the young horse-man, or, the honest plain-dealing cavalier wherein is plainly demonstrated, by figures and other-wise, the exercise and discipline of the horse, very usefull for all those that desire the knowledge of warlike horse-man-ship. by john vernon. vernon, john, 17th cent. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a64864 of text r210025 in the english short title catalog (wing v253). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. 70 kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from 27 1-bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo 2017 a64864 wing v253 stc 24675 estc r210025 99835820 99835820 45 this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons 0 1.0 universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase 1, no. a64864) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set 45) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, 1475-1640 ; 1012:18) the young horse-man, or, the honest plain-dealing cavalier wherein is plainly demonstrated, by figures and other-wise, the exercise and discipline of the horse, very usefull for all those that desire the knowledge of warlike horse-man-ship. by john vernon. vernon, john, 17th cent. [4], 44, [4] p. : ill. (woodcuts) printed by andrew coe, london : 1644. with an appendix and a final errata leaf. annotation on thomason copy: "may 28". included in error in stc first edition on the basis of the huntington copy, which has imprint cropped. reproductions of the originals in the henry e. huntington library and art gallery (early english books, 1475-1640) and the british library (early english books, 1641-1700 and thomason tracts). eng cavalry drill and tactics -early works to 1800. horsemanship -early works to 1800. a64864 r210025 (wing v253). civilwar no the young horse-man, or, the honest plain-dealing cavalier. wherein is plainly demonstrated, by figures and other-wise, the exercise and dis vernon, john 1644 13501 115 0 0 0 0 0 85 d the rate of 85 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the d category of texts with between 35 and 100 defects per 10,000 words. 2004-02 tcp assigned for keying and markup 2004-03 spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images 2004-05 rachel losh sampled and proofread 2004-05 rachel losh text and markup reviewed and edited 2004-07 pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the young horse-man or , the honest plain-dealing cavalier . wherein is plainly demonstrated , by figures and otherwise , the exercise and discipline of the horse , very usefull for all those that desire the knowledge of warlike horse-man-ship . by john vernon . psal. 20.7 . some trust in chariots , and some in horses , but we will remember the name of the lord our god . pro . 21.31 . the horse is prepared against the day of battail , but safety is of the lord . to the courteous reader , and desirous practitioner , of martiall discipline . fellow souldiers , the wars being a matter that concerns a souldiers life , it behoveth every souldier to arme himselfe with the best advantage that hee can : you know what iob saith , skin for skin , and all that a man hath will hee give for his life , and a man in some kinde becomes his own murtherer , if he doth not use the best means hee can to preserve his own life , as well as when hee commits the act of murther on himselfe . i have therefore thought fit ( having some small experience of my own ) to give thee these few directions both how to accoutre and how to annure thy selfe for the meanes of thy safety i have purposely omitted many things i could have inserted , because i would not prove tedious and write a tract larger then every ordinary souldier might easily purchase with his money 〈…〉 in his pocket to be his continuall advisor , and prove no hinderance unto him in the expedyating of his service , to this end i have but briefely toucht upon each particular that is materiall , & compared my own experience with the iudgement of those that have lately written of this subiect , and have in some places inserted the breviats of the notes in this tract. my request therefore unto thee is to make a favourable construction of this my endeavour . and i shall continue thine in what i am able , john vernon . now if thou beest a man that doest intend to se● forth thy selfe for this good and warrantabl●cause , which now invites thee to use the most of thy might , let these briefe rules be thy direction . first make choise of a nimble and able horse of a convenient stature , of 15 handfuls high , sac● coloured , as black , brown , cheasnut , dun , bay , socet , fox , iron grey , roe , and the like , for a white horse is not so necessary for thy use , nor so convenient for thy safety , as when thou shalt bee commanded forth on a party , in a dark night thou wilt the easilier be discerned by the enemy , so that if they chance to give fire on you , they will have the greater aime at thee , in regard thou wilt be so visible a marke unto them , it is not save for a sentinell to have a white horse in a pitcht field , a file leader being mounted on a white horse is commonly aimed at by the enemies gunners or musktiers , & so sometimes becomes the overthrow of himself and the rest of the file , some other reasons i could rēder , but i forbear , let not the neck of your spurs be overlōg , if they be they are subject in your close order when you troop on , to ●atch hold on your next right or left hand mans stirrop , and so by that means be likely to unhorse you , or spraine your leg , let your sword be of a middle length , sharpe pointed and stiffe , for there is no great advantage in the length of swords on horsbacke , and a short sword 〈◊〉 a better command then a long , use a flask rather then a horn● or cartheages for your charge is quicker provided , and if you pro●●ed cartheages , they are subject with the trotting of your horse to lose il the powder out of them , a poll axe is very nccessarie for a ●rooper , for if you should chance to encounter a troop of cur●ssiers where your sword can do no good but little execution , your ●oll axe may be an advantage unto you to offend your enemie , and 〈◊〉 by that meanes defend your selves , provide for your horse an iron or brasse chain for false reines covered over with leather , for 〈◊〉 your other reins should chance to be cut , those will then stand ●ou in good stead to gird your horse withall , be always carefull to ●eep thy arms fixt and clean , for by that means thou maist chance ●o kill thy enemie ; and so preserve thy own life , but if thy arms be ●ot fixt , and so thou missest firing thine enemie , may chance to kill thee before thou shalt be able to offend him , be always well provided of powder and shot , that so thou maist alwaies be in a readinesse either to passe upon dutie , or goe upon service , which is the character of a good souldier , and this will worke for thy honour and good report , let thy horse be well kept and well provendred , that so he may be the abler instrumentally in time of danger to preserve thy life when thou art in the midst of thine enemies skirmaging , or if thou shalt be forced to retreat to carrie thee off couragiously , when thou encountrest thy enemie in the field , if thou beest furnished with one ca●bine and two pistols , fire thy carbine , and one of thy pistols at thine enemies , but alwaies reserve one of thy pistols readie charged , primed , stand and cocked in thy houlster , so that if thou shouldst be fo●ced to retreat , and thine enemie pursue thee , thou maist be able to reward him with that messenger in thy houlster , and so thou maist haply kill him , and by that means save thine own life . now to show you the ordering and disciplining of a regiment of horse , it behoves i should first acquaint you with the commanders and officers belonging unto a regiment of horse , and these particular parts properly belonging unto them : & first for the colonell who is appointed comander in chief over his own regiment , he ought to be a souldier of extraordinarie experience , & valour , as having the comand of a little army , somtimes singled from the greater ; on him dependeth the good successe of many brave designes & actions , therefore he must be well skilled in inbattailing of the cavalrie for sometimes the good ordering of charging the enemie , causeth the victorie , and the contrarie sometime causeth the destruction of the whole bodie , he must take particular notice of all the captains under his command , which are most usually five , and a serjeant major , hee is likewise to take care that the troope under his command be well accommodated with good equipage , as good and serviceable horse and armes , and all other necessaries requisite or belonging unto the cavalrie , hee is not to suffer his captains to make officers , nor to absent themselves from their troops without his leave . in the march his own troop marches first , and is first quartered , in time of fight his place is in the battalia , if there be only his own regiment , or if he command in chiefe , that so hee may be able to give order and command upon all occasions , hee should not resolve upon any enterprize , but first advise with one or more of his faithfullest and most experienced captains . the second commander belonging unto a regiment of horse is , the serjeant major whose experience and valour had need be answerable unto his place , which is of great concernment , for hee is most usually a man of the most practice in the regiment , in marching he ought to be well acquainted with the ways . that so he may with best advantage encounter the enemy , if it hapneth they met , if the regiment marches in high ways . in the enemies countrie or where the people do most affect their enemie : it is his dutie in all places or fields convenient , to cause all the regiment to be drawn up into battalia , which will both annew the souldiers to this kinde of exercise , and cause them to be more expert and readie at all times to encounter these enemies , at this time , and so at all other times in their marching , hee should send forth scouts before the bodie of the best and ablest horse , with an able an expert officer to discover , if haply they may , where the enemie is quartered , how the countrie stands affected , and if they can to take some of the enemies scouts or stragling souldiers , that so by faire promises of reward or threatnings of great punishment you may get out of them , how strong your enemie is , how well provided of ammunition , what enterprize he intends next , and the like , hee must also if he can with secrecie procure to have spies , not onely in the enemies armie , but also upon their frontiers , that so you may have continuall notice of the enemies moving , and which way and of all the designes in hand , and the like , he is likewise to take care that the captaines doe not wrong their souldiers , and that they keepe the troops in a good state and well armed , and that themselves and their officers do frequently exercise and discipline their troops , and cause them to observe good order , it is his dutie likewise when he hath received the word and orders how the guard shall be commanded that night from the colonell , the corporals reparing unto him to give out these orders and word unto them , and they to acquaint the pistolers captaines therewith . the next commander in a regiment of horse is a captain , who should be a man of wsdome and policy , as being one of the colonels counsel , and wel exercised in arms that so he may be the better able to dicipline his own troop , hee hath need have good experience and valour , in regard that many times it hapneth , that being at a distance from the grosse body with his troop , he must without order or counsell of others , sometimes when he shall see advantageable occasions , execute service of great consequence ▪ ●e should always in all things shew a good example to his souldiers , he must diligently and punctually observe these orders which shall either be given or sent him from his superiour officers , and be at the place at the appointed houre with his troop , others under his command on all occasions , hee must be first on horse back ●s a good example to his souldiers , hee must be carefull to keep his owne troope find and compleat , he must endevour to know every one of his souldiers by their names , that so he may distinctly name them upon all occasions of employment , hee must never be daunted whatsoever , disadvantage befall him for feare of discouraging his souldiers , hee must cherish his well deserving souldiers , and cashiere the contrarie , it must be his care to have one or more of his souldiers well acquainted with the ways of that countrie he marches in , to serve him as guides , to that end he must if he can get one or more of the country inhabitants to enter themselves as souldiers under his command . the lievtenant of a troop of horse ought to be a man of known experience , nursed and well educated in cavalrie , it properly belongs unto his care and office to exercise and discipline the troope in the captains absence , he commands the troope , his name signifieth so much in the french lievtenant , that is one which supplieth the place of another upon him , usually all difficulties doe rest , because oftimes the troops are given unto young gentlemen which want experience , he must see that the souldiers keep their horse and arms well , he always marches in the reare , causing the souldiers to follow their captaine and colours ; in time of fight his place is in the reare with his sword drawne in his hand , encouraging the souldiers , and killing any that shall offer to flie from their colours or disband themselves , but if the captain be absent , then hee shall take tht captaines place , appointing another able officer in the reare , in the ordinary marching of the troope , the lieutenant must not take the captains place though he be absent , but the cornet must lead the troop , and the lievtenant must bring up the reare , hee must be able to write and read , because hee must keep a list of the troopers names , and likewise be able himselfe to read those orders and letters that shall be sent him from his superiour officers , and not communicating it to others , hee must take notice of the sufficiencie of every souldier , and make use of them accordingly , when the troop goeth to manage any guard , the lievtenant is to go a little before unto that lievtenant he is to relieve , and by him to acquaint himself of the place for the sentinels for day and night , and must himselfe place the sentinels when the troope lodgeth in a village , he must cause the billits assigned to be distributed before the cornets lodging , so that in case of an alarm , the souldiers may know where to repaire to their colours , when the troop is to march : he must be first on horseback , giving the souldiers a good example , he must endeavour to acquaint himself with the ways of the country , because hee is often sent forth upon exploits , when the troop in marching is charged by the enemy , hee must keep some distance behind , with some of the best mounted souldiers for a reserve , that so the first having done their dutie , they may second them , giving the other oportunitie to resemble behind them , and time to make ready again . the cornet must be a man of courage , who in the absence of the captain and lievtenant commands the troope , in the ordinary marching of the troop , he marches in the first division betweene the first and second squadron , the colours are then carried by his man . in the first rank of the second squadron next the right hand man , but in fight the cornet takes the colours himselfe and marches in the middle of the front , when the lord generall passes by he is to doe oba●ience , by inclining the cornet or colours towards the ground . the quartermaster must be a souldier of good experience , as being many times sent forth upon parties , and sometimes leads on the forlorne hope , he had need bee well acquainted with the wayes , because he alwayes goeth before the troop to provide quarter for them , he is to take two or more of the nimblest mounted troopers along with him , and having provided quarter , sends them back to direct the troop to their quarters , there is likewise much fidelity required of them that are quartermasters , by reason that they distribute the word and the billi●s in the absence of the cornet and superiour officers ; he commands the troop , in the time of the troops ordinary marching , his place is in the second division , between the second and third squadron . the corporals which are commonly three belonging unto a troop of horse are very usefull , it is requisite they should have good experience in the cavalry , being commonly sent forth with a party of horse to scout , and scoure the high wayes before the body , and to guard some passages of danger , and to assist the lievtenant in placing the sentinels when the particular squadrons are to perform that service ; their places of marching is after this manner , the eldest corporall marches on the right hand of the front , the second corporall marches on the right hand of the second squadron , the youngest corporall marches on the right hand of the last squadron . the trumpeters which are usuall too belonging unto a troop of horse , ought to be men of a pregnant wit and very industrious , fit to deliver embassages when they are sent , they are to observe if they can have so much liberty the enemies workes and guards , and what they can further gather or espy in the enemies quarters , and so report it unto his commander in chiefe ; he must prescisely at the time appointed him by his superiours , sound the boutezselle , that is clap on your saddles , the next is the chevall , that is mount on horseback , the next sound of the trumpet is the standard , that is repaire to your standard ; therefore it is requisite that the troop be distinctly taught to know the severall sounds of the trumpet , as when to saddle , when to mount , when to repaire to their standard ; when to troop on , when to give the charge , when to retreat , when to attend the watch , and the like . all which they must punctually obey , as being the loud voice of the commander , the trumpeter must alwaies have his trumpet with him , because it being the more ready to sound an alarme when occasion shall require the same . it is requisite for a trooper to be of a sound and active body , of a fitting age , as from twenty to forty yeares of age , of a resolute spirit , as befitting a horseman , who is to meet the enemy and not to stay his comming , he ought to be of an ingenious mind to learn the perfection of a souldier , to ow obedience to his superiour officers , one that loveth and knoweth what belongeth to a horse ▪ he must be carefull to keep his horse well , & his arms fixt upon , which many times dependeth the safety of his life , every horseman must weare a skarfe of his generalls colours , and not leave it off neither in his quarters nor out of his quarters , it being an ornament unto him : besides it will cause him to forbeare many unfitting actions , as being therby distinguished from the vulgar or common souldiour , it is likewise a good and visible mark in time of battell to know one another , but above all hee must have the true feare of god before his eyes , which will direct him in all his actions to imbrace vertue , and abhorre vice . the next thing we are to treat of is , the arming of the cavalrie which is of two sorts , chiefly defensive , and offensive . the arming of the currasseer is chiefly defensive , as with a close caske or head-peece , gorget , brest-plate , pistoll proofe , and placket to make it carbine-proofe . poulderons , and vambraces , gantlets , tassets , cassets , and garderans , to arme him fitly downe to the knee before , and so loe as the calves behind with a buffe coate under his arms , a good sword stiffe and sharp pointed , two good fire-locks , pistols , in hou●sters at his saddle , with a good poleaxe , a good strong horse of fifteen handfuls high , his saddle and bitt must be strong and usefull , hee must weare a scarfe on his headpiece , hee must have false reines to his bridle made of an iron or brasse chain , covered over with leather , that if his other reins should be cut , he may have them to guide his horse with all as before . the harquebuses and carbines arming is chiefly offensive , his defensive arms , as only an open caske or head-peece , a back and brest with buffe coat under his armes ; his offensive armes are a good harquebus , a carbine hanging on his right side in a belt by a sweble , a flask and carthareg case , and spannes , and good fire-lock pistols in houlsters . at his saddle a good stiffe sword sharp pointed , and a good poll-axe in his hand , a good tall horse of fifteen handfulls high , strong and nimble , with false raines to your bridle made of an iron chain as the former . the dragoones arming is only offensive , having a good fire and cock musket somthing , a wider bore , then ordinary hanging in a belt by a sweble at his side , with a good sword and ordinary horse , it being only to expediate his march , for he must perform his service on foot , the ordinary marching is usually ten a brest , and when they come in service , nine of them alight casting the bridle over the next sidemans horse necke , and for one in ten serves to keepe their horses , the rest performe the service ; it is a good and speciall principle , to have our souldiers both horse and foot well chosen , well armed , and well disciplined . the next thing wee have to treat on , is to teach the cavalrie the use of the horse and armes , concerning your horse , you must be carefull to observe these few following directions , that is to have him alwayes ready at command , as to pace , trot , gallop , or run in full carreers , also to advance , stop suddenly , retire and turn readily to either hand , to teach him to turne readily , you must use him often to ride the ring , and the figure eight , first in the greater compasse , and afterwards in a lesser , by degrees : first on his pace , then on his trot , and so to his gallop ; and lastly , in full careere , you may teach him this by using him unto your hand , legge , and voice , for the using him unto your hand you must observe not to move your arme at all , but your rist only ; this is excellent for facings , as if you would have him turn to the left , a little motion of the left little finger on that raine , and a touch of the left leg not using the spurre doth it , if you would have him face about to the left , you must use the same motion a little harder , for the use of the leg if you would have him trot , you must move both your legs a little forward if gallops move them more forward , and if you would have him run in full careere , you must move them most of all forward , and your bodie a little forward with them , it were good after ever motion to keepe him a little while in that motion , as when you bid him stand , to stand a while when you face to either hand to stand in that posture , a while giving him sometimes as a reward when hee hath well done , a piece of bread or the like : for the voice you must use him to these words , as advance , hold , turn , stand , or the like , but it were farre better to use him chiefly to the motions of the hand and legs , because the voice cannot always be heard as in the time of fight or the like , now to teach him to go side-ways which is very usefull for closing of your files , you must lay his provender at a distance from him in the manger , keeping him from turning his head towards it , you must use him to the smell of gunpowder , a sight of fire and armour , hearing of drums and trumpets , and shouting of guns but by degrees , when he is eating of his oats you may fire a little traine of gunpowder in the manger , at a little distance from him , and so neerer by degrees . in like manner you may fire a pistoll at a little distance from him in the stable , and so neerer by degrees , and so likewise a drum , or trumpet may be used to him in the stable , the groom may sometimes dresse him in armour , using him sometimes to eat his oats on the drum head , in the fields when you are on his back cause a musquet and your selfe to fire on each other at a convenient distance , thereupon riding up unto him with speed , making a sodain stand , also you may use to ride him up against a compleat armour set on a stack a purpose , that hee may overthrow it , and so trample it under his feet , so that by these meanes , the horse finding that hee receiveth no harme , may become bold to approach any object ; you must use him to ride one mountaines and on even ways , and to be exercised to leap , swim , run , and stop sodainly , and the like . the next thing in order to teach the cavalier is the use of the armie , now , for brevity sake i shall purposely omit the postures of the horseman , it being of little use in service , and only acquaint you with those things that are materiall . now if you use cartrages , you shall finde in your crattreg case a turned wooden pin which you must take , having cut lengths of white paper something broader then the pin is in length , and roule the paper on the pin , then twist one end of the paper , and fill it almost full of powder , then put the bullet on the top of the powder , twisting that end also , then put it into your carttreg case , now when you come to lade your carbine or pistols with these cartreges , you must bite off that end of the paper where the powder is , powring it into your carbine or pistol , then put in that bullet , and some of that paper will serve for a wad after it , and ram home , but alwayes observe that your bullet be not too big , but that it may roule home to the powder , for if there be any distance between the bullet and the powder , it is likely to breake the barrell of your carbine or pistoll : but if you use a flaske , which , in my judgement , is far better then carttreges , because that many times , the trotting of your horse in long march , shaketh out all the powder out of your carttrages , and thereby causes you to bee unprovided for the sodain charge of the enemie , you must gage your flaske , and so lade your carbine or pistol with powder and bullet as before , but never prime before you have spand , and never span before you have just need , because many times the firelock pistols will nor goe off if they have stood long spand . now the quantity of powder usually required , for the lading of either carbine or pistol is halfe the weight of the bullet , but to avoid the cariage of either cartrage case or flaske , there is a new invented spanner which contains some sixe charges with priming powder , which is more many times then is used in our skirmiges . the next thing in order is to shew you the exercise of the horse , in their motions , wherein is to be understood the true distance betweene horse and horse , which is to be six foot at their open order , and three foot at their close order , the distance being taken from the head and tail of the horses ; in the file and the like distance , in rank now the motions for the cavalrie are of foure kinds , as facings , doublings , countermarchings , and wheelings : the use of facings is to make the troop perfect , to be sodainly prepared for a charge on either flank or reare , doublings of ranks or by half files , or by bringers up , serveth to strengthen the front , doubling the files serveth to strengthen the flanks , countermarching serveth to reduce the file-leaders into the place of the bringers up , that so the best men may be ready to receive the charge of the enemy in the reare : the use of wheelings is to bring the front which commonly consists of best and ablest men to receive the charge of the enemy in the reare , the use of wheelings is to bring the front , which commonly consists of best and ablest men to receive the charge of the enemy on either flank or reare , and also unexpected to charge the enemy on either flanke or reare , these motions for the more easier apprehending of them as represented in figures by a troop of horse consisting of 72 horsmen , the fileleaders and bringers up are distinguished by a different letter , but because it may be profitable unto some , i shall first give you the proper words of command together that belong unto the excercising of a troop of horse , and afterward insert the figures with the words of command , and the reasons of a very motion . first , march into the field foure in rank when you come into the field command to double their ranke , which make eight in ranke , then command to open to the right and left , as they they march to their open order of six foot distance , then command to stand and silently hearken unto the word of command . 1 to the right hand face , to the left hand as you were . 2 to the left hand face , to the right hand as you were . silence , and even your ranks . 3 to the right hand about face , to the left hand about as you were . 4 to the left hand about face , to the right hand about as you were . silence , and straighten your files . 5 ranks to the right hand double , ranks to the left hand as you were . 6 ranks to the left hand double , ranks to the right hand as you were . silence , and even your ranks . 7 files to the right hand double , files to the left hand as you were . 8 files to the left hand double , files to the right hand as you were . silence , and straighten your files . 9 files to right and left outward double , files to right and left as you were . 10 files to the right and left inward double , files to the right and left as you were . 11 halfe files to the right hand double the front halfe files to the left hand as you were . 12 halfe files to the left hand double the front , halfe files to the right hand as you were . gentlemen take notice of this rule , always observe your right hand man , and your leader . 13 bringers up to the right hand double the front , bringers up to the right hand as you were . 14 bringers up to the left hand double the front , bringers up to the right hand as you were . silence , and even your ranks . 15 files to the right hand countermarch , files to the left hand as you were . 16 files to the left hand countermarch , files to the right hand as you were . silence , and straighten your files . gentlemen always in your countermarches observe this rule , to come up to your leaders ground , before you wheele . silence , and observe the word of command . 17 files close to the right and left to your close order . 18 ranks close forwards to your close order . 19 half files to the right and left double the front by division . half files to the right and left as you were . 20 half files to the left hand , double the front entire , half files to the right hand as you were . silence . 21 close your files with your right knee fast lockt , under your right hand mans left hamme . silence . 22 to the right hand wheele close your files to the right hand men move easily , and let your left hand men come about to the left hand wheele close your files to the right , 23 left hand men move easily , and let your right hand men come about : troop on and close your files . 24 ranks , file , rank : as you were . march e●sily , troop on , stand . now when the troop lieth in garrison or continueth long in any town , it should be their constant course if neither they nor their horses , be overburthened with going forth upon parties to exercise twice a weeke at the least , i shall therefore now according to my promise , give you a plain demonstration by figures , with the reasons of each motion , of the manner of exercising the horse , as for the common marching of a troop through a town or high way , or straight passage or the like : the first figure sheweth how , the second figure sheweth the manner of their marching when they come into an open field or common , or the like convenient place , when the troop is commanded forth to exercise marching into the field after that manner , as is demonstrated by the two former figures , when they come into the field , the officers are to march forth from between the divisions , then they are to close the divisions and stand at their open order of six foot distance as is represented by the third figure . it is proper in all commands to begin with the right first , which is presented by this fourth figure , the first command in facings is to the right hand face , which serveth to receive the charge of the enemy comming on one the right flank , the command to reduc● them is to the left hand as you were ▪ fig. 1. fig. 2. if any shall seem to remain unsatisfied in the placing of my officers , as it seemeth some already have , i shall presume to render them these reasons for it , submitting my selfe unto the judgement of the learned . 1 each officer in these figures , assumeth no other then their proper places of honour or dignity , peculiar unto each of them . 2 each corporall is therefore appointed to march on the right of his perticular squadron , that they might with the more facility sometimes suffering the troop to advance , discerne any disorder or disproportion of the troops marching , and thereby the eas●ier cause them to march in good order . 3 it hath been the most ancient and moderne custom of the netherlands thus to place the quartermaster as in this figure , during the time of his residing with the troop , and then in his absence the youngest corporall assumeth the place as substitute . fig 3 fig 4. fig. 5. the next command is to the left hand face which is here presented by this fift figure , and differeth nothing from the 4 figure , but by the hand being usefull , as the former to reduce them , the command is to the right hand as you were . fig. 6. now if the enemie come on the reere , som●●thing inclining to the right , you are to co●●mand to the right hand about face , or if the ●●nemie come on the reere , something inclini●● to the left , you are to command to the left 〈◊〉 about face , which is both demonstrated by the sixth figure , to reduce them , you are to command to the right or left as you were . alway● note this , that when they performe any motio● to the right , you must reduce them by the lef● or to the left , you must reduce them by the right , reducing them alwayes by the contrarie hand they perfor●med that motion by . fig. 7. rank to the right hand double to performe this motion , every ●n rank passeth into the odde upon the right hand of his leader , the second rank into the first , and so all the rest successively , as ●his seventh figure is plainly demonstrated to reduce them , the per word of command is ranks to the left hand as you were , 〈◊〉 may be done the best way for the horse , by causing those 〈◊〉 that doubled to stand , and those that stood to advance to the ●●per place and distance : this motion and likewise all the rest con●●●ning doubling of ranks , doubling by halfe files , and doubling bringers up , is usefull for the strengthening of the front : now ●●cause this troope consists of 72 horsmen , which is an equall ●●mber to be divided into three equall squadrons , of 24 men a 〈◊〉 , there will remain in all these doublings of ranks on odde 〈◊〉 in the reere , which always is to stand in their proper places , 〈◊〉 this figure sheweth ; you may observe also the places from ●●ich , the way by which those ranks that double , doe advance by 〈◊〉 round oes , and small pricks . ●●g . 8. this motion differeth nothing from the former , but by the do●●bling one the contary hand , being commanded , ranks to the 〈◊〉 hand double , and is usefull as the former , the proper word of co●mand to reduce them is ranks to the right hand as you were , the eighth figure plainly sheweth the manner how to perform it . fig. 9. doubling of files is usefull for the strenthening of the flanks the first command by way of exercise , in doubling of files 〈◊〉 files to the right hand double , which is plainly demonstrated by this ninth figure to reduce them : the command is files to the lef● hand as you were , note this that 〈◊〉 man that moves must giv● place to him that stands . ●ig . 10. this motion differeth nothing from the former , but by the doubling to the contrary hand , it being of the same use as the other , the proper word of command is files to the left hand double : and to reduce them , the command is files to the right hand as you were , and a plain description how to performe this motion is seene by this tenth figure , every even number passeth into the odd as the eighth into the seventh , the sixt into the fifth , and so all the rest successively . fig. 11. this motion is very usefull for the avoyding of canon-shot , or sometimes for the suffering of the enemy , when he charges with full career to passe in between , and so h●ve you the greater advantage of the enemie , it is performed by commanding , files to the right and left outwards double , to reduce them the command is , files to the right and left as you were : the speculation of this 11 figure will shew you the usefulnesse of this motion , and likewise how to performe it . fig. 12. this motion is usefull for the drawing of the troope into a closer sentor then the former , and is performed by commanding , files to the right and left inwards double ; to reduce them , the command is , files to the right and left as you were , let this 12 figure be your guid , for the attaining of the usefulnesse and manner of performing of this motion . fig. 13. this motion , as hath been formerly shown , is usefull for the strengthening of the front , but performed differently from the o●ther , the proper word of command is , halfe files to the ri●●t han● double the front , to reduce them , the command is , halfe files to the left hand as you were , the best way to performe it for the hor●● is , as hath beene formerly shown , to command those halfe fil●● that stood to advance , and those that advanced to stand , this 〈◊〉 teenth figure will shew you how to performe it . fig. 14. the difference betwenne this and the former motion is only by advansing on the contrary hand , the command being halfe files to the left hand double the front , it being of the like use as the former : to reduce them , the word is , halfe files to the right hand as you were , all which is plainly shown by this 14 figure . fig. 15. this motion is of the same use as the former , but performed differently from it , here the bringers up advance into the front , and the next ranke after them , and so all the rest successively as the reere ranke figure one , into the front ranke , figure one , and so likewise all the rest , the command being , bringers up to the right hand double the front , reducing them as is formerly shown , this 15 figure plainly demonstrates the manner how to performe it . fig. 16. this motion and the former is of one use , all the difference being , the advancing on the contrary hand , being commanded , bringers up to the left hand , double the front , reduceing them as before , let this 16 figure be your guid , fig. 17. the use of countermarching as hath been shown before is , 〈◊〉 the sodain reducing of the file-leaders , into the place of the bringers up , so that by that means , the best and ablest men , which ought to be frontiers , may be ready to receive the charge of the enemie in the reere , the proper command being files to the right hand countermarch , as is plainly demonstrated by this 17 figure , to reduce them , the command is , files to the left hand countermarch as you were . ●ig . 18. he difference of this motion from the former , as hath beene shown in all , the left hand motions is only changeing of hands , being of the same use as the former , the manner of performing it is described by this 18 figure , the command being files to the left hand countermarch , reducing them by the right , into their proper places as before . fig. 19. this motion is usefull for the drawing of the files into their close order , every mans right knee being close locked under his right-hand-mans left ham , the command is , files to the right and left close inwards to your close order , you may see the manner of performing it by this 19. figure . fig. 20 this motion is useful for the drawing up of the rankes into their close order , the command being , rankes close forward to your close order , as is demonstrated by this 20 figure , fig. 21. these two motions differ from any of the former , and is usefull for the drawing up of the troop into the lesser batalia of 16 , for there is the battalia consisting of 24 and three deep , now when it shall fall out that this troop shall be just in the midst between other two troops , it may be usefull to draw them up on either flanke , as this 21 figure sheweth ; how , the comand being , half files to the right and left , double the front by division , and it may be performed by commanding , reare halfe files to the right and left face outward , the● command , rear halfe files , march cleere of either flanke , then command , rear halfe files advance even with the front ; to reduce them , command , rear halfe files , to the right and left as you were . fig. 22. this motion differeth from the former , but is of the same use : now if it shall fall out that this troop shall bee placed on the left wing of the grosse body , or that there be a scarcitie of ground on the right flanke , it will be proper to command halfe files to the left hand double the front intire , the manner of performing it being plainly shown by this 22 figure , and it may be performed after the same manner as the former , you may reduce them the best way by commanding , front halfe files march off , and rear halfe files , fall into your places . fig. 23. the use of wheeling , as hath been formerly shown ▪ is for the spedy bringing of the front , which should always consist of the ablest souldiers to receive the charge of the enemie on either flanke , or else sodainly to give the charge to the enemie on the reare , this motion is performed by commanding to the right hand wheele , and close your files to the left , right-hand-men move easily , and let your left-hand-men come about , all which is plainly demonstrated by this 23 figure . fig. 24 now if it shall happen that the enemie shall come on the left , it will be proper to command to the left hand wheele , and close your files to the right , left hand men move easily , and let your right hand men come about , this 24 figure sheweth the manner how to performe it . the 〈◊〉 motion which may ●ometimes prove very usefull , ●as the commander shall see fit occasion is to command ranks , file ; which is performed after this manner , when the troop is wheeling , command to troop on , then sodainly comma●d rankes file , that is ▪ the right hand man of the troope marches off , his next left hand man marches after him , and so all the rest of the troop successively , the whole troope making but one entire file , to reduce them command rankes as you were . this motion is usefull to fire all at once on a company of foot , but it must be performed with much speed and agility . the last motion is ro draw up into batalia , now it is to be supposed that the troop stands in its marching posture , with each officer in his particular place , as in the first figure , and coming into a convenient field or place , you are to command them to double their rankes , which is answerable to figure 2 , then command the second corporall to advance into the front with the second squadren , which makes 16 in front , then command the youngest cotporall to advance into the front with the youngest squadren , which makes a fair front in batalia of 24 men and 3 deepe , besides the cornet and three corporals , to reduce them the command is , march off eldest squadren . every troop of horse must be furnished with a captain , a lievtenant , a cornet , a quartermaster , three corporals , two trumpeters , a clarke , a sadler , a chirurgeon , and a farriar . the next thing we are to treat of is , the order of a horse regiments marching ; which is after this manner , the colonels troop marches first , next them marches the eldest captains troop , and so all the rest of the troops in their degree , the serjetnt major with his troope brings up the reere , the harquebuier and carabiner in their ordinary marching , is to cary their carabines hanging at their backs , in a belt by their right side , as hath been shown before : but when the troop marcheth through a town or city , they must order their carbines upon their right thigh . in the day marches there ought to be a convenient distance between troop and troop , but in the night , they ought to march neer together , behaving themselves very silently ( in all convenient places as they march ) the serjeant major ought to cause all the troops to be drawn up into battalia , and likewise at the same time , and at other times of there marching to send forth scouts before the bodie , and those of the nimblest horse to discover if haply they may either the enemies quarters , the scituaion of the countrey and ways whether straight or open passages either over bridges , or else thorow narrow lanes , or the like , for the more convenient marching of the waggons or other baggage , which must be so litle as may conveniently serve turne : the waggons must not march amongst the troops , but in a convenient place by themselves , being always guarded with a squadron of horse ( if the enemie be on your front , the waggons must march in the reere . it is likewise requisite to have good and able guides that are well acquainted with the countrie wherein you march , which you may take up of that country inhabitants ; and if you can entertain them into pay as souldiers under your command , if not for the better preventing of their running away , which they will oftentimes do , if they may have oportunitie , are to ride between two troopers of fidelitie and trust , ( when the bodie is to march over a bridge or narrow passage , the first troop being passed over is to make alto , that is stand , leaving a souldier on the bridge or passage , that may give notice to the commander and leader in the front , when the reere of the whole bodie is passed over . when the bodie is within some four or six miles of the place where they should be quartered that night all the quartermasters of the regiment are to march speedily before the bodie to provide quarter for all there regiment , each quartermaster taking with him three or four of the nimblest horst troopers in his own troop , who are to be sent back again when the quarters are made , to conduct each troop to its quarters . the colonels troop ●s first to be provided of quarter , then the serjeant major next , and so all the rest of the troops in their degrees . when the troops come to the place where they should be quartered , the quartermasters are to cause each troope to march alto , before their particular cornets lodging , and there to deliver out to each corporall each squadrons billets , so that the troop may the better know if occasion happen of an alarm , and the like whereto repaired to their standard or colours . it is likewise very requisite that the quarters be very well and sufficiently guarded , and that the sentinels be placed in the most convenient places or passages , the officer shall thinke most advantagious for that purpose . now because it may prove sometimes very advantagious to take some of the enemies scouts , or stragling souldiers for the better gaining intelligence ▪ a cunning stratagem might be very usefull for this purpose , which may be performed after this manner or the like , an officer of good experience may be sent forth with a p●r●i● of some twentie of the best and nimblest mounted souldiers wi●h one trumpetter , who are in the day time to repaire unto some wood neere the enemies quarter , placing some sentinels on trees , and endevour to take if haply they can some of the enemies stragling or disbauded souldiers , & in the night to approch the enemies sentinels surprising one or more of them ( now because it may so fall out that after the taking of a sentinell or the like , the troope may be charged by the enemie , the officer is to leave some four of these twentie with the trumpetter neer the aforesaid wood , who are to have the nimblest horses : giving them order , that when they shall , see the other sixteen coming charged by the enemy , they shew themselves to the enemie , and that the trumpetter shall then sound : now the enemy preserving this usually will make a stand for feare of some ambuscado , which will give the more opportunitie for the sixteen to further their retreat , the other foure with the trumpetter may afterwards safely retreat , either severally or together , by reason of the speed of their horses . a quartermaster usually performs this service after he hath provided quarter , having well refreshed both themselves and there hor●es ; that assist him in this stratagem . if the cavalrie lodgeth or incampeth in the fields , there must be speciall care taken that it be in a convenient place for water , and under som● shelter , ( for one cold or rainy night doth more hurt unto the horses then any other thing , and now if it so happen , ( as it 〈◊〉 sometimes ) that the cavalrey come late to their quarters , so that conv●●●ent places for the sentinels cannot bee made choise of some commanders will cause the boutezelle to be sounded at midnight , an● s●metimes make false alarmes , as though the enemie 〈…〉 to keep their souldiers waking , but the often using of , 〈◊〉 ●●●●diers to this proves verie evill ( causing them to be secure an● carelesse ) it were far better in such a case to cause all the troops after two or three houres refreshment to goe forth into the champaig●e , every trooper taking with him some oates and other refreshment both for himself and his horse , placing the corps de guard where it shall be thought fitting ( but if the weather be rainie and tempestuous , which requires the cavalrie to be under some shelter ) every officer by turns shal visit the houses where the troops are quartered , causing them to saddle their horses , calling and knocking aloud : and so by that means keeping them waking and in readinesse , if that the enemy shall chance to give an alarm . sentinels are used for no other purpose but to give the rest of the body the more opportunitie to provide themselves , when the enemy shall make any approch , and are usually placed two together , the one standing whilst the other goes and acquaints the corpes de guard of all the occurrences that they shall discerne : the cavalrie never performs this service , but when the whole bodie is in the field , and are for the most part placed at a great distance from the bodie , as the officer shall think fit neer the meeting of divers high ways , or the like . and in unwalled towns when there is no infantrie there , but if there be infantrie there , they are to performe this service . in the day time , they are to be placed on high hils , that are most cōvenient to descry all the country round : in the night they are to be placed in the vallies or lower ground , being convenient for the discerning of any approches from the hils , they are not to stirre from their places where they are set , although invited by any opportunitie of advantage , as they may conjecture , which are sometimes stratagems of the enemie on purpose to surprize them , till the officer that placed them come , or cause them to be relieved on paine of death , because that many times the suprizall of the sentinels proves the defeat of the whole bodie , they are silently but vigilantly to observe all fires , or the more then ordinary barking of dogs , or firing of peeces , or trampling of horses , or hearing of voices or the like , all which they are to give speedie notice of unto the commander in chief , in the corps de guard , no sentinell is to alight off his horse unlesse it be for naturall necessitie , and then but on at once . the round ought to be gone foure times in a night , who are to see that the sentinels be vigilant and watchfull , if the sentinels be placed in the fields or champagne : foure of the round ought to be sent twice so far beyond the sentinels , as the sentinels are from thee . corps de guard for to discry all occurrences as before . if the bodie lie incamped or in garrison , or neere the enemies quarters , the placing of sentinels will not be sufficient , but you must also send forth scouts to the number of twelve or more , who are all to be very well horsed and commanded by an able souldier , they are very silently to advance towards the enemies quarters , some three or foure houres march by severall high wayes foure or five to a way as occasion shal require , they ought not to alight upon any occasion whatsoever , but to listen if they can heare any noise or rumour , or the trampling of horses , or the like , which if they can descry not being discerned themselves , shall send word s●cretly by one of the souldiers to their quarters of the enemies approach , afterward sending a second to confirme the mess●ge of the f●●st , and so by little and little retreating themselves , but if they be discried by the enemy , and that the enemy consists of a great bodie : the officer that commands in chief shall cause some house to be set on fire neer his quarters , they of the quarter knowing before the reason , that it is to give notice of the enemies neer approach and great number , and comming within hearing of carbine shot , shall case some three or foure carbines to be discharged , to gi●e them in the quarter , the more opportunity to provide for the enemy , b●t if it fall out that your scouts or discoveries abroad , or your sentinels at home be so hard charged by the enemy , that they have no opportunity to send word , but that the enemy will enter the quarter with them , the said scouts and sentinels shall enter the quarters by unusuall ways , which will give the enemy occasion of suspence not knowing whether they may be drawne into some unexpected great danger , and by firing of their carbines with loud cryings out arme , arme , cause the body to be the more active , and speedilie● to provide for the ch●rge of the enemy . it is the policie of an enemy many times to give false alarms for two reasons , first , to weary out your men by continuall night watches : and secondly , to cause your men by continuall false alarms to grow secure and carelesse , that so by that means they may have the greater advantage by comming on them unawares , therefore it should be the wisdome of the commanders to give the alarm secretly without noise from one to another , that so the enemy may not boast of his putting you to trouble , but only weary out himself . the fittest place for the cavalrie to lie in garrison , is in the frontier towns towards the enemy , that thereby the incursions of the enemy may be hindred , and your own friend the better secured , besides it gives courage to brave sou●diers to be thus quartered , it were very good to appoint them ordinary setled garrisons , that so they may when occasion shall require , leave their baggage behind them , and go into the field with lesse incumbrance , and likewise be better acquainted with the countrey and ways therebouts , at the opening of the gates . each morning it were fit that the horsmen should be sent forth to discover round about whether the enemy hath planted any embuscadoe neer , and for the better securing of those scouts that shall be sen● forth , some peeces of ordnance ought always to be kept ready at the gates or other places that may command round about . there ought none to be suffered to goe forth of the gates till the scouts shall returne , sometimes the enemie in policie to invite you forth of your garrison , having planted severall emb●shcadoes , or other the like disadvanageable stratagems , wil send forth a party of horse neere your quarters to surprise ca●tail or the like , by that means to draw you forth to regain this boo●y ▪ therefore there must be great and c●●tilus diligence used for this purpose , i● your scouts se●t forth and returned , having not met with any of the countrey people , it is a signe that the enemie hath planted some emb●shcadoe not far off ; but if the scouts doe not returne at th usuall time , it is an argument that they are su●prised by the enemies ambushcadoe or the like . it is necssary for a politique commander , for the better atchieving of many worthy designes to accommodate himselfe with severall trusty spies ; who faining discontent for want of pay or the like , are to enter themselves in the enemies service of the cavalerie , who for the most part are best acquainted with the sudain designes of the enemie , and to agree with these spies of the place under what tree or the like ; where they may convey their letters of intelligence , giving them order when their advice is of greatest importance to come themselves , these spies ought to bee trusty , witty , and well rewarded , which will cause them to expose themselves unto all hazards and dangers to give intelligence . the next thing considerable is the embatteling of a regiment of horse , which is to be considered two wayes , that is , first by way of offence to assail a quarter , or to give the charge in fight : secondly by way of defence , meeting the enemie in marching or the like ordering of the troops in battalia by single combate , or else united in a grosse body together . the best and most advantageable way for the surprising of a quarter , is to be secretly and sodainly assailed , which may be performed after this manner , or the like . the regiment of horse consisting for the most part of seven troops , who are to be divided severally , the first troop marching secretly without any forerunner , coming neer the enemies quarters , and perceiving themselves to be discovered by the enemies sentinels shall sodainly without losing any time charge the sentinels , and enter the quarters with them immediately surprising the corps de gard , the second troop immediately following , shall possesse themselves of the alarme place , the third troop shall strait ways possesse themselves of the market place , the fourth troop shall with speede run throvgh each street , keeping the souldiers , in and thereby hinder them from mounting on horseback , or uniting of themselves together , the fist troop being entred , and hearing where the greatest noise is , shall immediately repair thither and alight ▪ entring the houses , either put to the sword or take prisoners all whom they shall find to be enemies . the rest of the body may place themselvs in the most convenient places on either side of the town , for the better surprising of those souldiers that shall indeavour to escape through the gardens or other back waies , by reason of the horses running through the streets within the town , hindering them either to mount on horseback , or unite themselves together . now although your enemie consists of twice so much strength as your selves , which sometimes will cause them to be the more secure and negligent in their watches , yet will they not be able by reason of this secret and sodain surprize to stand against you . the next thing considerable is , to charge the enemie in the field in a united or grosse body , or else by single troops , in fighting with the enemie in a pitcht field , with all your forces united into one intire bodie , these things are considerable , as the place , whether it be hilly or lev●l , as also that there be sufficient rome behind you for a retreating place , so that you be not straitned of ground , which manie times proves a great disadvantage , likewise you must always appoint troops of reserve , which are not by any means to engage themselves in fight till the first troops have given the charge , and are reasembled behind them to make readie again for the second charge , your curriassers if you have any are fit for troopes of reserve which gives a great deal of courage unto the other cavalrie , this must always be observed either in grosse bodies or in single troops . in grosse bodies if you have field room enough , all the troops are to be drawn up into battalia , each being not above three deepe , likewise each troop must be at least a hundred paces distance behind each other for the better avoiding of disorder , those troops that are to give the first charge being drawn up into battail as before , are to be at their close order , every left hand mans right knee must be close locked under his right hand mans left ha●● , as hath bin shown before . in this order they are to advance toward the enemy with an easie pace , firing their carbines at a convenient distance , always aiming at their enemies brest or lower , because that pouder is of an elevating nature , then drawing neere the enemy , they are with their right hands to take forth one of their pistols out of their houlsters , and holding the lock up are most firing as before , always reserving on pistoll ready charged , spann'd and primed in your houlsters , in case of a retreat as i have shown before , having thus fired the troops are to charge the enemy in a full career , but in good order with their swords fastned with a riband or the like unto their wrists , for feare of losing out of their hand , if they should chance to misse their blow , placing the pomel● on their thigh , keeping still in their close order , close locked as before . each single troope or partie meeting an equall number of the enemy , are to use the ●ame method and order as before , always appointing some of their horse for a partie of reserve for the use as before , but if the enemy exceed in strength , and you also being not farre from your grosse bodie , it will ●e both save and honorable to retreat , but if it be a great distance from your grosse body , you must then resolve to charge the enemy with good courage couragious actions being oftentimes seconded with good successe . if one single troop met another , your enemy charging you in full career , you are sodainly to divide your troop in the middle : on flank from the other , and so the enemie being in his full career , must either passe through and effect little , or else stopping sodainly disorder his troops , and thereby give you a fit occasion to wheel both your flanks inward , to charge him in the reer . in full career , and then in all probabilitie , you will utterly ●out him . if one sing●e troop and the like are to encounter one company of foot , the p●ace of encounter is chiefly to be marked , that is , that it be champaigne ground , cleere of trees , hedges , ditches or the like , and that there be roome enough for the ●ncounter , or else the cavalrie are by no meanes to encounter the infantrie , now if the foot be drawn up into compleat order , it will be very necessary for the cavalry to have some pretty stratageme , in the charging of the foote : or else it will be very difficult rou●ing of the foot , which may be performed after this manner or the like , you are to divide your troop or partie into three squadrons , each squadron having an able souldier to lead them , who are to charge in ful career all at one instant upon the front reer and flank of the foot . the officer that leads on the squadron , that charges the front ; is to charg as the others in ful career , til he comes close unto the pikes heads , and then sodainly stopping is sodainly to comand with an elevated voice , close your file or the like , which sodain command being loud will sometimes cause those pikes that stand charged against the other two squadrons , either in the flank or reer , to extend their bodies towards the front , which will give a fit advantage unto one of the squadrons to slip in between , and so make way for the other two squadrons to charge in , and utterly rout the front , but you must always observe that this stratagem must always be p●rformed sodainly & altogether as at one intire motion . thus having shewn what an ordinarie horsman needs to know , for i will not presume to instruct commanders , though there be some that make great brags need instructions in martiall discipline , but i shal forbear to be larger for the reasons i have alreadie shewn . fnis. an appendix . courteous friend , whosoever thou art , unto whose view these my unpolisht lines of young horsmanship shall come , let me beg this favour at thy hand , that thou make the most favourable construstruction of those things which thou shalt suppose , although weakly to be erronius in this ensuing tract , and if there be any that shall prove positive errours , impute it rather to the unskilfulnesse of me the unworthy authour , then unto the unwillingnesse of him whose onely aime for the publike good hath invited , to set forth this ensuing discourse of horsmanship . i am very unwilling to be of the judgment of those men , whose pri●ate positions themselves esteem to be infallible or unerring , but my self , shall rather desire to submit unto the judgment of the judicious , i have for the most part tendred a reason of each particular throughout the whole tract if then they shall seem emptie and of no value , unto them who have bee● more anciently educated or longer inured unto the discipline of forreign states then my selfe . i shall presume also to intreat this favour at their hands , that they would in love as aiming at the publike good , subscribe their contradictory reasons , which if authentick , i shall be willing to acknowledge mine errour , and crave their pardon , if not , let mee friendly prevail withall men , who are inclinable to finde faults , though very unwilling to amend what is amisse , to suspend their censure of him , who had rather be profitable to the state , then iniurious to any . thy loving friend , iohn vernon . the authors apologie . kinde reader , i am forced to acquaint thee with one thing more , which is , that having passed the copie out of my hand , the printer without my privity , caused the impressions of the severall figures inserted , to be cut in wood , my selfe having no knowledge thereof , was thereby disinabled of the giving directions for their better , and more sircumspect cutting . in the curious survey of these figures , thou maist , finde many mistakes , as in the 3 , 4 , 5 , 6. figures , not placed at their open orders as they should have beene , in the doubling of rankes by halfe files , or by bringers up , the file leaders and bringers up should have been distinguished , by these two different letters . ( h·● ) or the like , as i have leneally incerted in the copie . in the 14 figure , the omitting of the figures on the right flanke , as in figure the 13 , the misplacing of the rear piece in fig. 18. turning the heads of the a●hes the contrary way ( ● ) and some other mistakes both in the copie and figures , weich i was not able to correct , by reason that the whole number of shects were printed off before i had a view of them . all which mistakes , both in the copie and figures , i humbly intreat thee to correct with thy pen as thou shalt come at them , supplying each defect by thine own industery , and thou shalt always command me , to the utmost of my power , to serve thee in what i am able . thine , iohn vernon . errata . to the reader , line 22 for lately read largely l. 23 for the r. there . pag. 1. l. 4. for socet , fox , roe , r. sorell , rone . l. 14 for the , r. that , p. 2. l. 1. put in at . l. 6 , put out no good . l , 8. for selves , r. selfe l. 11 for gird , r. guid . l. 16. for shot r. ball , l. 26· for stand , r spand . l. 27. for foced , r. forced , l. 32 for behoves , r. behoveth , l. 33 for these r. their . p. 3. l , 1 for p●rts , r. places . l. 27 put in the . l. 31 for annew , r. annuer . l , 32 put in the , l. 33. for these r. there . p. 4. l. 18 for these r. those . l. 19 for the pistolers , r. their particuiar . l. 29. for these r. those , l. 31 put in and . p. 5 , l. 31 for conmmunicating r. communicate· p. 6 l. 1. for place r. places . l. 12. for resemble , r. re-assemble . p. 7. l. 6. for the r. there . l. 26. for loud r. louder . l. 27. for it r. of its p. 8. l. 8. put in by . l. 16. for cassets r. cussets . l. 17. for calves r. r●yns . l. 25. for har qubeses . r. harbuy●sers . l. 26. for as r. arc , l. 27. put in a , l. 28. put in or , l. 29 put out and . l. 29. for and spans , r. spanner , l. 29 . ●ut in to . l. 34 for and cock r. lock . p. 9. l. 3 for the r. there , l. 6. for for r. soe . l. 10. for the , r. there , l. 16. for the r. a. l. 29. for ever . r. every . p. 10. l. 14. for mu●qu●t r. musuetteir , l. 22. for the r. there . l. 23. for armie r. armes , p 11. l. 1 for that r. the . l. 19. for our , r. one , l. 33 put out the use of wheeling , two lines unto the word reere , p. 12. l. 2. put in the , l. 5. for as r. are . p. 13. l 6.7 put in the , l· 18. for right r. left , p. 14. l. 5. put in left . p. 15. l. 3 , for render r. tender . p. 17. l. 1. for further , r. something , p. 20 l. 2 , for and r it . l 5 put out and ▪ markhams faithfull farrier wherein the depth of his skill is layd open in all those principall and approued secrets of horsemanship, which the author neuer published, but hath kept in his brest, and hath beene the glory of his practise. markham, gervase, 1568?-1637. 1630 approx. 97 kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from 63 1-bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : 2005-12 (eebo-tcp phase 1). a06940 stc 17367 estc s1627 20240895 ocm 20240895 23895 this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons 0 1.0 universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase 1, no. a06940) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set 23895) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, 1475-1640 ; 1710:10) markhams faithfull farrier wherein the depth of his skill is layd open in all those principall and approued secrets of horsemanship, which the author neuer published, but hath kept in his brest, and hath beene the glory of his practise. markham, gervase, 1568?-1637. [14], 110 p. by t.c. for michael sparke, dwelling in greene arbor, and are to be sold by rich. royston, at his shop in i[...] lane, printed at london : 1630. t.p. contains woodcut illustration. signatures: a⁸(-a1) b-g⁸ h⁷. pages 19 and 37 misnumbered as 16 and 73 respectively. imperfect: tightly bound with loss of print. reproduction of original in the henry e. huntington library and art gallery. created by converting tcp files to tei p5 using tcp2tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database 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illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf-8 unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p5, characters represented either as utf-8 unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng horses -diseases. horsemanship -early works to 1800. 2005-06 tcp assigned for keying and markup 2005-06 aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images 2005-07 jonathan blaney sampled and proofread 2005-07 jonathan blaney text and markup reviewed and edited 2005-10 pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion markhams faithfvll farrier . wherein the depth of his skill is layd open in all those principall and approued secrets of horsemanship , which the author neuer published , but hath kept in his brest , and hath beene the glory of his practise . printed at london , by t. c. for michael sparke , dwelling in greene arbor , and are to be sold by rich : royston , at his shop in iuie lane : 16●0 . to the reader or buyer of this booke . it is a true saying , tempus omnia terminat . so i , gentle reader , hauing gained experience all my life to these present dayes wherein i am ready to creepe into the earth , willing now at the important request of my best friends , haue yeelded myselfe to lay the glorie of my skill in horsemanship open to the world : and hauing kept secret in the cabinet of my brest , these secrets , by which i haue gained from many a noble person many a fayre pound , i now bestow it vpon thee for the value of foure pence . it may bee some will account mee a foole in print for disclosing my secrets , but i euer regarded the life of a worthy horse , before the word of a foole. for bee thou noble , or what else , this here i doe is for thy good. if you take pleasure either in an horse to hunt , or for the warre , or for the race , or for to draw , or a hackney , come hither , buy , see , and welcome . take my opinion , and thou shalt finde in this my honest faithfull farryer , a shoppe of skill for thee to view : let this bee thy doctor , and thy druggist : let this be thy instructer and director . i hope that no good minded farryer will be greeued with me because i giue insight to the master of the horse : for if thy house were on fire , why shouldest thou run to fetch thy neighbours water to quench it , when thine owne is neerer at hand ? so if the horses owner know by this booke how to saue the life of his horse , why should he either ride or run to the farryer ? but it may bee euerie owner of an horse will not buy a booke . it matters not if but euery farryer haue one , and but that one in a towne , i doubt not , but with making vse of that one , many a man shall saue the life of his beast . come therefore and reade these secrets , which cost me paines , studie , practise , and labour ; all which hath cost mee trouble for thy ease . this shall bee thy pleasure which hath beene my toyle . it shall bee thy profit which hath beene my trouble : and this shall bee thy faithfull farryer and inctructer . for what creature canst thou name more necessarie than the horse , and what more helpefull at a time of need ? for were wee without horse , in what a strait should wee bee in , hee being our best seruant both in warre and peace , and of that inestimable value , that hee makes a man proud of his seruice . now if an horse be such a profitable seruant for man , let vs then respect the meanes that god hath giuen vs for his cure : for here is a schoole of skill for thy knowledge . first , how to make choyse of a good horse : secondly , what countrey horse is the most fit for thy vse : either for seruice in martiall or warlike imployment , or for swiftnesse , or for long trauell , or for draught , or for coach , or for cart , or for packe , or any other burthen . this shalt thou find here , in as ample manner , as if thou wert an old master in smithfield . and this shall bee my glorie euen as long as i liue , that i haue liued to leaue this my last and best worke to the world , and to them which will not liue to see it buried in obliuion . but mee thinkes i here some momus say , that the old captaine was vnaduised to put this in print , which hee euer kept as a rare secret , and it is true , veritas odium parit . but i reply , tempus omnia terminat . and though i had promised to my selfe , neuer to haue published this worke , yet being so continually importuned to print it , i was forced to yeeld , though i had promised the contrarie . and let this excuse mee to those noble persons whose bountie i haue felt , that for them i was the willinger to publish it in print while i liued , fearing that after my death , my then fatherlesse child might get a new name . but now i leaue this , being begot in my old age , to all noble , & worthy gentlemen , and when they looke not after him to the faithfull farryer to be cherished and to be knowne by the name of captaine gervas markhams last and best labours . the contents of this booke . obseruations in the electing of horses . and what countrey horse is for what vse . folio 1 the occasions of inward sicknesses , and accidents , which happen vpon those occasions . 4 the signes of inward sicknesses . 7 the curing of any heart sicknesse , or head sicknesse , or any ordinarie inward sicknesse . 21 to cure any violent sicknesse , if the horse be at the very poynt and doore of death . 41 the preuenting of all inward sicknesses . 50 two sorts of bals to cure any violent cold , or glaunders , to preuent heart sicknesse , to purge away all molten grease , to recouer a lost stomacke , and to keepe the heart from fainting with exercise , and to make a leane horse fat suddenly . 55 another way how to fatten an horse suddainly . 60 how to keepe an horse , or iade from tyring . 62 another receipt against tyring , or for any sore or dangerous cold. 64 another receipt for any extraordinary cold , dry cough , or pursicknesse in an horse , which the weake farriers call , broken-winded . 66 an excellent scowring after any sore heate , or for any fat horse after his exercise . 74 for any dangerous bots , mawwormes , or poysoned red wormes . 78 for gourded , or foule sweld legges , or other parts , by reason of melting the grease , or other accident . 80 to hoale or dry vp any old vlcer , or cankerous sore . 84 to cure the running frush , or any impostumation in the soale of the foot , to dry vp scratches , paines , and the like cankerous sores . 86 for any sore eye of horse , or beast . 88 for a backe-sinew strayne , or any other strayne . 90 for any old strayne , or lamenesse in loynts , synewes , &c. 91 for any griefe , payne , numbnesse , weaknesse , or swelling in loynts , and commeth of a cold cause . 92 for any desperate and incurable straine in the shoulder , or other hidden parts , for any fistula , polle-euill , or other impostumation or swelling . 93 for foundering , frettizing , or any imperfection in the feet , or hoofes of an horse . 96 for hurts vpon the crownets of the hoofes , as ouerreach , stub , or pricqe , &c. 99 how to helpe surbating , or sorenesse in the feet . 101 for any bony excression arysing vpon any member of an horse ; as splint , spanen , curbe , ringbone , &c. 102 obseruations in giuing of fire , or vsing of corosines , which heale all sorts of farcies , cankers , fislulas , leprosies , maungees , scabs , &c. 103 how to defend a horse from flyes . 104 how to make a white starre , or white spot in an horses face , or in any other part . 105 how to keepe your weollen horse-clothes , brest clothes , rubbers , and the like from moathes . 109 the faithfull farier , or a catalogue of all those principall and approued secrets in horsmanship , which the author neuer published , but hath kept secret in his owne brest , and which haue beene the glory of all his practise . obseruations in the electing of horses , and what countrie horse is for what vse . the first and principall thing which giueth the noblest character to a good horseman , is the well electing of horses for that vse and purpose for which you intend to imploy them : and in this choise there is no better or readier a way then the knowledge of races and straynes from whence horses descend ; for it is certaine , that the clymate , heat , and cold , are three excellent elements , in an horses composition . touching the election of horses by their shapes and proportions , by their colours and complextion , and by their markes and other outward semblances ; i haue written sufficiently in my former books , and intend to reiterate nothing : for nothing shall fall from my pen in this treatise , but the very secrets of mine hart , things certaine and approued , things secret and vnpublished . to come then to the election of horses , according to their races , breedes , and clymates : ●f you will elect an horse for seruice , or a martiall or warlike imployment , then these are best , the neapolitan . the sardinian , &c. the almaine . the french. or any of these bastardized in themselues , or with a faire well shaped and well mettalled english mare . if you will elect for swiftnesse and seruice , then , the arabian . the barbarie . the spanish . the grecian . or any of these bastardized in themselues , or with our best english mares . if you will chuse for long trauell and seruice , then , the english . the hungarian . the sweathland . the poland . the irish . if you will chuse for draught and for seruice , then ; the flanders . the freisland . or any of the netherlands , either bastardized in themselues , or with our english races , and these are excellent for coatch , for cart ; for packe , or any burthen . the occasions of inward sicknesses , and accidents , which happen vpon those occasions . sicknesses are of diuers kindes , and proceede from diuers causes , haue their diuers signes , and their diuers remedies , as i haue shewed in my bookes : but to come neerest to the marke of curing , let me perswade you to call to account these few obseruations . first , to remember that all sickenesses in horses come either , by heares , in ouer violent exercise ; and then is the grease melted , the heart ouer strained , the vitall blood expelled outward , and the large pores and oryfices of the heart , so stopped , that the spirits cannot returne back to their proper places , but confound and mortifie . or else by colds , in indiscreet keeping either before or after exercise , and then is the head perplexed , the eyes pained , the rootes of the tongue swelled , the lungs tickled and offended with rheumaticke moysture , occasioning coughing , and the nostrils still pouring out filthy and corrupt matter . or else by surfeit of food , in either eating too much , or too little of that which is good ; or in giuing any thing at all of that which is vnwholesome . the first kils the stomacke , macke , oppresseth the heart , and sends vp those euill fumes into the head , by which is ingendred the staggers , frenzie , and other mortall diseases . the second putrefies the blood , and turnes all nourishment into corrup●ion , from whence proceedes the yellowes , and other such like pestilent diseases , which suffocating the heart , spreads it selfe vniuersally ouer the whole body , and confounds euery faculty and member . or lastly , by accidents , as when a horse receiueth some grleuous and deepe wound , either in his body , or else in some other vitall and dangerous part , by which , nature is so offended , that instantly a generall sickenesse seazeth vpon the horse , and ( if not preuented ) death suddenly followeth ; and these sicknesses , are called accidentall-feauers ; for if you obserue it , you shall finde the horse sometimes trembling , sometimes sweating , sometimes cold , and sometimes burning . thus you see there are foure occasions of sickenesses in horses , as heates , colds , surfeits , and accident . the signes of inward sicknesses . now to know the signes of these sicknesses ; if it proceed from the first occasion , which is heates ; then the signes are these . first , heauinesse of countenance , swelling of the limbes , scowring or loosenesse of body in the beginning of the sicknesse , and drinesse or costiuenesse , in the latter end ; short breath and hot , and a loathing or forsaking of his meate . it it proceed from the second occasion , which is colds : then the signes are , heauinesse of countenance , and either dull or else closed up eyes , hard boyle or big pustules , betweene the choppes and the roots of the tongue , and sometimes an hard swelling vp from the chops to the roots of the eares : a rotten and moyst cough , the horse euer chawing some loose , filthy , flegmatique matter in his mouth after his coughing : which in one respect is no euill signe , because it sheweth a rotten cold that is newly gotten , and soone to be clensed : whereas to cough cleare and hollow , and not to chaw after it , shewes a drie cold that is of long continuance , sore festred , and hard to be recouered : lastly , his body will fall away , and when hee drinketh , the water will issue forth at his nostrilles ; and his eyes will bee euer mattery and running , and his haire rough and staring . if it proceed from the third occasion , which is surfeit of meats and drinkes , either naturall or vnnaturall , then the sign●s are these ; first , heauinesse of head and countenance , in such a violent manner , that the horse can hardly lift his head from the maunger ; a dull and dead eye , a staggering and re●ling pace , and ( if the disease bee farre growne ) a franticke and mad behauiour , as biting the racke and maunger , and at such as shall come about him , sometimes biting at himselfe , and beating his head against the wals , boards , or ground , and other franticke passions : but if the disease bee lesse contagious in the braine , but more inwardly setled at the heart , then the signes are , yellowes in the whites of the eyes , and in the inside of both the vpper and nether lippes ; and ( if the disease be farre gone ) then a yellowes ouer all the skin , a continuall faint sweat , and a desire rather to lye downe , then to stand , besides a generall loathing and forsaking of his meat , which is the common signe of all sicknesses . lastly , if it proceed from the forth occasion , which is accident , then the signes are a perplexed and troubled body , sometimes sweating at the rootes of the eares , in the flanke , and behinde the foureshoulders against the heart , sometimes trembling ouer all the body , and somtimes glowing and burning in the vital parts , and on the temples of the head , against the heart , on the inside of the fore-legs next of all to the body , and on the inside of the hinder thighes close to the body ; also his mouth will be hot and dry , and his tongue subiect to furring and to a white scalded complection ; lastly a generall loathing of his meate , but a great thirstinesse & desire of cold drinke , and when he can drinke no more , yet a desire still to hold his mouth in the water . thus you haue the foure occasions of sicknesses , and the signes by which to know those occasions . now for as much as sicknesses come many times suddenly and vnlookt for , and that not any man ( how skilful so euer ) but may sometimes bee ouertaken with the sudden sickenesse of his horse : and though hee can after vpon consideration , giue an account for such sicknesse when it is apparant , yet till nature haue thrust it forth , the disease was obscure to his knowledge ; therefore i will here shew those generall and most vsuall signes which doe attend and waite vpon euery sicknesse , by which you may bee enabled to know the approach or beginning of sicknesse before it take fast hold on the vitall parts , and so vse preuention ; or if it haue taken some small hold , then how to fortifie nature against it , and so to kill the contagion , ere it come to any great height of danger ; or being at the highest , how to qualifie the extremitie , and to bring euery vitall part and spirit to its first moderate state and temper . now that you may effect this the better , it is requisite that you acquaint your knowledge well with the complections , qualities , customes , and conditions of horses ; for whensoeuer you shall finde any alteration in any of these , bee sure there will follow alteration of health , as thus . first , in the complections of horses , which i draw from their colours and countenances : if your horse be a faire bright daplegray or a fleabitten , a white , a white-gray or the like ; if any of these colours , being naturally cleare and bright , shall grow duskish or cloudy , or the white hayres shall turne sandy and reddish , it is a signe of some vnnat urall distemperature in the horse , and that hee is euill affected , and either entreth into a consumption , or into some other inward disease of body . if the horse bee of a pure blacke colour , a bright bay , a browne bay , or a red sorrell without flexen maine , or flexen taile , a cleare chessenut or a mouse-dun ; if thse haires shall grow discoloured and contrary to their proper natures , that is to say , of a weaker and worse complection ; as if the black turne dunnish or yellow , the bright bay , cloudy , pale , & sandy ; the browne bay like the mouse-dunne ; the redsorrell , corrall or like the yellowdunne ; the chessenut , hoarie and grey ; and the mouse-dunne , of a more blacke and pale blue then is naturall , all these are signes of inward sickenesses . and as of these colours , so of any other colour whatsoeuer , if they shall alter from their proper and true natures , to a worse and more vncomely complection , that is to say , to a complection that is vnuaturall and vnproper for an horse , they are most pregnant signes of some inward sicknesse , which either lingereth vpon the horse , or else is sodainly in breaking forth ; and therefore by all meanes remember , that the alteration of colours bee vnnaturall . for you must vnderstand , that if the daple-grey , in processe of time , do turne to white ; the darke iron-grey , to a bright grey ; the blacke , to an iron grey , and such like ; that then this is a naturall , and no vnnaturall alteration , and so no signe of sicknesse ; and therefore not to bee deceiued , or to stand doubtfull at all , acquaint your selfe well with the true colour and complection of your horse , which you shall best discerne when hee is in the pride and height of lust , when hee is wanton , full of flesh and smooth , sleeke , and shining : and when you shal see this complection alter , in part , or all ; then euer expect some sicknesse , as you thus acquaint your selfe with the complection of your horse , which i include in his colour ; so you must also haue a settled knowledge in his countenance and gestures ; and to that end you shall be carefull to marke and note his countenance and behauiour in all his actions and motions , as well within doores as without , as well in his play , ●s in his rest , at his times of feeding , & at his times of exercise ; you shall note the cheerefulnesse of his eye , the cariage of his head and necke ; which be his angry characters , and which bee his pleasant , when he biteth for wantonnesse or for offence ; and these you shall best finde out , in his feeding , in his exercise and playing , and in his dressing ; and if at any time you finde any of these characters of fayle on the sudden , and that ●is gesture is more lumpish heauy ; then call your selfe to account what you haue done , eyther in exercise , feeding , ayring , or ordering : for there is no doubt but there is distemperature , and sicknesse is approaching , if it be not preuented . as you thus acquaint your selfe with the complection and countenance of your horse ; so you must also not be ignorant , but obserue diuerse other outward and inward quallities , for they are the greatest lights that can bee , both to health and sicknesse ; and to this end you shall especially marke his filling & his emptying , that is , his manner of feeding , and the manner of discharging his body . in his feeding , whether he eateth with a good appetite , or a weake stomacke ; the first is healthfull , the latter vnwholesome . if he eate with a good appetite , he will neigh and call for his meate before it come , when either he seeth his keeper , or a preparation for feeding , as sifting of his oates , chipping of his bread , and the like ; hee will receiue it cheerefully , and greedyly , shaking his head , and shewing other signes of alacritie and reioycing , which quallities after he hath vsed , if on the suddaine he refraine and so receiue his meate dully and vnpleasantly , it is a great signe of sicknesse . as his feeding , so you shall marke his quallities in emptying , as the time , the place , the substance : the time , as whether he emptieth in the night-time better then in the day ; the place , as whether he emptieth better in the house or abroad , whether in the hand or when you are mounted , whether before you begin exercise , or else after some gentle motion or stirrings , whether at the stable doore or at some vsu●all places by the way , or in th● ground where you giue him hi● exercise ; lastly , for the substance whether it be much or little , if i● be much , you must forbeare exercise and make him emptie the oftner ; if it be little , then you may fall to labour at pleasure , then whether it be good or bad , and tha● commonly falleth out according to the food he eateth ; if it be cleere , firme , and pale , with white graines , and in complection like sweet sope , then it is wholsome ; if it be blacke it shewes heat in the body , if greasie then it shewes foulnesse , if red and hard , it shewes costiuenesse , if pale and loose , then inward coldnesse . and as thus you obserue his ordure , so you must also obserue his vrine : of both which i haue written sufficiently in my former bookes . as these quallities of feeding and emptying , so you shall note his quallities in rest and watching , that is , in his lying down and standing vp , what howres and time hee obserueth for either , and how long he perseuereth in them , and if at any time you find any suddaine or grosse alteration , then be assured of some sicknesse approaching . and thus of any other particular quallitie in your horse ( which you shall obserue in his health ) for it is impossible to nominate all , if you find them suddainly to surprise , it is doubtlesse that there is some sicknesse following . as you thus obserue the complection & quallities of the horse , so you must obserue his naturall customes and conditions , and how in his liuelihood and best health he standeth affected , for to name them i cannot , because they proceed most from hidden inclinations , or else accidentall apprehensions , which by continuance of time grow to naturall habits . and any of these when they shall surcease or faile , are true progoastications of distemperature and sicknesse . many other signes of sicknesse there are , as the not casting of the coate in due time , hyde-bound , continuall dislike and leannesse , where there is good feeding , beside many other : but they are so vulgar and commonly knowne , that i need not rehearse them ; and these signes already written , are sufficient for knowledge . the curing of any heart sicknesse , or head sicknesse , or any ordinarie inward sicknesse . i will now descend to the cure of these inward sicknesses ; and although euery seuerall sicknesse haue a seuerall cure , as i haue shewed at large in my bookes , yet i will draw all here , into one hidden , but certaine and most infallible approued method , which i haue neuer found prosperous and fortunate . whensoeuer , either by the signes before rehearsed , or other accident or knowledge you shall find your horse grieuously payned with inward sicknesse , the first thing you doe you shall open his neck-veine and receiue some of the first blood into a pewter porrenger , which if you set it in cold water it will presently discouer the foulnesse and putrefaction ; so then you shall let the horse bleed well till the blood change , neither must you be nice or tender in this action , because you must vnderstand , that all inward sicknesses in horses , draw their effects from the putrefaction of the blood only : and this is the reason . it is certaine that the horse ( of all other creatures ) hath no gall or naturall vessell into which to receiue the skummy and putrefied matter which ariseth fom the corrupt and collericke blood , but it is either auoyded in excrements , humours , or moderate exercise and sweates , or else by immoderate exercise and violent labour . by too much repletion and fulnesse , by vnwholsome food and euill dyet , or by some other naturall defect , this chollericke corruption increasing and ouerflowing , it presently and in an instant ouer-spreads the whole body , hauing its course through euerie veine , and so discoloureth the skin , and makes all the outward partes yellow , especially the eyes , and inside of the lips ; also mixing with the better blood , and confounding the strength and vertue thereof , it brings a generall faintnesse ouer all the body , and in the end suffocating the heart , of force there must follow sodaine and certaine mortallitie , and hence proceedeth those sodaine deathes of horses for which our weake farriers can giue but an idle and foolish account . but to returne to my purpose , after you haue taken away good store of blood , and ( as you imagine ) all , or at least most part of that which is corrupt , you shall then set him vp in the stable , tying his head to the emptic racke gently and at lyberty , neither so high that he shall be compelled to rest his head vpon the bridle , nor yet so low that hee may thrust his head into the maunger , and thus ye shall let him and at least two howres . now if the sicknesse be not very contagious , and dangerous , you shall not administer any potion vnto him that day , because the veine being opened , and all the humors , powers and faculties of the body disturbed , it will bee a double vexation to the spirits to haue the working of the potion also ; therefore in this case , the sicknesse not being violent , you may forbeare further administration , and onely after the horse hath fasted , as before said , you shall giue him such food as he will eate , whether it bee hay , bread or corne , and alwayes prouided , that it be strong sauorie , sweet , dry , and cleane drest : as for the quantitie , it matters not , for a small pittance will maintaine life ; and humor is now to the horse as food , besides , emptines is no great displeasure . at high noone you shall giue him a sweete mash of malt and water made in this manner . take halfe a pecke of good malt well ground , and put it into a payle by it selfe , then take a gallon of faire , cleere water , and set it on the fire , then when it is come to the heighth that it is ready to boyle , put as much of it to the malt as will moyst and couer the malt all ouer , and stirre them exceedingly well together , crushing the malt with a flat rudder as much as you can , euer and anon tasting it with your finger , till it bee as sweet as any honey , and then couer it ouer with cloathes as close as you can , and so let it stand and stoone for two or three howres at the least ; then the howre being come in which the horse is to receiue it , vncouer the mash , and stirre it well about , but finding it too hot , then put to it some cleere cold water that may temper and allay it , but in any wife not so much as may take away any part of the sweetnesse , and in this tempering , with your hand crush and squeeze the malt as much as you can , then ( the mash being luke warme ) giue it the horse to drink , and if he will eat of the malt , let him take thereof at his pleasure . this is the best manner of making an ordinarie mash , or horse-caudle , for of that nature and quallitie it is , and to that purpose that a caudle is administred to a man , is this giuen to a horse , for you must vnderstand , that in these contagious diseases nothing is more pes●ilent than cold water , and especially when exercise cannot be vsed . the ruder farriers and horse-groomes doe make the mash another way , putting the malt to the water at the first , and so boyling them both together , but this is vnwholsome and naught , and that euerie good house-wife can witnesse , for this long boyling ouer-scaldes the malt , takes away the strength and sweetnesse , and giues an harsh and vnsauorie taste , which is offensiue to the horses nature . if your horse be coy and refuse to take the mash , as many are , partly for want of vse and custome , and partly through weaknesse of stomacke , then you shall straine the water from the malt exceeding hard , and so giue it him with an horne to drinke , then take the graines which you haue so strained and put them in the manger before the horse , on which whether he feed or no it matters not , for if he but smell and snuffell his nose vpon them , it is sufficient , and the fume thereof is wonderous wholsome for his head . after you haue thus giuen him his mash , you shall see that he be very warmely cloathed , as namely , a good woollen body-cloath to come round about his heart , a large cloath or two to come ouer it , and to be well wispt round about , with soft , thicke , and large wispes ; for the little , hard , and neat wispes , though they are comly to the eye , yet are they vnwholsome for the body , for their hardnesse and smalnesse makes an impression into the horses sides , and causeth him forbeare to lye downe when nature and rest requireth it . the horse being thus warmely cloathed as aforesaid , and with a very warme brest-cloath before his breast , for that is an especiall part to keepe warme , you shall then cause one or two to rub all his foure legs from his knees & cambrels downward with very hard wispes , and to rub them so hard as may be , and whilst his limbes are thus in rubbing , you shall take a course rubber or two made of new harden or hempen cloth , and warming one after another ouer a pan of coales , with them rub the horse exceeding much in the nape of the necke , or the polle iust betweene his eares , and on the temples of the head ; for there is nothing more wholesome than these frictions and chafings , for they dissolue humours , reuiue all naturall heat , bring a cheerfull nimblenesse into the ●limbes , and purge the head of all grosse , cold , and tough matter , cleansing and purifying the brayne , by which the members and other faculties are fortified , and the whole body reduced backe to its first strength and abillitie . as soone as you haue ended this action of rubbing , you may then let the horse take his rest for two or three howres , and onely leaue a locke or two of sweete hay in his racke , and no more , for the least quantitie of any things too much soone cloyeth a sicke horse . in the euening you shall come to the horse againe , and hauing rubbed all his limbes and head , as was before shewed , you shall then perfume his head in this manner . take of the best and purest oli●anum an ounce , then as much storax , and as much beniamin , and bruise all them together , i doe not meane bruise them to small powder , but onely breake them into small lumpes , and mixe them well together , so that taking them vp betweene your fingers , you may not take vp one ingredient alone , but some of all . then take a chafing-dish , and if it be possible , a chafing-dish after the manner of the perfuming chafingdish , which is wide below where the fire is , and narrow at the top where the smoake auoydeth , and in this chafingdish put well kindled wood cole , or small charcoale ; then take some of the aforesad perfume , and lay it vpon the coales , but in any wise so as it may not flame but smoake , then hold the chafingdish vnder the horses nose , and let the smoake goe vp into his nostrils , and thus perfume him well for the space of a quarter of an howre , or halfe an howre at the most . now it may be the horse may seeme coy to receiue this at the first , because it is strange vnto him , but doe you continue the action , and cherish him , for be you well assured , after he hath once receiued the smell into the head , hee will be as greedy to haue it , as you are willing to giue it , for there is nothing that delighteth an horse more , or more reioyceth his spirits , than sweet sauors , and odoriferous smells , of which this perfume is one of the cheefest . the effect which this perfume worketh , is , that it purgeth the brayne of all filthy and corrupt matter , and ( as you shall find by experience in the working ) it dissolues tough matter into water , and brings it away in such abundance , that it is sometimes ready to extinguish the fire as it falleth . it is the greatest comforter of the braine that can be , and from thence sendeth such cheerefullnesse to the heart , that it reioyceth the whole body . there are diuers other perfumes which weake farriers vse in this case , as namely , wet hay , or rotten litter , and putting a burning coale therein , giue the smoake to the horse : but this is a stinking sauor and no perfume , and although it make the horse snoare and neese , and so you may imagin it auoydeth fowle matter , yet it is nothing so , but it offendeth both his brayne and stomacke , and by the noysomenesse of the smell dulleth and weakeneth the spirits , and rather ingendereth infection , than any way abateth infirmitie ; for from rottennesse there can but rottennesse proceed . next there is the perfume of brimstone , either simple of it selfe and put vpon the fire ; or else compound with another body , as butter , oyle , or the like , and so thrust vp into the horses nostrils . this i must needes confesse is a sharpe perfume , and euacuateth much foule matter , and dissolueth the thickest matter into thin water : but yet you must know , that there is in this sulphure , or brimstone a certaine earthy and poysonous quallity , which not onely doth offend the vitall parts , but is also most malignant and iniurious both to the eyes of man and beast , so that like margery goodcowe , if it haue one vertue , yet two vices attend it . then there are the perfumes of the stalkes of onions , garlicke , leekes , mustard-seed , and the like , or the perfume of the fruits themselues either burnt or boyld ; bu● these are also great enemies to the eyes of an horse , so that i can by no meanes allow them , especially fo● this reason , becase that generally all these inward sicknesses in horse● doe most of all afflict the head an● eyes , to which these things are enemies . also there is the perfume o● wheat , peniroyall , & sage , boyld til● the wheat burst , and so put it into a● bagge fastened about the horse● nose . this i must confesse is the best of many , yet it is much to● weake for a strong infirmitie , and the penir●yall hath a bitternesse that is offensiue . as these , so i could nominate diuerse others , but none so excellent as the first of all prescribed , and therefore to it i referre you . after your horse hath been wel● perfumed , as beforesaid , you shall let him rest for a quarter of an howre , and then giue him such food as he wil eat , either bread or oates , of which how little soeuer he eateth it skils not , for it is to be intended that his stomacke is now at the weakest . after he is fed you shall tosse vp his litter , for you must know that he must stand vpon litter night and day , and then ( if need be ) giue him more litter , and but a locke or handfull of hay , that you may be sure to haue him very fasting the next morning , and so let him rest all the night without disturbance . the next morning early , you shall take halfe an ounce of the powder of diapente , as the greekes call it , because of the number fiue , which diapente is thus made & compounded . take of round aristoloch , of gentian , of the best mirrhe , of b●y-berries , and of the purest shauings of iuory , of each one ounce , beat all but the myrrhe together in a morter in a fine pouder , and ●earse it through a fine searse , then likewise beate the myrr●e by it selfe , and fearce it also , and then mixe all well together in a morter , and so keepe the pouder in a closse gally-pot . when you haue taken halfe an ounce of this powder , you shall put it into a pint of the best muskadine that you can get , and brew them very well together in two pots , tossing it well too and fro , because otherwise the myrrhe will clotter and lumpe together : when it is well brewed ( after you haue made cleane your stable , and righted your horses cloathes ) you shall with an& horne giue him this potion to drinke . then if he haue any small strength , you shall mount his backe , and walke vp and downe in some warme or sunnie place for an hower , or thereabout ; then set him vp in the stable warme and well littered , and tying him to the racke in his bridle , let him so stand and fast for another houre , or more , then offer him a little sweete hay , or any other meat that he will eat , and so let him stand till betwixt twelue and one of the clocke in the afternoone , at which time you shall first rub his head and legges well , as was formerly declared for the day before . then you shall perfume him , as was beforesaid , and both those workes finished , you shall giue him a sweet mash , as was also shewed before , and so let him rest till the euening , at which time you shall offer him either oates or bread , but in little quantitie , as handfull by handfull and be sure it be sweet & cleane drest , sifted and dusted , and so let him rest till eight of the clocke at night , at which time you shal againe perfume him . then put sweet hay in his racke , tosse vp his litter , and right his cloathes , but in any wise bare not his body : then hauing made the stable cleane , you may leaue him to his rest for that night . the next day being the third day ▪ you shall doe all things as you did the second day , already rehearsed . as first , you shall giue him his potion of diapente and sweete wine , then ayre him , at noone his mash , at euening and night his perfume , with all other obseruations that were before declared . the next day , which is the fourth day , there is no doubt ( with the helpe of god ) but you shall finde alteration and health approaching , which you shall know by his stomacke , by his more cheerefull countenance , and by other outward gestures , and finding that health is comming , you may then forbeare to giue him any more potions , and onely attend him with good food , good dressing , and moderate exercise , neither shall you giue him any more mashes , for although they be wholsome in the extreamitie of sicknesse , yet being any thing too much vsed , they take away the horses stomacke , and brings him to a loathing of other meat , and therefore in steade thereof , you shall in the morning after your horse is well rubd and drest , take a pottle of faire water , and heat it scalding hot , then put it into a gallon , or two of cleere cold water , that it may take away the extreame coldnesse thereof , and then being scarcely lukewarme , giue it the horse to drinke : you may , if you please , throw an handfull of bran , or an handfull of wheat-meale into the water , for it is good , and not hurtfull . as soone as the horse hath drunke , take his backe , and ride him forth gently for an howre , or two . at noone perfume him , at euening water him as you did in the morning , and ride him in like manner . feed him at vsuall howres as i● time of health , and thus doe for three or foure dayes more , then finding his strength increasing , you may be degrees abate his cloathes , you may water him abroad at some cleare riuer , or spring , gallop him after his watering , and draw euerie thing to the same custome as you did in best health . thus you see the manner how to cure an horse that is sicke , but not violently sicke , and as it were at the very poynt and doore of death , which cure is this which followeth . to cure any violent sicknesse , if the horse be at the very p●ynt and doore of death . if you shall haue an horse in this extreamitie , and desperate case then the first thing you doe , you shall open his necke veine , and let him bleed very well : then two howres after his bleeding , take two ounces of the powder of di●pente , before rehearsed , and beat it in a morter with as much clarified , pure life hony , as will bring it to a substantiall treackle , for this is an excellent treackle , and of the italians called horse . methridate , and is the same which our physitians call th●●iaca diatessaron . when this confection is made , you shall take a full halfe ounce thereof , or more , and dissolue it in a pint and an halfe of muskadine , and so giue it the horse to drinke with an horne : then if he haue so much abilitie of body , walke him vp and downe for halfe an howre , or an howre , either in some sunny place , or some close barne , or emptie house , then set him vp , and let him fast full another howre . at noone giue him , if you can get it , a gallon , or neere there about of the first running of the strongest ale , before it be put to barme , and when it is cleere , strong , and carryeth a royall on the top : but where this is not to be had , then giue him a sweet mash , perfume him , r●b him , cloathe him , dyet , and order him in all respects as was shewed you in the former cure , and thus you shall doe for three dayes together without all fayle , and then no doubt but you shall see health approaching . at the end of three dayes you shall forbeare all sorts of mashes of both kindes , and follow all the prescriptions before declared . now if during the cure , either through the violence of the medicine , or the foulnesse of the horses body , you shall finde any hard pustules or swellings to ryse vp betweene the horses chaps , and at the root of the tongue , then you shall first clip away the hayre as close as may be ; then you shall take a waxe candle , and therewith burne the swelling , till you may scarifie the skinne , then take a peece of leather , somewhat larger then the swelling , and hauing prickt it all ouer with the point of your knife , spread thereupon in some thicke manner your blacke shoomakers-waxe , that is well seasoned and new ; then warming it ouer a few coles , lay it vpon the swelling and remoue it not , till it either fall off by it selfe , or els the sore breake , then renew the plaster , and with it onely heale vp the sore . this plaster for the cheapnesse , and meannesse will hardly win credite with those which are curious : but i dare assure you ( that are a louer of truth ) that there is not a more exellent or soueraigne plaster which belongs to an horse , for it ripeneth and breaketh any impostumation whatsoeuer , it asswageth any hard swelling or tumor , whether in ioynts , or other fleshy parts , and it healeth what it breaketh or ripeneth , and with its heat it dissolues all manner of humours that are knit together , and occasion paine or swelling . there is another accident which attendeth the sicknesse of horses , and that is costiuenesse , or belly-binding , which maketh an horse that he cannot dung , or auoyd his ordure . this accident when at any time it hapneth , it shall be good for you first to rake him , that is , you shall annoynt your hand all ouer with sweet butter , or clarified hogges grease : some vse oyle of bays , but it is too sharpe , and too hot , and many times ( if the action be vsed too roughly , or vnaduisedly ) it breedeth exulceration and sorenesse in the tuell , and inward parts . therefore , as before i said , take either butter , or hogs grease , and your hand being all besmeared therewith , thrust it vp into his tuell till you feele his ordure , and then drawing out as much thereof ( if it be blacke and hard ) as conueniently you can , without doing iniury to the horse , or striuing with your hand to goe too farre : and if you finde it to be very sore baked within , then after you haue raked & got what you can , you shall take a great candle or percher of three or foure in the pound at the most , and cutting off an inch or two of the vpper or smaller end , with your hand annoint as before , thrusting the great end forward , put it vp into his tuell so farre as you can get it , then suddenly drawing out your hand , and leauing the candle behind you , clap downe his tayle close to his tuell , and drawing it vp betweene his legges , hold it with both your hands hard and constantly for the space of an houre , or more , in which time the candle will dissolue in the horse● body , and so separate and breake his ordure , that vpon the letting loose of your hands , he will presently dung . this you may doe in euery case of extremity , but not otherwise : and beleeue it , you will finde this the most excellentest suppositorie of all other , and that there is no● glyster which can worke with greater efficacie , or more wholesomnesse . there is another accident which attendeth the sicknesse of horses , and that is quite contrarie to this before rehearsed , and is called lax , atiuenesse or loosenesse of body , which is expressed by a vehement and violent scowring : this , if at any time it shall happen , you shall at first note the violence therof , and the continuance thereof . the violence is knowne by the thinnesse , the sharpnesse , and the oft and speedy auoyding of the excr●ments . the continuance is knowne by the vnchangeablenesse of the infirmitie , and by the processe and long continuance of time , contrarie to all naturall and wholsome custome , for you are to obserue that an horse may haue a scowring for a day , or two , or a little more , and this is not vnwholsome , but natural and good , and if after it stay of it selfe , then it worketh no euill effect , but if it continue longer , and bring the horse into any extraordinarie weakenesse of body , then you shal● seeke to stop it in this manner . take a quart of new milke , and putting thereunto a good spoonfull or two of fine beane flower , and as much bolearmoniacke finely beate● to powder , boyle all together til● the milke thicken , and then being made lukewarme , giue it the horse with an horne , and doing thus 〈◊〉 morning or two ; no doubt but it will binde the horse ; which if it do● not , then you shall take a quart o● red-wine , and put thereunto 〈◊〉 handfull of the hearbe called shepheards purse , and halfe so much of tanners barke , and boyl● all very well together till the hearb and the barke be soft , then strain●● it , and put thereunto two spoonfull of the powder of cinamon , and being made lukewarme , giue it the horse to drinke with an horne , and this doe one morning , or two , or three if need require . for mine own part , i neuer found but it wrought good effect , and so i hope all men shall find that approue it . now whereas in all my cures heretofore in this booke for sicknesses of what extremitie soeuer , i make you onely rely vpon diapente , or horse methridate , which is a kind of diatessaron . and for as much as at any times , & in many places , these thinges cannot be had , then in such extremitie , and the horse being at the poynt of death , in stead of the powder of meth●date aforesaid , you shall take halfe a pint of dragon water , and dissolue into it , a good spoonfull or more of the best treakle vpon a soft fire of embers , then being lukewarme , giue it the horse to drinke with an horne , aad thus doe for a morning , two , or three , till you see alteration and health approaching . this expelleth all infection and euill from the heart , comforts the spirits , and restores nature to its first best strength . and thus you haue the vttermost secrets of my heart concerning the curing and discerning of all manner of inward sicknesses in horses , how desperate , mortall , or contagious soeuer . the preuenting of all inward sicknesses . the preuenting of inward sicknesses , consisteth in two speciall obseruations and considerations . the first , is to preuent it before 〈◊〉 come , so that it may not offend at● all . the second , is to take it at the rst appearance , and so preuent it that it arise not to any great danger or hazard . to preuent sickness that it offend not your horse at all , it is an excellent course when you put your horse to grasse , euer three or four● dayes before you turne him out , to take blood from his necke veine ; then the next day after to giue him a pint and an halfe of muskadine , and halfe an ounce of the powder , of diapente , or three quarters of an ounce of the horse mithridate , or treakle , before rehearsed ; and then by degree● to abate his cloathes , if he haue been vsed to any , and to make his body familiar with cold . also you shall obserue when you let your horse blood , to proportion the quantitie which you take from him , according to the goodnesse or badnesse of the blood when you behold it , for the losse of good blood is vnholsome , and doth hurt , and to preserue ill blood , is both dangerous and noysom . also if you obserue , when you take blood from your horse , to rcceiue it into a vessell , and by stirring it about continually as the horse bleedeth , to keepe it from clotting , then hauing bled , to take the blood , aud to besmeere it all ouer the horses backe and body , you shall find it wonderfull wholsome , for it comforteth the body , cleareth the skin , and breedeth a reioycing in all the horses vitall parts . now if you haue no determination to put your horse to grasse , and yet you wold preuent inward sicknesse , then you shall obserue , once in two or three moneths , when you haue the best leasure to rest your horse after it , not to fayle to giue your horse muskadine & diapente , or muskadine & horse methridate , as was before shewed , and not to let blood at all , for this verie potion is the greatest purger and purifier of the blood that can be , and auoideth all that yellow cholericke matter , and other euill and vndigested humors whrch corrupt the blood . now you are to obserue here , that although i only prescribe muskadine wherein you shall dissolue your powder , or methridate , yet know that when you cannot get muskadine , or other sweet wine , that then you may take strong ale , or beere , but in greater quantitie , for as you take but a pint & an halfe of wine , you shall take of beere or ale a full ale quart ; as for the pouder or methridate you shal keep the first quantitie already prescribed , and if you warme your beere or ale a little on the fire , it will not be amisse , but better , yet that i referre to your owne discretion . now to take sicknesse at the first approach , and to preuent it , that it arise not to any great danger , you shall by all meanes obserue to looke well into the occasions of sicknesses which are already shewed , and into the signes of those occasions , and if you finde your selfe guilty of any of those occasions , or that the horse discouereth any of the former signs , then presently let the horse blood , and three seuerall mornings after giue him the drinke or potion before prescribed , and vndoubtedly it will preuent all the force of sicknes , and restore the horse to his former strength , and good estate of body . and thus much of all inward sicknesses , and their preuen●●on . two sorts of bals to ●●re any violent cold , or glaunders , to preuent heart-sicknesse , to purge away all molten grease , to recouer a lost stomacke , and to keepe the heart from fainting with exercise , and to make a leane horse fat suddenly . take of aniseeds , of cominseeds , of fenegreekeseedes , of canthamus seeds , of the powder of elicampane roots , of each 2. ounces , beate them , and ●earse them to a very fine powder , then adde to them one ounce of the flower of b●imstone , then take an ounce of the best iuice of licoras , and dissolue it in halfe a pint of white wine , which done , take an ounce of the oyle of aniseeds , and as much of the surrup of coltsfoot , then of sallet oile and of fine life hony , of each halfe a pint , then mixe all this with the former powders , and with as much fine wheat flower as will binde & knit them altogether , then worke them into a stiffe paste , and make thereof bals somewhat bigger then french walnuts , and so keepe them in a close gally por , for they will last all the yeere : & when you haue occasion to vse them , take one , and anoynt it al ouer with sweet butter , and so giue the horse euerie morning one in the manner of a pil , and ryde him a little after it , if you please , otherwise you may chuse ; then feed and water him , abroad or at home , according to your vsuall custome , and thus doe ( if it bee to preuent sickn●sse ) for three or foure mornings together , but if it bee to take away infirmity , then vse it at least a weeke , or more ; if it be to take away molten grease , or foulnesse , then instantly after his heate , and in his heat onely ; but if it bee to fatten a horse , then vse it at least a fortnight or more . now if you find any difficulty in the giuing of it as pils , you may then at your pleasure dissolue one of these bals , either into sweete wine , beere , or ale , and so giue it the horse to drinke with an horne . but if it be to fatten , and to take away infirmity , as the running glanders , or such like ; then besides these bals , you shall make you these second bals. take of wheat flowre six pound or more , as shall suffice to make stiffe the paste , then take of aniseeds , of cominseeds , of canthumus , of fenegreeke , of ordinary brimstone , of each two ounces , of salet oyle a pint , of honey a pound and a halfe , of white wine a pottel ; beat the hard simples to a fine powder , and ●earse them , then with the rest make them into a stiffe past . then of this paste take a ball as bigge as a mans fist and dissolue it in two or three gallons of cleere cold running water , by washing and lauing the paste therein , and so giue it the horse to drinke at his ordinary watring times , or at any other time when he is disposed to drinke , for he cannot drinke too much of this water , then ride and warme him a little after it . then when the water is spent , doe not cast away the bottome , but filling the vessell vp againe with new fresh water , dissolue another ball therein , and thus do foureteene dayes together at the least , and you shall see wonderfull effects arise thereof . this water scowreth , cleanseth , and feedeth in admirable manner . and the other lesser bals , first spoken of , purge the stomacke and intrayles of all foulnesse , auoydeth molten grease , and fortifieth nature so powerfully , that it leaues no euill in the body . and this small ball ( if it were for my life ) would i giue to an horse immediately vpon his drawing forth , if hee went either to run , to hunt , or vse any violent or extreme labour . annther way how to fatten a horse suddainly . there is another way to fatten an horse suddainly , but not better then that before shewed , yet this i haue found both good and certaine , and therefore i refere it to your owne discretion . take of elicampane , of comimseeds , of turmericke , of aniseeds , of each two ounces , of groundsell an handfull , boyle all these verie well with three heads of garleeke cleansed and stamped , in a gallon of strong ale , then strayne it well , and giue the horse a quart to drinke lukewarme in the morning fasting , then ride him till he be warme , then ●et him vp warme , and thus doe for foure or fiue mornings , and then turne the horse to grasse ( if the time of the yeere be sutable therefore ) and he will feed wonderfully and suddainly . but if the time of the yeere serue not for grasse , then you shall keepe him in the house , and ouer and besides the drinke before shewed , you shall take the fine powder of elicampane , & the fine powder of cominseeds , of each a like quantitie , mixe them well together , then euerie time you giue your horse prouender , which would be at least thrice a day , as morning , noone , and night : take halfe an ounce of this powder , and sprinkle it by little and little into his prouender , for feare of offence , till all be eaten vp . and thus doe for fourteene dayes together at the least , and you shall see the horse prosper in wonderfull and strange manner . how to keepe a horse , or iade from tyring . if you ride on a tyring iade , o● feare the perplexed crueltie of ● tyred iadc , then be sure to carrie about you the fine searse powder of elicampane , and when others bayt● their horses ▪ or that you come to the place of bayte for your horse● the first thing you doe , set vp you● horse warme , and doe not walke him . after he hath been well rubbed , take a quart of strong ale , and put thereto halfe an ounce of th● powder of elicampane , and brew i● altogether , then giue it the horse with an horne , which done , tye hi● head to the racke , for you need no● care for prouendar till night , a● which time prouendar him well and in the morning giue him oate● or bread , or both , in plentifull manner , and being ready to backe him , giue