The gentlemans recreation in two parts : the first being an encyclopedy of the arts and sciences ... the second part treats of horsmanship, hawking, hunting, fowling, fishing, and agriculture : with a short treatise of cock-fighting ... : all which are collected from the most authentick authors, and the many gross errors therein corrected, with great enlargements ... : and for the better explanation thereof, great variety of useful sculptures, as nets, traps, engines, &c. are added for the taking of beasts, fowl and fish : not hitherto published by any : the whole illustrated with about an hundred ornamental and useful sculptures engraven in copper, relating to the several subjects.

HORSMANSHIP.

PART I.

Wherein is treated of Horses, their Kinds, Breeding, Keeping, Vses, &c.

CHAP. I.

The Introduction.

A Horse is a Creature so excellent in his nature, and so generally useful, that all ranks and degrees of Men, either for pleasure or profit, are glad to make use of his [ 10] Service. If you have seen a General at the head of his Army, and take notice of his Horse under him, I need not tell you what an Air of Maje∣sty and Greatness that Noble Creature has; and if you have been in a Battle, to give you an ac∣count of his Vigour, Activity, and Courage is as needless: But if you are a stranger to these sort of things, and seek not a Horse for any such Imployment, go to the Huntsman, the Traveller, and the Husbandman, they will all tell you [ 20] what pleasant Companions and necessary Ser∣vants Horses are. It would be endless to give a particular Account of their admirable nature and great usefulness; but if you consider what long Journeys are performed on Horsback, and in Coach; what heavy Loads and Burthens are drawn and carried from place to place in City, Camp, and Country; what delight and pleasure is taken in Hunting, Hawking, Racing, &c. to the increasing of Health and Vigour: In a word, if [ 30] you consider that to the most glorious Triumphs and solemn Pomps, in business of all sorts, and in our pleasantest and most manly Recreations, a Horse is some way or other assisting; you can∣not but conclude, That of all those Creatures that are made for the profit and delight of Man∣kind, a Horse is the most excellent, and conse∣quently, That Horsmanship is a very great Accom∣plishment in a Person of Quality, or Gentle∣man. [ 40]

The Design therefore of this Discourse is to lay down the Principles of Horsmanship in a short and clear method; I think it may be called The Knowledge of Horses, and the Art of Riding well. I shall speak only of such things as are most use∣ful and necessary to be known by the Gentry; as the several kinds of Horses, the Rules for Breed∣ing and Keeping them, what uses several sorts of Horses are fittest for, and the like; avoiding the impertinent humour of too many Authors, who endeavour nothing more than to make a show of their own Knowledge, and nothing less than the benefit and advantage of those for whom they write. If I should treat at large, some parts of this Discourse would require Volumes; and there∣fore when I speak in general, and give only the Grounds of things, I hope it will not offend the Reader. It may be of use to him who is a good Proficient, and not an improper Grammar for one that is beginning to learn; and I doubt not of its Approbation by the Judicious and experienced Horsman.

CHAP. II.

Of the several sorts of Horses most in use.

Of the Turkish Horse.

THe Turkish Horse has a great deal of beau∣ty and fire, being extraordinary swift; with a good Mare he breeds very fine Colts, (especial∣ly for the Race) of which some of our Breeders have had the experience: But the Turks are so unwilling to part with their Breeds, that of those that come into England, there are but very few (if any) good in their kind.

Of the Barb, or Barbary Horse.

THe Barb is very docile and gentle, being of all Horses in the World the easiest to be managed, having naturally a very graceful Acti∣on, and a good Disposition; he is of himself so

negligent and lazy in his walk, that he is apt to stumble even sometimes in plain Ground; but when he is wakened, and rode upon his mettle, no Horse is more nimble, vigorous and adroit, and better for an Action of one or two hours. He makes a good Stallion to breed Runing Horses out of, the Colts that he gets being generally well winded, fleet and good at bottom. The Duke of Newcastle was of Opinion, That a Barb, though a Jade, would get a better Horse for a [ 10] Course than the best Runing Horse in England; and so was Sir John Fenwick of Northumberland, being a Man of great experience, and esteemed to have one of the best Breeds of Horses in this Kingdom. The Duke of Newcastle was likewise of Opinion, and not without reason, That the choisest Barbs are not brought over: And his Reasons are, because they are bought up by Mer∣chants, or such that buy the cheapest for advan∣tage; nor do they know how to choose those [ 20] that are good.

Of the Spanish Horse.

THis Horse, if he be well chosen, is of a noble Kind, his Shape being exact and cu∣rious, not so thin and slight as the Barb, nor so gross as the Neapolitan, but between both, being formed by Nature for strength as well as beauty. He is very docile, hath a great spirit and cou∣rage; [ 30] And 'tis credibly reported of their best Breeds in Spain, that in their Exercise of Riding at the Bull, when a Horse happens to be so sharply wounded that his Guts hang out, he will yet o∣bey his Rider, and continue his Action to the utmost of his strength, though at the same time he tramples upon his Bowels. He hath the proudest walk and Trot, with the best action in his trot, the loftiest Gallop, the swiftest Careers, and yet is the gentlest Horse; and if he be good [ 40] in his kind, is very proper for Generals and great Officers, none being more graceful in a day of Tri∣ample, or useful in a day of Battel.

Of the Dutch or Flanders Horse.

THere are a sort of Dutch or Flanders Horses which we make use of in England, which are the fittest in the World for the Coach; espe∣cially for the Town for a fine Equipage, where [ 50] they must draw great weight, and be continu∣ally upon the Stones; for they are large and beautiful in their Kind, and having a graceful and lofty trot, they give a better Air to a Coach than any Horses whatsoever; besides that, they are stronger, and will endure the Pavement bet∣ter.

Of the English Horse, &c. [ 60]

WE have in England several good Breeds; our Running Horses, Hunters and Pads, and our Horses for all manner of fatigue of what nature soever, are not to be matched in all Eu∣rope; nor is any Horse better for an Officer in the War, than one of those which we call our Twelve-Stone Horses, (such as usually run for Plates) if he be well chosen, and taken in time. He must be naturally of a good disposition (which for the generality our English Horses are not) and one of the strongest of that sort, with good Reins and Limbs, and a Head well set on; and he must be put to the Manage before he is accusto∣med too much to go upon his Shoulders, and to have his Will; for I believe that which spoils a great many of our English Horses, rendring them so unfit for the Great Saddle, is the Snaffle Bridle, and our particular method of Training and Galloping, so that when they come to be 7 or 8 years old, they are grown so Head-strong, and their way of going is become so customary, that there is no possibility of putting them upon the Haunch, or bringing them into any manner of Subjection, either of the Hand, or Heel.

There are several other kinds of Horses, which I omit, because we meet with them but rarely in England, amongst which may be reckoned the Arabian, a Horse of an excellent nature, and very beautiful.

CHAP. III.

Of Stallions.

IF you would choose a Stallion aright, you must consider the use you design to breed for; for Example, if you would breed for the Manage (I mean the most useful part which is termed Manage de Guere, of which I shall speak in its proper place) let your Stallion be a Turk, Barb, or Spaniard, one that is good in his kind, and naturally of a docile and gentle Temper, though lively, vigorous, and bold in Actions. His Neck, and Crest must be so turned, and his Head so set on, as not to hinder his reining well; for which you must observe that his Neck be form∣ed like an Arch, his Crest not too much char∣ged with Flesh, his Head when he stands in his own natural posture, falling as it were perpendi∣cularly towards the ground, and his Jaw-Bones standing so wide, that his Head may not want room to play.

If you would Breed for Hunting, or the Race, make choice of a Turk, or Barb, or a Well-bred English-Horse, that ha's given proofs of his Good∣ness and Speed.

If you would Breed for the Road, make choice of a good strong Hunter, that has naturally good Legs and Feet, a short Back, and good Quarters, and let him be one that is not of a Skittish, or Stubborn Temper; or if you are cu∣rious and would have very fine Padds, you may take the same measures which I told you before for the Manage, only Geld your Colts, and when you break them, if they take it well, let them be taught to Amble.

Ti's needless to give directions for Breeding any other sorts of Horses; As for the Coach, Wagon, Cart, Servants, and all manner of Drudge∣ry, because there is not that Nicety required in their Breed; and from the Fairs and Horse-Cour∣sers

you may be supplyed, and save that trou∣ble.

CHAP. IV.

Of Mares.

[ 10]

HAving told you how to choose your Stalli∣ons, it will be necessary to give you some directions about the Mares; and certainly none in the World are better to Breed on than our En∣glish, provided you Suit them to your particu∣lar design; for instance, if you would Breed for the Manage or Pads, let your Mares have fine Fore-hands, with their Heads well set on, but not too long Necks; broad Breasts, large and [ 20] Sparkling Eyes, and great Bodies, that their Foals may have room enough to lye; with good Limbs and Feet; let them be of a gentle and good disposition, and their motions naturally nimble and Graceful; In a word, remember al∣ways that the more good qualities your Mares have, the better will your Colts generally prove.

If you would Breed for the Race, and Hunt∣ing, your Mares must be lighter, with short [ 30] Backs and long Sides; their Legs must be some∣thing longer, and their Breasts not so Broad, and always make choise of such as you are sure have good Blood in their Veins. If you have tryed the Speed, and Wind of any particular Mare, and find it good, you may the surer expect a good Colt, provided she be still in her full Health and Vigour, and not above Seven years old, or eight at most; for the younger your Breeders are, the better the Colts will be. [ 40]

CHAP. V.

Of a Soil fit to Breed in, and of Pastures. [ 50]

ONe of the first things (which you ought to consider) if you design to Breed, is the commodiousness of the Place, and the Pa∣stures where your Horses, Mares, and Colts are to run. For he that Breeds in a place unfit for it, loses his Mony and Pains, and will never have good Horses.

The Ground must not be too rank of Grass, nor too bare, but a firm and sweet Soil Situate in a clear and wholesom Air, where there are [ 60] Hills, and running Waters, with Quick-setts, and spreading Trees to shelter them from the Wind, Rain and Sun. Nor must they be conti∣nued always in the same Pastures, but often re∣moved into fresh, observing still to put them in∣to the Shortest feedings in Summer, and the Richest in Winter, at which time of the year they must have a Hovel, a Hay-Rick, or some convenient place to defend them from the Wea∣ther.

CHAP. VI.

Of the Time and Manner of Co∣vering.

YOur next Care must be about the Time and Manner of Covering. The best time to have your Mares Covered is in May, for then your Colts will fall the April following, at which time there will be sweet and fresh Grass for them; the manner is as follows; Let your Stallion, having eaten Grass for some time be∣fore, and been so high fed, that he is full of lust and vigour, be brought to the place where your Mares are (his hinder Shoes being taken off) there let him Cover a Mare in hand twice or thrice to make him sober, then pull off his Bridle and turn him loose to the rest of the Mares, which must be in a convenient Close, not without strong Fences and good Food; and thus you must leave him till he has covered them all, so that they will take Horse no more, by which time his Courage will be pretty well cooled: More than ten or twelve Mares is too much for one Horse in the same year. You must have some little House or Hovell to defend him from the Rain, Sun and Weather (which are very weakning) and a Manger to feed him in du∣ring the time of Covering; and you would do well to have one to watch him all the while for fear of danger, and the better to know how oft he covers each Mare. All this being observed, when you have taken away your Stallion remove your Mares into some fresh Pastures.

CHAP. VII.

Of Colts.

WHen your Colts are fallen, you may let them run with their Dams till about Michaelmass (sooner or later, according as the Cold weather comes in,) then you must wean them, and let them be kept in a convenient House with a low Rack and Manger for their Hay and Oats, which must be sweet and good, with a little Wheat-bran sometimes mixt with the Oats, to cause them to drink and keep their Bodies open; and above all they must be kept from Wet and Cold, which are the hurtfullest things imaginable to them, nothing being more tender, as the Duke of Newcastle in his Book proves more at large. For proof of this take a Spanish Stallion, and let him Cover two Mares,

which for age, beauty and comliness may admit of no difference betwixt them, and if they be both Horse-Colts, or both Fillies (which is one and the same) let one run abroad until it be Three years and an half old, and let the other be Housed every Winter, kept warm, and or∣derly tended, as aforesaid; and that Colt that hath been kept abroad shall have great fleshy Shoulders, flabby and gouty Legs, weak Pa∣sterns, with ill Hoofs, and shall be a dull and [ 10] heavy Jade in comparison to the other, which is Housed and orderly kept as aforesaid; which will have a fine Fore-hand, be well shaped, have good Legs and Hoofs, and be of good strength and spirit: By which you may under∣stand, that to have the finest Stallion and the beautifullest Mare is nothing, provided you spoil them in their Breeding.

It is not amiss to let your Colts play an hour or two in some Court-yard, or the like place, when [ 20] 'tis fair weather; provided you put them up a∣gain carefully, and see that they take no hurt.

When the Winter is spent, let them be turned into some dry Ground where the Grass is short and sweet, and where there is good Water that they may drink at pleasure; for it is not neces∣sary that a Colt immediately fill his Belly like a Horse that labours hard. The next Winter you may take them into the House, and use them just as your other Horses. But let not your [ 30] Horse-Colts and Fillies be kept together after the first year; This Method you may observe every Summer and Winter till you break them; which may be done after Three years old, and will be so easie a thing, if you observe the aforesaid Method of Housing them and ordering them the Second year, as you do other Horses, that they will be so tame and gentle, that you need not fear their plunging, leaping, kicking, or the like Coltish tricks, for they will take the Saddle quietly: for [ 40] all these ridiculons ways of Beating and Cowing them to tame them, is in effect spoiling them, what ere they call it, in plowed Fields, deep Ways, or the like; instead of which let their Ri∣der strive to win them by gentle usage, never correcting them but when it is necessary, and then with Judgment and Moderation.

You need not a Cavezone of Cord, which is a Head-strain, nor a Pad of Straw, but only an ordinary Saddle, and on his Nose an ordinary [ 50] Cavezone, as you Ride other Horses with; but it must be well lined with double Leather, as the rest are, and if you think fit, you may put in his Mouth a Watering-Bit without Reins, only the Head-stall, and this but for a few days, and then to put such a Bit as he should be always rid with: And be sure use not Spurs for some time after Backing.

Observe, that Yearlings must be kept abroad [ 60] together; so those of Two years old together; the like for those of Three Yearlings, which or∣dering is most agreeable to them.

CHAP. VIII.

Of the several Vses of Horse, to Men of Quality and Gentle∣men.

THE several Uses of Horses to Men of Quali∣ty and Gentlemen, may be reduced to these three Heads, viz. for the Saddle, Burthen and Draught. The Uses of the Saddle, are for the War, Hunting, the Race or Pad; of Burthen, for Sum∣ters, Packs, and such kind of Baggage; and of Draught, for the Coach, Carriages, Waggens, Carts, Plough, and the like.

