310 STABLi: ECONOMY. 



freedom to the wind. Each goes on progressively, and gen- 

 erally at the same time ; but the belly is to be reduced to its 

 proper size before all the superfluous flesh is taken away ; 

 much of this, if there be much of it, must be removed before 

 power and alacrity can be given to the muscular system. 

 Subsequently, the horse may be drawn finer, if need be, as 

 his wind and speed are under improvement. 



It is probable that training produces some alteration in the 

 condition of the blood, the nerves, the blood-vessels, the 

 joints, the tendons, and upon every part connected with mo- 

 tion. The change in these ought to be as permanent as that 

 produced in the muscles ; but I can say nothing more about 

 them. 



Agents of Training. — The agents and processes em- 

 ployed in preparing the horse for fast-work are, physic, 

 sweating, blood-letting, diuretics, alteratives, diaphoretics, cor- 

 dials, and exertion. I do not mean that all these are or 

 should be in requisition for every horse, or every kind of 

 fast-work. All, however, are occasionally used, and it is 

 proper to consider all. Without knowing what each can do, 

 and what each can not do, it can not be judiciously employed. 

 I consider their effects in reference to training ; but some of 

 them, such as physic and cordials, are often used when the 

 horse is already trained and in work ; and to this, or a simi- 

 lar circumstance, I allude in two or three places. Though 

 not strictly connected with the preparation for work, it is 

 right, I think, to say all I have to say about one thing in one 

 place. 



Physic. — In the stable this word is entirely confined to 

 purgative medicine. 



Uses of. — To a horse going or gone into training, physic 

 may be wanted for one or more of seven purposes. It will 

 diminish the size of the belly ; it will rectify a disordered 

 state of the bowels, rousing them from torpor to activity ; it 

 will expel worms ; it will produce real or comparative emacia- 

 tion ; it will cure plethora ; it will prevent plethora ; and it 

 will cure swelled legs. Physic will produce other effects ; 

 but I here speak of it only in reference to preparation for 

 work, and to the preservation of working condition. 



If the horse be newly from grass, one dose will be wanted 

 to empty his bowels. It may be given on the day he is sta- 

 bled. If lusty, the dose may be strong. If the horse be 

 lean, previously half-starved, or kept on bad food, one, per- 

 haps two doses, may be necessary to empty the bowels, expel 



