CONDITION OF HORSES. 51 



SECTION V. 



CONDITION OF HORSES. 



Condition is a term generally understood, but hardly ever 

 applied in its strict signification. In the mouths of the 

 trainer, the gentleman, the stableman, the dealer, and the 

 carter, it is used with strict propriety when appealing to 

 the animal each in his own sphere has to deal with. But 

 taken beyond this sphere, each will pronounce the horse 

 the other prizes out of condition. Yet the word so often 

 used, and in the mouth of everybody, must have some 

 meaning. Condition implies the highest possible state of 

 positive health compatible with the purposes to which man 

 seeks to put a horse. It is a state of health so fine, that 

 it borders on disease, and animals kept in condition for any 

 length of time (unless admirably tended) are apt to be 

 attacked by disorders. 



The trainer, to attain condition, endeavours to promote 

 the absorption of every particle of loose tissue or of fat ; to 

 have the muscles and tendons in their highest working 

 order ; and the nervous system in a state of energy which 

 too often disappoints the hopes of him who induces it. 

 This is, on the race-course, called perfect condition. 



The gentleman likes to behold his hunter much in the 

 state of the lacer, only, as the animal has to endure every 

 vicissitude of weather, and is expected to carry its rider for 

 a day rather than for a few minutes, he can permit, 

 perhaps, a slight quantity of flesh which w^ould be deemed 

 superfluous in the racer. This, in the gentleman's opinion, 

 is excellent condition. 



The stableman likes the horses under his care to carry 

 a fair quantity of flesh, to be gay, but not too sprightly, to 

 have glossy coats, and altogether to appear after a fashion 

 that may captivate his mistress' eye ; and this when 

 brought about is, to his mind, admirable condition. 



The dealer loves to behold his stock so fat, as to be 

 unfit for long or even actual work, but fat enough to render 

 the body round, so as to conceal every defect. Fed up to 

 the point of excitement, but, like drunkards, unable to 

 maintain it long. Very fresh for the few minutes they are 



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