AN HIPPONOMIE OR THE VINEYARD OF HORSEMANSHIP: Divided into three Books. 1. The Theoric Part, entreating of the inward Knowledge of the man.. 2. The first practic Part, showing how to work according to that Knowledge. 3. The second practic Part, declaring how to apply both hunting and running Horses to the true grounds of this Art. In which is plainly laid open the Art of Breeding, Ri ding, Training and Dieting of the said Horses. Wherein also many errors in this Art, heretofore published, are manifestly detected. By MICHAEL BARET, Practitioner and Professor of the same Art. LONDON, Printed by GEORGE ELD. 1618. TO THE MOST HIGH, WORTHY, AND RENOWNED KING, JAMES, BY the Grace of God, of Great BRITAIN, FRANCE and IRELAND, King; De fender of the true, ancient, Catholic and Apostolic Faith, etc. IF I should go about (most Gracious and Dread Sovereign) to blaze a Motto of your Sacred and Puissant Virtues, (which no Fame can equalize, both for Divine knowledge and intellectual judgement in all Arts and Sciences,) my weak apprehension and rude Pen would obscure the very Shadow of your peerless worths; seeing they extend beyond the reach of any man's invention, being so resplendent as they rarefy and give light to the eclipsed and dark knowledge of all your Subjects, (as the Sun giveth light and life to all the other Orbs and sublunary bodies:) Upon whom God hath multiplied his gifts and blessings to such a Product, as no Nation or Kingdom upon the surface of the dark Globe of this earth could ever as yet number. And upon the Axis of which blessings we your unworthy Subjects make our revolutions, in conformable Peace and tranquillity, as the Centre of our terrestrial happiness; whose poles being animated with mercy and peace, are made so stable by conformity and unition, as we receive all our fruition therefrom, not only of temporal but also of spiritual comforts: So as we may say, God hath made all things prosper in Putiphers' house for joseph's sake. Gen. 39 5. For which we all your humble Subjects are bound to pray unto God, that as he hath, so he will still deliver Daniel from the jaws of Dan. 6. 22. the Lions; And as he gave power to David to overcome the Bear and the Lion, so still to strike off the head of Goliath, that will blaspheme 1. Sa. 17. 37. against God or his anointed; that we may still hear the golden Bells of Aaron sound in Amos. 8. 11. our ears, that he do not send a Famine to the Soul, but that it may still be fed and nourished with the true and living Bread, with free liberty without restraint, that we may rejoice Levi. 20. 13. in this jubilee of years; for many Prophets and Kings have desired to see such things as we see, and have not seen them, and to hear those Luk. 10. 24. things we hear and have not heard them. Wherefore to show our thankfulness both unto God and unto your Highness, for such fruition of peace and prosperity, that we receive by having the glorious light of the Gospel to shine so beautifully amongst us, we are bound in duty and Conscience, to offer in Sacrifice the Calves Rom. 13. 5. of our lips unto him in whose hands are the Prou. 21. 1. hearts of Kings, for the preservation of so gracious a Sou●raigne; for every one (being but as a member) should seek the good welfare, and to maintain the strength of this bodily Kingdom, of which your Majesty is the head. Amongst whom, I being one of the meanest amongst the meaner, am bound by the same bond of loyalty, to discharge my duty, according to the talon which God hath bestowed on me; and therefore not being able to present such gifts unto your Highness as is worthy your acceptance (for the excellency thereof) rather than I shall be found with the ungrateful servant to hide my talon in the ground, I have presumed to dedicate unto your Majesty this Vineyard of Horsemanship, the first fruit of my lives experience, planted by painful practice & the charges of my whole estate; knowing the greatest Monarches have vouchsafed to receive poor presents of such as were not able to offer greater gifts. In which, where I have at any time failed in order or method, (through inability) so that the truth is not so clearly purged from error as my willing intention did desire, I most humbly subject myself to the perfection of your allseeing Hyperbole. knowledge, and that you would vouchsafe to adorn the imperfections thereof, with a favourable and charitable censure of my earnest desire to have this now withered and dead Art of Horsemanship (being such a famous Art) the 2. Theo. 2. ●. more ●o flourish in this Kingdom, which hath bee●●●o ●on▪ frostbitten with the congealing rynne of ●●tient traditions; whereby Custom hath taxed such false impositions upon these noble Creatures, as now they are become most ignoble and base; In which also I have done my best, to set these blameless Creatures free from such unjust suggestions, and have laid the cause of them to man's ignorance, to whom they are properly appertaining. Therefore trusting your Gracious lenity will admit a toleration of my unworthy labours, it will incite others to dig deeper into this Mine, whereby there will be found such precious pearls, as will garnish the now dejected Art of this so famous Subject, that there shall be no need to desire any jewels from foreign Countries, and also it will embolden me to persist (during the rest of my life) to bring such things to light as are yet left in darkness, according to the measure of my understanding. And in the mean time, I will pray with heart and mind unto the King of all Kings, that he would confound the wicked practices of all those, whether Papists or Atheists, that shall either secretly or openly attempt the subversion of you or your Royal posterity, but that there may be still one proceeding from your loins to rule the Sceptre till Shilo come; and that as he hath made you the greatest here upon earth, so he will crown you and yours to reign perpetually with him, in his everlasting Kingdom. Your majesties least and unworthiest Subject. MICHAEL BARET. TO THE MOST HIGH, AND ILLUSTRIOUS PRINCE, CHARLES PRINCE OF WALES, etc. MOst Excellent Prince: as it is a true saying, that the tree is known by the fruit: so in like manner the fruit is hoped by the tree; wherefore you being of such Royal descent, in which are inherent such fullness of Moral and Divine virtues, there can be no doubt, but this peaceable happiness shall futurely continue: For as the Earth (which is said to be a Magnetical body) doth not only hold itself, in one certain, and uniform Situation, Elevation, and Place, by the disponent faculty, and Magnetical vigour of the two Poles, and by virtue of the gravity unto the Centre; but also doth attract, and conform all other substances (of the like quality, (as directory Needles, inclinatory Needles, Sea Compasses, and such like,) to aspect the Poles, and so unite themselves in all corespondency, at convenient angles and positions, by a constant and certain apprehension of the same, and so become as guides to direct men in doubtful and uncertain passages; Even so, your Grace, being so truly and firmly touched with the Virtue, Power, and Potency, of so High and Precious a Magnetical Body, will site yourself Parallel to his Axis, and when you shall approach near his Arctic Pole, you will join and make a strait line with the same: (to whose Poles, all men's endeavours do attract and conform themselves in all doubtful causes:) because that if a Magnet be taken from the whole rock, (whence it was united, and did grow in the bowels of the Earth) although before he was taken away he was but a part of the whole body, yet after it is separated, will then become a perfect, complete, and sole Magnetical body, retaining all the proprieties and virtues of the whole nature. But I insist too much to prove that which no man can or once dare to deny; wherefore (assuredly knowing your Highness is so richly endowed with all Heroical Virtues,) I am also emboldened to Dedicate these my rude and undigested Labours, unto your most Excellent Favour, being (as yet) of such tender years, as your prosperous time may quicken and revive this low and debased Art of Horsemanship, and by whom these low shrubbs may spread and grow up like Olive plants, so as this Realm shall not need to dull the ears of any other strange countries, (by petition for assistance,) if you will but vouchsafe to countenance the favourits thereof with your smile Grace. For I have planted this Vineyard upon a firm and true ground, and have fenced it about in such sort by Reason, and weeded and pruned it by Practice, that there is no Imp, (if conceit hinder not,) but may keep it from such weeds, and ravenous beasts as would devour or choke him, whereby these excellent and so necessary Creatures, may be brought to such obedience and subjection, as shall be needful for the use and service of Man; (for whom they were created, as his hereditary possession:) Although my Artless pen hath not made it so delightful as to revive the dead senses of all scrutenous brains, which no Tully's Eloquence as yet could ever persuade. And therefore I most submissively entreat that it would please you to accept of this my first and new born Infant, (being but as yet in the swaddling Clothes, which desireth to be Fostered under your wings, and to be protected under your Feathers: and I hope it will prove such a thankful Orphan as it will also nourish many Imps, and cause them to flourish, so, in this plantation, as they shall bring forth such pleasant grapes, as will relish the palate, and delight the eye. And so with my unfeigned prayers to Almighty God, for your Excellencies most prosperous success and endless happiness, I rest devoted as unworthy of your least Favours. Your Excellencies most lowly, and poor Servant. MICHAEL BARET. THE PREFACE TO THE READER. WEre it not (most courteous Reader) that the great desire I have to do something, that might either profit my Country or the Commonweal; did urge me forward to the publishing and setting forth this Treatise (entitled the Vineyard of Horsemanship) both the insufficiency of myself through the imbecility of knowledge and also the intricacy & obsourenesse of the Art, (being so much darkened through the abuse thereof) might have dissuaded me from so bold an enterprise, but more especially knowing that it cannot be without scandalous taunts: For so much as it shall come to a public view of Momus and his Associates. For neither is my wit so finely filled, as to prove my assertions by strong reasons and invincible Arguments; nor yet my learning so largely lettered, as to ●ecke and garnish it with Rhethoricall amplifications and flowing speeches; But only to set it forth in such plain and simple manner a● shall be fit for the instruction of the meanest, hoping that the meekest will take it in the best sense, and according to my goodwill; for it (being wrought in plano) hath no curiosity to delight the ears of the curious; but yet it is supported with a strong Pillar which is the truth: Trusting you will not esteem it to be any deal defaced in being set forth without any painted attire, and by one of so weak performance; for gold is nothing the worse if it be found on the dunghill, nor poison any deal the better being drunk forth of a guilded cup. But rather as Seneca saith, Seneca. Non quis sed quid dicit attendite, rather respect what is delivered then who or in what manner it is delivered: For in regard that I have neither the Art of delighting, nor persuading; yet if I have any part of teaching, it shall not grieve me to bestow my small talon into the Treasury of the World, having proved it only by practice to be perfect; Knowing, that a little water, being cast into the Sea is preserved, but being kept by itself is soon dried up. Even so, this little Treatise being committed to the World, will be preserved (by some) but being kept close, it will soon d●cay. But it is Objection. objected by some, that this part of Horsemanship is so easy that there need little instruction for the teaching thereof, and also it is holden by other some, (and some of them reputed good Horsemen) Theo. 3.d. that to bring a Horse to his pace is not only idle, but also to spoil his Answer. other pace. To whom I answer, for the first, if they rightly consider the stayed seating of the Horse's body, and also the true placing of his Idem. 1. head, with the easy carriage of his rain, and the proper motion of his going forward, with the easiness of his going; and moreover, the just and true handling of his legs: they shall find that the Art hath such obscurity and intricateness, that it would require a whole Volume, for the explaining thereof, rather than a small Treatise. And as for the second, which hold it to be idle. Is that an idle thing that ●s necessary for all sorts of people? for if a man have occasion to travail but two or three miles from the town, will not he be desirous to be carted both freely, easily and safely, which cannot be so truly done by any Horse, as upon a pacer: much more than (necessary) ●f he be to travail two hundred or three hundred miles. Therefore I could wish, that they should ride upon Trotting Asses all their lives (for penance,) to kee● t●em from idleness, till they endeavour themselves to search mo●e diligently into the truth of this Art: to teach them to give sentence in that thing they have such small experience in. But it is the nature of a great number, to envy that in others, which they cannot attain unto themselves. Thinking that to be idle, which their idle brains cannot comprehend: and so judge them to be fantastical (as is the manner of ignorant men) which attempt any thing beyond their reach and the compass of their knowledge: thinking the world to be no greater than the Cages of their brains can comprehend. Therefore although they be reputed for good Horsemen, yet to them I answer, with the Civillian, Fama per Civillian. se, paruura momenti habet ad probandum, only fame is a very small moment of proof. And whereas they say there are many Horses spo●led by this Art, I grant it to be true. But it is not the Art that doth spoil them, but the abuse thereof. For though meat Theo. 3.d. and drink, be both necessary and good, yet they may say (by the same conclusion) because they have seen many surfeit by it, that (therefore) it is nought: whereas (indeed) it is not the use of the creatures but the abuse, for as it is the nature of most men to think that which they most affect to be the best; so many men in their particular knowledge, think themselves the wisest, in that they do best conceit. And so if at any time, they (by chance) have made two or three Horses to ●ace, (though never so unseemly) then strait they hold themselves as excellent as the best, thinking there is no more to be known. Whereas to make a Horse pace only, without any other respect, it is the least part of the Art; for it is not the pace only that is to be respected, but also his comely carriage (in every particular) to be regarded. And therefore no marvel, though there be so many Horses spoiled, being taught upon untrue ground. For (as the learned saith) Quod nemo didicit, nemo docere potest, it is hard for a man to teach that to another, which he never learned himself. Now seeing the truth of this Art is so darkened with ignorance, and drowned in the whirlpool of conceit; I have thought it my duty, as much as in me lieth, to illustrate some dark corners thereof: for (as Cicero saith) Non nobis solum nati sumus, sed partim patriae, Cicero. partim parentibus, partim amicis, debemus, that we are not borne, only for ourselves, but partly for our country, partly for parents, and partly for our friends, but the least part to ourselves. But me thinks I hear some Zoylist's object and condemn me of Objection. arrogancy, for attempting to set forth this Book to the eyes of the world, myself being of no greater credit, for the authority thereof: and also for my education, never to have been brought up amongst Horsemen: and further, my country wherein I have lived the most part of my life (which is Holland in Lincolnshire) to be of no esteem for Horsemanship: Moreover, that I justify my worke● too much for truth, whereas others (of better judgement than myself) have left their works, to be examined at the discretion of others, all which I will answer as well and as briefly as I can. And for the first, I grant myself to be very mean of credit, to give authority to my works, but is it not mere vanity, to give greater respect to a man or to his place, then to his knowledge? For example, ●● a man get a place of credit, either by following some Noble Man, or else by some other means, then are both his words and works holden most Authentical, although he (for the true understanding of himself) doth deserve, neither the one nor the other. And therefore Socrates being asked whether Archclaus, (who was esteemed a very hardy and valiant man) by his judgement, were to be accounted happy or no●l cannot tell (quoth he) I never had any conference with him: Inferring, that happiness doth not consist in the esteem of the worl●, but in knowledge. And herein doth man greatly err: For there is not any thing Act 10. 34. which regardeth greatness but man only. Not GOD: for he is no accepter of persons; and he maketh the simple things of the world 1. Cor. 1. 21. to confounded the wise: And also the wisdom of the world, is mere Foolishness with God. Not nature: for we see the poor man's 1. Cor. 3. 19, child to be borne, as fa●re, a●d well favoured, as wise, and as rich (in respect of itself) as the ●eire of the Noble. And likewise, hath not Nature given to the Ant, such providence, that Man is wished to Pro. 6. 6. learn at her; and to the Bee, Art to gather (as Galen saith) from some flowers M●ate, from others Wax, and from other some Honey: and likewise, to make her Nest (in her Comb) so Artificially, that the cunning●st workman cannot perform the like. And further, to the Spider, to spin her thread so s●all, (through the quickness of her touch) and make her web so proportionable, that it would admire the beholders, if custom did not make it more frequent. All which are sim●le creatures to the ●udgement of Man, and yet they have their gifts above Man: then why may not both GOD, and Nature, give knowledge to some Man (though held simple) in one Art, (if he endeavour himself thereto) as well as unto others that are of greater authority? For (as the wiseman saith) qui addit scientiam, addit et laborem, he which will be cunning be must be painful. Wherefore (as M. Doctor Hall saith) I had rather applaud myself for having much that I 〈◊〉 his Me●●. show not, than others shoul● applaud me for showing more than I have. And for the second, true it is I was never trained up under any particular Horseman: but yet my desire was continually, to converse with the best and yet I could never reap such content as I did desire. Wherefore, I loving Horsemanship from my infancy, was desirous to join delight with my love, and also knowledge with my delight, I wholly gave myself to hear the opinion, of any that were reputed Horsemen: and so practised upon their opinions; but yet I could not find such relief in my greatest necessity, as I did desire, which made me rely upon experience, the mother of knowledge (though some term it the mother of fools) and so I did observe, that what things proved hurtful by succession, I recalled, although they seemed profitable at the beginning. By the which I found the word of Cicero true: who saith, that he found more by experience then by reading. But if I had yielded myself to a teacher, no doubt, I should have trodden, the steps of my master, howsoever: for there is nothing more consonant to the nature of man then Imitation. Thirdly, for my Country, I see no reason why it should be so stained with ignorance: in regard truth is not tied to any particular place, or any place exempted from the truth. Indeed I must confess, that, that place (only) is not of any great note; but yet in other parts of that country there are as good Horsemen as in most places else wheresoever. Therefore of particular instances, there can be no good conclusions. But yet, if this work had proceeded forth of Yorkshire, or any other place of fame, than it should have been held very probable, although the work were fraughted with many errors. And what can argue greater ignorance, then for one to give greater credit to the authority of the place, then to the truth: except it were only nursed in th●se places, and others branded with utter ignorance, or else they think that men are confined within the limits of their own Country: and banished from all the rest; and yet if they should travail they (being more wedded to affection, than reason) will allege the old saying; Coelum, non animum mutat, qui trans mare currit, he may change the Horizon but not his mind, which passes the seas. It ●● true, there are many might come unto knowledge, if they thought they had it not before. For if a man tra●atle never so far if he be wed to his own conceit, he shall not make any profit (for all his travail) to help his knowledge, for (as the wiseman saith) Consuetudinem vincere, dura pugna est: It is a great Conquest to overcome a man's will. And yet if he will not be ●yed to his own Conceit but to Reason, he shall not only change the Clime, but also his mind. And for the last, I hold Mr. Morgan's opinion. Let no man think he hath certain and undoubted knowledge, which thinketh a th●ng to be otherwise then he knoweth it to be, which when he heareth the report of the Ancients and Elders, is then presently daunted, thinking it not possible to know more than they know, or for them not to err. And so suffer themselves like sheep to be led to the slaughter of ignorance without searching the truth. Wherefore seeing truth comprehendeth nothing but sure and perfect knowledge, and knowledge is g●tten by experience, and experience by practice, and practise by time; and also I find by practice in time, that this method will bring any horse (of what age soever) to true and commendable pace: I see no reason wherefore I may not defend this as truth, although other Horsemen, of far better esteem than myself, have set down their opinions to be left or taken, at the wills and opinions of others. Wherefore if I shall any way distaste the judicial and willing Practitioners in this Art; I humbly crave their favourable censures for my conceited assertion, (as they may term it) Hoping that when they have rightly considered the gross abuse of this Art, and the several conceits and opinions of every man, for Q●ot homines, tot sensus, so many men so many minds: I trust they will in some sort excuse me ●or standing unto my own, having truly proved it; for as Varro saith, Nusquam deveniet, qui quot videret calles sequitur: He shall never come to his iourne●es end, which followeth every bypath: So he shall never arrive at the Haven of Knowledge, that is tossed with the tempestuous waves of every man's brain. Now because this is such an excellent Art, in regard it is used about so famous a Subject (for Ea scientia nobilior est, quae circa nobilius subiectum versatur:) I being sorry to see it in such ruin, through the abuse of many (who are rather destroyers than builders) have thought good to repair one decayed place, not being able to build all for want of ability, (not of good will.) I have wrought one sta●● by the line of level, and squared it, per normam rationis, and although it be not curiously carved, yet being wrought in perpendicular w●se, it will agree with the next parallel, and so make a firm foundation: desiring the ingenious, to allow it a place in the building. And also, seeing the stream is so shallow through the dryness of the Spring from whence it doth flow, that the Swan cannot swim, yet the little Tittemouse may wash herself therein: Trusting that where the water shall chance to stop its current through the shallowness of the river, some painful labourer will concave the superficies, and so make it receptable for the greater sort of birds. Now therefore in regard I have done the best that I can, in dinulging this Treatise to the world, dividing it into three Books, the first treating only of the Theoric knowledge of the man, how to conform his will to reason, and the other two showing how to bring a Horse to the obedience of his will by breeding and riding both of the Trotter and Pacer, and also to train hunting and running Horses to their best perfection, though it be not so well as I would, yet it is as well as I could: (For every man cannot bring gold to the temple.) And though it be not so excellent, as the curious do desire, nor as the Art doth deserve: Yet I hope the milder will take it in good part, and censure it according to m● goodwill. But as for those, who carry such Tyrannical minds, that will neither do well themselves, nor admit a toleration for them that do their best: I leave one of them in the Lake o● Envy, which doth overflow them, like an Egyptian Nile: and the other to labour with Sisyphus, and to feed with the Camelian, on the substance of their own desire: and only take my leave of the true lovers, and painful practitioners in this Art. Vale. M. B. To the Readers. Loving and best affectionated Readers, I desire you to bear patiently with the errors that have past either by the Printer or my s●lfe in this Impression; for (it being the first) there are some committed by them, in regard the Copy was not so legible as it should have been, (I not being with them to direct in doubtful passages:) and also which hath ouer-slipt them by oversight: and likewise in me by the rudeness of Method (especially in the third Book) I not having a regular form of explaining my mind, in such differing cases, for as in the first proof (in Printing) there are many errors to be corrected, so likewise in this first Impression: all which (with the help of God) shall be amended in the second Impression: and in the mean time, I desire you take so much pains as to correct these errors before you read it. Errors of the first Book. PAge 2. line 7. read can to a restitution. pa. 8. in the Margin, re. an unapt Simile. p●. 12. l. 32. ●ele, which. l. 33. re. for omne. pa. 21. l. 4. deal, eye. pa. 25. l. 5. re. infama. pa. 52. l. 36. re. apertnes. pa. 53. l. 26. re. know how. pa. 73. li. 24. re. trifle. pa. 110. l. 13. re. rotundity. pa. 111. l. 31. re. courteous. Errors of the second Book. In the Epistle to the Marquis, re. dignities and to. pa. 9 l. 33. re. serveth. ibid. r●▪ warm, so it. pa. 10. l. 6. deal, of. pa. 12. l. 10. re. are of more. pa. 14. l. 3. re. they that are. pa. 35. l. 30. re. Colt will be more. pa. 48. l. 31. re. whereas. pa. 71. l. 15. deal, as. pa. 83. l. 21. re. suddenly. pa. 87. l. 22. r●. and a pretty. p. 103. l. 21. re. legs. pa. 104. l. 20. deal, and. pa. 109. l. 12. it is. ibid. l. 38. deal but. pa. 119. l. 29. re. truth is. pa. 122. l. 14. re. slow. Errors of the third Book. Page. 6. l. 12. re. opprobrious. pa. 12. l. 32. re. divide. pa. 14. l. 21. re. if he have. p. 15. l. 16. re. perfect rake. pa. 20. l. 16. re. heart whereby he: and l. 30. re. meditate. pa. 29. l. 2. deal not. pa. 35. l. 25. and 28. re. picking. pa. 58. l. 16. re. days of rest. pa. 79. l. 37. re. of his body. pa. 81. l. 21. re. that it will. THE FIRST BOOK OF the Vineyard of Horsemanship: Being the Theoric part thereof, entreating of the inward knowledge of the man. CHAP. 1. The Original Cause of Arts in general. WHen I consider, (with myself) of the excellent knowledge and obedience, that God vouchsafed to bestow on Man at his Creation: I cannot but admire at the goodness ᵃ Gen. 2. 7. 19 of God, that he should so much dignify him (above all other his Creatures.) For he did not only make his Soul (like to himself) immortal; but also gave him such Knowledge, that he ᵇ Gen 3. 6. could call all other Creatures by their right Names, (although Theo. 39 ᵈ before he never had seen them;) and also gave him such Sovereignty ᶜ We are deprived of our primary knowledge and obedience, and cannot be restored again but by vigour of Art. & rule over them, that they were all obedient unto him. But Man (being ingrateful) was not contented with that estate, thought not that glory sufficient, except he were as God, knowing good and evil: For the desire of which knowledge, he reaped to himself and all his posterity utter ignorance; and likewise all other Creatures which before were loving and obedient to Man, became both so fearful that nothing doth now more deter and fear them then the face of Man, which before was most delightful to them; and also so disobedient, that look what obedience was given them before by nature to obey whatsoever man would command without any labour or pain, now is turned to Rebellion: insomuch that all our lives practise and experience, is nothing else but a desire (so near as we can) of a restitution of our Primary Creation. Therefore now we are deprived of all Knowledge, but what is gained by Art, and maintained by vigour, and practise; and yet that knowledge, (even in the best) is but as a shadow ᵈ 1. Cor. 13. 12. or glass, wherein we may see our own imperfections, in regard of that knowledge which God infused in Man at his Creation. But now in regard that Reason was not utterly taken from Man: he consulting with himself, what ignorance he was endued withal, through the inordinate desire of knowledge; by our first Parents, hath endeavoured himself (so far as is in his power) to gain that again by Art which was lost at first by just desert: For as Aristotle saith; Omne ens appetit suam ● The cause of the first invention of Art. Theo. 33. (h) perfectionem. The scope and drift of Art is to desire; his perfection. Yet hereby is the mercifulness of God further shown, in that he did not then utterly take away all the faculties of the mind, as Reason, Knowledge, Will and Affection, but left them still in us although (much obscured) that we might g We are not utterly deprived of natural faculties. ponder, know, wish, and affect that which might (in some sort) help to a reducement of our former estate: But these hath he left in us, that we might be inexcusable of ignorance; for though true knowledge was taken away, yet there was left means of restoring: for whereas Man had this punishment inflicted upon him, for the breach of the Commandment, that in the sweat of his brows he should eat his bread: It is ● Gen. 3. ver. 19 not to be understood of the toil of the body only, but of the labour of the mind. Therefore there are many deceived which employ all their wits and endeavours to gather riches for themselves only, whereas indeed they should use them to the setting ᵏ Worldly men abuse their time in desiring Wealth m●●e then Knowledge. forth of God's Glory: But such is the miserable estate of those that are so blinded with the World, that they do not regard now how wisely they live but how wealthily; thinking that if they get Wealth enough, than they have wit enough. And so Chameleon-like they Metamorphose themselves from reasonable to unreasonable Creatures, resembling Swine which go under Trees to gather the fruits that are fallen, but never look up to the tops from whence they are fallen: and as Swine ˡ Desire of pelf blindeth the mind. go all the day rooting in the earth; even so these men give themselves wholly to gain the earth: For, for it they rise up early and watch late, for it they cark and care, for it they chide & brawl, for it they quarrel and fight, for it they hazard life and limb; and at length, when they think that they have gotten the earth, than the earth hath gotten them, and so are devoured of the earth, when they think themselves full Masters of it. But doth not these proceed from ignorance? for if they would ᵐ Ignorance nourisheth vice. address their minds to gather knowledge, as they do both body and mind to gather pelf; then they should see their wretched blindness and the inconveniences which do ensue thereby. For first, it doth banish them out of all other Countries; for they are so tied to the love of it, that they cannot live in any place from their God, (as they make them) for where their treasure is there is their heart. Secondly, it maketh them unfit ⁿ Math. 1. 31. for Death; For what man is so mad, that if he be to travel a great journey, will load himself with such a weighty burden as he cannot well bear? Even so Riches do so clog and tie men to the World, (through the love of them) that like Lot's wife, they look back, grieving their hearts to forsake ᵒ Gen. 19 26. them. And lastly, which is the worst of all, they make a partition wall betwixt God's presence and them: For as Christ saith, It is as easy for a Camel to go through the eye of a needle, as for the Mat. 29. ver. 24. Rich to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Now therefore what shall it profit a man to gain the whole World, and lose his Mark 8. ver. 36. own Soul? Yet if all these Objections will not deter and change the minds of men from such an extraordinary delight of the world: the very heathen men (which knew not God (aright,) in regard p Heathen men a witness against Worldlings. they did not seek him by Faith, but by the instinct of Nature,) will rise up in judgement against them. For although they were but guided (only) by the light of Nature, they thought cunning far better than coin; wit of greater value than wealth and learning of more esteem than lucre. For Bias (when he Bias. saw an house on fire, and every one applying themselves to carry such things as were therein, forth; to save them from burning) ran out and said; Omnia mea m●cum porto, he took all his wealth away with himself: taking as great delight in his light burden, as they did sorrow through their heavy loss. And Aristipp●s travailing to Rhodes by Sea, was cast aland Aristip. by ship wrack, and when he spied (drawn on the sands) Mathematical and Geometrical figures, he comforted his country men, and told them all was well: for he had espied the steps and signs of men; and so never left till he found those men, which entertained both him and his fellows very kindly there; and when they were to travail homeward, furnished them with all things necessary. And at their departing they asked Aristippus what he would to his Countrymen: Nothing (saith he) but that they apply themselves to purchase such riches, as will not perish by any accident except death. Therefore because we are all (but especially these) so blinded and benumbed with such a filthy Lethargy, he that would be cured of this deadly disease of Ignorance, let him (in some sort) imitate the Serpent: for we should be wise as Serpents, q Mat. 10. 61. though he was the first cause of this Lethargy. Now Writers ● A Simile of the Serpent. hold that the Serpent hath a hard Scale growing over his body when he is young; which Scale, by reason that it doth not grow with his body, doth so nip and pinch him, that he is driven (for the saving of his life) to seek some narrow hole, where he doth thrust in his head, and then with all his strength he forceth his body after; and by that means doth free himself from that Scale, whereby his body is set at liberty. Even so, when a man feeleth himself so masked with the veil of Ignorance, that he cannot add wisdom to his years; let him first seek a little hole of knowledge, and there put in his head, which ●s Reason; and then labour painfully with the body, ● Reason the root of Knowledge. which is the other Faculties, till he hath unmasked that veil; and then shall he see that which was hid before, and find that by knowing (as Socrates saith) he should learn that he knoweth nothing: for plura latent quam patent. Now seeing Nature is so imperfect through corruption, and that there is no way to perfect it but by Art; for as Plutarch saith, Educatio est altera natura; Education is another Nature. I am of the mind with Friar Bacon, for he maintaineth, that Nature is here to be taken as it is the quality being corrupted, otherwise as it is Essentia, nihil a●di potest nec demi. Nature now is but a handmaid to Art, although it is generally holden to the contrary; and for proof thereof he bringeth many instances, among which this is one, besides many other which he allegeth, which were too long to recite; That with an Engine made by Art, one man may draw up such a huge w●ight, that twenty men cannot move by natural strength: And likewise in Spectacles and Perspective-glasses, the one to Theo. 38. (h) help weak sights which are decayed, and the other to make things seem little near hand, and great far off. And to make it more plain, on a time one (who was holden to be of judgement in P●ysognomie) looking Socrates in the face, held him to be very intemperate both for wine and women, and also a very dolt and blockhead: which when Socrates Friends told him what such a one reported of him, he answered that he had spoke the truth; for (saith he) I should have been such a one indeed, if I had not given myself to Philosophy, thereby to be governed. And further it is holden that Sapiens domin●bitur Astris, a wise man may overcome himself: ᵗ Art active and Nature the passive. And so Art may be holden the Active, and Nature the Passive. And therefore if we will suffer our Reason to be led by the procli●itie of our inordinate will, and so to follow our corrupt ignorance, and will not take pains to free ourselves from that poison and Lethargy, but still to yield to our natural inclination more than to elevate our minds to heaven which is supernatural, we shall utterly deprive ourselves of that favourable goodness which God left in us at the transgression, retaining still our faculties to help towards our reasonable restitution by Art; and so we shall become contraria, whereas if we endeavour ourselves to get knowledge, we are then but imparia, by reason we are in some sort lightened with the truth. And therefore to give our minds always to delve in the earth, according to our natural disposition, we seek our own confusion, by continuing in ignorance; but to seek knowledge and wisdom which is contrary to it, we desire a restitution of our primary estate: for look what difference is betwixt heaven and earth, light and darkness, the like is betwixt him that seeketh to reform himself by Art, and him that is led by his natural inclination. CHAP. 2. The Commendation of the Art of Horsemanship. OF all the Creatures that God made at the ᵃ The excellent qualities of a Horse. Creation there is none (except man) more excellent, or so much to be respected as a Horse: For in disposition and quality he is but little inferior to Man (excepting their difference:) in strength he may be compared to the huge Elephant, for boldness to the Lion, for swiftness to the Roe or Hind, in smelling he resembles the Hou●d, for toughness he excelleth the slow toiling Ox, for love he checks the Spaniel, and for understanding he may oppose himself against the Serpent; but for beauty he is a black Swan amongst all that Species: and further for the use of man, not only for pleasure, but also for necessity and prosit, there is none to be compared to him. For, he ● He is both delightful & profitable ●or man. is as delightful a Creature to be hold as any, and then, if a man will travail upon pleasure abroad, how can he be more delightfully and easily carried then upon a fair, comely, and well going Horse? And also for necessity, if a man be upon earnest affairs or hazard of life, for to travail a great journey in a little time, what Creature is so fit to perform it as a Horse, both for toughness and speed? And further, for Economical affairs, what Creature is so fit both for Blow and portage as a Horse? And lastly, for profit (I pray you) what greater proft can come to a man then a race of good Mares, and a right Stallion doth bring. Now seeing this subject is beautified with such excellent several qualities, so that he doth parallel all these species in their chief predominations, and yet all these severals included in that species, nay oftentimes in one individuum: This Art then of Horsemanship must needs be of the greater esteem, by ᶜ The excellency of the Art of Horsemanship. how much the more it is frequented about so famous a subject, and likewise both the Procurers and also the Professors of this Art, aught to be had in greater estimation, than now they are, for now both Horses and Horseman are so much dejected, by the conceited knower, through the abuse of that Art that ᵈ The abuse thereof. a man can neither commend the one nor delight the other: But yet for the Professors I would say somewhat more in their behalf, were it not for puffing up the hearts of such as by intrusion have thrust themselves into that rank, and so do usurp that dignity which doth nothing appertain unto them; whereby both the Art is abused, and the subject misused. For Ignoratis principiis, nemo potest artem percipere. Those which are ignorant of the beginning, shall never truly conceive the Art. Yet this is the least that can be said, for the true Practitioners, there is both generosus aequus, & generosa qualitas, and they have been ᵉ Horsemanship a generous quality. accounted, egregia & immediate regni membra: For although God gave unto Horses such excellent qualities at their Creation, now are they changed in their use and are become disobedient to man, and therefore must be subjected by Art, otherwise all their uses will be to no use. Wherefore that we may the better know how to bring them to true command by Art, it shall not be amiss to define what Art is, that the ground thereof may the better be conceived, lest building upon a false base, it fail before it be half effected. Now Mr. Morgan saith, that Art is no other thing then a habit ᶠ Mr. Morgan's definition of Art. working by true Reason, consisting of many things gathered by experience, only profitable for the use of man. Wherefore if it be a habit gotten by Experience, then is it not gotten altogether by authority, (for that is one vail that doth shadow ignorance) neither is it gained in short time, as some hold, thinking that if he can sit a rough Horse, than he is Horseman good enough, but it is gotten by experience proceeding ᵍ How Knowledge is gotten. from Reason: Now a man must have a great time of practice to sift the truth from error, and so to judge thereof by Reason, before he find it truth by experience, and then a longer time to ground it in himself before he hath the habit thereof, for, H●bitus (as schools defi●e it) est constans et absoluta aliqua ʰ Dialect. de qualitate. in reperfect●●▪ non natura data, sed agendi consuetudine et exercitatione long a comparata, Habit is a certain and absolute perfection in some one thing, not given by nature, but gotten by long custom and exercise of working. Therefore (as I said before) there must be a habit, both of the mind to understand and to deliberate thereof by reason, and also of ●●e body (which is an apt and slight faculty of the same) and these (as it is said are not given by nature, said study et in 〈◊〉 comparata: Wherefore, i● I shall not be though tover much 〈◊〉 like▪ I will give one knock at the door of their under ●●nding which are lulled in the Cradle of ignorance, because I would have them awake out of the dream of their conceited knowledge▪ hoping that none will kick at it except he be pricked: for seeing there is no knowledge in any Art, except there be a true habit both of the mind and body, there are many deceived (in their own judgement) which assume to themselves this Ar● of Horsemanship,) that hath neither the Theoric Part of No●● themselves to know the secrets of this Art, nor of the Hoary to know his inward disposition by his exterior gesture: nor yet the Practic Part, to have true facility of hand and body to Theo. 13. (a) help with the agility of their body the unaptness of the Horse's body. Through which absurdity, let them but rightly consider how many Horses they have spoiled against one that they have made, and then the● shall judge the better of their opinionated knowledge, (except they will be wilfully ignorant) and so yield to the old saying, Scientia sc●olorum, est just a ignorantia, ● Conceited knowledge is foolishness. The knowledge of the conceited knower is mere foolishness. But it hath been an opinion of old that the nature of some Horses be such, that they will never come to good riding, and Theo. 9 ˡ) therefore past Man's knowledge to alter Nature, to the which agreeth the saying of Mr. Morgan, that exare●am nullum funi●ulum ● An a●t Simile. nectes, neque expumice oleum aut aquam ulla Arte exprimes, one cannot make a ●ope of Sand, nor press oil or water forth of a flint? Yet if they will rightly distinguish of nature, they shall soon perceive their natural ignorance, in not rightly understanding the true cause; for mens Philosophiaenon acquiescit, nisi in causa rerum, The true lover of knowledge is not satisfied, but in the causes of things. Now if you understand Nature as it is substantia aut essentia, I grant it cannot be altered nor changed; for as it is so non suscipit magis a●t min●s, substantiae nihil est contrarium, non potest augeri, nec minui: For there can nothing be added to the ●ssence that it should be the greater essence, neither can there be any taken from it that it should be the lesser essence, for though a Foal▪ ●row first to be a Colt, and then a Horse, and so change Theo 13. (g) in quantity, yet substantia aut natura perman●t, the nature is unchanged: ˡ No one horse is a more ho●se than another▪ Theo. 18▪ (●) But if nature be understood as it is qualitas et d●spositio then it may be changed, for intenditur et re●●titur, et habet contrarium by Art, for the accidents are the chief matter for Art to work on: but those men do much deceive themselves; for by seeking to excuse their ignorance, they lay it open the more, attributing that to the substance which is proper to the accidents: Indeed I know all Horses are not alike capable, for there is both a natural proneness, and likewise a natural imbecility, for some will ask both deeper judgement, greater pains and longer ᵐ This difference doth not p●o●e an impossibility. time, than others; but yet because they are more dull & hard to learn, that therefore (upon necessity) they will never be reform, is no good conclusion. And for Mr. Morgan's Simile, in my judgement it doth differ in the material and final cause, for there is no liquid substance in flint whereby it should yield moisture by pressing, nor any such toughness in sand, that it should endure stretching, and like as nature hath denied them either the one or the other in matter, so in the final cause also the ends of the flint was rather to be hard and firm then soft and fluxable; and of Sand to fill empty places by its stability, then to make a strong Cable by the brittleness. But a horse whatsoever a man can teach him by Art, the same he will do by nature; for there is no foal (if it ⁿ The natural proneness of a Horse. be well kept, but will both leap, advance, stop, close, turn loftily, fetch such yarks behind, that it is very delightful to behold, and also strike an amble, in going to his gallop, or any such 1. Pr. 13. (h) other thing which a man would teach him, only here is the difference, by nature he doth it at his own will but by art at the will of his Rider. Wherefore it may appear by all these proofs that the cause of error in Horse-manship doth not proceed from the nature of the Horse, as many have holden it, but through the ignorance 2 Pr●●l. 13. ● 〈◊〉 Th●o. 33. ●. of man, not knowing how to reclaim his rebellious disposition which is in the accidents; for Aristotle saith, Natura nihil habet vit●●, nature hath nothing of Vice. Now if it hath no error▪ there needeth no Art; for Art was invented for to correct vice, and so to bring his disobedience unto obedience. ●thick. li. 2. And again, the same Author saith, that nullum accidens in corpore est pars naturalis corporis: No accidents of the body is any part of the natural body; therefore a man may change the accidents as the quality and disposition, for a Horse may be brought from disobedience to obey the will of his Rider, (by his motions) from doggedness to lovingness, from sadness or dullness to freeness, etc. And yet for all these; Natura tamen constat. I stand the longer about this point, to illustrate it so much the more, because there are so many errors crept in through the several opinions of men, for there are some which think that Mr. Asorga●. this Art doth chief consist in breeding; for they say, if a Horse be not truly bred he will never be brought to good riding: I grant (it is true) t●at breeding is a great help and case to the Art; but if teaching did not help to a greater perfection than breeding, what use should all those Horses be, for that are not so rightly bred as they do desire, and in regard that all men (that carry such generous minds, as to love Horses) cannot attain to b●eed so perfectly because the Clime wherein they dwell is not of such pure Air nor can get such Horses to breed upon as is desired? should they be discouraged from persisting in so worthy an Art, with out hope of obtaining the period of their desires? No surely, for if this knowledge consisted in breeding only, then ●he Art of teaching were to no use; and Theo. 39 ᵈ 1. Chap. 2. Theo. 1. li. 1. Chap. 1. ●rac. 13 ᶜ also those Horse's no● so artificially bred, would serve to no purpose except the C●rt: But Art is invented to reform Nature (as I have showed) which is put a Handmaid to Art, for I have seen divers Horses, neither so beautiful to the eye, nor so aptly bred (as is curiously desired;) and some also that have been bought out of the Cart, and trained up by the true Art of Horse-manship, which have made jades of them that have been both very beautiful, and also as well bred as could be wished. Wherefore seeing mean Horses may be made good by Art, and good Horses prove jades for want of true knowledge ᶜ Unlikely Horses often prove the best. Theo. 28.f. and 37.k. in this Art, (although breeding be very necessary) let them desire to search more diligently into the secrets of it, and where there doth come an error, let them consider the cause, for ubi cognoscitur unde morbus sit natus, ibi facilius potest invenire remedium. When the cause of the error is known, the remedy may be found the more easily. CHAP. 3. A Corolary of the Art of Pacing. I May be thought very prolix and tedious in my discourse before I come to the subject of this Art, but excuse me if it be so; for as Mr. Hall saith, he that useth circumlocution, argueth either a weak memory, or else wanteth apt words to express his meaning: Even so I, neither having the one nor the other, must needs use much repetition, more especially in regard the way is not so easily found, it being a path that hath not been trodden before. For this Art of Horsemanship hath been so much abused (being practised upon false grounds, attributing all errors to the nature of the Horse, but never to their ᵃ The cause of the abuse of this Art. own ignorance) that it would desire a whole Book to reform the opinions and errors of men, before one come to declare the manner of teaching it to the Horse, because one must learn a thing well themselves before they can teach it to another: For I hold there is no fault that the Horse doth commit, but it is chiefly from the abuse of the teachers, in not rightly judging the cause, and so not cunningly knowing how to remove the effect; for Sublata causa tollitur effectus, take away ᵇ Dialect. d● even. the cause and the effect will die: And yet there is no man that if he make but one perfect good Horse, he for his glory will attribute the cause thereof to himself, but if he fail in many other, than (to excuse himself in that cause) he attributeth it to the nature of the Horse; but if the Horse could speak as Balaams' Ass did, he would tell him, (and so excuse himself) that ● Nu●●. 22. 28. the chief cause were in the man, in not rightly understanding the Art, for he, (being but a sensitive Creature, obeying by feeling) he did but as he was forced, and so this famous Creature is made most infamous, and like Nobody is feign to bear other men's faults. But for this Art of pacing, it is so much abused, that when I do but think to speak thereof, I am as one in a Labyrinth, not knowing which door to open first, for as it is a thing necessary, so it is as common and so commonly abused, that it is almost ● The necessi● maketh ●t 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. now generally holden to be the only overthrow and spoil of good Horses; for whereas before they were put to pacing, they had both a good trot a●d Gallop, after they were or should have been paced they were deprived of all, and also had gotten a perfect knowledge in stumbling. But I would have them know that these absurdities do nothing at all proceed from the Art, but from the abuse in teaching; for it is holden so easy a thing to make a Horse pace, that almost every one will assume it, and so like blind Byards ●un headlong into the gulf of confusion, because they know not how to keep any order or decorum in their teaching; for if they by any extremity can make a Horse p●ce, they hold their knowledge equal with the best: But let them assuredly know, that whatsoever is forced by extremity ● Extrem●●y ● no Art. 1. Pra. 17.c. is no part of Art; for after the disposition of the Horse is changed, that is, his disobedience brought to obedience, than Art doth work by gentle and easy, but yet quick motions, sir by that means the understanding of the Horse is more confirmed then by any extremities, which in regard they are violent, and omne violens nunquam est perpetuum, whatsoever is violent, is never permanent▪ and therefore that Horse which is brought to his pace by extremity cannot hold it, because his motion is not given him by reason (which is gentle) but by will (which is cruel,) for when they see that they fail in their expectation, ● Will 〈◊〉 extremity. and that they cannot make a Horse pace in so short a time as they do desire, then presently they fall to any extremities because they will have him do it: and thus the poor Horse is thrust into such torments, that where his appetite and his action should agree in one, they are now contrary; for as his Rider doth force the motion of his body (which is action) to pace, the motion of his appetite, (which is lust) being altogether remote from it, there do continually be-thoughts arise ᵍ The cau●e of by thoughts. how he should ease himself from such torments: For he neither having leisure to understand what he should learn, nor finding ease in his teaching, thereby to take delight, they agree as well together as fire and water, and his pace as durable as flax on fire. Yet I would not have them here to understand me so, that a Horse may be brought to his pace with lenity only, for so in shunning one extreme they fall into the other; and quicquid ʰ Art depeneth upon one true proportion. moderamine caret, id in pessimam degenerat speciem▪ what passeth the limits of the mean doth fall into the confines of the extreme: For there must be both helps and corrections used till he be brought to obedience, but they must be tempered with such discretion, according to the disposition of the Horse, that through too much rigour he be made neither restive nor mad, nor through too much lenity he be made careless and sad; but so indifferently mixed, sometimes with cherishments, and sometimes with chastisements, that the Horse may perfectly understand his well doing by the one, and his offending by the other, The manner how shall hereafter be shown. Again, there are others which hold that a Horse may be brought to a good pace in ten or fourteen days at the furthest, as well as in all his life time: But by that assertion they show both their knowledge in the Art, and their judgement in ● Art abused by shortness of time. a well going Horse; for if they did truly know the one, and understand the other, they would alienate their simple ignorance by their rash judgement. For first, there must be a time to reform the will of the Horse, and after that to give him a stayed body, and an even carriage of the same, and then a true handling of his legs, and also a comely and easy rain, with Note. a reforming of other vices which may ensue during the time of teaching; and when they have considered of all these, I hope they will change their minds, and allow as great favour to this part of Horsemanship as any other, in regard there must be a time to teach, than another time to understand what is taught, and also a third, to gain a habit to his understanding. For he is accounted a good Horseman in other parts thereof if he can but mouth a Horse, make him take his way willingly, troth handsomely, and turn readily in a year, (although to his trot he hath a natural inclination:) and yet they do expect that a Horse should be brought to his pace, with the reforming k The inconvenience of haste. of all things aforesaid, in such a short time albeit he thereto hath no inclination. But the effect of this haste is shown by the event; for what doth follow but an utter dislike of the art, and a general inveighing against the professors, not regarding 1. Pra. 17. a. the inconvenience of haste; for in the true order of Art that is the best haste which worketh the best event. Now there are others, which allow the Art but disallow the means of working by the hand, some allowing trammels, l Ignorance the cause of these. Prac. 1. lib. 30. 31. & 32 Chap. Theo. 36. a. 1. Pr. 31. a. others shoes of advantage with long plates before, some heavy shoes, some weights under the fetterlocks, and wisps, and others sand-bagges behind on the fillets of the Horse: all which inventions do rather show the delight that men take in novelties, than the desire they have to the truth; for the best of all these is but as a shadow to a substance, in respect of true Art by the hand: But if they had spent as much time in reforming their own ignorance, as they did in inventing these indirect means, they would confess that there were no such want in the Art (as to use any usurping means) but rather in their idle minds in not taking pains to find out the true causes. For I see no reason but this part of Horsemanship may be as well taught (by true helps and corrections) as any other part if they will but afford the like time. Also there are others which like the hand, but dislike (as they may very well) the abuse of it; for they have seen so many m. Pract. 1. li. 32. Chap. Horses so lacerated and torn in the mouth, through the disorder of the hand and rough snaffles; and also carry their heads so disorderly, continually looking to the Heavens as though they were either devout, or else Astrologers, or Astronomers, observing the stars that they wax weary of it and so prefer such invented means as aforesaid, before the true Art, thinking there were no other way to bring a Horse to his true pace (by the hand) but by such extremities. But these professors are the worst of all the rest, and their ways to be eschewed as a path that leadeth to the utter ruin both of the subject and disgrace of the Art, for through their distasteful hand, they utterly destroy where they should build, and make his mouth so insensible, that where the Horse should be commanded n The discommodities that ensue by the abuses of the hand. thereby, the more he feeleth the hand the more he rests upon it, and is the cause of so many runaways; and further tireth a man more to hold him to his pace then the hardest trotter, and causeth a Horse not to stumble only, but also breaketh the largeness of his stroke for his pace, in regard he is so terrified in the mouth, that he dare not set his forefeet forth, which makes him fret and chafe and shake his hinder parts very unseemly, and to conclude quid non? Wherefore I could wish that all such professors were weeded out of the Vineyard of Horsemanship, as not worthy of growing there, because they bring such fruit as doth more distaste the senses, then give any odoriferous smell to the understanding of this Art. By this time I hope their minds are somewhat altered, which hold this Art so easy that any one may undertake it without any great doubt of performance; which if they are not, I would know what o Errors the cause of varieties Theo. 36. should move so many several opinions and variable inventions for the performing thereof, if there were not some intricateness therein? And what should be the reason that so few Horses amongst many go well, but only the Art being so obseure that they cannot see the way how to effect it? For though men's opinions are variable, yet there is but one truth, and although there be many great diversities in Horses going, Theo. 4. Ch. yet there is but one kind of well going Horses. And yet although they will grant some difficulty in it, yet (by the abbreviation of time) they will hold it more easy than other trades Mechanical, for he is accounted an expert and cunning Workman that can learn his occupation in seven or p Men judge according to their knowledge. eight years; and yet they think that this Art of pacing may be learned in seven or eight Months. But the reason hereof is, this Art hath a cloak to cover their ignorance (which is the nature of the Horse) but the other hath none. For in other Trades they are very desirous to obtain both the intellective part by learning, and also the practic by exercise, and so to get a habit of cunning, that when they come to work upon the subject, they may make it formal, the facility of the hand being q Where there is no excuse there men take pains to preserve their own credit. directed only by the judgement of the eye, and then being proportionably made, the work doth continue as it seemeth to be; and after they have the knowledge thereof they can make a hundred as good. But if it be not so fitly wrought nor so curiously set forth, than the fault is not attributed to the matter, because it would work no better, but to the man because he did work no better; and therefore in regard they would not be accounted Cobblers nor Butchers, they take great pains to keep their reputation, because they have none other excuse. But in this Art it is otherwise, for whereas those work upon bodies inanimata, having neither life nor sense, so that whatsoever r The cause of intricatnesse in this Art. their hands do, it is so; the Horseman worketh upon bodies animata, which have both life and sense, and though he work never so exquisitely, yet if the intellective part of the Horse be not agreeing to the mind of the man, it is a shadow of the thing but not the thing itself, howsoever it doth show to the eye, for when the Horse cometh to be made use of, than he showeth the truth and (as a dog to his vomit) so goeth he to his former disorderly will: for as Aristotle saith, quales sunt actus, tales habitus fiunt, as is the teaching so is the learning Ethick. 2. li. 2. Chap. perfected. But for their excuse, than they affirm (uno voce) that it is the nature of the Horse, and so they attribute that to the efficient cause which is in the material, and by that means never take any pains to find out their ignorance, whereby that if by chance they make one good Horse, they for the most part miss in ten. CHAP. 4. The Description of a true and well going Horse. Having heretofore shown (in some sort) the difficulty of this Art of pacing, and also laid open the errors of them which judge the performance thereof to be so easy, now I think it will not be amiss to describe and set forth what a true and well pacing horse is: not only because I would avoid the scandal of them which should think I undertook that which I knew not, and speak that which I do not understand: but also to shun confusion (in my project,) because it is the subversion of all things. For order being the only a Confusion subverteth all things, but order establisheth thing whereby nothing is made something; so (contrarily) confusion doth make something nothing. For the world (before the creation) was a Chaos, that is, a confused thing without order, but God by order brought it to proportion Theo. 38. ● and form, and by that means came to be something, and so received a name according to the excellent form and order thereof (which is Mundus.) Wherefore I do desire so much as in me lieth, to lay the foundation of this Art in the best order that I can, that it may receive the perfecter form, and be the longer without confusion. Now therefore because confusion is such a pestiferous disease Application. that it empoisoneth the whole subject which it doth possess, I would desire all young favourites of this art, (or which meaneth b A man must first learn before he can teach. to be labourers in the Vineyard of Horsemanship) to beware of that infection, and for order sake first to learn a thing themselves, before they do teach it to any other: for as Aristotle saith, prius sunt Artes, postea operationes, knowledge goeth before Ethic. 2. li. 4. chap. and practice followeth after. Wherefore it is fit that a man should first know what a true going horse is, before he undertake by practice to make one, for how should a man work truly not knowing what he worketh, or give judgement of that thing wherein he hath no good knowledge: now as I said before, there can be but one manner of an absolute and true going horse, and yet there are many horses that may be said to go well, but that is in respect of another that goeth ● There is but one truth, and is not found by comparing one error with another, but by itself, ●eason giving evidence. A simile. worse, and yet if that horse be compared with his better, than he is said not to go so well: but this is no true ground of knowledge, for as it is a principle in the grantable requests of Geometry that there is no proportion betwixt a crooked line and a strait; for compare a parallel line to a Cilander there is no affinity betwixt them, but join two parallel lines together, they make a true consonant, even so compare the better going horse with the worse, than he is said to go well, but if to the best, than he goeth not well except he parallel him. Wherefore if a man will have a true instance to know a well going horse by, I must refer him to the creation, (in regard all men's works are fraught with errors) for then, God made all things very good and perfect, and let him there imagine (so well as he can) how he was before man's fall, and at that mark let him aim (so near as is possible) and then the nearer his horse doth go to that perfection, the better he goeth and nearer the truth. For the cause of invention of Arts, is to no other end, Theo. 1. ᵉ but only a desire of some (though not a perfect) restitution to the primary creation; therefore the absolute truth cannot be had from the knowledge of man, in regard it is so overshadowed with ignorance, (as I have said before) for that which is revealed Theo. 1. ᵇ (even to the wisest) is nothing to that which is concealed. But yet I will (so well as I can) define what a true going Horse is, that you may the better conceive when you have ● The definition of a true and perfect going Horse. gotten the period of your desire. Therefore a true and well going Horse is, a certain free and easy obedience in his going, not only of the will or appetite, but also of the body, with a durable and comely carriage of the same, and neat handling of the other members. By which definition it doth appear that a true pacer doth not consist in the exterior parts, only (as some hold) but in the 1 Pract. 27. ᵈ ● The 〈◊〉 of a Horse is accidental and no●●●bstantiall. Theo. 37. ●. interior also; for (as the schools hold) a Horse being a sensitive creature only, his soul is no substance but composed of the temperature of the body, which is the natural vigour or quality thereof, and hath no being w●●hout the body, upon which it wholly dependeth. Now 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b●cause the soul of a Horse is an accident inseparable, and that it cannot be from the body without the abolishment of the whole creature, they Woolter. de immortalitate animae. must both work together and rest together: now I say there must be a certain and free obedience of the will or affection (which is a quality of the soul) because aequus mentem non habet, in regard he is but a sensitive creature) joined with the like obedience of the body. I add further it must be certain, because if his obedience should be variable, than it is no true obedience, Logic de quali●a. for truth is not subject to mutability, for whatsoever is truth is constant: but here must be excepted patibilis qualitas, which proceed from the corruption of nature, as lameness, sickness, death, etc. for, verba in definitionibus posita, non actum sed potentiam significant, in the definition of things it is not to be understood of the Act but of the power and inclination thereof. Again, it must be certain and sure in regard of his rider, that whensoever he shall desire to make the Horse show himself for ᵍ How it must be free & certain. any grace, he must be so obedient that he will show his endeavour (to the utmost of his power) both to content the eyes of the beholders, and the seat of his rider. Further, he must be free, so that what he doth he doth it willingly (both in will and body) without forcing or urging, but upon the least and covert motions that can be, he obey with what nimbleness and alacrity may be wished: likewise he must be free from by-thoughts, for when his rider would have him do one thing than he must not think to do another, but his will must always attend on the motions of his rider, (which is all the guide the horse hath to the understanding of his mind) to know what he would have him to obey: ʰ A Horse knoweth his rider's mind by nothing but by his motions. now mad freeness, which is an extreme, is here exempted, because he must have true obedience, which is the mean. Again, it must be easy, for if a Horse go never so willingly yet if by any means he shake a man in his going (so that he doth but trouble the mind never so little) than it is not true obedience, therefore if a Horse doth not carry an easy body ⁱ He must be easy going. for himself he cannot carry a man easily: neither if a Horse be given to stumble, doth he carry a man handsomely ᵏ He must go comely. nor easily, now in all these he must behave himself comely, therefore if he shake with his hinder parts it is no com●●ndable going, neither if he roll in his pace, that is▪ if his body be not set upright for an apt motion of going, but that he move first on one side & then on the other. Now whereas many hold that a horse which paceth cannot move except he move first on one side and then on the other, they are much deceived in a true going Horse, for if it were so then the comeliness of going should be in the extremes, because the sides of the Horse is the extremity of the subject, in regard the motion on the one ˡ The true motion is not in 〈◊〉 extreme 〈◊〉. side is one extreme, & the motion on the other side the other; therefore upon necessity the mean true motion must be in the middle of the horse, and the breast of the horse must divide the air so smoothly (if he go truly) as the breast of a ship doth the waves, and then the motion of his body being given in the right place (as before is said) he doth carry a man so easily as if ● The inconstance of in 〈◊〉 motions. Theo. 26. ᶜ he were in a Carvel, and upon necessity in like manner he must lift his leges so truly that he shallbe nothing apt to stumble but go very comely; but contrarily if he move first behind than he beareth upon the hand and listeth up his hinder parts, shaking therewith very unseemly, and much stradleth, and cometh on faster with his hinder parts than he setteth forward ⁿ The cause of stumbling. with his fore parts, so that he cannot have time to raise his forefeet orderly, but through the low motion of them he is subject to stumbling, and likewise if he move faster before then behind he doth fret and chase, and is so tender mouthed that he will not endure to feel the snaffle, all which is no part of a well going Horse. Further he must handle his legs neatly, lifting all his feet of an equal height, keeping a true distance of time in the motion ᵒ The apt motion of his legs. of his legs, with an equal largeness of his stroke carrying an apt proportion according to the slowness or swiftness of his pace, for if he be commanded to go fast, that then he doth not lash forth himself into a large stroke, and so set harder than he did upon his soft pace, but that he keep a true decorum in his going; for if he set harder in his fast pace, or seem to go more slowly on his soft pace, than he is faulty, and therefore no perfect going Horse, likewise his legs must carry such an equi-distance in wideness that they may describe two parallel lines in their motions, otherwise he doth not go comely. To all which he must be durable, for if he should fail in any of all these, that he should not continue them, than ᵖ He must also be durable. he were defective, and so no perfect true going Horse. And lastly, he must have a perfect placing of his eye head and rain with his nose inward, resting his jaws upon the thropell, showing his crest in his greatest grace, his mouth truly relished with the snaffle, neither too much dulled, so that he would disquiet q His head and mouth must be firm. the man to hold him in, nor yet so tender that upon the feeling thereof he should either move a stay or check his head, and so remove it from his true place, but only to give him the 1. Prac. 24●. mean betwixt them both: All which particulars if they be wrought in one subject so perfectly, as they may be imagined, than a man may assure himself be hath attained to the knowledge of this Art, otherwise he is in error, and therefore needeth further knowledge herein. Whereby the conceited knower, which thought he was so skilful in this Art, doth see that there is more difficulty in it The. 3. Ch. p then he did imagine; for whereas before he might think that the stroke only was the full knowledge of the Art, as one word was the signification thereof: now he may plainly see and easily perceive that it is but the least part: For I grant, that if a man do desire nothing but the pace only, and also work it upon that stroke which he is most apt unto by his inclination, without any further respect, than he may place a Horse indeed without any great labour of the body, or much knowledge in the Art. But when one shall first give him that stroke which he is most inclined unto, and after change it to another, (for I never yet could find that Horse which took so perfect a stroke at the first that it should not need to be altered) and after to a ʳ The. 3. Ch. third; nay it may be altered seven or eight times, before he can bring him to such a fair and commendable pace as he desireth; and also be driven to reform both the carriage of his body and the handling of his legs, and further to give his head the true place, and then to settle his mouth truly upon the bit or snaffle, he shall find such intricateness in effecting all these, that he will both confess his own weakness in the judgement of time, and also his ignorance in the knowledge in the Art: and so, whereas before he thought he had known all, now he shall confess that he knoweth nothing. CHAP. 5. The connecting of this Art to man. NOw that I have laid forth the platform of this work of pacing, by setting out the manner of a well and true going Horse, and have also dressed the ground a little, (by paring and weeding it) in setting forth the errors and abuses thereof. I will likewise proportionate it and make it fit to receive such stems and imps as shall be thought most fit for the nature of the ground, that they may bring forth such grapes that shall make the wine more comfortable, to strengthen and delight the hearts and minds of men, that they may be the more encouraged to affect and persist in this so famous and excellent Art. For as in a Vineyard there must be the ground first laid out, and after, it should be weeded, dressed and brought to form, and all stems of Vines set, and frames made to support and bear the Vines up as they grow in height, and likewise as they grow they must be pruned lest they grow wild: Furthermore they must be set in such a place that the Sun may give heat unto them, whereby they may be both the sweeter and sooner ripe; moreover the frames would be made high that the Vines may grow the higher and so receive the greater heat of the Sun: and lastly, they must be environed and fenced about to preserve the imps, that nothing come to crop and about spoil them till they come to perfection. Even so in this Art An Allegory. there must be first the ground laid out (that is the Art) than it must be weeded and dressed from the errors of ignorance, and after that be made formal, by a good decorum and order; also there must be stems set, that is young learners and diligent practisers thereof; again there must be a frame made to support the Vines, which is practise and experience; likewise they must be pruned, that is, when they err to examine the cause, and take it away that the effect may die; furthermore they must be set so that the Sun may nourish them, that is, they must direct all their work in such sort that they may be ripened with the heat of the truth, and so they shall the more easily obtain their desire, and then the higher that they grow by the frames aforesaid, the more shall be their knowledge in the truth. Now lastly they must be environed and fenced about to preserve the fruits, that is, they in all their practices and endeavours must work by the rule of reason, which will make such a firm and sure fence, that the wild beasts of the Forest shall not break down their hedges nor spoil their grapes, that is their wills and affections shall not so overcome them, that they Theo. 29.c. Theo. 19 & 20. Chap. shall pass the bonds of reason, and fall into either of the extremes of violence or lenity, and so confuse their labours and discourage their practice; for though this Vineyard of pacing hath heretofore been dressed and planted, yet it is so trodden down and spoiled with the inventions and devices of men as their fantasies hath directed them, but not fenced as reason hath guided, nor dressed as knowledge hath counseled, that the weeedes are grown higher than the true plants, and do so smother and choke them that they can neither prosper nor become so fruitful as they would neither for themselves nor others. But this proceedeth from our natural corruption; for as Aesop ᵇ The cause of this abortion. 1. Pra. 27. ●. being asked the cause that weeds do grow and prosper without setting and dressing better than other herbs and flowers did with both; answered, because that the earth was but the stepmother to these, and to the weeds a natural mother: Even so, that as it was a curse given of God to the earth (for man's disobedience) that it should nourish thorns and ●●stles naturally (without any Art) where before it should have brought forth Deut. 11. 15. grass for cattle, and herbs for the service of men by the same instinct: it is become quite contrary, for now no Art, no herbs, but no dressing, all weeds. In like manner the knowledge of man Application. doth hold the same proportion with the earth, for there was likewise a curse laid upon man for his disobedience, that his reason should feed and nourish ignorance as a natural mother, without any Art; where before it should (by the like means) The. 1. Ch. ᵐ have fed and cherished knowledge: for obscurata est ratio naturalis, per inobedientiam primi parentis, our natural reason is obscured ᵈ Reason nourisheth ignorance, except it be enlightened by Art. with ignorance by the disobedience of our first Parents, And therefore now it is also become contrary; for no Art no knowledge, but no knowledge all ignorance, wherefore in regard ignorance is nourished with so much ease, and knowledge gotten by such pains it must necessarily follow, that those professors which are but as weeds, grow both greater and more than those which are nourished by knowledge, (being fed by ● Similis similem sibi gaudet. their natural mother ignorance) and so choke and keep down the true practitioners, which are both few and weak (in regard of the other) because they are nourished by their stepmother knowledge, for knowledge hath no greater enemy than ignorance being contraries, and two contraries cannot be in one subject: now therefore seeing ignorance is so naturally fed and nourished in the subject of this world, knowledge must needs pine and whither. Therefore Aristippus (perceiving how the world was benumbed ᵈ The answer of Aristippus to Dionysius. with this empoisoned disease) being asked of Dionysius what was the cause that the Philosophers did fret and wear the Thresholds of rich men's houses, and not contrariwise: He answered, because the Philosophers did know and feel what they wanted, and the Rich do not. Demonstrating that there could not be a want of worldly necessaries but it should be felt, being ● The poverty of the mind far more miserable than that of the body. for manintenance of life, and therefore they went to those places for relief, but if the other did rightly conceive that the poverty of the mind was so much the more miserable, then of the body, by how much it is the more excellent part of man, they would in like manner frequent the houses of knowledge, and esteem all worldly wealth but dross to the wealth of the mind and soul, for it is the only way to the truth, and then the nearer the truth the nearer the primary creation. And therefore he which will be grafted into the Vineyard of this Art, must endeavour himself to take pains for knowledge ● The way to knowledge is painful. therein: For he which will be cunning must be painful. For as Mr. Morgan saith. Ars infaecunda est sine usu et usus timerarius sine arte, and so by use and practice he shall get some knowledge of truth. But here, my meaning must not be so understood, that I speak of the knowledge of truth in genus, (which is the absolute truth, for no man is able to attain to that perfection) or of species subalterna, but only species infinite, which if a man hath any less, (howsoever he doth conceit himself) he hath not the truth but the shadow thereof. CHAP. 6. Of the Office and duty of the Horseman. MAny may think that I exaggerate and insist too much upon the difficulty of this art, because it is accounted a thing that is both common and apparent already, especially by them which sectaririwlos, et non petere fontes, which judge that the little rivers are as deep as the great Fountains: and therefore are contented only with washing their feet, though all the other parts of the body be foul. But when I did consider Theo. 3. (l) with myself, what abuse was sprung up into this Art by such shallow censurers, and what number they were multiplied unto. I thought (if I had the wisdom and learning of the Sages) to write a whole book of their abuses would be little enough, to reprove their opinionated knowledge, and to let them understand how far they are from the truth thereof, and also to show them the cause that doth hinder them, for seeking any further; before I come to teach the manner of working, because the spring of the Theoric part must first be cleansed, before it doth run into the river of▪ he practic, for infecting it with the dregs thereof. For when a Chirurgeon doth undertake the cure of an old Ulcer, it is fitting that he should first know those humours which do feed the sore, and then know the cause, and from whence they proceed that they may be cleansed, and kept back, for poisoning the sore, before he can come to cure the same, all which to do is more hard than the cure itself. Even ᵃ Error hardly purged from Art. Theo. 22. ᵈ so it is more hard to know the cause of error and from whence it doth spring, and so to purge error from Art, then to teach the ground of the true Art. But there are many which are so deadly wounded (with an obstinate will) that it is impossible that ever they should be ᵇ Obstinacy is a ba● to knowledge. cured: For as I myself have heard some say that they have so much knowledge, (therein) as they would desire no more, for it hath served their turn all their lives, (they being grey headed, yea and men in great places) and they would not learn more of any man: which when I heard, I was desirous to make trial of their knowledge, and so to ride some of those horses which they accounted to be well going, but in trial I found them so far from the truth, that I could not but laugh at their knowledge, although I lamented their ignorance. And then ᶜ Mo●: & Devi: medita. I thought upon the saying of Master Hall, how that it was fit for young men to learn then to teach, and for old men to teach then to learn, and yet fit for old men to learn then to be ignorant; but there is no man that can learn so much that he shall need to learn no more, and I hope I shall not live so long that I shallbe too old to learn. Where I leave them wallowing in their own conceit, and betake me to them which feel their sore and find their ignorance, and desire to be cured of those griefs, and also to them which would be grafted into this Vineyard that they may become diligent labourers therein. Wherefore whosoever coveteth to be united to this Art, the first thing he must learn to know must be, what his duty and ᵈ Two things to be required in the professors of this Art, that is, his duty and his office. office is herein, that he may the better judge of himself how to grow to his full perfection, and bring forth fruit both delightful and profitable. Therefore his duty is chiefly to learn how to govern himself, and his office is to learn how to govern his horse: now the government of a man consisteth both of the mind and body: and for the mind he must first subdue his will, secondly his passions, thirdly he must not be seirce nor angry, four he must be loving and gentle, fifthly he ᵉ The government of the mind. must enter into the disposition of the horse, and lastly he must frame his will to work according to the inclination and quality of the horse: and secondly for the government of his body, first he must be of an apt and able body, secondly, he must have ᶠ Government of the body. a true and com●ly carriage thereof, the better to grace his works, thirdly, he must have the true use both of hand and foot that he may the more cunningly help and serve his horse in all his actions, four, he must know how to help, fifthly, where to help, and lastly, when to help. These particulars being well and truly learned (as hereafter shallbe described) and then well used, will be sufficient to ᵍ Knowledge is to no use without true application. give a young Scholar a sure ground of this art, for the first, till he come to further knowledge, and then as he increaseth therein, he may look more narrowly into himself, and he shall find more observations than here is expressed which I have omitted, not only for avoiding tediousness, but also because I wou●d not make him an idle truant not to search for more than is here set forth, for there is yet an Aliquot part as the Mathematicians term it behind, and lastly, for bringing confusion and discouragement to the young learner, troubling his mind with so many observations and several concavities▪ for he shall find these enough for to learn, if they be well observed; but these are as it were accidents inseparable, which cannot be separated from this Art, if he desire to become a good Horseman, for these are not proper to this Art only, which is but a part of ʰ These observations are the ground of the whole Art. Horsemanship, (although I have continually called it by the whole, but that is Synecdoche) but also to all other parts else whatsoever, and likewise many other things which I have set down (and shall hereafter) though that they be alluded to this part only. Now for his Office that he must govern his Horse, it doth ⁱ How to govern his horse. likewise consist both of the interior and exterior parts; but for the interior, first he must know how to govern his Horse, he being an unreasonable Creature; secondly he must reform his will, for he may be said to have spent, (although improperly, that is, secundum appetitum,) thirdly he must subdue his passions, as fierceness and dullness, etc. Now for the exterior, he must bring his body to obedience, that is, first his body Ethick. 3. 2. Chap. must willingly yield to the motions of the man's body, because he is but a sensitive Creature; secondly he must yield to the motions of the hand for the guiding of his head; thirdly to the legs, that upon the motion thereof he be willing to go or turn with the covertest motions that can be used; and lastly he must observe that his Horse and he both must make but one body and will, and then they shall make such a delightful consonant, both to himself for feeling, and to others for Theo. 38. p. 13.d. ˡ The Man and Horse must make but one body in action. seeing, that it will not only bring great content to himself, but also will so admire the beholders, that they will (like a longing wife) thirst till they be in like manner graffed into this Vineyard, to bring forth such grapes as do give such a relish as will so much delight the senses. CHAP. 7. How a Horseman should govern himself and his Horse. NOw that I have set down the duty and Office of the Horseman in general, I will also illustrate it a little more in the particulars, because I would have him (which doth desire to be esteemed a Horseman, so far forth as he can comprehend) to merit the same name by his desert. For as Socrates, ᵃ Desert is true glory. (being asked by what means a man might attain to an honest fame and name) answered if he earnestly endeavour himself to be such a one indeed as he desireth to be accounted: even so he which doth desire to be imped in this stock, must frame himself to be such an imp as shall be held worthy thereof. For as all are not good chirurgeons which are sent for to cure some wounds, and so have the common voice of men; but he that can truly judge of the cause that increaseth the sore, and can make his salve to work accordingly: in like manner they are not Horsemen which are set on practice, and have the applause ᵇ No credit in the vulgar applause. of the common people, but he which knoweth how to govern and teach his Horse aright, and so to bring him to true obedience. Now it may be I shall seem very distasteful to most humours, which would be glad to know how to make a reformation in ᶜ Our natures desire to restrain others, but to give ourselves liberty. others, but cannot endure to subject themselves; like those patients which would gladly be cured of an old ulcer, but would not abide the operation of a corrosive: where I leave them only with this (in regard I do not love to lay a cushion under their elbow to have them sleep still in ignorance) let them not think ever to learn to govern a Horse well and truly, that cannot tell how to govern themselves. Wherefore in regard GOD made man the last of all his Creatures, to intimate Theo 1. ᵃ unto him, that there should not be any thing wanting for his use, but that he should come into the world, as to a house full furnished with all things: and further endued him with reason above them all, that he might know thereby the better how to keep them in love and obedience: let not man so Theo. 1. g far degenerate from his first estate, as to be servile and subject ᵈ Without knowledge man is most miserable. to them which should yield obedience to him; for though we have lost that sovereignty and dominion which we were endued withal at the first, yet having means left us by Art, let us seek to reform our rebellious will and affections, that we may ourselves more decently with fig-leaves of knowledge, without which man is only most miserable; for though God gave him possession of all his dignity at the first minute he came into the world, yet through the relapse he was deprived of all: for now what thing cometh into the world so naked as man? and those things which should have been for his preservation do often times work his destruction, as we see many men killed or lamed with Horses, and also devoured by other ravenous beasts. And besides this outward miserableness, there is with us such a little world of rebellion amongst the faculties of the soul, and also amongst the other senses, that all the Art that man can use is not able to suppress and keep them down, thereby to hold them in subjection: for our reason (by which we should have guided, and governed all other creatures) is so obscured (with ignorance,) that we could not know how to govern ourselves, if we should follow our inelination and corruption. Now therefore he that will have a command of himself, ᵉ How a man should command himself. must seek to reform the disposition of his corrupt mind, by deliberating and consulting, whether that be well or evil which he hath in action, and so make election according to the Aristo: eth. 3. li. 3. goodness or badness of the Art: for election must not be made without consultation, and consultation must not be made from affection, but (sana mente) from a perfect and sound mind. Therefore he that will govern himself, must have a perfect mind, and must consult of all his actions, (by reason) how they are done, if well, then to make his election thereof, if evil, then Theo. 3. ᵇ to consider the cause and take that away, and then from whence it doth proceed and stop that flux; so shall he know the better how to govern his Horse: For the errors in Horsemanship, do not always proceed from the Horse, neither from ● The cause of 16.c. Theo. 16 a. 1. Pra. 24.n. 27.d. ᵍ An apt simile. that place (in the Horse) where it is first discerned, (as it is for the most part holden) but the cause of most errors, (howsoever they are judged in the Horse,) do chiefly first proceed from the man, though unknown unto him when it was committed: an● although at the first it might seem a very small escape, (yet being unreformed) by much use and practise, it will grow very gross and palpable. For instance, as by multiplication in Arithmetic, a figure being mistaken, though it be in the first place, which is the least in value, yet by often multiplying, it will be a great error in the product, and also though the error be first perceived in the product, yet the cause doth not proceed from thence; nor altogether from the figures of the multiplier, but chiefly in him that multiplied it. Wherefore seeing that when there is an error in work committed, the fault is not always attributed to the thing, in which it is first found, but where it is first acted, I would desire all those which love this Art, not to think to excuse their errors by the nature of the horse, for so might a man that hath ● To excuse a man's ignorance by the nature of the horse is no true excuse. a bad visage, excuse it when he looketh in a glass, and say it is the falseness of the glass: But I hold this paradox, that it is the ignorance of the man, to think that a Horse being irrational, should learn more, than a man that is rational can teach him; and so impute a greater fault to the material cause, then to the efficient, therefore those who are desirous to keep this Vineyard from spoiling, must be careful to keep the fences strong, and rail them about with reason, and then they shall more easily bring their Horse to the government which they desire. CHAP. 8. How the Horseman may subdue his will. Having before shown how a man may govern both himself and his Horse, I will now also (so briefly as I can) declare how he may subdue his will: but this is so difficult a thing to effect, because it is so inherent to man that in the subduing thereof, is as great a conquest as to overcome a strong ᵃ It is a hard thing to bring our will to subjection. hold. For men are so far led captive under the servitude thereof, that it hath almost usurped the place of reason, and most men follow it even as their only guide; insomuch as if a question be asked them, their will is the chief reason in their answer, whereby it is fistulated so deep in most men, that if I should undertake to make an incision to the bottom, both my memory to so short and my knowledge so weak, that (I fear) my strength would fail me before I could launch it to the half, therefore I will but only scarify it that the corruption may the sooner break through. The Cynic Diogenes perceiving how servile they ᵇ The answer of Diogenes to Alexander the Great. were, which did only give themselves as servants to obey it, answered Alexander the Great his messenger, (when he sent to him to know the cause, wherefore he would not come to do homage to him, as well as all other) why (saith he) thy master serveth my man, for what I think good, that my will doth obey, but what his will commandeth, that he endeavoureth to perform with all diligence: declaring thereby, that he which hath brought himself to that government, that he can command his will is greater than any Monarch of the world, that is subject unto it. Therefore of all other enemies this is the most Theo. 37. ᵐ dangerous, and a Horseman ought to have the chiefest regard to keep it from rebelling lest it should break into this Vineyard, for if it once get in (as a Master) it will be a very hard conquest to expel it out again, till it hath trodden down the ᶜ Will is so ranenous that it spoileth the whole planting. whole planting. For the refelling of which enemy, he that will suppress it, must keep a strong fence of reason continually leveled against it, the better to defend the force thereof: and therefore he that desireth to take away the sting of the venomous ᵈ How to subdue it. infection, lest it should pollute the whole Vine, must imitate the natural love of Parents towards an unnatural child, which through their tender affection towards him; have yielded (so long) to his content, that he hath wrought their discontent through his disobedience; insomuch that they are driven to put him to service, whereby he may the better be brought (again) to his dutiful obedience. Even so, when a man hath yielded to his will so long, that it ● Reason is the best controller of a man's will. is become his Master, the next way to bring it again into subjection, is to put it to serve under reason, that whensoever it shall wish him to act any thing, he do not presently obey, till he hath conferred with reason, whether it be expedient or no, and if it be fitting, then whether it be time or not, and yet if it be time, then after what manner it should be effected, but if none of these, or (at least) if not some one of them, than what damage will ensue if he follow the aforesaid will; and if (by expostulating thus with himself,) he find it will yield any good, then to persist, but if reason persuade otherwise, extinguish that motion, and (again) consult with himself what is the best, and of that let him make his election, and eschew the other as pernicious: and by imitating such observations he shall find the strength of his will much abated and subdued by the lore of reason, and so fortified by the use thereof, that he shallbe able to subdue him in his greatest extremities, and in time get such a habit of conquest, that a man shallbe no more his will, but himself, and it will (afterward) more easily be ruled as a servant then afore obeyed as a Master. CHAP. 9 How a man may overcome his Passions. I Have hitherto spoken of those vices and errors which only ᵃ Dialect: de qualt. proceed from Man being reasonable, for tres sunt in quibus bestijs praestamus, scilicet ratione, voluntate & intelligentia, but as for passions they are incident as well to horse as man; for a horse taking a delight to be at his own liberty, when he feeleth ᵇ A Horse is disobedient & desireth liberty. himself restrained from the same, so that he most now be at command, then doth he seek remedy by resisting, because he desireth liberty rather than to be tied, and disobedience rather than obedience, for the one of them is agreeing to their disposition, but the other of them grievous being troubled in reforming, in which regard therefore a horse may in some sort The. 6. ᵏ be said to have sponte, as I said, although improperly, for it is s●cundum appetons et fugiens. Now there are four passions which are called perturbations that are common both to man and Horse, which cause trouble ᶜ Perturbatio est subita animi vel corporis commotio. Dial. de qualit. to the mind and body of man, and likewise to the disposition and body of the Horse; from these four perturbations all the other do proceed which are Lust or Desire, joy, Sickness and ●eare; yet I mean to speak but only of the two first, because they are the only passions from which do come Anger and Love, these being the two duties a Horseman should observe to moderate both in himself and his Horse. And although Sickness and Fear be likewise requisite for a Horseman to know in this, yet I intent not to speak of them in this place because sickness is proper for the Farrier's knowledge, and as for fear, the chief cause thereof in a Horse is his disobedience, which is the chief matter this tractate seeketh to reform: ᵈ No man that is possessed with fear is ever like to prove a Horseman. Theo. 22.b. Preface 2.c. but as for fear in the Man, it is such an obstacle to this Art, that whosoever is possessed therewith, is as far from obtaining the true knowledge thereof, as a Coward is to gain so much prowess as to be a General in the field. Wherefore I ●old it vain to minister Physic to such an impossible cure, for ● Mr. Walker saith, desperato agro omnia concedit medicus: the Physician ceaseth his care to those sick persons who are past cure. Now therefore the chief cause of these passions aforesaid, is when a man doth desire to be a practitioner in this Art, if he ᵉ The cause of inciting these Passions. find it more intricate than he judged it to be, so that he cannot work as he would upon the subject, then strait he falleth into the passion of anger, and by that means bringeth in the perturbation of the body, whereby he falleth into extremities, and beginneth to fret and chafe, thinking to gain that by violence that he could not work by lenity, and so thinketh (as the common saying is) by one poison to expel another, but by this means he doth rather make a confusion, then bring any order to his proceed: so that his desire is clean frustrate The. 3.g. and cannot work any content whereby he should take any joy or delight in his labours. Again, there are others which desire the like practice, and seeing the other aforesaid so racked on the tenters of his passion, 1. Prac. 15r. ● In shunning of Silla they fall into Charib●lis. Theo. 2.c. take such great dislike in their proceed that they not only see the great trouble it bringeth to the man, but also what torment it causeth to the Horse, therefore they condemn the blindness of his affection, because he cannot find any faul● with himself till he be grown into such extreme perturbations, and therefore fearing lest they should fall into the like error, they in shunning o● it fall into as evil, and because they will not fall into the extreme of violence, they slip as far into the whirlpool of too much lenity, as if one should forbear ᵍ The true use is only available. to drink at all because some have surfeited with drinking thinking betwixt these extremes there is not a mean to be found: and so follow the nature of the Horse as it is called, altogether by fair means, thinking that to be the only way, and seek so long to please their Horse, that at length he is become their Master, and careth not for the displeasing of ʰ This error is too common. them. For they think if he be made gentle enough, than he is good enough, observing that saying, Nobiles & generosi aequi facile freno reguntur, Noble and generous Horses are easily governed with the bridle. As if Horses were reasonable Creatures, and would be commanded by persuasions; but whosoever doth think to work his desire by this means, shall as Note this Simile. soon obtain his expectation, as they who think to cure a mad man by letting him have his liberty and will. Indeed I grant they may make some Horses to carry a show of obedience whilst he is pleased; (for it is a common saying, the Devil is good when he is pleased) letting them go as them lusteth, but when a Man shall come to work upon that Horse, to make him ride at command, than he will be so rebellious (by reason of his former habit) that he will ask more pain and judgement to bring him to subjection, than three Colts that were never handled. But this is the cause that maketh so many horses have such bad ● Too much lenity the cause of many errors. paces and carry such disgraceful reins, and also such dead mouths, and so many sad horses, which through this abuse, are counted very jades, & then they to excuse their ignorance object all these faults aforesaid to the nature of the horse, affirming that The. 2.i. & 7.f. he will neither go better rained, obey the hand, not go more freely whilst he is a Horse (but for this imputation I hope I have spoken sufficiently already) but these men in like manner come short of the period of their desire, for whilst they are working but for the shadow, like Esop's Dog, they let slip the substance: Note. for when they should come to make use of their practice they are as much troubled with perturbations as the former, for their Horse is become so stubborn that he will go but when he lusteth, and as he lusteth, so that they in like manner can neither have joy nor delight in their performance. Wherefore seeing these passions also (like ravenous beasts) do desire to spoil the young imps, and in stead thereof nourish Theo. 5. ●. weeds, there must in like manner be a strong fence kept, by reason to refel and drive them back: for when as a Man by any accident shall be driven into Passion by these extremes, ᵏ How a man may refel his passions. let him for that time cease from his practice, and set up his Horse, assuring himself to be in an error, and then let him examine how he came into these extremities, and after deliberation had, he shall find if he be not partial in his own affections, that he himself was the only cause, and also that it did proceed from ignorance, he undertaking to effect that, for the which he had no true ground of knowledge, and so by this means, whereas before they both of them thought the cause of either of those extremities did proceed from the nature of the horse, they shall see most clearly that it was their own blindness, and that they were guided by such enemies as did rather desire to destroy then to plant. For as a house that is very clean swept and washed, so as it may be thought that there is not any dust therein: yet when the Sun shineth bright and An apt Simile. the beams thereof do reflect into it they shall see it all full of moats: even so, though they thought their knowledge right good, for the effecting of their desire, yet when the light of reason doth enlighten their minds, they shall then perceive many errors which before could not be seen. Wherefore if a man cannot bridle his affections nor overcome his passions, let him send them also to the school of reason, and there they will be so Theo. 8.e. kerbed and shall receive such a repulse, that they will utterly be discouraged, and not once dare to encounter against so strong a Fort; for thereby their forces will be brought so weak, that a man may the more easily keep them in subjection. CHAP. 10. That a Horseman should not be fierce or angry. BEcause that I have (in the last chapter) spoken briefly, of the root from whence these branches do spring, and also shown the inconveniences (in part) which proceed from them; therefore (for the avoiding of prolixity and reiteration,) I will but only declare (so summarely as I can) how to reduce this extreme to the mean, that those errors which do attend upon these vices of fierceness and anger may, with more facility be avoided, and the truth the better advanced: but whereas Theo. 9.g. I say a Horseman should not be angry, I would not have it understood so, that he should not be angry at all, for that is mere sheepish, and so he should fall into the other excess, for humanum est irasci, he is not a man that cannot be angry: and for a man to be a little provoked, doth stir him up to perform his authority with greater courage, but yet I would not have him to abuse this liberty, for as soft fire maketh sweet malt, so a hasty A Simile. fire doth not only firefange (as it is termed) but also taketh away the true relish of the same: even so, moderate anger causeth obedience, but fierceness repugneth the same, for (as the Prou. 27. 4. wiseman saith) Anger is cruel and wrath is raging, but a furious man aboundeth in transgressions. Therefore although anger is linked so strongly to the nature ᵃ Anger is a natural viper nourished within us. of man, that he can, no easilier refrain from that passion, then to refrain either from meat or drink (being set before him) and he having an eager appetite to the same, yet let him endeavour to suppress it with reason, lest it prove to fierceness, and wax so hot that it will consume the whole substance of his labour. For (he saith again) he that is slow to wrath is better Pro. 16. 32. than the mighty man: and he that ruleth his own mind, is better than he that winneth a City. For he whose discretion deferreth anger, is of great wisdom, but he that is apt to fierceness provoketh violence, and whatsoever is brought to a horse by violence is not gained by Art, inregard (as Arist. saith) it is the exterior action only, (but Art consisteth both in the interior action, and exterior) for whatsoever is exterior only is but a shadow, Theo. 3. ● or an accident, and therefore no substance, and so hath no perminancy, because it is done unwillingly. For whatsoever is the cause of a cause, the same is the cause of the thing caused: but violence being the cause of the exterior action in the horse, so long as that Ethick. 3. 2. Ethick. 22. ● violence lasteth, so long the horse worketh, (although invite) but when that cause ceaseth then the action of the Horse decayeth. Now therefore he which desireth to prove a flourishing Imp in this Vineyard, must temporize his anger, and let it extend no further than the limits of reason: and proportionate it ᵇ How to temper auger. Theo. 31. ● so, that it may rather tend to the reducement of obedience in the horse, then to the satisfying of his own will. But for the better knowledge, how a man should govern his anger, he must observe both the time when to be angry, and also the disposition of the Horse how to be angry, and so proportionate his correction as the occasion of the offence is offered. But of this I will speak more, when I come to show the disposition of the ᶜ One cannot pass from one extreme to another but by the mean. Horse. Now in regard a man cannot pass by one extreme unto another but by the mean, which is the truth, and that these extremes hath wrought much absurdities amongst many, (reputed) Horsemen: let a man so examine himself, that he may truly know the cause, from whence this excess of anger doth proceed, and then he shall find the original to come from his own will and ignorance, because the Horse is subject to obedience, Theo. 9 ● (by Art) and he himself ignorant how to work the perfection thereof. And the Heathen men could say. He that to wrath and anger is thrall; over his will hath no power at all, and he that is governed by his will, (as before I have shown) more than by his wit, he shall never come to reap the fruit of knowledge in this Art: for he runneth into utter ignorance, ᵈ Ignorance & blindness are led by authority and traditions. and ignorance is the Mother of fools, and therefore not rightly knowing how to unuayle this blindness, they depend upon traditions, and support themselves by the authority of others, (and so cloak their own simpleness) as though all things received from old custom were true: And so when they fail of their expectation, than they follow the torterous inventions of hard snaffles, extreme commanding bits, and tormenting cavezans, 1. Pr. 6. a. Note this progression. 1. Pr. 19 ● all which are as consonant to the true Art, as poison is to the body; but (likewise) I will speak of these in the practic part hereof. CHAP. 11. A Horseman should be loving and gentle. AMongst all other of the passions this is the chiefest to be respected, for the confirming of whatsoever hath been before taught: and therefore I have placed it the last, in regard ᵃ Gentleness & love are the only bonds that tie delight betwixt man and horse. it is the last thing that a man must use for the grounding of obedience in the horse: for all the other affections are incited by the action of the horse, and then this ceaseth, but when they cease, than this of love worketh, and so (as an evidence to a jury) a Horse doth know by this how he hath pleased his rider, therefore it is the only uniting of delight betwixt the Man and the Horse. For as one saith, concerdia par●a crescunt sed discordia maxima delebuntur, small or few things by concord and love do increase to abundance, but by discord and strife, great things are brought to utter confusion: ᵇ A Horseman must know, when and how to be loving to his horse. in like manner this Art by fierceness and anger is sacked and spoiled, but by love and gentleness it is re-edified and repaired. Therefore whosoever is desirous to be combined within the limits of this Vineyard, must endeavour himself to learn to know, when, and how to be loving and kind to his Horse: Theo. 10. ● for as it is the nature of fire to separate and dissolve that, which before was a substance, even so the heat of fierceness and anger, doth separate and dispeirse that which before was united by Art, and as lime and mortar do bind stones, in such wise that they make a strong building: even so love by cherishing A Simile. doth congeal and unite together whatsoever hath been before taught: But I would not here be so understood that the effect of this Art doth chiefly consist hereof, for so a man may digress from the mean, & pass into the other extreme, which is too much lenity (as I have said before) and therefore it must be used but as a preservative to keep that which hath been taught before. For as Parents though they have a natural love and affection towards their children, yet it must have a restraint; for it should be no further than it may be without the offence of true religion, otherwise they make an Idol of them, and so through 1. Sam. 2. 23. 24. and the 3. 11. extraordinary affection they bring them to inordinate subversion: even so, though love towards a Horse is a thing that doth fortify greatly the memory of him, and causeth great delight, Theo. 17.c. yet there must be a limitation of time to know when to love, otherwise they in like manner make an Idol of their Horse, and so are driven to serve him before he yield to them. Therefore it is 1. Prac. 13. ●. ᶜ How a man may know when to love. fitting that a man should also learn to know, when to show love and when not; for the effecting of which, he must be a Commander of himself, and his greatest anger must be so qualified, that upon the least yielding of the Horse, he may be ready to entertain his obedience, that the Horse may the better know the cause of his anger towards him: and also he must observe the instant time, for if he shall seem to cherish him never so little before he obey, the Horse having no other means to Note. understand the will of his Rider then the sense of feeling doth tender him, than he thinketh that that is the perfection of his riders will, and so by custom it will grow to such a habit, that it will be very hard to make him proceed any further in his apprehension, thinking that to be the sum of his obedience. But again, if he omit the first motion of subjection (which his ᵈ The cause of all restive qualities do first arise from the man. Theo. 33. ●. Horse doth yield unto) and therefore is not contented therewith, thinking to make him do more before he leave him, than the Horse not rightly understanding the cause of this extremity, is caused to pass the mean, and to fall into the other extreme which is fury, and so falleth into some restive quality, as running away, going back, standing still, lying down, jerking and plunging, and such like: all which, though they be first shown by the Horse, yet the cause doth proceed from the man, by bringing by-thoughts into the Horse, with too much severity and overslipping of time. But yet (as I have often said) they have a cloak to cover this ignorance in themselves, which is, that the Horse is of such a stubborn and dogged nature, that he would do thus if a man's life should lie on it: Nevertheless, if they could rightly conceive how and when to love and cherish, they should undoubtedly perceive that these former errors did proceed more from themselves▪ then the disposition of the Horse. Now I might insist a little herein, upon those Horsemen (as they are called) which train up Horses from their first haltring, with lenity only never respecting, that obedience, which should be first gained; but in regard I have touched it somewhat before in the ninth Chapter, and shall have occasion to speak more of it hereafter, I will but only show in this place, the inconveniences thereof in general, which I have proved by experience to my great cost: For this Paradox I now hold, that the best Horse which can be bred ● Note, for it is worth obsernation. 