A Horseman should consider these things, that every Horse may be put to the use he is fittest for, concerning which I refer you to the five fol∣lowing Chapters, which treat of Riding the Great Horse, of Hunting, of the Race, of the Pad, of the Coach, &c.

CHAP. IX.

Of Riding the Great Horse.

THere is certainly no Exercise more Noble and Manly than this of the Manege; It makes a man firm and easie on Horseback, and vigorous and adroit in Action: It increaseth health and strength; for none under the ill consequences of a Debauch, be it of Wine or Women, can per∣form this Exercise as he ought, being as unfit for it in such a case, as to go to Bed to a fair Lady: It also gives a graceful and Martial Air, which one may perceive in some fine Horsmen, (even when they are on foot) and therefore when the French would commend any Person that has a good Mean, they say Il a l' Air fort Cavalier.

We may consider it in two parts; First, that sort of Manege, which is proper for the Cheval d'Escole; Secondly, that which is proper for the Cheval de Guere. The Cheval d' Escole is taught several Airs and Lessons, which as they require a great deal of Vi∣gour and Address (as the Gall••pade-Relevée, Caprioles, Ballotades, &c.) so they are necessary to be learnt in Academies, to give young Men a firm, and easy Seat, and a good Hand upon a Horse; making them capable of humouring all manner of Horses according as it is requisite; but are not in them∣selves, absolutely necessary, nor of any use in Acti∣on, unless at Carousels, Triumphs, and the like. The Cheval de Guere is taught only such Lessons, as are necessary in the Field, and without which one cannot attack a good Horseman but upon very great disadvantages.

The confounding of these two, and not being able to distinguish the one from the other, makes a great many talk very ignorantly about Manag'd Horses, some despising the whole Art of Riding the Great Horse, because for want of Education they

[illustration]

The Manag'd Horse

To the Worshipfull John Cutts of Arksden in Essex & of Childerly in Cambridgshire Esq.

This Plate is humbly Dedicated by Richard Blome.

Wyke del••n▪ Sol•• scul••

know nothing of it, whilst others are such formal Academists, that they pretend every Lesson is as necessary in Action, as Stopping, Turning, and the like: Both these are in the wrong; the first through Ignorance the latter too often through Affectation; and I believe Mistakes of this nature have been partly the cause why the Great Saddle has been so slighted and neglected in England for some years past: But the present King is a Lover of Marshal Exercises, and therefore we may hope to see them [ 10] Flourish more than they have done; in order to it, his Majesty ha's been pleased to make choise of Monsieur de Foubert (for the Governing of an Academy) one of the best Masters in Europe, a Well bred, Good natured, and Ingenious Person, who ha's a Stable of very fine Horses, and the best Masters for all sorts of Exercises, that are necessary for the accomplishment of a Gentleman. In a word, one that neither wants necessary qua∣lications, nor spares any pains to teach and im∣prove [ 20] the Youth committed to his charge in all things that are to be learned in an Academy.

But (to return to my business in Hand) the Ma∣nege d' Escole, and the Manege de Guere must both of them be learnt by every one that designs to be a good Horsman, though 'tis necessary to distinguish the one from the other, that a man my know what Lessons are only for the Academy, or the like, and what to make use of in the Field, [ 30] or against an Enemy. A good Master will make you understand the difference; so that I need not give you an Account here of all those Airs, and Lessons which belong to the Manege d' Escole; and indeed, it would take up too much room for this design: Therefore when you have been long e∣nough in an Academy to be firm, and easy, and have a good Hand upon a Horse, remember ro take notice of this distinction, that you may know how to chuse a Horse for the Field, or Action [ 40] (for amongst fifty good Academy-Horses 'tis hard to meet with Ten that are good for the War) and take in short, the following Account of the Qualifications of a good Horse for Service.

In the Manege de Guere a Horse must be taught to Gallop true, and change readily; to go off from the hand like an Arrow from a Bow, and stop or turn at a Point; to obey the Hand and Heel in advancing or retiring upon a strait Line, or other∣wise; or in going Sideways to the Right or Left; [ 50] to Rise before (a Courbets) enough to keep him al∣ways upon the Haunch; to endure Fire, and to Charge up boldly against any thing: And all this must be done with willingness, ease, and subjecti∣on. For 'tis a Maxim in Horsmanship, That a Horse must never do any thing of his own head, but in obedience to his Rider, and no more than he re∣quires of him; as also, that a Horse can never per∣form any Action gracefully or well, that he doth with an aversion and uneasiness. This is that which [ 60] is necessary for a good War-Horse, and in this the Rider must be as perfect as the Horse, otherwise he will be so far from receiving any advantage from his goodness and address, that he will not only find himself often out of order (by making his Horse do things mal à propos,) but in a little time quite spoil him, and make him good for nothing.

But I will not undertake in this Discourse to teach you to Ride, it being an Exercise, that as it is the finest and most useful of all (whatever some pretend that never could attain unto it) so it is the hardest to be perfect in, and is ne∣ver learnt well without a great deal of Industry, as well in the Practick, as the Theorick part, and that under careful and diligent Masters. It is as necessary for a Young man, that designs to be a good Horsman, to perform his course of Exercise in an Academy; as for him that whould be a great proficient in Learning, to run through his course of Philosophy, Logick, &c. in the Vniversity. I shall therefore undertake only to give some gene∣ral Directions which may be of use to such as learn and practice this Noble Exercise. And I can't imagine how a Young man of Quality (when by reason of his Tender years he is not ripe enough for Business and Action) can spend his time better, than in learning the Exercises of the Body, together with those of the Mind; by which (provided he be under good Masters and Governours) he will find so great an advantage, that he will not only be fitter to serve his Prince, when occasion serves, with a vertuous Mind and a strong and active Body; but avoid that lewd Effeminacy and those unmanly Extravagances, which so many are ruined by through Ease and Idleness.

'Tis to be hoped therefore (how negligent soe∣ver some are Educated) that a great many of our Young Nobility and Gentry will be induced, by their Parents Care, or their own Inclinations, to follow the great Example of the Roman Youth (who were a glorious Instance of the advantage of good Education) and convince the World by their Actions and Behaviour, that they have spent their time as well in the Academy, as the others did in their Campo Martis.

For the Service of such active and well dis∣posed Youth, I shall set down these following Rules and Directions; not that a good Master will omit them, but as they are fundamental Principles of Horsmanship, 'tis not amiss to have them in Writing, that by reading and considering them, they may never fail to have them at com∣mand.

The first thing to be considered by a Young Horsman, is how to Approach and Mount his Horse with safety, gracefulness, and convenience, which must be as follows; If there be but one present to assist him (which may sometimes hap∣pen to Persons of great Quality in the War, or the like) let him place himself on the Right-side of the Horse, holding his Head with one hand and the Stirrup with the other; then let him that is to Mount, walk up to the Horse, not directly before him, lest if the Horse be fearful of him he put him in disorder, or if merry and wanton he should strike him with one of his Fore-feet: nor behind him for fear of the same Accident from his Hind-feet (for a Mischance falls out sometimes in a Minute, that has not hapned be∣fore in an Age;) but let him approach him on the Left-side over against the Shoulder, inclining something more to his Head than his Flank: This done, let him examine if the Bridle be well

placed in his Mouth, the Curb right, his Girts fast, and every thing in good order; and then taking the Reins in his Left Hand, and the Pum∣mel of the Saddle (or a Lock of his Main) and laying his Right Hand fast upon the hinder part of the Saddle, let him place himself in the Seat: And let him endeavour to get a habit of doing this with so much case and liberty, that his mo∣tion may not seem forced or painful, nor the Horse receive any inconvenience, or apprehension [ 10] by his swagging him, or falling heavy into the Saddle, or brushing his Buttocks with his right Leg, which are often the faults of unwildy, awk∣ward and heedless People.

When he is mounted, having the Reins in his Left Hand, with his Thumb upon them, and his little Finger between to separate the right from the left Rein, let him take the end, (or Button) in his right hand, and lifting up his Arm with a loose and careless Air adjust his Bridle, so that [ 20] it be neither too long nor too short, and so hold it fast in its proper place, which must be three or four Fingers breadth above the Pummel of the Saddle, and exactly before him. Let him put himself from head to foot in the true posture of a good and fine Horseman. He must be placed in the middle of the Saddle, (not touching, if pos∣sible, any other part of it) and rest upon his Twist, not his Buttocks, keeping himself all over straight and easie, as if he were on foot, his shoul∣ders [ 30] just with the right, something forward, his Stomach advanced, holding his Elbows (equally and unaffected) at a little distance from his Bo∣dy; his right Hand at about three or four Fin∣gers distance from the left, grasping the handle of his Switch or Sword, with the point upwards, a little enclining to the Horses left Ear, his Legs a little forward, with his Toes pressing firm upon the Stirrups near his Horses Shoulders, his Heels lower than his Toes, and turned outwards, his [ 40] Knees fast as if they were glewed, which with the Counterpoise of the Body, by observing time is all that makes a Man firm on Horseback: No∣thing shew's a good Horseman more than to sit Free and Airy, and nothing shews more ridicu∣lous than to see one sit in a starch'd and formal way like a Statue.

This is the true posture of the Great Saddle, that he must keep himself in, what-ever Airs or Lessons the Horse performs, allowing only for [ 50] different Aids, and the various counterpoise of the Body, according as necessity requires.

The Counterpoise of the Body must be in Gal∣loping something backwards, both for the Grace∣fulness of the Posture, and that the Horse may with more ease keep himself upon his Haunch; the same is requisite in a Trot, or any other Pace, and especially always in stopping, for in that case it is not only graceful, and easie to the Horse, but prevents great disorder, which arrives [ 60] sometimes by a Mans jolting forwards almost touching his Horses Neck. The like is to be ob∣served in Voltes, Demy-voltes, &c. Unless a Horse be rough and Leaps; which if he doth, his Rider must observe to keep time with him, leaning back∣wards when his Croup is in the Air, and forwards when he rises before, without confusion, or dis∣order.

And the better to know the different Aids, let him take notice and remember, that there is in the Managed Horse two Motions, viz. that of the Shoulders, and that of the Haunch; now that of Shoulder is governed by the Hand, and that of the Haunch by the Heel.

The motion of the Hand is thus, if he turns to the right, he must turn his Bridle-hand, so that his Nails come upwards, removing it little or nothing out of the place: if to the left, he must keep it in its own natural posture without turning, only moving it a little to the left. In both these motions he must feel his Horse's Mouth, and work it insensibly as occasion requires. When a Horse carries his head in the right place, and stedy, his Neck pliant, and obeys these Aids rea∣dily, we say he is well in the Hand.

The motion of the Heel is as follows; when he is Galloping upon the Volte, Demi-volte or the like, and would have his Horse keep his Croup in∣wards (which is necessary) he must stretch out his Leg on that side to which he turns, and move the other nearer to the Horses Belly, so that he may feel the motion. If he would make his Horse go sideways upon a right line, he must first put his Shoulders in motion, and then give the same Aids with his Legs as before, and when ever his Horse (of himself, as by any accident) throws his Croup this way or that way, by mov∣ing one of his Legs to him, and stretching out the other, he will rectifie him. A Horse that is well Managed will obey these Aids, if rightly given, and then we say he is well in the Heel.

In these Aids of the Hand, and the Heel, lies the Art of making a Managed Horse perform all his Lessons with exactness, which is not so easy a thing as some imagine, who think if a Horse be perfect, the Rider has nothing to do but sit still upon his Back; because if he doth but sit fast, and keep in Action, they look after no more, not heeding whether he guides the Horse, or the Horse him. But let an ill Horseman be upon never so good a Horse and never so well managed, if he Rides before a good Judge, or Fights with a good Horseman, his weakness will certainly ap∣pear. Let him therefore that begins to Learn, make it his first business to get a good Seat, a true and exact posture, without stifness, or af∣fectation, to gain which, let him add his own ob∣servation to his Masters directions, and making choise of some well shaped Person (who is known to be a fine Horseman) let him observe his posture and motions, endeavouring to imitate them, for we are apt to learn faster from Examples before our eyes, than from the best directions that can be given.

In the next place let him endeavour to get a just hand upon a Horse, and to give his Aids true, and à propos, which must be done by a constant application, and a good Memory; and by working with his Head, as well as his Body. And lastly, I would advise him to stick to it till he is so far Master of a Horse, that he is not on∣ly able to Ride one that is Managed to his hand, but to teach a young Horse himself. For though the teaching a young Horse be too great a drudgery

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for a Person of Quality, so that it is not fit he should practice it, yet unless he knows what belongs to it, he will not be capable of Judging when his Riders commit Errors, and whether his Horses be well Managed or no. And when he leaves the Academy, let him be sure to be easie, and unaffected on Horseback, with a loose and manly Gayety, free from scrued Grimances, and stiff Postures. For some young Sparks upon their first leaving an Academy, have their heads [ 10] so turned with it, that they are for Managing all Flesh alive, even to the Post-horse, and are in the same Postures a Hunting, Hawking, and the like, that they ought to be in at the head of a Squadron; whereas a compleat Horseman distin∣guishes always what Horse he is upon, and what he is doing; If he is upon a War-horse going to charge, he puts himself in a firm posture, and considers how he shall Attack, or defend; If a Hunting, his Stirrups are shortned for the ease of [ 20] his Horse, and his posture is more negligent and loose: If for Riding a Course, or Heats, his Feet are home in the Stirrups, his Elbows close to his Body, lying snug upon his Horse, that he may have the advantage of the Counterpoise, which doth not hinder the Running so much before: In a word, a good Horseman knows how to make use of all Horses for all uses, and in all pla∣ces.

I shall not trouble you with a Journal of Les∣sons [ 30] for Managing Horses, for if you are an Ar∣tist it is needless, if not, you must know (what ever some Men have pretended) ti's a thing not to be got by Book, as a Lesson of Musick is: I will only tell you one thing and so conclude this Chapter, and that is, never to put a young Horse to the Manege, that is not naturally made and disposed for it. He must be of a good kind, strong and vigorous, and yet light and nimble, with good Reins and Limbs, his Neck and Crest [ 40] must be well formed, and his Head well set on, &c. (according to the former directions, Chap. 7.) he must naturally have good motions which you, may guess at, by seeing him Walk and Trot, and strikeing him gently to see how he presents himself; and he must also be of a good temper: without these qualities the best Rider throws a∣way his pains, and the owner his Money. For some Horses are so awkward, stubborn and dog∣ged, having such skittish, resty and Cross-grained [ 50] Tricks, that tis as easie to teach a Dromedary to fetch and carry, as to make them fit for any A∣ction, or service in the War. Therefore when you have a good Horse, prize him, for they are very rare, though of so much use and conse∣quence: And if you have two or three particular Horses that you would choose in an occasion to venture your life upon, keep them for their proper business, and put them to nothing un∣necessary that will fatigue them, or batter their [ 60] Limbs.