him the former quantitie of ale , and the powder aforesaid , and doubtlesse you shall find him to trauell with great courage and spirit . also if you take a bunch of penniroyall , and tye it to the mouth of your bit , or snaffell , you shall find it verie comfortable , & it will cause your horse to trauell lustily . now if your horse , notwithstanding all this , do happen to tire , then you shall take off the saddle , and with the hearbe called arsesmart , rub his back all ouer verie hard ; thē laying arsesmart also vnder the saddle , so ride him , and if there be any life in him , it wil make him go . for this is a notable torment , and the smart is almost vnsufferable , and therefore i would haue you vse it with great discretion , and but seldome , or when extremity requireth it . another receit against tyring , or for anysore or dangerous cold. take of the best indian necotian ( which we call tobacco ) and be sure it be not sophisticated , or by any other accidentall meanes adulterated . dry this in the sunne in a gl●sse close lut●d , then pound it verie small , and mixe it with an equall quantitie of the powder of cockel-shels , then with the oyle of dill , and the oyle of cloues , make the powder into a paste , or solid body ; then make prettie round bals thereof , as bigge as walnuts , and dry them in the shadow , in the canicular dayes , otherwise called the dogge dayes , then keepe them close in a sweet gally pot , and giue them as pils in the time of necessitie , that is to say , a ball at a time whensoeuer your horse shall faynt in trauell , or if your horse haue taken any sore cold , or surfeit , then giue him the ball in the morning fasting , and let him haue a little exercise after it , then cloathe warme , rub well , & be sure not to lay any cold water to the horses heart , without moderate exercise after it , for of all dangers that is the greatest . another receipt for any extraordinary cold , dry cough , or pursicknesse in an horse , which the weake farriers call , broken winded . because the former receipt i● curious in the making , and asketh the obseruation of times , an● seasons , neither can be effected a● all times and howres , therefore●● will set you downe here , the secret of my knowlege , and those ready●● easie , and approued receipts , whic● i neuer found to fayl● , but to work● that goodnesse which i haue eue● desired . therefore whensoeuer you find your horse taken with any extream● old cold , dry cough , or pursickne● ( which ignorance farriers call bro●ken winded ) you shall take three● quarters of an ounce of the conserue of elicampane , and dissolue it in a pint and a halfe of the best sac̄k and so giue it to the horse with an horne , in the morning fasting , and ryde him alittle after it . and this you shall doe diuers mornings together , till you see the infirmitie decrease , and wast away . now because there is some curiositie in the making of this cōserue of elicampane , and that diuers men doe compound according to their diuerse opinions , i will here shew you the seuerall compositions , their seuerall vses , and their seuerall vertues , together with mine owne opinion of the goodnes , as i haue found it in my practise , & so to leaue it to your owne iudgement . the conserue of elicampane , is of two kindes , the one is simple , the other is compound . the simple conserue is made in this manner : take of the purest rootes of elicampane , that are preserued in swee● surrup , and beat those roots an● the surrup together in a morter till you haue brought it to an entit● thin substance , then with the fine● refined sugar that can be got , thicken it vp , and bring it to the perfect body of a conserue , then put it in 〈◊〉 gally pot , and keepe it close , an● vse it in time of necessitie , as wa● before shewed . this simple conscrue is of excellent vse , and taketh away any ordinary cold , or stopping ; it comforteth the lungs , inlargeth th● wind , purgeth the head of all fil●thy matter , and dissolueth man● other obstructions ; yet is not th● the best conserue , neither worket● the best effect , if the infirmitie b● old and dangerous , or if there b● any attainture in the lungs or l●uer , therefore in that case you sha● flye to the compound conseru● which is made in this maner . take the best candied roots of elicampane that can be gotten , and beat them in a morter with the sirrup of coltsfoot till it be brought to a very thin substance , then with the finest refined suger thicken it , as before shewed , till it be brought to the true body of a conserue ; then keepe it close in a gally pot , and vse it with sacke , as was before declared . this is the true conserue , and hath the greatest vertue ; for i haue knowne it in the continuance of a small time , and by the daily vse thereof , to take away diuers dry ( and supposed incurable ) coughes , it hath taken away the heauing of the body , and so inlarged the wind that albeit the motion was before swift , like the broken winded , yet it hath come to a moderare and ●low temper , and the dry cough which did accompanie it , hath been quite put awae . now whereas i prescribe vnto you the taking of the candie● roots of elicampane , i thinke it no● amisse because the apothicarie is not euer at your elbow , to shew yo● how you shall candye them you● selfe : as thus , take of the finest refined sugar , or the best white sugar candy , an● dissolue it in rose water , then boil● it to an heighth , and when the sirrup is cold , put in your roots , being cleare and well clensed , and let them rest in the sirrup a pretti● space , then take them out , and boil● the sirrup ouer againe , and as before put in your roots , then boyle the sirrup ouer againe the third time to an hardnesse , putting i● more sugar , but no rose water then put in all your roots , the sirrup being cold , and so let the● stand till they candy . and in this wise you may candy all manner o● roots , flowers , or any thing else . now if you find any difficultie either in the making , or the procuring of these midicines before shewed , or that the infirmitie not being great , or dangerous , you thinke a medicine of lesse force , and easier to compasse , will accomplish it : then you shall take of the sirrup of coltsfoot an ounce , of the fine powder of elicampane , of aniseeds , and of licoras , of each halfe an ounce , of browne sugar candy an ounce , deuided into two parts , then with as much sweet butter as will suffice , worke all the former powders , and one part , or halfe of the sugar candy , and all the sirrup , into a stiffe paste , then diuide it into two or three bals , and role them into a round forme , or the fashion of an egge , and after role them all ouer in the other halfe , or part of the sugar candy , and then giue this whole quantitie at one time to the horse in the manner of a pill , and giue them in the morning fasting , then ride the horse halfe an houre after the giuing , and let him fast two howres at the least after he commeth in , and let him be warme cloathed , and stopt , and his limbes , and body well rubbed , especially his head : let him by no meanes drinke any cold water , but so , as he may haue exercise after it , and let his exercise be moderate and not violent : let his hay be a little sprinkled with water , & his oates with beere or ale ; as for bread , it is of it selfe moyst enough ; and let all his meat generally be well dusted , sifted , or chipped , for nothing is more offenciue then foulenesse , and drynesse , nor more comfortable then cleannesse , prouided that your corne be not greene and vnsweet in the mow or reeke , your bread new , nor your hay vnsweete or rotten . thus you shall doe , not for one morning , or two , but for diuerse , till you find amendment ; neither shall you spare any trauell or occasion ; but haue medicine about you , vse it in your iournying , for this doth not take away anything to weaken nature , but addes to the force thereof , and makes the body a great deale more able . an excellent scowring after any sore heate , or for any horse after his exercise . take a quart of good sacke , and set it on the fire in a bason , or open skillet , and when it is warme , take an ounce of the clearest rosen and bruise it exceeding small , then by degrees little after a little put it into the sacke , and stirre it fast about for feare of clotting , and when the sacke and it is incorporated , then take it from the fire , and put thereto halfe a pint of the best sallet oyle , and in the cooling stirr them all well together , then lastly take an ounce of the browne sugar candy beaten to powder , and put it in also , and being lukewarme giue it to the horse in the height of his heat , as soone as you come home from exercise , then rub hard , cloath warme , and let him fast at least two howres after , but yet depart not your selfe , or some deputie for you out of the stable , but stay and keepe the horse stirring , and waking , partly by extraordinarie noyse and clamour , and partly by action about him , or making him moue vp and downe as he standeth , for there is nothing more hurtfull to the horse , or the working of the medicine , then sleepe , stilnesse and rest ; and nothing better or more auailable to the working of the medicine then action or motion : for they make the spirits worke , and stirre vp those humours which should be remoued , when rest keepes the spirits dull , and the humours so inclosed and reserued , that nature hath nothing to worke vpon . whensoeuer you giue any scowring , be sure that day to giue no cold water after it , for it is binding , and knitteth , and detayneth that foulnes which the scowring should take away . thus you see how to giue a scowring in the proper and due time : but if now either through errour , ignorance or imagination that your horse is so cleane that he needeth no scowring ( as i know many of opinion , that scowrings are idle vnnecessarie things , and not to be vsed at all ) yet your horse , hauing his grease molten , and no course taken for the auoyding therof , you find he droopeth , and languisheth , as of force the ●horse must doe , and experience daily shewes it vs. for the opinion that scowrings are vnprofitable , is friuolous and idle . in this case , vpon the first apprehension of the euill , you shall giue the horse a sweet mash in the euening , which is in the same nature , and of the same quallitie that a preparatiue is before a purgation : then the next morning very early mount his back , and ●n some conuenient peece of ground giue your horse a gentle heat : i doe not meane that you shal run him furiously , or violently , but to gallop him gently ; neither to heat him through the extremitie of sudden and sharpe labour , but to warme him kindly through the continuance of moderate exercise . nor would i haue you , to melt his grease anew , but only to loosen and stirre vp that which was before molten your exercise being finished , doe not alight from his back suddenly , but rub him as you sit on his backe and so bring him home ; then presently hauing the scowring ready , as soone as you are alighted , giue it him lukewarme , then rub him dry , cloathe and stop him very warme , and then in all other things do● as hath beene before declared . for any dangerous bots , maw wormes , or poysoned red wormes . take as much precipitate ( which is mercury calsoynd ) as will gently lye vpon a siluer twopence and lay it in a peece of sweete butter almost as big as an hens egge , in the manner of a pill , and then in the morning fasting , the horse hauing stood all night on the mussell , or at the emptie rack , if it be possible , or otherwise ( if the extremity of the disease compell you ) at any other time , draw forth the horses tongue , and make him swallow downe the pill , then chafe him a little vp and downe , and after set him vp warme , making him fast , full two howres after , and it will kill all manner of wormes whatsoeuer : yet in the administration hereof , you must be wondrous circumspect and carefull , for in the precipitate there is a strong poysonous quality , so that by no meanes there must be taken more then is prescribed , except with good caution . againe , if you mixe the precipitate with a little sweet butter , as much as an hazell nut , before you lap it vp in the great lumpe of butter , it well not be worse but better , and it will allay much of the euill qualitie . but this i leaue to your owne discretion , assuring you that there is not any thing comparable to this , for this infirmitie . for gourded , or foule sweld legges , or other parts , by reason of melting the grease , or other accident . first with a fleame pricke the parts that are swelled , then take a pint of wine lees , an ounce of cominseeds , & an handfull of wheat flower , and boyle them together till they be thicke , then apply this pultus very hot to the sweld part , renewing it but once in foure and twentie howres , and if this in two or three dayes drawes it to an head , then launce it , and heale it either with a plaster of shoomakers wax , or else with the yealke of an egge , wheat flowre and honey beat●n together to a salue . but if it doe not draw to any head , and yet the swelling continue , then take of pitch a quarter of a pounds , and much virgin wax , of rozen halfe a pound , of the iuice of isop halfe an ounce , of galbanum halfe an ounce , of myrrh secondary halfe a pound , of bdelium arabicum halfe an ounce , of deeres suet halfe a pound , of populeon halfe an ounce , of the drops of storax halfe an ounce : boyle all these together in an earthen pot , and after it is cold , take of bitumen halfe a pound , of armoniacke an ounce and a halfe , and of costus as much ; beate these into fine powder , and then incorporate them with the other , and boyle them all ouer againe very well , which done , poure the whole mixture into cold water , and then rolle it into seuen bigge rolles plaister-wise , after spread this plaister vpon a peece of leather , and fould it about the sweld member , or lay it vpon the sweld part , & if any thing , then this will asswage it , and giue much strength to the sinewes . you shall by no meanes remoue this plaister , so long as it will sticke on . this plaster i must confesse , is costly and curious to make , but it is wonderfull soueraine , and of singular vse . for the horse that is continually kept with it ; i meane that hath it applyed to his limbes euer when he commeth from trauell , he shall neuer be troubled with sweld legges , nor yet euer put out wind● gals . now if you will neither goe to this cost , nor endure this trouble , yet would haue youre horse cured of this infirmitie , then assuredly● know not any thing better or more approued , then continually both before and after trauell , and in the house , nany times in the day to laue and wash your horses limbes , or other sweld parts , with the coldest and clearest fountain water that you can get , and sometimes let the horse stand in some cold cleare riuer for the space of a quarter of an howre or more , vp to the knees , and cambrels , but no further . this medicine , how poore soener it looke , is of infinite vertue , and though i write of cold water , yet is the operation hot and fierie ; only this you must take to your remembrance , that this applycation appertaines not to impostumations , but to straines , and swellings , which are without much anguish . to heale or dry vp any old vlcer , or cankerous sore . take masticke , frankensence , clo●es , greene copperas , and brimstone , of each a like quantitie , of myrrhe double so much as of any one of the other . beate all to a fine powder , then burne it on a chafingdish and coales , but let it not flame . then as the smoake ary seth take a good handfull of fine lint , or towe , and hold it ouer the smoake so that it may receiue all the perfume thereof into it . then when i● is thorowly well perfumed , put the lint into a very close boxe , and s● keepe it . then when you haue occasion to vse it , first wash the sore with vrine , then dry it , and lastly lay o● some of this lint , or towe ; and thus doe twice a day , and it is a speedy cure. as this is soueraine for an horse , so it is as soueraine for any man also . to cure the running frush , or any impostumation in the soale of the foot , to dry vp scratches , paines , and the like cankerous sores . take old vrine , and boyle it with good stoore of allome , and keepe it in a close vessell by it selfe ; then take a good handfull or two of greene nettles , strong and keene , and spread them on some plate , or other vessell , and dry them either before the fire , or in an ouen ( after the houshold bread is drawn ) then crush and bruse them into a very fine powder , then looke what quantity of powder there is , and take the like quantity of pepper beaten to as fine a powder , & mixe both very well together , then keepe this powder in a close bladder . now when you haue occasion to vse it , first wash the sore place with the vrine and allome , made verie warme , and the sores thoroughly scowred ; after dry them with a fine lawne , or linnen ragge , and lastly strow or pounce of the powder , so as it may couer all the sore : and thus doe euer after trauell , or once a day in the time of rest . for any sore eye of horse , or beast . take the sh●ls of seuen or eight egges , and cleanse away the inner slyme from them so cleane as may be ; then lay those shels betweene two cleane tyles , and so lay them in hot glowing embers , and couer thē all ouer , & on enery side and so let them lye a good space , till the shels be all dryed , then take them vp , and beat the shels to a verie fine searst powder ; then with a goose quill blow this powder into the ▪ horses eye that is offended with pinne , webbe , filme , or any thicknesse , or fulnesse , and it is a certaine cure : and thus doe morning , noone , and night . but if it be for any watery or inflamed eye , for any bruse , stripe , or descending humor , then take a spoonfull and an halfe of the fine searst powder of white sugar candy , and being mixt together with as much may ▪ butter ( if you can get it , or for want thereof , the best sweet butter ) work both these powders into a gentle salue , and therewith annoint the horses eye morning , noone , and night , for it cleanseth , purgeth , comforteth , and cooleth . for a backe-sinew straine , or any other straine . take an ounce of turpentine , and two or three spoonfuls of aquauitae , and beate them together in a bladder , or other vessell , till they come to a perfect salue ; then annoint the straine very wel therewith , and heat it in , either with an hot bricke , or else a barre of iron : and thus doing three or foure times , it will take away the strayne . for any old strayne , or lamenesse in ioynts , synewes , &c. take boares grease , bolearmoniacke , blacke sope , and nerue oyle , of each a like quantity , boyle them well together , and then apply it hot to the griefe , rubbing and chasing it in exceedingly , and also heating it in very well , either with an hot brickbat , or hot fire shouell , or an hot barre of iron ; and thus doe once a day vntill the paine doe depart away . for any griefe , payne , nambnesse , weaknesse , or swelling in ioynts , that commeth of a cold cause . take aquauitae , and heat it on the fire , and therewith bathe the grieued part or member verie well , and holding an hot barre of iron before it , make the medicine to sinke in ; then take a linnen cloth and wet it well in the same aquauitae ; lastly take pepper beaten and searst to a fine dust , and there with couer the wet cloath all ouer verie thicke , and so fold it about the grieued part ; then take a dry rouller and roule it about the wet , and so let the horse rest : and thus doe once a day at the last , till you finde amendment . for any desperate and incureable straine in the shoulder , or other hidden parts , for any fistula , pole-euill or other impostumation or swelling . take a large earthen vessell of a gallon , two , or three , & almost fill it with the hearbe arsesmart , and brookelime , equall in quantity and equally mixt ; then put to them as much of the oldest and strongest vrine that can be got , as will couer the hearbes all ouer , and fill the vessell full , then couer the pot close with a stone , board , or such like thing , and so let it stand , for this can neuer be too old . now when you haue occasion to vse it for any griefe afore-said , you shall take an earthen pipkin , and put there into both of the vrine and the hearbes so much as shall be conuenient for the greefe , and you shall boyle it well vpon the fire . then if it be for a shoulder straine , you shall take an old boot , and cut off the foot , so that you may draw it ouer the horses foot , and aboute his knee , almost to the elbow of his shoulder , keeping the neather part of the boote as close and strayte about his legge as may be , but the vpper part ( which couereth all the shoulders ) must be wide and spacious : into this boote thrust all your mixture as hot as the horse can suffer it , and lay it fast and close about the shoulders , especially before and behinde ; then drawing vp the vpper part of the boot , so fasten it to the mayne of the horse , that it may by no meanes slip down , but keepe constant and firme . and thus you must doe once or twice a day till the greefe depart . as for the effect thereof , you shall find it , for this is the violentest of all midcines , so that if there be any foule matter that must come forth , this will in an instant bring it to an head , ripen , breake , and heale it : if there be no such thing , then in as short a time , it will driue away the offending humors , take away the swelling , and giue present ease . yet would i haue you to vse this but in extremitie , because for the time , the torment is almost insuffe . rable , and indeed , for nothing but an horse to endure . now if it be for a fistula , or any such like impostumation , or swelling , then you may spare the boote , and only lay on the medicine in the maner of a pultus , and it will be altogether sufficient . for foundering , frettizing , or any imperfection in the feet , or hoofes of an horse . first pare thinne , open the heeles wide , and shoo large , strong and hollow ; then take a good quantitie of cowes dung , halfe so much grease , or kiching-fee , a like quantitie of tarre , and a like quantitie of soot ; boyle all these verie well together , and then boyling-hot as may be , see you stop your horses feet therewith dayly , and it will not only take away all anguish , but also strengthen the hoofes , aud make them to endure any labour . but when you iourney or trauell the horse ( as exercise auayleth much for this cure ) then put in the aforesaid stopping cold , the first night after his labour , & adde vnto it the white of an egge or two , for that will take away the heat and beating of the former dayes labour , and will keepe the f●ush strong and dry . but in time of rest , let it be boyling hot as aforesaid . now if the hoofe be naturally brickle or by accident broken , or by the former infirmitie dryed vp and straytned ; then to inlarge it , to make it tough , and to make it to grow swiftly , take of pigges grease or of hogges grease , of turpentine and of mastick , of each a like quantitie , and halfe so much lard as of all the rest ; melt all but the turpentine on the fire , and being melted take it from the fire , and then put in the turpentine , stirring it about , incorporate all very well together , then put it into a gally-pot , and when it is cold , be sure you couer it close . with th● salue , twice or thrice a day annoynt the crownets of the horses hoofes , close by the hayre at the setting on of the hoofe , and it will make it shoot fast , and grow tough and large . for hurts vpon the crownets of the hoofes , as ouerreach , stub , or prickes , &c. first take of sope and salt , of each a like quantitie , and mixe them together like a paste ; then hauing cut out the ouerreach , or hurt , and layd it playne , first wash it with vrine and salt , or beere and salt , and with a cloath dry it ; then bind on the mixt sope and salt , not renewing it in 24 houres , and thus doe ( if the wound be great ) for three or foure dayes together : then hauing drawne out all the venome as this salue will quickly doe ) then take a spoonfull or two of traine-oyle , and as much ceruse ( which we call white lead ) and mixe it together to a thicke salue , then spred that vpon the sore morning and euening till it be whole , which will be effected suddenly ; for nothing doth dry vp sooner , nor is more kindly and naturall for the breeding of a new hoofe then this , as you shall find by experience . ho to helpe surbating , or ●●renesse in the feet . when you finde your horse to be surbated , presently clap into each of his fore-feet two new layd egges , and crush them therein , th●n vpon the top of them lay good store of cow-dung , thus stop him , and in foure howres he will recouer . for any bony excression arysing vpon any member of an horse ; as splint , spauen , curbe , ringbone , &c. take the root of elicampane well cleansed , and lap it in a paper , and rost it as you would rost a warden in hot embers , then as hot as the horse can suffer it ( for you must not scald ) after you haue rubd and chaft the excression , clap this thereunto and bind it on hard , and in once or twice dressing it wil consume the excression . also if morning and euening you rub the excression with the oyle of origanum , it will consume away the hardnesse . obseruations in giuing of fire , or vsing of corosiues , which heale all sorts of farcies , cankers , fistulays , leprosies , maungees , scabs , &c. there are two wayes to giue fire ; the one actuall , and the other potentiall : the first is done by instrument or hot iron , the other by medicine , either corosiue , putrefactiue , or causticke . the actuall fire , stoppeth corruption of members , and stan●heth blood , prouided the sinews , cords and ligaments be not toucht . the best instruments to cauterize or seare with , are of gold or siluer ; the second best are of copper , and the worst , but most vsuall are of iron . the potentiall fires are medecins corosiue , putr●factiue , or caustick . corosiues are simple or compound ; the simple corosiues are roch-allome , burnt or vnburnt , red coral , mercury sublimed , &c. the compound are vnguentum apostolorum , vnguentum aegyptiacum , and vnguentum coraceum , with others . medecines putrefactiue are your arsenicke , resalgar , chrysocollo , and aconitum . medecines which are causticke are strong lye , lime , vitriol , aq●a fortis , and the like . corosiues ore weaker then putrefactiues , and putrefactiues are weaker then causticks . corosiues worke in the soft flesh , puttefactiues in the hard , and causticks breake the sound skin . thus you see the vse of these things , you may apply them at your pleasure , for these cure all sorts of farcies , cankers , fistulaes , leprosies , maungees , scabbes , and suc● like poysonous infections . how to defend a hor●●e from flyes . this is a noysome offence in the summer time , therefore when you find the trouble thereof , take arsesmart and streep it in running water , & make it exceeding strong of the hearbe , and therewith sprinkell and wash the horse all ouer , and no fly will touch him a second time . the iuy , or rue , or hearbe of grace will doe the like . how to make a white starre , or white spot in an horses face , or in any other part . take two or three apples , the sowrest you can get , and rost them at a quicke fire , then being in the heighth of their heat , take one of them in a cloath , or other defence , and hauing cut off the skin , clap the hot apple to the horses forehead , and hold it hard thereto till the heat be asswaged ; then try if the hayre will come off , which if it will not , then take another hot apple , and doe as before : then when the hayre is come off as broad as you would haue it , take another hot apple , and clap it to the scalded skin , holding it hard to , till all the skin blister , and come off as well as the hayre , then anoynt the sore place twice or thrice a day with honey , and the next hayre which commeth will be white . how to keepe your woollen horse-cloathes , brest ▪ cloathes , rubbers , and the like from moath●● . when you turne your horse or horses to grasse , take al your woollen cloathes of what kind soeuer , and first wash them cleane , and dry them ; then hang them in the sunne , dust them , and brush them ; then lay them on some fleakes or other open things , a pretie distance from the ground , and spread all open ; then take the hoofs of horse or cattle , and chopping them in peeces , burne them vnder the woollen things , so as the smoke may come to them in euerie part , then being thorowly smoked , fold them vp handsomly , and betweene euerie fold strow the powder of wallnut-tree l●aues well dryed , and so lay them vp in a chest , and you shall neuer care for the offence of moathes , which is veri● vnholsome for the horse , and breeds in him a dislike . others vse to rub their cloathes on the wrong sides all ouer with the tops and tender parts of wormewood , and it hath the like effect . thus you may also preserue any arras , tapistree , or other hangings , and any linnen or woollen garments whatsoeuer . finis . the complete farriar, or the kings high-way to horsmanship experimentally unfolding 1. the dyeting and governing of the running horse. 2. how to order, feed, and keep any horse for war, pleasure, hunting, or travell. 3. how to know the age of any horse. lastly, certaine rare and approved secrets for the cure of the worst infirmities in horses. by g. markam. discource of horsmanshippe. abridgments markham, gervase, 1568?-1637. 1639 approx. 143 kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from 95 1-bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : 2005-12 (eebo-tcp phase 1). a06911 stc 17341 estc s121248 99856433 99856433 21982 this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons 0 1.0 universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase 1, no. a06911) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set 21982) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, 1475-1640 ; 813:08) the complete farriar, or the kings high-way to horsmanship experimentally unfolding 1. the dyeting and governing of the running horse. 2. how to order, feed, and keep any horse for war, pleasure, hunting, or travell. 3. how to know the age of any horse. lastly, certaine rare and approved secrets for the cure of the worst infirmities in horses. by g. markam. discource of horsmanshippe. abridgments markham, gervase, 1568?-1637. [8], 170 [i.e. 172] p. printed by i. d[awson] for r. young, and are sold by p. nevill in ivie-lane, london : 1639. printer's name from stc. an abridgment of stc 17350, "how to chuse, ride, trayne, and dyet, both hunting-horses and running horses" which is an enlarged edition of "discourse of horsmanshippe". page 172 misnumbered 170. reproduction of the original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p5 using tcp2tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database 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assigned for keying and markup 2005-06 apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images 2005-07 judith siefring sampled and proofread 2005-07 judith siefring text and markup reviewed and edited 2005-10 pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the complete farriar , or the kings high-way to horsmanship . experimentally unfolding 1. the dyeting and governing of the running horse . 2. how to order , feed , and keep any horse for war , pleasure , hunting , or travell . 3. how to know the age of any horse . lastly , certaine rare and approved secrets for the cure of the worst infirmities in horses . by g. markam . london , printed by j. d. for r. young , and are sold by p. nevill in ivie-lane , 1639. to all courteous readers , and lovers of good horses . this my ensuing book ( which i have stiled , the complete farriar , or the kings high-way to horsemanship ) was some yeares since collected for my own private benefit , and now , by the request of many friends , sent to the view of the world : it being the last of all my labours , i will not commend it ; yet so far i will allow of it , that it is not inferiour , if not equall to any of my former bookes . for my bosome receipts , which i practised daily , not knowne to any but my selfe , ( and being now aged ) i was willing to impart to the benefit of all well-wishers and lovers of horses , to their posteritie : for these will revive my memorie , when time hath almost raz'd out the remembrance of me . and so wishing you all good successe in your experiments , i heartily take leave , and rest , yours g. m. a table of the things handled in the first booke . an introduction to the worke , or ● giving of satisfaction to all reasonable practicers , & confuting the wilfull selfe-conceited , touching the limitation of time , for preparing of the running horse . 1 the first ordering of the running horse , according to the severall estates of their bodies . 11 how to diet an horse ( for a match ) that is fat , foule , and either newly taken from grass or soyle , being the first fortnight . 15 foure principall considerations touching heates . 30 the second fortnight . 32 the first bread . 34 the first scowring . 46 the ordering of the horse after his scow●ing . 48 the third fortnight . 54 the second bread. 55 the fourth and last fortnight . 56 the last bread. 57 certain necessary observations and advantages for every keeper to observe in sundry accidents . 67 how to order , feed , and keep any horse for warre , pleasure , hunting , or travell . 84 generall observations , helpes , and advertisements for any man when he goeth to buy an horse . 92 an uncontroulable way how to know the age of any horse . 119 a table of the second booke . of sicknesse in generall . 123 the true manner of making the true diahexaple . 126 the vertues of the diahexaple . 127 the making of the cordiall balls . 129 for the botts , and all manner of wormes , & ●● 133 another for the bots , &c. 134 an excellent purgation when a horse is sick● of grease , &c. 135 for laxativenesse , &c. 136 an help for the stone , &c. 13● t●cure and breake an old festered cold , & ● 138 another for a violent cold , &c. 139 an excellent cordiall powder . 14● an excellent medicine against scowring , &c. 141 a●ater for sore eyes , &c. 142 another for sore eyes . 143 for a bruise on the eye , pearle , or pinne , &c. 144 an excellent medicine for a backe sinew straine , &c. 145 saint anthonies cure for a straine . 146 another for a desperate old straine . 147 an excellent medicine for a new straine , &c. 148 a perfect cure for a new straine . 149 my owne balme for straines , &c. and sinewes that are extended . 150 , 151 to help a sinew straine in twenty foure houres . 152 an unguent to take away aches , &c. 153 for swell'd or gourded legges , &c. 154 another for gourdings , &c. 157 another for scratches , &c. 158 for any splent , spaven , &c. 159 another for a splent , spaven , &c. 160 a cure for the swiftcut , &c. 161 to cure saddle bruises , &c. 162 for any maunge , scab , &c. 163 for the ●oulest and most desperate farcie that may be . 164 for any founder , frettize , &c. 165 to make hoofes grow quickly , &c. 166 a generall salve for any sore occasioned by a pricke , &c. 168 an excellent remedy for decayed rotten lungs , which we call broken winded , or any old dry cough , &c. 170 how to make balsamum sulphuris . 171 an approved cure for the swiftcut , or any hewing on the legges . 172 an introduction to the worke , or a giving of satisfaction to all reasonable practisers , and confuting the wilfull self-conceited . chapter i. i will not dispute the severall opinions of men in this kingdome touching the keeping of the running horse , because i know many are idle and frivolous , some uncertaine , and a few in the right way : onely ( in this worke ) i would clear one paradox which is strongly maintained , and infinitely pursued by many of our best professors , and that is the limitation or length of time for the preparing or making ready of an horse for a match or great wager . there be divers , nay some which i know , carry the goddesse isis on their backs , that affirme an horse which is exceeding fat , full , newly taken from grasse , soyle , or lofty , liberall and unbounded feeding , cannot be brought to the performance of his best labour , under six moneths ; five is too little , and four an act of impossibilitie : by which they rob their noble masters of half a years pleasure , thrust upon them a tyring charge to make the sport loathsome , and get nothing but a cloak for ignorance , and a few false-got crowns , that melt as they are possessed : yet as hereticks cite scriptures , so these finde reasons to defend want of knowledge ; as the danger of too early exercise , the offence of grease too sodainly broken , the moving of evill humours too hastily ( which leads to mortall sicknesse ) and the moderation or helping of all these by a slow proceeding and bringing of the horse into order by degrees and time , or ( as i may say ) by an ignorant sufferance . these reasons i know have the shew of a good ground ; for too early exercise is dangerous , but not , if free from violence . to break grease too sodainly is an offence unsufferable , for it puts both the limbs and life in hazard , but not if it be purg'd away by wholsome scouring ; the hasty stirring up of humors in a body where they superabound , and are generally dispersed and not setled , cannot but breed sicknesse , but not where discretion and judgement eva●uateth them in wholsome sweats and moderate ayrings ; and for the moderation of all these by the teadiousnesse of time , as two moneths for the first , two moneths for the second , and as much for the last , t is like the curing of the gangreen in an old man , better to dye then be dismembred , better loose the prize then bear the charge . for i dare appeale to any noble judgement ( whose purse hath experience in these actions ) if 6 moneths preparation , and the dependences belonging to it and his person , do not devoure up an hundred pound wager . but you will demand of mee what limitation of time i will allow for this purpose of preparation , and i answer , that two moneths is sufficient at any time of the year whatsoever , the horse having years , strength , and former trayning , for i speak not of colts , and he that cannot do it in two moneths , shall never do it truly in fifteen . but ( reply they ) no scouring is to be allowed ; for they are physicall , then unnaturall , they force nature , and so hurt nature , they make sicknesse , and so empaire health , and that indeed nothing is comparable to the length of time , because nature works every thing her self , though she be longer , yet she hath lesse danger ; i confesse , that slibbersauce scowrings which are stuft with poysonous ingredients , cannot choose but bring forth infirmity , but wholesome scowrings that are composed of beneficiall and nourishing simples , neither occasion sicknesse nor any manner of infirmity , but bring away grease and all manner of foulnesse in that kindly and abundant sort , that one week shall effect and cleanse away more , then two moneths of dilatorie and doubtfull forbearance ; i call it dilatorie and doubtfull , because no man in this lingering course can certainly tell which way the grease and other foulnesses will avoyd , as whether into his ordure , which is the safest ; into sweat , which is hazardous ; into his limbs , which is mischievous ; or remain and putrifie in his body , which is mortally dangerous ; since the issue of any , or al of these , fall out according to the strength of the horses body , and the diligence of the keeper ; and if either the one fayl in power , or the other in care , farwell horse for that year . all this envie cannot chuse but confesse , onely they have one broken crutch to support them , which is , they know no scowring , therefore they will allow of no scowring ( for thus they have argued with me ) against barbarisme i will not dispute , onely i appeal to art and discretion , whether purgation or sufferance ( when nature is offended ) bee the better doers . to conclude , two moneths i allow for preparation , and according to that time i have layd my directions : my humble suite is , out of a sincere opinion to truth & justice , so to allow or disallow , to refraine or imitate . but they reply ( by a figure called absurdity ) that whatsoever is given to an horse more then his naturall food , and that which hee will naturally and with all willingnesse receive of his own accord , is both unproper & unwholsome , and therefore he ought not to be forced with any thing against his appetite : this i have heard them affirme , and to this i thus reply ; the naturall food of man is bread onely , other things ( according to the philosopher ) are but superfluities and so to be refrained ▪ the naturall food of an horse is grasse onely , and so all things else to be eschewed : at this argument both humanity & divinity laughs . for other helps , as physick , divers meats and divers means are ordained for both , even by the power of the almightie : himselfe tels the contemners thereof , how grosly they erre in this foolish opinion . nay allow them a little shadow of truth , that things most naturall are most beneficiall , then it must follow that grasse is most naturall , and so most beneficiall : now grasse is physicall , for in it is contained all manner of simples of all manner of natures , hot , cold , moist , drie , of all qualities , all quantities , all mixtures ; so that whatsoever i give ( that is good ) is but that which he hath formerly gathered out of his own nature , onely with this difference , that what he gathereth , is in a confused manner , clapping contraries together so abundantly , that we are not able to judge where the : predominant quality lyeth ; and that which we compound is so governed by art and reason , that we know how it should work , and we expect the event , if it be not cro●● by some greater disaster . but will they binde themselves to keep the running-horse onely with grasse , they know then the end of their labour will be losse . no , they will allow corn , nay divers corns , some nourishing and loosening , as oats and rye , some astringent and binding , as beans , and some fatning and breeding both bloud and sperm , as wheat ; nay they will allow bread of divers compositions and divers mixtures , some before heats , some after , some quick of digestion , and some slow , and if this be not as physicall as any scowring a good horseman gives , i report me to him that shall read the mixtures : nay these contemners of scowrings will allow an egge , nay an egge mixt with other ingredients , and for butter and garlick they will use it , though it be never so fulsome ; the reason is , because their knowledge can rise to no higher a stayre in physick , and authorized ignorance will ever wage battell with the best understanding ; like foolish gallants on saint georges day , who neither having ability to buy , nor credite to borrow a gold chain , scorn at them which wear them , or martine marprelatt , that not having learning worthy of a deacon , found no felicity but in rayling against divine fathers . chap. ii. the first ordering of the running-horse according to the severall states of their bodies . when a horse is matcht ( or to bee matcht ) for a runing course , you are principally to regard the state of bodie in which the horse is at the time of his matching ; and this state of bodie i divide into three severall kindes . the first is if he be very fat , foule , and either newly taken from grasse or soyle . the second , if he be extream leane and poore , either through over-riding , disorder , or other infirmitie . and the third ; if he be in a good and well-liking estate , having had good usage and moderate exercise . if your horse be in the first estate of bodie , you shall take longer time for his keeping and bringing into order , as two moneths at the least , or more , as you can conclude your wager . if he be in the second estate of bodie , that is , very poore ; then you shall also take as long time as you may , yet you need not so much as in the former : grasse cannot much hurt , and exercise may go hand in hand with feeding . if he be in the third estate of bodie ( which is a meane betwixt the other extreams ) then a moneth or six weeks , may be time sufficient to dyet him for his match . now as you regard these generall estates of bodies , so you must have an eye to certain particular estates of bodies ; as if an horse be fat and foule , yet of a free and spending nature , apt quickly to consume and loose his flesh , this horse must not have so strickt an hand , neither can he endure so violent exercise , as he that is of an hard and keltie disposition , and will feed and be fat upon all meats and all exercises ▪ again , if your horse be in extream poverty through disorder and misusage , yet is by nature verie hard , and apt both soon to recover his flesh , and long to hold it ; then , over this horse you shall by no means hold so liberall and tender an hand , nor forbear that exercise which otherwise you would do to the horse which is of a tender nature , a weak stomack and a free spirit ; provided alwaies you have regard to his limbs , and the imperfection of lamenesse . thus you see how to look into the estates of horses bodies , and what time to take for your matchings , i will now descend to their severall orderings and dietings : and because in the fat horse is contained both the leane horse , and the horse in reasonable estate of bodie , i will in him shew all the secrets and observations which are to bee employed in the dyeting and ordering of all three , without any omission or reservation whatsoever ; for truth , sir , i have vowed unto you , and truth i will present you . chap. iii. how to dyet an horse for a match , that is fat , foule , and either newly taken from grasse , or soyle , being the first fortnight . if you match an horse that is foule and fat , either by running at grasse , or standing at soyle , or by any other means of rest , or too high keeping , you shall for the first fortnight ( at least ) rise earlie in the morning before day , or at the spring of day ( according to the time of the year ) and having put on his bridle washt in beere , and tyed him to the rack , take away his dung and other foulnesse of the stable ; then you shall dresse the horse exceeding well , that is to say ; you shall first currie him all over with the iron combe , from the head to the tayle , from the top of the shoulder to the knee , and from the top of the b●r●ock to the hinder cambrell , then dust him all over , either with a clean dusting cloth , or with an horse tayle , or such like thing made fast to an handle ; then currie or ●●● him all over with the f●●●●● brush , beginning with his forehead , temples , and cheeks , so down his neck , shoulders , and fore-leg● , even to the setting on of the hoof● , so along his sides , and under his bellie , and lastly all about his buttocks and hinder leggs even to the ground : then you shall go over all those parts ( which the brush hath toucht ) with your wet hands and not leave ( as neer as you can ) one loose hair about him , nor one wet hair ; for what your hands did wet , your hands must rub drie again : you shall also with your wet hands cleanse his sheath , his yard , his stones , or cod , and his tuell , and indeed not leave any secret place uncleansed , as ears , nostrills , fore-bowels , and between his hinder thighes ; then you shall take an hayrie-cloath , and with it rubbe the horse all over in everie part , but especially , his face , eies , cheeks , between the chaps , on the top of the forehead , in the nape of the neck , down his legs , feetlocks , and about his pasterns ; lastly , you shall take a clean woollen-cloath , and with it rub the horse all over , beginning with his head , and face , and so passing through every part of the horses bodie or limbs , which hath been before mentioned ; then take a wet main-combe , and combe down his main , and tayle ; when this work is finished , take a faire large body-cloath , of thick warm huswives caresey ( if it be in the winter season ) or of fine cotton , or other light stuffe ( if it be in the sommer season ) and fold it round about the horses bodie , then clappe on his saddle , and girt the formost girt pretty straight , but the other girt somewhat slack , and wisp it on each side the horses heart , that both the girts may bee of equall straightnesse ; then put before his brest , a warm breast-cloath sutable to the bodie-cloath , and let it cover both his shoulders : when the horse is thus accoutered and made readie , you shall take a little beere into your mouth , and spirt it into the horses mouth , and so draw him out of the stable , and take his back , leaving some ordinarie groom behind you to trim up your stable , to carry forth the dung , and to shake and tosse up your litter , for you are to understand , and it is a generall principle , that your horse must stand upon good store of fresh , drie litter , continually both night and day ; and it must ever be of wheat straw if possible , or oat-straw , if forc't by necessity ; as for barlie-straw , and rye-straw , they are both unwholsome and dangerous , the one doth heart-burn , the other causeth scouring . when you are thus mounted , you shall walke forth your horse a foot pace ( which we call racking , for you must neither amble , nor trott ) at least a myle ortwo , or more , upon smooth & sound ground , and as near as you can to the steepest hills you can finde ; there gallop your horse very gently up those steep hills , and racke , or walke him softly down , that he may coole as much one way , as he warmeth another , and when you have thus exercised him a pretty space , then seeing the sunne begin to rise , or pre●●ily risen , you shall walk your horse either to some river , or cleare pond that is fed with a sweet spring , and there let him drinke at his pleasure ; after hee hath drunk , walk him gently from the water a pretty space , to avoyd evill qualities , which custome will gather , as fearfulnesse to drinke for fear of sodain gallopping , or furious running away , knowing he must gallop ( which may indanger his winde ) then after calme usage , you shall gallop and exercise him moderatly as you did before , then walk him a pretty space , and after offer him more water : if he drink , then do as before ; if he refuse , then gallop him to occasion thirst , and thus alwaies give him exercise , both before and after his water ; when he hath drunke ( as you think ) sufficiently , then bring him home gently , without a wet haire about him ; when you are come to the stable doore ( before which your groome shall ever throw his foule litter continually and from time to time ) there alight from his back , and by whistling , stretching the horse upon the straw , and raising up the straw under him , see if you can make him pisse , which if at first he doe not , yet with a little custome hee will soon be brought unto it , and it is an wholsome action , both for the horses health , and for the cleanly keeping of your stable . when these things are performed , you shall then bring the horse into his stall , and first tye his head up to the rack in the bridle , then with hard dry wisps rub all his foure leggs downe with as great strength as you can , then unloose his breast cloth , rub his head , neck , and breast exceeding much with a dry cloth , then take off his saddle , and hang it by , after take off his body-cloth , then rub over all his bodie and limbs , especially his back where the saddle stood , aad then clothe him up , first with a linnen sheet , then over it a good strong housing-cloth , and above it his woollen bodiecloth , which in the winter it is not amisse to have it lined with some thin cotton , or other woollen stuffe ; but in the heate of sommer , the carsey it selfe is sufficient : when you have girt these clothes about him , stop his sirsingle round with reasonable big , soft , and thicke wisps , for with them he will lie at best ease , because small hard wisps are ever hurtfull . after your horse is thus clothed up , you shall then picke his feet , and stop them up with cowdung , and then throw into his racke a little bundle of hay , so much as an halfe-penny bottle in a deare inne , well dusted , chosen , and hard bound together , and this he shall teare out as he standeth on his bridle . after the horse hath stood on his bridle an houre , you shall come to him , and first rubbe his head , face , and the nape of his neck with a clean rubber made of new rough hempen cloth , for this is excellent for the head , and dissolveth all grosse and filthy humours ; and then you shall draw his bridle , and with a very clean cloth make the maunger so cleane as may be , and if he have scattered any hay therin , gather it up , and throw it back in to his rack ; then you shall take the quantity of a quart or better , of sweet , drie , old and cleane drest oats , of which the heaviest , and the whitest are the best , or those which we call the poland oats , or the cut oats , for those onely are wholsome , the other which are unsweet , breed infirmity , those which are moyst cause swelling in the bodie , those which are new breed worms and paine in the belly , and they which are halfe drest deceive the stomacke , and bring the horse to ruine ; as for the blacke oats , though they are tolerable in the time of necessity , yet they make foule dung , and hinder a mans knowledge in the state of the horses bodie ; this quart of oats you shall put into a sive that is lesse then a riddle , and a thought bigger than a reeing sive , such an one as will let a light oat thorow , but keepe a full oat from scattering ; in this sive you shall ree , dresse , and tosse your oats very much , that there may be neither dust , nor any other foule thing in them , and so give them to the horse to eate , and if he eat them with a good stomack , you may then sift and give him as much more , and so let him rest till it be neere eleven a clock : at eleven , come to the stable againe , and having rubd the horses head , neck , and face , you shall then take another quart , or better , of oats , and ( as before ) tosse and ree them through your sive , and so give them the horse ; then closing up your windows , that the horse may remaine so darke as is possible , leave him till one a clock : and here you are to understand , that the darker you keepe your horse in your absence , the better it is , and it will occasion him to feed , lye down , and take his rest , when otherwise he would not ; and therefore wee commonly use to arme the stalls wherein these horses stand , round about , and aloft , and over the racke with strong canvase , both for darknesse , warmth , and that no filth may come near the horse . at one a clocke or thereabouts , come to the horse , and sift him another● quart of oats , and give them him ▪ after you have rubd well his face , head , and nape of the neck , then putting away his dung , & making the stable cleane and sweet , give him a little knob of hay , and so leave him till foure a clock in the evening if it be in the sommer , o● after three , if it be in the winter and short season . at foure a clock , come againe to the stable , and having made all things cleane , then bridle up the horse ( having we● the snaffle with beere ) and tye him up to the rack , then take off his cloaths , and dresse him in al points and every way , as was shewed you for the morning ; after he is drest , then cloath and saddle him , as was also shewed for the morning ; then bring him forth , and do your best to make him pisse and dung upon the foule litter before the stable doore , then mount his back , and ride him forth as you did in the morning , but not to the hills , if possible you can finde any other plain and levell ground , as meadow , pasture , or any other earth , especially if it lie along by the river , but in this case you can bee no chooser , but must take the most convenient ground you can find , making a vertue of necessity ; here ayre your horse in all points in the evening , as you did in the morning , galloping him both before , and after his water , then racking him gently up and down , and in your racking you must observe , even from the stable doore , in all your passages , especially when you would have your horse to empty himselfe ( if your horse be stoned ) to let him smell upon every old and new dung you meet withall , for this will make him emptie his bodie , and repaire his stomack ; after you have watred your horse , and spent the evening in ayring till within night , ( for nothing is more wholsome , or sooner consumeth foulnesse , then early and late ayrings , ) you shall then rack him home to the stable doore , there alight , and whatsoever you did in the morning , either within doors , or without , do the same also now at night , and so leave the horse on his bridle for an hour or more , then come to him again , & as you did in the forenoon so do now , rub him well , draw his bridle , cleanse the maunger , put up his scattered hay , sift him a quart and better of oats , and give them him , and so let him rest till nine a clock at night . at nine a clock at night , which is bed time both for your horse & your selfe , come unto him , and first rub down his legs hard , with hard wisps , then with a clean cloth rub his face , head , chaps , nape of the neck , and foreparts , then turne up his cloaths , and rub over his buttocks and hinder parts , then put down his cloaths , and sift him a quart of oats and give them him , then put into his rack a little bundle of hay , tosse up his litter , and make his bed soft , and so betake both him and your selfe to your rests till the next morning . the next morning ( as the morning before ) come to the horse and doe every thing without the omission of any one particle , as hath been formerly declared ; and thus you shall keepe your horse constantly for the first fortnight , in which , by this double daily exercise , you shall so harden his flesh , and consume his foulnesse , that the next fortnight ( if you bee a temperate man ) you may adventure to give him gentle heats . chap. iiii. foure principall considerations touching heats . now touching heats , which is the violent exercise of an horse , you are to take to your self these foure considerations , first , that two heats in the week is a sufficient proportion , for any horse of what condition , or state of bodie soever . secondly , that one heate should ever be given , upon that day in the weeek on which he is to runne his match , as thus , if your match is to be run upon the monday , then your fittest heating dayes , are mondaies , and frydaies , and the mondaies to be ever the sharpe● heat , both because it is the day of his match , and there is three daies respite betwixt it , and the other heate . if the match day be on the tuesday , then the heating dayes are tuesdaies , and saturdaies : if it be on the wednesday , then the heating dayes are , wednesdaies , and saturdaies , by reason of the sabboth : if on the thursday , then thursdaies , and mondaies , and so of the rest . thirdly , you shall give no heat ( except in case of extremitie ) in very rainy and foule weather , but rather deferre houres , and change times , for it is unwholsome and dangerous , and therefore in case of showers and uncertaine weather , you shall be sure to provide for your horse a warm lined hood , with lined ears , and the nape of the neck lined , to keep out raine , for nothing is more dangerous then cold wet , falling into the ears , and upon the nape of the neck , and the e●llets . lastly , observe to give you● heats , the weather being seasonable , as early in the morning as you can , that is by the spring of day , but by no means in the dark , for it is to the horse unwholsome and unpleasant , to the man a great testimony of folly , and to both an act of danger and precipitation . chap. v. the second fortnights keeping . now to descend to the second fortnights keeping , touching your first approach to the stable , and other by respects , as cleansing , shaking up of litter , and the like , you shall do all things as in the first fortnight , onely before you put on his bridle , you shall give him a quart or better , of clea● fifted oats , which as soon as h●● hath eaten , you shall then bridle him up , and dresse him in all points as was declared in the first fortnight ; you shall cloath him , saddle him , ayre , water , and bring him home as in the first fortnight , onely you shall not put any hay in his rack to teare out , but onely draw with your hand as much fine sweet hay ( which you shall tosse and dust well , ( as you can gripe , and let him as he standeth on the bridle , teare it out of your hand , which if he do greedily , and earnestly , then you may give him another , and another , and so let him stand on the bridle an houre or more after ; then come to him and after rubbing , and other ceremonies before declared performed , sift and dust up a quart of oats , and set them by , then take a ●oafe of bread that is at least three ●aies old , made after this manner . chap. vi. the first bread. take three pecks of clean beans , and one peck of fine wheat , and mix them together , and grinde them to pure meale , then boult it through a reasonable fine raunge , and knead it up with great store of barme , and lightning , but with as little water as may be ; labour it in the trough with all painfulnesse , tread it , break it , and after cover it warm , and let it ●● a pretty space in the trough ●● swell , then knead it over againe , and mould it up into bigge loaves like twelvepenny houshold loaves and so bake them well , and ●● them soake soundly : after th●● are drawn from the oven , tur●● t●● bottomes upward , and let them coole ; at three daies old you may adventure to give this bread , b●● hardly sooner , for nothing doth occasion surfet , or is more dangerous then new bread ; yet if necessity compell you sooner to give it , or that the bread be dan● and clammie , so as the horse taketh distaste thereat , then cut the loafe into thin shives , and lay it abroad in a sive to drie , and then crumbling it small amongst his oats , you may give it without danger . but to returne to my purpose where i left , when you have taken a loafe of this bread of three dayes old , you shall chip it very well , then cut it into thinne slices , and breake three or foure shives thereof ( which may countervaile the quantity of the oats ) very small , and mix it with the oats you had before fifted , and so give them to the horse . about eleven of the clock you shall come to the horse , and having performed your by ceremonies before spoke of , you shall give him the same quantity of bread and oats , as you did in the morning , and so let him rest till the afternoone . at one of the clock in the afternoone , or after , if you intend not to give him an heate the next day , you shall feed him with bread and oats , as you did in the forenoone , and so consequently every meale following , for the day , observing every action and motion as hath been before declared ; but if you intend the next day to give him an heat ( to which i now bend mine ayme ) you shall then onely give him a quart of oats carefully sifted , but no hay , and so let him rest till foure of clock in the evening . at foure a clock , before you put on his bridle , give him a quart of clean sifted oats , and assoone as they are eaten , put on his bridle , and tye up his head , not forgetting all by-ceremonies before declared , then dresse him , cloath him , saddle him , ayre and water him as before shewed ; also bring him home , and order him as before shewed , onely give no hay at all . after hee hath stood an houre on the bridle , give him ( as before ) a quart of cleane sifted oats ; when he hath eaten them , you shall then put on his head a sweet clean washt moosell , and so let him rest till nine of the clocke at night . now touching the use of this moosell , and which is the best , you shall understand that as they are most usefull , being good and rightly made , so they are dangerous and hurtfull being abused , or falsly made ; the true use of them is to keepe the horse from eating up his litter , from gnawing upon boords and mud walls , and indeed to keep him from eating any thing but what he receiveth from your own hands . these moosells are sometimes made of leather , and stampt full of holes , or else close , but they are unsavoury and unwholsome ; for if it be allomd leather , the allome is offensive : if it be liquored leather , the grease and tanners ●uze are full as unpleasant , besides they are too close , and too hot , and both make an horse sick , cause him to forbeare rest , and retaine his dung longer in his bodie then otherwise he would do ; the best sommer moosell , is the net moosell , made of strong packthred , and knit exceeding thick , and with small mashes in the bottome , and so enlarged wider and wider up to the middle of the horses head , and then bound about the top with strong tape , and upon the neer side a loop , and on the farre side a long string of tape to fasten it unto the horses head . the best winter moosell is that which is made of strong double canvase , with a round bottome , and a square latisse window of small tape before both his nostrils down to the very bottome of the moosell , and upward more then an handfull , this must also have a loop , and a string to fasten it about the horses head . at nine of the clocke at night , comming to the horse ( after your by-ceremonies before taught are performed ) give him a quart of clean sifted oats , and assoone as hee hath eaten them , put on his moosell , tosse up his litter , and leave him to his rest . the next day early in the morning before day , come to the horse ( if he be standing on his feet , but if he be layd , by no means disturb him ) now whilst he is lying , or if he be standing , take a quart of cleane oats well sifted and rubd betweene your hands , and wash them in a little strong ale or beer , and let them not be too moyst , for fear of offence , and so give them to the horse : assoone as he hath eaten them , bridle him up , and hang by his moosell in some sweet place , then uncloath him , & dresse him as hath beene before shewed , after put on his body-cloth and brest-cloth , and saddle him , then being readie to go forth with him ▪ take his bridle reine , and draw it over the top of the rack , so as you may raise his head also , then take a new layd egge washt clean , and breaking it in his mouth , make him to swallow it down , then wash his tongue and mouth with a little beere , and so leade him forth of the stable : at the doore see if hee will pisse , or dung , then take his back , and rack him gently to the course , ever and anon making him smel upon other horses dungs whereby he may emptie himselfe the better ; when you are come within a myle or thereabout of the starting-post , you shall alight from the horses back , and take off his body-cloth , and brest-cloth , and then girt on the saddle againe ; then sending away your groome both with those clothes , and other cleane drie rubbing-clothes , let him stay at the last end of the race till you come , then yourself rack your horse gently up to the starting-post and beyond , making him smell to that post , as you should also doe to the first post ( which wee call the waighing post ) that he may thereby take notice of the beginning and ending of his course , and there start your horse roundly and sharply , at neer a three quarters speed , and according to his strength of body , ability of mind , and cheerfulnesse of spirit , run him the whole course through , but by no means do any thing in extremity , or above his winde and strength , but when you finde him a little yeeld , then give him a little ease , so that all he doth may be done with pleasure , and not with anguish , for this manner of trayning will make him take delight in his labour , and so increase it , the contrary will breed discomfort , and make exercise irksome . also during the time you thus course your horse , yet shall with all carefulnesse note upon what grounds he runneth best ▪ as whethe up the hill , or down the hill , whether on the smooth earth , or on the rough , whether on the wet , or on the drie , or whether on the level , or the earth that is somewhat rising ; and according as you finde his nature and disposition , so maintaine him for your owne advantage . when you have thus courst the course over strongly & swiftly , and after a little slightly gallopt him up and down the field to ●ake his winde , and cheare his spirits , you shall then ( your groom being ready with your cloaths and other necessaries ) ride into some warme place , as under the covert of some hedge , bushes , or trees , into some hollow drie ditch , pit , or other defence from the ayre , and there alight from his back , and first with a glasing-knife , or a scraping knife as some call it , made either of some broken sword-blade , some old broken sithe , or for want of them , of a thinne peece of old hard oaken wood , and fashioned like a broad long knife , with a sharp edge ; and using this with both your hands , scrape off all the sweat from your horse in every part wheresoever you finde any wet , excepting his buttocks , which must not bee touched ; and thus do till you find there will no more sweat arise , and ever an anon move and stirre the horse up and down , and then with dry cloaths rub him all over exceedingly , his buttocks still excepted , then take off the saddle , and having glazed , and rubb'd his backe , put on his body-cloth and brest-cloth , and then set on the saddle again , and girt it , then gallop the horse gently forth againe a little space , ever and anon rubbing his head , neck , and bodie , as you sit on his back , then walk him about the fields , or downs to cool him , and when you finde that he drieth apace , then racke him gently homeward , sometimes racking , and sometime gallopping , but by no means bring him to the stable , ●ill you finde he have not one wet ●aire about him : when you have brought him to the stable doore ●rie , there dismount , and having ●ntic'd him to pisse , and emptie himselfe , then lead him into his stall , and there tye his head gent●y up to the racke , with his bri●le , which done , presently ( as having prepared it before ) give the horse this scowring made in his manner . chap. vii . the first scowring . take a pinte of the best sweet sac●●● and put the●●● an ounce of the clearest and p●● rest rozen ●●● sed to a very fine dust , and jumbl● and brew them together exceeding much , then when the sack● and it is incorporated together , put thereto halfe a pinte of the best sallet-oyle , and brew the● also well together : then lastly ▪ take an ounce and an halfe of browne suger-candie beaten to● to powder , and a spoonefull of london treacle , and put them in also , then mull all upon the fire , and being luke-warme , take of the syrrop of roses a pinte , and dissolve into it of casfi● , of agarike , and of myrrhe , of each a quarter of an ounce ; then being onely warmed against the fire , and the horse newly come in from his heat , as before i shewed you , draw his head up to the racke , and with an horne give him this scowring , for it is a strong one , and this taketh away and avoydeth all manner of molten grease , and foulnesse whatsoever . chap. viii . ordering of the horse after his scowring . assoone as you have given your horse this scowring , presently let your groom fall to rubbing of his legs , and do your selfe take off his saddle and cloaths ▪ and finding his bodie drie , runne slightly over it with your curry-combe , after with the brush , then dust well , and lastly , rub all his bodie over exceeding well with drie cloaths , especially his head , nape of the neck , and about his heart , then cloath him up warme as at his other ordinary times , and wisp him round with great warm wisps , and if you throw over him a light loose blanket , it will not bee amisse in these extraordinary times , especially if the season bee cold ; keepe him fasting two hours after the receipt of his scowring , and waking , and stirring three or four , for rest is hurtfull to the medicine , and motion a benefit . after your horse hath fasted upon the bridle full two houres or more , then you shall take an handful of wheat ears , being your pollard wheate , that is without annes or rough beards , and comming to the horse , first handle the roots of his eares , then put your hands under his cloathes against his heart , upon his flanks , and on the nether part of his thighes , and if you finde any nesh sweat to arise , or any coldnesse of sweat , or if you see his bodie beate , or his breath move fast , then forbeare to give him any thing , for it is a pregnant signe that there is much foulnesse stirred up , on which the medicine working with a conquering qualitie , the horse is brought to a little heart-sicknesse , therefore in this case , you shall onely take off his bridle , and put on his collar , then tosse up his litter that he may lye down , and so absent your selfe ( having made the stable darke and still ) for two houres more , which is the utmost end of that sicknesse . but if you finde no such offence , then you shall pr●ffer him the eares of wheat by three or foure together , and if he ●●●e this handfull , then give him another . after he hath eaten the wh●●● ears , you shal then give him a little bundle of hay , such as hath been before declared , and draw his bridle , rubbing his head well . an houre or better after he hath had his hay , you shall sift him ▪ quart of oats , and to them you shall put two or three handfulls of spelted beanes , which you shall cause to be reed and drest so clean as is possible from all manner of hulls , dust , and filth whatsoever , so as there may be nothing but the clean spelted beanes themselves ▪ to these oats and beans , you shall break two or three shives of bread cleane chipt , and give all unto the horse , and so leave him to his rest , for neare three houres , or thereabout . at evening before you dresse the horse , give the like quantity of oats , spelt-beans , and bread , and when hee hath eaten them , then bridle him up and dresse him as before declared , and after hee is drest , then cloath him up , ●on you shall neither saddle him , nor ride him foorth : for you shall understand that this evening , after his heate , the horse being inwardly ▪ foule , and the scowring yet working in his bodie , he may not receive any water at all . after the horse is drest , and hath stood an houre and an halfe upon his bridle , you shall then take three pintes of cleane sifted oats , and wash them in strong ale , or beere , and so give them to the horse , for this will inwardly coole and refresh him , as if hee had drunke water . after he hath eaten this washe meat , and rested upon it a little space , you shall then at his feeding times ( which have been spoken of before ) with oats and spelt beans , or oats and bread , or all together , or each severall and simple of it selfe , excepting beanes ( as you shall find the stomack of the horse best adicted to receive it ) feed him that night in plentifull manner , and leave a knob of hay in the rack when you go to bed . the next day very early as may be , first feed , then dresse , after cloath and saddle , then ayre him abroad , and water him as hath been before shewed , after bring him home , and feed him with oats , spelt beans , and bread , as was last of all declared , onely very little hay , and keep your heating daies , and the preparation the day before in such wise as hath been also formerly declared , without any omission or addition . thus you shall spend the second fortnight , in which your horse having received four heats soundly given unto him , and four scowrings , there is no doubt but his body will bee drawne inwardly cleane , you shall then the third fortnight order him according to those rules , which hereafter follow . chap. ix . the third fortnights keeping . the second bread. this third fortnight you shall make his bread finer then it was formerly , as thus . you shall take two pecks of cleane beanes , and two pecks of fine wheate , grinde them on the black stones , searse them through a fine raunge , and knead it up with barm , and great store of lightning , working it in all points , and baking it in the same sort , as was shewed you in the former bread . with this bread ( having the crust cut cleane away , and being old as before shewed ) with cleane sifted oats , and with clean drest spelt-beanes you shall feed your horse this fortnight , as you did the fortnight before , you shall observe his dressings , agreeings , and howers of feeding , as in the former fortnight , also you shall observe his heating dayes , and the day before his heat , as in the former fortnight , onely with these differences ; first you shall not give his heats so violently as before , but with a little more pleasure , that is to say , if the first heate bee of force , and violence , the second heat shall be of pleasure and ease , and indeed none at all to overstrain the horse , or to make his body sore . next you shall not after his heat ( when hee commeth home ) give him any more of the former scowring , but instead thereof , you shall instantly upon the end of your heat , after the horse is a little cooled and clothed up , and in the same place where you rub him , by drawing his head up aloft as you sit in the saddle , or raising it up otherwise , give him a ball somewhat bigger then a french walnut hull and all , of that which is mentioned in the fourth chapter of the booke of cures , and goeth by this title . and thus you shall spend the third fortnight . chap. viii . the fourth and last fortnights keeping . having thus spent the three first fortnights , you shall the fourth and last fortnight , make your horses bread much fine● then either of the former , as thus the last bread. take three pecks of fine wheat , and but one peck of cleane beans , grinde them together on the black stones , and boult them through the finest boulter you can get , then knead it up with very sweet ale , barme , and new strong ale , and the barme beaten together , and also the whites of at least twenty eggs , but in any wise no water at all , but instead therof , some small quantity of new milke , then work it up , and labour it with all painfulnesse that may be , as was shewed in the first batch , then bake it and order it as was declared in the other . with this bread ( having the crust cut cleane away ) and with oats well sunned , beaten and rubb'd over with your hands , then new winnowed , sifted , and most finely drest , that there may bee neither light ones , nor foule ones , nor any false grain amongst them ; and with the purest spelted beans that can be tryed out , feed your horse at his ordinary feeding times , in such wise as you did in the fortnight last mētioned before ▪ you shall keepe his heating daies , the first weeke of this last fortnight , in such wise as you did in the former fortnight , but the last week you shall forbeare one heat , and not give him any heat five daies before his match at the lea●t , onely you shall give him long and strong ayerings to keepe him in winde . you shall not need this fortnight to give him any scowring at all . if this fortnight , morning , and evening , you burne ( upon a c●●●ingdish and coals ) in your stable of the purest oliba●●m , or fr●●●incens● , mixt with storax , and benjamine , to perfume and sweeten the roome , you shall finde it exceeding wholsome for the horse , and he will take wonderfull delight therein . in this fortnight when you give your horse any washt meat , wash it not in ale , or beere , but in the whites of eggs , or muskadine , for that is more wholsome and lesse pursey . this fortnight give your horse no hay at all , but what he taketh out of your hand after heats and ayrings , and that must be in little quantity , and cleane dusted and drest , unlesse he be an exceeding evill feeder , marvailous tender , and a great belly-looser . the last week of this fortnight , if your horse bee a foule feeder , you must use the muzell continually ; but if he be a cleane feeder , and will touch no litter , then three daies before your match , is a convenient time for the use of the muzell . the morning , the day before your match , feed well both before and after ayring , and water as at other times , before noone , and after noone , scant his proportion of meat a little before and after evening ayrings , feed as at noone , water as at other times ; but be sure to come home before sunne set . this day you shall cool your horse , shooe him , and doe all extraordinary things of ornament about him , provided there be nothing to give him offence , or to hinder him in resting , in emptying , or any other naturall or beneficiall action . it is true , i have heard some horsmen say , that when they had put on the muzell , shod their horses with light shooes , and done other actions of ornament about them , the night before the course , that their horses have taken such speciall notice thereof , that they have refused both to eat , and lye downe ; but i feare there is a great mistake in this conceit , for it is not the thing ( as the muzell , the shooes , and other trifles ) which drawes on these apprehensions , but the abuse , and misuse of them , as when the muzel is too close , unsavoury , or suffocats and over-heats the horse ( which the netmuzell never doth ) when the shooes stand uneasie , or any other toy of curiosity that gives offence , then no question but these accidents happen ; for mine own part , touching the nice and straight pla●ing up of horses tailes in the manner of sackers , or docks ( which is now in generall use ) howsoever the ornament may appeare great to the eie , yet i do not much affect it , because i know if an ignorant hand have the workmanship thereof , he may many waies give offence to the horse , and in avoyding cumbersomnesse , breed a great deale more cumber : therefore i wish every one rather to avoyd curiosity ( which we call necessary ornament ) then by these false graces to doe injury to the horse . now for the necessary and indifferent things which are to be done to the horse , i would rather have them done the day before , then on the morning of the course , because i would have the horse that morning to finde no trouble or vexation . late at night you shall feed as you did in the morning . now i do not set you down exactly what meat to feed withall , because you must bee ruled according to the horses stomack , and what meat hee best liketh , of that give him most , either of the simple , or with any other compounded , yet observing that the meate which is lightest of digestion , is fittest for this purpose , and the more ( at this time ) you forbeare beanes , and bread , the better it is . the next morning ( which is the match day ) come to your horse before day , take off his muzzle , rub his head well , and give him a pretty quantity of oats washt in muskadine , if he will eat them , or in the whites of eggs , or if hee refuse both , then trie him with fine drest oats mixt with a little wheat , or with your lightest bread ; as for beans forbear them . of any of these foods give him such a quantity as may keepe life and soule together ; then if hee be an evill emptier , and will retaine meat long , you may walke him abroad and in the places where he used to emptie , there entice him to emptie , which assoone as hee hath done , bring him home , put on his muzzle , let him rest till you have warning to make ready and leade forth , but if hee be a good and free emptying horse , then you need not stirre him , but let him lie quiet . when you have warning to prepare for leading out , come to your horse , and having washt his navell in a little muskadine , take off his muzzle , and bridle him up , but before you bridle , if you think your horse too emptie , you may give him three or foure mouthes full of the washt meat last spoke of , then bridle him up and dresse him , after having pircht your saddle and girthes with shoomakers waxe , set it on his backe , and girt it as gently as may be , so as he may have a feeling , but no straightnesse ; then lay a very white sheet over the saddle next his skinne , and over it his ordinary cloathes , then his body-cloth , and brest-cloth , and wispe them round about with soft wisps , then if you have a countepoint or cloth of state for bravery sake , let it bee fastned above all : when this is done , and you are ready to draw out , then take halfe a pinte of the best muskadine , and give it him with an horne , and so lead him away . in your leading upon the course , use gentle and calme motion , suffering the horse to smell upon every dung , that thereby hee may emptie himselfe . and in especiall places of advantage , as where you finde rushes , long grasse , lyng , heath , or the like , walke your horse , and entice him to pisse , but if you finde no such help , then in especiall places , upon the course , and chiefly towards the latter end , and having used the same meanes before , breake some of your wispes under the horses bellie , and so make him pisse . also in your leading , if any white or thick foame , or froth arise about the horses mouth , you shall with a cleane handkerchiefe wipe it away , and carrying a small bottle of cleere water about you , wash your horses mouth now and then therewith . when you come to the place of start , before you turle or uncloath the horse , rub and chafe his legs with hard wisps , then pick his feet , then wash his mouth with water , then uncloath him , mount his rider ; start faire , and then refer all the rest , to gods good will and pleasure . chap. xi . certaine necessary observations and advantages , for every keeper to observe in sundry accidents . there is no unreasonable creature of pleasure , subject to so many disasterous chaunces of fortune , as the horse ; and especially the running horse , both by reason of the multiplicity of diseases belonging unto them , as also the violence of their exercise , and the nice tendernesse of their keeping , and therefore it behooveth every keeper to be armed with such observations , as may discerne mischiefes , and those helpes , which may amend them when they happen . the first observation therefore that i would arm our keeper withall , is , to discerne sicknesse from health , as thus , observations for sicknesse and health . if you finde in your horses heavinesse of countenance , extreame loosnesse , or extream costivenesse , shortnesse of breath , loathing of meate , dull and imperfect eyes , rotten or dry cough , staring haire , or haire unnaturally discolloured , a staggering pace , franticke behaviour , yellownesse of the eyes and skin , faint or cold sweat , extraordinary lying down , or beating or looking backe at the body , alteration of qualities , and gestures , not casting of his coate , leannesse , hydebound , and the like , all these are apparent signes of distem perature or sicknesse . observations from the dung . it is necessary that our keeper observe his horses dung , for it is the best tell-troth of a horses inward parts , yet he must not judge it by a generall opinion , but by a private discourse with himselfe , how the horse hath beene fed , because food is the onely thing that breeds alteration , as thus . if the dung becleere , crisp , and of a pale and whitish yellow complexion , hanging together without separation , more then as the waight breaks it in the falling , being neither so thin that it will runne , nor so thick , but it will a little flat on the ground , and indeed both in savour , and substance , somewhat resembling a sound mans ordure ; then is the horse cleane , well fed , and without imperfection ; if it be well colloured , yet fall from him in round knots , or pellets , so it be but the first or second dung onely , and the rest good as beforesayd , it matters not much , for it onely shewes that he did eate hay lately , and that will ever come away first of all ; but if all his dungs be alike , then it is a signe of foule feeding , and hee hath either too much hay , or eats too much litter , and too little corne ; if his dung bee in round pellets , and blackish , or browne , it shewes inward heate in the body ; if it bee greasie , it shewes foulnesse , and that grease is molten , but cannot come away ; if he do avoyd grease in grosse substance with his dung , if the grease be white , and cleere , then it comes away kindly , and there is no danger , but if it be yellow or putrified , then the grease hath layne long in his bodie , and sicknesse may follow , if not prevented ; if his dung bee red and hard , then the horse hath had too strong heats , and costivenesse will follow ; if it be pale and loose , it shewes inward coldnesse of body , or too moyst feeding . observations from the vrine . as the keeper hath thus a principall respect to the horses dung , so hee shall take some little note from his vrine also ; and though they be not altogether so materiall as the other , because according to the opinion of physitians , vrina est meretrix , urine is a deceiver , chiefly in the horse , because hee neither eats , drinks , nor labours according to his owne minde , but his masters pleasure : yet it hath some true faces , as thus : that vrine which is of a pale yellowish collour , rather thicke then thin , of a strong smell , and a peircing condition , is a healthfull , sound , and good vrine ; but if you finde any note or complexion contrary to these , then in the horse is some imperfection , as thus : if the vrine be of an high ruddie complexion , either like blood , or inclining to blood , then hath the horse either had too sore heats , beene over-ridden , or ridden too earlie after winter grasse ; if the vrine be of an high complexion , cleere and transparent , like old march beere , then the horse is inflamed in his bodie , and hath taken some surfeit ; if the vrine carry a white cream on the top , it shews a weak backe , and consumption of seed , a greene vrine shewes a consumption of blood , an urine with bloody streakes , shewes an ulcer in the kidnies , and a blacke thick cloudy vrine , shewes death and mortality . observations in feeding . againe our keeper must observe that if there bee any meate , drink , or other nourishment which hee knoweth good for the horse , yet the horse refuseth to take it , in this case , hee shall not violently thrust it upon the horse , or by force cramme him therewith , but by gentile degrees , and cunning enticements , and by processe of time win him therunto , tempting him when hee is most hungry , or most thirsty , and if hee get but a bit at a time , or a sup at a time , it will soone increase to a greater quantity , and ever let him have lesse than he desireth ; and that he may the sooner bee brought unto it , mixe the meat hee loveth best , with that hee loveth worst , the drinke hee loveth best , with that hee loveth worst , till both bee made alike familiar , and so shall the horse be a stranger to nothing that is good or wholsome . observations in case of lamenesse . againe our keeper must observe if his horse bee subject to lamenesse , or stiffenesse of joynts or sinewes , to surbating or tendernesse of feet , first to give him his heats upon soft and smooth carpet earth , and to forbeare stony ground , hard high-waies , crosse cuts and furrowes , till extremity , or the match day compell him . observations from the state of the horses body . it is good for our keeper to observe , that the strongest estate of body , which i account the highest and fullest of flesh , so it bee good , hard , and without inward foulenesse , to bee the best and ablest for the performance of these wagers : yet hee must herein take to himselfe two considerations , the one the shape of the horses body , the other , his inclination and manner of feeding . for the shape of bodie , there bee some horses that are round , plump , and close knit together , so that they will appeare fat , and well-shaped , when they are leane and in povertie , others are raw-boned , slender and loose knit together , and will appeare leane , deformed , and in poverty when they are fat , foule , and full of grosse humours . so likewise for their inclinations , some horses ( as the first before named ) will feed outwardly , and will carry a thick rib , when they are inwardly as leane as may bee , and without all manner of fulnesse ; there bee others ( as the latter ) that will appeare leane to the eye , and shew nothing but skin and bone , when they are full of inward fatnesse , and have guts as foule as may bee . in this case the keeper hath two helps to advantage his knowledge , the one outward , the other inward . the outward helpe , is the outward handling and feeling of the horses body generally all over , all his ribs , but particularly upon his short and hindmost ribbes , if his flesh generally handle soft , and loose , and your fingers sinck into it , as into down , then is the horse foule without question , but if generally it be hard and firme , onely upon the hindmost rib it handleth soft and downy , then it is a pregnant signe there is grease , and foule matter within the horse which must bee avoyded , how leane or poore so ever hee appeare in outward speculation . the inward help is onely sharp exercise , and strong scowring , the first will dissolve and melt the foulenesse , the latter will bring it away in abundance . if your horse be fat , and thick , and as it were closed up betweene the chaps , or if his jawes handle fleshie and full , it is a sign of much foulnesse both in the head , and bodie ; but if hee handle thinne , and cleane , onely with some small kirnells , or lumps between his chaps , then it is only a signe of some cold or pose newly taken . observations from the privi● parts . it is good for our keeper to observe his horses stones if hee bee stoned ) for if they hang downe side , or long from his body , then is the horse out of lust , and heart , and is either sicke of grease , or other foule humors , but if they be close couched up , and hid in a small roome , then is the horse healthfull , and in good plighte , if his yard befoule , stained , rough or skalie , then feare no foule play , but if it be cleere , bright , and as it were new scowred , then looke to your groome , for he hath covered a mare lately . observations for the limbes . it is good for our keeper to observe , ever the night before hee runnes either match , or heate , to bathe his horses legs well from above the knees , and above the cambrells downward , with either dogsgrease , which is the best , or trotters oyle , which is the second , or the purest clarified hogsgrease that can be got , which is most tolerable , and to work it in with the labour of his hands , and not with melting at the fire , and what hee gets not in the first night , will be got in the next morning , and what he gets not in the next morning , will be got in , when he comes to uncloath at the end of the course , so that you shall need to use the oyntment but once , but the fricasse or rubbing , as oft as you finde opportunity . observations for the giving of water . our keeper shall observe , that albeit i give no directions for the watering of his horse , in the evening after his heate , yet hee may in any of the two latter fortnights ( finding his horse cleer , and that his grease is consumed and come away ) somewhat late at night , as about sixe a clocke , give his horse water in reasonable quantity , being luke-warme , and fasting an houre after it ; also if through the unseasonablenesse of the weather , you cannot water abroad , then you shall at your watering hours , water in the house with warme water ( as aforesaid ) nor need you in this case to heate all your water , but making a little quantity very hot , put it into a greater , and so make all luke-warm , if you throw an handfull of wheate meale , or barm , or oat-meale finly pounded ( but oat-meale is the best ) into the water , it is not amisse , but wholsome , and comfortable . observations in the choise of ground to runne on . our keeper shall observe , that if the ground wheron he is to run his match be dangerous , and ap● for mischievous accidents , a● straines , slips , bearings , over-reaches , and the like , that then he is not bound to give all his hea●s therin , but having made his horse acquainted with the nature thereof , then either to take part of the course , as a mile , two or three ( according to the goodnesse of the ground , ) and so to runne his horse fourth , and backe againe , which we call turning heats , provided alwaies , that he end his heat at the weighing post , and that he make not his course lesse , but more in quantity , then that hee must runne , but if for some especiall occasions hee liketh no part of the course , then he may many times ( but not ever ) give his heats upon any other good ground ; either forth right , or turning , or round about any spatious & large field , where the horse may lay downe his body , and run at pleasure . observations from sweating . our keeper shall observe in all his ayrings , heatings , and all manner of exercise , and motions whatsoever , to the sweating of his horse , and to the occasions of his sweating , as if an horse sweat upon little or no occasion , as walking footpace , standing still in the stable , or the like , it is then aparent that the horse is faint , foule fed , and wanteth exercise . if upon good occasion , as strong heats , and the like he sweat , yet his sweat is white , frothy , and like soap ●●●s , then is the horse inwardly foule , and wanteth also exercise , but ●● the sweate bee blacke , and as ●● were onely water throwne upon him , then is the horse in good lust and good case . observations from the horses haire . our keeper shall observe well his horses haire in generall , but especially his necke , and those parts which are uncovered , and if they lie sleeke , smooth , and close , then is the horse in good ease , but if they be rough , and staring , or any way unnaturally discoloured , then is the horse inwardly cold at the heart , and wanteth both cloathes , and warme keeping , or else there is some sicknesse creeping upon him . many other observations there be , but these are most materiall , and i hope sufficient for any reasonable understanding . chap. xii . how to order ▪ feed , and keep ▪ any horse for pleasure , hunting , or travell . t would have our keeper of these ordinary horses , to rise early in the morning by the spring of day , or before , ( according to the season of the yeare ) and to sift the horse the quantity of three pintes of good old , and drie oats , and to put to them an handfull o● two of spelted-beanes , hulls and all , and so give them to the horse ▪ after hee hath eaten them , ●● him dresse him according to the order of good hors-manship , that is , first currie with the combe , then dust , then currie with the brush , then dust , then rub with wet hands , after with an hairy cloth , then with a cleane woollen cloth , after with a cleane linnen cloth , then picke all obscure and secret places , lastly combe down the mayne , and tayle , then saddle him and ride him forth to water , warme him both before and after water , very moderately , and so bring him home drie without sweat . then cloath him up ( after you have rubbed his head , body , and legs , ) and let him stand on his bridle more than an houre , then give him the former quantity of provender , and the same in kinde . after he hath eaten his provender , give him into his rack a pretty bundle of hay , and so let him rest till after dinner . when you have dined , give him the former quantity of provender , and the same in kinde , and so let him rest till evening , onely receiving his hay , if there bee occasion . at evening dresse him well as in the morning , then ride him forth to water , and do as you did in the morning . when you come home and have cloathed him up , let him stand on his bridle as before , then give him the former quantity of provender , and so let him rest till nine a clock at night , at which time give him the former quantity of provender , and a pretty bundle of hay , and so let him rest till morning . thus you shall doe concerning his ordinary keeping at home , where the horse hath rest , and that you may dispose of houres as you please ; but if you be either in travell , in sport , or other occasion , so that you cannot observe these particular times , then you must divide the maine and whole quantity of meate into foure parts , and greater quantities , and so give them at the best coveniency , ever observing , to give the least quantitie before exercise , as a third part before mounture , and the two other , after you come to rest : nor would i have you to distract your minde with any doubt or amazement , because i prescribe you five severall times of feeding in one day , as if it should either over-charge you , or over-feed your horse ; questionlesse there is no such matter , when you looke into the true proportion ; for it cannot be denied , but whosoever is worthy of a good horse , or good means to keep a good horse , cannot allow him lesse then one peck a day ; nay the carrier , carter , poulter , and packhorse , will allow halfe a pecke at a watering , and this allowance which i set downe comes to no more ; for fifteene pintes of oats , and one pinte ofspelt ▪ beanes up-heaped , makes two gallons , and that is one pecke winchester measure : now to give it at twice , fills the stomack more , makes the digestion worse , and the appetite weake , whereas to give lesse , but more oft , the stomacke is ever craving , the digestion alwaies ready , and the appetite never wanting ; so that health ( without disorder ) can never be a stranger , therefore once againe , thus much for ordinary keeping . but if you intend to give the horse an heate , as to hunt , gallop , travell , or the like , which i would wish you to doe once , twice , or thrice a weeke , then observe your former observations , onely the night before , give him little , or no hay at all . in the morning before his heate , very early and before his dressing , give him three or foure handfulls of cleane sifted oats , washt either in strong beere , or ale , then dresse him , saddle him , and give him his heate , but if it be soddaine , and violent , then let it bee when the horse hath emptied himselfe very well . after his heat rub him soundly , and bring him drie into the stable . then after hee is cloathed up warme , let him stand on his bridle at least two houres , then give him a little bundle of hay to teare out upon his bridle , and an houre after , feed him as hath beene before shewed ; onely with his first oats , give him an handfull or better of hempseed well dusted and mixed . at night , warme him a little water , and give it him luke-warm ; then an houre after , give him his provender , and a pretty bundle of hay , and so let him rest till the next morning . the next morning do all things as in his ordinary keeping . let him stand on litter both night and day , yet change of● , and keepe the plaunchers clean . if you intend to travell or journey in the morning , then give no hay ( or but little ) in the morning . in journying ride moderately the first houre or two , but after , according to your occasions . water before you come to your innne ( if possible ) but if you cannot , then give warme water in the inne , after the horse is fully cooled . trotters oyle is an excellent oyntment , being applied very warme , and well chafed in , to keepe your horses limbes , and ●inewes nimble , and to helpe stiffenesse , and lamenesse . neither wash your horse , nor walke your horse , for the first endangereth foundering in the body or feet , and breedeth all surfeits , the latter is the ground of all strong colds , which turne to glaunders , and rottennesse , but if necessity compell you to either , as foule wayes , or long stayes , then rather wash your horses legs with pales of water at the stable doore , then to endanger him in pond , or river . and for walking , rather set one on your horses backe to keepe his spirits stirring , then to lead him in his hand , and with dull spirits , to receive all manner of mischiefes . this i thinke sufficient for clean and ordinary keeping . chap. xiii . generall observations , helps , and advertisements for any man when hee goeth about to buy an horse . there is nothing more difficult or intricate in all the art of horsmanship , then to set downe constant and uncontrolable resolutions , by which to binde every mans minde to an unity of consent , in the buying of an horse : for ( according to the old adage ) what is one mans meat , is another mans poyson ; what one affects , another dislikes . but to proceed according to the rule of reason , the precepts of the ancients , and the moderne practise of our present conceived opinions , i will , as briefly as i can , shew you those observations , and advertisements which may strengthen you in any difficult election . first therefore you are to observe , that if you will elect an horse for your hearts contentment , you are to take to your self this principall consideration , namely , the end and purpose for which you elect him , as whether for the wars , for running , hunting , travell , draught , or burthen , every one having their severall characters , and their severall faces both of beauty and uncomelynesse . but because there is but one truth , and one perfection , i will under the description of the perfect and untainted horse , shew all the imperfections , and attainttures , that either nature , or mischance can put upon the horse of greatest deformity . let me then advise you that intend to buy an horse , to acquaine your selfe well , with all the true shapes and excellencies , which belong to an horse , whether it be in his naturall and true proportion , or in any accidentall ; or outward increase or decrease of any limbe or member , and from their contraries , to gather all things that may give dislike , or off●h●● . to begin therfore with the first principles of election , you shall understand , that they are divided into two especiall heads , the one generall , the other particular . the generall rule of election is , first the end for which you buy , then his breed , or generation , his colour , his pace , and his s●atuity and these are sayd to bee generall● because the first ( which is the end for which you buy ) is a thing shut up onely in your owne ●●●●● the other which is breed , you must either take it from faithfull report , your owne knowledge , or from some knowne and certaine characters , by which one strain or one country is distringuished from another , as the neapolitan is knowne by his hauk-nose , the spanyard , by his small limbe , the barbarie , by his fine head , the dutch by his rough legs , the english , by his generall strong and cleane knittings together , and so forth of divers other . as for his colour , although there is no colour exempt utterly from goodnesse ( for i have seene good of all ) yet there are some better reputed then others , as the dapple-gray for beauty , the brown-bay for service , the black with silver haires for courage , and the lyard , or true mixt roan for continuance ; as for the sorrel , the black without white , and the unchangeable iron-gray , they are reputed cholericke ; the bright-bay , the fleabitten , and the black with white marks , are sanguinists ; the blankwhite , the yellow dun , the kiteglewed , and the pyebald are flegmatick , and the chesnut , the mousedunne , the redbay , and the blewgray , are melancholy . now for his pace , which is either trot , amble , rack , or gallop , you must referre it to the end also , for which you buy , as if i● be for the warres , hunting , running , or your owne private disposition , then the trot is most tolerable , and this motion you shall know by a crosse moving of the horses limbes , as when the fa●●● foreleg , and the neere hinde●●spand●● or the neere foreleg , and the far●● hinder leg move and go forw●●● in one instant , and in this moti●● the neater the horse taketh 〈◊〉 limbs from the ground , the ●p●ner , the evener , and the shorter he treadeth , the better is his pace ; for to take up his feet slovenly , shewes stumbling , and lamenesse ; to tread narrow , or crosse , shewes enterfering , or falling ; to step uneven , shewes toyle , and wearinesse , and to tread long , shewes over-reaching . now if you elect for ease , great persons seats , or long travell , then ambling is required , and this motion is contrary to trotting , for now both the feet on one side must move equally together , that is , his far foreleg , and his far hinder-leg , or the neere foreleg , and the neere hinder-leg , and this motion must go just , large , smooth , and nimble , for to tread false takes away all ease , to tread short , rids ●o ground , to tread rough , shewes ●olling , and to ●read unnimbly ●hewes a false pace that never con●inueth ▪ as also lamenesse . if you elect for buck-hunting , for galloping on the high way , for post , hackney , or the likes , then a racking pace is required , and this motion is the same that ambling is , onely it is in a swifter time , and a shorter tread , and though it rid not so much ground , yet it is a little more easie . now to all these paces , must be joyned a good gallop , 〈…〉 naturally every trotting and racking horse hath , the ambler is a little unapt thereunto , because the motions are both one , so that being put to a greater swi●●nesse of pace then naturally he 〈…〉 acquainted with all , hee 〈…〉 his legs confusedly , and 〈…〉 der , but being trayned 〈◊〉 , and made to understand the motion , he will as well undert●k● in as any trotting horse what 〈…〉 now in a good gallop , you ●●●●● observe these vertues , first ●●●● the horse which taketh his 〈◊〉 nimbly from the ground , but doth not raise them high , that neither rolleth nor beateth himselfe , that stretcheth out his forelegs , follows nimbly with his hinder ; and neither cutteth under the kn●● ( which is called the swift-cut ) nor crosseth , nor claps one foot upon another , and ever leadeth with his farre forefoot , and not with the neere , this horse is sayd ever to gallop most comely , and most true , and is the fittest for speed , or any other like employment . if he gallop round and raise his fore-feet , hee is then sayd to gallop strongly , but not swiftly , and is fittest for the great saddle , the warres , and strong encounters , if he gallop slow , yet sure , hee will serve for the highway , but if hee labour confusedly , and gallop painfully , then is he good for no gallopping service , besides it shews some hidden & obscure lamenesse . lastly touching his stature , it must bee referred to your owne judgment , and the end for which you buy him , ever observing that the biggest and strongest , are fittest for strong occasions , as great burthens , strong draughts , and double carriage , the middle size for pleasure , and generall imployments , the least for ease , street walkes , and sommer hackney . now touching the particular rule of election , it is contained in the discovery of naturall deformities , accidentall outward sorro●gances , or inward hidden mischieft , which are so many , and so inf●●● that it is a world of worke to ●●plaine them , yet for satisfaction sake , i will in as meth●dicall manner as i can , and the rather because it is a labour i never undertood in this manner before , briefly , and and according to the best conceived opinions , shew what you ●●● to observe in this occasion . first therefore , when an horse is brought unto you to buy , being satisfied for his breed , colour , and stature , then see him stand naked before you , and placing your selfe before his face , take a strict view of his countenance , and the cheerfulnesse thereof , for it is an excellent glasse wherein to see his goodnesse , as thus . if his eare be small , thin , sharp , pricked , and moving , or if they be long , yet well set on , and well carried , it is a marke of beauty , goodnesse , and mettall , but if they be thicke , laved , or lolling , wide set on , and unmoving , then are they signes of dulnesse , doggednesse , and ill nature . if his face bee cleane , his forehead swelling outward , the mark or feather in his face set high , as above his eies , or at the top of his eies , if he have a white starre , or white rache of an indifferent size , and even placed , or a white ship on his nose , all are marks of beautie and goodnesse , but if his face be fat , cloudie , or scawling , his forehead flat as a trencher ( which we call marefaced ) the marke of his forehead stand low , as under his eies , if his starre or rache stand worse or in an evill posture , or instead of a ship , his nose bee ●a● and unhairy , or his face generally balld , all are signes of deformity . if his eies be round , big , black , shining , staring , or starting from his head , if the blacke of the ey● fill the pit or outward circumference , so that in the moving none of the white appeareth , all are signes of beauty , goodnesse , and metall : but if his eies be uneven , and of a wrinckled proportion , if they be little ( which wee call pig-eied ) both are uncomely signes of weaknesse : if they be ●●● and fiery , take heed of moon eies , which is next doote to blindnesse , if white , and walled , it shewes a weake sight , and unnecessarie starting or finding of boggards , if with white specks , take heede of the pearle , pinne and web , if they water or shew bloudy , it shewes bruises , and if they matter , they shew old over-riding , and festered rhumes , or violent straines and colds , if they looke dead or dull , or are hollow and much sunke , take heed of blindnesse , at the best the beast is of an old decrepid generation , if the black fill not the pit , but the white is alwaies appearing , or if in moving the white and black be seene in equall quantity , it is a signe of weaknesse , and an aged disposition . if handling of his cheekes or chaps , you finde the bones leane and thin , the space wide between them , the throppell or winde pipe big as you can gripe , and the void place without knots or kirnells , and generally the jawes so open , that the neck beseemeth to couch within them , they are all excellent signs of great winde , courage , and soundnesse of head and body , but if the chaps bee fat and thicke , the space betweene them closed up with grosse substance , and the throppell little , all are signes of short winde , and much inward foulnesse , if the voyd place be full of knots and kernells , take heede of the strangle , or glaunders , at the best , the horse is not without a foule cold , if his jawes bee so straight that his necke swelleth above them , if it bee no more but naturall , it is onely an uncomely signe of straight winde , and pursinesse or grossnesse , but if the swelling bee long , and close by his chaps like a whetstone , then take heed of the veines , or some other unnaturall impostume . if his nostrills bee open , drie , wide , and large , so as upon any strayning , the very inward rednesse is discovered , and if his muzle bee small , his mouth deep , and his lips equally meeting , they are all good signes of winde , health , and courage , but if his nostrills be straight , his winde is little , if his muzle bee grosse , his spirit is dull , if his mouth bee shallow hee will never carry a bit well , and if his upper lip wil not reach his neather , old age , or infirmitie hath marked him for carrion , and if his nose bee moyst and dropping ; if it bee cleere water , it is a cold , if foule matter , beware the glaunders ; if both nostrills runne , it is hurtfull , but if one , then most dangerous . touching his teeth , and their vertues , they are at large set down in a former chapter touching the horses age , onely remember you never buy an horse that wanteth any , for as good loose all as one . from his head looke downe to his brest , and see that it be bread , out-swelling , and adorned with many feathers , for that shewes strength , and endurance , the little brest is uncomely , and shewes weaknesse , the narrow brest , is apt to stumble , fall , and enterfarre before , and the brest that is hidden inward , and wanteth the beauty , and division of many feathers , shewes a weak armed heart , and a brest that is unwilling , and unfit for any toyle , or strong labour . next looke downe from his elbow , to his knee , and see that th●●● forethighes be rush growne , ●●l horned within , sinowed , 〈◊〉 & out-swelling , for they are good signes of strength , the 〈◊〉 shew weaknes , and are unnaturall . then looke on his knees that they carry an equall , and an even ●vall proportion , be lean , sinowie , and close knit , for they are good and comely , if one be bigger , or ●ounder then another , the horse hath received mischiefe , if they ●ee grosse , the horse is gouty , and if they have scarres , or haire broken , it is a true marke of a stumb●ing jade , and a perpetuall faller . from his knees , looke downe his legs to his pasterns , and if you ●inde them cleane , leane , flat , and ●●nowie , and the inward bought of his knee without a seam , or hair broken , then he shewes good shape and soundnesse , but if on the in●de of the leg you find hard knots , ●hey are splints , if on the outside , ●hey are serewes , or excressions , ●f under his knee bee scabs on the ●●side , it is the swiftcut , and hee will ill endure gallopping , if above ●is pasterns on the inside you find scabs , it shewes enterfayring , b● if the scabs be generally over ●● legs , it is either extreame fo●● keeping , or a spice of the maun●● if his legs be fat , round , and flesh●● hee will never endure labour , a● if on the inward bought of ● knees you finde seames , scabs , ● haire broken , it shews a malland● which is a cankerous ulcer . looke then on his pastern jo● and on his pasterne , the first ●● be cleane and well knit togeth●● the other must be short , strong●● upright standing , for if the fir●● big or swelled , take heed of ●in●● straines , and gurding , if the o●● be long , weake , or bending , ●● limbes will hardly carry the b●● without tyering . for the hoofes in generall th● would be black , smooth , toug● rather a little long , then ro●g● they must bee hollow , and ●● sounding , for a white hoo●●● tender , and carries a shooe ill , a ●oughe , grosse seamed hoof , shews ●ld age , or over-heating , a brittle ●oofe will carry no shooe at all , an ●xtraordinary round hoofe is ill ●●r foule wayes , or deepe hunting , ● flat hoofe that is pummifsed , ●ewes foundering , and an hoofe ●at is emptie and hollow sound●g , shewes a decayed inward part , ● reason of some wound , or drie ●under , as for the crownet of ●e hoofe , if the hair lie smooth & ●ose , and the flesh flat and even , ● is perfect , but if the hair be sta●●g , the skin scabbed , & the flesh ●●ng , then looke for a ringbone , ●●owne scab , or like mischiefe . ● after this , stand by the side of ●●horse , and first look to the set●●g on of his head , and see that stand neither too high , nor too 〈◊〉 , but in a direct line , and that ● necke bee small at the setting ● , and long , growing deeper , and deeper , till it come to hi● shoulders , with an high , strong and thin crest , and his 〈…〉 long , soft , and somewhat curling for these are beautifull characte●● whereas to have the head ill 〈◊〉 on , is the greatest deformity , 〈◊〉 have any bignesse , or swelling 〈◊〉 the nape of the necke , shewes 〈◊〉 pole ▪ evill , or beginning of 〈…〉 , to have a short think necke 〈◊〉 a bull , to have it falling at the 〈◊〉 others , to have a low , a weake ● thicke , or a falling crest , shew 〈◊〉 want both of strength , and a tall , to have much haire 〈◊〉 mane , shews intolerable 〈…〉 to have it too thinne , she 〈…〉 and to have none , or to 〈…〉 the worme in the mawe , 〈◊〉 or else maunginesse . looke then to the 〈…〉 backe that it bee broad , 〈…〉 straight , his ribs well 〈…〉 and bending outward , 〈…〉 upright , strong , and short , and not above 4 fingers between his last rib and his huckle bone , let his body be well let downe , yet hidden within his ribs , & let his stones be close trust upto his body , for al these are marks of good perfection , wheras to have his chyne narrow , he will never carry a saddle without wounding , and to have it bendig nor saddle backed , shewes weakenesse , to have it ●ammell backed , it may shew strength , but ●is uncomely , to have his ribs flat , ●here is no liberty for the winde , ●o have his filled hanging long , or weake , hee will never climbe an ●ill well , nor carry burthen , and ●o have his bellie clung up , and gaunt , or his stones hanging down , ●oose or side , they are both signes of sicknesse , tendernesse , founde●ing in the bodie , and unaptnesse ●or labour . then looke upon his bu●tocke , then looke upon his buttock● , and see that it bee round , plumpe , full , and in an even levell with his bodie , or if long , that it be● well raysed behinde , and spread forth at the setting on of the tayle , for these are comely and beautifull , the narrow prime buttocke , the hog , or swine ru●●● , and the falling or downe ▪ let buttocke , are full of deformity , and shew both an injury in nature , and that they are neither fit or bee●●● ming for pad , foot-cloath , ●● pillion . then look to his hinder-thigh● or gascoynes , that they bee ●●ll let downe even to the midle 〈◊〉 thick , brawnie , full , and swelling ▪ for that is a grea● argument● o● strength and goodnesse , whereof the leane , lanke slender th●●● shewes disability and weak 〈…〉 then looke upon the 〈…〉 joynt behinde , and if it be nothing but skin and bone , veines , sinews , and rather a little bending , then too straight , then it is perfect as it should bee , but if it have chaps or sores on the inward bought or bending , then that is a sellander ; if the joynt bee swell'd generally all over , then hee hath got a blow or bruise ; if the swelling be particular , as in the pot , or hollow part , or on the inside , and the veine full and proud , if the swelling be soft , it is a blood spaven , if hard , it is a bone spaven , but if the swelling be just behinde , below the knuckle , then it is a curb . then looke to his hinder-legs , and if they bee leane , cleane , flat , and sinowie , then all is well , but if they bee fat they will not endure labour , if they bee swell'd , the the grease is molten into them , if they bee scabbed above the pasterne , hee hath the scratches , if he have chaps under his pasternes , he hath the paines , or males , and none of these but are dangerous , and noysome . lastly , for the setting on of his tayle , where there is a good buttocke , the tayle can never stand ill ; and where there is an evil buttock , there the tayle can never stand well ; for it ought to stand broad , high , flat , and couched a little inward . thus i have shewed you ●●●● shapes , and true deformities ; yo● may in your choice please your owne fancie . chap. xiiii . an uncontroulable way how to know the age of any horse . there are seven outward characters by which to know the age of every horse . as namely , his teeth , his hoofes , his tayle , his eies , his skinne , his haire , and the barres in his mouth . if you will know his age by his teeth , you must understand , that an horse hath in his head just forty teeth , that is to say , sixe great wonge teeth above , and sixe below on one side , and as many on the other , which makes twenty foure , and are called his grinders , then sixe above , and sixe below in the fore part of his mouth which are called gatherers , and make 36 then foure tushes one above , and one below of one side , and one above , and one below on the otherside , which is just forty : now the first yeare he hath his foales teeth , which are onely grinders and gatherers , but no tushes , and they be small , white , and bright to look upon . the second yeare hee changeth the foure foremost teeth in his head , that is , two above , and two below in the midst of the ●owes , and they will appeare browner , and bigger then the other . at three yeares old he changeth the teeth next unto them , and leaveth no apparent foales teeth before , but two of each side above and below ; which are also bright and small . at foure yeares old he changeth the teeth next unto them , and leaveth no more foales teeth but one on each side , both above and below . at five yeares old his form ost teeth will be all changed , but then hee hath his tushes on each side compleat , and the last foales teeth which he cast ; those which come up in their place , will be hollow , and have a little black speck in the midst , which is called the marke ●n the horses mouth , and conti●ueth till he be eight yeares old . at sixe yeares old he putteth up ●is new tushes , neere about which ●ou shall see most apparently growing a little circuit of new and young flesh at the bottome of the ●oth , besides the tush will bee ●hite , small , short , and sharpe . at seven yeares old , all his teeth ●ill have their perfect growth , ●●d the marke in the horses mouth before spoken of ) will be plain● seene , although decaying . at eight yeares old , all his teeth will be full , smooth , and plain● , the blacke speck or marke being hardly to bee discerned , and his tushes will bee more yellow then ordinarily . at nine yeares old , his formost teeth will shew longer , broader , yellower , and fouler , then a younger yeares , and his tushes will be bluntish . at ten yeares old , in the inside of his upper tushes will be no holes at all to bee felt with your fingers end , which till that age you shall ever most perfectly feele , besid● the temples of his head will begi● to be crooked , and hollow . at eleven yeares old , his teeth will be exceeding long , very ●●● low , blacke , and foule , onely ●● will cut even , and his teeth will stand directly opposite one again● another . at twelve yeares old , his 〈◊〉 will be long , yellow , blacke , and foule , but then his upper teeth will over-reach , and hang over his neather teeth . at thirteen yeares old , his tushes will be worne some what close to his chaps ( if he bee a much ridden horse ) otherwise they will be blacke , foule , and long like the tuskes of a boare . if a horses hoofs be rugged , and as it were seamed , one seame over another , and many ; if they bee drie , full , and crusty , it is a signe of very old age , as on the contrary part , a smooth , moist , hollow , and well sounding hoofe , is a sign of young yeares . if you take your horse with your singer and your thumbe by the sterne of the tayle , close at the setting on by his buttock , and fee●ing there hard , if you feele of each side his tayle a joynt stick out more then any other joynt , by the bignesse of an hazle nut , then you may presume the horse is ten years old or above , but if his joynts be all plaine , and no such thing to be felt , then he is under ten , and may be much younger . if an horses eies be round , full , and staring , or starting from his head , if the pits over them be filled smooth & even with his temples , and no wrinckles either about his brow , or under his eies , then the horse is young ; if otherwise you see the contrary characters , it is a signe of old age . if you take up a horses skin on any part of his body , betwixt your finger and your thumb , and pluck it from his flesh , then letting it go againe , if it sodainly returne to the place from whence it came , and be smooth & plain without wrinckle , then the horse is young and full of strength , but if being pulled up , it stand and not returne to his former place , then hee is very old and wasted . if a horse that is of any darke colour shall grow gryssell onely about his eye browes , or underneath his mayne , or any horse of a whitish collour shall grow meanelld , with either blacke or red meanells universally over his bodie , then both are infallible signs of extreame old age . lastly , if the bars in his mouth be great , deep , and handle rough , and hard , then is the horse very old , but if they be soft , shallow , and handle gently and tenderly , then is the horse young , and in lust . and thus much of the age of an horse . the booke of cvres . containing certain infallible helps and cures , for those infirmities which are most dangerous , and doe commonly attend all horses , especially , the running horse . chap. i. of sicknesse in generall . whensoever upon any occasion you shall finde your horse to droope in countenance , to forsake his meate , or to shew any other apparent signe of sicknesse ; if they be not great , you may forbeare to let blood , because where blood is spent , the spirits are spent also , and they are not easily recovered . but if the signes be great and dangerous , then by al means let blood instantly , and for three mornings together ( the horse being fasting ) give him halfe an ounce of the powder called diahexaple , brewed either in a pinte of muskadine , or malmsey , or a pinte of the syrrope of sugar , being two degrees above the ordinary mollosses , or for want thereof , mollosses will serve the turne , or where all are wanting , you may take a pinte either of carduus water , or dragon water , or a quart of the sweetest , and strongest alewort , or in extremity , take a quart of strong ale or beere , but then warme it a little on the fire , and this must be given with an horne ; and if the horse have ability of body , ride him in some warme place after it , and let him fast neere two houres after riding . at noone give him a sweet mash , cloath warme , and let him touch no cold water . now for the exact and true making of this rare powder , which i call diahexaple , because no man ●hat i know , either apothecary or other , doth at this day make it truely , partly because it is an experiment lately come to my knowledge by conference with learned physitians , and partly because our medicine-makers are in horse physicke lesse curious then they should bee ; through which errors , there is produced to the world an abundance of false mixtures , which both deceiveth the honest horse-master , kills the harmlesse horse , and disgraceth the well meaning farrier : to repayre all which , i will here set downe at large , the true manner of making this admirable powder ; together with the vertue● and operations thereof . chap. ii. the manner of making the true diahexaple . take the roots of round aris●●●gia , and the r●●● of gentian , ●●● them , scrape th●● and purifie the● as cleane as may be , then take ●● niper-berries unexcorticated , ●●● bay-berries excorticated , take the purest and best drops of myrthe and the finest shavings of ●●●ri● of each an equall quantity , i ●ea● all but the myrrhe together in ● morter , and searce them through a fine searce , lastly bear the mirrhe , and searce it also , then mixe and incorporate all together , presse it hard into a gally-pot , and keepe it , and use it as you have occasion . chap. iii. the vertues of this rare powder diahexaple . this powder ( or indeed methridate ) called diahexaple , is most excellent and soveraigne against all manner of poyson , either inward or outward , cureth the biting of venemous beasts , and helpeth short winde , and pursicknesse . dodoneus . it mundifieth , and cleanseth , ●uppleth , and maketh thinne all grosse humours , it healeth all diseases of the liver , and stomacke , helps digestion , and being given in a pinte of sacke , it cureth all manner of colds , is good against consumptions , breakes ●leame , helps the staggers , and all diseases in the head . garrets herb. it recovers tyering and wearinesse , takes away cramps , and convulsions , dries up the skirvie , breaks the stone , opens all inward obstructions , and helps the yellowes , the gargill , and the dro● sie . dioscorides . it cures all diseases of the 〈…〉 as glaunders , and rotten●●●● gives ease to all gripings , and ●●spam●● dinesse of the belly , provoketh 〈◊〉 rine , takes away infection , and 〈…〉 wormes . gallen . chap. iiii. the true manner of making these cordiall balls , which cure any violent cold , or glaunders , which prevent heart-sicknesse , which purge away all molten grease , which recover a lost stomacke , which keepe the herat from fainting with exercise , and make a leane horse fat sodainly . ●ide chap. 9 or 4 in the cures . take of anniseeds , of commin-seedes , of fenegreeke-seeds , of carthamus-seeds , of ely campane roots , and of coltsfoot , of each two ounces beatenand feare 't to a very fine dust , then ●dde to them two ounces of the lower of brimstone , then take an ●unce of the juyce of liqu●rice , ●nd dissolve it ▪ on the fire in halfe a pinte of white wine , which done , take an ounce of the chimicall oyle of anniseeds , then of sallet-oyle , of life honie , and of the syrrop of sugar , or for want thereof , then of mollosses , of each halfe a pinte , then mixe all this with the former powders , and with as much fine wheate flower , as will binde and knit them altogether ▪ worke them into a stiffe paste , an● make thereof balls somewhat bigger then french walnuts , huls and all , and so keepe them in a close gally-pot , for they will last ●● the yeare . yet i doe not meane 〈…〉 shall keep them in the pot in balls , for so , because they cannot ●● close , the ayre may get in and ●● hurt , as also the strength of the oyles will sweate outward , and weaken the substance , therefore knead the whole ●●mp of paste in to the gally-pot , and make 〈…〉 balls , as you have occasion to use them . now for the use of these balls , because they are cordial , and have divers excellent vertues , you shall understand that if you use them to prevent sicknesse , then you shall take one of these balls , and anoynt it over with sweet butter , and so give it the horse in the morning , in the manner of a pill , then ride him a little after it if you please , otherwise you may chuse , and feed and water him at home or abroad , according to your usuall custome , and thus doe three or foure mornings together . if you use them to cure either cold , or glaunders , then use them in the same manner for a weeke together . if you use them to fatten an horse , then give them for a fortnight together . but if you use them in the nature of a scowring , to take away molten grease or foulenesse ( of which i spake in a former chapter ) . then instantly after his heate , and in his heate to use ( as i shewed before also . ) againe , if you finde your horse at any time hath taken a little cold ▪ as you shal perceive by his inward ratlings , if then you take one of these balls , and dissolve it in a pinte of sacke , and so give it the horse , it is a present remedy . also to dissolve the ball in his ordinary water , being made milke warme , it worketh the like effect , and fatneth exceedingly . to give one of these balls before travell , it prevents tyering , to give it in the height of travel , it re●t●●●eth wearinesse , and to give it after , it saves an horse from all su●fens and inward sicknesse . and thu● you shall spend this third ●o●night . chap. v. an approved cure for the botts , and all manner of wormes of what nature soever . take a quart of new milke , and as much clarified honey as wil make it extraordinary sweet , then being luke-warm , give it the horse early in the morning , he having fasted all the night before ; which done , bridle him up , and let him stand tyed to the emptie racke for more then two houres , then take halfe a pinte of white-wine , and dissolve into it a good spoonfull or more of black soape , then the horse having stood two houres as aforesaid , give it him to drinke , then ride and chafe him a little , and let him fast other two houres , and the wormes will avoyd in great abundance . chap. vi. another most excellent receipt for the botts , or any wormes , which is most easie , most safe , and mo●● certaine . take the soft downy hair which growes in the ear of an horse , and which you clip away when you coule him , and the little short ●●● which growes on the top of his forehead , underneath his ●oretop , and having a pretty quantity of them , mixe them well with a pottle of sweet oats , and so give the● to the horse , and there is not any thing will kill wormes more ●●●●redly . chap. vii . an excellent purgation when a horse is dangerously sicke of his grease , or of costivenesse . take a pinte of old white wine , and set it on the fire , then dissolve into it a lump , halfe as much as an hens-egge , of castle-soape , and stirre them well together , then take it off , and put into it two good spoonfulls of hemp-seed beaten , and an ounce and an halfe of sugar-candie beaten to powder , and brew all well together , then having warmed the horse to stirre up his grease , and other foule humours , give him this to drinke , and walke him up and downe a little after it , to make the potion worke , then set him up warme , & after a little stirring up & down in his stall , if he grow sickish , give him liberty to lye downe . after two or three houres fasting , give him a sweet mash , then feed as at other times . chap. viii . for laxativenesse , or extreame loosenesse . take a quart of red-wine , and set it on the fire , then put into it ●● ounce and an halfe of bolearmonie in powder , and two ounces and an halfe of the conserve of sloes , then stirre and ●●●● them well together , after take it ▪ from the fire , and put to it a spoonfull or two of the powder of cinamon , and brewing all well together , give it the horse . let him fast two houres after it , and let him eat no washt meat : hay is wholsome , so is bread and oats , if they bee well mixt with beanes , or wheat , but not otherwise . chap. ix . an infallible helpe for the stone or paine of urine by winde , causing sicknesse . make a strong ●ecoction ( that is to say boyle your first quantity of water , to an halfe part 3-times over ) of keene onions clean ●ill'd , and chopt , and parcelie ; then take a quart thereof , and put ●o it a great spoonfull of london●reackle , as much of the powder of egge-shells , and give it the horse to drinke , and thus doe divers mornings , if the in fir mitie be great , otherwise when you see the horse offended . chap. x. an approved medicine to cure and breake any old festered cold , and to drie up a foule running glaunders . take a pinte of verjuyce , and put to it so much strong mustard ●●●●● with wine vineger , ●● will make the verjuyce strong and keene thereof , then take an ounce and more of roach-allome , and beate it to powder , then when you give this to the horse , as y●● fill your horne , so with a knife or spoone , put some of the allome into the horne , and so give it the horse , part at the mouth , and part at both his nostrills , but especially at the nostrill which runneth most , then ride and chafe him a little after it , then set up warme ; at noone give him a warme mash , and at all times give no cold water , but when hee may have exercise after it . and thus drench the horse three daies together , and it will be sufficient . chap. xi . another for a violent cold . take of white wine vinegar halfe a pinte , and as much sallet-oyle , brew them well together , and then put to it an ounce and a halfe of sugar-candie in powder , and so give it the horse , and stir him a little after it ; this is exceeding good but it will occasion sicknesse for a small time . chap. xii . an excellent cordiall powder for any ordinary cold , and to prepare an horse before travell , to refresh him in travell , and to preserve him from mischiefe after travell . take of english liquorice , and of elicampaneroots of each one ounce , of sugar-candy an ounce and an halfe , beate them to fine powder , and searce them , keepe the powder in a boxe , and when you have occasion to use it , if it be for a cold , then give it in sweet wine , or strong ale , but if in ale , then take a quart , and so give it both before travell , at your haire in travell , and in your inne , or at home , immediately after travell . chap. xiii . an excellent scowring , when other scowrings will not worke . take of sweet butter a quarter of a pound , half so much castle-soape , beate them well together , then ad to them two spoonfulls of hempseed bruised , of anniseed , a spoonfull bruised , of sugar-candie an ounce , of rozzen bruise halfe a spoonfull , worke all these into a paste , and give it the horse in the manner of pills , immediately after his heate , or when you have warmed him and stirred up the grease and foulenesse within him . chap. xiiii . an admirable water for any sore eye , or to cleare any dimme sight , at moone-eies , and the like . take the stone lap●●● laminarius , and 〈◊〉 red hot in the fire , th●● quench it in a pinte 〈◊〉 white wine , and thus doe 〈◊〉 times together , then adde 〈◊〉 the quantity of wine , half so much of the juyce of housleeke , and with this water bathe the eie twice or thrice a day , and it is excellent against any imperfection therein chap. xv. another water for any sore eye , no lesse precious then the former . take a pinte of snow-water , and dissolve into it 3 or foure drams of white vitrioll , and with it wash the horses eyes three or foure times a day , and the effect is great . chap. xvi . for any extreme blow or bruiseon the eye , for any pearle , pinne , web , or unnaturall filme , or foulenesse . take of womans 〈…〉 ( if it can be got ) o● f●● want of it , new 〈◊〉 from the cow , 〈…〉 three spoonfulls , and halfe 〈◊〉 much of the juyce of sella●●●● , mix them well together , and with a quill drop it into the eye ; t●●●● take the whites of a couple of 〈◊〉 and beat them to an oyle , and mi● with it halfe so much of the juyc● of housleeke , and the like quantity of rose-water , and beat all together , then make round plediants of flaxe , and dip them therein , and lay it over the eye , and binde 〈…〉 thereon , then as you finde it dries , so renew it . chap. xvii . the master medicine of all medicines for a back-sinew straine , or any grease , straightnesse , shrinking , or numbnesse of sinewes . take a fat sucking 〈◊〉 whelpe , slay it , and boyle it , then stop the bodie as full as it can hold of gray snayles , and blacke snayles , then rost it at a reasonable fire , when it begins to warme , baste it with six ounces of the oyle of spike made yellow with saffron , and six ounces of the oyle of wax ; then save the drippings , and what moysture so ever falls from it , whilst any drop will fall , and keep it in a gally-pot , with this oyntment anoint the grieved part , and work it in very hot , holding an hot ●ar of iron before it , and thus doe both morning and evening , till the cure be finished . chap. xviii . saint anthony , his onely excellent cure , for any strain , or swelling ▪ take commin-seede and bruise it grosse , and boyle it with the oyle of camomile , then adde to it so much yellow waxe as will bring it to the bodie of a cerrot or plaster , and spread it on either cloth or leather , and very hot apply it to the griefe . it is a wonderfull soveraigne for any man also . chap. xix . another , for any desperate old strain , whether it be in the shoulder , joynts , hips , or back-sinewes . take of aquavitae a pinte , of oyle-de-bay , of oyle of swallowes , and of black soap , of each halfe a pinte , work and labour all these together , till they come to a thin oyntment , then take of camomile , and of red sage an handfull , of rew , and of misseldine an handfull , dry them and bring them to a fine powder , then mixe it with the former oyntment , and bring all to a gentle salve ; with some of this salve made as hot as the horse can suffer it , anoynt the strain , and hold an hot barre of iron before it , chafing it with your hand as much as may bee , and thus doe once a day , and in nine daies the cure hath been effected . chap. xx. an excellent charge for any new straine or offence on the sinewes , or any griefe proceeding from heate . take the whites of half a dozen of egges , and beate them well with a pinte of wine-vinegar ▪ and an ounce of the oyle of roses ▪ and as much of the oyle of myrtills , then take foure ounces of bolearmonie , and as much sanguis draconis , and with as much beane floure , or wheat floure ( but beane flour is the best ) as will thicken it , bring it to a stiffe salve , the● spreading it upon hurds , lap it about the grieved place , and renew it as it drieth . chap. xxi . a perfect cure for a new sinew-straine . take a live cat either wilde or tame , and cut off her head and tail , then cleave her downe the chine , and clap her hot the bowells and all to the strayne , and remove it not for forty eight houres ▪ and the ●ffect is great . chap. xxii . markhams one balm , which hath never failed him for any strain in the shoulder , or other part , hid or apparent , or for any windgall , paine or swelling whatsoever . take ten ounces of the ●●● and purest peece-grease , a●● melt it upon the fire , then 〈…〉 off , and put into it foure ounces of the oyle of spike , one ounce of the oyle of origanum , and an ounce and an half of the oyle of exceter , stir them well together , then put● up into a gally-pot . with this oyntment ( or indeed precious balme ) anoynt the grieved part , the oyntment being made exceeding hot , and rub an● chafe it in with all painfulness● holding an hot barre of iron before it . and thus anoynt it one in two daies , but rub and chafe it in twice or thrice a day at the least , and give the horse moderate exercise . this is approved and infallible . chap. xxiii . for synewes that are extended , over-strained , and so weakened , that the member is uselesse . take of cantharides , of mercurie , and of euforbium , of each a like quantity , and of oyle-de-bay double as much as of all the rest , bring the hard simples to powder , and beate all together to a salve , apply this to the griefe , so there be no scab or wound , and it will give strength and straightnesse to the sinewes . chap. xxiiii . for a sinew-straine newly done , to help it in twenty foure houres . take of the grounds of ale or beere a quart , and put into it as much parsley chopt grosse , as you can hold in your hand , boyle them till the hearb be soft , then put to it a quarter of a pound of sweet butter , and when it is molten , take it from the fire , and put into it a pinte of wine-vineger , and if it be too thin , thicken it with a little wheat-bran , then lay it upon hurds , and poultus-wise apply it to the griefe , as hot as the horse can suffer it . chap. xxv . an admirable unguent to take away all aches , and hid pains , strains and sinew straines . take of deere-suet , or for want of it , sweete butter halfe a pound , of aquavitae a gill , of saffron halfe a dram , of pepper finely beaten and searc't three drams , of garlicke bruised three heads , mixe all together , and let them stew on the fire , and not boyle , till it come to a salve ; with this very warme chafe the griefe , then anoynt a brown paper therewith , and hot , apply it to the place also , and so roule it up : do thus morning and evening . chap. xxvi . for swell'd or gourded legs , whether it be by reason of grease falling into them , or other accident , as scratches , paines , mules , &c. if your horses legs be ●●ell'd onely because the gr●●se is fallen into them , and that there is no other outward ●lcer , neither will the bathing with cold fountaine water , and other ordinay helps asswage them , then you shall take a peece of strong course woollen cloth , and ther●ot make him an hose , a pretty deale larger then his leg , to reach fro● the lower part of his pastern , up ●● the cambrell , or the knee , an● make it close and straight at th● pasterne , and wide above . the● take a pottle of wine lees ( if yo● can get them ) or else the ground● or lees of strong ale or beere , and set them on the fire , and boyle them well , then put to it a pound of hogsgrease , and when it is molten and stirred well together , take as much wheat-bran as will thicken it , and bring it to the body of a poultus . with this poultus ( as hot as the horse can suffer it , onely you must not scald ) fill the hose , or hoses , and then close the hose at the top . with this poultus let the horse stand two daies , then the third day open the hose at the top , but stirre not the poultus , onely take molten hogsgrease , hot as the horse can suffer it , and with a spoone lade it unto the poultus on every side , till it will receive no more , for this wil renew the strength of the poultus , then close up the top of the hose , and so let the horse stand other 2. daies , or 3. then you may open the leg , and rub it downe , and if strong occasion , you may apply another new poultus , if not , your cure is wrought . now if besides the swelling of his legs , your horse hath ulcers , and chaps , as scratches , paines , mules , or the like , then you shall first apply the former poultus in al respects as aforesayd , then after five or six daies application ( when you take the poultus away ) you shall take a quart of old urine , and put to it an handful of salt , as m●ch allome , halfe an ounce of whi●● copporice , and boyle all well t● gether , then with this water ( very hot ) wash the sores once or twice a day , and after a little drying ▪ ●noint them with the ointment called aegyptiacum , and is made o●wi● neger , 8 ounces ; of honey , 12 ounces , of verdigrease , two ounce● of allome one ounce and an halfe boyled to that height , till it come to a red salve . and it will both kill the malignant humours , and also heale and dry up the sores . chap. xxvii . for gourdings , swellings , and paine in the joynts . make a very strong brine of water and salt , and to a quart thereof , put two or three handfulls of rew , and boyle it till the hearb be soft , then with this water very hot , bathe the grieved part well ; then take a flat bagge filled with salt , and he ated hot at the fire , and lap it about the griefe also , then roule it up , and thus doe once or twice a day , and it is a good cure . chap. xxviii . another approved cure for the scratches , or any disease of that nature , as mallander , sellander , &c. take of hogsgrease , and blacke-soape , of ●●●● eight ounces , of 〈…〉 stone , of lime , of ●●spand●● powder , of each three ounces ; ●●● of soote , as much as will suffic● to bring the rest to a salve ; boyle the hogsgrease and soap together , and bring the other hard simples to a fine powder , and so mixe all together , and make a blacke oyntment , with this anoynt the so●● once a day , after they are clea●●ed and made raw . chap. xxix . for any splente , spaven , curbe , ●ing-bone , or any hard knot , or ex●rescion . first having taken viewe of the excrescion , clip away the haire as far as the excrescion go●th , and a little thought more , then ●ake a peece of allomd-leather , ●ade as bigge just as the place you ●ave bared , and fitted to the same ●roportion , then take a little shoo●akers waxe , and spread it round ●bout the very edge , or verge of ●he same , leaving all the inward or ●iddle part empty , and not toucht ▪ with the waxe , according to this ●igure . o then take of the hearb spear-grasse , which hath the ver●ue to raise blisters , and bruising it in a morter , lay some thereof upon the leather , in the voyd and emptie place , which ought to containe the just quantity , of the kne● or excression , and binde it fa● thereon , suffering it to lie ( if i●● in the spring or summer time whe● the hearbe hath its full strength and vertue ) about halfe a 〈…〉 if it bee in the winter , 〈◊〉 hearb hath lesse vertue ; 〈◊〉 if to renew the strength of t●● hearb , you ad to it a drop or t● of the oyle of origanum , and ● it lie halfe a day fully . and ●● sure to tye up the horses head tw● or three houres , for feare of ●●ting it away . when you have taken off t●● plaster , anoynt the place wi● trayn-oyle warme , and you sh● finde no excression . chap. xxx . another cure for splent , spaven , &c. and to drie up windgalls , or swellings . first hea●e the sarrance with an hot pressing iron , then vent it in severall places with your ●leame , then take a spoonfull of ●alt , halfe a spoonfull of nerve●yle , a penny waight of verdi●rease , and the white of an egge , ●eate all to a salve , and dipping ●ax hurds therein , apply it to the ●riefe , and it helpeth . chap. xxxi . an approved cure for the swift . cut , or any hewing on the leg , and 〈◊〉 heale any wound . take a pinte of 〈…〉 wine , and put 〈…〉 or three 〈…〉 honey , and stirre the● well together , then boy 〈◊〉 till they come to the body of an oyntment , then take it from the fire , and put to it halfe so 〈◊〉 turpentine as there was honey ; and stirre all well together , then ●tra● it , and with this salve 〈…〉 hot , anoynt the sores twice or thrice a day , and it is a most speedy healer . chap. xxxii . to heal saddle bruises , hard swellings , and all sorts of impostumations . finst ●ipen it with rotten litter , or wet hay , then when it is soft , open it to let out the corruption , then fill the hollownesse with the powder of rozen , and lay a plaster of shooemakers waxe over it , and thus doe once in twenty foure houres , till it be whole . if it be slow in skinning or drying up , take a spoonfull or two of thick creame , and mix it with soot till it be a salve , and anoynt it therwith , and it will drie and skinne presently . chap. xxxiii . for any maunge , scab , or ●●pr●sie wheresoever . first let blood ; then take a quart of old urine , o●●ineger , and breake 〈◊〉 it a quarter of a pound or better of the best tobacco , then set it on a fire of embers , where it may simmer , and not boyle , and so let it stew all an whole night ▪ then with this water wash the infected places wheresoever they be , and it is a certaine remedy . chap. xxxiiii . for the foulest and most desperate farcie that may be . take hearb of grace , and the hearbe cley-cleys which is a weed growing by the water-side , having a great broad , round leafe , and is green on the upper side , and white on the nether ; of each of them take an equall quantity , beat them in a morter , and strain them , then to a pinte of this juyce , put halfe a pinte of the juyce of housleek , and half a pinte of aquavitae , and two good spoonfulls of pepper beaten and finely searc't , of this liquor take a pinte , and give it the horse to drink , then with round plediants of flax dipt in the same , stop both his eares , then with the strained bruisings of all the hearbs , rub the sores , and stop the holes if there bee any hollownesse , doe thus twice at the least , and oftner if you finde occasion . chap. xxxv . for any founder , f●eltize , su●●ait , or any imperfection in the feet first pare thin , open the heels wide , and take good st●r● of blood from the toes , then 〈◊〉 on a shooe somewhat hollow , after take of the best frankincen●e , and rouling it in a little fine cotten wooll , or bumbast , with an hot iron melt it into the foot , betwin the shooe and the toe , till the o●●fice where the blood was taken be filled up ; then take halfe a pound of hogsgrease , and melt it on the fire , then mix it with wheat 〈◊〉 ▪ till it be as thick as a poultus , then boyling it hot as is possible , stop up the horse foot there with , then cover it with a peece of an ould shooe , and splent it up , and so let the horse stand for three or foure dayes , then if occasion serve you may renew it , otherwise the cure is wrought . chap. xxxvi . to make hoofes grow quickly , and to be tough and strong . take of allome beaten , and of the juyce of garlick , of each seven ounces , of hearbe of grace three handfulls , of old hogsgrease two pound , of asses dung , or for want of it , cow dung an handfull ; mingle them , and boyle them all well together , then with this both stop the horses feeet , and anoynt the crownets of the hoofes , the medicine being hot , and the effect is great . chap. xxxvii . a generall salve for any s●re or swelling , prick , cloynige , or treade . take turpentine , blacksoape , hogsgrease , green treate , and pitch , of each like quantity , mix and boyle them all well together , and apply it warme to the griefe , either plaster wise , or tent wise . the best of secrets . chap. xxxviii . for decayed , rotten , or over strained lungs , which wee call broken-winded , or for any old drie cough , of long continuance . take halfe a pinte of the water of colts-foot , and put unto it ten drops or , at the utmost , not above a dram of balsamum sulphuris , and give it the horse in the morning fasting , then ride him a little gently after it ; bee sure to keepe warme , and give no cold water without exercise ; do thus every other morning till you find amendment . chap. xxxix . how to make balsamum sulphuris . take an ounce of the oyl of turpentine , and an ounce of the flower of brimstone , and put them into a violl , then set it on a fire of embers or hot ashes , and th●●e let it stew till the brimstone be dissolved , and incorporate with the oyl , and become a red unguent ▪ of this take a full dramme at the least . chap. xl. another of saint anthonies cures for any straine or swelling . take commin-seede and bruise it grosse , and boyle it with the oyle of camomile , then adde to it so much yellow waxe as will bring it to the bodie of a cer●ot or gentle plaster , and spread it on either cloth or leather , and very hot apply it to the griefe , and renew it not above once in two or three dayes . it is a wonderfull soveraigne for any straine in a man also . chap. xli . an approved cure for the swiftcut , or any hewing on the legs . take a pinte of white-wine , and put to it two or three spoonfulls of honey , and boylethem till they bee well incorporated together , then straine it , and with this water some what hot , bathe the sores twice or thrice a day , and it is a most speedy heale● ▪ finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a06911-e810 the three estates of horses bodies . times for matching . particular estates of bodies . matching of a foule horse . of dro●● sing . the hunter a discourse of horsemanship directing the right way to breed, keep, and train a horse, for ordinary hunting and plates. langbaine, gerard, 1656-1692. 1685 approx. 208 kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from 51 1-bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : 2003-01 (eebo-tcp phase 1). a49535 wing l374 estc r1219 12496934 ocm 12496934 62532 this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available 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(eebo-tcp ; phase 1, no. a49535) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set 62532) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, 1641-1700 ; 638:11) the hunter a discourse of horsemanship directing the right way to breed, keep, and train a horse, for ordinary hunting and plates. langbaine, gerard, 1656-1692. [2], 98 p. printed by l. lichfield ..., for nicholas cox, oxford [oxfordshire] : 1685. errata: p. 98. reproduction of original in bodleian library. created by converting tcp files to tei p5 using tcp2tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the 25,363 texts created during phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 january 2015. anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf-8 unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p5, characters represented either as utf-8 unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng horses -breeding. horsemanship. 2002-01 tcp assigned for keying and markup 2002-02 spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images 2002-03 tcp staff (michigan) sampled and proofread 2002-03 olivia bottum text and markup reviewed and edited 2002-04 pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the hunter . a discovrse of horsemanship : directing the right way to breed , keep , and train a horse , for ordinary hunting and plates . oxford , printed by l. lichfield , printer to the university , for nicholas cox. 1685. the hunter . chap. i. of hunting-horses in general , their excellency , and the necessity and benefit of the art of keeping . i shall omit to speak in praise of hunting in general , since i would avoid ( as much as might be ) repetitions , and that it is already done at the begining of the foregoing book , with more address than i am master of . but since that author hath spoken nothing of the hunting-horse , which is a principal instrument of that excellent recreation , i desire leave to speak a word in his behalf . in behalf , i say , of this noble creature , to whom all that are followers of hunting are oblig'd : since it is by his strength and vigour that we grati●ie at ease our eyes and ears with all the pleasures that hunting affords ; and without whose assistance , a great part of us could enjoy it a little more than in imagination . but t is not to us only , that are huntsmen , but to all m●nkind , that the hunter is ( or may be ) serviceable . has our prince , or country occasion for our service in the field : on what horse can we venture our lives more sec●rely , than on the hunter ? his readiness to obey the hand and heel , equals him to the mannag'd horse . his being us'd to gallop on all sorts of grounds , as well steep places as deep earths , has so steel'd his courage , that he declines no military service you can put him on . are there ambuscado's to be laid , discoveries to be made , speedy and long marches to be perform'd ; or any other service , wherein strength of body , purity of wind , or swiftness , are requir'd● the general may in any of these cases rely on the hunter , with as much con●idence , as on the horse that is dress'd in the mannage . in times of peace he is equally useful , not only for pleasure , but also for necessity , and profit . how diverting to the eyes , is a beautiful horse after a pack of dogs ? and with how much ease to our bodies , and delight to our minds , are we carried vp to them ; with so much vigour and pride to be discern'd in his countenance , as if he emulated the hounds in their speed , and was desirous to excell them , in his obedience to their common lord. how necessary is the hunter beyond all other horses , if his masters urgent affairs ( where either life or fortune are in hazard , ) exact the performance of a long iourney in a short time. if his master , in hopes of advantage , has match'd him against any other horse ; how ready and willing is he , to perform the vtmost that nature is capable of , or his master can reasonably expect from him● and having art joyn'd to his natural abilities , will not only excell all other horses , but accomplish things beyond his masters hopes , or expectations ; for without its assistance in dieting and exercise , no horse can follow the hounds , or indeed undergo any other extreme labour , without hazarding the melting his grease , the breaking of his wind , or foundring him either in feet , or body : all which are consequences of immoderate labour , and ignorance in this art. that i may therefore give you some light into its mysteries , i shall first direct you how to breed such horses that may be for training ; or else instruct you , how otherwise to procure them . secondly , how to know by shapes , marks , and other tokens , what horse may be most convenient for your purpose . thirdly , how to diet him so , that he may perform all things within his power , without danger . lastly , what manner of exercise is most conducive to this design : and on these heads i intend to inlarge in my following discourse . but before i enter upon my subject propos'd , i think it necessary to answer four objections , that may be made against this art of dieting and training horses , that i may remove all prejudice from the minds of those , who think they may have reason to oppose it ; and that i may vindicate ( with truth ) this art , and clear it from all aspersions . the first objection i shall mention , is made by de grey in his epistle to the reader , ( edit . 4 th . ) where under the vmbrage of his love to horses and in pity of the hardships they undergo in hunting , he extreamly inveighs against it , as the sourse of all their miseries . but that i may not be tax'd of prevarication by my reader , and for his satisfaction i shall set down his words , which are these . if the nobility and gentry of this our isle of great britain , did truly know how honourable , and how commendable horsemanship were , and how much they are esteem●d and admir'd , who are the true professors thereof , they would labour more than they now do , to breed and to have good horses ; but it much troubleth me to see , how little esteem gentlemen have thereof . some horses they have , though not for mannage , yet for hunting : but what manner of hunting ? fox-hunting forsooth , or harriers , which ●e as fleet as petty grey-hounds , wherewith they do so much over-strain the strength of these poor horses , ( forcing them over deep fallows , tough clays , and wet and rough sands , ) that albeit those horses be strong and able , yet are they so toil'd out therewith , as that when they come home at night they would pity the heart of him that loveth an horse to see them so bemired , blooded , spurred , lamentably spent , and tyred out ; whereas if such horses had been ridden to the great-saddle and cannon , they would infinitely have delighted all men that should have beheld them . to this i answer , that for my own part i am not very fond of fox hunting ; but i can see no reason why persons of honour should not gratifie their fancies with this recreation , since from the beginning horses were made for the service of man ; and doubtless for their recreation , as well as more necessary uses . and i am very confident , that if horses be train'd , dieted , and ridden according to art , there will be left no ground for this objection . for by good feeding faintness would be prevented ; and by airing , and due exercise , the horses wind would be so improv'd , that no moderate labour would hurt him ; nay , though a horse by immoderate riding , were reduc'd to such tragical exigencies , as de grey mentions , yet by the assistance of art nature may be in twenty ●our hou●●s space so reliev'd , that all those dangerous symptoms shall be remov'd , and all the natural faculties act as ●ormerly . now as to the last part of his argument , i appeal to all the greatest masters of academi●s here , or in foreign parts ; whether in the mannage , the spurs are not as much us'd , ( not to say more , ) as in hunting ; and the duke of newcastle in his methode nouvelle in 8 0. p. 85. says , il n'y a point d' exercise si violent pour l●s chevaux que celuy de manege ; that is , there is no exercise so violent for horses as the mannage ; so that you see hunting is not the only violent exercise : and salomon de la brove goes further in his cavalarise fran●oise , telling us , that mannag'd horses should sometimes be us'd to the chase , since hunting assists his wind , and brings him to a civil acquaintance with other horses : inferring from hence , that hunting procures to an horse two benefits , viz. speed and strength , and reforms in him two vices , salvageness and restiveness . secondly , there are others , that though they may approve of keeping their horses clean , yet are not reconcil'd to hunting ; but being either admirers of coursing , or else keeping horses only for the benefit of their health , and the taking the air ; will not be perswaded , but that they can bring their horses to the same perfection without hunting , as with it . to answer the first of these , i mean coursers ; i affirm , 't is impossible to attain the end of this art by that means : for being oblig'd in search of their game to toil their horses all day , over deep fallows , in a foot-pace only , they are likelier to bring their horses to weariness than perfection . and the same answer may serve the others likewise : for riding a horse up and down the field after nothing , brings a weariness and dislike to an horse in his exercise , through his ignorance of the time , when his labour shall cease ; whether , or to what end he is so labour'd . whereas on the contrary , an horse naturally takes delight in following the dogs , and seems pleas'd with their musick , as is evident by his pricking up his ears , gazing on them , and pressing to gallop towards them , when ever he hears them in full cry , ( though at a distance . ) nay further , i have been master of a stonehorse , that so entirely lov'd the hounds , that when at any time ( through eagerness of sport , and desire to save the hare from being eaten ) i have rid in amongst the dogs , he would so carefully avoid treading on them , that he has more than once hazarded my limbs ( by making a false step ) to save theirs . from hence i infer , that doubtless horses extreamly delight in hunting , and consequently , that it is a fit exercise for them . thirdly , others object , that what soever pleasure there may be in hunting , they had rather deny themselves that satisfaction than hazard the laming their horses , which , ( as they are told ) few , or no hunters escape . that hunters are sometimes lame , i do not deny : but cannot allow , that it proceeds alwaies from this exercise . for 't is the indiscretion of the riders , in overstraining their horses at leaps ; and by that meanes , sometimes clapping them on the back-sinews , catching in their shoos , and such like , and not the sport , that is the cause of lameness . but on the contrary , i will undertake to shew any man twenty other horses lame ( which never knew what belong'd to hunting ) for one hunter . there are several other reasons be●ides hunting to be given for lameness ; as for instance . much travel though but moderate , if care be wanting ) will produce wind-galls , and splints , which are the fore-runners of lameness . want of exercise will straiten the hoofs , and dry up the sinews ; and too much negligence in travail occa●ions surbating , foundring , and gravailing . horses on the road oftentimes stumble , and now and then fall , and so become lame . na● , a slip , or an over-reach are as incident to the pad , as to the hunter . and to conclude , the horse that is dress●d , is more liable to a strain in the back , and ●illets , than the hunter ; by meanes of his short●t●rns : so that you may perceive that lameness is epidemical , and therefore no more to be objected against hunting-horses , than the rest of that species . fourthly , some again are enemies to this art of dyeting horses in particular : affirming , that such exact diet makes them tender , sickly , and takes them off their stomach : and that the charges are not only great , but likewise unnecessary . to the first part of this obiection , i answer , that an horse is so far from being made tender , or losing his appetite , by such extream and several feedings , if he have proportionate exercise , that it rather inures him to hardship . for much labour ( if not too violent ) either in man or beast , instead of weakning the stomack , and causing sickness , does rather advance the appetite and preserve his health ; and it may be observed , that it doth oftner heighten than decay the stomack . in like manner moderate airings purify his wind , and both together render him healthy , and fit for service . as to the several sorts of food , we shall prove in the sequel , that every part of it is both nourishing , and natural to all horses constitutions ; so that consequently , t is not only allowable , but necessary : and to prove this , needs no more ; than to ride an ordinary horse drawn clean , a days hunting or three hea●s , and a course , against the best of those horses , which are kept by such persons who think that half a peck a day , and fetching his water at the next spring is horsemanship sufficient ; and they will find by keeping and exercise , the ordinary horse will become long winded , and stick at mark ● when the other that is foul-fed , and fat , will soon give out , for want of wind ; ●r otherwise if he be hardy will dy under the spur ; whereas if the untrained horse had been rightly ordered he would have worsted twenty such horses . now to the charges of keeping , fifty shillings a y●ar disburs'd for bread , besides hay , straw , corn and physick , ( which all horses of value must be allowed ) is all that will be requisite , to keep an horse in as good state for ordinary hunting , as any horse whatsoever . lastly by being skilful in the art of keeping , this advantage will insue ; that no dist●mper relating either to the head or body can conceal themselves from his keepers knowledge , whose skill will inform him , how to put a stop to them , before they have made any considerable advances to the horses prejudice . and he that grudges so small an expence on so noble and useful a creature as an horse is , deserves never to come on the back of one . chap. ii. of breeding , the choice of a stallion , and mares , with some general remarks on marks and colours . since creation and generation preceeded the art of riding , and that the first thing which is of course to be treated of , is the choice of an horse ●it for this exercise of hunting . i shall speak somthing cursorily of the art of breeding , before i treat of the hunter ready for service . to them therefore that have grounds convenient for breed , i shall direct this part of my discourse : and lay them down some few rules that may be serviceable to them , though i shall be as brief as possible , and refer them to markham , de grey , morgan , almond , and farring compleated , ( which is collected from the forementioned authors markham and de grey ) all which have treated of the art of breeding more at large . first therefore i wonld advise you to buy either an arabian horse ( if you can procure him , ) a spaniard , a turk , or a barb , for your stallion , that is well shap'd , of a good colour to beautify your race , and well mark'd , to agree with most mens opinions ; though otherwise they are not so significative as mr. blundevile , and his italian author frederigo grissone , would have us believe . to begin with the arabian ; merchants , and other gentlemen that have travell'd those parts , report , that the right arabians are valu'd at an incredible , as well as an intolerable rate ; being priz'd at five hundred , others say at one , two , and three thousand pounds an horse ; that the arabs are as careful of keeping the genealogies of their horses , as princes in keeping their pedigrees ; that they keep them with medals ; and that each son's portion is usually two suits of arms , two cymeters , and one of these horses . the arabs boast , that they will ride fourscore miles a day , without drawing bitt : which has been perform'd by several of our english horses . but much more was atchiev'd by an high●way-man's horse ; who having taken a b●oty , on the same day rode him from london to york , being one hundred and fifty miles . notwithstanding their great value , and the difficulty in bringing them from scanderoon to england by sea ; yet by the care , and at the charge of some breeders in the north , the arabian horse is no st●anger to those parts ; where persons who have the curiosity , may ( as i presume ) at this day see some of the race , if not a true arabian stallion . the spanish horse ( according to the duke of newcastle ) is the noblest horse in the world , and the most beautiful thát can be ; no horse is so curiously shap'd all over from h ●ad to croup , and he ●s absolutely the best stallion in the world , whether you design your breed for the mannage , the war , the pad , hunting , or for running horses . but as he is excellent , so he wants not for price , three or four hundred pistol● being a common rate for a spanish horse . several have been sold for seven hundred , eight hundred , and a thousand pistols a piece ; and one particular horse , called el bravo , that was sent to the arch-duke leopold , was held worth as much as a mannour of a thousand crowns a year . the best spanish horses are bred in andalouzia , and particularly at cordova , where the king has many studds of mares , and so have several of the spanish nobility and gentry . now besides the great price at first , the charges of the journey from spain to england will be very considerable : for first , he must travel from andalouzia to bilbo , or st sebastien , the neerest ports to england , and is at least four hundred miles : and in that hot country you cannot with safety travel your horse above twenty miles a day , then there is the expence of your groom and farrier , besides the casualty of lameness , sickness , and death : so that though he do prove an extraordinary good horse , by that time he arrives at your own home he will likewise be an extraordinary dear one . the turk is little inferior to the spanish horse in beauty , but somewhat odd-shap'd , his head being somewhat like that of a camel : he hath excellent eyes , a thin neck excellently risen , and somewhat large of body : his croup is like that of a mule ; his legs not so underlimb'd as those of the barb , but very sinewy , good pasterns , and good hoofs : they never amble , but trot very well : and are accounted at this present better stallions for gallopers than barbs , as ●when i com● to speak of them ) i shall shew . some merchants affirm , that there cannot be a more noble and divertive sight to a lover of horses , than to walk into the pastures near constantinople , about soyling-time , where he may see many hundred gallant horses tethred , and every hor●e has his attendant or keeper , with his little tent ( plac'd near him ) to lie in , that he may look to him , and take care to shift him to fresh grass , as occasion requires . the price of a turk is commonly one hundred or one hundred and fifty pounds a horse , and when bought t is difficult to get a pass ; the grand segnior being so very strict , that he seldom ( but upon extraordinary occasions ) permits any of his horses to be exported his dominions . but if ( when obtain'd ) you travel by land , without a turk or two for your convoy , you will be sure to have them seiz'd on by the way . then , as in the former , so here , you will find the same difficulties of a long journey , ( for you must come through germany , which is a long way , ) and the same charges attending it , i mean your groom and farrier ● who must be careful that they entrust no persons whatsoever with the care of him , but themselves , especially in shooing of him : for t is the common practice beyond sea , ( as well as here ) where they discover a fine horse , to hire a farrier to prick him , that they may buy him for a stallion . but some people chuse to buy horses at smyrna in anatolia , and from thence , as likewise from constantinople , transport them to england by sea ; which , if the wind serve right , arrive in england in a month , though generally the merchants make their voyages little less than a quarter of a year . the barb is little inferior to any of the former in beauty , only he is accounted by our modern breeders too slender and lady-like to breed on : and therefore in the north , at th●s instant , they prefer the spanish horse and turk before him . he is so lazy and negligent in his walk , that he will stumble on carpet-ground . his trot is like that of a cow , his gallop low , and with much ease to himself . but he is for the most part sinewy , and nervous , excellently winded , and good for a course , i● he be not over-weighted . the mountain-barbs are accounted the best , because they are the strongest and largest . they belong to the allarbes , who value them as much themselves , as they are priz'd by any other nations , and therefore they will not part with them to any persons except to the prince of the band to which they belong ; who can at any time , at his pleasure , command them for his own use . but for the other more ordinary sort , they are to be met with pretty common , in the hands of several of our nobility and gentry ; or if you send into languedoc and provence in france , they may be there bought for forty or fifty pistols a horse . or if you will send into barbary , you may have one for thirty pounds , or thereabouts● but here too the charges and journey will be great ; for though from tunis to marselles in france be no great voyage , yet from marselles to callais by land measures the length of all france , and from thence they are shipt for england . the next thing of course to be treated of , is the choice of your mares , and the fittest mare to breed out of , according to the duke of newcastle's opinion , is one that has been bred of an english mare , and a stallion of either of these races ; but if such a mare be not to be got , then make choice of a right bred english mare by sire and dam , that is well fore-handed , well underlaid , and strong put together in general ; and in particular , see that she have a lean head , wide nostrils , open chaul , a big weasand , and the windpipe straight and loose , and chuse her about five or six year old , and be sure that the stallion be not too old . now for the food of the stallion , i would have you keep him as high as possible for four or five months before the time of covering , with old clean oats , and split beans , well hull'd ● to which you may add , if you please , bread , ( such as in this book shall be hereafter directed ) and now and then , for variety , you may give him an handful of clean wheat , or oats washt in strong ale ; but as for bay-salt , and anniseeds , which mr. morgan , in his perfection of horsemanship , advises should be scatter'd amongst his provender , i hold them superfluous whilst the horse is in health , but be sure let him have plenty of good old sweet hay , well cleansed from dust , and good wheat-straw to ●se on ; and let him be watred twice every day at some fair running spring , or else a clear standing pond-water ( where the other is not to be had ) near some meadow or level piece of ground , where you may gallop him after he hath drunk . when you have brought him to the water , do not suffer him to drink his fill at the first , but after he has taken his ●irst draught , gallop and scope him up and down a little to warm it , and then bring him to the water ag●in , and let him drink what he please , and after that gallop him as you did before , never leaving the water till you find he will drink no more . by this means you will prevent raw crudities , which the coldness of the water would produce to the detrimen● of the stomach , if you had permitted him to drink his fill at first ; whereas you allowing him his fill● ( though by degrees ) at last , you keep his body from drying too fast . and this i take to be much better for your horses than ( according to the forecited morgan ) to incourage his water with whitewine , to qualifie the cold quality thereof : for nature it self is the best directress for the expulsion of her enemies , especially in brutes , where usually she can command the appetite : and therefore i esteem his own natural heat , for warming his water , to be better than that which proceeds from any other . now as to morgan's direction of sweating him every day early in the morning , which he says will not only perfect disgestion , and exhaust the moisture from his seed , but also strengthen and cleanse his blood and body from all raw and imperfect humors ; i am of opinion t will both dry up the radical moisture too fast , and likewise instead of heightning his pride and lust , ( which he alledges , weaken him too much . other rules might be given as to the ordering of them after water , and the hours of feeding , with the quantity &c. but these will be fitter to be handled in another place , and therefore no more of them here . now when your stallion is in lust , and the time for covering is come , which is best to be in may , that the foles may fall in april following , otherwise they will have little or no grass , if they should be put together ( according to markham's opinion ) in the middle of march , tho he holds that one fole falling in march is worth two falling in may , because ( saith he ) he possesseth , as it were , two winters in a year , and is thereby so hardened , that nothing can almost after impair him . the time i say being come to put your stallion and mares together , pull off his hinder shoes , and lead him to the place where the stud of mares are , which you intend for covering , which place ought to be close , well fenc'd , and in it a little ●●utt for a man to lie in , and a larger shed with a manger to feed your stallion with bread and corn , during his abode with the mares , and to shelter him in the heat of the day and in rainy weather , and this close ought to be of sufficient largeness to keep your mares well for two months . before you pull off his bridle , let him cover a mare or two in hand , then turn him loose amongst them , and put all your mares to him , as well those which are with foale , as those which are not , for there is no danger in it ; and by that means they will all be serv'd in their height of lust , and according to the intention of nature . when your stallion has cover'd them once , he tries them all over again , and those which will admit him he serves ; and when his business is finish'd , he beats the pale , and attempts to be at liberty ; which when your man finds , ( who is night and day to observe them , and to take care that no other mares are put to your horse , and to give you an account , which take the horse , and which not , &c. ) let him be taken up , and let him be well kept as before ; only you may at the first give him a good mash or two , to help to restore nature , for you will find him nothing but skin and bones , and his ma●e and tail will rot off . be sure give him never above ten or twelve mares in a season , at most ; otherwise you will scarce recover him against the next years covering-time . when your stallion is past this use , then buy ano●ther ; but be sure never make use of a horse of your own breed , for by so doing the best kind would in time degenerate : but you cannot do better ( the duke of newcastle says ) than to let your own mares be cover'd by their sire , for ( according to his own words and opinion ) there is no incest in horses : and by this means they are nearer one degree to the purity and h ead of the fountain , from which they are deriv'd , since a fine horse got them , and the same fine horse covers them again . now though the duke of newcastle affirms this to be the true way for covering mares , alledging that nature is wiser than art in the act of generation , and that by this way , of a dozen mares he dare affirm that two shall not fail : yet it may not correspond with the interest of some private gentlemen who turn breeders for profit as well as pleasure ; for a good stallion bearing such an extraordinary rate , and they having but one , have reason to be cautions , to avoid as much as can be all hazardous experiments ; which ( with submission to the duke's judgment ) this in some cases may prove . for first , there have been horses of great spirit , that have kill'd themselves through excess of lust , being left to range at their liberty ; and those that have been confin'd to an enclosure , & a select number of mares , have yet in one weeks space so weaken'd nature , that not above half the mares have held . secondly , some mares are of so hot a constitution of nature , and their lust so violent , that if they are permitted to run long with the horse , after they have conceived , will ( if they be high in flesh and lusty ) desire the horse again , which generally hazards the loss of the embrio they go with . to prevent therefore these inconveniences , i shall lay you down an other method ( as briefly as may be , ) which is called covering in hand , as the former is generally term'd out of hand , and the way is this : viz. when you have brought both your horse and mare to as proper condition for breed by art and good feeding , then set some ordinary ston'd-nag by her for a day or two to wooe her , and by that means she will be so prone to lust , that she will readily receive your stallion ; which you should present to her either early in a morning , or late in an evening , for a day or two together , and let him cover her in hand once , or twice if you please , at each time , observing always to give the horse the advantage of ground , and that you have some one ready with a pucket of cold water to throw on the mare 's shape , immediately on the dismounting of the horse , which will make her retain the seed received the better , especially if you get on her back , and trot her about a quarter of an hours space , but in any case have a ●are of heating , or straining her : and it will not be amiss , if after every such act you let them fast two ho●rs , and then give each of them a warm mash ; and t is odds but this way your mares may be as well serv'd as the other , and yet your stallion will last you much longer . i shall say no more as to the keeping the mares during the time of their being with foale , nor of their foaling ; only this , that if you take care to house them all the winter , and to keep them well , their colts will prove the better . when they are foaled , let them run with their dams till martin-mass , then wean them , and keep them in a convenient house , with a low rack and manger on purpose ; litter them well , and feed them with good hay , and oats and wheat-bran mix'd , which will make them drink , and belly well . the first year you may put them all together , but afterwards they must be separated , the stone-colts from the fillies ; and if you have choice of houses , you may put yearings together , two years old together , and so three years old together , for their better satisfaction and agreement ; as little children best agree together . in a warm fair day you may grant them liberty to run and scope in some enclosed court or back-●ide , but be sure to take care to put them up again carefully , that they be not hurt . when summer is come , and there is plenty of grass , put them out in some dry ground , that hath convenient watring , and so let them run till mar●inmass again : then house them as before , and order them in all points as older horses , till they are full five years old , then take them up for good and all , and let your groom back them if he have skill , or else some skilful rider . you may if you please just break your fillies at two years and half old , and let them be cover'd at three ; and by that means they will be so tame and gentle , as not to injure themselves or their foals . but in case of sickness , or any accidental calamity , as lameness , &c. you must then commit them to the farrier's care. the reason why i propose the housing of them every winter , with dry feeding and lodging , is , that they may be the liker their sire in beauty and shape . for the primary cause of the fineness of shape and beauty in horses is heat , and dry feeding . and this is prov'd from the several races we have already mentioned , viz. the spanish horse , barb , and turkish horse , all which countreys are under an hot climate , and by consequence afford little grass : therefore in our more moderate and cold countries we are to assist nature by art , and to supply the want of heat by warm housing , and dry feeding . this is easily made evident by example . for take two colts begot by the same sire , on mares of equal beauty , and house the one every winter , and feed him as directed , and expose the other , till they are four years old , and fit to be back'd ; and you shall find the former like his sire in all respects , and the other fitter for the cart than hunting , as being a dull , heavy , flabby , scarce animated ●lod ; and all this proceeds from the humidity of the air and earth . from hence you may infer , that t is not only generation , but , as i may term it , education , that makes a compleat horse ; and such yours will be , if you order them according to the former directions ; for yon may with ease break the colt that is by such good management made gentle , and half-back'd to your hand . but i have dwelt longer on this subject than i intended , my business being chiefly to inform the groom ( not the master ) what belong'd to his office ; and therefore i will wander no further from my purpose , but leave it to the rider to follow his own method in rendring colts fit for his masters service : whilst i give some few directions to those gentlemen who will not bestow either trouble or charges on breeding ● or have the will but not the convenience to do it , how to elect an horse fit for this exercise . the way for a gentleman to furnish himself with an horse , that may be worth training for hunting , is e●ther to enquire out some noted breeder ( of which there are many in the north , ) or else to go to some famous fair , as malton and rippon fairs in yorkshire , the former held on the 23. day of september yearly , and the latter on may day : or to richmonds in the same shire , ( which , as i am inform'd , does now of late years exceed both the fore-mention'd , being scituate in the middle of the most celebrated part of the breeding country ; ) its fairs are held in easter week , and at rood tyde . northampton has several fairs in the year likewise , as on the 23. day of april , the 8 th . of september , 17 th . of november , with several others . there are several other fairs , as lenton-fair in notinghamshire , pank ridg-fair in staffordshire , &c. which for brevities sake i omit . at any of these places he may make choice of a horse , which as near as can be ought to have these following shapes : viz. his head ought to be lean , large , and long ; his chaul thin , and open ; his ears small , and pricked , or if they be somewhat long , provided they stand upright like those of a fox , it is usually a sign of mettle and toughness his forehead long and broad , not flat , and as we term it mare-fac'd , but rising in the midst like that of a hare , the feather being plac'd above the top of his eye , the contrary being thought by some to betoken blindness . his eyes full , large , and bright ; his nostrils wide , and red within , for an open nostril betokens a good win● ; his mouth large , deep in the ●●kes , and hairy ; his thropple , weasand , or windpipe , big , loose , and streight when he is rein'd in by the bridle ; for if , when he bridles , it bends in like a bow ( which is called cock-throppled ● it very much hinders the free passage of his wind. his head must be so set on to his neck , that there must be a space felt between his neck and his ●haul ; for to be bull-neck'd is uncomely to sight , and prejudicial to the horses wind , as aforesaid . his crest should be firm , thin , and well risen ; his neck long , and straight , yet not loose , and pliant , which the northern-men term withy-cragg'd ; his breast strong , and broad ; his chest deep , his chine short , his body large , and close shut up to the ●●cklebone ; his ribbs round like a barrel , his belly being hid within them . his fillets large , his buttocks rather oval than broad being well let down to the gascoins . his cambrels upright , and not bending , which is called by some sickle-hough'd , though some hold it a sign of toughness and speed. his legs clean , flat , and streight . his ioynts short , well knit , and upright , especially betwixt the past-●orns and the hoof , having but little hair on his fetlocks . his hoofs black , strong , and hollow , and rather long and narrow , than big and flat . and lastly , his main and tail should be long , and thin rather than thick , which is counted by some a mark of dulness . as to his colour and marks , i rather incline to believe them grateful to the eye , than any infallible indexes of goodness ; for as the goodness or badness of a man does not consist in his complexion , but in his inward vertues , so neither do colour or marks certainly demonstrate the goodness or badness of an horse , because his qualifications proceed from his inward disposition . but yet i wholly dissent from the opinion of mr. morgan , p. 31 ; who holds , that colour and marks are no more assurance of a good horse ; than the having a feather in a mans hat does prove him a good man or a bad ; inferring that inherent colours are of no greater eminency or value , than those external ones are which may be taken or laid aside at a man 's own will and pleasure . now i say , that altho marks and colour do not absolutely give testimony unto us of a horses goodness , yet they as well as his shape do intimate to us in some part his disposition and qualities . for nature , not being defective , frames every part of the same matter whereof the whole is formed , and therefore the foe●●● being formed of the copulative seed of its sire and dam , does from them derive as well the accidental as the more essential qualities of its temperament and composition . and for this reason hair it self may often times receive the variation of its colour from the different temperature of the subject out of which it is produced . and to confirm this , i dare pass my word , that wherever you shall meet with an horse that hath no white about him , especially in his fore-head , though he be otherwise of the best reputed colours , as bay , black , sorrel &c. that horse i dare affirm to be of a dogged and sullen disposition ; especially if he have a small pink eye , and a narrow face , with a nose bending like a hawks bill . but yet i am not positive , that horses even of the most celebrated colours , and marks answerable , do always prove the best ; because i have seen those horses worsted by others , whose marks and colour have been esteemed the worst ; as bright sorrel , and mouse-black with bald faces , and all the leggs white above the ●nee . but i rather attribute the ●ause thereof ●o the ignorance of the rider , that had the training of those best marked horses , than to any defec● in nature ; for nature is no counterfeit , as ar● often is , to make a thing shew to the eye , contrary to what it is in reality . and therefor● as i would not have men put too great confidence in marks and colours ; so i would not have them esteemed of so lightly , as the former comparison of mr. morgans would make them ; for it is a constant and inseparable quality for horses to produce hair , which is given them by nature as a tegument and defence against the cold : and if it be shaved off , gall'd , or any waies else removed or taken away , yet it will grow again● but a feather may be put to , or taken from a mans hat at his pleasure . therefore since colour seemeth to set forth the beauty of an horse , you may for ornament sake and to please your eye , make choice of an horse that is either a brown-bay , dapple-bay , black , sad-chessnut with flaxen main and tail , so that they have either a white star , blaze , or snip , with a white foot ; dapple-grey , or white lyard with black muzzle , eye , and ear. any of these are reputed by most men to give a grace to shape ; tho in themselves they are no perfect signs of goodness . but for his internal endowments , they are more material , and therefore take care that he by nature be of a gentle disposition , to his keeper tractable and docile free from those ill qualities o● biting , striking , restiffness , lying down in the water , starting , running away with his rider , plunging , leaping , &c. not but that most , if not all these ill habits may be rectified by art ; for experience has shewn us , that horses which h●●e ●ot been of such a perfect natural composition , as might be desired , have yet been tempered by art , and have not only been reclaimed from their vicious habits , but have been likewise brought to great performance in heats , as well as hunting , as i could instance in several if it were necessary . and therefore since art was invented to perfect nature ; if ( notwithstanding your care ) you have met with a horse subject to any of these ill qualities aforesaid , you must search into the causes of it , which art will help you to discover and remove : and then the cause being taken away , the effect will cease . so that probably , contrary to most peoples opinions a vicious horse , by good management and government may be brought to excell an horse that has a better reputation and fame in the judgment of the generality of hors●men . chap. iii. of the age a hunter should be of before he be put to hunting ; of the stable , and groom , and of the horse's first taking up from grass , in order to his further dieting . having gotten a horse answerable either to the former descriptions , or your own satisfaction at least , i am to suppose that by a skilful rider he is already grounded in the fundamentals of this art ● by being taught such obedience , as that he will readily answer to the horseman's helps and corrections both of the bridle , the hand , the voice , the calf of the leg , and the spur ; that he can tell how to take his way forward , and hath gained a true temper of mouth , and a right placing of his head , and that he hath learn'd to stop and turn readily ; for without these things are perfectly taught , and as it were laid for a foundation , he can never proceed effectually . i had thoughts of enlarging upon this particular subject , but i find my discourse is like to swell beyond its bounds , so that i am forced to omit it , and therefore i shall refer you to the directions and prudence of your rider , and only tell you that t is convenient , your horse should be five years old , and well way'd before you begin to hunt him . for though it be a general custom amongst noted horsemen to train their horses up to hunting at four years old , and some sooner , yet at that age his joynts not being full k●it , nor he come to his best strength and courage , he is disabled from performing any matter of speed and toughness : and indeed being put to sore labour and toil ●o young , he runs a very great hazard of strains , and the putting out of splents , spavins , curbs and windgalls , besides the daunting of his spirit , and abating his natural courage , insomuch that he will become melancholly , stiff , and rheumatick , and have all the distempers of old age , when it might be expected he should be in his prime . your horse then being full five , you may if you please put him to grass from the middle of may till bartholmew-tide , or at least from the middle of summer till that time ; for then the season being so violently hot , it will not be convenient to work him : where whilst he is sporting himself at liberty in his past●re , we will if you please take care to provide a good stable for his reception at his taking up , and a good groom to look after him ; both which are more essentially necessary to the hunter than to other horses , which require not that exact care in keeping . first then as to the stable , i could wish every gentleman would be careful to scituate it in a good air , and upon hard dry and firm ground , that in the winter the horse may go and come clean in and out : and if possible let it be seated on an ascent , that the urine , foul water , or any wet , may be convey'd away by trenches , or sinks cut out for that purpose . be sure to suffer no hen-houses , hog-styes , or houses of easment , or any other filthy smells to be near it ; for hen-dung , or feathers swallow'd , oftentimes prove mortal , and the ill air of a jakes as often is the cause of blindness : likewise the very smell of swine will frequently breed the far●y , and no animal whatsoever more delights in cleanliness , or is more offended at unwholesome savours than the horse . let ●our stable be built of brick , rather than stone , since the latter is subject to sweating in wet weather : which dampness and moisture is the original of rheums , and catarrhs . let your wall be of a good convenient thickness , as about eighteen or twenty inches thick , both for safety and warmth in winter , and to keep the sun from annoying him in summer , which would hinder concoction . you may ( if you please ) make windows both on the east and north sides , that you may have the benefit of the air during summer , from the north , and of the morning sun during winter from the east . and i would advise you to glaze your windows , and make them with sashes , to let in air at pleasure , and to keep out poultry , for the reasons afore recited ; and likewise to make close wooden shutters , that during the middle time of the day the stable may be dark , which will cause him to take his rest as well in the day as the night . let your floor , ( i mean that part on which he is alwaies to stand , or lye down on , be made of oaken planks , and not pitch'd , for t is easier and warmer for the horse to ly on boards than stones . be sure to lay them level ; for if they are laid higher before than behind ( as they generally are in inns and horse-coursers stables , that their horses may appear to more advantage in stature , ) his hinder-leggs will swell , and he can never lye at ease , because his hinder parts will be still slipping down . lay your planks cross-way , & not at length ; and underneath them sink a good trench , which receiving the vrine thro holes bor'd on purpose in the planks , may convey it into some common receptacle . let the ground behind him be raised even with the planks , that he may continually stand on a l●vell . let the floor behind him be pitcht with small pebble : and be sure let that part of your stable where the rack stands be well wainscoted . i would have two rings placed at each side of his stall , for his halter to run through ; which must have a light wooden logger at the bottom of it , to pois● it perpendicularly ; but not so heavy as to tire the horse , or to hinder him from eating . instead of a fix'd manger , i would have you have a locker , or drawer , made in the wainscote partition , for him to eat his corn out of , which you may take in and out to cleanse at pleasure . and whereas some may object the narrowness of the room , you may remedy that at your pleasure , by allowing it to be the larger : tho considering the small quantity of provender , you are to put in at a time , ( as you see hereafter ) you need not make it very large . i would not advise you to make any rack , but instead thereof ( according to the italian fashion ) to give your horse his hay on the ground , upon the litter ; or else you may ( if you please ) nail some boards in the form of a trough , in which you may put his hay , and the boards will prevent him from trampling and spoiling it . some possibly may object , that this way of feeding him , may spoil his crest , and that the blowing upon his hay will soon make it nauseous to his palate . for the spoiling his crest , it rather strengthens it , and makes it firm , whereas , on the contrary , to lift up his head high to the rack will make him withy-cragged : but the way forementioned , he will ●eed as he lyes , which will be for his ease and satisfaction . as to the quantity of his hay , you are to give it him in such small proportions , ( tho the oft●ner ) that it may be eaten before his preath can in the least have tainted it . but the chief● reason why i advise you to this way is this , because the receiving his hay down upon the ground , will help to cleanse his head from any rheum or dose , which he may have gotten by negligence and over-exercise , and induce him by sn●●zing to throw out all manner of watry humors that may annoy his head. if your stable will allow , you may build several partitions of boards , and at the head towards the manger let them be advanc'd to that height that one horse may not molest or smell to another ; and so divide the whole into as many equal stands or staulls as it will admit of ; allowing to each , room enough to turn about in , and lie down at pleasure . you may make one of your staulls close , which may serve for your groom to lie in , in case of a match , sickness , &c. and where he may burn candle without the horse's discerning of it . behind the horses i would have a range of presses made with peggs in them to hang up saddles , bridles , housing-cloaths , &c. as likewise shelves to place your curry-combs , brushes , dusting-cloaths , oyntments , waters , or any other necessaries upon . now that you may not cumber your stable with oat-binns , i think it necessary to tell you , that the best way is to make use of the invention of mr. farmer of tusmore in oxford-shire . which is done ( according as it is described by the ingenuous dr. plot , in his natural history of oxford-shire ) by letting the oats down from a loft above , out of a vessel like the hopper of a mill , whence they fall into a square pipe let into the wall , of about four inches diagonal , which comes down into a cupboard also set into the wall , but with its end so near the bottom that there shall never be above a gallon , or other desireable quantity in the cupboard at a time , which being taken away and given to the horses , another gallon presently succ●eds ; so that in the lower part of the stable , where the horses stand , there is not one inch of room taken up for the whole provision of oats : which contrivance hath also this further convenience , that by this motion the oats are kept constantly sweet , ( the taking away one gallon moving the whole mass above , ) which laid up any otherwise in great quantities , grow frequently musty . now i would have you have two made , the one for the oats , the other for your split beans , and both let into your range of presses ; the partitions may easily be made over head , to separate your oats from your beans . or if you like not this way , you may convert it into an hay-loft , or chambers for your grooms , which you fancy ; but whatever you make choice of , let the floor overhead be seil'd , that no dust from above fall upon your horses . but if you have the convenience of a rick-yard , so that you keep your hay abroad , it is the opinion of some knowing horsemen , that to tuck it out of the rick by little and little , as you have occasion to use it , makes it spend much better than it would otherwise do out of the hay-tallet . as to the rest of its perquisites , a dung●yard , a pump , or a conduit , are necessary ; and if yo● can have that convenience , some pond or running river near hand . but be sure , never let the front of your stable be without litter , that by frequent practice your horse may learn to empty his bladder when he is come from airing , which will be both healthful for your horse , and profitable for your land having thus laid down a modell for a stable , my next business is to tell the groom his duty ; i mean not those which generally appertain to all servants , such as are obedience , fidelity , patience , diligence &c. but those more ●ssentially belonging to this office. first then he must love his horse in the next degree to his master , and to endeavour by fair usage to acquire a reciprocal love from him again , and an exact obedience , which if he know how to pay it to his master , he will the better be able to teach it his horse ; and both the one and the other are to be obtain'd by fair means , rather than by passion and outrage . for those who are so irrational themselves , as not to be able to command their own passions , are not fit to undertake the reclaiming of an horse , ( who by nature is an irrational creature ) from his . he must then put in practice that patience , which i would have him master of , at all times , and by that and fair means he shall attain his end : for nothing is more tractable than an horse , if you make use of kindness to win him . next , neatness is requisite in a groom , to keep his stable clean swept and in order ; his saddles , housing-cloaths , stirr●ps , leathers , and girths , cleane , and above all his horse clean dress'd and rubb'd . diligence in the last place is requisite both in a daily practice of his duty , and in observing any the smallest alteration whether casual or accidental , either in his countenance , as symptoms of sickness , or in his limbs and gate , as lameness , or in his appetite , as forsaking his meat , and immediately upon any such discovery to seek out for remedy . this is the substance of the groom's duty in general , and which i shall treat of more at large as occasion shall offer it self . in the mean time since bartholomew-tide is now come , and the pride and strength of the grass nipp'd by the severe frosts , and cold dews which accompany this season , so that the nourishment thereof turneth into raw crudities , and the coldness of the night ( which is an enemy to the horse ) abates as much flesh and lust as he getteth in the day , we will now take him up from grass whilst his coat lies smooth and sleek . having brought him home , let your groom so that night set him up in some secure and spacious house , where he may evacuate his body , and so be brought to warmer keeping by degrees ; the next day stable him . but , tho it be held as a general rule amongst the generality of grooms , not to cloath or dress their horses , till two or three days after their stabling , i can find no reason but custom to perswade one to it ; but it being little conducive either to the advantage or prejudice of the horse , i shall leave it to their own fancies : but as to the giving of wheat-straw , to take up his belly , ( a custom us'd by grooms generally at the horse's first housing , ) i am utterly averse from it . for the nature of a horse being hot and dry , if he should feed on straw , which is so likewise , it would straighten his guts , and cause an inflammation of the liver , and by that means distemper the blood ; and besides it would make his body so costive , that it would cause a retention of nature , and make him dung with great pain and difficulty ; whereas full feeding would expell the excrements , according to the true intention and inclination of nature . therefore let moderate airing , warm cloathing , good old hay , and old corn , s●pply the place of wheat-straw . to begin then methodically , that your groom may not be to see● in any part of his duty , i sh●ll acquaint him , that his first business is , a●●er he hath brought his horse into the stable , in the morning to water him , and then to rub over his body with a hard wisp a little moisten'd , and then with a woollen cloath ; then to cleanse his sheath with his w●t hand from all the dust it had contracted during his running , and to wash his yard either with white-wine , or water . then he may trim him according to the manner that othor horses are trimm'd , except the ins●de of his ears , which ( though some still continue that fashion ) ought not to be meddled with , for fear of making him catch cold . when this is done , let him have him to the farrier , and there get a sett of shoos answerable to the shape of his foot , and not to pare his foot that it may fit his shoo , as too many farriers do , not only in brabant and flanders , but here likewise . be sure let his feet be well open'd betwixt the quarters and the thrush , to prevent hoof-binding ; and let them be open'd straight , and not side-ways , for by that means in two or three shooings , his heels ( which are the strength of his feet ) will be cut quite away . pare his foot as hollow as you can , and then the shoo will not press upon it . the shoo must come near to the heel , yet not be set so close as to bruise it ; nor yet so open as to catch in his shoos , if at any time he happen to over-reach , and so hazard the pulling them off , the breaking of his hoof , or the bruising of his heel . the webbs of the shoos must be neither too broad , nor too narrow , but of a middle size , about the breadth of an inch , with slop'd spunges , and even with his foot ; for though it would be for the advantage of the travelling horse's heel , to have the shoo sit a little wider than the hoof , on both sides , that the shoo might bear his weight , and not his foot touch the ground ; yet the hunter being often forc'd to gallop on rotten spungy earth , to have them larger would hazard laming , and pulling off his shoos , as hath been shown before . there is an old proverb , before behind , and behind before ; that is , in the fore-●eet the veins lie behind , and in the hinder-seet they lie before . therefore let the farrier take care that he prick him not , but leave a space at the heel of the fore-feet , and a space between the nails at the toe . when your shoo is set on according to this direction , you will find a great deal of his hoof left to be cut off at his toe . when that is cut off● and his feet smooth'd with a file , you will find him to stand so firm , and his feet will be so strong , that he will tread as boldly on stones as on carpet-ground . by that time he is shod , i presume 't will be time to water him , therefore rake him to the river , and let him , a●ter he has drank , stand some time in the water , which will close up the holès ( according to the opinion of some horsemen ) which the driving of the nails made . then have him gently home● and having ty'd him up to the rack , rub him all over body and legs with dry straw ; then stop his feet with cow-dung , sift him a quarter of a peck of clean old oats , and give them to him ; then litter him , and leave him a sufficient quantity of old hay to serve him all night , and so leave him till the next morning . chap. iv. how to order the hunter for the first fortnight . i presume by this your horse will have evacuated all his grass , and his shoes will be so well setled to his feet , that he may be fit to be rid abroad to air without danger of surbating . therefore 't is now necessary that i begin in a more particular manner to direct our unexperienc'd groom how he ought to proceed to order his horse according to art. first then you are to visit your horse early in the morning , to wit , by five a clock if in summer , or six , if in winter , and having put up his litter under his stall , and made clean your stable , you shall then feel his ribs , his chaule and his flank , for those are the cheif signes by which you must learn to judge of the good , or evil state of your horses body , as i shall now shew you . lay your hands on the lower part of his short-ribs , near the flank , and if you feel his fat to be exceeding soft and tender , and to yield as it were under your hand , than you may be confident it is unsound , and that the least violent labour , or travail will dissolve it : which being dissolv'd , e're it be hardned by good dyet , if it be not then remov'd by scouring , the fat or grease b●longing to the outward parts of the body will fall down into his heels , and so cause gowtiness and swelling . i need not trouble you with the outward signs of this distemper , they are evident to the eye : but tho every groom can inform you when a horse is said to have the grease fallen into his heels , yet may be he cannot instruct you in the cause why travail disperseth it for a time , and when the horse is cold it returns with more violence than before . the reason therefore is this : the grease which by indiscreet exercise , and negligence in keeping is melted and fallen into his legs , standing still in the stable cools and congeals , and so unites it self with other ill humours , which flow to the affected part , so that they stop the natural circulation of the blood , and cause inflamations , and swellings as aforesaid● but travail producing warmth in his limbs thaws as it were the congeal'd humours , and disperses them throughout the body in general ; till rest gives them opportunity to unite and settle again . now tho most grooms are of opinion that this distemper is not to be prevented by care or caution , that when it has once seaz'd a horse it remains incureable ; yet they are mistaken in both , for by art it may be prevented , and by art cured : altho the cure is so difficult to be wrought , that a groom cannot be too careful to prevent it . as for the ●nward grease which is in his stomack , bag , and guts , if when once melted it be not remov'd by art , medicine and good keeping , it putrifies , and breeds those mortal diseases , which inevitably destroy the horse , tho it be half a year , or three quarters of a year after . and this is generally the source of most feavers , surfeits , consumptions , &c. and such other distempers which carry off infinite numbers of horses , for want of the farriers knowledge in the first causes of the distemper : which to prevent you shall follow the ensuing directions . after by ●eeling on his ribs you have found his fat soft and unsound , you shall feele his chaule , and if you find any fleshy substance , or great round kirnells or knots , you may be assured● that , as his outward fat is unsouud , so inwardly he is full of glut , and pursive , by means of gross and tough humours cleaving to the hollow places of the lungs stopping so his windpipe that his wind cannot find free passage , nor his body be capable of much labour . therefore the chief end and intention of art is by good sound food to enseame and harden his fat , and by moderate exercise , warm cloathing , and gentle phisick to cleanse away his inward glut , that his wind , and other parts being freed from all grossness , his courage and activity in any labour or service may appear to be more than redoubled . the same observations you must make from his flank , which you will find alwaies to correspond , with the ribs and chaule , for till he is drawn clean it will feel thick to your gripe , but when he is enseam'd , you will perceive nothing but two thin skins ; and by these three observations of the ribs , flank , and chaps , you may , at any time pass an indifferent judgment of your horses being in a good condition or a bad . when you have made these remarks ● you shall sift your horse a handful or two ( and no more ) of good old sound oates , and give them to him , to preserve his stomack from cold humours that might oppress it by drinking fasting , and likewise to make him drink the better . when he hath eaten them , pull off his coller , and rub his head , face , ears , and nape of the neck with a clean rubbing cloth made of ●emp , for 't is soveraign for the head , and dissolveth all gross and ●ilthy humours . then take a small snaffle , and wash it in fair water , and put it on his head , drawing the reins through the headstall , to prevent his slipping it over his head , and so tye him up to the rack , and dress him thus ; first in your right-hand take a curry-comb suitable to your horses skin , ( as if your horses coat be short and smooth , then must the curry-comb be blunt , but if long and rough , then m●st the teeth be long and and sharp , standing with your face opposite to the horses , hold the left cheek of the headstall in your left-hand , and curry him with a good hard hand from the root of his ears , all a long his neck to his shoulders : then go over all his body with a more moderate hand , then curry his buttocks down to the hinder cambrell with an hard hand again : then change your hand , and laying your right arm over his back , joyn your right side to his left , and so curry him gently from the top of his withers , to the lower part of his shoulder , ever now and then fetching your stroke over the left side of his breast , and so curry him down to knee , but no further : then curry him all under his belly , near his fore-bowels , and in a word all over very well , his legs under the knees and cambrels only excepted . and as you dress'd the left side , so must you the right likewise . now by the way take notice , whether your horse keeps a riggling up and down , biting the rackslaves , and now and then offering to snap at you , or lifting up his leg to strike at you , when you are currying him : if he do 't is an apparent sign of his displeasure by reason of the sharpness of the comb , and therefore you must file the teeth thereof more blunt : but if you perceive that he plays these , or such like tricks through wantonness and the pleasure he takes in the friction , then you shall ever now and then correct him with your whip gently for his waggishness . this currying is only to raise the dust , and therefore after you have thus curried him , you must take either a horse-tail ● nail'd to an handle ) or a clean dusting-cloath of cotten , and with it strike off the loose dust rais'd by your curry-comb . then dress him all over with the french-brush , both head , body , and legs to the very fet-locks , observing always to cleanse the brush from the filth it gathers from the bottom of the hair , by rubbing it on the curry-comb . then dust him the second time . then with your hand wet in water rub his body all over , and as near as you can leave no loose hairs behind you ; and with your wet hands pick and cleanse his eys , ears , nostrils , sheath , cods , and tuel , and so rub him till he be as dry as at first . then take an hair-patch , and rub his body all over , but especially his fore-bowels under his belly , his flank , and between his hinder thighs . lastly , wipe him over with a fine white linnen rubber . when you have thus drest him , take a large saddle-cloath ( made on purpose , ) that may reach down to the spurring-place , and lap it about his body ; t●en clap on his saddle , and throw a cloth over him for fear of catching cold . then take two ropes of straw twisted extream hard together● and with them rub and chase his legs from the knees and cambre●s downwards to the ground , picking his ●●tl●ck-joynts with your hands from dust , filth , and scabs . then take another hair-patch kept on purpose for his legs , ( for you must have two ) and with it rub and dress his legs also . now by the way let me give you this necessary , caution , be sure whilst you are dressing your horse let him not stand naked , his body being expos'd to the penetration of the air , whilst you are telling a banbury-story to some comrades , that accidentally come into the stable , as i have seen some grooms , that would stand lolling over their horses , when they were uncloath'd ; and trifle away their time by listning to some idle discourse ; but when you have stripp'd him fall to your business roundly , without any intermission till you have sadled him , and thrown his cloth over him . and the reason why i advise you to throw a cloth over him , whilst you are dressing his legs is this ; that although t is a general rule amongst grooms , that an horse cannot take cold whilst he is dressing , yet is that saying to be understood only of his body , not of his legs ; for the rubbing of his legs will not prevent catching cold in his body . when this is done , you shall with an iron picker pick his feet clean , ( that the stopping of his feet may not be a means of his taking up stones in them , ) comb down his main and tail with a wet main-comb , then spirt some beer into his mouth , and so draw him out of the stable . being mounted , rak● or walk him to some running river , or fresh clear spring , distant a mile or two from your stable , ( which will refine his mouth which he may have lost , during his summers running , and will likewise settle his body upon his rake , ) and there let him drink about half his draught at first , to prevent raw crudities arising in his stomach . after he hath drunk bring him calmly out of the water , and so ride him gently for a while ; for nothing is more unbeseeming a horseman , than to thrust his horse into a swift gall●p , as soon as he comes out of the water , for these three causes . first , it is not only hazards the breaking of his wind , but also assuredly endanges the incording , or bursting of him . secondly , it begets in him an ill habit of running away , as soon as he hath done drinking . lastly , the foresight he hath of such violent exercise , makes him oftentimes refuse to quench his thirst : and therefore ( as i said ) first walk him a little way , and then put him into a gentle gallop for 5 or 6 score , then give him wind : and after he hath been rak'd a pretty space , then shew him the water again , and let him drink what he pleases , and then gallop him again ; and thus do till he will drink no more , but be sure to observe always that you gallop him not so much as either to chafe , or sweat him . now by the way observe , that in his galloping after water , ( after the first weeks enseaming , ) if sometimes you give him a watering course sharply , of twelve or twenty score , ( as you find your horse , ) it will quicken his spirits , and cause him to gallop more pleasantly , and teach him to mannage his limbs more nimbly , and to stretch forth his body largely . when your horse hath done drinking , then rake him to the top of the next hill , ( if there be any near your watring-place , for there in the morning the air is purest , or else to some such place , as he may gain best advantage both of sun and air , and there air him a foot-pace an hour , or so long as you ( in your discretion ) shall think sufficient for the state of his body , and then ride him home . during the time of your horses airing , you will easily perceive several marks of your horses satisfaction , and the pleasure which he takes in this exercise . for he will gape , yawn , and as it were shrug his body . if he offer to stand still , to dung , or stale , which his airing will provoke , be sure give him leave , as likewise to stare about , neigh , or listen after any noise . now airing brings several advantages to the horse . first , it purifies the blood , ( if the air be clean and pure , ) it purges the body from many gross and suffocating humors , and so hardens and enseams the horses fat , that it is not near so liable to be dissolv'd by ordinary exercise . secondly , it teaches him how to let his wind rake equally and keep time with the other actions or motions of his body . thirdly , it sharpens the appetite , and provokes the stomach , ( which is of great advantage both to hunters and gallopers , who are apt to loose their stomach through excess or want of exercise ) : for the sharpness of the air will drive the horses natural heat from the exterior to the interior parts , which heat by furthering concoction creates an appetite . lastly , it increases lust and courage in him , provided he not too early air'd . but whereas mr. markam , in his way to get wealth , 4 0. pag. 44. directs , if your horse be very fat to air him before sun-rise , and after sun-set ; and that the author of the gentleman's iockey , 8 0. pag. 14. says , that nothing is more wholsome than early and late airings ; i think the contrary may be made out from experience . for in this art , all things that any ways hinder the strength and vigor of nature , are to be avoided ; now , that extreamity of cold , and being out early and late do so , is evidently seen by horses that run abroad all winter , which however hardily bred , and kept with the best care and fodder , yet cannot by any means be advanc'd to so good case in winter as an indifferent pasture will raise them to in summer . and this holding true of the nocturnal colds , must needs be verified in some proportionate measure of the morning and evening dews , and that piercing cold which is observ'd to be more intense at the opening and close of the day , than any part of the night . besides that , the d●ws and moist rimes do as much injury to a horse , as the sharpest colds or frosts : since ( as i have found by experience ) a horse any ways inclinable to catarrhs , rheums or any other cold distempers , is apt to have the humors augmented , and the disease most senbsily increasd by these early and late airings . but if he be not had forth to aire till the sun be risen , ( as you must cast to have him dress'd , and ready to lead forth against that time ) his spirits will be chear'd and comforted by that universal comforter of all living creatures ; and indeed all horses naturally desire to enjoy the sun's warmth , as you may observe by those horses which lie out all night , who as soon as the sun is risen , will repair to those places where they may have the most benefit of his beams , and by them be in part reliev'd from the coldness of the foregoing night . and besides the benefit of the sun , the air will be so mild and temperate , as it will rather invigorate than prey upon his spirits , and more increase his strength than impair it neither , tho we disallow of early and late airings , need we be at a loss to bring down our horses fat , and from being pursive , and too high in flesh , to reduce him to cleanness , and a more moderate state of body : for if you do but observe this one rule of keeping a fat horse so much longer out at a time both morning and evening , you will undoubtedly obtain your end by such long airing , joyn'd with true sound heats , which you may expect indeed , but will never find from those that are shorter , how early and late soever : for this method ioyn'd with good feeding is the best prescription can be given in this case , and t is from the length of your airings only , that you must hope to bring your horse to a perfect wind , and true courage . and therefore a horse that is 〈◊〉 in flesh , is a sitter subject to work on , than one that is low , because he is better able to endure labour , whereas the other must of necessity be so favoured in training , to improve his strength and flesh , that he is in danger ( without he be under the care of a very skilful keeper ) of proving thick winded for want of true exercise in training . when you are returned from airing , and are dismounted , lead your horse on the straw , which ( as i told you before ) should always lye before the stable door ; and there by whistling and stirring up the litter under his belly will provoke him to stale , which a little practice will bring him to , and is advantagious for the horses health , and the keeping of your stable clean ; then lead him into his staul ( which ought likewise to be well littered ) and having ty'd up his head to the empty rack , take off his saddle , rubb his body and leggs all over with the french-brush , then with the hair-patch , and last of all with the woollen cloath . then you shall cloath him with a linnen cloath next to his body , and over that a canvas cloath , and both made so fit as to cover his breast and to come pretty low down to his legs , which is the turkish way of cloathing , who are the most curious people ( saies the duke of newcastle ) in keeping their horses , and esteem them the most of any nation . over the forementioned put a body-cloath of six , or eight straps , which is better than a sircingl● and pad stuft with wisps , because this keeps his belly in shape , and is not so subject to hurt him . now these cloathes will be sufficient for him at his first stabling , because being inur'd to the cool air he will not be so apt to take cold , the weather likewise at that season being indifferently warm● but when sharp weather approaches , and that you find his hair rise about his outward parts that are uncloathed , as neck , gascoins , &c. then add another cloath , which ought to be of woolen , and for any horse bred under this climate , and kept only for ordinary hunting , this is cloathing sufficient . now the design of cloathings is only by their help joyn'd to the warmth of the stable , and the litter ( which must alwaies lye under the horse ) to keep his body in such a moderate natural heat , as shall be sufficient to assist nature , that skilful physitian in expelling her enemies , by dissolving those raw and gross humours which are subject to annoy the horse , and which would very much prejudice him if they were not removed ; which warm cloathing does in a great measure by dispersing them into the outward parts , and expelling them by sweating as he sleeps and lyes down , which will be a meanes to purge his body , and keep it clean from glut , and redundant humours . but yet ( as in all things the golden mean is best ) there is a meane to be observ'd too here : for as too few cloathes will not assist nature sufficiently in the expulsion of her enemies , so too many will force her too much , and cause weakness in your horse by too violent sweatings . therefore you must have a care of following the example of some ignorant grooms , who because they have acquired a false reputation by livi●g in some noblemans or gentlemans service , that are noted sportsmen , think they are able to give laws to all their fraternity , and therefore without any reason heap multiplicity of cloaths on the horse as if they meant to bury him in woolen . you must know , that both the temperature of the weather and the state of his body are to be observed ; and that all horses are not to be cloathed alike . your fine-skined horses , as the barb , turk , spanish horse &c. require more● clothes then our english common horses , that are bred in a colder climate , and have naturally thicker skin 's , and a longer coat . but that you may not erre i have told you already how you are to cloath your horse , a●d therefore shall only add this one general rule , that a rough coat shews want of cloaths , and a smooth coat cloathing sufficient : ever observing , that by his countenance , his dung , and other outward characters ( which i shall by and by give you more at large ) you perceive your horse to to be in health , and yet notwithstanding your horses coat still stares , you must add more cloathes till it lye ; as on the other hand if it will lye withe the assist●of a single linnen cloath it is su●●icient . but if when he has been in keeping some time , you perceive him apt to sweat in the night , 't is a sign that he is over-fed , and wants exercise : but if he sweat at his first coming from grass , you must know that there is cause rather to encrease , than diminish the cloathes i have alloted at his first housing ; for it proceeds from the foul humours which oppress nature , and when by exercise they are evacuated , nature will cease working , and he will con●tinue in a temperate state of body all the year after . when he is cloath'd up , pick his feet cleane with an iron picker , and wash his hoofs clean with a spung dipt in fair wate● , and then dry them with straw or a linnen cloath , and if there be occasion and that you find your horses legs durty , you may bathe them likewise , only you must be sure to rub them dry before you go out of your stable , then leave him on his snaffle for an hour , or more , which will assist his appetite . when an hour is expired . you shall come to him again , and having tuck'd an hardful of hay , and dusted it , you shall let your horse tease it out of your hand till he hath eaten it ; then pull off his bridle , and having rub'd his head and neck clean , with the hempen-cloth , as before , pull his eares , and stop his nostrils to make him snore , which will help to bring away the moist humours which oppress his brain , and then put on his coller , and give him a quarter of oats clean drest , in a sive , having first made his locker , or manger clean with a wispe of straw , and a c●oth . whilst he is eating his corn ● you shall sweep out your stable , and see that all things are neat about him , and turning up his cloaths , you shall rub his f●llets , buttocks , and gascoins over with the hairpatch , and after that with a woolen-cloth ; then spread a clean flannel fillet-cloth over his fillets and buttocks ( which will make his coat lye smooth ) and turn down his housing-cloaths upon it . then anoint his hoofs round from the cronet to the toe with this ointment , viz. take four ounces of venice turpentine , three ounces of bees wax , two ounces of the best rosin , one pound of dogs-grease , half a pint of train oyle , melt all these ingredients ( except the turpentine ) together , being melted remove them from the fire , and then put in the turpentine , and keep it stirring , till all be well incorporated , then put it in a gally pot , and when it is cold cover it close from dust , and reser●e it for use . after this pick his feet with an iron picker , and stop them with cow-dung ; and by this time your horse ( if he be not a very slow feeder ) will have eaten his oates , which if you find he does with a good stomack , sift him another quart , and throw them to feed him by little and little , whilst he eats with an appetite ; but if he fumbles with his corn , then give him no more at that time . and this i think a better direction than to prescribe a set quantity of provender , as all authors i have yet met with have done . for without doubt no certain quantity of meat can be allotted for all sorts of horses , any more than for all sorts of men ; and therefore proportion the quantity to the horses appetite : but be sure at all times give him his full feeding , for that will keep his body in better state and temper , and increase his strength and vigor . whereas on the contrary , to keep your horse always sharp-set , is the ready way to procure a surfeit , if at any time he can come at his fill of provender ; according to the common proverb , two hungry meales make the third a glutton . but tho you perceive he gather flesh too fast upon such home-feeding ; yet be sure not to stint him for it , but only increase his labour , and that will assist both his strength and wind. when these things are done , you shall dust a pretty quantity of hay , and throw it down to him on his litter , after you have taken it up under him ; and then shutting up the windows and stable door , leave him till one a clock in the afternoon ; at which time you shall come to him , and having rubb'd over his head , neck , fillets , buttocks , and legs , as before , with the hair-patch and woollen-cloath , you shall feed him as before . and then leave him till the time of his evening watring , ( which should be about three of the clock in winter , and four in summer ; ) and then having put back his foul litter , and swept away that and his dung , you shall dress and saddle him as before , and mounting him you shall rake him to the water , and after drinking and galloping you shall air him along by the river side , till you think it time to go home ; then order him in all points , as to rubbing , feeding , stopping his feet , &c. as you did in the morning ; and having fed him at six a clock , be sure feed him again about nine ; and having litter'd him well , and thrown him hay enough to serve him for all night , you shall leave him till the next morning . and as you have spent this day , so you must order him in all respects for a fortnight together , and by that time his flesh will be so harden'd , and his wind so improv'd ; his mouth will be so quicken'd , and his gallop brought to so good a stroke , that he will be fit to be put to moderate hunting . now during this fortnights keeping you are to make several observations , as to the nature and disposition of your horse , the temper of his body , the course of his digestion , &c. and order him accordingly . as first , if he be of a churlish disposition , you must reclaim him by severity ; if of a loving temper , you must win him by kindness . secondly , you must observe whether he be a foul feeder , or of a nice stomach ; if he be quick at his meat , and retain a good stomach , then four times of full feeding , in a day and a nights space , is sufficient ; but if he be a slender feeder , and slow at his meat , then you must give but a little at once , and often , as about every two hours , for fresh meat will draw on his appetite ; and you must always leave a little meat in his locker for him to eat at his own leisure betwixt the times of his feeding ; and when at any time you find any left , you shall swe●p it away , and give him fresh , and expose that to the sun and air , which will prevent mustiness and reduce it to its ●irst sweetness , before it was blown upon . now as to the manner of feeding , you may sharpen his stomach by change of meat , as giving one meal clean oats , another oats and split-beans , and ( when you have brought him to eat bread ) you may give him another meal of bread , always observing to give him oftenest that which he likes best ; or if you please you may give him both corn and bread at the same time , provided you give him that last which he eats best , and which has the best digestion . t is observ'd of some horses , that they are of so hot a constitution , that without they may drink at every bit they cannot eat , and those horses usually carry no belly ; in this case therefore you must let a pale of water stand continually before them , or at least offer them water at noon , besides what they fetch abroad at their ordinary times . next you are to observe the nature of his digestion , that is , whether he retains his food long , which is the sign of a bad digestion ; or whether nature does expel the dung more frequently ; which if he do , and that his dung be loose and bright ● t is a sign of a good habit of body ; but if he dung hard , and seldom , then on the contrary t is a sign of a dry body ; and therefore to remedy this , you shall once in a day give him a handful or two of oats , well wash'd in good strong ale , for this will loosen his body , and keep it moist , and you will sind it also good for his wind , notwithstand the opinion of some to the contrary . chap v. of the second fortnights diet , and of his first hunting , and what chases are most proper to train him . by that time you have spent this fortnight , according to the foregoing rules , your horse will be in a pretty good state of body ; for the gross humors will be dry'd in his body , and his flesh will begin to be harden'd , which you will perceive ( as i told you at first ) by his chaul , his short ribs , and his flank ; for the kernels under his chaps will not feel so gross as at first they did , his flesh on his short ribs will not feel so soft and loose , nor the thin part of his flank so thick as at his first housing ; so that now you may without hazard adventure to hunt him moderately . but before i proceed , i think it necessary to clear one point , which i have heard much discuss'd amongst horsemen , which is , what sort of chase is most proper for the training of a young horse ? some being of one opinion , some of another . for some would have a horse , which is design●d either for a buck-hunter or fox-hunter , us'd from the beginning to the chase which they are design'd for . others think those chases too violent for a young horse , and therefore chuse to train him after harriers ; and of this opinion i must own my self to be , since experience has fully shewn me the advantages of the one , and the inconveniences of the other . now to prove this assertion , let us take a slight view of the several cbases which are commonly used by our nobility and gentry , where the horse is made a companion and member of the sport , and they are these ; the stag , buck , hind , fox , otter , and hare . as for the three first here mention'd , as there is not much difference in the hunting of them , so the inconveniences from each chase are in a manner the same also . for which soever you hunt , t is either in covert , or at force . now if deer be hunted in a park , they usually chuse the most woody parts of it , as a refuge from the pursuits of their enemies , which is both unpleasant to the rider , and troublesome to the horse , to follow the dogs thro the thick bushes ; and besides , usually the ground in parks is full of mole banks , trenches , &c. which is dangerous for a young horse to gallop on , till he has attain'd to some perfection in his stroke . but if they be turn'd out of the park , and be hunted at force , you will find , that as soon as you have unharbour'd or rous'd them , they will immediately make out end ways before the hounds five or six , nay sometimes ten miles , they following in full cry so swiftly , that a horse must be compell'd to run up and down hill without any intermission ; leaping hedg , ditch , and dale , nay often crossing rivers , to the great danger of the rider , as well as of the horse . so that in my opinion t is altogether improper to put a young horse to such violent labour at the first , till by practice and degrees he hath been made acquainted with hard service . now besides the swiftness and violence of this chase , and the danger of cracking his wind , and bursting his belly ; besides the straining of his limbs by such desperate riding , and the creating in a young horse a loathsomness to his labour , by undergoing such violent and unusual service ; the seasons for these chases begining about midsummer , and ending about holy-rood-tide , which is that part of the year in which the sun's heat is excessive , and so scorches the earth , that a violent chase would hazard the melting his grease , and the weight of the rider , by reason of the hardness of the ground , would occasion foundring , splents , and windgalls , insomuch that in short time the horse would prove altogether vseless . but here i cannot but desire to be rightly understood , since tho i object against these chases as impro●per for young horses , yet i do not mean that horses should be excluded this recreation ; but i would have those which are imploy'd herein , to be horses of stay'd years , and by long practice and experience have been rightly train'd to hunting . young horses ( as the duke of new-castle says ) being as subject to diseases as young children , and therefore he advises any man that would buy a horse for use in his ordinary occasions , as for iourneys , hawking or hunting , n●ver to buy a ho●se untill the mark be out of his mouth , and if he be sound of wind , limb , and sight , he will last you eight or nine years with good keeping● and never ●ail you ; and therefore ( pursues he ) i am always ready to buy for such purposes an old nag , of some huntsman , or falconer , that is ●ound , and that is the useful nag , for he gallop● on all grounds , leaps over hedges and ditches ; and this will not fail you in your journey , nor any where , and is the only nag of use for pleasure or jou●ney thus far the duke . and if it may be perm●tted ●o add to his advice , i would have them strait-bod●ed clean-timbred nags , such as may be light , nimble , and of middle stature , for those horses are not near so sub●ect ●o lamness as those of bulk and strength , the causes whereof have been already declar'd . the next chase propos'd was that of the fox , which although it be a recreation much in use , and highly applauded by the generality of the nobility and gentry ; yet with submission to their judgment i never could find that pleasure in it which has been represented to me by some of its admirers : and i am sure it is inconvenient for the training of a young horse , since it is swift without respite , aud of long continuance , both which , as i have already shew'd , are distastful to him ; but the greatest inconvenience that happens to a horse in this chase is this ; that when a fox is unkennel'd , he seldom or never betakes himself to a champion countrey , but remains in the strongest coverts , and in the thickest woods ; so that a horse can but seldom enjoy the pleasure of accompanying the hounds , without hazarding being stubb'd● , or other as dangerous accidents . the fittest horses for this chase are horses of great strength and ability , since this chase begins at christmas , which is the worst time of riding , and ends at our lady-day , when the ground is best for it . the next chase to be spoken of is the otters , which although it may seem delightful to some , yet i cannot by any means think it convenient for a horse : for he that will truly pursue this amphibious sport , must often swim his horse to the equal hazard both of the rider and the horse . but to conclude with the last , and the best of chases , and that is the hare . it is in my opinion the most pleasant and delightful chase of any whatsoever , and the most beneficial for training a young horse . it is swift , and of some indurance , like that of the fox , but far more pleasant to the horse , because hares commonly run the champion country ; and the scent not being so hot as the foxes , the dogs are oftner at default , and by that means the horse has many sobbs , whereby he recovers wind , and regains new strength . this chase begins at michaelmass , and lasts till the end of february ● now the best dogs , to bring your horse to perfection of wind and speed , are your fleet northern hounds ; for they , by means of their hard-running , will draw him up to that extraordinary speed , that he will not have time to loiter , and by continual practice will be so inur'd and habituated to the violence of their speed , that in a short time he will be able to ride on all sorts of ground , and be at such command upon the hand , that he will strike at what rate you please , and three-quarters speed will be less troublesome to him than a canterbury-gallop . i have often thought this one of the reasons why your northern breeders for the generality excel those of the south ; since certainly the speed of their hounds contributes much to the excellence of their horses , and makes them endure a four mile course without sobbs , which some horsemen call whole-running : but of this more in another place . the time being now come that he may be hunted , you shall order him on his days of rest in all points , as to his dr●ssing , hours of feeding , watring , &c. as in the first fortnight afore directed ; only since his labour is now to be increas'd , you must endeavour to increase his strength and courage likewise ; and this will be effected by adding to his oats a third part of clean old beans spelted on a mill , and as an overplus to allow him bread made after this manner . take four pecks of clean old beans , and two pecks of wheat , and grind them together , and sift the meal thro a meal-sieve of an indifferent fineness , and knead it with warm water and good store of barm , and let it lie an hour or more to swell , for by that means the bread will be the lighter , and have the easier and quicker digestion ; after which being with a brake or any other way exceedingly well-kneaded , make it up into great houshold peck-loaves , which will be a means to avoid crust , and prevent its drying too soon ; bake them thoroughly , and let them stand a good while in the oven to soke , then draw them , and turning the bottoms upwards let them stand to cool . when your bread is a day old you may venture