STRONG WORK NECESSARY 89 



to lie down in the field, yet it is generally the fault 

 of his owner if worse consequences ensue. 



I have before observed that I never had but one 

 dead hunter (p. 25) drawn out of my stable, though I 

 have had many tired ones come into it ; and I in 

 great part attribute my good fortune in this particular 

 to the invariable rule I have made, let the weather be 

 ever so bad, to give my horse some good strong work, 

 and to cause him to sweat freely on the day before 

 hunting. I have always been aware that when the 

 wheels of nature are clogged, the machine cannot only 

 not go on as it should do, but is in constant danger of 

 being broken or destroyed. 



It may be here observed that the race-horse does not 

 sweat on the day before he runs. This I admit is true ; 

 but the race-horse in training, when well, is always 

 going. He does not, like the hunter, lie still — with 

 the exception of an hour's walking exercise — for two 

 or three days after his last day's work. 



Having had a good deal to do with private training, 

 I may be allowed to say that the very best effects 

 are to be found from gentle sweats, often repeated. 

 They keep a horse light and free in his body, without 

 that injury to his legs by what are called " brushing 

 gallops," in which every sinew about him is put to 

 the hazard. Long-continued exercise, we are all 

 aware, is of the greatest use in unloading the bowels, 

 giving firmness and elasticity to the muscles, and pro- 

 moting the general secretions ; but a horse cannot be 

 fit for such severe and trying exertions as he is put to 

 in the field unless his vessels are kept clear and open. 



