The parfait mareschal, or Compleat farrier. Which teacheth, I. To know the shapes and goodness, as well as faults and imperfections of horses. II. The signs and causes of their diseases, the means to prevent them, their cure, and the good or bad use of purging and bleeding. III. The way to order and preserve them, when upon travel, to feed, and to dress them. IV. The art of shoeing, according to a new design of shoes, which will recover bad feet, and preserve the good. Together with a treatise, how to raise and bring up a true and beautiful race of horses: as also instructions, whereby to fit all kinds of horses with proper bits, whereof the chief draughts are represented in copper-plates. / Written originally in French by the Sieur de Solleysel Escuyer, sometime one of the overseers of the French Kings Royal Academy of Riding, near to the Hostel de Conde in Paris. And translated from the last Paris impression, by Sir William Hope of Kirkliston Kt. Lieutenat Governour of the Castle of Edinburgh. By whom is also added as a supplement to the first part, a most compendious and excellent collection of horsemanship, taken from the best and most modern writers upon that subject, such as Mr. De la Brow, Pluvinel, and the Great Duke of Newcastle. Part I.

A SUPPLEMENT OF HORSEMANSHIP To the First Part, of The PARFAIT MARESCHAL, &c.

CHAP. I. Of the Excellencie of the Art, and of the most considerable Authors who have writ of it.

THE Art of Riding is so Noble and Gentile an Exercise,* 1.1 that it would re∣quire a whole Book meerly to deduce and express its Excellency; For as to Pleasure and State, what Prince or Monarch looks more great or more Enthron'd, then upon a beautifull Horse, with rich Furniture, and waving Plums, making his Entry through great Cities, to amaze the People with pleasure and Delight.

Or what more Glorious and Manly, than at great Marriages of Princes, to run at the Ring, Tilt, or Course in the Field? What can be more Comely and Pleasing, then to see Horses go all their several Ayres: And to see so Excellent a Creature, with so much Spirit and Strength, to be so Obedient to his Rider, as if having no will but his, they had but one Body, and one Mind, like to a Centour? But above all, what setts off a King more, then to be upon a Beautifull and Readie Horse, at the head of his Army.

But not to insist longer upon this, Let us ingenously acknowledge, that this Noble Art was first begun and invented in Italie; So that it is the Italians who have given the first Directions for putting in practice those Rules, which they invented for dressing of Horses, and making them capable to serve advantagiously in War; And also, to give all the Satisfaction and Pleasure imaginable in the Carrier or Mannage.

And as they themselves did much practise this Noble Art, so was it also upon that account that all the French and other Nations went thither to be taught, the Seat of Horse∣manship being first at Naples, and afterwards at Rome, whither a great number of all Nations repaired, to make themselves Horsemen: But those who designed to come to a greater perfection in this Art, went to Naples, where they were kept two or three years; before the Masters so much as told them if they were capable either to learn, or become Teachers of it, so well did those Gentlemen, the Esquiers, know to esteem their Talent, of which they were more frugal I assure you, then People now a dayes are.

The first who ever writ of it was one Frederick Grison a Neapolitan, And truly he writ like a Horseman, and a great Master in the Art for these times, it being then but in its Infancie; for we may see to what perfection it is brought since that time, and seeing it is an easie matter to follow a beaten path; It is therefore no great wonder if the French have since that time brought this Art to some kind of perfection, seeing other persons gave them matter whereupon to work: However it was nobly done in Grison to have been the first whoever writ of this Subject; and for which he is much to be commended, seeing (considering the time his Book was published) What he writ was so good; Henry the Eight sent for two Italians that were his Schollars, to come to him into England; And if one of them came all our Alexanders, for their Schollars stocked the whole Kingdom with Horsemen.

The old Earl of Leicester sent for an Excellent Rider out of Italy, called Signior Claudio Curtio, who writ a Book of Horsemanship, which is quoted by several Italian Writers, but I think that very much of his Book is stollen out of Grison: Laurentius Cussius is another Author, but none of the best, and with horrible Bitts, which I believe were never made use of by any, but it seemeth his design of writing of Bitts, was more out of vanity to show his pretended skill and fancy, then any desire he had to gratifie the Publict. Then there is Caesar Fieske who writ a Book much out of Grison too, where he meddles with Musick, that so a man may regulate the Sound of his voice when he intendeth to help a Horse, according to the different Ayres which he intendeth to make him go, & he buildeth much upon his knowledge of knowing how to help well with the voice. There is ano∣ther Book of Horsemanship called Gloria del Cavallo, with long discourses and much out of Grison, especially as to what concerns the dressing of Horses. There is also another I∣talian Book of Horsemanship, called Cavallo Fraenato de Pietro Antonio a Neopolitan, much stollen out of Grison: But his Book consists most of Bitts to little purpose, though they seem to be great Curiosities: But the most famous Horseman that ever was in Italy was a Neopolitan, who lived at Naples, called Signior Pignatel, but he never writ, although he could certainly have done it very well, being one of the ablest Masters ever was in Italy. Monsieur La Broue rid under him five years, Monsieur de Pluvinel nine years, and Monsieur St. Anthione many years, The Liberty which we account the best for Bitts at this day, is called a La pignatel.

These three last mentioned French men, who rid under Signior Pignatel filled France with French Horsemen, which before was filled with Italians; Monsieur la Broue was I believe the first that ever writ of Horsemanship in the French Language, and the first Frenchman who writ well of that Art, although he be a little too tedious, and hath many words for little matter: As for Pluvinel no doubt but he was a good Horseman, but his invention of the three pillars, which his Book pretends to be an infallible method, is no more then an absolute Routine, and hath spoiled more horses then ever any thing else did, for Horses are not made at all to the hand and heel by them, neither will they go except in the u∣sual place where they are ridden, and not well there neither.

After Pluvinel came our excellent Author Monsieur Solizel, The first part of whose Book of Marschalrv you have had here immediatly proceeding, so that the perusing of it will speak more his Commendation, then any thing I can possibly say; And therefore I refer you to it, he never writ any thing of Riding (although he could certainly have done it very well, being a most knowing and understanding Horseman) Save some Observations u∣pon the Duke of Newcastles second Book of Horsemanship, which are indeed most ex∣cellent, and sufficiently discover the great Talent and Genious he had for understanding every thing relating to Horses: The Italian Writers are commonly tedious, and writ more of Marks, Collours, Temperatures, Elements, Moon, Stars, Winds and Bleedings, then of the Art of Riding, and that only to make up a Book when they have not enough of True Art to fill it up another way, and this much of the Italian and French Writers.

As for our English, Mr Blundevil is one of the first, who was indeed a fine Gentleman, and good Translator, but a better Schollar then Horse-man, for he tyed himself too much to Old Authors, who knew as little as he in Horsemanship, and so Authority abused him, having no knowledge himself in the Art, and Totally wanting Experience in it: But for his Treaty of dyeting Horses, It is truely as Learned as any Physician can write, but yet is nothing as it ought to be, because of his want of Practice; his Cures of Diseases are likewayes most admirable, and he is indeed the Father of all that busi∣ness, and the best who hath Writ in the English Language upon that subjct: Markhom is but Blundevil in another Dress, yet will not acknowledge it; He hath many new Me∣dicins, but not much worth, such as his Oyl of Oats, nor was he any thing of a Horse∣man, but only took notes of Medicins and set them down Methodically.

After him came De la Grev, which is also but Blundevil, with some new Medicins that are but indifferent: And as for his Method of raising a Breed, it is most rediculous, being altogether contrary to the common course of Nature, and that which I believe ne∣ver any made tryal of but himself.

But after all these came the Prince of Horsemen, the Great Duke of Newcastle, who may be justly said to have given the very last and Master Stroaks for the perfecting of this Subject, for it was he who first descrived the Natural, and Artificial motions which should be made by the Leggs of all Horses, when they are performing such and such an Ayr, which is the Foundation and very Ground work of Horsemanship, for without that knowledge a Man but Groaps in the Dark, And if he succeed in any thing, he is be∣holding more to a luckie chance than solid Judgement; and if any before him did ever touch upon this matter, it was but very superficially, whereas he goeth to the very bot∣tom and Foundation, and thereby so firmly supports his new and extraordinary Method for dressing of Horses, that a Man must needs either own and acknowledge it, to be by far the best that ever yet was published, or otherwayes deny and Renounce the solid Arguments of Reason, and Experience: But that which renders his Writings yet the more wonderful, is that they should be compiled by a person of so great a Quality and plentiful Fortune; Such persons having commonly either no great inclination, so much to streach their invention, as to be the first propogators of any thing which is New, or otherwayes the great Hurrie they are in about business, not allowing them so much spare time as to reflect upon them.

Therefore our English Nation is so much the more beholden to this Noble Author, who not only was at the trouble to convass the Ancient Writers, and discover their errors, but also to make a New discovery of his own, and leave it to them as a Monument, by which the Nation which was formerly beholding to forreign Horsemen, is at present made ca∣pable, if the neglect be not their own, not only of becoming Skilful Horsemen at home, and consequently to stand no more in need of Strangers to instruct them, but also of contributing to the improvement of their Neighbouring Nations, who do all with one accord justly acknowledge him to have been not only the greatest, but the most exact and Skilful Horseman who ever Writ. The English Authors who have Writ since, being for the most part rather Collectors and Copiers, then Original Authors, I shal not Name them; And thus much of the Authors, whither Italian, French, or English, who first put Pen to Paper upon this so Noble, Heroick, and Gentlemany a Subject.

CHAP. II. That it is a very foolish thing, and a Token of great ignorance in the Art, to think the Mannage useless.

MAny People say that all things in the Mannage are but Tricks, Dancing,* 1.2 and Gam∣balls, and of no use, But by their leave, who ever sayes so, is very much de∣ceived: For a Horse that is well settled, and firm upon the Hand, and obedient to the Heels, Gallops the Field, and changes just, and as often as you please, and that either without or within the Circle, Serpiger, Terra a Terra, the Pyroite, or what other Ayr you please: I say all that is so necessary and useful, that a good Horseman upon such a Horse would have in all conscience, but too great an advantage against any person who talks a∣gainst it, either in a single Combate, or in the Warrs: For a ready Horse will run, stop, turn, go back, and if he rise he knoweth how to come down again, and is also so well upon the Hand, that you cannot pull him over with both your hands, and so Obedient, that you may run him on Fire, Water, or Sword, and he shall answer you; Now all this cannot be done but by the Art of Riding, and that in the Mannage, be∣sides, It is to be observed, that all Horses which have been Riden when Young, by un∣derstanding Horsemen, although they be no wayes mannaged, yet they will be the better for it all their lifetime, for they will be more agreeable and Nimble, and go a great deal better, and with more ease, than if they had not been Rid by such a Horse-man I believe there are but very few who will contradict this evident truth.

But what makes these men speak against it? The first reason is, because they are Ig∣norant, and so speak as the Wisest men in the World must do, when they discourse of any thing they understand not, and think that talk will carry it, but the main reason is this, they find they cannot Ride well, nay indeed not at all a mannaged Horse, and yet they would be esteemed the finest Men in the World for all things, though they will take pains for nothing and because forsooth they cannot Ride by inspiration, and without taking the least pains to acquire it, therefore it is worth nothing, and of no use: But if every thing else were naught that they cannot do, there would be very few good things in the World.

The nixt thing is, that they think it a disgrace for a Gentleman to do any thing well, what, be a Rider, why not? Many Kings and Princes have thought themselves Graced by being good Horsemen: Yea our present and most Gracious King is not only a very Graceful Horseman, but also taketh great delight in Riding, And I dar say thinketh it no disgrace that he is reputed a good Horseman; I would therefore desire such People to be more Merciful, and to think it no disgrace for them to be Horsemen: But still the Old business doth stick with them, which is, they cannot do it, and therefore it is nought, A very good and Gentlemany reason indeed! But I must tell them that he who will take pains for nothing, shall never do any thing well; For Arts, Sciences, and good Qualities, come not by instinct, but are got by great Labour, Study, and Practice, but it seems such Gentlemen resolve to understand none of them, until they be as easily learned, as Wenching and Drinking, Railing, and wearing Fine Cloaths and Feathers.

But let us now see how these Sparks are on Horseback, and what their Horses do under them; first these Cavaliers sit as far back in the Sadle as they can, their Leggs streatched forewards before the Shoulders of the Horse, and their Toes a great deal bet∣ter turned out, than if they were walking a foot, that so they may with the more ease Spurr their Horses in the Shoulders; they stoop in the back, and lean very much fore∣wards, which they call a comely Seat, neither know they how to hold the Bridle, or guess at any helps at all, but appear on Horseback as if they were three quarters foxt, so rediculous is that seat: And having sent to a Sadler or Bit-maker to Bitt their Horses, all is well.

Being mounted thus as I tell you, let us now see the readiness of their Horses, and their own Horsemanship and Address, when they would turn to the Right hand, their Horses turn to the left, and when they would turn to the left, their Horses turn to the Right, when they would stop, their Horses run away, when they would go fore∣wards, their Horses rest and run back, when they would put them back, their Horses rise and come over upon them, and there my good Horsemen ly until a Surgion or Bonesetter be sent for, and it is good if they are not killed: Nay, their Horses will come near neither Drum, Trumpet, or Collours, pistle, or Sword: But they fetch forty fi∣garies to indanger their Rider. Now these are the excellent Horsemen, and the ready Horses for service, And how is it possible to be otherwayes, when the Horses know not how to answer either Heels or Hand, and their Riders are as ignorant, if not more then they, whence it followeth, that there is nothing so fit to make a sure and ready Horse as the Mannage.

Therefore every Horse that wears a Bitt, Gelding, or Nage, will be certainly the better to be wrought in the Mannage, both for readyness and safity: for without settling upon the hand they are both very uneasy and dangerous. I must likewayes tell you, that Corvets and other Ayres, settle a Horse mightily upon the hand, make him light before, and put him upon his Haunches, which are all usefull for a Souldiets horse, and make him stop upon his Haunches, which is very useful, especially for a man in Ar∣mour, for did his Horse stop upon the Shoulders, he would give his Rider (being Arm∣ed) such a Shock, as would make his Bones ake were he never so sound; Nay, to make a Horse goe in Leaps or Capriols, firms him also upon the Hand, which is good for a Souldiers Horse.

But sayes a Galant, when I should have use for him in the Field, than he would be playing tricks: But this is a great mistake, for the helps to make Horses go in Ayres, and to make them go upon the ground are vastly different, and good Horsemen have much a do to make them go in Ayres with their best helps: So that if you let them a∣lone, they will not trouble you, besides, two or three dayes March will make them that they will not go in Ayres if you would have them, and yet they are much the readier to go on the ground; whereby you see that there is no Horse whatsoever can be a good and useful horse in any kind with a Bitt, but what is wrought in the Man∣nage,

and therefore 〈…〉〈…〉 you for your 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and use, to Ride or cause Ride all your Horses in the Mannage, and you will find 〈…〉〈…〉 with∣out i•• absolutely safe an•• ••••••ful, neither can any 〈…〉〈…〉 well and gracefully in a snaffie without having been ••••ed to the Bitt, as he wi•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had he been formerly Rid with, and accustom•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it.

Thus I think it sufficiently proved, that there is nothing of more use for any Horse then the Mannage 〈…〉〈…〉 thing of more State, Manliness or P••easure, then Riding; And as it is the 〈…〉〈…〉 the most healthful exercise in the World. In H••••t∣ing, Hauking, 〈…〉〈…〉 ••••hooting, Cocking, Carts and 〈…〉〈…〉 things, there is no use a 〈…〉〈…〉 meerly Pleasure; But in a Horse of 〈…〉〈…〉 both 〈…〉〈…〉 Pleasure. It is 〈…〉〈…〉 at if there were nothing commendable but what is usefull strick∣ly examined, we found then have nothing but hollow 〈…〉〈…〉 houses, fig leaves for our Cloa•• 〈…〉〈…〉 for our M••nt, and Water for our 〈…〉〈…〉 most things else are only 〈…〉〈…〉 curiosities, but not designing 〈…〉〈…〉 the Philo∣lopher, I shall 〈…〉〈…〉 practice of such abstin••••ces to 〈…〉〈…〉 commend the 〈…〉〈…〉 Horsemen.

CHAP. III. Of the great mistake which many people are in, who think it a great disparagement to Horsemanship; if by chance a good Horse∣man be thrown from his Horse.

MANY 〈…〉〈…〉 are much deceived, when, if a Horse th•• w••••s Rider,* 1.3 they not only 〈…〉〈…〉 think they have good reason for it; Saying of the best Horse∣•••••• in the World, To whom such a mischance shal•• happen; that he is a fine 〈…〉〈…〉, for they can swear that they knew a Horse threw him, but they 〈…〉〈…〉 a good Horseman may be sometimes thrown sooner than a bad one, 〈…〉〈…〉 Horsemen little think of sitting, and so may be six p••••••ed; Their thoughts 〈…〉〈…〉 make their Horses go well, and so never think of ••••••owing, whereas a 〈…〉〈…〉 thinketh of nothing but s••••ing, for fear he should be thrown, and 〈…〉〈…〉 to make his Horse go well: For he know not how to do it, but holds by 〈…〉〈…〉, his head inclining towards the Horses, which is ready to beat out 〈…〉〈…〉 holding fast by the Horses Flances, which makes him look 〈…〉〈…〉 an African Monster, and his Horse is so disorder∣ed 〈…〉〈…〉 him 〈…〉〈…〉 in that manner, is the most nauseous sight that can be, and the most 〈…〉〈…〉 to the beholders: So that it were much better for the Spectators to see him 〈…〉〈…〉 his own reputation also, provided he received no hurt by it.

Thus you see that any Groom or Tinket may si••, and yet be no Horseman, which is a greater business than only sitting; For a Jackanapes in Paris Garden when he is beat∣ed with must••d M••••ffs, the Gentleman sits very sure, but not very comely, and in my Opinion 〈…〉〈…〉 excellent Horseman, for sitting is but one thing in Horsemanship, and there are Commands of things in the Art, so if a good Horseman be thrown by chance, hath 〈…〉〈…〉 his Horsemanship because be was once thrown, and is an Igno∣rant fellow 〈◊〉〈◊〉 inspired with Horsemanship, because be can ill favouredly Cling to the Horse and keep himself on; No, sitting fast is one of the meanest things in Horsemanship, which comprehendeth many more of greater consequence.

But I must tell you, that it is even very rate to see a good Horseman thrown, although I have known 〈◊〉〈◊〉 presumptuous ignotant fellows to get frequently falls, but as a good Horseman wh•••• thrown by chance doeth not loss all his Horsemanship by it, so an Ig∣norant Rider 〈…〉〈…〉, is not presently inspited with Horsemanship, for it is a mistake as rediculous as it is common, to take sitting fast on Horseback for the whole Art of Horsemanship, 〈…〉〈…〉 that were, then the common Jockies and Horse-courses ser∣vants would be the best Horsemen in the World, for some of them are extremly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and hardy, but as for one Knoweldge of Horsemanship they know not 〈…〉〈…〉 means.

CHAP. IV. That people are mightily disceived, who by meer Speculation without practice, think to become good and Skilful Horsemen.

I Have known some People ask,* 1.4 If the Reading a Book of Horsemanship would make them good Horsemen? To those I answer, That good Books upon any practical Art which are plainly Writ, are certainly very useful, but then you must have all in your memorie, and perhaps even then you do not understand them, but put the case you do: Yet wanting practice it is imposible you can Ride well, and yet no fault at all in the Books, but in you.

It is true, there are some people who think they can see nothing but what they can im∣mediatly do, which must be certainly by inspiration, by which I never knew any to Ride, though many pretend to Preach by it. Do you think that an ignorant School-boy can be as Learned as a Doctor; Or let a skilful Musician Write the Rarest Book in the World for Composing and Singing, can you imagine that as soon as you have read his Book you can do what he teacheth; No truely, and yet not the Books fault, but yours, in being so partial to your self, as to think you can do any thing at first sight without Practice or Study, which would be a Miracle I never saw, nor I believe any body else ever shall.

In the same manner if a Lutenest should Write a Rate Book, can you expect that as soon as you have read it, you can play upon the Lute, because it may be you can jangle the strings: but you say you can Ride; truely just as you jangle the Lute Strings, and no other wayes; You have perhaps been taught a little in some of the Accademies in Italy or France, that is something indeed: So many Crowns a Month, and the Horse did not throw you, and that is all. Now GOD knows how many Young Gentlemen are in this Condition when they come newly out of the Accademies, who are famed for good Horsemen, and yet truely no peice of a Horseman: For the most part of what they know, is only a Graceful seat, the rest being only a meer Rott, beat unto them by the set form of Bauling, which Masters commonly make use of so soon as ever their Horses begin a Reprise, of the truth of which many young people when they come to a little more knowledge, are by their woful experience most sensible, especially when they come to break and work any young, Rude, or Unmannaged Horse, which is not already made to their hand; for than they find that it is not the routine of a few sniffling Aids which they have got in an Accademy, and which they know not seasonably to make use of, but a true knowledge of the Principles of the Art, and a solid Judgement how to apply them, that must do the Business.

But sayes one, I can Ride a ready Horse, wherein he is deceived, for a ready Horse is the hardest of all to Ride, because the least motion is an absolute command to him, and an ignorant gives him such countertimes as puts him quite out, another because he hath Rid a Hundred Miles in a day, (which a Post Boy can do) or because he can run a match with his Groom, Spring a Hedg, or leap a Ditch at Hunting, and hold by the Main, thinks himself a Horseman, but his Hunts-boy doth as much; And my Lord Mayor when he goeth to weigh Butter, sits a Legg of either side the Horse very gravely, aknowing and excellent Horseman indeed! and many Wenches have been known to Ride a Stride, Gallop, and run their Horses, that could I think hardly Ride a Horse well in the Mannage.

Are there not in all Trades bound Apprentices, seven ot nine Years, and many bung∣lers of them too, and in higher professions, Twenty and Thirty years is not too much be∣fore they are great Masters in any of them, and though Horsemanship be almost as difficult as any, yet many a Gentleman would ride the first day as well as the greatest Master, but he is deceived as well as those who think to Buy with their Money any good quality: Therefore although it cannot be denyed but a man may reap a great deal of benefite by Reading a good Book upon any practical subject, especially if he have had at the be∣ginning a little practice and instruction from a Master: yet it is not a Book alone, but long Study, and diligent practice, a long habit and Custome, that must make any man knowing in Horsemanship, and consequently a compleat and skilful Horseman.

CHAP. V. Of a strange mistake in some Horsemen, who by double exercise, fancie they will make a Horse sooner Ready, then by Moderate teaching.

THere are some Horsemen, but in my opinion none of the most judicious,* 1.5 who would Ride their Horses twice a day, saying, that if they can dress a Horse in six Months by Riding once a Day, then certainly by ridding of him twice a day, they will dress him in three, wherein they are very much deceived; For a Horse being Flesh and Blood cannot indure perpetual Travel with little rest, and no exercise is more vi∣olent for a Horse then the Mannage: Nay, of necessity Riding so much in one day, he will not recover it in two or three, and if the Horse oppose his Rider, which all Horses will do at first, especially if they are vitious, he must be corrected soundly, and then how can you Ride him again in the afternoon? dull him you may, and take off his Spirit, cause him hate the Mannage, and make him liker to a vaulting Horse, than one who hath Life in him, nor can you ever give him his meat, Water, or rest in order; the want of which must make him sick, and subject to many diseases, which will make Death it self shortly to follow, and there is your twice a day Riding of him, which in all proba∣bility will make him sooner fit for the Hunts-man to dress for his Dogs, then be a means to improve him in the Mannage.

Some say again that they will Ride no Horses twice a day, but such as are vitious and of great strength: Many Horses its true are vitious, but it is as true there are none of such strength as they talk of, for if a Horse be very vitious, you must correct him smartly, & ride him so long until be obey you in some small measure, and then I am sure you will have Rid him so violently, & so long, that he will hardly be for Riding nixt Morning, far less to be Rid any more that day; And if the Horse be so docil as to obey you in every thing, then certainly the best way is to take but a little of him that Morning to encourage him to do so again. So far should you be from thinking of Riding him again that same very day, and thus he will be pleasent, lively, and vigorous, take pleasure in you and the Mannage, and after this manner learn more in a Month, Riding him but once a day, then he shall do in three Riding him twice.

Have not all Schollars also Play dayes, and certain hours of rest in their dayes of Stu∣dy? all Tradsemen Holy dayes to rejoice in, States men Divertisement from Business, and Good Preachers preach not every. Sunday, have not Lawyers also their Terms and Vacations; Carriers horses rest also on Christmas and other Holy dayes, and so Cart hor∣ses, Brewars horses, Coach Horses, Hackney horses, and running horses; Shall then Horses of Mannage be the only Gallay slaves? there is not the least reason for it, No, not Dogs can hunt every day, or Gray hound course every day, or Spaniels range every day, or Hauks fly every day, there are hundred of examples of it, but these are suffici∣ent to let you see the great folly and ignorance of those, who will ride their Horses of Mannage twice a day:

Such persons I think may be very justly compared to the Polander, who being sick, and his Physician giving him nine pils to be taken, three every night, for three nights together, very wisely considered, that if three pills every Night for three Nights toge∣ther would recover him, then taking all the nine in one Night would make him well presently, which accordingly he did, and had almost purged himself out of this World, So any Horseman who will undertake to make a Horse as well in three Moneths, with two lessons a day, as another will in six Moneths; with once a day, may be assured he will sooner kill his Horse than teach him; and thereby shew himself rediculous in his Undertaking.

CHAP. VI. A short description of the different kinds of Outlandish Horses. And,

First, Of the Spanish Horses.

OF all Horses in the World,* 1.6 The Spanish are the wisest, far the wilest, and strange∣ly wise beyond any Mans imagination, but I must tell you they are not the easier drest for that, because they observe too much with their eyes, and their Memories are too good, so that they conclude with their own Judgement too soon without the Riders, reckoning as it were without their host, whereas they should obey his hand and heel, and that not by Rott neither, but by Art which is an habit got by many Lessons methodi∣cally taught: The Spanish Horse may be justly called the Prince of Horses, and if well chosen is I assure you, the Noblest Horse in the World; For first there is no Horse so curiously shaped all over from head to foot, he is also the most beautifull that can be, being not so thin; and Lady-like as the Barb, nor so gross as the Nepolitan, but between both, he is very docile, and of great Spirit and Courage, hath the proudest walk, stait, liest Action in his Trot, Loftiest Gallop, and swiftest Carrier, and is also the Lovingest and Gentlest Horse, and fittest for a King in a day of Triumph to show himself to his People, or on the head of an Army, of any Horse in the World.

Therefore no Horse so fit to breed on as a Spanish Horse, either for the Mannage, Warrs, Journey, Hunting, or Running; I say he is absolutely the best Stallion in the World for all these uses I have named, if you do wisely appropriate such Mares to him, as shall be fit for such uses as you would have your Breed, and so he is fit for all Breeds, but to breed Cart Horses; The King of Spain hath many Races, but his best a while a∣goe was at Cardona in Andaluzia, and besides these of his Majestie, there are other most excellent Races, belonging not only to Noblemen, but also private Gentlemen; As for their prices it hath been affirmed by very Credable Persons, that three or four hundred Pistols for a Horse, is no extraordinary Rate at Madrid.

So you see that a right Spanish Horse is dear ware, and then reckon his Journey from Andaluzia to Bilbo, or St. S••bastien, which is the next Port for England; And at least four hundred miles match, and that also a horse cannot travel above ten miles a day, with a Groom and Farrier at least, besides the Casualities of Lameness, Sickness, and Death, and I assure you before he come to your hands he will be a very dear horse.

Secondly. Of the BARB.

THE Barb is next to the Spanish Horse for Wisdom, but not near so wise, and that maketh him the much easier to be drest, besides he is of a Gentle nature; docile, nervous, and light, he is as fine a Horse as can be, but some what slender, and a little Lady like, and also so lazy and negligent in his walk, that he will stum∣ble in a Bowling green; he Trots like a Cow, Gallops low, and hath no great movement in any of these actions, but commonly he is Sineuy and Nervous, hath a clean strength, is excellently winded, and consequently good for running and to endure great Travel; he is also very apt to learn, and easie to be drest, being for the most part of a good disposition, excellent apprehension, judgement and memory, and when searcht and wakened, no Horse in the World goes all kind of Ayres better in the Mannage.

The Mountain Barbs they say are the best, I believe they are the Largest, but the midling or less size, which as is reported are to be had at an easie enough rate in Barbary

are rather to be esteemed, for it is said, that there you may buy a very fine Barb for twenty, twenty five, or Thirty Pounds at most; But then their journey is some∣what great, not by Sea, for from Tunis to Marseilles in France is no great Voyage, but from Marseilles to Calais by Land, you go all the length of France, and then at Calais they are Shipt for England.

The Barb is not so fit a Stallion for the Mannage, as for running Horses, for he gets long and loose Horses, therefore I would not advise you to Breed of him for the Mannage, except he be a short Horse from Head to croup, strong, well coupled, and of a superfluity of Spirit which few Barbs have, therefore Breed rather of a Spanish Horse, with choice English Mares, and if you have a delicate well chosen Dutch Mare or two, that will make an excellent composition for the Mannage, to conclude then what I have to say of the Barb, I say that as the Spanish Horse is called the Prince, so the Barb may be called the Gentleman amongst Horse kind.

Thirdly, Of the English Horse.

THe English horse is less wise than the Barb, fearfull and skittish for the most part, and dogged and rebellious to the Mannage, being commonly not so apt to learn; but those they call English horses, are so compounded of horses of all Countreys, that they alwayes participat something of their Sires, and so that may somewhat alter the case, yet certainly English horses are as good as any horses in the World for all uses what soever, from the Cart to the Mannage, and some are as beautifull horses as can be, being as I said bred of horses of all Nations: But if ye would buy horses fit for the Mannage at Faires, you must go to Rowel Faire, Harborow Faire, and Melton Faire, to Northampton and Leicester Shire, but Northampton is thought the best.

You must buy such Horses as they sell for the Cart and Coach, which are absolutely the best for the Mannage, and commonly a great dale handsomer then the Dutch Coach Horses are, therefore do not buy delicate shapt horses, like the Spanish horse, Barb, or Turk; but choose a short trust Horse and well coupled, with good Feet and Leggs, Lively, full of Spirit and Action, and if he leap of himself so much the better, if your Groom hath skill to buy such they cannot do 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for the Mannage, and will prove most ad∣mirable Horses, both in all Ayres and upon the ground, but I would not by any means advise you to breed on them; There are at Molten Faire for the most part, Stoned Hor∣ses, and some Geldings, but fitter for Padds and Hunting than for the Mannage; Rippon Fare is but the Remnan•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Molte•• Faire, and commonly but Geldings and Nages; these Faires are in Yorkshire, Lenton Faire is in Nottingham Shire; and is a great Faire of all sorts of Horses, but especially of Geldings and Nages, fitter for Journey and Galloping then for the Mannage: There are also sometimes Stoned Horses to be found there.

In Stafford Shire there is a great Faire at Pankridge, but it is for the most part of Colts, and young Horses, though sometimes by chance there are also others, the other Faires in the Northen parts of England which are many, are not worth Naming, in Worchester Shire and in the Vail of Esam there is good strong Cart Horses, in Cornwal there is good Nages, and in Wales Excellent good ones: But in Scotland these which they call Gallo∣wayes, are by very far the best Nages of all for Travel and Fatigue: but that kind of breed is now almost quite worn out.

As for English Mares there are none like them in the World to Breed on, but then you must choose them fit for such Horses as you would Breed; As for example, if you would breed for the Mannage; The Mares must have fine fore hands, but not too long Necks, fine Heads, and well set on, there Necks rightly turned, with broad breasts, good Eyes, and great bodies, that their Foles may have the more room to ly in them, they must have good Leggs and Hoofs; short and bending Pastorns, and are to be short from Head to Foot, this is the shape of Mares which best fits the Mannage, and if your Mares be thus chosen it is no great matter what Colour they are of, or what marks they have, so they be full of strength, have a superfluity of Spirit, and not above six or seven years old, But I must tell you that if you have two or three fine Dutch Mares Shaped as I have told you; It will make a fine Composition with a Spanish Horse for the Mannage, and also a Spanish Horse with such English Mares as I have descrived to you, will make a breed not only fit for the Mannage, but for all manner of uses what∣soever, except the Plough and Cart.

But if you would have Mares to breed running Horses upon, then they must be Shaped thus, as light as possible, large and long, but well shaped, a short back, but long sides, and a little long Legged, their breast as narrow as may be, for so they will Gallop lighter and Nimbler, and run the faster, for the lighter and thinner you breed for Galloping so much the better; your Stallion by any means should be a Barb, and some∣what of the Shape I have discrived the Mares to be of: For as I was Credibly informed by one of the greatest Horsematchers that ever England bred, a Barb that is a Jade, will get a better running Horse than the best running Horse in England, some commend ve∣ry much the Turk for a Stallion to breed running Horses by, but they are so scarse and rate, that I can give no Judgement of them, and therefore I advise you to the Barb, which I believe is much the better Horse to breed running Horses by

Fourthly, Of the Frison or Dutch-horse.

THE Frison is less wise than the English, but no Horse goes better in the Mannage, either on the Ground, Terra a Terra, or all Ayres, and no Horse is of more use, either for a single Combate upon Horseback, or in the Wars for a Shock, he is hardy, can live upon any thing, and will indure either heats or colds, and upon no Horse whatsoever doth a man appear more a Sword man then upon this Horse, being so quiet, so Bold, and so assured; he is also Manly and fit for every thing but running away, for although he will run fast for a while, yet he cannot run long, because his wind is not like that of Barbs; However I believe a heavie man well Armed upon a Barb, and the same weight upon a Dutch Horse, the Dutch Horses Strength is so much above the Barbs, as compaired thus; I do realy believe the Dutch Horse may run as fast and as long as the Barb, for the Barbs wind serveth to no purpose when his Strength is so over∣powered that he cannot carry his weight, and thus the Barb will want his little light Jockie upon him, with a couple of Trenshers for a Saddle, and a Lute String in his mouth for a Bitt.

Fifthly, Of the Danish-horse.

THE Danish Horse is an Excellent Horse, almost of the same kind with the former, but commonly apter to learn, and lighter, there are more leaping Horses of these Countries and kinds, then of any other Countries in the World; The great∣est difficulty is to get them well shaped.

I Had almost forgot to make this remark to you of the Dutch Horses, that their Breeders to make the more profite of them, Geld the most part of their Stoned Horses for Coatches, and in time of peace send a great many into France and other Kingdoms: So that a Man can hardly get a Stoned Horse worth any thing, there Colts at two years old Spring their Mares, and then they geld them; so you see that by avarice their breeds are spoilt, sometimes also A Toun will joyn and give above Two Hundred Pounds for a Stallion, but then he covers all the Mares which belong to it, like to a Countrie Town Bull.

Sixthly. Of the Almain or Germain-horse.

THose who write that they are like Flanders Horses, are much deceived, it seems they must mean the common Countrey Cart horses; but let me inform them that

there are but few Princes in Germany who have not excellent Races, and breeds of horses, And their Stallions are alwayes either Coursers of Naples, Spanish Horses, Turks, or Barbs, and breeding of these Stallions, their Mares come to be very fine, like their Sires and make very pure Breeds.

Seventhly, Of the Courser of Naples.

MOnsieur La Brow in his Book, sayeth that the Race of these horses was mightily de∣cayed: And that is almost a hundered years agoe. Monsieur Pluvinel also in his Book, sayes that there are not now such Neapollitans as there were formerly, all the Races being bastardized and spoyled: Thus you see things do not stand at a stay, for what hath been formerly is not so now, as in the Nepollitan, and all the rest of the Races in I∣taly, which are decayed: The Duke of Florence is thought to have now a dayes the best Race in those parts.

Eightly, Of the Turkish-horse.

I Shall here set down what the Duke of Newcastle sayeth of the Turkish Horses, which is this; I have saith he seen very few of them; but two Merchants brought three Tur∣kish Horses to Antwerp while I was there, which were indeed very fine Horses, but od∣ly shaped, their heads were very fine but like to a Camels, they had good eyes, thin Necks, and excellently risen, some what great Bodies, their Croup like a Mules, Leggs not great but marvelous sinewy, good Pastorns, good hoofs, and their backs risen some∣what like a Camel, they appeared not so fit for the Mannage, as for to run a Course; which I believe they would have scoured, they Trotted very well, but ambled not at all.

I have spoke with severall Gentlemen who have been at Constantinople, as likewayes with diverse Merchants who have come from thence, who all agree, that there are there the most beautifull Horses in the World; Saying that in Soyl or Grazing time, there are many hundreds teddered, who when they have eaten one place bare, are shifted to ano∣ther, every Horse having a man to look to him, and every man a little Tent to lye in; And they also said, that it was one of the most glorious sights that could be, to see those Horses thus teddered, which were the most beautifull Horses could be, and certainly they are brave Horses, for the price of one of them, will be about a hundred or a hun∣dred and fiftie Pounds, and then there is great difficulty to get a pass, for the Grandsignor is very strict, in not suffering any of his Horses to go out of his Territories, And when that difficulty is over, you have also another, which is, if you have not a Turk or two for your convoy, they will be taken from you by the way: There is also the difficulty of a long Journey, and the danger of sickness or Lameing, for you must come through Ger∣many, which is a long way; and you must have very carefull men to conduct them: A good Groom, and expert Farrier, and by no means to suffer any to shoe them but him, for when they perceive a fine Horse among them, they will hire a Farrier to prick or spoile him in the shoeing, that they may have him, which is a thing but too frequently practised in these Countreys.

Ninthly, Of the Arabian-horse.

THe Arabian Horse is commonly nurst, (as it is reported) with Camels milk, and there are the strangest reports in the world of these Horses; for it is affirmed by

credible Persons, that the price of a Right Arabian, will be sometimes one thousand, two thousand, and three thousand Pistols a horse, (an intollerable and incredible price) and that the Arabs are as carefull and diligent in keeping the Genealogie of their Horses, as a∣ny Princes can be in keeping any of their own Pedigrees.

They keep the Genealogies of their Horses with Medals, and when any of their Sons come to be Men, then their Fathers give them two Suies of Arms, with two Cymeters and one of these Horses, prayes GOD to blesse them, and that is every ones portion, it is said they will ride fourscore miles in a day without drawing bridle, but this is not so extraordinary a matter, because a man may for ten pounds buy a good Scots Galloway, which will easily do as much.

Tenthly, Of the Polonian, Hungarian, and Swe∣dish-horses.

THe Polonian Horses are nothing extraordinary, being for the most part shap'd as the common and ordinary Horses and Golding in England, and the Bitts they use are just like our Snaffles, and have only Rings for the head-stal and Reins to be fastned to, but want these little crosses which ours have, to prevent the slipping of the Snaffle thorow the horses mouth. It hath been an old saying, that the Poland Horse are the best in the World, but it is to be understood of the Polanders themselves when they fight upon Horse∣back, and not of their horses.

