^-5, V O "T ^-t^ ^ — ^ ^1 DOULTON & Co., LONDON, S.E. da\» da tX» Vl/ da da tXl^ da\» da • FOR INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL DECORATION, IN FAIENCE, IMPASTO, PATE SUR PATE, SILICON, AND THE WELL KNOWN DOULTON WARE. SANITARY APPLIANCES, IN EARTHENWARE and STONEWARE, with the LATEST IMPROVEMENTS in FITTINGS. DRAIN PIPEsTfRAPsTGuillisrSlNKS, itc, HIGHLY VITRIFIED. StaffoMshlre Blue Bricks, Tiles, Ridges, &c. OF THE BEST QUALITY. These Bricks, being of a very hard and durable substance, are specially suitable for PAVING STABLES, STABLE YARDS, CROSSINGS, &c.; They can be supplied both by Railway and Canal, dh'ect from the Works, in South Staffordshire. ILLUSTRATED PRICE LISTS ON APPLICATION. Messrs. D. & Co. have olitained the highest awards for their Manufactures at all the leading Exhibitions. MANUEACTORIES : LamlDetli Pottery, London. S.E. ; Rowley Eegis, Staffordshire; Smetliwick, near Birniingliani ; St. Helen's, Lancashire, and Bnrsleni, StaffordsMre. DEPOTS: 100, Soho Street, and Edge ffill, Liverpool; Granville Street, Birniingliani, and 6, Ene de Paradis, Paris. CHIEE OEEICfiS KM^ SHOW EOOMS : Laniheth, London, S.E. K APPOINTMENT.- SADDLERS BY Also to H.R.H. The Yiceroy of Egypt, and Contractors to Her Majesty's Cavalry, and the Gro\ernment of India. SADDLERY, /^ HARNESS, Horse Clothing &c. £ s. d. All Over Hogskiu Saddles, complete 3 3 Ditto ditto ..440 Best ditto ditto •• 5 5 l.adies' Side Saddles, with extra Leaping Head, complete, from £5/10 to 8 8 O Single Rein Bridles, from |2/6 to 18 6 £ s. d. Double Rein Bridles, -with Bit aud Bradorn from £|/| to | |0 O Single Harness, Brass Mounted, from £8/8 to 10 10 Silver-plated Harness,from£9 to 12 O O Double Harness, from £|8 to 24 O Manufacturers of Cavalry, Artillery, and Rifle Corps Appointments, New- Regulation Army Saddles, Bridles, Spurs, Bits, and Chains ; all descriptions of Horse Clothing aud Stable Furniture. Inventors of the Patent Double Spring Bar, for Releasing the Stirrup Leather when thrown. 84, TJI^/OH: & 00., (ESTABLISHED 1835.) LONG ACRE, LONDON, W.C.^ asro O^WJiTEI^ OIF HORSES OI?, O-A.'TTLEl SHOULD BE WITHOUT POND'S EXTRACT VETERINARY REMEDY, AN UNRIVALLED APPLICATION FOR Lameness, Bruises, Sprains, Galls, Sore Backs and Shoulders, Wounds, Broken Knees, Swellings, Strains, &c., &c. No other Application can ajjproach this Remedy for Quickness and Thoroughness of Cure in such cases as the above. The following Testimonials are specimens of many : — Churchill Cottage, East Usley, Newbury, Berks, To roNU's Extract Co., 1o, New Oxford Street, London. May SOth, 1883. Gentlemen, — I have great pleasure in saying that I have found your Veteiinary Preparation a most valuable remedy, and the QUICKEST I HAVE EVER USED. No stable ought ever to be without it. Yours respectfully, JAMES DOVER. The Uplands, Shifnal, Salop, Pond's Extract Co., 25, New Oxford Street, London. June 12th, 1883. Gentlemen, — I have used your Veterinary Remedy for some time, and find it has done a -Teat deal of good to those horses I have used it upon. I have recommended it to several Trainers at Ascot. Yours truly, T. WADLOW. NOTE TH IS— We will send a Sample Bottle FREE and CARRIAGE PAID to any reader of this book who writes for it. This proves our perfect confidence in the Remedy. Sole Manufactukkks— POND'S EXTRACT CO.. 25, NEW OXFORD STREET, LONDON, W.C, \\\*4 MidaoL Feelm(j[ rear a?iu/ aicrprise. The^ artcoTZ or the^ ^^ ^^^ (^iTzycniec/ a^ cl tStSstil:i6^^-^ /or the^ heartr?^ rei>rt/) THE ROYAL HORSE BOOK "CENTAUR;" OR, THE TURN OUT/' A Practical Treatise on the (Humane) Management of Horses, either in Harness, Saddle^ or Stable; with Hitits respecting the Harness-Room, Coach- House, &'c., BY E. W, GO UGH, i THIRD— AND POPULAR— EDI TI ON. ) HENRY THACKER & CO., New Street Square, Fleet Street, London, E.C. 1885. copYRiGHT.l Call rights reskrved CONTEITTS. PAGE. PREFACE TO THIRD EDITION ... .« ... .. 9 THE "CENTAUR" ... 13 THE ARGUMENT .. ... 15 DEDICATION AND ADDRESS TO SIR C. FORSTER, Baet., M.P. 17, IS INTRODUCTION TO FIKST EDITION ... .. ... 10 PRELIMINARY REMARKS ... 21 THE " THOROUGH (4R00M" ... ... ... ... 2:3 SELECTING THE HORSE 26 CLASSIFICATION OF HORSES 30 STANDARD MEASURE, AND PRINCIPAL POINTS OF THE HORSE ... 31 RULE FOR JUDGING THE AGE OF THE HORSE ... ... 32 PURCHASING OR ORDERING THE HARNESS ... ... 30 FITTING THE HARNESS ... ... ... 44 TO ATTACH THE HORSE TO THE VEHICLE 58 DRIVING 63 MEMOS. NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN IN CONNECTION WITH THE HARNEibS 71 UNHARNESSING AND CLEANING ... 72 THE VEHICLE 80 JIBBING 86 RIDING 89 THE STABLE AND STABLE FITTINGS ... 101 DOCKING AND NICKING ... 123 CART, FARM, AND PIT GEARS ; SHOEING AND ROUGHING 125 EFFECT OF MUSIC UPON THE HORSE ... 133 NATURAL CLEANLINESS OF THE HORSE 136 WONDERFUL PIORSES ... ... ... .. ... 138 WILD HORSES 140 ilORSEY PHRASES, SLANG TERMS, AND RACY REMARKS... 141 HORSE SHOWS AND MAY-DAY CELEBRATIONS 147 THE FREE REGISTRY SYSTEM 150 SADDLERS' SHOPS , 153 SADDLERS' GUIDE ... ... ... 154 A FEW NECESSARY HINTS AND RECEIPTS .. ... 176 VARIETIES OF THE HORSE 179 IRON HORSES : CYCLES ... .. ... 183 A CHAPTER OF ACCIDENTS 186 SHAKESPEARE A HORSEMAN ... 204 TESTIMONIALS, &c. 212 CONCLUSION, EXPLANATION OF TITLE 225 CHAPTER OF SPECIALITIES ... .- ... ... 227 LIST OF ILLUSTflATIONS. THE CENTAUR. MUTUAL FEELING— FEAR AND SURPRISE. ANATOMY OF THE HORSE. EASE AND COMFORT. PLEASURE AND AC'llON. A SCREW LOOSE. BrJ\S, POULTICE HOOTS, MUZZLES, ko. THE TEETH AND FEET. THE AUTHOR'S CENTAUR. INDEX TO ADVEBTISBES. Atkinson & Philipson Carriage and Harness Manufacturers. Barnsby, J. a Saddle Manufacturer. BowDEN, F. H Henry's Hippacea. BowN, William Horse Clippers. Brecknell, Turner, & Sons Saddle Soap. Bunch, Benj., & Sons Iron &; Steel. Clare, Joseph Currier. Dawes, F Horse Cloths, &c. Day, Son, & Hkwitt Horse Keeper's Medicine Chest. Doulton, & Co Fylne Brick Pavings for Stables, Sanitary Appliances, kc. Eglington, F Bits, Snaffles, Stirrups, &c. Eld, George 1 fames. Traces, &c. GouGH & Co Harness, Saddles, Saddle Bars, ^g. Hamblet, J Terra Metallic Pavings for Stables. Hanfoed, James " The Golden Embrocation " or " ('ure All." Hart, Arthur "Saddlery Webs" and "Cavalry Braces." Hassall & Singleton Stable Fittings, &c. Hawkins, J. H., & Co Bits, Stirrups, Spurs, &c. Hinkley, Walters, & Co. . . Hinkley's Liniment. HuMBER & Co Bicycles and Tricycles. Jamieson & Co Harness Composition. Lister, E. A., & Co The Beaufort Hunt Mill. London k Provincl\l Horse and Carriage Insurance Co. London Rubber Co Waterproof, Driving, and Riding Coats, &c. Myers, T Royal Cattle Spice. Plant, W. & J Horse Clippers. Pond's Extract Co Pond's Extract, Veterinary Remedy. Roper, R., Son & Co Jem Cook's Alterative and Condition Powders. Spratt's Patent Forage Biscuits, " Locurium," &c. Swinden 6c Sons Watches for Hunting and Shooting. Thacker, Henry, & Co Inks, Pens, Glu-ene, &:c. Tones, J., & Co Curriers. Urch & Co., Saddlery, Harness, &c. Venables, Thomas Coach and Gig Harness, Furniture, &c. Wilkinson, W. B. & Co Stable Floors, Stable Yards, &c. PREPACE TO THIRD EDITION OF "CENTAUR." *' All tongues sj-teak of liim, and the bleared sights Are spectacled to see him ; your prattling nurse Into a rapture lets the baby cry, While she chats him : the kitchen malkin pins Her richest lockram 'bout her reechy neck, Clambering the walls to eye him ; stalls, bulks, windows, Are smothered up, leads fill'd and ridges horsed With varia1)le complexions ; all agreeing In earnestness to see him." — SHAKEsrEAui:. Goriolanus, Act II, Scene I. NCOUEAGED hj the intense curiosity and excitement which greeted the appear- ance of this work in 1878, and the exten- sive sale of the second issue, together with its still increasing popularity — which, indeed, has far surj^assed his most sanguine expectations — the Author is induced to publish another edition, and in order to bring the work within the reach of everyone interested in the care and management of horses, he has decided to issue the book in a cheaper form. In arriving at this decision the writer is actuated by a sincere desire to diffuse practical knowledge among people who have horses, either of theii- own, or are entrusted with the care of those of others, as will enable them to obtain the greatest amount of work at the least cost, and with the greatest amount of ease and comfort to the animals themselves. There can be no doubt that in many cases — ' ' Evil is wi'ought from want of thought As well as want of heart, " and that much of the cruelty inflicted upon the horse is the result of ignorance rather than intention on the part of the attendant ; therefore, it was with the view to removing this ignorance or carelessness that the Author was constrained to publish this work originally, and the ver}'- encouraging and numerous letters and testimonials he has received from all parts 10 Centaur; of the world are convincing proofs that his humble endeavours have not been in vain, but, on the contrary, that they have been productive of much practical good ; and he trusts that by this popular or cheap edition of his work many persons who could not aflford to purchase the higher-priced book may now be enabled to procure a copy, and permanently profit by the perusal and study of its contents. If a man can only succeed in convincing a horse that he is its friend, and has no intention of rough usage, or to hurt it, then the horse will do anything for such a man; and the Author^s object is to show his readers how to win and retain the ready confidence of the horse, and, at the same time, to preserve its health, and keep it and the *'turn out" generally in proper condition ; which means ease and comfort for the driver, as well as the probability of greater freedom from accident. Although the present edition is much lower in price than the preceding editions, yet it will be found to contain the same original matter and many lines added, in harmony with the times. It has also been carefully revised, and recent discoveries and reliable opinions touched upon. One novel feature in the present edition, and one which will be found both edifying and amusing, is the introduction of what might be aptly termed a " Shakesperian chapter " on the horse and its belongings. The fact is well known that the " Great bard of Avon" — who wrote '* Not for an age, but for all time " — was a careful student of both Nature and Art ; and many oj the quotations in the chapter referred to will prove how carefully and correctly he had studied the character of this noble animal the horse ; and how thoroughly he understood all that was necessary to its comfort and convenience. The interest and value of this work will be furthur enhanced by the addition of a chapter devoted to useful inventions and practical discoveries, so that persons in want of articles connected with the horse may see where he can be suppKed; and, where the Author has had an opportunity OR, The Tukn Out. 11 of testing any speciality, he will give his unbiased judgment of its merits for the guidance of his readers, who may rely upon the opinions expressed, as they will be given only after a careful and painstaking examination or thorough testing of the articles, as the case may be. It is intended that, either now or at a future time, this department shall form a standard register or book of reference to the advertise- ments shown at the end of the work, which shall consist only of specialities of genuine merit and real utility to which intending purchasers can with confidence turn. Referring to the one continuous stream of praises and com- plimentary encomiums passed upon the previous editions of this work, the Author would here mention one brief opinion sent by a gentleman who prides himself upon the number and value of his horses. He says : " Your book, * Centaur,* is a real life saver, and a copy of it ought to be chained to every stable door." It is gratifying to find that an efibrt is being made to encourage the carters and others employed by the Railway Companies and other large proprietors to treat their horses with systematic kindness, and to keep the stables and harness in proper order. This is a step in the right direc- tion, and one which this work will render an easy task for those who make themselves acquainted with its directions and arguments. In adding a chapter on cycles, the Author thinks such observations peculiarly adapted to the times in which we live, and to the present issue of " Centaur." Since the first edition of the work appeared, bicycles and tricycles have made immense strides in perfection of manufacture, and have indeed become a permanent institution of the road ; so much so, that now in all our rides and drives, with horse, carriage, or team, the modern machine has to be bargained for, and its noiseless approach claims special observance of the " Rule of the Road," which applies as strictly to one as to the other, the bicycle being no longer a toy, but a recognised and welcome motive-power, and in thorough harmony with the requirements of this fass and go-a-head age ; therefore 12 Centaur; the Author would call the particular attention of horsemen and cyclists alike to the rules and laws laid down for the general guidance and public safety, for The rule of the road is a paradox quite, As the drivers they jog it along ; If you keep to the left you are sure to go right, But if you keep to the right you are wrong. While venturing to place before the public another edition of " Centaur " (which the Author believes to be a require- ment and a want), he would take this opportunity of tendering his thanks for the extensive patronage and good feeling bestowed upon his former editions. The Author thinks that perhaps the best proof of the popularity of his work, is the number and variety of piratical imitations, and persistant borrowers of his registered title, and the frequent use of the word " Centaur" in connection with inventions and periodicals which have no bearing what- ever upon the subject treated of in the original, and which undoubtedl}^ furnishes a monster illustration of the old adage, that— *' Imitation is the most com^^lete flattery/' Park Hall House, Walsall, Ma^ 1st, 1884, OR, The Turn Out. l:^. THE "CENTAUR. 99 feast of Pirithous. "0 Circe ! mother of spite, Speak the last of that curse and imprison me quite, In the husk of a brute ; that no pity may name The man that I was, that no kindred may claim — The monster that hunters shun in their flight, The men in their horror, the women in fright." ENTAURI (-orum), that is, tlie Bull Killers, were an ancient race, inhabiting Mount Pelion in Thessaly. They lead a wild and savage life, and are hence called " savage beasts " in Homer (who lived 1,000 years before Christ). In later accounts they were represented as half horses and half men, and are said to have been the offspring of Ixion and a cloud. The Centaurs are celebrated in ancient story for their fight with the Lapithse, which arose at the marriage This fight is sometimes placed in con- nexion with a combat of Hercules with the Centaurs. It ended by the Centaurs being expelled from their country, and taking refuge on Mount Pindus, on the frontiers of Epirus. Chiron is the most celebrated among the Centaurs. We know that hunting the bull on horseback was a national custom in Thessaly, and that the Thessalians were celebrated riders. Hence may have arisen the fable that the Centaurs were half men and half horses, just as the native Americans, when they first saw a Spaniard on horseback, believed horse and man to be one being. The Centaurs are frequently represented in ancient works of art, and generally as men from the head to the loins, while the remainder of the body is that of a horse with its four feet and tail. Chiron, the wisest and justest of the Centaurs, son of Cronos (Saturn) and Philyra, lived on Mount Pelion. He was instructed by Appollo and Diana, and was renowned for his skill in hunting, medicine, music, gymnastics, and the art of prophecy. All the most ancient heroes of Grecian story are described as the pupils of Chiron in these arts. He saved Peleus from the other Centuars, who were on the point of killing him, and he also restored to him the sword which Acastus had concealed. Hercules, too, was his friend ; one 14 Centaur; of the poisoned arrows of Hercules struck Chiron, who, although immortal, would not live any longer, and gave his immortality to Prometheus. Zeus placed Chiron among the stars as Sagittarius. Ixion — Zeus (Jupiter) created a phantom resembling Hera, and by it Ixion became the father of a Centaur. While Pirithous was celebrating his marriage with Hippo- damia, the intoxicated Centaur Eurytion, or Eurytus, carried her off, and this act occasioned the celebrated fight, in which the Centaurs were defeated. "THE CENTAURS, or BULL KILLEES. " Those strange beings, half man, half horse, which we see represented in works of art, are the Centaurs. Such creatures seem impossible in nature, yet the ancient Greeks firmly believed in their existence. It is not hard to discover what gave them the idea of such monsters. "Centaur, does not mean 'half man, half horse,' but *bull killer ;' a being half a horse would more properly be called a Hippocentaur. In the oldest Greek stories about the Centaurs they are spoken of as a savage race, inhabiting the woods and mountains of Thessaly, a country famous for wild bulls, which the natives hunted on horseback. " Now, there was a time when the horse, now so useful in most parts of the world, was a wild, untamed animal ; and the people who first brought it to subjection, broke it in and rode upon it, would be looked upon as wonderful beings by the men of those tribes, who had perhaps never seen a horse. To them the horse and his rider would appear to be one animal, especially when seen at a distance, and from the back view, so that the horse's head was not visible. Indeed, this really occurred when the Spaniards invaded Mexico. The natives had never seen a horse in their lives, and when they saw the extraordinary animal leaping and bounding, with an armed figure apparantly growing out of its back, they were terrified at the monster, and it was not till they had seen the Spaniards dismount from their horses that they would believe they were separate from their steeds, and only men after all ! " — Chatterbox. OR, The Tukn Out. 15 THE ARGUMENT. •* A horse ! A horse My kingdom for a horse " I N tlie above quotation, as in many other sentences of the great dramatist, there is more philosophy than at first meets the eye. No doubt if Eichard, when the tide of battle turned against him at Bosworth Field, could have procured such a steed as that which carried the renowned Dick Turpin to York, he might, like Turpin, have effected his flight to that city^ and there, as he was highly esteemed, he might not only have escaped from his adversary, but have raised such an army among his northern retainers, by whom he was sincerely beloved, as would have turned the tide of war in his favour; but for want of a horse he was overtaken and slain. No doubt the Egyptians, who were the first to use the horse for military purposes, won many of their tributary kingdoms by means of their cavalry. One legend says that the success of the Spaniards in Peru was in no small degree owing to their cavalry, as the natives, who thought the horse and his rider were one animal,* became alarmed, and fled at the very sight of the cavalry. It is, therefore, no exaggeration to say that kingdoms have been won and lost by means of the horse. King Robert Bruce, through a little strategy and the fleet- ness of his horse, escaped the machinations of the traitor Comyn, and saved his life, and afterwards won the crown and kingdom of Scotland. A friend of Bruce's — who was residing at the Court of Edward, King of England — ascer- tained that a plot had been concocted to murder Bruce in his castle at Lochmaben ; and fearing to send any written communication, lest it should be intercepted, forwarded to Bruce a pair of spurs and a purse of gold. Bruce knew ' that the spurs meant flight, and the purse means for his journey ; but the ground was covered with snow, and if he were to fly, the conspirators could easily trace him. He, ' * Centaur, 16 Centauk,; or, The Turn Out. however, got the blacksmith to invert his horse's shoes, so that by the prints of the horse's feet upon the snow, it appeared Bruce had returned to his castle instead of having just left it. The ruse succeeded admirably, and Bruce escaped to Dumfries, a town about eight miles from his castle, where he met the chief conspirator and slew him. At the Battle of Bannockburn, Bruce's horse rendered him valuable service in several of the hand-to-hand encounters in which he was on that day engaged. Many instances are on record of monarchs and others being saved through the swiftness, courage, or ingenuity of the horse. Thus we are told, 1st Book of Kings, 20th chapter, and 20th verse — That " every one slew his man, and the Syrians fled, and Israel pursued them, and Ben-hadad, the King of Syria, escaped on an horse.'' The horse has, from the time of the Egyptians to the present day, been intimately associated with man in all his undertakings; a book, therefore which will practically treat of "The Horse and its immediate surroundinors" cannot fail to be both interestmg and useful, and such the Author trusts this his work will prove. RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED (By Special Permission) TO SB CHARLES FORSTER, BART., M.P., hj THE AUTHOR. 18 Centaur ; ADDRESS TO SIR CHAELES FOESTER, BAET., M.P. My Dear Sir, ALSALL, your native town, being tlie great emporium of Saddlery, where that, and the kindred trade of Harness manu- facturing, are carried on in all their various departments, and everything used in connection with the Horse, either for civil or military purposes, is pro- duced in the highest state of perfection ; and you having for over a quarter of a century been the faithful representa- tive of Walsall in Parliament, I know of no one to whom this work could be more appropriately dedicated, or one so deserving as yourself of this humble tribute of respect. The work, which aims at being a thoroughly practical treatise on the Horse and its Rider, will be found to contain such instructions as will, if strictly carried out, enable those entrusted with the care of that most useful and faithful companion of man — the Horse — to secure its comfort, pre- serve its health, prolong its years, and increase its usefulness. Information will al^ be found in this work which will enable parties requiring horses for business or pleasure to select those best suited to the purposes for which they are intended. Such a work may therefore be looked upon as an effort to introduce a more rational and humane system of treatment for that noble animal, and knowing that your sympathies are sincerely with all movements having for their object the amelioration of the condition of the human subject, or that of the lower animals, I sincerely hope this humble effort to secure better care for the horse, more comfort and safety for those in charge, and greater satisfaction to the owner, may meet with your approval. Your humble and obedient Servant, EDWARD W. GOUGH. Park Hall House, May 1st, 1878, OR, The Turn Out, 19 INTRODUCTION TO FIRST EDITION. " To advise and not dictate.** N obedience to the urgent wishes of my numerous patrons and friends, I have the pleasure of submitting, in Book Form, that system of treatment relative to the care of the Horse and its belongings, which I have throughout my life's ex- perience and engagements, (at home and abroad,) in connection with my business, always practised and upheld ; and which s^^stem, when advised verbally, has met with such general appreciation. Dating, as I have the honour to do, from a most important midland town — indeed I may say the very seat of the harness trade and every article connected with my subject — it will not, I trust, be considered egotistical if I pride myself in being the proprietor of one of the principal General Saddlery and Harness Manufactories in that town, and venture to put before my readers this work and " Great Wanty^ in the shape of instructions and suggestions to those about to set up a " Turn out," which may be ajjplied to use- ful account in many cases by those already in possession of that necessity, or luxury, as the case may be. The Author's hope and belief is, that the contents of this book will be appreciated by all interested in the Horse, emanating as it does from one who is, and has been from his youth, directly connected with the subject in hand, and whose sole object is, and whose wish and ambition has always been, to alleviate the risks and labours of the horse owners, and th^ two frequent administration of unnecessary punishment to the noblest of animals and man's universal favourite. At the same time, the writer is fully conscious of the fact that this ground has, in various forms, been trodden 20 Centaur ; before ; but he has never found the one real ivanty namely, a little less Theoretical and a little more Practical writing upon this very important subject.* In the work undertaken I shall endeavour to place before my readers, actual experience and results, in " plain, simple, and unvarnished language," being fully confident of the good- will and indulgence which shall be shown towards me in this my first " Turn out." I am. Your obedient Servant, E. W. GOUGH. Park Hall House, Walsall, May Id, 1878, * It is said that the practical man cannot be a literary man. Should this apply Boniewhut to the present publication, the Author will rejoice, providing his ont- aim is attained, namely, more thoughtful care for, and less inattention to, the Horg« and its surro indings. OR, The Turn Out. 21 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. " Knowledge is the wing, &c.*' N this pushing and go-a-head age the ambition to possess a ''turn out'* is very great, and, when that is attained, the frequent crying evil is want of system and method, and more particularly, kind- ness and patience, in the care and treat- ment of the principal comprising it, namely, the Horse. A thorough knowledge of that noble animal's real use will tend to prevent it from being abused, as it very often is, and would gain its confidence and obedience at all times. It is a well - known and acknowledged fact amongst experienced owners, stud grooms, and coachmen generally, that a quicker and more marked improvement is made in the condition and general health and ■ temper of the Horse, and more work can be got out of it with kindly and judicious treatment and permanent system, than by carelessness and bustling. Corn without consideration is useless, and it is a grievous truth that many whose business commands the constant use of the Horse, who. have, more or less, from their early days been in possession of one, are generally more careless and reckless, and exhibit greater ignorance, than others whose experience is more limited ; and, it is often found that great want of thought and persistence is shewn by some proprietors and horse-owners towards those whom they employ, and whose duty it is to care for the steeds — intrusting them sometimes to totally ignorant and inexperienced persons, not only in the stable and in the field, but in the public thoroughfares, thus endangering the lives of not only the horse and driver, but the public generally. If owners of horses, however small the stud, would be more careful and strict, or systematic, in seeing for them- selves that their " turn out " is not neglected or abused, and if drivers would exercise more patience, adapting themselves bteadily to circumstances, and displaying less disposition to 22 Centaur ; flourish, particularly in towns and crowded thoroughfares, with restive auimals, the general risks would be greatly if not altogether diminished, and less work would be found for the police and members of the Societ}^ for the Preven- tion of Cruelty to Animals. Experience frequently tells us that the Horse is systematically illtreated, illcared for, and abu?ed by some, when kindness, moderate attention, and thoughtful consideration would cost less trouble and bring about quicker and more satisfactory results. The whip is intro- duced where a kind word or gentle pat on the neck would be effective in producing prompt obedience; a curse is used where the simple mention of the horse's name would be sufficient ; filth and dirt are allowed to accumulate where cleanliness is absolutely necessary ; ventilation is grossly neglected ; bad grooming, irregular feeding, impure water, and many other things from which the Horse is a sensitive sufferer are the result of carelessness and want of thought as a rule, but in some instances they are the wilful offspring of idleness and deceit. The harness and vehicles, like the horse, can be easily neglected, and allowed to suffer and rot from dirt, want of oil, and regular washing and cleaning, thus entailing expense, great risk and dissatisfaction, which might be avoided without much labour or inconvenient effort. In this work the writer does not purpose giving an elaborate display of high-flown terms, but will simply adhere to plain language not directly intended for owners of large establishments, — although its contents may be perused by all to advantage. Neither would he encroach upon the sphere of the " vet.," the farrier, or horse-breaker, knowing at the same time that they will understand and appreciate the purport and meaning of his good intentions, in putting before those immediately concerned, in plain English book form, without effort at embellishment, a few condensed articles shewing the simple system that should be laid down by all owners, large and small, and whether they set up a temporary or permanent turn out. The Author's experiences being those of a life time, at home and in foreign countries ■ — under ground and upon the surface — justifies him in feeling fully confident that the following suggestions and lines for the g:eneral good, will be looked upon in the usual appreciative light, and every indulgence extended for over- sights or technical errors that may arise, whether it be on the part of the Author, or otherwise. OR, The Turn Out. 23 THE " THOROUGH GEOOM." "Achievement is command.'* HE " Thorough Groom " Is the man that takes a pride in his steed, and that alone is the test, whether it be the paid servant or the owner of the horse ; it being equally important that the master should do his duty, when he undertakes it, as well as the man. The business of horse- keeping should not be skimmed o\er or carelessly treated by the employer or his employes. Thought must be taken not to be prompted to adopt all the complicated and expensive experiments that are fre- quently suggested and advertised, and which in some cases do not mean economy or improvement, but anxiety and reduction in the market value of the horse and its surroundings. Is it not a real pleasure to see the very easy and syste- matic manner in which the thoughtful and cheerful groom goes about his work, and the perfect understanding that exists between man and horse. " Mutual feeling " and obedience are brought about by nothing so easily as regular habits on the part of the groom — doing everything in the right way and at the proper time — no noise, no irritation, but constant rule and steady firmness makes the obedient and thriving horse ; and it must be noted that early rising is the first sign of a genuine groom. If the inexperienced owner cannot or does not care to avail himself of the services of a thoroughly practical groom, he should pay an occasional visit to some of the good studs in his locality, where he will always find example, and advice can be given which will tend greatly to aid him in the amateur regulations of his own stable, and make that which has previously been to him a toil, a really healthy pleasure. One of the most important principles of good grooming and driving is good temper — an irritable man not only irritates himself but all around him. The writer's business engagements frequently call him Into the mines, and it is always a very pleasurable sight to see the wonderful control exercised over the strong, well- S4 Centaur ; corned animals there to be found, from year's end to year*8 end, and which so seldom see day-light that they become restive at the appearance of strangers, and blind and almost mad if drawn up into the light of day. The amount of work these horses are capable of doing, and the good condition in which they are invariably kept, is a striking example to many above ground, especially when it is considered that they are principally controlled or driven by mere lads. Of course there are properl}^ qualified persons appointed to superintend the horses, and look after their food, health, &c., and it must be admitted that the general appearance of underground horses reflects great credit upon those concerned, and speaks volumes in favour of the system adopted and thoroughly practised in some collieries. The stables in connection with the Cannock Chase Colliery Company's Mines, and many others in that district, would surprise most persons accustomed to horses and stable routine on the surface. Down the one pit alone the writer has seen as many as 150 horses — all fat and happj^ — seem- iugly far more contented than many to be seen in our streets, which alone is the result of the excellent rules laid down by the managers, and adhered to bj^ the horse-keepers. Every- thing caculated to contribute to their comfort and safet}^ or, in other words, for the welfare of all concerned below is well considered; special attention is given to gas lighting, white- washing, ventilation, and cleanliness. The dray horses of the Midland Railway Company are particularly noticeable for their clean and sleek condition. Regular attention appears to be paid to the harness — it being always kept thoroughly supple and sound. The con- tented manner in which the horses stand in the public streets (in all weathers), for loading and unloading the drays and wagons, and without winkers* in the bridles ; and the frequent conversation and even caresses that at times ma}" be seen passing between man and horse, is a pleasing and instructive example to thousands of carters and drivers of other teams. A good system is adopted by Messrs. Allsopp & Sons, the eminent brewers of Burton-on-Trent, towards their horses, which, like others belonging to several noted firms in that locality, and in Liverpool and Manchester and other large cities, affords ample proof of what horses can learn and will do under proper treatment. ♦ In some parts they are called blinkers. t Hi OR, The Turn Out. 25 The "thorougli groom" should by all means be a sober man, and punctual early riser, and should strive by cleanliness, straightforwardness, smartness, and truthfulness, to gain and maintain the confidence of his employer ; and by kind- ness and steady firmness he will easily obtain control over, and continued obedience from, the animal or animals under his care. It is a well-known fact that comparatively young horse have been reduced nearly to the decrepitude of old age by the barbarous treatment and ill-feeling of those who should be considered and looked upon as their zealous protectors. How often have we seen and do we see the over-loaded animal staggering and struggling along, to all appearance mOre dead than alive ; * with limbs bowed, the feet neglected, battered, and distorted ; its under lip fallen ; the cavity above the eye deepened, and numerous other signs of pre- mature decay f which are brought on by abuse and negligence alone, and all of which can be, and are, warded ofi" by the care, kindness, and genuine attention of the " thorough groom," "Men in thoughtlessness cruel actions do, "Which on reflection oftimes deeply rue. " • <( A SCREW LOO^E."