RACKING-UP HORSES. 385 



is brought home, and after the lads have had their breakfast. 

 The first batch will then be taken out fasting, or will get 

 about half a feed. The second batch will of course be fed 

 first thing in the morning. 



The foregoing routine is thoroughly applicable to hunters 

 which are being exercised. On hunting days the feeding may 

 be arranged as described on page 190. When the horse returns, 

 he should be watered, dried in the manner detailed on page 

 334, if he is wet; and if he is tired, he should be only lightly 

 wisped over, his ears stripped, and he should get only a 

 light feed of corn, but plenty of hay, and if possible 4 or 5 Ibs. 

 of carrots. He should be left as soon as practicable to take 

 his well-merited rest. If he shows signs of fatigue next day, 

 his corn should be decreased, and the difference made up with 

 carrots or other green food. No diminution should be made 

 in his grooming, and his exercise should be continued, but at 

 a slower pace and for shorter periods. 



I wish again (p. 227) to draw the attention of my readers to 

 the reprehensible practice, adopted by almost every hunting 

 groom in England, of racking up during the day, horses which 

 are in loose boxes ; the object of course being to prevent the 

 animal dunging and staling on various parts of the floor, dis- 

 arranging the litter, and dirtying his clothing by lying down. 

 To save himself the small extra trouble which consideration for 

 the comfort and health of the horse would entail, the groom 

 racks the animal up, and thus prevents him during the day 

 from lying down and moving about in his box. This arbitrary 

 proceeding on the part of a servant is not only cruel, but it is 

 detrimental to the soundness of the animal's feet and legs, by 

 promoting stagnation of blood in these parts ; " filled " legs 

 being the most common result. I was once told by a credulous 

 owner, that his groom had assured him that the practice of 

 racking up hunters during the day was highly beneficial to 

 their health ; because it insured them a good night's rest ! 



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