As for the Hungarian and Swedish Horses, they are not worth speaking of, but if you will believe the People of these Nations, they will magnifie them extreamly, and so do all Nations whatsoever mightily commend their own Horses, in Imitation of the Grow, who thinketh still her own Bird the Fairest.

Now having given you a short account of the different kinds of Horses, I must tell you that there are good and bad of all Countrys in the World, but a great many more bad then good, as there are of Men; For though there be millions of Painters, yet there was but one Vandike in many Ages, the like in Musick, Hosemanship, Weapons, and Horses, for a rare Horse in any kind is a difficult thing to find I assure you; It is a hard thing also to find fit Horses for the Mannage, either on the Ground, or in Ayres; 'Tis true Art doth much, but Nature is the Ground for Art to Work on, for without it Art can do but little.

I must also tell you, that running Horses are the most easily found, and of none of the greatest Use neither when you have them; They run commonly upon Heaths, which resemble a green Carpet for softness, and must there run all upon the Shoulders, which in troublesome Grounds is ready to break ones Neck, and but of little use, although it be a Divertisement, at present much in request in these Islands: For my own part I would rather dress a Horse for the Warr or Mannage, than prepare him for such Courses, where the pains and trouble do very often far exceed the Profit.

You now see how difficult a thing it is, to have a good Horse in any kind, for any thing; Therefore I conclude, that a knowing Horseman is not so happy for Horles as a Citizen of London, who knows nothing more, then to buy a Horse in Smithfield for eight Pound ten Shillings or thereabouts, to carry him to the Country, and let him have never so many faults his ignorance finds none, wherein he is very happy; And this much of Outlandish Horses.

CHAP. VII. Of the Spanish Mules.

AS for the Spanish Mules,* 1.7 there are some of them very finely shap'd, having the smallest Heads and best set on, the finest turned Necks, thinnest and well risen, excellent Backs, good Bodys, their Leggs clean and sinewey, admirable Hoofs,

their Croups a little slender; And in a word, no horse in the World better shap'd, but only their Ears are a little long, which me thinks is a Grace to them, they are of all Collours, as Bayes, Dapple Grayes, and so forth, extreamly strong, and very large as any Horses whatsoever, and also of great prices, as three or four hundred Pistoles a Mule; The King of Spain hath sometimes very beautiful ones for his Coatch, they use them also very much for the Sadle, for they amble most curiously, and easily, seldom stumble, and when they do, they never fall further then their Knees, so that they are very safe and sure to ride upon.

There be some very little and fine ones, like Scots Gallowayes, and upon those it is that Generalls and great Commanders do commonly ride, when they go to view the Trenches, or other fortified Places, and the larger sort they use for Sumpters, Wag∣gons, and many other Uses; They also ride Post upon them: And it is reported that they will amble as fast as any ordinary Horse will go at a hand Gallop, they live long and sound, thirty years at least; And there are Males and Females of them, both very hot in the act of Generation, but neither the Males nor Females, get or bring forth any thing, either when they copulate together, or with any other Creature.

It is also said, that a man is never assured of them from bitting or striking, although he hath been their constant Keeper for twenty years, but I do not believe it; They are reputed also to have bad mouths, but that is because they are spoilt with horrible Bitts, for people use both other Bitts and other Sadles and Furniture to them, then to Horses, wherein they are very much mistaken, because to those that are for the Sadle, I would use the very same Bitts and Sadles as for Horses and none other: 'Tis true that for Sumpters, there be some peculiar things which they use for them only, and not for Horses, which I confess are very comely: In Spain they used a while ago Ropes, both for the Mules and Horses to draw the Coatches by; In stony wayes there is no Horse like them, they are so sure footed.

Now the Stallions which get these Mules, are large Asses, upon very fine Spanish Mares, and it is reported by very credible Authors, that a good Stallion Ass will coast, at least two hundred and fifty Pistols, and sometimes more, for which there is a very good Reason, seeing Mules are of so great use to them in Spain; And these Stallion-Asses, are also greater and larger then most kind of Horses, and are so furious and full of spirit, that there are men who live only by the ordering of them, and no other People can do it, but these persons who make a Trade of it; For others would be killed by them, these Keepers also hood the Asses when they cover any Mares, that they may not see them, for otherwayes they would pull the Mares in peeces and kill them, when they are in the rage of Lust, and to hear them bray is a most loud and horrid noise, beyond the roaring of any Lion in the World.

So you see there is good Reason why they should be of so great Prices, but one who thinks they are just such little dull Asses as are in England, of twenty or thirty Shillings a peece, will certainly laugh to hear what I have been saying, because they think there is no∣thing more in the World then what they have seen; As in such a Case Sir Walter Raw∣ly said well, that there were stranger things in the World, then between Stains and London, the Asses in France are just like those in England, little, lazie, dull, and woful things, and of as small a price, only in those parts of France which border with Spain, the Asses are somewhat larger, but nothing in comparison of those in Spain. The she Asses in Spain are also very fair and large, for otherwayes how could such huge and bigg Creatures be produced.

CHAP. VIII. Of the Curiosity and Care, which most of the abovementioned Kingdoms take, in keep∣ing and ornamenting their Horses.

THE Turks are the most curious in keeping their Horses of any Nation,* 1.8 and value and esteem them most: Using all the wayes of dressing, and keeping them clean, that can be imagined, for first they Cloath them with a fine Linning Cloath,

and Hood nixt their Skin; Then with a Hair Cloath and Hood lined with Felt, above their Linning Cloath and Hood, and all these are made so fit, as to cover their Breasts, and to come pretty low down upon their Leggs, so that there cannot be a better way than this for Cloathing.

The Spainards are also very curious in all things about their Horses, and their Grooms are so diligent that they never stay long out of the stable, but are alwayes doing of something about them, especially making clean their Mains, Toppeings, and Tails, also washing and pleating them; They esteem highly their Horses, and no Nation loves them better; The Master is frequently in the Stable to see the Grooms do their duty, but for all that the Spainards and Turks are none of the best Horsemen, for they Ride short, have strange Spurrs and Sadles, but especially Bitts which are most abominable.

The Italians are very careful & neat about their Horses, but they have lost that Repu∣tation which they formerly had of being good Horsemen: And to tell the truth they never justly deserved it, but our Ignorance made us think that they did rarely, the contrary of which is now in this last age sufficiently discovered.

Most part of the French are curious in keeping and dressing their Horses, and also highly Esteemed them, giving great rates sometimes for Horses which they fancy, but French Grooms never ••ub a Horses Leggs well, unless a man be alwayes over them to keep them to their deuty.

The Almains or high Germans love Horses well, some say they are very curious, and have good Grooms, but certainly there are no better Grooms in the World then our English Grooms: Yet no Grooms are good except the Master look Strictly after them, for the Masters eye makes the Horse well drest, according to the Proverb, the Masters Eye makes the horse fat.

Denmark, Swede, Poland, Transilvania, Hungary, and all those Countries thereabouts are much like the Almains, for little curiosity in keeping and dressing their Horses, their Riding also is for the most part alike, and no Man in Germany will Ride without a a Cavezone, though he knoweth not at all the use of it; In Flanders, Brabant, as also in Holand, and the Countries adjacent to it, they are much like the Germans.

The Emperour of Muscovy, I have heard hath a Stable of Horses, and commonly a French Groom to wait upon them, he getteth his Horses for the most part out of Tartary, and Turky, for he hath none good in his own Country; A Rider is also of no great use there unless he could dress and make a ready Bear, of which there is plenty in these parts.

In the Moguls Country there is nothing to dress except you would dress Elephants, and the best horses they have come from Persia, Sir Walter Rawly reports, that in the West Indies there are the best shaped Horses, and the finest Collours in the World, beyond all the Spanish Horses and Barbs that ever he saw, and that they know there so little the use of horses, that they kill them for their skins.

In Denmark there are excellent good horses, and in Norway little strong horses, but not very well shap'd having their heads commonly a little too bigg: And as for Island Horses, they are all courled like Watter Dogs, and are so Frizled that no curry Comb nor any thing else can dress them, they are also but very dull Jades, and not worth the inquiring after.

CHAP IX What stature or size of Horses, is best and most convenient, either for the Warrs, a single Combate, or any thing else; As also, at what age it is most proper to begin to work a Horse, either for the Warrs or Mannage.

THERE are great Disputes amongst Cavaleers about this business,* 1.9 I shall not there∣fore trouble you with the arguments, they use Pro and Con upon this head, but only deliver to you my opinion anent it; Now those who are for High and Large

Horses, say they are strong for a Shock, but they must know that all large Horses are not strong; Nay, for the most part they are not only the weakest Horses, but common∣ly without Spirit and vigor: But put the case a great and large Horse were strong, yet being so tale and big, his strength is diffused, and indeed so out of his strength; that a middling horse (Entre deux Selles as the French say,) or a less fised horse having his strength united, and being a little lower, or as it were beneath him, would certain∣ly overthrow him, so that a middlng or less sised horse, is certainly and without doubt the best for the Warr, or a single Combate.

Middling and less sized Horses have also for the most part, both strength, Spirit, and Agility, and not one in an hundred but proves well, when of large Horses, not one in a Thousand; Nay, the middle sized Horse is the most propper for all uses: For the Padd, Buck-hunting, Hauking, Running, Galloping upon the high way for many Miles, or Posting, for the Coatch, for the Cart; Yea for any thing, and if he falleth, a little Horse will do the Rider less hurt to ly upon him then a large and heavy one: How∣ever, Geldings and Gelt Nages are fiter for great Journies, Hunting or Hauking in Sum∣mer, then Stoned Horses, because the natural heat in Stoned Horses with the beat of the weather, doeth soon fire their Feet and fownder them, whereas Geldings are Colder, and so travel better, not becomming so soon weary in the heat of Summer. The great Inconveniency of Geldings is, that they soon disgust and looss their appetite: But the only way to prevent it, is to make choice of such as are well Bellied, and then they will keep their Stomachs pretty well, yet never so well as stoned Horses.

As to the Age in which it is most propper to begin to work a Horse either for the Warrs or Mannage; It is certain that a Young Horse of three years old is but Grisle, and be∣sides, his understanding if one may so speak is not come to him, so that wanting under∣standing, and being so weak, you must have patience to stay three years more at the least until he hath both, for stopping and going back will strain his back, stress his Hams, and consequently spoil him, so that I would rather have a Horse of six, seven, or eight years old, so he be sound and not vitious, then a Horse only of three, for then I can force him and make him a ready Horse in three months: But perhaps some will say, that as Boyes learn better then men, so will Colts learn better than Horses, I answer no, for if men could be beaten to it as Boyes are, they would learn much better & sooner: but I can force a Horse of these years, who having both understanding and strength, will, and must of necessity learn much sooner and better, then if he were younger.

Again, If you would have a Horse of use for ordinary occasions, as Journeying, Hauk∣ing, Hunting, &c. I would advise you to buy one who is alreadie almost past mark; and if he be sound of wind, Limb and Sight, he will last you eight or nine years with good keeping, and never fail you; when a young horse will have many diseases, as Chil∣dren have, and you must leave him with your Host, and hire another for your occasi∣on, have your Hosts Bill, and the Farriers to pay at your return, which perhaps will come to more than your horse is worth, and there is your young horse, but your old horse shall never fail you: I would therefore alwayes buy for such purposes, an old Naig of some Hunts-man or Falconer, which I know to be sound, and that is the usefull Nage; For he gallops on all Grounds, leaps over Ditches, and Hedges, and will not fail you in your Journey not any where, and is the only Nage of use for pleasure or Journey: But not for a Souldiers horse, or the Mannage, for every horse should be appropriat to what he is most fit for.

CHAP. X. What Equipage is mostproper for the Horse, and most commodious for the Horseman.

FOR the Sadle, Cavezon, Stirrops and Spurs,* 1.10 you will see the figures of them live∣ly represented in the following Plate, which is the fourth, and therefore I shall say no more of them in this place.

As for the Girths, I would advise you to have one Girth as broad as two, or two sew∣ed together, and only seperat about three inches at each end, as if they were two, though being thus joined together they appear to be but one, as also an Italian Surcingle over

them, which is so excellent a thing, that if the Girths or Straps should break, yet the Surcingle will not fail to hold.

You must also fit your horse with a Bitt proper for him, to know which shall be taught you more distinctly in the thirteenth Chapter, and with the same Bitt which you give him at first, I would have you alwayes ride him, unless you find an absolute necessitie to alter it, your horse should be so hard girt, as to keep the Sadle fixt and from turning: For the Italians say, he who girds well Rides well, but a Groom may gird well and yet not ride well, therefore they mean no man can ride well who doth not gird well; For how can he sit fixt when the Sadle turns round? Horses of Mannage force also the Girths, a great dale more than Journey horses do, because of the violence of their Ayres. And I must tell you, that you should never gird up your horses hard and strait, but just as you are going to mount them, for being a long time hard girt in the stable before you ride, they are apt to grow very sick with it.

But why do they not also grow sick with it when they ride say you? I'le tell you why, because the violence of their exercise maketh them put out their Bodys, and so streatches the Girths and makes them easier; There is a cunning also which Horses make use of when they are accustomed to be hard girt, and it is this, when the Groom cometh to gird them up, they will so streach out their Bodies and Bellies with holding in their Breath, that he will have much adoe to gird them, and then when the Groom is gone they let their Bodies fall again, which is very craftily done of them, that they may have ease after they are girded. And yet say the Learned, like to the Horse who hath no Ʋn∣derstanding, but although they will allow it no other Name then instinct, yet this in∣stinct hath the same effect in horses as reason hath in Men, so that it is only to disput the name and not the thing, because this instinct is found to be as infallible and to fail and mistake it self as seldom, as Reason it self.

Another thing I am to advertise you of, Is that you make the Nose-band as strait as possible you can, because it hinders him to make sheers with his mouth, as they say, or to gape and disorder the working of the Bitt, or to bite at your Leggs or Rod, when you help him with it, but the Nose-band being very strait makes the Bitt ly in its due place, and work orderly as it ought, both upon the Barrs and Crub, and so firms and setles his head; And I assure you there is nothing better then this for many things, there∣fore I would have also the Cavezon tyed as strait as you can, for the same Reasons, but remember that your Cavezon be never sharp, but alwayes lined with double Leath∣er at least, for fear of hurting him, and though the old Saying is, A Bloody Nose makes a good Mouth, yet I would neither hurt his Mouth nor Nose, nor any thing else about him, if I could help it; and then I am sure he will have a better Mouth, than if his Nose were hurt.

Sakers, Dockes or Trouse-Ques (which are all one) are very becoming for a Leap∣ing Horse, for they make him appear Plumper, more together or Racoursi, and al∣so to go higher, therefore I would have you make use of them for all kind of Leaping Horses, whither for Croupadoes, Balotadoes or Capriols, but then the horses tails must be tyed up short in the Sakers, for horses that goe the Mannage de soldat, Terra a Terra, in Corvets, or Demy Ayres, there is nothing more becoming then to see them with good Tails, hanging naturally down without any thing upon them; and to see them sweep the Ground with their Tails is Gracefull, and showeth that they go upon their Haunches, which is the perfection of the Mannage; But if you intend to beautifie their Mains and Tails before great Princes, or Persons of Qualitie, then there is nothing more gracefull then to tye their Mains with several collourd Ribbons, or all of one collour, and after different wayes, either plateing them or letting them hang loose.

It is also observed, That Horses do commonly become plain Furniture. (I mean Sadles and Bridles but not the Houses) better then rich, therefore the Sadles should be plain white Spanish Leather, and Silver Nailes, stitcht also with Silk, and a good black Leather slip-Cover over it, the Bridle soft black Leather and small, by no means too broad, two Girths as I said joyned in one, but parted at both ends like two, and a good Italian Surcingle, which will be worth both the Girths for sure holding, you must be also very careful to see that nothing about your Horse hurt him, as Sadle, Bridle, Cavezon, or any thing else, for assure your self that so long as any thing hurts him, he will never go well.

Horses also go very seldom well in a high wind, for it doth so whisk about them, blow into their ears, and make such a Noise, as it mightily diverts them from the Man∣nage, and so doth any new help, or other thing they are not accustomed to, for Horses are very sensible and ticklish kind of Creatures, and care for nothing which ap∣peareth new to them.

[illustration]

Plate 4 Chap: xi, of Sup:

[illustration] depiction of cavezon

Fig: 1.

The Best & most modern Fashion of Cavezon, with its Reins.

[illustration] depiction of saddle

Fig: 2.

The Best and most modern Fashion of Great Saddle, or, Selle a piquer.

[illustration] depiction of cavezon, stirrups and spurs

Fig: 3.

The Best and most modern Fashion of Rope Cavezon, For the Pillars.

The best and most modern Fashion of Stirrups.

The best and most modern Fashion of Spurrs.

[illustration] depiction of horse and rider

Fig: 4.

The True and perfect Seat upon Horseback.

[illustration] depiction of horse and rider

Fig: 5.

The true and best way of Ordering An Unruly Colt, Before Backing.

[illustration] depiction of horse and rider

Fig: 6.

The true and best way of suppling a Horses shoulders, Upon large Circles to the Right Hand.

[illustration] depiction of horse and rider

Fig: 7.

A true & perfect Stop, Upon large Circles to the Left Hand.

[illustration] depiction of horse and rider

Fig: 8.

A true and perfect Short, or Petit Galop, Upon Large Circles to the Right Hand.

[illustration] depiction of horse and rider

Fig: 9.

A true & perfect Passage a long a Wall, to the Right Hand.

There is also another thing which is most uncomely, and the disgracefullest thing a Horse can do, and that is to whisk his Tail in all the Actions which he makes: The common Re∣medy People use for it, is to ty his Tail with a Quinsel, which doth indeed prevent that disagreeable Action so long as it holds, but the most infallible Remedy in the World for it, is to cut Cross the great Nerve which is under the Tail, and then he shall never whisk or shake it again, neither will this do him any harm in the World, more then the small pain he finds when it is first cut, there is therefore no Remedy like it.

As for the Horse-mans Habit, I would have him alwayes make use of that Garb which is most commonly made use of in the Countrey where he liveth, but for his Boots they must of necessity be Limber and not strong, that so he may both grip the faster with them, and also make use of his Aids with the more ease, which it is not possible for any Man to do either so neatly or unperceptibly, when his Boots are so very stiff and strong, as those commonly used for the Warts; It is true, for a Shock such strong French Boots are cer∣tainly best, but I am now giving directions for Riding and not for fighting, therefore in this case the Limber Boots must take place.

CHAP. XI. Of the true and perfect Seat, which a Man should keep upon Horseback.

HAving in the preceeding Chapter given you an account of what Equipage is most con∣venient for both Horse and Rider, I think it will not be a miss to give you in this,* 1.11 and before I proceed further in discoursing of the Art, ane exact Discription of the true Seat upon Horseback, without which it is impossible for any Man to be an excellent Horseman: And therefore before you mount your Horse, you must see that every thing be in order about him, which you may do in an instant, without Peering and Prying a∣bout every thing, pour faire L'entendu, as the French say: And when you are in the Saddle, (for I suppose you know how to get up) you must sit upon your Twist, and not on your Buttocks, though Nature hath made them for sitting on every where else, but a Horse back.

Being thus placed upon your Twist, and in the middle of the Sadle, advance your Belly towards the Pommel of it, as much as you can, leaving a handbreadth of space, between your hinder parts & the Cantle or L'Arson of the Saddle, but keep your Shoulders a little back, your Leggs being straight down, as if you were on Foot, and your Thighs and Knees turned inwards to the Saddle, holding fast with them both, as if you were glewed to the Sadle (for a Horseman hath nothing but those two with the Counter-poise of his Body, to keep him on horseback) plant your feet firmly upon the Stirrops, your heels a little lower then your Toes, and let the ends of your Toes pass thorow the Stirrops a large Inch, or a little more; your hams stiff, and Leggs not too far from the Horses sides, nor too near neither; that is only so near as not to touch them, which is of great use for certain helps, which I shall show you hereafter.

The Reins of the Bridle are to be in the left Hand, your little finger seperating the Reins, and grasping the rest in the Hand, with your Thumb upon the Reins, and your Arm pretty close to your Body, but not constrained; the Bridle Hand just over the neek of the Horse, and about three fingers above the Pommel, and two before it, that the Pommel may not hinder the Reins in their Working.

In the Right Hand you must have a whistling Rod, neither too long, like an Angling Rod, nor too short like a Poincon; But if either, let it be rather short as long, for there are many graceful helps, which may be given with a short Rod, that a long one will not admite of, you must also hold it a little from the bigg end beyond your hand, not only to make much of your Horse sometimes with it, but also to hold it the faster; and make the point of it bend a little inwards: Your Right Hand where the Rod is, ought to be a little before the Bridle Hand, and the Right Arm also a little looser and more degadged from the Body then the left, but not too far from your Body neither.

You must look a little Gay and Pleasant, but not laughing, and look directly be∣tween the Horses Ears, when he goeth forward: I do not mean you should be stiff as a

Stake, or like to a Statue on Horse-back, but much otherwayes, that is free and with all the Liberty in the World, and as the French say in Dansing, a la neglegence, So I would have a man on Horse back En Cavalier, and not Formal, for that showes more a Scholar than a Master, now a good Seat is of such Consequence as you shall see hereafter, that it is one of the chief things maketh a Horse go perfectly; the very manner of sit∣ing being almost beyond all other helps, therefore do not dispise it; for I dare boldly say, that he who is not Bel homme a cheval, or a Handsome and Graceful Horseman, shall never be Bon homme a Cheval, or a good Horseman; And so this is enough for the Seat, of the Cavalier. See plate fourth, figure fourth.

CHAP. XII. Of Backing a Colt, or young Horse.

NOw that you know how to sit upon Horse-back as also understand what Furniture is most fit for him:* 1.12 I think it will not be a miss to discourse a little in this Chap∣ter of the manner of backing a Colt, or young Horse: concerning which many people have been very nice in their Directions, which in my Opinion there was no great need for, because if you have Ordered your Colts as you are directed in the Dis∣course of Breeding, immediately preceeding this Treatile, which is to house them every Winter, and after the first Winter to use them all the rest as your other Horses, with combing, picking of their Feet, leading to the water, and such other things which I need not here trouble you with; then they will be as quiet and peaceable as any other Horse, so that you need not fear their Plunging and Leaping, nor a hundred Extravagancies more, neither will you need when you come to back them, to tire them in a Bogg or deep plowed Field, to take off his Spirit and break his Heart, or at least his Wind before you dare get upon him, for being Ordered as I have told you, you may safely Mount him the first day you design to back him, and you will find him as quiet as a Lamb, neither will you need a Cavezon of Cord, nor a Bardel or Pad of Straw, but such a Saddle as you ordinatly Ride Horses of Mannage in, with Stitrops and other accounte∣ments belonging to it, and on his Nose an ordinary Cavezon, which you use to your o∣ther Horses: But it must be well Lined with double Leather to prevent its hurting his Nose; and if you will, you may put a Trench or Watering Bitt in his mouth without Reins, and only the head-stal, and that only for a few dayes the Reins of the Cave•••• supplying the place of them, and then give him such a Bitt as you intend alwayes to Ride him with, of which I shall speak in the next Chapter, and stepping him thus a∣broad twice a day, from between three and four Years old, until he be five or six; you may then begin him those Lessons which I shall distinctly set you down hereafter. However at first backing I would advise you to Ride him without Spurrs, and as for the manner of placing the Cavezon upon his Nose, you will find it set down in the twenty third Chapter of this Treatise, to which I refer you.

But if you should light upon an older Colt, and which is very stubborn and unruly; then you must put him for some dayes to the single Pillar with a Longe of Cord tyed to the fore-ring of the Cavezon, and there Trot and Gallop him round it (making some∣times use of a good Shambrier when you find him rebel) until he become peaceable and suffer you to take his back, which he will rarely fail to do in five or six dayes at most; You must also at first mounting Ride him without Spurrs, and by degrees you will find him become aboundantly Tractable, if you make use of this Method with Discretio•••• and Calmness: For from a Passionate Rider and unruely Horse, what can be expected but disorder and confusion? therefore the more unruly a Horse is, the more Calm•••••• and Judgement is there required so to Master him, as that in obtaining the Mastery you do not utterly spoil him, which I am perswaded you can never do, if you punct••••∣ally observe this method of ordering and Backing Colts, or unruly young Horses, which I have here set you down. See plate fourth, figure fift.

CHAP. XIII. A Discourse of Bitts, with some general Di∣rections to know, and make choice of those which are universally most proper, for all Horses.

NOtwithstanding of the most exact Directions you have had in the Discourse im∣mediatly preceeding this Treatise of Horsemanshp,* 1.13 for bitting all kinds of Horses; I Judge it will not be amiss, to make in this place a general Recapitu∣lation, of what was more fully and at large set down in these directions, that so this Trea∣tise may be both the more compleat of it self, and also give you a general notion of what Bitts are most universally to be made use of, for all Horses, who have not some∣thing very extraordinary in either their Mouths or Necks.

Now it seems the Generality of Horsemen long agoe, thought themselves wise and great Masters, by the Diversity of Bitts which they made use of, in which they were mightily deceived: for can any Man imagine, that a piece of iron in a Horses Mouthwill bring him Knowledge; no more I assure you, then a Book in a Boys hand will at first sight make him read; or a pair of Spurrs planted on an Ignorants heels make him ride well. There is however I confess a Propriety or skill, in knowing how to fit a Horses Bitt to him, according to the Turn of his Neck, the Branches either shorter or longer, strong∣er or weaker, Mouth and Liberty wider or narrower, the eye longer or shorter, streight∣er or more bending, the Hooks according to the just Measure of the Bitt, the Curb equal and consisting of three good round Esses, with one ring where it is fixed to the eye upon the far side, and two Rings or Mallious, whereby it is Curbed or fixed upon the near side, the Cheeks of the Bitt handsomly furnished with bosses, not too big, and either rich or plain according to your fancy; not two Rows of little Chains tyed to the Bitt within his Mouth, but only one at the most.

But above all, This Rule is chiefly to be observed, to put as little Iron in your Horses Mouth as possibly you can. If his tongue be very bigg the Liberty must be the wider, if little, the Liberty the less; but you must take heed that the Apuy, or resting place of the Bitt, be never made too near the Liberty for it would gall him; but the resting place must be where it ought, which is about a fingers breadth from the Liberty upon each side of it, and the Bitt must rest upon the Barrs a fingers breadth above the Tu∣shes: Those branches are weakest, whose extreamities when the Reins are slackt, come near∣est to the Horses Neck, and those strongest, which go most forwards from his Neck, and good reason for it, because you have the greater Pull: you may also measure with a little string, or peice of a Rideing Rod, from the eye of the Bitt straight down, and if the extremitys of the Branches be within that line, they are weak and Gentle, and the more they are within it, they are still so much the Weaker, but if they be without it, then they are strong or hardy, and the more they are without it, they are still so much the more strong.

You must also consider another thing which is, that the Cheecks are like to a Lever the longer it is it hath the more force, and the shorter it is it hath the less; for a Boy with a long Lever will lift up more, then the strongest man with a short and so in a Bitt the longer the branches are, they have the more force, and the shorter they are they have the less, for that which is the furthest from the Center, hath the most force for Lifting or Pulling, and that which is nearest the Center the least force, so that very short branches make them as strong or hardy as you will, can never have that force which longer Cheecks have.

Again, if a Horse hold too much up his head and out, then they make use of shorter branches and stronger, to pull his head down and in, wherein they are pretty Right: and so if a Horse hold his head too low, and bringeth it in so round that he arms him∣self against the Bitt, which is to rest the branches upon his breast, so that you have no further Pull or Command of him at all: and because this vice is contrary to holding up his head and out, for which they used short branches and stronger to bring it in, they

therefore think they should make use of long and weak Branches to pull it up; For they reason thus, that if a strong Branch pulled him down, then a weak Branch will pull up his head: Wherein they are mightily deceived, for when a Horse arms himself against the Bitt, as it is certain that long Branches will sooner come to his Breast, then short ones; so is it as certain that weak Branches will come sooner to his Breast then those which are strong; but it seems this they do not very exactly consider, otherwayes they would be very soon sensible of their errour.

For to a Horse that arms himself against the Bit, you must have not only a short branch that will not so soon touch his breast, but also a strong branch to keep it yet further from his breast: the hooks of the Curb ought likewise to be made a little longer, and so justly turned, as not to offend or hurt the sides of of his Cheecks, and if the Curb doth not ly in its right place, two little iron Rings fastned closs to the Top of the Hooks, to keep them steady and fixed, is the best Remedy: all other devices in Bitts or Curbs be∣ing insignificant and to little purpose.

Now the Bitts following are generally the best for all Horses whatsoever, Viz. First, A plain or simple Canon, with Branches a La Conestable. Secondly, A plain Seatch with branches a La Conestable. Thirdly, a Canon a La Pignatel, which is a Bitt with a gentle falling and moving up and down, and the Liberty so low as not to hurt the Roof of the Horses mouth, which is the best Bitt certainly for all Horses which have any thing of a big Tongue, which I am sure they do not like to have pressed; and therefore I recommend that Liberty above all things in Bitts, with the branches a La Conestable.

To discharge a Horses lips, I would have Olives, with the Liberty a La Pignatel, those Olives extending not so far upon every side of the Mouth, as to the extremitys of them, and having little Rings at the ends of them, give Liberty to his Lips and discharges them; but indeed I would have of all, but two sorts of Bitts, which are first the Canon a la Pignatel, and secondly the Olives a la Pignatel to discharge his Lipps if need be, but the branches alwayes a la Conestable.

Thus you have the Truth of Bitts brought into a narrow compass: There is little ver∣tue in them to bring a Horse to understanding, on which a man must work, and that is his Reason, by the favour of the Logitians distinction of reasonable and unreasonable Creatures, for were they as good Horsemen as Scholars, they would have made another distinction: Well then, you see it is not a peice of Iron can make a Horse knowing, for if it were, the Bitt-makers would be the best Horsemen: No, it is the Art of ap∣propriated Lessons, fitting every Horse according to his Nature, Disposition and Strength; punishing, and with good Lessons rectifying his Vices; rewarding him, and preserving him in his Horse Vertues, which will make him a Just and ready Horse: and not the Trusting to an ignorant peice of Iron, called a Bitt: For I will undertake to make a perfect Horse with a Cavezon without a Bitt, better then any man shall with his Bitt without a Cavezon, so highly is the Cavezon when rightly used, to be esteemed; and that is the true Art which maketh a Horse, and not the Ignorance and Folly of a strange Figured Bitt.

The Famous Pignatel at Naples, never used but simple Bitts, which made the igno∣rant wonder how he could Dress Horses so perfectly with so few kinds of Bitts; but he freely told them, It was their Ignorance made them wonder at his Art: And so likewayes that great Master in this Art, Monsieur de Pluvinel, did the some, for he had alwayes a plain Cavezon, and not too sharp, and to make it yet the Gentler, did alwayes line it with double Leather at least; again working with the Cavezon, and making use of such Bitts as I have named to you, It rarely falleth out that a Horse either wryes his Head, sucks up his Bitt, or puts his Tongue over the Bitt, because the liberty a la Pignatel hindereth his Tongue from going over the Bitt, which is the one, and the working with the Cavezon tyed to the Pommel of the Saddle, as I shall hereafter show you, fix∣eth his Head, and so preventeh the other. And this much in general for the right Bitting of a Horse; Those who are more curious, may turn back to the discourse of Bitts immediatly preceeding this Treatise of Horsemanship, where they will be satisfied to the full, in every particular circumstance which can possibly occur in the fitting of any kind of Horse with a Bitt, see Plate second and third.

CHAP. XIV. Of the Operation of the Bitt in several Cir∣cumstances. And

FIRST, When a Horse goeth straight forewards.

TO Work regularly with the Reins of the Bridle, which work upon the Bitt,* 1.14 is an Art which requireth a great deal of more consideration and Judgement, then many who understand it not do imagine, for you must consider that the Bitt is an Engine which worketh upon the Horses Barrs and the Curb, and the two Branches are like Leavers to work on these two places accordingly as the Reins pull the Cheeks; The Barrs and the place where the Curb resteth, are much lower then the Nose upon which the Cavezon worketh, and the Rings whereto the Reins of the Bridle are fastned at the end of the Cheeks, are also lower then either the Barrs or the Curb, but as the Branch∣es are pulled by the Reins of the Bridle, so doeth the Bitt work upon the Barrs, or the Curb upon the place where it resteth.

I must also tell you that the Branches ly slope to you, and the Reins more slope before you take them into your hand: So the Bitt cannot press very much upon the Barrs, the Bridle hand and Reins being so farr from the Perpendicular line to the Branches; The Per∣pendicular Line is, when you thrust your Bridle hand so far forewards as that it is Per∣pendicular to the ends of the Cheeks, which maketh you have a fuller pull of the Branches, and consequently maketh them work extreamly upon the Curb: So when a Horse go∣eth straight forewards either Trotting, Galloping, or upon Corvets, if you hold your hand low, the Bitt presses more upon the Barrs then the Curb, because the Cheeks of it are not so much pulled to you, or towards the neck of the Horse, and consequently the Curb is not straitned so much, and the Horse is at more liberty, and his head a little high, but when you hold your Bridle hand a little more forewards, and pull it upwards, then the Curb worketh more, and so pulleth down the Horses head: Now the reason of this is plain, for when you pull the Branches hard and up, then you pull the mouth of the Bitt down, and so the Horses head also, because the Branches work hard upon the Curb, for it is most true, that when the Cheeks of the Bitt are pulled up, the mouth goeth down, and straitens the Curb, the hand being high, and when the Branches are not pulled hard, then the Curb is a little slackt, and the Horses head at more liberty; because the pressure of the Bitt upon the Barrs, and of the Curb upon the place where it resteth, dependeth upon the Branches; for when the Branches go up, the Mouth of the Bitt goeth down, and when the Branches go down, the Mouth of the Bitt goeth up; this is the true Operation and Effect of the Bitt, when a Horse goeth straight forwards.

SECONDLY, When a Horse goeth to either the Right or Left Hand, his hinder parts being at Liberty.

FOR the Right Hand: Your little Finger seperating the Reins, the left Rein lyes under the little Finger; and the right Rein above it, so that to turn him to the Right, you must turn up your little Finger and Nails; and as you put it up, put it a little upon the inside of the turn or Volt: But then at the same time, you must also advance a little your outward or left Shoulder, that your Body may incline a little to that Hand you are turning to, and thereby appear the less constrained when your Horse is a turning.

Again for the left Hand, your little Finger also seperating the Reins, you must do quite the contrary; for now you must turn down your Nails and Thumb, and in the time of your turning them down, put your Hand a little upon the inside of the Volt or Turn, that is a little to the Left Hand; but then you must also advance a little your outward or right Shoulder, as upon the right Hand you did your left, that so your Body may incline to that Hand to which you are turning, which is now the Left: And that the

Horses fore-parts may not rise too high, keep the Bridle-hand low, which will help to put him upon the Haunches; for the Bridle hand should never be above two or three Fingers breadth, above the Pommel of the Saddle, and a little advanced and easie, but by any means firm; for there is nothing maketh a Horse go more upon the Haunches, then a light and firm Hand, because when he hath nothing to rest upon be∣fore, he will rest behind, for he must rest upon some thing; and if it be behind, then it is right, because it will be upon his Haunches, a light hand is one of the greatest Se∣crets in Horsemanship; but there is no Horse can be light and firm upon the Hand, except he suffer the Curb, and obey it: and this is the Truth and Quintessence of the Bridle∣hand for the outward Rein, upon either right or left Hand.

THIRDLY, Of the use of both the Outward and Inward Rein.

YOU must help your Horse with the Outward Rein of the Bridle in the Piroite, be∣cause his fore parts are straitned, and his hinder parts at liberty, so you must al∣so help with the outward Rein in Demy Volts of one Pist, and in Passads alongst a Wall; The Demy Volt consisting of either three or five times, and that for the same reason, because his fore parts are pressed or straitned, and his hinder parts at liberty, the Demy Volt being as it were half a Piroite; and so shall you also help with the outward Rein in Corvets backward in a straight Line, his fore parts being pressed, and his hinder parts at Liberty because they lead; in all leaps as Croupadoes, Ballotadoes and Captiole, whither straight forewards or upon the Volts, you must also help with the outward Rein; because in these Ayres the fore parts of the Horse are alwayes pressed, and his hinder parts at liberty; otherwayes it were impossible for him to Leap.

But for Terra a Terra you must help with the inward Rein, because his hinder parts are pressed, and his fore parts at liberty, that is, your chief Aid must be with the Rein upon the inside, which is done by putting your hand upon the outside of his Neck or Volt, which streacheth the inward Rein, and so maketh it work, but if your Horse throw his shoulders too much out of the Volt, then you must instantly turn your hand upon the inside of his neck, and work the outward Rein to bring in his shoulders, and when they are brought in, then immediatly place your hand again upon the outside as it was before; you must also work after the same manner with the inward Rein upon Demy Volts-Terra a Terra, because in them the hinder parts are pressed, and the fore parts at liberty, as likewayes for Corvets upon Volts of two pists, because the hinder parts are pressed, and the fore parts at liberty, that so they may with the more ease lead; You must also make use of the same inward Rein, upon Corvets straight forewards: And that for the same reason of the hinder parts being subjected and pressed, and the fore parts enlarged and at liberty; for the more easie advancing and leading of the way.

Again in Passaging a Horse, you must alwayes whatever hand you are going to, For the most part make use of the outward Rein; Which is, to turn your hand upon the inside of the Volt: That so the Horse may the more easily pass, or Lapp his outward fore legg over his inner, or that within the Volt. But notwithstanding of this, I do not pretend, that you should never make use of the inward Rein; especially, if your Horse straiten his Volt by too much turning of his neck and shoulders within the Circle: For in that case, you must of necessity keep him up, or Soutener him with the inward Rein, and so make him inlarge his Volt, which you found he inclined to close; but still I desire that your principal Aid may be with the outward Rein, and that immediatly after you have given him your Aid, Whither it be with the outward or inward Rein, or that you have Soutened, or keept him up from advancing too quickly: That immediatly I say, after your Aid given, you would slaken and yeeld your Bridle hand a little; This is not only a General, but also a very Useful direction; and therefore I intreat you to remember it.

FOƲRTHLY, Of the Operation of the two Reins seperate, one in each hand.

WHEN you work with the Reins seperate, one in each hand, (I shall first speak of the inward Rein) if you pull the inward Rein from his neck, towards the inside, then you pull the inward Cheek or Branch into the Turn, and then the mouth of the Bitt goeth to the Contrary side, which is without, and presseth the Horse upon the Barrs without the Turn; and likewayes presseth the Curb

upon that same outside, which maketh the Horse look out of the Turn, and consequently presseth his Leggs within the Turn, which is not at all proper for Terra a Terra: And it must of necessity do so, to whatever hand you are going, when you thus pull the in∣ward Rein from his neck, upon the inside of the Volt: For when the Cheeks are pulled in, the mouth of the Bitt must go out, because of what side soever the Cheeks are pull∣ed, the mouth of the Bitt goeth still contrary to them; The Bitt being a Machine which is made so to do.