— (See Illustration.) t /IROWN aged, used up, and turned out of the shed, VJ Lame, spavined, and wind-galled, but yet with some blood, While knowing postillions his pedigree tivace, Say his dam won that sweepstake, his sire won that race ; And what matches he won do the ostlers count o'er, As they loiter their time at some hedge alehouse door ; While the harness sore gall and the spurs his side goad, And the high mottled racer's a hack on the road ; Till at lengtli having laboured, toiled early and late Worn out by degrees, he plods on to his fate. Blind, old, lean, and feet)le, he treads round a mill, And draws sand 'till the sand of his hour glass stands still. 26 Centaur ; I SELECTING THE HORSE. "Let your -wisdom be your p;uide." ' N choosing your steed it is as well to remember the genuine old saying — that a good horse is never a bad colour — but in setting up the first *' Turn Out " there are often man}' difficulties to surmount in, this respect, it being the wish or desire on the part of the purchaser, or those of his family or friends whom he may consult, that the horse shall be some particular colour ; and the height, age, make, and price is carefull}^ laid down ; in fact the undertaking is gone into with such apparant nicety, and made of so serious a moment, that certain precise items are ultimately determined upon, and thereby it, almost becomes an absolute necessity that the speculator shall be measured for his wants, e're he can be (to use the old trade term) carefully or successfully fitted. Newspapers are frequentlj^ looked over with the object of meeting with some advertisement of an animal calcula4:ed to answer the exact purpose, and after considerable searching, a horse is found tbat will propably suit in every respect, an(f a journe}' is made for the special purpose of purchasing. On arriving at the address given, it is invariably discovered that an omission has been made in the notice, viz., that the horse has been cloicn; or, is aged; perhaps too young; a mere baby, and, like a cub bear, has all its troubles before it ; or, has once run away ; is a kicker ; crib biter ; not quiet in harness or ^^ ith children ; is given to shying ; requires a lot of whip, or is vicious tempered ; in i'act, the probability of numerous faults or shortcomings are likely to be found, unless the would-be purchaser has had some previous correspondence with the advertiser before waiting upon him. The excuse, then, to get otit of the business is invariably the price, or some sort of un satisfactory termination is invented on one side or the other for the purpose of closing OR, The Turn Out. 27 the matter, wliicli, considering the expense and loss of time incurred, means double preliminary cost. The wj-iter's advice is, should the purchaser be inexperienced in horses, prejudice as to colour, and other trivialities should be some- what modified at least ; and if, on confidential enquiries having been made, the desired speciality cannot be found or heard of among one's friends, a respectable, well- known, old established horse dealer should be consulted, who will soon learn your wants and requirements, and prompt "satisfaction will thus be ensured, and the special benefit of the option of exchanging the horse after reason- able time has elapsed, thus saving considerable anxiety and loss, besides risk and responsibility. If a friend supplies the animal, the ofi'er of a trial should by all means be taken immediate advantage of, the ribbons being handled by the purchaser (if he has had experience) in the presence of the seller. Back money, and other horsey phrases should never be mentioned in commencing the deal. Special care must be taken by the inexperienced in buying at Fairs or Fuhlk MarlaU. The saying must be remembered that — *' They can see you coming.^' A queer sort of gentry are known to exist at these institutions by being on the 'lookout," and are never to be found after the bargain is concluded. In fact their name is " Vanish." Money makes the mare to yo, but it is often the case in spending money too conspicuously, that the only goer in the business is the seller ; and the rule is for the inexperienced horse buyer never to visit an auction alone, which ad^'ice the writer has heard from the lips of an old-standing con- scientious auctioneer. Under any circumstances, if the horse is required for immediate work do not buy a 3^oung one ; and it must be remembered that if the animal must grow into money, it is absolutely necessary to keep cleair of an aged one. If the horse has once been down, or fallen upon its knees whilst being driven, it is very likely to come down again ; and the same rule applies to its running away, or what is commonly known as bolting. Shying is not a very serious matter in the hands of an experienced whip. In any case, if the purchase be a high-priced one, a veterinary inspection is necessary, and a warranty the general rule and only saie satisfaction. n 2 28 Centaur ; FOUM OF WAERANTY. Walsall, 18 Received of Mr. A. B., the sum of £ for a (Bay Gelding), (warranted five j^ears old and no more), sound in every respect, quiet to ride and drive, and free from vice. £ xleceipt Stamp only requisite. Warranty must be upon the sale ; if it be made after- wards, it must be reduced to writing, otherwise it will not be binding on the Vendor. A warranty of soundness may be defined, in an enlarged sense, an assurance from con- stitutional defects ; but in its practical import is construed so as to exclude everj^ defect b}' which the animal is rendered less fit for present use and enjoyment ; the horse is not on that account to be held unsound, still less if the purchaser be informed of it, and admits the exception into the terms of the contract. The agreement for the sale of horses has been held to be an agreement "relating to the sale of goods," within the Statute of Frauds ; therefore, a written receipt for the price, containing the warranty or other condition of sale, is admissable in evidence, stamped with a common receipt stamp, without an agreement stamp, and is the usual mode in which the contract is made and proved. A verbal representation of the seller to a buj^er of a horse in the course of dealing, that he " may depend upon it the horse is perfectly quiet, and free from vice," is a warranty ; or that he " could warrant." If the seller says at the time of the sale " I never warrant, but the horse is sound as far as I know ; " this is a qualified warranty, and the purchaser may maintain an action if he can show that the horse was un- sound to the knowledge of the seller. Should the seller shew an extreme anxiety to hurry the sale, or display the slightest irritability of temper or im- patience at the purchaser's enquiries and examinations, the business with him is better concluded at once, and the horse left in his possession ; forcing the sale, by the aid of displays of temper and sometimes insult, such as, ''what do you know about a horse," is an evident sign that " all is not right above board." In selecting your horse, the first consideration should be the class or character of work intended for it to do J the size, make, and proportion of the horse, should be at OR, The Turn Out. 29 all times in exact harmony witli the weight expected to be moved with ease. As regards the colour, dark horses are mostly preferred ; light coloured horses are generally, it is said, more weak and nervous tempered ; mares are not, as a rule, selected or chosen on account of their being at times of uncertain disposition, but the writer has no choice in that particular respect, having as much confidence in and affection for the mare as the horse. Piebald or skewbald horses are not in much demand, excepting for public exhibitions and public displays, because of their conspicuous colour and marks. It is at all times advisable, particularly where quality and figure is at stake, to hand the steed over to a breaker for the first drive or so, as may be deemed necessary, he having thorough experience, and special vehicles and harness for any emergen cj', which precaution alone will be calculated to save a multitude of after discoveries, risks and incon- veniences, and give confidence to the speculator, and a better appreciation of the value, and probable after comfort for the horse. At the same time it will not be considered out of place for all concerned in horse bargaining to endeavour to endorse the Shakesperian line, viz. ; — "Truth loves open dealing." 30 Centaur ; CLASSIFICATION OF HORSES. HE Colt.' — The male under 3 years old. The Filly. — The female under 3 years old. The Shetland Pony. — Is the smallest, and comes from the highlands of Scot- land. The Welsh Pony. — Larger than the Shetland. The Norwegian Pony. — Larger than the Welsh Pony, and commands heavier prices, being very handsome and docile. The Pony. — Is less than thirteen hands. The Galloway.— Is about thirteen hands, and named after Gallowaj^ in Scotland. The Cob. — Is stoutly built, between the horse and the pony. The Hackney. — Is about fifteen hands, useful for almost every purpose, the hunting field, the farm, and private turn out ; in fact, is the farmer's and gentleman's servant of all work. The Draught Horse, or Cart Horse. — Averages six- teen hands. The Dray Horse. — Is the heaviest and most ponderous of his race, being intended for slow heavy work ; weight is the principal feature in the breeding of these useful animals. Lastly — The Blood Horse, or Thorough Bred. — Of which nothing need be said, more than it is perfection, and as beautiful as a picture. " Pleasure and action make the hours seem short.' EXPLANATION OF ILLUSTRATION. ANATOMY OF THE HORSE, I. Forehead. 2. Cavity above the eyes. 3- Temples. ^ 4- Lips. 5. Jaw. 6. Nostrils. 7- Tip of the nose. 8. Beard. 9- Chin. lO. Neck. II. Throat. 12. Mane. 13- Fore top. 14. Chest. 15- Shoulders, 16. Withers. ^7- Arm. iS. Knee. 19. Shank. 20. Fetlock joint. 21. Pastern. 22. Coronet. 23- Hoof. 24 Wind pipe. 25 Back sinews, or main tendons 26 Plate vein. 27 Chesnut. 28 Croup. 29 Toe. 30 Heel. 31 Elbow. 32 Reins. 1 ■ Ribs. 34 Flanks. 35 Belly. 36 Fillets. 37 Tail. 38 Rump, 39 Buttocks. 40 Stiffle. 41 Haunches. 42 Thigh. 43 Hock. 44 Point of the hock. 45 Cannon. 46 Dock. OR, The Tukn Out. STANDARD MEASURE, AND PRINCIPAL POINTS OF THE HORSE. " HAND " is 4 in. ; the height is taken from the sole of the foot to the top of the withers, by which standard all horses are measured. The principal points of the horse are: — The Chest, The Back, The Shoulder, ■ The Arm, The Knee, The Teeth, The Foot, The Eye. 32 Centaur ; RULE FOR JUDGING THE AGE OF THE HORSE. Corruption wins not more than Honesty." form something like a correct idea of tlie age of tlie horse, and at the same time to test the veracity of the salesman, it is usual to first ask the question — How old is it ? then to look for yourself, not only at the mouth, but the eyes, and the legs, and in fact, to carefully scrutinize and examine the animal all over ; at the same time asking the owner a few ques- tions as to its health, habits, capabili- ties, &c. Many an aged horse has been doctered, or to use the term, '' faked up," and hurridly palmed off upon the imwary or over- anxious buyer, who has set his mind upon that particular steed, for a younger one ; and it is not unusual for a young horse, shewing a good mouth, to prove dull, heavy, and sluggish, after a little regular work, and to wear a languid and listless aspect, which results from frequent overdoses of the whip, kicks, and physic, freely and constantly admini- stered to the poor animal that has been worked too early in life, and neglected and badly cared for both in the stable and out of doors. It is an easy matter in purchasing a useful aged horse, to determine whether it has been over- worked, systematically physiced, or properly cared for in good hands. Some owners do not consider a horse equal to a fair day's work until it is five years old, and that it does not gain its full power of strength until it arrives at seven; the universal system is, never under any circumstances to give a young horse a full load, or to risk a long day in bad weather. THE TEETH. The teeth of a horse are hard bones placed in sockets in a horse's jaw, which serve not only to facilitate the nourish- ment, but likewise to distinguish the age. A horse has forty teeth, including the tusks. The teeth are of a substance much harder than any of the other bones, which is absolutely necessary, considering their ofiice is to break and cut and OB, The Turn Out. 33 grind. That part of them whicli stands above the gums is smooth, and free from any covering, but all within the sockets of the jaws is more rough, and covered with a thin mem- brane of exquisite sense. The age of a horse should be judged from various points of his anatomy. If the hoof be smooth, moist, hollow, and well-sounding, it is a sign of youth ; on the contrary, if rugged, and as it were seamed, one seam over another, and withal dry, foul, and rusty, it is a mark of old age. The tail, say the stem, close to the buttock, grip it between the finger and thumb, and if a joint be felt to stick out more than the rest, the size of a nut, the horse is under ten, but if the joints are all plain he may be fifteen. The eyes being round, full and bright, the pits that are above them filled, level and smooth, even with the temples, and no wrinkles to be seen either under or over, are marks of youth. The ^kin being plucked up in any part between the finger and thumb, and let go again, if it return suddenly to its place, and without shewing wrinkles, then the animal may be believed to be young. It is possible by nice judgment to age a horse by looking at his legs and palate. As the animal grows old, the roof of his mouth becomes leaner and drier towards the middle, and the ridges, which in young horses are pretty high and plump, diminish as they increase in years, so that in very old horses the roof of the mouth is nothing but skin and bone. The simple rule for telling the age is by examining: the teeth. There are six permanent nippers or front teeth in the lower jaw ; the two front teeth are understood to be cut at ages varying from two to three years, and the teeth each side the middle ones from three and a half to four years. Between four and a half and five years introduces the corner pair and the male tusks. The horse is known as aged at eight, when the marks in the corner nippers are effaced. They are worn out at six in the two centre teeth, and at seven in the next pair. The trick used to make false marks in a horse's mouth, by hollowing the tooth with a graver, and burning a mark with a small hot iron, may be easily discovered,* because those who 34 Centaur ; are acquainted witli the true marks, will perceive tlie cheat by the roundness and bluutness of the tushes, by the colour of the false mark, which is generally blacker and more im- pressed than the true mark, and by many other visible tokens which denote the advanced age of a horse. After a horse has passed his eighth year, and sometimes at seven, nothing actually certain is reckoned to be decided by the mouth. Some horses have but indifferent mouths when they are young, and soon lose their mark ; others have good mouths for a long time ; the teeth being white, even, and regular, sometimes till thej^ are sixteen and upwards, with many other marks of freshness and vigour. But when a horse comes to be ver}^ old, the fact may be discovered by several indications, the constant attendants of age, viz. : — his gums wear away, and leave his teeth long and naked at the roots ; the teeth also grow yellow, and sometimes brownish. The bars of the mouth, which in a young horse are always fleshy, and form so many distinct ridges, in an old horse are lean, dry and smooth. The eye pits in a young horse (except those said to come off old stallions) are generally tilled up with flesh, and look plump and smooth, whereas they are sunk and hollow in an old horse, which gives him a ghastly and melancholy aspect. Horses have been known to live for thirty and forty years, but, from over-exertion and ill-usage frequently die, or are slaughtered, before they reach ten. To o-ive the growth and deca}^ of a horse's mouth. The first year he has his foal teeth, which are only grinders and o-atherers ; the second, the four foremost change, and appear browner and bigger than the rest; the third year he changes the teeth next to these, leaving no apparent foal teeth, but two on each side above and two below ; the fourth year, the teeth next to these are changed, and no foaling teeth are left, but one on each side above and below ; at five, his foremost teeth are all changed, and the tushes on each side are complete ; those which come in the places of the last foaling teeth being hollow, and having a little black speck in the midst, which is called the '' mark in a horse's mouth ; " this continues till eight years of age ; at six, he puts out new tushes, near which appears a little circle of young fleshy at the bottom of the tush, the tushes withal being small, white, short and sharp ; at seven, the teeth are all at their growth, and the mark in the mouth appears very plain ; at eight, all his teeth are i'ull, ♦ smooth and plain, and the mark scarce THE TEETH. 'I'lw Foaf 2Ye4!cr-s. ^9^ im I J Years -t )tY/'7LV. 3 Year's. -f^P f^Yia). 24^Yc,'irs Edirerm'Aqe -mi 2Yran9 12Ye,ars 12Yca?s THE FEET. / I Bones of tlve^ Foot SideyVuw Frcj/f I'nni 1^ Years. O/cV. 4'JzY&ars. a Years. S Years. I2Yea.Ts Backyvew BoUom-vte-yv Close- foct/. Grcoked/foat. on. The Turw Out. 35 discernable, the tushes looking yellowish ; at nine, the fore- most teeth appear longer, yellower, and fouler than before, and the tushes become bluntish ; at ten, no holes are felt on the inside of the upper tushes, which till then are sensible ; add that the temples begin to be crooked and hollow ; at eleven, his teeth are very long, yellow, black, and foul, but he will cut even, and his teeth stand directly opposite to one another ; at twelve, the upper teeth hang over the nether ; at thirteen, the tushes are worn close, if he has been much ridden, otherwise they will be black, foul, and long. THE FEET. We would here refer the reader to our illustration," Teeth and Feet." Respecting the latter, we received some time ago from the E. S. P. C. A., a very useful and instructive pamphlet, entitled, ''The Horse's Foot," which should be read by all who have to do with horses, and which we here give for the good of the cause, and of the horse in particular : — " To most persons, the foot of the horse appears to be only a roundish hard lump of horn, on which an iron shoe is nailed to prevent its being worn away by the roads. Such persons may perhaps hear with astonishment that it is a complex and elaborate instrument, perfectly adapted to the work it is intended to perform, and that our artificial assist- ance, far from preserving, often cripples, and very frequently totally ruins it. '' The real foot of the horse, is enclosed in a horny case called the hoof ; the outside rim of this casing forms what is called the crust or ivall. The fore-part is about half an inch thick, becoming thinner towards the back. It extends round towards the heel, and then curves sharply inwards. " The ends which incline inwards are called fJu bars. In the natural state of the foot they are quite prominent and visible; but in a horse which has been frequently shod they are often nearly obliterated, as, often, the farrier, by a mistaken and very faulty system, cuts them almost entirely away. The mis- chievous effects of this practice will be seen when we come to consider the uses of the hoof. In the middle and hinder part of the foot is an ela^ic horny substance called the frogy which occupies about a quarter of the sole. It forms a soil and yielding cushion on which the horse's foot partly rests, 36 Centaur ; being thus relieved from the shock of the hard hoof on the ground. This important part is, in too many instances, pared away by the ignorant and prejudiced farrier, who follows what he has been taught by those as unskilful as himself. ^' The part of the foot which has a plane surface, which is opposed to the ground, and extends from the frog to the out- side or wall of the hoof, is called the sole. It is horny and hard, yet not solid, but somewhat elastic. " In the hinder part of the foot, where the two ends of the frog terminate, are the heeh ; and these also are of the same horny character.* *' Immediately inside the hoof, in the fore part and sides, is the bone of the foot, properly so called, or the coffin hone, as it is termed. It fills the fore part of the hoof, and is of a light and spongy formation, being filled with numerous blood vessels, through which the circulation of this extreme part of the body is carried on, without any danger of their stop- page by means of the pressure to which they are continually subjected ; the substance of the bone not only allowing the blood vessels to pass freely through, but protecting them from every obstruction. Around this bone are a great number of elastic prominent ridges of a membranous nature, which fit exactly between similar leaves or ridges on the inner part of the hoof. The end for which they are so placed is to modify and soften the shock to which the horse's foot is naturally subjected on passing over the rough ground he has constantly to traverse, and also to attach the hoof to the bone. At its summit, in front, is fixed the large extensor tendon of the foot. " Fitting into this bone, at the top, is another called the small pastern bone, to which is joined another strong tendon, that regulates the use of the foot. On its upper surface it forms a cube-like hollow, and receives the end of the large pastern hone; while below and behind is a small movable piece named the navicular bone, which seems to have for its object the steadying and strengthening of the action of the powerful flexor tendon that is inserted into the sole of the cofiin bone. " If the foot were a flat and unyielding mass, the danger of slipping would be, in many instances, very great. But in- * Author's Note.— This not being a medical work we shall not attempt a full description of the internal structure of the foot ; but our illustration will give a general idea. OR, The Turn Out. 3/ stead of this, it has a prominent edge all round, which takes a firm hold of the ground and obviates the difficulty. Further, this hoof is somewhat elastic, and on the weight of the horse being fully thrown upon it, allows the ianer soft cushion or frog to descend, and press firmly and tightly on the earth. Thus two ends are wonderfully and completely attained ; firmness in the tread, insuring the horse's safety, and a regularity of pressure, which obviates the jarring that would be so painful and prejudicial. " When the animal is in a state of nature, its hoof is strong enough to need no artificial protection ; but on the hard and stony roads common in all civilized countries, it has been found necessary to fit something to the foot, to protect it from the great wear and tear which is unavoidably incurred. For this purpose nothing has been found so effectual as what is termed shoeing , or affixing a thin plate of iron round the outer hard and horny edge of the hoof — a practice known in Britain during the time of the Romans. When done with judgment, the proper action of the foot goes on nearly as usual ; but if injudiciously performed, the action of the horse is impeded, lameness is caused, and temporary or permanent diseases are brought on. " Many persons, from an idea of saving time, desire the smith to come and shoe their horses, instead of sending them to the forge. This should never be done. For when the workman is by his fire, if the shoe should not quite fit (as is nearly certain to be the case) he can easily heat and alter it; but if at a distance, in the farmer's or gentleman's stable, he has not the opportunity of doing so, and can only make foot and shoe match by cutting away the wall of the hoof — a most dangerous practice. " To those who consider the matter, it must be obvious that this tender and important organ ought not to be left to the care of an ignorant, and too often brutal, smith without supervision. His trade requires judgment and discretion ; and there are no better means of ensuring careful shoeing than for the horse-proprietor to visit the forge while his horse is being shod, and observe the proceedings. More depends on the preparation of the foot than on the affixing the shoe ; for the latter will hardly do much damage, unless made outrageously bad, or nailed on in a most clumsy manner; but it should be constantly kept in mind that a horse may be easily lamed from rash and ignorant paring of his hoofs. 38 Centaur ; Indeed, the great evils of shoeing are cutting the sole and frog, putting on too heavy and too small shoes, and rasping the outer surface of the wall of the hoof. Sometimes, also, the shoes are allowed, to remain on the feet for too long a period. This ought to be regularly attended to, at intervals of about three or four weeks, and no misplaced ideas of economy should allow a longer period to elapse without an inspection of the feet. OB, The Turn Out. 39 PURCHASING OR ORDERING THE HARNESS. Knavery's plain face is never seen tiU used.** TIE first question to consider in reference to the harness before you purchase or order is, the kind of vehicle to be used ; if a heavy or light one, or Avhetlier it is to be a gig, dog cart, or four wheeler. For a gig the harness should be made up to have a light appearance, an imperial pad with straight flaps, square (or West- end) furniture and winkers, look and wear well, in both silver and brass furniture. Where practicable the horse may be used to work without winkers. If the business requires a dog cart or trap, the harness should be somewhat liouvier, with an Alexandra or other saddle, at discretion. IShould a four-wheeler or phaeton be decided upon, the saddle is not required to be heavy, the onl}' weight to carry being the shafts, but a breech-band, (either a long or short one), is absolutely necessary. Many persons in setting up their first "Turn Out" decide upon having a second-hand set of harness, which sj'stem of drawing the line at the harness, after going to the expense of a good horse, and probably a new vehicle, requires a second consideration, and the harness, before purchasing, most minute examination. At first sight the set may be clean, and to all appearance sound; but when we consider the fact that the simple breaking of the top hame strap, or the ends of the traces, or billetts of the reins, ma}'' result in the death of a valuable steed, the total wreck of a handsome vehicle, and, perhaps, permanent injury to the driver and occupants, besides numerous risks to the public, it becomes necessary, and in fact a duty, that the harness should have as much, if not more, preliminary con- sideration than the remainder or most expensive part of the "Turn Out," particularly as we are aware, and now formally warned of the fact, that the welfare of the whole lot depends entirely upon the soundness of the merest strap, which is an easy matter to overlook in purchasing a second-hand, or cheap, common-made new set. 40 Centaur ; The writer's experience and interestedness in his business has prompted him to be frequently amused and surprised while reading the very tempting baits advertised in the daily papers, emanating from persons whose original trade or profession has nothing whatever to do with the article or goods they profess to laud up, and have on sale ; and whose clever endeavour it is to force upon the public, or some private individual, common goods, totally disregarding the business man's pride in legitimate trading, and who's motto is "purchase and come again." Here is an advertisement, emanating from a large manufacturing midland town, which the writer read four days in succession, and ultimately followed up to the end : — " Extraordinary bargains — 50 Sets of Silver Harness, Complete — all sizes — best quality — to be sold cheap. No reasonable offer refused as the lot must be cleared out immediately, the manufacturer wanting money." The writer went by the first train, on reading the above, having his doubts as to the '^best quality," and to prove the genuineness of the number of sets advertised, feeling con- vinced that the extraordinary bargain existed only in the fertile, irresponsible brain of the *' puffing shark" (as these worse than Cheap Johns are called) who put forth the bait ; and so it proved to be, as we shall now see. On arriving at the shop, we were surprised to find nothing in the window or premises (as far as could be seen from the street), apper- taining to harness ; or that the proprietor had anything to do with, or kno\Yledge of such goods, which he professed to deal in so plentifully, and to sell so cheap. Certainl}^, the entrance and doorway was plastered up with catalogues, which seemed to have done good long service, these being much soiled and partially obliterated, their details, in wording and want of dates, apj^earing to be manufactured for the express purpose of standing for a considerable time. The writer entered the small front shop; then the secret business began, between the principal and assistant, in certain side glances at the visitor, and undertones between themselves, which is easil}" detected bj^ the visitor ; their anxiety being to determine, without delay, whether the}' had secured by their advertisement a C. C. or 0. T. — which means a " Caught Customer," or " One of the Trade," that is to say, a harness manufacturer. Had they have decided him to be an 0. T., then the intruder, by virtue of their suspicions of his superior knowledge of that special article, would have been told that all was cleared out about an. hour ago, or so, OR, The Turn Out. 41 by a firm in town ; but, thanks to the disguise assumed, the writer was ushered into — the cellar (or underground stock- rcofnj, which seemed more like a lumber-hole, and the gas being turned on, to see — not fifty sets, but a hundred and fifty oddments, not altogether confined to the saddlery trade — including, broken boxes, old and rusty hames, second- hand gears, cheap pilches, and second-hand ladies' saddles, a quatity of damaged cart collars, all smothered with dirt and spider webs ; and the first invitation was delivered in a light and happy tone ; — Come, Buy the lot I Clear me out ! ! " — but on being asked for a view of the fifty sets, the expression of the man (whom, being the seller, we will call Mr. S.) was altered, and a more patronising and whining or whimpering voice was assumed, the excuse being that his assistant had made a mistake in the advertisement ; the number should have been Jive instead of fiftt/, four of which he had just disposed of; at the same time opening a rough box which lay on the damp floor, and which contained the only complete set upon the premises. On our wishing or preferring to see it out of the box, we were told that if we had any knowledge of our requirements, we could tell at a glance what it was as the harness lay, and save the trouble of unpacking and repacking. The fact is, the business of the seller is not to expose the miserable make, and the light and flimsy manner in which it has been specially put or blowii together for him, and his Saturday night banterings. Such leather is known by the trade as " goose hide, or tripe," instead of good solid material cut out of prime harness backs, or butts. In reply to the query as to the furniture, the answer was " Silver on German," meaning the one Buckle only — that which the seller had just placed his finger upon as it lay uppermost in the box— viz. : the Crupper Buckle, this buckle being fixed there for that special and evasive purpose. The fact is, the furniture was simply the commonest iron electro-plated, and in a very short time would have shown quite black, as soon as the thin coating of silver had been taken ofi" by the first breeze. And it must be remembered that this man's dealings are never completed in the presence of a third party. His price commenced at nine guineas, and in about four minutes came down to five pounds, without any solicitation on the part of the writer, such being the usual "Cheap John" system of saving time. On our giving the horse's size as sixteen hands, the reply was that the harness would fit like a glove, and as true and easy as though it had been measured for, which augurs well for his judgment when he tells you the c 42 Centatk ; size of the collar belonging to the set is eighteen and half inches, and the fact is considered that the average length of collars for horses above fifteen hands is from twenty to twenty-two inches. The harness is declined; then the visitor saw the "being" before him in his true colours, and was addressed in numerous insulting expressions, such as '' he did not mean business when he came ; — if the money is not available he could be accommodated, either with that or anything else, — and the sooner he was off his premises the better " (the writer con- sidered him a perfect treat, without danger). His style of *' rushing" being the way such unbusiness-like touts get their living; which treatment is the more surprising when we consider the fact that the legitimate tradesman never insults or intimidates his customers under any circumstances. But the writer was not to be wiped out by the mean manner and contemptible language of the man so anxious to rid himself of his unprofitable visitor, and by way of retalia- tion, elevated a thick-knobbed black thorn, a regular double- barrelled walking stick, appearing to rub his nasal organ, with the same, and addressed Mr. 8. as follows : — " Yes ! Mr. ' Bad Leather Merchant,' no doubt you are quite right in all you say as to my knowledge of harness, and I may have some difficulty in finding the money for the purpose of encouraging your system of robbery, but, con- sidering the fact that I have made a special journey here this morning, at cost and inconvenience, to see your " extra- ordinary bargain" with the view to purchasing, it will not be in harmony with my regular way of doing business to return satisfied with the sight of one set, and a job lot of rubbish, spiced with your formidable bearing and low language ; it is my purpose, ere I leave this establishment to demand an immediate apology and all expenses incurred by your in- ducements." Seeing the firm stand taken hy his visitor, and thinking perhaps that discretion would prove better than exposure, the half-cowed man (with his long hair and greasy collar) at once handed over to the writer the sum of one guinea, with an abundance of imitation regrets, and struggles to explain his " excitement." But suppose, for the sake of argument, we purchase the harness, and find that we are duped by this harness seller, and bring the set home — with what result? to find, the collar OR, Thk TurxX Out. 48 in the first place, altogether a misfit. We write the same evening to the advertiser asking his explanation, and to exchange. Does he agree to it, or offer to satisfy you in any way F Certainly not ! that is no part of his business ; the matter is done with as far as he is concerned, the money is in his pocket, and the affair oflf his hands; the one prevailing idea and effort with him is, to look out for another " mark.'