Water. 243 



though the dictates of policy^ as well as those of humanity, dearly 

 suggest, that Horses should never be urged to exertions more severe 

 than such as can be performed without injury to their fmmes, 

 yet, as this is a circumstance more to be desired than expected, it 

 becomes advisable to point out the means, best calculated, to miti- 

 gate some of the evils, produced by the contrary mode of treatment. 



Now it is a fact sufficiently familiar, that when a Horse which is 

 on a journey, that is performed rapidly, refuses to eat, it is no longer 

 safe to urge him farther. 



This hint, indeed, is generally taken by the most inconsiderate. 

 But, business perhaps, or whim, or some case of supposed necessity, 

 sometimes leave no time to make trial of this test, of a Horse's ability 

 to proceed ; for, if he be found to flag, a more speedy and certain 

 remedy for his dulness is at hand. The whip and spur are known 

 to be admirable stimulants, and every rider knows how to apply them 

 with effect. 



But it very frequently happens, that this debility of the Horse, 

 depends not so much upon inanition, or a tired state of the mus- 

 cles, as upon extreme thirst, and that feverish condition of the body, 

 which always takes place more or less, in consequence of severe or 

 long-continued muscular exertion. But, this condition of the frame 

 might frequently be prevented from going to excess, if Horses were 

 permitted to drink a little water, every now and then, instead of being 

 pushed onby severe measures, to reach a particular stage. For, the 

 consequence of this plan of treatment, frequently is, that instead of 

 eating a double portion of corn, whicii the rider calculates upon al- 

 lowing his Horse, the animal obstinately refuses to take nourishment, 

 tn \vhatsoever state it is put before him : and, this, for tiie best of all 