Therefore in Terra a Terra the Reins seperated one in each hand; I pull the inward Rein (if I am going to the Right hand) slopwayes over his neck, towards my left shoulder, the Knuckles of my Right hand down, and Nails up, which pulleth the inward Cheek towards me, and as it were without the Turn, and then the mouth of the Bitt bendeth into the Turn, and maketh the Horse also look into the Turn, presleth his leggs which are without the Turn, and giveth liberty to those within: Which is the true action of a Horses Leggs, for Terra a Terra.

The inward Rein likewayes pulled thus when you have both the Reins in the Left hand, worketh the very same effect: For going to the Right hand, if you turn your Knuckles quite down, making your Nails as it were respect a little your left shoulder, and there∣by streatch the inward Rein, by this motion of the inward Rein You pull the inward Branch to you, and as it were out of the Turn, and then the mouth of the Bitt goeth into the Turn, and pressing the Horse upon the inside of the Barrs, maketh him both look into the Turn, and also presseth his leggs without the Volt, and giveth liberty to those within, all which is most proper for Terra a Terra: Now what I have said of the Right hand, may be easily applyed to the Left, and this much of the inward Rein, either both Reins being in the Left hand, or the Reins being seperate, and one only in each hand.

Let us now consider the working of the outward Rein, what operation it hath upon the Branches, which Branches govern the mouth of the Bitt and Curb; As for example, going to the Right hand, I turn my hand on the inside of his neck, my Nails a little up; this pulleth the outward Rein, Which outward Rein pulleth the outward Cheek towards me, and therefore must of necessity put the mouth of the Bitt from me, and press the Horse upon the out side of the Barrs, which is on the outside of the Turn, and so the Horse must look out of the Turn, have his leggs pressed within the Turn, and at liberty without the Turn, and all this, because the Branches are pulled to me, and as it were within the Volt, and therefore the mouth of the Bitt must go from me, which is without the Volt: And it is impossible it should work otherwayes, but then it is true that this is not at all fit for Terra a Terra, but excellent for suppling his shoulders. The reason is this. The H••rses leggs are as I said, pressed upon the inside of the Turn, And therefore he must needs bring in his Shoulders, although he is at the same time constrain∣ed to look out of the Turn, the same thing is for the left hand, and the same reason serve for both: Thus you have the Bitt and Reins truely Anatomized, which if I be not mistaken, will be sound very useful to those who design to understand the true Foun∣dations of Horsemanship: The superficial Knowledge of it, being for the most part but a meer Routin, and not worth a Farthing.

CHAP. XV. Of the Trench or watering Bitt, Snaffle, Martingal, and false Reins.

ALL these are of no use at all for dressing of Horses,* 1.15 since the end of Riding is to go with the Bitt, for with the Trench and Martingal you must use both hands, and you have not a third for the Sword, but with the Bitt your left hand governeth the Horse, and your Right is free for the Sword, but I must let you also see, that to use the Trench and Martingal, is just so much time lost as you ride your Horse with them, and that they also nowayes prepare him for the Bitt, for first the Trench hath no Curb, therefore a Horse cannot come to understand the Curb by it, because it hath none. Then Secondly, There is no Trench in the World, or Snaffle which is almost the same, being only a

smaller kind of Trench, that ever wrought upon the Barrs of a Horse, but only upon the Weeks of his Mouth and Lips, so what preparation is there I pray for the Bitt by making use of the Trench? when it can neither make him understand the Curb, not Pressure of a Bitt upon the Barrs, and yet you see that the Bitt worketh only upon these two places, and also that without them, it is impossible to make a ready Horse, nay pull down a Horses head as much as you can with a Trench or Martingal, and they shall never work upon his Barrs, so that use them never so long, the Horse shall not be settled on jot the better upon the hand when you take them away; You may see therefore how unuseful a folly the making use of the Trench and Martingal is for dress∣ing of Horses, meerly so much time lost to no purpose, and Labour in vain, so that I wonder at the Horsemen who had no more Witt long agoe then to use it.

To work Horses again with false Reins, is altogether as false work, for they being tyed to the Arches of the Bitt, when you pull them you slack the Curb, and make the Bitt like a Snaffle, so that no Horse can be firm and settled with it, for that Horse who doth not suffer the Curb shall never be a ready horse, it is therefore the Bitt and C••∣vezon, and the True Art of Riding that settles a Horse upon the hand, makes and dress∣es him perfectly, and not the Trench, false Reins, and Martingal, no nor the Mar∣tingal accompanied with the Bitt neither, Because as I said, if it be tyed to the Arches of the Bitt, the Curb can never work; and without the Curb, a Bitt is of no more use for the Mannage, then a common Snaffle or watering Trench, but when a Horse com∣eth to answer the Bitt and working of the Curb, then he will be put upon his Haunches, and go so perfectly and easily, as you shall hardly feel him upon the hand, the Bridle will be so slack and he will go so just.

CHAP. XVI. Of the Cavezon, its Operation and Use.

THE Cavezon is quite another Machine then the Bitt,* 1.16 for the Bitt worketh upon the Barrs and the Curb, and hath two Branches whereunto are fastned the two Reins, one upon each side of the Horses Neck, and the Bitt is in his Mouth, and the Curb un∣der his Chin, and these all low, especially the Branches, but the Cavezon is higher and upon his Nose, and worketh only there, without either Mouth or Curb, so that the Cavezon being fastned as I shall hereafter order it, if you pull the inward Rein cross his Neck in an oblique line towards the outside of the Turn, your Kouckles down, it pull∣eth his head up a little; and worketh the same effect for the bending of his Neck, as the Bitt doth, but much more because you have a greater pull, the Cavezon being upon his Nose, and being also further from you then the Bitt, the ply of his Neck is the greater.

Consider also, That when the inward Rein of the Cavezon is tyed to the Pommel of the Saddle, it maketh almost the same oblique line as when you hold it in your hand, and hath the same opperation in every thing, only that it is a little shorter: But then again if you hold it in your hand, and pull it strongly on the inside of the Volt, and low, then you pull down the Horses head, which maketh him bring in his outward shoulder, which is good upon large Circles, either in Troting, Galloping or Passaging, for to supple his Shoulders, so that the Cavezon and Bitt differ so much in working, that when you pull the Cavezon Rien a little high, it bringeth also up the Horses head, and when you pull the Branches high, your hand well advanced and near to the perpendicular line of the Branches, they bring the Horses head down, again when you hold the Ca∣vezon rein low, and towards the inside of the turn, it pulleth his head down, but if you hold your Bridle-hand low, it giveth his head liberty.

You may perceive then by this, that the Cavezon and Bitt differ very much in their manner of Operation, so great is the difference between working upon the Nose, and the mouth or Barrs; It is true that the cavezons inwards Rein tyed to the pommel of the Saddle, is so rare and so effectual a thing, as you need not almost care what you do with the Bitt so long as yow work with it, because it indeed doth all, yet when a Man cometh to work with the Briddle alone, he may easily be mistaken, for except he un∣derstand the true effects of both, the excellency of the Cavezons inward rein thus tyed, may very readily deceive him, when he cometh to work with the Bitt alone.

Now the great use of the Cavezon, is to stay, to raise, and make a Horse Light, to teach him to turn, to stop, and to assure and adjust his Head and Croup, and also ply his Neck, and supple his Shoulders and fore Legs, without offending his Mouth, or place of the Curb; therefore I would advise you to use it to all Horses whatsoever, for they will go much better, when you come to make use of the Bitt alone; having their Mouths thereby preserved and made so sensible, that they will be attentive to the least motions of the Hand; so that there is nothing comparable to it for the Exercise of the Mannage, with a Bitt for the most part a la Pignatel, and the Branches a la Conestable; be∣cause the Cavezon doth so supple them, and is so right, that it will dress all Horses what∣soever, if you work them upon their Trot, Gallop, Stopping, and going back, with Passaging, and raising them as you ought, conform to the Rules of Art, for this mak∣eth them subject to the sense of Feeling, causing them to Feel and Answer the Hand and Heels, which is the Sense we ought to work on, and not to the Sense of the Sight, which is the Routin of the Pillars, or the Sense of Noise, which is the Rote of Hearing, and that only by applying the Aids in these two places, to wit, the Mouth and the Sides: Seeing is all the Art by which People teach Horses Tricks and Gambals, and though the Ignorant admire them; yet these persons shall never teach a Horse to go well in the Mannage; for there are many things in the Sense of Feeling which are to be done with so great Art and Judgement, and which require so great Experience of the different Dispositions of Horses, that it is not every man who can Dress a Horse for the Mannage, as he can make a Dog or Horse to Dance.

Now the Cavezons inward rein tyed short to the pommel of the saddle, is excellent to give a horse an Apuy, settle him upon the hand, and make his head firm and steady; so it is excellent for a horse that is too hard on the hand, for the cavezons rein within the turn being alwayes tyed very strait to the pommel, keepeth him from rest∣ing too much upon the Bitt, which makes him Light and firm on the hand, the ca∣vezons inward rein being thus tyed short is also excellent to supple a horses shoulders, which is the best thing that can be; for it giveth Apuy where there is none, and where there is too much it takes it away, and suppleth his shoulders extreamly, which is an ex∣cellent thing; it also maketh a Horse Gallop very right with his Leggs for Terra a Terra, for it in a manner lengthens his Leggs within the Turn, and giveth them liberty; but shortens and presseth his Leggs without the turn, which is as they should be for terra a terra: So you see that the Cavezons inward Rein thus fixed to the Pommel of the Saddle, is good First for suppling his shoulders, helping him with your inward Legg, and outward Rein of the Bridle: And next for working his Croup, helping him with your outward Legg and inward Rein of the Bridle; and this is the verity of tying the Cave∣zons inward Rein short to the Pommel of the Saddle.

The Cavezon worketh also powerfully upon the Nose; and so giveth you the stronger pull to make the P••y and Bent the greater, because it is the part farthest from your Hand; and this ply or bent is from the very Nose to his Withers, which is to bend his Neck, bring his outward Shoulder in, and make him also look into the turn; and this is done with the inward Rein of the Cavezon pulled hard and strait, and so tyed to the Pommel as it may be kept fix'd, and at a stay, which is much better then keeping it in ones hand, for he might come to force your hand; but when the Rein is tyed to the Pommel, it still keepeth the Horse in a right ply, and then you may work with the Bitt as you list. Either with the Reins separate, one in each hand, or else both in your left: Therefore if you would Passage him his Croup in, large or narrow, you must help him for the most part with the outward Rein of the Bridle, and your outward Legg, because it is upon the Action of a Trot, which is cross; and therefore he must have his Leggs without the turn free and at Liberty, to lap over his inward Leggs: And if you would have him to go Le petit Gallop his Croup in, or terra a terra; then you must help with your outward Legg, but with the inward Rein of the Bridle, your hand on the outside of his Neck with the Knuckles down, and Nailes respecting your left Shoulder, if it be to the Right, but respecting your Right, if it be to the Left Hand your Horse is going; and that to press his Leggs upon the outside of the turn, and give Liberty to these within; but for the Petit Gallop, you must put your bridle Hand sometimes on the inside of his Neck, but immediatly remit it again, and that because it is a Gallop, and the outward Rein serveth to bring his Shoulders a little into the volt when he turn∣eth them too much out; if to Trot or Gallop upon one Pist, in large or narrow Circles, the Cavezons inward rein still tyed to the Pommel of the Saddle; you must then help him with the inward Leg and inward rein, but sometimes also with the outward Bridle-rein,

to bring in his Shoulders, and narrow him before, if the Piroite, only with the outward rein of the Bridle, if Demp Volts upon Passades, the outward rein; for all Leaps, Corvets either forwards or backwards, or upon the Volts, and Demp Aìres, still the outward rein of the Bridle, for the most part; but for terra a terra, or passads-terra a terra, stopping and going back, you must help with the inward rein and outward Legg; and all this with the Cavezons inward rein tyed strait to the Pommel of the Saddle, which is the best thing in the World; for being so fixed, you see how you may give your helps which the several reins of the Bridle, as occasion shall offer, and as I have told you in these several Ayres preceeding.

So that the Cavezons inward rein held in your hand, or thus tyed to the Pommel of the Saddle, which is certainly the most secure way, is for all things whatsoever, Croup in or out, Trot, Gallop, Passage, all Ayres, Stopping, going back, Passads, or any thing else that belongeth to the Mannage; for without it no Horse can have his Shoulders well Suppled, his Neck made plyable to look into the Turn, his Leggs to go right, or agree as they should in every different Action, or his Body rightly bent to be part of the Circle, wherein he is going; And consequently without a Cavezon can never be perfectly dressed, therefore it is all in all for every thing, every Ayre, and every Action a Horse can make; for it preserves his Mouth, Barrs, and place of the Curb, and is so effectual that it will Dress a Horse without the Bitt, which a Bitt shall never do so well without the Cavezon, for the Barrs and place of the Curb are tender, besides, the reins of the Bitt can never so well Supple his Shoulders, ply his Neck, or give his Body that Just Bent which is required in the Mannage, because they are so near to you, and work only upon the barrs and Curb, which cannot possibly bend him so much as that which is upon his Nose, for the barrs and Curb are low, and the branches yet lower, so that there is not so much room and distance to pull, as with the Cavezon that is so much higher; and hath the distance from the very Nose to the Shoulders, where you may pull him; whereas the Bridle-reins can but pull his Musle and Head, but scarcely any more: For to Supple his Shoulders with the Bridle Reins, you must help with the inward Legg and outward rein, and stay his outward Shoulder with the inward rein of the Bridle, which hath not near that force which the inward rein of the Cavezon hath.

Therefore I would advise you, to use it for all things, and to all Horses, Colts, half Dressed Horses, Ready Horses, Young, middle-aged, and Old, and in short to every Horse whatsover, for there is no Dressing of them without it but with great difficulty; and with it you will Dress all Horses, of what Disposition so ever, weak, middle strength, or strong; and with it also reduce all Vices, and when you come to use the Bitt alone, they will go much the better, for having been continually wrought before with the Cavezon.

CHAP. XVII. Of the several Helps and Corrections, with Body, Voice, Spurrs, Rod, Calfs of the Leggs, &c. And

FIRST, Of the Secret Helps of the Horseman's Body in General.

YOU must understand,* 1.17 that the Body on Horseback is divided into three parts, two Moveable, and one Unmoveable: The first Moveable is the upper parts of the Body to the Wast, the Unmoveable is from the Wast to the Knees; and the other Moveable, from the Knees to the Feet.

The Helps of the Body are to be Gentle for all Horses, because to sit strong on Horseback Astonishes a weak Horse, And causes a strong one to go in Counter-times, because it forces him too much, it maketh a Furious Horse mad, a resty Horse yet more Resty, and a Horse hard on the Hand to run away; Being displeasing to all

sorts of Horses: You are therefore neither to sit too weak, nor too strong upon Horse∣back, but betwixt the two, because Gentle Helps fit and please all Horses best; And you must also fit Straight upon the Twist, and alwayes keep your self as much so as you can, what action soever the Horse maketh: And to do it with the more ease, you must op∣pose his rude and unexpected motions, by acting quite contrary to what ••e dóth.

As for example, If the Horse rise before, then you must incline your Body a little forewards to him; For did your Body go along with the Horse, it would go backwards, and be both very uneasie for you and the Horse: In like manner, if the Horse strike out behind, or raise his Croup, you must put your Body backwards, which is contrary to the Horses motion; For did you follow the Horse, you would put your Body fore∣wards, and so be in danger of being thrown, therefore the best way, is still to sit straight as much as possible, and then the Action of the Horse will keep you on your Twist.

SECONDLY Of the Voice and Tongue.

THE voice is used three manner of wayes, First for correction, which is done in a threatning way, and is good in the beginning to astonish and Allarum any ill natur∣ed, and Malicious Horses, which with all their might Rebel against their Rider. Secondly, It is made use of, as an Aid or Help, and to Incourage Horses when they are doing what the Rider would have them. And Thirdly, it is made use of as a token of kindness, and to court and flatter them: But it is never otherwayes made use of, except in these three cases I have told you, and but seldom in these neither, because it is not by the sence of heating, or seeing, but by the sence of feeling or touch, and hand and heel, that Horses are perfectly dressed: However, I do not condem themakng use of the Voice at Seasonable times, that so you may gain upon and overcome such Horses as are vitious, and ill natured, or who incline to rest by refusing the Spurr; be∣cause in the beginning it Succeedeth very oft well, but when once a Horse is come any length in his Mannage, it must then no more be made use of.

As for the help of the Tongue, it is admirable for Incouraging and animating, or bringing a Horse together, and uniting him in Terra a Terra; You should therefore from time to time alwayes make use of it. But there is nothing more rediculous then to see some people, who so soon as ever they have begun their Reprise of Terra a Terra, never cease Claking with their Tongue untill they have finished it, which serveth for no other use but to dull a Horse, and make him unsensible: However, to make use of the Tongue sometimes produceth a every good effect, especially in all kind of Ayres: But I must here reprehend a certain kind of people, who so soon as ever they see any Horse slaken in his Mannage, who ever be upon his back, or that he goeth not as they would have him, never fail to speak or Clake to him with their Tongue, which is very impertinent in him who doth it, for not being the Rider, it is not very good manners to speak to to the Horse, except he belongeth to the person who speaketh; for if the Horse do not belong to him, and that he still Clake to him with his Tongue so long as he Rideth, he will be thought but very officious and rediculous upon that head: Those who are guilty of this will be perhaps better satisfied to receive this advice in Writing, then by word of mouth, at least I would be so, were the case my own.

THIRDLY Of the Rod. And:

1st, Of its use for a Souldiers Horse or Manege de Guerre.

THE Rod is seldom used for a Correction, but only for a Help, and that many times also more for Grace then use: For one Rod should serve a Man a month, because it is the hand and Heels that dress a Horse, and nothing else; also the Helps with the Rod are not so proper for Souldiers Horses, because they should go only with the hand and heel, for the Sword is to be in the Right hand, and not the Rod, but in dressing a Horse only for the Warrs, you must at first use the Rod, if it were but only to show it still upon the contrary side to which he is going, or to hold it straight up with a grace at every change.

2ly, Of the Ʋse of the Rod in Terra a Terra.

FOR Terra a Terra upon the Right hand, hold up your Rod pretty high with a Grace, and give him sometimes a gentle blow upon the left shoulder if there be need for it, or sometimes over your left Arm, upon the side or Flank if he require it.

For Terra a Terra upon the left hand, hold the Rod also a little high, or put it to his Right Flank, and hold it there with a Grace during his reprise, or give him a blow with it, upon the Right Flank or shoulder as he shall require it.

You must also use the same helps with the Rod, upon Demy Volts, or Passads, but for the piroite, hold it still upon the contrary side to which he is going.

3ly, Of the use of the Rod in Corvets.

FOR Corvets upon the Volts, and going to the right hand, help him cross the Neck upon his left shoulder with a Grace, and give him now and then a pretty smart blow, if he require it, or that you find he do not rise well enough before; but going Corvets to the left, you must help him upon the right shoulder, also with a Grace and in just time.

Another help with the Rod in Corvets, is to hold it a little long, and to whisk it for∣wards and backwards, your Arm up and bending a little at the Elbow: But there is not a more Graceful help with the Rod in Corvets, then when you are going streight forwards upon them, and your Horses right side to a Wall; to strike the Wall frequently, and in Cadance with the motion of the Horse, a double strock at each time.

4ly, Of the Ʋse of the Rod in all manner of Leaps.

TO Whisk the Rod forwards and backwards in Leaps, as I desired you to do in Cor∣vets, is a very Graceful help; but in my Opinion it forces a Horse a little too much forwards, until he be accustomed to it; to help also in Leaps with the Rod, not over your right shoulder, but over the bent of your right Arm, your Arm lying a little degadged from your Body, and so plyed, as that the point of the Rod may fall in the middle of the Horses Croup; this is a Graceful help, yet somewhat difficult to be per∣formed.

But the best and surest help, although not altogether so Graceful, is to turn the Rod in your hand, the point towards the Horses Croup, and help him so each Leap and in Ca∣dance, but only one stroak at a time; yet if he raises not his Croup enough, then help him with two or three stroaks for each Leap, which is called in French, aider de tout temps, and this is the surest help of all; you may also help him just behind the Saddle, with the big end of the Rod in place of a Poin••on or Puncheon; the Rod being turned in your Hand as before, which is also a good help and very frequently made use of in the Schools.

But if your Horse be very light behind, which few are, then help him only with the Rod upon the Shoulders, and in time; If you would make your Horse only to Croup with his hinder parts, which is for the Balotade; and not strick out but only show his Shoes, then help him just upon the Middle of his Croup; But if you would have him strick out, then help him with your Rod, upon the setting on of his Dock, and if you would have him bring both his hinder Leggs under his Belly, which is for the Croupade then strick him with the Rod a little above the Gambrels. So these three several helps with the Rod, will make your horse either to Balotade, strike out, or Croupade.

But there is no help with the Rod so good, as to help him with two Rods, one to raise him before, and the other to help him under his belly, which putteth him so much upon the Haunches, as no help with the Rod is comparable to it, especially when he is going upon Corvets, but then you must have a Person upon foot, who hath Judgement enough to give the help with the Rod beneath his Belly, in Just time and Cadance, otherwise it will more confound and astonish the horse then assist him, and this much of the Rod.

FOƲRTHLY. Of the Secret Helps of the Calfs of the Leggs.

YOU must know that when you are stiff in the Hams, which is done by put∣ting down your heels, then the Calfs of the Leggs come to the Horse, and you are so much the more Narvous and strong upon Horse-back, but then the heels are removed from him, again when you bend in your Hams, which is done by putting down your Toes, then the Calfs of the Leggs are removed from the Horse, but the Heels come to him, and you are thereby more easie and slack upon Horse back. Now these Helps of the Calfs of the Leggs being Truths as great, as secret and unknown to many who pretend to be no small Horsemen. I thought fit in this place to discover them to you.

FIFTHLY. Of the Several Corrections and Helps with the Spurrs.

THE Correction of the Spurrs being a Punishment, cometh commonly after a fault is committed, to put either in his Croup or Buttock, when he shall have put it too far out, or out his Croup when he shall have put it too much in, or be Entier as the French call it, which is to refuse to turn to that hand you would have him, and this is done commonly with one Spurr; but he is to be corrected with both Spurrs, when he is Resty and will not go forwards, or to settle him on the hand, when he joggles his head, or when he is apprehensive and skittish, or that he offereth to bite or strike, in all these Cases the Spurrs will do him good, also if he rise too high before, or bolt upright, then to give him with both your Spurrs as he is falling down, will be a great means to put it from him, but take heed not to make use of them just as he is rising, for then they may cause him come over upon you: Again if he will not Advance which is to rise before, then a good strock with both Spurrs will make him rise, providing that at the same time, you keep him firm and stayed upon the hand, and as it were support him a little with the Bitt, likewise if he be a dull Jade, or lazy and slack in his Mannage, then to give him the Spurrs will quicken him.

So you see the Spurrs are as a Correction for many things, therefore you must give them strongly and sharply, and with as much Vigour as you can; and have them al∣wayes very sharp, that he may feel them to the purpose so as to make Blood follow, for otherwayes they would not prove a Correction; You must also strike your Horse al∣wise some three or four fingers behind the Girths, and sometimes towards the Flanks if it be to put in his Croup, and believe it, there is no Correction like the Spurrs when Seasonably given: For what maketh a Horse sensible to the Heels, but the Spurrs? Therefore use them, and that also untill he obey you; for no Horse can be a Ready Horse, until be obey the Heels, and consequently answer the Spurrs: But however, take heed you do not dull him with them, for then he will care no more for them than if he were a Stock or stone; Therefore remember to give them but seldom, and upon just Occasion; but when you do give them, let it alwayes be smartly, and to the purpose.

If your Horse maliciously Rebel against what you would have him do, leave not Spur∣ring of him, and that soundly, until you find him begin to obey you; and when he obeys you in the least, then light off and send him to the Stable, and the next Morn∣ing try him again, and if he obey you, Cherish and make much of him, forgiving him many other faults that day, that he may know you have Mercy as well as Justice; And that you can Reward as well as Punish; so you see of what great Efficacy the Spurrs timely and discreetly given, are for the dressing of Horses, for a man hath but his hand and heels to do it, and the Spurrs do half the business, although it must be confessed that the hand hath the preheminency; For though there be two Spurrs, and but one Bridle, be∣cause a Horse hath but one mouth, and two sides: Yet if he be not settled upon the hand, you cannot make him subject to the Heels, but withall, the Correction of the Spurrs is so necessary and effectual, that no Horse can be made very ready without them, therefore esteem them highly, nixt to settling a Horse upon the hand, which must alwayes be first.

As for Helps, they are to go before and prevent Faults, as corrections come after, to pu∣nish for offending, therefore the spurrs are to be used as a help thus, when the horse goeth Terra a Terra your outward legg closs to him, when he slacks turn your heel to him,

and pinch him with the spurrs, which you may easily do, even to bring blood and no Body perceive it, for it ought to be done nearly and delicately, because the spurrs are a neat and most excellent Help, and the Quintessence of all Helps in the Mannage, so that if a Horse suffer and obey this while you Sta•• him upon the hand, you may with very good reason say he is an excellent Horse; for this quickens him, and puts him forewards: Yet let me tell you, though this is an excellent Help for Terra a Terra, yet it is not so good for it as other Ayres, because it raises a Horse much before, and presseth him forewards. However, you may Pinch with both your Spurrs at once, or only one of them as you find it needful, and that as well in Terra a Terra as other Ayres: now the use of Pinching in Terra a Terra, is to make him Croup, press him foreward, and put him much upon his Haunehes; whereas for all Ayres, it raiseth him, and puteth him fore∣wards but a little, and therefore it is a great deal more proper for Ayres then Terra a Terra, although it be very useful for both when rightly timed, and thus much of that excellent Help called Pinching

There is another Help with the Spurrs, which I call a Help, because it is nether so vi∣olent as a Correction, nor so pressing as pinching, but between Spurring and pinehing; and it is this, when your Horse Gallops his Croup in, or Terra a Terra. If he obeyeth not your outward Legg enough; being close to, or very near his side, then make a Motion of the Legg as if you did Spurr him, but with as Gentle a touch as possible, and only to let him feel it and no more; Now this is the Gentlest of all Helps with the Spurrs, which also puteth him forewards, and is excellent for Terra a Terra, or the Hand Gallop his Croup in; Yea much better then Pinching, for it both puteth him forewards, and maketh him obey the Spurrs at the same time, but it is not so good for Ayres, for in them he should both leap up and forewards but a very little, and therefore Pinching is better for Ayres then this last Help I have been discriving: Because Pinching as I said, raiseth his Croup, and he advanceth with it but a very little; whereas this last Aid or Help puteth him forewards, and raiseth him but little, and therefore is more proper for Terra a Terra, and Le petit Galop, or hand Gallop his Croup in; Now if your Horse yeeld to your Correc∣tion, and understand these two preceeding Helps with the Spurrs, being made sensible to him, you may assure your self he will need them but very seldom after a while, but be so sensible as that he will go freely, and obey you willingly, with the Calfs of your Leggs only, for as for the Help of the Thighs, it is a rediculous Conceit, seeing there are indeed no Helps below a Riders middle, but the Spurrs, and Calfs of the Leggs, that a Horse can posibly feel. There is also nothing in the World maketh Horses more Resty, and vitious many several wayes then the Spurrs given out of time, and nothing in the World dresses them also more perfectly then the same Spurrs given in time, and thus you have all the Helps of the Hand and Heels discrived to you, which are the only things that can dress a Horse, and make him perfectly ready, either for the Mannage of Pleasure, or Service of Warr.

CHAP. XVIII. Of rewarding and punishing Horses, and that Fear doth much, but Love little.

IT is imposible you can dress any Horse,* 1.18 until he first know and acknowledge you to be his Master by obeying you; That is, he must Fear you, and out of that Fear, love and obey you, for it is Fear maketh every body obey, both Man and beast, therefore first see that he fear you, and then it will be for his own sake that he will obey you, be∣cause otherwayes he would be punished, Love also is not so sure a hold, for there you de∣pend upon his will, but when he Fears you, then he depends upon your own, which maketh a Ready Horse; Whereas if you depend upon his, it would make you a Ready Man, so Love you see doth no good but Fear all, therefore make him Fear you, which is the ground and foundation for dressing all Horses whatsoever, and the Council of a friend who wishes you to succeed in all your undertakings of this Nature.

Yet Pluvinel, and most of the great Masters in Horsemanship, praise alwayes Gentle∣ness, and Flatteties, and making much of Horses, either by Claping, Stroaking, Speak∣ing

Flattingly unto them, or giving them something to eat, and Pluvinel sayeth one ought to be Prodigal of Caressing, and Nigard in Correcting, or offending them, and that there is no other way of dressing Horses like to this, but some Horsemen never make much of Horses, or very rarely, and yet these Horses go well, neither do they threaten them with the Voice, or ever speak to them, and no doubt they do it on purpose to keep them in subjection, and to cause them fear them; For as the Proverb goes, Famili∣arity breeds contempt, and Courtecy doth no good, but Incourages them to presume upon it, neither do they use the Rod much, but only their hand and Heels, and seldom let a fault escape unpunished, which is indeed the only true way to dress Horses; Then when they have Corrected them one morning, it may be they will spare them the next, but they never punish them without a fault, and if they make none they are not Corrected, and that is a sufficient reward for them; For hope of reward and fear of punishment governs this whole World, not only Men but Horses, which maketh them incline the rather to obey you, that they may receive the Reward, and shun the Punishment.

Now the severest Chastisement that a Horse should receive, is with the Spurrs, for all Whips, Chambriers, and Bulls Pisles, have not near that effect which Spurrs have, the Rod also is more for Grace then Ʋse, but Rewards or no Rewards are triffles, and in a manner of no use for the Mannaging of Horses, in comparison of the Art of Riding; For let an ignorant Horseman flatter his Horse and not punish him, or punish him and not flatter him, yet I will not flatter the Rider, but must tell him that he shall spoil his Horse let him do what he can, and that only because he wants Art.

CHAP. XIX. That Opposition in Horses against the Rider, is for the most part a sign, of Strength and Spirit.

BE not discouraged if your Horse do Oppose you,* 1.19 for it is oft times a token of Strength Spirit, and Stomach, and a Horse having all these, cannot choose but be made a Ready Horse, if he be under the Discipline of an Ʋnderstanding band and Knowing heels, for when a Horse doth not Rebel, it shews Weakness, Faintness of Spirit, and want of Courage, and where Nature is so much defective, it is hard for Art to supplie it.

But truly I never knew almost any Horse, but before he was perfectly Dressed, would Rebel either less or more, and certainly there is no Horse but will strive at the first when Dressing, to have his own will, rather then to obey his Riders, nor doth a Horse more as any other Creature love Subjection, until there is no Remedy, and then he will obey, and the Custome of Obedience maketh him a Ready Horse.

Now no man in the World, no not the wisest with his suppream Understanding, were he put in the form of a Horse, could possibly find out more subtile wayes to oppose a Man then a Horse will, nay nor near so many I dare say, for they will strive all the wayes possibly they can to be free and not Subjected, but when they find it will not do, then they yeeld, but not till then, so that they deserve no thanks for their Obedience; Whence I conclude that a Horse must know you to be his Master; That is, he must Fear you, and then he will Love you for his own sake; For as I said in the preceeding Chapter, Fear is the Surest Hold, because it doth almost all things in the World, and Love but little, therefore see that your Horse first fear you, and then it will be your own Fault if you make him not Obey you.

CHAP. XX. What it is maketh a Horse go by Rote, or Routine, and how to Remedy it.

THat which maketh a horse go by Rote,* 1.20 is absolutely his Eyes, and therefore to prevent it, I would advise you to have as few Marks as you can in the Mannage, that is no Pillars but on the outside, and but one there neither, so that will not fix his sight, and then he must take notice to the Hand and Heels, neither would I have you ride him alwayes in one place, for there his Eyes will make him go by Rote again, therefore to ride him alwayes in different places, is certainly the best, for that will make him attend the hand and the heels, and this and no otherway, can cure him of going by Rote.

CHAP. XXI. A true Description of all the natural Paces, And

FIRST, Of the Walk.

THere is no Man can make or dress a Horse perfectly,* 1.21 that doth not exactly understand all the Natural Paces and Actions of a Horses Leggs, as also those made by Art, for it is a General Rule that Art must never go against Nature, but must follow her and her or∣der as much as possible, now as for the Motion of a Horses Leggs upon his Walk, the Duke of Newcastle sayeth that it is two Leggs in the Air, and two upon the Ground at the same time, in form of a St. Andrews Cross: But I must begg leave although I am no very old Horseman, to differ from his Lordship upon this point, because he is therein mightily mistaken, and there is no such thing which any Man may make Tryal of, by only causing lead his Horse gently out of the Stable in ones hand, and then he will find that the Motion of a horses Leggs in his Walk, is so farr from being two in the Air and two upon the Ground at the same time, in form of a St. Andrews Cross, that it is quite another Motion as followeth.

The true Motion then of a Horses Leggs upon his Walk, according to my own Obser∣vation, which upon tryal will be found to be as true as it is new, is one, two, three, and four, as followeth, the horse when he beginneth his walk, must either lead with the Leggs of his Right fide, or with these of the left, if he Lead with those of the Right, then the first foot he lifteth is his farr hind foot, which maketh one, and in the time he is setting it down (which in a step he doth alwayes short of the tread of his fore foot upon the same side) I say in the very time he is setting down his farr hind foot which maketh one time, he lifteth his farr fore foot, and setteth it down before his near fore foot, which maketh the second time, again just as he is setting down his: farr fore foot, he lifteth his near hind foot, and setteth it down again short of his near fore foot, which maketh the third time, and just as he is setting it down, he lifteth his near fore foot, and setteth it down before his farr fore foot, which maketh the fourth and last time. So you see that the Motion of a horses Leggs in his Walk, is so farr from being two Legg in the Air, and two upon the Ground cross, that it is two Leggs of a side one after another, which four Leggs in setting down the feet, mark one, two, three, and four, and so successively one after another, so long as the horse walketh, he alwayes beginning his Walk, with the hind foot of that side wherewith he leadeth, be it either his Right or Left, and this is the true Motion of a horses Leggs upon his Walk, which I believe hath alwayes been mistaken untill now, that I hope this shall discover the errour, it was Cu∣riosity which put me upon the Observation of it, and although it may be thought a kind of Presumption in me to contradict so famous a Horseman as the Duke of Newcastle,

yet seeing I found my Observation to hold, I thought I might safly venture to own it, Because Truth will alwayes vindicat it self, whatever may be objected against it; And that my Observation of a Horses Walk is such, cannot in my Opinion be better demonstrat, then by making a Tryal, which I believe will be no great difficulty where any kind of Horse is to be had, and this much of the true and real Motions of a horses Leggs upon his Walk.

SECONDLY, Of the Amble.

BEcause the Motion of a Horses Leggs upon his Walk, is two Leggs of a side one after another, as I have made appear, which mark one, two, three, and four, so a Horse in an Amble, removing both his Leggs of a side at one and the same time, the Action of the VValk must certainly be the foundation of it, for we find that the only true way to make a horse Amble, is to press him from the VValk; so that when a horse is walking, if you stay him well upon the Bridle hand, and press him gently forwards with your Thighs, you force him to set down the fore foot of that side wherewith he leadeth, sooner then otherwayes he would, which maketh it just answer the Motion of the hind Legg of that side, and so the two Leggs of that side, instead of Marking two times as in the VValk make only one, which is the true Motion of the Amble: As for example, If the horse lead with the farr side, he removeth his hind legg and fore legg of the same side at one time, whilst the other two Leggs of the Near side stand still, and when these Leggs of the farr side which he first removed are just a setting down, he removeth those of the Near side, and thus successively each side after another, so long as he continueth his Amble, and alwayes both the Leggs of one side at once, which is two of a side in the Air, and two upon the Ground at the same time, and this is a True and Perfect Ambie, see Plate fifth, fig: Ninth.

Now although strickly speaking, the Amble might be reckoned amongst the Artificiall Motions, because few Horses have it naturally; Yet because some have it, and also that it is a shuffling Motion, which changes sides every Remove, and therefore is so contrary to the Mannage as any thing can be, I thought it more fit to place it amongst the Natural Paces, then Artificial motions of a Horses Leggs, for whereas upon a Trot, you must Trot your horse fast to make him take his Gallop, upon an Amble, you must stay him well upon the hand and almost stop him, before he can begin it, which would make but a very unplea∣sant Action, and bad figure in a Mannage.

THIRDLY, Of the Trot.

IN the Trot, the Action of a horses Leggs is two Leggs in the Air, and two upon the Ground at the same time, in form of a St. Andrews Cross, for example, his farr fore legg and near hind legg are in the Air, and just as he is setting down them, he advances his near fore leg, and farr hind legg, and so successively at every Remove changes his Leggs cross; So that as those that were in the Air are set down, those that are upon the Ground are pulled up, which is the True and just Motion of a Horses Leggs in a Trot, see Plate fourth, fig: Sixth.

Now although the Action of a Horses Leggs in a VValk, be two Leggs of a side one after the other, yet the VValk is the foundation of the Trot, which formeth a St. Andrews Cross, as well as of the Amble, Which as I said is two Leggs of a side removed both together, and the sides changed successively; because as staying a horse well upon the hand, and pres∣sing him gently forwards with the Brans of your Leggs upon a VValk, maketh him sooner set down the fore foot of that side wherewith he leadeth, so that it is as soon set down as the hind foot of the same side, and which Action from the Walk frameth the Motion of the Amble; So the flacking of your Bridle hand in a Walk, and pressing him forwards, forceth him to advance the hind legg of the contrary side wherewith he began to lead, sooner then otherwayes he would, and so to move at the very same time with the fore legg of that side wherewith he began to lead, which is the true Action of the Trot, because he is thereby compelled to move his Leggs cross, that is fore legg of one side, and hind Legg of the other at one and the same time, and so successively each Remove, so great a diffe∣rence you see there is, between staying a Horse upon the Hand and pressing him on, and slacking the Bridle hand or giving him head, and pressing him likewayes forwards,

for although both these motions of the Hands and Brans, work upon one and the same foundation, which is the Walk, yet that Walk according as those motions of the Hand and Brans are applyed, produceth Actions in the Horses leggs so very different, as are these of the Trot and Amble, which no Man would ever dream of, or imagine, did he not clearly see that it is so, and this much of the Trot, of which I have said as well as of the Walk, somewhat more extraordinary, then you will find in any Book as yet extant, the Observations being my own, and I dare affirm altogether new.