to feed your horse with it , having first chipt away the crust ; and sometimes giving him bread , sometimes oats , and now and then oats and spelted beans , according as you find his stomach ; you need not fear but such feeding will bring him into as good condition as you need desire for ordinary hunting . when your bread is prepar'd , and you first fortnight expir'd , you must then pitch upon a day for his first going abroad after the dogs , and the day before you hunt you must always order him after this manner . in the morning proceed in your usual method as before , only observe that day to give him no beans , because they are hard of digestion , but give most of bread if you can draw him on to eat it , because it is more nourishing than oats ; and after your evening watering , which ought to be somewhat earlier than at other times , give him onely a little hay out of your hand , and no more till the next day that he returns from hunting : and to prevent his eating his litter , or any thing else but what you give him , you shall instead of a muzzle put on a cavezone joyn'd to a headstall of a bridle , being lin'd with double leather for fear of hurting him , and tying it so straight as to hinder his eating ; and this will prevent sickness in your horse , which is incident to some horses when their muzzle is set on , notwithstanding the invention of the lattice-window , now adays so much in use ; but this way your horses nostrils are fully at liberty , and he will never prove sick . but as to his corn , give him his meals , both after his watering , and at nine a clock , at which time be sure to litter him very well , that he may the better take his rest , and leave him for that night . the next morning come to him very early , as about four a clock , and having dress'd a quarter of a peck of oats very clean , put them into his locker , and pour into it a quart of good strong ale , and after having mix'd the oats and ale very well give him them to eat , whilst you put back his dung and foul litter , and make clean his stable , but if he will not eat wash'd oats then give him dry ; but be sure put no beans to them . when he has done eating , bridle him , and tie him up to the ring , and dress him . when he is dress'd saddle him ; then throw his cloth over him , and let him stand till the hounds are ready to go forth . but be sure not to draw your saddle girths straight till you are ready to mount , lest by that means he become sick . but generally old horses are so crafty , that when an ignorant groom goes to girt them up hard , they will streth out their bodies to such a bigness by holding their wind , ( on purpose to gain ease after they are girt ) that t will appear difficult to girt them ; but afterwards they let go their wind , and their bodies fa●l again . when the hounds are unkennell'd , ( which should not be till sun-rising ) go into the field along with them , and rake your horse up and down gently till a hare be started ; always observing to let him smell to other horses dung , ( if he be desirous of it ) which will provoke him to empty himself , and let him stand still when he does so : and if you meet with any dead fog , rushes , or such like , ride him upon them , and by whistling provoke him to empty his bladder . when the hare is started , you are not to follow the hounds as the other hunters do , but to con●ider , that this being the first time of your horses hunting , he is not so well vers'd in the different sorts of grounds as to know how to gallop smoothly , and with ease on them ; and therefore you are not to put him as yet to above half his speed , that he may learn to carry a staid body , and to mannage his legs both upon fallows , and greenswarth . neither are you to gallop him often , nor any long time together , for fear of discouraging him , and breeding in him a dis●ike to this exercise ; but observing to cross the fields still to your best advantage , you shall make in to the hounds at every default , and still keep your horse ( as much as these rules will allow you ) within the cry of the dogs , that he may be us'd to their cry ; and you will find , that in a very short time he will take such delight and pleasure in their musick , that he will be desirous to follow them more eagerly . now if at any time the chase be lead over any carpet ground , or sandy high-way , on which your horse may lay out his body smoothly , you may there gallop him for a quarter or half a mile , to teach him to lay out his body , and to gather up his legs , to enlarge and shorten his stroke , ● according to the different earths he gallops on , as if on green-swarth , meadow , moore● heath , &c. then to ●●oop , and run more on the shoulders ; if amongst mole-hills , or over high ridges and furrows , then to gallop more roundly , and in less compass , or according to the vulgar phrase two up and two down , that thereby he may strike his furrow clear , and avoid setting his fore-feet in the bottom of it , and by that means fall over ; but by this way of galloping , tho he should happen to set his feet in a furrow , yet carrying his body so round and resting on the hand in his gallop , would prevent his falling ; and to this perfection nothing but use , and such moderate exercise can bring him . according to these rules you may spend your time in hunting , till about three a clock in the afternoon , at which time you shall have him home in a foot pace as you came out in the morning , and besure that he be cool before you bring him out of the field ; and as you are going home● consider with your self , whether or no he hath sweat a little , ( for you must not sweat him much the first time ; ) but if not , then gallop him gently on some skelping earth , till he sweat at the roots of his ears , a little on his neck , and in his flanck , but it must be done of his own voluntary motion , without the compulsion of whip and spur : and then when he is cool as aforesaid , have him home and stable him , and besure avoid walking him in hand to cool him , for fear he cool too fast , or washing him , for fear of causing an obstruction of the natural course of the humours , ( which are thought by some horse-men to abound most in winter ) and by that means cause an inflamation in his legs , which is the parent of the scratches . when you set him up in his staul ( which must be well litter'd against his coming home ) tye up his head to the ring with the bridle , and then rub him well with dry straw all over both head , neck , fore-bowels , belly , flank , buttocks and legs ; and afterwards rub his body over with a dry cloth till there be not a wet hair left about him , then take off his saddle and rub the place where the saddle stood dry likewise , and so cloath him with his ordinary cloaths with all speed , for fear least he take cold ; and if you think him too hot throw a spare cloath over him , to prevent his cooling too fast , which you may abate when you please , and so let him stand on his snaffle two hours or more , stirring him with your whip now and then in his staul , to to keep his legs and ioynts from growing stiff . when that time is expired , and you think it may be throughout cold , then come to him , and having drawn his bridle rubbed his head , and pick'd his feet from durt and gravel which he may have gather'd abroad , put on his coller , and ●ift him a quart , or three pints of oates , and mix with them a handful of clean dusted hempseed , and give them to him ; but give him not above the quantity prescribed , for fear of taking away his stomack , which will be very much weakned through the hea● of his body , and want of water . then remove the spare-cloth ( if you have not done it before , ) for fear of keeping him hot too long , and when he has eaten his corn , throw a pretty quantity of hay clean dusted , on his litter , and let him rest two or three hours , or there abouts . whilest you are absent from him , you shall prepare him a good mash , made of half a peck of mault well ground , and water that is boiling hot , observing to put no more water than your mault will sweeten , and your horse will drink , and then stir them together with a rudd●r , or stick and then cover it over with cloths , till the water has extracted the strength of the malt , which will be evident to your taste and touch , for t will be almost as sweet as honey , and feel ropy like birdlime ; then when it is cold , that you can scarce perceive it to smoak ● offer it to your horse , but not before , lest the steam ascend into his nostrils , and thereby offend him with its scent ; and when he has drunk the water , let him if he please eat the malt also . but if he refuse to drink , yet you must give him no other water that night , but by placing it in one corner at the head of his stall , in such manner that he may not throw it down , ( which you may effect by nailing a spar across before the bucket ) let it stand by him all night , that he may drink at his pleasure . now you will find this mash , or ( as some call it ) horse-caudle , very beneficial to your horse on several accounts ; for it will comfort his stomach , and keep his body in a due temperate heat after his days hunting ; it will cleanse and bring away all manner of grease and gross humours , which have been dissolved by this days labour , and the fume of the malt-grains , after he has drunk the water , will disperse watry humours , which might otherwise annoy his head , and is allow'd by all horsemen to be very advantageous on that account . when he has eaten his mash , then strip him of his clothes , and run him over with your curry-comb , french brush , hair patch , and wollen cloath , and clothe him up again , and then cleanse his legs as well as his body of all dirt and filth which may annoy them , as you have been directed in dressing ; th●n remove him into another stall ( that you may not wet his litter ) and bathe his legs all over from the knees with warm beef-broth , or , which is better , with a quart of warm vrine , in which four ounces of salt-peter hath been dissolv'd ; then rub his legs dry as when you came in from water , set him into his stall , and give him a good home-feeding of oats , or bread , ( which he likes best ) or both , and having shook good store of litter under him , that he may rest the better , and thrown him hay enough for all night on it , shut up your stable close , and leave him to his rest till morning . the next morning come to him betwixt six and seven a clock , for that is time enough , because the mornings rest is as pleasant a●d refreshing to the horse as it is to a man , for then the meat being concocted the sleep is more sweet , and the brain is at that time more thin and pure . if he be laid disturb him not , but stay till he rises of his own accord , ( aud to know this you ought to have a private peep-hole ) but if he be risen , then go to him , and the first thing you must do is to put back his dung from his litter , and to observe what colour it is of : observe whether it be greasie , and shining outwardly , and break it with your feet , that you may see whether it be so inwardly ; for if it be greasie and foul either within or without , ( which you may know by its outward shining , and by spots like soap , which will appear within ) or if it appear of a dark brown colour , and harder than it was , it is a sign that your former days hunting was beneficial to him , b● dissolving part of the inward glu● which was within him ; and therefore the next time you hunt you must increase his labour but a little . but if you perceive no such symptoms , but that his dung appears bright , and rather soft than hard , without grease , and in a word that it holds the same pale yellow colour it did before you hunted him , then t is a sign that days hunting made no dissolution , but that his body remains in the same state still , and therefore the next days hunting you may almost double his labour . when you have made these remarks from his dung , you shall then proceed to order him as in his days of rest ; that is to say , you shall give him a handful or two of oats before water ; then dress , water , air , feed , &c. as in the first fortnight . now as to his feeding you must remember the way i have already shew'd , of changing his food ; as giving him one while bread , another oats , a third time oats and beans , which you find he likes best ; observing always , that variety will sharpen his appetite . but bread being his chief food , as being more nourishing and strong than the others , you must feed him often'st with it . and as in the first fortnight i directed you to observe his digestion , whether it were quick or slow , so likewise must you do now that he begins to eat bread. if you ●ind him quick , and that he retains his bread but a little while , then ( as i have already directed ) you shall only slightly chip your bread ; but if he be slow , and retains it long , cut away all the crust , and give it to some other horse , and feed your hunter only with the crum ; for that being light of digestion soon converts to chyle and excrements , but the crust being slow of digestion requires by reason of its hardness longer time before it be concocted . the next day after he has rested , you shall hunt him again as you did the first day , observing from the remarks you have made , to hunt him more or less , according as you find the temper and constitution of your horse ; and when you are return'd home , observe to put in practice the same rules which you have just now read ; and thus hunt your horse three times a week for a fortnight together , observing to give him his full feeding , and no other scowrings but mashes , and hempseed , which is equal in its vertue to the former , and only carries off superfluous humours in the dung. and here before i conclude this chapter , i cannot but take notice of the abuse of scowrings , and my own ignorance , being led away by the perswasions and my mistaken opinion of other mens skill , who because they could talk of giving a scowring , ( tho experience has since taught me , that they never knew the operation of them , nay nor the disposition of the horses which they kept ) i thought most eminent and skilful horse-doctors . but indeed i found to my cost , that my ignorance led me into the same mistake with those men , that take physick by way of prevention , and by that means render their bodies more lyable to diseases , their pores being so much opened by physick . in like manner i found that tho i bought horses of sound and strong constitutions , yet by following the false rules and practices of others i quickly brought them to weak habits of body ; and by continually using them to unnecessary physick , to be tender , and apt to take cold and surfeits on every small occasion : which taught me to know , that as kitchen physick is best for a man , ( unless he languish under some more than ordinary distemper ) so natural and true sound feeding is best for a horse , it strengthning his constitution , and keeping his body in good temper ; for a horse that is full-fed with good natural diet is not subject to costiveness ; and from hence i infer , that a horse which is sound , and in health , and of a strong constitution , needs little physick more than good wholsom meat , and his fill of it , provided you order him as he ought to be when he is come from hunting . but as horses no more than men are free from distempers , but by reason of abuses and unkind masters are rather more liable to them , ( it being become a proverb , as many diseases as a horse ) ; so when at any time they happen recourse must be had to physick ● and as it is good in its true use , so i shall in the subsequent part of my discourse set down when , and what manner of scourings are useful , and how they are to be applied with skill , and safety ; of which in its proper place . chap. vi. of the horses third fortnights keeping , and first thorough-sweating . by this time your horse will be drawn so clean , his flesh will be so inseam'd , and his wind so improv'd , that he will be able to ride a chase of three or four miles without much blowing , or sweating ; and you will ●ind by his ●haul and flank , as well as his ribs , that he is in an indifferent good state of body , and therefore this next fortnight you must increase his labour , by which means you will come to a true knowledge of what he is able to do ; and whether or no he will ever be sit for plates , or a match . when your horse is set over night , and fed early in the morning , ( as in the last fortnights preparation for hunting was directed ) then go into the field with him , and when your horse is empty , as he will ●e by that time you have started your game , you shall follow the dogs at a good round rate , as at half-speed , and so continue till you have kill'd or lost your first hare . this will so rack your horses wind , and by this time he will have so emptied himself , that he will be sit to be rid the next chase briskly ; which as soon as begun you shall follow the dogs at three quarters speed , as near to them as is consistent with the discretion of a good horseman , and a true huntsman ; but be sure as yet not to strain him . during this daies riding you shall observe your horse's sweat , under his saddle , and forebowels , if it appear white like froth , or soap-sudds , 't is a sign of inward glut and foulness , and that your daies sport was fully sufficient , and therefore you shall have him home , and order him as before you are directed . but if your sport has been so i●different , as not to sweat your horse thoroughly , then you shall make a train-sent of four miles long , or thereabout , and laying on your fleetest dogs , ride it briskly , and then having first cool'd him in the field , ride him home and use him as aforesaid . now that i may not leave you in ignorance what a train-scent is , i shall acquaint you that it has its name , as i suppose , from the manner of it , viz. the trailing or dragging of a dead cat , or fox , ( and in case of necessity a red-herring ) three or four miles , ( according to the will of the rider , or the directions given him ) and then laying the dogs on the scent . but this caveat let me give all huntsmen , to to keep about two or three couple of the fleetest hounds you can possibly procure for this purpose only . for although i have seen skillful sportsmen use their harriers ● in this case , for their diversion yet i would perswade them not to use them to it often ; for it will teach them to lie off the line , and ●ling so wide , that they will never be worth any thing . when you unbridle your horse , give him instead of hempseed and oates , a handsome quantity of rye bread , ( to which end i would advise you to bake a peck loaf for this purpose ) which being cold and moist will assist in cooling his body after his labour , and prevent co●tiveness , to which you will find him addicted , then give him hay , and afterwards a mash , and then order him in all points as formerly . the next morning if you perceive by his dung that his body is distempred , and he is hard and bound , then take some crumms of your rye-bread and work it with as much sweet fresh butter as will make it into paste , and then making it into balls about the bigness of a large wallnut , give him 5 or 6 of them in the morning fasting ; and then setting on your saddle upon his cloth , mount him● and gallop him gently in some adjoyning grass-plat , or close till he begin to sweat under his eares , then lead him into the stable , and let him be well rub'd , and throwing a spare cloth over him , and good store of fresh litter under him , let him stand two hours on the bridle , then give him a quantity of rye-bread , then throw him some hay to chew upon , and after that get him another warm mash , and then feed him with bread and corn as much as he will , and be sure to allow him what hay he will eat . the next day water him abroad , and order him as in his daies of rest . the day following hunt him again● but by no meanes so severely as you did the time before till the afternoon , but then ride him after the dogs briskly , and if that does not make him sweat throghly make another train-scent , and follow the dogs three quarters speed , that he may sweat heartily . when you have a little cooled him , have him home , and upon his first entrance into the stable give him two or three balls as big as wallnuts , of this most excellent scowring ; viz. take butter four ounces , lenitive electuary two ounces , gromell broom and parsly seeds , of each one ounce , aniseeds , liquorish and cream of tartar , of each half an ounce , iallap an ounce make the seeds into powder , and stir them into a paste , with the electuary and the butter ; knead it well , and keep it close in a pot for use . as soon as you have given your horse these balls rub him dry , then dress him and cloath him up warm and let him stand two or three hours on the snaffle , then give him two or three handfulls of rye-bread , and order him as you did before as to hay provinder , mash &c. and so leave him till the morning . then come to him and first observe his dung whether it keep the true colour , or whether it appear dark , or black , or red and high coloured ; next whether it be loose and thin , or hard and dry . if it be of the right colour i mean pale yellow t is a sign of health , strength and cleanness ; if it be dark , or black , then t is a sign there is grease and other ill humours stirred up which are not yet evacuated : if it be red and high coloured , then t is a token that his blood is feaverish and distempered through inward heat : if it be loose and thin , t is a sign of weakness , but if hard and dry , it shews the horse to be hot inwardly , or else that he is a foul feeder : but if his dung carry a medium betwixt hard and soft , and smell strong , t is a sign of health and vigour . when these observations have been taken notice of concerning his dung , then you shall feed , dr●ss , water , &c. as in his former days of rest ; observing always to give variety , and his belly full of corn and bread. the next have him abroad in the field again , but by no means put him to any labour , further than to rake him from hill to hill after the dogs , to keep him within ●ound of their cry ; for the design of this day 's exerci●e is only to keep him in breath , and get him an appetite . observe as you ride , that you let him stand still to dung ; and look back on it that you may draw inferences from the faces . when the day is well nigh spent bring him home without the least sweat , and o●der him as at other times , only observe to give no scourings , nor rye-bread . you may if you please wa●●r your horse this day , both at your going into the field and at your coming home , observing to gallo● after it , to warm the water in his belly . the next is a day of rest. in the same manner in every respect as you have spent this week you must spend the next likewise , without alteration in any point ; and by that time assure your self that your horse will be drawn clean enough fo● any ordinary hunting ; so that afterward observing to hunt your horse moderately twice or thrice a week , according to your own pleasure , and the consti●ution of your ho●ses body , you need not question but to have him in as good state and strength as you would de●●●e , without danger of his wind , eye-sight , f●e● , or b●dy . now wh●● you have thus according to art drawn your ho●●e clean , you will perceive those signs which i told you of , verified ; for his flesh on his short ribs and buttocks will be as hard as a board , his flank will be thin , and nothing to be felt but a double skin , and chaps so clean from fat , glut or kernels , that you may hide your fists in them ; and above all his exercise will give plain demonstration of the truth of this art , for he will run three or four miles three quarters speed without sweating , or scarce blowing , i say when this is perfected , you must avoid all scourings after hunting , ( because nature has nothing to work on ) but rye-bread and a mash , except your horse be now and then troubled with some little poze in the head ; and then you shall bruise a little mustard seed in a fine linnen rag , and steep it in a quart of strong ale for three or four hours , and then untying the rag mix the mustard-seed and the ale with a quarter of a pe●k of oats , and give it your horse . lastly , when your horse is drawn clean , you must beware that he grows not foul again thro want of either airing , or hunting , or any other negligence , lest by that means you procure to your self and your horse double pains and labour , and no thanks from your master . chap. vii . of making a hunting-match , its advantages and disadvantages . since many persons of honour delight in good horses , both for hunters as well as gallopers , it may not be improper to speak a word in this place concerning the advantages or disadvantages which happen in making of hunting-matches ; since he that proceeds cautiously and upon true grounds in matching his horse is already in a great measure sure of gaining the prize , at least if the proverb be true , that a match well made is half won . the first thing to be consider'd by him that designs to match his horse , for his own advantage and his horses credit , is this ; that he do not flatter himself in the opinion of his horse , by fancying that he is swifter than the wind , when he is but a slow galloper ; and that he is whole-running , ( that is , will run four miles without a sobb at the height of his speed ) when he is not able to run a mile . and the ground of this error i suppose arises from a gentleman 's being mistaken in the speed of his hounds , who for want of tryal against other dogs that have been really fleet , has suppos'd his own to be swift , when in reality they were but of middle speed ; and because his horse ( when trained ) was able to follow them all day , and at any hour to command them upon deep as well as light earths , has therefore falsly concluded him to be swift as the best ; but upon tryal against a horse that has been rightly train'd after hounds that were truly fleet , has to his cost bought his experience , and been convinc'd of his error . therefore i would perswade all lovers of hunters to get two or three couple of try'd hounds , and once or twice a week to follow after them a train-scent ; and when he is able to top them on all sorts of earth , and to endure heats and colds stoutly , then he may the better re●ie on his speed and toughness . that horse which is able to ride a hare-chase of five or six miles briskly , and with good courage , till his body be as it were bath'd in sweat ; and then upon the death of the hare , in a nipping frosty morning can endure to stand still , till the sweat be frozen on his back , so that the cold may pierce him as well as the heat ; and then even in that extremity of cold to ride another chase , as briskly and with as much courage , as he did in the former : that horse which can thus endure heats and colds oftenest is of most value amongst sports-men . and indeed t is not every horse that is able to endure such extraordinary toyl ; and i my self have seen very brave horses to the eye , that have rid the first chase to admiration , that when the cold had struck to them , and they began to grow stiff , have flagg'd the second , a●d given quite out the third heat . therefore to make a judgment of the goodness of your own horse , observe him after the death of the first hare , if the chase has been any thing brisk : if when he is cold , he shrinks up his body , and draws his legs up together , t is an infallible token of want of courage ; and the same you may collect from the slackning of his girths after the first chase , and from the setting of his teeth , and the dulness of his countenance ; all which are true marks of faintness , and tyring ● and therefore there is no reliance on such a horse , in case of a wager . but if on the contrary , you are master of a horse ( not only in your own judgment , but in the opinion of knowing horsemen ) that is approv'd for speed , and toughness , and you are desirous to match him , or otherwise to run for a plate ; i will to the best of my power tell you the advantages that are to be gain'd in matching . but before i enter upon the subject propos'd , i think it convenient to tell you the way our ancestors had of making their matches , and our modern way of deciding wagers . first then the old way of tryal was by running so many train-scents after hounds , as was agreed on between the ●arties concern'd and a bell-court , this being found not so uncertain and more durable than hare-hunting , and the advantage consisted in having the trains led on earth most suitable to the nature of the horses . now others chose to hunt the hare till such an hour prefix●d , and then to run the wild-goose-chase , which , because it is not known to all huntsmen , i shall explain the use and manner of it . the wildgoose chase received its name from the manner of the flight which is made by wildgeese , which is generally one after another : so the two horses after the running of twelvescore yards , had liberty , which horse soever could get the leading , to ride what ground he pleas'd ; the hindmost horse being bound to follow him , within a certain distance agreed on by articles , or else to be whipt up by the triers or iudges which rode by , and which ever horse could distance the other won the match . but this chase was found by experience so inhu●ane , aud so destructive to good horses , especially when two good horses were match'd ; for neither being able ●o distance the other , till ready both to sink under their riders through weakness , oftentimes the match was fain to be drawn , and left undecided , tho both the horses were quite spoyl'd . this brought them to run trainscents , which afterwards was chang'd to three heats , and a straight course ; and that the lovers of hunting-horses might be encourag'd to keep good ones , plates have been erected in many places of this land , purposely for hunters , and some their articles exclude all others , ( namely gallopers ) from running . but whether you design to match your horse against any one horse in particular , or to put him in for a plate , where he must run against all that come in general ; yet t is necessary that you know the nature and disposition of your horse , before you venture any wager on his head ; that is to say , whether he ●e hot and fiery , or cool and temperate in riding ; whether he be very swift , but not hard at bottom , or slow , but yet sure , and one that will stick at mark ; on what sort of earths he most delights to gallop on , whether to climb or run down hills● or else to skelp on a flat ; whether to run on de●p , or light grounds ; whether on rack-ways , or carpet-ground ; whether amongst mole-hills , or on meadow ground ; whether he be well-winded , or thick winded , so that tho he will answer a spur , and mend upon lapping , yet he must have ease by sobs . all these things must be known , to the end that you may draw those advantages from them which may be offer'd in matching ; as this for example . if your horse be hot and fiery , t is odds but he is fleet withall ( for generally those horses are so ) and and delights to run upon light and hard flats ; and must be held hard by the rider that he may have time to recover wind by sobb● ; or else his fury will choak him . but whereas it is the general opinion that nothing that is violent can be lasting ; and therefore that it is impossible that such hot mettled horses can be tough and hard at bottom , this i conceive may be but a popular errour ; for i have sometimes seen by art those two qualities reconciled , at least so far , as to make the most fiery horse managable , and to endure both whip and spur ; and then tho he should not prove at bottom so truly tough as the craving drudge , yet by his riders management his speed shall answer it in all points and serve in its stead ; but to return to my subject .. the best way to match such a horse is to agree to run train-scents and the fewer the better for you , before you come to the course : also in these train-scents the shorter you make your distance the better : and above all things be sure agree to have the leading of the first trayn , and then making choice of such grounds as your horse may best shew his speed , and the fleetest doggs you can procure , give your hounds as much law before you , as your tryers will allow , and then making a loose try to win the match with a wind ; but if you faile in this attempt then beare your horse , and save him for the course at last . but if your horse be slow , yet well winded , and a true spurr'd nagg ; then the more trainscents you run before you come to run the straight course the better . observing here too , to gain the leading of the first train , which in this case you must lead it upon such deep earths that it may not end near any light ground . for this is the rule received among horsemen that the next train is to begin where the last ends , and the last train is to be ended at the starting post o● the course . therefore observe to end your last on deep earths as well as the first . in the next place have a care of making a match of a suddain , and in drink , for fear least you repent when you are sober . neither make a match against a horse , which you do not know , without first consulting some skilfull or trusty friend , on whose iudgment and honesty you can safely rely , and who is able to give a good account of your adversaries horse's speed and his manner of riding ; and if you find him any ways correspondent to your own in speed or goodness be not too peremptory to venture , but upon some reasonable probabilities of winning : for t is neither braggs nor fancy that will make your horse run one jot the better , or your adversarys the worse : and remember this , that there is no horse so good , but there may be another as good ; and then if you proceed on good grounds , and true iudgment , you may be the bolder to go on , and stand to your match , notwithstanding the opinion of other men may be against you . one material advise i had like to have forgot and that is this ; be sure at no time give advantage of weight , for you will find the inconvenience of it at the latter end of the day : for tho a horse feel it not when he is fresh , yet it will sink him very much when he grows weak : a horse-length lost by odds of weight in the first train , may prove a distance in the streight course at last ; for the weight is the same every heat tho his strength be not . but if on the other side you gain any advantage of weight , article that the horseman shall ride so much weight as you are agreed on , besides the saddle , for by this means the rider ( if he be not weight of him self ) must carry the dead weight somewhere about him , which will be troublesome to the rider as well as the horse ; and the more to the latter , since t is more remote from his back then if it were in the saddle , and by consequence will more disorder his stroke if the rider incline to either side then if it were nearer the center ; as you may see by a pair of scales , where if the pin be not placed exactly in the midst of the beam , the longest part ( as being most distant from the center ) will be the heaviest . now as to the time that you take for dyeting , that must be according to the nature of your horse , and the present state of body he is in ; for tho he may be clean enough for ordinary hunting , yet he may be far distant from that perfect state of body , that is required in a match , and to keep him in such strict dyet all the season , ( except on such extraordinary occasions ) would be an unnecessary expence . as to your horses disposition for running , you must know it by use and observation , for in this point horses very much differ , for some run best when they are high in case , others when they are in middle condition of flesh , and some again when they appear to the eye poor , and low in flesh ; there fore according to your horses nature , and the time required to bring him into his best state , you must order your day for the tryal of your match to be . but if you design to put him in for some hunting plate ; there neither the choice of your ground , the weight , nor the horses you are to run against are at your disposal , but you must take them as you find them ; only the time for b●inging your horse into a good condition is at your own discretion , since you may begin as soon or as late as you please to keep him in strict dyet , the time for all plates being usually sixt , and annually the same . chap. ix . of the ordering the hunter , for a match or a plate . when you have either matcht your horse , or entertained thoughts of putting him in for a plate , you must consider that you ought to reserve a month at the least , to draw his body perfectly clean , and to resine his wind to that degree of perfection which art is capable of attaining to . first then you must take an exact view of the state of his body ; both outwardly and inwardly ● as whether he be low or high in flesh , or whether he be dull and heavy when abroad , and this occasioned through too much hard riding , or through some grease that by hunting has been dissolved , but for want of a scowring has not been removed . if he appear sluggish and melancholy from either of these causes , than give him half an ounce of diapente in a pint of good old malligo sack , which will both cleanse his body , and revive his spirits : and then for the first week you shall feed him continually with bread , oats and split beans , giving him sometimes the one and sometimes the other , according as h● likes , always leaving some in his locker to eat at his own leisure when you are absent ; and when you return at your hours of feeding to take away what is left , and to give him fresh till you have made him wanton and playfull . to which end you shall observe that though you ride him every day morning and evening on airing , and every other day on hunting , yet you are not to sweat him , or put him to any violent labour , the design this week being to keep him in wind and breath , and to prevent pursiveness . but you are to observe that both your oats , beans and bread are to be now ordered after another manner then you did before , for first you must dry your oats well in the sun , then put them into a clean , bag and beat them soundly with a flail or cudgel , till ●ou think th●y are hulled ; then take them out of the bagg and winnow them clean both from hulls and dust and so give them to your horse as you have occasion . your beans in like mann●r must be separated from the hulls which are apt to breed glut , and must either be thrown away or given amongst chaf to some more ordinary horse . and for your bread whereas before you only chipt it , now you must cut the crust clean away , and dispose of it as you please ; for t is hard of digestion , and will be apt to heat and dry his body . and now that you are to put him into stricter keeping , you are to make a finer sort of bread then before , as thus ; take two pecks of beans , and two of wheat , and grind them together , but not too fine , to prevent too much bran being in the bread ; and dress one peck of the meal through a ●ine range , and knead it up with new ale-barm , and the whites of a dozen new layd eggs , and so bake it in a loaf by it self , and the rest dress through a boulter , and knead it only with ale and barm ; and use it in all other points as the former : now the peck-loaf is to be given your horse when you set him , and the other at ordinary times . this bread assists nature much in increasing the strength , courage and wind of your horse , provided you add thereto ( as i have always told you ) true labour , as any bread whatsoever ; nay even as either of m. de-greys sorts of bread , which he mentions in his compleat horseman 4 0 p. 232. ed. 4 0 especially his last , which he says is better bread , and a greater cooler ; and which he prescribes to make thus , take wheat meal one peck , rye-meal , beans and oat-meal , all ground very small , of each half a peck , aniseeds , and licorish , of each one ounce , white sugar-candy four ounces all in fine powder , the yolks and whites of twenty eggs well beaten , and so much vvhite-wine as will knead it into a paste , make this into great loaves , bake them well , and after they be two or three days old , let him eat of this bread , but chip away the out side . now the reason why i have cited this is , because i have heard several ( who would be thought knowing horsemen ) applaud this very bread beyond any other to be met with in any book , tho for my part i can find nothing excellent in the whole composition . for first oat-meal tho it be strong , yet it is a dry grain , hard of digestion , and a great dryer up of the blood. the wheat is of a drying quality likewise , tho it be light ; for the aniseed and licorish , they are not only physical but hot also ; so that the body becomes over heated , and thereby costive . and yet these people will not be perswaded , but these drugs will make him long-winded ; possibly they might assist him in neighing , as some men say it doth songsters in vocal musick , wherein there is no exercise of the body used ; but where bodily strength is required , i am apt to believe it more prejudicial than pro●itable . but here some will object that there is rye and beanes both which are moist●ing ; especially the rye wh●ch is both cold and moyst , and is the very reason de grey himself gives why he put rye into his latter bread , because ( says he ) rye is a loosner and a cooler , and therefore it will make the horse more soluble . i have already said , that if his body have feeding proportionate to his labour , the horse will continue in a right state ●f health . yet since he is hot by nature , and labour might increase his natural heat , and render him costive , therefore i have all along prescrib'd him rye-bread alone as physical . but here let the horse be in what condition soever , whether bound in his body or laxative , yet rye being a part of your bread , ●our horse must continually feed thereon , which has this undeniable disadvantage , that if he be loose in his body , this bread ( to use de grey's own words ) will make him more soluble . and now whilst i am discoursing of horsebread , i cannot be condemn another curiosity in some feeders , who think , by dressing their meal to the utmost degree of fineness they do wonders , and that such pure food must of necessity bring him to the greatest perfection imaginable both of body and wind. but in this point i think they are deceiv'd , for the meal being dress'd so very fine , nothing remains but the quintessence of it ; which tho it be lightned by barm and whites of eggs , yet when it is above a day old t will begin to harden , ( as may be observ'd by manchet ) and especially if oatmeal be in it , by reason of its drying quality , whereby it will not be so easie of digestion , as it would be otherwise if it had no bran in it ; and by consequence will be more apt to oppress his stomach , if he be heated , before it be throughly digested , and so breed raw crudities , and an in●lammation of the blood , and by that means hazard a sur●eit , than which nothing can be of worse consequence to a horse that is match'd . and therefore t is that i advise , that your horse-bread should only be made of wheat and beans , and that it should not be dress'd too fine , nor too course , but so , as that there may be neither so much bran left as to annoy the blood , nor so little as to make your bread too close and solid ; but you may leave some on purpose to scowr the maw , and further your horses digestion . and thus much by way of digression . having spoken to the first condition of horses which we propos'd , viz. melancholly , and low in flesh , we are now to speak of those which are brisk and lively ; which if your horse be so , that when you lead him out of the stable he will leap and play about you , then you must not only avoid giving him the scowring last mention'd of sack and diapente , but any other whatsoever : for there being no foul humours , or any super●luous matter left in his body for the physick to work on , it will prey upon the strength of his body , and by that means weaken it , which it must be your utmost endeavour to preserve by full feeding and sound labour , which will necessarily produce a perfect wind , which is the support of strength , for when his wind once fails , his strength avails nothing . as to the manner of it , if your horse be ingag'd in a hunting-match , you shall sweat him twice this week , but not by hunting him after the hare , as formerly , but by train-scents , since the former on this occasion may prove deceitful ; for tho the hounds be very swift , yet the scent being cold the dogs will often be at fault , and by that means the horse will have many sobs , so that when he comes to run train-scents in earnest your horse will look for ease , his wind being not so perfect as in art it ought to be . therefore lead your train-scents with a dead cat over such grounds as you are likely to run on and best agrees with yous horses humour , and be sure make choice of the fleetest hounds you can get , and then your horse will be kept up to the hight of his speed . as to the number of train-scents that you are to ride at a time , ●hat you must order according to your match , or ( which is better ) according to your horse's strength , and ability for performing his heats . for if you labour him beyond his strength , t will take him off his speed , weaken his limbs , and daunt his spirit . if you give him too little exercise , it will give opportunity for pursiveness and ill humours , as glut , &c. to increase in him , and gain in him a habit of laziness , that when he comes to be put to labour above his usual rate , he will grow restiff , and settle like a iade , either of which will redound to your discredit , and therefore it must be from your own knowledge in the state of his body , and not from any general directions in writing , that you must steer your course only this direction may be given you , that if you are to run eight train-scents and the straight course , more or less , you are to put him to such severe labour not above twice in your whole months keeping ; and and if it be in the first fortnight , t will be the better , for then he will have a compleat fortnight to recover his strength again ; and for his labour in his last fortnight , let it be proportionate to his strength and wind , as sometimes half his task , and then three parts of it . only observe , that the last tryal you make in the first fortnight be a train-scent more than your match , for by that means you will find what he is able to do . and for the proportion of his exercise , twice a week ( as i have already said ) is sufficient to keep him in breath , and yet will not diminish or injure his vigour . but if your hunting-match be to run sewer train-scents , then you may put him to his whole task the oftner , according as you find him in condition ; only observe that you are not to strain him for ten daies at least before he ride his match , that he may be led into the field in perfect strength and vigour . if you intend him for a plate , let him take his heats according to this direction , only let it be on the place , that he may be acquainted with the ground ; and as for the hounds you may omit them , as not being ty'd to their speed , but that of your adversaries horse's . but as to your number of heats , let them be according to what the articles exact ; only observe that as to the sharpness of them , they must be regulated according to the temper of his strength , and the purity of his wind. and when you heat him provide some horses upon the course to run at him , which will quicken his spirits , and encourage him , when he finds he can command them at his pleasure . and here too the same rule must be observed , not to give your horse a bloody heat for ten daies or a fortnight before the plate be to be run for : and let his last be●t which you give him before the day of tryal be in all his cloathes , and just skelp it over ; which will make him run the next time much more vigorously , when he shall be stript naked , and feel the cold air pierce him . but now that i am speaking of sweating , it may be expected that i should lay down some rules how to order a horse that is in keeping for a match in frosty weather , or in case he be an old strain'd horse , so that you dare not heat him in hard weather , for fear of lameing him a fresh . in these cases some horsemen have practic'd sweating their horse in the house , by laying on him multiplicity of cloathes , being first made hot at the fire ; which is the most unnatural way of sweating a horse that can be , since 't is provok'd by heat arising from the outward parts , and is too violent , the extreamity of the heat joyn'd to the weight of the cloathes , not only weakning , but almost smothering him . the next way in use , is to give him his heat a●road , as i just now mention'd in his cloathes , but this too is not so natural and kindly , as without his cloathes , since here too the heat is augmented from without , and consequently abates his strength the more , and yet doth not altogether so well improve his wind. therefore if either you have a horse that has been strain'd , or otherwise the weather be unseasonable , find out some dead iog , or sandy way , though of but half a miles length , and there breath your horse till he sweat as you would have him . i remember to have heard of a gentleman having match'd his horse for a very considerable summ ; and the weather proving hard , took this course to keep his horse in breath ; he caused straw , and foul litter to be spread all along round an adjoyning close , and every morning his servnats shook it up and turn'd it , to keep it hollow and soft , and then the horse was had forth to gallop on it after his water , and by this meanes kept his horse in tollerable wind. now during this month both on his resting-daies , and after his sweats on heating-daies , you are to observe the same rules which you were taught in the first week of your third fortnights keeping ; only you are to omit all scourings , but rye-bre●d and mashes ; since your horse being in so perfect a state of body has no need of any . only if you think there may be any occasion , and that your horse prove thirsty , about eight or nine a clock at night you may give him this ●ulip to cool him and quench his thirst. take barly-water two quarts : of syrrup of violets 3 ounces , of syrrup of lemmons 2 ounces , mix them together , and give them to your horse to drink ; if he refuse , fasten it from falling as you did the mash , and so let it stand by him all night . during the last fortnight , you must not only dry your oats , and hull them by beating , but likewise take half a strike of oats and wash them in the whites of a dozen or twenty eggs , and stirring them therein let them soke all night ; then the next morning take them and spread them abroad in the sun , till they be as dry as at first , and so give them to your horse , and when they are spent prepare more in the same manner . this food is light of digestion , and very sovereign for his wind. ●is beans must be order'd as before , only give them not so frequently , if he will eat his oats without them ; and for his bread this fortnight let it be three parts wheat to one of beans , and let it be ordered as before directed . and likewise if you find him inclin'd to costiveness forget not to relieve nature by giving him oats wash'd in two or three whites of eggs and ale beat together ; for that , as i have told you already , will cool his body , and keep it moist . during the last week omit giving him a mash , only give the barly-water as before ; but as to hay let him have as much as he will eat ( which will not be much , if he have his fill of better food ) till a day before he is to ride his match , but then you must hold your hand , that he may have time to diges● that which he has eaten , and then and not before you may muzzle him with your cavezone ; and be sure that day , and so till the morning he is led out , to feed him as much as possible , for such a days labour will require something to maintain strength . therefore in the morning , an hour before you are to lead out , give him a tost or two of white-bread steept in sack ● which will revive his spirits , and so lead him into the field . but if you are to run for a plate , which usually is not till three a clock in the after-noon , then by all means have him out early in the morning to air , that he may empty his body , and when h● is come in from airing feed him with tosts in sack ; for you must consider , that as too much fulness will endanger his wind , so too long fasting will cause faintness . when he has ●aten what you think fit to give him , put on his cavezone , and then having chaf'd his legs soundly with piece-grease and brandy warm'd together , or train-oyl , ( which ought likewise to be us'd daily at noon for a week ● before the match , or longer if you see cause , ) shake up his litter , and shutting up your stable close , and preventing any noise to be made near him , leave him to his rest till the hour come that he is to go into the field . as to platting his main and tail , shooing him with plates , pit●hing his saddle and girths , and the like preparations , they are things which every groom can instruct you in , and therefore i shall not trouble you with rules concerning them , but in lieu thereof shall add some farther directions how to judge of the state of your horses body , and if you find any thing amiss therein how to redress it . chap ix . of the means to judge of your horses state of body , and of curing all casualties that may happen a●ter matching . there are several observations to be made by you during your dieting your horse , which if you miscarry in , may be the loss of your match , or your share in the plate . therefore , that you may know how to proceed regularly in this ar● , i shall endeavour to summe them up . first then you are to observe his chaule , his ribs , and his flank , according to the rules formerly laid down ; for if he be clean within , he will also be clean there ; but yet he may feel clean there , when he is not clean within ; and therefore those grooms are very conceited , who upon their first view of a horse and handling of his flank , pronounce him to be in a true state of body ; for gentle airing , warm cloathing , scanty feeding , may disperse the gross fat and glut , and drive it from the outward parts , so that he may appear clean , when in reality he is not so : and therefore you are only a competent iudg , who know how he was cleansed . therefore you are to observe , first , whether in all points you have proceeded according to art in his training ; as whether he performs his heats with vigor aud true courage , whether he have been all along home-fed , whether you have not suffer'd pursi●eness to increase by too little labour , or abated his flesh and strength by too much . these things are the very grounds of keeping , and therefore ought to be scan'd and consider'd with judgment . next you are to observe his manner of feeding , as whether he holds his appetite or no ; and observe what sort of food he likes best , and of that give him oftenest ; and in case his stomach abate , keep him out longer morning and night , at his airings . in like manner you must observe his dung , which tho it be as fallacious oftentimes as a sick-man's water , it being liable to alteration on the change of dyet , or being influenc'd by the air , yet being clean and in health it will usually be a pale yellow colour , and be voided in round pellets ; but if it be loose , and soft , it is an infallible sign of weakness , and therefore must by good feeding be remedied as soon as possible . but if it be hard and dry , so that he cannot dung but with difficulty and straining , then you must endeavour to relieve nature , but not with scowrings , which would weaken too much , but rather chuse to give him this glister , which will both cool and refresh him . take a quart of whey , of syrrup of violets , and pulpe of cassia , of each four ounces and of manna half an ounce ; this will purge him gently , and is most excellent to cool his bowels . the next thing to be considered is lamness , which if it proceed from old strains you must make use of this oyntment , which i have several times experimented with good success . take a fresh butter , oyle of bayes , dialthea , and turpentine of each two ounces , mix and boyle them together on a soft fire , and when they are well incorporated , as hot as the horse can suffer it , annoint the horse twice a day , and give him exercise , by airing him abroad morning and evening a foot pace , and you will find it a certain remedy for any strain in the shoulder● clap on the back sinews , or any gri●f what soever , that proceeds from strains . but if you only fear lameness from old strains , then you must be careful that your exercise be moderate , and alwaies when you come in from water and his legs are rub'd dry , annoint them with such supple oyntments , as are accounted good for the limbs , as linseed , train , sheepsfoot , neatsfoot , nerve-oyle and the like ; all which may be used on his daies of rest , but on his heating daies vrine and salt-peter . some horsemen make use of brandie and sallet oyl mix'd , and bathe his legs , and afterwards heat it in with a hot iron , and commend it as the best thing for the limbs of an old s●if● horse . but if your horse through negligence , or any casualtie happen to have the grease fall into his heels , you must endeavour ro remove it by a good sound heat , and a scowring after it , and apply to his legs this poultiss . take of honey a pound , of turpentine , common gum , meal of linseed , and the meal of fenugreek , of each 4 ounces , and the powder of bay●berries well sea●ch'd 3 ounces , mix and boyle all these well together ; then take it off , and put to it a pint of white-wine , then boyle it again , till it be very thick : and with this , as hot as the horse can suffer it , lap his legs about plaister-wise , and renew it only once in three daies , and it will certainly bring his legs within compass● if your horses feet be bad , either surbated ● or foundred , then instead of cow-dung , you may stop them with blew-clay and vinegar temperd together , and on his heating-daies at night stop them with grey-sope , and keep it in with a peice of an old shoo-sole . if your horse be troubled with any dose in his head give him mustard-seed amongst his provender , but if it be a worse cold , which you will perceive by his ratling , then give him this lambitive , or electuary . take of honey and treacle , each half a pound , having mixt these together , add to them powder of cumminseed , liquorish , bay-berries , anniseeds , each an ounce , mix all these together , and put them to the honey and treakle , which will make it of a thick consistance . if your horse hath a cold , instead of his oates before water , give him the quantity of a walnut of this lambitive on the top of a stick or in a spoon , and let him lick it off ; and the same do after airing , when first you come in , and you will find the advantage of it . these at present are all the inconveniencies that i can call to mind , which are lyable to hunters , or gallopers in their keeping ; and tho through inadvertency , or want of memory i should have omitted any , yet from these grounds , you may form your remedies for any common accident or distemper ; and now that we draw near to the match-day , and the end of our discourse , we will only discuss some few rules relating to the tryal of the hunting match . i mean rules to be observed in riding , and so conclude . chap. x. of riding a hunting-match , or heats for a plate , and the advantages belonging to each . i have endeavoured to shew the necessity and the manner of training and dieting horses , but this alone is not sufficient to the winning of either match or plate without a knowing and an honest rider , and a skilful iudge or tryer be joyn'd thereto ; but since no man is sitter to ride the horse than he that has the training of him , i shall lay down some general rules how to ride to the best advantage either a hunting-match , or three heats and a course for a plate . the first requisite in a rider , next to faithfulness in his trust , is to have a good close seat , his knees being held firm to his saddle-skirts , his toes turn●d inward and his spurs outward from the horses sides , his left hand governing his horses mouth , and his right commanding his wh●p ; observing during all the tryal throughout to sit firm in his saddle , without waving , or standing up in his stirrops , which very much incommodes the horse , notwithstanding the conceited opinion of some iockeys that it is a becoming seat. when you spur your horse , strike him not hard with the calves of your legs , as if you would beat the wind out of his body , bust just turn your toes outwards , and bring the spurs quick to his sides ; and such a sharp stroke will be more serviceable to the quickning of your horse , and sooner draw blood . be sure not to spur yonr horse but when there is occasion , and avoid spurring him under the fore-bowels , between his shoulders , and his girths near the heart ( which is the tend'rest place ) till the last extremity . when you whip your horse let it be over the shoulder on the near side , except upon hard running , and when you are at all ; then be sure with a strong jerk to strike your horse in the flank , for there the skin is tender'st , and most sensible of the lash ● observe when you whip or spur your horse , and that you are certain he is at the top of his speed , if then he clap his ears in his pole , or whisk his tail , be sure that you bear him hard , and give him as much comfort as ever you can , by sawing his snaffle to and fro in his mouth , and by that means forcing him to open his mouth , which will comfort him , and give him wind . if there be any high wind stirring when you ride , observe if it be in your face to let your adversary lead , and to hold hard behind him till you see your opportunity of giving a loose ; yet you must observe to ride so close to him , that his horse may break the wind from yours , and that you by stooping low in your seat may shelter your self under him , which will assist the strength of your horse . but if the wind be in your back , ride exactly behind him , that your horse may alone enjoy the benefit of the wind , by being as it were blown forward , and by breaking it from him as much as you can possible . next observe what ground your horse delights to run best on , bearing your horse ( as much as your adversary will give you leave ) on level carpet-ground , because your horse naturally will be desirous to spend himself more freely thereon . but on deep earths &c. give him more liberty , because he will naturally favour himself thereupon . be sure , if you are to run up hill , to favour your horse and bear him , for fear of running him out of wind ; but down hill , ( if your horses feet and shoulders will endure it , and you dare venture your own neck ) always give him a loose . only take this for a general rule , that if you find your horse to have the heels of the other , that then you be careful to preserve his speed till the last train-scent , if you are not to run a straight course , but i● so , then till the course , & so to husband it then too , that you may be able to make a push for it at the last post. next you are to observe the nature of your opposites horse , and if he be fiery , then to run just behind , or just cheek by joul , and with your whip make as much noise as you can , that you may force him on faster then his rider would have him , and by that means spend him the sooner . or else keep just before him upon such a slow gallop , that he may either over reach or by treading on your horses heels ( if he will not take the leading ) endanger falling over . observe on what ground the contrary horse runs worst and on that earth be sure to give a loose that your adversaries being forced to follow you , may hazzard stumbling , or clapping on the back sinnws . observe likewise in your riding the several helps and corrections of the hand the whip and the spur , and when and how oft●n he makes use of th●m ; and when you perceive that his horse begins to be blown by any of the former sy●ptoms , as whisking his tail , clapping down his ears , holding out his nose like a pig &c. you may then take it for granted that he is at the top of what he can do ; therefore in this case observe how your own rides , and if he run cheerfully and strongly without spurring , then be sure keep your adversary to the same speed without giving him ease and by that means you will quickly bring him to give out , or else distance him . observe at the end of every train-sent what condition the other horse is in ; and how he holds out in his labour ; which you may be able to give a judgment of by his looks , the working of his flank , and the slackness of his girths . for if h● look dull t is a sign his spirits fail him ; if his flanks beat much , t is a token that his wind begins to fail him , and then of necess●ity his strength must too . if his wind fail him , then his body will grow thin and appear tuckt up , which will make his girths appear slack to the eye . and therefore take this for a rule that there is no greater sign of weakness then this which i have last mentioned ; so that if your adversaries horse want girting after the first scent , provided he were close-girt at his first starting , you need not much dispair of winning your wager . when each train-scent is ended ( and so likewise after every heat for a plate ) you must have dry straw , and dry cloaths both linnen and woollen which have been steep'd in vrine and salt-peter a day , or two , and then dryed in the sun ; and likewise one , or two of each which have been so steeped , must be brought wet into the field ; and after the train is ended you must have two or three hel●ers , and after your groom has with a knife of heat ( as the d. of new-castle calls it ) which is an old piece of a sword blade , scrapt off all the sweat from your horses neck , body &c. you must see that they first with straw , and then with their dry cloaths rub him dry all over , whilst others are employed about his leggs ; and as soon as they are rub'd dry then chafe them with your wet cloaths , and never give over till you are called by the iudges to start again . this will keep his joynts plyant and nimble , and prevent any inflammation which might arise from any old strai● . the next thing to be considered is the iudges , or tryers office , which is to see that all things are ordered according to the articles , which to that end ought to be publickly read before the horses start. next that each tryer on whose side the train is to be led , according to the articles give directions ●or its leading according to the advise of the rider , or his knowledge of the nature and dispos●●ion of that horse on whose side he is chose . next that each tryer be so advantageously m●●●●ed , as to ride up behind the horses , ( but not upon them ) all day ; and to observe that the contrary horse ride his true-ground , and observe the articles in every particular , or else not to permit him to pr●ceed . next that after each train-scent be ended , each tryer look to that horse against whom he is chosen , and observe that he be in ways reliev'd but with rubbing , except liberty on both sides be given to the contrary . next , as soon as the time which is allow'd for rubbing be expired , which is generally half an hour , they shall comm●nd them to mo●●● , an● if either rider refuse , it may be lawful for the other to 〈◊〉 without him , and having ●ea● him the distance agreed on , the wager is to be adjudg'd on his side . next , the tryers shall keep off all other horses from crossing the riders , or leading them ; only they themselves may be allow'd to instr●●t the riders by word of mouth how to ride , whether slow , or fast , according to the advantages he perceives may be gain'd by his directions . lastly , if there be any weight agreed on , they shall see that both horses bring their true weight to the starting place , and carry it to the end of the train , on penalty of losing the wager . the same rules are to be observ'd ( especially this last ) by those gentlemen which are chosen to be iudges , at a race for a plate ; onely they usually stay in the stand , that they may the better see which horse wins the ●eat . now for running for a plate , there are not so many observations to be made , nor more directions requir'd than what have been already mention'd ; onely this , that if you know your horse to be tough at bottom ● and that he will stick at mark , to ride him each heat according to the best of his performance , and avoid as much as possible either riding at any particular horse , or staying for any , but to ride each heat thro●●●out with the best speed you can . but if you have a very ●●ery horse to manage , or one that is hard-mouth'd , and difficult to be held , then start behind the rest of the horses with all the coolness and gentleness imaginable● and when you find your horse to begin to ride at some command , then p●t up to the other horses , and if you ●ind they ride 〈◊〉 their ease , and are hard held , then endeavour to draw them on faster ; but if you find their wind begin to rake hot , and that they want a sob , ●f your own horse ●e in wind , and you have a loose in your hand , keep them up to their speed , till you come within three quarters of a mile of the end of the heat ; and then give a loose , and push for it , and leave ●o fortune and your horses goodness the event of your success . many more rules there are which may not occur at present to my memory , and others which i purposely omit ; but those may serve the honest iockey , and for the others which relate to foul-play , as crossing , ●●nging ●n the posts , leaning on the other horseman , yoking ● &c. i desire not to instruct any one in them , and could wish that they might never be made use of , but be ●holly relinquish'd by all honest horsemen . lastly , when either your hunting-match , or your tryal for the 〈◊〉 is ended , as soon as you have rubb'd your horse dry , yo● shall 〈◊〉 him ●p , and ride him home , where the first thing you give him shall be this drink to comfort him . take a pint and a half of sweet milk , and put three yolks of eggs beaten into it ; then make it luke-warm , and put in three penny-worth of saffron , and three spoonfuls of sallet-oyl , and give it him in a horn. when this is done dress him slightly over with your curry comb , brush , and woollen cloth ; and then bath the place where the saddle stood with warm sack to prevent warbles , and wash the spurring-places with piss and salt , and then afterwards annoint them with turpentin● and powder of iet mix'd together ; and be sure let the sta●le i 〈◊〉 very well litter'd ; and then cloath him up with all speed , and so let him stand two hours . then feed him with rye-bread , after that with a very good mash : then give him his belly full of hay , and what corn or bread he will eat . then but he his legs well with vrine and s●lt-pe●er , leave him corn in his locker , and so let him rest till the next morning ; at which time order him as before directed in his days of rest. thus i have imparted to the ●ublick what my own experience has taught me , relating to this part of horsemanship . i desire no person to rely on it further then they shall find it advantageous upon pra●tice and tryal . if others more skilful would be as free to communicate their observations on this subject , this profitable part of knowledge might then perhaps be improv'd to perfection . the giving a specimen 〈◊〉 all that is here design'd . if the reader finds any errors , he is desir'd either to pardon or 〈◊〉 them . to those that either know no better , or want other● helps , this possibly may prove no 〈◊〉 piece of service . errata . pag. 15. l. 19. for rot read moot . p. 22. l. 22. for lyare r. lya●●● p. ●● . l. 3. 〈◊〉 dose ●● pose . 〈…〉 p. 47. ● . 1. for to 〈…〉 &c. in 〈…〉 , r. him● and s● 〈◊〉 him by 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 p. 51. l. 2● . for da●●● . palc. p. ●● . l. ● . for so 〈…〉 . finis . the perfect horseman, or, the experienced secrets of mr. markham's fifty years practice shewing how a man may come to be a general horseman, by the knowledge of these seven offices, viz. the breeder, feeder, ambler, rider, keeper, buyer, farrier / and now published by lancelot thetford, practitioner in the same art for the space of forty years. markham, gervase, 1568?-1637. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a51971 of text r20972 in the english short title catalog (wing m671). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. 220 kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from 96 1-bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo 2017 a51971 wing m671 estc r20972 12226102 ocm 12226102 56504 this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons 0 1.0 universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase 1, no. a51971) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set 56504) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, 1641-1700 ; 607:9) the perfect horseman, or, the experienced secrets of mr. markham's fifty years practice shewing how a man may come to be a general horseman, by the knowledge of these seven offices, viz. the breeder, feeder, ambler, rider, keeper, buyer, farrier / and now published by lancelot thetford, practitioner in the same art for the space of forty years. markham, gervase, 1568?-1637. thetford, lancelot. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a51971 of text r20972 in the english short title catalog (wing m671). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread [15], 175 p., 1 leaf of plates. printed for humphrey moseley ..., london : 1656. added t.p. engraved. reproduction of original in huntington library. eng horses. horses -diseases. horsemanship. a51971 r20972 (wing m671). civilwar no the perfect horseman: or the experienced secrets of mr. markham's fifty years practice. shewing how a man may come to be a general horseman, markham, gervase 1656 41492 371 0 0 0 0 0 89 d the rate of 89 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the d category of texts with between 35 and 100 defects per 10,000 words. 2005-06 tcp assigned for keying and markup 2005-06 apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images 2005-07 emma (leeson) huber sampled and proofread 2005-07 emma (leeson) huber text and markup reviewed and edited 2005-10 pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the perfect horseman or the experienc'd secrets of mr. markhams 50. years practice the perfect horseman ▪ or the experienced secrets of mr. markham's fifty years practice . shewing how a man may come to be a general horseman , by the knowledge of these seven offices ; viz. the breeder , feeder , ambler , rider , keeper , buyer , farrier . and now published by lancelot thetford , practitioner in the same art for the space of forty years . the second edition . london . printed for humphrey moseley , at the prince's arms in st. pauls church-yard . 1656. to the reader . were not this the of spring of a long conception , and ( after above fifty years experience ) fitted for the birth , i would not now produce it into the world , since so many of the same kind have already crept in before it , that this can scarce expect the least portion of your acceptation : yet when i tell you , that ( notwithstanding all mr markhams promises in his former bookes to lay open his cabinet councels ) you shall here find many most rare secrets of his , and yet not so much his own , as his most intimate friends , the publisher her●of , to whom as a legacy , he bequeathed them , and by whom since , for his private use and experience , and with most approved success , they have been practised for above forty years : for there is no part of horsemanship , either for the theorick or practick , but is here exactly discovered : for breeding , here is the manner how , the season when , the place where , together with the colours , marks and shapes , as well of stallions as mares . the feeder , rider , keeper , ambler and buyer , have here their most particular instructions ; but above all , the farrier ( be he never so skilful ) may hereby perfect his knowledg , and inrich himself . but whoever thou bee'st that buyest it , whether for thy pleasure or profit , if thou art pleased , i have my ends . farewel . a table of the things handled in the office of the breeder . observations in the breeding of horses . page 1 choice of grounds , 2 change of grounds , 3 choice of stallions and mares , ibid : the age of stallions , &c. 5 when to put horse and mares together , 6 when mares are fit for horse , 7 how to put them together , ibid. how many mares for one horse , 8 ordering after covering , 9 to help mares in foaling , ibid. how long foals to run , &c. 10 to know true shape , height and spirit , 11 to know goodness , &c. 12 of weaning , ibid. separating , 13 guelding , ibid. taming , 14 breaking , ibid. colting . 15 a table of the rider . observations in riding , page 17 times to handle colts , ibid. when to sadle , 19 mounting , ibid. backing ; 21 helps at the first backing , 22 what lessons for what horse , 23 helps and corrections , 24 rod , ibid. bit , ibid. calves of the legs , 25 stirrop , ibid. spur , ibid. ground , 26 large rings , ibid. stopping , 28 advancing , ibid , retiring , 29 biting , ibid : strait turns and turnings , 30 the first strait turn , 30 another strait turn , 33 to help an ill rain , or a run-away jade , &c. 34 the help , ibid. another help for inconstant carriage , 35 how any lady may spur her horse as well as any man , yet unperceived , 36 a table of the feeder . an introduction to the work , touching the limitation of time for preparing the running horse , page 39 the first ordering of the running horse according to the several estates of bodies , 46 the first fortnights feeding , 49 four considerations in heats , 57 the second fortnights feeding , 58 the first bread , 59 the first scouring , 65 ordering after the scouring , ibid. the third fortnights feeding , 69 the second breed , ibid the fourth fortnights feeding , 70 the last breed . ibid. certain observations and advantages , &c. 35 observe meat and drink , 76 for lameness , 77 from the estate of the body , ibid. from the prime parts , 78 for limbes , 79 for water , ibid : for ground to run on , 80 from sweat , 81 from the hayre , ibid. a table of the keeper . to keep an horse for pleasure , hunting or travelling , &c. 83 dressing and watering , ibid. ordinary keeping , 85 keeping in travel or sport , 86 of heats , 87 ordering after labour , 88 some especial precepts , ibid. of washing and walkings , 89 a table of the ambler . observations in ambling , 91 mens opinions and errors , ibid. ambling by the ploughed field , 92 by gallop , 93 weights , ibid. not ridden , 94 by shooes , 95 by lists , ibid. by the hund , 96 by tramell , 97 errors in the tramel , 98 the best way , 1●0 the form of the tramel , ibid. the true use of the true tramel , 103 when to alter the tramel , 104 when to mount , &c. 105 when to journey , &c. 106 a table of the buyer . of all the perfections and imperfections in an horse , 109 observations in buying , ib. the end , 110 election divided , 111 the first rule , ibid breed , ibid colour , 112 paces , ibid stature , 115 second rule , ibid how to view , 116 ears , face , ibid eyes cheeks , 117. 118. nostrils , teeth , 119 brest , forethighs , knees 120 legs , pasterns , 121 hoofs , 122 crest , main , 123 back , ribs , &c. ibid , buttocks , 124 hind-thighs , 125 hind-legs , ibid tail , 126 to know age , ibid a table of the farrier . signs of sickness , page 132 of dung , ibid of urin ; 134 of sickness , 135 of diahexaple , 137 the vertues , ibid a drink to open , 136 cordiall balls ; ibid for bottes , 141 another , ibid a purgation , 142 laxativeness , ibid the stone , 143 staling blood , ibd cold and coughs , 144 another , ibid. another , ibid. another , ibid. another , 146 a cordial powder , ibid. for colds and canker in the nose , 147 for glanders , ibid another , 148 another , ib. a scouring , 149 outward sorrances . signs , 150 for the eyes , 153 another , ib. another , ib. another , 154 the mastar medicine for all strains , 155 another , ibid. another , 156 another , 157 another , 158 another , ib. marks , 159 sinews extended , ibid. another , 160 a charge , ibid. for a●hes , 161 gourded leggs , ib. another , 163 another , ib. for scratches , 164 another , ibid. another , ibid. for splent , spaven , 165 another , 166 wyngals , ibid. pains , mules , 167 swiftcut , ibid. maunge , 168 another , ibid. canker and leprosie , 169 affistula , &c ▪ ibid. a fare , ibid. another , 170 for a founder , &c. ibid. for hoofs , 171 another , 172 for surbait , ibid. quitterbone , ib. another , 170 for a prick , ib. for chaffing , 174 a general salv● , ibid. sadle-bruises , 172 another , 173 to make hair to grow in bald places , 174 to stanch blood , ib. for enterfering , 175 to tame an unruly horse , ib. finis . the perfect horse-man . the office of the breeder . observations in breeding of horses . men may imagine i harp upon one string , or tread the old paths in which i walked in my first years . but let them not deceive themselves : the meanders and windings in which i now labour , are of a new discovery ; and howsoever i may now and then come under the same height , yet shall he that follows me find it so removed , that it shall bring him ● much neerer way to his journies end . for i● these short essays i have striven only to amend mend errors overslipt before , and to acquaint my friends with all those uncontrollable experiments which i have found out since in forty years and more : and believe it , he is an ill proficient that in such a time cannot find ( in the art he professeth ) something worthy his friends acceptation . therfore thus to my breeder . chóice of grounds . the grounds to breed on would be spatious , and not strait , for horses joy not in cages . there accommodate according to your stock ; and though the more the merrier , yet the fewer the better fare . they would not be extreme fertile , nor extreme barren ; the golden mean is the best temper : yet to incline a little to hardness , is better then much rankness ; the one breeds health , the other disease . let the situation be ascending , the air pure , the laire dry , and the foot-tread firm , no matter how rough or incertain ▪ as much ground as will keep a milch-cow , will keep a milch-mare , and a great dealless when she is barren or unwrought . change of grounds . again , as change of pasture makes fat calves , so alteration of grounds raises gallant colts . therefore strive to have one ground to foal in , another to summer in , and a third to winter in . the first to be without danger , the second not without shelter , and the third defended from storms and tempests by trees , hovel , shed , barn or backstable , wherein may be stored winter-provision . thus far for those which have ability . but for them which must breed for necessity , let his yard , back-side , or stable serve to foal in , the white corn-fields to summer in , and the cratch or stand-heck to winter at . choice of stallions and mares next the change of grounds , i place the choice of stallions and mares , which is a theme i have so oft written of , that i must needs refer the curious to those larger volumes , and only in this place say , that for as much as all men covet to be governed by their own passions , therefore i leave them to their own choice , and the end for which they breed ; yet advising them , that of those races of which they make election , they choose the best and a blest , the highest spirited , the fairest coloured , and the finest shaped ; whether it be neapolitan , turk , spaniard , barbary , english , dutch , polander , french or german . and because it is impossible to finde out absolute perfection , i would have our breeder to inform himself well of all the natural defects that can be found in the stallion , and to amend them in the mare that shall be joined with him ; and what is amiss in the mare , to see it repaired in the horse . for any singular election of mares , the breeder need not be too curious ; only observe , that if you can get true breed , you then pass by the bastard ; if you may have the the gentleman , never make use of the clown . but when you are tyed by necessity or compulsion , then see the mare have a good forehand , a large womb , sound limbs , fair colour , and good metal . for the rest , let nature alone , she is a brave mistress . now for those breeders which look not so much into the breed and generation of the horse , as into his actions and good dayes works ; accounting because he hath won such a wager , or beaten such a horse , therefore he must necessarily be an excellent stallion : let them know they are deceived ; for this is no good consequence ; no more then if a robustrous strong skillfull clown should give a weak unskilfull gentlemen a fall , therefore all the clown-breed should be excellent wrastlers . this can hold for no maxim ; for i am perswaded , that let a gentleman have either skill to encounter strength , or strength to encounter skill , there is no clown that can foil him . in like manner a clown-horse by training , feeding , and riding , may beat a true bred horse ; but when they encounter upon equal terms , truth will shew herself for a mistress . therefore in this case of breeding , get as neer as you can true breed , and it will seldom or never bring forth repentance . the age of stallions and mares : a horse may beget good colts from four years old to fourteen ; after , he declineth : and a mare may bring forth from three years old to thirteen , and then she decayeth : yet are neither utterly lost , but both may be made to serve for the same use a much longer season . moderate labour is good for breed of mares , when they go over ; for it maketh them apt to take the horse , and soon to conceive . when to put horse and mare together . the absolute best time to put the horse and mares together , is the beginning of march , provided there be strength and lust in both . for , the earlier the foal falleth , finding no want or scarceness , the better horse is ever produced : and so consequently from the beginning of may ; the foals that fall after such a time cannot chuse but have imperfection in some condition . for they have two great enemies to encounter withal ( not before known ) which daily fall upon them , that is , hunger and cold , with which the early foal hath been before familiar . there be some horsemen which hold that the lammas foal proves ever an excellent horse ; and i dissent not from it , where there is plenty and fulness of keeping ; for he knows the worst of winter before summer appear , and so may be good and hard ; but if he chance to be pinched with either , the smalnes of his statute will lessen his goodness , and his weakness make useless his hardness . the lammas foals are commonly known by many obscure feathers out of their own sights , as under their eyes , upon their necks , crests , and under their chaps . to conclude , it is not good to put the horse to the mares at all , till you find some ready , ( speaking of a general putting together ) for so the horse loseth his strength unfruitfully , and she gets nothing but chasing and mischiefs . when mares are fit for the horse . to know when your mares are ready ( if it be in a wild stud ) observe their chasing and galloping up and down morning & evening , and their inconstancie of abiding in any one place , especially throwing their noses to the north and south , the lifting up of their tails , riding one anothers backs , wooding one another , oft pissing , or opening of their shares and closing them again , all are signs of lust : if you will make a more particular trial , then prove them with some stoned tit or jade . how to put them together . when your mares are ready , the question is how they shall be put together , whether abroad at random for sundry weeks , or at home in private for a night or two ? if abroad , let your fence be good , your food sweet , and your shelter sufficient . if in the house , then in some empty barn or spacious place , which may be free from danger of posts or other occasion of rushes : and let them remain from sunset till sunrise , and two nights are sufficient . now there is a third manner of covering , and i preferr it for the best , because it keeps the stallion longer in ability , and serves the mare with a great deal more certainty : and that is , first to be sure to have them both at one dyet , as the mare at grass and the horse at soil ; then finding the mare ( by tryal ) ready , put them together into some closewalled paddock , where there is store of sweet grass and sweet water , just upon the going down of the sun , and as neer as you can observe , either three days after the change , or three days before the full of the moon , and let them remain close together two whole nights and one day , and take the horse from her at sunrise . how many mares for one horse . if you cover abroad ( as i spake before , at random ) an horse may well serve twelve mares , if you expect no other service of him . if you cover in the house , where he hath extraordinary keeping and little chasing , he will satisfie fifteen : but if you cover in the paddock , then i have known an high spirited horse for own year serve to keep you mares ●n an indifferent estate of body ; for too much fatness hinders conception , and too much leanness abates lust . ordering after covering . after your mares are covered , keep them as much as you can from disturbance , especially for a moneth after covering , and a moneth before quickning : yet if necessity compell , you may give them moderate exercise either in journeying or otherwise : yet remember , if you keep the mare in the house at had meat , she will spring early and much , and sudden cold after is dangerous for imborsement . also remember that a mare at her first quickning is like a fruit-tree , whose blossoms at the first appearance are tender and easily destroyed with every shake of wind , or nip of frost ; but after they are knit and fixt , they are hardly beaten down with cudgels . to help mares in foaling . if any of your mares be hard of foaling , or in danger in foaling , then either hold her nostrils so that she cannot draw wind : or if that prevail not , then take the quantity of a walnut or better of madder , and dissolve it in a pint of old ale , and being warm give it the mare . if both fail , then take the help of some understanding midwife . now if after her foaling she do not cleans● or avoid her secundine , then boil two or three handfull of fennel in running water , and take half a pint thereof , and as much malmsie , with a fourth part of sallet-oil , and mixing them together give it the mare luke-warm into her nostrils , then hold them close a little space after it : otherwise for want of this give her green forrage , that is , either green wheat or rye , ( but rye is best ) and they are as effectual . by no means let the mare eat her cleansing ( which many will cove● ) for it is unwho●som , and an hinderance to her milk . how long foals to run with their dams . let foals run with their dams ( if you have go●d accommodation for them ) a full year at the least ; or if they be choice and principal bred foals , then two years , if possibly you can : for the going over the mare will be no loss , in comparison of the excellenc●● to which the foal will attain by such suff●●●nce but if you want good accommodation ▪ th●n wean at seven moneths , but be sure ●● keep them lustily ; for what they lose in the first year , they will hardly gain in three following . and at the weaning give them saven and butt●r for divers mornings , or the worm or gargel will hazard to destroy them : besides ▪ have an eye to the strangle , for it is apt to assay them , and not taken in time will prove mortal . the first winter , spare neither hay nor corn , that is , oats in the chaff or in the sheaf ; the cha●fing of wheat , barley , or rye , and indeed any offal that comes from any grain whatsoever . to know a true shape , spirit , and height . the same shape which a foal carries at a full month old , he will carry at six years old , if he be not abused in after-keeping ; and as the good shape , so the defects also . a large shin-bone that is long from the knee to the pastern in a foal , shews a tall horse . look what space there is in a foal new foaled , between his knee and withers , double that will be his height when he is a compleat horse . foals that are of stirring spirits , free from affrights , wanton of disposition , active in leaping , running and chasing , ever leading the way and striving for mastery , these always prove excellent metal'd horse● , the contrary jades . to know goodness . there is a rule , and it is a good one , that an horses ability , and continuance in goodness is known by his hoofs : for if they be strong , smooth , hard , deep , tough , uprightstanding , and hollow , that horse cannot be evil . for they are the foundation of his building , and lend fortitude to all the rest . if they be otherwise , he cannot be good or lasting : whence it comes to pass , that no horse naturally hath so good hoofs as the barbary ; and it is indeed the only character by which to know him from all other horses . weaning of foals . wean your ordinary foals from their dams at the end of seven months at the utmost ; the better , at a year , two , or more . and observing so to divide them , that neither the foals nor the dams may be within the hearing of one anothers call . for which cause it is thought fit to house the foals for two or three nights , ( on the mornings whereof you shall give the saven and butter before spoken of ) that they may forget the dams ; and send the mares to their pasture . also observe to keep them as high as is possible the second year ; but the third and fourth year you may put them to harder grasing . separating of colts : as you separate foals from the dams , so you must divide the mare-colts : for it is certain , that amongst these high-bred spirits ▪ and with this lofty and full feeding , the hors-colts will cove● to cover the mare-colts at a year , as i have seen by experience , and it is the destruction of both . again , if you have such store of grounds , you may separate one years breed from another . this is the safest course , because of continual familiarity for change of quality . gelding of colts . if you intend to geld any of your colts ▪ the only best time , and which maketh the finest geldings , is at nine days old , or as soon as you perceive the stones to fall ; for then is the least danger , and it maketh f●●est crests . the time of the moon to geld in , is in the wane , the sign in aries or virgo ; the time of the year in generall is the spring or fall ▪ and although the earlier you geld , the better and safer , yet notwithstanding you may safely geld at any time or any age , even from foal old age ; and although the elder , the greater swelling , yet more exercise and more chasing will asswage it . taming of colts . touching the taming of colts , or making them domestick or familiar , you shall begin even from the first weaning , and so winter after winter ( in the house ) use them to familiar actions , as rubbing , clawing , haltering , leading to water , taking up of his feet , knocking his hoofs , and the like . to break colts . the best time to break colts to the saddle , according to the antient opinion and general custom of men , ( and which brings them soonest to the use and service of the owner , and therein supposed to be most profitable ) is at three years old , and the advantage or four at the utmost . but say i , he that will stay and see his horse fully five , shall be sure to have an horse of longer continuance , less subject to disease and infirmity , and one that ( but by death ) will hardly come to the knowledge of tyring . all the actions about a colt in his nonage , or an horse to break at elder age , must b● done first with warning , next constantly and valiantly , not fearfully or doubtfully : the first begetteth obedience , the other rebellion . coiling of the stud. touching the coiling of the stud , or makeing of special elections , i need not spend much ink , because the owner best knowes which are best bred , and his eyes can tell him where is the best shape and soundness . i only advise him by no means to make too early coiling : for some borses will shew their best shape at two and three years old , and lose it at four , others not till five , nay six , but then keep it ever : some will do their best dayes work at six and seven years old , others not till eight or nine . but be the time when it will , let him preserve for his own use the best , the most comely , and most sound . those which are defective , i mean such as bring incurable deformities , gross sorrances , as spavens , ringbones , imperfect eyes , or the like , or that shew palpable barstardie , send them away to the market . when you find any of your mares grow into barrenness , unnaturalness , or disease , away with them , and change them . for all , though i could prescribe you remedies , yet they are not worthy your use , nor will i ●ue your loss : therefore let such mares go , for their profit is past , and they are useless . thus much touching breeding : the office of the rider . observations in riding . it is not intended that in these few observations or short touches i should discover the whole art of riding ; it neither fits the brevity of the work , norsuits with my first promise in the title . he that looks for such largeness of discourse , i refer him to my greater volumes ; in this onely to be found things new , things certain , set down in way of principles or infallible rules , to conduct a man the easiest way to some perfection . times to handle colts . to begin then with the first taming or making gentle of a colt ( as i shewed you in the observations for breeding ) you must begin the first winter after his foaling , and so continue every winter till he come to the sa●dle , which time i have also set down in the same place ; and then there is no fear of evil qualities . but if a colt of contrary education come to your hands and must be handled , ●hen apply him with all gentleness , and do nothing about him suddenly , roughly , o● fearfully ; yet with that awe of your voice , your rod , and other terror , make him know you are his master when he rebelleth . and when you begin to do nay thing about him ( of what nature soever ) never leave it ; only take leisure , and rather win it by gentleness ▪ then cruelty , forget not to give the hor●● reward , when he gives content ; and by no mean● punish , till you are sure he knows his error ; for before you give him understanding , it is im●ossible he should obey . neither doth this taming of a colt consist in the house only , but in the field also , where with a cavezan or chain , and a long rei● with an iron turnel under his chaps , you shall make him trot large rings about you readily on both hands , and change at your pleasure as you shall turn him . and then to your cherishings , corrections , and all manner of handlings which before you had used i● the house . when to saddle . when your horse is thus made gentle you may then offer him the saddle : but with that deliberate carefulness , that he may not take affright or dislike thereat ; suffering him to smell at it , to be rubbed with it , and as it were to feel it and not to feel it ; then in the end to fix it on , and girt it fast ; and at what part and motion soever he seems most coy , with that make him most familiar . when he will endure the saddle , then trot him abroad with it , and make him ( as before ) trot his rings on both hands about you , clap the saddle as it stands on his back ▪ shake it , hang and sway upon it , dangle the stirrops by his sides , rub them on his sides , and make much of him , and familiar with all things about him , as the straining of the crooper , fastning and loosning the gyrths , and taking up or letting out of the stirrops . of mo●thing when he will trot with the saddle obediently , then you shall wash a trench of a ful mouth , and somwhat worn , and put it into his mouth , and throw the reins over the fore part of the saddle ▪ bolsters and all , and make them of the length , that the horse may have a full feeling of the trench , and a sense to play on the same : then put on a martingal , and fix it from the gyrths to the chaulband of the cavezan ; but at that length , that the horse may not find fault , unless he disorderly throw up his head . then take a broad peece of leather , and put it about the horses neck , and make the two ends fast by platting or otherwise at the withers and mid-part before his weisand ▪ about two handfull below his throple : be twixt his neck and the leather let the martingal pass ; so that when at any time he shal offer to duck or throw down his head , the cavesan being placed upon the tender griss● of his nose , may correct and punish him . by which means he shall not only lose that fo●● quality of winning the head and thrusting i● between his legs , but also gain the way o● raising up his neck , bringing down his head ▪ and fashioning himself to an absolute rein . the horse thus accoutred , trot him abroad as before shewed , and chase him about you on both hands . and if you find either the reins of the trench or martingal to grow slack , then straiten them ; for where there i● no feeling there is no vertue . of backing . when you have exercised your horse thus divers mornings , noons or evenings , and find him both tractable , ready and obedient , you may then take him into some new ploughed ground ( the lighter , the better ) and hav●g chased him a little on both hands , and seeing all your tackle firm , strong and good , and every thing in his true and due place , you may then ( having one to stay his head , and govern the chasing rein ) take his back ; yet not suddenly , but by degrees , and with divers heavings and half-raisings . which if he endure patiently , then you may take the reins of the trench into your hands and settle your self . but if he shrink or dislike , then forbear to mount , and chase him about him again ; then offer to mount ; and thus do till he receive you willingly . then when you are setled , have received your stirrups , and cherisht him , putting your toes forward , let him that stays his head lead him forward half a dozen paces , then both cherish him , then lead him forward a dozen paces , then rest and cherish , and shake and move your self in the saddle : then let him that stays his head , remove his hand a little from the cavezan ; and as you thrust forward your toes , so let him also move him forward with his rein , till you have made the horse apprehend your own motions of body and foot ( which must go equally together , and with spirit also ) so that he will go forward without the other assistance , and stay upon the restraint of your own hand , and not the stay of the cavezan : then you shall cherish him , and give him grass or bread to eat , alight from his back , then mount and unmount twice or thrice together ever mixing them with cherishings . thus exercise him till you have made him perfect in going forward , and standing still , at your pleasure . helps at first backing . when this is effected , you may lay by the long rein , and the band about the neck , and only use the trenches , the cavezan , and the martingal ; and instead of leading in hand , let a groom on another horse lead the way before you into the field : where you shall not strive to teach him any other lesson , then to go strait forthright forward , and to stand still when you please : which will be effected in a few mornings , by trotting him forward a mile or two after another horse , and so bring him home sometimes after the horse , sometimes equally with , and sometimes before , so that he may fix upon no certainty but your own pleasure . and in all this labour you must have a special regard to the wellcarriage of his head and neck ; and as the martingal slacketh , so to straiten it . what lessons for what horse . when this work is finished , you may then proceed to teach your horse those lesson● which are fit for his practice and the purpose for which you intend him . as if it be for hunting , running , travel , hackney , or the like , then the chiefest things you are to apply your self unto , are to preserve a good mouth , to trot freely and comely , to amble surely and easily , to gallop strongly and swiftly , to obey the hand in stopping gently and retiring willingly , and to turn on either hand readily and nimbly . to all which i will give you lights in their severall places . but if you intend him for the great saddle , or the use of the wars , then although the lessons be the same , yet they are to be taught and done in a more punctual manner , and ask more nice and artificial demonstrations . so that if an horse can be brought to the best , the easier must needs follow with little industry . and it is a rule in horsmanship , that no lesson which belongs to the wars can be hurtfull or do injury to any horse whatsoever that is kept for any other purpose . whence it cometh , that every horse for the wars may be train'd for a runner or hunter at pleasure ; but every runner or hunter will not serve the wars : and every horsman that can make an horse for the wars , may be a jocky when he pleases ; but no jocky ( that i know ) can make an horse for the wars . therefore i will run a middle way , and suit my lessons for both purposes . helps and corrections . before you teach your horse any lesson , you must know there are seven helps to advantage him in his lessons , to punish him for faults gotten in his lessons ; and they be the voice , the rod , the bit or snafflle , the calves of the legs , the stirrop , the spur , and the ground . voice . the voice is an help , when it is sweet and accompanied with cherishings and it is a correction , when it is rough or terrible , and accompanied with strokes or threatnings : rod . the rod is an help in the shaking , and a correction in the striking . bit or snaffle . the bit is an help in its sweetness , the snaffle in its smoothness ; and they are corrections , the one in its hardness , the other in its roughness , and both in flatness and squareness . calves of the legs . the calves of the legs are helps when you lay them gently to the horses sides ; and corrections when you strike them hard , because they give warning that the spur follows . the stirrop and stirrop leathers are helps when you thrust them forward in a quick motion , and stir up in the horse spirit and agility . but when you strike it against the hinder part of the shoulder , it is a correction and awakens memory . spur. the spur is an help when it is gently delivered in any motion that asks quickness and agility , whether on the ground or above the ground ; and a correction , when is stricken hard into the sides , upon any sloth or other fault committed . the ground . lastly , the ground is an help , when it is plain and smooth , and not painfull to tread on ; and it is a correction , when it is rough , deep , and uneven , for the amendment of any vice conceived . of large rings . when your horse will receive you to and , from his back g●ntly , trot forward willingly , and stand still obediently : then , intending him f●● the wars , or any other purpose , ( for these lessons serve all occasions ) you shall in some gravel●y or sandy place where his footsteps m●y ●e discerned , labor him within the large ring , that is at least fifty paces in compass ; and having trod it about three or four times on the right hand , rest and cherish , then taking compass , change your hand and do as much on the left hand , then rest and cherish ; then change the hand again , and do as much on the right hand , ever observing upon every stop to make him retire and go back a step or two . ▪ thus labour the horse till you have him so perfect , that he will trot his ring on which hand you please ; changing within the ring in the manner of a roman s. with such willingness , nimbleness , and constant rein , that you can desire no better obedience . then you may teach him to gallop them as he did trot them , and that also with true footing , lofty carriage , and brave rein : ever observing when he gallops to the right hand , to lead with his left fore-foot ; and when he gallops to the left hand , to lead with his right fore-feet . now here is to be cleered a parodox held by many of our horsmen , which is , that the exercise of rings is not good for running horses , because it raises up his fore-feet , and makes him gallop painfully , and so an hindrance unto speed . but if they consider that this habit ( if it be taken ) is soon broken either by the horsmans hand or discretion , who hath power to make him move as he pleaseth or if they will truly look into the benefit of the ring it self , they shall fine it is the only means to bring an horse to the true use of his feet , and the nimble carriage of them in all advantages . for every runner of horses will allow , that for an horse ( in his course ) to lead with his right foot , is most proper ; and when at any time he breakes or alter● it , it must be disadvantage , because ( not well acquainted to lead with the other ) he cannot handle it so nimbly . now at his first backing , by the use of his ring and change of hands , he will become so expert and coming with both , that howsoever mischance shall alter his stroke , yet shall his speed and nimbleness keep one and the same goodness . of stopping . when you come to the place of stop , or would stop ; by a sudden drawing in of our bridle-hand somwhat hard and sharp , make him stop close , firm and strait in an eaven line : and if he erre in any thing , put him to it again , and leave not till you have made him understand his error , and amend it . advancing . now if you do accompany this stop with an advancement a little from the ground , it will be more gallant , and may be done by laying the calves of your legs to his sides , and shaking your rod over him as he stops . if it chance at first he understand you not , yet by continuance and labouring him therein he will soon attain unto it , especially if you forget not to cherish him when he gives the least shew to apprehend you . retiring . after stopping and advancing , make him retire , as before shewed . and this motion of retiring you must both cherish and increase , making it so familiar with him , that no lesson may be more perfect : neither must he retire in a confused or disorderly manner , but with a brave rein , a constant head , and a direct line : neither must he draw or sweep his legs one after another , but take them clean , nimbly , and lostily , as when he troted forward . of bitting . when your horse is come to perfection in these lessons , and hath his head firmly setled , his rein constant , and his mouth sweetned , you may then ( if you intend him for the wars ) take away his trench and martingal , and only use the cavezan of four or three pieces , that is , a joint or no joint in the midst , and to that joint a strong ring , and a joint of each side with rings before the joints , to which you shall put several reins to use either at the post or otherwise into his mouth you shall put a smooth sweet canon-bit with a french cheek suitable to the proportion of the horses neck ; knowing that the long cheek raises up the head , and the short pulls it down . and with these you shall exercise the horse in all the lessons before taught , till he be perfect in them without either disorder or amazement . of strait turns and turnings . when he is thus setled upon his bit , then you shall teach him to turn roundly and readily in the straiter rings : and of these there are divers kinds , and divers methods and manners how to teach them . all which i will omit , and only fix upon two manner of strait turns , as the persection from whence all turnings are derived . the one is , when the horse keepeth his hinder parts inward and close to the post or center , and so cometh about and makes his circumference with his fore-parts , following an enemy that a little avoids him . and the other is , when he keeps his fact fixt on the post or center , and comes about and makes his circumference with his hinder parts , opposing face to face with his enemy . the first strait turn . for the first of these strait turns , it is thus to be taught . you shall to the ring in the mid-part of the cavezan fix a long rein of two fathom or more , and to the other rings two other shorter reins : then having sadled the horse and put on his bit , bring him to the post , and put the reins of the bit over the forepart of the saddle , bolsters and all , and fix them at a constant straitness on the top of the pomel , so that the horse may have a feeling both of the bit and curb . then , if you will have him turn to the right hand , take the short rein on the left side of the cavezan , and bringing it under the fore-bolster of the saddle up to the pomel , and there fix it at such a straitness that the horse may rather look from , then to the post on the right side : then let some groom or skilfull attendant hold the right side rein of the cavezan at the post , governing the fore parts of his body to come about at large : then your self taking the long rein into your hand , and keeping his hinder parts inward , with your rod on his outward shoulder , and sometimes on his outward thigh , make him move about the post , keeping his hinder parts as a cen●e● , and making his fore-parts move in a larger circumference . thus you shall exercise him a pretty space on one hand till he grow to some perfectness and understanding of your will . then changing the reins of the cavezan , make him do the like to the other hand . and thus apply hi● divers mornings , mingling cherishing with his exercise , according to his deservings , ti● you have brought him to that readiness , the he will upon the moving of your rod couc● his hinder parts in towards the post , and lapping the outward fore leg over the inward trot about the post swiftly , distinctly , and i● as strait compass as you can desire , or is convenient for the motion of the horse . and from trotting you may bring him to flying or wheeling about with that swiftness , the both the fore legs rising and moving together , the hinder parts may follow in one an● the same instant . when you have made your horse the perfect in your hand , you shall then mou● his back ; and making some other skilfu● groom or attendant govern the long rei● and another the short , by the motion of yo● hand upon the bit and left rein of the cavezan , keeping the horses head from the po● and by the help of the calve of your le● laid to his side , and your rod turned to h● outward thigh to keep his hinder parts into the post labour and exercise him till you have brought him to that perfection which your self desire . then take away the long rein● and only exercise him with the help of the short rein of the cavezan , and no other . after take both the reins of the cavezan into your hands , and exercise him from the post ; making him as ready in any place where you please to ride him , as he was at the post . the other strait turn . now for the other strait flying turn , which is to keep his face fixt ▪ on the post as on his enemy , and to move about only with his hinder parts , you shall take the same helps of the long rein and the short reins of the cavezan , and govern them as before shewed ▪ only you shall not give the short rein to the postward so much liberty as before , but keep his head closer to the post , and following his hinder parts with the long rein , by the help of your rod make him bring his hinder parts round about the post : and observe that as before he did lap one foreleg over another , so now he must lap the hinder legs one over another . in this lesson exercise him as in the former then ( after a perfectness ) mount his back , and labour him as before shewed . then lastly , leaving the post and all other helps , only apply him in such open and free places as you shall think convenient : for upon the finishing of this work , your horse is made compleat , and can perform all things that can be required either for service in the wars , for the high-way , or any other galloping pleasure : which is the end of mine aim , and the utmost journy i will take in these observations . only for a conclusion i will bequeath you one or two pretty secrets . how to help an ill rein , and cure a runaway jade . there be many horses so evil beholden to nature for giving them short untoward necks , and worse , set on heads ; and so little beholden to art to endeavor to amend them , that many good horses are left cureless of these two gross unsufferable faules ; which are either a deformed carriage of the head like a pig on a broach ▪ or else a furious runing away , got by a spoil'd mouth , or an evil habit . the help . to help any , or both of these : if it be a young horse , at the first riding , then to his trench ; if of old standing , then to his snaffle , ( for i speak not of the bit. ) put a pair of reins , half as long again as any ordinary reins , and loops to fasten and unfasten at the eye of the snaffle , as other reins have ▪ now when you see that the horse will not yield to your hand , but the more you draw , the more he thrusts out his nose , or the more violently he runs away ; then undo the buttons of the reins from the eys of the snaffle , and drawing them through the eys , bring them to the buckles of the foremost girth , and there button them fast : then riding the horse in that manner , labour him with the gentle motions of your hand , coming and going by degrees ; and some times accompanied with your spur , to gather up his body , and to feel your command , and assuredly in a small expence of time he will yield and bring his head where you would place it . and for running away , if you draw one rein , you turn him about in despight of all fury ; and if you draw both , you break his chaps , or bring them to his bosom : in the end finding himself not able to resist , he will be willing to obey . another help for inconstant carriage . there is another foul error in many horses which these reins also cure , as this . when your horse is either so wythie cragg'd ( as the northern man calls it ) or so loose and unsteady-necked , that which way soever you draw your hand , his head and neck will follow it , sometimes beating against your knees , sometimes dashing against your bosom , nay sometimes knocking you in the face ; and indeed generally so loose and incertain , that a man cannot say at any time he hath certain or steady hold of him . a vice wonderfull incident to running-horses , especially the hot furious ones . in this case you shall take these long reins ; and as before you drew them to the buckles of the gyrths , so now marting●lwise draw them from the eyes of the snaffle , betwixt his fore-legs to the gyrths , and there fasten them . thus ride him with a constant hand , firm and somwhat hard ; correcting him both with the spurs and rod , and sometimes with sharp twitches in his mouth when he errs ; and with a few weeks labor , his head will come to a constant carriage , provided that you labor him as well upon his gallop as his trot , and leave him not till you find him fully reclaimed . how any lady or gentlewoman shall spur her horse as well as any man , yet unperceived take a strong whale bone , that is at one end of one side round , of the other flat , and of a pretty thickness ; then rush grown and small to the other end . all round to the flat end glue a peece of cord , about an inch and an half longer , being to the upper end of the bone as thin as may be , but from the end made wedg-like ▪ thicker and thicker , to half an inch thickness or more , as you shall find occasion , being a thing only to bear the bone from the horses sides . then you shall cause to be made of iron a neck of a spur , an handfull or more long , having at the one end set a sharp rowel as big as a great french rowel , but not set as a mans rowel , but cross-wise , the pricks looking to the horses sides ; the other end of this neck shall bee rough , and with a shoomakers thread made fast to the small round end of the whalebone . then make fast the great end of the whale-bone with leather , glue and nails to the forepart of the sidesaddle-tree , and look that the spur stand opposite to the spurring-place of the horses sides . now as you do this side , so do the other side also . then take a strong ribbon , and fasten it with a loop to the spurneck on the near side , and draw it under the horses belly upon the far side : then fasten another to the spur on the far side ▪ and fasten both ends at an eaven length under the pomel of the saddle , yet so as she may command it with her bridle rein . now when she will spur on the left side ( which we call the near side ) let her draw the ribbon on the far side ( which is the right side ) and when she will spur on the right side , let her draw her ribbon on the near side ; when she will spur both sides at once , let her draw both the ribbons equally : thus much for the office of the rider . the office of the feeder . an introduction to the work , touching the limitation of time for preparing the running-horse . i will not dispute the severall opinions of men in this kingdom touching the keeping of the running horse , because i know many are idle and frivolous , some incertain , and a few in the right way . only in this work i would cleer one paradox , which is strongly maintained and infinitely pursued by many of our best professors ; and that is the limitation or length of time for the preparing or making ready of an horse for a match or great wager . there be divers , nay some which i know carry the goddesses on their backs , that affirm an horse which is exceeding fat , foul ▪ newly taken from grass , soil , or lofty , liberal and unbounded feeding , cannot be brought to the performance of his best labour under six moneths , five is too little , and four an act of impossibility . by which they rob their noble master of half a years pleasure , thrust upon him a tyring charge ▪ to make the sport loathsom , and get nothing but a cloak for ignorance , and a few false got crowns that melt as they are possessed . yet as heretiques cite scriptures , so these find reasons to defend want of knowledge . as , the danger of too early exercise ; the offence of grease suddenly broken ; the moving of evill humors too haistily , which leads to mortal sickness . and the moderation or helping of all these by a slow proceeding , or bringing of the horse into order by degrees and time , o● ( as i may say ) by an ignorant sufferance . these reasons i know have the shew of a good ground ; for too early exercise is dangerous , but not if free from violence . to break grease too suddenly is an offence unsufferable , for it puts both limbs and life in hazard , but not if purged away by wholsome scourings . the hasty stirring up of humours in a body where they superabound , and are generally dispersed , and not setled , cannot chuse but breed sickness ; but not where discretion and judgment evacuateth them in wholsom sweats and moderate airings . and for t●e moderation of all these , by the tediousness of time , as two months for the first ; two moneths for the second , and as much for the last : it is like the curing of the gangrene in an old man ; better to dye then be dismembred , better lose the prize then bear the charge : for i dare appeal to any noble judgment , whose purse hath experience in these actions , if six moneths preparation and the dependances belonging to it and his person do not devour up an hundred pounds wager . but you will demand of me what limitation of time i will allow for this purpose of preparation ? and i answer , that two moneths is sufficient at any time of the year whatsoever , for an old horse , or an horse formerly trained , for i speak not of colts ; and he that cannot do it in two moneths , shall never do it in sifteen . but reply they , no scouring is to be allowed , for they are physical ; they force nature , and so hurt nature ; they make sickness , and so impair health : and that indeed nothing is comparable to the length of time , because nature worketh every thing her self ; and though she be longer , yet she hath less danger . i confess that sybbesauce scourings which are stuft with poisonous ingredients , cannot chuse but bring forth infirmity ; but wholesom scourings , that are composed of beneficiall and nourishing simples , neither occasion sickness nor any manner of infirmity , but bring away grease and all foulness in that kindly and abundant sort , that one week shall effect more then two moneths of dilatory and doubtfull for bearance . i call it dilatory and doubtfull , because no man ( in this lingring course ) can certainly tel which way the gre●se and other foulnesses will avoid , as whether into his ordure ( which is the safest ) into sweat ( which is hazardou● ) into his limbs ( which is mischievous ) or remain and putrifie in his body ( which is mortally dangerous ? ) since the issue of any o● all these fall out according to the strength and estate of the horses body , and the diligence of the feeder : and if either the one fail in power ; or the other in care , farewell horse for that year . all this envy cannot chuse but confess ; only they have one broken crutch to support them , which is , they know no scouring , therefore they will allow of no scouring . against barbarism i will not dispute , only i appeal to art or discretion , whether purgation or sufferance ; when nature is offended , be the better doers . but they reply , by a figure called absurdity , that whatsoever is given to any horse more then his natural food , and which he will naturally and of his own accord with all willingness receive , is both unproper and unwholsom ; and therefore he ought not to be forced with any thing against his appetite . this i have heard them say , and to this i thus answer . the natural food of man is bread only , all other things ( according to the philosopher ) are superfluous , and so to be avoided . at this argument both humanity and divinity laughs : for , other helps , as physick , divers meats , and divers means ordained for both even by the power of the almighty himself , tells the contemners hereof how grossly they erre in this foolish opinion . nay , allow them a little shadow of truth , that things most natural , are most beneficial : then it must follow , that grass , or hay ( which is but withered grass ) is most natural , and so most beneficial . now grass is physical , for in it is contained all manner of simples of all manner of mixtures , as hot , cold , moist , dry ; of all qualities , all quantities . so that whatsoever i give ( which is good ) is but that which he hath formerly gathered out of his own nature , only with this difference ; that what he gathereth is in a confused manner , clapping contraries together so abundantly , that we are not able to judge where the predominant quality lyeth ; and that which we compound is so governed by art and reason , that we know how it should work , and we expect the event , if it be not crost by some greater disaster . but will they bind themselves to keep the running-horse only with grass or hay ? they know then the end of their labour will be loss . nay , they will allow corn , nay divers corns ; some nourishing and loosing , as oats and rye ; some astringent and binding , as beans ; and some fatting and breeding both blood and spirit , as wheat : nay , they will allow bread , nay bread of divers compositions , and divers mixtures , some before heat , and some after , some quick of discresion and some slow . and if this be not as physical as any scouring a good horsman gives , ● report me to him that shall read the bills . nay , these contemners of scourings will allow an egg , nay an egg mixt with other ingredients : and for butter and garlick , they will use it , though it be never so fulsom . the reason is , because their knowledge can arise to no higher a stair in physick ; and authorised ignorance will ever wage battel with the best understanding : like foolish gallants on st. georges day , who neither having ability to buy , nor credit to borrow a gold-chain , scorn at them that wear them ; or martin marprelate , that not having learning worthy of a deacon , found no felicity but in railing at divine fathers . there are another sort of feeders , which in a contrary extream run beyond these into mischiefs ; and those are they which overscour their horses , and are never at peace but when they are giving potions ( which they call scourings ) somtimes without cause , always without order , bringing upon an horse such intolerable weakness , that he is not able to perform any violent labour . from this too little , and too much , i would have our feeder to gather a mean ; that is , first to look that his simples be wholsom : then to the occasion , that he is sure there is foulness : and lastly to the estate of body , that he may rather augment then decrease vigor . so shall his work be prosperous , and his actions without controllment . to conclude , two months i allow for preparation , and according to that time have laid my directions . mine humble suit is , out of a sincere opinion to truth and justice , so to allow or disallow , to refrain or imitate . the first ordering of the running-horse , according to the several estates of their bodies . this office of the feeder , albeit in general it belong to all horsmen , yet it particular it is most appropriate to the feeder of the running-horse ; because other general horses have a general way of feeding , these an artificial and prescript form , full of curiosity and circumspection ; from which whosoever errs , he shall sooner bring his horse to destruction then perfection . therefore when an horse is matcht , or to be matcht for a running course , you art principally to regard the estate of body it which the horse is at the time of his matching . and this estate of body i divide into three several kinds . the first is , if he be very fat , foul , and either taken from grass or soil . the second , if he be extream lean and poor , either through over-riding , disorder , or other infirmity . and the third , if he be in good and well-liking estate , having had good usage and moderate exercise . if he be in the first estate of body , you shall take longer time for his feed , as two moneths at the least : for he will ask much labour in airing , great carefulness in heating , art and discretion in scouring , and rather a strict then liberall hand in feeding . if he be in the second estate of body ( which is poor ) then you shall also take a longer time as you may , yet you need not so much as in the former ; both because grass cannot much hurt , and exercise may go hand in hand with feeding . this horse would have moderate and cheerfull airing , as not before or after sun , rather ●o increase appetite then harden flesh ; gentle heats , more to preserve wind then melt glut ; and a bountifull hand ( but far from cloying ) in feeding . if he be in the third estate of body , which is a mean betwixt the other extreams , then a moneth or six weeks , or a fortnight or less , may be time sufficient to diet him for his match ▪ now as this estate participates with both the former , so it wou'd borrow from them a share in all their orderings , that is , to be neither too early , nor too late in airings ; ●aborious , but not painfull in heatings , nourishing in scouring , and constant in a moderate way of feeding . now as you regard these general estates of bodies , so you must have an eye to certain particular estates of bodies : as if an horse be fa● and foul , yet of a free and spending nature , apt quickly to consume and lose his flesh , this horse must not have so strict a● hand , neither can he endure so violent exercise as he that is of an hard and kettty disposition , and will feed and be fat upon all mea●● and all exercises . again , if your horse be in extreme poverty through disorder or misusage , yet is by nature very hard and apt both soon to recover his flesh , and long to hold it ; then over thi● horse you shall by no means ●old so l●bera● an hand , nor forbear that exercise which otherwise you would do to the horse which i● of a tender nature , a weak stomack , and a fre● spirit provided always you have reg●rd to his limbs and the imperfection of lameness . thus you see how to look into the estate● of horses bodies , and what time to take fo● your matchings , i will now descend to thei● several orderings and dyeting . and because in the fat horse is contained both the lea● horse , and horse in reasonable estate o● bo●y . i will in him shew all the secrets a●● observations which are to be imployed in the feeding of all three , without any omission o● reservation whatsoever : for truth , sir , ● have vowed unto you , and truth i will prese●● you . the first fortnights feeding of an horse for match that is fat , foul , and ▪ either newly taken from grass or soil . if you match an horse that is fat and foul , either by running at grass , or standing at soil , or by any other means of rest , or too high feeding ; you shall ( after his body is emptied , and the grass avoided , which will be three or four days ) for the first fortnight at the least , rise early in the morning before day , or at the spring of day according to the time of the year ; and having put on his bridle washt in beer , and tyed him up to the rack , take away his dmng and other foulness of the stable ; then dress him well , as in the office of the keeper , when that work is finished , take a fair large body-cloth of thick houswifes kersie ( if it be in winter ) or of cotton or other light stuffe ( if it be in summer ) and fold it round about the horses body , then clap on the ●addle and girt the foremost girth pretty strait , but the other somwhat slack , and wisp it on each side his heart , that both the girths may be of equal straitness . then put before his breast a breast-cloath sutable to the body-cloth , and let it cover both his shoulders ; then take a little beer into your mouth , and spirt it into the horses mouth , and so draw him out of the stable , and take his back , leaving a groom behind you to trim up your stable , to carry out dung and to toss up the litter : for you are to understand that the horse must stand upon good store of fresh dry litter continually both night and day , and it should be ever wheat-straw ( if possible ) or oat-straw ( if forced by necessity ) as for barley ▪ straw and rye-straw , they are unwholsom and dangerous ; the one doth heart-burn , the other causeth scouring ▪ when you are mounted , rack the horse foot-pace ( for you must neither amble no● trot , for they hurt speed ) at least a mile or two , or more upon smooth and sound ground ▪ and ( as neer as you can ) to the steepest hill● you can find ; there gallop him gently up those hills , ond rack or walk him softly down ▪ that he may cool as much one way as he warmeth another . and when you have th●● exercised him a pretty space , and seeing the sun beginning to rise , or else risen , rack down either to some fresh river , or clear pond that is fed by a sweet spring , and there let him drink at his pleasure : after he hath drunk : bring him calmly out of the water , and so ride him a little space with all gentleness , and not according to the use of ignoran● grooms , rush him instantly into a gallop , for that brings with it two mischiefs , either it teaches the horse to run away with you as soon as he is watered , or else refuse to drink , fearing the violence of his exercise which follows upon it . when you have used him a little calmly , then put him into a gentle gallop , and exercise him moderately , as you did before ; then walk him a little space , after offer him more water : if he drink , then gallop him again ( after calm usage ; ) if he refuse , then gallop him to occasion thirst . and thus always give him exercise both before and after water . when he hath drank sufficient , then bring him home gently , without a wet hair or any sweat about him . when you come to the stable-door before which your groom shall ever throw all his fo●l litter continually ; there alight , and by whistling and stretching the horse upon the straw , and raising up the straw under him , see if you can make him piss , which if at first he do not , yet with a little custom he will soon be brought unto it , and it is an wholsom action both for the horses health , and the sweet keeping of the stable . this done , bring him into his stall , and tie him up to the rack , then with wisps rub his ●egs well , then unloose his breast-cloth ▪ and rub his head , neck and breast with a dry clot● then take off the saddle and hang it by , the● his body-cloth , and rub over all his body and limbs , especially his back where the saddl● stood . then cloath him up , first with a linne● sheet , then over it a good strong housing cloth , and above it his woollen body-cloth which in the winter it is not amiss to hav● lin'd with some thin cotton or plad , or othe● woollen stuffe , but in the summer the kersi● it self is sufficient . when these are girt about him , stop hi● circingle round with reasonable big soft wisp● and thick , for with them he will lie at be● ease , because the small hard wisps are eve● hurtfull . after he is cloathed , pick his feet and stop them up with cow-dung ; and then throw int● his rack a little bundle of hay , so much as a● halfpeny bottel in a dear inne , well chosen ▪ dusted , and hard bound together . and the he shall tear out , as he standeth on the bridl● ▪ when he hath stood on his bridle an ho● and better , you shall then come to him , an● first draw his bridle , rub his head , face an● nape of the neck with a clean rubber made ●● new rough hempen cloth , for this is excelle●● for the head , and dissolveth all gross a●● filthy humours : then with a clean clot● make the manger as clean as may be ; and i● he have scattered any hay , take it up and throw it back into the rack . then you shall take a quart of sweet , dry , old and clean drest oats , of which the heaviest are the best , as those which we call poland-oats or cut-oats : for those which are unsweet , breed infirmity ; those which are moist , cause swelling in the body , those which are new , breed worms ; and they which are half drest , deceive the stomack and bring the horse to ruine . as for the black oats , though they are tolerable in the time of necessity , yet they make foul dung , and hinder a mans knowledg in the state of the horses body . this quart of oats you shall ree and dress wondrous clean in a sive that is much less then a riddle , and though bigger then a reeing-sive , such an one as will let a light oat go through , but keep a full one from scattering , and so give them to the horse ; and if he eat them with a good stomack , you may give him another , and so let him rest till it be eleven a clock : then come to the stable , and having rubbed his head , neck and face , dress him another quart of oats ( as before ) and give it the horse ; then closing up the windows and lights leave him till one a clock . and here you are to understand , that the darker you keep your horse in your absence , the better it is , and it will occasion him to lye down and take his rest , when otherwise he would not ; and therefore we commonly use to arm the stables wherein these horses stand round about a lost , and over the rack with canvas , both for darkness , warmth , and that no filth may come near the horse . at one a clock come to him , and dress him another quart of oats , and give them as before , after you have rubbed his head and nape of the neck : then putting away his dung , and making the stable clean , give him a knob of hay , and so leave him till evening . at evening come to the stable , and having made all things clean , bridle as in the morning take off his cloaths , and dresse him a● before . then cloath , saddle , bring him forth , urge him to empty , mount , rack him abroad , but not to the hills , if you can finde any other plain ground , as meadow , pasture , or the like , especially if it lye along by a river , but in this case you can be no chuser , but must take the most convenient , making a vertue of necessity . here air him in all points in the evening , as you did in the morning , galloping both before and after water : then rack him up and down , and in your racking observe even from the stable-dore , in all your passages , especially when you would have him to empty , to let him smel upon every old and new dung you meet withall , for this will clear his body and repair his stomack . when you have watred , and spent the evening in airing till within night , ( for nothing is more wholsom , or sooner consumeth foulness , then early and late airings : ) you shall then rack him home to the stable-door ; there alight and do as you did in the morning , both within doors and without , and so leave him on his bridle for an hour and more . then come again , and as you did in the forenoon , so do now ; rub well , draw his bridle , cleanse the manger , put up his scattered hay , sift him a quart of oats , and so let him rest til nine a clock at night . at nine a clock come to him , and first rub down his legs with wisps , or with a clean cloth , or with your bare hands ( which is best of all ) then with a clean cloth rub his face , head , chaps , nape of the neck and foreparts , then turn up his cloathes and rub over all his hinder parts ; then put down his clothes , and sift him a quart of oats and give them him ; then put into his rack a little bundle of hay , toss up his litter and make his bed soft , and so leave him till the next morning . the next morning ( as the morning before ( come to the horse early , and do every thing without the omission of any one particle , as hath been formerly declared ; and thus you shall keep your horse constantly for the first fornight , in which by this double daily exercise you shall so harden his flesh and consume his foulness , that the next fortnight ( if you be a temperate man ) you may adventure to give him some heats , but here give me leave to digress a little for satisfaction sake , and to answer objections that may be urged touching the quantity of provender which i prescribe , being but a quart at a meal , seeing there be many horses that will eat a much larger proportion , and to scant them to this little were to starve , o● at the best to breed weakness . but if i be understood rightly , i set not this down as an infallible rule , but a president that may be imitated , yet altered at pleasure : for i have left you this caveat , that if your horse eat this with a good stomack , you may give him another , leaving the proportion to the feeders discretion ; because it is impossible in writing , to make one measure for all stomacks . and for min● own part , i chose the quart as the most indifferent proportion ; for albeit many horses will eat more , yet i have known some that would hardly eat this : and believe it , what horse soever shall but eat this , and in this manner , he shall neither starve , lose strength , nor be much hungry . so now again to the giving of heats . four considerations in giving of heats . now touching heats , you are to take to your self these four considerations . 