outwardly ; if their be neither grease nor other slimie matter to bee perceyued , but that his dung holds the same state and colour , which formerly it did before he was hunted , then you shall know that your first dayes hunting did take nothing at all of your Horse , but that his bodie holds one certaine state still ; which is a warning vnto you that you may the next hunting day almost double your exercise ; but if you finde that there be any little grease come from the horse , or that his dung be but outwardly greasie , which you shall knowe by the shining of his dung , or by white spots , like sope spots , which you shall see within his dung , or if his dung bee of a darke colour , or harder then it was , thē you may be assured that both your horse is extreame foule , and that your labour was fully sufficient , so that the next day you hunt you shal increase his labour but a little more . When you haue taken these obseruations from his dung , you shall then make your Groome dresse him , and after hee is drest , as you did the first fortnight , so you shall then ride him to the water , galloppe him after his drinke , and then giue him either 5. or 6 , handfuls of wel sifted Oates , or a good quantite of bread cut in small peeces , which you thinke he hath best stomacke vnto , as thus , if the last meate you gaue him before were Oates then , now you shal giue him bread , if it were bread then , now Oates : for the oftner you alter , the better wil be his appetite , yet you must make bread his principall foode , because it is moste strong , most healthfull and best nourishing both of winde and body , Thus you shall keepe this day of rest as you kept him the first fortnight , the next day following you shall hunt him againe as you did the first day , onely a little increasing his toyle according to his nature , strength , and aptnesse in hunting , and when you bring him home , to obserue al the rules , dyets , keepes , foodes , and obseruations which are formerly discribed in this and the other Chapters . And thus you shall hunt your horse in this gentle maner foure times a week for a fortnight together , feeding him onelie with ordinarie bread and Oates , & giuing him no scowring , but mashes and hempseede . CHAP. 7. Of hunting breade , both ordinarie ( as for trayning of Horses ) and extraordinarie for matches or Wagers . THere is nothing dooth so much stumble mens mindes , and make them affraide of keeping hunting horses , as the verie remembrance and charge of keeping them , which by the folly of ignorant and foolish keepers , who to make the arte and secrets greater then indeede they are , or to giue a false colour to their owne knowledges ( as if in their skils were misteries beyond coniuration ) or else as I thinke , to get vnhonest polling pence to their owne purses ; they tell noble spirits , & good mindes ( whose birthes and places are farre beyond comerce with these vnder offices ( yet desire to haue euerie thing in best perfection ) of such strange and vnnecessarie expences , of such huge and monstrous proportions for foode , and such diuersities of corne , and of so much difficultie and attention , that as if a hunting horse would almoste leaue no corne for the poore to feede on ; or had a stomacke as infinite as such a keepers follye ; they make good mindes so wearie of the pleasure , and so fearefull to meddle with a charge worse then vsurie , that they by all meanes possible not shunne the sport , but say , as I haue heard some Gentlemen doe , that one Hunting horse is more chargeable thē the keeping of halfe a dozē ordinary ●ourneying Geldings ; but they are deceiued , for this I dare auouch to all the world , and I would haue all Gentlemen knowe it , that if he which vndertakes to keepe a hunting Horse , be a man skilful , honest , and of good conscience , then looke what alowāce any Nobleman , or gentleman will allowe to his footecloth or horse for his own saddle , ( which cannot be lesse then a pecke at a watering , which is two peckes a day ) that euen that allowance , and fortie shillings a yeare more , shall keepe any hunting horse whatsoeuer as sufficientlie , eyther for pleasure or else for match , as if you should alowe him ten folde double the proportion , and hee which demaunds more , wrongs both himselfe and his maister . Now he that eyther loues sport or a good horse , and wil not alowe one fortie shillings a yeare to see him in best perfection , for my part I could wish he might be depriued pleasure , and haue a torment , in my conceite worse then the rack , that is , to ride of a Iade that is tyred . But to proceede to my purpose , and that you may see the greatest charge which belongs to a hunting horse , I will followe on the manner of breade making ; and first for the ordinarie breade , which is that wherewith you must feede , the moste part of the yere : you are thus to compound it ; Take a strike of cleane Beanes , two peckes of wheate , and a pecke of Rye , grinde these together , and then sift them through a te●se , then kneade it with good store of barme and water , but let your water be scalding hot , that it may take away the strong sauour of the Beanes , when you haue knodden it well , then lay a cloath ouer it , and let it bee also well trodden , then moulde it vp into great loaues like Housholde loaues , hauing as neare as you can gesse , about a pecke in a loafe ; then bake it as you bake good houshold breade , and no otherwise , and let it bee at least two daies old before your horse taste any of it . But if the horse for whome you make this bread , be exceeding sollible and much subiect to losenes in his bodie , then you shall put in no Rye at all : but if he be of a hot body , and subiect to more then ordinarie drynesse , then you shal ouer and besides the Rye , put to the former proportion of corne , about two pound of sweete butter . The natures of the aforesaid graines are these ; First the Beanes are the moste strong and naturall foode for a Horse that can be , being neither so pursiue , fulsome , nor breeding such rawe cruditie as pease doe , & therefore where beanes are to be gott , I would haue no pease vsed . Then the wheate is comfortable , light of disgestion , & soonest couerts to good blood . Lastly the Rie is sollible & euacuating , so that being mixt with the other two graines which are drie and binding , it makes the breade of a reasonable & indifferent composition . The barme makes the bread light , so that it doth neither loade nor cloythe stomacke ; the scalding water takes away the strong sauour , and the butter is a purge comfortable , wholsome , and not against nature . This breade hath in it sufficient strength and vertue , to bring a horse to good abilitie of bodie , and purenes of winde , neither wold I haue any man either for the trayning vp of young Horses , or for the ordinarie pleasure of hunting , to vse any other breade but this onely : but if you make any match for any great wager , wherein you are to be exceeding circumspect and carefull , for in their losses doe indeed consist the charge and care of hunting horses , and to which I will neuer giue any man incouragement , yet if you haue made a match , and that your horse must be brought to the vttermost perfection that may be , then you shall make him another sort of breade somewhat finer then the former after this manner ; you shall take of cleane beanes , well dryd a strike , of oate-meale two pecks and of Rye two peckes , grinde all these together , and boult them through an ordinarie boulting cloath , then take as much new ale , and the barme beaten altogether , as will serue to kneade it , and if you will bestowe the whites of fortie egges vpon it , the breade wil be so much the better both for the horse and his winde . After the dowe hath beene well knodden with handes , you shall then cause the Baker , hauing his feete cleane scowred and washt , to goe into the trough and treade it exceedingly , then you shall couer it with cloathes , and let it lie till it swell euen to the toppe of the trough , which it will in short space doe : then kneade it againe , & so moulde it vp in great loaues as you did before with the former breade , & so bake it sufficiently , but by no meanes ouer bake it . Better breade then this cannot bee made for hunting , and though there bee some horsemen of my knowledge , which will bestowe vpon bread a great deale of more charges , as by putting hot spices and other such like toies therein , thinking that more cost brings more worshippe , yet knewe they how vilde and vnwholsome it is , surely they should neuer reape for their labours , so much as god a mercie , for take it from mee for a generall rule , whensoeuer you see any man vse spices to a hunting horse that is sound and of good constitution , he is neither good keeper , nor can giue anye good reason for his dooings , more then our common Smithes doe for their medicines , which is , they haue seene such a man doe it before them . CHAP. 8. Of all manner of purgations or scowrings that are fit for hunting horses and of their natures , vses and operations . PVrgations which are the emptiers , & voiders of all superfluous humors , which doe anoy the bodie with their euill qualities , bringing eyther sicknesse , vlcers , or mortallitie , I doe not meane amplie to dylate vpon in this chapter , because they are more properlie belonging to the sicke horse then to the sound ; and their simples so curions , strange , and violent in working , as goes beyond the skill of euerie ordinarie keeper ; and for as much as I haue in the booke of diseases spoake as much as is necessarie concerning them and their natures in case of sicknesse , I will heere onelye trouble you , with those purgatiue , receyts , which are onely meete for hunting-horses , or running horses , being sound of bodie , and in perfit strength and liuelyhood , which are cald of the Northerne men scowrings , which in true signification is the same that a purgation is , yet in that that their workings are somewhat different , because the purgation doth clense away those sicke and vnwholsome humors which are growne to an euill alreadie , the scowring none but those which in time would grow to be cōtagious , I will let onely the names holde the differences betweene them , and only heere speak of scowrings . The first scowring , & which is of al other the gentlest & most wholesome is the mash , and it is made in this manner : take a pecke of ground mault , and put it into a peale ; then take a galland and a halfe of water boyling hot from the fire , and put it to the mault , then with a staffe , mash and stirre them together at least halfe an houre , till taking the water vpon your fingar , you feele it as sweete as honye ( for euer the sweeter it is , the stronger it is ) then let it stand till it be luke warme , and then giue it your horse . This mash is to be giuen to any horse after his labour , especiallye to such as are weake or leane , for as it scowreth away molten grease and loose humors , so it comforteth the spirits and ingenders strength , it is good also for a fatt horse ( as it is before shewed you ) vpon his first labour , so that you vse with it ( as is likewise shewd you ) another scowring which is of a stronger nature , for to vse it onely of it selfe , wil feede a horse and make him more fat and pursie ; it is also exceeding good , and onely to be vsed in any sicknesse whatsoeuer , for to speake the truth of it , it is the horses o●ly Aleberrie . The next scowring is hempseede cleane drest to bee mingled with his Oates , the nature whereof is exceeding gentle and without all offenee to the stomacke , it is the best scowring to beginne with all , for it doth neither offend the horse in tasting , nor workes vpon any matter but what nature is willing to expell , and his office is only to purge the stomacke and intralls . The next scowring is , take Rosemarie and chop it verie small ; then take a quarter of a pound of verie sweete Butter , and worke them together , then breake it in peeces , and role it into sundrie pellets , somewhat bigger then the wall nuts , and then holding vp the horses head , put them gētly down his throat , then ride the horse gently vp & down halfe an houre after to make the scowring worke . This is good for a fat horse , after you haue giuen him such a sweate that you are sure you haue melted some of his inward grease , it scowreth the stomacke and intralls , and a little perfumeth the head , and wasteth the grose matter between his vnder chappes , and about his winde pipe : it is to be giuen to a horse carely in the morning when he is fasting . The next scowring is Sallet oyle halfe a pint , & of milk new from the Cowe a pinte ; brew them together , and giue it to the horse with a Horne . This scowring is much stronger then any of the former , and will in the working make a horse sicke for an houre and more , it also purgeth the stomacke , and intralls of all molten grease or other humors which former labour hath dissolued , it is best for a fat horse , especially when after you haue giuen him inward heates , and finde that out of the hardnes of his constitution , the other former scowrings will not worke , or bring any thing from him : you shall as soone as you haue giuen this scowring , ride your horse gently vp and down for halfe an houre , & then set him vp so as the horse may lye downe at his pleasure . The time to giue it is in the morning . The next scowring , is to take a pinte of muskadine , & halfe a pinte of Sallet oyle ; and mixing them together , to warme them vppon the coales , and so to giue it to the Horse with a horne . This scowring hath all the effects & vertues which Sallet oyle and milk hath , only it exceedes in this , that it is much more comfortable , & as it scowreh , so it giueth strength and lust , neither doth it leaue that flemy substance behinde which milke doth , insomuch that it is good eyther for fat horse , or for leane , ( if the leane haue any grosse humor to worke vpon ) this scowring is not amisse to bee giuen to a horse at his first taking from grasse . After he hath receiued his first sound sweat , it purgeth the intralls : the houre to giue it is earely in the morning , and his exercise to bee ridden gentlie halfe an houre after it . The next scowring is sacke a pint , and sallet oyle halfe a pint mixt together , then warm'd vpon the coales , and giuen to the horse with a horne , it is an excellent scowring and moste wholesome for any horse of what state of body soeuer he be , for it both clenseth the bodie and the head and also it cures any colde , and leaues no grosse humors that can any way trouble the winde . Now you are to note that these three scowrings last rehearsed , to witte , Sallet oyle and milke ; sallet oyle and Muskadine , and sallet oyle & Sacke , are verie carefully to be vsed and with great consideration ; as first they are not to be vsed often , but either when by outward testimonies you know that your horse is inwardly soule , and that you haue giuen him labour sufficient to disolue it , or when by apparāt heauines or other stoppings , colds , or obseruations , you see your horse begin to waxe sicke , and not otherwise : againe , you are to obserue , that if sicknes eyther by suddaine colde or other misgouerment shall happen vnto your horse when he is cleane in body from glut or fat , or if your horse be of such a sollible constitution that he is but too apt to scower ( yet necessitie compels you to vse one of these scowrings ) in such a case looke which of the scowrings you vse , and to it you shall adde at least two or three ounces of sugar-candie , so that nature hauing whereupon to worke , the medicine , shall vse his force without impediment . The next scowring is to take twentie cloues of garlick cleane pilled , and to bruse and stamp them in a woden dish , then to take a quarter of a pound of sweete butter , and to roule vpp the garlike in foure or fiue pellets bigger then wal-nuts , & so to giue them to the horse , and thrust them downe his throate : this scowring is to be giuen to any horse of what state of bodie so euer he bee , if he be subiect eyther to colde or pose in the heade , for it purgeth onely the head and winde pipes , and disolueth the grosenes betweene his chaps , the time to giue it is in the morning fasting , and to be ridden moderately halfe an houre after , and you may if you please giue it three mornings together , if either your horse haue takē any sleight colde , or that you finde the kirnels vnder his chaps are impediments to this winde . The next scowring is to mixe butter and Saunders together , and to make round pellets and giue them to the Horse , it is the same in nature and operation that butter and Garlike is , but not altogether so strong , and therefore not of so fit vse ; it onely purgeth the head , & is to be giuen with the same manner and order as the former . To put mustard seede now and then amongst your horses Oates , purgeth the horses head , giues him occasion to neese and snore , and is verie wholsome , so that if you vse it euerie day once , it cannot chuse but bring profit , and and helpe your horses winde much . The last scowring is ; take a good quantitie of boxe leaues , and put them into a pewter dish , then set them before the fier , and let them dry leasurelie , til they be so hard that you may crush them to pouder , then when they are brusd , take the same quantitie of brimstome , beaten likewise to powder , and mixe it and the boxe leaues well together , then when your horse comes in from hunting after hee is rubd , drest , and hath stood vppon the bridle a good space , then the first meate that you giue him must be a handfull or two of well sifted Oates , and a prettie quantitie of this scowring strinckled amongst them ; yet you must doe it so cunninglie and daintily , that your horse may not find fault at it , or through the sauour therof refuse his meate . This scowring purgeth the head , stomacke , and euerie part of the bodie , it killeth the Mawe-worme , bots and grubbs , which three fortes of wormes being bred in the stomack , doe exceedingly torment the hunting and running horse , because being kept so much fasting , the worme wanting humors to work vpon , doth gnawe and gripe vpon the stomacke , so that if they be not kild , the griefe of them will keepe the horse from his best doing . This scowring is especiallye to bee vsed when your horse is clensed from glutte or fatte , and when you haue him either in dyet for match or wager , it is mearely without all hurt , & hath no working in it contrarie to nature . And thus much for scowrings , their natures and opperations . CHAP. 9. The third fortnights dyet , and of the first thorrowe sweatings . AFter your Horse by thetwo former fortnights dyet , is come to so good an estate of bodie , and so well inseam'd that you finde hee is able with good strength and winde to runne vppon any reasonable and indifferent earth ) two or three mile without much sweating or blowing , if you would force h● thereunto , and that now the flesh of his bodie doth beginne to growe verie hard , his flanke thinner and cleaner thē at your second fortnights beginning , you shall then this third fortnight increase his labour , and come to aknowledge of the vttermoste of his inward powers , and how apt or fit he is , or will bee for this pleasure to which you imploy him , and you shall doe it in this sorte . According to the manner prescribed in the second fortnight . After your groome hath earelye in the morning giuen your horse a pretty quantitie of bread or wel fifted Oates , and that he hath drest him , saddld him and brydld him , you shall then take him foorth a hunting , and after you are come into the field , and that your horse hath emptied himselfe in some reasonable sorte ( which questionlesse he will haue done by that time you can possible finde a Hare , except your sport bee extraordinarily readie ) you shall the first chase the dogges break foorth , a little fauour your horse , yet not so much that you let the chace runne too farre before you , but keeping your horse vpon a reasonable gentill galloppe , followe it to the verie ending ; This first chase will ( as the northerne man saies ) racke your horses winde , and so prepare him to his labour ( with which hee hath had a little acquaintance a fortnight before ) that if at first he were not emptied enough , hee will now emptie himselfe thorowly , and make himselfe fitt for the vttermoste you can put him vnto , which done , all the day after you shal hunt him soundly , that is to say , you shall follow the houndes as close as either is fit for a good Hunts-man , or the halfe speede of your horse is able to beare you , nay if you put him to a three quarters speede it shall not be amisse ; but to put him to the vttermoste of his speede , you shall neuer do in the third fortnights trayning except you put on a resolution neuer to haue your horse good after ; if this day affoorde you such pastime , and the chaces hold out so long , & are so many that they haue put your horse three or foure times into sounde sweates all ouer his bodie ; and that you see the sweate which rises vnder the Bridle , and about the Saddle and gyrthes , to rise vpon a white foame , which is a great signe of glutt and foulnesse , then vpon the finishing of your sport , which would be about three of the clocke at the latest , you shall ride him home , and there rubbe him , drie him , and cloath him vppe warme ( as was before shewed you . ) But if your sport haue beene so slacke , that the following of the dogges hath not put your horse into any great sweat at all , then towards the euening , when it is almost time to goe home , you shall make some horseman with a Cat in a string to lead a traine sente , vppon such ground as you know your horse takes delight in , for at least three or foure mile : then laying your dogges vpon it , follow the traine with a three quarters speed till it bee ended , which will heate your horse thorowly , and then gently ride him home , and vse him as aforesaid : then two howers after , when you vnbridle him , giue him Oates and Hempseed together , which must be as a preparatiue to a stronger purgation : then giue him hay ; and before you goe to bed a mash . The next morning the first thing you doe , you shall giue your horse the scowring of butter and rosemarie : and after you haue chafed him , set him vp , and let him stande an hower or two , then giue him some bread , and about one of the clock in the after noone water him , and giue him some more bread ; then let him stande till your ordinarie hower , and then dresse him , water him , and giue him more bread or oates , and vse him in all things as formerly in his dayes of rest . The next day following take him foorth on hunting againe ; but in any case hunt him nothing so sore after the Dogges as you did the other day before , till it bee after noone , and then if you find in him good spirit and life I woulde haue you to giue him a chase or two after the Dogges soundly ; and towardes the euening to make him an other traine sente , and torunne it somwhat more thorowly then the former , that you may make him sweat hartilye ; then bring him home , rubbe him , dresse him , drie him , and cloath him vp exceeding warme : then after hee hath stoode two or three houres vpon his bridle , you shall giue him the scowring of Sacke and Sallet oyle , adding thereunto a good quantitie of Sugar-candie , or that of Muscadine and Sallet oyle , putting likewise vnto it great store of Sugar-candie : but that of Sacke , Oyle , and Sugar-candie , is much the better , especially if your Horse bee subiect eyther to colde or pose in the heade . As soone as you haue giuen him this scowring , you shall tie him so that he may lie downe , and so let him rest till nine of the clocke at night , at which time you shall giue him as much warme water as hee will drinke , and a good quantitie of breade and Oates , well sifted and mingled together : then making his bedde soft , let him rest for all that night . The next morning , as soone as you come vnto him , you shall first looke vpon his dung , whether hee haue voyded any grease or no , whether hee haue , or hee haue not , it shall bee no great matter , for the force of this last scowring will worke two , three , and sometimes foure dayes after : then whether his dung keepe the perfite colour , I or no , or whether it looke more darke or blacke , or whether it looke more redde and hie coloured . If it looke of the right colour , ( as is before shewed ) then it is a signe of health , strength and cleannesse ; if darke and blacke , then it is a signe that there is molten grease , and other ill humours in his bodie which are not scowred out , if it looke more redde and hie coloured , then it is a signe he is inwardly hot , and that his blood is a little distempered , which moderate diet , and coole exercise will soone amende ; if his dung be loose and thinne , it is a signe of weakenesse , if hard and in round pellets , then it is both a signe of a hot hodie inwardly , and that he feedes grossely , eating eyther too much hay , or els some part of his litter , which you may amend by increasing the allowance of his prouender : but if it keep an indifferent meane , betwixt both these , being neither too hard , nor too soft , but as it were like the ordure of a man , and that it stinke , and be so strong that you shall be inforc'd to burne perfumes in your stable , then is it such as it should bee , and is a signe your horse is cleane , strong , healthful , and of good courage . After you haue noted the temper of your horses body by his dung , then you shall looke into the Manger what meat he hath left vneaten : & by the computation of that which he hath left to eat ; consider how much he hath eaten ; ●han if you find he hath eaten nothing at all , or verie little ; you shall then vnderstande , that either the former dayes hunting hath dissolued much grosse matter in his bodie , vpon which the scowring working somwhat sore , makes him a little sicke , and so doth forbear his foode , or els your former dayes labor was a little more violent then in discretion it should haue beene : but which soeuer it be it matters not , for his stomacke will quickly come againe with moderat labor . If you find he hath ea●en all his prouender ; and left none in the manger , thē you must know that ouer night you gaue him not so much as you should haue done , and therefore it shall bee good that the next night you double your proportion ; for it is a principall rule you must holde in this kinde of dieting to giue your Horse euer more meate then hee will eate , and not as trauellers and Poulters doe , keepe your Horse euer with an vnsatisfied stomacke : for by that meanes being euer kept sharpe like a hauke ( as if hee laboured for his bellie ) whensoeuer hee comes to a good or full meale , he cānot chule but surfet . The keeping of a hunting horse is ( and the keeping of other horses should bee ) contrarie ; for you must by little and little giue them so much , that in the end they will eate no more , and then if you throw neuer so much before them they wil eate no more then shall suffice nature , being to themselues better phisitions then any man can bee : but if you once stint them , or keepe them hungry a meale or two , then according to the olde prouerbe , be sure the third will make a glutton : wherefore hauing by little filled your horses bellie before you serue him for all night , be sure then to giue him so much that you may find some vneaten in the morning . Now lastly , if you doe finde a little in the Maunger , so that you see he hath eaten a good proportion , then you may be assured he is strong and lustie , and hath in him no touch of sicknesse . After you haue taken these notes from his dung and meat , you shal then cause the groome to dresse him , water him , and vse him in all poynts as in his former dayes of rest , giuing him both good store meate , and chaunge of meate : that is , one while breade , and another while Oates , giuing him moste of that hee takes most affection vnto . The next day following this day of rest , you shall take your horse forth on hunting againe , but not to the ende you shall put him to anie labour , but onely to keepe him in breath , and to procure him a stomacke to his meate ; for all this day you shall not by any meanes galloppe him , except now and then fiue or sixe score yardes ; but onely trott him from hill to hill , that you may see and heare the Houndes , but not follow the Hounds , and thus spending the day till euening , bring your Horse home without hauing anie one haire wette with sweate , obseruing all he day as you ryde , as oft as your Horse doth dung , to turne about and looke vpon it , for there is no question , but that day he will voide verie much grease and filthines ; when you come home let him bee verie well rubd , drest , and warme cloath'd vp , and verie well fedd that night both with Oates and bread . As for his water , you shall that day both water him in the morning as you ride him into the fielde , and also water him in the euening as you bring him from the field , and giue him no scowring at all . The next day after this , being a day of rest and feeding , you shal vse your horse as in the daies of rest before specified , where you are onely appointed to feede hard , but to giue no scowring . In the same māner & with al the same obseruations that you haue spent this weeke , you shall also spend the next weeke following , without anye augmentation or alteration , and then be well assured you shall haue your horse in as good winde , strength , and cleannesse , as is eyther fit or necessarie for a hunting Horse , so that afterwards obseruing moderately to hunt twice or thrice a weeke according to the strength & constitution of his bodie : and euerie night when as you come from any sore hunting , to giue him hempseede & a mash . You shal keepe him all the yeare fit for your pleasure , and with out any danger either of winde breaking , bursting , blinding , foundring , or such like infirmities , make him performe in labour as much as is contained within the compasse of his power ; onely thus much you must know by the way , that after once you haue brought your horse to be cleane , which you shall perceiue both by his long induring of labour without sweating , by the clearenesse of his winde , when he will runne three or foure mile , and scarse blow at it , and also feeling his flanke to bee thinne as contayning nothing but a double skinne , and his chaps so cleane eyther from fat , glut or kirnels , that you may hide both your fists betweene them : then you must by no meanes giue him any scowring after his riding except it be nowe and then vpon some sore daies hunting , eyther a little hempseede , or else boxe leaues and Brimstone ; or if he haue a little pose in his head , then a little mustard-seede in his prouender ; other scowrings you shall vse none , vnlesse it be when there is aparant sicknes . Also after you haue made your horse cleane , you shall by no meanes , eyther through your negligence or for want of riding , suffer him to growe foule again , for so you shall be oft deceiued & procure your self a double labor , & not haue one penny cost saued . And thus much for your third fortnights dyet . CHAP. 10. Why Horses should haue their sweats after the Dogges , and of their cloathing . THere be some Horsemē which because they haue gotten particular names ; out of their ambitions , to keepe particular reputations , and to make men beleeue there is greater misteries in their doings , then indeed there is , wil whē they should giue their horse any thorow sweat either steale from companye or from the Houndes , and where no bodie may beholde them , breake into a maine chace and so giue their Horse a sweate , or else taking vnaccustomed houres , giue their horse his sweates in obscure places ; from the ground of which custome it may be that some will demaund why I doe not obserue that rule , but prescribe sweats to bee giuen after the Doges in any publique assemblie ; my answere is , that because I am not a Scholler to men , and fashion but onely to experience and reason ; therefore I eschewe all thinges wherein I can finde no probabilitie as I can neither doe in this too curious priuatnes ; or in binding my selfe to any one remote place . Now for giuing a horse his sweates after the Dogges , in that I finde much strength of reason ; as first besides the pleasure a horse naturally takes to followe houndes ( of which I haue somewhat spoken before ) the diuersitye of grounds ouer which a horse is cōpeld to run , as somtimes ouer plowd fields , sometimes ouer plaine pastures or medowes , sometimes ouer lay-lands , or vpon beaten high waies , somtimes amongst moale-hils , and sometimes amongst broken swarth's , bringes vnto him a two folde profit ; one in his experiēce by making him cunning vpon euery kind of earth , the other by strēgthning his winde & giuing him new breath ; with the alteratiōs of the ground , euery horse-man hauing this care as wel for his own safegard as his horses , not to let him run so violently vppon deepe and daungerous earthes , as vpon smooth & plaine groundes ; another reason is a horse that takes his sweates after the dogs , takes it not suddainely ; or sa a man would say with one winde , but temperately and at leasure , the horse hardly at any time running halfe a mile together without some stop or stay , for as the houndes fall in their sent , so the horse staies in their running , and recouering new breath , takes his sweate without anye sence of paine like a man that were placd in a hot-house , whereas if to his sweate should be ioynd paine and faintnesse , hee would soone take dislike in his labour , and not being a horse of approued mettall , soone fall to tyring . The last reason is , that gallopping and labouring amongst other horses , is such an encouragement and comfort , chiefly to a young horse , that he doth as it were forget his paine , & by seeing the labour of his companions ; out of an ambition , incidēt to horses , couets many times to do more then any reasonable horseman would haue him ; whereas when a man takes a contrarie course , it cannot chuse but bring foorth contrarie effects , and so swarue both from arte and reason . There is another error as grosse as the grosest whatsoeuer , which I haue seene much vsed amongst our keepers of hunting horses , and that is , as soone as they haue taken their horses into the stable , then they haue immediately laid vppon them two or three cloathes , some of canuase , some of wollen , and some of sacke-cloath , without either consideration or reason , almost thinking that a horse cannot be in good keeping , if hee bee not as it were almost ouerburdned with cloathes ; some of the best professors of this art ( in the worldes repute ) not being able to ●giue a sound reason why a horse is cloathed at all , much esse why they weare so many cloathes , except it be this , that such a Iockie , such a Florrie , or such a Lorrie did so doe , and therefore wee : which is no good reason except horses were al of one temper ; & indeed the truth is , that if a hunting horse were of that abilitie , that hee were able to indure without cloathing , it were not amisse to keepe him as thinne as may bee : but in as much as neither their bodies nor such extreame labors can indure nakednesse , I holde it moste meete , that they be cloathed ; yet would I haue them to wear no more then sufficient , nor as if they were olde , sicke or diseased , to weare furrd coates in Haruest . Nowe to know when your horse hath cloathes sufficient , or when he is too light clad , you shall keepe well this note and obseruation : when you first take your horse into the stable , you shall cloath him with a good single cloath of strong Canuas , made long and of good compasse , so that it may fould double about his hart , & come and tie before his breast hansomly : then you shall marke how his haire lies , especially vpon his necke , which at that time of the yeare muste of necessitie lie plaine and smooth : then after more sharpe weather begins to come in , if then you perceiue his haire to begin to rise or stare , then you may be assured hee feeles inward colde , and it is necessarie that his clothing bee increased , so that then I would haue you lay on another cloath , which if it bee made of woollen it is so much the better , and for any of our English horses I thinke will bee cloathing sufficient ; but if he be a horse of a more tender nature , as eyther Barbarie , Ienet , or such like , and that his haire notwithstanding still stares and standes vp ; you shall then lay vpon him another cloath , making this your rule , that till his haire lie smooth and flatte to his skinne , hee hath not cloathes inow , and when it doth lie flat though it bee but with one cloath as single as a sheete , yet it is cloathing as much as he should weare . Thus if you doe but looke into the true nature and disposition of your Horse , and obserue but the outwarde Caracters which hee will shewe you , it is almost impossible you shoulde erre in his keeping . And thus much for sweating and cloathing . CHAP. 11. Of making a hunting match , the obseruations , and aduauntages . AFter you haue made your Horse cleane within , and brought him to purenesse of wind , great strength , & able performance , when you finde he is able to indure out a dayes hunting soundly , and to take his heates and coldes stoutly , without eyther faintnesse or shrinking , which is the onely testimonie and principall vertue in a hunting horse ; and because I haue not hitherto spoken particularly of them , I will tell you before I proceede further what heats and coldes are . To endure heates and coldes , is when a horse hath run out a maine chase three or foure mile ; so that all his bodie is all ●uer of an intire sweat : thē the dogs being at default , or the traine being ended , to haue your horse in the cold fr●stie weather to stand still till that sweate be dried vpon his backe , nay sometimes till it bee euen frozen vpon his back , so that the cold may pierce him as much inwardly , as before the heat did , and then to breake forth into another maine chase , & do as much or more then he did before , his courage appearing to his rider rather to encrease then decrease . That horse which can doe thus the oftest together , is the worthiest horse , and the best to bee esteemed ; for I haue seene manye goodly horses that for the first chase , could bee held within no limits ; but after the cold hath pierst to his heart , his courage hath so failed him , that the second chase hath craued much compulsion , and in the third he hath flatly tyred , which hath only beene for want of exercise and hardning : Also if you see your horse after his heat , when hee cooles to shrinke his bodie in , and to draw his foure legs together , then be assured his courage failes him , and he will hardly endure another case after , also if in his cooling you see his gyrths wax slacker then they were at the first , so that you find his bodie and belly shrinke and grow slenderer then they were , it is the greatest signe that may bee of faintnes and tyring ; if a hotse after he comes to be cold , holde his teeth fast together , and will not open his mouth ; and if his eyes stande firme in his heade , and mooue not so quicke as their vsuall custome , both these are great signes of ●aintnesse , sicknesse and tyring . When therefore ( as I said before ) you haue brought your horse to be so cleane , that he wil both hunt , and take his heates and coldes strongly , and then also either out of his speed and swiftnesse , or out of his truth and toughnes is of sufficient power to cōmand , or at lest in an indifferēt sort to accōpany in a chase the swiftest hounds , to which you must haue an especiall regard : for there is no redier a way in the world to cousen your hopes , then by trayning your horse after slow dogs , for ouer thē he will haue such aduauntage and runne so at is owne ease , that you will imagine there is no labour too great for him ; where as when he comes to runne after swift Dogges indeede , they will drawe him vppe to such an extraordinarie swiftnesse , that not hauing beene formerly put to the like toyle , the verie inacquaintance therewith will make him tyer euen in his best strength , wherefore I woulde haue all Gentlemen that woulde as well haue good Horses as good Houndes , euer to keepe two or three couple of traynsent dogs the swiftest he can by any means attaine vnto , and according as hee findes the strength of his Horse , so to traine him once or twice a Weeke after them . Nowe if your Horse , both in your owne iudgement and in the opinion of other Horse-men haue those vertues which are fitte for a beast of best estimation : so that eyther out of your own disposition beeing desirous to gaine your Horse a particular reputation , or out of scorne to endure the braues of others chalenges , you will needes make a match or wager vppon his heade , though for mine owne part I woulde giue no Gentleman encouragement thereunto , because I haue seene in them so much breach of friendshippes , so manye iealousies , and so many deceytes , insomuch that manie times the better Horse comes from the fielde , the greater looser ; yet because such errors haue no right tytle to the sport , but onely come in by couetousnesse , and intrusion , and that manye Gentlemen notwithstanding , will make matches ; I will according to my slender skil and experience , shew you the obseruations & aduantages necessarie in matching . Wherefore , whensoeuer you make any match , you muste vndoubtedly knowe the nature , qualitie , and disposition of the Horse vppon which you presume : that is , whether he be of hott or colde temper of spirit : whether exceeding swift and not so tough , or exceeding tough , and not so speedie : then whether hee delight to labour and to I le vpon deep groundes , and to climbe hilles , or to runne vpon skelping earthes , high waies , or smooth pastures ; then whether he bee nimble of foote , so that he will runne amongst moale-hilles , down stonie crags , dangerous ruts , and vneuen waies ; or else hauing formerly beene beaten vpon his legges , cannot well indure anye but soft treading : then whether hee be of pure and strong winde , so that he wil runne a long time without sobbing , or else thick or short winded , insomuch that albe he is exceeding tough , yet he must haue manie eases in his running . According to these dispositions , you must fashion your match , and preseruing to your selfe your best aduauntages , there will be greater hope of your winning : as thus , if your horse bee of fierie and hot mettall , which for the moste part are speedie and nimble horses , louing hard & plaine earthes , and by reason of their furies sildome able to runne any long time together without some sobbe or breathing , then your best aduauntage is , if your match be to hunt the Hare first , and the wilde goose chase after , as at three or foure of the clocke in the after noone , then to ease your horse as much as you can all the day , and to let your aduersarie leade you continually , and rather to run without your law then within it , so you keepe your horse from being whipt by the Tryers : then when you come to start the wilde goose chase , to chase the fayrest earth that is within your eye , or the plainest hie way you can soonest recouer , and so thrusting your horse into his full speede , trye to winne your wager with one winde and good footemanshippe , but if that fayle you , then you must take vp your Horse , and let him galloppe as softlye as you can , yet by no meanes suffering your aduersarie to take the leading frō you , but whēsoeuer he striues for it by giuing him slippes in winding and turning , seeke to ouer toile him , and make him glad to giue ouer striuing to get the leading , which as soone as you perceiue he doth , and that hee giues as much ease to his horse as you doe to yours ; then you shal as soone as you can driue to the next hie way which leades homeward towards the stable where you keepe your horse , and then laying your spurres hard to his sides , trie againe the second time to win the wager in a foorth right chase , but if it fall againe , then the match is in some danger and the truth & toughnes onelie will be victor ▪ if your wager be to run trayne sents , ( which is not so good an aduantage for a horse of this qualitie ) your best course then is , ( if you can gette the leading of the first traine , to leade it vppon such earth that if it be possible there may be no deepe grounds or plowd fieldes within three mile of the place where you end your traine , so that when your aduersarie comes to make the second traine , he shall neither will nor chuse , but make it vpon skelpe grounds , because there is no deep earth near him , for by the order of riding , he is bound to begin wher you end : the first traine you shal forbeare to ride with any speed , which you may doe at your pleasure , if either you will lay on slow dogs , or imperfect dogges . The second traine you must be ruld by your aduersarie ; but the third traine which is your owne againe in it you may trie if you can winne the wager , especiallie where speede is the onelie thing you trust to by making the traine fit for your purpose , and laying on Dogges the swiftest you can procure . Now on the cōtrary part , if your horse be of coole spirit , reasonable speed , yet of an infinit toughnes , so that you can hardlie either ouer labour him , or ouer spurre him ; in this case you shall by no meanes agree to hunt the Hare , but onely to follow traine sents , in which keeping your aduersarie continuallie to the height of his speede , you shal either goe home a conqueror , or else bee beaten at your owne weapon , the best winde and the best truth remayning onely victor : in this case you shal except against running in a hie way aboue so manye yardes , as sometimes twentie , sometimes forty , as you can agree : you shal also agree to giue as little lawe as is possible , as thus : that one horse shall not runne short of the other ( through the whole chases ) aboue his length , or if he doe , then to bee whipt vp by the Tryer ; you shall also ( especially if your horse be gelt , and your aduersaries stond ) binde him from all reliefes and comforts ▪ as thus , that there shal be no cold water cast either vpō the horses stones , or into his mouth , nor that any traine shall be led through any water aboue setlocke deep , that no man shal cast straw , or shal pissevnder the hunting horses bellie , therby to prouoke thē to pisse also ; and such like helps which are only helps of aduauntage ; you shall also a gree vppon your place of meeting , where the first traine shall begin according to the nature of your horse , for if he be a horse of great speede , and loues smooth earth , then you shall haue your meeting amongst some light sandie fieldes , or neare some drie heathes or plaines , if he be a horse of slownes and roughnes , then in deep clay fieldes , amongst lowe groundes & rotten green swarthe ; if it be your horses winde you presume vpon a gree to haue your traines the longer : if it be his speede let them be vpon the faire ground , but if it bee his truth , then vpon the deepest & foulest you can attaine too ; a good winde would climbe many hills , but a thick wind would be kept vpō the leuel : obserue by no means when you make a match to giue any oddes of waight , for at the latter end of the day , when horses are weak , and burthen comes to bee felt , halfe a pound waight is an vnspeakable aduauntage : as for example , let a man when hee hath runne till he is wearie , but then cast away his hat , and he shall finde himselfe infinitelie refreshed ; but let him take vnto him more then he had , but the waight of a riding rodde , and hee shall finde himselfe double oppressed , to match a gelding against a stond horse , ( especially in the spring ) is a great disaduātage ; for the horse is in his prime and the gelding in his weaning . Lastly obserue to haue your ryder honest , your tryer skilfull , and your selfe patient , and be assured the horse will doe his vtmost . And thus much for matching . CHAP. 12. The dyeting of a hunting Horse for a match . WHen you haue made your horse cleane inough for ordinarie hunting , and haue out of the strong conceite of his goodnes made a match against some other horse , & haue resend ( as necessarilie you must doe ) at least a month to bring him to the best perfection ; you shal then put him into the choycest dyet , after this maner ; first you shall looke well vpon your horse , and consider in what state of bodie he is , as whether he be strong of body , that is fat , lustie , full of courage , and in the pride of lust : so that when you but leade him foorth , hee will leape and gambole about you ; or whether he be inclyning to weaknesse : that is leane of bodie , by vse of much hunting , coole in his disposition and voide of alacritie and chearefulnesse , so that he had rather stand still then either playe or vse other motion ; in which state of bodie if you finde him , then the first week you shall do nothing but feed him with ordinarie breade and Oates , especiallye with bread ; till you haue brought him to spirrit , & chearfulnes , exercising him so moderately , that albe you haue him abroad euerie day , or euerie other day at least , yet it shall bee but onelie to keepe him in wind and breath ( which must carefully be kept from corruption ) and not either to make him sweate or once to feele the paine of labour , and in this feeding him , you shall take great paines ; as beeing continunally euerie hower giuing him some thing , as either breade or well dryd Oates , and giuing it so by little and little , that you may intice him to eate a greate deale , and euer when you depart from him , to leaue meate in his maunger , & when you come and finde any left , to sweepe it away and giue him fresh , till you haue brought him to hart , and made him wanton , which done , you shall proceede to dyet him as shall be presentlie declared . But if your horse be of sufficient hart and strength in the beginning , then you shall for the first weeke hunt him three daies , that is euerie other day reasonablie soundly , in any wise obseruing both in his daies of toyle , and in his daies of rest , al the orders which are prescribed in the first week of your third fortnights keeping , mencioned in the ninth chapter ; onelie because it is to bee intended , that your horse is in a reasonable good estate of bodie alreadie , you shal giue him no scowring but box-leaues and brimstone or else either Hempseede , or mustard seede . The second weeke you shall feede him with the best breade , which in the seauenth chapter is cald breade for a match , & though you ride him on hunting euerie other day , yet you shall not gallop him much or make him sweate aboue twice that weeke , riding him more abroad to get him an appetite to his meate , then for the vse of anie labour ; and this weeke you shall giue him few or no Oates , but moste of the best breade , & for change of foode now and then of the ordinarie breade : you shall obserue this weeke to water him when you ride him abroad both at his going foorth and at his comming home , and when hee is in the stable , to haue a peale of water standing by him cōtinually , that he may drinke at his pleasure : you shall this weeke abridge him verie little of his hay , but let him haue a little bottle at due times before him , yet more for scowring his teeth then satisfying hūger . The third week you shal hunt him verie soūdly three daies , that is euerie other day , as thus : Munday , wednesday , & satterday . Now for Mūday , being the 1. day of the third week , you shal only hunt him to giue him a warme sweat & no more , which if hunting the Hare will not doe , then you shall ride him two trainesents at the least , and when you come home , keepe him warme , feede him hard with the best bread , & giue him no scowring but Box-leaues and brimstone . All Tuesday you shal let him take his rest , and feede him with the best bread in such sort as is formerly shewed you for his daies of rest , only you shal not let him go forth somuch as to the water , but water him in the house . Vpō tuesday at night , you shal apply him with bread , giuing him a little and a little at once , till it bee twelue of the clocke at night ; and if he growe wearie of the best breade then for change you shall giue him some of the ordinarie breade , and if he growe wearie of it also , then you shall giue him a few Oates . At twelue of the clock at night you shal take away his hay , and putting fresh meate in the maunger , let him rest till the spring of the day . Now you must obserue , that although I ioyne you thus almost to ceasles labour : yet my meaning is not that you should bee so much with your horse that you should giue him no time for rest or sleep ( which is a second foode vnto his bodie ) for that were absurd , but to take such fitte and conuenient times , when either your horses rest is past or that you thinke hee hath disgested that which before you gaue him : and to that end you must haue some priuate peeping hoale where you may euer see whether your horse be vpon his feete or laid downe , if he be laid downe , you shal not onelie your selfe refraine from comming vnto him , but also haue care no noise or tumult be neare the stable , and as soone as hee rises of his owne accord , you shall then goe to him , and feede him as is before prescribed . Vpon Wednesday in the morning , as soone as you come to him , you shall giue him some bread , and then let the Groome dresse him , saddle him , and bridel him ; then when you are readie to goe forth , you shall take a pinte of good Ceres Sacke , being brued with three ounces of Sugar candie , and giue it him to drinke , and then take his backe , and that day ride all chases , and at all horses , trying the vttermost both of his strength , winde and toughnes ; which if you cannot sufficiently doe with ordinarie hunting , then you shall in the latter end of the day , breake foorth into a maine chase ouerthwart the fieldes , and making your friends to ride at you with fresh horses ; that day trie the vttermoste of his power , both in speede & otherwise , & make sure that you spur him soundlie , that you may know how truly he wil stick to the spurs , if need be ; yet by the way vnderstand me not thus liberally , that I meane I would haue you ride your Horse , till either you tyer him , or make him forsake his galloppe but onely till you bring him to the height of his winde & strength , that then you may knowe thus much he wil do without the violence of any extreame compulsion ; and that when you spurre him , you feele him in crease and not diminish in his labour : when you haue thus done , & feele that if you should put him to more , then weaknes would followe : you shall take him vp , and throwing a cloath or two ouer him , you shall gentlie ride him vp and downe the field , till he be coole , and so ride him home to the stable , where cloathing and stopping him close and warme , you shall feede him with the best breade , and vse him in all thinges as you did in other former daies after sore hunting , onely no scowring but box and brimstone . All thursday and friday , you shall let him rest and tumble himselfe in the stable ; onely dressing him twice euerie day at his vsuall howers , and feeding him with the best breade as thoroughly as you can possiblie : then on Saterday you shall ride him foorth againe , but you shall not by any meanes galloppe him but onelie ride him gentlye from hill to hill , that he may stretch foorth his leggs , take the benefit of the fresh ayre , and recouer his stomack which continually feeding and lying in the house , will soone pepriue him off , you shall not this third day let him abide so long in the filde as you were formerlie accustomed , but about two a clocke at the furthest you shal bring him home , that hee may bee drest , watered , and fedde in due time ; all Sunday is a day of rest , and there is nothing to bee done , but to feede him onely ; vpon Munday in the morning , as soone as you haue fed him with breade , you shall then ride him foorth on hunting againe , but yet verie sleightly , that is , you shal gallop him verie sildome , & but a little while together , only keep him abroad to get winde & a good stomacke ; Tuesday you shall rest as before : and on Wednesday , you shall hunt him as sore as you did the Wednesday before ; or if his strength wil abide it a little more ; doing in euery thing as well in the field as in the stable , as you did the other Wednesday before , onely this Wednesday , if you finde your horse to bee of lustie and strong bodie , you shall after you come home , and haue cloathed your horse warme , giue him the scowring of Sacke , Sallet oyle and Sugar-candie , and vse him as before hath beene prescribed in the ninth Chapter , where this scowring is to be giuen . After this dayes sore hunting , and the giuing of this scowring , you shal hunt or strain your horse no more by any meanes till the match day , but onelye ride him gently abcoade after the Houndes , euery day , or euery other day to keepe him in breath , and get him a stomacke , neuer offering to gallop him : but when you find him so wantonly disposed , that euen of himself he desires to scope and play , yet then you shall forbeare , and gallop him either not at all , or so little as is possible , your whole labor being imployed by feeding to keep him in strength of bodie , and cleannesse of winde . Now when you come within three dayes of the match day , then both the groomes and the Ryder , must be verie watchful and obseruant to attend the horse both night and day , for then you shall suffer him to eate as little hay asis possible , and indeed no more then shall serue to scowre his teeth , or to prepa● is stomacke the better by the chaunge of food : ●and what meate soeuer he eateth , I would haue him either eate it out of your hand , or els to stand by and see him eate it , being euer readie whensoeuer he rises from his rest to present him fresh meate , obseruing when he refuses to eate the best bread , to giue him some of the ordinarie bread , and when he will neither eat of the best , nor of the ordinary ; thē to giue him some oats , which oats I would haue to be wel kilne dried , thē put into a sack and beaten as you beate wheate for the pot , then winow'd againe , & wel sunn'd , if he wil eat any meat at al he will eat one of these three : you shall also let him drinke verie oft , that he may thereby drink but a little at once : for to drinke much is not good , and to drinke nothing at alis the worst that may be : if he bee a horse of very grosse and foule feeding , so that he will eate his litter , & such things as are about him ; then assoone as you haue filld his bellie with good meate , you shall put vpon his head a muzel , either made of canuas , or of leather , which being like a bag with two holes against his nostrils , so that he may take his breath ( which couering all his mouth , shal keepe him that he cānot eate ) but whē you wold haue him : yet this muzell I would not haue you vse aboue a night or two before your match day ; and if your horse bee of tender and daintie stomack , then I would neither haue you vse it at al , nor at all to take his hay from him . The day before his match , I wold haue you to spend in trimming your horse as colling of his main , eares , chaps , nostrels , and fetlocks , & vpper parts of all his fourelegs , in seeing that his shooes be good , strong , light , easily and fast set on , also in annointing all his fore legs , and chaffing them with soueraigne oyntment and other medicines : all which because they most properly belong to the office of the groome or keeper , you shall find th● in the fift booke largely declared , where I onely write of that office . Now when the night before the match day is come , you shall lodge your self in the stable close by the horse ; and hauing candlelight burning , where your self may haue vse of it ( but your horse not see it ) you must be exceeding watchfull ; and as before I said , feed your horse with whatsoeuer he will best eat , as bread of any good kind , oats , otemeale , or wheat ●ares , & now and then giuing him out of your hand a lock or two of sweet hay to scowre his teeth . To euery handful of meat he eates , you shall giue him a dish-full of water : and thus you shall apply feeding of him till within two houres , or three at the most before the houre in which you are to go forth into the field , and then you shall bridle him vp , cause your groome to dresse him , and in euery point make him fit for his leading forth . And when you are at the pinch to go forth , you shall haue readie a pint of good Sacke , well brued with Sugar-candie , and instantly giue it him with a horn ; thē throwing the clothes ouer his saddle , & making thē fast hansomly about him , you shal make the groome lead him gently in his hande to the appointed place of meeting ; where when your aduersarie hath met you , and that the tryers are readie , the traine led forth , or if you hunt the Hare , the Hounds vncoopled , you shall then after you haue drawne vp your girths fast and firme ( for as touching your bridle , stirrop leathers , and other implements about your horse , you must looke to their fitnesse before you come forth of the stable ) you shall then mount vpon your horse , and so fall to your busines . CHAP. 13. Of the riding of a match and of the aduantages in ryding . FOr as much as the wel dyeting and cleane keeping of a horse , is not the onely meanes either of winning or loosing of a match , but that there must also be ioyned thereunto an especiall Arte and dexteritie in ryding , whereby through the gouerumnt of the hand , the constant carriage of the mans bodie , and the temperate disposition of the minde , neither sodainely tempted to furie ; nor to slowe in reuiuing a horse in the time of necessitie . I thinke it not amisse in this chapter to speake something touching riding , and the aduauntages therein . And because the hunting of traine sents is onelie proper to matches and no other exercise , and whosoeuer is able to ride a traine sent well , and like a Horseman , cannot but ride any chase else verie sufficientlie , I will therefore in this place suppose the match which is to be ridden to be onely , with traine sents , and a wilde-goose chase , wherefore first for the riding of a traine sent , your best aduauntage is the goodnesse of your seate by sitting firme and strongly in your saddle without eyther moouing , or iogging too and fro therin , but as if you were made of one peece with the horse to beare your selfe entirely with him in all his motions , and rather with the forwardnesse of your bodie to helpe him , then with any backward or cōtrarie gesture to appeare to be borne against your will by your horses furie ; or both loose motions , and contrarie motions are troublesome to a horse , whence it comes that for mine owne part I dislike much the custome of many of our northerne riders , who ( if you note them in matches ) will as they ride stand vp straight vpon their stirrop leathers , so that if you come behinde them , you may see day betweene their legs ; being strongly conceited , that such raysing vp of themselues , dooth ease the horse and makes him the lesse feele their burthen but they are infinitely deceiued , for such raysing vp of themselues , dooth both trouble and a maze the horse , because a man cannot stand vp stifflye on his stirroppes , but his legges perforce must touch and cleaue to the Horses sides ( as for the most part our match-hunters are ) his spurres also must needes fridge vpon his sides , which doth not onely trouble , but moue affright in the horse ; & in true rule a horsman shold neither let his spurre nor legge touch his horse ; but when he will either correct or helpe his horse . Besides , the danger in such sort of ryding is woorse then all the rest , for when a man standes vpon his stirrop leathers , and forsakes the holde of his knees , if the horse shall but chaunce either to stumble , trippe , or start in his running , the Ryder hauing forsaken the strength of his seat must of necessitie fall ouer his horses eares , and so either indaunger his necke , or the horses running ouer him . Next to the constant carriage of your bodie , you must be sure to ●arrie your armes ( chiefly from the elbowe to the shoulder ) close to your bodie , and not ( as I haue seene many of our match-hunters doe ) let them flie loosely vp and downe as if you had no commandement of them , or when you are either cast behind in a rase , or when your horses sloath craues the vse of your rod not to fetch your hand as hie as your head , to giue your blow ; and so ride lashing and lashing , as if at euery stroke you would cast your arme from your shoulder , but onely by making vse of that part of your arme from your elbow to your wrist , fetch your blow stifly and sharply , and by that means one blow shall do more good then twenty ; for it is the far fetching of the blow , but the quick deliuerie that breeds the paine of correction ; neither the number of the strokes , but the time & maner of striking ▪ for to lie beating a horse cōtinually ( as I haue seene some doe a whole sent thorow ) doth euen dull & make the horse carelesse of the rod , whē as vsing it seldom & sharply , it will make him spring and straine whilest there is life in his body . And as you thus temper your hand for yur rod , so you must also gouerne your leg & your spurre , and not for euerie sleight fault or sloath strike him with your spurs , but first helpe him with the calues of your legs , & when toile and wearines makes him carelesse of them , then you shal ad the stroake of your spurs , & when you strike do it soundly , that you may euerie time make the blood follow , and in any case neuer spur oft together in one place , for feare of making him dull vppon the spurres , nor by any meanes turne your heeles inward before the for most garth , to gripe him with your spurs of each side of the heart , which is the tenderest of all places , till it be at the verie pinch of a wager , and that the gaining or loosing of one yard of ground is the winning or losing of the match , & then you shal do it most strongly , and with al thrust your body forward with good violēce . Next these , you shal obserue to carry your bridle hād close , hard & firme , so that by no means your horse may haue liberty to run at his vtmost speed , nor yet to hould it so exceeding hard , that either you make your horse with pinching writhe his head , and giue signes of torment , or for want of conuenient libertie , to make him in his gallop to ouer-reach & strike one foot vpon another , the meane temper therefore is to bee obserued , yet for as much as the speed , or slacknes of your aduersaries riding , is an especial rule that you must follow ( for if he runne away fast , you must not ride softly ) it is necessary that your own discretion be your best guide in this matter ; onely this take for a generall rule in your riding , that by anie means when you run or gallop , you oft draw your hands vp & downe both easing and straining your bridle , to bring sweetnes to your horses mouth ; and if you find your horse presses his head much vpon your hand , & will not open his chaps , which is a great signe either of stopping of wind , or wearines , thē you shall not onlie draw vp your bridle hand , but laying your other hand also to the bridle reines , draw the snaffle to and fro in the horses mouth , which will both make him open his mouth , and giue him much comfort . Also you shal obserue , that when you ride your horse at the height of his speed , if then when you spurr him , you see him clap his eares close to his necke , and whiske with his taile , you may then be assured that he is at the vttermost he is able to do , & if you continew further to torment him , you wil either make him grow restife or else tyer suddainly ; where fore in any case when you perceiue these signes , forbeare to torment him & giuing him all the ease that is possible let the forward motiōs of your own body , & your cherefulnes vpon his backe , serue instead of a paire of spurs to quickē & reuiue him . After these obseruatiōs of your body , legs , & hands , you shal then note the groūd vpō which you do run , obseruing to restraine your horse the more vpon faire earth , because out of his owne nature hee is more willing to run fast there vpon , and to giue him a litle more libertie vpon deep earth , as well because hee may make his choice how to handle his feete thereupon for his best ease , as also because it being more full of labour , a horse is inclyned the more to fauour himself therupon , also you shal vp the hil hold your horse somwhat straight for feare of running him out of wind , & also doe the like downe the hill , least too much hast shold make him stumble & fal ouer . Next this you shal obserue the maner of the horses rūning which runs against you , & if you perceiue he be a horse of any fiery nature , t is your best aduantage to ride directly behinde him , that making a noise , and as it were euen treading vpon his heeles , you may put him into such an affright and madnesse , that you may make him only runne faster then his rider would haue him ; but also with fretting and chaffing make him hurt himselfe as much as if hee ranne at his vttermoste power ; but if your aduersarie refuse & will not let you ride iust behinde him , you shall then ( especiallye in the first traine , when hee is moste lustie ) keep him to such a slow gallop , that with his owne madnesse striuing to goe faster , you may make him ouer reach , or hew one foote ouer another , which is an ordinarie accident in matches , and at the latter end of the day , is felt to bee both painefull and hurtfull ; you shall also obserue your aduersarie well as hee rides by you , and note when and how oft he spurs , which although he thinke to doe closely and couertly that you shall not see it as by spurring vpon that side which is from you ; yet if you marke the horse , he wil tell you truely , as either by whisking his taile about , coutching down both his eares , or holding downe one of his eares , and pricking forward the other , or by writhing his bodie , or kicking his head vp suddainely ( all which are signes of spurring ) and when you doe perceiue them , and feele that your owne horse runnes freely without desire of spurre , you shall then holde your speed , & not ease it by any meanes , that thereby keeping your aduersarie vpon the spurs , you may the sooner make him wearie ; you shall also note wel the carriage of your aduersaries bridle hand , and if you see him ride with a loose raine , and his horses nose carryed straight foorth , then t is moste certaine he is at his best speede ; but if you perceiue him ride with a loose reyne , onely now and then he chockes him in the mouth with his bridle , then t is a flat signe he growes faint , and wil presentlie tyer , if you keepe on your speed still , and giue him no ease of breathing : you shall also obserue vpon what earthes he rides moste vnnimbly , and vppon that earth when you runne , you shall ride the fastest , that your aduersarie being compeld to follow you , may with stumbling and reeling either ouer reach or hurt himselfe . Now when you haue ridden all your traine sents according vnto your match , and that you are come to run the Wilde goose chase , you shall vnderstand that in ryding of it , there are diuers obseruations verie necessarie , which cannot be vsed in any of the former sents , as namely when you first start the Wilde-goose chase , and haue gotten the leading , if then as you are running vnto such groundes as shall be moste for your aduantage ; as vnto deepe and foule earthes , if your horse be strong & rough , or vnto faire skelp groundes , if your horse be swift and of fierce mettall , that then if your aduersarie haue the better winde , and vppon speede come and offer to take the leading from you , you shal then suffer him to bring his horse head within your horses flanke , and then looke on which hand he commeth , as if hee come vpon your right hand , you shall then clappe your right legge close to your horses side , & drawing your bridle hand in a little straighter , hurle your horse roundly about vpon your left hand : this is cald a slippe , and with this slippe you shall make your aduersaries horse ouer shoote you at least three or fourescore yardes , and as oft as hee striues thus , to t●ke the leading from you ; so oft giue him these slippes , till either you come into such ground as is fit for your purpose , or else your aduersarie leaue striuing against you : it is exceding good also in this case , when your aduersarie striues to take the leading from yo● if then ( hauing ground fit for your purpose , as either ditch , hedge , or such like ) you runne your horse as though you would leape ouer the hedge or ditch , and obserue that your aduersarie run verie fast , and verie neare you : then when you come euen to the brimme of the ditch , you shal hurle your horse suddenlie vpon that side which is from your aduersarie , and so runne away , and neither leape the hedge nor ditch , by meanes whereof it is great oddes , but your aduersarie comming fast after you , and being vnprepared , can neither will nor chuse but either leape the ditch , or runne into the ditch , then if he do leap it he must also leape it back again ; which double toile and double ground running , will soone bring a horse to faintnesse . Now if your horses are of such equal speedes , strengths , and toughnesse , that hauing run and gallopp whilst they are able , yet their goodnes cannot bee tride , so that they are faine to trot , nay if they come to such weakenesse that they are not able to trott , nay scarslie to walke foote pace , as I haue knowne diuers , & riddē some of those matches , then you shall be very carefull & it will aske you greate toile and much art to bring your horse to new strength , for first if you let him stand , then t is certaine he will fall downe : if you spurre him , you take away the remnant of the small courage is left him , and make him yeelde so much sooner thē he would do , if you thrust him forward with your bodie , his bodie wanting strength to answere yours , wil not be moued with the motion ; & if you