THE HOUSE. 
D 
THE RACE-HORSE. 
to the atmosphere uncovered. 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 violence 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 instruction which are required in the case of the Saddle-Horse are 
needed for an animal which has never to exercise his speed hut for a short distance, and on a level surface. In the case of these 
animals, we do not require to give an artificial carriage, 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 he thrown forward, and not backward. He is therefore ridden by light hoys, whose weight does not require him to 
bear on his posterior limbs, and who give him his daily exercise on a turf similar to that on which his powers are to he 
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 exercised; and if he answer the rein to the degree of allowing him¬ 
self 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-course. This species of 
training, it will be seen, has relation only to a given end, and will he inapplicable to any other. The horses thus educated 
are frequently unsuited to useful purposes : they are so unsafe that they can scarcely be trusted to ride over a rough surface; and 
great numbers of them break down on the level turf on which they are exercised. Numbers of them are so little obedient to the 
rein, that even in the race they must be ridden with martingales, though, by this means, their necks and heads are placed in a 
position unfavourable to speed. 
The more immediate training for the Course consists of a repetition and extension of the same system of treatment, with the 
addition of physic and forced perspiration. The horses being fed, are taken out early in the morning for several hours, and again 
for several hours in the afternoon. They are mounted in the stable by the boys, and one taking the lead, the others follow to the 
training-ground, which is usually in the immediate vicinity of the stables. The pace of the animals is gradually extended, until 
it becomes what is termed a brushing gallop. They are occasionally tried at speed with their fellows; and the period and degree 
of exercise are suited to the temperament and age of the animals, as determined by the judgment of the training-groom. The 
effect of this continued and severe discipline is to brace the muscular fibre, to maintain the strength and activity of the body, and 
to keep the respiratory organs in active play. To prevent the undue secretion of fat, purgative medicines are administered more 
frequently than in the case of any other class of horses; and the animals are occasionally subjected to a severe sweating, which 
is produced by clothing them thickly from head to tail, and galloping them for a shorter or longer space. When all the pores of 
the skin are opened by this exercise, the horses are taken to an adjoining house, and then scraped and rubbed till dry. These 
sweats are repeated once a-week, or thrice in the fortnight, according to the condition and constitution of the horse. The effect 
of the training is visible to the eye, in the distincter marking of the external muscles and tendons, the prominence of the sub¬ 
cutaneous bloodvessels, and the force, lightness, and celerity of the movements of the limbs and body. But a treatment thus 
artificial, carried to the degree required, must necessarily react upon the system, excite to excess the circulatory organs, enfeeble 
the powers of digestion, and induce many maladies. These horses, accordingly, arrive at premature age, are rarely long-lived, 
and are subject to numerous diseases of the limbs and viscera; and great numbers of them break down after their first exercises 
on the turf, or sink under the preliminary trials. 
The practice of the Course itself merits consideration, not merely as a gay and exciting spectacle, affording relaxation and 
delight to great numbers of people, but as a system of games affecting public taste, national manners, and private morals,_as 
putting to the hazard of chances an enormous amount of capital,—and as being connected with the preservation of a beautiful race 
of horses, especially destined for the sport. 
The number of established race-courses of the British Islands amounts at present to 153; namely, 132 in England, 9 in 
Wales, 9 in Scotland, and 3 in Ireland. The value of the stakes and prizes run for amounts to L.148,775,* forming, however, a 
mere fraction of the vast sums dependent on betting. The number of Royal Plates is 50, now commuted into payments of 100 
guineas each, defrayed partly from the Privy Purse, partly from the department of the Master of the Horse, and partlv from an 
annual Parliamentary grant. 
* History of the Turf, by James Christie Whyte, Esq. 
(B) 
