A discource of horsmanshippe Wherein the breeding and ryding of horses for seruice, in a breefe manner is more methodically sette downe then hath been heeretofore. With a more easie and direct course for the ignorant, to attaine to the same arte or knowledge. Also the manner to chuse, trayne, ryde and dyet, both hunting-horses, and running-horses: with all the secretes thereto belonging discouered. An arte neuer heeretofore written by any authour.

A DISCOVRCE OF Horsmanshippe .

Wherein the breeding and ryding of Horses for seruice , in a breefe manner is more 〈…〉 sette downe then hath been heeretofore . With a more-easie and direct course for the ignorant , to attaine to the same arte or knowledge .

Also the manner to chuse , trayne , ryde and dyet , both Hunting-horses , and Running-horses : with all the secretes thereto belonging discouered . An arte neuer heeretofore written by any Authour .

Bramo assai , poco spero , nulla chiegio .

AT LONDON , Printed by I. C. for Richard Smith , and are to be sold at his shoppe at the West-doore of Poules . Anno. Dom. 1593.

To the Right worshipfull and his singuler good Father , Ma. Robert Markham , of Cotham in the County of Nottingham , Esquire .

I Haue ( Syr ) in this Treatise of Horsemanship , gathered together my liues experience , most humbly offering the same to your patronage , as a woorke nothing at all worthie your reviewing , but carrying the name of Horsmanship which you haue alwaies fauoured , I rather presume of kinde acceptation . If I haue erred , none better then your selfe can correct me , if my worke be perfect , there is no mans aplaus can better please me ; How euer it be , yours it must be , and I myselfe for euer will be

Your obedient sonne : Ieruis Markham .

To the Gentlemen Readers .

THE winde ( Gentlemen ) standing in the mouth of my Caue , hath blowne my loose papers into the world , and canonized mee as foolish in Poules Church-yard , as Sybilla was wise in Cuma : I haue written of a subiect , which many more then most excellent in the same arte haue intreated . If therefore theyr perfections shall withdraw your eyes from my labour , imagine it to be but a Parentisis intruding it selfe amongst theyr workes . And when you haue ouer-read it , you shal find it to detract nothing , but as a ready Hand-mayde , endeuour to bring theyr pleasures to effect , and discouer that which hetherto hath beene obscured . If therefore I shall find grace in your sights , my thanks shall be , that thys my Treatise , shall teach you howe to preserue your Horses from tyring , which otherwise in the midst of your ple●sures , woulde gyue ouer shamefully .

I. M.

CHAP. 1. Of breeding of Horsses .

IT is but ignorance and selfe will ( the vnwedded Parents of that vgly monster error ) which hath blinded our English Heroes , from regarding in these latter times , that most excellent & prayse worthy gyft , the bréeding , ryding , and trayning vppe of Horsse● , which in all ages hath béene most commendable : because of all things most commodio●s , and of beastes in nature to man the neerest . The dead cynders of which famous quality , if my young experience ( yet in the Midwifes armes , scar●● readie for his 〈◊〉 swathing cloutes ) may reuiue againe , in the pri●ate mindes of those that shall viewe my la●our , I shall holde my paine an eternall pleasure , and my selfe fully 〈◊〉 .

〈…〉 being falne . The second for the wintering of your Mares and Foales . The third for your Colts beeing weaned and drawne from theyr Dammes . For the first , I would haue it a ley ground , with high rydges and d●epe furrowes , and if it may be , full of great Mole-hils : that your Foales by scoping & galloping thereon , shall be brought to such nimblenesse , strength , and true footemanship , that they shall not only haue a most excellent braue trotte , but also during theyr lyues , ( not being strayned too young ) they shal be frée from that foule vice of stumbling .

Thys ground I wish should lye open of the East , that the morning Sunne may rise thereon , which dooth not onelie reuiue and bring a lust to your Foales , but also addes such a strength to theyr backes , and such a firme knitting of theyr ioynts , that they shall be more ready for the Rider at thrée yeeres old , then others ( bredde contrarily ) at 〈◊〉 . For the watring place in thys Close , I would haue it some Pond , which is fedde eyther by some fresh spring , or some running Riuer , so as your fence stande betweene the Riuer and your Mares : my reason is , because it is the nature and property of Mares , to couet to foale eyther in the water , or as néere as they can possibly gette .

This beeing made , the two ends standing North and South , that the open sides may lye of the East and West , I woulde haue made within , Rackes of such height , that your Foales may with ease reach them , and vnder them Maungers , to throw now and then into , Chaffe , Corne , or garbidge , which no doubt will bring your Foales to beare most gallant fore-heads , sith it onely raiseth vp a good crest , and also make them puissaunt and harde Horses for seruice .

On the toppe of this house or shelter , I woulde haue layd ouer-layer of wood in manner of a houell , that theron may 〈…〉 stackt your Hay and 〈◊〉 p●ouision , eyther light Corne or wilde Oates in the straw , which is the onely thing that euer I haue found by 〈◊〉 or reading , as a chiefe 〈◊〉 for Foales .

〈…〉 Riuer , or fresh Ponde for watering : if there be shelter of Trees or bushes , it much auaileth , neuerthelesse , at some end of it , wo●lde I haue eyther a close houell or house built with Racke and Manger : whereto in the winter they may at theyr willes repayre and find both Hay and garbidge , the doore being alwaies open to passe in and out ●t .

Lastly , for the fertilnesse of the soyle , I would haue it a ritch blacke moulde , so it be not forced by man●●re , for I assure you by proofe , it is better to breede of a ●arrayne stonie grounde , then of such a grounde as is mannured euery yeere , for the grasse thereof is 〈◊〉 sauerie nor wholsome . And thus much for the choyce of your groundes to breede vpon . Nowe it may be obiected 〈…〉 by some , that I wronged my selfe in chusing of high groundes , sith they be neither to fruitfull of grasse , nor so conuenient for water as lower grounds be . But my 〈…〉 is , hee that bréedes vppon low grounds that he fruitfull and full of ranck grasse , and kéepes his Mares onely for 〈◊〉 and not for worke , shall find by proofe , ( as I haue d●one ) that in the winter season when they shall come to 〈…〉 most of his rare Mares , especially those which go●●●er , shall hazard to die of the rotte , which will as soone in●ect Horses and Mares as Shéepe , if they be not wrought : where contrary , vpon high hard grounds , they shal be frée from that infection .

When you haue therefore your 〈…〉 and vsed as I haue before written , it then 〈◊〉 that you stock it with Mares , which for their strayne , collour and comelie sh●●pe , will be profitable to breede vpon ▪ Theyr straynes , by which I meane theyr kindes or generations , I woulde haue from a plaine English breede of the Dam-side , theyr Si●rs being either Neapolitan Coursers , Spanish Ienets , Turkes , or Barbaries : the nature and propertie of all which Horses , Grison hath writ effectually .

For the collours of your Mares , I woulde haue them eyther broune daple bayes , fayre daple grayes , or bryght whyte lyards : for theyr shapes thus , of stature tall , but not monstrous , a fierie eye , a small heade , a little eare , a firme mane , a strong thinne crest , a long necke , a bigge square brest , a broade backe , a flatte legge , a straight foote , and a hollow hoofe : to which when you haue attained , it shall then rest that you chuse a Stallion to watch the beauty and goodnes of your Mares : in choyse of which , if I differ from other Writers , make it no wonder , but pardon me as well to write mine experience as they theyr iudgements : sith I haue made proofe , and seene proofe of all those Stallions they write of , yet finde them nothing so fitte as another Horse , which in our English Authors is obscured .

Maister Blandauill , in his third Chapter where he compareth rares together , aduiseth him that shoulde breede a strong Horse for seruice , to chuse for Stallion , eyther a Neapolitan Courser , a High Almaine , a Hungarian , a Flaunders , or a Friestand : for the first being a Courser , I allow him as a most singuler Horse to bréed on , for the seconde the Almaine , I disalow him as vnfit , for he● is grosly made of nature , slothful , vnnimble , cowardly , and so intollerable a burthen to himselfe , that hee is more ready in a charge to 〈◊〉 then trotte . For the 〈◊〉 , I like hym not for a 〈◊〉 hee hath so many badde shapes , as a great head , a narrow nostrell , a small 〈◊〉 , a ful hoofe , an emptie ●elly , a py●●e buttocke and a long lanke bodie .

For the Flaunders and Friesland , they be of al the worst , they be thicke , chub-headed , hollow eyed , long backt , flatte buttockt , weake ioynted , especially in the paster●s , alwaies ready to tyre in a miles ryding : and so rough hayrd about the fetlockes , that to mend theyr other deformities , in spite of the best Keepers , they will neuer be without the paynes and scratches .

Also , Maister Blandauill aduiseth hym that will breede Amblers , to chuse for Stallion a Ienet of Spaine , or an Irish Hobbie : and for him that will bréede Runners , a Barbarie or a Turke . Of these I well allow , for they bée good , albeit the Ienet is not so fitte for that purpose : for though he be of high pride and comely shape , yet be theyr paces weake and vncertaine , especially theyr ambles , in which they alwaies waue to and fro , carrying their bo●●es vncertainly .

Nowe to come to the true Stallion , who for hys braue trotte , and pure vertue of valure in the Fielde , is a staine to all other Horses : whose comely and easie amble , may be an eternall instruction to all Aldermens Hackneyes , howe to rocke theyr Maisters into a sound sleepe , whose wonderfull speede both in short and long courses , may make our English Prickers , hold their best runners but Ba●●●es , who by nature hath all things perfect , nothing defectiue : him I hold a fitte Stallion to breede on , and a fitte beast for hys Maister to hazard his life on , and thys is onely the Courser of Arabia . A Courser I tearme him , because once happening on an olde writing of a Muncks , written in parchement , about the méeting of Achilles and Hector , writ that Achilles rode on an Arabian Courser .

Thys Horse of Arabia , is of a reasonable stature , neyther too hie nor too lowe , but vpright and cleane fashio●●d , hys head is small , leane and slender , hys nostrell ( if he be angred ) wonderfull wide , hys eyes like fire , readie to leape out of hys heade , hys eares sharpe , small , and some-what long , hys chaule thinne and wide , his thropell large , hys necke long , hys crest high , thinne and firm● , his back short , hys chyne a handfull broade and more , hys buttocke long , vpright and cleane , the sterne of hys tayle , welnie so small as a mans finger , but in strength beyond any other Horse , the hayre thereon so thinne as is possible : hys legges are small and cleane , hauing no hayre on his fetlocke , his body ●lender and rounde : in breefe , his cote in generall is so fine , that it is not possible almost in any parte of him but his mane and tayle , to catch holde to pull of one hayre . The collour of that Arabian which I haue séene , and which is euen now vnder mine hands , is a most delicate bay , whom if you viewe in the Sunne , you will iudge him eyther like changeable Satine or cloth of God .

Thys Arabian is of nature milde and gentle to hys Ryder and Keeper , but to strangers most cruell : they will byte like Mastifes , if you offer to strike them , they will runne open mouthed at you like a dogge , and the more you strike , the more they will byte , they ●eare nothing , the night and day is with them all one : and as those Gentlemen report that haue trauailed in those Countreyes , they ordinarily lyue till fifty and thréescore yéeres .

Thys Horse for a Stallion is peerelesse , for hee hath in him the puritie and vertue of all other Horses . They bée so excellent for trauaile , that thys Arabian ( of which I haue the ryding ) beeing trauaild from a parte of Arabia called Angelica to Constantinople , and from thence to the higher-most partes of Germanie by lande , and so by Sea to Englande , yet was hee so couragious and lyuely , ( hauing no fleshe on his backe ) that by no meanes hée coulde bée ruled .

Hauing gotten your selfe a Stallion of thys Countrey , being young and lustie , which commonlie are the best , or for want of such , ( because they bee rare , ) one of those which I haue before mencioned , I woulde wishe you thus to breede , in the Moneth of March or Aprill , or from midde March till midde May following : for before and after those tymes I doe not allow the couering of Mares . 〈…〉 hauing newly changed , and finding your Mare readie for the Horse , which you shall know by her running too and fro , and by her pride , or els by proouing her with some badde stond Iade , I would haue you bring her in an euening into some emptie Barne or wast ho●se , and then your Horse , hauing beene in the soile a wéeke at least , put him to her , and let hym abide with her all night , and in the morning when the Sunne is vp take him from her , and feede him well eyther with Bread or Oates , and at night put him to her againe in like manner , and thus d●● for three or foure dayes together , prouided alwaies that you kéepe your Mare during that time from any meate , vnlesse it be a handfull or two of new mowne grasse once a day , but in any case no water at all : and in thys order would I haue you one after one , ( so there be between eu●ry one thrée dayes at the least ) couer all your Mares , and you shall finde no way more easie , surer , nor safer .

It may séeme in me a poynt of no lesse absurdity then arrogancie , to sette downe this peremptory resolution , of couering of Mares , when Xenophon , Vegetius , Grison , and all our English writers , haue concluded and set downe precepts for the couering of Mares to be abroade , and that the Stallion should run with them in open places , to which opinion I am cleane oposite . If therefore my reasons and practise shall be found in equall ballance with theyr former iudgements , I doubt not but the censures of the wiser , will allow me , though the ignorant carpe at my wrytings .

My first reason therfore is , that that Horse whi●● can be kept within the bounds of a Pale , Reale , or quicke-sette hedge , hauing a fayre prospect & liberty to looke ouer them , him ▪ I say is not worthy to be bred of , for it 〈…〉 that he is of a gentle or good disposition , but 〈…〉 dull , heauy and weake nature : neither can hee be a true Arabian Neapolitan , nor of any good strayne , for no Horse of good courage ( much more they ) will be kept but within 〈…〉 which they can by no meanes looke , and euery one that wil endeuour himselfe to bréede a good horse , cannot haue a wald ground , but were it so that euery one had a wald ground , yet shall you finde many inconueniences . First , ( for I haue noted it ) many yéeres if your Mares be in lust or pride , you shall be in venture to haue neuer a Colt-foale , for your Horse being hote and at liberty , in two or three of the first dayes hee will so disorderly spende himselfe , both on the Mares and for want of foode , ( for Stallion will neuer eate much amongst Mares ) that beeing weake & the Mares in pride , they will be so much too strong for him in conception , that you shall bréed only Fillies .

Againe , running amongst your Mares , some will bée ready , some vnready , in so much that the Horse being couragious , hee will couer the ready Mare so oft , that those which shall be readie to be serued after , shall eyther not hold at all , or els bring forth weake and vncomly 〈◊〉 . Also it is the nature and propertie of the Arabians and Neapolitans , to be so extreame furious & hote of the Mares , that if they be at theyr owne liberties , they will neuer leaue couering till they haue kild themselues , and th●n in tyme of seruice shall the want of such a Horse be found : as I 〈…〉 numb●r of instances were it not néedlesse . To reme●● which anoyance and losse , and to be sure of as good or ra●●●● better Coltes , I wish you onely to vse the way before 〈◊〉 .