strike him with your rod , you do but make his dispair the greater : wherefore in this case you haue no course but this ; first , you must sit fast , & as euen in your seate as is possible ( for the least swaruing now is the losse of the match ) and onely carrying your toes finely inward , you shall gently with the calues of your le●s apply him vpō the sides with reasonable fast motions ; which carrying in them neither torment nor trouble , will but onely keepe him mouing , that mouing will keepe him warme , and that warmth wil in the ende reuert backe to his heart , and bring him newe strength . For the reason of a horses tyring is nothing but this : when the inward heat is by the violence of extreame labour driuen into the outward parts , and there is nothing but coldnesse left to accompanie the heart , then of necessitie must folow faintnesse , then wearinesse , and lastly flat tyring . There be diuers horsmen ( of this maner of riding ) in this land , who haue better names and reputations for skill then euer I shall deserue , or am ambitious to desire , whom I my selfe haue noted in the depth of these extremities wilfully to loose their wagers , only for the want of the true vse of the hand and leg , spurring their horses whē they thought but to helpe them with the calues of their legs : & but touching them with the calues of thir legges , when they should most surest haue spurrd them : & I remember once I saw a match ridden by 2. of the best reputed horsmen of this nation , & the one of them in my conscience hath no equal ; who hauing ridden till they came to the walking , the hindermost beast neither to my sight , nor any ryders by , had any stroke of spurre to bee perceyued , yet befor they had ended walking , & during the time of walking in stead of helping his beast with the calues of his legs he spurred so vnreasonably , that one might haue washed their handes vpon the sides of the beast , so that when the leader began to get strength , and to be able to gallop , the other fell downe to the earth , where had the horsmen been of equall cunning , the hindmost had made a very iade of the formost . This digression I onely make but for your better vnderstanding , that you may knowe , that it is not sufficient to know how to rub and dresse a horse , howe to diet and make him cleane , howe to make your match , sit in your saddle , & spur him ; but you must also know how to spurre , when to spurre , how to helpe , when to helpe , and all the other rules of a good horsman , or els in your wagers to haue great disaduantage . Assoone as your match is ridden and tryed out , if you sinde there be strength in your horse , you may light from his backe , and throwing his clothes ouer the saddle , ride him gentlie home , but if he bee so weake runne that you feele him faint , you shall light from his backe , and if you can get ( as I would not haue a Horseman without it ) three or foure spoonefuls of Doctor Steuens water , and poure it into him , then rubbing him , and chasing him a little , cast his cloathes ouer him , and so ride him foftlie home . After he is come into the Stable , where hee must haue litter vp to the bellie , you shall first make the Groomes rubbe him as drie as may be , then with a little sacke heated ●ot in a porringer , you shall bathe his backe where the Saddle stood , which will keepe him from warbles ; then you shall bathe his sides where hee hath beene spurred with pisse and salte , then annoint the sore places with Turpentine and powder of Iet mingled together , then cloath him vp as warme as may bee , and after hee hath stood an boure , the first meate you giue him would bee two or three handfulls of wheate eares corne and all , then giue him a warme mash , and a bottell of hay , then anoint all his foure legs with traine oyle warm'd , and so let him stand till night , and then feede him well with breade and so rest till the next morning . CHAP. 14. The Tryars office , and the aduantages he must obserue . THese Tryers are certaine indifferent Gentlemen , chosen by both the parties that make the match , who are to see that there be faire play , and that the Articles be fully performed on both parties , each doing the best he can for the aduantage of the horse for the which he is chosen . And these Tryers should be Gentlemen that are well experienced in hunting matches , and are both good horsmen , good hunt-smen , and light burthens , for they ought to ride by the match-horses all the day long , to direct and controle the Ryders , if at anie time they ryde contrarie to the Articles , to which ende they are to haue diuers fresh horses prouided them , that when one failes they may take another . The first thing the Tryers shall doe when they come into the field , shall bee to haue the Articles read as much as concernes the ryding of the match onely , and to conceiue them so wel in their minds , that when they see anie thing done to the contrarie , they may controle or else stay the horses from ryding , till the error be either amended , or els satisfied : then after lots haue beene cast which side shall haue the leading of the first traine , that Tryer to whose lot it falles , after hee hath conferred with the Rider , and knowes the nature and disposition of his horse , hee shall appoint some discrete horsman , that is able to follow his directions to leade out the traine : he shal tell him vpon what earth he shall leade it , and howe long , or howe short he shall make it , according to the Articles . Thē after the match-horses are started , the Triers shall ryde by them , or behinde them , so it be not within a horses length , for feare of treading vppon their heeles ( which were an inexcusable errour in a Trier : and if either of the match-horses shall latch or loyter behinde , and not ride so neare as hee ought by the Articles . The Trier of the contrarie part shall first commaund him to ride nearer , which if immediatly hee doe not , then the Tryer shall ride to him , and giue the match-horse a iert with his rodde : if that preuaile not , hee shall not leaue ierting the Horse till he haue brought him within the compasse of his lawe , and then hee may beate him no more . If it happen that the match-horse which leades the way , vppon the occasion of anie turne which the traine hath made , doe turne vppon eyther hande , and then the Horse , which followes , being a good distance behinde , doe for his aduauntage seeke to crosse and thwart ouer to the formost horse ( which is most foule ryding ) and so to gaine ground : the Tryer of the contrarie part shall ryde vppe to him , and both commaund him to ryde faire , and with his Horse shoulder him vp whether he will or no , till hee come to the place where the first Horse turned , against which if the Rider striue , it is lawfull for the Tryer to take his Horse , by the heade , and make him ride his true ground , for many of those aduantages in a dayes hunting will amount to more ground , then will suffice for the tryall of the match . As sone as the traine is ended , then the Riders are to light from the match-horses ; for there is commonly allowed them betweene euery traine , halfe an hower to rub and trim their horses , & to drie away the sweate . During which time , the second traine is in making ; now it is the Tryers office whilest the horses are in rubbing , that each of them looke not to the Horse of whose side hee is chosen , but to the Horse against whom he is chosen , & to looke that the groom which rubs him vse no decit in rubbing , as to haue his hands annointed with any comfortable oyles or confections ; and then taking occasion to pull out his horses tong to stroke or wipe it , which is very foule play , and therfore helde vnlawful for any man , groom , or other , to put his hand in his horses mouth , but onely to rubbe him with woollen and linnen cloathes till hee bee drie . The Tryers shall not suffer the match-horses to bee rubbed longer then their due time ; but assoone as the houer is come , to commanud the ryders to mount , which if either of them refuse , it is lawfull for the other which is readie to ride away and leaue him : and beeing gone from him the distance which commonly is twelue score , or twentie scor , the match is wonne and lost . If in the traines there be any leapes , the Tryers shall see that if one Horse follow another , that then the hindmost horse leap in the same place where the formost did leape , or else it is lawfull to bring him backe againe ; if they ride cheeke by cheeke , then they shall leape one within a horse length of another . The Tryar shall precisely note the manner of that Horses ryding against whome he is chosen , and according to the aduauntages , which hee perceyues , so shall hee instruct the Ryder for whose side hee is chosen , as when to ride softly , when fast , when to leade , and when to followe . He shall also as hee rydes marke which grounds are best for the Horse , whose part hee takes , and which are the worst for the Horse which he is agaynst , and accordingly , so he shall appoint the making of the traines . If any traine shall bee made longer then the agreement of the Articles , either of the Tryars finding of the fault , and beeing sure it is a fault , it is lawfull for him to stay the Horse of whose syde he is , and not to suffer him to ride further in that traine ; and if the other Horse will ryde forwarde still , hee may doe it vppon his owne hazard . When al the traines are ended , and that the Wild-goose chase is begun , the Triars then shal with all faithfulnesse and care keepe the horses as neare as they can together , and if either of them shal fal short one of the other , by no means to spare whipping of the hindmost till either they bring him vp to the formost or else that the formoste getting his lawe of the hindmost , doe win the wager ; and when the Tryers shall beholde the matche brought to this exigent , then hee which is chosen for the formost horse , shall if neede require , ride to the formoste horse , and help his rider to whip him on till the wager bee wonne . The Tryers shall also during the wilde goose chase , take great care that no by stander ( as it is a common custome ) gallop his horse before the match horses , seeming as though either he rid vpon other busines , or else that his Horse runnes away with him , when as in truth he doth it to leade or dyrect one of the match horses , which hauing strength enough to runne , yet will refuse to runne except hee see some other horse leade him the way . The Tryers shall also at the latter end of the day , when horses are almost spent , take care that the throng of such as ride by , do not presse in vppon the horses , but that they may haue both libertie of way and ayre enough : for the breath of other horses is verie noysome to a horse , when he growes wearie . The last and principall note of all other which the Tryers shall take , is , when hee comes first into the field , to marke how the horse is girt , which is of the contrarye part , and by some speciall markes or obseruations about the tabs to know how his garthes do hold of one straightnes , or how they alter , for if you find after a traine or two that they growe slacker and are anye thing at all more drawne vp , it is an euill signe , but if after a traine or two more , they slacke againe the second time , or whensoeuer they slack the second time , be most certainely assured that the horse is faint , neither is he able to indure much riding after . This rule of all other is moste certaine , and doth without deceit declare a horses inward inclynation , where on the contrarie part , as long as a horse keepes his bodie , and holdes his garthes fast and straite , so long hee is euer in good strength , lust and courage . Many other obseruations there be , which for as much as they are for the moste part gouerned by the Articles and agreements of the parties which are the match makers , I thinke it not fit to trouble you with them at this time ; hoping that these alreadie declared , will be sufficient to prepare you for anye match whatsoeuer . CHAP. 15 The office of the Groome , and helpes in rubbing of hunting horses . IDoe not heere intend to speake generally of the office of the Groome of the Stable , because the fift Booke hath it at large described , but onely of that little part of his Office , which hee is to exercise in the field when a horse doth hunt any match for a wager , and that is , whereas at the end of euerie traine sent , the rider is to light from his horse , and the Groome is to rub him and drie the sweate from his bodie , I would haue euerie Groome knowe that he must prouide halfe a dozen seuerall cloathes , euerie one at least a yarde in compasse ; three being of canuas and three of good thicke cotten , all these cloathes he must a day or two before the match steepe in pisse and salt-peeter boild together , and then hang them vp in the ayre , that they may bee drie against the match day , then would I haue him haue two other cloathes , one of wollen the other of canuase , which hauing laine a day or two steeped in the same pisse and salt-peeter , hee shall carrie wet to the field , and as soone as the traine is finished , and the rider dismounted , the groomes shall first with their drie cloathes rub away all the sweate from the horses head and face , and also from his necke , bodie , buttocks , flankes , fore boothes , bellie , cods , and euerie other parte : and whilst one is busied about these vpper partes , another Groome must be rubbing his legs drie , and as soone as he hath got them drie , he shall then take his wett cloathes , and with them neuer leaue rubbing his legs , and ioyntes , till the rider bee readie to take his backe againe , and beleeue it the benefit you shall finde thus doing is more then you will well credite . Thus shall you do at the end of euerie traine , and then feare not either faintnes or vnnimblenesse in his ioynts , which of all other partes of a horses bodie , doe soonest faile him . And thus much for this part of the Groomes office , and the other knowledges appertaining to hunting horses . The end of the third Booke . CAVELARICE OR The Tracconer , Contayning the Arte and Secrets which belong to Ambling Horses , and how that pace is to be taught to any Horse whatsoeuer . The fourth Booke . LONDON Printed for Ed. White , and are to be solde at his shop nere the little North doore of Saint Paules Church at the signe of the Gun. 1607. To the Right Honorable and moste noble and mightie Lord Thomas Howard Earle of Arundel and Surrey . THere is nothing ( most noble & mighty Lord ) which hath more incited me to this weary labour ( which I hope I haue to good purpose effected ) then the grace which I haue noted 〈◊〉 your 〈◊〉 selfe and other princes of your ranke liberally bestowe vpon the Arte of horsemanshipp both by your ●wne practise and the incouragement of others , which doth not only assure 〈◊〉 that no peace shal make the glorie of wa●e neglected , but doth also make me hope to liue to see in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as famous a nurserie of horsemen and horses , 〈◊〉 euer hath be●ne 〈◊〉 in Italie or Naples , and though my boldnesse in darring to present my ruder skill to your honor able iudgement may iustly be challenged to haue no garments but a naked boldenes , yet the loue I am bound to beare to that moste honorable house ( into which you haue now moste happily planted your selfe ) I hope wil be both my defence and protection , by which I knowe you will both take delight to pardon , and my selfe be proud to esteeme myselfe your srruant . Geruase Markham . To all those which loue their ease in trauelling . AMongst all the partes or members into which the art of Horsemanship is deuided , there is none so generally followed , or hath got more professors to defend it then this arte of ambling , and yet is there no part of horsemanship more misgouerned or vildelye handl● by vnskilful workmen , through whome there 〈◊〉 not onl● multitudes of Horses spoyled & made inseruiceable , but also a great company of skilfull horsemen which knowe the true vse of Art , obscurd and kept vnder by the 〈◊〉 boastes of most ig●orant impostors , whi●h to 〈◊〉 and that euen common sen● may know how to make the best election , I haue in this treat●e following , 〈◊〉 downe the rules both of true arte and false ●actise , recon●ling them so together with the strength of my best reason● , that I doubt not but they wil giue to any peaceable 〈◊〉 a full satisfaction , in which if any man finde profit , it is the thing I onely wish them , and if they vouch safe me thanks , it is enough for my labour . And so wishing you all the ease that can be coupled to labour , I leaue you to your owne thoughts of me and of my workes . Farwell . G. M. CAVELARICE : The fourth Booke . CHAP. 1. Of ambling in generall , and of the vses and commodities thereof . I did some fewe yeares agone , partly to giue the world a little taste of that knowledge , which manye good horsemen had neglected in their writings , and partly to shew a long absent freind the remembrāce of my loue , writ a little sleight treatise touching the making of horses to amble , which because I haue found by manye of my worthie friendes gently acepted , albe the breuitie & obscuritie might well haue beene controlled ; I thought it not amisse in this booke to demonstrate the whole art in as large and ample carracters as is fit for the vnderstanding both of the better or more duller spirit , wherefore first to speake of ambling in generall , it is that smoothe & easie pace which the labour and industrie of an ingenious braine hath found out to relie●●he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 tent and diseased persons , to make women vndertake iourneying , and so by their comunity to grace societie ; to make greate men by the ease of trauell more willing to thrust thēselues into the offices of the commō wealth , & to do the poor both relief & seruice ▪ ●t makes him whom necessitie or ( as the prouerb is ) whome the deuil driues , not to be vext with two torments a troubled minde and a tormented body , to conclude , ambling was found out for the generall ease of the whole world , as long as there is eyther pleasure , comerce or trade amongst people . Now for the maner of the motion , & the difference betwixt it , & trotting , it cannot be described more plainely then I haue set down in my former treatise which is that , it is the taking vp of both the legs together vppon one side , & so carrying them smoothly along , to set them downe vpon the ground euen together , and in that motion be must lift and winde vp his fore foot some what hye from the groūd , but his ●nder foo● he must no more b●t take from the ground , and as it were sweep it close by the earth . Now by taking vp of both his legs together vpon one side , I meane he must take vp his right fo●e foote , and his left hinder foote , For as in the contrarie ●ace when a horse trots , he takes vp his feet as the Italian●aies ●aies Trauatto which is crosse wise , as the left hinder foot & the right fore foot , or the left forefoot , & the right hinder foot ; & in that motion must lift vp his hinder foot to the full height of his forefoote presenting a kinde of gallantrie or vaulting pride in his pace , so this ambling motion in his smoothe stealing away , & as it were with a soft & tender touching of the ground , ●arties his burthen away gently without shaking , For as if you preciselye marke a horse when he trots vnder a man , you shall see that the taking vp of his legges crosse wise , doth likewise aduaunce the mans bodie crosse wise , as thus : the Horse lifting from the ground his right forefoote , and his left hinder foote , rayseth with them the mans right thighe and his left buttocke , and then setting them downe together , giues as it were a kinde of iumpe to the mans whole bodie , and the higher such a horse takes vp his hinder foote the harder is his pace , for indeede it is onely the taking vp of the hinder foote , which makes the pace hard or easie , whence it comes that trotting horses which take their hinder feete gentlye , and but a little way from the ground , and so set them downe tenderly are cald easie trotting horses ▪ so ambling horses taking both their legges vppe together of one side , as the right forefoote , and the right hinder foote , doe in their motion not lift vp but carrie as it were in a dyrect line , the mans right thighe , and his right buttocke , and so setting downe his feete gently , giue the mā neither iumpe nor other distemper , but following on with his left feete likewise , carries the mans whole body away in an euen smoothnes . Now when a horse eyther for want of true teaching , or by some other naurall custome , takes vp his hinder feete in his amble eyther higher then he should doe , or sets them downe harder then hee should doe , which you shall know by the wauing or shaking of the neather part of his taile ( for when a horse goes smoothe & right , his taile wil hang straight & comelye ) thē such horses are said to roule in their pace , to be rough and vneasie amblers . Now for the first original or beginning of ambling . Plinie writes it came from that parte of the coast of Spaine , which we call Galicia , where ( saith he ) Horses doe amble naturally , and that other men & other nations frō the immitation of them ( finding the commoditie of such ease in long & teadious iourneys ( began the of compelling Horses to amble with a certaine douise made of cordes and lines se●tred and bound about horses feete , from whence I gather this , that doubtles the tramel of which I am to speake more largely hereafter , was the first and most auncientest inuention that euer was found out for the making of horses to amble , and what other deuises or wittie secondings haue since those times issued from mens braines or labors , to bring this worke to passe by any other method , I verily imagine to haue their beginnings from this , as the very fountaine from whence other men draw their riuers . Now that the horses of Galicia doe naturally amble , or that any other horse whatsoeuer doth naturally amble , as in my former small treatise , so in this I differ in the opiniō , and thinke as therin I manifest , that where foales amble , there is either some imperfection of strength , or some casuall mischance , which did alter the first determination of nature : for it is most certaine , that what horse soeuer doth amble of himselfe without either instruction or compulsion , hath either weaknesse in his bodie , or imperfection in his spirit ; so that wanting either abilitie to raise his bodie aloft forcibly , or spirit to thrust out his naturall pride gallantly , he is forcd to bring his feete to this smooth and humble passage . Now of ambles there be two sorts , a thorow amble , & a broken amble , or a certaine amble , & incertaine amble , the thorow or certaine amble is that which is contained in thorow and certaine strides where the horse passes his feete forth at the length smoothly , certainly , and with deliberation in short space , and with few paces passing ouer a good quantitie of ground , carying his burthen iust euen and without trouble ; and this amble is that which appertaines both to those horses which wee call naturall amblers , & also to those horses which being of coole and temperate dispositions , are by arte and industrie brought to be more perfite in ambling , then those which we say haue it by nature . The broken or incertaine amble is that which is contained within the compasse of the selfe same motion that the certaine amble is ; onely it is done in shart , quicke , and busie strides , a horse taking vp his feet both of one side so thicke and roundly together , that a mans eie cannot say , that his feet are downe before they bee vp againe , with many steps , & in a long time going but a litle way , which of some horsmen is called a traine , or racke , and it is neuer to be seene either in foales , vnridden horses , or horses that are of any coolnesse or sobrietie in iourneying , but for the most part it is euer in hot frantick smal naggs , which trotting exceeding well , are compelled to amble by some disorderly compulsion . It many times comes to horses by ouer-riding them ; so that through wearinesse not being able to aduaunce their bodies so lustilye as in their best strength they come to this shuffling & broken incertaine pace , which is neither amble nor trot , but a mixture of both , as taking his time keeping from trotting ; and his motion of legges from ambling , and so compound this which is called a traine or racking . Now for the horse of Galicia , that they are more subiect to this pace of ambling thē any other horses bred in spain , I am easily induced to beleeue it , because it being the coldest and most barrainest part of that continent , must by good consequence bring the weakest and woorst horses , so that wanting both the heat of the Sunne , and the nourishing benefits which other races haue , out of their want of strength they fal to the pace of ambling : & this besides we know by experience , that euen the best bred Iennets in all Spaine haue those weaknesses of i●●ts 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that a man shall not see one amongst ten , but is inclined either to a traine or amble . And yet for mine owne part should I haue writtē of the originall of ambling . I should assoone haue taken this Empire of great Britaine 〈◊〉 an example as any part of Spaine , or Galicia , holding that sure it is with vs as auncient as the vse of trauell , or the first knowledge of the first English gelding , which geldings we find more naturally addicted to ambling then any stonde horse whatsoeuer , which I take to proceed either from the impediment of their sores when they are first gelt , or else from the coolnes of their natures when those instruments of heate and lust are taken from them . Now for the vse of this pace , it is onely for longiourncys , where either our necessary busines , or seruice to the state , or any other perticular affaire calles vs foorth into the world , and makes vs change our domesticall quiet for much labor and toyle in trauaile , Now for the commoditie thereof , it is the case of our bodies , preseruing vs from aches , conunlsions , chollickes , gallings , and such like tormens : it is a maintainer of our healths by helping vs to vse the best exercise with sufferance and moderation , it is the best preseruer of our estats in this world , making vs follow our owne affaires with our owne diligence , and not like men imprisoned to trust to half speaking soliciters : to conclude take away the ambling horse , and take away the old man , the rich man , the weake man ; nay generally all mens trauells ; for Coaches a● but for streets , and carts can hardly passe in winter . And thus much for the generalitie of ambling , and the profite . CHAP. 2. Why Foales amble from their dammes and how to make them amble if they doe not . THe reasons why a Foale may amble , whē it suckes vpon the Dam , or that the first pace which it is seene to treade may bee an amble ; are many & diuers , besides those which I haue repeated in my small treatise , as namely weakenesses springing from the first generation , or conception , or else mischances in foaling , as whē a foale falles in hollowe ground , vneuen ditches , or such like vilde places , where the foale striuing to get vpon the feete , but cannot , doth beate it selfe into such weakenesse , that when it is got vpon the feete and should goe , it is not able to trot , but euen through extreame faintnesse shiftes his feete into this pace of ambling ; besides these ( as I said ) there are other more strōg causes of Foales ambling , as namely if a Foale be foaled with weake hooues , so that when it comes to stand vpon the feete , the cronets of the hoofes doe sincke inward and are painefull to the Foales going , In this case the griefe of the hoofes keepe the Foale that it cannot trot , but is forcd for ease sake to alter the natural pace , and to amble . This weakenes of the hoofes you may plainely deseerne both by the fashion of the hoofe , which will bee flat and thinne , and also by the Cronet of the hoofe , which will not bee swelling outward as it should bee , but flat and sunke inward without any semblance : and these horses for the most pare doe seldom liue long , nor haue many good conditions : another reason there is for the ambling of Foales , and that is , if any man shall come to the Mare when ●he hath newe foaled , and scaring the Mare , make the Foale start vpon it feet before it be lickt ouer , or that the soles of the hoofes are hardned ; if this hapen it is most certaine that the foale wil neuer trot , but presently falles to amble : from these & such like occasions hath sprung the opinion that Foales naturallye doe amble , and owners not seeing them haue anye other paces , strongly imagine that ambling is the childe of nature , when indeed it is the bastard , begot by mischance and weaknesse . But if it bee so , that for as much as those amblers which thus doe amble euen from the wombe of their Dams , are euer the perfitest , swistest , and most certainest in their pace , as hardly knowing , at least neuer vsing any other motion , it bee your desire to haue your Foales to amble thus vnder their Dammes , albe for mine owne part I haue little fancie or lyking therein , yet it is to be done three seuerall wayes : the first and best is , if you take a Foale when it is two or three dayes olde , and that you see it trotteth perfitely , and with a fine sharpe Butteris or pairing knife , spare the hoofe of the Foale so thinne as may bee ; so that it cannot treade vpon the ground , but with much sorenesse , and then put it to the Dam again , and you shalsee it presently through the tendernesse of the feete , refuse to trott , and instantly strike into an amble . And if after the hardning of the hoofs you find that out of spirit and courage it fall to trot again , then you shall pare the hoofes again , and so in a short time you shal see it will vtterly forget trotting . The second way but somwhat worse to make a Foale amble , is to take soft linnen ragges , and therewithall to garter vppe the Foales hinder legs , three fingars aboue the cambrell , but not to doe it verie straight , & so to let it run a week or ten daies , in which space it is most certaine the foale wil fal to a readie amble , which as soone as he doth , you shall immediatly vngarter his legges , for the vse of the garters is but only to bring him to the alteration of his pace . The third way & worst way , is to watch the mare when she is in foaling , & assoone as she hath lickt it & done her office , you shall goe vnto the foale , and before it bee able to arise from the ground , you shall with your hands , raise vp the hinder partes from the ground , making it stand vppon the hinder feete , and kneele vpon the fore knees and so staying it by the hinder loynes , compel it to rise vp before , as for the moste part oxen , and kine doe , and if a man will put anye trust in antiquitie ; This manner of raysing a Foale first from the ground , will make it amble , and for mine owne part though I haue been too scripulous to approue it , yet such strong reasons do gouerne me , that I doe beleeue it is moste possible , and as likely as either of the former which I haue experienced . Now although these three seueral practises , will bring to effect the thing you looke for , yet each of them hath their seuerall euils , and doe manye times create those mischeifes , which doe exceede and blemish the vertues for which they were first put into vse , except there bee such Arte , Iudgement , and discretion mixt with the practise , as may both warrant and defend it from following euills , As first the paring of a foales hoofes so young , and bringing him to such a tendernesse of treading , makes him euer after whilst he is a horse , soft footed , & when he comes to tread vpon stony or soft ground , you shall see him snapper and many times tread false ; onely out of the tickle and quick feeling of his feete , besides the paring a Hoofe so young makes it grow thick & flat , so that when the foale comes to be a horse , he will neither beare his shooes so well as otherwise he would haue done , but also bee much more apt to heate , surbate , or founder with sleight trauell . Now for the second practise which is the gartering vp of his hinder legges , that wil make a foale haue thicke and foure cambrels , insomuch that his ioyntes will appeare gowty and vnsuteable , especiallye if you garter any thing too strait , it is somewhat dangerous for the breeding of blood spauens in Foales , because the blood being stopt so many daies together within the veanes , doth many times corrupt and take part with other grosse humors , which are the causes of that sorance ; Lastly ( and which is the worst fault of al ) the ambling pace which is got by this experience is nothing comely to the eie , ( albe it often fal out to be most easie ) for the gartering of the foales legges , makes it cramble with the hinder pattes , and goe both crookedly and illfauouredly . Now for the last practise , which is the raysing vp of a Foale first behinde when it is new falne , besides that , it is not decent to handle or meddle with such young creatures , till their dams haue discharged their kindnesses , & that they haue taken naturall and orderly stifning : It is with horsemen held both vnwholsome and daungerous to the life of the Foale , for it is moste certaine that the cōpulsion which is therein vsed , brings the Foale to a moste extraordinarie weakenesse and faintnesse , from whence and from no other secret , proceeds the alteration of the pace : wherefore since there are thus many daungers in these two earely tryalls ; and that the working of these single benefits in foales , may lose al the future hopes and seruices which a man expects when they come to be Horses ; I would for mine owne part wish al Gentlemen , how much soeuer they are naturally inclined to their owne ease , to omit and let passe this pactising vpon foales ( except it be at some speciall time when ; for the bettering of their knowledges , they will trie the examples of their reading ) and onely to put in vse those practises which are fit for the horses of elder age , as foure , fiue , sixe , or seauen , which hauing both strength and power to performe , and abilitie of bodie and member to indure the vttermoste which arte can inuent to impose vpon them , are more worthie of your labour , and more neare to your present seruice : & of them I purpose wholy to intreate hereafter . CHAP. 3. How to teach a horse to amble by the help of a new plowde field , and the faults therin . THere both haue beene & are many questions raised ( not by horsemen , for they know the truth of art , but by such as bear the false shapes of Horsemen , as amblers , common horse breakers , ( alike in qualitie to Mountebanks & horse collers ) touching the making of horses to amble , some inuaying against one practise , some against another , neuer contented with any one certainlie , but with that which either they haue most vsed , or is last in learning , so that to reconcile them , and bring thē to an vnitie both in arte and opinion , were a labour teadious and infinite , neither will I spend mine houres so vnprofitablie : yet it is moste certaine there is but one truth and one true way to hit the marke wee shoote at , which because my knowledge shall neither bee a iudgement nor Oracle , I will not so much arrogate to say this is it , but vnfolde at large all the seuerall practises which either my selfe haue experiencd , or else noted in other mens labors , together with such errors as pursue & follow euerie such method , so that euerie ripe & industrious braine , may by comparing the fruits & faults together ; easily iudge which practise deserues the best entertainm●t & is most worthy a popular imitation ; wherfore to begin with the manner of making horses to amble , the first way that I foūd , which carried in it any substantial groūd of reason : was to make a horse amble with the helpe of a new deepe plowd fielde , where a horses legs might sinke deepe into the earth , and make his labour painefull , and it is to be done in this sorte . You shal first put into your horses mouth , ( if it be tender and good ) a Snaffle verie round , smoothe and ful , of a size somewhat bigger then an ordinarie trauelling snaffle , and with that ride your horse into some deepe new plowd field , All the way as you ride into the field , not suffering your horse to trot , but rather to go foot-pace . Adioyning to this field , you shall haue either some faire hye way , or else some plaine greene Meare , and then being vpon the hye-way , you shall plucke vp your bridle with both your handes , so that your Snaffle may not rest vpon his ch● but vppon the weekes of his mouth , and then spurring him gentlie forward , see if hee will alter his pace , which if he will not ( as it is moste likelye ) you shall then thrust him vppon the deepe landes , and there you shall toyle him vppe and downe for a quarter of an houre , in as swift a foote pace as you can make him goe , suffering him not by anie meanes to trott , although hee bee neuer so hastie , nor labouring much to make him amble though you should finde him willinglye inclyned thereunto , but onelye keeping him to the height of his foot-pace , and bearing your bridle reyne aloft as was before tolde you . After you haue thus toyled him a prety while vppon the landes , you shall then bring him to the hye way againe , and then approue to make him amble by holding vp your bridle hand , carrying the reynes thereof straite , and by helping him with the calues of your legges , one after another , and sometimes with your spurres one after another also , as thus : if when hee begins to breake and alter his pace , hee giue you now and then a little iumpe vpon your right buttocke as hee goes , then you may knowe that hee treades false with his right hinder legge , so that then you shall giue him either the calue of your right legge or your right spurre hard to his side , but if hee doe the like with his left hinder foot then you shall giue him the helpe and correction vppon the left side , for you must knowe that in ambling it is euer the hinder foote and not the fore foote which treadeth false , and if you do but preciselie marke of which of your buttockes , or of which side of your bodye you feele the moste shaking or Iogging , you shall easil●e perceiue which foot treades amisse , and therefore it is necessarie that before you take vpon you , to teach horses to amble , you be so well experienst in the knowledge & feeling of the pace , that you may at the first apprehend the least step that your horse can tread amisse . After you haue thus the second time approud your horse vpon the hye way , if yet notwithstanding he will not fall to any am●●●● , you shall then labour him againe vpon the deepe landes , in the same manner as you did before , onelye in a swift foote pace , and thus continew from the landes to the hie way , and from the hie way to the lands , without ceasing , or giuing anye rest till what through 〈◊〉 wearinesse , and what through the restraint and helpe of your hand , he in the ende breake his pace , and begin to strike an amble , which as soone as he doth , you shal cherrish him therein , and so faire and softly ride him home , giue him some prouender , and let him rest three or foure houres : then take him forth again , and if you find him anie thing vntoward , or forgetfull of what he last learned , you shall then in the same manner , and with the same labour practise him againe , till you make him doe somewhat more , and some what better then hee did at the first teaching , and then ride him home againe . In this manner you shall exercise your horse , at least thrice a day , till you haue brought him that he will strike out his amble truly and freely , which beleeue it he will verie suddenly doe , because ( for mine owne part ) I haue neither seene , nor in mine owne practise found any horse which this manner of labour woulde not bring to strike a faire amble in lesse then an hower and a halfes trouble , the toyling vppon the landes , and the temper of your hande , which neither restraines him so much that he can stand still , or vse disorder , nor giuing him so much libertie that hee may trott or gallop , breeding such a confused amazement in his minde , that hee can finde no way to ease himselfe , but by the alteration of his pace . Now whereas the principall respect a man is to haue in teaching horses to amble , is that they strike their hinder feete home , rather halfe a foote ouer , then halfe an inch short of their forefeete ; this manner of teaching doth performe it without anie trouble or toyle of the Ryder , b●cause the horse being brought to his amble out of a foote-pace , hee dooth euer strike out his feete to the vttermost length , and beginnes his ambler in the longest strides that may be . Also this kinde of instruction hath no neede of massie or heauie shooes , to bring downe the hinder feete , but the verie toyle in his foot-pace vpon the deepe earth , is as sufficient as any poyse or waight a man can deuise for the purpose . Of all the seuerall wayes to make a horse amble with the hand onely , there is none in my conceit so absolutely praise-worthie , as this : both because it deliuers the pace in easiest and best manner which is out of a foote-pace , and also is gouerned and accompanied with so many seuerall corrections , that a horse cannot so soone erre , as euen the ground on which hee treades ( which is deepe plowed lands ) and the paine of his owne motions when his feete are misplaced , will giue him notice and helpe for amendmend ; insomuch that had not mine experience waded into some better trialls , surely I should giue this method , the onely precedencie and superioritie ; but so it is , that as it hath in it good show and ground of reason ; so it hath also many errors and inconueniences depending vpon it , which dooth blemish much of the better perfection , as first the cariage of the hande , which gouerneth the whole mouth by the least and worst part of the mouth , which is the weekes onely ; doth pull the best setled reyne that is , quite out of order , and brings a horse to the putting out of his nose , a gaping with his mouth , and such a generall incertaintie ouer all his bodie , that albe you bring him to the ende you desire , which is to amble , yet he doth by the manner thereof loose so much beautie , grace , and other more carefull perfections , that a horseman will euen be ashamed of his labour . Againe , if the horse beyong and vnwayed that is thus taught , the verie toyling him vppon the deepe landes will bring him to a weakenesse in his limbes , to a faintnesse and dispaire in labour : and in steade of those incouragements which his youth and ignorance should haue giuen him such distast and griefe , that hee will bee worse for trauell whilst he liues after , yet I know this manner of teaching horses to amble , is practised by diuers men of the best fame in this arte , with whom I haue for mine vnderstanding many times argued , & though they haue beene out of their long practise only adicted to this rule and none other , yet could they not denie the incōueniences , but haue beene faine to stop my discourse with this Addage . That there is no profit without his discommodity : & hee that will haue his horse amble , must indure the inconueniences which followe ambling ; but haue esteemed their answers like their Artes , that is , to be meare deceites , Fallaces , and sophistications . CHAP. 4 Of making a horse amble from his gallop , or by ouer riding . FRom this former practise of the plowde lands ( according to my imaginatiō ) I thinke hath sprung vp this second practise of making a horse amble from his gallop , which is deriued from selfe like violence , though in another fashion : for the first doth but bring him to his amble by toyling him in his slowest pace , and this by amazing him in his swiftest ; and it is to be done after this manner . You shall first ride your Horse into some peece of ascending ground , I doe not meane against the side of any steepe hill , or vpon anic hanging ground , but vpon such ground as is onely rising apparantlie to the eie , and no more ; then putting your horse into a leasurelie gallop for some twentie or thirtie yardes , you shall vppon the suddaine by giuing him a hard chocke or two in the weeks of his mouth , not make him stoppe , but at first as it were in a confused manner , make him leaue off his galloppe & shuffle his legs disorderlie together ( which naturally euerie horse will doe ) and so by giuing him manye of those chockes and breakings off , you shall in the end feele him strike a stroake or two of a perfit amble , which as soone as you feele , you shall presently holde your bridle hand straight , and putting him forward with the helpe of your legges , or with your spurres , keepe him vnto that pace as long as you can , spurring him somewhat hard vppon that side of which you shall feele him to treade false , which is euer that which shakes your bodie moste : but when you feele him in despite both of your helpes and of your corrections wilfullye giue ouer his amble , and that he will continue it no longer , you shall then put him into his galloppe againe , and as you did before , so you shall againe the second time chocke him in the mouth and so bring him to his amble againe . This you shall doe so oft till your Horse come to the perfit vnderstanding of your minde , and that he knowes all his corrections , labours and torments onely proceed from the handling of his feete , contrarie to your disposition , which knowledge you shall easily bring him vnto , by making a difference betwixt his wel dooing & euill dooing , with cherrishings & punishings , neither animating him when hee erres , nor correcting him when hee doth as you would desire , which obseruation will so fortefie him , that through delight and feare , hee will wholy frame his actions and motions according to your will and arte in ryding . 〈◊〉 Now when you haue thus by hourely and incessant labour , brought your horse by little and little , as from one step to two , from two to three , and from three to foure , to such perfitnesse , that hee will amble some twelue or twentie score yardes vpon plaine ground well and truely , then you shall onely by exercise and riding him euery day more and more , and putting him euerie day to groundes of more incertainty and roughnes ; In the end make him so cunning and perfit , that no ground or hie way will bee too difficult for him to treade vpon : and truely thus much I must say for Ambling , that as it is a motion of all motions moste easie to be taught vnto any horse , so it is the hardest of all other lessons to be confirmed and made of continuance in any horse whatsoeuer , except there bee a certaine naturall inelynation in the horse setled & adicted to the pace of ambling , before the beginning of your labour , whēce it comes that many of our horse amblers wil make any horse amble for a small road , or the length of a faire or market , yet when he comes to incertaine waies , or long iourneyes , then he is as farre to seeke in his easie pace as if he had neuer beene taught the motiō ; wherfore mine aduice is , whē you haue brought your horse thus from his gallop , to strike an amble ( which euen nature it selfe driues him into ) that you bee not too hastye either to put him vnto foule , ruttie , or rough waies , or by iourneying to ouer toile him in that he hath but newly learnt , till by former exercise and increasing by degrees , you finde him both apt & able to performe as much as you shal put vnto him . This method of teaching I haue seene pursued by sundrie of this profession : and haue heard many arguments in defence of it , against other manner of instructions , but for mine owne part I thinke of it as I thinke of the former , that the toile is vnorderlye , the vnderstanding thereof thrust into a horse barbarouslye , and the good effects , which it should worke , are both in certaine and void of continuance ; it doth , as the method before described doth ; that is marre the horses mouth , disorder his reyne , & takes from him all the beauties of a good countenance , it puts a Horse in great danger of ouer-reaching and striking one foote vpon another , from whence many times comes Quitter-bones , Crowne-scabbes and such like sorances , which are euer to be auoided , where there is a better way to compasse that which we labour for . To this manner of teaching horses to amble I may verie well ioyne another , which many yeares agone I sawe practised by a Scottish Ryder , whome then ( in my first beginning ) I had heard great cōmendations of for this art ; so that whē I foūd him curious to shoe me hisskil , I haue watchd and dogd him in priuate to take notes from his riding ; and I found his order to make a horse amble was first to ride his horse into some deepe new plowde field , and there to galloppe him vp and downe till the horse for want of winde was not able to galloppe any longer , then eo giue him breath , and so to galloppe him againe til he found the horse grow faint , & then to bring him from the lands , and in some euen faire way , to put him to amble , by the straitning his bridle hand , & holding vp his head aloft , so that the horse might not well see the way before him . The wearinesse he had formerly brought the horse vnto , vpon the deepe lands , would make him vnwilling to trot , the straytning of his head , & putting ●im forward with his spurs , would thrust him faster forward then footepace , and the want of seeing his way , would make him take vp his forefeete in such a fashion , that hee could well vndertake no pace but ambling : this I haue seene him doe twice and sometimes thrice a day , so that what horse soeuer he began with all in the morning , hee would euer make amble before night , by which meanes he got much fame and wealth : but for mine owne part , although I know there is nothing bringes a horse sooner to amble then wearinesse and ouer-riding , yet that it should be my practise to instruct horses by such a rule , I cannot but infinitelie dislike it , and it needes no further discommendations then the bare title it moste properlie beares , which is to make horses amble by ouer riding them ; and surely I thinke it was first found out , either by some chollericke person , who seeking to make his horse amble by one of the former rules , and finding him not at the first dash to answere his expextation ; hath presentlie out of his furie falne to spurre and galloppe him whilst hee could stand , and so almost tyring his horse , hath vpon his wearines , ( as all horses are ) found him a great deale more willing to amble ; or else it hath proceeded from such a one who riding some long iourney vpon a trotting horse in hard waies , hath when the horse was wearie ( as it is the propertie of all horses ) found him of his owne accord alter his pace , and fall to plaine ambling ; but whosoeuer or how soeuer it is or was found out , for mine owne part . I cannot either commend , or giue alowance vnto it , onely for your satisfaction deliuer the maner thereof , that when your own desire shal take from you the beleefe of reason , you may then out of your owne experience , either allow or disalow what heerein hath beene dylated vnto you . And thus much for this kinde of ambling which procedes from the worst violence . CHAP. 5. How to make horses to amble by the vse of waights . NOt farre different in nature , though much more temperate in qualitie is this manner of teaching horses to amble by the vse of poise or waight , for albe it doe not wearie a horse in bodilye labour , yet it wekens & makes feeble his mēbers by suffering an extremitie greater then his strength is able to contend with , for if his burthē be kept within the ability of his power , then it workes no new thing , but keepes him still in the state of his first creation ; whence it comes to passe that if you will make a horse amble by waight , either that weight must exceede in massines , or troublesomnesse , or else no more preuaile , then if such weight were not vsed at all . This manner of ambling is verie generally vsed in this kingdome by sundrie professors , yet not all of one fashion ; but according to the humors or inuentions , so the manner thereof doth alter : for I haue seene one horseman bring his horse to amble by waight after this manner : he hath first caused to bee cast in the fashion and compasse of a pasterne , greate rowles or wreathes of leade of the weight of some sixe pound a peece , and lapping them in listes and wollen cloath hath made them fast about the neathermoste ioyntes or pasternes of the horses hinderlegges , and then riding the horse abroad , haue with the helpe of their bridle hand , as is explaind in former Chapters , tride to alter the Horses pace , but if they haue found that either the horses courage , or the smoothnes of the way , hath made the horse either not feele , or not respect the waights , but to holde the trotting pace stil , then they haue with those waights ridden the horse into some deepe new plowde fielde , and there with the waights about his heeles to labour him vpon a fwift foote pace , till the horse out of his wearinesse hath altered or at least shufled his feete so confusedly together , that he hath gon betwixt an amble & a trot , then the rider hath brought him into the plaine way , where the horse hath had libertie to cast foorth his legs , & there with his hand hath put him into his amble , which presentlie I haue seene the horse vndertake , for what through the waights about his legs , and the wearines hee was formerly put vnto , it is impossible the horse should trott , and so by lirtle and little the rider incouraging him , and the horse feeling the ease of the amble to bee much more then his trott , I haue seene many horses made verie perfit and readie in the pace . Other Horsemen I haue seene , which to make their horses amble , haue laide graite waights vpon the hinder partes of the horse aboue his fillets iust behind the Saddle , as namely the waight of ten or twelue stone , and so to ride him first in deepe high way , or plowed ground , & if he do trot away with any lightnesse then to augmēt the waight , til he begin to solter or strike his feet false , and then to bring him into some plaine high way , & there to put him into his amble with the helpe of his hād and legs , checking him in the mouth with the bridle , and spurring him vpon that side of which you feele his hinder foote treade the oftest false , the waight which is vsed for this purpose is most commonly earth , leade , or some such heauie stuffe : then needeth little or no art to bee vsed in this maner of teaching , more then to haue this discretion , that though the waigh be more then the horse with cōuenience can beare , yet not to be so much as to bruse his limbes , albe such mischiefes oft spring frō such teaching ; you must also when you teach a horse thus to amble by waight , let him haue verie little rest , but be ryding and exercising him euerie houre or once in two houres at the furthest , and as hee becomes perfit in his pace , so by degrees to make his burthen lesse and lesse , til he will amble verie readilie without anye more waight then the rider onlie , & thē by little & little to traine him vpon rough & vncertaine waies as somtimes vp the hill , somtimes down sometimes orethwart landes , or ouer layes or drie furrowes , & whē he knowes how to take his way vponsuch vneuennes ; then you may presume his cunning is sufficient . This manner of teaching a horse to amble , is both easie & certaine , yet in my iudgemēt not of such valew as is worthie of any painefull imitation , because the dangers and inconueniences which doe attend it are more then may be tollerated in so smal a benefit , for first besides the manner of the toile which is vppon deepe landes , and so hath al the mischiefes which are formerly spoken of , the waightes also which are to bee borne vppon the hinder pasternes , doe not onelye beate and bruse the Sinewes in those partes , but also vppon the least slippe or false treading doe hazard those straines which are sildom or neuer cured . Then for the waights which are to be laide vpon his backe , which must so farre exceede as to alter a horses pace , a man shall hardly carry that temper either of iudgement or hand , as to poise him o a dew proportiō , & then if he exceed he either breaks the backe , swaies the backe , or brings him to the consumption of the backe , and if he make it but a little to iight , he either wastes his labour to small purpose , or else brings to the pace a hacling & vncomelines , how euer , this is certaine , that a horse which is trayned to his amble by weight , hath euer for the moste part danger or disorder brought to his hinder partes ; besides , the horse that is thus to be trained , must be of such a colde and frozen nature , that hee will neither start at boggard , stirre with the spurre , or bee troubled with anie passion ; for if hee shall , there is not then the least affright which will not put him to the hazard of much mischiefe : and if a horse shall but get the smallest cricke in his backe , it is a griefe that will trouble the best Farryer to knowe how to amend it , and for the moste parte they are mischiefes which I haue seene sildome repayred . Now for the taking away the tendernesse and constancie of his mouth , the spoyling of his reine , & the beauty of his countenance , they be so general both in this , & almost all other courses , which are to make horses amble ; that I may verye well spare speaking of their losse , because it is most commonly the first worke amblers goe about to depriue theire horses of those good vertues . Now lastly the labour which a man must take in this maner of teaching is so infinite and incessant , that it both robbes a man of the delight he should inioy after his wish is effected , and also depriues him of much hope , by making him dispaire in so endlesse a labour ; to which I may adde this mischiefe , the worst of all other , that I haue not knowne more good horses spoild and made vtterlye inseruisable by any wilful course whatsoeuer , thē by this prescript cruell method of making horses amble by weight , and the former intollerable labours . CHAP. 6. Of making a horse to amble out of the hand . SOme horsemen who haue been of more temperate & milde dispositions , hauing seene horses brought to amble by the rules before described , and noting the tyranie of the man in tormenting a beaste that is created for his vse , seruice and familiaritie , worse then a rauenous mōster or an impoysoning serpent , haue out of their milder cogitations found out another way to make them amble , which though it be somewhat paineful to the man , yet it is nothing so cruell to the beast , and that is first to make them amble out of hand , by which I mean that a horse shall be brought to amble perfitly of himselfe , without either carrying the man vppon his backe , or hauing anye especiall vse of the mans hand in his ambling , it might more properly bee called ambling in the hand , because the horse is brought thereunto , as the man leades him in his hād , & not rides him , after this maner : first you shal take your horse in a bridle , & leade him alōgst some straight wall , and ioyning the horses side thereunto , you shall place your owne bodye close to the shoulder of the horse which is from the wal , that you may whether hee will or no holde him vp in a streight furrowe : then with your rodde turned backeward in your hand , so that it may reach to his buttocke , you shall iert and force him forward , and in the verie instant that the horse presses forward , you shall with that hand which is vpon the bridle , giue him a good chock in the mouth that you may make him stammer , and shuffle his legges confusedly together , and then presently ease your hand againe , so that he may neither stand still , nor go backward , but still keepe his way forward , and at euery two steppes to giue him a chocke or two in the mouth to make him shuffle his legs , till you perceiue him to take vp two legs of a side together , and then presently to cherish him , and then to exercise him againe after the same manner , til you haue made him to strike two or three strokes of his amble together , and then you shall cherish him more then before . And thus you shall continue to doe , till you haue giuen him a perfite vnderstanding of your minde , and that he may with assurance perceiue wherfore hee is corrected , and wherefore he is cherished . You shall during this maner of teaching , by no means suffer him to trot : but if perforce he will , and that at first you cannot keepe him from trotting ( as it is verie hard in the beginning , ) you shall then euerie stroke that hee trotteth , turne your bodie about , and with your rod giue him a good iert or two ouer the hinder hoùghes , and vnder the belly , because it is euer his hinder parts which treade false in ambling , and then fall to your businesse again : after this maner you shall bee euerie houre in the day doing somewhat vnto him , neuer suffering the horse to rest an houre at peace , til you haue brought him to the true hādling , or the taking vp of his legges , increasing his labour dayly in such sort , that in the end you bring him to amble the whole length of the wall , or an ordinarie road , which is for the most part 5. or sixe score yards : when you haue made him perfite thus farre forth ; you shal not then ease any part of his toyle , but continue him still in his howerly labour , till you haue made him so perfite , and giuen him such delight therein , that hee will amble in your hand , without the vse or need of any correction whatsoeuer . This being done , you shall then take the bridle sorth of his mouth , & put vpon his head a plaine chaine , or the gentlest Cauezan , and make him onely with either of them amble as perfitely as he did before with his snaffle , obseruing that as he growes perfiter in skill , so you ease his restraint , and beare the Chaine or Cauezan as gently as may be , till he will amble of himselfe , without any touch of the Chaine or Cauezan : then you shall make him amble onely by the vse of his coller , without any other restraint . And lastly that he will of himselfe ( you running by him with loose reynes ) amble as perfitely as when hee hath the greatest restraint whatsoeuer . Now you are to remēber , that whē you first teach your horse to amble thus by you , if he be of a slow and dull nature , so that when you carrie your hand anything straite he will not presse forward , but either stande still , or goe backe ; or if hee doe goe , it shall bee but so slowlye that it shall not exceede a foot pace . In this case you shall haue a foote-man to come behinde him with a rod in his hand , who as you restraine him , shal force him to go forward , either as fast or as slowly as you will , till you haue brought him to the knowledge and true vse of the pace , and then you shall vse his helpe no longer ; for whatsoeuer you are to doe after this is effected , onely vse and practise will bring your horse vnto , without either scruple or amazement ; for there is nothing after a horse knowes how to take his legges vpright , which brings a horse either to perfitnesse , or imperfitenesse , but onely practise . I haue seene some horsemen ( and my selfe also hath done the like ) which haue taught this kinde of ambling in a close house or barne , but it is nothing so good , nor so voide of difficultie , as is the vse of the straight wall , if a man can haue one conueniently : but where the straight wall is not to be had there I prefer the close house , because there a man may leade his Horse either close by the walles , or otherwise if hee leade him in the midst of the house , yet the horse cānot flie much out of order , because the cōpasse of the walls will not giue him any great libertie . After you haue made your horse thus perfite that he wil amble by you in your hand ( which amblers call ambling out of hand ) so that when either you lead your horse to the water , or to sport , or about any other exercise , he will vse no other pace but ambling : then ( and not before ) you shall saddle him , and mounting his backe by a temperate carriage of your hand , and by laying your legges close to his sides , you shall thrust him forward , and make him amble vnder you , which if at first ( as I haue often found , and it was the first reason , which made me disallow this practise ) you perceyue that he falles into his trott , and refuseth to amble , as if he had neuer beene acquainted with the pace ; which indeede is so naturall to many horses , that you shall beholde many ( and my selfe haue had the riding of some ) which ambling euen from their first foaling , haue when they haue come to the Saddle , and carriage of the man , presently falne to trot , which they were neuer seene to doe in all their liues before , by which I haue gathered , that a horse doth take an extraordinarie pride & delight in the seruice and carriage of the man. If then your horse thus refuse to amble vnder you , immediately you shal twitch vp his head , and giuing him a good chocke or two in the mouth , and striking him with your spurs , one after the other , you shal thrust him into his amble , which your correction & amazemēt ioyned with his former knowledge , wil soon bring him vnto , & then after 〈◊〉 strikes a stroke or two , and is cherished , cōming to vnderstand your meaning , he wil thē fall more readily to his amble , and with so much more comelines and truth as he was formerly experienc'd in the pace before . Now that this maner of teaching horses to amble , is either so full of art , ease , or comlines , that it deserueth either your labor , or a general imitation , I am not of the opiniō because as the former methods , so this is accōpanied with many foule and grosse inconueniences , such as a horse by no meanes should be acquainted withall ; for besides the losse of time in the man , bestowing a long labout to little purpose , and spending his howers to bring his horse to an vnprofitable exercise , which is to amble without the man ; the verie manner of bringing a horse vnto it , which is by chocking him in the mouth , and distempering his head , is most vilde and insufferable ; for if the horse be of spirit and courage , by such correctiōs , the horse in stead of ambling falls to rearing , plunging , and other restife qualities , one of which will aske more labour to amende , then to make twentie horses amble . And indeed to say truth , I haue not seene a horse of any good mettall that hath beene brought to amble by this manner of teaching , or if they haue , yet it is impossible they should continue long therin ; for euen their owne courages will transport them , & make thē wearie of such an in temperate motion , and on the contrarie part , if the horse bee dull and heauie , his sloath and vnnimblenesse will bee so contrarie and rebellious agaynst this practise , that the Ryder had neede of a more then an ordinarie patience to endure the slackenesse and vntowardnesse of his incapable spirit , which will neither vnderstand , or it he do vnderstand , yet will not execute any thing any longer then correction & torment lies vppon him : Thus you see that neither the hot fierie horse , nor the dull slow iade is fit for this kinde of instruction ; insomuch that if you haue no other method to teach a horse to amble by , but only this , you shal either run into many inconueniences , or the losse of your time , or els onely deale with such horses which are of such well mixt qualities and dispositions , that they are neyther too fierie to rebell or contende against instruction , or not so dull , as not to conceiue what you would teach ; or when they doe conceiue out of sloath and idlenesse to leaue your will vnperformed : it is the mediocritie with which you must deale , which being seldomest found , you may liue an age ere you meete with a horse of that temper . And thus much for the making of horses to amble out of the hand . CHAP. 7. Of making horses to amble with the helpe of the hand onely . SVch horsemen as had practized this former way to make a horse to amble out of hand , that is before a man come to ride him : whē they found that the horse comming into hand , that is , when he came to be riddē , was in their first iudgements , as imperfite in ambling , as if he had beene neuer taught to amble before , and that they haue beene as it were drawne by a new method to bring their horses to amble , they haue presently by looking into the losse of the former time , and to the benefite of their present exercise , condemned the former maner of teaching , & only helde tollerable no other way to teach a horse to amble , but the vse of the hand and legge onely arguing with other riders ( which did not the like ) of the faults which were in their practise ; but not beholding any in this which now was last brought to their memories . And this maner of teaching horses to amble seemed at the first so strange and artificiall , that euerie rider of ambling horses , was thought vnworthie which taught by any other forme ; and euerie horsmaister thought his horse not wel taught , which came not from his hand , who was reported to teach by the help of the hand only , the maner whereof is , After you haue put into your horses mouth a rough twound snaffle , such a one as through the crueltie thereof will command from the horse an extraordinarie obedience ( for in this manner of teaching , you must haue your horse exceedingly tender mouthed ) you shall then take his back , and holding your bridle reine in both your hands , a handfull one from the other , you shall walk your horse gently into some plaine high way , and there first thrust your horse into the swiftest of his foot pace , and if he offer to trott , you shal lift vp your hands , and giue him a good chocke in the mouth with your bridle , and then put him forward againe , holding him at the swiftest of his foot-pace , and so ride him vp and downe for an hower or more , striuing still to make him goe faster and faster ; and euery time that he doth but offer to trott , to giue him a good chocke in the mouth , and a stroke with your spurre on the side which he treadeth false with his hinder foot , & by this means correcting him both in the mouth , & vpon the sides when hee trots , and yet vrging him continually to goe faster in his foote-pace then he is able , you shall in the ende bring him to strike forth an amble , which when he doth , you shall then carrie your hands constantly , and without spurring him , shew that you are contented with that motiō , obseruing that you keep him to such a temperate pace , that you neither by making him go to fast , vrge him to trott , nor by causing him to goe too softly , keepe him within the ease of his foot-pace ; but let the first bee made troublesome to him by correction , the other painful by too speedie passage . This course will not onely bring him of himselfe to finde out the true stroke of an amble , but also by keeping him in his foote pace , make him to stride and stretch out his legges , that his pace will bee both more comely , more certaine , and more easie . After you haue thus by the helpe of your hand , helde strait vpon the bridle , and the correction of your leg and spur brought your horse from his foot-pace to an amble , you shall then continue him , and augment his pace therupon in swiftnesse , euerie houre a little more and more , till you haue made his amble swifter then euer was his trott , and that he will strike the same , both vp the hill , downe the hill , ouer crosse paths , rough wayes , myrie new plowed lands , or wheresouer else you shall haue occasion to trauell , which onely continuall exercise must bring him vnto , and his owne nimble cunning , obseruing by no means to put him too soone to trauell , or to amble him long together at any time , till he be so perfit and skilfull in the pace , that he wil take it both cūningly and freely of himselfe , albe the bridle reyne lie in his necke , and you haue no vse of the same : you shall also obserue , that if this round twound snaffle which I did first prescribe vnto you , bee either so rough , that it cut , or gall the horses mouth , or if the horse bee so exceeding tender of mouth , that hee is not able to indure the sence of such sharpnes , you shall then instead therof vse onely a smooth snaffle made full , round , and of an extraordinarie bignes , about which if you folde certaine wreathes of some fine linnen cloath , to make it as full and bigge in the horses mouth as may be , it is much the better and more sweeter and the horse will take his pace with more delight and chearefulnes ; but if you feele that albe he take the stroake & manner of his pace truely inough , yet with the raysing vp of his hinder feete somewhat to hye ( which motion he taketh from his trott ) you feele he doth not goe away easie inough , in such a case it shall bee meete for you to make his hinder shooes of an extrordinarie weight , and thicknes , each shooe weying at least fiue poundes , which will so tyer and load his feete that he wil be glad to keepe thē downe and euen sweep them close by the earth as hee goes . Now although this maner of teaching horses to āble bee both generally cōmended & moste of all other-waies practisd in this nation ; yet for mine owne part if it bee so good as men do imagine , I must confesse my selfe to bee a great heretique in my beleefe therein , for I can neither alowe it to be contained within any rule of good horsemanshippe , nor that it is worthie anie mans labour to endeuour to learne it , both because it is accompained with as many errors as anye other of those methods which goe before it ; and also because there bee a greate deale more artificiall waies to bring a horse to this pace without the falts that this holdeth , which faults are these : the wasting of more profitable time vainly , the maring of the horses reyne , the distēpering of his mouth , & spoile of his coūtenāce , which these checkings & suddain chockes do , besides the breeding of a generall inconstancy ouer all the horses body , which is the grosest fault which can at any time be found in horsemāship . So that to cōclude , howsoeuer mē may be