10 RACE HORSE. 



If a race horse he low in Jlesh, it is necessary to 

 )udge of the cause of such state, and to act accordingly. 

 It is to be remarked, that spices are less to be depended 

 on for this purpose than generous food, as malt mashes; 

 and if any thing of the kind be used, let it be the simple 

 cordial ball. Feed frequently, and by little at a time : 

 while he is thus low, let his exercise be walking only, 

 and by no means spare his water, or he will become 

 hide-bound: carefully watch him, that full feeding 

 may not disagree by making his heels swell, or his 

 coat unthrifty ; and if such appearances occur, mash 

 him and begin his scourings, otherwise abstain from 

 physic until he is in better health. As he improves in 

 condition, increase his exercise, but not to such a 

 degree as to make him sweat : his food must now be 

 the best oats and beans, with wheaten or barley bread ; 

 the beans and oats are to be put into a bag and beaten 

 until the hulls are all off, and then winnowed clean ; 

 the bread instead of being chipped in the common 

 way, is to have the crust clean off. 



If the horse be in goodjiesh and spirits when taken 

 up for his month's preparation, cordials are altogether 

 unnecessary ; and the chief business will be to give 

 him good food, and so much exercise as will keep him 

 in wind, without over-sweating or tiring his spirits. — 

 When he takes larger exercise afterwards, towards 

 the end of the month, it will be proper to have some 

 horses in the place to run against him. This will put 

 him upon his mettle, and the beating them will give him 

 spirits. This, however, is t-) be cautiously observed, 

 that he has not a bloody heat given him for ten days or 

 a fortnight before the plate is to be run for ; and that the 

 last heat that is given him the day before the race, must 

 be in his clothes : this will make him run w^th greatly 

 more vigour when stripped for the race, and feeling the 