1. that two heats in the week is a sufficient proportion for any horse of what condition or state of body soever . 2. that one heat should ever be given on that day in the week , on which he is to run his match ; as thus : your match-day is a monday , your heating-days are then mondays and fridays ; and the monday to be ever the sharper heat , both because it is the day of his match ▪ and there is three days rest betwixt it and the other heat . if the day ●e tuesday , then the heating days are tuesdays and saturdays ; if wednesday , then wednesdays and saturdays , by reason of the lords day ; if on thursdays , then thursdays and mondays , and so of the rest . 2. you shall give no heat ( except in case of extremity ) in rain or foul weather , but rather to defer hours and change times : for it is unwholsom and dangerous . and therefore in case of showers and incertain weather you shall have for the horse a lined hood , with lined ears , and the nape of the nec● lined to keep out rain ; for nothing ● more dangerous then cold wet falling into the ears , and upon the nape of the neck and fillets . 4 lastly , observe to give the heats ( the weather being seasonable ) as early in the morning as you can , that is , by the spring of day ; but by no means in the dark ; for ● is to the horse both unwholsom and unpleasant ; to the man a great testimony o● folly , and to both an act of danger and precipitation . the second fortnights feeding . now to come to the second fortnight feeding : touching your first approaching to the stable , and all other by respects , a● cleansing , and the like , you shall do all things as in the first fortnight , onely before yo● put on his bridle , give him a quart of oats , which as soon as he hath eaten , bridle him up , and dress him , as before shewed ; then cloath , saddle , air , water , exercise , and bring him home as before shewed ; onely you shall not put hay into his rack to tear out , but let him eat it out of your hands , handfull after handfull , and so leave him on his bridle for an hour more ; then come to him , and after rubbing , and other ceremonies , sist him a quart of oats and set them by : then take a loaf of bread , that is three days old , or thereabout , and made in this manner . the first bread : take three pecks of clean beans , and one peck of wheat , mix them together and grind them , then boult it through a reasonable fine raunge , and knead it up with great ●●ore of barm and lightning , but with as little water as may be , labour it in the trough painfully , knead it , break it , and after cover it warm , and let it lye and swell ; then knead it over again , and mould it up into big loaves , like twelvepeny houshold loaves , and so bake it well , and let it soak soundly ; after they are drawn turn the bottoms upward , and let them cool . at three daies old , or thereabout , you may give this bread , but hardly sooner : for nothing is worse then new bread ; yet if necessity compell you that you must sooner give it , or that the bread be clammy or dank , so as the horse taketh distast thereat , then cut the loaf into thin shivers , and lay it abroad in the sive to dry ; then crumbling it smal with his oats , you may give it safely . but to return to my purpose , when you have taken a loaf of this bread , chip it very well , then cut it into thin slyves , and put three or four thereof ( small broken ) into his oats you had before sifted , and so give them to him ▪ about eleven a clock come to him , and by ceremonies give him the same quantity of bread and oats , and so leave him till afternoon . at one a clock in the afternoon ( if you intend not to give him a heat the next day ) feed him with bread and oats as you did in the fore-noon , and so consequently every meal following for that day , observing every action and motion as before shewed . but if you intend the next day to give him an heat ( to which i now bend mine aym ) you shall then only give him a quart of oats clear sifted , but no hay , and so let him rest till evening . at four a clock before you put on his bridle , give him a quart of clean sifted oats , and when they are eaten ; bridle him up , dress , cloath , saddle , air , water , exercise , bring home and order , as before shewed , onely give no hay at all . after he hath stood an hour on his bridle , give him a quart of oats , and when they are caten , put on his head a sweet muzzel , and so let him rest till nine a clock at night ▪ now as touching the use of this muzzell , and which is the best , you shall understand , that as they are most usefull being good and rightly made , so they are dangerous and hurtfull , being abused and falsly made . the true use of them is to keep the horse from eating up his litter , from gnawing upon boards and mud-walls , and indeed to keep him from eating any thing but what he receiveth from your own hands . these muzzels are somtimes made of leather , and stampt full of holes , or else close , but they are unsavoury and unwholsom : for if it be allomed leather , the allom is offensive ; if it be tann'd or liquored leather , the tanners ouze and grease are fully as unpleasant . besides , they are too close , and too hot , and both make an horse sick , and cause him to retain his dung longer in his body , then otherwise he would do . the best summer muzzell , ( and indeed the best generally at all times , is the nermuzzell , made of strong pack-threed , and knit exceeding thick and close in the bottom , and so inlarged wider and wider upward , to the middle of the horses head ; then bound about the top with tape , and on the nearside a loop , and on the farre-side a long string to fasten it to the horses head . the best winter-muzzell ( and indeed tolerable at any time ) is that which is made of double canvas , with a round bottom and a square lattice window of small tape before both his nostrils , down to the very bottom of the muzzell , and upward more then a handfull : this must also have a loop and a string to fasten it about the horses head . at nine a clock at night come to the stable , and after by ceremonies done , give him a quart of oats clean sifted , and when they are eaten , put on his muzzell , toss up his litter ▪ and so leave him . the next day early in the morning , come to the horse ( if he be standing , but if he be laid ▪ do not disturb him ) and whilst he is lying take a quart of oats clean sifted and rubbed between your hands , and wash them i● strong ale , and give them to the horse ; when they are eaten bridle him up , and dress him then saddle as before shewed ; being ready to depart , give him a new laid egg or two then wash his mouth after it with a little beer or ale , and so lead away : at the doo● urge him to empty , then mount and ra●● him gently to the course , ever and anon making him smell another horses dung . when you are come within a mile o● thereabout of the starting-post , alight and take off his body-cloath , and breast-cloath and girt on the saddle again : then sending away your groom both with those cloaths , and other dry cloaths to rub with , let him stay at the la●t end of the course till you come : then your self rack your horse gently up to the ●tarting post , and beyond , making him smell to that post , as you should also do to the first post , ( which we call the weighing post ) that he may take notice of the beginning and ending of the course . there start your horse roundly and sharply , at neer a three quarters speed , and according to his strength of body , ability of wind , and cheerfulness of spirit , run him the whole course through : but by no means do any thing in extremity , or above his wind ; but when you find him a little yeild , then give him a little ease , so that all he doth may be done with pleasure and not with anguish ; for this manner of training will make him take delight in his labour , and so increase it ; the contrary will breed discomfort , and make exercise irksome . also during the time you thus course him , you shall note upon what ground he runneth best , and whether up the hill or down the hill ; whether on the smooth or on the rough , on the wet or on the dry , or on the levill or the earth somewhat rising ; and according as you find his nature , so maintain him for your own advantage . when you have finished the heats , and a little slightly gallopt him up and down to rate his wind and cheer his spirits , you shall then ( the groom being ready ) ride into some warm place , as under the covert of some hedge , wall , bushes or trees , into some hollow dry ditch , pit , or other defence from the air , and there light , and first with a glassing-knife or ( as some call it ) a scraping knife , made either of some broken sword blade , some old broken sythe , or for war ▪ of them , of a thin piece of old , hard o●ke● wood , and fashioned like a long broad knife , with a sharp edge , and using this with both your hands , scrape off all the sweat from your horse in every part ( buttocks excepted ) till you find there will no more arise ; eve● and anon moving him up and down : the● with dry cloathes rub him all over painfully ( buttocks excepted ) then take of the saddle , and having glassed his back and rub'd it neer dry , put on his body-cloth and breast-cloath , and set on the saddle again , and girt it , then mount and gallop him gently forth again a little pace , eve● and anon rubbing his head , neck , and body as you sit , then walk him about the field to cool him ; and when you find he driet● apace , then rack him homeward , sometime racking and sometimes galloping ; but by no means bring him to the stable , till you find him throughly dry . when you are come to the stable dore , ●intice him to empty , then set him up and tie him to the rack , and ( as having prepared it before ) give him this scouring , made in this manner . the first scouring : take a pint of the syrope of roses , or a pint of strong honyed water and dissolve into it of cassia , agarick and myrrhe , of each half an ounce , and symbolize and jumble them together in a vyall glass . then being muld , and made warm at the fire , and the horse newly come from his heat ( as before shewed ) give him this scouring , for it is a strong one , and avoydeth all manner of molten grease and foulness . ordering of the horse after his scouring . as soon as you have given him this scouring , presently let your groom fal to rubbing his legs , and do your self take off his saddle and cloathes ; and finding his body dry , run slightly over it with your curry comb , after with the french brush , and lastly , rub him all over with dry cloathes , especially his head , nape of the neck , and about his heart ; then cloath him up warm as at other times , and wisp him round with great warm wisps , and if you throw over him a loose blanket , it will not be amiss in these extraordinary times , especially if the season be cold . the horse must fast full two hours afte● the receit of the scouring ; but yet depart no● out of the stable , but keep the horse waking ▪ for rest hinder ; the medicine , and mot o● makes it work . after he hath fastned on the bridle two hours , then you shall take a handfull of wheat ears , being your polland wheat , that is without awnes , and coming to the horse , first handle the roots of his ears , then put your hands under his cloathes against his heart upon his flanks , and on the neather part of his thighs ; and if you find any new sweat arise , or any coldness of sweat , or if you see his body beat , or his breath move fast then forbear to give him any thing , for it shews there is much soulness stirred up , on which the medicine working with a conquering quality , the horse is brought to a little sickness ; therefore in this case you shall onely take off his bridle , put on his coller , toss up his litter , and absent your self ( having made the stable dark and still ) for other two hours , which is the utmost end of that sickness . but if you find no such offence , then give him the ears of wheat , by three or four together , and if he eat this handfull give him another . after he hath eaten the wheat ears , give him a little knob of hay clean dusted , and draw his bridle rubbing his head well . an hour after his hay , sist him a quart of oats , and to them put two or three handfull of spelted beans , which you shall cause to be reed and drest so clean as is possible from all manner of hulls , dust and filth whatsoever , so as there may be nothing but the clean beans : to these oats and beans you shall break two or three shives of bread clean chipt , and give all to the horse , and so leave him for two or three hours . at evening ( before you dress him ) give him the like quantity of oates , beans , and bread , and when he hath eaten them , bridle him , dress and cloathe him ; for you shall neither saddle or air him forth , because this evening after his heat , the horse being foul , and the scouring yet working in his body , he may not receive any cold water at all . after he is drest , and hath stood two hours on his bridle , then take three pints of clean sifted oats , and wash them in strong ale , and give them to the horse ; for this will inwardly cool him as if he had drunk water . after he hath eaten his washt meat , and rested upon it a little space , you shall at his feeding times , ( which hath been spoken of before ) with oats and spelt beans , or oats and bread , or all together , or each severall and simple of it self , according to the appetite and liking of the horse , feed him that night in plentifull manner , and leave a knob of hay in his rack when ye go to bed . the next day very early , first feed , then dress , cloath , saddle , air , water , and bring home as at other times ; onely have a more carefull eye to his emptying , and see how his grease and foulness wasteth . at his feeding times , feed as was last shewed you , onely but little hay , and keep your heating days , and the preparation the day before , as was before shewed without omission or addition . thus you shall spend the second fortnight , in which your horse having received 4 heats , horsman like given him , and four scourings , there is no doubt but his body will be drawn inwardly clean ; you shall then the third fortnight order him according to the rules following . the third fortnights feeding . this third fortnight you shall make his bread finer then it was formerly , as thus . the second bread . you shall take two pecks of clean beans ▪ and two pecks of fine wheat , grind them on the black stones , searce them through a fine raunge , and knead it up with barm , and great store of lightning , working it in all points , and baking it in the same sort as was shewed you in the former bread . with this bread , having the crust cut clean away , and being old , as before shewed , with spelt beans and clean sifted oats , feed your horse this fortnight as you did the former , observe his dressings , airings , feedings , heatings , and preparation , as in the former fortnight ; onely with these differences . first , you shall not give your heats so violently as before , but with a little more pleasure ; as thus , if the first heat have violence , the second shall have ease , and indeed none to overstrain him , or to make his body sore . next , you shall not after his heats , give him any more of the former scouring ; but instead thereof instantly upon the end of the heat after the horse is a little cooled and cloathed up ; and in the same place where you rub him , give him a ball as big as an hens egg of that confection which is mentioned in the office of the farrier , and goeth by this title , the true manner of making those cordial balls which cure any violent cold or glanders , which , &c ▪ the fourth and last fortnights feeding . the fourth and last fortnight you shall make your bread much finer then either of the former . the last and best bread . take three pecks of fine wheat , and one peck of beans , grind them on the black stones , and boult them through the finest boulter you can get : then knead it up with sweet ale , barm and new strong ale , and the barm beaten together , and the whites of twenty or thirty eggs ; but in any wise no water at all , but in stead thereof some small quantity of new milk , then work it up , bake it , and order it as the former . with this bread , having the crust cut clean away , and with oats well ●unned , beaten , and rubbed between your hands , then new winnowed , sifted and drest , with the purest spelt beans , and some fine chiltern wheat , with any simple or any compound : feed your horse at his feeding times , as in the fortnight last mentioned . you shall keep your heating days the first week or fortnight , as you did the former fortnight , but the last week you shall forbear one heat , and not give any five days before the match day , onely you shall give him strong and long airings . you shall not need this fortnight , to give him any scouring at all . if this fortnight morning and evening you burn the best frankinsence in your stable , you shall find it exceeding wholsom for the horse , and he will take wonderfull delight therein . in this fortnight , when you give the horse any washt meat , wash it in the whites of eggs , or muskadine , for that is more wholsom and less pursie . this fortnight give the horse no hay , but what he taketh out of your hand after his heats , and that in little quantity , and clear dusted . the last week of this fortnight , if the horse be a foule feeder , you must use the muzzell continually ; but if he be a clean feeder , then three days before the match is sufficient . the morning the day before your match , feed well both before and after airing , and water as at other times ; before noon , and after noon scant his portion of meat a little ; before and after evening airing , feed as at noon , and water as at other times , but be sure to come home before sun-set . late at night feed as you did in the evening . now i do not set you down what meat to feed withall , because you must be ruled according to the horses stomack , and what best he liketh , of that give him a pretty pittance , whether simple or compounded ; onely as neer as you can , forbear bread and beans . this day you shall coule your horse , shoo him , and do all extraordinary things of ornament about him , provided there be nothing to give offence or hinder him in feeding , resting , emptying , or any other naturall or beneficiall action ; for i have heard some horsmen say ; that when they had shod their horses with light shooes , and none other actions of ornament about them the night before the course ; that their horses have taken such speciall notice thereof , that they have refused both to eat , lie down , or empty : but you must understand that those horses must be old , and long experienced in this exercise , or otherwise find distast at these actions ; as uneasiness in shooes , heat and closness in the muzzell , disorderly platting or folding tails , and the like , or they cannot reach these subtile apprehensions : for mine own part , touching the nice and strait plaiting up of horses tails in the manner of sakers , or docks , with tape or ribban , which is now in generall use , howsoever the ornament may appear great to the eye , yet i do not much affect it ; because i know , if an ignorant hand have the workmanship thereof he may many ways give offence to the horse , and in avoiding cumbersomness , breed a great deale more comber : therefore i wish every one , rather to pass by curiosity ( which they call necessary ornament ) then by these false graces to do injury to the horse . now for the necessary and indifferent things which are to be done . i had rather have them finished the day before , then on the morning of the course , because i would have the horse that morning to find neither trouble nor vexation . the next morning ( which is the match day ) come to the horse very early , take off his muzzell , rub his head well , right his cloathes , and give them ease by unwisping , and using the plain circingle ; then give him a pretty quaintity of oats washed in muskadine , or the whites of eggs ; or if he refuse them , try him with fine drest oats mixt with wheat , or oats simple : when he hath eaten them , if he be an evil or slow emptier , walk him abroad , & in the places where he used to empty , there intice him to empty , which as soon as he hath done , bring him home , and let him rest till you have warning to make ready . but if he be a good and free emptier , then stir him not , but let him lie quiet . when you have warning to make ready , come to the horse , and having washt his snaffle with muskadine , take off the muzzle and bridle him up ; but before you bridle , if you think him too empty , give him three or four mouthsfull of the washed meat last spoken of , then bridle up and dress him ; after pitch the saddle and girths with cordwainers wax , set it on and girt it gently , so as he may have a feeling , but no straitness : then lay a clean sheet over the saddle , over it his ordinary cloathes , then his body-cloth and breast-cloath , and wisp him round with soft wisps ; then if you have a counterpane , or cloath of state for bravery sake , let it be fastned above all . being now ready to draw out , give him half a pint of muskadine , and so lead away . in all your leadings upon the course , use gentle and calm motions , suffering the horse ●o smell on every dung . and in especiall pla●es of advantage , as where you find rushes , ●ong grass lying , heath , or the like , walk him ●n , and intice him to piss . but if you find no such help , then in especial places on the course and chiefly towards the later end , ( and having ●sed the same means before ) break some of the wisps under him , and intice him to piss . also in your leading , if any white or thick foam or froth rise about the horses mouth , with a clean handkerchiefe wipe it away , and carrying a bottle of clean water about you , wash his mouth now and then therewith . when you come to the place of start , before you uncloath , rub or chase his leggs with hard wisps ; then pick his feet , uncloath , wash his mouth with water , mount his rider , start fair , and leave the rest to gods good will and pleasure . certain necessary observations and advantages for every feeder to observe in sundry accidents . there is no unreasonable creature of pleasure subject to so many disastrous chances of fortune , as the horse , and especially the running horse , both by reason of the multiplicity of diseases belonging unto them , as also the violence of their exercise , and the nice tenderness of their keeping : and therefore it behoveth every feeder to be armed with such observations as may discern mischiefs , and those helps which may amend them when they happen . of meat and drink the first observation therefore that i would arm our feeder withall , is the true distribution of meat and drink . let him then observe if there be any meat or drink , or other nourishment which he knoweth to be good for the horse , yet he refuseth to eat it : in this case he shall not violently thrust it upon him , or by force cram him therewith , but by gentle degrees and cunning inticements , and by process of time , win him thereunto , tempting him when he is most hungry or most dry ; and if he get but a bit at a time , it will soon increase to a greater quantity , and ever let him have less then he desireth ; and that he may the sooner be brought unto it , mix the meat he loveth best with that he loveth worst , till both be made alike familiar , and so shall the horse be stranger to nothing that is good or wholsome . observation for lameness . our feeder must observe if his horse be subject to lameness or stifness , to surbait or tenderness of feet , then to give him his heats upon smooth carpet earth , and to forbear strong ground , hard high-ways , cross ruts and ●urrows till extremity compell him . observation from the estate of the body . our feeder must observe , that the strongest estate of body ( which i account the highest and fullest of flesh , so it be good , hard , and without inward foulness ) to be the best and ablest for the performance of these wagers ; yet he must herein take two considerations : the one the shape of the horses body , the other his inclination and manner of feeding . for the shape of body , there be some horses that are round , plump , and close knit together , so that they will appear fat and wel shaped , when they are lean and in poverty . others are raw-boned , slender , and loose knit together , and will appear lean and deformed when they are fat , foul , and full of gross humors . so likewise for their inclinations , som● horses as the first ) will feed outwardly , and carry a thick rib , when they are inwardly clean as may be . there be others ( as the later ) that will appear lean to the eye , and she● nothing but skin and bone , when they are inwardly onely greasie . in this case the feede● hath two helps to advantage his knowledge the one outward , the other inward . the outward help is the outward handling and feeling of the horses body generally ove● all his ribs , but particularly upon his sho●● and hindmost ribs . if his flesh generally handle soft and loos● , and the fingers sink into it as into down ▪ then is the horse foul without all question but if generally it be hard and firm , only upon the hind most rib is softness , then he h●t● grease and foul matter within him , whic● must be avoided , how lean or poor soever h● appear in outward speculation . the inward help is onely sharp exercis● and strong scourings : the first will dissol●● the foulness , the later will bring it away . observation from the privy parts . our feeder must observe his horses stones for if they hang down side , or low from h● body , then is the horse out of lust and hear● and is either sick of grease , or other foul humors ; but if they he close couched up , and hid in a small room , then is he healthfull and in good plight . observation for the limbs . our feeder must observe ever the nig●t before he runs any match , or sore heat , to bath his horse leggs well from the knees and cambrels downwards , either with clarified doggs grease ( which is the best ) or trotters oyl ( which is the next ) or else the best ho●s grease , which is sufficient , and to work i● in with the labour of his hands , and not with fire : for what he gets not in the first night , will be got in the next morning ; and what is not got in the next morning , will bee got in when he comes to uncloath at the end of the course : so that you shall need to use the oyntment but once ; but the friscase or rubbing as oft as you find opportunity . observation for water . our feeder shall observe , that albeit i give no direction for watering the horse after the heats , yet he may in any of the later fortnights ( finding his horse clean and his grease consumed ) somwhat late at night , as about six a clock give him water in reasonable quantity being made luke warm , and fasting an hour after it . also if through the unseasonableness of the weather , you cannot water abroad , then you shall at your watering hours water in the house with warm water as aforesaid . nor need you in this case heat all your water , but making a little very hot , put it into a greater , and so make all luke-warm . if you throw an handfull of wheat-meal , bran , or oat-meal finely powdred ( but oat-meal is the best ) into the water , it is very wholsome . observation for the ground to run on . our feeder shall observe . that if the ground whereon he is to run his match , be dangerous , and apt for mischievous accidents , as strains , over-reaches , sinew bruises , and the like , that then he is not bound to give all his heats thereon ; but having made the horse acquainted , with the nature thereof , then either to take part of the course , as a mile , two or three , according to the goodness of the ground , and so to run his horse forth and again ( which we call turning heats ) provided always that he end his heat at the weighing-post , and that he make not his course less but rather more in quantity then that he must run . but if for some especiall causes he like no part of the course ; then he may many times ( but not ever ) give his heat upon any other good ground , about any spatious and large field , where the horse may lay down his body , and run at pleasure . observation from sweat . our feeder shall take especiall regard in al his airings , heatings , and all manner of exercises whatsoever to the sweating of his horse , and the occasions of his sweating ; as if an horse sweat upon little or no occasion ; as walking a foot pace , standing stil in the stable , and the like , it is then apparent that the horse i● faint , foul fed , and wanteth exercise . if upon good occasion , as strong heats , great labour and the like , he sweat , yet his sweat is white froth and like sope-suds , then is the horse inwardly soul , and wanteth also exercise but if the sweat be black , and as it were only water thrown upon him , without any frothiness , then is the horse clean fed , in good lust and good case , and you may adventure riding without danger . observation from the hair . our feeder shall observe his horses hair in generall , but especially his neck , and those parts which are uncovered , and if they lie slick , smooth and close , and hold the beauty of their naturall colour , then is the horse in good case ; but if they be rough , or staring , or if they be discoloured , then is the horse inwardly cold at the heart , and wanteth both cloathes and warm keeping . many other observations there be , but these are most materiall , and i hope sufficient for any reasonable understanding ▪ the office of the keeper . how to keep any horse for pleasure , hunting or travel , &c. i would have our keeper of these ordered horses , to rise early in the morning of day , or before ( according to the season of the year ) and to sift the horse the quantity of three pints of good , old and dry oats , and put to them an hand full or two of spelt beans , hulls and all , and so give them to the horse . of dressing and watering . after he hath eaten them , let him dres him , that is to say , he shall first curry him all over with the iron comb , from the head to the tail , from the top of the shoulder to the knee , and from the top of his buttock to the hinder cambrell ; then dust him all over with a clean dusting cloath , or with an horse tail made fast to an handle : then curry him all over with the french brush , beginning with his forehead , temples and cheeks , so down his neck , shoulders and fore leggs , even to the setting on of his hooves , so alongst his sides and under his belly ; and lastly , all about his buttocks and hinder leggs , even to the ground ; then you shall go over again with your duster , then over all parts with your wet hands , and not leave ( as neer as you can one loose hair about him , nor one wet hair ; for what your hands did wet , your hands must rub dry again : you shall also with your wet hands cleanse his sheath , his yard , his cods and his tuell , and indeed not leave any secret place uncleansed , as ears , nostrils , fore-bowels , and between his hinder thighs , then you shall take an hair-cloath and with it rub him all over , but especially his head , face , eyes , cheeks , between his chaps , on the top of his fore-head , in the nape of the neck , down his leggs , feetlocks and about his pasterns . lastly , you shall take a clean woolen cloath , and with it rub him all over , beginning with his head and face , and so passing through all parts of his body and limbs before spoken of . then take a wet mane-cloath , and comb down his mane and tail . then saddle him and ride him out to water , warm him both before and after water very moderately , and so bring him home dry without sweat ; then cloath him up , after you have rubbed his head , body and leggs , and let him stand on his bridle more then an hour . ordinary-keeping after he hath stood an hour , give him the former quantity of provender , and the same in kind . after he hath eaten his provender , give him into his rack a pretty bundle of hay , and so let him rest till noon . at noon give him the former quantity of provender , and the same in kind , and so let him rest till evening , onely renewing his hay if there be occasion . at evening dress him as in the morning , then ride him forth to water , and do as you did in the morning . when you come home and have cloathed him up , let him stand on his bridle as before , then give him the former quantity of provender , so let him rest till nine a clock at night ; at which time give him the former quantity of provender , and a pretty bundle of hay , and so let him rest till the next morning . also observing ordinary keeping ever after your dressing , and at such times as you find best convenience , to bathe all his fore-leggs from the knees and cambrels downward with cold water , for it is wholsome , and both comforteth the sinews , and prevents scabbs and swellings . keeping in travell and sport . thus you shall do concerning his ordinary keeping at home where the horse hath rest and that you may dispose of hours as you please ▪ but if you be either in travel , in sport , or other occasion , so that you cannot observe these particular times , then you must divide the main and whole quantity of mea● into fewer parts and greater quantities , and so give them at the best convenience , ever observing to give the least quantity before travel as a third part before mounture , and the two other when you come to rest . nor would i have you to distract your mind with any doubt or amazement , because i prescribe you five severall times of feeding in one day , as if it should either over-charge you , or over-feed your horse : questionless there is no such matter when you look into the true proportion : for it cannot be denied that whosoever is worthy of a good horse , or good means to keep a good horse , cannot allow him less then one peck a day ; nay , the carrier . carter , poulter and packhorse , will allow half a peck at waterings , and this allowance which i set down comes to no more : for fifteen pints of oats , and one pint of spelt beans upheaped , makes two gallons , and that is one peck winchester measure . now to give it at twice it fills the stomack more , makes the digestion wors● , and the appetite weak : whereas to give less , but more oft , the stomack is ever craving , the digestion always ready , and the appetite never wanting , so that health ( without disorder ) can never be a stranger , therefore once again thus for ordinary keeping . of giving heats , hunting and travell . but if you intend to give an heat , as to hunt , gallop , travell , or the like , ( which i would wish you to do once , twice , or thrice a week according to the ability of your horse ) then observe all your former observations , onely the night before give him little or no hay at all : in the morning before his heat very early and before his dressing , give him three or four handfull of clean sifted oats , washt either in strong beer or ale . then dress him , saddle him , and give him his hear , he having first emptied himself well . ordering after labour : after his heat ▪ , or end of labour , rub him carefully , and bring him ▪ dry into the stable ; then after he is cloathed up , let him stand on his bridle at least two hours , then give him a little bundle of hay to teare out upon his bridle , and an hour after feed him as hath been before shewed , onely with his first oats give him an handfull or better of hemp-seed well dusted and mixt . at night warm him a little water and give it him luke-warm , with a little fine pounded oatmeal thrown upon it , then an hour after give him his provender , and a pretty bundle of hay , and so let him rest till the next morning . the next morning do all things as in his ordinary keeping . some especiall precepts . if he be a choice horse let him stand on litter both night and day , yet change oft and keep the planchers clean . if he be otherwise , then use your own discretion . if you intend to travell or journey in the morning , then give no hay , or but little the night before ; if you journey in the afternoon , then give no hay , or but little in the morning . if your horse sweat by exercise , take off the sweat ( before you rub him ) with the glassing-knife , which is either a piece of a broken sword-blade , or a piece of a broken syth , for this will make a clean , a smooth , and a shining coat . in journeying ride moderately the first hour or two , but after according to your occassions : water before you come to your inne , if you can possibly ; but if you cannot , then give warm water in the inne , after the horse hath fed , and is fully cooled within , and outwardly dried . trotters oyl is an excellent oyntment , being applied very warm , and well chafed into your horses limbs and sinews , to nimble and help stifness and lameness . and dogs grease is better , therefore never want one of them in your stable . of washing and walking . neither wash your horse nor walk your horse ; for the first indangereth foundring in the body or feet , and breedeth all surfaits ; the latter is the ground of all strong colds , which turn to glanders and rottenness ; but if necessity compell you to either , as foul waies ; or long stays , then rather wash your horses leggs with pailes of water at the stable door , then to indanger him in either pond or river . and for walking , rather sit on his back to keep his spirits stirring , then to lead him in his hand , and with dull spirits to receive all manner of mischiefs . this i think sufficient for the office of the keeper . the office of the ambler . observations in ambling . there is not any motion in an horse more desired , more usefull , nor indeed more hard to be attained unto by a right way , then the motion of ambling ; and yet ( is we will beleeve the protestations of the professors ) not any thing in all the art of horsmanship more easie , or more severall ways to be effected , every man conceiving to himself a severall method , and all those methods held as infallible maxims that can never fail in the accomplishment of the work . mens opinions and errors . but they which know truths , know the errors in these opinions , for albeit every man that hath hardly a smell of horsmanship , can discourse of a way how to make an horse amble , yet when they come to the performance of the motion , their failings are so great , and their errors so gross , that for mine own part , i never yet saw an exact ambler . i confess some one man may make some one horse amble well and perfectly ; nay , more then one , peradventure many , and thereby assume to himself a name of perfection , yet such a man have i seen erre grosly , and spoyl more then his labour was able to recompence . but leaving mens errors , because they are past my reformation , i will onely touch at some principall observations which in mine opinion i hold to be the easiest ▪ the certainest and readiest for the effecting of this work ; and withall glance at those absurdities which i have seen followed , though to little purpose , and less benefit . ambling by the plowed field . there is one commends the new plowed lands , and affirms , that by toyling the horse thereon in his foot pace , there is no way so excellent for the making of him to amble ; but he forgets what weakness , nay what lameness , such disorderly toyle brings to a young horse nay to any horse ; because the work cannot be done without weariness , and no weariness is wholsome ▪ ambling by the gallop ▪ another will teach his horse to amble from the gallop , by sudden stopping , a more sudden chocking him in the cheeks of the mouth , thrusting the horse into such an am●●edness betwixt his gallop and his trot , that losing both he cannot chuse but find out ambling . but this man forgets not alone the error before spoken , ( which is too great toyle ) but also spoyls a good mouth ( if the horse had one ) loses a good rain ( if there were any ) and by over-reaching and clapping one foot against another , indangers upon every step an ●oof-breach , or sinew-strain ambling by weights . another says there is nothing of such use for ambling , as weights , and thereupon one ●oads his horse with unmercifull shooes of in●ollerable weight , and forgets how they make him enterfere , strike short with his hind-feet , and though his motion be true , yet is so slow that it is not worth his labour . another foulds great weights of lead about his feetlock pasterns , and forgets that they have all the mischiefs of the former , besides the indangering of incurable strains , the crushing of the crownet , and the breeding of ring-bones , crown-scabs and quitter bones . another loads his horse upon the fillets with earth , lead , or some other massie substance , and forgets the swaying of the back , the over-straining of the fillets , and a generall disabling of all the hinder parts . ambling in hand , or not ridden ▪ another struggles to make his horse amble in his hand before he mount his back , by the help of some wall , smooth pale or rail , and by chocking the horse in the mouth with the bridle-hand , and correcting him with his rod on the hinder houghs , and under the belly when he treadeth false , and never remembers into what desperate frantickness it drives an horse before he can make him understand his meaning , as plunging , rearing , sprauling out his leggs , and using a world of other antick postures , which once setled , are hardly ever after reclaimed : besides , when he hath spent all his labour , and done his utmost , as soon as he mounts his horses back , the horse is as far to seek of his pace as if he had never known such a motion . ambling by the help of shooes . another finds out a new stratagem , and in despite of all opposition in the horse , will make him amble perfectly , and thereupon he makes him a pair of hinder shooes with long spurns or plates before the toes , and of such length , that if the horse offer to trot , the hinder foot beats the forefoot before it . but he forgets that the shooes are made of iron , and the horses leggs of flesh and blood , neither doth he remember with what violence the hinder foot follows the fore-foot , nor that every stroke it gives , can light upon any place , but the back sinews , then which there is no part more tender , nor any wound that brings such incurable lameness . ambling by the help of fine lists . another ( out of quaintness more then strong reason ) strives to make his horse amble by taking of fine soft lists , and foulding them strait about the cambrell in that place where you garter an horse for a stiflestrain , and then turn him to grass for a fortnight or more , in which time ( saith he ) he will fall to a perfect amble , ( for it is true he cannot trot but with pain ) then taking away the lists , the work is finished . but ( under the correction of the professors of this foreign trick , for it is a spanish practice ) i must assure them , that if they gain their purpose , they must offend the members . if they hurt not the limbs , they lose their labour ; but however this is most assured , that the amble thus gained , must be disgracefull , crambling and cringing in the hinder parts , without comliness , speed , or clear deliverance . ambling by the hand only . another ( and he calls himself the master ambler of all amblers ) affirms there is no true way of making an horse to amble but by the hand only , and i am of his opinion , could the secret be found out , or could a man make a horse do all that he imagined , and as he imagined ; but horses are rebellious , and men are furious , and the least of either of these spoyls the whole work ; and it is impossible for any man to fadge an horse to a new motion utterly unknown , against which he will not resist with his uttermost powers . besides , to do this action with the hand onely , it must onely be done from the horses mouth , and that mouth must of necessity be altered from his first manner of riding ; for to use all one hand must preserve all one motion , and then where is ambling which was not known at the first backing ? again , we strive at the first backing of an horse , to bring his mouth to all sweetness , his rein to all stateliness , and the generall carriage of his body to all comeliness . now in this course of ambling by the hand onely , the mouth must be changed from the chaps to the ●eeks of the mouth , which is from sweetness to harshness , his rein must be brought from constancy to inconstancy : for the eyes that did look upward , the nose and muzzell which was couched inward , must be turned outward , and the generall comliness of the bodies carriage must be brought to disorder and false treading , or else he shall never accomplish the true art of ambling by the hand onely . ambling by the tramell . there is another , ( i will not call him the ●ast , because his error may be as great as any ) and he will make his horse amble by the help of the tramell only , which i confess is neerest the best and most assured way , yet he hath many errors , as followeth . errors in the tramell . first , he loseth himself in the want of knowledge , for the length of the tramell , and either he makes it too long , ( which gives no stroke ) or too short ( which gives a false stroke ) the first makes an horse hackell and shuffle his feet confusedly , the latter makes him roule and twitch up his hinder feet so suddenly , that by custome it brings him to a string-halt , from which he will hardly be recovered ever after . another loses himself and his labour by misplacing the trammell , and out of a niceness to seem more expert then he is , or out of fearfulness to prevent falling ( to which the tramell is subject ) places them above the knee , and above the hinder hough . but the rule is neither good nor handsome ; for if the tramell be too long or loose , that it gives no offence to the sinews , and other ligaments about which they must necessarily be bound , when they are raised so high , then they can give no true stroke , neither can the fore-leg compell the hinder to follow it . and if they be so short or strait , that the fore-leg cannot step forward , but the hinder must go equall with it , then will it so press the main sinew of the hinder leg , and the veins and fleshy part of the fore-thighs , that the horse will not be able to go without halting before , and cringing and crambling his hinder parts so ill-favouredly , that it will be irksome to behold it : besides , it will occasion swellings , and draw down tumors , which will be more noysom then the pace will be beneficiall . another makes his tramell of such course or hard stuff , or else girts it so strait , or leaves it fretting up and down so loose , that he galls his horses leggs , and leaves neither hair nor skin upon them , at the best it leaves such a foul print and mark upon the leggs , that every one will accuse both the horse and his teacher of disgrace and indiscretion . as these , so i must conclude with the last error of the tramell , which is , mens opinions , and though it be the most insufficient , yet it hath the greatest power to oversway truth , and that is , the tramell is utterly unnecessary , and unprofitable , and the defender worthy of no imployment , alledging the land onely to be excellent . the errors i have already confuted ; it now remaines ( after all these faults finding ) that i shew the truest , the easiest , and that way which is most uncontrollable for the making of an horse to amble , with all the gracefulness and perfection that can be required . the best way to amble an horse . when you are about undoubtedly to make an horse amble truely , and without controlment : first , try with your hand by a gentle or deliberate racking and thrusting of the horse forward , by helping him in the weeks of his mouth with your snaffell , ( which must be smooth , big and full ) and correcting him first on one side , then on another with the calves of your leggs , and somtimes with the spurre ; if you can make him of himselfe strike into an amble ; but by no means disorder or displace either his mouth , head , or neck ; if you find you can make him strike into an amble , though shuffling disorderly , there will be much labor saved : for that proclivity or aptness to amble , will make him with more easiness and less danger , endure the use of the tramell , and make him find the motion without stumbling or amazement : but if you find he will by no means either apprehend the motions or intentions , then struggle not with him , but fall to the use of the tramell in this manne● following . the form of the tramell . but before i come to the use and vertue thereof , i will shew you the form and substance whereof it ought to be made ; because nothing hath ever done this instrument more injury , then false substances and false shapes . therefore some make these tramels all of leather , and that will either reach or break , the first marrs the work by uncertainty , the other loseth the labor . another makes it of canvass , and that galls . a third makes it of strong lists , and that hath all the faults of both the former ; for the softness will not let it lye close , and the gentleness makes it stretch out of all compass or break upon every stumble . and as these , so there are a world of other us●●ess tramels ; for you must understand that touching the true tramel , the side-ropes must be firm , without yeelding an hair : the hose must be soft , lye close and not move from his first place , and the backband must be flat , no matter how light , and so defended from the fillets that it may not gall . and this tramell must be thus made , and of these substances . first , for the side-ropes , they must be made of the best , finest , and strongest packthread , such as your turky-thred , and twined by the roper into a delicate strong cord , yet at the utmost , not above the bigness of a smal jackline , with a nooze at each end , so strong as is possible to be made ; neither must these side-ropes be twined too hard , but gentle , and with a yeelding condition , for that will bring on the motion more easie , and keep the tramell from breaking , now these siderop●s must be just 36 inches in length , and so equall one with another , that no difference may be espied . for the hose which must be placed in the small of the fore-leg , and the small of the hinder l●g above the feetlock , they must be made of fine girth web , which is soft and pliant , and lined with double cotton : over the girth web must be fastned strong tabbs of white neats leather well tallowed , ●●d suited to an even length , and stamped with holes of equall distance , which shall passe through the noozes of the side-ropes and be made longer or shorter at pleasure , with very strong buckles . these hose ; the g●rth would be 4 inches in length , and the tabbs ten . the back-band being of no other use but to bear up the side-ropes , would ( if you tramell all the forelegs ) be made of fine girth-web , and lined with cotton ; but if you tramell but one side , then any ordinary tape will serve , being sure that it carry the side-ropes in an even line without either rising or falling ; for if it rise , it shortens the side-rope , if it fall it indangers tangling . thus you see what the true tramell is , and how to be made : touching the use , it thus followeth . the true use of the true tramell . when you have brought your horse into an even smooth path , without rub● or roughnesse , you shall there hose the neer fore-leg , and the reer hinder leg ; then put to them the side rope , and see that he stand at that just proportion which nature her self hath formed him , without either straining or inlarging his members , and in that even and just length stay the side-rope by a small tape fastned up to the saddle . then with your hand on the bridle , straining his head , put him gently forward , and if need be , have the help of a by-stander to put him forward also , and so force him to amble up and down the road with all the gentleness you can , suffering him to take his own leasure , that thereby he may come to an understanding of his restraint , and your will for the performance of the motion , and though he snappe● or stumble , or peradventure fall now and then , yet it matters not , do you only stay his head , give him leave to rise , and with all gentleness put him forward again , till finding his own fault , and understanding the motion ▪ he become perfect , and amble in your hand to your contentment . and that this may be done with more ease and less amazement to the horse , it is not amiss ( at his first trameling ) that you give your side-ropes more length then ordinary , both that the twitches may be less sudden , and the motion coming more gently , the horse may sooner apprehend it . but as soon as he comes to any perfectness ▪ then instantly put the side-ropes to their true length . for an inch too long , is a foo●●oo slow in the pace ; and an inch to short causeth ralling , a twitching up of the leggs , and indeed a kind of plain halting . when to alter the tramell . when the horse will thus amble in your hand perfectly , being trameled on one side , you shall then change them to the other side , and make him amble in your hand as you did before . and thus you shall do , changing from one side to another , till with this halfe tramell he will run and amble in your hand without snappering or stumbling , both readily and swiftly . when this is attained unto , which cannot be above two or three hours labour ( if there be any tractableness ) you ●ay then put on the whole tramell , and the broad flat back-band , trameling both sides equally , and so run him in your hand ( at the utmost length of the bridle ) up and down the road divers times , then pause , cherish , and to it a gain ; and thus apply him till you have brought him to that perfection , that he will amble , swiftly , truly and readily , when , where and how you please : then put him upon uneven and uncertain ways , as up-hill and down-hill , where there are clots and roughness , and where there is hollowness and false treading . when to mount his back . now when he is perfect in your hand upon all these , you may then adventure to mount his back , which ( if you please ) you may first do by a boy , or groom , making the horse amble under him , whilst you stay his head to prevent danger , or to see how hee striketh . then after mount your self , and with all gentleness and le●●ty increasing his pace more and more , till you come to the height of perfection . and thus as you did before in your hand , so do now on his back , first with the whole tramell , then with the halfe , and changing the tramell oft , first from one side , then to another , then altering grounds till you find that exquisiteness which you desire . and this must be done by daily exercise and labour , as twice , thrice , sometimes ▪ oftner in the day . when to journey . when you have attained your wish in the perfection of his stroke , the nimblenesse of ●●s limbs , and the good carriage of his head and body , you may then take away the tramell altogether , and exercise him without it . but this exercise i would have upon the high-way , and not ( horse-courser like ) in a private smooth road , for that affords but a co●sening pace , which is left upon every small wearinesse ; therefore take the high-way forward for three , four , or five miles in a morning more or lesse , as you find the horses aptness and ability . now if in this journeying , either through weariness , ignorance , or peevishness , you find in him a willingnesse to forsake his pace , then ( ever carrying in your pocket the halfe tramell ) alight and put them on , and so exercise him in them , and now and then giving him ease , bring him home in his true pace . this exercise you shall follow day by day , and every day increasing it more and more ▪ till you have brought him from one mile to many : which done , you may then give him ease , as letting him rest a day or two , or more , and then apply him again ; and if you find in him neither error nor alteration then you may resolve your work is finished : for in all mine experience , i never found this way to fail . but if any alteration do happen , ( as many phantastick horses are subject unto ) if it be in the motion of his pace ▪ then with your hand reform it . but if that fail , then the use of the halfe tramell will never fail you . now if the error proceed from any other occasion , look seriously into the cause thereof , and taking that away , the effect will soon cease , for you are to understand , that in this manner of teaching an horse to amble , you are forbidden no help or benefit whatsoever which belongs unto horsmanship , as chain , cavezin , musroule , headstrain , martingale , bit , or any other necessary instrument , because this motion is not drawn from the mouth , but from the limbs . many things else might be spoken on this subject , but it would but load paper , and weary memory , and i aim only at short essays , and true new experiments , therefore this already writ i hold sufficient . the office of the buyer : wherein is shewed all the perfections and imperfections that are or can be in a horse . observations and advertisements for any man when he goeth about to buy an horse . there is nothing more difficult in all the art of horsmanship , then to set down constant and uncontrollable resolutions by which to bind every mans mind to an unity of consent in the buying of an horse : for ●ccording to the old adage , what is one mans meat , is another mans poyson ; what one ●ffects another dislikes . but to proceed according to the rule of reason , the precepts of the ancients , and the modern practice of our present conceived opinions , i will , as briefly as i can ( and the rather because it is a labour i never undertook in this wise before ) shew you those observations and advertisements which may fortifie you in any hard election . the end for which to buy : first therefore you are to observe , that i● you will elect an horse for your hearts contentment , you must consider the end and purpose for which you buy him , as whether for the warres , running , hunting , travelling , draught or burthen . every one having their severall characters , and their severall faces both of beauty and uncomliness . but because there is but one truth , and one perfection , i will under the description of the perfect and untainted horse , shew all the imperfections and attaind●res which either nature or mischance can put upon the hors● of greatest deformity . let me then advise you that intend to buy an horse , to acquaint your self with all the true shapes and excellencies which belong to an horse whether it be in h●s naturall and true proportion , or in any accidental or outward increase or decrease of any limb o● member , and from their contraries to gather all things whatsoever that may give dislike or offence . election how divided . to begin therefore with the first principle of election , you shall understand they are divided into two especiall heads , the one generall the other particular . the generall rule . the generall rule of election is , first the end for which you buy , then his breed or generation ; his colour , his pace , and his stature . these are said to be generall , because they have a generall dependance upon every mans several opinions : as the first , which is the end for which you buy , it is a thing shut up only in your own bosome . of breed . the other , which is breed , you must either take it from faithful report , your own knowledge , or from some known and certain characters by which one strain or one country is distinguished from another ; as the neapolitan is known by his hauk-nose , the spaniard by his small limbs , the barbary by his fine head , and deep hoof , the dutch by his rough legges , the english , by his generall strong knitting together , and so forth of divers others . of colour . as for his colour , although there is no colour utterly exempt from goodness , for i have seen good of all , yet there are some better reputed then others , as the daple , gray for beauty , the brown-bay for service , the black with silver hairs for courage , and the lyard or true mixt roan for continuance . as for the ●orrell , the black without white , and the unchangeable iron-gray , are reputed cholerick , the bright bay , the flea-bitten , and the black with white marks , ate sanguinists ; the black , white , the yellow , dun , and kiteglewed , and the pye ▪ balld , are flegmatick ; and the chesnut , the mouse-dun , the red bay , and the blew-gray , are melancholy . pace , as trotting . now for his pace , which is either trot , amble , rack or gallop , you must refer it to the end also for which you buy ; as if it be for the warrs , running , hunting , or your own pleasure , then the trot i● most tollerable , and this motion you shall know by a cross moving of the horses limbs , as when the far fore-leg and the near hinder-leg ; or the near fore-leg and the far hinder-leg move and go forward in one instant . and in this motion , the nearer the horse taketh his limbs from the ground , the opener , the evener , and the shorter is his pace : for to take up his feet slovenly , shewes stumbling and lamenesse : to tread narrow or cross , shews enterfeiring or failling ; to step uneven , shews toyl and weariness ; and to tread long , shews over-reaching . ambling . now if you elect for ease , great persons feats , or long travell , then ambling is required . and this motion is contrary to trotting : for now both the feet on one side must move equally together , that is , the far fore-legs and the far hinder-legs , and the near fore-leg and the near hinder-leg and this motion must go just , large , smoth , and nimble ▪ for to treade false , takes away all ●ase ; to tread short , rids no ground ; to tread rough , shewes , rolling ; and to tread un-nimbly , shewes a false pace that never continueth , as also lameness . racking if yo elect for buck-hunting ; galloping on the high-way , post , hackney , or the like , then a racking pace is required : and this motion is the same that ambling i● , onely it is in a swifter time and a shorter tread ; and though it rid not so much ground , yet it is a little more easie ▪ galloping ▪ now to all these paces must be joyned a good gallop , which naturally every trotting and racking horse hath ; the ambler is a little unapt thereunto , because the motions are both one , so that being put to a greater swiftness of pace then formerly he hath been acquainted withall , he handles his leggs confusedly and out of order , but being trained gently , and made to understand the motion he will as well undertake it as any trotting horse whatsoever , now in a good gallop you are to observe these vertues . first , that the horse which taketh his feet nimbly from the ground , but doth not raise them high , that neither roleth nor beateth himselfe , that fl●etcheth out his fore legs , follows nimbly with his hinder ▪ and neither cutteth under his knee ( which is called the swift cut ) nor crosseth , nor clap● one foot on another , and ever leadeth with his far fore foot , and not with the near this hors● is said ever to gallop most comely and most true , and it is the fittest for speed , o● any swift imployment . if he gallop round , and raise his fore-feet , he is then said to gallop strongly , but not swiftly , and is fittest for the great saddle , the wars and strong encounters . if he gallop slow , yet sure , he will serve for the high way : but i● he labour his feet confusedly , and gallop painfully , then is he good for no galloping service : beside , it shews some hidden lameness . stature : lastly , touching his stature , it must be referred to the end for which you buy , ever observing that the biggest and strongest are fittest for strong occasions and great burthens , strong draughts , and double carriage ; the middle size for pleasure and generall imployments ; and the least for ease , streetwalks , and summer hackney . the particular rule . now touching the particular rule of election , it is contained in the discovery of naturall deformities , accidentall outward sorrances , or inward hidden mischiefs which are so many and so infinite that it is a world of work to explain them yet ; for satisfaction sake i will in as methodicall manner as i can , shew what you are to observe in this accession . how to stand to view . when a horse is brought unto you to buy ( being satisfied for his breed , his pace , colour and stature , then see him stand naked before you , and placing your self before his face , take a strict view of his countenance , and the cheerfulness threof : for it is an excellent glass wherein to behold his goodness and best perections . — as thus — his eares . if his ears be small , thin , sharp , short , pricked and moving ; or if they be long , yet well set on , and wel carried , it is a mark of beauty , goodness , and metall : but if they be thick , laved or lolling , wide set , and unmoving , then are they signes of dulness , doggedness : and evil nature . his face . if his face be lean : his forehead swelling outward : the mark or feather in his face set high , as above his eys , or at the top of his eyes ; if he have white starre : or white ratch of an indifferent size , and even placed , or a white snip on his nose , or lip ; all are marks of beauty and goodness . but if his face be fat , cloudy or skouling , his forehead flat as a trencher , ( which we call mare-faced , ) or the mark in his forehead stand low , as under his eyes : if his star or ratch stand awry , or in an evill posture , or in stead of a snip , his nose be raw and unhairy , or his face generally bald ; all are signes of deformity . his eyes . if his eyes be round , big , black , shining , starting or staring from his head , if the black of the eye fill the pit or outward circumference , so that in the moving , none ( or very little ) of the white appeareth , all are signs of beauty , goodness , and metall : but if his eyes be uneven , and of a wrinkled proportion , if they be little ( which we call pig-eyed ) both are uncomely signes of weakness : if they be red and fiery , take heed of moon-eys , which is next door to blindness . if white and walled , it shews a weak sight , and unnecessary starting or finding of boggards : if with white specks , take heed of the pearl , pin and web : if they water or shew bloody , it shews bruises ; and if they matter , they shew old over-riding , festred rhumes ▪ or violent strains if they look dead or dull , or are hollow , or much sunk , take heed of blindness at the best ; the best is of an old decrepid generation : if the black fill not the pit , but the white is always appearing , or if in moving the white and black be seen in equall quantity , it is a signe of weakness , and a dogged disposition . his cheeks and chaps . if handling his cheeks or chaps , you find the bones lean and thin , the space wide between them , the thropple or wind-pipe big as you can gripe , and the void place without knots or kirnels ; and generally the jawes so great , that the neck seemeth to couch within them , they are all excellent signes of great wind , courage , and soundness of head and body . but if the chaps be fat and thick , the space between them closed up with gross substance , and the throple little , all are signs of short wind and much inward foulness : if the void place be full of knots and kirnels , take heed of the strangle or glanders , at the best , the horse is not without a foul cold . if his jaws be so strait , that his neck swelleth above them , if it be no more but naturall , it is onely an uncomely sign of short wind and pursickness , or grosness ; but if the swelling be long , and elose by his chaps , like a whetstone , then take heed of the vives , or some other unnaturall impostume . his nostrils and muzzell . if his nostrils be open , dry , wide and large , so as upon any straining , the inward redness is discovered , and if his muzzell be small , his mouth deep , and his lips equally meeting ; then all are good signes of wind , health and courage . but if his nostrils be strait , his wind is little ; if is muzzell be gross , his spirit ●is dull ; if his mouth be shallow , he will never carry a bit well ; and if his upper lip will not reach his nether , old age or infirmity hath marked him for carrion . if his nose be moist and dropping , if it be clear water , it is a cold ; if foul matter , then beware of glanders : if both nostrills run , it is hurtfull ; but if one , then , most dangerous . teeth . touching his teeth and their vertues , they are set down in a particular chapter ; onely remember , you never buy an horse that wanteth any , for as good lose all as one . his breast . from his head look down to his breast , and see that it be broad , out-swelling , and adorned with many features : for that shews strength and indurance . the little breast is uncomely , and shewes weakness , the narrow breast is apt to stumble , fall , and enterfeire before : the breast that is hidden inward , and wanteth the beauty and division of many feathers , shewes a weak armed heart , and a breast that is unwilling and unfit for any violent toyl or strong labour . his fore-thighes . next , look down from his elbow to his knee , and see that those fore-thighs be rush-grown , well horned within , sinewed , fleshy and out-swelling , for they are good signes of strength , the contrary shews weakness , and are unnaturall . his knees then look on his knees that they carry proportion , be lean , sinewy , & close knit , for they are good and comely ; but if one be bigger or rounder then another , the horse hath received mischief : if they be gross , the horse is gouty : if they have scarres , or hair broken , it is a true mark of a stumbling jade and a perpetuall faller . his legs . from his knees look down to his leggs , to his pasterns , and if you find them clean , ●●an , flat , and sinewy , and the inward bought of his knee without seames , or hair-broken , then he shewes good shape and soundness : but if on the in-side the leg you find hard ●nots , they are splinters ; if on the out-side they are serews or excressions ; if under his knees be scabs on the in-side , it is the swift-cut , and he will ill endure galloping ; if above his pasternes on the in-side you find scabs , it shews interfeiring : but if the scabs be generally over his leggs , it is either extreame foul keeping , or else a spice of the maunge ; if his flesh be fat , round and fleshy , he will never indure labour : and if on the inward bought of his knees you find seams , scabs , or hair-broken , it shews a maleander , which is a cankerous ulcer . his pasterns . look then on his pastern-joynt and his pastern ; the first must be clear and well kni● together , the other must be short , strong and upright standing : for if the first be bigor sweld , take heed of sinew-strains and gourdings ; if the other be long , weak or bending , the limbs will be hardly able to carry the body without tiring his hooves . for the hooves in generall , they should be black , smooth , tough , rather a little long then round , deep , hollow and full sounding : for white hooves are tender , and carry ● shooe ill ; a rough , grosse seamed hoof , shewes an age or over-heating . a brittle hoof will carry no shooe at all ; an extraordinary round hoof is ill for foul ways and deep hunting . a flat hoof that is pumissed , shews soundering ; and a hoof that is empty , and hollow-sounding , shews a decayed inward part by reason of some wound or d●y founder . as for the crown of the hoof , if the hair lye smooth and close , and the flesh flat and even , then all is perfect ; but if the haire be staring , the skin scabbed , and the flesh rising , then look for a ring-bone , or a crown scab , or a quitterbone . the setting on of his head , his crest and mane . after this , stand by his side , and first look ●o the setting on of his head , and see that i● stand neither too high nor too low , but in ● direct line , and that his neck be small at the setting on of the head , and long , growing deeper to the shoulders , with an high ●●rong and thin mane , long , soft and somewhat curling ; for these are beautifulll characters : whereas to have the head ill set on , is the greatest deformity , to have any bigness or swelling in the nape of the neck , shews the poul-evill , or beginning of a fistula ; to have a short thick neck like a bull , to have it falling at the withers , to have a low , weak , a thick , or falling crest , shews want both of strength and metall : to have much hair on the mane , sheweth intolerable dulness ; to have it too thin , shews fury ; and to have none , or shed , shews the worm in the mane , the itch , or else plain manginess . his back , ribs , fillets ; belly , and stones . look on the chine of his back , that it be broad , even and straight , his ribs well com●assed and bending outward , his fillets upright , strong and short , & not above an handfull between his last rib and his hucklebone , let his belly be well let down , yet hidden within his ribs , and let his stones be close trust up to his body : for all these are marks of health and good perfection , whereas to have his chine narrow , he will never carry a saddle without wounding : and to have it bending , or saddle-backed , shews weakness . to have his ribs flat , there is no liberty for wind . to have his fillets hanging , long or weak , he will never climb an hill , nor carry a burden . and to have his belly clung up or gaunt , or his stones hanging down , loose , or a side , they are both signs of sickness , tenderness , foundring in the body , and unaptness for labor : his buttocks . then look upon his buttocks , and see that they be round , plump , full , and in an even levell with his body ▪ or of long , that it be well raised behind , and spread forth at the setting on of the tail , for these are comely and beautifull . the narrow pin-buttock , the hog or swine rump , and the falling and down-let buttock are full of deformity , and shew both an injury in nature , and that they are neither fit or becomming , for pad , foot●loth , or pyllion . his hinder-thighs . then look to his hinder-thighs , or ga●ains , if they be well let down even to the middle-joynt , thick , brawny , full , and swelling : for that is a great argument of strength and goodness , whereas the ●ank , slender thighs ●hew disability and weakness . his cambrels . then look upon the middle joynt behind , and if it be nothing but skin and bone , veins and sinews , and rather a little bending then to ●ait , then it is perfect as it should be . but if ●● have chaps or sores on the inward bought ●● bending , then that is a selander . if the ●●ynt be sweld generally all over , then he hath got a blow or bruise : if the swelling be particular , as in the pot , or hollow part , or ●n the inside , and the vein full and proud : ●● the swelling be sofe , it is a blood-spaven : ●● hard , a bone-spaven , but if the swelling be ●●st behind , before the knuckle , then it is a ●urb . hinder-leggs . then look to his hinder-legs , if they be lea● clean , flat and sinowy , then all is well ; but i● they be fat , they will not indure labour . if they be sweld , the grease is molten into them . if he be scabbed above the pasterns , he hath the scratches : if he have chaps under his pasterns , he hath rains , and none of these but are noysome . his tayle ▪ lastly , for the setting on of his tayl , where there is a good buttock , the tail can never stand ill ▪ and where there is an evill buttock there the tail can never stand well : for i● ought to stand broad , high , flat and couche● a little inward . thus i have shewed you the true shapes and true deformities , you may in your choice please your own fancies . an uncontrollable way to know the age of an horse . there are seven outward characters by which to know the age of every horse , a namely , his teeth , his hooves his tail his eyes , his skin , his hair , and the bars in his mouth . his teeth . if you will know his age by his teeth , you must understand , that an horse hath in his head just forty teeth , that is to say , six great wong teeth above , and six below on one side , and as many on the other , which maketh twenty four , and are called his grinders : then six above and six below in the fore-part of his mouth , which are called gatherers , and make 36. then four tushes , one above , and one below on one side , and are called the bit teeth , which maketh just fourty . now the first year he hath his foals teeth , which are onely grinders and gatherers , but no tushes , and they be small , white and bright to look on . the secound year he changeth the four formost teeth in his head , that is , two above and two below in the midst of the rows of the gatherers , and they are browner and bigger then the other . the third year he changeth his teeth next unto them , and leaveth no apparent foals teeth before , but two above , and two below of each side , which are also bright and small . the fourth year he changeth the teeth next unto them , and leaveth no more foale● teeth but one of each side , both above and below . the fifth year his formost teeth will be all changed ; but then he hath his tushes on each side compleat , and the last foals teeth which he cast , those which come up in their place , will be hollow , and have a little black speck in the midst , which is called the mark in the horses mouth , and continueth till he be past eight years old the sixth year he putteth up his new tushes , near about which you shall see growing a little of new and young flesh , at the bottome of the tush : besides , the tush will be white , small , short and sharp . the seventh year all his teeth will have their perfect growth ; and the mark in the horses mouth ( before spoken of ) will be plainly seen . the eighth year all his teeth will be full , smooth and plain , the black speck or mark being no more but discerned , and his tushes will be more yellow then ordinary . the ninth year his formost teeth will be longer , broader , yellower and fouler then at younger years , the mark gone , and his tushes will be bluntish . the tenth year in the inside of his upper ●ushes will be no holes at all to be felt with ●our finger● end , which tel that age you shall ●●●r feel : besides the temples of his head will begin to be crooked and hollow . the eleventh year his teeth will be exceeding long , very yellow , black and foul , onely he may then cut even , and his teeth will stand directaly opposite one to another . the twelfth year his teeth will be long , yellow , black and foul ; but then his upper teeth will hang over his nether . the thirteenth year his tushes will be worn somwhat close to his chaps ( if he be a much ridden horse ) otherwise they will be black , foul and long , like the tushes of a boar. his hooves . if a horses hooves be rugged , and as it were seamed one seam over another , and many seames ; if they be dry , full and crusty , o● crumbling , it is a sign of very old age : and on the contrary part , a smouth , moist , hollow , and wel sounding hoof is a signe of young years . his tail . if you take an horse with your finger and your thumb by the stern of the tail , close at the setting on by the buttock , feeling there hard , if you feel of each side the tail a joyn stick out more then any other by the big?nesse of an hazell nut , then you may prsume the horse is under ten years old : but i● his joynts be all plain , and no such thing t● be felt , then he ●s above ten , and may b● thirteen . his eyes . if an horses eyes be round , full , staring , o● starting from his head , if the pits over them be filled , smooth & even with his temples , & no wrinckles either about his brow , or under his eyes , then he is young ; if otherwise yo● see the contrary characters , it is a sign o● old age , his skin . if you take an horses skin in any part o● his body , betwixt your finger and you● thumb , and pull it from his flesh , then letting it go again , if it suddenly returne to the plac● from whence it came , and be smooth and plain without wrinkle , then he is young , and full of strength : but if it stand and not return instantly to its former place , then he i● very old and wasted . his hayr ▪ if an horse that is of any dark colour , shall grow grissell onely about his eyebrows , or underneath his mane ; or any horse of a whitish colour shall grow meannelled with either black or red meannels universally over his body , then both are signes of old age . his barrs . lastly , if the barrs in his mouth be great , deep , and handle rough and hard , then is the horse old : but if they be soft , shallow , and handle gently and tenderly , then is the horse young , and in good ability of body . and thus much be spoken touching the office of the buyer . the office of the farrier . the signes of all sicknesses , and how to discern them . if you find in your horse heaviness of countenance , extream loosness , or extream costiveness , shortness of breath , ●othing of meat , dull and imperfect eys , rotten or dry cough , staring hair , or hair unnaturally discoloured , a staggering pace , frantick behaviour , yellowness of the eyes or skin , faint or cold sweat , extraordinary lying down , or beating or looking back at his body alteration of qualities or gestures , not casting of the coat , leanness , hide-bound and the like . all these are apparant signs of distemperature and sickness . signes from the dung . it is necessary to observe the horses dung , for it is the best tel-troth of his inward parts ; yet you must not judge it by a generall opinion , but by a private discourse with your self how he hath been ●ed , because food is the onely thing that breeds alterations , — as thus — if he feed altogether upon grass , his dung hath one complexion , as green ; if upon hay , then another , as a little more dark . if upon little provender , then inclining to yelow . but to avoid both curiosity and doubt , observe well the complexion of his dung , when he is in the best health , and the best feeding ; and as you find it alter , so judge either of his health or sickness , as thus — — if his dung be clear , crisp , and of a pale yellowish complexion , hanging together without separation , more then as the weight breakes it in falling , being neither so thin nor so thick , but it wil a little ●●a● on the ground . and indeed both in savour and substance , resembling a sound mans ordure , then is the horse clean , well fed , and without imperfection : if it be well coloured , yet fall from him in round knots , or pellets , so it be but the first or second dung , the rest good , as aforesaid , it matters not : for it only shews he did eat hay lately , and that will ever come away first . but if all his dung be alike , then it is a sign of foul feeding , and he hath either too much hay , or eates too much litter , and too little corn . if his dung be in round pellets , and blackish , or brows , it shews inward heat in the body . if it be greasie , it shews foulness , and that grease is molten , but cannot come away . if he void grease in gross substance with his dung , if the grease ●e white and clear , then it comes away kindly , and there is no danger : but if it be yellow or putrified , then the grease hath lain long in his body , and sickness will follow if not prevented . if his dung be red and hard , then the horse hath had too strong heats , and costiveness will follow : if it be pale and loose , it shews inward coldness of body , or too much moist and corrupt feeding : signes from the urine . though the urine be not altogether so materiall as the dung , yet it hath some true faces , as thus — that urine which is of a pale yellowish colour , rather thick then thin , of a strong smell and a piercing condition , is an health , full , sound and good urine : but if it be of an high , red complexion , either like blood , or inclining to blood , then hath the horse had either too sore heats , been over-ridden , or ridden to early after winter grass . if the urine be of an high complexion , clear and transparent , like old march beer , then he is inflamed in his body , and hath taken some surfit . if the urine carry a white cream on the top , it shews a weak back , or consumption of seed . a green urine shews consumption of the body . a urine with bloody streaks shews an ulcer in the kidnies : and a black , thick , cloudy urine shews death and mortality . of sickness in generall . whensoever , upon any occasion , you shall find the horse droop in countenance , to forsake his meat , or to shew any other apparent sign of sickness ; if they be not great , you may forbear to let blood , because where the blood is spent , the spirits are spent also , and they are not easily recovered . but if the signes be great and dangerous , then by all means let blood instantly , and for three mornings together ( the horse being fastning ) give him half an ounce of the powder ( called by me ) diahexaple , and by the italians , regin● medicina , the queen of medicines , brewed either in a pint of muskadine or malmsey , or a pint of the syrop of sugar , being two degrees above the ordinary molosses , or for want thereof molosses wil serve the turn ; and where all are wanting , you may take a pint either of dragon water , or a quart of the sweetest and strongest ale-wort , or in extre mity take a quart of strong ale or beer , but then warm it a little before the fire . this must be given with an horn , and if the horse have ability of body , ride him in some warm place after it , and let him fast near two hours after the riding . at noon give him a sweet mash , cloath very warm , and let him touch no cold water . now touching the exact and true making of this rare powder , which i call diahexaple , because no man ( that i know ) apothecary or other , doth at this day make it truely , partly because it is an experiment but lately come to my knowledge by conference with learned physicians , and partly because our medicine makers are in horse physick less curious then they should be ; through which errors there is produced to the world an abundance of false mixtures , which both deceiveth the honest hors-master , kills the harmless horse , and disgraceth the well-meaning farrier , to repair all which , i will here set down the true manner of making this admirable powder , together with the vertues and operations thereof . the true manner of making the true diahexaple , take the roots of round aristologia , wash them , scrape them , and purifie them as clear as may be , then take juniper berries unexcorticated , and bay-berries excorticated ; take the purest and best drops as myrrh , and the finest shavings of ivory , of each an equall quantity ; beat all but the myrrh together , and search them fine : lastly , beat the myrrh and search it also ; then mix and incorporate all together , press it hard into a gally-pot , and keep it , and use it as you have occasion . the vertues of true diahexaple . this powder , or indeed methridate , called diahexaple , or the queen of medicines , is most excellent & soveraign against all manner of poyson , either inward or outward , it cureth the biting of venemous beasts , and helpeth short wind and pursickness . dodoneus . it mundifieth , cleanseth , suppleth , and maketh thin all gross humours , it healeth all diseases of the liver and stomack , helps digestion , and being given in a pint of sack , it cureth all colds : it is good against consumptions , breaks flegm , helps staggers , and all diseases of the head . gerrard . it recovers tyring and weariness , and takes away cramps and convulcions , dries up the skurvy , breaks the stone , opens all inward obstructions , and helps the yellows , the gargil and the dropsie . diascorides . it cures all diseases of the lungs , as glanders and rottenness , gives ease to all gripings and windiness of the belly , provoketh urine , takes away infection , and kils worms . gale . ● . a drink to open an horses body , and cleanse it . take a quart of new milk , sallet-oyl , hony , each half a pint , an ounce of london treacle , and the yolks of six , eggs beat all together : and then put to it licoras , sugar-candy , anise-seeds ( all in powder ) of each an ounce , and infuse all together , so give it the horse , ride him after it , set up warm , and let him fast above an an hour . the true manner of making those cordial bal● , which cure any violent cold or glanders which prevent heart-sickness . which purge away all molten grease , which recover a lost stomack , which keep the heart from fainting with exercise , and make a lean horse fat suddenly . take aniseeds , cominseeds , fenegreekseeds , carthumus seeds : elicampane roots and colts foot , each two ounces beaten , and searced to a fine dust , two ounces of the flower of brimston : then take an ounce of the juice of licoras , and dissolve it on the fire in half a pint of white wine ; which done , take an ounce of chymicall oyl of aniseeds , then of sallet oyl , hony , and the syrop of sugar , or for want of it molosses , of each half a pint , then mix all this with the former powders , and with as much fine wheat flower as will bind and knit them all together , work them into stiff paste , and make thereof balls somwhat bigger then french walnuts ●ull and all , and so keep them in a close gallipot , ( for they will last all the year : ) yet i do not mean that you shall keep them in the pot in balls : for so because they cannot lye close , the air may get in and do hurt ; as also the strength of the oyls will sweat outward and weaken the substance , therefore knead the whole lump of paste into the gallipot , and make the balls as you have occasion to use them . now for the use of these balls , because they are cordiall , and have divers excellent vertues , you shall understand , that if you use them to prevent sickness , then you shall take a ball , and aniont it all over with sweet butter , and give it the horse in the morning ▪ in the manner of a pill , then ride him a little after it ( if you please , otherwise you may chuse ) and feed and water him abroad or at home according to your usual custome . and thus do 3 or 4 mornings together . if you use them to cure either cold or glanders , then use them in the same manner for a week together . if you use them to fatten an horse , then give them for a fortnight together . but if you use them in the nature of a scouring to take away molten grease & foulness , then instantly after his heat , and in his heat . again , if you find your horse at any time hath taken a little cold , as you shall perceive by his inward ratling , if then you take one of these balls , and dissolve it in a pint of sack , and so give it the horse , it is a present remedy . also to dissolve the ball in his ordinary water , being made luke warm , it worketh the life effect , and fatneth exceedingly : to give one of these balls before travell , it prevents tyring ; to give it in the height of travel , it refresheth the weariness : and to give it after travel , it saves an horse from all surfeit and inward sickness . for the bots or any worms . take a quart of new milk , and as much hony ●● will make it extraordinary sweet , then ●eing luke-warm , give it the horse early , he ●aving fasted all the night before , then bridle ●im up , and let him stand tied to the empty ●ack for two hours : then take halfe a pint ●●white wine , and dissolve into it a good ●poonfull or more of black soap , and being ●●ll mixt together , give it him to drink , ●en ride and chafe him a little , and let him ●●t another hour , and the worms will a●oid . another for worms more ready , more easie . take the soft down-hairs that grow in the ●rs of an horse , and which you clip away ●hen you coule him , and the little short tuft ●hich grows on the top of the fore-head , ●derneath his fore-top : and having a pretty ●antity , mix them with a pottle of oats , and ●●●e them to the horse , and it helpeth . a purgation when an horse is sick of grease , or costiveness . take a pint of old white wine , and o● the fire dissolve into it a lump as much a● an henns egge of castle-sope , and sti● them together , then take it off , and put in to it two good spoonfulls of hempseed beaten , an ounce of sugar-candy in powder and brew all together , then having wa●med the horse , to stirre up his grease another foul humors , give him this to drink and walk him up and down a little after ● to make the potion work ; then set u● warm , and after a little stirring him in h● stall , if he grow sickish , give him liberty t● lye down ; then after two hours fasting giv● him a sweet mash , then feed as at othe● times . for laxativeness , or extream loosness . take a quart of red wine , and on the fire put into it an ounce and an halfe ● bolarmonie in powder , and two ounces a● an half of the conserve of sloes , mix th●● together , after take it from the fire , a● put to it a spoonfull or two of the powd● of cynamon , brew all together , and give it the horse : but let him fast two hours after it , and let him eat no washed meat : hay is wholsome , so is bread and oats , if they be well mixt with beans or wheat , but not otherwise . for the stone , or pain of urine by winde causing sickness make a strong decoction , ( that is to say ) boyle your first quantity of water to an halfe part three times over , of keen onions clean peeled , and parsley , then take a quart thereof , and put to it a good spoonefull of london treacle , and as much of the powder of egge-shels , and give it the horse . and thus do divers mornings , if the infirmity be great , otherwise , when you see the horse offended . for an horse that staleth blood . take knot-grasse , shephards purse , blood-wort of the hedge , polypodium of the wall , comphrey , garden blood-wort , of each an handfull , shread them fine , and put them into a quart of beer , ale or milk , and put to them a little salt , a little soot and leaven ▪ mix all to gether , and give it the horse to drink . for a growing cold . take the juyce of licoras , london treacle , aniseeds , turmereack , fenegreek and long pepper , of each an ounce , the hard simples in powder : then of suger-candy two ounces , and with as much english hony as will suffice , incorporate all together , and make thereof balls as bigge as a good pullets egge , and give the horse two or three in the morning fasting after he hath taken the balls , give him two new laid eggs , then rid ehim , and at noon give him a mash , keep warm , and do this twice or thrice . for a more violent cold causing rotting in the head . take the bigge elecampane root , slice it , and boyl it in water from a pottle to a quart , then strain it , and to that water put a pint of urine , and a pint of muskadine , of aniseeds , licoras , cominseeds , long pepper ( in pouder ) of each an ounce , twenty raisins of the sun stoned and brused , and of sugercandy two ounces ▪ let all these symmer on the fire , and not boyl , till they be incorporate , then take i● off , and to one halfe therof ( which is a suffiacient drench ) put a quarter of a pound of sweet butter , and four spoonfuls of sallet-oyle ; then being luke-warm , give the horse a third part of the drench , and after it a new laid egge : then another third part , and after it another egge : then lastly , all the rest of the drink . then ride him pretty roundly after it for near an houre , and let him fast another houre ; keep warme , and feed as at other timer . at noon give him a mash , and the next day give him the other half . for a desperate dry cough . take a pint of burnt sack , sallet oyle and red wine vinegar , of both a quarter of a pint , of fenegrick , turmerick , ●ong peper , and licoras , of each a spoonfull in powder , and give it the horse half at the one nostril ; and half at another , and doe this twice ▪ week , and ride him after it , and let him fast two houres , and keep his head and breast warm . for the ordinary water you may give him for a fortnight , let it have good store of sliced english licoras steept into it . for a cold long setled . take three heads of garlick , and rost them in the embers , then mix them with three spoonfulls of tarre , as much powder sugar , and halfe a pound of hogges grease , then with aniseeds , licoras , elicampane , fenegreek , and cominseeds , make it into paste , and give as much at once as a ducks egge ▪ for a dry cough , or wasted lungs . take elicampace , the flower of brimstone , licoras , fenell seed , linseed of each an ounce , searc't , syrop of elicampane an ounce , and of clarified hony a pound , work the powders and these together , and to a pint of sweet wine put two ounces of these , and give it the horse morning and evening , ride him after it , and let him fast an hour after riding , give no cold water but with exercise . a cordiall powder for any ordinary cold , and to prepare a horse before travell , to refresh him in travell , and to preserve him from mischief after travel . take of english licoras , elicampane roots , of each an ounce , of sugercandy an ounce and a halfe ; beat them to fine powder and searce them . keep the powder in a box , and when you have occasion to use it , if it be for a cold , then give half an ounce in a pint of sack : if it be in travell , then give it in sweet wine , or strong ale ; but if in ale , then take a quart ; and give it both before travell and in your inne , or at home immediately after travell . to break a festred cold to dry up glanders , and to heal the ulcer , or canker in the nose . take a pint of verdjuice , and put to it so much strong mustard made with wine vinegar , as will make it strong and keen thereof ; then take an ounce of roche allom in powder , and when you give this to the horse , as you fil the horn , so with a knife or spoon put some of the allom into the horn , and so give it the horse part at both nostrils , but especialy that nostrill which runneth most ; then ride him a little after it ▪ and set up warm , and give no cold water without exercise . thus do divers mornings . for the glanders . take cominseeds , grains and fenegreek in powder , of each halfe an ounce ; of diahexaple a quarter of an ounce , beat this in a mortar with a quarter of a pint of verdjuice , three spoonfuls of sallet oyl , and two spoon●tl of aquavitae : then put al together to a quart of old ale , with a good slice of sweet butter , and set it on the fire till it be ready to boyl ; then being luke warm , give it the horse , part at the mouth , and part at both nostrils : then ride him pretty roundly for an hour , and set up warm ; let him fast an hour , and if you perceive sickness to grow , give him a pint of new milk . to stay the glanders for a time , being incurable . take the green bark of elder , and beat it in a mortar , and strain it till you have a pint thereof , then put that juice to a pint of old ale , and warm it on the fire with a good lump of sweet butter , and a nounce of sugarcandy , and so give the horse , ride him after it , let him fast an hour , and keep warm . do thus divers mornings . for decayed or stopped lungs , which we call broken wind . take halfe a pint of coltsfoot water , or the syrop of coltsfoot ; but in the syrop it will best dissolve , and put into it a dram of balsamum sulphuris , and give it the horse in the morning fasting , then ride him a little after it , be sure to keep warm , and give no cold water without exercise . do thus every other morning , giving it one morning at the mouth , and another at the nostrils till you find amendment . a scouring when others will not work . take of sweet butter a quarter of a pound , half so much castle sope , and halfe an ounce of aloes , beat them together : then add of hempseed two spoonfulls , of rosin half a spoonfull , of sugarcandy an ounce , all bruised ●ine , work it into a paste , and give it the horse in balls immediatly after his heat , or when you have warmed him , and stirred up the grease and foulness within him . outward sorrances . the signes of outward sorrances . outward sorrances are discerned when any member or part in an horse is disfigured or evill affected by the loss of true shape , disability in motion , the increase or decrease of number and quantity , the disproportion of place , or the separating of things knit and united . and these accidents have divers names , as imposthumes , ulcers or wounds when they are in fleshy parts ; excretions or fractures on and in the bones ; ruptures in the veins ; convulsions in the sinews , and excoriations upon the skin . the first is known by outward swellings , rotten or bloody sores ; the next by utter disability in the member , or else plain halting . the next by wens and knots both soft and hard ; the next by gordgings and haltings , and the last by scurf and leprosie : now forasmuch as the greatest part of sotrances , and especially those which are most hid and obscure , are found our by halting , i will shew you the severall manner of haltings , and what they signifie . if the horse halt before , and lift not up his leg , but in a manner traileth it after the other , it sheweth a new hurt on the top of the shoulder . if he cast his leg outward , or go bakerlike , and not bend the knee , it is either an old hurt on the top of the shoulder , or if new , then it is a shoulder-plat , or rending betwixt the shoulder and the body : if in turning short he favour his foot , if griping his withers he complain , if he halt more when he is ridden then led , the offence is on the top of the shoulder : if standing in the stable , thrust forth his foot and favour it : then search his foot , and if in that be found no prick , no dry founder , no surbat , then it is in the mid part of the shoulder , or the coffin joynt . if halting he bow down his head to the ground , and step short and thick , then it is in the forepart of the shoulder , at the breast . if in handling his elbow hard , he twitch up his foot suddenly from the ground , the offence is there . if on his shank bones ( in their severall places be splents , excressions , windgalls or maleanders , and they sore , they will occasion halting , as any other outward sorrance upon any other member . heat on the crownet shews pain in the coffin joynt . in halting before , to trip on the toe , shews pain in the heel ; to favour the toe , shews payn in the toe ; to halt more on uneven ground then one the even , shews pain in the feet , and in going from you and comming to you , may be discerned , whether the outward or inward quarter : but to clear all doubts , the pincers will shew any pain in the foot whatsoever . if your horse halt behind , and in halting go sidelong , and not in an even line , the grief is in the hip , and yet but new , or in the fillets , and may be new or old . if it be old in the hip , the hip will fall , and then no cure if in halting he tread onely on his hinder toe , and no offence in the foot ▪ then the pain is in the stiffell . if in halting he bend not his hough or ham , and no outward sorrance , yet the pain is there . if he halt through any offence in his leg from the ham to the pastern , outward sorrance or swelling will shew it ; and so likewise for the other parts below it . for soar eyes , dim eyes , and moon eyes take lapis calaminaris halfe an ounce , and heat it red hot , and quenchin it a quarter of a pint of plantane water , or white wine : do this eight or nine times , then beat it to powder and put it to the water ; then add half a dram of aloes , and a scruple of camphire in powder , and let them dissolve ; drop this into the eye . another for eyes of like nature . take a pint of snow water , and dissolve into it three or four drams of white vitrioll , and with it wash the horses eyes three or four times a day , and it helpeth . for a white film or skin over the eye . take the root of the black sallow , and burn it to ashes : then put to it a like quantity of sugar and grated ginger finely searc'd , blow this into the eye morning and evening . for any sorenses in the eyes , as pearl , pin or web , or bruise . take a new laid egge , and rost it very hard , then cleave it in sunder longwise , and take out the yelk , then fill the empty holes with white vitriole finely beaten , and close the egge again ; then rost it the second time , till the vitriole be molten . lastly , beat the egge shell and all in a mortar , and strain it , and with that moisture dress the eye . if in stead of the vitriole you fill the holes with myrrh finely searc'd , and hang the egge up that it may drop , and with that moisture dress the eye : it is every way as good , onely it is a little stronger . for foul eyes , sore eyes or sight almost lost . there be some that for this great offence in the eye put in two fine small rowels long-wise in the temples of the head , just behind the eyes : but for mine own part , i not much fancy it , because i fear it breeds more evil humor then it brings away , besides soreness and disgrace ; therefore in this cure my practise is thus — take tacchamahaca , mastick , rosin and pitch , of each like quantity , and being molten with flax of the colour of the horse , lay it as a defensive on each side his temples , as big as a twenty shillings piece : then underneath his eyes upon the cheek bone ( with a round iron ▪ ) burn three or four holes , and anoint them with sweet butter ; then take a handfull of seladine , and wash it clean in white wine , but let it touch no water , then bruise it , and strain it , and to the quantity of juyce , put the third part of womans milk , and a pretty quantity of white sugarcandy , searc'd thorow a piece of lawn , and with a feather , quill , or otherwise , drop it into the sore ey morning and evening . thus do for the worst of sore eys : but if the offence be not extream , then you may forbear both the defensitive , the burning and the rowels , and onely use the medicine . the master medicine for a back sinew-strain , or any strain , shrinking , or numbness of sinews . take a fat sucking mastive whelp , fley it and howell it , then stop the body as full as it can hold with gray snails and black snails , then rost it at a reasonable fire ; when it begins to warm , bast it with six ounces of the oyl of spike made yellow with saffron , and six ounces of the oyle of wax : then save the droppings , and what moysture soever falls from it whilst any drop will fall , and keep it in a gallipot . with this anoint the strain , and work it invery hot , holding a bar of iron before it ; and thus do both morning and evening till a mendment : another in nature of a charge , for a back sinnew-strain . take five quarts of ale , and a quarter of a peck of glovers specks and boyl them till it come to a quart : then apply it hot to the grief and remove it not for five or six days . for a strain in any yart , new or old . take of sheeps suet a pound , of sheeps dung two handfull , chopt hay an handfull , wheat bran a pint , sweet sope a quarter of a pound ; boyl all these in a quart of strong beer , and a quart of the grounds of strong ale , till it come to a thick pultiss , then take it from the fire and col it with halfe a pint of wine vinegar , and a quarter of a pint of aquavitae , then apply this very hot to the grief , and give him moderate exercise . for a strain or sinew-bruise . take comin-seeds and bruise it gross , then boyl it with the oyle of camomile , and put to it so much yellow wax'as will bring it to cerrot , and spread it on either cloth or leather , and hot apply it to the grief . for old strains , or cold cramps . take aquavitae , oyl de bay , oyl of swallow● , bolearmonie , boars grease , black sope , of each half a pound , boyl them till the aquavitae be incorporate ; then take of camomile , rue , red sage , and misseldine , of each an handful , dry them and bring them to powder , then mix it with the oyntment , and bring all to a gentle salve : with this anoynt the grief , and hold an hot barre of iron before it , chafing it in well ; and thus do once a day , and in nine days the cure hath been effected . a sudden cure for a knock or brnise on the sinews : take a live cat , wild or tame , and cut off her head and tail , then cleave her down the chine , and clap her hot b●wels and all to the bruise , and remove it not for two days . for a strain newly done to help it in 24 hours . take the grounds of ale or beer , a quart , as much parsley chopt gross , as you can gripe , boyl them till the herb be soft , then put to it a quarter of a pound of sweet butter , and when it is molten , take it from the fire , and put into it a pint of wine vinegar , and if it be too thin , thicken it with wheat bran , then lay it upon hurds , and poultess-wise , as hot as the horse can suffer it , and remove it once in twelve hours , and give the horse moderate exercise . markhams own balme which hath never failed him for any strain in the shoulder or other parts , hid or apparent , or for any wind-gall or , swelling , take ten ounces of peice-grease , and melt it on the fire , then take it off and put into it four ounces of the oyle of spike , one ounce of the oyle of origanum , an ounce and a halfe of the oyle of exceter , and three ounces of the oyle of st. johns wort ; stirre them well together , then put it up into a gallipot with this oyntment ( or indeed pretious balm ) hot , anoint the grieved part and rub and chafe it in very much , holding an hot bar of iron before it : and thus anoint it once in two days , but rub and chafe it in twice or rhrice a day , and give the horse moderate exercise . for sinews that are extended , overstrained , and so weakned , that the member is useless . take of cantharides , euforbium and mercury , of each like quantity , and of oyle de bay double as much as of all the rest ; bring the hard simples to powder , and beat all to a salve , apply this to the griefe ( being desperate ) and though it make a sore , it will give strength and straightness to the sinews . for the sore you may cure it either with populeon , fresh butter , or deers grease warm . another of the same nature but , more gentle . take turpentine two ounces , verdigrease three ounces , hoggs grease six ounces , boyl them till the verdigrease be desolved , then take rosin , bees wax , of each two ounces , mix all together , then apply it to the place grieved , hot . a charge for a new strain or grief , proceeding from heat . take the whites of six eggs , and beat them with a pint of vinegar , the oyle of roses and myrtles , of each an ounce , bolearmony four ounces , as much sanguis dracones , and with as much bean flower or wheat flower , but bean is the best , as will thicken it , bring it to a salve , and spreading it one hurds , lap it about the grieved part , and renew it not till it be dry . for aches , cramps , and hid paines . take deers suet , or for want of it , sweet butter half a pound , of aquavitae a gill , of saffron half a dram , pepper beaten and searc'd three drams , garlick bruised three heads ; mix all together , and let them stew on the fire , and not boyl till it come to a salve . with this very warme chafe the grief , then anoint a brown paper therewith , and very hot apply to the place also , and roll it up . do this morning and evening for swelled or garded leggs , whether by grease or other accident . if your horses leggs be swelled , onely because the grease is fallen into them & there is no other outward ulcer , neither will the bathing with cold fountain water and other ordinary helps asswage them : then take a pottle of wine lees , or else the grownds of strong ale or beer , and boile it with a pound of hogs grease ; then with as much wheat bran as will thicken it , make thereof a pultiss : then having made the horse an hose of wollen cloath , fill it with this pultiss as hot as the horse can suffer it , then close up the hose and let it abide two days ; the third day open the hose at the top , but stir not the pultiss , onely take molten hoggs grease very hot , and put it to the pultiss whilst it will receive any , for that wil renew the strength thereof : then close the hose , and let him stand either two days or three . then you may open the legg and rub it down , and if you find strong occasion , you may apply another ; if not , the cure is wrought . now , if besides the swelling , your horse have ulcers , chaps and soars , then apply the pultiss as before shewed : and after a weeks application take a quart of old urine , and put to it half an handful of salt , as much allume , and half an ounce of white copperas , boyl them together , and with it wash the sore once or twice a day : then after a little drying anoint them with the oyntment called aegiptiacum , and is made of vinegar eight ounces , of hony twelv ounces , of verdigreas two ounces , of allum an ounce and an halfe , and boyled to the height , till it come to a red salve , and it will both kill the malignant humors , and heal and dry up the soars . for sweld leggs , whether by grease , goutiness , wind , or travell . first , bathe them well with the pickle , or brine which comes from olives being made hot : then take a pint of train oyl , as much nerve oyl , and as much oyl de bay , a quarter of a pound of allum , half a pint of sallet oyl , half a pound of hogs grease ; put all these to a pottle of old urine , and with an handfull or two of mallows , oatmeal bruised , and bran , boyl them to a pultiss , and very hot apply it to the grief : do thus once in two days . for gardings in joynts . make a very strong brine of water and salt , and to a pottie thereof put two or three handfull of rew , and boyl it till the herb be soft : then with this water very hot bathe the grieved part . then take a flat bagg , fild with salt , and heated hot at the fire , and lap it about the grief also . and thus do once or twice a day . for scratches at the first appearance . take hogs grease and black sope of each eight ounces , brimstone , lime , gunpowder , each three ounces , and soot as much as will suffice to bring the rest to a salve ; boyl the hogs grease and ●●pe together ; and bring the other to a fine powder , and mix all together and make a black oyntment : with this anoint the soars once a day , after they are cleansed and made raw . for scratches of long continuance . take hony , verdigrease , brimstone bruised small , green copperas , and bay salt , of each like quantity , boyl these with a double quantity of hogs grease , and put to it a big root of elicampan bruised in red wine vinegar , apply this to the sores very hot , after you have cut a way the hair , and made the sores raw , as also suppled them by bathing them with new milk from the cow . for scratches held incurable . first let him blood in the shackle veins , the spur veins , and the ●ore toe veins , onely letting it be three days between the bleeding of the one toe and the other : then with an hair-cloth rub the sores til they be raw and bleed ; then take a quart of old urine , and a quart of strong brine , and put to them halfe a pound of allum , and boyl it to a quart . with this hot , wash the sores wel , then take the sperm of froggs ( in march ) and put it into an earthen pot , and in a week it will look like oyl : then take both the oyl and the round things which you shal see in the sperm and spreading it on a cloath , bind it to the soars , and do this divers times . for any splent , spaven , curb , ringbone or excression . first clip away the hair as far as the excression goeth , and a little more , then take a piece of allumd leather made as big as the place you have bared , and fitted to the ●ame proportion : then take a little shooe-makers wax , and spread it round about the very edge or verge of the same , leaving all the inward part empty and not touched with the wax : then take the herb speargrass , or spearwort , which hath the vertue to raise blisters , and bruising it , lay some thereof upon the leather in the empty place , and bind it fast thereon , suffering it so to lye 〈◊〉 if it be in the spring ) or summer time , when the herb hath its full strength ) near half a day ; but if it be in winter , then it is not a miss ( to renew the strength of the herb ) if you add to it a drop or two of the oyl of origanum , and let it lie half a day fully , and be sure to tie up the horses head , for fear of biting it away . when you take away the herb , rub the place well and anoynt it with train-oyl warm , or else lay on a diminium plaister . another for a foul splint . take nerve oyl one ounce , cantharides the weight of sixpence , and as much of the oyle of vipers , boyl them lightly ; then with this anoint the splint cross the hair , and heat it in with a hot iron , then tie up the horses head to the rack for 24 hours : then squeeze out the corruption , and do this twice o● thrice . for a splint , and to dry up windgalls . first , heat the sorrance with an hot pressing iron , then vent it in severall places with your fleam ; then take a spoonfull of salt , half a spoonfull of nerve oyl , a peny weight of verdigrease , and the white of an egg : beat all to a salve : and dipping flax hurds therein : apply it to the grief . for pains , m●les and rats-tails . first take away all the scabs and make the sore raw , then with strong mustard made with wine vinegar , anoint them all over , and do this every night . the next morning take half a pound of green copperas , and boyl it in a pottle of running water with an handfull of sage , and so much hyssop , a quarter of a pound of allume , and as much strong mustard , and with this bath the sore twice or thrice a day . for malander or selander . take the oyl of bay an ounce , half so much sugar , and a good quantity of the oyl o● froth which cometh from green broom stalks being laid in the fire , mix it wel , and with this anoynt the soars , and it kills and dryes them up . for the swift-cut and to heal all wounds . take a pint of white wine and put to it two or three spoonfulls of honey , and stirr them and boyl them to a salve , then take it from the fire , and put to it halfe so much turpentine as there was honey , and stirre all together . with this salve somwhat hot , anoint the soars twice or thrice a day , and it is a most speedy healer . for any maunge or scab in a clean fed horse first let blood , then take a quart of old urine or vinegar , and break into it a quarter of a pound of good tobacco , then set it on a fire of embers and not boyl , and so let it stew all night : with this water wash the infected places , whether it be in the mane or otherwise , and it helpeth . for any maungie or universall leprosie in a foul surfeited horse . first , let blood in the neck-vein , and take , a way good store , then curry off all the scurf , and take verdjuce and vinegar a pint , cow-piss a pint , train oyle a pint , old urine a pint , & put to them an handful of wild tansie , an handful of bay salt , a quarter of a pound of brimstone , as much alome , two ounces of verdigrease and four ounces of bolarmonie , boyl all well together . with this ( very hot ) wash the horse well , and if you put to it the quantity of a pint of blood you take away , it is not amiss : do this twice or thrice . for a canker , foul ulcer , leprosie , and to make hair grow . take a quart of tar , and on the fire put to it half a pound of bores grease , an ounce of copperat , a quarter of a pound of saltpeter , two ounces of wax , a quart of honey , a quarter of a pound of rozme , two ounces of verdigrease , a quart of lynseed oyl , and seeth them till half be consumed ; then strain it , & keep it in a close pot . then , when you will use it , take of it warm , and apply it to the soar , it doth both heal , draw , and make hair grow . for a fistula , or pol-evill . take euforbium with mastick , mix them together , then seeth them well with french sope , and make a tent , and put it into the fistula , and it will consume the evill moisture . for a foul farcy . take tar and fresh hogs grease , of each half a pound , hemlock an handfull , arsesmart three handfull , and as many nettles , boyl these in a pottle of old urine , and apply it very hot to the swelling , but touch it not with your hand , for it is too sharp . lastly , take a pint of white wine vinegar , a quarter of an ounce of verdigrease , and a little bundle of hyssop , beat them in a mortar , and boyl it to an half pint : then with balls of flax put it luke-warm into both his ears , and stich the tips together , then tye his head up to the rack for two hours : do thus twice . for a most desperate farcy . take the herb called clay-clayes , which is a weed growing by the water side , having a great broad round leaf , and is green on the upper side and white on the neather ; & rew of each a like quantity , beat them and strain them : then to a pint of that juice , put of housleek a handful , half a pint of aquavitae , and two good spoonfull of pepper beaten and fearc'd . of this liquor take a pint and give it the horse to drink , then with round balls of flax dipt in the same , stop up both his ears , then with the strained bruisings of all the herbs , rub the soars , and stop the holes if there be any hollowness : do thus twice at the least . for any founder or frettize wet or dry . first , pare thin , open the heels wide , and take good store of blood from the toes or shackle veins ( which some hold good ) then rack on a shoo somwhat hollow , broad at the heels , and the inside of the web , from the first nail to the heel turned inward , towards the frog , yet not touch any part thereof , or the hoof : so that the horse may tread on the out verge of the shooe , and not on the inward , then take burgundy pitch , and rolling it in a little fine cotton-wooll or bombast , with an hot iron melt it into the foot betwixt the shoo and the toe , till the orifice where the blood was taken be filled up ; then take a pound of hogs grease , and melt it , and mix it with wheat bran , till it be as thick as a pultiss : then boyling hot stop up the horses feet therewith , then cover it with a piece of an old shoo , and splent it up , and so let him stand for three or four daies : then if occasion serve you may renew it , or otherwise the cure is wrought . to make hooves to grow quickly , and to be tough and strong . take allum , the juice of garlick , of each seven ounces , rew three handfull , old hogs grease two pound , of asses dung , or for want of it , cow dung an handfull , mix them and boyl them together . with this both stop the horses feet , and anoint the crownets of the hooves , the medicine being hot . for brittle hooves . take turpentine , sheeps sue ? , unwrought wax and hogs grease of each half a pound , pitch , rozin , half a pound , sallet oyl half a pint , and of dogs grease a pound ; boyl all together , and keep it in a gallipot : with this oyntment anoint the hooves outwardly , and if you please tie some of the ointment with a cloth to the crownets , then stop them within with cow dung , and dogs grease mixt together . for surbat or soarness in the feet , whether by travell , too near paring , or other accident . take a lump of course sugar , and with an hot iron melt it between the shooe and the foot , and when it is hardned , take nettles and bay salt , and stamp them , stop up the frog of the foot also . for a quitterbone . first , tent it a day or two with hogs grease and verdigrease ground together : then take scalding hot hogs grease and poure it into the hole , and lay a plaster of pitch and tar mixt over it for 24 hours ; then if the bone rise not , do the same again and it will rise . for saddle-bruises , hard swellings , and impostumations . first , ripen it with wet hay , or rotten litter ; then when it is soft , open it and let out the corruption , then fill the hollowness with the powder of rozin , and lay a plaster of shoomakers wax over it : and thus do once a day till it be whole . if it be slow in skinning or drying up , throw on the powder of unslackt lime , and bolarmony mixt together . but if any proud flesh arise , take it down either with burnt allam or verdigrease in powder . another for a soar back . take the juice of seladine and life hony , of each two spoonfull , beat them with the yelk of an egg , and with as much allum and wheat flower as will serve to bring it to a salve , dress the soar with this once a day ; it draweth and healeth . for a prick with a pitchfork on the crownet or other part . take a pottle of urine , two handfull of mallows , and half a pound of boars grease , boyl them together , and being reasonable hot , bathe the leggs therewith ; then apply the mallows to the wound : but if the swelling ascend upward and be great , then rope the legg up , and moist the ropes with his urine . this is good for any swelling , whether of grease or otherwise . for any chafing or galling . make the sore dry , and then rub it with a raw egg shell and all . a generall salve for any sore , swelling , prick , cloying , or tread . take turpentine , black sope , hogs grease , green treat and pitch like quaintity , mix and boyl them together , and apply it warm either plasterwise or tentwise . to make hair grow in bald places . take sope a quarter of a pound , as much bears grease , and a quarter of a pint of aquavitae : boyl these together and apply it to the bald places ; in a fortnight it will bring hair . to stanch blood . take wild tansie , and bruise it in your hand , and apply it . also primrose leaves used in the like manner have the same effect . otherwise take a piece of an old felt hat , and burn it to powder , and apply it to the wound , or put it up , or snuff it up into the nose if it bleed . for enterfering . take a sharp and knotted cord , and draw it from his dock , betweene his leggs to the girths , and so ride him , or else rub starch between his thighs . this i allow rather for an horsecoursers help , them a present cure . to tame an unruly horse that he may be drencht or drest of anygrief . put into one of his ears a little round sharp flint stone , and gripe it hard therein ; if you do so to both , he will be more quiet . finis . a new method, and extraordinary invention, to dress horses, and work them according to nature as also, to perfect nature by the subtility of art, which was never found out, but by ... william cavendishe ... newcastle, william cavendish, duke of, 1592-1676. 