* Our only remedy then is to order a collar from a practical saddler. The collar is made and fitted satisfactorily, but alas ! to find the hames far too small, in fact, they will not touch the proper sized collar, therefore your journey is again deferred with your new '* Turn Out," and the result is — you order a complete set at the hands of the practical man, who is always willing to exchange any part of the harness, within a reason- able time, in case of misfit or alteration in the buyer's ideas or tastes, the practical tradesman being fully aware of the trade rule — that in adapting a set of harness, it is not only a matter of fitting the animal's back, but also of suiting the eye and taste or wishes of the purchaser. There are many kinds, qualities, and patterns of harness furniture too numerous to mention here ; but the Author would refer the reader to our Illustrations, and will be pleased to send a complete list at any time on application; including the newest designs, and their particular uses, either for home or export. And it must be remembered, that the whole and sole busi- ness of the cheap advertiser of harness is, to sell at any price, totally regardless of risk to human life, or satisfaction to the customer, the entire plot seeming to endorse the old saying — '• My son, get money, honestly if you can but — get money." c 2 44 Cen'jaur; FITTING THE HARNESS. How poor are they that have not patience. '* N fixing the harness upon the horse it is necessary that all the parts comprising the set should be a close fit, but at the same time everything must be easy, or to use an old term — '' so that the hand can be placed between." The only item of the set that should be really pulled tight is the top hame strap, because the fit and form of the collar depends upon the exact manner in which the hames are attached and retained. In harnessing the horse the first part to commence with is the Saddle, and its immediate belongings. The crupper and breechband should be placed (not thrown) carefully across the back, and left loose until the crupper dock is put in position, which is done by doubling the tail under, and keep- ing the same held up with the left hand until the dock is fixed close under the tail, uitJiout leaving any hairs heticeen, the whole of which is done by standing up near to the horse's side, with the operator's back towards its head, which will prevent the horse doing any injury, and the quicker and quieter this part of the business is performed the better, as the Americans say — " Hurry up ! fix it clean, and right awa5^" The Crupper- Dock should alwaj^sbe of good substance, or thickness, and must not be made too hard ; it is then con- siderably easier for the horse than a thin one, and will cause the tail to be carried more showily. There is some art on the part of the haruess maker in properly shaping the dock ; which is invariably stuffed with paper; but linseei is not only preferable, but the proper filling, and, being of an oilj^and softening nature, it is permanently healing. Candles have been used, hence the term — " a candle dock." When the saddle is drawn up and placed properly upon the back, attention should be directed to the pannel stufiing, the thick- ness of which is reduced after a few journeys in a new saddle ; and it should never be allowed to come down thin enough for the tree to touch the horse, whether in new or old saddles. •4S ^ I ^ ^ OR, The Turn Out. 45 Occasional back-stiifSng and examination at the hands of the manufacturer is advisable, particularly in worn saddles ; and the wool should be renewed by taking out the old and knotty parts, caused by perspiration, or the pannel re-lined when necessary. The writer has supplied harness without the crupper-dock, &c., &c., but that extreme requires judgment and extra care on the part of the horse-owner and driver. The Girth should be buckled close but not tight, and the end of the girth strap run thorough the three loops in the girth body, and not left to swing about, which rule as regards the straps applies to all parts of the harness, and to sets of all kinds. Nothing looks more untidy than a lot of strapping ends hanging and flapping about. The ends of the traces, il too long, besides being irritating to the horse, are a great eyesore to the " Turn Out.'* The belly band, which is part of the backhand, should not be buckled until the vehicle is attached, and then not too tight. The saddle must never be pressed forward, because it naturally works in that direction. It is easily and nicel}^ adjusted by loosing out or taking up the crupper-strap. The Collar should now be put upon the horse's neck, after turning his head from the manger towards the door, if in the stable. With new collars it is often necessary to open or widen them a little across the part which has to pass over the eyes, which should be done with the knee, and not by placing the collar upon a post, or hook — in fact, the writer has seen the handiest nail turned to account for that purpose, — which not only scratches and damages the collar, but too much pulling is calculated to put it out of shape, and if once broken at the throat, it will never recover its original hrmness, hence the failure in open-topped collars. Before putting the collar on, it should be formally shewn to the horse, and a little conversation introduced, including the mention of the animal's name, and a few pats upon the neck, or, to use a military term — to make ''much of him," particularly if a young horse; which is done in less time than it takes to write it, and thereby does not mean much loss, but an actual saving of time. By such little attentions the help and assistance of the horse is being asked (the result of which is very noticeable in well-regulated stables), and is never refused by a horse that has been properly appealed to, and systematically trained. For putting the collar on the neck, it is first turned upside down, with the wale (or rim) towards the fitter, and when it is close to the eyes of the horse, it should never hepui^hed uj) with 46 Centaur ; a rush or series of sudden jerks towards the ears, for under such circumstances it invariably happens that the head of the horse goes with the pressure and not against it, thus losing both power and time. The usual practice is, that a gentle twist be brought to bear with the hand each side the draught of the collar, and the housing, if any, pressed some- what under towards the neck, and with the corresponding help fi'om the horse, the collar is easily and quieth'' passed beyond the ears. It should then be immediatel}^ turned over into its proper position, housing up being reversed the way of the mane, and at once carried down to the shoulders.* The old- fashioned way of fixing the hames upon the collar while it is close to the ears at the top of the neck, and before it is reversed, is very reprehensii3le, being tiring and irritating both to man anr) horse, and also causes a larger amount of operating in front of the animal than is necessary, and like- wise adds materially to the weight, encumbrance, and risk incurred in throwing the collar, hames, and traces round the animaFs neck, besides causing unnecessar}^ pain to the horse. Before putting the hames on, it is important to know that they fit the collar exactly ; in fact, the writer, as a rule, makes it a special point to have them fitted in form to the identical collar by the hame maher, before the collar is side pieced or finished, thus preventing any fear of their slipping off in wear by ensuring a perfect fit. That the hames should not move or spring from the position in which they are placed is a matter of serious moment — hence the importance of sound straps. The hames must not reach the top of the collar, neither must they be too short, say about 2 in. from the top. Make-shift cannot, compatible with safety, be applied to this portion of the harness under any circumstances. Any prac- tical saddler, or harness furniture manufacturer, will safely adjust the hames to the collar, and the proper length required for that particular collar. In nicely and promptly fixing the hames it is necessary to buckle them lightly to the collar for the time, during the process of running the hands round them to see that the3'' are properly adjusted ; after which the top strap is pulled up as close or tight as possible. Hames up to 21 inches should measure 1 inch longer than the collar, and over 21 inches, 1^ inch should be allowed extra. The hames, when fitted, should never reach the top of the collar by at least 2 inches, as before mentioned. The hames are the most important part of the whole set of harness furniture, * This of course will be understood to apply only to horses that do not require an open-topped collar. OR, The Turn Out. 47 and the first consideration respecting them is the quality of the iron of which they are made. Harness hames are made of iron, body and draft, v/hether they be plated with silver, or brass, or covered with leather. The best brand of iron known to the trade for either hames or horse-shoes, is that manu- factured by Messrs. Benjamin Bunch and Sons, StajQPordshire Iron Works. The Author has several specimens of hames made of this iron on view at his establishment, both finished and unfinished, bent and twisted into every possible shape ; one hame is actually tied into a knot, but neither split, crack, or flaw appears, and the draft remains intact, and as sound and tough as the best part of the hame. The most peculiar, if not wonderful, fact in connection with this hame draft is, that it is neither welded on to the bodj^ of the hame, nor is it drawn out from the solid iron. These hames are warranted to stand the roughest wear and tear for two years, and the secret of the invention and their construction is only known to the manufacturer* of the specimen s above referred to. These hames are known as the " Gough " hame, being so called by the in- ventor out of compliment to the Author of '' Centaur," in whom the sole right of supplying them is vested. It is a saying that " Horses necks vary like Human faces,'^ and it is well-known that the collar is the most important part of the whole harness, as regards comfort to the horse, whether it be used with Four-in-hand, Pair- horse, Tandem, Gig, Dog-Cart, Phaeton, Trap, Buggy, Stage, Waggon, Dray, Cart, Pit, or Plough harness ; and the whole of the before-mentioned and following remarks and comments are applicable in either case. The form of the collar should be carefully studied by the saddler for each particular animal. Some horses require a very narrow collar, which must be made so, and not adapted ; some are wide at the bottom and straight at the top, others the reverse. Collars have been manufactured by the Author, and are still in wear, absolutely odd-sided, and no other form would answer for that particular horse a single journey ; but most collars more or less require to be full in the draught, and made perfectly true. Some horses, on account of their extreme width across the head, or eyes, require an open-topped collar, which is never advisable when it can in any way bo * The inventor and maker of this hame is John Warrallo, the manufacturer of the Prize hame for the London Exhibition 1862, which hame is likewise on view at the Author's cstabhshment, exhibited by the present owner, Mr. T. Venables, Coach and Gig Harness Furnituro Manufacturer, Bradford Works, Walsall, successor to tho lato Thomas Harvey, for whom this champion hama was originally made. 48 Centaur ; dispensed with. The constant and wide opening in putting on and taking .off, causes the straw at the throat of" the collar to break, and thus the firmness, so necessary in the build of the collar, is lost, and oftimes the top strap is left com- paratively slack or loose by the fitter, thus making the collar 1 in. longer than the fit by causing it to drop. ' The writer is in favour of a light top, a light throat, good draught body- side, and plenty of wool under the lining ; and thinks such collars perfection, and the light buggy harness a real luxury to sit behind ; at the same time the American light make of harness would not suit the English roads for hard wear. In ordering a set of harness by letter, give the height and a general description of the horse. If it be heavy, or light, "and its proportion ; this, with the following further particu- lars as to the collar, will be all that is necessary. To measure a horse for a collar, and to describe the want and form required, is a matter of no great difiiculty, if an old collar is at hand, that can easily be tried on to judge by, and a piece of. stick, string, or tape cut to show the length, allowing for the width of the old collar by adding ^-in. extra to the length, although this measurement is a trouble sometimes to the non-practical. But the proper way to measure a horse's neck is with a 24-in. rule, from the near or left side, with the right finger along the end of the rule, and the left finger across the flat, to form a stop at top and bottom of the horse's neck ; the left finger will shew the length required. The distance or measurement is taken from the throat or left hand end of the rule, which is pressed down close to the shoulder, exactl}' where the rim of the collar would rest. If a piped throated collar is necessary, one inch extra should be allowed ; and if a full or sj^are neck, or any other peculiarity, instructions can be easily given, or the necessarj^ items observed. Should a little alteration, or even exchange, be desirable, after a reasonable trial, the prompt and accomoda- ting manufacturer will not hesitate to oblige, for his own credit's sake, and for the safet}^ of the driver and the comfort of the horse. There is an old and simple method of measuring a horse for a collar, viz. — to run a tape round the neck exactly where the collar will rest, and from the length shewn deduct nine inches, and divide by two, which will give the inside depth of the collar; for example — say the neck measures 50 inches, deducting nine leaves 41 inches, dividing by two shews the length required to be 20| inches, which is the reliable size, thus the measure may be forwarded with confidence to the saddler or harness maker. OR, The Turn Out. 49 It is the Author's opinion that if piped collars were gene- rally adopted, they could not, and would not, be out of place under any circumstances. Breast-Collars are never in much demand, and are not as a rule considered any improvement to the general appearance of the *'Turn Out"; in fact, the writer condemns them, unless for occasional wear ; for permanent wear, they are an ej^esore, and dangerous to the horse. The same argument, to some extent, applies to rush collars, but they possess the advantage of being handy, light, and non- chafing, and, if well fitted and properly leathered for the hame- draft, reindees, and top-strap, and woolled under the lining, they will wear a long time, besides being readily, and with little cost and risk, cut, altered, or eased for sore necks, as circum- stances may require. Some collars are made without housings, the side pieces of which are all in one, running right round the collar, and, being as a rule manufactured of the best material, have a very neat and light appearance. These are called " broad top," or " London-topp'd " collars. The stage and van collars are frequently used now of the same form and make, but of course considerably heavier, and of plain leather; they answer the purpose equally as well as with the unsightly housing on the top. If a collar should be too lar^e, a false collar, or shell, can be adapted, which, in case of sore neck, is very useful ; they can be made either of solid leather, or double basil, stuffed with wool and quilted throughout. The Bridle is the most complicated part of the whole set, being nothing but an ingenious mechanical contrivance, or number of straps and bands put together for the purpose of carrying the bit safely and securely in the horse's mouth, and for no other purpose was it invented ; therefore, in fixing the head-strap, front, throat-band, winker straps (if any), and nose-band, the hit must not be lost sight of. Bridles are cer- tainly not required to be lumbering, or heavy, but all the billets must be strong. In taking up or loosing out the cheeh-hillets, the position, bearing, and action of the bit is materially altered, and the horse's temper considerably afiected, as the case may be. The throat-hand should never be buckled tight, but just as safety (in keeping the bridle in its proper position) demands. It is possible for the front to be but a quarter of an inch too short, which over- sight will cause the head-strap to press against the ears, pulling them forward, and so allow the luinkers to drop, adding considerably to the risk of the horse slipping 60 Centaur ; tlie bridle, particularly if it be given to throwing its head about, which the pain will actually cause. Where winkers are used they should carry or hang their centre exactly opposite the eyps, and, if ornaments are worn, care should be taken that they be put on before the winkers are made or sewn in the cheeks. In fixing the crests, monograms, or ornaments after the bridle is made up, there is risk of the legs or wires sticking out and touching the eye from the winker lining. The Bit. — The name, make, and pattern of bits are legion. The best and safest bit for general purposes, and driving in particular, is the ^^ guard hlt^^ it having no bar at the bottom, cannot catch over gates or posts ; and the best guard bit is the " revolving mouth,'' being far preferable to the " Liver- pool," or " slide mouth." The revolving mouth cannot be held in the teeth against a jerk of the reins, in the event of the horse running away ; and it is very easy and humane in its action, and extra leverage can be applied the instant it is required. The term has many times been used by horse- owners, in reference to the smooth revolving bar of this bit, that it will ''mouth a colt;" at all events, its being per- fectly loose affords plenty of occupation and amusement for restive horses while standing in the street, their whole at- tention appearing to be centred in playing with or mani- pulating the mouth-piece, which means safety, confidence, and ease of mind on the part of the occupants of the carriage or other vehicle, and the conscience of the driver is perfectly clear of the use of the brutal " high-port." In selecting the bit, the first consideration is the horse; second, the class of bridle to be worn ; third, that the desired end be achieved without pain. The curb requires considerable judgment and feeling in its application. It should never be worn tight, and, where applicable, as in the case of light-mouthed horses, may be abandoned altogether. Some curbs are lined with chamois, padded, and these answer very well where curbs are required for gentle use. Of course there are numerous makes and patterns of bits, for all uses, both for riding and driving, ancient and modern (see illustrations), which the Author can- not detail here for want of space, but he will be very pleased to send his complete list at any time on application. The Reins are applied, or fixed, when the bridle and other parts are satisfactory, the billets being run through the near and off-side territts and hame dees, and attached to the bit. Several kinds and makes are introduced by manufac- turers, viz. : — fiat reins, with brown hand-parts and the rest OR, The Turn Out. 51 black ; round reinSy brown leather all through, which the Author never recommends ; flat hroivn reins, flat lined Oxford reins, stitched two or four rows according to the quality of the harness, all of which are adapted to any class of harness, the latter looking very neat and wearing remarkably well. For ladies driving, white buff hand parts are the usual thing. And last, but not least, is the important item which has caused so much controversy, experienced and otherwise — The Bearing Rein. — Much has been said ; volumes have been written ; overstrained and impossible pictures and numerous dear-at-any-price pamphlets and baby poems pub- lished, in wholesale, thoughtless, and inexperienced con- demnation of the bearing rein, a specimen of which literature the writer once heard condemned by a justly-celebrated London steel goods manufacturer as "mere twaddle," and who said " the contents were calculated to gain no other end or point than the one probably intended or hoped for, viz. : — "advertisement, by bringing the thoughtless and unreasonable objector before the public, and of giving him an opportunity of airing his — barbarous — sentiments (this being the^word chiefly used by persons of this one idea only), on that subject at least." It is a strange fact, that the majority of those who write and invent wholesale against the bearing rein are totally inex- perienced in its use, and in the " Turn Out " generally. Therefore, in the light of day, neither their arguments nor themselves would be accepted as authorities on the subject. The Author does not condemn the use of the bearing rein altogether, neither does he advise or advocate the regular or permanent application of it, but his motto, in reference to that particular item of the set, has always been — Dis- cretion, and his standpoint — Humane. That there are times and circumstances which demand to the harness the application of the bearing rein for the general safety of the " Turn Out " there can be no doubt or legitimate question raised. The fact is well known that it should not be (and the Author believes it is not) as a rule attached for appear- ance sake only, as some arguers would have it understood, or with the desire of punishing the horse. A special case recently came under the writei's notice, where the necessity for applying the bearing rein to a valuable sixteen-hands steed presented itself, and was ultimately adopted. The animal being fresh had taken to amuse itself, after a spin of a few miles, by wandering, and throwing its head almost between its forelegs, and again in the air, whilst going at a swinging trot, — or, as some folks would term it a rattling pace, — and at 52 Ce]s TAUR ; times would vary the performance by t"he corresponding extreme — all round, constantly pulling in a tremendous and excitable manner — thus shewing the necessity for both bear- ing rein and martingale, whilst the driver tried by all means in his power to check it by calling the horse' by name, coaxing it, shouting, and, at a risk, touching him up with the whip, thereby causing a considerable amount of swerving and danger, but all to no purpose. The risk of upsetting became more and more apparent, and would most certainly — and perhaps with fearful consequences — have come about, had the horse trodden upon a stone, or made one false step. At last the writer's suggestion of a bearing rein was adopted, and some window cord was attached, to act in that capacity, and an additional cord carried from the back of the nose- band, through the bottom hame-strap to the belly-band. The result shewed itself in a few minutes, after first leading the horse, and then quietly mounting the vehicle, to the evident pleasure and comfort of the driver and all con- cerned ; and the owner of the horse has said many times since that he has not, and never shall, go out with a spirited animal unless a bearing rein is either on the harness or ready for use in the vehicle. At the same time, in fixing the "check" up to the hook of the saddle, care and judg- ment are necessary. The horse should have easy liberty in standing, and in going up hill, which can be regulated by the buckle on the near side ; and it should be remembered that the bearing rein acts upon the crupper-dock, and that it is not intended for compressing the animal's head to its tail. If the horse be a hard puller and very fresh, the bearing rein will save considerable arm-aching on the part of the driver, and chafing on the part of the animal. Severity or brute force is not needed in any case, and at all times the end to be accomplished should not be sought for, or brought about, too hurriedly. The check-rein should always be slackened (if worn tight for the time) in going up hill, and if the opportunity occurs for taking the extra rein off alto- gether, it may be done; it is little carriage, and, — the writer would add — no ornament. The less harness and strappings a well-broken horse can with safety be made to do with, the better. Now, the writer would ask, what the advocates of *' no bearing rein " would use as a substitute, in the above case — the secret gag bit ? The Author would cry shame ! "We cannot believe that the bearing rein is, or ever has been, wilfully converted into the " instrument of torture," or made to administer one-thii'd the amount of punishment that OR, The Turn Out. 53 its hidden substitute — the " Gag Bit " (see illustration), has done. The cruel roof- working oT the gag bit can be seen at a o^lance, and the imaginary charges and ridiculous illus- trations that have been published against the bearing rein are an insult to the many owners of horses, and proprietors of large establishments, who think proper, and are perfectly justified in using their own discretion, in adopting any means they ma}' try or decide upon for the safety of the "Turn Out," as the result of experience, blended with humane feeling for the horse, and care for the public safety ; and the Author contends that his argument is conclusive when the fact becomes generally known, that the majority of the largest and richest individual horse-owners in the kingdom adopt, and are hnown to use, the bearing rein, to all animals where speed and blood are in hand, which fact is proved by the notice that appeared in the Saddlers'' and Coach-Builders* Gazette, dated June 1st, 1877, viz. : — That at the recent meeting of the Coaching (four-in-hand) Cluh, in Hyde Park, it was observed that all the Horses, save in three or four instances, u'ore bearing reins.* This notice is sufficient to endorse the writer's words that the bearing rein is neither more nor less than a legitimate part of the set, and, that no harness room is complete without it.f One bearing rein with plain covered furniture can be used to any pattern single harness, so there is no real necessity for an extra rein to every set. There may be some persons who, at a loss for fair argu- ment would say, that the Author, being an harness maker, is interested in the manufacture and sale of the bearing rein. Such argument is not worth entertaining, considering the fact that the cost of a bearing rein is so very nominal, and little or no difference is made to the customer or manufacturer whether that rein is supplied or not, as far as the cost of the set or sets go. And, in conclusion, we would remark that if the amateur or prejudiced enemy of the bearing rein would hasten his non-success as a horse-breaker, he has only tc ♦ It is said that the horse does not know its own strength, hence our control over it in the shafts. Therefore the writer considers the strengtli and presence of mind of one man on the box behind a team of fom' high-bred, well-corned, noble animals altogether inadequate, particularly in crowded thoroughfares, with vehicles before him and behind him, without the assistance of the bearing rein. t A friend's simile in conversation, respecting the use and abuse of the bearing rein, was, that with restive and over-fresh horses, it is much the same as a drill-sergeant to the raw recruit, the natui'al position of the latter being known as "all over the shop." 54 Centaur ; adopt the extraordinary high-port of the "gag bit," which was expressly invented to act as a secret substitute for the bearing rein, and he will very soon find that he has established himself as an accomplished " Temper and jaw breaker," unless he be of the same class as the man who *' would condemn the inventor of the barbarous bearing rein to wear one for life," and at the same moment confessed that he himself " had never possessed a Turn Out.'