46b BREAKING AND TRAINING. 



hay, although a portion of either may form a part of the sustenance. 

 There are certain substances the nutritive qualities of which are ex- 

 pended in the formation of muscular fiber; other materials are devoted 

 entirely upon the adipose tissues. Among the last prominently stand 

 the favorite provender of the English stable, A little of such nourish- 

 ment is needed to supply the exhaustion of activity : so much should be 

 presented. Of the other description — as beans, peas, vetches — there is 

 a numerous tribe of legumens or plants, which present their seeds ir 

 pods. Hay should be made of these substances, by the seeds being sown 

 broadcast and mown when only in flower. It is unfortunate that there 

 exists a belief such articles are of too stimulating a nature to form the 

 larger part of the stable diet. That, however, is a point which can only 

 be decided by experiment ; and the best proof that no trial of the kind 

 has been made, is afforded by the needful preparation required for its 

 institution being unknown. However, the general custom of maintain- 

 ing agricultural teams upon green vetches certainly does not countenance 

 the notion that peril necessarily attends the adoption of such a form of 

 diet. 



The hours of exercise should be amended. The morning's work should 

 be performed at the earliest dawn, when it is getting light. The even- 

 ing's labor should take place at dusk — after sunset. The dew will then 

 moisten and refresh the feet; the cool air will brace and revive the 

 spirits. At such hours horses are always full of animation. At mid- 

 day the creatures incline to repose. The animals, during the greatest 

 heat, congregate under trees, hang the heads, and only by the nervous 

 stamping of the feet or the lashing of the tails, testify to being conscious 

 of the myriads which buzz around them. 



No animal should be trained with a weight upon the back. It should 

 be led by a man, mounted upon an older horse. The exercise should 

 never be carried beyond that which is needed to support the health ; it 

 cannot possibly be otherwise than injurious, when it is pushed to the 

 point of exhaustion. It betrays the folly of the present system, when 

 we hear a trainer assert that the legs and feet cannot endure the work 

 necessary to promote "condition." Condition could be induced without 

 a single gallop. Trotting — easy motion — is all that is absolutely im- 

 perative; only the exercise should continue longer than is at present 

 usual on training ground. A horse thus conditioned would be brought to 

 the post with its energies fresh for the trial — not lamed, nearly crippled, 

 nor thoroughly enervated. 



Breaking and training both require serious revision. The first needs 

 to be made level with the improved civilization and gentler habits of the 



