The hunter a discourse of horsemanship directing the right way to breed, keep, and train a horse, for ordinary hunting and plates. Langbaine, Gerard, 1656-1692. 1685 Approx. 208 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 51 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2003-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A49535 Wing L374 ESTC R1219 12496934 ocm 12496934 62532 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. A49535) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 62532) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 638:11) The hunter a discourse of horsemanship directing the right way to breed, keep, and train a horse, for ordinary hunting and plates. Langbaine, Gerard, 1656-1692. [2], 98 p. Printed by L. Lichfield ..., for Nicholas Cox, Oxford [Oxfordshire] : 1685. Errata: p. 98. Reproduction of original in Bodleian Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Horses -- Breeding. Horsemanship. 2002-01 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2002-02 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2002-03 TCP Staff (Michigan) Sampled and proofread 2002-03 Olivia Bottum Text and markup reviewed and edited 2002-04 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion The Hunter . A DISCOVRSE of HORSEMANSHIP : Directing The right way to breed , keep , and train a HORSE , for ordinary Hunting and Plates . OXFORD , Printed by L. Lichfield , Printer to the University , for Nicholas Cox. 1685. The HUNTER . CHAP. I. Of Hunting-Horses in general , their Excellency , and the necessity and benefit of the Art of Keeping . I Shall omit to speak in praise of Hunting in general , since I would avoid ( as much as might be ) Repetitions , and that it is already done at the Begining of the foregoing Book , with more Address than I am Master of . But since that Author hath spoken nothing of the Hunting-Horse , which is a principal Instrument of that Excellent Recreation , I desire leave to speak a word in his Behalf . In Behalf , I say , of this noble Creature , to whom all that are Followers of Hunting are oblig'd : since it is by his Strength and Vigour that we grati●ie at ease our Eyes and Ears with all the Pleasures that Hunting affords ; and without whose Assistance , a great part of us could enjoy it a little more than in Imagination . But t is not to us only , that are Huntsmen , but to all M●nkind , that the Hunter is ( or may be ) serviceable . Has our Prince , or Country occasion for our Service in the Field : on what Horse can we venture our Lives more sec●rely , than on the Hunter ? His Readiness to obey the Hand and Heel , equals him to the Mannag'd Horse . His being us'd to gallop on all sorts of Grounds , as well steep places as deep Earths , has so steel'd his Courage , that he declines no Military service you can put him on . Are there Ambuscado's to be laid , Discoveries to be made , speedy and long Marches to be perform'd ; or any other Service , wherein Strength of Body , Purity of Wind , or Swiftness , are requir'd● The General may in any of these cases rely on the Hunter , with as much Con●idence , as on the Horse that is dress'd in the Mannage . In times of Peace he is equally Useful , not only for Pleasure , but also for Necessity , and Profit . How diverting to the Eyes , is a Beautiful Horse after a Pack of Dogs ? and with how much ease to our Bodies , and delight to our Minds , are we carried vp to them ; with so much Vigour and Pride to be discern'd in his Countenance , as if he emulated the Hounds in their Speed , and was desirous to excell them , in his Obedience to their common Lord. How Necessary is the Hunter beyond all other Horses , if his Masters urgent Affairs ( where either Life or Fortune are in hazard , ) exact the performance of a long Iourney in a short Time. If his Master , in hopes of Advantage , has match'd him against any other Horse ; how ready and willing is he , to perform the Vtmost that Nature is capable of , or his Master can reasonably expect from Him● and having Art joyn'd to his natural Abilities , will not only excell all other Horses , but accomplish things beyond his Masters Hopes , or Expectations ; for without its Assistance in Dieting and Exercise , no Horse can follow the Hounds , or indeed undergo any other extreme Labour , without hazarding the melting his Grease , the breaking of his Wind , or foundring him either in Feet , or Body : all which are consequences of immoderate Labour , and Ignorance in this Art. That I may therefore give you some Light into its Mysteries , I shall first direct you how to breed such Horses that may be for Training ; or else instruct you , how otherwise to procure them . Secondly , how to know by Shapes , Marks , and other Tokens , what Horse may be most convenient for your purpose . Thirdly , how to diet him so , that he may perform all things within his Power , without Danger . Lastly , what manner of Exercise is most conducive to this Design : and on these Heads I intend to inlarge in my following Discourse . But before I enter upon my Subject propos'd , I think it necessary to answer Four Objections , that may be made against this Art of Dieting and Training Horses , that I may remove all prejudice from the minds of those , who think they may have Reason to oppose it ; and that I may vindicate ( with Truth ) this Art , and clear it from all Aspersions . The first Objection I shall mention , is made by de Grey in his Epistle to the Reader , ( Edit . 4 th . ) where under the Vmbrage of his Love to Horses and in pity of the Hardships they undergo in Hunting , he extreamly inveighs against it , as the Sourse of all their Miseries . But that I may not be tax'd of Prevarication by my Reader , and for his satisfaction I shall set down his Words , which are these . If the Nobility and Gentry of this our Isle of Great Britain , did truly know how honourable , and how commendable Horsemanship were , and how much they are esteem●d and admir'd , who are the true Professors thereof , they would labour more than they now do , to breed and to have good Horses ; but it much troubleth me to see , how little Esteem Gentlemen have thereof . Some Horses they have , though not for Mannage , yet for Hunting : but what manner of Hunting ? Fox-hunting forsooth , or Harriers , which ●e as fleet as petty Grey-hounds , wherewith they do so much over-strain the strength of these poor Horses , ( forcing them over deep Fallows , tough Clays , and wet and rough Sands , ) that albeit those Horses be strong and able , yet are they so toil'd out therewith , as that when they come home at night they would pity the Heart of him that loveth an Horse to see them so bemired , blooded , spurred , lamentably spent , and tyred out ; whereas if such Horses had been ridden to the Great-Saddle and Cannon , they would infinitely have delighted all men that should have beheld them . To this I answer , that for my own part I am not very fond of Fox hunting ; but I can see no Reason why Persons of Honour should not gratifie their Fancies with this Recreation , since from the beginning Horses were made for the service of Man ; and doubtless for their Recreation , as well as more necessary Uses . And I am very confident , that if Horses be train'd , dieted , and ridden according to Art , there will be left no ground for this Objection . For by good Feeding Faintness would be prevented ; and by Airing , and due Exercise , the Horses Wind would be so improv'd , that no moderate Labour would hurt him ; nay , though a Horse by immoderate Riding , were reduc'd to such Tragical Exigencies , as De Grey mentions , yet by the Assistance of Art Nature may be in Twenty ●our hou●●s space so reliev'd , that all those dangerous Symptoms shall be remov'd , and all the Natural Faculties act as ●ormerly . Now as to the last part of his Argument , I appeal to all the greatest Masters of Academi●s here , or in Foreign Parts ; whether in the Mannage , the Spurs are not as much us'd , ( not to say more , ) as in Hunting ; and the Duke of Newcastle in his Methode Nouvelle in 8 0. p. 85. says , il n'y a point d' Exercise si violent pour l●s Chevaux que celuy de Manege ; that is , There is no Exercise so violent for Horses as the Mannage ; so that you see Hunting is not the only violent Exercise : and Salomon de la Brove goes further in his Cavalarise Fran●oise , telling us , that Mannag'd Horses should sometimes be us'd to the Chase , since hunting assists his wind , and brings him to a civil Acquaintance with other Horses : inferring from hence , that hunting procures to an Horse two Benefits , viz. Speed and Strength , and reforms in him two Vices , Salvageness and Restiveness . Secondly , there are others , that though they may approve of keeping their Horses clean , yet are not reconcil'd to hunting ; but being either Admirers of Coursing , or else keeping Horses only for the benefit of their health , and the taking the Air ; will not be perswaded , but that they can bring their Horses to the same Perfection without hunting , as with it . To answer the first of these , I mean Coursers ; I affirm , 't is impossible to attain the end of this Art by that Means : for being oblig'd in search of their Game to toil their Horses all day , over deep Fallows , in a foot-pace only , they are likelier to bring their Horses to Weariness than Perfection . And the same Answer may serve the Others likewise : for Riding a Horse up and down the Field after nothing , brings a Weariness and Dislike to an Horse in his Exercise , through his Ignorance of the Time , when his Labour shall cease ; whether , or to what End he is so labour'd . Whereas on the contrary , an Horse naturally takes delight in following the Dogs , and seems pleas'd with their Musick , as is evident by his pricking up his Ears , gazing on them , and pressing to gallop towards them , when ever he hears them in full cry , ( though at a distance . ) Nay further , I have been Master of a Stonehorse , that so entirely lov'd the Hounds , that when at any time ( through eagerness of Sport , and desire to save the Hare from being eaten ) I have rid in amongst the Dogs , he would so carefully avoid treading on them , that he has more than once hazarded my Limbs ( by making a false step ) to save theirs . From hence I infer , that doubtless Horses extreamly delight in hunting , and consequently , that it is a fit Exercise for them . Thirdly , Others Object , That what soever Pleasure there may be in Hunting , they had rather deny themselves that satisfaction than hazard the Laming their Horses , which , ( as they are told ) few , or no Hunters escape . That Hunters are sometimes Lame , I do not deny : but cannot allow , that it proceeds alwaies from this Exercise . For 't is the Indiscretion of the Riders , in overstraining their Horses at Leaps ; and by that meanes , sometimes clapping them on the back-sinews , catching in their shoos , and such like , and not the Sport , that is the cause of Lameness . But on the contrary , I will undertake to shew any man Twenty other Horses lame ( which never knew what belong'd to Hunting ) for One Hunter . There are several other Reasons be●ides Hunting to be given for Lameness ; as for Instance . Much Travel though but moderate , if care be wanting ) will produce Wind-galls , and Splints , which are the fore-runners of Lameness . Want of Exercise will straiten the Hoofs , and dry up the sinews ; and too much negligence in Travail occa●ions Surbating , Foundring , and Gravailing . Horses on the Road oftentimes stumble , and now and then fall , and so become Lame . Na● , a Slip , or an Over-reach are as incident to the Pad , as to the Hunter . And to conclude , the Horse that is Dress●d , is more liable to a Strain in the Back , and ●illets , than the Hunter ; by meanes of his short●t●rns : so that you may perceive that Lameness is Epidemical , and therefore no more to be objected against Hunting-Horses , than the rest of that Species . Fourthly , Some again are Enemies to this Art of Dyeting Horses in particular : affirming , that such exact Diet makes them tender , sickly , and takes them off their Stomach : and that the Charges are not only great , but likewise unnecessary . To the First part of this Obiection , I answer , that an Horse is so far from being made tender , or losing his Appetite , by such extream and several Feedings , if he have proportionate Exercise , that it rather inures him to hardship . For much Labour ( if not too violent ) either in Man or Beast , instead of weakning the Stomack , and causing Sickness , does rather advance the Appetite and preserve his Health ; and it may be observed , that it doth oftner heighten than decay the Stomack . In like manner moderate Airings purify his Wind , and both together render him Healthy , and fit for Service . As to the several sorts of Food , we shall prove in the sequel , that every part of it is both nourishing , and natural to all Horses Constitutions ; so that consequently , t is not only allowable , but necessary : And to prove this , needs no more ; than to ride an ordinary Horse drawn clean , a days Hunting or three Hea●s , and a Course , against the best of those Horses , which are kept by such Persons who think that half a Peck a Day , and fetching his water at the next Spring is Horsemanship sufficient ; and they will find by keeping and Exercise , the Ordinary Horse will become long winded , and stick at Mark ● when the other that is Foul-fed , and fat , will soon give out , for want of Wind ; ●r otherwise if he be hardy will dy under the Spur ; whereas if the untrained Horse had been rightly ordered he would have worsted Twenty such Horses . Now to the Charges of Keeping , Fifty Shillings a Y●ar disburs'd for Bread , besides Hay , Straw , Corn and Physick , ( which all Horses of Value must be allowed ) is all that will be requisite , to keep an Horse in as good State for Ordinary Hunting , as any Horse whatsoever . Lastly by being Skilful in the Art of Keeping , this Advantage will insue ; that no Dist●mper relating either to the Head or Body can conceal themselves from his keepers knowledge , whose Skill will inform him , how to put a stop to them , before they have made any considerable Advances to the Horses Prejudice . And he that grudges so small an Expence on so noble and useful a Creature as an Horse is , deserves never to come on the back of one . CHAP. II. Of Breeding , the Choice of a Stallion , and Mares , with some general Remarks on Marks and Colours . SInce Creation and Generation preceeded the Art of Riding , and that the first thing which is of Course to be treated of , is the Choice of an Horse ●it for this exercise of Hunting . I shall speak somthing cursorily of the Art of Breeding , before I treat of the Hunter ready for service . To them therefore that have grounds convenient for Breed , I shall direct this part of my discourse : and lay them down some few Rules that may be serviceable to them , though I shall be as brief as possible , and refer them to Markham , de Grey , Morgan , Almond , and Farring Compleated , ( which is collected from the forementioned Authors Markham and de Grey ) all which have treated of the Art of Breeding more at large . First therefore I wonld advise you to buy either an Arabian Horse ( if you can procure him , ) a Spaniard , a Turk , or a Barb , for your Stallion , that is well shap'd , of a good Colour to beautify your Race , and well mark'd , to agree with most mens Opinions ; though otherwise they are not so significative as Mr. Blundevile , and his Italian Author Frederigo Grissone , would have us believe . To begin with the Arabian ; Merchants , and other Gentlemen that have travell'd those parts , report , that the right Arabians are valu'd at an incredible , as well as an intolerable Rate ; being priz'd at Five hundred , others say at one , two , and three thousand Pounds an Horse ; that the Arabs are as careful of keeping the Genealogies of their Horses , as Princes in keeping their Pedigrees ; that they keep them with Medals ; and that each Son's Portion is usually two Suits of Arms , two Cymeters , and one of these Horses . The Arabs boast , that they will ride fourscore miles a day , without drawing Bitt : which has been perform'd by several of our English Horses . But much more was atchiev'd by an High●way-man's Horse ; who having taken a B●oty , on the same day rode him from London to York , being One hundred and Fifty Miles . Notwithstanding their great value , and the difficulty in bringing them from Scanderoon to England by Sea ; yet by the care , and at the charge of some Breeders in the North , the Arabian Horse is no st●anger to those parts ; where Persons who have the curiosity , may ( as I presume ) at this Day see some of the Race , if not a true Arabian Stallion . The Spanish Horse ( according to the Duke of Newcastle ) is the Noblest Horse in the world , and the most Beautiful thát can be ; no Horse is so curiously shap'd all over from H ●ad to Croup , and he ●s absolutely the best Stallion in the world , whether you design your Breed for the Mannage , the War , the Pad , Hunting , or for Running Horses . But as he is excellent , so he wants not for price , Three or Four hundred Pistol● being a common Rate for a Spanish Horse . Several have been sold for Seven hundred , Eight hundred , and a Thousand Pistols a piece ; and One particular Horse , called el Bravo , that was sent to the Arch-Duke Leopold , was held worth as much as a Mannour of a Thousand Crowns a year . The best Spanish Horses are bred in Andalouzia , and particularly at Cordova , where the King has many Studds of Mares , and so have several of the Spanish Nobility and Gentry . Now besides the great price at first , the Charges of the Journey from Spain to England will be very considerable : for first , he must travel from Andalouzia to Bilbo , or St Sebastien , the neerest Ports to England , and is at least Four hundred Miles : and in that hot Country you cannot with safety travel your Horse above twenty Miles a day , then there is the Expence of your Groom and Farrier , besides the casualty of Lameness , Sickness , and Death : so that though he do prove an Extraordinary good Horse , by that time he arrives at your own home he will likewise be an Extraordinary dear one . The Turk is little inferior to the Spanish Horse in Beauty , but somewhat odd-shap'd , his head being somewhat like that of a Camel : He hath excellent Eyes , a thin Neck excellently risen , and somewhat large of body : his Croup is like that of a Mule ; his Legs not so underlimb'd as those of the Barb , but very sinewy , good Pasterns , and good Hoofs : They never amble , but trot very well : and are accounted at this present better Stallions for Gallopers than Barbs , as ●when I com● to speak of them ) I shall shew . Some Merchants affirm , that there cannot be a more noble and divertive sight to a Lover of Horses , than to walk into the Pastures near Constantinople , about Soyling-time , where he may see many hundred gallant Horses tethred , and every Hor●e has his Attendant or Keeper , with his little Tent ( plac'd near him ) to lie in , that he may look to him , and take care to shift him to fresh Grass , as occasion requires . The Price of a Turk is commonly One hundred or One hundred and Fifty Pounds a Horse , and when bought t is difficult to get a Pass ; the Grand Segnior being so very strict , that He seldom ( but upon extraordinary occasions ) permits any of his Horses to be exported his Dominions . But if ( when obtain'd ) you travel by Land , without a Turk or two for your Convoy , you will be sure to have them seiz'd on by the way . Then , as in the former , so here , you will find the same difficulties of a long Journey , ( for you must come through Germany , which is a long way , ) and the same charges attending it , I mean your Groom and Farrier ● who must be careful that they entrust no Persons whatsoever with the care of him , but themselves , especially in shooing of him : For t is the common practice beyond Sea , ( as well as here ) where they discover a fine Horse , to hire a Farrier to prick him , that they may buy him for a Stallion . But some People chuse to buy Horses at Smyrna in Anatolia , and from thence , as likewise from Constantinople , transport them to England by Sea ; which , if the Wind serve right , arrive in England in a month , though generally the Merchants make their Voyages little less than a Quarter of a year . The Barb is little inferior to any of the former in beauty , only he is accounted by our Modern Breeders too slender and Lady-like to breed on : and therefore in the North , at th●s instant , they prefer the Spanish Horse and Turk before him . He is so lazy and negligent in his walk , that he will stumble on Carpet-ground . His Trot is like that of a Cow , his Gallop low , and with much ease to himself . But he is for the most part sinewy , and nervous , excellently winded , and good for a Course , i● he be not over-weighted . The Mountain-Barbs are accounted the best , because they are the strongest and largest . They