It shal now therfore be expedient to treate somewhat ●●●ching the bringing vp of your foales and weaning them . After your Mares haue foaled , I wold haue you let them run in some fresh pasture , that thereby they may haue store of milk , to keepe your foales in lust and pride , and in no case to take your foales from them for the space of a yéere , but let them continually run with their Dams , vnlesse it be some baggage foale that is not worth any thing , for the weaning of them as some doo at Martilmas or Christmas , is such a weakening and plucking back of their strength & groweth , that they hardly recouer it in two yeeres after , as I haue found often by proofe . Besides , the weaning of them so early , and forcing them to liue eyther of Hay or grasse , which at that time is but vnsauery fogge , filles them so full of cold humors through their raw disgestion , that they cannot but be incident both to the strangle , the wormes , and great inflamations in their heads , whereof they commonly die , vnlesse they haue present remedy : for if they haue but grasse to féede on when the daies and nights are sharpe & stormy , they being weake and tender , will rather pine then grasse , in somuch that for want of f●ode they fall away , and so beeing in pouerty , are subiect to euery disease .

〈…〉 comes , they will be so fitte and apt to receiue the Stallion , as you can any waies deuise or wish , wheras if their foales be drawne from them , and they themselues haue libertie to feede without eyther trauell or working , they will grow so grosse , that by reason of theyr extreame fatnes , the Matrixe or place of conception will be so straitned , that they will eyther not at all holde to the Horse , or holding , bring foorth but small foales . And thus much haue I thought good to write , as touching your grounds to bréede on , the choyse of your Mares and Stallion , the ordering of them both , and the bringing vp of your young Foales . For other thinges which I haue omitted , as touching the speciall markes of Horses , theyr complexion and colours , theyr sundry kinds , their natures & dispositions , I refer you to Grison or Blandauill , who of those things haue writ sufficiently .

It resteth therefore that I speake as touching the weaning of your Foales , which I woulde wishe in this order . Your Foales hauing run with your Mares the space of a yeere , or within a Moneth , in somuch that they are readie to foale againe , I would wish you to draw them from their Dams , and lock them in some close house for a night : then in the morning to take them , and to giue each of them two or thrée slippes of Sauen , and so to let them rest two or thrée houres after : this Sauen is a most soueraigne Medicine for the wormes , which will be most aboundant in young Foales , insomuch that if they haue not present remedie vppon the first drawing from their Dammes , they will many times suddainly drop away and die .

Hauing thus doone , I would haue you to put them in the Close for the purpose before prescribed , where they may runne vntill they shall be found fit for the saddle , prouided alwaies , that they bee neither within the sight or hearing of theyr Dammes for a weeke and more , nor that your filly Foales be suffered to runne with your Coltes , but be kept in seuerall .

CHAP. 2. The arte of ryding . How young Colts should be handled , tamed , rydden , and made perfect both for seruice and pleasure .

WHen your Coltes haue attained the age of thrée yéeres olde and the vantage , which is from Aprill or May , till Martilmas or Chrstmas , it were good you driue them vppe into some close house , where hauing good strength of men , you may haulter them , which I would wish to bée doone with all the gentlenes and quiet meanes that may be . When your Colt is once haultered , then offer to leade him forth into some Courte or Close , where when he comes , there is no doubt but ( n●t hauing béene in hande before ) hée will be vnruly , and offer both to runne away and plunge : which when he couets to doo , suffer him euen as far as your chase haulter will giue him leaue , and then with a good strength euen in his running or leaping , giue him such a twitch backe , that you make his necke ready to cracke againe : or els plucke him vpon his buttocks , and faile not but as oft as he striues to breake away , so oft doo you pluck him backe with these suddaine straynes and twitches , the commoditie whereof is this .

If he be a Horse of a thicke , short and strong fore-hand , and withall of wilfull and haughty courage , this strayning and ouer-maistering him in the haulter , will make him so plyant of his necke and so tender of his head , that ( fearing the like correction ) he will neyther offer to breake from his Kéeper when he shall leade him , nor indanger his Ryder , with that villainous quallity of running away . Moreouer , this manner of conquering him with the haulter , 〈◊〉 bring him to such a sencible féeling of correction , that when hée shall come to weare Musrole , Chaine or Cauezan , al which be many degrees beyond the haulter in crueltie and terror , hys Ryder shall finde him so obedient to his hande , that hée shall place his head where he list , and in one wéekes trayning , rule the Colt how he list .

But if he be a sullen Iade that wil neither run nor leape , but onely hang backe , then let some standers by with long poles or goades beate him and prick him , till you make him leade vppe and downe gently , not forgetting but to make much and cherrish him , when you shall finde him obedient and plyant to your will . This doone , let him be sette vp in the stable , and pull off his chase haulter for feare of galling his head too much , and put on a flatte coller of double Leather . Let his Keeper be alwaies trifling and d●●ing somewhat about him , eyther rubbing or clawing him in one place or other where he shall find him most ticklish or daintie : still giuing him kinde words , as ho boy , ho boy , or holl● loue , so my nagge , and such like tearmes , till he haue won him to his will that hee will suffer him to dresse him : take vppe his legges and picke him in euery place : prouided alwaies , ( and let both his Rider and Kéeper hold it as an especiall rule of good horsmanship , ) neuer to doo any thing about a Colte , eyther suddainly , hastily , or rudely : but come to him softly , doo euery thing about him leysurely , and be carefull not to fright him with so much as an euill worde : for when vnskilfull Horsmen wil come to their Horses with suddaine motions , and violent furies , that makes Horses learne to strike , to byte , to starte at the saddle , to refuse the bridle , and to finde boggards at mens faces . Therefore let all things be doone with lenitie and discretion , and yet not so voyde of correction , but that if hee be a stubberne Iade , which through will & churlishnes will withstande hys Ryder , you may with a sharp rodde correct him : making him as well vnderstand when hee offendeth , as when hée pleaseth .

When your Colt is thus in the stable made gentile , that hée will be curried , rubd , pickt , cold , clothed , scopt , shodde , and leade vp and downe , eyther to the water or from the water , all which a painfull man will easily performe in 〈◊〉 Moneth , then would I haue a saddle brought to him , in the gentlest manner that may be . First let him smell to it , then let it rubbe his shoulder , then his side , then his buttocke , and so by degrées set it on his backe , not failing to set it on and take it off many times ere you let it rest : alwaies cherishing him .

When it is so seated on his backe , then let one on the further side of the Horse deliuer you the garthes , and gyrde it on first so flacke as he may scarce féele them , then by littl● and little , draw them straiter and straiter , till you féele the saddle so firme that it cannot stirre : then with your hande clappe vppon the saddle , at which if he startle , with fayre words encourage him , and clappe harder , not de●●ting , but one while clapping , another while shaking the saddle , tyll you finde in the Colte a carelesse regard of the noyse , & that he wil neither shrinke nor stirre for any thing you doo about him . Then take a Trench or watring Snaffle , but the Trench I rather preferre , and annoynt it with Honny and Salte , then put it in the Coltes mouth , casting the raynes thereof ouer the Saddle pomell : yet in any case not so strait as eyther it may draw in the Colts heade , or force hym to striue against it , but let it lye in his mouth , that hee may worke and play vpon it at his pleasure .

In this sort let him be trimd euery day for the space of a weeke , and so walkt abroade in his Keepers hand , that hee may be acquainted with the Saddle , with the bridle , ●●yrrops , and other implements about him : which being do●ne effectually , his Ryder may with more suretie and boldnesse venture to backe him , which I would wish and haue followed in this order . Let him be sadled as I haue before sette downe , but with great care , so that the saddle may neyther slyppe side-waies , forwarde , or backwarde , but stand firme in his place .

Let the one end théereof be buckled to the garthes betweene the Horses legges , the other ende to the leather of the Musrole , but yet so slacke , that the Horse may haue no more 〈…〉 feeling of the Musrole when he shall iert or throw his 〈◊〉 aloft , then put on his Trench , and let his Kéeper walk● him faire and softly foorth to some new pl●wed péecs of grounde ▪ where after you haue pausd a space & cherrisht the Colte , make ●ffer to put your foote into the ●●●i●rop , at 〈…〉 fault and refuse to abide , then chase hym awhile 〈◊〉 his Keeper on that new plowed grounde , and then cherish him and come to him againe and offer the like , which if he refuse then , chase him againe , and leaue him not till 〈…〉 as he stand quietly , and suffer you to put your 〈…〉 .

〈…〉 time gette gently into the Saddle , and seate your selfe quietly without moouing or stirring . Place your body vpright , your eyes betwéene his eares , your legs straight out without spurres , and your rodde vpright by your shoulder , least if you should hold it low before his eyes , it might breede in him some affright or amazement , which were a grosse error in a Horses first backing .

Beeing thus mounted & well placed , let his Kéeper offer to leade him forward gently , which if hee doe quietly , ( as there is no doubt but he will ) then let the Kéeper lay off his hand , and let his Rider mildly put him forward , not coueting to haue him kéepe any one way or forrowe , but suffering the Colte to goe as himselfe shall best like , sometimes ouer-thwart , some-times endwaies , or as hee shall bée disposed : obseruing this rule alwaies , to carry a gentle vpright hand of the Colte , neither so hard that it may by anie meanes either mooue stay in hym , or force him to finde faulte at the correction , or writhe his mouth or necke : neyther so slacke , that he may eyther winne the head of you to put it betwéene his fore-legges , which they will most commonly couet , or make proffer to runne away by reason of too great libertie , which to the best Horses is most natural . Therefore I say , carry a gentle hande , so as you may haue a féeling of the Colte , and the Colte no more but a perfect say of your hand , vnlesse extreamity compel you . And because the hand is the onely instrument , and chiefe guide to bring a Horse to his perfection , I will before I goe anie further , shew both the vse of the hande in the first backing , and also the carrying of the raynes .

Béeing seated in your Saddle as is before mencioned , take the rayne of your bridle and folde the one side ouer the other , making each side both of an euen length , & so short , that you may haue the Colts head at commaundment , then lay on both your hands , the one a handfull distant from the other , and doo not draw your hands to the Saddle pomell , or plucke them close in to your body , but place them ouer the midst of his crest , pulling his head still vpwarde and aloft , not drawing it in as to bring him to an vniformitie of rayne , for that shal be but a marring of his mouth , and the first rule to bring a comely fore-hand to an euill show : but as I said , lift your hands still vpwarde , suffering them alwaies to goe and come with easie motions , onely to thys end , that you may gather vppe his necke to the vttermost height , that arte or nature wil by any meanes suffer it .

Nowe forasmuch as some Horses , haue naturallie such good fore-hands and such comely raynes , that the Ryder néedeth little labour and lesse arte , as for example , hee that hath a long large vpright necke , a wide chaule and a daintie mouth , othersome so imperfectly framde by nature , that though the Ryder vse extreame industry and much arte , yet if he haue not the very ground and absolute knowledge of horsemanship , he shall neuer bring him to staiednes , comlinesse or good show , as those which be short neckt , narrowe chauld , thicke headed , and deade mouthed . And sith these contraries , must haue contrary meanes to bring them to theyr perfections , because lenity to him that is dul and stubberne , will from a little , bring him to iust nothing dooing , and cruelty to him that is frée , apt and couragious , is the hie way not onely to marre him , but also to kill him : and because the onely arte of ryding , consisteth in the making of a comely , staied , and well fashiond rayne , I will héere set downe the manner , howe they ought both kindes of them to be trayned and taught , drawing all the natures , dispositions and vmors of Horses , into these two heades or branches , Dulnesse and Freenesse .

Under thys worde dulnesse , I conclude such as be heauie naturd , slow , vnapt , churlish , alwaies crauing correction , restie and forgetfull : vnder this worde fréenes , I conclude those that be light , nimble , couragious , apt , that wil catch a lesson from his Rider ere it be fully taught him , and is alwaies readie for more then can be put vnto him , therefore I will beginne first ( because they aske more labour and arte ) with those kinde of Horses which I tearmed dul . Hauing backt your Horse as is before prescribed , and made him to receiue you off and on at your pleasure , which may be doone in a day or two , then enter into the nature and disposition of the Horse , ( which who so cannot finde , let hym neyther professe nor expect to be a Horseman , ) then finding him to be of nature dull and vntowarde , neyther apt to proude pace nor rayne , in any case neyther offer him lesson nor Ring , but beeing mounted on his backe , and hauing pausde & setled your selfe , thrust him out into a good round trotte , the length of twenty or forty score , all the way with your hands working vp his heade aloft : and then offer to stoppe hym , by drawing in your hand more firme and hard then you were wont in the working vppe of his heade , at which if he offer to thrust downe his head , and wil not stay , thrust him forward as farre againe , and then offer him the stoppe , prouided alwaies you keepe him in a swift trotte , in which if he prooue slothfull , as no doubt but he will , then reuiue hym with a sharpe rodde , with your voyce , and with the ierting of your legges and bodie forward at once .

If at the second offer , he refuse to yéeld in his heade or stoppe , then at hym the thirde tyme , the fourth and the fift , till you haue trotted him a myle or somewhat more : then turne him homeward , and exercise him after the same maner , which peraduenture will the first day nothing at all preuaile with him , but be you carelesse , & in any case stryue not with hym , or séeke by strong hand to ouercome him , for so you shall marre hys mouth , teache hym manie knauish qualities , and no more make his heade mooue then a great Oake : but take hym out the second day , and then trot hym foorth two miles , and alwaies in twelue score , sixe score , or twenty score , as you find your grounde or féele your Horse , offer him the stop , which if he refuse , meruaile not , but take him out the third day , the 4. and 5. increasing his trauel as his daies increase . And if you find in him an ability of body and strength , to which you must haue great respect , & onely an vntoward stubbernes and vnaptnes , hinders what you goe about , then spare not to labor him two or thrée houres together about the fieldes , til by this your labor & toyle you make him yéeld to your hand , which you shal no sooner perceiue but immediatly make much of him , cherrish him , light from his back , and giue him grasse or greene corne if there be any néere you : and faile not but exercise him thus for a weeke or a fortnight , in which space you may make him so well acquainted with your hand , that when soeuer you shal but straine your bridle rayne , he will yéeld and stop at your pleasure . It may be the first day you trot him forth , you shal finde him of such a gentle mouth , that at the first proffer hee will stop , yet couet to haue his head betwéene his legs , and trot but slouenly and like a Iade : which if he doo , them looke what trauell I prescribed you for the stop , imploy the selfe same , onely to the raysing vp of his head , to the bringing of him to lightnes , to a fayre trotte and forwardnesse of way , which no meane that euer I tryed or saw , wil so soone bring to passe as thys .

Thys doone , then walke about your large Ring thrée tymes on your left hand , & then change within your Ring as you did before , obseruing for your left hande your left rayne and your right leg , then will your large Ring haue two whole Ringes within the same , as thys figure following sheweth .

Nowe when by this your trauaile , you haue brought your Horse that he will willingly pace this Ring , & make his change within , on both hands without compulsion , them may you well aduenture to trotte him in the same , making him doo it with spirite and nimblenes : prouided alwaies that if you find him vnwilling to make his changes on both hands within the Ring , and that he rather couets to mooue his necke and heade then his body , all which shoulde goe euen , & equally together , then make your changes in this manner .