1. Pra. 23.f. and of the mildest disposition, shall never come to the height of his glory with lenity only: except there be a true obedience gotten before: for although he may thereby be made very gentle, and also to go forward willingly (in regard he goeth as himself lusteth) yet when he shall come to show himself against a Horse, that is, at true command, he shall reap such great disgrace, that he shallbe accounted a very jade, whereas if Art had been joined to the disposition of him, he would have made a jade of two such like as the other: and the ● A stubborn child will do well so long as he is pleased, or that he feeleth it not nip. cause is, that he hath been trained up so idly, that when he feeleth it nip, he yieldeth and giveth it over in the plain field, not being brought to obededience, by a true command: and then to excuse themselves they affirm it is the nature of the horse, and his weakness▪ so, that he is able to do no more: but it is rather that he will do no more, for plura patent quam latent, there is more ability hidden, than he will show in performing. Therefore he which doth desire to ground all his documents firmly, by this passion of love and gentleness, let him not Theo. 8. ᵃ show it according to the affection he carrieth to his horse, but let it be ruled by reason, so, that he may be sure his Horse doth deserve it before he shall receive it: and ever as he doth rebel, let him perceive his own fault, by the countenance of his rider▪ (to the which a horse will have a great respect, if the man can temporize it rightly,) and so he shallbe sure to effect his own desire, and reap such joy to himself as his heart would wish. CHAP. 12. That a Horseman should have at apt and able body. NOw that I have set down how a man should perform the Theoric knowledge of the mind, I should (in the next place) set forth the Theoric of the disposition of the horse, but in regard a man doth consist both of mind and body, and that there cannot be a separation of the subject, without the detriment of the substance: therefore I will omit to speak of the Horse, till I have (in like manner) declared, how a man should behave himself, in his exterior parts, that they may be joined to the interior, and so may make one perfect and complete body, (as well in posse as esse,) because I will not make a confusion in my proceed. Therefore the Horseman must (first) know himself to have an apt and able body, and also how to govern the same orderly 1. Pra. 24g. ᵃ A horse is governed by the motions of the man. ᵇ A little error in the man causeth a greater in the horse. A simile. and commendably, for the least disorder in the gesture of the man, causeth a greater in the horse, not only in his teaching, (the horse being governed chiefly by the motions thereof) but also in the grace of his show, for the least error that a man doth commit in the government of himself, is increased in the horse, in a double proportion. For as in the science of Mecometrie in taking the distance of any thing, a small error at the eye, although it be not any notable thing, yet (there being one) at the object of the sight, it is much decernable; Even so, though a fault may seem very small in the man, yet it being extended to the horse, it is more palpable, and so causeth the greater absurdity. Wherefore a man must learn, first, to govern his own body, before he can teach the horse any true carriage of his: for Ethic. 2. 4. (as Aristotle saith) in art scientia sufficit ad producendum opus, the knowledge in Art is (only to bring men's labours to perfection: now therefore the man must have both an apt and able body, for it must be apt to learn, before he can be able to teach; ● Why he must have an apt body. in that he must first have a facility himself, before he bring any good facility to the Horse: For if he cannot tell how to seat himself truly, and use his body apt for motions covertly, and likewise govern his hand mildly, and carry his legs fit for corrections seemly, he shall never teach his horse orderly, but he shallbe driven into some extreme contrarily: then as I have said that is no part of true Art; and therefore they are not Theo. 3.e. meet for this profession, which will sit like logs on their horses backs, and have no agility to help them, more than they (by inclination) are prone unto, which is another cause also, of so much reproach to the horse. Again, he must have an able body to help his Horse as occasion ᵈ Why the man must have an able body. is offered; now this ableness must as well proceed from the mind as from the action of the body, for he must not have only knowledge how to help, but when to help, for if he cannot distinguish of the instant time nunc, he shall fail in his desire. For as a Wrestler must take the very time of advantage against his Adversary, or else he looseth his opportunity, and A Simile. so the glory of his prize is either clean frustrate, or else he must use more strength, if he gain the conquest: even so a man must know by the seat and facility of his body, when to take the opportunity of the Horse to gain the advantage thereof, or else he must use more violence for the achieving thereof, if he determine to obtain his desire, and also his body must be fortified with courage: for if he have not spirit to work his horse ● He must be of cou●age. to obedience, but when he findeth him any thing dogged, dareth not displease him for fear of being overcome by him, than he shall be dismissed of the fruition of the heat of the Sun, which is the truth whereby he might grow to some perfection of ripeness in this Vineyard, and also by that means his Horse is made more rebellious, in regard he findeth himself the most master. And further, he must have a strong constitution that he may be the better able to work ● He must be of a good strong constitution. his Horse according to his understanding: For if he be weak in body, so that he cannot endure the pains which this Art doth desire, let him never look for any true performance thereof; for labour est materia virtutis & gloria, hunc qui eijcit, & illas reijcit. Labour is both the matter and glory of virtue, and therefore he which despiseth the one, must needs fail of the other. Wherefore when a man feeleth that he hath some reasonable proportion of this exterior part, let him with boldness work his desire to the restitution of knowledge, his proceed being leveled by the line of reason, and he shall no doubt bring forth fruit worthy of tasting. CHAP. 13. That a Horseman should have a true seat, and comely carriage of his Body. IN regard the Horse's grace in all his actions doth chiefly proceed from the Man, the Horse being a creature only governed by the sense of feeling, as a blind man is guided by leading, and that he must direct the Horse by the motions of his body as a Pilot doth direct a Ship by the steering of the helm, therefore it is fitting that a man should have knowledge how to rule his own body, that he may the better know how to command the body of the Horse; for the effecting whereof, a ᵃ The Theoric part must be learned before the Practic can be gained. Theo. 4.b. man must first understand the Theoric thereof, before he can tell rightly how to perform the practic part: For else he should resemble some tradesman (as Carpenter or such like) which doth usurp the trade of a Tailor, or any other who hath both shears and cloth before him, but yet cannot tell how to dispose of them aright for the making of a garment. Therefore for the illustrating of which, I will so briefly as I can set down how a man should seat and carry himself upon his Horse; because I will not treat of it in the practic part: For there I do not intend to speak any thing as concerning, how it should be done, but what is to be done, because I would not confuse the understanding of the reader. For it may be he doth think there is Preface. Theo. 3. ᵖ & 4. ⁱ too much spoke already, for such a small knowledge as this Art doth desire. But yet if he rightly conceive, how long this part of Horsemanship hath been used, and (in all generations) how many have spent all their life times to gain hairs, and yet it is left doubtful, ᵇ Uncertainty proveth the in●●●catenesse of 〈◊〉 A●t. some holding one opinion, some another, and yet all dissenting from the truth: and also that the knowledge hereof is not rightly gained in the whole time of a man's life, there is so many errors crept in both by traditions and authority: (The reason being, that ignorance is propagated, but knowledge is not) I cannot think, but then he will imagine that I rather spoke a great deal too little, (for the purging of these errors from the Art) than any deal enough, (for the planting of the truth,) because it is more hard to purge error from Art, then to teach the ground of the true Art. Now therefore I do desire, Theo. 6. ᵇ that they would (with patience) endure the time spending in the reading hereof, though it be both craggy and rough, because the path hath never been (before) trodden, and especially in regard I have taken more pains to observe, and collect Note. such observations as will take away the cause of this ruin, than they shall take pains in reading and perusing these collections: for it is more pains for a Gardener to proportionate his garden, and to set it with variety of flowers, than it is to them which come into it, to gather a nosegay. But to persist, that a man may the better know how to seat and carry his body aright, he must observe that his seat must be just in the mid-part of the horse, (betwixt the stern of his ● How to place the body. tail, and his ears (he standing at his greatest pride) because that he may the more easily command both the fore parts, and the hinder, as occasion is offered. For in regard that his Horse and he should both make but one body in their motions (and Theo. 38. ˡ many of their motions are tending circularly) he must imagine that they (likewise) should both of them have but one ᵈ A true proportion. centre, and his head to be the zenith thereof, and as a line drawn from one part of the circumference, (passing by the centre) to the other part (which is the diameter) doth divide the circle into two equal parts, and likewise that there cannot be a circle drawn, except one foot of the compass doth continually remain in the centre, even so, if a line be drawn from the vertical point of the man to the Nadir of the horse, and pass by the centre of them, it doth divide them into two equal parts, ᵉ No true motion except it be in one and the self same centre. in like manner and likewise they cannot make any true motion except the man be in the centre, or midst in regard he is the chief governor of the motions, for if there be any excentricity betwixt them, (so that their motions do not begin and end together) there cannot be any good consonant in their proceed; And likewise his actions will be nothing seemly nor commendable, for though his Horse rise very high before and behind, yet the man's body should move very little (but only A simile. to observe time as covertly as he can) even as the pin●cular part of a pair of scales doth move very little, although both ends of the beam describe a great arch. Also he must carry his body upright, neither yielding too ᶠ The man ought to carry an upright body. far back (as if he were pulling at a great tree, nor too forward as if he were a sleep, for those two motions serve to other ends (as hereafter shallbe shown) neither to sit on one side, like a crab, or to hang his body over as if he were drunken, as I have seen some horsemen do, (which have carried good fame) for when they would have their horses go sidewise, they would hang their bodies so far over the contrary side, as if they were to have fallen forth of the saddle, so that a man might easily perceive, what lesson they were teaching as far as they could be seen, which is a very gross error in a Horseman. Neither ᵍ How he should carry his legs. ought he to carry his legs so close to his horses sides, that he cannot give any motion therewith, except he first thrust them forth, for so, by continual custom of his legs touching his side, he will be so careless that he will become very sad, and have no quick motions except the spur be always in his side, or (at least) he shall be driven to strike so hard with the calves of his legs, that the beholders may perceive him a good distance off, which thing also is an absurdity. Neither must he carry his legs (out) staring like stilts, (without joints, as Saint George painted on horseback,) before his horses fore shoulder, or, (at the least) against his mid shoulder, for so he cannot help, nor correct him, but the bringing in of his legs, willbe very apparent to the beholders, and also if his horse should be any thing stirring, he cannot be able to keep his seat truly, which will be held very ridiculous in a horseman. Therefore for the avoiding of all these extremes he must ʰ How the man should seat himself. seek the mean, which is, he must sit with an upright body, his nose being opposite to the pole betwixt the horses ears, and in looking down, it may be a perpendicular to the mid seam of the saddle, with his shoulders strait, not lurking down as if he were to carry a jackanapes, (which gross error I have seen many reputed horsemen commit,) and his arms kept close to his sides, (from the shoulder to his elbow) both to strengthen his body, to keep it more firm and also to keep his hands ⁱ How to carry his arm●s. so stayed, that they fly not up and down, as birds wings do that beat the air, which if they should do, it is not only an evil show (in the man) but also his hands, being always chocking upon the snaffle (through the instablenesse of them) will so dull the horses mouth, that he shall never have a commendable feeling thereof. Likewise his legs must be pendant of an equal distance from the horses sides, his feet so level in the stirrups, as they ᵏ How to carry his legs in the stirrups. are when he walketh on the ground, neither must his stirrup lethers be so long, that his chiefest labour shallbe to keep his feet in them, (for so a man shall lose his true seat by stretching his legs, as if they were on the tenters,) nor so short that he shallbe raised from his true seat (the pitch of his knees being dislocated from the points of the saddle) nor ought one stirrup to be longer than the other (in my judgement) although many worthy men have set that order down. My reason is, in regard the man must have a true and upright seat, and nature hath ˡ Why one stirrup should not be longer than another. made his legs (which are the supporters thereof, one not longer than another, but of an equal length; therefore I cannot see how the body should be kept direct, the legs one of them hanging cider then another. For as it is a conclusion in Geometry, put even things to uneven, and that which remaineth will be uneven; even so put the equality of the legs, to the unequality of the stirrups, (the ● The grantable request. one being longer than the other) than the seat must needs be unequal, therefore they ought to be of equal length to the proportion of his legs, in such sort as the feet may only have a sure stay upon them, that the body may be kept the more firm and so the more able to serve the Horse. Further, he must carry his feet in such proportion to the Horses sides, as they may make two parallel lines with them: neither ᵐ How to carry his feet. carrying his toes so farr● forth that he can hardly keep his spurs out of his Horse sides, nor so far in, that (whensoever he shall need to use the spur) he shall be feign to turn his legs about as if one would wrest a screw, but carry them in such sort, as when he is truly placed in his saddle, (as before I have shown) he then looking down first on one side, then on the other without bending his neck, he may see both his toes in like equality. All which observations being truly kept in the Horses standing, and also held in his moving, than he may be assured, that he doth grace his Horse by his gesture, so much as is possible, and therefore needeth not be daunted for the taunts of any Zoylous beholders, and further he shall have much condign praise for the same. And then if he (in like manner) be careful to be governed, (in all his other proceeding) by his chief Captain Reason, he shall flourish in this Vineyard with glory, and his branches shall so spread over the frame, that for his performance he shall merit great fame. CHAP. 14. The Horseman must have true use both of hand and Foot. NOw that I have set forth how a man should seat himself truly for the best grace both of himself and his Horse, it resteth likewise to show how he should use himself in his actions, lest that he should work per deceptionem visus, and so do but only make a show of knowledge, as a shadow without a substance, like those who are desirous to be esteemed judicious in the Mathematics carry an instrument about with them, but cannot tell the use thereof. But there are overmany already of that rank, which are the cause that Horsemen who ᵃ The cause of the contempt of this Art. are of performance, in some equality, are in so much contempt, by their abuse who make but only a show of the Art, but when they come to the touchstone they prove mere counterfeit, by which means are increased the number of jades, the cause proceeding from ignorance; for they do not know the true use neither of hand nor foot, either to amend the Horse's rain or quicken his mouth if it be dead (as they term it) nor to place their Horse's body truly, neither can tell how to make him turn and go back, but only by haling and pulling the Horse's mouth, all which are as possible to be done without the true use of the hand and foot, as for a Scholar to learn to read without spelling, or for one to survey without knowledge either of the scale or Station. Therefore let them think that they are as far from the truth herein as they are from perceiving their own ignorance: But because it is so difficult a thing to cure this venomous disease, I will leave them, and return to those which feel their own ignorance and desire some instruction to remedy the same. Therefore it is requisite that a man should learn the use both of hand and foot that he may the better know how to help and serve his Horse as occasion shall be offered; for the better understanding ᵇ A man must learn the true use both of hand and foot. 1. Pr. 18. ᶜ whereof, he must observe that the use of the hand is not to cut and tear the Horse's mouth up to the mid-cheeke, as many heavy hands do, by chocking, gagging and sawing too and fro with their hands, no nor yet to break the skin thereof by any of the aforeaid means, when he will not obey, nor bring in his rain, for so his mouth shall be more dead; neither yet to hold so hard upon the hand as to make their arms and shoulders ache, when they ● do either fear stumbling or running away, for that is a means rather to increase those faults then to reform them, because they give to the Horse no stay to support his body, more than nature hath ordained. For ● Fear is the cause of error. Theo. 9.d. whereas nature hath given him only four legs, to support and carry his body, they (through the abuse thereof) have added a fift, for whereas the use of the bridle is only to guide the Horse, it is now changed in the use, & is made a stay for the Horse to rest upon; and so by the abuse thereof it tendeth more to rebellion then obedience, by reason the Horse when ᵈ The abuse of the bridle. he foeleth such a stay, he relieth the most upon it, and then if their hands chance to slack never so little through weariness, when he feeleth his stay fail him, wherein he did trust, than he presently stumbleth if he be thereto inclined, he trusting so Theo. 4. ●. much to the hand that he regardeth not the lifting up of his forelegges; but if to the other, then so soon as he feeleth any liberty, he falleth presently to run away, because his lust or Theo. 3.e. desire is not reclaimed by art but by violence, for (as I have said) use a Horse to extremities, and he will not do any thing but 1. Prac. 14.i. by extremities. And therefore Horsemanship may be resembled to War; for it is sooner gained by policy and reason, then by ᵉ Horsemanship compared to War. strength and will. For let a man hold in a Horse, (which is subject to run away) never so hard, yet when he is never so little disquieted, it is not the strength of the man that can command him, for his mouth is so horned with continual use, that it is become senseless, and then he may as well hold a Bull by the head, as hold his Horse by strength. Now therefore the true use of the hand is only to guide the ᶠ The true use of the hand. Theo. 36.b. & 27.c. Horse by sweet and gentle motions, neither carrying it so hard that it shall make his mouth more dull, nor so slack, that he shall lose the true and stayed carriage thereof: but only to hold his reins, of such an equal length to his seat, that he may keep his arms close to his sides, to stay his hands the more firmly, for disturbing the Horse in his mouth, that whensoever his Horse shall assay to thrust his head or nose forth, the stay of his hands will not give him liberty, and also when he cometh in with his head, that then his hands do not follow, but only keep their true place, and so by use when the Horse shall feel more ease with the bringing in of his head, then with casting it up he will delight the greatest ease, if he may be suffered thereto. Now for the better working thereof the use of the foot is very ᵍ The use of the foot. pertinent, because it hath a relation to the hand: for they must both be combined together for to gain the true command of the horses mouth: For if he work upon the mouth only with the hand, he shall never obtain his desire: and again, if he use the foot, and the horse will not obey the hand, upon the least discontent he will run away, or else show some other jadish trick. Therefore a Horseman ought (chief to have true knowledge in the use of them for they are the only keys which do open to the secrets of this Art: in regard they are relatives that cannot be separated, because a man shall never find the true use of the hand without the foot, nor of the foot without the hand, for their true uses are the one to help the other. For instance, if ¹ How to preserve the strength of a Horse's neck. a man would have his horse to make a turn on the right hand, if he use the hand only, than he shall displace his horse's head, and bend his neck like a Seal, and so cause him to be weak necked, (which thing he should be very careful to eschew) by forcing altogether upon the reins. Therefore for the preventing thereof, he must hold both his reins firm, and with the moving of his hand very little to the right side of his main, he must lay the left rain close to his neck, and follow after with his body, laying the calf of his left leg close to his Horses left side, and that will make him fold his left leg over his right, and with a little use cause him to turn very gracefully and willingly, so soon as he shall but feel the motion of his leg. And again, if he would have him to turn on the left hand, than he must use the like helps, with the right leg, not suffering his bridle hand to pass the left side of his main, and so the like use of helps, for all other reformations, which here I will omit because I intent to speak of them in the Practic part, being ² Of helping a Horse with the body. appertinent unto it. Only I give instance hereof, to show how necessary, and what relation, the use of the foot hath to the hand. Again, there are some which use to help their horse with their body, bending it that way, and holding their contrary leg forth, which they would have their horse to turn: But me thinketh it is nothing so effectual nor commendable because the leg is as well to correct as to help and when it is holden from his horse side (if he prove slow upon the motion) he cannot correct him, so instantly, as he may with his leg being close thereunto, nor so covertly as the Art doth desire; and likewise a man cannot make the least motion with the body, but it will be very decerneable to the spectators; which opertnesse is nothing commendable in a Horseman. Therefore let all those who are desirous to be labourers in this Vineyard, covet to help their horse, so covertly as they can, and then they shall both gain to themselves exceeding glory, & delight, and to their horse great admiration & fame; for seeing that the hand and the foot are the chief tools (by which the frame of this Vinieyard is made) if a man can learn to use them exquisitely, than he shall be sure his branches will flourish and so spread the better, whereby his fruit shall be more delightful and pleasant. CHAP. 15. That a Horseman should know how to help his Horse. BEcause (as I have said) a horse is altogether governed by feeling, therefore a man must be careful to carry his body so, that he doth not use any idle motions, but (only) such as may tend either to the helping or correcting of his horse, in regard the effect of a thing is (always) taken from the cause, for if a man ● Idle motions procure idle effects. use the gesture of his body idly (without need) it must needs produce idle effects. Therefore a man ought first to learn how to help his horse, before the horse can learn to understand his mind by his motions, for if a horse cannot rightly conceive the mind of Theo. 4.h. his rider by his motions, he using ambiguity, or equivocation, (which is one motion for divers things) then doth he strait fall into some disaster by thoughts; and so doth bring a rebellion, instead of an unition. For if one man cannot know the intention of another's mind, except that he speak significantly Note. unto him, that he may conceive his will: neither can a horse now hope to dispose himself, to satisfy his rider's desire, except he know the right use of his helps. For as in the confusion of tongues, when the tower of Babel A simile, by the confusion of Babel. was built,) when one called for one thing, there was another brought, by which the building was dispoliated, even so if the man doth use no decorum in helps, it must needs make a confusion in his works, for when he would have his horse to do one thing then beginneth he to do another, because he doth not rightly understand his mind by his motions, for although the truth of a man's heart, is not altogether known by his speech (for he (in policy) will oftentimes speak on thing and think another, either for fear or affection) yet there is no such deceit in the horse, for he doth show truly the effects of every man's knowledge, (he not respecting one man more than another, but as the knowledge is in the man for commanding, even so is his horse's obedience in performing. ᵇ A horse doth not respect any man, for credit Preface. Now therefore that a man may the more truly know how he should help his horse, he must observe four chief helps in working the horse to his perfection, the first is the body of the man to cause the motion in the horse, the second is his ᶜ How to help the horse with his body. legs to help the motion, the third is his hand both to guide the motion and cherish, and the last is his tongue, to help to quicken the motion and to cherish. Now because the motion of the man is the cause of the motion of the horse, he must observe that it may chiefly be in those parts of his body, that the horse may have the best feeling thereof, and yet that it may be the least apparent to the eye, which are those parts that are next to the horse, and that is from the middle to the knees, in regard those are the aptest parts, for the ministering feeling to the horse, and therefore if he would have his horse turn on the right Note this absurdity. hand, let him thrust his left knee close to his saddle point, but if on the left hand, than his right knee, and if to go forward then to yield his thighs a little forward, but not to raise himself upon his stirrups, (as many reputed horsemen do) so that a man may see clearly betwixt his seat and the saddle, for so he doth stretch his stirrups so strait, that it doth rather cause stay (in the horse) then help forward, because it is a help to cause a horse stop: and again, if he would have him stop, then let him seat himself more firm, in the hinder part of his seat, and thrust his feet more strait in his stirrups, then usually ᵈ The true use of the stirrup leathers. 1. Pra. 29. ᵃ he doth, whereby his stirrup leathers may be the more stiff, and that will make his horse keep a firm body. But if he would serve his horse for any other motion, as to help his horse in his trot, pace or any other assault, for delight, then let him clap both his knees close to the points of the saddle, and only keep time with his seat, to move the better spirit to the horse: and not to sit as some do, (which are not esteemed the worst horsemen) Theo. 13. ●. without any motion, (like logs) on their horse backs, with their legs stretched out in their stirrups, (as if they were on the rack) but as their horse causeth them, (they forcing him by extremities,) having no agility to help him; therefore (as I have said) it is meet that the man should have an apt body to help his horse. Again, he must help his horse with his legs, for they are (in like manner) means for motion forward, by ierting them quickly forward in the stirrups, without staying them at that ᵉ He must help with the leg. stress, and likewise for turning of either hand (as I have shown in the last Chapter;) but these helps in regard they are so apparent, are not to be used continually, but only at the first beginning, and ever as the horse doth grow in perfectness, so to mitigate them till they be reduced to the true helps of the seat (as afore said.) Now the man must also help his horse with his hand (carrying it, (as before I have shown,) in his turning, laying the ᵍ The application of the hand contrary rain close to his neck, for weakening of it, and for dislocating his head: also it doth help in his stop with holding his hands a little more firm: and for the better preserving of his mouth, when he would have him to stop, let him iert his body back and his feet forward, and with a little use, that will make him stop the more willingly, if he hold a while so, till he feel his horse to yield: but these helps, (in like manner) are but for the first, which afterward must be left, by degrees, as the horse waxeth cunning. And the hand is also to cherish either with the great end of the switch, with clawing the horse betwixt the ears, holding the rest of his body firm without motion, or with clapping or clawing the Horse on the neck or shoulder which will (much) fortify his well doing. And lastly, the tongue is to quicken the motions with cheering him up, with the help thereof, as hay, hay, or how, how, ʰ The help of the tongue. or such like; and likewise with using some inarticulate voice, as by closing his lips, and opening them suddenly, which may sound, as paw, or else by laying the tongue flat to the roof of the mouth, letting it depart from thence, at the (instant) opening of the neither chap, or by some such like means, which may stir up the horses alacrety. And also the tongue is to cherish whilst the hand doth clap or rub, in saying, So my rogue, there my boy, hollow my wench, or such like. Now the reason of that is, because the mind of the man is as it were the primum mobile, and the action of the man's body ⁱ The motions of the man is an index to the horse. doth show (as an index to the Horse) the intention of his will: and the horse (being brought to true obedience) doth yield the agitation of his powers, to the command of the actions of the man's body, (they being perceived by the tactible sense of the horse) and so the man, and the horse, may be said (as they ought) to be one subject, through the mutual concord that is betwixt them. Therefore the man ought to be very careful, to level all his motions by reason, lest the wild beasts (aforesaid) should break into the Vineyard, for want of knowledge, how to use these helps, for if they bring disorder with them, than the work a contrariety, and two contraries can never be (at one and the self same time) in one subject, for if the horse cannot perceive the man's mind by his helps, then doth he fall to ᵏ Disorder bringeth a contrariety. Theo. 3. ● rebel, and when he would have him to stand, his desire is to go, and when to go he coveteth to run, and thereby cometh such a confusion, that the fence is laid open for the devouring beasts, to break down the Vines, and then it will be hard to expel them till they have made havoc of the whole work. CHAP. 16. How the Man should know where to help his horse. IT is needful, (also) that the man should have knowledge in this predicament, (ubi) because that when the horse doth commit a fault, the man may the better know how to help it, if he can tell where to help him; But for the truer knowledge thereof he must first know the chief means, by which he shall perceive from whence the fault doth proceed, lest (in not knowing the right cause thereof) he should resemble some Farrier as I have both seen and known) which hath applied cures to a horse for the staggers, thinking his pain to be in the head, when the (poor) Horse hath been so foundered that he could ᵃ A lamentable ignorance. not stand, and also like others, who have roweled the shoulder, and the cause of his halting hath been upon a cloyed in the foot. But for the preventing of such gross absurdities, he must observe, that the fault is not always to be reform in that Theo. 7. ● place where it is seen, for an error (as it is said) is not an error simply of itself, but it is the cause also of other errors. Therefore he which will help his Horse aright, must resemble the cunning Chirurgeon, when he doth desire to heal an old running A Simile. Ulcer, doth not presently apply to heal the sore at first, till he hath considered from whence that flux doth proceed, which doth feed it, and so stop it, and then the soar is soon healed afterward: even so, when a horse doth commit a fault, and that he doth stand need of help, he must not think to help him there where it is seen, but he must expostulate, what Theo. 3. ᵇ the cause is of that cause, and by the staying of that flux, the other effect will be soon reform. Now the seat of the man is a more sure means, to give notice of the cause (if it be right or true) then the Urine of a man, to show the disease of him, for by the seat (if it be perfect,) he may distinguish of every fault, from whence it doth proceed, (if he observe the true carriage of the Horse's body) for if his hand be holden in the true place it will tell him the least disorder of ᵇ A true seat judgeth of the cause of errors. the head, the action of his body, will feel the willingness of the horses motion, his legs will show the obedience of the Horse in yielding to his helps, and by his seat he may judge of the true carriage of his body. Now when the man doth feel a nonobedience in any of these, he must not think to reform it in the same place, where he doth feel the defect, but he must consult with himself from whence the cause thereof doth come▪ and take that away, and then the effect of the other will decay. For instance if the horse lean so hard upon the hand, so that he cannot easily be governed, Theo. 10. ᵇ but either with pain or else with losing some grace of his seat; then if he think to reform that fault with the bridle, Note. (only) he shall utterly fail of his expectation, for so he shall make his mouth the more hard and insensible, for the 1. Pra. 23.d. ᶜ Of a dead mouthed horse. 1. Pr. 24. P. cause doth proceed from the idle carriage of his body, and the slow coming after of his hinder parts, therefore he must be reform by giving his body a quicker motion, and by trussing his hinder parts more round. Again, if the horse be any thing free and stirring, so that he will not endure to rest upon the bridle, he must not seek a ᵈ Of a tickle-mouthed Horse reformation therefore by forcing him upon the hand, for that will make him truss up his body the more, and make him more bedlam-like: because the cause doth proceed from the eagerness of his inward agitation, and so desireth to go according to his appetite, but being terrified with the bridle, he dareth not to stretch his feet forth, and so dare not rest upon the hand, whereby he might range his body to his proportionate length: and therefore the man must help him by his patience, and give him leave to go mildly, till he hath gotten a habit of stretching forth his legs, and then as he is bold to rake at length he will rely the more upon the hand. And further, by the action of the body, may be perceived ● The obedience of the Horse is known by the action of his body. Theo. 39 ●. the obedience of the motion of the Horse, for if his body will not yield to the helps of the man, than he must not think to help that by forcing of the exterior parts, for the cause doth proceed from the interior, because he is not brought to perfect obedience. And therefore he must help that in commanding his disposition, for as the action of the man doth work according to the agitation of his mind, so the motion of the Horse doth work according to the willingness of the agitation of his powers, and therefore the cause of the disobedience of the body, must be helped by reforming the disobedience of his appetite. And likewise by the helps of his legs he may judge the tractableness of the horse, for if he will not turn on either hand Note. at the motion of them, than the cause doth proceed from the hastiness of the man, in that he put him to that lesson, before he was ready for it: because the horse's body is governed by the hand, and therefore if he will not obey without force, he must help that in quickening of his mouth, (as before I have shown) for if he be truly mouthed, he will obey the least motion that he can use. And in like manner, by his seat, he may perceive the true carriage ᶠ The true carriage of the Horse's body is known by the Man's seat. of the horses body, for if it be perfectly stayed, than he shall find great ease in the horse's motion: but if he be lash bodied, than he will shake him and keep false time there with: and therefore if he lift his fore feet over high, and work too much with his shoulders, it is because his hinder parts do not come after fast enough to set his foreparts forward, and so he must help that by helping on his hinder parts with his body: But if he lift and shake behind, than the cause is that he doth desire to go faster on with them then the foreparts will make way, therefore he must help that by raising up of his parts before, g If an error be in the foreparts the cause thereof comes from the hinder, and contrarily. to make them set forward, that the hinder parts may have liberty to follow after: and the cause of this operation in the contrary is, that if the Horse be lighter before than behind, than the working upon his hinder parts doth keep down the fore: because that whereas (before) the hinder parts were made the more heavy, (in regard he did repose the most strength in them, to strive with his fore parts) now the other shall bear a proportionate weight, whereby they shall be made the heavier and the other more light; and so for the hinder parts if they be the more light, (as most Horses are through the abuse of the hand) the like reason for the foreparts. And in like manner the cause of all other errors may be judged of by the like observations, which for to speak of would be infinite; and therefore these shall only suffice to give a ground for the rest, with taking pains to consult from whence the cause of other errors do arise; and also they may be better perceived by practice then by reading. CHAP. 17. How the Man should know when to help his Horse. AMongst all the worldly gifts that are bestowed on man there is none more precious than Time, for it is both the Procreatrix, and devourer of all sublunary things, in regard that as in time they flourish, so in time they fade again; and as those that are vegetative in time do grow, so contrarily, in time they are cut down; and again, as there are but four irrevocable things, as Tempus, juventus, Verbum dictum, et Virginitas, so this of time is the chief of all the rest, because they are ᵃ Time the worker of all things. all comprehended in it, for without it there is not any thing can have perfection. Now therefore in regard it is such a necessary thing, that all other things are concluded, by it: it is requisite that a Horseman should have knowledge how to use it, and also how to distinguish of this predicament (quando,) lest (in not knowing when to help) he should sooner spoil then ᵇ There are three chief parts of time. repair. Wherefore that he may the better answer to this interrogation (when) let him observe the three (chief) parts of time, which is, the preter, the present, and the future; now the preter time being lost willbe a good caveat for him to beware of the present, that in making true use of it, it may bring profit to the future. Now for the better judgement how to use ᶜ The distinction of time is the ground of horsemanship. the present time, he must abbreviate it till he come to the punctum temporis, (which is nunc) because the horse is (only) sensitive, and hath his chief apprehension by feeling, and therefore if he doth not help in the very instant, he cannot conceive the mind of the man by his helps, the which that the horse may the better apprehend, the man must be careful to observe as well the first motion, of the inward disposition, as of the outward action, for the horse doth not commit any outward action, ᵈ Characters to know the horses disposition. Theo. 34.b. but it doth first proceed from the inward desire, which the man may very well perceive, by some of these characters; as either by standing, or by the casting of his eye back, so that the white thereof may be seen in the fore parts, or by the laying of his ears (either one or both) in his neck, or by the holding of his wind, or else by the trussing up of his body, any of (all) which so soon as he shall perceive, let him help him instantly, upon the first show of any of the (foresaid) notes, lest (if it come to the action of the body) it will not be reform without corrections. Therefore he must observe, that if he be desirous to have him stop, if in his stopping, he desireth to stand so firm with his body that it is not apt to move again at ᵃ Observations for his stop. the first motion; then he must help him at the very instant, with the ierting of his feet forward (suddenly) upon the stirrups, for that will help to set up his body, more roundly together, whereby he shall be more ready to obey the next motion. And if he look (either) doggedly with his eyes, or else lay his ears in his neck, it argueth an intention of some rebellion in his desire: and therefore he must refel such perturbations, by the sound of his voice. And again, if he feel his wind to stop, or that he truss up his body, (more than ordinarily he should) than it is a sign of further disobedience; and therefore upon the first feeling of which, the man must thrust him forward, (in his seat) to help his horse in his motion, that it may be the more quick, and so cause him to bestow that strength of wind and body, in the quickness of his motion, which he would have kept (otherwise) for the working of his desire. But if these helps will not be sufficient for the prevention of such qualities, as are intended, (by the show of the said characters) and that (either through the sullenness of the ᶠ When help● fail correction must prevail. horse, or the negligence of the man) they must needs become to the action of the body: then they must be reform by the helps of correction, in the which he must be very careful to proportionate it according to the quality of the offence, and the disposition of the horse; which I mean not (here) to speak of till I come to entreat of their use. And lastly, time is a great fortifier of the horses memory, not only by the continuing of his labour, and abreviating it, but ᵍ He ought to distinguish time by rest and labour. also by the continuing and abrevating of rest, for if the man cannot distinguish betwixt, labour and exercise, to change the one into the other as occasion shall be offered; there will be great errors committed through his ignorance; for if he be any thing prone to obey the helps, than he must exercise him by a little at once, and often, till he hath gotten some habit by practice, but if he be of any rebellious disposition, than he must put both himself and his Horse to greater labour, till he hath gained some obedience in yielding to his helps, and ever as he findeth willingness, so let him abbreviate his labour, till it come unto a gentle exercise to delight the horse in his well doing. And here (in my judgement) they are much deceived, Theo. 9 ●. which fall into the extreme of lenity, as hath been said, that will not put a Horse to any thing more at the first than he will willingly do of himself, whereby he doth get such a habit of self-will, (as it may be termed) that when he shall be wrought upon to be brought to obedience, then doth he prove so stubborn, ʰ The cause of mary I●d●s. 1 Pr. 18. ᵃ that it will triple the pains, to reform his desire, more than it would have done at the first; nay, it maketh many horses to be accounted jades, in regard they cannot tell how to man●ge them, to gain that after which they let slip at the first. And the cause hereof is, that they work by the figure Hysteron 1. Pr. 19.d. Proteron, in setting the Cart before the Horse, which will excuse lapsis linguae, but will confuse opus formae, for they do cherish before there be obedience, whereas there should first be obedience, and after they should cherish. And also they must be careful to respect the time of rest; for ● Of the time of rest. till he conceive the mind of the man by his motions, he must not rest long, and his exercise must be little and often, for if he rest long before he hath some ground, he will forget betwixt times, and so be always in learning, and by that means oftentimes cause restivenesse: for as long rest doth increase strength and courage in a Horse, and also doth ground that the better which he hath learned, whereby he doth it with greater delight; even so, long rest before he be fit for it, doth bring strength and courage to the contrary effect. Wherefore these distinctions (of time) being truly observed, he shall easily find how profitable this particle thereof (when) is for the perfection of his labours. CHAP. 18. How the Man should know the disposition of the Horse. Having heretofore set forth the Theoric Part of the Man, how he should learn his own duty; now I think it also ᵃ He is a comple●t Horseman that can t●ll how to win the desire o● the Hor●e to his will. Theo. 33. ᶜ so necessary to speak somewhat of the disposition and quality of the Horse, that the man may the better judge how to use him in his kind, that so he may be brought to the right knowledge of his mind, and by that means he shall be accounted a perfect and complete Horseman, in knowing how to unite and conjoin the appetite or desire of the Horse to his will, that thereby they two may be made one subject both in agitation and action. For the concord betwixt the Man and the Horse, hath some affinity to the contract betwixt a Man and his Wife; An Allegory. for the Woman before she betake her to a Husband is her own master, and doth whatsoever pleaseth herself, but when she is married, than she should depend upon the government of her Husband, and they both should will and do one thing (if they would increase prosperously:) But if there be a repugnancy betwixt them, so that one doth scatter as the other doth gather, the one willing one thing, and the other doing another; then in stead of setting up they pull down, and where they should cherish amity, they foster enmity. Even so, a Colt before he come to be handled, it is its own Theo. 7.c. master, going at liberty and doing what it lusteth, being without subjection: But when it cometh to be backed, than it must be subject to the yoke of obedience, and yield to the command of the Man, and so bend all its actions to the will of him, that there may be a sympathy and concord betwixt them: but if there be, in like manner an opposition the one against the other, and that the Horse will not obey to that which the Man doth desire to have him do, (by his motions they being quick and gentle) so that when he would have him stop or retire, he will go Theo. 20. ᶜ ᵇ No good progression without obedience. forward, or to go footpace, he will either troth or gallop, etc. Then let the Man force what he will by extremities, (if he cannot tell how to bring him to obedience) they will agree as a Dog and a Bear, always wrangling or fight, for whereas there should be an orderly progression by obedience, there will be a confused subversion by resistance. Therefore for the better establishing of this combination betwixt them, it is requisite that the man should enter into the disposition of the horse, that he may the better proportionate Theo. 2. l. &u. his helps and corrections, according to the inclination of him. Now by the disposition I understand that which many heretofore improperly have termed nature, the mistaking of which word hath much defaced this Art among the common sort, as I have already showed:) For it is holden, (as it is most true) that no man can change the nature of the horse: but this is to be understood, of the nature or essence that the Colt receiveth at its first forming, for then presently it doth receive its properties, which indeed cannot be changed. As for instance, it than receiveth that natural difference from Man, which is to be an irrational and sensative Creature, (although it may be ● Natural properties cannot be changed. said to be a living Creature) and therefore cannot by any means be made rarionall; and likewise its voice to be non significatina, and so cannot be altered; and again, nature hath given it to go upon the earth, and therefore Art cannot make him fly in the air, and many such like which only are immutable from nature: but those accidents which come to the essence or nature of the individium, which recepit magis a●t minus, et augeri aut minui potest, either in quantity or quality, by Art may be reform, and may both be increased and diminished, as stoutness ᵈ Accidental qualities may be altered. and weakness of courage, swiftness o● slowness, dullness or freeness, and such like, in regard the cause of such diversities (for they are not contraries) proceed from patibili● qualitas, for the body is moved according to the appetite or ● A Horse's body is moved according to his appetite. Theo. 33. ᵈ lust of the horse; or else what should be the reason that the more unlikely horse for shape should beat and make a ●ade of that horse which is more likely to the eye, if the defect of shape were not helped by Art. Wherefore seeing this old cloak which hath so long covered the ignorance of men, (I mean the nature of the horse) hath gotten such a rent that it will not keep off any more rain; let them shake it off, and themselves with that which will hold out water. For let the man enter into the disposition of the horse, and govern himself, so that he may use him accordingly, he shall find that many things which before were held impossible will be effected with much facility. But because no certain thing can limit an uncertain, therefore it is very hard to set down a certain ground, how to know the true disposition of every individium, for there is nothing Theo. 28. a. 1. Prac. 25c. Theo. 36.h. ● There are as many several dispositions as there are Horses. more general in the works of nature than diversity, because there are no two things that are absolute, like or dislike one another; for as it i●, quot homines tot sensus, so many men so many minds, even so it is, quot aequi tot sunt disposiciones, that there are as many dispositions as there are horses. Therefore I will not speak thereof any more but only of the two extremes, which is dullness and freeness, because that all the other are participating of either of them more or less, but the difference must be judged according as the man shall find the inclination of the Horse by working, for by practise it may be better perceived then by prescribing. But yet there are four chief observations, whereby the man may have the better ground, how to judge of his disposition of: which the first is his will, (as it is termed, for he hath sponte although improperly, because it is per appetitum, but not consultationem) the second, his wind, the third, the aptness of the carriage ᵍ How to know the horses disposition by 4. charaters. Theo. 6. ● of his body, and the last is, easy command of his mouth: all which (if they be rightly observed) will give a sufficient instance of the horses inclination. Wherefore for the better conceiving of them, I will speak more thereof in their proper places, because I will not confuse the understanding of the desirous practitioner, (by degression) lest he should be discouraged (thereby) and so, trodden down that he should not delight to grow in this Vineyard, whereby he might yield fruit both pleasant and profitable. CHAP. 19 Of the Dullness in the horse. BEcause those horses which are said to be sad or dull, do desire the greatest judgement and depth of this Art, therefore it is needful for the man to know the cause of the same, 1. Pra. 24.k. that he may the easilier conceive how to reform them: for the cause doth not proceed from the imbecility of nature (as it is imagined) but from the dogednesse, and stubornenesse of his appetite or desire, and therefore they will ask both the greater 1. Pr. 15.b. ᵃ The appetite of the horse is the cause of any disobedience. pains, and the longer time for their reforming, than those which are more apt and tractable, for the proof whereof I, for my part have not had any colt (these many years, howseever his shape hath been, if I have had the first backing of him, that hath proved dull; by the which I have observed, that the cause thereof is more from the ignorance of the man (in regard he could not tell how to use him according to his disposition) Theo. 24. ᵉ then through any defect in the nature of the horse, for if nature should be condemned for all those horses which prove sad in their training, than it might be said that it framed more to be without use, then for use, (because there are more sad and unwilling horses (by many) then there are free and gentle,) which thing (for to hold) is very absurd, because Natura nihil Theo. 2. ᵒ agit frustra, Nature never made any thing in vain. Now for the better illustrating hereof I will use this simile, suppose two men, (of what stature soever, whether equal or unequal) if one of them be willing and the other unwilling, Note a good ●●rule. he that is the more willing will tire two (such as the other) of the adverse part, and yet the cause is not through the inbecility of nature, (for it may be that the unwillinger is of a far more able body then the other) but it is rather through the idleness and slothfulness of the mind, in that he hath more delight in taking ease then desire of pains. Even so, the cause of those horses which are accounted sad, doth not proceed from the weakness of nature, (for many of them are of a stronger body, than the other,) but from the stubbornness of his desire or lust, (in that he taketh more delight to follow his appetite, then obedient actions,) so, that he will do no more than he is forced unto, and that (also) which he doth, will be very unhandsome, and unseemelily done. And further they object, that those horses which are of a thick forehand, short necked, dead mouthed, and unnimble bodied, will very hardly, (or never) be brought to any good riding: and verify it also by my A retortion of the simile. simile, for those men (many of them) which are of such an idle disposition, had rather starve or be hanged, (as daily experience doth show) then to take any diligent or painful labour. To which I answer, I confess they will be the harder to be brought to good riding, in regard they must both have greater pains, and longer time bestowed upon them, and also they must have the greater judgement, (both in helps and corrections) for their perfection: but yet to say that they will never be subdued, it doth argue more their idle minds, than any impossibility in the horse. For instance, if a man have two pieces of wood to work upon, the one smooth & easy the other knotty & hard: it is no consequence to say, that the knotty piece will A Simil●. never be brought to any good perfection, because it requires more pains then the other, for it may be made formal, (as well) ᵇ Ignorance holdeth an imposibility. but it must be both with greater pains, and more care; so for one of those (afore said) horses, it is no consequence to say, they will never be brought to any good perfection because they will neither so soon, or easily, be brought to good riding, as the other which are of a more mild inclination, and perfecter ● Idleness the nurse of ignorance. making: for so they condemn themselves both of slothfulness and ignorance in the Art. For (it may be said) the Horse will never be brought to true riding, because the man will not take the pains to bring him thereto: for if he doth not take the greater delight in his profession, so, that his desire may be more than ordinary, the pains will so discomfort him, that he will thrust himself into the former rank, and had rather be starved in the frost of ignorance, than he will take the pains to thaw himself with such a laborious reformation. And likewise they show their ignorance, in that they cannot ᵈ That is no Art that is known to all men. tell how to reform such horses, more than every ordinary professor: for every one (almost) can tell how to ride those horses which will come to riding of themselves, and therefore he that would be held worthy to be grafted in this Vineyard, must be industrious and painful, to consider the cause, wherefore the Art was invented, and so, to weed out such weeds as might smother, and choke him, before he can grow to such perfection as to bring forth any fruit. And whereas they may object that those horses which have Objection. such gross characters (as is afore said) are like to those men that are of such idle disposition, (as hath been shown) and so they may be killed, rather than be brought to any good or commendable riding. I answer, they do not regard the difference betwixt them. For those men (being reasonable creatures) (although in that respect, they are worse than the unreasonable) they make their election by consultation, whereby they choose that which is most pleasing to their mind, but because they know it is not lawful nor commendable, they to cloak their corrupt nature, do oftentimes dissemble with the world, and so (Hypocritically) are brought to take a little pains for ostentation, being eye and time servers: but when they come to the trial indeed, than they show the corruption of their minds, for they will rather fall to unlawful actions, (they being more pleasing to their sensual appetite) then, to be subject to live by reasonable and lawful means. But the horse (in regard he is an unreasonable creature) doth not make his election by consultation, but per appetitum or fugiens, for when he doth any thing, (that is contrary to his inclination) he doth per fugiens, rather yielding to obedience, then to hazard the destruction of nature, (he having a natural instinct of shunning (if the man have knowledge how to apprehend his first yielding;) and then afterward he maketh his election, per appetitum, he obeying with delight, and then if he be once brought to obedience, (the man having knowledge ● A horse is no time-seruer. how to keep it by proportionating of his helps and corrections, according to the quickness or slowness of his capacity) he may be sure (that in time) he will come to a true manner of Theo. 2. ● riding: for they are no eye pleasers, nor time servers, but time workers, where their disobedient doggedness, is brought to obedient willingness. For there are none of all these which are accounted so dull in their handling, but when they were Foales, they would leap, skip, and play as nimbly, and show as great delight and courage, as any of the other sort: and therefore they may rightly be compared to some youths, which are both quick and delightful, and also will show as great spirit (in play) as may be, but when they come to labour, they go● about their business so idly, as if they had neither life nor lust, which their idleness doth not proceed from any imbecility of body but unwillingness of the mind. Even so, the dullness of these Horses doth not come from nature, but the disposition, and therefore Art was invented to help nature, to a restitution of the primary creation. CHAP. 20. Of the free Horse. NOw those Horses which are in opposition to the former, are said to be free, and so because they are more willing to ᵃ The judgement of men i● that if a horse go freely, he goeth well. go forward then the other, are held that they may be brought to commendable riding of themselves, without any great pains taking or judgement in the Art: thinking that if they go freely enough, than they ride well enough. But therein they are also deceived, for the Art doth not only consist of the forward going, but also in the manner of going; and therefore there is as great diligence to be used in this Art for them, as for the other (although in an other difference:) For there must be great care taken of the man, lest that he, through either too much haste or choler, doth not pass the limits of the mediocrity; because if he cannot tell how to mitigate the fierceness of the horse by his mild government: he shall add more fuel to the fire, and so cause all to be suddenly (in respect) consumed, for by that means the Horse will resemble the Prodigal unthrift, that doth spend more in a year (through following his licentious appetite) then would serve him spending all his life time, (being disposed of by reason:) Even so, the horse, (if ᵇ A free horse may be said to be prodigal. he be suffered to go after his desire and lust) will spend more of his strength and courage at the beginning, than he would do in performing great time of toil (if the man have discretion to govern him) and so by their franticness they are soon tired and oftentimes lamed, because they have no reason to consider what is good for themselves. And therefore the man must think that it belongeth to his care and duty to husband 1. Pr. 27. ᵃ ᶜ Obedience is the true reformation. his freeness so, that (by his obedience) he may be brought to spend no more than is requisite, for because the guide and government of the horse dependeth upon him, he must seek to mitigate his fierce heat by temperate moisture, and not suffer him to go after his own lust and desire, but according to the man's mind (it being ruled by discretion and reason: For the want of true knowledge hereof is the cause of so many bedlam and runaway Horses as there are. And here the man must likewise be careful, least in desire of keeping them from Prodigality, that he suffer them not to fall into the other extreme of miserableness; for so in shunning Theo. 9.f. of Silla they fall into Charybdis: For if one for fear lest he should add too much fuel to the fire, put either very little or none at all thereto, than the fire doth either burn dimly, or else goeth out. Even so (if he do not proportionate his helps and corrections, (according to the disposition of the horse) in not giving correction enough, he will lose a great glory in his actions, or else in not giving him any, in letting him do what he lust, he will become so stubborn and idle, that his courage will be (as it were) utterly extinct, and he will be as ill as the former, doing that he doth without any grace. Therefore howsoever the man may conceit himself to have ● No true knowledge except it can work upon either of the extremes. knowledge in this Art, yet let him assure himself, that except he can tell how to bring both these extremes (of the sad and free horse) into the mean, he is far from the true knowledge therein, and is not worthy to be grafted in this Vineyard, because his fruit will be tart and distasteful, rather than any thing sweet and pleasant. But because, the effecting of these kinds, doth consist chief of those four observations, which I have set down in the end of my 18. Chapter: I will omit to speak of them here, till I come to speak thereof in their convenient place, where I will but only touch them, (it being enough for the first impression) and so resemble the Physician, which doth prescribe a potion for his patient, but doth not show the several operations of every particular: For (as Mr. Hall saith,) Skill Mr. Hall's Meditations. too much shown looseth it grace, as fresh colours change by much opening, and are foiled by too much handling. But if I shall perceive that this my poor widows mite shall be taken thankfully then it will encourage me for further pains (if God permit) to set forth many things more plainly, which heerel speak of, but supersicially, and darkly, because I would not have the conceited knower to glory too much in his judgement, till he hath taken pains to gain his knowledge by practice and experience. CHAP. 21. Of Corrections. IN the next place by order I should speak of those chief Characters by the which the man may judge of the disposition of the horse; but because they do depend much upon helps and corrections, I think it not amiss first to set down the use of them, that he may the better know how to apply ᵃ Theoric giveth evidence, but practic judgement, and so no man can give judgement without evidence. them, according to their several ends. And moreover because I will not speak any thing of them in the practic Part of this Work (for making confusion by digression) I will only infuse them into this box, that he may carry them in the Theoric of his mind, till he come to apply them for their necessary uses: and therefore, except the man do rightly understand this Theoric Part, it will be very hard for him to perform the Practic. Now the use of corrections are only to bring the horse to perfect obedience; for when he will not yield to the helps aforesaid, than the man must command him by corrections: But ᵇ The use of Corrections. herein he must have a great respect that he do not follow his own will too much in correcting, lest in stead of the desire of obedience, he beget rebellion; but that he have a care to proportionate them according to the stubbornness or gentleness of the Horse. Wherefore that the Man may record (in his memory) the several kinds of corrections, and carry them in the treasury of his mind, whereby he may dispose of them for his better use ᶜ Corrections be of 6. kinds. and profit; he must observe that there be six sorts of them; that is to say, the Voice, the Stirrup, the Calf of the Leg, the Switches the Spur & the Bridle. All which he must have a diligent care to know how to use every one of them in their several kinds, if he desire to get any true knowledge in this Art: for if he for want of knowledge in them, do use any of them improperly, that is, when an error is committed, (not rightly perceiving from whence it doth proceed) in stead of the milder correction, he use the sharper and so of the contrary. Then he doth resemble ᵈ Not the cor 〈◊〉 but the ●e that worketh effect. the unskilful Chirurgeon, which hath applied corrosive medicines to a green wound, or that hath suffered it so long (through negligence) that it hath come to be the gangrean, and so become mortal. Whereby he shall lose a great deal of time, (both which he hath spent before, and also that he shall spend after) for the reforming of those errors, which will The●. 6. a. ensue thereby, for (as it is said) it is more hard to purge error from Art, than it is to teach the ground of the true Art. CHAP. 22. The manner of correcting by the voice. AS the voice is a kind of help to comfort and cherish the Horse, so is it also a manner of correction, because it doth bring amazement to him, by the sudden and sharp sound thereof, not that he doth so much respect what the Man doth speak, but the manner of speaking, for if he use reviling terms in a mild speech, the horse doth hold them words of cherishment, in regard he hath not anima intellectiva, nor likewise Theo. 9 a. can he conceive of glozing words if they be delivered in the contrary: And therefore the man must have a greater care how he doth speak, than what he speaketh; but yet for the properness of the speech, it is fitting he should use reviling 1. Pract. 14. ᶠ words in a sharp manner, and gentle speech in a mild sort. Butler because it is the gentlest kind of correction, therefore I speak of it first, in regard it ought to be the first in use, and when that kind will not prevail, than the other is to be used, (according to the discretion of the man. (But for his better understanding, he must observe that it is the most prevailing ● How the correction of the 〈◊〉 is to be 〈◊〉. at the first handling of the colt (although it is much used amongst many, all the time of their teaching, with saying, Turn here, back I say, stand, and such like; with such an exalting sound, that I have hard them a furlong off, which use (me thinketh is more proper to Carters then to Horsemen, because they have the motions of the body to command the Horse withal. but the other have not, and therefore, it is not so commendable (for them) to use it (so generally) after the Horse is made domestical and gentle, and that he hath the use of hand and foot. And yet I do not deny but (whilst the colt is in commanding) it is very necessary, for the fortifying of the Horse's capacity, for by it he may the more easy and soon conceive the will of the man, because every beginning (in any thing) is hard at the first, therefore the more helps and corrections, ᵇ Every beginning is hard (if they be appendices one to another) the sooner may the Horse know what to do, (if they be used in due season. And therefore when the Colt is first haltred, if he be fearful and skittish, (when the man doth desire to come to him by the gentlest means he can,) then if he use the correction of the Theo 9 ᵈ voice (by speaking sharply and suddenly unto him.) (With saying, Will you Rogue, Ah thou Traitor, So thou Villain, or such like,) it will help to bring him into the more subjection, so that he do not perceive the man to be timorous. And it hath the same operation in the stable, for when he doth any thing about him, (there) if he see that gentle means make him any thing stubborn, then let him use the correction of the voice, and laying his hand upon the head-strain of the halter, twitch it sharply to his head (upon the very instant) and it will much 1. Pra. 14 ᶠ prevail (for subjection) and also at his first backing, if he perceive (by any of those Characters which I have set down in my seventeenth Chapter,) that he hath any dogged inclination, (●) Theo. 17.d. than those words of correction will be a great means to refel such perturbations. And further, when he goeth forward, if he would have him stand, if he use the word, Stand, it will be a great help to the Horse's capacity, (till he hath gotten the true use of the bridle,) and also, when he w●●ld have him to go back, if he use the word, Back I say, and likewise in turning, if he say, Turn, all which are as guides to direct the Horse ᶜ Too much of any thing causeth loathing. to the knowledge of the man's mind, which, when he hath gained, then let them be left, (by little and little:) for if they be too commonly frequent, they will make the Horse very careless, (through too much custom) for words to the Horse, are like the report of a piece, which doth terrify at A Si●●le. first, but yet through use, (when he doth feel no other grief but the sight of the fire, and the sound of the report) he will be nothing fearful. Therefore if they should be used when they have lost their operation, it would (not only) be held a ridiculous thing to the hearers, but also it would work no effect in the Horse, and so the man might be resembled to the unskilful A true application. Apothecary, which doth gather leaves in Autumn, to make drugs of, when the sap and moisture (wherein consisteth the virtue of them) is dried up, because he hath seen (the buds) gathered in the spring. CHAP. 23. The correction of the stirrup. THe correction (of the stirrup) is also very available, for a young colt, for it is the gentlest correction that can be used, for the reforming of any disorder of the fore parts, that is, either the head, the shoulders, or the carrying of the snaffle on the one side of his mouth, and such like. Therefore if the horse carry his 1. Pr. 25. l. head on the left (or nar) side, than the man must correct him with the stirrup on the contrary side, by striking him suddenly on the ● The use of the stirrup. far shoulder: which sudden motion, will bring an amazement to the Horse, and so cause him to look to that side, that he is disquieted on: And likewise, if he carry his head on the right (or far) side the like correction must be used, with the stirrup on the left shoulder, which will bring the like effect. As also, in his turning, on the right hand, if he do not carry his body upright, but thrust out his left shoulder, then if he strike thereon with the left stirrup ● will make him take up his fore parts more nimbly, and cause him to turn both roundly and gracefully: And so the like order must be observed, if he thrust his right shoulder forth, when he would have him turn on the left hand. And likewise if he carry not the snaffle truly (in his mouth) but covet to draw it to the right side thereof, than the man must pull the left rain gently, with the same hand, to bring the snaffle into its due place, which (when the horse doth feel) if he follow ᵇ The application. with his head, and so look to the left side? then he must likewise strike him on the right shoulder, to bring his head again into the its right place, but he must observe, that in the very Note. instant striking him (with the stirrup) he keep his left hand firm upon the rain, to keep the snaffle from yielding, and shake his right hand to cause the Horse open his mouth that the snaffle may come to its due place, when he doth look (again) to the right side; and in like manner the stirrup doth produce the like effect, if he carry his head to the right side, when he doth pull his right rain to bring the snaffle from the left side, (if the man shake the left rain to make the Horse open his mouth, that it may glide upon the snaffle,) when he shall look the contrary way. Now again, the stirrup doth help to correct the Horse in ᵉ How to apply the stirrup when the horse standeth. his standing, for when the man would have him to stop, if he stop so stuntly, and stand so firmly, as if he were not to move any more, than he must correct him by ierting his feet forward in the stirrups, adding thereto the (correcting) sound of the voice, Theo. 17.d. and it will make him truss up his body more roundly, whereby he shallbe more apt to press forward upon the least motion. Also, if when he standeth, he carry not a stayed body, but that he coveteth to go back, or triste with his body or feet, then let him stretch the stirrups strait, in the leathers (by thrusting his feet forth hard) and it will help to knit his body, so, that he will stand far more firmly. But these uses (of the stirrup) do rather belong to the helps than corrections, because they bring no great command, except there be other corrections limited with them. CHAP. 24. The correction of the calf of the leg. THe calf of the leg is in much use, for to help the understanding of the horse, for by it he is kept in continual motion. Wherefore, the man must have care to observe true time (with them) till he hath gotten a habit thereof, for look: ᵃ There ought to be a true time of motion with the legs. what distance of time he would have the horse to keep therein, the same must he keep in the motion of them, and by that means, there will be the better concord betwixt them. For as in Music, if there be not true time kept, accordingly both with voice and hand, so that they both begin full and end close, it will bring a great discord to the care: even so, (in this) if there be not the like time observed, that is, if there be not a A simile. true proportion, betwixt the motion of the man's legs, and the Horse, so that they both begin and end at one iustant, there will come a great discord to the seat. But for the better effecting hereof, (if he would have his horse to yield to the correction Note. of his legs,) he must have a care that he use no idle motions, that the Horse (when he feeleth correction by them) may the better know his mind, and so obey. Now that he may the sooner work his desire, he must learn (I) ᵇ What effect the ●al●e of the leg wo●●eth. the effects, the calf of the leg doth work. For first, it doth quicken the horse (in his going) for if at any time, he prove idle, and hath no desire to go forward, then, in the yielding of his body forward, the horse will not answer, let him give him the even stroke of both his legs, and that will quicken him up: and so much the more if he use the help of the voice withal. And secondly, they help to quicken the mouth: for if the (2) Horse will not yield to the hand, (when he feeleth the reins more firm than ordinary,) if he than give him the even stroke of the legs, it will make him gather his body more roundly, so, that he will depend more upon his legs then the hand, whereby he may the more easily be commanded. And thirdly, (3) they correct in turning on either hand, for if (in turning) he will not follow readily with his body, then to give him a single stroke with the contrary leg (as aforesaid) it will work great effect. But in all these the man must have a respect to his seat, for it must be as an index to the horse, whereby he may know Theo. 14. i. the cause of his corrections; for when he doth desire to have ● As the motions for going so the seat for the manner of g●ing. his horse move more quick, than his seat must be the more lose and instable: but if when he doth remove his seat, the Horse will not answer, ●he sudden stroke of the legs will make him more careful, against the next time; and when to move slowlier, then to keep a firmer seat, and cease from the motion of his legs, and by that means the Horse shall the more easily conceive his intention. And further, it doth stir up his desire, for when he would have him to stand, if then he stand doggedly or carelessly, the correction of them will quicken his spirit: or likewise if he will not go back (willingly) but hang upon the hand, when he doth feel it more firm then usually, the even stroke of both the legs, (if it be a Horse of any courage) will make him thrust up his body more close, so, that he will be (far) more apt to obey the hand. Which things being truly observed (of the man) will be sufficient for an introduction to this part of Horsemanship; and therefore for the use of the leg, for other lessons (in the Art) I will omit till more conveniency. CHAP. 25. The correction of the Switches. THe correction of the Switches, is sharper than either of the former, and therefore it ought to be used with more discretion, lest through the abuse thereof, the horse become either mad or sad. Now for the better understanding how to apply it ᵃ The Switches must be used according to the Horse's disposition. to the right use, there must be had a chief respect to the horses disposition; for if he be of a stubborn and dogged disposition, than the much use thereof will make him so careless that he will not regard it, it being so mild; and he so stubborn. And again, if it be used much and sharply to a Horse that is of a greater spirit and free, it will so terrify him, that he will burst forth into some jadish extremity: Therefore it must be used upon necessity, that is, when as either of the former will not prevail, than it must be used to keep obedience; for instance, when he will make no account of the Voice, nor the Calf of the Leg, then adjoin thereto the correction of the Switches, but let him observe that when he striketh let it be very sharply, that thereby he may be caused to yield more willingly to the former corrections. And likewise for the Stirrup, when the Horse will not look (x) to that side he is troubled on, let him (in like manner) use the Switches upon the same shoulder, and that will cause him to stand in greater fear of the Stirrup the next time. And the like order must be used (with the Switches) for the Calf of the Leg, if at any time he seem careless of them, but than it should be done at the instant time of neglect. Now the correction of the Swicth is yet more proper to ᵇ The use of the Switches for pacing. that part of Horsemanship which toucheth pacing, because it ought to be the chiefest sharp correction, which should be used in giving the horse his stroke (for his pace,) And therefore it should be carried in such wise, as it might be both the fittest and readiest for correction, when occasion is offered. But the ᶜ How to carry the Switches in giving a Horse his pace. aptest way to carry it, is in the right hand, with the point thereof downwards, close by the horses right shoulder: that when he will not answer any of the aforesaid corrections, than he may be ready (instantly) to correct him therewith on the same shoulder, to quicken him up the more, that thereby he may be the willinger to obey the next time: and further, it will make him take up his foreparts more comely, and so he will set them forward more willingly. But because this Art of pacing, (being simply respected, without the reforming of other vices) ᵈ Being the object of this Tractate. is but one lesson: therefore one manner of correction is sufficient for the teaching thereof, (which is the Switches upon the far shoulder,) for when he will not yield to any of the former, then that must be a relief for the rest:) Because, if the man should use many several corrections, (whilst he is teaching his pace) the variety of them would bring such amazement to the horses capacity, that it will be harder for him to know the meaning of them then to learn his pace; and so, (not understanding the cause thereof) he will be brought into perturbations, and so fall to some restive quality, which will ask as much time to reform as the teaching of his pace. Wherefore the Man must have great care to confine himself within the limits of reason in his corrections: lest the ravenous Beasts break into the Vineyard, and so spoil the whole work of his planting. CHAP. 26. Of correcting with the Spur. THe Spur is the sharpest correction of all, and therefore it should be used with the greatest discretion that can be; for there do come more errors through the abuse thereof then ᵃ The abuse of the Spur is dangerous. of all the rest, (except the bridle:) And therefore it is not to be used but when any of the other will not prevail. But I would not have any to understand me so, that I utterly disallow thereof, for than I should take away the chiefest Instrument which doth period and shut up the perfection of the horse. For I hold that there is not any horse, (of what disposition soever) that can be brought to the height of his grace, except he be truly commanded therewith; because no man can work so covertly as he ought without it, in regard it doth exclude all apparent helps and corrections. And therefore when the horse is come to such perfection that you may use the spur, than (both for your own grace and your horses) you must use as covert motions in your corrections as can be. But the chiefest ᵇ The true use of the Spur is very necessary. thing you must know herein is to judge when you shall use it, least through the ignorance thereof you metamorphose it, and so use that for a help which doth tend only to correct, as I have seen many do, and I myself done both to my great toil and vexation, and also to the tormenting and terrifying of the Horse. Now because it is the chief conclusion of the Work, and it is like fire and water, for as they are good seruan●s, but dangerous masters, so it is necessary (being used by command of reason,) A Simile. but if it be a master for to teach, than it doth burn or drown all; you must observe that the correction thereof is not to be used at the beginning, for if you correct with the Spur before the horse know the use thereof, it will thrust both yourself and the horse into extremities: for the horse Theo. 4.n. feeling such sharp torments at the first, is either discouraged, and so doth prove so sad, that he will not do any thing longer than the Spur is in his sides, or else so frantic that he will thrust upon his hand, or truss up his body and go loosely and very unseemly by shaking of his hinder parts: For the preventing (c) Theo. 4.m. of which you must know when to use this correction and how to use it. Now, it should be used when the Horse is brought to true ᵈ When and how to use the spur. command of the hand, and that he is acquainted with the use of all your other corrections: for in regard it is the nature of every thing to fly from that which it is most afraid of, if he be corrected with the Spur, (so that he fear it more than he doth the bridle) he (by flying from it) will bear upon the hand, and so will become dead mouthed (which is the Nurse of infinite errors) although before he was very commandable. And again, you ought to know the use of all the other corrections, as I have said, that they may be a perfect ground for him, A good resemblance. whereby he may the sooner conceive the cause of the correction of it: for he that doth put his Horse to the correction thereof, at the first, doth resemble them that put a scholar to the Latin tongue without the knowledge of his rules. Which both may be done, but yet not according to Art. But for the better clearing hereof, you must know that all the corrections are, as appendices one to another: and therefore in the manner of correcting, you must go gradatim, that is, if ● All corections depend one upon another. the horse will not obey the voice, than you must use the calf of the leg: and if he will not yield to that, then use the switch; but if not to it, than lastly the Spur; for it must be the last refuge (when not any of the former will prevail) but the seldomer that it is used the better, so that when you use it you strike sound, and thereby you shall the sooner make the Horse to yield to the other: for easy strokes, and often, will make him sad and careless thereof, and then there is no other remedy for that, but the extremity of the spur. Wherefore you must be careful to use the spur accordingly (as hath been declared) having also a regard to the disposition of the Horse, and then you shall bring him to such true command, that he will perform, what you wish, with great ease and delight: for when he doth feel (but) the covertest helps (you can use) he will obey with what willingness you would wish, or desire. CHAP. 27. The correction of the Bridle. OF all these (afore said) corrections, there are none which bring such disaster and gross errors (through the abuse ●f them) as this of the bridle, for they bring forth errors, but in ●ome particulars, (through their abuse) but the abuse of it doth ᵃ The abuse of correcting with the bridle. ●ause a confusion, (almost) in general: for it doth daunt and discourage the horse's lust and desire, he being terrified thereby with correction, so that he can take no delight in his teaching; again, it doth displace the head, that he cannot carry Theo. 30. ᶠ ●uch grace in his going as he should: beside, it doth lacerate ●d tear his mouth, (whereby it is made insensible) so, that he ●il not (without great pains) be made commandable: and then ●hat doth follow, but a disorder in his motion, as a lose ca●age of his body, the mishandling of his legs, either by stum●ing, Theo. 4. going broad before or behind, or beating high with his ●re-feete, and all because he dare not to take such a large stroke with them) as he ought: and further, it doth make him either ●our too much in the shoulders, or else shake with his hinder ●rts, and so causeth him to go both unseemly and uneasely, ᵇ An evil quality is soon gotten, but not so soon reform. ●r the prevention of all which, you must have a great care to ●rne the true use of the bridle, lest (through the ignorance ●ereof) you cause more weeds to grow up (in the Vineyard) one day, than you can weed out (again) in a month. And therefore know the use of the bridle doth tend (chiefs) ᶜ The true use of the bridle. Theo. 14.f. 1. Prac. 18e. to guide the Horse, according to your will and desire, as are I have shown in the fourteenth Chapter. And although ●ny do often use it for correction, yet I, for my part, think at is rather an abuse then any good use: except, only when ●u give him the spur, if he shall chance to thrust himself ●ward over hastily, and so make a disorderly motion, by bea●g Theo. 30.f. too much upon the hand, then if you give him only a good ●ecke or two, suddenly, with the bridle, it will not be much ●isse, that he may the better conceive, he was not corrected only for his slowness in going, but also for his manner of going. And yet this must be done very seldom, and with good discretion, lest it bring a distemper to his mouth, for (as it is said,) omne nimium vertitur in vitium, every excess is an abuse, and honey being tasted with the finger's end, is very sweet and A simile. pleasant, but being taken by handfuls, it doth glut and cloy the stomach: even so, the bridle if it be used for correction, a little, in that point, it doth bring a sweet and quick command to the hand, but if much used, it doth so dull and cloy the mouth that he will not regard it. Wherefore if the horse be so stubborn that he will not obey with some few corrections thereof, then ᵈ Corrections are to be used very seldom with the bridle. if you think to make him yield, (to your hand) by the terror thereof, if you gain that, you shall lose many other beauties, and therefore in my judgement, they are much deceived, which have spent a great time to invent hard bits, and snaffles; for to cause command, when as the gentlest and softest doth work best effect, (as I will show when I come to speak thereof in the practic part.) But to return, if the horse, as I say, will not willingly obey your hand, when he doth feel that correction, the● cease from that, and examine yourself more strictly in yo● proceed, and you shall find that you were deceived in you judgement, thinking the Horse was more fit to have the spurr● given him then indeed he was: and so you shall find by some other error (in the carriage of his body) that he was not truly Theo. 16.g. mouthed before: for a fault doth not consist (always) in the part where it is perceived, (as I have said before;) because on● error is not an error simply of itself, but it is the cause of other errors. And therefore if the Horse will not stop, nor go back willingly, nor turn on either hand, as you would desire, if you thief to make him do any of all these by the correction of the bridle (because you feel the resistance there,) you shall as soon prevail of this desire, as a Chirurgeon shall, in curing an old ulch by healing up the upper part; for thereby you shall both spoil your Horse's rain, dull his mouth, and also weaken his neck therefore for the reforming of these errors, you must have respect to the carriage of his body, and the manner of his standing, with the free passage of his wind, and the willingness of his going, all which if they be truly gained, the command of the mouth will be gotten very easily, without much need of correction by the bridle. CHAP. 28. Of Correcting upon several grounds. BEcause many do use the several kinds of earth, as a correction, for the conformity of a horse his disobedience; therefore it shall not be amiss, for to speak somewhat of them (here in this place) to join them to the use of all the other corrections, that the learner may (in like manner) know how to use them for gaining of obedience, and when to refuse them, that the Horse may take the more delight in his well do●ng. For many Horse's courage and strength hath been much ᵃ The abuse of deep earths. abated and spoiled, through the abuse thereof, and also their ●imbs much weakened. Wherefore it is very requisite that you should have great judgement to distinguish thereof, and also ●o enter into the Horse's disposition, lest that by correction, you bring subversion, and so, where you should bring an obedience, Theo. 29. ● you produce a further resistance. And Further, because all grounds are not alike in all places, for some are Champion grounds (as they are termed) having ●illes and dayles, and some of those also ploughed grounds: and other are more plain and level, some of them being also ploughed, and for the most part, more deep and tough than the former, therefore you must have a great care to know how, and ᵇ You must know how and when to use deep earths. when to use them, according to the disposition of the horse: But because I have spoken thereof in the eighteenth Chapter, I do not mind to spend any thime, in repetition here, and because also I purpose to speak more of the dispositions in the practic part of this book; Wherefore I will but only apply ●he two chief extremes of Horses, to the two chief extremes of grounds. Now for the grounds, I call that one extreme ● What the extremes of grounds are. which causeth the greatest toil, and that the other extreme which bringeth the least labour. But for the better use thereof you must first know what errors the changing of grounds do reform, lest you cause a confusion thereof by the abuse (as too many have done;) And secondly, what Horses are most needful to be taught, upon what grounds. Now for the first if ᵈ What grounds reform what errors. you find that your Horse is lash bodied, so, that you cannot cause him to carry it firm; then take him gently upon the deep earths, not using any violence unto him (in any case) but (1) only let him take his own leisure, for thereby the carriage of his body will be so confirmed, that you may with far more ease keep it in obedience: or if he be cold and tickle mouthed, so that he will not rest upon the snaffle, (as he ought) the deep (2) earths will cause him to rest more staydly there upon, being used in the aforesaid manner. And again, if he carry a low forefoote, so that he is much subject to stumble, if you use to ride (3) him upon some assent (so that it be not too steep) or upon ploughed 1. Pra. 28.d. grounds, it will help the same mightily: but in this there must be used more quick motions, then in the former, and also (x) there must be great care that he be not over long kept thereon, lest he be made weary, for then his courage will be much abated, and his stumbling the more increased through the toylesomnesse thereof, in regard he must not be suffered to go continually after his own will. Likewise if he go broad either before or behind, deep grounds will reform that, (if he (4) be not forced too much upon the hand: And lastly, if he be so hard borne that upon the least discontent he will run away, (5) then when you feel him begin to thrust upon the hand, put him presently upon those earth's, and in three or four times (so correcting) it will make him more obedient: But herein also there must be great care had, to apprehend the first show of obedience; or else this causeth many absurdities, as either breaking ● The danger o● deep 〈◊〉. the wind, hearing him within if he be foul, and so endanger life, or else the utter de●ecting and casting down his courage, (through the sore labour thereof,) and also the Horse may get a strain by running fiercely thereupon, especially if thereto be any violence used. Now secondly, the deep earths are ap●est to reform those Horses, which are of a fierce and hot disposition, because they are most subject to all those vices afore said, except that of stumbling. But contrariwise, if a horse of a sad and dull disposition should be used upon the said earths, unless it be upon great necessity, for the reforming of some of those afore said vices, which may chance to him through the ignorance of the rider. ●hey would greatly increase his slowness and dullness, both ●y reason of his dogged and sullen nature, and also through the ●reat toil he should sustain, (he being desirous to free him●elfe from such violence;) And therefore the level and lightest earths are best for his use, both to bring delight in his teach●g, and also to increase his metal & courage, till he hath gotten further habit of well doing. But I would not have you here understand me so, that I speak of these grounds as a final ●use of the perfection, but only as a correction to be used ●hen the man (for want of further knowledge) cannot tell how reduce obedience any other ways. But here it may be objected, that herein I do much deceive Objection. ●y self; for it is generally holden, and likewise experience ●th approve it, that slow horses are best upon deep eatths, and ●t Horses upon light? To which I answer, it is true (in some Answer. ●rt) if they only respect the time of their coming to per●ction; but I speak here only of learning, which is the part a Scholar and not of a Professor. And yet I hold this Para●xe that a hot running Horse, (if the man be of government, ●d understand himself) may be brought (in his training) to true and more willing riding upon deep earths than a sad ●rse, and my reason is, that the non-performance thereof doth Theo 2. ●. ●t proceed from the imbecility of nature (as some do falsely eject) but for want of proportionable government, for (as aristotle saith, natura nihil habet vitij) there is no defect in na●e. wherefore if nature be perfect, it must needs necessarily low that the difference of these two kind of horses, must be Note this. the accidents: and then it must be separable, or inseparable; ●t it is not inseparable, for then those horses which are holden be best for deep earths, should be the furthest from true ri●g, (by all the Characters of a perfect horse:) and also those (f) 〈◊〉 which are the strongest composed, should be the dura●st, and so every strong Cart-lade and Coach-Horse should Theo. 2. ˢ. & 37.k. the best for those grounds, which how true that is, let any ●n of sense judge: and I have seen many horses whose line●ents hath not been so strongly composed as the adverse horses, and yet they have made jades in trial of the other: ᵍ Wherein the chief difference of Horses consist. 1. Pr. 4.b. ʰ The cause of those differences. Wherefore this difference must needs be in the accidents separable, and chief in the interior part, because it doth govern and command the exterior (as heretofore I have shown:) Bu● yet the cause of this contrariety doth chief proceed from the corruption of man's nature, he being more prone to follow his will, to persecute and torment (when he is angry) then to arm himself with patience, by the which those sad horses are brought to ride more toughly, they being forced by anger (● being more coherent to our nature) not willing to do any thing but by violence, in regard that what they do, it is invite: and the other which are more hot and fierce, are brought to a ra●● furious prodigality (spending all their substance at once) for they being thrust into extremities, do spend all their strength 1. Pr. 5.m. ● From contrary causes proceed contrary effects. at the first, and when their fury is over they are become jades (being so soon weakened through the abuse of the man,) ● being more easy for him to follow his will in fierceness, the● to restrain his affections to mildness, which must not be, ● they think to work the contrary effect, for, Ex contrarijs caus● contrarij effectus producuntur, contrary causes do produce contrary effects. But to return from whence I did digress, let a man (fro● these two extremes) reduce the proportion of his labour an● ease, as he in his judgement shall find the proportion of the ho●ses quality inclining to either of them, and he shall find grea● ease and helps by this kind of correction, for the effecting ● his desire: But this branch of the Vine must be well fenced about with reason, otherwise this ravenous beast (Will) wil● break in and spoil all. CHAP. 29. That the Man must learn to know how to correct. NOw that I have set down the uses of the corrections ● their particulars, it remaineth that I should also show ho● where, and when to use them, lest through the abuse thereo● ●ou pass the mean, and so fall into either of the extremes: But because (as I have said) no particular or certain thing can ᵃ No certain thing can limit an uncertain. 1. Prac. 25. ᶜ ●imit a general or uncertain, in regard there are so many several dispositions as there are Horses: Therefore I will (as it were) ●estringere, and only show how you may the best apprehend ●he same, for the enlarging of your judgement, because you Ethic. 2. 4. ●re the efficient cause in their uses; for as Aristotle saith, Nullae ●perationes precedunt Artibus. No action doth go before knowledge▪ Now for the first, how you should correct? I answer: it must ᵇ How correction is to be used. Theo. 28. a. 1. Pra. 25. ●. ●e both with discretion and reason, for you must have such discretion as to proportionate your correction according to the quality of the horse (as I have often shown.) And therefore ●ou must imitate the Magistrates, who having the sword of ●ustice in their hands, do not punish all offenders alike, but as ●he quality of the crime doth desire, or the stubbornness of ●he party doth rebel. For they in their justice do make a way to mercy, and so punish (c) as there may be a reformation of the person, for when the offence is small or the first, than they reprove him secretly, or inflict some small punishment upon him, but if yet the party ●oth rebel, then to admonish him in the face of two or three Math. 18. 16. 17. witnesses, or increase his punishment, then if none of these produce amendment, then reveal him to the Church, or else commit him to the last extremity of the Executioner. Even so, ●ou must correct your horse at the first in such sort as you would only desire a restitution to obedience, with the least corrections, as the Voice, the Calf of the Leg, etc. But if yet he ᶜ Correction must be according to the stubbornness of the horse. Theo. 5. ●. ●e so dogged that those will not serve, than you may use the Switches, (it being a sharper correction:) but if still he continue rebellious, then to use the last and cruelest correction, (which is the Spur.) And in all these you must have a respect to reason, that it may be your guide, (especially in this last correction;) for if it doth not govern your will, but your will rule it, than you shall utterly make havoc of all the Vine, in regard that ravenous Beasts do break down the fence, whereby it is laid open to all the other outrageous passions: and therefore you must expostulate with yourself, that your corrections should tend no further, but only to the reforming of errors, and not to satisfy your corrupt and inordinate Note. will. But here it may be objected that I prescribe a harder task Objection. then either myself or others is able to imitate. To the which I answer: it is true, that it is very hard for a man to bridle his will Answer. so far that it shall never exeed the limits of reason, because it hath ruled so long (as master) that it will be very hardly brought to subjection: But of that I have spoken sufficiently in the S. Chapter, and therefore I speak he●re but only that which both myself and others should do, and not that which both others and myself do; for, for myself, I am sure no man (whosoever) could follow his will with a higher hand than I have done, (to the great toil and vexation both of body and mind) but I have found so small relief thereby that it wearied me, whereby I was glad to seek means to suppress my will: And now thus much dare I say for myself (if I can speak it without vainglory) that I give correction neither with Leg, Switches, nor Spur, hardly once in a year, but I can (if I were therein examined) give a 〈◊〉 n● reason thereof. Wherefore, if you desi●● to b● accounted a worthy ●nd famous ● All 〈◊〉 m●st be ●●ed by reason. labourer in this Vi●cyard you must upon necessity direct the objects of all your corrections by the rule of Reason, and so mix them with lenity, that you may aim mo●e a● t●e reforming of errors, than the satisfying of your will tempting your anger so, that in your greatest choler you may command yourself, to apprehend the first motion of obedience in the Horse: Theo. 21. ᵈ because it is not the much correction but the manner of correcting that worketh the effect. CHAP. 30. The Man must know where to correct. IT is sitting likewise you should know where to correct, that the Horse may the better conceive, the cause of your correction; for if you should correct improperly, it would bring a confusion to your labour. But herein I will not spend any time to reiterate the means how you should know where to correct; not only because I see this Book will extend to a greater volume than my intended mind (at the first) was: but also in regard I have spoken thereof at large in the 16. Chapter. Wherefore for your satisfaction therein I will refer you to that place, yet I will demonstrate a little how you may connect and join the use of your corrections to your helps, that when the one will not prevail, than the other may aslaile. Wherefore when you are come to such knowledge that you ᵃ The first thing is to know where the cause of any error is. can tell where the cause of any error is, (that is committed) and tha● it is gone so far (either through your negligence, or the horse his stubbornness) that he will not be commanded by your helps, then look in the same places that there is set down to reform any error by the helps, even there must you use your corrections: Theo. 29.c. but yet with great caution, that it be done according to the quality of the Horse, or the proportion of the crime. For instance, if the horse be so slow that he will not obey the motion of your body, to go forward willingly, then strike him suddenly, with the just stroke of the calves of your legs: but if that will not prevail, than you may correct him with the Switches, upon the right shoulder, which (as I have shown in ᵇ This is to be observed in giving him his pace. the three and twenty Chapter:) will cause him to bring on that side the more willingly; but if at any time he seem careless of that kind of correction, then use the even stroke of your spurs, towards his short ribs, to quicken him, and after use the correction of your Switches again, for that kind of correction is sufficient for the teaching of this one lesson, it being so fit to cause him to take up his far foreleg comely: for you ᶜ The far fore leg is called the leading leg. must observe, that it is the leading leg, and therefore if he set not that forth handsomely and orderly, he shall neither have fair stroke nor comely carriage. And here likewise you may observe what combination there is, betwixt Art and Nature; for like as nature hath given to a man (for the most part) to be more apt and nimble on the right side, (both with foot and hand,) so hath it given to a Horse also the like aptness on the left. Wherefore when you are seated on your horses back, then are you ready with your aptest side, to help to correct your Horse on that side which is ● The apt combination of Art and Nature. most unapt. But now if any other error chance to happen to the Horse, during the time of your riding: as carrying his head on the one side, or leaning overhard upon the hand, or go unhandsomely, either before or be hind, (as in the aforesaid place I have shown,) and the like for any other error: then if your helps will not reform those faults, as it is doubtful, you may adjoin thereto your corrections, using them in the same place, as for example, if he will not carry his head but on the one side, then give him a sudden ierte with your Switches on the contrary ● Of correcting for disorder of the head. shoulder, and that will cause him to look on that side, he is corrected: but if he be so sad and dogged that he doth not regard that kind of correction, than you may use the spur upon the same shoulder, and the terror thereof will cause him to yield his body: and make him look on the other side, (but this must be used very sparingly.) And likewise if he thrust so hard upon the hand, that whensoever he is corrected you cannot well command him, but he will press faster forward than he ● Correction for thrusting hard upon the hand. 1. Prac. 24e. Theo. 17.c. should, then correct him once or twice suddenly in his mouth, with the trench, but if that will not prevail, then give a stroke or two sound (with your spurs, justly together) towards the flank, and that will set up his hinder parts so roundly, that he will the more easily be commanded with the hand. Now herein they are much deceived, which use the bridle only for correction in giving a horse his pace, always chocking him therewith: by which means when his mouth is dulled, or made insensitive, they cut and tear it most shamefully, and Theo. 17. ᵃ yet for all that they shall never cause him to go with such grace, as he ought, (there being so many absurdities attending there upon) as I have declared in the twenty seven Chapter. In like manner, if he go loosely either before or behind, (the cause being found) as formerly I have set forth,) you may use your helps, but if he will not obey them, then use your corrections in such sort as I have said, or as your judgement shall serve, in the disposition of the Horse. Further, seeing as I have said the several grounds are a kind of correction: it is behoveful for you to know where, and in what manner to use them? for the answer thereof you must so dispose of the place of teaching, that it may be as near such ● In what manner to use earths for correction. earth's, (as is possible) that may produce obedience, for where the Horse doth offend, even there must he be ready to be thrust upon those grounds, whereby he may the better conceive the cause of his labour thereon: and therefore you must observe not to go from those grounds, for excercise, till your horse be familiar with all your helps and corrections. From which if Note. you should departed before the Horse have some perfect knowledge of your will, by the aforesaid means, than when he doth commit an error, it will be rather increased then reform, because the means of his teaching is taken away, so that he doth neither know the cause of the one nor feel the toil of the other. And again, if you should correct him, and the ground be nothing fitting thereto, as upon pavements or such like dangerous grounds, than he may soon get a strain by a slip, whereby your glory may be much impaired. CHAP. 31. That the Man must know when to correct. THe last thing that you are to observe, (for the use of your corrections) is to distinguish of time, when to correct; because the neglect of that is the abuse of all the other, in regard Theo. 17. a. all things are perfected in, and by time, as I have described Eccle. 3. 