364 MANUAL or MODERN FARRIERY. 



the refraction of the rays of light constantly beaming into the 

 eye will stimulate the nerve too much, and is apt to produce 

 exhaustion of energy in the optic nerve and retina. If the 

 stable is well provided with windows, the walls should be 

 painted of some subdued tone of colour ; and when other- 

 wise, white should be used. 



EXERCISE. 



This with the horse, as with man himself, is of para- 

 mount importance for the preservation of health. A horse 

 kept in a stable ought to be exercised for two hours regularly 

 each day, without which he will never be fit for work, as he 

 will suffer more from absolute idleness than hard labour. 

 The quantity of exercise should be regulated according to 

 the age of the horse. A young horse requires more than an 

 old one ; but violent exercise must be carefully guarded 

 against, especially with young horses, which, although prone 

 to activity, must not be indulged too freely The beginning 

 and termination should be moderate, and in the middle he 

 may be trotted smartly, or galloped for a short distance. 

 When horses are of full habit, the exercise should be of 

 medium quantity, and increased a little daily ; but those 

 who fatigue or even drive a horse hard when in full condi- 

 tion, may find it followed by inflammation. 



In training the race-horse and the hunter, the utmost 

 regularity in exercising them is quite indispensable, other- 

 wise they never can perform the task required of them, and 

 grievous disappointment is certain to be the result. The 

 one will be knocked up with half a day's work, while the 

 other is certain to be winded before he performs a circuit of 

 the course. 



I have particularly to caution the inexperienced against 

 working a newly-purchased horse too hard, as these are 