FOƲRTHLY. Of the Gallop.

AS for the Gallop it is another motion, for in a Gallop streight forwards, you may make a Horse lead with what Legg you please, although it be most common to cause him alwayes lead with his Right, or farr fore legg, but with whatever fore legg he lead, the hind legg of the same side must follow it, whether he be Galloping streight forwards, or u∣pon a Circle, but upon a Circle he should alwayes lead with the fore legg within the Turn, but still the hind legg of the same side must follow, otherwayes his Leggs will be disunited; Now this is all the difference between a Gallop straight forwards and that upon a Circle, that in the first he may lead with what fore legg you please, but in the second, or Circle, he is confin'd to lead alwise with his fore legg within the Turn, but in both cases the hind legg of the same side wherewith he leadeth must alwayes follow, & then it is a perfect Gallop.

However it is certain, that though a horse gallop right, and with his Leggs united, which is his hinder legg to follow the fore legg wherewith he leadeth, yet if he be not accustom∣ed to lead with that side, he will gallop neither so nimbly nor so fast, as if he led with that side wherewith he is most accustomed, for it is just in this case with a horse, as it is in ordinary excrcises with a Right and Left handed man, custom very much prevail∣ing both over Man and beast, also when a horse gallopeth straight forwards never so slow a gallop, the Prints of his binder feet exceed alwayes those of his fore, and even of that fore foot wherewith he leadeth, but galloping upon a Circle he stricks over but sometimes, and not so much neither.

Now to understand what is meant by a horses fore legg leading, and his bind legg of the same side following, it is thus, if the farr fore legg lead, by that fore legg leading is meant that it should be alwayes before the other fore legg, and the bind legg of the same side to follow it, which hind legg must also alwayes be before the other hind legg, and to demon∣strat to you that this is the true motion of a Gallop, you may at any time observe that a Horse in galloping lifteth both his fore leggs at once, that fore legg wherewith he leadeth being alwayes most advanced, and as his fore leggs are falling, I say before they touch the Ground, his hind leggs follow both together in that same very posture which the fore leggs did, that is the one before the other, so that all four are in the Air at one time, which maketh the gallop to be a Leap forwards, for how is it possible else, that a horse in Run∣ing (which is but a swift gallop) should spring near twice his own length forwards.

But although the gallop be a Leap forwards, and that also a horse lifteth two Leggs at a time; To wit, First his two fore leggs and then his two hind, yet that doth not hinder him in setting down his feet, to mark one, two, three, and four with them, for galloping upon a Circle his Croup out, if he lead with the inward fore legg, as he alwayes should, and that the hind legg of the same side follow, then those Leggs within the turn which lead are pressed, and these without it are at Liberty, which is the reason that in the Action he maketh, his outward fore legg is set to the Ground first and is at Liberty, which is one time, then his inward fore legg which leads and is prest, is set down and maketh a second, which is two, next his outward hind legg which is at Liberty is set down and maketh three, and last of all his inward hind legg, which is one of the Leaders upon the inside and is prest, maketh the fourth time, so that the just Action and time of a gallop is, one, two, three, four, and a Leap forwards, now this description of a Gallop is most true, both as to the Motion and posture of a horses Leggs, it is true that in a soft and slow Gallop it is hard to be perceived, but in Running where the Motion is more violent, it is so percep•• table, that there you will see all his four feet in the Aire at one time, for when a horse runs, the motion he maketh and the Action of his Leggs are all one with a Gallop, only a great dale swifter; So that Running may be very properly called a swift Gallop, and gallop∣ing a slow Running, and this is the Truth of the motion and Action of a Horses Leggs in the Gallop. Se Plate fourth, Fig: eight.

But I must now make you understand some other things which occur in a Gallop, whereof many people talke, but none explain what they are; A Horse then in Galloping upon a Circle may Gallop wrong two wayes. First, if in going to the Right hand he lead with his Left fore Legg, or that which is without the Turn, even although the hind Foot of the same side follow it; That is the first way, and when a Horse doth it, he is said to Gallop false, because he should alwayes lead with his Fore Legg within the Turn. The second is, that although he lead with his Fore Legg within the Turn, which is right, yet if his Hind Legg of the same side do not follow it, but that his hind Legg of the opposite side, or without the Turn follow it, which is the Action of the Trot; he will also Gallop wrong, and when he Gallops after this fassion, which is his wrong hind Legg following the fore Legg which led, then his Leggs are said to be disunited, therefore you must make a distinc∣tion between these two wayes of Galloping wrong, and remember that when a Horse Lead∣eth with his wrong Fore Legg, or that which is without the Turn, he is alwise said to Gallop false, but when he leadeth with the right fore Legg, or that within the Turn; and that the hind Legg of the same side doth not follow, but that of the oposite side or with∣out the Turn, which is the Action of the Trot, then his leggs are said to be only disunited, because for his Leggs to be united in a Gallop, the hind Legg of the same side in which his fore Legg led, should still follow; So that when a Horses fore Leggs in Galloping go wrong, he is said to Gallop false: But when his hind Leggs go wrong, and do not follow his fore as they should, then he is said to be disunited, and this is the only distinction which Horse∣men make between these two wayes of Galloping wrong.

Now the inconveniency which arises, from a Horses leading with his wrong fore Legg upon a Circle, and his hind Legg of the opposite side following it, is that it maketh him to be upon the Action of the Trot, which is two Leggs cross in the Air at one time, and his other two Leggs cross upon the Ground at the same time, which in a Gallop is so disorder∣ly an Action, and so contrary to the true Motion of it, that if the Rider should but press him a little hard, he would be in danger of falling, so contrary to Nature is this Action of a Trot upon the swiftness of a Gallop; therefore for the security of the Rider, it were farr better that the Horse in Leading with his Fore Legg without the Turn, made also his hind Legg upon the same side follow it, for then although he also would Gallop false, yet he would not be upon the Action of the Trot, which is Cross; and consequently not in such danger of falling, now the same thing is to be understood to whatever hand he is going upon Circles, but Galloping straight forewards, he can never Lead with the wrong fore Legg, if the hind Legg of the same side immediatly follow it, and therefore can never be said to Gallop false, but if his hind Legg of the same side wherewith he led, doth not im∣mediatly follow his fore, when he is Galloping straight out, then his Leggs will be dis∣united, but it is impossible he can be false, for the Reason above specified. I advise you to understand these two wayes of Galloping false and disunited, and to fix them well in your memory, for I assure you the knowing of them is of great consequence in Mannaging of Horses.

Another way is this, that when a Horse is upon the Action of a Gallop, where he should alwayes keep two Leggs of a side forewards; He changes sides every time, fore legg and hind Legg of a side, which is two Leggs of one side in the Ayre, and two leggs of the other upon the Ground, which is the Action of the Amble upon the swiftness of a Gallop, and Differeth so much from the Motion of a true Gallop, that it maketh the Horse ready to fall▪ Now these two, the Action of a Trot upon the Gallop, which is when a Horse is Disunited, and the Action of the Amble, which is two Leggs of a side, and the sides chang∣ed each time, is what some ignorant people call the wrong legg before, but I think I have sufficiently made you understand how to distinguish them, and therefore shall close this Chapter with another Observation which is this

As the Pas or Walk as I have made already appear, is the Foundation not only of the Amble but also of the Trot; so is the Trot the Foundation of the Gallop, and the Reason is this, the Trot being two Leggs in the Air, and two upon the Ground at the same time in form of a St. Andrews Cross, and the Gallop two Leggs before, or two behind in the Ayre at the same time; If you Trot your Horse a little quick, and beyond the swiftness of a Trot, you force him (when his fore legg wherewith he did not lead is in the Ayre) to set down so quickly his hind Legg upon the opposite side, which is that side wherewith he did lead, that it causeth him lift at the very time the fore Legg of the sameside, so that both his fore Leggs are in the Air at one time, and the fore Legg which was last a lifting exactly followed with the hind Legg of the same side, which also is acompanied with the hind Legg of the oposite side, So that both his fore Leggs are raised and in the Ayre together, the

Legg where with he led being alwise most advanced, and both his hind Leggs are also in the Air together in the same very posture, but before either of the two come to the ground, the other two are raised, and so he hath all four in the Air at once, which is the trueand exact Motion of a Gallop as I have already discrived, being a leap forewards, and all four in the Ayre at the same time, and this much of the Natural Paces.

CHAP. XXII. Of all the Artificial Motions which a Horse can make.

GEnerally speaking,* 1.22 there are only two Artificial Motions, Viz. Terra a Terra, and the high Ayres, each of which being but a Leap upwards, and all four in the Ayre before the Horses fore parts fall to the Ground, are accounted but one Artificial Motion, although the Horse carrieth his Leggs differently in each of them, but if they are considered in a more strict sence, then there will be found to be seven of them; to wit, Terra a Terra, a Demy Ayre or Demy Volt, a Corvet, a Capriole, a Croupade, a Balotade, and a Pace or step and a Leap, of all which in order. And

First, in Terra a Terra a Horse alwayes Leads with his Leggs within the Turn, as in a Gallop, his two fore Leggs in the Ayre, and as they are falling, his two hind Leggs sollow: So at that very instant of time all his four Leggs are in the Ayre at once, which maketh it a Leap forewards, but in Terra a Terra his Croup being in, and the Motion quick and prest, maketh that not only his hinder Leggs come alwayes short of the Prints of his Fore, which they do not so much in a Gallop, but also causeth his Leap to be low, and near to the Ground, which is the cause of his four Leggs, marking but two times, one, two, or Pa, ta; Whereas in the Gallop, his Leggs mark four times, one, two, three, and four, as I have already explained in discoursing of the Gallop, and this is all the difference between a Gallop, which is the Foundation of Terra a Terra, and Terra a Terra it self, for Terra a Terra is nothing else but a short and prest, or earnest Gallop with the Croup in, in which a Horses Leggs do move more quick then in an ordinary Gallop, which is the reason as I have already said, of his Leggs marking only but two times, as Pa, ta, and not four as in the Gallop, see Plate fifth, fig: Second.

Secondly, the Ayre called a Demy Ayre or Demy Volt, is founded upon Terra a Terrs for all the difference between it and Terra a Terra, is that the Demy Volt is an Ayre, in which the Fore parts of the Horse are more raised then in Terra a Terra, whereas in Terra a Terra they go more low and near to the Ground, also the Motion of the Horses Leggs is more quick and prest in Terra a Terra, then upon the Demy Ayres or Demy Volts.

Thirdly, The Corvet is founded upon the Demy-Volt, for as in the Ayre-Demy Volt, the fore parts of the Horse are more raised then in Terra a Terra, so in Corvets the fore parts of the Horse are yet more railed, then in the Demy-Volts, the Corvet being a kind of Leap, in which the Horse raiseth both his fore leggs at once equally advanced; That is, when he is going streight forewards, and not in a Circle, and not the one before the other as in a Gallop, Terra a Terra, or Demy Volts; and as his fore leggs are a falling, he immediatly raiseth his hind leggs as he did the fore, that is, equally advanced and not the one before the other, so that all his four Leggs are in the Ayre at once, but as his Leggs are set down he marketh two times with them, one with his two fore leggs which fall first, and one with his two hind leggs which fall last, and this is the true Motion of a Corvet, being as I said only a leap up, and a little forwards each time he riseth, see Plate fifth, fig: fifth.

Fourthly, The Capriole is founded upon the Corvet, and is a Leap in which the Horse when at the full hight of his Leap, yerks or stricks out his hind leggs as near and even together, and as far out as ever he can streatch them, in which Action, he maketh a Noise or Claque with them, which the French call Nouer L' esquillette, see Plate fifth, fig: seventh.

Fifthly, The Croupade is founded upon the Capriole, & is nothing else but a Leap, in which the Horse pulls up his hind leggs, as if he drew them up to his Belly, which maketh him Croup, and is that from whence the Leap hath its Name, see Plate fifth, fig: Eight.

Sixthly, The Balotade, is also founded upon the Capriole, and is nothing else but a Leap, in which the Horse offereth to strick out with his hind leggs, but doth it not, making

only an Offer as it were, and but showing the Shoes of his hind feet, but doth not strick; Now of these three Leaps, the Capriole is most frequently made use of, and also most esteemd in the Academys of Riding, where they have the best Leaping Horses, because it is the most Perfect Leap of all, and requireth also the greatest Vigour of any to be performed exactly, and in Just time and Cadance.

Seventhly, A Pace or Step, and a Leap, is as it were three Ayres, the Pace or Step Terra a Terra, the raising a Corvet, and then the Leap which finisheth it; Horses commonly take themselves to this Ayre of a Pace and a Leap, when they have not a good Apuy, for the Pace putteth them upon the Hand, and giveth them a Rise or Advantage to Leap, like to a Man who Runs before he Leaps, and therefore it assisteth a Horse sometimes to Leap higher, then if he Leapt every time: Now no Horse can be forced to go any of these Ayres well, unless Nature hath disposed him for them, it is true by Art a Horse may be somewhat constrained to them, but then they are never performed with that Life and Vigour, as when Nature is only assisted by Art and not compelled, which she should rarely be in any thing relating to the Mannage, it being as I have already shown you, a received Maxime amongst Horsemen, that Art is designed to assist and perfect Nature, but not to Cross and Oppose her.

Thus I have shown you all the Natural and Artificial Motions which a Horse can make, as also how they depend each upon other; But to fix it yet the better in your Memory, I shall make a short Recapitulation, of what I have said of each of them being the Foundati∣on of the other, because it is of very great Ʋse in Horsemanship, and therefore you would remember that the Pas Or Walk, is the Foundation of both the Amble and Trot, for if you would have your Horse Amble from a Walk, you must stay him well upon the Hand, and press and work him forwards with the Brant of your Leggs, one after the other; But if you would have him Trot from a Walk, then you must slack your Bridle hand, and press him on with both your Brans at one and the same time, which will compel him immediatly to take the Trot, so you see that according as you either Stay your Horse u∣pon the hand, or give him Head, the Aids of your Brans being dewly applyed, the Walk is the Foundation of either Amble or Trot: again the Trot is the Foundation of the Gallop, the Gallop the Foundation of Terra a Terra, Terra a Terra the Foundation of the Demy-Ayre, or Demy Volt, the Demy-Volt, (or Terra a Terra Relevè, or fore parts of the Horse well rais∣ed, and which is all one with the Demy-Volt,) is the Foundation of Corvets, Corvets are the Foundation of all Leaps, as Caprioles, Crupades, Balotades, or whatever other kind they can be of, so that I will make bold to say that no Man can succeed in dressing a Horse, unless he make him go Gradually and in order, from the one of these to the other, which is from Walk to Trot, from Trot to Gallop, from Gallop to Terra a Terra, from Terra a Terra to Corvets, from Corvets to all kind of Leaps, however all Horsemen are not of this Opinion, yet a little Practice will in my Opinion convince any thinking Horseman, that this is the only true and regular Method which I propose, any other way of proceedure being but confused, and without any true Order or Method whatsoever, let this therefore suffice at present, for a sufficient Description of all the Artificial Motions which a Horse can make, the Natural Paces being already descrived in the preceeding Chapter.

CHAP. XXIII. The true Method of Suppling a Horses Shoulders, or working at first either Colts, young Horses, or old ignorant Horses, upon Large Circles D'une piste, or of one Tread.

HAving in the preceeding Chapters shown you the true Seat upon Horseback,* 1.23 with all the Helps and Corrections of both Veice, Rod, Leggs, and Spurrs, as also all the

Natural and Artificial Motions which a Horse can make, I think it is now full time to teach you, how you are to work at first Colts or young Horses, upon Large Circles of one Piste or Tread, but before I begin, I will first show you how to order and fix your Cavezon.

Take therefore one of the Reins of your Cavezon, (which is also to have a Headstal and Chaulband,) and which must be of a good length and having a Ring at one end of it, thorrow which put the other end of the Rein, drawing it still thorrow the Ring until you form a noose or Loop, at that end of the Rein next to the Ring, which Loop put over the Pommel of the Saddle, making the rest of the Rein to come down between your Thigh and the fore bolder of the Saddle, and then put the rest of the Rein thorow the Ring of the Ca∣vezon upon that same side, and bring the end of it back again towards you, either to hold in your hand (which I would alwise advise you to do, so long as you are Suppling of a Horses Shoulders.) or to fasten with a Buckle to the Pommel of the Saddle there to re∣main fixt, so long as you intend to Ride him to that hand upon which the Rein of the Ca∣vezon is made fast, and when you have done with Riding him to that hand, do the same with the Rein upon the other side, in every particular as I have ordered you in this.

Your Cavezon being this ordered, and you upon Horseback, and the Reins of the Briddle in your left hand, if you go to the Right, pull with your Right Hand the inward Rein of the Cavezon low, and towards your Knee within the Volt or Circle, helping him also with your Legg within the Turn, to bring in his Outward Shoulder, which is Rein and Legg of a side, and this is to be done first upon a Step, the Bridle hand some what low, and a little upon the inside of the Horses Neck, but from time to time you must carry it upon the out side, and then immediatly bring it again to its place, which is a little upon the inside, afterwards again place it upon the outside as you shall find Occasion for it, now this pulling of the inward Rein of the Cavezon, and helping also with the inward legg or Spurr, giveth a Horse a good Plye, and although the Principal Aid of the Bridle should be alwayes with the outward Rein, which is to carry the Hand a little upon the inside of his Neck, yet the inward Rein is also made use of, (which is to carry the Bridle hand upon the outside of his Neck) to enlarge the Circle, and prevent a Horses Straitning or Closing it too much: It also giveth him an Apuy, by making him endure the Bitt, for this mak∣eth it both work upon his Barrs and place of the Curb.

If you continue a little upon a Step this Lesson, of Rein and Legg upon a side, you will find your Horse grow easie upon it, which will prepare him for a good Trot and to Gol∣lop large upon Circles of one Piste, his Croup alwayes out, which will supple his Shoulders extreamly, especially that without the Turn, so that it may pass for the best of all Lessons, the Suppling of the Shoulders and Body of a Horse being the Source and Foundation of a good Mannage, and that which all good Horsemen should at first chiefly aim at.

However, the working thus with Rein and Legg of a side the Horses Croup out, doth at first put a Horse very much upon his Shoulders, and maketh him also press a little too hard upon the Bitt, but in five or six dayes riding he will be no more upon his Shoulders, but upon the contrary, he will begin to plye his Haunches, and endure to be keept upon them, if you support him a little with the Bridle, and stay him upon the hand now and then, and immediatly slack it again, I tell you this but only by the bye, be∣cause the chief design of this Lesson is, for Suppling the Shoulders of a Horse, and not to put him upon his Haunches.

You must also know that in performing this Lesson, if you do not bring in the Horses Out∣ward Shoulder with it, you do nothing, and therefore to bring it in, you must cause the Inward Shoulder to come back within the Turn, as it were towards you, that so it may be pressed and carry the whole weight of the fore parts of the Horse, while at the same time the Outward Shoulder is at Liberty, that it may Supple, so that although you are no•• and then to carrie your Bridle hand without his Neek, yet you must immediatly replace it again within, and work with the Outward Rein of the Bridle that you may bring in his Outward Shoulder, for if a Horses Shoulders be not made extraordinary easie and supple, it will not only be a means to cause him resist and defend himself against you, but it will also make him uncapable to perform any thing in the Mannage as he ought, many of the Disorders which are seen in Mannages, proceeding from the Horses not being suffici∣ently Suppled in the Shoulders, and there is nothing in the World which doth more Supple them, then this Lesson with the Cavezon Rein and Legg of a side, nor which doth fix and place their Heads better.

Now if you perform this Lesson exactly, the Horses bind leggs will make two Circles considerably lager than those made by his Fore, and although his Croup be very much out, and that he inclineth and leaneth so very much upon his Inside, as may make you ap∣prehensive

that he will fall, yet it is so much the better, and he goeth also so much the more secure, therefore give him no other Lesson but this upon the Trot and Gallop, either in large or narrow Circles, until his Shoulders be extreamly well Suppled, and that you find him Gallop light, for it is not enough that a Horse be made Supple, he must also be made easie and light, which can be done by no other Method but this, which is the very Basis and Foundation of the Mannage; However, do not at first begin to Gallop him un∣till you find him so Light and Readie, that he offer to take the Gallop of his own accord when he is Troting after this Fashion, that is Cavezon Rein and Legg of a side, or his Head in and Croup out, and using this Method you will first Supple him upon a Walk or Step, next upon a Trot, and then upon a Gallop, which was what you intended: See Plate Fourth, Fig. sixth, but in that Figure the Cavezons inward Rein is pulled high and eross the horses neck as it were, and not low towards the knee, and therefore is more proper for a short Trot then suppling of the shoulders, although it be very good for both. Now what I have said of Going to the Right Hand, may be easily applyed to the Going upon the Left, the dif∣ference being only this, that you must hold your Bridle with your Right Hand, and pull the Cavezons Inward Rein with the Left.

CHAP. XXIV. How to Stop a Horse, and make him Go back.

AS for Stoping, I would have you in the beginning to practise it but seldom,* 1.24 and very Gently, and when you do it, Stop him rather by degrees, and with two or three Falcades or times, then all at once and upon a sudden, for this weakens the Reins & Back of a young Horse very much, who hath not been accustomed to it; Therefore when you intend to make a Stop, put your Body and Shoulders a little back to make the Horse Ply his Haunches, and gripping your Thghs a little hard to advertise him, pull the inward Rein of the Cavezon, and make him in this posture to Form pretty firm Stops, at the same time helping him with your outward Legg, but you must never at∣tempt such Stops untill your Horse begin to be light, and easie upon his Trot, and when you find that he beginneth to Supple and Gallop light, his Head in and Croup out, then accustom him to frequent stoping; to per••om which exactly, you must pull hard as I said the inward Rein of the Cavezon, and make your outward Legg by ap∣proaching it near his side, bring in your Horses outward bind Legg, otherwayes he cannot Stop upon his Haunebes, because his outward Haunch would be without the Volt, also you would take care not to make him advance or rise before, when you are first teaching him to Stop, for this hath spoiled many a Horse, making them at the least pull you give them to rise so high before, that they are in danger of Renversing, or com∣ing over upon their Rider, therefore never teach your Horse to advance or raise before, after you Stop him, untill he obey your hand and beel pretty well, and be also well settled upon the hand; in short the raising of a Horse before or upon Pesates, should be one of the last things a Man should teach his Horse, unless he intend to spoil him, this much of Stoping. See Plate Fourth, Fig. seventh.

Now when you would have your Horse go back, if it beupon a straight line, then lean∣ing back a little with your Body, and slacking your Thighs, pull equally both the Reins of the Cavezon one being in each hand, very strongly, to see if you can force him back but one single step or two at first, for if you can bring him to perform that, he will in a short time do more, but if he altogether oppose you by fixing his fore Leggs upon the Ground, and remaining immoveable as a Rock, then pull hard the Reins of the Cavezon, one after the other, as if you were sawing of wood, and this perhaps will make him yeeld to you; But if notwithstanding of this he still resist you, then it is a signe his Shoul∣ders are not as yet Supple enough for it, therefore continue to supple them yet better, and then he will certainly comply with you.

This you are to do when you intend to make your Horse go back in a straight line, which is the most useful, but if you are to make him go back upon a Round or Circle, then make use of the inward Rein of the Cavezon and outward Leg, just as you was ordered to do upon a stop, and after this fassion make him go back in a Round, which will help also extreamly to put him upon his Haunches, and although I advise you to make but gentle Stops at the beginning, as also to have him answer the Hand and Heels, and pretty well settled upon the hand, before you offer to raise him before; Yet I do not say this of

going back, because the sooner you accustom your Horse to go back, the sooner he will be put on his Haunches, and made a Ready Horse, however see you supple him well in the Shoulders before you attempt to force him to go too much back, because if you find him altogether refuse you, then you may assure your self the fault lyeth in his Shoulders not being sufficiently Suppled, therefore first ply them and make them easie, and then you will find your Horse with ease and pleasure comply with you, the which that he may the better do; I advise you to a frequent practice of this following Lesson.

Another excellent Lesson for suppling a Horses shoulders, and to make him attentive to the will of the Rider, is this, Trot him, and without stoping him upon his Trot, make him go Gently from it to a short and slow Gallop, and from the Gallop to his Trot a∣gain, and though he go still upon the same hand, yet change him from Trot to Gallop, and from Gallop to Trot, untill you think it sufficient, and then make him stop either u∣pon his Trot or Gallop as you shall think fit, this is a most excellent Lesson not only to supple his shoulders, but to make him attend and obey the will of his Rider: For having no continued Rule to fix his mind on, and to make him go by Rote either in Trotting or Galloping, he must absolutely obey both the hand and the heels, for not knowing when or where he will be stopt, will make him still to be expecting it, and alwayes attentive to the Motions of the hand and heels of the Rider, so that he will be alwayes ready to an∣swer them, and therefore there can hardly be a better Lesson for suppling a Horses shoulders, and preventing his going by Rote then this, for all our designe in Horsemanship, is to make a Horse answer and obey the hand and heels, and this Lesson bringeth a Horse a great length in both, therefore I advise you to esteem it. See plate 4. Fig. 8.

If your Horse Retain his force or Mettle, then Gallop him fast and quick, afterwards softly, and then fast again as need requireth, and this softly and quick, and quick and softle upon his Gallop (not knowing when he must do either) will be a great means to make him obey both his Riders hand and beels, which is the Quintessence of the Mannage.

But after you have Suppled your Horses Shoulders sufficiently, and that you find him hard on the Hand by not being upon his Haunches, then Trot him upon large Circles of one Piste or Tread, and Stop him often with pretty hard Stops, helping him alwayes with your outward Legg to bring in his outward Haunch, and your Shoulders and Body a little back, and stop him thus when he least thinks of it; But if he incline to Stop of him∣self, then Press him forewards without Stoping of him, and then upon a sudden Stop him again when he is not expecting it: Repeat this Lesson often, both upon the Trot and Gallop, and you will in a short time find him very much upon the Haunches, for this is an excel∣lent Lesson both to settle him on the Hand, and to put him upon his Haunches; But af∣ter you have gained this point, you must then not practise this Lesson so frequently as be∣fore, because it Pinches a Horse very much on the back, as also maketh him afraid to go frankly forewards, which maybe a means not only to cause him Rest, but also to produce other inconveniences; Therefore your Judgement must work according as you find occasion, and as I have already told you you must accustom him, first to Stop upon a Walk and Trot, before you adventure to stop him upon a Gallop, otherwayes you will put your Horse in a fair way of not only Pinching his Reins, and straining his back Sinews, but of utterly disgusting the Mannage.

Now all these Lessons are only to supple a Horses shoulders, therefore see that you make use of no other Lessons but these, untill you find your Horse extreamly supple and light, and also firm on the hand, for they are excellent to settle a Horse upon the hand, to supple his shoulders, and make him look into the Turn, to Trot and Gallop right (as he should) both Leggs, head, Neck, Body and all, besides, they prevent a Horses being Entier, called by the Italians the Credenza, which is an Aversion that Horses have to Turn, and is certainly one of the worst and most dangerous Vices which a Horse can have, especially upon any kind of service; use therefore alwayes these Lessons upon both narrow and large Cireles, untill you find your Horse extreamly supple in his shoulders, that being the first and principal thing a Man should aim at in dressing of Horses, for they as well as Men do nothing but by custom and habite, and the Help of good and Methodical Lessons often Repeated, which fixes it in their memories: give then these good Lessons, and Repeat them often to you Horse, and you will find by them benefite and contentment; And remember I tell you, that in making use of them, you work more upon his Judge∣ment, then upon the labour you give his Body, for I assure you a Horse hath imagina∣tion, Memorie, and Judgement, let the Philosophers and Learned say what they please.

I must likewayes tell you, that to unite a Horses strength and Mettle, to assure and settle his head and Haunehes, and to make him light on the hand, and just and firm in all

sorts of Mannages, dependeth absolutely upon the Perfection of the stop, but first he must be Leosened and well suppled upon the step and Trot, therefore never Gallop your Horse untill you find him so Light upon his Trot, that he offers to Gallop of himself, for the exercise of the Trot is the first and most necessary foundation to make him Light, and the Ground of every Lesson which can make a Horse Adroit, and Obedient in any kind of Mannage. Again the property of the Gallop is to give him a good Apuy, and to settle his head, also if he have too much fire, a short or slow Gallop will appaise him, and give him patience, or if he Play too much upon the Back beneath a Man, it will take it off, but all this must be performed upon large Circles, of at least twentyfour or Thirty foot Diamiter, and so it will calm his Spirits, make him well winded, and take away his too violent apprehensions, also divert him from evil designes, or Jadish tricks, from Restiness, or having a Double Heart, for it will Supple his shoulders, and make him attentive to the Hand and Heels of his Rider; and consequently, prevent and remedy all the abovementioned Vices.

So here is the end of the Lessons for working and Suppling a Horses Shoulders, the which if you can make him perfom exactly, I assure you the better half of the work is done, for dressing and making him a perfect Horse; the next Lessons I shall give you are the other half, and easiest of the two, which is to make your Horse sensible and obe∣dient to your Heels; and therefore I shall begin with one which will work both his shoul∣ders and Croup at one and the same time.

CHAP. XXV. How to make a Horse Sensible and Obe∣dient to the Heels, or to answer exactly the Spurrs.

HAving in the two preceeding Chapters shown you,* 1.25 how to work and supple a Horses Shoulders, with the Cavezon Rein in your hand, and not tyed to the Pommel of the Saddle, which is the better half of your work, I will now teach the other half, which is to make him obey your Heels, and to work both Shoulders and Croup together, the Cavezons inward Rein being still kept in your hand, and not ty∣ed to the Pommel.

To work therefore a Horses Croup and Shoulders together, you must make use of the inward Rein of the Cavezon, and outward Legg; pull then the inward Rein of the Ca∣vezon with your hand, to bring in his outward Shoulder and press him upon the inside of the Turn, that his Leggs without the Turn may be free, and at Liberty to lap over his inward Leggs, which is called by Horsemen, Passager or Chevaler, the Croup in; Now although in this Passaging the Horses Leggs be upon the Action of the Trot, yet it is less vi∣olent then a Trot, and more then a Walk, so consequently one of the best Lessons can be for making a horse attentive and obedient to the Heels of his Rider, and as it were to keep him equally ballanced between the two Spurrs, that so he may answer either the one or the other, as Occasion shall offer.

The first Lesson therefore that you shall give him upon this Action, must be with his head to a Wall or Palisade, pulling the inward Rein of the Cavezon, to whatever hand you are going hard to you, and helping at the same time with your outward Legg, to make the Horse go sidewayes, and with the half of his Shoulders alwayes before his Croup, which will make him narrow and pressed behind and so upon his Haunches, because he is upon the Action of a Trot; if he do not obey your Heel give him the Spurr gently upon that side, and continue this Lesson until you find him obedient to your heels, now when a horse is thus Passaging his Leggs within the Turn are pressed, and these without are at Liberty, otherwayes they could not at every other time, with ease lap or cross over these within, you may also with the same helps give your horse this Lesson in the Open fields, where you have neither Wall, Palisade, nor any thing else to confine him. See Plate fourth figure ninth.

If your horse will not answer your Heel by putting in his Croup, but throweth it al∣wayes

out, and upon your Spurr, then his head being to the Wall, pull the outward Rein of the Cavezon from the Turn, helping him also with your outward Legg, and spurr him also if there be need for it; Now this will infallibly force in his Croup, but then he will go false, because the outward Kein of the Cavezon being pulled, will cause him look from the Turn, and so his Croup will go before his Shoulders, then which nothing can be more false, but that which is Pleasent to the Taste, is oft times had for the S••••mack; And a Man cannot rectifie many things at once, therefore after you have wrought him thus salsly to cure his Vice, fall to the True way of Riding again.

When your horse obeys perfectly your Heel, upon the Passage along a Wall, then work him with the same Lesson upon Large Circles, pulling as I said the Cavezons inward Rein hard to you, to bring in his outward Shoulder, bending his Neek extreamly and helping with your outward Legg, which is Legg and Rein of contrary sides, taking alwayes care that the half of his Shoulders go before his Croup, and if he do not answer your Heel then give him the Spurr with your Outward legg, also whatever hand you teach him to Passage upon first, make him do as much to the other, which is but changing Bridle hand, Cavezon Rein, and Legg, and when you find him obedient in passaging upon Large Circles his Croup in, which will put him upon his Haunches, then make him go the passage in little Circles, whose Diamiter is little longer then his own length, See Plate fifth, figure first. And if he be obedient, and answer your Hand and Heel there upon both hands, I assure you he is advanced very far towards a Ready Horse, for if a Horse obey your Hand and Heel upon this passaging, which is a Gentle Motion, and therefore very proper to teach a Horse, be cause it will make him patient, and so fortifie his Memorie the better, I say if he be obedi∣ent to you upon this Action, which is the Quintescenee of dressing Horses, then you may make him do any thing that his Force and Strength will permit him.

Your Horse being perfect in the aforesaid Lessons, of Passaging along a Wall and in Cireles upon a Trot, to either hand his Group in, then put him to a short or slow Gallop upon large Circles his Croup in, after this manner, pull the Cavezons inward Rein hare to you on the inside of his Neck, and help him with your Outward Legg, poising or resting a little more upon your Outward Stirrup then upon the Inward, and taking also care to adva•••• your Outward Shoulder, to what ever hand you are going, and thus bend his Neek ex∣treamly, that he may be pressed upon the outside of the Turn, and his Leggs at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 within the Turn, which is most proper for the short Gallop his Croup in, or Terra a Terra, there being here almost no difference between them but only in their name; help him also now and then with your Tongue, and make him form good Stops, and you will find him go in a short time pretty perfectly, which will be a certain sign of his being advan∣ced very farr towards a Ready Horse. See Plate fourth, figure eight.

When your Horse obeys you in all these Lessons perfectly, which is to answer your Hand and Heels, stop short, and go easily back, for Going Back, is I assure you an Excellent Lesson to put him upon the Haunches, to Accommodate and Adjust his hind feet, and make him light before, that so he may stop easily, and in just proportion: I say when he can per∣form all these Lessons perfectly, then teach him to advance upon a Pesate, which is to rise before, see Chapter 29, without which no Horse can be accounted a Ready Horse; You may do it after you stop him, because a True and Exact Stop should be alwayes finished with a rising before or pesate, I mean when a Horse is pretty farr advanced in the Man∣nage but not before, because as I have told you else where, the raising him before too soon, might prove a Means to make him rest or renverse, and so spoil him, but being come so great a length as I am discoursing of, he can receive no prejudice by it, therefore you may either make him rise after his stop, or you may stay him well upon the Hand now and then, when you are working him upon large circles, helping him with your Tongue, Leggs, and Rod if there be need for it, and put him forewards still after it, and then within a little stay him again, and then raise him, but if he rise of himself, then press him forewards, and never suffer him to rise but when you would have him, and using him thus, in a short time he will come to obey you.

Now when he rises perfectly as you would have him upon Large Circles, his Croup being at a little liberty, then put his Croup in, and so raise him, feeling him upon your Hand, and staying and supporting him a little in the Air, and this will both put him upon the hand, and upon his Haunches, but as I said, I would not have you adventure to Rise him, until he be advanced to such a length in his Mannage as I have told you; because it would disorder his mouth, put him off the Hand, and make him Resty, for many Horses rise Restly, because they have no great mind either to go forewards or turn, and therefore until they obey the hand, fly the heel, and stop pretty short, there is no Rising of them, however in teaching him to Rise I would alwayes have you begin upon larg

Circles, his Croup a little out, and afterwards put in his Croup, and so make him Rise, and then end your Repise.

When your Horse is perfect in all these former Lessons by the help of the Cavezons in∣ward Rein 〈◊〉〈◊〉 your hand, I would advise you then to work a little more with the Bridle, that so he may come to understand its opperation upon his Barrs, and the place of the Curb a little better then he hath done hitherto, and for that effect I desire, that as before you held the inward Rein of the Cavezon in your hand, you would now fix it with a Buckle to the Pommel of the Saddle, and so work him upon all the former Lessons, but now more upon a Square then upon Circles, and see that you make him round the An∣gles well: For it is found by Horsemen that the exact way to perfect a Horse, and make him go perfectly, is upon a Square and not upon a Circle, because a Circle subjects his Croup too much, therefore when you come to work him with the inward Rein tyed to the Pommel, forbear the Circle, and take your self to the Square, making use of either Cavezon Rein and Legg of a side, and helping for the most part with the outward Rein of the Bridle to supple his shoulders, or Rein and Legg contrary to put him upon his Haunches, and press him upon the outside of the Turn, and give his Leggs liberty within, helping him for the most part with the inward Rein of the Bridle, and outward Legg, (which is ad∣mirable for Terra a Terra, or the short Gallop his Croup in) and sometimes also with the outward Rein of the Bridle, when his shoulders go too farr out, and his Croup too much in; for remember this as an infallible Maxime, that when ever a Horse is to Ride with his Croup in, the half of his shoulders or one shoulder, should alwayes go before his Haunches, otherwayes he will go false, which is with his Croup foremost, which no Horse should do, it being a Horses fore parts and not his hind, which should alwayes lead the way, whither it be upon a square or Circle that you are working, but if it be upon a square, you would take special care to make him round the Angles or Corners exactly, and then fall into the next side of the square, and so continue from side to Angle, and from Angle to side, so long as you continue your Reprise.

Another excellent Lesson, the Cavezons inward Rein being tyed to the Pommel is this, make your Horse first Gallop a narrow Circle of one Piste, and when he hath finished that, put him forwards upon a large round or square, and make another of the same bigness, and so on until he make fou•• little ones, which should be all contained in one large Circle or square, and after you have made him go over all the four Circles, his Croup a little out, then make him go over them all again his Croup in, and upon a short Gallop, and still as he finisheth one small Circle, put him forewards upon the large Circle or square, to begin another upon the Angle or corner of it, and thus repeat all four so long as you think fit, which will make him attend the hand and heel, and become most obedient to both; Here is also another very good Lesson, make your Horse go sidewayes, or Passager upon one hand, then put him forewards twice or thrice his own length; afterwards make him go sidewayes upon the other hand, and then put him forewards again, and so sidewayes and forewards from hand to hand, which will make him very attentive to the Motion of your Bridle hand and heels, but to perform this Lesson exactly, there is required a good deal of bounds, and therefore the open fields are a great deal more proper for it then a close or covered Mannage, these being all most excellent Lessons, I therefore with the more earnestness recommend them to your practice.