CHAP. X.

Of Hunting, or Hunting Horses.

HVnting is (or at least ought to be) a plea∣sing and profitable Exercise, intended to make us strong and active, and to recreate and de∣light the Mind: therefore a Horsman that is of a warlike nature, ought to choose such sorts of Hunting as are most capable to answer those ends; such as hunting the Stag, Buck, Fox, and the like, and in other Countries that of the Wild-Boar and Wolf. And as on the one side, I would not re∣commend to him deep mouthed Hounds, that sort of hunting being too lazy an Exercise for one that would keep himself in vigour; so on the other side, I would not advise him to such very fleet ones as some of the Northern, t••at the fol∣lowing them is more properly called runing than hunting; and my Reason is, because to follow those extraordinary fleet ones, a Man must have such light Horses, and keep them so finely and nicely, that they are not fit for any other Ser∣vice; not that I would have them put to any o∣ther, but when occasion requires: As if a Man were to go to the Army on a suddain, if his Hunters be a good strong sort of Horses, with firm Limbs, and not too tenderly kept, what a great convenience it is to him, I leave to any one to judge.

I shall not trouble you with any other directi∣ons for the choosing a Hunting Horse, than to be sure that he has good wind and speed, that he is naturally of a healthful and hardy Constitution, and withal that he has so much strength (that as I said before) you may, if you have a mind to it, make use of him at the Army for marching, and the like; and above all, keep him not too tenderly, lest when you take him from hunting for another use, you find his Body not hardy e∣nough to suffer a new method of keeping.

Some of our well-bred Twelve-stone Horses; that have been sent abroad, have proved extra∣ordinary good for the War.

It is very requisite to make a Hunting Horse acquainted with a Bit, and to teach him a little to stop and turn, which not only hinders him from galloping upon his shoulders, and makes him surer footed than otherwise perhaps he would be, but renders him more capable of being fitted for the War when ever you have a mind to it.

I need not say much in telling you how to ride a Hunting Horse, the great Saddle being the ground of all; in short, you must mount him as directed in the former Chapter, and sit in the same posture, only make your Stirrups shorter, and let your Legs fall nearer the Horses sides. In gal∣loping lean forwards to ease him, and if you have a Snaffle Bridle, in hard riding, lay your right hand upon the Rein of the same side, the better to feel your Horse, and because sometimes you can't turn him with one hand.

In other Countries they hunt in light Bits, and though a Snaffle be very pleasant and easie, yet I am of the Opinion that a Bit is much more ad∣vantageous, in that it makes the Horse have a bet∣ter mouth, and the Rider a better hand.

I would not have any thing in this Chapter offend such Persons as are wholly Strangers to Military Affairs, and not at all inclined that way, keeping their Horses only for pleasure and ordi∣nary business, they may (if they please) go on [ 10] still in their own Road; what I have said will be no inconvenience to them, and may be of service to such as love the War, and warlike Exercises.

CHAP. XI.

Of the Race, or Race-Horses. [ 20]

IF you would have good Running Horses, they should be thus shaped; let them be as light as possible, large and long, but well shaped, with a short back, long sides, and a little long legged, and narrow breasted, for such will gal∣lop the lighter and nimbler, and run the faster.

The excellent Breeds of Running Horses that we have in England, though (through the several [ 30] Abuses which have been made) they have been unfortunately mischievous to a great many Per∣sons, yet if rightly regulated, and made use of, might be very advantageous to the Kingdom, as well as pleasant and diverting to Men of Quali∣ty.

The advantage is this; by having Plates run for at several times, and in several Counties, we come to know exactly the Speed, Wind, Force, and Heart of every Horse that runs, which di∣rects [ 40] us infallibly in our choise when we have a mind to furnish our selves for the War, Hunting, Breeding, the Road, and the like; whereas if we could see no such Trial made, we must stand more to our hazards, and should not be so sure to meet with good ones: For a Horse may tra∣vel well, hunt well, and the like, and yet when he comes to be pent hard, and forc'd to the top and extremity of what he can do, may prove not good at heart; and what Person of Quality [ 50] is not glad to Breed or buy the best? The same failure in Nature which makes a Horse faint-hearted when he is strained to his utmost, and kept to it, will make him so if he is desperately wounded: For some Runing Horses that have wanted neither wind nor speed, have been beaten only by their Hearts sinking in them when they come to be hard prest.

As for the regulating this matter, I could wish that our Nobility and Gentry would not make a [ 60] trade of Racing so much as some have done. When they run only for Plates, or their Matches are for no more than may be lost without da∣mage to their Estates, 'tis very innocent diver∣sion; but to run for so great a Sum that the loss can't be well born, and consequently one must en∣deavour to win the same (if not more) back again, it draws one into vast Expenses by way of pre∣paration for a Revenge; and then if a second ill Fortune comes, I need not relate the unhappy consequence; but if one proves successful, he is apt to fancy he shall prove so again, and so be∣fore he thinks on't, he is declared a Jocky, sets up for a Brother of the Spur, and runs so fast, that sometimes neither his Estate nor Friends can keep along with him, turning his Diversion into a Misfortune.

I shall speak of the Methods of ordering Run∣ing Horses, when I come to the last part of this Discourse, which is of Keeping. We will there∣fore now suppose a Horse set to run for a Plate, and that the Hour of starting is at hand.

When the Drum beats, or the Trumpet sounds (according to the Custom of the place where you run) to give notice for stripping and weighing, In the first place be sure to have your Stomach empty, only taking something to keep out the wind, and to strengthen you. If you are so light that you must carry weight, let it be shot, equally quilted in your Waistcoat; but if you are just weight it is better, for then you have only to dress you according to your own fancy. Your Cloaths should be of coloured Silk, or of white Holland, as being very advantageous to the Spe∣ctators. Your Waistcoat and Drawers must be made close to your Body, and on your Head a little Cap tied on: Let your Boots be gartered up fast, and your Spurs must be of good Met∣tal.

Thus equipped, you are to mount, and come to the place of Starting, where going off briskly or gently, as occasion requires, make your Horse perform the Course or Heat according to your de∣sign intended. For Example: If you would win the same, and your Horse excells in goodness more than speed, start him off roundly, and run him to the very top of what he can do during the whole Course or Heat, and by that means, if the Horse you run against be not so good at bottom, though he has more speed, you shall beat him, because he will be run off of it a great way be∣fore he comes to the end: But on the contrary, if your Horses Talent be speed, all that you can do is to wait upon the other Horse, and keep behind him till you come almost to the Stand, and then endeavour to give a Loose by him. Some∣times when you are to run more Heats than one, it will be your Policy to lose a Heat; and in such a case, for the easing and safeguard of your Horse, you must lye behind all the way, as much as you can, provided you bring him in within distance.

As for your Posture, place your self upon your Twist with your Knees firm, and your Stirrups just at such a length, that when your Feet are thrust home in them, you can raise your self a little in the Saddle; for without that allowance your Legs will not be firm when you come to run: The counterpoise of your Body must be forwards to facilitate your Horses runing, and your Elbows must be close to your Body; but above all, be sure not to incommode your Horse by swagging this way or that way, as some do; for since Weight is a great matter in runing, and a trouble some

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Horse Raceing.

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Rider is as bad as so much more weight. I need not tell you how necessary it is to take great care of your feat and hand; you must therefore be∣ware of holding your self by the Bridle, or of jobbing your Horses mouth upon any occasion; you must take your right Rein in the same hand, holding up your Horse, &c. as you find it neces∣sary, and every now and then remove the Bri∣dle in his mouth. But these things are learn't better by Experience and Practice than by Book. [ 10]

When a Plate is run for by Heats, every Man that rides must weight just at Starting in great Scales brought into the Field for that purpose, and at the end of the same Heat: For if you want of your weight at comming in, you shall lose your Heat, although you are the first Horse. Between the first and second Heat, you have half an hour to rub your Horses, and then the Drum or Trumpet giving warning again, you mount, &c. as before, and so till you have finished all, [ 20] which is sometimes three Heats, and sometimes three Heats and a Course, according to the cu∣stom of the place.

I forbear saying any thing of the several Cere∣monies relating to the Judges, and the Articles by which Plate Races and Matches are regulated, because besides that 'tis very easie to inform ones self of them at a Minutes warning; they are more or less, according to the different Customs of the place where you run. [ 30]

When you keep runing Horses, which I would advise you to do only for Plates, and Matches of Sport and good Fellowship, and not for large Sums, if you do not breed them your self, be sure to buy no Horse that has not extraordinary good Blood in his Veins: For a Runing Horse costs a great deal of Mony to keep, and a good one eats no more than a bad one, nor requires more attendance. Some men to save Twenty or Thir∣ty Guinea's in the Price of a young Horse, have [ 40] lost Hundreds by him afterwards.

A Horse that you have tried once or twice at a Twelve-stone Plate, you may be sure to make an extraordinary Hunter of; or if he be well turn'd, and dispos'd for it, a War-horse: In such a Case a Man has a great deal of Satisfaction, because he known what his Horse is, and what he can do.

Note, That the Posture, Manner of Riding, &c. is the same in a Match as in a Plate-Race, only [ 50] that there being but a single Course to be run, you must push for all at that one time; whereas when there are several Heats, there is more saving, and variety of play.

CHAP. XII.

Of the Pad. [ 60]

A Pad ought to be strong, light and nim∣ble, which you will say are Qualities not easie to be found together in one Horse; I own it; and therefore am of Opinion that no Horse is harder to find than a true, right Pad, especially if we consider, that to deserve that Name, his Go∣ings must be likewise true, as well as graceful and easie. If you are a Breeder, I refer you to my Directions Chap. VII. where I discourse about breeding Pads as well as other Horses: But if you must buy, take in short these following Di∣rections, which may be some help to you in choosing your Pads, and indeed almost all other Horses.

The Marks of a good Horse.

THe Marks of Beauty and Goodness in a Horse are these; his Ears should be small, thin and sharp, carrying them well; or if they be long, but well set on, upright and moving, it is not amiss. His Face should be lean and bo∣ny, his Forehead swelling outwards, and the Feather of his Face set pretty high, that is, above his Eyes, or at the top of them; and if he is mark'd with white (provided it is not too much) upon his Face, or the ship of his Nose, so much the better. His Eyes should be round, black and shining, standing out from his Head: His Cheek∣bones or Chaps, should be lean and thin, with the space between them wide, and free from knots or kernels; and his Wind-pipe large. His Nostrils should be dry and wide, so that upon the least straining a fiery redness is seen in them. His Muzzle should be small, his Mouth deep, and his Lips should shut tite and well, the Upper being about an Inch longer than the Lower. The next thing to be observed is his Teeth, by which (now it falls in our way) I shall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 you direction to know a Horses Age.

To know the Age of a Horse.

YOu must remember that a Horse, when he has all his Teeth, hath just Forty; that is, Four and twenty Grinders, Twelve on each side, Six above, and Six below, on the same side; then Twelve Gatherers, Six above and Six below, on the fore part of his Mouth, which makes Six and Thirty; and lastly four Tushes, one above and one below on each side, which makes up the Forty. The first year he has his Foals Teeth, which are only Grinders and Gatherers, without any Tushes; they are small and white. The se∣cond year the four foremost Teeth will appear browner and bigger than the rest. The third year he changes the next to them, and leaves no Foals Teeth before, but Two upon each side above, and the same below. The fourth year he changes the next to them, and leaves but one upon each side above, and the same below. The fifth year his foremost Teeth are all chang∣ed, his Tushes being compleat on each side, and the Teeth that came in the room of the last Foals Teeth which he cast, are hollow, having a little black Speck in the middle, which is called the Mark in a Horses Mouth, and so continues till the eighth year, or thereabouts. The sixth year he has new Tushes, about the bottom of which you may see a little Circle of new Flesh, and the Tushes will be white, small, and sharp. The seventh

year all his Teeth are grown to perfection, and the Mark in his Mouth (as we call it) is very plain to be seen. The Eighth year all his Teeth are full and smooth, the Mark being scarce visi∣ble, and his Tushes grow yellower. The Ninth year his foremost Teeth shew longer, yellower and fouler than before, and his Tushes grow blunt. I will go no farther, because I would not ad∣vise you to meddle with old Horses. But to return to our business in hand. [ 10]

The Shape of a Fine Horse.

FRom his Head look down to the Breast, which should be broad and beautified with Feathers. His Fore-Thighs to the Knees should be firm and sinewy without any swelling, and his Knees should be close knit, carrying an equal proportion. From the Knees to the Pasterns his [ 20] Legs should be clean and nervous, and the In∣side of his Knees should be free from any Seam, Scar or Scab. His Pasterns should be well knit, and not too long, and he should tread right upon them. His Hoofs should be black, smooth, tough and hollow, and rather a little long than round. For the Shape of his Neck and Crest, and the setting on of his Head, I refer you to Chap. VII. The Chine of his Back should be broad, eaven and strait; his Ribs round in com∣pass [ 30] and bending outwards, and his Fillets strong and short. He should be Home-ribb'd, and his Body should be well let down. His But∣tocks should be round, full and plump, lying in a level with the rest of his Body. His Gascoyns should be full and brawny, being well let down as far as the Middle-Joynt, which should be nothing but Skin, Bones, Veins and Sinews; and his Hind-Legs clean and sinewy. These are generally marks of Beauty and Goodness, and the [ 40] more a Horse has of them the better; for I never yet saw a Horse compleatly perfect.

To observe these things exactly, you should do well to have the Horse you intend to buy, stript naked and led out before you; and when you have viewed him all over, having some able and trusty Farrier with you to make en∣quiry into those hidden Maladies, which might escape your own or anothers search, you have only to examine his Goings, which must be true [ 50] and nimble, with ease to himself as well as his Rider.

But the surest way of Buying is to be ac∣quainted with good Breeders, and taking Young Horses that are but just Backt, to have them Man••g'd and ordered according to your own fancy.

If you have lived altogether in the Country, or have never learnt to Ride of a Master, nor indeed never design any such thing, as having [ 60] no inclinations to Military Affairs or Martial Exercises (as it is not necessary all Gentlemen should) however it is very commendable and Gentile to see you get up your Horse with a good Air, and to sit handsomly; though it be only upon the Road, or a Hunting, Hawking, or the like; and to hold your Reins like a Horsman, knowing which way to guide, and stop without Jobbing and spoiling his Mouth, and making such odious and ridiculous Postures that some are apt to do. To which end you may be pleased to take notice thereof, and to consider what has been said concerning the Art of Riding, Chap. IX. and endeavour to put so much of it in practice as you shall find sutable to your In∣clinations, especially that which relates to Mounting, and the true Posture of a good Hors∣man; and if you would have that Character, never Ride upon the Road in a Jocky-Cap or Snaffle-Bridle; but with a Bit and Pistols well adjusted and fitted to your Pad.

