12 THE ECONOMY OF THE STABLE. 



small field or paddock Is better than a large one ; and if there la 

 a stream of water or a pond in the field, and the horse has been 

 accustomed to drink immoderately, it should be fenced off, and 

 a moderate quantity given twice a day Avith a pail. A moderate 

 quantity of vetches may be given with advantage in such a 

 situation ; taking care not to give them soon after they are cut, 

 or with the dew upon them. By keeping a horse in this manner 

 for a month or six weeks in the situation I have described, he 

 will receive all the benefit to be expected from a run at grass, 

 and avoid the inconvenience which so often results from the 

 method commonly pursued. Another important advantage will 

 be obtained by it ; for when the horse is taken up there will be 

 no difficulty in getting him into good working condition in a 

 short time. If there is no convenience for managing the horse 

 as I have described, it will be better to soil him with vetches or 

 short sweet grass in a large airy box for about a month, than to 

 turn him out in the manner generally practised. In soiling, 

 only a moderate quantity of green food should be given at a 

 time, and a small quantity of hay and oats should also be 

 allowed. 



[The practice of soiling hunters in the stable during the 

 sununer is strongly advocated by Nimrod, the celebrated sport- 

 ing writer, who forcibly argues, that the preservation of con- 

 dition, and a good state of the feet, and other benefits, will more 

 than repay the increased expense. There can, indeed, be no 

 doubt that the condition of the hunter is better preserved in the 

 Avinter by not allowing it to be lost in the summer; and it is 

 easier by this method to get a fine silky coat in the former 

 season. The only objection to Nimrod's system is the increased 

 expense incurred ; its adoption must, therefore, in great measure, 

 depend on the value of the animal. — Ed.] 



CHAP. IV. 



EXERCISE. TKAINING. 



Exercise must be considered under two heads : first, that 

 wdiich is necessary to preserve the horse in health, and make 

 him capable of ordinary exertions, or moderate work ; secondly, 

 that which makes him capable of extraordinary exertions, such 

 as hunting or racing. Exercise of the last kind is commonly 

 named training, which term, however, inckides also the mode 

 of feeding necessary to raise the muscular power to the highest 

 degree it is capable of attaining. The horse was evidently de- 

 signed for exercise, and for the use of man. His vast muscular 