When you would haue him turne on your right hand , draw your left rayne straight , and so hold it , then moouing gently your right hand rayne , lay the calue of your left leg close to his side , & with your rod on his left shoulder , make him come in on your right hand as your selfe would , and so likewise for your left hande vse the like contrary meanes , which when you haue found by experience to preuaile , and that by this meanes and exercise , he will both pace and trot this Ring with good courage , ( which you must chéefely respect , ) and that he wil make his stop close and well , and at the motion of your hande retire , which in one Monethes practise ( at the most ) you may at ease performe , then shall it be requisite you teach him to galloppe the same Ring in this sort .

First when you come into the fielde , as I haue before prescribed , gently pace him about your Ring , that he may thereby know about what hee goeth , then put him to hys trotte , and force him to trotte it with great life , still thrusting him forward with your féete and body , till you make him gallop , then hauing gallopt a stroke or two , drawe in your hand , and make him but trotte againe : then hauing trotted awhile , make him gallop somewhat more then hée did before , and then trotte , and thus increase your gallop by little and little , as first a stroke or two , then halfe the Ring , then thrée parts , and at length all the Ring rounde about , but by no meanes for a day or two let him galloppe your changes .

And note heere , that although I sette you downe this abrupt manner of beginning to gallop , yet neuerthelesse , in this as in the rest , you must obserue your three times on a hand , as to pace once about , to trotte once , and gallop once , or to pace the one halfe of the Ring , trotte the other , gallop an other , and then pace againe , as your owne discretion shall moue you , till you finde in your Horse ( through thys maner of instruction ) such a readines , that but moouing eyther your legge , body , rodde or voice , he will instantly take his galloppe : which being perceiued , as no doubt but you shall within thrée or foure daies ryding , then may you take this order .

When you begin in the morning , first pace him thrice about your Ring on your right hand , and then changing doo as much on your left hand , then change againe , and trotte thrise on your right hand , and thrise on your left , then gallop thrice on your right hand , thrice on your left , and thrice on your right hand againe , then gallop straight forth-right forty yardes or more , and there , by drawing in your hand euen , firme , and at leysure , make him stoppe and stand stil awhile , then put him backe two or thrée paces , and let him stande still without moouing for a good space , neyther doe you your selfe eyther stirre your legges or bodie , but onely with your hand , voyce , and the bigge ende of your rodde , clawe him and make much of him , thereby to encourage him in hys well dooing : And after this sorte and manner ( as I haue heere prescribed ) woulde I haue you exercise , him for three weekes or a Moneth , if you finde him dull or vntowarde .

Now , for that sundry obseruations are to be obserued in this lesson , I will so farre digresse from my purpose , as first to let you vnderstand them . Note therefore that in this lesson as in all other , you must haue an especiall regard that your Horse carry a gallant rayne , his head round and lofty , without eyther thrusting his nose out like a Pigge , or putting his heade betwéene his legges like a fearefull Beare-whelpe , which you shall not bring to passe by haling or pulling at his mouth , but by kéeping his Martingale stiffe , and by feeding his mouth with a gentle hand , the alwaies comes and goes with swéete motions . Note that when you gallop him on your right hande , if hee eyther come not in so round as you would haue him , or if hee throwe his hinder parts out of the Ring , as many Horses will , that then you correct him , by beating him on the flancke on the lefte side , with the in side of your left legge , which if it preu●●●e not , then with your spurre strike him , and with your rod on his left buttock : which will in once or twice going about , make hym gladde to kéepe hys Ring : and so for the other hande , vse the like meane on the other side .

Note that when you make your changes on eyther hand , in which you draw your Horse into a straight compasse , that than you pull your bridle raines more straight then before : and putting the calues of your legges close to your Horse sides , you ierte them forwarde againe with a good strength , not ceassing but so to doo , till you come again into your large Ring , the effect whereof is this : the bringing of the calues of your legges to your Horses sides , will in hys galloppe make him rayse vppe his fore-parts , and then the ier●ing of your legges forward , will so put on your Horse , that not staying , his hinder legges will followe hys fore-legges in such comely sorte , that as if hee were taught to beate an artificiall turne , euen with such nimblenesse , strength , and comely grace will he make his changes : and and by this meanes , when hee shall be taught to make hys turnes , you shall find him more apt , ready , and a thousand times more frée from any manner of vice belonging to that lesson .

Therefore in this , vse great labour and dilligence , especially in keeping iust time with your legge and hand , for if either your legge and hand goe so very fast , that the horse cannot keepe time with you , or if your motions be so slow , that the Horse must stay for you , or if in stedde of the calue of your legge you giue the spurre , then be you assured , you doo not make but marre , for as the one dooth help , the other doth correct : and the difference betwixt them , who cannot iudge .

Neuerthelesse , if the Horse be dull and stubberne , of which king I most intreate , for in them is the depth of arte to be tryed , and that you find the calue of your legge wil not quicken him , then it shall be néedfull that you vse the euen stroke of both your spurres , which hauing reuiued him , them vse the calues of your legges , and as oft as he waxeth heauie and dull , so oft vse your spurres and rodde , and not otherwise in this lesson . Note that when you galloppe your Horse forth-right in the euen forrowe to giue him his stop , that a little space before you stoppe him , you thrust him out with more force and courage then before , that thereby in the stoppe he may couch his hinder loynes the closer , and make his stoppe more firme and comely . Note that if in the stoppe he will not couch his hinder loynes , but will altogether trust to his fore-legges , which is both vnsure and vnseemely , that then you chuse such a péece of earth to ryde vpon , as your euen forrowe may be desending downe the knole of some hil , where in the deepest descent , you may obserue alwaies to make your Horse stoppe , by which means you shal both make him to yéeld his hinder parts , and also if the ground where by chaunce you shall ride him , he loose and vncertaine , rather then the wil ouer-shoote his ground , he will stop vpon his buttocks .

Note that when you make your Horse goe backe , if hée thrust his hinder parts out of the furrow and goe crookedlie , that then with the calue of your legge on that side which he swarueth on , you correct him , in which if he persist , then vse your rodde , yet but in gentle sort , and some-times your spurre , and that but seldome .

After thus your Horse can pace , trotte , and gallop your Ring , and make his stoppe in good sort , which be well assured hee dooth perfectly and readily , ere you offer him any newe lesson , it shall be necessarie that for a grace , and beautifying of what hee dooth , that then you teach him to aduaunce before : which as it dooth adorne , so dooth it carrie great profite and commoditie , and therefore you may bring him vnto it in this manner . Ryde him into some beaten hie-way which is eyther grauell or sandie , and there trotte him forward a dozen yardes or there about , and then make him stoppe , and in the stopping , giue him the calues of both your legges euen together , and also your voyce , by letting your tongue parte sharplie from the roofe of your mouth , together with the noyse of your rodde shaken in your hand : which at the first will peraduenture but moue in your horse a stamaring or amazement , but be you carelesse , and trotte him forward againe as farre as you did before , and there offer him the like stoppe , and the like motions , at which if he refuse to aduaunce , and offer to runne backe , then thrust him forward with your legs , and solicite him till you make him take vp but one of his legs , which when you perceiue , immediatly cherrish him , and let him pause a space , then trotte him forwarde , and doo as you did before , continuing this manner , till you finde your Horse vnderstandeth your meaning .

But what for want of vse and nimblenesse hee will not performe , or doo it according to your minde , when this you finde , which you shall perceiue by his lifting vp of one leg , or by aduancing of both vpon compulsion or great correction , then shal you labor him in this lesson , alwaies correcting him when he is vntoward , and cherrishing him when he giueth any shew of likelihoode to performe your will , till such time that you haue made him , that he will vpon the moouing of your leg to his side , aduaunce himselfe before , carrying his head in his true place , and taking his legs vp euen together , in such sort as the true arte of horsmanshippe requires .

When thus hee will aduance , then shall you exercise him to stoppe vpon foot-pace , and to aduaunce withall , after that , vpon his trotte both slow and swift , to stoppe and aduaunce : and lastly , vpon his gallop to stop and aduaunce . Now for such notes and obseruations , as are to be obserued during the ▪ teaching of thys , I will heere sette down . First note that when you stoppe your Horse , and compell him to aduaunce , that you doo not hang vpon his mouth , or presse it too sore , for that is the ready way to spoyle all , and make him runne away , but onely carry such a gentle firme hand , as may no more but stay him from pressing forwarde , nay let your hand be such , that hee may rather haue libertie to presse forward a pace or two , then by your extreame pulling of him , that he may haue his mouth duld : and by that meanes , not onely winne the head from you , but be as new to begin , as if he had neuer beene haultred .

Note , that if he chaunce ( béeing at the first ignorant of your meaning , ) to presse forwarde two or thrée paces , that then you make him retire and goe backe , iust so much as he went forward , that thereby he may know hee did offende , and therefore after adread to doo the like .

Note , that if in a dayes ryding or two , ne thrée , you can not bring him to that perfection you woulde , that then you be not discouraged , but continue your labour , for those Horses that are the slowest of conceite , and hardest to vnderstande theyr Ryders meaning , béeing once brought to know what they must doo , are alwaies the surest holders , and euer after , the perfectest performers of any lesson , whatsoeuer .

Note , that if he eyther aduaunce too hie , or when you would not haue him , as the best mettald Horses most commonly will doe , that then with a good ●udgell you beate him vpon the fore-legges , or with the great ende of your rodde , betweene the ●ares correct him , and vndoubtedly he will reforme that abuse .

Note , that after he will aduaunce perfectly and in order , that then in euery stoppe when you make him aduaunce , that you make him doo it twice , thrice , and sometimes foure times together , without intermission , and then to stande still , the profite whereof you shall find , when you come to teach your Horse to doo the Coruett capriole , and such like salts of pleasure , to which thys is the perfect path-way and guide .

Now for asmuch as I am in matters of seruice , I will follow that purpose , and heereafter come to things of pleasure . When your Horse can absolutely well doo all these lessons before mencioned , which by continuall trauell , vse , and exercise , you must bring him vnto , for in any case you must offer no newe lesson till the olde be most perfect , least by making a confusion in the Horses sence , and for want of true conceite and vnderstanding , he be brought to doo iust nothing , as many vnskilfull Horsemen doo at this day , who will striue to make their Horses gallop their Ringes , stop , turne , aduaunce , goe backe , and all in one morning : neuer considering , that a Horse is a beast , whose capacity can conceiue no more then a beast , which absurdity I wish the wiser sort to eschew .

The manner of bringing your Horse to doo thys lesson , is thus , first marke out vpon your right hande in a fayre foote-pace , a Ring of a reasonable sise , being about a three yardes ouer euery way , then another on your left hand ioyning to the former , and so making your Ringes still forward , make a third on your right hand againe , which done , put your Horse into his galloppe , and as you did pace the Ringes , so let him gallop them backe againe : and then putting him straight forwarde twentie or forty yardes , make your stop and aduauncement , thus would I haue you euerie morning when you bring your Horse foorth , to teache him .

After you haue trotted and gallopt your Ring first of all mentioned , finding him of sufficient strength and ab●●●●e , after some little rest and ease , let him galloppe these latter Ringes , which I tearme gallopping the ●●●lde . And note that for any certaine number of turnes in this lesson ▪ or any other certaintie what soeuer ( saue the carrying of hys head , which must alwaie kéepe his true place in al lessons , ) there is none to be respected , but all to be referd to the Ryders discretion . Therefore the Ryder must haue a great regard , that in this lesson hee put not the Horse beyonde hys strength , or force him to gallop , longer then he shall find the Horse of himselfe willing to presse forward : for if he be ouer-toyld , and brought to a wearin●s and sloth , he will not onely learne to prooue restie , but also béeing young and tender , put foorth splynts , spauens , ring-bones , and such lyke foule diseases to bring him to lamenes .

Note that for any vice incident to this lesson , ( if the Rider haue him perfect in the former , ) there is none , because in effect , these Rings and the former Ring is all one , saue that these be in a larger manner , which is more easie : and in the first , is a certaine order and method to be vsed , and in these none , but onely a confusion , yet a care of true tyme keeping . Note , that when your Horse can perfectly wel gallop the fielde , that then you shall not neede to exercise him in it aboue once in a wéeke .

Now hauing thus farre continued my purpose , I will consequently forward to the other lessons , in which there is more arte , and greater curio●●tie . And first of all , hauing your Horse perfect in these lessons before prescribed , you shall then teach him to turne readily on both hands , and for that there be sundry manner of turnes , as some strayte , 〈◊〉 large , some close , some loftie , I will shew you howe to bring your Horse to doo them all perfectly . First therfore , you shall teach your Horse to make that turne which wée tearme ( not hauing any apt English word ) ●ncauallare , to lappe one thing ouer another .

Thys kinde of turne , is the ground of all other turnes , and by it , the rest are attained to with more ease : this maner of turne , is to kéepe your Horses hinder parts firme in a place , and make him come about with his fore-partes , lapping his 〈◊〉 fore-legge ouer his inmost as hee turneth , in this sort . Trotte your Horse straight downe some euen furrow , and there stoppe him , and stande still awhile , then drawing vp your bridle rayne somewhat firme , yéelde your bridle hand a little , but so little as may be , towardes your right side , then with the calue of your legge on his left side , and your rodde on his left shoulder , make him ( so standing ) ▪ without any larger compasse , to turne his fore-parts that way which his hinder parts were , which if he doo willingly , cherrish him : and then making that halfe cirkle a complete round one , sette him as hee stoode before . Thus as you did on your right hande , doo so likewise on your left , vsing the like helpes with your right legge , and your r●dde on his right shoulder , then cherrish him , and so dooing the like on your right hand againe , that you may ende where you begunne , light from his backe , and giue him a handfull of grasse if there be any neere you .

So walking him vp and downe a while for his ease , you may take his backe againe , and doo as you did before , increasing still his turnes , as you see him increase in perfectnesse and willingnes , till such time as you haue him so readie , as vpon the motion of your legge and hand , he will flie about so swiftly & so oft , as you shall eyther offer or desire . Now for obseruations and notes in this lesson , these be they : first you shall vnderstande when you offer hym thys lesson , if he refuse vpon the moouing of your legge and hand to turne , and will couet to reare , or doo such like dysorderly acts , that then vpon the first proffer of such disorder , you doo but slacke the raynes of your bridle , and with your hande vppon his crest kéepe him downe , offering him againe to turne , which if neuerthelesse hee will not , then drawe the right side raine somewhat straiter , then the left , yet in any case , not so much that his head may goe a hayre breadth before his body , but moue altogether , at which if he make any stick , them with your rod on his left shoulder , giue him a good iert that may make him stir , and doubt not but he will then turne , which when he offers , immediatly followe him with your hand and leg til he haue gone halfe about , where you may then pause to cherrish him . Note furthermore , that if hee refuse to mooue his fore-partes and offer to come about with his hinder , that then you méete his hinder parts so moouing , with your rodde , and vpon his buttocke correct him , making him keepe his hinder parts firme and fast : if your rodde be not a correction sufficient , then may you vse sometimes your spurre in his flancke , both which , if you finde preuaile not , then must you cause him to pace out a little narrow ring , not aboue a yarde , or a yard and a halfe ouer-thwarte , which you must make him treade one while on one hand , another while on another , sometimes by the space of a quarter of an houre , sometimes more : and lette him doo it continually on his foote-pace , and not on his trot . Thys shall bring him to great lightnes on his fore-parts , and make him repose such trust to his hinder , that you shal bring him vnto the incauallare , as your selfe would wish or desire .