1667 approx. 464 kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from 216 1-bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : 2007-01 (eebo-tcp phase 1). a53074 wing n887 estc r18531 12040142 ocm 12040142 52970 this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons 0 1.0 universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase 1, no. a53074) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set 52970) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, 1641-1700 ; 572:8) a new method, and extraordinary invention, to dress horses, and work them according to nature as also, to perfect nature by the subtility of art, which was never found out, but by ... william cavendishe ... newcastle, william cavendish, duke of, 1592-1676. [12], 342, 40, 343-352, [4] p. printed by tho. milbourn, london : 1667. reproduction of original in huntington library. created by converting tcp files to tei p5 using tcp2tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the 25,363 texts created during phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 january 2015. anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf-8 unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p5, characters represented either as utf-8 unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng horses -grooming. horsemanship -early works to 1800. 2005-12 tcp assigned for keying and markup 2006-03 spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images 2006-06 derek lee sampled and proofread 2006-06 derek lee text and markup reviewed and edited 2006-09 pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a new method , and extraordinary invention , to dress horses , and work them according to natvre : as also , to perfect nature by the subtilty of art ; which was never found out , but by the thrice noble , high , and puissant prince william cavendishe , duke , marquess , and earl of newcastle ; earl of ogle ; viscount mansfield ; and baron of bolsover , of ogle , of bertram , bothal , and hepple : gentleman of his majesties bed-chamber ; one of his majesties most honourable privy-councel ; knight of the most noble order of the garter ; his majesties lieutenant of the county and town of nottingham ; and justice in ayre trent-north : who had the honour to be governour to our most glorious king , and gracious soveraign , in his youth , when he was prince of wales ; and soon after was made captain general of all the provinces beyond the river of trent , and other parts of the kingdom of england ; with power , by a special commission , to make knights . london , printed by tho. milbourn , in the year 1667. to his most sacred majesty charles the second , by the grace of god , king of great britain , france , and ireland , defender of the faith , &c. may it please your majesty , my first book of horse-manship , printed in french , had the honour of your patronage ; and i presume again , to dedicate this second , in english , to your majesty ; who being not only the greatest monarch in christendome , but a king that loves justice and truth , can best judge of books , which contain , i dare say , the perfect and only truth of horse-manship . my duty , and particular affection to your person , are sufficient motives to me , to consecrate , not books only , but my self , and mine , and all that belongs to us , to your majesties service : but besides that , your favours to me are so many , and so great ; that what i am , and have , ought justly to be sacrificed to your will and pleasure , as yours ; wherein i joy more , than if it was mine . your wisdom , sir , valour , and conduct , makes all your neighbours confess , that your majesty is the most glorious king that ever reign'd ; and that god will prosper you , in all your great actions , and give your majesty an happy and long reign , to the joy and comfort of all your loyal subjects , is both heartily wish'd , and fervently pray'd for , by your majesties most obedient creature , william newcastle . to the readers . having past the greatest part of my long exile at antwerp , one of the finest cities in the world , whose inhabitants are deservedly famous , for their extraordinary civilities to strangers , of which i must acknowledge to have receiv'd a great many from them : i did , during that time , publish , in french , a book of horse-manship ; and having again , since my return to my native country , had much leisure , in my solitary country life , to recollect my thoughts , and try new experiments about that art ; i now , for the more particular satisfaction of my country-men , print this second book , in english ; which being neither a translation of the first , nor an absolutely necessary addition to it , may be of use by it self , without the other , as the other hath been hitherto , and is still , without this ; but both together will questionless do best . i cannot mention antwerp , upon the score of my book , but i must also take notice of the honour i have receiv'd there , from many noble great persons , who did me the favour to see my mannage ; and of the things they was pleased to say , upon occasion of what they saw there ; which will be in lieu of encomiums , in the behalf of horses , and of horse-manship , very proper in this place . when i had the honour to wait on don john of austria , at antwerp , brought to him by my lord of bristol , his highness was pleas'd to use me extreme civilly ; and to ask both then , and at several other times , for my book of horse-manship , before it was printed ; and to receive it with great satisfaction , when i presented his highness with one : but he did not see my horses , which , in above 20. coaches , all the spaniards of his court , went to my mannage to see ; with many noble-men of flanders , as the duke of ascot , and others , before whom i rid my self , three horses , and my esquier , five . being return'd to don john , he ask'd them , whether my horses was as rare , as their reputation was great : to which they answer'd , that my horses was such , that they wanted nothing of reasonable creatures , but speaking . and the marquess of seralvo , master of the horse to his highness , and governour of the castle of antwerp , told his highness , that he had ask'd me , what horses i lik'd best : and that i had answer'd , there were good and bad of all nations ; but that the barbes were the gentlemen of horse-kind , and spanish-horses the princes . which answer did infinitely please the spaniards : and it is very true , that horses are so as i said . the marquess of carasena was so civilly earnest to see me ride , that he was pleas'd to say , it would be a great satisfaction to him , to see me on horse-back , though the horse should but walk . and seeing that no excuses would serve , ( though i did use many ) i was contented to satisfie his so obliging a curiosity ; and told him , i would obey his commands , though i thought i should hardly be able to sit in the saddle . two dayes after he came to my mannage , and i rid first a spanish-horse , called le superbe , of a light-bay , a beautiful horse ; and though hard to be rid , yet when he was hitt right , he was the readiest horse in the world : he went in corvets forward , backward , sidewayes , on both hands ; made the cross perfectly upon his voltoes ; and did change upon his voltoes so just , without breaking time , that no musitian could keep time better ; and went terra a terra perfectly . the second horse i rid , was another spanish horse , call'd le genty ; and was rightly named so , for he was the finest shap'd horse that ever i saw , and the neatest ; a brown-bay , with a white-star in his forehead ; no horse ever went terra a terra like him , so just , and so easie ; and for the piroyte in his length , so just , and so swift , that the standers by could hardly see the rider's face when he went ; and truly , when he had done , i was so dizzey , that i could hardly sit in the saddle : he went also so exactly in corvets forwards , as no horse can goe better , and yet he had no great strength ; whence it appears , that a horse of agility , lightness , spirit , well-temper'd , and of a good disposition , is much better than a horse that hath only strength ; and that a most mighty and great dutch-brewer's horse , wanting spirit and agility , can never goe well in the mannage . the third and last horse i rid then , was a barbe , that went a metz-ayre , very high , both forward , and upon his voltoes , and terra a terra . and when i had done riding , the marquess of carasena seem'd to be very well satisfied ; and some spaniards that were with him , cross'd themselves , and cried , miraculo . many french gentlemen , and persons of the greatest quality of that nation , did me the favour to see my horses ; and the prince of conde himself , with several noble-men , and officers , was pleased to take the pains to goe twice to my mannage : and though the french think , that all the horse-manship in the world is in france ; yet one of them , and he a very great man in his country , was heard say , directing his speech to me : par dieu ( monsieur ) il est bien hardi qui monte devant vous : and another said , at another time : il n'y a plus de segnieur comme vous en angleterre . among many great persons , of which the vast country of germany affords abundance , who , for the most part , delight to travel ; the landgrave of hesse , did not only do me the honour to visit me , and see my horses ; but , being return'd to his country , was pleased to shew , by a very kind letter , that he had not forgotten me , nor the love he had observed i have for horses ; being pleased to promise , he would send me two of his own breed ; but soon after , he was kill'd in the warrs the king of swede made with the king of poland . as poor as i was in those dayes , i made shift to buy , at several times , four barbes , five spanish-horses , and many dutch-horses ; all the most excellent horses that could be ; and among them a grey leaping-horse , the most beautiful that ever i saw ; and who went exceeding high and just in leaps , without any help at all ; as also upon the ground ; and terra a terra , beyond all other horses ; and he did look as if he had been above the rate of horse-kind . the duke of guise hearing of him , two gentlemen , a french-rider , and an englishman , wrote to me , that if i would part with him , the duke of guise would give me 600. pistolls for him ; but he was dead three dayes before i receiv'd their letter ; and had he liv'd , i would not have taken any money for him ; for he was above price : and besides , i was then too great a beggar , to think to be made rich by the sale of a horse : i have bestow'd many thousands of pounds in horses , and have given many ; but never was a good horse-courser ; selling being none of my professions . the king himself , who is an excellent judge , both of men , and business ; of things of use , and of recreation ; of necessity , and of ornament ; did like that horse very well : and having had the honour , when i was his governour , to be the first that sate him on horse-back , and did instruct him in the art of horse-manship ; it is a great satisfaction to me , to make mention here of the joy i had then , to see , that his majesty made my horses goe better , than any italian , or french-riders ( who had often rid them ) could do ; and to hear him say , that there are very few that know horses ; which was knowingly said , and wisely judg'd of his majesty : it being very certain , that all men undertake to ride them , but very few know them , or can tell what they are good for . it would fill a volume , to repeat all the commendations that were given to horses , and to horse-manship , by several worthy gentlemen , of all nations , high and low-dutch , italians , english , french , spaniards , polacks , and swedes , in my own private riding-house , at antwerp ; which , though very large , was often so full , that my esquier , capt. mazin , had hardly room to ride ; but these few already spoken of , will serve very well instead of all : and after i have given an account , that i have divided this whole book in four parts , and every part in many sections , and paragraphs , wherein i never intended to observe any exact method ; i beseech my readers , to take in good part , that i have however set down , as clearly as i could , without the help of any other logick , but what nature hath taught me , all the observations about horses , and horse-manship ; which i have made , by a long , and chargeable , though i must needs say , very pleasant , and satisfactory , experience : and so farewell . the new method , and extraordinary invention to dress horses . the first part . of the several authors that have written of horse-manship , both italians , french and english . this noble art was first begun and invented in italy , and all the french and other nations went thither to learn ; the seate of horse-manship being at naples : the first that ever writ of it was frederick grison a neapolitan ; and truly he writ like a horse-man , and a great master in the art for those times : henry the eighth sent for two italians that were his schollars , to come to him into england ; and of one of them came all our alexanders ; and their schollars fill'd the kingdom with horse-men . sir philip sidney brought an italian rider , one signior romano , to teach his nephew william lord herbert , afterwards earl of pembrook ; and the same sir philip sidney brought also over an other italian rider , call'd signior prospero : the old earle of leicester , sent for an excellent rider out of italy , call'd signior claudio curtio , who writ a book of horse-manship , and is quoted by several italian writers ; but i think , that very much of his book is stolen out of grison . laurentius cussius is another author , none of the best , with horrible bitts . then there is cesar fieske , who hath writ a book much out of grison too , where he meddles with musick . there is another book of horse-manship , call'd gloria del cavallo , with long discourses , and much out of grison . there is another italian book of horse-manship , call'd cavallo frenato de pietro antonio , a neapolitan ; much stolen out of grison : but his book consists most of bitts , to little purpose ; though they seem to be great curiosities . but the most famous man that ever was in italy , was at naples , a neapolitan , call'd signior pignatel ; but he never writ : monsieur la broue rid under him five years : monsieur de pluvinel nine years : and monsieur st. anthoine many years . the liberty , which is the best for bitts , at this day , we call a la pignatel . these three aforementioned french-men that rid under signior pignatel , fill'd france with french horse-men ; which before were fill'd with italians . monsieur la broue , i believe , was the first that ever writ of horse-manship , in the french language : and the first french-man that ever writ in that art ; his book is very tedious , many words for little matter ; and his first book is absolutely all stolen out of grison ; and his second book from pignatell's lessons ; but la broue , to seem wiser than he was , and to make up a book , divides a circle into so many parts , to bring a horse to a whole circle , that it confounds a horse more , and is harder for him , than to work him upon a whole circle at first : and for broue's third book of bitts , there is no great matter in it . as for pluvinel , no doubt but he was a good horse-man ; but his invention of the three pillars , of which his book pretends to be an absolute method , is no more than an absolute routine ; and hath spoyl'd more horses , than ever any thing did ; for horses are not made to the hand and the heel at all with them ; nor will they go from the usual place where they are ridden , nor well there neither . but my book is stolen out of no book , nor any mans practice but my own , and is as true as it is new ; and if any man do not like it , it is a great signe he understands it not : for there is no way for dressing horses like it ; if it be not good , i am sure it is the best that hath been vvrit yet ; what will be vvrit hereafter i know not . i must tell you that the italian writers are tedious , and write more of marks , colours , temperatures , elements , moon , stars , winds , and bleedings , than of the art of rideing ; only to make up a book , though they wanted horse-manship . there was one signior hannibal a neapolitan that came into england and serv'd the lord walden . monsieur st. anthoine a french-man , was a very good horse-man , and sent over by henry the fourth of france , to teach prince henry ; monsieur la coste was his page , and ridd excellently well , especially leaping horses . monsieur boycler ridd under him too , and was an excellent horse-man ; monsieur founteney , which was either his nephew , or his natural son ; for he gave him all when he dyed , was also a very good horse-man , but none of these ever writ any thing of horse-manship . and the best horse-man , that ever i knew , is one of my own breeding , and rides by my method , which is captain mazine , now a query to the king . that it is a very impertinent error , and of great prejudice , to think the mannagevseless . many say , that all things in the mannage is nothing but tricks , and dancing , and gamballs , and of no use : but by their leave , whosoever sayes so , is very much deceived ; for a horse that is well settled upon the hand , and firm and obedient to the hand and heels , gallops the field , and changes as often , and just as you will , either without the circle , or within the circle , serpiger , terra a terra , the piroite , or what you will ; and all is this upon the ground , and every thing and particle of it useful ; and so useful , that a good horse-man , upon such a horse , would have too much advantage , in conscience , of him that talks against it , either in a single combat , or in the vvarrs ; for a ready-horse will run , stop , turn , go back ; and if he rise , he knows how to come down again , and is so well on the hand , as you cannot pull him over with both your hands ; and so obedient , that i will run him on fire , water , or sword , and he shall obey me : and all this cannot be done but by the art of rideing , and that in the mannage . but , what makes these men speak against it ? the first reason , is , because they are ignorant , and so speak , as the wisest men in the world must do , when they will speak of any thing they know not , and think that talk will carry it : but the main reason is this ; they find they cannot ride well ; nay , indeed not at all , a horse of mannage , and they would be the finest men in the world , for all things , though they will take pains for nothing ; and because , forsooth , they cannot ride by inspiration , without taking pains , therefore it is worth nothing , and of no use : but if every thing was naught that they cannot do , there would be very few things good in the world. the next thing , is , that they think it a disgrace for a gentleman to do any thing well . what! be a rider . why not ? many kings and princes think themselves graced with being good horse-men . our gracious and most excellent king , is not only the handsomest , and most comely horse-man in the world , but as knowing and understanding in the art as any man ; and no man makes a horse go better than i have seen some go under his majesty the first time that ever he came upon their backs , which is the height and quintescence of the art ; and yet i dare say the king takes it for no disgrace to be so excellent a horse-man : the duke of york is also a very good horse-man , and both take it for an honour , and no disgrace ; and think it a most useful and noble quality for princes . the duke of mommorancy , conestable of france , and the first gentleman of christendom , was the best horse-man in the world , and to this day the best branches for bitts was of his invention , called a la conestable ; and so he devised the best spurrs ; and never any esquier ridd like him , being certainly the best horse-man in the world , which he thought a grace to him : the prince of conde , his grand-childe by the princess his mother , is an excellent horse-man , and thinks it no disgrace to him . most of the princes in france highly esteem it , and are good horse-men : nay , their king , at this present time , highly esteems it , and is a good horse-man ; nor is any gentleman in france esteem'd that is not a good horse-man . the great king of spain deceased , did not only love it , and understand it , but was absolutely the best horse-man in all spain . i may therefore desire these men to be more merciful , and to think it no disgrace , to them , to be horse-men ; but still the old business will stick with them , which is , they cannot do it , and therefore it is naught : a very good and sensless reason ! he that will take pains for nothing , shall never do any thing vvell ; for arts , sciences , and good qualities , come not by instinct , but are got by great labour , study , and practice ; wherefore these men will none ( i thank you ) till they be as easily learnt , as the seven deadly sins , railing , and wearing fine cloaths and feathers . but let us see now , how these men are on horse-back , and what their horses do under them . this cavalier seats as far back in the sadle as he can , his leggs stretcht as far forward before the shoulders of the horse , with his toes out , that he may spur him in the shoulders ; and stoops in the back , which they call a comely seat ; not knowing how to hold the bridle in his hand , nor ghess at any helps at all ; and appears on horse-back as if he were three quarters foxt , so ridiculous is that seat : and having sent to a sadler , or a bitt-maker , to bitt his horse , all is well . being mounted thus , as i tell you , you shall see his ready horse of vse , and his horse-manship : when he would turn him on the right hand , the horse doth turn on the left ; and when he would turn him on the left hand , the horse doth turn on the right : when he would stop him , the horse runs away : when he would put him forward , the horse runs backward : when he would put him back , the horse rises , and comes over with him , and there the good horse-man lies , and must send for a surgion , or a bone-setter , if he be not kill'd : nay , his horse shall neither come neer drum , trumpet , or colours , pistol , or sword ; but he fetches forty figaries to endanger him and his horse : and this is the excellent horse-man , and the ready horse of vse . how is it possible to be otherwise , when the horse knows not how to obey either hand or hee ll , and the horse-man is as ignorant as he ? whence it followes , that there is nothing to make a sure horse , but the mannage . i would have every horse ( that wears a bitt ) gelding , or nagg , wrought in the mannage , to be firm on the hand , both for readiness , and safety , were it for a b : b : judge , or lady : for without setling of the hand , they are very unuseful , and dangerous . i wonder how men are so presumptious , to think they can ride as horse-men , because they can ride forward from barnet to london , which every body can do ; and i have seen vvomen to ride astride as well as they : they do not think of any art , or trade , as they do of horse-manship , where they are all masters : which doth not prove so , when they ride . i think i have proved sufficiently their errour , and ignorance ; and as fully proved , that there is no vseful horse but those that are made in the mannage . the next thing , is , to tell you , that corvets , and other ayres , settles a horse very well upon the hand ; makes him leight before , and puts him upon the hanches , which are all useful for a souldiers horse ; and makes him stop upon the hanches , which is very useful for a man in armes ; for , did the horse stop upon the shoulders , he would give his rider ( being armed ) such a shock as would make his bones ake , was he never so sound : nay , to make a horse go in leaps , firms him on the hand , which is good for a souldiers horse . but , sayes a gallant , when i should have use of him in the field , then he will be playing tricks : that gallant is deceived ; for , the helps to make horses go in ayres , and to make them go upon the ground , are several ; and good horse-men have much ado to make them go in ayres , with their best helps ; so that , if you let them alone , they will not trouble you ; besides , two or three dayes march will make them , that they will not go in ayres , if you would have them ; and they are much the readier to go on the ground : whereby you see , that there is no horse whatsoever can be a good and useful horse , in any kind , with a bitt , but what is wrought in the mannage . and therefore i advise you , for your safety , and use , to ride all horses in the mannage , and you will find it very true , that there can be no horse else safe and useful ; nor can any horse go well in a snaffle , except he be formerly ridd with a bitt . as for pleasure and state , what prince or monarch looks more princely , or more enthroned , than upon a beautiful horse , with rich foot-clothes , or rich sadles , and waving plumes , making his entry through great cities , to amaze the people with pleasure and delight ? or , what more glorious or manly , than , at great marriages of princes , to run at the ring , or tilt , or course at the field ? what can be more comely or pleasing , than to see horses go in all their several ayres ? and to see so excellent a creature , with so much spirit , and strength , to be so obedient to his rider , as if having no will but his , they had but one body , and one mind , like a centaur ? but above all , what sets off a king more , than to be on a beautiful horse at the head of his army ? thus it is proved , that there is nothing of more use than a horse of mannage ; nor any thing of more state , manliness , or pleasure , than rideing ; and as it is the noblest , so it is the healthfullest exercise in the world. in hunting , hawking , bowling , shooting , cocking , cardes and dice , and many such things , there is no use at all , but meerly pleasure : but in a horse of mannage , both use and pleasure . it is true , that if there was nothing commendable but what is useful , strictly examined ; we must have nothing but hollow trees for our houses , figg-leaf-breeches for our clothes , acorns for our meat , and water for our drink ; for certainly , most things else are but superfluities and curiosities . i find fault with no mans delights , and do only vindicate ( with truth ) my own , since i have been so prest to it with odde discourses ; but i leave every one to his own vvayes , and his own delights , desiring they will do the like by me , which i shall take for a great favour : but if it chances they will not be so gracious , and just to me , it will grieve me so extreamly , that , in my conscience , i shall sleep never the vvorse . that a good horse-man may be thrown-down off his horse , without disparagement to horse-man-ship , contrary to the vulgar errour . most people are very much deceiv'd , when , if a horse throws down his rider , they not only laugh at him , but think to have reason so to do ; saying of the best horse-man in the vvorld , to whom such a mischance should happen , that he is a fine horse-man indeed ! for they can swear , that they knew a horse threw him . but they must learn , that a good horse-man may be thrown down sooner than ill ones ; because good horse-men little think of sitting , and so may be surprised , their thoughts being all how to make their horses go well , and never doubt throwing ; whereas an ill horse-man thinks of nothing but sitting , for fear he should be thrown , and never thinks how to make his horse go well ; for he knows not how to do it : but holds by the main , and the pomel , and his head at the horses head , ready to beat out his teeth , and his leggs holding by the flank ; and is so deformed on horse back , as if he were a strange african monster ; and the horse so disordered , that to see him sit in that manner , is the most nauseous sight that can be , and the most displeasing to the beholders ; and were much better for the spectators to see him fall , and for his reputation , so he received no hurt by the fall. thus you see , that any groom , or tinker , may sit , and yet be no horse-man , which is a greater business than only sitting ; for a jackanapes in paris garden , when he is baited with musled mastiffs , the gentleman sits very sure , but not very comely , and in my conscience is no excellent horse-man ▪ sitting is but one thing in horse-manship , and there are thousands of things in the art. so if a good horse-man be thrown by chance , hath he lost all his horse-manship , because he was once thrown ? and is an ignorant fellow inspired presently with horse-manship , because he can ill-favouredly cling to the horse , and hold on ? no , sitting fast is the meanest thing in horse-manship , which comprehends many more of greater consequence . but yet i must tell you , i never knew in my life , a good horse-man thrown , but i have known many presumptuous ignorant fellows get falls ; but , as , if a good horse-man by chance be thrown , he doth not lose all his horse-manship with that fall , if he be not kill'd ; so an ignorant man , if he sits , is not presently infused with horse-manship : for it is a mistake as ridiculous as it is common , to take sitting fast on horse-back for the whole art of horse-manship . old grison , and his translator mr. blundevile , anatomized old grison , and many italian authors , would have a bardel , which is a straw saddle , set first on a colts back , and nothing but a rope cavazon on his nose ; which is to no purpose in the world , but loss of time : then they will trot him two or three years up hills , and down hills , to stop him ; which is to less purpose , and more loss of time. they would have a circle ; or ring , as they call them , of an acre of ground in plow'd land , to make a horse go a hundred turns in it , which is worse than to ride a journey of thirty miles ; and i wonder what horses they had in those dayes ; for i am sure , those we have now , are not able to do it . they teach to ride one horse two or three hours at a time , when one may well ride half a dozen at least in an hour , and give them sufficiently enough . for their single turns , and double turns , call'd radopiare , they are ridiculous , and so is the repolone , which is to gallop him half a mile , and then turn him ill-favouredly and false : and their several mannages of metzo tempo , tutto tempo , and contratempo , are no better . for a resty horse they raise a whole town with staves to beat him , with many curious inventions , with squirts , fire , whelps , hedg-hoggs , nailes , and i know not what. and the same they do before a horse that runs away , as well as to the resty horse behind . then for spurring , the bunching stroke , and the clinching stroke ; and if he will not endure the spurs , boots stufft with straw , and spurs at them , to hang at his sides , ( which is not worth a straw ) ; and the chambetta , which signifies nothing . for a horse that is afraid , and starts , they appoint whirlegiggs of several colours , which will make him ten times worse . and to lay stones in his way , and a hollow ditch to ride him in , are lamentable businesses in horse-manship : and they have as many foolish wayes for the credensa , which shall never cure him of that vice. they bid us take heed , by any means , not to make the horse too weak-neckt ; which is a prime note ! but mr. blundevile did not know , that all horses are a stiff-necked generation . mr. pagano would never use his horse to any thing but a walk , or a trot at the most ; wherewith ( i am sure ) he shall never dress a horse perfectly ; and yet ( sayes mr. blundevile ) it was a wonder to all beholders , to see , that in eight dayes , he would make him run a carreer perfectly , which i will undertake to have done the first morning that ever he ran. speaking of his capriole , he mistakes the ayre , as well as the making of the horse . for corvets , mr. blundevil did not understand it ( nor his master grison belike ) when he sayes , the spaniards take delight to make their horses go in corvets , which never spaniard yet could do ; but he takes trampling , and prauncing , for corvets , wherein he is much deceiv'd ; for corvets is the hardest ayre in the world , which no horse can go , unless he be perfectly within the hand , and the heels , and upon the hanches ; which is not trampling . to ride short , he calls after the turkish fashion , wherein he is deceived ; for it is a la genette , which is the spanish fashion too ; and to ride short in corvets is his mistake , for i would ride longer in corvets than any other ayre . he is also mistaken , when he sayes , he would not have above two horses in her majesties stable to go in corvets ; for it is of no use ( saith he ) and such delighting toyes of prauncing up and down they will do , when they should go upon the ground : for first , there is nothing makes a horse better upon the hand , than corvets , and that 's useful ; then , there is nothing puts a horse so much upon the hanches , and firms him there , as corvets , and that is usefull too ; and mr. blundevil is mightily deceived , to think , that he will go in corvets , when he should go upon the ground ; for the helps are several : and let a horse be never so apt , or perfect in corvets , and made upon the ground too , ( which is the first thing must be done ) i dare say he shall never offer at corvets with me , but go just upon the ground as i would have him ; because the helps are several . he sayes , that in five or six months he can make a horse to gallop the field , ( a necessary thing for a souldiers horse ) ; which is no more , as he understands it , than in an acre of ground to gallop and change , still upon a gallop ; and that i will undertake to make a cart-horse do in three dayes . besides , they dig out rings , and entrench themselves ( which is a horrible folly ) ; but i desire no more for stopping than a plain place , without hills , or any such toyes ; and will dress any horse perfectly there , by the new method of my french book : which i refer you to . for mr. blundevils bitts , the are very ridiculous ; the eyes are naught , the cheeks as ill , and the mouths worst of all ; with catts feet , up-sets , portes , and broken portes ; catts feet , and up-sets , with a revet nayl ; and his compleat bitts , are compleatly abominable , with their water-chain and trench , the mouth of the bitt too being as bigg as my wrist , and the branches as long as my arm ; and the curb as bigg as a chain for a horse nose , with stories flying trench , which is a snaffle tyed to the bitt , and such other tormenting ignorant follies : the leggs of it are 〈…〉 be so loose , as if they were broken , in the knees , and are to help up and down , as if they were wind-mill-sayls . he would have us to strike a horse with a cudgel , or a rod , between the ears , and upon the head ; which is abominable , though he thinks it a rare secret. and thus much of mr. blundevils riding , which is grison translated into english . mr. blundevils breeding , to turn the stallion loose to the mares , is indifferent well , but not right ; and to put him to them again at holland-tide , stark naught . to cover in hand is unnatural , and you shall not have half of them ( so covered ) prove with fole . to have a horse-fole , or mare-fole , by tying his right , or left stone ; to observe the moon , and the wind , to sail to procreation , or get a fole by the almanack , is very ridiculous , and to put painted clothes before the mares , to make the foles of what colour you would have them , is no less ridiculous . that , if the horse , as soon as he hath covered , come down on the right side , it is a horse colt ; and if of the left side , it is a filley : and if , so many dayes after the mare is mounted , her coat look sleek , and shines , then she hath conceaved ; if it do not shine , she hath not conceaved , are all tales to tell to children , rather than to men of reason and discretion ; all mountebank-ship and fooleries : and to make the horse lusty , and the mares , there is little or nothing in it . mr. blundevil reasons thus : that for as much , as all mares do fole standing . wherein certainly he took his note out of some learned author , as aristotle , or the like ; for i will assure you , that never any mare in the world did fole standing : if she did , the fole would break his neck ; for , he comes into the world with his head first , and his two feet on both sides of his head. no! the mare is in too great pain to fole standing , and therefore she lies down , and foles so . mr. blundevil sayes , there is a thing growes in the foles fore-head like a figg , which the mare commonly bites off , which is called hippomenes ; and if it be taken , it doth miraculous things in love-matters , which he was loath to write of . truly he was over-careful , with all his old writers ; and , in my conscience , if it could be got , it would do miraculous things , not only in love , but in every thing else . but the truth of this business , is , that never any such thing did grow upon any foles fore-head ; and therefore could never be bitt off by the mare . no doubt but that mistake is caused by the secondine , or clean , or bagg , in which the fole lies , whereof all the strings meets at the end , which looks like a little knot , and that hangs loose upon the foles head ; but when the fole is foled , that , and the bagg , goes together ; for it is all one thing . mr. blundevil bids us take heed , that the mare do not eat that bagg , or secondine , because the country wives kye do so . but i have enquired of the country-men , and they say , not one cow in a hundred does do it : and for mares , i will assure you , they never do it : and if you ask , what they do with it ? i say , they let it lie there , and trouble themselves no more with it . mr. blundevil condemns those that take the foles , to be taken off at martlemas ; because , according to his old learned authors , he would have them suck two years at least : that is , he would have them heavy , flaby jades , besides the loss of the fruitfulness of his mares ; wherein his old authors are very much deceived . then he sayes , that the foles leggs are as long when they are foled , as ever afterward ; wherein he is very much deceived : does he think , that the body only grows , and the leggs not at all ? a very ridiculous opinion ! for , look at the foles leggs , and the mares , and you shall find the mares leggs are longer a great deal . can any man think , that a gray-hounds-whelp , as soon as he is whelpt , hath his leggs as long as when he is a dogg ? it is ridiculous . to know , which fole will have the best spirit , by running fore-most , and leaping of hedges and rayls ; is quite contrary to the experience i had once of a colt , that nothing would keep in , leaping over all things he came near ; and when he came to be ridd , the dullest jade that could be . to know by their feet , and much of white , that they are not long-lived , is as false a rule , as any he hath set down . his reckoning horses teeth , is beyond the number of what ever any horse had ; and that every horse hath two tushes below , and two above , is , i assure you , true. some horses ( say they ) have no tushes at all , and they commonly ill-natured , being something of the mare ; but as there is not one in a hundred but have tushes , so there is not one mare in a hundred that have any ; and those that have , are ill-natured , participating too much of the horse ; and both are a kind of hermaphroditical compositions . thus you see , how learned people ( with their old authors ) are deceived . to know the disposition of horses , by the elements , and their marks . mr. blundevil sayes , the sorrel is of the element of fire , and therefore is full of mettle , hot , and fiery ; but i assure you , i have known more sorrel horses dull jades than of any other colour . that white horses are flegmatick , and so participate of the element of water , and therefore are dull and heavy jades : but i assure you again , i have known white horses to be fuller of spirit , and livelier , than of any other colour ; and so his elements are wrong in every thing : your best way is , to try your horse ; which philosophy will hold to know him best . mr. blundevil speaks also of the marks of horses , that there are four good , and seven bad ; such a foot of the far side , and such a foot of the neer side , and which fore-foot , and which hinder-foot ; and not too much white in his face , nor his leggs to be very high white ; and feathers , and i know not what a kind of conjuration : all false and ridiculous lies . when once i hear a man talk of marks and elements , i have done with him , and know no other philosophy but trying ; for , there are good and bad of all colours , and of all marks ; but there are more badd horses than good of any colour or mark , as there are of any thing else , even of men in all things : therefore marks and colours are foolish and false toyes , only to abuse simple people withal . of the perfect shape of a horse . mr. blundevil speaks so of the perfect shape of a horse , that such a horse as he describes , was never of gods , and natures making , but of his own , or of some foolish authors he hath read ; for he takes several parts of several horses , and puts them together , which is a horse of their own making ; for there was never such a horse foled . every country hath a several shape of horses ; as the turk , the neapolitan , the spanish horse , the barb , and the duch horse ; all very fine in their kindes . in a word , i will shew you the ridiculousness of setting down the perfect shape of a horse . for example , who can set down the perfect shape of a dogg ? a mastiff is not a grey-hound ; nor a gray-hound , a lancashire-hound ; nor a lancashire-hound a little beagle ; and yet all very fine doggs in their kinds : and so of horses : which shows the impossibility to set down the perfect shape of a horse . mr. blundevil sayes , a spanish horse is pinn-buttockt , narrow and slender behind : i believe he would have a spanish horse to have a dutch horses buttock ; which would indeed be very correspondent to the rest of his shape : some spanish horses have oval buttocks , which is the finest buttocks of all . he sayes they have ill feet : it is true , some have , and so have horses of all countries ; dutch the worst , and some of the english very bad : he sayes also , spanish horses are weak ; but there are more weak dutch horses than spanish . i have had many spanish horses with good buttocks , good feet , and strong ; and if some should be weak , yet their spirits make them go much better , than any other horses that are stronger . he sayes , they are gentle in their youth , and grow vitious in their age : but i assure you , there is no such thing ; for they are as gentle in their age , as they are in their youth , and very loving horses : so mr. blundevil is very much abused by his old authors whom he reverences so much . he sayes , the gennet hath a comely going , like the turkish , which is neither amble , nor trot. i would know of mr. blundevil , what strange kind of going that is , which is neither of those two : but i will assure him , that there is no horse , that hath four legs , can go , but it must be the action either of an amble , or of a trot ; for galloping , and running , is another thing , and so are all ayres in the mannage . mr. blundevil appears by this , to be a better schollar , than a horse-man : and was indeed a fine gentleman , well travelled , an excellent schollar , a good translator , and puts things into an excellent method , but tyed himself too much to old authors , who knew as little as he in horse-manship ; and so authority abused him , having no knowledge himself in the art , and totally wanting experience in it . his treaty for dyeting of horses , is as learned as any physitian can write ; but yet is nothing as it ought to be ; for he wanted experience . his cures of diseases are most admirable ; and indeed , he is the father of all that business , and the rarest that hath writ upon that subject . markham is but , blundevil with other names , and will not acknowledge it : he hath many new medicines , but they are worth nothing ; as his oyle of oats . nor was he a horse-man at all , but only took notes of medicines , and set them down methodically . after him comes de la gray , which is but , blundevil , with some new medicins that are but indifferent : and for his breeding of horses , it is the most ridiculous thing that ever was known writ . the best medicins of mr. blundevils , are those of martine , who was prime marshal to queen elizabeth ; and , as i take it , an alman , and an excellent farrier : yet , even he , was extreamly mistaken about the glaunders , and mourning of the chine , as by my woful experience in horses i know , and will better inform you , when i set out my book of marshalry , and shooing . mr. blundevil sayes , that barley makes a horse piss red , like bloud ; but he did not understand it perfectly . it is true ; in italy , spain , and barbary , they feed their horses all with barley ; which is , because they have no oats : for , certainly excellent oats is the best feeding for a horse in the world. but you must know , that of barley there are two kinds ; the common barley , that they make beer of , which makes a horse piss a little red ; and of that barley they never give to their horses in spain , but of the other barley , which is called by the name of bigg , and that never makes them piss red , and is the best feeding for horses , where there wants oats : rye scoure's too much , and wheat is too fatning , and good bread too pursey , and foggy . in spain they give barley-straw , ( as my lord cottington told me ; ) but first ; they tread it with oxen , and then it is as soft as silk . and thus for our english authors , of whom i have told you the truth . the opinion of a great master . a great master , held the most excellent horse-man beyond the sea , being bred four or five years under the best horse-man there , and had practiced this art from his child-hood , did me the honour , to come to antwerp of a visit to me from bruxels , and brought with him four or five horses : i treated him the best i could , and shewed him my horses , both led out , and rid. he had a young man with him ( his nephew ) who had ridd under him for the space of seven years : and though he had seen rid , before him , the day afore , three of the readiest horses that ever i had ; yet when he ridd them , he could not encounter them , or make them go at all ; and truly , to my thinking , ( i might say to my knowledge ) he had neither hand , heel , nor seat , as he should have had ; and so it was impossible to make them go right . his master told me , he had found a new method for dressing of horses : which was ; first , never to trot a horse , ( that was his maxim : ) next , never to use the cavezon , nor pull the horses head into the turn . this is , what he would not have done : and , what he would have done , is ; to put the horse to the single pillar , with a long rope , and there pinch him with the spurs , which , sayes he , puts him upon the hand : then to whip him about with the shambriere , to make him go half terra a terra , and half in corvets , and then to make him go in corvets ; which settles him on the hand : and this is the new way of dressing ; indeed , of not dressing horses . to take in pieces , and anatomize this new way : and first , of what he will not have done ; which is , never to trot a horse , and stop him ; which is certainly the foundation of all things in the mannage , either to settle him on the hand , or to put him on the hanches . next , never to use the cavezon , without which no horse can be drest , for many reasons . then , never to pull the horses head into the turn : by which means the horses leggs , and body , shall never go right , or supple either to hand or heel . now , of what he will have done to work his horse : first , to put him to the single pillar , with a long rope , and there pinch him with spurs ; which will do bravely with a colt , that never knew the spurs ; he will surely throw him rather than be put upon the hand : nay , a horse that knows the spurrs , will never be put upon the hand with that invention . then to vvhip him about with the shambriere , to make him go half terra a terra , and half corvets ; which is impossible , for they are two several actions with his leggs : besides , this excellent lesson is in pluvinels book ; which he never used , but to a horse that was almost drest ; and it is naught , then : put him in corvets , to settle him on the hand , sayes he , which is in la broues book , only for a horse that is near drest , and not for a colt : besides , some horses will never go corvets , do what you can : so this method may spoyl horses , but shall never dress them , i assure you ; and you may take my word for it . he will ( by his new method ) never trot , gallop , or walk a horse ; but no horse in the world can be made without these three , nor without a cavezon , stopping , and having his head pull'd into the turn . a strange conceit of a great master . there was a great master , that would ride his horses twice a day ; saying , that if he could dress a horse in six months , once a day riding of them , he was sure he could dress a horse in three months , riding them twice a day ; wherein he is much deceived : for a horse being flesh and blood , cannot indure perpetual travel with little rest ; and no exercise is more violent for a horse than in the mannage . nay , of necessity , riding so much one morning , he will not recover it of a day or two : and if a horse oppose the man , which all horses will do at first , and are vitious , one must correct him soundly ; and , how will you ride him in the afternoon again ? dull him you may , and take off his spirit , make him hate the mannage , and make him like a vaulting horse , rather than like a live horse . nor can you ever give him his meat , vvater , or rest , in order ; the want of which must make him sick , and subject to many diseases ; and shortly after , death will follow : and there is your twice a day riding him , which makes him fit for the hunts-man to dress him for his doggs . some say again , that they will ride no horse twice a day , but horses that are very vitious , and of great strength : i have seen many horses that are vitious , but few of such great strength . for , if the horse be very vitious , you must correct him soundly , and ride him so long until he obey you , in some small measure ; and then i am sure you have ridd him so violently , and so long , as he will hardly be to be ridd the next morning ; and less , to be ridd any more that day : and if the horse be so docil as to obey you in every thing , certainly the best way is to take but a little of him that morning , to encourage him to do so again ; and the more to encourage him , not to ride him until the next morning again : so he will be pleasant , lively , and in lust , and take pleasure in you , and the mannage ; and learn more thus in a months riding him but once a day than he shall in three months , riding him twice a day . have not all schollars play-dayes ? and certain hours of rest in their daies of study ? all trades-men , holy-dayes to rejoyce themselves in ? states-men , divertisments from business ? and good preachers preach not every sunday ? have not lawyers also their terms , and vacations ; and even carriers horses rest christmas , and other holy-dayes ; and so cart-horses , brewers horses , coach-horses , hackney-horses , running-horses ? and shall only horses of mannage be galley-slaves ? there is no reason for that . no , not doggs can hunt every day , or gray-hounds course every day , or spaniels range every day ; or hawks fly every day ; there are hundred examples of it , but these are sufficient to let you see the great folly , and ignorance , of those that will ride their horses of mannage twice a day . just like the polander , being sick , whose physitian gave him nine pills to be taken , three every night , for three nights together ; who very wisely considered , that if three pills every night , for three nights together , would recover him ; that then , taking all the pills one night , would make him well presently . and so did , and had almost purged himself out of this world. so any horse-man that will venture to make a horse as well in three months , with two lessons a day , as another in six months with one lesson a day , may be sure to kill his horse , sooner than teach him , and to shew himself ridiculous in his undertaking . how i found out my method in the mannage ; and that it is the only way to dress horses . there is but one truth in any thing ; and that my method is true , cannot be better demonstrated , than by experience , which will clearly show , that mine never misses its end , as all others do ; and so proves mine true , and theirs false . for , to say that some of them come near the truth , is neither commendation , nor excuse : a falshood within an inch of the truth , being as bad , as if it were an hundred miles off . i have practised , and studyed horse-manship ever since i was ten years old ; have rid with the best masters of all nations , heard them discourse at large , and tryed their several wayes : have read all their italian , french , and english books , and some latine ones ; and in a word , all that hath been writ upon that subject , good and bad ; and have bestowed many thousands of pounds in horses , have spoiled many , and have been very long learning of this art of horse-manship . but all that while i thought still , all was labour in vain ; and that there was something , not found out , which they and their books mist : whereupon i began to consider so seriously , and study so earnestly , all the particulars that concern the mannage ; that at last i found this method , which is as true , as it is new , and is the quintescence of horse-manship : for which i have left all others , as i had great reason so to do , making with it all manner of horses whatsoever , of all nations , and of all dispositions ; strong , weak ; full of fire , dull and lazy ; even mares , geldings , and bidets ; and all that ever comes to my hands . i follow not the horses disposition , as most do ; but i make the horse follow my wayes , and obey me : i seldom beat them , or punish them with either rod , or spur , but when i meet with a great resistance , and that rarely : and yet i must tell you , that i use force , which they obey willingly , for the most part ; and , however , all yeeld , and render themselves at last , with much satisfaction to me ; which i wish others may find in following their wayes . but sayes one , doth your lordship think , that both your books would make me a horse-man ? i answer ; that they are written as plainly , and as clearly as possibly can be : there is in my french book , circles , and the prints of horses shooes , to shew how his leggs should go ; there is also exact figures of all postures , and of all actions , both of man and horse , and more cannot be . but whether my books will make you a horse man or no , though they do as much as books can do , i cannot tell ; for you must have it all in your head ; and it may be you will not vnderstand it . but put the case you do , yet wanting the practice , you cannot ride well ; and yet no fault at all in my books , but in you. there are some nations that think they can see nothing , but they can do it ; which must be by inspiration , by which i never saw any ride , though many pretend to preach by it . it is a long study , and diligent practice ; a long habit and custom , which doth all things in the world , and nothing done without it : for there is cunning in daubing . do you think , that an ignorant school-boy can be as learned as a doctor ? or , let a skilful musitian write the rarest book in the world , for composing , or singing ; can you imagine , that as soon as you have read his book , you can do what he teacheth ? no truly ; and yet not the book 's fault , but yours , in being so partial to your self , as to think you can do any thing at the first sight , without practice or study ; which would be a miracle i never saw , or any body shall ever see . in the same manner , if a lutenist should write a rare book , can you expect , that as soon as you have read it , you can play on the lute ; because , it may be , you can jangle the strings ? but you say , you can ride : truly , just as you jangle the lute-strings , and no otherwise . you have learnt in italy and france ; that 's something indeed : so many crowns a month , and the horse did not throw you , and that is all . mr. spenser , the best schollar in all the academy where he learned , and a fine gentleman , who had been two years there ; when he came to ride one of my horses , he could not make him go : his brother-in-law being present , said to me ; my lord , you must excuse him , he hath not ridd a great while . but mr. spenser said ( with a great oath ) brother , you are deceived ; for i know now , i could never ride . god knows how many young gallants comn newly out of academies ; english , french , irish , and dutch gentlemen , that were famed for good horse-men , and truly no piece of a horse-man , and ridd the wofullest that could be ; and so did before me some masters of academies : and once two french-men riding ( god knows very meanly ) were strangely laught at , and that very worthily , by two other french riders that stood by . but sayes one , i can ride a ready horse ; wherein he is deceived ; for a ready horse is the hardest of all to ride , because the least motion is an absolute command unto him , and an ignorant gives him such counter-times , as he puts him quite out . mr. germain , a fine gentleman , and the best scholler du plessis had in all his academy , knew well the difficulty of riding a ready horse : for , to perswade him to ride one of mine , which he would not do ; i told him , if you will but sit still , i warrant you the horse will go well with you . but a man ( said he , with a great oath ) cannot sit still . which was said knowingly , and like a horse-man ; for , to sit still , belongs only to a great master . another , because he hath ridd a hundred miles in a day , ( which a post-boy can do ) thinks himself a horse-man ; or , because he can run a match with his groom , or leap a ditch , or a hedg , in hunting , and hold by the main , he thinks he is a horse-man ; but his hunts-boy doth as much . and my lord mayor when he goes to weigh butter , sits a legg of either side the horse very gravely ; an excellent horse-man ! and i have seen many wenches ride astride , and gallop , and run their horses , that could , i think , hardly ride a horse well in the mannage . are they not , in all trades , bound apprentices seven and nine years ; and many bunglers of them too ? and , in higher professions , twenty and thirty years is not too much , before they are great masters in any one of them : and though horse-manship be the hardest of all , yet many a gentleman will ride the first day as well as the greatest master ; but he is deceived , as well as those that think to buy , with their money , any quality : for if good qualities could be purchased with money , every rich citizen would be a fine gentleman . of which opinion that french cavalier was not , who told me , commending my method ; par dieu , il est bien hardi qui monte devant vous , that is , he is very bold , that dares ride before you . and to the same purpose , signor del campo , an italian rider at bruxels , after he had seen my horses , said ; il faut tirer la planche , that is , the bridge must be drawn up ; for no horse-man , so good as you , can come after . there is no horse-man but shall make my horses go , for his use , either in a single combat , or in the wars , better than he shall any bodies horses else ; and that 's sufficient : for , to make them go in perfection in all ayres as i can , were too much , and too great a miracle : but let my method be what it will , since every man doth what he can ; if any pleases himself with his own opinions , though he dislikes my way never so much , and should censure a thing he understands not ; and say , that the mannage is a foolish thing : it shall not displease me at all . observations of horses . of the spanish horse . you must know , that of all horses in the world , of what nation , soever they be , spanish horses are the wisest ; far the wisest , and strangely wise , beyond any mans imagination ; but i must tell you , they are not the easlier drest for that : because they observe too much with their eyes , and their memories are too good , and so conclude with their judgments too soon , without the man , reckoning without their host ; whereas they should follow , and obey , his hand and heel ; and that not by roat neither , but by art , which is an habit got by many lessons methodically taught . if he be well chosen , i assure you , he is the noblest horse in the world : first , there is no horse so curiously shaped , all over from head to croup : he is the most beautiful that can be ; for he is not so thin , and lady-like , as the barb ; nor so gross as the neapolitan ; but between both. he is of great spirit , and of great courage , and docil : hath the proudest walk , the proudest trot , and best action in his trot ; the loftiest gallop , the swiftest careers ; and is the lovingest and gentlest horse , and fittest for a king in a day of triumph to shew himself to his people , or in the head of an army , of any horse in the world. therefore no horse so fit to breed on , as a spanish horse ; either for the mannage , the war , ambling for the pad ; hunting , or for running-horses : conquerour was of a spanish horse , shotten-herring was of a spanish horse , butler was of a spanish horse , and peacock was of a spanish mare : and these beatt all the horses in their time , so much , as no horse ever ran near them . i say , he is absolutely the best stallion in the world , for all those several things i have formerly named , if you do wisely appropriate such mares to him , as shall be fit for such uses as you would have your breed ; and so he is fit for all breeds , but to breed cart-horses . the king of spain hath many races , but his best is at cordoua in andalozia , where he hath above three hundred mares and colts , as my lord cottington told me ; and , besides those of his majesty , there are other most excellent races , not only of noblemen , but also of private gentlemen . for the prices , the earl of claringdon , now lord chancellor of england , told me , that when he was embassador in spain , sir benjamin wright , a merchant there that loves horses , sold a couple of little spanish horses for a great price : and he sayes , ( and many others confirm it for a great truth ) that three hundred , and four hundred pistols for a horse , is a common price and rate , at madrid ; and the marquess of seralvo told me , that a spanish horse , called il bravo , sent to the arch-duke leopold , his master , was held worth as much as a manner of a thousand crowns a year , and that he hath known horses at seven hundred , eight hundred , and a thousand pistols . a gentleman told me , that he knew a cavalier in spain , who offered another three hundred pistols , but to let him ride his horse one afternoon ; and the owner had reason to refuse it : for it was to go to the juego de toros , where he might have been killed : many of the finest horses in the world being killed at that sport , which is the greatst pity that can be . you see that a spanish horse is dear ware ; and then reckon his journey from andalozia to bilbo , or st. sebastien , which is the next port for england , and is four hundred miles at least ; and a horse cannot travel above ten miles a day with your groom , and your farrier at least , besides the casualty of lameness , sickness , and death ; so that if he come safe to you , yet he will be a very dear horse , i assure you : and these are great truths of the spanish horse . of the barb . the barb is next to the spanish horse for wisdom , but not neer so wise , and that makes him much easier to be drest : besides , he is of a gentle nature , docil , nervous , and leight . he is as fine a horse as can be , but somewhat slender , and a little lady-like ; and is so lazy and negligent in his walk , as he will stumble in a bowling-green ; he trots like a cow , and gallops low , and no action in any of those actions : but commonly he is sinewy , and nervous , and hath a clean strength , is excellently winded , and good at length , to endure great travel ; and very apt to learn , and easie to be drest , being ( for the most part ) of a good disposition , excellent apprehension , judgment , and memory ; and when he is searcht , and wakened , no horse in the world goes better in the mannage , in all ayres whatsoever , and rarely upon the ground in all kinds . the mountain-barbs , they say , are the best ; i believe they are the largest , but , for my part , i rather desire a midling horse , or a less horse , which are cheap enough in barbery , as i have been informed , both by many gentlemen , and many merchants ; for they say , that in barbery you may buy a very fine barb for twenty , twenty five , or thirty pounds at the most ; but then your journey is somewhat great ; not by sea ; for , from tunis , to marselles in france , is no great voyage ; but from marselles to calais by land , you go all the length of france , and at calais they are shipt for england . you must have an excellent esquier , a farrier , and one groom , and hire other grooms as you go ; but take heed , that those mean rogues run not away with some of your horses ; and because there is no trusting of them , your english farrier , and your english groom , must alwayes lie in the stable , and none of those fellows ; but the gentleman of your horse , which ought to be a good horse-man , must order that carefully . if you would go another way to work , and a shorter voyage , then send into languedoc , and provence , where many gentlemen buy barbs of two , three , and four years old at marselles , and keep them two or three years , and then sell them ; which barbs you may buy for forty or fifty pistols a piece , and as fine horses as can be : but he whom you send , must be very skilful to chuse well , and to take heed that they be right barbs ; for i have heard , that many in those countries , about marselles , when many barbs come out of barbery , thrust in colts of their own breed amongst them for barbs , and so sell them . when i was at paris , there came twenty five barbs ( as they said ) nothing but skin and bones , and they were sold for twenty five pistols a horse : my lord viscount mountague bought nine , as i remember ; for i was with him , and helpt to chuse some for him , and one of them did win many matches : but truly , if i had had a million , i would not have bought one of them , for they were very ordinary horses ; nor do i think they were right barbs , neither by their shape , nor price , but bred in some islands there-abouts ; for , if a man be at great charges , i would either have an extraordinary horse , or none . i had lately a letter from a horse-man at paris , a french-man , that gives me intelligence of horses , that a merchant at paris had two barbs , the finest that ever he saw , six years old a piece , but not drest at all , and held them at two hundred pistols a piece : by which , you may see , that right barbs , and fine ones , are very dear , as all good things are . the barb is not so fit a horse for a stallion for the mannage , as for running-horses ; for he gets long and loose horses , therefore do not breed of him for the mannage , except he be a short horse from the head to the croup , strong ramase , and racoursy , and of a superfluity of spirit , which few barbs have ; and therefore breed of a spanish horse , with choise english mares ; and if you have a delicate well-chosen dutch mare or two , that makes an excellent composition for the mannage . i am of opinion , and believe , that there never came out of barbery , the best horses that country affords ; not but that they may be had : but the case is this ; those that bring barbs out of barbery , are either french horse-coursers that trade in barbery , or merchants . to begin with the horse-coursers , they alwayes buy those horses that are cheapest for their advantage : for if they bought of great prices , it would not quit cost , and so they buy the worst , and meanest , of barbs : and as for the merchants , they want skill ; besides , they will buy the cheapest too , for their advantage , because they know not well , how to put off horses of price ; and so they buy but the worst and meanest of barbs ; which makes me believe absolutely , that the best barbs do not come over : for , did not i see dayly at antwerp the horse-coursers of brabant and flanders , that go into england every year to buy horses , that they bring over the meanest and worst horses and geldings that are in the kingdom , and meerly to buy at easie rates , that they may put them off with advantage ? for , if they should buy in england horses of one hundred , one hundred and fifty , and two hundred pounds a horse , which price hath been given both at malten and pankrich fayres , those great prices would not go off there , where money is so scarce ; and so they would be undone ; and therefore they buy of small prices . of the english horse . the english horse is less wise than the barb , fearful and skittish , for the most part ; and dogged and rebellious to the mannage , and not commonly so apt to learn : but those they call english horses , are so compounded of horses of all countries , that they always participate something of their sires ; and so , that may somewhat alter the case . certainly english horses are the best horses in the whole world for all uses whatsoever , from the cart to the mannage ; and some are as beautiful horses as can be any where , for they are bred out of all the horses of all nations : but if you would buy for the mannage at fayrs , you must go to rowel fayr , harborow fayr , and melton fayr , to northampton and leicester-shire ; but northampton , they say , is the best . you must buy such horses as they sell , for the cart and coach , which are the best for the mannage : do not think to buy delicate shapt horses , like the spanish horse , barb , or turk ; but they are handsomer horses than commonly dutch horses are ; chuse a short trust horse , with good feet and leggs , full of spirit and action , and lively ; and if he leap of himself , so much the better . if your horse-man hath skill to buy you such , they cannot do amiss for the mannage , and will prove most admirable horses , both in all ayres , and upon the ground , but i would not breed of them by no means . at molten fayr , for the most part , they are young stone-horses , and some geldings , but fitter for the padd , and hunting , than for the mannage ; rippon fayr is but the remnant of molten fayr , and commonly but geldings and naggs ; those fayrs are in york-shire ; lenton fayr is in nottingham-shire , and is a great fayr of all sorts of horses , but especially geldings and naggs , fitter for the padd , and galloping , than for the mannage ; you may also find some stone-horses there . in stafford-shire there is a great fayr at pankridge ; but it is , for the most part , of colts , and young-horses , though sometimes ( by chance ) there are also others . the other fayrs in the northern parts , which are many , are not worth naming . i am very ignorant of the west-country , where my lord pauletts ancestors had a good breed of horses ; and by chance , now and then my lord of pembroke did breed , but i never heard of any rare horses of his race . in worcester-shire , and in the vale of esam , there is good strong cart-horses ; in cornwall there is good naggs , and in wales excellent good ones ; but in scotland the gallawayes are the best naggs of them all . there were , afore the warrs , many good races in england , but they are all now ru 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and the many new breeders of horses comn up presently after the warrs , are ( i doubt ) none of the best ; for , i believe , their stallions were not very pure , because the men that did govern in those dayes , were not so curious as the great lords , and great gentry were heretofore , neither would they be at the cost ; and besides , they have not knowledge of horses as in other countries : for , though every man pretends to it , yet , i assure you , there are very few that know horses , as i have heard the king say : since whose restauration , the probability of getting good breeds again , is very great . for english mares , there are none like them in the world to breed on ; but then you must chuse them fit for such horses as you would breed ; as for example , if you would breed for the mannage , the mares must have fine fore-hands , but not too long necks ; fine heads , and well hung on ; and their necks rightly turn'd ; broad brests , good eyes ; and great bodies , that the foles may have the more room to lay their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : they must have good hooffs , short and bending pastorns , and are to be short from the head to the croup , and stuffy . this shape fits the mannage best ; and if your mares be thus chosen , it makes no matter what colour they are of , nor what marks they have , nor what tayles and manes , so they be full of strength , and of a superfluity of spirit , and not above six or seven years old. but i must tell you , that if you had two or three fine dutch mares , shaped as i formerly told you , it makes a fine composition with a spanish horse , for the mannage ; and a spanish horse with such english mares as i have told you now , are not only for the mannage , but in a manner for all uses . if you would have mares to breed running-horses of , then they must be shaped thus ; as leight as possible , large and long , but well shaped ; a short back , but long sides , and a little long-legged ; their breast as narrow as may be , for so they will gallop the leighter and nimbler , and run the faster ; for the leighter and thinner you breed for gallopping is the better . your stallion , by any means , must be a barb , and somewhat of the shape that i have described the mares to be of : for a barb that is a jade , will get a better runing-horse , than the best running-horse in england : as sir john fennick told me , who had more experience of running-horses than any man in england ; for he had more rare running-horses than all england besides ; and the most part of all the famous running-horses in england that ran one against another , were of his race and breed . some commend the turk very much for a stallion to breed running-horses ; but they are so scarce , and rare , that i can give no judgment of them : and therefore i advise you to the barb , which , i believe , is much the better horse to breed running horses . of the frison . the frison is less wise than the english , but no horse goes better in the mannage , either upon the ground , terra a terra , or in all ayres ; and no horse is of more use , either for a single combat on horse back , or in the warrs for the shock . he is hardy , can live of any thing , and will endure either heats or colds ; and on no horse whatsoever doth a man appear more a sword-man , than on this horse , being so quiet , so bold , and so assured . he is also manly , and fit for every thing but running away ; though he will run fast for a while , yet , i doubt , not long ; because his wind is not like that of barbs : yet a heavy man well-armed upon a barb , and the same weight upon a dutch-horse , the horse's strength is so much above the barb's , as , compared thus , i believe the dutch horse may run as fast , and as long as the barb ; for the barb's wind serveth to no purpose , when his strength is not able to carry his weight : and thus the barb will want his little light jockey on him , with a couple of trenchers for a saddle , and lute-strings in his mouth for a bitt . of the danemark and holland horse . the denmark-horse is an excellent horse , in the same kind , and commonly apter to learn , and leighter : there are more leaping-horses of those countries and kinds , than of any horses in the world. but now , to make more profit , they geld all in holland , for coaches , and to keep the trade , sending five thousand every year into france , and diverse other places , that you can hardly get a stone-horse worth any thing ; their colts at two years old springs their mares , and then they geld them ; so , avarice spoyls their breed . a town will joyn , and give above two hundred pounds for a stallion ; but then he covers all the mares that belong to that town , like a town-bull . of the almain , or german horse . those that write , that they are like flanders horses , are much deceived ; they mean the common country cart-horse : but let me inform them ; there are few princes in germany , but have excellent races , and breeds of horses ; and their stallions are alwayes either coursers of naples , spanish horses , turks in abundance , and barbs ; and breeding of these stallions , their mares come to be very fine , like their sires , and very pure breeds . i had one , no neapolitan in the world like him , for shape , stature , colour , strength , agility , and good nature ; he would make thirty two capriols , the highest that ever i saw , and the justest , without any help in the world ; and then upon the ground , to gallop and change , and go terra a terra , it was another action than ever any other horse did , being in some manner above the rate of horse-kind : this was a german horse , but his sire was a courser of naples . i had once two horses of the count of oldenburg's most excellent breed , as fine horses as ever i saw , and one was the hopefullest that could be seen . that prince was pleased to present those horses to me , and said , if i liked them not , he would send me others ; which was like a prince , and most generous . the prince of west-friesland did also send me a very fine horse . of the covrser of naples . i have not seen many of them ; but , la broue , in his book , sayes , that the race was mightily decayed ; and that was almost a hundred years ago : and pluvinel , in his book , sayes also , that we have not now such neapolitans as we have had ; for all the races are bastarded , and spoyled . the arch-duke leopold , when he governed the countries of flanders , brabant , &c. sent into italy for eight or ten coursers whilst i was at antwerp , which cost him above three hundred pounds a horse , journey and all . they were great vast horses , with huge heads , and thick necks ; heavy , with no spirit in the world , nor any strength ; dull heavy jades , fitter for a brewers-cart than the saddle : and the marquess de carasene , a spaniard , that governs all those countries , a little man , but both witty , and wise ; an excellent souldier , both for conduct and courage , and a good horse-man ( which few spaniards are ) and my very noble friend , told me , that the last warrs in naples hath ruined the king of spain's race of horses in that kingdom ; but that they began now to repair it , and that he hoped within fourteen years it may be established as formerly it hath been . thus you see things do not stand at a stay : for what hath been formerly , is not so now ; as in the neapolitan , and in all the rest of the races of italy , which are decayed . the duke of florence hath the best race at this time in those parts . of the tvrkish horse . i have seen very few of them ; but , two merchants brought three turkish horses to antwerp , very fine horses , but oddly shaped ; their heads were very fine , but like a camels head : they had excellent eyes , and thin necks , excellently risen ; somewhat great bodies ; the croup like a mules ; leggs not great , but marvellous sinewy ; good pastorns , and good hooffs ; and their backs risen somewhat like a camel. i had a groom , a heavy english clown , whom i set upon them , and they made no more of him , than if he had been as leight as a feather . they appeared not so fit for the mannage , as for to run a course , which , i believe , they would have scoured ; they trotted very well , and no ambling at all . the horses about constantinople , mr. blundevil sayes , are very ill-favoured-jades ; but he was mightily deceived with his old authors : for , i have spoken with many gentlemen that have been there , as likewise with diverse merchants that came from thence ; who all agree , that there are there , the most beautifull-horses in the world ; saying , that in soyl-time , there are many hundred teddered , and so shift places when they have eaten that bare : every horse hath a man to look to him , and every man a little tent to lie in ; and they say , that it is one of the most glorious sights to see those horses that can be ; and the most beautiful horses in the world. and certainly they are brave horses ! the price of one of these horses , is about a hundred , or a hundred and fifty pounds a horse ; and there is great difficulty to get a pass ; for the grand signor is very strict , in not suffering any of his horses to go out of his territories . when that difficulty is over ; there is another ; which is , if you have not a turk or two , for your convoy , they will be taken from you by the way : there is also the difficulty of a long journey , and the danger of sickness , or laming ; for , you must come thorow germany , which is a long way ; and you must have very careful men to conduct them , a good groom , an expert farrier ; and by no means , to suffer any to shoo them but him ; for when they perceive there is a fine horse , they will hire a farrier to prick him , or spoyl him , that they may have him : which is practiced dayly . of the arabian horse . he is nurst with camels-milk ; there are the strangest reports in the world of those horses ; for i have been told by many gentlemen of credit , and by many-many merchants , that the price of right arabians is , one thousand , two thousand , and three thousand pounds a horse , ( an intollerable , and an incredible price ) and that the arabs are as careful , and diligent , in keeping the genealogies of their horses , as any princes can be in keeping any of their own pedigrees . they keep the genealogies of their horses with medalls ; and when any of their sons come to be men , then their fathers give them two sutes of armes with two cymeters , and one of these horses , and prayes to god to bless them ; that is every ones portion , and his horse lyes alwayes in the next room to him , ( i believe , not above staires ) . they talk , they will ride fourscore miles in a day , and never draw the bridle : when i was young , i could have bought a nagg for ten pound , that would have done as much very easily . i never saw any but one of these horses , which mr. john markham , a merchant , brought over , and said , he was a right arabian : he was a bay , but a little horse , and no rarity for shape ; for i have seen many english horses farr finer . mr. markham sold him to king james for five hundred pounds ; and being trained up for a course , when he came to run , every horse beat him . of the hvngarian horse . they are not worth speaking of ; but if you will believe those of that nation , they will magnifie them extreamly ; and so will all nations whatsoever mightily commend their own horses : but i have seen hungarian horses , and they are not worth commendations , i assure you. of the polander horse . when the king of poland sent an extraordinary embassadour , with many of his nobility and gentry of poland , to conduct the princess mary , eldest daughter to the duke of nevers , from paris , to poland to be his queen , i was then at paris , and saw his entry ; which was one of the most glorious , and manly sights that ever i saw , after the polack way , with very rich clothes , polack capps , and great feathers ; and all the masters of academies were commanded to wait on the embassadour , with all their schollars , and horses , in their rich clothes and saddles , all a la mode , their manes full of ribbons . i protest , in comparison of the polacks , they lookt like hobby-horses ; not but that their horses were better ; the difference was meerly in the manly habit of the polanders , who were also very rich. but their horses i do not like at all ; for they are , for their shape , just as the common and ordinary horses and geldings in england ; and the bitts they use , are just like our snaffles , and have only rings for the bridle to be fastned to , as ours are , wanting those little crosses that ours have : but if you will believe the polanders , they will tell you , that their horses are the bravest horses in the world , which i have not faith to believe : for , when we say , ( and it hath been an old saying ) that the poland horse is the best horse in the world ; we mean the men to fight on horse-back , and not the horses . of the swedish horse . i had the honour to wait on the queen of sweden when she was at antwerp , and she used me very graciously , and civilly ; and an extraordinary lady , i assure you , she is in all things : but for the swedish horses she had for the saddle , there was no great matter in them ; she had eight coach-horses , large and noble-shap't , of the count of oldenburg's breed , which were beyond any coursers that ever yet i saw : their colours isabels , with long white manes , tails and toppings ; and these she sent into spain , for a present to the catholick king : and it was a kingly present , fit for such a queen to present , and for so great a king to receive . of what stature a horse is best , either for the war , or for a single-combat , or for any thing else . there are great disputes amongst cavaliers about this business : i will not trouble you much about their arguments , but only deliver unto you my opinion . those that are for high and large horses , say , they are strong for the shock : but they must know , that all large horses are not strong ; nay , for the most part they are not only the weakest horses , but commonly of no spirit or action . put the case , a great horse were strong , yet he is so tall , and his strength diffused , and indeed so out of his strength , that a midling horse ( entre deux selles ) or rather a less horse , being under him , and in his strength , would certainly overthrow him : so that a midling horse , or a less , is best for the war , or a single-combat , without all doubt . midling-horses , and less horses have , for the most part , both strength , spirit , and agility , and not one in an hundred but proves well ; when of large horses not one in a thousand does : nay , the midling , or less horse , is best for all things ; for the padd , buck-hunting , hawking-naggs , or geldings ; for hunting-horses , horses for winter-gallopping on the high-way many miles ; for the coach , for the cart , for any thing . and if they should fall , a little horse would do the rider less hurt than a greater horse , to lie upon him . geldings , and gelt-naggs , are fitter for great journeys , or hunting , or hawking in summer , than ston'd horses ; for their heat , with the heat of the weather , soon heats their feet , and founders them ; whereas geldings are colder , and so travel better , and not tire so soon in the heat of summer . that there are few good horses . now i must tell you , that there are good and badd horses of all countries in the world ; but there are more badd than good , as there are of men : and though there be millions of painters , yet there was but one vandike in many ages , or , i believe , shall be : the like in musick , in horse-manship , in weapons , and in horses ; for a rare horse in any kind , is a difficult business to find , i assure you : it is a hard thing to find fit horses for the mannage , either upon the ground , or in ayres . it is true , art doth much , but nature is the ground for art to work on ; for , without it , art can do but little. i dare undertake to make a cow go just in the mannage , but when i have done that , it is but a cow : and so a jade that is drest , he is but a jade when you have done all you can. i assure you , it is a very hard thing to find a good padd-nagg , or a good padd-gelding , to amble finely upon the hanches , and from his amble to his gallop , or from his amble to his trot , and firm on the hand : upon the bitt i have seen very few worth any thing , and as few good buck-hunters , or hawking-naggs , or winter hunting-geldings , or horses to gallop or run surely upon all grounds , plowed lands , moors , parks , forrests , and every where , with a snaffle , and a scotch saddle , the rains slack in his neck , which makes him very much the safer for his rider , because he gallops upon the hanches . let me tell you , that running-horses are the most easily found , and of the least use ; commonly they run upon heaths , ( a green carpet ) and must there run all-upon the shoulders , which in troublesome grounds is ready to break ones neck , and of no use ; though i love the sport of a running-horse very well , and think i am as good a jockey as any , and have ridden many hundred matches , and seen the best jockeys , and studied it more than , i think , they have done. you see how difficult a thing it is to have a good horse in any kind , for any thing : therefore i conclude , that a knowing horse-man is not so happy for horses , as a citizen of london , that knows nothing , more than to buy a horse in smithfield , for eight pound ten shillings , or there-abouts , to carry him to nottingham , or to salisbury ; and let him have never so many faults , his ignorance finds none : wherein he is very happy . more observations concerning horses . the turks are the most curious in keeping their horses of any nation ; and value them , and esteem them most : they have all the wayes of dressing them , and keeping them clean , that can be imagined . they cloath them first with a fine linnen cloth and hood next their skin ; then with a hair-cloth and hood , lined with felt , over their linnen cloth and hood : and all these are made so fit , as to cover their breasts , and to come pretty low down to their leggs . there cannot be a better way than this for their cloathing . the spaniards are also very curious about their horses in all things ; and their grooms so diligent , as they never stay long out of the stable , but are alwayes doing something about them ; and especially are curious about their manes , toppings , and tayles , making them clean divers ways ; washing them , and pleating them . they esteem highly their horses , and no nation loves them better . the master is continually in the stable , to see the grooms do their duty ; but , for all that , the spaniards and the turks are none of the best horse-men ; they ride short , have strange spurrs , and saddles , especially bitts , which are most abominable . the italians are very careful and neat about their horses ; but they have of late lost their latine in riding , or else they never had it ; and our ignorance made us think they did rarely . some of the french are curious in keeping and dressing their horses ; but , for the most part , not : they highly esteem horses , and will give great prices for them . but french grooms never rub a horses leggs well . the almains , or high-germans , love horses well : some say , they are very curious , but me-thinks not . they commend their grooms extreamly , but i think they do not deserve it . certainly the best grooms are english grooms ; but no grooms are good , except the master looks strictly after them ; for , the masters eye makes the horse well drest , as according to the proverb , the master's eye makes the horse fat. denmark , swede , poland , transylvania , hungary , and all those countries , are much like the almains , for little curiosities , in keeping and dressing their horses ; and all their riding alike : no man in germany will ride without a cavazone , though he knows not the use of it at all , nor what to do with it . in flanders , brabant , and those parts ; as also in holland , and those parts , they are much like the germans . the emperour of muscovy , i have heard , hath a stable of horses , and a french rider : he hath some horses come out of tartaria , and turkey , but none good in his own country . a rider is of no great use there , except he could dress , and make a ready bear ; of which there is plenty , and they have noble races of those beasts . in the mogul's country there is nothing to dress , except you would dress elephants ; and the best horses they have , come out of persia . sir walter rawley told me , that in the west-indies there were the finest shap't horses , and the finest colours in the world , beyond all spanish horses and barbs that ever he saw ; and they knew there so little the use of horses , that they killed them for their skins . in denmark there are excellent good horses ; and in norway little strong horses , but not so purely shap't . i saw six norway horses in a coach , very little horses , isabells , with white manes , and white tayls ; some of their heads are a little too bigg ; but very fine little horses , and strong . for iseland horses , they are all curlled like their doggs , and so curled , that no curry-comb can dress them , nor any thing else : and they are but dull jades . what stallion is best for the mannage , the ordering of him before he mounts the mares , what kind of mares , when , and how , they should be put together for generation . the best stallion in our iland , is , a well-shapt spanish horse , with a superfluity of spirit , and strength , docil , and of an excellent disposition , and good nature , which is the chief thing in a stallion ; for if he be of an ill disposition , vitious , or melancholly , all his off-springs will participate of it , and will never be drest , or made perfect horses as they should be. he ought to be of a good colour , to give the race a good dye ; and well-markt , to agree with most mens opinions : though marks and colours be nothing at all to know the goodness of a horse , nor shape neither ; but , the abundance of spirits , and a strong chine , be the most considerable : yet , by any means , i would have him perfectly shap't , for the beautifying of your race ; for a handsome horse may be as good as an ill-favoured horse ; and an ill-favoured horse as good , as a handsome horse . i would have you feed him four or five months before he covers , with good oats , pease , and hull'd beans , ( and bread if you think good ) with sweet hay , and good wheat-straw , and some barley now and then for variety ; and ride him out to be watered every day twice , and keep him out some little time , only to walk him ; but not too long , for that will weaken him too much . why not breed of a neapolitan ? they are too gross horses ; and we breed too bigg horses in england , by reason of the moysture both of ayre and ground . why not breed of a barb ? they are too slender , and too lady-like , for the mannage , though themselves the best in the world for it ; but their off-spring , are commonly loose and weak horses , fitter for running-horses , than the mannage ; so the spanish horse is in the middle , ( where vertue lyes ) neither too gross , nor too slender , and the finest shap't horse in the world : and therefore , have no other stallion . the fittest mares for the mannage , must be short from the head to the croup ; curious forehands , but not too long ; fine heads , and well hung on ; good bodies , short rather than long ; short and good leggs ; short pastorns , and bending ; good feet , short backs , full of spirits , and strength ; and good natures . no where better mares than in england , if they be well chosen . yet , i must tell you , i could wish you to have a couple of fine shap't little dutch mares , which is a fine composition , with a spanish horse , for the mannage . for their colours ; let them be such as most men like ; though i value not that at all . their age ; five , six , or seven years old ; and the stallion not to be too old , except necessity otherwise force you . the time of the year ; in may , about the middle of that month , that the foles may fall in april , because else they will have no grass . put the stallion to the mares , thus : take off his hinder shooes , and bring him near where the mares are , and there let him cover a mare in hand twice , which will make him wise ; and instantly pull off his bridle , and put him to the mares : which mares must all be put in a convenient closse , that may feed them well for six weeks at least . put those mares that have newly foled , and those that are with fole , and those that are barren , all to him ; for there is no danger in it . this way is so natural , as they are all served in their height of pride ; for , the horse never mounts them untill they woo him to it extreamly . when he hath covered them all , then he tryes them all over again , and those that will take the horse , he covers them ; and those that will not , he lets them alone : and when he knows he hath finished his work , he beats the pale to be gone , which is time for him ; then you must take him up , and you shall find him lean enough , nothing but skin and bones , and his mane and tayl will moot off : if you give him too many mares , then he will serve you the less time ; be so lean and weak , that you will very hardly recover him against the next year , or covering-time . therefore ten or twelve mares is enough . i had forgot to tell you , that you must have a little house with a manger , to feed him with corn , and bread , during the covering-time , to defend him from the heat of the sun , and rain , which would much infeeble him : and you must have a man always to attend him and the mares ; and for that purpose he must have a little hutt built , to be there day and night ; not only to tell you how they are served , but that no other horse comes to the mares , or other mares put to the horse ; and for many other accidents wherewith he is to acquaint you . and when you have taken up the stallion , then remove the mares into a good and fresh pasture . this is the true way for covering the mares ; for , nature is wiser than art in the act of generation ; and by this way , i dare say , there shall not , of a dozen mares , two fail . i must tell you , that you must never have a stallion of your own breed , because they are too far removed from the purity , and head , of the fountain , which is a pure spanish horse : besides , should the stallions be of your own breed , in three or four generations they would come to be cart-horses ; so gross , and ill-favoured would they be : or at least , just such horses as are bred in that country , so soon will they degenerate : therefore , have still a fresh spanish horse for the stallion . but you cannot breed better , than to breed of your own mares that you have bred ; and let their fathers cover them ; for there is no incests in horses : and thus they are nearer , by a degree , to the purity , since a fine horse got them , and the same fine horse covers them again . if any man will dispute against this truth , ( if he be not obstinate in his errours ) let him read my first book of horse-manship in french , where i treat of breeding ; and there are reasons that may convert him , if he considers my great experience . for the housing , feeding , and ordering of colts . you must wean the foles , and take them from their damms , when cold weather comes in , which is about martlemas ; and have a convenient house to put them in , with a low rack and manger fit for them : for the first year , put the horse-colts , and fillies , all together ; and have alwayes good and fresh litter for them , good sweet hay , and wheat-bran , and good oats ; the wheat-bran makes them drink well , and gives them good bodies . in a fair day , let them now and then go out in some inclosed yard , to play , and rejoyce themselves ; and then put them up again carefully , that they be not hurt . the next summer , when grass is plentiful , put them out in some dry ground , where the grass is short , and sweet ; for if a colt fills his belly , once in twenty four hours , it is sufficient ; and good water they must have . the colts must be by themselves , and the fillies by themselves , separated . the next winter , at martlemas , then take up again the colts , bring them into the stable , and use them , in all kinds , like the older horses ; doing the same thing every summer , and every winter , untill the colts be three years old , and vantage ; and then take them up for altogether , and back them . yearings must be abroad together ; so two-years-old together , and three-years old together ; for thus they will agree best : as we see that little young boyes , and greater old boyes , never agree , or play well together . the fillies you may better put together ; yearings , and two-years-old , and three . but i would wish you to take up the filleys at two years old , and vantage ; then back them , and make them gentle , and then cover them at three years old : for , being thus gentle , they will never spoyl themselves , nor their foles ; and if they , or their foles , be sick , or hurt , you may easily take them up for the farrier to use his skill to recover them . but , why this housing every winter ? you must know , there is nothing indures cold worse than horse-kind . for example ; is there any thing in the world looks so like a bear , and so ill-favouredly , as a colt in winter upon a common , and stands as if he had neither life , nor spirit ? and certainly , warmth , and dry feeding , is the quintessence , and greatest secret in the world for breeding . to prove it ; the spanish horse , that is so fine , is bred in spain , a hot country , and hath dry feeding ; for there is not much grass in many places . barbery is very hot , and little grass . turkey is very hot , and dry grounds . naples is very hot , mountainous , and dry ; and in all those countries , the horses are purely shap't , with heat , and dry feeding : therefore you must help it , as well as you can , in cold countries ; which is done with housing , and dry feeding . to prove it , take the finest shap't spanish horse you can , and let him cover two mares , of equal beauty ; and if they have two horse-colts , let one run abroad , until he be three years and a half old , and let the other be housed every winter ; and fed , as i have told you . that colt that hath gone abroad three years and a half , shall have a great fleshy-head , and thick and full neckt ; fleshy shoulders ; flabby and gowty legs ; weak pastorns , and ill hooffs ; and shall be a dull , weak , fleshy jade , by reason of the humidity of our country , both above and underneath : when the colt that is housed every winter , that is kept warm , and lies dry , and is dry fed , shall have as fine a forehand , as sinewy-leggs , as good hooffs , spirit and strength , and in all things will be as purely shap't , as any spanish horse can be . so you see , that to have the finest stallion , and the beautifullest mares , is nothing , if you do not order them as i have told you . ( see dutch horses , how gross they are , being bred in cold countries . ) this is a great secret for breeding , beleeve me , that have tryed all manner of ways ; and according to my great experience , there is nothing but this. for the backing of a colt . if you have used the method of housing your colts every winter ; and , after the first winter , used them in the stable , as you do any other horse ; and that they will lead , and be as quiet as any horse : you need not fear their plunging , and leaping , nor a hundred extravagancies more ; neither need you tyer him in a bogg , or a deep plow'd-field , to take off his spirit , to break his heart , or at least , his wind , before you dare get upon him . for , being ordered as i have formerly told you , you may safely back him , and find him as quiet as a lamb , and never drive him into faint-sweats , which will bring many diseases upon him . you need not then a cavezone of cord , which mr. blundevil calls a head-strain ; nor a padd of straw ; but such a saddle as you ordinarily ride horses of mannage in , with stirrups ; and on his nose , an ordinary cavezone , as you ride other horses with ; but it must be well lined with double leather , as the rest are : and if you will , you may put a watering-bitt in his mouth , without rains on , only the headstal , and this but for a few dayes ; and then to put such a bitt as i would always ride him withal , of which we shall speak hereafter , and so give him the lessons , which you shall have perfectly sett down in the second book . but if you light on an older colt , and unruly , then put him to the single pillar , and trot him , and gallop him on both hands , until he be very quiet , and will peaceably suffer you to take his back ; which he will not fail to do within four or five dayes at the most , if you use this method : and i do not know , that the single pillar , the old way , is good for any thing , but this . at first you must ride your colt without spurrs . and thus much for backing of colts . of the spanish mvles . i have seen the finest shap't of them in the world ; the finest shap't heads , and the best set on ; the finest turned necks , and the thinnest , and well risen ; excellent backs , good bodies ; their leggs clean , and sinewy ; admirable hooffs ; their croups a little slender : and in a word , no horse in the world finer shap't , and only their ears are a little long , which , methinks , is a grace to them . they are of all colours , as bayes , dapple-grayes , and so forth . extreamly strong , as strong as two horses ; very large , some as large as any horse whatsoever , and of great prices ; as three , and four hundred pistols a mule. the king of spain hath beautifull , and large ones in his coach ; they use them very much for the saddle ; for they amble most curiously , and easily ; they seldom stumble , but when they do , they never fall further than their knees . they are very safe and sure to ride on ; there be some very little ones , and fine ones , like gallowayes ; and those commonly great generals , and commanders , ride on in the trenches , and about fortifi'd castles , to view them : the grosser sort they use for sumpters , waggons , and carriers for many things . they also ride post on them ; and don john de borge , who was governour at antwerp , told me , that they would amble as fast as any horse could gallop . they live long , and sound , thirty years at least : there are males and females of them , and very hot they are in the act of generation , but never produce any thing , with any thing ; either to get , or bring forth . they say , one is never assured of them from biting or striking though the groom hath kept them twenty years ; but i perceive no such thing in them : and i have seen a mule go in capriols , excellently well . they say , they have ill mouths ; but that 's because they spoyl them with horrible bitts : for they use both other bitts , and other saddles and furniture to them , than to horses ; wherein they are very much mistaken . to those that are for the saddle , i would use the very same bitts and saddles , as for horses , and no otherwise . 