PREDILECTION FOR GLOSSY COATS, 



CHAPTER VI. 



CONDITION. 



Predilection for glossy coats — The natural coat of animals — Anomalies of this 

 liking for sleek coats ; its evils ; the condition-ball and arsenic — Rough coats 

 most often seen doing work-r-Horses fit when rough : Hermit, West Austra- 

 lian — Docking — Public notion of condition; theory and experience — The 

 trainer alone a judge — Deceptive appearances of horses in big and in light con- 

 dition : Instances: Catch- em- Alive and Historian; La Pique — Sir Richard 

 Sutton's treatment of the latter and its uselessness — Personal experiences ; 

 St. Giles, One Act, The Coranna Colt: Inferences drawn therefrom — Condition 

 for long distances. 



In treating of the subject of air and light, I have mentioned 

 the predilection of certain owners for looks rather than healthy 

 and the complacency of those that serve them in satisfying 

 this disposition. 



As this fallacy leads to many others, I may well dispose of 

 it before proceeding to touch upon the other points that bear 

 upon that important and interesting part of our subject — 

 Condition. 



Glossiness of coat and sleekness have, I have already ob- 

 served, their especial attractions. The owner is satisfied, and 

 the gazing eye of the w^ondering multitude pleased. The 

 trainer, \v\\o indulges in the practice, is pleased to see his 

 horse, if not "the glass of fashion and the mould of form,'' 

 at least " the observed of all observers ; " whilst the stable 