* It is an easy matter to discover whether a bearing rein is necessary or not, and the sum and substance of the writer's dictum is, if the horse carries itself perfectly straight and freely with a light mouth without the extra rein, by no means apply it; but if, on the contrary, the animal is a very hard and excitable puller,* or stumbles and throws its head about as though having business on both sides of the road at one time, then the bearing rein cannot, and must not be dispensed with. Before leaving the bearing rein, we would quote the words of John Philipson, Esq., of the firm of Attkinson and Phillipson, the celebrated coach builders, and author of a little work on " Harness," viz. : — " I have said that bearing reins have been widely condemned of late years, and this condemnation I consider deservedly merited when pointed to the * gag,' as this method of bearing-up is both cruel and highly injurious. This remark, however, does not apply with the same force to the bearing rein in its simple form, and the most impartial summing up of all that has been said for and against them would not justify me in saying that they are always to be dispensed with, for, as a writer on coaching days says : — * bearing reins have their uses and abuses.' " In Hawlinson's " Ancient Monarchies," we learn that the use of the bearing rein was practised by the Egyptians of old, &c. " NiMROD " in one of his sporting essays, writes : — " There are many horses, sometimes whole teams (four-in- hand), that will not face anything but the cheek ; and where is the arm that could bear the weight of four horses leaning • How often have we heard it said that a certain "horse shall come fresh out of the stable, and draw a vehicle and driver some miles without traces," and. again, drivers to complain that "their arms have ached enough to drop off." OR, The Turn Oht. 55 upon it for an hour or more together, perhaps at full gallop ? How much soever humanity towards the horse may be enjoined, regard for our oivn sjyecies must prevail, and no horse in a coach or a post chaise is safe without a bearing rein, and for this reason, he is in constant danger from having his head at liberty, of loosing his bridle by rubbing his head against the pole, or against the other horse, and an accident is almost sure to happen." Therefore, we will now leave the reader to his best discre- tion as regards the bearing rein, and advise him to study seriously before he resolves to use or abandon it, or to advise others either for or against it. We will now proceed with our advices and suggestions as "to fitting," and other items of the whole set. It is not necessary to say, that for safety, the quality of the leather and furniture of the set of harness should be of the best, but it is necessary to intimate that no matter how good the make and quality may be, equal danger attends the " Turn Out " if the harness be not properly and judiciously fitted. The horse must never be buckled tight to its work, particularly at the traces ; special care should be paid to the traces, in seeing that they are punched true, and buckled equal length each side. The piped or long loops should be well sewn in with strong threads, and creased, chequered, and bevilled by hand. If narrow loops are used throughout, they should be firm and nicely blocked; loose and flimsy loops are useless for the purpose intended after a few showers of rain, and are very unsightly. Long breechbands running up to the tugs are rather ancient and complicated, and add to the expense and weight of the harness — short breech- bands answer the same purpose, and are lighter for the horse to carry. If the set be regular best, it should be sewn four rows throughout (by hand preferred); if it be second quality, one row round is the rule, except in the traces and backhand, which should be always four rows; and if plain harness be ordered, it will be single solid leather in parts other than the traces, backhand, tugs, and breech band, which are always lined, with the exception of the traces used in tramway and such work, which are made wider, and of stouter solid leather. In running a horse without winkers for the first time, great care is necessary ; and the whip should be kept in the socket. These items may seem of small moment to the 56 Centaur ; practised liorsemen, and manufacturers of harness ; but they are of the greatest importance to the general public, for whom this work is in the main intended. Good plain solid leather harness invariably gives satisfac- tion. All stitches of harness should of necessity be hand work, the threads well waxed and twisted before using, and the awl blade actually smaller than the threads, which threads should be well and evenly pulled in, or, as the trade saj'ing is, ''plump as a bird's eye." Firm sound work is then assured, and this book would be wanting in its practical sense, and would not have fulfiled the mission intended, unless it gave this real germ of the subject in hand, viz., such particulars, which may appear, from their simplicity^ of minor importance ; and which must have been so con- sidered, or overlooked, by other Authors; who, have omitted them for the purpose of more minutely particularising mattera not practical; and in which the average driver and horse- owner is not concerned, or at all times safe in turning to account, nan^el}^, phj^sic, prescriptions, and trick training ; which latter is the extreme of horse-breaking, and not suitable to the vocation of all horse-owners. The writer recently made a brown leather set of harness, with square brass wire (west end) furniture, straight flapped imperial pad, square winkers, light kicking strap and tugs, flat-lined Oxford reins, London topped collar, and revolving mouthed guard bit. This model set (as the customer called it) was supplied without breast-plate, face-piece, curb, hip- pieces, bearing rein, throat-band swivels, pad-cloth, or any ornaments whatever ; the only extra in the set being, that the bellyband was made to buckle both on the near and off sides, for easy access and handiness in releasing the horse from the shafts, in the event of accident. It is a cruel mistake to run a horse in a four-wheeler without a hreechband, which should be so adjusted as to keep the vehicle from forcing the shaft tugs from their proper position in going down hill. The foregoing applies to double harness and four-in-hand or tandem alike ; other minor par- ticulars can be advised the maker on ordering the set. '& For pipe-throated collars the hames are required to be specially made in every case; the ordinary formed plain hames, being difficult to adjust, are a misfit, and altogether unsafe. "Wq have introduced a set of harness which we think fully endorses the name given it, viz., " The Humane," but OR, The Turn Out. 67 it must only be applied to well-broken, docile borses, and in the hands of a thoroughly experienced whip, the set being without breech-band, bearing rein, crupper dock, rein billetts, cheek'd-bit, swivells, hook, collar, and rosetts, and being made very light in the leather work and furniture. The Author thinks this should meet the wishes of the most sensitive arguer against the bearing re-in ; but the fact remains that any part of the present existing harness can be, and often is, so adjusted as to become a greater '* instru- ment of torture" than it is possible to make the bearing rein, in which the neck gires way, but not so with the cheeks of the bridle, the crupper strap, or the traces, when luckled un- even or icithout play. The writer has invented a much needed substitute for the driving-rein " billetts," which can be applied to hackney bridles alike, and many useful points in a set of harness. The above substitute for rein furniture, (which means economy in price, less weight for the horse, wear and tear reduced to a minimum, and, improvement in the general appearance of the " Turn Out ") the Author will be very pleased to adapt to anj^ gentleman's reins, free of charge, on the same being sent to his manufactory. The reader shall not be troubled with wading through a long description of the different classes, qualities, and parts of harness leather, such as 'backs,' 'butts,' 'bellies,' 'shoulders,' 'hides,' — 'black,' 'brown,' — &c., and the cost of produc- tion and process of manufacture ; that being unnecessary in this work, and more to the interest of the harness maker, who is already experienced in every particular, and his good judgment will ensure good value. The same rule applies to the furniture, such as buckles, hames, &c., &c. After selecting the pattern, the rest must remain with the harness maker, who will hold himself responsible for fit and satisfaction. Specimens of modern harness furniture, price list, and drawings, the Author will forward at any time post free. 58 Cextaur TO ATTACH THE HORSE TO THE VEHICLE. "Slow and Sure.' ^^|'_N attaching a horse or putting it between the shafts, the most deliberate way is the quickest and safest ; bustling or hurrying and running round its head backwards and forwards is a very dangerous practice, particularly with a spirited animal. A few days ago a friend of the writer's (after many remonstrations and cautions for the rushing manner in which he always put the horse in) met with a very serious accident, nearly costing him the life of his steed. To use own words — '* He had just fixed the near side trace and breech-band strap, and was hastening round the back of the dog- cart to attach the off side, when the horse sheered away, at the same time catching the wheel of the vehicle against a large stone fixed in the gateway, causing it to plunge, and the owner to shout and pull at the reins; ultimately, during the brief excitement, the horse got his rump under the shafts and commenced kicking, soon cleared himself of the lot, and bolted away, fell — or was knocked — down in turning the corner, thus preventing further mischief." The moral is — Had the owner gone about his work with less bustle and in a more systematic manner the horse would not have been so likely to become nervous. Some horses are extremely irritable and unsteady during the process of attaching to or taking from the vehicle, for which there must be a cause, and it is known to be not at all times the fault of the horse. The attendant who under- stands his horse, and is familiar with humane and systematic care and good treatment, has very Kttle trouble with a well- broken animal. OR, The Turn Out. 59 It is very important that the shafts should always be elevated and drawn to the horse, and never left upon the ground for backing the horse between them. It is a common practice to throw the cushions, rugs, and mats into the vehicle from a distance, and vice vend; many serious accidents have arisen therefrom — a simple crack of the whip, and — " Who'd have thought it P* The same methodical system as above suggested should be adopted in taking the horse out of the shafts as in putting him in. Some may say after a journey — '*0h! the horse is tired ! — he's quiet enough now — make haste ! — hurry up ! — have him out as quick as possible;" but it must be remembered, that the horse has a great love for home, and is as anxious to get into his stable as he was for a run when brought out fresh. Many a shaft has been broken at the stable door, and many a set of harness partly ripped from the animal's back, through the tugs, &c., catching the latch or other impediment on or near the door in the hurry of the horse to reach his stall. In attaching your horse, always consider the kind or class of vehicle it is about to draw, so that you may either add to or dispense with the parts of harness that may be or may not bo required, or appear necessary; for instance, if the conveyance be a four-wheeler, then the breech-band should not be dispensed with, on account of the weight and forward pressure down hill, which the breech-band will assist in resisting, both as regards the horse and the brake, when the latter is used. But if a gig, light dog-cart, or any vehicle where the occupants do not exceed two in number, the kicking strap, or even the kicking strap tugs alone, will be sufficient, the last items being simply to carry the traces. The traces should always be buckled perfectly true and alike in length on either side; to be careless or "makeshift" in this matter means torture for the horse and personal risks. When an odd trace is spliced, or a new buckle end (say sixteen inches long) is put on to the trace, as is often the case, care should be taken that both sides are attended to at the same time, and that the punch holes shall be found or made to correspond exactly; this is out of consideration for the part that bears the pressure or pain, viz., the horse's shoulder. D 2 60 Centaur ; These matters may appear very simple to the experienced, or to the careless eye, hut the Author would argue that every good huntsman knows the importance of true stirrup leathers and level irons each side, not only for his comfort and pleasure, but for the actual safety of his life ; thereby the same rule more stricth'- applies to the most important duty in "attaching the horse to the vehicle," viz., the draff. Where the hame tug Is at the reverse end of the traces, the horse certainly is relieved of the weight ; but apart from that consideration, it is an encumbrance, and somewhat un- sightly ; as is any part of the harness not actually required for immediate use. The Author would here suggest that the finishing touch in " attaching the horse " should be, to see that its tail rests in the crupper dock perfectly free from hair, no bristles left between it and the " pad," by which title the dock really should be known, it being made large, thick, and filled with linseed; — not thin, wiry, and stufied with paper. Hence the oily and healing nature of the humane dock, as invented by the Author. Few horsemen or drivers would knowingly permit the animal in their charge to work one hour in pain, particularly if they had the remedy at hand, yet, many horses toil the whole day in actual agony ; and submit to labour, under protest as it were, from sheer good temper and obedient disposition. How frequently do we see not only marks, but scars and raw places under various parts of the harness, wounds which are frequently caused through carelessness and want of the observant eye in the attaching of the horse to the vehicle, and its afterwards working away, up hill and down, loaded or unloaded, in all weathers, without an occasional notice on the part of the driver, or re-adjustment of the different items of the set which may appear necessary. Some horses are punished into an habitual ^' protest,'^ such as biting and snapping with the teeth, scraping with the feet, or starting and stopping without orders, or by sudden and dangerous jerks. All these signs are weighed over by the careful horseman, and he soon discovers the cause, and in five cases out of six he will effect the cure, at very little inconvenience or expense, OR, The Turn Out. 61 To learn if " all is easy," place the hand under the saddle or pad, lift the bridle-head from pressing around the ears, wipe as it were through the underside of the top of the collar and around the throat inside, or ease the belly-band and dock, and re-adjust the curb, if one is worn, and at all times raise the weight from the horse's back when on the road, by leaning backwards or forwards, if driving, or if walking at the oide, lift up the shafts, when the load is on the same ; and it will be found that such small attentions as these may appear to be are most effective with the horse, and a great source of pleasure and satisfaction to the horseman, who is fully and promptly repaid by the ready appreciation of the animal under his protection, which latter may be the actual bread winner. The horse's skin is doubly sensitive to chafing and galling during wet seasons and persistent rainy weather; therefore at these times more care and attention to cleanliness is necessary on the part of the groom. Neglect means cruelty ; and the old saying here applies, " Prevention is better than cure." To cure occasional sores, which may be caused whilst the horse is in the shafts, let the first attention in the stable be, to clean the hair away from the wound with a pair of scissors, wash the sore, and gently rub with a lather of water and black soap, after which an application of salt and water, well dissolved, and left to dry itself, is an old and effectual remedy, and a simple preliminary "stitch in time." Of course the above prescription will not cure defects in the formation of the shafts ; which may be too narrow, and thus cause a sore; or injury may arise through misfittino- harness; but these items can easily be discovered, and pointed out to the coach- builder, or saddler, as the case may be, and if these persons are only consulted in time, serious accidents may be prevented. It is a dangerous practice to unbuckle the driving rein billetts before taking the horse out of the shafts, thereby losing control of the animal somewhat; the breech-band or kicking strap (whichever worn) should always be released first, then the belly-band and traces. The occasional mention 62 Centaur ; of the horse's name, and in fact a little conversation kept up with him, during the process of attaching to and releasing from the vehicle, such as *' Woa, Charlie! — Steady boy ! — Stand over ! " &c., saves time, tends to avoid accidents, and is calculated to cultivate patience and good temper in both horse and man.* ♦The reader will understand that the foregoing and after suggestions and rules, apply to single and double— or pair-horse— and every description of •*Turn Out" alike. OR, The Turn Out. 63 DRIVING. *« 'Tis the pace that kills.*' HE term " Driving " seems, as a rule, to be misunderstood by the amateur whip, and by many whose daily business it is to sit behind a steed. We often hear it said that " a good horse requires no driving," and so it is. The holder of the ribbons should take his position, with a view to steer or guide the horse, and not for the express purpose of " driving " it, which term may be, and is, often misconstrued into frequent floggings, constant shoutings, pulling or jerking at the reins, and other demonstrations, which frequently call to mind the poetical lines — " To see ourselves as others see us." Before taking charge of your " Turn Out," the first business is, — to learn how to pick up the reins ; mount the vehicle ; and keep your own side, for, as before quoted — " The rule of the road is a paradox quite, As the drivers jog it along ; If you keep to the left you are sure to go right, But if you keep to the right you go wrong."* The reins should be taken in hand before the vehicle is mounted, therefore the responsibilities commence at that moment. If there are an}^ other occupants, the driver takes his place last, (unless an attendant is at the horse's head), and that without the least hurry or excitement, by stepping lightly and firmly to his seat, the reins being already in hand the proper length, and the ^chip in the socket. The horse should be allowed to start itself by a gentle movement of the reins between the fingers, without the slightest flourish or noise on the part of the driver, he at the same moment moving his weight a little to the front. The horse may be quietly spoken to, or made to respond to his name being mentioned by starting immediately and freely. * Where repetition of the same lines or suggestions occur, the Author wishes it to be distinctly understood that it is done for a deliberate purpose, viz. :— that of ''driving" TH3 ARGUMENTS homc; where the reader may miss the first, the aecond may catch him. 64 Centaur ; The position of the driver is to lean a little forward, after taking a firm seat and keeping the legs well out towards the dash, and never to hang backward, excepting for the purpose of balancing the vehicle in going down hill, the feet being kept to the front at all times. In driving, the reins are taken up the reverse way to riding, viz. : — from the bottom, or underside, and kept with a steady pressure con- stantly feeling the animal's mouth,* Should the driver at any time become nervous or irritable, the same is communicated to the horse through the reins, which communication is calculated to give the horse in- creased license and want of confidence, and the driver considerable anxiety. At all times the driver should sit square and perfectly easy, without the slightest appearance of stiffness or carelessness, and must keep a good foothold in turning corners. In our travels we see numerous styles of holding the reins, but there is only one proper and safe way, viz. : — in the left hand ; the right, or whip hand, being kept ready for emerg- encies. The driving hand, with the reins, should be held to the front, a little way from the bod}^ and on a level with the elbow ; the finger nails are slightly uppermost in driving, and the reverse in riding. The near side or left rein passes between the thumb and first finger; the off' or right side rein between the second and third fingers, which are kept close together, thus securing the purchase or grip. To hold a rein in each handf is a most awkward and helpless plan, and seems to be the sj^stem adopted in America, where the writer has witnessed many accidents arising from that cause alone, both on the road and upon the trotting track ; in one case the driver was thrown back- wards out of his buggy on to the ground, through hanging on, which ended in the breaking of the reins; in fact, it had been his constant boast that the horse did not require traces, but could pull the vehicle by the reins alone. Some persons hold the reins close to the body ; others up to the chin, with only the first finger between them ; this is very unsafe in the event of the horse stumbling, particularly if drivers themselves indulge in the habit of keeping their * The reins should never be allowed to fall or lay upon the horse's back. t The witty carman says he holds a rein in each hand, and the whip in the other. OR, The Turn Out. 65 legs under the seat, which is altogether a very helpless and nervous position, and is calculated to land the driver into the gutter on turning the first corner. The occupier of the box should be particular in pulling up gradually before arriving at his destination ; and in turning corners, by giving a full sweep ; going wide where there is room and all clear ; and the fact should be kept constantly to the front, that the driver's position behind the horse is exactly the same as the man at the wheel of a vessel. The frequent use of the horse's name is a very important item in travelling long journej^s, it being not only cheering to the animal, but company for him ; and the same practice is of very great service when the horse is standing still in the street. In driving along, should anything occur ahead to neces- sitate your stopping or pulling up suddenly in crowded thoroughfares, the whip or hand should be elevated as a signal to those who may be in the rear. The following is an illustration of flourishing starts on the part of drivers : — A doctor acquaintance of the writer's was in constant danger of his life, and could not account for it.' After each call throughout the day, the moment on opening the carriage door, the horses would bounce off at express speed, some- times rearing or swerving round, and invariably landing the doctor's hat against the top of the door-way. The cause of this very restive starting on the part of the horses was not discovered until a change of coachmen came about, and it was then found out that the horses had been regularly cut with the whip at the sound of the handle of the door turning. And it took considerable time and patience on the part of the new Jehu, to persuade the horses to start steadily, without bounding or plunging. Special care should be taken in driving down hill. An Hibernian friend of the writer's used to say that — " He walked the horse down hill, and the horse walked himself up," which indicates plenty of consideration for the animal. Many serious accidents would be avoided if drivers generally would adhere strictly to the rule of keeping their 66 Centaur ; own side, viz. : — to tlie leffc, at all times, except when over- taking a vehicle.* This is the simple rule of the road in England: — Yon start out to the left and you come home to the left. The whip should never mount the box without previoush- taking a careful survey of the " Turn Out," — to see that all the strappings are properly attached, the traces not twisted. or buckled up too tight. One of the greatest evils attending the attachment of the horse to the vehicle is buckling him too tight to his work ; either in the kicking-strap, breech- band, bearing-rein, belly-band, traces, or any of the bridle parts. The writer has known even the simple hip cloth, through its not being properly adjusted, to cause the horse to bolt away at a furious speed for some miles (and unfor- tunately the occupier of the box was a ladyf), happily without accident other than a severe shock to the nerves of the occupants of the vehicle. :|: x\.nother case of oversight on the part of the owner of the " Turn Out " only recently came to the writer*s ears. A gentleman started rather late in the evening from an hotel yard, accompanied by his son, whom he was bringing from school for his holidaj's, and on stepping into the gig (without taking his customary survey of the harness) the animal, a very fast mare, bounded away. The driver, losing all control of his steed, tried and tried again to check her headlong anxiety to reach her stable, by jerking the reins, coaxing and shouting ; all of which was of no avail ; and to add to the agony of the father, the boy began to scream and cry ; but not a solitary human being could be seen on the road, and fortunately no vehicle was passed the whole distance, eight and a half miles, and the mare being used to that road, and usually a good tempered animal, deliberately pulled up of her own accord, and trotted them gently and safely to their own door. The cause of her wild behaviour was discovered to be, that the bit had not been put into the animal's mouth before starting, and the driver had been constantly pulling away at, and hanging on to, the nose- * Or meeting ladies on horselaack ; or a drove of horses or sheep. t The Author s Avife, accompanied by her little son, 6 years old. t Similar accidents have been known to arise from strangers fixing the rein biUetts upon the single ring of a Wilson snaffle, the horse having been used to the double rings being billetted together. OR, The Turn Out. 67 band and cheeks of the bridle all the distance, which novel proceeding was more calculated to excite the mare than to stop her. Therefore, the moral is, that no matter who ma}^ have the care or charge of the steed, in the temporary absence of the owner or driver, all persons or attendants are liable at some time or other to have their attention called away during the process of fixing the harness upon the horse, and attaching the horse to the vehicle ; so the driver should never mount the box without havinsr first felt and ex- amined the easy bearings and proper adjustment of the whole set. Great want of consideration for the horse is at times noticeable in the loading of vehicles, especially waggonettes and brakes for pic-nic parties ; and, it is a standing disgrace that market carriers generally, and pleasure seekers also, seem to think more of the capabilities of the conveyance than the horse, and the writer has many times put the gentle reminder to those in charge : — " In considering (or risking) what the cart will hold, think how much the horse can draiv." In the summer time, and at holiday times, it is the usual practice to pack human beings behind a horse as close as a tin of sardines, and often with the tugs too low, the shafts swinging about, and the cart body bumping upon the axletree, caused by the springs being over-weighted. This kind of thing together with '* We won't go home till morning" and other lively melodies in harmony with the time of evening and the quantity of stimulant deposited, are all apparently necessary to complete the day's enjoyment. But how little can the occupants be thinking of the enormous risk they are running whilst rocking backwards and for- wards, as though they would roll in one mass out of the vehicle, and their whole attention seeming to be centered in getting to the top of their voices on the return journey ; flogging, and racing up hill and down, frequently, at least as a rule, more excited or helpless than when starting out, and their last thoughts being — the Horse. Gardener's carts, although to all appearance a big load, are, as a rule, packed with more judgment, the gardener generally putting the finishing touch to the balance by stowing himself away either on the front or extreme back of his strong and well-built curt, as the case requires ; and, 68 Centauh ; generally speaking", his horse is well-cared for, and never to be seen distressed or neglected. There is sometimes a risk in allowing the faithful animal to hurry home in the evening, almost on its own responsibility, the driver being in a kind of semi-sleep, after his very long and laborious day's work, which generally commences with the daylight in the summer time and long before the dawn in the winter time. The writer has known several cases of complete smash-up, which in one or two instances could have been easily avoided, had not obstinacy on the one part and vacancy on the other prevailed. Those in charge of gigs, traps, dog carts, carriages, or other vehicles, should always be prepared to take either side (although there is only one proper side), or go clean off' the road altogether (where practicable) in cases of emergency, taking care to be in constant readiness and on the look out for runaways, or heavily laden waggons that may be slowly trudging along on the wrong side, and the attendant some distance in the rear ; likewise for " sleepy " drivers, ''ignorant" drivers, and ^'indifferent and amateur" drivers, all of which are frequently to be met with on the road. The writer thinks the Shakesperian lines (which he once saw nailed up in a certain nobleman's harness-room) peculiarly apj)licable to the foregoing remarks, namely, that " 'Tis a cruelty to load a falling man," and " Good words are better than bad strokes." The art of driving can be summed up and condensed into a few simple rules, viz. : — 1st. Always mind your own {near or left) side, except when passing a vehicle, which takes 3^ou by the right or off' side. 2nd. Never turn round a corner at full speed, but always pull gently in beforehand, and take a full sweep, to give clear space to any vehicle that may be coming. 3rd. "When you pull up or turn round in crowded thoroughfares, always intimate your intention to probable drivers behind, by holding up your right hand or whip, as a danger signal. 4th. In driving down hill, hold the horse well in hand, by keeping the grip somewhat short, and the reins com- OR, The Turn Out. 69 paratively high, which will tend to support the horse, and promote confidence in man and horse alike. In going up- hill, slacken and ease the hack if necessary ; prepare to check in case of stumbling. 5th. Do not use the whip at any time without a thought as to the necessity for it, and by no means irritate or tease the horse by tugging at the reins. This habit renders the horse callous and indifierent. 6th. If the journey be a good distance, to be covered in a given time, drive at a moderate pace throughout, and by no means play at galloping and walking, which means actual torture and loss of time. 7th. If the horse is known to be nervous and to shy at times, the driver must be beforehand with him, by pre- paring the horse with a word, and giving the object likely to be shied at a wide berth. To practise horse-breaking by taking him up to the object again and again is not always convenient or advisable. 8th. If a shoe becomes loose, do not postpone the fixing of it until you get home. If you can anywhere have it properly secured, this will prevent accident and probable lameness. 9th. If the horse bolts or runs away, try, by all means in your power, to keep your presence of mind,* by which you will not abandon all control over him. Continue to guide him, and speak to him ; he may yield mechanically to the rein, and the danger may be, and often is, averted by so doing. loth. It is as well to remember that the horse is, at all times, grateful for any gentleness or kind act shown to- wards him. As proving the value of a cautious driver, the following will show the kind of man preferred by most gentlemen. A gentleman advertised for a coachman ; three persons applied, and were admitted into the parlour. The road leading to the hall went near a dangerous precipice. ♦ A friend of the Author's once argued that he knew something better than "presence of mind" in a railway accident, viz.— "absence of body,"— which the writer thinks equally applies to carriage accidents. 70 Centaur ; " How near the edge of this precipice can you drive me without the danger of an upset?" inquired the gentle- man of the first applicant. " Within a hair's breadth ! " answered the man. '' And how near could you drive me?" said the gentleman to the second. *' Within a hand's breadth," was the reply. The third man had taken up his hat and was leaving the room, supposing he had no chance of competing with either of these two. " Stop, stop I " said the gentleman ; " let us here what you have to say ! " "Why, sir, I cannot compete with either of these. If I were to drive you, I would keep as far off as I possibly could." ** You are the man for me !" said the gentleman, and engaged him right away. on, The Turn Out. 71 MEMOS. NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN IN CONNECTION WITH THE HARNESS. The most important items to be observed in reference to the comfort of the horse are :— The Bit, The Collar, The Saddle, and Crupper-Dock. The most important items to be observed in reference to the safety of the d river y are : — The Reins, The Backband and Tugs, The Traces, and Top Hame Strap. These should be systematically examined before mounting the vehicle. 