belong to the Allarbes , who value them as much themselves , as they are priz'd by any other Nations , and therefore they will not part with them to any Persons except to the Prince of the Band to which they belong ; who can at any time , at his pleasure , command them for his own use . But for the other more ordinary sort , they are to be met with pretty common , in the hands of several of our Nobility and Gentry ; or if you send into Languedoc and Provence in France , they may be there bought for forty or fifty Pistols a Horse . Or if you will send into Barbary , you may have one for Thirty Pounds , or thereabouts● But here too the charges and journey will be great ; for though from Tunis to Marselles in France be no great Voyage , yet from Marselles to Callais by Land measures the length of all France , and from thence they are shipt for England . The next thing of course to be treated of , is the choice of your Mares , and the fittest Mare to breed out of , according to the Duke of Newcastle's opinion , is one that has been bred of an English Mare , and a Stallion of either of these Races ; but if such a Mare be not to be got , then make choice of a right bred English Mare by Sire and Dam , that is well fore-handed , well underlaid , and strong put together in general ; and in particular , see that she have a lean Head , wide Nostrils , open Chaul , a big Weasand , and the Windpipe straight and loose , and chuse her about five or six year old , and be sure that the Stallion be not too old . Now for the Food of the Stallion , I would have you keep him as high as possible for four or five months before the time of Covering , with old clean Oats , and split Beans , well hull'd ● to which you may add , if you please , Bread , ( such as in this Book shall be hereafter directed ) and now and then , for variety , you may give him an handful of clean Wheat , or Oats washt in strong Ale ; but as for Bay-salt , and Anniseeds , which Mr. Morgan , in his Perfection of Horsemanship , advises should be scatter'd amongst his Provender , I hold them superfluous whilst the Horse is in health , but be sure let him have plenty of good old sweet Hay , well cleansed from Dust , and good Wheat-straw to ●se on ; and let him be watred twice every day at some fair running Spring , or else a clear standing Pond-water ( where the other is not to be had ) near some Meadow or level piece of Ground , where you may gallop him after he hath drunk . When you have brought him to the water , do not suffer him to drink his Fill at the first , but after he has taken his ●irst draught , gallop and scope him up and down a little to warm it , and then bring him to the water ag●in , and let him drink what he please , and after that gallop him as you did before , never leaving the Water till you find he will drink no more . By this means you will prevent raw Crudities , which the Coldness of the Water would produce to the detrimen● of the Stomach , if you had permitted him to drink his fill at first ; whereas you allowing him his fill● ( though by degrees ) at last , you keep his Body from drying too fast . And this I take to be much better for your Horses than ( according to the forecited Morgan ) to incourage his Water with Whitewine , to qualifie the cold quality thereof : for Nature it self is the best Directress for the expulsion of her Enemies , especially in Brutes , where usually she can command the Appetite : and therefore I esteem his own natural heat , for warming his water , to be better than that which proceeds from any other . Now as to Morgan's Direction of Sweating him every day early in the Morning , which he says will not only perfect disgestion , and exhaust the moisture from his Seed , but also strengthen and cleanse his Blood and Body from all raw and imperfect humors ; I am of opinion t will both dry up the radical Moisture too fast , and likewise instead of heightning his Pride and Lust , ( which he alledges , weaken him too much . Other Rules might be given as to the ordering of them after Water , and the Hours of Feeding , with the quantity &c. but these will be fitter to be handled in another place , and therefore no more of them here . Now when your Stallion is in Lust , and the Time for Covering is come , which is best to be in May , that the Foles may fall in April following , otherwise they will have little or no Grass , if they should be put together ( according to Markham's opinion ) in the middle of March , tho he holds that one Fole falling in March is worth two falling in May , because ( saith he ) he possesseth , as it were , two Winters in a year , and is thereby so hardened , that nothing can almost after impair him . The time I say being come to put your Stallion and Mares together , pull off his hinder Shoes , and lead him to the place where the Stud of Mares are , which you intend for covering , which place ought to be close , well fenc'd , and in it a little ●●utt for a Man to lie in , and a larger Shed with a Manger to feed your Stallion with Bread and Corn , during his Abode with the Mares , and to shelter him in the heat of the Day and in Rainy weather , and this Close ought to be of sufficient largeness to keep your Mares well for two months . Before you pull off his Bridle , let him cover a Mare or two in hand , then turn him loose amongst them , and put all your Mares to him , as well those which are with Foale , as those which are not , for there is no danger in it ; and by that means they will all be serv'd in their height of Lust , and according to the intention of Nature . When your Stallion has cover'd them once , he tries them all over again , and those which will admit him he serves ; and when his business is finish'd , he beats the Pale , and attempts to be at Liberty ; which when your Man finds , ( who is Night and Day to observe them , and to take care that no other Mares are put to your Horse , and to give you an Account , which take the horse , and which not , &c. ) let him be taken up , and let him be well kept as before ; only you may at the first give him a good Mash or two , to help to restore Nature , for you will find him nothing but Skin and Bones , and his Ma●e and Tail will rot off . Be sure give him never above Ten or Twelve Mares in a Season , at most ; otherwise you will scarce recover him against the next Years Covering-time . When your Stallion is past this use , then buy ano●ther ; but be sure never make use of a Horse of your own Breed , for by so doing the Best Kind would in time degenerate : but you cannot do better ( the Duke of Newcastle says ) than to let your own Mares be cover'd by their Sire , for ( according to his own words and opinion ) there is no Incest in Horses : and by this means they are nearer one degree to the Purity and H ead of the Fountain , from which they are deriv'd , since a fine Horse got them , and the same fine Horse covers them again . Now though the Duke of Newcastle affirms this to be the true way for covering Mares , alledging that Nature is wiser than Art in the Act of Generation , and that by this way , of a dozen Mares he dare affirm that two shall not fail : yet it may not correspond with the Interest of some private Gentlemen who turn Breeders for Profit as well as Pleasure ; for a good Stallion bearing such an extraordinary rate , and they having but One , have reason to be cautions , to avoid as much as can be all hazardous Experiments ; which ( with submission to the Duke's Judgment ) this in some cases may prove . For first , there have been Horses of great spirit , that have kill'd themselves through excess of Lust , being left to range at their liberty ; and those that have been confin'd to an Enclosure , & a select number of Mares , have yet in one Weeks space so weaken'd Nature , that not above half the Mares have held . Secondly , some Mares are of so hot a constitution of Nature , and their Lust so violent , that if they are permitted to run long with the Horse , after they have conceived , will ( if they be high in flesh and lusty ) desire the Horse again , which generally hazards the Loss of the Embrio they go with . To prevent therefore these Inconveniences , I shall lay you down an other Method ( as briefly as may be , ) which is called covering in hand , as the former is generally term'd out of hand , and the way is this : viz. when you have brought both your Horse and Mare to as proper condition for Breed by Art and good feeding , then set some ordinary Ston'd-Nag by her for a day or two to wooe her , and by that means she will be so prone to Lust , that she will readily receive your Stallion ; which you should present to her either early in a Morning , or late in an Evening , for a day or two together , and let him cover her in hand once , or twice if you please , at each time , observing always to give the Horse the advantage of Ground , and that you have some one ready with a Pucket of cold water to throw on the Mare 's Shape , immediately on the dismounting of the Horse , which will make her retain the Seed received the better , especially if you get on her back , and trot her about a quarter of an Hours space , but in any case have a ●are of heating , or straining her : and it will not be amiss , if after every such act you let them fast two Ho●rs , and then give each of them a warm Mash ; and t is odds but this way your Mares may be as well serv'd as the other , and yet your Stallion will last you much longer . I shall say no more as to the keeping the Mares during the time of their being with Foale , nor of their foaling ; only this , that if you take care to house them all the Winter , and to keep them well , their Colts will prove the better . When they are foaled , let them run with their Dams till Martin-mass , then wean them , and keep them in a convenient House , with a low Rack and Manger on purpose ; litter them well , and feed them with good Hay , and Oats and Wheat-bran mix'd , which will make them drink , and belly well . The first year you may put them all together , but afterwards they must be separated , the Stone-Colts from the Fillies ; and if you have choice of Houses , you may put Yearings together , Two years old together , and so Three years old together , for their better satisfaction and agreement ; as little Children best agree together . In a warm fair Day you may grant them liberty to run and scope in some enclosed Court or Back-●ide , but be sure to take care to put them up again carefully , that they be not hurt . When Summer is come , and there is plenty of Grass , put them out in some dry Ground , that hath convenient watring , and so let them run till Mar●inmass again : then house them as before , and order them in all points as older Horses , till they are full Five years old , then take them up for good and all , and let your Groom back them if he have skill , or else some skilful Rider . You may if you please just break your Fillies at Two years and half old , and let them be cover'd at Three ; and by that means they will be so tame and gentle , as not to injure themselves or their Foals . But in case of sickness , or any accidental calamity , as Lameness , &c. you must then commit them to the Farrier's Care. The reason why I propose the Housing of them every Winter , with dry Feeding and Lodging , is , that they may be the liker their Sire in Beauty and Shape . For the primary Cause of the fineness of Shape and Beauty in Horses is Heat , and dry Feeding . And this is prov'd from the several Races we have already mentioned , viz. the Spanish Horse , Barb , and Turkish Horse , all which Countreys are under an Hot Climate , and by consequence afford little Grass : Therefore in our more moderate and cold Countries we are to assist Nature by Art , and to supply the want of Heat by warm Housing , and dry Feeding . This is easily made evident by Example . For take two Colts begot by the same Sire , on Mares of equal Beauty , and house the one every Winter , and feed him as directed , and expose the Other , till they are Four years old , and fit to be back'd ; and you shall find the former like his Sire in all respects , and the other fitter for the Cart than Hunting , as being a dull , heavy , flabby , scarce animated ●lod ; and all this proceeds from the Humidity of the Air and Earth . From hence you may infer , that t is not only Generation , but , as I may term it , Education , that makes a compleat Horse ; and such yours will be , if you order them according to the former Directions ; for yon may with ease break the Colt that is by such good management made gentle , and half-back'd to your hand . But I have dwelt longer on this Subject than I intended , my business being chiefly to inform the Groom ( not the Master ) what belong'd to his Office ; and therefore I will wander no further from my purpose , but leave it to the Rider to follow his own Method in rendring Colts fit for his Masters Service : whilst I give some few Directions to those Gentlemen who will not bestow either trouble or charges on Breeding ● or have the Will but not the Convenience to do it , how to elect an Horse fit for this Exercise . The way for a Gentleman to furnish himself with an Horse , that may be worth training for Hunting , is e●ther to enquire out some noted Breeder ( of which there are many in the North , ) or else to go to some famous Fair , as Malton and Rippon Fairs in Yorkshire , the former held on the 23. day of September yearly , and the latter on May day : Or to Richmonds in the same Shire , ( which , as I am inform'd , does now of late years exceed both the fore-mention'd , being scituate in the middle of the most celebrated part of the breeding Country ; ) its Fairs are held in Easter week , and at Rood tyde . Northampton has several Fairs in the year likewise , as on the 23. day of April , the 8 th . of September , 17 th . of November , with several others . There are several other Fairs , as Lenton-Fair in Notinghamshire , Pank ridg-Fair in Staffordshire , &c. which for brevities sake I omit . At any of these places he may make choice of a Horse , which as near as can be ought to have these following Shapes : viz. His Head ought to be lean , large , and long ; his Chaul thin , and open ; his Ears small , and pricked , or if they be somewhat long , provided they stand upright like those of a Fox , it is usually a sign of Mettle and Toughness His Forehead long and broad , not flat , and as we term it Mare-fac'd , but rising in the midst like that of a Hare , the Feather being plac'd above the Top of his Eye , the contrary being thought by some to betoken blindness . His Eyes full , large , and bright ; his Nostrils wide , and red within , for an open Nostril betokens a good Win● ; his Mouth large , deep in the ●●kes , and hairy ; His Thropple , Weasand , or Windpipe , big , loose , and streight when he is rein'd in by the Bridle ; for if , when he bridles , it bends in like a Bow ( which is called Cock-throppled ● it very much hinders the free passage of his Wind. His Head must be so set on to his Neck , that there must be a space felt between his Neck and his ●haul ; for to be Bull-neck'd is uncomely to sight , and prejudicial to the Horses wind , as aforesaid . His Crest should be firm , thin , and well risen ; his Neck long , and straight , yet not loose , and pliant , which the Northern-men term Withy-cragg'd ; his Breast strong , and broad ; his Chest deep , his Chine short , his Body large , and close shut up to the ●●cklebone ; his Ribbs round like a Barrel , his Belly being hid within them . His Fillets large , his Buttocks rather oval than broad being well let down to the Gascoins . His Cambrels upright , and not bending , which is called by some sickle-hough'd , though some hold it a sign of Toughness and Speed. His Legs clean , flat , and streight . His Ioynts short , well knit , and upright , especially betwixt the Past-●orns and the Hoof , having but little Hair on his Fetlocks . His Hoofs black , strong , and hollow , and rather long and narrow , than big and flat . And lastly , his Main and Tail should be long , and thin rather than thick , which is counted by some a mark of Dulness . As to his Colour and Marks , I rather incline to believe them grateful to the Eye , than any infallible Indexes of Goodness ; for as the Goodness or Badness of a Man does not consist in his Complexion , but in his inward Vertues , so neither do Colour or Marks certainly demonstrate the Goodness or Badness of an Horse , because his Qualifications proceed from his inward Disposition . But yet I wholly dissent from the opinion of Mr. Morgan , p. 31 ; who holds , That Colour and Marks are no more assurance of a good Horse ; than the having a Feather in a Mans Hat does prove him a good Man or a bad ; inferring that inherent Colours are of no greater Eminency or Value , than those external ones are which may be taken or laid aside at a man 's own will and pleasure . Now I say , that altho Marks and Colour do not absolutely give testimony unto us of a Horses goodness , yet they as well as his shape do intimate to us in some part his Disposition and Qualities . For Nature , not being defective , frames every part of the same matter whereof the whole is formed , and therefore the Foe●●● being formed of the copulative Seed of its Sire and Dam , does from them derive as well the accidental as the more essential Qualities of its temperament and composition . And for this Reason Hair it self may often times receive the variation of its Colour from the different temperature of the Subject out of which it is produced . And to confirm this , I dare pass my word , that wherever you shall meet with an Horse that hath no White about him , especially in his Fore-head , though he be otherwise of the best reputed Colours , as Bay , Black , Sorrel &c. That Horse I dare affirm to be of a dogged and sullen disposition ; especially if he have a small pink Eye , and a narrow Face , with a Nose bending like a Hawks Bill . But yet I am not positive , that Horses even of the most celebrated Colours , and Marks answerable , do always prove the best ; because I have seen those Horses worsted by Others , whose Marks and Colour have been esteemed the worst ; as bright Sorrel , and Mouse-black with bald Faces , and all the Leggs white above the ●nee . But I rather attribute the ●ause thereof ●o the Ignorance of the Rider , that had the training of those best marked Horses , than to any defec● in Nature ; for Nature is no Counterfeit , as Ar● often is , to make a thing shew to the Eye , contrary to what it is in reality . And therefor● as I would not have men put too great Confidence in Marks and Colours ; so I would not have them esteemed of so lightly , as the former comparison of Mr. Morgans would make them ; for it is a constant and inseparable quality for Horses to produce Hair , which is given them by Nature as a Tegument and Defence against the Cold : and if it be shaved off , gall'd , or any waies else removed or taken away , yet it will grow again● but a Feather may be put to , or taken from a Mans Hat at his pleasure . Therefore since Colour seemeth to set forth the Beauty of an Horse , you may for Ornament sake and to please your Eye , make choice of an Horse that is either a Brown-Bay , Dapple-Bay , Black , Sad-Chessnut with Flaxen Main and Tail , so that they have either a White Star , Blaze , or Snip , with a White Foot ; Dapple-Grey , or White Lyard with Black Muzzle , Eye , and Ear. Any of these are reputed by most men to give a Grace to shape ; tho in themselves they are no perfect signs of Goodness . But for his internal Endowments , they are more material , and therefore take care that he by Nature be of a Gentle Disposition , to his Keeper tractable and docile free from those ill Qualities o● Biting , Striking , Restiffness , Lying down in the Water , Starting , Running away with his Rider , Plunging , Leaping , &c. Not but that most , if not all these ill habits may be rectified by Art ; For Experience has shewn us , that Horses which h●●e ●ot been of such a perfect Natural Composition , as might be desired , have yet been tempered by Art , and have not only been reclaimed from their vicious Habits , but have been likewise brought to great performance in Heats , as well as Hunting , as I could Instance in several if it were necessary . And therefore since Art was invented to perfect Nature ; if ( notwithstanding your care ) you have met with a Horse subject to any of these ill Qualities aforesaid , you must search into the causes of it , which Art will help you to discover and remove : and then the Cause being taken away , the Effect will cease . So that probably , contrary to most peoples Opinions a Vicious Horse , by good management and Government may be brought to excell an Horse that has a better Reputation and Fame in the judgment of the generality of Hors●men . CHAP. III. Of the Age a Hunter should be of before he be put to Hunting ; of the Stable , and Groom , and of the Horse's first taking up from Grass , in order to his further Dieting . HAving gotten a Horse answerable either to the former Descriptions , or your own Satisfaction at least , I am to suppose that by a skilful Rider he is already grounded in the Fundamentals of this Art ● by being taught such Obedience , as that he will readily answer to the Horseman's Helps and Corrections both of the Bridle , the Hand , the Voice , the calf of the Leg , and the Spur ; that he can tell how to take his way forward , and hath gained a true temper of Mouth , and a right placing of his Head , and that he hath learn'd to stop and turn readily ; for without these things are perfectly taught , and as it were laid for a Foundation , he can never proceed effectually . I had thoughts of enlarging upon this particular Subject , but I find my Discourse is like to swell beyond its bounds , so that I am forced to omit it , and therefore I shall refer you to the Directions and Prudence of your Rider , and only tell you that t is convenient , your Horse should be Five years old , and well way'd before you begin to Hunt him . For though it be a general Custom amongst noted Horsemen to train their Horses up to Hunting at Four years old , and some sooner , yet at that Age his Joynts not being full k●it , nor he come to his best strength and courage , he is disabled from performing any matter of speed and toughness : and indeed being put to sore Labour and Toil ●o young , he runs a very great hazard of strains , and the putting out of Splents , Spavins , Curbs and Windgalls , besides the daunting of his Spirit , and abating his natural Courage , insomuch that he will become melancholly , stiff , and rheumatick , and have all the distempers of old Age , when it might be expected he should be in his Prime . Your Horse then being full Five , you may if you please put him to grass from the middle of May till Bartholmew-tide , or at least from the middle of Summer till that time ; for then the Season being so violently hot , it will not be convenient to work him : where whilst he is sporting himself at liberty in his Past●re , we will if you please take care to provide a good Stable for his Reception at his taking up , and a good Groom to look after him ; both which are more essentially necessary to the Hunter than to other Horses , which require not that exact care in keeping . First then as to the Stable , I could wish every Gentleman would be careful to scituate it in a good Air , and upon hard dry and firm ground , that in the Winter the Horse may go and come clean in and out : and if possible let it be seated on an Ascent , that the Urine , Foul Water , or any Wet , may be convey'd away by Trenches , or Sinks cut out for that purpose . Be sure to suffer no Hen-houses , Hog-styes , or Houses of Easment , or any other filthy Smells to be near it ; for Hen-dung , or Feathers swallow'd , oftentimes prove mortal , and the ill Air of a Jakes as often is the cause of Blindness : likewise the very smell of Swine will frequently breed the Far●y , and no Animal whatsoever more delights in cleanliness , or is more offended at unwholesome savours than the Horse . Let ●our Stable be built of Brick , rather than Stone , since the latter is subject to sweating in wet weather : which Dampness and Moisture is the Original of Rheums , and Catarrhs . Let your Wall be of a good convenient thickness , as about Eighteen or Twenty Inches thick , both for safety and warmth in Winter , and to keep the Sun from annoying him in Summer , which would hinder Concoction . You may ( if you please ) make Windows both on the East and North sides , that you may have the benefit of the Air during Summer , from the North , and of the Morning Sun during Winter from the East . And I would advise you to Glaze your Windows , and make them with Sashes , to let in Air at pleasure , and to keep out Poultry , for the reasons afore recited ; and likewise to make close Wooden shutters , that during the middle time of the Day the Stable may be dark , which will cause him to take his Rest as well in the Day as the Night . Let your Floor , ( I mean that part on which he is alwaies to stand , or lye down on , be made of Oaken Planks , and not pitch'd , for t is easier and warmer for the Horse to ly on Boards than Stones . be sure to lay them level ; for if they are laid higher before than behind ( as they generally are in Inns and Horse-coursers Stables , that their Horses may appear to more advantage in Stature , ) his hinder-leggs will swell , and he can never lye at ease , because his Hinder parts will be still slipping down . Lay your Planks cross-way , & not at length ; and underneath them sink a good Trench , which receiving the Vrine thro holes bor'd on purpose in the Planks , may convey it into some common receptacle . Let the ground behind him be raised even with the Planks , that he may continually stand on a L●vell . Let the Floor behind him be pitcht with small Pebble : and be sure let that part of your Stable where the Rack stands be well Wainscoted . I would have two Rings placed at each side of his Stall , for his Halter to run through ; which must have a light wooden Logger at the bottom of it , to pois● it perpendicularly ; but not so heavy as to tire the Horse , or to hinder him from eating . Instead of a fix'd Manger , I would have you have a Locker , or Drawer , made in the Wainscote partition , for him to eat his Corn out of , which you may take in and out to cleanse at pleasure . And whereas some may object the narrowness of the Room , you may remedy that at your pleasure , by allowing it to be the Larger : tho considering the small Quantity of Provender , you are to put in at a time , ( as you see hereafter ) you need not make it very large . I would not advise you to make any Rack , but instead thereof ( according to the Italian fashion ) to give your Horse his Hay on the ground , upon the Litter ; or else you may ( if you please ) nail some Boards in the form of a Trough , in which you may put his Hay , and the Boards will prevent him from trampling and spoiling it . Some possibly may object , that this way of Feeding him , may spoil his Crest , and that the blowing upon his Hay will soon make it nauseous to his Palate . For the spoiling his Crest , it rather strengthens it , and makes it firm , whereas , on the contrary , to lift up his Head high to the Rack will make him withy-cragged : but the way forementioned , he will ●eed as he lyes , which will be for his ease and satisfaction . As to the quantity of his Hay , you are to give it him in such small Proportions , ( tho the oft●ner ) that it may be eaten before his Preath can in the least have tainted it . But the chief● Reason why I advise you to this way is this , because the receiving his Hay down upon the Ground , will help to cleanse his Head from any Rheum or Dose , which he may have gotten by negligence and over-exercise , and induce him by sn●●zing to throw out all manner of watry humors that may annoy his Head. If your Stable will allow , you may build several Partitions of Boards , and at the Head towards the Manger let them be advanc'd to that height that one Horse may not molest or smell to another ; and so divide the Whole into as many equal Stands or Staulls as it will admit of ; allowing to each , Room enough to turn about in , and lie down at pleasure . You may make one of your Staulls close , which may serve for your Groom to lie in , in case of a Match , Sickness , &c. and where he may burn Candle without the Horse's discerning of it . Behind the Horses I would have a Range of Presses made with Peggs in them to hang up Saddles , Bridles , Housing-cloaths , &c. as likewise Shelves to place your Curry-combs , Brushes , Dusting-cloaths , Oyntments , Waters , or any other Necessaries upon . Now that you may not cumber your Stable with Oat-Binns , I think it necessary to tell you , that the best way is to make use of the Invention of Mr. Farmer of Tusmore in Oxford-shire . Which is done ( according as it is described by the Ingenuous Dr. Plot , in his Natural History of Oxford-shire ) by letting the Oats down from a Loft above , out of a Vessel like the Hopper of a Mill , whence they fall into a square Pipe let into the wall , of about four Inches Diagonal , which comes down into a Cupboard also set into the wall , but with its end so near the bottom that there shall never be above a Gallon , or other desireable Quantity in the Cupboard at a time , which being taken away and given to the Horses , another Gallon presently succ●eds ; so that in the lower part of the Stable , where the Horses stand , there is not one Inch of room taken up for the whole provision of Oats : which Contrivance hath also this further Convenience , that by this Motion the Oats are kept constantly sweet , ( the taking away one Gallon moving the whole Mass above , ) which laid up any otherwise in great quantities , grow frequently musty . Now I would have you have two made , the one for the Oats , the other for your split Beans , and both let into your Range of Presses ; the Partitions may easily be made over head , to separate your Oats from your Beans . Or if you like not this way , you may convert it into an Hay-loft , or Chambers for your Grooms , which you fancy ; but whatever you make choice of , let the Floor overhead be seil'd , that no Dust from above fall upon your Horses . But if you have the convenience of a Rick-yard , so that you keep your Hay abroad , it is the opinion of some knowing Horsemen , that to tuck it out of the Rick by little and little , as you have occasion to use it , makes it spend much better than it would otherwise do out of the Hay-Tallet . As to the rest of its Perquisites , a Dung●yard , a Pump , or a Conduit , are necessary ; and if yo● can have that convenience , some Pond or running River near hand . But be sure , never let the Front of your Stable be without Litter , that by frequent practice your Horse may learn to empty his Bladder when he is come from Airing , which will be both healthful for your Horse , and profitable for your Land Having thus laid down a Modell for a Stable , my next business is to tell the Groom his Duty ; I mean not those which generally appertain to all Servants , such as are Obedience , Fidelity , Patience , Diligence &c. but those more ●ssentially belonging to this Office. First then he must love his Horse in the next degree to his Master , and to endeavour by fair Usage to acquire a reciprocal Love from him again , and an exact Obedience , which if he know how to pay it to his Master , he will the better be able to teach it his Horse ; and both the one and the other are to be obtain'd by fair means , rather than by Passion and Outrage . For those who are so irrational themselves , as not to be able to command their own Passions , are not fit to undertake the reclaiming of an Horse , ( who by nature is an irrational Creature ) from his . He must then put in practice that Patience , which I would have him Master of , at all times , and by that and fair means he shall attain his End : For nothing is more tractable than an Horse , if you make use of Kindness to win him . Next , Neatness is requisite in a Groom , to keep his Stable clean swept and in order ; his Saddles , Housing-cloaths , Stirr●ps , Leathers , and Girths , cleane , and above all his Horse clean dress'd and rubb'd . Diligence in the last place is requisite both in a daily practice of his Duty , and in observing any the smallest Alteration whether casual or accidental , either in his Countenance , as Symptoms of Sickness , or in his Limbs and Gate , as Lameness , or in his Appetite , as forsaking his Meat , and immediately upon any such Discovery to seek out for Remedy . This is the substance of the Groom's Duty in general , and which I shall treat of more at large as Occasion shall offer it self . In the mean time since Bartholomew-tide is now come , and the pride and strength of the Grass nipp'd by the severe Frosts , and cold Dews which accompany this Season , so that the Nourishment thereof turneth into raw Crudities , and the Coldness of the Night ( which is an Enemy to the Horse ) abates as much Flesh and Lust as he getteth in the Day , we will now take him up from Grass whilst his Coat lies smooth and sleek . Having brought him home , let your Groom so that Night set him up in some secure and spacious House , where he may evacuate his Body , and so be brought to warmer keeping by Degrees ; the next day stable him . But , tho it be held as a general Rule amongst the generality of Grooms , not to cloath or dress their Horses , till Two or Three days after their stabling , I can find no Reason but Custom to perswade one to it ; But it being little conducive either to the advantage or prejudice of the Horse , I shall leave it to their own Fancies : But as to the giving of Wheat-straw , to take up his Belly , ( a custom us'd by Grooms generally at the Horse's first Housing , ) I am utterly averse from it . For the Nature of a Horse being hot and dry , if he should feed on Straw , which is so likewise , it would straighten his Guts , and cause an Inflammation of the Liver , and by that means distemper the Blood ; and besides it would make his Body so costive , that it would cause a Retention of Nature , and make him dung with great pain and difficulty ; whereas full Feeding would expell the Excrements , according to the true Intention and Inclination of Nature . Therefore let moderate Airing , warm Cloathing , good old Hay , and old Corn , s●pply the place of Wheat-straw . To begin then methodically , that your Groom may not be to see● in any part of his Duty , I sh●ll acquaint him , that his first business is , a●●er he hath brought his Horse into the Stable , in the morning to water him , and then to rub over his Body with a hard Wisp a little moisten'd , and then with a woollen cloath ; then to cleanse his Sheath with his w●t hand from all the Dust it had contracted during his Running , and to wash his Yard either with White-wine , or Water . Then he may trim him according to the manner that othor Horses are trimm'd , except the ins●de of his Ears , which ( though some still continue that fashion ) ought not to be meddled with , for fear of making him catch cold . When this is done , let him have him to the Farrier , and there get a Sett of Shoos answerable to the shape of his Foot , and not to pare his Foot that it may fit his Shoo , as too many Farriers do , not only in Brabant and Flanders , but here likewise . Be sure let his Feet be well open'd betwixt the Quarters and the Thrush , to prevent Hoof-binding ; and let them be open'd straight , and not side-ways , for by that means in two or three Shooings , his Heels ( which are the strength of his Feet ) will be cut quite away . Pare his Foot as hollow as you can , and then the Shoo will not press upon it . The Shoo must come near to the Heel , yet not be set so close as to bruise it ; nor yet so open as to catch in his Shoos , if at any time he happen to over-reach , and so hazard the pulling them off , the breaking of his Hoof , or the bruising of his Heel . The Webbs of the Shoos must be neither too broad , nor too narrow , but of a middle size , about the breadth of an inch , with slop'd Spunges , and even with his Foot ; for though it would be for the advantage of the Travelling Horse's Heel , to have the Shoo sit a little wider than the Hoof , on both sides , that the Shoo might bear his Weight , and not his Foot touch the ground ; yet the Hunter being often forc'd to gallop on rotten spungy Earth , to have them larger would hazard Laming , and pulling off his Shoos , as hath been shown before . There is an Old Proverb , Before behind , and Behind before ; that is , in the Fore-●eet the Veins lie behind , and in the Hinder-seet they lie before . Therefore let the Farrier take care that he prick him not , but leave a space at the Heel of the Fore-feet , and a space between the Nails at the Toe . When your Shoo is set on according to this Direction , you will find a great deal of his Hoof left to be cut off at his Toe . When that is cut off● and his Feet smooth'd with a File , you will find him to stand so firm , and his Feet will be so strong , that he will tread as boldly on Stones as on Carpet-ground . By that time he is shod , I presume 't will be time to water him , therefore rake him to the River , and let him , a●ter he has drank , stand some time in the Water , which will close up the holès ( according to the opinion of some Horsemen ) which the driving of the Nails made . Then have him gently home● and having ty'd him up to the Rack , rub him all over Body and Legs with dry Straw ; then stop his Feet with Cow-dung , sift him a Quarter of a Peck of clean old Oats , and give them to him ; then litter him , and leave him a sufficient Quantity of old Hay to serve him all Night , and so leave him till the next Morning . CHAP. IV. How to order the Hunter for the first Fortnight . I presume by this your Horse will have evacuated all his Grass , and his Shoes will be so well setled to his Feet , that he may be fit to be rid abroad to Air without danger of surbating . Therefore 't is now necessary that I begin in a more particular manner to direct our unexperienc'd Groom how he ought to proceed to order his Horse according to Art. First then you are to visit your Horse early in the Morning , to wit , by Five a Clock if in Summer , or Six , if in Winter , and having put up his Litter under his Stall , and made clean your Stable , you shall then feel his Ribs , his Chaule and his Flank , for those are the cheif signes by which you must learn to judge of the good , or evil state of your Horses body , as I shall now shew you . Lay your Hands on the lower part of his short-ribs , near the Flank , and if you feel his Fat to be exceeding soft and tender , and to yield as it were under your hand , than you may be confident it is unsound , and that the least violent Labour , or Travail will dissolve it : which being dissolv'd , e're it be hardned by good Dyet , if it be not then remov'd by scouring , the Fat or grease b●longing to the outward parts of the Body will fall down into his Heels , and so cause gowtiness and swelling . I need not trouble you with the outward signs of this Distemper , they are evident to the Eye : but tho every Groom can inform you when a Horse is said to have the grease fallen into his Heels , yet may be he cannot instruct you in the cause why Travail disperseth it for a time , and when the Horse is cold it returns with more violence than before . The reason therefore is this : The Grease which by indiscreet Exercise , and negligence in keeping is melted and fallen into his Legs , standing still in the Stable cools and congeals , and so unites it self with other ill Humours , which flow to the affected part , so that they stop the natural Circulation of the Blood , and cause inflamations , and swellings as aforesaid● but Travail producing warmth in his Limbs thaws as it were the congeal'd Humours , and disperses them throughout the Body in general ; till Rest gives them opportunity to unite and settle again . Now tho most Grooms are of opinion that this Distemper is not to be prevented by care or caution , that when it has once seaz'd a horse it remains incureable ; yet they are mistaken in both , for by Art it may be prevented , and by Art cured : altho the cure is so difficult to be wrought , that a Groom cannot be too careful to prevent it . As for the ●nward Grease which is in his Stomack , Bag , and Guts , if when once melted it be not remov'd by Art , Medicine and good Keeping , it putrifies , and breeds those mortal Diseases , which inevitably destroy the Horse , tho it be half a year , or three quarters of a year after . And this is generally the source of most Feavers , Surfeits , Consumptions , &c. and such other Distempers which carry off infinite numbers of horses , for want of the Farriers knowledge in the first Causes of the Distemper : which to prevent you shall follow the ensuing Directions . After by ●eeling on his Ribs you have found his Fat soft and unsound , you shall feele his Chaule , and if you find any fleshy substance , or great round Kirnells or Knots , you may be assured● that , as his outward Fat is unsouud , so inwardly he is full of glut , and pursive , by means of gross and tough Humours cleaving to the hollow places of the Lungs stopping so his Windpipe that his Wind cannot find free passage , nor his Body be capable of much Labour . Therefore the chief end and Intention of Art is by good sound Food to enseame and harden his Fat , and by moderate Exercise , warm cloathing , and gentle Phisick to cleanse away his inward Glut , that his Wind , and other parts being freed from all grossness , his courage and activity in any labour or service may appear to be more than redoubled . The same Observations you must make from his Flank , which you will find alwaies to correspond , with the Ribs and Chaule , for till he is drawn clean it will feel thick to your gripe , but when he is enseam'd , you will perceive nothing but two thin skins ; and by these three Observations of the Ribs , Flank , and Chaps , you may , at any time pass an indifferent