Note that if he doo it willingly on the right hand , and not without compulsion on the left , that then you alwaies beginne and end on your left hand , as you did before on your right . Note that when you turne him on your right hand , if he doo not bring his left legge ouer his right , but bringes it sometimes short , sometimes vnder , and so foorth ilfauouredly , that for such offence you vse no other correction but still to labour him the more in this lesson : for by such labor he shall come to vnderstand his faulte , and by the knocking of one of his legges vppon another , correct himselfe enough for that vice .

Note that the more hee lappeth his outmost legge ouer his inmost , the better and more comely shall his turne be . Note that the more you follow him in his turne with your hand and legge , the further you compell him to lap hys legs one ouer another . When therefore your Horse can set thys close turne vpon the ground , both swiftly and in perfection , then shal you procéede to teach him beate a large ring turne loftily , which at this day amongst our English Horsemen is most in vse , and it is to be doone in this manner following .

You must pace out a little narrow Ring , some 4. yardes or there abouts in compasse , and vse to walke your Horse in the same , vntill such time that you perceiue him so readie , that he will pace it willingly , carrying his head and bodie both firme together , not offering to flie out , or vse any disorderly motion : which when you find , then shal you as you walke him about the Ring , on your right hande , with your voyce and calue of your left legge , and with drawing your bridle rayne a little more firme , cause him to aduaunce , which so soone as he dooth , immediatly by the thrusting of both your legs forward againe , make him pace forward as he did before , and in his pacing cherrish him , that hee may vnderstand he did your will : then hauing so paced awhile , make him aduaunce againe , & doe in all thinges as you dyd before . Thus may you doo thrée or 4. times on your right hand , and then make the like Ring on your left hande , and with the helpe of your right leg , doo in this as in the other , not forgetting to make your ending on your right hand , as you did in other lessons . But by the way note this , that in any case you doo not end vpon your aduauncement , but vppon his pace or trotte , for if you doe , you shall bring him to a restie qualitie , that vpon his aduauncement he will stand still , whether you will or no. When he will therefore pace this Ring , and with the helpe of your legge , aduaunce and goe forward , then shall you as soone as he hath aduaunced and gone a steppe forward , make him aduaunce again , and so pace the Ring about , and doo the like at your second going about , which if he doo in good order , you shal then cherish him , but not stand still , for in this lesson , horses wil couet to stand & be slothful . When this is perfect , then make him aduance , and goe a step or two forwarde , three or foure times together , increasing this lesson still by degrées , till through your daily labor & vse , you bring your horse to that perfection , that as you couch your leg to his side , so wil he aduance , and as you thrust forwarde your legges , so will he follow with hys hynder legges euen together , beating the Ring with such aduauncements round about , both so oft , so large and so straite as your selfe wil , still kéeping that tyme with his legges and body , that you doo with your legs and hand . And this knowe , that the chéefest arte and grace in horsemanship , is true time kéeping .

Note that in this lesson , if the Ryder be discréete , and will take time and leysure with his Horse , there will happen no vice , vnlesse it be such as are before specified in the former lessons , together with corrections due to the same . But if the Ryder be an vnskilfull man , which will force his Horse to doe that in a day , which shoulde aske a fortnights labour , then be you sure there will happen more mischiefes in this one lesson , then in all the other mencioned before , as restinesse , running away , writhing his heade awry , checking at the bridle , and such like : the least of which will aske a Monethes worke to reclaime them . And sith they come rather through the vnk●lfulnes of the man , then eyther the vntowardnesse or badde disposition of the beast , I will heere omit them , meaning to treate thereof in another place .

Note that this turne , of all other turnes is most beautifull , most gallant , and most assured and strong , both for man & Horse , it is most in vse in seruice , especially in that manner of fight , which our Englishe Souldiers tearme fighting at the croope . Note , that if in thys turne you finde your Horse at any time slothfull , or that he wil leaue before you would haue him , that for such offence , you ●se the euen stroke of both your spurres , and a little to checke him in the mouth with your bridle hand , which is a present helpe : yet would I not haue you vse it oft , but at some speciall tymes , when other corrections faile .

Héere could I spende a great deale of wast paper , and more idle time , in telling you of sundry other turnes , and in distinguishing of halfe turnes from whole turnes , & whole turnes from double turnes : héere could I speake of the turne which Grison calleth Volta raddoppiata ▪ also of that which he calleth Lacrambetta , and our English Riders Chambetta , and when I haue doone , conclude of nothing els but that which I haue before sette downe , for why all commeth but to that end and perfection . Therefore sith they be so needlesse , I will let them passe , and come to those other lessons which are fit for a Horse to learne , and are founde most necessary in seruice .

Hauing your Horse perfect in what is before expressed , you shall then teach him to manage truly , iust and well : I neede not héere to interprete vnto you , the signification of this worde manage , neither howe néedfull a lesson it is in seruice , because both are sufficiently doone , in another more absolute Author . Of manages there he thrée kindes , manage with halfe rest , manage with whole rest , manage without rest : for the two former kindes of manages , I find no reason why a man should bestow any particuler labour to traine his Horse onely vnto them , sith they be of no such vse as the last is , neither doo they carry the like grace that it doth . And for mine owne part , sith I vse them but as introductions or guides to the latter , and sith euery Horse that can manage without rest , can manage eyther wyth halfe rest or whole rest , I will heere conclude them all three in one , vnder the tytle of managing without rest .

To make your Horse therefore to manage perfectly and well , you shall take thys order : beeing come into some graueld hie way , of breadth sufficient for a large Ring , and long enough for a managing course , you shall first on your right hande pace out a Ring , containing the circuite of ten or twelue yardes compasse : hauing markt that out so as you may sufficiently discerne it , pace then your Horse straight forward , some fortie or fiftie yardes , and there on your left hande , marke out another Ring of lyke compasse to the first , according to the manner and order of thys figure following .

In this sorte exercise your Horse two or thrée dayes , after which time , I woulde haue you when your horse hath trotted your Ring about , to put him into a gentle galloppe , and to gallop down the straight furrow to the other Ring , where , vpon your gallop make him stop and aduance , and then trot the other Ring about , and to gallop backe againe , stopping , aduauncing , and trotting about the Ring . After he will doe this perfectly , you shall then make him , hauing gallopt downe the furrow and made his stop and aduancement , to gallop the Ringes also , in which I woulde haue you exercise him a weeke at the least .

Thys weekes exercise , will bring your Horse to such perfectnes , that he wil doo all this of himselfe , without any helpe of his Rider : that beeing perceiued by you , you may then safely aduenture to bring those your Ringes into a more straite and narrowe compasse , according to the forme of thys figure following .

Note , that in this lesson aboue all other , your Horse must vse the least disorder with his head or body , but in it kéepe hys rayne most perfect and gallant : therefore during the tyme that your Horse doth manage , be sure to carry a more strong and sure hand then in any other lesson . Note that in managing you must kéepe as iust time in your gallop as in your turne , and that the time you kéepe in each , be all one . Note that as in your turne you draw vp you bridle hande , to make your horse stop , and ease it again to make him goe forward in his turne , so in his galloppe you must drawe vp your hand , to kéepe his head in his true place , and also ease it again to swéeten his mouth , and make him to ryde with more pleasure , whereas if you holde your hande awaies in one stay , you wil not onely dull and make dead his mouth , but also make him ride vnpleasantly , and when you offer to stop him , make proffer to breake away with you . Note that in this lesson , you carry your body straight & vpright , your legges in their true place , your rodde as it were your sword , on the right side of your heade , and be carefull that you vse no vncomly motion , for any vnséemelinesse in the man , is a disgrace to the Horses dooing .

When your Horse can make this manage , you may then if you please , make him manage in a larger sort , which is very comely , in this manner . Pace out a Ring of fiue or sixe yardes compasse on your right hande , and then pacing downe the furrow as is before saide , marke out another on your left hand of the same compasse , then put your Horse into a gentle galloppe , and beeing come to your right hande Ring , there making a slight kind of stop and aduancement , force your Horse to beate the Ring about , in such sort as I showd you before , where I tell you how to make your horse to beate a large turne loftily : helping him with the calues of your legs , your hande and your rodde , then gallopping downe to your left Ring , doo the like there . This kinde of manage , though it be some-what more painefull then the other , yet if the Horse be of mettall that dooth it , it carrieth such a good grace , that to the standers by which shall behold it , it will be wonderful pleasing .

Nowe when this is perfected , it resteth that you teache your Horse to passe a swift and strong cariere , which you shall doo in this manner . Béeing come into some graueld hie way , the length of a good cariere , which shoulde be measured according to the disposition of the Horse , yet sith it shall not be amisse to sette downe some certaintie , I thinke sixe score yardes a very fitte cariere , as well for the heauie slugge Horse , as also for the puissant and fine mettald beast : for as the one may runne it without wearines , so the other may show in it his puissaunce and swiftnes . Beeing come ( as I said ) into such a place , first pace your Horse twice or thrice about a small Ring , and then trotte him forward sixe score yardes , at the ende whereof pace another Ring : and then setting your Horses heade straight downe the way hée came , make him stand still a good space , during which time , looke that his body stand straight and firme , which when you haue found it dooth , then giuing him your bridle hande , bending your body a little forward , and thrusting out both your legges with a good strength , force him suddainly with a good courage , to enter into a swift gallop , which with the euen stroke of your spurres , encrease , till hee be at the verie vttermost spéede hee can runne , in which continue him , till he come to your first Ring , where , by drawing vppe your hand hard and firme , make him stoppe vpon his buttockes , and then with the helpe of your legges , make him aduance twice or thrice : then trotte him about the Ring , and stande still a good space , cherishing him , and no more .

Note that when you starte your cariere , to make your Horse d●o it with greater life and courage , you may vse the helpe of your voyce , by crying how , or hey very loud . Note that when you starte your cariere , it is not good to spurre your Horse , for feare you make him yarke out behinde , plunge , or vse other disorder , which such violent corrections doone suddainly , will bring a Horse vnto . Note that the cariere would not be past aboue once in a fortnight at the most , nor so oft neither , if your Horse bee not come to his full growth .

Thus much haue I thought good to write as touching the instructing of Horses to matters of seruice , for more than I haue before sette downe , is néedlesse in seruice , and if hee doo any thing lesse , hee is not fitte to serue vpon . Heere I could trouble you with a long discourse of other Rings and other manages , as namely the Caragolo , the manage resembled to the letter S. or that called Serpeggiare , with diuers others : yet sith there is no Horse , but if hee be perfect in what is before written , must of force doo them at his pleasure , because there is no alteration of arte , but only change of forme , I meane héere therefore to omitte them , wishing those that are desirous to vnderstande them , to looke into Maister Claudio Corte his workes , a man péerelesse in the arte of horsemanshippe , who of those matters hath written absolutely .

Yet by the way note , that according as your Horse is of fashion , so must the cheeke of your Bytte carry his preportion : if your Horse be in shape grosse , that is , shortnecked , thicke chauld , and harde mouthed , you shall then haue the cheeke of your Bytte , made vppon three degrees , according to thys figure following .

The difference and nature of these two cheekes is this , the first , which standeth vpon thrée degrées , bringeth in the musell of the Horse , and maketh him perforce rayne well , that otherwise would thrust out his nose ilfauouredly : the reason whereof is , because it carrieth a greater compasse then any other Bytte , insomuch that a Horse cannot rest vpon it vnlesse hee drawe in the nether parte of his heade : whereas the second that standeth but vpon one degrée , keepeth a Horses head vpright and aloft , neither dooth it suffer him to thrust out his nose , but correcteth him if at any time he couet to put his head downeward .

A Horse that is short neckt and narrow chaulde , reason telleth yo● , cannot couch his head in so good a place , as hée that hath a long necke and a wide chaule : because alwaies in a good rayne , he must hide his thropell or weison within his chaule : therefore if you shall sette him vpon a byt , that dooth not carry great compasse in the chéeke , as of three degrees at the least , you shall neuer place his head well , because the straight cheeke wil keepe vp his necke , and thrust out his nose , and he should haue his necke forced to yeelde , and his nose kept in .

So on the contrary sort , if to a Horse of large long forehand , you put a Bytte of much compasse , you then bring downe his necke and put out his nose , by reason of the compasse of the cheeke , which he cannot chuse but folow , wheras he should haue his necke kept vp straight and stiffe , and onely his head brought downe to answere it . Therefore as I said , byt your Horse according to his proportion . It shall be good that for a day or two , you let him stand vpon his bit in the stable , to play & feele the kyrbe , then after , for other two or thrée dayes , you shall in your hand trot him abroad , making his Kyrbe somewhat straite , and rayning him so as he may haue a good féeling both of the Bytte and Kyrbe . After this , you shall take his backe , and beeing well seated and hauing pausd awhile , take vp your Bytte raynes into your left hande , and holde them in this manner : Put your little finger and your ring-finger , betwéene the two raines , and lay your thombe iust vpon the raines , opposite to your fore-finger and great finger , the brawne of your thombe being turned towarde your Saddle pomell : then take the left rayne of your flying trenche , & lay it vnder your thomb , carrying it somewhat more straiter then your bitte ray●e . Then in your right hand in which you carry your rod , carrie the right rayne of your flying trench . In this manner pace forth your Horse , bearing him most-what vppon your flying trenche for thrée or foure daies , offering little or no labour , vnlesse it be trotting forwarde , or pacing and trotting the Rings , and stopping , all which you must put him vnto in gentle manner , for feare of distempering his head . And as you finde him frame himselfe to his Bytte , so by little and little , let him feele it euery day more then other , till such time that you find , he bo●● vnderstandeth the bytte , and hath his head well staied thereon .

Then may you euery day exercise him in all the foresaide lessons , with all those helpes and corrections ●efore mencioned , till you haue him in that perfection , that without anie other helpe saue the offer of your hand , he will doo what you shall require .

Note , that the true place where the Bytte should lye in the Horses mouth , is aboue the tuske of his nether chappe : as for any other quillet or stratageme in horsemanshippe , which the curious are desirous to vnderstand , I refer them to Maister Blundeuils booke , which will instruct them sufficiently .

Nowe , to come to those lessons which though they bee néedlesse in seruice , yet showe they great arte in the Ryder , together with much strength , courage , and nimblenesse in the Horse , and those I tearme lessons of pleasure , because they be more pleasing to the eye , then necessary for any vse , and first of all to make your Horse bounde aloft , you shall thus instruct him . Hauing him well staied vpon his Bitte , that he is both certaine of head and mouth , you shall trotte him forth into some euen sandie way , and hauing trotted him a dozen yardes , you shall stoppe him , and vpon his first or second aduauncement , giue him the euen stroke of your spurres , at which if he will not bound , strike him again the second time , if that preuaile not , then trotte him forwarde againe , and doo as you did before , continuing this manner of labour , till hee leape with all his foure legges from the ground , which so soone as he dooth , immediatly make much of him , and vpon his first bound , let him be sette vp in the ●table , that he may thereby be encouraged the next tyme , and the better vnderstande what your will is . Then haue him out the second day , and doo as you did the first , and increase his leapes as you sée him increase in vnderstanding , till he be so perfect , that vppon the offer of your spurre , hee will ryse on all foure .

