EXERCISE. 119 



substitute for work to horses that are not regularly 

 employed, and is often a very convenient plan by which 

 the groom " shows off'^ to his brothers of like occupation, 

 the condition of his horses, the easy time and place he has, 

 as evinced by the apparent, if not, real necessity of exer- 

 cising the idle horses. To the sober and industrious groom 

 or coachman, who avoids associates at the tavern, the hour 

 of exercise is time spent with much pleasure and to many 

 with profit, by the comparison of the condition of other 

 horses with those of which he has the care. Further, it 

 is often a pleasure to the owners to know and see his horses 

 at exercise, looking as well if not better than others. 



The increasing wealth and prosperity of many of our citi- 

 zens, entitle them to articles contributing to ease and 

 luxury, some of which cannot be always in use, but it is 

 necessary they should be kept in a condition that fits them 

 for service when required; hence the introduction into the 

 stable of the word exercise. There are several ways taken 

 to exercise horses, the most common being with the sad- 

 dle — horseback — and if there be a pair, one is led by the 

 side of the other. The " led" horse, for safety to himself, 

 should have a bridle on, and a surcingle or belly-band 

 around the body, to which is attached an ordinary bearing; 

 rein, but not too tight, sufficient to employ the animal's 

 attention from other horses or objects, so that there will be 

 no rearing up, kicking or being kicked or sprained, as 

 would sometimes be the case if left without some other 

 restraint than the simple halter and " shank" by which 

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