chapter V 



CONDITION AND CONDITIONING 



SATISFACTORY working condition, that 

 bodily fulness of outline which not im- 

 properly may also be associated with hard- 

 ness of flesh and fineness of muscle is, 

 given ordinary attention to the usually unconsidered 

 trifles, and genuine interest in the welfare of one's 

 dumb beasts, neither difficult to attain, nor to 

 maintain. All horses in work should, as denoted 

 by coat and countenance, be constantly in the 

 bloom of health, and as evidenced by action and 

 appetite in the flush of vigor ; nor is there any 

 excuse, in private stables at least, for their exhib- 

 iting other appearance. Be your man ever so 

 highly recommended, or ever so afi^ectionately 

 regarded by yourself and family, any appearance 

 of dulness of courage or roughness of coats 

 among his charges is proof positive that he does 

 not know his business, and, if he is allowed full 

 swing in stable management, no excuses should 



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