conceited , & speak in the cōmendatiōs of making horses amble thus with the hand onelye , I for my part cannot be induced either to giue it any tolleratiō in mine opinion : or to preserue it for any other practise then only for the knowledge of generall experience . Thus you see I haue hitherto shewed you sundry waies how to make horses amble , as namely by the fallowe fielde , by waight ; out of hand , with the hand , and some others ; yet to euerie one I haue shewed you such errors and inconueniences adioyned , that in my conclusion I made them both vnprofitable , and not to be practised , wherby I must confesse I haue hitherto left you in amazement ( that since ambling is so necessarie , and of such general vse , that we cannot trauel or iourney without it ) what course is to be taken to bring a horse vnto it without either the grosnesse of these former errors , the misexpence of time , or the losse of a horses beautie and good countenance , which laborinth to bring you out of , and that you may see what I haue formerly writtē , is but to inable your memories with euery seuerall knowledge and experiment which hath at anye time beene practised for bringing this worke to passe : And that the knowing of errors may inable you the better to shunne errors , I will now proceed to those waies in teaching which are compleate in arte and worthie imitation , without any error but such as shall proceed from the fault of the rider . CHAP. 8. Of making horses to amble by the helpe of shooes onely . AFter these former wayes of teaching horses to amble came to bee put in practise by men of art & skill in horsmanship , and that they came to find the errours and inconueniences which doe necessarily belong to such insubstantiall instructions , presentlie they out of their better iudgements & inuentions began to finde out meanes to make horses amble without either marring their mouthes , vnsetling their heads or breeding any other vncomely disorders , conceiuing thus : that since the making of horses amble , was but onelye to bring them to an altetation of the naturall motions of their legges , why should not those motions be as well taught without disorder to the head and reyne , as either the Coruett , the Cepriole , and other motions dayly vsed amongst horses of pleasure and seruice , and hence it came that doubtlesse some man both of good skill and iudgement found out this way , which I will heare deliuer vnto you , and which I haue latelye to good effect practised and found both agreeable to arte , reason and all the strictest rules in horsemanshippe ; which is to make a horse amble with the help of two hinder shooes onely , and this is the manner thereof ; First you shall cause a Smith to take measure of your horses hinder feete , and to make him two shooes of an extraordinarie thicknesse , and from the toe or forepart of the shoe , to beate out as it were a thin plate scarse halfe so thicke as the shooe , and being at the toe of the shooe not aboue too inches or a little better broad , but at the vttermoste end of the plate better then foure inches broad : this plate must from the verie toe of the shooe forward , rise a little shoaring from the ground , so that the horse standing full vpon his feete , the outmoste end of the plates must be as hie from the ground as the horses fetlocke , and they must haue their ends turned vpward backe againe towards the horses hinder legs , so that as the horse puts forward his hinder feet , if he chance to hit vpon his forelegs , yet the plats being so turned forward , may haue no force to hurt or bruse the horse but onelye to giue him a flatt blowe and no more ; the fashion and proportion of the shooes are contained in these figures . To appoint or set down any certaine length for these foure plates I cannot ; for they must keepe their size according to the proportion of the horse , or largenesse of the stride he takes , for if he be a horse that takes a lōg step and strikes his hinder foote forth euen close to the setting downe of his fore foot , then these plates may be the shorter , but if he bee a horse that takes small steps , and doth as it were set his hinder feet downe where he takes them vp , then must the plates be made so much the longer , yet because I will not leaue you in amazement , you shall vnderstand that the best obseruation you can take for making these fore plates of a true length , is to let your horse walk in some sandie way , where you may see the print of his feete , and then looke how much you see his hinder foote to treade short of his forefoot to make your fore plates about some 3. inches longer & no more , as thus for example , if your horse bring his hinder foot to his forefoote , by three inches , then you shal make your plates 6. inches , & so according to this rule , you shal either increase or deminish ; of the two choices , rather making it with the shortest thē the lōgest for if they be too long , thē they giue the sorer blow , and may so bruse the horse vpon the sinewes , of the fore legs , as may bring him to a lamenes , & thereby not only procure to your selfe great losse , but to the Arte greater discredit , which in truth is vtterly without blemish but onely for your owne indeiscretion . When you haue shod your horse with shooes of this fashion , you shall first with all gentlenes leade him as mildely as you can vp & downe , either in some euen hie way , or vpon some plaine greene walke that your horse may first feele the shooes , & that when hee growes amazed at the blowes which they wil giue him vpō the fore legs , which at first wil be sharpe and paineful , yet you may stay him and with cherrishings fortefie him and incourage him till he come to an vnderstanding how his torment comes , which onely proceedes from this reason , that if when he moues his right hinderfoote , he do not also in the same instant remooue his right fore foot , then those plates must perforce beate him vpon the fore leg , & make him whether he will or no remooue it , which the horse no sooner will perceiue ; ( and finding the motion which keepes him most from torment ) but he will presentlie followe it , and by no meanes afterward in a whole day hazard the knocke of one blowe ; I wold haue you thus for at least the space of two or thre● daies to doe nothing but lead your horse vp and d● in your hand , making him one while goe softlye , 〈◊〉 while swiftly , till he be so perfit that he will am● 〈◊〉 hand , if it were an houre together , without 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 selfe one rappe with his shooes , a● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 first two or three daies you shall applie him in this hard lesson , at least halfe a dozen times a day , and when you haue made him so perfit that hee will amble by you both readilie and cunningly ; then you shall mount his backe & ride him either in some faire greene close , or some euen road way an houre together , in all which time of riding you shal neither chock him in the mouth , nor distemper his reyne , but carrie an euen and sweet hand vpon him , giuing him encouragement in all his doings for there is no fault which can any way belong to his pace , which the shoe wil not sufficiētly correct & put in order . Whē you haue ridden him thus an houre in the morning , you shall then ride him as much in the after noone , and as much also in the euening , obseruing this order for at least foure or fiue daies together , which done , you shall then take his back in the morning , and ride him without either rest or ceasing till it be noone , and then bring him home , and if he haue gone orderly & kept his pace in such good and perfit sorte as you would wish without either stumbling or willingnes to giue ouer his pace , you shall cause the Smith to take off those shooes , & to set vpon him a good paire of ordinarie shooes , onely in the weight and massinesse , they would be extraordinarie , for they must way at least as much as two paire of any common shooes . With these plaine shooes without any plates , you shal ride your horse at least a fornight together , and then remoue them and set such shooes as are both fit for the horses vse and Trauell , without either extraordinarie weight or nay other deuise whatsoeuer . Now for any errors or inconueniences , which this maner ofteaching a horse to amble shal bring vnto him , there is in truth none at all ; for the rider hauing free libertie to vse his hand , bodie and legs at his owne pleasure , if then he commit any euil , it is his own fault , and not the necessitie of the instruction , for there is not any man , if he can but sit vpō a horses back , which by this method shal not make a horse amble in as good maner ( touching the motion of his legs ) as the best arts master whatsoeuer : the reason wherof is , that the very shooes do of themselues correct al those vices , which in other practises is the dutie of the horsman to do , as thus for example ; if the horse doe not strike out his feete as hee ought to doe , but offer to tread short , the very knocks which the plates wil giue him vpon the legs , will put him to such paine , that hee will for verie feare , & to auoid the torment , stretch his feet forth as farre as he is able : they will also make him raise his forefeete nimbly from the ground , and through their waight and troublesomnes make him keepe his hinder feet close and neare to the earth , they will make him that he shall not stradle or go to wide behind , neither will they suffer him to go so strait that he shall be in hazard of interfering : to conclude , they do as much in this worke as any man can wish , & is if a maner of teaching , which if my wit cā iudge or mine experience were worthy to perswade , I would haue practised before any other way whatsoeuer , except it be the tramell , which I preferre and esteeme an equal both in vertue and goodnesse . CHAP. 9. Of teaching horses to amble by the vse of the tramell . THere wil be multitudes which wil in their arguments oppose themselues , as violently against me as may be , both to condemn this which I commend , and also to diswade men from the vse of this practise , which I moste allowe ; I doe not doubt , for I haue not in Table or stable discourses heard anye thing more enuayd against then the teaching of horses to amble by the helpe or vse of the Tramell , some saying it lames and straines horses : some that it makes a horse not take vp his feete right ; some that the pace so gi●ē is not easie : with a world of such like discommendations ; but for mine own pa●t . I am by experience and practise so vndoubtedly resolued and knowe so assuredlye the contrarie , that I can neither credit their surmises , or loue the experimēt one iot worse , no though they shold be esteemed most approued horsemen , from whose mouthes should come the discommendations , for I know what error soeuer hapens to a horse by this manner of teaching , proceedes either from the indiscretion or ignorance of the rider , and from no part of worke , if it be truely handled ; wherefore to those that will credit truth , and obserue those rules which are moste agreeable with art and reason , I frame my discourse , and to others who scorne all guides , but the strength of their owne opinions , I wish them saue the labour of reading this book , which in that case will giue thē no satisfaction : and now to my purpose , if at any time you wil make your horse amble by the helpe of the tramel , you shal thus doe ; take any horse of what age , condition , or qualitie soeuer he be , and first place him so with your hand , that he may stand iust and euen vppon all his foure legs without putting any of them foorth , or standing stradling , or crooked , which done , you shall put vpon his right foreleg ( which we cōmonly call the far leg ) a broad peece of leather , lined soft with cotton , & hauing at the one a small buckle , in bredth & shape made like a pastern , only it must not be so thick & stubborn , but smooth & gentle , ye●very strong . This peece of leather you shal buckle about your horses farre fore-leg , some 4 , or 5. fingers or more aboue his knee , & you shal buckle it so gently , that by no means it pinch him , or with the straitnes stop the passage of the blood in his veines ; also whē it is buckled on , you must so place it that a strong tournel of iron being cunningly fastned within the leather , may stand iust behind his leg , looking towards his hinder leg : this done , you shal take another peece of leather , made in euery proportion like to this former , & buckle it about your horses far hinder leg , some foure inches or there abouts aboue his cambrel , and the iron tournell thereof shall stand before his legge , looking to his fore-legge : then you shall take a strong corde made all of haire , and fasten it to both the tournels , making it by no meanes either longer or shorter , but of the iust and due length which is betwixt his legs ; and then looking vpon your worke , you shall see that you haue so linckt his hinder leg to his fore leg , that the horse cannot possibly put forth his fore-legge to go , but he must draw his hinder legge after him . When you haue don thus to his farre fore-legge , and his farre hinder legge , then you shall take other two peeces of leather like the former , and another cord of haire of the same length , like the former also , and in euerie respect as you haue linckt together his right legs , so you shall also lincke together his left legs , which we call his narre legs : then you shall take a peece of garthwebbe , and making it fast to the middest of the haire rope on the farre side , you shall then bring the garth-web ouer the horses backe , and make it fast to the haire rope o● the narre side , this garth-web is but onely to hold vp the cordes from falling to the ground , or troubling the horse as he goeth . Now forasmuch as I cannot in wordes so perfitly describe this manner of tramelling as may giue satisfaction to those which haue neuer seene it before , I thought good by a more liuely representation of these figure therof to better your knowledge in the doing it ; wherefore when your horse is trammelled aboue the knee , he will carrie the forme of this figure . Many I know will wonder at this manner of tramelling a horse aboue the knees & houghes , because it hath been seldome or neuer vsep by any man ; & for mine own part I haue neuer seene it vsed by others , but haue beene induced therūto out of mine own reason and practise , because the faults & dāgers which I can any way behold to belōg to tramelling , is if a horse be at first tramelled vnderneath the knees and houghes , and bee of a hot and fierie spirit , if then the Rider indiscreetely shal compell his Horse to goe any thing hastily , or that the horse out of his own furie will not stay the leasure of the man , in such a case the horse may happen at the first setting foorth of his feete to ouerthrow himselfe , and then being downe , what with his striuing , and the strength of his tramels , hee may get that mischiefe which will neuer forsake him whilest hee liues after . This to preuent I would haue you in any case at the first to tramell your horse aboue knee , as is before shewed you ▪ for in so doing you shall giue his legges that libertie , helpe and nimblenesse , that neither your owne rashnes , nor the horses madnes , shal bring him within the compasse of any euill , as good proofe in your triall shall witnesse . When your horse is thus tramelled aboue knee , which in any case I would haue you doe , either in some emptie barne , or in some faire greene close , you shal then as gently as you can , lead him forward , & by little and little make gi●e goe faster and faster , till you see him strike into a faire amble , which he cannot chuse but doe , because his feete are so link● and tied together that he cannot remoue any of his fore-legges , but the hindmost legge of the same side must follow it , you shall practise him thus , to leade and amble in your hand three or foure times euerie day for the space of two or three dayes ; then if it be in the sommer time , I would haue you turne him into some close , or conuenient peece of ground ( thus tramelled as is before said ) and there let him run at grasse for the space of a fortnight , or three weekes , not failing , but euery day twice a day to take him vp , & ride him either vp & down the close , or in some other conuenient peece of ground , for the space of an houre together ; in which time you shal see he will get the perfite vse of his legs , & the true stroke of his amble , without stūbling or other maner of amazement . Now you shall vnderstand that this maner of tramelling horses aboue knee bringeth one other commoditie , and that is it maketh a horse to stretch and put foorth his legs in large strides , bringing both ease and comelinesse to his pace , and not to twitch them vp sodainly , and set them downe againe as if he did dance , or stood stamping all in one place ; which fault onely proceedes from tramelling a horse somewhat too early vnder the knee , and making his tramels for want of true measure a little of the straitest . After you haue thus practised your horse in the tramels aboue the knee , and made him both through riding and running in them at grasse day and night , so perfit that he will take his pace forward , both cunningly and speedily , you shal then take them off , and put the leathers which are vpon the fore-legs aboue the knees vnder his knees about the small of the legs , some handfull or there-abouts aboue his neather pasterns : and the leathers which were aboue the houghs of his hinder legs , you shall put vnderneath his cambrels about an handfull aboue his fetlocks , then you shall take the haire cords , and when the horse stands euen and iust vpon all his foure legs , each leg standing opposite and iust one against another , you shall fasten them of their true length ( which is from leg to leg of a side ) vnto the iron tournels , as was beforesaid , so that when your horse is thus tramelled vnderneath the knee , he may carry the proportion of this figure following . When your horse is in this sort tramelled vnderneath the knees & houghs , you shall then in the self same maner as you did before when you trameld him aboue the knee , first with all patience and gentlenesse leade him vp and down in your hand , making him go in his tramels , which will all at the first be very troublesom vnto him & a great deale more vnnimble , by as much as they are of more force and correction then the former , as cōmanding the weaker and more pliant members ; but howe vnnimbly or vntowardly soeuer hee goes at the first with these tramels , it matters not , so that you be but patient , & indure euery disorder in him without troble or rigor ; for euē the very paine which he shal feel whē he giues any disorderly twitch or straine will so molest and torment him , that he will amend euerie thing of himselfe ( if you will giue him time ) without any other molestation , and I perswade my self ( for I haue euer found it so ) that the former cunning which he learned in his first tramels , wil haue brought him to such a perfitnesse , that when these are put on , hee will finde no more trouble , or difficultie then if hee wore not any trammels at all ; but howsoeuer , after you haue thus made him perfect in these kinde of Trammels , that hee will leade gentlye in your hand vp and downe , either as slowly or as swiftly as you please , you may thē set a saddle vpon his backe , and put the garthweb which holdes vppe his Trammels behinde the hinder croutch of his Saddle , iust ouerthwart his fillets , and then you shall mount his backe , and tide him in some faire euen road halfe an houre together , and then bring him home to the stable and giue him some prouender , then about two houres after , you shall take him foorth againe , and ride him as you did before , and thus you shall ride him three or foure times a day , for three or foure daies together ; and if it be in the Sommer time ; if then you let him runne at grasse night and day with his Tramells on his legges , and ride him as is before described , it wil be much better for his pace ; obseruing that during al the time of your riding in this first beginning you put not any thing into his mouth , but a plaine , smoothe , and full snaffle , neither shal you by anie meanes giue the horse any chockes in his mouth , or gag vp his head , but beare your hand in an orderlie and constant manet like a horseman , being assured that what falt soeuer the horse shall commit in his pace or the motion of his legs , the tramels will correct sufficiently without any other assistance . After you haue thus for a fortnight ridden your horse in these Trammels vppon plaine and smoothe grounds , you shall then for the next fortnight exercise him in his Trammels vppon rough rough waies , as where hee may tread sometimes in ruts , or vppon broken swarthes , you shall also now and then ride him ouer plowde lands , and sometimes vp hils , and sometimes down hils , till you haue brought him to such nimblenes and courage in his pace , that no ground hee can treade vpon shall come amisse vnto him , you shall also this fortnight bring his pace to al the swiftnesse you can ; by thrusting him forward with all the life & courage you can deuise , and somtimes by giuing him a good iert or two with your rod , or by giuing him now and then a good stroak or two with your spurs . Thus when you haue brought him to the perfitnes of his pace , so that he will doe it both cunninglye , readily , swiftly , and without any stammering or strayning of his tramels , so that you might verie well aduenture to ride him without any tramels at al , you shal thē for a weeke before you take off your tramels ( if hee bee a horse which you make for any greate mans saddle ) put into his mouth such a bytt as shall bee fit and answerable to the temper , sweetnes or hardnesse of his mouth , & with it you shal ride him in his tramels al that weeke three or foure times a day first vpon plain , smothe grounds , then by little & little , vpō rougher & rougher , til you haue exercisd him vpon euerie kinde of ground whatsoeuer , and that hee wil take his pace both as readily & as speedily with the bytt , as before he did with his snaffle , neither offering to strike falser , shorter , nor with faster motions then hee did with his snaffle ; when you haue brought your horse to this perfection , so that neither exchange of way , nor the exchange of byts or Snaffles moues him to anie disorder ; then you may boldly take away his tramels altogether : and onely make good thick thumb-roapes of hay , you shal folde & wreath thē as you make a rush ring about the neather pasternes of al your horses foure legs , which is between the cronet of the hoofe and the sewterlocks , as you may see discribed in this figure following . Hauing thus wispt al his foure legs , and made them that they will sticke close and fast about his pasternes , you shall then mount vpon him : as you rid him with the tramels , so you shall ride him with these wispes , that is to say , the first weeke you shall ride him verie gentlie , and onelie keep him in a moderate and reasonable amble , suffering him to take his pace of his owne accord , without either your ayde or compulsion ; the next weeke you shall for the first three daies put your horse to the swiftnesse of his pace , and make him amble out thorowlye , giuing him now and then the iert of your rod , or the stroak of your spurs : & the 3 other latter daies you shal thrust him vpō vneuē & rough waies where the hollownes and incertaintie of his treading may expresse vnto you the perfitnesse and nimblenesse of his pace , and in all this fortnights riding , you shall carrie your bridle hand a little more constantlye and firmely then you did before when you vsd the tramels , that you may be readie to helpe the horse , if at any time hee happen to treade false , which I am perswaded he will verie sildome or neuer do , if you rightly keepe the obseruations before prescribed ; whē you haue thus exercised your horse with these wispes , and found his pace perfect as before , then you shall take away the wispes from his forelegs , & keep only those about his hinder legs on still , and so ride him for another weeke , the vertue whereof is that those wispes will both make him keepe his pace , and also cause him by keeping his hinder feete neare to the ground to followe his forelegs close , and make his pace more easie . After you haue finished this weekes exercise also , then you shall take away his wispes which are behinde , and make account that your worke is fully perfited , so that now you may aduēture either to ride or iourney your horse when you please , and whether you please , for be well assured the pace which is thus giuen vnto a horse is the moste certaynest of all other , and will neither alter nor be forgot , either through dfficultie or want of practise : for the vnderstāding & maner therof is giuen vnto a horse with such case and plainnesse , & the faults are corrected so instantly , and with such a naturall comelines , that euerie horse takes an especiall delight and pleasure in the motion , and the rather when he feeles that the pace is ( as indeede it is ) much more easie to his owne feeling then the trot , and as it were a reliefe vnto him when his ioyntes with trotting are feebled . Now for as much as there bee sundrie principall obseruations to bee kept and vsed in this manner of practise , for want of knowledge whereof many errors both grow and continue in a Horses doings , from whence hath risen most of these imputatiōs , which are laid vpon this arte , making the abuse of the art & the art it selfe alone , I will before I proceed further giue you the fu● knowledge of these rules ; that you may be euer the better assured to make your worke perfit . The first therefore is to note well when your horse is first of al tramelled , & comes to strike forth his amble , whether he strike his feet home or no , that is , whether he doe not strike his hinder foot at least sixe inches farther then where he took vp his fore foote , as in the true rule of horsemāship he ought to do ( which horse amblers , cal striking ouer ) you shal then to amend that fault if it bee whilst your horse is trameled aboue the knee , then you shal make the cord of haire , which goes frō leg to leg , a ful inch shorter then it was , & it wil make him strike ouer , but if it do not at the first bring his feete to ouergoe one another , but as it were to tread step vpon step , that is , to set his hinder foot in the same place where his fore foote did stand , then you shall strayten the cordes a ful halfe inch more , & that will compel them to strike ouer verie sufficientlie . But if this fault of striking short doe not happen whilst the horse is trameled aboue knee , as for mine owne parte , I haue not often seene because the great liberty of his legs makes him naturallye treade forth & take long strides , but that it commeth after a horse is tramelled vnder the knee , which because of the greater cōmaundment , makes the horse treade more short & suddainly , then you shall onely but shorten each of the cordes a quarter of an inch , & it wil be sufficient : for a quarter of an inch when the tramell is in that part , is as much as if you did shorten it two whole inches when it restes vpon the vpper part , and will make a horse strike as far ouer ; also if in his ambling you help him by thrusting your legs hard forward stiffe vpon your stirrops , it wil make him bring on his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and strike much farther then otherwise hee The second obseruation which you shall keepe in your memorie , is to marke if your horse doe not erre in excesse of this former motion , which is to say , whether he doe not strike his feete to farre ouer , & take such vnreasonable long steps , that he both indangers to ouerthrow himselfe , and also in his ābling claps one foot vpon another , which is both noysome to the eare ; vncomely to the eie and verie hurtful both for the man and horse , for the man , if hee shall happen to fall , for the horse , if by clapping one foot vpō another , he either bruse or wound his heeles from whence many times growes dangerous diseases , where when at any time you perceiue this fault , you shal first by the temper of your hand carrying it a little straighter then ordmarie , and feeding the horses mouth with gentle motions , you shall make him treade shorter , which if he be a horse of fierce mettal he wil immediatelye doe without anye other helpe , for his owne pride and spirrit , ioynd with the temper of your hand , wil worke all the effect you can wish , but if hee bee a horse of sloathfull nature , and altogether giuen to the loosenesse of pace , then you shall as soone as hee will in anye reasonable good sorte amble in his tramels , put him to amble in rough waies , and after he is grown somewhat cunning therupon , you shall then ride him into some high way which in the winter time , hauing beene rutted & the prints thereof still , remaining in the ground all sommer , & there exercise him vp and downe for at the least an houre or two together , and doe thus thrice a day at least , & in one week beleeue it , you shall make him treade as orderly and as short as either your selfe can wish , or the easines of that ambling pace , may any way suffer without bringing either disgrace or hardnesse . The next obseruation you are to marke , is whether your horse in his amble doe not stradle or goe to wide with his hinder feet , which fault is most general and ordinary withal ambling horses whatsoeuer , but if you doe perceiue that naturally he inclines himselfe thereunto , you shall then for the preuention therof ( because if once he make it a custom it is almost impossible after to reclaime it ) ride him into some great road way , which hauing beene worne & rackt in the winter , wil haue a narrowe deepe path way worne a foote deepe and more ; & therein exercise your horse dayly till you perceiue him to amend his fault , and drawe his feet vnto a decent comelines , but if you cannot finde such a rutted way because for the most part they are proper but only to clay groundes , it shal not be amisse then if you get such a straight path or furrowe of some twentie or thirtie paces in length , beeing twelue inches deepe , and but sixeteene inches in breadth , and therein ride your horse being tramelled euerie day , till you beholde that his fault be amended ; But if it happen contrarie to this motion , you doe obserue that your horse goes to straight with his hinder legs , so that he doth enterfaire , or knocke one foote vppon another , which is a vice sildome found in an ambling horse , yet if at any time it be , it is moste insufferable , you shall then to amend it whilst you ride him with the Trammells , haue a small line made fast to the vpper part of his docke , which line shall runne through a long pipe of leather , made round and bigger then a mans arme , which pipe shall come from his docke betweene his hinder thighes , and with the other ende of the small line bee made fast to rhe garthes vnder the horses bellie , the fashion of which pipe and line is contayned in this figure following . With this line & lōg pipe you shal ride your horse whilst you vse your tramels , but whē you take away your tramels , & put on your wisps , then you shal also lay away this pipe & line ; & only be sure to make the wispes as thick again vpon the inside of the feet as vpon the outside , & there is no doubt to be made of the amendmēt of the euil , except it be a vice so proper & natural to the horses pace , that euen frō his first foaling he hath held it , thē your only remedy is after you haue laid by both tramells , pipes and wispes , to haue an expert Smith , who may shooe him continually with good enterfayring shooes , which if they bee made indeed with good art & courage , they wil keep him opē , & make him tread largely inough , the fashion & property of which shooes shall be shewd more largly in their proper places . The next obseruatiō you are to mark , is if your horse do not take his feet clean & nimblye from the ground , but sweep thē so closely alōgst the earth , that with stūbling & carelesnes , he oft indāgers both him selfe & his rider , thē you shal ride him with his tramels amōgst thistles , or amōgst short , yong gorsse , or whins , which pricking his legs , wil make him winde thē vp both decently & without fear of stūbling : also , if he be a horse of good corage , it is good now & thē to āble him ouer plowd lāds , or in plain smooth waies , at such time as the nights are darkest , so that the horse cānot discern his way : but if he only in his pace dash or strike his hinder toes vpō the ground , only take vp his fore feet in good order , thē you shal for a weeke or more , ride him with shoes behind , which shal haue little loose ringes Iingling behind in the spunges of the heeles , and they will make him take vp his feete sufficientlie , yet in any case you must take heede that you ride not your horse with these ringd shooes an houre longer then the amendment of his fault , least you make him take vp his hinder feet higher then you should doe , which is the spoyle of all ambling ; for I had rather beare with the lowe sweeping of his hinder feet , then with his too hie taking them vp : for the first is a great sign of an easie pace , & this latter is a most assured testimony of very hard treading , which being contrarie to the work you labour for , may by no meanes haue any tolleratiō . Wherfore for a conclusion of this worke if you do at any time obseru that your horse doth take vp his hinder feet to high , you shal thē make him weare his wisps so much the longer , and if need be , during the time of your teaching , cause the Smith to make your hinder shooes , a great deale the heauier , & thus by applying to these errors , the remedyes which are prescribed , you shall bring your horse to al the perfection & goodnes which can anye way belōg to this easie pace of ābling ; And if any other tutor in this art , shal either find fault with my precepts , or prescribe vnto you any other material rudimēts , which may in your iudgement runne in opposition with these which I haue published , my desire is , that out of the wisdome of an euen minde , and the true iudgement which shal issue from a labored experiēce ; to way & cēsure both our reasons , & neither out of will , nor loue to noueltie , become a prentise to any precepts but those which haue the greatest aliāce both with arte and reason ; for no man possible can haue that perfection either in this art or any other , which wilnot at sometimes bee accompained with error . And thus much touching mine experience in this easie Arte of ambling . The end of the fourth Booke CAVELARICE OR That parte of Arte which containeth the office of the Keeper Groome of the Stable , or Coach-man , how horses shall be ordered both when they rest and when they iourney : with all thinges belonging to their places . The fift Booke . LONDON Printed for Ed. White , and are to be solde at his shop nere the little North doore of Saint Paules Church at the signe of the Gun. 1607. To the moste noble and moste mightie Lord , Edward Earle of Worcester , Lord Herbert of Ragland , Chepstowe & Gower , maister of the Horse to his Maiestie & Knight of the moste noble order of the Garter . TWo strong motiues ( Right Honorable and moste noble Lord ) hath imboldned me to offer this part of my labours to your worthie protection ; first your owne not to be controled knowledge in all the best partes of the Arte ; and secondly your place which makes you the greate maister both of the best horses , and the best professors of the best Horse-manship ; and albe it may be obiected against mee that others of my countrie men haue done so excellentlye in this subiect , that mine will proue but a surcharge to memory , yet ( vnder thereformation of your Honorable fauour ) I suppose they are so much clad inforraine attire , that their precepts are fitter for reading then practise ; and truely for Grison and other of his ranke ( to whome is due all the worthie prayses that possibly can be giuen ) and whose memorie I both loue and admire this is mine opinion , that were they liuing at this houre , and saw but some of the horse men and horses of this nation , they would confesse that time and perfection had purgd their skils of many grosse deformities ; but of this your Lordship can better iudge by your owne knowledge thē by my relation therefore it shall be grace enough for me , if your honor vouchsafe the viewe of my paines , and please to number me amongst those which euer will be prest to doe your honor seruice . Geruase Markham . To al those which either ride vpon their owne horses or are acquainted with trauell . AS a horse was at the first created for mans vse & seruice , so I imagine in that creation it was intended that man should in his care and respect of the beast , after his iourney , shew both the thankfulnes of his nature , and the reward due for necessarie imployment : frō whence I gather ( and those which either haue beene mounted ●on Iades , or for want of gouernment haue had their horses faile them in their greatest needes ) can iudge , how necessarie a thing it is to knowe how a horse should bee ordered both in his iourneying & after the end of his labour , in which if I haue in this treatise following , giuen you such sufficient precepts as may both enable your horses , & discharge you of much care and fearefulnesse , I doubt not but whatsoeuer malignitie shall suggest against me , yet euerie vpright brest will both fortefie and defend me , & somuch the rather in that howsoeuer I may bee thought obscure , yet I knowe I shall not be found absurde . Farwell . G. M. CAVELARICE . The fift Booke . CHAP. 1. How Stables shall be made , the seate and commodities . FOr as much as al horses whatsoeuer , which be of any worth or estimation , are during the time of their seruiceablnesse for the moste part kept in the house , both because the time of the yere , when their seruice is most needefull , is in the winter season , and also because the vnrulinesse of stond Horses is so great , that they cannot be kept in order or good temper , if they be not continually vnder the commaundment of the keepers hand , I thinke it is fit before I proceede to the office of the keeper , to speake something touching the stable , and such benefits as should perfitlye belong thereunto ; wherefore first for the site or place where your Stable should stand , I would wish euerie Horse-maister , according to the abilitie of his power to place his stable vpon hard and drie ground , hauing a certaine assent or rysing , by meanes whereof conueyance may bee made with trenches or sinckes to carrie away the pisse , foule water , or other wet which shall fall about it . The ayre wherein it should stand , would as neare as you can be verie temperate and sweete , hauing no marrishes , or corrupt places about it , especiallye no Swine-sties , for the verie smelling and rubbing of swine will breede both the Farcie and other foule diseases . Adioyning to your Stable , you must euer haue either some good Well , Conduit or Pumpe , and also some faire Pond or running Riuer , the stuffe whereon you shall builde your Stable , would if your abilitie will stretch thereunto be eyther bricke or other rough stone , and the wall at least eighteene inches thicke , if you want bricke or stone , studde and plaister will serue , or if necessitie compell lome or lime and hayre , or any other stuffe which is warme and durable . Your stable would bee in proportion longer then broade , and not as some vse foure square , placing horses on both sides the house ; which is both ill and vncomely . The windowes of your stable must bee vpon that side the stable which answers to the horses buttocks , and would open vpon the east , that a horse may haue the morning Sun : and not as some aduise vpon the north , for though it bee tollerable for some one weeke in the Summer time , yet it will be moste vnwholsome for all the winter after : each windowe about the Stable must haue a close shut or false windowe of bordes that you may at your pleasure make the Stable as darke as you wil and as light as you will , the windowes also would bee glased that neither Birdes nor other foule may come therein , whose feathers are to a horse both vnwholsom , and sometimes poysonous ; in the midst of your stable in conuenient place , and against which you may make a lodging for your Groomes , I would haue you builde a hansome chimnie , where when occasion serues , as either in time of a horses sicknes or sorenes , when medicines are to be made , you may haue a fire , or for the warming , ayring , & drying of the horses cloathes , which at somtimes is as wholsome for him as his meate . Now for the plaunchers of your stable , I agree both with M. Blundeuill and Collumella , that they shold be of the best hart of Oake that can be gotten , but that they shold lye ( as they aduise ) sloping , which is to say , higher before thē behind , I am vtterlie against it , & holde it of al errors the grosest , as not to be tollerated in any place but in Smithfield and amongst Horse-coursers : for first it makes a horse in his standing rest somuch vpon his hinder legs , & that with such painfulnes , that it not onely makes him weake pasternd , but also bringes to his legs diseases and swellings : it makes a horse also that he cannot lye easily but taketh most of his rest standing , then which there is nothing more vnhealthful , wherfore in any case lay your plaunchers as leuel and euen as you can deuise to lay them , and in anye wise lay the boardes not length waies , that is , from the maunger streight downe to the grub tree , but lay them ouerthwart the horses stall , so that he may stand crosse the bordes : let the grub tree which lies at the neather part of the plaunchers against which the horse wil many times rest his hinder heeles be verie strong , and betwixt three or foure inches higher then the plaūchers , for the plaūchers must be laid euen , & not one board higher then another , yet they must not be so close ioyned together , but that the horses pisse & other moisture may runne through the creuises vnderneath the plaunchers . All along as your sleepers lye to which you pinne downe the boardes , must a Trench or sincke bee digged , of at least foure foote broad , and about three foote deepe , which may conuay away the horses pisse and other filthinesse , either into some by dyke or Channell ; the flore of your stable which is without your plaunchers , must bee euen with the verye height of your plaunchers , that if your horse atanie time shall goe backward off from the plaunchers , yet hee may still stand vppon a iust leuell . This flore would bee paued with round small pibble . At the vpper ende of your plaunchers you shall place your maunger , which would bee of verie strong boardes so artificially and close ioyned together that neither dust nor any thing how small soeuer , may scatter out of it . Now whereas certaine olde writers woulde haue euerie horse to haue a little small locker to himselfe , to eate his prouender therein , I for my part like it not , for a horse as hee eates his meate , will turne his head now and then of one side or other , and then hauing but as it were a little boxe to eate in , each time he lifts vp his head , hee will scatter the one halfe of his meate ; and againe , it is the delight & nature of a horse to spread his meate , as thinne as is possible , and so to eate with the better stomack , whereas when you lay it in a thicke heap together , he falles to loath it and refuse it ; you shall euer raise your maunger at least foure foote from the ground , and not haue it aboue nine inches deepe , for the higher your Maunger stands , the higher your horse will thrust and beare vp his necke , which will be a good help to his reyne and countenance , for howsoeuer it is an vse in Italie or alowed amongst some of our horsemen , that there should be no racke but that a horse should receiue all his meat downward towards his feet , therby not to strain his with putting it vpward ; yet I am of a contrarie opinion , and would haue a horse to stretch vp his heade aloft , & to pluck his hay out of a Rack aboue him , knowing that such putting vp of his head dooth mend his comelinesse and that taking his hay out of his Racke , doth not with blowing vppon it make it so soone loathsome ; as for the supposition of the filth or dust which shold fal into the horses maine , it is verie idle : for if the Racke be plac'd right , some small dust ( if there bee any ) may fall vpon the horses nose , but his maine it can neuer touch ; wherfore I would haue the Racke to be placed of a proporcionable height , answerable to the stature of ordinarie horses , and let it stand somewhat vpright , leaning as little forwarde as may bee . When thus your planchers are laid , and your Racke set vp , you shall diuide your stable into seuerall stalles , to the intent that euerie horse may lie by himselfe , and those stalles shall be diuided at the neather endes with great postes . And if the stable be for great horses , or yong colts , then from each post to the manger , shall goe a rounde peece of timber , which hang either in writhen chaines , cordes , or strong thongs of leather , so that it may swinge which way a man will haue it , which will keepe horses from striking one at another : or if they doe strike , they will defend the blowes : but if the stable be for hunting horses , or else running horses , then I would haue you to boorde euerie seuerall particion from the great poste vp to the manger , euen so hie before that the horse may not looke ouer it , as well for the warmenesse thereof , as also that one horse may not gaze , smell , ney , or trouble one another , all for hunting horses , and running horses , you shal line also the walles which are before their face with boords , so that they may not gnaw vpon the walles , or licke vpon the lime , which is suffocating & vnwholsome ; vpon the outside of each post you shall haue placd strong hookes of iron , on which you shall hang euery seuerall horses bridle , his cauezan & watring snaffle ; then you shall haue vpō each side of the post fastned in with staples , round rings of iron , to which whē you put on your horses watring snaffle , you shall tie him vp whilest you dresse him ; then all alongst the other side of the stable betweene the windowes , shal be placed strōg peeces of timber , on which you may hang euery horses ordinatie saddle , thē shall you haue in another place great presses , in which shall be stored all better furniture ; then shall you haue shelues whereon to lay your curry combs , maine combes , dressers , rubbers , hairecloathes , & other clensing cloathes , both wollen and linnen ; in other conuenient places of the stable shal be placed close binggs , or hutches for the keeping of prouender , the stable would be seeld ouer head , either with plaister , or lime and haire : in the middest of the stable , or according to the largenesse of the stable , I would haue either one , two , or three lanthornes to hang so as they may giue a sufficient light ouer all the stable . Now for the generall vse of your stable , whatsoeuer Vegetius , or other auntient Italians write , to disswade you from keeping it close and warme , as supposing that it breeds raw disgestion , hurts nature , and ingenders many diseases , yet I would haue no English Gentleman to hold the rule imitable , for we dayly find out of our experiences , in keeping hunting and running horses , that there is nothing more healthfull , or breedes in a horse greater strength or abilitie to performe much then the keeping of the stable in a temperate and proportionable warmnesse ; but whereas they say noysome vapors and smels in a stable are vnwholsome ; to that I agree and woulde wish euerie groome that loues his reputation to keep his stable as sweete and as neate as is possible by any labour to bee effected , and to that ende I would haue all those which are keepers of running or hunting horses , whose stronger kind of foode makes their ordure to smell so much the vileder , neuer to be without Storax , and Beniamen , and twise a day at least by burning some vpon a Chaffingdish and coales to perfume the stable , which to the horse is both wholsome , and delightfull . It is the part of euerie diligent and carefull keeper , to haue all his implements , and whatsoeuer he shall neede about his horse , to be placed in fit and conuenient places , that when he shall stand in need of anie of them , hee may readily finde them : hee shall not suffer any thing whatsoeuer to be throwne amongst the prouender , or to lie vpon his hay : for a Horse will finde dislike at the least sente whatsoeuer . Many other obseruations there are for a diligent keeper , all which shall in their proper places be amplie prescribed vnto him . CHAP. 2. Of a trauelling horses meate , and the seuerall kindes and vses . ACcording to the opinion of the ancient Italian writers ( whom I did euer read more for knowledge then practise ) the foodes which belōg to horses are very many & diuersly cōpounded , as grasse , hay , straw , oates , barley , wheat , and fitches : or , peace fitches , beanes , & wheat-bran mixt all togither , or common hors-bread which is made of ordinarie chissel , or bran●knodden with water , and the loaues in some places are rould in spelted beanes . Now for the propertie of these foodes ; first the Grasse questionlesse is nourishing during the time of sommer , whilest the strength of the Sun abides within it , & is food good inough for ordinary trauelling horses , but for sto●d horses of great pride and courage it is somewhat too cold and moyst , and therefore onely to be giuen phisically , as for a month together in the beginning of sommer , only to scowre them , which is called the soyle time , and if when you giue them grasse , you giue them blades of greene corne , it is passing good also . Hay is nourishing , and fil●s out the bodie , yet it must haue some other prouender ioyned with it , or else by reason of the drinesse thereof , it will neither nourish sufficiently , nor disgest in conuement time , but lying in the horses bodie , make his bellie greate and vnfashionable . Straw is a hot drie food , and neither nourisheth nor filleth , therefore it is onely to be giuen but seldome , as when a horse is new taken from grasse , or when hee is in strait diet for running ; more for the clensing and scowring of their teeth , then for any other sustenance . Oates are exceeding nourishing , light of disgestion , and ingendreth the best blood , and whatsoeuer either Galen , or any of the Italians write , wee finde it by dayly proofe , the best food that can bee continually giuen to a horse . Now of Oates there bee three kindes ; one is a great white Oate , the other a great blacke Oate , and the third a short yellow Oate , called a cut Oate , and although some of our English authors prefer the black oat for the best , yet I assure you the great white Oat which is full , and heauie , is the best and most nourishing , of which kinde I haue seene in Darbishire some which haue ( within a verie little ) waide as heauie as wheate , next the greate white Oates , the yellow cu● Oate is to bee esteemed , and the last is the blacke Oate , for of all the three kindes it is the lightest and least substantiall . Now there is a fourth kinde of Oate , which is a Skeg Oate , which is a small light naughtie Oate , and indeede is fit for pulien rather then horses , for it is but one smal degree better then Chaffe . Barley is colde and drie in the opinion of Phisitians , but according to the naturall working of horses , wee finde it hot , drie , and vnsauerie , it nourisheth not at all , but makes a horse thirstie , full of heart burning and subiect to faintnesse . Now if any man demaund if it haue those faults why it is vsed so much in Italy , I answere , that their Barlye and ours is of a contrary nature , and doth not offend so much , yet neither of them both to be esteemed for good prouender , where oates are to be got . Wheat is the greatest nourisher , but yet a foode that of all other a horse will soonest loath and forsake , for it suffocates and clo●es the stomack ; I haue not knowne it vsed in any place but in Spaine amongst the Ienets , nor wold I haue it to be vsed at all , for it is neither needefull for the horse , nor profitable for the owner , if it bee not onely in the time of sicknes . Fitches are a ranke grosse foode , ingendering corrupt blood , and vnwholsome humors , and if they bee not well dride before they be giuen to a horse , they will breed the pestilence & burning feauers . Pease are a pursie & stopping foode , filling vp the wind-pipes , and disabling the horse in trauell ; if they be not exceeding well dried , they breede in a horse the bots , grubs , and all sortes of wormes , together with paine in the stomacke , lunges , and generally all ouer a horses intralles . Beanes are nourishing and strong , and highly to be preferd before Pease or Fitches , because if they be giuen to a horse , when they are well dryed they breed good blood , and are more light of disgestion , yet whensoeuer they are giuen they must be mingled with Oates , for to giue them simply of themselues ; they are somwhat too cloying , and offend a horse in his eating . Now for mingling Pease , Beanes , Fitches and wheate branne together , it is a moste vnwholsome prouender , for there is corruption in the Fytches , pursiuenesse in the Pease , & fulsomenesse in the Beanes , ioynd vnto a moste scalding and vnnaturall heate in the Bran , so that I would wish all that loue their horses not to loue this kinde of foode . Now lastly for common horse breade , which is made of nothing but chissell or branne backt , it is neither nourishing nor yet wholsome , but is the originall cause of many filthie diseases , as I haue shewd at large in a former treatise , so that were all Horsemen and trauellers of my mind ; either Bakers should compound their breade better , or neuer sell any to Inne or Stable , for I will stande to it , that bread made of a the dust of a milne or a barne-flore is as wholsom as any that I haue seene come from a common Baker . Now out of these seueral prouenders to shew you which is best , for which purpose , you shal vnderstand that for your horse for seruice in the warres , or the horse kept for hye way trauelling , or long iourneyes , your best prouender is Beanes and Oats wel kilne dride & mingled together , as thus , to euerie bushell of Beanes two bushell of Oates ; For the hunting or running horse , clean Oats well kilne dride , or breade made of cleane beanes , as is shewed in the booke of hunting : For the cart or plowe horse , Pease , Beanes , & Fitches mixt with Barley chaffe , as thus , to a pecke of Pease , Beanes , and Fytches , at least a bushell of Barley chaffe . For the horse that is kept for sale and is in the hands of the Horse-courser , if he be fat , the best foode is a fewe pease or Beanes mixt with oate hulles which are taken from oates when you make Oate-meal , but if he be leane , olde , or lacke teeth , then either boilde barley whilst it is sweet , or else boild bucke , for both these feede suddainly though corruptly . Now for the quantitie which you shall allow ; I thinke for great Horses , or Princes or Gentlemens priuat saddle ho●ses , which euer should be kept as fat and faire as may be , that two pecks a day is the best proportion ; for the ordinarie trauelling Gelding a pecke a day is sufficient , and for the Cart or draught horse , your measure must be to fil his bellie before his worke , and after his worke , or else he will giue ouer his labour . Now if there happen into your charge eyther Turkes , Ienets , Arabians or other countrie horses , which haue beene vsed to other foodes then these which we imploy in England , you shall first as neare as you can , either by inquirie of those which formerlye had the keeping of such horses , or by proofes in your owne practise , learne what foode the horse best likes , and in what sorte he hath beene before kept , and if you dislike either his food or keeping , you shall not alter him suddainlye , but by little and little bring him to that dyet you shall finde best for his bodie . CHAP. 3. Of the seuerall kindes of Waters , which is best and which is worst . HAuing in mine imagination tolde you sufficientlie what foode or meate is best , and moste naturall for a horses bodie , it resteth now that wee tell you what drinke also is fittest , which by the opinion of all men , & the rule both of kinde and custome is onely water . Now for as much as there be diuers and sundry kindes of waters , as namely the cleare spring , or fountaine , the Pond , and the running riuer , and for asmuch as euerie one of these according to their scituations so doe alter in their properties , as the fountaine which dooth come from the rocke is smallest and moste scowring ; that which comes from chalke , limestone , or salt-water moste nourishing , & that which comes from brimstone or Sulphure most corrupt & poysonous : so of Ponds that is fed by afresh spring is smallest , that which is fed by the land flood best nourishing , and that which is onely maintaind by rayne water is most infectious . Lastly of riuers , that which come from a cleare spring , and runnes vpon sand or pibble , beeing verie shallowe is euer the sharpest : that which in his running clenseth common shoares , and beares away corruption is the best feeder : but that which is deep , muddy , comes from bogs , and runnes slowest , is naught and offenciue . Wherefore if your horse be fat or subiect to grosenes , your best water is either the Spring which comes from the rocke , the Pond which is fedde by a fresh fountaine , or the shallowe brook which runnes vpon pibble , for they clense the bodi ; and reines purge the kidneys , and coose the blood if it bee inflamed : but if your horse be leane , olde or tender , then your best water is either the fountaine which comes from chalke , limestone , or from the seas saltnesse . The ponde which comes of the land flood being cleared by standing , or the riuer which clensing cities or great townes , makes himself cleare with his running ; for these hauing in them a mixture , or compounded strength , are the pleasantest and most nourishing . In the sommer season your running fountaine is the best , for it is the coolest , and in the winter your deepe Well water is best , for it is the warmest . Now there bee of our English writers which would haue your horse to drinke verie much ; and if hee bee not naturally inclined thereunto , to rubbe his mouth with salt and wine , to make him thirstie ; but it is a most vilde precept , for the lesse a horse drinkes at one time , the better it is , for many surfeits are taken by drinke , but few or none for want , and therefore if you see your horse subiect to drinke much , you shall then water him the oftner , that he may not drink much at once . To gallop and chafe a horse gently after his water , is the wholsomest motion that may be , for it keeps him from cold , and dropsies , and disperseth the cold vapor of the water through his bodie , and recouers his stomacke . Now for letting your horse stand any long time in the water vp to the knees , as many horsmen doe , I for mine owne part like it not , for it numbs and cooles the legs too much & makes the horse apter to surbait : only whē you shall perceiue your horses codds or sheath to swell , then I would if it be in the heate ofsommer haue you to swim your horse once a day either ouer some deepe riuer or in some deepe pond ; but if it be in the winter , then I would only haue you to bath his cods & sheath with cold water in the stable . Now lastly , if you haue the charge of great horses , who out of their coragious spirits are not easilye to bee led , the best is euer to water thē in the house : but if your charge be of iourneying geldings , then t is best watring them abroad , and to chase them a little in your hād vp & down after their water . And thus much for water and the vses . CHAP. 4. Of the dressing combing , and currying of horses , and of their diet in the time of rest . TO enter into any phisicall distinctions or allusions of dressing and currying horses , cōparing thē with the six seueral kinds of frictions belonging to mans body , or to repeat vnto you vse-lesse obseruations , prescribed by the anciēt Italians , which neither agree with our clime nor the conditions of our horses , were a labor vaine , and a greate depriuing of the industrious keeper of his best knowledges ; wherefore that I may in the plainest maner I can , vnfold what necessary precepts belōg to the office , I thinke it not amisse to begin after this maner : First after your horse is taken into the house , you shall put vpon his head a strong coller of broad double leather , with two reynes of leather , or els round writhen chaines with short links running easily through holes made for the purpose in the vpper great tree of the maunger , in such sort that when the horse puts downe his head , the chaines may fall downe to the ground ; and when he thrusts vp his heade , they may rise to the top of the maūger : now the first night that your horse is brought into the house , you shal onely giue him a bottle of wheate straw into the rack , and so let him stand without litter , or any thing els for that night he will doe nothing but emptie his belly of grasse . The next day about nine of the clocke in the morning , you shall take a double rope made of wheate straw twound exceeding hard together , and with it rub his head , face , necke , breast , body , bellie , buttocks , and legges , then you shall giue him as much water as he will drinke ( and a fresh bottle of wheate straw if the other be eaten ) and so let him stand till foure of the clocke in the euening , at which time , as you did in the morning , so you shall then rubbe him ouer with newe ropes of strawe : then water him , giue him fresh strawe into his racke , and let him stand till eight a clocke at night , at which time you shall take a great bo●tell of wheate straw , and spread it vnder his bodie , laying it thickest before his fore-legges , both because his heade may haue as it were a pillowe to rest vppon , and also because horses naturallye will with their fore-legges put the straw backewarde . This is called littering of Horses : and when you haue thus done , you shall let him rest till the next morning . The third day I woulde haue you come to your Horse at seauen of the clocke in the morning , and the first thing you doe after you haue opened your Windowes , and washed your owne handes , you shall take a shakeforke , that is to say a forke of wood without any iron about it , and with it you shall shake vp and thrust backeward all the horses dung , and wet litter , putting it from the planchers ; then you shall shake vppe all the drie litter which is vnsoylde , forwarde : and with your shakeforke thrust it vppe as hard as may bee vnder the maunger ; then with a shouell well shodde with yron for the purpose , you shall shouell away all manner of filthinesse from the planchers , and then with a beesome either of Birch , or Broome , you shall sweepe the planchers and stable so cleane as is possible , and so gathering all the filthinesse into one place , put it eyther into a Barrow , or Basket , and carrie it into such backe places as are for such a purpose . This done , you shall bring into the stable a Peale-full of faire water , and place it hard by the hinder part of the stall where the horse stands : then you shall take a watering snaffle , and a headstall , and after you see that the snaffle is cleane without dust or filthinesse , you shall dippe it into the peale of water , and then put it into the Horses mouth , and so turning him about , that hee may stande with his heade where his tayle did stande , you shall with a seperated reyne tye vppe the Horse to the two Ringes , which are fastned into the postes of each side him : this done , you shall take your rope of strawe well twound together , and therewith first rubbe the Horses face and cheekes all ouer , then with your finger and your thumbe , you shall twitch away all those long and stiffehayres which grow close aboue his vpper eye brees , and close vnderneath his neather eye brees , for they hinder sight : you shall likewise pull away all those long haires which growe about his nostrelles , vnderneath his chappes , and downe his necke to his breast ; then as you did before , you shall first rubbe the right side of his necke , his brest , right shoulder , and right legge , the right side of his bodie and bellie , the right buttocke and the right legge , and then you shall goe to the left side , and in althings do as you did vpon the right side . This done , you shall take a greate Spunge , and hauing put it into the water , you shall take it foorth , and presse it a little , then therewith you shall rubbe ouer your horses face , then lay by the spunge , and with your handes rubbe his face till it be as drie as may be , then wash your handes cleaneagaine , for there will come much filth and durtinesse from the horse ; and take the wet spunge and rubbe the right side of his necke therwith ; then with your hand rub that parte drie againe also , and thus rubbing euerie seuerall part of his bodie with the wet spunge as you did with the twound strawe roape , and drying them againe with your hands , you shall bring away all the loose haires which are about his bodie : this done , you shall picke his sheath cleane from all durtinesse , and you shall wash his cods and make his yarde cleane , then you shall lift vp his docke , and with a cleane cloath rub his ●uell and the particion of his haunches , then you shall take hogs grease , soote , and a little tarre mixt together , & dipping a cloath therein , annoint all his foure hoofes , or for want of it , you may rubbe his hoofes with the vpper skinne of bacon for it is verie good also ; then you shall take a yarde of haire-cloath , and rubbe his head , necke , brest , bodie , buttockes and legs all ouer therewith , after it take a housing cloath made of Sack-cloath of such largenesse , that it may lappe ouer before his brest , and with a sursingle both broad and flat , gird it about him , putting halfe a dozen soft wispes betwixt the cloath , and the sursingle vpon the top of his backe , and halfe a dozen likewise betwixt the cloath , and the sursingle of each side of his heart iust behinde the elbowes of the horse , which doe not onely keepe the horse warme , but withall defend the sursingle from pinching or galling , if it bee either hunting horse , or running horse you keepe , then you shall for warmenesse sake wispe the sursingle round about , yet you must be verie circumspect that your wispes be made verie soft , great and flat , & not as I haue seene amongst some that are esteemed cunning , so little & so hard twisted together ; that after a horse hath bene laide down , you may see the print of his wispes in his sides when he is bared , which both puts the horse to great paine and makes him more vnwilling to lie downe when he is wearie . Now there be some in this land which cannot indure to haue their horses cloathed at a ; & therfore happily wil dislike this precept of mine for the cloathing of Horses , saying it makes horses too tender , & takes frō thē abilitie of induring hardnes , to them I say they are exceedinglye much deceiued , for it is only those hard customes which makes thē vnable to indure any hardnes at al , & the reason therof is this , that nature by such hardnes , & extremity being put to her vttermost force & strength , to maintain her liuelyhood , whē that hardnes at any time is exceeded , she presētly faints & forgoes alher vigor & vertue ; as thus for example : it is as much as nature can wel doe to maintain a horse in any good state & strength , without cloathes in the stable : if then by extremity he come to be compeld to liue without cloathes in the fielde in the extremitie of cold & bitter weather , hauing indured his vttermoste before , now feeling it exceeded , he presently growes faint , sick , & oft times dyes suddainly , whereas on the contrarie parte , when nature is cherrisht & fortefied by the helpe of housing , cloathing and such like , he gathers that strength and powerfulnesse that no extreamitie can daunt him , the experience wherof we see dayly amongst hunting horses , & in their extreame matches . Againe , to come to a more familiar example , let vs looke into our owne constitutions , what creature is kept more hard , both for hunger and colde then the plowe Clowne , and who more daintie & voluptuous●e then the Gentleman ? yet bring them both to one equall extreamitie , and one Gentleman will both indure and bee seruisable , when a hundred Clownes will die like sheepe in a rotte yeare , because the straightnesse of their liues keept Nature euer leane and in weakenesse : and of this , when I was a poore commaunder in the warres , I euer tooke a principall notice , and held it for a maxime , that the more choice eyther man or Horse is kept in the time of rest , the more hee shall be able to indure in the time of trouble . When you haue cloathd your horse vp as is before specified , If hee bee a Horse of anye esteeme , it shall bee good if you haue a hood for his head and necke made of Sack-cloath also , which you shall tye to the noseband of his collor , and to that parte of the Sursingle , which is ouer his backe : when all this is doone , if hee bee a horse that will not bee quietlye lead abroad , then you shall bring him a pealefull of verie faire water , and let him drinke his fill , then hauing both with a hard wispe , and a cleane cloath made his maunger verie cleane , you shall take off his Snaffle and turne him to the maunger , then washing the Snaffle and hauging it vppe , take halfe a pecke of Oates , and putting them into a meale siffe , dust them verie cleane , and giue them to the horse to eate , then put a bottle of Wheate-strawe into his racke ; sweepe the plaunchers and stable verie cleane again , then lock vp the dore & let him rest till it be twelue a clock . At twelue a clocke you shall come into the stable , & first you shal make cleane the stable & plaunchers : thē dipping his watering Snaffle in some faire water , you shall put it on his head , and turne him about as you did in the morning ; then you shall take a sharpe payre of colling sheares and colle the inside of both his eares , as close to the skinne as may bee , and the vpper parte of his maine next his eares , from the noddle or Crowne of his head downward into his maine , for the bradth of three fingers , if hee bee a greate horse or trauelling gelding , but if he be either hunting or running horse , then for the length of sixe inches , both because his hayres shall not flie about his face as he gallops , and so trouble him , nor yet cause him to sweate about his eares , to which a horse is too much subiect . When you haue cold his eares and maine , you shall then looke about his chaps , and if he be subiect to much haire or roughnesse in those partes , you shall then clippe it close away that thereby you may the easilyer feele the kirnels , and grosse matter which is about the roots of his tongue , by which you know when a horse is cleane , when not cleane , when he hath a colde & whē no colde . Lastly , you shal take his taile in your hand , & stretching it down straight by his hinder leg with your sheares , clip it close by the vpper part of his hinder heele , then taking a wet maine combe , & a wet spunge-combe , first his fore top downe , then his maine , and lastly the vpper part of his taile from the setting on therof , to the vttermost end of the short haires . When this is done , & your stable swept and made cleane againe , it will bee at least past three a clocke , at which time I would haue you fetch in a cleane peale of water , and place it as you did before , then put your great spunge therein , and your main-comb also ; then lay your writhen straw roapes , and your hayre-cloath in some place adioyning vnto you , then pull your wispes one by one from your sursingle , and open euerie wispe , and mixe the straw with the litter , & not as sloathfull keepers doe , make your wispes last a weeke together , so that a horse had as good lie vpon stones , as vppon such wispes ; then you shall vnbuckle your sursingle , and roule it vppe , that it may bee flat and smoothe , then take off his cloath , and going fourth of the stable , shake it , and dust it verie wel , then lapping it vp , lay it by , & as you did dresse , trim , and picke your horse in the morning , so shall you without fayling in any one point dresse him in the euening , and cloath him againe as before , then combe down his fore-top , his maine , & the vpper part of his taile , with a wet maine-combe ; then water him , and giue him prouender , make cleane your stable and plaunchers , giue him straw into his racke , and so let him rest till eight a clock at night , at which time you shal litter him , and so let him rest till nextmorning . These three daies being spent in this order , your horse will haue emptied all his grasse , and his bellie will bee taken vp well within his ribbes , so that now you may both alter his keeping and dressing ; wherefore the fourth day by sixe a clocke in the morning , I would haue you come into the Stable , and as you did the former daies , first shake vp his litter , and make both cleane his racke and maunger , bring in your cleane water , wet his watering Snaffle , put it on his head , turne him about , tie him vp , pluck out his wispes , folde vp his sursingle , and take off his cloath : then you shall take a Currie-combe made answerable to the coate and skinne of your horse , as thus : if your horse haue a thicke rough coate and a foule skinne , then the teeth of your Currie combe shall bee made somewhat long and sharpe , if his coate bee smoothe , and his skinne cleane , then the teeth shall keepe their length , but be fyld verie blunt , but if his coate be like a Mouse-coate exceeding thinne and smoothe , and his skin verie tender , as for the moste part , Barbaries , Ienets , and Turkes are , then the teeth shall be verie thicke , yet both short and blunt . With your Currie-combe in your right hand , and your