't is true , that for sumpters , there be proper things that they use for them only , and not for horses , which is very comely . and in spain , they use in their coaches , ropes for the mules ( and the horses also ) to draw the coaches withall . they are excellent to ride on in stoney-wayes , none like them ; they are so sure of foot. the stallions that get these mules , are asses , upon very fine spanish mares . sir benjamin wright , being a merchant at madrid , writ to me once , that a stallion asse would cost , at the least , two hundred and fifty pistols ; but others tell me of greater prices that they are at : and great reason , since mules are of so great use to them in spain . my lord cottington told me , that the asses in spain , are greater and larger beasts , than ever he saw of horses in all his life , and almost of any other beast ; and are so furious , and full of spirit , that there is men , that live only by the ordering of them , and no other men can do it , but those men which make a trade of it ; for others would be kill'd by them . and these men hood the asses when they cover any mares , that they may not see them ; for otherwise they would pull the mares in pieces , and kill them . when they bray , it is a most lowd and horrid noise , beyond any lyon in the world . now you see , there is great reason , why they should be of great prices ; but one that thinks they should be just such little dull asses as are in england , of twenty or thirty shillings a piece , would laugh to hear this tale told ; because they think there is nothing more in the world than they have seen : as in such a case , sir walter rawley said well , that there are stranger things in the world , than between stains and london . the asses in france , are just like the asses in england ; little , lazy , dull , and woful things , and of as small price ; only in those parts of france that are next spain , there the asses are large , but nothing in comparison of those in spain . the shee-asses in spain , are very fair , and large ; for else , how can you imagine such huge , large , and great puissant beasts should be produc'd ? that trying is the only way to know horses . i told you , that marks , colours , and elements , are nothing at all to know a horse by ; for they are but philosophical mountebanks that talk of such toyes . nay , shape is nothing to know the goodness of a horse ; and therefore the best philosophy is to try him : and you may be deceived then , if he be a young horse ; for colts alter extreamly , both in spirit and strength . what judgment can one give of a little boy , what kind of man he will prove ? no more can one give a judgement of a colt , what kind of horse he will prove . but still ride him , and try him ; and that is the best philosophy to know him by . some say , if a horse have a great head , a thick neck , and fleshy shoulders , that he is hard on the hand : you must know , that if he have any imperfection in his leggs or feet , but especiall before , the horse must be hard on the hand ; for he leans on the hand , to ease the grief of his leggs , as a gowty-man doth use his staff. and let him be finely shap't , or ill shap't , if he have any imperfection in his leggs , he must be hard on the hand ; and then the farrier must cure him , and not the horse-man ; for the art of riding will not make a lame horse sound . our great masters , and best authours , say , that when a horse is sound , if he have a great head , thick neck , and fleshy shoulders ; that then , of necessity , this horse must be hard on hand ; and give many rare lessons , as they think , to make him leight on the hand : and they also say , that a horse that hath a fine thin forehand , must be leight on the hand , wherein they are infinitely deceived ; for i have known more thick heads , necks , and shoulders , leight on the hand , than i have known fine shap't , and slender forehands . but it is neither the one , nor the other , that makes it , but meerly the strength of his chine . for , if a horse , that hath a great head , thick neck , and fleshy shoulders , hath a good chine , he will be leight on the hand ; and if he have a weak chine , he will be hard on the hand . and so a fine forehand , if he have a weak chine , he is hard on the hand ; and if he have a strong chine , he is leight on the hand : so it is , not having a gross , or a fine forehand , that makes him hard or leight , on the hand ; but all consists in the strength of his chine . the reason of that , is , because if he hath a strong back , he can suffer without grief or pain , to be put upon the hanches : and no horse is upon the hanches , but he is leight on the hand ; and if his chine be weak , the putting him upon the hanches , doth so pinch him , as he presses upon his foreparts to save the pain on his back ; and sometimes will run away , rather than to suffer it ; and will leap , rather than to be pincht of his weak back : and yet i must tell you , the strongest horses are not fittest , or properest , for the mannage , nor for a souldiers horse ; for you must gallop him an hour before you can take him off his fury ; and such counter-times of leaps , do in-commode the rider , to no purpose : and when you would make him go , he shall not go so well , as a horse of half his strength : and though he leaps in such a manner , that will disorder an armed-man ; yet the best horse-man in the world shall not make him a leaping-horse : therefore the best for the mannage , and the war , is a horse that hath so much strength as to indure a stopp , and no more , to make him easie for an armed-man . and certainly a weak horse with spirit , docil , and of a good disposition , is much better , and will go beyond a huge flanders horse , of a dutch brewer , that hath no spirit : and i must tell you , that the greatest and largest horses are not commonly the strongest , but for the most part the contrary ; for that which makes them draw , is their waight , and not their strength , nor their spirit ; for they have none . i dare say , i can take a little english cart-horse , that shall draw twice as much as their great flanders horses : commonly those they use in flanders are geldings . how to know the age of a horse . m r. blundevil sayes , some seek to know a horses age in this sort : they pull his skin with their hand from his flesh , holding it so a pretty while together , and then let it go again , marking whether the skin returneth immediately to his place , or not , without leaving any signe or wrinckle where it was toucht : and then they judge the horse to be young. but if the skin will not fall down quickly again of its own accord , they take him to be old , and to lack that natural heat , and warm blood , which should nourish his outward parts . these are the very words of mr. blundevil . let us see the probability of it , and the certainty of the rule , in a horse whose mark is out of his mouth ; for many horses that are many years older , if they be healthful , and sound , and in good case , wanton , and full of blood , their skin will return to the same place again presently , when a younger horse by many years , that is sickly , lean , and faint , his skin will not return so soon ; and then your old observation deceives you , and is a great folly. and when he will know a horses age by his tayl , he begins at the wrong end ; which is most ridiculous . mr. blundevil sayes also , that when a horse waxeth old , his temples will wax hollow , and the hair of his browes hore and white , &c. this is , for the most part , somewhat probable . but yet i have known a young fellow of seventeen all gray ; why may it not be so in horses ? nay , i have known some so . but though i grant , that gray hairs shewes age , for the most part ; yet , i believe , you do not know how old a horse is for all that observation , but only in general , that he is old. so that there is no sure way to know his age , but by his teeth ; and that is a certain rule , but lasts no longer than seven years old. captain mazine sayes , that a horses years may be known until he is fourteen , by his vpper teeth ; but , because it doth not hold in all horses , i forbear to write it . there is some difference between horses and mares , to know their age. for any man that would have a horse of use in his ordinary occasions ; as for journeys , hawking , or hunting ; i would never buy a horse until the mark be out of his mouth ; and if he be sound of wind , limb , and sight , he will last you eight or nine years with good keeping , and never fail you ; when a young horse will have many diseases , as children have , and you must leave him with your host at harborow , or northampton , or some inne , and hire another horse for your occasion , and have your host's bill , and the farriers , which will come to more than your horse is worth ; and there 's your young horse ; but your old horse shall never fail you . i am alwayes ready to buy for such purposes , an old nagg of some hunts-man , or falconer , that is sound , and that 's the useful nagg ; for he gallops on all grounds , leaps over ditches , and hedges ; and this will not fail you in your journey , nor any where ; and is the only nagg of vse , for pleasure , or journey , but not for a souldiers horse , nor the mannage : for every horse must be appropriated in his kind , and put to what he is fittest . what equipage is proper for the horse , and most commodious for the horse-man afore the horse is movnted . for the saddle , bitt , cavezone , stirrups , and spurrs , in my first book of horse-manship you shall see the figures of all these , most lively represented . for the girthes , i must advise you to have one girth as broad as two , only at each end separated , as if they were two , though it is but one girth ; and an italian surcingle over them ; which is so excellent a thing , that if the girths , or straps , should break , yet the surcingle will not fail to hold. you must fit your horse with a bitt proper for him ; that is , a cannon , or a scatch , a la pignatel , and branches a la conestable ; and the same bitt i will alwayes ride my horse with i give him at first ; for they are ridiculous with their pistol cannons , and not to fit a horse for two years , and then to bitt him up . but i will alwayes bitt and fit my horse at the first , with what he should alwayes wear , or such another when that 's broke , or is worn in pieces . your horse should be girt as hard as you can ; for the italian sayes , he that girds well , rides well . but a groom may gird well , and yet not ride well . but they mean , no man can ride well , that doth not gird well : for , how can he ride well when the saddle turns round ? horses of mannage force the girths much with violent ayres , which an ambling horse doth not . but i must tell you , that you should never gird your horse up hard and straight , but just before you ride him ; for , being hard girt in the stable long before you ride him , i have known them grow very sick. why do they not so when they are ridd , say you ? i le tell you why ; because the violence of the exercise makes them put out their bodies , and so stretches the girthes , and makes them easier . but i will tell you a great truth in horses that are used to be girt hard : when the groom comes to gird them up , the horses will so stretch their bodies and bellies out , with holding their breath , that the grooms have much ado to gird them : and this is craftily done of them , that they may have ease after they are girded , and then they let their bodies fall again . and yet , sayes the learned , like to the horse that hath no vnderstanding . another thing i am to advertise you of ; and that is , to make the nose-band as straight as possible you can ; because it hinders him , as they say , to make sheeres with his mouth , or to gape to disorder the working of the bitt , or to bite at the rodd when you help him , or to bite at your feet . but the nose-band , being very straight , makes the bitt lie in his due place , and works orderly , as it ought , both upon the barrs , and the curb , and firms and settles his head : and i assure you , there is nothing better than this , for many things ; and therefore i would have also the cavezone as straight as you could , for many reasons ; and remember that your cavezone be never sharp ; but always lined with double leather at the least , for fear of hurting him : though the old saying , is , a bloody nose makes a good mouth ; i would neither hurt his mouth , nor his nose , nor any thing else about him , if i could help it ; and then i am sure he will have a better mouth , when his nose is not hurt . sakers , dockes , or trouse ques , ( which is all one ) is a great grace for a leaping-horse ; for it makes him appear plumper , and more together , racoursi , and makes him appear to go higher too ; therefore i would use sakers for all kinds of leaping-horses , whether for croupadoes , balotadoes , or caprioles ; but then the horses tayles must be tied short up , upon the saker . for horses that go the mannage de soldat , terra a terra , in corvets , or demy-ayres , there is nothing handsomer , than to see a horse with a good tayl down , without any thing ; no quinsel , or any thing , but naturally ; and to see him lay his tayl on the ground , is graceful , and shewes that he goes upon the hanches ; which is the perfection of the mannage . to beautifie their manes before great princes , or persons of quality , there is nothing more graceful , than to tye their manes with several coloured ribbons , or all of one colour , in many several wayes ; either pleating their manes , or letting them be loose . i never saw any horse go so well with rich saddles , as with plain leather saddles , and black bridles : the leather saddles should be plain white spanish leather , stitcht with silk ; with silver nayles , and a good black leather slap-cover over it , and the bridle soft black leather , and small ; by no means too great : two girthes in one , to part at both ends , like two girths ; and a good italian surcingle , which is worth both the girthes for sure holding . you must be very careful , to see that nothing that is about the horse should hurt him ; as his saddle , bitt , cavezone , or any thing else : for , i assure you , as long as any thing hurts him , he will never go well . no horse goes well in a wind , it doth so whisk about him , and in his ears , and makes such a noise , as it diverts him from the mannage ; and so doth any new help , or any new thing that they are not accustomed to : horses are very sensible , and tickle ; and no strangers must come near them . there is one thing that is the most uncomly , and the disgracefullest thing a horse can do ; and that is , to whisk his tayl in all the actions that he makes . the common remedy they use , is , to tie his tayl with a quinsel ; which doth remedy that vice , as long as it holds : but the best thing in the world , is , to cut cross the great nerve that is under his tayl , and then he shall never whisk or shake it again ; and it will do him no hurt in the world , more than when it is cut. there is no remedy like unto this . a very true paradox . i will never put my horses of mannage to soyl after they are five years old . i had a barb that had a cold , and i was perswaded to put him to soyl ; but when i took him from it , he was broken-winded . though i never put them , but six or seven dayes , to soyl , yet i ever found them the worst for it , both for colds , and their flesh being flabby . doth not every body say , when you take a horse from grass , that you take him up with a grass-cold ? and it is very true. then these horses of mannage , which are extreamly heated , and often must , of necessity , melt their grease . if you give them grass to cool them , and purge them ( as they say ) to bring it away , it being hardned like tallow , grass is too gentle to do it effectually : but i confess it dissolves some small part of it , which it doth not bring away ; and that which is dissolved , runs into their veins , and arteries , and makes them remain sick horses , so that they will never thrive . therefore , at the time of soyl , let them blood once or twice , and give them pills of alloes sicatrina two ounces , lapped up in fresh butter ; and after that , give them cooling julips twice or thrice a week , for a fortnight , or three weeks together ; and let them rest , or but walk gently out , and no grass at all : during the great heats , ride moderately , by no means violently . horses of great exercise must have dry feeding ; for moist feeding spoyls them , and fills them full of diseases and corruption ; therefore never give them grass , and but very little hay . the method thus : before their water , give them but a handful of hay , only to make them drink ; and after their water , another handful of hay , to be a barricado between their water , and their oats , that they should not shoot their oats too soon ; and then give them their oats ; and all the rest of the day , and night , nothing but wheat straw . as the italian sayes , a horse that is fed with hay , is a horse for a cart , he is so foggy and pursey ; but they say , cavallo de palla , cavallo de batalla ; and thus his flesh will be as hard as a board , in great lust , wind , and strength , and as nervous as possible can be , and in great health . excellent clean oats is the best feeding in the world ; somtimes you may give a few pease , or hul'd beans , which is very good ; but never any bread , for that makes them pursey , as we know very well by running-horses . i never give above two bushels of oats a week to every horse , and it is enough ; for they look extraordinary well with it . a horse must ever be empty before you ride him , and stand some three or four hours , both morning , and afternoon , upon the watering-bitt , to turn him from the manger , to get him a better appetite ; which is excellent good. wheat is strengthning , but it makes a horse fatt at the heart , and out of wind ; barley they give in italy and spain , but it is not our common barley ; but that which we call bigg : which is not an ill feeding , but not comparable to good oats : but in italy and spain , they give barley , because they have no oats : pease-straw will make a horse piss red like blood. if you follow this method , you will ever have your horse well , and sound . i must tell you , it is not much meat , but the ordering of the diet , that makes horses in health : nay , to some great and ready feeders ( as they call it ) you must give but a little wheat-straw ; for else they will be as pursey and fatt , as stall-fed oxen : nay , some again will eat their litter , which is very foul feeding . and then the jockeys use to put their horses upon the muzzle , which i like not by any means ; for many horses grow very sick upon it , because it doth almost smoother them ; therefore , in that case , i put on a cavezone , and tie it so straight , as he cannot eat , and then he hath his nostrils clear for breath , and is never sick. be sure , that you never dress your horse until he be cold ; for until then , he will not dress ; though i have seen many foolish grooms offer at it , to dispatch their work : nor turn them to the manger to their meat , after their exercise , until they be cold ; for , though you give them no water , or but to wash their mouths , yet eating , whilest they are hott , makes ill digestion . there is nothing conduces more to the health of horses , than to keep them three or four hours before they be rid , on the watering-bitt ; and after they are ridd , so long again on the watering-bitt , until they be cool ; and in the afternoon turn'd again on the watering-bitt three or four hours . for worms , it is good to give them brimstone in their oats , and to put bay-salt by them , which they will lick apace ; and fenugreek , and sometimes a spoonful of sweet-sallet-oyl mingled with their oats . but the most soveraign thing that ever i knew , is honey mingled with their oats . horses of great exercise , that have often great heats , as horses of mannage have , must be lett blood often , and have dry feeding ; for , moist feeding , and exercise , breeds great corruption : cooling-julips , and cooling-glisters , ( which i will set down hereafter ) are very needful to preserve their health . to make a horse have a fine coat . there are but these four things , viz. feeding well , cloathing warmly , many sweats , and dressing well . for dressing , there are these things ; the curry-comb , which only fetches out dust ; the dusting-cloath , that takes away the loose dust ; the brush , that takes the dust from the bottom of the hair ; the hard wisp , a little moistned , that takes out more dust yet from him ; and the felt a little moistned , that takes out more dust from him afterwards ; but the wett hand , which should be last , takes not only more dust , but a great deal of loose hair , which is much better than any of the former : after this , a linnen cloath to wipe them over , and then a wollen cloath , and so cloath him up. but , the best of all is the knife heat , which is the scraper ; for , when he is hot , scraping of him gets all the sweat , and moysture , out of him , so that he is dry presently after , and all that wett would turn to dust , so there is so much labour saved : besides , it gets abundance of hair from him , which the rest doth not ; so that it is the most excellent thing i know , both to cool a horse , and to make him have a good coat . you must wash his hooffs first clean , and then dry them ; and when they are dry , then anoint them ; and when his feet are pick'd , then stopp them with cow-dung . in summer he must be leightly cloathed in the heats , and his leggs and feet all wash't , and his codds , and his sheath , made clean ; for there will be a great deal of dirt in those places else ; and his yard made clean , and either washed with water or white-wine ; his temples , eyes , nostrils , and mouth , bathed with cold water in a spunge , which will much refresh him : nay , to be washed all over , and scrap't , is excellent , both for his coat and health ; and sometimes to be wash't with sope : his mane to be wash't and kept clean ; and sometimes to be wash't with sope will make it grow ; and if the hair should fall , then wash it in lee , but not too strong , for that would fetch it off : dress his mane clean every day , and pleat it up again , which will make it grow very much : you must wash his tayl very clean , up to the very dock , dock and all ; and often wett his dock with a spunge , not only to make his hair lie close , but to make it grow ; and also it doth refresh him very much , and keeps him cold handsomely . but if your horse hath a white tayl , wash it never so clean , yet he will dye it in his dung and vrine , that it will be yellow , and therefore you must wash it very clean with water and sope ; and when it is dry , put it in a bagg , and tie it up , and that will keep it clean , and white . clip his ears ; and no more of his mane , than for the head-stall to lie there ; and cut his tayl a little above his fetlock , and cut it every month to make it grow . you may dress him in as many various sorts with ribbons , as there are colours , which beautifies him much . he must be well littered with fresh rye-straw every night , and to have pasterns on his fore-feet keeps him from much hurt ; but one pasterne on his hinder foot , tyed to the pillar behind him , with a leather rein at such a length as he may lie down , doth avoid more mischief than you can imagine : the woollen cloath must alwayes be laid upon his buttock under his housing cloath ; you must alwayes have your horses to have hoods , and both they , and their housing-cloathes lined with cotten , or baies , to keep them warm . have good collers , surcingles , and padds , and a little rein to tie them up to the wall or rack ; and good wattering-bitts , which , as i told you afore , are very vseful . and be careful , after a great heat , that you give him no water till night , except only to wash his mouth : for it is very dangerous , and may spoyl him utterly ; for , a horse will be cool without , when he is not within : and the worst is but to forbear his meat a little , or to have a small body , which is much better than to have no horse . of shooing . the old saying , is , before behind , behind before . that is ; before , the veins lie behind : for , you see of his fore-feet , there is a great space on both sides , where there is no nayls at the heel : and behind , before ; for you see in his hinder-feet , there is a great space between the nayls at the toe ; because the veines lie before , at the toe ; and the veins lie behind , at the heel : and this is done for fear of pricking him . so that the saying , before behind , behind before , is very true. you must fitt the shoo to the foot , and not the foot to the shoo , as they do in flanders , and brabant ; and open his heels as much as you can , straight , and not side-wayes ; for that will cutt away all his heels in two or three shooings ; and the strength of the heels , is the strength of the foot. you must cutt the thrush handsomly too , and pare his foot as hollow as you can , the shoo may not press at all upon his foot : the shoo must come neer to the heel , and sit a little from it , and a little wider than the hooff on both sides , to enlarge the heel ; and that the shoo may bear his weight , more than his foot. the webb must be indifferent broad ; not too thinn , least it should beat into his foot ; nor so thick , either to tyre him , or with the weight to pull out the nayls . when the shoo is set on , there will be much hooff to be cutt off at the toe ; for , it must be very thick at the toe , if you do not pare him but as i have told you ; and when you have cutt it off , then smooth it with a file , or rape , and thus your horse will stand so firm , as if he had a little polonia-heel ; and his foot so strong , as not only to go boldly upon stones , but to break them , and never to hurt his feet , or feel them : for , you will easily imagine , a man can go much better upon stones with three-soal'd-shoos , than with pumps . paring a horses foot so thin as they use , is pumps , and makes him go upon his heels , as pumps doth a man ; and my way , as i have told you , is , three-soal'd-shoos , and a little polonia-heel . the nayls should be cast in a mould , with round and flatt heads , for fear of crossing one legg of another to hurt him . this for the fore-feet . the hinder-feet are to be shod just in the same manner as the fore-feet was , both for opening the heels , cutting the thrush , and cutting off at the toe , to leave it thick ; only the hinder shooes must be made answerable to the form of his hinder-feet : the webb somewhat broad , but the nayls of his hinder-feet should be ordinary nayls , and the heads a little bigger and sharper , for stopping , to take hold of the earth , lest he might , with sliding , incord himself ; the nayls ought to be so , because a horse of mannage goes on the hanches , which is most of his hinder-feet ; and wears his hinder shooes twice as fast as his fore shooes : and this is the right way of shooing a horse of mannage . a travelling horse must be shod after the same manner , but a little straighter ; for otherwise , in ill wayes , he will pull off his shooes ; the webb must be a little narrower . a hunting-horse must also be shod after the same way , but much narrower than the travelling-horse , eeven with his foot , and the webb much narrower , or else he will indanger to lame himself , upon ill grounds , and to indanger you with falling ; besides pulling off his shooes . a running-horse's shooes are so narrow at the webb , and so thin , as they are called plates , rather than shooes ; it is not only for leightness , but that the fresh nayls , being newly shod , may take better hold of the earth , to prevent slipping : for , could the nayls be put in without shooes , as eeven , and regularly , it would do as well ; but that cannot be , and therefore you must have plates for that end , which is the only end of plates . what is to be done , when the hair from the mane and tayl falls away . search both mane and tayl well with your finger , and anoynt the place with this vnguent . take quick-silver , and tryed hoggs grease ; the quick-silver being first mortified with fasting-spittle : incorporate them very well together , till the hoggs grease be of a perfect ash colour , and anoynt the sorrance therewith , every day ; holding a hott barr of iron neer , to cause the oyntment to sink in , and in three or four dayes thus carefully dressing him , he will be well . this is a very good receipt , and i have often used it : but i would advise you , first to lett him blood , a good quantity , both in the neck and tayl. to cause the hair to grow again . take the dung of a goat , newly made ; ordinary honey , allom , and the blood of a hogg ; the allom being first made into fine powder . boyl all these together , and rubb , and anoynt the places therewith every day , and it will cause the hair to come again apace . this is special good. i use to preserve my horses manes , making them very clean from all filth and dust with the brush ; then wash them with a little sope : and having wash'd out the sope , pleat them up in great pleats , and undo them every day , pleat them again ; and this will make them grow wonderfully : for , their manes being loose , they are apt to break , especially when they are ridd , by reason of the bridle , cavezone reins , and hand , that rubbs against them : therefore , but upon high dayes , let their manes be alwayes pleated . their tayls should be always kept clean , and wash't with sope sometimes , but wash't clean every day ; and when they are dry , comb'd out carefully , for fear of breaking the hair : let his dock be wetted with a spunge often in a day , which will both make it grow , and make the hair to lie eeven ; and his tayl cutt every month , which will both make it grow , and grow thick . to observe the time of the moon , is but an old foppery ; but to lett him blood in the tayl , is very good. now you must understand , that what you take many times for dust in his mane , are little worms , which eat the roots of the hair away : this is easily known from dust ; because , if the hair falls , you may be very sure they are wormes . the cure is thus : make a prety strong lie , and wash his mane with it once a day , and he will be cured ; but you must take heed , that the lie be not too strong ; for , if it be , that alone will burn all the hair of his mane off : so the cure will be worse than the disease . rare receipts , jvlips , glisters , and potions , for cooling a horse over-heated by violent exercise : promised before . for a horse that hath a cold , take half a pound of honey , half a pound of treakle , mix these together : then take an ounce of cumminseed , beaten into powder ; an ounce of liquorish pouder , an ounce of bay-berries beaten into pouder , and an ounce of anniseeds in pouder : then mix all these powders together , and put so much of them as shall make it thick as a hasty-pudding . after the horse is ridden , give it him with a stick to lick off ; and if he have a cold , give him of it , both before , and after , he is ridden ; for , no better medicine there is not . when a horse is over-ridden , to comfort him . take a pinte of sweet milk , and put three yolks of eggs beaten into it ; then make it luke-warm , and then put in three penny-worth of saffron , and one penny-worth of sallet-oyle , which is two or three spoonfulls , and give it the horse , in a horn : you may give him near a quart of milk. this is an excellent drink . honey is the most excellent thing in the world , both for the lungs , a cold , and to open all obstructions , putting one good spoonful into his oats , and so to continue this medicine for a pretty time . i have known it recover a very pursey horse . horses of great exercise , or that are over-heated , and have great fire in their bodies , must be lett blood often ; nay , twice or thrice within a few dayes , one after another ; and still lett blood , untill you see good blood comes : to lett such a horse blood in the mouth , and then rubb his mouth with salt , and let him eat his blood , is an excellent thing : but you must purge him well , that his grease may come away ; for , horses of great exercise would else be alwayes foundered in the body , and then they will never thrive until that melted grease be brought away . the best purge , is two ounces of aloes sicatrina , lapt up in butter , and made into two pills , and so give it your horse after he hath rested awhile ; then give him this following and refreshing drink , which is the best julip in the world : take mel rosatum , or honey of roses . conserves of damask-roses . conserve of burrage . sirrup of violets . of each four ounces . burrage water . endive water . suckory water . bugloss water . plantine water . of each half a dutch pint , which is near as much as an english quart. then you are to use both these conserves and waters , thus : put all the conserves into a morter , and beat them , or pownd them together , and then mix them by little and little , with the waters , till they be well mixt together ; and then give them all together in a horn , to the horse , without straining : do not give it cold by any means . hott sirrup of lemmons added to it , is very good : give it twice or thrice a week for a fortnight at least , and let the horse rest afterwards . feed your horse all the time of this great heat within him , with wheat-brann amongst his oats , and wash them in a little beer , if he likes it . this brann is the best thing in the world to get-out his belly , and to moisten him , because it dries up all superfluous humours which heat him : in his water , when you water him , put also wheat — brann into it , and let him eat of that brann also . this is most excellent ; and will not only cool him , and moisten him , but also loosen his skin , if he be apt to be hide — bound , which all heat doth . lettises are very good to cool him ; suckory roots , or endive roots , are all one . to boyl suckory roots in his water is very good ; and purslane , to give it him now and then to eat , is also very good : to sprinkle his hay with water , and to give him radishes to make him piss , will cool him . and let him have no violent exercise , until he be recovered , but gentle-walking . this is the most excellent thing in the world ; beyond all the printed books of receipts . to cool and refresh a horse . give him carrots with his oats , or upon his watering — bitt ; apples is excellent , and so muskmellons , or the skins of them : to wash his oats in small beer , is also very excellent . a receipt of the cooling-julip , or diet-drink , that doctor davison doth give in feavers take barley water two pints : of sirrup of violets two ounces : of sirrup of lemmons one ounce : mix them together , and use this water to quench their thirst . a julip for feavers to bind the body , if it be loose . take one ounce of ivory , and one ounce of harts — horn ; raspe them , and put them in three paris — pintes of water , and let them boyl together , until the half be consumed ; then strain it through a cloth : and put to this liquor , four ounces of the best juce of barberies , and one ounce and a half of sirrup of pomgranets . this is to be used to cool . these are excellent for feavers in horses as well as men : only you must give a third , or a fourth part more to horses , since they have stronger bodies ; else the disease is all one , and the remedy is all one : and this method will cure both man and horse ; and all other wayes are pernicious to them both , which is either physick that purges , or hott-cordials ; only when he is cured , then a purge , as i said before , to take away the dreggs that remain ; and no more . a cooling-potion which is most excellent . take a quart of whey , and four or five ounces of sirrup of violets , and four or five ounces of cassia , and a little manna ; and this will both cool , and purge gently , and is a most excellent remedy for horses of great exercise . to take the very same at the other end , will do much good to cool the bowels ; and is a very rare , and soveraign cooling glister . all these cooling things are most excellent for horses of great exercise , which are over-heated , and surfeited with riding , so you give them first the purge of aloes , to bring away their grease . here ends the first part. the second part . of riding , and dressing horses upon the grovnd . there is no man can make or dress a horse perfectly , that doth not exactly understand all the natural paces , and actions of a horses leggs , in every one of them ; and all the actions of his leggs , made by art. it is a general rule , that art must never be against nature ; but must follow nature , and set her in order . of the natvral paces . first . of a horse upon his walk . the action of his leggs in that motion , is , two leggs in the ayre , and two leggs upon the ground , at the same time moved cross , fore-legg and hinder-legg cross , which is the true motion of a slow trott . secondly . in a trott . the action of his leggs , is , two leggs in the ayre , and two leggs upon the ground , at the same time moved cross ; fore and hinder legg cross ; which is the motion of legg a swifter walk : for , in a walk , and a trott , the motion of the horse's legges are all one , which his leggs makes cross , two in the ayre cross , and two upon the ground cross , at the same time ; fore legg and hinder-legg cross ; and every remove changes his leggs cross ; as those that were in the ayre cross , are now set down ; and those that were upon the ground cross , are now pull'd up in the ayre cross . and this is the just motion of a horse's legges in a trott . thirdly . for an amble , he removes both his leggs of a side : as for example ; take the farr-side , he removes his fore-legg , and his hinder-legg , of the same side at one time , whilst the other two leggs of the near-side stand still ; and when those leggs are upon the ground which he first removed , at the same time they are upon the ground the other side ; which is , the near-side removes fore-legg and hinder-legg on that side , and the other leggs of the farr-side stand still . thus an amble removes both his leggs of a side , and every remove changes sides ; two of a side in the ayre , and two upon the ground at the same time . and this is a perfect amble . fourthly . a gallop is another motion : for , in a gallop he may lead with which fore-legg you please ; but then the hinder-legg of the same side must follow it , i mean when he gallops straight forwards ; and then this is a perfect gallop . but to understand what is meant by his fore-legg leading , and his hinder-legg on the same side following ; that fore-legg is thus . as for example : if the farr-fore-legg lead , by that fore-legg leading , is meant , that fore-legg must be before the other fore-legg alwayes , and the hinder-legg to follow it on the same side ; which hinder-legg must alwayes be before the other hinder-legg : and this is a true gallop . but now to shew you , that the motion of a gallop is thus : the horse liffts both his fore-leggs up at a time , in that action that i told you , which is one legg before the other ; and as his fore-leggs are falling , i say before they touch the ground , his hinder-leggs in that posture i formerly told you , follow his fore-leggs , being once all in the ayre at one time ; for as his fore-leggs are falling , his hinder-leggs moves at the same time , and then he is all in the ayre : for , how is it possible else , that as a horse is running , he should spring forward twice his length , were not the motion of a gallop a leap froward ? and this description is most true both in the motion and posture of a horses leggs ; when he gallops : in a soft and slow gallop it is hardly perceived , though it be true ; but in running , where the motion is more violent , it is easily perceived : for there it is plain ; you shall see all his four feet in the ayre at one time , ( running being but a swift gallop ; ) for the motion and posture of his leggs are all one . but you must remember , that galloping upon circles , the horse always ought to lead with his two leggs , within the turn ; fore-legg , and hinder-legg within the turn . and this is a true gallop . fifthly . when a horse runns , the motion he makes , and the action of his leggs , are all one with a gallop ; only a swifter motion , which you may call a swift gallop ; and a gallop a slow running : and this is the truth of the motion of running . now i must tell you of that which every body speaks of , and no body tells what it is : for , they say , a horse may gallop with the wrong legg before , which is impossible . for , if the hinder-legg of the same side followes , it is a right gallop ; so that rather it is the wrong legg behind . but that which they call the wrong legg before , is thus a true gallop , if that legg which leads before , is follow'd by the hinder-legg of the same side ; and as the horse falls with his two fore-leggs , his hinder-leggs follow them , before his fore-leggs touch the ground ; so that at that very time all the horses four leggs are in the ayre , and it is a leap forward . that which they call the wrong legg before , is this , when the horse is upon the motion , in the swiftness of a gallop , he changes his leggs cross ; which is the action of a trott , two leggs in the ayre , and two upon the ground ; and that is so contrary to a gallop , and is such a cross motion , as makes the horse ready to fall : and this is one way of that which they call , the wrong legg before . another way is this , that when the horse is upon the action of a gallop ; as i told you before , in the swiftness of a gallop , where he should keep alwayes two leggs of a side forward , he changes sides every time , fore-legg and hinder-legg of a side ; and changing sides every time , that is the action of an amble , which is two leggs of a side in the ayre , and two leggs of the other side upon the ground at the same time , and changing sides every time. this action of an amble , upon the swiftness of a gallop , differs so much from the action of a gallop , as it makes the horse ready to fall : and these two , the action of a trott , and the action of an amble , upon the swiftness of a gallop , is that which their ignorance calls , the wrong legg before . it is true , that though a horse do gallop right , which is his hinder-legg to follow his fore-legg on the same side ; yet if he be not accustomed to that side , he will gallop neither so nimbly , nor so fast , as with that side he is accustomed to lead withal : for , it is just as a left-handed , or a right-handed man ; custom having a very great power over man and beast : else , when the horse gallops forward , never so little a gallop , his hinder-leggs go beyond the print of his fore-leggs , and that legg that he leads withal . for example ; if the inward fore-legg lead , the inward hinder-leg follows ; so those are prest , and his outward leggs at liberty : so that in the action he makes , his outward fore-legg is set to the ground first , and is at liberty ; that 's one time : and then his inward fore-legg , which is prest , and leads , makes a second time ; that 's two : and then his outward hinder-legg , which is at liberty , is set down ; that 's three times : and then his inward hinder-legg , which is prest , and leads , is set down ; and that makes a fourth time . so that a gallop forward is 1 , 2 , 3 , and 4. which is the just action and time of a gallop forward , and is a leap forward . now upon circles , his croup out upon a gallop , he must alwayes lead with his inward leggs to the turn , and strikes over but sometimes ; not so much , but that the action of the gallop is all one ; which is 1 , 2 , 3 , and 4. and a leap forward . of a trot . a trott is the foundation of a gallop : the reason is , a trott being cross , and a gallop both leggs of a side ; when you trott him fast , beyond the power of a trott , it forces him when his inward fore-legg is up , to set down his outward hinder-legg so suddenly , as to make his inward hinder-legg to follow his inward fore-legg , which is a true gallop . and thus a trott is the foundation of a gallop . a gallop is the foundation of terra a terra , for the actions of the horses leggs are all one ; leading with the fore-legg within the turn ; and following that legg with his hinder-legg within the turn ; only you stay him a little more on the hand in terra a terra , that he may go in time. an amble , being a shuffling action , i would have banish't the mannage ; for the horse removes both his leggs of a side , and changes sides every remove ; which is so contrary to the mannage , as can be : but if you make him to gallop ; whereas upon a trott , you trott him fast to take his gallop , you must upon the amble stay him upon the hand to take his gallop . a true description of all the natural & artificial motions a horse can make. first , for terra a terra , the horse alwayes leads with the leggs within the turn , like a gallop ; his two fore-leggs up , and as they are falling , his two hinder-leggs follow ; and at that time , all his four leggs are in the ayre ; so that it is a leap forward ; the same upon demy-vaults ; for it is all but the action of terra a terra . now when the horses croup is in , whether upon a little gallop , or terra a terra , here his hinder-leggs are alwayes short of his fore-legs , because his croup is in ; but if it be le petit gallop , his action is still 1 , 2 , 3 , & 4. because it is a gallop . but in terra a terra , the action is but two , a 1 & 2 pa : ta : like a corvet , but only prest forward : a corvet is a leap upward , and higher ; and terra a terra a leap forward , and lower ; and his inward leggs that lead more before his outward leggs , being another action than a corvet . secondly , corvets , a demy-ayre , a groupado , a balatado , or a capriol , are all but a leap upward ; for all his four leggs are in the ayre , as his fore-parts are falling . and there are no more artificial motions than these two ; terra a terra , and these ayres last-mentioned . the ordering of the cavezone my way , and the operation and use of it . take one of the reins , which must be long , and a little ring at one end , and put the other end into that ring , and so put it about the pommel , and then put the rest down by the fore-bolster of the saddle under your thigh ; and the rest of the rein put through the ring on the same side of the cavezone , and so bring it back again , either to be in your hand , or tie it to the pommel straight ; and do the same with the other rein in all things , as i told you with this. the cavezone is to stay , to raise , and to make the horse leight ; to teach him to turn , to stop , to firm his neck , to assure and adjust his head , and his croup , without offending his mouth , or the place of the curb ; and also to supple and help his shoulders , and his leggs and feet before . therefore i would use it to all horses whatsoever ; for they will go much better with the bitt alone , having their mouth preserved , and made so sensible , as they will be attentive to all the motions of the hand : so that there is nothing for the exercise of the mannage like it , with a canon a la pignatel , the branches a la conestable , and the cavezone together : but then the cavezone must be my way , as i told you ; and that doth so supple them , and is so right , as it makes all horses whatsoever , if you work them upon their trott , gallop , stopping , and going back , with passeger , and raising them as you ought , and according to the rules of art : for this makes them subject to the sense of feeling , which is the sence we ought to work on ; to feel the hand , and to feel the heels , which is all ; and not to the sense of the sight , which is the routin of the pillars , or the sense of noise , which is the routin of hearing , but only the sense of feeling , and only of those two places , which is the mouth and the sides . seeing is all the art when they teach horses tricks , and gambals , like bankes's horse ; and though the ignorant admire them , yet those persons shall never teach a horse to go well in the mannage . there are many things in the sense of feeling , which are to be done with so great art , witt , and judgement , and require so great experience of the several dispositions of horses , that it is not every mans case to be an horse-man , as it is to make a dogg or a horse dance : but i am contented to let the ignorant talk , and think what they will , for i am not concerned with their folly. the cavezon's inward rein tyed short to the pommel my way , is excellent to give a horse an apuy , and settle him upon the hand , and make him firm , and his head steady : so it is excellent for a horse that is too hard on the hand ; for the cavezon's rein being always within the turn tyed very straight to the pommel , keeps him from resting too much on the bitt , which makes him leight , and firm on the hand . the inward cavezone's rein tied short to the pommel , is excellent also to supple a horse's shoulders , which is the best thing that can be ; for it gives apuy where there is none , and where there is too much apuy , it takes it away , and supples his shoulders extreamly , which is an excellent thing ; it also makes a horse gallop very right , with his leggs , as also his leggs very right for terra a terra ; for it lengthens his leggs within the turn , and shortens his leggs without the turn , which is right as it should be . so it is good for working his shoulders in all kindes , and his croup last , legg and rein of a side , as also to work legg and rein contrary , in all kinds of several lessons . and this is the rarety of tying the inward cavezone's rein short to the pommel . the cavezone ( my way ) works powerfully upon the nose , and so hath the greater pull to give the horse the greater ply and bent , being the part the farthest off from your hand . and this ply , or bent , is from his nose to his withers , which is to bend his neck , and works too on the shoulders , this is to bent into the turn ; it pulls his head down too , and makes him look into the turn ; his head being pulled down when he is prest , puts him more upon the hanches . this is done with the inward rein of the cavezone pulled hard , and straight , and so tied to the pommel , which keeps it at a stay , and is stronger than ones hand , and hath the same operation as i told you before ; but when it is tied to the pommel , it still keeps the right bent of the horse , and then i work upon the bitt , either with the reins separated with both my hands , or else in my left hand only when he is thus bent : when i would passeger him , his croup in , large or narrow , then i help with the outward rein of the bridle ; because it is upon the action of a trott , and that is cross ; and therefore must have his leggs free without the turn , to lap over his inward leggs ; and when he is thus tied with the inward cavezones rein , if i would have him to go le petit gallop , his croup in , or terra a terra , then i help with the inward rein of the bridle , my hand on the outside of his neck , and my knuckles towards his neck , to put him on the outside of the turn : but le petit gallop sometimes on the inside , because it is a gallop , as the outward rein puts him on the inside of the turn ; all this is with his croup in. if to trott or gallop d'une piste , large or narrow circles , the inward cavezone's rein still tyed to the pommel , then i help with the inward rein , and inward legg , or outward rein to narrow him before : if the piroite , with the outward rein ; if demy-voltoes upon passadoes , the outward rein ; for all leaps , the outward rein ; for corvets and demy-ayres , the outward rein ; for corvets backward , the outward rein ; for corvets forward , the outward rein ; for terra a terra , in his length , the inward rein : and so passadoes , the inward rein. so , stopping , and going back , the inward rein. all these with the inward rein of the cavezone tyed straight to the pommel , which is the best thing in the world , and then help with the several reins of the bridle , as occasion offers you , and as i have told you for all these several things . so that the inward cavezon's rein tyed to the pommel , or else in your hand , is , for all things whatsoever ; croup , in or out ; trott , gallop , passager ; all ayres , stopping , going back , passadoes ; or any thing in the world that is in the mannage : for without it no horse can be perfectly drest , in any kind , to have the ply of his neck , and to supple his shoulders , to look into the turn , to have his leggs go right , as they ought to do in all actions ; his body rightly bent , to be part of the circle he goes in , and bent that way . so it is all in all for every thing , every ayre , and every action the horse can make . the cavezone being upon the nose , preserves the horse's mouth , and barrs , and place of the curb ; and it is so effectual , as it will dress a horse without the bitt , which the bitt shall never do without the cavezone ; for the barrs and the curb are too tender : besides , the reins of the bitt can never give him the ply , nor bend him enough , nor supple his shoulders , because it is so near you , and works upon the barrs and the curb ; which cannot bend him possibly so , as that upon his nose , because the branches of the bitt are so slow , and the barrs and the curb so low , that there is not room enough to pull as with a cavezone , that is so much higher ; and hath so much room to pull , and pulls and plyes him , all from his nose to his shoulders , when the other can do little more than pull his musle , and his head , and goes no further : the cavezone's rein within is for every thing , the bitt otherwise . to supple his shoulders , you must help with the outward rein , and to stay his outward shoulder with the inward rein ; which hath not near the force the cavezone's rein hath for every thing : therefore use it in all things , and with all horses , colts , half-drest horses , ready horses , young , middle-age , old , and every horse , and all horses ; for there is no dressing horses without it , and with it you will dress all horses whatsoever , and of what disposition soever ; weak , middle-strength , or strong , and reduce all vices with it ; and when you use the bitt , they will go much the better , for having been wrought continually with the cavezone . observations about the cavezone , about the ply , or bending the horse's shoulders into the turn ; and in what place the cheeks of the bitt then are , or where they rest . when the inward rein of the cavezone is tyed hard to the pommel , and you pull the inward rein of the bridle , his neck bends so much into the turn , whether upon large circles , his croup out , or his croup in , as then the cheek of the bitt , that is next the turn , is beyond the inside of his neck or shoulder , and the outward cheek , removed according to the distance of the cheeks , which is much more than the midst of his neck : and this ply supples his neck and shoulders extreamly , makes him look into the turn ; head , body , leggs , and all going most justly , as they ought to do , whether his croup in , or out . and this is the quintessence of the mannage ; and without this no horse can be drest perfectly , or can go justly in any kind , either upon the ground , or in ayres ; nor possibly do any thing right upon the circles , or voltoes without it . i told you this was , with the cavezone , the inward rein tyed so short to the pommel , as pulls in his head and neck so much , that it makes the inward cheek of the bitt very much within his neck , on the inside of the turn ; because the cavezone works on his nose , and not on his barrs , or curb , at all ; and that 's the reason the inward cheek of the bitt comes so much beyond his neck on the inside of the turn . of the operation of the cavezone . the cavezone is another business than the bitt ; for the bitt works upon the barrs , and the curb , and hath two cheeks whereunto unto the reins are fastned on both sides the horses neck ; and the bitt is in his mouth , and the curb is under his chin ; and these low , especially the branches : but the cavezone is upon his nose , which is much higher , and works only there , without mouth or curb . well then , the cavezone being tyed according to my fashion , though it be to the girths , if you pull it cross his neck , with an oblique line , your hand on the outside of the turn , your knuckles towards his neck , it pulls his head up a little , and works the same effect , for the bending his neck , as the bitt doth , but much more ; because you have a greater pull , the cavezone being upon his nose ; and , being further off you than the bitt , he is bent the more ; because you have more power to pull . consider , that when the inward rein of the cavezone is tyed to the pommel , it is the same oblique line that the other was , when you had it in your hand , only a little shorter , and hath the same operation in every thing , and pulls up his head a little ; but now , if you have it in your hand , and hold it on the inside of the turn , and pull it hard , and low , then you pull down the horses head , and he brings in his outward shoulder , which is good in large circles , either upon trotting , or galloping , or upon passager , for the reasons i told you before ; so that the cavezone , and the bitt , differ so much in their operative working , that when you pull the cavezone a little high , it puts up the horses head ; and when you pull the bitt high , and hard , it pulls down his head ; and when you hold the cavezone low , and on the inside of the turn , and pull it hard , it pulls down the horses head ; and if you hold your hand low with the bridle , it gives his head liberty , for the reasons aforesaid . now you see , that the cavezone , and the bitt , differ in their working very much ; so great is the difference betwixt the nose and the mouth . it is true , that the inward cavezone's rein tyed to the pommel , is so rare a thing , and so effectual , as you may almost work as you list , with the bridle ; the cavezone still doing the business ; and when one comes to work with the bridle alone , one may easily be deceived ; except he hath all those considerations , the excellency of the cavezone , thus tied , may deceive him , when he comes to work with the bitt alone . there are three several helps with the inward cavezone's rein in your hand : the first help , is , to pull in his outward shoulder ; the second help , with it , is , to pull in his inward shoulder ; and the third help , with it , is , to stay his shoulders . curious and true observations about the working of the bitt alone , which being not truly considered , no man can work with the bitt as he ought to do . but to work only with the reins of the bridle , which work upon the bitt , is another business ; for now i consider what the bitt is , which is another engine , that works upon the horses barrs , and the curb ; and the two branches are like leavers to work on those two places : as the reins pull the cheeks , either the inward cheek , or the outward cheek ; the barrs , and the place of the curb , is much lower than his nose , on which the cavezone works ; and the rings where the reins of the bridle are fastned , at the ends of the cheeks , are much lower than the barrs , or the curb ; but as the cheeks are pull'd by the reins of the bridle , so doth the bitt work upon the barrs , or the curb , accordingly . as for example ; on the right hand , the reins separated in both your hands , if you pull the inward rein from his neck on the inside , then you pull the inward cheek into the turn , and then the mouth of the bitt goes out , and presses the horse on his barrs , without the turn ; and makes the horse look out of the turn , and presses the curb on the outside , and must of necessity do so ; for when the cheeks are pulled in , the mouth of the bitt must go out : for of what side soever the cheeks are pulled , the mouth of the bitt goes still contrary to the cheeks , and must do so in all reason ; the bitt being an instrument that is made so to do , and it cannot be otherwise . the same operation it hath for the left hand : if you pull the inward rein from his neck , the mouth goes still contrary to the cheek ; the cheek goes inward , and the mouth goes outward , and the horses leggs are prest on the inside of the turn ; therefore in terra a terra , the reins separated in both my hands , i pull the inward rein beyond his neck , my knuckles towards his neck , which pulls the inward cheek to me , and then the mouth goes contrary ; that is , the cheek is put from the turn , and the mouth bends into the turn , and the horse looks into the turn as he should do , and the horses leggs prest on the outside of the turn , on the left hand : the inward rein pull'd thus , hath the same operation ; your hand being on the outside of his neck , and your knuckles towards his neck , pulls the inward cheek from the turn , and the mouth of the bitt goes into the turn , alwayes contrary , and cannot be otherwise ; it presses the horse on the inside of the barrs , and on the inside of the curb , and so looks into the turn ; and his leggs are prest on the outside of the turn , which is proper for terra a terra . and thus working with the bitt , produces many excellent things , for terra a terra , as i have particularly set down afore . of the working with the outward rein of the bridle . now let us consider the working with the outward rein of the bridle , what operation that hath on the barrs , curb , and cheeks ; which cheeks governs barrs and curb : as for example ; going on the right hand , i turn my hand on the inside of his neck , this pulls the outward rein ; pulling the outward rein , pulls the outward cheek to me ; then of necessity it must put the mouth of the bitt from me , and presses the horse on the outside of the barrs , which is on the outside of the turn , and so presses him on the out-side of the curb , and so the horse must look on the outside of the turn ; and all this is , because the cheeks are pull'd to you on the outside ; therefore the mouth of the bitt must go from you ; still contrary , and never fails , nor cannot : for , it is impossible it should work otherwise ; but it is true , that it supples , and brings in his shoulders . the reason is this , the horses leggs are prest on the inside of the turn , and then he must needs bring in his shoulders , though he is prest to look out of the turn . the same thing is for the left hand , and the same reasons for every thing , working with the outward rein of the bridle . thus the bitt and reins are truly anatomized , which never was before : the outward rein doth well for the piroite , and so for demy-voltoes upon passadoes . of the the working the bitt when the horse goes straight forward . when the horse goes straight forward , either trotting , galloping , or upon corvets , if you hold your hand low , it presses more upon the barrs , than the curb , because the cheeks of the bitt are not pull'd so much to you , or to the neck of the horse ; and therefore the curb is not straightned so much , and so the horse is at more liberty , and his head a little higher : but when you hold your bridle-hand a little higher , and pull it up to you , then the curb works more , and pulls down the horses head ; the reason is plain ; for when you pull the cheeks hard , and up , then you pull the mouth of the bitt down ; and so the horses head , because it works hard on the curb : for it is most true , that when the cheeks of the bitt are pull'd up , the mouth goes down , and straightens the curb , the hand being high ; and when the cheeks are not pull'd hard , then the curb is slackt , and the horses head at more liberty ; for the pressure of the barrs and curb , depends upon the cheeks ; for when the cheeks goe up , the mouth of the bitt goes down ; and when the cheeks of the bitt goe down , the mouth of the bitt goes up. this is the operation , and the effects , of the bitt . of another operation of the bitt . i must tell you , that the cheeks lie slope to you , and the reins more slope , before they come to your hand ; so the bitt cannot press very much on the horse , being so farr from the perpendicular-line : and as the cheeks are pull'd up , the mouth goes down ; and as the cheeks goe down , the mouth goes up ; alwayes contrary . the perpendicular-line , is , when you thrust your hand forward just perpendicular , to the end of the cheeks , and so pull it up hard , and it works extreamly upon the curb , which is to pull his head down . this i never use ; but thought fit to tell you what it is , and the effects of it . of the operation of the two reins separated in both hands . i told you , the inward rein prest the horse on the outside of the turn , and made him look into the turn . and i told you , the outward rein prest the horse on the inside of the turn , and made him look out of the turn ; and for passager , he must be prest on the inside , and therefore to be help't with the outward rein : but to make him look into the turn , i help with the inward rein too ; so i help with both reins in passager ; the inward rein to make him look into the turn , and the outward rein to bring in his outward shoulder , and to press him on the inside , for many reasons that i have already exprest . to work with the bridle in the left hand only . your little finger separating the reins , the left rein lies under the little finger , and the right rein lies above the little finger ; so that for the left hand , the hand on the contrary side of his neck , the knuckles towards his neck , you pull the little finger to you , and that straightens the left rein : and for the right rein , because that lies above the little finger , your hand on the outside , your knuckles towards his neck : here you must bend your hand inward , and then your little finger slacker ; and this works the right rein , as the left rein the little finger straightned , and the ring-finger slack't ; and because the horses body should not rise too high , keep the bridle-hand low , and that will put him upon the hanches : and this is the truth and quintessence of the bridle-hand , for the inward rein of either side . of the operation of the outward rein of the bridle . for the right hand , you must turn up your little finger ; and as you put it up , put it a little on the inside of the turn ; but you must bring in your outward shoulder at the same time : and for the left hand , turn up your little finger , and your thumb down . as you did before ; and at the same time put it on the inside of the turn , and bring in your outward shoulder moderately . the reins being both in your left hand , how to work them both at one time for passager . for the right hand , put your hand on the outside : and for the left hand , put your hand without his neck on the inside of the turn , and that pulls and works , the outward rein. so now you see , on both hands , how you can perfectly work both reins at one time , which is the quintessence of passager ; the reasons i have told you afore . of the vse of the two reins of the bridle . you must help with the outward rein of the bridle in the piroite , because his fore-parts are straightned , and his hinder-parts at liberty ; so you must help with the outward rein of the bridle for demy-voltoes , and in passadoes by a wall ; because his fore-parts are straightned , and his hinder-parts at liberty , being but half a piroite ; so you must help with the outward rein of the bridle , in corvets backward upon a straight line , his fore-parts being straightned ; and his hinder-parts at liberty , because they lead : so you must help with the outward rein of the bridle , in all leaps , croupadoes , balotadoes , and capriols ; either forward , or upon voltoes ; because his fore-parts are straightned , and his croup at liberty , or else he could not leap. for terra a terra , you must help with the inward rein of the bridle ; because then his hinder-parts are straightned , and his fore-parts inlarged ; so with the inward rein for demy-voltoes , because his hinder-parts are straightned , and his fore-parts inlarged : but in corvets upon voltoes , the outward rein , because his hinder-parts are subjected , and his fore-parts inlarged , and so forward ; in corvets with the outward rein , because there his hinder-parts are subjected , and his fore-parts are inlarged , and at liberty to go forward , because they lead . observations how to hold the reins of the bridle . whensoever you hold your hand even with the pommel , it slackens the curb ; if in the middle of the pommel , it is slacken'd more ; if upon his neck , it is slackned most , because it is farthest from the perpendicular line ; and the higher you hold your bridle-hand above the pommel , the curb is straightned the more ; because you can pull harder , and go neerer , by that means , to the perpendicular line . the hand should never be above two or three fingers above the pommel , a little forwarder , and easie , but firm ; for there is nothing makes a horse go more of the hanches , than a light hand , and firm ; for when he hath nothing to rest on before , he will rest behind ; for , he will rest on something ; and when he rests behind , that 's upon the hanches : a leight hand is the greatest secret we have ; but there is no horse can be firm of the hand , except he suffers the curb , and obey it . here ends the quintessence of working with the cavezone , and the bridle . my opinion for spurrs . the spurrs ought rather to be long-neckt , than short neckt ; because with long-neckt spurrs , the rider makes less motion , either in correcting , or helping his horse , which a good horse-man should alwayes do ; for he that is the quietest on horse-back , is the greatest master ; for ill horse-men cannot sit still on horse-back . the fashion of the spurrs should be a la conestable , the wansnot too long , and compas'd , and black sanguine ; the buckles and rowels of silver , not burnisht ; because they do not rust as iron , and therefore ranckles not a horses sides so much . the rowels should contain six points , for that hits a horse best ; five points are too few : and the rowells should be as sharp as possible can be ; for it is much better to let him bleed freely , than with dull spurrs to raise knobs and bunches on his side , which might give him the farsey ; but bleeding can do him no hurt , when dull spurrs may : besides , there is nothing doth a horse so much good , as to make him smart , when you correct him : there is , therefore , nothing like sharp spurrs , being used discreetly , to make all horses whatsoever know them , fear them , and obey them ; for until they suffer , with obedience , the spurrs , they are but half horses , and never drest . the shambriere is too dull a thing ; and so are all whips , hand-whips , and all ; whips of wyre fetch blood , but not in the right place , as spurrs do . a bulls-pisle is good for a colt , before you wear spurrs , but afterward it is too dull ; a smart rod is much better than any of them ; but the spurrs beyond all . of the several corrections , and helps with the spurrs . first , the correction of the spurrs being a punishment comes after a fault is committed , either to put in his buttock or croup , when he puts it out ; or else to put it out , when he puts it too much in , when he should be entier ; this is to be done with one spur , and sometimes with both spurrs : he is to be corrected with both spurrs when he is resty , and will not go forward ; or to settle him on the hand , when he joggles his head , then both the spurrs will do him good ; or when he is apprehensive , and ombrageux , the spurrs may do him good ; or that he offers to bite or strike , then the spurrs will divert him ; or that he rises too high , or boltes , then give him the spurrs ; when he is falling half-way down , then the spurrs will cure him ; but if you give him the spurrs , just when he is rising , then it may bring him over , if he will not advance , which is to rise before ; then a good stroke with both the spurrs , will make him rise ; if he be a dull jade , then smartly to give him the spurrs is good ; or that he is lazy , or slack of his mannage , then to give him the spurrs quickens him . and so the spurrs are for many things as a correction , and therefore you must give them as strongly , and sharply , still as you can , with all your strength ; and have very sharp spurrs too , that he may feel them to the purpose , so that blood may follow ; for otherwise it is not a correction : you must strike the horse always some three or four fingers behind the girthes , and sometimes towards the flancks , if it he be to put in his croup : and , believe it , there is nothing like the spurrs ; for , what makes him sensible to the heel , but the spurrs ? therefore use them , and use them until he obey you ; for no horse can be a ready-horse , until he obeys the heel . but , remember you do not dull him with the spurrs ; for then he will not care for them no more than a stone , or a block ; therefore you must give them sharply , when you give them ; but give them but seldom , and upon just occasion . when he maliciously rebell 's against what you would have him do , leave not spurring of him , and soundly , until he obey you : and when he obeys you in the least kind , leight off , and send him to the stable , and the next morning try him again ; and if he obey in the least kind , cherish him , and make much of him ; and forgive him many faults the next morning , that he may see you have mercy as well as justice , and that you can reward , as well as punish . and now you see , corrections are better than helps , and of what great efficacy the spurrs timely and discreetly given , are for the dressing of horses ; for there is but the hand and the heels , and so the spurrs are half the business in dressing horses ; only the hand hath the preheminence : though there be two spurrs , and but one bridle , because the horse hath but one mouth , and two sides ; yet , if the horse be not settled upon the hand , you cannot make him subject to the heels . but the correction of the spurrs is so necessary , and effectual , as no horse can be made a ready-horse without them ; and therefore esteem them highly , next setling a horse upon the hand ; which must be first . all helps are to prevent faults , and to go before faults ; as corrections come after faults , to punish for offending . the spurrs are to be used as a help thus ; when the horse goes terra a terra , your outward legg close to him when he slacks , turn your heel to him to pinch him with the spurrs ; which you may easily do , even to blood , and no body perceive it ; for that ought to be done neatly , and delicately , because the spurrs are a neat , and most excellent help , and the quintessence of all helps in the mannage ; and if the horse suffer and obey this , whilst you stay him on the hand , you may say , he is an excellent horse . this quickens him , and puts him forward ; but yet let me tell you , though this is an excellent help for terra a terra , yet it is not so good a help for terra a terra , as it is for all ayres ; either to pinch him with both the spurrs , or but with one : and the reason , is , because it makes him croup more , and puts him together on his hinder-parts , than puts him forward ; and therefore more proper for all manner of ayres , than for terra a terra , though very good for both . and thus much for that excellent help with the spurrs , call'd pinching . there is another help with the spurrs , which i call a help , because it is not so violent as a correction , and is not so pressing as pinching ; but between spurring and pinching ; and that is thus : when the horse gallops his croup in , or terra a terra , if he obeys not the legg enough , being close to him , or very near it , then make the motion with your legg , as if you did spurr him , and hit him with your spurr , with as gentle a touch as can be ; and no more than to let him feel it a little ; and this is the gentlest of all things , with the spurrs , which makes him obey the spurrs , and puts him forward , and is excellent for terra a terra , or le petit gallop his croup in , and much better than pinching ; for it puts him forward , and makes him obey the spurrs at the same time ; but it is not good for ayres ; for there he should leap upwards , and go forward , but very little ; and therefore pinching is best for ayres , because it raises his croup , and therefore goes not forward ; and that little touch with the spur , like spurring , is good for terra a terra , and le petit gallop his croup in , because it puts him forward , and makes him obey the spur. if your horse understands this correction , and the two several helps with the spurrs , being made sensible to him , you may be well assured he will need none of them after a while , but be so sensible , as he will go freely , and obey you willingly , only with the calf of your legg ; for the help of the thighes is a ridiculous conceit : for indeed , there is no helps but the spurrs , and the calf of the leggs , that the horse can possibly feel . of the secret helps of the calf of the legg and spvrrs . when you are stiff in the hamms , which is putting down your heel , then the calf of the legg comes to the horse , but the heel is removed from him . when you bend in the hamms , which is to put down your toes , then the calf of the legg is removed from him , but the heel comes to him . these are as great truths , as they are secrets . there is nothing in the world makes horses resty and vitious many several wayes like the spurrs , given out of time ; and nothing in the world dresses horses perfectly , like the spurrs given in time . now you have the perfection of the hand and the heels , which is the only thing to dress horses perfectly withal , and nothing else . of the rod. the rod we use seldome for a correction , but for helps , and that many times more for grace , than use ; for one rod will serve us half a year : 't is the hand and the heels that dresses horses , and nothing else . the helps with the rod , are not so good for souldiers horses , for they should go only with the hand and the heel ; for the sword must be in your right hand , and not the rod : but you may use it , to shew it still on the contrary side on which he goes , or hold it up with a grace at every change. for terra a terra with the rod. on the right hand , hold up your rod high , with a grace , and give him somtimes a blow on the shoulders , if there be need ; and sometimes a blow over the shoulders upon the croup , if he requires it . for terra a terra on the left hand , hold the rod up high , or put it to his flanck , with a grace , and hold it there during his voltoes , or give him a blow with it on the flank , or on the shoulder , if he requires it . use the same helps with the rod , upon demy-voltoes , or passadoes : for the piroite , hold it on the contrary side still . for corvets with the rod. on the right hand in voltoes , hold the rod somewhat short , and help him cross the neck , with a grace , sometimes touching him , and sometimes not ; and a good blow now and then , if he requires it : on the left hand in corvets , help him on the right shoulder , with a grace , and a just time . another help with the rod in corvets , is , to hold the rod a little long , and to whisk , and shake it forwards and backwards , with your arm up , but not straight , rather bowing a little in the elbow : when you go forward , the horse's right side to the wall ; there is no help with the rod more graceful , than to strike the wall perpetually with the rod. to help with the rod in all manner of leaps . to whisk the rod forward , and backward , is a graceful help , but it forces a horse a little too forward , until he be used to it . to help the horse with the rod , not over your shoulder , but over the bent of your arm , your arm from your body , and a little bowed , so that the point of the rod falls in the middle of his croup , is a graceful help , but somewhat difficult to do . but the best and surest help , though not so graceful , is , to turn the rod in your hand , the point toward the horses croup , and help him so every time , and in time , one stroke only ; but if he raises not his croup enough , then help him de tout temps , which is with two or three strokes together , in time : and this is the surest help . if your horse be very leight behind , which few are , then help him only before with the rod , and in time. if you would make your horse only croup with his hinder-parts , and not strike out , then help him on the middle of his croup ; if you would have him strike out , then help him with your rod , on the setting on of his dock : and if you would have him put both his hinder-leggs under his belly , then strike him with the rod a little above the gambrels . so these three several helps with the rod , makes your horse to croop , to strike out , and to put his hinder-leggs under his belly . but there is no help with the rod , like helping him with two rods ; one to raise him before , and the other rod to help him under his belly ; which puts him so much upon the hanches , as nothing is like it , or near it , upon corvets , when he is tyed short , my new way , at the single pillar . of the voice . the voice is used three manner of ways ; either as a correction , by threatning ; or as a help , to incourage the horse ; or as a courtship to him , by flattering of him ; which all three , we seldom or never use : for it is not the sense of hearing , or sight ; but the sense of touch , and only the hand , and the heels , that dresses horses perfectly . of the tongue . the help of the tongue is an excellent help to incourage , and put a horse together , either in terra a terra ; but especially in all ayres , nothing better . how horses are to be rewarded & punished : and that fear doth much ; love , little. it is impossible to dress any horse , but first he must know , and acknowledge me to be his master , by obeying me : that is , he must fear me , and out of that fear , love me , and so obey me . for it is fear makes every body obey , both man and beast ; and therefore see that he fears you , and then it is for his own sake he obayes you ; because else he would be punished : and love is not so sure a hold , for there i depend upon his will ; but when he fears me , he depends upon mine ; and that 's a ready-horse : but if i depend upon his will , that 's a ready-man . therefore love doth no good , but fear doth all : and so let them fear you , which is the ground of dressing all horses whatsoever . and this is the counsel of a friend . pluvinel , and most of the great masters in horse-manship , praise alwayes gentleness , and flatteries , and making much of horses , either by clapping , stroking them , or speaking flatteringly unto them , or giving them some reward to eat : and pluvinel sayes , one ought to be a prodigal in caressing , and making much of them , and a niggard in corrections , and careful not to offend them ; and that there is no other way to dress horses but this . but some horse-men never make much of them , or very rarely ; neither abroad , before they get up , when they ride them , nor when they light , nor in the stable ; and yet these horses go well . they do not threaten them with the voyce , or ever speak to them , and no doubt but they do it on purpose to keep them in subjection , and fear of them : for familiarity breeds contempt ; and curtesie doth no good , but makes them presume ; and makes them diligent still to obey . neither do they use the rod at all ; no more do i ; for one rod will serve me almost a year ; nor use the voyce , but a good hand , and good heels , which only dresses horses ; and seldom lets a fault escape without punishment . when they have corrected them one morning , it may be they will spur them the next morning ; but otherwise never correct them without a fault ; and if they make none , they are not punisht ; and there 's their reward . certainly this may be good for dressing of horses . for my part , when they do well , i cherish and reward them ; and when they do ill , i punish them ; for , hope of reward , and fear of punishment , governs this whole world ; not only men , but horses : and thus they will chuse the reward , and shun the punishment . they are punisht with nothing but the spurrs ; for all whipps , even of wyre , chambrieres , or bulls-pisles , are toyes . the rod is more for grace than use ; but reward , or no reward , is nothing at all in comparison of the art of riding : for , let an ignorant fellow ( which most are for any thing i can perceive ) flatter his horse , and not punish him ; or punish him , and not flatter him ; or punish and flatter him ; yet i will not flatter the rider , but will tell you , he shall spoil your horse , let him do what he will ; because he wants art. opposition in horses against the rider , a signe of strength and spirit . be not discouraged if your horse do oppose you , for it shews strength , spirit , and stomack ; and a horse having all those , cannot chuse but be made a ready-horse , if he be under the discipline of an understanding hand , and knowing heels . when a horse doth not rebel , it shews weakness , and faintness of spirit , and no courage ; and where nature is so much wanting , it is hard for art to supply it : but truly i never knew any horse in my life , but before he was perfectly drest , would rebel , and extreamly too , and a great while before he would go freely ; but a little still , against his will , until he be perfectly drest . certainly there is no horse but will strive at the first in the dressing , to have his own will , rather than to obey your will ; nor doth any horse love subjection , nor any other creature , until there is no remedy , and then they obey ; and the custom of obedience makes them ready-horses : they will strive all the wayes possibly they can , to be free , and not subjected ; but when they see it will not be , then they yield , and not before . so they deserve no thanks for their obedience . no man in the world , no , not the wisest , if he were put in the form of a horse , with his supreme understanding , could possibly find out more subtle wayes to oppose a man , than a horse will ; nay , nor near so many , i dare say : whence i conclude , that the horse must know you are his master ; that is , he must fear you , and then he will love you for his own sake : fear is the sure hold ; for fear doth all things in this world : love , little ; and therefore let your horse fear you . what makes a horse go by rote , or routine . that which makes a horse go by rote , or routine , is absolutely his eyes ; and therefore i would advise you , to have as few marks as you can in the mannage : that is , no pillars but in the out-side , and there but one for my way upon ayres , and that will not fix his sight ; so that then he will attend the hand and the heel : nor too near the walls , for then his eyes will attend them ; nor to make him go in one place alwayes ; for there his eyes will make him go by rote again : but several places will make him attend the hand and the heel . and this way , and no other , will cure him of going by rote . that a horse of three years old is too young for the mannage . a young horse of three years old , is but a gristle , and easily spoyl'd ; and besides , his understanding is not comn to him ; so that wanting understanding , and being so weak , you must have patience to stay three years more at the least , until he hath both : stops , and going back , will strain his back , and spoil him : so that i would rather have a horse of six , seven , or eight years old , so he be sound and not vitious , than a horse of three years old ; for i can force him , and make him a ready-horse in three months . but some will say boyes learn best , and so coltes : i answer , no ; for if men could be beaten to it , as boyes are , they would learn much better , and sooner : but i can force my horses of those years ; and having both understanding , and strength , they will and must of necessity learn much sooner and better . how a man should sit perfectly on horse-back . before he mounts his horse , he must see every thing in order about the horse ; which is done in an instant , without peering and prying about every thing ; as they say , pour faire l'entendu . when he is in the saddle , ( for i suppose most men know how to get up ) he must sit down in the saddle upon his twist , and not on his buttocks ; though most think nature made those to sit on , but not on horse-back . being plac'd upon his twist , in the middle of the saddle , advancing towards the pommel of the saddle , as much as he can ; leaving a handful of space between his hinder-parts and the cantle , or l'arson of the saddle , his leggs being straight down , as if he were on foot , his knees and thighes turned inwards to the saddle ; holding both of them fast , as if they were glewed to the saddle , ( for a horse-man hath nothing but those two with the counterpoize of his body to keep him on horse-back ) his feet planted firmly upon the stirrups ; his heels a little lower than his toes , that the end of his toes may pass the stirrups half an inch , or a little more , and stiff in the hamms , or jarrets , his leggs not too far from the horse's sides , nor too near , that is , not to touch them ; which is of great use for helps , that i will shew you hereafter . the reins of the bridle are to be in the left-hand , his little finger separating the reins , and grasping the rest in his hand , with his thumb upon the reins , his arm bent close to his body , but not constrain'd ; his bridle-hand some three fingers above the pommel , and some two fingers before the pommel , that the pommel may not hinder the reins in their working , and just over the neck of the horse . in the right-hand , he must have a whistling rod , not too long , like an angle-rod ; nor too short , like a poinson ; but , if either , let it be for there are many graceful helps with a short rod , that a long rod will not admit of : you must hold it a little off , from that end beyond your hand ; not only to make much of your horse with it , but to hold it the faster . the right hand , where the rod is , ought to be a little before your bridle-hand , and the right arm a little looser , than your left arm ; but not too far from your body , the point of the rod bending a little inwards , your brest out . you must look a little gay , and pleasantly , but not laughing ; and look directly between the horses ears , when he goes forwards : i do not mean , you should be stiff , like a stake , or like a statue on horse-back , but much otherwise ; that is , free , and with all the liberty in the world , as the french-man sayes , in dancing , a la negligence ; and so i would have a man on horse-back , en cavalier , and not formal ; for that shewes a scholler , more than a master ; and i never saw any formality , but me-thought it lookt something of the simple and foolish . the seat is so much , ( as you shall see hereafter ) as it is the only thing that makes a horse go perfectly ; and the very manner of sitting is beyond all other helps : therefore despise it not , for i dare boldly say , he that is not bel homme de cheval , shall never be bon homme de cheval . for , the reins both of the bridle and the cavezone , i have shewed you that which was never yet known before : and so this is enough for the seat of the cavalier . the secret helps of the horse-mans body . you must sit straight upon the twist , and always keep your self so , what action soever the horse makes ; and to that end , you should always go to that which comes to you , which is a contrary action . as for example ; the horse rises before , then you must put your body a little forward to him ; for , did you go along with the horse , you must put it backward . if the horse strikes behind , or raises his croup , you must put your body backwards , which is contrary to the horses motion ; for , did you follow the horse , you must put your body forward , and be thrown : but the best , is , to sit straight , and the action of the horse will keep you on your twist . you must understand , that the body on horse — back , is divided into three parts , two moveable , and one immoveable : the moveable is the body to the waste ; the immoveable , from the waste to the knees ; and the other moveable from the knees to the foot. the bodies — helps are to be gentle helps for all horses ; for , to sit strong on horse-back , astonishes the weak horse , makes the strong go counter-times , and forces him too much ; makes a furious horse madd ; makes a resty horse more resty ; and a horse hard on the hand , to run away , and displeases all sorts of horses . you are not neither , to sit weak on horse-back , but to sit easie ; gentle helps being best : for they fit all horses , and please all horses . the new and true method of working at first , either colts , young horses , or old ignorant horses , upon large circles d'une piste . now that you are on horse-back , know how to sit , and know all your helpes ; i will shew you how to dress your horse perfectly : which is in the manner following . the cavezone , being my way , the reins in your hand , the inward cavezone's rein pull'd hard , and low , on the inside of the turn ; legg and rein of a side that is within the turn ; which brings in the horses outward shoulder , the bridle-hand low , and a little on the out-side , or in-side , as you see occasion : this gives the horse a good apuy , working more on the barrs than on the curb , though it works on both . the horses croup being out , and pulling in his outward shoulder , presses the horse on the inside , and fits him to gallop large , d'une piste ; as also for a trot , to supple his shoulders , being prest . the inside puts him upon the shoulders , which gives him an apuy , and supples his shoulders extreamly , which is the first thing you must work on ; for , without suppling a horses shoulders extreamly , he can never do any thing ; for that is the first and principal business , and nothing doth it like the cavezone ( my way . ) give him no other lesson than this , until he be very supple on the shoulders upon his trot ; for that is the foundation of all things in the mannage , to supple him , and make him leight ; and never gallop him until he be so leight , as he offers to gallop of himself ; and this trotting , and galloping large , as they call it , d'une piste , though his croup be out , and the horse lean's so much on the inside , as you would think he would fall , he goes the surer for it . stop him but seldom ; and when you do , stay him rather by little , and little , than with a sudden stop ; for that weakens a young horses reins , and back very much ; and when he is on the hand , then put your body back to put him upon the hanches , and give him harder stops ; but then your outward legg is to put in his outward legg , or else he cannot stop upon the hanches , your outward hanch being out . of large circles upon a trot . when you work your horse upon large circles d'une piste , upon a trott , with the cavezone ( my way ) in your hand , legg and reyn on the inside , either upon large or narrow circles , d'une piste , upon his trott , where his leggs in that action are cross , you must know how they ought to go ; which is thus : his hinder-legg on the inside of the turn , and his fore-legg on the out-side of the turn , are lifted up together at a time ; and his hinder-legg on the inside of the turn , when it is set down , is set a little beyond his outward hinder-legg , and a little forwarder ; and his fore-legg without the turn , is set down at the same time , a little forwarder than his inward fore-legg , and both circularly ; and when he changes his leggs cross , then his outward hinder-legg is set before his inward hinder-legg , and his inward fore-legg before his outward fore-legg , and beyond it , and both circularly . his inward hinder-legg being set down thus , must of necessity bend , and supple his shoulders , and the cavezone's inward reyn being wrought , as i told you before , the inward legg must of necessity put out his croup , and supple his shoulders ; and thus he is bent and suppled extreamly , and can never be entier ; and his leggs always go right and truly , which is the most excellent lesson that can be . of galloping upon circles d'une piste . to work your horse d'une piste , upon large , or narrow circles , the cavezone's reyn in your hand , legg and reyn on the inside , and the outward reyn of the bridle , if need be , to supple his shoulders , pulling the inward reyn hard to bring in his outward shoulder , upon a gallop ; i will tell you how his leggs go , for a gallop is another action than a trott ; for a trott is cross , and a gallop is both of a side , always leading with his leggs within the turn , and makes four distinct times , with his four leggs , as i have shewed you before . well then , his fore-legg within the turn leads circularly , and is set down before , and beyond his outward fore-legg , and his hinder-legg within the turn follows ; but is set down a little before his outward hinder-legg , and a little 〈…〉 beyond it , which supples his shoulders ; and 〈…〉 hinder parts being put out thus , makes him gallop right , and nothing like it . this is a most excellent lesson , and 〈…〉 foundation of all things in the mannage : to trott and gallop thus , his fore-parts come 〈…〉 the center , and his hinder-parts flies it , being prest more upon the shoulders than the croup : but when he is thus prest , and supple in the shoulders , the croup is easily wrought afterwards . i must tell you , in these lessons the horse is prest , and leans extreamly on the inside of the turn , which is rare : to supple his shoulders , to walk him thus too , and stop him with your outward legg , is very good . another excellent lesson to supple a horses shovlders . go as if the horse's head was to the pillar , ( though you have none ) and on the left hand , and pull the inward cavezone's reyn hard to you ; and though he goes on the left hand , his shoulders are suppled for the right . then go on the right hand , and pull the inward cavezone's reyn hard to you ; though the horse goes on the right hand , yet his shoulders are suppled for the left. this is an admirable lesson to supple a horses shoulders ; and thus he shall never be entier . another lesson for suppling a horses shoulders upon large circles . upon large circles , his croup out ; to all the helps , both with the cavezone , bridle , reyns , leggs , and body , as i told you before ; only this is to be added , for a while , till the horse is accustomed to it . i would have you trott him without stopping of him upon his trott ; but from his trott to gallop him , le petit gallop gently ; and from his gallop to his trott again ; and though of the same hand still , yet change him from trott to gallop , and from gallop to trott , until you think it sufficient , and then stop him , either upon a trott , or gallop , which you please : this is a most excellent lesson ; not only to supple his shoulders , but to make him attend , and obey the will of his rider ; having no continued rule to fix his mind on , to go by rote , either in trotting , or galloping , but still to obey the man , as he helps or commands him to either ; and not knowing when it is , he must absolutely obey both the hand and the heel ; and so stopping sometimes upon a trott , and sometimes upon a gallop ; not knowing when he should be stopt , nor where he should be stopt , makes him still to obey the man 's both hand and heel ; and therefore a better lesson cannot be in the world ; and therefore use it : for , all our end , is , to make a horse obey the hand and the heels ; and this lesson doth it , as much as any lesson can do . if the horse retain his forces , then gallop him fast , and quick ; and then softly again , and then fast again , as occasion serves : and this softly , and quick , upon his gallop , ( not knowing when he must do either ) makes him obey both his riders hand , and heels ; which is the end of our work , and the quintessence of the mannage . when you have suppled the horse sufficiently on the shoulders , and find him hard on the hand , in not being upon the hanches ; then trot him large d'une piste , and stop him often , and good hard stops with your outward legg ; and pull him down , your body back , and when he least thinks of it ; but if he would stop of himself , put him forward without stopping of him , and stop him when he thinks not of it , and do the same upon a gallop : stop him often , and hard , and put him back sometimes , and you will find him very much upon the hanches . this is an excellent lesson , both to settle him on the hand , and to put him upon the hanches : but when you have done that , you must not continue this lesson long , for it pinches a horse very much on the back ; besides , it makes him fearful to go forward , and so may make him resty , and many inconveniencies may come of it ; therefore your own judgment must work according to occasion , when you do stop him ( as i formerly have told you : ) you must stop him upon a walk too , as well as upon a trott , or a gallop . all these lessons are only to supple a horses shoulders ; and see that you use no other lessons than these , until the horse be extreamly supple of his shoulders , and be firm on the hand : these are rare lessons , to settle a horse upon the hand , to supple his shoulders , to make him look into the turn , to trott and gallop right , ( as he should do ) both leggs , head , neck , body , and all : and , besides these , if you work , as i have told you , the horse shall never be entier ; which the italians call the credenza , which is the worst vice a horse can have , and the most dangerous . and these lessons , with the cavezone ( my way ) hath these rare operations . you must alwayes use these lessons , until the horse be extreamly supple of his shoulders , being the principal thing in dressing horses , and the first of our work : horses doth nothing but by custom , and habit , with often repetions to fortify their memories ; and by good lessons , and methodical ; and so do all men in all things that they do , good or bad : therefore give these good lessons , and repeat them often to your horse , and you will find by them benefit , and contentment : and remember , that i work upon the understanding of a horse , more than the labour of his body ; for i assure you , he hath imagination , memory , and judgement ; let the learned say what they please : i work upon those three faculties ; and that is the cause my horses go so well . here is now the end of all my lessons , in working a horse to supple his shoulders ; which if you can do , according to those lessons , then i will assure you , you have done the better half of the work , in dressing , and making up a perfect horse . the next lessons are the other half , and the easier ; which is , to make him sensible to the heels ; and those shall follow , after some certain maxims , which i will insert here , and pray you to mark , and remember them . the most certain means to unite a horses forces ; to assure , and settle his head , and his hanches ; to make him leight on the hand ; and to make him capable of all justness and firmness in all sorts of ayres , and mannages ; depends absolutely on the perfection on the stop ( as i have told you ; ) but first he must be loosen'd and suppl'd upon the trott . going back is a remedy , to put him upon the hanches ; to accommodate , and adjust his hinder-feet ; and settle him on the hand ; and to make him leight before ; to stop leightly , and in just proportion . you must never gallop your horse , until he be so leight upon his trott , as he begins to gallop of himself : for the exercise of the trott , is the first , and most necessary foundation to make him leight ; and is the ground of every lesson , which can make the horse adroit , and obedient ; and on which must be the foundation of all sorts of mannages . the property of the gallop , is , to give him a good apuy , and to settle his head ; and if he have too much fougue , or fire , le petit gallop will appease him , and give him patience ; and if he playes too much on the back , it will take it off : but all upon large circles : it tempers his spirits , makes him well-winded , and takes away his too-violent apprehensions , and diverts him from evil designes of jades tricks ; of restiness , and double-heart , and supples all his members . excellent notes to make an end of the working of the horses shovlders . having shewed you , how you should work , and supple the horses shoulders , with the cavezone's reyn in your hand , and not tied to pommel , which is the better half of our work ; i will shew you the other half ; which is , to make him obey the heels , and work both shoulders and croup together ; the cavezone's reyn still in your hand , and not tied to the pommel . to work the horses croup and shoulders together , is , with the inward reyn , and outward legg ; the inward reyn of the cavezone in your hand , and pull'd on the inside of the turn , to bring in his outward shoulder , and to press the horse on the inside of the turn , that his leggs without the turn may be free , and at liberty , to lapp over his inward leggs ; which we call passager , or en-cavalier , his croup in. this passager , though it is the action of a trott with his leggs , yet it is less violent than a trott , and more than a walk ; which is the best action to teach a horse any thing of a short trott , and together . the first lesson therefore that you must give him , upon this action , is , his head to the wall , pulling the inward cavezone's reyn hard to you , on the inside , and helping at the same time , with your outward legg , the horse to go byas , his shoulders before his croup ; which makes him narrow behind , and so upon the hanches ; because he is upon the action of a trott , his leggs being cross . if he do not obey the heel , give him the spurr gently on that side ; when the horse goes thus , he is then prest on the inside of the turn ; if this be on the right hand , then it is but changing your bridle-hand into your right hand , and the left cavezone's reyn in your left hand , and pull it hard , on the inside , to you , and your outward legg ; and make him do as much on the left hand , legg and reyn contrary ; and if he do not obey the heel , give him the spurr with your outward legg . continue this lesson until you find him obedient to your heels : you may make him go byas in an open field , the same way , with the same helps . of the voltoes in passager . when he obeys perfectly the heel , upon this lesson of byas in passager , then put him upon his voltoes , or circles , upon passager , pulling the inward cavezone's reyn on the inside of his neck , hard to you , to bring in his outward shoulder ; and your contrary legg , legg and reyn contrary , bending his neck extreamly ; and if he do not obey the heel , give him the spurr with your outward legg , and then do as much on the other hand ; and when you find him very obedient , upon passager , a little large , his croup in , which puts him upon the hanches ; because his croup is in , and because it is upon the action of a trott , and the less circle , he is alwayes the most prest , and therefore upon the hanches . i say , when he is perfectly obedient to your hand and heels , upon his voltoes somewhat large , then make him go upon his passager , in little more than his length ; and if he be obedient to your hand and heel there , on both hands , he is advanced very far towards a ready-horse : for , if a horse obey my hand and heel upon passager , which is a gentle motion , and therefore proper to learn a horse , because it makes him patient , and fortifies his memory the better . i say , if he be obedient to me upon this action , which is the quintessence of dressing horses , then i can make him do any thing , that his forces will permit him . when the horse is perfect in the aforesaid lessons , then put him upon his voltoes , his croup in ; upon le petit gallop , thus : pull the inward cavezone's reyn hard to you on the inside of his neck , and your outward legg to help him , poysing more on the outward stirrup , than on the inward ; and bend his neck extreamly , that he may be prest on the out-side of the turn , which is proper for le petit gallop his croup in ; and help him with your tongue , and he will go presently very perfectly ; and giving him good stops , he is advanced very far towards a ready-horse . there is no difference here between le petit gallop , and terra a terra . when your horse obeys all these lessons perfectly ; which is , to obey your hand , and the heels , teach him to advance ; which is , to rise before ; without which no horse can be a ready-horse : you may do it when you stop him , or upon large circles , staying him upon the hand , helping him with your tongue , and your leggs , and rodd , if there be cause ; and put him forward still after it , and raise him again . but if he rises of himself , put him forward , and let him not rise , but when you would have him ; and he will very soon obey you . when he rises perfectly ( when you would have him ) upon large circles , then put his croup in upon his voltoes , and raise him so ; and then feel him upon the hand , and stay him a little when he is up ; and this will both put him upon the hand , and upon the hanches . why i would not have you raise him before now , was , because it would disorder his mouth , and put him off of the hand , and make him resty ; for many horses rises restily , because they would not go forward , nor turn ; for , until they obey the hand , and fly the heel , there is no raising of them . i would have you always begin upon large circles his croup out , and then put in his croup afterward ; and so end. when the horse is perfect in all these former lessons , then i would have you tie the inward cavezone's reyn hard to the pommel , and work him upon all former lessons so , with the inward reyn , and inward legg ; and the outward reyn , if need be , his croup out . upon large circles , his croup in , the inward cavezone's reyn tied to the pommel , and help'd with the inward reyn of the bridle , to press him on the outside of the turn , for passager : but when you raise him in passadoes , then the inward reyn ; when the inward cavezone's reyn is tied to the pommel , then you work most on the bitt ; for you have nothing else in your hand . to help , with the bridle alone , upon large circles , his croup out , inward reyn , and inward legg ; or outward reyn and inward legg , if his shoulders come not in enough ; but upon passager , with the bridle alone , the inward reyn , and outward legg , for the reasons i have told you . it is an excellent lesson to gallop a horse forth right , and to stop him , and to raise him only with the bitt , and then to turn him , helping with the outward reyn , which will prepare him for passadoes ; of which we will talk hereafter . there is an excellent lesson , the inward cavazone's reyn tied to the pommel , which is this : to gallop d'une piste a narrow circle , and so four of them , and still put him forward to take the other circle ; and afterward to do the same upon every circle , his croup in , le petit gallop , or terra a terra ; and put him forward to take the next circle , and so as often as you think good to repeat all the four : and this makes him attend the hand and the heel , and most obedient to both . the inward reyn puts the horse on the outside , indeed all his body , and leans on his outward hinder-legg , and weighs his fore-parts up ; and therefore on the hanches . the outward reyn puts the horse on the inside , and weighs him down ; and therefore on the shoulders . you must have a method to be often repeated in all these good and excellent lessons ; lesson after lesson , or else you will never dress any horse perfectly for terra a terra . needful observations . naturally whensoever a horse's shoulders come in , his croup goes out ; and when his croup is put in too much , his shoulders go out . as for example ; upon large circles his shoulders come in , his croup goes out ; and when his head is as to the pillar , ( legg and reyn of a side ) his shoulders come in , and his croup goes out : nay , in the right terra a terra , his shoulders going before , his croup shuns the center , which is a little out , though you think his croup is in. but you will say , how is it then in passager when his croup is in ? i say , that is another action than a gallop , or terra a terra ; because then he is upon the action of a trott , which is cross , and may better admit to be prest within the turn , and his leggs at liberty without the turn ; but yet ( if his shoulders go before his croup , and is byas as he ought to be , in respect of his shoulders ) his croup is a little out . but now for le petit gallop , or terra a terra ; if his croup be in , and you pull in his outward shoulder , at the same time , it is a great force , and unnatural , so as the horse goes cross with his leggs , and can go no otherwise , and is prest on the inside . it is true , it puts the horse upon the hand , and so of necessity upon the shoulders , and gives him an apuy , which all the former lessons do ; so that his croup in needs it not , and besides , it is false . for terra a terra , he should be prest on the outside , to have his leggs at liberty within to lead ; and that they call le petit gallop , if his croup be in , which is indeed le petit terra a terra : for being prest on the inside , his croup in , it is hard to go , because he is bound up ; and it is unnatural , both to bring in his outward shoulder , and to put in his croup at the same time . to press him on the inside , and to go on the inside , his croup in , is a great pressure , and false ; for indeed , he is prest for the other side , and would look out of the turn , did not the inward cavezone's reyn keep in his head ; howsoever he is on the shoulders , and his leggs go cross ; that is , his inward fore-legg leads , and his outward hinder-legg follows , and continues so , and is false , and his croup bunches out : if his croup goes before his shoulders , his leggs are wide behind , and off of the hanches , and therefore upon the shoulders , and false , and goes cross with his leggs . that is , his inward fore-legg leads , and his outward hinder-legg follows , and continues so . for the piroite , his croup goes a little out , though almost in a place ; and therefore he ought to be prest within the turn ; but he goes upon the shoulders . so upon demi-voltoes upon passadoes , which is but half a terra a terra , he ought to be prest without the turn , because it is terra a terra ; but his croup is in a little , and is upon the hanches . to work a horse upon passager , either with his head to the wall , or upon circles ; either with the cavezone in your hand , or the cavezone tied to the pommel ; or the bridle-reyns separated in both your hands , or the bridle only in your left hand . upon passager , the cavezone in your hand ; pull the inward reyn of the cavezone hard within the turn , to pull the horses outward shoulder in , and to press him on the inside , that his outward leggs may be at liberty , to lap over his inward leggs ; and help him with your outward legg , ( legg and reyn contrary ) and let the horse go byas . upon passager , the cavezone's reyns in your hand another way , and that 's this : pull the inward cavezone's reyn cross his neck , not too high , your knuckles towards his neck , and help him , with the outward legg , and reyn contrary ; and bend your body to be concave within the turn , which will press him without the turn , and give his leggs liberty within the turn , to lap over his inward leggs , but not so much , and let the horse go byas . by the way , this oblike line , with the inward cavezone's reyn , if you press the horse on the outside , will make him go rarely upon terra a terra . upon passager , the inward cavezone's reyn tied to the pommel , ( having nothing in your hand but the bridle to work withal ) you may safely work with the outward reyn of the bridle , because the horse cannot look on the outside , and that because the inward cavezone's reyn being tied to the pommel pulls in his head so much , and the outward reyn will press him on the inside , which is proper for passager , as i have told you : if you press the horse on the outside , though the reyn be tied to the pommel , he will go terra a terra rarely , if he goes byas . upon passager , the bridle reyns separated in both your hands , you must help with the inward reyn , to make him look into the turn ; and help also with the outward reyn , to bring in his outward shoulder , to press him within the turn , for the reasons i have told you : but if you press the horse on the outside with the inward reyn , he will go rarely terra a terra . here you have all the ways of working a horse upon passager , and i insist the more upon it , because it is the quintessence of working horses in the mannage , and the elixer in horse-man-ship ; for if a horse obeys me perfectly in passager , being obedient to my hand and heels , i will make him go terra a terra , or in any ayre whatsoever most perfectly , or any thing that his forces will permit him to do ; and therefore esteem passager above all things in the world for the mannage , and for raising the horse in passadoes , his croup in , or d'une piste , or byas , or his head to the wall ; and for pulling him back , and raising of him . for these rare things will not fail to make a ready-horse , if they be applyed rightly . a general rule . whatsoever leads , fore-parts , or hinder-parts ; that which still leads , tends to the center , and the other parts of the horse flie the center : for it is a general rule , and true ; that whatsoever is the greater circle , before or behind , that which is the greatest circle , is most wrought ; for it goes most ground , and is at liberty , whether it tends to the center , or from it ; and the less circle , most subjected , and prest : for , his head to the pillar ( the pillar on the outside of his head ) his fore-parts lead , and therefore tend to the center , and his hinder-parts flie the center ; yet his hinder-parts are most wrought , because it is the greater circle , and therefore his fore-parts more subjected , and upon them , which is upon the shoulders ; so the horse's croup to the pillar , the pillar on the inside of his croup , his croup in , his fore-parts lead , and therefore tend to the center , and his croup flies the center ; but his fore-parts are more wrought , because it is the larger circle ; and his hinder-parts more subjected and prest , because it is the narrower circle ; and so upon the hanches ; so in his length the same ; and upon passager , he laps his leggs over but every second time , because they are cross , and upon the action of a trott . more observations . if a horse goes forward too much , pull him back ; if he goes back , put him forward ; if if he goes side-ways on the right-hand , put him side-ways on the left-hand ; if he goes side-ways on the left-hand , put him side-ways on the right-hand . if he puts out his croup , put it in ; if he puts in his croup , put it out . if he goes on the shoulders , stop him , and pull him back ; if he goes on the hanches , continue him so ; if he rises when you would not have him , keep him down . all this upon a walk ; for thus he must attend both your hand and your heel , and follow your will , and so of necessity must obey you , because thus he is put from his will , to yours . and this must make him a perfect horse ; it is a most excellent lesson . never put a horse upon any ayre , nor press him much , until you find him very sensible , and obedient , both to your hand , and to your heel ; and extreamly supple : but young horses must never be much prest , nor stopt too hard ; for if you do , you will give them such a crick , and taint in their back , as they will never recover it . the horse's head to the pillar , ( or an imaginary center ) the pillar without his head ; and the horse's croup to the pillar , the pillar on the inside of his croup . and thus the horse shall never be entier . i never work a horse's head to the pillar , ( legg and reyn contrary ; ) because his inward hinder-legg goes so much before his shoulder , which is false ; but legg and reyn on a side , as i shewed you before . to work a horse upon quarters , is to no purpose ; for , it confounds a horse more , than a whole circle ; but upon demy-voltoes , or half turns , is very good somtimes . to put a horse byas on one hand , and then put him forward ; and then put him byas on the other hand , and then put him forward ; and so from hand to hand ; and forward , makes him attend , and obey both the hand , and the heel , and is an excellent lesson : but , as you put him byas , his fore-parts must alwayes go before his hinder-parts . there is no lesson comparable to passager , his croup in , to make him obey the hand , and the heel ; and to raise him in passadoes , and passager him again , still raising and passager ; and if you find he is not upon the hanches , then walk , or trott him upon large circles , and stop him hard , and raise him . all these lessons are upon a walk , and passager ; therefore you may see what a rare thing walking , and passager is , to make , and dress all horses perfectly . nay , when a horse is a perfect drest horse , you must not make him go above once a week at the most , but work him every day upon his trott , gallop , passager , raising of him , and tuning of him thus , and with the cavezone , he will go rarely , when you would make him go upon any ayre , or terra a terra . i say , a horse is thus to be tuned ; for , a horse having four leggs , is like a fiddle of four strings ; and if a fiddle be not tuned , the musitian can never play salengers round upon it : so , if a horse's leggs be not rightly tuned , he will never dance his round right . again , if you alwayes play upon a fiddle , though well-tuned at the first , it will soon be out of tune by continual playing on it ; so a ready-horse , if you make him go perpetually , he will be soon out of tune ; and therefore you must tune him still , as i have told you . the just & exact way for terra a terra . to go upon a square for terra a terra , is good , but not the best way ; for , it constrains a horse too much ; so that he cannot go with that freedom that he should ; and is in great danger , that his inward hinder-legg will go before his shoulder , and then it would be very false : therefore the true , easie , and best way is this that follows . you must sit straight in the saddle , the poise on the outward stirrup , but not to lean down upon it too much ; but only the outward legg is to be a little longer than the inward legg ; and the inward legg to be a little before it , but very little ; and sit you must all upon the twist , and stirrups , and as forward to the pommel as you can ; the outward legg close to the horse , and the knee turned inwards ; and stiff in the ham , to bring the calf of the legg to the horse . then for the bridle-hand ; on the right-hand put your hand on the outside of his neck , or turn the knuckles towards his neck , pulling your little finger up straight without turning your hand , which pulls the inward reyn lying above your little finger , your arm a little from your body oblike , your left shoulder coming a little in , and your neck behind , removed a little on the left side , and your buttons a little on the right side : this makes the horse necessarily to go byas . but now i must tell you where you must look , or turn your head ; which must be on the inside of the turn , to the inside of the horses head , which keeps your hand steady ; for did you look to your inward shoulder , it would remove your bridle-hand too much within the turn ; and did you look just between the horses ears , your outward shoulder would not come in enough ; and neither it , nor you , nor the horse would be oblike ; your hand must go circularly with the horse , and steadily ; and but to feel him . thus the horse being byas , the inward reyn pull'd thus , inlarges the horse before , in pulling his inward fore-legg , from the outward fore-legg ; which puts his inward hinder-legg to his outward hinder-legg , which narrows him behind , makes him bow in the gambrels , especially on his outward hinder-legg , which he rests on , and thrusts his inward hinder-legg under his belly ; which ( with all these things ) makes him very much upon the hanches ; the horse is prest on the outside , and therefore of necessity must look within the turn , and his fore-parts being inlarged , must imbrace the turn the better ; his hinder-leggs being within the lines of his fore-leggs , he must needs be upon the hanches ; and his inward fore-legg being pull'd from his outward fore-legg , ( being circular ) his inward fore-legg of necessity must be longer than his outward fore-legg to lead , which is right , and so makes the largest circle ; and his outward fore-legg the second circle ; and his inward hinder-legg the third circle ; because it is thrust so much before his outward hinder-legg , and under his belley ; and his outward hinder-legg makes the fourth and least circle , because he rests so much upon it , and bows in the gambrels . thus the horse makes four perfect circles , about the pillar , or center , as i have told you , and given you the reasons of it . thus doth the horses fore-parts go always before his hinder-parts ; that is , half his shoulders within the turn , before his half croup within the turn ; which is his fore-legg within the turn , before his hinder-legg within the turn : and thus the horse can never go false , but most exactly true , with head , neck , body , leggs , and all . for the left-hand , every thing must be as for the right , and the same way , changing hand , body , and legg ; only for the bridle-hand , it is necessary , that when you go on the left-hand , you should put your hand on the contrary side of his neck ; your arm close to your body , and the knuckles of your bridle-hand turned towards his neck , which pulls the inward reyn for the left-hand ; because that reyn lies under your little finger ; and this makes you oblike , and the horse oblike : and every thing for the left hand works as truly , in all those several things , as i told you for the right-hand . and thus the horse is within your hand , and your heel ; and so you drive him , and make him go as you list ; slower , or faster ; higher , or lower : but remember , that your hand be not too high , but that the horse may go low , and prest ; for if your hand be low , the horse goes low ; and if your hand be high , the horse goes high : for the horse always goes according to the heighth of the hand ; and terra a terra should always be low , and prest . now i must tell you , that the inward reyn presses the horse on the outside , weighs him up , and puts him upon the hanches , especially on his outward hinder-legg , so that all his body leans on the outside , and he cannot bring in his outward shoulder ; for it is bound up , and his leggs within the turn to lead : you may know by his neck , whether he leans on the outside or no ; for if he does , his neck will lean all on the outside , and your body must be concave on the outside , and convex within ; for being concave on the outside , makes the horse so , and puts in his hanch , ( being prest on the outside ) and hath three leggs in the ayre , his two fore-leggs , and his inward hinder-legg , with a leap forward low , and prest . and this is most exactly the truth for terra a terra , and all the delicate and subtil helps that can be for it in the world. of changing upon terra a terra . your body is to be oblike , your knuckles towards his neck , and on the outside of his neck , on which hand soever you go ; and as he is going terra a terra on the right hand , let his shoulders come in a little before you change him , and then help him with your right legg , and hold him up with your hand , and on the outside of his neck , which is now changed to the left side . why his shoulders are to come in , a little before you change him , is , to fix his croup that it should not go out ; and so the hand on the contrary side of the turn , for the same reason ; and put him always a little forward upon every change. now you are on the left-hand , before you change him , let his shoulders come in a little to fix his croup , and then help him with the left-legg , and put him forward a little , and then hold him up with your hand , and on the outside of his neck , on the left side . i begin with my legg to change him , for the same reasons i told you : but you must remember , to be stiff in the hams , and your heels down , to bring the calf of the leggs to him ; and the same for demy-voltoes . and this is exactly the truth for changing upon terra a terra . of changing upon demy-voltoes , terra a terra . upon demy-voltoes , your hand on the outside , your outward legg close to him , you sit oblike , the knuckles of your bridle-hand towards his neck ; and when he makes his demi-voltoe , let him go a little more than half a turn , to fix his croup before you change him ; and when you do change him , help him with the inward legg first , and then hold him up with your hand , and a little on the outside of his neck : this from the wall is best , but by a wall it cannot be ; for you cannot go through the wall , and therefore by a wall it can be but a just half turn , or demy-voltoe , which you may either help with the inward , or outward reyn at your own pleasure , so you keep his croup to the wall , that he may keep the line , and not falsify the demy-voltoe . this may be done with either reyn , so it be done with art , and skill , like a great master ; for otherwise nothing is right in the mannage . of galloping , and changing en soldat . with the outward reyn , and the outward legg , put him alwayes forward ; if his croup goes out too much , then your bridle on the outside of the turn , or of his neck , to help with the inward reyn , to keep in his croup , otherwise not , but help with the outward reyn , and outward legg . thus much