2. in the seventeenth Chapter. For, as the wise man saith. There is a time to sow, and a time to reap, a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted. etc. even so, there is a time A simile. to correct, and a time to leave correcting, a time to labour, and a time to rest: all which must very respectively be observed by you, if you think to bring forth any pleasant fruit of the Vine in time. For as the grape should grow so that it may be nourished with the heat of the Sun, that thereby it may be ripened in time, lest the frost doth whither its substance, and so be without any good relish or pleasant taste. Even so, if you do not persist An application. with all your corrections, in such sort as they may be maintained by the heat of truth, whereby you may work your perfection in time, there will be so many errors congealed, with the ●ost of ignorance, that your glory will fade, and so become distasteful, and very unsavoury. But because I have spoken so largely hereof in the Chapter afore said, I will but only reduce the corrections to the helps, (by an orderly progression.) that . you may more aptly judge when to use them: through which neglect is come great confusion in this Art, in regard they do not rightly conceive the use and benefit of time. For seeing, there must be an orderly proceeding in all things, if they think to work commendably: so it must be also in this Art, for Horses being sensitive creatures, must be directed by motions and helps first: and then if they will not obey, to adjoin thereto corrections; But herein many do commit gross errors: for so soon as they be seated in the saddle, they strait put their ● The abuse of 〈◊〉. spurs to the Horse, whereby he is made so Frantic that he doth rush forward very disorderly; which is one cause of so many headstrong and run away horses, and also of many other vices which would be too long to particularise. But to amplify this point a little, and give instance how you should know, when to begin and end your corrections: you must first observe the disposition of the Horse, and according to (1) Theo. 19 ᶠ that, you must first use your helps, and after them your corrections, for those must go before, and these must follow after, but not contrarily, as many improperly have used: and then, if he be quick and capable, to use the less time in correcting, but if lie be dull and sad, to spend the more time in reforming: and so likewise of all other Horses, to proportionate the time in correcting, as you in your judgement shall find your Horse's disposition to be near or far off either of these extremes. And secondly, you must have that understanding to know (2) when the Horse doth begin the first motion of disobedience, either in his interior or exterior parts, (as in the place aforesaid I Th● instant time is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. have shown) and then at that instant you must begin your corrections, and he will more easily be reform, and so abbreviate Theo. 35. much time: For as water making a breach through a bank, if it be taken at first, the breach is soon repaired; but if it be protracted and let go further, it will either cause a great A Simile. inundation, or else ask greater labour, and more time to stop the floxe thereof. Even so, if you apprehend the first show of rebellion, and so instantly to apply helps and corrections, it will be soon suppressed: But if you overslip that (as a thing of small moment) it will increase (as the disposition of the horse is) and so cause either a great confusion, or else there must be longer time spent, and greater pa●nes taken, for the subduing thereof. And lastly, you must know the end of your corrections, which (3) ought to tend chief to a desire of restitution, and therefore ᵈ The continuance of correction. must not correct him so long as you shall be angry, but only so long as the horse doth rebel: For if you correct when you are angry more for to please and satisfy yourself (for revenge) than any desire of reforming the Subject; then when the horse doth yield or (at the least) make but a show thereof, if he can not find any ease, but still a persecution is inflicted upon him; Theo. 10.b. ● Application for anger. then is he made to become senseless (in regard he doth not know the cause of his tortures) and so (bedlam like) doth run from one error to a worse, whereby he is made almost incurable. Wherefore, to conclude this point, seeing time is such an excellent Nurse, that in it all things are nourished and brought to perfection, (if it be rightly used;) and contrariwise such a viper that it doth eat and devour all (if it be abused;) and also such a pleasant and odoriferous herb, that it will keep its smell Theo. 17. ●, all the year: you must be careful to carry it about you to refresh yourself (with the sent thereof) in all your proceed, and it will be such a restorative that no infection of the contagious Lethargy of ignorance shall much possess you. CHAP. 32. Of the four chief observations for the disposition of the Horse. THus, having gone through all the helps and corrections, with the uses of them; it remaineth now to speak somewhat of those four Characters which I set down in the 18. Chapter, Theo. 18.g. by the which a man may have a reasonable knowledge of the horses disposition, which is so necessary that whosoever is ignorant thereof, shall bring forth more weeds than fruit in the Vineyard of this Art. Now the first of these is the consent of his appetite or desire, ᵃ Of the Characters to know the Horse's disposition. secondly, the free passage of his wind; thirdly, the orderly and easy command of his mouth and head, and lastly, the apt and comely carriage of his body. And although there may and have been other observations set down for a man to work upon for judgement in the Horse, yet because I do not intend to set down any thing, but that which I have found by experience, Theo. 34. a. I omit to speak of them, in regard I find that all other are springing from these, as the branches thereof, (as hereafter shall be shown,) and also the first is the cause of the second, ᵇ The first is the chief cause of all the other. Theo. 35. a. and both the first and the second the cause of the third and the fourth, which are the event of the two first; for all other kind of restiveness, which may proceed from the exterior actions of the body, as standing still, running away, lying down, going back, jerking and plunging, etc. And therefore they grope in the dark, that did seek and invent so many kinds of corrections, (to reform such variable restiveness) and so little time to consult with themselves what the cause thereof was, or whether it did chief proceed from the man or the Horse. But because Mr. Markham hath so sufficiently laid open those inventions (with their inconveniences) in his second Work of Cavallarice. Horsemanship, therefore I will not spend any time therein; but only refer them (that are desirous to know those invented tortures) to those places, wishing them seriously to consider (by the severalty of inventions) what event of truth they do produce: ᶜ The event showeth the cause. in regard the event of the effect (in any thing) doth demonstrate the true judgement of the cause: And therefore when they see that they found so small effect was wrought upon the first invention, they needed not have sought for a second, if they had considered rightly whether the cause issued from the horse in part or in whole, but they being partial in ᵈ Partial judgement is the cause or error. judging themselves, (as the natures of most men are) sought wholly for reformation in the horse, (by further violence) as if Art did depend upon extremities) and so invented sharper tortures, further to persecute so famous a subject, ever aiming at the final cause, but not at the efficient. As (when a Stadium or Image is made) if there be any error, the fault should be attributed to the matter, but not to the workman. But herein they resemble the whore of Babylon, which hold ᵉ A fit application. all her counsels and decrees to be perfect, and without error; and therefore those which are repugnant thereto, are accounted preposterous Heretics, and therefore use violence rather than truth, in inflicting severe torments, (one exceeding another in extremities) and ever failed of their expectation in regard they followed their damnable blindness. In like manner, they thinking their corrupt wills were faultless and free from ᶠ The cause of so many tortures invented. error, when they found such contrariety to intercept them, thought it to be solely in the dogged nature of the horse, and therefore they invented such violent torments one exceeding another, (to work their desire) and yet could never find any to work true effect, because they followed their blind ignorance: For when one had invented one kind of torment, (for they cannot rightly be termed corrections) than another seeing so small reformation thereby (not thinking that sharp enough) invented a second more sharp; and likewise the third, invented a correction exceeding the second, etc. but yet never could find that kind of correction which would show the true event, because those did proceed rather from their blinded will then any lightened truth: for the event doth always show the ᵍ An evil Crow bringeth forth an evil egg. effect of the cause: For an evil Crow, doth bring forth an evil egg; and false grounds of truth produce false conclusions. Wherefore if you be desirous to work commendably, and to free your Horse from such despicable afflictions; you must diligently observe these Characters aforesaid, and when any error doth arise, examine and reform yourself as well as your horse, and you shall find him far more capable to yield to obedience (in any other lesson) withuot much resistance, and thereby you shall keep him free from all restiveness, and find many things easy to be done which before were held impossible. CHAP. 33. Of the appetite or desire of the Horse. But now of all the observations, whereby you may judge of the Horse's disposition, this of his desire, is the chief project for you to work upon: because all the other are governed by it. For as the Sun receiveth his light immediately A Simile. from GOD, and thereby doth enlighten, both the Moon, Stars, and the Air: even so, the Horse receiveth the first command of his desire from Man, and so giveth motion to his Wind, action to his Body, and government by the Head. And Another Simile. as the Schools hold, memory was first created of GOD, immediately, and from that cometh reason, and from thence proceedeth Will? By the which Will we may infer, we desire any thing good or bad: as it is effected; for if good, than it doth ascend, and is governed by reason, and strengthened by memory, (being the root of knowledge:) but if evil, than it doth descend, and giveth place to his passions, and so is become rebellious, it being the fruit of ignorance; even so, the Horse receiveth his obedience from man, from which proceedeth his will or desire to do what the man requireth, which if it be according to Art, than he doth effect whatsoever is consonant to reason; but if to violence, than he worketh by the fruits of extremities. Wherefore seeing all things, except man, work by the instinct ● The knowledge of man is supernatural. 1. ‛ Pr. 31. ⁿ ᵇ Reasonable creatures must govern unreasonable. of Nature, and he only hath a supernatural will, more divinely illuminated; it is required that you should so command yourself, by these supernatural faculties, that you may be able to govern those natural qualities, which both yourself and the Horse is prone unto; For you being rational should govern the natural disposition of the Horse (being only sensitive) and the agitation of his powers. Which thing cannot be done, except you conjoin so aptly, that you may Theo. 1.g. be said both to be but one subject: which must not be understood substantially, but intellectively, for although it cannot be said that a Horse hath any intellective part, properly in respect of himself, in regard he hath no memory to help understanding, but whatsoever he is capable of, is as it were a reminiscere, moved by his senses, and so provoketh the appetite, but yet he may be said to have it by accident, and therefore improperly, The. 2.o. being brought unto him by Art, and maintained by vigour: for as Aristotle saith, accidens in corpore nullum, pars est corporis naturalis, that is, no accident happening to the body is any part of the natural body. Now therefore, when you shall think to bring your Horse, and yourself to seem but one body, you must be careful to (c) Theo. 18. a. conform the desire of the Horse to your desire, being allowed by reason, and then the action of the body will be brought to yield very pleasingly and delightfully. Now for the effecting whereof, you must direct your whole proceed, by the disposition of the Horse, as I have said, and chiefly by his appetite, (d) Theo. 18.c. because it is the ground of all the rest, and therefore if it be willing to obey by gentle and easy motions, than he may be said to be of a free and willing disposition, but if he be more stubborn and disobedient, so that he will not yield, but by greater extremities, than he may be said to be of a dogged and ᵉ True reformation beginneth first at a man's self. Theo. 29. ᵈ sad disposition. But in reducing any extreme, that may be found in a horse, to the mean, there ought to be a double caveat, which is, that you seek to subdue your own passions, by reason, as well as by your will, you desiring the obedience of the horses passions, for they are as forward to rebel as these: and therefore if you cannot confine them within the limits of reason, it being in your own subject, you shall never command your Horses by the same object, being in a divers species. And further, seeing all Sublunary things are apprehended A simile. by man, first, by his sensitive parts, and so are conveyed to the common place, where there is election of them by consultation, ● All sublunary things are first apprehended by the sense. and after committed to Memory, and there reserved, as in a treasury till Reason command Will to dispose of them, as occasion shallbe offered, either for pleasure or profit: in like manner, the inclination of the Horse is first demonstrated to the Theo. 32.c. & 35.b. senses, (by the aforesaid Characters,) and after disperse into the other faculties, whereby there is a knowledge thereof grounded upon judgement; and likewise the Horse doth by his senses conceive, whether his actions are agreeing to the man's (g) Theo. 29. ᵈ & 5. ᵃ mind, by his motions and corrections; and so bringeth forth, either joy or fear, as they are repugnant or agreeing to his will▪ And therefore, you must be very careful to observe an orderly proceeding in all your actions, that the Horse may more easily conceive your will thereby, and also to proportionate your corrections according to the quality of his rebellion: for in the which if you exceed, instead of building by order, you shall destroy by confusion, because you move the passions to an excess, and thereby produce unapt motions, both of his interior and Theo. 11. ᵈ ʰ Violence causeth restiveness. exterior parts, whereby is increased all kind of restiveness, through the abuse of the Art, in regard it tendeth only to reduce obedience, and not to stir up violence. For seeing all things are changed in their nature, from that Theo. 1. ᶠ they were at the first creation? therefore was Art invented, to bring (in some sort) a restitution thereof, as I have said in the First Chapter: for though many things are now become nocent and hurtful to man, which at the first was procint and serviceable to him, yet by Art the worst may be brought to serve for use and relief again: for though there be many differences Note. (h) 1. Pra. 4. ᵍ of vegitative, and reptall things, and many of them if they be simply taken, not being delayed by Art, do poison and utterly deprive man of life: yet the cunning Physician by extracting them proportionably, and so infuse with them other simples of contrary operation, can reduce them to sovereign and preservative potions. Even so in horses, though there be many differences of the individuums, and also many of them being used Application. simply, according to their natural inclination, (not being delayed or reform by Art, do become very rebellious and troublesome to man; yet the expert Horseman, by infusing in them proportionably such things as work contrary effect, can reform their rebellion and so bring them to an obedient and serviceable command. Wherefore seeing, the reducing of all things to use, doth depend ● Art cannot stand without proportion. Theo. 38. a. upon Art, and Art worketh by proportion, where the form of the subject is brought forth; never think to reform any Horse (much less every Horse) except you by your knowledge be able to proportionate all your proceed acding as you shall find your Horse's appetite or desire, for else you shall be sure to come short of your expectation, and whilst you look for fame, you shall receive great shame: and so be cast out of this vineyard, as a weed not worthy of a room to grow there: because it is the ground of all other observations, they all (whatsoever) growing out of it, as their Mother or Nurse. CHAP. 34. Of the free passage of the Wind. THe second Carat which you must observe, is the free passage of the Wind, which (as I have said) doth spring from the former, for if at any time, his desire be to resist, he will ᵃ Stopping the wind giveth force to resist. stop his Wind, whereby he may have the greater force withal his other powers to withstand obedience. For as a man, when he is forced to go any way; that is not pleasing unto him, whilst he is so pulled or thrust, will stop his wind, to increase his strength, that he may be the more able to withstand them: but if he be willing to go, than he giveth it the freer passage, to add alacrity to his body, that thereby he may show the willingness of his mind. Even so, a horse if he be forced to do that which is displeasing to his appetite, he will withhold his Theo. 32.b. Wind to give a further strength to his body for rebellion: but if his desire be to yield such obedience as you would have him, then doth he join the free passage of his Wind thereto, whereby he may show his willingness to obey you. And so the first is the cause of this cause, and this is the cause of the effect of the other. Now for the further knowledge how these two Characters are to be observed, because they consist of the interior parts; ᵇ How to know the Horse's inclination. observe the saying of the wiseman; The heart of man doth change his face, whether it be in good or evil, by which may be gathered that the inward disposition may be known by the outward gesture. For if his desire be not willing nor his Wind obedient, he will either lere with his eyes in casting them back, or else Theo. 17.d. & 23.c. cast one or both of his ears in his neck, or if he stand, he will so frame his body in his standing, that it shall be nothing apt for the next motion: and further, when he is caused to go forward, if he be of a choleric disposition, he will strive with his body, and so go frettingly and chafingly: And contrarily, Theo. 19 & 20. if he be of a sad disposition, he will go altogether unwillingly, his desire being nothing prone to stir up his powers to quickness; and so through ignorance herein, doth come all kind of ᶜ The chief cause of all restive qualities, as they proceed from the horse. 1. Prac. 19 ● restiveness, for it is not the cause only of all sorts spoken of in the 30. Chapter: but also of every hard and uneasy going horse, of stumbling, of going broad, of a heavy sad horse, of tiring, and consequently of any vices which are incident to Horses. For, if his wind work freely, and keep true time with the action of the body, then doth he go willingly, ride toughly, and go handsomely, because both his interior and exterior parts join together, his wind passing truly with every stroke of his body: But if (on the contrary) he stop his wind, so that it breaketh time with his body, than he goeth unwillingly, tiringly and unseemly, either before, or behind, or both; his body being violently moved contrary to his wind, and so bringeth a confusion to the Art, (being used violently) whereby it cannot be durable, and his motion being contrary causeth a ᵈ Two contraries cannot be in one subject. subversion of the subject, because two contraries can never be in one subject, as I have often said. And again, because the Arts in all natural conclusions do depend either upon wind, water or weights, therefore this Art A Simile. doth chief depend upon the apt and easy passage of the horses wind; for as in a pair of bellows, if the throat of the pipe be not made proportionable to expel so much wind as the clock doth draw in, they will go very hard and uneasy for to blow: Even so if the Horse doth not expel proportionably so much wind as is drawn in, he will go very uneasily (for the rider,) always keeping in some part, for to help resistance. Yet heer● in I would not be so understood, that I hold any such defect in the natural composition of the horse; for (as it is said) Theo. 2. ●. & 19 ●. there is no defect in nature, for though there may be such a fault committed in the making of bellows, yet the cause doth not ᵉ How this restraint of wind is not in being cock-thropeld, as it is holden. consist in the conclusion, but in the workman, for otherwise they could not be amended. In like manner, when a horse is said to want wind for the performance of that which is desired; the fault is not in nature's works, but in the ignorance of the Art, because the man cannot tell how to proportionate the government of his wind to the action of his body, whereby he may work with ease, and so become more durable. And herein is a gross error committed of many, who hold that some horses have not (naturally) their thropell and nostril wide enough for the issue of their wind, and therefore to excuse An application. their ignorance, they have invented the slitting of their nose to give it the freer passage: Still condemning natures works, but never their own simpleness. And so, those sort of horses are said to be the worst which are called cock-thropeld, as if that did proceed from nature; but herein they deceive themselves, for those (for the most part) are free horses, with large upright necks, and tender mouth, and the man for ᶠ The cause of a Cock-thropell. 1. Pra. 24h. want of true judgement, (in their disposition) doth cause this disorder in them, for he not regarding their natural inclination to bear high, doth force them still higher (with his hand,) by which means they are caused to gag their heads so high, that they bend their necks back, whereby their thropell doth bend like a bow, and in yielding so far back doth weaken their crest, towards the withers, and so make them winny-cragged; which gross absurdity is the cause of spoiling so many horses, for they think by one and the self-same means to work all sorts of horses, (for because Art doth consist in working some horses heads up, therefore they use it generally towards all) But if they would rightly examine their own judgement, and so work orderly and coolly as they ought (for his disposition) that is, where they work other horses heads up, this should be wrought down, and when others do desire quickening, this should be used coolly, than they should find that his nostril and thropell were wide enough, both to receive and expel wind for any reasonable labour. ᵍ win is further abused through ignorance. Yet herein is another abuse, for these horses also being hot and free, they continually add fuel to the fire till all be consumed: never regarding their manner of going, but think that if ᵍ win is is further abused through ignorance. they go fast enough they go well enough, nor giving them leisure to learn the true use of their wind; and so he is put to his trot before he can tell how to set one foot orderly before another for a foot pace; and also to gallop, ere he know how to behave himself as he ought in his trot, and so consequently thrust into the extremity both of speed and wind, although he ʰ A confusion by teaching. cannot frame his body to one stroke of a true gallop: Through which disorder, he is continually held to extremities, by the which he hath not time to learn the facility of the Art; for as A simile. Scholar in Music, if he be put to run division, before he either have true fingering or can keep time, equally with both his hands, shall never be accounted a good physician, although he be naturally addicted thereto: Even so, if a horse be put to his height before he have the true use of his wind (justly,) with his body, he shall never perform that which is desired, although he hath nature's helps. Because his desire, and lust is so much abated (by such contrarieties fight in him) he finding no delight, but extreme ● Contraries confuse the Subject. toil, not knowing how to ease himself, and so falleth into frantic passions, setting all his powers to work at once till he be no more able to work. For if he know not how to let go, and receive in his wind easily, to cool the agitation of his vital powers, his heart will be so overcome with heat that he will soon faint, because the drawing in of fresh air, doth cool the heart and give agility and strength to the other parts: for no horse is able to do more than his wind can maintain. Wherefore never think you can ride a Horse to his true disposition (in the Art) except you can tell how to reduce the motion of his wind, to agree with his appetite or desire. CHAP. 35. Of the carriage of the Body. THus having set forth the two inward Characters which is most needful to be observed, for the reducing of this work to perfection, it now resteth to speak of the two outward 1. Prac. 15e. ᵃ The outward carriage is as an Index to give judgement. 1. Pr. 26. a. Theo. 32.b. signs, (which are the apt carriage of the Body, and the true command of the mouth) for they are as an index to a Dial, whereby the man may have the surer judgement of the other inward disposition. For (as it hath been often said) whatsoever is the cause of a cause, the same is the cause of the thing caused, now the first is the cause of the second, and the second is the cause of the two last; wherefore the first is the cause of the two last, which are caused; (they being the event of the former:) Because as the desire is affected, so the body doth obey. By the which the man may observe that as the exterior parts of the horse, do demonstrate the disposition of the interior; (b) Theo. 33.f. & 32. ᶜ they being apprehended by the man's outward senses, and so conveyed into the inward apprehensive senses, whereby the faculties do judge whether the inward motion be through delight or fear: Even so, the outward motions of the man do give notice unto the horse of the intention of his mind, they in like manner being first perceived by his outward senses, and ᶜ How the man's will is conveyed into the horses inward senses. after conveyed into his inward apprehensive senses, by the which he doth know whether he doth obey or rebel: And so the Horse being but sensitive by nature, may (by Art) be said (in some sort) to be reasonable, for there being such a true combination betwixt the man and him, that all their doings will show both delightful and commendable. Now for the better observation, to know how the appetite is affected, (by the carriage of the body,) there must be a regard (x) Note. 1. Pr. 30. ●. given unto all the parts thereof; for if it be quick and nimble and move easily and willingly, and carry himself comely, than you may assure yourself, that the Horse's desire is answerable thereto: But contrarily, if any of these be wanting (although not all: as if he go unhandsomely, or roll in his going, or set hard, or strive and labour too much with his fore parts, and The application. shake and wallow with his hind parts; than you may be assured that those do proceed from the malevolence of his desire: or likewise, in the handling of his feet, if he go either ᵈ The combining of the inward and outward motions together. Theo. 59 ᵈ broad before or behind, or beat himself with lifting his forefeet too high, or if he be subject to stumble through low going, or any such, than you may resolve that there is a contrariety betwixt the inward and the outward motions, either that the appetite doth covet to go faster than the slight of body can maintain: or else the body being unapt to go, is violently forced on, faster than the desire is willing to go. Now therefore, when any of these adjacents do intercept your expectation, you may conclude that the cause thereof doth come chiefly, from your weak judgement, in regard you went more eagerly then orderly about your work, neither knowing how to join the whole subject, to agree in a true motion, nor (e) Theo. 15.k. letting the horse have liberty to ease himself, through which extremities he was driven to such disorderly actions, you never aiming at the reducement of his appetite, which is the chiefest thing to be regarded: For till it be reform, all the pains that you shall take, to reform the outward carriage of the body is altogether without profit: for as Aristotle saith, si sit impeditus Ethick. 3. li. cha. 1. appetitus facit per vim, if the desire be unwilling, whatsoever is done, is by violence; which is one chief beast of the ravenous rank, which doth break into this Vineyard; whereby it is brought to such ruin that it doth bring forth almost nothing but weeds. Further, you may observe the disposition of the Horse, by ● For as the Horse's motions are as an index to the Man where by he may judge of his inclination so is the man's motions to the Horse whereby he may know how to obey. the concord of the motion of his wind and his body: for if that be hindered, then both his going and standing will be resisting, because they are non sponte, and then he doth not any thing but violently, in regard it is only in the exterior parts. For as Arist: saith, Violentum est id, cuius principium est foris, in quod nihil patiens et a gens confert: violence is that, whose beginning proceedeth from the outward parts, the which worketh nothing with patience and willingness. And again he saith, Quod principium quod movet non sit internum et rei quod movetur violenter, sed externa: that beginning that doth move violently, is not moved from the interior but the exterior parts. By the which their ignorance (in this Art) is laid open, who altogether (g) Meaning of pacing. regard the outward action of the Horse, by forcing him to set so far over his hinder feet, and do never respect the motiof his body to agree aptly with his appetite & his wind: which is the cause of so many bad going Horses and of their falling so soon from their pace, all their actions being invite, and so neither delightful nor durable: they not knowing how to obey the will of the Man, nor to frame their inward and outward motions together. For as there can be no temporary motion (that hath time for his limits) can make his true revolution, except there be a just ᵍ All motions must begin and end in a true proportion of time. Theo. 38. ●. Theo. 31. ●. proportion betwixt the teeth of the wheels, and the teeth of the nuts: And also the centre of the axeltrees to be equidistant one from another according to the proportion of both their semidiamiters, and likewise the weights proportionable to the manner of moving. Even so, there cannot be any apt motion (in the Horse) except all his parts have a proportional moving one to another, and his desire which doth yield the motion be brought to the same limit of time, and likewise yourself which as the weights doth cause the motion, must be proportionate accordingly to finish all those motions in one period. CHAP. 36. Of the true order of the head, and easy command of the mouth. THe fourth and last observation to know the horses disposition, is the true order and easy command of the head and mouth; and this also (as the other) doth depend outwardly, being the event of the former; for if there be any resisting in any of the other, it will be apparent in this. For if either the Theo. 32. ● & 35. ᵃ appetite be evil affected or the wind distasted, or the body any way resisting, the head and mouth will never be easily commanded; and therefore they are far deceived, which (when they could not bring a gentle obedience to the hand) ᵃ The invention of hard bits and snaffle condemned. Theo. 2. l. 1. Pr. 22.d. have invented hard chains, and tormenting cavezans, and so many varieties of sharp and uneasy bits and trenches to force obedience, ever imagining the cause thereof to proceed from the deadness and hardness of the mouth, whereas it did arise from the other parts of the body, and broke out there as the issue thereof. But thereby they express their ignorance, in seeking to reduce Art by violence: For, (as Aristotle saith) Si impedita sit Ethic. 3. li. 1. chap. cognitio, facit per ignorantiam, If knowledge of the cause be hindered, whatsoever is wrought, is done by ignorance; for, for want of knowledge in the cause, they have wrought upon the event: and so, when they felt a disobedience in the mouth, have sought for reformation there, as if that had been the cause of the error, because it is there perceived: But although (b) Theo. 14.f. & 27.c. all errors do extend to the mouth, yet they are not to be corrected in the mouth; because the use of the mouth, (as I have said in the 27. Chapter) is only to govern the other parts according to the discretion of the man, as the Pilot doth rule the Ship by the stern. ᶜ How a Horse may be said to be a Ship. For, the Horse may be said to be the Ship, his appetite the waves, his wind the gale that doth force it forward, his head the helm by which it is guided, and the man the Pilot to direct the voyage; and if the Pilot want knowledge to steer the The Application. the Helm truly, the ship is in danger of Shipwreck; even so, if the Man have not judgement to govern his Horse truly by the head, all his labours are in danger of confusion. Now therefore, as I have placed it as the last Character (in order) by the which the disposition of the horse may be known, so is it the last observation that you shall have for your refuge: For if there be a defect in any of the other, it may be perceived in this, when it is obscured in them. For, if either of the interior ᵈ A true hand giveth certain evidence. notes be malevolent, than he doth show it in the exterior parts: as if he be unwilling to go, then doth he rest too much upon the hand; or if he desire to go faster (then he should) he will bear too much thereupon: or if he will not turn readily, nor go back willingly, etc. then all these will be felt by the hand. Or if he be loose-bodied and trifle in his going, he shall feel the looseness thereof by the hand, in regard he is so tickle mouthed that he will not rest upon the snaffle, (as he should) to stretch his body forth to make a true and apt way. Wherefore, when you shall find any of these to intercept your expectation, do but examine these four several observations, and you shall find the cause to proceed from some one of them, and especially from the two former: it happening from the rebellion of the horses disposition, or else from yourself, through ignorance of the Art, by the which abuse it is Theo 2. l. engrafted in the Horse, and so is become habitual. Which cause when you have found (if you be desirous to be a flourishing imp, and bring forth fruit in this Vineyard) you must take pains to purge and cleanse it from such weeds, as may spring up therein, and hinder the Vine from growing, because they will so overshadow it that the truth cannot give any nourishing heat, to ripen the fruit, whereby it may be either delightful or profitable. Now for the prevention hereof, work after the receipt which is here set down; for I dare boldly affirm, (having proved it by experience) there is not any weed of error, that shall spring up in this Vineyard (whether it be natural or contingent) ᵉ A true Application works the best effect. but here are remedies set down to kill the vigour thereof: if you have but knowledge how, where, and when to use them. And although it may seem to the most sort of people, that this is a raw and undigested erudition, in regard that all vices are not so precisely set down (with their remedies) as they would desire; let them know that one reason is to quell the ᶠ This Art is most abused by calumniators. Theo. 28.m. self conceited knowledge of those which disgrace this Art through the volubility of their tongues, and will speak more in an hour, than they can perform in all their life time; and therefore if, I should, or rather could have made it so easy, that they might easily have understood the applications, only by reading, than the practitioners should live continually in disgrace, and be subject to the scandal of every insinuating tongue, (as they are too much already) for they having a partial knowledge, think that to parallel the best, in regard they can talk a little of horses, but cannot give any reason of the cause, and yet make an approbation of their judgement, for ●● there are some Colts that will venture to swim in waters wherein A fit simile. they cannot live, in like manner they will censure of things they cannot enter into: Wherefore if I should have set forth all vices and their remedies, in an easy apprehension, they would have usurped too much knowledge therein, & so would condemn others for practice, when themselves can neither tell what a wel-going horse is, nor where to help the reformation of any error; & so they resemble the German clown who (as one ● A German Clown. saith) undertook to be ready in the ten Commandments, and being asked (by a Minister) which was the first? he said, Thou shalt not eat. But I could wish that these should be sent again unto the School to learn to spell, before they presume to read and understand bookcases (in Law,) before they be admitted for judges; in regard it is more easy to find a fault, than it is to amend it: For as Thales when he was asked what was Thales. the hardest thing, he answered, for a man to know and reform himself: and what was the easiest, he said, for a Man to admonish and reprove others. And another reason. is, that it is a ground too hard for him, (h) Theo. 18. ● (that hath a deeper apprehension than myself) to blow up through the diversities of horses dispositions, for no man can set down a certain remedy, for to cure an uncertain disease, and therefore the application thereof must proceed from the judicial observance of the man according to the truth of the Application. Art. For the Apothecary must not condemn the gardener, when he hath furnished his garden with medicinal herbs, in regard he did not set them in order, as they should be used, seeing he took the pain to abbreu●ate his labour, to reduce them in such a small continent, wherein he might gather them at his own discretion. Wherefore, to leave the opinionated vulgars' to wallow in the filth of their ignorance; let him (which his desirous to increase his knowledge in this Art) but carefully infuse that which is delivered, into his memory, and he shall not fail of his expectation, for there shall not any storm arise, but he shall find a bush to shroud himself under, nor any mutiny be stirred up, but he shall have his forces ready to overcome them; for a man's knowledge is extended no further than his own recordation. For as Socrates saith, that knowledge should be written Socrates. in men's hearts, and not in sheets of paper. CHAP. 37. How to know the disposition of the Horse by his shape. THere is yet another▪ note to be observed, for the knowledge of the Horse's disposition: but it is more general than the former, and apprehended only by the outward sense of seeing. And that is his proportion or shape; for as they are not all of one quality, so they are not all of one shape, the causes ᵃ How to know the horses disposition by his shape. Theo. 4.f. of both which diversities, do arise from the temperature of the seed of which they are framed, because (as it is holden) the soul of a Horse (he being but a creature sensitive) doth arise from the temperature of the body, upon which it subsisteth, and so receives its nature and quality from the same: and therefore ᵇ The quality of the horse is received partly from the temperature of the seed. 1. Pra. 7. ● as the composition of the body is gross or pure: so is the soul more subject to density or tenuity, and his passions more sad or merry, whereby all his doings in respect of his natural qualities, are more or less capable of obedience. Now the diversities of these qualities, as I have said, do proceed from the differences and food of the individium, at their natural generation, the food being conveyed into the retentive part, and when it is digested the nutrition thereof is concocted into blood, which doth disperse itself through the veins, into all the parts of the body, and so the purest thereof is distilled into the gignatrix, and so converted into seed, from the which every species doth receive his disposition, according to the quality of the seed of the individium, whereof it is form, and afterward it is increased or diminished in strength, ᶜ The work of nature. by the goodness or badness of the food, upon which the Mare doth feed. For as one saith, nature is not the thing itself, but the proper and peculiar strength of the thing, naturally given to the creature in the time of its framing, and not at the procreation, where it receiveth that quality both of being and working. Now because there are so many varieties in the whole species, Theo. 18. ᶠ therefore there must needs be so many differences of dispositions, because there is nothing more general in nature, than diversity, wherefore I will omit to speak of any more in this place, but only of those two chief heads, which are in greatest opposition, (lest I should enter into a Labyrinth, and so confound myself, in travailing such a intricate and unknown path: for it is too deep a riverite for my short wit to plumb; But by these the ingenious may ground a reasonable judgement of any Horse as he shall perceive them to incline to either proportion. And for the first, those horses which have a handsome body, ᵈ A horse of this shap is of the best temper as, his ribs to bear out in robundity like a barrel, his short ribs being close shut up to his huckle bone, within the compass of four fingers, with a proportionable long buttock, although he be a little high rumpt, if he be well let down in the gasking, it is tolerable, so as if a plumb should be let down from the outside of his huckle bone, it would fall perpendicularly, 1. Pra. 1. 3f. upon the out side of the brawn of his thigh: and as for his fillet, if he have these two properties, aforesaid, it must necessarily follow to be good, to the which if he have a broad breast, than he must upon necessity be well let down in the chest: for it is a grantable request in Geometry, if equal things be put to equal, that which remaineth will be equal. And again, if he have a large upright neck, and well compassed in the setting on of his head, for the aptness of his rain, with ● The third of the grantable requests. a high thin Crest, a wide law, broad Forehead, a full Eye, a prick Ear, although it be somewhat great, a large Mouth, a wide Nostril, and as for his Limbs, although many desire them thick and strong, yet for my own part, if they be somewhat slender, I hold him not the worse for it doth argue a greater likelihood of speed and nimbleness: For as for strength; I think there is none so simple as to think that nature should work so imperfectly, as that it made not the legs sufficient A thing that is more curiously observed then by necessity forced. to maintain and support the actions of the body, especially, in that, all men know that know any thing, that strength doth not consist in the legs but in the back. And as for toughness, that proceedeth from the interior parts, as either through the stoutness of courage, or true passage of the wind, by the aptness of motion, or sound labour, yet if they will object ᵍ Objection for strai●●es. for danger of straining, I say it is not upon necessity that slender limd horses are altogether subject to it, and strong limd horses free; nay, for I have seen a stung limd horse get a strain, when as a slenderer hath gone free, and yet both of them at one and self-same kind of labour, which when I saw, I did conceit the cause was through the grossness, and unnimblenes of the Horse. But to regress, when the man shall see a Horse have all these properties, or at least most of them, for it is hard to find all ʰ Ignornnce is the cause of many jades. properties in one particular, than he may presume that that Horse is of a free and gentle disposition, and so the more apt to be brought to obedience. And although it may be said, that many such like horses have been approved jades; I answer, the cause thereof doth not arise from the horse but accidentally from the abuse of the Art, through ignorance of the Man: 1. Pr. 13.q. they having higher spirits than his apprehension could reach to command. And for the other sort of Horses, whose shape is in another kind, being adversa, for if it were contraria, than it should be a ¹ These Horses are of a more improper temper. Monster, clean degenerating from nature, if they be flat Ribbed, weak Fillited, being very Spacious betwixt the short Ribs and the Huckle bone, pin Rumpt, thin in the Gasking place, narrow Breasted, shallow Chested, short Necked, thick Crested, cubbe Headed, it being stuntly set on, bangle Eared, narrow jawed, pink Eyed, thin Faced, little Nostrils, and a narrow Mouth; or if his body and all his other parts be thick and strongly set together, than the man may Imagine, that he is of a sad and dogged disposition. Now although it is holden of most that these Horses thus shaped, will never be brought to any good serviceable use, for as it is said, distortum vultum sequitur distortio morum. Whereby many of curious spirits that take great delight, both in these excellent subjects, and also in this famous Art, are mightily discouraged, through the general judgement of the one, and the abuse of the other; that if they get not such a shaped horse, all their labour and charge will be (k) Theo. 2. ʳ & ˢ & 28.f. lost. Wherefore for the better encouragement, if they seriously observe in every trial, how many of such excellent proportionated Horses have come to the worse, they may easily alternate their mind, and think that what defects may interpose nature in her work, by any accident (except it be deprivation) Art may help to make restitution, which is the cause that the more unlikely Horse, doth oftentimes worse the more likely. But it may be objected that herein I make a contradiction, in the Objection. project of this Chapter: for how can a man know the goodness of the Horse by his shape, seeing those which are esteemed of the best, oftentimes prove the more jades? To the which I answer, it is true, if nature were as perfect now, as at the first, Answer. than those Horses would be brought to perfecter obedience of themselves without any art, but else if man had knowledge how to reduce them according to Art: but since then all they as well as others, are become disobedient and rebellious, so that they Theo ●. c. (l) 1. Pr. 4. ●. will never come to the height of their glory without true knowledge in the Art: for want of which, they suffer greatiniury and disgrace, for I confess that if Art were joined to nature, they would far exceed the other, for I hold it better that ● A horse must have some thing ace, as well as in se. a Horse hath something ace, as well as in se, for they would not only please the eye for beauty more than the other, but also give better content to the mind, when their goodness should be put to the touchstone. Now the cause that those horses which are defective, are brought to better perfection than the other is this, that they are more consonant to the nature of man then the other, for man which should repair this decay, is likewise obscured in (m) Theo. 8.c. knowledge; so, that when any contrariety doth happen contrary to his expectation, he following his will, falleth into extreme passions, whereby those horses which seem to be more doggedly disposed by their shape, are sometimes made more durable and pleasing then the other, by violent correction; but yet ⁿ Whatsoever is by chance is no Art, and so one is no proof. herein they are not reform by Art, but by chance, for if it happen that one prove to be good, they fail of their expectation in a dozen: wherefore the approbation of some few of these, may not applaud their knowledge in the Art, that they have more knowledge than they which faileth in those sort, which Aristotle. are said to be of the best shape, for it doth rather intimate their greater ignorance, for as it is holden, every thing is destroyed by 1. Pra. 7. ʰ his contrary, and maintained by his like; even so, although the better sort of Horses are disgraced by the contrariety of the Man, yet his knowledge in this Art may parallel or exceed the other, though he by chance may bring that Horse (being of such a disposition as is fitting for his choleric nature) to a better effect, because violence not Art doth gain the one, (it being agreeing to man's nature,) and patience with Art doth work the other it being more repugnant thereto: For as one of them ᵒ Art tende● ●. to the mean. doth exeed in one extreme, so doth the other sort in the other, and it is the end of Art to bring both these excesses to a mean. But if they object, seeing those horses which are of grosser composition, be more coherent to man's nature, why are they Objection. not preferred before the other: the answer is twofold, the first is, Man having an intellective knowledge by the instinct of nature, Answer. (although much obscured) knoweth that all things were made perfect at the first, and so th●se horses which are Gen. 1. 31. (p) 1. Pra. 3.e. 1. Pr. 5.f. ᵖ All men are given to please the eye. (2) of the beautifullest shape, reason doth tell them that they are the nearest to the Creation, and so chooseth them, as they being most likely to prove the best and delightfullest to the eye, most men desiring to please that sense in all things) and so do prefer them before the other, they being more delightful to the eye, and more probable to yield content, although very few know how to bring them to their perfection. The second reason is, that the nature of men is to desire to seem wise, and therefore will seem to find fault where they cannot amend, and to show their judgement in choosing, and not their knowledge in using, to blind their own ignorance, q Ignorant men condemn nature for to excuse themselves. for though they observe a difference, yet they know not the reason thereof: And so generally condemn nature for making more horses without use then with use, and likewise disgraceth the Art for want of know, edge in her use, and so hold that those horses which are of this distorted composition, are not confined within the compass of Arts limitation, because the concavity thereof doth overthrow the convexity of their superficial brain. But to resolve the cause of this difference of their compositions, is (as I have said) from the temperature of the seed of which these sorts were generated, for the food upon which the individium did feed being gross, made the seed so subtle, that it could not concur so proportionably into every part, as the other which was more pure, did in giving shape and nutriment to the other sort, and yet nature herein is not imperfect, but that she worketh not immediately, as at ʳ Nature is not imperfect but by accidents. 1. Pr. 13.n. the first, for then the food was naturally good, and needed no Art for nourishment, but now she worketh mediately from secondary causes, and therefore if there be not a reducement by Art, nature will be defective in many things through the repugnancy of accidents; but not so abortive as Art cannot help to 1. Pr. 13.d. ● The earth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1. Pr. 4. ●. reformation: For though the earth at the first brought forth such fruits as would give perfect nourishment (of itself) yet now (through the curse) it waxeth old and barren, so that there must be Art for repairing, by sowing and planting, whereby it may bring forth better fruits for nutriment both to man The Application. and beast, than it of its own nature would yield; and therefore those horses which are begotten with such seed as is increased of that food the earth doth bring forth of itself, can ᵗ Which Art is to gain a restitution of obedience. Theo. 20. ● Objection. Answer. ᵘ Breeding doth not take away the knowledge of riding. never be of such excellent shape, nor have that courage (of themselves) as those which are repaired by Art. Yet if any will further object, that if the goodness of a horse doth consist so much in breeding, then if they be well bred they need less knowledge in the Art: To which I answer, it is true, if they would work obediently of themselves, for though a man hath two pieces of wood to work on, if the one be knotty and the other smooth, if he choose the smooth for ease, yet he must use Art to bring it to proportion; and so no horse whatsoever but he must have Art to gain obedience; And therefore against such curious inquisitors, I conclude with the saying of Diogenes, who being demanded, why the charity of ˣ Diogenes answer. people extended towards the lame and blind, and not to Philosophers, because (saith he) their doubt is as strong, that they themselves may one day be lame and blind, as their hope is weak that they shall ever prove Philosophers. So their doubt is strong to make objections (that they may the more cloak their own ignorance) by finding fault, because their hope is weak that they shall ever attain such knowledge to be good Horsemen. CHAP. 38. The necessity of Proportion. BEcause I have spoken so much of Proportion in this Theoric Part of Horsemanship, I will now show the necessity thereof, lest it may be thought a frivolous speech in this Art, Theo 4.▪ ● ᵃ No Art can stand without Proportion. Theo 33. ⁱ because it never hath heretofore been handled by any that hath as yet treated of this subject: But whether it be frivolous or no, let any (except he be wilfully blind) judge, in regard that not only this, but also all other Arts and Sciences cannot stand without it. For at the first Creation, nothing was made something by proportion, for thereby it received a form or simile. And the whole Fabric of the world was composed altogether by just proportion, and every one of the celestial orbs, the concave of the uppermost including the con●exe of the innermost: by such just proportion, that▪ the cunning Astronomer can easily measure the true distance of every Sphere, by their Semidiamiters. And further, how could the Astronomers and Astrologers know the Apogeon and Perogeon of the Sun and Moon, and so the difference of their slow and swift motions: with ᵇ Astronomers and Astrologers work by Proportion. their revolutions, periods, conjunctions, oppositions, and the several aspects of the Stars and Planets with their stations, retrogradations, exaltations, detriments, combustions, etc. And the time of the Eclipse both of the Sun and the moon, by their revolution concurring justly in the two opposite Sections of Ca●da and Caput Draconis, and the difference of the moons latitude, with her Epicicle, and many other observations, were it not they observed a proportion in their revolutions, and so made instruments and tables in just proportion to the same. And further, to find the variable motions of the Moon, with her full, change and quarters, and also the flowing and reflowing of the Seas, if they did not find a proportional course of them, according to the moons motion, (observed by the like Tables) in regard it is said to be the Water's Paramour. And again, for Horologie if the Gnomen be not made in true ● Of Horologie. proportion to the elevation of the Pole, and the distance of hour lines drawn according to the obliquity of the Horizon, and the Meridian, so drawn, that it may cut the Equinoctial at right angles perpendicularly, and then to take the substile, according to the inclination, declination, or reclination of the mural; the Dial will be very ridiculous and idle. And further for a Clock, if the plumb of the minutes be not of such an equal (c) Theo. 35. ᵍ proportion, that it doth balance the revolution of the hour wheel, with the term of time, and the teeth of the nuts to be in true proportion to the teeth of the wheels, and the centre of the Axletrees to be equally distant, to the Semidiamiters, the clock will neither go truly or run steadyly. Now although here is sufficient demonstration, for the necessary use of Proportion, yet I will a little further illustrate the excellency thereof, it being, that no Art nor Science can work without it; all which for to rehearse would be too tedious, & my Theo. 4. a. & 33. ●. memory too short, but I will briefly touch some particulars, and by the like all the rest may be imagined. Now all Proportions of Arts and Sciences (as Doctor Dee affirmeth) do arise from The Preface in Euclid. Arithmetic and Geometry, as being inseparable twins, and the head from whence all other do flow; and therefore ᵈ The Root from whence all Arts do spring. no man can show the reason of any error, (in what Art soever) except he have understanding in their principles. For though a man may learn a trade by a lively teacher yet if he be ignorant in them, his knowledge is but blind, in regard he goeth by directions: And so, he differeth (as Marcus Aurelius saith) ●. Prac. 5. a. ● Tradition is a Bestuall knowledge. very little from a beast, for that which they do, they do as they were taught, and cannot yield a reason for the same. But for to show more plainly, how all other Arts do arise from these two; it is either simple or mixed, that is, either by Arithmetical or Geometrical proportion simply, or else by them both conjunct: for if it be upon Arithmetic simple, Doct. Dee Euclid. than it dealeth with numbers only: so far as an unite is indevisible. And if with Geometry simple, than it dealeth with Magnitudes f The linking of Arts together. only: so far as a point is indivisible. But if with Arithmetic mixed with Geometry, than it demonstrateth some Arithmetical conclusion. But if with Geometry mixed, than it demonstrateth some Geometrical purpose. And so their uses are either in things supernatural and divine, g And of their uses. by application ascending: or in things Mathematical without further application: or else in things natural, both substantial, and accidental, visible, and invisible, by application descending. For no man can number any thing without a proportional progression. And how can a man find out either Radical, Cubic, Cossicke, Surde, or any other simple or mixed numbers, without proportion: Or learn the knowledge of Mechometry, whereby lengths and distances are measured, if not by proportion of his several stations, and observations of degrees set in his instrument by the like proportion? and likewise the knowledge in Embadometry, and Stereometry, which measureth all plain Surfaces, and Solides, could not be attained, were it not for proportion. And further the Art perspective, which showeth the Optic properties of Radiations, and Reflectes: and Music, which teacheth by sense to judge of (h) Theo. 1. ˢ. sounds both high and low: and Chosmography, which describeth the whole world both heavenly and elemental: and the art Staticke, which showeth the nature of weights and their properties; and Anthropography, which showeth the perfect shape, and true proportion of the admirable shape of man, which though he grow in height, yet if he be extended, as included in a circle, whose centre is his navel, and his knees and eyes the first and third part of his height, and all his other members made so proportional one to another, that he is called Microchosmus for the excellency of his shape: and the Art trochical which demonstrateth the properties of all circular motions; and all other Arts whatsoever, none could be wrought truly if it were not for proportion. Nay, the Husbandman cannot do any thing without the ● The husbandman cannot work without proportion. aid of proportion: for if in his ploughing he doth not observe to draw his furrow by a strait line, that it may be a true parallel to the next adjacent, his land will lie neither roundly nor commendably. And likewise in his sowing, if he spread not his seed equally, it will come up very unseemly and disorderly: and for his carting, if he direct not the spurns of his wheels, to be in a strait line with the extremes of his eye, he shall be in danger of miscarrying: and further, his hedging must be wrought orderly, and for ditching it must be wrought slope-wise in such sort, that the bottom may be parallel to the top (it being wrought by a strait line, or else it will be discommendable: and likewise his Reeking, must be made by the same proportion of his Ditching, and made apt to avoid rain, or else it will be both unhandsome and receive loss by wet, none of all which can be done without proportion. Now if none of these nor any other whatsoever, (which were too tedious to rehearse) can be wrought without proportion; it were more than madness in any man, to think that this Art of Horsemanship should be gained without knowledge of the same: in regard it is included within the use of things natural, ᵏ In what part of proportion horsemanship is inclined. both substantial and accidental, etc. For if it be rightly observed, there is no Art except the Mathematics, that is so intricate for proportion as it: neither do they desire much more curious observations for proportion than it; because the man must have an imaginary proportion as well as a sensitive. (l) Theo. 13.d. For it is not sufficient to proportionate his outward motions, to the outward gesture of the Horse, but he must also proportionate the command of his will and affections, according to his Horses inward disposition: or else the fence of this Vineyard will be so weak, that the wild beasts will break in and destroy all the planting. But because the knowledge of proportion is so appertinent and necessary for this Art: it may be expected of some that I should set down a rule how a man may find it, whereby he might the more easily effect his desire. Which thing though it be very hard to do, through the multiplicity of dispositions, yet I would endeavour my best to satisfy the desirous mind, (m) Theo. 37.f. were it not that detracting tongues would abuse that liberty, in usurping that knowledge to themselves by prating, though they be as far off the knowledge in acting as they are off crowning. For they through there over lofty and selfe conceipt would then blow forth such contumelious, and reproachful speeches against the best practitioners (as over many do) in condemning their works, having but an erroneous knowledge, being fortified only with breathe, to impair their fame and discredit their estimation, although they (for the true acting) ⁿ I cannot inveigh against this carping Momus too often. are not worthy to lead their Horse to the block. But if they would desire the true knowledge so much as they do the maintenance of their own opinions, they would be ashamed to blow the coals of others disgrace (finding so much ignorance in themselves) and see their own blindness, in considering that their detracting tongues do proceed from their malicious mind. not being capable of the like performance: for where August: ᵒ Difficile est in prosperis invidia career, sola miserere caret. there is no light, there is no shadow: and where there is no knowledge there is no envy. But as Rats and Mice eat and gnaw upon other men's meat, so do detracting tongues other men's labours. But yet to conclude, I will not leave this point altogether naked, but give it one covering to hide its shame, and so leave it to the charitable mind of others, to relieve it further from the cold: and that is the rule of proportion, which for its excellency is called the golden rule, for if conceited knowledge, and ignorance beget error: what will reason and discretion yield? and so let it be multiplied by practice, and divided by experience, and they shall find, that it will yield the truth. CHAP. 39 The Conclusion. BEcause I have been more tedious in handling this Theoric part of pacing, than my intended purpose was (at the first) through so many oppositions, which did intercept me in my proceed; whereby it may be held of some, that many things ᵃ Ignorance cannot endure labour. are here spoken of, which are nothing appertinent to this Art: and therefore need not to be so curiously observed of any, nor is it needful for any man to trouble his memory with searching into such a bundle of trifles, in regard they are more superfluous than necessary, for the effecting of the same? Therefore to satisfy them in this point, they deceive themselves (in their opinions) in this Art: for if they rightly consider that the cause of a true going Horse doth chief consist in the man, they shall find that herein is not any superfluity for Theo. 4. ʰ the attaining to the knowledge thereof, but rather a defect of many things, which (some) I have omitted of purpose, for divers causes before rehearsed and others, which my memory was barren of, when I should have handled them in their proper place, and so left them out, as things coming out of due time. And therefore to make a compendium of the chief heads thereof in this conclusion, that the reader may the more easily lock them in the closet of his memory, which so many particulars would obstupidate. The man must first observe, that the (1) ᵇ Upon what this Knowledge doth chief consist. Theo. 4.r. knowledge of this Art doth not only consist of the subject of the Horse (as many do hold, excusing their ignorance with the nature of the Horse) but in the enlightening of his own knowledge, (to gain obedience.) Because at the beginning, GOD thought no creature was ᶜ God gave knowledge to Man, and ●ut sense to beasts. worthy to participate of reason but man, and therefore he let all other creatures but see their being, and to man he gave to know his being, and suffered▪ beasts to see the things themselves, and to man to know the causes of them. But the wandering ambitious spirit of man not content with this free gift of his maker, sought to know more, and thereby came to know▪ d Theo. 1. ● & 2. less. And therefore to reduce some restitution to the former estate, Art was invented to illustrate the dark corners of his understanding, whereby he might better see and know how to bring these irrational creatures to obedience, that so they might be made the more serviceable for him as at the first they were. And secondly, for the Horse, you must consider that the cause (2) of all errors and restisenesse is his disobedience and rebellion, he doing but his kind being only sensitive. And therefore it Theo. 34.c. i● your duty to gain obedience, not after your will and passion, inventing as many several tortures as you find errors; but in Disobedience the cause of rest●enesse. discretion and wisdom to judge of the cause, and so to reform the effect. And thirdly, in regard that it is only appertinent to man, to judge by reason, and thereby to govern his Horse; you must be careful to know how to join yourself and the (3) Theo. 16. Horse together, so that you may be said to be both but one subject, and that must not be in the exterior parts only, as to frame the actions of the Horse's body to the motions of your ᵈ The Man and the Horse must be both but one subject. Theo. 35.d. & 4.h. & 35.f. own: but also in the interior, that is, the desire of the Horse must be obedient to your own mind, which must be conveyed into the Horse only by your motions: for when your motions are agreeing to your mind, & the desire of the Horse yielding to those motions, and the actions of his body consonant to his desire, then both you and the Horse may be said to be one subject, the one being as ready to obey as the other to command. Fourthly, you must have care that the Horse carry a constant (4) and firm body, that is a true and comely rain, and his hinder parts so firmly knit to his foreparts, that they may Theo. 4.m. & 26. ᶜ follow steadfastly without any improper and lose carriage, his hinderlegges ever keeping the same proportion in following after, as his forelegges do in their distance of setting forward. Lastly, because you are the only agent for the effecting of (5) this Work, and that the Horse is reduced to obedience, as you have knowledge to understand yourself: Therefore it is requisite ᵉ The Horse is brought to obedience as the man hath knowledge to effect. you should enter into the consideration of your own knowledge (in this Art) which you may the better do if you compare the truth of your works with the errors, because that one contrary doth make the other more apparent: Now the means by which you may do this, is by the cause, quality, effect and the end. The cause of true obedience is yourself, 1. The cause. Theo. 1. ˢ. & 8. ●. you working by reason, and subduing your will and affections by discretion; and the cause of disobedience is yourself also, you working by ignorance, and so do follow your will more than reason, yielding to the directions of your affections. Now the true quality is obedience of the horse, he obeying with 2. The quality. all his powers to your will and command: But the contrary quality is his rebellion, having a greater desire to go after his own lust, then to yield obedience to you. The effect of true obedience is the serviceable use of the horse, after he is made subject 3. The effect. to your mind, to obey any motion either for pleasure or profit: but the effect of false obedience is his resistance (by doggedness) increased by ignorance, and so to rebel against your will. And lastly, the end of true knowledge is to bring him to 4. The ●nd. such obedience (in all things) that he will give full content and delight to you, that you may receive merit and condign praise for your judgement and performance: But the end of erroneous knowledge is to reap discontent, you being made servile to yield to your horse's lust, who will ride but at his own pleasure, whereby you shall receive great disgrace through your ignorance. All which, (if they be rightly observed in their particulars) will give you sufficient understanding, what knowledge you have in this Art, that thereby, when any opposition doth arise (betwixt your horse and you) ye may examine yourself in all or some of these, and so have a redress by your own reformation. And then you shall keep the sense of this Vineyard so strong, that it will keep out all the wild ravenous Beasts, and thereby keep it so clean from weeds and spoiling, that the Vines will spread and grow so high, as you will bring forth such fruitful Grapes, as their relish will be both exceeding pleasant and comfortable. Bern: Opinio sola, veri similitudine se tuetur. FINIS. THE TABLE OF THE first Book. CHAP. Fol. 1 THe original cause of Arts in general. 1 2 The commendations of the Art of Horsemanship. 6 3 The Corollary of the Art of pacing. 11 4 The Description of a well going Horse. 17 5 The Connecting of this Art to the man. 22 6 The office and duty of the Horseman. 25 7 How the Horseman should govern himself, and his Horse. 28 8 How the Horseman may subdue his will. 31 9 How he may overcome his passions. 32 10 That a Horseman should not be fierce nor angry. 36 11 That he should be loving, and gentle. 38 12 That he should have an apt, and able body. 41 13 That he should have a true seat and comely carriage of his body. 43 14 That he must have true use both of hand and foot. 47 15 That he must know how to help his Horse. 53 16 That he must know where to help him. 56 17 That he must know when to help him. 59 18 That he must know the disposition of his Horse. 62 19 Of the dullness of a Horse. 65 20 Of a free Horse. 69 21 Of Corrections. 71 22 The manner of correcting by the voice. 72 23 Of Correcting with the Stirrup. 74 24 Of Correction by the calf of the leg. 75 25 The correction of the Switches. 77 26 Of correcting with the Spur. 79 27 Of correcting with the Bridle. 81 28 Of correcting upon several grounds. 83 29 That he must know how to correct. 86 30 That he must know where to correct. 88 31 That he must know when to correct. 91 32 Of the 4. chief observations to know the Horse's disposition. 93 33 Of his appetite, or desire. 96 34 Of the free passage of his Wind. 99 35 Of the apt carriage of his body. 103 36 Of the true order of his head, & easy command of his mouth. 105 37 How to know the Horse's disposition by his shape. 109 38 The necessity of proportion in this Art. 115 39 The Conclusion. 119 FINIS. THE SECOND BOOK OF THE VINEYARD of HORSEMANSHIP. OR THE practic PART OF PACING. With more true Observations than have hitherto been published. Wherein is perfectly set forth how to bring any Horse of what age and disposition soever, to a fair and commendable Pace, only by the Hand. Approved and set forth by MICHAEL BARET Practitioner and Professor of the same Art: Only for the encouraging and stirring up of those which have taken delight therein, but lie slumbering in the bed of Obscurity through the abuse of the Art, by usurping Practisers. Musicae occultae nullus est respectus. LONDON, Printed by GEORGE ELD. 1618. TO THE RIGHT REVEREND FATHER IN GOD, THOMAS Lord Bishop of Peterborough, long life, with increase of Honour, and life everlasting. RIGHT Reverend, there is never a Why but there is a Wherefore; and there is never an Objection but there is expected an Answer; nor never an Answer but there is presupposed an Objection: But in this there is an objection, which is that I rove beyond the mark, in Objection. presenting this Subject to your Lordship, entreating of Horses and Hyponomie, which is not appertaining unto you, who is called to a far more excellent and spiritual function. And therefore it is requisite I should render an Answer for the defence of this my Apology upon which I need not insist unto your Lordship, that knows to what end all things were created at the beginning, better than I can any way apprehend, much less write. But yet to answer any curious inquisitor: Answer. First, although your calling is Seraphical, yet in regard (1) that God of his Fatherly Providence, did at the first create all Creatures for the use and service only of Man, and so gave a free liberty for all men to use them, with out restraint; therefore you descending from that Stock which received that prerogative, may lawfully use them, by an hereditary succession, and not any way violate your calling, they being made so necessary and serviceable for all men, (of what state or degree soever) that live upon the face of the earth. Secondly, you being a member of this bodily Realm, (2) cannot be exempted from the benefit and use of them, in as much as they are made so necessary and profitable for the whole body thereof, seeing that all the members must be relieved, maintained, and preserved, by the same means the whole body is sustained (except they should die and whither;) because all the parts of the body do participate with the whole: For proof whereof, Metap: de mate. there cannot be a better Allegorical resemblance to a bodily Realm, than the Osmund or Magnetical Epist: to the Pr. stone, for it (being complete) doth retain all the potency and virtues of the natural qualities: for it hath Doct. Ridl: de Mag. the two Poles (the one of them being of contrary quality to the other) the Axis, Equator, Meridian's, Parallels, and so all the other Circles naturally and sensibly, as are imagined or feigned to be in the Heavens. All which the directory or inclinatory needles, will attractingly delineate by their conformity and union, at convenient Angles, being moved about a Terrella or round body of the same nature. In like manner this whole Realm hath an Axis to An application. move upon, the Poles of which being differing, one tendeth to good and the other to evil; the estates and degrees of men being the Parallels, and so men's motions move upon the Meridian, their desires or wills (as an inclinatory needle doth show the Almicantarax, and Azimuth how far they do decline from either of the Poles: Amongst which Parallels, the Tribe of Levi being the chief, may be compared to the Equator, being the chief parallel, and doth demonstrate the several attractive qualities of the Magnet: for when the needle is on the one side of it, it seateth towards the North, but of the other side, then towards the South; and so, as Moses stood in the gap, you stand Psal. 106. 23. in the midst, to limit the other Parallels for declining in their revolutions past the Arctic, lest they should lose that vigour of obedience to God, and their King, and be touched with the Antarctic or contrary quality. Wherefore though your calling be differing, yet having your motion, amongst the other Parallels, or callings, for your temporary or necessary affairs, the free use and liberty of these worldly blessings of God, are as appertinent unto you as to other, and so the benefit of this worthy subject. Thirdly, in as much as God hath a general regard to preserve all things that are under the Heavens, and (3) job. 28. 24. doth provide for all: yet more especially for his Church, so that indeed the use of these, and all other Creatures are more proper to his Elect, (in regard he hath the chiefest care over them) although the wicked Vitulus mictandus liber in Paschua mittitur. Gregor. have oftentimes the greatest abundance. And therefore your Lordship being one whom God hath dignified with a most glorious calling, and likewise endued you with extraordinary spiritual gifts, for the edifying and enlarging his Church, it cannot be denied, Rom. 5. ●. but he doth likewise admit of your lawful and delightful (4) use of them; for, hath he given the greater and will not give the less? And lastly, in respect of myself, which am bound in a dutiful affection both to your Lordship and your worshipful Sons, Mr. William Dove and Mr. Thomas Dove Archdeacon, for so manifold favours, and undeserved respects which I have always received from your hands, from the first time I was known unto you, whereby I am so much obliged for the same, that if I should not lock them up in the closet of my heart there to be preserved until the period of my days; I might be utterly condemned of ingratitude, and with ovid. Telluris inutile pondus, having no other means but thankfulness to remunerate the same. Wherefore seeing the ardency of my sincere love is so much quenched by the water of imbecility, that it cannot give such a vigorous heat as the bellows of my desire would provoke, I have blown one little coal of the fire of my affection; and have presumed bold, to present unto your Lordship this part of my lives experience, being the practic of this Vineyard, hoping the relish thereof will not be distasteful, the fruit being gathered from moral and natural stocks, by the hands of practice. Wherein I have endeavoured to repair the decayed estate of this excellent subject to re-establish him in such a primary esteem, as Art and Nature can effect, both by breeding and riding. Wherein (also) I have desired to purge this noble Art from such Authentical errors as have a long time blinded the eyes of many worthy spirits; and have set forth bounds that they shall not pass, if they desire to direct their course to the mean: And wherein further I have not set forth any thing for fear or favour of ancient authority; but only what reason and experience do approve, never following my own imagination further than the truth would limit. Therefore wheresoever I have failed by circumstance, and method, (through desire in setting forth my mind so truly and plainly) I humbly desire your favourable approbation, because many inconveniences (both of matter and words) may slip out of a good scholars pen (much more out of mine) whilst the mind is fixed in contemplation of things that are hard of themselves; for, Aliquando magnus dormitat Homerus. And therefore this my simple Work being set forth crassa (ut dicunt) Minerva: I desire your Honour favourably to pass it over, and cover it with your judicious censure of my good intent, and charitable affection, that I had to publish it for the good of the Kingdom: for what error is committed, was not of neglect but ignorance; and therefore but error amoris, because (indeed) I would have done better if I could. And further, I may be condemned of impudence, for presuming to offer this so mean a gift unto your Lordship, it being so decrepit: to which I must needs confess a great remissness: But desire and want causeth impudence; and therefore I knowing this to have a little life in it, and being desirous to have it preserved, and myself not being able to give it such a vital spirit as it should; I have presumed to use your name to give better life unto it. And therefore, I humbly crave pardon for my attempt, in setting it before so mean a Work, which offence I trust you will remit, and then I shall be so infinitely indebted unto your Lordship, as I shall not know how to redeem those arrearages, but with my hearty prayers unto God for the safe preservation of you and yours, in peace and tranquillity. Your Lordships, and yours, in all humble and dutiful Service. MICH: BARET. TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE GEORGE, MARQVIS BUCKINGHAM, Viscount VILLEIRS, Baron of Whaddon, justice in Eyre of all his majesties Forests, Parks and Chases beyond TRENT; Mr. of his majesties Horse, and one of the Gentlemen of his majesties Bedchamber, Knight of the most noble Order of the Garter, and one of his Majesty's most Honourable Privy Counsel of ENGLAND, and SCOTLAND. IT is a main infirmity (Right Ephes. 4. 18. Honourable) crept into all, and never cured in any, to be (as the Apostle saith) darkened in the understanding; for experience teacheth, that the blind man is incident to many miseries; though the path be strait, yet he will wander, and though the day be clear, yet he either sees nothing, or if any thing, yet very darkly, and none are so enlightened but they see obscurely: which is the cause that all Arts and Sciences are never truly purged from errors, but still experience bringeth the causes of them to light, whereby men's knowledges are more refined from the dross of ignorence. With the weight of which, this famous Art of Horsemanship is Turkishly burdened, men's apprehensiors being so deluded by the false evidence of the senses, that th●y are blindly led by the seducing guide of traditions, never seeking any other path, but that which Antiquity hath traced; thinking that former Ages have discovered the whole World of Truth, and that there were no Islands vndetected, that were worthy the pains of discovery by any that should futurely attempt the same. Whereby this Age is so led by opinion, that whomsoever they shall see to furnish themselves for a voyage, to find more fruitful Ports, they are generlly holden factious, and will either suffer Shipwreck, or else bring counterfeit stuff. Which conceding implication hath brought such a confusion to the true knowledge of this Art, that many worthy Horses are branded with the infamous title of jades, which are of a more predominate spirit, and potency than their knowledge can comprise to bring in subjection for serviceable use; they often times working upon the effect for the cause, and so hold that which is contingent to be absolute necessary; and that such jadish and rebellious qualities as are produced (for want of judgement how to bring them to true obedience) are so naturally engrafted in those horses, that they necessarily proceed from their vile disposition: Whereby these worthy Creatures receive most unworthy disgrace, (through men's abuses) and are loaden with the burden of their faults. Whi●h abortive imputation (Right Honourable) when I seriously considered, and by diligent practice observed to be begotten by that monster (Custom) and nursed by ignorance, and forced, as necessity by the strength of error, for that such restive qualities are but accidents, and so before they were done, were contingent, and might either be, or not be, being but the proclivity of their dispositions: I have armed myself with the helmet of courage to enter combat with that ugly and triple-headed monster, (not being dismayed, for the poisonous stings, of his detracting tongues) to free these oppressed Creatures, from the torture of this burden, (they being but sensitive Creatures) and to retort it upon the neck of ignorant Professors, who are (or should be) reasonable Creatures, and therefore command the unreasonable. And for the better preservation of their worthy esteem, I have planted this Vineyard of Horsemanship▪ and fenced it about with Reason, to nourish such imps as desire to be grafted therein. Wherein is set forth (as in a glass) the causes of errors, that this generous Art might be purged from the abuses thereof; and also to bring a Horse to his highest perfection, that this old and blind Age can effect, by the Art of breeding and riding, utterly rejecting all violent means as enemy to the same, but only to work, by true order of motions, distinction by true time, and proportionating corrections, according to the Horse's disposition, for the gaining of true obedience, to agree with the man both inward and outward that they both may be one Subject, it being the scope and period of this Art. Which I have presumed to present unto your Lordship to be defended in its weakness under your protection, and to be graced with the countenance of so worthy a parsonage: whom it hath pleased God to give such favour in the eyes of our Sovereign as to grace you with many noble dignities; to be Master of his majesties Horse. Hoping your Lordship (who is of such mild nature and worthy desert) will vouchsafe to accept of this poor present, as a token of my sincere good will, and will be as a tender nurse and loving father to the diligent and true practitioners of this worthy Hyponomie. For although the Style be rude and oftentimes corrupt through an Icarius soaring, and transcending desire to amplify it above my illiterated elocution; for dum numerus addatur, pondus detrahatur; yet the grounds I know to be so true, that I will approve any part which may be held Paradoxical, with the hazard of my life, because I had rather Sillogise them operibus then verbis. And therefore I most humbly crave pardon for my presumptuous attempt, to set your name before so weak a Work, desiring your mild censure thereof, for confusa disterminat consideratio. And thus, committing your Honourable estate to the Almighty's Protection, and myself at your Honour's command, I rest, In most humble and dutiful Service, MICHAEL BARET. TO THE GENTLEMEN AND MY COVNTRYmen of NOTTINGHAM and LINCOLNSHIRE: M. B. wisheth increase of knowledge, and eternal tranquillity. Having fraught my Ship (Gentlemen) for a voyage to golden Castille, in the Vernal time of my age: thinking thereby to have laden it with such Merchandise as should have yielded sufficient profit for my future time, in the Hiems part thereof▪ but travailing towards the line, being under the Solstice point of my peregrination, a contrary wind arose and drive me to the Arctic clime, where being wether bet with the extremity of the Frozen Zone, I was glad to take up such profits as the Polare circle, of that Latitude would afford; and my weak estate redeem. But though my fraughtage is not so precious as the spices of Molucca, nor the gold of Ophir and Orients of India, whereby it might be vendable to heigh estates? yet I have unladen it, being such wares as my Frozen brain could select, and have made it doneable to the meaner sort. Hoping they will accept thereof gratefully, it being the fruit of my travail, and the harvest of my Autumnal season; and also such wares as I am sure are not counterfeit, but will endure the touchstone, having made sufficient trial of their operation not by ipse dixit, but by ipse fecit. But because danger doth always attend upon labour, there was as yet, never any that could either speak or do that which would please all men's varieties, because their brains are so sickly, and subject to ᵉ Danger is a companion of labours. take surfeits especially where the feast is, in their conceits too full, or the dishes not dressed answerable to their weak stomachs: their appetites being commanded either by conceit of their stomachs, or affection to the Cook: and so give partial judgement, without equity of the cause, and therefore to cover their own ignorance, in that thing they would be held skilful in, they contradict the sayings and doings of others, never taking pains to examine the truth: neither looking in that end of the wallet which hangeth behind. But this queasiness doth come by propagation from our first Parents: Whereby it is become a very hard thing for a man rightly to know himself. For Adam when he had transgressed, laid the fault upon Gen. 3. 12. 13. Eve, and she to excuse herself laid it upon the Serpent, and never acknowledged themselves to have sinned, thinking thereby to excuse their particular crimes. Which selfe-liking is so successively inherent in our natures, especially where there is so much inquisition, and examination of men's printed works: that if any thing be spoken or written which may touch their freehold, than they will presently have a writ of error to remove that disgrace from themselves: either by defacing the Person, confuting the Subject, or dispraising the Method: and so seek to preserve their own idle reputation, though it be with a reproachful ignominy of the painful and industrious searcher. Yet for all this, good minds should not be dismayed to take pains to set forth that which may yield profit, either to their country or commonwealth, to which end we should wholly addict ourselves, because no man ought to hide his talon in the ground, nor to desist for Math. 25. 25. all these detracting tongues and malicious minds, seeing the world hath not been free of such from the beginning for our first Parents had the Serpent to envy them, Abel had his Cain to murder him, Gen. 3. 1. & 4. 8. & 12. 9 & 20. 2. & 19 4. & 26. 14. & 29. 23. & 37. 4. 1 Sam. 20. 31. Mark. 14. 10. Math. 14 10. Noah had his wicked Cham to shame him, Abraham had his Abimelech to abuse him, Lot had the Sodomites to vex him, Isaac had the Philistines to envy him, jacob had his Laban to deceive him, joseph had his brethren to contemn him, David had his Saul to persecute him, Christ had his judas to betray him, john had his Herod to behead him, nay to be brief, all the Apostles and Prophets, had one or more to afflict them, neither can any in this age live in such sort, nor speak of any subject that shall not suffer the checks and taunts of some Zoylist's. Now if no man heretofore could set forth or speak that which would please all sects and sorts of men, shall I (that am the meanest amongst the meaner) think to plant this Vineyard so perfectly, but some Calumnies will seek to destroy this planting? Nay, but I must arm myself to endure the reproach of the most, so much the rather, because I differ so much from the traditions of the Ancients, aiming more to discover the errors of men's, as the chief cause of absurdities than the disposition of the Horse. For I know I should have pleased many better if I had laid all the fault still upon the nature of the Horse, and have given them liberty to follow their own wills, for it is more consonant to man to study to invent several tortures to inflict upon others, then to seek any reformation in themselves. And although to you Gentlemen and Countrymen, to whom I have been more familiarly acquainted, it may be thought that the fruits of my labours are idle, as the course of my life, to some hath been thought to be, because I did not addict myself to gather wealth as is their miserable inclinations: Yet if they whosoever shall have such an uncharitable conceit, will but respectively weigh my earnest desire by knowledge to build again this now decayed Art; they will I hope give me thanks for my diligent pains, rather than condemn me of vain prate, and ostentation, for as much as there is no vice that shall arise in this Art, but there is sufficient remedies for the same. For as it hath pleased God to give me an ability of mind, so hath he also given me some light how to polish that excellent part: knowing that no man can purge his soul from error (the dam of all diseased opinions) except he seek to beautify it with such knowledge, as is conformeable to reason. And therefore I have been always a vowed audersary to the opinionated vulgars', who hold that felicity doth consist in adorning the body with wealth, rather than the soul with knowledge, and so do pamper the shadow, but starves the substance. For thereby they are kept in slavery to their wills, being continually environed with grief in getting, and care in keeping. For as Aristotle saith, he that delighteth in this world must needs fall into one of these two griefs, either to lack that which he coveteth, or else to lose that which he hath gotten with great pain. Wherefore because wealth and knowledge are both unsatiable (although they be contraries) yet the one is certain, and the other uncertain, I have continually desired that which is the more certain and durable, and have less troubled myself to gather wealth, being so inconstant and soon wasted, than knowledge it being as permanent as the soul: for of it the more that a man doth impart, the more it doth increase, (d) 1. Pr. 11.c. but of the other the more that is bestowed, the more it doth waste. The consideration of which made Pythagoras to despise those riches which with liberality are wasted and lost, and with sparing do rust and rot. Wherefore (Gentlemen and Friends) seeing that the mind is the chiefest part of the man, and the greatest glory that a man can receive in this world is to enlighten it with knowledge, I have taken the more pains, to plant this Vineyard of Horsemanship, and to dress and purge it from such weeds as may hinder the young imps from flourishing therein, only for the good of my Country, for the benefit of which I was only borne: For the which my hope expects bathing but thanks; wishing a better reformation in conceited censurers (as concerning this noble Art of Horsemanship) then heretofore there hath been. For it is a misery to see how purblind the most be (who make opinion the director of their actions) thinking this Art to be so easy that it needeth small instruction for the knowledge thereof. Whereby it cometh to pass that what Horses they make good is by chance, but what they spoil is of set purpose: and yet their detraction ever haunteth desire, whosoever is notable in any part thereof, him they mark with defamation, but in trial their felicity being grounded (e) The four Cardinal virtues ought to be in every horseman. Prudence. Theo. 1. ˢ. & 5. a. justice. Theo. 29. ●. Temperance. Theo. 29.d. Fortitude. Theo. 9.d. & 22.b. (f) No Man can tell how to rule except he hath first learned to obey. upon self conceit, their effects are as false as their hearts. But to let them alone, frying on the gridiron of their searing conscience, whosoever doth desire to be an imp graffed in this Vineyard, and desireth the title of that generous quality, must strive to gain to himself those four Cardinal virtues which are in every noble spirit. For he must have Prudence, to work discreetly and orderly without confusion, ever examining his works by reason, and not by his will. He must also have justice to proportionate his helps and corrections (equally) according to the Horse's disposition. And likewise he must have Temperance, to subdue and refel the rebellion of his will and affections, when they shall be provoked thereto; And lastly, he must have Fortitude, to conquer the unruliness of the Horse's disobedience. Any of all which if the man be defective (howsoever he may judge of himself) he is as far from the truth thereof, as he is from drowning. And though this Method may be thought more ethnical than Cavalarie, in regard it doth treat more of reformation in the Man, then of teaching the Horse. Let them know (if they rightly understand themselves) that it doth derogate nothing at all from this Art: for Man being a reasonable creature, is said to be a King and ruler over a Horse (being unreasonable) and because no Man can rightly rule, except he hath first learned to obey; therefore he shall never truly know how to command his Horse except he first learn how to command himself, for what speculative knowledge soever a man hath, if he hath not an actual government, it is but a shadow. Wherefore (Gentle Reader) although in these my simple works thou shalt find me gross, unlearned, and barren of such lively graces, and gifts, as (indeed) should be full fraughted in the brain and understanding of him that will undertake to speak of such an excellent Art, for to content the most; I therefore desire thee most hearty, favourably to bear with me, and my good intended mind, and friendly to accept the ground of my earnest good will, in regard I have done my best: for sith there is none that hath natural conceptions, but they have also natural digressions; if there be some as aforeshowne, that will maliciously deprave, defile, or spot, these my simple doings, or corruptly extol the glory of their own excellency, through dispraise or despite of this that I have so rudely wrought. Yet I doubt not, but there will be others that will accept, and further this my willing mind, in publishing this my lives experience and practise, and so take it thankfully, in regard it will be a general profit to the world, if the Theoric be rightly understood, and the practic truly performed. Farewell: M. B. THE SECOND BOOK of the Vineyard of Horsemanship; Setting forth the practic Part. Wherein is shown how to work according to the true understanding of his Theoric Knowledge. CHAP. 1. How long Horses have been in use. IT hath been a question amongst some, (but whether necessary or no I cannot say, let the truth demonstrate it) how long it is since Horses first came to be in use: But sith it is a thing of so small moment, or rather a question, in my conceit very frivolous, I will not stand long thereupon. First, because it is manifest they had their beginning from the beginning, (in as much as they are Creatures:) for at the beginning God made the Heavens ᵃ Gen. 1. 1. and the earth and all things therein, if he made all things therein, than he made horses also, and so received their use, Theo. 1. ●. for he made them and all other Creatures only for the use and service of man, except they will say that nature made any thing superfluous, which were very absurd to conceit. Nay it is a great probability that he made them more especially for the present use, as very necessary for Man, in as much as he created Theo. 2. ●. them such famous Creatures, not only in strength but also in beauty, and courage above all other sensitive Creatures. And Secondly, if I should bestow much time to approve that which none or (at the most) few do deny, I might be held very idle, to spend either paper or time to confute that which so few oppugn against, except it be such curious inquisitors as desire to show their fantastic brain more in enquiring how long they have been in use, than they desire to get knowledge how to use them. And lastly, because no man heretofore (that I ever read) speaking either of this subject, or treating of any other matter) hath certainly set down in what manner they had their use, and so continued from the beginning. Therefore in regard I will not errare a via, and so confound myself in such a labyrinth, I mind not to insist further here upon; but refer it to them which are of greater reading of Histories, (especially because I intent not to set down any thing for certain) but that which I know may be supported by truth. And yet if they Which is the sacred word. will not be herewith contented, but will further object, that though they were created at the beginning, they have not been so long in use, because there hath not been any mention of their use till this later Age of some few hundred years. I answer, that is no proof that they were not in use before; for many things have been in long use which have not had long narration: For I never read where there is any mention made of war (in any place) until the time of Abraham, (a little before the promise was made unto him▪) when Chedor Laomer, and three other Kings did war against the Kings of Sodom and Gomorrha, wherein Lot, Abraham's brother's Son was taken Prisoner, which when Abram heard he mustered up an host Gene. 14. (9) (12) (14) (19) in his own Household, and redeemed him; for which Melchisede●h met and blessed him: And yet no doubt but there was war used long before, although not before then spoken of. So in like manner horses, though there be not any thing recorded of them (so ancient) yet it is to be supposed they have been longer in use then written testimony doth approve (by the great numbers of them that are every where related:) for it is manifest that Pharaoh pursued the Israelites with great store Exod. 14. 23. of Horses and Horsemen; And in the time of joshua, when the Josh. 9 4. Kings of the promised land, came to war against the Israelites, it is said that they came with Horses and Chariots exceeding many. From whence there is great probability (by the multitude of them) that they were long in use before that time, although there is no great specialty made of them. And again, in salomon's time it is said that he had forty thousand stalls of 1. King. 4. 26. Horses for his Chariots, and twelve thousand Horsemen, by which great numbers also, it is to be presupposed that long before then both Horses & Horsemen were in use; otherwise there could not have been found so many expert Horsemen to have served such a King, (who had knowledge in all things above From the 30. to the latter end of the Ch. all men) if long time before then had not gained experience for the knowledge of so noble an Art. Wherefore to desist from spending any more time (for the proof of so plain a case) I could wish that there were greater Favourites of this Art, and more true Searchers into the true knowledge thereof, for seeing both Horses and Horsemen Application. are of such antiquity, it doth serve to reprove our Age, (which hath had the benefit of all preter Ages since then) that there is so many now living, (although they would be accounted Horse men,) that are so ignorant in this Art, that they neither know what is the office and duty of a Horseman, nor can tell what a well-going Horse is, nor the true cause from whence any contrariety doth arise in his Horse: For if they did, they would oftentimes be ashamed to speak (if they did know themselves) when they think they speak wisely: And so condemn themselves for thinking this Art so easy to be learned since it is of so great antiquity, and yet is fraughted with so many errors, whereby such a noble subject is so much disgraced, and such a famous Art so mightily defaced. CHAP. 3. How to choose your Stallions and Mares. IT hath been an order observed of the most that have heretofore written of this subject, to set forth the order of breedding, before they treat of the Art of riding, which order I very ● A Horse is the matter, and Man is the instrument. well allow, because there must be first matter to work on before any thing can be effected. But because there hath been such excellent observations set forth, both for Stallions and Mares, by so many ancient and famous Writers, whose opminions, are held very Authentical; therefore I will not spend much time herein and especially in regard I intent not to set forth any thing to a public view, but what experience hath made probable; wishing them that are desirous of deeper knowledge therein, to repair to Mr. Markham's works, whose opinion doth parallel the best that hath formerly written both for breeding and training them up from their foaling till they come to the use of the saddle. Yet because I will not leau● this point altogether naked and untouched, (in regard this book may come into their hands who have not his) I will briefly set down my opinion, as an apren●h●sis of their judgements; craving leave to set forth my observations and experience as well as they their collections, ● Not any Art hath its perfection. sith no man as yet could write of any Art so perfectly, which hath not had some digressions. Wherefore whosoever would have a Stallion to breed by, (in hope to reap the fruit of his desires▪ for any part of this noble Art of Horsemanship) I hold that the Barbarian and the Turkey ●ra●lions are the best of all other for general uses, because ● The Barbarian ●nd Turkey Hor●e is the best for breed. I have found in these two kinds such perfect Horses, both for service, swiftness and proud going, as well for pleasing pace as gallant trot, (with shape and colour) that they have combust all other horses of what race soever, which have appeared in the presence of their radical splendour, although it is holden that the Spanish jennet, the Irish hobby, and Arabian Couser is held both by Master Blundevill, and Master Markham, to be the chief for pacing: And the next unto them is the ᵈ A Bastard Stallion is very good. bastard Stallion, begotten by one of them, on our English Mares, which doth exceed either of them in toughness, by reason of the apt composition of the purity of their substance, in respect of their hot clime, and the humidity of our more temperate zone. Which my assertion the Lord of Northumberland, (for a pure Turk) can approve the one: and that Noble and famous Knight Sir Anthony Mildmay both for pure and Bastard Barbery's, can witness the other, for strength, courage, beauty, and touchnesse: out of which race I had rather have a Horse for the effecting of any part of Horsemanship, either upon pawn of my life or reputation, then of any other in this Kingdom, having had such full experience of them. Now when you have gotten a Stallion of some of these races, and would have Mares also to cohere with them for to bring the perfectest Colts, let them be of our ●nglish breed, because they will add a more firm knitting of all the parts of the colts, but yet there ought to be a care that their shape should be as near to the true shape as is possible, because it is both the most beautiful, and also the nearest by all probability, to the primary (e) Theo. 33. p. creation, to the restitution whereof all Arts were invented. Which should be of stature somewhat large but not very high, a small Head, full Eye, wide Nostril, a prick Ear though somewhat Long, a firm and thin Crest, with a long and strait Neck, being well compassed in the nag at the setting on of (f) Theo. 37.d. the Head, a broad Breast, deep Chested, a round Back, being Barrell-Ribde, and the short ribs shut up somewhat close to the Hucklebone, the Buttock somewhat long so it be proportionable, a flat Leg, and strait Foot, and a hollow Hoof, to which proportion, both for Sallions and Mares, when you have obtained, you may resolve yourself that you have the perfection of nature, and then if in proof you fail of your expectation, there is no fault in nature, but in the abuse. CHAP. 4. Of the courage of the Stallions and Mares. But as for the courage of the Stallion, if I shall any deal dissent in my judgement from the opinion of others, do not utterly condemn me, but weigh the differences, and then I hope my opinion will be held the more tolerable with some; for where as it is holden that those horses which will be contained either within pail, rail, or quickset, especially if he have any prospect, are not sit for Stallions, because they are not held to be of any great courage, or gentle and good disposition, but are reputed to be of a fearful, and heavy weak nature: which position I cannot hold good, although set down by one whom I much reu●rence. First, in regard of the great danger (1) ● What danger such Horses are in. they are in for sticking or laming through their unruliness. And secondly, it is not altogether a necessity of nature, for it doth not frame every individuum, either in the extreme of freeness, (2) An instance. or dullness, but some are composed in the mean difference, or temperance, as for example, in colours, it is not upon necessity that there must be either white or black, sith there may be either blue or green or such like. And lastly, it is not consonant to reason, for it doth teach that (3) ᵇ The mean is the best. Theo. 28. g. ᶜ The best bred horses are soon spoiled for want of knowledge. Theo. 37. ˡ the mean in all things is the best: therefore those Stallions which are of such a fierce spirit, and hot disposition are worse to breed upon then a more temperate nature, because those Colts that are so bred are more of them spoiled, (for want of knowledge in the Art) than those which are held more dull, they requiring greater judgement to bring them to a gentle command of riding, which thing gross ignorance doth make too apparent, for where one of those Horses is brought to his perfection there is twenty that are either spoiled, or at the least a great deal of their beauty and valour darkened. And again, if they be of such a dogged and cruel disposition that they will bite or strike, ● A Stallion of a dogged disposition is not the best to breed on being of such a high spirit, they are not to be so much commended for Stallions, although in courage they be exalted in the Suparlative degree, because of the great danger that may happen to a man by a horse of such an evil disposition, in regard a man's life is to be held far more precious than the delight of many horses. And therefore I commend the Barbary, and the Turk above all other; because they are for the most part of a mild and gentle disposition, and of a mean temperature, being refined by a porportionate heat of the Sun to their ᶠ A Horse is naturally hot. nature, which maketh them of a good courage, and apt to be brought to any reasonable obedience, if the man hath knowledge in this Art, to join it to nature. But if it be so, that you cannot get a Stallion of such a temperate disposition, as you desire, as for the most part it happeneth, for want of true observation in former races: then for the better knowledge how you may bring your race of Colts to a mean courage which is the best: you must observe, that if your ᵍ How to have your Colts of a mean temperature. Stallion be of a high spirit, & fierce, then to choose your Mares, so near as you can, of the shape aforesaid, but yet of a more mild and soft disposition, but if he be more sober and not so full of spirit as you desire, then have a greater care that your Mares may be of a more free and quick disposition: (g) A simile. Theo. 33.h. for as poison of itself if it be not delayed will cause a confusion of the substance, but if infused with other simples of contrary quality, it is made restorative: Even so, if both the individuums be hot and fiery, the Species must needs according to reason be more fierce, for if two fires be added together, they will ʰ The Signs & Planets have operation in all sublunary bodies. 1. Pr. 5. ●. cause the greater heat: But if the one be of one excess, and the other of another, than it is likely the Species will participate the nearer to the mean: whereby you shall receive your hopeful expectation, if it be not intercepted by the several Aspects of the Signs and Planets, which have a continual operation in all sublunary bodies at the time of their begetting by the 1. Cor. 3. 9 providence of God, & is the secondary cause of the several diversities of every individuum, and therefore, Though Paul plant and Apollo water, yet it is God that must give the increase. (h) 1. Pra. 13. ● Theo. 37. ● For although breeding by Art may help something towards the primary creation, yet it can never make it perfect, both for want of strength of the earth (it waxing old) and also through notious Aspects of the superior Orbs appointed of God to work Fatal ends to all living creatures, for a punishment of man's disobedience. CHAP. 5. Of the colour of the Stallions and Mares. NOw because there is and hath been so much diversity of opinions touching the colours and marks of Horses, some commending one colour and some another, as characters whereby the goodness of a Horse may be known: some affirming that the cause thereof proceeds from the complexions, other some from the Elements, and so are wedded to a traditional opinion, still desiring to retain the first liquor their knowledge ᵃ Tradition is an enemy to knowledge. Theo. 38. ᵉ was seasoned withal, esteeming those Horses which are either Brown, Daple-Bayes, Daple-grayes, White-lyards or jet-blackes, having their whites, are holden the best Horses, and so have a strong implication of the goodness of the Horse by his colour. And again, others seeing the former so drowned in the Whirlpool of this erroneous conceit, fearing lest they should be overthrown with the same waves, have split themselves upon the rock, holding that the colour and marks of a Horse are of no greater note to judge of his goodness, then to M. Morgan. judge the goodness of a man by the wearing a Feather in his Hat, and so would make natural colours of no greater eminency than those that may be taken and left ad placitum, at a Mans own pleasure. Wherefore for the vnfoulding of these ambiguities, and divers opinions, give me leave (gentle Reader) to set down my opinion, which I have collected by experience, for the enlightening ᵇ The Horse's colour is to be respected as indifferent. of the minds of them which desire the knowledge of the truth. For although the horses colour doth not absolutely give testimony unto us of his goodness, yet I say that it doth intimate unto us his disposition (in some part) as well as his shape doth: For nature having no defect, (God being the Author thereof by his providence,) it doth frame every part of the Metap. same matter, whereof the whole is form: and therefore the Colt being form of the copulative seed of its Sire and Dam, receiveth the same quality (so far as reason can teach,) of the food that they did eat which did produce the seed, wherefore ᵉ How the hair doth demonstrate the horse's quality. the hair being an excrement, doth receive colour of that quality also, participating of the same subject, and doth demonstrate partly the disposition of the Horse, as the leaves of a tree doth the nature of it, they being also its excrements. For upon this I dare pawn my credit, if you have a Colt, either Bay, Black, Dark or Iron-gray, Glead-hued-gray, or Sorrell, if they have no whites (especially in their forehead) one may boldly say that Horse to be of a dogged and sullen disposition, and the rather if he have a small pink eye, and a narrow face, with his nose bending like a hawks bill. But yet I will ᵈ There are horses good of all colours. not say that all those Horses which are of the best reputed colours, do prove the best, because I have seen to the contrary, for some Horses which have been of such colours as have been accounted the worst, as bright Sorrel, and Mouse-blacke, with Bald faces, and all the legs White above the knee, that have made jades of the other. But I judged the cause hereof doth rather arise from the ignorance of the Rider, then from any imbecility of nature, for nature is no counterfeiter, to gild a leaden cup with gold or to make a thing to show to the eye any other than it is indeed. And therefore as I would not wish that men should be too ᵉ The judgement by colour is not utterly to be rejected. confident in colours, so I would not they should esteem them so lightly, as that they should hold them of no greater validity than a feather in a man's hat, for that is a thing inherent to nature for them to have hair growing, because it is all the Garments that Nature hath given them to keep them warm: and if it be taken away it will grow again, but a Feather may be put to, or taken from a man's Hat, at his pleasure. And as it seemeth to keep them warm, it doth set forth the beauty of the horse, and doth (in some sort) demonstrate his disposition, for as the Schools hold, Omnis rei pars, eandem naturam cum toto participate: Every part of the thing doth participate of the same nature with the whole: But howsoever the colour may be changed either by the Sun or the Air, that is but an exterior accident, but the marks which they have at their first foaling, is to be of more account than a feather in a ● For a Feather may be taken away or put to at pleasure. man's hat, both for the special observation of Nature's works, and also for the more beautifying of so famous a Creature: For although it cannot simply and absolutely demonstrate (as the root of the horses quality) because it hath a more obscure beginning from the first qualities, yet as the metaphysics define Metaph. de col●ribus. it, Color est splendour corporis, lumine illustrati, colour is a splendour or light of the body to garnish or beautify it. And here in is the favour and mercy of God shown to man, that he doth not only give us things for necessity, but even for delight also; for he sendeth things as well to please the sense as for use. Therefore, seeing Man is so much subject to serve his eye, the dapple grey, the white Liard, having a black Mussel, black (f) Theo. 37. ᵖ eyelids, and the inside of his ears black, the dapple bay, the jet black, and a perfect Chestnut, having his mane and tail flaxen, if they have their whites in their foreheads, white snips and white feet answerable, with a true proportion, they give as great content to the beholders as can be wished; for such ● A beautiful Horse is as delightful as any unreasonable Creature. a horse which hath one of these colours and an equal shape, is as delightful an object (for an irrational Creature) as Man can behold, and as perfect as Nature can work; and consequently, if such a horse prove bad, I dare say the cause doth not proceed from him but from the man. Furthermore, whether the causes of such variety of colours in horses do proceed first from the elements, and so from the complexions, I make a doubt: Although it is holden that every horse doth receive his complexion according to the nature of that Element which is most predominate in him, and also his colour according to his complexion; upon which I will not insist but sleight it over with a swift foot. First, because it is a rock too hard for me to penetrate, there being such diversities of opinions, that the discussing thereof, would rather require a whole volume, than a part of a Chapter. Secondly, because the approbation thereof doth not appertain to this Treatise, therefore I refer it to those Arts to which it doth appertain. And lastly, seeing there are said to be but four Elements, and so successively four complexions, (from ʰ The reason why it is doubtful whether the cause of colours proceed from the Elements. Theo. 18. ●. which all colours and dispositions are said to proceed) yet there are so many several diversities of these, that if all the Artists in the world should proportionate the least excessive quality in every particular element (gradatim) one in another; yet they could not prescribe so many dispositions as there are Horses, in proportion, as one to a thousand, because there is no two but there is a dissimilitude betwixt them. But because I would not seem to make my doubt upon a prejudicated opinion without reason, I will only touch the two excess colours, which do not consist of any other, and the metaphysics ¹ White and black are said to be the essence of the other colours. opinion for the cause of them: Now they do define white thus; Albedo est color simplex in corpore teniore, multa luminositate constans: Whiteness is a simple colour consisting in a thinner body with much light. But whiteness is also found in a body of more density, as in Marble, and therefore that cannot be a true definition. And again, they define black thus; Nigredo autem est color in corpore crassiore, exiguae luminositatis particeps: But blackness is a colour participating in a more thick body of a smaller light. Now there being words of the comparative degree used in both, the definitions cannot stand with the Logical proposition of the essence, for it is the nature of the essence not to admit more or less, but here it is said more of the light to be in ᵏ A simple colour cannot be without an Essence. whiteness, as though that light should participate with the genus more than other colours: and likewise less of the light to be in blackness, which if it be, the light is more proper to the colour, than the quality the which the genus doth constitute to the colours. For the genus is communicated equally to all the species, otherwise blackness were a less colour than whiteness; (huc usque Doct. Bright.) And again, this have I found by experience, that although black and white be opposite in sight, yet those horses which are so coloured are not so in quality; for I have seen two horses, the one white and the other black, and yet they have joined ˡ Two Horses of contrary colours may be of equal goodness. so like in goodness, as it was hard to judge which were the better, which could not be if the cause did proceed from the contrariety of the Elements, for, than they would work a contrary effect. And where it is aforesaid shown that black Theo. 28. l. ᵐ Contrary causes produce contrary effects. is of a more thick substance, if one should go to the difference of Climes, and so to the complexion of men in those Climes, I cannot see how it should be of any such density: for the Ethiopians are all black, and yet they are ayrier than we that are more white, by reason of the adustion of their bodies, the moisture thereof being exhaled by the heat of the reverberation of the Sunnebeameses. And Staeflerus doth affirm that the Staeflerus. Moors living in the torrid Zone about the equinoctial, are more agility but of less permanancy, than we, and their wives do bring forth more speedily, and with more facility than our Women d●e, and all is through the rarity of their bodies. Wherefore to conclude this point, not insisting any further herein, having prosecuted it further than I did intend: I cannot hold but that the colours of Horses are of greater esteem than a feather in a man's hat, neither that the cause of their diversity doth proceed either from the Elements or complexions, but (as I have said) partly from the nature of the seed of generation, but especially from the continual mutability of the Signs and Planets, every one of them having such differing 1. Pr. 8.d. motions (by force of the prim●m mobile) that not any two times they equally agree in all aspects and places, but they vary ● The chief cause of difference is from the continual mutability of the heavens revolution. 