Judgment of your Horses being in a good condition or a bad . When you have made these Remarks ● you shall sift your Horse a handful or two ( and no more ) of good old sound Oates , and give them to him , to preserve his Stomack from cold Humours that might oppress it by drinking fasting , and likewise to make him drink the better . When he hath eaten them , pull off his Coller , and rub his Head , Face , Ears , and Nape of the Neck with a clean Rubbing Cloth made of ●emp , for 't is soveraign for the Head , and dissolveth all gross and ●ilthy Humours . Then take a small Snaffle , and wash it in fair water , and put it on his head , drawing the Reins through the Headstall , to prevent his slipping it over his head , and so tye him up to the Rack , and dress him thus ; First in your Right-hand take a Curry-Comb suitable to your Horses skin , ( as if your horses coat be short and smooth , then must the Curry-Comb be blunt , but if long and rough , then m●st the Teeth be long and and sharp , standing with your Face opposite to the Horses , hold the Left cheek of the Headstall in your Left-hand , and Curry him with a good hard hand from the Root of his Ears , all a long his Neck to his Shoulders : then go over all his Body with a more moderate hand , then Curry his Buttocks down to the hinder Cambrell with an hard hand again : then change your hand , and laying your Right Arm over his Back , joyn your right side to his left , and so Curry him gently from the top of his Withers , to the lower part of his shoulder , ever now and then fetching your stroke over the left side of his breast , and so Curry him down to Knee , but no further : Then Curry him all under his Belly , near his Fore-bowels , and in a word all over very well , his Legs under the Knees and Cambrels only excepted . And as you dress'd the left side , so must you the right likewise . Now by the way take notice , whether your Horse keeps a riggling up and down , biting the Rackslaves , and now and then offering to snap at you , or lifting up his Leg to strike at you , when you are Currying him : if he do 't is an apparent sign of his displeasure by reason of the sharpness of the Comb , and therefore you must file the Teeth thereof more blunt : but if you perceive that he plays these , or such like Tricks through Wantonness and the Pleasure he takes in the Friction , then you shall ever now and then correct him with your Whip gently for his Waggishness . This Currying is only to raise the Dust , and therefore after you have thus curried him , you must take either a Horse-tail ● nail'd to an Handle ) or a clean dusting-Cloath of Cotten , and with it strike off the loose Dust rais'd by your Curry-comb . Then dress him all over with the French-Brush , both Head , Body , and Legs to the very Fet-locks , observing always to cleanse the Brush from the filth it gathers from the bottom of the Hair , by rubbing it on the curry-comb . Then dust him the second time . Then with your Hand wet in water rub his body all over , and as near as you can leave no loose hairs behind you ; and with your wet hands pick and cleanse his Eys , Ears , Nostrils , Sheath , Cods , and Tuel , and so rub him till he be as dry as at first . Then take an Hair-patch , and rub his Body all over , but especially his Fore-bowels under his Belly , his Flank , and between his hinder Thighs . Lastly , wipe him over with a fine white linnen Rubber . When you have thus drest him , take a large Saddle-cloath ( made on purpose , ) that may reach down to the Spurring-place , and lap it about his Body ; t●en clap on his Saddle , and throw a cloth over him for fear of catching cold . Then take two Ropes of Straw twisted extream hard together● and with them rub and chase his Legs from the Knees and Cambre●s downwards to the Ground , picking his ●●tl●ck-joynts with your hands from Dust , Filth , and Scabs . Then take another Hair-patch kept on purpose for his Legs , ( for you must have two ) and with it rub and dress his Legs also . Now by the way let me give you this necessary , Caution , be sure whilst you are dressing your Horse let him not stand naked , his Body being expos'd to the penetration of the Air , whilst you are telling a Banbury-story to some Comrades , that accidentally come into the Stable , as I have seen some Grooms , that would stand lolling over their Horses , when they were uncloath'd ; and trifle away their time by listning to some idle Discourse ; but when you have stripp'd him fall to your Business roundly , without any intermission till you have sadled him , and thrown his Cloth over him . And the reason why I advise you to throw a Cloth over him , whilst you are dressing his Legs is this ; that although t is a general Rule amongst Grooms , that an Horse cannot take cold whilst he is dressing , yet is that Saying to be understood only of his Body , not of his Legs ; for the rubbing of his Legs will not prevent catching cold in his Body . When this is done , you shall with an Iron Picker pick his Feet clean , ( that the stopping of his Feet may not be a means of his taking up Stones in them , ) comb down his Main and Tail with a wet Main-comb , then spirt some Beer into his Mouth , and so draw him out of the Stable . Being mounted , rak● or walk him to some Running River , or fresh clear Spring , distant a Mile or two from your Stable , ( which will refine his Mouth which he may have lost , during his Summers Running , and will likewise settle his Body upon his Rake , ) and there let him drink about half his draught at first , to prevent raw Crudities arising in his Stomach . After he hath drunk bring him calmly out of the Water , and so ride him gently for a while ; for nothing is more unbeseeming a Horseman , than to thrust his Horse into a swift Gall●p , as soon as he comes out of the Water , for these three Causes . First , it is not only hazards the breaking of his Wind , but also assuredly endanges the incording , or bursting of him . Secondly , it begets in him an ill habit of running away , as soon as he hath done drinking . Lastly , the foresight he hath of such violent Exercise , makes him oftentimes refuse to quench his Thirst : and therefore ( as I said ) first walk him a little way , and then put him into a gentle Gallop for 5 or 6 score , then give him wind : and after he hath been rak'd a pretty space , then shew him the Water again , and let him drink what he pleases , and then gallop him again ; and thus do till he will drink no more , but be sure to observe always that you gallop him not so much as either to chafe , or sweat him . Now by the way observe , that in his galloping after water , ( after the first weeks enseaming , ) if sometimes you give him a watering Course sharply , of twelve or twenty score , ( as you find your Horse , ) it will quicken his spirits , and cause him to gallop more pleasantly , and teach him to mannage his Limbs more nimbly , and to stretch forth his Body largely . When your Horse hath done drinking , then rake him to the Top of the next Hill , ( if there be any near your Watring-place , for there in the morning the Air is purest , or else to some such place , as he may gain best advantage both of Sun and Air , and there air him a foot-pace an hour , or so long as you ( in your discretion ) shall think sufficient for the state of his Body , and then ride him home . During the time of your Horses Airing , you will easily perceive several marks of your Horses satisfaction , and the pleasure which he takes in this Exercise . For he will gape , yawn , and as it were shrug his Body . If he offer to stand still , to dung , or stale , which his Airing will provoke , be sure give him leave , as likewise to stare about , neigh , or listen after any noise . Now Airing brings several Advantages to the Horse . First , it purifies the Blood , ( if the Air be clean and pure , ) it purges the Body from many gross and suffocating Humors , and so hardens and enseams the Horses Fat , that it is not near so liable to be dissolv'd by ordinary Exercise . Secondly , it teaches him how to let his Wind rake equally and keep time with the other Actions or Motions of his Body . Thirdly , it sharpens the Appetite , and provokes the Stomach , ( which is of great advantage both to Hunters and Gallopers , who are apt to loose their Stomach through excess or want of Exercise ) : for the sharpness of the Air will drive the Horses natural Heat from the exterior to the interior parts , which Heat by furthering Concoction creates an Appetite . Lastly , it increases Lust and Courage in him , provided he not too early air'd . But whereas Mr. Markam , in his Way to get wealth , 4 0. pag. 44. directs , if your Horse be very fat to air him before Sun-rise , and after Sun-set ; and that the Author of the Gentleman's Iockey , 8 0. pag. 14. says , that nothing is more wholsome than early and late Airings ; I think the contrary may be made out from Experience . For in this Art , all things that any ways hinder the strength and vigor of Nature , are to be avoided ; now , that extreamity of Cold , and being out early and late do so , is evidently seen by Horses that run abroad all Winter , which however hardily bred , and kept with the best care and Fodder , yet cannot by any means be advanc'd to so good case in Winter as an indifferent Pasture will raise them to in Summer . And this holding true of the Nocturnal Colds , must needs be verified in some proportionate measure of the Morning and Evening Dews , and that piercing Cold which is observ'd to be more intense at the opening and close of the Day , than any part of the Night . Besides that , the D●ws and moist Rimes do as much Injury to a Horse , as the sharpest Colds or Frosts : since ( as I have found by experience ) a Horse any ways inclinable to Catarrhs , Rheums or any other cold Distempers , is apt to have the Humors augmented , and the disease most senbsily increasd by these early and late Airings . But if he be not had forth to aire till the Sun be risen , ( as you must cast to have him dress'd , and ready to lead forth against that time ) his spirits will be chear'd and comforted by that universal Comforter of all living Creatures ; and indeed all Horses naturally desire to enjoy the Sun's warmth , as you may observe by those Horses which lie out all Night , who as soon as the Sun is risen , will repair to those places where they may have the most benefit of his Beams , and by them be in part reliev'd from the coldness of the foregoing Night . And besides the benefit of the Sun , the Air will be so mild and temperate , as it will rather invigorate than prey upon his spirits , and more increase his Strength than impair it Neither , tho we disallow of Early and Late airings , need we be at a loss to bring down our Horses fat , and from being pursive , and too high in Flesh , to reduce him to cleanness , and a more moderate state of Body : For if you do but observe this one Rule of keeping a fat Horse so much longer out at a time both Morning and Evening , you will undoubtedly obtain your end by such long Airing , joyn'd with true sound Heats , which you may expect indeed , but will never find from those that are shorter , how early and late soever : for this Method ioyn'd with good feeding is the best Prescription can be given in this case , and t is from the length of your Airings only , that you must hope to bring your Horse to a perfect Wind , and true Courage . And therefore a Horse that is 〈◊〉 in Flesh , is a sitter subject to work on , than One that is low , because he is better able to endure Labour , whereas the other must of necessity be so favoured in training , to improve his Strength and Flesh , that he is in danger ( without he be under the care of a very Skilful keeper ) of proving thick winded for want of true Exercise in Training . When you are returned from Airing , and are dismounted , lead your Horse on the Straw , which ( as I told you before ) should always lye before the Stable door ; and there by Whistling and stirring up the Litter under his Belly will provoke him to Stale , which a little practice will bring him to , and is advantagious for the Horses Health , and the keeping of your Stable clean ; Then lead him into his Staul ( which ought likewise to be well littered ) and having ty'd up his head to the empty Rack , take off his Saddle , rubb his Body and Leggs all over with the French-brush , then with the Hair-patch , and last of all with the Woollen cloath . Then you shall cloath him with a Linnen cloath next to his Body , and over that a Canvas cloath , and both made so fit as to cover his Breast and to come pretty low down to his Legs , which is the Turkish way of Cloathing , who are the most curious People ( saies the Duke of Newcastle ) in keeping their Horses , and esteem them the most of any Nation . Over the forementioned put a Body-cloath of six , or eight Straps , which is better than a Sircingl● and Pad stuft with wisps , because this keeps his Belly in Shape , and is not so subject to hurt him . Now these Cloathes will be sufficient for him at his first Stabling , because being inur'd to the cool Air he will not be so apt to take cold , the weather likewise at that season being indifferently warm● but when sharp weather approaches , and that you find his Hair rise about his outward parts that are uncloathed , as Neck , Gascoins , &c. then add another Cloath , which ought to be of Woolen , and for any Horse bred under this Climate , and kept only for ordinary Hunting , this is cloathing sufficient . Now the design of cloathings is only by their help joyn'd to the warmth of the Stable , and the Litter ( which must alwaies lye under the Horse ) to keep his Body in such a moderate Natural Heat , as shall be sufficient to assist Nature , that skilful Physitian in expelling her Enemies , by dissolving those raw and gross Humours which are subject to annoy the Horse , and which would very much prejudice him if they were not removed ; which warm cloathing does in a great measure by dispersing them into the outward parts , and expelling them by sweating as he sleeps and lyes down , which will be a meanes to purge his Body , and keep it clean from glut , and redundant Humours . But yet ( as in all things the golden mean is best ) there is a meane to be observ'd too here : for as too few Cloathes will not assist Nature sufficiently in the expulsion of her Enemies , so too many will force her too much , and cause weakness in your Horse by too violent sweatings . Therefore you must have a care of following the Example of some ignorant Grooms , who because they have acquired a false Reputation by livi●g in some Noblemans or Gentlemans Service , that are noted Sportsmen , think they are able to give Laws to all their Fraternity , and therefore without any reason heap Multiplicity of Cloaths on the Horse as if they meant to bury him in Woolen . You must know , that both the temperature of the Weather and the State of his Body are to be observed ; and that all Horses are not to be cloathed alike . Your fine-Skined Horses , as the Barb , Turk , Spanish horse &c. require more● clothes then our English common Horses , that are bred in a colder climate , and have naturally thicker skin 's , and a longer Coat . But that you may not erre I have told you already how you are to cloath your Horse , a●d therefore shall only add this one General Rule , That a Rough Coat shews want of Cloaths , and a Smooth Coat Cloathing sufficient : ever observing , that by his Countenance , his Dung , and other outward Characters ( which I shall by and by give you more at large ) you perceive your Horse to to be in health , and yet notwithstanding your Horses Coat still stares , you must add more cloathes till it lye ; as on the other hand if it will lye withe the assist●of a single Linnen Cloath it is su●●icient . But if when he has been in keeping some time , you perceive him apt to sweat in the Night , 't is a sign that he is over-fed , and wants exercise : but if he sweat at his first coming from Grass , you must know that there is cause rather to encrease , than diminish the Cloathes I have alloted at his first Housing ; for it proceeds from the foul humours which oppress Nature , and when by exercise they are evacuated , Nature will cease working , and he will con●tinue in a temperate state of Body all the year after . When he is cloath'd up , pick his Feet cleane with an Iron Picker , and wash his Hoofs clean with a Spung dipt in fair wate● , and then dry them with Straw or a Linnen cloath , and if there be occasion and that you find your Horses Legs durty , you may bathe them likewise , only you must be sure to rub them dry before you go out of your Stable , then leave him on his Snaffle for an hour , or more , which will assist his Appetite . When an Hour is expired . you shall come to him again , and having tuck'd an hardful of Hay , and dusted it , you shall let your Horse tease it out of your hand till he hath eaten it ; then pull off his Bridle , and having rub'd his Head and Neck clean , with the Hempen-cloth , as before , pull his Eares , and stop his Nostrils to make him snore , which will help to bring away the moist Humours which oppress his Brain , and then put on his Coller , and give him a Quarter of Oats clean drest , in a Sive , having first made his Locker , or Manger clean with a Wispe of Straw , and a C●oth . Whilst he is eating his Corn ● you shall sweep out your Stable , and see that all things are neat about him , and turning up his Cloaths , you shall rub his F●llets , Buttocks , and Gascoins over with the hairpatch , and after that with a Woolen-cloth ; then spread a clean Flannel Fillet-cloth over his Fillets and Buttocks ( which will make his Coat lye smooth ) and turn down his Housing-cloaths upon it . Then anoint his Hoofs round from the Cronet to the Toe with this Ointment , viz. Take Four Ounces of Venice Turpentine , Three Ounces of Bees wax , Two Ounces of the best Rosin , One pound of Dogs-grease , Half a Pint of Train Oyle , Melt all these Ingredients ( except the Turpentine ) together , being melted remove them from the Fire , and then put in the Turpentine , and keep it stirring , till all be well incorporated , then put it in a Gally pot , and when it is cold cover it close from dust , and reser●e it for use . After this pick his Feet with an Iron Picker , and stop them with Cow-dung ; and by this time your Horse ( if he be not a very slow Feeder ) will have eaten his Oates , which if you find he does with a good Stomack , sift him another Quart , and throw them to feed him by little and little , whilst he eats with an Appetite ; but if he fumbles with his Corn , then give him no more at that time . And this I think a better Direction than to prescribe a set quantity of Provender , as all Authors I have yet met with have done . For without doubt no certain Quantity of Meat can be allotted for all sorts of Horses , any more than for all sorts of Men ; and therefore proportion the quantity to the Horses Appetite : but be sure at all times give him his full feeding , for that will keep his Body in better state and temper , and increase his strength and vigor . Whereas on the contrary , to keep your Horse always sharp-set , is the ready way to procure a Surfeit , if at any time he can come at his fill of Provender ; according to the common Proverb , Two hungry Meales make the third a Glutton . But tho you perceive he gather Flesh too fast upon such home-feeding ; yet be sure not to stint him for it , but only increase his Labour , and that will assist both his Strength and Wind. When these things are done , you shall dust a pretty quantity of Hay , and throw it down to him on his Litter , after you have taken it up under him ; and then shutting up the Windows and Stable door , leave him till One a Clock in the Afternoon ; at which time you shall come to him , and having rubb'd over his Head , Neck , Fillets , Buttocks , and Legs , as before , with the Hair-patch and Woollen-cloath , you shall feed him as before . and then leave him till the time of his Evening watring , ( which should be about three of the clock in Winter , and four in Summer ; ) and then having put back his foul Litter , and swept away that and his Dung , you shall dress and saddle him as before , and mounting him you shall rake him to the water , and after drinking and galloping you shall air him along by the River side , till you think it time to go home ; then order him in all points , as to rubbing , feeding , stopping his Feet , &c. as you did in the morning ; and having fed him at six a clock , be sure feed him again about Nine ; and having litter'd him well , and thrown him Hay enough to serve him for all Night , you shall leave him till the next Morning . And as you have spent this day , so you must order him in all respects for a fortnight together , and by that time his Flesh will be so harden'd , and his Wind so improv'd ; his Mouth will be so quicken'd , and his Gallop brought to so good a stroke , that he will be fit to be put to moderate Hunting . Now during this Fortnights keeping you are to make several