185 



BANDAGING. 



Training the legs, it appears evident, from 

 the fatness so generally observable about the 

 lower parts, is fully as difficult as training the 

 body ; but if the latter has been properly phy- 

 sicked, yet not over-physicked, the feet kept 

 properly short, and stopped, and the strong gal- 

 loping not too hastily introduced, the legs may 

 be brought out as clean and wiry, and the fet- 

 locks as smooth and undented, as during the 

 first canter. 



Flannel bandages to the legs are undoubtedly 

 of great benefit, inasmuch as cold applications 

 strengthen the sinews, and keep the legs fine, but 

 the wetting of the bandages every hour annoys 

 the horse and disturbs his rest, and lying 

 down is of greater benefit to the legs than 

 bandages. Do not take it for granted that the 

 less a horse lies down in the day the more he 

 will at night : it is the nature of some horses to 

 lie down easily, while others, though fatigued, 

 cannot always be induced to do so, even with 

 a dark, quiet stall, and nice bed. Neat flannel 

 bandages, kept well wet with cold water, or a 

 little nitre added, I am a great friend to while 

 putting into condition ; but, on the whole, it 