Now because it is very matterial for the dressing of Horses, that a Horseman know the several and different opperations of the Cavezons inward Rein, tyed to the Girths or Pom∣mel, I shall not withstanding of what I have already said of them in discoursing of the effects of the Cavezon, give you in this place a further discovery of their different uses and operations; And first therefore of the Cavezons inward Rein tyed to the Girths, or even held in ones hand, and pulled low within the Turn towards the Riders Knee, the in∣ward Rein of the Cavezon then being pulled thus low, or tyed to the Girths, worketh a Horses outward shoulder, presses his Leggs within the Turn, and leaves his Leggs at liberty without the Turn, is excellent in Troting or Galloping him upon large or narrow Circles of one Piste, for this supples his shoulders his Croup being a little out, which brings in his outward shoulder more, it is also excellent in Passaging his Croup a little in, to make him with the more ease lap one legg over another, because by the help of it his outward shoul∣ders is brought in, but if you should press his Croup to much in, it would be imposible for him to go, because the Rein being tyed to the Girths, or pulled low, worketh and bring∣eth in his outward shoulder, and by putting his Buttoek to much in, you put back his outward shoulder, which is a quite contrary Action, and cannot be done at the same time, therefore as I said let the half of your Horses shoulders, or one shoulder, alwayes go before his Haunches, this inward Rine is also most proper for the short Gallop, his Croup

a little in, because although ••his Croup be in, yet it worketh his shoulders at the same time, it is also excellent for Cervets upon Circles, because it brings in the Horses outward shoulder, and so consequently giveth liberty to the Croup. Now in all these Lessons, if his outward shoulder come not in enough, you must then turn your Bridte hand a little within his Neck, which will work the outward Rein; And consequently, help to bring in the outward shoulder, which will make your Horse supple and easie to Turn, and so he shall never be Entire, which is to refuse to Turn when you would have him.

But as this tying of the Cavezons inward Rein to the Girths, or pulling it low, maketh an oblique Line within the Turn, and therefore worketh the Horses outward shoulder, So secondly the same Rein tyed fast to the Pommel of the Sadle, maketh an oblique Line cross the Horses neck, which line with the help of the Riders outward Legg, puteth back the Horses outward shoulder, and foreward his inward shoulder, and so presses him upon the outside of the Turn, and gives his Leggs liberty within the Turn, which is most proper for Terra a Terra, or the short Gallop his Croup in, but it is naught for Corvets, because it subjects his Croup too much, yet it worketh his Croup mightily, either Legg and Rein contrary his Croup out, or in passaging his Croup in upon narrow Circles of his own length or a little larger, and if you thus raise him upon Pesats, it subjects him extreamly to the Heel; But this oblique Line cross his Neck and fastned to the Pommel, is not so powerful as when it is in your Hand, and you pull it towards your Outward Shoulder, although your hand hath not that strength to hold it so steady, as when it is fastned to the Pommel, now I say notwithstanding of this weak∣ness of your hand, the oblique line of the Cavezon Rein which is held in it, is of more Force and Efficacy then when it is tyed to the Pommel, because the line is longer when it is in your hand, and pulled cross the Horses Neck towards your Outward shoulder, then when it is tyed to the Pommel, and it is the length of this oblique Line, and not the Stayedness or Fixedness of it, which giveth it the Power and Force to press a Horse so much upon the out side of the Turn, and give him so much Liberty within, and consequently to work his Croup; therefore when you have his Head to the Wall, if you would work his Shoul∣ders pull the Cavezons inward Rein low and towards your Knee, but if you would work his Croup, then pull it cross his Neck, with your Nailes up and towards your Outward Shoulder.

Yet there is no doubt, but that though the Inward Rein be tyed to the Pommel, or pul∣led cross the Horses Neck, and be wrought upon the Trot and Gallop in large circles, his Croup out, As in Plate fourth figure sixth but that it Suppleth his Shoulders, although not so powerfully as when it is tyed to the Girths, or pulled low, and the Reason is because his Croup is out, and it is certain that when a Horse is wrought with his Croup out, what ever way the Inward Rein be pulled high or low, his shoulders are alwayes suppled, because when his Croup is put out, of necessity his outward shoulder must come in, and so be suppled.

Having now shown you the different Operations of the Cavezons inward Rein, when tyed to the Girths or pulled low, and tyed to the Pommel or pulled high, and cross the Horses Neck, which is of great consequence to be exactly understood, by any person who designs to be a Compleat Horseman, I shall now show you to what degree of straitness that same inward Rein should be drawn, when first to be made fast to either Pommel or Girths, you must then at first fastening, draw the Rein no straiter, then to make your Horse look with one eye into the Turn, that is just only so strait, as that he may not look out of the Turn, because if you should draw it straiter, he not being as yet ac∣customed to it, it would make him still to turn round, almost in one place, in stead of going foreward, which would make but a pitiful kind of Mannage, and be a ready Means also to make him become Rosty, therefore to prevent that inconveniency, shorten only the Rein of the Cavezon proportionably, as you shall find your Horse well accustomed to Ride with his Neck thus plyed and bent, so that at length you will come to make him look with almost both his Eyes into the Volt or Turn, which will perfect him mightily in his Terra a Terra, and make his Body ply and form a part of the Circle wherein he is Rid∣ing, which is the true and exact posture of body, which a Ready Horse should alwayes frame, in going his Mannage upon a Volt or Circle his Croup in.

Now after your Horse can perform all his Lessons dextrously, the Cavezons inward Rein being thus tyed short to the Pommel of the Saddle, and you helping him still with your Bridle hand as he shall require it; There is no doubt, but by this time he will be brought a great length, in knowing and understanding the different Operations of the Bitt, both upon his Barrs and place of the Curb, and therefore after this time I would advise you to lay wholly aside your Cavezon, except for once or twice a Week, that you should alwise give him his Lessons with it, and make only use of your Bridle Reins, either

both in one hand, or otherwayes sometimes seperate one in each hand, but I am rather for having alwayes both in the Left hand, for then the Right is still free to make use of the Rod, or Sword if you shall have Occasion for it, having therefore your Bridle in your Left hand, and your Rod in the Right, work him in all the preceeding Lessons until he be per∣fect in them, taking special care to work him alwayes more upon a Square then Circle, and having still recourse, when you shall stand in need of them, to these Helps of the Bridle, Voice, Rod, Calfs of the Leggs, and Spurrs, which I have most exactly explained to you already in the 14. and 17 Chapters of this Treatise, and therefore shall not in this place trouble you with a Repetition of them, seeing you may easily turn back to those Chapters where they are discoursed of; But before I proceed to the more nice part of the Art, which is to teach you how to make your Horse go the Terra a Terra, Piroyte, Pas∣sades, Corvets, and all Leaps in perfection; I shall conclude this Chapter with a few very useful Directions as followeth,

First then, If your Horse press forewards too much, stay him well upon the Hand, or pull him back, if he offer to go back, press him forewards, if he go sidewayes against your will to the Right hand, put him sidewayes upon the Left, and if he will go sidewayes upon the Left hand, force him to go sidewayes upon the Right, if he put too much out his Croup, by throwing it upon your Outward heel, then with your Outward spurr put it in, and if he put it in too much, by throwing it upon your Inward heel, then with your Inward spurr force it out again, if he go too much upon his shoulders, then stop him fre∣quently, and make him go back, and also stay him well upon the hand as you are Gallop∣ing him, but if he go upon his Haunches, then continue him so; if he advance or rise before, when you would not have him, then as he is a falling give him the Spurrs, and keep him down, and do all this first upon a Walk, then a Trot, and last of all upon a short Gal∣lop, which will make him attend your hand and heel, and follow your Will, and so of necessity he must ••bey you, because he is thus put from his own will to yours, and so it cannot chuse but make him a perfect Horse.

There is no Lesson comparable to Passaging the Croup in, to make a Horse obey the hand and heel, and to raise him now and then upon Pessates, and then passage him again, af∣terwards raise him upon pessates, and passage him again, but as I have already told you, your Horse must be well advanced, before you adventure to make him rise before, other∣wayes you may come to spoil him, if you find he is not well upon his Haunches, then Walk or Trot him upon large Circles, or rather a Square, and stop him hard and raise him, now all these Lessons must be done upon the VValk or Trot, and in passaging; There∣fore you see what a ••are thing VValking and passaging a Horse is, for to make and dress him perfectly.

If your Horse do not incline to rise easily before upon pesates when you are upon his Back; then put him between the pillars, as in Plate fifth figure fourth, helping him with two Rods upon the outsides of his fore things, and in a shourt time he will come to do it, now I do not think that the pillars serve for any other use but this, neither would I ever advise you to make use of them but in this Case, and so soon as ever you find your Horse to rise easily, then take him quite from them, with a resolution never to put him betwixt them again, for I assure you they constrain and subject a Horses Croup too much, and also make him to go by Rote, which is what a Man should shun, as much as any one thing in the mannaging of a Horse, but the Use of the Cavezon doth absolutely help this, for with it he cannot go by Rote, because with it, neither the Eyes nor Ears do any thing, but the Horse meerly obeys the Hand and Heels of his Rider, which maketh all Horses go perfectly, of what Nature or Condition soever they be, and very rarely faileth.

Lastly, Never force or press your Horse too much to any thing, as Going back, Stoping, or Rising before, until you find him very supple in the Shoulders, and prety sensible and obedient both to your Hand and Heel, because young Horses must never be much prest, nor stopt too hard or short at first, for if you did, it would give them such a Crick or Taint in their Back, as they would scarcely ever recover it, now if you can work accord∣ing to these Precepts, and apply all these Excellent Lessons to your Horse seasonably and in time, and that you know where his fault lyeth, whither in his Shoulders or Croup, you will I dare answer for it, infallibly make and dress all Horses that shall ever come into your hands, which I wish you may do, that so out of a mistake you may not blame the Lessons I have given you, (because of your not being capable to put them exactly in Practise,) as the Cause and Reason of your bad Success.

CHAP. XXVI. The true and exact Method, to make a Horse go Terra a Terra justly, and in Perfection.

THE Square for Terra a Terra,* 1.26 as well as for any other Mannage that is not per∣formed in a direct line forewards, is without all debate preferable to the Circle, therefore when you intend to make your Horse go Terra a Terra perfectly well, work him alwayes upon a pretty large Square, of at least twenty four, or thirty foot Di∣amiter, and do you sit your self straight in the Saddle, poising a little more upon your Outward Stirrup then upon the inward, but do not lean too much upon it, only the Out∣ward Legg to be a little longer than the Inward, and the Inward Legg to be a little before it, and but a very little neither, now as I said you must rest all upon the Twist and Stir∣rups, and sit as near to the Pommel of the Saddle as you can, your Outward Legg closs to the Horse with the Knee of it turned inwards, and stiff in the Ham, to bring the Calfe of your Legg the nearer to the Horses side; then for the Bridle hand, if you are going to the Right Hand, put your Hand upon the outside of his Neck, turning up your little finger to make it respect your Left Shoulder, which will pull the Inward Rein that lyeth above your little finger, your Arm being a little from your Body Oblique, and your Left Shoul∣der turned a little in, which will make your Body respect a little the Right Side, and this posture will of necessity make the Horse go a little couched upon his outside; But now I must tell you where you must look, or turn your Head, which must be upon the in∣side of the Turn, to the inside of the Horses Head, which will be a means to keep your hand steady, for did you look to your inward shoulder, it would remove your Bridle hand too much within the turn, and did you look just between the horses ears, your outward shoul∣der would not come in enough, so that neither it, nor you, nor the horse, would be oblique as you should, and your Bridle hand in rounding the corners or angles of the Square, must be carried circularly with the horse and steddely, but yet only so as to feel him.

Now the horse being thus couched upon his out side by the posture of your Body, the pulling of the Inward Rein of the Bridle enlarges him before, by pulling as it were his inward fore Legg, from the outward fore legg; Which putteth his inward hinder legg, near to his outward hinder legg, which narrows him bebind, maketh him bow in the Gambrells, especially in his outward hinder legg whereon he resteth most, and thrusts his inward hinder legg under his belly, which with all the Helps above mentioned, maketh him go very much upon his Haunches, for thus the Horse is prest upon the Outside, and therefore must of necessity look within the Square or Turn, and his fore parts being enlarged, will make him imbrace the Corners of the Square the better when he is to round them, also his hind leggs being within the Lines of his fore leggs, he must needs be upon the Haunches, and his inward fore legg being in a manner pulled from his outward fore legg, his inward fore legg with which he leadeth, will appear to be longer then his outward fore legg, and make the first and largest circle or Square, which is right, and so his outward fore legg will make the se∣cond, and his inward hind legg the third, because it is thrust so much before his Outward hind legg, and under his Belly, and then his Outward hind legg will make the fourth and least square or Circle, because it is so much plyed in the Gambrel by resting upon it; And thus a Horse will make four perfect Squares or Circles, according as he is wrought upon either of them about a Pillar, or imaginary center as I have told you, and given the reasons for it; For you see a Horses fore parts go alwayes before his hind parts, at least they should do so, that is half his Shoulders, or one shoulder within the Turn or Square, before his Croup or inward haunch, which is his fore legg within the Turn, before his hind legg within the Turn, and thus a Horse can never go false, but most exactly true, with Head, Neck, Body, Leggs, and all.

Besides, going after this manner he is within your hand and heel, and so you drive him and make him go as you list, slower or faster, higher or lower, but remember that you keep not your hand too high, but low, that so your Horse may go low and prest, because if you keep your hand low, the Horse will go low, and if you keep your hand high, the Horse will go high, for he will certainly alwayes go according to the hight of your hand; now Terra a Terra should alwayes be Low and Prest, and therefore a low Bridle hand is most

[illustration]

Plate 5, Chap: XXVI of Sup:

[illustration] depiction of horse and rider

Fig: 1.

A true and perfect Passage upon narrow Circles to the Left Hand.

[illustration] depiction of horse and rider

Fig: 2.

A true and perfect Terra a Terra upon large Circles or a Square to the left Hand.

[illustration] depiction of horse and rider

Fig: 3.

A true and perfect ••ir•••••••• to the right Hand.

[illustration] depiction of horse and rider

Fig: 4.

The true and exact way of raising A Horse before upon P••sates or Corvets, between the Pillars.

[illustration] depiction of horse and rider

Fig: 5.

The true and exact way of raising a Horse before upon P••sates or Corvets, without the Help of the Pillars.

[illustration] depiction of horse and rider

Fig: 6.

The true and exact way of teaching A Horse all kind of high Ayres, by the help of one Single pillar only.

[illustration] depiction of horse and rider

Fig: 7.

The true and exact way of teaching a Horse to go in Capriols.

[illustration] depiction of horse and rider

Fig: 8.

The true and exact way of teaching A Horse to go in Croupads.

[illustration] depiction of horse and rider

Fig: 9.

[illustration] depiction of back band

A Back-band.

[illustration] depiction of hose

A Hose.

[illustration] depiction of side rope

A Side Rope.

The true and exact way of teaching A Horse to Amble.

proper for it: But I must also tell you that the pulling of the inward Rein of the Bridle, presses the Horse upon the out side, weighs him up, and putteth him upon the Haunches, especially upon his outward hind legg, so that all his body leaneth upon the outside, and he cannot bring in his outward shoulder, for it is bound up as it were, to give his fore legg with∣in the Turn liberty to lead, now you may know by his Neck whither he is couched or leans upon his outside or not, for if he do, his Neck will lean all on the outside, and your body if you follow the Motion of the Horse will incline to be concave upon the outside, and Convex within, which would be very unbecoming, and therefore you must as much as possible prevent it, so that the Horse being thus prest and couched upon the outside, bringeth in his Haunch as he should do, and hath three leggs in the Ayre at once; to wit, his two fore Leggs and his inward hinder Legg, with a leap forewards, low and prest.

As for the Left hand, the very same directions must be observed as for the Right, only altering the Bridle hand, Body, and Leggs, and for the Bridle hand it is necessary, that when you go on the left hand, you should put your Body, and Knuckles of your Bridle hand turned towards his neck, which will pull the inward Rein of the Bridle for the Left hand, because it lyeth under your little finger, and this will make both your Body and the Horses Oblique, and make also every thing else answer as well in going to the left hand, as it did in going to the Right.

But if you intend to change hands upon Terra a Terra, then your Body being still oblique with the Horses, and your Kauckles towards his neck, and upon the outside of it, to which hand soever you are going let his shoulders first come in a little before you change him, & then help him with that Legg, which was the inward before you changed to whatever hand you are going, and then hold him up with your Bridle hand upon the outside of his Neck, and put him forewards. Now why his shoulders should come in a little before you change him; is to fix his Croup that it may not go out: Remember also to be alwayes stifl in the Hams, and to keep your Heels down, that so you may bring the Calfs of your Leggs to him, the same is to be observed in changing upon Demy-Volts, and this is the most exact truth of Terra a Terra, with all the delicate and subtile Helps that can be made use of for it, See Plate fifth figure second.

CHAP. XXVII. Of the Piroyte.

THE Action of a Horses Leggs in the Piroyte is very extraordinar,* 1.27 for your hand being upon the outside of his Neck, to make him look into the Turn before you begin the Piroyte, you must in an instant work violently with the outward Rein of the Bridle, to straiten his fore parts, and give his hinder parts more liberty, but you are to give him no help at all with any of your Leggs, and so the Action of the Horses Leggs will be thus;

As he is going to the right hand, at the same time that he lifteth his two fore leggs, he lifteth his hind legg without the Turn, so that he hath three Leggs up at a time, and all the weight of his Body at that time resteth upon his inward hind legg only, and when those three Leggs that were up come to the ground, his outward shoulder commeth in so quickly, that it maketh his inward hind legg to move at the same time almost in one place, to sup∣ply the place of a Center, that so he may make an exact Turn or Circle; I say that at the same time, his three leggs which were in the Ayre are set down, his inward bind legg re∣moves to accompany the Round or Circle but in a manner still in one place, so that indeed the inward hind legg is the Center, upon which the Horse turneth, though at the same time it move round, and when the Horse is so Giddie that he can go no longer for fear of falling, he then thrusts his inward hind legg forewards beneath his Belly to stop himself.

These are exactly the Helps and motions of a Horses Leggs in the Piroyte, else he could not go so swiftly as he both ought, and as Horses alwayes do when they are performing that Action, and because the Horse is upon his shoulders, and prest upon the inside of the Turn, therefore is it that the only help is with the outward Rein of the Bridle, to bring quickly in his outward shoulder, and give his Croup a little liberty, and that without any

assistance from the Leggs at all, but as the Horse is turning you must take care, to turn your body well to the Turn, and also look upon the inside of his Neck, and thus let him turn, once, twice, or thrice, as you shall think fit, See Plate fifth figure third.

Now when you intend to make a Horse go the Piroyte, you should Gallop him upon a Square, and cause him Piroyte upon each corner of it, once or twice, and then gain the next side of the square, and when you are at the other corner, Piroyte him again, and do this upon every corner, so long as you continue your reprise, you may also Piroyte him upon the end of Passads, which will make him very ready and useful for a single Combat.

CHAP. XXVIII. Of Passads.

FIrst walk your Horse straight forewards,* 1.28 either by a wall, or Palisade, and at the end stop and raise him two or three pessates, and then turn him gently, helping with the outward Rein of the Bridle, and outward legg, and see that he do not falsifie his Demy Volt either with his shoulders or haunches in Passaging, but that both be just after he hath turned.

Do as much upon the other hand, and then begin to Trot him upon the same straight line, stoping, raising him before, and turning him as you did upon the Walk, and when he is perfect upon the Trot, then put him to a short Gallop upon the straight line, also stoping and advancing him as you did before; but now let him perform his Demy Tour or Volt not by Passaging, but upon his Avre, and when he is perfect in this, then let him make a passade upon a short Gallop, without either stoping or raising before, but only turning when at the end of the straight line, which he will do exactly in a very short time, but you must remember in Galloping to keep his head alwayes a little from the Wall, that his Croup may come to it, and so keep the line that he falsifie not his Demy Volt, also before he turns it will not be a miss to cause him make two or three Falcads or times, to firm his Haunches the better, and to make him also turn with the better Grace.

If you intend to passade or run your Horse at his full Carrier, then keeping his head a little also from the Wall, slack the Bridle hand a little, and when at the end of the passade, press him with your Thighs, and stay him a little upon the hand to cause him make two or three Falcads before you turn him, and then close him with your outward Rein as in the Piroyte, for the Demy Volt of a passade a toute bride or at full speed, is nothing else but a half Piroyte, and therefore must have the very same Helps with it, and thus passade him from one hand to the other, making commonly the straight line of it, when you do it at full speed, about five or six times the Horses length only, and so your Horse will go perfectly upon passads, which is the Touch-stone of a ready Horse, and absolutely one of the most useful things in the Mannage for a single Combat.

But it may be here objected, that if a man in a single Combat make use of these fal∣cads, or half stops, which I order before he turn upon the end of his passade, it will give oportunity to his Adversary to gain his Croup, which is accounted a very considerable advantage in a single combat; To which I answer, That it cannot be denyed, but that such half stops have that inconveniency: But upon the other hand, if a Man do not make use of them upon passads at full speed, he will run into another inconveniency which is large as dangerous, and that is, That his horse being upon his full carrier, with∣out he make him form those half stops, he will be in danger of coming over every time he turneth, being riding with such force as a Man should alwayes do in passading, and there∣fore I leave it to your choice which of the two hazards you would rather undergo, whi∣ther to have your horse fall upon you, and perhaps break a Legg, or to have your Ad∣versary upon your Croup, in my opinion the last of the two is the safest, especially if you are upon a ready horse, and be also any thing of a Sword-man your self; Therefore I shall discourse no more of it, but leave the Event to be decided by your Skill upon Horse-back, and Dexterity in handleing the weapon, wherewith you are engadged.

CHAP XXIX. Of Corvets, and how to dress a Horse perfectly upon them, without a pillar, which is the surest way.

IT is as I have already told you, a Maxime in Horsemanship never to force any Ayre,* 1.29 but to set Nature in order by Art, and this I am perswaded should be as much observed in choising a Horse for Corvets as any one thing in the Mannage, because for Corvets a Horse should have a great deal of pat ience, but say some, the Ayre of Corvets with discreet Riding giveth a Horse patience, in which I doubt there is a mistake which is this, first the Horse hath patience, and then that Horse may go in Corvets, but I assure you it is very seldom that impatient Horses are made patient by Corvets, therefore such people seeing most Horses which go upon Corvets to have patience, they think it is the Corvets which give them patience, when it is patience that giveth them Corvets, but there is no Rule without an exception, And although I know that some young Horses may go upon Cor∣vets, yet I can assure you, Horses for the most part must have a great deal of time, with the custom of often repetitions, before they can be well settled and firmed to go certainly in Corvets, both forewards and upon the Volts, so that if a Horse be not perfectly in the haand and heels, and upon the Haunehes, and withal have a natural disposition for them, he will never go well upon Corvets; However, if you have a Horse you think naturally inclined for that Ayre, and that you intend to try your Skill upon him, then in my opinion the method I am going to set down to you, will be found the most certain of any you can make tryal of, either for going upon Corvets straight forewards, sidewayes, backwards, or upon the Volts, of all which I shall discourse in order. And,

FIRST, Of Pesates.

A Pesate, is when a Horse riseth handsomly before, and upon his Haunches, and at the same time bends his fore leggs up to his Body; now this is so necessary an Action, that without a Horse can do it perfectly, he shall never go well in any Ayre, and therefore before I proceed to them, I shall show how to cause your Horse perform an exact Pesate, which is thus, the Cavezons inward Rein being in your hand, or tyed to the Pomel, help him with the outward Rein of the Bridle, and in Passaging raise him as high as you can, and hold him there gently, and without fougne, or giving him occasion to fret, then walk him away a little, and afterwards raise him again, and do this quite round the Volt or large Circle you are working him upon, which will make him in a short time form a right and very just Pesate: Now the teaching of your Horse Pesates, must be the first Lesson before ever you offer to put him upon any Ayre, for there is no∣thing more graceful in all Ayres, then to see a Horse bend his fore leggs well up to his Body, but there is also more in it then that, because whatever Horse goeth in Ayres, if his fore leggs be stiff before, or that he Paws with his fore feet, he is necessarly upon his shoulders, for that stiffness of his fore Leggs and pawing, puts him upon them, whereas if he did bend his fore Leggs up to his Body, it would put him upon the Haunehes, because it pulls him backward, as being stiff before puts him foreward, and consequently upon the shoulders, but if you find your Horse very much oppose you when you first attempt to make him rise before, then put him as I have already told you betwixt the Pillars for some dayes, and then no doubt he will yeeld to you; for this is all the use in my opinion that the Pillars serve for, and therefore keep him as short while there as possible, See Plate fifth, figure fourth and fifth.

SECONDLY, For Corvets straight Forewards.

WHen your Horse is perfect in pesates,* 1.30 and that you intend to work him upon Cor∣vets straight forewards, before you do it, you must make him rise in pesates, and to stay upon the hand, using alwayes the Cavezon at first, then to make him go in Corvets straight forewards or along a Wall, you must tye the Cavezons Rein which is from the Wall, to keep that hind legg near to his other hind legg which is next the Wall, and begin with two or three pefates or corvets, and then walk him forewards a little, then corvet him a∣gain, and if you feel him on the hand, and that he also go forwards with it, he will quickly be drest, but if he press forewards too much, then cause him make his Curvets in one place, and then put him on again, which you will find very soon help him; But to make this yet the more plain to you, suppose it be your Right should•••• that is next the Wall, then you must tye the left Rein of the Cavezon to the Pomel, which doth not only keep back the hind legg upon the same side the Cavezon Rein is tyed, but also suppleth him and prepareth him, nothing being like it, to go Corvets upon the Volts to the Left hand, again if it be your Left shoulder which is to the Wall, tye the Right Rein of the Cavezon to the Pomel for the same Reasons, and work him as I told you before, first walking him, and then raising him upon Corvets, until you make him continue his Corvets without intermission the whole length of the VVall, and as for the Bridle hand, you must remember that in Corvets forewards, you are alwayes to help with the Rein next to the VVall or outward Rein, to enlarge him before and to narrow him behind, because he leads with his fore parts, and his hind parts follow to keep the ground which his fore parts hath got, his fore parts being at Liberty, and his hind parts prest.

As for your Seat it must be just as in Terra a Terra, but neither so stiff nor so oblique, the Bridle hand even with his Neck, and your Knuckles towards his Neck on which hand so ever he goes, but the hand still even over his Neck, two or three fingers above the Pomel and a little foreward, without any other Help but to stay him a little upon the Hand, for every Horse will take his own time better then you can give it him, but quick it should be from the ground, and then Stay him in the Aire upon the hand, your Body alwayes going to that end of the Horse which cometh to you, that is, bend a little to him as he rises, but so insensibly, that the Beholders may not perceive it, you are also to sit as fore∣ward to the Pomel as you can, your Body being streight, and your Thighs and Knees as closs as if they were glewed to the Saddle, but your Toes a little down and low, that you may be weak in the Hams, that is to have your Nerves weak from the Knees downwards, and strong from the Knees upwards, neither help him at all as I have said already with your Leggs, but leave his Croup free and at liberty to follow his fore parts which lead.

For when a Horse is between the Pillars, or at the fingle pillar as I shall show you here∣after, and no Body upon his Back, he goeth as just as can be, and yet he hath no Leggs to help him there, therefore I say you are not to help him with your Leggs at all, for if you should help him with your Outward Legg, then he will think he must go Terra a Terra relevé, and if he should in this posture performe his Corvets, he will go all a wray, and lean on the Outside, so again if you help him with the Inward Legg, he will put out his Croup, and lean all on the Inside, and if you should help him with both your Leggs, it would press him too much, and make him go too quick a time, therefore I say again, that the right way is to help him only with the Bridle, and not with your Legg: at all.

But if your Horse should of his own accord put in his Croup too much, then of necessi∣ty you must put it out with your Inward legg, and if he puts it out too much, then you are also to put it in with your Outward legg: But except in these Cases, or that he go not enough forwards at each time, I would advise you never to help him with your Leggs at all. Lastly, If your Horse beat upon the Hand, it is because he doth not endure or obey the Curb, and in that Case, you must raise him very high upon Pesates and hold him there, which will put him upon the Curb, and make him to endure it, but if this will not do, then Gallop him upon a streight line by a Wall or otherwayes, and from his Gallep stay him upon the hand, and then let him go in Corvets, or let him Gallop forewards a short Gallop, then stop him and raise him three or four Pesates very high, and hold him on the hand when he is up, and this in all probability will cure him, if not, then Trot him and stop him with good hard Stops, and also pull him back sometimes, and this will settle him on the hand I warrant you, your Stirrups being of an equal length, except you have one

Legg shorter than the other, and rather a hole shorter than too long, that so you may sit upon your Tuist, and equally upon your Stirrups: And this is the most exact way for teaching a Horse to go in Corvets forewards, that in my Opinion can he made Use of, See Plate fifth figure fifth.

THIRDLY, For Corvets Side wayes.

TO make a Horse go sidewayes in Corvets, help only as I said with the Bridle, and puting his Head to the Wall and going to the Right hand, help with the Out∣ward Rein, and let the Horse go sidwayes, that is the half of his shoulders before his croup, and cause him thus make three or four corvets sidewayes, then walk him again sidewayes, afterwards corvet him again, and thus walk him and corvet him sidewayes, by degrees deminishing his Walk, and augmenting his Corvets, until he go all in Corvets, which he will soon do and very perfectly; Use the like Helps for the Left hand in every thing, as I have told you for the Right.

FOƲRTHLY, For Corvets Backwards.

TO make your Horse go backwards in Corvets, first pull him back, and then cause him make three or four Corvets in one place, then pull him back again, and afterwards Cor∣vet him in one place, and thus pulling him back, and Corveting in one place, diminishing the pulling back, and augmenting the Corvets, he will at last go backwards in Corvets as perfect∣ly as can be, but in Corvets backwards, you must remember to help alwayes with the Bridle Rein next to the Wall, to narrow him before and enlarge him behind, that so he may be there at Liberty, because his hind parts lead, and his fore parts follow to keep the ground which his hind parts hath got, therefore his hind parts being at Liberty, and his fore parts prest, your Bridle hand must be low that the Horse may not go too high, and your Body a little foreward, to give his hinder parts the more liberty to Lead, and do not help with your Leggs at all, but with your Bridle hand pull him back every time he falleth to the Ground, and with these Aids he will come to Corvet backwards perfectly well.

FIFTHLY, For Corvets upon the Volts

TO put a Horle upon Corvets in a Circle or Volt, the Cavezons inward Rein must be at first tyed to the Pommel, and his Croup must not be put in too much, but be should rather at first teaching go upon Circles of one Pistle or Tread, for here to keep out the inward hind Legg is the business, help therefore a little with the outward Rein of the Bridle, and raise him three or four Corvets, then Walk him upon the Circle, and after∣wards Corvet him again, and so diminish your Walk and augment your Corvets, until he make a whole Turn or Volt upon Corvets, and when he is perfect upon them in Circles of one Piste or Tread, then let him go upon Corvets with his Group a very little in upon the Volts, which is the perfection of Corvets upon them: You must alwayes in Corvets upon Volts help with the outward Rein, not only to keep him up, but to give him the ply, and make ••im imbrace the Round or Angles of the square the better; but give him no help with your legg•••• at all.

To change upon Corvets, do it thus, if your Horse be going to the Right hand, and you would change him, then put your inward or Right legg gently to him, and hold him a little up with your Bridle hand (called in French Soutener) on the inside of his Neck, your Knuckles alwayes down upon which hand soever you go, and as soon as he hath changed, take 〈◊〉〈◊〉 your right legg from him, and help no more with your leggs at all, only the poise of your 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Body in changing is to be a little upon the outside, the same very helps are to be made use of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 when you change from the left, that is left legg and outward Rein: Now the reason why up 〈◊〉〈◊〉 on changing, I begin first with the Legg and not with the Bridle hand,

is this, if I should begin with the hand he would stop, and if I turned my hand to the inside, his Croup would go too much out and be lost, because I would have no feeling of it, and therefore I begin with the legg, but instantly I hold him up with my hand, so that the two Helps are down so quickly after other that none can perceive it, but if his shoulders do not come in enough, then turn well your hand to the inside, and help with the outward Rein: All this must be done so neatly and gently, and with as much Art as can be, for it is the quintescence of changing upon Volts in Corvets.

SIXTHLY, For the Cross and Sataban upon Corvets.

IF you know hou to help your Horse upon Corvets, forewards, backwards, and sidewayes, as I have been showing you, then put these helps together, and you may make your Horse frame the Cross upon Corvets when you please, and without any difficulty in the World.

For the Saraban in Corvets, you must help still with the outward Rein, which is to be pulled first upon the one side, and then on the other after every Corvet, from side to side, helping as I said only with your Bridle hand, and your outward shoulder alwayes following it, without any help from your leggs at all.

Now to conclude this Chapter of Corvets, I must again tell you that Horses which have either of these two extreams, that is who are either very dull and retain their Forces, or are firie and impatient, are very improper for Corvets, because to furious and impatient Horses, all Ayres augment and increase their Choller, and deprive them of their memorie and obedience, therefore they are a great deal more proper to go upon the ground then in any kind of Ayres whatsoever.

I would also as I have already told you, have the first Lessons you give your Horse for Corvets, to be made very leasurely and high before, which are his Pessates, for this giveth him means to assure his Haunches, firm his head, and bend his fore Leggs, and diverteth him from being apprehensive and unquiet, or to fret and trample, which is called in Franch, Trepigner, and this much for dressing a Horse in Corvets upon all hands, o•• which I have the longer insisted, because they are one of the most difficult Ayres that a Horse can go, and require a great deal of Judgement in the Rider, as well as patience in the Horse, to perform them truely and justly as they ought.

CHAP. XXX. Of Leaping Horses, and how to Dress them.

THere are many Ignorant and presumptuous People,* 1.31 who in a smileing and deriding manner, say they will make any horse a leaping horse, And why, because forsooth they can make a horse leap over a stick, like a Jackanaps or Doge, or make him leap over a Barrel, Rail, Hedge, or Ditch. I confess if that were all, there would be many leaping Horses, because there is hardly any Horse but will do it without any great Art, but their ignorance is very much to be pitied in this, for such leaping is vastly different from the leaping of a Horse in the Mannage, because for Horses which leap over Hedge and Ditch, a Man must lay the Reins of the Bridle on his Neck, and so put him forewards, which is a leap of their fashion, but not such a leap as is performed in the Mannage, for where they give a Horse the Reins to make him leap, we hold him and help him up with the hand to leap, and also with our heels at the same time, if there be need, for it, and thus the Horse obeys both the hand and the heels at the same time, and hath an excellent Mouth and a good Apuy, both upon the Barrs and the Curb.

So that a Gentlemans Hunts boy, though he can leap his Masters Golding over a Hedge, will not make him leap upon the Barrs and Curb with a Snaffle, since his Snaffle hath no Curb, and never worketh upon the Barrs as I have else where tol•• you, but upon the

VVeeks and Lips of a Horses Mouth, besides, mannaged Horses will leap in one place, and not at leap-frogg two or three yards forewards, without le••ting you feel them upon the hand, as their Horses do, thus doth their ignorance make them talk of things they do not understand, nay some Horsemen have been so foolish, as to think they could make a leaping Horse, with laying brush faggots before him to leap over, so far have they been mistaken.

Again, some would have leaping Horses to be of a huge and vast Strength, have an ex∣cellent Mouth and perfect good Feet, in which last they do not say amiss, for good Feet are very requisite, else a Horse dares never light upon them for fear of hurting himself, no more then a Man who hath the Gout dares leap, and therefore such a Horse will never Rise as he should, to perform his Leaps perfectly.

As for a good Mouth, I could indeed wish that a Horse which is designed for a Leaper had one, that is, a good Apuy which is neither too hard not too delicat; but such a one as can endure a good pressure upon the Barrs, and so to suffer the Curb, which is what is to be understood by a good Mouth, yet I must tell you, there have been many rate leap∣ing Horses, which have not at all gone upon the Curb, but upon the Barrs, for which they were not to be commended, but it was better for to have them leap so, being so rare Horses, then not to suffer them to leap at all, because they went not upon the Curb.

But for the third Property of a leaping Horse, which is that he should be very strong; is I think a very great Errour, because it is not the strongest Horses which are fittest for the delight of the Mannage, especially to be leaping Horses: And the Reason is, when Horses are very strong, they must be Galloped a long time before you can abaite the strength of their Chines, and all that while they will do nothing but Yerke, and gives such disor∣dered Countertimes and false leaps, that the best Horseman in the World shall never make good Leapers of them, so you see they are not the strongest, but best disposed Horses, which are the fittest to be made Leapers.

I shall yet further confirm this Truth by a Comparison taken from Men, for take one of the strongest Fellows you can get, and I shall bring a little Man that shall outleap him several feet, yet that strong Fellow would Crush the little one to Death in his Armes, so you see it is not Strength, but Disposition that fits Horses as well as Men for Leaping. Its true, that sometimes a great and strong Fellow will outleap a little Man, but that is rare, because the Spirits of such bigg Men, are more dilated and diffused than in little Men: The like is I assure you in Horses as well as amongst men, for there may be a strong Horse disposed for leaping, and that horse will no doubt be an excellent Leaper, but for the most part, they are weak Horses which are most disposed for leaping, Sometimes also Horses which are very weak, find themselves so pincht upon the haunches with Corvets, that they find ease in leaping, thus you see then that Horses are generally more disposed by Nature than Art for leaping, which is when they are full of Spirit, and light, so that Horsemen have nothing almost to do in making leaping Horses, but only to give them the time, which is the greatest part of the Art, which is to be made use of in making of them, and he who thinks to show more of his Art in dressing a Horse for leaps, in stead of showing his skill, discovers only more of his own ignorance and folly: Therefore the short and only true way to dress all leaping Horses, is this which followeth,

First then, For Capriols walk your Horse foreward, and then cause him make one leap, presently after raising him high upon a pesate or two, and staying and keeping him upon the hand, and thus augmenting your leaps, and diminishing your pesates, he will by little and little leap perfectly, and after he is perfect upon a streight line forewards, then you may put him upon Volts or Circles, and continue the same Method, but the Circles must be a little large at first, and you must remember when you raise him to leap, that you help him with your Rod behind, as I have already shown you in the Chapter where I discourse of all the Helps, and do it with one or more Strokes as you please, so it be done in time, which is when he is raised before, and alwayes when you are done leaping, cause him make a high pesate or two.

As for your Seat it must be streight, and your Stirrups a little shorter than ordinary, suppose a hole or so, for too short would throw you out of the Saddle, and too long would disorder your Seat, and make you lose your Stirrups, you must also keep your Toes a little down, to slack your Nerves from the Knees downwards, or else the Horse would bolt too much forwards each leap, for a leaping Horse should never go forewards above a foot and a half at most with one leap, and when you raise him, instantly put your breast out, which will make your shoulders go a little back, though unsensible to the Beholders, for if you did it not just as the Horse rises before, it would be to late to do it when he rises behind and strickes out.

