Let the Horse Cloths be scoured at the same time—it preserves the Cloths, and prevents the Moths getting into them.
When it is considered that Saddle or Coach-horses, on an average, pass at least 20 out of every 24 hours, or full five-sixths of their time in the Stable: the importance of keeping that as clean as possible, is evident enough without further Argument. The Stalls should not be less than six feet in the clear width.
2d. Allow them plenty of wholesome Food and Drink, in proportion to the Work required of them, due Exercise when they are not at Work, and good Rubbing and Dressing twice or thrice every day—“It is regular Feeding and Dressing which maketh Horses fat and Healthy, not the mere great abundance and rest alone which maketh plump. A man need not much trouble himself to inquire after Physic for this purpose: upon my word, there is no other Secret to perform this, but to observe a methodical manner of Feeding and Dressing.”—Sollysell’s Compleat Horseman, fol. page 138. 1717.
The last thing at Night, give to those Horses that are very Lean, about a couple of Quarts of Wetted Bran, over and above their ordinary allowance of Oats, &c.—a double handful of Cinquefoil, cut into Chaff, is given by an experienced Stable-man, who was consulted in forming this work.
In Exercising Horses, the farther they are carried from home the better; i. e. take them four or five miles out and back, and never go twice one road if you can avoid it: a Horse will perform his work more cheerfully, and it breaks his temper to go different roads.
Have them out by Six in the Morning, and give them two hours’ Exercise; walk them till you get to a nice bit of even ground, and then give them a good trot or a Canter for a quarter of an hour, but never gallop them hard.
Never gallop Horses that you are training for Hunting—their Master can always take enough out of their Legs when they are in the Field.
Never let a Horse be hard ridden when he has just had his belly-full of meat or water; but let him move in his own way: he will mend his pace by degrees.