364 
MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY, 
the refraction of the rays of light constantly beaming into the 
eye will stimulate the nerve too much, and is apt to produce 
exhaustion of energy in the optic nerve and retina. If the 
stable is well provided with windows, the walls should be 
painted of some subdued tone of colour ; and when other¬ 
wise, white should be used. 
EXERCISE. 
This with the horse, as with man himself, is of para¬ 
mount importance for the preservation of health. A horse 
kept in a stable ought to be exercised for two hours regularly 
each day, without which he will never be fit for work, as he 
will suffer more from absolute idleness than hard labour. 
The quantity of exercise should be regulated according to 
the age of the horse. A young horse requires more than an 
old one; but violent exercise must be carefully guarded 
against, especially with young horses, which, although prone 
to activity, must not be indulged too freely The beginning 
and termination should be moderate, and in the middle he 
may be trotted smartly, or galloped for a short distance. 
When horses are of full habit, the exercise should be of 
medium quantity ? and increased a little daily; but those 
who fatigue or even drive a horse hard when in full condi¬ 
tion, may find it followed by inflammation. 
In training the race-horse and the hunter, the utmost 
regularity in exercising them is quite indispensable, other¬ 
wise they never can perform the task required of them, and 
grievous disappointment is certain to be the result. The 
one will be knocked up with half a day’s work, while the 
other is certain to be winded before he performs a circuit of 
the course. 
I have particularly to caution the inexperienced against 
working a newly-purchased horse too hard, as these are 