I must also tell you, that your Thighs and Knees must be as closs as if they were glewed to the Saddle, and for your Bridle hand, you must alwayes make it work the Outward Rein, to bring in the Horses Outward Shoulder, and narrow him before and enlarge him behind, that so he may be pressed upon the inside of the Turn and at Liberty without, that his Croup may go a little out, and be the more Free and at Liberty; for were his Croup subjected or bound up he could not leap, therefore the Outward Rein is to be used for all leaps whatso∣ever, either straight forewards or upon Circles, and here I will also tell you a kind of Secret for the Hand when you are Leaping a Horse, which is this, the Bridle being a little longer than ordinary, raise your Horse well, and every time when he is beginning to rise be∣hind, put your Bridle hand a little foreward, to hold him up before, and stay him there u∣pon the Hand, as if he hung in the Air, and so help him in every Leap, taking alwayes the just time, as if it were a Ball at the Bound. See Plate fifth figure seventh and eight.

Now all Leaps are made upon the Hand, and no way else, therefore see that your Horse be well s••ttled upon the Hand, before ever you offer to try if he will Leap, because nothing disorders a Horses Mouth more than leaping, and this much of Capriols, which is certainly the most perfect Leap that a Horse can make, as for Balotads and Croupads, they are to be taught the very same way, the difference consisting only in the way of Helping with the Rod, which is fully explained in the Chapter of Aids to which I referr you, and so I conclude this Chapter of Leaps.

CHAP. XXXI. A New and Pretty Invention, to Dress Horses upon all Ayres, by the Help of one Single Pillar.

ALthough it must be confessed,* 1.32 that this method of dressing horses upon all Ayres by the help of one single pillar, is far inferiour to these most excellent Lessons and Directi∣ons, which I have been all along giving you, for the more ready and perfect dressing of all kinds of horses, yet it being Curious and Extraordinary, And also in its kind very good, I thought it would be acceptable to a Curious Reader, to find here the method of do∣ing it set down; Which is as followeth,

First bring your Horse, being Saddled and Bridled to the single pillar, and there put him under the Button of the Bridle Reins, which is to draw down that little Button of leather which moveth up and down upon them so near to the Horses Main, that it may stay and fix the Branches of the Bridle at such a degree of straitness, as the Horse may have but a very gentle feeling at first of the Bitt, either upon his Barrs, or place of the Curb, this being done, if you intend to make your horse go to the right hand, let a Groom take the cave∣zons inward rein for the right hand, and putting it about the single pillar a little higher then the horses head, keep it there very short, then let another person hold the long Rein of the ca∣vezon upon the other, or outside of the turn, in one hand, and a stick with a botkin at the end of it in the other, to prick him if he should put out his Croup too much, and also make another person go behind the Horse with a Rod to keep him from going back, then do you, or the person who is to dress the Horse, being a foot, raise him De firme a firme, which is still in one place, and be satisfied with a very little from him at once, For Rome was not all built in a day: Now thus tying him short, he cannot rise high, and therefore to find his ease he goeth upon his Haunches, and no thanks to him, because he is forced to it; After you have used him so a little, then help him with three Rods, your self with two before, one upon each fore Thigh, and a second person with the third under his Belly, which will put him very much upon the Haunebes.

After your Horse can perform his Lesson exactly De firme a firme, or in one place, then keeping still the same inward Rein of the Cavezon short about the Pillar, make him go upon his Volts, helping him as I have already told you with three Rods, two upon his fore Thighs, and one under his Belly, but be you then upon the out side of the Horses shoulders, to give him the more liberty to Turn, and thus in a short time he will go perfectly well Corvets upon the Volts forewads, keep him still so tyed with the Cavezon Rein, and help

with the three Rods as before, and go before and f••••e him, and this will make him go Corvets backwards upon his Volts, continue again still the same Rein of the Cavezon about the Piliar, and you may make him go sidewayes upon Corvets.

When your Horse is perfect in all this for the Right hand, then tye the left Rein of the Cavezon thus about the Pillar, as before you did the Right, and give him the same very helps which I ordred you for the right, only changing sides, and thus your Horse will go perfectly upon Corvets, both forewards, backwards, and sidewayes, without any person upon his Back, which is a pretty piece of curiosity, and I believe can be performed by no other method but this.

Lastly, When your Horse goeth perfectly thus without any person upon his back, then get upon him, the same Rein of the Cavezon being still very short about the Pillar, and make him go as you did before in every thing; And after this manner may you make a Horse go in all other Ayres, which is a piece of Art that is curious, and also in my opi∣nion some what Extraordinary, See Plate fifth figure sixth.

CHAP. XXXII. A short Recapitulation, of what hath been already said concerning the Dressing of Horses, which if got by heart, and punc∣tually practised, vvill give a man such insight in the Art, as that he vvill seldome fail to make and dress any Horse, that shall come to his hands.

HAving put a close to the most considerable part of this Treatise,* 1.33 which is the Di∣rections for making a Horse go perfectly in all kind of Mannages; I am re∣solved in this Chapter, to make a short Abstract of the abovementioned excel∣lent Directions, which I have at a little more length discoursed of in the preceed∣ing Chapters, that so the Reader may as it were at one vew, behold the whole Grounds and Intrieasies of this most Heroick and gentlemany exercise; And which will also I hope be of so much the greater use, because whatever thing Essential may escape his Memory, he may with one glance find it in this Chapter, there being contained in it, the very strength and Marrow of Horsemanship. And

FIRST, Of the Natural Paces.

THE Natural Paces are three, the Walk, the Trot, and the Gallop, to which may be added the Amble, because some Horses although not many, naturally have it, and such are commonly the swiftest Amblers of any.

SECONDLY, Of the Artificial Motions.

GEnerally speaking, there are only two Artificial Motions, Terra a Terra, and the high Ayres, but if taken in a stricter sence there are seven, to wit, Terra a Terra, a Demy Ayre or Demy Volt, a Corvet, a Capriol, a Croupade, a Balotade, and a Step and a Leap.

THIRDLY, How those Natural and Artificial Motions are founded each upon other.

THE Step or Walk is the Foundation of the Amble and Trot, the Trot the Foundation of the Gallop, the Gallop of Terra a Terra, Terra a Terra of the Demy Arres or Demy Volts, the Demy Volts of Corvets, Corvets of Capriols, and Capriols of all other Leaps, so that if a man intend to dress a Horse Regularly, he must make him go by degrees from the first of these Motions to the last, otherwayes he may be fair to spoil him.

FOƲRTHLY, Of Backing a Colt or Young Horse.

THE true way to make a Colt tame for backing, is to house him every VVinter, and use him as the rest of your Horses, which will make him become so Calm and fami∣liar, that when you intend to back him he will not stirr, but be most quiet and peaceable, but if he should prove untuly at backing, then work him for some dayes before you take his back, about a single pillar with a Cavezon upon his Nose, And this I assure you will tame him, especially with the assistance of a good VVhipe or Chambrier, applyed seasonably and with Judgement.

FIFTHLY, Of Bitting a Horse.

THE Bitt and Branches should be made alwayes proportionable to the Mouth and Neck of a Horse, that is longer or shorter, as his Mouth is wider or narrower, or his Neck short or long and the Bitts which are of most general Use, are the simple Cannon, the simple Seatch, the Cannon a la pignatel with a Libirty, and the Cannon with Olives to dis∣charge a Horses Lipps, having also a Liberty for the Tongue, but the Branebes should be for the most part a la Conestable, unless the Horse carry either his head very low, or his Nose high and too much out and in the Air, in which Case you must give him Branches accordingly, for which you will find particular Directions, in the discourse of Bitts immediatly preceeding this Treatise.

SIXTHLY, Of the Riders Garb and Horses Equipage.

THE Rider should alwayes be in a Modish and Fashionable Garb, and have limber and neat boots, with pretty long ne••ked spurrs, whose revells should be fix pointed and very sharp, because it is a great deal better with a sharp spurr to bring the blood, than with a rustie one to occasion an inflammation or fester, he should also carrie in his right hand a neat rod of a middle size and length, wherewith he is to help his horse either before or behind, as he shall find it needful; As for the Equipage of the horse, he should have in his mouth a bitt exactly fitted for it, upon his nose a good Cavezon, and upon his back a fashionable great saddle or selle à piquer, with sufficient strapps, girths, stirrups, curper and tye: And if he be a leaping horse, then his tail is to be tyed up in a sacker or trousse••queue, to make his leaps appear the higher and more graceful.

SEVENTHLY Of the HORSE-MANS Seat.

A MAN should sit upon Horse-back, with his Body as streight as when he is walking afoot, that is, he must as much as possible keep himself alwayes upon his twist, his feet

almost parralel to the sides of the Horse, and his Toes a little higher than his heels; And also appearing about an inch thorrow or upon the fore side of the Stirrups: In short, a Horseman should alwayes look gay upon Horseback, and have as degadged and uncon∣strained a Seat as possible, a right Seat being of such consequence to make a Horse go well, that this is a received Maxime amongst Horsemen, Qui n'est pas bel homme a cheval, ne sera jamais bon homme a cheval, which is, that he who is not a Graceful horseman, shall never be a good horseman.

EIGHTLY, Of the first Riding a Horse upon Circles, or Suppling of his Shoulders.

TO make a Horse obey the hand and heel of his Rider perfectly, is what the whole Art of Horsemanship only aimeth at, and to make him first obey your hand, you must supple his Shoulders; now it is alwayes the Inward Rein of the Cavezon, or Outward Rein of the Bridle, and Inward legg of the Rider which doth this: therefore prac∣tise your Horse alwayes upon this Lesson, Rein and legg of a side with the Cavezon, until you find him both very supple and easie to Turn, and also very light, but be sure in work∣ing of him, to cause him bring in his Outward Shoulder, Otherwayes you do nothing, which is done by frequently helping of him with the Outward Rein of the Bridle, yet if he close his Circle too much, help him with the Inward Rein of the Bridle to enlarge him a little.

NINTHLY, Of puting a Horse upon his Haunches, or making him Obey the Heels.

AS the Answering the Hand is the first thing a Man should teach a Horse, so the mak∣ing him obey the heels, or puting him upon his Haunches, is the second and easi∣est Task of the two, and is generally performed, with the Inward Rein of the Cavezon or Bridle and Outward legg of the Rider, which is Rein and Legg contrary, as the suppling of the shoulders is with the Cavezon Rein and Legg of a side, although you must also sometimes help him with the Outward Rein of the Bridle, to bring in his Shoulders if they go too much out.

TENTHLY, Of Stoping and Going Back.

A Horse should be alwayes taught first to stop upon a Walk, then upon a Trot, and af∣terwards upon a Gallop, and not upon a sudden neither, upon any of them at first, but in two or three times, and when you stop, help alwayes with the Inward Rein of the Bridle, and Outward legg, to bring in his Outward hind legg, otherwayes he would not stop u∣pon his Haunches. In pulling back a Horse, you must also help him with the Inward Rein and Outward legg, and If he do not answer you willingly, then force him back, by pulling the Reins of the Cavezon one after the other, as if you were sawing of Wood, and in the time you are doing of it, slack your Thighs a little, and keep your Body and Shoulders a little back, and so let him go; Now you must know that both going back and stoping, are ex∣cellent Lessons to put a Horse upon the haunches, and settle him upon the Hand.

ELEVENTHLY, Of Passaging.

PAssaging is performed for the most part, with the Outward Rein of the Bridle and Out∣ward legg, that so a horses leggs may have the more Liberty to lap the one over the other, however the Inward Rein is sometimes to be made use of to stay him, if his Shoulders go too far before his Croup; A horse should be wrought upon passaging first a∣long

a Wall, then upon a large circle, and lastly upon a Square, and all this first upon a Stepp, and then upon a Trot, which will at last prepare him mightily for Terra a Terra.

TWELFTHLY, Of Pesates.

PEsates or raising a horse before, should never be taught him at first Riding, because a horse should be rendred pretty obedient, and to understand and answer the hand and heels, before a Man should attempt to raise him upon Pesates, therefore see it be one of the last things you teach your Horse, to which if he be very refractory, the puting him between the Pillars will make him comply, and you will by experience find, that this is truly the Advice of one who wishes you to succeed in all your Undertakings in Horse manship, and who doth not at all desire you should spoil your Horse, for lake of a good Advice, of which Nature I assure you this is one of the chief.

THIRTEENTHLY, Of the Helps of the Bridle, Leggs, and Rod, in all Ayres.

FOR Terra a Terra, and the Ayre Demy Volts, help for the most part with the inward Rein of the Bridle, and outward Legg, and when going to the Right hand, put your Rod cross his Neck sloapwise upon the outside, and when going to the left, also either upon the outside of his Neck, or behind your Right Thigh.

For the Pirovte, help alwayes with the outward Rein and outward Legg, and keep the Rod still upon the contrary side to which he is going.

For Passads, help your Horse alwayes according to the Ayre with which he closeth the end of his Passade, if with Terra a Terra, then with the inward Rein and outward Legg, but if with a half piroyte, then with the outward rein and outward Legg, and help alwayes with the rod upon the contrary side to which he is going.

For Corvets, both forewards, Backwards, sidewise, and upon Circles or Volts, help for the most part with the outward rein, but not at all with your Leggs, except he be going upon Volts of two pistes, or his Croup a little in, in which case you must help him a little now and then with the outward Legg, to subject his Croup a very little, and help alwayes with the rod upon the contrary side to which you are going, but going along a wall, then help alwise upon the side from the Wall:

For Leaps of all kinds, help with the outward rein, and give no help with your Leggs at all, only hold him up well with the Bridle hand when he riseth before, that so he may rise the higher behind, and time the motion of your Bridle hand so, as that you may take him as if he were a Ball upon the Bound, which is the greatest secret of all in leaping: Horse right; But as for the Rod, you must help with it according to the kind of leap you intend he should make, if Capriols, then help with it either with its point near his Dock, or with the great end of it just behind the Saddle, the red being turned in your hand and your Thumb downwards; if Balotads, then upon the middle of his Croup; if Croupads, then a little above his Gambrels, sometimes also you may help a leaping Horse with a rod upon his shoulders, if you find he do not rise easily enough before, but this help of the Rod upon the shoulders is not by farr so common as that given behind, although there may be some∣times an absolute necessity, as in this case I have told you, to make use of it.

FOƲRTEENTHLY, Some more excellent Directions and Observations of very great importence, for the right Mannaging of Horses.

IN a Walk, a Horse lifts two Leggs of a side the one after the other, bginning with his hind Legg first, so that he hath two Leggs of a side in the Air, and two upon the ground at the same time.

In the Amble the Horse hath likewise two leggs of a side in the Air, and two upon the ground at the same time, the differnce between a Walk and an Amble being only this, that in a Walk he lifts his two Leggs of a side one after the other, and so his four Leggs or

feet mark four times, 1, 2, 3, & 4, whereas in an Amble, the two Leggs of a side are raised at the same very time, so that his four Leggs mark but only two times; to wit, the two leggs of that side which moveth first marketh one time, and the other two leggs of that side which moveth last marketh the second.

In a Trot, the Horse hath two leggs in the Air, and two upon the ground at the same time, in forme of a St. Andrews cross, and also marketh but two times with his four leggs, the first when he setteth down those that were up cross in the Air, and in the second when he raiseth and seteth down again these that were cross upon the ground.

In a Gallop a Horse hath all four feet in the Air at once, it being alwaise a leap forewards, but he lifteth first his two fore leggs, & then his two hind, & also his two fore leggs are raised, or lifted the one advanced before the other, & so do the hind leggs also follow in the same posture, the one advanced before the other, and albeit that all his four feet be in the Air at once, yet in setting them down he marketh four times, to wit, the first with his fore legg which did not lead, the second with his fore legg which did lead, the third with his hind legg which did not lead, and the fourth with his hind legg which did lead, or accompany the fore legg which first lead the way, so that in a Gallop a Horse marketh four times with his four feet, which are, 1, 2, 3, and 4, although all his four feet be in the Air, at once, which will at first appear some what extraordinary to any man, who hath not been at the pains to consider and reflect upn it.

A Horse in Galloping straight forwards may lead with any fore legg he pleaseth, although Horses do it most commonly with their right fore legg, but with whatever fore legg they lead, the hind legg of the same side must follow it, otherwayes they will be disunited in their Leggs.

To bring a Horses Leggs right which are disunited, you must stay him a little upon the hand, and help him with the Spurr upon the contrary side, to that in which he is disunit∣ed; For example, if he be disunited upon the right side, help him with the left Spurr, and if he be disunited upon the left side, then unite him with the right Spurr, by staying him as I said a little upon the hand, and also helping him at the same time with the Brans of your Leggs.

In Galloping upon a Round or Circle, a Horse should alwayes lead with his fore Legg with∣in the Turn, and as I have said, the hind legg of the same side should alwayes follow, o∣therwayes he will be disunited, but if he should lead with his fore legg without the Turn, then he would Gallop false, although his hind leggs be united with his fore, now to remedy this false Gallop, and put him as they say upon his right fore foot again, you must make use of the same help with the Spurr, which you do in remitting and rectifying a horse which is disunited, to which I referr you, and therefore I need not make a repetition of it, seeing you have it in the Paragraph immediatly preceeding this.

A Horse is never to be pressed to much in any Lesson, but to be taught it slowly, and by degrees, for practice and custom prevail over Horses as well as men.

Walking a Horse, and staying him a little upon the hand, stoping, going back, passaging, and pesates, or raising a Horse before, help all mightily to put a horse upon his baunches, but see that your stops at first be performed gently, and in two or three times or falcads, otherwayes you may come to strain your Horses back; But above all see that raising your Horse before, or upon Pesates, be one of the last things you teach him, otherwayes you will certainly spoil him.

When you first supple your Horses shoulders, hold alwayes the Cavezons inward Rein in your hand, and work him upon a Circle, but when he is well suppled, then ty the Cavezon Rein fast to the Pomel, and work him alwayes afterwards upon a Square, for a Square as I have else where told you, is the quintesence of figures for the Mannage.

Your Horse being perfectly well accustomed, to perform all his Lessons with the Cave∣zons inward Rein thus tyed to the Pomel of the Saddle, perfeit him with the Bridle alone, working him still upon a Square, and taking notice to cause him point a little out with his head at each Corner or Angle, and then to Round them well, after that he is thus per∣fectly finished, or exactly dressed; See you never make him go above once a week at most, but work him if you please every day with the Cavezon, upon his Trot, Gallop, Passager, and pesates, and keeping him thus in Tune if I may so speak with the Cavezon, he will go rarely when you would have him go any Ayre, or Terra a Terra; I say a Horse is thus to be tuned, for a Horse having four Leggs, is like a Fiddle of four strings, and if the Fiddle be not tuned, no Musician whatsoever can ever play well upon it, so if a Horses Leggs be not rightly tuned, he will never dance his Round right, again, although a Fiddle be well Tuned at the first, yet if you alwayes play upon it, it will soon go out of tune, so a Ready Horse if you make him go perpetually, will be soon out of Tune, and therefore you must

still keep him in tune, by giving him frequently his Lessons with the Cavezon as I have told you, also until your Horse be perfectly finished travel him as little as possible.

I shall make only one other Musical observation, & then shall put a close to this Chapter, and it is this, there is no Man who hath not a Musical head that can be a good Horse∣man, because all Horses ought to go in a just and Musical time, although the time varieth in every Horse, some going slower, and some quicker, and besides, as no man playes upon the Lute or any other stringed Instrument, but the same strings he stops with his left hand, he alwayes striketh with his right, or else it would be bad Musick: So in Riding, whatsoever you touch or help with your Left hand you must strike with your heel, or Calf of your legg, otherwayes it will be ill Musick upon Horseback, and therefore a good Horseman, should never fail to make hand and heel Horseback, and therefore a good Horseman, should never fail to make hand and heel go together, no more then a Musician his two hands, when he is playing upon any Musical Instrument.

CHAP. XXXIII. A Discourse of Ambling.

HAving in the twenty first Chapter of this Supplement,* 1.34 where I treat of the Natural Paces, mentioned the Amble as one of them, both because some Horses natur∣ally take themselves to it: As also, that because of its Shuffling Motion, it is very improper to be listed amongst those Motions, which in a more peculiar manner belong to the Mannage, yet seeing all Horses Amble not naturally, and that People because of the Ease and Conveniency they find by it in Traveling (especially such who are Creasie and Infirm) judge it very well worth their Pains to Supplie with a little Art that defect in Nature, by causing teach it to such Horses who either have it not natur∣ally, or which they design mostly for Pads or Journy Horses, I think it reasonable be∣fore I proceed to discourse of the Vices incident to Horses, with their Remedys, which I intend to do in the very next Chapter, to discover to you in this, the sure and infallible Method to teach any Horse, of what Age or Disposition soever, the true and perfect Strock of the Amble, so that although I cannot promise with this Method, to teach all Horses to Amble swiftly and easily, those being Qualifications in an Ambling Pad, for which we must be beholding more to a Natural Disposition in the Horse, than any Art we can possibly make Use of, yet I dare engadge to teach with it any Horse whatsoever the true Strock of the Amble, which is all in my Opinion, can be by Art forced upon any Horse in relation to Ambling, a natural Disposition being the only Artist which can best assist us, in producing the other Qualifications, required in a perfect Ambling Pad.

And I think this Discourse of Ambling so much the more needful, because of the great number of Pretenders, who take upon them to teach Horses perfectly to Amble, and yet most of them make use of different Methods, some of which are so very rediculous, that I think it will be for the Readers advantage, that I in the first place discover some of them to him, that so he may know their errors, and not be imposed upon by the im∣pudent assertions of such, who by so unreasonable Methods as I shall discover to him, pretend to teach all Horses the perfect Amble; the which to make a Horse go in perfecti∣on, is I assure you a great deal more difficult, and requireth more Art and Judgement, then such Pretenders to Skill, or the most part of our common Horse Coursers do imagine. therefore

FIRST, Of the Errors or False Methods, by which many People pretend to teach Horses the Perfect Amble, Where

1st, Of Ambling by the Help of a Plowed Field.

THere is one commends the new Plowed Lands, and affirms that by Toyling the Horse therein upon his Foot Pace, there is no way so excellent for the making of him Am∣ble, but he forgets what weakness, nay what lameness such disorderly toile brings to a young Horse, nay to any Horse, because the work cannot be done without weariness, and no weariness is wholesome.

2ly. Of Ambling by the help of the Gallop.

ANother will teach his Horse to Amble from the Gallop by sudden stopping, or a more sudden chocking him in the Cheeks of the mouth, and by thrusting him into such an amazedness betwixt his Gallop and his Trot, imagins that losing both, he cannot choise but find out Ambling.

But this Man forgets not alone the Errour before spoken (which is too great toil) but also spoils a good Mouth (if the Horse had one) losses a good Rein (if there were any) and by overreaching and clapping one foot against another, endangers upon every step, an Hoof-breach or Sinew strain.

3ly. Of Ambling by the help of Weights.

ANother sayes there is no better way then Ambling by Weights, and thereupon overloads his Horse with unmerciful Shoos, of intollerable Weight, and forgets how they make him interfere, strike short with his hind feet, and though his Motion be true, yet is it so slow that it is not worth his labour, another folds great Weights of Lead about▪ his Pasterns, and forgets that they have all the mischiefs of the former; Besides the indan∣gering of incureable strains, the crushing of the Goronet, and the breeding of Ring bones, Crown Scabs, &c.

Another loads his Horse upon the Fillets with Earth, Lead, or some other Massie sub∣stance, and forgets the swaying of the back, the overstraining of the Fillets, and a general disabling of all the hinder parts.

4ly. Of Ambling in the hand without being Mounted by the teacher.

ANother struggles to make his Horse Amble perfectly in his hand before he mounts his back, by the help of some Wall, smooth Pail, or Rail, and by Chocking him in the mouth with the Bridle hand, and Correcting him with his Rod on the hinder Leggs, and under the Belly when he treadeh false, never remembers in what desperate Frantickness it drives a Horse, before he can make him understand his meaning, as Rearing, Sprauling out his Leggs, and using a World of Antique postures, which once settled, are hardly ever after reclaimed, besides, when he hath spent all his labour, and done his outmost, as soon as he mounts his back, he is as far to seek of his Pace as if he had never known such a Motion.

5ly. Of Ambling by the help of Shoos.

ANother finds out a new Stratagem, and in despite of all opposition in the Horse will make him Amble perfectly, and thereupon he makes him a pair of hinder Shoos with long Spurns or plates before the Toes, and of such length that if the Horse offer to Trot, the hinder foot beats the Fore foot before it, but he forgets that the Shoos are made of Iron, and the Horses Leggs of flesh and blood, neither does he remember with what vio∣lence, the hinder foot follows the fore foot, nor that every stroak it gives can light upon any place, but the back Sinews, then which there is no part more tender, nor any wound that brings such incureable Lameness.

6ly. Of Ambling by the help of fine Lists.

ANother (out of quaintness more then strong reason) strives to make his Horse Amble by taking of fine soft Lists, and folding them strait about the Gambrels, in that place where they commonly long ago used to garter a Horse for a stiffle strain, and then turns him to Grass for a Fortnight or more, in which time (saith he) he will fall to a perfect Amble (for it is true he cannot Trot but with pain) then taking away the Lists the work is finished.

But under the Correction of the professors of this forraign trick (for it is a Spanish prac∣tice) I must assure them that if they gain their purpose they must offend the Limbs, & if they hurt not the Limbs they loose their Labour; however this is most assured, that the Amble thus gained must be disgraceful and with Cringing in the hinder parts, without com∣liness, speed, or any other good quality required in a perfect Amble.

7ly. Of Ambling by the Help of the Bridle hand only, the Teacher himself being Mounted.

ANother (and he calls himself the Master Ambler of all Amblers) affirms, There is no true way of making a Horse to Amble, but by the hand only, and I am of his O∣pinion could this secret be found out, or could a Man make a Horse do all that he ima∣gined; but Horses are rebellious, and Men are passionate, and the least of either of these spoils the whole work; also it is impossible for any Man to compell a Horse to a New Motion utterly unknown, against which he will not resist at first with his uttermost power, besides to do this Action with the hand only, it must only be done from the Horses mouth, and that mouth must of necessity be altered from its first manner of working upon, for to use all one hand, must preserve all one Motion, and then where is his Ambling, which was not known at the first backing; Again we strive at the first backing of a Horse, to bring his mouth to all sweetness, his Rein to all statelieness, and the General Carriage of his Body to all Comliness, now in this Method of Ambling by the hand only, the mouth must be changed from the Barrs, to the Weeks of the Mouth, which is from sweetness to harshness, his Rein must be brought from Constancie to Ʋnconstancie, the Nose and Muzzle which were couched inward, must be turned outward, and the General Comliness of his Body, must be brought to a disorderly and disgrateful Carriage, or else he shall never accomplish the true Art of Ambling by the Hand only.

8ly. Of Ambling by the Help of the Tramel.

THere is another (I will not call him the best, because his Errours may be as great as any) and he will make his Horse Amble by the Help of the Tramel only, which I confess is nearest the best and most assured way, yet he hath many Errours as follow∣eth;

9ly. Of the Faults of a False Tramel.

FIrst he looseth himself in the want of Knowledge, for the length of the side Ropes of the Tramel, and either he makes them too long which gives no strock, or too short which gives a false strock; the first makes a Horse Hackle and shuffle his feet confusedly, the latter makes him roul and twitch up his hinder feet so suddenly, that by custome it brings him to a string halt, from which he will hardly be recovered ever after. Another loses him∣self and his labour by misplacing the Tramel, and out of a niceness to seem more expert than he is, or out of fearfulness to prevent falling (to which the Tramel is subject) places them above the Knee, and above the hinder foot hoof, but the Rule is neither good nor hand∣some, for if the Tramel be too long or loose, that is, gives no offence to the sinews and other ligaments, about which the hose must necessarly be fastned, when they are raised so high then they can give no true strock, neither can the fore legg compel the hinder to follow it; And if they be so short or strait, that the fore legg cannot step foreward, but the hinder must go equal with it, then will it so press the Main sinew of the hinder legg, and the Veins & fleshy part of the fore thighs, that the Horse will not be able to go without halting before, & cringing and crambling his hinder parts so ill favouredly, that it will be very unpleasant to be∣hold it, besides it will occasion swellings, and draw down humours, which will be more noysome than the Pace will be benefical.

Another (and he is the last I shall mention) makes his Tramel of such course and hard stuff, or else girts it so strait, or leaves it fretting up and down so loose, that he Galls his Horses leggs, and leaves neither hair nor skin upon them, at the best it leaves such a foul Print and mark upon the leggs, that every one will accuse both the Horse and his Teach∣er of disgrace and indiscretion.

The Errours being now confuted, it remains (after all these faults finding) that I show the truest, the easiest, and that way which is most infallible, for the making of any Horse Amble with all the gracefulness and perfection, that can be required.

SECONDLY, Of the Certain and Infallible way, to Teach a Horse the True and Perfect Strock of the Amble, Where.

1st. Of Trying if the Horse be Naturally disposed to Amble.

WHen you are about to make a Horse Amble truely and perfectly, first mount his Back, and try with your hand by a gentle and deliberate racking, and pressing of the Horse foreward, by hlping him in the weeks of his mouth with your snaffle, (which must be smooth, big, and full,) and correcting him first on one side, then on the other with the Calves of your leggs, and sometimes with the spurr; now if you can make him of himself stricke into an Amble, though shuffling and disorderly, there will be much labour saved, for that Disposition and Readiness to the motion of the Amble, will make him with more easiness and less danger endure the use of the Tramel, and also make him the more easily under∣stand the motion without stumbling or amazement: But if you find he can by no means, ap∣prehend the motion you design to teach him, then struggle not with him, but fall to the use of the true Tramel in this manner following;

2ly. Of the Form of the True Tramel.

BUT before I come to the Use and Vertue thereof, I will shew you the Form and Substance whereof it ought to be made, because nothing hath ever done this device more injury, then false substances and false shapes, therefore some make these Tramels all of leather, and that will either reach or break, the first marrs the work by uncertainty, the other loseth the labour.

Another makes it of Canvass, & that galls; A third makes it of strong & streaching lists, & that hath all the faults of both the former, for the stiffness will not let it ly closs, & the gen∣tleness makes it stretch out of all compass, or break upon every stumble. And as these, so there are a world of other useless Tramels, for you must understand that touching the true Tramel, the side ropes must be firm without yeelding a jot; the hose must be soft, lye closs, and not move from its first place, and the back-band must be flat, no matter how light, and so defended from the Fillets, that it may not gall, and this Tramel must be thus made, and of these substances.

First, For the side ropes they must be made of the best, finest, and strongest pack-threed, such as your Turkie threed, and twisted by the Rope maker into a delicate stronge cord, yet at the utmost, not above the bigness of a small Jack-line, with a noose or loop at each end; so stronge as is possible to be made; Neither must these side ropes be twisted too hard, but gentle, and with a yeelding Quality, for that will bring on the motion more easily, and keep the tramel from breaking, now these side ropes must be just thirtie six inches in length for a Horse of an ordinary stature, and so longer or shorter according to the size of the horse, and so equal one with another, that no difference may be perceived.

For the hose which must be placed in the small of the fore legg, and the small of the hin∣der legg, above the pastern joints, they must be made of fine girt-web which is soft and pliant, and loined with double cotton, over the girt-web must be fastened strong tabbs of white Neats leather well Tallowed, and suted to an evenlength, and stamped with holes at equal di∣stance, which Tabbs shall pass through the nooses of the side ropes, & be made longer or shor∣ter at pleasure with very strong buckels, & which Hose are to be made fast about the horses leggs with small buckels, now these hose of girt would be four inches in length, and the long tabbs with the large buckels ten.

The back-band being of no other use, but to bear up the side ropes, would (if you tramel all the four leggs) be made of fine girt-web, and loined with cotton, but if you tramel but one side, then an ordinary tape will serve, being sure that it carries the side ropes in an even line without either riseing or falling; for if it rise, it shortens the side rope, and if it falls, it endangers tangleing, Thus you see what the true tramel is, and how to be made, See Plate fifth, figure ninth, Now touching the use of it, it thus followeth;

3ly, How to make use of the true Tramel.

WHen you have brought your horse into an even smooth path, without Rubs or Rough∣ness, having the Hose made fast about his Leggs, you shall there untye the long tabs of the

near ferelegg, and the near hinder legg then put to them the side rope, and see that he stand at that just proportion which Nature her self hath given him, without either straitning or enlarg∣ing his natural situation, and in that even and just length stay the side Rope, by a small Tape fastned up to the Saddle, then with your hand on the Briddle straining and pulling his head, put him gently forward, and if need be have the help of a Bystander to put him forward also, and so force him to Amble up and down the Roade with all the Gentleness you can, suffering him to take his own leasure, that thereby he may come to an Understanding of his Restraint, and your will for the performance of the Motion, and though he snapper or stumble, or peradventure fall now and then, yet it matters not, do you only stay his head, give him leave to rise, and with all Gentleness put him forward again, till finding his own fault, and understanding the Motion, he become perfect and Amble in your hand to your contentment.

And that this may be done with more ease and less amazement to the horse, it is not amiss (at his first Tramling) that you give your side Ropes more length then ordinary, both that the twitches may be less sudden, and the Motion coming more gently, the Horse may sooner apprehend it; But as soon as he comes to any perfectness, then in∣stantly put the side Ropes to their true length, for an inch too long, is a foot too slow in the Pace, and an inch too short causeth Rouling, a twitching up of the Leggs, and indeed a kind of Plain halting.

4ly. When to alter the Tramel.

WHen the horse will thus Amble in your hand perfectly, being Tramled on one side; you shall then change them to the other side, and make him Amble in your hand as you did before, and thus you shall do, changing them from one side to another, till with the half Tramel he will Run and Amble in your hand, without snappering or stumbling, both readily & swiftly; when this is attained unto, which cannot be above two or three hours labour (if there be any Tractableness) you may then put on the whole Tramel, with the broad flat Backband, Tramling both sides equally, See Plate fifth, figure Ninth, And so Run him in your hand, (at the utmost length of the Bridle) up and down the Roade seve∣ral times, then pause cherish, and to it again, and thus exercise him, till you have brought him to that perfection that he will Amble swiftly, truly, and readily, when, where, and how you please, then put him upon uneven and uncertain wayes, as up hill and down hill, where there are Clots and roughness, and where there is hollowness and false treading.

5ly. When to Mount his Back.

WHen he is thus perfect in your hand upon all these, you may then adventure to Mount his Back, which (if you please) you may first do by a Boy, or Groom, making the horse Amble under him, whilst you lead & stay his head to prevent danger, or to see how he striketh, then after Mount your self & with all Gentleness & Lenity encrease his Pace more & more, till you come to the hight of Perfection, & thus as you did before in your hand, so do now on his back, first with the half Tramel, then with the whole, and change the tramel from one side to another, & also alter grounds, till you find that Exquisiteness which you desire, and this must be done by daily Exercise and Labour, as twice or thrice in the day.

6ly, When to Journey.

VVHen you have obtained your Wish in the perfection of his strock, the nimbleness of his limbs, and the good carriage of his head and body, you may then take away the tramel altogether, and Exercise him without it; but this Exercise I would have upon the High-way, and not Horse courser like in a private smooth Roade, for that affords, but a cousening-pace, which is left upon every small weariness, therefore take the high way for∣ward, for Three, Four, or Five Miles in a morning, more or less, as you find his Apt∣ness and Ability to please you.

Now if in this Journeying, either through Weariness, Ignorance, or Peevishness, you find in him a willingness to forfake his pace, then (ever carrying in your pocket the half tramel) alight and put it on, and so Exercise him with it, and now and then giv∣ing him ease bring him home in his true pace; this Exercise you shall follow day by day, and every day encrease it more and more, till you have brought him from one Mile to many; which done you may then give him ease, as letting him rest a day or

two, or more, and then Exercise him again, and if you find in him neither Error nor Al∣teration, then you may conclude your work is finished. But if any Alteration do hap∣pen, to which many phantastick horses are subject, if it be in the motion of his Pace, then with your hand reform it, but if that fail, then the use of the half Tramel will never fail you.

Now If the errour proceed from any other occasion, look seriously into the cause thereof, and taking that away the effect will soon cease; For you are to understand, that in this manner of teaching a Horse to Amble, you are forbidden no help whatsoever which belongs to Horsemanship: There might be a great dale more spoken upon this Subject of Ambling, but seeing my intention in this Treatise, is to discover and teach nothing, but what is both true & experienced, I shall weave discoursing any more of it in this place, and therefore shall proceed to the next Chapter, wherein as I have already told you, I in∣tend to treat of the most considerable vices, Horses are commonly subject to when either Bac∣king or Mannaging, with the most reasonable and approved Methods to cure and rectifie them.

CHAP. XXXIV. Of the Vices and Imperfections of Horses, and how to Prevent and Remedy them.

NO Horse makes a fault, but it is either in his Head and shoulders, or Croup,* 1.35 which is either before or behind, that is, he doth either disobey the hand or the heel, I shall discourse in this Chapter of both, and offer to you the best remedies hitherto known, to prevent and rectifie the faults in either, and therefore shall begin with the Imperfections of a Horses Mouth.

FIRST. Of the Imperfections of a Horses Mouth.

THe most part of Writers on Horsemanship, as well Ancient as Modern, are mightily troub∣led and concerned, about the Vices and Imperfections of a Horses Mouth, for Example, the first is, when a Horse pulls and sucks up his Tongue; The second, when he puts his Tongue over the Bitt: The third, when he doubleth it about the Bitt: And the fourth, when he letteth his Tongue hang out of his Mouth, either before, or upon one side of it; for all which they have taken a great dale of pains, with many curious devices and inventions, and a great dale of labour to cure them; so as there several Writings about these particular Vices of the mouth, would make a great Volume, when in truth most of their Bitts designed to re∣medie these Imperfections, are greater vices then these they would rectifie, and their Phy∣sick worse then the Disease, which bringeth more inconveniencies along with it, then the Vices they go about to cure.

For my own part, I could indeed wish that a horse had none of these faults, but put the case he hath, as putting his Tongue out, over the Bitt, or sucking or drawing of it up, or doubl∣ing it, all these I wish were not, but if they be, the Horse is little or not at all prejudiced by them, for he will have as good an Apuy or feeling of the Bitt with them as without them, and will be as firm and steddy in the hand, and as sensible of the Barrs and Curb, as if those Vices were not; because the Bitt will rest and work still upon his Barrs, and the Curb in its due place where it ought, in spight of his Tongue, let it be where it will, for if a Horses Tongue should be cut out, would that hinder the Bitt from working upon the Barrs, or the Curb to work in its due place? Certainly not at all, Nay horses have been known to have had their Tongues pulled out by the Roots, and yet have Rid afterwards as justly as ever they did before, so the carrying of the tongue this or that way out of the mouth, although I confess it is not very becoming, yet it is but of little consequence for true going in the mannage, because as I said, the bitt will alwayes work upon the barrs and curb, whither the horse have a tongue or not, and it is this working of the bitt, which maketh a horse go

well, and not the different positions of a horses tongue, which you see can be no hinde∣rance to him in the World for Rideing, so you may perceive with what vain curiosity, our Great Masters have not only troubled themselves, but also puzsled many of their Ri∣ders, and tormented poor horses to no purpose in the World.

