II. 



HORSE TRAINING. 



Definition and Object of Morse Training. By horse train- 

 ing is meant a series of exercises that render the horse 

 obedient, while preserving and developing his inherent 

 qualities. Its object is not, therefore, to simply master and 

 control the instincts of the animal; it must also subject him 

 to a muscular training, that, by suppling, will strengthen all 

 parts of the body. As a result, his gaits will be perceptibly 

 developed by the very harmony of his movements and by 

 the exact distribution of his weight produced under the in- 

 fluence of the aids. 



Circumstances Affecting Duration of Training. The length 

 and value of the service that a horse can render, depend, 

 in great measure, upon the manner in which he has been 

 trained. A colt should be called upon for only such exer- 

 cise or w^ork as is reasonable, considering his age, strengtli 

 and ability. To exact anything beyond his capabilities iy 

 to set up resistance and to inevitably bring on injuries and 

 early condemnation. 



The breeding of a horse (thoroughbred or underbred), 

 the nature of his feed and the amount of work he has been 

 equal to in the hands of his breeder, are considerations that 

 will allow us to fix upon the date, more or less distant, 

 when he should be fit for service. Training, when once be- 

 gun, must be regulated by these same considerations. It is 

 self evident that a horse kept on grass until he is four years 

 old needs more nursing than the pure bred horse that is 

 raised almost from birth on oats. 



It is also obvious that conditions of training will differ 

 widely according to the skill of the person in charge. An 

 expert horseman will finish the work more satisfactorily and 

 more quickly, and his composure and experience will enable 



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