1. Pr. 4.h. either in their houses, triplicities, terms, faces, exaltations, retrogradations by combustion, or aspect of one benevolent Planet with a malevolent, meeting in some disaster house: or by a malevolent aspect of two benevolent Planets, and many such like, (too tedious to rehearse) any of which doth hinder Nature's works, they being the chief Governors of all sublunary bodies; and therefore although Man may endeavour by Art of breeding to help some reasonable restitution, yet the effect must be referred to God's secret will, because no Man can tell the time when any Mare shall conceive. CHAP. 6. At what years Horses and Mares are aptest for generation. THere is nothing that doth more captivate or make men ᵃ Custom the Nurse of opinionated errors. Theo. 10. ●. servile to the yoke of ignorance, than Custom, the Nurse and dam of all opinionated errors: For Time, which is both the increaser and diminisher of all things (human,) hath made our understanding so blind and impotent in this part also, through the deceivable opinions, and erroneous practice of former times (whereby they are swallowed so deep and dived so far in the main Sea of traditions,) that our old iron Age is not sufficient to plunge them out of that gulf of ignorance, to keep them from drowning therein; for the most going like blind men, never going any way but as they are led, suffer themselves to be led by that deceivable conceit, till they be swallowed up so deep in the river of differences, that they are never able to find the truth by any rule of reason: And so they resemble sheep which desire to feed upon the green downs till they get the rot. For although they are desirous to have comely Stallions and ᵇ Many desire old Horses to breed upon. Mares to breed upon, yet they deceive themselves in their age, for the maintenance of that courage and comeliness that should be in the species; in that they do not rightly consider Nature's works nor the cause thereof: For it is so commonly frequented, (even as a custom) that the Horse which they desire to breed by, must be an old horse, so that when he is past any other use, (by reason of weakness and decrepit old age) than he is good enough to breed upon; as though weak and Note. feeble age, (which hath not lust and strength to preserve it▪ self) had sufficient nature to beget another more strong and lusty. But for the reforming of which traditional error, to the good of the future age of my Country, whose happiness I and every one is bound to preserve: I have endeavoured myself (so much as in me lieth to purge the truth from the dregs of this imperfection. Wherefore they are desirous to join the Art of breeding with Nature, in such sort as they would receive the Period of their wishes, in the superlative degree; I hold Mr. Morgan his opinion, that whosoever will lay a sure foundation to build high upon this subject, he must look back to the first Creation if he desire a restitution to that perfection: For when God had created all things▪ and gave them that blessing to increase and ᶜ God gave the power of begetting to all Creatures in their best perfection. multiply, it was in their greatest and highest degree of their perfection and strength, and not in their imperfection; for else Nature might seem to be unperfect, in not producing such natural effects, as might preserve that necessary good for the ends they were ordained. But because heat and moisture are the only instrumental means, whereby all the faculties of any genus are maintained in their greatest strength, there must be an equal commixture in the same: Therefore neither a Colt that is not come to his perfection of strength, nor an old horse that is declining and past the same, are fittest to breed upon, nor likewise Mares when they are in either of the said excesses. For a Colt that is ᵈ A young Colt is not fit to beget and why. but in his increasing and growing faculty, being but the vegetative part, his seed is not apt for generation, he being not come to his material perfection and strength; for by reason of the excessive moisture that is in him for want of years his seed cannot be of a perfect temperature for generation, because all perfect seed for procreation must be hot and dry, and plenty thereof full concocted, to temper the coldness, and moisture of the seed of the Mare. And likewise, if the Mare be young also, her seed will be the more cold and moist, especially it not being full concocted by the strength of Nature, by reason her seed in the highest perfection is cold and moist, and so it must necessarily follow, that those Colts so begotten must for the most part prove Fillies, or if they be Colt Foales, yet they will be much fleshy jointed, great limmed, thick Boned, Heavy, and Dull, according to the natural operation of cold and moisture, whose property is to conjoin and knit into a Massy lump without proportion. And again, if a Colt should be begotten of an old Horse ᵉ An old Horse is not good to breed on and why. and an old Mare, in regard they want the power and efficacy of their natural heat vigour and spirit, he will be over cold and dry. through the predominancy of coldness and dryness, that doth reign in them; and then that Colt that is so begotten will be as the common proverb is, soon ripe, soon rotten, of little Strength, short lived, of small spirit and courage, and of a bad shape, for that it wanteth that heat and perfect moisture (I mean an oily substance,) which are the chief preservers of life and good spirit. And so the like (by proportion) may be applied to an old Horse and a young Mare, and also to a young Horse and an old Mare, by reason that the like causes do always produce the like effects. Wherefore the Middle age of them both, I mean from six ᶠ Horses and Mares of the middle age are best to breed upon. years till twelve, or if it be fourteen it is not much amiss in such Horses as are of a more hot spirity disposition; is the best to breed upon, they being of equal temperatures. For the Horse being of middle age, and in his best lust: hath his seed hot and dry; and the Mare being in like manner, hath her seed cold and moist having plenty on both parts, and that in the greatest perfection of heat and natural strength of body, do make a temperature of such a high degree of perfection, that the Colt will be full of vital spirit, of high courage and pride, thin and dry bones, great sinews and arteries, and of such a most beautiful and perfect shape, (through the natural quality of heat, which doth refine the whole body from dross in such manner, as if Art and Nature did strive for supremacy in their works. But to make this more plain by a simile; As the light of a ᵍ A simile of a Lamp. 1. Pra. 8.b. candle is maintained by heat and moisture, if there be a true proportion betwixt the substance of the weike, and the quantity of tallow or oily substance, the splendour or light is the more perfect and durable; but if either of them be more predominate or tending to either excess of too much or too little, that is, if the weike be so big as there is not moisture enough to qualify the heat thereof, the light will be very violent for the time, but it will be soon spent: or likewise if the oil or Moisture be more than the strength of the fire can dry, through the smallness of the weike, then is the light so very small and imbecile, that it giveth a very weak light and is always in going out. Even so, a Colt if the seed whereof he is framed be of a perfect temperature, both in heat and moisture, his actions will ʰ Application to the seed. be of great splendour, delight and very permanent, but if either of the two qualities be predominate, then will he either be too prodigal and free, and so soon decay himself, or else so slow and weak that it will much darken his glory. But yet that the cause of these two qualities doth proceed 1. Pr. 8. ᶜ &d. ● The Sun is the cause of all vital heat, and the Moon the cause of the moisture. from the elements, I dare not say: for the cause of the heat doth proceed from the Sun, it causing a heat in all Sublunary bodies, which is the vital part: and the moistness from the Moon by reason of her humidity, and so it is the vigetative part: for although we live in the air yet we are composed of the elements, for as a child is nourished in the womb, but yet not made of the womb, so are we nourished by the air but not made of it. CHAP. 7. How the Stallion and Mare should be kept with food for the increase of good seed. THe next thing that is to be observed for helping to reduce breeding to his highest perfection, so far as the knowledge of Man can comprehend, is, to have a care that the Horse and Mare do feed upon such food as will engender the perfectest seed. For as the vigetative part of the individuum is preserved by the food it doth receive, so is the sensitive part made more pure, or gross according as the nourishment thereof hath his natural operation: and therefore such as the natural quality of ᵃ Such as the quality of food is such, as the seed that is increased thereby Theo. 37. ᵇ meat is in operation: such will be the natural quality of the powers of seed for generation: for perfect and good meat doth produce perfect and good blood, and it bringeth forth perfect and good seed: for after the meat is concocted every part thereof is dispersed into the several parts of the body, to maintain the whole: But the chiefest part is converted into blood, and being infused into the vital parts, it doth reside into the liver, as the store house thereof, from whence there is conveyed by two veins into the two cods they being the vessels of seed, a certain white thick substance, there residing with a quantity of the purest blood, which by the operation of the stones is made a perfect seed, fit for procreation. And so that part of seed which is hot and dry (as the Physicians hold) goeth to the right cod, which doth beget the male: and that which is cold and moist to the left which doth beget the female. And the like is to be observed in the Female, but more cold and moist, by reason of that humidity that doth reside in them, to nourish the vigetative part of the Colt in the womb. Wherefore seeing that the cause of good and bad, hot and The proof of the former assertion. cold seed, doth first proceed from the meat that the Horse and the Mare do eat; and that the seed hath the same quality of heat and cold, as the food hath whereby they are nourished; and that the Colt doth partake of the same temperature the seed is on; therefore it is behoveful that there should be a greater care had then hath been heretofore of the food on which they shall feed, that it may be of such quality as will produce a Colt of the best perfection. But herein also hath our Stepdame ignorance lulled many a long time, in the cradle of accustomed error, whereby they are fallen into such a dead sleep of conceit, that it is as hard for a Man to awake them, as to raise Lazarus out of his Grave being four days stinking. For it is a thing generally holden (but yet Note a mere delusion. as evil as general;) that whensoever they would have their Horse to serve their Mares, it is meet that the Horse should be put either to Soil, or to Grass as the Mare is, or else it is not possible that the Ma●e should hold. Which opinion is also as false as it is common▪ for I myself have had, and also have known others to have had, Mares covered with Horses that have been in strict diet for a match▪ and yet have holden and brought forth Foales of sufficient perfection, but yet I hold that the goodness of the Colt was much abated by reason of the contrary quality of the seed of the Mare, which did extenuate the strength of the operation of the Horse's seed, she being at grass. Now if there be such an imbecility in nature's works that she cannot show her force, being letted but in part, what defect will there be in that Colt which is form of that seed, which ᵇ grass is no good food for increasing good seed. 1. Pr. 9 a. is concocted (from them both) of raw and cold food, such as grass is: there is no man if he have any understanding, but he will confess that Colt must needs be of that raw, cold, and moist quality, according to the natural quality of the food, whereby they will be of a gross and fleshy disposition, and of a dull and heavy spirit. Therefore for the preventing of these and many more inconveniences (too long to rehearse) and that they desire to bring their race to the best perfection: let them observe to feed both their Horse and Mare, with such food as shall be both hot and dry, according to the true nature of a Horse, because (as hath been said) the Colt doth participate of the same quality and temperature of the food: and because if they both feed of one and the self-same meat, there will increase an uniform seed without contrariety. For the effecting whereof I would wish them that carry such a noble and generous mind, as to re-edify the decayed building of this famous subject; and to exalt him ᶜ Good natural feeding and moderate exercise purifieth the blood and so the seed. again to the Superlative degree, to keep their Horse and Mare in as strict diet as is used for a match, letting them have moderate excercise, which will further digestion, and exhale moisture from the seed, and also cause a pure and delicate brain, and make them both full of lust and courage, and likewise such good feeding doth refine the vegetative part in perfecting the blood, and composeth a most dainty and good seed, whereby the Colt will be most beautiful and excellent, and of a high and full spirit. And therefore let their meat be old sweet hay, well cleansed from dust, and their provender old clean ᵈ What meat they should eat to cause good blood. and sweet oats, well mingled with old beans, giving them such reasonable store as they shall not be forced (through hunger) to feed too much upon hay, and if their provender be often washed with strong Ale it will give the better courage. And let their bread be made of four pecks of wheat, and as many beans well ground, refining them through a meal sieve and very light with barm, for the lighter it is the sooner it 2. Pr. 22. ˣ will be digested, and so turn better blood: or if that be held too costly, then to six pecks of beans, put but two pecks of ● Wheat is a comforter of the heart. wheat, & it will not be much amiss, but yet the more wheat the better, because it is hot and dry, and so a great comforter of the heart and vital parts: But whereas Mr. Morgan doth wish that the bread should be baked (with the bran) as it cometh from the Mill▪ I am of a contrary mind, because bran is void of good nourishment, and doth scald the stomach (it being extreme hot and dry) and so doth inflame the blood, which ᶠ Bran doth inflame. will be an utter enemy to the designs of this project; for the inflammation of the blood doth corrupt the seed. Furthermore, for their let it be a fair running spring, or else a clear standing pond water (where the other is not to be had,) but let them fetch it evening and morning a ᵍ Of their water and their using therein. 2. Prac. 10. ● mile or two, for their exercise, observing to warm them a little after their water, not suffering them to drink their fill at the first, but after they have taken their first draft, gallop them a little to warm it, and then let them drink again, and after that gallop them as you did before, never letting them departed till they will drink no more, and so by this order you shall free the stomach from such raw crudities, as the coldness of the water would incite, (if they did drink their fill at the first) and further, in letting them have their fill it will keep their bodies from drying too fast, because Nature itself is the best director for the expelling of her enemies, especially in these creatures, where she can command the appetite. But whereas Mr. Morgan doth wish to put wine into their 2. Pra. 22. ʰ Wine is no natural drink for a Horse. water, to qualify the heat thereof, I hold it not proper feeding for a horse in regard they naturally desire to drink water, and when a horse is in perfect state of body, as it is to be supposed these must be, nature doth aways desire that which will preserve 1. Pra. 12. ●. Theo. 37.n. 1. Pra. 8. g. it, & to fly from that which will hurt it, in that every thing is maintained by the like, and destroyed by the contrary; and so their own natural heat for warming their water is better than that which proceedeth from any other. Now when you have brought them home, either from their water, or any other excercise, (as occasion shall be offered) let them be had presently into the stable, (it being made clean ¹ How to use them after they come from their water. and sweet) and rub them clean and dry, letting them be round stopped with great wads of straw, and good store of litter under them to keep them warm, that they cool no faster than nature is able to expel such gross humours, as otherwise would (n) congeal by cooling faster than the blood can have its natural course to nourish all the parts of the body, which is the cause of 2. Pr. 10. ●. all sickness and diseases. Which done, let them stand upon the snaffle an hour or more, (till they be through cooled,) without any meat except a little hay in the rack to chaw upon; for 1. Pra. 9 ᵃ ᵏ Cooling too fast or eating too hot, will corrupt the blood. if you should give them meat before they be through cold, it will concoct sooner than nature doth desire by reason of the exterior heat which was provoked by labour, and so will inflame the natural heat, which is the cause of imperfect digestion. Then when they are cold, let their bridles be drawn, and their bodies and legs well chafed and rubbed, letting them have such a quantity of bread or other provender, as (in your Theo. 18.f. discretion) you find their appetite to serve; but seeing no certain thing can limit an uncertain, therefore no man can describe such a certain quantity of meat as shall satisfy the appetite of every horse. And herein I differ again from Mr. Morgan who doth wish that there should be a spare diet both in meat and water, for the perfecting of digestion, and refining the seed. And my reason is, they being only sensitive, their appetite is served according to the plenosity of the receptacle parts: For when they have received, or eaten so much as nature can digest into good nutriment; then if a man would knock A reason. ˡ A horse will eat no more after nature be satisfied. 1. Pr. 10. a. them in the head he can neither cause them to eat one bit or drink one sup more. And herein they are far more temperate than Man, for they feeding their appetite sensitively (they being sensitive Creatures) cannot consult with themselves, to draw on their appetite by expostulating of the goodness or rareness of the meat: But they only feed their stomach for the present, and do eat so much as is sufficient, never regarding what they shall eat the next, neither for the goodness not quantity. Now therefore in regard Nature is the best director, what quantity will best satisfy their appetite, I think it best to let them be their own carvers; for if they be restrained and have not enough, than it will be a means indeed for them to cloy their stomachs with feeding, (if at any time they may have it) according to the old Proverb, two hungry meals will make ᵐ Nature abhorreth emptiness. the third a glutton: Or else if they be continually kept with a spare diet, than nature not being sufficiently satisfied, there will be neither such store of good blood, nor such abundance of seed as otherwise there would, and then if there be a defect in the material substance, the formal cannot be perfect. And again, if there be want of food the stomach will be empty, and then (seeing nature abhorreth emptiness) what should supply 1. Pr. 12. ᵃ that want but moist air, (whose nature is to penetrate into all places of vacuity, by reason of its tenuity) which will much hinder concoction (through the moistness thereof) for that nature cannot turn that food which was received into such perfect blood as otherwise it would, if there were the whole heat and strength of nature. And as for surfeits and diseases, they do not come (to these 1. Pr. 14.b. ⁿ Surfeits do not altogether proceed from full feeding. 1. Pr. 15.k. (i) Spare diet is Physical. 1. Pr. 12.b. Creatures) by fullness of feeding, but by the abuse in either of the excesses, of too much or two little exercise, from whence cometh inflammation of the blood, or else by a negligent care after labour, which causeth an obstruction of blood, by too fast cooling. For the which causes spare diet is to be used to refel such corrupt and gross humours as doth destroy nature, (it being medicinal) and therefore it cannot be good for a perfect strong body, for to it medicines doth weaken nature. But to conclude, having kept them in such sort as I have said, for some twelve or fourteen days (for by that time their blood and seed will be sufficiently purged from gross humours,) you may then put them together for generation, referring the end of your proceeding to God's good blessing. But this I would have you to observe, that you do not labour either of them for three days (at the least) before you put them together, more than the fetching of their water, lest it cause too hasty Note. digestion, by causing a greater heat, than nature would effect for concoction, for when the state of the body is perfect, than the natural heat doth work the best temperature both so blood and seed, during which time let them be fed very well' for thereby they will be very lusty, and have great plenty of seed, so that they will perform the action with such lust and courage, that the Colt will be of such perfection, as you shall think your charges and pains sufficiently satisfied. CHAP. 8. When to put your Horse and Mare together for generation. AFter that you have brought your Horse and Mare to such perfect state of body, that their seed is in perfect temperature, than you may put them together to copulate: but likewise the time of the year is to be respected, for the effecting of perfect generation. Of the which project sith so many in former ages have set forth their imitated opinions, which have carried the most away with a successive authority, I crave pardon, lest my differing judgement shall be read with scurrility, for my bold attempt, in regard I set down nothing as carried away with authority, but only that which reason and experience hath made probable. Now the ancients have holden it as a maxim, that there is no time of the year fit for to have their Mares covered in, but ᵃ The ancients opinion of the Vernal months. only the Vernal Months, as March, April, and May, because as they say, in those Months the blood which is the Principal humour doth then reign: and so fittest for generation through that abundance of blood, which causeth them to have the greatest desire for copulation, for authority of which their assertion, they bring instance from the earth, which at that time only doth bring forth its blossoms and fruits: And again, they bring forth the ancients of former times, and many other instances, which I omit to rehearse, because to answer to them all would be tedious to the reader, and so discourage the young practitioners with too many ambiguities, and confuse their memory with too many degressions, and therefore so briefly as I can I will touch these as the chief heads. And first, whereas they say that those three Months are the aptest to beget, because of the abundance of blood that ᵇ Why these three months are not the best doth then predominate: I conclude my answer with Master Morgan, that where there is any predominate excess there is not a perfect and sound body, and therefore not fit for generation, for any intemperate excess is the cause of sickness, and so not to be admitted in those individuums which should beget and bring forth, for if the blood doth exceed in heat, as it must needs if it abound, than it will soon consume and dry up the radical moisture, and so destroy himself, as my former instance of a Lamp or Candle doth approve, and therefore (b) 1 Pra. 6. ᵍ perfect generation is not to be referred so much unto any particular time, as to the perfect temperature of the body, whereby is made pure seed. And secondly, whereas they bring a strong implication thereof from the Earth, because it doth bring forth its blossoms, and This implication cannot stand good. fruits at that time of the year only; it doth not follow, that Mares therefore should be covered at that time only, and not else; for by that application, that time is best to cover Mares, in The reason. which they may quicken at the spring, & bring forth at Michaelmas, as the earth doth her fruits, for though fruit doth then form yet is it not then at perfection, till it hath the benefit of the Summer to be ripened with the heat of the Sun. And further, if there were an apt resemblance to the Earth, than those Mares which were about the Equinoctial should bring forth twice in one year, as the Earth doth yield her fruits, they having The second reason. two springs, and two Summers, (the Sun making his course twice over their heads in one year) which to grant were very gross, seeing a Mare goeth twelve Months, after she conceive before she bring forth. And again, although the Earth retain her Vigetative virtue, which is the sap yet by reason The third reason. of the Winter's cold, it is so imprisoned within her, that it cannot come forth till it receive a nourishing heat from the Sun: 1 Pra. 6.i. ᶜ A proof that all vigetative things have their nourishment from the Sun. which in Winter it cannot, not that it is further distant from us at that time, than it is in Summer (as many suppose) because in a circle every part of the circumference is equally distant from from the Centre, but in regard the Sun is not hot of itself, but by coaction (as the Philosophers hold) and so when the Sun is in our winter solstice, he sending his beams Diamiterly, that is, by a strait line they glance into the air without any strong reflection, and so doth yield small comfortable heat; but as it riseth higher so his beams descend more perpendicular, which more and more doth reuerberate upon the Earth, whereby the superficies is comforted, and so the inward natural heat of the Earth doth join with that heat; which is the cause that the Earth doth bud forth her blossoms, and fruits at that time more than another. But a Mare though she doth not receive the like comfortable heat in Winter as in Summer, no more than the Earth, yet by reason of that natural heat, which remaineth in her, she doth nourish, and bring forth (in Winter, as well as in Summer) according to the determinate time of her conceiving. Wherefore seeing God hath given them such natural faculties, as to beget and bring forth ᵃ There was no time limited for procreation at the beginning. at all times of the year: I think it mere simpleness, being carried away with the airy force of Antiquity, to prescribe that to a particular, where there is a general power, for when God said increase and multiply, he gave no limitation of time, for else nature could not exceed those limits. And again, they have set down times in those Months, as the full of the Moon, to be the best for action, because that Of the time of the Moon. then the Mare hath great store of menstrual blood for composition of the Colt, and then is the greatest store of blood in them both; But here Master Morgan may seem to make a contradiction with himself, for when they are come to a perfect habit of body, than nature cannot be defective in any part, and therefore to increase any moist or Phlegmatic substance, will cause a ruin of the individuum, in abating the vigour of heat which should keep all the members from gross composition. For I grant that all Sublunary bodies are governed by the (d) 1 Pra. 6. i. Moon, but yet I do not hold that at such times they are the best for perfect generation, because they do then abound with Cold and Moistness, according to the quality of the Moon, by which they are governed. But admit it should be best, as it is doudtfull, yet the operation might be hindered by 1. Pr. 5.n. reason of some other disaster Aspect of other Planets, more Malevolent, and Predominating in a Malignant House, which might hinder her natural effects, and therefore no certainty of the best effect at th●se times. And further they abbreviate the parts of the month to a certain time of the day, as morning and evening, which opinion I hold indifferent, and therefore will not insist upon it, and Of the time of the day. yet there is no proof that then is the best, because there may be also evil Aspects at such times, which may hinder the expectation of man, which God may the sooner send, to confound such curious obseruators. But I am of Master Markehams' opinion that the evening is the better of twain, because they are comforted all the day with the heat of the Sun, which increaseth courage, but it is abated in the morning, by the moistness and coolness of the night. And whereas Master Morgan doth wish that there should a ● A curious & frivolous observation. respect be had of the Wind, I do vary therein; for (saith he) the North and West winds do cause heat and so maketh the seed thin: and the South wind is gross and moist. But to answer to this position in particular, would spend too much time for so small a moment: And therefore briefly thus, if men The reason. should have such a curious respect to have the winds in the morning, (for that is the time which he doth appoint) to be in such a quarter, the Moon then being in the Change or Full, before they can have their Mares covered at such precise times, it may be they shall spend the whole year and scarcely get one served, so unconstant is both time and wind. And whereas he holdeth that the wind doth cause cold or heat, I hardly believe that, because the Air and Wind is ᵉ The Sun doth alter the disposition of wether rather than the wind subject to be changed from cold to heat only by the Sun, as may be easily perceived by the heat in Summer and the cold in Winter. Neither do I allow these observations in times for the begetting of a Colt Foal, because the perfectness of the seed is the surest probability, except it be hindered by force of the constellations: For if it be concocted by a true proportionable heat, the food being good from whence it sprung; it will be the more pure and strong, and so most likely prove a Colt Fo●le. But I would not have my meaning so mistaken, that I utterly take away observation of all times, but only that strong implication that the most have to those three months only, and so make three parts of the year unprofitable. For seeing both God and Nature, hath not given them any limited time for generation; therefore it were monsterlike to observe more the Note this. traditions of men, than nature, and so confine to a part, having liberty in the whole. But whereas I may seem to admit of the whole year, for generation, yet I mean not in general places, but only there ● The Garden of ●●den about the Equinoctial. where they have the Sun continually to nourish and comfort them with his heat, and that is in the hot Zone about the equinoctial, where it is supposed the Garden of Eden was, where God gave this general power of increasing and multiplying: But in our temperate clime, (where the cold hath as great force in Winter, as heat hath in Summer) if there should not be some time observed, it would produce much defects in Nature, by reason of too much cold that is in deep of Winter. Wherefore to enlarge the observation of time, this I have found by experience, and also reason doth induce me thereto, ● What months are good for procreation. that all the months from April to October, are good for procreation; for I have seen those Colts, which have been soled at Midsummer or Lammas, have (for the most part) proved the best horses: And the reason is, that every thing being maintained by the like, and destroyed by the contrary, therefore that time is best for generation that hath the best sympathy to their ●. Pra. 7.h. quality; for a horse is naturally hot and dry, therefore those months being of the same quality by the force of the Sun, are the best for their procreation: But if any make a doubt whether the Horse is hot and dry, let them observe a horse that is Th●●. 2.o. & 33.b. ● Whether a horse be hot and dry. of a perfect temperature, (for that is the ground of nature) because every excess causeth a deformity, which is no part of the natural body, and from whence he hath his pure shape, his stout and valiant courage, and his agility in quick and swift running, if it be not by heat, whose office is to purge the pure substance from dross. And likewise for that matter they are composed of, it is hot and dry, (excepting natural moisture) as it may appear by the (h) 1. Pra. 5.e. parts: For every part doth participate of the same matter with the whole; but the flesh is hot and dry, as may be perceived by the lightness and spunginess thereof: And also by his fast The Reason. feeding and sudden losing thereof, and therefore the whole must be composed of the same. For if he were cold and moist, than his flesh would consolidate, and be more firm and hard, and so would ask longer time in getting; according the nature of an Ox, etc. And further it may be seen by his dung (it being the excrement of the food concocted) for it is so purged with heat, as there is no solid substance left, but only a light dusty ● A horse is proved to be hot by his dung. sponge, after the moisture is exhaled by the Sun. Where contrarily, the dung of a beast (though it be dried by the Sun) hath a substance crusty and hard: By all which, and more (if it were needful to rehearse) it may evidently appear that a horse is hot and dry, and therefore the Summer is the nearest to his nature. And further, if a Mare be covered at Lammas or thereabout, Of Lammas Foales. then is the beginning of the year a great relief for the nourishment of the Colt in her womb, with the chief food that the Mare doth eat all the sorepart of Summer, and after when it is foaled the Mare will have great plenty of good milk, it being refined by the heat of the Sun, and then at Martinmas time, (when the grass is cold, and small store thereof) it will have such store of Milk, that it will have the less desire to feed upon such raw and cold food; and so consequently all the Winter, if the Mare be kept with such meat as she should to increase the same, whereas they which are foaled in March or April, the Of a March or April Foal. Foal hath first could and bad nourishment in the womb, and after when it is foaled the milk will be nothing so comfortable by reason of her food in the winter when it shall stand the most need, and the greatest store in Summer when it shall stand the less need; whereby it shall be forced (in Winter) to feed on such food as (then) it can get for want of milk to suffice nature. And again, those Colts which are foaled after Martinmas Of Martinmas Foales. (though their milk be good) yet by the extremity of cold in the long nights, their limbs (being weak and grisles) will be congealed too grossly, and their courage much abated: So that they will hardly be brought to such strength and courage afterward, as otherwise nature would effect, they being stocked at the first; for there is no greater enemy to a horse then cold: ● Cold nights are hurtful for a Horse. Otherwise what is the cause that they prosper not in Winter as well as in Summer, if they be not housed; and also that late airing takes so much of them. But as for the time of the Moon, and day when they should be covered, I stand not so much upon such preciseness, referring that to God, which is the disposer of times, (and of all other things:) But yet because he hath given the fruition of food as a secondary means to maintain the species, there ought a care to be had for the preservation thereof, whereby it may increase the best nourishment, (by such good digestion, as human reason can invent) before they come to perform the action: But I am not minding to spend any more time upon those points, (I having partly touched them before) lest that I should offend the gentle Reader with too tedious assertions; for although I have been prolix herein, yet I am more concise than I would, having much to do to end so briefly, this being so large a field to walk in for the confuting of ancient traditions. CHAP. 9 How and where to put your Horse and Mare together for generation. THe last thing that is to be observed, (for the perfecting of this generation) is to know where and how they should perform the action; but because there are so many diversities of opinions in this, (as well as in the former) there may be a doubt of a certainty thereof. For some do wish that the Horse and Mare should go abroad together in some enclosed grounds; (and likewise if there be more Mares to be served) to let him go● at liberty amongst them all. And again, others would have them to be put together (at their own liberty) in some spacious house or barn, and there to be served as chance shall allot: And further, others hold that to have the Mare covered in hand is the best. Now to show all the inconveniences that may arise through these diversities, would be too tedious to make account of every particular; therefore I will briefly touch them, and only set down that which is the most approved: knowing that all judgements will not subscribe to my senses, although▪ I have been very careful to select the most probable, (by reason and experience) not often dissenting from all; but always from the unlikeliest: But howsoever some censures be, I hope the wise will be favourable, for mine is in love and duty. Now, if to have the horse and Mare, (or Mares) to run together 1. Pr. 7.b. ᵃ The inconvenience of letting the hors● run at grass amongst your Mares. 1. Pr. 4. a. at grass, I hold (of all others) it is the worst; because their food (then) is the worst, and so cannot produce a perfect temperature of blood and seed. And again, if the horse be at liberty he may come to some mishap, either by his own unruliness, o● by some stroke of the Mares: And further, their seeds cannot be perfect (although they had the best food)▪ because the Horse will cause both himself and the Mares to be of an excessive heat, (by fretting and chafing) so that their courage (a) 1. Pra. 7.k. and strength will be much weakened, and their seed much dissolved by the violence of heat. Moreover, (as Mr. Markham saith) the horse being at liberty and of courage, will so spend The cause of Filly Foales. himself at the first (by disorder) that the Mare's pride will be too strong for his (in conception) and the Foales (for the most part) will prove Fillies. And lastly, running amongst the Mares, some will be ready and some unready and then he will serve the readiest first, (he being in courage) and then those which shall be ready after shall be in danger of not holding, or else bring forth weak and uncomely foals. Neither do I greatly allow to have them go at liberty in a house; for so he is also in danger of receiving some stroke by the Mare; and further, he may cover the Mare (at the first) before ᵇ The discommodity of covering the Mares at liberty in the house. she be ready, and then the next covering will not be so good, because his seed will not be so strong, whereby the Colt (if she hold) will not be of such comely shape, and very like to prove a Filly: And likewise, he will spend himself too fast, (being in lust and courage) through his disorder, and cause her to lose her seed, which otherwise she might have kept. Wherefore for the avoiding of all these discommodities, the ᶜ The surest way is to have him cover her in your hand. best and surest way in my judgement, is to have the Mare covered in hand, for thereby both the Horse and Mare may be governed by Man's reason, for they being led by their appetite do naturally desire to be get and bring forth; not observing any order in begetting nor the difference in Colts that are brought forth, but according to the old proverb, they think with the Crow, that their own Bird is the fairest. But being ruled by Man they shall not spend their seed, by any disorder, for they may both of them be brought to the height of lust before they How to make your Mare ready for the horse come together. For when as you have refined their seed to a perfect temperature, by the order set down in the sixth Chapter; then for the better stirring up the lust of the Mare, let a little stoned Nag woo her two or three days if need be, till that you see her have a desire to take the Horse, then take him away, having a care that he never cover her. Then feed them both well, some five or six hours before night, that they come together: and that the food may have time to concoct, and nourish all the parts of the body: whereby they will have the greater store of seed. Then have the Mare into some close place, and let the said Nag woo her again, in the sight of the Horse, which will greatly provoke both their lusts. Then let the Mare stand so, that if it be possible the horse may have the higher ground, that he may cover her the more closely: and assoon as he cometh How to use her at her first covering. off, let one cast a pealefull of cold water at her shape, which will be a means to cause her truss up her body, and so receive the seed more willingly, and let one presently leap upon her back, and put her to a good round Trot for a quarter of an hour, for that will be a means that she shall not have time to cast her seed: but in any case let him neither heat, nor strain her. Which done, have them both into the stable, and let them stand an hour or two without meat, and after feed them well that night: and the next morning either give each of them a warm Mash, or else let them be ridden to the water, and using them as formerly hath been shown, let them drink their fill to cool the heat of their body, and feed them well He second covering. the next day till noon, that the meat may be well digested before night: and bring them together the second time, doing in all things as at the first, except the stone nag, for after, he is needless (for then Nature will provoke,) and also he will be dangerous in causing her cast her seed, which she formerly received: and likewise if you think good, use her so the third night, and then no more, for by that time, there is odds but she shall be served: for this is the surest and best way that ever I could find by reason or practise. But whereas some hold that once is sufficient, for her to be covered, because the Colt is begotten at once, and also the first seed is the strongest, and therefore oftener is superfluous, and weakeneth the seed. To which I grant it is so, that once were enough, if men knew when that once were, but it is doubtful whether the Matrix will be so open at the first, as to receive such a quantity of seed from the horse as shall equally temper the Mares, which if it be not, than the second or third time is more certain, and therefore this order will make it the more sure. And there will not be any great doubt of weakening the seed, they having such intermission of time, to recover their former lust, if they be well fed in the interim, which will preserve their seed hot and strong. CHAP. 10. How to know whether the Mare hath conceived or no. AFter that your Mare hath been thus covered, it is observed, Observe her. that if she be fully served, she will fall freely to her meat, not offering to cast or piss, nor bend her ears, nor eyes, after the Neyghing of other Horses; but the surest observation, How to judge whether she hath conceived or no. (for her conception) is to try her with a Horse about some fourteen days after, for if she have conceived, she will refuse to have further copulation; for by that time their seed will be so mixed and united, that it will curdle and become thick like cream, which is the conception whereby one body is form: and then she will desire the Horse no more. For she being (a) 1. Pr. 7. ●. only a sensitive creature, when nature is served, her desire is taken away: she nothing regarding pleasure, but only the end for which she was created, which was to increase and multiply. As for her fast feeding, and the smooth lying of her hair, which some hold to be marks of her conception, there is no certain knowledge, for they may come from other causes, as from good keeping, or the difference of dispositions, some being more apt to feed, than others, or by good dressing and clothing, some having naturally smother skins than others, etc. And again, there are some which will undertake to know whether a Mare be with Foal or no, by the skin at the hind part of her main next the Withers, for they say if one take it betwixt the finger and the thumb, it will be lose and thick, (if she be with Foal;) wherein can be no certainty nor reason to approve, it. For the looseness of the skin (there) may be caused for want of flesh, and the skin of all that have much hair upon their manes are thick there, because of such store of moisture, which causeth the main to grow so long: and therefore cannot be any testimony of her conceiving. CHAP. 11. How to use her after her conception till she Foal. WHen your Mare is covered, and you perceive she hath conceived, there ought still a care to be had to preserve the seed in purity from gross humours, lest it should be impaired of the perfect temperature, before the Colt be form; and after ●o nourish and maintain it with good and sound ᵃ There aught to be a care still had that the Mare be kept with good food for the nourishing of the foal in her womb. food whilst it is growing in the womb: because it is relieved with such sustenance as the Mare doth eat; and therefore if the Mare feed upon raw and cold meat, it will lose that perfect shape and strong courage. Wherefore to preserve the Colt in its true temperature let her seed on sweet hay and good provender, for the space of a month, (for by that time the seed will be concocted into a fleshy lump, and the body fashioned in gross, and then if necessity force, and the time of year Let her exercise be moderate. serve, let her be turned to grass: but let it be upon dry ground where the grass is not rank, but such as she may fill her belly once a day: also there would be shelter where she doth run, to keep her both from the violence of ●●ormes, and heat of the Sun: and for her watering she would have a fresh river if conveniently, or else clear standing water. And for her labour, let it be no more but only to fetch her water, for the first month: and after let it never be violent, but moderate whether it be travailing, carting, or ploughing, lest there be a dissolution of the substance, by too great heat. And likewise she must be kept from great burdens, lest she be over-strayned. And further, (as Master Markham saith) there must be a care that she come not in the company of stone jades, lest they strain her by forcing to cover her, which if they should, would endanger the casting of her Foal. Now when she is towards her Foaling, let her be put into some such convenient close as is well fenced, lest she miscarry in her Foaling: for it is holden What place is best for her to Foal in. that they desire to Foal near the water, and that they Foal standing, with which opinions I will not contest; For as yet I never could see any Mare in Foaling, although I have been very vigilant therein, but yet I have known a great company of Mares (by times) Foal in wet fenney grounds, and very few that have lost their burdens by drowning. Now after she hath Foaled, let her be kept a week or ten How to use her after she hath Foaled. days, with exceeding good meat, which will be a means to recover her strength the sooner, and also increase her Milk: and the first drink she hath after her Foaling, let it be a warm Mash, for it is very comfortable and agreeing to her Nature, for if she drink cold water it will make an obstruction of the flux of Phlegmatic blood too suddenly, which must needs in gender evil humours in the Mare. And likewise as soon as she hath Foaled let her udder be well drawn, for it will bring away that cloddy milk which hath been long in her udder, and dissolve the hard knots the sooner, where the Milk will be better for the Foal, and of greater store. Now when she hath gotten strength, and the Foal doth also begin to be strong, if she have exercise either at the plough, or Cart, or ridden, it will be the better, for labour is very necessary Why moderate exercise is good to purge gross humours, which abound by too much rest: But than it must be moderate, lest by over-heating, the milk be inflamed, and so surfeit the Foal. But if you mean to travail her, let not her Foal follow, for travail will much weaken it, and also it will suck before the milk be cold: Therefore How to bestow the Foal while she is laboured. let it be shut up in some house, and give it some good food to eat, which will both comfort it, and make it domestical: And when the Mare cometh home, let her be well cooled, and cast some cold water upon her udder, to wash the dust or dirt away and cool it, and draw her udder before the Foal suck. And if it be in Summer, let her run at grass in the unevenest grounds you have; for (as Mr. Markham saith) it will make the Foal very nimble, and have sure footmanship, in scoping and leaping upon such uneven grounds; but I would have you to house both your mare and Foal in Winter, if you have but two or three; (for although I have spoken singularly, yet it doth extend to plurality) but if more, then let them run abroad in such grounds as Mr. Markham hath described, having store of bushes and trees for shelter or else a hovel, open 2. Pr. 21. ● ᵇ A horse doth naturally desire to be refreshed with the heat of the Sun. to the East and west, that the Colts may be comforted with the heat of the Sun morning and evening, which they naturally do desire; and a partition overthwart in the midst, to defend them from the winter winds and storms. Moreover, there would be overlayers, upon which may be laid hay and pease & oats in the straw, for Winter's provision, and if the hovel be covered over to keep the fodder dry it will be the better. But here me thinks I see the apparition of Midas, whose whole felicity is to convert all things into gold, for having an inferior affection to horses, could very well find in their hearts to have good horses, were it not for cost, but yet could be ᶜ The miserable estate of many in this Age. Preface. 2. content to reap the profit of another's charges; and these exclaim with open mouth, against charges of keeping all Winter in the house, or with such charges abroad, wherein they show wretched care in gerting, and their miserable mind in keeping; for who can reap the harvest, that doth not hazard his seed in the spring, which they think a small loss, to the increase a fruitful year doth bring: and so, if they did rightly weigh the necessary charges of grass and hay, which they should be relieved ᵈ That is no charges that bringeth triple profit. all Winter with, and the danger of starving and drowning, and compare all these with the certainty from these dangers, and to the pureness and value of a Colt so fed, (for one of them will be worth four of ordinary breeding) they shall find that keeping after this manner, or in the house will be the cheaper, for in breeding of many Foales, there must be many Mares and so many mouths, as Foales and Mares and so consequently great charges and small profit in comparison of the other, for four Mares in this sort will yield more gain than a dozen contrarily. Wherefore, whosoever is desirous to have their profits to soar as high as their desires, they must keep well in Winter; for if they have nothing to seed on but grass and hay, the Mare will have small nourishment to increase her Milk, whereby the strength and courage of the Colt will be much abated through the grossness of the milk, and extremity of cold, which is an enemy to the stronge●● horse, but much more to a young Foal, whose composition hath neither strength nor substance. But whereas Mr. Markham doth wish to provide for them light corn, and wild oats, I consent not thereto because they must have of the best relief if they think to hold nature to the best perfection, seeing it is in the declining age of the World: For thereby their bloods will be kept more pure, and so the 1. Pra. 12.c. Colt more strong at three years of age then another at five; and also they will be the more able to endure the cold, especially having such a hovel, to keep themselves from wet and cold Rhymes. CHAP. 12. When and how to wain your Colts. THe last thing that is to be observed, before you come to reap the fruits of your labour and charges, is to know when and how to wain your Colts and keep them till they be fit for the saddle: But because I shall digress herein also from the Ancients, if I should enter into the answer of all several opinions, I should be too tedious, therefore I will be as brief and plain as I can. For, whereas Mr. Markham would have the Foales run with their dams to suck a whole year, I hold Of sucking all the year. it good (with this proviso) that they may be housed in Winter and that the Mare go Foalelesse that year: Otherwise it will weaken the Mare too much, in feeding that which is in her womb, and also that which sucketh, and it will likewise hinder them both, for neither of them can have such natural and kind nourishment as perfection would wish; for it is a maxim, that if the eye be set upon two things indifferently, it can behold neither of them perfectly: ●●en so, the mare having a natural ● Duplicibus desid●rij●, remo incidere potest. 1. Pra. 7.m. instinct to nourish both indifferently, she cannot produce nourishment for either of them effectually; because nature desiring an impletion, the emptiest places will be first filled with the substance of food when it is concocted, and so the best part will be inverted to milk, which will be a defect to that in the womb; whereby there will be a debility in its composition: And also the milk that the other is fed with all, will be corrupt and unnatural, and the strength of nourishment taken away, by nature's operation to relieve the other. Wherefore, if you mind to have your Foal suck all the year, let her not take the horse that year, for one Colt well bred will be worth four that is contrary, and so every other year is sufficient for a Mare to have a Foal, if you desire the true perfection herein. But if you mind to take it off before Winter, or that you When to wain your Foales. perceive your Mare to be with Foal again, then take off that Foal which sucketh betwixt Michaelmas and Martinmas, before the weather be too cold, and the strength of the grass fail. And whereas there is an objection to the contrary, alleging Objection. that if they be taken off so soon, it will be a great weakening and plucking back of their strength and growth, and will cause surfeits (by gross humours) through the raw digestion of grass and hay which they shall be forced to feed upon to suffice nature. I answer, it is true, if they run abroad all Winter, from Answer. their dams: for it is such a mortal enemy to the designs of this subject, that I would not wish any man to follow it. But if you weine them then and take them into the house, and give them good food, it will nourish and strengthen them more, by many degrees, then if they should run with the Mares. Thus having spoken of the times when to weine your Foales, it resteth to show how to do it, which I would wish after this manner. First, if your Mare prove Foalesse (that year) than you may let it suck all Winter, and take it off about mid-Aprill, or beginning How to Weine your Foales. of May, and shut it up in some close house where it shall not hear the Neighing of the Dam, and keep it there with good oats, and broken beans mixed together: and let it have fresh and sweet hay, and clean water every evening and morning, for the space of a Fortnight, for by that time it will thoroughly have forgotten the Mare, and then put it to grass▪ for by that time also the grass will have good substance, which before mid-May is but froth and sap. But if your Mare prove with Foal, then take it off at the beginning of Winter, before any great store of cold come, and the strength of grass gone, using them in all things as is aforesaid: only adding this, because the Foal is somewhat young, I will wish you to give it new Milk from the ●ow, for a week till it hath forgotten the dam, and that it fall to eat on such meat as is formerly said. And after abate your milk by little and little, mixing it with fair water, till you have taken it clean away: For by this means, you shall keep it continually in firm strength and courage. And likewise there would 〈◊〉 rack set ●● in the house, to put in hay, and Oats in the Straw; and a Cribe to put Provender in, letting the Foal have good store thereof all winter. But whereas it is a general opinion, as a thing of necessity to give the Foales, the second day after their wainening, the slips of Saven, or the powder of Brimstone, or the roots of Enulacampana beaten to powder, in their Provender, and many other such like, I differ therein, except it be upon necessity that they pain themselves of the Worms: because these are Physical, needless for a sound body, for if there be no excess for them ● Physic weakeneth nature if it be needless. 1. Pra. 7. ●. to work upon, than it will make nature the subject, which will be a weaking thereof. For if it weaken a strong body which hath material substance, then much more a weak body, which is but gristles and froth, and so of a weak digestion. And further, if it be given them in provender, it will make them loathe it: and then if nature be not satisfied with the best food, it will feed more upon the worst, which will not be so nourishing, or else the stomach will abound with raw and cold humours, for want of repletion. Having thus wintered them; you may put them to grass at such time as is said before, for then the weather will be warm, and the grass of full strength, and let them run till Bartholmewtyde that the grass begin to decay, and after let them be served in the hovel with such provision as I have shown, till after Michaelmes, and then house them again, (if you have not many) as you did in the Winter before, and so every Winter till they be fit for the Saddle; for this profit will ensue (if there were ●. Pra. 11.c. no more) by this order, they will gain such strength and courage, that they will be more ready for the Saddle at three years of age, than others of contrary breeding will be at five. And whereas Master Morgan doth wish that their stable ● Paved Plaunchers are not good. should be paved with stone, to the end to make them the more apt to endure the cold, and make their Hooses tough and durable; I am not of his mind, for there is no greater enemy to either young or old Horse then cold, and therefore the contrary must needs be the more agreeing to his nature, and likewise they will not take their rest so naturally of the hard stones as otherwise they would do, having continually litter to lie upon, for I would not have young Colts to be stinted to stand all the day, for that will cause great weakness in them, whereas lying at their pleasure upon warm litter it will batten them very kindly, and also the warmth, will purge and expel gross humours out of their limbs, and so make them very clean and nimble. And whereas he doth say, it will make the Hoofs tough A thing contrary to reason. and durable, he deceiveth himself, except he will hold that the more a thing is worn, it will be the more durable, for with continual standing and moving upon the stones it will both wear and break their Hoofs, so that they will rather be brittle then tough: and again, what need a perfect Hoof any repairing, if his assertion were admitted, for it is naturally tough and durable of itself; But if not perfect, than the continual use of the stones will make it worse, for if it be flat, than it will Howsoever it is taken it cannot be good. be in danger of Hoofe-binding, in regard the coffin will be so dry, that it cannot spreed so fast as the flesh doth grow, by reason of the moistness of the Frush, and if it be brittle, the stones will cause it to break the more. Therefore for the remedying of all these dangers, I think it best that they have continually store of litter to stand and lie upon at their pleasures, for no (c) 1. Pra. 7. ● Man can limit a better order than nature itself would work, ever keeping their house sweet and clean, with dressing twice a week at the least, which will delight the senses, and fortify the growing faculties. But if you have more Foales, and that you think it a great How to use them in running abroad all Winter. trouble to have them all in the house, than you may let them run abroad all Winter in those grounds, where you have your shelter made, wherein must be a rack to put their hay and unthrasht corn in, and a crib under it to perserue that which falleth down: but let it be of such a reasonable height, that it may cause them to bend their crags to reach to the bottom, for that will raise their crests, and cause them to have a good forehand. But whereas some wish to put chaff and light corn into the crib, for them to feed on, I cannot allow thereof, because such food is no good nourishing for them, for it will lie in their maws so heavy, that the vigour of their heat cannot digest it, by reason it is so much allied with moisture, whereby (as the Metaphysics hold,) is caused a suppuration above nature, so that it being overcome; gross humours will abound through the weakness of concoction, and so cause a putrefaction of health. And further, it will so stuff and choke them, that it will cause them to drink more than nature doth desire, whereby their moistness is the more increased. Wherefore to conclude, whosoever is desirous to repair the chief decayed places of this famous subject, and bring it so near to the primary restitution (as can be invented by human knowledge) he must not respect a little charges for the time present, considering that it will yield a greater profit afterward; For three or four Horses thus prefectly bred, will give such content (if they be well ridden) that the triple value of their charge cannot buy them; and further they will be sooner ready for the Saddle, (by much) then others bred after the ancient order. CHAP. 13. A Corollary to the Art of breeding. THus having set forth so briefly and plainly as I can, the true Art of breeding: which consisteth first, in the right choice of your Stallions and Mares; and secondly, in reducing their seed to the best perfection for generation: and thirdly, the orderliest proceeding (in the action) for the holding in copulation: and lastly, the safest means to keep them in their perfection, till they be Fo●led, and whilst they come to the Saddle. I will now likewise illustrate some dark corners, of some opinions which may breed an ambiguity for the necessity of the Art of riding; lest the foot say to the head, I have no need of thee, Whereby the minds of many might be utterly discouraged for taking pains in this Vineyard, by thinking if there be not right ● The Art of ●iding helpeth whe● breeding aileth. breeding, it is vain to persist in riding, holding it impossible for ever to obtain their period of desire by riding, if there be a defect in breeding. Now because every man that hath a desire to have a good Horse▪ it may be, is not able to breed so strictly, nor to buy one that is so bred: in regard their means are not answerable to their minds, although some have greater means the● minds: therefore for their better satisfaction herein, I will set forth howfarre the benefit of breeding doth extend, and how Art is the perfection thereof: for I do not commend breeding as only necessary, nor yet make so small account of it as Theo. 1. ˢ ᵇ Breeding is but as a handmaid to riding. Chap. o. needless, for although it cannot bring a Horse to his true perfection (for use) yet it serveth as a handmaid to further Art For▪ must needs confess, that those Horses which are of such excellent shape and good courage, will ask a great deal of less time and labour in riding then others, not so perfect, and likewise it nature be truly purged by Art from rebellion, they A Simile. will excel the other; but if contrary, than none more jades, for as fire and water are two chief servants, but cruel Masters, so are th●● excellent in subjection, but very shrewd in rebellion. 1. Pr. 3. a. Chap. p. ᶜ Breeding helpeth the composition, which riding cannot. Theo. 18.d. Theo. 2. ●. And again, thus far I commend breeding, in regard it is before riding, and so may help the composition and shape of the Horse, which riding cannot do, it giving the material form, and all its natural faculties, as at the first creation, but yet in as much as it is not now immediately from God, (but from secondary causes) there is a corruption of qualities, as accidents thereto, which must only depend upon the true Art of riding for reformation, in regard the end of all Arts do only tend to the repairing of the decayed universe. But to answer to some general positions that Master Morgan doth allege, to prove that this Art doth chief depend of breeding; I will touch them briefly, and leave the rest to the censure of the wise, that are experienced herein; For although he hath written very well of natural Philosophy, yet hath strayed so far therein, that he hath found no way to Art, whereby he doth confound it, and so showeth his experience of practice in the same, as appeareth by his definition; For he saith, Art is but only a quickener up of nature, which if it were so, bring a Horse to quickness, and then he hath the perfection of Art: But his proposition may easily be proved no true definition, ᵈ Art dependeth in gaining obedience. for if they be quick and have no obedience to orderly motions, that quickness bringeth a weariness, which will more trouble a man, to restrain, then to bring a dull Horse to go freely, as every bedlam Horse doth approve: and therefore quickness must be joined with orderly motions, which only dependeth Theo. 18.b. & 20.▪ ● upon the Art of riding. And again, he saith, such as is the quality of his works, such is his nature, he being such in the quality of his nature as he is tried to be. But a good horse may be made a jade by evil using, and yet not naturally so; but because I have spoken sufficiently Theo. 17.h. & 37.h. Theo. 37.q. thereof in the Theoric Part, I will not repeat them here again: And further, he saith, except they have perfect breeding that all artificial riding and practice, can never make them absolute and perfect horses, inferring that it is not possible to cleanse a river that is corrupt, except they go to the head from whence that corruption cometh, but here he doth insist too much upon impossibilities; for as not by riding, so also not by breeding, can they be made absolutely perfect; 〈◊〉 it is as possible for him to make that restitution, as for to think to ● Both Man & Horse are corrupted in propagation. merit his own salvation by his works, for the loss of both proceeded at one time, and through one cause; for although they have the faculty of propagation still inherent, yet it is corrupted for a punishment of man's disloyalty, which corruption is maintained by continual succession in the species, and so, the longer from Creation the nearer to corruption and the worse. And therefore let him and all Philosophers upon the earth, reduce causes to their best perfection they can, and it will be Theo. 10. ●. ● Natural corruption cannot be purged. as possible for them to purge the head of this river from corruption, as to measure the winds or to exhale all the water out of the Sea: For the best and beautifullest horse that is can come no nearer to the primary Creation, than the comparative degree; for they were created immediately from God, but these mediately from secondary causes, and those causes much corrupted by the first transgression, and increased by the corruption Theo. 37. ˢ. 1 Pra. 4. ʰ of the Elements wherein they live, and still more and more weakened, by reason that the times wax old, whereby the world hath lost its youth. And again, he allegeth another horned Paradox, that it is not possible to make that perfect by Art, which Nature hath made unperfect, and so doth insist that Art cannot bring an Ape to beget an Ape with a long tail; or that a Man cannot make a crooked tree grow strait; for if it be bended so soon as it is set at liberty, it will return to his own natural growth: and many such like, too tedious to rehearse except they had better Application. But the first may very well be retorted upon his own neck, ● Breeding can not reform disobedience. for it is as easy (by Art) to cause one Ape to bring forth another with a long tail, as it is for him to purge horses from disobedience, only by breeding; for the one is as natural (now) as the other: And as for the other, all that hath experience therein can testify, that if a crooked tree be cut down it may be brought into a strait form; either by cutting away the excess of wood in full places, and so bring it to a strait line with the hollow, or else it may be made strait by heating and setring it in a brake, till it be cold, and then it will so continue. In like Theo. 9.b. (f) Theo. 5. ●. & 8. ●. & 29. ●. manner to use a horse in his natural growth, (that is, according to his disobedience) he will never hold longer than extremities force; but after he is cut down (that is, made for use) he may be brought to true obedience, by using him according to reason and Art; and then, when his rebellious disposition is reform, he will so continue as far as shall give reasonable content for the use and service of man. And again, it may be answered by himself, if he would The particular Nature. distinguish here, what nature is that he meaneth; for in another place, he doth divide it into a particular and universal: The particular nature he saith is that which in every single body ministereth The Universal Nature. essence to the whole compound; and withal is mother to such actions and motions, as is agreeing to the subject. The Universal is the Author and maintainer of all actions and bodies, to the which the several single boches are in subjection, by their obedience yielding a kind of superiority to that universal Nature. To the which I grant, if there be a true Application; for the particular Nature giveth to every single substance its essence, and so of all the parts compounded both in matter and form, ᵍ Art cannot mend the matter and form, for if it be imperfect it is privation. whereby it is demonstrated to be that species. As for instance, a Horse is said to be this horse or that horse, according as his form and shape doth distinguish, which shape no Art can mend if it be not perfect. And likewise it may be said to be the Mother of all such actions and motions as are agreeing to that subject; for it giveth the temperature of the body compounded with all his faculties, both natural, vegetative and sensitive: Theo. 2. l. by which, (as it is prima substantia) one cannot be said to be a more horse than another, because it hath distributed to all alike: & where there is a defect of these no Art can restore them. But although she is the Mother of all those natural actions, &c: yet the reducement of them to man's use (by reason of their disobedience) must depend upon Art, in the which there is no alteration of Nature (as a defect;) but only to change ● But only to change disobedience into obedience. Theo. 2.n. them from that irregular time and order (which the horse useth of his own natural inclination) to that regular time and order which the man doth desire. For (as I have said) Art doth but teach a horse that which Nature hath given him a proclivity unto; and so the difference is, that Art doth bring these actions and motions to a man's pleasure, where before they were used at his own. And as for the universal Nature, it is the Author▪ and maintainer of all the actions and bodies of every particular species, (as he saith) whereby they are in subjection to the superiority of the universal Nature. For, as at the beginning God created Gene. 1 ●4. & 25. 20. 28. all species (as man, beasts, herbs, trees, etc.) of the earth and gave to every one of them faculties according to their kind, so having given to this lowest Orb every species of his works, he gave them liberty to increase and multiply, by the virtue of which benediction, every one brought forth their kind not only in body but in all other qualities, agreeing to every nature▪ so that every single body doth participate (by propagation) of that same nature (being the same image of that Doct. Bright de traduc. universal nature) from which he is traduced. But yet not of the like perfection, for their qualities are changed from obedience to disobedience, and yet the universal nature is perfect; Secundun no● (h) Theo. 2.o. for although every individuum hath not that perfection, yet it may be found in that species; albeit that never a singular horse (neither in England, Spain, Barbary, not any other place of the world, hath the same complete, yet it may be found part in this horse, and part in that, whereby the general is preserved by the whole seed. Now the cause of these diversities of particular natures from ● The cause of corruption. the universal▪ is not in Nature herself (for that is perfect) but through corruption; after the first transgression their whole nature (both body and faculties) lost that perfection: whereby all their species issuing from their seed is also corrupted. But yet it must not be thought, that these single bodies are of another nature, and so as many natures as there are horses, for that were absurd, and to hold another Creation; for if it were any ᵏ Mark this so there i● no change of nature but a reducement. other, than it might have another beginning, and so receive another form: But the form and shape of all horses whatsoever were created by God at the first, and so by generation is derived into all the species; whereby it is plain, that the universal nature is perfect, (as it is the Creature of God) but yet the qualities of them was corrupted, and so did increase corruption successively in all ages: which cannot be purged without Art, no more than gold without fire; For as gold cannot A simile. be purged from the dross, without the Art of fire, so a Horse cannot be purged from his gross qualities, but by Art of riding. And whereas he further insisteth herein, that individua ˡ As a general cannot be applied to a particular, so neither contra, but one particular may apply to another. sunt remota ab Arte, that individuums are exempted from Art; tha● is, in regard Art cannot make an universal receipt for a particular cure. For whatsoever is spoken universally, is not spoken to any particularly; but yet to make particular application, a particular man being a particular agent, may bring his horse to a particular perfection, using Art according to those means which he findeth hath the best operation in his disposition; and so▪ though individuums are remote from general Art, yet it is helped by particular Science. And further, he proveth his assertion, that every nature by working doth declare of what quality it is, by the Sun which giveth light to the world, because it is his nature, and so he doth it not with evil will or by motion of others, but easily and voluntary, whereby it is perpetual: But neither can there be a fit Application in this simile, by reason that it is not sublunary, ᵐ The Sun is not corrupted and so not changeable. and so is not subject to transmutation and corruption as they be for he doth retain that glory and light which he had at the first, and likewise is as durable and as free in his motions, in as much as he is not weakened with any other accident, but hath his whole force of nature still residing: whereas the sublunary 1. Pra. 4. ●. bodies are continually subject to corruption (as hath been often said) insomuch, that that which is now said to be natural, was not so from the beginning, but it came accidentally, afterward, so that as concerning the actions of a horse, (being rebellious to man) was not natural but accidental; and therefore his working cannot show his true quality, by reason both of his disobedience and man's ignorance. And therefore, seeing their corruption of disobedience is not (n) Theo. 37.r. Theo. 1. g. & 33. a. natural but accidental, their qualities may be reform by Art, God ●auing left that knowledge in man, as a help to reduce things towards their primary estate. But to persist to any more of his assertions, or ●o insist any further upon this, I shall be held over-tedious, and therefore, I will restrain my pen for insulting any further, although I had thought to have lopped many more of his branches. Wherefore seeing (by these which hath been said) that the Art of riding hath a far greater extent than the Art of breeding, to make a horse more serviceable for the use and delight of men, I would wish all favourites of this Art, not to be discouraged to enter into the secrets thereof, sith that if they be not able to breed according to the truth thereof, nor yet cannot get a horse of such perfect shape as is prescribed; yet if he have the true understanding in this Art, he may make a horse (o) of as good performance as the other, if they have not the like managing; but if they have, than I must needs confess there is both greater hope, and also they will ask much less time and labour (for the rider) then others not so perfectly bred, and Chap. b. shaped. Yet this do I hold, and will answer it with the hazard of my life (having had sufficient experience thereof) that many horses that want divers of Mr. Morgan's curious observations, may be brought to a superlative check with the best that they shall (p) encounter withal by his order of teaching. For though true breeding help the perfection of shape, and causeth a nimble Chap. c. body, and a quick and stout courage, yet if all these have not true Art, to cause obedience, they will be as gold mixed with dross, And albe it cannot help the shape (if it be defective) yet it will reform his disposition. For this I do further ●uerre, that if a horse be defective in M. Morgan. Theo. 37. q q Disobedience increased through ignorance. Theo. 37. ʰ any of those six qualities, which he setteth forth as true marks of a good horse, they may be repaired by the Art of Horsemanship; for though many horses be either fearful, dogged, stumbling, hard going, subject to tyre, and sad or dull, by any inclination of their disposition, they may be further increased by disobedience, and the ignorance of the man, in not knowing how to subdue his rebellion, and likewise the cause of boldness, 1. Pra. 15. ●. toughness, sure going, easy going, durableness and free going, (which are his six marks) do not altogether proceed from breeding (as he holdeth) sith they are increased or diminished ʳ The Art of riding tenderh only to obedience. according to that knowledge which the rider hath in this Art. For there was never any horse (from the beginning) that had perfection of all these by breeding, except they had obedience (by Art) for their use. Nay, Art is of such operation, that if he hath an inclination to any of these contraries, by his disposition, it will purge him thereof, (which I have proved by experience.) For if a horse (s) Theo. 11.d. & 33.e. & 29d. be fearful or dogged, he may be made bold and loving, by true subjection and kind using, ever observing his interior disposition by his outward action; and acquainting him by degrees, with such things as he is most fearful of: And likewise if he be unnimble footed, and subject to stumble, or hard going, the cause thereof is in his exterior parts, through improper motions, and so may be reform by giving the body a more apt and quick motion. And further, if he be subject to tyre, or be sad or heavy, the cause thereof proceedeth both Theo. 4.m. & 26.c. & 19 a. from the interior and exterior parts, being always jarring in their motions, which causeth a faintness and weariness in the horse, he never finding ease: and so it is to be reform, by stirring up quicker motions of his desire, and th●n ●o join the motions of his body thereto; whereby he will go with such sleight and ease, that he will take great delight therein, and so by use he will have such an habit, that he will so continue. But because I have spoken more largely of these things in the former part of this book, I do herein but touch them, till I come to show in their proper place how to effect them. Only (as I say) this I set down to encourage the favourites of this Art to take pains for the knowledge thereof: because that if ability to breed be wanting, it may help to supply that want, for all men cannot go to Arabia nor Barbary for their stallions. And likewise if they have a horse, that is not so perfectly bred, nor of such comely shape, as is required; yet having true knowledge how to manage them according to Art, he may equal the other in all his actions. CHAP. 14. Of the first haltring a young Colt. WHen as you have thus brought up your Colts, till they have attained to the age of three years old and upward, you may then put them to the saddle, for by that time they will be of sufficient growth and strength both of body and courage to undergo the burden of a man, especially if they have been well kept till then: but whereas Mr. Morgan doth wish that they should not be backed till they come to five ● At what Age to back your Colt. years of age, I hold it not so good: First, because they ●ill be the more easily brought to subjection when their desire is bended before it be too stiff; and also it will make their bodies to be more agile and nimble with moderate practice; and so, by such time as they come to the age of five years, they will be ready to perform any reasonable action, as I have had full trial. Wherefore if they should run till they be five years old, there would be a great loss of time, for than they will be six years old before they be fit for any performance: And also they will ask a greater time and labour to bring them to subjection, which is one cause of so many dogged and restive ● One main cause of lads. jades, in regard they (running so long before they be handled) are so rebellious, that they exeed the knowledge of mo●●●riders to reform them. But here it may be objected, that to Objection. 1. Pra. 7.n. & 15h. Answer. back them so young, will both abate their courage, and also endanger their limbs by straining, and cause them to put forth splints, spavins curbs, windgalles, and such like. To which I answer, that such accidents do not necessarily happen through the rareness of time, but by the ignorance of the rider, and by gross humours abounding in the Colt, and negligent care after their labour. For if the Colt be used after such gentle and quiet order as he (x) 1. Pr. 27.b. ought to be, he will be found so tractable that he will more easily be commanded, whereby it will rather preserve him from such dangers, then cause them, whereas if he run till he be so old, he will oftentimes be so stubborn, that he will be in greater hazard thereof. Therefore (as Mr. Markham saith) when your Colt is come ᶜ How to halter your colt at the first. to the age of three years old and a half, (or thereabouts) if he hath run abroad all his life) let him be driven with some other quiet horses into a house, that shall be free from posts, (for fear of hurting himself against them through his unruliness;) and there (by the gentlest means that may be) halter him; the manner how, must be referred to the discretion of yourself, because there can no certain order be prescribed: But yet if he be holden up among other horses that are more gentle, you may with the more safety go amongst them, to assay if you can put the halter on his head; which if he will not endure, but fly back, (as doubtless he will) then let those men which are standing behind, threaten him with their voice and strike him up again with their Poles, and when he is gone up, let them continually cherish or rub him upon the buttocks (with their Poles;) for that will so cause him to regard them, that you may the more easily cast the halter over his head: Or else, if you cannot come to his head, to put the halter on with your hands, you may fold the halter on the end of a long Pole, and (observing the moving of his head) slip it on e●e he be aware, if he be holden up so that he cannot fly back. But for the haltring them by strong hand as is the custom of ᵈ Of haltring your Colt by force. those horse-coursers, which use to sell young Colts, I utterly disallow; for such violence will cause the Colt to strive the more, especially if he be of any quick spirit, and so endanger himself the more by overheating, for it is their nature, that if they feel themselves holden by force, they will never leave resisting, till they have neither strength nor wind, in so much as I have seen many fall down and beat themselves upon the ground, they have been made so mad by such violence. Now when you have thus haltered your Colt and put the headstall close to his ears roots, for fear of bruising him upon the pole place: get him by the gentlest means you can, forth of the House, which assoon as he is forth, it is most like he will desire to run away and plunge, he never having been in hand before, which if he do, suffer him to run to the length ᵉ How to use him in the halter. of the chase halter, and there give him such a sudden twitch back, that it will pluck him upon his buttocks: and so use him as often as you see him offer the like, never leaving him till you find him yield to that correction: which so soon as you shall perceive, then let him stand, and two or three having the chase halter by the end, for fear of breaking away, go your (x) 1 Pra. 15. ᵈ self towards his head by the gentlest means you can, and offer to reach forth your hand to cherish him about the neck or 24.m. Theo. 22.c. shoulder; which if he suffer, then cherish him both with your tongue and hand. But if he will not endure you to come near (f) 1. Pr. 16.e. 17.d. him, then chase him round about again, never resting till he will suffer you to scratch his neck, shoulder, head, betwixt his ears, under his fore bowels, belly, buttocks, flank, or any other place, all which he will let you do in a very short space, if he be rightly used. When you have made him so familiar, on the narside as is said, 1. Pr. 16. l. g Note the cause of many restife qualities. then go to the far side, and use him in all points as before, till he will turn also readily on that hand, and suffer you to rub him in all places, as on the narside; for till he be familiar with you no both sides, he will not be sure for one man to deal withal. Having thus brought him to such obedience with the halter, that he will yield thereto if he feel but the straining thereof; ʰ How to learn him to lead. 1 Pra. 18.b. you may then go about to learn him to lead, which you shall do after this manner. First, you shall lap up the strain of your halter very handsomely, and take it into your left hand: then hold your right hand very gently upon the strain hard by the headstall; and having a switch in your left hand you shall Note. carry your left arm close by your side, and the point of your switch shall be turned back, as a sword is carried in his hangers, both for the aptness to touch the Colt behind, as occasion shall be offered, and also to prevent the cause of affright to the Colt, upon the motion thereof, which if it should happen would be held a gross absurdity in the man. When you are thus prepared, than you shall assay to pull him on gently with your right hand, to try if he will move forward, at which if he ● Violence is an utter enemy to Art. desire to hang back, then in any case slack your hand again, not once offering to pull him on by violence, for that will cause him to resist the more, and overthrow all that you had wrought Theo. 33.h. 3e. before, for use him to gentle motions at the first, and he will obey by them, but if he be used by violence, he will do nothing without it, which is repugnant to Art, and a discredit to the man. Therefore you must arm yourself with patience for a time, and place yourself, with your right shoulder against his left, for there is the safest place from danger, for than if he either Note. rise before, or plunge forward, he cannot endanger you with his forefeet; and likewise if he should strike behind, he cannot reach you with his hindfeetes. Having thus placed your body, if you offer to move him forward as before, and he will not obey, than you shall touch him behind, very gently with your switch, only with turning your hand in the wrist, without any other motion of your body, which might cause an affright in him; at the which if he do but offer to move forward though never so little, then cherish him, and assay the second, or third time, by the which I am sure he will move, except it be a very stubborn lade, which if he be, then let one stand behind him with a pole, and touch him gently on the buttocks▪ till he press forward, which so soon as he doth, though neu●r so untowardly, yet make very much of him: and thus use him till he will go with your own motions, and so lead him up and down gently, till he be as cunning on the one hand as on the other: for by this kind of using you shall make him acquainted with you on both sides, and during such a time in leading, it will cool him so moderately, as his former sweeting will be nothing hurtful unto him; but herein you must have a special care that you do nothing unto him rashly Note. or suddenly, for dread of bringing a fearful skittishnesse to him, and cause him yerk or plunge whereby he will be more dangerous in backing, and besides it will require a great time to reform. Now when you have brought your Colt to such obedience; that he will lead gently on both hands, if he be cold than you may have him into the Stable, and there pull off the chase halter, How to use him in the Stable. by the gentlest means you can, for fear of galling his head, and put on a flat leather collar, or a broad girth-webbe-halter, then give him some hay to cool his mouth and refresh him, and being thus in the house let his keeper be ever doing something about him, ever using him the most to that which he is most dainty, always cherishing him both with voice and hand when he doth well, and correcting him with the same, and sometimes with a stick, when he doth show any stubborn or dogged tricks; & by this means you may in short time make him so domestical and gentle, that he will suffer you to rub him all over his body, his head, under his belly, his lesk, legs, and suffer you to shear both head and ears, and to take up all his feet to be shod, all which I know of my own experience, may be done in a week of time, although the Colt be in the highest degree of untowardness; if the keeper be any thing industrious & painful: for by this order I backed a Colt of Sir Anthony Mildmaies the fourth day, which was five weeks before, and would not suffer any to clap their hand on the saddle. And likewise I backed a Mare at my L: Bishops of Peterborough and the third day caused her endure shearing about the head, mussel, and ears, although she was ten years old and would never before be brought to subjection. CHAP. 15. Of the excellent use of the Chase halter. BEcause the Chase-halter is of such an excellent use, and hath heretofore been of so small esteem, that not any but Mr. Markeham, that I have read, hath entreated any thing thereof: although many have written copiously of this Art. Therefore that it may be had in more esteem than heretofore it hath been, and as indeed it doth deserve: I cannot pass it so slightly over, but speak some what more in the commendations thereof, lest that some (like Esop's Cock) should refuse such a jewel and pass it over without esteem, in regard they do not know the profit thereof. But because the uses thereof are manifold, I will but only ᵃ The first use of the Chase-halter. touch some of them, and leave the rest to the discretion of the ingenious and diligent practisers, for further observations. And therefore, first it is the only means to bring a young Colt's appetite, Theo. 1.b. or desire to obedience, which is the foundation of this (2) 1. Pra. 14.c. Art. Secondly, if he be of never so thick, and strong forehand, it will make him very commandable of his head, if it be used as is said before. Thirdly, it will make him have such a (3) strait carriage of body that he will be apt to yield to the motions of the man: if in his chase about he be not suffered to hang outward with his body to rest his head upon the halter, as many sullen jades will do: but always as he doth desire to do so, then presently give him a sudden twitch, which will cause him to rest firmly upon his legs, whereby that when he cometh to be backed he will be more apt to take his way, willinger. Fourthly, it will make him nimble footed, for by the apt (4) carriage of his body he will upon necessity handle his feet so orderly, that he will be free from stumbling, and many other Vices. Fiftly, it will quicken up his spirits so, that though he (5) be of a very sad disposition, he will go the more freely and willingly, which also I have had sufficient experience of: For I (b) have not had a Colt at the least this dozen year, how sad soever he was judged by his shape and disposition, that proved sad in Theo. 19 ● riding, and one chief cause of that prevention was by this means. Sixtly, if he be a mad fiery Colt he may far more easily (6) Theo. 20. ●. be brought to command by this means, rather than by any (7) Theo. 34. a. other when he cometh to be backed. Seventhly, it will cause him to rake his wind, to move with his body more easily; and so find the better ●light in his moving, if he be not so furiously (e) 1. Pr. 14. ᵉ 18. g. dealt withal, but that he may ease himself when he doth first yield, for the effect of rebellion is the stopping of the wind, and the effect of obedience is the free raking thereof. And lastly, (8) the true use of the Chase halter, is as an index to the Horse, whereby he may the sooner come to understand the mind of his rider: for if he be brought to such true subjection, by it, that he will stand when he doth feel the straining thereof never so little, and that he is brought to lead, and turn on both hands ●. Pr. 16. a. b The application of the chase halter to the head strain by it; he will be more easily taught to take his way, if to his trench, there be added a head strain, with plated cords to go over his nose, like a musrole, when he shall come to be ridden, whereby he may be governed, till he find the use of the trench: by which his mouth will be kept from galling, and he preserved from restive qualities; and so save labour and charge either to get tormenting chains, and Cavizans, or hard trenches and bits to bring him to obedience. But what need I to spend any longer time to set forth the (c) excellency hereof, seeing that this if there were no more, were sufficient to cause it to be of more regard, then as yet it hath 1. Pr. 13. q been: that is, it will give a Horse such a true ground, that all those six qualities which Master Morgan doth speak of that should be in a good Horse, may be the far more easily increased and maintained in him. But yet I would not have the reader to understand me so, that this halter hath power to work Note the sequel all these things to their perfection; but only as I say, it doth but lay the foundation of the work, which must be built up afterward by the rule or line of reason, and likewise this may be abused, for it is but an instrument, and therefore man must make ᵈ All instruments may be abused. the application: which must depend upon true judgement, to apprehend the first motion of yielding. And likewise he must not think that he understandeth it, when as he hath read it, for the true application is to learn to ●. Pr. 14. x. 24. ●. judge of the inward disposition of the Horse, by his outward actions, these pointing as truly to them, as the index of a (e) Theo. 35. ᵃ Clock to the hour, which must be gained by observation in practice, for the eye may be deceived, but the hand upon the strain of the halter will not. And whereas this manner of using a young Colt at the first, may be held too violent, for heating him too much, before his Objection. flesh be fully hardened, because it is holden the glut of the body will fall into the legs, and so is the cause of many diseases thereof; I answer, the violence will not be so great as is imagined, Answer. if as I have said, you can conceive of the first motion of obedience: for by the instinct of nature every thing doth desire to flee from that which may hurt it; and therefore they will yield before they wrong themselves, if then they may be suffered: and the cause of such violence cometh rather through indiscretion, then by this order. And for their sweeting (if it fall out so) it doth not necessarily ᶠ Every sweat doth not surfeit. follow that every sweat doth surfeit, for then those Horses, which have their heats given them in such sort, that they are all on a foam, would be in the same predicament, which thing experience will deny. And I see no reason wherefore the sweeting of a young Colt, should more engender such surrances in him, then in any other, if he be moderately cooled, for age doth free neither Man nor Horse from diseases. And where it may be said, that they are the more foggy, and so sooner caused to sweat, so likewise they are more pursye, and so for want of wind, they will sooner obey: for the raking of the wind is the only mark to aim at, for the knowledge of gaining obedience. And again, sweat doth not so much hurt, if it proceed not Theo. 34.b. from the vital parts, but from the animal: for this sweat is nothing but the dissolution of humours in the body, and so is driven into the outward parts through the pores, by the violence g The cause of sweeting. of heat caused by labour, and so that which is without the skin doth dry and bark outwardly, but that which is within the skin (dissolved) by moderate exercise will disperse itself into all the natural parts again, without prejudice of the subject. And therefore the cause of surfeits, is the obstruction of blood through the negligence of the man, either in suffering the horse to cool faster than the blood can have its natural concourse to the proper use, or else in washing him before he be cold, ● The cause of surfeits. 1. Pra. 7.n. & 14.b. whereby the veins are suddenly cooled, and the blood stopped, and so gross humours do abound, which causeth swelling of the legs, pains, scratches, and such like, therefore I would wish all that do tender the soundness of their horses limbs, to eschew washing after labour, as an utter enemy thereto, howsoever it is generally used, for saving labour in dressing. But if your Colt be of such a stubborn, & dogged disposition, that he will not yield to obedience, till he be so laboured, that he is all of a sweat, then let him be kept in exercise by teaching (i) Theo. 9 ●. to lead, as afore I have shown, till he be cold, and his sweeting will hurt him no more than those Horses which are of greater age. And herein many do deceive themselves, through curiosity, for whereas they think to free their Colt from such dangers, by not heating him so much at the first, they are feign to thrust him afterward into greater extremities, whereby he is caused to sweat ofter by many degrees, and worse than he should do, before he can be brought to obedience, or else he will prove but a jade, and then why may not any one of those heats increase diseases as well as at the first. CHAP. 16. Of the first Bridling and Sadling a young Colt. WHen you have brought your Colt to such obedience, that he will lead gently on both hands, and that he 1. Pr. 13.b. will suffer you to rub him all over, and take up his feet gently to be shod than you may use him to the bridle and saddle, 1 Pra. 14.b. ᵃ How to acquaint the Colt with the bridle and saddle. after this order. First, you shall put a head-strain on his head, as I have said before, which shall be made of three cords plaited together, for that is more easy and gentle for the gawling▪ of his nose, then if they were laid one over another, so close as if they were but one rope, to the which you shall put a headstall of Leather, like to a bridles headstall, with rains answerable thereto, which shall be buckled to the two rings with buckles set to either end of the rain, for the same purpose, like ᵇ How to make the headstraine. the manner of a musrole; but I would not have the reins to be put cross under the chaps, as they use to do it, but to be put to the rings, (single) on the same side that doth belong to the reins, because that if they should be put cross, they would pull it so strait to his nose, that when a man doth slack his hand, the Colt cannot find any ease because the cords will be so weak, that they cannot open the reins again. Therefore you shall have a thong of leather to go under his chaps (in the stead of them) to buckle so strait as you shall think meet, both to keep the cords in their due place, and also to put a martingale thereto, if you mind to use one. Then you shall take a bridle, with a trench so smooth as is possible, of the bigness of a Canon of the smallest size, and anoint it with honey and salt, to relish his mouth, which will make him have the more delight to work thereupon. Then you shall take the reins thereof, and thrown them over the bought of your left arm, (for being under your feet when you should go to the Colt) and laying the trench in the palm of ᶜ How to bridle him. your left hand betwixt your finger and your thumb, you shall take the top of the bridle headstall in your right hand, and hanging it upon your thumb, you shall go to the Colt very gently, and begin at his shoulder to cherish him both with kind words, and your right hand, by scratching him thereupon: and so go forward to his neck, and ascend by degrees up to his ears, and there cherish him very well, then descending down toward his nose, you shall hold him gently with your right hand upon his nose, about the place where the cord of the head-strain doth lie. Then you shall put your left hand (in which the trench is) softly to his mussel, and open his mouth ᵈ You must do all things very gently at his first backing. by thrusting your thumb into it about the bridle tush, for fear of biting up to the palate of his mouth, and when it is opened, as without doubt it will be by this means, you shall put the trench therein, then pull up your right hand very gently to keep the trench in his mouth, and put the headstall first over the far ear, and pulling your hand towards you, put it over the narre ear, and so buckle the chawle band under his chaps, than you shall take the reins thereof, and put them over his head, letting them hang lose upon his Crest. Note, that if in offering to bridle him, he will not suffer you Note. to put the bridle over his ears gently, that then in any case you strive not to do it by violence; for although many horses have 1. Pra. 14.i. that vice, yet the cause thereof doth not proceed from them, (●) Theo. 7.f. 1. Pr. 25.m. but from the abuse of the man; and therefore you must think that error doth issue from yourself, in not making him so familiar as you should: For this I am assured, that this method will train up a Colt to keep him free from any evil tricks (if it be truly understood.) But in case you overslip yourself, or that you have a Colt which hath the like quality, than you shall forbear to bridle him presently, till you have brought him to suffer you to handle him about the ears, which may be done in Theo. 29. ●. & 22. ●. the Stable, by offering to scratch him gently about them; which if he will not endure, than (with a stick) correct him twice or thrice together, using a reviling voice withal, but in any case correct him not too much, for bringing a distraction to him. And therefore, if you see that he hath gotten such an evil quality thereof, that you cannot well reform him in the stable, than you shall have him abroad, and use him as I have shown, by chase about, till he will suffer you to come to his head and 1 Pra. 14.f. ● The application. handle his cares, which order will cause him soon to yield, for the chase him about will make him let his wind have free passage, which is the cause both of this and all other restive qualities, he keeping his wind to give strength to his body that he may be the more able to resist. When you have bridled him, look that his headstall be of a just length for his head, so that it hang neither so side, that he ᵏ The true place for the trench in his mouth. may take it in his teeth, nor so short to gag him, whereby he cannot take delight nor feel ease; but let it hang in his mouth a little above his bridle tush, for that is its true place. Then take a great saddle, (commonly called a buff saddle) being covered either with buff or Calfe-skinne, and let it be made of such a form as Mr. Markham hath delineated in his Cavallarice, with good stirrups and strong lethers thereto, with strong tabbes, fast sown unto the Sivilles, they being nailed to the tree for the same purpose; and three Girths made double of strong Girthweb, lest the Colt should break them by the force of his wind, which would be a gross error and hard to reform. Now your Saddle being thus prepared, you shall truss up The Manner of sadling a young Colt. the stirrups, as high as the skirts of the saddle, and throw the Girths upon the seat, lest the hanging of them down may cause an affright in the Colt, and then you shall present it unto him after this manner. First (as Mr. Markham doth wish) you shall bring it to his head, and suffer him to smell thereupon, after you shall rub it against his shoulder, and so along his side (ever cherishing him) to his buttocks, than you shall bring it back again to his shoulder, and set it easily upon his back, which if he suffer (as no doubt but he will, being used in all things as is said) make much of him again; then take it off and set it on again: And let one (being on the contrary side) pull down the foremost Girth very gently and reach it unto you, Of Crosse-girding. Note. which you shall Gird to the hindermost tabbe very slack, (at the first) lest the Colt feel it nip him, and so in stirring the other Girths may offend him, (being lose) and endanger the casting of the saddle, (by plunging) which would be held a great indiscretion of you. Then when you have fastened it to the hinder tabbe, (as I have said) let him reach down (likewise) the hindermost Girth, and give it you, which (in like manner) must be girt to the first tabbe, and after that the middle Girth, which you shall truss to the middle tabbe. And when they are all thus fastened to the tabbes, you may truss them straighter (by degrees) till you feel the saddle sit firm on his back. Now this manner of girding is called crosse-girding, which is the best way to fasten the saddle on the Colt; for it will both keep it in its due place very fast, and also it will keep the Girths about his Chest, so that they cannot fly back, whereby the Colt shall not have such force to break them, by thrusting out his body with his wind. When you have thus saddled your Colt, you shall take strong (x) The manner of his Crupper. Crupper (made of a long piece of leather) and first buckle one end thereof unto the hinder part of the saddle, than you shall put it under his tail, and fasten the other end (in like manner) thereto; at such a due length, as will neither suffer the saddle to slip into his neck, nor pinch the Colt behind to keep it back. Then you shall take the reins of the bridle, and make them of an equal length, (for pulling his head of one side) and pulling them gently towards the saddle pommel, till you feel (by your hand) the Colt may have some feeling of the trench, at which length you shall rain him to the pommel, for so you shall not bruise his mouth, (of which you must have a great care) and also it will make him rest a little upon it, to make him the better acquainted therewith. Having (thus done, you shall take a long cord, and put one end through the ring of the head strain, (which is on the near side) and let it go under his chaps, to the ring an the far side, fastening it thereto, which will serve in stead of a halter to ● Pra. 15. ᵇ lead him by: So you shall take the Colt forth, to lead him abroad to make him acquainted with the bridle & saddle, and the How to acquaint your Colt with the saddle abroad. girding of his body; but ever as you lead him abroad you shall make very much of him, and go to the saddle and clap upon it with your hand, which if he suffer gently, cherish him exceedingly to fortify him in his well doing: But if he be any thing fearful or skittish, you shall in no wise use any sudden or rash correction, (for that will make him the worse) but chase him three or four times about on either hand, and giving him reviling 1. Pr. 14. ●. terms; which correction will be sufficient to reform any fault till he come to be backed. When you have thus chased him about, and that you see his wind doth rake, let him stand, and clap upon the saddle again, ˡ Many makes no account of making him gentle on the far side, which is the cause of many jadifh tricks. never leaving to clap and shake the sad on both sides, till you perceive he is careless of you, and that he will suffer it without dread; which (I am sure) he will endure instantly, if he be rightly used; then have him home (to the stable) and rub him well all over, and give him meat. Thus by having him abroad, and using him after this order three or four times, you shall make him so familiar with you, 1. Pra. 14.g. 17.b. that h●● will suffer you to come to the saddle (very boldly) on either side, though he be a very untoward Colt. When he is made thus tame, you shall let down the Stirrups and lead him abroad letting them hang down, to make him acquainted with the beating of them against his sides and shoulders (as he is led and trotted) for that will make him the better endure your feet in getting first up, and also the hanging down of your legs, when you are seated in the saddle at the first backing. CHAP. 17. How to prepare a young Colt to let you take his back without violence. Having brought your Colt to this pass, that he will suffer you in all things, (as is said) than you may boldly adventure to persist in preparing him to let you take his back in the gentlest manner, which you shall do thus. When you have saddled and bridled him, you shall go to him very gently, (being in the stable) without any stick in your hand, for dismaying him, and put your foot into the stirrup, which if he endure, entreat him kindly, then assay the second and third time before you raise yourself therein, for nothing causeth confusion in a ᵃ Hast oftentimes makes waste. Theo. 3. ●. Horse, more than to teach a new thing before he apprehend the old, for (in Horsemanship) hast (for the most part) maketh waste. Now when he will suffer you to put your foot in the stirrup, you shall strain it a little more with the weight of your foot, and lift yourself up and down half a dozen times, at which, if you perceive he maketh small regard, you shall cherish him, after How to raise yourself in the saddle. you shall lift yourself half way up, and look over the saddle to the far side, at which, if he neither shrink nor stir, then alight gently and comfort him again, and let him rest a while, for that will ground him in his well doing. After that, you shall go to him again, and being half way up (as afore) with your body towards the far side, encourage him both with words and your hand, by cherishing him on the far shoulder: Then go to his other side, and do in all things as on the narre, for that will make him so bold that when you come to back him, he will not take distaste at any part of you; the neglect whereof hath (b) 1. Pr. 16. l. brought many ladish tricks to the Colt; and so to cloak their ignorance hath holden the cause to be the doggedness of the Colt, and that he would not have taken his way no better, whosoever had handled him. But because I would not have men languish any longer, of such a brainsick disease; let them know assuredly, that if they use a Colt (of what disposition soever) according to the true understanding of this Method, they may take his back, and make him go forward willingly, without any jerking, plunging, lying down, or any other ladish quality. And therefore, by his first backing, you may judge whether you have used him as you ought; for this I have had experience of, that a man may back a young Colt, if he be rightly used, to make him take his way gently (without tricks) as well as to teach him any other lesson; for it is also but a lesson. And this may reprove them that will adventure to back a Colt so soon as he is haltred, and so make great brags of their knowledge, which is as commendable, as those husbandmen A confused course. which will lay grass together in Winter stack, so soon as it is cut down before it hath time to whither: for as this will cause mow-burning and moulding, so the other will endanger the melting of his grease, (if he be of spirit and fat) and also cause many restive qualities, which will ask far more time to reform, than would be required to keep them from them at the first. And further it is opposite to the Art (howsoever they may esteem of themselves) for that dealeth altogether upon extremities (without order) but this in the mean (c) Theo. 3.e. with order: Therefore he is not a Horseman that can sit a rough Horse, but he that can govern him according to the Art. But to return from whence I did digress, when your Colt will suffer you to get half way up, than you may use him in all How to carry your Switches at the first. 