102 STABLE MANUAL AND HORSE DOCTOR 



and quarter-piece with roller, and usually a breast-piece 

 also. To these, particularly where well-bred horses are 

 employed, a hood is sometimes added ; but, however proper 

 it may be to exercise in a hood (which, indeed, should 

 always be worn when walking only is allowed), we think 

 it should not constitute a regular part of the stable dress. 

 Even breast-cloths have the effect of keeping a part in an 

 undue state of heat, which, the moment the horse goes out 

 to his regular work, is the most exposed to the wind and 

 rain. The day clothing of the hunter is commonly 

 exchanged for the rug and roller at night. 



The clothing used for the better sort of hackneys is much 

 the same as that worn by the hunter ; even the hood and 

 breast-piece are often emploj^ed ; and, indeed, the general 

 treatment is now much alike for both ; but it must be 

 allowed that, however it may tend to improve the appear- 

 ance of the hackney, or even increase his spirit, it must 

 nevertheless subject him to cold on a change of stable. 



CONDITIONING 



The word " condition " is variously applied to the horse, 

 though widely different from what is here intended. Thus, 

 when we say a horse is in " condition for sale," we simply 

 mean " dealer's condition," i.e.^ he is in flesh, his legs clean 

 and fresh, his coat fine, his eye clear, and his movements 

 lively. A horse may be all this, but not in condition for 

 work. Another horse is said to be " in good working con- 

 dition " ; such might be said of a cab-horse, bare of flesh, 

 with joints enlarged, and his legs pufied with windgalls, 

 yet this horse may be capable of doing much work. His 

 being worked more than was requisite to keep him in 

 condition has put him " out of condition." 



Condition, therefore, without an expletive, implies that 

 perfect state of body and limbs, in which the whole system 

 is at its highest vigour, and capable of great exertion, 

 whenever called on. This cannot be obtained or kept 

 without strictly adhering to three things, viz., proper food, 

 proper grooming, and proper exercise ; neither of these 

 must be omitted, or injudiciously administered ; for, like 

 medicine properly administered, each does good, but is 

 capable of doing much injury if misapplied. Wine, in 

 moderation, cheers the spirits and invigorates the body of 