face being placd against your horses face , you shall lay your ▪ left hand vpon the side of his bridle , and fetching your stroak from the roote of the horses eare , to the setting on of his necke to his shoulder , you shall currie him with a good hard hand , not leauing anye part of his necke vncurryed , then turning your face about , and placing the side of your bodie to the side of the Horse , laying your left hand vppon his backe , you shall fetch your stroake from the toppe of his withers , downe to the neather parte of the pitch of his shoulder , and at euery second or third stroake , you shall strike your combe before and about his brest , and thus you shall with a more moderate and temperate hand , currye his shoulder , halfe brest and legge downe to his knee , but in anye wise no lower ; then you shal with a like moderate hand , currye his backe , side , flanke and that part of his bellie where his garthes rest , as for the chine of his backe , and the barre parte of his bellie nexte vnto his sheath , that you shall currie with such a gentile and light hand as is possible ; then with a hard hand againe you shall currye all his buttocke and thigh close downe to his Cambrels but no further : hauing do one thus much vppon one side , you shall then currie him as much vppon the other side . Now you shall obserue , that whilst you currie your horse , if hee keepe● fridging vp and downe , or offer to bite , strike , or bee impatient , that then it is a signe your currie combe is too sharpe , and you must amend it , but if you finde his vncomelinesse onelye proceedes from ticklishnesse or delight , which hee takes in the friction , you shall then euer when you currye him haue a smal sticke in your left hand , & with it correct him for his wantonnes . Hauing thus curried him all ouer the bodie , and raysd vp the dust , you shall then take a dead horse tayle naild about a handle of wood , and with it strike off all the dust which your currie combe raised vp : then you shall take a round rubber , which rubber is a round peece of woode all stucke as thicke as may bee with round tuftes of Swynes bristels cut close and euen within a strawe bredth or more of the woode , and hauing a loope of leather on the backe side , through which you must thrust your hand , so that the rubber may lye in the verie ball of your hand . This rubber ( but that it is round and the bristles shorter ) is in all pointes like a common rubbing brush with bristles , such as are vsd about foule garmēts : with this rubber you shall curry your Horse ouer in all pointes as you did with your curry combe , onelye your hand shall carrie all one weight and temper , and if your horse be so finely skind that he will not indure any curry combe at all ( as there be many ) then this rubber shal serue instead thereof . When you haue thus gone ouer him with your rubber , you shall then with your horse tayle strike away the dust the seōnd time ; then you shal take your wette spunge , and first wetting his face and cheekes , you shall then with your handes rubbe it drye againe , and not leaue whilst you discerne a loose hayre to come away : then you shall looke about his eyes , his nostrels , vnder his chaps , and about his foretoppe , and if you finde anye superfluous hayres or otherwise , which growe out of order , you shall eyther plucke them away , or with your Sizers cut them in order . This doone , you shall with your wet spunge and your handes goe cuer all his bodie , not leauing whilst anye loose hayres will come away ( as was declared vnto you in the third dayes dressing ) you shall with your wette handes rubbe his eares , both within and without also , first making them wet , and then rubbing them drie againe● you shall also not omit with your wette handes , to clense his sheath , his yarde and his cods . This done , you shall take a cleane wollen cloath of cotten , and there withall beginning at his face , you shall so proceede and rubbe the horses necke and bodie all ouer , especiallye betweene his forelegs or fore-boothes , vnder his bellie , betweene his flanke and his bodie , and vpon the chine of his backe ; then you shall take a hayre cloath , and therewithal rub him al ouer likewise , but especiallye in the places before rehearsed : this beeing done , you shall spreade your hayre-cloath ouer his buttocks , & then lay on his cloath vpō him againe , & hauing girded the sursingle , you shall stop him with wisps as was before declared : then you shall take a wet maine-comb & combe downe his fore-toppe , his maine and his taile , then you shall take a peale of faire water , and putting his taile therein close to his midde sterne or docke , you shall with your hands wash it verie cleane , then taking it out of the peale , you shal wring out al the water from the haire into the peale againe , then you shall tye vp his taile in ten or twelue seuerall hankes , that it may drie againe ; this done , you shall take such hard writhen straw-roapes , as was before declared , rub and chaffe exceedingly both his forelegs from the knee downward , euen to the crownets of his hoofes , and likewise his hinder leggs from the cambrels to the hoofes also , picking and rubbing his fewterlockes with your fingers , leauing neither dust , durt , nor anie skirffe within them , then rub both with the roapes & with your hande his pasternes betwixt his fetlockes and his heeles , then take a hayre cloath kept onelie of purpose and as you rubd his legs with the hard roapes , so rub them with the hayre-cloath also , then take vp his feete , and with an Iron made for the purpose , picke all his foure feet betweene the shooes and his hoofes as cleane as may be , then stop them close and hard either with cow dung , or else with hogs-grease and branne molten together ; then anno● the outside and cronets of his hoofes with the ointment before declared , then washing your hands clean combe down his maine & taile with a wet maine comb , then water him , and so turne his head to the maunger , and put on his collar , then if he be a great horse , you shall sift in a siffe halfe a pecke of Pease and Oates mingled , or else cleane Oates , which is the fourth part of his allowance , and the maunger being made cleane , giue them him to eate , but if he be but an ordinarie Gelding , then a quarter of a pecke is sufficient , which is the fourth parte of his allowance also , and whilst he is eating his prouender you shall make him a bottle of sweete hay somewhat bigger then a pennie botle in an Inne , and put it into the racke , then sweeping the stable cleane , you may let your horse rest till noone . Now if it bee either hunting horse or running horse that you keepe , you shall when you are readie to depart out of the stable put downe the litter vnder your horse , and then shutting the windows close , depart : In which absent time you must busie yourselfe in making your hay bottles , or strawe bottles for litter , or if your horse be too fat & pursie , by blending wheate-strawe and hay together for your horse to eate , or prouiding such necessarie implements as are to bee vsed in the stable . At twelue a clocke at noone you shall come into the stable , and first hauing swept it , & made it verie cleane , you shall then take a faire linnen cloath , white washt , and therwith first rubbe your horses face and necke , then turning vp his cloath , rubbe downe his buttocks , his flankes , and leskes , then turne his cloath downe againe , and then with warme beefe broth ( which is ( euer wanting in great mens houses ) bathe his foreleggs from the knee downeward , and his hinder legges from the cambrel downeward , but if you want beefe broth thē take Traine-oyle , Sheepes-foot oyle , or Neates-foot oyle , for any of them is verie soueraine , either if your horses legs be stiffe & vnnimble , or if they be subiect to swel , or if his grease haue beene molten into them . When this is done , you shal sift him into a siue another halfe pecke or quarter of a pecke of oates , according to your allowance , and giue them him to eate ; then hauing made cleane the stable , let your horse rest till three a clocke in the afternoone . Now you shall vnderstand , that if your horse be of a tender and daintie stomack , and that he is verie apt to growe gaunt , & to loose his belly , or if he be leane , then I would haue you to offer your horse at noone a little water also , but not otherwise ; at three a clocke in the after noone I would haue you assoone as you haue made your stable cleane , to vncloath your horse , and to currie , rubbe , pick , dresse and trimme your horse in euerie point as you did in the morning : then to water him , and to giue him another fourth part of his allowance of prouender , and another bottle of hay , and so to let him rest till eight a clock at night , at what time you shal come to him-and in al points as you vsd him at twelue a clock at noone , so you shall vse him at that time ; then putting downe his litter , & making his bed , & giuing him the last fourth part of his allowance of prouender , & hay to serue him for all night , let him rest til the next morning . After the order that you haue spent this day , you shal spend euerie day whilst your horse rests without exercise , that is to say , dressing him twice a day , morning and euening , and feeding him foure times a day that is , morning , noone , euening and night , as for his water it must be according to the constitution of his body : If he be fat and foule , twice a day is sufficient : if of reasonable temper thrice : if leane and weake , then foure times . Euerie keeper shall obserue by no meanes to come to his horse suddainely or rashlye , but first to giue him warning by crying ware I say , or Holla , or such like wordes : he shall neuer come or stand directly behinde a horse , but alwaies vpon one side or other ; if your horse be of bolde or fierce courage , you shall euer keepe a paire of pasternes made of strōg double leather , & linde with cottē , put through two tournels fixt to a chaine 12. inches lōg , abouthis foure legs vnderneath his fetlockes : if your horse haue a qualitie that hee will either teare his cloath or pull his wispes out of his sursingle , you shal then tie a lōg staffe alongst his neck , the one end being made fast to his coller , hard by the roots of his eare , the other end to the sursingle close by the vpper wispes , so that he cānot writhe or turn his head backward ; if your horses maine be too thick or ilfauouredly growne , you may with a tasler made of Iron with three or foure teeth , make it both as thinne as you please , and lay it vpon which side of his necke you please . And thus much for the dressing and trimming of a horse , during his time of rest : which method if you diligently obserue , you shal bee sure to haue his coate as smoothe and sleeke as glasse , and his skinne so pure and cleane , that ( did you rubbe him therwith ) he would not staine a garment of veluet . CHAP. 5. Of a Horses labour or exercise , and how he shall be ordered when he is iourneyed . VNder this title of Exercise I intēd to figure those moderate and healthfull motions which increasing the naturall heate of those mouing partes which sustaine the body , giue both strength and liuely hood to all the inward Organs and vessels of life , as when a man either for his owne practise , or to continue his horse in those lessons which he hath formerly learnt , or when hee would procure his horse an apetite , or giue him the benefit of the fresh aire , he doth in the morning ride him not till hee sweate , but till hee haue brought him to the point of sweating , and this exercise doth the moste belong to great horses trained for seruice in the warres . Now vnder this title of Labour , I comprehend al necessarie trauell or iourneying , wherein being drawne by our worldly businesse we are forc'd to trauell our horse both to the decay or hazard either of his strength or courage . Now for these two , namely Exercise which doth the more it is vsed bringe the horse more strength & vigor ; & labour which the more it is vsed , the weaker & fainter it makes him , doth belong two seuerall orders of gouernment or keeping ; if therefore your charge be the keeping of a greate horse whose exercise is but to bee ridden an houre or two euerie other morning , you shall thus prepare him therunto : at eight a clocke at night , which is the night before your horse is to be exercised ; after you haue made cleane your stable , rubbed your horse with your cloathes , and littered him , you shall then sift him a double allowance of prouender , that is to say , that which is due to him at that time , and also that which hee shoulde haue the next morning ; then looke what hay you did ordinarily allow him other nightes , you shall nowe giue him halfe so much this night , and so let him rest till fiue of the clocke the next morning , at what time as soone as you rise ( hauing made cleane your stable , ) and put vppe his litter , you shall wette his watring snaffle , and put it on , and turne him about , then loosing his sursingle , and taking off his cloath , first with a hairecloath rub his face , necke , and bodie , all ouer , then with a wollen cloath , and a linnen cloath doe the like , especiallye rubbe his legges passing well ; then take his Saddle , hauing three garthes , and a paire of sufficient stirroppes , and stirroppe leathers , and set it vpon the horses back in the due place , that is ( if the horse bee not low before ) rather more forwarde then backwarde , and gyrde it on in this manner : take the garth which is fast to the formost tabbe of the right side , and buckle it to the hindmost tabbe on the left side , and the hindmost garth on the right side to the formost tabbe on the left side , and the middle garth to the middle tabbe on both sides , and this is called crosse gyrding , being the comeliest , surest and least hurtfull manner of gyrding , for it galles the least , and holdes the saddle lastest : you shall not at the first gyrde the gyrthes hard , but in such sort that the horse may feele them and no more : this done , you shall buckle on his breast-plate , and his crooper , making them of equall straitnesse : then you shall lace on his saker or docke , and make fast his twinsell to the hindmost gyrthon the left side , then with a wet maine-combe , combe downe his fore toppe and maine , and then throwing his cloath ouer him , let him stand till you haue warning to bring him to his ryder , at what time you shall take his bytt , and hauing both the Chaule-band , and the nose band open , and the Kurbeloose , you shall first wet it in a peale of cleane water , then laying the reyne ouer your left arme , you shal take the vpper part of his head-stall into your right hand , and laying the mouth of the bytt vpon your left hand betweene your thumbe and your little finger , you shall put the bytt to his mouth , and by thrusting your thumbe and little finger betwixt his chappes , compell him to open his mouth , and to receiue the bytt which by obseruing this order hee can , neither will not chuse but doe : when the bytt is in his mouth , you shall then buckle his noseband , chaule-band , and Kurbe in those due places , as you haue seene his ryder formerlye doe ; then you shall wette his foretoppe , and winde it vnder the fore-head band of his headstall ; then hauing combd his maine againe , and drawne his garthes to their places , you shall buckle a paire of large close spectacles made of strong leather before his eyes , which will occasion him to leade quietlye : then with your right hand you shall take him by the left side of the head-stall close vppon the Portsmouth , and with your left hand holde both the reynes close together hard by the bytt , and so going close by his left shoulder , leade him either to the blocke or to such place as the ryder shall thinke conuenient , then as soone as the ryder hath put the reynes ouer the Horses necke , you shal presentlie shift your right hand to the right side of the headstall , and laying your left hand vppon the right stirroppe leather , you shall whilst the ryder mounts the horses backe , stay the Saddle , that it swarue not , then when the ryder is setled , you shall vnbuckle the spectakles , and take them away , referring the Horse to the discretion of the Ryder . As soone as the horse hath beene exercised sufficientlie , and is brought home , the Ryder shall no sooner dismount his backe , and deliuer him into your hand , but you shall first vnloose his Kurbe , and then presentlie leade him into the Stable , for of all thinges I cannot indure this walking of Horses , knowing that it was a custome first foolishlye inuented , and nowe as vnprofitablye immitated ; for there is not anye thing which sooner makes a Horse take colde , or breedes worse obseruations in the bodie then this cooling of Horses by walking . When you haue brought your Horse into the Stable , where you must haue formerlie prouided greate store of drie litter , turning his head downe from the maunger and hanging the reines of the bytte vpon some hooke for the purpose , you shall first rubbe his face , then his necke , fore-boothes , bellye , flancks and legges with drye strawe , so cleane as may bee ; then with a Woolen cloath , you shall rubbe him all ouer againe , not leauing anye place which hee hath wette with sweate till it bee as drie as may bee , then you shall loose his garthes to their vtmoste length & thrust round about betwixt his garthes and his bodie as much drie straw as you can conuenientlie get in , then vnlace his saker and take it away , rubbing the docke of his tayle drie with a Wollen cloath , then cast his cloath ouer the Saddle , then take off his bytt and put it into a peale of water , then wash his wattering Snaffle , and put it on , tie him to the ringes , and so let him stand for at least two houres , during which time you shall take his bytte out of the water , and with a drye linnen cloath rubbe it as drie as may bee , and then hang it vppe : you shall also wipe his saker within , folde vp the strings , and lay it by also . Now when your horse hath stoode vp thus vpon his bridle at least two or three hours , & is sufficiently cooled , you shal then come to him , and first taking off his cloath , you shal loose his garthes , and take away his saddle , which done , you shal first with drie straw , and then with drie cloathes rubbe his backe till there bee not one wet haire left , then you shal lay on his cloath againe , and girding it slacke with the sursingle , you shal stoppe him rounde about the bodie with great wispes : then you shal with hard wispes of straw , and woollen cloathes , rubbe all his foure legges exceedingly , then combe his maine and taile with a wette maine-combe , take off his snaffle , turn him to the maunger , put on his coller , sift and giue him his allowance of Oates , and putting a bottel of hay in his racke , let him rest with his litter vnder him till the euening : then you shal hang the Saddle where the Sunne shines hottest that the pannel may drie , and if the Sunne shine not , then you shal drie it before the fire , and then with a smal sticke beate the pannel , and make it softe ; you shal also rubbe the stirroppes , stirropp-leathers , garthes , and euerie buckle about the saddle exceeding cleane : then in the euening about foure of the clocke you shal currie , dresse , rubbe , picke , annoynt , water , and feede him as hath beene formerlye shewed you in his dayes of rest , keeping euerie tyttle , and euerie obseruation . Now if your horse be not for exercise but for labour , and iourneying about your worldlye businesse , you shal then thus prepare him , first the night before you are to take your iourney about eight of the clocke , as soone as you haue made cleane your stable , rubd and littered your horse , you shall first giue him as much watter as hee will drinke , then a double allowance of prouender , and as much hay as he will conueniently eate , then you shall annoint all his foure leggs with traine oyle , and see that his shooes be good , strong , rough , easie , and his feet wel stopt , and so let him rest till verie earely in the morning , at what time you shall currie and dresse him as sufficiently as in anie of his daies of rest ; then you shall gird on the saddle , in which you meane to ride , which would bee both easie , light and square : easie for your owne seate , light that it may not suddainly make the horse sweat , and square that it may not pinch , gall or wound him : when hee is sadled , you shal giue him a little water , but nothing nere so much as he would drinke , and his full allowance of prouender , which as soone as he hath eaten , you shall bridle him vp , and trusse his taile shorte aboue his houghes , and so let him stand till you be readie to take your iourney . After you are mounted you shall for the first houre or two in your iourney , ride verie temperately , as not aboue three mile an houre , in which time your horse will bee resonably emptyed , and then you may put him fourth as your iourney requires , it shall be good if in your iourney you come to the descend of anye great Hil , to light from your Horses backe , and to walke downe the hill a foote , taking occasion by standing still a while , or by whistling to see if your horse will pisse , which if he refuse to doe , thē it shal be good for you your selfe to pisse vnder the horses bellie , & it wil without al question prouoke your horse to pisse , you shal in your trauelling as neare as you can , keep one certaine pace in your trauell , and not one while galloppe , another while amble or trot , and another while go foote pace , or stand still , for there is nothing which either sooner tyres a horse or brings him to surfeites , or takes frō him delight in his labour . When you come within two or three or foure miles of the Inne where you meane to rest all night , you shall in the conuenientest place you can finde , as either in some running brooke or riuer , or some faire fresh pond , water your horse , suffering him to drinke as much as hee will , and in this watering of your Horse you shall obserue to ride him into the water a hādful at the most aboue the knees & no further , for to ride him vnder the knees will indanger the foundring him in his feete , and to ride him vp to the bellie will hazard foundring him in the bodie . After you haue watered your Horse you shall gallopp him gentlie vpon the hand for twelue score , or there about , and then in his ordinarie iourneying pace , ride him to his Inne , and as soone as you are lighted , presentlye set your Horse vppe into the Stable , by no meanes ( although it bee the generall custome of our Nation ) suffering anye Ostlers or idle Boyes to wash him , for it is the onlie venemous poyson & worst euill you can bestowe vppon your Horses bodie ; sometimes foundring him , sometimes thrusting him into the fit of an Ague , and when it workes the best yet it strikes such an inward cold into his bodie , that the Horse is worse therefore sometimes for a yeare after : when you haue set your Horse vppe , tyed his head to the emptie racke , and put greate store of litter vnder him , you shall then first with drie wispes rubbe his bellye , foreboothes , & vnder his flanks betwixt his thighes and bodie , then shall you rubbe all his foure legges passing cleane , with your handes wet in water , scowring all grauell and durt both out of his Fetlockes , pasterne , and euerie other crannie which is about any ioynt , especially 〈◊〉 the bottome of his brest betweene his forelegges , and betwixt his ribbes and his elbowes & also betweene his flanke and his bodie , then with drie wispes you shall rub and make cleane his face , head , neck , buttockes , and euerie other member , not leauing whilst there is one wet hayre about him , then shall you with drie wispes make cleane his stirrops , and stirrop leathers , and vnloosing his garthes one by one , make them cleane also , then making your housing cloath ●die ( without which I would haue no keeper to ride if his horse be of anye estimation ) take off your saddle , and with drie straw rub his backe verie soundly , then laying a good deale of strawe vpon his backe , gird his cloath ouer it with your fur single , and stoppe him round about with great wisps , then you shall vnlose his taile , and if it bee durtie you shal wash it in a peale of water , and after you haue wrung it well , you shall tye a greate wispe of strawe within it , to keepe it from his legges . If you 〈◊〉 no housing cloath for your horse , then you shall not so suddainelye remooue your Saddle , but after your horse is sufficientlie rubd , you shall then stoppe his garthes with great wispes round about . Manye Horsemen vse as soone as they bring their Horse into the Stable , to knit a thumbe roape of Hay or strawe as straite as may bee about the vpper part of the horses docke , and doe imagine it will preseru● him from taking colde , and doubtlesse it is verie good indeed . After you horse is in this wise rubd , dride , and clensed from sweate and filthinesse , you shall then take vp all his foure legs one after one , & with an Iron picke all the durt and grauell from betwixt his shooes and his feete , and then stoppe them vppe close with Cowe-dung , then you shall put into his Racke a pennye bottle of hay on which you shall let him tow●e and pull , with his bridle in his mouth st ll , whilst you shake vp his litter hansomlye about him , take your saddle , and if the pannel be wet , drie it by some fire , then with a sticke beate it and make it soft , then pull off your owne bootes ; and refresh your selfe to your owne contentment , in which businesse hauing imployed your selfe an houre or more , then come into the stable and take your horses bridle and put on his collar , then wash the byt or Snaffle in faire water , drye it with a linnen or wollen cloath , and so hang it vp hansomelie ; then after your horse hath eaten hay a quarter of an houre or more , you shal in a siue sift him half a peek of cleane Oates , or Pease and Oates , which your Horse likes better , and giue them him , then if hee haue eaten all his hay , you shall giue him an other bottle , and so let him rest till your selfe haue supped . After supper you shal come to your horse and turne vppe his cloath euen to his sursingle , and either with a haire-cloath or with drie wispes , you shall rub his bodie all ouer , especially vnder his bellie and betweene his legs : then you shall looke vpon his backe , whether your saddle haue pincht or wrung his backe , and if it haue you shall lay a little wet hay vpon the swelling , and presentlie cause some sadler to mend your saddle , then you shall look if the heate of your saddle haue not rays'd any warbles or little knots vppon his back , which is verie common with fat horses , and if it haue , you shall bathe them with a little Sacke heated in a saucer , and they will be well the next morning . This done you shal sift him another halfe pecke of Oates , and giue them him , then whilst hee is eating them , you shall with hard drie wispes , rubbe al his foure legs as drie as may be , and then take a quart of mans vrine , and put therto foure ounces of sault-peeter , and hauing boild them vpon the fire , and stirred it well togither , take it off , and being reasonable warme , bathe al his legges therwith exceedingly : then let him stand for an hower or two after , then you shal take a Peale full of colde water , and put thereto as much hotte water as will make it luke warme , and so giue it your horse to drinke : then sift him another halfe pecke of Oates , and giue them him : then giue him as much hay as shall serue him all night , the proportion whereof you may gesse by his former keeping ; and putting his litter close and warme about him , let him stande till the next morning , at what time ( according to the haste of your affayres ) you shall come to him eyther earlyer or later , and the first thing you doe after you haue put away his dung , you shall put off his cloath , and currie , rubbe , and dresse him as sufficiently , and in such manner as hath beene formerly declared vnto you : then cast his cloath ouer him , and let it hang loose about him , then bring him a little colde water , and let him drinke , but not halfe so much as hee woulde ; then giue him an other halfe pecke of Oates , and whilest he is eating them put on your owne boots , and prepare your selfe for your iourney , which done , come to your horse ; and if he haue eaten his Oates , then you shall saddle him , trusse vp his taile , brydle him , & tie him vp to the bare racke , hauing taken his hay away , then take vp all his foure feet , and plucke out the cowe dung wherewith you stopped them and picke them exceeding cleane ; then let him stand till you be readie for your iourney . Now if it be so that the occasion of your iourney be so great , that you cannot obserue any trauelling pace , but are forst to gallop your horse at least twenty , or thirtie , or fortie mile together ; in this case , I would not haue you by any meanes to water your horse before you come to your Inne , but hauing set him vp warme , and rubbed him drie , as is before shewed ; you shall then before you giue him hay , or any thing else , take a pint of verie good Sacke , and warming it luke warme , giue it your Horse with a Horne , and so let him rest halfe an hower after , and then giue him hay , and order him as was before shewed , onely in steade of warme water late at night , you shall giue him a warme mash of mault and water , for that with the helpe of trauell , will bring away his molten grease ; if the next day following you are to ride him as violentlye also ; you shal then when you are readie to take his backe , giue him a pint of Sacke and Sugar-candie well brewde together , and in your trauell euer fauour him as much as you can in the beginning , and put him forth as violently as you please at the latter ende of your iourney . If you happen vpon such an Inne where you can neithere get Sacke nor Sugar-candie , then if you take strong Ale brewed with great store of Ginger , or Sinamon , it will bee as good . If your horse bee of a tender and daintie stomacke , so that he will refuse his pouender ( as for the most part hot mettald horses and yong horses vnacquainted with trauell will doe ) then you must take the greater paines , and be euer feeding them , neuer giuing them aboue an handfull at once , till they haue eaten to your contentment . You shall also change their meate oft , as thus : after an handfull of cleane Oates , you shall giue an handfull of Pease and Oates ; and after Pease and Oates , halfe a dozen bits of bread . And thus by alteration of foode you shall both make your horse eate well , and also strengthen his apetite : but if contrarie to this , your horse bee both a great eater , and a grosse , then you shall feed him so oft , and with such large proportions , that you bring him to stand and blow vpon his meate as it lyes before him . But this you must not doe by any meanes suddenly , or at one time when your horse is hungrie , for that were to kill him , or make him surfeyt : but you must doe it by such leasurable tymes , that nature hauing no more then shee is able to disgest , may in the ende come to bee orderly satisfied : at what time , and not before , you may bee assured your horse is in perfite strength and keeping . The first principall note or rule which euerie good keeper shall obserue when hee comes into any straunge stable , is with his owne handes to cleanse the racke from all dust , filth , hay , or hay-seedes , and to rubbe the maunger also as cleane as may be in euerie part , least anie infectious Horse haue stoode there before , which is most dangerous : and for preuention whereof I would euer haue you in an Inne to let your horse eate his prouender in a Skuttell , or some other cleanly vessell , and not in the maunger . Now lastly , where as the most of our English trauellers doe vse ( especially in the Sommer ) to bait or rest their horses at the noone time of the day , supposing it prepares them the better for their iourney : although I know the heate of the day is troublesome , both to the horse and man. yet I know these baytings are much more troublesome , neither would I haue any man to vse them ; for whē the horse hath his limbs chaft and heated with his trauell and then is set vp till they be growne stiffe and sta●ke , and so presently put to his labour againe , then I say the verie paine and griefe of his limbes do so trouble him , that except he be of an extraordinarie spirit , he wil be much subiect to faintnesse in trauell ; besides to make your horse iourney continually vpon a full stomacke is both painfull , and bredes sicknesse ; wherfore I conclude , these baits are good for none but Carriers & Poulters Iades , whose labours not being aboue foote pace , may euer like Asses haue their prouender bagges at their noses . And thus much touching a horses exercise and labour . CHAP. 6. Of sleeping , waking , fulnesse , and emptinesse . SLeepe in a horse ( as in euerie other beast which hath moouing ) is a most necessarie and especiall thing , neither can a horse liue without it , wherefore it is the place and office of euerie good keeper , to haue a careful regarde to the rest of his Horse , and to note both after what manner he sleepeth and how long hee sleepeth : for if a horse sleepe verie muche , it is a great signe of dulnesse , and fluxe of grosse and colde humours in the braine : but if he sleepe for the most part standing , it is a token that he hath some inward paine in his backe , or bodie , and feareth to lie downe , lest he cannot rise againe without much torment : if a Horse lie much , yet sleepe but a little , it is a signe of weake ioynts , frettized feete , or limbes beaten with trauell : if the horse neither sleep , nor lie much , but as it were wake continually , it is a signe the horse hath both a pained bodie , and a troubled mind , insomuch that he can not possiblie liue long , both because hee wantes that which giueth the greatest strength to Nature , and also the chiefest meanes both of blood and disgestion ; sleepe being indeede nothing else but certaine sweete vapors , which ascending from the heart , numbes the braine , and keepes the bodie for a time sencelesse , so that euery keeper should haue a carefull eie ouer his Horse , to see how hee sleepes , when , and how long time : then how hee wakes , when he wakes , and after what manner hee wakes , for if he wake much , his brain is diseased , if he wake often or sodainlie , his heart , liuer , or stomache is grieued ; and if hee wake seldome or with much adoe , then his whole powers are ouercome with some colde humor . Next vnto these obseruations , the carefull keeper shall looke to his horses fulnesse , or the filling of his bellie , I do not meane those phisicall fillinges which consist in humors either generallie or particularlie distributed ouer the bodie , consisting in quantitie or qualitie , for they are obseruations fit for the farryer ; but to that fulnesse which onelye consisteth in the excesse of meate , wherefore the keeper shall note well the temper of the horses feeding , that is , whether he fill sodainly or slowly and according to his filling , so to temper his dyet , and to giue him the lesse or the more meate according to his appetite keeping the grosse horse emptie the longer before his trauell , and the tender horse with meate till your foote be readie to be thrust into the stirrop , for the full horse with suddaine labour wil soone burst , & the emptie horse with much fasting will not bee able to indure anye violence through faintnesse . Next to your horses filling you shall note his manner of emptying , that is the state of his bodie , whether he be costiue or sollible , or whether his vrine haue a free or troublesome passage , & by the rule of them you shal feede your horse more as lesse , as thus , if your horse be sollible or free of vrine , you through that helpe of nature may aduenture to feede him the harder , for albe hee fill much yet he holdeth not that fulnesse any long season , but hauing an easie disgestion , bringes his bodie soone to a temperate emptinesse : but if hee bee costiue or haue straite passage for his vrine , although fasting be the greatest cause of costiuenes , yet when you prepare your horse for a iourney , you shall not neede to feed him so extreamely , neither shall your meate bee for the moste part any drie food but rather moiste washt meate , of which foodes I shall haue cause to speake more largely in the book of running Horses . Now you shal vnderstand that fulnesse and emptinesse are phisicke helpes one for another , the full horse being to be cured by emptinesse , as fasting , purgation , letting blood , or such like : and emptinesse to be cured by fulnes , as by restauratiō or renewing of those powers which are decayed ; so that the keeper carefully obseruing these rules shall so quickly perceiue anie imperfection in his horse , that a sleight preuention shall quickly auoide the greatest mischiefe . And thus much for sleepe and feeding . CHAP. 7. Of the soile or scowring horses with grasse , and of other foodes . TOuching the opinions of Horsemen for the scowring of Horses with grasse , they be diuers and intricate ; some holding forrage , which is the blades of green Corne , as of wheate or barley to be the best , some three leaued grasse , some young thistles , and such like , so also there is a difference amongst them for the time in scowring ; one alowing but fifteen daies , another a month , and another the whole summer , neither are they certain in the place where the Horse should be scowred , for some would haue it in the stable , some in a large parke or fielde , and some in a little wald plot of ground , not aboue the quantitie of one or two Akers . Now to reconcile all these , and to bring them to as orderlie a cōformitie , as is fit for a reasonable vnderstāding , I will declare mine opinion . First , if your horse bee either Hunting horse , running horse , or one that hath been vsd to much trauell or iourneying , I holde it verie necessarie that he be scowred with grasse , either in some parke , close or other spacious ground , where he may haue sweete feeding , fresh springs , or riuers to drinke at , and good shelter both to defend him from flies and Sunneshine ; the time to bee for foure monthes , that is to say , from the beginning of May to the end of August , in which time he will not onelie scower and purge himselfe of grosse and corrupt humors , but also after such cleusing grow strong , fat , and full of health and liuelinesse , recouering by such rest and libertie , that weakenesse , stiffenesse and numbnesse of ioynts which his labour before had brought vnto him . But if your horse bee a beast of great courage , and onely wantonlye kept , eyther for your mornings exexrcise in riding , or for seruice in the warres , so that hee will neither indure with anye patience abroad , nor hath beene put to anie such extreamitie that he standeth neede of recouerie ; then I wold haue you onelie to put him to the soyle within the house : that is to say , you shal from the beginning of Iune , till the beginning of Iulye feede your Horse onely with grasse & no longer : & during the time , you shal neither cloath him , dresse him , nor ride him , onely you shall keepe his plaunchers cleane from dung , & litter him with nothing but the off all or reffuse grasse which he puls into the maunger , but will not eate : you shall also during this soile time feede him with prouender in such sort as you did at other times , onelie I would haue his prouender to be beane-bread well baked , as for his grasle , if the first three daies of soyle time , you doe giue him 〈◊〉 , t is exceeding good , and after the sowrest grasse you can get as that which in Orchardes growes vnder fruite trees , or else such as growes in Garden alleys , for the more sowrer and courser the grasse is , the better it scowreth ; and in this case you should respect no feeding , neither should you mowe any more grasse at one time then your horse can conuenientlie eate in the instant ; as for making your horse to neese much , or to purge his head much by fumigation in the soile it is needlesse , for the grasse it selfe will doe it sufficientlie without anie other medicine . If your Horse during his time of being in the soile , happen to swell in his sheath , or about his cods , it shall be exceeding good in that case once or twice a day , either to swimme him , or ride him through some water that will reach aboue the horses midde bellie ; but for making a daylie exercife of swimming him without anie speciall occasion , I doe greately disalow it , for it both straines a horses limbes , and brings him within the danger of Crampes and conuultions , neither doe I allowe ( although it be the practise both of the Italians and some of our English keepers ) to giue a horse when hee is in soyle either scowring or Purgation , as either sodden Rye , Mellons , greene Figges , the intralles of a Tench or Barbell mixt with white wine , or anye such like trumperie , for I haue seene where such like courses hath beene taken that the horse hath falne into such an vnnaturall scowring , that no possible meanes would stop it , till the horse hath dyed with the violence . Others haue vsed in the soyle , in stead of wholsome and drie prouender , which is fittest to be mixt with such cold , moist , and raw food , to giue their horses either sodden beanes well salted , and wheat bran , or Coleworts and bran or else boyld Bucke , all which are both vnwholsome , full of rottennesse , and breed many foule diseases , wherfore I aduise all keepers to be carefull to eschew them ; and rather to take leasure and feede with such foods as are both healthfull & natural , of which kinds you haue had alteadie formerly declared . And thus much touching the Soyle , and the scowring of horses in the sommer season . CHAP. 8. Of the passions which are in horses , and the loue which keepers should beare vnto them . LEauing to make any philosophicall discourse , or to argue of the passions or affections which are in horses , how they haue their beginnings from sense , and their workings according to the course of nature . It is moste certaine , that eueire horse is possest with these passions , loue , ioy , hate , sorrow , and feare : the first two springing from the alacritie , chearfulnesse , and good disposition of the minde , by which the Horse is made to be familiar with the man , obedient , kind and docible , the other three from the corruption and putrifaction of nature , by which he becomes fierce , mad , and full of amazement , so that it is the office of euerie keeper out of his Iudgement and experience to learne to know when and at what time his horse is opprest or troubled with the Fluxe of any of these affections , that hee may by the applying of fit remedies abate and suppresse them in the excesse of their greatnesse , which nothing doth at anye time sooner bring to passe then the mildenes and gentle disposition of the keeper towards his Horse , for it is most certaine , that when keepers of Horses eyther out of their chollericke furies , or ignorant misbehauiours , doe anye thing about a horse eyther rashlye , violentlye , or with the vse of vnnecessarie torment , that they onelie by such indiscretion doe create in horses all those euill affections from whence any restife qualitie doth proceed , and therfore euerie keeper must with all lenitie and sobernes both in word and action procure the loue of the horse which he keepeth . And yet I doe not meane that a good keeper shall be altogether so voide of indignation , that hee shall suffer his horse to runne into any kinde of vice , without the touch of correction , for thereby I haue seene manye horses so dissolute and disobedient that they haue gone beyond the power of reclayming , whence it hath come that some Horses haue slaine their keepers , and some haue doone almoste as euill in other courses . A good keeper therefore must knowe when to correct and when to cherrish , not giuing either blowe or angrie word , but in the instant of the offence , nor to punish or strike the horse any longer then whilst his present fault restes in his memorie . Also I would haue the keeper to obserue , that where gentlenesse and meekenesse will preuaile , there by no meanes to put in any vse , eyther terror or torment , for as the keepers greatest labour is but to procure loue from the Horse , so the onelie thing that is pleasant to the Horse , is loue from the keeper ; insomuch that there must be a sincere and incorporated friendshippe betwixt them or else they cannot delight or profit each other , of which loue the keeper is to giue testimonie , both by his gentle language to his horse , and by taking from him any thing which he shall beholde to annoy or hurt him , as moates , dust , superfluous hayres , flyes in Summer , or anye such like thinge , and by oft feeding him out of his hand , by which meanes the Horse will take such delight and pleasure in his keepers companye , that hee shall neuer approach him , but the horse will with a kinde of chearefull or inward neying , show the ioy he takes to beholde him , and where this mutuall loue is knit and combined , there the beast must needes prosper , and the man reape reputation and profit . And thus much for the horses passions and the keepers affections . CHAP. 9. The Office of the Coachman , and obseruations for his place . THe vse of Coaches hath not beene of anye long continuance in this kingdome , especially in that general fashion , as now they are vsed : for if formerlie they were in the hands , and for the case of some particular great persons , yet now eyther thorough the benefits which are found by them , or through the vnaccustomed tarenesse of them , they are growne as common as hackneyes , and are in the handes of as many as either esteeme reputation , or are numbred in the Catalogue of rich persons : wherefore since they are in such generall vse , and esteemed such a general good , I thinke is not fit in this my generall booke of horsmanship , to omit or forget some necessarie obseruatiōs which are helping and needfull to be knowne vnto the skilfull Coatchman , and the rather , sith the commodities which redound thereby , are chiefly imployed in the seruices of Ladies and Gentlewomen , to whome both my selfe and euery honest man is in his first creation obliged , yet I doe not meane here in to make any tedious or long discourse , eyther of the benefites of Coatches , the diuersities , proportions , shapes , nor alterations , because euerie vnderstanding Coach-maker , and euery seruiceable Coatch-man can giue proofes and reasons of each difference : neyther is my profession to meddle with the shapes of tymber , but with the natures of horses ; nor will I speake of the seuerall customes or fashions of Italie , or Fraunce , because as farre as I can iudge , whatsoeuer we practise in this arte of Coach-gouerning , is but an immitation of the shapes and chaunges of those Kingdomes ; therefore for mine owne part I meane heere onelye to handle some fewe notes touching the choyce of Coatch-horses , their keeping , and apparaling . First then to speake of the choyse of Coach-horses , some are of the opinion that your Flemish Horse is the best for that purpose , because hee is of strong limbes , hath a full breast , a good chyne , and is naturallye trayned vppe more to draught , then to burthen : others doe preferre before these horses the Flemish Mares ( and I am of that opinion also ) both because of their more temperate and coole spirites , their quiet socyablenes in companie , and their bringings vppe , which onely is in the wagon , by which meanes trauelling with more patience , they are euer of more strength and indurance , yet both these horses and Mares haue their faults euer coupled to their vertues , as first their paces are for the most part short trots , which contain much labour , in a little ground , and so bring faintnesse of spirrit in little iourneys , whereas indeede a Coach horse should stretch foorth his feete , and the smoother and longer hee strides , the more way he riddes , and the sooner comes to his iourneis end without tyring . Next , their limbes from the knees and Cambrels downeward are so rough and hayrie , and the horses naturally of themselues so subiect to sault and f●etting humors in those parts , that neither can the coachman keepe them from the Paines , scratches , Mallanders , Sellanders and such like diseases , nor the Farryer oft times with his best skil cure them when they are diseased . Lastly they are for the most part of restie & hot spirrits , so that albe they be excellent and forward in the draught , yet in our English nation amongst our deepe clayes and myerie waies , they are not able to continue , but growe faint and wearie of their labour , and it is euer a rule amongst them , that after they haue beene once tyred , there is no meanes againe to restore them to their first mettall or spirrit . Now to tel you mine opinion which is the best Coach-horse either for streetes of Citties , or iourneying vppon high waies , I holde not any horse comparable eyther for strength , courage or labour with the large shapt English Gelding , for hee is as milde and sociable as the Flemish Mare , more able to indure trauell , better shapt , and longer continues in seruice , for the Mare if shee be proudly kept ( as of necessitie the Coach mare must be ) she wil then couet the horse , and if she haue him and holde to him , her yeres seruice is lost : if she want him , you shal either indanger her life with the corruption of her pride , or else with Leprosie ; but if they be speade or gelte mares , they be thē the worst of al , for the body & spirits being somuch ouercoold , they are vtterly disabled for any violent extremity ; looke how much the Gelding is short of the stond-horse in courage , somuch is the spead mare short of the gelding : wherfore for the auoidance of all inconueniences , the best for the coach is the large , strong english gelding , the next him is the Flemish mare , and the last is the Flemish horse , the Pollander is exceeding good , but hee is somewhat too little & too fierce of nature , but for tyring that will he sildome or neuer doe , with any indifferent order . When you haue determined touching the breede , or race of your coach-horses , you shal then look to their shapes & colors ; first for their colours , I haue formerly showd you which is the best , so that you shal obserue that in any case ( so nere as you cā chuse thē ) your coach-horses be al of one color , without diuersitie , & that their marks or especial semblāces be also alike , as thus for exāple : if the one haue either white star , or white rache , bald face , white foote , or bee of pide color , that thē the others haue the like also . For their shapes , you shal chuse a leane proportioned head , a strong & firme necke , a ful , broad , & round out-breast , a limbe flat , short ioynted , leane and well hayred , a good bending ribbe , a strong backe , and a round buttocke ; generally they would be of a broad strong making , and of the tallest stature , for such are moste seruiceable for the draught , & best able to indure the toile of deepe trauell . Now for the properties , they must be as nearely alyed in nature & disposition , as in colour , shape and height , for if the one be free , & the other dul , then the free horse taking al the labour , must necessarily ouertoile himselfe , and soone both destroy his life & courage , so that they must be of alike spirit & mettall : also you must haue an especiall regard that their paces be alike , & that the one neither trot faster then the other , nor take larger strides then the other , for if their feet doe not rise from the ground tohether , & likewise fall to the ground together , there can be no indifferencie or equality in their draught , but the one must ouertoyle the other , where as indeede they ought to bee of such equall strengthes , paces , & spirits , that as it were one body their labour shold be deuided equally amongst thē ; they ought also ( as neare as you can ) to bee of louing , tractable and milde dispositions , not giuē to bite , strike , & especially not to yark & strike with their hinder legges backward , for it both doth indanger the life of the man , and also doth hazard the spoyling of the horse , by ouerthrowing himself in his harnes . They shold also haue perfect good & tender mouthes ; & ought to haue their heads well setled vppon the bytt before they come into the Coach , being learnt to turne readilie vpon eyther hand , without discontentment or rebellyon , to stop close and firme ; and to retire backe freelie with good spirrit and courage ; which are lessons fully sufficiēt to make a compleate good coach-horse ; for although some coachmen more for brauery or pride thē either for arte or profit , wil make their horse stand and coruet in their Coaches , yet I would haue all good Coachmen know , that such motions are both vnfitt , vncomelye , and moste hurtfull for Coach-horses ; not onelye taking from them the benefit and delight in trauell , but also making the Horse to mistake his corrections , and when he growes to any faintnesse or dulnesse , or comes into any such ground where the depth therof puts him to his ful strength ; nay sometimes the coach stickes & wil not come away at the first twich , if then the coach-mā iert them forward with his whip , they presentlye fall to coruet & leape , refusing to drawe , in their greatest time of necessitie . Now for the manner of keeping them , and dyeting them ; they are in all pointes to be drest , pickt , and curryed like your ordinarie trauelling horse , and to haue their foode and walkings after the same manner , onelie their allowance of prouender would be of the greatest size , for their labour being for the moste part extreame , and themselues generallye Horses of grosse nature , their chiefest strengthes moste often dependes vpon the fulnesse of their bellies . In iourneying you shall vse them as is before taught , for iourneying horses , onelie if they be either Flemish Horses or Flemish Mares , and by that meanes bee subiect to paines and Scratches , then after your iourneye when you haue bathed your Horses legges with pisse and Salt-peter , you shall then annoint all his pasternes and Fetlocks , with Hogs-grease and mustard mingled together , and if he haue either scratches , or paines , it will kill them ; if he haue none , it wil preuent them from growing , & keepe his legs cleane howsoeuer he be disposed . Now for the harneysing or attyring of Coach-horses , you must haue a greate care that the long pillowe before his brest , be of gentle leather , full , round and verie soft stopt , and that the little square pillowes ouer the point of his withers and tops of his shoulders , bee likewise verie soft , for they beare the weight of his harnesse , and some part of his draught , you shall see that the hinder part of your harnesse which compasseth the neather part of his buttocks , and rests aboue the horses hinder houghes bee easie and large , not freiting or gauling off the hayre from those partes , as for the moste part you shall see amongst vnskilfull Coachmen , the draught breadthes or Coach treates , which extend from the breast of the horse to the bridge tree of the Coach , must bee of exceeding strong double leather , well wrought and sewed , which ( till you bring your horse to the Coach ) you must throw ouer your horses backe cros-wise , your headstall and reynes of your bridle , must likewise bee eyther of strong leather , or els of round wouen lines , made of silke or threed , according to the abilitie of the owner , or the delight of the Coach-man : yet to speake the truth , those lines of silke or threed are the better , because they are more nimble , and come and goe more easily : as for your bits , and the proportion of your checks , they are formerly discribed , and must be sorted according to the qualitie of the horses mouth . Now forasmuch as I cannot so sufficiently in words figure out the proportions of euery seueral part of these harnesses , neither in what sort they shal be ordered because they alter according to the number of the horses , two horses being attired after one sort , three after another , & foure different frō both , to giue a full satisfaction to euery ignorant Coachman : I doe therefore aduise all that are desirous to better their iudgements in such knowledges to repaire to the stables of great princes where cōmonly are the best mē of this art , & there to behold how euery thing in his true proportion is ordred , & frō thence to draw vnto himselfrules for his own instruction ; only these sleight precepts I will bestow vpon him : first , that he haue euer a constant sweete hand vpon his horses mouth , by no meanes loosing the feeling thereof but obseruing that the horse doe rest vppon his bytte , and carrie his heade and reyne in a good and comelye fashion : for to goe with his heade loose , or to haue no feeling of the bytte , is both vncomelye to the eye , and take from the horse all delight in his labour . Next when you turne vppon eyther hande , you shall onelye drawe in your inmost hande , and giue your outmost libertie as thus for example : If you turne vpon your left hand , you shall drawe in your left reyne a little straiter , which gouerns the horse vpon the left side , and the right reyne you shall giue libertie vnto , which gouernes the horse on the right hand , so that the horse of the neare side with the left hand comming inwarde , must necessarily whether he will or no , bring the horse of the farre side , ( which is the right hand ) to follow him : and in these turns you muste euer bee assured to take a full compasse of ground , both according to the length of the Coach , and the the skil of the horses , for there is nothing doth amaze or disturb a coach horse more thē whē he is forst to turn sodainly , or straiter then the Coach will giue him leaue , whence hee first learnes to gagge vp his heade to loose his reyne , and to disorder contrarie to his owne disposition . You shall also make your horses after they haue stopt , stand still constantly , and not to fridge vp & downe pressing one while forwarde , an other while backwarde , both to the disease of themselues , and the trouble of others : the Coachman also shall not vppon euery sleight errour or sloathfulnesse correct his horse with the ierte or lash of his whippe , for that will make them dull vppon the correction , but he shall rather nowe and then scarre them with the noyse and smart sounde of the lash of his whippe , suffering them onely to feele the torment in the time of greatest extremitie : you shall when you first intende to breake a horse for the Coach for two or three dayes before you bring him vnto the Coach , cause him to bee put vnto the Cart , placing him in that place which Carters call the lash , so that hee may haue two Horses to follow behinde him , whom together with the loade that is in the Cart hee cannot drawe away ; and two horses before him , which with the strength of his traytes will keepe him in an euen way without flying out , either vppon one side or other . Thus when you haue made him a iittle tame , and that hee knowes what it is to draw , and feeles the setling of the neather part of the coller vnto his breast , then you may put him vnto the coach , ioyning vnto him an old Horse , which hath both a good mouth , and is of coole qualities , that if the younger horse shall fall into any franticke passion , yet his stayednesse may euer rule and gouerne him , till custome and trauell haue perfitely brought him to knowe his labour : I haue seene a Coach man who hath put too young horses vnbroken into a Coach together , and I haue seene them runne away , ouer-throw and breake the Coach , and mischiefe the Coach-man : wherefore I would haue euerie Coach-man that will worke with Arte and safetie to take longer time , more paynes , and by the method before shewed to bring his horses vnto perfection . The last obseruations that I woulde haue a Coach-man keepe , is that whensoeuer he goes abroade with his Coach , hee be assured euer to carrie with him his horses cloathes , that whensoeuer hee shall bee forced eyther through attendance , or other chaunces to stand still anie long time , he may cast the cloathes ouer his horses , to keepe them warme , and from the coldnesse of the weather . He shall also haue euer in his Coach Coffer , Hammer , Pinsers , Wimble , Chessell , & Nayles , that if any small fault happen about his Coach , hee may himselfe amend it , he shall also haue in his Coach Coffer , oyntments for his horses legges and hoofes , especially if he be Flemish , for they haue seldome or neuer good hoofes ; hee shall also haue shoomakers blacking to dresse the outside of his Coach and harnesse with : he shall haue a brush for the inside , a blunt iron to dresse his wheeles , either oyle or sope for his axeltrees ; and main-combe , curry-combe , and other dressing cloathes for his horse , so that generally he shall keepe his Horses neately ; his wood-worke cleanly , his leather blacke , his buckles bright , and euerie other seuerall ornament in such comlinesse , as may bee for the owners profite , and the keepers reputation . And thus much for the Coach-man and his office . The end of the sift Booke . CAVELARICE OR The Currier . Containing the Art , knowledge , and dyet of the running Horse , either in trayning vp , or in any great match or wager . The sixt Booke . LONDON Printed for Ed. White , and are to be solde at his shop nere the little North doore of Saint Paules Church at the signe of the Gun. 607. To the Right Honorable the moste noble and mightie Lord Phylip Herbert Earle of Mountgomerie and baron of Shirland . AS oft a● I beholde that poore house from whence I am descended , so oft I beholde vndying monuments of the noble and gracious fauours which by your famous Grandfather and most renowned Father , were plentiously powred vpon our familie , so that whilst the glew of Lime and Simant shal knit stones together , so long in our house wil be held their memories . from these motiues ( most excellent Lord ) and from the loue I see you beare to this Arte which I professe , I am imboldned to offer to your noble handes , the view of these my labours , in which , how soeuer my Arte may be controlled , yet it shall vnder the deffence of your countenance iustifie it selfe both by the groundes of experience and reason , and though my obscuritie liue vnaccompained with popular opinion , yet yet when I shall be tride , I hope I shall proue vnsopbisticat , and the rather sith my nature hath euer loathed to bee adorned with false fiers ; yet that I am the meanest of many I know , & my selfe am vnto my selfe a testimonie , and that I desire no greater height mine Inambiton hath proued , onely your honors good opinion shall be the ayme of my longings , and that gained , I shall die your honors humbly deuoted . Geruase Markham . To all the louers of running Horses . I Haue not found any particular sporte or masterie whatsoeuer , of more antiquitie or honorable estimation , then the vse of running horses ; so that if in our actions we are to take imitation from the Auntients , then without question there is no man able to stand vp against this pleasure , being both most old , and moste royallie defended by the authoritie of many Emperors . But least my supposition , should draw on a question vncreated , I will forbeare to defende what none will impugne , and onely say , if I haue to the Art giuen as good rules as all men will giue allowance to the sporte , there is no doubt but I shall reape thankes in greate measure . Wel what I haue done , let experience iudge , and where I haue made any escape after a due tryall let mee receiue the rigor of a humaine charitie ; so though I smart , yet I shal not be confounded , but liue either to recant or make satisfaction . Farwell . G. M. CAVELARICE . The sixt Booke . CHAP. 1. Of the running Horse ingenerall , and of their choice . IF the auncientest vertue bee most honourable , ( as it is a principall maxime amongest our Herauldes ) then without all question there is nothing more famous in this renowned Arte of Horsemanshippe , then the practise and vse of running Horses , being as auncient as the Olympian games in the dayes of Hercules , and so successiuelye detiued downe to the dayes of our latest Emperours in all which wee may reade of the great glories of the Horses and the infinite rewards and hie places of preferment bestowed vppon their Riders , in which wee may beholde both the fame of the exercise by the princelye foundation , and the necessitie and vertue , by the delight of such emperiall maiesties . And truly in these our latter dayes , wherein wee studie to controll the monuments of our forefathers , this almoste obscurde arte hath found out such princely and vertuous mainteyners , that beeing but only cherrisht in the coldest clymate of this Region , it is now famously nourished ouer all the Kingdome , to the eternall honour of their famous names , and to the exalt of the most seruiceable beast that euer was created : Wherfore ( to speake generally of running Horses ) albe amongst olde writers ( whose readinges were much better then their rydings ) they haue giuen the greatest preheminence to the Portugals or Spanish Ienets , and chiefly to those which are bredde by the Ryuer Tagus , or neare vnto Lisbone , comparyng them to the windes , and such like impossible motions , yet we by our experience in these latter tymes , and out of our industrious labours finde , that the Turkes are much swifter Horses , and the Barbaries much swifter then the Turkes , and some English Horses and Geldings swifter then eyther Iennet , Turke , or Barbarie , witnesse gray Dallauell , being the Horse vppon which the Earle of Northumberland roade in the last rebellion of the North : witnesse gray Valentine , which dyed a Horse neuer conquered ; the blacke Hobbie of maister Thomas Carletons , and at this hower most famous Puppey agaynst whom men may talke , but they cannot conquer . Now therefore if your delight sway you to the exercise of this sport , you shall bee verie carefull in chusing a Horse fitte for your purpose , wherein the chiefest thing to be regarded is his spirit and shape : for his spirit it woulde bee free and actiue inclined to chearefulnesse , lightnesse , and forwardnesse to labor , scope or gallop ; for a Horse of dull , idle , and heauie nature , can neuer either be swift or nimble : the lumpishnesse of his minde taking away the action and agilitie of his members . Now for his shape it would bee of the finest , for seldome ( in horses ) doe naturall deformed shapes harbour any extraordinarie vertue , yet for more particularitie , I woulde haue him to hold most of the shapes of your hunting Horse , only some sleight errours , you may beare withall in a running horse , as thus : If your running Horse be somewhat long and loosely made , that is to say somewhat long filletted betweene the huckell bones , and the short ribbs ; if he haue slender limbes , long ioyntes , a thinne necke , and a litle bellie ; being in all his generall parts , not so strong and closely knitte together , as the hunting Horse should be , ( though I would wish such vices away ) yet I haue seene Horses which haue had some part of them which haue beene of greate speede in short courses . Now you shall know , that for as much as the hunting Horse , and the running Horse are for two seuerall ends , that is to say , the first for long and wearie toyle by strength and continuance of labor , strugling and working out his perfection : the other by sudden violence , and present fury , acting the vttermoste that is expected from them : therefore there must necessarilye bee some difference in the ordering and dyetting of these two creatures : the hunting horse by strength , making his winde endure a whole dayes labour ; the running horse by winde and nimble footemanship , doing as much in a moment as his strength or power is able to seconde . Nowe as order and dyet in this case is of most especiall consequence ; so if training and teaching bee not ioyned to diet and keeping , all your labour will bee vaine and to no purpose imployed : wherefore hauing a Horse of right shape , beautie , spirite , and other line aments agreeable to your minde for this exercise , and that hee is of full age and growth , which should bee fiue yeares olde at the least ; then you shall traine him to the pleasure of running , in such sort as shall be declared in this Chapter following . CHAP. 2. How running horses shall be first trained vp , and of their diet . AFter you haue eyther taken your Horse ( which you intend for running ) fat from grasse , or bought him fat and faire in the market , you shall dresse , order and diet him in such sort as is formerly prescribed in the Booke of the keepers Office for the three first dayes till his grasse bee scowred forth , then after you shall dresse and diet him in such sort as is prescribed in the first fortnightes dyeting of hunting Horses , onelye your exercise shall differ thus much , that for a fortnight together after his water Morning and Euening , you shall galloppe him gentlye vppon the hand for a quarter of an houre together vppon some plaine leuell Meddowe or such like geeene swarth ground , till you haue made him cunning in his galloppe , and that hee knowes howe to take vp his feete , how to set them downe nimblye and skilfully , and withall , how and when to fauour himselfe , by making his stroake round and short , & how & when to increase his speede by striking foorth his limbes , and laying his body neare to the earth : onelie you must obserue that in all this exercise you doe not make him sweat or put him to any force , as well for feare of his winde as for other inconueniences , but that out of ease , wantonnes and pleasure , hee may both attaine to delight and knowledge , and that also by the moderation of such temperate exercise , he may haue his glut and pursiuenes clensed away , his fat and good flesh better hardned , his winde made more pure , & al his inward faculties better disposed . After you haue spent this fortnight in this sort , you shall then put him into the same dyet , and both order and keep him in such sort as you did keepe your hunting horse in the third fortnight , both with the same bread , the same scowrings , and the same obseruations of times and howers , onely your exercise shal thus farre differ , that you shal for a fortnight together at least , fouretimes a weeke ride him forth on hunting , but by no meanes , howsoeuer the Chases runne , you shall not thrust him vppon any deepe or ouerthwart earth , but when the sents come vppon smooth and plaine ground ; then you shall thrust him foorth into a good ordinarie speede , and follow the Hounds chearefully yet not with that violence , that eyther you straine him beyond his owne pleasure , or compel him to doe any thing vpon compulsion , but that whatsoeuer he doth may be done out of his owne desire , you rather restraining & keeping him within his strēgth , then couetting to trie the vtmost of his power , by which meanes you shall adde such life to his doings , that when necessitie shall compell , he will performe more then you can except or hope for ; After you haue brought him home at night , you shall feede and scower as in case of ordinarie hunting ; and in this manner of trayning , and with this gentle exercise , you shall bring him to a good state of bodie , & to be able to indure some reasonable extremity , which you may knowe by the cleannesse of his neather chappes , the thinnesse of his ribbe , and the emptinesse of his flanke , yet for as much as many horses when they are very cleane wil not withstanding haue a full flanke , I wish you rather to trust to his Chaule and ribbe then to the signe of his flanke ; Now when your horse is thus brought to some cleannesse , if then you would know the height of his ordinarie speede , you shall then feede him with the best hunting breade ; and hauing found out some plaiue smoothe course of about three or foure mile in length , and euerie other day you shall course him thereuppon for the space of a fortnight , yet by no meanes strayning him aboue a three quarters speed , onelye to make him acquainted with the race , and that hee may come to the knowledge of his labour , and so may prepare himselfe thereunto by emptying his bellye , and pissing often , as you shall see in a short space hee will quicklye learne , and the rather if as you leade him ouer the race you suffer him to stand still when hee pleaseth , to lye downe and tumble ; to dung , pisse , or vse anye other gesture , whatsoeuer the Horse pleases , not compelling him to lead , but according to his owne liking : and if you finde that hee will not emptye his bellye , you shall leade leade him where other Horses haue dunged , and stand still , and let him smell thereunto , the sent wherof will presentlye entice him to dung also , and if hee pisse seldome , you shall stand still the oftner , and make him stretch out his legges , you shall whistle him as he standes , or throwe a little strawe vnder his bellye , all which if it preuaile not , you shall your selfe pisse vnder his bellye , and it will intice him to pisse , you shall vse as hee goes 〈◊〉 spirt Vinegar into his Nostrilles , for it will both strengthen his stomack , and prouoke him to pisse . When you come to the race end where you must start , you shall vnloose his Sursingle , and putting backe his cloathes , set on his Saddle , and then mounting vppon his backe , cause the Groome to stroake off his cloathes and to ride away with them , that you may haue them to put on againe when you haue runne the race ouer . Then you shall start your horse into a reasonable speede , and according to his winde and strength , so you shal make him runne the course , eyther swifter , or slower ; once in the course at least making him runne for tweluescore or there about , at the best of his speede , but immediately you shall take vppe your bridle againe and fauour him , that preseruing him within his strength , you may make both his winde and strength the better . After that by this manner of trayning you finde that he wil run his course with a good ordinarie speede , and that for the twelue-score which is all the