Observations , as to the Nature and Disposition of your Horse , the temper of his Body , the course of his Digestion , &c. and order him accordingly . As first , if he be of a churlish Disposition , you must reclaim him by Severity ; if of a loving temper , you must win him by Kindness . Secondly , you must observe whether he be a foul Feeder , or of a nice Stomach ; if he be quick at his Meat , and retain a good Stomach , then four times of full Feeding , in a Day and a Nights space , is sufficient ; but if he be a slender Feeder , and slow at his Meat , then you must give but a little at once , and often , as about every two hours , for fresh Meat will draw on his Appetite ; and you must always leave a little Meat in his Locker for him to eat at his own leisure betwixt the times of his Feeding ; and when at any time you find any left , you shall swe●p it away , and give him fresh , and expose that to the Sun and Air , which will prevent mustiness and reduce it to its ●irst sweetness , before it was blown upon . Now as to the manner of Feeding , you may sharpen his Stomach by change of Meat , as giving one Meal clean Oats , another Oats and split-Beans , and ( when you have brought him to eat Bread ) you may give him another meal of Bread , always observing to give him oftenest that which he likes best ; or if you please you may give him both Corn and Bread at the same time , provided you give him that last which he eats best , and which has the best Digestion . T is observ'd of some Horses , that they are of so hot a Constitution , that without they may drink at every bit they cannot eat , and those Horses usually carry no Belly ; in this case therefore you must let a Pale of Water stand continually before them , or at least offer them Water at Noon , besides what they fetch abroad at their ordinary times . Next you are to observe the nature of his Digestion , that is , whether he retains his Food long , which is the sign of a bad Digestion ; or whether Nature does expel the Dung more frequently ; which if he do , and that his Dung be loose and bright ● t is a sign of a good habit of Body ; but if he dung hard , and seldom , then on the contrary t is a sign of a dry Body ; and therefore to remedy this , you shall once in a day give him a handful or two of Oats , well wash'd in good strong Ale , for this will loosen his Body , and keep it moist , and you will sind it also good for his Wind , notwithstand - the opinion of some to the contrary . CHAP V. Of the Second Fortnights Diet , and of his first Hunting , and what Chases are most proper to Train him . BY that time you have spent this Fortnight , according to the foregoing Rules , your Horse will be in a pretty good state of Body ; for the gross Humors will be dry'd in his Body , and his Flesh will begin to be harden'd , which you will perceive ( as I told you at first ) by his Chaul , his short Ribs , and his Flank ; for the Kernels under his Chaps will not feel so gross as at first they did , his flesh on his short Ribs will not feel so soft and loose , nor the thin part of his Flank so thick as at his first housing ; so that now you may without hazard adventure to hunt him moderately . But before I proceed , I think it necessary to clear one point , which I have heard much discuss'd amongst Horsemen , which is , What sort of Chase is most proper for the training of a young Horse ? some being of one Opinion , some of another . For some would have a Horse , which is design●d either for a Buck-hunter or Fox-hunter , us'd from the beginning to the Chase which they are design'd for . Others think those Chases too violent for a young Horse , and therefore chuse to train him after Harriers ; and of this Opinion I must own my self to be , since Experience has fully shewn me the Advantages of the one , and the Inconveniences of the other . Now to prove this Assertion , let us take a slight view of the several Cbases which are commonly used by our Nobility and Gentry , where the Horse is made a Companion and Member of the Sport , and they are these ; the Stag , Buck , Hind , Fox , Otter , and Hare . As for the three first here mention'd , as there is not much difference in the hunting of them , so the Inconveniences from each Chase are in a manner the same also . For which soever you hunt , t is either in Covert , or at force . Now if Deer be hunted in a Park , they usually chuse the most woody parts of it , as a Refuge from the pursuits of their Enemies , which is both unpleasant to the Rider , and troublesome to the Horse , to follow the Dogs thro the thick Bushes ; and besides , usually the Ground in Parks is full of Mole banks , Trenches , &c. which is dangerous for a young Horse to gallop on , till he has attain'd to some perfection in his Stroke . But if they be turn'd out of the Park , and be hunted at force , you will find , that as soon as you have unharbour'd or rous'd them , they will immediately make out end ways before the Hounds five or six , nay sometimes ten Miles , they following in full Cry so swiftly , that a Horse must be compell'd to run up and down hill without any intermission ; leaping Hedg , Ditch , and Dale , nay often crossing Rivers , to the great danger of the Rider , as well as of the Horse . So that in my opinion t is altogether improper to put a young Horse to such violent labour at the first , till by practice and degrees he hath been made acquainted with hard service . Now besides the swiftness and violence of this Chase , and the danger of cracking his Wind , and bursting his Belly ; besides the straining of his Limbs by such desperate Riding , and the creating in a young Horse a loathsomness to his Labour , by undergoing such violent and unusual service ; the seasons for these Chases begining about Midsummer , and ending about Holy-Rood-tide , which is that part of the year in which the Sun's heat is excessive , and so scorches the Earth , that a violent Chase would hazard the melting his Grease , and the weight of the Rider , by reason of the hardness of the Ground , would occasion Foundring , Splents , and Windgalls , insomuch that in short time the Horse would prove altogether vseless . But here I cannot but desire to be rightly understood , since tho I object against these Chases as impro●per for young Horses , yet I do not mean that Horses should be excluded this Recreation ; but I would have those which are imploy'd herein , to be Horses of stay'd years , and by long practice and experience have been rightly train'd to Hunting . Young Horses ( as the Duke of New-castle says ) being as subject to Diseases as young Children , and therefore he advises any man that would buy a Horse for use in his ordinary occasions , as for Iourneys , Hawking or Hunting , n●ver to buy a Ho●se untill the Mark be out of his Mouth , and if he be sound of Wind , Limb , and Sight , he will last you Eight or Nine years with good keeping● and never ●ail you ; and therefore ( pursues he ) I am always ready to buy for such purposes an old Nag , of some Huntsman , or Falconer , that is ●ound , and that is the useful Nag , for he gallop● on all Grounds , leaps over Hedges and Ditches ; and this will not fail you in your Journey , nor any where , and is the only Nag of use for Pleasure or Jou●ney Thus far the Duke . And if it may be perm●tted ●o add to his Advice , I would have them strait-bod●ed clean-timbred Nags , such as may be light , nimble , and of middle stature , for those Horses are not near so sub●ect ●o Lamness as those of bulk and strength , the causes whereof have been already declar'd . The next Chase propos'd was that of the Fox , which although it be a Recreation much in use , and highly applauded by the generality of the Nobility and Gentry ; yet with submission to their judgment I never could find that pleasure in it which has been represented to me by some of its Admirers : and I am sure it is inconvenient for the training of a young Horse , since it is swift without respite , aud of long continuance , both which , as I have already shew'd , are distastful to him ; but the greatest Inconvenience that happens to a Horse in this Chase is this ; that when a Fox is unkennel'd , he seldom or never betakes himself to a champion Countrey , but remains in the strongest Coverts , and in the thickest Woods ; so that a Horse can but seldom enjoy the pleasure of accompanying the Hounds , without hazarding being stubb'd● , or other as dangerous Accidents . The fittest Horses for this Chase are Horses of great strength and ability , since this Chase begins at Christmas , which is the worst time of Riding , and ends at our Lady-day , when the Ground is best for it . The next Chase to be spoken of is the Otters , which although it may seem delightful to some , yet I cannot by any means think it convenient for a Horse : for he that will truly pursue this Amphibious sport , must often swim his Horse to the equal hazard both of the Rider and the Horse . But to conclude with the last , and the best of Chases , and that is the Hare . It is in my opinion the most pleasant and delightful Chase of any whatsoever , and the most beneficial for training a young Horse . It is swift , and of some indurance , like that of the Fox , but far more pleasant to the Horse , because Hares commonly run the Champion Country ; and the scent not being so hot as the Foxes , the Dogs are oftner at default , and by that means the Horse has many Sobbs , whereby he recovers Wind , and regains new strength . This Chase begins at Michaelmass , and lasts till the End of February ● Now the best Dogs , to bring your Horse to perfection of Wind and Speed , are your fleet Northern Hounds ; for they , by means of their hard-running , will draw him up to that extraordinary speed , that he will not have time to loiter , and by continual practice will be so inur'd and habituated to the violence of their Speed , that in a short time he will be able to ride on all sorts of Ground , and be at such command upon the hand , that he will strike at what rate you please , and three-quarters speed will be less troublesome to him than a Canterbury-gallop . I have often thought this one of the Reasons why your Northern Breeders for the generality excel those of the South ; since certainly the speed of their Hounds contributes much to the Excellence of their Horses , and makes them endure a four mile Course without Sobbs , which some Horsemen call Whole-Running : but of this more in another place . The time being now come that he may be hunted , you shall order him on his days of Rest in all points , as to his Dr●ssing , hours of Feeding , Watring , &c. as in the first Fortnight afore directed ; only since his Labour is now to be increas'd , you must endeavour to increase his Strength and Courage likewise ; and this will be effected by adding to his Oats a third part of clean old Beans spelted on a Mill , and as an overplus to allow him Bread made after this manner . Take four Pecks of clean old Beans , and two Pecks of Wheat , and grind them together , and sift the meal thro a Meal-sieve of an indifferent fineness , and knead it with warm water and good store of Barm , and let it lie an hour or more to swell , for by that means the Bread will be the lighter , and have the easier and quicker Digestion ; after which being with a Brake or any other way exceedingly well-kneaded , make it up into great Houshold Peck-loaves , which will be a means to avoid Crust , and prevent its drying too soon ; bake them thoroughly , and let them stand a good while in the Oven to soke , then draw them , and turning the bottoms upwards let them stand to cool . When your Bread is a day old you may venture to feed your Horse with it , having first chipt away the Crust ; and sometimes giving him Bread , sometimes Oats , and now and then Oats and spelted Beans , according as you find his stomach ; you need not fear but such Feeding will bring him into as good condition as you need desire for Ordinary Hunting . When your Bread is prepar'd , and you first Fortnight expir'd , you must then pitch upon a Day for his first going abroad after the Dogs , and the Day before you hunt you must always order him after this manner . In the morning proceed in your usual method as before , only observe that day to give him no Beans , because they are hard of digestion , but give most of Bread if you can draw him on to eat it , because it is more nourishing than Oats ; and after your Evening Watering , which ought to be somewhat earlier than at other times , give him onely a little Hay out of your hand , and no more till the next day that he returns from Hunting : and to prevent his eating his Litter , or any thing else but what you give him , you shall instead of a Muzzle put on a Cavezone joyn'd to a headstall of a Bridle , being lin'd with double Leather for fear of hurting him , and tying it so straight as to hinder his Eating ; and this will prevent Sickness in your Horse , which is incident to some Horses when their Muzzle is set on , notwithstanding the invention of the Lattice-window , now adays so much in use ; but this way your Horses Nostrils are fully at liberty , and he will never prove sick . But as to his Corn , give him his meals , both after his Watering , and at nine a clock , at which time be sure to litter him very well , that he may the better take his Rest , and leave him for that Night . The next morning come to him very early , as about four a clock , and having dress'd a Quarter of a Peck of Oats very clean , put them into his Locker , and pour into it a Quart of good strong Ale , and after having mix'd the Oats and Ale very well give him them to eat , whilst you put back his Dung and foul Litter , and make clean his Stable , but if he will not eat wash'd Oats then give him dry ; but be sure put no Beans to them . When he has done eating , Bridle him , and tie him up to the Ring , and dress him . When he is dress'd saddle him ; then throw his Cloth over him , and let him stand till the Hounds are ready to go forth . But be sure not to draw your Saddle Girths straight till you are ready to mount , lest by that means he become sick . But generally old Horses are so crafty , that when an ignorant Groom goes to girt them up hard , they will streth out their Bodies to such a bigness by holding their Wind , ( on purpose to gain ease after they are girt ) that t will appear difficult to girt them ; but afterwards they let go their Wind , and their Bodies fa●l again . When the Hounds are unkennell'd , ( which should not be till Sun-rising ) go into the Field along with them , and rake your Horse up and down gently till a Hare be started ; always observing to let him smell to other Horses Dung , ( if he be desirous of it ) which will provoke him to empty himself , and let him stand still when he does so : and if you meet with any dead Fog , Rushes , or such like , ride him upon them , and by whistling provoke him to empty his Bladder . When the Hare is started , you are not to follow the Hounds as the other Hunters do , but to con●ider , that this being the first time of your Horses hunting , he is not so well vers'd in the different sorts of Grounds as to know how to gallop smoothly , and with ease on them ; and therefore you are not to put him as yet to above half his speed , that he may learn to carry a staid body , and to mannage his Legs both upon Fallows , and Greenswarth . Neither are you to gallop him often , nor any long time together , for fear of discouraging him , and breeding in him a dis●ike to this Exercise ; but observing to cross the Fields still to your best advantage , you shall make in to the Hounds at every default , and still keep your Horse ( as much as these Rules will allow you ) within the Cry of the Dogs , that he may be us'd to their Cry ; and you will find , that in a very short time he will take such delight and pleasure in their Musick , that he will be desirous to follow them more eagerly . Now if at any time the Chase be lead over any Carpet ground , or sandy High-way , on which your Horse may lay out his body smoothly , you may there gallop him for a quarter or half a mile , to teach him to lay out his Body , and to gather up his Legs , to enlarge and shorten his Stroke , ● according to the different Earths he gallops on , as if on Green-swarth , Meadow , Moore● Heath , &c. then to ●●oop , and run more on the Shoulders ; if amongst Mole-hills , or over high ridges and furrows , then to gallop more roundly , and in less compass , or according to the vulgar phrase two up and two down , that thereby he may strike his Furrow clear , and avoid setting his Fore-feet in the Bottom of it , and by that means fall over ; But by this way of galloping , tho he should happen to set his Feet in a furrow , yet carrying his body so round and resting on the Hand in his gallop , would prevent his Falling ; and to this perfection nothing but use , and such moderate Exercise can bring him . According to these Rules you may spend your Time in Hunting , till about Three a Clock in the Afternoon , at which time you shall have him home in a foot pace as you came out in the Morning , and besure that he be cool before you bring him out of the Field ; and as you are going home● consider with your self , whether or no he hath sweat a little , ( for you must not sweat him much the first time ; ) but if not , then gallop him gently on some Skelping Earth , till he sweat at the Roots of his Ears , a little on his Neck , and in his Flanck , but it must be done of his own voluntary motion , without the compulsion of Whip and Spur : and then when he is cool as aforesaid , have him home and Stable him , and besure avoid walking him in hand to cool him , for fear he cool too fast , or washing him , for fear of causing an obstruction of the natural course of the Humours , ( which are thought by some Horse-men to abound most in Winter ) and by that means cause an inflamation in his Legs , which is the Parent of the Scratches . When you set him up in his Staul ( which must be well litter'd against his coming home ) tye up his Head to the Ring with the Bridle , and then rub him well with dry Straw all over both Head , Neck , Fore-bowels , Belly , Flank , Buttocks and Legs ; and afterwards rub his Body over with a dry cloth till there be not a wet hair left about him , then take off his Saddle and rub the place where the Saddle stood dry likewise , and so cloath him with his ordinary Cloaths with all speed , for fear least he take cold ; and if you think him too hot throw a spare cloath over him , to prevent his cooling too fast , which you may abate when you please , and so let him stand on his Snaffle Two Hours or more , stirring him with your Whip now and then in his Staul , to to keep his Legs and Ioynts from growing stiff . When that time is expired , and you think it may be throughout cold , then come to him , and having drawn his Bridle rubbed his Head , and pick'd his Feet from Durt and Gravel which he may have gather'd abroad , put on his Coller , and ●ift him a Quart , or three Pints of Oates , and mix with them a handful of clean dusted Hempseed , and give them to him ; but give him not above the quantity prescribed , for fear of taking away his stomack , which will be very much weakned through the hea● of his body , and want of water . Then remove the spare-cloth ( if you have not done it before , ) for fear of keeping him hot too long , and when he has eaten his Corn , throw a pretty quantity of Hay clean dusted , on his Litter , and let him rest two or three Hours , or there abouts . Whilest you are absent from him , you shall prepare him a good Mash , made of half a Peck of Mault well ground , and water that is boiling hot , observing to put no more water than your Mault will sweeten , and your Horse will drink , and then stir them together with a Rudd●r , or stick and then cover it over with cloths , till the water has extracted the strength of the Malt , which will be evident to your taste and touch , for t will be almost as sweet as Honey , and feel ropy like Birdlime ; then when it is cold , that you can scarce perceive it to smoak ● offer it to your Horse , but not before , lest the steam ascend into his Nostrils , and thereby offend him with its scent ; and when he has drunk the water , let him if he please eat the Malt also . But if he refuse to drink , yet you must give him no other water that night , but by placing it in one Corner at the head of his Stall , in such manner that he may not throw it down , ( which you may effect by nailing a Spar across before the Bucket ) let it stand by him all Night , that he may drink at his pleasure . Now you will find this Mash , or ( as some call it ) Horse-Caudle , very beneficial to your Horse on several Accounts ; for it will comfort his Stomach , and keep his Body in a due temperate heat after his days Hunting ; it will cleanse and bring away all manner of Grease and gross humours , which have been dissolved by this Days labour , and the fume of the Malt-grains , after he has drunk the water , will disperse watry Humours , which might otherwise annoy his head , and is