AIR AND VENTILATION. 67 



then be certain they are getting a fair amount of 

 work; but a large ring is necessary, and if there 

 is a garden it spoils the compound. Further- 

 more, horses get into a very careless, slovenly way 

 of walking when led round and round in this 

 monotonous fashion daily. " Syces " generally lead 

 horses at exercise, and most horse-owners will not 

 allow them to ride ; but I think this is a mistake, 

 and if they can ride, I always allow them to do so. 

 If they lead the horse, he will go along in a listless 

 fashion, and walk with his head down, stumbling 

 at every step; whereas, if he is ridden, he will 

 carry his head up and go in a much more lively 

 and collected fashion, and it being much pleasanter 

 for the "syce" to ride than walk, the full amount 

 of exercise is more likely to be taken. " Syces " 

 nearly always ride at exercise bare-backed; but 

 they should be made use a folded blanket as a 

 pad, kept in its place by a body-roller, as the 

 anatomy of the native of India is such that, without 

 any protection, he is likely to give the horse a sore 

 back. They should also only be let use a snaffle 

 bridle, as few know how to handle a double one. 

 When at exercise knee-caps should be worn. These 

 should be bought from a European saddler, and care 

 be taken that the top strap is fitted with a piece of 