space you straine him in , you feele he runs both swiftly and strongly , you shal then each day you course him , by little and little seeke to augment his violence by drawing twelue-score to twentyescore , and twentie to fortie , till in the end you finde hee will runne a myle with his best speede ; then you shall bring that mile to two myle , and two myle to three , till in the end he will runne the whole course , at the height of one entire speede ; After that , you shall once in a fortnight make vse of your spurs , and make him runne the whole course thorough vpō the spurs , drawing blood soundly vppon both his fides , and then if you feele that in his course hee doth not faint , but maintaines his speede wit a good courage , then you may presume he is a horse of great vertue and worthie estimation . Now you shall obserue , that at the end of euerie course after you haue with gentle gallopping vp and downe a little coold him , you shall light from his backe , and stoppe both his Nostrils with your hand for a little space , making him holde his winde : then you shall throwe his cloathes vpon him , and making them hansomely fast about him , you shall ride him vp and downe till all his sweate be dryed vp , then ride him home , and set him vpon good store of litter in the stable , dyeting , scowring , feeding , and dressing him as you are taught in the last fornight for hunting horses , for al the while you traine a running horses , you shal not exceed an ordinary hunting dyet , your vttermost ayme being but to make him inwardlye cleane , and to bring him to a perfect stroake , and a quicke deliuerance of his feet , and that whatsoeuer he doth , he may doe with great courage and liuelyhood . And thus much for the running horses first order of trayning . CHAP. 3. Of the making of a Match , and the obseruations therein . WHen you haue after a month or two traind your horse , & brought him to some good perfection in running , if then you please either to put him to any Bell-course , or to match him against some other horse for any greate wager , you shall carefully obserue many aduantages and circumstances which are needefull in that businesse , as first the nature & property of your horse , as whether he be of a fierce and coragious spirit dooing althings out of violence of his nature , or whether hee bee of cooler temper yet exceeding durable , for vnto the first the playnet and shorter course is the best , and to the latter the longer & the deeper is most aduantage , yet if the fierce horse haue in his skelping course , eyther vpwithes , inwithes , or downewithes , which is , that hee may eyther runne within the side of hils , vp hils , or down hils , it is much auailing to his winde , and makes him recouer his breath & strength much better ; for this wee many times finde by proofe , that a fierce horse running vpon a plaine leuel , if his ryder start him suddainly , or holde his hankes too straite , the Horse out of his furie will choake himselfe in his owne winde ; others I haue knowne , that hauing libertie of hand , haue runne thēselues blinde , both which the climbing or discending of hilles doth preuent , for nature and the toyle makes him ease himselfe vp the hill : and downe the hill , his owne danger makes him take leasure ; but if your horse be of coole temper , & startes slowly , yet in his whole course throughout , rather augments and increaseth his speede then either abates or diminisheth , such a horse is meete for a long and deep course where not nimble footemanshippe , but truth of winde and bloodynes of sides only must winne the wager , for where speede and spirit failes , there truth and toughnesse are the onely conquerors : you shall also in his trayning note what kinde of earth he takes moste delight to runne vppon , as if he loue a hard smoothe greene swarthe , a beaten hye-way , a rotten groundful of letches , or an ouerthwart broken swarth ful of foule treading , & according to his best rūning so to frame your wager . You shal also note in what state of bodie your horse runnes best , as some Horses will runne best when they are fat and ful of flesh & pride , some when they are exceeding poore and moste vnlikely ; some when they are of an indifferent state of bodie , neither too hye nor to lowe ; but of a competent fulnesse , and according as you finde him nearest to his best perfection so you may be the boulder to hazard your wager ; for if your horse that runnes hye , be low ; you must then feede hard , and exercise little , till hauing gotten him into his true temper , and then you may aduenture him vppon labour ; or if your horse that runnes lowe bee fat and hye , then you must neither spare exercise nor ayring , till you haue brought him to that state of bodie which best fits him . Lastly you shal obserue to make no match , but you shal reserue at least sixe weekes for the dyeting of your horses because it is a generall rule amongst all Horses , that the first fortnight they are brought ●ostrict dyeting , they will fall away and growe a little sickish , so that necessarilie you had neede to haue a month after to bring him to lust , life and delight , in his manner of dyeting . And thus much for present obseruations in match making . CHAP. 4. Of the seuerall kindes of ayrings , and foodes belonging to a running Horse . OF all the particles or best members belonging to this dyeting or ordering of running Horses , there is none of more force or efficacie then this which wee call ayring , for it hath a diuers kinde of workinges , as one while it abateth flesh , weakeneth and bringes lowe , another while it feedes , strengthens , and procures appetite ; sometimes it cheares the blood , and sometimes it appeales the spirrit , working according as it is ordered , yet at all times and how euer it is vsed , it purifies breath , and is the best fortifier of the wind ; wherefore you shall vnderstand , that if your horse be too fat , and either for feare of old straines , or the short time you haue to diet him you cannot by exercise make abatement of his flesh , then you shall not faile but euening and morning ( at least two houres before day ) to ayre him after this ●er . Assoone as you come into the stable , and haue put away his dung , and made all thinges sweete and cleane , you shall then take a haire cloath and rubbe his head , face , and necke all ouer , then you shall turne vp all his cloathes and rub downe his bodie , belly , flanks , buttocks & legs , then take his bridle and wette the snaffle eyther in Beare or Ale , and put it on his head , then trusse his cloathes warme and close about him , and so lead him forth in your hand vp to the toppe or height of some hill where the winde blowes sharpest and the ayre is purest ; and both as you goe to the hill and when you are vppon the hill , let the horse goe at his owne pleasure , standing still and gazing when he list , stretching himselfe forth , gaping , yawning , tumbling , and vsing what other gesture he pleases ; your selfe euer helping and cherishing him in whatsoeuer he dooth ; bseruing principally to giue him the libertie of his bridle , and to intice him to smell to the ground , and to the dung of other horses as you goe vp & downe , and you shall purposely seek out where other horses haue dung'd , and leade him vnto it , that he may smell thereon , for it will mightily prouoke him to emptie his belly , you shall if there be any tussocks of long grasse , rushes , or dead fogge , leade him thereunto , both that he may bathe his legges in the dewe ( which is verie wholsome for his limbes ) & also prouoke him to pisse . After you haue thus led him vp and downe for the space of two houres and more , euen till you see the day begin to breake , then you shall leade him home to the stable in the selfe same sort as you led him forth , but by the way , if whilst you thus ayre your horse , you doe now and then spirte a little Vineger into his nostrels , or sometime stop his nostrels with your hands , it is passing good , for it will both make him sneare and neese , and also it will procure him a stomacke , and make him hungrie : if as you walke vp and downe you doe now & then with your hand gripe him gently about the winde pipe , betweene his chaules and compell him to cough , it will bee exceeding good , and you shall thereby finde if there bee anye grosenesse about the rootes of his tongue , which stops or hinders his winde , as thus : If hee cough roughly it is a signe of grosenesse : if hee cough roughly , and after his coughing chawe with his chappes , it is then both a signe of grosenesse , and that he hath some disolued and loose matter which he breakes with coughing , which if you finde , you shal then vse to gripe him the oftner , but if he cough cleare , and without hoarnes , then he is cleane and you shall gripe him the more seldome . After you haue brought your Horse into the stable , & haue chaft and rubd his legs well , you shall then feede and order him , as shall bee heereafter declared ; Now looke how you ayred your horse in the morning before day ; in the selfe same manner you shall also ayre him at night after the day is departed , onely instead of leading him vnto the height of some hill , you shall leade him downe to some valley or meddowe neare to some riuer or running water , that the coldenesse which comes from thence , may enter and pierce him ; if at any time whilst you ayre your horse , you finde him wantonly disposed , you shall runne with him vp and downe , and make him scope and play about you . This ayring before and after day , doth abate a horses flesh , dries vp pursiuenesse and grose humors , cleares the blood , and makes his vitall spirrits more actiue . Now if your horse be exceeding leane , weake , and in pouertie , then you shal ayre him in the morning an houre or more after sun-rise in the same sort as you did before , and also at night an houre or two before Sunne-set , the pleasantnesse of which two seasons will prouoke such delight in the horse , that hee will take pride in himselfe ; it will get him such a stomacke , that you shall hardly ouer-feede him ; & store of foode brings euer store of flesh and strength , it will make him that he shall not take loath vnto his foode , which is the onely impediment that attends a running horse , but the sorer you feede , the better shal be euer his disgestion ; and nature being pleasd with what she receiues , will soone againe become strong and powerful . But if your horse be of a right state of bodie , that is , neither too fatte nor too leane , but of a full strength and perfection , such as you knowe is fittest for the exercise , whereunto you intend him , then you shall ayre him euerie morning after day , and before Sunne rise , and euerie euening after Sunne-sett , and before the closing in of the night , for these indifferent and temperate times , doe neither take so sore of nature , that they bring it to any weakenesse , neither adde so much to strength or appetite , that they bring the flesh to any greater lust or increasment , but holding one certaine stay , keepe the bodie strong , the winde pure , and the inwarde spirrits full of life and chearefulnesse ; therefore euerie keeper of running Horses must knowe that by no meanes whilst his Horse is in strict dyet , hee may not faile to ayre his Horse morning and euening , after one of these th● seuerall waies , according to the state and constitution of the Horses bodye , excepting onelye those daies wherein his Horse takes his breathing courses , being assured that hee were better to forgett a meale of the Horses foode , then an houre of his ayringes : and since I haue thus shewd you , the diuersity of ayrings , I wil now proceede and shew you the diuersitie and natures of euerie seuerall foode , meete for a Horses bodie . First therefore you shall vnderstand that the principal foode , whereupon a running horse is to be fedde most ; as the verie strength and cheefe substance of his life must be breade , for it is of all other foodes most strong , cleane , healthfull , of best disgestion , and breedes the best blood , wherefore for breade , you shall make it after this manner . Take of fine Oatemell well dryed , foure pecke , of cleane dride beanes two peckes ; of the best wheate two pecks & of Rie two peckes , let all these graines bee well mingled together , & groūd ( if possible ) vppon a paire of black stones , thē boult the meale through a fine boulting cloath , and kneade it with new Ale , and the Barme well beaten together , & with the whites of at least an hundred egges . Now if your horse , as for the moste part running Horses are , bee subiect to drynesse and costiuenes in his bodie , then to these former quantities , you shall adde at least three pound of sweet butter , but not otherwise : these you shal knead & work together exceedingly , first with handes , after with feete by treading , and lastly with the brake ; then couering it close with warme cloathes , you shall let it lye two or three houres in the trough to swell , then take it fourth and moulde it vp in greate loaues at least halfe a pecke in a loafe , and so bake it like vnto ordinarie Houshold breade : Some Horsemen there bee , which of my knowledge to this breade will mixe the powder of L●oras or Annyseeds in greate quantitie , but as once I said , so say I still , it is the moste vnwholsomest that can be , and moste vnnaturall , nor haue I seene anye horse winne , but I haue seene many Horses loose , which haue beene kept with such dyett . The nature of this breade is onely to breede strength , lust , and good blood , without pursiuenes , grosenes or corrupting of the winde : it is light and easie of disgestion , and so not lying long either in the Horses stomacke or bellye is no impediment to the violence and furie of his labour . Next vnto breade is dryed washt-meat , as thus , take two peckes of the best Oates , & spreading them vpon a cloath in the Sunne turne them vp and downe till they bee as drie as if they had beene dryed vppon a K●lne , then put them in a cleane bagge , and either beat them with a fleale , or vppon a hard floare as house-wiues beate Wheate , till the vpper hulles be almost beaten off , then winnowe them cleane , and putting them into some clean vessell , breake vnto them the whites of twentie or fortye egges , & wash the Oates , and stirre them wel vp & down therein , then let them stand and soke all that night . The next morning take foorth the Oates , and spreade them in the Sunne vpon a cleane cloath till they bee drie againe . This foode of all other is moste fine light and easie of disgestion , t is moste soueraigne for the winde , disoluing & clensing away whatsoeuer is grosse , or stoppes the entrance of those pipes . The meetest time to giue this foode in , is eyther immediately before , or immediately after his labour , & the horse most meet for this foode is the grosse feeder , the kettie or thicke winded . Next to this foode is the Oates dride in the Sunne , and beaten as aforesaid , and then to bee steept for a day and a night in strong Ale , and then dride in the Sunne . This foode is exceeding comfortable , and mooues life , spirrit , and chearefulnesse in a horse , it helpes the winde something , but not much , and is moste meete to bee giuen a Horse that is leane , or of a daintie and tender stomacke . Now your last dride washt-meate is to take a couple of fine manchets well chipt , and to cut them crosse wise into foure round toastes , & so toast them before the fier , then steepe them for halfe an houre in Muskadine , then taking them foorth , lay them in warm cloathes before the fire , and smother them till they be drie againe , and so giue them to your horse . This foode is a lustie and strong food chearing the blood & the vital spirits of a horse ; it quickens the braine , makes the minde wanton and actiue , and so fils all the powers of a horse with alacritie and spirrit , that if he be neuer so emptie , yet he takes no dislike in his fasting : it killes also the wormes in a horses bodye , and makes that they doe not torment and gnawe him , when he is much fasting , yet this foode is not to be giuen often , for feare of intoxicating the braine through the fume thereof ; but early in the morning before your horse goe to course , if hee haue beene sicke , or is poore in flesh , or much subiect to take dislike or loath at his prouender . Next to these dried washt meates , are your moyst washt meats , which are no other but these before named , as Oates , and whites of Egges , Oates and Ale , or Toasts and Muscadine , so that they be giuen to a horse presently after they haue beene steept , and are as wet as wet may be . This foode is verie heartie , coole and much loosening the bodie , hauing onely this particular fault , that it a little breedeth pursinesse , and grosnesse : wherefore it is to be giuen to a horse that is either weake , sickely , or subiect to drie much in his bodie , it must be vsed for the most part medicinally , for , to make it a continuall food , the verie fume therof would bring putrifaction to the brain , and the moystnesse cause an vnnaturall scowring in his bodie . Besides these foodes , there is the eares of Pollard wheate to be giuen by two or three handfull together out of your hande , for it prepareth and comforteth the stomacke , and is to be giuē to a horse as the first thing he eateth after he hath beene coursed or warmed with any extraordinarie labour . Now as touching Rie , Mashes and such like , because they are in the nature of scowrings , I wil not couple them amongst the horses foodes , hauing spoken sufficiently of them and their natures in the booke of hunting horses , to which I referre you . And thus much for the diuersitie of ayrings , and the alterations foodes . CHAP. 5. Of the seuerall kindes of sweates , and of their vses . SWeates are to bee giuen to a horse two seuerall wayes , that is to say , either naked or cloathed : naked , as eyther by exercise , or labour ; or cloathed , as by physicall helpes without much torment . And because the labor of the running Horse is violent and sodaine , without any indurance or deliberation in his exercise , insomuch that a Horse being in any good state of bodie cannot sweate much , or dissolue any parte of his inwarde grosse humours by so short an exercise ; it is therefore agreed vpon by all good Horsemen , that aswell for preseruing the running horse from wearinesse in labour , as also for bringing him to the best estate of a cleane bodie , that he shall haue his sweats giuen him for the most part in his cloaths , especially when he is so cleane that he will not sweate sodainly . Nowe you shall vnderstande , that sweates in cloathes are to bee giuen two seuerall wayes , that is to say , eyther abroade in the fielde , or else standing still in the close Stable . If you giue your Horse his sweate abroade in the fielde , you shall doe it after this sort : early in the morning after you haue rubbed him downe with your haire-cloath , and gyrded his cloathes close rounde about him , you shall put on his bridle , and leade him foorth into some faire large Close or field , and there mounting vpon his backe with his cloathes about him , you shal galloppe him at a reasonable speede vppe and downe without ceasing , till you finde all his heade , necke and face , to bee of an intire sweate : then you shall ryde him to the Stable doore , and there lighting from his backe , set him vppe in Litter euen to the midde side ; then tie him vppe to the Racke , and cast a cloath or two more ouer him , couering his heade and necke all ouer also , and so let him stande and sweate for an hower or more , if you knowe him to bee verie fat , and foule . After hee hath sweate sufficientlye , you shall then take off his cloathes one after another , and another , till by little and little abating his heat , you make him leaue sweating ; then you shall rub him , and feede him as shall be hereafter declared . Nowe if your Horse haue either former straynes , or bee aged , or in any such state of bodie , that you may not well aduenture to put him to any violent labour , or if the weather bee so vnseasonable that you cannot conuenientlye giue his sweates without in the fielde ; you shall then giue him his sweate in the Stable after this manner : first you shall strippe your Horse naked , then take a large Blankett , and warme it agaynst the fire , and then folde it in manye foldes , heating euerye folde hotter then other , and then beeing at the hottest , you shall wrappe it rounde aboute your Horses bodie next vnto his heart , pinning it verye close and strait ; then lay ouer it two or three other Blankets at their vttermost largenesse , and two or three Couerlettes also , girde them harde about his bodie with a Sursingle , and binde euerie one of them close and fast before his breast , then stoppe the Sursingle round about with great Wispes of strawe , and let him stande in Litter vppe to the midde side , then keeping your Stable as close and warme from all ayre as is possible , let him stande for a quarter of an hower , and you shall see the sweate begin to rise about his eare rootes , and trickle downe his face , which if it doe , you shall then let him stande still , and sweate so long as in your owne discretion you shall thinke meete ( so it exceede not aboue two howers at the most ) but if hee bee of so harde a constitution , that this course will not make him sweate at all , then you shall lay more cloathes vppon him ; and if they preuaile not , then ( beeing cladde in the manner aforesaide ) you shall take him foorth of the Stable into some adioyning backe-side , and there trotte him , and chase him gently vppe and downe , till you see his sweate beginne to rise , then set him vp in the Stable againe , and laying more cloathes vppon him , let him sweate during your pleasure , and all the while hee sweateth , you shall make a Groome to stand by him , and to wipe the sweate from his face with a drie cloath , which will please the horse exceedingly . Whē he hath sweat to your contentment , you shal then by the abatement of his cloathes one after one , keeping a prettie distaunce of time betweene each seuerall cloathes taking away ( least cooling him too suddanly might doe him more hurte then his sweating doth him good ) bring him to that drynesse and temper of bodie , wherrin you ▪ founde him before you gaue him his sweate , which when you haue brought to passe , you shall then vncloath and dresse him in such sort as becommeth the office of a good keeper . These sweats are the most wholsomest & best scowrings that can be giuen to a fat horse , for they do dissolue & expel all grosse & infectious humors , how euer bred in the body either by surfeit or rawnesse of foode , by violence of trauel , by sodain colds , excessiue heats , or by any other vnnatural course whatsoeuer ; it purifies the bloud , cleares the winde and bringes spirit and lightnesse to the bodie , onely they doe much abate the flesh , and therefore a little weaken the horse , by which meanes they are held principally good for fat and grosse horses ; and seldome to bee vsed vpon leane horses , yet for mine owne part , it both hath beene , and shall euer be my practise to vse them both to fatte and leane horses , where I finde either by outward or inward signe , that the bodye hath beene vnwholsomly fed , and is possest with grosse and corrupt humors : yet you must knowe that one of these sweates doth take as much of a horse as three courses , wherfore you must haue this consideration , that if your horse be not in great pride and full state of body , after one of these sweates , you must not course or straine your horse for at least fiue daies . And thus much for sweates and their seuerall vses . CHAP. 6. Of the ordering and dyeting a running Horse for match or wager . WHen you haue made any great match o● wager vpon your horse , so that you are to put him to the vttermoste , that eyther art or nature can bring him vnto ; it is to bee presupposed that your horse being of som especiall note ( at least in your owne estimation ) must necessarilie be kept in good ordinarie hunting dyet , for few or none will make any greate wagers eyther of ordinarye Hackneyes , or grasse Nags , wherfore your match being made , and you now intending to put him into this strict dyet , onely appertaining to a course , you shall first looke vpon him ; and as neare as you can , eyther by his dung , the thicknes of his flesh vpon his shortest ribbe , the cleannes of his chaule and other externall partes ( all which are formerly set down at large ) you shall iudge in what state of bodie your horse standeth , and how neare , or how far off he is from being in fit temper to runne a course , and if you then finde that he is in full strength , good lust , & in an indifferent ordinary cleannes , you shal thē thus begin first to fashion him vnto his dyet , first next his skinne you shall lay a faire linnen sheete , as well because horses naturally delight to be sweet and neately kept , priding themselues with the daintines of their keeping , as also because when nature being at anye time distempered in the horse , either through the straitnesse of his dyet , or the strangenesse of his foode , ( which ordinaryly is found with running horses ) he wil break foorth into greate sweates , insomuch , that when you come to him in the morning , you shall oft finde him all wet , as if he were troubled with the night-mare , then the linnen being next his skin , euen as the force of nature or his sicknesse shall leaue their working , so will the linnen sheete coole and growe drie againe ; neither forcing him to sweate ( as wollen cloathes will doe ) nor retaining any moysture extraordinarilie , as your cloathes of course canuase will doe ; the first being vnwholesome for the Horses health , the other a greate annoyance vnto his bodie ; ouer this sheete you shall lay as many cloathes of wollen and Canuase , as shall double in weight and warmth those cloathes which he vsually wore ▪ dayly , as thus , if ordinarilie he did weare a canuase cloath and a blanket , then now you shall lay on a blanket , a thick couerlet & a cloath of canuase , all which you shall binde close and warme before his brest , & then with a sursingle gird them about his bodie , and stop him round with soft wispes ; the reasons for these many cloathes being these two , first that they may helpe nature to expell all grosse , foggie & vnwholsome humors which are gathered together in a horses bodie by inforceing him to sweate in the houres of his rest , which a horse naturally ( with smal help ) wil doe if he bee ouerburdened with grosenes or faintnes , & these sweats are most kindely and least painful : the second reason is , that a horse being ouer-laden , & as it were fettered & bound vp in his cloathes , when he shal come to bee disburdned & stript naked of such incumberances , he will be so light , nimble , & deliuer in al his actions that like a prisoner discharged of heauie bolts , his feete will be euen winges to beare away his bodie ; also when a horse that is so warme and tenderlye kept , shall come to haue his skinne opposed against the sharpe ayre , the verie piercing colde thereof wil be vnto him as good as a paire of spurres to enforce him to make hast in his labour , neither wil the naturall heate which accompaineth and comforteth the hart , so easily be banisht into the outward partes , or bring to the horse anye sence of faintnesse . Next you shall obserue , that your stable be close , warmer and darke as may be , and that ouer and besides the darkenesse of your Stable , you shall naile some thicke Canuase cloathes about your Horse also , both for closenesse and warmenesse ; both because no colde or subtle ayre shall suddenlye strike into the horse and distemper his bodie , and also because the Horse shal not distinguish the night from the day , but take his rest equallye in them both , without either the trouble of light or noyses . This doone , you shall euer bee carefull that your Horse may stand orderlye night and day vpon great store of litter , at least a foote deepe from the plaunchers after your horse hath prest it downe with his lying , both because it shall defend him from the colde dampishnes of the earth , which is verie vnhealthfull ; and also because he shall not holde his vrine in his bodie longer then the first prouocation of nature , which if hee haue litter vnder him hee will not doe , but if hee want he will not pisse as long as he is able to containe in the contrarie ; besides , there is nothing wherein a horse takes more delight , then in the softnesse of his bed , which as soone as he findes , you shall see by his much lying the delight he takes in his lodging : and truely whosoeuer will expect much toyle from a horse in the field , must not abridge him of any ease in the stable , and chieflie if he be a horse of free and pure mettall . Next vnto these obseruations , you shall looke howerly to the keeping of your maunger cleane , both from dust , filth , or anie vncleannesse whatsoeuer ; and if there be any walles of earth , mudde , or loame , or any thatch or such like filthinesse neare him , you shall naile canuase cloathes before them , so that by no meanes your horse may come to licke or gnawe vpon them . Lastlye you shall haue regard to his rack , and see that it be hourely swept and kept cleane , both from dust , cob-webs and such like filchinesse ; and as touching the ordinarie meate which you shall put into his racke , during all the time of his dyet , it shal be nothing but sweete wheate-strawe well thrasht giuen by a sheafe at ouce , morning and euening . Now when you haue performed all these generall obseruations , you shall then thus proceede to his more particular dyet ; First in the morning as soone as you come into the Stable , which would be to a fat horse long before day , to a horse of good temper before Sunne rise , and to a leane horse long after the Sun is risen . As soone as you haue put away his dung , and such foule litter as he hath that night filed , and after you haue swept and made your stable cleane , you shall then thrust your hand vnder his cloathes , and feele his flankes whether hee haue sweat that night I or no , if you finde he haue sweate and is not fully drie , you shall then turne vp his cloathes , and with cleane cloathes rubbe him as drie as may bee ; then if hee bee a Horse of grosse and foule feeding , you shall take a new laide egge , and breake it in his mouth , make him swallow it shelles and all , then washing his Snaffle in a little Beare , or Beare and Salt , put it in his mouth , and so leade him foorth and ayre him , as hath beene set downe in a former chapter . After you haue brought in your horse from airing , and set him vp in the stable , you shall first cause all his legges to bee rubd exceeding much , and his feete to bee pickt cleane from durt , grauell & other filthinesse ; then you shall take off his bridle , put on his collar , and giue him the valewe of halfe a pecke of Oates washt in the whites of Egges and dride if he be a horse of good stomacke and appetite ; but if he be a horse tender and daintie , then you shal not giue him so much at once ; but giue him lesse and often , wherfore as touching the quantities of meat which you shall giue , your owne discretion agreeing with the apetite and stomacke of the horse , must make them more or lesse at your pleasure . After your horse hath eaten his meale , which you shal stand by and see him doe , you shall then after you haue made your stable cleane againe , shut vp your stable dore and windowes , and so let your horse rest till twelue a clocke in the after noone ; at which time comming into the stable , and hauing put away his dung , and made al things sweet & cleane about the horse you shal then put on his bridle , and tie him vp to the rack , and then dresse , curry , and trim him in such sort as is before described in the office of the keeper ; after you haue drest your horse , & clothed him vp warm , hauing an especial care that your horse by no means stand stil naked , but that the groome be euer doing something about him ( for so long he wil neuer take colde ) you shall then lead him forth to the water , either to some faire fonntaine , or some rūning spring , or some such water as you shall think to be most agreeable with your horses body ▪ of all which waters , I haue in the former book of the office of the keeper , written sufficiently , & therfore in this place think it needlesse againe to repeat them . After your horse hath drunke his fil , you shal then lead him into the stable againe , & hauing chaft & rub'd his legs wel , you shal thē giue him the value of halfe a pecke of your best diet bread cut in small peeces , which as soone as you haue seen him eat , you shall then shut vp your stable door , & let him rest til fiue of the clock in the euening . Now you are from these first rules to gather these generall principles , that first your horse shall drink during his time of diet but once in 24. houres , which is euer betwixt twelue and one a clocke at noone when the Sun is at the hiest : next that he is to be drest but once in 24. houres , which is at twelue a clocke at noone also ; then you shal euer see him eat his meat , & when you giue him any bread , you shall chip your loaues well , and keepe the rules formerly prescribed for hunting horses , that is to say , if your horse either be a grosse feeding horse and hold his meat long in his belly , or if at any time either vpō the occasion of his course , the giuing of medicine , or any other necessitie , you would haue his meate soone disgested , you shal thē giue him no crust at al , but al crum , for that soonest passeth thorow him : but if your horse be of dainty or tender nature , subiect to quicke disgestion ; or if by reason of rest , or to cōfort former toile takē , you would haue him to retaine & hold his meat long , then you shall giue him more crust thē crum , or els crust & crum equally mixt together , your loaues being onely sleightly chipt & but the vpper part taken away only . Lastly , you shall euer obserue whē you dresse your horse , to annoint all his foure legs frō the knees & cambrels downward with linseed oile , & euer whē he comes frō his course , or from any exercise to bath thē with pisse & Saltpeter boild togither . At fiue of the clock in the euening , you shall come vnto him , & first making your stable cleane , and putting away his dung , you shal turne vp his cloath , & with a haircloth rub his face , head , necke , buttocks , flanks , and belly , then with hard wisps chafe his legs ; which done , you shall giue him the like quantitie of bread as you did at noone , and so let him rest till the houre of his euening ayring ; for you must vnderstand , that as duly as a horse must be fed or drest , so he must bee ayred at his fit houres morning and euening . After you haue brought your horse frō ayring , and haue chaft & rub'd his legs well , you may giue him a handful of bread or thereabouts , & no more , & so let him rest til 9. a clock at night , at what time you shal come vnto him , & hauing rubd his bodie ouer with your haircloath , and his legges with hard wispes , you shall then giue him the ordinarie quantitie of breade , tosse vp his litter , make his bedd soft , and so let him rest till the next morning ; and as you spent this day , so you shall spend al other daies of your horses rest , onely with this caution , that if as you feede your horse , you finde him at any time grow coy or refuse the foode you giue him , then you shall alter his foode , and in stead of bread giue Oates ; & in stead of drie Oats , wet Oats , and when he is weary of wet oats to giue him drie Oates againe ; yet to make your maine foode indeed to be onely bread , and to vse the other foodes but onely to make his appetite better to his bread . If any man shall either thinke , or in his experience finde , that these quantities which I prescribe are too great , he may at his discretion abridge them : for in my iudgement when I consider the want of hay , the sharpnesse of his ayrings , and compare his howers of fasting with his howers of feeding , I doe not finde any quantitie that can bee a better president . After you haue thus kept your horse , as is before shewd , for the space of two dayes , you shall the third day in steade of ayring him , leade him in his cloathes to the place appointed for his course , for it is to be intended , that you must euer either through right , loue , or money , haue your stable as nere to the staffe where your race must end as conueniently you can get it , as in the next neighbouring village , or such like place of conueniencie , that your horse comming to knowe that hee euer runneth homeward , he will with more willingnesse and spirit , bestirre himselfe in his labour . Assoone as you haue brought your horse to the staffe , you shall let him smell thereto , and if he wil , you shall let him rub himselfe thereon , or vse any other motion what he pleaseth ; then you shall leade him forward , with all leasure and gentlenesse , standing many times still , both to prouoke him to dung , and pisse , and if hee will lie downe and tumble , which horsmen call Freaning , you shall not onely giue him leaue , but also with the bridle reynes help him to wallow ouer and ouer : but if as you leade him he refuse either to dung or pisse , then beeing come to the place of start , you shall vnloose his sursingle , and breake the wispes open vnder his bellie , for many horses will refuse to pisse for feare of sprinckling vpon his legges , which fewe daintie horses will endure ; so that when hee perceiuesthe wispes to be vnder him , he wil pisse instantly , & to that ende if he doe not offer at the first , you shall leade him ouer them twice or thrice . When hee hath pist , you shall take some of the dryest wispes and chafe all his legges ; then you shall vnbinde his cloathes from before his breast , & putting them back , set on your saddle , which done , you shall your selfe pisse in your Horses mouth , which wil be an occasion that he wil work & run with pleasure , then you shal take away al his cloaths , and deliuer them to the groome , who may ride towardes the staffe with them : then after you shall start your horse & at more then three quarters speed , run him ouer the course : & assoone as you are past the staffe , you shal take him vp and stay him : then trot him gently back to the staffe , & let him smell vpon it againe , that by custom he may come to take an especiall notice of the place ; & know that there is the end of his labor : then you shall gallop and scope him gently vp and down to keep him warme , vntil his clothes come ; then lighting frō his back , & cloathing him , you shall ride him vp and downe till he be sufficiently cooled , and then ride him home , and set him vp in the stable close and warme , casting another cloath ouer him ; thē hauing rubd his legs sufficiently let him stand , being tied by his bridle vp to the racke , for at least two or three howers or more , & then come to him , & if you find that his sweate is al dryed vp , you shal take off the spare cloath , and hauing stoped his sursingle about with soft wispes , you shall giue him foorth of your handes a handfull or two of the eares of Pollarde wheat , & so let him stande till one of the clocke at noone , at what time you shall bring vnto him a verye sweete Mash , and giue it him to drinke . After he hath drunke his mash , you shall giue him two or three handfuls of oates washt in muskadine , & dride ; & mingled with them a handfull or two of cleane drest hēpseed . After he hath eaten them , you shal then vncloath him , and currie and dresse him , as hath beene formerlye discribed , then cloathing him vp warme againe , let him stand til fiue of the clock at euening , at what time you shall giue him a good quantity of bread , which assoone as hee hath eaten , you shall bridle him vppe and leade him foorth to ayre him , of what state of bodie soeuer hee bee , both because hauing in the morning endured greate toyle in his course , it is requisite he should haue comfort in his ayring , and also that you may haue greate respect to his dung , obseruing both the temper , the colour and the slyminesse , and whether there come from him anye grease or no , which if hee doe auoide , it is an apparant signe of his foulenesse , if he doe not , it is a good token of his cleanesse . After his ayring , you shall set him vp , chafe his legges , and giue him a handful of bread , letting him stand till nine of the clocke at night , at what time ( as you did in former nights ) so you shall nowe giue him a good quantitie of breade , rub his head , face , necke , hodie and buttocks with a haire cloath , stirre vp his litter and so let him rest till the next morning , obseruing according to the expence of these three daies , so to spend the first fortnight , coursing your horse euerie third day , both that you may bring him to an acquaintāce with his race , & also that you may come to the better iudgement of the state of his body , for if in this first fortnight you find your horse to drie inwardly , and grow costiue , which is the natural fault of rūning horses , then you shall vse moist washt meat the oftner , put more butter into your bred , & in time of necessitie , giue him a handful or two of rye sodden , but if you finde him naturally giuen to losenesse , which is sildom found in this dyetting , then you shal put no butter at al into your bread , you shall feede him with washt meate wel dride , and giue him wheat eares both before and after his ayrings , you shal chip his bread little or nothing at all , & let it be baked somewhat the sorer . Now after this first fortnights keeping , if you finde your horse a little cleaner then he was , & that he is strong & in good lust , then both for your ayrings , dressings , dyetings , watrings , and other obseruations , you shal in al things do as you did in the first fortnight , onelye with this difference , that in your coursings , you shal not be so violent , or draw him vp to so hye a speede as formerly you did , but play with him , and as it were no more but galloppe him ouer the race , that thereby he may take pride & delight in his labour , onelye once in each weeke , that is , in the midle of each weeke , beeing at least fiue daies betwixt one and the other , if your horse be young , strong , and lusty , you shall giue him a sweate in his cloathes , either vpon the race which you must run , or else vpon some other ground fit for the purpose ; but if your horse be old , stiffe , ortainted , then you shal giue him the sweates in his cloathes within the Stable , the manner of each sweate is in a former chapter described , and these sweates you shall giue verie earely in the morning , as an houre before sunne rise ; that he may be coolde , haue his mash giuen him , and be curryed and drest soone after eleuen a clocke in the forenoone , the day following the latter of these two sweates , you shall earelye in the morning before you goe forth to ayre him , giue him the scowring of Muskadine , Sallet-oyle and Sugar-Candie , as is mentioned in the booke of hunting , and then leade him forth & ayre him , but in any case keep him not forth aboue half an houre at the most , but bring him home , set him vp warm , tye him so that he may lie downe , lay him an handfull or two of Oates before him , and so let him rest till twelue or one a clocke in the afternoone , at what time you shall water him , dresse him , and feede him as you did in the former daies of his resting . After this sweate thus giuen , you shall euerie third day for exercise sake , gallop your horse as gently ouer the race as may be , onelie to keepe his legges nimble , and his breath pure , till the fourth day before the day of your wager , vppon which day you shall giue your . Horse a sound ( and as my Countriemen of the North tearme it ) a bloudie course ouer the race , then after he is colde & brought home , as soone as you haue chaft his legges well , you shal take a mussell made of Canuase or Leather , but Canuase is the better , of which mussell I haue spoken more particularlie in the booke of hunting . This mussell you shall put vpon your horses head , & fasten it between his eares ; yet before you put it on , you shall throw into it the powder of Annyseedes wel beaten in a morter , which is all the spice you shall vse about your horse , and euerie time you take off or put on the Mussel , you shall put more powder in . This powder of annyseede is for the horse to smel vppon , because it openeth the winde-pipe , and sometimes to licke vppon because it comforteth the stomacke , and strengthneth a horse in his fasting , you shall also haue diuers mussels , that when your horse with his breath and such like moist vapors hath wet one , & made it noisome , you may then put on another which is drie , and so keepe him sweete and cleanely , washing his foule Mussell , and drying it before the fire , that it may serue at another season . After you haue musseld vp your horse that he can eate nothing but what you giue him , you shall let him rest for an houre or two , and take away the wheate-straw from his racke , not suffering him to haue any more racke meate till the wager bee past . After hee hath stood two houres , you shall come to him and giue him two or three handf●ll of wheate eares , and after them a sweete mashe , then mussel him vp againe , and let him stand till it be betwixt twelue and one a clocke in the after noone , at what time you shall first take off his cloath and currie & dresse him verie sufficientlye , then hauing cloathed him vp warme againe , you shall take off his Mussell , and giue him out of your hand bit by bit , to the valewe of a pennie white loafe of your dyet bread , then you shall giue him in a clean dish , the valew of a quart of water , thē you shall giue him as much more breade , then offer him as much more water , and thus giuing him one while breade , another while water , giue him a good meale , according to the constitution of his bodie , and the strength of his appetite ; then put on his Mussell , and so let him stand till betwixt fiue and sixe of the clock in the euening , at what time you shal take your horse foorth to ayre him , and after he is ayred , you shall bring him home , and hauing chaft his legges , you shall take a cleane boule or tray of wood ( for you must vnderstand after your horse is put into the mussell , you shall suffer him no more to eate in the maunger ) and into that boule or tray , you shall put a good hādful of Oates washt in the whites of egs & dride , which if you perceiue he eates verie greedilye , you shall then giue him another handfull , and so a third , then in a dish you shall offer him a quart of water , then another handfull of Oates , and another quart of watter , and thus you shall giue one after another , till you haue giuen him a good meale likewise , then put on his Mussell , and let him stand till betwixt nine and ten a clocke at night , at what time you shall come to him , and as you fedde him at noone with bread and water , so shall you nowe feede him with bread and water likewise , then putting on his muzell , rubbing him , and raising vppe his litter , let him stand till the next morning . The next day is a day ofrest , so that after you haue ayred him in the morning , you shall then onely feede him as you did the day before , onely you must vnderstand , that these three dayes before your race day , you shall in your ayrings be longer abroad then vsually you were wont to be , both that you may keepe him in perfite breath , and suffer no grosnesse to increase , and also to procure him a good stomacke , and a longing appetite . After two of your foure dayes is thus spent in ayring and feeding , the third day you shall spende in the same maner also both touching his ayrings and feedings , but the time betwixt his meales , you shall spend in colling his eares , maine , chappes , eye-browes , and other parts of his bodie that are charged with superfluous haires ; you shall wash & scowre both his maine and taile with sope and water , & then if at the race day you meane to haue it frizeld and brodered out brauely to the showe , you shall plat them both in as manie seuerall small plats or strings as you can conuenientlie , & knit euerie seuerall plat and string in as manie knots as you can deuise , for the lesse your plats are , and the more knots you knit , the brauelyer will your horses maine or taile curle , and the gallanter it will appeare to the beholders . This day also you shall see that the Smith shooe your horse both easily and sufficiently , according to the nature of the course ; that is to say , if the course be vppon soft greene swarth , totten more , or durtie earth , then you shall shooe him with halfe shooes , both because they preuent ouer-reaching ( which often chaunces in such grounds ) and also giues foot-hold inough , which is al the necessitie in such a course : but if the race bee vpon harde heathes , hie wayes , or flintie , or chaukie grounds , then you shall shooe him with whole shooes , neither halfe so broad , nor halfe so thick as the hunting shooe . After your horse is thus prepared , the next day following , which is the day before your race day , you shall ayre , order & feed your horse , as you did in the former dayes , onely you shal giue him no water at all . After you haue finished watring and feeding him at twelue of the clocke in the after noone ) till your wager ●e past , onely you shall feede him with what meate he hath most stomacke vnto , both in the euening , and at nine a clocke also , giuing him as much quietnesse and rest as you can deuise : vpon the race day in the morning before the spring of the day , you shal take forth your horse and ayre him ; then when you haue brought him home , you shal giue him ( after his legges haue beene well rubbed and annoynted with Linseede Oyle , or Traine Oyle ) as manie tostes steept in Muskadine , and dried as he will eate , or if out of the daintinesse of his stomacke , he take dislike vnto them , you shall onely giue him halfe a pecke of fine cleane Oat-meale well dryed , then put on his muzzell , and so let him take his rest , till you haue warning to prepare him for his course , which as soone as you haue , you shall the first thing you doe take halfe a pint of Sacke , and hauing brewed it well with the powder of Anne-seeds and Sugar-candie , giue it your horse : then lay his cloathes hansomly & in good order about him , stopping the sursingle round about with soft wispes , then if you haue an●e couering of silke , or other finer cloath for the showe ( as for the most part noble mē & great persons haue ) thē you shall lay in the vppermost , & hide both the other clothes and the wispes also ; then you shall vnplat both his maine and taile , seuering euerie haire one from another , then you shall wash his Snaffle in a little beare , and put it in his mouth , then with some fine riband or lace , you shall tye vp his fore toppe , so that it may not dangle or hinder his sight , and whilst you are doing these thinges , you shall make other Goomes doe nothing but rubbe his legges , thus when you haue fitted euerie thing conueniētly , you shall take Vineger into your mouth and spirt it into your Horses nostrels , and so lead him towards the race , in such manner and forme as was shewed you in the horses first course , & after you come at the race end , when you haue rubd his legges , and as much as you can , prouokt him to pisse and dung , then you shal vngyrde his cloathes , set on your saddle , spirt vinegar into his nostrels , & then mount his backe , and when the watchword is giuen , start him & runne him according to your arte and courage . CHAP. 7. Obseruations to be vsed , and inconueniences which happen during the dyeting of running Horses . NOw for as much as there be diuers general obseruations , which you shal obserue , during the time of dyeting your horse , I will as neare as I can set them downe in such sort , as may bee best fitting for your memorie , wherefore first you shall obserue that once or twice in a weeke when you giue your horse any oates , to giue him a little Mustard-seede mingled therewith , which wil make your horse ne●se , & purge his head of all grosse matter . You shal also obseru , that whē your horses dūg lookes of a paalish yellow collour , & is of an indifferent hardnesse , both in substance and smell like to the ordure of a man , that then it is best ▪ & the horse in strongest temper . You shall obserue , that after your horse comes to the strength of feeding , & that his dung smels strongly , that then euerie time you come into the stable , you burne either Iuniper , Frankensence , Sto●ake , or some other perfume , both to take away the euill smell , and to comfort the horse . Also you shall obserue , that if your Horse be an exceeding grosse feeder , and that he wil eate vp his litter in great aboundance , that then you may put him into his mussell for a fortnight or three weekes before the race day , but if he be a horse of a tender and daintie stomacke , so that you shall with great difficultie make him eate any thing at al ; in this case , you shal not put him into the Mussell at al ▪ aboue one night before the race day ; for the vse of the Mussell is onelye but to keepe him from foule and vnwholsome feeding , and to prepare and get him a stomacke ; also you shall obserue , that when you giue your horse a playing course , that is to say , when you doe no more but gallop him ouer the race ●o leasurely as you can deuise , that if then you doe it in his cloathes , it shal be very good , & more wholsom for the horse , then if you did giue him such a course naked , for if he be in good and perfect temper , then that gentle exercise wil no more but make him warme in his cloathes . Lastly you shall obserue , that after your horse is perfectlye cleane , and in perfect state of bodie ; if then he take a generall loathe vnto his dyeting foode , and will not by any meanes touch any part of it , then you shal not spare , if for the recouerie of his stomacke you giue him any foode whatsoeuer for ameale or two , as eyther hay , grasse , forrage , hunting bread , pease and branne , or euen common horse-bread ; for the cōmon prouerbe being , that a little doth but a little hurt . In this case to preuent a greater mischiefe , you must bee content to tun into a great inconuenience . Many other obseruations there be which your experience will produce vnto your memorie , & which acquaintance & familiaritie amongst men skilfull in this Art will bring to your knowledge , of which now my remembrāce is barren of , wherefore not doubting but these being carefully looked vnto , will giue you all reasonable satisfaction : for the rest I will referre them to your owne practise , and the disputations of others reasons . Now for the inconueniences which are most apt to fal out during this time of dietting running horses , they are three in number ; namely , lamenesse of members , sicknes of bodie , or dislike of food . To preuēt lamenesse of limbs , you must let your exercise be moderate , & vse daily those supple ointments which are soueraine for the limbes , as linseed oile , traine oile , sheepes-foote oile , neats-foot oile , and such like ; al which are to be vsed before trauel : & pisse and salt-peter , nerue-oile , oile de bay , & oile Perolium , al which are to be vsed after labor : but if notwithstanding all these helpes , yet lamenesse doe chance to happen , then you must repaire to the next booke following , which cōteineth the office of the Farrier , where in you shall find remedies for euery sorrance : as for sicknesse of body to preuent it , you must keep the bodie cleane by scowrings , the blood pure by good diet , & the spirits actiue , & in strēgth by healthfull exercise ; but if likewise crosse to your in●uors this chance of sicknes , & infirmitie happē vnto your horse , then you shal repaire likewise to the next booke , where you shall find receits for euery imperfectiō in nature , as wholsom purgatiōs , cofortable drinks , & the best glisters , of which you shall stand most in need in this ca●e of strait dietting ; for if your horse in the time of this especiall keeping , do by any accydent drie inwardly , so that he cannot dung but with great paine and dfficultie , you shall then not loosen him by any purgation or scowring , for that through his passage amongst the inward vessels , and mixing with the blood and spirites , doth weaken a horse too much , but onely you shall administer a glister vnto him which is most kindly , both cooling and comfortable . Now lastly for his dislike of food , to preuent it , you must vse oft change of food , & certaine times in your feeding ; but if notwithstanding it happen , then you must repaire it by much ayring , and longer times of fasting : & thus much both for obseruations and inconueniences . CHAP. 8. Certains helpes and rules for the Rider , and bow he shall run his horse at the best aduantage . OF al the aduantages which are either to be gained or lost , there is none greater or more carefully to be respected , then either the giuing , or the loosing of weight , for it is most certaine and I haue seene manie experiments thereof that a pounde waight aduauntage hath both won & lost the wager , as thus , hee that hath been a pound waight heauier hath lost , and that pounde waight beeing abated hee hath wonne , for in long or sore courses , where waight is to bee felte , there lesse then a pounde is verie troublesome ; and though these chaunces happen not in euerie course , at least are not so seuerallie lookt into , yet for mine owne part , I giue this caution to all those which intend to make any match vpon running horses by no meanes to giue his aduersary any aduauntage in weight , for though it be neuer so little in a mans sence or apprehension , yet it is a great matter in the end of the wearie labour . The weight , which for the moste parte is agreed vpon in matches in these daies , and the certaine weight which is allowed in al bell-courses through this land , where men are the ryders is ten stone weight , each stone contayning foureteene pound ; and ( being in a match for a Bel ) if hee which comes first vnto the staffe , want any thing of his dew weight , ( which is presently to be tryed by the scales ) he shall loose his aduantage , & the second horse shal haue the Bell , but if the second horse want weight also , then the third horse shall haue it , and so from horse to horse , till it come to the last horse , and for mine own part , I haue seen courses where for want of weight the hindmoste horse hath beene adiudged the Bell , and indeede it is his dewe if he bring his true weight to the staffe , and be seene to gallop the course thorowe ; but if in the course he be seene to leaue gallopping as dispairing in ●he match ▪ then he shall challenge no aduantage , because his owne yeilding was a resignation of all his right in that daies victorie . Now if no horse bring his weight to the staffe , then the Bell shal be giuen to that horse which ranne with the gr●test weight . These Lawes being wel considered , it is the part of euerie good rider to make himselfe a full compleat weight , and if he be of himselfe so lig● ▪ that he must c●trie dead weight , the● to carrie it 〈◊〉 a thicke plate of 〈◊〉 , foulded & sowed vp in c●oath or canuase , & going 〈◊〉 girdle about his brest vnder his arm-pits , & to be ●orn vp with two crosse Bautricks ouerthwart his shoulders , for so shall it be least troublesome , both to the horse , and to the ryder , whereas to carrie dead weight , as I haue seene manie riders doe , either about their wastes , or in the pockets of their breeches , it must needs be verie vilde , and cānot chuse but beat a man mightily , both vpō the thighs and bodie . To ride with a plate coate , ( as I haue seene a principall Rider do ) cannot but be most troublesome , or to beare sods of earth about a man is the worst of all , for the earth drying , looseth the waight , and so puts in daunger the wager . I would not haue a rider by any meanes to ride fasting , for though some suppose they are then lightest , yet dayly proofe shewes vs , that they are heauier then when their bodies haue taken moderate sustenance . Now since I am entred thus farre into these aduantages , I will shew you one most necessarie which hitherto I haue omitted , which is aduantage against aduantage , as thus for example ; If you being the maister of a horse of principall good speed , shall be either braued or chalenged by him that hath a horse but of a meane speed , saying hee wil run with you such a course if you wil but giue him one quarter of a mile aduantage , you that by certaine proofe and triall knowes your horse is able to ouer-run him in that course aboue three quarters of a mile , will presently make the match : in this case , you shal by no meanes agree to giue him his oddes , or aduauntage of the quarter of a mile at the beginning of the race , for that may soone bring you to bee a looser ; and the reason is this : your aduersarie at the start standes a iust quarter of a mile before you , and the signe beeing giuen , you both start , you haue then a quarter of a mile to runne before you come to his starting place , which if you doe not runne at the height of your horses speede , then your aduersarie will be got another quarter of a mile before you , and then your wager is in greate hazard ; but say you doe runne at your best speede , so that when you come to the ende of the first quarter , your aduersarie 〈◊〉 but at a three quarters speede ( as if he bee wise he will not runne faster ) is but halfe a quarter before you , then haue you that halfe quarter to runne vpon the spurres also : when that is done , say he be but twentie score before you , that must bee runne vpon the spurres also : then say hee bee but twelue score before , you must runne that at the same speede also : then say you come in that twelue score to buttocke him , you shall then finde hee hauing runne all the while before at his owne ease , and within his speede , will nowe bee able to giue a fresh loose from you and almost to double the speede hee b●fore held , whilest your horse hauing before neither had ease , nor breath giuen him , wil euen through despaire and faintnesse , yeelde in his labour , except hee bee a Horse of such an inuincible spirite as hath fewe or no equalls , whereas on the contrarie parte , giue the aduauntage at the last ende of the race , so that you may starte cheeke by cheeke together , and you shall in the first quarter of the mile burst him , and inforcing him to runne beyonde his strength , he will not be able to indure his gallop , but will tyre most shamefully . For as a Horse beeing kept in his strength growes proude in his labour ; so beeing stretched beyond his strength , hee growes weake and faint-hearted . But leauing these aduauntages , and to returne to my purpose , after the Ryder hath made his waight , and all other his accouterments , in such fitte sort as becomes a good Horse-man ; that is to say , his garments light , close , and easie , his cappe fast vppon his heade , his bootes without wrinckles , and his spurres easie for his heeles , hauing verie good steele rowelle ; : then beeing mounted vppon his Horse , and beeing readie for the starte , hee shall take a couple of roddes finelie rush growne , of good tough Birch , not beeing aboue an elle long , and one of them hee shall put vnder his girdle , and the other hee shall carrie in the middest crosse-wise betweene his teeth : then shall hee take vp his Bridle reynes , and hauing made them euen , hee shall holde them fast betweene his fore-finger and his thumbe , and then hanke them about his hande twice , drawing them vnto such a firme straitnesse , that albee hee let the first hanke loose , yet the seconde shall holde his Horse at a sufficient commaundement . And beeing thus readily prepared , carrying his legs close by his horses sides , with his toes turned inward towards the points of the horses fore-shoulders , so that the horse may neither feele the spurre , not yet his legs be ●orne so farre off , but that vpon the least occasion hee may instantly giue him his spurres . As soone as the watchword for the start is giuen , he shal by bowing his body a little forwarde towardes his horses necke , with all coolnes & gentlenes that may be , start his horse into little more then an ordinary gallop ; for there is not a more vilde or vnhorsmanlike motion , then to start a horse sodainly , or in furie , both because if the horse be of a furious and great spirit , such an intemperate hastinesse will driue him into a violent madnesse , in which hee will either choake himselfe at first in his owne wind , or els run away so fast that he will abate his strength before he haue occasion to vse it , as I haue seene many times happen betweene a mad horse , and a mad hors-man . Nowe it is certaine that therebe some Horses ( as I haue both seene and ridden such ) which though the Horseman bee neuer so temperate and milde , yet out of the hardnesse of their mouthes , and the violence of their spirits , if they be either started amongst other horses , or heare horses come thundring after them , will ( whether the rider will or no ) runne at the height of their vttermost powers , whilest they haue eyther strength or wind . Such a horse if you chaunce to ride vpon who hath neither patience in starting , nor temper in running , then I woulde haue you to suffer such horses as runne agaynst you to start before you , and you with all gentlenes to follow them euen in the very path , that one of them runnes , so that if he offer to runne faster then hee should , hee shall bee inforced to runne ouer the horse which runnes before him , which seldome you shall finde any horse without compulsion will doe , by meanes whereof you shall reape these two benefites : first that you shall keepe your horse in that temper of speede which you desire , and so preserue your horse both in strength and winde : and secondly , what with the noise of your running , and the fear that you will tread vpon his heeles , you shall driue your aduersarie so fast before you , that through feare and furie you shall beate him out of winde , and make him saint much sooner then if he ranne at his owne pleasure , insomuch that when you haue ridden a mile or more , at what time your horse will come to coolnesse , and temperate ryding , you shall find him in that strength of wind and bodie , that you may take what way you will and rule your horse by the directions of your owne thoughts . But if your horse bee so extreame madde , that hee will not suffer anie horse to start before him , nor yet stande still with anie quietnesse till the time of starting , you shall not then take his backe till your aduersaries be all readie mounted , and then as soone as you get vppe , you shall stand a horse length or two at least behind your aduersaries , and cause your groome to holde him quietly by the head , hauing his face turnd the contrary way , to that which he should runne til the other horses be started , then vpon their starting , the Groome shal turne him gentlie about , and you shall start with all quietnes ; & though you will thinke the losse of so much ground is a greate disaduantage , which cannot be at the moste aboue fortie or threescore yardes , yet it is not so , for beleeue it to loose tweluescore yardes , so you may bring your horse to run temperately , will bee double gained in a course of foure mile , for nothing brings a Horse sooner to faintnesse then intemperance and indiscretion at the first starting . These Horses of which I haue heatherto spoken , being of great courage and mettall are intended to be of greate speede and swiftnesse , for it is impossible to finde toughnesse and furie ioynd together , because the one doth euer confound the other : wherefore if the Horse you ride vppon bee swift and spritie , you shal let your aduersarie lead you , till you finde your horse begin to ride at some commaundment , then you shall thrust vp to the side of your aduersarie , and see in what sort he rideth , whether he haue made any vse of his spurres , whether he ride with a loose hand , or whether he vse any other close correction , as either to giue him a chocke in the mouth with his bridle , to dash his feete forward vppon , his stirrop leathers , or to strike him with his spurre vpon the contrarie side which is from you , which you shall knowe by the whisking of the horses taile ; any of these if you do perceiue , and feele your own horse to runne at his ease , you shal then neither increase nor beminish your speed , but hold him vpto that speede till you come within the last mile of the race , and then you shall loose a hanke and put your horse foorth faster , which if your aduersarie second and followe you close , then you may bestowe a good stroke with your spurs , or a good iert or two with your rodde , and then letting goe your last hanke , & being nere the end of your race , shoot away as fast as you can make your horse goe ; but if vpon the first letting goe of your hanke , you finde that your aduersary dooth not second you , but looseth ground , then you shal make good your hanke againe , & only loose it when hee shall come neare you , til you haue wonne the wager : for euerye good horseman ought to bring his horse to the last part of the race , with as greate strength as may be , and not as I haue seene many doe , to spur away so fast vpō the first aduantage , that when they come to the end of the race where is both the greatest concourse of people , & where the horse should show his best spirit ) they many times with great difficultie gallop , although their aduersary be atleast a quarter of a mile behind thē , wherefore a iudicial horseman knowing his aduantages should hold thē : & so though he run not farre before his aduersary , yet by his gallantnes in running , & the pride of his horses countenance , he shal declare to the world that he could doe more , if it were his pleasure , and this is the best manner of riding , and moste like to a good horseman . But if you run against many horses , so that if you should ride at any one particularly , you should loose aduantage of the rest ; In this case you haue but onely this course of ridng , first to start with as greate temperance as you can , & whilst all the horses run in a cluster together , to followe them close at the heeles , & when you see anye one or two of them to break from the rest , only to amend your speed but a little more , & to come vp to the hindemost horse , whom if you see to ride at his owne ease , and with good strength , you shal drawe him on a little faster , & looke to the formost horses which brake away first , & if you perceiue that either of them whiske their tailes about , or that you see their rider lye close & beginne to labour , you shal then let them goe , & holde you your certaine speede still amongst the rest , for they being at strife one with another , wil soone burst themselues , and when their winde begins to grow weak & their riders would a little ease them , then you shall thrust vp hard vnto them & by no meanes giue them leaue to take any breathing : yet you shal not couet to run past them , but vpon thē , til being within 3. quarters of a mile of the staffe , you shall thē put him to the vttermost of his power , & either win or lose instantly , so that to speake in a word , if you run amongst numbers , neuer striue , nor ( if you can hinder it ) be striuen withal , but keeping a certaintie in your speede , take your aduantage when you see others are weakned . Hitherto I haue onelie spoken of swift horses , because in them is most art to be vsed , but if your horse be not ful so swift , yet very tough , and of great indurance , then you shal vppon your first start run away at the least at a three quarters speede , for the first mile , yet not runne before him , but cheeke by cheeke or hard vppon his heele , that you may compell him to runne as violently as you can , & when you haue got him to any great speede , you shall then holde your bridle somewhat straite , yet bestowe the euen stroke of your spurs twice or thrice together : then when you come within a mile and a halfe of the end of the course , you shall spare neither rodde , nor spurre , but runne away with all the speede you can till the wager bee wonne or lost . Now for generall rules in your riding , you shall knowe that he which will run a race , must haue a sure , a strong , and a close seate without moouing in his saddle or pressing too hard vpon his stirrop leathers , he must carrie both his armes close to his bodie , and when he vseth his rodde , he must not mooue his arme any more then from the elbowe downeward , when he spurs he must not fetch his legges with a long blow , but gripe his horse vpon each side sharpelye and suddainlye ; if when hee is in the verie height of his running , when he spurres his horse , hee perceiue him to whiske his taile , and clappe his eares close to his neck , he shal then forbeare to spur him , & rather seeke to giue him breath , because then hee is at the vttermoste of his power , and to torment further were to make him faint and desperate ; hee shall neuer ride his horse with a loose hand , but holding his reines at an indifferent straitnesse , keepe his horse in winde and courage . Now for the rules of foule play , as the crossing of waies , the striking your aduersaries horse thwart the face as you passe by him , the shouldring him vp into vneuen pathes or rough waies whereby you may indanger to ouerthrowe him ; or as you ride ▪ close by him with your foote to dash his foote out of his stirroppe , or riding knee to knee to put your knee vnder the thigh of your aduersarie and so seeke to ho●se him out of the saddle , or laying your hand vpon his shoulder , to pull him backward ; or in riding by him to twitch his rodde either from his hand , mouth , or girdle , or a world of other such like knaueries , as they are both contrarie to faire play , & are the grounds of many great quarrells and greeuances amongst great persons , so I wish euerie good rider , not onelye to shunne them but with his vttermoste power to detest him that will put them in practise , because it is both the signe of a dishonest nature , & is the onelye meanes to bring confusion to that sport which is moste praise-worthie . And thus much for the