72 Centaur ; UNHARNESSING AND CLEANING. ■ ** I rather tell thee what is to be fear'd." doubt there may be a few rougb and ready readers of the above title wbo would ask the question — " What art can there be in taking a set of harness off a horse ? " or say — *' I can soon rip it off, and without any ceremony/' The writer would answer — If there is no art in the business of releasing or unburden- ing a horse with the easiest and quietest despatch, after its hard day's work, or perhaps after a long and tedious journey under the broiling sun or drenching rain, there is at least a certain amount of judgment and con- sideration necessary ; and it is, therefore, the successful horse-keeper's rule that a certain system shall be laid down and regularly adhered to. It is the general practice, in fact it may be said to be the universal custom, when undressing or taking a set of harness off a horse, to coimnence at the driving rein billetts, by un- buckling the same from the bit and bringing them back to the hind part or territt of the saddle. The writer's opinion is that time is lost and unnecessary punishment is inflicted upon the horse by so doing. If the girth he first unbuckled, it has the immediate effect of releasing the pressure of the saddle from the horse's back, and allowing a gentle current of air to pass under the same without fear of chill or other consequences ; and it also has the efiect of easing the dock of the crupper from the root of the tail, particularly if the saddle be slightly moved back- ward, say a few inches (as it should be in all cases and under all circumstances, whether after riding, driving, or carting), a little while at least before taking the saddle and crupper finally from the horse's back. The heated parts are thus gradually cooled and relieved without the risk which attends the instantaneous removal of the saddle. Prompt removal of the saddle invariably follows the system of unbuckling first of the set, the billetts at the bit, which bad method, or want of thought, is alone responsible for the many sore and OR, The Turn Out. 73 scaly tails we see about the region of the dock ; so much so that some tails that have been thus neglected, have the appearance of a number of permanent sores and running wounds underneath, which is caused by the horse pressing and keeping down the tail when the saddle is unbuckled and dragged off, with all its surroundings, at a moment's notice ; and very often the behind part of the steed is pulled half across the stall. Before the saddle is taken off altogether, after loosening the girth, the reins should be cleared of the harness and hung up, not doubled or twisted in any way, but suspended as nearly straight as possible. The Hames follow in due course, being unbuckled whilst upon the horse's neck and then removed. They should never remain upon the collar, to be taken off at the same time, and left upon it ; this method is a strong illustration of want of feeling for the horse. It may be considered a saving of time and easy enough to take old and wide collars off the neck with the hames attached, but the quickness of the business, if done quickly at all, is chiefly owing to the extreme anxiety of the horse to wriggle through the infliction, and get it over. It is usual on taking the hames off to examine the top and bottom straps, as they are an important item in the set, and it is necessary to see that the punch holes are all sound. The advantage of taking the hames off before the bridle is that the collar can be moved a few inches up the neck, relieving the same of the weight, which is to the horse, during the brief moment of removing the bridle, as great a luxury and equally refreshing as the easing of the saddle and dock before taking off altogether. Good fitting hames should not reach the top of the harness collar. The Bridle should first be unbuckled at the throat-band, and even then it should not be pulled down, but lifted off with the two hands, the fingers being placed under the head- strap of the bridle behind the horse's ears ; the top part being brought to the front allows the bit to fall from the mouth without danger to the teeth. The bridle should never under any circumstances be taken off, or the bit be taken out of the mouth while the animal is in the shafts ; many serious accidents have been known to come about owing entirely to this practice. An instance recently came under the writer's notice where a pony and trap had been left at a public house door with the bridle hanging upon the points of the shafts, and a feed of corn in a bucket upon a trestle before it. The pony was startled by a boy coming round 74 CENTi^uR : tlie corner playing with a whip top. The buckec of corn and trestle were upset, and away went the animal with the bridle dangling between its legs, and there being no possible chance of controlling the bare-headed runaway, a general smash up was the consequence, and in less than thirty minutes from the time of stopping to feed, the pony was killed (put out of its misery), having staked itself by trying in its mad career to leap some iron palings with the trap behind it. The wonder was that several persons were not killed in their efforts to check the animal. In removing the Saddle or Pad the left hand is put under the front, and the right hand to the dock, after first throw- in «• the breech-band (if worn) over the back, across the top of the crupper, and the lot is instantly and easily taken off without any opposition on the part of the horse, such as tucking the tail under, or as some say, biting the dock. By adapting the above simple system a great deal of time and trouble (besides pain to the horse) is saved, and the ready assistance of that noble animal is secured, particularly when he becomes thoroughly acquainted with the new, easier, and more humane regulation. To take the Collar from the horse's neck it has been before mentioned that the (hard iron) hames must not pass over the eyes of the horse at the same time (that is, the hames should be seperated from the collar) in any class of harness, whether gig, cab, or cart ; and whatever is done through carelessness or clumsiness to irritate the horse, is sure to be communicated to the attendant, and thus both become chafed, which invariably leads to constant shoutings on the part of the man, and persistent dancing about on the part of the horse ; probably the fork is introduced, which frequently ends in the animal being pricked and spoilt. In taking the collar off it is usual to drag or lug at it from the front of the horse with both hands, and if it be at all a tight fit, one tremendous pull is given, after a series of jerks, in which the whole weight of man and horse is brought to bear, which invariably results in at least three, and sometimes four, ungraceful, if not brutish events occuring, viz. : — The moment the collar is past the eyes, after being pulled in the above helpless way, the inside of the throat cannot possibly miss striking the animal's nose, which blow is always a violent one ; and if the stable has a low roof or OR, The Tit«n Out. 76 18 a temporary structure, the top of the horse's head comes in contact with the timber above the moment its nose is struck, causing the horse to rebound or reel to the full extent, which accounts for the rough and bristle like tops of the tail frequently to be seen, and is the effect of collision with the rear of the stall. All the brushing and combing that can be done will not make these broken bristles lie down or wear any other appearance than that of having been gnawed by rats. When the collar is thus pulled forcibly from the head, another event frequently occurs in the heat of temper, or (to use a milder term) under the impulse of the moment — that the collar is either thrown upon the floor, or, in no gentle mood, landed in the manger (which, of course, means wear and tear) during the process of fixing the head stall or halter. That the above illustrations of the results of rough and ready treatment are facts, and occur every day, is well known, and the writer (from many opportunities in connection with his business and sundry other surround- ings) can vouch for and verify any illustrations a personal interview may suggest, and he, at the same time, places before his readers his own system of taking the collar off, which puts any and all of the items or results before mentioned out of the question, and renders the possibility of a horse slipping backward upon its haunches unlikely. As before intimated the collar is the most important part of the whole set, both to fit and in wear, and the putting on and taking off, if not done carefully, is seriously calculated to affect the temper of the horse. It is not necessary to stand directly in front of the horse for drawing the collar off; the quickest, quietest, and safest method is to stand a little to the near side, bringing the collar close up to the ears with the right hand only (after it has been reversed or turned over the way of the mane) ; the left hand is placed up the face with a quiet rub, which humours the temperament of the horse, then, by leaning stiffly to the steed and pressing the collar towards the operator, he becomes, as it were, for the moment, a part of the horse, and with this assistance, a little twist of the head is given, and the collar glides or falls quietly upon the left arm, without having caused the least confusion, and this is done much easier and in shorter time than the bun ogling: and Do helpless way of hanging at the horse's head with both hands to the collar. The improved system is looked upon bv the x!i <« 76 Centaur; horse, in the course of an experiment or two, as a luxury and pleasurable relief. Indeed, he will quietly reciprocate any good feeling shown towards him, particularly when his help is asked. Rubbing the ears with the hands for a few moments is always appreciated by the horse, after taking the harness off, and is calculated to promote early and permanent friendship. After the steed is cleared of its harness, the necessary cleaning, such as washing, whisping, feeding, watering, &c., follows, which should be done with as little fuss and blowing on the part of the groom as possible. The hissing of some men during their stable business can only be compared to a small steam engine, and the inhaling the dust on the part of the man (it is at times tolerably plentiful) cannot be looked upon as in any degree a healthy habit. After the horse is made comfortable, the harness should be cleaned and put in its place ; the lining of the collar and the crupper dock should be immediately sponged over with clean water ; and the pannel of the saddle brushed ; the reins wiped straight down with a clean dry cloth, after damping ; the bit and curb taken from the bridle, washed, dried, and then thrown into a box of slacked lime, which should be kept for the purpose ; the traces, back-band, breech-band, &c., straightened out and shined up with the compo brush ; the furniture rubbed over, and the flaps of the saddle, side pieces of the collar, housing, and other patent leather parts, wiped lightly over with an oil rag, and polished off afterwards. A clean and respectable "Turn Out" always conveys the impression at sight that it is in good hands, and in the care of what is known as a " Thorough Groom," whose study is not altogether to cultivate the outward show and that which is most attractive to the eye, but to look after the inward corners as well, such as the coach-house and harness room, which have their regular share of attention. All these facts are indicated in the permanently smart "Turn Out." Regular attention to the surroundings of the stable, harness room, coach-house, and yard, actuall}^ reduces labour and makes the daily routine a pleasure. The harness in regular use should have systematic atten- tion, and, if possible, it should be taken to pieces and hung OR, The Turn Out. 77 up in parts ; hence the saying, " that good harness actually improves in wear," which remark is frequently suggested by the mellow and clean appearance of some old sets. The most important matter in assisting the groom is that he be supplied with the best materials and tools (as he calls them), especially that item which it is intended shall preserve as well as clean the leather, and so produce a substantial and quick return for labour; hence the promi- nence given to the composition known as compo. It is not our duty to give the various modes and processes of the manufacture of this or other trade specialities for harness, or harness room requisites, and the different ingre- dients comprised, although professed receipts of "A 1 stuff,'* are common enough. The Author supplies many (or most) of the kinds known in the trade, but the compo he finds to give the widest satisfaction, and which he has used and is using almost daily in his harness manufactory, is that made by Messrs. Jamieson & Co., of Aberdeen."* The Author thinks there are others in the trade of the same name, but the above is the actual title of the firm he refers to. Of course there are other good compos in the market; but the care should be, to avoid the bad, of which there is a very large proportion which give no return for labour, but make work for the groom, and actually burn and destroy the substance and beauty of the harness by killing the leather and spoiling good workmanship. The same rule applies to the polishing pastes for cleaning the furniture, many of which not only injure the silver, or whatever the metal may be, but are dirty in use. Harris's is a good old-standing name for that and many other specialities of its class. The Author will gladly forward any gentleman a list of the makers of note of all items in that line, from boot-top powder to silver sand. The above items may not seem of vast importance to the careless eye, but they are of recognised value to the syste- matic horseman, who exercises the greatest discretion in all his selections, and in his prejudices is equally firm. In giving his recommendations to probable enquirers, the Author would here say that it will be with the same feeling ♦ See Advertisement, 78 Centaur ; which prompts the writing of this book, viz. : to save the horse-owners and horse alike, to obviate risk, and to econo- mise time and money. The one requisite of the '*Turn Ouf which often suffers most in small stables is the whip. When done with for the moment, it i.s allowed to stop where it falls, and to lie about until it may be required again, at which time it cannot be found, an outsider having borrowed it to flog the fowls or the dog. This means a new thong and probably a new handle and caps, which altogether unbuilds and for ever ruins a whip of value ; some coachmen prize their holtystick, and in such hands it will last for years. The rule is that the whip should never be thrown or placed in the corner, but hung up by the thick part of the thong upon a wooden block or spring fixed in the harness room ; after which the vehicle must be looked to and put under cover. During a conversation respecting the harnessing and unharnessing of horses, a friend of the Author's once com- plained to him of the extreme restiveness of his animal in the stable, when fitting: for the road, after a journey, and in grooming; so much so, to use his own words, that it became positively unsafe and dangerous to approach the animal in the stable with any part of the harness or tools, the horse seeming to get every day " worse and worse." The writer, on visiting the stable, perceived that the moment the owner approached his horse to take the head collar off it began to tremble from head to croup, and literally danced about the stable at the merest touch, ultimately becoming actually savage, biting and kicking at the same time. The Author watched the business quietly through, and decided in his own mind that the blame rested entirely with the man, and not with the horse, the fact being that the owner commenced with, and kept up, one continued system of shoutings at the terrified and nervous-tempered animal — (which incessant and excitable bawlings were mixed with anything but poetic language) — together with numerous gestures, as though it were his (the owner's) momentary intention to suit the action to the word with the aid of the nearest stable implement, causing the poor animal to fly from side to side of the stable in a most frantic manner. The time consumed in this most disgraceful and ridiculous performance was over thirty minutes ere the horse was between the shafts and ready for the road. In answer to the owner's query — " What's my remedy?" ** I've made up my mind to sell the brute," and several other OR, The Turn Out. 79 signs of thorough upset, the Author's answer was *' Lend me 5'our horse for a week," which was agreed to, the writer sending it to his own stable ; and that day week the owner, to his very great astonishment and delight, witnessed the fact of his once savage brute being harnessed, attached to the vehicle, taken down the lane a hundred yards, unharnessed, put into the stable, and every thing in its place, unaided, in about fifteen minutes, and all without the slightest noise or commotion, the only movement in the stable on the part of the horse being when it came round of its own free will to put its nose into the collar. In reply to to the owner's second query — "How have you done it?" the Author's answer was, " System, sir, made up of kind- ness and patience, in equal proportions ;" — ** Cela baute aux yeux. '^^^ 80 Centaur ; THE VEHICLE. "NVlio (lares not diive by day, must walk by night.** S the Egyptians were the first to capture and train the horse, so they were the first to use chariots, and the first roention we have of a chariot is in the 43rd verse of the 41st chapter of Genesis, where it is written — " That Pharaoh made Joseph ride in the second chariot which he had." These chariots, although no doubt very elaboratel}^ decorated, were very difi'erent vehicles to the modern chariot, as may easily be ascertained by examining any of the pictures of the Egyptian, or even the more modern Greek and Roman chariots. We are told in the 3rd chapter of the Songs of Solomon, that *' King Solomon made himself a chariot of the wood of Lebanon." But in those early ages chariots were onl}^ used in battle, or to swell the processions and increase the pomp of monarchs, and were never used by private individuals, who rode on horses, asses, mules, or camels. At what time carriages were first used by private indi- viduals is somewhat doubtful. According to a writer in the ** Encyclopaedia Britannica," carriages for the conveyance of Torivate individuals were established first by the Bomans, \vho, it is asserted, had a great variety of these vehicles ; which at first — owing to the narrow streets and roads, which were mere bridle paths — were ver}^ small. The use of the carriages becoming more general led to the formation of those excellent roads — such as the Appian Way, which was made 331 years before Christ — for the construction of which the Bomans were justly celebrated. The carriage which figured in public ceremonials was the Carpentiim. It was of slight construction, mounted upon two wheels, and was sometimes covered. The Gauls had a kind of carriage called the *' Benna " or " Sirpea," constructed of wicker-work. The "Essedum" of the Bomans was a two-wheeled carriage, copied by them from the war cars of the " Belgge." These various vehicles were splendidly gilded with gold, and orna- mented with precious stones. OR, The Turn Out. SI WKen the feudal system, which was founded upon military eervice, was introduced, the use of carriages was for a time prohibited, as it was considered to have an effeminating tendency, which rendered the people who used them less fit for military purposes. So early as the beginning of the sixteenth century there were covered carriages ; but their use was restricted to ladies in the highest ranks of society onl3r — it being considered effeminate for gentlemen to ride in them. In 1474, however, the Emperor Frederick III. visited Frankfort in a close carriage ; and in the following year he returned in a still more magnificent covered carriage. At a tournament held at Ruppin in the year 1509, the Electress of Brandinburg appeared in a carriage gilded all over, while that in which the Duchess of Mecklenburg rode was hung with red satin. When Cardinal Dietrichsten entered Vienna, no fewer than 40 carriages went forth to meet him. That same year the Consort of the Emperor Matthias made her entry in a state carriage covered with perfumed leather. The carriage of the first wife of the Emperor Leopold was said to have cost 38,000 florins. The panels of the Emperor's coach were of glass. Pepys, in his diary, relates a curious accident that occurred to Lady Peter- borough through her lad3^ship using a carriage with glass windows. He saj^s — "Lady Peterborough being in her glass coach with the glass up, and seeing a lady pass by in a coach whom she would salute, the glass was so clear she thought it was open, and so ran her head through the glass." We are not informed that any such accident occurred to the Emperor Leopold in his glass coach. At the magnificent Court of the Duke Ernest Augustus at Hanover, in 1681, there were 50 gilt coaches with 6 horses each ; and shortly after that grand display, carriages, despite the feudal laws, became common all over Germany. Carriages were used in France at a very early age. So far back as the year 1294, an ordinance of Philip the Fair forbade citizens' wives from using them. If one might judge from Chaucer's poem, entitled *' The Squyre of Low Degree," it would appear they were used in England in his day (1328-1400), for he says :— "To-nioiTow ye shall ride on liimting fare, And ride my daughter in a chare ; It shall be covered with velvet red, And cloth of gold all aJt»out your head, "With damask white and azure blue, Well dispers'd with lillies new." 82 Centattr * "When Richard II. fled from his rebellious subjects, his mother was conveyed in a carriage. It was not, however, till the time of Queen Elizabeth that coaches became common in England. Probably those famous state journeys called " Royal Progresses " — like the one to Kenilworth — of which Her Majesty w^as rather fond, created a demand for carriages, and gave an impetus to coach building, which, during her reign, became a very important branch of industry, and continued to flourish so rapidly that at the commencement of the seventeenth century it was calculated that in London alone there were upwards of 6,000 carriages. Hackney carriages were first introduced into France in the beginning of the reign of Louis XIY. by one Nicholas Sauvage. In 1650 Charles Vilmere secured the exclusive right to hire out carriages in Paris, and for this privilege he paid 5,000 livres. The first vehicle similar to our modern omnibus commenced running in Paris on the 18th of March, 1662. The fare v/as five sous. Hackney carriages were first established in London in 1625, twenty-five years before their introduction into France. In 1634 there were about 20 such vehicles plying for hire from the '• May-Pole" ; in 1637 there were 50 ; in 1652 they had increased to 200 ; and in 1654 to 300. In 1694 they were limited to 700, but in 1715 the limit was extended to 800. The hackney carriage maintained its place till superseded by the more modern vehicle, the Cabriolet de place, better known by the shorter title of " cab." In 1834, Mr. Hansom introduced the vehicle which bears his name, and upon which several improvements have been made. The oldest coach in the kingdom is the Lord Mayor's coach, which was built in 1757 for Sir Charles Asgil, the Lord Mayor elect that year. The next oldest is Her Majesty's state carriage, which was built in 1761, from designs bj^ Sir William Chambers. From the official description of this carriage, which is said to be the most superb ever built, it appears the body of the carriage is richly ornamented with laurel and carved work, and beautifully gilt, Such, then, is a brief history of carriages from the earliest ages to the present time ; but to give a detailed account of all the various descriptions of vehicles would be impossible m a work like the present. Indeed, to enumerate all the improvements that have been made in coach building would occupy our whole space. There are, however, two very im- portant improvements which cannot be passed over. One of the most useful improvements in connection with coach OR, The Turn Out. 83 buildmg is the Collin ge Axle, invented in 1792, and by means of whicli wheels only require to be oiled once in several months. The other great improvement is the Eliptic Spring, patented in 1804 by Obadiah Elliot, and by means of wjiich carriage travelling is made more comfortable, and the labour of the horses much lighter. The Collinge Axle, although it obviates the necessity for frequent lubrication, does not dispense with it entirely. The axle of all vehicles, whether those of carriages or carts, should be regularly oiled or lubricated, as it not only renders the labour of the horse much less, but preserves the axle and wheel from wearing so rapidly. It not infrequently hnppens that through the axle not being regularly lubricated it becomes uneven, and both it and the hub of the wheel wear out much sooner than they would do if carefully and regularly attended to. Care should be taken on the return from a journey to see the vehicle is properly washed, and that all soil, sand, or grit is removed from the axle, as it is very apt to get into the hub and grind either it or the axle into grooves or ruts, which if not noticed in time may lead to serious accident. In order to prevent break-downs, or spills, the vehicle should be regularly inspected and kept in good repair. It is a bad plan to leave vehicles exposed to the weather ; they should, therefore, be kept under cover when not in use, as the sun not only spoils the paint and varnish, but shrinks the wood to such an extent as to render travelling in a carriage long exposed dangerous, as very frequently after long exposure to the sun's rays the tires become loose. For this reason it is not always safe to purchase a second-hand carriage, as such are often exposed in open yards and places without any cover from the sun and elements, and before it can be made sound and comfortable or safe, a greater expense has to be incurred than would have purchased a substantial new carriage. It is no uncommon thing for old ram- shackle traps to be painted up and sold — "a bargain ! " but the unfortunate purchaser finds, after spending pounds upon it without being able to make it comfortable and secure, that the bargain is anything but a bargain to him, and he is very glad to sell it for very much less than he gave for it. Our suggestions are endorsed by Mr. Phillipson, who is not only an authority upon the subject by virtue of his publications, but from the fact that he is a very extensive carriage builder.* • Attkinson & Phillipson, Newcaatle-on-Tyne. See Advertisement. 84 Centaur ; The following brief rules respecting the conveyance should be particularly noted. Vehicles should be kept in a dry, well ventilated coach- house, and, not in total darkness, or the colour will be destroyed, and the coach-house must not communicate with the stables or manure dejDOsit. Ammonia fumes cracks the varni.sh, and fades the painting and linings of the carriage. A thin cover should be kept over it, which cover must not be damp. Newly painted carriages should have a few weeks to set before using. A vehicle should never be put away dirty, or with the slightest speck of mud upon it, or a stain is sure to remain. Do not wash your carriage in the sun. Levers or jacks should be covered with leather where they come into contact with the vehicle. Use plenty of water, and be careful to keep it from splashing the linings. Best tools, such as sponges, chamois leathers, &c., should be used ; and all of a good size, and free from cuts and grit. Never leave a carriage to dry of itself, or stains mil show. Be careful in using the spoke brush, particularly if a new one ; the best quality are the cheapest, and are not so likely to scratch. Carriage heads and aprons should be washed with soap and water, and then rubbed lightly off with linseed oil. Turpentine and camphor will prevent and destroy moth in woollen linings; placing the mixture in a small dish at the bottom of the closed carriage is a certain cure. The bearings of the fore-carriage should be greased to turn freely, and thus prevent locking and ultimate over- turning. OR, The Turn Out. 86 Axles should be kept well oiled, and the washers in good order. Castor oil is best for oiling them. Sperm oil answers the purpose, sweet oil never ; it congeals or "gums up." Touch the steps occasionally where worn with the feet, &c., with thin quick drying japan. All vehicles should be pushed into the coach-house by hand, and never drawn out by the horse, and — The carriage owner should impress upon his coachman the importance of the legend — ** l^ul beiu saus peine. 86 Centaue ; JIBBING. " Good words are better than bad strokes.** ^^HAKESPilAIlE says— "We cannot all be masters ;"-T- therefore if it should happen, as it sometimes does, partic- ularly with strange horses, that the animal be undoubtedly master of the position for the time, and will not go forward, brute force should never be resorted to by the driver ; it not only being, as a rule, labour in vain, but serious risks are involved, particularly in streets and crowded thoroughfares, as the horse is very apt to rear and plunge, and sometimes to suddenly bolt, after backing through shop fronts and overturning the occupants of the vehicle. On a horse becoming stupid in the shafts, the holder of the ribands, if an amateur, should first ask himself the question — Is it my bad driving ? A new purchase that had previously been handled with a light hand, kindly spoken to, and con- siderately driven, is particularly sensitive to the jerking and bustling of an inexperienced whip — ** Bold Erechouius was the first who joim-d Four horses for the rapid race design'd, And o'er the dusty wheels presiding sat. The Lapilhse to chariots add the state Of bits and bridles ; taught the steeds to bound. To run the ring, and trace the airy ground, To stop, to fly, the rules of war to know. T' obey the rider, and to dare the foe." On being satisfied that the sudden obstinacy of the horse is from no fault of the driver, the harness should be carefully examined, it very frequently being the case that the collar will prove too short, or the traces twisted, and, like the curb, too tight, or a breechband is required, or may be dis- pensed with altogether, according to the vehicle in use ; the whole bearing of the harness and load should be carefully noted, and if found satisfactory, the horse is either a jibber, or is not as yet familiar with the strange hnndlin^ above OR, The Turn Out. 87 referred to. The first business, after the horse has given repeated illustrations of his capabilities by dwelling on the road, is to descend quietly from the vehicle, and go to his head, having previously handed the reins to your friend (if accompanied) to be held slack or loose — at the same time patting and speaking to the horse, and using his name. Wiping him over with the hand ; rubbing his ears and mouth, and moving parts of the harness has been known to turn the attention of the accidental jibber, and a steady day's work has been the result. After this little attention to the horse, the box should be mounted quietly, and not with a rush ; the horse should be led, if anyone is at hand, and afterwards allowed to proceed of his own will, and, for a time, must be repeatedly spoken to. The application of force — such as turning the wheels round, and pushing behind, should be avoided, as it is calculated to make the horse more obstinate, and, although it may succeed at first, is rarely effectual in the end. The following experiment the Author has many times found to be successful in making the steed glad to go forward, namely, standing immediately in front of the horse with a rein billett in each hand, at the same time putting the steady weight of the whole body against the horse, taking care to keep him in the middle of the road ; and it must be remembered that sawing the mouth must not be resorted to, but firm rnd steady pressure, backing as quickly as possible until the horse expresses an anxiety to proceed onward by pushing against you, when it will be invariabl}'^ found that the animal is anxious to start right away, but must be made to stand quite still until the driver is in his place again on the box, which must be mounted without the least flourish or noise. Care must be taken not to thrash the horse when he does go, and should he during the journey forget the foregoing lesson, it should be repeated, and the dose slightly increased, conversation being kept up with him the whole time. Should this fail, the animal is a confirmed jibber, more or less, and the owner should take the earliest opportunity of devoting a few special drives in the country, where there is plenty of space before and behind, and when time is no particular object. Some drivers have a very good system of operating upon one foot only, viz., b}^ taking up the near forefoot in the right hand, and pressing it upward and inward towards the belly, as high as possible, thus making the horse stand upon three legs until he begins to rock and show other signs of impatience to go on. In loosing the foot it must not be g8 Centaur; thrown down or dropped, but put quietly to the ground, at the same time observing the same rule in mounting the vehicle as in the previous operation, which when done promptly and quietly is, as a rule, effective after a few lessons. Some horses have been used to travel on the wrong side of the. road, and exhibit a strong objection to keep their own proper side. Such is the result of bad or careless driving, and is very dangerous, particularly in return journeys on dark or foggy evenings. The cure is soon brought about by a watchful driver, in keeping a steady pressure upon the near-side rein ; and occasionally stroking or touching up the off side of the horse with the whip invariably learns the horse his own side, after a few journeys. An irritable driver is greatly calculated to make matters worse in case of jibbing, so it is strictly necessary to keep cool and steady, and not to display the slightest temper or impatience. The frequent use of the horse's name will accustom the horse to the voice of the driver, and promote confidence and obedience. If the owner be altogether in- experienced, the assistance of a practical coachman should be solicited, and in the event of no speedy improvement, the horse should be put in the shafts of a heavy cart, with one or two horses in the front of him. Each start should be done without the whip, and for short distances only. It has been found that the most obstinate jibber has been glad to go freely in the shafts of a light vehicle, after a few lessons in a loaded cart with two good steeds in front of him. If a horsebreaker be engaged, particular attention should be paid to his system of treatment, and strict observance of his in- structions, both in the stable and out of doors. It has been said of many horses that they were '' not able to pull the cap off a man's head," but after a few patient lessons and kind treatment they have been termed willing to " pull at a standing tree." " The gen'rous horse, Restrained and awed by man's inferior force, Does, to the rider's will, his rage submit, And answers to the spur, and owns the bitt" OR, The Turn Out. 89 RIDING. * Hold fast, sit sure," IDINGr is said to be the poetry of motion ; anyway, it is the most invigorating and healthful of exercises. We are taught that horsemanship emanates from Egypt, and that Egypt was the great and original breeding place for horses ; we are likewise told that Soloman obtained all his horses from Egypt, the price averaging 160 Shekels, or about £18 English money, for each animal. According to the Greek writers, Sesostris was the first who taught men to tame and ride horses. Six hundred years after Solomon, Xenophon says that Persia possessed no horses before the age of Cyrus, but afterwards produced the finest in the world, that all Persians were horsemen, in fact the very name of Persia became associated with horsemanship, and the present of a Persian horse was a gift indeed. The Greeks became famous for their horsemanship about the time of, or just before, the Trojan war (1192 B.C.), hence the Grecian fables of the Centaurs, or as Ovid calls them semi- huma-ii horses, and semi- equine men. The Half Breeds of North America* are considered the most extraordinary and wonderful horsemen in the world. In their hunting with the lasso and trapping, and other expeditions on horseback, the saddle and bridle were not thought of; sometimes a piece of fish skin or strip of animal's hide to guide with, and a similar strip-noose for the toe, was sufficient to act as a stirrup, or a plain cord of the same material for a bridle and bit, and a piece of cloth or hide underneath the seat. In fact, they have been known to mount the wildest steed, and give him full • See HhTstration. The Author's " Centaur." 