1. Pr. 22.g. things (as afore) with a Switches in your hand, observing to carry it in your right hand with the point upward, running up close by your shoulder, for fear the motion and sight thereof should bring a distraction to the Colt. To which, when he is acquainted, then (being in the stable) you may get into the saddle, and sit still therein without motion for a time, to make him acquainted with the sight of your body, upon his back, for so you shall the less dismay your Colt with the apparition of your body, because it will not be so perspicuous, in regard the house is not of such illustration as the open air. Then alight from his back and cherish him, letting him rest, and so give him meat. When you have brought your Colt that he will suffer you to take his back in the stable, then have him abroad How to use him when you first take his back abroad. again, and leading him abroad, so as he shall not be near any other Horses (for disturbing him,) you shall first let him pause a little, after (taking your Switches in your hand as before) you shall go to him, and offer to put your foot in the stirrup, which if he suffer, cherish him; and so do in all things as you did in the stable, only observe not to get into the saddle, till you have on● to hold him, and lead him forward at the first, lest he show some jadish tricks, you having no means to let him know your mind. Now when he will suffer you to do thus on the narre-side, acquaint him with the like on the farside, the omission whereof hath caused many absurdities; for many if they once bring their Colt to familiarity on the one side, they never regard the other: like to the unskilful Cook who thinketh that his meat is roasted as soon as the out side is scorched. And so they adventure to back him; whereby the Colt is so much disastered, by such strange apparitions on the other side, and upon his back, as he was never acquainted withal before; that he presently falleth to jerking, and plunging, as evil as if he had never been handled, whereby some get such jadish tricks, as they can never be reform; but by great judgement. Now for the prevention of which restife qualities, I need not (d) 1. Pr. 14.g. Chap. b. spend any time therefore, for if you note this decorum, you may back any Colt, without resistance. And therefore if there be a fault it is in yourself. But if your Colt be of such a dogged disposition, and you have erred in your judgement, so that he will not suffer you to take his back gently, you shall use no other correction then reviling terms; and thereto if it be in the house you shall give him a stroke or two with a small stick, and not with a switch, for causing him to be swing tailed. But if it be abroad that he will not suffer you to take the Saddle, then chase him about as before, for that is all the manner of corrections ●. Pr. 14.f. 16. ●. you need use till he be backed. And by this means you may ground any Colt, whether it be for the Buffe-saddle, Pacing, Trotting, or Coursing. CHAP. 18. How to Back your Colt at the first. I May seem to many to set fourth more strict observations than needeth, in making him apt for the Saddle, and backing: because it may be said, there hath been many good Colts backed heretofore without half such curiosity. But if they would rightly understand the project hereof: that it doth tend to the true taming of any Colt, of what disposition soever, they shall find, (by proof) that here is nothing superfluous, for the bringing of such to subjection, as are of high spirit, and of a fearful, and dogged disposition. And although those Colts which are of such soft metal, that they will be made domestical, with much less labour and curiosity: yet if they rightly (a) consider how many of those Colts prove jades, when they come Theo. 17.h. 37.h. to the touchstone, in regard they are not rightly handled before they come to be backed; and likewise, acknowledge the cause (as certain it is) to proceed through the negligence of the man; I put no question, but they would not think that any needless labour or time spent, which doth bring such good and profitable effects. But because no potion can be described, or confected, to cure this deadly disease, of wilful negligence and ignorance, I will let them continue still in this obstinate infection: and seek to preserve the young imps (of this Vineyard) from such contagious and infectious diseases. And therefore when you have prepared your Colt so, that he will suffer you to do in all things as I have said: than you shall cause him to be Bridled and Saddled as afore, and look that you have a special care, to put the head-strain, in the due place of his nose; for if it be over high it will stand in small stead to govern him, except you use much violence, and by that means you shall chafe and gaul his nose very shamefully. And again, if you put it too low, you may bruise the tender Note the true place of the head strain. gristle thereof; and further, by pulling it strait, you shall pinch his Nostrils, whereby his wind will be stopped from its natural passage: either of which will be accounted a gross absurdity in the horseman. Therefore let it be placed below the nether-most part of the strength of his nose, just at the beginning of his nostril. Furthermore, you shall have a long girth made of double girtweb well sowed together, made of purpose like a sur-single, having at either end a strong ring: and to one of these rings you shall make fast a long piece of strong hunger-leather whereby you may truss it round about the Colt, to make the Saddle more firm: Now this, of many is called a holdfast. Then put it over the saddle, and bring it under his belly, and put A Girth or sur-single called a holdfast. the other end of the said leather first through the nethermost ring and after through the uppermost, & putting it through thus three or four times, you shall pull it very close to his body, and so make the end fast. Now the profit hereof is, it will keep the The use thereof Saddle very firm, and sure, and help to keep both the tabbes and girths from breaking, in that it will so gird in his body, that he dare not thrust forth his wind (never after,) to break them as is the trick of many sullen jades. Or for want thereof you may take a strong trace, but it is not so good, because it will pinch and nip his body too sore, (except there be a great care had in the trussing of it.) When you have made your Colt thus ready, let his keeper go to him gently, and lap up the strain of the long rope, that is fastened to the head strain handsomely, and take it in his left hand, then take him close by the head with his right hand, and lead him forth gently into the fields, to some new ploughed grounds, where after he hath paused a while, you shall (b) 1. Pr. 14.b. go yourself unto him, and look that your Saddle stand right, the crupper sure, and all the girths of an equal straightness, and in their right place. Thus when you see that all things are sure, you shall observe how he is disposed, which you shall perceive Theo. 17.d. 23.c. 34b. by his gesture, but because I have spoken largely thereof in the seventeenth Chapter of the Theoric part, I will not trouble you with repetition here again, but refer you thither: And if you perceive (by any of those Characters) that he is evil disposed, then let him be chased about (again) to remove those by-thoughts, which is a present remedy; but yet know that ●. Pra. 14.f. 16.d. the chief cause thereof is in yourself for want of true proceeding. Then you shall put your foot into the Stirrup, and heave yourself four or five times from the ground, which if he suffer, (as no doubt but he will, being rightly trained before) you shall 1 Pra. 17.d. alight and cherish him, and let his keeper lead him twenty or thirty yards, which will comfort him much: then go to him again, and get half way into the saddle, then alight and cherish him, and let him be led forward again, and the next time get into the saddle (gently) and seat yourself in such sort, as I have shown at large in the 13. Chapter of this first part; Theo. 13. which is briefly with your body upright, your nose, just against the middle distance betwixt his ears, your feet hanging ᶜ How to seat yourself in the saddle. even down, as if you stood on the ground, and the reins of your head strain shall be made of such a just length that (keeping your true seat, in every respect, and your arms close by your side, holding your hands over his mid-crest) he may have but a feeeling of your hand with his head. Being thus mounted, you shall take the reins of the bridle ᵈ How to hold your bridle reins. and lap them one over another to the just length of the other rain, and so hold them a handful distance one from another, holding your stick in your right hand close by your shoulder for amazing the Colt. Then yourself sitting without motion, let his keeper offer to lead him forward some three or four score yards, which if he go gently as very like he will, then let him offer to stop him, and at that very instant you may strain your hand a little harder, which will be a means to give him some use thereof. Then let him cherish him, but sit yourself still in your seat, and let him lead him forward, and Trot in his hand as far again, there let him stop him, and yourself doing as before, and after he hath cherished him, let him take away the rope from his head strain, and after he hath led him forward, let him leave him only to yourself, you suffering him to go forward, (2) A Colt must be suffered to go which may he will at the first. which way he will, whether it be overthwart the field, endwise or howsoever, for if you should disturb him before he can tell how to take his way, it will both weaken his neck, gall and spoil his mouth, or bring some other restive quality to him, which would ask a great time to reform. And observe nothing at his first backing, but only to carry an upright firm hand (over the midst of his Crest) for so you shall keep his Note. head so steady▪ that he cannot have liberty to throw down his head, (as is the desire of many young Colts) but you must so temper the carriage of your hand, that it must not be so hard as to cause him to stay, nor so slack as he may get the advantage (e) Theo. 14.b. 27.c. to run away, which is most incident to Colts of the best metal: And therefore you shall carry your hand so that you may have but a feeling of your Colt, and he likewise but a feeling of you. Wherefore if you see that he is disposed to run away in any case do not think to stop him by force: for that will so ᶠ The cause of disorder of the head. spoil his mouth, that he will prove headstrong, and get evil qualities (as writhing of his chaps, hanging out his tongue, and such like:) but let him go as he will, you doing nothing, 1. Pr. 14.e. but desire to keep him from dangers, till you feel him begin 15.g. to slake, which I am sure he will do presently, except you add ᵍ You must be careful to observe his first motion of yielding. fuel to his fire, and therefore you must be careful to apprehend the first motion of yielding, and then strain your hand a little to stay him, and so make a large turn for weakening of his neck, helping him to turn (by laying your contrary leg to his side) on that hand you mind to turn him, and so Troth him home (by the gentlest means you can) then let his keeper come gently unto him, and hold him by the head, till you be alighted from his back, and so have him into the stable, rubbing him well, and then let him stand. Note, that if at his first backing, (whilst he is in his keeper's hand to lead forward,) he be desirous to go faster than you Note. would have him; that then in no wise he hold him by force, but letting the rope go to full length suffer him to run half a dozen times about him on either hand (with you on his back) and that will be a sufficient correction, for that at the first, except you disquiet him through you disorder, for if he should think to hold him by strong hand, it would spoil all you had 1 Pra. 14. i. done before, in causing him to strive the more; extremities being repugnant to Art. CHAP. 19 Of backing a young Colt after other Horses. ALthough divers ancient Horsemen have counseled, that a young Colt at his first handling, should be taught by following other Horses; and also Master Morgan doth advise that he should both be taught to lead, and to be backed after the same manner; yet experience hath brought me to a contrary mind; the reasons why, are: First, I must needs confess (1) For a young Colt to follow other Horses at his first backing is nought and why. it is a very good way if this Art of Horsemanship did tend to no other end at his first backing, but to make him gentle to carry a burden or sacks to the Market, for than they would soon be brought to carry a pack, and follow other horses without much to do, very willingly; But it hath a further extent, for it aimeth to bring a Horse to true obedience, and to give him a comely, and graceful rain, a commendable Pace, and a handsome ᵃ The end of this Art. Theo. 9.h. 11.d. carriage of himself in every one of his parts: which can never be effected, by this order in making him loving and gentle only, sith there is still an inherency of rebellion by nature, that is still unreformed. Wherefore, no marvel though he condemn all those Horses as without use, if they be not of such perfect breeding and shape as he desireth: seeing that neither they nor these can be Theo. 19.b. brought to the height of their disposition, by such indirect grounds of Art which he doth set down. Secondly, there will (2) be in that proceeding a great loss of time, for whereas he doth will that a Colt should be exercised in leading after another ᵇ A loss of time. Horse, nine or ten days, before he do any other matter to him: and after to carry some heavy burden upon his Saddle some several days after; during all which times he (by this document) should not wear any thing in his mouth, but only a halter on his head; and then after he is backed, still to follow another horse two or three days more; in which time any industrious Horseman may teach a Colt both to take his way willingly, and give him a good ground of helps and corrections, both by hand and foot, which he will then be altogether barren of, in that it is so long ere he have a trench in his mouth without the true use whereof, whatsoever a man doth, is most absurd. Thirdly, this is a cure that doth heal an old festered sore (3) outwardly, but never searcheth to the bottom, for if he be a Colt of any sad disposition, it will make him so extreme stubborn, that he will go but as himself lusteth, without any grace at all: And again, if he be of a free disposition, it will make him so wilful, that when he should be commanded to Theo. 19 & Chap. 20. do any thing which he disliketh, will (as a soar festered breaketh out anew) fall to rebellion, he never having the use of motions taught him. And lastly, he (by following another Horse so long) will get (4) such a habit thereof, that when he shall chance to meet with one by the way, he will be very hardly entreated to pass by him, especially if he be any thing disquieted before: in that custom hath made him more frequent to follow them, then Theo. 14. ● to be governed by the man. For, although by this order he may be brought to gentleness, and so be caused to go forward (c) Theo. 34. ●. (according to his own liking) yet when the man shall think to work him for further perfection, he will use resistance because he was never brought to obedience before; by the means of which ignorance he is brought to restive qualities, being trained according to his own will, and not to the knowledge Theo. 20. ●. 18. a. of Art, (as I have said in the 20. Chapter of the Theoric.) because this tendeth to obedience towards the man, whereby ᵈ A difference betwixt the Horse yielding to the Man, and the Man yielding to the Horse. they two may be joined in one. And although there may be said that there is an obedience in this, yet the difference is, that in this conjunction the Man doth yield to the appetite of the Colt; but in the other to seek a reducement of it to obey the will of the man, (being led by reason; for the want of which consideration, is the chief cause of all manner of restiffenes, and of a dead and hard mouth, so that the Colt will run away upon every discontent. And further, Theo. 17.h. as the galling of the mouth is not commendable nor agreeing 1 Pra. 6. a. to Art, (in that it is thereby hardened and made horny) by rigour and violence; so to use a Colt, after these directions, will never bring him to true subjection of the hand; for that his mouth was never quickened with a true relish, by helps and motions; for although it is not hard and horny by bruising, yet it will be so soft and dead, that if he be displeased, he will no more respect the trench (it being so smooth as it should be) than he had a fuzze or sponge in his mouth, which is the cause that so many varieties of hard bits and snaffles were invented. Wherefore no way that I ever found either by practice or reading, (e) to prevent all these inconveniences is so certain as to Theo. 10.d. back a young Colt, after the former order; for so the Colt is continually governed after the man's directions. CHAP. 20. Of the commendations of the Head-strain, with the uses. BEfore I trace any further in this Tract of taming a young Colt, I will speak a little more of the commendations and use of the Head-strain, because it is the only instrument that can be used for staying, placing, and making firm the horse's head, and also to learn him the use of the trench, with the least offence. But here I may seem to dissent from all the former Authors, in that I allow no sharper instruments for taming and subduing any Colt, than the smooth trench; and the Head-strain, sith there hath been and is still (in all ages) several inventions, some of greater torture than other (to be applied according to the nature of the Horse) as musrolles, chains, and cavezans, and likewise great varieties of bits & snaffles, of several hardness and sharpness; yet sith I have found by experience & reason, that that Head-strain only with the trench, will bringany Colt to subjection: I omit the other as superfluous, and speak only of those which work nearest the truth, craving leave to set forth my experience, as well as they do their collections. But whereas some who have deserved condign praise, (in Objection. taking pains to set forth their works for the good of their Country) hold that the Head-strain hath been a sufficient correction (in times past) to bring a Colt to obedience, whilst they were of a more pure maturity, but since (being composed of a more gross substance,) a man cannot subdue their rebellion Answer. with such soft and mild corrections: I answer, if the cause of rebellion did consist in the outward parts, it were true, but Theo. 3. ●. (as I have often said) it is in the inward parts, and therefore to 35. ●. use cruelty (in such sort) as to cause a reformation altogether Et multis locis. by the outward parts, is as if a Physician should lance the outward parts of the body, to cure the inward flux of a Consumption. And therefore these varieties of cruelties, do Theo. 10.d. rather argue the miserable condition of our age, which doth more affect imitation, than an urgent necessity. For if any man (coming from a strange Country) use any new fashioned invention, (though never so cruel) then are w● ready to imitate him in the like, thinking that novelties do produce perfect on: Whereby, (like sheep) we are led to the slaughter of ignorance, in that we will never take pains to Theo. 19 ●. consult with reason what digression such Cruelty doth make from the truth. For, when signor Prospero, first came into England, he flourished in fame for a time, (through that affectionated blindness we are veiled withal, in exalting strangers for their strange fashions) and so, though he used such tormenting Cavezans, as were more fit for a massacring butcher then a Horseman, yet for all that well was he that could go nearest him in such Turkish tortures: And besides those, he would Theo. 16. a. have a thick truncheon to beat those Cavezans into his nose, the further to torment him, as if Art had consisted in cruel torturing poor horses. And yet for all this, our eager desire did so hunt after novelties, ᵃ Imitation leads us into wilful ignorance. that we never regarded whither we went in following the chase, till time (the searcher of truth) gave evidence of his knowledge, and then a definitive sentence was given against him (as a just desert) that he was not worthy to be marched in the rear ward of the meanest professors. Neither do I much allow Mr. Blundevills' opinion, (although famous with the most) who being led too much by authority, ᵇ Varieties of bits or snaffles distemper the hand. in following other Authors, hath spent a great time in setting forth such diversities of bits to distort the silly Horses, that the varieties of them were able to confuse both man and horse; for no man can have such a temperate hand, as to carry it (as he should) upon several bits, nor no horse can conceive how to carry and behave himself (as he ought) finding such alteration in his mouth: But if he had taken as great pains to make trial of such varieties by experience, as he did to collect and set them forth, and also to search the causes of rebellion; he would have turned his pen from the horse to the man, (for reformation) in as much as he having reason should work by such order, as is best agreeing to the same. But here I may be held very peremptorious, to speak against Objection. the ancients herein, as though they had not taken as great pains to search the truth, and likewise could not have seen, if they had brought such absurdities, as well as myself: I answer, there is nothing that increaseth ignorance more than partiality, and negligence; for when as a man hath set forth some Answer. things that are probable, then if he commit many gross errors ● A partial judge never a true judge, especially being led by Authority. after, yet having a fame there is a partial censure of him, that all his rules are absolute▪ and so those errors are reform if they once say it is his opinion: Whereby, being negligent, they will not take pains to examine the truth thereof, but tread still the tract of the ancients, (it being more easy to go to the mine where there is a pit digged already, then to work anew out of the earth: Which Lethargy, I myself was also benumbed a ᵈ For we having the benefit of their times and our own, it were a shame if we did not purge this Art from some of her errors. great while withal, for loving imitation I practised as well upon those cruelties as upon the milder, but yet I could never find so good effect in them as in the Head-strain and trench, which made me think that men were but men, and that error hath intruded itself in all ages; and therefore resolved to follow them no further than they followed the truth. But in regard that myself only is of this opinion, my words cannot be so well credited, that they should be believed; therefore for the further proof of these my assertions, I will frame one syllogism, as well as I can, (in regard I am no Logician,) thus. Nothing that doth tend to violence, doth work according Celarent. to the true Art of Horsemanship. But all hard Cavezans, Bits, and snaffles do tend to violence: Ergo, no hard Cavezans, Biittes and Snaffles do tend to the true Art of Horsemanship. The Mayor is proved by Aristotle▪ where he saith, that whatsoever Ethick. 3. li. Chap. 1. is done by violence, is no Art in that it is done unwillingly, whose beginning is in the outward parts contrary to nature (and Art doth tend to help nature) so that whatsoever is so done, bringeth no delight, and therefore not durable. And likewise the Minor is proved by the same place, for those instruments are the executioners of a Tyrant, which forceth by fear of a greater evil; so that if they will not presently obey (according to his will) they shall be lacerated and tortured, whereby they are forced to yield suddenly with the outward 1. Pra. 14.i. parts, although the inward parts be still rebelling. By which Theo. 3. ●. proofs it is plain, that violence is no true Art, so that the conclusion must necessarily follow. But whereas it may be objected that herein I deny myself, Objection. for I spoke of using violence in the first haltring of a Colt, in that he should be forced till he sweat so much; I answer, they Answer. which understand me so, deceive themselves; for whereas I speak of chase a Colt till he sweat, is no violence (for many will chase themselves in playing till they sweat, which is not violent but voluntary) for he hath liberty to ease himself as soon as he yieldeth; but that which is brought by violence, is forced with grief, because he can find no ease. Wherefore to infer by induction, seeing those Instruments do work by violence, and violence is such an enemy to this Art, and Art is wrought by the softest and gentlest means to gain obedience; therefore I commend this head-strain and trench above all the other, in that they are sufficient to command either young Colt, or any other Horse whatsoever, if they be rightly used, which I prove thus. Whatsoever things will reform any one evil quality in all Darij. Horses, will reform all evil qualities in any one Horse. But this Head-strain and trench (in their right uses) will reform any one evil quality in all horses. Ergo, this Head-strain and trench (in their right uses) will reform all evil qualities in any one Horse. The Mayor is proved by the Metaph: for nature hath given Meta. unto all horses one and the self same material substance and nature, so as there is no new thing in any individuum, that there should need any new inventions for several qualities, in as much as every single body doth participate of the universal nature, 1. Pr. 13.h. and so all restive qualities proceed from one root, and one cause, which is disobedience, and therefore no several natures, although they vary in disposition, which is increased by rebellion, through abuse by man's ignorance, in not knowing, how to apply his Corrections accordingly: For, to reform any one evil quality in all horses, doth require as many several applications, as to reform all in any one; for if there were a Horse that might be said had any natural evil quality more than any other horse, than he might be said to be a more horse than another, which is gross to conceit. The Minor is proved, in as much as this Art doth tend to reduce all to a mean, therefore whatsoever is differing therefrom, doth decline to either of the extremes, and so repugnant to Art: And therefore, seeing in all the actions of a Horse, there is 2. Pr. 36. a. but two chief things to be respected, as obedience or disobedience, and so in his movings, they are either orderly or disorderly, fast or slow, dead-mouthed or tickle mouthed, etc. Even so in like manner, these two, (I mean the Head-strain and trench, being also two) will reform any restive or evil quality in what horse soever if they be truly applied; for though there be as many several dispositions as there are horses, yet all restive qualities that concur (as I say) proceed all from one Theo. 32. ᵃ cause, and so may be reform by these instrument (if they be rightly used;) for as one horse is a particulars horse, and yet may have many restive qualities, by disorder and abuse, so these have manifold operations, and yet the same: and therefore, if any 2 Pra. 37. have them and cannot find such effect by them, as to reform any quality in all horses that shall come unto him, he must condemn himself, either for negligence or ignorance, for not either applying, or not knowing how to apply the ingredients thereto belonging, the trench serving to quicken the mouth when it is dead, and the Head-strain to stay his head, that so he may rest upon the trench, if he be tickle-mouthed; for when the head and mouth is perfect, there can be no restive quality working: and so the conclusion also must needs stand good. Wherefore seeing these two, with their uses are sufficient to bring a horse to an obedient and true riding; let all those that mind to plant in this Vineyard, make much of these Labourers which will keep the weeds from growing therein: And suffer Theo. 5. no other idle and vain loiterers to dwell, lest they nourish such weeds as the other hath plucked up. CHAP. 21. How to make your Colt take his way, without resistance. WHen you have saddled your horse the second time, and made him ready, let his keeper lead him forth into 1. Pr. 18. ●. the field, and there use him in all things as at the first day, (especially if you find him to be any thing stirring) suffering him to go which way he lusteth, observing nothing but only to carry a firm hand, and after you have trotted him half a mile or there about, (so that he will suffer you to make a gentle motion of your body) you shall strain your hand a little, to make him ᵃ Your motions must direct him to know your mind. have more feeling thereof, and (with the help of your leg) assay to guide him in the right way, to which (if you feel any towardness) cherish him with your voice, and make a large turn, and troth him home to the stable; letting his keeper hold Theo. 14. ●. him till you light; then after he is cold give him some meat to comfort and cherish him. Note that if at your first offer to guide him, he refuse, that then Note. you do not (in any case) force him, for making him thrust out his contrary shoulder, and weaken his neck (for preservation whereof you must have a great care) for many inconveniences will ensue thereby, beside it will ask a great time to ᵇ You must observe that he carry a firm body in all his proceed. Theo. 15.c. cause him have a true carriage of his body being once dislocated. Therefore let him go on, still as himself lusteth half as far again, and ever as he is going forward assay the like, and so the third or fourth time, by which time I am sure he will yield (though he be very stubborn, if to the use of your hand you use the help of the leg, by laying the calf close to that side of your Colt, which is contrary to that hand you mind to turn on) and so have him home as before. Likewise have him into the field, in the afternoon yourself, for than Theo. 15.d. you may be bold to get upon his Back (if before you have not used any sharp correction to terrify him) and being seated gently, putting him forward by easing your hand, to give him liberty to go, and helping him with the motion of your body forward, and ever as he goeth seek to govern with your helps, by degrees, as you shall find his towardness, but if he be slow of apprehension, so as he will not conceive your mind so soon as you would, be not dismayed, but labour him still as is said, and arm yourself with patience, for if then you fall to correcting, you utterly spoil all, for order doth not allow correction ● Art doth not commend correction for ignorance but for negligence. for ignorance, when he knoweth not what to do, nor wherefore he is corrected, but for negligence, when he hath learned a thing, and doth forget it again, or else through self-will do it but when him lusteth. Thus you may use him for two or three days, by which time he will suffer you to take his back gently, to go forward willingly, and to be guided easily. Note that if in this time he chance to show any jadish tricks, as Plunging, Reareing, Running-backe, and such like, that then you must examine your Note. own proceed, for the cause is in yourself: for if you understand this Method, and work accordingly I am sure there will ensue no disorder, for the head-strain is so pleasing and gentle, that the Colt will press forward very willingly upon it, and will easily be governed thereby, in that it is the same with the chase-halter, wherewith at the first he was commanded, and therefore you must observe to guide him chief by it, till he hath further use of the trench. CHAP. 22. How to make your Colt rest upon the trench. WHen you have brought your Colt to take his way willingly forward, and that he will be guided by your hand which way you will, than you may be bold, to seek to bring his mouth to the use of the trench, that so you may come to learn him to stop. But thought I cannot make this so plain as I would, in that there is such ambiguity in the hand, which must be governed according to the shape, and disposition of the Horse; yet I will demonstrate it so plainly as I can in treating chiefly of those Horses upon whom the depth of Art doth depend, ᵃ What sort of Horses the depth of Art doth depend upon. which are such as are of a thick, and short neck, dead mouthed, and of a heavy and sad disposition. Now because the true mouthing of a Horse, to cause him to stop close, and to place his head orderly, are the grounds of this Art; you must have a great regard that you fail not in any of 1. Pra. 22. a. 25. a. them, for if you do you shall fail of your desire: for the neglect whereof and of their true use, is the general cause of all evil qualities, which may ensue in riding. And therefore if these ᵇ Marks to know when the Colt is brought to true obedience. be once truly gained, then is your Colt brought to true obedience, but not before: and then he may be put to other lessons, which depend upon further command, and moreover by their uses, you may have knowledge whether he is perfect in them or no; for it is not his doing but his manner of doing, that you ᶜ The cause of rebellion is in the self. must regard. And so the application of the trial of your own judgement Theo. 21.d. is in the proceed of your own works, for if in teaching any other lesson, he prove rebellious, than you erred in your judgement in these for howsoever you may think that he is perfect in them, yet I dare assure you he is not so according to Art till he be obedient to your helps and corrections, and know the use both of hand and foot. To which command of the head he must upon necessity be brought unto before he can be commanded Theo. 36. a. 32.b. 35.d. in the other parts of his body; for a Horse cannot be mouthed well except he carry his head orderly, and stop closely, neither can he be caused to carry his head orderly, except he have a sweet mouth, and his hinder parts so roundly trust, to stop truly, neither can he be brought to stop truly, except he be well mouthed, and his head firmly placed, howsoever the ignorant in the true knowledge of this Art, may think the contrary. And yet further you must observe, (if truly you think to work) that these must not consist in the outward parts, but also his desire must be agreeing, to do them willingly or else they (d) Theo. 36. a. 2. will not continue: and this is the point that many hath failed in, which hath been the cause of so many torturing inventions, as afore said, for when they have brought their Colt to do these well, as they think, then when he beginneth to be weary, or else any thing disturbed, he will either bear hard upon the hand, or seek to free himself, by desiring to run away, and so they presently sought sharper instruments for his head, thinking the other to be too gentle, judging the cause to be in too much lenity of the hand, whereas it was in his disobedience, for that his desire was not agreeing to those outward motions. And likewise it is the cause of rebellion in those Horses which are ridden for the Buff saddle, for many if they be ridden longer than ordinary, or by long marching forward if they begin to be weary, they will rely too much upon the hand, (e) whereby their mouth will become dead, and therefore they invented Theo. 10. a. strange causes from the cause, for it was that their hinder parts were not firmly knit, but come slowly after, and so they Theo. 35.d. press upon the hand; In like manner it is with hunting and (f) running Horses, for when they are holden hard to the height of The like cause is in hunting and running Horses. their speed, many of them will play the jade because the hinder parts are not trust together roundly but launcheth themselves, to such length that they are not able to bring them after. Wherefore to keep your Colt free from such disorders whereby you shall not need to seek any other sinister means, you shall observe thus. When your Colt is made so gentle, that he will suffer you to take his back abroad in the field, than you shall use him to come to the block, by letting his keeper lead him to it, and there cause him to stand, by the gentlest (g) means you can, than you shall come to him gently, with your 1. Pra. 17.c. switch in your right hand holding it up close by your shoulder (as afore,) and going to his head make much of him, and so go upon the block very softly, for too much stirring may affright him, when he seethe you stand so high above him, then cherish him, and when you have clapped your hand twice or thrice upon the Saddle to embolden him, get into it, and let his keeper put your foot into the stirrups, and lead him gently from the block and so let him go. Now when you have trotted him forward some twelve, or twenty score, you shall make your bridle reins of a just Note. length with the reins of the head-strain, for till he can tell how to take his way forward, they should be longer than these, that he may press the more willingly upon the headstraine, and so the more willingly take his way, and after you have trotted him about a quarter of a mile further, you shall begin to work upon his head, by holding your hands somewhat more firm, at which if he seem to check, ease them again, but keep him still upon his Trot, some seven or eight score, and then offer the like again, never leaving, as you see occasion, till you feel him rest a little upon the trench, (h) then cherish him with gentle words, but keep him still This seemeth a slight error but it proveth great in working. in motion, for if you suffer him to stand at his own will, before he know how to press forward upon the trench, it will breed in him a restiveness of standing still, which will ask a great time to reform; therefore (as I say) keep him still in action, and have him home. Then have him forth again in the afternoon, in like manner, still working up his head, by holding your hands over 1. Pr. 18.d. his mid crest, (for so you shall have the greater power to work his head to the full height that nature will suffer: letting them come and go with sweet motions. Note that if in the Note. working up of his head he begin to rest upon your hands, that then you seek no violence, but yielding them a little, thrust him into a Swift Trot, by iertting your feet forth suddenly, ● How to make a Colt go light upon the hand. upon your stirrup leathers, for that will make him follow more roundly with his hinder parts, and as they follow roundly after, so you shall feel him obey to your hands, for the closer they are shut, the more the fore parts are raised, after this manner you shall use him for two or three days, and by that time you shall feel his mouth very tractable, if you spoil it not by striving too much therewith. Note further also, that if in thrusting him forward, he will Note. not come on roundly with his hinder parts by reason of his doggedness, that then at the very instant, when you offer to thrust him forward with your body, you give him a good jerk with your switch, and in three or four times, it will cause him to gather them up, which when you perceive, make much of him, and have him home, observing this for a general rule, to leave him A general rule. in lust and courage, for that will increase his quickness, and nimbleness. CHAP. 23. How to learn him to stop. YOur Horse being brought to this pass, that he will rest upon the trench, with his mouth then you may learn him to stop, but not before: for if you should put him to that before A Simile. he knoweth how to rest his head thereupon, is as a man that coveteth to judge by his feeling with his gloves on his hands. For if you force him to stop upon the hand before his mouth be quickened, you shall utterly spoil it, and lose the 1. Pr. 33.b. grace of his head, besides many other restife qualities, that will ᵃ T●e fruits of disorders. iusue, only through disorder, not making an orderly proceeding, (by time) to know when or how to make your progression. Theo. 3. l. 1. Pra. 17. a. But whereas I speak here, (till the Colt will rest upon the trench) I would not have you to understand me so, that I mean he should be are hard upon the hand, (for that is the overthrow of this Art) in that no Horse whatsoever that beareth hard upon the hand, can ride truly, howsoever he may be judged, (by many men:) but I mean only so, that you may have but a feeling of his mouth, with your hand▪ and likewise he but a sensible Theo. 14.b. feeling of your hand, whereby he may know your mind, by 27.c. your motions. Wherefore when you feel, that his mouth is brought to this temper, you shall Troth him abroad, (as afore) not offering to do any thing to him, till his mouth be warmed, for if you ᵇ The cause of a tickle mouth, stand still, go back, lash bodied, treadingshort, etc. offer to stop him (at the first) upon a cold mouth, it will be a means to make him so tickle-mouthd, that he will not rest upon the hand. Whereby when he is any thing discontent, he will be subject to stand still, or runbacke, and it will be also the cause of making him lash bodied in his carriage, and of short Theo. 16.d. treading, and trifling with his feet, so that in going forward he will▪ make no way. But when you feel that his mouth is stayed, than you may offer to stop him, by pulling your hands gently towards you and yielding your body back, using words of help, as stop here, or stand, or such like, at the which if he will (c) not yield, than thrust him forward into a full Trot, again, and Theo. 17. ●. 22. ●. ever in four, five, or six score, attempt the like, and assoon as he doth yield let him stand, and alight from his back, and cherish him, for that will fortify his apprehension, then after you have led him a little while, mount yourself upon his back again, and ever in his going forward offer him the like, as you shall see the ground best fitting, observing to cherish him in his well doing, and correcting him, when he doth offend, by thrusting him forward, to a greater speed in his motion, which will be a sufficient correction, and the best that can be used for that fault. And thus you shall use him for eight or ten days together, by which time he will be so perfect, that he will stop so soon as he shall but feel you move. Note, that if in his stopping he stop idly, or throw down Note. his head betwixt his legs, (as is the manner of sad and sullen Colts) that then at the very instant, when you stop him you bend your body more suddenly back, so that your head fall ᵈ Of a dead mouthed▪ Horse. half way to his buttocks and give him a sharp and sudden twitch, with your hand in his mouth: the profit whereof it this, 1. Pr. 24.o. that the falling back of your body, at the very time, with the sharp correction of your hand, will bring his mouth to such a quick feeling, that he will in short time be brought to stop, only with yielding of your body back, without straining of your hand at all. Note also, that then you must keep a firm and constant body, Note. with a true seat, holding all your joints so strait as if they were all in one piece, so that when your body bendeth back, Theo. 17. your feet may go forward, and describe the like part of an 15.d. arch or circle, (below) as your head doth (above) your seat being the centre. For the lash carriage of your body, will cause the like in the Colts. Now the use hereof is, that the falling of your body back, will raise the Colt's foreparts, and your feet moving forward will cause his hinder parts to follow so close, that he will the sooner be brought to stop upon his buttocks. Note further, that if the Colt be of any quick, and free spirit, Note. that when you offer to stop him at the first, you use no violent or sudden motions with your body, for that will so disturb Theo. 12. ● him that it will make him half frantic, and fretting, as I have 26.e. said in the 20▪ Chapter of this first part, but when you stop him use such gentle and easy motions, as will be scarce discernible ᵉ A small motion for a free will serve for the first. to the eye, for that will be a sufficient proportion of help for him, in that the cause of a dead mouth proceedeth from the doggedness and unapt carriage of the Colt, which such Colts for the most part are free from. Note again, that if your Colt be of such a stubborn, and Note. unwilling disposition that he will not go forward as you would have him, to carry a strait, and upright body, that then at Theo. 25. a. the very instant, when you give him the switch you accompapany it with the even stroke of the calves of your legs, which will be a mean to cause him to gather up his hinder parts more roundly, and also it will be a preparative to bring him to the Theo. 26.e. use of the spur, the which when you are driven to use, let it 31. a. be joined with other corrections, in such sort, as I have said afore. Note yet, that if you see your Colt to be of such an untoward Note. stubbornness, (that for all this) he will not obye to your hand, than you shall have him into the field, and there labour (f) 1. Pr. 28.d. him for two or three hours together, till by this your labour and toil, you cause him to obey, which so soon as he doth, alight from his back, and cherish him; for this will make him yield if he be never so stubborn, for the cause of all resistance is the unwillingness of his desire, and it is fortified by the keeping of his wind, which this labour will force to let pass, and assoon as it raketh freely, the body will yield instantly. But herein you must be very cautious to give him ease at his first yielding, lest in seeking obedience you find rebellion; Note. and so daunt the Courage and spirit of your Colt, and thereby stir up perturbations in that he obeyeth and cannot find ease. And this is a weed that doth flourish mightily in this Vineyard, which hath smothered a great part of the planting, for that men measure time more by their will then reason, and seek for more at one time then the Colt hath ability to perform, or capacity to apprehend (at six:) But of this I have spoken more largely in the eight, ninth, and tenth Chapters of the Theoric Part. But to conclude, note that if in his stopping he stand so stiffly with his feet upon the ground, that he is not apt for a new motion, see then you iert your feet so daintily forward, in your stirrups, and yield your body forward, in the small of your back or waste, using the clacking of you tongue, or such like sounds of encouragement, which will stir him up, and cause him to stand so aptly, that he will be ready to move, whensoever you would have him. CHAP. 24. How to bring his head to its true place. AS there is an orderly proceeding in all Arts and Sciences, so likewise in this; for when your Colt is brought to go orderly forward, and to stop justly, than you must also go about to place his head; which if you should desire before it 1. Pra. 25. a. be brought to its full height, and he have the true feeling of the trench, he would lose his grace in the carriage, and it would dead his mouth by much tempering with it, whereby he will fall into many absurdities. And therefore, the want of due consideration of this predicament quando, (as a shower of rain) hath sprung up so many weeds in this Vineyard, that they overgrow and choke the Theo. 17. a. true stems. But to leave these and come to the subject, how to work the Colt's head to its true place; In which you ought ᵃ This Tractate is a true ground of all the parts of Horsemanship. to consider, whether he is trained for service, or for pacing, trotting, hunting or coursing, for although this Book doth treat most of pacing; yet all this which I have as yet spoken of, is a true general ground for all the parts of Horsemanshippe. Theo. 37. ●. And likewise you must consider whether he be of a large upright Ibid. ●. neck, wide iawed, and so of a free spirit: or that he be of ● thick fore▪ hand, short necked, and so heavy and sad, and after as you see his shape, and find his disposition, so you shall work Theo. 3. ⁱ for the command of his head: But because this doth belong to 32. 33. 34. the Theory of a man's knowledge, and that I have spoken 35. 37. thereof more largely, in the Theoric Part, I will not make any repetition here again, but refer you to those places, where you may know how to find a horses disposition, (by those four Characters there set forth, and how to use him accordingly. Wherefore if you intent to train your Horse to the buff Saddle (for service) you shall take a Martingale to place his ● How to mouth a Horse for the Buff saddle. head, which he shall we are till he come to be bitted; because those Horses, must have a precise staidness, in the carriage of their heads: Which Martingale, let it be made of a long piece of leather, such a one as I wished your Crupper to 1. Pr. 16.x. be of, and to one end thereof you shall sow a buckle, than put it first under his Girths, and so let it be brought betwixt his forles, and put it under his chaps, betwixt them and the leather of the Head-strain; then buckle the ends together, but yet so slack that it pull not down his head, till he be acquainted therewith. ᶜ The chief grace of a horse is his rain. Now because there is nothing that graceth a horse so much, in all his actions, as a comely and stayed rain, it behoveth you Theo. 4.q. 14.b. to be very careful to place his head in the best and easiest manner that may be, that he may take delight therein, otherwise he will hold it no longer than extremity doth compel him. Theo. 37.e. Wherefore if he have a large upright neck, when you would work his head down, you shall not hold your hand over the midst of his crest (as you did during the time of working it up) ᵈ How to hold your hand to bring down an upright neck. but you shall hold them lower betwixt his mane and the saddle pommel; for so you shall have the more power to keep his head round; and you shall carry your hands somewhat more firm than you did before, letting him go very gently forward at the first, raking but a foot pace, that he may have the more time to work upon the trench, which will be a means to cause him bend in the nag, to chaw upon the same, which when he doth, you shall let him stand, and cherish him, Note. then let one (being a foot) straighten the Martingale a little to restrain the liberty of his head, but not so much as it may any way seem to force it down, (for that will make him strive the more to have his head at liberty) but only to stay his head for going too high with his nose, whensoever he shall chance to throw it up, and thus you shall bring in his mussel by degrees, till you have brought it to its due place. But if he be any thing stubborn, or so short necked that he Theo. 37. ●. ᵉ How to place the head of a Horse that hath a short neck. will not bring in his head by this gentle means, than you must not seek to make him yield by force of hand, or strength of Martingale, (for so you shall make yourself a great deal more labour) but you shall put him into a good trot, and so keep his Theo. 36.d. body in quick motion, which will cause him to bring in his 36.c. head very soon, for that will make him use his hinder parts 16. ●. more nimbly, which before he kept to give his body the more strength to resist the hand, and thus you shall use him, cherishing him when he yieldeth, and correcting him (after that manner) when he offendeth, till you have brought his head as you would wish, and there keep it firm, by bringing the Martingale to that just length, as it shall neither pull his head down lower through its straightness, nor give his head liberty to go higher, by too much slackness, and so you shall keep his head continually in the right place very easily, if you keep your hand firm upon the Head-strain, and preserve his mouth in quickness, by sweet and gentle motions of your hand. Note that the true use of the Martingale, is not to bring Note. in the Colt's head by the violence of it; but it must be wrought down by giving him an upright carriage of his body, and true relish of the mouth (by the hand) and then it is only to keep it firm there without alteration: And therefore they are much deceived, who (when they have a Horse that is subject to throw up his head or hold it out) think to reform them by the Martingale only, for if his mouth be not refined, it hath small effect of itself no longer than it is in use, for when it is taken away and his head set at liberty, he will be as evil (if not worse) then he was afore. Note also, that when you begin to bring in his head, that you Note. pull it not lower than it was, but keep his neck at the full height, for otherwise you will lose a great beauty of his rain, hiding the grace of his crest, and cause him to hold his head low▪ like a fearful bear-whelp; and therefore, have a care that when he doth bring in his mussel, that his head doth rest ᶠ The motions of a man provoketh the Horse. upon his throple, and therefore, if he fall too low with his neck, that then presently you remove your hands upwards towards his mid crest again, and quicken him with your tongue and the moving yourself in your seat, yielding your body forward, and that will cause him to look up with his head; which so soon as he doth, cherish him, and carry your hands down again; for if you should hold your hands continually aloft, he could never carry a round rain, or if you should hold them continually low, you should pull down his head, and therefore (as I say) you must remove them upward or downward as you (g) see your Colt's disorder, till it be firmly stayed, and then you Theo. 11. a. must also keep a stayed hand, for any disorder in you will cause a greater in him. But if you purpose to make your Colt either trotter, pacer, hunter or courser, than you shall place his head with the head-strain ● How to place the head ●f a trotter or hunter. and trench only: but before you begin to do it you must (as I say) judge of what disposition your Colt is, by his shape and mettle; for if he have a long and upright neck, and his head well set on, having a wide jaw to receive his Theo. 37.e. throppell, than those horses (for the most part) are free and nimble bodied, and in these you may save a great labour in the Theo. 34.f. working up their heads, for they are subject to rise too fast of themselves, and then if you should work them up too, they would be weak necked, cocke-throppeld, withye-cragged, from which would ensue many other inconveniences; but because I have spoken (in the four Chapters hereof before quoted) I omit them here referring you thither. And therefore as soon as your Colt will take his way orderly, you shall use all your best endeavours to keep his head ● How to place the head of an upright necked horse, by the hand only. down, by holding your hand firm upon the head▪ strain, and let your hands work upon the trench to sweeten his mouth, by moving your fingers up and down as if you were playing of an Instreument, and so you may place his head without much ado. But this you must observe, that as his head is thus easily placed, (if he be used as he should be) so he is soon distempered, being of such a free spirit if he be used contrary, and therefore you must be very cautious to be patiented, for if you disturb him once, so that he get a trick to rise with his head, it will ask more Art to bring it down, then to work the other up. And therefore you must carry a very mild, and gentle hand▪ upon the trench, and pretty firm hand upon the head-strain. But if your Colt be of a thick and strong forehand, short ᵏ How for a short necked horse. necked, and narrow iawed, than he is of a more heavy and sad spirit, and will not so easily be caused to come in with his mussel, in regard he will desire to hold out his head like a Swine, and 1. Pra. 21. ●. therefore to bring him to an uniform rain, will require great Theo. 19 ●. labour, deep judgement, and long time; but yet if he have his mouth quickened, and his body truly placed, the head is half commanded. Therefore you shall begin to bring in his head (at the first) Chap. d. as I set forth afore upon his foot pace, and so use him in all things as there (except the Martingale) in stead whereof you Theo. 15.d. must use the headstraine in keeping your hands well stayed upon ˡ The head-strain is the ground of thi● work●. it, for that will make him follow steadily with his whole bedy, and then his head upon necessity must also be stayed, for there is no Horse which carrieth a firm body, can have a lose head, nor any that carrieth a stayed head can have a lash body, but they must both be stayed or both lash. But if he be so stiff necked, that he will not bring in his head, by these gentle corrections, then Troth him even forward two or three miles, and ever in six, eight or ten score, offer the the like, but if he will not yield that day, have him forth the second, third or fourth day, increasing his labour as you feel him rebellious, till you feel him bring in his nose which so (m) soon as you feel, alight from his back and make much of 1. Pr. 14. x. him, and after you have walked him a little, get upon his back again, exercising him in the like homeward, and by thus using 15.e. him a week or eight days you shall cause him to carry his head with such ease, that he will take great delight therein, if you carry an equal hand upon the bridle and headstraine, as necessity, and time requireth. Note that in the bringing in of his head, if (when you hold Note. it down more hard than ordinary,) he strive to have it up, and so gape with his mouth, or thrust out his tongue, or use any (n) such unseemly gestures, that then you examine yourself how Theo. 7, f. you have proceeded, for your own error is the cause thereof, 16. a. in that you have not given him the true carriage of his body; and therefore you must keep your hand still at the fame stay, (o) and put him to a more quick motion of his body, till he by the Theo. 16.c. yielding in of his head bring his upper chap down to his lower, 1. Pra. 23. d. and so shut his mouth, which so soon as he doth, presently ease your hand, to let him feel ease in his obeying. Chap. m. Note, that if he will not keep his head steady, but throw it up as he goeth, which is a gross error, (although many take ᵖ If the time be spent in one motion it is lost in the other. great delight therein) that then you use no other correction, than this last, for it will cause him to mind his way, and have no time to use idle motions with his body, whereby he shall not have time to cast up his head, for there is never a time that he casteth up his head, but there is a loss of time in the moving of his legs. Note also, that if in using this correction so often, he come to press too sore upon the hand, thinking to go onward upon every discontent, and so come to be in the same predicament of a free Horse, and use any disorder, in being too busy in his going, that then you put him into a ring turn, and stir up your q The ring is a good correction to cause obedience. self, to make him turn first on one hand, and then on the other, by forcing him with a good strength, holding the reins of your bridle and head-strain during that time very hard, and laying the reins that are on the contrary hand, to that Theo. 15. i. you turn on very close to his neck to keep it strait from bending; whereby he shall be driven to move his foreparts altogether, and forward him in his turning, by following him with your body, laying also the contrary leg to that hand on which you turn, close to his side, and keep thus in action till you feel him to obey your hand to go quietly, then let him go forward again at his own ease. And these two kinds of Theo. 12. ●. corrections will be sufficient to reform any fault in a young 14.b. Colt, if you have agility of body, and true knowledge of hand and foot, how to use them aright, for this order will reform him if he be too eager in going, and the other will quicken him if he be sad and dull, But for the true application of them in Theo. 17. ●. time and order, according to the disposition of the Horse, must be referred to your judgement, to proportionate them as you find your Colt, tractable or rebellious, otherwise you shall be driven to use greater violence, and then you degress from this Art. CHAP. 25. How to teach your Colt to turn. THe next lesson that you shall learn your Colt, is, to teach him turn on both hands, willingly without any violence: (a) which will never be effected except he have a true carriage of 1. Pr. 24. a. his Body, his Head truly placed, and his mouth well relished; For this lesson will try how you have proceeded in the former, ᵃ Circular motion it differing from the horses appetite. (if you desire to have him do it in every respect as he should) in that it is a motion differing from his desire, and therefore if he be not at true command, he will never make a straight turn gracefully. And therefore those (who account themselves Horsemen) are herein to be reproved, which will go about to make their Colt take his way, place his head, stop, turn, retire, and all in one week; Whereby (through their insatiable ignorance) they get the reward of Esop's dog, for they Theo. 16.e. bring him to that pass (by disorder) that all their desire is returned without any profit, in that they can never bring him to do any one of them, according to the ground of Art. Wherefore, (to leave these) when you have brought your Colt to such command as is said, (which a painful, & observative Horseman may do in a month, although he be very untoward,) you shall observe first that (in this as also in any other lessons) you keep his body, head, and mouth in the best order, for they are the ground of all other lessons, and therefore Note. if you omit any of these, you shall feel the trouble afterward, Theo. 35.g. for thereby he will have the more liberty to rebel; which being 36. d. observed, you shall Troth him to some gravel, or ploughed earth, that you may the better see his steps, and he be in the less danger of slipping, and there put him forward gently in his foot pace, and draw forth a large ring, in breadth some ten ᵇ How to make your Colt turn. or twelve yards, on your right hand, and so walk round about it till (by his track) you have made it descernable: then holding your ●and firm upon the reins of the headstraine and trench (to keep his head firm and his body strait) you shall lay the right rain of the head-strain, close to his neck, and Theo. 15. i. laying the calf of your right leg close to his side, you shall move your body a little towards the left hand, and pulling your left rain somewhat more strait, you shall cause him to turn on your left hand, and there describe another ring in quantity like the other, pacing in it as in the other: then make your change to the other again on the right hand, laying the left rain close to his neck, and your left leg to his side, and turn him by pulling the right rain a little, (but not so much as to cause him to move his head) and go to the right ring again, and so you shall exercise him in these turnings, till he will turn assoon as he shall feel you but begin to move either hand or leg, which will be done in two or three days. And then you shall put him to a gentle Trot, first on one hand and then on the other (using still your helps) and as he increaseth in knowledge, so you may increase his speed in his Trot, and enlarge his time of exercise. For in this lesson they will be desirous to ease themselves (if they may be suffered) or if they Theo. 17. i. have a stinted time they will look for it, it being so painful to them till their body be used to it. Wherefore, although the ancients of this Art, have prescribed a certain number of turns on either hand, and a certain number of times, yet I do not greatly approve thereof, because (c) there is such diversities of Horses, in aptness, strength, and Theo. 18.f. courage, that there can be no limitation set forth for such uncertaines, 28. a. for if it make one Horse it will mar ten, because Theo. 29.b. that motions, helps, corrections, labour, and time, must be applied 24.k. as you see your Colt of aptness, and ability. And therefore 13.c. your own discretion must be the disposer hereof: for if 1. Pra. 23.f. you should stint your Colt to a certain number of times (at the Theo. 29. c. first) he by custom would bring it to restifenesse, for when his 17. c. labour and time shall be increased, he will fall to rebellion, & i. through idleness, according to that old saying of Horace. Horace. So long as a Tun, or a vessel doth last, Of the first liquor it keepeth the taste. And therefore in this lesson use no certainty, but sometimes use fewer, and sometimes more, ever observing to to have him do it without staying, and with grace, and leaving him before his strength be much abated; that he be not daunted by too much, nor wax stubborn, with being too remiss, which must be distinguished by reason, and not will: for when reason doth fail, the appetite doth prevail, but of this I have spoken more largely, in the Theoric, from Chap. 7. to 11. When your Colt will Troth his rings on both hands willingly ᵈ Of the single ring. and readily, then to bring him to a better command, you shall use him but to one ring, in which after you have Trotted him some certain times on your right hand, you shall make him change to your left hand (in the same ring) by holding your right reins close to his neck to keep his head strait, and Theo. 14. i. his neck from bending, and keeping your hand more firm than ordinary, to restrain the liberty of his body that he may gather in more round, and holding the calf of your left leg more close to his side, you shall make a straight turn on your right hand, and changing upon your left hand in like manner, you shall describe half a circle from that circumference to the midst, & then changing, from that centre or midst, on your right hand again you shall make another half circle, by changing ● How to make your change in the ring. upon your left hand to the other side of the great circle, and then Troth him about upon the left hand, as long as you think good, and then change upon the left hand within the circle, observing the like helps answerable to the left hand as is set down for the right, and so use him in those changes till he be so perfect, that assoon as he shall but feel you strain your hand and use any help, he will presently turn with all his foreparts firmly; for that turn is as straight as any Horse, (but those for service) shall have occasion to use. When your ● How to learn your Horse to gallop the ring. Colt is likewise perfect in his changes, that he will Troth them orderly and truly, than you shall put him to gallop the ring, by letting him gallop gently without violence either of switch or spur, first letting him strike two or three strokes, and then Trot, and then a little more, and Troth again, and so increase by degrees, till he will gallop the whole ring about with lightness and nimbleness. But let him not gallop the changes till his body be firmly knit, by galloping the ring. Now for your helps and corrections herein, Note, that if he Note. prove slothful, that then you revive his spirits with your voice, in saying, How, hay, or such like: and with all move in your seat Theo. 15.h. more quick, and iert out your feet suddenly in your stirrups, 23. c. shaking you rod over his head; but if that will not prevail, Theo. 25. a. then give him a sound lash or two under the belly, near the flank, for that will make him gather in his hinder parts roundly, ʰ The hinder-parts are the first that slack in any motion. which is the first part of the body that slaketh in any motion. But whereas some willeth to correct him with the bridle, to quicken him, I am contrary, for that will bring many errors, as I have shown in the fifteenth Chapter of the Theoric, Note, that when you enter the ring you begin on that hand, he is the most unwilling to turn on, and likewise to end on the same, 1. Pr. 29. c. for by that means you shall make him as ready on the one hand as on the other, and therefore it is holden a rule in Horsemanship to begin and end both on one hand. Note that if in Trotting or Galloping the ring he carry not Note. his body upright, but thrust out his shoulder, or throw his hinder parts out of the ring, that then you give him a stroke with your Stirrup, upon the same shoulder, and if that prevail not, Theo. 23. ●. then to strike him thereupon with your rod, or if it be behind, 25. ●. then to correct him first with the single stroke of your leg on the same side he doth offend, which if he neglect, use the rod, but if he be careless still, then use the spur, or if he use any miscarriage of his head, that he will not carry it Theo. 23.b. strait, than you▪ shall also use the stirrup on the contrary shoulder, and that will make him look the contrary way. Now whereas some again do wish to correct the colt with the bridle, when ●e writheth or gapeth with his chaps, they are deceived, Chap. h. for that cause is in his hinder parts, and therefore reform them and those faults will be amended. Note that when you put your Colt to gallop your changes in Note. the ring, (if he be for service) that then you hold the reins of your trench more firm to straighten his liberty, and pulling the calves of your legs close to his sides, iert them suddenly ᵏ The motion of your time must direct the time of his motion. forward, never ceasing so to do, till you come to the large ring; for the firm holding of his head, and the bringing in your legs will raise his fore parts, and the thrusting them forth again will bring after his hinder parts, and give him such a stayed body, that he will turn so loftily and with such a grace, that he will greatly delight all the beholders, (if you observe true time with your own body:) And also it will make him so agile, as he shall far more easily be brought to bond, or any other salt for service. But if he be either for hunting or running, than you shall ˡ A firm seat causeth a firm and low motion in the horse. keep your legs stayed, and help him in his turning only with your hand and body, for the smother and lower he galloppeth, in his turn it is the more easy, and looseth the less time. Many other observations for errors might be set forth, for the better confirming this point; but because both these and (m) many other which I have set down (when they chance) do Theo. 7.f. come through the indiscretion of the man, rather than the 1. Pr. 16.e. horse, I have passed them over concisely▪ because I have written largely of the helps and corrections▪ with the●r uses and abuses, in many places of the Theoric from the fourteenth to the twenty sixth Chapters therein. Only these have I set down for a relief, if you transgress the limits of a mediocrity, which ⁿ Whatsoever passeth the mean is an error. is the cause of all errors. And further, I omit them in that they are more appertinent to the Buff saddle (in service) then to the designs of this work; but the use of the ring (thus far) is very profitable for the snaffle horse, for it will make him have such a constant Note. and firm body, that he will not lash it out to any disorder, whereby he will gallop truly, roundly, and smoothly, so that deep and skelping earths will be both alike to him. And further, it will make him so well acquainted with his helps and corrections, that he will not misspend his strength after ᵒ What profit the use of the ring turn bringeth to a snaffle horse. his own lust, but will be governed by them, and likewise be at such command, that he will answer them so long as he is able to ride. Again, it is very available if he shall be put to the wild goose chase, or run any race to and against▪ for if (in that) you get but once the leading, it is not possible the other should ever get it from you, for he will have such a perfect mouth, that he will stop suddenly at either hedge or ditch, and turn presently another way, or he will be so ready to give by-slippes with such ease, that he will beat the other even in his windings. And likewise in running a race back and again, he will be so ready to turn at the post to his best advantage, that he will overslippe no ground, so that herein you shall gain more ground of your adversary, (if his be a roving horse) than he shall ever be able to redeem till the wager be lost how purely soever he may be fed. CHAP. 26. Of causing your Colt to retire back. WHen your Colt will stop, and turn on both hands orderly and willingly, than you shall cause him also to retire back easily, but because it is so coherent to the Lessons afore set down, that if he be brought to true command (a) both of head and body in them, he must needs be willing to go Theo. 36.d. back; therefore I think it needless to spend any time in demonstrating 35.b. how to effect it, since it is wrought in the former; because it is gained, if (when you teach your horse to stop) you cause him to stand with such an upright body, as he should, than he will be ready to go back (at your pleasure) so soon as you shall but straighten your hand: Yet in regard many have Theo. 36.f. set forth such irregular means being violent, to cause him to go back (if he be stubborn) I will only show wherein they err, and so pass from this lesson. Now the means that they wish should be used to cause ᵇ A violent forcing a horse to retire. him go back, is; that if he will not retire with your hand, that then you should with your rod strike him sharply upon his breast, or fore legs, (using rating terms) to force him thereto by terror. But if that will not serve, then to have a footman, to put him back with his hand, or with a cudgel to strike him on the legs or nose, and so by greater terror to force him yield back; which violent terms, I wish to be neglected, for (as I have said) it differeth from the Art, (being forced) and 1 Pra. 14. i. again, they apply to an improper place, being deceived in the Theo. 33.c. cause, (as well in this as in other errors, judging the cause to be where they feel the effect,) and so if he resist upon the hand Theo. 35. a. (by the like) they invented sharp bits and other torture●; (as if there were the cause where it is perceived) but of this I have 16. g. said more in the 16. Chapter of this first part. Therefore know that when your Colt will not go back willingly, the cause is in setting his body so, that his hind ᶜ How to make your Horse retire upon an easy hand. legs do keep back his foreparts from yielding: And therefore if he will not retire by the straining of your hand, you shall set it up by moving your body in your seat, and thrusting your feet forward (suddenly) in your stirrups; but if that prevail not, give him an even stroke with both your spurs, which in twice or thrice using, will so quicken him, that upon the motion of your legs▪ he will move his legs, upon which motion draw in your hands, and he will retire at your own pleasure. But I have set down this observation here, (as a remembrance) whereby you may know how to help yourself (if you have erred in your former proceed;) for if you did observe 1. Pr. 33.c. to use him as I have set down for the teaching him to stop; you shall not need to seek any other relief for the effecting of this lesson; in regard that if he be truly mouthed, and his body aptly placed, (as is there shown) he will upon necessity go back at your own pleasure: But if in his going, he go disorderly with his hinder parts, (in throwing our either of his hind legs, or carrying his body on either side;) then you shall give him a stroke with your rod, or (if that will not serve) use your single Spur on that side (upon his buttock or flank) that he doth offend, and that will reform him. CHAP. 27. The use of obedience. IN all your proceed from the beginning to the end, your (a) chiefest object must be, first to gain, and then to keep obedience; for so all your intendments will succeed delectably: But if otherwise, than whatsoever you desire to effect will be altogether upon extremities, for seeing (as I have said in the first Theo. 1.b. Chap. of this tractate) that there is an universal disobedience to 18.b. man (as a punishment inflicted for his transgression) in all Creatures, therefore there is no horse, howsoever he is domestical, & so said, to be obedient, so long as he goeth according to his own lust, but when you shall bring him to go after your desire Theo. 9.b. and to set forth that for his further grace orderly, which you still &h. 11.d. feel to be detained, (having further ability, for Art doth tend to the highest perfection) then will he presently put forth the vigour of this inherent contagion, and so show his natural inclination: For as a shower of rain doth cause weeds to put forth (a) (amongst better herbs that are sown) being before naturally A Simile. preserved in the earth, (through the transgression of man:) so Theo. 5.b. when you desire to work your Colt to his full and true grace in his actions, he will show forth that rebellion (withal) which Theo. 26.c. was naturally remaining in him (through the same cause:) which upon necessity must be brought to obedience, if you think to bring him to his best performance. And therefore as weeds are easiliest plucked up before they A Simile. have taken too deep rooting, so your Colt will the easiest and soon be brought to obedience at his first handling, (before it (b) 1 Pra. 14.x. hath taken root by custom) for that he cannot tell how to use himself either in halter or bridle, to resist with much violence. But because it may be thought a thing doubtful, whether there is such an universal disobedience in all horses or no, so that I may seem to insist too much thereon, I will make a more plain implication thereof by the universal inherency of vice ᶜ A proof of an universal disobedience in horses. in man: if I shall not be held too profane in mixing spiritual things with natural. Which, (howsoever others may judge it) yet in my opinion it is not so, sith one cause is the effect of both their corruptions, and so much the rather, in that Christ himself hath used the like (though in another sense) for the better capacity of man, in many places of Scripture: as where he saith, Can a man gather grapes of thorns or figs of thistles? And again, The tree is Math. 7. 10. 33. known by the fruit: And David saith, Be not like to the Horse and Mule which have no understanding. And many other places Psal. 32. 9 having the like speeches, all alluding to the life and disposition of the old man. For as man did stain himself and all his posterity, (by his transgression) with vice, and so became enemies to God; so An Allegory. likewise horse and all other Creatures, were polluted by the same Col. 1. 20. Theo. 1.b. transgression, and became disobedient to man (as a punishment due to him;) and as man cannot restore himself to his first estate (of himself) but by faith in Christ, being humbled by repentance; so a horse will not conform himself to his primary Ephe. 2. 8. estate, without he be subdued by man, and brought to obedience Theo. 2.r. by Art: And as this humiliation must not be in part, but 1. King. 21. 27. Luk. 1. 75. in the whole man both inward and outward; so this obedience must not be in part, but in the whole Horse both inward and Theo. 35.d. 33.d. outward. For as outward humiliation (if the heart agree not) is but hypocrisy and no true humiliation; even so the outward Math. 23. 25. obedience of the horse (if the appetite be not answerable) is but counterfeit and no true obedience. And as the outward gesture of the body should show the Theo. 35.f. true humiliation of the heart; so the outward action of the 2. Sam. 12. 16. horse should show the true obedience of his appetite. And lastly, as humility being thus wrought in the Man (in sincerity) Theo. 33.h. doth bring forth the fruit with patience; so obedience being Luke. 8. 15. thus wrought in the horse (by Art) will command all his actions Theo. 6. ●. with willingness. By which it may evidently appear that the whole scope and drift of this Art, is chiefly to reduce obedience, and to maintain the use thereof in all the practice of it: and that the man must Theo. 5. a. work it by reason, and not by violence if he desire a primary restitution. But me thinketh some present this objection, that Objection. as all men cannot be brought to true conversion by humiliation, for Pharaoh, and Ahab humbled themselves, but yet not converted; so all horses cannot be brought to their right use by obedience, for some are so sad and dull, that no obedience will make them any better than jades. To which I answer, that in both these there is a double respect to be had of man, that is (in the first) the Godly and the Answer. reprobate; Now the Godly hath the election of grace by Christ, (1) Rom. 11. 5. whereby all they are brought to true humiliation, and so through faith, recover their former state, he being truth itself that doth work it: But the reprobate being given over to themselves, and not guided by the spirit, are not converted by their humiliation, because it is but outwardly and so Hypocritical, which for avoiding of imminent dangers they made a show of that they did not intend. And for the second there is (2) Theo. 1.g. 5.x. a twofould respect to be had likewise in man, for all men's faculties being obscured, none hath the truth absolutely, but yet some are illuminated more therewith and some less: and so they which have it in greater measure, may bring any horse to such obedience as shall give sufficient content for any reasonable performance for such use as they were ordained, though not in the highest degree. But those which have the less, can hardly bring the best (d) Theo. 19.d. Horses to that period, and so there is much of their glory obscured, and as for the other they make them jades, or else bring Violence caveth fear, but ●ot obedience. them to a servile obedience by violence, whereby they are forced to do that which they do with outward action; and thereby they may be said to counterfeit, not being taught by Art, and so may be applied to the objection, in as much as a Horse goeth well or evil, according as he that taught him had Theo. 7.f. knowledge, and so if he go not well the cause is that his knowledge Theo. 4.f. 19 ●. that rid him was veiled with ignorance, in that there is not two sorts of ends of a Horse; for that his soul and body is composed of one matter and substance, and therefore may be brought to true use for man, unto whom they were made to be subject, but man consisting of soul and body distinct, hath two several ends having two governors to lead him, to wit, the Flesh and the Spirit, and so his end tendeth according to either of which he giveth himself as servant to obey. Wherefore if you desire to make true use of this obedience, you must learn to know how to bring him to it, according to Art, aswell as to desire to have him perform it, which you shall the better do if you well observe the Theoric part, for it is as a garden furnished sufficiently with herbs to cure any disease that shall infect this subject if with discretion you can rightly tell, how, where, and when, to apply them. CHAP. 28. How to bring your Horse to a perfect and true Trot. AFter you have brought your Colt to such obedience, that 1. Pra. 23. he know your helps and corrections, then if you delight in a Trotter, and have a Horse which hath a bad and slovingly A general rule. Troth, you shall seek to amend it, after the same manner that is set forth for the gaining of his mouth, and bringing him to his stop. But first, you must observe this as a general rule, both in (1) this lesson and in bringing him to his pace: that yourself carry a firm body and a true seat, lest, thereby you cause a confusion in your Colt's apprehension by using improper motions in the gesture of your own body, in regard the Horse must be commanded by the motions of it, the use whereof I have spoken more at large in the twelfth Chapter of the Theoric. Secondly, you must observe that he also carry a firm and (2) stayed body in his going, and likewise carry his head truly, with an easy command, to be ruled thereby willingly, for so he will have the greater grace in his going: but I have spoken of this (also) at large in the three and twenty, and four and twenty Chapters of the same. Thirdly, you must have a regard in his (3) going, that he take up his feet, and set them down orderly together, that is, that his narre forefoot, and his far hinder Theo. 35.g. foot join so in one that they may begin and end together, and so likewise his far fore foot and his narre-hinder foot: Fourthly, (4) Theo. 37. l. you must observe that in the taking up of his feet, he lift both his hinder and his fore-feet of an equal height: and that his forefeet lift not too high for beating, nor so low as to make him either subject to stumble, or to seem to be idle in his going, which will be a great disgrace in all his actions. Lastly, before you begin to amend his Trot, you must observe (5) Theo. 8. ●. whether the cause thereof proceed from his eager desire 19 a. of going, and so by his freeness he is (as the common saying is) more hasty than wise; or that it come from a sad and slow 20. a. desire of going, whereby through his heavy motion he cause great pain, but small pleasure: which severals being observed, you shall with more ease effect your desire. But to proceed, being seated upon your Colt, you shall put him to an ordinary Trot, upon a gentle hand: and if he be a Colt of a fiery and hot disposition so that he will not go with a stayed body, nor take time to move his feet orderly, than your Theo. 9.e. self must needs be patiented, and keep your seat without motion, letting him rest the more upon the headstraine, and walk him gently abroad till he (of himself) can tell how to move forward orderly upon the hand, (which he will do in two or three days at the furthest) and then work him to his perfection after the order hereafter, (making a difference betwixt a free, and a dull Horse.) But if he be of a more heavy and sad disposition, than you shall use quick motions with your seat, and make less use of the head-strain, for it will make him rely too much upon the hand, in coming on slowly with his hinder parts: but carry a 1. Pr. 24.f. pretty stayed hand upon the trench (except sometimes you use it to in courage him when you feel him go pleasingly upon the trench) and put him forward to a quick and speedy Tro●, for that will make him tread shorter with his fore-feet and gather his hinder feet in more nimbly. But if you see that this will not prevail, then yield your Theo. 16. ●. body somewhat forward, and put him into a round Trot a mile or two, (as you did for to make him stop:) and ever as you think 1. Pr. 23. ●. good, strain your hand, somewhat quick (but not too hard Theo. 15.d. for displacing his head, keeping your body upright,) at which if he desire to stand, iert your feet forward in your stirrups, (without intermission,) and revive him with the sound of your voice, and the shaking of your rod; which at the first will bring an Theo. 31.d. amazement to him, but take no notice of that, but put him forward again, using the like as you shall see good, (but yet not too often together for dauleing him;) and thus you shall solicit him, never leaving till you feel him begin to take up his body, and tread shorter, which so soon as he doth, immediately let him stand, and cherish him, that he may the better conceive wherefore he was troubled: then put him gently forward home, observing to keep a true time (with moving 1 Pra. 25. ●. your body upward in your seat) with his moving, and as he ᵃ The motions of the man and the Horse must begin and end both in one proportion. waxeth cunning, so you may quicken your own motions, which will stir up his: for if you should move quicker than he hath skill to handle his feet, it will bring a disorder in his going, by chafeing and trifling, and so shall not take any delight therein (not finding ease;) or if they be too idle or too slow, than they will bring him also to such a slow and idle carriage, that it will be a great labour to remove his body from the same: especially if you labour him too long at a time. Wherefore in Theo. 17.g. this, you must observe to have him often forth, and exercise him a little at once, till he can tell how to take up his feet nimbly: for his exercise must be short, because he should do that he doth with alacrity and spirit. And thus you shall use him for the space of three weeks or a month, in which time you shall bring him to such nimbleness, that he will Troth as short and cleanly, as your heart would wish. But for observations herein there need not any, except it be in yourself, for if your Colt commit any error, the cause proceedeth 1. Pra. 25.k. from you: either in that you cannot serve him in your seat, Theo. 36.d. or that you fail in the true command of his mouth: or else in 29.b. your corrections, in proportionating them in either excess, or 31.c. else in giving them before or after time; or in letting him rest 17. ●. too long, or follow him too fast; or lastly, in leaving too soon, or taking too much on him at one time, all which you must be able to distinguish, if you think to work every Horse to his height: and therefore if you transgress in any of these, you pass the limits of this Art, and so if you make any Horse it is by chance, and not upon any true ground. And yet note, (for your further help if you have erred) that after your-Colt know the meaning of your helps and corrections, A general rule. when you begin to give him any new lesson, you do not desist till you perceive some inclination to yield thereto, which so soon as he doth (although it be never so unhandsomely) make much of him and set him yp for that time, which will much enlighten his senses. Note. Note that if he go any thing frettingly, so that he will not keep true time with his feet, or shake behind through the lose carriage of his body, that then you have brought him to the same predicament of a free Horse; by using yourself too rigorously towards him: and therefore you must let him have time to stay his body again (by your patience) and let him rest the more upon the head-strain, for (b) that will make him bold to set his feet forward orderly and 1. Pr. 32.c. carry his body steadily. Note. And note, that if in this lesson he prove sad and idle, that in the instant time of the help of your body, you give him a good lash or two upon the narre shoulder suddenly, which will revive the slow moving of his body: but if this will not prevail, then ᵃ How to make him b●ing his hinder parts round. give him the even stroke of both your spurs, holding your hand more firm upon the trench, and that will cause him to bring his feet together roundly, whereby he shall be the more apt to stir quicklier, and more nimbly: but you must have a care not to use your spur, but when any other correction will not prevail, lest it force him too much upon the hand; by terrifying ᵇ How to reform the heigh lifting of his fore feet. him too much, and so run away, or else cause him to strike, or go back, or show any such jadish tricks. Note, that if he lift his forefeet too high, than you must reform that by making his hinder parts to follow more quick, and roundly, whereby he shall not have time, to lift his forelegges so high: a●d likewise let him rest well upon the head-strain, for that is the best way that ever I tried, to cause any Horse to keep his fore legs down. Note, that if in his going, he lift low either with his fore or hinder parts, or with both, that then you must thrust him the more ᶜ How to reform his low going. upon the trench, and use very quick motions with yvor body, and correct him according to the measure of his disposition, lest he fall to rebel, and that will make him lift his legs more gracefully, if you temper your hand, that he may find ease, when he lifteth to go forward. But because this is a very difficult point to observe for him that is but a Scholar himself, in regard it dependeth upon the ᵈ The sense of hand and seat, is the marrow of this Art. exquisitest touch both of hand and seat, (which is the marrow and pith of this subject or Art.) Wherefore because it is so intricate, that very many, spending their time to grey hairs, cannot find this proportion, and yet reputed good horsemen, it shall not be amiss (till you have greater judgement) to take the benefit of some new ploughed earth, (which shall be near ● Of deep earths. to some hard way or green mere,) to ●ase you in your working up of his legs: Upon the which earth you shall first, (for Theo. 28. ●. twice or thrice) walk him up and down with a gentle hand footpace, that he may know how to use his leg upon that earth, without offence; then (before you alight) have him upon the said firm ground or mere, and there put him to his trot; then after he hath trotted a little forward, straighten your hand a little more, and by the moving of your body forward in your seat, and ierting your feet forth in your stirrups suddenly cause him to stand more roundly to the hand, which will make him lift up his fore-feet: then alight from his back, and walk him a space in your hand to give him breath, then get upon his back again, and use him as before, and thus, what by the clogging of his legs, by the deep earth, and the uncertain The benefit thereof. footing thereof, he will be so nimble footed when he cometh to the firm earth, that he will lift his feet voluntarily of himself, if you but help him never so little upon the hand. But if he be so sad, that when you change from the deep to the firm ground, he will not go upon the hand willingly, give him a good stroke or two with both your spurs, as soon as you change upon the firm earth and force him to stir upon the hand, a little as he standeth, and so alight, without trotting any further, till you feel him desire of himself to go forward. When you have exercised him thus upon his footpace, that he can tell how to demean his feet from stumbling, than you shall still keep a firm hand upon the head-strain, and troth him with a good spirit thereupon, and ever in twenty or thirty yards straighten the reins of your trench, to shorten his liberty, which (what with his fast going, and the deepness of the ploughed ground) will make him lift all his feet very orderly: after you have trotted him after this manner a little while (for it must not be long for wearying him, through the toil thereof) have him upon the hard ground, (as before, ere you light) upon which work him with your hand and seat, till you feel him lift his feet very loftily and orderly, which he will soon do, for the changing of him from deep and uneven earth, to firm and smooth, will bring him to be very lofty and quick in his going, if you be not too greedy to cause him to do too much at a time, and if you observe to end upon the firm ground, before you alight, except he begin to be too busy with (f) 1. Pr. 32. a. his feet, and then you shall use him continually upon the ploughed ground, till they be brought to a true time. And thus use him for ten days or a fortnight before you depart from that earth, for the place being a fortifier, and the earth a correcter, if you depart and leave these instructors, before he be so perfect that you can command him yourself ᵉ When to departed from deep earths. whensoever he shall offend, and you be not near such a place to have relief, than you must be forced to tamper with him Theo. 19 a. you self; and than if you be not perfect in your judgement, to know where and how to help, you shall overthrow whatsoever before you set up; which neglect doth much disgrace the man, and confound the Horse's sense. Note further, that in all this lesson you observe to keep his Note. head steady, and to keep his body in a strait line, for if there be a disorder in either of them, it will much darken his grace and glory; and therefore if he carry his head on either side, correct him on the contrary shoulder, as thus: If he carry it towards the left hand, correct him on the right shoulder, either with stirrup or switch, and that will make him look to that side Theo. 23.b. on which he is troubled, if you give your hand liberty for his mouth to glide upon the trench. But if that will not serve, turn your heel to his shoulder, and tickle him thereupon with your spur, and that will cause him to yield in his shoulder, and turn his head presently, which so soon as he doth, let him stand and cherish him, but (in any case) do not strike him hard therewith, lest the pricking swell and so impostumate in the flesh, (for that the shoulder is full of carnosity) and the blood fester, and so fistulate therein. CHAP. 29. How to make your Colt troth sideways. WHen you have brought your Colt to trot truly, and comely, and to carry his head and body firm and stayed; then (if you please) for his further grace, and to show your judgement in the Art, you may make him troth sideways, which you shall do, by keeping your hands firm upon the reins of your trench, and laying the contrary rain close to his neck, and your leg close to the contrary side, to that hand you would have him to go on, holding your rod also on the contrary shoulder: And so, by using the same motion with 1. Pra. 18.e. your body, as you do when you would have him to beat his trot standing, in his very motion you shall make him go sideways by the aforesaid helps.▪ For instance, when as you have trotted him forward a little, and then stayed him, you shall straighten your hand to keep him from pressing forward, and move yourself up and down in your seat, to keep his body still in action. In which motion (if ᵃ How to make your horse troth sideways. you would have him go on your right hand) you shall lay the left reins close to his neck, & thrust your left knee close to that point, fitting most upon your left buttock, and putting your leg back, lay it close towards his flank, and by laying your stick close to his left shoulder, you shall cause him to go toward your right hand, which so soon as he doth, let him stand and cherish him, then make him go towards your left hand, using the like on the contrary side, as the laying your right rain to his neck, your right knee close to that point of the saddle, sitting most upon your right buttock, with the same leg close to his flank, and your stick upon his right shoulder, cause him to go on your left hand, and thus by keeping your body moving, use him till he be so perfect that he will go on either side, so soon as he shall but feel the motion of the rain to either side of his neck, or your knee to the saddle, without any other apparent motion. For, whereas I have set forth to use such manifest motions at the first, that any body may perceive them, it is because your Colt may the easilier distinguish of them, whereby he may the more easily conceive of your mind, which after he doth, you shall observe this as a general rule (as well in all other lessons A general rule. as in this,) that as he hath knowledge of your will, and increaseth in cunning, you shall mitigate your motions (by little Theo. 22.c. and little) till they be so covert that a perspicuous eye cannot 15.e. (g) perceive them. When you have brought him to such perfection that he will troth as it were standing, than you shall make him also troth sideways, after you have trotted him some distance forward, by giving him the contrary motion aforesaid, without intermission on that hand you would have him to go on, for so he will keep the same time and grace in going, that he kept in trotting forward. Note, that if in this lesson he doth at any time press hard Note. upon the hand, and so desire to go forward, that then you give him a sudden iert or two with the trench (in his mouth Theo. 27.c. and thrust your legs forward withal, to keep his hinder parts 15.d. in; and it will be a present remedy for that. But whereas many teach that when a horse, either upon his teaching to stop, advance, turn, or go sideways, if he press forward upon the hand, that they should cause him to retire back as far as he An old custom but a gross error. pressed forward, thereby to make him understand his own fault the better; I wish a neglect thereof, and my reason is, that it will make his body so apt to go back, that it will be far (2) unfit to move forward as he should, those two motions being contrary. And further, it being used as a correction, he is forced back upon a discontent, and by that means it will make him subject Theo. 9 i. ●o go back upon occasion of every the like, and so bring a ᵇ They cloak this error with the nature of the horse. ●estiffe quality (as experience hath taught me) for it will make him so ready to fly back with his hinder parts, (which should ●ee continually kept up, to make him stand to his mouth) whereby he will be so tickle mouthed, that he will hardly be brought to rest upon the trench as stayedly as he should, or when you would have him. Note, that whereas I wish you to correct him in the mouth, Note. you do it very seldom, and when as no other means will Theo. 14. a. prevail, for fear of dawling or bruising his mouth, or displacing of his head, for if you preserve his mouth as you ought, there will be small need of using that correction. Note, that in his going sidewayes you keep a strait and upright seat, and likewise that your Colt carry his body firm, Theo. 13.c. 18. a. and his head in its right place, so that all his body move together in a strait line, yourself moving so firmly with him, as if you both were but one entire subject; for so he will fold one foot over the other more comely and easily. And note, that if in his going aside he strike either fore-legge Note. or hinde-legge one against another, or tread one foot upon another, then use no correction for that, but use patience Theo. 9 ●. toward him, for the pain in striking one foot against another, will be correction enough, and cause him to reform himself, if you give him but time and liberty. Note, that if he go faster aside afore then he doth behind, or likewise contrarily, as if he be slower afore; then give him a good iert with you stick on that buttock he proveth slow; or else a good stroke on that flank with your single spur; and likewise if it be afore, then correct him on that shoulder that erreth, either with your stirrup or your stick, and force him suddenly with your hands upon the reins to cause Theo. 12. ●. him move all his foreparts together, for that will make him take them up more quick. Note, that if he go readilier on the one hand then on the other, that you begin, and end on that hand he is the most unready, 1. Pr. 25.h. for that double exercise will make him more nimble and (c) cunning; For you must observe it as a point of Horsemanship, to end on the same hand that you begin on, in this lesson, as well as in teaching him to make his ring turns. And lastly, note, that whereas I wish you to hold the reins of your bridle more hard, when you would have him to go on either hand, that limitation must depend upon your discretion, for when he is any thing towards, you must give him liberty, to take delight Theo. 12.d. therein, so far as he lose no part of grace in the carriage of his head and body: for then his chiefest helps must be only by your own seat, otherwise you shall dead and harden his mouth. All which things if they be truly observed, you shall make your Horse go with such a beautiful and gallant gesture, and obey by such secret motions, that it will ravish the beholders, and he will perform it with such willingness, that they will think he doth it of his own courage and pride. CHAP. 30. Of Ambling or Pacing. Having spoke sufficiently (in the Theoric,) of the abuses, that are grown in this Art of Pacing, whereby it hath been till this day practised, and yet not certain truth found how to bring a Horse to his perfection: I will also here set forth Theo. 13.b. that which I have found by experience, by treading the path of the Ancients, and the opinion of our times, and how this age hath been entangled in the snares of such variable inventions▪ whereby the more they have striven to go forward, the more they were enthralled therein: and then likewise lay down that order, which I have also proved by practice, to bring any Horse to a true pace according to the truth of this Art: for some have (a) wished to bring a Horse to his pace by the helps of Trammels, some with heavy shoes, some with rolls of lead like pasterns Theo. 3. l. under the setlockes behind: some likewise with wisps behind, others with shoes of advantage, having broad plates of iron set to the toes of the hinder shoes, three or four inches long, others by hanging weights of sand or such like upon the fillets behind, but yet amongst all these they could not find that way to gain their content. And it is no marvel, for a man must needs reap such fruit, of the same nature as the seed is he Theo. 28.g. doth sow, for false grounds must needs produce false conclusions, yet for all this many are so overruled with a self conceit, and (to preserve their reputation by words) will not let to say, that they will make any Horse to pace well in a short time, when as in proof of deed, they can never make any one Horse Theo. 14, a. pace truly in all their life time, by any of all these indirect means. For it it more hard to effect it in working, then to make brags thereof in talking. Wherefore to show how far they have erred from the right path, that doth lead to this Vineyard, I will show how far the ᵃ Of the abuse of Trammels. goodness of every one of them doth extend, and what inconveniences they produce. And first for the Trammels; although Master Markeham affirmeth that they are only the best way to bring a horse to his pace, for as there is but one truth (although many inventions) so he affirmeth them to be it: yet I Theo. 10.d. digress from him in this point, albeit in many other I chiefly applaud him, having found by practice, most of his grounds are very probable, but yet not being desirous to be led by authority (too much) I have found that the true use of the hand, is to be preferred far before the true use of them, in that a man may bring a Horse to a more stately pace by it then by them, for if they be never so truly used, yet they cannot make perfection without the hand, which the hand (in its true use) will do without them. And yet thus far I grant they may do well: that if a Horse be of a temperate disposition he may be brought to an indifferent pace by them, (if they be set at the ᵇ What Horses are the best to Tramell. just length of the stroke of his body, and put rightly on his legs;) but yet there will be a great defect, in the carriage of his particular parts, if they be not reform by the hand, and also if they be any way abused they work many absurdities, even in the best Horses, as hereafter I will show in that he must go as he is tied upon necessity. But if he be a free Horse that is to be put into them, (except there be a great care had at the first) he will spoil himself by ᶜ The inconvenience they bring to a free horse. striving, and so get some lameness by chafing and bruising his legs, which will cause them to swell or breed the scratches, or such like: or if not so, they will cause him to tread short, in that his desire is to go, (through his freeness) that when he feeleth himself restrained that he cannot tread so large as he would, he will get an use of trifling; and also they will make him subject to stumble, his forelegges being kept back that they cannot go orderly with his body; or if none these, (as it is very hard to keep him from some of them) yet they will pull on his hinder legs so fast, that he will go broad, and very ill favouredly, which upon necessity must needs lose the relish of of his mouth, and the placing of his head: or else he will shake with the hinder parts, or beat too much with his foreparts, having too much liberty: or else keep false time with his hinder parts and so seem to halt of his hinder leg: any of all which if he once get (as it is not almost possible to keep him free from them all) they can never be reform by any means except the hand. And again, if he be a sad Horse, in regard he hath not a free motion of his body, they will bring on his hinder legs so fast ᵈ What inconvenience to a sad Horse. (through the slow moving of his body) that he will be subject to roll in his going, and so set hard, yea, I have seen many of them, have such unapt carriage that they have wallowed like a Bear: and further, in regard that he cannot be quickened up with his hinder parts, no faster than the Tramelles will suffer him, he will lose the sense of his mouth, and have no agility of body, so that in his going he will neither show grace nor spirit, Theo. 35.g. 1. Pr. 31.b. ● A slow motion the cause of a dead mouth. the slow motion being the chief cause of a dead mouth, because the truth of Art, is to bring all the parts of the body to one and the self-same proportion of quickness; beside they will bring him to many of the other vices aforenamed in a free Horse. All which inconveniences I have observed (both from my own experience, and also by othermen's works) have ensued by this order, which I could never reform by any means but the hand, and in reforming whereof I have spent as much time, to gain that which was lost by them, as I have spent in bringing another to his true pace by the hand, without any other helps. But admit it were so, that they would produce none of these disorders, (as it is not possible to the contrary) yet let the best ᶠ The use of trammels is violence and therefore no Art. Practitioners use them in the best manner that can be, it is no Art (as I have said) but violence, for they force the Horse to go as he is tied if he go at all, for they work upon the exterior Theo. 3.e. parts continually, and so he is compelled to yield in them, although his lust and desire be still repugnant: by which means 33.h. that which is the effect is made the cause. Whereby when he ibid. a. is taken out of them, he falleth clean from his pace, after he feel himself at liberty, that he can resist: especially if you go about to bring him to further command to purge him from any error he hath gotten by them. For in regard his body is not made subject by his will, but his will by his body, when that violence is taken away, that his body may follow his will, the Horse will go after his natural inclination, he not knowing Theo. 33.g. how to help himself, not feeling those means by which he was taught: neither can the man command him, in that his body 1 Pra. 28.e. had not liberty afore to fall off, whereby he might be taught the true use of the hand. Wherefore, seeing all these inconveniences, may, and do arise from the Trammels, and many other which I omit for brevity sake, and after cannot be reform but only by the hand: and further, he that worketh the best by them, can never conclude without the hand, therefore not only these, but all the other inversions are not worthy to be accepted as labourers in this vinyeard, in respect of the true use of the hand, in so much that they cannot stand without it, but it will both begin, work, These cannot conclude without the hand. and effect without them: for by it the interior parts are first brought to obedience, and so the outward parts agree in their action, accordingly; whereby the pace is made, both easy and delightful to the Horse, and also durable and pleasant to the man. CHAP. 31. Of the abuse of heavy shoes, pasterns of lead, wisps, and shoes of advantage. OThers not finding any good effect by the Trammels, have used heavy shoes behind, to keep the hinder parts of the Horse down, to cause his hinder feet strike further forward within his fore parts. Which although I do not allow them excellent, yet they are more tolerable for a learner to use, (till he come to have his helps and corrections perfect) then the former, in ᵃ Heavy shoes to be preferred before trammells. that they are not so much differing from the Art, as the other, for by that means the Horse is still governed by the hand and the apt motions of the body, whereby he may after be kept in command. But yet though they do good in some Horses, 1. Pr. 28. d. it doth not follow they do so in all: for if he be of free and quick disposition, they will make him to go stuntly, and harsh with his body, and so set hard, by reason his desire is to go forward, and then the weight of those shoes do so hinder or load his heels, that he is forced to use more strength to go with his hinder parts, and thrust on his foreparts by reaching so far forward, whereby the body is caused to rock and set ᵇ The abuse of them for a Free Horse. hard, by reason of that conflict betwixt his fore and hinder parts, whereas there should be a concord in all motions, otherwise there is a repugnancy to Art, when one part is stirred by a greater violence than another. And likewise, if he be a sad horse, his hinder parts of themselves Theo. 35.g. are slow, and therefore those shoes will do much hurt 1. Pr. 30. ●. to him, for they will make (as the Proverb is) him have such leaden heels, that they will very hardly be caused to follow roundly after, whereby will follow many of the former inconveniences. And therefore, whosoever is desirous to practise by them, for a help, till he have knowledge to keep his horse's body in ● Their abuse in dull horses. command, (by his seat and hand) he must be careful not to have them stand on one day longer than is needful, for else they will so ground the horse in such a slow motion and long stroke, that he will go very hard, unwillingly and disgracefully, Theo. 4.e. which will ask▪ long time and deep judgement to amend, if he be desirous to have him go as well and easy as he should. And as for the pasterns of lead, and wreaths of hay, (or such like) they are both of one operation; but yet the pasterns are The abuse by pasterns of lead or wi●pes. the worst of two, they will so bruise and chafe him about the fetlocks; nevertheless I cannot commend either of them, for working any good effect, (for a pace) in that they are worse than heavy shoes, to increase any of the former errors, and beside they will cause him to go filthily and broad, straddling behind, in that he will be desirous to move first there where he feeleth himself most troubled, neither can he bend in his fetlock joints (as he should) so that he cannot use them nimbly to stand to his mouth, but will rest much upon the hand. And for the shoes of advantage, they are worse than any of Of shoes of advantage. the former, for they do not only bring forth all the aforesaid errors, but also are in danger of laming him before, by beating him of the back sinews on the forelegges, (with the plates) as he bringeth his hinder legs after, or either stifle him or wrest him in the fetlocke-joint behind, they forcing him to lift his legs so unnaturally, being so cumbersome that he cannot help himself, if at any time he tread awry, or upon any uncertain grounds: And further, I have seen them cause a horse to creep so low with his hinder parts, as it hath been an utter disgrace for him so long as he was a horse, for that (by these) howsoever he went, he felt no comfort, but they were always as a clog to annoy him. But the cause of all these inventions proceedeth for want of The cause of all these erroneous inventions. knowledge in the true motion of a well going horse; for first, his inward parts (as I have shown) must be obedient to the man, and then if his body be once set upright (as it should be) to move properly, than all his members will move answerably; for a true pace doth not depend upon the bringing after his hind legs, (as these inventions do tend, and as most suppose) but in setting his body so that all the parts move orderly together, and so begin and end in one and the self same time; Theo. 3.c. by which, if the foreparts go forward orderly and easily, and & 4. a. take a large stroke, than the hinder parts (beginning and ending with them) must needs do the like; (but of this I have said more in the Theory, the fourth Chapter.) Now therefore seeing there must be no unequal motion in any part, there must be no unequal hindrance to cause it, for Art doth work only to preserve nature, (in its best) but nature useth an equal order in all things, and therefore where there is a let of motion by any 1. Pr. 30. ●. of these indirect means, so that the horse cannot use all his 31.b. parts as nature hath framed, those which are at liberty and can yield, will sooner be brought to observe that slow time Note. with the members letted, than they can be brought to observe that orderly time with those which are at liberty: for when as one member is troubled, all the body doth participate with the same, and therefore much less can they be brought to the other when they are more troubled. CHAP. 32. Of the abuse of weights and deep earths. BEsides these inventions before rehearsed, there are others which have used to bring horses to their pace, by weights of sand or some such like ponderous thing, laying it behind their saddle, upon his fillets, to keep down his hinder parts: Wherein I can but wonder to see the blindness of such as cannot see their own ignorance, but will enterprise that wherein they Theo. 20.d. have such slender knowledge to effect the means according to Art. For this is so preposterous, and differeth so far from the truth thereof, that they who have no better knowledge to bring a horse to his pace (but by this) are more fit to ride upon Asses that are to no other use but to bear weights, then to have that dignity, either to lead a Horseman's Horse to the block, or ever to come a Horseback; whereby they should A deserved esteem. have the benefit of such worthy Creatures, that doth seek to violate them by such means as is the hazard of their utter ruin, for there can no good come thereupon, but evil altogether. For if he be a stirring horse, what with those weights behind, The abuse by bringing a horse to his pace by Weights. and his own weight, which is too heavy of itself, being so blockish, and the striving with him for his pace, upon any slip he will endanger the swaying or breaking his back, or else stifling; and generally (if not these) whether he be a free or sad horse, or what disposition soever, it will utterly deject his courage, and give him such a filthy carriage that he will be apt neither for good rain nor any other gesture, to grace himself, by reason that those weights load him so behind continually, that he cannot use his body as he should, besides many other gross errors it doth breed, which I omit because it is so absolute evil, that it is not worthy of bestowing time to particularise them: for the using of weights is a discredit to the man by ignorance, a disgrace to this Art by abusance▪ and a wronging of the horse by violence. For if that Art is most agreeing Theo. 4.d. 32.c. to nature, that doth work the best perfection, and doth preserve the integrum or whole horse, (both inward and outward) in the best lust and grace; then that is most disagreeing to them both, that doth overthrow, the whole integral in all the parts. But as for deep earths, although some (also) hold them to be (c) The use of deep earths. a spoiling of a young Colt, in that it toileth him too sore, and thereby weakeneth his limbs, & so causeth him to put forth splints, spavens, and such like; and also abateth his courage and so make him subject to tyre, etc. Yet I say that these extremities are the abuse of them, for their use is not so evil as is imagined; for they are better to bring him to obedience, than any 1 Pr. 30.f. of the former, because they force the body only: and the wind is kept fresh to work according to the appetite, when the body is set free from those bonds wherein it was tied, and which did Theo. 34. a. so trouble him, that he could take no delight▪ whereby his appetite commanding his wind, and his wind his body, so soon as he feeleth himself at liberty, his body will follow the inclination of his desire. For as the whole man is composed of soul and body, and all his voluntary actions are according to the heart, whether good or evil; whereby, what wickedness soever the body doth, Theo. 30.c. it doth first proceed from the heart: Even so, the whole horse consisteth of his sensitive soul and body, and all his voluntary A Simile. actions proceed from his appetite or desire, and thereby, what restive quality soever any horse showeth, it first cometh from Theo. 35. a. them, and therefore whatsoever the body doth, except the the whole Horse agree in one, it is but counterfeit or a shadow. But the deep earth's (if they work much mischief) it is in Theo. 28.d. 1. Pra. 28. d. their abuse, for they are good in divers respects, for (by them) the whole horse may be brought to agree in one; for if he be so stubborn that he will not yield his wind to move with (a) 1. Pra. 23.f. his body, the present putting him upon them will cause him to slake his wind, and then the present liberty again of the 28.f. hand, and changing him from them, will make him feel such ease in his going, that he will work more easily and delightfully. And further, besides the joining of the inward and outward ᵇ For what errors deep earths are good. parts in action, they are good to reform many disorders in the carriage of his body, and the staying of his head, and handling of his legs, if they be used no further than the corrective part, otherwise they may be abused, as drink is good in its use, but if it be abused it causeth drunkenness. For, if your Horse be so tickle mouthed, that you cannot make him stand to your hand (by any means) upon the even ground, and so become lash-bodied, that he either beat himself afore or shake his buttocks, the deep earths will establish them both, by using him thereon, till he find that sleight to let his wind go with the time of his bodies motion: or if he strike short in his pace, and chafe himself, they will bring him to step more largely, and ride coolly, if he be used upon them Theo. 28. d. as afore; or if he lift his fore-feet too high, (by his eager desire) or carry them so low, that he is subject to stumble (by his slow and unwilling desire) the deep earths will reform both these, although they seem contraries, but yet they are not so, for they are in diversity, and so the divers use of the hand, (according to the willingness or unwillingness of the winds passage) will amend them: for if he lift too high, then use the (c) 1 Pra. 28.b. Head-strain more, but if too low, than the trench, (as I have shown afore) for a trotter. Thus the deep earths, although they are hurtful by too much toiling, you see are manifold in their use, and are better to help him that hath not facility in his hand and seat, then heavy shoes, because they may be taken or left at pleasure; for they bring the inward parts to subjection, and help to bring a Horse to a very graceful pace, if the hand be truly tempered, and the body have apt motives answerable, as hereafter I will show. And thus much in brief, for the general use of them, but for further particular application I omit, because the benefit may be better understood by practice then demonstration, Theo. 28, e. (and in that I have spoken thereof afore,) which must be applied according to the disposition of the Horse, by the discretion of the man, for you must consider that they being still one and the same, they work but one and the same thing of themselves, but the variety must proceed from application. CHAP. 33. Of the abuse of the hand. ANd in like manner, as the grounds are good in their use and bad in abuse, even so also is the hand, whereby it is Theo. 28. ●. held very comtemptible, (with the most) and so is made a stolen to bring in other sinister helps, which they invented, because they could never find the use thereof, and so it is almost Theo. 3●. held to be without use: like Esop's Cock which preferred a Barly-corne, before a precious Stone, preferring his appetite before ᵃ It need no moralising, the application is plain. the esteem of such a rich jewel. But as the sweetest Rose is soon subject to Canker, and the Moth doth soon breed within the finest Cloth, even so abuse is soon wrought by this, for that it is nearest the truth, which ignorance doth most pollute: and through that abuse doth spiring a world of mischiefs, Theo. 3.n. as displacing his head, deading and galling of the mouth, lose body, treading short, and trifling, and many other. But again in its right use, if all the other inventions should join in one they were not able to abide the censure, when they shall be tried by the effect in making a true going Horse. For although Theo. 4. there may be many inventions, and diverse sorts of Horses going, yet there is but one truth, and one kind of well going; and that I dare affirm (having found it by practice) is only the hand, for by it a Horse may be refined to go so easily, and comely, that the finest Lady, may make his back her Cradle, to Lull her tender self a sleep. Now whereas the hand may be abused divers and sundry ways yet it is chief from these four causes. First, in that he ᵇ Four things were in the hand are chief abused. is put to his Pace before he know how to go forward by the motions of the body, or to stop by the help of the hand: and this is a general evil, almost in all sorts of Horses, in that they 1. Pr. 23. a. are suffered to go after their own will, but not according to (1) order: for I myself having many horses coming to my hands, cannot find one amongst a hundred (of what age soever) that is taught to stop and go orderly forward as he should, for as spelling is the true ground of reading, so are these two (stopping and going orderly) the true ground of all riding. Secondly, it (2) is abused in the true placing of the Horse's body, for when he is put to his pace before he can tell how to carry it aptly for the same, he cannot be brought to it, but by great violence: for they fall strait to such improper motions that all the extremities Theo. 14.e. they can use are not able to make him yield his body, for that one man is not able (by strength) to deal with a Horse, which abuse is the cause of all other inventions, besides the torturing Theo. 3. of his mouth, with hailing and gagging it, and yet if he be caused to Place by this it is so ugely, that it much darkeneth Theo. 4. the Art, and disgraceth the Horse: for as a Child that learneth to write, can never write well, (though never so fast) except A Simile. he can tell how to hold his pen, break his letters, and join distinctly; so a Horse can never Place well except his body be truly placed to go orderly, and use his legs truly. Thirdly, it is abused, by shortness of time, for when they see (3) that he will not come to his Pace so speedily as they expect, than passion doth stir up their will, and so force him to Theo. 3. p. that in three days which would ask three weeks, nay in some Theo. 8 9 10 Horses very near three months, whereby the Horse is driven into such amazement, by torturing of the mouth, and massacaring him with corrections, that it increaseth by-thoughts in his Theo. 11.d. mind, and so seeketh to ease and free himself by some restife quality, not having time either to conceive what he should do, or to have liberty to go as he should, but such teachers are more fit for bedlam to be governed themselves, then to have the tuition and government of others. And lastly, the abuse hereof is, in not proportionating of helps and corrections, according to the disposition of the (4) Horse, for if through anger he exceed in correcting more than the quality of the offence, than the Horse will become senseless Theo. 38. ●. in the mouth (the corrections being sharper than the trench) and so fall to run away or show other jadish trick, and this point is the hardest, (but yet the very sinews) of all the parts of Horsemanshippe: for if a man can truly judge of Note here the only glory of a Horseman. the disposition of the Horse, whether he be gentle or dogged, sad or free, and so from those two extremes, to know how much he doth participate of either of them (for every horse doth vary one from another more or less therein) and after their inclinations Theo. 29. a. use the like proportion in his helps and corrections, without doubt he may be bold to effect any lesson by the hand, better than by any other means whatsoever: and so Theo. 10. ●. consequently, bring a Horse to a far more excellent Pace. And therefore the want of knowledge of this true ground, hath made such an inundation of errors, that the most have drowned themselves, in the waves of imitation, whereby they have made Shipwreck of the poor Horse to the great disgrace of the Art: for by these means, ariseth such a mutiny within themselves, that the strong hold of truth it beat down, whereby usurped inventions do reign as tyrants: and so they change Art, in making the subject an adjunct, in that they hold it cannot work of itself, except it be supported with some other less needful coniunct. CHAP. 34. Observations for the bringing your Colt to his Pace by the Hand. THus having gone through the laboriousest part of this Art, which is to detect, and lay open the errors which are crept into it, through the abuse, and ignorance of men: and in producing Read the Theo: Part. the causes thereof; I will now likewise set forth how you may bring your Horse to a fair, and commendable Pace (by the hand) and keep him free from any disaster, or evil quality. But because yourself must be the chief efficient herein, I will first prescribe what you must observe, whereby you may the more truly and easy effect what you desire. And therefore first, observe to carry your body very steadily (1) Theo. 12. and firm, from your middle upward, with your elbows close to your sides, both to help to keep your own body steady, & your hands firm, for checking his mouth too much, for deading it, holding them a full handful distance, and also it will help mightily in the knitting your Horse's body. Secondly, you (2) must observe to help him in his stroke, by keeping the same time of moving in your seat, as you would have your Horse to keep in his going: but this must be limited according to your Theo. 13. discretion, for words cannot express it: neither must it be according to the Horses desire altogether, for than it will cause Theo. 19 & 20. some to be too slow, whereby they will go hard, and in other some too quick, whereby they will make many feet but yet make no way. Now because there is a twofould motion in the seat used, Of motion in the seat being of two sorts. the one direct forward, and the other indirect, as moving first from one buttock, and then to the other, and so in like manner the whole body, correcting the Horse first on one side in the The direct motion. mouth, and then on the other; I will show which of them I have found best by my experience, and how they may be both applied. And first, of the direct motion, I hold it is the best for most Horses, but especially for those which are more sad and dull: for the even moving forward of your body, and the ierting forward of your feet in the stirrups, will cause all the parts of his body, to go so even, and justly together, that he shall feel far the more sleight and easy in his going, (if he be not daunted too much with the hand.) But the indirect motion, I The indirect motion. cannot approve so well; except it be at the first entering of horses to their stroke, which are so forward in going that they will not take time to move their bodies orderly, and that are such strict Trotters that they have no inclination to move their fall Theo. 4. ●. side aptly for a Pace, and then for such if you use the moving first of one buttock, and then of the other, (to cause them move their sides by the like time) it will make them sooner find the sleight of that manner in going, but than you must be careful to use your hands still to help him forward in the even motion, for that will make him carry his foreparts more comely; which so soon as you feel him to set close, than you must leave Note. that motion, and use the former, to make him strike forward orderly with his whole body: for if you should use that as a continual motion, and use all your body in like manner, and your hands, to correct him in the mouth first on one side and then Theo. 36, ●. 