rules both good and euill which accompanie the running rider . CHAP. 2. The office of the Sadler , and the best side of hi● commodities . NOt that I am ambicious of the name of generall knowledge , nor that I would haue the world to repute me such an officious Constable that I will make priuie searches into occupations beyond my commission , doe I intend to handle this matter of the Sadlers office . But since I haue thus farre waded into this generall reuelation of all things belonging to the skilfull horseman , and that euerie Gentleman , horsman , or other trauailer , may know how to apparell his horse , which is most beautifull , which most easie , and which most hurtfull , I meane according to mine experience , to deliuer the true shapes and benefites of Saddles , and other implements belonging to a horse , and to shewe which is the meetest for the mans seate , or the horses wearing , presuming that in it I knowe more then a common Sadler , because they onely fashion , and the horsmā finds the ease , or disease of their proportions . To begin therfore with Saddles the saddle for the great horse or horse of seruice , is the most worthie , the true shape and proportion whereof I haue shewed before in my booke of riding . And albe it haue not the hie fore-pillowes or bolsters , to which you may so cōueniently fasten your steeles or plats , as the flat pillowes vsed in times past haue , yet a skilfull Sadler may make the outside of those pillowes as flat as he please , and with some small buckles make the plates as fast aboue & below , as any vice pinns whatsoeuer , then whereas some will finde fault at the roundnesse of the pommel , as supposing it doth not couer the mans bellie sufficiently , to that I say they are verie much deceiued , for if the seat of the sadle haue his true descent and compasse , the pomell cannot chuse but come to the riders nauell , which is a height in the stricktnesse of Art somewhat of the highest , only this obseruation the sadler must keep , that the fore-pillowes must stande so directly downwarde , that they may defend the Ryders knees from the neather point of the bare tree , and not by setting them somewhat too forward , leaue nothing betweene his knees and the tree , but the thicknes of a single leather . At the setting on of the pōmel of the saddle shal be plac'd a ring of iron , whereto to fasten your pistols , and by the right side of the pommell shall be a loope whereon to hang your battell axe , there must be betwixt each mid side of the pannell before and the tree , a strong buckle whereto to fasten the breast-plate , and directly in the mid part of the saddle behinde ouer the horses chine , an other strong buckle whereto to fasten the crooper . Next vnto this saddle is the Morocco saddle , which in euery shape should resemble the proportion of this former saddle , onely in the bignesse of the pillowes , the height of the hinder crooper , the depth of the seate , and squarenes of the tree , it shold not containe halfe so much as the other , the length therof not being aboue seuenteen or eighteene inches , the depth ten inches , and the height of the hinder croope or pillowes not aboue fiue inches ; to this Saddle doth also belong both breast-plate & crooper , and it is principally to bee vsed in the warres , as eyther for the light horse or the Carbine , and these two Saddles for seruice in the warres , are altogether sufficient . Now to proceede so such saddles as are meetest for the vse of trauelling , you shall vnderstand that for princes , men of estate , men diseased or corpulent , all which howsoeuer they iourney , yet they iourney with greate moderation & temperance being as loath to ouer heate their horses , as to ouer toyle themselues , for such I say , the moste easiest , grauest and comelyest seate is the french pad , if it be made of a right shapt tree , and the seate stopt with downe , and artificially quilted , neither so soft and loose that the weight of the man presse it flat downe ; nor so hard that the seate will not yeelde though the man sit neuer so heauie , there is a meane betwixt both these , and that meane is to be obserued . Now the generall and greatest fault which our Sadlers heere in England doe commit in making these French pads is , that they make the seates thereof too broad , so that when a man comes to bestride them , they doe make him open his thighes so wide , that he can neither sit fast nor at his ease , but after a little trauell put him to such paine , as if they would splyt or deuide him ; wherefore it is the office of the good sadler when he makes the seate of the French pad , to raise the vpper Garthweb a little higher , and to draw the seate before as narrow as he can , & as thick & soft as he can ; I meane that part onelie which is iust betweene the mans legs : as for the hinder parte of the seate which is vnder the mans buttocks he shal make it broad , round , flat and soft , that the man may sit therevpon , as if he sat vpon a cushion ; to this saddle also doth belong both brest , plate and crooper ; so that it as the former must haue buckels for that purpose . The next saddle to this for ease is the large Scotch saddle being at least eighteene inches in length , and made with the French padde seate , together with pillowes and bolsters of like fashion , of which sort of Saddles a man may behold some almost in euery Sadlers shop , and it is a verie excellent Saddle for his seruice , who hauing great occasions of continuall trauell , is now and then compeld to trauaile with more then ordinarie haste : so that should he make vse of the French padde , or anie of the former Saddles , the burthen and trouble sometimes would too soone heate his horses backe , & with the scalding thereof breed both the felter worm , warble , and such like diseases , and also draw a horse sooner to faintnes and wearines in his iourney ; for the truth is , those heauie Saddles are but for moderate trauaile . The next Saddle to this for the vse of trauel , is the plain Scotish saddle , I do not meane that Scottish saddle which was in vse many yeares agone , and are yet remaining in Sadlers shops , being in fashion iust foure square , that is to say , as deepe as they are long : for of all the proportions of saddles they be the worst : but I meane that saddle which being eighteene inches in seate , is not aboue ten inches in depth to the neather points , or being fourteene inches in length , is not aboue eight in depth , and these sizes are sufficient for any man of what shape soeuer he bee , if he exceed not a horses ordinarie burthen , Now it is the office of the sadler which maketh the seat of this plain Scottish sadle to set it somwhat strait vpō the garth-web , and not according to our late found fashion in the South parts of this kingdome , to set the garth-web so loose , that before the sadle come to be riden in , the seat is falne as low , & beareth as great a cōpasse as if it had bin riddē in many daies before , which I must cōfesse is more cōly to the eie of the beholder , but nothing near so profitable for the vse of the rider ; & the reason is this , whē the garth-web is so let down , & the seat proportioned before the sadle be ridden in , then when it comes to beare the weight of the man , and to be stretcht out by burthen ; the garth-web which euer at first wil recht , falls down so low vnder the tree of the saddle , that after a monthes riding in it the man is forc'd to sit vpon the edges of the ribbes of the Tree , and which is worse then that , the seate will bee so hollowe , that when either the horse shall stumble , bee put to any great leape , or vppon any greate affright shall fodainely stand still ; the vpper part of the saddle will giue the man such a iumpe against the bottome of his bellye , that it will make his hart ake for manye houres after , whereas when the seate standes straite vppon the garthwebbe , then the weight of the man doth no more but settle the webbe to such a computēt lownes , that the man being born vp aboue the saddle tree , sits both more sure , more easye and more free from danger ; and these saddles are vsed moste of young Gentlemen , and such other youthfull spirits , who scorning to bee older then there yeares , or giue the world notice of any inabilitie , will neither be beholden to the pad or any other quilted seate , for the benefit of ease in their trauell . Next vnto this saddle is the hunting or running Saddle , which is also but a plaine scotch saddle of the same generall proportion that the former scoth saddle is , onely it must be the lightest and nimblest you can possible haue framed , as being made of the oldest and dryest Sallowe which can be gotten and hewd to as slender a substance as can possiblie be , for the strengthning whereof the sadler shall first couer the wood ouer with dride sinewes , of an Oxe well tas●ed and mixt with well tempered glewe , and not as many of our Sadlers vsr to doe , to lay on the sinewes , with nothing but paste onelie . After the tree is sinewd , you shall then glewe strong canuase all ouer the woode also , then plate the tree , both before and behind and it wlil be strong inough for any burthen . These hunting or running Saddles would bee full twelue inches in length of seate and not aboue fiue inches in depth downe ward ; it must also haue the seate made straite vpon the Garth-webbe , and the pillowes thereof round , and but a little bigger then a mans great fingar . Now because the greatest goodnesse in saddles consisteth in the saddle tree , the sadler when he chuseth his trees shal obserue these principles , first that their shapes bee right in his eye , next that the woodde whereof they bee made , be exceeding olde , drie , and well seasoned , for if it be otherwise , the verie heate of the horses backe wil warp the saddle tree , and if it warpe but the breadth of a strawe awrie , it will neuer stand vpon any horses backe after , but it will hurt him ; Next hee shall turne vp the saddle tree , & with a threed measure it from point to point , crosse-wise , & if it be not iust and euen , but lōger or wider one way then another , which of Sadlers is called a skellowd tree , then it cannot possibly be riden vpon , but it will hurt a horse : but if it be square and euen , then you may presume it is verie perfect ; then he shall not suffer any holes to be cut through the tree for to passe the stirop leathers thorowe but to haue stronge Siuills of yron wel reuited thorow the tree wherein to put your stirrop leathers , he shall naile vppon each side of the Saddle , three strong tabbes of neates leather , onely they vppon the left side , shall be longer then those vpon the right side , because the horse is euer girded vpon the left side : the pannelles of his Saddles shall bee made of strong linnen cloath , which is longest ere it heate , and soonest dride when it is wette , and not of the cotten as it is vsed in some places . The best stopping for pannels is deares hayre , for it is softest lyeth moste euen and soonest dryeth when it is wette , but where it cannot bee gotte , there must other hayre be vsed , but the Sadler must bee verie carefull that the lime bee well washt out of it , and that it bee well beaten , or else it wil both poison and hurt a horses backe : the pannell also would bee stopt no further then to couer the woode of the tree , for more is superfluous , and doth but adde to the Horses backe a heate extraordinarie . As the Sadler shall thus be furnished with all manner of saddles , so he shall likewise haue all sortes of bytts , which belong to the great horse saddle , the Morocco or the French padde , the proportions of which mouthes and cheekes are figured in the booke of ryding . He shal also haue headstalles fit for such byts made of blacke Neates leather , both plaine or studded , with brest-plates and trappinges sutable to the head-stalles and trymings of the Saddles ; then hee shall haue to ioyne with the Scotch Saddle , which hath the French pad seate , or with the plaine trauelling Scotch Saddle , fine light Northerne Bridles , made of good Neates leather soundly oylde , and either of white , blacke , redde or yellow colour . To these bridles , hee shall haue Snaffles of all shapes , some smoothe , some rough , with small ringes in the midst , and sundrie sort of small players fastned to those ringes , which to a trauelling horse breeds pleasure , & makes him haue a white mouth Now to the Hunting or running Saddle , hee shall haue likewise light narrowe Northerne bridles , but his Snaffles for those purposes shall be longer then the trauelling Snaffles by at least two inches , they shall haue no ringes nor players in the midst , but bee plighted one within another , and the whole Snafsnaffle shall be as whole and as slender as may be , and the plights made so easie that you may make the our moste ende at your pleasure , meere one with the other , the reasons of which shapes are , first it shall haue no players least the horse in his race catch them betweene his teeth , and so holde them , that though the rider pul neuer so hard , yet the horse will runne away without controlement ; neither shall the players make him foame at the mouth , least that fluxe of grosse moisture in his swiftnesse choak or stop his winde , then the two outmoste endes shal meet together , that if the horse shall runne faster then you would haue him , the pulling in of your bridle reyne shall drawe the outmoste endes of the snaffle so close together and so nip the horse vpon each side of the chappe , that he shall be glad to haue his head commaunded . Next these the sadler shall haue stirrops of all fashions , as to the great Saddle , the Morrocko & the pad , & such stirrops as are figured in the book of riding , but to the other Scotch Saddles , fine , slender , round , webd , stirrops , that parte which is vnder the riders foot , being raised & made rough like a rape file , that his feete may not slippe vp and downe therein . He shall haue garthes of all sortes , those for trauelling being made of broade linnen webbe with large strong buckles , those for hunting or running of woollen webbe , strongly quilled and ioyned to the lightest and sinest buckles . Hee must haue stirroppe-leathers made of welliquored leather , & by no means so burnt in the dressing , as moste blacke stirroppe leathers are , which are hardly for a weekes fernice . As for maine-combs , currie combes of all fashions and sizes , spunges , postpillions , Sursingles , Collers , pasterns , Coach-harnesses , hoodes and housing cloathes for horses , and such like apparellings meete either for vse in the house , in the field , or vppon the hie way , it is the office of euerie good Sadler to haue both the best and the best choice , as being the onely Marchant for these necessarie commodities . And thus much for a slender taste of the Sadlers office . CHAP. 10. The office of the Smith , touching the shooing of horses . BEcause the Smith is a most principall and necessarie member in a well ordered stable ; and that the want of him bringeth many most grosse inconueniences to the good estate of Horses , I will before I proceede any further , speake something concerning his office , not as to speake of his office in euerie generall vnderstanding , but onely of that part of his office which concerneth the paring and shooing of Horses feete . It is therefore the dutie of euerie good Smith , to knowe that Horses haue two sorts of hoofes , that is to say , either perfite or imperfite ; the perfite hoofe is deuided into two kinds , that is , the perfite round hoofe , and the perfite long hoofe : and the imperfite hoofe is deuided into eight kinds , that is , the flat hoofe , as those of flemish horses , the brittle or rugged hoofe as those which growe after frettizing or foundring ; the crooked hoofe , either inward or outward ( the inward making a horse enterfaire , the outward making a horse grauell ) the ouerhollow or drie hoofe , as those of Barbaries & Turks . The hoofe which is all soale ( of some called a broad frush ) which makes a horse haue weak heeles : the narrow heeld hoof , the hoofe with the false quarter , & the hoofe that is bound , either by any straine , or some one of these former imperfections . To all these hoofes both perfect & imperfect , here belongeth great skill , & the Smith must know how to handle and pare each one of them seuerally . Wherfore first to speak of the perfit hoofes : the round perfite hoofe is good in the trauelling horse , and is both a signe of strength & long life : the long perfit hoofe ( which by some of our English writers is accounted a fault in horses ) is excellent both in the running & hunting horse , & is not only a great signe of swiftnes , but also makes a horse run with lesse paine and labor ouerthwart deepe fieldes , or myrie wayes . Touching the paring of either of thē , the smith must know that there is but one skil to be ther vsed , & that is , hee shal ( assoone as he hath taken his Buttris or paring knife in his hand ) not take his stroke from the top of the heele downe to the toe ( as our bungling common Smithes doe ) cutting away the horses heeles at the first stroake , which onely should be preserued and cut little o● nothing at all , but striking at least an inch or more short of the heele , he shall first pare the toe , both smooth , plain , thinne , and euen : then turning himselfe about , and looking vpon the horses heeles , if in his eie they appeare ( for want of ordering ) to bee a little ouer-growne , then hee shall as sleightly and thinly as may bee pare away onely the superfluous growth of the heele : for the Smith must know , that the onely thing which is to bee preserued in a horses hoofe is his heeles . This done , he shal with his face turned opposite to the horses hoofe , and with the edge of his Buttris vpwarde , open the heele of the Horse be tweene the frush and the hoofe as wide and as hollow as conueniently may be , for that onely giueth ease and libertie to the foote within the hoofe : this done , hee shall lay his shooe vpon the hoofe , and see that it lie close and euen , not bearing more vppon one part of the heele then on the other , but resting alike in all parts , which he shall discerne , if by looking betwixt the hoofe and the shooe hee see any glimpse of light shining thorow more in one place then in another ; when the shooe sits to your contentment vpon the foote , then you shall see that the vtmost verge or ring of the shooe extend almost halfe a strawe breadth broder forth then the hoofe , especially at the heeles , and on each side , but at the toe , the hoofe and the shooe shall be all one . Now to speake more particularly of the shooe , it is the office of the Smith to know that he must fashion , proportion and turne it according to the shape of the hoofe , and not like our Smiths , make one shoe serue all manner of feet . He shal also know how to giue his Iron the toughest and not the hardest temper : he shall make his naile hoales more towards the toe then the heele , because theere the hoofe is weakest and narrowest , and the veine lieth most outmost . Now for the heeles of the shooes , he shall make them with great thick spunges , at least halfe an inch thick , if the horse be either for seruice in the wars , or for trauelling : but if he be for the Coach , wagon , or other draught ; chiefly in paued streets , then instead of thicke spunges , deep caukens are more commodious . For the web of the trauelling shooe it shall be broad , chiefly at the toe , drawing a little narrower downe towards the heele , yet in such sort that it may almost couer the hoofe , and leaue onely the soale or frush vncouered , the Iron whereof the shooe shall be made , may eyther be good Spanish Iron , or good English Iron , and for mine owne part I haue euer found the English Iron the better . Now for the naile , it must both hold the same temper which the shooe hath , and be of the same Iron , the head must belōg & square , beatē a little sloapewise at the neather end , that it may fill the hoale , & not ( as some of our ouer curious Smithes do ) be made in a mould , by which meanes it cannot enter in as it should , but holding onely by the weakest part of the naile , which is the verie point of the clench , with the least straine vppon any stone or otherwise , it is loosened & wrested out of the shooe : these foolishly made nailes , you shall know , for they haue most commonly the foure outmost corners of the head driuen downe , and the figure of a diamond square vpon the top . Your naile head therfore must so enter into the shooe , that not aboue the one halfe may stand aboue the shooe , the shankes of the nayles must be flat , and iust so broad as the naile hoale and towards the setting on of the head so thicke , that they may fill the hoale as they are driuen in : the point of the naile shall bee sharpe , and beaten vppon one side sloape-wise , that as it is driuen the point may carrie the shanke outward from the hoofe , not inward towards the veane for feare of pricking . The first naile you shall driue in shall be into the middle hoale vpon the outside of the hoofe , then set the shooe straight , which is , that it may stand and couer equally both the heeles alike , then driue in another naile into the middle hoale on the inside the hoofe . Now you must vnderstand , that when you driue in any nailes , you shal either dip the point into soft grease or sope , or else wet them in your mouth . The hammer which driues them must be verie light , and the first strokes verie gentle till the nailes bee entred , and then harder and harder , till they can goe no further . Assoone as any naile is driuen in , you shall turne the point backe againe , downe to the shooe ward , both for feare the horse by twitching his foot away , shold hurt him which holdes vp his foote , and also that by the bending the shankes , the clenches may be the stronger . When all the nailes are driuen in , and the pointes brought out as it were al in one line , then with a paire of pincers the nailes points shall be all wrung off close by the hoofe , then driuing al the nailes ouer again , somwhat harder thē before , the Smith shall then clench the nailes vppon the hoofe by holding his pincers against each naile head , and with his hammer beating downe euerie clench , till they lye as smoothe , and as plaine as may be ; then with a rape file where the hoofe is larger then the shooe ( which should be no where but at the toe ) he shall file it in such sort that the shooe may be discerned round about . Now for the imperfit hoofes , If your horses hoofe be flat and weake , you shal pare the toe a little , but the hee le nothing at all , neither shall you open them aboue a straw breadth deepe between the frush and the hoofe : his shoe shall be so broad that it may couer al the hoofe hollowly that it may not touch the soale , and largelye that it may beare him both easilie and from the ground . But if your horses hoofes bee rugged or brittle , then in paring them you shall open his heeles both as deepe and as wide as is possible , & take a little from the vpper part . The ruggednes you shall file smoothe with a rape file , and the toe you shall pare as thinne as may be . For his shooe , it shall neither be heauie nor extraordinarily light , but of a mean size , only it shal be naild round about the toe ; the whole shoe containing ten nailes at the least . But if his hoofe be crooked inward or outward , look what side of his hoofe he weareth least , & of that side pare the most away , leauing the other side whole and vntouched , more then to make the shooe stand euen ; as for the shooe , it shall bee a very broad web , & looke of what side the horse treadeth most , that side of the shoe shal be a great deale the higher , & driuing the most nailes into the strōg side of the hoofe & the fewest into the weake . If the horses hoofes be ouer hollow , you shal then pare away no part of the ball of the foot , but roūd about the out side of the hoofe , euē frō the top of the heele to the toe , you shal take away as much as you can with cōueniencie , & make the hoofe more flat & leuel , as for the shoe , it shal be in al points like the shoe for the perfit hoofe , only a little flatter , & somewhat lighter : but if the horses hoofes be all soale , hauing a broad frush , you shall thē pare no part of it at al , but onely to make the shoe stād euen , for it stāds need of al strength possible . As for the shoe , the heeles shal be made with extraordinary lōg spūges , & those spunges more broad & flat then cōmonly is vsed , both to beare vp his heels , & defend the weaknes . If the horse haue strait and narrowe heeles , then the heeles must be opened wel between the hoofe , and the frush , that they may stretch & spread : & for the shoe it shal be very light before , but the spūges vpon the hinder parts shal almost meet & ioyne together ; the nailes shold stand forward , & the shoe must wāt nothing of his due length , but if your horse either by pricking , stubbing or other mischiefes , put out a false quarter , you shal then in paring his hoof plain , hollow the false quarter a little thought more then the rest of the hoofe , & whē you set on the shoe also , you shal make it by a little hollowing to bear so from the false quarter , that the horse in his treading may not presse vpō any part of it . I haue seen some that haue made their shoes want a quarter , so that the false quarter hath beene vncouered , but it is not good , especially if the horse trauel in rough waies , for the least touch vpon the sore place , wil make the horse hault exceedingly . Now if your horse bee hoofe bound , you shall in paring open his heeles , so that you may almost discerne the quick , then with a sharp drawing yron , you shal draw the outside of his hoofe , directly before his toe , & on each side of his hoofe , almoste clean thorow , & annoint it euery day with hogs grease & tarre mixt together : as for his shoe , it would be like the perfit shoe , only a thought wider and larger : but for halfe shooes like halfe moones , they are naught for they leaue the heeles vndefended , which only should bee supported & stretcht forth to the vtmost . Now if your horse haue a good perfect hoof , yet through defect in his pace , doth interfaire or hew one leg vpon another in this case , & to amend this fault , his shoes shall be made flat vpon the outside like ordinary shoes , but frō the inside euē frō the toe to the heele , they must be a little more thē a quarter of an inch broad , & more then a ful inch thick frō the hoofe to the groūd downeward , the nailes stāding al round about the toe & the outside of the hoofe ▪ the narrownes of the shoe must stād a quarter of an inch within the hoofe , & it wil cast the horses legs outward . Some smithes wil make these shoes of a ful thicknes from the hoose downeward , but so thin as the back of a knife ouerthwart , but they doe no good , because the weight of the horse making those edges cut into the groūd , he treads as it were on a leuell , & so cuts not with standing . Now for those shoes which doe belōgvnto the hūting horse , euery smith must know that they differ frō other shoes , because the horses exercise is little vpon hye-waies , or stonye places , but altogether vpō the deepes , therfore his shoes must be as light & slender as may be made , but only as it were to compasse the outmost ring of the hoof , being in bredth not ful half an inch , & almost as thicke as broad , and hauing a small gutter round about , into which the Smith shallet in some part of the naile head . The heeles of the shoes shal bee a little turnd vp against the heeles of the Horse , being bea● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hauing as it were a little butten vnderneath like a caulken made in the fashion of those sharp catches , which clap into lockes and holde fast . The proportion of the shooes are in these figures ; As for the rūning shoes , I haue spoken of thē somwhat alreadie in the booke of running Horses , where I haue shewed of two kindes , one for hard courses , the other for soft , wherevnto I referre such as either desire satisfaction or would knowe the vses or reasons for them ; manye other shooes there are , as namely shooes with rings in the heeles , to make a horse lift his legges , the Pancelet to help the weake heele , shoes with turning vices & ioyntes and the patten shooe , all which being now out of vse , because there being better means found out for the preuentiō of the faults they amend , I wil here let them passe without discriptions , because I will neither trouble you with friuolous matter , nor intice you to practise that which is vnprofitable . And thus much for the Smithes office in paring and shooeing onely . The end of the sixt Booke . CAVELARICE OR That part of Arte wherein is contayned the Knowledge or Office of the Horse-Farrier , with the signes and demonstrations of all manner of infirmities , and the most best approued cure for the same . The seauenth Booke . AT LONDON Printed for Edward VVhite , and are to bee solde at his shop at the little North-doore of Paules , at the signe of the Gunne . To the Right Honorable and most noble Lord , Iohn Ramsey , Vicount HADINGTON . IF there bee a blame in mee ( most Noble Lord ) to offer to your vertues this poore offertory of my labours , I must with renowned Sir Phillip Sydney make answere , that is is a fault then in you to be vertuous , for did not your vertue and Honorable inclination ( which euen vpholdeth and strengtheneth this Art which I professe ) moue me with the violence of an inrepressable desire to become your obscure seruaunt , doubtlesse I had both conceald your Name & this Worke : but since it is so , that I am nowe within the mercie of your more noble Spirit , euen for Uertues sake , and that delight which you conceiue in the height of your pleasures , let my dutious loue bee mine excuse , and imagine that if I had inioyed better abilitie to haue exprest a better seruice , it had ere now beene tendred to your Honor , with more then a hartie sincerenes . As it is , I know your noble nature will hold it , & though I am not able to doe you profitable seruice , yet I will not cease to adde to your Name my prayers and best wishes , which is as much as Greatnes can expect from a low fortune . Humbly your Honors Geruase Markham . To all my fellowe Smithes and Farryers both good and bad , dispearsed ouer this Kingdome . THere is nothing more preiuditiall to the life of man then an vnlearned Phisition , nor no vilder member belonging to the stable then an vnskilfull Farryer , whence it comes , that I haue beene more precisely carefull to perfit this booke , with the truest plainenes , & the easiest demonstrations that I coulde anie way fashion , because for the most part , you Smithes are Maisters of little more then Natures learning , so that should I haue writ as former Authors haue written , questionlesse as formerly you haue doone , so still you should continue in amaze and error , the effects of your practise hauing onely the ground of custome , and not of reason : this to preuent , and that you may giue a true account for whatsoeuer you shall administer , I haue layed downe euerie effect , euery face , and figure of euery infirmitie , so plainely , & so accompanied it with vndoubted truths , that if you will but either heare or read , and intreat your memories to retaine what you shall haue deliuered . I doubt not but you shall both commend your expence of time , thanke me for my trauell , pleasure those which shall neede you , and maintaine your places with good reputation : howsoeuer this I know , that for as much as I haue set downe nothing beyond my knowledge , therefore I haue done nothing to which I cannot giue the account of reason , therefore if you accept it kindly , it is my loue well imployed , if otherwise , it is not lost , for I did not intend it for those which are vngratefull . Farewell . G. M. CAVELARICE . The seauenth Booke . CHAP. 1. Of the composition of Horses , and the qualitte of the thinges hee is compounded of . HOw euer either the crossnes of my fortunes , which hath kept me vnder a low clowdy saile , or the misimployment of mine houres spent in lighter studies , may make the World constantly to imagin me an ignorant Truant in Phylosophy , yet such hath beene my couetousnesse in knowledge , that what I could eyther get by reading ; comerce or instruction , I haue retained with my best carefulnes ; so that those which best knowe mee , knowes I can say something in most Sciences : especially in this of which I intend now to write , because euen from mine infancie I haue pursude and followed it with all diligence and violence ; yet sith I euer intended this Worke for mine owne tombe , and the generall profit of this Empyre , I will shunne all obscuritie , darknes and rydles , and in the plainest manner that may bee , write so as the simplest Smith in the Land may bee bettered by his reading : Wherefore first you shall vnderstand , a Horse is compounded of seauen naturall thinges , that is Elements , Temperatures , Humors , Members , powers , Operations and Spirits . Of Elements there be foure , that is Fire , Ayre , Water , and Earth , the Fire is of nature hote & dry , but the heat is chiefest , the propertie of which hea●e , is to moue matter to generation , and to disperse thinges of seuerall kindes , and bind together things of one kind . The Ayre is moyst and hote , but the moistnes is chiefest , the properties whereof is to make the matter apt to receiue forme , to quicken and coole the hart , and other such like offices . The Water is cold and moyst but the coldnesse is chiefest , whose property is to bind and mixe bodies together , as flesh with bones , and bones with sinnewes , and such like . The Earth is dry and cold , but the drynesse is chiefest , the propertie whereof is to hold together those formes which the Ayre & Water through their fluxible natures would otherwise disolue . Thus you may see , that since in euery liuing creature there must be heate , moysture , coldnesse and drynesse , theyr proper beginnings must come from the operation of these foure Elements : For other more particular Elements , as the seede or menstruall bloode , in that they also depend vpon these former Elements , I will not make any longer discourse vpon them . Nowe for Temperatures , they spring from the mixture of Elements , and are in number nine , that is , hote , cold , moyst and dry , which are vnequall & simple , then hote and moyst , hote and dry , cold and moyst , cold & dry , which are vnequall and compound : and the last is a generall mixture of all the foure Elements indifferently , and is called equall , because it hath not more of the one then of the other . Now for the vse of these tempers in a Horse , if he be equally compounded , that is , haue indifferent mixture of the Element , then is he of the best temper , as beeing light , swift , bold , tractable , louing , and of long life : but if he exceede in one quality more then in another , as if he haue most of the heate , then hee is furious , mad and desperate , if most of moysture , then he is Apish , fantasticall , and forgetfull , if most of cold , then he is fearfull , scyttish , and subiect to tyring , if most of drynes , then he is dull , slothfull , rebellious , and full of malitiousnesse : all which tempers , you may gesse at by the Horses colours , but knowne assuredly by practise in riding , or operation in medicine . Now these tempers do alter , as the powers of a horse either increase or diminish , as thus , a Foale is said to haue his temper from the Fire and Ayre , a horse of middle age from the Fire and Earth , and a horse of old age from the Earth and Water . Horses likewise take their temperatures from the Clymbes where they are bredde , as commonly those which are neerest the Sunne , are euer of purest spirits & longest liues , and those which are farthest of , are more dull , and of lesse continuance . And although one of our English Authors , numbers our Nation of England for one of those colde countries , yet by his patience , hee is much deceiued , for if hee will looke vpon the lyne vnder which we liue , he shall finde we are vnder such a temperate height , that neither Greece , Affricke , nor Spayne excels vs in goodnes . Now for humors they also are deriued from the elements , and are in number foure , that is to say , choller , which is of the nature of fire , blood ; which is of the Nature of ayre , Flegme which is of the nature of water , and melancholy which is of the Nature of Earth . Choller is in tast bitter , blood is in tast sweete , Flegme , is in tast waterish without tast , and melancholy is in tast sower : the places where these humours most abound , is in the Liuer Choller , in the hart Blood , in the braine Flegme , and in the spleene Melancholy ; from these humours also come horsses colours , as from Choller comes bright Sorrels , Cole-blacks , and redde Chessenuts : from Blood , comes bright Bayes & roans : from Flegme , Milke-whites , and yellow Dunnes : from Melancholy , Iron-greys and Mouse-duns . The Office of these humours is , Choler to disgest and empty the guts , Blood , to nourish and warme the members , Flegme to giue motion , and Melancholy to procure appetite , being all good in their temperate Natures , but when they ouerflow , then they are vilde and ingender sicknes . Now for the members , they are general , and special ; general , as flesh , bone , sinnew , and veine ; speciall , as head , neck , brest , legge , foot , and such like ; which though they be knit together , yet differ both in name and proportion , and of these speciall Members , the Braine , the Heart , the Liuer , and the Stones , are the cheefest , from whom springe many other principall Members , as Sinnewes from the Braine , Arteries , from the Heart , Veynes , from the Lyuer , and Vessels of generation from the stones ; all which , and the other inferiour Members , it is most necessarie euery Farrier know , and hee can by no meanes better attaine thereunto , then by discerning or anotomizing horses when they are dead , as for mine owne part , it was my practise many yeeres togither : Now for the powers which are in a horse , principally they bee three , the first the powre of feeling , which comming like a great cundite in one maine sinew from the braine , disperseth and deuideth it selfe into a multitude , other smaller sinews giuing an vniuersal feeling ouer the whole body , & this power by Physitions is called Animall . The second is the power of life , and proceedeth from the heart , conueying from thence in arteries , a certaine vitall bloud of the nature of ayre , ouer the whole body also , & it is called vital . The third is the power of nourishment which proceedeth from the liuer , carrying from thence in a number of smaller conduit pipes , the bloud through the body , which cherisheth and strengtheneth euery member , and is called Naturall , which naturall power hath also other foure offices , as the receiuing of foode fit to nourish , the houlding it that it may nourish , the disgesting it after it hath nourisht , and the expelling it away when it is turned to excrement : Nowe for opparations they proceed from the powers , as from feeling cometh motion of members , from life motion of humors whether distempered or not distempered , and may verie well bee felt by the beating of a horses pulse vppon the temples of his head close by his eares , and not vppon his fore legges , though some Authors write to such purpose , from nourishment comes the motion of thought , and the motion of generation , with many other such like , these opperations be otherwise two fould , that is externall , or internall , externall as the motion of the limbes , which mooue but when the horse pleaseth , and internall as the motion of the heart , brayne , and pulses , which moue continually , whether the horse wake , sleep , goe , stand , or whatsoeuer he doth else : Now lastly for the spirit , it is the very quintessence of the blood , and being conueyed in the Arteries , giues the body a more liuely & sprity heate , and makes his feeling more quick and tender . By some horsemen , the spirit of a horse is taken to bee his breath , but the former I take to be more substantiall ; but both haue their workings , and may well bee termed spirits : Now therefore it is the part and duty of euery good Farrier , diligently to search into these seuen famous naturall simples whereof a horse is made , that knowing which element is in the horses body most predominant , then which temper agrees with which element , which humor with which temper , which member is infected with which humor , which power is vndistributed into which member , and lastly which spirit is weakned by the ouerworkeing , of which power he may apply all his receyts and medecines according to art , and the composition of his horses bodie . CHAP. 2. Of the Sinews , Veines and Bones of a Horse . ALthough some of our English horsemen wil allow a horse but thirtie foure maine sinewes , yet I haue foūd many moe , and much difference from the discriptions I haue read in some authors ; for although Vegetius deriues two maine sinews from the mid no strell to the crooper , I find it is not so , but there is one mayne tendant or sinewe , which comming from the braine , and hinder-part of the horses head , extendeth two smaller branches on each side the cheekes of the horse , which running along the chapps , meet at the horses nostrells ; then doth that maine sinew extend it selfe downe the necke bone of the horse , running through euery ioynt thereof in many small branches , till it come to the setting on of the chine , where the maine sinew is deuided into three great arms , one running through his chine , and deuiding into seuerall thrids through euery ioynt of his backe , knits & binds his ribs : the other two down each side of his shoulders , euen to the bottome of his fore-hoofes , and is deuided into fortie seuerall branches , now when the maine sinew of his backe comes to the binding togither of his huckbones , it there againe deuides it selfe into other three great sinews , two runing crosse-wise downe his hinder leggs , to the bottome of his hoofs , and are likewise deuided into fortie branches , the other goes still forward downe to the end of the sterne of his tayle , deuiding into euery seuerall ioynt many seuerall branches , so that to speake generally of all the sinews , they are infinit , and almost without number , but to speake particularly of principall sinewes they are eleuen , that is first , two which runs through the chaps , and compasse in the teeth , which is the occasion of toothach ; two that meet at the nostrels , one downe the neckbone , two downe the shoulders and leggs and downe the backe , two downe the huckelbones and hinder parts , and one downe the rumpe . Now for veines which are of vse , and by striking of them bring health to the horse , there are in number one and thirtie , that is to say , two in the vpper part of his mouth , two in his temples , two vnder his eyes , one of each side his necke , two vnder his fore-shoulders , two in his brest , foure in his thighs , two in his pasternes , two aboue his hoofes on the cronets , foure in his flankes , two in his hams , two in his hinder legs , and one vnder his tayle : Now for the bones of a horse , although other authors haue writ as perfectly of them as I am any way able to doe , yet I will not sticke here to repeate them , wherefore first you shall vnderstand , a horse hath in all a hundred threescore and tenne bones , that is to say , in the vpper part of his head two bones , from the forehead to the nose two bones , his nether iawes two bones , of fore-teeth 12 , of ●ushes foure , of grinders foure and twentie , in his necke , seuen , from the withers to the huckle bones eight from the huckle bones to the tayle seuen , then the broad bone behind with twelue Seames , two spade bones , then two to the canell bones , then two from thence to the first ioynt aboue the legs , then two to the knees from thence , two to the pasternes , and from thence downe into the hoofes sixteene little bones , one brest bone , thirty sixe ribs great and small , two bones to the Columell , two from the molairs to the ioynts , and two towards the ribs , from the hough to the legge two small bones , and from the leg to the forcels two small bones , and from the pasternes to the hoofes sixteene little bones ; and thus much for sinews veines , and bones . CHAP. 3. Of Horses vrine , and of his excrements . THere is no better note nor caracter that a Farrier can take of the state of a horses bodie , or wherein hee may plainely see the true visage of infirmity and sicknes , then in a horses vrine or excremēts , because that they participating of the inward powers and faculties of the bodie , alter and change their colours and tasts , as the body altereth with the paine of infirmitie and sicknes ; you shall know therefore , that first as touching v●ines , if when your horse pisseth his water be of a pale yellow color , not transparent , that is to say , bright and cleare , that a man may see thorow it , but of an indifferent thicknes , & an vnoffensiue smell , then you may bee assured the horse is sound , strong , and full of lust , but if his vrine bee of a bright high amber colour inclyning some what to redishnes ; then you must know that his bloud is inflamed , and hee hath either taken surfait of raw foode , or else beeing heated , hath taken some sodaine cold , which hath bred putrifaction & corruption in his bloud , bringing forth the effects of Feuers , Yellows , Antic●r or such like . If his vrine looke like bloud , or haue lost the strength of his sauor , you must then vnderstand your horse hath beene ouerlaboured , and with too violent exercise hath distempered his bloud , and bred corruption about his liuer , whence springs many faint diseases , as the Apolexie or Palsie , consumption of the flesh , and such like . If your horses vrine haue like a white creame vpon the toppe of it , it is a signe of putrifaction & infirmity in his kidnies , whence comes the paine and consumption in the kidneis ; if his vrine be of a greenish colour , thicke & muddie , it is a signe of weake reines and the consumption of the seede ; if his vrine be of a high redish colour , very thicke , cloudy , and the grosnes as it were bound togither , it is a signe of death and mortalitie , shewing that nature hath giuen ouer her working , but if the blacke thickenesse hold not togither , but disperse into sundry places , it is a signe that nature as it were reuiues and euen conquers infirmities ; many other obseruations there are , but for my owne part , because I haue found some vntruths in them , I will not set them downe for rules : Now for the excrements , I haue both in the booke of hunting and runing , discried the vttermost properties and secrets which can any way bee found out by them ; and therefore in this chapter wil not loade your eares with that which I haue formerly written . CHAP. 4. Of letting of Horses bleod , the time , the cause , and the signes which desire it should be vsed . TOuching the letting of horses bloud , both the Farriars of former times , and those now in our dayes , are of sundrie opinions , some saying it should be done at the beginning of euery quarter in the yeare , as the spring , summer , autumne , and winter , others wil let bloud but three times in the yeare , that is the beginning of May , when bloud springs , the beginning of September , when the bloud is warmed and setled , and the beginning of December when the bloud is grosse & thickned , others would haue a horse blooded but once a yeere , and that is in May onely , because when bloud springs , if the new bloud should mixe with the olde corrupt bloud it cannot choose but soone inflame and ingender sicknesse ; all these reasons are probable inough , and wee see few horse-maisters at this day , but doe follow either one or other of these obseruations , yet for my owne part I cannot be induced to become any of their imytators , as houlding this opinion not by any meanes to let my horse blood , but when vrgent necessitie , and apparent reasons draw mee thereunto , for aboue all things I hate to doe any thing for fashion sake , and I must confesse I doe euen contemne and enuie to see euery Smiths shop in Christmas holy dayes looke like a butchers slaughter house , not one Farriar being able to giue me a reason why he hath blouded any two of these horses , more then it is an old custome , and that the holy dayes is a time of rest wherein the horse may recouer his bloud again , not cōsidering how pretious a thing bloud is , nor what euills such customes bring vnto a horse , as weaknesse of body , imperfection of sight , crampes , conuulsions and palsies , besides when a horse is let bloud , by the rule of custome , if at any time you breake or omit that rule , there presently followes disease and infirmitie . Againe , oft letting of bloud makes the bloude fall into the inwarde parts cloying the heart , stomake and guts , and leauing the outward parts , makes them goutie , grosse & vnnimble ; wherfore if your horse be in health , and good state of body , by no meanes let him bloud , except it be now and then with the point of your knife aboue the second and third barre in the roofe of the horses mouth , by which meanes the horse may chewe and licke vp his owne blood , which is most wholesome for many diseases as you shall perceiue hereafter : or now and then in his eye veines , which is comfortable for the head , and cleereth the sight , but for letting bloud in any long or more fluent veines , I would not haue it vsd but vpon necessitie , as for any obseruation of the tyme of yeere , houre of the day , and state of the moone or signe , when there is cause of bloud letting , I haue euer set those cautions behind the doore , & respects of little vallew , because the forbearance of a quarter of an houre , may bee the losse of the horse , and indeed they are but bugbeares only to scarre the ignorant , but for obseruing the clyme wherein a horse is bred , the age strength , and disposition of the horses bodie , they are notes worthie regard onely touching the quantitie of the bloud you take away , for horses bred in hot countryes , olde horses , and flegmatique horses would not haue so much bloud taken from them , as horses bred in colde regions , yong horses , or chollerike horses : Now that you may know when a horse stands neede of bloud letting , if you perceiue that hee hath any extraordinary itch , so that hee now and then rubbeth his necke or buttocks , or if his skin begin to pyll , or the hayre either of his maine or taile shed , if you haue giuen him any violēt exercise aboue his strength , so that he hath either taken surfeit , or bin tyred , if he bee brought to an extreame pouertie of flesh , or if his eyes looke redd , and his vaines swell , if you find in him the effects of any Feuer , the Yellows or Anticor , or any inward sicknes , proceeding either of inflamation or corruptiō of the bloud , in any of these cases it is necessary to let blood ; and if the infirmity be not growne to any strength , then the best time to let bloud in , is somwhat earely in the morning , the horse hauing beene kept fasting al the night before , let your horse ( as neere as you can ) stand vpon euen ground when he is let bloud , and let the cord wherewith you bind his necke straite , be strait twound , so that by no meanes it may retch out , but keepe the straitnes it holdeth , you must in any wise bee most carefull , that when you strike with your fleame or instrument of blood-letting that in stead of the vaine you strike not the arterie which lies closse by the vaine , or setting the point of your fleame by the side of the vaine , that the skinne slippe , and so you misse the vaine and hitte the arterie , either off which may indaunger the horsses life , which to preuent it is good when you haue raisd the vaine to spit vppon it , or wet it , that making the haire lie close and smooth , you may at a haire see howe to place your fleame in the right place , whilst your horse bleeds , you shall put your finger in the side of your horsses mouth , and by rubbing , and tickling his vpper barres , make him chewe and mooue his chapps , which will make him bleede much more freshly , but if hee will not suffer you to put your finger in his mouth , then you shall giue him a little hay , or a little grasse , only to make him mooue his chappes , if hee will not ( as many old Iads are of that qualitie ) suffer you after his necke is bound , to come to set on your fleame , you shall then either put a paire of close spectackles ouer his eies , or else blindfould him with somthing else , so that you may without daunger approch him : It is very good to saue the blood you take from him , and whilst hee bleeds to stir it about for lumping , then to mingle it with bean● flower , and boale Armonicke ; and being made thicke like a plaster , to spreade it vpon his backe and loines , for it is exceeding good , both for his legges & feete : when your horse hath bled sufficiently , you shall loose the binding corde , & with it stroake downe the vaine twice , or thrice ; and it will staunch of it selfe : after the horse is let blood , you shall cause him to be set vp in the stable , and to fast at least two howers after , and then giue him what meate you please if he bee fat and in strength , but if he be leane and weake , then you shall giue him a warme sweete mashe made of water , and ground malte well mingled together : And thus much for letting of blood . CHAP. 5. Of Sicknes in generall . SIcknes is by diuers auncient writers diuersly defined , and as diuersly deuided . One saies it is an euil affection contrary to nature , hindring some action of the body , and deuids it into three kinds : the first parts that are a like , the second parts instrumentall , the third both these ioyned together , the first consisteth in the predominance of the elementes , as when either choller , bloode , fleame , or melanchollie doe super abound ; the second , in composition of the body , when the members are diseased or deformed : the third in the deuision of members , as if it be in a fleshie part , then it is called a wound or an vlcer , if in the bones then it is called a Fracture . Another saith sicknes is a maladie , or greefe proceeding from the corruption , and weaknesse of the vitall parts , and deuids it into foure braunches , as moist malladie , drie malladie , malladie of the ioynts , and malladie betwixt the skinne and flesh , the moist malladie springs from fleame and melanchollie , as strangle , glaunders , and other fluxes ; the drie mallady springs from choller and blood as consumptions , drie coughes and such like , the malladie of the Ioynts is all griefes incident to Ioynts , as splents , spauens , excressions swellings , and such like : and the malladie betwixt the flesh and skinne is the Farcion , scab , mangiues or such like ; Others make other definitions & deuisions , but all tending to one end , they are needlesse to be repeated , and it shall be inough for the diligent farrier , if hee but retaine in his memorie , that all inward infirmities are called sicknesses , or diseases and all outward infirmities are called grieues and sorances and that he apply and moderate his medicines according to the violēce of the disease increasing the strēgth of his receites as the disease increases in power , & thus much for sicknes in generall ; As for the signs & Characters by which diseases and sorances are to be known because I set them downe at large in the beginning of euery infirmity , I will at this time forbeare to write or trouble you with them . CHAP. 6. Of Feuers and the diuers kinds thereof together with their cures FEuers although our ordinary Farriers neither know them nor can cure them , and therefore hold opinion there is no such thing : yet for mine own part , I haue had such experience and haue so certain ly found the effects of them in many horses , that I dare auouch the disease to be common and in daily knowledge , wherefore to speak generally of Feuers : a Feuer is an immoderate heate , or inflamation of the blood disturbing and hindering al the motions of the body , and of these Feuers there are diuers kindes , a Quotidian or continuall Feuer , Tertians as euery other day a fit , Quartans which are euery third day , & pestilent or or burning Feuers , the first three proceeding from hu mors and spirits , the last from putrifaction and inflamation of the blood , ingendred by either too extream and violent exercise , or by surs●it of rawe foode , as of vndried pease or oates , or of vncleanly food as chaffe , pease pulse and such like . The extreame heate of the Sunne , or extreame coldnes of the aire will either of them ingender Feuers ; Now the signes to know a Feuer is , you shall see him hang downe his head , his eies being heauy and waterish , his lippes will hang from his teeth and his flesh wil be loose , his stones wil hang downe , and his breath will be hotte , he will gape oft and stretch out his limbes , he will haue a kind of shiuering in his flesh and an extraordinary heate and beating of his pulses vpon the temples of his head , he will drinke much and eate little , and his vrine will looke of a high color bright & cleare like āber . Now if you find these signes not to alter or cease , but to cōtinue in one strength and violence , then you shall bee assured it is a Quotidian or cōtinuall Feuer , but if the motions alter and he bee one day wel and the next day il , then it is , a Tertian , but if he be one day ill and two daies well , then it is a Quartan , for cure whereof some haue vsed this Phisick , first to let him bloodin his tēple veins , and pallat of his mouth , and sometimes in the neck veine and to giue him the first day no meat , but warm drink ; then after to giue him grasse , or hay wet in water , and to keepe him warme and walke him in a temperate aire , and then vpon his amendment to giue him sodden Barley the huske being beat of as you beat wheat before you boile it ; Others vse for the cuer of this Feuer , first to purge his head by squirting into his nostrilles , either the vrine of a Man o● of an Oxe , & then giue him this drink , take of Iermāder 4. ounces , of 〈◊〉 dragon , and dride roses of each an ounce , beate them to powder , then put them into a quarte of old ale , and adde thereto of sallet oile and hony of each foure ounces and giue this drinke luke warme . Others haue prescribed other medicines , some stronger , some weaker , some for Feuers in autumne , some for Feuers in sommer , some for spring , and some for winter , but I haue proued them , yet neuer could find much profit by them ; the onely meanes that euer I found for these Feuers hath beene this , as soone as you haue perceiued the visible signes of these Feuers , first to note how the fits come and goe , & then to keepe the horse fasting for at least a doozen houres before the fitte come , that nature wanting wherevpon to worke , shee may onely worke vpon the diseased humour , and so consume and weaken it , then when you doe perceiue the fit to approach you shall take of strong ale a quart , and boile therein of wormewood halfe a handfull , of long pepper and graines , two ounces , of strong treakle two ounces , & of the powder of dride rue one ounce , and when the third part of the ale is wasted , take it from the fier and straine it and giue it the horse luke-warme to drinke , or if you will you may in stead of this drinke take the yolkes of foure new laid egges & beate them in a dish , then put thereto eight spoonefull of Aqua vitae , and mingling it well together giue it the horse to drinke , then beeing warmely cloathed ride him vp and downe in some faire warme place till he begin to sweat and then set him vp in the stable , lay more cloths vpon him , and giue him litter inough vnder him and let him so sweate at least two or three howrs & then abate his clothes with discretion . Thus doing but twise at the most will assuredly mend any of these kind of agues ; as for the drinke which he shall drinke during this cuer , let it be warme water wherin hath beene boiled Mallows , Sorrell , Pursline , and Endiue , and for his food let it be well dride oates , and bread made of cleane beanes , if during his sicknes he proue drye or costiue in his body , you shall then giue him now and then halfe of a Rye sheafe eares and all to eat . This manner of cuer is not onely good for these feuers , but also for any other inward sicknes proceeding from inflamation of the blood or corruption of humors . There is also an other Feuer which is called the pestilent or bourning Feuer , and it hath all the signes and faces before shewed , onely they are perceiued more violently , and haue greater shoes of paine & sicknes differing absolutely but in this effect , which is the horse neuer shiuereth or shaketh as hauing the effect of coldnesse : but continually bourneth as being vniuersally distempered with heat & glowing ; which you shall plainely perceiue by his continuall desire to drinke and sciple , neuer satisfied till the colde water be in his mouth , and by laying your hands vpon his fore leggs vnder his knees , or vpon the temples of his head which two places will bowne more then any other parts of his body ; The cuer of this pestilent Feuer ( though our Farriers hold it incurable ) is thus . First you shal let him blood in the neck vein , thē you shall lay to the ●ēples of his head this plaister . Take of the iuice of Camomile 4. spoonefulls , of Goats milke 4. spoonefulles , of the iuyce of Sage foure sponefulles , and of sallet oile foure spoonefulles , then take a handfull of dride rose leaues , whethér of a rosecake or otherwise , and be ate all these in a morter till it be made one substance , then take foure spoonfulles of strong wine vineger and with it stirre them altogether , and if it be very thinne then take as many moe rose leaues and beat with them till it be as thicke as a plaister , then spred it vpon a cloth and strow vpon it the powder of three or foure nutmegges , then warme it hote vpon a chafing dish and coales , and apply it to the horse as aforesaid , then you shall gine him to drink : water boild with Violet leaues , Mallowes and Sorrell ; but if the fit hold him violently , you shal take three ounces of lane treackle , and dissolue it in a pinte of Malmsey , and put thereto the iuyce of two or three Lemans , and giue it him in a horne to drinke , and it will presently put away the fit , the nature of this Feuer beeing so pestilently hotte , is to furre the mouth , and to breed vlcers and sorenes both in the mouth and throat , wherefore you shall carefully euery day looke in his mouth , and if you perceiue any such thing , take but the sirrop of Mulberries , and with a small squirt strike it into his mouth , and it will heale the sore immediately , for it is of such vertue that a man once knowing it , will hardly be without it , but if you cannot get the sirrop of Mulberies then take a pinte of running water & boile therin two ounces of allom , and halfe a handfull of Sage , and with that wash the sore place and it will heale it : If the heate and drines of this disease keepe the horse so costiue that he can by no meanes dung , you shall then onely giue him this Glyster . Take of new milke halfe a pint , of sallet oile a pinte , and halfe a pinte of the decoction of Mallowes and violet leaues , and to them put an ounce of sence , and halfe an ounce of cētuarie , & administer it luke warme with an elder pipe made for the purpose ; and these remedies I assure you will not onely helpe this Feuer but also many mortall and dangerous diseases also ; diuers other medicines are prescribed for this Feuer by other authors , but the simples are so strange , and the compositions so phantasticall , that for mine owne part I haue carried the receits to skilfull Apothecaries , who haue vtterly disavowd the knowledge of such simples , so that after I could neuer giue credit to the practise . The last Feuer is called the Feuer accidētall , because it is a Feuer which comes by the violence and paine of some grie uous receiued wound , and of all Feuers it is most cōmon and most dangerous , for when wounds are accō panied with Feuers the horse seldome escapes death , and for mine owne part I cannot boast of any great cure I haue done in this case , onely my rule hath been to keepe the vitall parts as strong as I coulde with cōfortable drinks made of Ale , aniseeds & sugercandie , & to giue him to eat half a doozē sops or tosts steept in Muscadine , according to the forme before shewed in the book of running-horses , & this I assure my selfe ( if the wound be curable ) will take away the Feuer : & thus much for the cuer of Feuers . CHAP. 7. Of the Pestilence or Gargill . THe Pestilence howsoeuer other authors do seriously write both of it and the causes frō whence it springes , as from labour , hunger , sodaine motion after rest , surfeit , corruption of humors , corruption of aire , vapors , exhalations , influence of planets and such like , yet I say ( if I knowe the pestilence ) it is plainely that which we call amōgst men the plague , amongst beasts the murrē , & amongst horses the gargill , it proceedes from surfeit and rawe disgestion after proud keeping , ingendring corrupt & poysonous humors ; or els from the infection of the aire , or the foode whereon the horse feedeth : it is ofal diseases most infectious and mortal , and for mine own part I haue had no perfect experience of it but onely in young foales which are apt to take it , especially if they be wained too yong , the signes to know it is , the sides of their heads euen to the rootes es their eares , & so downe all vnder their chaps will swell exceedingly and be wondrous hard , their eyes & the inside of their lippes wil be very yellow , and their breathes will bee strong and noysome . Now you must vnderstand that when these outward signes appeare , then the disease is incurable , so that to set down theresore any cuer is a thing impossible , only this is the best preuentiō , to giue your foales for 3. daies together , both at the fall of the leafe , and the spring euery morning 3. or 4. slipps of Sauen , as is shewd in the book of breeding , but if this disease happen to horses of elder age which is surest knowne by the losse of that horse which first dyeth , then you shall seperate the sound from the sicke , and putting them into a fresh aire after they haue beene let blood both in the necke veines and their mouthes you shall then giue ech of them to drinke halfe a pinte of sacke and halfe a pinte of sallet oile mingled together , the next morning after you shall giue euery one of them a pinte of strong ale and the shauings of the yellow tips of the old staggs horne , or the shauings of the yellow tippe of the sea-horse tooth , both which if you cannot readily get , then you shall giue thē strong ale and treakle boild together , to ech a good draught , and doubt not but it will both expell and preuent the force of the infection . As for Aristoloch , Gentian , Mirh ; and such like , which some prescribe to bee giuen for this disease I do not thinke the authours thereof euer sawe the practise , nor will I counsaile any man to trye them , knowing the former to be sufficient . CHAP. 8. Of the inward diseases of the head , and first of the head ach . THe head of a horse is subiect to diuers diseases according to the inward compositions thereof , as from the pannickle which couers the braine comes head-ach , rhumes and mygrams , from the braine frenzie , sleeping euill , and palsies , and from the conduites of the braine come the staggers , night-mare , cramp , catarres and such like ; but first to speake of the headach , it is a disease that most commonly pro ceedes of a cholericke humour bred in the pannickle , or els of some outwarde cause as of a blow , of colde or ill sauors , the signes thereof is only heauines of countenance , watring of his eies & forbearance of his food : the euer is , take either Storax or Frankinscence , and throw it vpon a chafing dish and coals vnder the horses nose , so that the smoak may ascend vp into his head and when he is thus perfumed you shall binde to his temples the same plaster which is formerly set downe for the pestilent feuer , and questionles it will help him in twice or thrice applying . CHAP. 9. Of Frenzie or Madnesse in Horses . MAdnes is a fault very much incident to horses , and I haue had much experience thereof , and as farre as I can cōiecture it proceeds only frō the torment of the brain or pannickle , whē they are either corrupted with naughty bloud , or inflamed with the heate of poisonous humors ; many other discriptions the antient Italians make of the frenzie of a horse , saying it proceeds not from the head alone , but sometimes from the torment of the heart , liuer or spleene , which a man may know by a horses bitting and tearing of his own flesh and with his feet beating vpon his body ; but for such mad horses as I haue seene ; their madnes hath issued from the braine onely , and the signes from whence I haue gathered it haue beene these , they wil haue heauy countenances , but fiery eyes , they will beat their owne heads against the walles , bite at any thing sodēly , and as they stand they will gnawe vpon the manger ; when they lie they will lay their fore-legges ouer their heads , and now and then beate their heads with their legs , they will forsake all foode , or if they do eate , they will snatch their meate hastily , and seldome chew it ; the cuer is to let thē blood very much in the shackle veins to draw the humors frō the vpper parts , then to take halfe a pinteo fmilke and halfe a pint of sallet oile mingled together , and giue it him to drink three mornings together , which don other three mornings you shall take halfe a handfull of Sage , halfe a handfull of Minte , and halfe a handfull of hearbe of grace , & boile them in a quarte of white wine , till it come to a pinte , then straine it hard and giue it the horse to drink luke-warme , and during these sixe dayes let him bee fed with bread made of beanes and rie , but by no meanes let him haue so much as hee will eate , let him also drinke no cold water , and let his stable be kept exceeding darke and warme ; if for this disease you giue him to drink mans ordure and wine mixt together it is very good , or to chafe all his body ouer with blacke Elleborus boild in vinegar is good also , especially to chafe his head and temples , as for gelding him , or burning him vpon the head with hote irons , I like it not , for it is against rule , & to a horse of good temper will bring madnes . CHAP. 10. Of the sleeping euill or lethargie . THis sleeping euil or lethargy in a horse proceedeth of cold fleame & moisture about the braine , dulling the sences & bringing a drowsie heauines ouer the whole body , the signes is onely his cōtinuall sleeping , from which with great industry hee will hardly be reclaimed , the cuer there of is thus , first let him be kept waking with noises and affrig his whe ther he will or no , then let him blood in the neck vein and giue him to drinke water wherein is boyled Sage , Camomile and motherworte , and mingling with it Salte , Vineger , and wheate bran , after he hath drunke this , three morningstogether , you shall then perfume him by blowing into his nostrils the powder of strong Tobacco wel dryed , and you shall chafe his head with Tyme and Pennitiall sodden together in vineger ; also to burne brimstone vnder his nose is very good , and in his prouender to giue him hempseede is very good , and in his oates you shall put fennell seedes , and parsley seedes , many other medicines there are but none more effectuall then these already named . CHAP. 11. Of a horse that is taken . AHorse that is taken our common Farriers say to be planet strooke , and to be as it were lamed or benūbd of his sences by some supernaturall influence and therefore hold it altogether vncurable , but they are deceiued , fot a horse is said to be taken when he is sodainely depriued of his feeling and mouing , and it proceedeth sometimes from the imperfection of the braine when it is either opprest in the hinder parte , ( from whence the great maine sinew of the whole body goes ) with too much fleame or too much choller , but most generally & oft nest it cometh by some extream or sodaine colde which after some great heat striking into the veines ouercommeth all naturall heate and bringes insensiblenes . The signes are numbnes & wāt of motion , and the cuer is thus , first you shal giue him the scowring of butter and garlicke as is shewd before in the book of hunting horses , then you shall take Aqua vitae , and beeing warmde vpon a chafing dish and coales , let two or three groomes chase and rub him therewith ouer all his body , which done lap clothes made most exceeding hotte round about him , and letting him haue good store of litter force him into a sweat ; after he hath swet an hower or there about , mo derately bate his clothes and then annoint him all ouer with oile debay , and it is not to be doubted but he will recouer his former feeling ; Some of our auntient Farriers in this case haue laide the horse all saue the head in a soft dunghill till warmth & sence come into the horses limbes , and it is not contrary to the cuer , yet I haue found it better by much for the cōuulsion of sinewes or crampes then for this disease , and nothing neare so good as the former remedie . If your horse when he is thus taken be leane , poore , and faint , then it shall be good for you to giue him to drinke euery morning a pinte of Malmesey brewde with the powder of sugar , cynamon and cloues , and warmed vpon the fier , his dyet during the cuer woulde bee thinne , his prouender oats , and his drinke warme water . CHAP. 12 Of the staggers . THe Staggers is a dizines in the head , proceeding from corrupt blood , and grosse humors poysoning the braine , by which many times it driueth a horse into frenzie and madnes . The signes thereof is heauines of head and countenance dimnes of sight , forsaking of his meat , & staggering and reeling as he goes , and sometimes falling downe and beating of his head piteously against the walles , manger and plaunchers , wherein is to bee noted that when he only reeleth the disease is easy to be cured , but if he fall and grow mad then the cuer is