I speak this to such that are not at leisure, or unwilling to learn in an Academy; for though I think it absolutely necessary for those that are Martially inclined, and requisite for all the rest of the Nobility and Gentry, as it is a Manly and Gentile accomplishment to Ride well: Yet it is better to know something, than to be ignorant of all; and for those that will not learn of others, to get what they can of themselves.

If you are a compleat Horsman, you will take delight in having your Pads stop, and turn readily, and to make them be put a little upon the Haunch, which will render them in∣finitely agreeable.

CHAP. XIII.

Of Horses for the Coach, Wagon, Burthen, &c.

I Need not say much concerning the Coach, Wagon, Carriage, Burthen, and the like, it being not quite so difficult to find Horses pro∣per for those uses, as for what hath been said in the fore-going Chapters.

For your Coach in Town Dutch or Flanders Horses are best (for which see Chap. V.) in the choosing of which observe that they be well quartered and short Backt; that they have strait and sound Limbs; that they Trot well and nim∣bly; that their Eyes be good, and that they carry good Bodies; not but that I would have you examine them at large, according to all the Rules of Beauty and Goodness: But because the contraries to what I here particularly name are the most frequent and usual faults in these kind of Horses.

In the Country, or for Travelling, our English Horses are the best, if well chosen; for their size the best is about Fifteen Hands and an half high, and they must be Squat and well Trust, with sound Legs and Feet, &c. In observing their Trot, take notice if they lift up their Feet nimbly and evenly, and keep their middle Joynts behind wide asunder, 'tis very good.

For Carriages, Wagons, Servants, and all sort of Drudgery, you have nothing to do, but to make choice of plain and strong Horses that are

in health and vigour, and withal free from Ma∣ladies, their business being nothing but Servile labour; only be sure that your Baggage Horses above all have short and strong Backs, and be of a pretty large size.

CHAP. XIV. [ 10]

Of Riders, Keepers, Grooms, &c.

THE Business of a Rider being to Back, Mouth and Manege young Horses, he ought to be very skilful and adroit, bold and firm on Horse-back, with a just and even hand, being exactly perfect in all the Lessons, Aids, and [ 20] the like, that are to be taught a Horse, either for the War, Pleasure, &c. He ought to suit to every Horse such a Bridle and Saddle as is fit∣test for him. He should be a Man of Temper and Judgment, never beating a young Horse, but when he is forced to it, and this with dis∣cretion, endeavouring if possible to win him by sweetness and good usage; and withal this, He should be sober and diligent, for without that he will not be able; and unless he is diligent, he [ 30] will be unwilling to perform his Duty with that exactness which is requisite in such an Employ∣ment.

By Keepers, I mean such as have the keeping Runing Horses; and that you may the better know their business, I will give you the Method of a Runing Stable. You must have for every Runing Horse, a little Boy to Ride him his Airings, Water-Courses, and the like: And over all these a Keeper, who orders and overlooks the whole [ 40] business of Dyeting and Exercising; for which end he must understand all that which belongs to the keeping of a Runing Horse. See Chap. XIX.

A Groom should be sturdy, healthful and strong; His business is to understand the ordinary ways of Keeping all sorts of Horses; that is, for the War, Pleasure, Travel, and the like. And above all, he ought to be free from Drinking; for the best Groom in the World, when he is Drunk, is in [ 50] danger of spoiling his Horse by Heats, Colds, and their giddy brain••d Extravagancies.

In general; As for all sorts of Servants in and about your Stables, be sure that they under∣stand their respective places, and deport them∣selves well therein; for good Servants (well ordered) conduce very much to the preservation of your Horses, and have always a good Equi∣pago. [ 60]

CHAP. XV.

Of Keeping, Dyeting and Order∣ing the Runing Horse.

IN the keeping of Runing Horses, unless a Man has Experience and Practice, the best Rules imaginable are insufficient; but because it is im∣possible to set up without a Fond, and build with∣out a Foundation, I shall give you some Dire∣ctions, leaving you still the liberty to vary or add according to your own Observation, as occasion requires.

There are Three States of Body in which a Horse may be.

1. Fat and Foul.

2. Lean and Poor.

3. In a moderate State between both.

Now you must be sure to proportion and order the Dyet and Exercise of your Horse sutable to the state and condition he is in. You must also (for the same end) have a special re∣gard to the particular Nature and Constitution of every Horse: But your own Remarks (upon due Practice) and common Reason will direct you sufficiently in these Points. For is it not very reasonable to take more time to bring a Foul Horse to sharp Exercise, than one that is already in a pretty tolerable condition; and that a Horse of a spending nature ought not to have so violent Exercise, as one of a harder temperament? I will therefore pitch upon a Fat Horse, that being the difficultest of the Three, and examine how to bring him into such a good order, that he shall perform his Course to the best advantage; and by discoursing of this, you will know how to deal with the other two.

If therefore you match a Horse that is fat and foul, either by runing at Grass, or standing at Soil, by too high keeping, or by any other means of rest, for the first fifteen days at least, rise by day-break, and having put on his Bridle washt in Beer, and tyed to the Rack cleans the Stable from the Duug, and then dress him very well, that is to say, first Curry him all over from the Head to the Tail, from the top of his Shoulder to his Knee, and from the top of his Buttock to his hinder Gambril; then dust him all over with a Horse Tail, or a clean dusting-cloath, then curry, or rub him all over with the French-Brush, beginning at his forehead, Temples and Cheeks, so down his Neck, Shoulders and Fore-legs to his Hoofs, then along his Sides, and under his Belly, and lastly his Buttocks, and Hinder-legs; then rub him all over with your wet hand, not leav∣ing as near as you can one loose Hair about him, nor one wet Hair, because you must keep rub∣ing him until he is rub'd dry with your hands. Then with your wet hand cleang his Sheath, his Yard, his Stones and his Tuel, and indeed you must not leave any secret place uncleansed, as his Ears, Nostrils, Fore-Bowels, and between his hinder Thighs. This done, take a Hair-cloth and rub him all over, but especially his Face,

Eyes, Checks, between his Chops, the Nape of his Neck, and down his Legs, Fetlocks, and about his Pasterns. Having done all this, rub him all over with a clean Woollen-cloth, beginning at his Head, and so to every part of his Body as before directed; then take a wet Main-comb to comb his Main and Tail; when you have thus drest him, put over him his Body-cloth, which must be thicker for the Winter Season than for the Summer, for which fine Cotton is most fit; then [ 10] put on his Saddle, girting the foremost Girt pret∣ty strait, and the other a little slack, and wisp it on each side of the Horses Heart, that both the Girts may be of equal straitness; then put on a warm Breast-cloth, which may cover both his Shoulders.

When the Horse is thus drest, and made rea∣dy, take a little Beer in your Mouth, and Squirt it in his, and so lead him out of the Stable and mount him, leaving some of the Helpers to cleang [ 20] the Stable, and shake up the Litter, for besure that your Horse stands upon a good store of fresh dry Litter both night and day, which Litter should be Wheat-straw, if possible, or for want use Oa••-straw, but Barly and Rye-straw are esteem∣ed unwholsom, the one causing heart-burning, and the other scouring.

When you are thus mounted, walk forth your Horse a foot-pace (which is called Rakeing) for about two miles upon sound and smooth ground, [ 30] and if you can, upon hilly places, where gallop him gently, but rack, or walk him down gently that he may cool as much as you heated him, and by this time the Sun will be risen, so that you may walk him to some River or clean Pond, and per∣mit him to drink his fill; then Gallop and Exer∣cise him moderately as before, and having walk∣ed him a pretty space, offer him more Water; if he drink, then Gallop him again, but if he refuseth Gallop him to occasion thirst, and always exercise [ 40] him before and after drinking. And when he hath sufficiently drunk, bring him gently home with∣out a wet Hair; when you are come to the Sta∣ble Door alight, (his Litter being prepared for him) and by whistling, stretching the Horse upon the Straw, and raising the Straw up under him, see if you can cause him to Piss, which if at first he doth not, yet by accustoming him to it, he will soon be brought thereunto, for it is not only wholsom for him, but cleanly for the [ 50] keeping the Stable.

These things being performed bring him into his Stall, and first tye his Head up to the Rack in his Bridle, then with hard Wisps rub down his Fore-legs as hard as you can, then unloose his Breast-cloth, and rub his Head, Neck, and Breast very well with a dry Cloth, then take off his Saddle and Body-cloth, rubing his Body very well, especially his Back where the Saddle was, and so clothe him up with a Linen-sheet, over [ 60] which cast a good strong Housing-cloth, and over that his Woollen Body-cloth, which in the Winter may be lined with thin Cotton; then girt these Cloths on with his Sursingle, which stuff round, with reasonable big, and soft Wisps, which is more easie for him to lye down with, than with those small hard Wisps.

After he is thus Clothed up, pick his Feet, and stop them up with Cow-dung; then cast into his Rack a little bundle of Hay well dusted, and hard bound up, for him to tear out as he is bridled up, and having so stood about an hour and a half come to him, and first rub his Head, Face, and the Nape of his Neck, with a clean Rubber made of new rough Hempen-cloth, which is excellent for his Head, dissolving all gross and filthy hu∣mours, then draw his Bridle, and with a clean Cloth make the Manger so clean as possible, ta∣king away all the scattered Hay, and cast it into the Rack; then take about a Quart of sweet, dry, old, and clean Oats, the whitest, and hea∣viest being the best, for those that are musty breed infirmities, the Moist causeth swelling in the Body, the New breeds Worms and pain in the Belly, and those half-drest deceive the sto∣mach, and spoileth the Horse. The Black Oats are not so good as the White, because they make foul Dung, so that one can't so well know the State of his Body.

This Quart of Oats put into a Sieve that is somewhat less than a Riddle, and bigger than a Reeing-sieve, which will let the light Oats go through, but keep in the full plump ones: In this Sieve ree, dress, and toss them very well, that there is no dust or foul thing therein, and so give them your Horse, and if he eats them with a good Stomach, you may give him as much more so ordered; and so let him rest till about ele∣ven of the Clock, and then visit him again, and having rub'd his Neck, Head and Face, give him about the same quantity of Oats so drest and ordered as aforesaid; then shutting up the light that he may be in darkness, leave him till about one of the Clock: For the darker you keep him in your absence, the better it will occasion him to feed, and to lye down and take his rest; and therefore it is customary to arm the Stalls where the Horses stand, round about, and over the Rack with strong Canvass, as well for darkness as for warmth.

About one of the Clock give him the like quan∣tity of Oats drest as aforesaid, and after you have rub'd his Face, Head, the Nape of the Neck, and cleanged the Stable from the Dung, give him a little Knob of Hay, and so leave him till about four a Clock, if in the Summer, and three if in the Winter; then come again, cleang the Sta∣ble, and Bridle him up, having wet the Snaffle with Beer, and tyed him up to the Rack, then take off his Clothes and dress him in all points as before directed for the Morning, then Clothe and Saddle him as aforesaid, and bring him forth, using what means you can to make him piss and dung at the Stable door upon the foul Litter; then mount and ride him forth as in the Morning, but not to the Hills, choosing plain grounds near some River, and so give him his Airing, Gal∣loping him before and after his Water, then rake∣ing him gently up and down. In your rakeing you must observe in all your passages (especially when you would have him empty himself) to let him smell upon all the old and new Dung you meet with, which will make him empty his Bo∣dy, and repair his Stomach.

After you have watered him, and spent the Evening in Airing him (for nothing is more wholesom, or sooner consumeth foulness than early or late Airing) ride him home, and observe to do all that you did to him in the Morn∣ing as well within doors as without, and so leave him on his Bridle for above an hour; then go to him, rub him well, draw his Bridle, cleang his Manger, put up his scattered Hay, give him a∣bout a Quart of Oats well drest and sifted, and [ 10] so leave him till about Nine a Clock, then visit him again, first rubing down his Legs with hard Wisps, then with a clean Cloth rub his Face, Head, Neck, and foreparts, then turn up his Clths, rub his Buttocks, Fillets, and hinder parts, which done, put down his Clothes, give him another Quart of Oats, and put into his Rack a little bundle of Hay as before directed, then toss up his Litter to make his Bed soft, and so leave him till the next Morning, and then come to him early as [ 20] before directed, and do every thing as you did before. And thus keep him for the first Fortnight; in which by this double dayly exercise his Flesh will be so hard, and his foulness so consumed, that the next Fortnight (if you be a temperate Man) you may venture to give him gentle Heats.

As concerning his Heats observe these dire∣ctions, First that two Heats in a week is enough for any Horse of what state of Body soever. Se∣condly, that one Heat should be given upon that [ 03] day in the Week, on which he is to be run his Match, as for Example; If your Match is to be run upon a Munday, then your fittest heating days are Mondays, and Frydays, and the Monday, to be always the sharper Heat, because it is the day of the Match, and there is three days res∣pite betwixt it and the other Heat: If the Match day be on a Tuesday, then the Heating days are Tuesdays and Saturdays: If on Wednesdays, then the Heating days are Wednesdays and Saturdays; and [ 40] if on Thursdays, then the Heating days are Thurs∣days and Mundays, and so of the rest. Thirdly, give no Heat (except in case of extremity) in rai∣ny or foul weather, but rather differ Hours and change Times, for it is unwholsom and dangerous; therefore in case of shours and uncertain weather be sure to provide for him a warm lined Hood with linen Ears, and the Nape of the Neck lined to keep out Rain, nothing being more dangerous than for cold wet to fall upon his Ears, the Nape [ 50] of his Neck, and his Fillets. Fourthly, give your Heats (provided the Weather be seasonable) as early in the Morning as possible, that is, by day-break.

As to your second Fortnights keeping, observe all things, as before directed for the first Fortnight, only before you put on his Bridle, give him a∣bout a Quart of Oats clean sifted, which as soon as he has eaten, bridle him up, and dress him in all particulars as in the first Fortnight, also Clothe, [ 60] Saddle, Air, Water, and bring him home in all points as in the first Fortnight, only put no Hay in his Rack to tear out, but only draw with your hand as much fine sweet Hay well dusted as you can well gripe, and let him as he stands on the Bridle tear it out of your hand, which if he doth greedily, then give him another, and ano∣ther, and so let him stand on the Bridle about an hour, then come to him, and after rubing, and other ceremonies performed as aforesaid, sift and dress about a Quart of Oats, and set them by; then take a Loaf of Bread that is three days or more old made after this manner.

Take three Pecks of clean Beans, and one of good Wheat, mix them together, and grind them to fine Meal, then sift it through a fine Seive, and knead it with a little Water, and a good quantity of Yest to make it light, and so let it lye for some space to make it light before you make it up into Loaves, which must be well baked.