90 Centaur ; play over hill and vale, mouatain and torrent, through river and marsh, and ultimately bring him home (guided by the hand alone) as docile and tame as a lap-dog. The Arabs are good riders without the bridle and saddle, and are frequently to be seen with a common halter and piece of linen for the horse's back. The Arabian horses are considered by some more active and pleasant to ride than the English thoroughbred ; but such is not the general opinion. The Arabs are known to be particularly fond of the horse, and would rather lose their lives than part with their steeds. It is said the horse reciprocates the good feeling, fully appreciating the constant care and attention shown towards him by his master — whom it is no strange sight to see fondling and embracing, and sometimes even kissing his horse. The Turkish horse is descended from the Arab, and is a splendid creature. The Turks* are good riders and very kind to their horses, and the steeds are always very gentle and obedient. The men are never known to thrash or abuse their horses, and a vicious animal is rarely to be found among them. It is a common thing to see a Turkish horse kneel down to receive its rider ; such is the result of good training. In Turkey riding is the rule and driving the exception, coach building being somewhat in its infancy, at least compared with our own count rj^ For riding, the Turks prefer horses ; the Arabs are more in favour of mares. The Ganchos are supposed to be the cleverest horsemen at lassoing wild horses, which are to be seen in their native state on the prairies of North and South America, in Tartary, the centre of Africa, and the deserts of Arabia. Among the wild horses of South America the mares are seldom tamed, but allowed to roam about with their offspring at pleasure. It is the great ambition of the young Indian to possess a good horse for buffalo hunting, and if he cannot get it by fair means he will steal one. In the art of riding they are entirely self-taught, having no knowledge of the " hunting seat," which is so much preferred and generally adopted in England. The Indian stands astride, as it were, in performing his wonderful evolutions ; his grip to the horse is (as we should term it) the " fork " or military seat. The position of the Indian upon the horse's back, and that of the jockey of the present day are great extremes. * Turks, as soldiers, are unsurpassed in the World ; hence the saying, •'Fight like a Turk," OR, The Turn Out. 91 It is said that races were first instituted in England in the reign of Charles I. ; and it is also asserted that Cromwell kept fleet horses, no doubt for the purpose of carrying the mails and other despatches. Horsemen should be careful not to ride long stages with- out feeding their steeds ; some have been known to ride thirty and forty miles, which is a great act of cruelty ; occasional small feeds, and a good meal at the end of the journey are most beneficial to the horse. In riding a journey the horseman should start at a moderate pace, and finish in the same way, thus graduating the horse to his work and coming home cool. If quick travelling is necessary, the saddle should be eased occasionally in going up hill. The tired hack should have his feet washed, and legs bathed with warm water at his journey *s end, and the hands should be carefully rubbed down the horse's legs for thorns, &c. If the steed should go ofi* (or appear to despise) his food, it is a sure sign that rest is required. It is an important item that the hackney saddle should be a close fit, but must not hurt the horse's back. The laro-er the saddle the better for the horse, the weight of the rider being spread over a larger surface; and the same rule applies to the comfort of the rider. The girths should not be buckled tight, particularly when a breast-plate is worn. The life of the rider should never be trusted to a single girth, and when two single girths are used, they must be crossed. The best and safest girth is the " Fitzwilliam," which is not only the most secure, but most comfortable for the animal ; as it consists of one broad web band as the main or body girth, and a narrow one passing through loops on the top of the broader one as the safety girth, each one being buckled independently, with three buckles in all at each end. The saddle pannel should be carefully and constantly attended to, both as to stuffing and cleanliness. The back-stuffing (as it is termed by the trade) of a saddle is a very important item in connection with the welfare of the horse and the safety of the rider — none but the very best and cleanest wool should be used ; where common wool or flock is used, a hard or long ride will cause the perspira- tion to clog the wool, and form it into knots, hence the term " cut like a knife," thus causing wounds and sores. The crupper and breast-plate should not be worn for wearing sake, neither should double reins or bits be used for F 2 92 Centaur ; ordinary exercise or short journeys. After a day's hunting, or few hours' ride, the saddle should by no means be taken immediately from the horse's back on reaching the stable, but the girths should be unloosed and the saddle moved a few inches towards the croup, for the purpose of allowing the horse's back to gradually cool during the process of s^villing the legs, &c. {see "Unharnessing"). Hackney crup- pers are considered unsightly, and have been, frequently the cause of sore places about the region of the dock. The necessity for the crupper is invariably more the fault of the rider than the horse; a good rider never shows his stockings, but it is frequently the case that many whose daily business it is to sit upon a horse are frequently to be seen with their trousers up to their knees ; such are the rollocking horse- men that require cruppers, trouser straps, and frequently tying or holding on. In riding, or attempting to ride, the old rule is "To look before you leap," and the real horse- man says "Keep close to the pigskin," hence the term "daylight" between saddle and man. It is, therefore, equally important that the saddle should fit the horseman as well as the horse. The first business of the amateur is to learn to exercise patience ere he can excel as an equestrian ; next, never to start until he is ready (which rule applies to everything through life) ; and to avoid flourishing, or irritating the horse. The saying, "Put a beggar on horseback, &c," is an old one, but is a very true and trite one. The writer thinks that nothing looks so thoroughly ridiculous as the back view of a full-grown green amateur, who appears mounted for the first time, trotting through the public streets at holiday times, specially got up with frock coat and button-hole, patent leather shoes, and stirrups too short, a " bran-new " saddle and bridle, and himself hanging on by the spurs, his elbows elevated, and shoulders up, as though endeavouring to overtake the horse or imitate the monkey. Such is the picture (often to be seen on Easter Monday, and other times) of the ambitious green-horn, who, even at an advanced age, and without any preparatory lessons or practice, vaults into the saddle. It is not the forte of all men to excel in horsemanship, and the Author knows several horse owners who have not yet,' and in all pro- OR, The Turn Out. 93 bability never will, get beyond the perfection of a walk ; their sensible motto is discretion, and if a trot is ventured upon, it is not taken advantage of in towns, but out in the country where there is no fear of making an exhibition of them- selves. This is sensible discretion ; but, the poor horse suffers from being jolted and jerked, pulled and spurred by the clumsy, awkward, and weighty rider. The amateur horseman, after be has got proficient in mounting and dismounting, should learn to Wvalk the horse. In riding, the reins are taken the reverse way to driving, viz. : from the top, and the fingers held down and kept towards the centre of the body, neither up nor down, and a little way from the body, in much the same position as in driving. The mouth of the horse should be felt lightly and regularly with the reins, and at all times be kept well in hand ; the rider's elbows and toes should be kept somewhat in, and heels down ; the head erect and the back hollowed, but he is by no means to lean back- ward ; a good grip of the saddle should be cultivated, and the feeling to be cultivated and persisted in is one of firmness, ease, freedom, and independence. In trotting, the horse must be allowed to start before the rider, which should be done without using the spurs, flourish of the whip, or noise of any kind ; a gentle touch or raising of the reins and pressure of the knees, together with a slight leaning forward, will put the educated horse upon the steady and straight track immediately, the rider keeping to the saddle a few seconds and then lightly falling in with the step of the horse ; then, and only then, can the luxury of a steady or fair swinging trot (such as Lord Palmerston and the noble Duke of Wellington were wont to enjoy on the Row) be appreciated. Care should be taken in pulling up or stopping the horse. It should not (as is often the case) be done on the sliding scale, but the horse should be con- sulted, and the walk will be brought about without the least jerk, strain, or effort. The same rule applies to the canter, which is beautifully illustrated by the hand gallop of a lady's hack with the musical accompaniment (especially on a clear frosty morning) of the firm trot of the companion at her side. The hunting rule is to ride " slow at timber," and ^' fast at water." 94 Centatjr ; As regards the bridle, the least complicated and easiest for the horse in business or pleasure is the '^Snaffle/' which simple bit can be made more eflfective in the hands of an experienced horseman than the most expensive " Wey- mouth '' when used by a heavy-handed amateur. The *' Snaffle" consists of a single head, single rein, and single bit, which is invariably used for racing over turf, allowing as it does, the full stretch of the horse's neck. For general business the " Pelham " is used, consisting of single head, single bit, and double rein. For hunting and military pur- poses the " Weymouth " bridle is adopted, which embraces double head, double reins, double bits and curb, in the use of which great judgment and feeling are required, on account of the excessive leverage on the curb bit. The Author does not agree with twisted, jointed, port-mouthed, or complicated bits, unless applied under the advice of a practical man, and in any case objects to the high-port"* or gag bit. The bridle should be adjusted so as to fit easih', and the cheeks should be regulated according to the carriage of the bit in the mouth. The throat-band should have fair or easy pla}^ just being sufficiently tight to keep the bridle in position without danger of being thrown ofi" b}'' the horse jerking his head up or down. All extra trappings or super- fluities should be adjusted with equal judgment, so as not to chafe the horse, or risk the rider's life. Shakespeare says — *' What wound did ever heal but by degrees," which well applies to the use and abuse of spurs. Many indifferent horsemen seem to think that spurs were invented for the special purpose of holding on by, and have come to grief accordingly ; but not until the horse has been unnecessarily punished by having its sides gored and gashed several inches, very often causing blood to trickle freely down. The cruel spurs and gag-bit were not known in early days, as we learn by the fresco representations of the Par- thenon at Athens ; the horse being guided by a word or movement of the hand of the rider, the same, in many respects, as are our cart-horses of the present day. The amateur horseman should by no means wear spurs until he can sit a horse properly, and has become perfectly familiar with the real use of them. The military horseman rarely touches the skin with the spurs, yet he can guide (or ease) * SSee Illublration. OR, The Turn Out. &S the horse to the right or left, and forward or backward by a slight pressure of the knee, and sometimes is understood by a slight shake of the foot or leg. Spurs, used without dis- cretion, not only wound the horse but affect his temper, and endanger the life of the rider. The writer would here remark that the unnecessary appli- cation of the whip, either when riding or driving is both brutal and dangerous, and it must be remembered that a "long journey and swift '' is bad form, and that it is good policy to frequently pat, or " make much of" your steed, at the same time calling him by name. The horse should never be flogged for shying, but the object shied at should be steadily and carefully approached, or rode up to, if time permits ; this will satisfy the horse, and tend to give him confidence in the future. The same rules should be observed in riding as driving. The horseman, before starting or mounting, should " cast his eyes round," and see that every part of the equipment is as it should be, sound and properly fitted, the girths not slack, nor too tight, the bridle and bit or bits a comfortable and safe fit, and the foretop hair placed under the front of the bridle, and the reins untwisted ; the saddle centrally fixed, a nice large easy fit, which, means comfort for the horse and horseman alike, and the motion of the animal's shoulders not impeded. Systematic inspection detects the careless groom, and certainly pro- vides against accidents. The position or seat of the rider being upright, smart but not stiff; he depends in a great measure upon the stirrup leathers, which should therefore not be too short or too long. If the irons are high, the rider is shot as it were into the air, and he cannot possibly " sit close to the pigskin ; " if they be too long, the grip of the saddle is missed to a great extent, and the rider is known as a straight -kneed jockey, which position not only detracts from the appearance, but is actually dangerous, sometimes causing rupture. In either case the rider has less power or control over the horse. On starting out, say for an exercise or pleasure ride, the horse should be kept to a walk for a short time, then jog- trot, and gradually into a fair swinging trot. If in the country a " hand-gallop," or on grass a " stiff-gallop," ia enjoyable both to man and horse. 96 Centaur ; A full, firm shoulder is the principal choice in either hackney or hunter ; it means strength and power. Great knee action or "high-stepping" jars the rider, and batters the horse's feet. ''Dais}^ cutting" is very pleasant on turf, but as a rule suggests insuring the neck of the rider. Putting the foot down is more important than taking or lifting it up, a big foot put down full being far safer than tripping the toe, as it were, on the *' sliding-scale." For pleasant riding the hackney should not carry his legs too high. All horses are liable to come down or fall ; therefore the rider should " feel the mouth " lightly, yet firmly as a rule ; but by no means hang on, or pull or saw the mouth. Bough usage with the reins spoils the horse's mouth, and produces ill-temper. The average speed should be eight or ten miles an hour, or on a long journey six or seven. Fast trotters are rarely easy in their paces, and are oft- times disabled and worthless when they should be only in their prime. The faithfulness, memory, and sagacity of horses is indeed remarkable, and has commanded the wonder and admiration of all countries and climes, from the earliest ages to the present day. The horse enters into the full spirit of his duties, whether they be pleasure or business, in peace or war, and many are the afiectionate recollections and adven- tures that could be recorded by the writer, and doubtless by the reader. The horse will often show greater or safer judgment at times of doubt or difficulty than the most expert rider. Many is the sportsman who has to thank his horse for landing him safely between the sheets after dining freel}^, or accepting too deeph^ of the parting cup, "just to keep the cold out." A horse has been taken over new ground, and the return journey has been in pitch dark- ness, in a drenching rain and driving wind, and though left to himself, he has brought his driver and party safely home. OK, The Turn Out. 97 The writer once started out late (with a favourite mare) one November evening in '72, to see a sick friend some eight miles away, and had to cross a wild region (The Chase), which has lost many a horseman in broad day-light. Soon after starting for the return journey a fog collected and thickened till it became an absolute black, wall-like mass ; nothing could be seen or heard besides the breathing and feet of the horse and the creaking of the saddle. Many are the riders who can follow this experience. It was a regular out-and-out " Tam o'Shanter " night, and only w^anted the witches to complete the solitary surroundings. It was, indeed, "darkness that might be ielt," and fog that "could be cut with a knife." To proceed seemed impossible, and to turn back was out of the question ; the state of the road was simply no road at all, being wild, rugged, and as it were self made, the luxury of a lane being remote until ncaring the towai. The horse slipped and snorted, and the rider cheered the faithful animal on, at the same time wanting a cheer much himself. On coming to a canal bridge he deter- mined his programme, namely, to raise up his great coat collar still higher, if possible, pull his gloves up his wrists, pull down his broad brimmed soft hat, slacken his grip of the saddle, and leave the steering home tu the horse. Never did faithful creature come straighter or safer ; therefore, the writer would advise all horsemen, under similar circum- stances, to " keep awake and leave the rest to the horse," and bj^ no means to communicate the least sign of nervous- ness through the reins, which can be easily done, as before said, whether in riding or driving. We will now take a few of the most conspicuous or frequent of the !-h )rtcomings and failings peculiar to the horse, known as "The Vices,'' and, in as brief a manner as possible, for easy perusal and reference, consider how best to treat them. A LIST OF VICES. Defects in the tempers of horses often arise from their being in their earl}^ days either in ignorant or brutal hands. The defects naturally are few, the excellent qualities many. Hestiveness, arises either from bad temper or worse educa- tion, and shows itself in various ways — by kicking, rearing, 98 Centatjr ; plunging, or bolting, and whicli, if establislied or confirmed, rarely admit of cure. An accomplished, daring and deter- mined rider can work wonders, or the horse may have his favourite ; but let him depart from the hands who (by, as it were, a fluke) control him, and he will, even years after, return to his old tricks. Some horses have a habit of turning the head round, and (after all other efforts have failed to dislodge him from his seat) worrying or biting the rider's legs, the only safe remedy for which is attaching a piece of strong flat wood (known as a sword) to the bridle cheek and to the girth. Backing and Gibbing, are much the same ; at first they may be the result of playfulness or pain, which the rider must determine. In any case, horsebreaking, either pro- fessional or amateur, should be practised in smooth, even temper. Hasty or passionate fits cause loss of control of oneself and the object to be attained. Some horses have vices, and, to all appearances, savage dispositions, which, in reality, is mere playfulness, caused by being played with, which frequently ends in teasing, and thus brings about habitual ferocity. To cure biting the billetts, fix a large solid leather pad on each side of the bit, or ride and drive with none but the Author's recently invented " Vice versa Billettless Reins,"* which are a sure cure, absolutely safe, and wear much longer than the ordinary billetted reins. Kicking, is considered incurable, either in saddle or stable. In harness, kicking has been frequently stimulated by allowing the reins to get under the tail, and glorious results have ensued, from the fact that when the reins are once there the horse holds them there by pressing the tail down upon them. Such horses are, at least, unreliable. Rearing, is frequently caused by bad horsemanship. Leaving the spurs at home, or a change of bit, and dropping the curb may cure. Brutal means are, as a rule, useless, and are neither modern nor worthy of any man. A runaway horse is best controlled by presence of mind and a good firm hand. If there is plenty of " sea room," give the bolter all he asks and a little bit more, *'just for See ftai description in the Chapter " Saddlers' Guide," page 163. OR, The Turn Out. S9 your own pleasure," assisted by a moderate touch of the whip, and if he repeats the performance, sell him to those who will give him heavier and slower work, between other horses, say on a farm. Some horses who are vicious to clean may be cured by a change of tools, and in some cases by a change of groom. Old and worn out tools, or rough common new ones in care- less hands, are absolutely painful when thoughtlessly applied to the tender and more sensitive parts of the horse. Vicious to shoe, must be left to the inventive powers of the smith. If it can be avoided, never have the horse shod at his own stable, for many reasons ; the blacksmith has all the appliances at hand that are necessary, and has certainly more confidence and tact in his own shop. The horse should always be taken by the same man, and have his regular groom, and be shod by a smith who can coax and persuade. If possible, a quiet horse should be shod first, under the nose of the restive one. Blows and twitches are best left out. Swallowing the corn whole, is often the result of feeding two horses in the same manger and at the same time, which promotes greediness. Some horses are naturally greedy and carry ver}^ little flesh, hence are not as a rule strong workers. Such horses must not be allowed to fast long or go far with- out the nosebag ; mix good chaff with the corn, and plenty of it. Crib-biting and Wind-sucking, are serious vices ; the horse chiefly operates upon the manger, biting and sawing it with his teeth, to the neglect of all his other comforts. Whether the "sucking" is actually drawing air or expelling it is not thoroughly arrived at. A strap round the neck with a square pad of leather enclosing a small iron plate to press close up will prevent and ultimately cure, if worn regularl}'' ; but care must be taken not to bring about another evil by causing irritation of the windpipe, which will produce roaring.^ Medicine is of no service for crib-biting or wind- sucking ; a muzzle should be worn at all possible times, and constructed so that the horse can be feed with it on. Crib-biting, is sometimes caused by the horse being groomed in the stable ; partial starvation and bad food has brought it about ; and even being over fed will cause it, from the horse's love of mischief. 100 Centaur; "Wind-sucking, is closely associated with crib-biting, hence my coupling them, and it arises from the same causes. Either tie the animal's head up, or muzzle him, or let the saddler fit him with a spiked collar ; in the fixing of which great care is necessary. Cutting, can be remedied either wholly or partially by an arrangement of the shoe and somewhat shaping the foot by the smith. A thin, firm, nicel}^ hollowed cutting boot should be fitted by the saddler and worn for a time. Pawing in the stable, some horses will get to a violent pitch ; shackles are the only remedy. Over-reach and clicking, can be cured in a young Jiorse, but are very difficult to deal with in an aged one ; the toe of the hind foot should be kept as short as is compatible with safety. Quidding, is not unfrequently connected with sore throat, or from irregular teeth, which the veterinary surgeon will soon cure. Rolling in the stable, is dangerous, and particularly ex- pensive if the horse happens to be in harness. When naked in the field it is equally pleasant for the audience as for the performer, but in the stable shorten the head collar rein, to keep the horse's head from the floor, and then he cannot roll. It may be a most inconvenient cure for the horse, but better that than the greater evils which result to the habitual roller. Shying, is from either nervousness or playfulness; some- times it arises from defective sight. The rider or driver should be always ready, and in correcting, should blend the seeming severity with coaxing — that is, be firm and gentle, for the cure of the horse, and, at times, for the sake of your own neck. A horse which shies on coming out of the stable is simply incurable ; it has either been caused b}^ a bump at the top of the door-frame, or the horse has been caught by the stirrup-leather or reins at the door-latch. Hence care must be taken in bringing the animal out of the stable when dressed. Stumbling ; an habitual stumbler is not fit for riding or harness, being simjDly dangerous and unreliable. The horse should be put to slow work, if shortening and rounding the toe and shoe does not remedy the evil. OR, The Turn Out. 101 THE STABLE AND STABLE FITTINGS. CLIPPING, CLOTHING, SHOEING, FEEDING, CLEANING, AND GENERAL STABLE MANAGEMENT. *• Allow not nature more than nature needs." HE old proverb says — ** It is usual to lock the stable door after the borse is gone," wbicb figurative expression plainly indicates to all borse owners, and particularly to tbose about to set up a " Turn Out/' tbe real necessity, not only for a good system in reference to tbe steed at the outset, but a watcbful eye upon all its immediate surroundings. Tbe first object sbould be to secure, if possible, a roomy bome or domicile for tbe borse, wbicb must not be too dark or too ligbt. Tbe next considerations are good ventilation and perfect drainage ; general cleanliness must be observed ; pure corn and prompt attention are absolutely necessary. Loose boxes possess great advantages over tbe stall in many ways, particularly as regards tbe exercise given tbe borse by bavin g bis liberty. Tbe floor sbould be laid witb best bard bricks, wbicb are easily kept clean and sweet. Sloping floors are very objectionable, and are injurious to tbe borse, particularl3'' when be is tied up in tbe stall, bence bis invariable resting position being eitber across tbe stall or witb bis tail in tbe manger ; oft-times tbe borse is found at tbe full lengtb of tbe baiter rein. Gratings in tbe centre of tbe stall are very unwholesome, somewhat draug-bty. 102 Centaur; accumulate deposits, and unhealthy fumes arise from the sewer gases. All urine should be conducted outside the stable by a gutter from behind the horse, and no dirt should be permitted to remain in the corners of the stable. The arrangements for ventilation should be complete, and be fixed above and below, but not immediately behind or before the steed. The stable should not be kept too cool or too hot ; the proper temperature can be easily regulated by the thermometer, without which no stable is complete. The average should be 50*^ in winter and 70^ in summer. The walls of the stable should not be perfectly white, but somewhat of a drab or grey colour, and paint pre- ferred, which can be washed over as often as desirable — say once a month. The stable should be boarded round a few feet up the walls from the ground ; no rails, or other impediment or obstruction should be within reach. Dark stables are never clean, and unclean stables are extremely unhealthy and dangerous for the animal's eyes. Too much light is not advisable ; therefore, this particular department rests more or less with the judgment and humane feeling of the horse owners. The windows should be as high up from the ground as possible — say about 8-ft. to the bottom pane — and if the window frame is made to revolve it will greatly facilitate the ventilation. The glass should not by any means be low down, on account of its liability to be broken. The manger should be a good depth, and about 2-ft. long, and so constructed as to prevent the possibility of the corn being w^asted. The hay rack should be on a level with the manger, and on the near (or left) side of the horse. The hay rack should never be above the manger, for many reasons, such as the great and constant strain caused to the animal's neck, the falling of dust into the corn and into the horse's eyes, and the great waste which invariably results from such an arrangement. Hay lofts immediately over the stable are very objectionable, yet cannot always be avoided, but the hay hole over the horse's head should by all means be dispensed with, as it is dangerous for restive horses, frequently spoils the corn and water, and causes the dust to affect the steed ; and, in addition, foul fumes ascend, which poison the fodder stored above. The water is best kept in a small cistern by the OR, The Turn Out. 103 side of tlie manger, so that the horse can help himself. If two horses stand in the same stall, as is frequently the case with cart horses, the rack should be fixed in the centre and a manger at each end, on a level, and constructed strictly with the view to promoting facility of movement, comfort, and economy. The head collar rein may be leather, and so made to buckle with a billett, or a rope may be substituted ; chains are not so good, being noisy, heavy, and sometimes dan- gerous. The log must not be heavy, and should be encased so as to slide up and down a wooden tube to and from the ring. A good groom will not permit the slightest particle of dirt to accumulate in the manger, or dust in the stable ur its precincts. Rising early every morning he will com- mence his duties, with a cheerful good will, at one sys- tematic time, say 5:30 in the summer, and 6:30 in the winter, and will apply the same rule to the punctual (where applicable) and steady " supping up," or making the animals comfortable for the night. Cats, dogs, goats, or pigs should not be allowed in the stable at any time, the horse being particularly sensitive to hay or other food which has been lain upon or otherwise damaged, and this means waste, and is the geceral result of encouraging such pets to locate themselves in the stable or hay loft. That the groom should be even tempered and sober is strictly necessary, if the steed is to thrive and do well whilst in his hands. In grooming, a certain time should be laid down as a rule, and devoted to the horse systematically, supported by a good share of elbow grease. The business of grooming must not be skipped over at any time, but the horse should be thoroughly cleaned from head to croup — not merely polishing the most conspicuous parts, and slipping over