210 THE CONDITION OF HUNTERS 



is warm he should be turned out into a good upland 

 pasture for the summer with plenty of shade and water, 

 but taken up every month to have his legs examined 

 and his toes rasped. The second week in September he 

 should be housed again for the winter, when his belly 

 should be the measure for his corn. When docked, 

 his tail should be left eight inches in length, which 

 will preclude the disagreeable necessity of having the 

 operation repeated. 



Early in the following spring, when turned two 

 years old, he should be broken, but not backed ; and 

 physicked as before directed. In the first or second 

 week in June he should be cut ; ^ and when recovered 

 he should be turned out for the summer. When 

 taken up again for the winter, he should have two 

 mild doses of physic, and be very well kept, giving 

 him a few carrots, or a large bran mash once a week. 

 Very early in the spring he should have a little more 

 very mild physic ; and in a fortnight afterwards he 

 should be backed, and taught his paces by a person 

 who understands the business. Idleness, from this 

 time forth, will be an enemy to him ; and as soon as 

 he is perfect in his paces he should do what in the 

 training stables is called " a little work." Exercise 

 will strengthen his legs, enlarge his muscles, improve 

 his form, and make him grow. From this time forth 



^ Though I have spoken of two years of age being the best time 

 for cutting colts, yet this must depend on circumstances. If the 

 owner of him has not a convenient place to keep him in, he must cut 

 him the first year. Also, if he is likely to be too large for his legs, 

 or what is termed " top heavy," the first year is to be preferred. 

 It is customary to castrate at one year. — Editor. 