Note , that if he rise not so hie with his hinder partes as with his fore-parts , that then you accompany with the euen stroke of your spurres , a good lash with your rodde vnder his belly , and néere vnto his sheathe or yard . Note that if in bounding he doo not keepe his ground , but presseth forward , and dooth not fall where he riseth , that then so much as he presseth forward , so much you make him retire back , by beating him vpon his fore knees , and then beeing in the former place , make him bound againe .

Note that when your Horse will bound aloft lustily and well , you shall make vse of it thus . When you gallop your Horse before any assembly , as soone as you haue made your stoppe and aduaunced , if then for a close you make hym bound , it will be very comely . Also in your manage , if you make your turne onely with boundes , it will be very séemlie . When you beate a large turne , if for a close or ending , you make your Horse bounde on all foure , nothing can be more séemely , and then to stande still , thus much for bounding .

Now for the Coruett , you shall doe it thus : Ryde your Horse downe some desending grounde , and hauing trotted two or thrée yardes , stoppe him , and make him aduaunce twice or thrice together : then put him forwarde halfe so far as before , and there make him aduaunce three or foure times together . In this manner make him goe a steppe or two and aduaunce , till of himselfe he will rayse his hinder parts , and in stéede of going forwarde , stande aduauncing both behind and before of an equall height . When hee will doo this well , then may you vpon his third aduauncement , giue him the euen stroke of your spurres , to make hym bounde aloft , which manner of salte , our English Ryders tearme the Gallop galiard .

Another manner of leape there is , which we call the Capriole , or Goates-leape , it differeth nothing at all from the Coruett , but that your Horse in it must presse more forward then in the Coruett , and raise his hinder parts a great deale hyer . Therefore you shall teach your Horse to doo it , as you taught him the Coruett , adding thereunto this one helpe more , that is , to turne your rodde in your hand , so as the poynt thereof , may be iust ouer the midst of your Horses buttocks , then sette your hand fast to your side , and alwaies , vpon his aduaunce , as you put him forwarde with your legge , so hit him vppon the buttocks with your rodde , which will force him to raise his hinder parts , obseruing to kéepe that time with your rodde , that you keepe with your hande and legge . And thus for the making of a Horse for seruice or pleasure , I haue shewed both my practise and experience .

CHAP. 3. Howe to chuse a Horse for Hunting , howe to trayne hym there-vnto : and also howe to dyet him , hauing made some great match or wager .

AS hetherto I haue shewed my experience in the training , and bringing to perfection great Horses , méete either for seruice in the warres , or the pleasures of great Princes , so heere I will declare , ( since not any els hath vndertaken the like Treatise ) my knowledge in the dyeting and ordering of those Horses , which we tearme Hunting Horses , because the pleasure wee enioy by them , is in the following of Houndes : an arte euery way equall with the former , and as necessary in some kind of seruices in the warre , ( especially vpon desperate exploytes to be doone suddainly , or vpon occurrents or discoueries , or any other kind of seruice , wherein eyther the toughnes , or swiftnes of a Horse is to be tryed , ) as the former . Yet sith the former hath béen alwaies of hyer price , and more searcht into , and sith what Horse soeuer is perfect vpon his bit , and can wel performe all those lessons mencioned in the former Chapter , must of force be perfect vppon his Snaffle , and if his Maister so please , be after made a Hunting-horse : where contrariwise , if a Horse be from his beginning traynd to a continuall loose kind of gallop , as Hunting-horses are , he will aske great labor and arte to be sette vpon a Bitte , & made proud and gallant .

I will therfore , not make them two artes , but one , making this latter , an apendex to the former , concluding him ( in my foolish iudgement ) not an absolute horseman , which hath not vnderstanding in them both : for if he haue arte to make his Horse proude of gate and countenaunce , and so nimble , light , and deliuer , that with his round turnes and quaint saltes , he amazeth the ignorant beholders , yet wanteth arte so to dyet him , that he neede not feare either melting his grease , breaking his winde , or foundring hym , all which are doone instantly if he be vncleane , without any shew of extremitie , what auaileth his former skill ? Or if he haue arte so to diet his Horse , that if he be ridden whilst he is able to sette one foote before another , if he haue all the grease molten within his body , if hee be in that extremitie , that some suppose he cannot possibly liue an houre , yet within two or thrée houres after , be so fresh and couragious , as if he had neuer béene labourd , if he haue this arte , I say , yet want arte , to make his Horse haue either faire countenaunce , comely gate , or any agilitie or nimblenes with his bodie : insomuch , that the most honorable & puissant beast in the world , is made to show like the most dul & vnseemelie creature , what auaileth his arte in dyeting .

Some will say ( yet but the ignorant ) that the trayning and dyeting of these which I tearme Hunting-horses , is the onely marring and spoile of good Horses : Fie , say they , thys extreame chasing and ryding of them , makes them lame and vnsounde , and this curious dyeting them , makes them so tender , neshe , and sickely , that they be good for nothing . Immitating heerein a Philosopher , who seeing a Gentleman extreamely troubled with the Tooth-ach , caused all his owne téeth to be drawne out , for feare in after time he shoulde feele the like payne , saying all men were subiect to that disease : so they , hauing séene some one lame olde hunting Horse , presently conclude all are subiect to the like infirmity , therefore not necessarie any should hunt .

For myne owne part , extreame ryding I as much disalowe as any man : yet in great wagers , where the horses value is farre excéeded , I see no reason but ( for tryall ) they may well be put to extreamitie , and if they be well dyeted and cunningly ridden , not one hayre worse afterward , although I wishe such extreamitie , shoulde be as much forborne as may be . For this slaunder of lamenesse raisd vppon Hunting-horses , I thus confute it , that there be some , and many Hunting-horses lame I not deny , yet for euerie such one lame Horse , I will finde twenty more lame , that neuer knew what hunting meant , so that Hunting-horses be not onely lame .

Againe , it is well knowne , especially to those that haue skill , that Hunting-horses are neuer lamed through theyr immoderate ryding or labour , if they haue a good Keeper : but now and then through gréedines of sport , and ouer hastines when they ouer-reach and fall , they many tymes chaunce vpon a straine , by which they halte a little , or otherwise in a leape or slyppe , may happen mischiefe , which is very seldome , or rarely seene . Where , on the contrarie part , who is so simple that hee knoweth not , if a Horse be kept in the stable and want exercise , his hoouses wil straiten , his sinewes dry vppe , and he proue lame vncurable ? Who knoweth not that trauailing in the hie way , will beate a Horse , make him put out windgalles , and lame him certainly . What trauailing Horse is he that wil not stumble , and if he stumble , he may fall , and if he fall , why not consequently proue lame as well as a hunting Horse ?

Your great Horses which are for seruice , whom to traine & bring to perfection , euery one almost of any gentlemanly disposition , will endeuour himselfe vnto : Why those I say are as subiect to lamenes as any Hunting-horse whatsoeuer , for there is neuer a turne you sette , if it be arteficiall , but it straines your Horses backe & hinder loynes , as much as a Hunting-horse straineth himselfe in running ouer a furlong of the déepest earth . Sith then all Horses are as subiect to infirmitie as Hunting-horses , why not then the Hunting-horse as tollerable as any other Horse .

Now for this vnworthy blame they impute to the dyeting of Horses , you shall sée howe groslie theyr ignoraunce makes them coniecture , first they shall sée in the sequel , that there is no meate , drinke , or any other thing whatsoeuer , appoynted for a Hunting-horse , but it shall by good & sufficient reasons , be prooued most excellent , and most healthful for the Horse , then consequently it must be tollerable . Some will say this dyeting is but newly come vp , and that men , whose nature is to be gréedie of nouelties , being new-fangled , are inamored with this vaine toy . Their forefathers neuer knewe what the dyeting of Hunting-horses meant , yet they had good Horses . As though former blindnes shold banish ensuing knowledge . Or because Adam and Eue , ( who were the Parents of all Parents ) were naked ( saue for Figge leaues , ) therefore we should refuse to weare clothing : this were wonderfull absurd . There is no arte , but the more a man wadeth into it , the more substantiall and intricate he shal finde it , and be forced to cry with Aristotle , ô ens ensium miserere mei , the depth and end of arte is vnsearchable .

Now that all men may be the more willing to endeuor themselues to haue insight in this arte of dyeting , beholde what profit insueth thereby . First , there is no disease nor infirmitie in a Horse , especially within his heade or bodie , which be secrete and vnseene , and therefore most dangerous and mortall , but a man skilfull in this arte shall both discerne it before it come to extremitie , and also recure it .

Thys maketh a Horse long winded , tough , harde , and stoute , insomuch that a poore Nagge of sixe or seauen pound price , well traynd and dyeted , will not onely tyre , but also kill outright , a Courser worth a hundred pound , if he be fat and foule fedde : whereas if such a Courser were in good diet , he would tyer twenty such Nagges . Some peraduenture will allowe of dyeting , but dislike the sport of hunting , for looke what contrarieties are in mens faces , the like may be in theyr fancies : therefore I say it is not necessary , that Hunting-horses onely be dieted , but other Horses as well : yet must they haue extraordinary ryding , because in dyeting , exercise is as néedfull as meate . But for such as neyther loue hunting , nor haue occasion to ride further then from market to market , they may sette theyr Horse to a bottle of hay , and giue him pease pulse . The reason why men vse theyr dyeted Horses to the hunting of the Hayre , is because it is a swift chase , and a continuing sport : yet not without some stoppes and staies , in which a horse may take winde , and reuiue himselfe againe , which those from whom I learne mine experience , tearme defaultes in the dogges , and sobbes for their Horse .

Moreouer , the cry of the dogges , is as pleasant to the horse as the man , and addeth to him both a courage to run , and a willingnes to continue his labour : whereas to gallop a Horse vp and downe the fielde after nothing , makes him weary of his labour , and willing to giue ouer ere hee haue in a manner doone any thing . Thus much in defence of this arte which the ignorant condemne , and nowe to my purpose .

When you make choyse of a horse to trayne to hunting , as néere as you can , let him haue these properties , shapes , and vertues . First for his inward part , which is his mind , disposition , and mettall , let him be of nature gentle , louing , and familiar to the man . Let him not be disposed to dogged sullennesse , to strike or to byte : let him be of quick & liuely mettall , but not hote nor firie , for they be neuer good , then for his outward shapes , thus if it may . Of colloures these be the best , Browne daple bayes , Bright bayes , Daple grayes , or White lyards , or blackes , so hee haue eyther white rache , white starre , or white foote . His head if it bée somewhat bigge , but not monstrous , so the chaule be thinne and wide , it is the better . A small prick eare , or if it be long and stand vpright like a Foxe , it is a good token of mettall and toughnes .

Hys fore-head woulde be broade , hauing as it were a rysing bunche in the midst like a Hare : for to be playne smooth faced , which we tearme Mare-faced , is ilfauoured , and a signe of no induring spirite . Hys eye woulde be large and bright : his nostrelles very wide , for that is a token of long winde . If hee be bearded all vnder his chappes like a Goate , it is passing good , for that is a signe of great swiftnes and goodnes . In generall , all his head would be leane , for if it be ful and fat , doubtles the horse is dul and vnsprity . His thropell or wind-pipe , would bee big to a mans féeling , and straight to his eye , for it when he raineth , it haue a bent like a bow , which we cal Cock-thropled , it is very ill , and a signe of great straitnes of wind . For his lyms in generall , they would be big , cleane , flat , straight , and very shorte betwixt ioynt and ioynt , especially betwéen the pasterne & the hoofe , for if he be long in that part , he must of force be weak there , and if he be weake footed , he cannot possibly endure any wette earth , yet some that be a little sickle hoght , proue very good . His body would be round and large , and his ribs wold stand a little outward . In briefe , the longer your horse is from the eare to the sterne of his taile , the better it is , so that his chiefest length consist not in his chine , but in hys hinder ●oynes , depth of fore-hand , and length of necke : for otherwise , to be long backt , is a signe of weaknes .

When you haue gotten a Horse as néere as yo● can to these shapes , looke that before you trayne him to hunting , he be at the least past foure yéeres old , and going on his sift , and that he be well wayd , and lightly trauaild . This done , you shall thus trayne and dyet him : Hauing taken him from graffe at Bartholmewtide or there abouts , ( for then the pride and strength of grasse is gone , and the flesh they get after , is but vnsound and naught , being excéeding fatte , as a Horse that is sound must needes bée hauing ●un al S●●mer , ) take him and s●tte him vp in your stable , which stable must be made close and darke , yet with such windowes and lights as at your pleasure you may let in the fresh ayre , and make it so coole and warme as you please : the reason why it should be close and darke , is , that when your Horse hath endured a dayes labour or hunting , being set in a close stable , as soone as he hath fild his belly , he will lye downe and take his rest , as well on the day as night , which is as wholsome as any meate he can eate : where if the stable he open and lightsome , vnlesse he be an olde beaten horse , 〈◊〉 will not lye downe .

Let the plaunchers of your stable , be layde euen and leuell , not as many doo , hyer before then behind , which maketh that your Horses can neuer stand at ease , but resting altogether vpon theyr hinder legges , prooue often lame behind . Neyther can they lye but at much payne , which causeth them seldome to take rest . Let the ground & your planchers be of an equall height , that if your horse at any tyme goe backward off your plaunchers , yet that he may stand equally both before and behind . Let your Maunger be made close , with bordes onely , and not lyned within with eyther lyme or plaister , for the smell of lyme is suffocating and vnwholsome , and plaister will yeeld great store of dust , which is more vnhealthfull . Let there be no mudde wall within your stable , that your Horse may reach vnto with his mouth , for by nature they wil couet to gnaw an eate them down , and nothing can be worse for a Horse . Hauing sette your horse ( being very fatte and newe taken from the grasse ) in such a stable , lay your hand vpon his side neere to his short ribbes , and there you shall feele his fatnesse , which wil bée vnder your hand very soft and tender : which when you féele , be you well assured all that fatte is naught , for beeing so loose and soft , the smallest trauaile that may be will melt it , and then being molten before it be hardned by good dyet , the outward fatte falleth into the horses legges , & maketh him haue swolne legges , and lame neuer to be cured , which secrete but few at this day vnderstand : and the inward fat which is within his stomack , bagge and guttes , putrifies , and bréedes those diseases which kill the horse out-right , though it be halfe a yeere , or perhappes three quarters of a yeere after . Insomuch that the owner , who hath neyther skill to discerne such a chaunce when it is hapned , nor arte to giue him any medicine to purge him of that grosse matter , sayth he dyed suddainly he knoweth not of what , when himselfe long before , had willingly giuen him his death , which mischiefe to auoyde , you shall vse this meane .

First for two or thrée dayes , you shall let your horse stande in the stable vnclothed , and giue him nothing but Wheate-straw and water , twise a day , morning and euening , being ledde thereunto in his Kéepers hand , til you sée his doung ( which at the first will be a darke blacke greene ) be cleane changed to a palish yellow : then may you ( not hauing before layd any curry combe on him , but onely rubde him morning and euening with a hard wispe ) bothe currie him , rubbe him , picke him , and dresse him , and also cloathe him in a single cloth made of sack-cloth , and let the sursingle be stopt round about with bigge soft wispes , as well for warmth as ease of the horse .