for changing upon circles d'une piste , which must alwayes be either half a turn , or a quarter of a turn , terra a terra . to prepare a horse for passadoes . first walk him fore-right , either by a wall , hedge , or otherwise , and at the end stop him , and raise him two or three passadoes , and then turn him gently , helping with the outward reyn , and outward legg , and see that he doth not falsify his demy-voltoe , upon passager , either in his shoulders , or his croup ; but both to be just , when he is turned . do as much on the other hand , and then trott him upon the straight line ; stop him , advance him , and turn him as you did before ; and when he is perfect in this , then gallop him le petit gallop , upon the straight line ; stop him , advance him : but now let him go a demy-voltoe upon his ayre , and when he is perfect in this , then let him make a passado , upon le petit gallop , without stopping , or advancing , which he will do perfectly ; but you must put his head a little from the wall , that his croup may be to the wall , to keep the line , that he may not falsify his demy-voltoe ; and before he turns , to make two or three falcadoes , to firm his hanches the better , to turn with the better grace : if you would run him a toute bride , keep his head a little from the wall , to keep his croup to it , slacking the reyns a little , and pressing him with your leggs , and to make two or three little falcadoes before you turn him , and then close him with your outward reyn , and outward legg , for the demy-voltoe ; and so on the other hand the same for the passadoe , some five times the horses length . and thus the horse will go perfectly in passadoes , which is the touch-stone of a ready-horse , obeying hand and heel in every thing . if your horse go in corvets , or a demy-ayre , then make his demy-voltoes upon his passadoes , upon his ayre , which is very graceful . the french calls this passadoe , releve ; which methinks , is not a proper term for it : a demy-voltoe must be helpt in all kinds like terra a terra , for 't is but a half a turn terra a terra ; that is , the inward reyn , and outward legg , and your body , and every thing like terra a terra . of the piroyte . the action of the horse's leggs in the piroyte , is very strange ; your hand on the outside of his neck to look into the turn , and working violently with the outward reyn of the bridle , straightens his fore-parts , and puts his hinder-parts at more liberty , helping with no legg ; so the action of his leggs are thus : on the right-hand , when he lifts up both his fore-leggs at the same time , he lifts up his hinder-legg without the turn ; so he hath three leggs up at a time , and rests only on the inward hinder-legg ; and when those three leggs come to the ground , his outward shoulder coming in so fast , his inward hinder legg removes at the same time almost in a place , to keep the circle ; and i say , that at the same time those three leggs are set down , his inward hinder-legg removes , to go along with the circle ; but in a manner in a place : so that indeed the inward hinder-legg is the center , though it removes in the place round ; and when the horse is so dizzey as he can go no longer , ( for fear of falling ) then he sets his inward hinder-legg forward , to stop himself . these are exactly the helps , and the motions of the horses leggs in the piroyte , or else he could not go so swiftly as he ought : he is upon the shoulders , because he is prest on the inside ; so is a passadoe , being but half a piroyte , because both of them is helpt with the outward reyn. one of the greatest secrets in the mannage that ever i found out . the inward hinder-legg to the turn always put out a little , is in all things the quintessence of the mannage , whether his croup out , or in ; the knuckles of the bridle-hand towards his neck , his croup in , doth well in terra a terra ; and always your horse to go byas , upon his voltoes , or his head to the wall , doth it best ; for his shoulders going before , his hinder-parts put out his inward hinder-legg , which is the greatest business in the mannage ; for so his hinder-leggs are near together , and so upon the hanches . the inward reyn of the bridle doth it , pull'd , as i have told you , and so doth the inward reyn of the cavezone ; for it puts out his inward hinder-legg , narrows him behind , and inlarges him before ; because it pulls his inward fore-legg from his outward fore-legg , and therefore inlarges him before ; and at the same time , it puts his inward hinder-legg out , to his outward hinder-legg ; and therefore narrows him behind , and so must of necessity be upon the hanches . and thus his inward fore-legg must always be before his inward hinder-legg , so that half his shoulders goes always before half his croup , by which means he can never go false ; and his fore parts always imbracing the turn the better , and the outward hinder-legg being kept in a little , with your outward legg , makes his two hinder-leggs within the lines of his fore-leggs , which makes him upon the hanches , and his fore-parts to lead , as horses always should do : for , they do not work with their arses first , but with their heads , and fore-parts . remember , that no horse can be upon the hanches , but those that bend in the gambrels , and bow there ; and the more their hinder-leggs go under their belley , the more they bow in the gambrels . remember also as a certain truth , that no horse can be upon the hanches , except his croup , or buttock , be thrust out backwards : as for example ; when you give a horse a good stop , his hinder-leggs go under his belly , and his croup , or buttocks , are thrust out ; he bows in the gambrels , and so is upon the hanches : when he goes le petit gallop , his croup in , his hinder-leggs are thrust under his belly , then his croup goes out ; he bows in the gambrels , and is upon the hanches : so in terra a terra , his hinder-leggs are thrust under his belly , and his croup goes out ; he bows in the gambrels , and is upon the hanches . when you pull a horse back , one of his hinder-leggs goes always under his belly ; he puts out his croup , bends in the gambrels , and is upon the hanches : so in passadoes his croup is thrust out , he bows in the gambrels , and is upon the hanches ; but if he be raised too high , it puts him off of the hanches , for then he is stiff in the gambrels , because his croup goes in ; which puts him upon the hand , but off of the hanches : therefore you must never raise him too high in passadoes ; if his croup must go out , be bow'd in the gambrels , and so be upon the hanches . my way , at the single pillar in corvets , puts out his croup , makes him bow in the gambrels , and so to be upon the hanches , because he cannot rise high , and therefore puts out his croup , and is upon the hanches ; so all that puts a horse upon the hanches , is before , either with the cavezone's reyn , or bitt , and nothing behind . the inward hinder-legg , and inward cavezone's reyn , is the quintessence of the mannage , with thrusting his croup out , which makes him bow in the gambrels , and so be upon the hanches ; which is the end of all our work and business in the mannage . i do not mean his croup to be put out in a circle , or put out upon a straight line ; but be thrust out backwards , and then he is upon the hanches , because he bows in in the gambrels . i must remember you again , that to put him on the hanches , is all before ; so that when his head is pull'd down , and in , then he is upon the hanches ; for his croup goes out , and he bow in the gambrels , and therefore is upon the hanches : that is , the horse must be a little higher behind than before ; for then his croup goes out , and he bows in the gambrels , and therefore is upon the hanches . as for example ; a horse goes down a hill , then his croup is higher than his fore-parts , and his croup goes out , and then he bows in the gambrels , and is extreamly upon the hanches . so if he be turned in the stable , his croup is higher than his fore-parts , and puts his croup out , bends in the gambrels , and therefore is very much upon the hanches . so in plain ground , where there is no hills , you must supply it , with pulling his head down , and in , as much as you can , to make him higher behind , than before , which puts out his croup , makes him bow in the gambrels , and puts him upon the hanches ; as stopping of him , pulling back , passager , le petit gallop , and terra a terra : all these pulls him down , and puts out his croup , which puts him upon the hanches . if the inward cavezone's reyn be tied to the pommel , or pull'd hard in your hand , it puts him upon the hanches , because it puts his inward hinder-legg out to his outward hinder-legg , that it shall not come in too much , nor at all ; and that puts him upon the hanches ; so in passadoes , or corvets , the inward cavezone's reyn tied to the pommel , puts the inward legg out , which puts him upon the hanches , because it thrusts his croup out : but when you have nothing but the bridle , what then ? then the inward reyn of the bridle doth the same in all things ; but passager his croup in , is with the outward reyn , because it is the action of a trott , which is cross , and so it will suffer it , because his leggs are byas ; so it is right for passager , to be prest within the turn , and at liberty without the turn , or else his outward leggs could not lap over his inward leggs : but if you have nothing but the bridle , he will look out of the turn , if you do not help with both reyns ; but whensoever you raise him in passadoes , his croup in , or out , you must help with the inward reyn , to put out his inward hinder-legg , which makes him bow in the gambrels , because his hinder-leggs are made like our arms , and therefore must bow in the gambrels , if it be thrust out . but i must tell you for a great truth , that whensoever , upon large circles d'une piste , the horse's inward hinder-legg is put out , and bows , it puts him not upon the hanches , but very much upon the shoulders ; for the more his buttock doth go out , the more still he is upon the shoulders ; for that lesson is not to put him upon the hanches , but to supple his shoulders ; for if you would put him upon the hanches , you must put in his croup ; for the larger circle is wrought most , because it goes the most ground ; yet his hinder-parts are the most prest , because in the narrower circle , and therefore upon the hanches . some are of opinion , that the more you put in his croup , the more he is on the hanches ; which i do not think , because his inward hinder-legg goes before half his shoulder , and so he is wide behind , and off of the hanches , and goes backward : but if his croup be in , and you put out his inward hinder-legg , then he bows in the gambrels , his hinder-leggs narrow behind , and so upon the hanches ; and the more upon the hanches , if the horse goes byas , because by that means the horses hinder-leggs are nearer together , and so narrower , and therefore upon the hanches ; and this is most true : for if the horses hinder-legg ( within the turn ) goes before his inward fore-legg , he doth not only go backward , but his hinder-leggs are stiff in the gambrels , and therefore not upon the hanches ; but when you put out his inward hinder-legg , then he bows in the gambrels , and therefore upon the hanches , because his hinder-leggs are made like our armes ; only he hath a joynt more , which is the stifling-joynt . you see plainly , now , what an excellent , and most rare thing it is , to keep a horses inward hinder-legg out in all manner of things that are in the mannage ; and in whatsoever you work him , it is the absolute quintessence of the mannage ; and without it is nothing right , but most false , because of abundance of irreparable errors ; whereas with it all things are right , and most true. this hath been studied to the purpose , and no horse but is perfectly made with it , and all is to put his inward hinder-legg out in all things ; and being put out thus , he must bow in the gambrels , because his hinder-leggs are made like our armes . and this is that which none either knows , or have thought of ; and therefore mark it , remember it , and practice it if you can ; and if you cannot , do not find fault with a thing , because you cannot do it : for , certainly no man is born to all professions , by inspiration , but with great study , diligence , care , patience , and long practice : no man being born with so supream a witt above others , as to do ( assoon as he sees it ) any thing that hath been so many years another mans study . to put a horse upon the hanches : on which i insist the more , because it is the end of all our work and labour in the mannage ; for , without it , no horse can possibly go well . a horse can never go well upon the hanches , but his fore-parts must be wrought ; for , in that manner , when you stop him , you pull his fore-parts , and that puts him upon the hanches , because you pull his fore-parts down , and in : when you pull him back , you put him upon the hanches , because you pull his fore-parts down , and in ; when you make him go terra a terra ; when you work the inward reyn , on which hand soever he goes , so you press him on the outside , and put in his outward hanch , then you put him upon the hanches , because you pull him down on the outside , with the inward reyn of the bridle , on either hand . so ( my way ) with the cavezone tied to the pommel , or tied to the girthes , if he be prest on the outside , and his outward hanch put in , puts him upon the hanches , because the cavezone pulls down his head , and in. and believe me , the cavezone thus , puts him more on the hanches , than any thing ; but if you press him on the inside of the turn , ( though you do pull down his head ) he is off of the hanches , because his outward hanch goes out , and therefore puts him on the shoulders . you see then , that whatsoever pulls a horse head down , and in , puts him upon the hanches ; or that naturally he puts his head down . as for example ; a horse that goes in caputiato ; which is , to arm himself against the bitt , is easily put upon the hanches ; and being upon the hanches , he is leight of the hand . to strike a horse on the knees with your rodd , when he rises before , pulls him down , and in , and therefore puts him upon the hanches . there is no horse that holds up his head , but he is off of the hanches ; nor any horse that rises high before , but is off of the hanches ; nor any horse in terra a terra , when his head is pull'd down , and in , but goes on the hanches , if he be rid as he ought to be . the reason is this ; no horse can go on the hanches , that doth not bow in the gambrels , or hinder-houghs : whensoever a horse rises high before , he is stiff in the gambrels of necessity , and therefore off of the hanches ; nor doth a horse hold up his head very high , but it stiffens his gambrels , and therefore off of the hanches ; nor can any horse go low before , but of necessity he must bend in the gambrels , either going down a hill , or turn'd in the stable , which makes his hinder-parts higher than his fore-parts ; but he must bend in the gambrels , and therefore must be upon the hanches , and so his croup in : but if his croup be out , he is upon the shoulders , though his head be down . so many a horse ( as also hunting and travelling geldings ) go horribly upon the shoulders , though their heads be down ; but indeed they are all upon the shoulders except in the mannage . for example ; a horses fore-legs are made like our legs , the knees outword ; but a horses hinder-leggs are made like our arms , just contrary : so that whensoever a horse is raised high before , it stiffens him in the gambrels ; and when he holds up his head , it stiffens him in the gambrels . so on the contrary , whensoever his head is pull'd down , of necessity he must bend in the gambrels ; for he cannot do otherwise , if he be prest , otherwise not . i labour this point the more , because you shall clearly see what puts him on the hanches , and what puts him off of the hanches ; that so you may shun the one , and take the other , which is , to put him on the hanches , because that is the end of all our labour , and the quintessence of our art ; for , without a horse be upon the hanches , he can never be a ready-horse , or leight on the hand ; but there is no rule without an exception , and that is , you may pull down a horses head , and yet not upon the hanches ; which is , when you work his shoulders d'une piste , legg and reyn on the inside , though his head be pull'd down , he cannot be on the hanches , because you put it out , and press him on the inside : no more when his croup is in , if he be prest on the inside , his croup goes out a little , and therefore cannot be upon the hanches , though his head be pull'd down , because you put his hanch out : this is good to give him an apuy upon the barrs , and supple his shoulders ; but it cannot put him on that which you put away , that were too great a miracle , indeed an impossibility . pulling down his head , and in , puts him upon the hanches , at a stop ; and pulling down his head , and in , when you make him go back , puts him upon the hanches ; and when you pull down his head and in , and raise him , it puts him upon the hanches ; and when you press him on the outside of the turn in terra a terra , it puts him upon the hanches ; when you pull down his head and in , either with the cavezone , or the bridle ; and so pulling down his head , and in , pressing him on the outside of the turn , puts him upon the hanches in terra a terra , or upon his walk in passager : and this ( i am sure ) is sufficient to put a horse upon the hanches , which is the elixir of the mannage , and is done when his head is down , and in , and prest ; that is , when you pull down his head , that you press him with the heels , or leggs , otherwise not ; for , if a horse holds down his head to drink , he is not on the hanches , for then he bows rather before , than behind , and is on the shoulders ; therefore he must be prest ; so if he holds up his head , it works nothing on the hanches , but the contrary . a short trott puts a horse upon the hanches , so a short trot d'une piste , legg and reyn on a side , puts a horse upon the hanches , because his inward hinder-legg is put out ; his head to the wall puts him upon the hanches ; and nothing puts him more on the hanches than a leight hand ; for when he hath nothing to rest on before , then he will rest behind , which is upon the hanches . there are many reasons why we work a horse so much , to put him upon the hanches , which i have shewed you before ; but there is one reason more , and that is this : a horse's croup , or hanches , bears nothing but his tayl , which is very leight ; but his shoulders hath his neck and head to bear , which is more ; and therefore we put him upon the hanches , to poyse him , and to relieve his shoulders , and to make him leight on the hand . thus much for dressing all manner of horses upon the ground , to make them obey perfectly both hand and heel , and to put them upon the hanches , which is the master-piece of our art. here ends the second part. the third part , for dressing and making of horses in all several ayres , my new way . you must in all ayres follow the strength , spirit , and disposition of the horse , and do nothing against nature ; for art is but to set nature in order , and nothing else : but to make a horse gallop and change , and to go terra a terra , is for the most part forced ; and in passadoes the like : for , if a horse be impatient , he will hardly go well in passadoes . no other ayres are to be forced , but every horse is to chuse his own ayre , unto which nature hath most fitted him , which you may easily see , when he is tied short to the single pillar my way . for corvets , a horse ought to have a great deal of patience : and the ayre of corvets gives a horse patience with discreet riding , ( as they say ) but i have seldom seen that discreet riding ; i doubt there is a mistake in it , which is this : first the horse hath patience , and then that horse goes in corvets ; but seldom impatient horses are made patient by corvets : so seeing most horses that go well in corvets , to have patience , they think corvets gives them patience , when it is patience that gives them corvets . but there is no rule without an exception , yet i doubt i am in the right ; for , though some young horse may ( by chance ) go in corvets , yet i assure you , for the most part , horses must have a great deal of time , with the custom of often repetitions ; to be in some years , and to have gray-hairs in their beard , before they will be settled , and firm'd , to go certainly in corvets , both forwards , and upon their voltoes ; therefore it is an errour in those that think they can force corvets , if the horse's inclination be not to go in that ayre ; for i have known many horses , that all the force in the world would never make go in corvets ; their disposition being against it : corvets is an ayre , built only of art ; for if the horse be not perfectly in the hand and the heels , and upon the hanches , he will never go in corvets : yet i must tell you , this new way of mine will make horses go in corvets , which by no other way would have been brought to it , and it seldom or never fails me . for leaping horses , there are four several ayres , which are croupadoes , balotadoes , capriols , and a pace and a leap ; the heighth of these may be all alike , but not the manner ; though the horse that goes the longest time , must needs go the highest . croupadoes is a leap , where the horse pulls up his hinder-leggs , as if he drew , or pull'd them up into his body . balotadoes is a leap where the horse offers to strike out with his hinder-leggs , but doth not ; and makes only an offer , or half strokes ; shewing only the shooes of his hinder-leggs , but doth not strike , only makes an offer , and no more . capriols is a leap , that when the horse is at the full heighth of his leap , he yerks , or strikes out his hinder-leggs , as neer , and as eeven together , and as far out as ever he can stretch them ; which the french call , nouer l'esquillette , which is , to tie the point . a pace and a leap , is , as it were three ayres ; the pace terra a terra , the raising of him a corvet , and then a leap : these ayres can never be forc't to go well in them , in spight of their poynsons , but what nature ordains them ; for , they are called , well-disposed horses . what belongs to leaping horses ( according to the old opinion ) are these things : a horse of huge and vast strength , an excellent mouth , perfect good feet ; in which last they have not said amiss , for good feet are very requisite , else the horse dares never leight on them , for fear of hurting them ( no more than a man that hath the gout , dares leap ) and so will never rise . i could wish a good mouth , ( which is a good apuy ) neither too hard , nor too soft , but to suffer a good apuy upon the barrs , and so to suffer the curb , which is to be understood a good mouth : yet i must tell you , the rarest leaping horse that ever i saw , or rid , went not at all upon the curb , but only upon the barrs of his mouth , which i do not commend ; but it is better to have him leap so , being so rare a horse , than to be so over-curious as not to have him leap at all , because he went not upon the curb . that they must be very strong horses to be leaping horses , is a very great errour ; for , it is not the strongest horses that is fittest for the delight of the mannage , and especially not for leaping horses ; for i have seen many strong horses , that must be galloped very long before you could abate the strength of their chines ; and all that while they would do nothing but yerk , and fetch disordered counter-times of false leaps , and the best horse-men in the world could never make them leaping horses : so it is not strong , but well-disposed horses ; for the best leaping horses that ever i knew , were the weakest horses i have seen . take one of the guard , the strongest fellow that is , and i will bring a little fellow that shall out-leap him many a foot ; yet that strong fellow would crush that little fellow to death in his armes : so 't is not strength , but disposition fits horses for leaping . but some will say , that a little man's strength is above his weight , and the great man's weight is above his strength ; but that is not so ; for the great man's strength shall be more above his weight , than the little man's strength above his , and yet the little man shall out-leap him . nay , two little men of equal strength , the one shall leap excellently , and the other not ; and more , a weaker little man shall out-leap the stronger , and sometimes a weak slender slim fellow will out-leap a knit strong fellow ; so that it is nothing but disposition , which nature gives , and not art : sometimes a strong great fellow will out-leap a little man , but that is seldom , because their spirits are more dilated , assunder , and diffused , than in little men : the like i will assure you in horses , as i have told you of men ; there may be a strong horse disposed for leaping , and that no doubt is an excellent horse ; but for the most part they are but weak horses , that are disposed for leaping ; sometimes a horse finds himself so pincht with corvets upon the hanches , being weak , that he finds ease in leaping . thus you see , that leaping horses are disposed by nature , and not art , being full of spirit , and leight ; so that horse-men hath nothing to do in making leaping horses , but only to give them the time , which is all the art ought to be used to a leaping horse ; and he that thinks to shew more art in a leaping horse , will but shew his ignorance and folly. a pace and a leap is an ayre , in which horses commonly go when they have not a good apuy ; for the pace puts him upon the hand , and gives him a rise to leap like one that runs before he leaps , and so may leap higher than he that goes every time a leap. thus i have shewed you these ayres , corvets , croupadoes , balotadoes , capriols , and a pace , and a leap , which nature must do more than art : two paces , and three paces , and a leap , are not comely , and are indeed rather a gallop galliard , than can be called an ayre . my new way at the single pillar , which is most effectual and operative for the dressing of all horses in all ayres whatsoever . first bring the horse sadled , and bridled , and put him under the button , and then let a groom take the inward cavezone's reyn for the right-hand , and lap it about the single pillar , and make it very short , ( but where he holds it higher than where 't is tied to the ring of the cavezone ) and let another groom hold the long reyn of the cavezone on the other side , in his hand , with a poinson in the other hand , to prick him if he should put out his croup too much ; and one behind him with a rod , to keep him from going backwards ; and then let the cavalarizzo raise him de firme a firme , which is in a place : a little at first must satisfie you , for , rome was not built in a day . thus tying him short , he cannot rise high , and therefore to find his ease , he goes upon the hanches ; for he is forced to it : after he is used so a little , two rodds is the best help , one upon the shoulder , and the other under his belley , which puts him upon the hanches . tie him so still with the same reyn , and when he is perfect de firme a firme , then make him go upon his voltoes with two rods in your hands , helping before with one rod , and the other under his belley ; and be you on the outside of the horse , and he will go upon his voltoes perfectly . tie him so still with the same reyn , and help him with both your rods as before , and be on the outside of him , and then go forwards , and face the horse , and he will go in corvets upon his voltoes backwards perfectly ; which i never saw but this way . tie him with the same reyn still , and you may make him go side-ways in corvets . now tie the left reyn ( as you did the right ) short , which doth the business ; and do in all things as i told you for the right-hand ; and thus the horse goes perfectly on both hands , in corvets in a place , upon his turns , backward upon his voltoes , and side-ways , without any body on him , which was never known or seen before . when the horse goes perfectly thus , then get upon him , the reyn still tied very short , and make him go as you did before in every thing , and you may make him go in all other ayres the same way . how to dress a horse perfectly in corvets without pillar , which is the surest way . when you work a horse upon corvets , before you do that , you must make a horse to rise perfectly in passadoes , which is high before , and to stay upon the hand , using the cavezone still ; and this forward , and not upon circles at the first by any means : then to make him go in corvets , tie the cavezone's reyn from the wall , to keep that hinder-legg to his other hinder-legg that is next the wall , and begin with two or three corvets , and then walk him again , and then corvet him again ; and if you feel him on the hand , and he goes forwards with it , he will quickly be drest ; and if he goes forwards too much , let him make his corvets in a place , and pull him back , and then make him go in corvets . when your left shoulder is to the wall , you must tie the right cavezone's reyn to the pommel , which doth not only keep back his hinder-legg on the same side the cavezone's right reyn is tied , but it also supples his shoulders extreamly , and prepares him ; nothing like it to go upon voltoes on the right hand . when your right shoulder is to the wall , then you must tie the left cavezone's reyn to the pommel , for the same reasons , and work him in corvets , as i told you before ; and this will prepare him , and make him go upon his voltoes on the left-hand ; and no lesson better at the first . there is another rare lesson for corvets , which is this ; tie the right cavezone's reyn to the pommel , and let him go on the left-hand , legg and reyn on a side , as if his head was to the pillar ; and raise him so in corvets , two or three times , his croup out ; and then walk him , and then corvet him in the same manner : this keeps out his inward hinder-legg , and so supples him to the hand and heel , that there is nothing like it ; but though he goes on the left-hand , he is suppled for the right-hand . the left-hand is the same ; you must tie the left cavezone's reyn to the pommel , and go on the right-hand , his croup out , and help legg and reyn on a side , and so do in all things else , as you did before ; and thus he shall never be entier , but most supple both to hand and heel . to put him upon corvets on his voltoes , the inward cavezone's reyn must still be tied to the pommel , and his croup must not be in too much ; but rather d'une piste , for teaching of him , and to keep out the inward hinder-legg is the business : help a little with the outward reyn of the bridle , and make him go three or four corvets , and then walk him , and then corvet him again ; and so diminish your walk , and augment your corvets , until he makes a perfect turn in corvets ; and when he is perfect , then let the horse go upon his voltoes byas in corvets , and that 's the perfection in voltoes : you must always ( in corvets ) help with the outward reyn , not only to keep him up , but to give him the ply , and to make him go byas , and not help with your leggs at all . if you find he hastens too much , then raise him high in passadoes , and keep him upon the hand , and help him with the rod upon the shoulders and leggs , to make him bend them ; which is the only grace in all ayres whatsoever : this , and thus working of him upon his voltoes , either d ▪ une piste , or his croup in upon passadoes , will make him go rarely in corvets . to make a horse go side-ways in corvets , help only with the bridle , and put his head to the wall ; and on the right-hand , help with the outward reyn , and let the horse go byas ; that is , his shoulders before his croup ; and let him go three or four corvets byas , and then walk him byas ; and then corvet him byas again , and so walk him , and corvet him ; and by little and little diminish his walking , and augment his corvets , until he goes all in corvets , which he will soon do , and very perfectly . for the left-hand , using the outward reyn , and the horse being byas , do in every thing , as i told you before for the right-hand ; and the horse will very soon go byas , and very perfectly . to make the horse go in corvets backward , pull the horse back , and then make him go three or four corvets in a place , and then pull him back again , and then corvet him in a place again ; and thus pulling him back , and corvetting him in a place , diminishing the pulling back , and augmenting the corvets , he will at last go backward in corvets as perfectly as can be . to go forwards in corvets , you must always help with the reyn to the wall ; to inlarge him before , and to narrow him behind ; because he leads with his fore-parts , and his hinder-parts follow to keep the ground that his fore parts hath got ; his fore-parts being at liberty , and his hinder-parts prest . to go backwards in corvets , you must always help with the reyn to the wall ; to narrow him before , and inlarge him behind , to be there at liberty , because he leads with his hinder-parts , and his fore-parts follow , to keep the ground that his hinder-parts hath got ; his hinder-parts being at liberty , and his fore-parts prest , your hand is to be low , that the horse may not go too high , and your body a little forward , to give his hinder-parts liberty to lead , and not help with the leggs at all , but with the hand every time to pull him back , as he falls to the ground . for side-wayes in corvets , you must help with the outward reyn and outward legg ; that is , you must pull that reyn on which hand soever he goes , and your contrary legg ; and that 's right for side-ways . knowing how to help him forwards , backwards , and of each side , in corvets , put those together , and then you may make him do the cross when you please , without any difficulty . for the saraban in corvets , it must be with the outward reyn , which is to be pull'd first on one side , and then on the other side , in every corvet , from side to side , helping only with your hand ; your outward shoulder following it , and not helping with your leggs at all . all ayres must be quick from the ground , and are to stay upon the hand ; that is , to soutenir , or hold him there , but it must be gently ; a leight , and a firm hand , helping every time . if a horse beats upon the hand , it is , because he doth not obey the curb ; and in that case , you must raise him very high in passadoes , and hold him there , which puts him upon the curb ; and if this will not do , then gallop him upon a straight line by a wall , or otherwise ; and from his gallop stay him upon the hand , and let him go in corvets ; or let him gallop forward le petit gallop , and stop him , and then raise him three or four passadoes very high , and hold him on the hand when he is up , and this will cure him ; if not , then trot him , and stop him good hard stops ; and pull him back : and upon the same circles d'une piste , gallop him , and stop him , and pull him back , and this will settle him on the hand , i warrant you ; your stirrups being of an equal length , except one of your leggs was shorter than the other , and rather a hole shorter than too long ; but still that you may sit straight ; not so short as the italians , or the spaniards , but that you may sit upon your twist , and straight upon your stirrups . the true way for corvets . the seat is to be just as in terra a terra , but not so stiff , nor so oblique ; the bridle-hand eeven with his neck , the knuckles towards his neck on which hand soever he goes ; but the hand still eeven with his neck , two or three fingers above the pommel , and a little forward , and no help but soutenir , and in good time , according to the horses time ; for every horse takes his own time . quick it must be from the ground , and to stay in the ayre upon the hand , your body alwayes going to that which comes to you ; that is , to bend a little to him as he rises ; but so insensibly , that the beholders cannot perceive it . you are to sit as forward to the pommel as you can , being straight , and your thighes and knees as close as if they were glued to the saddle , but your toes down , that you may be weak in the hams ; that is , to have your nerves weak from the knees down-wards , and strong from the knees upwards , and not touch your horse with the leggs , nor help with your leggs at all ; but to leave his croup free to follow his fore-parts that leads . for when the horse is between the pillars , or at the single pillar my way , and no body on him , yet he goes as just as can be , and yet there is no leggs that helps him , therefore you must not help with your leggs at all ; for , if you help with your outward legg , he thinks he must go terra a terra ; and if he doth go in corvets , he goes all awry , and leans on the outside ; and if you help with the inward legg , then he puts out his croup , and leans all on the inside ; and if you help with both your leggs , it presses him too much , and makes him go too quick a time ; therefore the right way is not to help with your leggs at all . this is for a horse that goes perfectly ; but if a horse puts in his croup too much , you must put it out with your inward legg ; and if he puts out his croup too much , then you must put it in with your outward legg : but remember alwayes , that your horse goes byas upon his circles , his fore parts always to lead , which is oblique : and this is the exact way for corvets . of corvets upon voltoes , and to change upon them . sit straight , a little oblique ; help not with the leggs at all , until you change ; the toes down to unbrace your nerves , and your hand eeven with his crest , or neck , and only soutenir , and not help every time , but ( in musical time ) according to the time of the horse , for every horse takes his own time ; though all ayres should be quick from the ground , and to stay upon the hand , and help with the rod in a just time , either cross his neck , or on the inside , which you please , as you find occasion : and as the horse is thus going upon his voltoes in corvets on the right-hand , when you would change him , put your right-legg gently to him , and then hold him up with your hand a little , on the inside of his neck , the knuckles alwayes towards his neck , on which hand soever you go ; and as soon as he hath changed , then take your right-legg from him , as before , and help not with the leggs at all , only the poise is to be a little on the outside . now you are on the left-hand , when you would change again , put your left-legg gently to him , and your hand to hold him up a very little on the inside of the turn , and then take away your left-legg as before , and help not with the leggs at all . the reason why ( upon his changes ) i begin with the legg , and not the hand , is this : if i began with the hand , he would stop ; and if i did turn my hand , his croup would go out , and be lost , and therefore i begin with the legg ; but instantly i hold him up with my hand , when they are so near together , that none can perceive it : if his shoulders do not come in enough , you must turn your hand , to help with the outward reyn. and this must be done so neatly , and gently , and with so much art as possibly can be , which is the quintessence of changing upon voltoes in corvets : for demy-voltoes in corvets , the same way , and the same helps ; and so for a demy-ayre , the same helps . a horse that retains his forces , and is pareseus , and towards resty , corvets is an ayre that will not agree well with him ; and horses of great fire , and fougue , that are impatient , are very improper for all ayres , as corvets , demy-ayres , and leaps ; but they are more proper to go upon the ground ; for , as to furious horses , and impatient , all ayres augment their collers , and deprives them of memory and obedience . i would have the first lesson in corvets to be made leasurely , and high before , which is passadoes ; for that ( long time before he brings his fore-leggs to the ground ) doth give him means to assure his hanches , and to firm his head , and to bend his fore-leggs , and to divert him from apprehensions , and unquietness , and to hinder him from trampling , which is trepigner . here i will shew you , how to dress leaping horses . walk a horse forward , and then make him make one leap , and presently raise him high ; a passadoe , or two ; and stay him , and keep him upon the hand , and then augment your leaps , and diminish your passadoes , and so by little and little he will leap perfectly ; and after he is perfect upon a right line forward , then you must put him upon voltoes , or circles , and continue the same method ; but the circles must be a little large at first . you must remember , when you raise him to leap , that you help him with your rod behind , either one stroke , or more , as you please , so it be in time ; and that is , when the horse is raised , then help him , but alwayes high passadoes after he hath leapt . remember to sit straight , your stirrups a little shorter , a hole , or so ; for too short would throw you out of the saddle , and to long would disorder your seat , and make you lose your stirrups ; your toes down , to slack your nerves from the knees downward , or else the horse would bolt forward too much ; for a leaping horse should never go forward above a foot and a half at the most ; and when you raise him , instantly put your brest out , which makes your shoulders go a little back ( though insensibly ) to the beholders ; for , did you not so when the horse rises , it would be too late when he yerks behind , or raises his croup . now i must tell you , that your knees and thighes must be as close as if they were glu'd to the saddle ; and for your bridle-hand , you must alwayes help with it the outward reyn , to bring in his outward shoulder , to narrow him before , and inlarge him behind , to press him on the inside of the turn , and to be at liberty without the turn , that his croup may go a little out , and be free ; for else , how should he leap , if his croup were subjected , or bound up ? therefore the outward reyn is to be used for all leaps whatsoever , either forward , or upon circles . here i will tell you a secret for the hand , concerning leaping horses ; and that is this : the bridle being a little longer than ordinary , raise him well , and every time put your hand a little forward , to soutenir , and stay him there upon the hand , as if he hung in the ayre ; and in every leap help him so , and take a just time , like a ball at the bound . all leaps are made upon the hand , and nothing else ; therefore see that the horse be well setled upon the hand , before ever you make him leap ; for nothing disorders a horse's mouth more than leaps : for , a pace and a leap , it must be done the same way . thus ends the method for teaching leaping horses . a true observation in riding . there is no man , that hath not a musical head , that can be a good horse-man , because all horses ought to go in a just and musical time , though the time varies in every horse , some slower , and some quicker ; and besides , as no man plays on the lute , but the same strings that he stops with his left-hand , he always strikes with his right-hand , or else it would be ill musick : so in riding , whatsoever you touch , or help with your left-hand , you must strike with your heel , or calf of your legg , or else it will be ill musick on horse-back : and therefore a good horse-man should never fail to have hand and heel to go together , no more than the musitian his two hands together . here ends the third part. the fourth part , which contains all the faults & errors the horse can commit ; with the vices , and horse's sins in the mannage , and the ways how to rectifie him , and the medicines how to cure him . no horse makes a fault , but it is either in his shoulders , or his croup ; either before , or behind : that is , he doth either disobey the hand or the heel . if you work horses , as i have told you , in the first lessons , he can never be entier , which is , not to turn ; for , entier is to put in his croup , and put out his shoulders ; and those lessons puts out his croup , and in his shoulders , which is contrary to entier : so that suppling a horses shoulders thus , a horse can never be entier ; for indeed , it is the stifness of his shoulders , more than his croup ; and working as i have told you , he shall never be entier : but , if he be very obstinate , pull the inward cavezone's reyn hard to you , and spur him on the inside , and that will cure him . if the horse doth not obey the heel , but puts out his croup , then his head to the wall ( legg and reyn contrary ) will cure him ; if not , then upon his circles put his head from the turn , and help him with your outward legg , and spur him , ( if there be cause ) then bring in your inward shoulder , which puts in his croup ; but his leggs go false : if this will not do , then pull the outward cavezone's reyn to the turn , which infallibly will put in his croup , but falser than the other ; because now he is pull'd to look out of the turn , and his croup before his shoulders , and his leggs very false ; but what is good for the stomack , is ill for the liver , and one must not rectifie to many things at once ; but when you have cured the vice , fall to the true way of riding again . when a horse goes false upon his terra a terra , in bringing in his shoulders too much , and taking too much ground with his fore-parts , there is no way to remedy it , like tying the inward cavezone's reyn as straight as possibly you can to the pommel ; for then he hath not so much room to bring in his shoulders , though it appears otherwise ; but thus he takes shorter steps , and less ground ; and then he is cured . to work only with the bridle , a horse that hath the vice of bringing in his outward shoulder too much . this vice is disobeying both the hand and the heel ; but more the hand : for , no horse can bring in his shoulders too much , but he must put out his croup ; and no horse that bringeth in his shoulders too much , but he comes into the turn , and keeps not his ground ; and if he rise too high , he hath more liberty to bring in his outward shoulder : then the business to recover him of that vice is , to keep him low , and to make him go forward truly , both with his leggs and body , you sitting in the right posture as you should , and with true and right helps for terra a terra , as i have shewed you before . then to cure him is thus ; sit oblike as i have shewed you , pulling the inward reyn , your hand on the outside of his neck , your knuckles towards his neck ; and to keep him down , that he shall not rise too high , your bridle-hand as low as his neck , and that will keep him down ; and there is half his vice cured , that he cannot come in so much . and now to keep him from coming in at all ; because his coming in is by reason of his not going forward : therefore to make him go forward , you must help with both your leggs ; and as the outward legg keeps in his croup , so the inward legg puts him forward ; so the hand low keeps him down , and both leggs puts him forward , and then he is cured with right helps , and goes truly . this i have tried , and find it to be most true ; where all the other helps may do , but they are false , both for the man's sitting , and the horse's going ; therefore i set down none but this , because you should not use them : doing voltoes may be good sometimes , for this vice may fix his croup . observations . many horses , though they can do nothing but trott , yet when they are prest in the mannage , they will make a shuffling amble ; nay , they will perfectly amble , which is the worst action for the mannage that possible can be ; and therefore to hinder them of that action , there is nothing better , than to pull in their heads into the turn as much as possible you can , and to put them upon as narrow circles as you can ; and this will hinder them from ambling : and to give them the spurrs soundly , when they amble , will also put them from ambling : many strong horses will amble when they are prest in the mannage , but commonly horses amble out of weakness , either by nature , or that they are almost tyred : as soon as foles are foled , we see that they all amble at first , because they are so weak ; and after they come to a little strength , then they trott . there are many horses , that whensoever they are prest , they will put up their heads ; it may be to shun the pressure of being put upon the hanches ; for , holding up their heads puts them off of the hanches . to remedy this , tie the cavezone , my way , to the pommel ; for , that pulls down his head , and therefore must put him on the hanches : but the horse , to hinder that , will strive still not to be upon the hanches , by putting out his croup ; then you must spurr him on that side until he obeys you : it may be he casts up his head , because he doth not obey the curb ; then you must trott him , and stopp him ; and gallop him , and stopp him , and pull him back ; and this upon the shoulders , and then he is cured . whensoever a horse goes too much on the back , and fetches disordered leaps , there is no way better to hinder him , than to hold him well and fast on the hand ; for , a slack hand gives him liberty to leap , when a stiffer hand hinders him from leaping . when a horse uses to go low in corvets , and that by much rest , and many holly-daies , or but little riding , the horse goes too much on the back ; there is nothing takes him off more , than to put in his croup , and his outward hanch , for that subjects his hinder-parts so much , as he is hindred , and tied up from crouping , or going upon the back : but before you come to that , it were very good to trott and gallop him so long upon large circles , d'une piste , until you find that you have totally abated his chine , and taken him off of his back , and then put in his outward hanch , to subject his croup again , that he may go on the hanches , and not to go on the back . for there is nothing in the world puts a horse more upon the hanches , than the cavezone my way , tied to the pommel , and to press him on the outside of the turn , that he may lean on the outside ; that is , to lean on his outward legg , that is , on his outward hinder-legg , which is done by the inward reyn cross his neck , or tied to the pommel , to put him on the outside . if a horse will not trott right , but wrangle in his going , between a false trott , and a false gallop ; then tie the inward reyn of the cavezone very straight to the pommel , and put out his croup very much upon large circles ; and if he still doth gumble , and falsify his leggs , give him the spurr , within the turn ; or both spurrs soundly , and good stops ; and this infallibly will make him trot right , and go just upon his trott , or gallop , as he should do . of a resty horse . a resty horse is he that will not go forward ; the way then is , to pull him backwards , and then he will go forwards : it seldom fails ; but if it do fail , then use your spurs to the purpose ; and though he rebels a great while , the spurs will perswade him at last , being the best argument you can use to him , if they be given sharply , ( soundly , and in time ) and are continued until he doth yeeld , which certainly he will do at last ; for this remedy never fails ; all other remedies are foolish ; you were as good apply rose water and sugar-candy to him : therefore the spurs does the business . for all our old writers were mightily deceived in it . for a horse that is retenu , paresus , or contre-coeur , which is all but a spice of restiness , be sure to use the spurs . for a horse that falls down upon the ground , or in the water ; bites , or strikes ; nothing better than the spurs . but i must tell you , for vitious horses , that indangers the company by biteing , and striking , there is no better way than to geld them ; for that will cure them , or nothing . but i assure you , that vitious horses are very hardly recovered , or never ; so dangerous a thing it is to have such a jade , and the worst , if he be spoil'd by an ignorant rider : and more horses are spoil'd by ill riding , and are made vitious , than by nature . of a run-away horse . for a run-away horse , you must have a gentle bitt , the curb slack , a gentle cavezone , that nothing may hurt his mouth , or his nose ; for , certainly sharp cavezones , and cruel bitts , hard curb'd , made horses run away heretofore , making them desperate . you must also have a gentle hand , offend him no way ; and walk him first without stopping , but staying of him by little and little ; and then trott him ; and from his trott , to his walk ; and so by little and little stay him : and always make much of him when he obeys you . and from his trott , you must gently gallop him ; and from his gallop , to a trot ; and from his trot , to his walk ; and from his walk , by little and little , stay him , and always with a gentle hand . this is to prevent him from running away . but put the case he doth run away , what is to be done then ? it is certain , that the more you pull the cavezone , he will run the faster to oppose you ; and the more you pull the bridle , and straighten the curb , hurting him , the more you pull , the more he will pull , and run the faster ; for pulling doth no more good , than if you pull'd a wall : then if you have field-room , when he begins to run , give him the spurrs continually , sharply , and soundly , and slack the bridle , and spurr him until he begins to slack of himself , and to be contented to stay ; and as often as he begins to run , use the same way , and at last i dare undertake he will be cured : for this is the best way in the world for a run-away horse . but if you have not room , and are circumscrib'd in a narrow place , then let him run circularly , until he is weary , with a slack hand : but if you have not room , the best is , to put him to the single pillar , with a good strong rope ; both which will hold him , and there he can run but circularly , and round ; and give him the spurrs soundly , until he be weary , and contented to stay ; and this at last , no doubt , will cure him . of a horse that retains his forces . when a horse retains his forces , you must gallop him fast , and so terra a terra , to put him from thinking ; for it is his resty thinking , that makes that vice : and let me tell you , that ill riders , and bunglers , at the first , makes ( for the most part ) all these faults , and vitious horses , by ill riding , correcting them out of time , or else in letting them have their wills too much . let me tell you for a great truth , that the worst natured jade in the world by nature , is much easier drest , and reduc'd to obedience , than a horse that hath been spoil'd , and made resty by ill riding ; so much worse is an ill custom continued , than an ill disposition by nature : for , a customary drunkard is hardly reclaimed , which is not by nature ; and if men be so , horses may well be so too . to assure horses for the warrs . as when a horse is skittish , and apprehensive of noise , there are many inventions , and none of the best . to stop the horse's ears with wool , that he should not hear ; that is , to make him deaf , and to change the vice for the disease of deafness ; but the vice remains still . what if the wool should fall out ? then you would find he was not cured . but you may also be deceived , for it may be it is another sense ; that 's sight : and being afraid of fire , when the guns are fired , would you put spectacles on him to make him both deaf and blind ? they are great follies . therefore you must use him by little and little , to shott , both to the noise and sight of the fire ; to drums , trumpets , and colours ; and the custom of them will make him indure it , and go constantly upon any of them ; sword , or any thing ; for custom doth all things with men , and so with horses . you should teach him to leap hedge , ditch , and rail ; for all these are the useful things for a souldiers horse ; as also to swim well is very necessary . of vitious horses . when a horse bites at his shoulders , and at his bitt , and at his riders leggs , and rises , and turns round , ready to come over : the best remedy that i know , is , to ride him without a cavezone , to offend him as little as may be ; and to tie the nose-band as straight as you can ; as also to have another nose-band below , where the bitt is tied ; and to tie that as straight as possibly can be ; so straight , as he cannot open his mouth : and when the horse finds that he cannot bite , he will leave those jadish tricks in a little time . and because the spurrs , given him out of time , appear to be the cause of his vitiousness , and restiness , therefore do not give him the spurrs of a great while , but only trot him upon large circles , and walk him quietly , and peaceably ; and when you have gained him to this point , upon a peaceable and little gallop , you may then touch him with the spurrs , but very gently , only to make him feel them , and no more ; and this way will cure him , or else nothing . the old way for trench and martingal . this way is to no purpose at all to dress a horse , since the end of riding is , to go with the bitt ; for , with the trench and martingal , you must use both hands , and you have not a third hand for the sword ; but with the bitt , your left-hand governs the horse , and your right-hand is free for the sword : but i will let you see , that to use the trench and martingal , is just so much time lost , as you ride horses with it , and no preparation at all for the bitt : for first , the trench hath no curb , therefore they will not understand the curb by it , because it hath none . then secondly , there is no trench in the world , or snaffle , that ever wrought upon the bars of a horse , but upon his lips , and the weeks of his mouth . so , what preparation is there in the trench for the bitt , when the trench can neither make him understand the curb , nor the bars ? and the bitt works only upon those two places , curb , and bars ; and without those two , no horse can be a ready-horse . nay , pull down the horses head as much as you can with the martingal , or the trench , it shall never work upon his bars ; the snaffle is the same ; for the trench is but a great snaffle : then for the martingal , use it never so long , the horse shall not be setled one jot the better when you take it off . so now you may see how unuseful a folly the trench and martingal is , for the dressing of horses ; meerly so much time lost to no purpose , and labour in vain , and disordering the poor horse ; so that i wonder at the horse-men , that had no more wit than to use it . it is the bitt , with the cavezone , and the true art of riding , that makes , and dresses horses perfectly , and not the trench and martingal ; no , nor the martingal with the bitt , if it be tied to the arches of the bitt , for then the curb never works ; no , nor the new-fashioned martingal , that is tied to the cavezone , for it hinders the operation of the bitt . of the false reyns . to work horses with false reyns , is very false working ; for , being tied to the arches of the bitt , and pulling it , that slacks the curb ; and so no horse shall be firm , and setled with it ; for , that horse that doth not suffer the curb , shall never be a ready-horse ; so it makes the bitt like a snaffle . there is no way but the cavezone , and the bitt , to settle and dress horses withal perfectly ; and when a horse is perfectly setled upon the hand , ( then being put upon the hanches ) he will go so perfectly , and easily , as you shall hardly feel him upon the hand , the bridle will be so slack , and he will go so just . if you work , as this book instructs you , you shall never have any horse vitious in any kind , if no body else have rid him ; and after he is drest to that perfection , he will hardly make you a fault , if you work as you should do . of the follies of some people , thinking they can make leaping-horses . there are many presumptuous fellows , as ignorant as they are presumptuous , that laughing , say , they will make any horse a leaping-horse . why ? because they will make him leap over a stick , like a jack-anapes , or a dogg ; or make a horse leap over a barrel , a rail , hedge , or ditch . if that were all , we should have many leaping-horses ; for , i know hardly any horse but will do it , without any great art : god help their ignorance , poor fools ! for , a horse to leap so , is not the same leaping , as a horse leaps in the mannage . first , for their horses that leaps over hedge and ditch , and of their fashion ; they lay the reyns in his neck , and puts him forward , which is a leap of their fashion , but not a leap in the mannage : and where they give him the reyns to leap , we hold him , and help him up with the hand to leap ; and so with our heels , if it need , at the same time : and thus the horse obeys both the hand and the heels , at the same time ; hath an excellent mouth , and a good apuy , both upon the bars , and the curb . a gentle-mans hunts-boy , though he can leap his masters gelding over a hedge , will not make him leap upon the bars and the curb with his snaffle ; since his snaffle hath no curb , and his snaffle never works upon the bars , but upon the weeks , and lips of his horses mouth : besides , our horses will leap so in a place , and not at leap-frogg , as their horses , or at barley-break , to leap two or three yards forward without feeling of his mouth . thus doth ignorance talk of things they do not know : nay , some horse men hath been so foolish , as to think they could make a leaping-horse , with laying fur-bushes for him to leap over , which is the same as a hedge ; so foolish they have been : and now you see the truth of this , truly anatomized to you . of a horse that goes incaputiato , which is , when he armes himself against the bitt . our learned authors are mightily mistaken about this vice , as they call it , saying , a horse is at no command , and hard on the hand , because the branches rests upon his neck , or shoulders , and you cannot pull , or help him with your hand at all ; wherein they are horribly deceived : for , i have had horses that have armed themselves against the bitt , as much as any horse could do , and yet were as sensible to the hand , and as leight on the hand , as any horse in the world ; so they are mightily mistaken : for , if the horse goes perfectly upon the hanches , he must be leight on the hand , let him arm , or his head be never so low ; and therefore they are deceived that thinks otherwise . this should have been put in the second part. for terra a terra , you must help with the inward reyn ; press him on the outside , and your outward shoulder a little down ; and then his outward shoulder cannot come in , as it doth with the other way before-mentioned : and thus the horse is prest all on the outside of his outward hinder-legg , and so upon the hanches ; which in the other is upon the shoulders , and the horse being prest on the outside , his leggs are at liberty , to lead on the inside , and so he goes eeven , and not cross ; which is the exact and right terra a terra . an epitomy of horse-manship . in all ayres you must help with the outward reyn. first for corvets ; you must help with the outward reyn , and if the horse be not on the hanches enough , you must soutenir more , not give him a time , but hold him up more upon the hands : and if his croup go out , you must put your outward legg a little to him ; and if he put his croup in too much , you must put your inward legg a little to him , and turn your hand a little more , just over his neck , and only turn it up , but not within his neck . you must help with the outward reyn to bring in his outward shoulder ; for if that did not come in , he could not turn upon voltoes ; and so his croup is a little at liberty , which makes him go the easier , freer , and at more liberty to go straight forward . to go byas , on either hand , you must still help with the outward reyn , and soutenir ; that is , hold him up , without giving him a time : for , the horse gives himself a time better than you can , and you must help with the outward legg ; that is , legg and reyn of a side , but both on the outside still . to make him go back in corvets , use the outward reyn ; but here you must give him a time with your hand every cadance that he makes , and your hand closer to your body ; not to pull him back , but to give him a time ; and as he falls , that time is to be a little back , but not above a straw breadth : let your body be a little forward , your leggs a little back , and sit not too strong . of demy — ayres . you must use the very same helps , as in corvets , in every thing : for , when his croup is within the voltoe , if you help , as i have told you , ( so you put him forward ) he will go easily , and just , as a horse should always go forward , in every thing , but when you will pull him back . of leaps . use the outward reyn still , but you must soutenir more ; that is , to hold him up harder , and not to give him a time , but still to hold him up , for the horse gives himself the best time ; and do not help with your leggs , but only hands and rod ; and the rod under hand , and help him in time , and as much upon the dock as you can , to make him strike out . upon voltoes use the outward reyn ; but here his croup must be a little out , to give him liberty , for else he could not go , if his hanches were subjected ; and he must go larger upon his voltoes , as if he went forward with all the liberty that may be ; for this is a forcible ayre . of passadoes . still use the outward reyn , to bring in his outward shoulder ; and so in demy-voltoes . so in the piroyte , with the outward reyn ; but not to turn the hand on the inside of his neck , and keep him low. to gallop and change , with the outward reyn still . of terra a terra . here you are to use the inward reyn , for now you must keep the outward shoulder back , and give his inward shoulder liberty , that he may look into the turn , rest upon his outward leggs , and his inward leggs at liberty , which you may know by his neck leaning on the outside . you must know , that the outward reyn brings in his outward shoulder , presses him on the inside , and gives his outward leggs liberty , and so his croup goes a little out . use the outward reyn in passager ; for , if his outward shoulder comes not in , how shall he lap one legg over another , which they call incavelar in italian , and passager in french ? now , whatsoever makes his croup go out upon a trot , or gallop large , it works his shoulders ; so his croup going out ( legg and reyn on a side ) works his shoulders , because his inward legg goes out as upon large circles , his inward legg being wrought : this working his shoulders is an excellent thing for a young horse , or an ignorant horse at first ; for without his shoulders be supple , he shall never go : besides , it keeps him from being entier , or have the credenza , which is , resty in turning , and is the worst vice a horse can have . to work his crovp . legg and reyn contrary , his head to the wall , works his croup , so the inward reyn be pulled . cross his neck , legg and reyn contrary , his croup in , works his croup , so the inward reyn be pull'd cross his neck ; his croup in , the inward reyn pull'd hard on the outside , so that his neck may lean on the outside , works his croup . in his length the same , and raise him in passadoes his croup in , works his croup ; and all this puts him upon the hanches to boot , which is all our business . now , as you are working his croup , you must give him the spur now and then , to make him flie ; for he never obeys it , until he flies it ; it is not a correction with the spurr , but a little touch ; which may be given him upon large circles too ; that is , he must flie it , and yet be upon the hanches : this touch gently with the spurr , may be upon any thing ; to thrust him like a carreer , to stop him , and thrust him away presently again , makes him obey the heel perfectly ; stoping , and going back , and raiseing of him , puts him upon the hanches . you must understand , that a horse having two hinder-leggs , when his inward hinder-legg is put out , by the outward reyn , then his outward shoulder is wrought , and his croup out , and not upon the hanches ; is prest within , and at liberty without . but when his outward legg is prest by the inward reyn , and your outward legg ; then his croup is wrought , and he is upon the hanches ; so the outward reyn works the shoulders , and the inward reyn ( with the outward legg ) works the croup , and puts him upon the hanches ; and the more , if you raise him in passadoes . to work his fore-parts , and his hinder-parts ; to press him on his leggs , without the turn , and at liberty within the turn ; to press him on his leggs within the turn , and at liberty without the turn ; to obey the hand and heel , and to be upon the hanches , is all that can be done : and this that i have written doth it perfectly . until he be supple on the shoulders , and stop perfectly upon his trott , and is perfectly setled upon the hand , he shall never be a ready-horse : the way to supple his shoulders best , is the cavezone my way ; and to pull the inward reyn to your knee , which brings in his outward shoulder ; galloping puts him upon the apuy ; but never gallop him until he stop perfectly upon his trott , and that he is so leight as he offers to gallop of himself . the stop upon a trott , must be hard , and on a sudden ; the stop upon a gallop , with two or three little falcadoes ; and never stop and raise him together , but stop first , and raise him afterwards . to work his croup , you must use the cavezone's reyn cross his neck ; which puts him so on the outside , that you may feel his outward hanch to go in , and his neck to lean on the outside . so that pulling the cavezone to your knee , brings in his outward shoulder , and supples his shoulders ; presses him on the inside , and puts him at liberty on the outside . so pulling the inward cavezone's reyn cross his neck , works his croup ; that is , his outward hanch being put in , ( legg and reyn contrary ) he leans all on the outside , and makes him obey the heel ; presses him on the outside , and gives him liberty within the turn : never stop him , but put your outward legg to him ; or else he cannot be upon the hanches . an effectual discourse of horse-manship . certainly the foundation of all ayres in the mannage , and the ground of every thing , is , trotting , and stopping , with looking into the turn ; a gentle stop , not too hard , which puts a horse upon the hanches , and settles him upon the hand ; because it pulls him down before ; but too hard a stop pulls him up before ; and therefore puts him off of the hanches . to make him look into the turn , the cavezone , my way , and pulling the inward reyn to your knee , low , or beyond it , brings in his outward shoulder , and bends him into the turn very much ; supples his shoulders , presses him within the turn , and leaves his leggs at liberty without the turn ; and pulling him down before , makes him stop well : but see still , that his outward shoulder comes in , and then he shall never be entier ; which is the greatest vice a horse can have . to tie the inward cavezone's reyn to the pommel , puts a horse on the outside , and presses him there , except your inward legg puts out his croup ; therefore i would have you tie the inward cavezone's reyn to the girths below , which presses him within , and gives liberty to his leggs without the turn , and brings in his outward shoulder : and thus tied to the girths , is more powerful , than if you held it in your hand ; for , many horses may force your hand , which they cannot do , when it is tied to the girths ; and pulling him down thus , makes him stop well . going back sometimes , is an excellent thing to put him on the hanches , to put him on the hand , and to make him leight on the hand , and to make him advance . for passager , there is nothing better , than tying the inward cavezone's reyn to the girths ; for it brings in his outward shoulder , to lap one legg over another , and supples his shoulders . passadoes is a rare thing to put a horse upon the hand , and prepare him for all ayres ; it puts him on the hanches too ; and especially is excellent for leaping horses ; and all this with the inward cavezone's reyn tied to the girthes ; upon a trott , or le petit gallop , it is an excellent thing to give him a little touch with the spur , to make him flie it , and obey it ; but then it must not be abandoned upon the shoulders , but upon the hanches , when he feels the spur. the cavezone is the rarest thing in the world for dressing of horses ; not only to preserve their mouth , but to give them the ply , which is to bend them into the turn , to make them look into the turn , to work their outward shoulder , to bring it into the turn : and thus to supple their shoulders , either upon a trott , or gallop d'une piste ; or passager the croup in , or legg and reyn on a side ; and all this to supple the shoulders , which is a prinpal thing . the cavezone again , ( legg and reyn contrary ) works a horse's croup ; his croup out , as if it were to the pillar , or his croup in for passager , or to the wall ; for legg and reyn contrary , works his croup ; for it puts him on the hanches , because it presses him on his outward leggs , and makes him subject to the heel ; for he cannot get from it , so legg and reyn contrary works his croup , as the former wrought his shoulders ; prest him within , and gave him liberty without : so this legg and reyn contrary presses him without , and gives him liberty within . but when you work legg and reyn contrary , i would wish you to have the cavezone's reyn in your hand ; for so you will help him the better . thus you see how powerful the cavezone is to work shoulders , or croup , or any thing for the perfect dressing of horses ; so that i will undertake to dress a horse better , and more perfectly , with a cavezone without a bitt , than with a bitt without a cavezone ; therefore use the cavezone ; but then it must be my way , or else it is of little effect . since trotting , and stopping upon the trott , is the foundation of all ayres in the mannage , therefore highly esteem of it , and practice it most ; that is , never do any thing with your horse , until he stop perfectly upon his trott ; for , if you do , you will perfectly spoyl him for ever . whether upon a large circle d'une piste his croup out , upon a trott , or his croup in , or straight by a wall : when you stop , be sure you put your body back , and pull in your bridle-hand , but not too suddenly at first ; and be sure you pull the inward reyn hard , to put him on the outside , to rest on his outward hinder-legg , which puts him upon the hanches ; so that you may be sure , at the same time , to help him with your outward legg , which certainly will put him effectually upon the hanches , which is our main business , and work : and therefore do this perfectly , and it will pull down his head. another lesson to put him upon the hanches , which is very effectual . to put a horse upon the hanches , tie the inward cavezone's reyn to the girthes , and then walk him d'une piste , or a short trott , your inward legg to him , and be sure he neither puts his croup out , nor in ; for if he doth either , this lesson is of no force ; but if he doth not , there is nothing puts him more on the hanches . it is very material , for the dressing of horses in the mannage , to know the several operations of the inward cavezone's reyn ( my way ) tied to the girthes , or tied to the pommel . when the inward cavezone's reyn is tied to the girthes , it works his outward shoulder , presses his leggs within the turn , and leaves his leggs at liberty without the turn . it is excellent to trott him large or narrow d'une piste , or gallop him large on narrow d'une piste , for this supples his shoulders , his croup a little out , which brings in his outward shoulder more . it is good also , legg and reyn on a side , his croup out , to supple his shoulders . it is excellent in passager , his croup a little in , to lap one legg over another , because his outward shoulder comes in ; but if you press his croup too much in , it is impossible he should go ; because the reyn , being tied to the girthes , works his outward shoulder ; and putting his buttock in too much , puts his outward shoulder back ; and two contraries is impossible to be wrought at once . it is excellent for le petit gallop , his croup a little in , and proper for it , because it works his shoulders . the inward reyn tied to the girthes , is proper and excellent for corvets , because it brings in the outward shoulder , and so consequently gives a little liberty to the croup . in all these lessons , if his shoulders come not in enough , you must turn your bridle-hand a little , which works the outward reyn , and so consequently the outward shoulder . this working of the shoulders , makes all horses easie ; and thus wrought , they shall never be entier . this tying the inward cavezone's reyn to the girthes , is an oblike line within the turn , and therefore works his outward shoulder . the inward cavezone's reyn , tied to the pommel , is an oblike line cross his neck , and this line puts back his outward shoulder , and puts forward his inward shoulder ; presses him on the outside , and gives his leggs liberty within the turn , and is most proper for terra a terra , which never any found out but my self ; but it is naught for corvets , because it subjects his croup too much ; but this works his croup mightily , either legg or reyn contrary , his croup out ; or passager , his croup in ; either in his length , or a little larger ; and so to raise him in passadoes ; and makes him infinitely subject to the heel . but this oblike line cross his neck to the pommel , is not so powerful , as when i have it in my hand , and pull it to my outward shoulder , because the line is then longer , then when it is tied to the pommel . when his head is to the wall , ( if you would work his shoulders ) then pull the inward cavezone's reyn to your knee ; if you would work his croup , then pull the inward cavezone's reyn to your outward shoulder . there is no doubt , but that , though the inward cavezone's reyn be tied to the pommel , to trott him upon large circles , or to gallop him large , it works his shoulders ; but the reason of that is , because his croup is out , and then of necessity his outward shoulder must come in. if you can work , according to these precepts , and apply these excellent lessons to the horse , and see perfectly where the fault lies , either in his shoulders , or his croup , you will infallibly make all horses that ever comes into your hands ; which i wish you may do , and not find fault with it , because you cannot do it . for corvets forward , you must help with the outward reyn ; your hand not on the inside of his neck ; but just upon his neck ; your little finger turn'd up , which pulls the outward reyn ; and the hand a little forward , which works upon the curb , and to soutenir , which is to hold him up : thus the curb pinches him a little ; and to give himself ease of the curb , he is forced to go upon the hanches , and that is as i would have him . which way soever the branches of the bitt goes , the mouth goes alwayes contrary ; you pull the bridle , and that pulls the branches up ; then the mouth goes down , which puts him upon the hanches ; for no horse can be upon the hanches when his head is up . this is the truth in corvets ; and in all ayres whatsoever , you must still help with the outward reyn , and never give a time with your hand , but only soutenir , which is , to hold him up ; for the horse will give himself a better time than you can : but going backward , you must help him every time , and with the outward reyn , your body a little forward , and your leggs a little back ; and sit easie upon him , and not too hard . upon voltoes in corvets , use the outward reyn , and in every thing as i told you before ; only let the horse go forward , as if he did not turn , which ought to be upon all circles whatsoever , except the piroyte ; and commonly you are not to help with your leggs at all ; but if you do , it must be the outward legg a little to him . this is the perfection of all ayres whatsoever . the quintessence of horse — manship . if your horse will not bend his shoulders , which is the principal thing , then tie the cavezone ( my way ) to the girthe , the inward reyn as strait as you can ; but then you must work upon nothing but large or narrow circles , his croup out , either upon a trott , or a gallop ; or legg and reyn on a side , his croup out : and this infallibly will supple his shoulders , and he shall never be resty , nor entier . but should you put in his croup when he is tied so hard , it is so much against nature , and such a forced thing , as it is impossible for him to go ; and so , to get what ease he can , where you think to work his outward shoulder in , you put it back , and work his inward shoulder ; for the poor horse hath no other way to ease himself . and thus horse-men are deceived ; work against nature , and spoil the horse . but if you would work his shoulders , and put in his croup , then you must take the inward cavezone's reyn in your hand , and pull it to your knee , and help with the outward legg ; this is not so great a force as the other , and therefore brings in his outward shoulder with ease , and gives a little ease to his croup , being not so much in ; and therefore is proper for le petit gallop , his croup in , and for passager his croup in ; most proper for a gallop , but not at all for terra a terra ; for there is none for terra a terra but my way , which i wonder how i found out , it is so rare and true : for there the outward shoulder is kept back , and the inward shoulder forward , and the cavezone's reyn to your knee ; the outward shoulder comes in , and the inward shoulder is kept back . this is the true difference betwixt le petit gallop , and terra a terra , upon circles . this you should get by heart , for it is the rarest thing in the world , because it is a subtile truth . to know the degrees of tying the inward cavezone's reyn , either to the girthes or the pommel of the sadle , which is the life or soul of the mannage , never found out but by my self . i begin with tying the inward cavezone's reyn to the girthes , which works his outward shoulder , presses him within the turn , and leaves his outward leggs at liberty ; is fit for gallopping large , or narrow , d'une piste ; as also for passager , either large , or in his length ; and for the piroyte . no horse can go , or be made a ready-horse , until his shoulders be extreamly supple ; and therefore this is the best lesson in the world to supple his shoulders : but you must take heed of putting his croup in too much , for it is impossible to put in his croup , and put out his croup all at one time ; for the cavezone's reyn tyed to the girthes , puts out his croup , and at the same time you will put in his croup with your heel , which cannot be : and when the horse finds your ignorance , working impossibilities , then he grows impatient and resty , as he hath great reason to be so . therefore you must not tye the cavezone too strait ; for if you do , the horse cannot go forward , but turns round , and so grows resty again , as he must needs do , which is your fault , not his . you should tye the cavezone no straiter than to make him look into the turn , and no more ; that is , so strait , that he cannot look out of the turn : and thus he may go forward , and be pleased ; which is natural , and no impossibility . the inward cavezone's reyn tyed to the pommel is another business ; for , this presses the horse on the outside of the turn , and leaves his leggs within the turn at liberty ; keeps back his outward shoulder , and works his croup , and his outward hanch , and makes him subject to the heel , because he cannot get from it ; so he obeys it , and flies it . this is proper for terra a terra , and demi-voltoes upon the ground ; but the inward cavezone's reyn must not be tyed too strait ; for if it be , then the horse cannot go forward , no more than the other way , and will grow resty : so the inward cavezone's reyn must be pull'd no harder , than just to make him look into the turn , and no more . to pull the inward cavezone's reyn to your knee , or beyond it , works the horse's outward shoulder , presses him on the inside , and leaves his leggs at liberty without the turn , supples his shoulders , and gives a little liberty to his croup ; and the inward cavezone's reyn tyed to the girthes hath the same opperation . you are to know , that the invention of the pillars is a meer routine ; that is , by rote ; because it works by the eyes , and not by feeling the hand , and the heels , and being obedient to them : so that this method of the pillars , hath spoiled more horses than any thing in the world , working upon the eyes , by looking at the pillars ; and never any man wrought horses well at the pillar , but pluvinel , that devised them . my way is a method of the cavezone , and there he goes not by rote ; his eyes doe nothing here , nor the voyce ; but the horses meerly obey the hand and the heel , which makes them all perfect , of what nature or condition soever they be , and never fails me . of the bridle and bitt without the cavezone . you must know , that the bitt is a strange engine ; for , wheresoever you pull the cheek , the mouth always goes contrary : when you turn up your little finger , it pulls the outward reyn , which works his shoulder on the outside , and gives liberty to his croup on the left-hand : your little finger a little more turn'd up , and a little on the left side , works his outward shoulder , and gives his croup a little liberty , which is fit for corvets , trotting , and gallopping d'une piste ; so in pasadoes , excellent for passager , so for the piroyte . here the horse is prest within the turn , and at liberty without the turn . for corvets upon voltoes , if his croup be at the center , put your outward legge a little to him , and turn your hand a little , and soutenir , and he will go perfectly upon his turns if he goes forward , which is the main business , and the reason of that is , because he goes a little byas ; this is all with the reynes , in your left-hand . and this makes him also go perfectly , le petit gallop . for terra a terra , it is another thing , the reynes being in your left-hand ; here you must pull the inward reyn , to presse him on the out-side , and leave his legges at liberty , within the turn ; and you must turn your fist inward , and turn it to your left-shoulder , close to it , which pulls the inward reyn , and your outward legge close to him ; thus he is prest on the out-side , and his leggs at liberty within the turn ; but for terra a terra on the left-hand , your bridle still in the left-hand , you must turn your little finger up , and pull it close to your right-shoulder , helping with the outward legge . if the reynes be separated in both your hands , then you must pull the inward reyn , and your right-hand close to your left-shoulder , turning up your little finger , and your legge gently on the out-side . but for the left-hand , the reyns separated in both your hands , you must pull the inward reyn close to your right-shoulder , holding up your left-finger gently , helping with the outward legg : and so you see there is a great deal of difference betwixt the reynes separated in both your hands , and when you have the bridle only in your left-hand , ( for the help is with your hands : ) this is perfectly for terra a terra , and demi-voltoes . i have told you a bitt is a strange engine ; for , wheresoever you pull the cheeks , the mouth goes contrary ; if you work the outward reyn , you pull the outward cheek to you , and the mouth goes contrary , but in corvets , and then it works in the middle of the curb : for terra a terra , when you pull the cheeks to you , then his mouth goes contrary , and looks into the turn as he should do , and then the curb works on the other side , contrary to the cheek , of what hand so ever you go : if you pull the cheeks strait , the mouth goes down ; but when you put your hand , as far forward as you can , to the perpendicular line , then that works hardest on the curb . if you pull the inward reyn to your knee , or from your body , tribacato , that it layes the cheek even to the eye of the bitt , then it works not at all upon the curb , so great a difference there is betwixt the cavezone and the bit ; for terra a terra , when you pull the inward reyn to your outward shoulder , then the reyn is a great deal within the pommel , which hand soever you go on ; but whensoever you help with the outward reyn , then your hand must be three fingers above the pommel , and as many fingers before it : this is certainly the truth of the bitt and bridle . when i work the outward reyn of the bridle , i finde his croup is lost , although i help with the outward legge , because it is legg and reyn both of a side ; but legg and reyn contrary works his croup , and keeps back his outward shoulder . the cavezone being upon his nose , is contrary to the bitt ; for if you pull up the cavezone's reyn , you pull up his head ; and if you pull it down , you pull down his head. as for the false reyns , it is a very false thing ; for the reyns being tyed to the arches of the bitt , when you pull the reyns it slacks the curb , and never works on it , like a snaffle ; nay , it is so much worse than a snaffle , for a snaffle will go to the weeks of his mouth , or lipps ; and though the curb be slack , yet it will not suffer it to go so high , and therefore gawles all his barrs . and this is the truth of the false reyns . of the perfection of dressing horses in the mannage , brought into so narrow a compass , that if it be learned by heart , and punctually practised , it is impossible to fail dressing any horse whatsoever . suppling and working a horses shoulders being the principal thing of all , i therefore begin with it . to supple a horses shoulders upon a trott , or le petit gallop . the inward cavezon's reyn tyed to the girthes , or in your hand , pull'd to your knee , supples his outward shoulder , on the right hand at liberty without the turn ; and prest within the turn , his outward shoulder comes in , and his inward shoulder is kept back : but how doth this supple his inward shoulder for terra a terra ; for there the inward shoulder is put forward , and his outward shoulder kept back ? i will tell you perfectly how it is : on the right-hand his outward shoulder is brought in , and suppled , and his inward shoulder kept back . now , what was on the right-hand suppled , ( which was his outward shoulder , and outward legg for terra a terra ) on the left-hand is the same legg , and the inward reyn there , and outward legg puts back his outward shoulder , and brings in his inward shoulder and legg . so it is the same legg still , that was on the right-hand his outward legg , and is now his inward legg on the left-hand in terra a terra ; and that 's the truth of it , for thus he is suppled . it is the very same of the other hand , and no difference at all . this i onely write to let you see how working his shoulders prepares him for terra a terra , but we do not yet declare what works his outward shoulder . you must know , that upon a trott , or a gallop , upon large or narrow circles dune piste , his croup must be a little out , to work his shoulders more , and the outward reyn of the bridle also to work it yet more ; with a short trott , and a short gallop , that he may not be too much upon the shoulders ; the cavezones reyn tyed thus , he never can go terra a terra , because his outward shoulder is wrought . trotting and stopping is the foundation of all things in the mannage , for it firmes the horse upon the hand , and puts him upon the hanches : for stopping , you must pull him down ; that is , pull your hand close to your body , your body back , and your inward legg to him , to put his inward legg to his outward . going back is an excellent thing , both to firm him on the hand , and make him light of the hand ; as also to put him upon the hanches , and to make him the apter to advance before . the petit gallop pacifies furious horses , and gives them an apuy ; stopping upon a gallop must be at two or three falcadoes by a wall strait forward , your right-shoulder or left-shoulder to the wall , either forward or backward : there it is with the inward reyn , and inward legg ; or not to help with your leggs , but as you see occasion . another excellent lesson to make horses supple on the shoulders . there is nothing like legg and the inward cavezones reyn on a side , as if his head were to the pillar , his croup out ; for , though he goes on the left-hand , he is supple on the right-hand : this lesson makes him that he can never be entier , which is the worst vice a horse can have . entier is to be resty in turning , which is very dangerous for the man by coming over ; for to oppose turning , he puts in his croup with all the force he can , and so puts out his shoulder craftily and maliciously , to hinder from turning . so this excellent lesson is as if his head were to the pillar , legg and reyn on a side , he puts out his croup , where before he put it in , and that hinders him from being entier ; and when he puts out his shoulder , this brings it in , which hinders him more from being entier ; so that it cures him perfectly of that vice : and going on the left-hand , legg and reyn on a side , it supples him more on the right-hand : so going on the right-hand , legg and reyn on a side , supples his shoulders for the left-hand ; and a better lesson there is not . for all ayres whatsoever thus upon voltoes . for all ayres , it is with the outward reyn of the bridle , that his outward shoulder may come a little in , that he may turn , which gives a little liberty to his croup , and so turn the easier ; and if the inward cavezones reyn be tyed to the girthes , it will bring in his outward shoulder the better ; and your outward shoulder being a little in , and higher than your inward shoulder , will bring in his outward shoulder the better ; your hand must be in this manner , on the right-hand your bridle-hand just over his neck , turning up your little finger , which pulls the outward reyn , as it should do , and soutenir , which is to hold him up ; for that puts him on the hanches : the reason is , that it presses him on the curb ; and he , to give himself ease on the curb , goes on the hanches , and then the curb is a little slack . you must not put your hand within his neck , and bend him , for that puts him upon the shoulders , and you must alwayes keep your horse upon the hanches . now for the left-hand , you must do thus , the bridle-hand a little within the neck , and hold up your little-finger , and soutenir , and it will work the same effect as on the right-hand : with your legg help not at all , and he will go perfectly well . if he puts out his croup , put your outward legg to him ; if he puts in his croup too much , put your inward legg to him , and still soutenir , to keep him on the hanches ; and remember , there is nothing makes horses go well but the seat ; for he that hath not a good seat , cannot have a good hand : and there is nothing dresses horses but the hand and the heels ; and remember , the only thing in ayres upon voltoes , is to make your horse go forward still , as if he did not turn ; for so he goes easily and just ; for if you turn your hand too much , his croup would go out . and for all ayres , your bridle-hand must be a little before the pommel ; and for the piroyte , you must help with the outward reyn , your outward shoulder being a little higher than your inward shoulder , and a little in towards his left-ear on the right-hand , and towards his right-ear on the left-hand ; for the outward reyn brings in his outward shoulder , and so consequently puts out his croup : for , you must understand , that in trotting , one legg is before another ; so in galloping , one legg is before another ; in terra a terra , one legg is before another ; in the piroyte , one legg is before another ; but in corvets , or any other ayre , it is not so , but much contrary , as thus : in corvets his leggs are even , and not one before another ; and though his hinder-leggs seem wider than his fore-leggs ; yet his hinder-leggs are within the lynes of his shoulders , which makes him go upon the hanches . when a horse is perfectly obedient to the hand , and the heels ; then put , in corvets , your inward legg a little to him , and help with the outward reyn of the bridle , and soutenir a little , and help gently with the inward legg ; that is , put the calf of the legg to him , and he will go perfectly upon his ayre , in voltoes : for groupadoes you must give his croup a little more liberty , and not constrain it so much as in corvets ; and in capriols not constrain'd at all , but rather even , or a little out ; for a horse in capriols , if his croup be subjected , it is impossible he should go ; therefore in capriols you must give his croup all the liberty that can be ; and when you help with the rod , it must be when he is falling , and not when he is rising , for else his croup cannot rise . for passeger , or incavelar , which is to lap one legg over another not every time , but every second time . in this passeger , the action is not so much as a trott , but more than a walk ; an action the fittest in the world to make a horse understand the hand and the heeles ; because it is gentle , and puts him into no fury : and if he obeyes my hand and heeles upon passeger , i can make him do any thing that his forces will give him leave to do . here the inward cavezon's reyn must be tyed to the girthes , or pulled to your knee ; for that works his outward shoulder , which is most proper for passeger , to make him lapp his outward leggs over his inward leggs ; and to make him do it the better , you must help with the outward reyn of the bridle : and thus ends this excellent lesson . for pesates . the inward cavezones reyn tyed to the girthes , or pull'd to your knee , you must help with the outward reyn of the bridle ; in passeger , raise him as high as you can , and hold him there gently , and without fougue , and walk him away again , and raise him again , and do this all along the volto , and this is a right pesate . this puts him upon the hand , and prepares him for all ayres whatsoever ; for without this , no horse can go in any ayre . therefore this must be your first lesson , before you ever offer to put him upon any ayre : there is nothing more graceful in all ayres , then for a horse to bend his fore-leggs up to his body ; but there is more in it than that , for , what horse soever that goes in ayres , if his fore-leggs be stiff before , or that he pawes with his fore-leggs , necessarily he is on the shoulders , for that puts him upon the shoulders ; and if he bend his leggs up to his body , it puts him upon the hanches ; for it puts him backward , as being stiff before puts him forward , and so upon the shoulders . your horse must alwayes go forward except you pull him back . you must remember , that the inward cavezones reyn tyed to the girthes , or pull'd to your knee , works his outward shoulder ; with the outward reyn of the bridle ; and all this is for le petit gallop , and not for terra a terra : and to facilitate le petit gallop the better , put your outward shoulder higher than your inward shoulder , which infallibly works his outward shoulder , as the outward shoulder down infallibly subjects and works his croup . your leggs must be as neer to the horse as you can without touching him , that your helps may be the more secret : spurring is a correction , but pinching is an excellent help , and it must be done thus : first put your legg as close to him as you can , and then turn your heel to him & pinch him delicately ; if his shoulders come not in enough , the inward reyn being tyed to the girth , then bend his neck with the outward reyn of the bridle , as much as possibly you can , as if you would brake his neck , and that shall supple his shoulders sufficiently . here ends these most excellent lessons for suppling of a horses shoulders , which is the principal businesse . of the perfection , and exact way of making horses to obey the heeles . it is the inward reyn absolutely that makes him obey the heel , and nothing else ; for it puts him on the out-side , which puts in his outward hanch , so that he cannot get from the heel , and therefore must necessarily obey it . the inward reyn being to your outward shoulder , or the inward reyn of the cavezone to your outward shoulder , and giving the horse a little touch with the spur now and then , doth admit of a corvet when you go , the inward reyn to your outward shoulder , the horses head to the wall , because it is side-wayes , and not upon a circle ; for the inward reyn ( as if his head were to the pillar in corvets , and his croup out ) subjects his croup : the inward reyn in corvets strait by a wall , whether your right-shoulder , or left-shoulder be to the wall , subjects still his croup . nay , it is also the inward reyn , when he goes in corvets backwards , whether your right-shoulder , or left-shoulder , be to the wall. and if you go in corvets strait by a wall , it is still the inward reyn ; but if you make a demy-volto in corvets , then it is the outward reyn , for else he cannot turn in corvets ; and you may easily change from the inward reyn to the outward reyn , and not brake his time at all : but by no means his croup in in his ayre upon circles , because it keeps out his outward shoulder , keeping his outward shoulder back , and then he cannot go in his ayre upon circles , because he cannot turn ; for it is the outward reyn in all ayres , that brings in his outward shoulder , that he may turn , and his croup a little at liberty , that he may turn the easier . but the inward reyn for passeger , his croup out , makes him obey the heeles ; so the inward reyn for passeger , his croup in , makes him obey the heel , but not upon circles , there it is the outward , for else he could not turn ; but in pesates he may do it , but not upon his ayre , and in pesates easily ; for there he rises but once or twice , and goes in passeger again : this is the exact way to make a horse obey the heel perfectly . of terra a terra . in terra a terra you must use the inward reyn , and the outward legg ; the inward reyn pull'd to your outward shoulder , presses him on the out-side on his outward hanch , makes him lean on the out-side , and look into the turn ; presses him on the out-side , and at liberty within the turn ; his fore-legg within the turn leading , and his hinder-legg on the same side following , and his outward legg short . thus his inward shoulder is put forward , and his outward shoulder kept back with your hand : you must soutenir as you do in ayres : but this is with the inward reyn , and your bridle-hand within the pommel , looking into the turn , poising upon your outward stirrup a little , your outward shoulder down , and in , which subjects his croup : thus you cannot put in his croup too much ; for leaning on the outside , his croup can never go before his shoulder ; and thus he is forced to terra a terra in spight of his teeth , and to go a time pa ta , pa ta , which is but two times ; and this was never found out but by my self . but i must remember you of one thing ; which is , that if you tie the inward cavezone's reyn to the pommel , it works his croup , and puts him on the outward hanch , and makes him obey the heel , but is not so powerful as the inward reyn to your outward shoulder , because the line to the pommel is the shorter , and therefore not so powerful ; but if he presses too much , so that you cannot hold him , then tye it to the pommel , and that will hold him sufficiently . of pasadoes by a wall. the exact way of pasadoes by a wall , is with the inward reyn both strait forward , and upon his demy-voltoes , for that subjects his croup , and makes him go just , and look into the turn , whether upon le petit gallop , or a toute bride , it is all one , being a demy-voltoes , and is but half my terra a terra , and therefore must have my helps , which is the inward reyn , and the outward legg . and all the other ways are false and senceless . remember , every horse must take his own ayre , and you are not to give him his time , but to follow his , and so he will go exactly ; for if you offer to give him your time , he will never go ; for nature hath given him one time , and you will give him another , which shall spoyl him for ever . to give you more light to vnderstand the difference betwixt the working of the outward reyn , and the inward reyn in corvets . wheresoever the horses croup is out , or strait by a wall , either sideways in corvets , or forward in corvets , or backward in corvets , or his head to the pillar in corvets , it is all with the inward reyn , to subject his croup , to put the inward shoulder forward , and to keep the outward shoulder back , which ncessarily subjects his croup , and the same when his croup is out , or strait by a wall. but now in corvets , when his croup is in upon voltoes , or demy-voltoes upon circles , there you must help with the outward reyn of the bridle , and inward legg , for else he could not turn ; besides , here his outward shoulder must be brought in , and his inward shoulder kept back , that he may turn the easier being narrowed before , and enlarged behind , as the other was prest behind , and enlarged before ; and with the outward reyn , his croup hath a little liberty : and here 's the true difference betwixt the outward reyn , and the inward reyn , in their several workings . but when you help with the outward reyn , you must help with the inward legg gently . for terra a terra ( my way ) upon voltoes . here i subject his croup , and enlarge his fore-parts ; put forward his inward shoulder , and his outward shoulder is kept back ; this is done with the inward reyn , and the outward legg , the same helps serve for pesadoes ; for a demy-voltoe is but half a terra a terra my way ; and therefore the same helps ; i said upon circles the outward reyn , but that was in corvets , and that is clear another action , than terra a terra : so i would have you understand precisely what they are ; for it is the outward reyn and inward legg , which is the perfection of corvets upon voltoes ; and if you change , put him forward one corvet , and then help with the outward reyn and inward legg , which is the perfection of corvets upon voltoes . i must remember you , that when a horse goes in corvets his head to the wall , it is with the inward reyn and your outward legg , but the horses fore-parts must go a little before his croup , for so he is more on the hanches ; for if his croup went before his hanches , it is false . so if he go , as if his head were to the pillar , it is with the inward reyn and outward legg , his fore-parts being a little before his croup . but strait by a wall whether forward or backward , it is with the inward reyn and inward legg : all this is in corvets . but upon voltoes in corvets it is with the outward reyn , and inward legg ; and to go forward still as if he did not turn . of a rare way to dresse a horse perfectly . it is to make him narrow behind , which is to put his inward hinder-legg to his outward hinder — legg : as for example , you pull the inward cavazon reyn to your knee , or tye it to the girths ; this works his outward shoulder , and puts his inward hinder-legg to his outward hinder-legg , if you help him with your inward legg , and the outward reyn of the bridle ; and thus he is narrowed behind . this is upon large or narrow circles dune piste upon a trott ; and upon large or narrow circles dune piste upon a gallop , which makes him narrow behind , with the same helps formerly spoken of . in that excellent lesson of legg and reyn on a side , as if his head was to the pillar , his inward hinder-legg is put to his outward hinder-legg , to narrow him behind . in paseger ( which is to lapp his outward leggs over his inward leggs ) the inward cavezon's reyn tyed to the girthes , or pull'd to your knee , doth not only work his outward shoulder , but puts back his inward hinder-legg to his outward hinder-legg , to narrow him behind ; and to narrow him more , you must help with the outward reyn of the bridle , and help with your outward legg gently . in the petit gallop upon circles the inward cavezone reyn tyed to the girthes , puts his inward hinder-legg to his outward hinder-legg , and the more , if you turn your hand to help with the outward reyn of the bridle ; the petit gallop is one , two , three , and four , which is a right gallop . in corvets upon turns , the inward cavezon's reyn tyed to the girthes ; or the outward reyn of the bridle , with the inward legg , puts his inward hinder-legg to his outward hinder-legg , narrows him behind , and puts him on the hanches : so all this is the inward legg put to his outward hinder-legg , which is the effectual business . in stopping , the inward cavazon's reyn tyed to the girthes , or pull'd to your knee , with your inward legg , narrows him behind , makes him bow in the gambrel , and puts him upon the hanches , with pulling your hand in . as for the inward reyn , and outward legg , it subjects his croup , and puts his inward hinder-legg to his outward hinder-legg , and narrows him behind : so side-wayes to the wall , the inward reyn and outward legg narrows him behind : putting his inward hinder-legg legg to his outward hinder-legg narrows him behind , and puts him on his hanches ; so his head to the pillar , the inward reyn and outward legg puts his inward hinder-legg to his outward hinder-legg , narrows him behind , and puts him on the hanches ; and so forward by a wall of either side doth the same , and so backwards ; but here it is with the inward reyn and inward legg , both on a side , to put his inward hinder-legg to his outward hinder-legg , whch is the all in all for dressing of horses . of a most effectual way to dress horses , and so true and certain , that whosoever shall read it , mark it , and understand it , and carefully practice it , will infallibly dress all manner of horses to a great perfection . to supple a horses shoulders . i have given you many lessons for it , but i will let you see it clearer than ever ; you must pull the inward cavezon's reyn low , and from your body , to bring in the horses outward shoulder , which is the business , and makes him bend like a hoope , and then you are right ; upon passager his croup must not be above a quarter in , at the most , for if it be , it pulls back his outward shoulder , which is false ; and he will look out of the turn , pull the reyn what you will , so pernitious is putting a horses croup in , when you would work a horses outward shoulder ; but the other way makes him supple , and easie , to do any thing you would have him , with great facility , and never to be entier , but to goe always byas . for terra à terra relevé , the time , one , two , pa , ta , is done with the inward reyn pull'd to your outward shoulder , and with your outward leg ; so here you cannot put in his croup too much ; and thus he is straitned behind , and enlarg'd before , and indeed goes upon a square , his inward shoulder being put forward , and his outward shoulder kept back . terra a terra determiné , is another business ; for this is , as if a horse did run a careere upon a circle , where he cannot run in his length , and therefore his voltoe or circle must be larger , because it is but a gallop ; running being but the action of a gallop : here you must help with the outward reyn , and outward leg , to narrow him before , and enlarge him behind , and to go byas , and this is determiné , bias in corvets , as if he did not turn , and so in le petit gallop upon circles ; the outward reyn is used for both , and so in passager , the outward reyn and leg being bias. it is a great truth in horsemanship , that both in terra a terra , demy-voltoes , and passadoes , as also in passager , whensoever a horse is straitned before , he is enlarged behind ; and whensoever he is straitned behind , he is enlarged before . the exact way to make a horse go perfectly , is a square , and not a circle , which subjects his croup extreamly . in corvets upon a circle , it is impossible to help with the inward reyn , because the horse cannot turn ; but the inward reyn upon a square , is excellent , with the outward leg , so he goes a little forward , every time a little : so excellent is the square . for terra a terra , there is nothing like a square , with the inward reyn and outward leg ; so upon demy-voltoes , in passadoes the same , in passager the same still , upon a square ; his head to the pillar it must be a square : the square is the quintissence of the mannage , and all this subjects his hinder parts . the inward reyn pull'd to your outward shoulder , with the contrary leg , subjects his croup upon a square , and makes him obey the heele perfectly , because he cannot get from it . but when you begin to dress a horse in corvets , pesates is the ground of all ayrs ; a pesate is to rayse him high , and hold him there . but when you put him in corvetts , it is with the outward reyn , and inward leg , to be d'une piste ; and to let him go three or four corvets in a place , and walk him away again , and corvet him again as before ; and , in a little time he will make a turn perfectly in corvets . but when he is perfect , then you must help with the outward reyn , and outward leg , and soutenir , and put him forward always a little , as if he did not turn , and then he will go perfectly in corvets . for the bridle-hand ; which deserves to be well observed , being the sole of the manage , and the most effectual thing that can possibly be . in corvets on the right-hand , the knuckles of the bridle-hand must be from his neck , and on the inside of his neck , and soutenir . on the left-hand , in corvets , your bridle must be on the inside of the neck , your knuckles from his neck , and soutenir ; for this pulls the outward reyn. for terra a terra , the inward reyn pull'd to your outward shoulder , your knuckles are to be towards his neck , and soutenir for the right-hand , and your outward leg. for the left , the inward reyn pull'd to your outward shoulder , your knuckles are to be towards his neck , and soutenir ; and this pulls the inward reyn , your outward leg being to him . you see , that in corvets , you work the outward reyn , and in terra a terra , you work the inward reyn , which is not to be done any other way than as i have set down . but in croupadoes , balotadoes , and capriols , there it is with the outward reyn , to give his croup liberty , or else he could not leap , and , if there be cause , help him with the inward leg a little , to give his croup more liberty . of bitts , & of the use of them . the writers of books , and the horse-men now living , that think themselves wise , and great masters , by the diversity of bitts , shew themselves full of ignorance , and simple people , to imagine , that a peice of iron in a horse's mouth can bring him knowledge ; no more than a book in a boyes hand can , at first , make him read ; or , a pair of spurrs , planted on ignorant heels , can make one ride well . there is however , a propriety to fit every horse , according to the turn of his neck ; shorter or longer , wider or narrower ; the mouth , the liberty , wider or narrower ; the eye longer or shorter ; the eye straight , or more bending ; the branches stronger , or weaker ; the curb equal ; the hooks according to the just measure of the bitt ; the curb three good round esses , with one ring , where 't is fastened ; and two rings , or malions , where 't is curbed , handsomely furnish'd with bosses , not too bigg ; richer , or poorer , according as you please : not two rowes of little chains , tied to the bitt , within his mouth , only one at the most . and this rule must ever be observ'd , to have as little iron in your horse's mouth as possible you can : if his tongue be too bigg , the liberty must be the wider ; if his tongue be too little , the liberty the less ; but you must take heed , that the apuy , or resting place of the bitt , be never made upon the liberty , for it will gaul him ; but the apuy must be made in the true place , where it ought to be , which is about ones little fingers breadth beyond the liberty , on both sides of the bitt ; and the bitt to be ones fingers breadth above his tushes : the branches are strong , when the reyns are slackt ; those branches that comes back to his neck most , are weak ; those that go forward from his neck , are strong ; and good reason , for you have the greater pull . you must measure with a little string , or a piece of a riding-rod , from the eye of the bitt , strait down ; and if the cheeks be within that line , they are weak ; and the more they are within that line , they are still the weaker : if the cheeks be without that line , they are strong ; and the more they are without that line , they are the stronger . you must consider another thing , which is , that the cheeks are like a lever , the longer it is , it hath the more force , and the shorter it is , the less force ; for a boy , with a long lever , will lift up more than the strongest man , with a short lever : and so in a bitt , the longer the cheeks are , they have the more force , and the shorter they are , the less force : for that which is the furthest from the center , hath the most force for lifting or pulling ; and that which is nearest the center , the least force : so very short cheeks , make them as strong as you will , cannot have that force that longer cheeks have . if a horse hold up his head , and out , then they have shorter branches , and stronger , to pull him down , and in ; wherein they are half right : so if a horse holds his head too low , and brings it in too round , so that he armes himself against the bitt , which is , to rest the branches upon his breast , so that you have no pull , or command of him at all ; because this vice is contrary to holding up his head , and out ; for which vice they had shorter cheeks , and stronger , to bring it in : so arming against the bitt , being the contrary vice , they think they must have the bitt made contrary ; they must have a long one to put it up ; and since a strong branch pull'd him down , they must have a weak branch to put up his head ; wherein they are mightily deceived : for when a horse armes himself against the bitt , certainly long branches will sooner come to his breast , than short ones ; and it is as certain , that a weak branch will come sooner to his breast , than a strong branch ; therefore they are so much deceived . as for a horse that armes himself against the bitt , you must have a short branch that will not touch his breast , and a strong branch to keep it yet further from his breast : the hooks of the curb ought to be made a little longer , and so just as not to hurt , or to offend the sides of his cheeks ; and if the curb do not lye in his right place , two little iron rings fastened close to the top of the hooks , to keep them steady , and fast , is the best remedy ; all other devices in bitts or curbs , are idle and ignorant things . the bitts that follow are the best . 1. a plain canon , with branches a la connestable . 2. a plain scatch , with branches a la connestable . 3. a canon a la pignatell ; which is a gentle falling and moving up and down , and so low as not to hurt the roof of the horse's mouth ; which is the best , certainly , for all horses that have tongues , which i am sure they would not have prest ; therefore i recommend that liberty above all things in bitts , and the branches a la connestable . to discharge a horses lips , i would have olives with the liberty a la pignatell ; those olives coming short a little of the bitt , with some little rings , gives liberty for his lips , and discharges them ; and the branches , a la connestable . but indeed , i would have but two sorts of bitts , which is , 1. the canon a la pignatell . 2. and the olives a la pignatell , to discharge his lips , if need be ; but the branches alwayes a la connestable . thus you have the truth of bitts brought into a narrow compass ; there is little in them to bring a horse to understanding , on which we must work , and that is , his reason , by the favour of the logitians distinction of reasonable and irreasonable creatures ; for were they as good horse-men as schollers , they would have made another distinction . well then , it is not a piece of iron can make a horse knowing ; if it were , a bitt-maker would be the best horse-man . no! it is the art of appropriated lessons ; fitting every horse according to his nature , disposition , and strength ; punishing , and , with good lessons , rectifying his vices ; rewarding him , and preserving him in his horse-vertues ; and not trusting to an ignorant peice of iron call'd a bitt : for , i will make a perfect horse with a cavezone with a bitt , better than any man shall with his bitt without a cavezone ; so highly is the cavezone , rightly used , to be esteemed ; for i had a barbe at antwerp , that went perfectly with the cavezone without a bitt , which was true art , and not the ignorance and folly of bitts . the famous pignatell at naples , never used but simple bitts ; which made the ignorant wonder how he could dress horses so perfectly , with no more sorts of bitts : but he told them , it was their ignorance made them wonder at his art. and so that great master , in this art , monsieur de pluvinel , did the same : for , he had always a plain cavezone , and not too sharp ; and to make it gentler , did always line it with double leather at the least ; for a horse , to wry his head , or suck up his bitt , or put his tongue over the bitt , it never happens in my mannage , or method ; because the liberty a la pignatel hinders his tongue for going over the bitt ; and working with the cavezone , with truly slacking the bitt , those things never happens , or do ever horses put out their tongues . of the imperfections of a horse's movth . all our writers in horse-manship , the great masters , in that profession , ( as well old as modern ) are mightily troubled and concerned , about the vices and imperfections of a horse's mouth . as for example ; the first , when a horse pulls , and sucks up his tongue : the second , when he puts his tongue over the bitt : the third , when he doubles it about the bitt : and the fourth , when he hangs his tongue out of his mouth , either forward , or of one side of his mouth : for all , and every one of these vices , our great doctors in horse-manship , hath taken a great deal of pains , with many curious devices , and many inventions , with bitts , to cure them ; and take great pains , and much labour about it ; so much , as their several writings , about these particular vices of the mouth , would make a great volume ; when the truth is , most of their bitts , to remedy these imperfections , are much greater vices than those they would remedy ; and their physick the greatest disease , and brings more inconveniencies with it , than the vices they go about to cure. the truth is , in short , i wish a horse had none of those faults ; but put the case he hath , as putting out his tongue , or putting his tongue over the bitt , or sucking or drawing of his tongue up , or doubling of it : all these i wish were not ; but if they be , the horse is not prejudiced at all by them , for he will have as good an apuy with them , as without them ; and will be as firm and steady of his head , and as sensible of the barrs , and the curb , as if those vices were not ; for the bitt rests , and works still , upon his barrs ; and the curb works in his due place , where it ought , in spight of his tongue , let it be where it will , or not be ; for when a horse's tongue is cut off , doth that hinder the bitt , for working on the barrs , or the curb , for working in his due place ? not at all : nay , i have known a horse's tongue quite pull'd out by the roots , and yet he went as well as ever he did in his life ; so that is nothing ; for the bitt still works upon the barrs , and the curb , where it ought : and a horse with a tongue , and put it where he will ; or a horse without a tongue , is no hinderance to a horse that hath a good apuy , or is well setled on the hand ; no hinderance in the world : so that now you see , what vain curiosities , to no purpose , our great masters hath troubled themselves about , and pusled many of their readers , and tormented the poor horses to boot , to no end in the world . finis . excellent names for horses of mannage . italian and spanish . bella donna bell in campo desperato argentino dorato gatto gatino rondinello felice lampo soura speransa capitano lupo mahaumilia mala testa melancholia genette corsiero neapolitano rubicano signiore delitia nobilisimo dolce bona natura bellissimo bonissimo mille fiore almenara nuntio dracone arogatillo diamante arrogante il bravo cavallo imperiale emperatore grandissimo illustrissimo french . favory mignion balott galliard bonit perle roussin sans pareil la perfection le delicat isabelle d' espagne monsieur le hober le petit barbe le grand barbe le turc le petit boutton le superbe le bouffon la mervelle le miracle le courtau le fripon le larron le mechant l' emerillon l' admirable le diligent le parangon le loyall le sensible l' enrage le fougeux le malitieux l' endormy le countre coeur l' amour la maitresse le roy le prince le duc l' empereur le collonel le general le cardinal le pape la tempeste le compagnion le comarade l' amie l' ennemy le philosophe la vielle le diable le president le juge le capritieux le quereleux le piqueur l' yurogne le fantasque le tenez-ferme le jeteur le rude le vilain le coquin le poultron le poure le courageux le desprise le hardi galliardon la mouche le troumpeur la rencontre le mouton le janti le lion le renard l' elefant le pegase le volant via lactea le determine la grenouille le gallant le cavalier mon roy le soldat le conquereur le conselier le terrible la batalle la beaute l' estoile l' enioue mars jupiter for dutch horses . le pisante le swiss myn heare frison younker vrselino