England's royal coat of arms, 1608 ❧ By the King.  
WE are informed that there hath been of late( through neglect of the laws of our realm, and such good orders as haue been taken) so great a transportation of Horses into foreign parts, as well for the number, exceeding reason, as in regard of the qualities and statures forbidden, as it hath both already caused an excessive price of Horses among our Subiects, and will with time vnfurnish the realm of sufficient number for use and service. For preventing whereof, we do straitly charge and command all our Customers, controllers, Searchers, and all other Officers of our Ports, and other Officers whatsoever, That they suffer not any Horses to bee shipped within any of their charges, or Transported by what licence or Warrant soever, except it be under our own hand, or under the hand of the Master of our Horse, until vpon some consideration had thereof by us and our council, Order bee taken how( in some cases agreeable to the laws of the realm, and without inconvenience to our Subiects) Horses of some condition may in reasonable number be permitted to bee transported, and by what Warrant the same shal be done, and the better sort stayed within the realm for use and service.  
given under our hand at Holdenby the xiiij. day of August, in the sixth year of our reign of great britain, France and Ireland.  
God save the King.   

¶ Imprinted at London by the Deputies of Robert Barker, Printer to the Kings most Excellent majesty. ANNO 1608.