almost desperate , how euer thus you shall endeuour to cuer it . First you shall let him blood in the temple veines , and then you shall take foure spoonefulles of Aqua vitae , and as much of the iuyce of garlicke and mixing them together warme them vpon the fire , & therewith chafe all the horses forehead , and the napp of his necke , then take two little round balles of flaxe or soft towe , and dipping them therein , stop them into the horses eares , then with a needle and a threede stitch the tips of his eares together , and do thus for 3. mornings together and the cuer wil be perfited , yet during the cuer let him drinke no colde water but warme mashes of water and ground malte , & let him once a day be walkte vp and downe gently . There bee some Farriers ( and my selfe haue often vsed it ) do cut the horse in the forehead , vpon the rumpe , and in the nape of the neck and to taint the places with turpentine and sallet oil , or for want of oile with hogs grease but when I found how much the first receite went beyond this , I left the practise thereof , and the rather because it was foule and tedious . CHAP. 13. Of the falling euill , or falling sicknes . THis disease of the falling euill I haue more read of in ould Italian authours and heard more talkt vpon , by gentlemen traind vp to horssemanship in those cuntries , thē either seen or takē notice offor I haue not in al the disea ses I haue known , seen any I could compare vnto it , so that what I write thereof is other mens opinions ; not my practise , for I think a man may liue in England Nestors yeares before he see a horse fall into such an euill . but to proceede to the disease , Absirtus saith it is an infirmitie like a conuultion or crampe , taking from a horse at certaine times all sence and feeling , making him fall downe and loose the benefit of all his sences ; Vigetius saith the moone is a great worke-mistris in this disease , in so much that a horse at sometimes of the moone will fall downe and be to outward appearance dead , then on a sodaine againe rise to his meate and eate ; the signes thereof are his falling downe sodainly through the weakenes of his members and distention of sinews ; the quiuering of his body and foaming at his mouth ; if the grissell of his nose be colde , it is a signe he will fall often , if it be warme , he will fall more seldome , the cuer according to the Italians is first to let him blood in the neck veins , and the temple veins , then keeping him warme to annoint his body al ouer with the oil Petrolium , & his head & ears with oile de-bay , liquid pitch and tarre mingled together , and to put some into his eares also , thē by making him a canuasse cap quilted with wool to keep his head exceeding warme and then to giue him this drinke , take of Raddish rootes two ounces , of the hearb Panap and of Scamony of each one ounce , beat them together and boile them in a quarte of hony , and as oft as it is needfull giue him a spoonfull or two of it in a quarte of ale luke warme , and put thereunto three or foure spoonefulles of sallet oile , it is also good to blow the powder of mother-worte and pirethrum vp into his nostrilles , and if this help not then to let out the humor by piercing the skinne of his forehead with a hot iron in many places . CHAP. 14. Of the Apoplexie and Palsey . THis Apoplexie differeth in outwarde appearance nothing from the falling euill , for it is a depriuing of the whol body offence aad mouing , but if it depriue but parte of the body , or but one member then it is called a palsey ; it differeth from the falling euill but onely in this , that the falling euill is a disease proceeding generally from the sicknesse of the whole body , this only from the distemperature of the braine where grosse and fleamie humors are cropen in betwixt the pannackle and the braine , but for mine owne part I haue neuer seene in horses this Apoplexie , nor do I hold it a disease incident vnto them , but that auntient horsemen seeing other diseases more violent at one time then an other , or in one horse more then an other , haue out of the ripenes of their wits giuen to such passions new names of diseases ; as when a horse hauing but only the staggers , hath fallen down and ( as ordinarily they will doe ) layne for a little space as if he had bin dead , they haue presently cōiectured it to be the falling sicknes or Apoplexie , by which titles a man may very properly at any time terme the staggers . Now for the palsey that I haue oft seene , and it is muchincidētto horses , chiefly to hūting horses in their first trayning , or to rūning horses that come after tender keeping to take so den heats & colds in hūting : the signes are , they will hold their necks awry , go groueling , sidelong and reeling , they will haue most feeble legges and painefull heads , which they will shew by shaking it , yet notwithstanding they will eate their meate with all greedines . The cuer is first anoint them all ouer their bodies with the oil Petrolium , then with splents of wood binde the necke straight , and making his stable very warme giue him this drinke , take halfe an ounce of long pepper beaten to powder ▪ of Cedar two ounces , of Nitre an ounce , of Lacerpitiū as much as a beane , and giue it him to drink in a quart of white wine , ech morning a pinte for two mornings together and it will ease the palsey . CHAP. 15. Of the witch or night-mare . THis disease hapneth ofte vnto horses , and foolish smiths thinke such horses are ridden with the witch and that the disease is supernatural and therefore some of them goe about to cuer it by hanging a naked sword ouer the horse all night as if it would scarre the diuell , other seek to euer it by charms and night-spelles such as Maister Blundeuile for laughter sake repeats in his book which is to take a flint stone that naturally hath a hole in it , and hang it ouer the horse and write in a bill . In nomine patris &c. Saint George our Ladies knight He walked day so did he night Vntill he her found He her beate and he her bound Till truly her troth she him plight That she would not come within the night There as Saint George our Ladies knight Named was three times . Saint George And to hang this ouer the horse also . This bable I know at this day is vsed of many ignorant smithes to cosen men of money , but to speake of the truth of the disease indeede , though some hold there is no such infirmitie , yet I know by experience it is otherwise , for it is a passion of the stomacke which being cloid with cruditie and rawe disgestion stoppeth the powers of the body and makes the horse for want of breath in his sleepe to struggle and striue most violently , the signes thereof are , you shall in the morning when you come to your horse find him all of an exceeding great sweat , and if the passion haue gone from him but a little before , you shall perceiue him to breath very short and his flanke will beate very fast ; Now for as much as horses that are newly taken from grasse , or horses that haue beene grosse & fouly fed , are subiect to much sweating in the night , you are to haue great respect to the state of the horses body , and if when your horse is cleane of body , or if more one night thē another you find him thus extraordinarielie to sweat , you may assure your selfe of this disease . The euer whereof is , giue him two morninges together a pint● of sacke , halfe a pinte of sallet oile , and two ounces of sugercandie mingled together and it will purge him cleare of the infirmitie . CHAP. 16. Of Crampes or Co●vultions , of Synewes , or Muskelles . CRampes or Convultions of Sinewes or Muskels are violent cōtractions or drawings together of mēbers , either vniuersally about the whole body , or particularly as in one member , they proceede either from causes naturall , or cau ses accidentall , if from causes naturall , then they come from fulnes or emptines , from fulnes , as from surfeit of meate or drinke , or the want of vacuation of humors , from emtinesse as from too much blood-letting , too much purging , or too much labouring , all which filles the hollownes of the sinewes with colde windie vapors which are the onely great causes of convultions , if they come from causes accidentall , then it is from som receiued wounde where a sinew is but half cut a sunder , or but prickt , which presently causeth a convultion ouer the whole body , the signes of the generall disease is , the horse will carry his necke stiffe & not be able to stirre it , his backe will rise vp like the backe of a cammell or bend of a bow his rumpe will shrinke inward , his foure legges will stand close together , and his bellie will be clung vp to his back-bone , being downe he is not able to rise , esdecially vpon his hinder loines , of this disease I haue had experience to my full contentment , & the euer is thus . First put him into a sweate , either by burying him all saue the head in a dunghil , or els by applying hot blankets doobled about ecah side of his heart and body , then after his sweat annoint all his body ouer with oile Petrolium , for it is much better thē either debay , or oile of cypres , then giue him to drinke halfe an ounce of Lacerpitiu● as much Cummin , aniseedes , fenegreeke and old sallet oile , infused into a quarte of Malmesey , then keeping him warme and feeding him with good beane bread and warme mashes made of grownde mal●e and water , his Synewes will com to their former abilitie , but if the conuultion come accidentally , as by the pricke , or halfe cut of a Synew , then you shall search for the Syuew so prickt or cutte , and with a paire of sheeres clip it asunder and the convultion will cease , but if it be but a cramp onely , and so but in one member , then if you do but chafe or rub the member pained , with a hard wispe or a hay rope , the griefe wil vanish . CHAP. 17 Of the Pose or colde in the head . OF all the diseases that are incidente to horses , there is none more commō , or more worthy of euer then this cold or pose in the head which according as it is new or olde , great or little , & as the humors do abounde and are thicke or thinne , so is the disease of more or lesse daunger , the signes to know it is his heauines of head and countenance , or els by his coughing ; if when he cougheth there come from his nose nothing but clean and thinne water , thē is his colde neither great nor oulde , but if vpon his coughing there come any yellow or filthy thin water , thē is his cold neither new nor little ; therfore whē you see the filth , you shall then with your hand gripe him hard about the vpper part of his wessen and stop his winde compelling him to cough , and if when hee is forst to cough you see any hard or thicke matter come from his nose , or after he hath cought if then you see him chew as if he were eating something , which indeed is nothing but corrupt fleame and filth which comes from his lunges , then bēe assured hee hath as dangerous a colde as is possible , also a horse that hath such an extreame colde , if you holde your eares to his nostrilles will rattle as he breaths , also if you giue him any water you shall see he cannot drinke , or if hee doe drinke ; the water as he drinkes will come forth of his nostrilles , you shall also when you put your hand betweene his nether chaps feele about the rootes of his tong great hard kirnels and much grosse matter , with many other such like signes ; The euer whereof is thus , if the colde be but a pose , that is newly taken , and of no great force , so as the horse neither casteth at his nose nor cougheth often , if then you do but morning and euening ride him forth to the water and hauing drunke , galloppe him gently a quarter of an hower together till he be warme , and so set him vp in the stable , it will put away his pose in lesse then a weeks exercise ; but if it continewe and rather increase then abate , you must imagin then some rhu matike , & moist humor which feedeth his colde , whereupon you shal giue him the scowring of butter & garlicke for three mornings together , as it is prescribed in the booke of hunting horses , and after the giuing you shall ride him vp and downe for an hower or better , and it wil purge his head as aforesaide : But if his colde bee of long growth and very contagious , then you shall keepe his head and body very warme & giue him this drink , take of strong Ale a quarte , of the best treakle three ounces , of long pepper and graines as much , of the iuyce of garlicke two spoonefulles , and boile all these together and giue it reasonable hotte to the horse in the morning fasting then ride him vp and downe for an hower and so set him vp obseruing by no meanes to giue him any colde water for a weeke at least , but if it so chāce that this long grown cold be not yet come to such ripenes that either the horse cougheth , or casteth filth from his nose , ( for indeede when a horse coughes the worst of his colde is past ) but it lies in his head and throate which for want of knowledge you cannot perceiue , and then hauing instant occasion to ride some serious iorney , when you are vpon his back both by his heauines and want of courage , besides the ratling in his throate which you shall plainly hear when he labors yoo finde his impediment , you shall not for this disease slacke your iourney , but the first day with all gentlenes & easie pace , let him bring you to your Inne , and as soon as you are lighted make him be very well rubd and drest , and store of litter laid vnder him , then imediately take a pinte of very good Ceres sacke , and make it more then luke warme in the fier , then take halfe a pinte of sallet oile or for want thereof halfe a pint of sweet butter melted , then brew the sacke and it together , and giue it warme to the horse with a horne ; then binde a Couerlet or Blanket about the horse and let him stand vpon the bridle for an hower after , at which time come to him and tye him so as he may lye downe at pleasure , then locke the stable doore and let no body trouble him for three or foure howers after , for hee will grow extreame sicke and so that if you did see him you wold think him at the point of death , when you are disposed to go to bed , go to your horse and if you find him laid along very sicke respect it not but making the manger cleane put therein halfe a pecke of cleane oates , and three penniworth of bread broken small , and a penniworth or two of hay and so leaue him till morning , and be sure by morning he will not onely haue eaten vp his meate but be as cheerefull as euer hee was in his life , and you shall see his colde breake away aboundantly , and if you keepe him warme and suffer him to take no new colde , bee sure the old will waste quite away with his trauell ; as for the perfuming him with Frankinscence , or with Peniryall and Sage boild together , or tickling him with goose feathers and oile de-bay , or with a clout annointed with sope by thrust ing thē vp into his nose , only to make the horse sneare or neese , you may saue that labour for it is of little pur pose , although our common Farriers vse it , but if you will when you giue him any prouender sprinkle a little Fenegreeke and aniseedes amongst it for three or foure daies together it will not be amisse ; And also euer obserue that if your horse bee very leane which hath this colde that then with your sacke and oile , you mixe at least two ounces of sugercandie beaten to powder . CHAP. 18. Of the diseases of the eies , and first of the waterish or weeping eies . WAtterish eyes proceede euer either from rhumaticke and moist humours , or else from some stripe or blowe either with rodde , whippe , or such like . And the cuer is , first let him blood vpon his eieveines , then take Pitch , Masticke , and rossen of ech like quantitie and melting them together spread it with a stick all ouer the temples of his head , then lay flockes as neare as you can of the horses coulour vpon it and make it lye like a plaster fast and flatte to his head : then euery morning wash his eyes with white wine , and put into thē the powder of Pomy-stone & some Tartarum mixt with life honey , and you shall perceiue as the humor doth decrease , so the plaster will loosen and fall away . CHAP. 19. Of bloodshotten whether they come by blowes , itching , rubbing or such like . I Haue for mine owne parte seene none of our best Farriers vse any other medicine for this griefe then ould Martins water which is to take of rose water of malmsey and Fennell water , of eache three spoonefulles , of Tutia as much as you may easily take vp with your thumbe and your finger , the powder of a doozen cloues , mingle them together , and being luke-warme , with a feather dipt therein to wash the inward parte of the eie therewith . Others lesse cunning I haue seene for this griefe to wash horses eyes with white wine and the powder of Sandiuer mixt together , but for mine owne parte I haue found an other receite much better then either the one or the other , and this it is , take the whites of a coupple of Eggs , and beat it til it come to an oile , then put to it two spoonefull of rose-water , two spoonefull of the iuyce of houslike , and two spoonefull of the water of eie-bright , mixe them well together , then dippe therein little round plegents of Flaxe or Towe as big as a horses eie , and lay them vpon the horses eies , changing them as oft as they grow harde and drie , and doubt not but in two or three nights it will cuer a very sore eie . CHAP. 20. Of dimnes of sight , Pin , Web , Pearles or spottes in the eies . IF your horse either through fylme asker , pearle , pin , web , or any such like grosse matter growing vpon the ball of his eie haue his sight hindered , if you aske the opinion of our best Farriers , they will bid you take of Pomies stone , of Tartarum of sall Gemma of each like quantitie and being beaten to fine powder to blow it into the horses eies , others will bid you blow the powder of sand●voire into his eyes , others the powder of burnt Allom , of bournt oister shelles , or of the blacke flinte stone , all which are fretting and will breake any filme : yet for mine own parte this hath beene my medicine , to take of the water of eiebright three pintes , and as much perfit good white wine , then to infuse therein of the powder of the Pomyes and the blacke flinte stone , of Tartarum , of sall Gemma , of Sandiuoir , of white Copperis , and of the drie rootes of Angelica of each of these two ounces , and of greene Copperis foure ounces , when these haue beene iufused together for the space of foure and twenty howers ; then you shal put thē altogether into a limbeck & also a handful of a handfull of Tyme , and halfe a handfull of Penirial , distill these vpon a slow fire ; then you shall with the water thereof taken with a feather , anoint the ho●sse both vnder the eye , and aloft vpon the eye lidde , but by no meanes within the eye , and it will weare away any filme whatsoeuer . CHAP. 21. Of the Hawe or Kyrnels within the eyes . THe Hawe is a certaine hard gryssell or Kyrnell , growing vnderneath the eye within the neither lidde , it growes from the grosse and toughe humours , and will spread sometime ouer more then one halfe of the eye , and doth hinder the sight and make the eye to water , the signe is you shall visibly see it , whē either the horsse showes hir eyes or moues his eye liddes , the euer is onelie to cut them away in this manner , you shall with one of your fingers put vp to the vpper lidde of the horsses eye , and with your thumbe put downe the nether lid , so that you may lay the Hawe bare to your sight , then take a sharpe needle with a thridde , and thrust it thorough the side of the Hawe , and with the thridde draw the Hawe from touching the eye , then take a sharpe pen-knife and cut the grissell away almost ( but not full out ) to the bottome , ●ut as near the blacke as may be for feare of making the horsse bleere eyed , thē wash the sore with the water , of eye-brighte , with white wine or with beare and it will doe well . CHAP. 22. Of Lunatike or Moone eyes . LVnatike eyes , or Moone eyes , though the antient Italian horsmen could giue no reason or signes of them ; yet I know this by mine owne experience , that they proceede from hote salt humours , dispersed and distilled frō the braine by ouer riding , or other violent and extreame exercise ; the signes are , hee will see at sometimes of the Moone , better then at other sometimes , whence comes the name of the disease : his eyes when they are at the best will looke reddish , when at the worst , red and fiery , the cure is first vppon the temples of his head , yow shall lay the plaster of pitch , rossen and masticke as is afore showed , then with an yron somewhat bigger then a wheate-strawe , you shall burne vpon the balle of his cheekes vnder his eyes , on each side three holes to the bone , and annoynt them dayly with a little fresh butter ; and if you please , you may in stead of those holes , slit the skine with a knife , and put in a rowell of leather , as shall be showed you hereafter where I speake of row elling . After the sore hath runne eight or ten dayes , yow shall heale it by taking away the rowell , & laying on the sore , a plaster made of turpentine , honey , and waxe , of each like quantity boyld together , and during the time that the sore doth runne , you shall twice a day put into his eye , with a feather a little life honey , and feare not the amendement . CHAP. 23 Of the Canker , vlcer , and Fistula in the eye . THis disease proceedeth from the salte humours and corruption of the bloode , descending downe from the head into the eye , the signes whereof are , the eye white , redde and bloody , and vpon the eye-lids will be little angry redde pimples , from whence will runne a kind of lie or water which will scalde the checke as it passes , and the eye it selfe will bee full of gumme and corrupte yelllow matter , the euer is , first to let him blood on that side of the neck on which the eye is sore , & then with a very smale fine instrument of steele or siluer , you shall search all the pimples , to see if you can find any hole or hollownes amongst them ; and if you find any you shall search the depth thereof , then make a tente fitte for the hole , and dippe it in the water I before prescribed for the pinne and webbe , and so put it to the bottome of the hole , euery other day making the tent shorter and shorter ; till the hollownes bee filled but if you find no hollownes , then you shall twice a day rubbe the pimples with this water till they bee bloody and rawc , take of Rochallome , of greene Coporas , of each a quarter of a pound : of white Coporas halfe an ounce , and boile them in somewhat more then a pinte of running water till halfe be consumed , then take it from the fire , and when you apply it to the sore eye let it be luke warme , and in foure or fiue dressings it will dry vp the Vlcer . CHAP. 24. Of diseases belonging to the eares of a horsse , and first of the laue eares , or hanging eares . THis disgrace of beeing laueearde , albeit it is not a payne or griefe to the horsse , yet it is so foule a sore both to the eye of the owner , and to euery behoulder that it euen drowneth and obscureth al other vertues whatsoeuer , it is an infirmitie proceeding from nature , & it is ingendred in the first creation , and although few of our Fariers either haue indeuored themselues , or know how to helpe it , yet such hath bin mine earnestnesse to know the vttermost secret in that art , that by trying many conclusions , in the ende I hitte vpon a certeine cure for the same , and haue within haue within this little space helpt sundry horses , for the signe thereof the name is sufficient , and it will plainely showe it , and the cure is thus ; take your horses eares and place them in such maner as you would desire they should stande , and then with two little boards or peeces of trenchers three fingers broad , hauing long strings knit vnto them , bind the eares so fast in the places wherein they stand , that by no means or motion they may stirre , then betwixt the head and the roote of the eare , you shall see a great deale of wrinkled empty skinne , which with your finger and your thumbe you shall pull vp ; and then with a very sharp payre of sizers you shall clip away all the emptie skinne close by the head , then with a needle and a little redde silke , you shall stitch the two sides of the skinne close together , and then with a salue made of Turpentine , waxe , Deares suet , and honey , of each like quantitie melted together , heale vp the sore , which done take away the splents which held vp his eares , and you shall see his eares will keepe the same place still as you sette them without any alteration , this is as certain as the healing of a cut finger . CHAP. 25. Of the Impostume in the eare . ALL Impostumes come either from blowes , brusinges , or gathering together of many grosse humours in one place , and of all impostumes , there is none worsse then that bredd in the eare of a horsse , because proceeding from the braine it many times corrups the same , the signe thereof is only the apparant showe , and the cure is this , take a handfull of Sorrell , and lapping it in a Burre-docke leafe lay it in hot bourning imbers , and roste it as you would rost a warden , then taking it forth of the fire , & opening it , apply it as hote as is possible to the Impostume which is within the eare , shifting it euery day till it hath both ripened and broke the Impostume , which the yelke of an egge , wheate flowre , honey and hearbe of grace will do also ; when it is broken and the corruption well come forth , then you may heale the sore with the salue made of Turpentine , waxe , hony , and Deares suet , but if you find the horsse haue paine in his eare but no swelling , then you shall only stoppe his eare or eares , with blacke woole dipt into the oile of Camomile , and it will helpe him . CHAP. 26. Of the Poll euill or Fistula in the Necke . THis disease is an Impostumation like a Fistula , growing betwixt the eare and the poll or nape of the neck , and is bred by flemie and grosse humours gathered together in that part : or else by some bruse or straine , taken either by some blow , or by some halter or necke-band , for that part of all parts about the head is most tender ; this disease is most incident to cart horsses , because the rudenesse of clownes seldome respect where they strike , the signe thereof is the horse will carry his nose outright and his necke stiffe , you shall also perceiue the swelling , which in the end will breake of it selfe , although naturally it rotte more inwardly then outward ; the cure is to ripen it either with rosted sorrell , or with rotten litter , or else with scalding hote hogs-grease , making him a cap to keepe his necke warme : when it is almost ripe and ready to breake , you shall take a small round hote yron , and thrust it from the nether side of the swelling vp to the toppe where it is most ripe , so that the corruptiō may haue issue downward , then you shall make a tent of drie spunge , and dipping it in hogs grease and turpentine molten toge ther , thrust in the tent as you thrust in the yron , this tent will keepe open the whole be low , then you shall lay vpon the tent the plaster of waxe , turpentine , and honey , and thus you shall dresse him twice a day till he be whole , obseruing not to tent with drye spunge any longer then whilst you would keepe the wound open , if you finde it heale but softly , you shall take of turpentine washt in nine waters a quarter of a pound and put to it the yolke of an egge and a little english saffron and mixing them well together , tent the sore therewith till it be whole . CHAP. 27 Of the the Viues or great Kirnels . The Viues are certaine great kirnels which growe from the root of the horsses eare downe towards his throat , betwixt his neck and his nether chappe , they are inwardlie full of little white graynes , like salte cornes , there is no horsse but hath them , only they are not painefull till grosser humours resorting to that part , inflame them and make them swell ; the signe is onely the swelling , which is apparant , and the cure is thus , apply vnto them either rosted sorrell or els a plaster of pitch & hogs-grease molten and boild together till such time as the Kitnels rotte and breake and with the selfe same medicine also heale them againe . Now for as much as our common Fariers vse for this griefe , with a hote yron to draw a line from the the eare to the chappe , and then to crosse those lines with other lines after the fashion of a ragd staffe , and then pulling the Kirnels out with a pair of pinssers to cut them away , and then onely to fill the hole with salte , I would haue you know it is a very foule maner of cure , and dangerous besides be he neuer so cunning that doth it , that parte of the necke will neuer bee so slender as it was before , nor will the markes of the hot iron euer be taken away . CHAP. 28. Of the cankerous vlcer in the nose THis disease proceedeth from salte , hotte , & fretting humours occasioned by corruption of blood , kidneies , or the vessels of seede , which is so poysonous and sharpe that it not onely consumeth the flesh , but also ( if it bee not preuented ) will eate throgh the grissell of the nose , there is nothing which sooner brings it then surfeit of rawe meat or extreame cold ; the signes be , you shall see much blacke and putrified blood come from his nose , and somtimes yellow disiested matter which will stinke vildely : The cuer is , take of greene Coperis and Allome a like quantitie as of each a pound , of Venis turpentine & white Coperis of ech a quarterne , boile them in a pottle of running water till almost halfe be consumed , then take it from the fier and strayne it and put thereto halfe a pinte of life honey , and a quarter of an ounce of Safron , then holding vp the horses head , with a squirte you shall squirt this confection made luke warme into his nostrilles , then let his head go downe that hee may throw out the filth , and after you haue done thus three or foure dayes , if then you see the matter is not so aboundant as it was you shall neede then but onely by fastning a soft cloute about a sticke to dippe it into the confection and thrust it vp into his nose ; dressing him so twice a day til the sore be whole CHAP. 29. Of bleeding at the nose . HOrses are as subiect to bleede at the nose as men are , and the selfe same causes procure it , as when the vein which endeth in the nose is either opened or broken , by any blowe or stroake vppon the face , or by any violent strayning of the body , as by extreame labouring when the horse is not cleane , as I haue seene a horse at the end of his course gush forth of bleeding , or ( as I haue seene ) when a horse cannot dung the very strayning himselfe hath made his nose bleede , sometimes the very buandance of blood , and pride of good keeping wil make the nose bleede , but that is euer in yong horses , the signe to know it from the vlcerous nose is , the blood will bee cleare and of a pure colour , the other blacke and filthie . The cuer is to take clothes dipt in cold water and apply them one after another to the nape of his necke and the temples of his head and it will staunch the blood , or digg vp a sodde of earth and lay it to the nape of the horses neck and it will staunch it also , but if these faile take a porrenger full of his blood and boile it vpon the fier till it come to a powder , then with a cane blowe the powder into his nostrills and it will staunch the blood , but if your horse be much subiect to bleeding and bleede often then I woulde haue you to let him blood in the necke veine to alter the course of the blood , and stop his nostrills full of hogs dung , for that is very good to staunch blood . CHAP. 30 Of the diseases of the mouth , and first of the bloody rifts in the pallat of the mouth . THis griefe I haue seene come diuers waies as if you suffer some foolish smith to drench your horse ofte and he by his rude handling ( as they seldome take care ) do with the corde wherewith hee holdes vp the horses mouth gall or frette the skin off vpon his barres or roofe of his mouth , then letting it passe vnlookt to , the sore will fret and turne to this disease , or if your horse be vsed to eate rough stumpie hay which growing in whinnie grounds is ful of sharp prickes and stumpes , those prickes and stumps wounding and galling the pallat of his mouth will make it ranckle and bleede and vtter forth much corruption . The cuer whereof is thus , first wash the sore place with vinegar & salte till it be raw , then take honey well mixt with the powder of iet & rub it vp on the sore and it will soone heale it CHAP. 31. Of the bladders or Gigges in a horses mouth . THese Bladders or Gigges are little swellinges like paps which grow vpon the inside of a horses lippes next to a horses great Iawe teeth , they haue litle blacke heads and are so painefull that they will make a horse forsake his meate ; and how euer some thinke they come either by eating too much grasse or by grosse , dusty or pricking meate , yet it is not so for I haue seen thē in young sucking foales , the signes are the visible appearance of them , and the cuer is to slit them with a small rasor , and then thrusting out the corruption , to wash the sore place three or foure times a day with running water reasonable warm ; wherin hath formerly beene boild good store of Allome , Sage and a little honey , till it be whole . CHAP. 32. Of the Lampas . THe Lampas is a great swelling or excression of the flesh in the roofe of a horses mouth , in the very first furrow adioining to the formost teeth which swelling as hie as the teeth and somtimes ouer the teeth , make that the horse can neither gather vppe his meate well , nor chewe it when it is gathered , it proceedes onely from pride and aboundance of blood , the signes are the visible sight thereof , and the cuer is , first to put a peece of wood as bigge as a great rouling pinne betweene the horses chappes , and then with a crooked iron to bourne away all the superfluous flesh , & to annoint the sore place onely with salte . CHAP. 33. Of the Canker in any part of the mouth . THE Canker in the mouth is a venemous and fretting vlcer which proceedeth from the wearing of rustie bittes , or from the vnnaturall heate either of the braine or stomacke , which distilling in salte rhumes into the mouth doe breede rawe and fretting vlcers ; the signes are rawnes of the mouth or tongue , blisteringes , white furringes and such like ; The cuer is take strong vineger two spoonefulles , and as much of the powder of Allome as will make the vineger thicke , and with it rubbe the sore place three or foure times a day for two or three dayes together till it bee rawe and bleede , then take a quarte of running water , fiue ounces of Allome , of honey sixe spoonefulles of woodbine leaues , Sage leaues , and collobine leaues of each halfe a handfull , boile all these together till one half be consumed , and wash the sore therewithall three of foure times a day till it be whole . CHAP. 34. Of Heate in the Mouth and Lippes . A Horsse will haue in his Mouth sometimes an extraordinary heat , when he hath no vlcer which will make him forsake his meate , and it proceedeth from the stomacke , the signes whereofare , the immoderate heate of his breath , and the whitenesse of his tongue , which when you perceiue , the cure is , first to let him bloode in the roofe of his mouth , & after he hath likt and chewed off his blood a good prettie space , then you shall wash his mouth & tongue all ouer with vineger and salt , and then anoint it with the sirrop of Mulberies , doe but thus twice a day for two or three dayes , and the horsse will doe well . CHAP. 35. Of the tongue being hurt with the Bitte or Snaffle . A Canker which commeth by wearing a rusty Bitte , and the hurt which comes of the rude hādling of a chain bit are two contrary diseases , for the one doth impoisen , the other doth but only seperate ; wherfore if your horses mouth or tongue be but only brused or hurt with a len bit , the cure is first to wash the sore place with Allome water , and then to anoint it with life honey and english saffron well beaten and mixt together , and when you ride your horse to haue a cleane cloath foulded aboute the Bitte or snaffle , and to annoint it with the same salue , and this you shall doe twice a day till the sore be whole , to choppe the leaues of a blacke bramble and swines larde together , and binding it in a fine cloth , then dipping it in honey and annointing the horsses tong therewith , as some of our Smithes doe is good , but nothing neare so speady a medicine . CHAP. 36. Of the Barbbs or Pappes vnder a Horsses tong . EVery horsse naturally hath vpon his neither chaps vnder his tonge two long wartes like pappes , which we call Barbs , which how euer some horse-men doe hold will hurt a Horsse , yet for mine own part . I could neuer perceiue it in all my practise , nor would I haue them taken away ▪ yet if any one , either out of strong belief in the paine , or out of curiositie or will , will haue them taken away ( as I haue seen & smild at many that would ) you shall not ( as our common Smithes do ) clip them away with a paire of sheeres , for there doth followe them such fluxe of blood that in so doing I haue seen them put beyond their skiles how to staunch them , but the cure is to hold vp the tongue , and taking hold of the barbe with a small payre of mullets , with a fine yron made of purpose to feare them away ; and then to annoint them with the oile of bitter All●ons , till they be whole . CHAP. 37. Of paine in the Teeth , and of the Woolfes . PAine in a horsses teeth commeth either from pride and corruption of blood , or els from cold rhums , if from bloode , the signe is , his gooms will swell , and haue as it were , blebbes about them , if frō rhume , he will continually slauer and that which commeth from him will be thinne and waterish , the cure is , with a sharp knife to race him alongst his gummes , close vnder his teeth , both of the inside and outside : and then to rubbe them all ouer , either with pepper & salt wel mingled together , or with claret wine and pepper heated vpon the fire , or else with chalk and vineger , or after they are washt , to strow vpon them the powder of pomegranat pils : Now for the woolfes which are two sharp teeth more then nature allowes , growing out of the vpper iawes , nexte to the great teeth , which pricketh the neether chappe so that the horsse is not able to eate his meate : although for mine owne parte I haue not see●e such an vnnaturall accident , yet if you bee acertaind thereof , you may if you will vse ould Martins medicine which is , after the horsses head is tide to a post , and his mouth opened so as you may looke therein , to haue a long instrument of yron made lik a Carpenters gouge , and setting the edge thereof close to the bottomme of the tooth by the gumme , and with a mallet in your other hand to giue a good knocke vpon the instrument , which not onely entring into the tooth , but also loosening it and setting it awry , you shall then by holding the instrument firme and hard still and resting it vpon the chappe of the horsse , wrest the tooth out of his head , and then putting falte into the hole , close it vppe , but in my conceipte it were a much better and more safer cure , if ( when your horsses mouth is opened ) you find the horsses teeth to be very extraordinarily sharp , that then you take a long sharpe file made for the purpose and therewith reasonably to blunt all his iawe teeth , for that would bring your horsse ease without any vnnaturall torment . CHAP. 38. Of the Cricke in the Necke . THe Cricke in the necke is a kind of conuultion or sorenesse of the sinewes , it commeth either by the ouer loading of a horsse vpon the fore shoulders , by some great cold taking or when a horsse hath layne with his necke awry , as either ouer the gruppe-tree behind the planchers , or in the field ouer some moale hill , or in some hollowe furrow , the signes are , a horse can sometimes not stirre his necke any way some times but one way , and from these Crickes many times come Feuers and other inward sicknes . The euer is , not according to the opinion of old Martin drawe him alongst each side of the necke from the roote of the eare to the brest a straw bredth deepe , and then to put a rowell in his forehead , annointing it with hogs-grease , for it is grosse & sauors nothing of good arte ; but you shall first purge the horse with the scowring of butter and garlicke , & then holding a panne of coales vnder him you shall al to chafe the nape of his necke , the temples of his head and his whole neck with sacke and the oile of Cipresse mixt together and made hotte vpon a chafing-dish and coales ; then cloath him vp warme and ride him in some warme place gently for an hower and more , this if you doe three or foure dayes , assuredly the Crick wil vanish . CHAP. 39. Of Wennes in the neck . WEnnes are great or little rounde swellings like tumors or pustules , ōly there is not in thē any inflamatiō or sorenes , their insides are tough and spungie , yet in coulour yellow like resed bacō , they proceed frō corruptiō of blood & cold humors and the euer is thus , first apply vnto it rosted sorrell or the plaster of Pitch and Hogs-grease mixt together for the space of seuen daies to see if you can bring it to a head or rottennes , which if it doe , then you shall launce it and after the filth is come forth you shal heal the wound , with the salue made of Turpentine , wax , and Deare suet ; But if by no meanes it will come to any head or rottennes , then you shall oner night apply round about the wenne Bole-armonike and vineger mixt together ; then the next morning , after you haue set fresh butter to boile vpon the fier , and put a calterising iron in the fier also , you shall then take off the plasters and the horse beeing fast helde first you shall first with a rasor and warme water shaue all the haire from the wenne , then you shall note how the veines runne , that as neare as you can you may misse them , then with an incision knife you shall cut the wenne cleane away , and with spunges taking away the blood leaue not any part of the yellow substance , which done you shall calterize the sore with scalding hot butter , but if that will not stay the fluxe of blood , you shal then calterise the heads of those veines which bleede most with the hot Iron ; then making a plegant of soft to we as broad as the sore dip it in fresh butter molten very hotte and laye it vppon the sore , then couer it ouer with the plaster of waxe , turpentine , and Deares suet , and so let not the sore bee stirrd for eight and fortie hours , then vpon the second dressing if you see any of the substance of the wenne be left vncut away you shal then take hogs-grease and vardigrease molten together and with it dresse the sore , till it haue eaten away all the grosse matter , and then heal vp the sore with the salue before prescribed CHAP. 40. Of Swelling in the necke after blood-letting . SWelling after-blood letting proceeds from diuers causes as if the Orifice be made too great and so the subtill winde strike sodainely into the wounde , or if presently after a horse is let blood , you turn him to grasse , and so by thrusting downe his head too sooue to eat his meate , the blood revert backe and fester about the wounde , or if the smith be negligent and strike him with a rustie or venome fleame ; The cuer whereof is thus , you shal take wheate flower two or three handful , as much sheeps suet shreaded small and as much Camomile shredded small likewise , boile them altogether in three pintes of newe milke till they be very thicke , then take it very hotte and lay it vnto his neck , this pultis will in once or twice laying to , either dissolue the humor or drawe it to a head , and breake it , which if it do then you shall heale vp the sore with a little Turpentine , Waxe and Hogs-grease molten together & made into a soft salue some Farriers vse to breake the sore with the oile of camomile or with old rotten lit ter , or with wet hay and then to taint it with Turpentine and hogs-grease only till it be whole , but it is not so good a cuer , for it wil be both longer in ripning , & when it is broken the tainting will bring downe such a fluxe of humours that I haue oft seene such sores turne to Fistulas , which had they beene but ordinarily delt withall nature it selfe would haue cured . CHAP. 41. Of staunching of blood whether it come by blood-letting , or by any wound receiued . IF either by disorderly blood-letting , as when the veine is striken cleane thorow , or the orifice by the vnstaidnes of the Farriers hand , is made too great , or if by any casuallyty a horse receiue a wound amongst the principall veins , so that the flux of blood will not be staid ( for as touching that opinion that the veine will not bee stopt which is strooke when the signe is in that parte , it is both idle and friuolous ) the cuer thereof is thus , take bole-armonike and vineger and mixing them thick together dip flaxe therin , & lay it to the wound & it wil stanch the blood a sod of new erth laid to the wound wil stanch blood also , hot horse dung being applied wil do the like , or if you temper with the dung chalk & vineger it is good also , yet to apply any of these medicins in case of any sore or grieuous wound they are dangerous for making the wound gangrean so that I allow the powder of blood to be much better then any of them , but if it faile in extreamity to worke the effecte you desire , you shall then garter or binde your horse very straite aboue both his foreknees , & also vnder his fore-knees , aboue both his hinder cambrelles and vnder the spauen ioints you shall then draw a sursingle very strait about his body also , and so letting him but stand a little space you shall presently see his blood staunch which assoone as it doth you shall apply to the wound sallet oile & hogs grease molten together boyling hot , and then vnbinding him let him abide with that dressing the space of 48. houres at the least , and then you shall not need to feare any more the flux of blood . CHAP. 42. Of the falling of the Crest . THe falling of the Crest is when the Crest or vp per part of the neck on which the mane grow eth ( which naturally shold stand vp strong & firmely ) doth either laine to the one or other side , or els falleth flat down and lyeth in a most vncomly manner vpon the neck , it proceedeth from 2. causes , either old age or pouerty of flesh , and the cuer therof is thus , first if it proceed but from pouerty of flesh & be not vt terly falne down but leaning to one side , you shall thē plat into his mane certain waights of such a sufficient poise as may either drawe the Crest vp straight , or els make it leane to that side from whence it swerueth , and then feeding him vp with good meat , & much chāge of meate be assured that assoone as he is fatt his Crest will stand vp straight , but if it be so vtterly falne down that no fatnes or feeding will recouer it you shal then hang the waights as is before said , and then on the cōtrary side with a hot Iron made better then a quarter of an inch broad draw 3. lines thorow the skinne and no more , the first at the bottome of the Crest close to the setting on vpon the neck , the secōd in the midway between the bottom of the Crest and the roots of the mane , and the third as neere the edge of the mane as may be , which lines wil present this figure , then you shall dayly til the skin be whole againe , annoint the sore with warme sallet oile or els the cream of butter , and vpon that side which your waights hang , you shall annoint the neck of the horse in that place where the Crest is fallen with the oile of Spike and the oile Petrolium mixt together and made warme vpon the fier and it will straiten the skinne and make the Crest stand vp firme againe . CHAP. 43. Of the Maungines or scabbe within the mane . THis Maungines in the mane cometh from diuers causes , as from corruption of blood abundance of hot humors , or want of food , somtimes from lowsines , want of claine kee ping , or from the infection of other horses which haue the same infirmity , the signes are , an apparant white scurffe or drie scab which will rise continually from his mane & somtimes bring forth matter , or els an extreame itch and incessant rubbing or a desire to stand knapping with other horses , the cuer is thus , take of nearueoile halfe a pound , of quicksiluer a quarter of an ounce and beate them together with great labour till you be sure that you haue kilde the quicksiluer , and brought the nearueoile which was of a darke greene color to be of a pale yellowish color , then take of brimstone an ounce beaten to powder & mixe it with the nearueoile then if it appeare somwhat thicke and stiffe you shal bring it ageine to a liquid ointment by mixing with thē a quarter of a pint of rape oile or train-oil whē you haue made this ointment , you shall then take an instrument of Iron made for the purpose , and with it scrape all the scabbes and scurffe cleane away making the sore bleede and looke raw , then take a little oulde pisse boilde with the powder of Iette , and first wash the sore therewith , then with the oyntment annoint it all ouer , holding a fire shouell heated redde hot ouer the maine , that the ointment may melte and sinke into the sore place , and doeing thus but three or foure times the horse will be whole . CHAP. 44. Of shedding the haire from the maine or tayle THere be two causes which makes a Horsse shedde his hayre from his maine or tayle , the one is pouerty or misliking , the other a certaine little worme ingendred by corrupt blood , which eating the rootes of the haire makes it fall and wast , the cure is thus , you shall take of the fine ashes of ashe-wood , halfe a pecke , and as much , of sope ashes , when the sope boyler hath done with them , and putting them into a vessell , fill it vppe with running water , and let it stand the space of three dayes , then draine the water cleane from the ashes , as you see salt peter men do , and with that water wash the horsses maine and tayle twice a day , and after each washing , annoint the bottome of his haire with sope , and the haire will be fixed . CHAP. 45. Of the swelling of the Withers , either by pinching , or galling with an ill saddle or otherwise . THere is no outward part of a horsse , more tender or subiect to ●wellings , brusings , blisterings , and other infirmities , then the Withers of a horse , somtimes proceeding from inward corrupt hmours and sometime from outward casualties , as from naughty sadles and too heauie burthēs , if it be so that you see the swelling is but little or of sleight moment , you shall then but onely clappe a litle rotten litter vpon it , & it wil either asswage it presently or bring it to a head and break it , and if it breake and runne , you shall neade doe no more but heate a little butter very hote in a saucer , and poure it vpon it , and then mending the sadle where it did pinch , his Withers will soone be whole . Some Fariers vse in this case of swelling , to make a poultus of mallows and smallage boild till they be soft , and then mixe with it either hogs grease , sallet oyle , or fresh butter , and so to apply it very ●ot to the swelling , now whereas some vse to prick● o● scarifie the swelling with the point of a sharp knife , that by all means possible I disallow , for it both drawes to the swelling naughty humours , and also breeds inflamation and putrifaction where else none would be : Now if there be no swelling but only that the skinne is fridgd off , you may dry vp that either with a little thicke creame and the soote of a chimney mixt well together , and therewithall to annoint & dry vp the raw palce , or else by taking halfe a a pint of honey , and blending with it as much vnsleakt lyme as will make it as thick as past , then making it in a thin cake lay it vpon a ●le stone ouer a hote fire till it be so dry that you may beate it to powder , then casting that powder vpon any vnskinde part , it will presently bring on the skinne againe , as for oyster shels , cloath , ●elt , silke , mi●rhe , or such like to be burnt , they are nothing neare so good , although none of them but in time will dry and skinne a sore . CHAP. 32. Of great Impostumations in a horsses Withers . IF a horsse either by too negligent a sufferance or by some most violent torment , haue his Withers so extreamely pincht or brusd , that their followes not only swellings of great quantitie , but also great inflamations and putrifactions , then you are with regard to respect the cure therof , because if the tender grissell which is vpon the toppe of the shoulder blade , should either be crusht or tainted , there many times followeth cankerous sores and fistulating , which to preuent , as soon as you haue with applying either rotten litter or wette hay to the swelling made it ripe and rotten , which you shall perceiue by the softnes , you shall thē with a sharp rasor slitte the swelling downeward , euen to the very bottome thereof , and so let out the corruption . There be some Fariers , which before they opē the sore , wil with a hot yron crosse the swelling diuers wayes according to this figure . and then thrust an other hote Iron cleane thorow the sore , and so let out the matter , but it is a very vild maner of cure , & makes an ougly eye sore neuer to be cured ; for the nature of an incission by fire is , toseperate & deuide the skin in such sort that it can neuer be brought together again but the seames thereof will bee both harde and apparant for euer after , beside the fire is so attractiue that the much vse therof doth drawe downe to the weake parte such confluence of humours that the griefe is made much worse then it would be ; wherefore when you haue opened the sore as is before said with a razer you shall then but onely apply vnto it plegantes of flaxe dipt in hott fresh butter , and lay cleane ouer the swelling a plaster made of Waxe , Turpentine , Deares suet and a little rossen , renewing them once a day till the sore be healed : But if these swellings will not putrifie , but only continue in one state , and rather grow hard then tender , in this case I would haue you with an iustrument made for the purpose , to thrust a great thicke rowell of horsse haire quite thorow the swelling , euen from the nethermost part to the vppermost of the swelling , and twice a day to turne the row ell about , and either to annoint it with fresh buttrr , or Venis turpentine , till the swelling bee cleane gone , & then to take away the rowell and to heale the two orrifices with fresh butter and oatmeale mixt together . CHAP. 47. Of hard hornes knobbes and sitfasts growing vnder the sadle . THeise hornes or knobs , which grow vpon a horsses backe vnder the sadle , are calde of our horsemen here in England sitfasts , which how euer the Italians do make differences of them , either because of the seuerall places wherin they grow , as when they growe opposite against a rib , or else betweene two ribbes , yet the truth is they are but all one thing , & proceed all from one selfe like cause , as from some old pinch w●h a sadle where the swelling doth not rotte but falling againe , yet retaineth betwixt the skinne and the flesh , a certayne vnnaturall harde Substance , so that vnder your hande the skinne wil be hard as a borde , and in time nature it selfe will corrupt and driue it forth , the euer of these sit-fasts are thus , first with a sharpe knife slit the skinne through close by the edge of the sit-fast , and as soone as you haue raisd it vp take a nayle and file the point very sharpe then bowing it crooked like a hooke , with it take hold of the sit-fast and root it cleane forth as farre as you feele it hard , then if you see that the sitfast haue not eaten any depth into the flesh , but euen the thicknes of the skinne onely , then after it is cut forth you shall annoint the place with creame and soote mixte together till it be whole , but if it haue eaten into the flesh and that their be any matter vnder the hardnes then you shall make a plaister of Turpentine , waxe Deares suet and english Saffron mixt together , of ech of them an equall quantitie except the Saffron and of it a quarter as much as of the rest , and after you haue washt the sore place with mans vrine then lay on the plaster and renewe it once a day till the sore be whole CHAP. 48. Of the Nauell gall NAuell gall is a foule bruse taken by the sitting downe of the hinder part of the saddle vpon the horses backe , and it is called Nauell-gall , because the crush is vpon the signe iust opposit against the horses nauell , it oftest comes by the carriage of cloke-bagges , portmantuaes , or such like waights behinde , it is by most of our common Farriers helde altogether incureable , because most commonly it breaketh not forth very apparantly till it bee full of dead flesh , which being a Spungy & cankerous substance , doth in time corrupt & putryfie the chynebone , or turne to a Fistula , which in that part is mortall . The cure thereof is thus , first with your crooked naile take hold of the dead flesh , and with a Razor cut it cleane out , leauing no part of it behind , and making the wound plaine , and without hollownesse , then take of Hogs-grease finely rendred , & of Turpentine washt of each like quantity , then melt them together , and being exceeding hot , dip a pleagant of Flaxe into it , & so fill vp the sore , then lay vppon it a plaister of Waxe , Rozzen , and Turpentine mixt together , and after you haue drest him thus for two daies , if then you perceiue any dead or proud flesh begin to grow in it again , then you shall take of an ounce of Turpentine , a quarter of a pinte of Hony , and an ounce of Verdigrease beaten to powder , and boyle them vppon the fire a good while together , and lay it vpon the sore plaister wise , renewing it once a day till the Vlcer bee brought to skinning , then dry it vp , and skin it either with Creame and Soote , or with the powder of Hony and Lime . Of the swaying of the backe . Chap. 49. THere be a multitude of mischances , which occasion , the swaying of the backe , as straynings either in riding , running , or leaping , ouer-burthenyng either by mischance or negligence , and the signes therof are these , the Horsse wil in his going reele and folder , and his hinder parts will not goe in one furrow with his foreparts , when he is downe , he will haue much ado to rise , and when he is vp , it is painefull to him to lie downe . The cure thereof is diuersly handled , according to the opiniō of Farriers , some imitating the Method prescribed by Martin , as by laying a hot sheepe-skin new taken from the sheep to the Horses back , suffering it to lye til it smel , & then to renew it : others , by scorching the horse ouerthwart the backe with a hot Iron Checker-wise , and then to lay on a change made thus : Take of Pich a pound , of Rozzen halfe a poūd , of Bolarmonack , made in powder halfe a pound , and of Tar halfe a pinte , boile all these in a pot together , till they bee well incorporated , then being luke-warme , daube it vppon the Horses backe , and lay Flaxe vpon it , suffering it to rest tyll it fall off by it owne accord , both these Medicines I haue my selfe oft vsed . But haue found them not to auaile , wherfore the only cure that euer I found for this griefe is this , Take of Tarre halfe a pinte , of Turpentine foure ounces , of the Oyle of Swallowes , & the Oyle of Mandrage , of each sixe ounces , mixe these together , & boile them vpon the fire , then annoynt the Horses back therwith lukewarm , and chase it in halfe an houre together , holding a hot fire-pan ouer his backe whilst you anoint him , and doing but this twice a day for nine dayes together , it will knitte his backe ; prouided that you let him run at grasse without labour for at least two months after the cure . Of weakenesse in the backe . Chap. 50. VNto the backe is incident another weakenesse , besides these strainings , which proceedeth not from any casualty or mischance , but only from the confluence and fluxe of moyst and cold humors which bee nummed , and dull the vitall parts of the backe , bringing the horse to such a weakenesse , that he many times fals downe flat to the ground , and cannot rise againe . Our best Farriers call it the fretting of the reines , & hold it generally to bee mortall ; For mine owne part I haue not seene the disease aboue twice , & my cure thereof is thus , Take of Venice-Turpentine , and after you haue washed it well , take iust so much of Honny and mixt with it , beating them very well together , then take as much refined Sugar beaten to powder , as will make it as thicke as Paste , then roule it in round Balles , as big as a little Wall-nut , and couering them ouer with sweete Butter , giue him euery morning for fiue Morninges together three of those Bals , and it will restore and strengthen his back . Of Hide-bound . Chap. 51 HYde-bound is when a Horses skinne is so strained and bound vnto his bones , that a Man can with no possible strength pull it vp with his hands , it proceedeth onely from the weakenesse of the body , and pouerty of flesh , the signes to know it , is the handling of the Horse , his leanenesse , and the clinging vp of his belly to the Chine of his backe . The cure ( although many of our best Farriers make it very curious , and haue sundry drenches and drinks to little purpose ) is of al other cures most easie , for you shal no more but let him blood in his neck veine , & for a month following , ●eed him with nothing but sweete Hay , and boyled Barly , hauing care that you boyle not so much together , but that your Horse may eate it whilst it is sweet , and fear not the loosenesse of his skin , nor the swelling of his flesh with fatnesse . Of the Strangle or Glanders , or the mourning of the Chine . Chap. 52. THe Strangle is a disease for the most part incident to Foales or young Colts , and somtimes to Horses of elder age , it is a fluxe or ingendring togither of many humors about the roots of the toong , between the two nether chaps , inflaming & impostumating those Kernels which naturally grow about the rootes of the tongue , which kernels are called Glandes , from whence some Farriers suppose the name of Glanders came first , and I am of that mind also . For betwixt the Strangle and the Glanders , is but this difference , that when those kernels do swel and impostumate outwardly , that is to say , when they ri●e betweene his Chaps like a huge Bile , so that they hinder a Horse from swallowing his meat , and as it were strangle and Choake him with tough and vndisolued matter , and in the end breakes outwardly forth like an ordinary impostunation , and so vanisheth , then wee call it but the strangle , but if it doe not breake outwardlie , but that the inflamation & Impostumatiō exulcerates inward , and so like a foule Fistula avoyds all the foule matter at the Horses Nosthrils , then we call it the Glaunders , and it is a much harder cure . But that the Strangle should be , as some of our English Authors suppose , the same disease which wee call the Squinancy , or Quinzie , I canot immagine it , for it hath no semblance of such an infirmitie , onely I take the Viues to besomewhat a kin to that sicknes . Now for the Strangle , it proceedeth either of cold and raw disgestion , as that which is in Foales ; or else of some sodaine cold taken , and ling●ing without remedy , in a Horse groweth in the end ●o this euil ▪ The cure of the strangle is thus , assoone as you perceiue the swelling to rise , you shal take a wax candle , and holding it vnder the horses chaps close to the swelling , burne it so long , til you see the skin bee burnt thorough , so that you may scarifie it , and raise it from the flesh , which done , you shal take a broad peece of leather and spread the reupon a good thicke quantity of blacke shoomakers wax , and lay it vpon the sore , and it wil not onely breake the fore , but heale it also ; but if eyther by some extreame colde , or other disorder in keeping this disease breake inwarde , and so turne to the Glaunders , you shal first perfume his head with Brimston , and Frankensence mixt together , and burnt vpon a chafing dishe of coales , and then you shal poure into his Nosthrils half a pint of sallet oyle , an ounce of Niter , and sixe spoonefuls of the iuice of Leeks , and doing thus but four mornings together , it stil cure any Glaunders , if it haue not beene aboue halfe a yeares continuance , but if you can get the oile of Oates , and poure it into his Nostrils , i● is most certaine it both cureth this disease , and the mourning of the chine also . Of the Cough , and the seueral kinds , Chap. 53. COughes come either by chaunce or infirmitity , by chaunce , as by eating a feather , dust , or suchlike , & the helpe is , to giue him a crust of hard breade and a little Water after it : if by infirmity , then it is either a wet cough , a drie cough , or a rotten cough , if it be a wet cough , it comes onely of moist rheume , and is knowne by the clearenes of the water which comes from his nostrils , if it be drie , he auoids nothing , if it be rotten , he auoids nothing . And thogh euery one of these haue seueral cures , yet if for three mornings together you wil but giue your horse a pinte of sacke , halfe a pint of salet oile , an ounce of the oile of Anni-seeds , and three ounces of Sugar-candy , it wil both take away the cough , and heal any putrifaction of the lungs whatsoeuer . Of the shortnes of breath , and the causes , Chap. 54. SHortnes of breth or pursines , comes by soden riding after a horse is fild or new fed , the signe is his panting and inability to trauel , and the cure is , to giue him either a coupple of new laid Egs , shels and al , or els a pint of milke and sallet oyle mixt togither . Of a consumption . Chap. 55. A Consumption is nothing but an exulceration or putrifaction of the lunges , and the cure is , for fiue morninges together to giue him the same drinke prescribed for the wet or dry cough . Of griefe in the Brest . Chap , 56. THis disease comes by the coruption of loode , or the abundance of humors gathred togither about the brest , & accasioning swelling , the cure is , to slit the swelled part , and to put in a trowel , and anoint it with a little sweet butter til the sore be whole . Of the Anticor . Chap , 57. THe Antichor is a disease proceeding of corruption of blood and spirits , it onely paineth the heart , and is ofte mortall ; the cure whereof , is to let the horse bloode , and then to giue him to drinke a pinte of Malmesie , brewed with Sinamon , Lycras , and the shauings of Iuory , for fiue mornings together . Of the tyred horses . Chap. 58. EVery one knowes both the cause and signe of this euil , the cure therefore is , to bath his limbs with pisse and salt Peter , and to giue him to drink eight spoonfuls of Aqua-vitae , wherin hath bin infused for the space of xii , houres halfe an ounce of strong Tobacco , and after straind . Diseases of the midriffe or stomack . Chap. 59. DIseases of the my driffe or stomack , are loathing of meat , casting vp of his drinke , surfeits , or the hungry euil ; and though there bee longe discourses made seuerally of each one of them , yet this cure will helpe any of them when they happen , first let your horse be wel ayred , then wash his mouth with vineger & salte , then giue him to drinke a pinte of Malmesie mixte with the powder of Sinamon , Anni-seeds , and Cloues , and after to giue him his meat by little at once , & with good leisure betweene meale and meale . Of the diseases of the liuer . Chap. 60. DIuers diseases are supposed to proceede from the Liuer ; but that which wee most generally find , is the consumption thereof , it cōmeth by the grossenes of humors or inflamation of the blood , being broght to putrifaction , the signes are , dislike of meate , losse of flesh , & continually stretching out of his body , the cure is , onely to poure into his Nostrils for a weeke together , the oyle of Oats and sweet wort mixt together , & if that do not stay the coruption which comes from his nostrils the griefe is incurable . Of diseases in the gall . Chap. 61. HOw euer other men imagine , yet I haue not found any disease to proceed from the gal more then the Yellowes , yet that it may sometimes be pained I denie not , and it is to be knowne by the yellownes of his water , for cure whereof , there is nothing better then the ordure of a goose , being infused in white Wine , and ginen to the horse to drinke . Of diseases in the Spleene . Chap. 62. THe spleene of a Horse is troubled with no disease but a litle swelling , which comes of too proud keeping : & the cure is , after you haue made him sweat to giue him in a pinte of white wine , the leaues of the ●amariske brused , and Cummin-seede beaten to powder mixt together , and warmed vpon the fire . Of the yellowes . Chap. 63. THe Yellowes is a disease of the gal , and it is mortal if it bee not preuented , the signes are yellownes of his eyes , lips , tonge , and other parts , and the cure is , first let him blood in the pallat of the mouth , & then giue him to drink a pint of strong Ale , mixt with a quarter of so much of the iuice of Selladine , and an ounce of Saffron luke warm , for three mornings together . Of the Dropsie , Chap , 64. THat which is calld the Dropsie in horses , commeth of raw foode , and sore riding when a horse is fat ; the signe is the swelling of his legs ▪ and the cure is , to purge him wel with milk and Sallet-oyle , and to bath his legs daily with Len-seed oyle . Of the diseases in a horses guts , Chap. 65. THere belonges to a horses guts many diseases , as costiuenes , orbely-bound , which you may cure with any of the scouringes in the booke of hunting , or els feeblenes or loosnes , which may be cured by giuing him beane-flower and Tanners barke , boiled in a quart of milke , or the bloody flixe , which you may cure by giuing him about a pinte of Redde Wine boiled with the Hearbe called Sheapheardes Pursse , or Lastlye he wormes which you may kil of what kinde soeuer they be if you giue him three mornings together three slipps of Sauen , and then to make him fast two houres after . Of paine in the kidnies . Chap , 66. The greatest disease belōging to the kidneys , is the stone , which you may cure by giuing the horse to drinke a quart of strōg Ale , in which hath been steept for 24 houres two pound of radish rootes slit in quarters , and to giue it three mornings together . Of pissing blood , and all diseases blonging to the priuities . Chap. 67. To the priuites of a horse belongs sundrie diseases , as the pissing of blood which comes either by a straine or by ouer riding : the cure is , take halfe a pinte of milke , & halfe a pinte of white wine , & boile therein a pound of daffadill rootes , & two ounces of wheat flower , & giue it the horse to drink seauen mornings . But if he bee troubled with the Colt-euil , which is only the swelling of the yard & stones , if either you swim him in colde water , or bath him in cold water , it wil help him ; if there come any putrifaction from his yarde , you shall either squirt into his yarde white wine and Allome mixt together , or when the horse pisses , with your hand stop his sheath & make him pisse in his sheath , & it wil help him . If hee shed his seede , you shall wash Turpentine , and mixing it wel with Sugar , make the horse euerie morning for a weeke swallow downe three bals as big as a Walnut . If his yarde fall and will not lye within his sheath , then you shal bathe it with vinegar and Salt , and he will draw it vp , but if his cods swell only and not his yarde , then you shal bathe thē with vinegar & Salt-peter boilde together and it wil help them . Lastly , if the horse be incorded or bursten , so that his guts fal into his cods , though the Auntients talke of remedies yet I could neuer find any did good , only the best is to annoint his cods with May-butter and with listes made like a trusse to binde his stones , close to his bodie . Of the botch in the groine : chap : 68. The botch in the groine of a horse comes of pride of blood or sore labour , it resembles a great bile , and is cured either with rosted sorrell , or a plaister of shooe-makers waxe . Of mangines in the taile . chap 69. If a horse be scabd or mangie about the taile , the cure is first to let him blood , & then to wash his taile twice a day with olde pisse and copporas , boilde together , & then annointed with narue oyle and quicke siluer beaten together till the quicke siluer be kild . Of pinching , splatting , or straines in the shoulder . chap. 70. The worst pinch or straines that happens to a horse , is that in the shoulder , which if at any time it chance , you shal take of oyle petrolium , of oyle of Cipres , and of linseede-oyle of each like quantite , and being mixt together , bathe the horses shoulder therewith , & if that take not away his halte , then put a rowell betwixt his shoulder and his brest . Of swelling of the legs . chap , 71. If your horses legs swell at any time vpon any occasion , you shall bathe them , with warme traine oyle , and it will helpe them . Of foundring . chap , 72. Foundring comes by suddaine heate after violent labor , the signe is the horse will stand with all his foure legs together , or for the moste part not stand at all , the cure is , let him blood in the necke veane , and take from him a pottle of blood ; then mixe with it the whites of foure egs , halfe a pound of boale armonicke , a pinte of vinegar , & as much wheat-flower as will thicken all , then lay it vpon the horses backe and reynes , & with long linnen rags dipt therin binde his forelegges straite aboue his knees ; then ride him two houres vpon a hard pauent , then pare his feet exceeding thin , and stop them with branne & hogs grease boild together , and his feet will be well within a weeke after . Of the Splent or Serew . chap. 73 A splent is so well knowne to all men , that it needes no discription , and the Serew is the same a splent is , onely it is vppou the outside of the legs , there be many cures , and my selfe could repeate twentie , but the surest and cleanest way is with the point of a sharpe knife , to make a little hole of more then a barleye corne length vppon the top of the Splent , & put therein as much Arsnicke as the quarter of a hasell out and in three daies it will take away the splent , & then heale the sore onely