48 THE CONDITION OF A STALLION. 



worse. He should be, then, between five and fifteen 

 years (jf age, if of an ordinary constitution ; but if of re- 

 markable energy and endurance, and exhibiting no symp- 

 tom of debility, may be continued until past twenty. 



Trainers find their endeavours to produce the highest 

 state of strength, in an animal, greatly impeded by any 

 excitement of the sexual appetite. It is then the more 

 necessary to keep the horse in a state of training through- 

 out the year, impressing most forcibly a tone of health 

 and strength upon his system at the time when his nerves 

 are liable to the least distraction; and continuing the 

 course carefully thoroughout the season of copulation ; 

 never allowing such excess of service, or of the excite- 

 ment of sexual appetite, as to induce a disturbance of 

 spirit or temper, or a relapse from tlie most thoroughly 

 strong, healthy and regular tone of the vy^t^m. 