Thys shall you doe euery morning very earely , as by sixe of the clock , then put a small snaffle in his mouth , and lighting vpon his back , walk him a fayre foote-pace to some fayre Riuer or rundle , being at least halfe a myle , and there water him , and so walke him home againe , and set him vp ▪ that doone , take a quarter of a pecke of Oates , and sift and dust them well in a small siue , and then sweeping the Manger cleane , giue them him , then put a sheafe of wheat straw well thresht into the Racke , and putting downe hys lytter vnder him , let him stand so till one of the clock in the after noone , at one of the clocke in the after noone come to him , and turne vp his cloth , and with a harde wispe , rub downe his necke , face , buttocks and legges , then sift him two or thrée handfuls of Oates more , and so turning downe hys cloth , let him stand till thrée a clocke , at which time come to him , and first put away his doung , then shake vp his litter , and after you haue vncloathed him , curry him and dresse him in thys sort .

First , after you haue curried him all ouer with your curry combe , which raiseth vp the dust , then shall you with some dead horse tayle nailed to a sticke , dust him , and strike away that which the curry combe hath raysde : then take a wispe of straw wrethen hard together , and with it rubbe him cleane ouer , especially his legges , which the more they be chafte , the better and more nymble will the horse be , then take a hayre-cloth , and with it rubbe him ouer , for that wil cleanse away the dust , and keepe his coate smooth & cleane . Then wette your hands , but not too much , and with them so wet , rubbe him all ouer , especially his face , which must chiefely be kept cleane : thys rubbing him with your wette hands , will leaue vpon hym neuer a loose hayre , nor anie other filthy thing .

Then with a cleane cloth that is not dustie nor foule , though it be course , clense him all ouer , for it will make his coate shyne , insomuch that you shall almost discerne your face therein : then looke about his eyes and if you see anie great hayres growing about them , eyther aboue or beneath , as all horses haue , pull them away , for they be perilous for a horses sight . Then take out his yarde , which of it selfe will gather much durte and filthines , and with your hande clense it , then combe downe with a wet maine combe , hys mayne and taile , and so clothe him vp and stop him round , then as you did before , take his backe , and vppon a gentle foote-pace , walke him forth to his water , and bring him home againe , giuing him two or thrée handfuls of well sifted Oates , then if he haue no wheate strawe in his racke , put him a little in , and then throwing downe his lytter , let him so stand till it be eyght a clock at night , at which tyme come to him , and after you haue turnd vp his cloth , rubde him , and chaft his legges , giue him a handfull or two of Oates , and a fresh sheafe of Wheate straw into his Rack , and more newe litter , and so let him rest till the next morning .

In this sort kéepe him for the space of thrée weekes or a Moneth , onely with Wheate-straw and Oates , putting him to no further trauaile then the fetching of his Water , in which space , you shall sée his belly will be cleane taken vp , and he will shew himselfe comely and gaunt , and you shall féele his fatnesse more firme , hard , and sad then it was before at his first taking vp : which alwaies the harder it is , in the better case is your Horse . Now , if your Horse be such a grosse f●●ding beast , that his fatnesse and pursinesse , rather increaseth with this manner of keeping , then ought at all deminisheth , as some Horses , who will féede as sore vpon straw , as if they had Hay and prouender , which wée call Kettie Horses : or if you haue made promise for anie match , so that you cannot well stay to take such long tyme as in trueth you should , or as arte woulde require , then to inseame your Horse the sooner , you shall vse during thys first moneth , for to ryde out your Horse euery night , two howers after Sunne sette , & abide abroade with him three howres at the least , not exceeding foote-pace , which we call night ayrings .

And if this be doone alongst some Riuer side , it is the best , because the sharpe ayre which commeth from the waters , is colde and pearcing , and neuer a one of these euenings , but takes as much of a Horse as if he had endured a dayes hunting : wherefore I admonish all Keepers , not to ayre their Horses in the night , but with great discretion , because it brings lowe , and weakens a Horse verie much . When you haue ayred your Horse thus and brought him in , let his legges be well chafte and ●ubd downe , and then giue him his Oates , and so let him rest till morning , not forgetting but alwaies when you haue brought in your Horse , to picke his fore-féete cleane , least any pible stones or grauell shoulde be gotte within the shooe , or worne into the hoofe .

After you haue spent your first month thus , onelie in taking vp his belly , and hardening his flesh , then shall you beginne to cleanse him in this sort . In stedde of Wheate-straw which before you gaue him , you shall giue him Hay , and the courser such hay is , the better it is ( so it be sweete and well gotten ) for the horse will not féede on it to groslie as otherwise he would : and a Horse will many time vpon very sweete and fine Hay , eate so much that he will breake his winde . Hauing thus chaunged his strawe to Hay , you shall then adde vnto his Oates , Bread , which breade shall be thus made .

Take a strike of Beanes , two peckes of Wheate , and one pecke of Rye , grinde these together , sift them and knead them , with water and Barme , and so bake them thorowly in great loaues , as a peck in a loafe : and after they are a day olde at the least , your Horse may féede on them , but not before . Some peraduenture , that neyther loue thys sporte of hunting , nor make any care of a good Horse , will imagine this Breade for too costlie , and say that common Bakers Horse breade , ● which is made of naught but B●●nne and Wheate chy●●ell , shall doo as much good ● but if they dyd knowe howe many inconueniences is founde by thys common Horse-breade , they would ( without doubt ) alter theyr opinions .

First , the substance whereof it is made , is but branne or chissell , and this branne is nothing but the outmost shale or huske of the Corne , the meale and strength whereof is taken away : now when the vertue is bereft , what remaines but a dry haske thing , without eyther nutriment or spirite ? And what can that I pray you preuaile with a horse that must endure extreame labour ? Then they kneade it with nothing but colde water , which makes it so heauy and sad , that it lyes in the stomacke of a Horse , and neyther turnes to good blood , nor any other nutriment , but onely to putrifaction , and grosse humors , which commonly come to the Anticor , consumption of the lunges , painein the lyuer , the yellowes , and diuers other such like diseases , all which bée mortall .

Againe , Branne is extreame hote and dry , therefore the horse that shall much féede thereon , it will enflame hys blood , scalde his stomacke , and breede in him many filthie diseases : as the scabbe , itch , or farcin and such like . Some againe will aske me , sith I disalowe this common Breade , why in the other breade I bidde them take Beanes , & not Pease ? My answere is , because Beanes are a more strong and cleane foode then Pease , and lesse purssie , and the meale they make , is a great deale finer .

If they demaund why I put in the Wheate , my answer is , because it is comfortable and full of spirite , it bréedeth in a Horse lust , courage and liuelinesse . If for what purpose the Rye , then for this , because the two former graines bée of great strength , and altogether bynding , therfore I put in the Rye , which is altogether loosening and scowring , that being ioyned with the former , it kéepeth the Horse coole and in good temper in his body . Nowe why I kneade it with Barme , that is to make the breade light and fine , that it may be easie of disgestion , and not lie too long in the Horses stomack .

Hauing such breade as this , and hauing taken awaie your Wheate strawe , you shall then alter your Horses exercise in thys manner . Earely in the morning , by fiue or sixe a clocke , after your Horse is drest and trymd , sift thrée or foure handfuls of Oates cleane , and giue them him , which so soone as he hath eaten , then immediatly bridle him vppe and tye him to the bare Racke , then saddle him , and after he is sadled , throw his cloath ouer him , & so let him stande till the Houndes be ready to goe forth a hunting , at which tyme take his backe , but in any case no spurres on your héeles , but ●nely a switching rodde , and so goe foorth with them , and spend that day in hunting , till three or foure of the clocke in the euening , prouided alwaies that you gallop him not but onely thwart and crosse , from Hyll to Hyll , to make in with the ●ogges , exceeding not his trotte at anie time : and this order see you daily obserue for a fortnight at the least .

● When you haue thus spent the day and are come home , sée that there be ready in your stable fresh litter enough , them sette him vppe , and tye him in his bridle to the bare Racke , and all to rubbe and chafe him , insomuch that if hee be eyther wette with sweate or any other thing , you leaue hym not till he be as dry as may be , then vnsaddle him , rub hys backe thorowly , & with all hast clothe him vp warme , and stoppe hym round with hard wispes : then picke his feete cleane and chafe his legges , and so let him stande on hys brydle a quarter of an howre , after which time come to him and gyue him a handfull of Oates , & halfe so much Hempeséede mingled together .

Thys Hempe-seede , is the most gentlest and easiest scowring that can be gyuen to a Horse , the vertue whereof is this . If in the dayes hunting you haue eyther disolued any grosse humors in the Horse , ( as labour wil alwaies doo ) or melted any of his grease , it will clense and bring it away from the Horse , as you shall perceiue the next morning by his doung , which you shold alwaies regard , and looke vnto very much , for it will be greasie and full of slimie matter .

Hauing thus gyuen him Oates and Hemp-seede , bridle him again , and let him so stand halfe an houre , or an houre . After which tyme vnbridle him , and put into his Racke a little bottle of Hay , like a halfe-penny bottle in an Inne , and let him for an howre or there abouts , eate his Hay , then gyue him such a quantitie of Breade as you in discretion shall thinke fitte : neyther so much as you may cloy him and make him refuse it , nor so extreame little that you ease his hunger nothing at all .

Then let him stande hauing Hay in his Racke , til nyne of the clocke at night , at which time come to him , and rub him well all ouer , then hauing faire water in the house , water him : then sift him foure or fiue handfuls of Oates , and mingle with them a good quantitie of Bread , and giue it him . Then shaking his lytter about him , leaue him for that night .

As soone as you come to him the next morning verie earely to dresse him , the first thing you doo looke what doung he hath made , if it be greasie , darke coloured , and foule , then it is a signe the Horse is foule within , full of glut and purssinesse : if it be well coloured , that is to say of a pale yellow hauing no grease in it , then is it a signe that your former dayes hunting did take nothing at all of him , but that his grease remaineth in his body vnwasted : wherfore the next day you may take the more of him , yet not so much that you force him to gallop .

The second thing you looke vnto , must be whether hée haue left any prouender in the Manger vneaten or no , if he haue left any , then shall you sweepe it away and bridle him vp , giuing him no meate at all till night that he come from hunting , for that dayes gentle exercise and fast , will gette him a stomacke , and make him eate his meate with lust and greedines .

If he haue eaten all cleane and left no prouender , then shall you giue him thrée or foure handfulles of Oates , or els some Breade , ( whether of them you please , ) to eate whilst you are dressing him .

Lastly , looke in the Racke what Hay he hath left , if hée haue left neyther Hay nor prouender , then the next nyght giue him the same quantity of Hay , but a good deale more prouender , for it is a signe he had not before halfe enough . If he haue eaten vp all his Hay yet left his prouender vneaten , ( which is commonly the property of a great féeding Horse , ) then the next night giue him but halfe of much hay , and the same quantity of prouender as before , that not hauing hay enough to fill his belly , hee may be forced to eate his prouender or els fast : which if he doo one night or two , be sure he will not the third .

Then dresse him , saddle him , and haue him abroade , vsing him in all poynts according to the manner afore-sayd . Prouided alwaies by the way , that during the time of this fort-night , you may euery morning , either before you goe out , or as you goe , water your Horse , so that you suffer him not to drinke full so much as he would desire . Hauing spent thys fort-night thus , the next fort-night following , you shall aduenture to gallop him a little after the dogges : but in any wise no meane out right chase , but gently nowe and then for twenty or forty score , and no more without a sobbe , and let it be vpon an ouer-thwart ground , I meane plowed lands , or lay lands hie ridged .

Moreouer , let him galloppe so softly and leysurel●e as you can possiblie make him , first that he may therby learne howe to vse his legges and body nimbly , secondly , that hee may strike his furrow cleane without stumbling , and lastlie , that he may haue knowledge and vnderstanding of hi● owne faultes if he chaunce to committe any , and thereby seeke to amende them .

For any fault whatsoeuer he chaunceth to committe in gallopping vppon a deepe earth , in any wise you must not spurre hym , for if you doo , you shall vtterly spoyle him for euer beeing good hunter , the reason here of is this : ● young Horse that hath neuer béene vsed to gallop on déepes , wil at the first be rashe and hastie , and put him selfe foorth more ●iercely then hee can possible continue , then waxing a lyttle weake , he will snapper and stumble , or els ware slothfull , for any of which faultes if you spurre him , he will then through terror of the correction rushe so hastily forwarde without regard , that neyther vnderstanding his error , nor knowing how to amend it , he will increase it : and so where he would stumble but once , peraduenture stumble 3. times . Whereas if you haue no spurres to torment him with , but that he may take his owne leysure , and when he stumbleth , both see the occasion , and feele the paine thereof , which is twice so sore to him as to the man , and farre more loth is the Horse to fall then the man to haue him , he will become so cunning , that the déepe earth and the plaine meddowes will be all one to him : nay , in that he findeth his Rider wil let him take leysure and tyme thereon , he will rather couet the deepe then the playne , and for a surety , cunning preuaileth farre more then speede on a déepe earth .

As for his dyet this fortnight , let it be in all things lyke the former fortnight : both the same meate , the same scowring , and the same times duely obserued . Nowe after these two fortnights are thus passed , which with the former month makes iust too monthes , you shal then perceiuing your horse to be still fat and foule , which you shall vnderstand both by the thicknesse of his rybbe , by the grosnesse of his leske or flancke , ( which will be full and thicke in your hande ) and also by his chaule , which you shall feele both fat and full of little knots at the roote of his tongue which stoppeth hys winde , put him to greater extreamity : that is to say , you shall then hunt more soundly , following the dogges at the heeles , yet with such discretion , that you put not your Horse to aboue a thrée-quarters spéede , for feare you ouer-toyle him , or make hym gyue ouer before he knoweth what hee dooth .

The first day you hunte him in thys sorte , ( through which extraordinary toyle he cannot chuse but sweat much outwardly , which wasteth his outward grease , and by his inward heate , disolue the glut and filth which cloyeth hys guttes and stomacke ) being come home , and hauing sette him vp in the stable , let hym be exceedingly rubd , chaft and made dry , then if you gyue him no scowring that night , it shall not matter , but the next morning so soone as the Sun is vp , hauing kept your Horse fasting an howre , then gyue him this scowring .

Take Rosemary and let it be chopt very small , then take a dysh of swéete Butter , and worke the Rosemary and it well together , then make good round pellets thereof and put them into your Horses mouth , and make him swallow them : so doone put on hys bridle , and being wel clothed an● stopt round , both with his owne cloth and a single blanket , take his backe and walke him forth into some close or field , for halfe an houre or little more : then bring him in and tye hym vp , and you shall perceiue within an houre after or thereabouts , he will grow to be exceedingly sick , but haue you no feare at all , for it is an excellent signe . When you see him so sicke , be sure to haue a warme Mashe readie , made with water and Wheate-meale , Maulte , or Branne , no more then shall collour the water , & gyue it him to drinke . As soone as he hath drunke , gyue hym Hay into his rack , and so let him stand all that day and night , beeing sure that you prouender him soundly both with bread and Oates .