with sweete butter molten . Of Mallander and Sellander , chap , 74. A Mallander is a drie scabb vpon the bought of the fore-leg : and the Sellander vpon the bought of the hinder , the cure is , after you haue made thē bleede to binde to thē for three daies blacke sope , and lime mixt together , & then to heale them with sweete butter againe . Of an ouer-reach vppon the sinew or heele chap , 75. What ouer-reach soeuer your horse chaunces vppon , you shall to cure him , first with a sharpe knife cut out the oner reach as plaine as may bee , then washing it with beare and salt , lay vpon it Oatemeale and butter mlxt together , and it will heale it . Of halting before and behinde . chap , 76. If a horse hault before his griefe is either in his shoulder his knee , his fetlocke or his foote , if it bee in his shoulder I haue declared a remedie alreadie , if in his knee or ferlocke you shall folde his legges about with ropes of wet hay , and they wil help him , and if it be in his foote , pare the hoofe thin , & stop it with bran and hogs grease , but if hee halt behinde , he is hipped or stiffled , if hee be hipped hee is past cure , if stifled you shal either swim him in a deep water or bind vppe his sound legge , that hee may perforce stand vpon the other , and he will goe vpright suddainely . Of spauens . Chap. 77. Of spauens , there be two kindes , the bone Spauen and the blood : for the bone Spauen , you shall dresse it in all things like the splent , and it wil heale it . For the bloud spauen you shall take vp the veane , and when it hath bled we pullout the bladder which holdes the spauen , and stop the wound with Sage and salt , and it will heale it . Of the Kurbe . Chap , 78. The Kurbe is a hard knot vpon the hinder part of the Cambrel , and it is to be taken away as you take away splent . Of the paines & kibe heeles . Chap. 79 These diseases are sore dride scabs , close vnder the Fetlocks , and the cure is to rub thē til they bleed , then to wash them with pisse & copporas , & annoint them with Hogs grease and strong mustard mixt together til they be whole . Of windgalles . Chap. 80. Windgalls are little blebs raisd vp by extreame trauel on each side the horses Fetlockes , and the cure is to lay vnto them the plaister of pitch ; rossen , and masticke , as hath before beene shew'd , and it will helpe them . Of wrinching the neather ioynt . Chap , 81. If your horse get a straine in the neather ioynt , so that the member be big , you shall only annoint it with narue oyle , and oyle of Cipresse , and it wil take away the swelling . Of the shackel gall . Chap , 82. Shackle gall is any sore got by wearing pasternes , shackle , or other fetters , and it is to be cured by annointing the sore with fresh butter & hony together . Of the Scratches . Chap. 83. Scratches are certain vilde drie scabs , growing aboue the Fetlocks , and are to be cured as you cure the paines . Of the Ring bone . Chap. 84. The Ringbone is a certaine super fluous grissle , growing about the cronet of the horses hoofe , & the cure is , to dresse it in three places , that is , before and on each side with Aarsnicke as you did the splent , and after three daies to heale it with sweet butter , as for the crowne scab , or other hurts von the cronnet of the hoofe , the vse of Hogs-grease , and Mustard will heale them . Of the quitter bone , Chap , 85 The Quitter bone is a grissel growing vnder the hoofe , it is of all diseases the vildest , and fullest of danger , yet the cure is first with Arsnicke or Vardigrease , to eat away the flesh till you may see the bone , and then cut it out , and heale the sore with Turpentine , waxe and butter molten together . Of grauelling and other diseases belonging to the feete . chap. 86 To the foote belonges many diseases , as grauelling , surbating , pricking , loosening the hoofe , casting the hoofe , hoofe bound and running frush , and to them all one cure is sufficient , and that is , after the hoofe is verie thinne parde , and all the sore places prickt and made cleane , to stop the soale of the foote with Pitch , Tarre , rosen , and tallowe of each like quantitie , and molten together , and to remoue it once in three daies till the hoofe be well . Of the Leprosie , chap. 87 The Leprosie in a horse is when the mangines spreades ouer the whole bodye , and is to be cured as you cure the mangines in the taile . Of the Farcion . chap 88. The Farcion is a foule disease that runnes in poysonous knots ouer all the horses bodie , and though there be many waies to cure it , yet this is the best ; to slit halfe a dozenof the hardest knots which are best risen , and fill them with Arsenicke , and then to annoint all the other sores with butter and the disease will heale presentlie . Of the Canker and Fistula chap. 89. The Fistula or Canker is a venemous fretting humor , which poysons the flesh wheresoeuer it goes , and the cure is first to wash or squirt the sore with allome water & coporas mixt together , then to annoint or tent the sore three daies rogether with blacke sope , and after to heale it with molten butter . Of the Anbury , Chap. 90 An anbury is nothing but a spungie wart , growing vpon any part of the horses bodie , and the cure is either to wash it with the water which standes in the roote of an old Oke tree , or to tye it so straite with some of the horses hayres , that it may rot away . Gf woundes , brusings or swellings , chap. 91. Of woundes , brusings , swellings , or cutting of sinewes , I haue spoake sufficiently alreadie , onely if the horse haue a wound which comes by gunshot , you shal mixe with your salue a good quantitie of varnish , but if the horse bee burnt with lime , then you shall adde some olde barme or east ; if the horse be byt with a mad dog , you shal vse in your salue Goates dung , or the fat of hung beefe . Of being shrew runne . chap , 92 If your horse be shrew-runne , you shall looke for a briere which growes at both endes , and draw your horse thorow it and he will be well . Of the warble or Felter . chap , 93 To kill the warble or felter , bathe your horse either in stronglye , or with burnt sacke and vinegar mixt together . Of stinging with suakes 94. chap , 94. Annoint the sore with Sallet-oyle & Saffron , & ●iue the horse to drinke , coaro milke and the shauings of iue●y . Of eating Hens dung , chap , 95. You shal giue your horse the scowring of butter & saūders To kill licc or Flies , chap , 96 Annoint the horse mith sope , quicksiluer , & stauesaker mixt together , but if he be troubled with flies , thē wash his body with water wherin herbe of grace hath been boyled . Of broken bones , chap , 97. The best salue for broken bones is oyle of mandrag , or oyle of Swallowes . Of taking vp of veanes , chap , 98 T is good to take vp veanes for griefe in the legs , as farcies , spauens or such like , or for the quitter bone , scabbe or Scratches , and for no other infirmities . Of glisters , chap , 99 The best glister is to boile mallowes , and then to straine the water , and put to a quart of water , a pinte of fresh butter , & halfe a pinte of sallet oyle , & administer it warme to the horse . Purgations , chap. 100. Touching purgations to be receiued inwardly , looke in the booke of hunting , and by the name of scowrings you shall finde plenty . Of calteryzing , chap , 101 For Calterizing , it is neuer to be vsed , but either to stay the Fluxe of blood , or when incision is to be made amongst veanes or sinewess wherefore to calterize a large wound , your iron must be thin , sharpe and flat , & to calterize a little orifice , it must be blunt and round , yet by howe much it is the hotter by so much it is the better . Certaine speciall receites , chap 102 , Turpentine and the powder of iet mixt together , will drawe out any venome or poyson from any wound whatsoeuer . To bathe a horse with tansey and vardiuice will kil the farcie , and the water wherein the greene barke of elder hath beene boild , being mixt with sallet-oyle , will cure the glaunders . The end of the seauenth booke . CAVELARICE OR That part of Horse manship discouering the subtile trade of Hors-corsers , together with an explanation of the excellency of a Horses vnderstanding , and how to make him doe Trickes lyke Bankes his Curtall , and of drawing drye-foot , and other Acts both naturall and vnnaturall . The eight Booke . AT LONDON Printed for Edward VVhite , and are to bee solde at his shop at the little North-doore of Paules , at the signe of the Gunne . To the Honorable and most worthy Knight Sir VValter ASTON . SIr , how dearely I loue you , and with what zeale I wish I could doe you seruice , I would this poore trybute of my labours could giue a true testimony , that then you might know what power you haue in a poore Creature , but since neither it , nor any lymits can bound thinges infinite , conceiue of mee according to the square of your owne Noble thoughts , which I perswade my selfe euen to aparant errours , would lend most Charitable constructions . I haue in this volume darrd a bold enterprize , the rather sith there was neuer before this day moe Champions either in perfect skill , or in strong imagination of their skill , that may easily bee inflamed to rise vp against me , but I haue chose you for one of my honorable defenders , not that you shall stand betwixt me and my hazzard , but be a meanes to bring me to an equall combate , for I know my selfe to be so safely armed with Art , experience , and the grounds of reason that I feare no malignity , but an vnlawfull counsell , which to preuent , those Noble Princes and your selfe whom I haue chosen , I hope will bee my protectors , to whose mercy and gracious opinions , I prostrate me and my labours . Geruase Markham . To all the busie Horsecorsers , both of the Citty and Country wheresoeuer . IMagin not because I haue discouered vnto the world those secret deceits wherewith the world is hourely beguiled , that I with a more spleeny spirit do condemne you , then all other trades whatsoeuer : for if the Marchant will haue a dark shop to make bright sulled ware : if the Shoe-maker will cut Leather but halfe tand , the Carpenter worke his Timber halfe seasond , if the Baker will not giue his true waight , the Butcher will not forgoe his imbosture of prickes , nor any trade whatsoeuer but will preserue to himselfe some disception ; beleeue it I conclude you as good , and loue you as much as any , and think it agreeable with the law of reason , that you haue as much preuiledge as any whatsoeuer in this worldly Charter . But forasmuch as some ( because they deceiue themselues ) make no conscience in deceiuing others , and thinke the gaine most honest , how euer gathered by the hand of corruption , I thought it not amis to make my selfe a warrant without authority , and to lay open what with long experience , and diligent obseruation I haue noted , and sometimes purchased at too deere a reckoning , both to fortify the honest against vnconscionable practise , and to make thē loath those grosse deceits , of which euen Boyes and Babes may detect them , which if it reape thankes from them that reape profit , I haue my wish , if it offend the contrary I respect not , because they may amend their losse if they will buy with care , and sell with a good conscience . Farewell . G. M. CAVELARICE . The eight Booke . CHAP. 1. Of Horsse-corsers in generall . THere is not any ground , Arte , science , or Handicraft , whatsoeuer , which hath beene so exactly found out eyther by Nature or the power of the greatest Wisedome , but Time and Mens corruptions hath poysoned them with some one or other disception ; as euen the very food of our souls , how is it prophaned with a world of scysmes ; in Philosophy at this day how many Hereticks ; in Physicke what numbers of Mount-banckes ; in Astrologie what false star-gazers ; in Musick what Minstrelcie : and to conclude , in all what can man do that is vertuous , which one will not imitate in a like vizard . Hence and from this auncient knowledge of sufferance , being founded by an ydle ignorant couetousnesse , hath sprunge this deceit or impostume vpon the face of Horsemanshippe which wee call Horse-corsing . Now that you may know what a horse-corser is , least by mistaking mine application , I may be held to condemne those which are both honest and vertuous , you shall vnderstand the Horse-corser , whose subtle trade I discouer , is hee who passes from Fayre to Fayre , and from Market to Market , to buy lame , tyerd , diseased and tainted horsses , and then with one deceitfull tricke or other , couering their imperfections , sels them againe into the hands of simple men , who not perceiuing the hooke , swallow the bayt , and are choakt with most vnthrifty penniworths . Now for the honest marchant of Horsses , who with all carefull industrye and a watchfull eie buies none but such as his knowledge and iudgement approues to be sound , beautifull , well bred , and fit for best imployments , or for him that sels but eyther the superfluity of his breed , or the surcharge of his stable , and with that naked plainesse that there is neyther found falshood in his oaths or boastings ; these I say are as vnworthy the name of Horse-co rsers , as truth vnfit for the name of falshood . Now therefore since I haue giuen you the true carracter of the party whom I mean , and that you may not applye any of his vices to men of contrary disposition , I wil descend vnto his customes and quallities , touching his trade onely . CHAP. 2. The obseruations which Horse-corsers hold in the choise of their horses , the deceits they vse in couering their faults , and their practises in selling Iades . THE Horse-corser who onely buies for present gain , & sels without either respect to mens ocasions , his own conscience , or his wordes reputation , doeth only in chusing his horses obserue these fewe principles , First , if he can he wil haue him exceeding fatte , and of a faire and beautifull colour , of all which the best in the Horse-coursers eie is the faire Daple-gray , or the gray with white mane and taile ; the vnstained white , the bright-bay with white starre , white rache , or white heele , or the Cole-black with those white marks also , for these colours , either to Courtiers , Ladies , Lawyers , Schollers , or Cittizens , couer and keep many mischiefes vnreuealed : Next to his colour , the horse-courser looks euer for a dainty pace , as in the ambler great ease , and in the trotter much paine and busie treading ; next colour and pace , he lookes to outward grosse infirmity , such as lie so apparant that euery one may behold them without groaping , as are ouergrowne splents , Spauens eyther bone or bogge , Ring-bones , curbes or other excerssions , but if they be young and but newly appearing , hee may speake what he wil in their dispraise , but hee loues the Horsse not one haire the worse for his purpose ; as for any inwarde griefe , as Glaunders , Consumptions , Coughes , Broken-windes , Dulnesse of Spirite , Restyfnes , or any mischiefes else which hath either skinne or haire to couer it , he regardes them not : for his returne being sodaine , he hath for to blind ignorant eies , cloaks enow to conceale them , during the time hee is in selling . The last thing he lookes vnto is price , for beleeue it , they euer buy flesh , colour , shape , and countenance , but they will hardely giue any pennye for goodnesse , both because the wise seller will hold it at a good rate ( as it is worthy ) and the Horse-corser shall haue no benefit , being able to make a Iadeseeme equall with the best spirrited : and although I wil not saye but a Horse-corser may haue a good horse , as wel as a Woman that sels Mussels may haue a rich Pearle amongst them , yet it is great oddes to the contrary , both because he is sold at a great value , ( and so not to him so commodious ) and also he is neuer the obiect at which the Horse-corser aims at , for t is beauty , shape , pace and cheapnes , he desires , and then if goodnesse chaunce to come vnlookt sor , the horse is so much the dearer , although the cause of such dearenesse stand the seller in neuer a penny , in which me thinks hors-corsers resemble these miserable ingrossers of Corne that albeit they buy graine at neuer so cheap a reckoning , yet in the dearenesse of the yeare , they will not abate one single Halpeny , although it were euen to the sauegard of the life of a Christian. And truely I do with more confidence write this , because I haue my selfe oft sold vnto Horse-corsers Horsses , which I knew to be falty , and when I haue out of a simple mind reuealed the worst of my knowledge they haue , euen scoft at my too much curiosity , and made no reckoning of the mischeefes , and after when they haue sold them againe , they haue giuen me many thankes for their good peniworths , & wisht for many such like commodities , when I dare very well presume that I knew much better then they , or then any Horsecourser whatsoeuer , that such Horses were vtterly past all vse or seruice . Now therefore breefely you may see the cheefe ayme of the Hors-courser in buying Horses , is at his beauty , or fulnesse of flesh , his fayre colour , his shape free from grosse infirmity , his cleane pace , and his cheape price ; to which should goodnesse haue beene coupled , doubtlesse the Marchandize would returne little profit , for in all mine experience I neuer knewe good Horses solde at such a cheape reckoning , that a Man might keepe a family with the gaines , except they came from one of these three Mens hands ; either a Foole that would giue a Dyamond for a Barly Corne , an vnthrift that would lose any profit for his instant pleasure , or a Theefe that to bee eased of an vnlawfull prize , wold euer be content to loose three partes of the true valew . But to returne to my purpose , when the Horse courser hath bought his Horse according to his fancy , and learnt as much as he can of his Chapman , touching his inward disposition ; and also out of his owne tryals , finds the faults to which he is most adicted , ( as they are questionlesse with great ease discerned ) then presently hee begins to plot stratagems in his head , how hee may cloake and couer those falts , and make the Horse seeme in euery Mans iudgment mearely contrary to that to which he is naturally adicted , as thus ; If he find the Horse that he hath bought to be a dull , heauy , sad Iade , and that a Man can with no reasonable compulsion make him goe faster then an Asse ; then the Horsecorser will not misse , but duly euery Morning , Noone , and Night , with big long rypling slaues bestow at least an houre and more in bearing his Horse , both vppon the body , sides , and Buttocks , till he make his flesh so extreame tender and sore , that euen the very shake and lifting vp of a sticke , is enough to make the Horse mad and desperate : He wil do nothing about the Horse , as either combing , dressing , turning his cloaths vp and down , or any thing else , but it shal be done with fury , and with stroaks , he will not at any time passe by the Horse but he shall haue a stroak , nor wil he speak to any Man if the Horse stād near him , but euen midst that conference , hee will strike and torment the Horse , til he haue made the Horse so fearefull and desperate , that the very bitternesse of a mans voyce shall bee able to make him leape against the Walles . This beating of Horses thus amongst Horsecorsers , is called giuing them Lambe-pye , from a knauish iest of a Horse-corsers Boy , that being askt of his Maister what meate hee had giuen the Horses , made aunswere Lambe-pye enough Maister . And truely could it feede them as well as it puts them in affright , a Horsecorser might very well spare other foode : for howsoeuer they get meate , it is most assured they neuer want blowes . Now when they haue thus beaten their Horses soūdly in the house , that they will start , flye , and leape against the VVals , then bringing them into the common rode where the Horsecorser vses to ryde his Horse for the sale , which is not aboue forty or threescore yards in length , you shall see him no sooner set his Boy or Seruant vpon the Horsses backe , but presently ere the Boy bee well setled , you shall see the Horsecorser giue the Horse two or three good blowes vpon the sides with his Cudgell , and the Boy also to augment his Maisters torment , will no sooner haue his Legge ouer the Horses backe , but both his Spurs shall be fast in his sides , and if the poore Iade through these torments chāce to whisk his taile ( which is a plaine signe , he doth nothing out of his free Spirit ) you shall see the Horsecorser giue the Horse such a stroke vppon the very sterne of his taile , that as if hee would euen break it in peeces , he will make the Horse hold it so close to his Buttockes , that to the death hee will not moue it , which will deceiue a very good iudgment touching his mettall . Thus & by these torments you shall see him bring his horse to such a sencible fearfulnesse , that for the ordinary rode of a Faire or a Market , he will make him go with such spirit and madnes of passion , that as if he had no feete but wings , you wil rather feare his fury , then his dulnesse ; whereas when either he shall come to temperate keeping , or ordinary trauell , you shall soone finde by his tyring , how those false Fyers were created . Another tricke Horsecorsers haue to make their Horsses being dull , to shew braue Spirits , and that ( when all other meanes fayles them ) will quicken them vppe for the length of a roade , as long as there is any life in their bodyes , and this it is ; They will take a very fine sharp Nalle , and raysing with their finger and Thombe the skinne from the flesh vpon each side of the spurre veine , euen iust in the common spurring place , pricke the skinne through twice or thrice , and then they will take the powder of Glasse , beaten as small as is possible to be gotten , and with it rub the places that were prickt , so that the powder of the Glasse may enter into the hoales , and then lay the haire smooth and plaine againe : this will bring the Horse to such a sorenesse , and tendernesse of his sides , that it is worse then death to him to haue any thing to touch them ; so that whether a Man haue spurs or no Spurs , yet the horse will goe and shew Spirit beyond all expectation ; onely this you must obserue , that whensoeuer you dresse your Horse thus in the Morning , that then at night you annoint his sides with Turpentine , and the powder of lett mixed together , and his sides will be as well within twelue houres , as if they had neuer been poysoned : And for mine owne part I haue tryed this tricke vppon a Iade which hath beene tyred by the Hye-way , and I haue found him that where before , the more a Man spurred , the sooner hee would stand still ; Now if a Man did but make offer to touch his sides , he would shew quicknesse , and striue to goe with more willingnesse , then when hee was first taken forth in the morning . Many other deceites they haue to quicken a dull Iade , but these are the most vsuall , and do soonest deceiue a plaine meaning . Now if his Horsse haue beene formerly foundred , or frettized vppon his feete , then bee sure , before hee brings him to any great shew for the sale , he wil chafe & ride him vp and downe at least halfe a quarter of an hour before , that hauing gotten heate and warmeth into the horses limbs , he may then bring him to the view of any man , and as long as the horse is hote , or treades vppon soft ground , a very good eie shal hardly perceiue imperfection in his feete ; and if a Horse-courser haue such a horse , you shal see if at any time he chance to set h●m vp he wil not yet let him stand stil , but he wil euer be beating or stirring him ; and if his hoofes be rugged or wrinkled ( as frettized hoofs for the most part are ) so that if a horseman shal see them he wil easily discerne his faulte , or if the horse haue ring-bone , paines , scratches , splents , or anye eie-sore about the neather ioynt , then the first thing the Horse corser doeth ; is to ride his horse into the durt , and by dawbing his legs to hide his faultes : if the horse be subiect to swelling in his legs , then the first thing the horse-courser doeth , is to ride his Horse into some water , or to bathe the horses legs with cold water , for that wil keepe downe the swelling til his legs be drie againe : If the horse haue had any secret strain in the foreshoulder , the horse-corser wil ride him very seldome , & when he rides him you shal neuer see him turn him narrow , but both vse him gently , and take large compasse ; If the horse haue a little halt it is the tricke of the horse-corser , that looke vpon which foot he halteth , from that foot commonly he wil take off his shoe or with his knife cut off a little of the skinne from his hecle , and then not forbeare to protest that his halt is the want of the shooe , or else by reason of that smal ouerreach , which in anye mans eie wil bee of no great moment , and yet make a good Iudgement , thinke it is the cause of his halting ; If the horsse haue the Glaunders , and haue run at the nose for many yeares before , so that it is become in common experience in curable , and that the horse is neare his last date , in this case the horse-corser wil not faile but in the morning before his horse goes to the sale , hee will first blowe into his Nosthrils a good quantity of Neezing-powder , then take two long feathers of a Goose winge , and dipping them either in the iuice of Garlicke or in a little Oyle de-bay , thrust them vp into the horses Nosthrils , euen to the top of his head , and rub them vp and downe : then after hee hath cast the filth out of his Nosthrils a good space , the horse-corser will take of garlick a good quantity beeing well brused in a Morter , and a good quantity of strong mustard , and mixing them well with new Ale , he wil with a horne put some thereof into each of the horses Nostrelles , and so holde it in with his hand by keeping his Nosthrils close together ; and then after his horse hath neezd and sneard a space , the filthines wilstop , and then the horse-corser wil ride him forth ( for t is most certain that for twelue houres after ther wil not come any filthynesse that wil either trouble or disgrace the horse . ) And thus euen almost for euery grosse infirmity , the subtle Horse-corser hath one deuise or other to dissemble and cloake it , some being so artificiall , that euen verye wise men may be mistaken , and some so grosse , that a halfe wit wil discerne it : yet neither the one nor the other , but at some time serues the horse-corser for some purpose . But if the horse ouer and aboue all these outward and inward infirmities , bee also so exceeding old and aged , that he is almost past both vse and seruice , then the horse-corser wil take a small rounde yron made very hot , and with it burne two little round black holes in the top of the two outmost teeth of each side , the outside of the horses mouth vpon the neather teeth , and likewise the teeth of the vpper chap , which answere iust opposite to the neather , by which meanes if you looke into the mouth of the horse to knowe his age , you shal see the marke so ful and plaine ( the nature of which mark hath bene so formerly shewd you ) that you canot possibly gesse the horsse to be aboue the age of 7. years ; but if the Horse through his age hath lost any of those teeth which declare the age of the horse , so that the deceit will not hold , then the horse-corser doth not faile euery minute of an houre to be handling his horse about the lips , and euer as hee touches them , either to thrust a sharp nalle , or a sharp pin into them , til he haue brought the horse to such a tendernes and knowledge of the torment which he sustaines , that in the end he wil not suffer any man to touch him about the lips , but that he will either bite , strike , or commit some other outragious part ; so that no man beeing able to looke into his mouth , no man that hath not other skill shall knowe his age by his mouth , for the countenance of the horse , or the holownes of his eies , or gray haires about the Temples of the head are no true signes , but may diuersly faile , as eyther being begotten by an old horse ; or by opposition in colour betweene the Mare and the horse , or else by being bredde in lowe and rotten soiles , all which wil make a Horsse in his best youth and lustinesse haue an old countenance . These deceites and a multitude of others , as the selling of Horsses which are Moone-eyed , makinge falfe tailes , false whites in the face , or in diuers other places , as by burning a Horse in the fore-heade with an hard Egge taken burning hotte out of the fire and clapped to the Horsses face , or by clapping to it the stalke of a Coal-worte roasted in the fire as you would rost a Warden ; or rubbing the haire and skin off with a smooth-Bricke bat leasurely , and such like toyes , all which will make whites either in a Horses face , or in any other part of his body , or the feeding of a Horse with false flesh , as by giuing him to eate , either sodden barly , or sodden Beanes , or Bucke , or Colewortes , or such like , all which will stuffe vp a Horse in flesh sodainely , but one dayes labour will euer take away a whole monthes feeding . These and a world of such like vnhonest fallaces are the very occupations and toyles of Horsecorsers , by which they deceiue whole multitudes of true meaning people , but for as much as frō the discouery of these which I haue already shewd , doth issue the discouery of al other whatsoeuer they can inuent , I will not clogge your Memory with more obseruations then such , as ( if you haue daily comerce with Horsecorsers ) you shall hourely haue occasion to imploy . Now to speak something of their subtilty in practise , you shal know , that amongst them , it is euen as it is amongst cony catchers , & cut pursses ( pardon my comparison ) for as they haue false Brothers , so hath euer the vnconscionable Horsecorser , so that a plaine dealing Man shall no sooner offer him mony for a Horse ( albeit he offer more then his worth ) but presently you shall haue a fellowe made for the purpose , who will come and ouer-byd the true dealer , another will steppe forth and giue such false prayses , and a third ▪ report of so many false offers , which the Horsecorser hath refused , that he which means simply , first taking a fancy to the Horse , and that fancy making him too willing to beleeue any goodnesse of the Horse , will be so carried away with their falshoodes , that in the end he shall finde he hath bought naughtinesse at a much too deere a reckoning : if this were the worst of euill mens practise , time and a little losse woulde make men more carefull and trust lesse , but there are so many deceites , and such newe generations of deceits , that it is impossible to discerne them , because they are hourely in creating ; wherefore what I haue already Written , I holde sufficient to fortifie any mans opinion against giuing to great trust too dissimulation , or suffering his fancy to ouer-rule his iudgment . And thus much touching the choice of horse-corsers & their horses , their deceits and practises . CHAP. 3. Of the discouery and preuention of Horse-corsers deceits . SInce I haue shewed you the ordinarie and customarie deceits of both publick and priuate vnconscionable horse-corsers , it shall be fit that I shewe you likewise by what meanes and industry you shal preuent & discern the euill into which craft would intangle you , or else be reputed a very insufficient tutor that onely tel you of euil , but shew you no way to auoid it : you shall therefore know that when you goe to buy a horse of a horse-corser , you must by no means giue credit to any thing he speaks touching his horse , more then what you apparantly see and know to bee iust , which is , but onely whether he be faire shaped , fat , leane , or such like outward charracter in which he cannot deceiue you , but for concealed qualities , beleeue it as a known verity that the more the horse-corser boasts or brags , the more deceit by much is in the horse he boasts of , and the more willing hee is to sel , the more willing hee is to deceiue : wheresore to come to particularities , if when the horsse-corser brings his horse to be ridden before you , if you see him start , leape , rush forwarde , and be so impatient that he wil hardly be kept to any moderate pace , as if his spirit wer infinit , you shal then with good consideration mark the countenāce of the horse in his going , whether he haue a sad , heauy or vnmouing eie , or whether he carrie his ears stil , and moueth sildome , or whether he rein slouenly , not raising vp his necke , or shewing Naturall chearefulnes , or whether in his going you perceiue him to leane vppon his riders hande , as if his heade were too great a burden for his neck to carry : and lastly , whether he go with patience when he is from company , and onely is most madde when company is about him , anie of these constant and vnsprity carriages are signes of dulnes : wherefore when you discern any of them in a horse , you shal presentlie make the rider to alight from his backe , and ( as if you would view the horse ) you shal laie your hand vppon his Buttockes , thighes , and sides , and as if you wold trie the loosnes of his skin you shal pluck it from the Flesh , and if you finde he starts or is displeased thereat , be then assured that horse hath been soundlie beaten . You shal also with your hand pul vp the skin in the spurring place , and if you find he either choppes downe is heade , as if hee would bite , or that hee shrinkes his bodie , Whiskes his taile , or shakes his heade , it is an euident token he hath had his sides rubbed with Glasse or something else to make them tender : Or if these obseruations cannot satisfie you , then the best course is to ride the horse your selfe : and if vppon the verye first mounting him , you find he is al spirite and mettle , you shal then ride him foorth of company , and when you are alone giue him leaue to goe at his owne pleasure without forcing him , and if then you finde , that of his owne accord he is willing to be temperate , and that he is euer most madde when he is in most company , then you may be assured that horses mettle is not his owne , but hath absolutely bin forest into him , either by beating or some worse practise : besides , if it be his owne mettle , yet it is a true rule , that the more extreame furious a horse is , the lesse wil be his indurance in trauel , neither is he woorthy of any confidence : wherefore euer your best spirit is that which is most temperate , that wil neither giue any signe of sloth , nor easily be moued to any violence . Now after you are resolued touching his mettle and inward spirit , if then you would knowe whether he haue bin foundred , fretized , or be vnsound of any of his limbs , you shal attend til the horse-corser set him vp in the stable , and after he hath stood a while you shal mark the maner of his standing when no body troubles him , and if you perceiue him , first to ease one foot then another , and that he cannot stand a mynute of an houre togither without hitching from one foote to another , as if he would dance , then you shal be resolued , that questionles that horse hath either bin fretized or foundered , and hath stil remaining in his feete a most vnnatural heate , for the sounde horse you shall see stande constantly and euen vppon all his feete , without anye signe or shewe of wearinesse in his feet which a horse that is thus tainted is not able to endure ; But if you perceiue that he doeth not hitch and moue thus from foot to foot , only he thrusts one of his forefeete more from him then the other , or treades not so surely vpon one of his hind feet as vppon the other , if this you do behold , then be assured that that horse hath had some il and dangerous straine , the anguish whereof remaines stil amongest the bones and sinnewes , yet that griefe is euer in the neather and not in the vpper ioynts : as for younge splents , Spauens , Ring-bones , Curbes , Paines , scratches , or any such sorance , as durt or myre may couer , bee sure to see the horse when his legges are cleane , and if your eie cannot pierce deepe enough into the imperfections , be not ashamed to let your fingers make a search , and they wil discouer whatsoeuer haire or skinne keepes hidden , if either you know what the diseases are , or can iudge of them when you feele them ; If you feare him for hauing gowty and sweld legges , you shal then watch to see him when his legs are dry , or after he hath stood an houre or two vnstirred , or earely in the morning before his legs bee wet , and he wil easily discouer such a soraunce : but if you cannot come to the sight of the horse at such conuenient times , you shall then as you handle the horse about the nether ioynt , euen close by his fetlocke with your finger and your thumb , presse the flesh very hard where you find it thickest , and if after you haue prest it , you feele anye dintes or hollownesse where your Thumbe or Finger laye , then you may very wel be assured , that that horse with the least Trauel , will haue gowty and swelled legges , for though cold water and labour do disperse the humor , yet in the neathet part of the ioynt will euer remaine some naughty substance : If you seare the Horse for secret staines as , those which are in the shoulder , in the Hippe , and in those vpper parts of the Lymbs , you shall then take him by the Bridle , and setting your backe to his shoulder , turne him once about in as straight and narrow a compasse as is possible ; first of one side , then of the other , and as hee turnes you shall marke how hee handles his feete , and if you finde he brings not his outmost Legge ouer his inmost , but that his inmost Legge failes him , so that hee dare not firme it vppon the ground , but moues it both out of due time , and in an vncomely order , it is then a manifest token that he hath had some straine in the vpper part of that Legge , which hee dare not trust vppon the ground in a straight turn , because such narrow turnings do euer writh and aproue the vpper ioyntes onely . As for halting , and couering it with vaine excuses , the best discouery thereof is neuer to trust a Horsecorsers protestations , but the more he vowes , the lesse do you credit him , and so by mistrusting the worst that may happen , you shall preuent a mischiefe that would happen . Now if you feare any Glanders , broken wind , consumption , or other inward infirmity , you shall with your hand grype him very hard about the Wessen pipe , close by the root of the tongue , and so holde him a good space , till you compell him to cough twice or thrice , & then if assoone as hee hath cought , you see him beginne to champ or chew with his teeth , as if he did eate something , ( which indeede is nothing but filthinesse which his coughing brings vp ) then it is an aparant signe , that either he hath the Glanders , or some inward growne cold ; if his cough be hoarce , it is a signe of corruption , and putry faction in his lungs , but if it be dry , clayn , and hollow , it is a great signe that his winde is tainted , which by the beatyng of hys flanke after a little labour , or by the swift motion too and fro of his tayle , you may more plainly dyscerne , for if his wind be sound , then his flank will ryse very slowly , and his taile will not be seen to moue but at great leasure ; And from these obseruations you shall discouer a World of such deceites , which do depend and are coherents to his former mischeefes . As for mone eyed Horsses , which some call the Lunatick eyde , as it is a disease by which a Man may the soonest bee coosened , so it is a sorance , that a skilfull eye will soonest dyscerne , for though the eye keepe the most part of an ordinary complexion , yet it is a little redder then the perfect eye , and much more Cloudy : besides , about the outmost Verge or cirkle of the eye , you shall see a little whyte filme like a Line goe about the eye , which is the plainest Carracter that may be for that disease ; Now for false tailes , or false Markes , your hand may easily finde out the one , and your eyes may soone discerne the other , for the artificiall whyte will neither carry so bright a colour , nor be of so good proportion as that of nature , but like a patch in a new Garment , it will not rightly agree with the other features . Now lastly , for the age of the Horse , if the Horsecorser haue burnt him with holes in his teeth , to make him apeare young , you shall then know that those hoales will bee both rounder and blacker , by a good deale , then those which came by nature , and they will carry more commonly one shape or fashion , which those that come by nature will not doe , for they will sometimes bee lesse one then the other , and one of them bee worne out sooner then another , but also if the Horse will not suffer you to looke in his mouth at all , then you shall by gentle meanes put your finger into his Mouth , and feeling the inside of his vpper tush , by the hoale which is within , you shall iudge his age , without any contradiction . Many other rules I haue formerly taught for the knowing of a Horsses age , and by the vse of them though in one or two , yet in the most you shall not be deceaued . Thus therefore when you are able to dyscerne and discouer those ordynary and common deceytes which Horsecorsers practise , you shal then in buying any Horses of them , take great leasure and time , neuer making your bargaine sodainely , but after you haue chosen which you would haue , see him goe , then stand still , and then go you again , being ( if your leasure wil serue ) at least a day before you make your bargain , that what you ouerslip in the first sight you may perceiue in the second or the thirde : and what helpes your Memory cannot sodainely call together , by the deliberation of time , you may the better bring to your remembrance , and so seldome or neuer buy with a bad bargaine fond repentance . And thus much for the discouery of those common deceits which our Horse-corsers haue hourely in their practise . CHAP. 4. Of the excellency of a Horsses vnderstanding , and other qualities . THat a horse is a beast of a most excellent vnderstanding and of more rare and pure sence then anie other beast whatsoeuer , we haue many ancient and rare recordes lefte vnto vs , by the grauest and worthiest writers that haue writ either in the historye of the world , or of nature : for we finde it Written , that in the army of Sibaritanes , horsses would daunce to Musicke , and in their motionskeepe due time with musicke , they haue giuen to their maisters apparant signes , that they haue had the foreknowledge of battel , and haue prepared themselues there vnto , with extraordinarye dilligence . They haue beene seene when their maisters haue bin slain from their backs to mourn and sorrow after strange fashions , as the horse of Nicomedes , which would neuer eat any meat after his master was slain but died with hunger , or that of Centaretus , who when hee saw his Maister slaine by Autiochus , and that Antiochus after he had kild the man , would in the pride of his triumph mount vpon the beast , it is said that the horse instantlie ran with him to the tops of the rockes , and both slew himselfe and his maisters conqueror . One of the Kings of Scithia being slain in a combate , his enemie comming to disarme him , the slain Kings horse with great furie ran vpon his maisters foe , and neuer left biting and striking til he had slaine him likewise : It is reported that Dionisius the Tirant , forsaking his horse in a bogge or quagmire , the horse after with much labor getting forth of the durt , did immediately vpon his own accord followe his maister whilst a swarme of Bees did knit in his mane , which Dionisius perceiuing , he mounted the horses backe againe , and tooke that sign for a token that he should be king of Secill . Horsses as some Authors do report haue been seene to haue such excellent perseuerances & vnderstandings of their daungers , that they haue gathered vp the darts which haue bin spent in battel , and haue deliuered them vnto their maisters ; others report that in the Circensian games which wer founded by Claudius Caesar , the horses which wore the white liuerie , casting the Charriot-driuer from his seat , did not withstanding of their owne accords run to the end of the course , and there made their stop , and wan the prize with great glorie , and it is saide that other horses in the same games , but at other times hauing cast their riders , haue not withstanding both wun the Wagers , and after according to the maner of those sports , they haue without anie conducters or rulers gon to the Capitol , and made three turnes about the temple of Iupiter . A World of other examples are recorded touching the in warde worthines of their knowledges , which beecause we do not dailie see or dailie take note of , therefore we hardlie creditte . Now for the puissaunce and stoutnes of their courages , we finde how there be dyuers probable Authors , who write that neither Bucephalus which was Alexanders Horsse , nor the Horsse of Iulius Caesar would suffer any Man to ryde them , but their masters onely , as if they did scorne meaner Burthens , it is saide that Augustus Caesar , had a Horse of such exquisite goodnesse and perfection , that Germanicus Caesar made a most famous poem in praise of him , and both at Agrigentum , and in dyuers other parts there be most famous piramedes builded ouer Horsses , all which shewe that they haue beene most famous beastes , and they haue bin regarded according to their worths , howeuer now they be dispised or neglected : and if we looke but into latter times wee may see the great estymation of Horsses , by the buriall of that famous Horsse , vppon which Charles the eyght did himselfe serue against the Italians , which Horse was afterwards solemnly buryed by the Lady of Burbon , the Kings Sister ; And for mine own part , I haue seene an Irish-Hobby which being shot cleane through the body , did bring his Maister safe from the fielde , and assoone as he was dismounted , the Horse dyed presently ; And truely it is a thing vnsearchable to enter into the knowledge , Stoutnesse , Aptnesse , and indurance of an excellent Horsse ; for proofe whereof doe but heare the reportes of Souldiers or Hunts-men , and they will giue you full satisfaction ; Now for those onely which a Horse will do , as being vnnaturall , strange , and past reason , wee haue hadde a full testimony in our time , by the Curtall which one Banks carried vppe and downe , and shewed both to Princes , and to the common people , which were so farre beyond conceit , that it was a generall opinion , and euen some of good wisedome haue maintained the assertion , that it was not possible to bee done by a Horse , that which that Curtall did , but by the assistance of the Deuill ; but for mine owne part , I knowe that all which so thought , were infinitely deceiued , and these two reasons leade mee thereunto , that first I perswade my selfe the Man was exceeding honest , And secondly that I know by most assured tryals , that ther was no one tricke which that Curtall did , which I will not almost make any Horse do in lesse then a months practise , and that for as much as euer I saw him doe ( which I perswade my selfe was as much as other Men ) I euer found a dyrect rule and Method , by which the Horse was gouerned and dyrected . And thus much I thought good to write touching the excellency of a Horses aptnesse and vnderstanding . CHAP. 5. How a Horse may be taught to doe any tricke , done by Bankes his Curtall . ALthough La Broue do much discommend and dispraise the teaching of a horse to do these vnnecessary and vnnaturall actions which more properly do be long to Dogges , Apes , Munkies , and Baboones , yet because Mens natures are so apt to delight in nouelties , & in as much as I desire to giue satisfaction to all humours whatsoeuer , vpon profit and reason ; and because these vnprofitable to yes shew in a Horse an extraordinary capacity , an obseruant feare , and an obedyent loue , all which are to be esteemed worthy qualities ; I will shew you in this breefe relation , by the example of two or three tricks , how you shall make your Horse to doe any other action as well as any Dogge or Ape whatsoeuer , except it bee leaping vpon your shoulders , climbing vppe houses , or vntying knots , all which are contrary to the shape and strength of his greate body ; but for fetching or carrying , ( as commonly Dogges doe ) for counting numbers with his feete , or for chusing out any particular person amongst a multitude , or any other such like motion , those you shall perceiue are to bee taught with great ease and assurance , if a man will imploy his labour thereunto , and not neglect the principall obseruations which necessarily depend vpon such instructions . You shall therefore know , that if you will haue your Horse fetch and carry , either Gloue , Handkerchife , Hat , or any such like thing , you shall first bring your Horse to an especiall loue , fear ; and knowledge of your person by this meanes ; You shal not suffer any Man whatsoeuer to rubbe , dresse , or so much as to speake to the Horse , but your selfe only , neither shall you let him haue any foode , Drinke , or other nourishment , but what he receiues from your hand , and to that end you shall continually keepe him in the Mussell , you shall seldome bee from him , but either picking or trimming him , you shall when you walke abroade , take him in a string abroade with you , and make him so conuersant and familiar with you , ( suffering no other Man to giue him either faire word or faire looke ) that in the end the Horse finding that hee receiues neither food nor comfort from any Creature but your selfe , he may so wedde his inclination vnto yours , that as if it were a Dogge which would follow his Maister , so you shall make your Horse to attend and followe you vppe and downe , whichis an easie thing to bring to passe , as you may perceiue by many foot-cloath Horses in the Cytty , vvhich onely through a little custome will follovve their keepers vvhethersoeuer they goe , novv you must obserue , that vvhilest you make your Horse thus to loue and delight in your company , you must also make him stand in awe and feare , of your displeasure , correcting him euer with a sharpe rod , when he doth any thing contrary to your will , and both cherrishing him , and giuing him something to eate , whensoeuer hee doth any thing to your liking ; and in correcting him you must euer obserue to acquaint him but with one torment , as if it be with the Rodde , then you shall by no meanes vse Whippe , Cudgell , or to strike him with your fists , and to this actuall torment you shall euer adde but one word of terrour or threatning : so likewise in cherrishing , besides foode , you shall vse but one manner of clapping or clawing him , nor but one certaine worde of encouragement , for as the vse of many wordes , many corrections , and many chirrishinge makes him he can neither vnderstand any word , any correction , or any cherrishing perfectly , so the vse of one single worde certainely , to one purpose , makes the Horse as perfitly by custome know the meaning thereof as your selfe that speakes it , as thus for example : If your Horse out of ignorance bee about to doe contrary to your will , then to vse this word . Be wise , at which if he do not stay and take better deliberation , but wilfully pursue his error , then to correct him and vse this word Villayne or Traitor , or such like , so you vse but one word ; and when he doth as you woulde haue him , to cherrish him , and vse this word So boy , in a short space you shal bringe him to that knowledge that he wil wholy be directed by those words and your commaundement ; you shal neuer at any time giue him any food , but when he doth something to deserue food , that knowing alwaies the cause why hee hath foode , hee may with more diligence regard and obserue you in whatsoeuer you do : Now when you haue thus made your horse acquainted with obedience and louing vnto you , & ready to obserue euery thing which shal proceed from you when he knowes perfectly the diuersitie of your wordes and the cause of your great tormenting and punnishing him , when you haue brought him to an empty body & an hungry appetite , so that euen for his belly sake he wil dubble his diligence , for it is a general rule that neither flying Hawke , nor setting Spanyel must bee kept more empty then a horse in this case , then you may begin to teach him to fetch your gloue , first by making him take your Gloue into his mouth and holding it , then by letting the gloue fal to the ground , and making him take it vp , and lastly by throwing the gloue a pretty way from you , and making him fetch it and deliuer it vnto you , & euery time he doth to your contentment , yow shal giue him two or three bits of bread , and when he offends you then two or three strokes ; or if you finde him verye wilful or vnapt to conceiue , then as soone as you haue corrected him , you shal put on his mussel , and let him stand for at least six hours after without meat , and then proue him again , yet you must haue great patience in teaching him at the first , and not leaue him by any meanes til he doth something fashion himselfe to your liking , and after once you perceiue he doeth vnderstand you , then if he doe amisse , you must by no meanes ouerslippe punnishment ; for the greatest difficulty is in the firste entrance to learne , and whether he doth wel or il , or whatsoeuer hee doeth you shal by no meanes chaunge your words or vse more speech then what he perfectly vnderstandes . Til hee wil very readilie receiue your gloue , you shal by no meanes make him take it from the grounde , and til he wil take it from the grounde as quicklie as you can let it fal , you shal not by anie means make him fetch it , for to haue two lessons imperfect at once , wold make a confusion in the horses memory , and before you make him perfect in anie of these three , you shal by continuall vse and calling vpon him make him know his own name , so that whensoeuèr you pronounce it , he may ( whatsoeuer he is doing ) lift vp his head , and look you in the face , which is a signe he attends your pleasure : and to bringe al these thinges to passe , there is no other Arte to be vsed then labour and industrie ioyned to the obseruations al-l readie prescribed : and there be some horses which after they are acquainted with the man and his meanings will performe al this in lesse then one weeke , other horses I haue seene which haue bin a month about one of them , wherefore when you wil try these conclusions , you must not think much with anie labor . When your horse wil receiue your gloue , take vppe your gloue , and fetch your gloue , you shal then make him carrie a Gloue whether you wil in this sort : first you shall make him receiue it in his mouth , and then pointing out a place with your rod you shal say vnto him Deliuer , and not leaue repeating that word sometimes more sharpely , sometimes gently til he lay or at lest bow his hed down with it to that place where your rod pointed , and then you shal cherrish him , and giue him bread , thus you shal labor and apply him euerie houre when he is hungry , till you haue made him that he wil carrie to anie place against which you pointe your rod , and when you saie Deliuer , then to let it parte from his mouth . Now you must obserue that whilst you teach him thus , looke to what place you point your rod , to that place also you must most constantly place your eie , not remoouing it to anie other obiect , til your wil be performd , for it is your eie and countenance , as wel as your words , by which the horse is guided , & whosoeuer did note Bankes curtal , might see that his eie did neuer part from the eie of his ma ister ; when your horse wil thus by the directions of your rod and your eie , carrie anie thinge you will to the place you shall appoint him vnto , then you shall so hourelie practise him therin , that in the end if you do make neuer so slight a signe with your rod , so your eye be constantly fixte , yet the horse will beare it towardes that place , which as oft as hee doeth , you shal cherrish him and giue him food , then you shal cause two or three by-standers to stande a prettie distaunce one from another , and then giuing the horsse the Gloue , you shall with your rod point at him to whome you woulde haue him carrie it , and assoone as hee comes neare , or but towardes the party you point at , he shal put out his hande and receiue the Gloue from him , and you shal then cherish the horsse , and giue him breade , and thus you shall do to euery seueral By-stander diuers and sundry times , till the Horse bee so perfit , that he will goe to which or whom you will point at , and when he doth erre neuer so little , you shall not faile first to bid him Be wise , and then if he amend not instantly , to correct him ; this done , you shall make two by standers to stand close together , and then poynting at one of them , if the Horse mistake and looke more towards the other , you shall byd him Be wise , and then if he turne his head towards the other , hee shall presently receiue the Gloue , and you shall cherrish the Horse , this by labour and practise hee will grow so eunning in , that if there be neuer so great a company , looke but vppon what you fixe your eye , or to what obiect you beare the point of your rod , to that onely the Horse will carry what is deliuered him , wherin you are but only to help him thus farre , that when he is neare the party , you giue him comfort , and cause the party to take what the Horse bringes : then after to giue a greater grace to the action , or to make fond people wonder , you may blind-fold the Horse , and taking any mans Gloue in secret , after vnblindfold him , and bid the Horse beare the Gloue to him whom from you took it , which by the direction of your eye and rod , he will presently do . Now if you will teach your Horse to reckon any number , by lifting vp and pawing with his feete , you shall first with your rodde , by rapping him vpon the shin , make him take his foote from the ground , and by adding to your rod one certaine word as Vp : or such like , now whē he will take vp his foote once , you shall cherrish him , & giue him Bread , and when hee sets it vppon the ground , the first time you shall euer say one , then giue him more bread , and after a little pause , labour him againe at euery motiō , giuing him a bit of bread til he be so perfit , that as you lift vp your rod , so he will lift vp his foot , and as you moue your rod downeward , so he will moue his foot to the ground , and you shall carefully obserue to make him in any wise to keep true time with your rod , and not to moue his foot when you leaue to moue your rodde , which correcting him when he offends , both with stroakes and hunger , he will soone be carefull to obserue , after you haue brought him to this perfectnesse , then you shall make him encrease his numbers at your pleasure , as from one to two , from two to three , and so fourth , till in the end hee will not leaue pawing with his foote , so long as euer you moue your rod vp and downe , and in this by long custome , you shall make him so perfect , that if you make the motion of your rod neuer so little , or hard to bee perceiued , yet he wil take notice frō it , and in this lesson as in the other , you must also dyrect him by your eie , fixyng your eyes vpon the rod , and vppon the Horsses feete all the while that you moue it : for it is a rule in the nature of Horsses , that they haue an especiall regard to the eye , face , and countenaunce of their keepers , so that once after you haue brought him to know the helpe of your eye , you may presume he will hardly erre except your eye misguide him : and therefore euer before you make your Horse doe any thing , you must first make him looke you in the face . Now after you haue made him perfit in these obseruations , and that he knowes his seuerall rewardes , both for good and euill dooings , then you may aduenture to bryng him into any company or assembly , and making any Man thinke a number , and tell it you in your eare , you may byd the Horse tell you what number the man did thinke , and at the end of your speech bee sure to saye last Vp : for that is as it were a Watch-worde to make him know what hee must doe , and whylest you are talking , you shall make him looke in your face , and so your eye dyrecting him vnto your rodde , you may with the motions thereof , make him with his foot declare the number before thought by the by-stander . From this you may create a World of other toyes , as how many Maydes , howe many Fooles , how many Knaues , or how many Richmen are amongst a multitude of gazing persons , making the Worlde wonder at that which is neyther wonderfull , nor scarce artificiall . Now for the making of a Horse to lie downe when you will , that euery ordinary Horse-corser , or Horse-ambler , can make his Horse by beating him , first vpon both his free Shinnes , and making him kneele downe , and so by degrees to make him lye all along , after what fashion or manner you will , as if either he were dead , asleepe , or else couching and watching to see something ; wherein is onely to be obserued , the constancy of the certain word you vse for that purpose , and your reward for wel dooing , and your correction when he offends , and all such helpes which you vse when you teach either Hound or Spaniell to couch , which is for the most part at the first onely an awfull threatning , or commaundment tyl he vnderstand your mind , and after as it were but a milde and cheerefull intreaty . Now for to make him rise vp sodainely againe , and either to strik , leape , or vse any desperate motiō , you shal but only acquaint him with some other word cōtrary to that by which you forst him to lie down , & assoone as you vse it , you shal not onely help to raise him vp with your hād , but by pricking , tickling , or toying with him , make him yark vp his hinder parts , and offer to run and bite at you , your selfe seeming as it were to be affraid of him , and as it were in a pleasant manner to shrinke and runn away from his fury ; and that you may doe this with more certainety , you shall before you teach him to lye down , teach him to yarke behinde by pricking him in the Buttocke with a sharp Nall , Goad , or such like Instrument , but in any case not by vsing your rodde , for that being your Instrument of correction , must neuer be vsed but when he offends , least he mistaking the vse , do likewise mistake when he doth offend , and when he doth please you . Also you shal teach him before he com to fall downe , to run , and bite , and snap at you as hee plaies , and is familiar with you , by twitching at his lips , and shrinking your hand againe , or sometimes by pricking him in the lips with a Pinne , or such like ; or by making him run vp and downe after you , for in such wantonnesse a Horse is naturally adicted to knauery ; Now when he hath learnt these toyes , you may then imploy them , and mixe them with any tricke whatsoeuer , and from these toyes you may create twenty others as much or more fantasticall , which would aske a great toyle to declare in writing , and yet in their teaching they haue but one Method or manner of instruction . Now to conclude , that you may make a Horse to pisse when you woulde haue him ( or at least to straine and moue himselfe thereunto ) or to leaue pissing when you please , you shall for two dayes at the least , watch him , and keepe such distance of times , that hee may neuer pisse , but when you vrge him , and to that end you shall once in two or three houres leade your horse vppe and downe vpon straw , so softly , that hee may as it were but put out one foot and stand stil , then another & stand stil , your selfe continually saying vnto him Pysse , Pysse , and thus you shal do if it be a whole day togither , till he do pisse or straine himselfe to pisse , and then you shal reward him with bread ; and til he do pisse or straine himselfe to pisse , you shal neither mooue him in any other lesson , nor let him tast foode though it were for a weeke together , and by this meanes after he vnderstands your meaning , you shal no oftner say pisse , but he either will pisse , or straine himselfe to Pisse , and then at your pleasure acquainting him with a contrarie worde as No more or such like , which being spoken in threatning sort , and accompanied with correction , you shal make him staie his pissing when and as oft as you please . As this motion of pissing , so you may vse him in his eating , drinking , or anie other naturall action , and though these appeare verie vnnatural , yea euen to horsemen themselues , yet they are as easie to bee effected , as anie toye whatsoeuer . Nowe for trotting , ambling or dauncing when you please , or seuerally to vse which you please , you are but first to make him seuerally to know the motions , and to vse to euerie motion a seueral helpe , as when you would haue him dance , to ierke him ouerthwart the mid-back , when you would haue him trotte , to ierke him vpon the shoulder , and when you would haue him amble to ierk him vnder the bellie , and to knit to euery helpe a certain worde , and you shal find it more certaine then anie other trick whatsoeuer . And thus hauing giuen you these slight tastes of the entrance into these superficial toyes , which are more to stir admiration then profit , sith from these may be deriued al others which haue been put in practise , I thinke it not good to trouble you further with any large relation . CHAP. 6. Of drawing dry foot , and the aptnes of horses thereunto . IT is not long ago since a worthy gentleman mine especial friend ( talking with mee touching the natures and dispositions of horses ) began amongst other conferences to lay me down strong arguments and very good & probable reasons , that it might bee possible to make a horse to draw dry-foot after any man , and to distinquish scents with his nose as wel as any blood-hound , or sluthound whatsoere , both because a horse of al other beasts is most dainty and curious of smel , and also is more apt to vndertake , and more able to performe any thing then any other beast , by as much as he is of greater vnderstanding & better capassity , and for an instance of his purenes of smelling , we know that let a horse be blind-folded neuer so close , and but brought where a proude Mare is , he wil instantly smel her , and grow as coragious as if his eies had neuer so great liberty ; horsses also haue beene knowne to start , and to vndertake the scent of a Bear long before they haue either seene or come neare the Beare ; so that a horse being able both to vent and wind a far off the scents , which both please and displease him , it must consequently follow that nature hath giuen them benefit enough in smelling , and there onely wantes but an industrious mind to venter vpon the imploiment ; out of such like arguments as these , it pleased him to vrge me to make trial of his immagination , and so to report what I found in the practise : but at that time being ouermastred with the worlds busines ( I mean crosses and law suites ) I could not so presently pursue it , but since being deliuerd of those fetters I bestowed , a month practise to see what I could bring to passe , and it is most assured I found very possible , for thus far I proceded ; first after I had kept my horse in the mussel a Weeke and more , and brought him to such a sharpnes and eagernes of stomack , that he was euen almost mad for food , and when I had brought him to a perfect familiarity and acquaintance with mee , making him euer eat that litle which he did eat vpon the ground , after I had troad on it with my foot , I then went into a bare-eaten-close , and there laid downe a peece of bread , and set my foot vpon it , and then another within a foot of it , and trod vpon it also , & so laid piece by piece one within a foote or two foot of another , til I had gon xx . or xxx yards , and then stood close vnder a hedge or a wal , so as the horse might not see me , then I caused one to bring foorth the horse , and to bring him to the first peece of bread , and so to the second , and so from piece to peece , til hee came to the place where I stoode , where presently I gaue him as many Oats as he would eate , and then putte on his mussel : for you must vnderstande that bread is onely good to make the traine with , but ro feed the horse continually with it , the sauor is so strong , that it would somwhat hinder his scent , whereas Oats hauing no such ranknes , works no such imperfection : in this sort I continued him twice a day for a weeke togither , euery time making my traine a seueral waie , til the horse grewe so cunning , that assoon as he had tasted the first piece he would euen trot from peece to peece , and make no staie til he came where I stood . After this I laid my first pieces of bread , more then a yard asunder , & towards the latter end of the traine I laide them a dozen yardes assunder so that then hee began to trust more to his nose then he did before , and thus I vsed him for more then another weeke , till hee came to that perfection that he would make him runne which led him , in all which time I euer obserued , that if he either grew negligent or careles of his busines , or fel to gnaw vpon the earth presently he which led him , after some rating and beating him , put on his mussel , and hee stoode at least a dozen houres after without food , but this neither did , nor wil happen but very sildome , especially if you keepe him in right temper , which is , that he may be extreame hungry , but not faint or sick with hunger , and also I did neuer faile but when he had found me out , I gaue him water as well as Oats ; the third weeke , I made his traine at least a quarter of a mile , and not aboue six peeces of bread in al the traine , yet so pl●st , and the traine made so plaine , that if at any time there hapned a slight error , yet he which ledde him by knowing my passage was able to helpe and putte him into the true path again , and thus I practised the horse , and increased his knowledge by such lesurable degrees , that before a month was past , I haue not laid aboue two peeces of bread in more then a quarter of a mile , and haue with my best diligence endeuoured to deceiue both the horse and him which led him , but I founde that with no faire play I was able to do it , but go whither I wold in any orderly fashion , and the horse would find me out ; Now thus farre onely I did proceede in this experiment , partly to satisfie my friend , and partly to better mine own iudgment , when compelled ( as poore men are ) to followe other occasions , I was faine to desist and to leaue my desire but halfe satisfied ; so that how a horses nose is able to direct him when he comes to diuersity of earths , to hie waies , to the foylings of other catle , & to wet and moist places I am not able as yet to iudge , onely for what I haue hitherto seene , or what in the nature or composition of a horse I vnderstād I find nothing to abate or discorage my hope , and for mine owne part I haue such a confident opinion therein , that I make no doubt but whosoeuer shall take in hand the practise , shall find it easie and ful of probability , till when I refer all whatsoeuer I haue written in this whole art of horse-manships to the iudgement of such who read without mallice or destruction . The end of the eight booke . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A06903-e2870 Of the English horse . The Courser of Naples . Of Sardinia and Corsica . Of the Turkie horse . Absirtus . Gesner . The Barbarie horse . The Iennet of Spaine . The Polland horse . The Almaine horse . The Hungarian horse . The Flanders horse . The Friesland horse . The Sweathland horse . The Irish Hobbie . Signes of a Mares pride . Notes for div A06903-e7240 Camerarins . Oppianus . Absirtus . Obseruatiō : before a horsman mou● his horse . The Horsemans s●e . Of the Voice . Of the rodde . Of the Brydle Of the calues of the legges . Of the stirrop & the leather● Of the spurs . Of the wrything of the moozell only . If a horse reine not wel . Of ducking dowue the heade . Of restifnesse comming of base nature . Restisenesse that comes of pride and courage . Of restifnesse which pro●eedes from ●olly . Fearfulnesse by nature . Fearefulnesse by youth . Fearefulnesse by custome . Fearefu● by 〈◊〉 ●ight . Of great noyses . Of induring armor , staffe , or sword . Of fire and gunshot . Of foule trotting . Of Retyring . Of aduauncing . Of Retyring . The turne Terra ▪ Terra . The benefit of the straight Wall. The Galloppe Galliard . The horsemans apparel Ascollers first mounting . The schollers seate , The schollers lessons . Notes for div A06903-e15990 The Otter . The Foxe or Badger . Of the Bucke or Stagge . Of the 〈◊〉 Of the traine sente . Of the Wilde-goose chase . Ordinarie breade . Of the mashe Of Hempsee● . Rosemarie & Butter . Sallet oyle and Milke . Sallet oyle and Muskadine . Sacke and Sallet Oyle . Butter and Garlicke . Butter and Saunders . Box leaues & Brimstone . Notes frō the horses dung . Notes from his eating . Of cloathing : Of heates and coldes . Notes for div A06903-e19960 Of Grasse . Of Hay . Of Straw . Oates . Of Barley . Of whea● . Of Fytches . Of Pease . Of beanes . Of blende torne . Of horse bread Water for a fat Horse . Water for a leane horse : Of the choyse of coatch-horses . Notes for div A06903-e21730 Dyet breade : Of washt meate dryed . Of moyst washt 〈◊〉 . The first dyet . The first coursing . Of waight . 〈◊〉 Of aduantage against aduantage . The horsrunners attire . Of starting a swifthorse . Of running against many Horses : Of running ▪ slow tough Horse . Helps in riding The great horse saddle . The Morocco saddle : The F●ench pad : The lar●e scotch saddle ▪ The plaine Scottish sadle . The Hunting or running saddle Of chusing saddle trees : Of perfite hoofes . Of interfayring . Hunting shoes Notes for div A06903-e23800 Of the Pestilent Feuer . Of the wet cough , dry cough , o●●otent cough . Loath of meat or drinke or surfeits . Consumption of the lyuer . Costiuenes , loosnes , fl● and wormes . Notes for div A06903-e28970 The Horse-coursers choise of horses . The Horse sers deceits Of counting numbers . Of making a Horse lye downe . Of making a Horse pisse , or forbeare , & other toies