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EXERCISE, 



ONE of the greatest sources of health among 

 horses is to be found in exercise. By that term 

 we understand exertion or use of organs of loco- 

 motion, as the legs, &c., and other parts of the 

 body more or less, not strictly called work. 

 Exercise, or the use of the body, is intended to be 

 engaged in at those times when the animal capa- 

 bilities are not required for work. It is a duty 

 which relieves from the close and monotonous con- 

 finement of the stable. Horses kept for a length 

 of time without action suffer in a variety of 

 ways. The circulation of blood is languid, 

 digestion of food retarded, fluids which in health 

 are formed in various organs of the body for the 

 purpose of changing substances and rendering 

 them fit for the system, are not poured out 

 during continued rest with sufficient activity. 

 Muscles become soft and flabby, and such an 

 animal is thoroughly unfit for work or exertion 

 of any kind ; he is soon tired and knocked up. 

 The skin looks dull and rough, the bowels are 

 constipated, and he becomes a prey to disease of 

 various kinds. 



Exercise must not be confounded with actual 

 work. The two are totally different. What 

 work takes out of the system, exercise is intended 

 to build up and strengthen. Exercise stimulates 