27. a. on the other, it will spoil his mouth, displace his head, and cause him to carry it very uncertainly, first on one side, then on the other, (as he feeleth the motion of the hand,) or cause him to carry it continually on one side, or (at the least) out of its due place: and further, it will make him stay one side (of his body) Theo. 4. ●. whilst he bringeth on the other: whereby he will be subject to roll, and set hard, and so much the rather if he be any thing sad. Thirdly, you must observe to keep your horse in continual (3) motion without intermission (in all his parts) (except it be when you let him stand for breath to cherish him) and that it Theo. ibid. move directly in the midst, for both his sides must be always going; but this must be conceived, intellectively, and judged Theo. 16.b. by the quickness of your seat. Fourthly, you must observe continually, that the far side is (4) Theo. 30.c. the slower (in every horse) and the more hard to be brought to command to keep time willingly; and therefore, you must observe with great care, that the far foot which is called the Theo. 30. ●. The leading foot. leading foot, strike slightly forward and largely, and then the other legs will be more easily brought to the like. Fiftly, you must observe to keep true time with your helps (5) and corrections, and also to use them at the very instant; for as soon as ever you feel him begin the least disorder that can be, than you must begin to help, and likewise when you once Theo. 17. ●. perceive he maketh small account of your helps, than you shall instantly use corrections, and likewise you must instantly cease at his first yielding, that he may the better conceive the cause Theo. 31. ●. thereof. Sixtly and lastly, you must observe not to hold him above a (6) day at the most, to one certain pace, till he can tell how to go fast or softly as yourself will, lest his body be seated to a low Note. manner of going, (he being suffered to take ease therein) for then you will hardly get him to a higher rate, (except it be with some other inconvenience) when you would; and also you must have a care that you take not too much on him at one Theo. 17.h. & i. time, till he can tell how to go with ease and delight, lest thereby you make him weary, and so cause a disorder in his carriage, and abate his courage, and be a means to stir up by-thoughts, and so ●adish tricks; neither must you leave him too soon, but let him add somewhat every time (for so you ●. Pr. 27. a. shall keep him flexible) otherwise he will lose his obedience and wax stubborn, whereby you shall not command him Chap. 1. when you would. All which things if you observe carefully, and work truly, you shall bring your horse to go delightfully, and comely. CHAP. 35. How to bring your Colt to his pace, by the hand only. WHen you have brought your Colt to perfect command of his body, and mouth, than you may be bold to offer him his pace, without any danger of adverse accidents, (a) if you observe those cautions in the last Chapter, which you may effect after this manner. First, let the place where you mean to give him his pace, be along by a wall, pale, or hedge side, and let not your road be ᵃ The distance of the place of exercise. above five or six score in length; for that distance is sufficient for any horse to go, without a turn or sob, till he can tell how to demean himself therein, and further by his often turning at every end it will make him keep his body round, and also learn him to let his wind go by the motion of the same: Whereas, if he should have his pace given him by going continually even forward a mile or two, (as most use) it will make him more slow with his hinder parts, and set his wind (so doggedly) that you cannot command his mouth, but with great force, and so spoil it with striving too much therewith. Now, when you are seated in your saddle, you shall put him forward gently upon his footpace, and ever in his going cause ᵇ Of the serving your horse with your body. him to mend his footpace, by moving yourself forward and backward in your saddle, and with the same time keep your legs in motion, (by ierting your feet forward in your stirrups) letting your hands go and come, with gentle motions, (observing the like time:) But if when you thrust him on faster, he will not couch his hinde-legges as he should, but desire to troth, then give him a sharp touch in the mouth with your trench, which at the first it may be will but amaze him, or cause a stay, but be you careless, and suffer him not to stand, but Pr. 22.g. keep him still in going by the motions of your body, and let him rest most upon the head-strain, (for that must be chiefly Note. used, till his body be stayed upon his pace, to preserve his Theo. 12. ●. mouth from deading:) likewise you must observe that your body must be the only agent to help him in his stroke, till he can tell how to lift his full side truly. And thus you shall exercise him for half a quarter of an Ethic. li. 2. hour, (or indeed as you find your horse) at which if you find Cap. 2. Quia singularia non cadunt sub aliqua arte, aut certa regula. A general rule. no alteration, be not dismayed, but use patience, (for every beginning is hard) and alight from his back lest you disturb him too much, before he can tell what to do, and lead him home▪ for you must hold this for a general rule, in what horse soever, that after you begin to work for his pace, not to ride him, but lead him home, till you have brought him to some command, or else in going home so often (as you must) before he can tell how to use himself therein, he will desire to go so fast towards the stable, that you shall not be able to keep his body in command, and so spoil his mouth. Then let him rest, an hour and a half, or two hours, and have him forth again, working him still with your body and hands as afore, never letting your elbows stir from your sides, Theo. 12.d. no● chocke him in the mouth, except he desire to go faster than he should, and then it must be very sparingly. Likewise, you must mitigate your hands upon the headstaine reins, lest he press too hard thereupon (and thereby Note. come to have a low forefoote;) but let them come and go with slack reins, except he be tickle mouthed, and then let him rest the more upon it to stay his head: And thus, you shall use him in exercise six or seven times a day, and within two days you shall feel him begin to set close, (though he be very Theo. 14.f. untoward) having the true grounds of hand and foot aforesaid: For I have had hardly one horse in a year, (though he were void of any good government) but I could make him strike, within that time; to which, so soon as you feel any inclination, alight from his back and have him home, for that will make him go the more cheerfully the next time. Note, that when he beginneth to set close, you make not above two or three turns at a time, lest you take too much of Note. him, before he find ease in his going, and thereby he get a haunt to fall from his pace, (through dislike) whereby you shall Theo. 9 ●. be driven to strive too much with him, neither shall you suffer him to leave his pace voluntary (for his ease) howsoever it hath been used heretofore, in that it should be kept constant to make his body firmer; for if he be suffered to troth for ease it That is bad ease which bringeth greater pains. will increase the greater pains; and thereby get such an use thereof, that you shall have more to do to make him hold his pace when he should, then to bring another horse thereto. Note, that if he prove sad upon your motions, that you quicken him up with your voice, or if that prevail not, then correct him with the rod upon the far buttock or shoulder, Theo. 25. ●. for there, and those are all the kinds of corrections you shall use, till he can tell how to behave himself upon his pace. Note, that if in your favouring him at the first (for his well This is worthy of noting. doing) he prove negligent and idle, and so fall from his pace, that then you do not hold him to it by force, but thrusting him up to go faster, by quickening of your motions, for that will make him hold it more willingly, in that it will confirm the carriage of his body if you press him not too far at once, For Art of itself dependeth upon voluntary actions. till he be cunning in the handling of his legs, and will yield to your serving him with your seat, but ever as he increaseth in cunning, so you may increase his labour, leaning him always in his well-doing. Note, that when he is come to such perfection that you may travel him forwards, that then you begin to leave your apparent Theo. 15.i. motions, and carry yourself more firm in your seat, and use only a covert motion of your legs, and a sweet relish of your hand, sometimes upon the head-strain, and sometimes upon the trench, (to bring him to the use thereof, as your discretion shall direct you,) which will be done in three weeks at the most if the error be not in yourself. When he is brought to such cunning that he will obey your Theo. 32. & 33. motions, and if he doth not carry himself as he should, nor keep his pace willingly, than the cause thereof is, in that his wind doth not agree with his body in equal motions; for reformation whereof, if the Switches prevail not, than you may give him two or three sound strokes with both your Being applied to the quality of the offence. spurs, serving him still with your helps, letting him have liberty of his head to go forward so soon as you feel him consent thereto, which in twice or thrice using, will make him frame himself orderly upon the least motion you can use. Note, that if he keep not the like time of motion▪ with both his sides, but that he make a false time with his far side, (for Note a general rule. that as the side that every horse will desire to mistime) and thereby get a halting stroke (which of many is called the hitchcocke, being indeed the fault of the man) that then you hold your hands a little harder, and thrust him forward more violently Of a false stroke or hitchcocke. with your legs, which will cause him move his sides equally; to which, if he will not yield his hinder leg, but keep it still back to resist, then let him feel your spurs sharply, and hold hard upon your head-strain, for that will make him stretch his far forefoot, and then his far hind foot must needs follow keeping time in its motion: but if this prevail not at twice or thrice offering, do not persecute him too much therewith, Violence of the hand is to be avoided. for so you shall be driven to use violence with your hand, which your chiefest care must be to avoid; but you shall put him forth to his full pace, (almost to his gallop,) ever working 1. Pra. 24.e. your hands to, and fro, to keep his body within the limits of your motions: for if the former corrections will not prevail (through his stubbornness) to cause his far side to come to the like time of the largeness of the stroke with the narside: ᵏ Idleness is the cause of all errors. yet this will so quicken him up, that he shall have no leisure to keep false and idle time, for it will force his wind, whereby either his far side will be brought to keep time with the narre, or else of the contrary: either of which so soon as he doth; suffer him to go more easily, to conceive your mind, and then by serving him with your seat, you may bring them in the true distance of time: Note, that this false stroke is a mischief the hardest to reform (of any error that shall oppose) and therefore in all your The false stroke hardest to be reform. proceed, from the beginning to the end; you must observe that he take up his far-fore-leg▪ (which is the leading leg) and Theo. 30. c. set it forward with the like time▪ & distance, to his neare-leg, for that will make him have the fairer forefoote: which you must help only with quick motions, and a gentle touch upon the trench, letting him play easily forward upon the head-strain. Note, that if he desire to go faster, than you would have Theo. 27. c. him, so soon as you feel him press forward let him go, for the space of four or five score, and then stop him, and withal hold your feet out strait in your stirrups, to keep his hinder Theo. 23. c. parts round, and so hold him, serving him with the motion of your body till you feel him come in, to your hand, and then let him go forward gently, which in few times▪ ●sing will bring him to find the sleight how to let his wind and body go together. Note, that the Spur is the chiefest correction to conclude Theo. 11. ●. 26.b. and shut up all other corrections, and that no Horse can▪ be brought to his high perfection, and grace, (without the true use thereof:) for as too little will never bring him to such excellency as Art can effect (for although he may be said to go well, yet there is an aliquot part reciding which would give him a further grace) in like manner if you torture him too much Theo. 20.d. therewith, it will bring him to such distemperature, that he will refringe the limits of your command, and so break out into gross absurdities: wherefore you must use a proportionable mean therein, according to his inclination. When your Colt is thus freed from all abuses, and that he Theo. 4. will take his Pace fast or softly, (in good order) without rocking or shaking: then to bring him to know how to behave himself, as occasion shall be offered, you shall use him upon deep, and uneven grounds, letting him have time to reform himself, and force him not on too fast, nor toil him too long thereon, but let him go at his pleasure, yourself doing nothing to him, but keep him in his true time, by help of your motions, sometimes changing him from deep to light earths, and again, from light to deep, which will bring him, (in the whole Colt) to such agility, courage, and nimbleness, as he will seem to fly upon the earth through his alacrity: and thus by using him (after this manner) in six or eight weeks you shall bring your Colt to such an excellent and comely Pace, as if Art and Nature had conjoined to extirp, and devour the errors of old Adam's transgression. CHAP. 36. How to bring an imperfect mouthed Horse to his Pace. BEcause it is holden an impossible thing to reduce a horse to his Pace, which is spoiled afore by disorder, or those either which are come to many years before they be brought to it, The man is the only obstacle herein. therefore it may be, there will be expected great secrets to be revealed for the performance thereof. But the causes being considered in the one, and an orderly proceeding observed in 1. Pra. 13. ●. the other, there is no such ambiguity therein, but if the truth be rightly understood, as I have said, the chief cause of these, and of all other Vices do consist in the want of true knowledge how to bring his desire, or affection to obedience, and his outward gesture, to agree therewith; for the want of which concord, he doth first resist with his wind, and that giveth strength to Theo. 34. a. his outward parts, whereby he maketh improper motions of the body, which bringeth a dead and rebellious mouth. Wherefore whensoever your have a Horse that hath a broken Pace, assure yourself that if you observe these causes, you ᵃ Of a broken paced Horse shall bring him to his perfect Pace, by reforming of them to an unity, without any other sinister or indirect means: which to perform you shall use but only the head-strain, (as afore) in 1. Pr. 30. 31. 32. 33. stead of any of them for the use of it with the trench, will work a better effect than them all: for a Horses movings, are, either orderly, or disorderly, fast or slow, dead mouthed, or tickle mouthed, Pr. 20. c. & so these two, (to wit, the headstrain, & trench) will bring any of thief extremes to the mean, (in their right application.) For look what is said for the ordering of a young Colt, use but the same order to him for the reformation of his disorderly Pr. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. motions, and then when he is brought to true obedience (in that sort) you may command him, with the helps of you body, to give him his Pace truly and largely as you shall wish. Only Pr. 35. a. this observe, that whereas I wish to bring a young Colt to a perfect understanding of all your helps and corrections, before you go about his Pace, that in this you may abbreviate a great time that would be spent therein, in that he hath been used afore to Travail, whereby he can tell how to take his way, (though not as he should.) For if you should go about to refine his mouth, and to confirm his body never so precisely before; yet when you shall go about to hold him to that Pace, wherein he had his former qualities, that motion would put him in mind again of such errors as he had gotten a habit of afore Custom bringeth a habit as well in evil as good. in that manner of going; and will be hard to reform (in a strict carriage,) without increasing of them or worse; (as I have found by experience, to no small trouble and toil:) in that he can tell how to frame his body to resist. Wherefore for the surest and speediest expedition, you shall work to reform those faults, upon that broken Pace he hath, The cause of a horse not pacing truly, is in the abuse of his head and body, and not in his legs. and as he is purged of them so he will better and better mend his Pace, for those disorders are the cause that he cannot tell how to handle his feet as he should for his Pace. In which look what order I set forth for the bringing of a slovingly Colt to a strict and true Trot, in like manner use him for reformation of his Pace, keeping his body in continual action, to cause him Pra. 27.c. that he shall not have time to hold his wind, to work his froward Cap. 1 For to force him upon the hand will make him strive the more. will: but if he will not fall to your hand gently, thrust him forward to a good round Pace, almost to his gallop, (without much regard of the trueness of his stroke,) four or five times up and down your road, and that will make him fall to your hand, which so soon as you feel, let him ease himself, and then you shall feel his hinder parts yield to the motions of your own body. And likewise if he be an old Horse, and yet hath neither Of an old horse good carriage, nor any step to his Pace, you shall use him in all respects as the former: but only, in that he cannot tell how to behave himself any thing for his Pace, you must help him into his stroke by the gentlest means you can, by the helps and motions of your seat, (as in the young Colt) and if he be 1. Pra. 35.b. ibid. k. a heavy headed Horse, so that you cannot command his head, to cause him bring in his hinder parts, thrust him up as afore, to quicken his motions, upon which if he desire to go faster than he should, correct him with the trench twice or thrice together, and then give your hand liberty: for as in the former, so you must observe in this, not to work for his grace in carriage, till That cannot be taken away which one never had. he can tell how to go upon his Pace, for you cannot spoil his rain because he never had it; But if he be a free and hot horse, so that he will not rest upon the hand, than you shall favour the trench, and let him rest more upon the head-strain, for that will make him press more orderly upon the hand forward. Now for observations herein, you must note all what hath Pr. 25. been said afore, but these further, that of what age soever your Horse is, you must imagine him to be as a Colt, that cannot tell how to take his way, in regard he is put to that Pace he Note. was never used to before, and therefore you must let him go after what manner he will, till he can strike truly, and then reform him to his perfection, as in the other. Note, that you must consider whether the cause of your horses Note. broken pace came from too much lenity or cruelty, for it Of a broken pace. proceedeth from either of these two extremes, which may be The cause of a bad pace, is the abuse of the man by one of these extremes, as Theo. 10. 11. perceived either by his negligent care, or by his busy and eager desire in going, and then you shall reform them by the contrary means, using the gesture of your body to the intention of your mind, that the horse may the better distinguish thereof: For set apart the understanding of the mind, and no man hath fruit or profit of that thing he perceiveth not, so set apart the sensitive apprehension of the horse, how he should obey by motions, Sonus enim cordi●, intellectus est. and he will show small fruit of all your labours. Now these cautions being truly weighed, are sufficient for instruction to the ingenious, if he can apply them to the former. But yet to him that is but a Scholar himself, and is not so expert, as to have such facility of hand and foot as he should, the several grounds are very profitable to help him in the bringing his horse to obedience, if he use either deep or ascending Of deep earths. earths (up a hill) especially for high spirited horses, but they are very hurtful for heavy and dull horses, the causes Theo. 28.b. being shown afore; where I have spoken sufficiently how &. c. 32.c. they should be applied for the reformation of several errors, which must be tempered by the man's discretion, and so they will take away the cause of all other needless inventions; for (as I have said) all errors are acted by the body, and the body is governed by the wind, and it is ruled by the affection or Ignorance the cause of all the other inventions. desire, and this by the motions of the man, and he is (or should be) directed by reason, the which being director of all his proceed, to apply his helps and proportionate all his corrections, according to the necessity of the crime, the manner Knowledge best gotten by practice Theo. 5. Chap. how must be gained by practice, more than by reading, he shall much fructify in this Vineyard, for that there will no weeds grow therein to choke the Vine: but it will flourish being nourished with the heat of truth. But if there be a prejudicated opinion, and so give Will the reins, than the whole fence will be broken down, and all this planting laid waste; for that no admonitions, can prevail with a stiffnecked opinion, because that if men will frame distinctions at their pleasures, there is no truth set forth but it may be overthrown and defaced. CHAP. 37. How to reform a natural hard-going horse. THere are many which are swallowed up in this gulf, in that they have not directed their course by the true points of this card (what are the causes of things) but have sailed afthe Theo. 7. ●. Chap. compass of windy and eyrie opinions, whereby their brains are made the more shallow and barren, for that they Theo. 3. a. are not watered with the dew of consultation. For (as Schools hold) the very marrow of knowledge, doth proceed from the cause to the effect; and again, from the event, to get the knowledge of the cause. For the cause of these hard and uneasy going horses, is not in the nature of the horse, but in the ignorance of the man: But this I hope is laid so naked already, that all the World may see its shame. Wherefore, this error is not so much in the horse, (as some Morg. 52. Chap. Theo. 4.h. affirm) but in the man, because he knoweth not how to reduce himself and his horse to an unity; but he useth such improper motions and helps, as the horse hath no certain knowledge what to do. For instance, in war let a drum (which is used to signify A Simile. unto Soldiers when and how to prepare themselves to battle) give an uncertain sound, there is no preparation made, in that they know not the meaning thereof: Even so, if the man doth not use his helps and corrections so as the horse can conceive his mind, there is no obedience, (but a continual resistance) Note. in that he feeleth them, but wanteth true distinction to give Quid opus est iubell are et non intellegere iubellationem. notice what he would have done. But this is the fruits of yielding to authority, desiring to eloke themselves with costly and gorgeous ignorance rather than to themselves with plain and homely truth. But as Austin saith, Quid prodest clavis aurea, si aperire quid volumus, non potest? aut quid obest lignea, si haec potest? etc. What Preface. availeth a golden key if it cannot open what we would have opened? or what hurteth a wooden key, if it be able to open? seeing our desire is (or should be) to have that thing opened which is shut; but our desire thus haunting after ambition, reapeth Our desire haunteth ambition. Sodomes' Apples. no better fruit than Sodomes-Apples, that are delightful to the eye, but touch them, and presently they go to ashes; whereby they aim at Narcissus shadow, till they be drowned in their own conceited labour. But because I would not have them still to grope in the dark at noon day, let them assuredly know that the cause of any natural The cause of a hard going horse. hard-going horse is, for that he was not brought to true obedience at the first, but (going after his own will, hath gotten Theo. 1. Chap. a habit of improper motions, both in his interior and exterior parts: And so, cannot tell how to behave himself to Pra. 26.b. go better, because he was never taught after the grounds Chap. of Art. Wherefore, whosoever is desirous to reform any of these Theo. 4.e. to an easier and better pace, let him never think to effect it, Theo. 31. except he reform all those four chief heads which I have 32. 33. 34. Chap. set forth in the Theoric; for if any one of them be unreformed, that will overthrow all the rest, the use whereof I have shown Pr. 20. 21. 22. 23. Chap. in the handling of a young Colt; because that he must begin to reform where the first error was begun; for first, his desire must be stirred up to go more freely, and his wind caused to pass more willingly, and so his body must be placed to go answerably, his mouth quickened, and his head placed truly: and then you may be sure to bring him to a delightful pace very easily. Now, although this may seem but a hard and harsh document, for the reforming of such an intricate task, I stand the less thereupon, because I have touched every branch sufficiently afore for the effecting thereof, and therefore I need not spend any time of repetition again, sith here is no more to be No errors can come but from those causes. said then the afore related causes, being also the cause of this natural hard goer which being truly considered, will reform him better than the extremities of any hard or tormenting snaffle or bit. Only this observe, that when you put him to Note. his full pace if he desire to take such a large stroke that he Note. roll and set hard, that then you restrain your hand and fit lose in your seat, for what with his own uneasy going, and yourself shaking on his back, will make him seek means to set more easily, for there is never a step that he setteth, which ● His own pain will make him seek for ease, if you regard his first yielding. is uneasy for you, but it grieveth him as much, or more than yourself, his uneasy going being increased with your own weight, and so his own torment will cause him to seek ease, when his body is so placed that he can tell how to find it, and that you give him liberty to go softly, when you feel him begin to yield, and withal if you keep your seat more firm, for that will help to keep his body stayed till (by custom) he get a habit of himself. And further, note that he in his going move his body equally Theo. 35. ●. in every part thereof, so as the forepart seem not to move before his hinder, nor it afore the former, & likewise to have them more quick and free without intermission, (except it be when you let him stand to breath,) and then be sure to have his desire to be ready to go at your first motion, which you may perceive by his wind. CHAP. 38. Of restiveness. restiveness is also another weed that is sprung up in this Vineyard, which doth mightily hinder the Vines from Theo. 8. a. flourishing, being nourished by will, and so spread into the more branches; for there hath been such small care to pluck it up Pra. 20.b. by the roots, that it hath been nourished by invention of so many several sharp Cavezans and Bits, to make them yield by violence, when they found, (according to their using) lenity would not prevail: And likewise there hath been as many The further a man goeth in a false path, the further from his journeys end. several inventions, to reform these, as they found restive qualities; and yet not being grounded upon truth, they have still failed of their purpose; whereby these are increased in number and cruelty, as there are horses to inflict, or matter to invent; still feeling themselves as far from working reformation, by such cruelties, as to bring a Lion to subjection by force. But because Master Markham hath touched them sufficiently in his Cavallarice, I will refer those which are desirous to be further resolved therein to that place, for sith their inconveniences are there so indifferently portratured, I think it needless to spend any time in the displaying of them here, they (being so far degressing from the true Art:) for by their sharp and durable tortures, they make the Horse as it were mad and senseless, because he cannot feel ease when he yieldeth. But here I will leave these and go to the causes of restifenesse, The cause of restifenesse. wherein I shall vary from the opinion of Master Markham, for he holdeth that they are both natural, and accidental in the Horse, but I say they are only accidental to the Horse by the man's abuse of the Art: for I never saw any Colt or Foal, which had any natural restifenesse of himself, (except it be nourished by abuse:) for by his natural inclination he will neither go back▪ stand still▪ lie down, strike, rise afore, plunge, or any such like, excepr he be made sullen, or dogged by restraining him of his liberty. And further (having Theo. 18.b. experience my refuge) I dare maintain; that any Colt may be kept free from any restiveness at the first, nay further, Theo. 35.d. that they may be kept free from the Vice of Stumbling, enterfeiring, going broad either before or behind, for the cause of The cause not natural of stumbling. these is not natural, (as some imagine) but accidental, coming from the abuse of the hand, and the unapt motion of the body, for there are none subject to these till they be handled: and I (also) have amended many Horses of those faults, being put into my hands, only for that end. And therefore, whatsoever restive quality may spring up in Restifenesse is sown by neglect and conceit. this Vineyard, is sown there by the hands, either of man's ignorance, or negligence, in either not observing, or else not knowing how to order his proceed in such sort, as the Horse might conceive, how to obey his mind, but because I would not Restifenesse in standing still or going back. have you ignorant altogether herein, I will show briefly how these causes come from the man, and where to reform them. Now the chief cause of standing still or going back, is that he is corrected too much with the hand, or bridle, that he dare not press forward, and thereby when he feeleth that he cannot free himself, from the correction of the body, he standeth still, to get breath to resist, and so having ease becometh 1. Pra. 23.b. restife, or else he goeth back, thinking to free himself thereby How to reform them. sith he cannot have liberty to go forward. But you may reform these faults, by letting a Footman▪ lead Pr. 21. a. him gently forward, (as you did a Colt at his first backing,) till he be set on going, and let him go which way he will, letting him rest most upon the head-strain, only using (at the very instant) the help of your body's motion, to let him know the use Theo. 29.d. thereof. Which when he conceiveth, you may then adjoin The cause of lying down. your corrections, to make him go forward at your pleasure. Now the cause of those Horses which are subject to lie down; is by the extremities of correction also, whereby he is made so Theo. 29.d. stubborn he will lie down upon the least discontent, for that at the first his correction not being proportionated according to his disposition in striving to resist, he by some accident chanceth The reformation. to fall, whereby he dismounteth the man, and so getteth a habit thereof: And for reformation hereof you shall (as afore) Theo. 15. ●. let a Footman be by, that assoon as ever you do but begin to feel him nestle with his feet, that then he may be ready, to Continual motion the preventing of by-thoughts. take him by the head presently, and pull him on hastily giving him reviling terms, and yourself doing nothing, but help him by thrusting him forward with you motions, and so use him till you feel a willingness to yield to them, and then to prevent him the better, you shall have a care, to keep his legs always in motion, (when he standeth) till you can command him yourself. The cause of striking. Now if he hath gotten that jadish trick of striking, the cause thereof may be as well from too little correction as too much, whereby he is not brought to true obedience, or that it Not the correction itself, but the manner thereof prevaileth. is increased by too much, and so will answer one blow for another. And for this the chase-halter is very good, for if he be chased about in it, letting one follow him with a long pole; & ever as he shall resist double his strokes, & what with the correction, and The reformation. the labour in running about, he will presently be reform. And likewise, if he be subject to rise before, or plunge, the The cause of rearing and plunging. cause of these also is in the abuse of the hand, as well as in correction, for when they feel correction so sharp, and cannot free themselves by any means, they presently fall to these disorders (by the help of a heavy hand) thinking thereby to ease To reclaim rearing. themselves. Wherefore if he be apt to Rear, you may assay to keep him down by the head-strain (for that will make his foreparts more heavy,) and so he will be the more willing to press forward: or if that prevail not, ever as he riseth beat him down with your stick betwixt his ears, or by striking him upon the knees, and that will cause him to keep them down: or else when you begin to feel him rise, keep your hands firm upon the head-strain, and with your whole body turn him about, thrusting him forward with your legs, for this will reclaim him if the other fail; if you be also careful to keep his body moving, that he hath not time to stand, till you feel his desire somewhat abated. And for plundging, let To reform plunging. him have his head that he hath no stay to rest upon you hand, and keep him also in motion, for than he cannot have time, nor leisure, to frame his body thereto: for the letting him stay upon your hand giveth strength to his foreparts, whereby his body hath the more help to raise his hinder parts. And further, the cause of running away, and skittishnesse, is for want of true obedience of the hand, and wind, and therefore The cause of running away & skittishnesse. when he is either displeased, or seethe any thing that is strange, he is ready to run away or fly on the one side, in that he goeth not freely but unwillingly, for his wind is kept to resist upon the least occasion, and then not having a perfect mouth, he will run away or skew more through stubbornness, How to reclaim skittishnesse. than timerity. And therefore to reclaim skewing, or starting, is to stir him to a more quick going, and correct him on that side he flieth on without partiality, and cause him to go to that, which he fleeth from, and then cherish him when he approacheth thereto, which will fortify his boldness. And for a runaway, though there hath been many ways How to reform a runaway. approved, yet the best (that I ever could find) and the least danger, is, to let one have him in the Chase-halter, and yourself being on his back thrust him into his gallop, and when he desireth to break off, let him give him a sound twitch with the halter, and yourself at the instant cause him to stop (as afore Pr. 18.d. is shown) at which if he will not yield use him so the second, or third time, or till you feel him let his wind pass, and then let him stand, and cherish him, and thus you shall use him, Note. till you feel him yield to your hand, which he will do in short time, for this quality is most incident to hot fiery Horses, which are never taught the true use of the hand at first, because most A lame knowledge. think that when a Horse goeth forward freely they are perfect, although otherwise they be most lame. And further, the cause of stumbling, is in the unapt handling The cause of stumbling. of his body in going, so that he hath not time to handle his feet, in such order as he should, in regard his hinder parts follow faster than his foreparts can make way, (with true order,) and then The habit of stumbling gotten. he stumbleth, which cometh to a habit, by the abuse of the hand: for if (when you feel him apt to stumble) you for fear hold in his head, (thinking thereby to prevent it) than you Note. shall increase it: because you give him a help to support his body more than nature hath ordained, whereby he will rely the Nature the best supporter. more upon the hand, and when you slack it never so little, that stay upon which he trusteth faileth him, and then he stumbleth Stumbling is not reform by spurring. the more, Now this is not to be reform by spurring (as most think) for if he shall be but twice or thrice corrected therewith, so soon as he shall but trip never so little he will run headlong forward, and thereby stumble more dangerously; But How to reform stumbling. it must be reform by changing the carriage of his▪ body, and letting him have his head, for he is as fearful of falling as your No horse willing to fall. self, is to have him: and when his body is set for a true motion, and his lust stirred up more quick, he will take up his legs more loftily, and set them forward orderly, if you temper your Theo. 15. 16. 17. hand, and helps accordingly. And for enterfeiring, the cause thereof is not altogether in The cause of enterfeiring. nature (as is thought) but through the restraint of the hand that he cannot have liberty to move his legs directly forward, by two strait lines (as he should) but crosseth his feet, The reformation. whereby one striketh against another. And therefore you may reform this, (except nature be imperfect in shape) by giving him his motion in the true place of his body, and letting him go direct, upon a pleasing hand, for than he will handle them Theo. 4. l. so that they shall not strike one against another: for he may go narrow & yet not enterfeire, if his body be firmly knit, as well as ourselves do, and yet strike not one ankle against another. And lastly, if a Horse go broad either before or behind, the The cause of broad going. cause is still in the abuse of the hand, and miscarriage of his body, because that if it be afore, the foreparts are holden back by the slowness of the hinder, so that they both agree not truly in moving, and that his mouth was so terrified at the first, that he durst not dare to use his forefeet rightly, but stradleth with How to reform straddling before. them; and this may be reform also by the pleasant touch of the hand, letting him rest upon the head-strain, to cause him stretch his legs forward, if you be not too hasty with him till he have knowledge how to reach them out most largely, helping him with the motions of your body to his true time. And Theo. 12. a. likewise if he go broad behind; then the hind feet were forced on faster than he could tell how to frame his foreparts to go The cause of going broad behind. so fast; for want of which aptness, he was driven on by force, and so caused that disorder. Which must be remedied by the means afore said, and by letting him have time whereby he may come to move all his parts alike, and then as he groweth The remedy. cunning so to quicken up his motions: And this observe for a certainty, that whether this fault be behind, or before, or both, Note. that the further he striketh, and setteth forward with his legs, they must upon necessity go the narrow: For instance, suppose A Simile. geometrical diagram Euclid. 1. li. a quadrant as (a) and let it resemble the wide going Horse, and the four angles his four feet: then suppose another a longer square as (b) and let it be of the same quantity, and stand for the even going Horse: now you see that (b) although it be of the same quantity to (a) yet it is narrower being further extended: So likewise a Horse the further he stretcheth his feet forward in going, the narrower they must needs go, and yet their distance at the setting on of his body is still of the same quantity. Now for the further help to reform these, and so the most of the former, deep earths is much available, for a young practitioner, Theo. 28.d. using still the former helps: and also to bring your Pra. 32.b. Horse back to his▪ Chase-halter, (as if he were a young Colt,) Pra. 13. will help much to gain obedience, whereby you shall save great labour▪ in toiling both yourself and him: for there can never be sure building upon false foundations, and I see no reason, that it should be any disgrace to the Art or professor, to bring a false In teaching, a Horse hath the like relation to the man, as the Scholar hath to his Master. grounded Horse back to proceed orderly, than it is for a Schoolmaster, to bring a Scholar (that hath been rudely taught) back, to learn him syllable truly, seeing there is the like relation to them both. And whereas it may be objected, that it is doubtful whether these two, (that is, the trench and musrole) will reform all restife Objection. Horses, seeing there are so many differences of Horses, and varieties of restiveness: I answer, that that point is cleared afore, Answer. for restisnesse of what kind soever it is, doth not proceed from the Horse, but as a material cause, and not as the efficient; and 1. Pra. 20. ●. so the man being the efficient, these errors are increased by him, Man the cause of any restifenesse in a horse by abuse. and there are as many means to reform (by them) in their true use as there are means to increase them by the abuse, and therefore if they be applied according to the quality of restivenesse, and of the Horse in whom it is residing, there need For the end of Art is to preserve the mean be no more doubt of their reclaiming, then of heat and moisture to preserve the vital powers, for as by these two, life is preserved, so by those two obedience is maintained, one maintaining orderly motion, and the other correcting disorderly, if heaps and corrections be aptly adjoined. FINIS. Aut face, aut tace. THE TABLE OF THE second BOOK. CHAP. Fol. 1 HOw long Horses have been in use. 1 3 How to choose your Stallions and Mares. 4 4 Of the courage of the Stallions and Mares. 6 5 Of their colours. 8 6 At what years they are aptest for generation. 13 7 How they should be kept with food, for the increase of good seed. 16 8 When to put them together for generation. 22 9 How and where to put them together for action. 28 10 How to know whether the Mare hath conceived or no. 31 11 How to use her after her conception, till her foaling. 32 12 When and how to wain your Foales. 36 13 A Corollary to the Art of breeding. 40 14 Of the first haltring a young Colt. 48 15 Of the excellent use of the chase-halter. 53 16 Of a young Colts first bridling and sadling. 56 17 How to prepare a young Colt to suffer you to take his back without violence. 61 18 How to take his back at the first. 64 19 Of ba●king a young Colt after other horses. 68 20 The Commendation of the Head-strain, and the uses. 70 21 How to make your Colt take his way without resistance. 75 22 How to make him rest upon the Trench. 77 23 How to learn him to stop. 80 24 How to bring his head to its true place. 83 25 How to teach your Colt to turn. 89 26 Of causing your Colt to retire back. 94 27 The use of obedience. 96 28 How to bring your Colt to a true trot. 99 29 How to make him trot sidewayes. 105 30 Of Ampling or Pacing. 108 31 Of the abuse of heavy shoes, pasterns of lead, wisps, and shoes of advantage. 112 32 Of the abuse of weights, and deep earths. 114 33 Of the abuse of the hand. 117 34 Observations for the bringing your Colt to his pace, by the hand. 120 35 How to bring your Colt to his pace, by the hand only. 122 36 How to bring an imperfect mouthed Horse to his pace. 127 37 How to reform a hard natural going horse. 131 38 Of restiveness. 133 FINIS. THE TIHRD BOOK OF THE VINEYARD of HORSEMANSHIP. WHEREIN IS PLAINLY SET FORTH HOW to apply both Hunting and Running Horses to the true grounds of this Art, both in training, Dieting and Riding. Being more truly purged from errors then any heretofore published hath been. By MICHAEL BARET Practitioner in the same Art. Cicero, Falsa veritatis colore tincta tanto nequiora Sunt, quanto & esse falsa minime cognoscuntur. LONDON, Printed by GEORGE ELD. 1618. TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE, VIRTUOUS, AND WORTHY, SIR FRANCIS FAYEN, Knight of the BATH, and his Honourable Brother Sr. GEORGE FAYEN Knight: M. B. prayeth for increase of Honour, and everlasting felicity. Honourable Knights, WHen jupiter, (as the Poets feign) had made man, he seeing him such an excellent creature, brought him to Momus that carping God, to see what fault he could find with that proportion, which when he had curiously examined, he greatly commended both the form and the feature; but yet there was one thing which he did dislike, and that was because he had not made a window against his heart, that one might see whether it and his tongue did agree. Even so, I (if it were lawful) might except against the Creator, because I am so enable that I cannot set forth to the world my mind in so plausible a style, as my heart doth desire, through which defect, men's hearts judging according to the evidence of their senses) I look to be condemned of arrogancy for making these weak labours to be legible in the world, whereby they may term me a fool in Print. But seeing I shall far no worse than many that have gone before me, I am nothing daunted, but am armed with patience, to be a partaker with others of scandelous clamours; for (as one saith;) The inconsiderate multitude do much resemble dogs that bark at those they know not; and likewise it is their nature to accompany one another in those clamours: So it is with this sort of people, who wanting that knowledge which reason requireth, and that loving affection, that Christianity desireth, condemn that they know not, and loath that they like not; but though some malignant spirits may deface it, yet many worthy breasts, (I hope) will embrace it. For the subject or matter is worthy, and the groundwork (upon which this plantation is framed) is true, though some stems of error may spring out of the earth, for there is no man which hath not his by▪ slips, errors, and wander, but yet I have purged this Vineyard from so many as my weak knowledge could discern: whereby the young Imps shall not be choked, if it but understood by reading, as I conceived in writing, (because no man can infuse Knowledge with his pen:) for (as Aristotle saith) unumquodque recipitur per modum recipientis: Every thing is received according to the natures of them that receive it; for the Bee gathereth honey, and the Spider poison from one and the self same flower, but the cause of that diversity is not in the slower, but in their natures: And likewise the Sun reflecting his beams, both upon the fragrant flowers, and also upon the dunghill, it causeth the first to be mo●e pleasing and odoriferous, and the other to be more loathsome and contemptuous; the cause of which doth not proceed from the Sun, but from the difference of their natural vapours; the like cause may be applied for diversities of effects in other men's written labours. Wherefore, seeing men's fancies are as variable as their faces, both in regard that nature hath her greatest delight in variety, as also, that most judge either partially, or as the ear or eye giveth evidence; the first being without equity, the second uncertain, and the third doubtful: because that having no other evidence than the sensitive apprehension of the eye, the heart giveth sentence according to the exterior evidence, and so is deluded, in regard the eye is no substance of light (whereby it might enlighten, and so penetrate into other substances) but a thing which only hath a proclivity and aptness to receive light from another by accidence, and therefore can see no further than the accidence of any substance; yet for all these ambiguities, I have thirsted with a parching soul which will never be quenched till I have satisfied many of my good friends, for whose sakes I have attempted to plant this Vineyard of Horsemanship, in the World, to remove those that will be removed from their ancient errors having divided it into three Books. The first Theorically showing the office and duty of the Man; the second entreating both of breeding and riding young Colts, showing how to manage them (in a true ground) for all the parts of Horsemanshippe: the third, showing how to diet and train, both hunting and coursing horses, to bring them to the height of their glory. The last of which Books I determined (if fatal and inevitable death had not prevented) to have dedicated to the thrice worthy and honourable Knight, S. Anthony Mildemay, deceased; whose death all Horsemen may continually deplore; for he was both a father and a foster-nurse to all the Professors thereof, of whose worthy bounties I have so plentifully (though undeservedly) tasted, that if I should bury them in the grave of oblivion, I should be such an ingrateful and unsupportable lump that the earth would groan under my burden▪ nay, Horses themselves may with Aethon the Horse of Pallantis (as Virgil recordeth) power forth tears, for losing such a worthy Master; for his noble breast did never repine at any charges that might either increase or maintain them in their superlative glory, whereby he hath left such a race as will give a counterbuff to any opposer in England. Wherefore (Right Worshipful) seeing the divine providence hath appointed you an hereditary Successor of that worthy house, I have presumed to subject this book unto your mild and kind acceptance, together with the Right Worshipful Knight Sir George Fayen, in both whom is the bright star of Virtue, Honour, & love to those excellent Creatures resplending: Knowing that as you are brethren by nature, so you continually live in such a reciprocal unity, going always hand in hand, being combined with the bonds of Amity, Virtue and Nature, in such sort, that if I should separate such a sweet conjunct, I were not worthy to breath; more especially being tied thereunto with the chain of your favourable love towards me, when you did employ me. Since which time having examined all my proceeding by experience, and purged my preter-errors by reason, I have sent my lives practice into the World, as a token of my well wishes, which I hope will give such light to the practisers of this Art, as they shall not need to grope at noon day, (as I myself have long done, being blinded with ancient traditions) which though it be not so plausibly styled as many would desire, yet I hope the matter will bring profit being truly understood; desiring your Worships to pardon my boldness in my attempt, and that your kind favourable acceptance would smooth the rough and craggy path of my performance, so shall I be bound to you in all duty, and ever remain at your Service, MICH: BARET. TO THE READER. THus, (gentle Reader) I have adventured through the hard and craggy Rocks of inevitable ignorance, to make the path more spacious and so more passable, for those which are desirous to travel in that tract which leadeth to the chiefest place of this Plantation. In which peregrination, because there hath so many wandered out of the way, through the number Imitation as a mist darkeneth our understanding. of so many cross by-ways that are trodden by the steps of those which have travailed in the thick mists and desert places of the ancients; I have taken pains to set down notes in the margeant (at every doubtful turn) which will serve as guides to direct them when they are in distress, and oblivion should obscure this path. The which travail, being (now) finished, I had thought to have commanded my pen to a full period. But being further incited by some gentlemen, my very good friends, to persist further in this so famous Art, to set forth my opinion and experience of the other excellent part The cause of this last book. thereof, to wit, the training up of hunting, and running horses, persuading me what light and benefit would come thereby (to the good of my Country and Nation) in in showing how these Imps also might flourish in this Vineyard, and how they might suppress and keep down those weeds which may gr●w therein, whereby they might bring forth fruit also most pleasant and profitable. I have (for their sakes) adventured the Pike of my Pen to Old hard forn. march among the boisterous and roaring Cannons, of emulative and slanderous tongues, to satisfy their desire, and to show by Application, how and what Appendix these have to the former Principles, and wherein likewise they who have spent their whole time in this part (and are esteemed The Cha● of many as a Phoenix) have slided out of the way, and yet not perceived, because they have (likewise) had the nature of the horse to vail their crooked paths: But because my Strarons' i● although assertions are (many of them) opposite to the practice of this our time, I look that there will be judasses to betray them, (by detraction) having a Pharisaical conceit of their own traditions, and so cannot endure any counterbuff. And therefore I am nothing daunted to prostitute the truth, for any Zoylist, because my intention is not (in the publishing of this) to revive and quicken the numbness of their prejudicated conceit, but only to plant such Imps as whose roots are not eaten with the canker of obstinacy, whereby they shall not be maimed, but complete; for no man can be approved a perfect Horseman, who hath not knowledge in every part thereof And therefore, gentle Reader, if this my great pains taken, and the whole course of my time spent, in an honest care for erecting the truth, shall be but thankfully received: it will encourage me to prune and dress the whole Vine, from the highest to the lowest part thereof: For although I have set forth the platform and ground of this whole plantation, yet I have left the chief Stem thereof unpruned, That is how to ride horses for service to their perfection. (although it be planted) for divers causes (to myself best known;) which hereafter (if God permit) I mean also to graft in my second addition, as this shall be accepted, and as time and leisure will consent, besides the providing for my necessary affairs: And so farewell. But as for the other whose ambitious conceit hath carried them so high, that they seek to beat down other men's honest and fruitful endeavours, I leave them only with these Verses of Mr. BASSE. Read Sir, if you will, but if you will not, choose, This Book (Sir) will be read if you refuse, But if you read I pray commend my wit, It is (in truth) the first that e'er I writ: Who reads and not commends, it is a rule, he's either very wise or very fool: But whosoe'er commends and doth not read, What ere the other is, he's fool indeed. And who doth neither read nor yet commend, God speed him well, his labour's at an end: But read, or not, or how, I pass not for it, I rest your honest careless friend M. Baret. THE THIRD BOOK of the Vineyard of Horsemanship, wherein is shown how to apply both Hunting and Running Horses to the true ground. CHAP. 1. How to choose a Hunting Horse. THis Part of Horsemanship is so noble and generous, that it deserveth to have many lines written for the commendations thereof, (to show forth its excellency;) before The●. 1. ● I come to handle it in particular, not only to show the goodness of God towards Man, in creating such creatures to his use, The natural instinct of desire and flyeing. as well only for pleasure as for profit, with the which he might recreate himself; but also to show the lawfulness thereof (approving it by his ordinance,) for that he hath given such natural gifts, unto such creatures, as the Horse, Hound, Hare, and other such like Beasts, that they should so naturally accurre one to another, and all for his solace, as first, for the Hare to have such inated fear of those which would devour her, that she (being so small) is not able to resist, whereby she is driven to seek her safety, only by flying, for the which cause nature hath made her most swift for such a small creature: and also to the hound such an eager desire to pursue, and such a tender nose to guide him by the sense of smelling, that he can Of the Hound. trace all her unknown turnings, and doubles to continue this delightful Chase. And further, he hath given the Horse such natural affection & love to the Hounds, that he doth seem The unity betwixt the Horse and Hound. to swallow the earth for the desire of their noise, nay he is so chary of his feet (if he be thrust amongst them through his tiders' ignorance,) that he will make a false step rather than tread of any one of them: and also he is of such puissant strength, courage, and swiftness, that he will carry his Master Of the Horse. through t●e deep and toil some earth's, and broken swaches, for contentment in his solace. And moreover this Art deserveth to be freed from such false defamations, as those Cormerous penny-fathers' of Midas sect avaricious minds are repugnant to liberal and generous spirits. doth impute, which through their filthy avaricious mind, they would convert all their time and actions into gold, esteeming it as the only God, whom they adore, whereby they are led captive (as slaves) in that unsatiable servitude: as if that were the only end and delight, for the which all creatures were ordained: And for to excuse this their niggardly rapine, they account this delightful recreation but prodigality, by increasing such extraordinary charges, and that it is the only spoiling and laming of many good Horses. But because Master Markham, hath defended these unjust Taxations, and spoken so sufficiently In his first Treatise and Cavallarice. therein, that for its excellency I cannot tell how to frame my Pen to portrat, or set it forth in such lively and glorious colours, therefore I refer those (which delight in this noble exercise, to his works, for he hath written so copiously in the lust defence thereof that if I should speak any thing it were but a reiterating of that which he hath said. And yet the excellency thereof doth so stir up my affection, that I cannot choose but speak a little therein. For the pleasure thereof (in my affection) is so great, that it exceedeth all other The pleasure of Hunting. so much, that if it brought no other profit, than the delight to follow a pack of good dogs (having a good Horse) that were enough to countervail the surcharge, (for a generous mind,) for I esteem it above all other earthly pleasures whatsoever. But it addeth also a further profit, for the exercise maintaineth health, and causeth an agile and apt body, and increaseth knowledge how to help and correct his Horse, as occasion The profit of Hunting. shall be offered; whereby if he should go upon any Martial service, he will be ready to perform any desperate exploit with great scelerity and quickness. Besides, the use of riding up and down steep places and deep earths, will so fortify and imboulden his courage, that he will very valiantly dispatch, A Hunting Horse serviceable for war. any occuret, or discovery, in service. And so (for that use also) one hunting Horse may be made more serviceable for war, than four other (through his toughness and speed) if the man have likewise skill to keep his body clean by good feeding, and true diet. But leaving to speak any more hereof, because my Artless The shap of a Hunting Horse. Pen would but over veil its worthiness. I will deliver how you shall choose your Horse for that use, and which by all probability are most like to yield the best content, (both to the eye, and in the field) if Art be thereto assisting. First, therefore let Theo. 37.d. him be of a mean stature, that is, some sixteen hand of height, (or thereabout:) his head also of a mean bigness, his chaule 1. Pra. 3.f. (if it may be) let it be thin and wide, and his care not too little, & if he be somewhat bangled, or wide eared so they be sharp, it is a sign of toughness, his forehead broad, having a bunch standing out (in the midst) like a Hare, his eye full and large, his nostril wide, with a deep mouth, all his head lean, a long and strait neck a firm and thin crest well reared, a wide throple, a broad breast, deep chested, his body large, his ribs round, and close shut up to his huckle bone, a good fillet, long buttock but not very broad, being well let down in the gascoyne, and many that are a little sickle hought are very tough and swift, his limbs would be clean, flat, and strait, but not very big, his joints short, especially betwixt the pastern and hoof, having little hair on his fetlocks, a strait foot and a black hollow hoof, not over big, and if it be somewhat long, it argueth speed: which Horse, when you have gotten, assure yourself, that for the outward shape, you have as good as nature can promise. And for the shape of a running horse, there is not so much difference betwixt the shape of him & the hunter, as there is in their ends of training, for the hunting Horse must endure long and Note the ends and shape. laboursome toil, with heats and colds, but the running Horse must dispatch his business in a moment of time (in respect of the other) showing swiftness and speed. Wherefore you shall so near as you can, have him in all proportion as in the former; only there may be a dispensation, with these few The shape of a running horse. things, as if he have a longer chine, so that his side be longer streaked, he will take the larger stroke, especially upon light earths, and if his limbs be more sleuder and his joints more lose, if that they be not so short in the pastern, he may be very excellent, and swift for a course. And as for their colours, although there be most men that observe Of their colours them as a sign of goodness, yet (as I have said) I differ in that, and esteem of them no further then as indifferent, and to 1. Pra. 5.b. beautify the other parts, to give content and delight to the eye; And those are either the brown Bay, Dapple Bay, Black, a Sad Chestnut with Flaxen Maine and Tail, so that they have white Star, Snip, or white rach, with a white foot; Dapple grey, Cap. f. or white Lyard with black Mussel, Eye, and Ear: any of which colours will give a great grace to the former shape, although they be no perfect signs of their goodness: for as the goodness A Simile. or badness of a man doth not consist in his complexion, but in his inward virtues, neither do these demonstrate the The inward parts the cause of good or bad. goodness or badness of the Horse, for that proceedeth from his disposition. And for his inward parts if he be not of such a perfect composition as is desired, yet if he be reform according to Art, may prove exceeding good, for if you should so curiously desire to have a Horse so complete in shape, colour, and Hard to find a complete Horse. quality, by a natural composition, as some do prescribe, you should spend the most of your life before you should achieve your expectation, for there are many horses which are defective of such a perfect shape, in many parts, and also in colour; and yet 1. Pr. 8. ●. by Art have been brought to great performance, And therefore seeing Art was invented to perfect nature, endeavour yourself to search into the bowls of it, and you shall find, that the unlikeliest Horse will oftentimes worse the more likely. CHAP. 2. The Author's Apology. THe whole Pilgrimage of former ages, and also of our times, Theo. 1. The miserable estate of man. hath been, and is hurried on the sands of error, ignorance being the coach, tradition, custom, obstinacy, and self-conceit the wheels, contention, and emulation the Horses, and negligence the Coachman which doth carry us into the gulf of confusion, wherein we are so congealed with the Ice of opinion, that no reflect of the beams of truth hath power to Obsequium amicos: veritas odium parit. thaw it: through which partial conceit, there was riever any as yet, that taught the truth, could receive love or credit, if they did not allege proofs from the Ancients and Elders, for their better approbation: but were esteemed Heretical, and sowers of Sects, and dissensions, thinking all truth to be included, in the apprehension of former-times. And to reward their The preface to the Second Book. pains, and good will in setting forth the truth, they persecute them with malice, and envy, as false seducers, in teaching new doctrine contrary to their Ancient imitation. Wherefore, seeing he that walketh amongst or upon Pikes, had need to foot charily, and he that goeth an unbeat path in Although heresy is not a proper term yet: by application. the deserts and craggy ways amongst Wilde-Beasts, had need to have a faithful and sure guide; and that in setting forth a nearer way to find the truth is held new doctrine, and so Heresy, I may be held as bold as blind Byard, to cast myself amongst all these dangers, in maintaining such strange Paradoxes, and impossibilities, as they are holden. But yet all this doth nothing Math. 10. Epist: to the 2. Book. deter me, but rather encourage me, for the servant not being greater than his Master, I do not look for any other favour then my betters; and therefore to maintain the truth, I will arm myself, (with patience) against the malignant censures of such as are wedded to their own conceits, and condemn me to be a seducer into errors, and a sour of such Heresies in this Vineyard, as heretofore hath never been holden. But to such (if there be any, as I fear too many) I answer that I would not have them deceive themselves, in holding those Paradoxes, which are true assertions; for this I dare affirm Legere enim et non intelligere negligere est. CATO. against any gainsayer whatsoever, that this Treatise will teach the true manner of bringing any horse to good obedience, (in what is reason) if it be read advisedly, and have a tolerable and true construction, for I have collected it by the authority of the best instructors, having time the maintainer, practise the worker, experience the controller, reason the director, and truth the supporter. And further, I would have none to be so choleric as to account me brainless (by mistaking my mind through their opbrious opinions) that I should so unadvisedly shake the foundation of this Art, by making distinctions, according to The truth defaced by abuse. my fantasy. For I hold that the former grounds are very true, being held in general, but they are false in their uses and application Theo. 6.b. particular, in that their motions, helps and corrections 7. c. are not directed by order but by will; and that they are not 8. a. proportionated according to the disposition of the horse, and in 15. a. quality and quantity to the time, place and crime, and also in 6.b. not rightly understanding where to seek for reformation, when Et multis alijs. Cap. there is any resistance, but have continually wrought upon the shadow, neglecting the substance, aiming always to reform the outward parts, never respecting the chief, which is the inward: for the appetite or desire, is as a primum mobile, to command all the other parts in their motions, through which neglect Theo. 3. p. (when they have failed) was brought in that false imputation 7.h. that the nature of the horse was the chief obstacle, to overshadow their own errors. Therefore he that is strayed aside, and doth desire to be set in the right path, let him but seriously observe and diligently practise, what is here set down without preiudicacy, and he Ars longa, brevis vita. shall find, that these are no Paradoxes, but certain truths, but he must take pains to apply one place to another, for it is a great pains for a short time, which being once gained, the pleasure will abate the pain, according to the saying of the Poet. If that in Knowledge thou tak'st any pains. The pain departeth but Knowledge remains. Musanius. And further, whereas they think that I have sailed too far already, beyond my compass, in setting forth that doctrine, 1. Pr. 28. 35. & 36. Chap. to bring any horse to a true pace, or trot; And that I shall now split myself upon the rocks, by teaching to make the hunter and courser to run truly upon the spur, and also upon That is held impossible with many that is hid from their apprehension. each kind of earths of what disposition soever, they are, for as much as it is holden impossible to those which are swallowed up with the waves of tradition; yet I know it to be justifiable if they be taught after this method, but then they must not think to effect it by their pure and good feeding only, as many hold, and glory in their knowledge; but first to bring the whole horse to an uniform motion, in all the parts, to answer 1. Pr. 27. Chap. to his helps and corrections obediently; for otherwise (as the Proverb is) he shall be better fed then taught; and so, (as a wanton child) will be stubborn, and ride but when his lust, and after that, to increase his goodness and toughness, by feeding, as this method following shall instruct. CHAP. 3. The order of a good Stable. THe Stables for all sorts of horses ought to be made formal and convenient, and kept neat and sweet, for that there is no Creature (sensitive) doth take more pleasure in cleanliness No irrational Creature delighteth more to be kept clean then a horse. than they; but the cause that I have omitted to speak thereof, in this last book, was because there is no man which taketh delight in a horse, but he will also desire to have his stable in some sort correspondent; and further, there need not such exact observations for the situation and making of a stable for those horses which are for ordinary use, as there doth for those, wherein the greatest excellency of the horse and deepest judgement of the man is to be shown. For if those Horses The ends to the which horses are trained to be regarded. which are for serviceable and travailing use, should be daintily kept at home, it will make them so tender, that whensoever they shall come to lie in other places, (as occasion shall be offered) if they have not the like warmth, and order, it will make them the more subject to take cold. But because, there is an urgent necessity, to have the stable Neglect herein overthroweth the whole designs. handsome, warm and neat, for hunting and running horses, for that there ought to be a continual care had, to maintain them in perfect state of body, and in the best strength, wind, and courage: I will briefly describe and set forth the manner The situation of the Stable. of erecting a perfect and plain Stable, without any curious additions. And therefore, first for the situation thereof, it would be All evil smells surfeits. upon dry and firm ground, so that he may come and go clean to it in foul and winter weather, neither would there be any filthy smell, privy, hogsstye, hen-house, or such like, near to it, to give any filthy stench or unwholesome savour; also there would The walls thick. be a channel (made currant) to evacuate the noisomeness of of his own piss. Likewise, the walls would be made very thick, with brick, or else some other stone, not only to make it strong for being broken down by knaves, but also to keep both the excesses of weather from him; I mean, that neither the cold windy storms in winter do invade him, nor the heat of The Stable close and dark. the reflection of the Sun in Summer annoy him, and so hinder digestion. Moreover, it would be made close and dark, that when he cometh from his labour (and hath filled his belly) he may take his rest as well on the day as the night; and therefore it would be remote a good distance from the noise of other horses, which would disquiet him. Furthermore, it would have a window towards the West (if it be possible) to set open to give light, whilst he is in dressing, Of Planking it. 1. Pra. 12.c. and to let in Air at your pleasure, and specially to set open to cool and sweeten the stable, whilst he is forth in ayreing: And for the planchers, although some have wished to have the standings paved, I cannot approve thereof, some reasons afore I have shown, and more I could show if it were needful; but I hold it the best to have them laid with good Oaken planks (two or three inches thick) with holes bored through them in divers places, to cause the wash drain through them into the channel, which will keep the litter more sweet and dry, whereby it will be the more wholesome for his body, and also they will be more warm and easy to lie upon, if at any time he chance to spurn his litter from under him, by tumbling or waltering him, as many not of the worst horses oftentimes do. Besides (as Mr. Markham saith) they would be laid level, The Planchers would be level. not higher before then behind, that he may stand of an equal height with all his feet, for if he rest too much upon his hinder legs it will cause them to swell, neither can he lie at ease, because his hinder parts will be slipping down: And likewise the ground behind would be level with the Planks, that if at any time he chance to go back, he may stand still of an equal height with all his body: And let the crib be set of a reasonable The height of the Crib. height, that the bottom be not so high as the points of his shoulder, that if at any time he be stirred in the stable, he be not in danger of laming by rushing against it, and it would be deep, because that then he cannot so easily set his feet therein, if he chance to rise afore; and further, that he may feed, with holding of his head at a reasonable height, for that will help to strengthen his crest, and it would be made strong and the boards closely joined in the bottom that there be no lime nor mortar therein, to close up the crannies, for that is very hurtful and suffocating for the horse. And let the Rack in like manner, be of an indifferent height, The height of the Rack. neither too high, for causing him bend too much in the hinder part of his neck, to feed at it, and so cause him to be withy-cragged; nor yet so low as to cause him bend his neck on the one side, and so spoil and weaken his crest. Likewise, it would not be set sloping, but stand upright with the wall, for that is the best, both to keep his neck firm, and also to keep his head, and mane clean from dust, and seeds of the hay, and let the holes for the staves be pitched some four inches distance, The distance of the Rackestaves. that when the staves are set in, they may be three inches distant one from another, which is a reasonable scantling, for they will not be so straight but that he may fill his belly with ease; nor yet so wide, as to pull the hay out too fast, and so make spoil thereof: And also the walls on both sides, and Let the walls be boarded. afore his head would be boarded from the crib to the rack, to keep him from gnawing upon lime, earth, or any such filthy thing (which many Horses will desire,) for that will lie heavy in his maw, and be very unwholesome. Moreover, there would be a fit made over him, to lay the The fit would not be joined for shrinking. hay and straw therein, and the boards would not bejoined, but rapited one over another that no dust nor filth fall upon the Horse (if they chance to shrink,) whilst his hay is in dusting and shaking above. And let the partition be large, that he may have liberty to tumble at his pleasure, and let there be a convenient room in the stable that his keeper may lie by him; for The keeper should lie near his Horse. thereby he shall be ready at hand, if any occasion shall happen, especially if it be towards a match; and he may also have the better judgement of his horse's disposition by the manner of his feeding. And lastly, there would be a press made, to keep the bridles, saddles, and other necessaries safe, clean, handsome, and ready, when soever they shall be used. Thus have I set forth the fashion and order of a convenient and necessary stable, describing it in a plain form without any curiosity: to which whosoever is addicted, and disliketh this Nothing acceptable except it be costly. for the plainness: there are Italianate fashions set forth to satisfy their self-liking humours, but yet this is sufficient to give content to stayed minds if it be kept sweet and clean. CHAP. 4. Of the Training a young Colt up to Hunting and Coursing. IT hath been, and is still an usual opinion of those who have a young Colt, and would have him trained up either to hunting The abuse by custom. or coursing, that so soon as he is made gentle to back, for to train him thereto altogether by lenity and gentleness, Theo. 9.h. suffering him to go (in his rake, and gallop) as he shall think good of himself, never using him to farther command than he will willingly perform: lest he should be too much forced at the first, whereby his courage, and strength might be abated, The event trieth the truth. and lameness by straynings might be caused, before his joints be fully knit; as if he had still continued in the first state of his original nature, to perform and show forth all his natural powers freely and of his own accord. But what event cometh thereby, the number of good Horses (in performance,) in comparison to the quantity, or multitude of jades will testify: and the sequel of the causes will make manifest. For the efficient cause of making a good, or bad horse, is not Theo. 19 ●. so much in his nature, (as it is imagined) but in the Man (although his proclivity, be a great help:) (for he is the material Horse, the Material cause. cause:) and your helps, corrections and motions are the instrumental, and the apt and willing performance of his actions, is the formal cause, showing the event of the true or false grounds of Art: for as the ends of all Arts and Sciences do tend to the most excellent effect and best use, so the causes hereof do work to the chief and highest end, that is, to bring a Horse to the best obedience, and most delight for man, which can never be effected in a young Colt, if he be continually trained up, to do no more than he of his own inclination will maintain: for first, there is such an inherent rebellious nature (1) remaining in him, if at any time he be put to more than pleaseth Theo. 9 a. 1. Pr. 27.c. Theo. 9.h. The sequel. himself (before he be brought to true command,) that he will play the jade, in as much as his doggedness is rather increased, then subdued; for although he may be imagined very gentle, and to run very swiftly, when he is by himself, or runneth with another that he can command within himself, A Horse's goodness is tried in being over held with speed. yet when he shall come to be matched with one that can command him, he will then fall off▪ when he feeleth it nip, because he was never at any true subjection. Secondly, there followeth a stockish or soft deading in the (2) mouth: for it not being refined by Art, (if he be a free and Theo. 11. ●. hot Horse,) he will not be commanded by the hand, and so 20.b. through his eagerness, he will run himself off his legs or A free horse choketh himself by disorder else choke himself, in his wind, by being holden so hard upon the hand, especially if he be put upon deep earths, for that his desire is to run continually after his own lust, never yielding to the orderly command of the hand, thereby to sob A thick fore-handed horse made dead mouthed by lenity. and ease himself. And again, if he be a thick fore-handed Horse, he will be so heavy headed, that a man can have no further power to make him yield his head, then to hold a Bull by the Horns, whereby he might raise his foreparts handsomely to cause him to go freely and easily in his riding: for want whereof he can never be brought to any great speed. And further, sith they are never taught the true use of the spur, when the free horse hath done what he will of himself, if he then be put to the spur, he will settle to just nothing: and if he be a sad Horse, one may aswell strike his spurs into a post (for motion) as into his sides, (when he is any thing strained) and so is he utterly defamed as unworthy for any further use than the pack or plow. Thirdly, when they are thus trained, their body is never knit firm and round, whereby they can have no sleight in the carriage thereof, for if he be a long sided horse, he may take a large stroke at the first, (so long as he hath strength) but when that faileth, he cannot be able to bring his hinder parts after roundly, through which he gathereth so slowly and runneth with such pain, that a round running Horse, though he take a shorter stroke, (if he run nimbly,) will beat him out of the field. As for example, if two Horses be to run a course of 4. miles, and one of them striketh 23. feet, and the other but 20. feet, yet in regard he that striketh but 20. feet taketh 6. strokes against the other 5. stroke, he striking 6. times against the other 5. will strike 120. feet, against the other 115. Now there being 1760. yards in a mile, there must needs be 7040. yards in 4. miles, and so 21120. feet, in which distance running, he losing, 5. feet in 120. will lose, 880. feet in 4. miles, which you shall prove by multiplying 21120. which is the number third by 5. the second number, & the product will be 105600. which divided by 120. being the first number, will be 880. feet, as you may see in the margin: which their speeds are in proportion; as, 24. to 23. for as 5. is the difference betwixt 120. and 115. if 5. be divided by 120. the quotient will be, 24. and likewise divided 5. by 115. it will be 23. Even so, divide 880. which is the difference of the excesses in 4. miles, by 21120. the complete number, and it will be 24. but divide it by 20240. which is the less excess, and it will be also 23. All which gross errors, are crept into this Art, under the veil of following the Horse after his own nature, and many other which I could allege if it were needful, but for to climb all the branches that spring from this trunk, would spend too great a time and therefore I pass them over, sith these I hope Theo. 5. Chap. Theo. 6. are sufficient to give taste of the bitterness and tartness these weeds have brought to this Vine, (being nourished by custom) and to give a Caveat to such as desire to flourish in this plantation, for letting them get too great a head. But as for those that are grown and festered so fast with them, that they are smothered in them, if I should unfold every twist, to set them at liberty, yet they would not hold up their heads to take fresh air. And therefore if these will not persuade them, neither will they be persuaded, if one should spend his life to reform them. Wherefore who so is desirous to avoid these absurdities, and get to themselves, and their horses condign praise, let them never go about to train their Colt for hunting or coursing till Theo. 15. 16. 17. 29. 30. & 31. Chap. he be brought to such obedience as he will answer to their helps and corrections; and that he can tell how to take his way forward, and have gained his mouth, and placed his head, taught to stop and turn, else if he think to erect his work, 1. Pr. 22. 23. 24. 25. & 26. Chap. before he hath laid these as a firm foundation, it shall never be finished effectually, (the manner how, hath formerly been taught) for the proceeding disorderly, and self knowledge is the cause of making so many jades when they come to be tried. CHAP. 5. How to bring a Colt to a true Rake. LIkewise there hath been a neglect in this point, (to wit) of Raking, for that these horses have not been rightly taught to go orderly forward upon their footpace, but are suffered to go according to their own lust therein; esteeming Want of consideration makes weighty things of small esteem. it a thing of such small moment (as it should seem) that the profit is not worthy of the time to stand upon it. But yet, if it be rightly considered, they shall find that there is as great knowledge to bring a horse to a perfect footpace, as in another lesson: Because that except a horse can demean himself well in this (as he ought) he shall neither gallop truly, nor maintain his speed durably, (howsoever the contrary may be imagined;) for that it is the ground of all other parts of Horsmanshippe, (not only in this but also in The necessity of a true rake. any other) as the Gamuth is, for him that learneth to sing. For there must be as great care observed to have him keep his desire in continual motion, and to carry a firm stayed body, Theo. 33. 34. & 35. Chap. and to have the motion of his wind to concur with the motions of it, as in any other action or performance whatsoever. Only in this there must not be such a precise respect had for the true placing Theo. 36. & 1. Pra. 25. Chap. and carrying of his head, as in the former, but only to keep it from both the excesses of throwing it up or ducking it down, for those horses that use them, do neglect that time in the motion of their bodies, whilst they trifle with their heads, yet he must have liberty to go upon an easy hand, otherwise The feet are neglected whilst the head toyeth. the body will never be brought to its true length, for the best advantage, neither in his gallop nor height of speed, especially if he be a high spirited horse, and have his head restrained, he will hardly be brought to rake coolly, whereby A restraint of the hand spoileth a free horse. he will fret and chafe himself, and also displace his body, by striving for liberty, that so he will not move his legs orderly as he should. For working the perfection whereof, it is meet you should know when your horse hath a true rake, and how to bring him No man can effect truly that is ignorant of the end. to it, lest you wander out of the way (by ignorance) not knowing when you come to the period thereof, and so rest before you come to your journeys end. Wherefore know that a horse never raketh truly, except he go forward willingly and coolly upon a lose hand, (as if he The true order of raking. were at his own liberty, not having any body on his back,) and that he keep the same time with his head (in his going forward) as he doth with the motion of his legs, as if he numbered all the steps he maketh. Likewise there must be a true distance of time in the motion of his legs; one following All the parts of the whole horse must agree in one time. another so orderly, as if four Bells were rung in a true ●ound, his wind still answering the same motion: And also his hinder legs must follow after easily and pleasingly, so that the step of his hind foot may reach over the step of his forefoote, (at the least) the breadth of it; for if he either step short, or but even with the same, than it is a sign that he is not 1. Pra. 1. 27. Chap. brought to such command of all the parts of his body as he should; and then the inconvenience thereof will be found, when he shall be put to sore riding, being haled to the height Theo. 7. & 16. a. of his speed, not having time to sob; for one error is not simply of itself, but it bringeth forth more. And how this is to be effected, because I have handled the How to bring him to it. order afore (although not verbatim, yet it is to be referred to this by application) I will but quote the places, and refer the working thereof to your own discretion. For if he hath been Theo. 33. 34. 35. & 36. Chap. ridden and ordered (from the beginning) as I have shown, he will have such an apt carriage, that he will be the sooner brought to his perfect trot. Only note to serve him with Pra. 1. 22. your motions in due time, quickening and slowing them as you 23. 24. 25. 26. & 35. Chap. feel his desire to be slow or quick in going; not using any violent correction for distempring his mouth, and dislocating his body. Theo. 6. & 9 Chap. But if your horse be stirring and free, and therefore will not be governed to keep his head low that so he might rake with a large step with his fore-feet, as he should, then let him rest the most upon the head-strain, and use him gently, for that will make him come down upon the hand, and lift his Pra. 1. 36.f. 22. & Theo. 11. Chap. fore-feet orderly, and likewise if he will not keep time with both his hind legs, or that he will not stretch forth his fore-feet largely, stay your hand still more upon the head-strain, and keep your seat exceeding firm in your saddle thrusting out your legs stiff in your stirrups, and you shall feel by your seat an orderly reformation; for your firm seat will keep his body steady, and the head-strain will make him press forward and so help on his leading leg. CHAP. 6. Of Galloping. WHen you have brought your Colt to such perfection in all things as aforesaid, and that he will rake orderly, than you may go about to bring him to a true and stayed carriage Some things must be omitted for order sake. in his gallop: For although I have not heretofore spoken of bringing him to his rake and gallop before now, yet you must think that upon necessity you cannot bring him to a true command in the other, but he must sometimes do them both in his former teaching (though ill-favouredly) or else he will get such an habitual custom of seating his body, that it would be a world of toil to bring him to do them truly: for the changing Variety doth sharpen the appetite. him sometimes from one pace to another, is as a preparative to make him capable of any: and it will stir up his spirits, to make him do that (which he is cunningest in) with better courage and grace. Yet howsoever he may be put to any other Note. pace in the interim, yet there must not be had a curious respect of his demeanour, in them all, but only in that he is in learning, A Horse should not be troubled with more lessons than one at one time. otherwise it will bring a confusion to his apprehension, and a loathing to his appetite, if he should be continually held to such a strictt carriage in them all, for that he should never find ease at any time in going, whereby he would never do any thing but upon extremities: if he should be tied to do that thing exactly, which he knoweth not how to perform (in any sort) indifferently. Wherefore (as I say) when you have brought the whole horse Pr. 1. 33. Chap▪ Theo. 4. 13. 16. ●o such a constant concord in all his former lessons, that he will do them according to Art: than you may likewise teach him to carry his body truly in his Gallop▪ by the like observations: whereby he may have such a perfect habit, that he launch not out his body further at one time then another, and that he can command all his integrals with ease, that all his actions may be performed slightly and durably. Which you shall the sooner Sleight causeth durableness. do, if you know what a true Gallop is, and wherein also the chiefest advantage both for ease and continuance consisteth. For want of which knowledge, many have simply gone about Tradition is mere blindness. that which they knew not what to effect; for in that they have seen some desire to bring their horse to a soft hand gallop▪ (not expecting any more) they presently have undertaken to effect the like, thinking that if they can bring him to gallop softly, or Blind opinions. go two up and two down, that he is brought to the highest degree that can possibly be performed by Art. Which conceit, if it were true, than every Butcher's Nag Absurdities confuted. that will gallop betwixt London and Rumford, would parallel the best for speed, which thing experience doth confute; for although they may be tough (by labour) yet there is none of them that hath any indifferent speed to a mean Courser: For that manner of gallop will cause him have such a tickle mouth upon the hand, that when you come to work upon him to help him in his running, he cannot tell how to frame his body to rest upon the hand orderly▪ but will launch forth past his compass, and so spend himself by violence, that it will be hard for you to keep a true seat in his running. And if it be in hunting, Theo 4. Chap. he cannot make speed, especially upon deep earths to continue, for that there is (as it were) a stop of his hinder parts, Time a true judge. whilst he raise his fore, and likewise of his foreparts whilst he raise his hind; in which motion there is a great loss of time (which is the true moderator in all doubts.) For as a Ship which A Simile. is forced to rise and fall (with the violence of the billows) cannot make so great a course in so short a time, as when she saileth upon the still seas; so that horse cannot go so speedily nor easily, that waveth up and down in his gallop, as he that goeth upon a smooth motion. But the best gallop for ease, truth and speed, is to have his What a true Gallop is. body firmly knit, and all the parts to move jointly together forward in his motion, to go smoothly, resting pleasingly upon the hand, and though that the fore and hinder parts rise and fall a little, when he gallopeth softly, yet they must be so knit An imaginary line passing through his body and chine is the mean motions. that the faster he goeth the less they rise and fall, and when he is at his full speed, to have his body (in the mean motion) to describe a parallel line with the ground, not letting any two of his feet to rise or fall together, but as his body is always moving forward, so his legs must be always one setting afore another, whereby his body will glide forward with great facility, both for himself and his Rider: and he will rest so pleasingly Note. upon the hand, that his head will be a means and help to keep your body firm: and likewise your hand a means to keep his body steady, and to help it (by your body) if at any time he shall desire to overlash himself, (through eagerness) Theo. 18. a. whereby you shall both agree together as if you were but one subject. And for the advantage of his speed, it is not in the fast using Advantage of his motion for speed. of his legs, (although it may seem so to the eye,) but in the true relish of his mouth, and the apt carriage of his body, for if they two be truly commanded, than his legs upon necessity must needs perform their office, for his hinder parts will gather so roundly within his fore parts, that they will stretch themselves so far forward as Art and Nature can extend. The effecting The coming on with the hinder parts causeth on the fore parts. whereof I have quoted in the last Chapter, and may also be reduced to this, by fit application, they being the true grounds of the whole Art: only in general observe, to keep a true seat, to help the Horses hinder parts, (if at any time they shall slake,) and apply your helps, and corrections, according to Theo. 12.x. the instant occasion. 13, CHAP. 7. What Pace is best for these sort of Horses. IN my judgement there hath been also another great neglect An abuse through custom. in this Art, in that there hath been no greater care had to give a Colt that Pace at the first which might bring him to his highest perfection, both for speed and toughness, but suffer him to go after his own irrational appetite so long, that he will not be brought to any such carriage of his integrals, as might bring him to such excellency as those ends would wish. ●. Pra. 4. In which my assertion, although I may seem to descent from others, and so some may belch the malice of their prejudicate opinions against me, for following my own fantasy and rejecting the general judgement of so many ancient and wise practitioners Truth is found by experience not by authority. in this Art; yet I dare be bold to set it forth having the truth to back me as a sure fortress: and experience to direct me as a most lively and perfect teacher. But to the point, there are some which err herein; for that they make no account of any Pace; but so soon as their Colt is once backed, he is strait put to his rake, and from thence to 2. Pr. 4. his gallop, without respect of any other conditions: as if there were immediate notices, or understanding of things naturally engraffed in a Horse to know the mind of his Rider, without knowledge of some mediate or second means. And again, there are others that are stained with the same Whether a natural Trotter or Pacer be best for speed. pollution, although not so grossly, which think that a Horse having a natural good Trot, or Pace, is the most speedy and tough; to both which objections, because I have touched them in the two last Chapters, (and in other places) I will not stand to make any large discourse, but only to let the gentle Reader see light to find the truth, like a candle in a lantern. For this Theo. 2. & 3. I hold, that no horse of himself will perform whatsoever to the highest of his nature: except Art be thereto adjoined: which I prove thus. No Horse that hath not an apt motion and carriage in the Celarent. whole integrum (by Art) can of his own inclination have the best speed and toughness: But natural going Horses cannot have any apt motion, and carriage (without Art) in the whole integrum. Therefore no natural going Horse, of his own inclination (without Art) can have the best speed and durableness. The Mayor is proved by the whole tractat of this Book, for The Mayor proved. that all Horses having an inherent rebellious disposition in them successively by generation, (by reason of the transgression) Theo. 1. 2. 3. 5. they will not frame themselves of their own accord freely, and obediently, to do that which remaineth in them, but 1. Pr. 23. 24 25. 26. 27. 28. 37. they will still retain something for their ease, except they be reduced to obedience, by Art, without which the whole subject 2. li. 1. et alijs locit. cannot be brought to such a concord in carriage, and motions, as shall yield the best advantage both for speed and toughness. The Minor proved. And the Minor is proved by the uncertain carriage of those Horses bodies, which go after their natural inclination, for a Horse having no intelligence but sensitively, if he be suffered A Horse hath no intellective mind. to go after his voluntary motions, he not having any inorganical actions, intellective of the mind, to give him notices of any thing, without some organical instrument, will not perform what his ability is able, as man will do, because of his engendered and bred notices, which are the organs of Arts, and therefore whosoever thinketh to bring his Horse to perfection, by An apt Simile. training him after his own will, is like to have as good success, as he which thinketh to direct a ship to any port, by steering the helm without knowledge or help of the compass or card. For the apprehensive faculties are the difference of man The difference betwixt man & beasts. from brute beasts, he having notice of many things in his organical, or spiritual actions, which are engendered and bred in the heart, he apprehendeth understanding, knoweth and judgeth of things as well universal, as singular: by reflection, that is, by Theo. 4. ibid. 4. considering, and examining things done or devised. Whereas brute Beasts (in which species are Horses) do only apprehend, by the sensitive intelligence, of singular and simple objects. Wherefore seeing man hath primary knowledge in the mind immediately being inorganical, therefore he must (by his experience Man's knowledge is confirmed by experience in external things. gotten by external things, perceived by the exterior senses) bring the Horse to such obedience in apprehending the desire of his mind, that he will voluntarily yield thereto: for the body of the man working according to the desire of his mind, it must convey that intention to the Horse by his helps The conclusion perfect without proof. and corrections, which are as organs to confirm the sensitive intelligence of the Horse, that thereby he may know what to do, he not doing any thing aptly but by immediate or secondary causes. Which propositions being clear the conclusion standeth good. By all which it is apparent, that not any Horse what Pace soever Sab: Foxde Arist. et Plato. consention. li. 5. 