n. 



HORSE TRAINING. 



Definition and object of horse training. — By horse train- 

 ing is meant a series of exercises that render the horse 

 obedient, while preserving and developing his mherent 

 qualities. Its object is not, therefore, to simply master 

 and control the instincts of the animal; it must also sub- 

 ject him to a muscular training that, by suppling, will 

 strengthen all parts of the body. As a result his gaits 

 will be perceptibly developed by the very harmony of 

 his movements and by the exact distribution of his weight 

 produced under the influence of the aids. 



Circumstances affecting duration of training.— The 

 length and value of the service that a horse can render 

 depend in great measure upon the manner in which 

 he has been trained. A colt should be called upon for 

 only such exercise or work as is reasonable, considering 

 his age, strength, and ability. To exact anything be- 

 yond his capabilities is to set up resistance and to inevi- 

 tably bring on injuries and early condemnation. 



The breeding of a horse (thoroughbred or underbred), 

 the nature of his feed, and the amount of work he has 

 been equal to in the hands of his breeder are considera- 

 tions that will allow us to fix upon the date, more or less 

 distant, when he should be fit for service. Training 

 when once begun must be regulated by these same con- 

 siderations. It is self-evident that a horse kept on grass 

 until he is 4 years old needs more nursing than the 

 pure-bred horse that is raised almost from birth on oats. 



It is also obvious that conditions of training will differ 

 widely according to the skill of the person in charge. An 



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