At three days old you may give your Horse some of it, but not sooner, new Bread being dangerous, occasioning Surfeits; but if you are constrained to give it sooner, or that it is then damp or clammy, then cut it into thin Slices and lay it to dry, and so crumble it amongst his Oats.

But to return to our former discourse. This Bread of three days old chip very well, and cut into thin slices (as much as may countervail the quantity of Oats) very small, and mixt with the Oats, and so give them your Horse.

About Eleven a Clock visit your Horse, and ha∣ving performed your By-ceremonies before treated of, give him the same quantity of Bread and Oats as you did in the Morning, and so let him rest till the Afternoon; and about one of the Clock, or after, if you intend to give him an Heat the next day, feed him with Bread and Oats, as you did in the Forenoon, and so con∣sequently every Meal following for that day, ob∣serving every thing as before directed you.

But if you intend the next day to give him an Heat, then only give him a Quart of good clean sweet Oats, and as soon as he has eaten them, put on his Bridle, and tye him up, not forgetting all the aforesaid Ceremonies; then Dress him, Clothe him, Saddle, Air and Water him as before directed; and when you bring him home, order him as before shewed, only give him no Hay; after he hath stood about an hour on the Bridle, give him another Quart of clean Oats, which when he hath eaten, put on his Head a sweet clean wash't Muzzle, and so let him rest till about Nine of the Clock at Night.

As concerning the use of the Muzzle, and which is the best, you must know that as they are most useful, being rightly made, so they are hurtful if falsly made: The true use of them is to keep your Horse from eating up his Litter, from gnawing upon Boards and Mud-walls, and to be short, from eating any thing but what he receives from your hand. These Muzzles are sometimes made of Leather, and stampt full of Holes, or else close, but they are not wholsome; for if it be alom'd Leather, the Alome is offen∣sive, if liquor'd, the Grease and Ouze are as bad; besides, they are too close and too hot, occasioning oft-times sickness in your Horse, and to keep his Dung longer in his Body than otherwise he would do.

The best Summer Muzzle is the Net-muzzle••▪ made of strong Packthread thick knit, with small Mashes at the bottom, and waxing wider and

wider up to the middle of the Horses head, and bound about the top with strong Tape, having on the near side a Loop, and on the far side a long String of Tape to be fastned to the Horses head.

The best Winter Muzzle is made of strong double Canvas, with a round bottom, and a square Lettice Window of small Tape before his Nostrils, down to the bottom of the Muzzle; and this must also have a Loop and a String to fasten it to his Head as the other. [ 10]

At Nine of the Clock at Night visit your Horse again, and having performed your By-ceremonies as aforesaid, give him a quart of clean sifted Oats, and as soon as he hath eat them, put on his Muzzle, toss up his Litter, and leave him for that Night. The next Morning very early go to him, and if he is laid, do not disturb him, but im∣ploy your time until he riseth, by sifting and cleaning a quart of Oats, which rub between your hands, and wash them in a little Ale or [ 20] strong Beer, but not too moist, and so give it him; as soon as he has eaten them, bridle him up, hang by his Muzzle, unclothe him, and dress him as before directed; then put on his Body-cloth, his Breast-cloth, and so Saddle him; then being ready to go forth, take his Bridle Rein, draw it over the top of the Rack, then raise up his Head; then take a new laid Egg wash't clean, which break in his Mouth, and cause him to swallow it; after which wash his Tongue and [ 30] Mouth with a little Beer, and so lead him forth, observing the former Directions to cause him to Piss or Dung; then mount him, and rake him gently to the Course; and every while make him to smell upon other Horses Dung, whereby to cause him to empty himself the better.

When you are come within about a Mile of the Starting Post, alight and take off his Body-cloth and Breast-cloth, girting on his Saddle again; and having sent away your Groom with those Clothes, and [ 40] the clean dry Rubbing-clothes, let him stay at the last end of the Race till you come; then rake him gently up to the Starting Post and beyond; make him smell to that Post, as also to the first Post, which is called the weighing Post, that he may thereby take notice of the beginning and end of his Course. And there start him round∣ly at near a three quarter Speed, and according to his strength of Body, Ability, and chearfulness of Spirit, run him the whole Course through, but [ 50] be sure to do nothing in extremity, that is, a∣bove his Strength or Wind, but when you find him a little yield, give him easy, so that all he doth may be with Pleasure to him; for this man∣ner of Training will make him take delight in his Labour, and so increase it; the contrary will make his Exercise irksome to him.

During the time that you thus Course him, ob∣serve upon what Ground he runs best, that is, upon the hilly, smooth, or rough Ground; and [ 60] according as you find his Nature, so order your Course.

Having thus coursed the Course strongly and swiftly, and after a little slightly Gallop him up and down the Field to rake his Wind, and chear his Spirits (your Groom being ready with your Clothes and other Necessaries) Ride to some warm place out of the Wind, as under some Tree or Hedge, where alight, and with a grasing or scra∣ping Knife, which is commonly made of some broken Sword Blade or Sythe, or for want there∣of of a thin piece of old hard oaken Wood, fashi∣oned like a broad long Knife, with a sharp Edge, and using it with both your hands, scrape off all the swet from every part about him; and thus do until you find there is no more swet arise; and ever and anon move him up and down, and then with dry Clothes rub him very well all o∣ver; then take off the Saddle, and having scra∣ped and rub'd his Back, put on his Body-cloth and Breast-cloth, then his Saddle, well girted on, then Gallop him gently forth, and again a little space after rubbing his Head, Neck, and Body as you sit on his Back; then walk him about the Fields or Downs to cool him, and when you find that he dries apace, rake him gently homewards, sometimes Raking and sometimes Galloping, but do not bring him to the Stable until he is quite dry, and when so, then dismount, and indeavour to make him Piss and empty himself; then lead him into his Stall, and gently tye his Head up to the Rack with his Bridle; which done pre∣sently, as having prepared it before, give him this following Scowring.

Take a pint of good Canary, an ounce of pure clear Rosin bruised to fine dust, and brew them together very well until incorporated together, then put thereto a pint of good Sallad Oyl, and brew them also well together; and lastly, take an ounce and an half of brown Sugar-candy, fine∣ly beaten to powder, and mix them together; then mull all upon the Fire, and being luke-warm, and your Horse newly come in from his Heat, as before shewed you, draw his Head up to the Rack, and with a Drenching Horn give him this Scowring, which is strong, and taketh away all manner of molten Grease and foulness whatso∣ever.

As soon as you have given him this Scowring, presently let his Legs be rub'd, and take off his Saddle and Clothes, and finding his Body dry, run slightly over it with your Curry-Comb, and af∣ter with a Brush, then dust well, and lastly rub over his whole Body with dry Clothes, especially his Head, Nape of the Neck, and about his Heart; then Clothe him up warm as at other times, and whisp him round with great warm Whisps, and if you throw over him a little lose Blanket, it will not be amiss, especially if the Season is cold.

Your Horse must fast two hours after the ra∣king the Scouring, all which time continue with him, and keep him stirring, using some noise, for nothing is worse than to sleep or rest at such a time, and hindereth the operation of the Medi∣cine, whereas stiring enliveneth the Spirits, and stirs up those humors that should be removed. After he hath thus fasted upon his Bridle, take a handful of Wheat-ears (being your Pollard that is without rough Beards) but before you give it him, put your hands under his Clothes against his Heart, also upon his Fillets, Flanks, and on the neither part of his Thighs, and if you find any new swet to arise, or any coldness of swet, or if you find his Body to beat, or his breath to

move fast, then do not give him any thing; for it is a sign that there is much foulness stirred up by the Medicine, and so maketh him sick; there∣fore in such case only take off his Bridle, put on his Collar, and toss up his Litter that he may lye down, and suffer him to take his rest for a∣bout Two hours, leaving the Stable dark and free from Noise. But if you find no such symptoms of Sickness, then proffer him the said Ears of Wheat by two or three at a time, and if he eats [ 10] the handful, give him another; then give him a little Bundle of Hay as before directed, and draw his Bridle, rubbing his Head well. About an hour after he hath had his Hay, sift him a quart of good Oats, to which put two or three hand∣suls of spletted Beans, which must be very clean drest from the hulls, so that there may be nothing but the spleted Beans themselves; to these Oats and Beans break two or three good shives of Bread, clean chipt, which give him, and so leave [ 20] him for two or three hours. At Evening before you dress your Horse, give him the like quan∣tity of Oats, Beans, and Bread, and when he has eaten them, bridle him up, and dress him as be∣fore directed; then clothe him up, but neither saddle him, nor ride him forth for this Evening after his Heat (he being inwardly foul, and the Scowring yet working in his Body) he must not drink any Water. But after he hath stood about an hour and a half upon his Bridle, take three [ 30] pints of clean sifted Oats, and wash them in strong Ale or Beer, and so give it him, which will inwardly cool and refresh him, so well as if he had drank Water. Then having rested a lit∣tle while, feed him well that Night at his feed∣ing times with Oats and splet Beans, or Oats and Bread, or altogether, or each apart, as you find his Stomach best inclined unto; then put some Hay in his Rack before you leave him, and go to Bed. [ 40]

The next day very early first Feed, then Dress, Clothe; Saddle, and Air him abroad, giving him Water as hath been shewed before; then bring him home, and feed him with Oats, Beans, and Bread as aforesaid, but give him very little Hay, and keep your Heating days, and the preparation the day before as hath been shewed without any o∣mission, or addition. Thus you shall spend the second Fortnight, in which your Horse having received four sound Heats, and as many Scowrings, [ 50] there is no doubt but his Body will be inwardly clean, then the third Fortnight order him accord∣ing to the following Rules.

The third Fortnight make his Bread finer than before, after this manner; take two Pecks of clean Beans, and as many of fine Wheat, grind them on the black Stones, searce them through a fine Range, and knead it up with Yest to make it light, then work it up, and bake it as the former.

With this Bread, (having the Crust cut away, [ 60] and being old) with clean sifted Oats, and clean splet Beans feed him this Fortnight, as you did the former Fortnight; also you must observe his Heating-days, and the day before his Heat, as in the former Fortnight, only with these Differences.

First give him not his Heats so violent as be∣fore, but with a little more pleasure, and not overstrain him; next, do not after his Heats when he comes home, give him any more of the for∣mer Scowring, but instead thereof, immediately upon the end of the Heat, after he is a little cooled and clothed up, and in the same place where you rub him, by drawing his Head up a∣loft as you set in the Saddle, or raising it up o∣therwise, give him a Ball somewhat bigger than a French Walnut with the Rind and all, of that Confection before mentioned, being the true manner of making the Cordial Balls.

But to return to our former Discourse: Having thus spent the three first Fortnight, the fourth and last Fortnight you must make the Bread much finer than either of the former; as thus: Take three Pecks of fine Wheat, and one Peck of clean Beans, grind them to Powder on the black Stones, and bolt them through the finest Bolter you can get; then knead it up with very sweet Ale-Yest, and new strong Ale, with the Whites of about Twenty Eggs: Do not put in any Water, but instead thereof you may put in a little new Milk; then work it up, knead∣ing it well; then bake it, and order it according to your former Directions.

With this Bread (the Crust being cut clean a∣way, and with Oats sunned, beaten and rub'd over with your hands, then new winnowed, sif∣ted, and fine drest, and with the purest spleted Beans) feed your Horse at his ordinary feeding times, after such manner as you did the last Fort∣night.

Keep his Heating days the first Week of this last Fortnight as you did in the former Fortnight, only forbearing one Heat the last Week, and not give him any Heat, at the least for five days be∣fore his Match, but give him long and strong Airings to keep him in Wind; nor need you give him this Fortnight any Scowrings.

If in this Fortnight Morning and Evening, you burn in your Stable, upon a Chasing-dish of Coals, some good Frankincense, or Olibanum mixt with Storax and Benjamin, to perfume and sweeten the place, it is very good for him, and he will take great delight therein. And in this Fortnight, when you give him any wash't Meat, wash it not in Ale or Beer, but in the Whites of Eggs, or Muskadine which is less pursie. Also in this Fortnight give him no Hay but what he takes out of your Hand after his Heats, except he is a very bad Feeder, very tender, and a great Belly∣loser.

The last week of this Fortnight, if he is a foul Feeder, use the Muzzle continually; but if he is a clean Feeder, and will touch no Litter, then three days before your Match it is convenient to use the Muzzle.

In the Morning before the Match, feed well both before and after Airing and Water, as at o∣ther times before Noon; and after Noon lessen his Meat a little.

Before and after Evening Airing feed him as at Noon, and water as at other times; but be sure to come before Sun-set.

This day cool him, shoe him, and do all ex∣traordinary things of Ornament about him, pro∣vided there be nothing to give him offence, or to

hinder his Feeding, or any other material or be∣neficial Action: For sometimes it happens that when they have been shoed with light shoes, and other actions of Ornament done about them the Night before the Course, they have taken such notice thereof, that they have refused both to eat and to lye down; but such Horses are old, and long-experienced in this Exercise: For as to the nice and strait platting up of their Tails, although Ornamental, yet I do not much approve thereof, [ 10] by reason it may give offence to the Horse, there∣fore forbear those unnecessary Ornaments. And as to the necessary things to be done to him, rather do them the day before, because on the Morning of the Course he should find no trouble or vexa∣tion.

On the Match Day come to him very early, take off his Muzzle, rub his Head well, and give him a pretty quantity of Oats washt in Mus∣kadine, or in the Whites of Eggs; but if he re∣fuseth [ 20] them, then give him fine drest Oats, dry and mixt with a little Wheat, or with your lightest Bread, and as to Beans give him none: Of any of these Foods give him but such a small quantity, as may keep life and soul together; then if he be a Horse that is an evil emptier, retaining his Meat long, walk him abroad, and in the places where he useth to Empty there entice him to Empty; which as soon as he hath done, bring him home, put on his Muzzle, and [ 30] let him rest until you have notice to make ready and lead forth: But if he be a free Emptier, then you need not stir him, suffering him to lye quiet.

When you have notice to prepare for leading him forth, then come to him, and having washt his Snaffle in a little Muskadine, take off his Muzzle and Bridle him up; but if you think him too Empty, you may give him three or four Mouthfuls of the washt Meat last men∣tioned, [ 40] and then Bridle him up and dress him. After you have pitcht your Saddle and Girts with Shoemakers-Wax, put it on his back, girting it as gently as may be, so as he may have a feeling, but no straitness; then lay a Sheet over the Saddle next his Skin, and over it his ordinary Cloths, Wisping them about with soft Wisps; then if you have a Counter-pane or Cloth of State for shew sake, fasten it above all. All these things being done and you are ready [ 50] to draw out, then take half a Pint of the best Muskadine, and give it him in a Horn, and so lead him away.