2. he hath, whether he be a natural Trotter or Ambler, can go truly indeed, except he be reduced from his natural disobedience, (by Art) howsoever he may be judged to go well, but this fallacy in judgement proceedeth, in that the soul judgeth not of external things but by the interior, or exterior senses, and so if these have knowledge to give sentence of things aright, than the soul pronounceth senceerly; but if they err, than the soul giveth sentence according to their information: Intellective and sensitive senses observed, by the distemperature of the brain. not that the mind doth err of itself or primarily, but by accidence, being obscured by the thick mist of ignorance, by corruption. Which Sabious Fox, maketh manifest by an example of Ajax: whose interior senses (being moved by the brain) erred, and were not able to discern betwixt external objects through the brains distemperature: and therefore he ran upon herds of sheep, which he thought to be Ulysses Soldiers, and killed a Ram supposing that he had shine Ulysses. And yet notwithstanding all this, his soul judgeth uprightly, that manifest injuries is to be revenged, but his interior senses erred, and were deceived, by means of objects of the exterior senses, in that they attracted unto the mind colourable similitudes, and images. And the like instance may be given by the blind man in the Gospel, that Christ restored to sight, For at the first he saw men walking like trees, which error was not Mark. 8. 24. in his mind, for if it had not been hindered by the exterior senses, it would have censured truly, but the cause was that the optic The mind doth judge according as the sensitive part apprehendeth. nerve was not yet perfect, (which is the origanical instrument, whereby the exterior object is conveyed to the interior senses) and thereby his mind erred in judgement, he giving sentence, according to that evidence the interior senses did receive. And in like manner, those Horses that are said to go well of A thing oftentimes is not so indeed as it seemeth. their own natural voluntariness, the mind judgeth it so, not because it is so, but in that the interior senses are obscured with ignorance, whereby there is an impediment or let, that the Theo 4. 1. Pra. 27. mind cannot judge rightly of the Horses going, as it would, if better notices were given by the intelligence sensitive to see, and apprehend when a Horse runs well indeed; for this I know No Horse hath true riding except the answer the spur. by experience, that I had rather bring a Colt that cannot tell how to go at all, to go well, than one of those which are accounted to go well, for as much as they have but a voluntary command, and therefore they have neither apt carriage, nor any true obedience, so that they have neither numblenes for speed▪ nor sensitive obedience, to increase toughness, whereby in that, they cannot tell how to demean themselves for swiftness, nor in this, they will run no longer than they shall feel ease for if they be overtopped with speed they will sattle suddenly, because they were not brought to true obedience by Art, and therefore I conclude, that a true artificial Pace is the best for Objection. either hunter or courser both for sleight, toughness and speed. But whereas it may be objected, that the Pace is not so appertinent to these Horses, (especially for coursers) for that many running Horses are void of any good Pace (either for Trot or Answer. Amble,) and yet so speedy that they can hardly be bettered. I answer, it is true in some sort, that is, being compared with Theo. 4.e. those Horses, which are trained (as they are) upon false grounds, being judged by the deception of sensitive apprehension, and (n) Incontrarijs, contraria magis elucescunt. not by the inorganical operation of the mind, (and so it is holden that one Horse cannot have both speed and toughness) but if they would yield to reason, that they have a relation one to another, and so seek a reducement by Art, they should find the contrary: for that one Horse so trained, will make 2. Pra. 2. jades of three of the other: and yet no fault in the Horse, (being sensitive) but in the man (being intellective:) for if those Horses which have that proclivity to swiftness (naturally) should be maintained by art, they would far exceed the other both in speed and toughness. Wherefore seeing the glory of many famous Horses is much darkened, by the deceivable objects of the senses, because the Theo. 1. soul or mind cannot give judgement of the truth, through false evidence: I will give that partition wall one rend, whereby the interior faculties may the more clearly see how to distinguish the truth from error. For sith no Horse of himself will either go truly, nor come to the height of his speed and goodness without Art; therefore those Horses which are brought to a true Pace by art, will have the best speed and durableness, Barbara, which I prove thus: All those Horses which have the truest and aptest carriage in the whole subject, and have a natural proclivity, are most swift and durable. But all true artificial Paced Horses have the truest and aptest carriage in the whole subject: The Mayor proved. Ergo, all true artificial paced Horses having a natural proclivity are the most swift and durable. The Mayor is proved, for that through the fall there is such an inherent rebellion in them, that they will not perform that Theo. 2. 3 4. 18. 30. which is required, except there be obedience gained in the whole Horse, (by Art) so that he hath his proper and true motions; 1 Pra. 25. 26 27. 28. 29. 30. 36. 37. 2. Pr. 5. & 6. (p) and that he will obey the mind of the man: for so they will both agree in one, as if they were one whole and entire body: because the reason of the man can so proportionate the strength and courage of the Horse, that he will be as a steward over his sensual desire, and neither suffer him to launch his body out of compass, nor spend himself, (through his eager desire) more than shall be requisite for the time, so that he will have both strength and lust to use when it shall be most needful. Liberty bringeth idleness. But contrarily, if he be suffered to go after his own will, than he will be void of command, through which, when any idleness possesseth him, he will make no good course that day. Many pays too dear for this garment. if a man's whole estate (as oftentimes it is) should be hazarded upon it. But when it falleth out otherwise, to free themselves from this gross imputation, they have also another cloak to cover their shame; and that is, a Horse will make a better Again they cover their ignorance with a worse, alleging the horse was sick, for sooth. days work at one time, then at another. But I dare say, that if a Horse be brought to true obedience, and that he is (as he should be for a match) in perfect state of body: (otherwise he is more fit to ride upon an Ass, than a Horse, that will attempt to bring a Horse into the field, to undo many a man, through his will) he will at any time, show forth his willingness to the utmost of his power. But I had almost forgot myself, by laying open the inordinate affection of such as will hazard the undoing of themselves, their wife, and children: rather than they will have their Horse strained, or caused to do more than his own will is consenting unto. And yet further if he be suffered after his own will or desire, The Horse rideth the man and not man the Horse. than he will have the predommancy over the man, and carry him as himself lusteth, for which if he be crossed, he will either do just nothing, or else run away, and so resemble the prodigal unthrift, that being led by his sensual appetite, spendeth A simile. Theo. 20. more in a day then by reason would require a year, and lavisheth so much when he is young, that he hath nothing to maintain him in his age. The Minor proved. And the Minor is proved, in that Art bringeth command by obedience and so the whole Horse, both in his interior and exterior parts, is in subjection to the man, or otherwise he could never be brought to such a true pace as Art requireth; that is, to have all his body move at one and the self same time, All the body should agree in one. and which motion also to agree with the antecedent and consequent, to give the best advantage both for speed and toughness, for as one cannot pass from one extreme to another, but by the mean, so no horse can go from his pace to his gallop, as he should, but by a mean. Now that mean should also agree with the same motion to both the extremes: As it is in Geometry, that from two points there may be a strait line The first of the grantable requests. drawn, to signify unto us that there must be a motion from one limit to the other, and that motion must be equal to the two excesses, and agree to the same; for as that line is the digressive motion from one point to the other, and agreeing to the same, so a true artificial pace is the mean motion from one of the said excesses to the other, in that it hath Pra. 2. li. 5. Chap. the best concord and agreement to them: For as a true take requireth an apt and true motion for the nimbleness of the legs, and constant carriage of the body, to contitinue Pra. idem 3 Chap. without flexiblenesse, and the gallop also to have the like motion to move sorward orderly: ●uen so that pace, which is betwixt them, must have the like concord to them, which Pr. 1. li. 36. Chap. Theo. 4. Chap. cannot be in any pace so aptly, as in a true artificial pace, because the true rake is an introduction to a true pace, and this also agreeing to the motions of a true gallop; for what horse soever will maintain a true motion upon his pace, and go fast or softly thereon at command, he will also do the like upon his The Conclusion. Gallop, both swift and slow. Thus the mayor and minor standing perfect, the Conclusion must necessarily follow, for because if there be a true respect had of both those paces, there must needs be a third, although heretofore nothing at all regarded, for a true rake, cannot go The Proportion betwixt a rake and a gallop. so fast indeed (howsoever they may speak in words) as to extend to a gallop; nor a true gallop cannot go so softly, as it shall not need the help of a third; for if the rake extend after three miles an hour, the hinder parts, will be lash, and if the gallop be slower than after four miles an hour, it will bring no apt carriage for speed, in that the foreparts will be raised too high, which motion is contrary to Art. Objection. And whereas it may be objected, that the bringing a horse to his pace, doth utterly spoil all his other paces, and abateth Answer. Theo. 3. Cap. his speed: I answer, the cause of that abuse is not in the Art, but in the abuse of usurped Professors; for there is no such repugnancy in it, that it should decay nature, but repair it: for it (in the true use) bettereth all, for he will go so smoothly with his foreparts, and follow so roundly after, with his hinder parts, that he will glide forward with such facility and advantage, Th● motions of the man motions of the man month the appetite, and it the body. as his height and length can maintain, in that his appetite or desire still worketh forward, which urgeth on the body, and the leading leg maketh way so orderly, that he will shoot forward fast or softly, as the motions of the man doth direct him. But if he be brought to this pace by distemperature of the hand, than he will run high both with his head and foreparts, The abuse of the hand causeth high running. and so indeed although he may be speedy for a time, yet he cannot be durable, nor gallop with ease upon deep earths, and so spoil his speed, because he cannot see his way, to use his feet rightly, and through his eager desire in going, Theo. 20. Pr. 2. li. 6. Chap. he will press so hard upon the hand, that he spendeth his strength and wind as well by striving thereupon, as he doth with the violence of his running, whereby his speed and toughness is so soon abated, not finding any ease, and by that The cause of bending the Thropell is not iin nature, but in the man. means he striveth with his foreparts, and beateth himself with lifting his forelegges so high, that he looseth time in his gallop, and is forced to bend his neck so far back, that he choketh himself with his own wind, in that his throp●e Pr. 1. li. 25. & 34. Chap. doth bend compass like a bow, and then to excuse this absurdity also, the fault is in the defect of nature, and say that he is Cock-threpeld, & therefore cannot have wind to perform that which is desired, as if Nature did not use an orderly number in her composition, especially in every perfect subject. A pace is necessary for the hunter. Now a true pace is not only a means to increase speed, and toughness for the Courser, but also it is very necessary for the Hunter; because thereby he will got at ease ●nto the field, both for himself, and his master: And when he hath done his days work, and is wearied with toil, he will come homeward so easily upon his pace, that he will cool himself very temperately, before he come home, and also his master and he will be much refreshed by the same, that they will neither of them be so stiff, when they are cold, as they would be if they should cool suddenly, by coming footpace, or else A natural Courser may be made very serviceable both for hunting and running. take their rest suddenly after heat. And therefore a natural pacer is not altogether to be rejected, neither for a Hunter nor Courser, if he be truly brought to obedience, and have an apt carriage (in his motions,) both of head and body: For I have brought a natural pacer, which hath been a deep and hard rouler, so that he could not tell how to gallop, or go any pace, after the rate of twelve miles an hour, and also so extreme sad that one might as well have stricken his spurs into a post as into his sides for any motion; Pr. 1. li. 36. Chap. and I have reduced him to such an obedient quickness, that he would answer the Spur as freely at the latter end of the day, as could be wished: And also to such speed, that no ordinary horse could bid him ride; only by reforming his natural going to that carriage and motion, as if he had been an artificial pacer. CHAP. 8. Of what Age a Colt should be, before he be put to sore labour. THere is yet another vail, which custom hath spread before the exterior senses; so as the soul is hindered from judging the truth, including uncertainties within the limits of No true judgement upon false evidence. a certain time. For it is generally holden that there is not any horse that should be put to any sore labour, or be strained to the height of his speed, before he be six or seven years of age, which is a tradition holden from the opinion of the Ancients, following the natural ability of the horse so far, that they One error bringeth forth another. strayed beyond the bounds of their knowledge in this Art, and then to excuse themselves, affirm that no horse can be able to perform any matter of speed, or toughness, till he come to those years. Which opinion is not much unlike the judgement of many An apt Simile. Farriers, that when they undertake to cure a strain, administer such things as they conceit▪ and then (finding small effect) counseleth that he should run a certain time; during which running, time cureth that which their knowledge could not perform: Even so, when they have found that they could not effect their desire (by their grounds of Art) before such a time, they suggested this supposition; whilst (in the interim) Theo. 17. Chap. time worketh more upon the horse than their Art. And further they suggest (to preserve their reputation) that if he should be put to sore labour and toil before he come to those years, it would be a means to hazard strainings, and the putting out of splints, spavens, curbs and such like; for that his joints are not firmly knit, nor he come to his best strength and courage. To which opinions, I ask whether they have not seen A horned question. some one horse of younger years, beat the aforesaid horses which have been dandled withal till that age: Which if they have, why might not they also have performed the like if they had been trained by the true Art? But if they have not, than they are to be condemned of a prejudicated opinion, to hold A younger horse beat the elder. that which they have no reason nor experience for; for I know there is not any that hath made experiment herein, but they have seen the contrary, or else their observations have been very weak. But I hear some object, that all horses are not of like constitution, Objection. and some have abler bodies than others, and so come sooner to the maturity of their goodness; but yet no consequence that others should do the like. I answer, first this maketh Answer. a contradiction with the former allegation, for they hold it as a general custom, and then if there be any that is of such proclivity, they are exempted from that generality, and then those horses if there be an intermission in their proceed, that they be not followed according to their inclination, it will cause a loss of time, if they should be neglected till the accustomed time, whereby their towardness will be hindered through a sovereign liberty, they not being suffered to go forward, There is no stay in the agitation of the interior powers. but are still kept in a stay, get such an idle habit, that they decline from their towardness, to a wilful stubbornness, through this restraint, in that they are thought too young, for seeing they are letted in going forward, they must needs go back; for it is a Maxim, that not to go forward, is to decline; (d) The senses judge according to the kind of action. so that they will hardly be brought after to their best perfection: in as much as their apprehension, is intelligence sensitive, they feeling ease so long together, think that to be the perfection of their labour: and when they shall be put to more than they were used unto, they will presently give it over in the plain Idle training causeth fal●e hearted horses. field, not being used to sore labour before, which is the cause of so many traitorous and false hearted Horses. And further, it is a great darkening of their glory, for if they which are so prone by nature were well followed by true Art, without question, they would sooner come to commendable performance, than they which have not such natural towardness, An Allegory. and then when Art and Nature had displayed the glory of their lights; the splendour thereof would be so glorious, that all other, would be combust that came within the reflect of their beams; and in that respect would far exceed the other both for time and goodness. But contrariwise, if those which have not such gifts of nature be not protracted, but reduced, (without intermission) by Art; Theo. 2. they may come to better these, which are neclcted at the first, (for it is often seen the most unlikely Horse, to beat the more likely) but if not; yet they may be brought, to that height (in as short time) as the ability of their bodies can maintain, having a willingness to do that they are able, both for speed and toughness. And again, I would know, whether there hath not been Whether sore labour be the only cause of those infirmities many Horses, which were never strained young, (by sore riding) which have been subject to splints, spavens, curbs, and such like, which if they have, then that is not the cause of such infirmities, (as there are many:) but the cause of them naturally is through the impurity of the seed, whereof they were generated, and therefore being so subject to them, their grief will increase (by labour) of what age soever. And likewise the same demand may be, whether that straynings, are only Whether young horses are only subject to strains. proper to young Horses or no; which if not denayed (as experience maketh plain) than the cause thereof is not only in sore labour; but rather, through the improper carriage of their body, and the unapt government of the head, so that they cannot Theo. 35. 36. handle their legs nimbly. Wherefore, these opinions are but inordinate affections, Note. that many carry to their horses, in suffering them so long at the first, (both in their first backing, and afterward in their training) The Earl of Northumberlands Horseman. that some have lost their lives, (which I speak to my heart's grief, being them whom I hearty affected,) rather than they would seek to displease their colt to gain obedience; And others have hazarded their whole estate (to the great loss both of themselves, and their friends) rather than they No good conclusion can follow upon false grounds. would put their Horse to any thing more than he would do of himself: following uncertain grounds of time, and the Horse's nature, so long, that they have had issue of their certain estate, being convicted by a certain evidence, which certain time, and truth did give sentence. In the which rank, Faelix quem faciunt aliena p●ricula cautum. I myself have formerly marched, till experience did sound a retreat, being maimed with the shot of foolish had-I-wist, which I will set down (as a caveate) for future imps that shall flourish in this Vineyard, lest they fall in the like relapse, and likewise buy their experience too dear. Which though it be rude, I hope it will not be distasteful to such as are willing to be Young riding not the cause of slowness or lameness. instructed, in that they make profit, by mine, & many more losses. For (in running a Bell match) I was never more shamefully beat, (in my life) both for speed and toughness than I was with a four years old nag, (which, was hunted very sore all that Winter: (and yet was sound in every part, of the whole One of master Lancelot Carletons' race. Horse;) which was the first instance I had to awake me from the slumber of this sirenical opinion. And afterward it was my hap to run a match against a five year old nag, (of a middle size,) being almost but now backed, which had such an exceeding natural speed, that (if Art had been joined answerably to his inclination,) he could hardly have been paralleled betwixt the North and South, of which Horse I did afterward note his proceed, (being much conversant with the Gentleman that did owe him:) and so I found by the event, that his natural proclivity was much hindered by his training. For there were three other young Colts trained up with him, which at the first not any of them was able to command him to ride (he being so very swift:) by the which they were continually True training causeth good wind. held to the height of their wind and speed, whilst he ran (every breathing course) within himself: by reason of of which sore labour, (although they were but Colts,) they be came so well wound, that in one Winter they all would beat him, in that he ran always within himself, so that he lost the advantage of his body, whereby his speed was abated, and he became so thick wound, that when he felt it once nip, he would give it over, and when he was put to the spur, the more he was spurred, the more he settled: and yet at the first he would have answered the spur very obediently: through which liberty, he became so idle, that he would not stretch forth his body, but lost three or four foot at every stroke. Feeding doth not make a good Horse except Art be assisting. Which when I saw, I was desirous to examine the cause, (for my further experience) but when I had approved, I found it to be in the manner of his training, for (as the proverb is) he was better fed then taught, (although the Gentleman was reputed an excellent horseman) for he had neither carriage of body, nor relish of mouth, fit for a horse that is for that use or end. Which when I had reform, (in short time) I brought him to overrun There is no error that hath not some vail to cover its shame. all the aforesaid horses; and afterward wan a Bell course, against six Horses, contrary to the expectation of all the field: which thought it borough an admiration, yet it was coloured with that old saying, a dog hath a day, and that was his day to run so well. But it is strange that a Horse should have but one good day in all his life: for he never made the like course after, but the reasons thereof I will omit, lest I should dull the ears of the Reader, with such a rude & prolix discourse. Which circumstance (loving reader) I have set down (as I say) for thy better instruction, lest thou shouldest rely too much upon former traditions (as I have done) and so be enthralled, Note. and entangled in that net. And therefore, to keep thyself free from that snare, hold no man's opinion authentical, further than reason, and experience shall induce thee. Wherefore seeing (as I have shown) that young Colts have beat old horses, and such Colts as have had a better inclination, Delays are dangerous. have been made worse, and those which have had a worse inclination have been made better, and that the withholding of them from their true exercise, (till such a certain time) bringeth a habit of idleness, and increaseth rebellion, in not being kept in subjection, but (as a wanton child) Sensitive creatures regard their own ease more than glory. will do but what them lust, so that they will never show forth their greatest grace and glory; let none, that will not respect the pleasing of their Horse more than their own profit, or the truth, regard so much the time, as their Horse's inclination, following his towardness, by Art, and practice, and thereby he shall bring his Horse to his highest perfection. CHAP. 9 The first ordering of a Hunting Horse. IF you take delight in this noble sport of hunting, either for the health of your body, (by riding, and airing,) or for the delight to see the Hounds Hunt, or else for the training of your horse, 1 Pra. 22. 23 24. 25. 26. 2. li. 5. & 6. to find the excellency of his goodness, and endurance; for the better obtaining of your desire, I would wish that he should first be brought to such perfection (in all the former lessons) by Art, as hath been dilated: and then to add thereto the order of diet by feeding, that thereby he may come to the best worth that is within him. Therefore when you have weighed 1. Pr. 27. your Colt so, that he knoweth how to behave himself as he should in true obedience, which you may do in a quarter of a years practice, after he be first backed. Then you may (for his better increase of courage, and strength) if it please you, put him to grass, and so let him run all summer, from mid May till Bartholomew-tide, or at the least, from the midst of Summer till that time, for then the weather is too hot, to give him such exercise as he should, which if it be otherwise (being Note. rightly considered) it doth more hurt than good, and so better to be idle then ill employed, although some love to be practising, albeit be without knowledge or reason: but the fruits they reap thereby is answerable, being as good never a whit as never a deal the better, nay oftentimes the worse, in regard of the errors that come through neglect. Wherefore your Colt having run all Summer till Bartholomew-tide, at which time (as it is generally holden) let him be The time to take your horse into the house. taken into the house, because the weather (in the day) waxeth somewhat cool, that he may be exercised, (though he be fat) without danger; and the ground (likewise) beginneth to be cold and soft, (except great drought) so that he will not he at nor beat his legs; And also the grass at that time looseth his nourishing sap and moisture, so that the nourishment thereof concocteth to raw crudities, whereby the flesh they get afterward is not natural nor sound, by reason Long and cold nights are not natural for a horse. that the nights than begin to be long and cold, which is an enemy to the horse, and abateth as much lust in the night, as he getteth in the day. But whereas it hath been holden, that a horse should not be clothed nor dressed for two or three days, at his first housing, When to clothe him at his first housing. I see no reason (but custom) to induce one thereto: Wherefore because it is a thing of small moment, and turneth to no great profit or loss, I will slight it over, and leave it to men's fantasies as indifferent. The nature of wheat straw. And for his food, whereas it hath been used, to give wheat straw (at his first housing) to take up his belly, I am contrary 1. Pra. 7. thereto, for it being hot and dry according to the nature of the horse, will dry up his body too much, and inflame the liver with heat, which will cause a distemperature in the blood: and also make his body costive, both by the dryness thereof, and also in that the dung will be retained so long in his body, that it will heat of itself, for want of such full feeding as would expel the excrements, according to the inclinations of his nature. Wherefore, if you desire to keep your horse in perfect state of Natural feeding doth best satisfy the appetite. body, feed him with such food as is best agreeing to his nature, good, old and sweet hay, yet if it be somewhat rough, it is not much material, (especially for a full feeding horse) for he will eat of that more sparingly, if he have any reasonable proportion of provender. But if you see he feed too fast upon hay, if you mix or blend it with a third part of wheat-straw, it will not be much amiss; and let moderate exercise (morning, and evening) do the rest that wheat-straw should have done. Thus being taken into the house, you shall rub him all over How to order your Horse at his first taking into the house. his body with a hard wisp, and shear his jaws, head, and ears, and cut away the superfluous hairs from his mussel and eyes; then take out his yard and wash it, cleansing all the dirt and filth from his sheath, that is gathered by his Summer's running. Then let his feet be well opened betwixt the quarters, Of shoeing. and the frush, (for hoofe-binding) and let him be shod handsomely, the shoes being made according to the form of his hoof. All which diversities, because Mr. Blundeville and Mr. Markham have entreated of sufficiently, I will not stand upon them here, but refer those which are desirous to be further satisfied therein, to their works: Only during the time of their training, let the webs of them be neither too broad nor too narrow, but of a mean scantling, about the breadth of a full inch, being strong, with sloped sponges, neither set so close as to bruise his heels, nor so open as he may clap one foot upon another if he chance to overreach, and so either pull off his shoe, and break his hoof, or else hazard a strain, (having one foot fastened upon another) or over throw both man and horse. Then you shall him with a single cloth, made of sackcloth, The manner of clothing. and let the sur-single be stopped round with wads of straw, both for ease and warmth; for that single cloth will be sufficient for him, at his first coming from grass, because he is as yet used to cool air, whereby he will not be in much danger of taking-cold, and the weather also at that time is somewhat warm: but after, you shall add more clothes to him, as you find the disposition of the air and the temperature of his body. But herein is to be condemned a rank of ignorant horsemen, Ignorance bringeth no other fruit than abuses. who if they once get the name of keeping a hunting horse, will oppose their judgement against the best, & will lay on many clothes without discretion or reason, thinking that their place should give an approbation for what they do, although they are so blinded with ignorance, that they cannot see their own errors and hurt they bring. For if a horse have many The abuse of many clothes. clapped on him without need, they will keep him so hot that he will sweet too violently, and so make him faint, and take away his stomach, and also he will be the more apt to take cold upon the least occasion that shall be offered. Therefore (as Mr Markham saith) if you see that his coat, How to know when to increase clothes upon your horse. be slight and smooth, than you shall him with a single cloth, and as the weather waxeth colder, that his hair begin to stare, about his neck, flank, or buttocks, than you shall add another made of woollen cloth, which is an ordinary proportion for a hunting horse; for if he have any glut within him those two clothes, with the warmth of the stable, will be sufficient to help nature to expel her enemies: she being the best Physician. CHAP. 10. Of dressing and inseaming your Horse. AFter you have cleansed your horse from such gross excrements, as he hath gotten by running, than you shall dress Of Currying. him after t'him manner. First, you shall wash the snaffle of your bridle in fair water, and put it on his head, and put the reins through the caule-band, (for sl●pping it over his head,) and so tie him up to the rack: then take a currycomb▪ and curry him all over his body (to raise the dust,) beginning first at his neck, holding the left cheek of the headstall in your left hand, and curry him from the setting on of his head all along his neck to his shoulder, and so go all over his body to the buttocks, down to his cambrel hough; then change your hand, and curry him before on his breast, and laying your right arm over his back, join your right side to his left, and curry him all under his belly, near his fore-bowells, and so all over very well, from the knees and Cambrell-houghs upward: after that, go to the far side, and do in like manner. Then take a dead horse tail, or a dusting-cloth of cotton, and Of dusting and the brush. strike that dust away which the currycomb hath raised. Then take a round brush made of bristles, and dress him all over both head, body and legs, to the very fetlocks, always cleansing the brush from that dust which it gathereth by rubbing it upon the currycomb. After that, take a hayrecloth and rub him again all over, Of the haircloth. very hard, both to take away the lose hairs, and to help to lay his coat; then wash your hands in fair water, and rub him all over with wet hands, as well head as body, for that will Of wet hands and a clean cloth. cleanse away all those hairs and dust the haircloth left. Lastly, take a clean cloth, and rub him all over till he be very dry, for that will make his coat smooth and clean. When you have thus dressed him take a woollen cloth, and lap it about his body on both sides, past his mid-ribbe, then Of saddling. saddle him, and throw the other over him for fear of getting cold. Then take another haircloth (for you should have two, one for his body and another for his legs) and rub all his Of dressing the legs. legs exceeding well from the knees, and Cambrell-houghs downward, to his very hoof, picking and dressing them very carefully about the fetlocks, from gravel and dust, which will lie in the bending of his joints. Note, that whilst you are dressing your horse, that you do Note. not trifle the time idly, either by slow working or prating, as many use to do, letting their horse stand naked and lean upon him, to hold chat with whomsoever cometh into the stable, through which negligence, a horse oftentimes getteth cold, especially after he hath been clothed and kept warm, for then the air is as penetrable to him as to us, if we should be naked, which is the cause I wish that his cloth should be cast over him whilst his legs are in pricking and dressing; for although it is holden that a horse will not take cold whilst he is in dressing, yet he may take cold of his body if he stand naked whilst his legs are in pricking and dressing, for that the rubbing of his legs will not free his body from that danger. When you have thus dressed him, you shall take a mane Combe, and wet the sponge in clean water, and comb down his mane and tail, to make the hair lie close and handsome: which done, take his back, and rake him a mile or two to fetch his water, (for that will help to refine his mouth, which he hath lost during the time of Summer running, and also stay his body upon his rake,) and let him drink as much as he will at once, then gallop and scope him up and down to warm the 2. Pr. 4. water in his body, and so bring him to the water again, and let him drink what he will, then gallop him again, and thus ˣ Of watering your horse. do till he will drink no more: then ●ake him home and set him in the stable upon good store of litter, and tub him well all 1. Pra. 7. g over with clean straw, then pick his feet with a crooked iron picker made for that purpose, and him, and stuff him (x) round with sost wads of straw as before, and after he hath stood a while upon the bridle, draw it, and give him such a Of feeding. quantity of oats (clean dressed in a sieur from dust and filth,) as your discretion shall direct, according to his eating, or allowance No certain quantity of meat can be described for all sorts of horses. proportionate: after, you shall dust, and shake a pretty quantity of hay and put it into his rack, fast bound in a bottle, to make him labour more upon it, and that he pull it not down too fast to make waste. Then shake his litter under him, and shut the window, and door, and so let him stand, till one or two of the clock in the afternoon, at which time you shall come to him again, and shake his dung from his litter, and rub his body and legs with a hair cloth, and give him another serving of Oats, and so let him stand till the time of his evening watering, than you shall shake up his litter, and make clean his standing, and dress him in all points, as in the morning, and water him, and give him meat (as afore.) And thus you shall use him morning, and evening for the space of three weeks or a month, for by that time he will be so inseamed, that his flesh will be hard and firm, and his mouth quickened, and his body brought to its former carriage. Now for observations herein, Note, that during this time of General observations. his inseaming, if twice a week you travail your horse four or five miles (or as you find your Horse) it will be a help to bring his body in state the sooner: for it will cause his wind to rake the better, and the glut and gross humours, the quicker to dissolve (by that moderate exercise,) for though that thereby he may be brought to sweat a little, yet it will bring no damage to him if he carefully be used at his coming into the stable. But whereas it may be objected that if a Horse be caused to Objection. sweat before his flesh be hardened, that it falleth down into his legs, and so causeth the Scratches, and Swell. I answer, Answer. that is not a general cause, and so no necessary consequence, for it is not upon necessity that every Horse that so sweateth is subject to such like, nor every Horse that doth not so sweat is free from the same: for I have seen, (by experience) 1. Pra. 14. to the contrary in them both, which is that a lean Horse, through disorder subject thereto, and contrarily fat Horses by good order preserved therefrom: for I myself having a Horse. of great esteem in my charge (for training) was free from any such surrances for the space of half a year, although he had had divers sweeting heats, till after he was in good state of body, and his flesh very firm and hard, I but Hunting him one day, in that it was the afternoon before we found any sport, I I set down my own folly for a caucat to others. hunted betwixt some two or three hours, not following the chase sore, but crossed oftentimes for his better ease, and night drawing on, I left the company, & raked him gently home: and being near home before he was any thing cold, I rid him into a river very near to the belly, and there unadvisedly washed him, and within two or three days after he became to have swelled legs, and so the Scratches, very dangerously, (although I galloped and warmed him after his washing.) Whereby I gathered that it was not so much his heating that caused them, (for that he had oftentimes had greater heats than he had at that time,) but the negligent care of riding him into cold water whilst his legs were hot, because they swelled so high as they were washed but no higher. Wherefore it is good for every one that have a care to keep their Horses from any such disease's, to avoid washing (especially Sweeting of itself is indifferent. in Winter whilst cold humours abound) lest they cause an obstruction of the natural course, for then the heat and cold will strive together, and provoke an inflammation in the legs: and then gross humours break forth and chop the skin, for sweeting, simply of itself, causeth no more hurt to a Horse than it doth to a man, if he be used as he should. Note also, that during the time he is inseaming, and that he is put to no further exercise than the fetching of his Water: that in his rake to and fro, and in his gallop after his Water; you have a care that he carry himself in every particular, as he 2. Pr. 5. 6. should; till he hath gotten such a habit that he make it as it There must be care to maintain obedience as well as to gain it. were his natural carriage: otherwise though he be brought to never such true riding before if he be not still maintained by the same, but suffered to take liberty at his pleasure, he will carry a lash body, when he should hold it most firm, and so all the former pains, and care will be lost: for Art doth not only consist in bringing to obedience, but also in keeping the same. Note further, that in his galloping after water, if sometimes you give him a watering course sharply of twelve or twenty Variety bringeth delight. score, (as you find your Horse) it will quicken up his spirits, and cause him gallop more pleasantly, and learn him to gather his legs nimbly, and to stretch forth his body largely. And note, that every night, (except it be any day that he hath had sore labour) you stop his feet with cow dung, after you How to keep his hooses tough. have picked them, for that will keep them cool, and make his Hooses tougher: and also that you anoint the tops and upper parts of them either with Hogs grease alone, or else with Hogs-grease, soot, and tar, mixed together, for that will cause them spread, and keep them from brittleness, and make them black. CHAP. 11. Of the exercise in Hunting. THere are so many things that offer themselves to be spoken of in this Tractate, that if I should enter into all the particulars to show the errors, and causes, that are sprung up therein, it would require a very large discourse. Therefore I will contract them into as compendious, and brief heads as I can, and (for brevity sake,) speak of the chief points, leaving the rest to the consideration of the discreet practitioner. Wherefore, True labour causeth ability both of wind and body. when you have thus brought your Horse to that state of body that his flesh is become firm and hard, (although he be not clean, for heats by labour must effect that:) which you shall perceive by the thickness of his flesh upon his short ribs towards the shutting up of his hucklebone; by the grossness, and thickness of his flank, and by the fatness, and fullness of his chaule; than you may have him into the field to learn him how to carry himself upon several grounds: and to use him to the cry of the dogs, to increase his delight: which you shall do after this manner. After you have served your Horse for night, you shall come to If he be not laid. him early in the next morning, as about five of the clock, and first sift him the quantity of half a peck of oats, (for they will be well digested by such time as he be dressed, and in the time of ranging to find sport:) which he shall eat, whilst your are making clean your stable: than you shall bridle him, and tie him to the bare rack, and dress him: and after he is dressed, saddle him, then throw his housing cloth over him, and so let him 2. Pr. 5. stand till the Hounds be ready to go forth. At which time you shall take his back, rake him gently into the field until such time as some game presents itself unto you. But because it is the first day of his hunting: so that he cannot tell how to behave himself upon uneven grounds; you Hast maketh waste. shall not put him at any time to above half his speed, that he may have the better time to learn how to carry a stayed body, and handle his legs both upon deep and light earths. Neither shall you toil him too long, for wearying him till he Long roil is to be eschewed at the first till the body be firm. be acquainted with that exercise: for daunting of his spirit and causing him to be lash bodied: but to thwart, and cross from place, to place, to make in with the dogs, to use him to their cry, because a Horse doth take great delight and pleasure therein, and it will also stir up his desire to follow them the more willingly. Thus you shall spend the time in Hunting for two or three How to use your Horse after Hunting. hours (or as in your discretion you feel your Horse, or the sport afford,) than you shall have him home, and set him into the stable, having care that there be good store of fresh litter under him to stand upon, and tie him (in his bridle) up to the rack, having a little fresh hay in it for him to chaw upon in his snafle to cool his mouth, and to sharpen his appetire: then rub him exceedingly with dry straw both head, neck, under the forebowels, belly, flank, and his legs, withal the other parts of his body: then take off his Saddle and rub his back very well, and so cloth him up with all speed for taking cold, and 2. Pra. 9 wadde him round with lose wisps of straw, and if he be very hot throw another cloth over him lose to keep him that he 1. Pr. 6. cool not too fast, and so let him stand an hour, (or till you feel him somewhat cold,) often stirring him to and fro (in his stall) gently with a stick, for that will keep his legs and his joints more nimble. Then draw his bridle, and give him such a quantity Note. of provender as you shall think good, but not so much as to take away his stomach, which will be somewhat weak through the heat of his body, and want of water: and putting hay in his rack, and taking away the lose cloth for keeping him hot too long, let him rest for two or three hours, or there 1. Pr. 6. about: during which time you shall make a mash ready, of half a peck of malt, and put no more water to it, than it will sweeten, and you think your Horse will drink, and let it stand covered till the water hath gotten the strength of the malt, Of making a Mash. which you shall perceive, by your taste, for it will be very sweet, and also by your feeling, for it will be clammy like honey, and rope like bird-lime, which you shall give him to drink when it is so cold that you can hardly see it smoke, lest the smoke should strike up into his nose, and so cause him to take a dislike, and let Though the smell be strange to him at the first, yet the taste will provoke him. him have no other water that night: and therefore if he will not drink it at the first, let it stand by him all night, and set it so that he spill it not neither with his feet nor head. Now this mash is very profitable, for it is comfortable for his stomach, and it will keep his body in a temperate heat, after his labour, and also it will cleanse, and bring away such grease, The benefit of a Mash. and gross humours as are dissolved by that days exercise. After that, you shall give him as much provender, as you think he will eat, and rub him all over to cleanse the sweat away that is dried, and barked outwardly, and rub his legs very well, 1. Pra. 14. then put fresh hay in his rack, and shake good store of litter under him, that he may rest the better and shut your stable close, and let him rest that night. The next morning come to him, about six of the clock, for that is early enough, (because the morning's rest is as delightful and comfortable aswell for a Horse as a man: for then the brain is more thin and pure, the meat being concocted whereby the sleep is more sweet;) but open the door very softly for The cause of quiet sleep. Met ap. disquieting him, if he be laid, which if he be, let him lie till he rise of himself. Somnus est sentientis facultatis requies. Then go to him, and the first thing you do, look to his dung what colour it is of; for if it be greasy and foul, than it is a sign that the former days exercise did him good in dissolving Observations from the dung. some of that foul glut that was in him; but if you perceive no alteration of colour, nor that it is greasy, than it is a sign that, that day made no dissolution, and therefore you may take the more of him the next. Then look in his manger, and see whether he hath eaten Observe how he feedeth. up all his provender; which if he have not, sweep it clean away and bridle him up, but if he have, give him a little serving more, to eat whilst you make clean his stable: After, bridle 2. Pr. 10. Chap. him and tie him to the Rack, and dress him, and have him forth to the water as aforesaid, for this should be a day of rest: And thus you shall use him to the field thrice a week, till you have brought his body to such cleanness, that you may judge both of his speed and toughness. Now for observations, you shall note, that you use him in General observations. the days of his rest (which must be every other day at the least) in all points as you did during the time of his inseaming. But whereas it hath been usual to give a Scouring the day of his Of scourings. rest, I cannot greatly commend that custom, except it be upon necessity, (that nature is oppressed or hindered by sickness;) for nature hath strength enough of herself to expel her enemies, so long as the body is perfect and sound; and therefore scour to such horses will do more hurt then good, for they are Physical, and so weaken the body, and are as needless to a horse that is sound as to a man. Note, that when you come from hunting, you wash not your 2. Pra. 10. Chap. horse that night, but rub him exceeding well, and the next morning after he is dressed, or after he is come in from his water, take a peal of water, and wash all the gravel and filth from under his fetlocks very clean, for that will cool his legs and preserve them from foul surrances. Theo. 8. 33. Chap. Note, that if you have good store of game, that you be careful not to take too much of your horse, to feed your own Et alijs lo●is. delight, till he be come to have a stayed and firm body, so causing him to overreach and daunt his spirit; nor give him liberty to go as him lusteth, but be ready upon any disorder to help him with your motions, or to correct him if need require. 2. Pra. 6. Chap. And for that cause I do not greatly approve that one should go into the field without spurs, for if a horse commit a fault either through neglect or▪ doggedness, if he be suffered at that time, the next time he will be the worse; and I hold he A Horseman is maimed if he be unfurnished. is not meet to be an Horseman that cannot wear them, except he abuse them, for he is like a mad man, that must have his knife taken from him, else he will do mischief with it. And note, that if your horse be so hot and free, that he will not easily be commanded, but will put himself more fiercely forward upon deep earths than he should, and so snapper and falter with his legs or his body, or bear so high that he choke himself with his wind, or such like, that then you use 2. Pr. 6. Chap. to hunt him with the head-strain, for it will amend such faults through the gentleness thereof, whereby he will use his foreparts more orderly, and rest so stayedly upon his head, that you thereby may help to govern his legs; so that you may cause him to strike a furrow or gallop upon any earth's, as yourself would wish. CHAP. 12. Of the manner of food and time of feeding. SOme may think because I have spoken of no other food for the hunting horse (in these last Chapters) but oats and hay, that I allow no other feeding for them, but to clear that supposition, the cause that I have omitted to speak of the diversities of foods till now, was to avoid digression, for confusing of order, and obstupidating the memory of young imps, that Theo. 4. Chap. desire to grow in this Vineyard. And therefore, I did defer the touching of them there, being minded to speak of them more conveniently, which being known, may be used, as necessity requireth. And again, it may be thought, that 2. Pr. 3. Chap. this food which I shall prescribe, is not sufficient to bring a horse to his strength and purity of wind; because it is not so Nothing of esteem except it be curious. costly and curious, as formerly hath been set forth; for many think that nothing can be good except it be costly: but howsoever it may be judged, yet I am sure (having had experience thereof) that this food will be sufficient for the feeding and dieting of any hunting horse, for giving him strength and sound nutriment for the maintenance of his great toil, and the nearest to the help of nature; and so the rest to be superfluous, being invented by some prejudicated fantasies, that would be held singular, through too precise curiosity, or else Generous minds wronged by Parasites. soysted in by some belials, that would bring in great bills of charges, and reserve the surplus, for themselves to spend upon their lascivity. But howsoever such inventions first sprung, whosoever shall use them, by true examination shall find them enemies both to Art and Nature, as hereafter shall appear. Wherefore if you will maintain your horse in his best strength and lust, after he is inseamed, you shall to his oats put a third part of beans being spelt upon a Mill, because he will eat them better than if Of beans and Oats. they were whole; for than they will sooner weary his chaps, and the strength of the beans will be more in his taste, for that they are so great they cannot be so well mixed amongst the oats, but some horses will covet to weed the oats from them. But if to avoid this, any think that Pease are better to mix Of Pease. with Oats, in regard they are smaller, and so need no spelting; I answer, that as they are the smaller, so they have the more store of husks, and the meal is not of such strength, and nutriment as that is of beans, and so more faint and pursive. And as for Fetches and tars, which many use to sow only for horse Of Fetches and tars. Provender, they are altogether the worst; for they are no perfect grain, but a kind of weed that is increased by reason that the land hath no better lust nor strength to yield better fruit, and therefore that must needs be a weak effect that proceedeth from so weak a cause. Wherefore (as I say) you shall at his first taking up, for the space of a fortnight (or thereabouts) give him only Oats Note. and hay, till the gross humours be something dried in his body, and that his flesh begin to harden, for if you should feed him with such strong food, before he were in some case to abide exercise, than it would increase those gross humours, which are reciding in him, rather than convert into good blood; for that (by reason of corruption) they do naturally abound, and will be chief fed (as the earth doth naturally feed weeds before Theo. 5.b. good corn) if by art and diet they be not first repressed: and so will inflame the body, and cause divers diseases. Therefore (as I say) when you perceive that he beginneth to 2. Pr. 11. have good flesh, to preserve it the better, you shall add to his Oats Beans; for they will increase strength and lust, and so Being well dried. keep him till you intent to hunt him; and for the better increasing of his courage and wind, you shall make him bread after this manner. You shall take four pecks of Beanes●, and two pecks of wheat, and grind them together, and sift the meal Of Bread for hunting. through a thames, of an indifferent fineness, and kneade it with warm water, and good store of barm, and let it lie an (x) 1 Pra. 7. ●. hour or more to swell, for so it will be the lighter, and have the quicker digestion, then work it exceeding well with a brake, or tread it well with your feet, (being clean washed) and bake it in great household loaves (as a peck in a loaf) for so it will have the less crust, and not dry so soon; with which bread you shall feed your horse after it is a day old, (being well chipped) sometimes giving him Bread, sometimes Oats, as you see his stomach best liketh; for this feeding increaseth good blood, and giveth strength and lust sufficient for any ordinary hunting. But if you think to hunt him upon a match, then let the one (g) Of Bread for a match. half of the corn be Wheat, and the other half Beans, and let it not be ground too fine, for so there will be the less bran in the bread, and dress the meal through a boulter, and knead it with new Ale and Barm beat together (but let there be good store of barm) and use it in all other things, as the former. Now this bread is more healthful, and yieldeth as much strength, courage and wind, as any other whatsoever, That is the best that agreeth the best with nature. if there be true labour adjoined, although many use drugs and divers other grains to increase wind. But whereas many use to put a proportion of Rye into the 2. Pr. 13.d. (e) Of Rye. Bread, I hold it not so good, for the former is sufficient for strength and nutriment, and if the horse have such plenty of that as nature doth desire, his body will continue in perfect state without it; yet because a horse is hot of himself, and his heat may be aggravated by his labour, so that he may come to 1. Pr. 7. Chap. be bound in his body: Therefore seeing Rye is cold and moist; I wish that you should grind the quantity of a peck by itself, and so bake it in a great loaf, and use it as Physic, giving him a quantity thereof, when you first draw his bridle, to cool his body after his heats, or otherwise, as you perceive his body (f) Physical things are to be used sparingly. costive: Whereas if it should be ground among the other grains, then in what state soever your horse were, he must feed thereon, and so if he were lose in his body the Rye would increase it. Now for the quantity that you should give your Horse at one Of the quantity of food. time, there cannot be any certain limitation thereof, but it must be proportionated according to his appetite; only be sure to give him his full feeding, for that will keep his body in better temper, and in greater strength and lust: And then, if upon such store of meat you perceive he feed too fast, do not therefore scant him, but give him the greater labour, for that will help both his strength and wind. And for the manner of feeding, let him eat one meal of Of the manner of feeding. Beans and Oats, and another of bread, for so his stomach will continue the better, for variety will sharpen it; whereas if he should feed long upon one kind, it would cause a loathing, and let him eat the oftenest of that he best liketh; or if you please, you may give him both at one meal, (especially if he be of a dainty feeding) always giving him that the last which he eateth the best, and hath the best digestion, otherwise 2. Pra. 6. Chap. he will not feed so well, and his stomach would be more oppressed. And again, if he be a small feeder, give him a little at once & Of a dainty feeding horse. often, for fresh meat will draw on his appetite, but give him so, that he may have a little left in the manger, to eat at his own leisure betwixt the times of his feeding. Now for the times of feeding; four times of full feeding, in The time of feeding. twenty four hours is sufficient, that is, after his morning watering, then at one or two of the clock in the after noon, or as the days are in length, to give time for digestion, before he 2. Pr. 6. Chap. be watered at night, else if he be full fed, and put to exercise before, it is very dangerous; likewise after his evening watering, and about nine of the clock at night. And as for that you give him in the morning, when you come first into the stable, 2. Pra. 11. Chap. it must be but a little to preserve his stomach from cold humours that might oppress it by drinking fasting, and also to make him drink the better. CHAP. 13. Of scourings, and their uses. scourings are also another thing wherein this Art is abused, and the horses glory much darkened; for thereby his body is made an Apothecary's Shop to receive such unnatural drugs as doth weaken it, and deject his courage, which Art doth chief tend to maintain. And also, it is a further abuse, by those which assume to apply (a) The cause of the abuse of scourings. scourings to a horse, that neither know his disposition nor the operation of them, no nor yet the cause and time wherefore and when they should be ministered: And yet they think that if they can but talk of giving a scouring, they should be esteemed with the best, and so indeed many are, but their 2. Pra. 9 esteem is far above their deserts; for through such ignorance they make horses that are sound and of an able body (by The event of the abuse. nature) to be weak tender, and apt to take surfeits upon the least occasion, (as hereafter shall be shown,) for they conceit their knowledge so much, as they think to make him sounder (b) Thinking is no knowledge. 2. Pr. 11. than nature can work, but by such uncertain grounds they hinder the strength of it. Like those men, that if they do but fear a sickness, presently betake them to Physic, (though Nature had strength enough to prevent it) whereby they are Note. made the sooner sick, and makes their bodies more subject to diseases, their pores being opened by it. But I would not be so understood, that though I speak of the abuses of Physic, I utterly disallow thereof, for it is a most excellent, & judicious Art, that judgeth of the nature & operation of simples which receive their virtues from the heavenly powers: & so are to be esteemed as God's instruments, whom he hath ordained for the preservation of bodily health; and the wiseman saith, Honour the Physician with that honour that is due unto him because Eccle. 28. 1. 3. 4. 7. of necessity: for the Lord hath created him. And the knowledge of the Physician lifteth up his head, and in the sight of great men he (c) Scowrings are good in their true use. shall be in admiration, for the Lord hath created Medicines of the earth, and he that is wise will not abhor them. For with such doth he heal men, and takes away their pains. Neither that I disallow of scourings for Horses, for they are Of the abuse of diet. also needful, and necessary: but I speak against the abuse of them, being used without necessity, and practised by those that have no knowledge, but use their fancy without fear or wit. scours needful through scantenesse of meat. But through their ignorance they are caused to be more necessary the horse's body being distempered by them: and again, they are caused to be more needful, through the scanting him of his food, in that they will not give him enough to 1. Pra. 6. satisfy nature: and so the retentive part not having sufficient substance (after the mea●e is concocted, the expulsive part doth (d) deny its office, (to expel the excrements) whereby it is retained They are urged also through hot spices. so long within the body, that it doth heat and dry, and so the body is made costive. Or else there is the greater necessity of them by overheating the body in giving him Aniseeds. licorice, and such like, to cause him have (as they say,) long 1. Pra. 12. ●. 6. wind, that so also the body is bound, and becometh evil affected, being food contrary to a Horse's nature. The effect of abuse of diet. And then forsooth, to excuse their ignorance, affirm the cause thereof, to be the hot disposition of the Horse and therefore must have a scouring the more to afflict and punish The reasons. him: so that this order of dieting, (if it be rightly considered,) is not preservative, but rather destructive. For first, it hindereth nature, (by restraining him of his food,) (1) that it cannot receive that strength and nourishment it should. Secondly, it is hindered in that he cannot have that rest and (2) full feeding the day after his labour, (which is a means to help his strength and lust:) but he is distempered by scourings, and disquieted of his rest, which is worse unto him than his former days labour. Thirdly, it weakeneth the Horse, for there is no scouring, but (3) If it work upon the body. it is Physical, and should be joined with rest, but here is a double persecution, one day to labour, and another to take scourings. Fourthly, it openeth the pores, and his interior organs, that he (4) is more apt the next day to take cold, going abroad before he get strength, and his body be perfect. And lastly, it is opposite to Art, for if the Horse be sound, (as (5) this must be supposed) it weakeneth nature, by violence, not giving her liberty and time to free herself, but will force a dissolution before there be any, and so hindereth nature, which Art tendeth to maintain, for so long as a Horse is strong and lusty, Theo. 1. nature hath ability of itself to expel her enemies after they be once dissolved. Wherefore to leave these, and such like gross errors to those which do affect them: I would counsel those that will be counseled, to use such diet as shall keep their Horses in the best state and health, for by that means Nature will have the greater power over her enemies; which is such feeding as I have formerly set forth; For as Kitching Physic is best for a man In the last Chapter. (except he be dangerously sick) so is this natural diet for a horse. and use no restraint, but let him be his own carver, for he will 1. Pr. 2. ˡ eat no more than will suffice nature: and it will keep his body in good temper, for I have seldom seen, that those horses which are full fed with such meat to be subject to costiveness, and therefore I conclude, that those horses which are sound & strong, need little other scourings then good meat and their fill of it, if they be also ordered as they should when they come into the stable. But because no man can tread a path so sure but his foot may He that is much in action shall sometimes miscarry. sometimes slip, because danger is a companion of labours, and likewise no horse though he be never so sound, but is naturally subject to sickness and diseases, and likewise disaster accidents may happen though the man be never so circumspect, for as oftentimes a man taketh a sickness or a cold, which himself cannot tell how, nor when; even so may a horse, and yet the man not know till he perceive it by some event, because the knowledge None but God knoweth things truly before they happen. of man is comprehended in things after they chance; and that the sight of his eyes is no substance of light, whereby it might penetrate into other substances: but only a proclivity to receive light (from another) by accident, and so can see no further than the accidents of any thing. Therefore because I will not pass from one extreme and go to another, but touch the mean, I will not slight them over The mean betwixt the extremes is the best. as needless, seeing they are good in their true use, but will set down such scourings, as I have found good, (by reason and experience:) and refer them that loves the multiplicity of them to Master Markham's works, where they may satisfy their desires with variety. Wherefore if at any time, (through a soaring conceit,) you Which neglect is not greatly to be excused. shall give your Horse such a strong and sore heat that you find it hath distempered his body, and it becometh hard and bound, so that nature must have relief or else it will turn to a greater evil: you shall take Rye meal, or the crumbs of the A scouring made of Rye and Butter. 2. Pra. 12.f. Rye-bread (afore expressed, in the last Chapter,) but the Rye crumbs I rather prefer, and work it with as much fresh and sweet Butter, as will make it like paste, and make balls of it to the quantity of a Walnut, and give four or five of them, in the morning fasting, and then (having his clothes trust, fast about him, and wadded round with wisps) get upon his back, and gallop him gently, in some grieve close or yard, till he begin to sweat under his ears, then have him into the Stable, and rub him well, and cover him warm, letting him stand upon the bridle an hour or more. After, give him a quantity of your Rye bread, and let him stand some two hours, letting him have a little hay in his Rack to chaw upon as his stomach shall serve, then give him a warm mash to drink: after, feed him with provender, 2. Pra. 10. or bread as much as he will, and so let him rest, giving him sufficient store of hay in his rack. Now this scrowring is so gentle that it doth nothing abate the strength of the Horse, and it hath that virtue and operation, The virtue and profit of this scouring. as it will cool his body, and will scour and purge him of all such glut, and bad humours, as are dissolved in him. But if he have taken a cold, through which, or any other cause he begin to be sick, and forsake his meat, than you shall take half an ounce of Diapente, and brew it with a pint of the best Maligosacke, A scouring of Diapente and Sack. and give it him in the morning, and use him in his exercise as afore, only in stead of your Rye bread you shall give him other bread, or beans and ●ates, or clean oats, which he hath most desire to; this scouring I have found the best, (though there be many other,) for it will comfort his stomach and sharpen his appetite, and will purge him from what grease or humours The excellency of this scouring soever though it hath been long in his body, for I applied it to a Horse that hath been so far spent, as he was almost without hope of recovery, having forsaken all meat, and could scarcely stand, and yet in short time after he had it, recovered his strength and appetite: and it is so sovereign and comfortable, that you may use it (if necessity require) two or three mornings together. But because this Diapente is rare, and not ordinary to be had in every Apothecary's shop: I will set down (in another place) the making thereof, that you may be sure to have that which is good, to use at your own pleasure. There is also another scouring which is highly commended A scouring for him to be put to his water when he drinketh. by Master Markeham, which although I have had no experience of, yet I will set it down that others may use it as they shall find the operation thereof. Take of Aniseeds three ounces, of cumin-seed six drams, of Carthamus a dram and a half, of fenugreek seed one ●unce two drams, of Brimstone one ounce and a half, beat all these to a fine powder, and searce them, then take of Salad oil a pint and two ounces, of Honey a pound and a half, and White wine four pints; make all into a strong stiff past, with as much wheat meal as shall suffice, and work it well: keep this paste in a linen cloth, (for it will last long,) and at night after you come from Hunting, and your Horse is thirsty, take a Ball thereof (as big as a man's fift) and dissolve it into a gallond or two of cold water, which will turn the colour like Milk, and offer it to your Horse in the dark, lest the colour displease him, which if he refuse, care not but let him fast, till he take it, which he will do in twice or thrice offering, and after he hath once taken it, he will drink it before any other water. Thus far Master Markeham. Which drink (as he saith,) your Horse can never take too much nor too oft of it, if he have exercise, otherwise it feeds too fast, and that it is a present remedy from all inward infirmities whatsoever, and therefore wisheth no Horseman to be without it, for it will last three or four months. CHAP. 14. Of Making a Match for Hunting. BEcause there are many that take great delight in this noble sport of Hunting, and for the love and delight they take in their horses, are desirous to defend their speed and valour with the price of their purses, in making of matches for their glory; I will as plainly as I can, set down the true grounds of making a match, that they may have the better assurance of their judgement. No truth can be gathered by vncertainties. For there are and hath been so many deceived herein, for that they have no certainty to work upon, but rely upon flying reports, and conceited fantasies, that this generous exercise is much darkened, and is accounted, but chance or fortune, being as it were led in darkness by other men's ignorance, whereby they have received such damage and loss, that they condemn all those that delight therein, as prodigal and vain, to hazard so much upon such unstable delights, But to purge this Art from the dregs of such false imputations, All Arts of themselves are true. know that the cause of such uncertain grounds doth not proceed from the Art, (for all Arts simply of themselves are grounded on the truth,) but from the pretended knower, The 3. Epist. ●● the Reader. which will be a follower of his own will, without reason or premeditation, and flatter his own fantasy in thinking his Horse doth fly if he run but upon any reasonable speed: and that he is whole running when he will not run a quarter of a mile, (at the height of his speed) without a sob. Wherefore to work the more surely, before you attempt to Observations in matching. make any match, observe first that you train your horse after such hounds as are very swift and speedy, and then if you can (1) Train after swift hounds. at any time command them upon deep or light earths, than you shall the less doubt of his speed and toughness. (2) Theo. 20. 33. 34 Secondly, have a care that he carry a firm body, and that he handle his legs aptly, upon several earths, and that he be at such command of his mouth, that he will ride at what 1. Pra. 21. & 2. Pr. 6. rate your discretion shall direct. Thirdly, that he be whole running, so that he will run a (3) Of whole running. traine-sent or a feure miles course, without slacking his speed to sob, which he will do if he be so truly trained as he should, for then the motion of his wind will agree so reciprocally with Th●o. 31. & 32. the motion of his body, that he will run so slightly that his wind will answer to every stroke he striketh with his legs without jar, though he be at his full speed; whereas if he The cause of false running. 2. Pr. 8.d. be used to slack his speed, whilst he lets his wind rake, he will look for it, and then if he be overtopped with speed and cannot have that liberty, he will settle suddenly like a jade. But whereas it is holden that one horse cannot both be Objection. swift and tough, and therefore not possible by Art to reduce a 2. Pr. 7.n. horse to both those qualities? I answer, that opinion is crept Answer. in for want of knowledge in the Art, for it being invented to support and maintain nature, if a horse have any natural inclination to speed, it doth not only help to increase but also to husband it so, as he will spend no more of it then shall be necessary, 2. Pr. 7. p. and then he will still reserve some till the time that he Theo. 20. & 34. Chap. should most use it; which thing I dare confidently affirm, this Tractate rightly understood will effect. Now of matches in hunting, they are either traine-sents and Of hunting matches. the Wild-goose-chase, or else traine-sents and a Bell-course either single or double, that is, once over, or to and again, and therefore the number of traine-sents, and the exercise after, is to be made as the swiftness or toughness of the horse is approved. But because the Wild-goose-chase is such an unmerciful Of the Wilde-goose-chase. and unreasonable toil, (as the name itself doth import, without any mediocrity or order, I will pass over it as an exercise not worthy of the time, because it is the hazard of the spoil The unreasonableness of it. and ruin of such excellent creatures; for if two good horses be met, the match cannot be tried, till one of them be half spoiled (if not both) nay oftentimes they are both brought so weak that they are neither of them able to go, and then when they are so Turkishly tormented, the match is feign to be drawn, and so depart as wise as the term of their exercise. Through which unmerciful delight they abuse the liberty of The unmercifulness of it. their Sovereignty, and turn it to rigour, (as a tyrannous King) contrary to the commandment of God, for we should be merciful Luk. 6. 36. as our father is merciful, which is not only extended in his promise, but also in his providence, which preserveth as well the unreasonable as the reasonable Creatures; and therefore they should be used to the ends for which they were ordained, Ecclus. 7. 2●. (for the use, service, and delight of Man,) and to have a care over them, if they be for our profit: And I pray you what care or pity is there shown towards them, when they are so cruelly persecuted, and wilfully spoiled by such extreme labour. Therefore seeing it is oftentimes the subversion of such excellent Theo. 2. Creatures, he is not worthy to have a good horse that maketh no more account of him, but to rack his goodness upon such unreasonable and unmerciful tenters; (although there may be shown much Horsemanship) seeing there may be trial enough had both of the goodness of the horse; and skill of the man in traine-sents. But if you have a horse that is suitable to the former observations, Occultae musices, nullum esse respectum. and that you desire to have his glory shown, because secret virtues are to no use, if they be not revealed: than you may adventure to make a match of so many traine-sents, and such a bell-course (afterward) as you shall find to be the best advantage for your horse; which should not be made peremptorily Of traine-sent matches. (upon a will) but upon some reasonable probabilities of the adverse horse, because neither words nor santasies will cause a horse to run any deal the better, and there is no horse so It is simpleness to say I had not thought this. good, but there may be another as good; and than if you have a good ground, you may be the bolder to stand to it: for, (as the common saying is) a match well made is half won. And therefore be cautions, that you make no match upon a sudden, nor in drinking, except you know the Horse very well, and then to make your match to run such a number of traine-scents, and such a course as shall be the best for yourself, and The disadvantage of weights let not your adversary make your play, especially if he challenge you, and likewise be careful that you give no advantage in weights, for that will settle a horse very much when his strength faileth him, in that he must carry it so long; for if it hinder him but a horse length, in the first traine-sent, whilst he is strong and fresh, it will increase in the next the more, as his strength waxeth the less, and so at the last will beat him down extremely, it continuing certain, and his strength abating, which it will viperously consume; except he be of such speed, But it will exceed Geometrical proportion that is always doubling. that he is able to command the dogs, and the other horse at his pleasure: But there can be no proportion of distance given for that advantage, because of the uncertainty of the horses ability. But if it be so that you give advantage of weights, look you let him not have that liberty, to carry it in his saddle, but The disadvantage of carrying weight in the saddle. that the man carry the dead w●ight, otherwise you will injury yourself; for if it be in the saddle it lieth close and firm upon his back, and the man hath more liberty of ease to help his horse when he feeleth him somewhat weak; but if it be upon the man, than he carrieth the like burden to yourself, and it will as well burden him as the horse, and will more trouble the horse then if it were in the saddle, by reason it is further distant from his back, which will have the greater force to displace the horse's body, and so to hinder his stroke, when both the man and the horse beginneth to be weary, even as a If a pin be not set in the midst of the beam, the longest end of the scale hath the greater force. weight that is further remote from the centre of the beam, hath its greater force to counterpoise. But if it chance that you are challenged with a horse you do not know, and that you never saw him ride in the field, whereby you can have no judgement of the difference betwixt your horse and him, than I would wish you to take a deliberation Of the equality of horses. (before you give an answer) till you have inquired of some trusty friend that you know hath judgement and can give some certain report of his speed and manner of riding, which if it be any thing answerable to your horse, be not too confident to hazard too much money, till you have a better trial, and in riding you may dispose whether you may have a better match afterward. But if he be of a different disposition, then to run so many traine-sents, and such a course as you judge to be best for To make a match according to your own hors● riding. yourself, and forest for him; as thus: If your horse be a sound feeding horse, and will endure heats and colds, than it is very likely he is of strength, toughness and well wound, (if he have true training accordingly;) And therefore if you make your match to run six or eight traine-scents, and the course Theo. 32. & 2. Pra. 8. to and again, it will be the better for you, and to lead the first traine-sent, and lead it so upon deep earths that it may end in such a place, that when your adversary shall lead, it shall not be Of matching a tough horse. nigh any light earths, and likewise your last train, that if it be possible he may be driven to lead his last train upon deep earths, to the first staff of your course, (because if you lead the first, then upon necessity he must lead the last, and it must end at the starting place of the course, and let the liberty of your law be as little as you can. But if you find him not so tough, yet very speedy, than the Of matching a swift horse. fewer traine-sents the better, and to run the course but single, (which would be upon askelping earth) and use the best means you can (contrarily) to have the greatest benefit upon light grounds in your traine-sents, letting the liberty of your law to be as large as you can possibly, (as three horse lengths) that you may husband your speed and preserve it till you run the Course. All which being observed, if then you lose, blame no body but yourself, either in that your judgement failed in his disposition, or that you were deceived in not training him according to the truth of Art: Of which if you be sure, then be not danred afore the match day, howsoever other opinions (though Fancy is a corrupt judge. never so many) may oppose: For the bias of many men's fancies doth so draw them, that they will speak after affection, and as they would have it, and so many are (sirenlike) drawn from the truth in giving more credit to others words, then to their own judgement, although they have sure grounds thereof, The preface to he first Book. as if horses would run any deal the better either for great brags, or wagers: or that they would temporize and so respect one man more than another: or that such men should speak by a Divine Oracle, and could not choose to be otherwise, though they never see the Horse gallop. But if your Horse be a weak feeder, and so tender that he Of a weak and tender horse. will not endure heats, and colds, and yet run exceeding speedily, than you shall utterly forsake Traine-sents, and run a three or four mile course, as shall be shown hereafter. CHAP. 15. How to order your Horse for a Hunting Match. WHen you have had such trial of your Horse that you dare adventure to make a match of him, and that he is matched for so many trayn-sents, and such a course as you find him best disposed for, than you shall (according to the limited time, which would be a month at least,) endeavour to bring him to such a perfect strength, and purity of Wind, as Art will Extraordinary toil must have extraordinary means. assist. For though he may be in good case for ordinary Hunting, yet he may be defective (in them both) for such extraordinary toil as he must undergo at such a time: and for to keep him so strictly (except it be upon such urgent cause) Delight with frugality is commendable. were but needless, and would increase to great charge. Therefore if you know that you have Hunted him very sore afore time, so that you think there is matter of dissolution in his body that is not expelled, or that you perceive by his countenance and gesture that he is not so pleasant and delightful as he was wont to be; you shall first give him the scouring of Sack, 2. Pra. 13. and Diapente, which will cleanse his body and revive his spirits. But if you perceive him to be of a cheerful countenance, and that he will scope and play in your hand, (he being of that spirit) then give him no scourings, for they will work upon the strength of his body, not having any other matter to purge, and so weaken it, which must be your chief care to preserve by 2 Pra. 11. Wind the supporter of strength. good feeding and true labour, for that will cause good Wind, which is the assister of strength, for if he be never so strong, when it faileth his strength decayeth. Therefore finding your Horse to be healthful and lusty (to The first fortnight's order. keep him so) you shall (for the first fortnight,) feed him with the second bread afore mentioned; and feed him strongly therewith, and for change of meat give him Beans and 2. Pr. 12. ●. Oats once a day, or oftener, if he eat not his bread well▪ and let him have hay in his rack (well dusted & shaken) to chaw on at his pleasure, for he will not eat much of it, if he be not scanted of better food: now when he will ride well upon this feeding, you may be sure he will ride better upon purer, if it be not much differing, for the more his Wind is freed, with more ease will he maintain his task. And for his manner of labour, I hold it not the best His manner of labour. to hunt him after the Hare (as some use) although the Hounds be very swift, for that is deceitful, in regard the dogs will be much at Default through the coldness of the sent, whereby the A firm foundation is certain. Horse shall have many sobs, so that when he shall come to run a trayne-sent without any intermission, his wind will not be so durable. But let a Cat be led in a string upon such grounds as is agreeing to your Match, for that scent will be so strong that he must run it wholly as if he were upon the match, following as fleet hounds as you can get. But as for the number of traine-sents you should use in training, that must be directed by your own What number of Traine-sents are to be used in training. discretion, that is, as your match is, or as you find your Horse's disposition in strength and feeding. For if you toil him too much it will weaken his limbs, and daunt his courage: or give him too little, it will make him feed foul and so pursive, and then being forced to Ride longer than he hath been used, will cause restifenes, thinking to give over before he hath half done: either of which would be accounted a gross absurdity in you. And therefore if he be to run six or eight Trayne-sents, and the course too and fro, let him not be put to such sore labour above twice in that month, and let them both be in the first fortnight, that he may have the last fortnight of time to recover his strength, and let all the rest be sometimes half his task, and sometimes three quarters, as you shall find your Horse in strength and wind, but use no certainty for bringing him to that custom. And let the last days work of the first fortnight be a Trayne-sent more than your match, that thereby you may How often he is to be exercised. try his toughness, and so repose the more upon his truth. And likewise twice a week is sufficient labour to keep him in breath, for so his strength will not abate but increase. But if your match be to run fewer Traine-sents, than you may oftener run the whole number according to your own discretion: provided always you strain him not (at the least) for ten days before your match, lest he shall not have time 2. Pra. 12. to recover his strength. And give him after every breathing course a quantity of Rye bread to cool his body, and to keep it in temper. And for his days rest, use him in all things as is said afore: only Pra. ibid. 10. 11. if he be somewhat longer abroad, evening and morning to air, it will sharpen his appetite, by reason his vital heat will be the more retained in his body to cause concoction: but let 1. Pra. 6. him not go forth too early, nor stay forth too late, but so as he may have benefit of the Sun morning and evening, to refresh Of the last fortnight. and comfort him. And for the last fortnight, let him be used, (for his days both of labour and rest,) as in the former, saving that his exercise must be more moderate: and therefore to increase both his spirit and wind, let him have of the best bread, and feed him there with exceedingly even as much as he will eat, for if he be in any good case afore, this will make his wind more pure and quicken his courage; and for change of meat give him of the best white or cut oats, for they have the most substance to give strength: for the skegge oat is so light The difference in oats. that they yield no such strength, and are so full of hulles and chaff that they oppidate or hinder his wind. And let them be dried in the Sun, and beat in a clean bag, and then winnowed, and picked from all dust, and filth: and for variety, if you wash them sometimes in strong Ale they will be very comfortable, Ale is comfortable. for though it is holden that it causeth pursiveness, yet such a quantity doth no hurt but good, for it will revive his spirits, and cause him to sleep the better. Thus you shall feed him to as great lust as you can, letting him have hay in his rack, till a day before his Match, and then give him no more, that he may have time to digest it, that so it may be avoided with the excrements, except it be a little in your hand to scour his teeth, after you have fed him with bread, with which you shall feed him very well the day before he run, and give him a reasonable supper, that he go not too empty into the field, for such a days work will ask substance to maintain strength. Likewise, give him a quantity of bread in a little ale before he go into the field, for that will make him cheerful: and so let him be led into the field, referring the success to God's good blessing. CHAP. 16. Observations in running. WHen as you are come into the place where you are to 1 His hooves would be picked. begin your Traine-sents, you shall first pick his feet that there be no gravel nor stones to annoy him, betwixt his hooves and the shoes, and scrape all the dirt or clay round 2 His legs chafed. about the upper part of his hooves off, and wipe them clean: then chafe his legs very well, and for his saddle and bridle they would be made fit before he come to the field: being a 3 The saddle & furniture answerable. light saddle well sinewed, & stand sure on his back without hurting, with a couple of girths, because they will not be so subject to chafe, as if they were of girth-webbe, and they will give more liberty to his body for his wind to pass more easily: the stirrups and lethers strong and sure, but yet so light as is possible, being let forth to the just length of your seat, that you may behave yourself more artificially▪ for the ease both of yourself and your Horse. For if they be too short, you can never Theo. 13. hold a firm seat, your kees being kept from their true place, so that if you leap, you will either be in hazard of dismounting, or else sit so lose that the uncertainty of your body will be more Theo. 14. trouble and hindrance to him then his leap, if you served him accordingly. And further, you cannot have liberty to spur when, and as occasion shall be offered: And again, if they be too long, you cannot have any stay of them to help your horse when he beginneth Theo. 24. to be weak, and likewise, it will be hard for you to Theo. 15. 17. keep your stirrups, which to lose is disgraceful. Likewise, that the reins and headstall of the bridle be made sure to the snaffle, that there be no miscarriage through neglect: and that the snaffle hang in the true place of his mouth: then he 1. Pra. 15. being unclothed mount upon him, and seat yourself truly in your seat, and take your reins to such a proportionate length, as you may command your Horse without moving your seat; holding your switch down by your right fide, with the point backward like a sword, and with your elbows close to your 1. Pr. 17. sides, yield your body somewhat forward, holding your feet strait in your stirrups, and so begin your business cheerfully. Note, that when you switch or spur your Horse, you have a Theo. 6. care to keep your seat firm, for a little disorder in yourself, will cause a greater in the Horse, especially when his strength is weakened: and therefore when you switch, do not fetch your hand so far as to remove your elbow (much) from your side, but lifting your hand up towards your ear, bring it suddenly How to switch. down and strike him with a short iert, for that will be sharper, then if it were further fetched, and strike him in the flank, for there the skin is tenderest and thinnest. Neither when you spur, do not fetch your legs far to strike him on the side, How to spur. like a mallet, for then the calves of your legs will so beat him on the sides, that they will force his wind, as if they would drive it out of his body: And beside, you shall in so doing lose your seat. But when you spur, you shall fetch your leg no Theo. 6. further than your ordinary seating, and bring your spurs quick to his sides, with the strength of your legs from the knees downward, for I am sure it will be so sharp as to draw blood; and then also you will spur so covertly as your adversary will hardly perceive: and spur him not under the fore ribs near his heart, till you be driven to the last refuge. Note, that if there be any forcible wind, that ye be mindful to ride for the best advantage of your Horse, that is, if the wind be on your face when your adversary leadeth, then to Advantage taken by the wind blowing. ride so close to him, that his Horse's body may break the force of it from yours, and yield yourself so low that his body also may shelter your body, which will greatly help the strength of your horse. And likewise, if it be on your back, ride so behind him, that your Horse may have the force of the wind, to set him forward, and break it from him that he may have the less benefit thereof. And Note, that if you perceive to have the speed A small thing will go far with good using of him, that you be careful to preserve it till you come to the course, and there to husband it also, till such time as you shall dispose of it for the best profit: for prodigal running whilst a Horse is fresh, is the loss of many a wager, and disgrace to the Horse, though the fault be in the man. Note, that at the end of every Trayne-sent you have straw and dry clothes to rub and chafe your horse withal, to make him as dry as the time will permit before you begin the next sent, & that you have two or three clothes steeped in neats-foot Of ordering him at the end of every Traine-sent. or sheeps-foot oil, or such like, to chafe his legs withal, to keep them pliable, & nimble: or if he hath had a strain that you doubt an inflammation, then dip some linen clothes in cold water and bathe his legs therewith, and that will assuage the heat The Triars what to observe for that present. Note, that your trier may be always provided of such a Horses, as shall be able to come up to your adversary, to switch him up if at any time be ride not fair, and without the compass of law: and that he be always with the adverse Horse to see that they give him no comfortable thing in his mouth, by conveying it in pretence of rubbing him about the head or mussel, or by changing his snaffle, that may be anointed with some nourishment; nor that he have no relief, either by holding straw or clothes over him to keep him from the wet, if it chance to rain, but only to use such things by rubbing and dressing as the law and match doth allow. And likewise Note. to observe what state the adversaries horse is in, and how he endureth his labour, which may be perceived, either by his countenance, or by the working of his flank, or by the slacking of his girths: for if his wind fail, than his strength abateth, and his body will wax thin, so that he will not fill his girths as 2. Pr. 11. 16. afore, and therefore if they gird him above once after he is come into the field, or that once at the first sent, it is a good sign for you, if he be close girt when he beginneth the first traine-sent. And thus much briefly for this noble sport of hunting, wherein a great deal more might be spoken, but it would be too tedious for a young favourite, to shake every branch, till he Variety hurteth them more ti●l it be grounded. have gathered the fruit of the chief arms; and therefore if any be of such a dainty stomach that cannot feed on this mess because there is no more variety of dishes, or that the Cook hath not set it forth with such sweet sauce as their queasy stomachs A conceited sickness is incurable. can digest, let them repair to Mr. Markham's Cavallarice, where they may be fully satisfied, except their stomachs be so sickly that no dainties can content them: but then look to themselves, that they surfeit not through their curiosity. CHAP. 17. How to make a horse lie down at your pleasure. Sigh there are so many diversities of horses dispositions as there are particular horses, receiving their predominant quality, according to the benevolent or malevolent aspect and 1. Pra. 5.n. The cause of horses different qualities: and that one horse is better than another. quality of the Planet that is exalted at the time of their conception; whereby some are so bold and loving, that they will lie and take their rest freely and voluntarily of themselves, and so are more serviceable with less Art; and others so strange and timorous, that they will not lie down but when the necessity of nature compelleth them, whereby their back and limbs are much weakened, so that they are not able to maintain that labour and toil (without great help of Art) that is expected; for it is upon necessity that that horse which must endure great The necessity of lying and rest. toil abroad, must rest freely at home, because it is a great comforter and nourisher of his powers: Therefore I will teach you an easy and infallible way how to bring any horse to such command as he will lie down at your pleasure. Which thing although it hath heretofore been set forth by divers that have written of that subject, yet I have approved of Practice bringeth true evidence. them by practice, that their order is very doubtful, to bring almost any, much less every horse to that subjection, without some inconvenience and danger. For, whereas some have used for the effecting hereof, to take him by the head as he standeth in the stable, and strike him with a stick upon his forelegges, and so to use the help of his voice, (as down sirrah, down, and such like) and never to leave striking till he begin to bend in the knees, and so to use him till through fear of the blows he kneel down, yet this is The danger that ariseth hereby. both dangerous and doubtful, for if he be a churlish and stubborn horse he will endure many strokes, before he yield, and strive to free himself from such correction by disorderly resistance, in regard he knoweth not wherefore he is so corrected, notwithstanding all this, it is doubtful whether he will obey till he be so sore beat upon the legs, that his sinews will be so sore bruised, as he will be in danger of laming, by swelling or putting forth of splints. But if he should, yet it would bring this inconvenience, that he would be dangerous to ride into water, for if any thing should but trouble his legs (by chance) he would be ready to lie down in the water, through fear of his former correction. And again, others have counseled to set him upon good How to cause him lie by casting. store of straw, and so tie his forelegges together, and fasten another band to them, and cast it about his fetlock, on his far hinde-legge, and so cast him as they use to cast Colts when they are gelt. Which although it goeth somewhat nearer the truth then the former, yet it is not tolerable, for it bringeth this inconvenience, that it will gall a horse very sore behind under the fetlocks, by being so often cast, as he must before The inconvenience of it. he be brought to it, and if he be stubborn after he hath been so used twice or thrice, that so soon as he perceiveth what you go about, he will set his legs so ashore, that one man shall not be able to deal with him, and then the more violently that he is forced, the more he will seek to resist so long as is possible. Wherefore to prevent all these absurdities, you shall (if his standing be large) throw good store of straw under him, (as afore) then take a soft girth and tie the one end of it about his How to make a horse lie down willingly of himself without any danger. far fore-legge, under his fetlock, then with the other end tie up his foot to the sur-single under his body, having a care that it be well wadded with straw upon his back for pinching it, then take another girth, and cast it twice about the narre fore-legge, under the fetlock, for slipping up, and holding both the buckles in your hand, set your right shoulder to his left, and using the help of your voice, (as afore also) pull his foot from the ground, which being done, he must of necessity fall upon his knees, and being down cherish him, and unloose the girth under his belly, (which must be tied upon a draw-knot, Note well, for here is all the doubt. for the purpose) and let him rise with all his legs at liberty; for if he should be suffered to rise afore it be unloosed, he would feel a restraint, and so cause him strive the more, and therefore if he chance to rise before it be unloosed, cause him to go down again, and make what hast you can to unloose him. Then cherish him, and leave him for an hour or two, after come to him again, and use him in the like manner, and so four or five times a day, and by the second day at night he will kneel down so soon as he shall but feel his leg tied up, though he be a very stubborn horse. Which when he will do yet let him not rest too long, for than he will think he hath In every lesson there ought to be a daily addition till he hath learned it. done what he should do, but after he will kneel down willingly, and have no desire to bring in his hinder-parts to lie down, suffer him not to rise so soon as he would, but keep him down (by holding the girth still in your hand) upon his knees half a quarter of an hour (if need so require, but I never had such need) and use the help of your voice withal in saying down, down, and in two or three times so doing he will couch his hinder parts, and lie down of himself, which when he is down cherish him exceedingly, and unloose his girth, and let him lie so long as he will. And when you have used him thus a day or two, than you need tie up his leg no more, for so soon as he shall but feel you take up his narre leg, and hear your voice, he will bend himself to lie down. Then to make him do it more artificially, you shall take a stick and beat it upon the straw, and withal use your voice, and hold the girth in your The voice must give him notice of your mind, otherwise he will do it when his foot shall be taken up to be shod. hand, and so cause him to lie down, and within ten days or a fortninght at the most (though he be never so untoward) you shall bring him to lie down so soon as he shall but see you clap with your stick upon the straw. But if his standing be so strait, that you have not liberty, but as you desire to have him lie he resteth against the wall, or partitions, than you shall have him into some empty house or barn where he may have store of straw under him, and use him as is said before. Now the use hereof is great both for pleasure and profit, for it The use thereof is delightful to the beholders, to see such strong and lusty creatures made so submissive by Art, and it doth set forth the love and mercy of God towards man, that although these creatures have lost that voluntary obedience, which they should Theo. 1. 2. have yielded to him if he had stood in his first state, yet he hath left such knowledge remaining in man as to repair that decay (in some sort) to the primary creation, by Art, so far as is necessary for the use of him, that he might with the Prophet David ponder and say with himself, What is Man that thou art Psal. 8. 4. so mindful of him: and the Son of Man that thou so regardest him? And yet not to be proud thereof, but with true humility to give him thanks for his Fatherly providence, in that he hath not taken away that sovereign rule, whereby these and all other creatures might have been without use (as we have deserved,) but to acknowledge it to proceed from his love, sith we have not any thing which we have not received, for in him we live, move, and have our being. And again, it is very profitable for all sorts of Horses, whether What profit it bringeth in service. they be for service, hunting, running, or travailing. For if he be for service, if he will lie down at command, it is a great ease for a man when he is loaden with his armour in getting up into the saddle; and the Horse also will take his ease more freely, (when he resteth.) And for either hunter, or courser, it is very pertinent, for then assoon as he hath filled his belly, (at his times of feeding) and What to the Hunter and Courser. his bed soft shaken, you may command him to lie down, which will be a great preserver of his back, and strength, and keep his legs nimble and warm, what with the heat of his body, and the litter. And when he findeth ease thereby, he will take such delight, that when he is weary with lying of one side, he will rise and lay him down on the other, which will make him more able to endure his labour abroad. And for the travailing horse it will make him so domestical, that all strange places will be alike to him, for wheresoever he What profit to the travailing horse. cometh, he will covet to lie down so soon as he hath but slaked his hunger, (if he may have but litter, and room) which will refresh him as much as his meat. CHAP. 18. How to exercise and train a Running Horse. THe difference betwixt the exercise of a Running Horse, and a Hunter, is not great, but only in continuance of labour, for this dependeth upon long and weary toil; and that upon a quick and speedy dispatch. 2. Pra. 1. Wherefore if you perceive (either by his making or trial) that he will not endure any long time in sore labour, and yet find him to be of great speed, than you must let his exercise be after such sort, as shall increase both his speed and wind, which Idem. would be after this manner. First, during the time of his training, let his feeding, dressing, (1) 2. Pra. 9 10. 11. 12. watering, clothing, and his exercise on his resting days be in all respects, and in all things, as is set down for your hunting horse; And for his days of labour (in stead of training after the dogs) The days of labour for his heats. you shall give him his heats upon some plain meadow or heath ground, that is firm and hard, for so you shall bring him to that height of speed that Art and Nature can effect: by reason he will stretch his body to the utmost length (without fear or dread of stumbling or over reaching) when he feeleth such smooth and hard running, and he will gather his legs so roundly, that he 2. Pra. 4. Sure footing bringeth sleight. will run with so great advantage as is possible: without any such toil of body, or fainting of courage, as would ensue if he were trained and exercised upon deep earths, or broken swarthes', before he have a steady carriage of body, or true know ledge how to handle his feet. Secondly, there would be such intermission betwixt the (2) Twice a week is sufficient for to breathe. days of his breathing courses, as he may have time to recover his strength and lust, which would not be above twice in a week; for if he should be exercised oftener, the often frequency, would make it more loathsome to his affections, and abate his lust, and so take away delight: beside, it would abate his 2. Pr. 15. strength, and weaken his limbs, for want of knowledge, all which ought to be carefully preserved: which will be the better done, by seldom exercise, (though it be sometimes the longer and sorer) if he have time to recover his strength (again) before 2. Pra. 14. Use maketh perfectness. his next breathing course: for it will less grieve him, and cause a better wind, then if he should be oftener exercised, and easily; in as much as often exercise causeth weakness, and gentle heats are deceitful, except you will indent with your adversary, A most ridiculous exception. that he shall ●unne no faster than your Horse will go willingly, which were most absurd. Thirdly, have a care to the ability of your Horse, and to his (3) knowledge or nimbleness, and as these increase so increase his labour, for if you exceed in them, it will cause weakness and so lameing, by backe-sinew-beating, or overreaching. Which care being had, then train him up continually with other 2. Pra. 8. 11. Horses, (if it be possible) that have the speed of him, whereby he will be used to such true labour, that a sore course will not Objection. trouble him when he shall be hardly matchep. But whereas it (d) is objected, that sore and long labour will pull a Horse from his speed, and decay his strength, being strained before he be 2. Pr. 4. at his full perfection, to which sith I have spoken sufficiently afore, Answer. I mean not to press much in the solution thereof, but only to set forth their uncertain judgement in a Horse's speed, What a swift running horse is. for howsoever a horse runneth off the score, he cannot be said to be a swift running Horse, except he continue it to the last, in regard he is said to run the best that cometh first to the race head: and it is not possible that a Horse which is used by a violent forcing to set all his powers to work at the first, should be able to continue, but is like light thorns on fire that is but a flash, and so consumeth himself by his fierce and disorderly running, whereby that is but a shadow of speed, which vanisheth as soon Theo. 4. 20. as that light abateth, he being used to run after such an indirect means: whereas if that Horse be reduced to a better A whole running horse is the best speed. government, or an other Horse that hath any natural speed, will not so soon decrease, but will maintain his whole running without looking for ease by sobs, and so in the end prove the 2. Pr. 19.n. greater speed, (though he be not so arrant swift at the first) as Theo. 32. 33. shall hereafter be proved) in regard his wind doth rake so aptly with the body, and gather such a stout courage, that he will not 2. Pr. 5. 6. daunt for his sore labour, but (like a hardy Soldier) ride in blood to get the conquest and glory of the day. Now after he can tell how to frame himself, to launch forward orderly upon skelping earth, if sometimes you have him into the field to hunt him after the hounds, it will be very profitable, To hunt a running horse sometimes is profitable. to learn him to ride upon broken swarth & deep earths, and to preserve the senseablenesse of his mouth, in that he must ride at the command of the man as occasion shall be offered by the dogs: yet be careful that you hunt him not o●er long, but so soon as you have ridden three or four good scents, (that he hath sweat) have him home, and order him as 2. Pra. 11. before. Note, that if you have not Horses of such speed to train him, as can command him to ride; that then you do not therefore favour him in staying for the other, for that will increase idleness and thick wind, in letting him run after such an easy rate within himself, but keep him at his full rate, and ever (now and then) let another run at him to hold him to his speed (so far as he can) and then after him another, for that will cause him to run with the better courage, and increase A general answer. his desire to run still at the other Horse, when he seethe he can command them. And take this for a general answer, for any doubtful assertion that I shall maintain in this whole Tractate, which through the strangeness may seem paradoxes Theo. 19 20. unto any, that howsoever they do not rightly understand me, though in some places my speeches might tend to either excesses, yet I presuppose the effect thereof to the mean, because violence is the subversion of Art, for as too much lenity bringeth rebellion, so too much cruelty, faintness and dullness. CHAP. 19 Of Matching a Running Horse and clearing the doubts. THus having trained your Horse, and approved him to have such excellency, as you dare attempt to match him to run for a wager: you must be careful lest you give your adversary 2. Pra. 14. any advantage against you, unless you will obstinately lose your money, and disgrace your Horse. And therefore, (for making the better and surer match) observe what cautions are set forth in the making of a Hunting match, and observe the same here, for I have there set down the chief things to be observed for such Horses as are to try their goodness by long and sore toil, and apply them to the More advantage to be accepted against coursers than hunters. best advantage your judgement can minister: but because there are divers advantages that there I omitted, for that they are not so appertinent to those Horses, as to these that are to dispatch upon a sudden encounter, I will here touch them as summarily as I can, whereby you shall the better understand yourself ●ow to clear such points, as would give advantage against you, and how the doubt of them extend. Therefore, first observe to run such a course as is most agreeing to you Horses disposition; for if he be hot and very speedy, The horse's disposition must be thus grounded in all matches. than the lightest, leavellest and hardest earths are the best: but if not so purely composed, so that he is more slow and craving; then make your match to run such a course, wherein are deep letches, and broken swarthes', that his truth and toughness may recover what speed looseth. But here it is objected, that an even-levell course is not so Objection. good for a hot Horse, because that he will spend himself outrageously, and so run himself out of wind. I answer, that it is doubtful to adventure much upon a horse Answer. that is of such a bedlam disposition as will not be governed but after his own appetite, for than whether it be level or descent, he will run so long as he is able, and then if he be held any thing hard to it, he will yield upon what ground soever, but if he run within himself, so as he is able to command the other This is a great help. at any time, than it may be thought that the descent of a hill will give him the more breath, but (as I say) if the other hold him to such a rate that he shall not be suffered to slake his speed, than he shall find small relief thereby; for as it is a help to him, so it is to the other, and then if he have not time to ease himself when he climbeth up the hill, his former ease will yield him no relief at all, if the adverse horse be true: And therefore that is but a thought indeed having no good ground, Mere suppositions are mere simpleness. for the true trial of this is, when there are some equality of speeds to be compared: For although one may cast a bowl further down a hill, than he can on a level ground, yet he shall A Simile. lose a greater advantage when he cometh to cast it as far up the hill, for than he must use his strength the oftener to cast it home, and yet the man hath more advantage in casting the bowl up the hill, than the horse hath in running, for the motion doth consist in the bowl, though the force come from the man, but both the horses motion and his strength proceedeth from himself. Wherefore he that desireth to run such a horse upon upwiths and in-withs, for the better advantage, seeketh helps by greater pain; by which it is plain, that what horse will spend Note. himself disorderly upon level and easy grounds, will do more upon unlevell and strong earths, howsoever it may be alleged to the contrary. And therefore if at any time you be to run against such A bedlam horse hath small help by descending grounds. a horse, (knowing your own to be true, and of good speed) do not repine to run such a course with him, for if that be all his refuge and hope, his stay is no stronger than a reed that will break with the wind, and his hope but Bastardlike, that will never recover inheritance, by reason there is no descent, but there is a climbing either before or after; where he will so choke himself with his violent and disgoverned running, that it will spend him twice as much as the descent shall help him. And now for weights, though a small difference bringeth a 2 Pra. 14. The advantage of weights. matter of moment in a hunting horse that must endure long time and toil (according to the old Proverb, a lamb 2. Pr. 1. 