what may pass muster with the inexperienced or careless owner, for it must be borne in mind that tLe genuine horseman cannot be deceived. The groom commences first by using the curr^'-comb, with great caution. If the horse is long-coated the curry-comb may be applied pretty freely, but if the steed be clean- 104 ' Oentaur ; coated, thin skinned, and of nervous temperament, very delicate manipulation is essentially necessary, and in fact the comb may be dispensed with altogether. Some grooms merely use the curry-comb for the purpose of cleaning and dusting the brush. The entire art of grooming a horse consists in cleaning the dirt from its hide, whisping, brushing, wiping down with a cloth, combing the mane and tail, sponging the croup, ejeSj and mouth ; examining, picking, and (if necessary), washing the feet ; rubbing the legs and ears, adjusting the head-collar, clothing, and body roller ; all of which should be promptly and quietly done, and without the hissing on the part of the groom so frequently to be heard in stables ; which hissing, it should be remem- bered, is neither musical to the horse, nor healthy to the operator. The stable requisites are, — pitch-fork, shovel, broom, manure basket, body brush, water brush, weed or whalebone brush, scraper, mane comb, curry-comb, hoof-picker, chamois leathers, compo- brushes, sponges, bucket, corn measure, sieve and server, poultice boot, sponge boot, dusters, ban- dagew, linen and woollen ("Newmarket" or "stocking''), drenching horn, stopping, spoke brush, jack, compo. and harness pastes, whiting, button stick and brush, manger log, rock salt, hay wisp, black oils, hoof ointment and embro- cation, singeing lamps (with large and small heads), tubing, hose-piping, trimming comb and scissors, clipping machines (large and small for body and head), twitch, and a supply of tow and tar, the great usefulness of which any Vet. will advise, for checking the common disease known as thrush. The following good advice, as circulated by Mr. Gregory, M.R.C.y.S., Bristol, we think can be profitably noted by our readers : — "A sick horse should not be fastened to the manger, but have freedom in a loose box, and be treated with kindliness and gentleness. "He should have just sufficient clothing to keep the skin comfortably warm, and if perspiring should have a little hay or straw between the skin and clothing. OR, The Turn Out. 106 "A sick horse should have a constant supply of clean water at stable temperature; also, in small quantities, bran.; linseed or oil cake, oats and bay of the best quality. ** He should not be taken out to exercise unless the weather be dry and geuial, and then quietly until he has recovered. "He should be groomed with a brush and dry cloth quietly and quickly, and if the legs be cold, put on dry bandages lightly. "The stable should have sufficient ventilation without draught ; if any foulness arise from the floor, a little fresh lime mixed with ashes or sawdust, or other disinfectant, should be sprinkled over the floor, and a clean bed kept." It should be borne in mind that the horse cannot work upon a full belly, hence the necessity for its first feed being given early in the day, and with punctuality, — as much earlier, and certainly not later, than the times set down above. For the Hackney Horse, the quantity of food should be regulated by the judgment of the groom, but the quality should be none other than the best. The horse that is worked hard requires more food than the one that has little work, and the number of feeds and quantities given should be in accordance with the work, ^ize, build, and stamina of the horse One peck of good, clean, sound oats, a few hand- fuls of beans, and about ten pounds of sweet hay divided into three or four meals per day is the usual quantity for the average hack. A little cut hay or chafl' will cause the horse to masticate his food, and take more time over it ; and this is very desirable, it being a well known fact that corn greedily bolted loses half its nutrition. A handful of bran gives the feed a wholesome fragrance, and a little water"* flavoured with salt and sprinkled over the hay and chaff" makes it exceedinglj^ palatable. A lump of rock salt in the manger is decidedly wholesome, and is calculated to find good occupation for the horse, and will at the same time tend greatly to prevent crib- biting. For the Cart Horse, 8 lbs. of oats and 2 lbs. beans to 20 lbs. chaff*, or average 34 to 36 lbs. of the mixture for each horse * One extensive firm of horse owners (Messrs. Walter Showell & Son, Cross- well's Brewery, Oldbury. near Birmingham) have adopted an original system of substituting porter, with success, which treatment carries one back to the good old days "when George III, was king;" and, to the indulgences shown to ** Bonny Black Bess." G 106 Centaur per day, with regular work. Dray horse, 40 lbs. Damp the provender at time of feeding, and not before. Damaged hay must not be totally set apart for chaff; it is injurious. Some farmers bruise their oats. Half bushel sliced carrots per day, mixed with chaff, and the 2 lbs. beans, and 6 lbs. oats may be withdrawn. The healthy horse is yery fond of this provender, and the virtues of the carrot are not sufficiently known. A.S a vegetable food carrots are greatly relished by the horse, and are considered more than wholesome, but must be particularly cleaned, and are usually sliced. The general quantity of water, if the permanent cistern be not adopted, is half a bucket three times per da3^ The horse should be exercised on idle days for at least two hours, during which time the stable should be washed out and thoroughly cleaned, the wet straw taken away — but by no means should it be pushed under the manger — and a little dry litter left and spread under the horse for it to stand upon. The test for oats is that they should be old, heavy, sweet, perfectly dry, plump, and a bright colour. If beans are given they are best bruised. It is usual to water the horse after dressing it. New hay is not calculated to improve the working condition of the horse. The following is a safe cooling lotion for over-heated backs on reaching the stable after a journey : — 4 drachms sugar of lead to a wine bottle full of spring water. The groom should never be allowed to physic or bleed the animal under his care ; if am^thing of the sort is thought necessary, the services of the veterinary surgeon should be immediately obtained. Great care is necessary in working horses that have been brought up fresh from grass, and special attention should be paid to grooming them. It should be remembered that a well-groomed horse is always more buoyant and healthy than those that are comparatively neglected or never thoroughly cleaned. Good grooming is half corn, and waste or over generosity should be discouraged. The cratch should never be crammed with hay, or the oats unmeasured and thrown recklessly into the manger. The OR, The Turn Out. 107 quantity of food should be calculated and measured out, in strict accordance with the clean manner in which it is eaten up. Beware of amateur horse doctors and the groom or stable man, with his head crammed full of useless and dangerous receipts and experiments, or, as he would term them "fakements,'^ in addition to his wonderful ball pre- scriptions, which are " a family secret." The waggon horse, carrier's horse, cab horse, or boat horse, should never be sent out without the nose-bag or nose-tin, and spare cloths or waterproof sheets that will cover the whole body and strap on against the wind while standing still. Whole corn, coarse hay, irregular feeding, and careless treatment, are frequently the cause of indigestion in the horse, or chronic colic, as it is called. The corn should be kept under lock and key near the stable, and proper shelves and drawers should be fitted for brushes and general tools, and be kept clean and handy for use ; the fork, shovel, and bucket, should be kept outside the stable. Some judgment should be brought to bear in feeding working horses at holiday times ; the measure of bran should prevail. Singeing and clipping should be performed with great caution, and by no means hurriedly, and none but the very best machines'^ be used, by steady, sober men only. The clothing of the horse demands immediate attention after clipping and singeing. It is a well-known fact— and illustrations may often be seen — that the horse is literally smothered with sheet after sheet of clothing and rugs for the first exercise after clipping, and the horse remains so smothered up for days in the stable. After a time the animal is left in the open air in snow or rain, or perhaps a biting frost, altogether unprotected from the elements, which contrasts strongly with the driver, who appears muffled, coated and gloved up, his last innocent * " The Newmarket, and Toilet Clippers," manufactured by Mr. W. Bown, 308, Summer Lane, Birmingham, are well known all over the World aa thoroughly reliable, and excellent value. G 2 108 Centaur ; thouglits being the poor horse. A sharp trot is expected to warm the animal, which has to be pulled up again for another starving spell during the transaction of the owner's business. It cannot be said that any man would, or could, wilfully neglect his faithful companion as above shown, but it is the result of sheer want of thought, or carelessness, which is equally blameable ; the same man will be most particular in stopping every crevice and hole in the stable on returning home, to (as he thinks) prevent draughts, whereas he is excluding the air that is necessary to the preservation of the health and life of the horse. The clothing sheet proper (say the ** Newmarket'^) should reach within 9 or 10 inches of the croup, and be made to fit easily and nicely round the neck, and should be duly strengthened at the chine and double at the wearing parts. If a horse be overloaded with clothing in the stable, he is much more susceptible to cold outside ; in fact, everything connected with the " Turn Out" depends more or less upon the discretion and judgment of the owner. Most good stables have diiFerent systems, and in many cases they will be found admirably adapted to their individual surroundings. The body roller and surcingle are an important part of the clothing suit, and, like the head-collar, should never be buckled tight. Knee-caps are useful for exercising valuable horses, but are not considered any improvement to the appearance of the " Turn Out.'* The shoes demand the regular attention of the groom, and the feet should be carefully examined every morning, and listened to occasionally during the drives. The horse's shoes require changing on the average once a month, but much depends upon the nature or kind of work the horse is engaged upon. The heavy waggon horse does not wear out his shoes so fast as the hackney. Speed grinds shoes down mu'"h quicker than steady draught. Many a horse has been lamed and crippled by careless or indiscriminate shoeing, but where the farrier is an acknowledged practical man, and known to make a study of his business, his judg- ment should not be subjected to dictation, but appealed to in any particular case ; it will then secure his most careful attention. Heavy shoes are not considered any advantage, as they tire the horse. It is always very necessary to exercise great care in paring and rasping the feet, and the less nails used (compatible with wear and tear) the OR, The Turn Out. 109 better. Roufjliing anrl sharpening should never be deferred in frosty and slippery weather. Rather keep the horse at home than send him out imperfectly protected, or, as it were, in a helpless condition. A good farrier makes the anatomy and physiology of the horse's foot his daily study. It is said that a coloured hoof wears better than a white one, and that the hind hoof is smaller than the fore, and more upright, and longer than it is wide. The hind shoes are invariably worn out before the front ones. In ancient times shoeing with metal was not known ; therefore, a hard strong hoof was considered one of the best features or qualities of the horse. The Greeks and Romans were the first to attach a kind of leather protection to the horse's foot, and afterwards a few iron plates, and sometimes silver and gold were used, as illustrated in the life of Nero. Seathes, the celebrated horseman of old, said : — " The first part of the horse to look at is the foot, for no matter how beautiful the upper house is decorated, all is failure if the foundation be not secure." The Arabs seldom have the hind feet of their horse's shod, which is likewise the rule in many parts of Germany. The stable should by no means be damp, and it is strictly necessary that the harness room should be perfectly dry, and kept clean and free from dust. Suitable pegs, harness brackets, cases and drawers, &c., should be properly fitted for each article. A fire place is necessary for drying and warming clothing-, and, if adjoining the stable, assists ven- tilation, and is likewise handy for boiling water, making bran mashes and poultices. The harness room should be liberally supplied with every- thing for the use of the groom, and all should be strictly kept in order. The stableman's motto should be — " A place for everything, and everything in its place." The Author has recently introduced a new Saddle Stand, which is considered a decided improvement upon the old- fashioned and awkward saddle horse, which has been the cause of so many broken trees, from being tipped over. The new stand combines the necessary drawers for girths, bridles, extra stirrup leathers, silk cords, thongs, &g., takes up very little space, and being upon four invisible wheels 110 Centaur; can be moved to any part of the room. It is strong enough to hold any quantity of saddles, and keeps the flaps in proper position throughout, the original advantage being that the top is made the same form and size as a hackney saddle, and is of reasonable height, so that a gentleman can cross it and try the easy seat and fit of a new purchase without girths, thus saving time and inconvenience. It is particularly adapted for saddlers' shops, for showing saddles off to the best and safest advantage. A model* may be seen at the Author's establishment, supporting the "Original Self-coloured Saddle," as exhibited hj him at the Birmingham Horse Show, in 1871-72, and London, 1882, at which latter Exhibition the Author was awarded the " First Prize Medal '' and a " Special Certificate of Distinguished Merit" for his general display of Harness and Saddlery, and for his book *' Centaur," f which honours were presented to him by H.R.H. the Duke of Teck as the " First Highest Award." It may be well to give a few general instructions with reference to the selection of fittings for the stable. In the first place, the Author would remark that, owing to the per- fection to which iron fittings are now brought, they are certainly the best. They are made with the mash trough, &c., enamelled inside, so that it can be kept as clean as a china basin. The iron fittings being almost indestructible, make really durable work, while neither the kicking nor biting of vicious horses can have the least effect on them. The crib-biter is also deprived of his solitary enjoyment, as with properly formed iron work he cannot lay hold of it with his teeth. A great difference of opinion seems to exist with reference to the suitability of stalls and loose boxes for general use, and it would be impossible to lay down an universal rule applicable in all cases, but it will be sufficient to say that there is no place where the tired hunter so soon recovers his wonted energies as in a com- fortable box. This is not at all times available, owing to limited space in stables, especially in towns, where it is found difficult to accommodate the requisite number of horses in boxes. The length of a stable, divided into 12-ft. spaces, will show the number of loose boxes that can be put in it, ♦ The Author will supply one or more on application, t Vide Certificates. OR, The Turn Out. Ill while if divided into 6-ft. spaces it will show about the number of stalls that can be erected. In dividing the stable into stalls, the use of an open railing between the horses is strongly recommended. Horses, being of a very sociable disposition, greatly relish the com- panionship of their stable associates ; and often a horse has been known to go down seriously in condition when removed from his companions to a separate place. Stables are divided, according to requirements or con- venience, into stalls, or loose boxes. Their size is the first consideration. For carriage horses they must not be smaller than 6' 0" wide, but where possible 6' 3" or even 6' 6" should be provided, as being much better. For cart or dray horses they must not be less than 7' 0" wide. The length from the wall varies from 9' 0" to 10' 0". For loose boxes, where the horse has full liberty of action, 12' 0" x 12' 0" is an average size, but this depends upon the form of building. In advising the most suitable designs it is necessary to take in detail, and properly consider, each individual part. We would draw attention to the divisions between the stalls, which, for carriage horses, should be open wrought- iron panelling above the boarding ; but, for cart or dray horses, solid divisions of hard wood, well strengthened with iron cross-rails, are preferable. As illustrating two, which we consider are the best we have seen of their respective classes, we give the following divisions (see Illustrations on pp. 112, 113), manufactured by Messrs. Hassall and Singleton, of Phoenix Foundry, Birming- ham, and the Author thinks it well to fully describe them. Fig. 1 is suitable for carriage horses, having open wrought-iron panelling above the boarding. At the head or manger end it is solid, to prevent the horses seeing each other when feeding. It is also provided with double-sliding barriers, which, used at night, prevent the horse leaving his own stall, in case he breaks away from his tying. For cart or dray horses Fig. 2 represents a division of great strength. The heel-post is carried up to support a beam. It is fitted with one or two sliding barriers, as required. In each of the above, the heel-post, if fixed with the improved eelf-fixing base in concrete bed, is much firmer. 112 Centaur ; The manger fittings should be carefully selected to suit the requirements of the horse, and the kind of food given him. For carriage horses whose consumption of food is not large, moderate-sized mangers and racks are sufficient, but for cart and dray horses they should be larger. The subject has been fully entered into by the before- mentioned Firm, from whose large number of designs the Author has selected Figs. 3 to 9 as being worthy of notice. SOI ID HEAD PLAT WASHING SPACE SELF FIXING BASK Fig. 1. The front (Fig. 3) is very masj^ive, and effectively prevents crib-biting. The manger trough, which for cleanliness is enamelled, is constructed so as to allow free access to the food, and is fitted with guard -bars to prevent waste. The hay rack is on a level with the manger, which is considered most suitable to the natural habits of the horse, and to OR, The Turn Out. 113 prevent waste, whicli has formerly been an objection to this form of rack, it is fitted with a hinged hay-grid on top, which falls as the hay is consumed. The water-pot may or may not have a fixed basin, but where it is pre- ferred it is of the form shown, having an enamelled tip-up basin with receiver underneath. This receiver is connected by a pipe to the stall drain, and when the contents of the basin are discharged into it, assists in flushing. This basin Fig, 2. may be connected either to a permanent and self-acting water supply or a tap. For cart horses this has a very large manger-trough, provided with guard - bars (Fig. 4), and has the same massive front. The hay rack being flush with the wall, and the hay shaft from loft, being carried up in the wall itself, has less disadvantages than top racks generally. 114 Centaur ; The floors should be paved with a hard and moderately rough material of a non-absorbent nature, and the adaman- Fig. 3. tine clinker is superior for this purpose, on account of its brightness of colour and great hardness. It is made in HAYSHAFT TO LOFT Fig. 4. suitable shapes. Sloping floors are objectionable and in- jurious to the horse, as before mentioned ; but how to make OK, The Tfrx Out. 115 them quite flat, and, at the same time, effectively drain them, has not hitherto been fully considered. Messrs. TOP TO Be KEPT LEVEL WAT£R LI?,'E \ Fig. 5. Hassall and Singleton, however, provide us with a gutter which answers this purpose admirably (Fig. 5). WATER SUPPLY ^ STABILE DRAIN t*"*""-^ Fig. 6. It is a covered gutter, with strong loose top-plate, intended to be fixed quite level on the surface, the necessary fall for 116 Centaur ; drainage being constructed in the gutter itself. It is con- nected to a trap in passage behind stalls. Both gutter and trap are of such construction that, presuming by accident the cover-plates are left off", no injury would come to the horse through stepping into them. The effective and regular cleansing of drains, as well as their proper ventilation, is most important, and, as regards Fig. 7. the former, it should be self-acting to be of real service. Such a system is shown, in Fig. 6, and is brought forward by the same Firm, who have certainly given the matter their most careful study and attention. A self-acting flushing tank, which is supplied with water direct from the main, and regulated by properly constructed OR, The Turn Out. 117 valves, discharges its full contents, at stated fixed periods, into the drain. It is connected to the end of the main drain, thoroughly flushing it of all impurities in its action. At the opposite end, at the connection of drain to sswer, proper trap and ventilation pipes are provided, as shown. The fittings for loose boxes should be very strong, and the doors should be framed in wrought iron. Where space is limited, convertible loose boxes and stalls are very Fig. 8. desirable. A good plan is shown by Messrs. Hassall and Singleton for converting a loose box into two stalls (Figs. 7 and 8). It consists of a movable central division, revolving on a central pillar, secured at top and base with suitable sockets. It is well made, all the wearing parts being of gun metal. 118 Centaur ; Light and ventilation are matters for careful considera- tion. As regards the latter, no special rule can be laid down, much depending upon the buildings themselves ; but, to perfectly carry off all foul air, and introduce sufficient fresh, without draught, is essential. For the former plenty of light, but subdued in tone, is necessary, and this can be assisted by a judicious selection of the head linings. Tiles of neutral tints are preferable. For inlet ventilators Fig. 9 shows a very good method of opening or closing them, which is simple, nice looking, and combines with it a head -ring for stall. It can be had from the same Firm, who also supply all classes of ventilators and the necessary fittings. Fig. 9. The tyings for the stalls should be noiseless, should have the weights encased, and, if fitted with brass-mounted cords, are preferable to chains, as before mentioned. The Author would here pay that he hopes, by the time this popular Edition of " Centaur '' is issued, to have his Model Stable and Coach-house completed for the inspection and guidance of his readers; and he will be pleased to supply and superintend the fixing of Stable Fittings generally, on the above principle. OR, The Turn Out. 119 Before dismissing the subject of modern Stable Fittings, we would associate the ancient surroundings ; by referring to the unique and highly- educational display of trappings and accoutrements as preserved and shown to the world in the Horse Armoury of the Tower of London. For the inspection of which — '' at his leisure " — the writer is favoured with special privileges, through the considerate courtesy of the Governor of the Tower, Lieutenant-General 0. Maitland, C.B., who, in 1880, generously commanded* the Chief Warder (Mr. T. Bunyan), ^'to give the Author />very facility for studying the Tower and its antiquities " — thus coupling the public and the reserved sights ; which order, it is unnecessary to say, we have many times appreciated as a privilege and honour indeed. In recording the name of Mr. H. Hughes, who holds the office of " Headsman '^ of the Tower, and is known as the Yeoman — or Gentleman — Gaoler, we think and speak of him as a very dear friend, whom we cannot sufficiently thank for his oft-repeated kindly assistance and information, added to careful and punctual attention to the most minute wishes and requirements during our researches ; the result of which we purpose giving in another volume. We would say, in passing, that our friend the " Heads- man's" residence (or "quarters"), is the actual old house in the second storey of which Lady Jane Grey was im- prisoned, and from the window saw the headless body of her husband (Guildford-Dudley) carried across the Court-yard (or Green) the same day as she herself was beheaded. It may not be generally known (and the Author can- not find it anywhere recorded in history) that the head of the father of Lady Jane Grey (Henry Grey, Duke of Suffolk), after being severed from the body, was exposed for some days upon a spikef, and afterwards secretly preserved in a glass casket, carefully concealed under the pulpit of the Minories Church, near the Tower, where it can be seen to this day. The sensations and emotions one experiences on beholding this, the greatest historical antiquity in existence of its kind, may be better imagined than described. But the above is only one of the many vivid illustrations of the past the reader will meet with on a more minute and extended examination and inquiry. * As shown in Mr. Bunyan's letter to the Author, August 14, 18S0. t In the Author's possession. , 120 Centaur ; Therefore, the Author trusts he will be readily forgiven by the reader, and at the same time understood, whilst interesting himself in the horsemanship of the past, diverg- ing as it were, somewhat, by blending his feelings with his country's history. And it will be always interesting for the reader in learning of the best and most modern appli- ances, to study at the same time the various systems and complications of the olden days. The Writer does not intend in these final lines to thia chapter to refer so much to the Stable Fittings in use centuries ago as to the equipments for horse and rider, but when the latter were used the former must, in some shape or other, have existed. The principal study in connection with the trappings and harness for man and horse in those days, was the many complications, and peculiarities and fixings, for the difierent parts ; their uses, the materials of which they were made, who made them, and the great weight to be carried. The ancient records of England contain many documents relating to the stores used in times of peace and in times of war, specimens of which stores are still in existence, and can be seen at the Tower of London. Such a display of historical associations does not exist elsewhere, hence the pride all Englishmen feel in their national Institution ; and the great interest taken in the Tower by foreign visitors, particularly the millionaires of America, who can and do afibrd special trips for the purpose of visiting the siirhts oi the Old Country, and the lower of London in particular. The original Horse Armoury is taken down, and the armour is now placed in the White Tower. Life-sized equestrian statues of our Kings and Queens are ranged in proper historical order, which most minute detail fully endorses the pages of history, commencing with the period of the Norman Conquest ; when the body armour of the warriors was made of leather, and beautifull}'- painted in various colours. It is said that the plated armour of the time of Edward III. became so splendid that the knights were killed for the sake of their spoil, instead of being taken prisoners. OR, The Turn Out. 121 Among other relics, is an elaborately carved German saddle, made of bone. There are several equestrian figures representing knights of the time of Henry YI., Edward lY., and Richard III., showing the actual saddles and bridles of that period. Among the ancient swords, spears, daggers, tilting lances, helmets, gauntlets, and chain mail, are a curious collection of ancient spurs, a battle axe attached to the bow of the saddle, and a complete suit of horse armour. « One of the most prominent life-sized figures is that of Henry VIII., wearing the actual suit of armour, &c., known to have belonged to and been worn by that monarch. It consists of tilting helm, gorget, back and breast-plates with placcato ; garde de reins ; panedrons, with passe gardes (for turning away the thrust of a lance) ; rear and van braces ; gauntlets, the left a tilting one ; tassets ; demicuisses ; genoullieures ; jambs ; and square-toed sollerets. In the right hand is a mantel-de-fer, and a long sword is worn at the waist. During the reign of Queen Mary the weight of the armour became so great that the knights (giants as they were) used to faint (and the horses to fall down with the lumber of their trappings) under it, and when unhorsed could not rise. The reader may view the suit worn by the Earl of Leicester, 1560, showing his initials, R. D. (Robert Dudley) on the knee-guards, and the family badge ; and also the suit of armour presented to Henry YIII., on his marriage with Catherine of Arragon, which suit is considered to be one of the most curious in the world. Likewise is shown the suit of armour worn by that King when he was only 18 years of age, the weight of which was 92-lbs., and is described as being " rough from the hammer." There is likewise an equestrian statue representing James II., showing the genuine dress and armour of that King, also the saddle, bridle, reins, stirrups, &c., of his horse. In Queen Elizabeth's armoury is shown, among the various weapons of that time, the military fork,* used for cutting the horse's bridle reins. At the end of the room * Specimen of which the Author has in his collection of antiquities. M 122 Centaur ; is a life-size figure representing Elizabeth, mounted on a carved horse, the statue showing the State costume and trappings of that time. "With other items are shown the stirrups worn by the Founder of the Tower — William the Conqueror ; and in a glass case are also curious specimens of the horse armour of that period. To enumerate all the beauties, and interesting relics associated with our subject would take a volume of itself. The Author strongly advises all readers of "Centaur" to complete the circuit of the Horse Armouries of the Tower of London. OE, The Turn Out. 123 DOCKING AND NICKING. "He jests at soars that never felt a wound." HE above are very cruel operations, and at a not very remote period were almost universally practised, but of late years, regular feeding, properly filled har- ness,* and kind treatment have been found by humane horse owners to be excellent substitutes. Docking is nothing more nor less than cutting off the horse's tail, and is often attended with danger. The operation — if permitted at all — should be performed by a professional man, who uses an engine or machine made for the purpose. After the tail is taken off, the raw stump is seared with a hot iron to stop the bleeding, and the part is powdered with resin, likewise touched with a hot iron, to melt and run it over the wound. This is the general process of docking, and the operation is attended with the greatest risk, particularly when it is performed by a careless, unskilful, and unfeeling operator (who generally acts on the impulse of the moment, using his pocket-knife or the first handy weapon), especially if tho horse is fat or fleshy, and the tail be cut or chopped off too near the rump. Nicking means cutting four or five gashes across the under side of the tail, for the purpose of giving the horso an " elegant appearance," by causing the tail to curve. * See " Crupper Dock," in Article " Fitting the Harness." H 2 124 Centaur ; The first nick, as it is called, is started, say tliree inches, from the riirap, and the others at equal distances according to the length of the tail. The most cruel part of the operation consists in taking or drawing a portion of the tendons out of the tail. The amount of pain which the horse endures during the process of docking and nicking, rests more or less with the operator ; but in any case it is extremely painful, so much so that many proprietors of horses have feelingly determined to set their faces against the S5^stem altogether ; in fact, the very cruel and unnecessary'' practice we hope will soon be fast dying out, and happil}^ become the exception, not the rule. "We give an extract from the Midland Evening News, October 20th, 1884:— Docking Horses. — The fashion of mutilating horses tails haa now become so common that for the heavier kinds of horses required in the army it is sometimes almost impossible to procure a sufficient number without taking some which have been submitted to the injurious operation of " docking." The military authorities have been advised to reject all such mutilated horses, as horses with short tails are practically unfit for service in the tield, where flies are troublesome. From the following illustration it will be seen that the practice of " docking " is not only cruel, but illegal : — Docking a Horse's Tail. — At the Bridgnorth Petty Sessions, recently, T. H and J. J. W , horse dealers, and J. H , were charged with cruelty to a horse, by " docking " its tail with a butcher's knife. — J. H said he "docked" the animal himself, and was in the habit of doing so to other horses, but did not consider it cruelty. — Mr. Cann, Veterinary Surgeon, was called, and gave it as his opinion that, according to the evidence, the horse had been cruelly illtreated. — The Chief Constable remarked that after the horse was " docked " it was immediately harnessed and driven about the town. — The Bench said the case against H and W would be dismissed, as there was not sufficient evidence to convict them ; but J. H would be fined 15s. and the costs, making a total of £2. OR, Thk Tukn Out. 125 CART, FARM, AND PIT GEARS; SHOEING AND ROUGHING. " As easy as an old shoe." HE above adage does not at all times apply to the make or fit of the heavier class of harness ; yet the very fact of the extraordinary weight of leather, wood, straw, and iron that some horses are condemned to carry, independent of the loaded cart or wagoD, is sufficient of itself to suggest that every part of the set of gears, whether sh after or leader, should at least be a perfect and easy fit. It will be plain to every considerate mind that the horse should be measured for his suit ; but even this is not sufficient in itself to ensure the comfort of the horse and the security of the team, without proper judgment on the part of the saddler in each particular case, and the discretion of the horse owner as to the make and form he has decided upon having. The latter should at all times avoid cheap, low-priced, or auction goods. It is, and long has been, the Author's opinion that cart gears are made up far heavier and more lumbersome than is necessary, and he considers the example set by London carriers generally — Pickford's, Sutton's, and Railway Com- panies in particular — a step in the right direction towards bringing about a complete alteration throughout the country, and revolutionize in favour of less weight, not only for the horse's back, but, in fact, all over his body, and in the future it is to be hoped the large housings, savors, and winkers which are, to a certain extent, adhered to b}' the country saddler, as he is termed, will become " a thing of the past.