In all your Leadings upon the Course, of gentle and calm motions, suffering him to smell upon every Dung that thereby he may empty himself, and in special places of advantage, as where you shall find Rushes, long Grass, Heath, or the like, walk him and entice him to Piss; but if you find no such help, then in special [ 60] places upon the Course, and principally towards the latter end, and having used the same means before, break some of your Wisps under his Belly to cause him to Piss. And in your Leading, if any white or thick Froth or Foam arise about his Mouth, wipe it away with a clean Handker∣chief, carrying a small Bottle of clear Water with you to wash his Mouth now and then with.

When you come to the place of Starting, be∣fore you unclothe him, rub and chase his Legs with hard Wisps; then pick his Feet and wash his Mouth with Water; then unclothe him, Mount his Rider and Start fair, and so with Success unto him.

The Course being perform'd, you must order him, as after a sharp Heat; for which I refer you to my Directions about Heats.

CHAP. XVI.

Of Keeping any Horse for Plea∣sure, Hunting, Travel, &c.

I Would have your Keeper of these Horses to rise early in the Morning by Day-break, or before, according to the Season of the Year, and to sift your Horse about three Pints of good dry old Oats, and put thereto one or two hand∣fuls of spleted Beans with the Husks, and give it him. After he has eaten them, let him dress him according to the order of good Horsmanship; that is, First Curry with the Comb, then Dust, then rub with the Brush; then Dust and rub with your wet Hands, after that with a clean Woollen-cloth, next with a clean Linnen-cloth; then pick all obscure places, and lastly Comb down his Main and Tail. Having thus done, Saddle him and ride him forth to Water, warm∣ing him very moderately both before and after Water, and so bring him home without Sweat. Then after you have rubbed him all over, Clothe him and let him stand on his Bridle above an hour; after which give him the former quantity of the said Provender, and when he hath eaten it, give him in his Rack a pretty Bundle of Hay, and so let him rest until after Dinner, and then give him the former quantity of the said Provender and so let him rest till the Evening; only give him more Hay, if occasion requires. At Evening Dress him well, according to the Directions for the Morning; then Ride him forth to Water, observing the same Method as in the Morning; and when you come home Dress and Clothe him up, as aforesaid, and let him stand on his Bridle as before; then give him the former quantity of Provender, letting him rest till about Nine of the Clock, at which time give him the former quantity of Provender, and a pretty good Bun∣dle of Hay, and so leave him till the Morn∣ing.

This Method observe concerning his ordinary Keeping at home where he hath Rest, and that you may dispose of Hours at your pleasure; but if you are on a Journey, or the like, so that you can't observe these Times, then divide the main and whole quantity of Meat into four parts, and by consequence into greater quantities, and give him them at the best conveniency, always ob∣serving

to give the least quantity before Travel, as a third part before taking Horse, and the two others after you come to Rest.

The reason of my dividing his Meals is, be∣cause it is very advantagious for the Horse; for to give it him at twice fills the Stomach more, makes the Digestion worse and the Appetite weak; whereas to give little and often, makes the Stomach always craving, the Digestion al∣ways ready, and the Appetite never wanting. [ 10] I must confess it is a greater trouble, requiring more attendance; but who will be sparing of his Grooms pains for the benefit of a good Horse?

If you intend to give him an Heat, as to Hunt, Travel, Gallop, or the like, which were not amiss to do two or three times a Week; then observe all your former Observations, only the Night before give him little or no Hay. In the Morning early before his Heat, and before his [ 20] Dressing, give him three or four handfuls of clean sifted Oats, washt either in strong Ale or Beer; then Dress him, Saddle him, and give him his Heat. But if it be sudden and violent, then let it be when he hath very well emptied him∣self.

After his Heat rub him very well, and bring him dry into the Stable; then Clothe him up warm, and let him stand on his Bridle about two Hours; then give him a little Bundle of Hay to [ 30] tear out upon his Bridle, and an hour after feed him, as hath been already shewed, only with the first Oats give him an handful or more of Hemp-seed well dusted and mixed.

At Night warm him a little Water and give it him luke-warm; then about an hour after give him his Provender, with a pretty good Bundle of Hay, and so let him rest till the next Morn∣ing.

The next Morning do all things as in his ordi∣nary [ 40] Keeping.

Let him stand on Litter both Night and Day; but change it often, and keep the Planks clean.

If you intend to Travel a Journey, in the Morning then give him no Hay, or but little the Night before: If you take your Journey in the Afternoon, then give no Hay, or but little in the Morning.

In your Journey ride moderately the first [ 50] hour or two, but after according to your occa∣sions or fancy. Water before you come to your Inn, if possible; but if you can't, then give warm Water in the Inn after he is fully cooled.

Oil of Trotters is excellent, being applied very warm and well chafed in, for the keeping of his Sinews and Limbs nimble, as also to help lameness and stiffness.

Neither Wash your Horse, nor Walk him; for the first endangereth Foundring in the Body or [ 60] Feet, and breedeth all Surfeits, and the latter is the ground of all strong Colds, which turn to Glanders and Rottenness: But if necessity compel you to either, as foul Ways and long Stays, then rather wash his Legs with Pails of Water at the Stable-Door, than to wash him in a Pond or River. And for Walking, rather sit on his Back to keep his Spirits stirring, than to lead him in the hand.

This is sufficient Directions for clean and ordi∣nary Keeping a Horse.

CHAP. XVII.

Of several Excellent Medicines for curing Maladies most frequent in Horses.

TO Treat at large of Medicines and Far∣riery would take up a Volume it self; Markham, Snape, and others have done it al∣ready; and all Gentlemen that keep good Horses have their particular Farriers, in the choosing of whom they ought to be very cautious. This Chapter gives you some particular Medicines and Directions for such Maladies and Mischances that very often happen, being such as have been Approved of by Persons of Quality, and very good Horsmen. But for as much as he is e∣steemed a better Horsman, that can keep his Horse in good health (by preventing such like Maladies) than he that can cure them, I shall begin with some Observations relating thereunto. And first,

Of Sickness in General.

WHensoever you perceive your Horse to forsake his Meat, to Droop, or shew any Symptom of Sickness, if it be not great, forbear letting Blood, which is a great weakning of the Spirits; but if the Signs be great and dangerous, then let Blood immediately; and for three Mornings together (the Horse being Fasting) give him half an Ounce of a Powder called Diabexaple, brewed either in a Pint of fine Syrup of Sugar, or for want thereof the like quantity of Molosses; also a Pint of Dragon-Water, or Carduus-Water, or a Quart of sweet strong Alewort will do as well; This Drench give him in a Horn, and if he is of ability of Body, Ride him after it in some warm place, suffering him to Fast about two hours: At Noon give him a sweet Mash, Clothe him warm, and let him not drink cold Water.

This Diahexaple Powder being not commonly known, and by consequence not rightly pre∣pared, I shall here give the Receipt to make it.

Take of the Grains of Ivory, Paradice and Myrrh, of the Roots Gentian, Enula Campana and Turmerick, of each a like quantity; then beat and searce them into a subtile Powder, and give him such a quantity thereof as before directed. This comforts and strengthens the inward Parts, helps the Lungs, resists putrefaction of Humors, opens Obstructions, and if taken in time, not only re∣covers him, but prevents many Distempers.

Observations relating to Sickness.

IF you find in your Horse a shortness of Breath, loathing of his Meat, an heaviness of Coun∣tenance, dull Eyes, staring Hair, a rotten or dry Cough, an extream Loosness, or costiveness, yel∣lowness of the Eyes and Skin, no casting his Loat, lean and hide-bound, to have a staggering Pace, a Frantick Behaviour, extraordinary lying down, [ 10] or beating himself, or a faint or cold Sweat, all these are apparent signs of Sickness.

Observations from the Dung.

YOU ought to observe his Dung, which is a certain Rule to know the condition of his Inward Parts; yet before he passeth his Judg∣ment, he ought to consider what Feeding he hath had, which is a great matter. For example, if [ 20] the Dung be of a pale and whitish yellow Com∣plexion, and clear, hanging together without se∣paration, more than as the weight breaks it in the falling, being neither too Thick nor too Thin, these are Signs of his being clean, well fed, and free from Maladies; if it be well coloured, yet fall from him in round knots, then' its a Sign of soul feeding, and he hath either too much Hay, and too little Corn, or Oats, too much Litter. If his Dung be redish and hard, then he hath had [ 30] too Strong Heats, and Costiveness will follow; if it be pale and loose, it denotes inward coldness of Body, or too much moist Feeding; if it be in round Pellets, and blackish, or brown, it shews inward heat in the Body; if it be Greasy, it shews foulness, and of that Grease is molten, but can't come away; if he voids Grease in Gross Substance with his Dung, if the Grease be white and clear, then it comes away kindly, and there is no danger, but if it be yellow and putrified, then the Grease [ 40] hath lain long in the Body, and Sickness will fol∣low if not prevented.

Concerning Feeding.

OBserve that if there be any Drink, or Meat that is good for the Horse, and if he refuse to take it, do not force him to it, but use gentle Means, tempting him when he is most Thirsty, or Hungry; also mix the Drink, or Meat he lov∣eth [ 50] best, with that which he loveth worst, till both be made Familiar unto him.

Concerning the State of his Body.

YOU must observe that the Strongest State of Body, which is the Highest of Flesh, provided it is good, hard and without inward foulness is the best; yet you must take notice that his Shape and Fee••ing are to be considered: As [ 60] to his Shape of Body, some that be round, plump, and close knit will appear fat, when really they are lean and in Poverty; and others that are Raw-boned, Slender, and loose knit together, will ap∣pear Lean, Deformed and Poor, when they are Fat, Foul, and full of Gross Humours: So like∣wise as to their Feeding, some will Feed outward∣ly carrying a thick Rib, when inwardly they are Clean, and without all manner of Foulness; and there be others (as the latter) that appear clean to the Eye, shewing nothing but Skin and Bone, when they are full of inward Fatness; In this Case there are two helps, the one inward, and the other outward: The Inward help is only sharp Exercise which dissolves and Melts the Foulness, and strong Scourings, which will bring it away: The outward Help is Handling and Feeling his Body, especially his Ribs towards his Flank, and if his Flesh gene∣rally handle loose and soft, your Fingers sinking or pitting in, 'tis a Sign of his Foulness; but if his Flesh be hard and firm, only upon his hindmost Rib it handles soft and Downy, 'tis a Sign there is Grease, and Foul Matter within, which must be removed, let him appear never so lean. If he be Fat and Thick, and as it were closed up be∣tween the Chaps, or if his Jaws handle full and Fleshy, 'tis a Sign of much Foulness, both in the Head and Body; but if he handle Thin, Clean, and only with some Lumps, or small Kirnels within his Chaps, in such case it is a Sign only of some cold newly taken.

Concerning his Hair.

YOU must well observe your Horses Hair in General, but especially his Neck, and those parts that are uncovered; for if they be sleek, smooth, and close, then he is in good Case, but if his Hair be rough and stareing, then he is in∣wardly cold at the Heart, wants Cloths and warm keeping, or else there is some Sickness creeping upon him.

Concerning Lameness, or Stiffness.

TAke notice that if your Horse be subject to Lameness, or Stiffness of Joynts or Sinews, Subbating or tenderness of Feet, first give him his Heats upon soft and smooth Ground, forbear∣ing hard and Stony High-ways or the like.

Observations from the Vrine.

ALthough it is the General Opinion that the V∣rine is a deceiver, yet something may be discovered thereby, viz. If the Vrine be of an High and Ruddy colour like Blood, then he hath been Over-ridden, or Ridden too early after Win∣ter-grass; if the Vrine carry a white cream on the top, it shews a weak Back, and a Consumption of Seed; if it be of a pale yellowish colour, ra∣ther thick than thin, and of a strong smell, it is an healthful, sound and good Vrine; if it be of an high Complexion, and clear like old March∣beer, his Body is inflamed, and he hath taken some Surfeit; A green Vrine shews a Consumpti∣on of the Body; Vrine with Bloody streaks, de∣notes an Vlcer in the Kidneys, and a black thick cloudy Vrine shews Death.

Concerning the Privy Parts.

IF your Horses Stones hang down, side or long from his Body, he is out of Heart or Lust,

and is either sick of Grease, or other foul Humours; but if they be close couched up, then he is in good plight and health.

Having given you these Observations concer∣ning the State and Condition of your Horse, our next business shall be to proceed to Diseases, and their Cures.

Receipts of Julips, Glisters, and Potions [ 10] for cooling a Horse, Over-heated by violent Exercise, approved of by the late Duke of New-Castle.

For a Cold.

TAke half a Pound of Honey, with as much Treakle mixt together, then take a Pound of Cumminseed, an Ounce of Bay-berries, and an [ 20] Ounce of Annyseeds all beaten to powder, which mix together, and put so much thereof into the Honey and Treakle, as will make it thick like a Hasty-puddin: This give your Horse both before and after his Riding.

To Comfort a Horse Over-ridden.

TAke a Pint of new Milk,, and put therein the Yolks of three new-laid Eggs well beaten, [ 30] three peniworth of Saffron, and two or three Spoon∣fulls of Sallet-Oyl, let them be luke-warm, and given to him in a Drenching-horn.

Honey is a very soveraign thing for the Lungs, for a Cold, and to open all obstructions; and if you put a good Spoonful thereof in his Oats for some time together, it will work notable effects, and recover a very pursey Horse.

Horses of great Exercise, or such as are over∣heated must be often let Blood, sometimes three [ 40] or four times in a few days, until you find good Blood to come.

To let a Horse Blood in the Mouth, and then to rub it with Salt, and cause him to drink his Blood, is an excellent thing; but you must purge him well, that his Grease may come away, for Horses of great Exercise would else be always foundred in the Body, and then they will never thrive, until that Melted Grease be brought a∣way. [ 50]

The best Purge is an Ounce of Alloessicatrina lap't up in fresh Butter, and made into Pills, which give him after he has rested a while. Then give him this following Julip.

Take Mell Rosarum, Conserve of Damask Ro∣ses, and Burrage, with Syrup of Violets, of each four Ounces, Burrage, Endive, Suckory, Bugloss, and Plantain-Water of each about a Pint and a half, which said Water and Conserves use thus. Put the Conserves into a Mortar, and beat them [ 60] together; then mix them well together with the Waters, and give it your Horse in a Drenching-horn cold, and if you add Syrup of Lemmons it is very good; of this Drink give him twice or thrice a week for about a Month, and let him rest afterwards, and it will be effectual.

All the time of this great Heat, feed him with Wheat-bran amongst his Oats wash't in strong Beer, or Ale if he likes it; for Bran is very good to get out his Belly, and to moisten him, because it dries up all superfluous humours that heat him. Likewise in his Water, when he drinks put some of the Bran, which is very good to cool and moi∣sten him; and to loosen his skin if he be Hide∣bound, which Heats do occasion.

Lettuces, Succory Roots, and Endive Roots, are very good to cool him, being boyled in the Wa∣ter he drinks: And during the time of his Cure, let him have no violent Exercise, only gentle walking.

