If, after having wandered a long time in the mountains and by narrow path-ways, the horseman descends into the plain, it is good to give the animal a gallop over a short distance.
At starting the rider should not scruple to play with his horse for a few minutes, as he will thereby relax his joints, and assure himself peace for the rest of the day. In like manner, after a painful and fatiguing excursion, at the moment he reaches his tent let him perform the fantasia for a while. The women of the douar will applaud, saying: "Look at so-and-so, son of so-and-so!" and he will find out, besides, what his horse is really worth.
The rider who does not teach his horse a good pace is no true horseman, but an object of pity.
If, in war time or in hunting, your horse is in a lather, and you happen to come across a stream, have no fear of allowing him to swallow half a dozen mouthfuls with the bridle on. So far from doing him any harm it will enable him to continue his course.
When you dismount think of your horse before thinking of yourself. It is he who has carried you, and is to carry you again.
After a long journey, either unsaddle your horse immediately and throw cold water over his back, at the same time leading him up and down; or else leave the saddle on until he is perfectly dry and has eaten his barley. There is no middle path between these two courses.
When after a long journey in winter, through rain and cold, you at length regain your tent, cover your horse well, and give him parched barley and warmed milk, but do not let him have any water that day.
Suffer not your horse to have anything to eat or drink directly after a journey of unusual length, or you will produce inflammation.
Put not your horses to speed, unless positively compelled to do so, during the great heats of summer. The animal himself says:
Put me not to speed in the summer,