*' 126 Centaur ; The breech-band is of necessity required to be strong and specially safe, but the writer is of opinion that there is not the slightest occasion for a 5-inch breech-band, or crupper, or back-band, in cart harness ; and he contends that breech-bands 3 J and 4 inches wide are strong enough, if well made and stitched by hand with strong threads, a small awl used, and plenty of wax ; particularly if, after the first row is sewn, a strong filling of solid mill banding •^ — either old or new — be inserted under the lay, and with the ends of the lay carried round the ironwork. The stitching should be four straight rows or slight waves ; fancy work, such as diamonds, points, or crosses, in stitching is calcu- lated to cut and weaken the leather, and will at times break off, or through, at those particular filagree patterns. The piece or pieces of leather above referred to as '* filling " are better if old and firm, but must be sound and free from cracks. It is not necessary to pare or shave down the edges for rounding ; simply wetting and hammering flat each side before inserting between the top lay and breech-band body is sufficient. The shaft crupper, belly-band, and cheeks of the bridle should be made on the same principle. The housings of the saddle and collar are better glued together when lined, instead of being pasted. The firmness of a set thus built will be beyond all com- parison with the wide over-loading and flimsily made old pattern harness. All the stitching should be carefully rubbed down at the bottom side, and if the top is hammered it should be done very lightly, and only for the purpose of rounding the work off after wetting; if the mark of the face of the hammer is left it indicates hurried or careless work- manship. The hurried manner in which the shaft horse is some- times forced down hill plainly indicates the necessity for a safe breech-band and hip straps. The most important part of the cart-set, for the comfort of the horse, is the collar ; and the only portion of it that can be reduced in weight is the housing. The old-fashioned monster housings never ought to be revived, and the writer thinkp thev can never be forgotten. OR, The Turn Out. 127 Some say they had their uses in " keeping the wet off ; " but that local remedy was a poor and lumbering substitute for the horse-cloth. It is extremely important Ihat the collar be lined with best check, and faced between the straw and the check with good, clean wool, and the shape of the collar fitted exactly to the form of the horse's neck. Open topped collars must be strapped perfectly tight— in fact the top strap in all open collars, whether for use on the surface or under ground, should only be punched one hole ; this will ensure the shape and firmness of the collar being kept as much as possible. A cruel practice has been known to be indulged in for the purpose of showing a cheap job in repairing, — which is done at the expense of the horse, particularly in contract work, — by simply covering the old and dirty lining with new check, and passing the same off for " re-bodying and fresh straw- ing and wooling," when, at the same time, the old filling has neither been disturbed nor renewed in any way. Such disgraceful workmanship is nothing more nor less than a wicked robbery to the customer, and torture for the horse, and would not be permitted in the workshop of any respect- able and conscientious saddler ; but it is a well-known fact, that, in addition to the above, nails and tacks have been substituted for stitches by the unprincipled and cheap con- tractor, and when it has become an absolute necessity for re- wooling, the very cheapest, knotty, and dirty flocks have been used, without the slightest consideration for the horse or the reputation of the workman. In easing cart or other collars, holes should by no means be cut into them, but the lining opened at the side piece, turned back, and thus hollowed, as marked where the wound lies, and made to miss the tender parts, faced with clean ^ wool, and quilted down, particularly in a cart collar or saddle ; but if leather lined, as in stage or harness collars, the part, after easing out, simply requires a wet sponge rubbed over the leather and slightly malleted, and it will then lie in the form desired. The saddle tree should be made sufficiently wide to allow the pad to fit, and not to stand up or pinch the back. There is no real necessity for the saddle housings and savors to be largre or heavily lined. 128 CENTAun; If ornaments or plates are desired, the smaller they are the more neat and tasteful they will appear, besides being lighter for the horse to carry. Double girths are at all times necessary, and should not bo supplied less than IJ inch wide for an average sized horse. It is important that the belly-band should be the same strength as the breech-band, and that all the ironwork throughout the set be perfectly sound, well made, and of best material. The foregoing rule as to substance and workmanship applies particularly to cart, farm, pit, and boat gears, the making or repairing of which should not be done " slop," or in a careless and common way, for the sake of price or other ulterior motives, but in the best and most efficient manner possible, as this class of harness is constantly exposed to the roughest possible wear and tear in all weathers and almost all atmospheres, and is generallj^ worn by strong and well corned animals. If it is the farmer's rule to have his gears repaired at the farm, say once a year, none but good, practical, and sober workmen should represent the saddler. More mischief has been caused to the horse's back and the good name of the tradesman through complaints, justified too frequently by the carelessness of some journeyman, than is pleasant to either the customer or the trade. Frequently the man has been dissatisfied with the food, and the quantity or quality of beer supplied him, or complaints are made by the farmer of his horses being injured through bad workmanship ; and no wonder, for cases have occurred in which the hand-iron or other tools have been stufi'ed with the wool into the lining by the thoughtless workman. If it is mutually understood that food and refreshments shall be supplied by the farmer, the quality should by all means be good, and the quantitj^ of the latter reg:ulated according to the ability or disposition of the workman and the hours of labour. This alone will command a fair day's work, reason- able charges, and no complaints or dissatisfaction on either side. Pit Gears require an equal amount of care in making and repairing, and a careful selection of material at all times. The argument that the work is " going under ground " OR, The Tut^n Out. 129 and " out of sight " does not alter the fact that some horses in the mines are as massive and good looking, and as well fed, and in many cases better cared for, than many horses above ground ; therefore it is really necessary that none but the best leather, check, wool, laces, and ironwork, be used in the making up and repairing of all gears worn under ground. The Split Crupper and Hip Straps — used for boating pur- poses—should likewise be firm and carefully made, the side pipes true, and the collar bodies full and easy in the draught. The housing should not be fixed upon the collar to stand up, but to lie nearly flat, for the purpose of missing the bridges when passing under them. The Hames should be shorter in the top than the ordinary cart hames, for the same reason, as regards the roofing. The Boat Bridle is not required to be heavy — in fact, the lighter the better, and should be made with a narrow nose- band. Boatmen, as a rule, take great pains with the horses entrusted to their care ; the writer has frequently heard boatmen speak of the horse as their most constant and only companion, which is easily accounted for when the fact of their long and solitary journeys together is considered. On questioning a driver — who was jocularly shouting to his horse — upon one occasion, as to why he had forgotten his whip, the answer was, "My boss wants no whip, I carries my pipe instead, and keeps the whip in the manger." Nose-tins and Nose-bags should be made with judgment, and as light as possible consistent with their use ; the bottom of the bag should be solid leather, and the sides porous, for ventilation. The Heavy Harness, used for draj^ work — say that used by Brewery and Railway Companies — is, as a whole, above the average in make and quality, for the principal reason that a good price is paid and a good pattern adopted ; and the care bestowed to keep it and the horse clean and in good condition is extremely creditable to the draymen, which system must be a source of great satisfaction to the horse owners, who are very proud of and are known to pay long prices for their steeds. 130 Centaur ; The general system adopted by the Midland Railway Company in permanently dispensing with winkers to the hridles throughout their whole system is a very humane and truly laudable act, there being less weight for the horse to carr)'', and the open cheek gives him every opportunity of seeing his wa}^ ; and it likewise means economy in tho first cost and after repairs. In the saddler}^ trade, the repairing department is a very important one, and, as before intimated, should command the special attention of both mechanic and principal. Good workmanship, with economical views as to cost and prompti- tude, should be the constant effort. Men without reason and forethought have been found in all businesses, but the man who would substitute nails for stitches — where sewing is absolutely recognized as the only legitimate end — is not a fit associate for good workmen. The Author has — in his travels and valuation engage- ments — heard of serious results that have arisen from such carelessly executed and bad workmanship. If steady, honest, and sober journeymen could be guaranteed to employers, they would be stimulated and encouraged to pay good wages for a reasonable amount of work ; and it is very desirable that workmen, without distinction being made, should prove themselves conscious of doing justice both to employers and their customers. In contracting to keep geats and harness in repair all the year round, no matter whether the work is done on or off the premises, the best and cheapest way in the end is that the workmen should be instructed to do every job as well and promptly as possible, and should be provided with proper materials for that purpose. The old saying, "Once well done is twice done," strictly applies to the contract depart- ment of the saddlery trade, and s generally acknowledged by the trade ; and the Author has no hesitation in saying that his experiences among business men lead to the firm conviction that no profession, trade, or calling requires more care or thought ; and, as a rule, no tradesman is more suc- cesful in giving good value and satisfaction to his customers than the conscientious saddlery and harness manufacturer. Under the title of " Stable and Stable Fittings, &c.," the subject of Shoeing and Roughing has been noticed ; still, in OR, The Turn Out. 131 closing this article on " Cart, Farm, and Pit Gears,'* it may not be out of place to state that what is there set forth in reference to the shoeing of saddle and carriage horses, is equally applicable to draught horses, on the feet of which it is highly essential that as much care and attention should be bestowed as upon those of the hackney or hunter ; indeed, seeing the heavy loads the waggon horse has to draw sug- gests for itself that every means, consistent with efficiency, should be adopted for reducing as much as possible the weight of iron upon his feet, and guarding against his being unskilfully or improperly shod ; and the more so consider- ing the fact that the great weight he has behind him in- creases his torture when pricked by a carelessly driven nail. This adds to the difficulty of keeping him upon his feet in slippery weather, particularly when the roughing is neglected, or improperly done ; because, in the first instance, the sub- stance of the shoe adds to the pressure upon the nail and forces it into the sensitive part of the foot, while in the latter, when once the animal slips, the weight of the load forces it down ; whereas a horse with a light load and safe shoes might, if he stumble, recover his footing without falling, in which case the beariiig-rein has nothing to do with the question. The foot-gear of the horse should — as the motto heading these lines expresses it — ** fit as easy as an old shoe," and in the event of its being otherwise, the results to both the animal and the man may be, and oft-times are, serious. The following excellent notice appeared in one of the local papers, and was enclosed to the Author. It is here given with the view to, if possible, ''drive the nail (or argument) further home " : — Horse -Shoes and Hokse - Shoeing. — On an average, horses require shoeing once a month. The length of time a shoe will wear depends much on the kind of service a horse is doing, and on the kind of road he is daily travelling. A team horse in heavy draught does not wear out as many shoes as one used in a hack; quick motion grinds shoes down more rapidly. Wooden pavement is hut a little saving to the wear and tear of shoes, for the grit and dust, which become impacted in the interstices of the wooden block, grind away shoes like the friction of an emery wheel. The hind shoes wear out first, and there is more strain and friction on them than on the forward shoes. It is impossible and improper for a horse to wear shoes more than six weeks, for the growth of the foot shortens the shoe, as well as changes the shape otherwise. The neglect will cause the shoe to encroach upon the soft textures of the foot and produce lameness. There are but few practical mechanics who have sufficiently studied the foot of the horse. It 18 not enough to know the anatomy of the foot, and where to 132 Centaur ; insert a nail not to cause pain, but the foot should be studied in the state of nature, before the mechanism of man has, by artificial appliances, distorted it. The shape of the hoof of the wild horse, or of one which has never been shod, should be taken as a model. The foot is then properly balanced, neither too long nor too broad, but it has adjusted itself to nature, and the muscles and tendons are not strained by travel. Continement and unskilful shoeing change the anatomical relations of the foot, and the best judgment of the mechanic is often taxed to correct the growing deformity — from unskilled shoeing. When a reasoning, skilful mechanic is found, the horse is safe in his hands, for he only preserves the normal shape of the hoof, and adjusts the shoe to protect it. The frog in the hoof of a horse is placed there for a particular purpose, and should not be cut by the shoer. If this is allowed, contraction and lameness will follow. The shape and weight of the shoe should be accommodated to the purpose for which they are designed. The tram horse requires a shoe lighter and without corks, while the draught horse must have a heavy, broad shoe, with corks, to enable him to obtain foothold, and travel with the least possible strain. Therefore, the simple rule to be laid down as requiring punctual attention in horse-keeping, in addition to the feet and shoes, is — AlK, Light, Litter, Grooming, Exercise, Food, and Water, =5^«£§^iii%i OH, The Turn Out, 133 EFFECT OF MUSIC UPON THE HORSE. ** Hark 1 'tis the Indian drum." VERYWHERE the horse Is recognized as the most useful of the servants of man, and it yields in intelligence to the do^ alone In the early ages of the world, the horse seems to have been devoted to the purposes of war and pleasure ; but its beauty and strength and tractability have now connected it, directly or in- directly, with all the purposes of life. If it differs in different countries in form and size, it is from the influence of climate and cultivation, but otherwise, from the war horse — as it is depicted on the friezes of ancient' temples — to the stately charger of Holsten, or from the fleet and beautiful Arabian to the diminutive Shetlander, there is an evident similarity of form and origin. Of course, in training the horse for military purposes, it is necessary that it should understand the various bugle sounds or calls, and it is astonishing how quickly these are recog- nized and understood by the horse, who appears never to forget them. It is related that a milkman once stepped from his cart to supply a customer with milk, and just as he did so the bugle of a cavalry regiment that was being drilled in a public park near, sounded, and away bolted the horse, drawing cart and milk cans behind it. In vain the milkman screamed and yelled, and in vain the pedestrians attempted to stop the runaway, but its martial ardour, having been inflamed by the well-remembered bup;le call, it brooked no opposition, and suffered no obstacle to impede its course, till it found itsell in the ranks of its old companions-in-arms, where its comical 134 Centaur; appearance, with accoutrements not exactly according to regulation pattern, excited considerable amusement. On inquiry it was found the animal had formerly been a cavalry horse, and hearing the well-known sound to which in former years it had bounded with pride and pleasure, the animal, despite its age, could not resist the enchanting influence ol the music. It is known that horses readily understand a few notes of music, but cases can be cited in which they have been trained to keep time to some very complicated compositions. Some time ago the Author had occasion to call upon a friend, who takes a great pride in his stud. Just as he arrived, his friend and good lady were about to proceed to the court-yard to inspect a new addition to the stable in the shape of a young colt. It need scarcely be added that the writer gladly accepted an invite to accompany them. The animal — a fine looking creature — was trotted out ; but it had never been broken, and had just been shod for the first time that morning ; and like " Fear," it " started at the sounds itself had made," and as the metal rang upon the pavement it became quite nervous. The lady seeing this, stepped forward and commenced patting and stroking his mane, and while she was so engaged, a baud of music at a short distance struck up a plaintive air, and the lady — quite mechanically — commenced to hum the tune. No sooner did she begin than the colt placed its head upon the lady's breast, when she called her husband's attention and that of the Author to the occurrence ; but the moment she ceased singing the animal raised its head, but replaced it when the singing was repeated. This proceeding, which was done several times, leads one to think that music might be advan- tageously used in the training of horses, especially those of a sensitive or timid nature. And we are reminded of tales once heard of the "Horse Charmers " in Ireland, who were said to be able, by merely humming or singing some words or notes close to the animal's ear, to tame the most vicious or restive horse that could be brought to them. The Author has personally tried several experiments with his own steeds at various times and places, which conclusively prove the theory propounded above, and corroborates the experience just narrated. For instance, he has on several OB, The Turn Out. 135 occasions, wliile his animal was cantering round tlie field in which it was turned out to graze, commenced playing upon a cornet, when the animal would suddenly stop and prick up his ears as though listening most attentively to the strains of the instrument ; he has also, when the animal — a beautiful bay mare — was in her loose box in the stable, caused the stable door to be thrown open and at the same time has opened his sitting-room window, and commenced playing an air upon the pianoforte, when the mare would immediately leave the stable and come trotting and neighing directly to the window whence the sounds emanated ; an illustration which goes far to prove that music, which is said to possess ^' charms to soothe the savage breast," has a wonderful and lasting effect on the equidoe. 136 Centaur ; NATURAL CLEANLINESS OF THE HORSE. •* But he was fastidious as a lord, And particular about bed and board; But spirited and docile too, Wbate'er was to be done, would do." ERHAPS no animal is so fastidious about its food and drink as the horse, which is naturally an herbivorous animal ; hence its thin and muscular lips, its firm and compressed mouth, and its sharp incisor teeth, are admirably adapted to seizing and cropping the grass ; while the peculiar construction of some of the bones of the face enable it to grind down its food as perfectly as it could be ground in the best constructed mill. The olfactory nerve of the horse is more than four times the size of that in man. Hence the horse can detect smells that might escape the notice of man, and an effluvia that did not attract his attention might be a source of great annoy- ance to the horse. It is a well-known fact that horses will not eat food that has been breathed upon and left in the trough or manger ; consequently care should be taken never to pack or put more food in the manger than can be readily disposed of. The horse is as particular about the water it drinks as the food it eats ; and it is asserted by some authorities that the quality of the water supplied has a peculiar efiect upon the animal. Thus, hard water, freshly drawn from the well causes griping and roughens the coat of the animal. The temperature of the water given to a horse is a matter of very great consequence. "Water taken from a running stream will rarely harm ; but if drawn from a wall, by its coldness, not unfrequently produces colic, spasm, and even death. OR, The Turn Out. 137 The horse that is not properly groomed, and carefully stabled, soon begins to exhibit the results of inattention ; it becomes dispirited, rejects its food, and loses flesh. So well aware are those who take a pride in their horses of this fact that the utmost care is bestowed upon the ventilation and drainage of modernly constructed stables. A curious case occurred recently in Birmingham which clearly illustrates the sensitive nature of the horse and its susceptibility to the effects of effluvia. A manufacturer engaged in the metal trade, but who resides at some distance from the town, owned a very valuable horse, which he kept for the purpose of riding to and from his place of business, where, as he was sometimes detained for hours, he had a stable erected for his horse. He had not long had the animal when it became languid and ultimately unfit for work. A veterinary surgeon was consulted, and for a time he was completely at a loss to account for the symptoms ; from which, however, the animal recovered after a short residence at the country house of his ownei- ; but no sooner had it commenced its visits to the town stable than the symptoms returned. The veterinary surgeon was again called in ; but this time he paid a visit to the stable, which was in close proximity to a casting shop, the fumes from which reached the stable and were the cause of the animal's illness. A new stable was erected in a more healthy part oi the works, and the result was most satisfactory. 138 Centaur ; WONDERFUL HORSES. "So meekly docile thou art, inleed." WORK like the present would scarcely be complete were it to pass unnoticed some of the fabulous species of the horse tribe. A few years ago there was exhibited in Walsall a very curious animal — one side of which resembled a very finely developed horse, while the other possessed all the characteristics of a cow, even to the cloven hoof, and the rudimentary formation of a horn. Now, as Dr. Gray observes, the horse family is distin- guished from all others by its undivided hoof. That the above animal was a cross between the horse and a Gnu — which is a species of wild ass, and is called by the Dutch settlers at the Cape, the '* Bastard Wild Beast'' — was con sidered by some very probable. If so, that would account for the cloven hoof and the horn, as the Gnu has both ; but although the cloven hoof and the horn might be accounted for upon that supposition, yet that could not account for the flank and shoulder, which resembled those of a cow, as the Gnu, although possessed of horns and cloven hoofs, has a body resembling that of the horse. Some of the ancient writers describe a species of horse with a mane extending the whole length of the animal, from head to tail. Some authors have depicted horses with a unicorn-like horn in their forehead. And among the collection made by Aldrovandus, is a horse with a human head and face (Centaur) ; and another with OR, The Turn Out. 139 hands instead of fore-feet, which he tells us belonged to Julius Caesar, and would suffer no one else to mount him. " Cains Julius Ccesar utehatur equo insigni pedibus peope humanis et in niodum difjitorum unguJis fosis/' 8fC. — as a writer in Knight's C)''clopccdia very justly observes — this may have only been some malformation of the hoof, like that in the case of the animal exhibited in Walsall; but whether it was merely a malformation or not, the painter has represented the animal with two human hands, having on each four fingers and a thumb, and also nails. ^^^pi^ '^StN I 2 Cematjr; WILD HORSES. " He looked as though the speed of thought Were in his limhs ; but he was wild, Wild as the deer, and untaught, With spur and bridle undefiled. With flowing tail, and flying mane. Wide nostrils — never stretched by pain, Mouth bloodless to the bit or rein; And feet that iron never shod. And flanks unscarred by spur or rod; A thousand horse, the wild, the free, Like waves that follow o'er the sea." T is very doubtful whether at the present day any true descendants of an original wild stock of horses exist. Dr. Gray observes that the wild horse, as depicted by Gmelin, very much resem- bles the ponies left at liberty on the commons of Cornwall, and on the moun- tains of Scotland, and are rather domestic animals which have become deteriorated. The wild horses of America, although they retain their size and form, and have not deteriorated, are the descendants of the domestic horses taken to America by the Spaniards. Hordes were first landed at Buenos Ay res m 1537, and that Colony having been for a time deserted, the horses were allowed to run wild. In 1580, forty-three years after- wards, they were found wild at the Straits of Magellan. In the Pampos they abound, but these are not descendants of horses that had never been subjugated to man. OR, The Turn Out. 141 HORSEY PHRASES, SLANG TERMS, AND RACY REMARKS. "Be thou familiar, but by no means vulvar." N order to render this work as acceptable to all classes of readers, and as easily under- stood as possible, all technical phraseology, cant language, slang terms, or stable ex- pressions have been studiously avoided. As, however, our readers may meet with such terms in other works, or in the periodical literature of the day, or hear them at auctions, fairs, and other public places, and may be at a loss to understand their meaning, it has been considered that an exposition of some of the more fre- quently used terms and phrases may be of service. A selec- tion of these has therefore been made by the Author from memory, and such explanations given as will enable anyone to understand their meaning, whether on the turf, in the auction room, or in the stable. Amble — A peculiar kind of pace, wherein a horse's two legs, of the same side, move at the same time. Auhin — A broken pace, between an amble and a gallop ; a defect A Mark — A ninny; to take advantage of; good impression; "made his mark." A Pony of Beer — Small glass. Hqrs — The fleshy rows that run across the upper part of the horse's mouth. Bay — A bay horse is the colour commonly called a red, incHning to chesnut. This colour varies in several ways ; thus — " a dark bay," or light bay. Bishoper—One skilled in horse dentistry (but not for the general weal). 142 Centaur; Bots — Short, thick grubs, which trouble horses in the beginning of summer. Beaning — Placing a pebble between the shoe and the sole of the foot of the horse. Boar — A horse that tosses its nose in the wind. Co^ec?— Caught. Crib-hitei — Horse that gnaws its manger. Crick — In the neck ; a stiff neck ; the horse cannot take its meai from the ground. Chipped the bark off—R-ds been down. Ciirb — A tumour caused by hard riding, blows, and kicks. Curb— A chain to the bit. Catch a Weasel Asleep — Off one's guard. Casting — Overthrowing. Down in the Mouth — Low spirited. Dead Nail — A sharper. Eye Openers — Early drinks. Ease him— To take the weight off his back ; to relieve of money. Feel — To feel the horse in the hand by the reins; that the hors*^ is obedient to the wish of the rider. Film — Upon the horse's eye. Fiver — Bank note. Fire — Life ; energ}' ; go ; " got some fire in him. Faked up — Doctored with intent. Frenzy — Madness; excitement. Fidlock — Used in speal^ing of accidents. Glums — A deep indentation over each eye of the aged horse. GaU — Sore back. Goer — Very speedy horse. Gait — Pace. Goes Freely — Without effort. Gullett — Passage for food. OR, The Turn Out. 143 Gulp — To swallow eagerly. Gumption — Shrewdness ; understanding. Gyve — Fetters for legs. Good Worker — Will pull at anything. Hand — Four inches ; bridle-hand ; sword-hand ; hand high ; all hands. Horse Coper — A dealer in stolen or ** picked-up ** horses ; a buyer of wids, whistlers, roarers, pipers, crib biters ; one who gets his money any way he can ; and is some- times known as a " flatcatcher/* Horse Chaunter — Gentleman cheat. Half -Bull — Half-crown . Holloiv-Backed Horse — Weak spine. Hush Money — Bribing to secrecy. Humour — Disease ; out of sorts. Humbug — An impostor. Horse Power — Expressive of a steam engine. Hoise Leech — A leech that bites horses. Hitch — Failure or break down ; to hitch, fasten, or buckle to. Hissing — To make sibilant sound. Hock — The joint between the knee and the fetlock. Hobby — A strong nag. Hobble — To walk lamely. HoUowness — Insincerity. Honest — Upright in dealing ; good value Hoodwink — To blind ; to deceive. Hoof — The horny part of horse's feet. Hopple — To tie the feet, but not closely. Hoy — To stop ; halt. Hide Bound — Tight skin. Hard Horse — Insensible to whip ; hard mouth j no control 144 Centatjr ; Hernia — A rupture. llip-shot — A disorder of the horse. Eie — Hasten ; hurry up. High Flyer — Lofty carriage. Hack — Horse for riding and driving. Hackneyed — Much used. Heigh-oh — An expression of langour. He " runs the show " — Finds the money. High Stepper — Showy. Hurry-up— Maike haste ; quicken your hand In Form — Good condition. Jade — Old and worn out horse. Jibber — Horse that will not pull. Jaio-knotted — Inflated kernels. JcfJc — Strike, or fling and kick with the hind quarters. Kicked — To stand treat. Kup-Kup — Come, come. Kid SokQ. Look Alive— ^Q active. Mark — Black spot which shows the age of the horse. Mia^e-w^— Assumed dress. Mash — A drink given to a horse ; a bran mash ; " he's a mash^W." Monkey — Five hundred pounds. Moo7i — A disorder in the eyes of the horse. Morfounderlng^Qold. upon heat; overridden and heated, an