Thys kynde of scowring , though there be a number of other scowrings which heereafter I will sette you downe , yet I haue alwaies found it of most vertue and profit . It purgeth the Horse of all manner of glut , foulenesse and bad vmors .

If hys grease haue beene molten a moneth before , it wil bring it away in his doung in great aboundance , to the admiration of those which hath not séene the like before , whereas if it should remaine , it were eyther certain death , or if nature were so strong to expell it , it would breake out into some filthy disease . The next day after thys scowring thus giuen , take your Horse forth on hunting , yet in anie wise neither put him to gallop nor any straine , but onely trotte him after the dogges that he may take the ayre , gette him a stomacke , and recouer such lust & courage , that looke what you did that daie you put him to extremitie , hee will doe twise so much the next time you shall thereunto constraine him .

In this sort twice a fortnight , for two fortnights together , would I haue you hunt your Horse thorowly after the dogges , leauing no chase vnrunne , and then resting him a day after , vse him according to the manner aforesaide : and the other daies let him but play and sport himselfe after the dogges , as well to acquaint him with the sporte , as to encrease his winde and kéepe him in breath . Some will demaunde , since I woulde haue a horse thus heated after the dogges thrice in a fort-night , why it may not as well bée doone without dogges in some plaine Meddowe , Moore , or Fielde , where a man may galloppe him till hee sweate , as much or as little as one would ?

I aunswere , it is not so good for diuers respects : first , when a Horse is heated after the dogges , he hath choyce of many earthes to runne vppon , one while he gallops vppon déepe plowed landes , another while vpon plaine Pastures or Meddowes , one while vpon lay lands that haue hie ridges and deepe furrowes , another while vppon beaten hye-waies or common tracts : which change of earth , bringes a Horse to cunning speede , nimblenes , and toughnes .

Secondly , the heate a Horse taketh after the dogges , hée taketh kindlie and in good sort , for if the dogges runne a myle , without default , stoppe , stay , or double , it is verie much : nay , you shall haue them in twelue score , sixe score , and lesse , make stops and defaults , all which giue vnto your horse new breath , strength and courage , so that hee will be more willing to run , then you wil be to haue him : wheras if you shold giue him his heate all in a maine chase , it wold be both wearisome , painful , and vnwholsome to the Horse , for suddaine heates are alwaies perrilous , and in stedde of incouraging your horse to take pleasure in his galloppe and to increase in toughnes , you shal discourage him , and make him faint and tyre : and peraduenture vnlesse hee be verie cleane , hazard the breaking of his winde .

Thirdly , the cry of the dogges is pleasant vnto the horse , and he will of himselfe couet to follow them beeing in full cry . And lastlie , the seeing of other Horses to skope and gallop with him , will be an encouragement , and an encreasing of your Horses willingnes . Now by that time this thyrd Month is thus spent , your horse will be cleane in his bodie , wel winded , and in good strength , so that you shal both haue an insight what hee is able to performe , and also adiudge rightly of his truth , which when you are acertaind of , then you may according as your fancie & discretion serues you , eyther hunt him priuatly , or match him for some great wager publiquely .

If you doo match him for any great wager , and thereby doe ouer-match him , though no body can be blamed but your owne folly or fortune , yet since there be many helpes in matching which may much auaile , I wil as neere as I can , bréefely set them down . First vnderstand , it is not good to let your horse ride any match til he be past 6. yeres olde , and ful 7. for till then he commeth not to his full strength , growth and perfection . Secondly note , that according as your horses disposition is , so make your match , or els wilfully be a looser : wherfore if you find him dead slow , that is of little spéede , yet wonderfull true & tough , then make your match to follow the dogs so long as you can , as till 3. or 4. of the clock , that in that space you may with earnest riding , and hauing good tryers to keepe your aduersarie within his law , which commonly is a horse length or two , or as you agrée , so foile the horse that rydes against you , that when you come to run the Wild-goose chase , you may haue as much speede as he , which if you perceiue and know your Horse to be true , if then you loose , impute the faulte eyther to bad ryding , or to a false iudgement in your horses disposition .

Also in thys match , gette your law in the Wild-goose chase , which is most vsually twelue score to bee twentie score , that if your aduersary chaunce to haue more spéede then you , yet with your truth and toughnes , you may recouer him : for that Horse that lets another ouer-runne hym twenty score at the first in a wild-goose chase , it is pyttie he should euer be hunter .

If you find your Horse to be wonderfull arrand swift , yet not so tough that hee will endure to toyle out a dayes work with extreamity , then woulde I aduise you , not to make your match to hunt the Hare after the dogges , but rather to runne trayne sents made with a Catte , in which strong sente a dogge will seldome be at defaulte , and the longer you conclude such traynes , to be the better for you . Also the shorter lawe you make for the winning or loosing the match , the better hope you shall haue of winning , and withall , see you conclude to haue the leading of the first trayne , all which when you haue agreed vppon , then chusing such earth as your Horse may shew his speede vppon , and hauing the swiftest and best sented dogs you can gette , gyuing them as much space before you as you can , trye if you can winne the match with a winde , of which if you fayle , then is your match in great doubt , if your aduersarie be tough .

Wherefore séeing that your speede fayles , then loyter after , and keepe your Horse as fresh as you can , that comming to the Wild-goose chase , taking the leading , sée if with slyppes and turnes you can foyle him that rydes against you . In which slyppes , the cunning of the Horseman must as much auayle as the goodnes of the horse : and for that those slyppes shew both a ready Horse , and an artificiall Ryder , I will teache you héere how to doo them .

The Wild-goose chase being started , in which the hindmost Horse is bound to follow the formost , and you hauing the leading , hold a hard hand of your Horse , and make hym gallop softly at great ease , insomuch , that perceiuing your aduersarie striue to take the leading from you , suffer him to come so néere you , that his Horses head may wel nye touch your Horses buttocke , which when you sée , clappe your left spurre in your horses side , and wheele him suddainlie halfe about on your right hand , and then take him vp againe , till such time that he be come to you againe : thus may you doo of eyther hand which you will , and in neuer a one of these turnes , but you shall throw him that rides against you , at least twenty or thirtie yardes behind you , so that whilst you ride at your ease , he shal be forst continually to come vp to you vpon the spur●es , which must wearie the best Horse in the world .

If your Horse be both swift and tough , yet thicke winded , that is that he cannot runne long with a winde , but if he want staies or sobbes , that he will fainte and yeeld , then your best play is , vtterlie to refuse the Wild-goose chase , and onelie to make your triall after the dogges , tho such tryals be the longer in making . These necessarie helpes in matching béeing dulie considered , and hauing made your match with good discretion , prouiding alwaies to haue a moneth for the kéeping of your Horse , you shall then thus order and diet him .

First , beholding your horse to be lustie and full of lyfe , hauing a cheerefull countenaunce , willing to play in your hand , and perceiuing by your former labour , that hee is in reasonable case for ordinarie hunting , yet not so verie pur● and cleane as he should be for a match , for the least imperfection that may be in his bodie , is the losse of the wager , and for a man to keepe him in the temper all the yeere , were but too costlie , and to little purpose , sith a man may alwaies in a monethes space , ( if he be any thing cleane ) make him fitte for a match : then for the first wéeke , féede him most what vpon that breade before prescribed , and let hym haue Oates but now and then for change of meate , yet let him haue such store of them both , that he may alwaies haue the one or the other lying in the Manger before him . If hauing fedde him in the morning , you finde any at noone , sweepe it away , and giue it to some other Horse , and giue him fresh , so likewise doo either at euening or night , or at other times . For this first weeke and the seconde , looke that you hunte your Horse very sore , and giue him strong scowrings : of which scowrings , sith there be diuers of sundry natures and operations , I will before I goe any further , sette them downe together with theyr vertues , wishing you to apply them thereafter , least in mistaking of them as manie doe , you rather hurte then profite your Horse .

Therefore first , as touching these two scowrings before mentioned , the one of Hemp-séede , the other Rosemary and butter . These two are of all the easiest , for they search nothing of themselues , but onely purge away such matter as is before disolued . As they purge the body , so they perfume the head , open the pypes , and make cleere passage for wind , therefore they be the best for fat horses .

There is another , which is Garlike stampt and lapt in rowles of Butter , and so giuen to the Horse : this scowring onely purgeth the head , breaketh fleame , and preserues a Horse from any disease that commeth of colde : therefore it is to be gyuen to a Horse that is eyther thicke winded , or subiect to take cold . Butter and Saunders mingled together and made in pellets , is of the same vertue that this is , and worketh the same effect , onely it is of more strength and force . Then is there Sallet oyle and Mylke mingled together , and so luke-warme to be giuen to a Horse , thys purgeth the stomacke & entrailes of all grosse matter , and molten grease , therefore it is good for a fatte horse . Also some vse to giue this scowring to a Horse that is newe taken from grasse , as soone as hee is brought into the house . Also there is Sallet-oyle and Muskadine to be gyuen together , this is of the same vertue that Sallet-oyle and Milke is , saue that it is some-what more comfortable , for as it purgeth , so it strengtheneth , therefore it is to be giuen to a sicke and weake Horse .

If you giue a Hore Musterd-séede in his prouender , it is very good , for though it clenseth the stomake little or nothing , yet it purgeth the heade excéedingly : therefore to be vsed to the same Horses you vse Butter and Garlike .

Lastly , and the chéefest scowring of all , is this . Take the leaues of Boxe , and dry them at the fire till you may crush them in péeces , then mingle with them Brimstone beaten to powder , and gyue it your Horse in his prouender , yet very discréetly , as by little and little at once , least your Horse take a loathe at it , and so refuse it . This purgeth the head , stomacke and entrailes , of all manner of filthines , leauing nothing that is vnsound or vncleane : it cureth the cold , it killeth the wormes , grubbes , or bots in a Horse , and it neuer abateth , but increaseth courage & flesh . Therefore it is to be giuen eyther to foule Horse or cleane Horse , but chifely to the cleane Horse , because it will preserue hym from any foulnes .

Thus haue I sette you downe sundry scowrings , with theyr natures , vse them accordingly , and you shall perceiue their vertues . A fortnight of your monethes keeping being spent in sound hunting , as is aforesaid , in which I woulde wishe you to haue a certaine knowledge of your Horses goodnesse , and hauing vsed such scowrings as you finde to be fittest for the state of your Horses body , which when you perceiue to leaue their working , and that there comes nothing from your Horse but cleane excraments , without grease or filthines , then may you be certaine and wel assured , that your Horse is cleane within , sounde , and without anie manner of imperfection , eyther of winde or disease .

Then shall you the second fortnight , endeuour to continue the aforesaid cleannes : and to augment his strength , courage , and abilitie , you shall for this fortnight , make him Breade in thys manner . Take of Beanes a strike , of Oatmeale two pecks , of Wheate two peckes , and of Rye two peckes .

All these being ground together and finelie sifted , let it be knoden with new Ale , the Barme and all being beaten together in the fatte . If you put the whites of Egges into it , it will be the better , and the more wholsome for the horses winde . These being well knoden together , let them for an houre or there abouts , lye in the kneading tubbe , that it may haue time to swell : then let it be wrought vp and baked in great loaues .

With this Breade and with Oates , see that you féede your Horse extreamely , euen so much as hee will eate . As for his exercise let it be thus : foure or fiue times in a wéeke , let him goe foorth on hunting , yet in any case let him not gallop , especially to straine himselfe aboue twise a wéek at the most . If he be such a kettie horse that you perceiue hée feedeth too fast , and that you feare he will were pursie , then may you once or twice a weeke , about foure a clocke in the euening , after you haue trotted after the Houndes all day , sending your Houndes home , breake into a mayne chase with your Horse , and so giue him a good sounde sweate , which so soone as you haue giuen , then taking him vp both in good lust and courage , walke him softly vp and downe , sometimes trotting , sometimes racking , till you haue coold him well , and then carrie him home and sette him vp in the stable .

In this wise exercise your Horse till it be within three dayes of your match , during which three daies , let your Horse take his rest , saue that you may if you will , walke him foorth to gette him a stomacke if it faile him , as it is ●ikelie it will : because for those thrée dayes , you must night and day watch with him , making him to eate all the meate he eates , out of your hand . And when he hath eaten a little , offer him a little dish full of water to drinke , and then gyue him more bread● , then offer him more water , and in thys manner féede him till he be full . Then let him take his rest and lye downe , and alwaies when he riseth doo the like , and in this sorte feede him till his match day : prouided alwaies that you let hym haue Hay in his Racke , and let hym be ledde to the Fielde , bequeathing the rest to God , and good fortune .

CHAP. 4. The secretes and arte of trayning , and dyeting the Horse for a course : which we commonly call running Horses .

THE difference betwéene the Hunting-horse before mencioned , and the Horse for a course is great , therefore the arte of more estéeme , and the secretes more woorthy disclosing . The first , ( which is the Hunting-horse ) hath his vertue , consisting in long and wearie toyle , this other in quicknes of spéede and suddaine furie . And as the one requireth a whole day for his tryall , so this other in comparison , must dispatch in a moment . For the choyce of your running Horse , it nothing differeth from your hunting , saue that you may dispence with sundry faults in this Horse for a course , which may not be tollerable in a Hunting-horse , as for example . If your Horse be long and loosely made , that is , not so short and closely knit together as a Hunting horse should be , yet for a course he may be excellent , and in shorte races show great swiftnes . Also if hee be small lymde and weakely ioynted , although these faults I vtterly disalowe , and mis●like , yet shall you find many Horses of a wonderful spéede , to entertaine these infirmities .

Nowe , when you haue a Horse , whose shape , countenaunce , and demeanure , promiseth assurance of great swiftnesse , and you addicted onely to that pleasure or exercise , in this sort shall you trayne and bring him thereunto . First béeing faire and fatte taken from the grasse , or bought in the Market , sée that in all poynts you diet , dresse and order him , as is before prescribed for your Hunting-horse the two first moneths , onely let his exercise not be thereafter , but in this manner .

Euery morning and euening , ride him into some fayre Meddow , More or Heath , and there for halfe an howre , gallop him gently vpon the hand , euen so softly as you can possibly make him sette downe his féete : but if hee be so furious , that he will not gallop at his ease , but with too great vehemencie , then shall you make him gallop tenne yardes , then trotte as much , and in this sort gallopping one while and trotting another , exercise him , till hee vnderstanding your minde , fall of himselfe to a gentle , light , and easie kind of gallop : which attained to , practise him therein for two monethes , not by any meanes putting him to matter of force , or extreamity , nor euer suffering him to vnderstande his owne spéede : but that all he dooth , he may doo with lust , courage and strength , still pressing and striuing to do more than he doth . The benefit of this exercise is this : the ground being so plaine , smoth , hard & firme , without eyther feare of stumbling , or doubt of too great toyle , and your labour so moderate , your Horse shal learne a true nimble stroke , and withall , so couche his body thereunto , that when you shall neuer so little force him , he will launch out himselfe in such wonderfull manner , that what strength and nature may possibly bring to passe , arte shall asist in the highest degree that may be .

