(131) 



CHAPTER VI. 



MANAGEMENT OF HORSES IN THE OPEN. 

 Condition and Exercise. 



" Condilion^^ as applied to animals, means thorough bodily, muscular " Condi- 

 fitness for the work required. When using the term "condition," the ton." 

 picture of a racehorse, each muscle outlined, and strung up to crowd the 

 greatest possible exertion into the shortest possible time, is apt to cross 

 the mind ; but although this type exemplifies " condition " in its highest 

 degree, it may not truly represent the bodily state required for the 

 particular work in hand. The condition of the racehorse is a maximum ; Racing 

 it represents a maximum of food, a maximum of work, and a concen- condition, 

 trated nervous energy which cannot be maintained at concert pitch 

 indefinitely ; the acme having been reached reaction is inevitable, and 

 unless a judicious easy is allowed, loss of form and condition follow. 

 Such a high strung, nervous state is not required in workaday horses, 

 such as the soldier's, and although thorough fitness is absolutely 

 essential, the standard to be aimed at is not that of the five furlong 

 sprinter. A well-regulated stable of hunters during the first part of the Hunters' 

 season exhibits the quality of condition which should be looked for at condition, 

 the commencement of a campaign : the body well covered with flesh, and 

 that hardened on ; no sign of running up light towards the flank ; full of 

 spirits, capable of long-continued exertion without fatigue, and with 

 a good digestion waiting on a healthy appetite. Such a state of bodily 

 health can be almost indefinitely continued when once attained, and 

 allows some reserve of flesh and animal spirits to draw on when the 

 pinch of hardship comes. This class of condition is the criterion of a Value of 

 horse's value on service ; blood, power and good looks are of little value condition 

 without it ; its value in war is not to be estimated in money and cannot '" ^^^• 

 be purchased for it, whilst unless the animals of an army possess it they 

 are valueless as weapons and may even be a danger to their owners. 

 Condition of this description must not be confounded with fatness. The Dealer's 

 nice, fresh, young horse from the dealer's yard is fat, not fit ; his muscles condition. 

 (B 10948) I 2 



