536 THE HORSE. 



and is rarely exposed to the atmosphere uncoyered. Under 

 this system the fatty secretion is interrupted, the organs of 

 respiration are kept in a state of constant activity, and the 

 muscular fibre acquires that tenseness which fits the animal 

 for the severest exercise of his physical powers. What the 

 heat of the climate and the aridity of the soil produce in the 

 case of the Horses of the Desert, artificial treatment effects 

 in the case of the Race-Horses of England, though with vio- 

 lence to the general system. The first training or breaking 

 in of these Horses is of the simplest kind, and has reference 

 to nothing beyond the exercise of the animals' powers on the 

 turf. None of that careful discipline and progressive instruc- 

 tion which are required in the case of the Saddle-Horse is 

 needed for an animal which has never to exercise his speed 

 but for a short distance, and on a level surface. In the case 

 of these animals, we do not require to give an artificial car- 

 riage, for the purpose of rendering them docile and pleasant 

 to the rider, but we seek to preserve their natural paces, and 

 to call forth to the utmost the exertion of their muscular 

 powers in running. No discipline is required by which the 

 centre of gravity shall be thrown back, the horse brought 

 upon its haunches, and a higher and safer action given to the 

 fore extremities. It suffices that he clears the turf on which 

 he is exercised ; and the weight of his body is to be thrown 

 forward, and not backward. He is therefore ridden by light 

 boys, whose weight does not require him to bear on his pos- 

 terior limbs, and who give him his daily exercise on a turf 

 similar to that on which his powers are to be called forth. 

 His walk is the long stride proper to the uninstructed colt ; 

 and the only other paces required of him are the natural 

 canter and gallop. In these motions he is continually exer- 

 cised ; and if he answer the rein to the degree of allowing 

 himself to be pulled up, and turned at the post, little more 

 in the way of instruction is required of him. He is from 

 time to time exercised in trials at running with his fellows, 

 and thus acquires the habits of exertion suited to the race- 