To refresh a Horse, give him Carots with his Oats, and wash his Oats in small Beer, which is ve∣ry good.

A cooling Julip in a Fever.

TAke Barley-water a Quart, two Ounces of Syrup of Violets, and an Ounce of Syrup of Lemons, mix these together, and give him to quench his thirst.

If he is loose of Body in his Fever, to bind him take one Ounce of Ivory, with as much Harts∣horn, rasp them, and put them in three Quarts of Water, which must boyl till about half is con∣sumed, then strain it through a Cloath; and to this Liquor put four Ounces of the Juice of Bar∣beries, and one Ounce and a half of Syrup of Pomegranates, and give it him in a Drenching-horn cold.

A cooling Potion.

TAke a Quart of Whey, four or five Ounces of Syrup of Violets, the like quantity of Cassia, with a little Manna; and this will both cool and purge him gently. This given in a Gl••ster is very cooling to the Bowels.

All these cooling things are very good for sur∣feited and over-heated Horses: But first give the Purge of Aloes to bring away the Grease.

For the Bots and all manner of Worms.

TAke a Quart of new Milk, and as much clarified Honey as will make it very sweet; give it him in a Horn luke-warm early in the Morning, having fasted all Night before; then bridle him up, and let him stand tied to the emp∣ty Rack for about two hours Then take half a Pint of White-wine, and dissolve into it a good Spoonful of Black-soap, and give it him, causing him to fast about two hours after; and this will cause him to void the Worms in great abundance. Or take Salt and Water and give it him in a Horn.

For a Loosness.

TAke a Quart of Red-wine, set it on the fire, put in it one Ounce and a half of Boleal∣mony made in fine Powder, and two Ounces and a half of Conserve of Sloes, then stir and mix them well together; then take it off the fire, and put thereto one or two Spoonfuls of the Powder of Cinamon; mix these together, and give him to

drink. Let him fast two Hours after, and let him eat no wash't Meat: Hay is wholsome, so is Bread and Oats, so as they be well mixt with Wheat or Beans, but not otherwise.

An excellent Scowring when others will do no good.

TAke a quarter of a Pound of sweet Butter, half as much Castle-soap, beat them well to∣gether; [ 10] then put thereto two Spoonfuls of Hemp∣seed bruised, of Anniseeds bruised a handful, one Ounce of Sugar-candy, half a spoonful of Rosin finely bruised; work all these into a Paste, and give it him made up in Pills after his Heat, or when you have warmed him, and stirred up the Grease and Foulness within him.

For the Spleen. [ 20]

MAke a Plaister of Oxicroceum, spread it upon Sheeps Leather, which lay on, suffering it to lye until it come off it self.

A Glister to Expel Wind.

TAke Fennel Seeds and Anniseeds of each two Spoonfuls, bruise them, then put there∣to half a handful of Pellitory of the Wall, Camo∣mile, Rosemary flowers, and Penny-royal. [ 30]

For the Wind-Collick.

BOyl a spoonful of Cummin seeds with a few Camomile flowers in Posset drink, and give it him to drink; which is good to expel the Wind.

For a Horse that pisseth Blood.

TAke a spoonful of Taragon steep it in White∣wine, [ 40] and as much Poppy seeds beaten as will lye upon a shilling, give this in White-wine, which will effect the Cure.

For a Cough.

TAke the Root of Gentian, slice, dry, and beat it to Powder, of which give him fa∣sting as much in half a Pint of his own Water, as will lye upon a shilling. This must be given [ 50] him every third day, until you see his Cough or Heaving to be removed; and all the time of his Cure let him stand in the Stable.

To cause a Horse to piss, that has the Wind-Collick.

TAke a quarter of a Pound of Castle-soap small, to which put two Ounces of Dial∣th••••a, [ 60] beat them well together in a Mortar, make them up into pretty big Balls, and so keep them for use, for they will continue good a year. Take one of the Balls, crumble it into a Pint and a half of strong Beer scalding hot, to dissolve the Ball, then let it stand till it is luke-warm, and so give it him in a Horn, and let him fast about an hour; this will empty him of all his Piss.

To make a Horse Stale or Piss.

TAke the quantity of a Walnut of Castle-soap, boyl it a little in a Pint of strong Beer, and give it him in a Horn luke-warm, and it will cause him to Piss.

To cause a Horse to Vomit.

TAke two large Roots of Polipodium of the Oak, wash and scrape them very clean, and tye it to his Snaffle or Bit, then let it be steeped in Oyl of Spike a whole Night, and in the Morn∣ing fasting put on his Bridle with the Roots tied to the Bit, and ride him softly for about an hour, with it in his Mouth, and if he be troubled with any Flegmatick, or Rheumatick humours, or with any cold or filthy Matter that clogs or anoys his Stomach, it will cause him to cast it forth at his Mouth or Nose: It will also cause him to Sneeze and cough much, purging forth filth and slimy Mat∣ter, so that it will soon cleanse his Body, and purifie his Blood. This you may give to a Horse newly taken from Grass, or to one that has taken a Cold, or is foggy and pursie; this being done, give him White-wine and Honey, as also a Cordial.

A Purge.

TAke a Quart of strong Ale-wort, a quarter of a Pint of Honey, two Ounces of London Treacle, mix and brew them all together, and give it him luke-warm, then keep him upon the Bit about Six hours warm clothed and littered; then give him a sweet Mash, and White-water, Rack him with sweet Wheat-straw, Oats and Bran; this both purgeth and comforteth: And two or three days after give him this following Drink.

Another Purge.

TAke a Pint of White-wine, put in it one Ounce of Sena to sleep all Night, in the Morning early strain it, and put therein one Ounce of Powder of Aloes, half an Ounce of Agarick, and a Spoonful of Liquorish Powder; mix these well together, and give it him luke-warm in a Horn, then ride him gently about a quarter of an hour after it, and so set him up warm, well clothed and littered; let no Air come to him, nor suffer him to eat or drink for about six hours: At Night give him a sweet Mash, and let his Meat be sweet Wheat-straw, Oats and Bran: The next Day let him Blood, and prick him in the third Furrow of his Mouth; and if his Blood be bad, take about two Quarts from him: But if good about a Quart; keep him warm, and give him sweet Mashes or White-water, and put into his Drink either the Powder of Brimstone or Elecam∣pane, Fenugreek or Turmerick, or one or more together, which being well mixt, put thereof into his Drink a Spoonful at a time. This is very good to cool and purifie the Blood, to purge Cho∣ler and other peccant Humours. This Purge is not only good for Horses newly taken from Grass, but for those that are sick or surfeited.

Glisters.

A Glister is a very good Preparative to a Purging Drink, cleansing the Guts, and refresheth the Vital Parts; so that before he give a Drink, whether Purging or otherwise, if the Horse be not soluble in Body, that after Blood-letting, the next day he give a Glister.

A Dec••ction is a Broth made of divers Herbs, [ 10] as Mall••ws, Marsh-Mallows, Camomile, Pellitory, and sometimes white Lilly Roots, which boyl in Water till the third part is consumed. Sometimes instead of Herbs and Water, fat Bees Broth, Milk or Whey will serve.

The quantity of Broth, Milk or Whey, is ac∣cording to the age, strength, and bigness of the Horse; for if a strong, large, fat and lustly Horse, three Pints is usual, otherwise a Quart is suffici∣ent: It is usual to put in half a Pint of Oyl, two [ 20] or three Drams of Salt, and sometimes Verjuce, or Honey, as occasion requires.

The usual Druggs are Sena, Cassia, Anniseeds, Agarick, also the Oyls of Camomile, Violets, and ••ill, S••gar-Candy and such like. As to the quan∣tity of Druggs, three ounces in a Glister is the most used, often less; and put in not above four ounces of Butter, and when you give it, let it be lukewarm.

Your Horse should be empty when you give it, [ 03] and before you give it, Rake him, let him keep it about Half an Hour, holding his Tail close to his Fundament all the while.

The length of the Glister-pipe should be about a Foot long in the Shank, and put it home, and draw out the Pipe by Degrees.

For a Vein that swells upon letting Blood.

TAke black Pitch, white Pitch and R••sin, of [ 40] each a like quantity, boil them together, and lay it on hot, with a flat stick; and then flock it, and this doing, once in four or five days will take down the Swelling; he must be housed, and kept with dry meat the time of his Cure; you may anoint it with Oyl of Populeen, or with Soap and Brandy.

A Horse Burnt by a Mare. [ 50]

THis is known by the Mattering of his Yard within; for Cure take a Pint of White-wine, in which Boil a Quarter of a Pound of Roch-Allom, and when it is cool, Squirt it with a Syring as far into his Yard as you can; and it will effect the Cure.

The Staggers.

THis Disease proceeds from corrupt Blood, or [ 60] Gross ill Humours that oppress the Brain, from whence proceeds a vaporous Spirit, dissolved by a weak heat, which afflicts the whole Head. For Cure, first take a pretty long strait Stick well smooth'd about the bigness of a Tobacco-pipe, and at one end cut a Notch, this Stick put up to the top of his Head, jobbing it a little hard, and turn the Stick, which will occasion him to Bleed free∣ly; then give him this following Drink, Take an Ounce of Anniseeds, and as much Turme••ick beat∣en small, half a Quarter of a Pint of Aquavitae, a Pint and a half of Mild Beer, a Pint of Verjuce, or for want thereof a quarter of a Pint of White-wine-vinegar, and put it to the Beer, and the rest of the Ingredients, which make luke-warm, and give it him in the Morning fasting; as soon as he hath took it, take a handful of Herb-grace bea∣ten small in a Mortar, a penny worth of Aqua∣vitae, and put half the Aquavitae into one Ear, holding it upright in the hollow of your hand, and put half the Herb-grace in after it; then put in Wool or Tow, and tye up the Ear with a Gar∣ter, and the like do to the other ••ar, and tye them both up together; after Twenty four Hours untye his Ears, and take out the Wool, and Herb-grace; the next Day in the Morning let him Blood on both sides of his Neck, and save about a Pint of the Blood, and put thereto a handful of Salt, stir it well together, and give it him fasting: four or five Hours after give him sweet H••y, and at Night, warm Water and Bran: After you have given him the first drink, tye up one of his Fore∣legs, and strew good store of Litter under him, and so let him take his rest, and he will either recover in a Day or Two, or Dye; the Vinegar will make him piss, and the Aquavitae cause him to sleep: If he comes not to his Stomach, then give him Honey, and White-wine, and a Cordial; when you let him Blood in the Head with your Cornet-Horn, let him Blood in the third Furrow of his Mouth, and let him bleed well; also let him Blood in the Gristle of his Nose, with a long Bodkin, or Shomakers Awl.

For a Broken-winded Horse.

TAke Boars Dung, dry it to Powder, put a Spoonful of it into a Quart of Milk newly taken from the Cow, or else made luke warm, and give it him: If you see that this quantity will not make him sick the first time you give it him, then give him two Spoonfuls more of the Powder, and this in four or five times taking will Cure him. This drink must be given every third day. A Spoonful of the Powder of a H••dg∣hog being given, doth much add to the Cure.

To stop Bleeding.

LEt him Blood in both the Plate-veins, then wind a Thum-band of wet Hay about his Neck, so long to come from his Ears to his Breast, and so keep it wet until you find the Blood to Stanch.

Or take Bettony, and stamp it in a Mortar with Salt, put it into his Nose, or apply it to the Wound, and it will stanch it.

For a Shoulder-strain.

FIrst tye up his sound Leg with a Garter or List, then walk or drive him on his other three Legs, that he may lay the weight of his

Body upon the lame Leg, and so keep him un∣til he begin to Sweat at the Cods and Ears with pain. The reason of this is to see the Plait-Vein the plainer; then let down the lame Leg and the Vein will appear plainer; but if it doth not yet appear visible enough, then heat a little Water, and bathe the place grieved therewith, which will cause it to appear bigger; then let him Blood, and when you see the Blood is come into the Plait-Vein, and that the Vein is plain [ 10] enough to see and feel, tye up his lame Leg a∣gain, and bleed him there on that side the bot∣tom of his Chest his lame Leg is on. Let him bleed about a Quart or two, and the greater the Lameness is, the more let him Bleed; after he has bled about a Quart on the ground; put into a Bowl a good handful of Salt, and let him bleed about another Quart, keeping the Blood and Salt always stirring to prevent clod∣ing; then stop the said Plait-Vein with a piece of [ 20] Lead to hinder more bleeding. Then having in a readiness about an Ounce and an half of Oyl of Turpentine, and as much Strong Beer; put them into a Glass-Vial, shake them well together, bathe it well in with your hand all about his Shoulder, his Breast, and down to his Knee; then take the Blood and Salt, and bathe that as the former; then set him up to his Meat, and with a Garter or List tye both his Fore-legs together as close as you can; the next day untye them, take [ 30] him out and walk him, and if you find he can go pretty well, ride him gently about a Mile, and so set him up again, tying his Fore-Feet to∣gether, as before directed; but if he goes not well the first day, do but walk him the second day; and the third day after his first dressing, do not only tye his Legs, but flat a Stick on both sides, like a Wedge, about the bigness of a Six-pence; this drive between the Toes of his Shoes and the Toe of his Foot fast, so that it may not [ 40] come out; and always whilst he stands still in the Stable tye his Legs close, and peg him with a Wedge; and when you take him out to walk or ride, untye his Legs and take out the Wedge. Do this every Night and Day until he is cured, which will be in a few days, if it be newly taken. To let Blood once, and to Anoint it once with Oyl of Turpentine and Beer, and once with the Blood and Salt, with the help of tying his Legs and wedging them, as aforesaid, is suffici∣ent. [ 50]

Hogs-Grease is very good for a Strain.

For a Sinew-sprung Horse.

TAke a Pint of Linseed Oyl, boyl it, then put in three pennyworth of Aquavitae, stir them together and anoint his Legs therewith.

For a Back Sinew-Strain, or any Grief, [ 60] Pain, Straitness, Shrinking, or Numness of Sinews or Joynts.

TAke a fat Sucking Mastive Whelp, Flay it and bowel it; then stop its Body full of black Snails and gray Snails, Roast it at a rea∣sonable good Fire, and when it begins to warm bast it with six Ounces of Oyl o•• Spike made yellow with Saffron, and the like quantity of the Oyl of Wax. The Dripping and Moisture that falls from it, save, and keep in a Gally-Pot, with which anoint the grieved place, working it in very hot, holding a hot Bar of Iron before it; And thus do every Morning and Evening until it is cured.

For Grease fallen into the Legs, and the Scratches.

TAke of Nerve-Oyl, Train-Oyl, and Oyl of Bays, of each half a Pint, with the big∣ness of an Egg of Alom, boil these well together; then having cleansed the Sores and opened the Pultis, if there be any, with Salve anoint the place grieved.

