16*9 



able to endure, for a continuance, its higher degrees, A purge or two, 

 are also always useful, if not absolutely necessary, to lighten and cool 

 the body of the Horse, and to enable liim to encounter severer exercise 

 than usual, with greater ease and comfort, and less danger to his health 

 than otherwise could result. 



Those who hunt occasionally, and have not the convenience for 

 training their hunters, usually send them to the regular training stables; 

 for example, at Barrow Hedges, Sutton and Epsom in Surry. The 

 routine of training the hunter is as follows. Being taken to the stable, 

 he is trimmed and clothed and put into walking exercise. After the 

 interval of two or three weeks, or perhaps sooner, his first dose of 

 physic may be given. The remaining doses, \^ hether one or two, to 

 have a week's interval, at least, between them. His gallops may now 

 commence on the best turf afforded by the neighbourhood, twice a 

 day, early in the morning and in the afternoon, the heat of the day- 

 being spent. Should any particular cause forbid so much exercise, 

 walking may be sufficient in the afternoon course. The proper degree 

 of speed is a long, steady and rating canter, the groom preserving a 

 jocky seat ; the distance more than a mile, after which the Horse may 

 be walked to water ; thence walked until ready to repeat the canter, 

 after which walked to stable; the Avhole time taken for the morning- 

 exercise and airing, making about two hours. Bad weather, lateness 

 of the season or other reasons, may render it necessary to omit the 

 afternoon exercise. The hunter does not wear his hood in training, 

 nor any other, than the degree of clothing in common use. 



HL^TERS are not sweated like Race- horses, which would reduce them 

 too low, and render them too susceptible of cold, for the business in 

 which they are to be engaged, im olving the necessity of their being- 

 exposed to all the vicissitudes of the winter season. But the moderate 

 exertions above directed, Avithout irritation or fatigue, will clear and 

 improve the wind, invigorate the tone of the muscular fibres and con- 

 solidate the flesh of the hunter; after which, although by no means 

 absolutely necessary, he may have a few sharp and brushing gal- 

 lops. 



Z The 