allow'd by all Horsemen to be very advantageous on that account . When he has eaten his Mash , then strip him of his Clothes , and run him over with your Curry-comb , French Brush , Hair Patch , and Wollen Cloath , and clothe him up again , and then cleanse his Legs as well as his Body of all Dirt and Filth which may annoy them , as you have been directed in Dressing ; th●n remove him into another Stall ( that you may not wet his Litter ) and bathe his Legs all over from the Knees with warm Beef-broth , or , which is better , with a quart of warm Vrine , in which four Ounces of Salt-Peter hath been dissolv'd ; then rub his Legs dry as when you came in from Water , set him into his Stall , and give him a good Home-feeding of Oats , or Bread , ( which he likes best ) or both , and having shook good store of Litter under him , that he may rest the better , and thrown him Hay enough for all night on it , shut up your Stable close , and leave him to his Rest till morning . The next morning come to him betwixt six and seven a clock , for that is time enough , because the Mornings rest is as pleasant a●d refreshing to the Horse as it is to a Man , for then the meat being concocted the sleep is more sweet , and the brain is at that time more thin and pure . If he be laid disturb him not , but stay till he rises of his own accord , ( aud to know this you ought to have a private peep-hole ) but if he be risen , then go to him , and the first thing you must do is to put back his Dung from his Litter , and to observe what Colour it is of : observe whether it be greasie , and shining outwardly , and break it with your Feet , that you may see whether it be so inwardly ; for if it be greasie and foul either within or without , ( which you may know by its outward shining , and by spots like Soap , which will appear within ) or if it appear of a dark brown colour , and harder than it was , it is a sign that your former days hunting was beneficial to him , b● dissolving part of the inward glu● which was within him ; and therefore the next time you hunt you must increase his labour but a little . But if you perceive no such Symptoms , but that his Dung appears bright , and rather soft than hard , without grease , and in a word that it holds the same pale yellow colour it did before you hunted him , then t is a sign that days Hunting made no dissolution , but that his Body remains in the same state still , and therefore the next days Hunting you may almost double his Labour . When you have made these Remarks from his Dung , you shall then proceed to order him as in his days of Rest ; that is to say , you shall give him a handful or two of Oats before Water ; then dress , water , air , feed , &c. as in the first Fortnight . Now as to his Feeding you must remember the way I have already shew'd , of changing his Food ; as giving him one while Bread , another Oats , a third time Oats and Beans , which you find he likes best ; observing always , that variety will sharpen his Appetite . But Bread being his chief Food , as being more nourishing and strong than the others , you must feed him often'st with it . And as in the first Fortnight I directed you to observe his Digestion , whether it were quick or slow , so likewise must you do now that he begins to eat Bread. If you ●ind him quick , and that he retains his Bread but a little while , then ( as I have already directed ) you shall only slightly chip your Bread ; but if he be slow , and retains it long , cut away all the Crust , and give it to some other Horse , and feed your Hunter only with the Crum ; for that being light of Digestion soon converts to Chyle and Excrements , but the Crust being slow of Digestion requires by reason of its hardness longer time before it be concocted . The next day after he has rested , you shall hunt him again as you did the first day , observing from the Remarks you have made , to hunt him more or less , according as you find the temper and constitution of your Horse ; and when you are return'd home , observe to put in Practice the same Rules which you have just now read ; and thus hunt your Horse three times a week for a fortnight together , observing to give him his full feeding , and no other Scowrings but Mashes , and Hempseed , which is equal in its Vertue to the former , and only carries off superfluous Humours in the Dung. And here before I conclude this Chapter , I cannot but take notice of the Abuse of Scowrings , and my own Ignorance , being led away by the perswasions and my mistaken opinion of other mens Skill , who because they could talk of giving a Scowring , ( tho Experience has since taught me , that they never knew the Operation of them , nay nor the Disposition of the Horses which they kept ) I thought most eminent and skilful Horse-Doctors . But indeed I found to my Cost , that my Ignorance led me into the same mistake with those men , that take Physick by way of Prevention , and by that means render their Bodies more lyable to Diseases , their Pores being so much opened by Physick . In like manner I found that tho I bought Horses of sound and strong Constitutions , yet by following the false Rules and Practices of Others I quickly brought them to weak habits of Body ; and by continually using them to unnecessary Physick , to be tender , and apt to take Cold and Surfeits on every small occasion : which taught me to know , that as Kitchen Physick is best for a Man , ( unless he languish under some more than ordinary Distemper ) so natural and true sound Feeding is best for a Horse , it strengthning his Constitution , and keeping his Body in good temper ; for a Horse that is full-fed with good natural Diet is not subject to costiveness ; and from hence I infer , that a Horse which is sound , and in health , and of a strong Constitution , needs little Physick more than good wholsom meat , and his fill of it , provided you order him as he ought to be when he is come from Hunting . But as Horses no more than Men are free from Distempers , but by reason of abuses and unkind Masters are rather more liable to them , ( it being become a Proverb , As many Diseases as a Horse ) ; so when at any time they happen recourse must be had to Physick ● and as it is good in its true use , so I shall in the subsequent part of my Discourse set down when , and what manner of Scourings are useful , and how they are to be applied with skill , and safety ; of which in its proper place . CHAP. VI. Of the Horses Third Fortnights Keeping , and first thorough-Sweating . BY this time your Horse will be drawn so clean , his Flesh will be so inseam'd , and his Wind so improv'd , that he will be able to ride a Chase of three or four Miles without much blowing , or sweating ; and you will ●ind by his ●haul and Flank , as well as his Ribs , that he is in an indifferent good state of body , and therefore this next Fortnight you must increase his labour , by which means you will come to a true knowledge of what he is able to do ; and whether or no he will ever be sit for Plates , or a Match . When your Horse is set over night , and fed early in the morning , ( as in the last Fortnights Preparation for Hunting was directed ) then go into the Field with him , and when your Horse is empty , as he will ●e by that time you have started your Game , you shall follow the Dogs at a good round rate , as at half-speed , and so continue till you have kill'd or lost your first Hare . This will so rack your Horses wind , and by this time he will have so emptied himself , that he will be sit to be rid the next Chase briskly ; which as soon as begun you shall follow the Dogs at three quarters speed , as near to them as is consistent with the discretion of a good Horseman , and a true Huntsman ; but be sure as yet not to strain him . During this daies Riding you shall observe your Horse's sweat , under his Saddle , and Forebowels , if it appear White like Froth , or Soap-sudds , 't is a sign of inward glut and foulness , and that your daies sport was fully sufficient , and therefore you shall have him home , and order him as before you are directed . But if your Sport has been so i●different , as not to sweat your Horse thoroughly , then you shall make a Train-sent of Four Miles long , or thereabout , and laying on your Fleetest Dogs , ride it briskly , and then having first cool'd him in the Field , ride him home and use him as aforesaid . Now that I may not leave you in ignorance what a Train-scent is , I shall acquaint you that it has its Name , as I suppose , from the manner of it , viz. the trailing or dragging of a dead Cat , or Fox , ( and in case of Necessity a Red-Herring ) three or four Miles , ( according to the Will of the Rider , or the Directions given him ) and then laying the Dogs on the scent . But this Caveat let me give all Huntsmen , to to keep about two or three Couple of the fleetest Hounds you can possibly procure for this purpose only . For although I have seen skillful Sportsmen use their Harriers ● in this Case , for their diversion yet I would perswade them not to use them to it often ; for it will teach them to lie off the Line , and ●ling so wide , that they will never be worth any thing . When you unbridle your Horse , give him instead of Hempseed and Oates , a handsome quantity of Rye bread , ( to which end I would advise you to bake a Peck Loaf for this purpose ) which being cold and moist will assist in cooling his body after his Labour , and prevent Co●tiveness , to which you will find him addicted , then give him Hay , and afterwards a Mash , and then order him in all points as formerly . The next morning if you perceive by his Dung that his Body is distempred , and he is hard and bound , then take some Crumms of your Rye-bread and work it with as much sweet fresh Butter as will make it into Paste , and then making it into Balls about the bigness of a large Wallnut , give him 5 or 6 of them in the morning fasting ; and then setting on your Saddle upon his Cloth , mount him● and gallop him gently in some adjoyning grass-Plat , or Close till he begin to sweat under his Eares , then lead him into the Stable , and let him be well rub'd , and throwing a spare Cloth over him , and good store of fresh Litter under him , let him stand two hours on the Bridle , then give him a quantity of Rye-bread , then throw him some Hay to chew upon , and after that get him another warm Mash , and then feed him with Bread and Corn as much as he will , and be sure to allow him what Hay he will eat . The next day water him abroad , and order him as in his daies of rest . The day following Hunt him again● but by no meanes so severely as you did the time before till the Afternoon , but then ride him after the Dogs briskly , and if that does not make him sweat throghly make another Train-scent , and follow the Dogs three quarters speed , that he may sweat heartily . When you have a little cooled him , have him home , and upon his first entrance into the Stable give him two or three Balls as big as Wallnuts , of this most excellent Scowring ; viz. Take Butter four Ounces , Lenitive Electuary two Ounces , Gromell Broom and Parsly seeds , of each one Ounce , Aniseeds , Liquorish and Cream of Tartar , of each half an Ounce , Iallap an Ounce make the Seeds into Powder , and stir them into a Paste , with the Electuary and the Butter ; knead it well , and keep it close in a Pot for use . As soon as you have given your Horse these Balls rub him dry , then dress him and cloath him up warm and let him stand two or three hours on the Snaffle , then give him two or three handfulls of Rye-bread , and order him as you did before as to Hay Provinder , Mash &c. and so leave him till the Morning . Then come to him and first observe his Dung whether it keep the true Colour , or whether it appear dark , or black , or red and high coloured ; next whether it be loose and thin , or hard and dry . If it be of the right colour I mean Pale yellow t is a sign of health , strength and cleanness ; if it be dark , or black , then t is a sign there is Grease and other ill humours stirred up which are not yet evacuated : if it be red and high coloured , then t is a token that his Blood is Feaverish and distempered through inward heat : if it be loose and thin , t is a sign of Weakness , but if hard and dry , it shews the horse to be hot inwardly , or else that he is a foul feeder : But if his dung carry a medium betwixt hard and soft , and smell strong , t is a sign of Health and Vigour . When these Observations have been taken notice of concerning his Dung , then you shall feed , dr●ss , water , &c. as in his former days of Rest ; observing always to give variety , and his belly full of Corn and Bread. The next have him abroad in the Field again , but by no means put him to any labour , further than to rake him from hill to hill after the Dogs , to keep him within ●ound of their Cry ; for the design of this Day 's Exerci●e is only to keep him in breath , and get him an Appetite . Observe as you ride , that you let him stand still to dung ; and look back on it that you may draw Inferences from the Faces . When the Day is well nigh spent bring him home without the least sweat , and o●der him as at other times , only observe to give no Scourings , nor Rye-bread . You may if you please wa●●r your Horse this day , both at your going into the Field and at your coming Home , observing to gallo● after it , to warm the water in his Belly . The next is a day of Rest. In the same manner in every respect as you have spent this Week you must spend the next likewise , without alteration in any point ; and by that time assure your self that your Horse will be drawn clean enough fo● any ordinary Hunting ; so that afterward observing to hunt your Horse moderately twice or thrice a week , according to your own pleasure , and the consti●ution of your Ho●ses body , you need not question but to have him in as good state and strength as you would de●●●e , without danger of his Wind , Eye-sight , F●e● , or b●dy . Now wh●● you have thus according to art drawn your Ho●●e clean , you will perceive those signs which I told you of , verified ; for his Flesh on his short Ribs and Buttocks will be as hard as a Board , his Flank will be thin , and nothing to be felt but a double skin , and chaps so clean from Fat , Glut or Kernels , that you may hide your Fists in them ; and above all his Exercise will give plain Demonstration of the Truth of this Art , for he will run three or four Miles three quarters speed without sweating , or scarce blowing , I say when this is perfected , you must avoid all scourings after hunting , ( because Nature has nothing to work on ) but Rye-bread and a Mash , except your Horse be now and then troubled with some little Poze in the Head ; and then you shall bruise a little Mustard seed in a fine linnen Rag , and steep it in a quart of strong Ale for three or four hours , and then untying the Rag mix the Mustard-seed and the Ale with a quarter of a Pe●k of Oats , and give it your Horse . Lastly , when your Horse is drawn clean , you must beware that he grows not foul again thro want of either Airing , or Hunting , or any other Negligence , lest by that means you procure to your self and your Horse double pains and labour , and no thanks from your Master . CHAP. VII . Of making a Hunting-Match , its advantages and disadvantages . SInce many Persons of Honour delight in good Horses , both for Hunters as well as Gallopers , it may not be improper to speak a word in this place concerning the Advantages or Disadvantages which happen in making of Hunting-Matches ; since he that proceeds cautiously and upon true grounds in matching his Horse is already in a great measure sure of gaining the Prize , at least if the Proverb be true , that a Match well made is half won . The first thing to be consider'd by him that designs to match his Horse , for his own advantage and his Horses credit , is this ; That he do not flatter himself in the opinion of his Horse , by fancying that he is swifter than the wind , when he is but a slow Galloper ; and that he is whole-running , ( that is , will run four miles without a sobb at the height of his speed ) when he is not able to run a mile . And the ground of this Error I suppose arises from a Gentleman 's being mistaken in the speed of his Hounds , who for want of Tryal against other Dogs that have been really fleet , has suppos'd his own to be swift , when in reality they were but of middle speed ; and because his Horse ( when trained ) was able to follow them all day , and at any hour to command them upon deep as well as light Earths , has therefore falsly concluded him to be swift as the best ; but upon tryal against a Horse that has been rightly train'd after Hounds that were truly fleet , has to his cost bought his Experience , and been convinc'd of his Error . Therefore I would perswade all Lovers of Hunters to get two or three Couple of try'd Hounds , and once or twice a week to follow after them a Train-scent ; and when he is able to top them on all sorts of Earth , and to endure Heats and Colds stoutly , then he may the better re●ie on his Speed and Toughness . That Horse which is able to ride a Hare-chase of five or six miles briskly , and with good courage , till his body be as it were bath'd in sweat ; and then upon the death of the Hare , in a nipping frosty morning can endure to stand still , till the sweat be frozen on his back , so that the cold may pierce him as well as the heat ; and then even in that extremity of Cold to ride another Chase , as briskly and with as much courage , as he did in the former : That Horse which can thus endure heats and colds oftenest is of most value amongst Sports-men . And indeed t is not every Horse that is able to endure such extraordinary Toyl ; and I my self have seen very brave Horses to the Eye , that have rid the first Chase to admiration , that when the Cold had struck to them , and they began to grow stiff , have flagg'd the second , a●d given quite out the third Heat . Therefore to make a judgment of the goodness of your own Horse , observe him after the death of the first Hare , if the Chase has been any thing brisk : if when he is cold , he shrinks up his Body , and draws his Legs up together , t is an infallible token of want of Courage ; and the same you may collect from the slackning of his Girths after the first Chase , and from the setting of his Teeth , and the dulness of his Countenance ; all which are true marks of Faintness , and Tyring ● and therefore there is no reliance on such a Horse , in case of a Wager . But if on the contrary , you are Master of a Horse ( not only in your own judgment , but in the opinion of knowing Horsemen ) that is approv'd for Speed , and Toughness , and you are desirous to match him , or otherwise to run for a Plate ; I will to the best of my power tell you the advantages that are to be gain'd in Matching . But before I enter upon the subject propos'd , I think it convenient to tell you the way our Ancestors had of making their Matches , and our modern way of deciding Wagers . First then the old way of Tryal was by running so many Train-scents after Hounds , as was agreed on between the ●arties concern'd and a Bell-Court , this being found not so uncertain and more durable than Hare-hunting , and the advantage consisted in having the Trains led on Earth most suitable to the nature of the Horses . Now others chose to hunt the Hare till such an hour prefix●d , and then to run the Wild-goose-Chase , which , because it is not known to all Huntsmen , I shall explain the use and manner of it . The Wildgoose Chase received its Name from the manner of the flight which is made by Wildgeese , which is generally one after another : so the two Horses after the running of Twelvescore Yards , had liberty , which Horse soever could get the leading , to ride what ground he pleas'd ; the hindmost Horse being bound to follow him , within a certain distance agreed on by Articles , or else to be whipt up by the Triers or Iudges which rode by , and which ever Horse could distance the other won the Match . But this Chase was found by Experience so inhu●ane , aud so destructive to good Horses , especially when two good Horses were match'd ; for neither being able ●o distance the other , till ready both to sink under their Riders through Weakness , oftentimes the Match was fain to be drawn , and left undecided , tho both the Horses were quite spoyl'd . This brought them to run Trainscents , which afterwards was chang'd to three Heats , and a straight Course ; and that the Lovers of Hunting-horses might be encourag'd to keep good Ones , Plates have been erected in many places of this Land , purposely for Hunters , and some their Articles exclude all others , ( namely Gallopers ) from Running . But whether you design to match your Horse against any One Horse in particular , or to put him in for a Plate , where he must run against all that come in general ; yet t is necessary that you know the nature and disposition of your Horse , before you venture any wager on his head ; that is to say , whether he ●e hot and fiery , or cool and temperate in Riding ; whether he be very swift , but not hard at bottom , or slow , but yet sure , and one that will stick at mark ; on what sort of Earths he most delights to gallop on , whether to climb or run down hills● or else to skelp on a Flat ; whether to run on de●p , or light Grounds ; whether on rack-ways , or Carpet-ground ; whether amongst Mole-hills , or on Meadow ground ; whether he be well-winded , or thick winded , so that tho he will answer a Spur , and mend upon Lapping , yet he must have ease by Sobs . All these things must be known , to the end that you may draw those advantages from them which may be offer'd in matching ; as this for Example . If your Horse be hot and fiery , t is odds but he is fleet withall ( for generally those Horses are so ) and and delights to run upon light and hard flats ; and must be held hard by the Rider that he may have time to recover Wind by Sobb● ; or else his Fury will choak him . But whereas it is the general opinion that nothing that is violent can be lasting ; and therefore that it is impossible that such hot mettled Horses can be tough and hard at bottom , this I conceive may be but a popular Errour ; for I have sometimes seen by Art those two Qualities reconciled , at least so far , as to make the most Fiery Horse managable , and to endure both Whip and Spur ; and then tho he should not prove at bottom so truly tough as the craving Drudge , yet by his Riders management his Speed shall answer it in all points and serve in its stead ; But to return to my Subject .. The best way to Match such a Horse is to agree to run Train-scents and the fewer the better for you , before you come to the Course : Also in these Train-scents the shorter you make your distance the better : and above all things be sure agree to have the leading of the first Trayn , and then making choice of such grounds as your Horse may best shew his Speed , and the Fleetest Doggs you can procure , give your Hounds as much Law before you , as your Tryers will allow , and then making a loose try to win the Match with a Wind ; but if you faile in this attempt then Beare your Horse , and save him for the Course at last . But if your Horse be slow , yet well Winded , and a true Spurr'd Nagg ; then the more Trainscents you run before you come to run the straight Course the better . Observing here too , to gain the leading of the first Train , which in this case you must lead it upon such deep Earths that it may not end near any light Ground . For this is the Rule received among Horsemen that the next Train is to begin where the last ends , and the last train is to be ended at the starting Post o● the Course . Therefore observe to end your last on deep Earths as well as the first . In the next place have a care of making a Match of a suddain , and in Drink , for fear least you repent when you are Sober . Neither make a match against a Horse , which you do not know , without first consulting some skilfull or trusty Friend , on whose Iudgment and Honesty you can safely rely , and who is able to give a good Account of your Adversaries Horse's Speed and his manner of Riding ; and if you find him any ways correspondent to your own in speed or goodness be not too Peremptory to venture , but upon some reasonable probabilities of Winning : for t is neither Braggs nor Fancy that will make your Horse run one jot the better , or your Adversarys the worse : and remember this , that there is no Horse so good , but there may be another as good ; and then if you proceed on good Grounds , and true Iudgment , you may be the bolder to go on , and stand to your Match , notwithstanding the opinion of other men may be against you . One material Advise I had like to have forgot and that is this ; be sure at no time give advantage of Weight , for you will find the inconvenience of it at the latter end of the Day : for tho a Horse feel it not when he is fresh , yet it will sink him very much when he grows weak : a Horse-length lost by odds of Weight in the first Train , may prove a distance in the streight Course at last ; for the Weight is the same every Heat tho his strength be not . But if on the other side you gain any advantage of Weight , article that the Horseman shall ride so much weight as you are agreed on , besides the Saddle , for by this means the Rider ( if he be not weight of him self ) must carry the dead weight somewhere about him , which will be troublesome to the Rider as well as the Horse ; and the more to the latter , since t is more remote from his Back then if it were in the Saddle , and by consequence will more disorder his stroke if the Rider incline to either side then if it were nearer the Center ; as you may see by a pair of Scales , where if the Pin be not placed exactly in the midst of the Beam , the longest part ( as being most distant from the Center ) will be the heaviest . Now as to the time that you take for dyeting , that must be according to the Nature of your Horse , and the present state of Body he is in ; for tho he may be clean enough for ordinary Hunting , yet he may be far distant from that perfect State of Body , that is required in a Match , and to keep him in such strict Dyet all the Season , ( except on such extraordinary Occasions ) would be an unnecessary Expence . As to your Horses Disposition for Running , you must know it by use and Observation , for in this Point Horses very much differ , for some run best when they are high in case , others when they are in middle Condition of Flesh , and some again when they appear to the Eye Poor , and Low in Flesh ; there fore according to your Horses Nature , and the time required to bring him into his best State , you must order your day for the tryal of your Match to be . But if you design to put him in for some Hunting Plate ; there neither the choice of your Ground , the Weight , nor the Horses you are to run against are at your disposal , but you must take them as you find them ; only the time for b●inging your Horse into a good Condition is at your own discretion , since you may begin as soon or as late as you please to keep him in strict Dyet , the time for all Plates being usually sixt , and annually the same . CHAP. IX . Of the Ordering the Hunter , for a Match or a Plate . WHen you have either Matcht your Horse , or entertained thoughts of putting him in for a Plate , you must consider that you ought to reserve a Month at the least , to draw his Body perfectly clean , and to resine his Wind to that degree of perfection which Art is capable of attaining to . First then you must take an exact view of the State of his Body ; both outwardly and inwardly ● as whether he be low or high in Flesh , or whether he be dull and Heavy when abroad , and this occasioned through too much hard riding , or through some Grease that by hunting has been dissolved , but for want of a scowring has not been removed . If he appear sluggish and Melancholy from either of these causes , than give him half an Ounce of Diapente in a pint of good old Malligo Sack , which will both cleanse his Body , and revive his Spirits : and then for the first week you shall feed him continually with Bread , Oats and split Beans , giving him sometimes the one and sometimes the other , according as h● likes , always leaving some in his Locker to eat at his own leisure when you are absent ; and when you return at your Hours of Feeding to take away what is left , and to give him fresh till you have made him wanton and playfull . To which end you shall observe that though you ride him every day morning and evening on Airing , and every other day on Hunting , yet you are not to sweat him , or put him to any violent Labour , the design this week being to keep him in Wind and Breath , and to prevent pursiveness . But you are to observe that both your Oats , Beans and Bread are to be now ordered after another manner then you did before , for first you must dry your Oats well in the Sun , then put them into a clean , Bag and beat them soundly with a Flail or Cudgel , till ●ou think th●y are hulled ; then take them out of the bagg and winnow them clean both from hulls and dust and so give them to your Horse as you have occasion . Your Beans in like mann●r must be separated from the hulls which are apt to breed Glut , and must either be thrown away or given amongst chaf to some more ordinary Horse . And for your Bread whereas before you only chipt it , now you must cut the Crust clean away , and dispose of it as you please ; for t is hard of digestion , and will be apt to heat and dry his Body . And now that you are to put him into stricter keeping , you are to make a finer sort of Bread then before , as thus ; Take two Pecks of Beans , and two of Wheat , and grind them together , but not too fine , to prevent too much Bran being in the Bread ; and dress one Peck of the Meal through a ●ine Range , and knead it up with new Ale-Barm , and the Whites of a dozen new layd Eggs , and so bake it in a Loaf by it self , and the rest dress through a Boulter , and knead it only with Ale and Barm ; and use it in all other points as the former : Now the Peck-loaf is to be given your Horse when you set him , and the other at ordinary times . This Bread assists Nature much in increasing the Strength , Courage and Wind of your Horse , provided you add thereto ( as I have always told you ) true Labour , as any Bread whatsoever ; nay even as either of M. De-Greys sorts of Bread , which he mentions in his Compleat Horseman 4 0 p. 232. ed. 4 0 especially his last , which he says is better Bread , and a greater Cooler ; and which he prescribes to make thus , Take Wheat Meal one Peck , Rye-meal , Beans and Oat-meal , all ground very small , of each half a Peck , Aniseeds , and Licorish , of each one Ounce , White Sugar-Candy four Ounces all in fine Powder , the yolks and whites of Twenty Eggs well beaten , and so much VVhite-wine as will knead it into a Paste , make this into great Loaves , bake them well , and after they be two or three days old , let him eat of this Bread , but chip away the Out side . Now the Reason why I have cited this is , because I have heard several ( who would be thought knowing Horsemen ) applaud this very Bread beyond any other to be met with in any Book , tho for my part I can find nothing excellent in the whole Composition . For first Oat-meal tho it be strong , yet it is a dry grain , hard of digestion , and a great dryer up of the Blood. The Wheat is of a drying quality likewise , tho it be light ; for the Aniseed and Licorish , they are not only Physical but hot also ; so that the Body becomes over heated , and thereby costive . And yet these People will not be perswaded , but these Drugs will make him long-winded ; possibly they might assist him in Neighing , as some men say it doth Songsters in Vocal Musick , wherein there is no Exercise of the Body used ; but where bodily strength is required , I am apt to believe it more prejudicial than pro●itable . But here some will object that there is Rye and Beanes both which are moist●ing ; especially the Rye wh●ch is both cold and moyst , and is the very reason De Grey himself gives why he put Rye into his latter Bread , because ( says he ) Rye is a Loosner and a Cooler , and therefore it will make the Horse more soluble . I have already said , that if his Body have Feeding proportionate to his Labour , the Horse will continue in a right state ●f Health . Yet since he is hot by Nature , and Labour might increase his natural Heat , and render him costive , therefore I have all along prescrib'd him Rye-bread alone as Physical . But here let the Horse be in what condition soever , whether bound in his body or laxative , yet Rye being a part of your Bread , ●our Horse must continually feed thereon , which has this undeniable disadvantage , that if he be loose in his body , this Bread ( to use de Grey's own words ) will make him more soluble . And now whilst I am discoursing of Horsebread , I cannot be condemn another curiosity in some Feeders , who think , by dressing their Meal to the utmost degree of Fineness they do wonders , and that such pure Food must of necessity bring him to the greatest perfection imaginable both of Body and Wind. But in this point I think they are deceiv'd , for the Meal being dress'd so very fine , nothing remains but the quintessence of it ; which tho it be lightned by Barm and Whites of Eggs , yet when it is above a day old t will begin to harden , ( as may be observ'd by Manchet ) and especially if Oatmeal be in it , by reason of its drying quality , whereby it will not be so easie of digestion , as it would be otherwise if it had no Bran in it ; and by consequence will be more apt to oppress his Stomach , if he be heated , before it be throughly digested , and so breed raw crudities , and an in●lammation of the blood , and by that means hazard a Sur●eit , than which nothing can be of worse consequence to a Horse that is match'd . And therefore t is that I advise , that your Horse-bread should only be made of Wheat and Beans , and that it should not be dress'd too fine , nor too course , but so , as that there may be neither so much Bran left as to annoy the blood , nor so little as to make your Bread too close and solid ; but you may leave some on purpose to scowr the Maw , and further your Horses Digestion . And thus much by way of Digression . Having spoken to the first condition of Horses which we propos'd , viz. melancholly , and low in flesh , we are now to speak of those which are brisk and lively ; which if your Horse be so , that when you lead him out of the Stable he will leap and play about you , then you must not only avoid giving him the Scowring last mention'd of Sack and Diapente , but any other whatsoever : for there being no foul Humours , or any super●luous matter left in his body for the Physick to work on , it will prey upon the strength of his body , and by that means weaken it , which it must be your utmost endeavour to preserve by full Feeding and sound Labour , which will necessarily produce a perfect Wind , which is the Support of Strength , for when his Wind once fails , his Strength avails nothing . As to the manner of it , if your Horse be ingag'd in a Hunting-match , you shall sweat him twice this week , but not by hunting him after the Hare , as formerly , but by Train-scents , since the former on this Occasion may prove deceitful ; for tho the Hounds be very swift , yet the Scent being cold the Dogs will often be at fault , and by that means the Horse will have many Sobs , so that when he comes to run Train-scents in earnest your Horse will look for ease , his Wind being not so perfect as in Art it ought to be . Therefore lead your Train-scents with a dead Cat over such Grounds as you are likely to run on and best agrees with yous Horses Humour , and be sure make choice of the Fleetest hounds you can get , and then your Horse will be kept up to the hight of his speed . As to the Number of Train-scents that you are to ride at a time , ●hat you must order according to your Match , or ( which is better ) according to your Horse's strength , and ability for performing his Heats . For if you labour him beyond his strength , t will take him off his speed , weaken his Limbs , and daunt his Spirit . If you give him too little Exercise , it will give opportunity for pursiveness and ill humours , as Glut , &c. to increase in him , and gain in him a habit of Laziness , that when he comes to be put to labour above his usual rate , he will grow restiff , and settle like a Iade , either of which will redound to your discredit , and therefore it must be from your own knowledge in the state of his Body , and not from any general Directions in writing , that you must steer your Course Only this Direction may be given you , that if you are to run Eight Train-scents and the straight Course , more or less , you are to put him to such severe labour not above twice in your whole Months keeping ; and and if it be in the first Fortnight , t will be the better , for then he will have a compleat Fortnight to recover his strength again ; and for his labour in his last Fortnight , let it be proportionate to his strength and wind , as sometimes half his Task , and then three parts of it . Only observe , that the last Tryal you make in the first Fortnight be a Train-scent more than your Match , for by that means you will find what he is able to do . And for the proportion of his Exercise , twice a week ( as I have already said ) is sufficient to keep him in breath , and yet will not diminish or injure his Vigour . But if your Hunting-match be to run sewer Train-scents , then you may put him to his whole Task the oftner , according as you find him in condition ; only observe that you are not to strain him for Ten daies at least before he ride his Match , that he may be led into the Field in perfect strength and vigour . If you intend him for a Plate , let him take his Heats according to this Direction , only let it be on the Place , that he may be acquainted with the Ground ; and as for the Hounds you may omit them , as not being ty'd to their speed , but that of your Adversaries Horse's . But as to your Number of Heats , let them be according to what the Articles exact ; only observe that as to the sharpness of them , they must be regulated according to the temper of his strength , and the purity of his Wind. And when you heat him provide some Horses upon the Course to run at him , which will quicken his spirits , and encourage him , when he finds he can command them at his pleasure . And here too the same Rule must be observed , not to give your Horse a Bloody heat for Ten daies or a Fortnight before the Plate be to be run for : And let his last be●t which you give him before the day of Tryal be in all his Cloathes , and just skelp it over ; which will make him run the next time much more vigorously , when he shall be stript naked , and feel the cold Air pierce him . But now that I am speaking of sweating , it may be expected that I should lay down some Rules how to order a Horse that is in keeping for a Match in Frosty weather , or in case he be an old strain'd Horse , so that you dare not heat him in hard weather , for fear of Lameing him a fresh . In these cases some Horsemen have practic'd sweating their Horse in the House , by laying on him multiplicity of Cloathes , being first made hot at the Fire ; which is the most unnatural way of sweating a Horse that can be , since 't is provok'd by heat arising from the outward parts , and is too violent , the extreamity of the heat joyn'd to the weight of the Cloathes , not only weakning , but almost smothering him . The next way in use , is to give him his Heat a●road , as I just now mention'd in his Cloathes , but this too is not so natural and kindly , as without his Cloathes , since here too the heat is augmented from without , and consequently abates his strength the more , and yet doth not altogether so well improve his Wind. Therefore if either you have a Horse that has been strain'd , or otherwise the weather be unseasonable , find out some dead Iog , or sandy way , though of but half a Miles length , and there breath your horse till he sweat as you would have him . I remember to have heard of a Gentleman having match'd his horse for a very considerable summ ; and the weather proving hard , took this course to keep his horse in breath ; he caused Straw , and foul Litter to be spread all along round an adjoyning Close , and every morning his Servnats shook it up and turn'd it , to keep it hollow and soft , and then the Horse was had forth to gallop on it after his Water , and by this meanes kept his Horse in tollerable Wind. Now during this Month both on his Resting-daies , and after his sweats on Heating-daies , you are to observe the same Rules which you were taught in the first week of your Third Fortnights Keeping ; only you are to omit all scourings , but Rye-bre●d and Mashes ; since your Horse being in so perfect a state of Body has no need of any . Only if you think there may be any occasion , and that your Horse prove Thirsty , about Eight or Nine a Clock at Night you may give him this ●ulip to cool him and quench his Thirst. Take Barly-water Two Quarts : of Syrrup of Violets 3 Ounces , of Syrrup of Lemmons 2 Ounces , mix them together , and give them to your Horse to drink ; if he refuse , fasten it from falling as you did the Mash , and so let it stand by him all Night . During the last Fortnight , you must not only dry your Oats , and hull them by beating , but likewise take half a Strike of Oats and wash them in the Whites of a dozen or twenty Eggs , and stirring them therein let them soke all Night ; then the next Morning take them and spread them abroad in the Sun , till they be as dry as at first , and so give them to your Horse , and when they are spent prepare more in the same manner . This Food is light of Digestion , and very sovereign for his Wind. ●is Beans must be order'd as before , only give them not so frequently , if he will eat his Oats without them ; and for his Bread this Fortnight let it be three parts