Also for the Scratches; Take Verdigrease and Burnt Alom mixt together, and so apply it, keep∣ing him dry.

A Purgation for a Horse that is si••k of his Grease, or any Costiveness.

TAke a Pint of good old Whitewine, set it on the Fire and dissolve it in a lump of Castle-Soap as big as a large Pigeons-Egg, then strain them well together on the Fire; then take it off, and put into it two good handfuls of Hempseed finely beaten, with an Ounce and an half of good Sugar-Candy beaten to fine pow∣der, mix all these well together; then having warmed the Horse to stir up the Grease and other foul Humors, give him this to drink, and walk him for a little while after it to make the Potion work; then set him up warm, and after a little stirring him in the Stable, if he grows sickish let him lye down; then after two or three hours fasting give him a sweet Mash, and so feed him as at other times.

For a Spavin, Splint, Curb, or Ring-bone.

FIrst, Clip away the Hair all about the Ex∣cretion, next take a piece of Alom'd Lea∣ther just as big as the place where the Hair is cut away; then spread the said Leather round the edge with a little Shoemakers-Wax; then take the Herb Sparagus (which hath the virtue to raise Blisters) bruise it in a Mortar, and lay it on the Leather in the middle where the Wax is not, which ought to be the bigness of the Knot or Excretion, and bind it fast thereon, and so let it lye (if in the Spring or Summer, when the Sparagus is in its virtue) two or three hours; but if in the Winter when it has not that virtue, then add to it a drop or two of Origanum, and let it lye on a day, and be sure tye up the Horses Head for about two hours, lest he bites it away. When you have taken off the Plaister, anoint the place with Train-Oyl luke-warm, and you shall find no Knot.

To make the Hoofs grow quickly, and to be tough and strong.

TAke seven Ounces of Juice of Garlick, two Pound of old Hogs-grease, and one handful of Asses or Cows-Dung, mix them and boyl them all well together, and with this both stop his feet and anoint the Crownets of his hoofs. [ 10]

For any Founder, Surbait, or the like in the Feet.

FIrst, Pare thin, open his Heels wide, and take a good quantity of the Blood from the Toes, then tack on a Shoe somewhat hollow; next take Frankinsence, and rouling it in a little fine Cotton Wool or Bombast, with an hot Iron melt it into the Foot betwixt the Shoe and the Toe, [ 20] untill the Orifice where the Blood was taken away is filled up; Then take half a Pound of Hogs-grease, melt it on the Fire, and mix it with Wheat-Bran to make it thick like a Pultis; then stop up his Foot therewith as hot as he can en∣dure it, covering it with a p••ece of an old Shoe, and splint it up, causing him to stand still for three or four days; and if occasion requires, renew it till the Cure is perfected. [ 30]

A general Salve for any Sore swelling.

TAke Turpentine, Black Soap, Hogs-Grease and Pitch, of each a little quantity; mix and boyl them well together, and apply it warm to the Grief.

The Farcy.

TAke a handful of Rice and ten Cloves of [ 40] Garlick, beat them together; then take a pennyworth of Aquavitae, and strain them through a Cloth; then take a little Black-Wool to drink up the Moisture, and put into each Ear half the Wool, and sew up the Ears together; then cut his Forehead and put into the Hole the inner Rind of an Elder-stick about an Inch long, and keep him in the House that no Wet fall into his Ears the first day and night. [ 50]

For any Farcy, Mang, Scab or Leprosie.

LET Blood, then take a Quart of Wine or Vinegar, put therein a quarter of a Pound of good Tobacco; then set it on an Ember-fire to simper, and not boyl, for a whole Night; then strain it, and with this Water wash the infected place, as often as occasion requires, until it is cured. [ 60]

To help a Horse that Galls between the Legs, through Heat or ill Dressing.

TAke a raw Egg, crush it between his Legs, rubbing the galled place very well there∣with after the Sores are made dry.

For a Canker in a Horses Mouth.

TAke half a Pint of the best White-Wine Vinegar, half a Pound of Roach Allom, and a handful of Sage; boyl these together, and therewith wash his Mouth and Tongue.

For a Horse that has got an Over-reach, or Tread of the Heel.

FIrst, Search it well to the bottom, take out all the Gravel and wash it with Piss; then take a good handful of Nettles and a good handful of Salt, put them in a Cloth and bind them to the Sore; this do two or three Morn∣ings together, then set on the Shoe with a Lea∣ther under it; which done, pour in some Hogs-Grease scalding hot, then some Rozia also scald∣ing hot; and then after that put in some Wheat-Bran.

To draw out a Nail or Thorn in any place.

TAke House-Snails and seeth them in Butter, and apply it for use.

For a Stub, or other hurt in or about the Foot.

TAke Bees-Wax, Pitch, Hogs-Grease, and Tur∣pentine, boyl them together in an Earthen Pipkin; but put in the Turpentine a little before you take it off the Fire, stirring it well together; then make the Wound clean and pour it in scalding hot; then dip Tow in it, and stuff the Sore place full of it, and it will heal in a short time.

To kill Lice.

TAke the Juice of Beets and Staveacre beaten together, and therewith anoint his Body all over, and it will kill them.

Also to anoint him with Hogs-Grease under the Mane, and upon the Ridge-bone of the Back, will destroy them.

For a Prick in the Foot.

FIrst, Take off the Shoe, and pare his Hoof to find out the bottom of the Wound; then take Turpentine, fresh Butter, and a little black Pitch boyled together, and pour it into the Wound scalding hot; then dip some Tow in the same, and stuff it well between the Shoe and the Foot, splintering and binding it about with Sticks and Leather to keep it on; but if it be a long Nail that struck into his Foot on the Road in a Journey; then pluck out the Nail, heat it red hot, and put it into the Hole as far as it went in; and having thus seared it with the Nail, to keep it from festring, melt fresh Butter and Turpentine with a little black-Pitch, and pour into the Hole as aforesaid; then clap on the Shoe, and stuff the Foot with Tow, as before directed.

A green Oyntment to heal a Wound.

TAke Water-betony, Comfry, Red Sage, Je∣rusalem Sage, Mugwert, Rue, Southern∣wood, and Rosemary, of each a handful, Boil them in a Pint of May-Butter, with as much Mut∣ton-Suet, and when it hath Boiled a while, take it off the Fire, Strain it through a Cloath, and so put it into a Pot for your use. But before you [ 10] lay on the Oyntment, wash the Wound with this following Water.

Take Half a Pound of Bole-Armoniack, a Quar∣ter of a pound of White Copperas, and two Oun∣ces of R••ch-Allom, beat the Copperas and Allom, and put them into a Pipkin to melt on the Fire; when it is cold, put it with the Bole-Armoniack in∣to a Mortar, and beat them together to a Pow∣der; then take two Quarts of Spring Water, set it over the Fire close covered till it be Scalding [ 20] hot, then put it into a clean Earthen Pitcher, to which put two Spoonfuls of the said Powder, and stir it well together before you let it settle; then when it hath stood two or three days setling, take off the uppermost froth, and gently pour out the Water into another Pitcher clean from the Dregs. And so it is fit for use, always useing it as warm as can be endured; and when you wash the Wound, let the Cloth lye on a while, then wet a double Cloth in the said Water, and lay it [ 30] on the Sore, renewing it two or three times a day, and after it is washt, lay on the aforesaid Oyntment. This Water is very good for any Wound old or new.

For a Sore Back, or Navell-Gall.

TAke a Quarter of a Pint of Train-Oyl, and Boil in it as much beaten Verdigrease as the quantity of a Nutmeg, put it into a Pot, and [ 40] keep it for use.

For a new Wound made by a Stake, or Stub.

WAsh the Wound well with Vinegar and Butter melted together, then take a Clout tyed to the end of a Stick, which dip in some Linseed-Oyl, and run it to the bottom of the Wound, anointing it well; and in a short time it [ 50] will be Cured; And if the Air gets in the Wound, and causeth it to swell, then anoint it with Oyl of Populeon round about the Swelling.

Train-Oyl, and Verdigrease melted together, will Heal and Skin any Wound in a short time.

Fo•• Horses Yard that's foul and furr'd without, that he pisseth in the Cod.

TAke Fresh Butter and White-wine-vinegar, melt [ 60] them, then pull out his Yard, taking off the Filth, and wash it with the Butter and Vinegar until it be clean, and eject some of it with a Syring up into his Yard.

A help for a tyred Hors.

IF your Horse is tired in your Journey, or in a Hunting Match, give him warm Urin to Drink, and let him Blood in the Mouth, suffer∣ing him to swallow it; and if you come where Nettles are, rub his Mouth, and Sheath well therewith, and ride him gently; and when you come to your Inn or Journies end, let him be set up warm, and before your going to Bed give him about six Spoonfuls of Aquavitae, and as much Provender as he will eat; the next Morning rub his Legs with Sheeps-feet-Oyl, and he will be recovered of his tiredness.

For the Glanders.

TAke a Quart of Red Vinegar, but not Wine-Vinegar, set it over the Fire, and put there∣in two Spoonfuls of English Honey, and as much Elecampane, beaten to Powder finely searsed, and as much Roch-Allom, as the bigness of an Egg, also beaten to fine Powder; and when all these are well Boiled, put in half a Pint of Sallet Oyl, then take it off, and let it stand until it is luke warm; and of this give your Horse six Spoonfuls in each Nostril, with a little Horn; then ride him out two or three turns, and tye his Head down to his Foot, for about four Hours, and let him fast as long. You must give this Drink at nine several times, being three days betwixt every Drink; every second day after he hath had his Drink, give him Chickens Guts warm rolled in beaten Bay-Salt, and put them down his Throat, giving him warm Water, and wet Hay all the time you give him this Drink, and this will amend the Glanders, and the Morning in the Chine.

For a Cold, that is not the Glanders.

TAke two Spoonfuls of Pepper well beaten, the like quantity of Mustard, four Spoon∣fuls of Sallet-Oyl, four Onions roasted very soft and cut small; then take two Spoonfuls of Ele∣campane beaten into fine Powder, mix all these together, and make them into Balls with Fresh Butter, and give him them three at a time; and nine Balls so given him at three times will Cure him, so that you may Travel him upon it.

Another for a Cold.

TAke new Butter unwasht without Salt mixt in it, with brown Sugar-Candy, Anniseeds and Liquorice, but if the Horse rattles in the Head, put in two Cloves of Garlick made in Balls, and this give him for three Mornings together.

Balls for the Glanders, that Cures also a Cold, prevents heavy Sickness, pur∣geth away all Molten Grease, recovers a loose Stomach, keeps the Heart from fainting with Exercise, and makes a lean Horse soon fat. [ 10]

TAke Anniseeds, Cumminseeds, Fenugreek-Seeds, Elecampane-roots, of each two Ounces finely beaten and searsed, then add to them two Ounces of Brown-Sugar-Candy finely beaten, and the like quantity of the Flower of Brimstone; then take an Ounce of the Juice of Liquorice, and dis∣solve it on the Fire in half a Pint of White-Wine, then take an Ounce of the best Chimical Oyl of Anniseeds, and three Ounces of Syrup of Colts-Foot; which done, take half a Pint of [ 20] Sallet Oyl, the like quantity of pure Honey, and Syrup of Molosses; mix all this with the former Powders, and with as much Fine Wheat-Flower as will bind them together, to work into a stiff Past; and so keep them for use in a close Gally Pot, and when you have occasion for any, take some of the Past, and make it into Balls, about the bigness of a small Egg.

For the use of these Balls they are excellent [ 30] for several occasions. If you use them to cure the Glanders, or a Cold, take one of these Balls, anoint it all over with sweet Butter, and so give it your Horse in the Morning fasting; then ride him a little after, and feed and water him as you are accustomed to do, and this observe for a Week together. If you use these Balls to pre∣vent Sickness, use them in the same manner for three or four days. If you use them to fatten your Horse, then give them for about a Fort-night [ 40] together. But if you use them in the na∣ture of a Scouring to take away Grease or Foul∣ness, then after his Heat, and in his Heat you must use them. Also if you dissolve the Ball in his usual Water made luke-warm, it worketh the like effect, and fattens very much. If you give your Horse one of these Balls before a Journey, it prevents tiring: To give it in the height of Travel doth refresh Weariness, and to give it after Travel prevents Surfeits and inward Sick∣ness. [ 50]

A Water for Sore Eyes.

TAke a Pint of Snow Water, and dissolve it into three or four Drams of white Vitriol, and wash his Eyes therewith, or oftner until cured.

For a Pin, Pearl, Web, or any Film in the [ 60] Eye.

TAke a new-laid Egg, roast it very hard, cleave it in sunder long-ways and take out the Yolk; then fill the empty Holes with white Vitriol finely beaten, and so close the Egg again; then roast it the second time until the Vitriol is melted; lastly beat the Egg-shell and all in a Dish, strain it, and with the Moisture that comes from it dress the Eye.

For a Bite, or Stroak in the Eye.

TAke a little Honey with a little grated Gin∣ger, mix them together, and put it into his Eye with a Feather; do this three Mornings to∣gether.

To take a Film off the Eye.

TAke as much Dialthaea as the bigness of a Walnut, and put thereto the Powder of Verdigrease as much as a Hazle-nut; mix them well together, and every day put into his Eye as much of it as the bigness of a Pease, and this will take off the Film.

For a Canker in the Tongue.

TAke as much Roach-Allom as the quantity of an Egg, boyl it in three or four Spoon∣fuls of Whitewine-Vinegar, with a Spoonful of Honey and an handful of Columbine-Leaves cut small; with this wash his Tongue once a day un∣til it be cured, which will be in a few days. For the washing his Mouth tye a Rag about a Stick.

To make a Star or any other Mark in a Horses Forehead, or any other part.

FIrst, With a pair of Scizars clip away the Hair close to the Skin, where you would have the Mark to be; then take a piece of Brick, or a Pumice-Stone, rubbing it hard all over until it is bare, and so wipe it clean. Then make a Plaister of Burgundy-Pitch, which must be just the bigness of the Mark; and a little before you put it on, lay a hot Iron upon the Pitch to sof∣ten it, to make it stick on the better; and so clap it to the place as a Plaister fit for the Mark, and lay a hot Iron on the back of the Plaister to heat it; then over the first Plaister lay another Plaister a little broader, heating the second as you did the first, and so let it stick on until it come off it self, which may be in about a Month. When these Plaisters come off, then to make the Hair come White where the Mark must be, take a little Hony and Butter (but more H••ny) mix them together, and anoint the place there∣with once in three days; and this do for about four or five times or days, and in about three Months the Mark will be perfect, and the Hair grown.

Many more are the Diseases and Maladies of Horses, and for every Disease there is abundance of Medicines, so that should I insert them all, it would take up a Volume it self. I have here taken notice of the most frequent Distempers, with Directions for their Cures, referring you to the many Books now extant, that only treat there∣of.