SECONDLY. Of a Horse who throweth up his Head, either to shun the pressure of the Curb, or the trouble of being put upon his Haunches.

THere are many horses, who when ever they are prest, will throw up their heads, and they do it commonly to shun one of two things, which is either the pressure of the curb or bitt, or the uneasiness of being kept upon their haunches: if the first, then it is a sign they do nor obey the curb or pressure of the Bitt upon their barrs, to remedy which, you must first trot and stopp them, then gallop and stop them, and also pull them back frequently, all which being done with Discretion and Judgement, their head in and their croup out, or cavezon rein and legg of one side will cure them; but if it be to shun being kept upon their haunches, then tye the cavezons inward rein pretty short to the pomel of the saddle, and this will pull down his head, and consequently put him upon his haun∣ches, but then the horse to hinder it, will strive still to go off his haunches by putting out his croup, in which case, you must alwayes give him the spurr upon that side to which he puts his croup untill he obeys you, and then he Vice is rectified.

THIRDLY. Of a Horse who goeth Incaputiato, or Arms himself against the Bitt.

MAny Authors are mightily mistaken about this Vice, as they call it, saying a horse is hard on the hand; and under no command, because the branches of the bridle rest upon his Neck or Counter so, that you cannot pull or help him at all with your briddle hand, wherein they are very much deceived, for many horses have been known to Arm themselves against the Bitt, as much as any horses could do, who yet were very com∣mandable, and as light on the hand as any horses in the World; For if a horse go per∣fectly upon the haunches he must of necessity be light on the hand, let him arm himself as he pleaseth, or carry his head never so low, therefore they are deceived who think other∣wayes; However to prevent the Arming of a horse against the Bitt, Mr: La Broue orders a ball of wood covered with Velvet, or any other thing to make it appear neat,) to be put upon his Chaul band, which when ever he bringeth in his head too much, will press him between his jaw-bones, and so prevent his head coming too closs to his neck or counter, the invention is good and seldom faileth to answer expectation; Therefore I recommend it to you, the only difficulty lyeth in proportioning the bigness of the Ball, to the distance which is between the Horses Jaw bones, for were it too small, it would have no effect, and should it be too large, it would appear too much, and consequently be Ʋnbecoming, there∣fore your own Judgement must direct you as to the Bigness, for according to the Ouverture between the Jaws, narrower or wider, so must the Boul be higger or smaller.

FOƲRTHLY. Of a Horse who will not Turn, or Obey the Hand.

IF you have wrought your Horse in his first Lessons, as I have directed you, he can never be Entier which is not to turn, for when a horse is Entier he puts alwayes in his Croup, and out his shoulders, and those Lessons which I have given you for suppling his shoulders, put out his Croup, and force in his shoulders, which is just contrary to being Entier, so that suppling thus a horses shoulders, he can never have this vice, for indeed it procedeth more from the stifness of his shoulders, then any resistance he maketh with his Croup, and there∣fore if you work him with the Cavezon, Rein and Legg of a side, his head in and Croup out, he will never be Entier, but if you shall find him very obstinate, then pull the Cavezons in∣ward Rein very hard to you; giving him the spurr upon the inside, and this will certainly cure him.

FIFTHLY, Of a horse who will not Obey, or Answer the Heels.

IF your horse when you intend to work him with his Croup in, to put him upon the Haunches, will not answer your outward heel, but putteth out his Croup upon it, then if his head be to the Wall, pull the Rein of the Cavezon which is opposite to the side whereto he is going, and this will make him put in his Croup, but then your horse at the time you do this will go false, because he will look from the Volt or Turn; however if you find that this hath not effect enough, then put him upon a large Circle, and pull the outward Rein of the Cavezon quite without the Turn, at the same time helping him with your Outward legg and Spurr, which will infallibly bring in his Croup, but then this will be yet falser than the other, for now his head will be pulled quite out of the Turn, whereas he only lookt a little without the Turn in the former, but as a Man cannot do two things at once, espe∣cially Contrarys, so he must be satisfyed with this False Lesson, until once the fault be rectified, and then he must begin again, and work his Horse according to the true Rules of Art.

SIXTHLY, Of a Horse who in Riding upon a Circle or Square, bringeth too much in his Outward Shoulder, and therefore keepeth not his Ground as he ought: As likewayes who Goeth false upon his Terra a Terra, because he also bringeth too much in his Shoulders.

THis of bringing in too much the Outward shoulder, is a Vice by which a Horse disobey∣eth both the Hand and Heels, but especially the Hand, for no Horse can bring in his Shoulders too much, but at the same time he must put out his Croup, and no Horse also that bringeth in his Shoulders too much, but he straitens and narrows his Volt or Circle, and so keeps not his Ground, also if he go too high before, he will yet have more liberty to bring in his Outward shoulder, therefore to recover him of this Vice, the main Business is to keep him Low, and make him go forewards truely, both with his Leggs and Body: To perform which, you must sit oblique, as I have else where shown you for Terra a Terra, and pull the Cavezons inward Rein with your hand, in an oblique line cross his Neck, and the Nailes of it respecting your Outward shoulder to whatever hand you are going, and thus keep him down, that he rise not too high, your Bridle hand being also as Low as his Main, which will also help to keep him down, now his being thus keept low, will cure the half of the Vice of bringing in his shoulders too much, that is, he will not do it so much as he did before, but to keep him from coming in at all, because his coming too much in, is also occasioned by his not going forewards: Therefore to make him go forewards, you must help him with both your Leggs, and as your Outward legg keeps in his Croup, so your In∣ward legg must put him forewards, and thus you see your hand keeps him Low, and both your Leggs put him forewards, which will infallibly in a short time cure him.

But if your Horse go false upon his Terra a Terra, by bringing in his shoulders too much, and imbracing too much ground at once with his fore parts, then there is no way to Re∣medy him, like tying the Cavezons inward Rein, as strait as possible you can to the Po∣mel, that so he may with both his Eyes almost look into the Volt, and then he will not have so much Room to bring in his shoulders as he had before, although it appear other∣wayes to those who do not exactly understand the Opperation of the Cavezon; For this will force him to take shorter stepps, and consequently to imbrace less ground at a time with his fore parts, which will certainly cure him; Now whereas I can only say of other Helps that they may do, of this I say it will do and is most certain; therefore I set you down none but it, because I intend you should make use of no other.

SEVENTHLY, Of a Horse who in the Mannage maketh a Shuffling kind of Amble, As also Wrangleth in his Trot.

MAny Horses though they can do nothing but Trot, yet when they are prest in the Man∣nage, they will make a shuffling Amble, nay they will perfectly Amble, which is the worst Action for the Mannage that possible can be, and therefore to prevent it,

there is nothing better, then to pull your Horses head into the Turn as much as possible you can, and Ride him also upon very narrow Circles, which will hinder him from Ambling, to give him also the Spurrs soundly when he Ambles, will help to put him from it; Now although some strong Horses Amble when they are prest in the Mannage, yet they are commonly weak Horses, who either by nature, or because they are almost wearied, incline to Amble in the Mannage, for we frequently see, that the most part of Foles when first brought forth, naturally take themselves to the Amble, because they are as yet weak, but so soon as they are a little stronger, they altogether quite their Amble, and take themselves to a Trot.

Again, if your Horse do not Amble, but only Wrangle in his going, between a false Trot and a false Gallop, then also the inward Rein of the Cavezon pulled very hard with your hand, or tyed strait to the Pomel, to put out his Croup very much upon large Cir∣cles will help it, especially if at the same time you give him the Spurr within the turn, or both Spurrs soundly if need be, and this with good and frequent stops, will infallibly make him trot right, and make him go just both upon his Trot and Gallop, as he should.

EIGHTLY. Of a Horse who goeth too much upon his Chine or Back.

WHensoever a Horse goeth too much on the Back, and fetches disordered Leaps, there is no way better to hinder him, then to hold him fast and firm on the hand, for a flack and easie hand will give him Liberty to Leap, when a hard and stiffer would prevent it: Also when a horse is accustomed to go commonly low in Corvets, but by Long rest and little Riding begins to go too much upon his Back, there is nothing taketh him more off it then to put in his Croup sufficiently well, for this will so subject his hinder parts, that it will hinder and tye him up from Crouping or going upon the Back, but before you put in his Croup, it were very good to Trot and Gallop him so long upon large circles of one piste, or tread, until you find that you have totally abated his Chine, and taken him off his Back, and then put in his Croup to subject him, that so he may only go upon his Haunches, and not upon his Back; for there is nothing in the World puts a horse more u∣pon his Haunches, then the Cavezons inward Rein tyed to the Pomel, the Rider at the same time pressing him upon the outside of the Turn, which will make him lean upon the outside, that is lean upon his Outward bind legg, which is done by the inward Rein of the Cavezon, either pulled cross his Neck, or tyed to the Pomel, and helping at the same time with the outward legg, which is Legg and Cavezon Rein contrary, as I have several times told you already, and cannot do it too often, it is of such consequence for the right dressing of horses; especially for the putting them upon their haunches.

NINTHLY, Of a Horse who is Resty, or retains his Forces.

A Resty Horse is he who will not go forewards, the way then is to pull him backwards, and perhaps he will then go forwards, this seldom faileth; but if it should, then make use of your Spurrs to the purpose, causing also another person who is a foot, whip him forwards with a good Shambrier, and although he rebel a great while, the Spurrs and Sham∣brier will perswade him at last, they being the best argument you can use to him, if they be given sharply, soundly, and in time, and be also continued until he yeeld, which he will certainly do at last; for whereas the most part of other Remedies fail, this never doth, and you had as good apply Rose water and Suggar candy to him, as attempt to rectifie him with such foolish Remedies, as many old Writers have recommended for this Vice, therefore they are the Spurrs and Shambrier that must do the Bussiness, let people who un∣derstand no better talk what they will.

For a Horse who falleth down upon the Ground, or in the Water, nothing is better then a pair of good Spurrs timeously applyed.

But if your Horse be Retenu, paresus or Contre coeur, which is all but a kind of Restiness, by which he retains his forces, you must then Gallop him quick, as also press him upon his Terra a Terra to put him from thinking, for it is his Resty thinking that nurishes this Vice, and let me tell you, that bad Horsemen and Bunglers at first breaking of a Horse, are

the Cause of all these Vices, by correcting them either out of time, or letting them have too much of their will, which is every white as bad, if not worse than the other.

I must also tell you for a Truth, that the worst natured Jade in the World by nature, is more easily dressed and reduced to Obedience, then a Horse who hath been spoiled and made Resty by ill Riding, so much worse to rectifie is a bad habite, acquired by custome and continued, then an evil disposition by nature; for a customary Drunkard we see is hardly reclaimed, although by nature he be not much inclined to it, and if it be thus in Men who are Rational, we need not much wonder if we find it also so in Horses, who are accounted but poor irrationall Brutes.

TENTHLY. Of a Horse who forceth the Riders Hand, commonly called a Run-away.

FOr a Runaway-Horse, you must have a Gentle Bitt, with a slack Curb, and easie Cavezon, that so nothing may hurt his Mouth, or trouble his Nose, for certainly sharp Cave∣zons, and Rud Bitts hard Curbed, which the Horsemen of old made most use of, did make more Runaway Horses by turning them to dispair, than any thing else, you must also take care to keep a gentle and easie Bridle hand, that so you may offend him no manner of way, and then Walk him first without Stoping, but only Steying him upon the hand little by little, and then Trot him, afterwards put him from his Trot to a Walk, also staying him by degrees, and alwayes make much of him when he obeys you, when you find him thus far peaceable, then put him from his Trot to a Gentle Gallop, and from the Gallop to a Trot, and from a Trot to a Walk, and then from his Walk stay him little by little with a Gentle hand, and using this Method for a while with Patience and Judgement, you will in all Probability prevent his Ruuning away.

But say you, put the case he do Run away, what is to be done then? for certain it is that the more the Cavezon be pulled, the harder he will press upon the Hand, and faster he will run to oppose the Rider, and the more you pull the Bridle Reins and hurt him by straitning the Curb, the more he will pull and run the faster, so that your pulling will signity no more then if you pulled a Wall, in answer to this I say, that if you have Field-room, when ever you find him begin to run, let him go by slacking the Bridle, and giving him the Spurrs continually, sharply, and soundly, until he begin to slack of himself, and so be contented to stop, and so often as he begins to run, use him alwayes after the same manner, and I dare undertake that at last you will cure him, for there is no Remedy I assure you like this for a Runaway Horse.

But if you have not Room to run him straight out, and are circumscribed and con∣fined in a narrow bounds, then make him run circularly until he be weary, but if you have only a very little space, then the absolute best way is to put him to the single Pillar, with a good strong Rope, which a second person must keep fast about the Pillar with his hand, both which will hold him, and there he can run no way but round and circular∣ly; neglect not to give him the Spurrs soundly, until he be weary and willing to stop, and this at last will no doubt cure him.

ELEVENTHLY, Of a Skittish Horse, and to assure him for the Warrs.

WHen a Horse is Skittish and apprehensive of Noise, there are many Inventions made use of by unskillful people to help him, which are none of the best, such as to stop his Ears with W••ol that he may not hear, that is, to make him deaf as well as Skittish, for the Vice still remains, and if the Wool should fall out, you would find it to be so; but you may be also deceived as to the sense which occasions this Vice, for perhaps it may not be from the Sense of Hearing, but seeing, that his Skittishness proceeds, and should he be afraid of the Fire when Guns are shot, would you cover his Eyes with Lunettes or Spec∣tacles of Leather, to make him both deaf and blind, these are all but great follies, there∣fore the only sure way is to accustome him by little and little to shot, and the noise of Drums, Trumpets and Colours, and the practice of this will make him endure them, and go upon any of them, yea even upon a Sword or Halbert, for as Custome prevaileth with Men, so does it also with Horses, it is also very good to teach a Horse to leap hedge, ditch, and Rail, for all these things are useful especially for a Souldiers Horse, as also to Swim well is very necessary, and hath saved many a Mans Life.

TWELFTHLY, Of a Horse who is Vitious, by Biting, Stricking, or Rising so high before, that he is alwayes in danger of coming over upon his Rider.

WHen a Horse Bites at his Shoulders, and at the branches of his Bitt, or at his Riders leggs, and also rises and turns round ready to come over, the best Remedy that I know, is to ride him with a Gentle Bitt, and without a Cavezon, offending and hurting him as little as possible, and to tye the Nose band of the Bridle strait, as also to have another Nose band below, where the Bitt is fastened, and to draw that so very hard, that he can∣not open his Mouth, and when the Horse finds that he cannot Bite, he will in a little time quite those Jadish Tricks; Now because the giving him the Spurrs out of time, appears to be the cause of his Vitiousness, Therefore do not give him them of a great while, but only walk and Trot him upon large circles quietly and peaceably, and when you have gained him to this point, then Gallop him gently now and then, making but just feel that you have Spurrs and no more, and this Method continued will cure him, or else nothing.

Yet I must tell you, that for Vitious Horses who endanger the Company, by Kicking or Stricking out behind, there is no better way then to cause geld them, for if that cure them not, nothing else in the World will; But the worst of all Vices or rather Defences, and which puts a Rider in most danger, is when a Horse Rises so high before, that he is ready to Renverse or come over upon his Rider, those Horses which are firie and weak in the Gambrels, are most subject to it, and put frequently their Rider in peril of his Life, and therefore I call it a troublesome or dangerous Defence, now those Horsemen who teach their Horses to rise before, or upon pesates, before they be settled upon the bond and answer the heels, teach them this Defence, so that upon the least pull, or holding fast of the Bridle when the Horse rises, he is brought over upon his Rider; besides what I have already desited you to do in this Case, which is to keep a gentle and light hand, and to trouble your Horse as little as possible, yet here is an infallible way without any kind of hazard for the Rider, to cure a Horse of this Vice, even when he hath had it so long, that it is convetted into a kind of habit.

Tye therefore your Horse very short between the Pillars with a Rope Cavezon, without any person upon his Back, and with a Stick about six foot long, pointed at one end with an Iron Punchion or Needle, prick your Horse upon the outside of his Thigh, to make him strick out, and when he doth it make much of him, continue thus to make him strick out, untill he do it easily, and without any kind of difficulty, which will be in two or three Dayes at most, if you continue it for half an hour each Day, when you find that he stricks out when ever you offer to prick him, although you do not touch him with the Needle, then take his Back still between the Pillars, and keeping the Bridle a little long in your Left Hand, help him behind the Saddle with your Right, in which you must have a short Punchion, another person upon foot at the same time, helping with the Stick upon his Thigh, and if he strick out easily with you upon his Back, then Caresss him, and con∣tinue for several Dayes this Lesson, until you find him strick out by the help only of the Punchion which is in your Right hand, without the assistance of the Stick upon his Thigh, which will be in four or five Dayes at farthest, then take him from between the Pillan, and put him to the single pillar with a long Rope, which must be kept about it by the Per∣son who is a foot, and there make him strick out in one place with the help of your Right hand, and of the long stick upon his Thigh if need be, afterwards make him go fore∣wards two or three Steps, and then make him strick out three or four times upon end, and thus continue first Stepping or VValking him, and then making him strick out, untill he perform it a whole Round without making one Step or VValk, but alwayes stricking out; when he is brought this length, then Gallop him about the Pillar, and as you stop him make him strick out, without raising him at all before, and if he should offer to rise of his own accord, then make use of your Punchion behind the Saddle, which will at that inflant of time make him strick out, and so prevent his rising before, and using him thus for some time he will be so accustomed to it, that he will not so much as offer to rise before at all, let alone to come over or Renverse, even although you should Gallop him in the Fields, and without any kind of Longe or Rope fixed to the Bridle, and all this in the space of eight or ten Dayes at farthest, I have had experience of this Remedy for Renversing many a time, and it never yet failed me, so that after I have made use of it for eight or ten Dayes, I make no difficultie to give them the Spurrs sharply if they need them, and

vet they never think of rising before: when you have once brought him from rising before, it is an easie matter to cure him of his stricking out, so here you see is a Vice or Defence rectifi∣ed in a very short time by its Contrary, and without any kind of difficulty or danger to the Rider.

If I have not in this Chapter named all the Vices with their Remedies, which the most part of cross natured Horses are subject to, and defend themselves by when dressing, it is be∣cause those Horses who are Rid according to the Method I have prescrived in this Trea∣tise, are not subject to them, because they are not too much troubled and pressed, for by this Method you follow Nature, and make every thing become easie to them by de∣grees, and do not force and press them either with the stroacks of the Spurrs, or lashes of the Shambriet, and as by practise they become supple and easie, they press themselves of their own accord, and aim at nothing else but to obey, for it is a foolish thing to ex∣pect to make a Horse obedient and ready in eight or ten Daves time, by the force of Blows, because it is not Force as I have else where told you, but good and methodical Lessons judiciously applyed, which make and dress Horses, and render them perfectly obedient to the hand and heel; and if I be not very much mistaken, you have in this Treatise as true and Artificial Ones, for the Dressing and perfecting of Horses, and also descrived with as few Repetitions, as you will find in any Book as yet extant: There∣fore practise them with Patience and Judgement, and I make no doubt, when once you have a little tryal of them, but you will acknowledge them, notwithstanding of their being thus compendized, preserable to the many and unnecessary Varietys, of larger and more expensive Volums.

CHAP XXXV. Of Running Horses, and how to Dyet them for a Match.

ALthough I chiefly intended this Treatise of Horsemanship,* 1.36 for directing how all Horses might be perfectly broak for the Mannage, and also that the Divertisement of Raceing, is no wayes comparable to this most Heroick exercise of Riding, yet seeing Horse Matches are mightily esteemed in these Isles, and that by persons of the most conside∣rable Fortunes, and greatest Quality, I judged it would be very acceptable to a curious Reader, to give him in this Chapter, two methods of preparing running horses, the first more modern, which I have had Experience of my self, and is I believe indeed one of the best which hath been as yet published, and which I have taken as well as the preceed∣ing discourse of Ambling, from a Book in English, Entituled The Experienced Farrier, which to do the Author who collected it justice, I must confess I look upon to be one of the best Books upon the Subject, that I have ever seen in our Language; The second is more An∣cient, but however finding it placed at the end of the French Coppie Of the Parfait Mares∣chal, which Book I have taken the pains to translate, I thought fit to remove it from that place and insert it here, that so both Methods might be found and compared togeth∣er, and that of them made choice of which shall be found most agreeable to the Readers fancy, although if he take my advice he shall keep him to the first, and that for two reasons. First, Because the French are generally great Strangers to this kind of Divertise∣ment. And secondly, Because the Method set down by Monsieur Solizel, was given him only by another Esquier who received it from an English Jockie, so never having made tryal of it himself, he only giveth it upon the Recommendation of this Esquier from whom he received it, now although it must be confessed, that it differeth vastly from the man∣ner of preparing Race horses used now a dayes, yet seeing it is some what extraordina∣ry and Ancient, I thought fit to subjoin it to this other, that whoever hath the curiosity may try either, and then keep by that which be findeth most successful, for I am per∣swaded, he will find one of the two to answer his Expectation. Therefore to begin with

FIRST. The Modern way of preparing a Horse for a Course or Match.

SEing Racing or Horse Matching is so highly esteemed by the Gentry of these Islands, and that a good horse for that purpose is much lookt upon and coveted, by those who delight in this short and fickle, although it must be confessed (during its continuance) very pleasing Divertisement, I shall in this Chapter endeavour to give you some insight in it, and first, in chusing a horse for Running, see that he be tractable and no wayes Resty or Skittish, but familiar with his Keeper, and sprightfull in his Looks and Actions, let him have also an indifferent large reach, and a great share of beels if possible, For take my word for it, that is a chief ingredient in a Running horse, Wind and Length being with a great dale of more ease increased by Art, then heels and swiftness, also let him (if possible) be altogether well shaped, that is, well set in the Shoulders, well turned in the Buttock and Gascoyns, and well Coupled in the short Ribs, his Leggs right planted, and to be sure let him have good feet, for these are both the foundation, and Wings of this Flying Machine upon earth; his head small and slender, with lean and firm Cheek bones, a sharp or Hauk nose, wide nostirls, and a large Throple, his Age not beneath six, no horse under that Age having sufficient strength and vigour, either to furnish a four mile course or heats, without Running the hazard of being over strained, all their Bones and Joints being only a kind of firm Gristle, neither is this all, for the main point of bringing him into a condition to run successfully, is yet to be spoak to, which consists in Dyeting, and carefully ordering him before the day appointed for the Match, and therefore I shall first discourse of the Limitation of time, to be allowed for preparing a Running horse for any ordinary Plate or Match, that is not for too extraordinary a summ, because all Judicious Horsemen must acknowledge this for a truth, that the longer a horse be in good Keeping, providing no accident intervene, the better heat he will make when strained, because Custom and Practice without excess, do convert any exercise a most into a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Nature.

1st. Of the time allowed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 prepare any Horse for a Match.

THerefore as for the Limitation of time for a Plate or small sum of money, I allow but of two Moneths at any time of the year what soever, for an old horse, or a horse formerly traintd, for I speak not here of Colts, and I am perswaded that if a horse make not a good heat in two Moneths, he will not make it in fifteen.

Yet many do affirm, that a horse newly taken from the Grass, and soul, cannot be prepared under six Moneths, by which they Rob their Masters of four Moneths pleasure, engadge him in an expensive charge, which will make the sport become loathsome and uneasie to him, and can get nothing to defend and cloak what they say withal, but their ignorance, and perhaps a few false got Crowns which evanish so soon as gained, yet as Hereticks cite Scripture, so these people find Reasons to defend their want of skill and Ex∣perience, as the danger of too violent Exercise, the offence of Grease too suddenly melt∣ed, the moving of humors too hastily, which leads to mortal sickness, and the mode∣rating and helping of all these by a slow proceeding, or bringing the horse into order by degrees and time, or as I may rather say by an ignorant delay and sufferance.

Now all these Reasons if but superficially viewed, seem to have somewhat of Foret in them, for too early Exercise is dangerous, but not if given moderatly, and free from violence; to break or melt Grease too suddenly, is an offence insufferable, for it putteth both Limbs and Life in hazard, but not if it be purged away with wholsome Scourings; The hasty stirring up of Humors in the Body where they superabound, and are generally dispersed and not settled, cannot choise but breed sickness, but not where Discretion and Judgement expel and evacuat them, with wholsome and moderate Airings; And as for moderating of all these by the length and tediousness of time, as two Moneths for the first and two Moneths for the second, and as much for the last, it is like the ouring of a Gangaren in an Old Man, Better to die then be dismembrrd, better loose the Prize or Beats then bear the Charges, for I appail to any Noble Judgement whose Purse hath ex∣perienced such Actions, if six Moneths Preparation with the Dependants to it, doth not eat up and devour the better half of a twenty five or thirty pound Wager, therefore for any ordinary Match or Beat, I allow as I said but of two Months to prepare a Horse for it, it be∣ing most certain, that a Horse who cannot make a good heat in that time, will very

rarely make an Extraordinary one, though you should Dyet him triple or quadruple that space.

2ly. Of Scourings and their use

BUt Reply they, No Scourings are to be allowed, because they are Physical, force Nature, and so are prejudicial to her, by occasioning sickness, and emparing health, and therefore nothing is comparable to the length of time, because Nature worketh every thing of her self, and although she do it but slowly, yet she doth it with so much the less danger.

I indeed confess that scourings given immoderately, and which are stuft with unwhol∣some and poysonous ingredients, cannot choose but bring on infirmity and sickness, but wholsome scourings, which are composed of Beneficial and Nourishing Simples, neither occasion sickness, nor any manner of infirmity, but bring away Grease and all foulness so abundantly, and in so kindly a manner, that by the moderate use of them you shall effect more in one Week, then in two moneths by a Dilatory and Doubtful forbear∣ance of them; I call it Dilatory and Doubtful, because no Man in this lingering course, can certainly tell which way the Grease and foulness will be voided or expelled, as whi∣ther in his dung which is the safest, or by sweat which is hazardous, or by his Limbs which is very dangerous; Or lastly, if it will remain and putrefie in his body, which proveth oft times mortal, since the Issue of any or all these fall out, according to the strength and condition a Horses body is brought to, by the care and diligence of his Keeper, for if either the one fail in Power, or the other in Care and Diligence, Farewell Horse for that Match.

Now all this the greatest Envy cannot chuse but confess, only they have one broken Crutch to support them, and that is, they know no scouring, and therefore will allow of none, indeed against Obstinacy I am resolved not to Dispute, only shall appeal to Art and Discretion; whither Moderate and Beneficial Purgations, or painfull sufferance when Nature is offended, be the better Doers, but still they will maintain their Argu∣gument, and urge, That whatsoever is given to a Horse more then his Natural food, and which he will Naturally and willingly receive, is both improper and unwholsome.

To this I answer, That the Natural Food of Man is Bread only, all other things ac∣cording to the Philosopher being superfluous, and therefore to be avoided; But we find by Experience and the general practice of Mankind, that both Humanity and Divinity laugh at this Argument, because other helps, as Physick, variety of Meats, and diverse other Means appointed by Divine Providence it self, tell the Contemners hereof how grosly they Err, in this foolish Opinion, nay allow them a little shadow of Truth, that things most Natural are most Beneficial, then it must follow that grass, or hay which is but withered grass, are most Beneficial because most Natural, now grass is Physical, for in it is contained all manner of Simples of what Quality soever, as Hot, Cold, Moist, Dry, so that whatsoever is given in his scourings which is good, is but what he hath ga∣thered Naturally when at Soil, only with this difference, that what he gathered was mixt in a confused manner, contraries being so clap together, that it is not possible to judge where the predominant Quality lyeth; but that which we compound is so orde∣red by Art and Reason, that we know how it should work, and accordingly expect the Event, if it be not crost by some extraordinary Disaster.

I would therefore gladly ask these Gentlemen, If they will undertake to prepare their Run∣ning Horse with only Grass or Hay? But they know in this case, that the end of their La∣bour would be loss, and therefore they are satisfied to allow of Corn, nay diverse kinds of Corns, some Loosening as Rye, some Binding and Astringent as Beans, and others Faten∣ing and increasing both blood and Spirits, as Wheat; Nay they will allow Bread, yea Bread of diverse compositions and mixtures, as one kind before heats, another after, some Quick of Digestion, and others Slow; And if this method of Dyeting be not almost as Physical, as the gentle scourings which are given by a good and understanding Horseman; I confess that all I have said in Vindication of Beneficial and rightly appropriate scourings, is of no force at all: Nay these Contemners of scourings will yet allow of an Egg, and that mixt with other ingredients, and for Butter and Garlick they will use it, though it be never so fulsom; the reason is, because their knowledge in Physick can arise to no higher pitch, and so Authorized Ignorance will impudently ever wage War with the best Understanding.

There are yet another sort of Feeders, who in a contrary extream run beyond these into mischiefs, and these are they who over scoure their Horses, and are never at peace and ease; but when they are giving of potions (which they call scourings) sometimes with∣out

Cause, and alwayes without Judgement and Method, which bring upon a Horse such untollerable weakness, that he is not able to perform any violent Exercise; Now from this too little and too much, I would have you to gather a mean for scourings which is founded upon Reason, and that is, First, that the Simples be wholsome and propper, nixt that you be sure there is foulness; And lastly, that the state of the body be such, that you may by your scourings rightly Administrate, rather Augment then decress Vi∣gour, and thus shall your undertakings be prosperous, and your method of Preparation without controlement: To conclude, I allow two moneths for this preparation, and ac∣cording to that time shall lay down my Directions as followeth.

3ly. Some Considerations concerning the different States of Body, wherein a Horse shall be found when Matcht.

ALbeit the Office of a Feeder belongeth generally to all Horsemen, yet it is in a more particular and Critical sense appropriate only to the Keepers of Running Horses, be∣cause as other horses have a general way of being fed, so the dyeting of these is Ar∣tificial, and full of Curiosity and circumspection, in which whosoever erreth, shall soon∣er bring his horse to destruction then any kind of perfection; To prevent which you are therefore to have regard to three estates of Body, in any horse who is Matcht,

The first is, If he be very fat, foul, or taken from either Grass or Soil.

The second, if he be extream lean and poor, either through over Riding, bad Keeping, or other infirmity.

The third and last is, if he be in a good and likely state of Body, neither too fat nor too lean, but hath been well kept and moderatly exercised.

Now if he be in the first state of Body, you shall take longer time to prepare him, as two Months at the least, and therefore must order your Match accordingly, for he will take much Labour and Airing, great carefulness in heating, and discretion in Scouring, as also rather a strick then Liberal hand in Feeding.

If he be in the second state of Body, (which is poor and lean) then take yet a longer time, and let his Airings be Moderat, as not before or after Sun, but rather to encrease Appetite then harden flesh, and also have a bountiful and Liberal hand in feeding of him, but still not so as to cloy him.

In fine, If he be in the third state of Body, which is a mean between the other two extreames, then a Month or six weeks, and sometimes less if the Match be inconsiderable, may be a sufficient Allowance of time to prepare him for it, now as this third estate par∣ticipats of both the former, so it must borrow from them a share in all their Orderings, that is to be neither too early nor too late in Airing and exercising, to give him pretty sharp but not straining heats, with beneficial and nourishing Seourings, as also to be con∣stant in a Moderat way of Feeding.

Again as you have considered the General State of your horses body, so you must al¦so have an eye to some other particular constitutions of Body which may perhaps more nearly concern him, as if he be fat and foul, yet of a free and wasting Nature, apt quick¦ly to consume and loss his flesh, in that case you must not have too strick a hand, neither can he endure so violent exercise, as if he were of an hardy dsposition, and will feed and be fat upon all meats and exercises, but if he be in extream Poverty through disor∣der and Mismannagement, and yet by Nature very hardy, and apt both soon to recover his Flesh and keep it well, then by no means you should have so liberal a hand to him, nor for bear that exercise, as if he were of a tender constitution, weak Stomack, and free spi∣rit, provided alwayes you have regard to his Limbs, and the Imperfections of Lameness; now these few things being premised, I shall next begin with the Method of ordering him for the first fortnight of the two Months, which I have generally alloted as a competent time to prepare for a Match, except that the Beat be either somewhat extraordinary, or the Horse in a very weak and bad state of Body, in which case a longer time is to be de∣manded, according as your own Judgement shall direct you.

4ly, The first fortnights Feeding of a Horse for a March, who is fat, foul, or nowly takin from Grass or Soil.

IF you Match a horse that is sat and foul, either by Running at Grass, standing at Soil, or any other m••ans of Rest, as too high feeding or the like, you shall (after his Bo∣dy is emptied and the Grass voided, which will be within three or four dayes at most) for the first Fortnight at least, rise early in the Morning before day, or at the Spring of day, according to the Season of the year, and having put on his Bridle being first washt in a little Ale or Beat and tyed him up to the Rack, take away his Dung and other foulness of the Stable about him, then dress him as you have been alreadie taught in the fi••tieth Chapter of this first part of the Parfait Mareschal; When that work is finished, take a fair large Body cloath of thick House-wiffes Kersie or Scots Tartain, (if it be in Winter) or of Cotton or other light stuff, (it in Summer) and fold it round his Body, then clap on the Wate∣ring Saddle, and girt the formest Girth pretty strait, but the other some what slack, and wisp him on each side his heart, with pretty soft Wisps between the two Girths that both of them may be of equal straitness, then put before his Breast, a Breast Cloath suitable to the Body cloath, and let it be so long as to cover both his Shoulders, then taking a little Ale or Bear in your Mouth, squitt it into the Herses, and so lead him out of the Stable and take his Back, leaving a Boy behind you to trim up the Stable, by carrying out the Dung, and trussing up the Litter, for you are to know that your Horse must al∣wayes stand upon good store of dry Litter both Night and Day, and it must be either VVheat straw or Oat straw, for Barly straw and Ry••straw are unwholsome and dangerous, the first breeding heart burning, and the last causing Scouring.

When you are Mounted, Walk or Rack him only a foot pace, (for you must neither Amble nor Trot, because they are both prejudicial to Speed or Swiftness) at least a Mile or two, or more if you think fit, upon smooth and equal Ground, and if it have a Gentle Rising so much the better, there Gallop him Gently, afterwards Walk him softly, that so he may cool as much one way as he warmeth another, and when you have thus exercised him a pretty Space, and seeing the Sun begin to rise, or else newly risen. Rack him down to some fresh River, or clear Pound, and there let him drink at his Pleasure, after he hath drunk bring him gently out of the Water, and Rack him away very easily, and not according to the ignorance of some Grooms, who rush their Horse presently as he cometh out of the Water into a Gallop, for that bringeth commonly along with it two mischiefs, either it teaches the horse to run away with you so soon as he is watered, or it maketh him refuse to drink, fearing the violence of his exercise which is to follow, when you have thus walked him a little calmly, put him into a Gallop gently, & exercise him moderatly as you did before, then Walk him a little space, after which offer him more Water, if he drink, then Gallop him again gently; if not, then Gallop him a little more to occasion thirst, and in this manner give him alwayes exercise before and after water, when you judge he hath drunk sufficiently, bring him home gently without a wet hair, or the least sweat upon him, and when you are come to the Stable d••o••, pro∣voke him to piss if you can, by stirring up some of the Litter which is at the Stable door, under him, if he do not stale at first no matter, for a little custom will bring him to it, and it is wholsome both for his health, and the sweet keeping of the Stable.

This done bring him to the Stable, and tye him up to the Rack, then rub him well with Wisps, afterwards loose his Breast cloath, and rub his head and Neck with a dry cloath, then take off his Saddle, and hanging it up with his Body cloath, rub him all o∣ver, especially that part of his Back where the Saddle was placed, then cloath him up, first with a Linnen Sheet, and then over that a good strong Housing Cloath, and above it his VVooling Body cloath, which in Winter it is not a miss to have lyned with Cotton, but in Sum∣mer a single one is sufficient, when these are all on, girt on his Surcingle, and stop it with small and soft wisps, which will make him so much the easier.

After he is thus cloathed, stop his feet with Cow dung, or his own Dung being a very little moistned with fresh Water, then throw into the Rack a little bundle of Hay well dus∣ted and wrapt hard together, and let him eat it standing upon his Bridle, when he hath stood an hour or so upon his Bridle, take it off, and rub his Head and Neck very well with a Hemp or Hair cloath, for this is good to dissolve all gross and thick humors which may be in his Head, then after you have made clean the Manger, take an English Quart or Scots Chopin, of sweet, dry, old, and clean drest Oats, for those which are unsweet breed, in∣firmities, those that are moist cause swelling in the Body, those that are new breed Worms, and those which are but half drest deceive the Stomack, and so bring the Horse to ruine; as for Black Oats although they are tollerable, yet they make foul Dung, and hinder a man from knowing so exactly the state of his Horses Body as he ought; now this Proportion of

Oats you shall clean and dress in such a Sieve, as shall keep the good and full, and let a Light Grain or Oat pass thorow it, and if he eat them with a good Appetite, let him have again the same Quantity, and so let him rest till Eleven a clock with the windows closs, for the darker you keep him the better, because it will make him ly down and take his rest, which otherwise he would not so readily, therefore you are to arm your stable with Canvass, both for Darkness, Warmth, and that no filth may come near him, ele∣ven aclock being come, rub his head and neck as before, and dress him another English quart, or Scots Chopin of Oats, then leave him the Stable being made dark, till one a clock in the Afternoon, at one a clock use him just as you did before, with Rubbing, Feeding, taking away his Dung, and then leave him dark till watering time; but only at one a clock give him another small and hard bundle of Hay, to chaw upon till VVate∣ring time.

Watering time being come, go to the Stable; and having made all things clean, Bridle, take off his Cloaths, and dress him as in the Morning, then cloath, Saddle, lead him forth and urge him to empty; afterwards take his Back, and Rack him abroad, but not to Rising Ground as in the Morning, if you can have the conveniency of any which is plain, and there Air him in all points as you did in the Morning, when you have watered him, and spent the Evening in Airing until it be near Night, (for nothing is more wholsome and consumeth foulness more, then Airly and Late Airings) Rack him home to the Stable door, and there alight, and do as you did in the Morning both without doors and within, and so let him rest till nine at Night.

At nine come to him, and rub down his Leggs well with Wisps, and his Head and Neck with a clean cloath, and turning up his Cloaths, rub all his hinder parts, then give him an English Quart or Scots Chopin of Oats in the same manner as you did before, and after that a little hard bundle of Hay, then toss up his Litter and make his Bed soft, leaving him so till next Morning.