Wheat to one of Beans , and let it be ordered as before directed . And likewise if you find him inclin'd to costiveness forget not to relieve Nature by giving him Oats wash'd in two or three Whites of Eggs and Ale beat together ; for that , as I have told you already , will cool his Body , and keep it moist . During the last Week omit giving him a Mash , only give the Barly-water as before ; but as to Hay let him have as much as he will eat ( which will not be much , if he have his fill of better food ) till a day before he is to ride his Match , but then you must hold your hand , that he may have time to diges● that which he has eaten , and then and not before you may muzzle him with your Cavezone ; and be sure that day , and so till the morning he is led out , to feed him as much as possible , for such a days Labour will require something to maintain strength . Therefore in the Morning , an hour before you are to lead out , give him a Tost or two of White-bread steept in Sack ● which will revive his Spirits , and so lead him into the Field . But if you are to run for a Plate , which usually is not till three a clock in the After-noon , then by all means have him out early in the morning to air , that he may empty his Body , and when h● is come in from Airing feed him with Tosts in Sack ; for you must consider , that as too much fulness will endanger his wind , so too long fasting will cause faintness . When he has ●aten what you think fit to give him , put on his Cavezone , and then having chaf'd his Legs soundly with Piece-grease and Brandy warm'd together , or Train-oyl , ( which ought likewise to be us'd daily at Noon for a Week ● before the Match , or longer if you see cause , ) shake up his Litter , and shutting up your Stable close , and preventing any Noise to be made near him , leave him to his Rest till the hour come that he is to go into the Field . As to platting his Main and Tail , shooing him with Plates , pit●hing his Saddle and Girths , and the like preparations , they are things which every Groom can instruct you in , and therefore I shall not trouble you with Rules concerning them , but in lieu thereof shall add some farther Directions how to judge of the State of your Horses Body , and if you find any thing amiss therein how to redress it . CHAP IX . Of the Means to judge of your Horses State of Body , and of curing all Casualties that may happen a●ter Matching . THere are several Observations to be made by you during your Dieting your Horse , which if you miscarry in , may be the loss of your Match , or your share in the Plate . Therefore , that you may know how to proceed regularly in this Ar● , I shall endeavour to summe them up . First then you are to observe his Chaule , his Ribs , and his Flank , according to the Rules formerly laid down ; for if he be clean within , he will also be clean there ; but yet he may feel clean there , when he is not clean within ; and therefore those Grooms are very conceited , who upon their first view of a Horse and handling of his Flank , pronounce him to be in a true state of Body ; for gentle Airing , warm Cloathing , scanty Feeding , may disperse the gross Fat and Glut , and drive it from the outward parts , so that he may appear clean , when in reality he is not so : and therefore you are only a competent Iudg , who know how he was cleansed . Therefore you are to observe , first , whether in all points you have proceeded according to Art in his Training ; as whether he performs his Heats with vigor aud true courage , whether he have been all along home-fed , whether you have not suffer'd pursi●eness to increase by too little labour , or abated his Flesh and strength by too much . These things are the very grounds of Keeping , and therefore ought to be scan'd and consider'd with judgment . Next you are to observe his manner of Feeding , as whether he holds his Appetite or no ; and observe what sort of Food he likes best , and of that give him oftenest ; and in case his stomach abate , keep him out longer Morning and Night , at his airings . In like manner you must observe his Dung , which tho it be as fallacious oftentimes as a Sick-man's Water , it being liable to alteration on the change of Dyet , or being influenc'd by the air , yet being clean and in health it will usually be a pale yellow colour , and be voided in round Pellets ; but if it be loose , and soft , it is an infallible sign of weakness , and therefore must by good Feeding be remedied as soon as possible . But if it be hard and dry , so that he cannot dung but with difficulty and straining , then you must endeavour to relieve Nature , but not with scowrings , which would weaken too much , but rather chuse to give him this Glister , which will both cool and refresh him . Take a Quart of Whey , of Syrrup of Violets , and Pulpe of Cassia , of each Four Ounces and of Manna half an Ounce ; this will Purge him gently , and is most excellent to cool his Bowels . The next thing to be considered is Lamness , which if it proceed from old strains you must make use of this Oyntment , which I have several times experimented with good success . Take a fresh Butter , Oyle of Bayes , Dialthea , and Turpentine of each Two Ounces , mix and boyle them together on a soft fire , and when they are well incorporated , as hot as the Horse can suffer it , annoint the Horse twice a day , and give him exercise , by Airing him abroad Morning and Evening a foot pace , and you will find it a certain Remedy for any Strain in the Shoulder● Clap on the back sinews , or any gri●f what soever , that proceeds from Strains . But if you only fear Lameness from Old Strains , then you must be careful that your Exercise be moderate , and alwaies when you come in from Water and his Legs are rub'd dry , annoint them with such supple Oyntments , as are accounted good for the Limbs , as Linseed , Train , Sheepsfoot , Neatsfoot , Nerve-Oyle and the like ; all which may be used on his daies of Rest , but on his heating daies Vrine and Salt-Peter . Some Horsemen make use of Brandie and Sallet Oyl mix'd , and bathe his Legs , and afterwards heat it in with a hot Iron , and commend it as the best thing for the Limbs of an Old s●if● Horse . But if your Horse through Negligence , or any casualtie happen to have the Grease fall into his Heels , you must endeavour ro remove it by a good sound heat , and a scowring after it , and apply to his Legs this Poultiss . Take of Honey a Pound , of Turpentine , common Gum , Meal of Linseed , and the Meal of Fenugreek , of each 4 Ounces , and the Powder of Bay●berries well sea●ch'd 3 Ounces , mix and boyle all these well together ; then take it off , and put to it a Pint of White-wine , then boyle it again , till it be very thick : and with this , as hot as the Horse can suffer it , lap his legs about Plaister-wise , and renew it only once in three daies , and it will certainly bring his Legs within compass● If your Horses Feet be bad , either surbated ● or foundred , then instead of Cow-dung , you may stop them with blew-clay and Vinegar temperd together , and on his Heating-daies at Night stop them with grey-sope , and keep it in with a peice of an old Shoo-sole . If your Horse be troubled with any Dose in his head give him Mustard-seed amongst his Provender , but if it be a worse Cold , which you will perceive by his Ratling , then give him this Lambitive , or Electuary . Take of Honey and Treacle , each half a Pound , having mixt these together , add to them Powder of Cumminseed , Liquorish , Bay-berries , Anniseeds , each an Ounce , mix all these together , and put them to the Honey and Treakle , which will make it of a thick consistance . If your horse hath a Cold , instead of his Oates before Water , give him the quantity of a Walnut of this Lambitive on the top of a stick or in a Spoon , and let him lick it off ; and the same do after Airing , when first you come in , and you will find the advantage of it . These at present are all the Inconveniencies that I can call to mind , which are lyable to Hunters , or Gallopers in their Keeping ; and tho through inadvertency , or want of memory I should have omitted any , yet from these Grounds , you may form your Remedies for any common Accident or Distemper ; and now that we draw near to the Match-day , and the End of our Discourse , we will only discuss some few Rules relating to the Tryal of the Hunting Match . I mean Rules to be observed in Riding , and so conclude . CHAP. X. Of riding a Hunting-Match , or Heats for a Plate , and the Advantages belonging to each . I Have endeavoured to shew the Necessity and the Manner of Training and Dieting Horses , but this alone is not sufficient to the winning of either Match or Plate without a knowing and an honest Rider , and a skilful Iudge or Tryer be joyn'd thereto ; but since no man is sitter to ride the Horse than he that has the training of him , I shall lay down some general Rules how to ride to the best Advantage either a Hunting-Match , or three Heats and a Course for a Plate . The first Requisite in a Rider , next to faithfulness in his Trust , is to have a good close Seat , his Knees being held firm to his Saddle-skirts , his Toes turn●d inward and his Spurs outward from the Horses sides , his left hand governing his Horses Mouth , and his right commanding his Wh●p ; observing during all the Tryal throughout to sit firm in his Saddle , without waving , or standing up in his Stirrops , which very much incommodes the Horse , notwithstanding the conceited Opinion of some Iockeys that it is a becoming Seat. When you spur your Horse , strike him not hard with the Calves of your Legs , as if you would beat the wind out of his body , bust just turn your Toes outwards , and bring the Spurs quick to his sides ; and such a sharp stroke will be more serviceable to the quickning of your Horse , and sooner draw blood . Be sure not to spur yonr Horse but when there is occasion , and avoid spurring him under the fore-bowels , between his Shoulders , and his Girths near the Heart ( which is the tend'rest place ) till the last Extremity . When you whip your Horse let it be over the shoulder on the near side , except upon hard running , and when you are at all ; then be sure with a strong jerk to strike your Horse in the Flank , for there the skin is tender'st , and most sensible of the Lash ● Observe when you whip or spur your Horse , and that you are certain he is at the top of his speed , if then he clap his Ears in his Pole , or whisk his Tail , be sure that you bear him hard , and give him as much comfort as ever you can , by sawing his Snaffle to and fro in his Mouth , and by that means forcing him to open his Mouth , which will comfort him , and give him wind . If there be any high wind stirring when you ride , observe if it be in your Face to let your Adversary lead , and to hold hard behind him till you see your opportunity of giving a Loose ; yet you must observe to ride so close to him , that his Horse may break the Wind from yours , and that you by stooping low in your Seat may shelter your self under him , which will assist the strength of your Horse . But if the Wind be in your Back , ride exactly behind him , that your Horse may alone enjoy the benefit of the Wind , by being as it were blown forward , and by breaking it from him as much as you can possible . Next observe what Ground your Horse delights to run best on , bearing your Horse ( as much as your Adversary will give you leave ) on level Carpet-ground , because your Horse naturally will be desirous to spend himself more freely thereon . But on deep Earths &c. give him more liberty , because he will naturally favour himself thereupon . Be sure , if you are to run up hill , to favour your Horse and bear him , for fear of running him out of wind ; but down hill , ( if your Horses Feet and Shoulders will endure it , and you dare venture your own Neck ) always give him a Loose . Only take this for a general Rule , that if you find your Horse to have the Heels of the other , that then you be careful to preserve his Speed till the last Train-scent , if you are not to run a straight Course , but i● so , then till the Course , & so to husband it then too , that you may be able to make a Push for it at the last Post. Next you are to observe the nature of your Opposites Horse , and if he be fiery , then to run just behind , or just cheek by joul , and with your Whip make as much noise as you can , that you may force him on faster then his Rider would have him , and by that means Spend him the sooner . Or else keep just before him upon such a slow Gallop , that he may either over reach or by treading on your Horses Heels ( if he will not take the leading ) endanger falling over . Observe on what ground the contrary Horse runs worst and on that Earth be sure to give a loose that your Adversaries being forced to follow you , may hazzard stumbling , or clapping on the back Sinnws . Observe likewise in your Riding the several Helps and Corrections of the Hand the Whip and the Spur , and when and how oft●n he makes use of th●m ; and when you perceive that his Horse begins to be blown by any of the former Sy●ptoms , as Whisking his Tail , clapping down his Ears , holding out his Nose like a Pig &c. you may then take it for granted that he is at the top of what he can do ; therefore in this case observe how your own rides , and if he run cheerfully and strongly without Spurring , then be sure keep your Adversary to the same speed without giving him ease and by that means you will quickly bring him to give out , or else distance him . Observe at the End of every Train-sent what Condition the other Horse is in ; and how he holds out in his Labour ; which you may be able to give a judgment of by his Looks , the Working of his Flank , and the slackness of his Girths . For if h● look dull t is a sign his Spirits fail him ; if his Flanks beat much , t is a token that his Wind begins to fail him , and then of necess●ity his Strength must too . If his Wind fail him , then his Body will grow thin and appear tuckt up , which will make his Girths appear slack to the Eye . And therefore take this for a Rule that there is no greater Sign of Weakness then this which I have last mentioned ; so that if your Adversaries Horse want girting after the first Scent , provided he were close-girt at his first starting , you need not much dispair of winning your Wager . When each Train-scent is ended ( and so likewise after every Heat for a Plate ) you must have dry Straw , and dry Cloaths both Linnen and Woollen which have been steep'd in Vrine and Salt-Peter a day , or two , and then dryed in the Sun ; and likewise one , or two of each which have been so steeped , must be brought wet into the Field ; and after the Train is ended you must have two or three Hel●ers , and after your Groom has with a Knife of Heat ( as the D. of New-Castle calls it ) which is an old piece of a Sword blade , scrapt off all the Sweat from your Horses Neck , Body &c. you must see that they first with Straw , and then with their dry Cloaths rub him dry all over , whilst others are employed about his Leggs ; and as soon as they are rub'd dry then chafe them with your wet cloaths , and never give over till you are called by the Iudges to start again . This will keep his Joynts plyant and nimble , and prevent any inflammation which might arise from any old Strai● . The next thing to be considered is the Iudges , or Tryers Office , which is to see that all things are ordered according to the Articles , which to that end ought to be publickly read before the Horses Start. Next that each Tryer on whose side the Train is to be led , according to the Articles give directions ●or its leading according to the advise of the Rider , or his Knowledge of the Nature and Dispos●●ion of that Horse on whose side he is Chose . Next that each Tryer be so advantageously M●●●●ed , as to ride up behind the Horses , ( but not upon them ) all day ; and to observe that the Contrary Horse ride his True-ground , and observe the Articles in every particular , or else not to permit him to pr●ceed . Next that after each Train-scent be ended , each Tryer look to that Horse against whom he is chosen , and observe that he be in ways reliev'd but with rubbing , except Liberty on both sides be given to the contrary . Next , as soon as the time which is allow'd for rubbing be expired , which is generally half an hour , they shall comm●nd them to mo●●● , an● if either Rider refuse , it may be lawful for the other to 〈◊〉 without him , and having ●ea● him the distance agreed on , the Wager is to be adjudg'd on his side . Next , the Tryers shall keep off all other Horses from crossing the Riders , or leading them ; only they themselves may be allow'd to instr●●t the Riders by word of mouth how to ride , whether slow , or fast , according to the Advantages he perceives may be gain'd by his Directions . Lastly , if there be any weight agreed on , they shall see that both Horses bring their true weight to the starting place , and carry it to the end of the Train , on penalty of losing the Wager . The same Rules are to be observ'd ( especially this last ) by those Gentlemen which are chosen to be Iudges , at a Race for a Plate ; onely they usually stay in the Stand , that they may the better see which Horse wins the ●eat . Now for running for a Plate , there are not so many Observations to be made , nor more Directions requir'd than what have been already mention'd ; onely this , that if you know your Horse to be tough at bottom ● and that he will stick at mark , to ride him each Heat according to the best of his performance , and avoid as much as possible either riding at any particular Horse , or staying for any , but to ride each Heat thro●●●out with the best speed you can . But if you have a very ●●ery Horse to manage , or one that is hard-mouth'd , and difficult to be held , then start behind the rest of the Horses with all the coolness and gentleness imaginable● and when you find your Horse to begin to ride at some command , then p●t up to the other Horses , and if you ●ind they ride 〈◊〉 their Ease , and are hard held , then endeavour to draw them on faster ; but if you find their Wind begin to rake hot , and that they want a Sob , ●f your own Horse ●e in wind , and you have a Loose in your hand , keep them up to their speed , till you come within three quarters of a Mile of the End of the Heat ; and then give a Loose , and push for it , and leave ●o Fortune and your Horses Goodness the Event of your Success . Many more Rules there are which may not occur at present to my memory , and others which I purposely omit ; but those may serve the honest Iockey , and for the others which relate to Foul-play , as crossing , ●●nging ●n the Posts , leaning on the other Horseman , yoking ● &c. I desire not to instruct any one in them , and could wish that they might never be made use of , but be ●holly relinquish'd by all honest Horsemen . Lastly , when either your Hunting-Match , or your Tryal for the 〈◊〉 is ended , as soon as you have rubb'd your Horse dry , yo● shall 〈◊〉 him ●p , and ride him home , where the first thing you give him shall be this Drink to comfort him . Take a Pint and a half of sweet Milk , and put three Yolks of Eggs beaten into it ; then make it luke-warm , and put in three penny-worth of Saffron , and three Spoonfuls of Sallet-oyl , and give it him in a Horn. When this is done dress him slightly over with your Curry Comb , Brush , and Woollen Cloth ; and then bath the place where the Saddle stood with warm Sack to prevent Warbles , and wash the Spurring-places with Piss and Salt , and then afterwards annoint them with Turpentin● and Powder of Iet mix'd together ; and be sure let the Sta●le I 〈◊〉 very well litter'd ; and then cloath him up with all speed , and so let him stand two hours . Then feed him with Rye-bread , after that with a very good Mash : then give him his Belly full of Hay , and what Corn or Bread he will eat . Then but he his Legs well with Vrine and S●lt-pe●er , leave him Corn in his Locker , and so let him rest till the next Morning ; at which time order him as before directed in his days of Rest. Thus I have imparted to the ●ublick what my own Experience has taught me , relating to this part of Horsemanship . I desire no Person to rely on it further then they shall find it advantageous upon Pra●tice and Tryal . If others more skilful would be as free to communicate their Observations on this Subject , this profitable part of Knowledge might then perhaps be improv'd to perfection . The giving a Specimen 〈◊〉 all that is here design'd . If the Reader finds any Errors , he is desir'd either to pardon or 〈◊〉 them . To those that either know no better , or want other● Helps , this possibly may prove no 〈◊〉 piece of Service . ERRATA . Pag. 15. l. 19. for rot read moot . p. 22. l. 22. for lyare r. lya●●● p. ●● . l. 3. 〈◊〉 Dose ●● Pose . 〈…〉 p. 47. ● . 1. for to 〈…〉 &c. in 〈…〉 , r. him● and s● 〈◊〉 him by 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 p. 51. l. 2● . for Da●●● . Palc. p. ●● . l. ● . for so 〈…〉 . FINIS .