18. will weigh an old sheep in a long carriage) yet it bringeth not such disadvantage in a running horse, that must dispatch his labour in a trice (in respect of the other) if the difference be not too great, or the advantage given the stronger and swifter horse, (through simpleness of judgement:) Half a stone is no great matter for four miles if he be a strong horse. For if the stronger horse carry half a stone, or more than the other, that is not so very great advantage (for a four mile's race) as it is thought to be; for it may be he is more able to carry that, than the other is to carry his weight, especially if he have any thing the better of speed, without either of which or Wilful folly is not to be pitied. both, whosoever will wilfully hazard himself against the Pikes of his adversary, (by giving advantage in weight) he doth not deserve to be pitied, or to have a remedy given him for to cure his wound. Yet because there is no man but shall sometimes be overreached in making a match, I will show you how the disadvantage in weights may be mitigated, (so far as reason and experience hath led me) whereby there will be proved no such great difference. But first understand me, that I would not have you too forward in giving advantage thereof, unless you know assuredly, that you have a greater difference in the goodness of your horse; The best remedy to recover the disadvantage of weight. yet if by any urging occasions you are brought into this relapse, the next way you have, is to feed strongly, and breath so sound as is possible for the impairing of his strength, and withal to train a stone, or a stone and a half heavier than you are tied to run in your match, and likewise let your horse have heavy (but yet handsome) hunting shoes all the time you train: For the feeding home maintaineth strength, and sound Note the effect. exercise causeth good wind and toughness, and the continual carrying of such an extroradinary weight, will so use him to ride with that burden, that when he shall come to ride his match, and is disburdened of that extraordinary weight, it will make him so light and give him such ease, that the weight will work small advantage (for the other) in regard he will have run his course before his strength be so far spent, as that weight shall have power to work any hindrance. There is also another advantage which would not be passed over without some taste, whereby you may the better judge Advantage by distance of way. also how it is advantage or disadvantage, seeing it is not so indeed as it showeth in words: And that is to have advantage given you by a certain distance of way, either at the beginning, or at the ending, or both. And therefore if your Adversary knoweth his horse to be better than yours, and he (to Of starting before. work you in by cunning) offer to give you tweluescore, or a quarter of a mile advantage, and so you to start so far before, you may be deceived therein, if your adversary run with discretion: For it must be first presupposed that your adversary hath the greater speed, otherwise he were simple to A man's conceit is a weak judge. give any advantage, and then when you start you have no directions to run by, but only your mere conceit; which being doubtful, you may either (through fear) spend your horse too fast at the first, not knowing how you hold your distance; or else suffer so long (lest you should spend too fast) that he shall come up to you, and then your advantage is lost. Whereas he hath always before his eyes the distance of way that is betwixt you and him, and so feeling the running of his horse, he may proportionate his rate so as he seethe the part of the given distance gained answerable to the part of the race that is run, and so he may run within himself as occasion shall afford. There is also another advantage given, which is to start both To have the advantage at the last is the best. together, and to have such a distance given you, as he is to overrun you, so many score as you shall agree upon, at the last, which is the better and surer, for so you have not only the advantage of so much liberty, but also the like advantage to proportionate the part of distance lost, to the quantity of the race spent in running, (as he had afore of you,) that you need spend no more than shall be needful; whereas he running doubtful (as you afore) must run away so fast at the first, lest he should not gain that ground he should, that his horse (except he be very tough) cannot maintain it, and then you shall beat him in his own play. There is yet another advantage, and that is to have advantage Advantage upon advantage. of such a distance of ground, both at the beginning, and at the ending, which may well be called advantage upon advantage, for so the hindermost horse must be kept at his full speed to recover the given ground at the first, and then to gain so much ground again at the last, which is double advantage, besides the disadvantage in judgement of running (as before;) and therefore be careful how you give that advantage, except you know your horse's speed and toughness, is in proportion to the other, as six to five. Yet there is another advantage to be given, which being rightly considered is rather a disadvantage, and therefore may Disadvantage upon advantage. well be called a disadvantage upon advantage, and that is to give you so much ground at the start as shall be agreed upon, and you to keep the like distance still at the later end, in which through the uncertain grounds, the man hath to proportionate his speed, it includeth all the other inconveniences, being directed by nothing but a slippery imagination, and so the better horse may be shamefully beat. And thus I have briefly set forth the several advantages with their differences; but before I conclude, I will now prove my former assertion, that a horse which runneth hot at hand, but 2. Pr. 18.d. (m) will not hold it, cannot be truly said to be of such speed as another horse that is not altogether so speedy at the first, but yet durable. Euclid. 4. Book. For instance, take a number as 20. and divide it first into two equal parts as 10, and 10. and let that be supposed the tough or whole running course; then take the same number again and divide it into two unequal parts, as 15. and 5. and let that be imagined the hot running horse: Now multiply 10. by 10. and the product will be 100 then multiply 15. by 5. and that product will arise but to 75. and yet you see that 15. and 5. added together maketh 20. as well as 10. and 10. maketh 20. although the product of that is not so great as the product of this by 25. And the reason is, that the difference of the excess from 10. which is the mean, (being 5.) is not multiplied equally in itself: for 5. being the multiplyer, multiply 10. by 5. and it yieldeth 50. and multiply 5. by 5. because it is the excess, and it produceth 25. which being added to 50. maketh 75. as afore; but multiply 5. again by itself, and it bringeth 25. more, which being added to 75. maketh 100 answerable to the product of 10. and 10. so that you see, though 15 more than 10. and hath the vantage at the first, yet 5. less than the other 10. by the square of 5. which is the excess, and so looseth that advantage by the quantity of the square of the excess, as is demonstrated. Even so, the whole running horse (though not altogether so Note the Application. speedy at the first) holdeth his speed from the first to the last, whereby there is no loss, but produceth the best advantage, as it doth being multiplied in itself, but the unequal or false running horse, although he have the advantage at the first, as 15. hath of 10. to the outward sense, and so may hold it half the course, nay it may be ¾ as to 75. yet by reason that his running tended not to the mean, but to the excess, he will lose that advantage at the latter end, in as much as he hath a less proportion of strength and wind to maintain him at the last, and so the further he runneth, the more he settleth, as the last five doth of the last 10. whereby it is plain that long and true training doth not pull a horse from his speed, but rather increaseth it although he run not so violently fast at the first, 1. Pra. 18.d. as he did, seeing true and whole running horses are to be accounted the swiftest horses, and do worse the other which rested to be proved. CHAP. 20. How to a running Horse. AFter you have brought your horse to such perfection that he is fit either for a bell-course, or that you have made a match upon him; you shall first see that your stable be 2. Pra. 3. dark and close for warmth, and that he may take his rest as well in the day as the night, and look also that both the manger, rack, walls and all other places be kept clean from cobwebs and filth, and let him have continually good store of litter about him, for that will make him have the greater desire to lie when he feeleth ease therein, which will much increase his strength and courage; and it will make him piss 2. Pra. 17. more willingly, when nature shall desire, which many horses will hold (to their hurt) if when they piss, they feel it sprinkle upon their legs: And further, to keep the moistness and rawness of the earth, from ascending, which might engender cold. And for his clothes, whereas before (during the time of 2. Pra. 9 his training) he had no more than an ordinary hunting horse, yet now when he is kept for a match, he shall have more store, The profit of many clothes. not only to keep his body in such a moderate natural heat, as shall be able to dissolve any raw or gross humours, (if they shall abound) which would bring some impediment to the horse, if they should be suffered, for thereby the heat shall still be able to disperse them into the outward parts, and so expel them away by sweatings as he sleepeth, which will be a great means to purge his body, and to keep it pure and clean; but also they will make him very agile and nimble: for he being used to be pestered with so many clothes, when (as Mr. Markham saith) he cometh to be stripped naked for to run his breathing course, he will feel himself so light and pleasant, and feel the cool air so pierce him, that he will desire to run with what speed and courage his ability is able to perform. But yet there would be a mean prescribed in this limitation, for as too few cannot purge well, so too many will force nature 1. Pra. 9 too much, and cause weakness and faintness in all his powers. Wherefore for an ordinary quantity of clothes; First, take a How to a running horse narrow piece of Cotten and cast it round about his body, to lap about his heart, having a breastplate about the breadth of half a yard, to tie before his breast; and next that take a clean linen sheet and cover all his body therewith, for that will be pleasing and clean for his body, and keep him from what annoyance might offend him by sweeting, either by his foulness, or extraordinary warm keeping; for the heat of his body will dry it as soon as nature ceaseth working, and the humours evacuated: and next above it lay a woollen blanket, or a cloth made of thick cloth, and next that a housing cloth made of canvas, and above all another made of strong sackcloth; and let all these be made so large as they may, to tie close upon his breast, to keep his heart warm, for there he is in the most danger of getting cold; then gird them round about with a sur-single, and 2. Pra. 9 wadde him round as you did the hunting horse, and let him have no more, for these clothes are an indifferent proportion for a temperate season, and may be increased or diminished by your discretion, as the weather shall change hot or cold. Now for his dressing, let it be still after the manner of the The order in dressing a running horse. 2. Pr. 9 18. hunting Horse, only whereas you use to dress him twice a day, if you dress this but once it is no great matter; for if he should be so often stripped naked from his clothes, he would be in the more danger of getting cold, by reason he would be so often laid open to the piercing air: which thing to prevent also you shall not take his clothes fully off when you dress him, but unloose them first before and fold them down to his buttocks, (but so as those sides that must be next his skin, be kept warm,) and dress his foreparts, with what speed you can, then fasten them before again, and fold up the hinder parts in like manner up to his shoulders, and dress him behind; then cloth him up close, and wadde him about with soft wisps, then rub and dress his head and chafe his legs very well, and when you have done, take out his Yard, and pick it from filth and wash it in cold water, and anoint it with Hogs-grease. And be sure that you keep your Stable very close whilst you are in dressing him, for a little Air will be very piercing to him when he is naked: And therefore dress him likewise about the midst of the day, when the Sun is at his greatest heat, to qualify the coldness of the Air, except it be your breathing days, and then dress him not till he go forth to air at night; for you must be careful you unclothe him not before he be cold. CHAP. 21. Of Airing. THus having set down the general observations of his clothing and ordering in the house (after he is matched) it resteth to show you how to order him in his airing, watering, feeding, etc. And first for his exercise in airing, you must regard The end and profit of airing. to what end it tendeth, and what profit it yieldeth. Now it tendeth to help nature to expel her enemies, if at any time the body be evil affected or the wind stopped, by too much feeding and rest. And therefore it bringeth this profit, that the airing every morning and evening: First, it purifieth the blood and purgeth (1) (2) it from gross humours, (if the air be clean and pure▪) Secondly, it helpeth his wind (by exercise) and learneth him to conjoin the motions thereof, to agree reciprocally with the actions or motions of his body, by such a common, frequent, and mediocrite practise. Thirdly, it increaseth lust and courage (if he (3) be not too early aired. And lastly, it sharpeneth and provoketh (4) the appetite and stomach (if at any time he forsake his meat, which running horses are much subject unto, by the excess of either too much or too little exercise) for that the coldness of the air will drive his natural heat from the exterior parts to the interior, to further concoction, that thereby his meat will be sooner digested. For the reaping of which profits (to help your horse so far No good effect without right Application. as this effect hath power) you shall observe to apply it according to your horse's constitution both in time and manner. But for the time, whereas Mr. Markham doth counsel to air him early or late, as the state of his body standeth, as if he be fat or high of flesh, then to air him before break of day and after twilight; but if lean or low of flesh, after Sun rise and before Sun set: But if neither too fat nor too lean, then to air him in the twilight, from which I am something dissenting, (though his Works I do as much applaud as any that heretofore hath written; And my reason is. That, (in Art) whatsoever may any way hinder the strength and lust of nature is to be avoided: But night air do hinder the strength and lust of nature: In Darij. Ergo, night air (in Art) are to be avoided. The Mayor is plain, for that the use of Art is to no other end, then to help towards a restitution of that estate wherewith The Mayor proved. things were endued at the primary beginning. The Minor is proved in diverse places of this Tractate, in that Th●o 1. The Minor proved. th● air, in the night is contrary to a Horse's disposition, for he is hot and dry, and the air then being cold penetrateth very 1. Pra. 7. sore, (by reason of repugnancy,) and thereby abateth the lust of a h●rse (as we may see by those Horses which run abroad all Wi●t●r) and it is then very moist withal, in respect the shadow 2. Pra. 9 of the earth doth hinder the reflect of the Sun, that it cannot exhale the moisture that falleth, (as may be seen by the dew, and cold ●ime that falleth in the night) through which though it is thought to purify the blood yet in reason it is otherwise, for it increaseth cold humours the more, which do abate the strength The conclusion true. of the horse, by obstructing and corrupting the blood: and so the conclusion is grantable. Wherefore come to your horse some half hour before Sun rising, (whether he be fat or lean, or of what state soever) for The time of coming to your horse in the morning. then by such time as you have rubbed his head and body, and chafed his legs, the Sun will be risen, that so you may have him forth to air: for the Sun being a comforter of all living creatures, will comfort and cheer his spirits, he having a natural desire to be refreshed thereby, as is evident by such (e) 1. Pr. 11.b. Horses as are abroad all the night, who when the Sun riseth will covet to such places, as they may stand under shelter, and have the benefit of the Sun, to be comforted by the heat Note. thereof, after the coldness of the night. Therefore (as I say) have him out at that time, for then the air will be so temperate, as it will help digestion and, nothing at all impair nature: & though your horse be fat, yet do not think to abate his flesh the faster, by having him early forth, for so Of a fat horse how to use him. you shall diminish his flesh and strength, and yet his ability for labour will be little helped: but you shall still observe the same times for his air, and keep him out so much the longer, and 2. Pr. 8. 10. let sound heats do that by true labour and long air, which early and late air should do: for it is that which causeth perfect wind and valorous courage; and therefore that Horse which is somewhat high of flesh, is better to work on, than he A fat Horse hath more substance to work on then a lean. that is low, because he hath more strength and substance to endure labour: whereas the other must be so fostered, and favoured (in his training,) to get strength and flesh, that he oftentimes proveth pursive and thick wound, when he cometh to be tried, (for want of true exercise, and labour.) And likewise for the manner of airing, whereas he wisheth that you should lead your horse in your hand and so to walk a Of the manner of Training. foot by him whilst you are abroad, I also differ therein, (except he be a Horse that is very clean, and hath been so long trained as he hath gotten a perfect habit of a true rake, or that he hath any old strain, and must be favoured for fear of renewing it, which if he have none of these, as soon as you come 2 Pra. 20. into the stable in the morning, (if he be risen) and have rubbed him, (as is said, for once dressing in a day will be sufficient for a running Horse, if he be well rubbed and chafed at other times, as he should) you shall take his bridle and wash the snaffle in Beer or Ale, and bridle him up; than you shall see that all his clothes be handsome and fast about him, than set your Saddle upon his back, above his clothes, and gird them close under his belly with the girths, and wad him round about the heart with handsome wads of straw; then take a new laid egg and break it in his mouth, and cause him swallow it down, and so get upon his back, and ride him upon a gentle rake, up and down such places as he may gain the best advantage Airing on horse back is better than in hand. both of Sun and air, and where you may have convenient watering thereabouts, and a hill (if it be possible) to gallop up after his water, for this manner of airing a Horseback is far better than a foot, both for his mouth, wind and exercise of his body. When you have had him forth so long as you (in your discretion) think sufficient for the state of your body, you shall have 2. Pra. 15. him home, and use him as is set down for your hunting Horse. Note that whilst he is abroad to air that he rake orderly both 2. Pra. 5. with his wind and body, till he be cunning therein: and when he desireth to stand, that his wind settle to rest gently as his body doth, otherwise it will bring a contrariety, and cause a hindrance in the passage thereof, when he shall come to be sore strained. Note, that you fail not to exercise him thus every day both morning and evening, but upon the day you intent to give him his breathing course, which then you shall give him instead of his morning airing, and then at night use him as afore. Note, that if you see the weather disposed to a thick fog, rain or snow, that then you forbear to air him, for than it is better he should stand in the stable, then to go abroad, because the moistness thereof will pierce through his pores, and so redound to some offensive grievances. CHAP. 22. Of his Watering. COncerning the watering of a running horse there is a difference betwixt some men's opinions and mine, but because I have spoken thereof heretofore, I will but touch their opinions briefly, and refer the taking or leaving of them, as (in their judgement) they shall find reason to persuade. Now whereas it hath been a custom to water a running Horse in the house, and to have him drink but once a day, and likewise to put Licorice, or such like, into the water to help his wind, all these I do except against, and why? For (first) watering in the house is very hurtful, for if he be any Of letting a Horse drink in the house. thing subject to take cold, it will be nourished by drinking cold water, (if he be not heated after:) because that waterish humours are enemies to a horse, and will increase unnatural superfluities: Note this Simile. for as standing water doth putrefy & gather filth, so will a horse gather much corruption, and excremental humours by drinking cold water, if the coldness be not mitigated by exercise, to disperse the natural heat into all the parts of the body. And further, if he should drink at any time (in the house) after labour, before his radical moisture hath quenched The danger of letting a horse drink and not heated after. that excess of heat gotten by labour, the receiving of cold water suddenly into his body, (and not having any exercise to heat the same) will so oversway the quantity of natural heat, that it will benumb his body and make him shake, and so hazard either the mortal disease of foundering in the body, or else hinder concoction, with over raw humours, so that he cannot have good digestion, for want of which, unwholesome crudities will engender. 1. Pra. 6. 2. Pra. 10. And therefore water your Horse as little as you can in the house, but let him fetch it abroad, that you may heat it in his body by galloping, and so preserve him from such dangers as may ensue thereby. Secondly, if he drink but once a day, his body will be brought Whether a running horse should drink oftener than once a day. very dry and costive, in that it cannot have sufficient moisture, to quench that excess of natural heat, which will abound, if he be restrained from drinking when the necessity of nature requireth, and so that heat will get such prodominancy of the natural moisture, that he will dry too fast the moisture, not having a proportionated quantity to keep his body in a mean temper A Simile. for the nourishment of nature, and so cause an inflammation and distemperature of the whole body, for as too much oil quencheth the light of the lamp, so if it have too little, it will consume more speedily. A running horse would be watered as often as he is aired. Therefore to keep your Horse in perfect state, I wish all those that will be counseled, to water him every evening & morning whilst he is abroad to air, and let him drink what he lusteth, so it be warmed in his body as before, for he will not drink so much as shall harm him, for that his food must be so perfect and clean from grossness & dust, that it will not much provoke thirst. Thirdly, to put Aniseeds Licorice or any other such Apothe 1. Pr. 7.h. carries drugs in his water, to make him long wound, it is unnatural, unwholesome, and yet worketh no sound effect, but Licorice water is unnatural for a horse. 1. Pra. 6. only a conceited illusion: For as I have said, Nature approveth best of that which is the most pleasing to herself, and to assimilate such nourishment as will maintain the vital powers in the best estate, to give her strength to withstand her enemies: and therefore such kind of drugs are not consonant nor agreeing God provided grass for cattle and green herbs for the service of men. to her being Physical, and not to be used but upon urgent necessity, for when the body is well affected and hath a good appetite, if a Horse be driven to drink liquoras-water it will weaken nature because his stomach will not digest it so well, nor desire to drink so much of it as of ordinary water: and so it is Licorice water is unwholesome. unwholesome, in as much as it is no natural relief, being differing from his appetite, and so changeth his constitution by exalting of overmuch heat, not taking sufficient to delay it, and by that means also his body will be made dry, and so much the rather because such spices are hot. And whereas it is supposed to increase wind, I grant it doth so in a sinister sort, being differing Liquora water is both a sinister help of the wind. from this end wherefore it is ministered, for if he were to use any exercise without any strong coaction of the body, as to neigh, play, or such like, than it might produce some likelihood, as it doth in a man that may use it to help his wind, in singing or sounding a wind Instrument, without further action of the body, but for strength of bodily exercise, it is more hurtful than A true Simile. profitable. Let a man that is dieted with such drugs to help wind (and will not likewise use his body to true and sound labour) be to run against one that hath ordinary good feeding, and hath used his body accordingly; he shall find that he which More have lost then won by this diet. hath exercise and strong feeding, will worse the other, though he be never so curiously dieted, by such kind of meats and drinks: although they be both at first of an equal speed, nay there is odds that he will beat him, because his is natural feeding, and this unnatural. Even so, by application it may be said of horses. Wherefore I wish to avoid such kind of drinks, if you desire to bring your horse to his best strength and wind, and let good and sound feeding, and true labour do that which licorice water should do, because it will endure the touchstone, when the other will prove counterfeit, for I have seen more that have been so dieted lose, then ever I saw to win. There is also curious diversities, what kind of water is best for a running Horse, but because it is not much material (for What water is best for him. there is not such difference in effect as in words) I will not press thereon, for so the water be not stinking nor muddy, but either a clean standing water, or a running spring, it is sufficient. And let him have his fill both evening and morning, before you come in with him, for it will do him no harm, (so as he drink not at any time whilst he is hot,) in regard a Horse that is in strict diet, will be subject to an excess of heat, and drinking sufficiently will be a means to cool and abate the same. CHAP. 23. Of the food of a Running Horse. THere are many that make a kind of superstition in feeding a running Horse, (above a hunter:) which is rather to make it seem more curious than necessary, for thereby they allude so much to feeding, that they take away the Art of riding: 2. Pr. 12. holding it to be the only means to bring him to his highest perfection both of strength, courage, wind, and speed. But whereas they think to make the Art more intricate, and themselves more famous, they abuse it, shows their own Error nourisheth many inconveniences. ignorance, disgraces the Horse, and worketh the undoing of many good minds that delight therein, and have no knowledge, but only rely upon such prejudicated brains: Therefore for confirming the knowledge of the weak judicials herein, let them know that there is no such curiosity in this, more than in the other (as it is holden) for they both stand upon maintaining his strength, wind, and speed, (which consisteth upon true natural feeding) only the difference is in continuance of 2. Pr. 1. 18. time: that for long toil, and this to dispatch suddenly; and so to have his speed supported in the highest degree, during so short a time, which cannot be done by a Physical diet to decay nature, but by such feeding as will increase it. And therefore to abandon curiosity, you shall use him, (for the first fortnight after he is matched,) in all respects, as you did the hunting horse, (for his kinds of meat, quantity, manner 2. Pra. 12. Idem. 11. Idem. 21. and time of his feeding.) Only whereas I wished to give him a quantity of provender in the morning before his water, you shall give this nothing, except it be a new laid egg or two, down his throat, before he go forth to be aired: at the end of which fortnight if you perceive that he hath gotten an able and strong body, and that the beans cause pursiveness, so that he sweateth too much in his breathing courses, you shall for the last fortnight take the beans clean away, (except he be a dainty feeder, which then you shall use sometimes, still to stir 2. Pr. 12. up his appetite,) and feed him with the best bread prescribed for the hunter, very sound; for it is very strong and of good digestion, and helpeth the wind. But whereas before, you needed but to chip the bread, you shall this fortnight cut the crusts clean away, and give them to some other horse, (for they are hard of digestion, and will heat and dry his body too much. And for change of meat, instead of beans and oats, you shall give him clean oats, but let them be of the best, and Oats well dusted and washed with whites of eggs are excellent feeding. well dried first in the Sun, and put into a clean cloth or bag, and bat them thoroughly with a cudgel, than fan or winnow the hulles and dust away that is raised by beating, after take the whites of so many new laid eggs, as you shall think good, for the quantity of Oats (as if two pecks, then half a score or a dozen) and wash the oats therein, and dry them in the Sun again and give them your horse, as you shall see best, for this is both a light feeding, and most sovereign for his Of moist washed meats. wind. And give him also oats washed in two or three whites of eggs (at a time) and Ale beat together, for that will cool his 2. Pra. 15. body, and keep it moist, and is also good for the wind, though some hold it a pursive feeding. With these meats you shall feed him the last fortnight sometimes with one, and sometimes with another (but let bread be 2. Pra. 12. his chief feeding,) giving him every meal so much as he will, but only the night before you intent to give him his breathing course, (in the morning,) when you shall feed him more sparingly, that his stomach may be empty, lest if you give him Note. his heat before his meat be concocted, the excess of heat cause too sudden digestion, and so oppress the stomach with raw crudities, and cause sickness or loathing the meat: either of which is sufficient for the loss of a match. And for that fortnight also, you shall (the day before his breathing When to mussel your horse. day) put a mussel of Canvas upon his mouth, having two holes before his nostrils, to receive wind, and let it not be too strait, but that he may have liberty to open his mouth freely, and let it have two strings to reach to the top of his head, and tie behind his ears, to keep him for rubbing it off. But if he be a sore and gross feeder, (that he will ear his litter, or gnaw the rack, or walls,) let him wear it the whole fortnight except When to mussle a ketty feeder. it be the night after his breathing course, which then (howsoever he is) let him feed at his own pleasure both of hay, and bread that night, for the hay will do him no harm, so it be sweet and clean dusted, for it will be clean digested out of his body before the next breathing day: through which liberty he will so fill his belly, and take his rest so kindly (not having any thing to disquiet him) that he will be so fresh and lusty the next day, as if he had done nothing the day before: but after you shall let him have no more hay, but only a little which he shall pull 2. Pr. 15. out of your hand, to cleanse his teeth after his feeding. And thus you shall continue in all things, till the match day without altering or changing any thing, lest likewise you altar and change his body by unacquainted and strange food: for you shall find (by his heats) that he will make a true course upon this feeding. But for putting oatmeal, butter, or Aniseeds in the bread. I hold they may be better spared, then used, for any good or profit they yield; for though oatmeal be strong, yet it is so Oatmeal is a solid substance and a drier. , that it is not so quick of digestion, nor so sprity, as wheat, and it is also a great drier up of blood, so that the bread will be too much costive, having a double proportion of dry food to that of moist, (for there will be both it and wheat drying, and but only beans, moistening:) and likewise there will be a double proportion of a densit or quality to one of Asper or light, (for both it and beans are heavy, and only wheat Phisi: de materialis. light:) through which it will be so ponderous, that it will lie unumquodque enim natura, et suasponte, in suo simile gaudet. in his stomach and not digest so soon as it would do, if wheat had the predominant quality, (as it should indeed) because it giveth more quickness and spirit, agreeing the nearest to the horses disposition. And for butter, I see no reason why there should be any put Butter will make bread heavy. in, for though it may be held soluble, yet it is an unnatural ●●ssoluter: and beside, it will make the bread heavy and sad, and so hinder digestion (as afore) as the experience of such cakes and crusts, which have it put into them do approve. And for 1. Pr. 6. 2. Pr. 13. 22. Aniseeds, I have spoken sufficiently already, working more damage by over heating the body, and drying it, than they do good in helping the wind. And likewise there is a pretended curiosity, in dressing the meal so often till it be refined to the purest substance, thinking by such pure food to bring him to his superlative excellency, but in this they pass the limits of reason, in following a conceited curiosity, rather them conducted by a careful advise, to consider what hindrance it might bring: For herein they stray What damage meal too fine dressed bringeth. (also) out of the true path, for when the meal is so very fine dressed, there remaineth nothing but the chief and pure substance, which though it may be made very light by putting good store of barm in it, yet when it is once above a day old, it will dry and harden extremely, (as may be seen by manchet or fine white bread,) for that the greatest part thereof must be 2. Pra. 12. wheat; and if oatmeal be in it, it will dry and cake the more, by reason of its density, and aridity, whereby it will be compact so close, for want of asperity, that the heat by reason of its lenity, Metaph. de Male cannot exhaust the humidity, from the inner part till the utmost be first concocted, and thereby will not be expelled so soon, not being fully digested, and then if he have any heats by exercise, (as oftentimes it cometh to pass,) before it be excremental, it will oppress his stomach, and through violent concoction, breed raw crudities, and so instead of purifying the blood, corrupt and inflame it, and thereby distemper his body, A surfeit by bread is dangerous. and bring a surfeit, and then (as in a man, so in a Horse) a surfeit taken by bread is most dangerous: and further, it will cloy his stomach, and take away his appetite. And it will be so much the worse to digest, because the quality of wheat and oatmeal is siccans or drying, so that it will be of such durity & hardness, (being dry for want of humidity to mollify it) that it will not so easily be expoliated: And therefore no marvel, though running horses are so much subject to such aridity and dryness in their bodies, when they are fed with such hot and drying food, and also restrained from water when nature desireth 1. Pra. 6. 2. Pra. 22. for to quench thirst provoked by heat. Wherefore (as I say) let your bread be but only beans and wheat, not being ground nor dressed too fine nor course, but Note. so as it shall neither have so much bran as to putrefy the blood, not so little as to make it too , but that it may have such asperity and subtiley, as the heat may distill into all the parts to give it quicker digestion. But because heat is the Vigetative organ for nutrition, therefore Wheat doth help to quicken the vital powers. 2. Pra. 12. it must have a predomination over the moisture, or else they will not fructify nor grow to pure perfection (as may be seen by the difference betwixt winter and Summer,) therefore in regard wheat is hot, and so a help to quicken and stir up the vital spirits and courage, (being the purest and cleanest food,) let the greater part be wheat: and for that bran which is in the bread (so it be not much) will do more good in scouring the maw, and furthering digestion, than harm, by corrupting the blood, and stirring up inflammation. CHAP. 24. How to use a Horse after he is matched, in his breathing courses. I Having heretofore spoken of the time and manner how to train a running Horse in his breathing courses, to bring him to his state of body and truth of wind, therefore I will but bre●fly touch some things that may give further light for the perfecting of the same. Wherefore let the times and manner of his breathe be still used as you did in training, before he was matched, yet not upon the same grounds, but let him be had to some place where 2. Pra. 18. he may stand near to the latter end of that race he is to run his mateh upon; that so you may exercise him sometimes thereon, both to bring him acquainted therewith, and also that he may know his standing, to stir up his desire, in running towards Too much frequency of any thing will cause rebellion. his Stable. And yet I would not have him breathed continually upon the course, for that will cause a bedlam kind of running: but sometimes upon some spacious and pleasing grounds, not only to keep him in subjection to your motions, but also to give him as long and sore a course, as you shall think needful to keep him in perfect strength and purity of wind; Note. for if he be put to no further labour than the length of the race, (during that month) that small exercise will increase pursiveness, except he be scanted of his meat, which by 2. Pra. 21. any means I would not wish. And when you breath him, if it be possible, have some horses upon the course, to set upon him, to quicken and revive his courage, but let him not have a sound bloody course indeed, not of a fortnight or 2. Pra. 15. ten days at the lest before the match day; and give him his last heat (before the match) in his clothes, and run it merely The last course in his clothes and why? over, for that clogging and unwieldy running in his clothes, will be so troublesome to him, that when he shall come to be stripped naked to run for the match, he will feel himself so light and nimble, that he will seem to fly, and so much the more being held to that, which he was able to perform in his burdensome clothes. And likewise, let your horse be led sometimes over the race, How to lead him to the race. when you breathe him, to make him the better acquainted therewith (against the match day:) And lead him very easily and gently, letting him stand dung, either by whistling or letting him smell upon other dung, for if it be mares dung, it will make him piss (if he be stoned;) and if horse-dung, it it will cause him dung: But if he hath not staled of all the way as he is led, when you come to the place of start, unloose his How to use him at the starting place. wisps and straw them upon the ground, under his belly, and piss yourself thereon, which will provoke him to piss the sooner: which when he hath done, untie his clothes afore, 2. Pr. 16. and thrust them behind the saddle, and mount yourself therein, seating yourself as I have shown before; then let one strip the clothes from his buttocks and carry them to the race head, that they may be ready to cast over him when he hath done his course, and yourself start him forward gently, till you feel his wind raked, and after run courageously. And when you are come to the end of his course, hawk him up gently, bring him back again to the staff, and after you How to use him after his course. have let him pause there a little, (to let him know the end of his labour,) gallop him back again to meet his clothes (if they be not come) and throw them presently upon him, and gird them fast with the sur-single, and so tied him home after you 2. Pr. 11. have somewhat cooled him, to the stable, where he shall be presently set up, letting him be rubbed, chafed, and used in all things as is said, only let him have no hay in his rack, nor give him any thing to eat till he be cold, that his bridle be drawn & you have given him a quantity of Rye bread to cool his body, which shall be given him in stead of wheat ears, because they will dry his body too much, it being afore heated with the 2. Pr. 11. 12. & 23. violence of his labour; and you may (if you please, or need require) give him a mash every week once, till the last fortnight, after his breathing course; and after feed him (as is prescribed) according to your own discretion. CHAP. 25. How to judge of the state of a Horse's body. BEcause no man can tell how to work truly, upon any subject, except he have a judicial and good ground; and that no horseman can tell how to bring his horse to his best actions, and keep him in health, except he have judgement in the state of his body, thereby to square all his proceed Theo. 30. Therefore I will give you some light how to have the surer judgement thereof, to pierce the thick mist that might seem to infect it by the contrary surmising breathe of such as are swallowed in the gulf of conceit, being driven therein by the waves of their overflowing opinions. For there are many of this rank, so soon as they come into the stable, and do but feel upon the outward parts, (as the rib, flank and ●aw, Rash judgement reproved. will in a rash judgement give verdict upon the state of a horses body, and so assume to themselves more firm knowledge, thereupon, than he that hath both the feeding and training him. But how deceitful the evidence is that is given by the mere tactive senses, is briefly touched already, for the ta●●able 2. Pr. 7. sense can give no further evidence, then only of the outward superficies; for no quality of the senses can go but to the surface of any thing, and therefore cannot show the disposition of his inward state. Wherefore: when you yourself have the whole managing of Theo. 7. the horse, and know that you do nothing without reasonable consultation, assure yourself that your judgement will weigh How to know his state of body. 2. Pra. 18. & 24. against a thousand other: Which that you may have the better ground, examine yourself whether you have proceeded truly in his training, and so, whether you find him to have strength and lust to perform his breathing courses, and whether you have fed him full and home as you should; likewise whether you have not abated his strength by too great toil, 2. Pr. 12. 15. 23. & 24. or increased pursiveness by too little; which things are the true grounds (being examined by reason) and yet they are hid from many that may come into the stable, (as strangers) you only having evidence by action. But yet understand me so, as not utterly to condemn the former Characters, for they are true sometimes, though not always, One thing doth not prove another reciprocally, except they be contradictories. and so no sure proof of his estate but a sign thereof, for he may feel clean in those places, and yet not clean otherwise within; but if he be clean within, than it doth necessarily follow he will be clean there, for the gross fat and glut may be dissolved from the outward parts, by gentle breathe and warm clothing, or by a spare and scant feeding, which are deceitful; but then when he shall come to be tried indeed, he will be so pursive and thick wound, that he cannot maintain and hold his speed, for want of true labour; and so the manner of cleansing is known to yourself but hid from them: and so they may be deceived, for though he feel clean, yet they cannot tell how he was cleansed. And in like manner the dung, being simply respected, may The dung is a meritrix, as the urine of a man is. be said to be a Meritrix, for the knowledge of the state of his body, as well as the water of a man, to know his state of body by, for it will alter according to his diet, and as he feedeth much or little, or by the alteration of the air, and yet continue in good state of body; for I have seen it alter upon the alteration of weather, which being temperate, he being in good state, hath also dunged very good, but the air changing from that disposition, his dung hath also changed to be It is the nature of heat to shrink from cold, and so contra, whether of them is predominant. dry and hard, and yet no change of meat, nor exercise in the interim, nor change of countenance, to show any male-affect in the body, which made me judge the cause to be in the coldness of the air, that did imprison his natural heat within him, and so dried and made his body costive. And further, I have seen a horse, that when he was led for his course which hath dunged so hard, that all the field hath passed a definitive judgement against him, and yet he hath returned conqueror, though he was thought overhard matched, and a man may be bound in his body, but feel no impediment thereby. Wherefore if your horse chance to be bound, if you know it is not upon any doubtful cause, and that he hath not been long so, or that his Of two evils the least is to be chosen. countenance is not cast down, or his belly not shrunk up in the waist, yet he may make a good course, for of the two it is better he should be hard then soft, and therefore as it is, so it is doubtful to be judged of. But if his body be laxative and his dung soft, than it is an infallible Soft dung argueth weakness. sign of weakness, because nature is hindered by purging, (howsoever others hold,) and therefore whether the cause thereof be known or unknown to you; it will soon weaken, and therefore prevent it (so soon as is possible) as an enemy to nature. And also if it be greasy and slimy after his heat, it is a sign of foulness; and here it bringeth into my mind to answer a doubt, which I heard opposed betwixt two, and Objection. the question was, because that a horses dung is greasy after his heat, whether there were any fat growing on the inside where the excrements are or no? To which I answer briefly, no; for Answer. if it were so, the expulsive part could not have force to expel the excrements, because they would be hindered from passage, by the roughness of the knots, and thereby retained so long therein, as it would burn and scald the body: and when the horse were fat he could not avoid his excrements at all, by reason it would grow so much as it would stop the passage, and so cause an utter subversion. Objection. And again, it was objected if it were so, how cometh that glut into the inner part which avoids amongst the excrements? Answer. I answer, that as nature hath given an attractive faculty to disperse the nutriment of the food, from the retentive part, into every part of the body, to nourish and maintain the same, passing through the arteries, veins and pores, even so likewise hath it given an expulsive faculty, to expel from every part any excrement, that might offend or hurt it (by th● same means) and so that fat when it is dissolved, is but an excrement which nature expelleth by those organs in that place, to be expelled with the other excrements, lest it should destroy Grease remaining about the heart after it is dissolved, is mortal. the whole subject; and therefore if any remain dissolved more than nature can expel, it cloyeth the heart and stomach, and so becometh mortal, except it be remedied by a new dissolution, and purged by scourings, which then is needful for the helping of nature being oppressed. But for the colour of dung, after the horse be once clean, it is The colour of his dung is deceitful. also deceitful, for it may be black or tawny, by too long keeping in the body, (the horse not having always a like appetite) and yet not much hurtful to him; and again, (before he be clean) he may have his dung of a perfect colour, not being exercised truly to heat it, and also by scourings or such kind of feeding as many use, which then is like but a counterfeit piece gilded over: but if you have all these Characters in the best, and your own practice telleth you they are true, than you may affirm, his body is of as perfect state as Art and Nature can perform. CHAP. 26. Of the necessity and use of Sweeting. THere is no means so available and necessary to purge a horse, from such gross humours as are engendered by feeding, What Sweeting is. as sweeting is; for it is nothing but a superfluous moist excrement left in the flesh and other parts, (after concoction) and is the faculty of action, for heat being stirred up by the percution of motion, doth expel it (after it is dissolved) from the Meta; de continentibus. heart and inward parts. Wherefore it being an excrement of gross humours, that ariseth of nutrition, there is no Horse but must be purged from the same, if there be any regard of health, or ability of body for labour: in regard, that what feeding soever a horse hath (though The groser the food is themore it will cause the horse to sweat. never so pure, much more being gross) but after concoction there will reside a quantity of this excrement (according to the quality of the food, and the horse) which must be dissolved by heat, and expulsed from the inward parts, and so distilled through the pores of the skin, to evacuate it by sweeting, or else it will corrupt the blood, and break out into ma●gy-scabbs, and such The purity of the heart causeth agility. like, because nature desireth to keep the heart free (so long as she is able) from such infection, that it might dwell in a pure and clean palace, it being the Prince of the vital powers. And further, if they be not expulsed by heat of exercise, they will cause a sad melancholy to rule in him, that he will be so unlistfull and pursive, that a small labour will so heat him within, as it will overcome and faint the heart, and so cause yielding, his body being made so gross by them, as it hath no such tenuity either to evacuate them or that the air (by his rarity) cannot penetrate sufficiently to delay that excess of heat, as may be seen by those horses that have run at grass without exercise. Wherefore seeing sweats bring such benefit and profit, let Sweats are profitable in their true use. them be used so as they may produce the best effect, for the better knowledge hereof, they are given to a Horse, three manner of ways. The first and best is to give him his sweat abroad without (1) The best way to give a sweat. his clothes, as your breathing courses; for it is given by action both of wind and body, and is most natural, because the heat proceedeth first from the vital parts within, and so doth drive those humours, which are dissolved, to the outward parts which is distilled through the pores of the skin, and so abateth that superfluity. The secondly way is to give him his heat also abroad, but (2) The second way to cause a sweat than it must be in his clothes, which is not so kindly and natural, for where the other had the heat beginning first from within, this is more violent, because the thickness of his clothes adjoined to his exercise forceth the heat more outwardly, and so abateth his strength the more, and yet doth not bring him to such purity of wind as the former, because it hath not the like exercise, nor the humours is not so naturally expelled from the vital parts. Now the last is the worst of all, which is to give him a sweat (3) The third and worst way to cause a sweat. in the house, by heating clothes and loading him therewith till he be forced to sweat without any motion, Now (as I say) this is the most unnatural and worst, being altogether violent, for it is provoked only from the outward parts, (having its beginning there) by the heat of fire, and of the clothes that are heated therewith, which casteth the Horse into such extremity of Sweeting in the house as ill as a stove. heat, that it (as it were) smothereth his vital spirits, and weakeneth him as if it were a stove: whereby it doth far more hurt, than any way good. Wherefore, if through the unseasonableness of the weather you cannot give your horse such a heat near unto your race, as you would, rather than you use either of these violent sweats, go half a dozen miles to seek a place where you may breath him, which though it be but half a mile, yet it may be enlarged by often doubling, which will work far better effect then either A slender natural heat is better than sweeting by clothes. of the other, for you dwell in a very unfit place if there be not such a plot in that distance, either of dead fog or sandy way to yield you that relief. But if your horse be an old strained horse, yet recovered again, but so as you dare not heat him when the weather is hard (by frosts) for renewing it, whereby you are in danger of losing the wager, than you may make a virtue of necessity (although I would not wish any man to be too confident in lame Horses,) and give him his heat abroad in his clothes first, by galloping him till he be in a full sweat, which when he is, have him presently home, and straw good store of litter under him, and lay more clothes upon him, than stuff him round with great wisps round about his heart & before his breast, & so keep him stirring to and fro for half an hour, having a cloth to wipe the sweat from his face and neck, as it ariseth: and when he hath sweat sufficiently, abate his clothes by little and little, till he come to his ordinary clothing, then rub him and use him as after his breathing courses, and let the first drink he drinketh be a warm to mash, for that will cause the gross humours that are dissolved purge away with his dung, & it will also comfort him after that piercing sweat, but in any case I would not wish you should give him this kind of sweat after the last fortnight, for it will weaken him so much, as that will be time little enough to recover himself; But for the last manner of sweeting I will spend no time about it, because I would not wish any to use it, for that horse which is so lame that he will not endure to gallop in his clothes till he sweat, is not fit for any man to hazard money on, except he have so much he careth not what becometh of it. CHAP. 27. The applying of scourings to a running Horse. IN regard I have spoken sufficiently of the abuses and inconueinences of needles scourings, (where I entreated of the hunting Horse) & likewise have set down those which I have found 2. Pr. 13. (by experience) to be most available to cleanse him from such glut or grease that might be caused by gross feeding or excess of labour, I will not here recapitulate them again, but only show how those may be applied (in like manner) to the Courser. Wherefore understand, that (in this (aswell as in the other) if you give him his natural feeding, with true riding, and also 2. Pr. 22. 15. 18. 23. 13. have care to use him orderly after his heats, and to keep his body from distemperature by drugs or spices, than he will be the less needful of scourings. But yet if you perceive by any of the afore said characters, that his body is foul, costive, or evil affected, and that you conceive Idem. 15. Nature is not able (of herself) to overcome the same, but that they still continue and increase: then for the preventing of a further mischief, you may give him such a Scouring as the necessity of the cause requireth. Therefore, if it be only The application of scourings. the binding in the body: than you may give him that Scouring of Rye crumbs and butter: and likewise if you perceive that the cause ariseth from some glut that was dissolved, but not expelled, 2. Pra. 18. Idem. 25. than you shall give him another heat to dissolve it anew, and give him an ounce of Diapente brewed in a quart of Ale, warm: but if it be a cold, then give him two mornings together half an ounce of Diapente, brewed in a pint of Mallago-Sacke, each morning warm, or if he be low of flesh, and a small feeder, you may (if you please) give him a ball, (the quantity of your fist) of that past there prescribed: dissolving it into 2. Pra. 18. his water. Any of which you shall apply to your Horse the next morning after his breathing course fasting, and after use him in all respects as is there set down. But give it him so as he may have two whole days to feed and rest, to recover his strength before the next breathing day. Many other scourings I might set down, that are in use amongst good Horsemen, and I myself have also used, but because Many other scourings good which are nor here expressed. I would not have you use any but upon necessity, and that I will not trouble you with such varieties (although many of them are good) I have contented myself with these few, having found them of sufficient operation: referring them to Master Markham's first treatise, and his Cavallarice, which delight in varieties. Or, if any be so curious, as to think that Nature is not provident enough; for preserving of health without their assistance, thinking by drugs, and drenches, to prevent sickness, before there be any appearance of it, let them repair to Master Morgan's Morgan. 41. 58. 59 60 61, & 62. ca works, where they may have such varieties, as they shall never need to be out of Action, for preventing of diseases from the time of their foaling till they be dead, but by such means they shall find by experience, that in shunning of Silla they will fall into Charybdis, for in seeking to prevent one mischief that is doubtful or long in conceiving, they will cause many more certain and sooner, by diverting his body from its natural constitution, in hindering Nature with such Physical potions. CHAP. 28. General Rules to be noted before you run. YOur last fortnight being expired, and the appointed time come, wherein you are to try the event of your success; you shall some two days before the race day, wash his mane and tail very clean with warm water and soap, and plate them in small plates, against the race day; and the day before the race, let your horse be shod (that he be not disquieted in the morning before he run, and that he may be the better acquainted with them before the race,) but let them be such shoes as shall be best agreeing to the race; which if it be a How to shoe your Horse for a race. soft moor or swarth, let them be but thin plates, or half shoes (like a half Moon) but if it be hard and gravelly, let them be whole shoes, but yet so light as is possible; to have strength to support his body: and see you give him his full feeding that day till night, which when after he is come from airing, after you have rubbed his legs well, you shall anoint them with Sheepes-foot oil, linseed-oil What Oils are best to supple his legs. or Whale-oyle, and give him an indifferent supper of bread, but no more that night, and the next morning have him out to air somewhat earlier, than you were accustomed, that he may empty his body of that which is digested, and to refresh 2. Pra. 21. his spirits, then after he is come in, give him a little quantity more, the value of a two penny wheaten loaf, steeping it in Ale or Beer, for as if he be too full, it will hinder and endanger his wind, so if he be too long fasting and empty, his stomach will be oppressed with moistness and so cause faintness in his labour; which after he hath eaten mussel him, and shake up his litter and shut your stable close, letting him take his rest till the time come that he is to be led into the field. At which time after he is dressed, and his legs well chafed, take How to prepare your horse for the field. his Saddle and pitch the panel and girths with shoemakers wax, to prevent all dangers by the looseness, having a care that the stirrups be fit for you, and the bridle for his head, then take a clean linen sheet, and lay it handsomely next his body (for neatness) then lay on the rest of his clothes, and fasten 2. Pra. 20. them on with the sur-single, and wadde him round as afore; and if you have not a cloth for the purpose, take a covering and throw above all, for decentness, and make it fast before his breast and under his belly: Then unplate his mane and tail and frisle them, for that will be a great beauty to him; then give 2. Pra. 24. him a mouthful or two of bread and Ale again, and so lead him to the course with all gentleness, ever provoking him to empty his body so much as you can. Then, when you are come to the place of start, rub his legs very well, and use him in all things as you did the hunter: Then 2. Pr. 16. having a bottle of Ale or Beer, take some in your mouth, and spirit some into his mouth, and nostrils, for that will make him cheerful, and strike into his head to make him sneeses, and open his pipes for receipt of wind: And if you have any Vinegar in the field, throw some upon his cods, (if he be stoned) for that will cool them, and make him gather them into his body, than put back his clothes and mount yourself, and set Eadem. forward (as is said) performing your Course with judgement and discretion. CHAP. 29. The Epilogue. THus gentle Reader, I have at last finished the plantation of this Vineyard of Horsemanshippe, wherein I have taken the greater pains, so to pair and dress it, that the weeds should not grow therein, to choke those imps that are nourished in it, and to pluck up those which had so overgrown it, that there could be no tract found to give delight to such as desire to walk and recreate themselves in that pleasant grove: And for thy good, I have made that common which might have withered in the grave, being at the first selected to myself for my own private meditation. In which Tractate, as thou mayst see the cause of all restive qualities (that are found in any horse) is disobedience, and the 1. Pra. 26. cause of that was man's transgression at the beginning, and so they would have been altogether without use if there were Theo. 1. not some means of restitution to their primary estate by Art: the desire of which, was the cause that this Art was invented: Theo. 26. Theo. 3. Pr. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. Theo. 8. 2. Pr. 7. And the cause of the intricateness of this Art, is ignorance, wherewith all man was also invested that the first, which did so obscure his knowledge, that he could not see how to work directly by gentleness, but sought indirect means by violence, and the cause of that is because man is led after his own will, which worketh according as the exterior senses do give evidence by the exterior parts. And also, that the cause of reducing a horse to his best obedience, is the reforming of man's corrupt qualities, by subjecting Theo. 8. & 9 Theo. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. Et multis alijs. his will and all his passions to be governed by reason, to make the whole horse agree (both in action and motion) together in his interior and exterior parts, being governed by the man, that both man and horse may be said to be but one body, because the man is a reasonable creature, and hath the government of the horse, and the faculty of discipline to bring a reciprocal concord. All which I have endeavoured to explain as methodically and as plainly as I can, for I confess that my imperfections are so great (for wit, learning and wririting) that I am far unable to discharge and perform such an intricate enterprise, as my good intention hath undertaken; yet I had rather utter my barbarous A good intention excuseth Barbarism. rudeness to lay open the abuses thereof, then with a fearful silence to have the truth defaced; wherein though sometimes I may miss the mark, yet I have not shot so far as to be condemned of detestable error. Therefore I desire thee (learned and judicious Reader) that if I have passed any thing obscurely, that may seem doubtful unto Nature hath not given excellency in all things to one man. the weak and simple Reader, (through the harshness of method, (for I oftentimes conceited more than I could well utter) to assist him with thy understanding and knowledge, least being in doubt, he take the wrong path, and wander out of the way. But for Calumnies which wound and diminish others fame, by words, and strikes and peirces through other men's works, by the all piercing darts of their venomous tongues, I ask neither aid nor favour of such a filthy and pernicious sect, which cannot be avoided. Of the which Viperous kind, justus Lipsius hath very worthily painted out, whereby they may be discerned in their colours; justus Lips. de oratione calum. for he holdeth them filthy and loathsome, filthy in that they are base, idle, and prattling, and so loathsome having the name of filthiness; base for that no generous and good spirit hath ever How Calumnies are said to be base. been stained with that spot, but only sad and malign natures that envy others and distrust themselves: and so like little dogs bark at guests, which free minds commanded entertainment. Secondly, they are idle, for no man hath leisure to enter into How they are said to be idle. other men's affairs, that hath employment of his own business: but for want of that, all their whole employments are in walking and talking, so that no report of any man can stand before them unblemished or unslandered, but what should I repine at these, seeing neither King nor Counsel can be free from their idle brains: for whatsoever is done by them either public or private, is by these censured and scourged. And lastly, they are prattlers, for as they speak much, so they speak much evil: and all their talk is not only of some body, How they are prattlers. but against some body; mingling things true and certain, with things vain and uncertain, for they being ignorant busy themselves with those things, to whose height their sense and understanding cannot reach. Now this Sect must needs be wicked and prodigious, seeing they are begotten by such viperous monsters: for Lying and The Parents of Calumniators. Envy are their Parents, and Curiosity their Nurse; for Lying aspires and animates Calumny, without which it languisheth; Lying their father. for what Backbiter was there ever that contented himself with the truth, in regard that so he hath no power to hurt, for so he should fail of his purposed end: and therefore that they may wound the sorer, they will not stick to add, and attract others fame, so that if there be any doubtful speech or sentence, they will choose the worst sense; and therefore as the Physicians say of their cupping glasses, that they draw out nothing but impure blood: so I may truly say of a slanderer, that he neither attracts A Simile. nor receives any thing into him that is not evil. And again, Envy is their mother, who in the malignant womb of her wit conceives and brings forth those impious infants; Envy their mother. for they never seek to defame mean and simple people, but such as they see eminent in some extraordinary virtue or quality; or in some other thing worthy of admiration. And lastly, Curiosity is their Nurse, for if it did not nourish them, they would have nothing to live on, for through these Curiosity their their Nurse. curious inquisitions they are never at home but always ranging abroad, ask what news of this man? what estate hath that man? what credit or virtues hath such a one? And so they curiously desire to pry into all men's affairs, altogether seeking their infamy by their opprobrious speeches. Many other detestable qualities doth he repeat of this degenerated sect, which I omit for brevity; only these have I summarily collected, to give approbation for the detecting of their malicious and envious hearts, for though they speak friendly to a man's face, yet so soon as he is departed, will speak any thing that may work his disgrace and overthrow; who are branded with all devilish devices, which being laid open to the World, may be the better known by their proper marks, when they shall envy any thing that may bring a future good to them that shall afterward succeed. Seine: Quae decipiunt, nihil habent solidi, tenue est mendacium prolucet si inspexeris. FINIS. The Table of the Third Book. CHAP. Fol. 1 HOw to choose a hunting horse. 1 2 The Author's Apology. 5 3 The order of a good stable. 7 4 Of training a young Colt to hunting. 10 5 How to bring your Colt to a true Rake. 13 6 Of galloping. 16 7 What pace is best for these sorts of horses. 18 8 At what age a Colt should be put to sore labour. 26 9 Of the first taking up of a hunting horse. 31 10 Of dressing, and inseaming him. 34 11 Of his exercise in hunting. 38 12 Of the manner of his food, and time of feeding. 42 13 Of scourings, and their uses. 46 14 How to make a hunting match. 51 15 How to order your horse for a hunting match. 56 16 Observations in running. 59 17 How to make a Horse lie down at your pleasure. 62 18 How to exercise, and train a running horse. 66 19 Of matching a running horse▪ and clearing the doubts. 69 20 How to cloth a running horse. 74 21 Of Airing. 77 22 Of his watering. 80 23 The food for a running horse. 83 24 How to use a horse in his breathing courses after he be matched. 87 25 How to judge of the state of a horses body. 89 26 Of the necessity and use of scourings. 92 27 How to apply Sweatings to a running horse. 95 28 General rules to be noted before you run. 97 29 The Epilogue. 98 FINIS. CURES FOR THE Disease's in Horses. CHAP. 1. How the true knowledge of Curing diseases is intricate. IT hath been a custom amongst all those that have written of this subject, to set forth the diseases of Horses and their cures in the latter end of their works, to the end that they might A horseman should aswell learn to cure as to ride. have a remedy for any disease that shall happen: because he is not holden a Horseman that shall be defective in part of the Art. Wherefore because I would not have this book to be accounted maimed (in wanting a chief member) I will observe the like order and set forth such receipts as I have found either by experience, or the best probability to be good: for in regard there are many diseases that my lives practise (not dealing with any cures, but in my own hands) hath not had occasion to approve, Men must yield to authority in things that transends their knowledge. I cannot truly aver that all these receipts are infallible; therefore I will yield to the authority of worthy Master Markeham, who hath merited most worthily for his d●ligent collections herein: because I will not oppose against any thing, but what I can defend by experience, or reason. And because many things which others have set forth for curing▪ are not wholly their own, but borrowed from divers Authors, it shall not grieve me to tread in another man's steps, seeing I cannot trace it of myself, rather than the gentle Reader shall be destitute of all relief, when he shall have need; in regard this book may come into such men's hands as have no other: Not weighing the tongues of Backebiters, that will say I writ nothing of mine own (in this part) for I grant, I which have no such plentiful vein (in this knowledge) will not stick to dig other men's mines, and to borrow of their treasures▪ so Too many of ●his rank. that I may thereby profit the good of any: for it is better if ● man feel a want to confess it, then like blind Biard to launch so boldly forward in unknown meadows till they be plunged in the mire of their own ignorance: in desiring to be esteemed more excellent. This Science abused by prating Leeches. For there are too many of unskilful Leeches, that will assume to have such knowledge in curing, and in the causes of diseases, & natures of simples, as shall parallel the best experienced Farrier; and yet can give no good account of the quantity of the one nor operation of the other, for if they can but talk of the four elements, and that the fire is hot and dry, and the air hot and moist, etc. though they be altogether ignorant how to make application▪ they think their words shall give an approbation of their profound judgement, and that their knowledge doth reach beyond the Moon, and must be credited whatsoever shameless and false reports they utter in the commendations of their own skill; for I have heard them that have not been ashamed A shameful & ridiculous lie. to say, that he hath taken out a Horse's heart, and washed it, and put it in again, and so hath cleansed it from such corruption as troubled him, and cured him, which wrought a great admiration to many of the hearers, and was partly credited. But there are tootoo many of these dog-leeches which blind the eyes of weak and simple judgements, and make them believe their words are Oracles, and though they kill many, if they cure any, those any, must cloak their ignorance in killing many. Now besides killing by medicines, they also lame by their Many horses lamed by these absurd Leaches. tyrannous Chirurgery, or else if they cure, they oftentimes make such an eyesore as it is a great blemish to the Horse so long as he liveth, for they lame either by applying salves and oils improperly, in using hot oils or hot pultresse unto a limb where is most sinews, and veins, and thereby causeth inflammation, and so apostumation, whereby they lose the use thereof by launching and cutting after it is putrefied, or else by burning and searing with hot irons, and so sears and shrinks up the sinews, that he looseth the use of that member: or if it be in Burning and searing is no true cu●e. a fleshy part, than they will scarify and cut it so cruelly▪ or (if it be fistulated) cut clean away the flesh so unnaturally, as it would pity a jews heart to see how these good creatures are tormented, which gross cures bring a disgraceful blemish, either by knotting, want of hair where it was burned, or want of flesh to fill up that empty place, where it was cut away. But is it no marvel though they commit such gross errors, sith they have no other judgement, than custom (the nurse of ignorance) hath endued them withal, being led by imitation Custom is a deceitful teacher. of their teachers; not having any true natural knowledge in the Horse's disposition, neither in the quality of the disease, nor the cause thereof, no nor the natural operation of those simples they infuse, to make either drink or salve or ointment, more The cause of these errors. than they read, giving credit to that without examining of it by due consideration, or though they read yet do not understand, but presumes to practise not knowing how to give a proportion according to the operative quality of the medicine, or nature of the horse; and thereby if they fail, they cloak their ignorance, Theo. 3. with that he was so far spent, that he was uncurable before he came to their hands. But howsoever these may deaf th● ears, (by sounding the alarm of their own conceits) of such as have no judgement in a true march; yet for the great love and affection that I A charitable wish. carry to these so serviceable and worthy creatures, I wish that they were either mustered out of this land to minister their tyranny upon their enemies; or that they would blow the coals of their dark knowledge, with the bellows of affection, to warm and light their judgement, that the thick mist of ignorance might be exhausted, and so see their own error: for than they would see that to be a good Farrier desireth more time, To be a skilful Farrier is hard. pain and knowledge, (than is judged) for finding the causes, the qualities, and to incorporate the things proportionably: which things are as needful to be known for the right cure of a horse, as for a man. Wherefore seeing this knowledge is so intricate, if I should detect, and lay open the abuses in particular, and to show the causes of all sickness and diseases, both natural and accidental, with their approved cures, I should be caught in such a Labyrinth as no Ariadne's thread could wind me out: For though I am not altogether ignorant in some natural causes, nor how to give proportion of compounds, yet in regard I have Farrier's should have knowledge in the nature of simples. not that knowledge in the true nature of simples, as they should have that are professors therein, I will not insist much hereupon, but summarily set down such receipts as I have orally received, from Master Markeham and other approved good Farriers, which in my own particular practice I have found good and uncontrollable, but above all, I will here insert a little Tract written by that famous and renowned Italian signor Dionigio Grilli Master of the Stable to the most Illustrious Prince Alexander Cardinal Farnese, which being never before this day Englished, I thought good to enrich my country therewith, especially so much as myself have proved to be most good and perfect, or that I have collected out of Master Markehams' works, whom I have followed as my master herein, for as much, as I have approved them to deserve as great esteem as any that I ever read or practised. But here it may be objected, that if I be so ignorant in the Objection. knowledge of the nature of simples, I may be condemned of insolency with the former tancke, in undertaking to censure of other men's judgements in that thing I have no knowledge. I answer, that if I should compare my knowledge with Answer. theirs I am not much inferior, as concerning a general knowledge, for I know, and can say, that the fire is hot and dry, and the water cold and moist, and that such an herb is hot, or moist, in the first, second, or third degree, etc. yet for particular judgement, A general knowledge is but flowing, except it can apply particularly to show in what quantity they are so, and how much they differ, & in what different quantity in each several degree, to make a compound, agreeing to the nature of the Horse, and so to apply particularly, in these I say I have small iudement, for that which is spoken of in general, is not spoken to any in particular. And therefore though I have not so much judgement, as to make a true particular application, yet I have so much knowledge as to feel my own ignorance, and to see how far I am from the knowledge thereof, and so likewise the judgement of many men by the operation and effect of their potions and salves. But herein conceive me so, as not curiously to desire such an exact and absolute judgement in them, as to apply so far as they have any natural quality in healing, for that is impossible, it being only proper to God, and hid from man, through depraved Knowledge; for else he might distill such a quintessence out of such herbs and weeds, as the earth nourisheth, as would preserve life ad infinitum, for God made all things upon the earth for man's good, and therefore no sore though never so mortal, but there was a preservative herb, and so would have continued, if Adam had not brought ignorance to his posterity, and death as the wages of sin. By means of which ignorance, neither Hipocrates nor Galen themselves could ever attain to the absolute and true quality Hipocrates and Galen were subject to error. in every degree, and part of any one simple, much less in all those they have written of; but yet having writ so learnedly and judiciously, as none in our age can confute them, we must comparatively reverence and yield to them, in as much as it hath pleased God to bestow on them such extraordinary understanding therein, as may give some light to our dark judgements: and yet not to think them absolute, because we cannot confute them, in regard it hath pleased God to cast us out of the Paradise of knowledge, lest we should have the benefit of them and live for ever. But to persist, whereas most have set forth so many several Man is shut out of the Paradise of knowledge. cures as there are diseases, nay oftentimes three or four receipts for one disease, that may argue a weakness in judgement in the cause, or a doubtfulness of their effectual operations in their qualities: Therefore I will content myself only with a few, knowing that one receipt hath cured half a dozen diseases, that are not so far differing in quality as in their Diseases are not so much differing in quality as in name. names: and refer those that desire to have varieties for practise upon several horses, to Mr. Markham's Masterpiece, where is not only carefully collected his own experience, but also the opinions of the ancientest and best Farriers, which is so complete, that not any cure (worth note) of any Practitioner) but is there included. And again, though some be so curious as they esteem of Costly things are esteemed the best with curious minds. no cures, except they be costly, thinking that to be the best that is the dearest, as if there could no good thing come out of Galalee, nor any virtue of healing from weeds and things of small esteem, and as though nature had made them superfluous and without use: yet I purpose not to set forth costly and curious compounds, sith I have found that such extraordinary charges Meaner things are often times to be preferred before costly. may often times be spared, whilst meaner things will work the better effect, being of a contrary quality to the disease they are applied; for the causes of all sickness and diseases either inward or outward, is the excess quality of heat or cold, which The causes of sickness and diseases. if it be inward and natural, than that distemperature proceedeth from heat, in as much as horses are naturally h●t, and must be remedied by such potions and drinks as are cooling, they accidentally proceeding either from heat by the inflammation 1. Pr. 6. 7. of the liver and the humours, either by excessive heating and sudden cooling, or else from cold, by foul and raw feeding, or too much rest, which engenders gross and cold humours, and then must be helped by good feeding, and comfortable drink, to drive that cold rawness from the heart and vital spirits into the outward parts. But if it be outward, than it accidentally proceedeth either from the inward parts, (as afore) The cause of outward surrances. or else outwardly, by a prick, bruise, cu●, or such like, which draweth those gross humours that are residing in the body, to that place (they having a natural desire to rest there, as the water doth desire to run into the Sea, being their proper place) and so causeth inflammation, and apostumation by excess of heat, which to repress, I have found nothing so effectual, as often to apply cold water, old piss, barm, or the dregs of Ale or beer, blue clay and vinegar, and such like, which are of a cold quality, and which I have found to prevail, when all the curious and chargeable Oils, and hot Poultices, have failed, being ministered according to the judgement of the best Farriers; for by these I have lost two horses myself, but by the other have preserved divers. Neither do I intend to spend time in filling empty papers, to fet forth receipts for impossible cures, as broken wind, rotten Impossible Cures. lungs, or mourning of the chine, bursting, all broken bones, or if they be dislocated indeed as the shoulder shot, or hipping & broken backed, all which I hold impossible, for though I have seen divers practised upon, yet I could never see them cured, by reason he is of such strength and weight, that they are hardly set right; but if they be, yet he is so weighty they cannot so continue, because he is unreasonable, and so not able to govern himself in such a case. And thus much briefly, I have thought good to speak of the intricateness and abuse in the professors thereof, for though I be not able to instruct so exactly as I desire, yet I wish that every one would ●ruel● examine his knowledge more seriously than they have done, and s● there shall be many excellent horses preserved, which are ignorantly spoiled, which is the cause A proof fro● the lesser to the greater. that I have insisted the more herein, without any insinuation, for as no one Plaster (though never so sovereign) can heal a wound (though it be green) but there must be one still applied after another, much less● then in an old fistulated ulcer, as this Art is, being impostumated by ignorance and custom. But whereas I may be held very ●u●ctiue to oppose generally Objection. against the Professors hereof, and to approve of my cogitations, and imaginations, to condemn others that have laboured therein? I answer, I do most worthily reverence and Answer. esteem of all the true Philosophical professors, that direct their practice by the causes and effects, to reduce them to the Theo. 2. good and conservation of these famous Creatures, which are so profitable, delightful, and necessary for the benefit both of Worthiness consisteth not in words but deeds. King and Commonwealth; but against the usurped Professors who care not how they torture and kill, so they may gain their own profit: for approbation and worthiness, is not in the applause of vulgar words, but merited by their industrious practice, Plato in Tim●o. though they have not the true splendour thereof: For we only behold the external and utter side of divine and simple natures much like the glimmering of a Candle, or sparkling of fire, a great distance from v● in a dark place. But if any kick in that I have priest so far as to pass the limits of mediocrity, it is the A conceited knower is wo●se than a fool. earnest desire I have to sound such ala●u● as may awake those that are cast in a dead slumber of ignorance, who though they have not their A. B. C. yet will contest against the judicious and the best learned: like those which if they can but talk a little of Tectory, will assume to Erect a House, aswell as the best Artist, although they cannot tell how to frame one joint to agree with the next in right angles, nor can tell how to work any Geometrical proportion. Weerefore to give some light to such as are desirous to have knowledge in curing, and have not learning how to enter into the dark and obscure secrets of nature, I have here inserted you the excellent and approved cures of the famous Italian Dionigio Grilli one of the best Farriers of the world, as they were dedicated to the Cardinal Farnese, and as I have myself approved them in mine own particular practice. CHAP. 2. A most excellent receipt for any Inward sickness whatsoever. TAke of Aristolochia Rotsie: one ounce, of bayberries one ounce, of Gentian one ounce, of Aniseeds one ounce, of Trifora magna, which is a composition to be bought of any Apothicary, one ounce, of Ginger one ounce, beat the hard simples into a very fine powder, then take a quart of white wine and put to it a gyll of the sweetest oil Olive, and warm it on the fire lukewarm, then put to it a spoonful and a half of this powder, a spoonful of the composition Trifora magna, & as much Mithridate, and stirring it well together give it the Horse to drink fasting, and exercise him moderately both before and after, and then keep him warm; Now if any of these simples be not to be got, then take two spoonful of the powder Diapente, and mix it with the wine as aforesaid, and it will be sufficient. CHAP. 3. A Suppossitary for any inward Sickness. IF your Horse be so exceeding weak and sick that you dare not administer to him inwardly by the stomach, you shall take of common Honey six ounces, of Wheat flower one ounce, of Salt-Niter one ounce and a half, of Aniseeds in fine powder one ounce, boil these to a hard thickness, and then make it into Suppossitaries, and having anointed your hand well with oil Olive, thrust it up into the Horse's fundament, and then hold down his tail hard for a good space after. CHAP. 4. A Glister to cure any inward Sickness. TAke of the oil of Dill, of the oil of Camomile, of Cassia and of the oil of Violets of each half an ounce, of brown Sugar-candy three ounces, of Mallows half a handful, boil these to a decoction in running water, and then administer it to the Horse in manner of a glister, and in the extremity of any sickness it is a certain cure. CHAP. 5. For the Yellows. FIrst, let the Horse blood in the neck vein, and according to the goodness or badness of the blood so proportionate the quantity you take away, then take a quart of sweet wine, or for want thereof a quart of strong Ale or Bear, then put to it four spoonful of the juice of Selladine, and half so much of the juice of Rue, and let them boil on the fire, then take it off and strain into it half an ounce of the best English Saffron, and three ounces of the best honey, and so give it the Horse lukewarm to drink, then Rake him up and down a little, and so set him up warm suffering him to fast two hours after, and give him to drink with his meat a sweet mash, but no cold water by any means. CHAP. 6. An excellent Pill for the Yellows. TAke half a pound of the best Honey and of Safforn beaten to very fine powder and the meal of Fenegreeke, of each a like quantity, and mix them with the honey, till it come to a stiff paste, then divide it into two several balls and dipping them in sweet Salad oil, draw out the horses tongue and force him to swallow them, then ride him up and down an hour and more, and so set him up warm, always provided that you ever let him blood in the neck vain first, and if you also let him blood in his eye veins and in the roof of his mouth, it will be much better, because the chawing and swallowing of his own blood is exceeding wholesome and Sovereine. CAHP. 7. For the Staggers. FIrst, by all means let him blood in the neck vein, and let him bleed very well; for the abundance of blood is the cause of the disease, then with an incision knife open the skin of the forehead as high as the foretop, and with a cornet raise up the skin, and put in two or three cloves of Garlic, and then stitch up the hole close again, with a needle and a little silk, and then binding a little flax or lint to the wound, be sure to keep out the wind or air which may do hurt, Then take of the seed of Cresses, the seed of poppy, the seed of Smallagde, the seed of Parsley, the seed of Dill, of Pepper and of Saffron, of each of these two ounces beat them all to a very fine powder, than put them to a pottle of Barley water, and then strain it very well through a strainer, and give the Horse a quart thereof to drink early in the morning fasting, and then Rake him up and down gently an hour or more, and so set him up and sprinkle his hay with water, but let him drink no cold water till he be well recovered. CHAP. 8. For any extreme cold whatsoever, or of what nature soever. TAke of Cloves, of Nutmegs, of Ginger, of Galls or the fruit of Oaks, and of Cardimonium of each a like quantity of Fenell seed some what more then of the rest beat and searce all these to a very fine powder, than put two spoonful thereof to a quart of White wine, and strain in two pennyworth of the best English Saffron, and then beat in the yolk of a couple of eggs, and so give it the Horse to drink early in the morning, and then air him abroad two hours or more, and be sure to keep him warm, and by no means let him drink cold water, nor let him eat any hay but what is sprinkled with water, and once a day (which should be at noon) if the time of the year serve give him the tender green crops of Reeds or Sallowes, to eat from your hand, for they are very sovereign, and thus do divers mornings together, and it will not only cleanse away all manner of cold, but also open his conduits and set his wind at liberty. CHAP. 9 For the Lax or Flux of Body, by any means. TAke Wood-ashes finely seared, and mix them with as much Bolarmonyacke made into fine powder, and mixing it well with his water, let him drink thereof morning and evening and it will stay his scouring, but if it be so violent▪ by either the eating of a feather or any other poison, that this will not stay it, then take the entrails of a Hen or Pullet, and mixing them with an ounce of Spycknard, cause the Horse to swallow it and it will presently stay the Flux. CHAP. 10. For a Horse that is Hyde-bound●r in great poverty. TAke of clarified hogs-grease two ounces, of the juice of Dragant-worte one ounce, of Incense half an ounce, of the Syrup of Roses three ounces, dissolve all these in a pint and a half of honeyed water on a soft fire, and give it the Horse to drink fasting in the morning, and exercise him a little thereon, then set him up warm and let him fast two or three hours, and it will Scour out all his infection, loosen his skin, and make him feed very suddenly after. CHAP. 11. An excellent receipt for the pissing of blood. FIrst cleanse his yard if any filth or corruption be barked thereunto, by washing it with Butter and Beer made warm together, then let the Horse blood in the neck vein; and lastly, take the water or juice of Leeks or of Onions, that is, the water wherein they have been steeped twelve hours at least, and close stopped▪ to the quantity of a pint, then as much White wine and jumble it well together till it look slimy, then give it the Horse to drink, and do thus divers mornings, and it will stay that flux of blood, and bring his urine to the natural and ordinary colour. CHAP. 12. A most excellent receipt for the Stone, or for a Horse that cannot piss but drop by drop. TAke of Saxifrage, of Nettle roots, of Parsley roots, of Fenell roots, of Sperage roots, of Dodder, of each of these a little handful, boil all these on a gentle fire in a pottle of White wine till a third part be consumed, then put in a handful of Salt, of oil Olive, and the lard of a Goat, of each a Gyll, of Hon●● half a pound, and then give the Horse a pint and better of this to drink every morning fasting, being only made lukewarm, and if it chance either by the boiling or standing to grow too thick, you shall resolve it with White-wine, and after the first boiling but only warm it: and here you must Note, that by all means you must bruise the roots well before you boil them, and not strain them till all the moisture be spent, and then strain them hard with fresh White wine and give it the Horse to drink also. CHAP. 13. For the Worms or Bots in Horses. TAke of the tender crops of Broome half a little handful, and as much Savin, and chop them very small, then with sweet Butter work it into pills or Balls, and having kept the the Horse fasting all night, make him early in the morning swallow two or three balls thereof, then chafe him a little, and set him upon his bridle, making him fast at least two hours after, but by no means let him touch any water till it be night. CHAP. 14. An excellent Purgation or Scouring for any Horse that is either Sick, Surfeited, or hath his grease melted. TAke of Cassia an ounce, of Filonio Perseo & of Tryfora magna, being two compositions, of each half an ounce, of syrup of Violets two ounces, and dissolve all these in four ounces of Mell Rosatum, and with a Horn give it the Horse fasting, then rake him up and down gently an hour or two, and after set him an hour upon his Bridle, then give him a sweet mash, after clean dressed provender and sweet hay, but let him touch no cold water for two days following. And thus much for all manner of inward diseases in Horses, which are to be cured by drench or potion, and although the multiplicity of the names of inward diseases are far beyond these which I have reckoned, yet is there not any inward disease whatsoever, but may be safely cured by some one of these which I have already recited. Therefore I will now proceed to outward Sorances, and although in both I differ from the method which my author Signior Grilli useth as touching the Marshalling of the medicines, yet I will keep his matter and meaning most truly and with a great deal more ease and benefit to the reader, whom I am much more curious to please then he was, who only placed his receipts as they came to his memory. CHAP. 15. An approved medicine for the Dropsy or Feltrick in Horses. THis is a disease most incident to horses that are nourished with foul foggy and moist feeding, as for the most part your Fen jades are, so as in those places you shall have continual experience thereof, being a foul unnatural swelling of the Horse's body, especially under his belly. The cure whereof is, first, with your Fleame strike him in divers places where the swelling most appeareth, and let the corrupt blood drop out the space of an hour and more, then wipe his body clean, and take a pint of strong lee made with urine and ash ashes, and dissolu● into it an ounce of Populyo, and an ounce of Dyalthea, and being made very warm, therewith bath and anoint all the swelled place, and morning and evening after the Frycasse▪ chase or Troth the Horse up and down for the space of half an hour, and for a morning or two give him to drink a quart of Ale, and two spoonful of Diapente brewed together, by let it but immediately before his chase. CHAP. 16. Of outward Sorances: and first o● the strengthening of the Sinews whether they be hurt by strain, stroke, or wound. TAke of Swine's grease, of Horse tallow, of May Butter, of oyl● Olive, of ●●ch of them five ounces and a half, of the ointment called A●rip●a one ounce and a half of new wax two ounces and a half, and of Camphyr a third part to all the rest, melt them all together on the fire, and make thereof an Unguent, and being very warm, anoint the grieved part therewith morning and evening, and what you use not preserve in a close glass or gallipot, for it will last all the year. CHAP. 17. A most excellent Powder to cure any Fistula either in the Pole, the withers, or any other part of the horses Body. TAke of Roman Vitriol two ounces, of Roch-Allom and Rose-water of each two ounces, and boil all these together on a quick fire, till they come to be as hard as a stone; then b●at it into a very fine powder, then when you dress the sore fi●st d●p your Tent in unguentum Aegyptiacum and then roll i● in this Powder, and so put it into the hollowness: this Powder also being sprinkled on any old sore will dry it up and heal it. CHAP. 18. For the Farcy. OF all the Diseases and Sora●ces which do belong to a horse, there is none more hateful and vild than this which is called the Farcy, and though being truly looked into with Art and judgement, it is as easy to cure as any other Sorance, yet when any overslip or escape happeneth, it is then utterly incurable, or at the least so difficult, that it is seldom or never cured without some foul eye sore or deformity, the only reason thereof being, that this disease groweth from purrifaction of blood and foulness of body; so that except the body be first thoroughly scoured and cleansed, it is impossible with any outward medicine to work any cure or ease at all. Therefore for the safe curing of this disease, you shall first le● the horse blood in the neck vain and take from him good store of blood, for there is little doubt to be made of his weakening; then take of the composition called Triforamagna▪ of Aloes patico, of each two ounces, of Barley Bran two ounces, dissolve ●ll these in a pint of oil olive, than di●de it into two parts and give them two mornings together to the horse, with a horn, being mixed with a pint of white wine, then take as much black soap as a Walnut; and half so much Arsenic beaten to powder, and make them into a salve, then with the point of a knife open all the hard knots or pustulles and put into them the quantity of two barley corns of this salve, and it will eat out the chores & kill the poisonous humour, then when you see the wounds red and fair, heal them up by anointing them with fresh butter, molten hot, and the Powder of Bolearmoniacke strewed thereon. CHAP. 19 For a Horse that hath a Stinking breath. TAke of Cinnamon, of Cloves, of Gallingall, of Commin-seeds, of Aniseeds, of Coriander-seeds, of each of these three ounces, of fenugreek eight ounces, beat all these and searce them to a fine powder, then mix with them two pound of wheat meal, and with white wine make it into a stiff past, then in an Oven or stove bake it as hard and dry as may be, and then beat it into a fine powder, then give the horse every morning three of four spoonful of this powder, brewed in a pint of white Wine, and a pint of Ale mixed together, and it will take away all ill and corrupt savours of the breath. CHAP. 20. A most excellent Plaster to cure any wound, galled back, or other hurt whatsoever. TAke of Rosin, of common Pitch, of each six ounces, of Mastic, of Incense, of each one ounce, of Turpentine, of Galbanum and of armoniac, of each three ounces, melt, dissolve and incorporate all these together upon a gentle fire, and make them into a plaster, and when you use it, spread it upon a cloth somewhat thin; But if you use it to any outward part, where no skin is broken, then lay it on with floxe a great deal more thick: This plaster as it cureth any wound, gall or hurt, so it r●peneth, breaketh and healeth all manner of impostumations, or biles, it is also an excellent defensitive plaster for the staying and drying up of evil humours, and also most sovereign for the assuaging of all manner of Swell. CHAP. 21. For Sinews that are cut or severed. TAke of new Wax, of Rosin, of each two ounces, of the marrow of a Cow four ounces, of Gum Arabeeke two ounces, of oil of Roses, three ounces, melt and incorporate all these together on the fire, and then when you use it warm it, and either anoint, tent, or plaster the sore. CHAP. 22. For a Mallander or selander. TAke the Lard of Bacon one pound, of red Lead, verdigris and golden Lithargie, of each two ounces, boil them all very well together, and having cleansed the sore and made it raw, anoint it therewith morning and evening till it be dried up. CHAP 2. An excellent Powder for any sore eye. TAke of Sal▪ armoniac, of Tutya prepared, of Sagyna called in Latin Panicum judicum, of Ginger, of each of these half an ounce, of the best Sugar-candy two ounces, mix them all together, and beat them, and searce them to as fine a powder as is possible, then dissolve a little thereof in the juice of ground ivy, or in the water of eyebright, and therewith dress the sore eye, and it will cure it. CHAP. 24. An excellent Water for all manner of sore eyes. TAke of the leaves and roots of Veruine, of ordinary honey and of Roman vitriol, of each a like quantity, and being bruised and mixed together, put them into a Still, and distill them, keeping the water in a close glass, then when you have occasion to use it, put out a little, and add to it the fat of a Hen, or a little Capon's grease, and therewith anoint the sore eye and it will heal it. CHAP. 25. For any Bone, Spaven, Splent, Curb, Ring-bone, or any other bony excression. FIrst, shave off the hair, and scarify the skin with a sharp knife just upon the top of the excression; then take grey soap as much as half a Walnut, and so much Arsenic beaten to powder, and mix them well together, then spreading some of it on hurds according to the quantity of the grief, bind it to the same and remove it not for eight▪ and forty hours, then take it away, but stir not the asker or scab, but only anoint it with fresh butter, till it fall away of itself and so heal: As for the Bog or wet Spaven which is but only a flux of blood in that part, it may easily be cured by taking up the vain on the inside the hinder leg only, provided that in taking up the vain, you bind fast above, and then cut the vain asunder. CHAP. 26. For pinching with the Saddle on the Withers, or other part of the back, the navel gall, and such like. TAke of Oil de bay, of Costus, Foxe-grease, of the Oil of Savine, of each of these one ounce, then take of worms, to the quantity of an hundred, and scour them well in White wine and salt, then put all into an earthen pot close stopped, and boil them well, then add an ounce and a half of Oil Olive, then boil it over again till it come to a perfect unguent, then strain it well into a glass or gallipot, and keep it close, then when you use it warm it, and dress the sore therewith, and it will heal it. CHAP. 27. For the Scab, Scurf or Mangy. TAke of wild Spurdge, of Sellydon, of Brimstone, of each three ounces, of Hogs-grease and Quicksilver mix two ounces of new wax, two ounces, and of Tallow two ounces, melt and incorporate all these together, and therewith anoint the horse after you have made the sores raw, and washed them with old piss and Copporas boiled together; and in any wise let the Horse blood in the neck vain, and take good store of blood from him at the beginning of the Cure. CHAP. 28. For any hurt in the Fetlock whether it come by casting in the halter, or otherwise. TAke the yolk of an Egg, and as much unsleckt lime as being beaten with it will bring it to an Ointment, then mix with it the juice of a head of Garlic, and a little soot, and with this anoint the sore till it begin to heal, then to skin it up, take of Oil Olive, of Oil of Roses of each one ounce, of Turpentine three ounces, and of new wax one ounce, melt them all together, and put a fourth part of verdigris thereunto, and with it skin up the sore. CHAP. 29. For the Mules, kib'd heel●s, Scratches, pains, or other such noisome Sorance. FIrst Clip off the hair, and lay the Sores as raw and bare as may be, then wash them with strong old piss, then take of unsleckt lime, of salt and of soot, of each a like quantity, boil them with strong Vinegar till it come to be thick like a plaster, then soften it with Hogs-grease, till it become an Unguent, and then as hot as the Horse can suffer it, do anoint the sores therewith till it be whole. CHAP. 30. For any hurt or sore upon the Cro●et of the Hoof. TAke an Ege or two, and beat it with Soot till it be thick and stiff, then add to it a good quantity of Oil Oque, and a spoonful or two of the pounder of Heart's h●●ne, and boil them all together till it come to a very thick salve, and therewith dress the sore till it be whole. CHAP. 31. For any Strain or grief in the shoulder, or any other joint or member. TAke of Oil de Bay, of Dialthea, fresh Butter, and the Oil of Turpentine, of each of them two ounces mix and boil them together on a soft fire, and when they are well incorporate, as hot as the Horse can suffer it, anoint the offended place, twice or thrice a day, and give the Horse moderate exercise by walking him gently up and down and it is a certain and an approved remedy. CHAP. 32. For all manner of swelled legs whether they be putryfied or otherwise. Swelled legs (at the first beginning) may be cured by the oft laving or washing them with cold water, as also they may by such use be defended and pre●ented from such Sorances, but if by negligence or other casualty the Horse happen into this grief, you shall take of Honey a pound, of Turpentine four ounces, of common Gum four ounces, of the meal of Lynseede and the meal of fenugreek, of each four ounces, and of the powder of bayberries well searst three ounces, then mix and boil all these very well together then take it off and put to it a pint of White wine, then boil it again till it be very thick, and with this as hot as the Horse can suffer it, lap the Horse's leg or legs about plaster-wise, and renew it not above once a week, but when you ride him, and it is a certain well approved medicine. CHAP. 33 For Cloying, Pricking, or any other hurt in the quick of the Horse's foot. FIrst, with a paring knife cut the Hoof and lay open the wound as plain as may be, then take of wax, of Hogs-grease, and of Turpentine of each one ounce, of Verdy-grease a quarter of an ounce, boil them all on a gentle fire, and being reasonable hot dip a few flax hurds therein, and with the same dress the sore, renewing it at least three times a day, and it will heal it. CHAP. 34. An excellent Bath for any grief inward or outward that a Horse hath, whether apparent or hid. TAke of Savine, the bark and leaves of Laurel, of Pelletary, of Rosemary, of Sage, of Rue, of each of these four ounces, and boil them in a gallond of White wine, till a half part be consumed, and with this bath the horse where the grief is apparent, or general (if no grief appear) outwardly, and it is a most approved good medicine. CHAP. 35. For a horse that refuseth his meat through the extremity of Cold. TAke Rue and Pepper of each a like quantity, and beat them in a mortar together till they be thick like a salve, then take a good lump thereof, and put it into the Horse's mouth and force him to chaw and hold it therein a good space, and assoon as you let him open his chaps he will fall to his meat and eat eagerly, or if you but chop bryony into little morsels and give it him to eat, it will bring his stomach again suddenly. CHAP. 36. For a Horse that is foundered. OF Foundring, there are two kinds, the one in the body, the other in the feet, and to them we may add a general foundering, which is when a Horse is Foundered both in the body and feet at one instant (as many times it happeneth) and the Cure is, first, to let him blood in the neck vein, and save the blood in a clean vessel stirring it much about for cluttering, then put unto it a dozen whites of Eggs, and as much Bran or Wheat-meale and Bolarmoniake as will thicken it, and therewhere with charge his back and legs from the knees upward. Then take a pint of sweet wine, and more than half so much of his own blood, of the best Treackle and of Diapente, of each a good spoonful, of Man's ordure the quantity of a good Nut, brew and mix all these very well together, and give it the Horse to drink with a Horn: then take of unsleckt lime a pretty quantity, and as much Orpment, and dissolve them in running water like an Unguent, then let it stand for an hour or two after it is so prepared, and then take as much Mel Rosarum as will bring it to a very stiff substance, and with it being made very hot both anoint the upper part of his Hoves, (especially about the cronets,) and also stop the bottoms or soles of his feet therewith: and also if you take good store of blood from the Toae veins, the cure will be both more easy and more speedy. CHAP. 37. An approved medicine for the Canker. THough all Cankers hold but one general nature, yet there is difference in the cure; for the Canker which is outwardly on the flesh & that which is inwardly in the mouth may not take one general application, though one and the self-same medicine will heal both, because to the outward parts may be applied poisonous corrosives, as Mercury, Auripigmentum and such like, but into the mouth must needs come none but sharp natural medicines, which will not offend the stomach, therefore for any Canker, first make a strong Allomwater of Allome, Honey Sage-leaves, Woodbine-leaves, and clean running water, well boiled together, and with this water and the leaves rub the sores till they be red and raw, then take strong Wine-Vinegar, and a half part of the powder of Allome finely beat and searst, and a half part of Ginger likewise finely beat and searst, and an equal quantity of life Honey, and mix them all very well together, and therewith anoint the sore morning and evening until it be whole. CHAP. 38. The Authors Farewell. THus most loving, courteous, and best affected Reader I have resembled the part of a careful Husbandman and have gathered the harvest that the seed of my barren soil hath yielded, which (I grant) was at the first gleaned after other men's Carts: and now having thrashed it with the flail of practice; and winnowed it with the fan of experience, I have sown it ᵃ The Author's willingness to profit his country. on the Furrows of the world, that it may be watered with the dewey showers of your charitable affection, hoping that it will fructify the more, being sown in the Vernal, or Spring time of the year, when the Vigetative faculty is most predominate: the which if it will yield but such increase as is worthy to be carried into the Barns of your kind acceptance, I shall think my pains fully recompensed. And (for your further good) will encourage me to till this ground again, for a new crop, (so that I may have but this straw to redeem my present necessity) which I hope will make such bread, as will nourish all the imps, and labourers that shall grow, or take pains in this Vineyard, (if it be not reaped with the infectious sickle of preiudication.) For I grant, this is defective in wanting the strongest grain to ᵇ The Buff saddle is t●e give nourishment▪ which I did omit, both because it was not of such present necessary use; and also that it would have made this ᶜ ●●fe g●ound 〈…〉. Book so great and unportable, as many would have been destitute of relief for want of ability to purchase the same: For notwithstanding ● 〈◊〉 minds are 〈…〉 cannot be 〈◊〉. it is multiplied to a far greater quantity than my intended mind at the first did think to produce. In the which (by God's assistance, as he shall enlighten mine understanding) Theo. 3.d. I will also purge that part from such choking weeds as are grown therein some what amply; and confine this within ᵈ Many things consume the memory. a more summary limit, only illustrating such points as are obumbrated by unfolding so many doubts: which I will set forth Dialoguewise for the more facility and ease of your apprehensions; till which time accept of this my simple good will, and so I bid you hearty farewell, desiring a prosperous success to these my willing endeavours, to have this famous Art meritoriously to flourish in this Kingdom. FINIS. A TABLE OF ALL THE Cures for Diseases in Horses, contained in this Book. CHAP. Fol. 1 HOw the true knowledge of Curing diseases is intricate. 1 2 A most excellent receipt for any Inward sickness what soever. 8 3 A Suppossitary for any inward Sickness. ibid. 4 A Glister to cure any inward Sickness. 9 5 For the Yellows. ibid. 6 An excellent Pill for the Yellows. ibid. 7 For the Staggers. 10 8 For any extreme cold whatsoever, or of what nature soever. ibid. 9 For the Lax or Flux of Body, by any means. 11 10 For a Horse that is Hydebound or in great poverty. ibid. 11 An excellent receipt for the pissing of blood. ibid. 12 A most excellent receipt for the Stone, or for a Horse that cannot piss but drop by drop. 12 13 For the Worms or Bots in Horses. ibid. 14 An excellent Purgation or Scouring for any Horse that is either Sick, Surfeited, or hath his grease melted. 13 15 An approved medicine for the Dropsy or Feltricke in Horses. ibid. 16 Of outward Sorances: and first, of the strengthening of the Sinews whether they be hurt by strain, stroke, or wound. 14 17 A most excellent Powder to cure any Fistula either in the Pole, the withers, or any other part of the horses Body. ibid. 18 For the Farcy. ibid. 19 For a Horse that hath a Stinking breath. 15 20 A most excellent Plaster to cure any wound, galled back, or other hurt whatsoever. 16 21 For Sinews that are cut or severed. ibid. 22 For a Mallander or selander. ibid. 23 An excellent Powder for any sore eye. ibid. 24 An excellent Water for all manner of sore eyes. 17 25 For any Bone, Spaven, Splent, Curb, Ring-bone, or any other bony excression. ibid. 26 For pinching with the Saddle on the Withers, or other part of the back, the navel gall, and such like. ibid. 27 For the Scab, Scurf or Mangy. 18 28 For any hurt in the Fetlock, whether it come by casting in the halter, or otherwise. ibid. 29 For the Mules, kib'd heels, Scratches, pains, or other such noisome Sorance. ibid. 30 For any hurt or sore upon the Cronet of the Hoof. 19 31 For any Strain or grief in the shoulder, or any other joint or member. ibid. 32 For all manner of swelled legs, whether they be putryfied or otherwise. ibid. 33 For Cloying, Pricking, or any other hurt in the quick of the Horsesfoote. 20 34 An excellent Bath for any grief inward or outward that a Horse hath, whether apparent or hid. ibid. 35 For a horse that refuseth his meat through the extremity of Cold. ibid. 36 For a Horse that is foundered. 21 37 An approved medicine for the Canker. ibid. 38 The Authors Farewell. 22 FINIS.