The next Morning, do every thing to him without the least Omission, as hath been formerly declared, and thus keep him for the first Fortnight, which will so take away his Foulness, and harden his Flesh, that the nixt Fortnight you may adventure to give him some Heats, but before I proceed to the second Fortnights feeding, I shall answer an Objec∣tion which may be urged, touching the quantity of Provender which I prescrive, being but one English Quart or Scots Chopin of Oats, at a Meal, seeing there are many Horses who will eat a larger Proportion and Quantity, so that to scant them to this little were to starve, or at the best to breed VVeakness: To this I answer, that I set not down this Pro∣portion of Provender as an infallible Rule, but as a President which may be imitated or augmented at pleasure, for I have given you this Caveat, that if he eat this Quantity with a good Stomack, you may give him another, still leaving the due and just Proportion to your own discretion and Judgement.

5ly. The second Fortnights Feeding.

IN this Fortnight you shall do all things as in the first, only whereas in the first Fort∣night, you give him no Oats before his Morning exercise, In this second Fortnight, you shall before you put on his Bridle in the Morning, give him an English quart or Scots Chopin of Oats, then Bridle him up and dress him as before ordered, afterwards Cloath, Saddle, Air, Water, Exercise, and bring him home as before shewed, only you shall now put no Hay into his Rack, but give it him out of your hand, handfull after handfull, and so leave him on his Bridle for an hour, when you come to him again, Rub him, and after other Ceremonies sift him another English quart or Scots Chopin of Oats, and set them by, then take a Loaf of Bread that is three dayes old at least, and made after this man∣ner.

6ly, The first Bread.

TAke three parts of Clean Beans, and one part of VVheat, according to the Quantity of Bread you intend to back, mix and grind them together, when grinded, Bolt it pretty fine, and kned it up with good store of fresh Barm and Lightning, but with as little Water as may be, labour it very well in a Trough, and break it, then cover it up warm that it may swell, and after wards back it in the form of big Loaves thorowly, and let them soak soundly, and when they are drow'n from the oven, turn up their bottoms that so they may cool; when they three dayes old let your horse eat of them, but not sooner for new Bread is hurtfull, when you give it him Chip it very well, and Crumbling it pretty small, mix it with his

Oats you formerly sifted and set by, (the Proportion of Bread is left to your own discre∣tion, and then leave him till eleven a cloak, about eleven a cloak give him the same Quantity of Oats and Bread, and let him rest till the Afternoon, at one a clock in the afternoon if you intend not to give him a heat the next day, feed him with Bread and Oats as in the Forenoon, and so every Meal following, for that day.

But if you intend the next day to give him a Heat, at which now I aim, then you shall only give him an English quart, or Scots Chopin of Oats clean sifted, but no Hay, and so let him rest till evening, at four a cloak give him the like quantity of clean sifted Oats, and after they are eaten, Bridle him up, Dress, Cloath, Sadle, Air, Water, Exercise, bring nome, and order him as before shewed, only give him neither Hay nor Bread amongst his Oats for that night; after he hath stood about an hour upon his Bridle, give him a∣nother measure of Oats, and after they are eaten put a sweet and clean Muzzle upon him, and thus let him rest till nine at Night: Nine a clook being come, give him another English Quart, or Scots Chopin of clean Oats, and when he hath eat them, put on his Muzzle again, toss up his Litter, and so leave him till next Morning.

7ly, Of the use of Muzzles and how they are made.

THe use of the Muzzle being rightly made, is to keep a horse from eating up his Litter from gnawing upon Boards, and Mud••walls, and indeed to keep him from eating any thing, but what he receiveth from your own hands, they are made sometimes of Leather, and stampt full of holes, but these are unsavory and unwholsome, all Leather Muzzles whatsoever being indeed unpleasant; besides they are too closs and hot for the Horse, there are also Muzzles made of double Canvass with a round bottom, and two long Square Latices Of small Tape, one before each Nostirl, which Latices reach down to the very bottom, and go also upwards more then a hand breadth; but the best Muzzles of all both for Winter and Summer, are the net Muzzles made of strong Pack threed, and knit very thick and closs in the bottom, and then enlarged wider and wider upwards to the middle of the Horses head, at which place they are bound about with a Tape, and have also a Loop and string, whereby they are fastned to the Horses head, this much of the Muzzle and it use.

Your horse having stood all night in his Muzzle, give him early the next Morning, an English Quart or Scots Chopin of Oats rubed between your hands with some Bear or Ale, and when he hath eaten them, then dress and Sadle him as formerly, and being ready to lead him out, give him a new laid Egg or two, washing his Mouth after it with a little Bear or Ale, and so lead him out not forgetting also to provoke him to empty at the door, then Mount and Rack him gently to the Course or Ground where you are to Heat, making him by the way smell at any other horse dung you shall meet with.

When you are come within a little way of the Starting place, dismount and take off his Body cloath and Breast cloath, and girt on the Sadle again, leaving your Groom to take care of his Cloaths, until you shall come to him again, all this being done, Rack your Horse gently up to the Starting post if there be any, making him smell at it, that so he may both be acquainted with it, and also know the beginning and ending of the Course, there start him roundly and sharply, and give him his heat according to the following Directions.

8ly. Some few things to be observed in giving of Heats.

IN giving of Heats you are to consider first, that two in the Week are sufficient for a∣ny Horse of whatsoever Condition or State of Body.

Secondly, That one of themshould alwayes be given upon that day of the Week in which your horse is to run his Match, and that also still to be the sharpest for increasing of his Heels or Swiftness, the other being only a slow Galloping over the Course, more to encrease Wind and cause Sweat, then to improve his Speed, and therefore I would have you to order them thus; Suppose your Match day is to be upon a Monday, then your Heating dayes must be Mondays and Frydays, and the sharper Heat to be upon the Monday, be∣cause it is the day of his Match, if the day be Tuesday, then your Heating days are Tuesdays and Saturdays, if Wednesday then Wednesdays and Saturdays, by Reason of the LORD's Day; if Thursday then Thursdays and M••ndays, and so of the rest, still observing to Run him more smartly upon these Heating days of the Week, in which the Match is appointed to be run, then any of the other, and that for the Reasons I have already given you.

Thirdly, You shall give no Heat (but in case of necessity) in rain or foul weather, but rather defer hours, and change dayes, for it is unwholsome and dangerous; And therefore in case of sudden shoure and uncertain weather, you shall have for your Horse a Hood

loynd quite thorow, to keep out the Rain: For nothing is more dangerous then cold wet falling into the ears, and upon the nap of the neck, and Fillets.

Fourthly, Observe to give your Heats (the weather being seasonable) as Early in the morning as you can; That is, by the spring of day, but by no means in the dark, for it is to the Horse both unwholsome and unpleasant, to the rider a great testimony of folly, and to both an act of danger and Precipitation.

Fifthly and lastly, When you begin your heat, start your Horse roundly and sharply, at near a three quarters speed, and if it be upon the day of the Week which his match is to fall in, then according to his strength, goodness of wind, and chearfulness of Spirit, run him the whole course thorow, and by no means do any thing in extremity, or a∣bove his wind, but when you find him a little yeeld, then draw a little and give him ease, that he may do all with pleasure and not with anguish, for this manner of training will make him take delight in his labour, and so the better endure it, but the contrary would bread uneasiness, and make his exercise become a toil, but if his heating day be u∣pon any other day of the week, then that his Match is to be run upon, then make him only go over the course at a slow and gentle Gallop, only to increase his wind, and cause sweat, that so the scouring you are to give him after his heat, may have some loose grease to work upon and bring away, for this is the only designe of the second heat in each week, otherwise were both the heats smart, the Horse would not be able to hold our, there being so short an intermission between them, for him to rest and recover his vigour, therefore you would do well not to mistake, and in stead of two Heats in a week which I order, the one to be smart and the other gentle, you give not both with the same degree of swiftness, For that is not at all my meaning, and therefore I desire you would take notice to it; also during the time you course him, you shall observe upon what ground he runneth best, as whither up hill or down hill, upon smooth ground or tough, upon wet or dry, or upon a Level, or some what rising ground, and according as you find his Nature, so Mannage him for your own advantage, and these are the most considerable things to be observed in giving of a Heat.

When you have finished your Heat and gently Gallopt him up and down, to rate his wind and chear his spirits, you shall then (the Groom being ready) Ride into some warm place or corner, and with your Glassing or scraping knife, made either of some broken sword blade, or for want of that a thin piece of old hard Oaken wood, fashioned like a long bread knife, with a sharp edge, the shape whereof you may see in the first Plate of this book, Scrape off the sweat from your horse in every part (Buttocks except∣ed) untill you can make no more arise, still moving him now and then a little to keep his limbs in motion, least they become stiff, then with dry cloaths rub him all over, af∣terwards take off his Sadle, and having with the glassing knife also seraped his back, and rubbed it near dry, put on his Body cloath and Breast cloath, and set on the Sadle again and girt it, then mount and Gallop him gently, now and then rubbing and wiping his head, Neck, and body, as you sit upon his back: Last of all, walk him about the Fields to cool him, and when you find him begin to dry apace, then Rack him homewards, sometimes Stepping and sometimes Galloping, But by no means bring him to the Stable till you find him throughly dry; when you are come to the stable door, intice him to empty, then set him up, and ty him to the Rack, and (having either prepared it your self before, or at least one for you against your coming) give him one of these scourings follow∣ing, which you please; The way to compose and make them being thus;

9ly. Two excellent Scourings for Running Horses, any one of which may be very safely given after a Heat, to bring away molten Grease, or any other foulness which may be lurking in the Horses Body.

FOR the first, take an English Pint or Scots Mutchkin of the Syrup of Roses, or for want of it the like quantity of strong Honyed Water, and desolve into it, of Cassia, Aga∣rick, and Myrrhe, of each an Ounce, shaking them well together in a Glass, then be∣ing mul'd and made warm upon a gentle fire, and the Horse newly come from his He•••• (as before shewed) give it him luke warm.

For the second, take an English Pint or Scots Mutchkin of Canary, Mallaga, or Cherrit, and Pulverizing an ounce of the finest Rosin, put it therein, which being Incorporated, add to them six ounces of Olive Oyl, and an ounce and an half or two ounces of brown Sugar∣eandie beaten to powder, with an ounce of the juce of Savin, or pouder of Rubarb, mix

all well together, and warming it over a gentle fire, give it the Horse Milk or Luke warm.

10ly. How to order him after his Scouring.

WHen you have given it him, rub his Leggs well, then take off his Sadle, and if his body be dry, run slightly over it with your Currie Comb, after that with the French Brush, and lastly rub him all over very well with a dry cloath, and cloath him up warm, throwing also over him if the weather be very cold a loose Blan∣ket or Covering, let him fast full two hours upon his Bridle after having taken the scouring, and during that time go not out of the stable, but keep him stirring now and then, which will cause his Scouring to work the better.

After he hath fasted upon the Bridle two hours, then take a handful of wheat ears, and coming to him handle and feel the roots of his ears, and under his cloaths nixt to his heart, and upon his Flanks, and if you find any new sweat arise, or coldness, or that his Flank beat or breast move fast, then forbear to give him any thing, for it is a sign that there is much foulness stirred up, on which the scouring is working with a conquering quality, therefore it is that the Horse is brought to a little sickness, so that in this case you shall only take off his Bridle, put on his Coller, toss up his Litter, and ab∣sent your self, (having made the Stable dark and quiet) for other two hours, which is commonly the longest that that sickness will continue, but if you find him have no such indisposition, then give him the ears of Wheat by three or four together, and if he eat one handful give him another, and so untill he eat three or four handfuls, but no more, then drawing his Bridle and rubbing his head well, give him a little Knab of Hay well Dusted; about an Hour after give him an English Quart or Scots Chopin of clean Oats, putting two or three handfuls of split Beans, very well pickt amongst them, and break also amongst these two or three shaves of Bread clean chipt, and then leave him for two or three Hours.

At Evening before you dress him, give him the like quantity of Oats, Beans, and Bread, and when he hath eaten them, Bridle, dress and cloath him, but you shall nei∣ther Sadle nor Air him abroad this evening, because the Horse being foul, and the Scouring as yet working in his Body after the Heat, he must not get any cold water at all, after he is drest and hath stood two Hours on his Bridle, then wash three English Pints or three Scots mutchkins of clean Oats in Bear or Ale, and give him them, for this will in∣wardly cool him as if he had drunk Water, and you are sure he can receive no preju∣dice by it, after he hath eaten his washt meat, and rested after it a little, you shall at his feading times with Oats and spelt Beans, Oats and Bread, or all together, or simply one of them according to the liking of the Horse, Feed him that night in plantiful manner; and leave a Knab of Hay in his Rack when you go to Bed.

The next day early, first Feed, then dress, cloath, Sadle, Air, Water, and bring him home as at other times, only have a more careful eye to his Emptying, and observe how his Grease and Foulness wasteth, at his Feeding times feed as was last shewed you, only but little Hay, and keep your Heating dayes, and the preparation of the day before them, as hath been alreadie ordered, and thus you shall order him during the second Fortnight, in which your horse having received four Heats Horseman like given him, with four Scourings, there is no doubt but his Body will be drawn inwardly pretty clean, you shall therefore during the next or third Fortnight, order him according to the Directions following;

11ly. The third Fortnights Feeding.

The third Fortnight, you shall make his Bread finer than it was formerly; As thus,

The Second Bread.

TAke of elean 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and fine Wheat, an equal proportion of each, according to the Quantity of Bead you intend to bake, and grind them well together, then Bolt and Knead it with Barm or Lightning, and make it up as you did the former Bread,

with this Bread being a little stale and the Crust taken away, feed your horse as before shewed for the second Fortnight, puting it amongst his Beans and Oats, and also observe to Dress, Air, heat, Feed, and prepare him before the heat, as in the former Fortnight, only with these few differences.

First, You shall not give the heat which falleth upon the day of the Week the Match is to be run in, so smartly and violently as before, but with a little more ease and plea∣sure to the Horse, that so his Body and Limbs may not be overstrained, and made fore before the Match, next you shall not after his heats, give him any more of the former Scourings, but instead thereof, instantly upon the end of his heat, after he is a little cooled and cloathed up, and in the same place where you rub him, give him a Ball as bigg as a Hens Egg of these Cordial Balls, the Composition whereof is as followeth,

12ly. The true Receipt of Mr. Markhams famous Cordial Balls, so much esteem∣ed by the Generality of our English Farriers.

TAke Anniseeds, Cuminseeds, Fennegreek seeds, Carthamus seeds, Elecampain Roots, and Colts foot, of each two Ounces, beaten and scarched very fine, as also two Ounces of the flou∣er of Brimstone, then take an Ounce of the juice of Liquorish, and dissolve it one the fire in half an English Pint, or half a Scots Mutchkin of White Wine, which done, take of the Chymical Oyl of Anniseeds one Ounce, of Sallet Oyl, Honey, and Syrup of Sugar, or for want of it Molosses, of each half an English Pint, or half a Scots Mutchkin, then mix all these with the former Powders, and with as much fine Wheat Flower as will bind and knit them together, work them into a stiff Past, which keep in a Gally Pot closs covered, and make Balls thereof as big as a Hens Egg, to give your horse as you shall find occasion for them.

Now for the use of these Balls, because they are Cordial and have many excellent Vertues, you must understand how and upon what occasions to use them; if then it he to prevent sickness, take a Ball and anointing it all over with fresh Butter, give it your Horse in the Morning fasting, in manner of a Pill, then Ride him a little after it, or let him stand upon his Bridle for an hour, which of them you please, Feeding and Wate∣ring him according to your usual Custom, and do this three or four Mornings together.

Again if you use them to cure either a Couch, or violent Cold, or to satten a Horse, then give them after the same manner for a week together, or longer if you find it needful; but if you use them in the nature of a scouring, as in the case I have above told you for your running Horse, then give them instantly after his Heat.

Lastly, if you find that your Horse hath at any time taken a little cold or Rhume, which you may easily know by his inward ratling, then taking one of these Balls, disolve it in an English Pint or Scots Mutchkin of Seck, and so give it him warm, which you will find a very good and effectual remedie; also to disolve a Ball in warm Water, and give it your Horse to drink, worketh the same effect and fatteneth exceedingly, to give a Horse one of these Balls in the morning before travel, will prevent his too soon weatieing, to give it in the Heat of Travel will refresh his Spirits, and to give it after travel, will help to recover weariness, and prevent inward sickness, they are also good upon many o∣ther occasions, which would be too tedious here to rehearse, therefore let what I have said suffice, both as a true ••••scription of their composition, and also vertues and use.

13ly, The Fourth and last Fortnights Feeding.

For the Fourth and last Fortnight, you shall make your Bread much finer then for either of the former; As thus,

The last and finest Bread.

TAke three parts of fine Wheat, and one part of Beans, according to the Quantity of Bread you intend to bake, grind and Bolt them thorow the finest 〈◊〉〈◊〉 you ••an get, then knead it up with new strong Alt and Barm beaten to••••ther, and the Whites of twenty or thirty Eggs, or more, according to the quantity 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Flower you bake, and be sure to put no Water at all, but in place thereof some small q••••ntity of new milk then work it up, Bake and order it as the former, and with this b••o••d having the crust cut first away, and clean Oats well dryed and dressed, as also 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pure Split Beans, all mixed together, or severally as you shall think fit, Feed you ••orse at his ordinary

Meals, as you did in the second and third Fortnights to which I refer you; only in this last Fortnight, you shall observe these few directions following.

First, You shall keep your heating dayes the first Week of this Fortnight, but the second or last Week, you shall forbear one heat, and not give your Horse any five dayes before his Match, but for it give him only strong and long Airings, and watering Courses.

You shall not need this Fortnight to give him any Scouring at all, and if morning and Evening during this Fortnight, you burn the best Frankincence in the Stable, you will find it very wholsome for your Horse, and he will also mightily delight in it.

In this Fortnight, when you give him any washt meat, let it be washt either in the Whites of Eggs, or a little Muskadine or Cherrie, for it is most wholsome, and prevents pursiveness.

This Fortnight give him no Hay, but what he taketh out of your hand after his heats, and also let that be but in little quantity, and clean Dusted.

The last week of this Fortnight, if the Horse be a foul feeder, you must use the Muzzle continually, but if a clean feeder, then three dayes before the match is sufficient.

The Morning of that day before the day for the Match, feed well both before and af∣ter Watering and Airing, and water as at other times, but before noon and afternoon diminish his Portion of meat a little, as also before and after evening Airing feed as at noon, and water as at other times, but be sure to come earlier home then ordinary that evening from Airing: For,

This Evening you are to Trim and Shoe your Horse, and do all extraordinary things of Ornament about him, providing alwayes you take care neither to hinder his feeding nor interrupt his rest, for I have heard some Horsemen say, that when they had shod their Horses with light shoes or plates, the night before the course, their Horses have taken such notice thereof, that they would neither eat what they gave them, nor ly down to take any rest all the night following; But to have so much understanding and cunning, a Horse must be old and long experienced in this exercise, otherwayes he cannot make such subtile observations: However to pass over other curiosities, as Pletting the Main and Tail, &c. I do advise you, that things which are of most necessity and use be alwise done this day, which is the day before the match, rather then upon the morning of the Course, because your Horse that morning, should be troubled as little by handling or otherwise, as possible.

Late at night feed as you did in the evening, and give him of what he liketh best, ac∣cording to his Stomack, only as little bread and Beans as possible, then puting on his muzzle, and tossing up his Litter, leave him quiet till next morning.

The next morning (being that of the match day) come to him very early, and take¦ing off his Muzzle, rub his head well, right his Cloaths, and then give him a pretty quantity of Oats, washed as I said in the whites of Eggs, Muskadine or Cherrie, or if he re∣fuse them washt, give him them dry, or mixt with a little Wheat, after he hath eaten them, if he be a slow emptier, walk him abroad, and in the places where he used to emp∣ty, there intice him to it, which when he hath done, bring him home, and puting on his Muzzle, let him rest untill you have warning to make ready, but if he be a free emptier, let him ly quiet.

When you have warning to make ready, take off his muzzle and put on his Snaffle, be∣ing well washed in a little Muskadine or Cherrie, but before you Bridle him (if you think him too empty,) give him three or four mouthfuls of the washt meat last spoke of, then Bridle him up and dress him, afterwards Pitching the running Saddle and Girths with Shoemakers wax, set it on and girt it Gently, so that he may but only feel the Girths, but have no straitness, then lay a clean sheet over the Saddle, over it his ordinary Cloaths, then his Body Cloath and Breast Cloath, and wisp him round with soft wisps: Finally if you have a Cloath of State let it be neatly fastned above all, and being ready to draw out, give him half an English Pint or half a S••••ts Mutchkin of Muskadine or Cherrie, and so lead him away.

In all your leading observe to use gentle and calm motions, suffering him to smell u∣pon any dung, and in special places of advantage, as where you find Rushes, long Grass, Heath, or the like, walk in and entice him to piss, but if you find no such help, then in some certain places where you lead him, and especially near to the place where you are to mount, and having accustomed him to it before, break some of the straw where∣with he is wisped, under him, and thus intice him if you can to stale or piss, also in leading, if any white or thick Fome or Froth arise about his mouth, with a clean napekin wipe it away, and causing carrie a bottle of clean water about with you, wash his mouth with it now and then.

When you are come to the place where you are to take his back, before you uncloath rub and chaff his Leggs well, then pick his feet, uncloath, wash his mouth with water, get upon his back, and adjusting your Stirrops and other things about your Body, walk him softly to the starting post, and there starting fair, perform you your part by running him to the greatest advantage he is capable of, and leave the rest to providence, for al∣though we are oblidged to use the means and helps of second causes, yet it is that which decideth and determineth all, even the most trivial actions any of us poor Mortals are concerned in.

14ly. Some other usefull Observations to be taken notice of by a keeper, in sundry Accidents which befall a Race Horse, during the time he is preparing for a Match.

THere is no unreasonable creature of pleasure, subject to so many disasterous chances of Fortune as the Horse, and especially the running Horse, both by reason of the multiplicity of diseases, belonging I may say peculiarly to him, as also the vio∣lence of his exercise, and nice tenderness of keeping, therefore it is fit that every keep∣er should be Armed with such observations, as may be a means for him both to prevent mischiefs and Accidents, and also remide them when they do happen; Therefore the first Observation I shall begin with, shall be,

1. Observations from Meat and Drink.

LET the Feeder or Keeper therefore observe, if there be any Meat, Drink, or other nouris••∣ment which he knows to be good for him, and yet the Horse refuse it, that in this case he is not to force it violently upon him, but by gentle means and cunning en∣ticements to win him thereto, tempting him when he is most hungry, or most thirsty, and if he take but a bit at a time he will soon come to take a greater quantity, and rather give him less as he desiteth then more; also that he may be brought the sooner to take it, mix the meat he loveth worst with that he liketh best, till both be made alike familiar, and so shall your Horse be a stranger to nothing that is good and wholsome.

2. Observations from the State and Condition of his body, Both laward and Outward.

OUR Keeper must observe, that the strongest state of body (which is generally ac∣counted to be that which is highest and fullest of flesh, so it be good, hard, and without inward foulness) is alwayes the best and ablest for the performance of great Matches; Yet herein he must also consider two things, the first the shape of the horses body, the second his inclinations and manner of feeding.

For the shape of the horses body, there are some who are of a round, plump, and closs knit shape, so that they will appear fat and well shaped, when they are lean and in pover∣ty, others again are raw boned, slender and looss knit, and will appear lean and defor∣med, when they are fat, foul, and full of gross humours.

So likewise for their inclinations, some horses in feeding will grow plump and lusty outwardly, and carrie (as we say) a thick Rib, when they are inwardly lean as may be, and others will appear outwardly lean to the eye, when they are inwardly full of grease; Now in this case our Feeder hath two helps, the first outward, and the second inward, where∣by he may be alwayes kept from being deceived with such false appearances.

The outward help is the outward handling and feeling the horses body generally over all his Ribs, but particularly upon his short or hindermost ribs, and if his flesh feel generally soft and loose, and the fingers sink into it as into down, then is he without all question foul; but if he be universally hard and firm, and only upon the bindermost rib is softness, then he hath grease and foul matter within him which he must be made ridd of, how lean and poor so ever he seem in outward appearance.

As for the Inward help, it is only sharp Exercise, and good and Beneficial Seourings, for the first you are sure will dissolve the foulness, and the later will not fail to bring it away.

3. Observations from Sweat.

OUR Keeper should take a special notice in all his Airings, Heatings, and other Ex∣ercises whatsoever, of the Horses Sweat and causes of it, for if he Sweat upon little or no Occasion, as walking a Foot pace, standing still in the Stable, and the like; It is then Apparent that the Horse is faint, foul fed, and wanteth Exercise, but if upon good Oc∣casion, as strong Heats, great Labour and the like, he Sweat, yet his Sweat is white and frothie and like Sope suds, then is he yet inwardly foul, and also wanteth Exercise, but if his Sweat be black, and as it were only water thrown upon him without any frothieness, then is he clean fed, in good Lust and good Case, so that you may adventure Riding with∣out danger.

4. Observations from the Hair.

OUR Keeper shall also observe his Coat or Hair in general, but especially his Neck and such parts as are uncovered, and if the Hair ly slick, smooth and closs, and also keep the Beauty of its natural Colour, then is he in good case, but if it be rough and staring, or discoloured, then is he inwardly cold at the Heart, and wanteth both Cloaths and warm keeping.

5. Observations from the Privy Parts.

OUR Keeper must observe his Horses Stones, for if they hang down side or low from his Body, then is he out of Lust and Heart, and is either sick of Grease or other foul∣ness, but if they ly closs couched up, and are contained in a small room, then he is Healthful, and in good plight and Vigour.

6. Observations from the Limbs.

OUR Keeper must observe to Rub and Bath frequently his Horses Leggs, especially the night before he runneth either his Heat or Match, and that from the Knees and Gambrels downwards, with either clarified Doggs Grease, Marrow Head and Feet, good Brandy or Spirit of Wine, any of which are very good, and let him work them well in with his hands, and not with fire, for what he gets not in of the Oyntments at first rubbing, will be got in next Morning, and what is not got in the next morning will be got in when he com∣eth to uncloath near the Starting post, and before he beginneth his Heat, so that he needs not to use the Oyntment but once before each beat, but the Rubbing as often as he shall find Opportunity.

7. Observations from the Ground to Run in.

OUR Keeper shall observe, that if the Ground whereon he is to run his Match be dan∣gerous and apt for mischievous Accidents, as Strains, Over reaches, Sinew bruises and the like, that then he is not bound to give all his Heats upon it, but having made his Horse only acquaint with the nature thereof, shall take a part of the Course as a mile or two or more according to the goodness of the Ground, and so run him out and in, which we call turn∣ing Heats, taking alwayes care that he end and finish his Heat at the weighing or starting post. And also that he make not his Course less or shorter, but rather longer then that he is to run upon his Match day, but if for some special Reasons he take no part of the Course, as because his Horse is subject to Lameness, or tender footed and apt to Surbate, then he may many times, but not alwayes, give his Heat upon any other good Ground, where the Horse may lay down his Feet, streatch his Body, and run at pleasure.

8. Observations for Watering.

OUR Keeper shall also observe, that albeit I have given no Directions for Watering after Heats, yet he may in any of the last fortnights, (finding his Horse clean and his Grease quite consumed) give him water somewhat late at night, being made luke∣warm, and letting him fast-an hour after it; also if at any time else thorrow the unseason∣ableness of the weather, you cannot water abroad, then you shall at your ordinary Water∣ing hours water in the House with warm water as aforesaid, throwing a handful of Wheat Bran or Oat Meal, but Oat Meal is the best, into the water, which you will find to be very goo dand wholesome for your Horse.

Many other Observations there are, but these are the chief and most material, and

I hope sufficient for any ordinary Understanding; And thus much of the True and Modern Method of preparing a Running Horse, which I hope you shall find hold good when tryed: Let us in the next place consider the other Method set down by Mr. Solizel, which is a little more Ancient, And is as followeth,

SECONDLY, A Method to prepare Running Horses, somewhat more Ancient than the Former, and set down by Mr. Solizel at the close of the second Part, in the French Impression of the Parfait Mareschal.

IN England (sayeth our Author,) they have Horses which are only designed and kept for performing of great Courses, and they delight so much in this Divertisement, that they dyet Horses expresly for it, so that their Horses who are naturally well Winded and extreamly swift, are put into such a Condition by this manner of Pre∣paration, that they perform Courses which are Incredible, and that not at a slow or round Gallop as our Horses, but at full speed, so that people who have never seen it can scarse∣ly be perswaded, that any Horse could endure and hold out with the violence of such Courses, for five or six miles, and yet many Horses in that Kingdom, are known to furnish Carriers of that length.

I have never put this Method I am going to show you in practise my self, and therefore shall only insert it at the end of this Book, upon the honest Word and Recommendation of a brave Cavaleer, who assuren me he had it in England from a person whose only Im∣ployment it was, to prepare and dyet Running Horses, which Horses are neither charged with fat nor too much flesh, but are so vigorous and hearty, that they can scarsely be paralleled; if your Curiosity lead you to make tryal of this Method, I hope that ob∣serving exactly what followeth, you shall find Contentment.

To choose then a Horse for Running, he should be somewhat long Bodyed, Nervous, of great Mettle, and very swift, and who also besides ahving a good Wind, should be sensible of and obedient to the Spurrs, and have a good Appetite, the Horse likewayes notwith∣standing of all these Qualities, should be of an English Bread, a Borb, or at least of a little size, having pretty small Leggs, but the back sinews well detached and separate from the bone, short Jovnted, and neat and well shap'd feet, for bigg feet are not at all for this Imployment.

Now to prepare a Horse after this Method for a Match, you must give him neither H•••• nor Oats, but cause make Bread for him of half Barly and half Beans, baking them in form of large and pretty thick Cakes, and not giving them to the Horse until they be a few dayes old, and rather hard and stale then new; three pound (at sixteen ounces in the pound) at twelve aclock, and three pound at night, is sufficient for him in twenty four hours, and that in place of his Oats or provender; in stead of Hav let him have Wheat-sheaves 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and with the eats upon 〈◊〉〈◊〉, luke warm water to drink, upon which you shall throw a hand•• full or two of Bean and Barley meal mixed together, keep him well covered with a sheet and covering above it, in a Stable where he hath no light, and let him be well littered, and kept warm night and day.

Having thus nourished and fed him for four dayes, upon the morning of the fifth day, having keept him upon the bridle for three hours before, give him balls made of a pound of fresh Butter, at sixteen ounces in the pound, That is, so soon as ever the Cream is turned to Burter and before it be washt or salted, then put to it twenty five or thirty Cloves of Gar∣lick bruised, and being all well mixed, make balls of the bigness of large Wall-nuts, which you shall make your horse swallow, with an English quart or Scots chopin of white Wine, after∣wards keep him tyed up in the bridle his bead pretty high, for three hours, then feed him according to your ordinary custome with his Bread, warm Water, and Wheat sheaves, but with the Wheat sheaves only moderately, because you are not to fatten him, but upon the contrary (by diminishing and hardning his flesh,) to augment and encrease his Wind and Vigour.

Upon the seventh day, that is the second day after the taking of his pills or balls, Air him abroad just after Sun rising for the space of an hour, and as much at night before Sun set, sometimes racking or steping, and sometimes galloping him; but if he continue too far, then you must take him abroad in the morning an hour before Sun rising, and in the evening keep him also abroad for an hour after the Sun is set, then bringing him back to the stable, rub and cover him well, and give him his ordinary portion of Food.

And thus continue to Air and Exercise him every day, giving him alwayes every fifth day his pound of butter made up with garlick into balls; And also observing not to Air or take him Abroad, neither the day that he taketh his balls, nor the day following.

When he hath taken three dozes of his Garlick balls, that is, fifteen days after you first begun to put him in keeping, you are to Exercise him for two hours in the morning and as much at night; sometimes at full speed, then at a good gallop, and afterwards at a step, that so he may again recover his Wind: Remembring and taking care as I have already told you, neither to Air him that day he taketh his Balls, nor the day thereafter, but upon the other dayes when you have Gallopt him hard, you are to dismount and lead him home in your hand well covered, and when you are come to the stable, rub and wipe him all over until he be perfectly dry, then let him stand upon his Bridle, his head be∣ing tyed up for three Hours, after which give him his Water to drink, which must be made more as look warm, then feed him as at other times, and thus you are to order and keep him for a month, giving him alwayes his Pills or Garlick Balls every fifth day, but the last five or six dayes of the Month, you are to run and Gallop him as sharply as his wind will allow him, giving him Listenings now and then in running to take his wind, and continue also his exercise but only for two hours in the Morning, and as much at night, leading him alwayes back to the Stable in your hand, having first covered him well with a Sheet and Covering, and then rubbing and drying him well, let him have his water and meat as I have already shewed you.

If after all this, you observe that his Dung is still slimy and viscous, it is a signe that he is not as yet well prepared; you are therefore in that case to continue his dyet Pills, and former exercise, until you find that his dung come from him pretty dty, and with∣out humidity, and then will your Horse be in a condition to make and perform what Courses you have a mind for.

Two nights before the Match he shall be put in the Muzzel all night, and about two a Clock in the Morning you shall give him three English Pints, or three Scots Mutchkins of Sack, in which you must beat twenty or twenty five Yolks of new laid Eggs, then ty him up to the Rack for two full hours after he hath taken it, after which mount his back, and immediatly put him to a gentle Gallop, then to a full speed as long as his wind will allow it, afterwards to a Gallop again to give him wind; and thus you are to exercise him for three hours, then cover him, lead him home in your hand, and rubbing him down, and drying him well, ty him up with the Bridle to the Rack for three hours, after which give him his water, but it must now be as hot as he can drink it, and then feed him as at other times.

The day of the Match, you shall give him his former quantity of Sack and yolks of Eggs, being well beat together two hours before he is to run, and he must be also tyed up to the Rack six hours before that you give him his Sack: You are also to observe that upon the day of the Match, and that emediately preceeding it, he is only to eat half his allow∣ance of Bread at each meal, and also but half of the Wheat shaves that you were accustom∣ed to give him.

Upon the dayes that your Horse is not to run, or that it is as yet a pretty while to a Match or plate, you are alwayes to feed and exercise him as I have told you, only after that you find him exactly prepared, you are not to give him his Garlick Balls, but every ninth day.

If during the time of his dyeting or afterwards, the Horse should disgust, or become costive, you must then give him good Glisters made of two English Quarts, or Scots Cho∣pins of Milk, and one English Pint or Scots Mutchkin of Olive or Sallet Oyl, the whole being well mixed and made Luke warm.

These kind of Horses are never to be Rid but with very small Snaffles, for fear of hindring their breathing and wind, which one of our great Bitts would certainly do; the Rider is to lean a little forewards to prevent the wind taking too much upon his Body, and to have also Cloaths very light and fit for him, but no flying or loose coat, only a Cap in place of a Hat, very small and sharp Spurrs, and he is to Spurr near to the Flanks with little stroaks, because strong and great stroaks retard a Horse in stead of making him run, no Curper nor Tie or Poitral, only a very light Saddle, and the Rider so too.

This is what that Cavaleer taught me of the running Horses in England, it is enough to satisfie the curiosity of such, who shall be desirous to prepare and dyet Horses after that manner they practise in England, for my own part I confess, I like better to dress a Horse for the Warr or Mannage, then to prepare him for such Courses where the expences and trou∣ble, are oft times farr greater then either the pleasure or profit that is got by them.

So here endeth the Method of preparing a running Horse, set down by our Author,

you may choose which of the two you will make tryal of, I believe both may be good, but having had experience of the first, I can with more confidence recommend it to you then this last, and as I have set down both, meerly to gratifie a curious Reader, so I expect that if any one of them hold, you will not fret and repine at the disappointment you may meet with from the other should it fail, especially seeing you are at liberty to make choice of that, which you shall Judge most agreeable to reason, and the Modern practice of our greatest Jockies.

In fine to put a close to this Supplement, in which I have to my knowledge ommitted nothing material belonging to the Art of Horsemanship, I think it will not be amils to conclude it with a few lines, which are in my opinion very apposite to the subject matter of this last Chapter; for they were made upon the last famous Horse-Match, run before King CHARLES the Second of Blessed Memory, by Dorsett Ferry near Windsor Castle.

1

NOt Ancient Rome with her Olimpick Game, By which she did achive so great a Fame, When o'r the Circus the Bright Chariots whitl'd, Surprising with delight the Gazing World; Coud e're compare to Englands Nobler Chase, When suift as Lightning or the Winged Race.

The Generous Beast out-Strips the wind, And leaves the wondring Croud behind.

2

In this debate Monarchs their Ʋmpirage boast, And even an Empires wealth is won and lost: The Noble Bruits with Emulation Fir'd, Scorning by Mannagers to be inspir'd, As if they understood their Betters will, They show with pride their Eager force, & skill.

And without Aid of Spurr or Rein, They cut the Air, and scour the Plain.

3

To Future times may these illustrious sports, Be only the Divertisements of Courts, Since the best man, best Judge, and best of Kings, Whose President the best example brings; When e're his God like mind unbent from care To all his pleasures this he woud prefer:

So Gods of old did not disdain, The rural pastimes of the Plain.

4

And Dorsett ever Celibrated be, For this last Honour which Ariv'd to thee, Blest for thy prospect, all august and gay, Blest for the memory of this Glorious day: The last great Race the Royal Hero View'd O Dorsett! to thy much Lov'd Plains he ow'd.

For which alone a lasting Name, Records thee in the Book of Fame.

The End of the First part.

Notes

• * 1.1

  CHAP: I.
• * 1.2

  CHAP: II.
• * 1.3

  CHAP: III
• * 1.4

  CHAP: IV.
• * 1.5

  CHAP: V.
• * 1.6

  CHAP: VI.
• * 1.7

  CHAP: VII.
• * 1.8

  CHAP: VIII.
• * 1.9

  CHAP: IX.
• * 1.10

  CHAP. X.
• * 1.11

  CHAP: XI.
• * 1.12

  CHAP: XII.
• * 1.13

  CHAP▪ XIII.
• * 1.14

  CHAP: XIV.
• * 1.15

  CHAP: XV.
• * 1.16

  CHAP: XVI.
• * 1.17

  CHAP: XVII.
• * 1.18

  CHAP: XVIII.
• * 1.19

  CHAP: XIX.
• * 1.20

  CHAP: XX.
• * 1.21

  CHAP: XXI:
• * 1.22

  CHAP: XXII.
• * 1.23

  CHAP. XXIII.
• * 1.24

  CHAP. XXIV.
• * 1.25

  CHAP: XXV.
• * 1.26

  CHAP: XXVI.
• * 1.27

  CHAP: XXVII.
• * 1.28

  CAP: XXVIII
• * 1.29

  CHAP: XXIX.
• * 1.30

  CHAP: XXIX.
• * 1.31

  CHAP: XXX.
• * 1.32

  CHAP: XXXI.
• * 1.33

  CHAP: XXXII
• * 1.34

  CHAP: XXXIII
• * 1.35

  CHAP: XXXIV
• * 1.36

  CHAP: XXXV.