Whereas , if you should exercise him vpon ouerthwarts and deepe groundes , first as the toyle woulde be so wearisome , that for want of ease , he would rather loyter then encrease in swiftnes , so would the vncertaintie , and vneuennesse of the earth so alter and breake his stroke , that not finding meanes to lay his body to his length , or to launch out his legges to the aduauntage of great spéede , hee shall be made to frame himselfe to a short idle gallop , which albeit he may be able long to endure , yet will it be so slowe , that it will breede little profit for a swift course . Some may make aunswere vnto mee , and say : that forasmuch as I instruct them vpon the plainest groundes , not to excéede the slowest ga●lop that may be , that thereby I shall as wel wonte my Horse to idlenes and to a short stroke , as if I did exercise him on the déepest orethwarts .

My reply is this : vpon the faire plaine grounds , galloping my Horse at this ease , if at any time I list ( as manie times it must be doone ) to make him spring into some good round speed , I shall both find the grounde so fit for the purpose , and my Horses willingnes so great , that the more I offer , the mor● he shall desire : where on the other parte , if vpon orethwarts I shall offer it , neyther will the grounde serue , vnlesse a man will wilfully breake his neck , nor long can the Horses strength endure it , be hee of neuer so great ability . Hauing trained your horse in this sort euening and morning , for the space of two Moneths , keeping him in good hunting dyet , and finding his spéede and towardnes to encrease , as there is no doubt but it wil , then being at the least sixe yeres old , you may aduenture to course him more thorowly . And if eyther pleasure or necessity vrge you , eyther runne bell course , or wager . If you doo make any matche , haue great respect to the nature & propertie of your Horse , for if you excéede his ability , there is no doubt but you shall loose wilfully : therfore in this manner regard it . If your Horse be quick , hote and firie , then is it impossible he should be tough , hard and durable , wherefore for him , the shorter , harder and plainer your course is , a great deale the better . Yet if it haue as we tearme them , either inwithes , vpwithes or downwithes , that is , either running within the side of a hil , climbing vp a hil , or desending down a hil , it much auaileth , as wel for recouery of his wind , as the maintenaunce of his strength and courage . For a hote Horse that runnes of an euen leuell , vnlesse he be excéedingly straite helde in , will not onely spende himselfe too outragiously , but also runne hymselfe out of winde wilfully , which once too farre spent , is in a course very hardly recouered : wheras if he haue eyther desent or clymbing , nature teacheth him as well to be his owne fauourer , as arte in his Ryder to bée his gouernour . If your horse be still and heauy of himselfe , slow , starting , alwaies rather crauing , then oft of frée-will offering , such Horses I say be tough , strong , and durable , or els for nothing but a Colliers coale-sack profitable , wherfore for such Horses , the long , déepe , and tedious course is most auailable , because what want of speede looseth , trueth and toughnes may recouer . Hauing made a match , be alwaies well aduised to reserue a moneth at the least to dyet and make your Horse fit in : nay , if he haue not béen before in dyet for a course , if you reserue sixe wéekes it shal be better , because a horse newly entred into so strickt a dyet , will for the first fortnight mourne , and fall away excéedingly , that a moneth will be little enough to recouer his strength , and bring him to absolute perfection : wherfore for his dyet and kéeping , let it be in this manner .

First looke vppon him , and as néere as you can by hys doung , thicknes of his ribbe , cleannes of his chaule , and other externall parts , iudge in what temper and state hys body standeth , and howe farre he is eyther out of case or in case , for the running of a course . Some Horses will runne best when they be hie and full of fleshe , which is the worst and least to be trusted : others when they be but in indifferent case , and somewhat poore to looke vpon , which is the best , and most to be estéemed : of which of these kindes your Horse is of , your experience in his trayning must giue you knowledge . As for them both they haue but one manner of dyet , saue that you must haue this care , if hee that runneth hie be poore , then must you in his dyet pamper him , and get him into lust and strength , making him to endure no more labour then you are forced vnto for preseruation of his wind : and let your strongest scowring be a swéete mash of Maulte , which as it scowreth , so it strengthneth and comforteth , to him you may spare sweats and night ayrings , or any other thing that abateth his strength or flesh .

If that horse which runneth best lowe and poore , be hye and fatte , then to him must you vse the contrary meane , which meane I will expresse in a larger manner , shewing the true arte of dyeting in him , because hee craueth all the helpes that may be : wishing you to vse the same manner to all running Horses of what nature soeuer , onely reseruing to your discretion , matters of extremity .

Hauing therefore made your match , and taken such sufficient time as in good discretion shall be requisite , enter well into the consideration of the state of your Horses bodie , which finding to be strong , ful of lust , and couragious , through his great fatnes : yet by that meane so pur●ie , kettie , and thick winded , that he cannot show that wonderful spéed and goodnes which otherwise he would demonstrate , thus enter him into his dyet . First next his skinne , lay a faire lynnen shéete , because Horses naturally loue to bee sweetly kept , and the more neate they are , the more proude and pleasing to themselues : next the sheete , lay a blankette or two , and ouer them a housing cloth of Canuas or sackcloth , binde these close before your Horses breast , and then gyrd them on with a Sursingle , stopping it rounde about with little wispes .

Thys doone , let your stable wherein hee standeth , bee made darke , close and warme , hauing continually great store of lytter lying about him , the reason for these fore mencioned things is this . First for the lynnen sheete , as it is neate and pleasing to the Horse , so it carrieth this commodity , when nature shall so vehemently striue in the beast , as what through his extreame fatnesse , vnusuall warme keeping , and continuall rest , hee shall , ( as many times he wil ) breake into great sweats , insomuch as when you come to him , you shall find him all of a water , the linnen being next his skinne , euen as the force of nature shall leaue his working ▪ so will the lynnen dry , and be no further anoyance : whereas if the wollen shoulde lye next hys skynne , it would not onely force him to sweat vnnaturally , but also fauster and continue his sweates , till it turne to faintnesse , and then as the sweates procéeding of naturall causes , strengtheneth , comforteth , and maketh cleane the body , so those beeing forced , weakeneth , dulleth , and maketh fainte euery part and member .

For the many clothes before prescribed , they are for two causes : first , to be a helpe to nature , and an occasion now and then to sweate as hee sléepeth or takes his rest , if he be extreame foule , and most aboundantly full of grosse vmors : for otherwise the ●elfe sweates will not chaunce . And thys manner of disoluing these vmors , is most naturall and wholesome . The second cause is , a Horse beeing pestered and as it were loaden with many clothes , when he shall come to be stript naked and eased of them , will finde himselfe so light , nimble and deliuer , that in his course hée will shew the vttermost abilitie he can possible . Againe , being kept so warme in his clothes , when hee is naked , the cold ayre will bee so pearcing , that whereas otherwise a course of three or foure myle , would thrust him into an extreame fainte sweate , by this meane , such a course shall but maintaine a naturall heate without sweate or faintnesse .

For the darknes of the stable , I haue rehearsed a reason in the former Chapter , therefore in this place I will yéelde no other but this : because the Horse shall not distinguish the day from the night , but being kept darke , take his rest in both . My reason for the much lytter I would haue hym continually stand vppon , is this . First , because it will defend him from the colde dampishnes of the earth , which is wonderfull vnwholsome . Secondly , because hee shall not detaine and holde his vrine longer in his bladder then willingly nature would , which if he haue lytter vnder him , hee will not doo , but if he want vndoubtedly hee will : because naturally Horses will refuse to pisse vppon the bare plaunchers .

Lastly , because it will occasion him to lye downe and take his rest , when otherwise he would not : and hee that will expect his Horse should take great toyle abroade , must prouide that he may rest at home . These foresayd reasons being well considered , you shall consequently see that the Maunger wherein your Horse f●●deth , be kept sweete and cleane , without dust , filth , or any other excrament of vncleannesse .

Also haue regard that his Rack be cleane , without cobwebbes or other anoyance , and that there be not any Mud-wall neere him to byte or gnaw vppon . For his ordinarie meate in his Racke , it shall be nothing but Wheate straw well thresht , gyuen by a sheafe at once , morning and euening : and th●s much for these generall things , nowe for other particuler matters , they shall ensue in order .

First , when you come to your Horse in the morning , ( which would be if he be a very fatte Horse , an howre or two before day , if leane , not before sunne-rise , if neyther fatte nor leane , then after day , and before sunne-ryse ) put your hande vnder hys clothes , and féele about hys flancke and rybbes , whether hée be wette or dry , that is , whether he haue sweat that nyght in his clothes or no , if you finde he haue and is not fully dry , then leaue him , and let hym rest vntill such tyme as naturally he dry of hymselfe . If hee be dry ere you come , or haue not sweat that night , then see that his clothes be well gyrt about him , and take a Brydle and Snaffle , the Snaffle beeing washt eyther in Beere or Ale , and hauing bry●led hym , leade hym forth in your hand to the height of some Hyll : and there walke hym vppe and downe for the space of an howre or more , not by any means pulling or compelling him to leade , but suffering him to goe how and wich way he list .

If hee offer to stande still , stand you still with him , if he offer to goe , goe you , if he couet to lye downe , doo not hinder hym , but in all you can further him thereunto , and with the brydle ( if he cannot ) helpe him to tumble ouer and ouer . If he be desi●ous to play , 〈◊〉 vp and down , and skope with hym in your hand : and thus in all things follow his mind , that he may vnderstand he commeth abroad , not to doo your will , but his own , if he be stond , lead him where some other Horse hath dunged before , and let hym smell thereto , which will presently make him to d●ng himselfe , by which mea●es you may empty his belly at your pleasure . After you haue thus wasted an howre or little more , leade him home againe and set him vp , this we cal ayring of a Horse , the reason and profit whereof followeth .

To a fatte Horse that is ayred before day ( through the sharpnes of the ayre , cold dew , and discomfort by want of day or sunne-shine , ) it abateth his flesh , and dryeth vp purs●nes , it refresheth him if he be dull , and causeth courage : it getteth him a stomacke , it greatly increaseth his wind , and addes a great desire vnto him to runne and scope . If he bée leane , and ayred in the pleasantnes of the morning & fayre sunne-shine , it prouoketh pleasure , and maketh a Horse proude in himselfe : by reason whereof his strength ( which want of flesh decayeth ) is the sooner recouered . For as ayring before day diminisheth flesh , so this augmenteth , it keepeth him from lothing his meate , so that you can hardlie cloy him , but hys stomacke will be ready to receiue meate as oft as you offer it him : which is the chiefest thing to bée regarded in a running Horse , because they will ordinarilie take such loathings to their meate , that they will refuse what euer you make proffer of , and is no way to be remedied but by ayring : this kinde of ayring helpeth the Horses winde , and giues him desire to endure labor .

If your Horse be in good state of body , neyther too fatte nor too leane , then the ayring him after day and before sun-rise , shall kéepe him in that state , and neither abate nor increase his fatnesse , but onely help his wind , preserue his stomacke , and make him willing to endure his course the better . Being ayred and sette vp , after his legs haue béen well rubd and chafed , vnbridle him , and giue him the quantity of a penny wheaten loafe , or as your discretion shal rule you , ( for in these quantities your owne witte must be your gouernour ) of that breade which is last prescribed for your Hunting-horse in the former Chapter , which as soone as he hath eaten , leaue him swéet Wheat-straw in his rack , shut vp your stable windowes and the doore , and let him rest till it b● twelue or one of the clocke in the afternoone , at which time , after you haue put away his doung & made your stable cleane , vnclothe him , and dresse him as is before expressed in the form●r Chapter , and then clothe him vp again as he was before : hauing due regard , that during the tyme he is naked , you let him not stand still , but be working or dooing somewhat about him : for whilst a Horse dooth eyther sturre himselfe , or hath his Kéeper labouring about him , so long the Horse will neuer take cold .

When you haue finished your dressing , leade him out in your hand to the water , and let him drinke his fill . Now for that there is great diuersitie in waters , as namely some smal some strong , some feeding , some scowring , I wil shew you which water is for which Horse . First for the fat horse the smallest water is best , as that whose spring issueth from the Rocke , and runneth vppon stone or peeble , which to the eye is pure and cleere as Christall . For the leane Horse the strongest water is good , as that which runneth from some dunghill , or that which issueth from some common sewer , so it be refind and sweetned by his course of running , or the Riuer into which is cast much garbidge , blood , or other ex●raments .

For the Horse that is in good state of body , as neyther too fatte nor too leane , a meane betwéene these woulde doe well , as the standing pond water , which is fedde by a fresh spring , or that which issueth from eyther chaulke or lyme stone : for that water which I tearme small , as indeede it no●risheth little , it altogether scowreth and clenseth both the body and raynes , it preserueth a Horse from the stone , and helpeth paine in the kydneis : yet is it to the taste both vnpleasant and vncomfortable . Those waters I cal strong , are bynding , pleasant , comfortable , and full of nutriment , yet béeing taken excessiuely , breede many badde ●mors , as fluxe of badde blood , head-ache , dimnesse of sight , and great pursinesse .

Those waters which are a meane betwéene th●se two extremities , are the best , and most whols●mest , there●ore to be had most in vse , and that other two put as phisicke helps in tim● of neede onely . And thus much touching waters particulerly , now in generall thus . The lesse water your Horse drinketh , the better , so that nature through too much drought be not inflamed : for by drinking you may kil your Horse , by want you can neuer hurt him . And sith I am thus farre entred into the treatise of water , I will in generall shew the discommodities that grew , by letting your Horse drinke vnaduisedly .

First , if before you course your Horse , you let him drink , in his course you shall not onely hazard the breaking of his winde , but also assuredly endaunger the incording or bursting him . Besides , in such a case , hee can neyther showe spéede , trueth , nor any goodnes . If after he hath cou●st and is hote , you let him drinke , you shall eyther founder him in hys bodie , ( which is a mortall disease , ) or els so suddainlie coole his grease , that it will clappe to his hart , and cloy him so , as eyther hee will die instantly ▪ or els consume and waste away in short time after : which manner of death , vnskilfull Horsemen attribute to ●uiltlesse diseases , therefore in such a case , there is no other remedy but st●ong scowrings & comfortable Mashes .

If after you haue courst your Horse , and rested him two or thrée howres , you then in the hous● gyue him colde water , you shall so force him to qu●u●r and shake , that hee will be in daunger of a Feuer or worse infirmitie : which shaking , if at any time you see your Horse vse , immediatly take his backe , and trotte him vppe and downe till hee bée warme , or els with a good r●dde in the ●able , chafe hym till he leaue trembling . And thus much for the discommoditie of water .

Now to returne backe to my purpose , after your Horse hath drunke and is sette vp againe , his legges beeing well chaft and rubd , let him stand half● an howre vpon his brydle , which time being expired , gyue him the like quantitie of breade as you did in the morning : or if you find he eateth his bread with no good appetite , you may giue him fiue or sixe handfuls of Oates , well dusted and sifted in a fine siue , suffering him so to rest till fiue of the clocke in the euening . At fiue of the clock come to him , put away his doung with your foote , and giue him of bread or Oates , which you find he hath most minde vnto , as you shall perceiue , by offering him first a little of the one , and then of the other , such lyke quantity as is before prescribed : vppon which let him rest till it be two or thrée howres within darke night , at which tyme brydle him vppe , and leade him forth to ayre , dooing in all poynts as you did in the morning , saue that as in the morning you leade him to the height of a Hyll , so in the euening , you must leade him vnto the valley neere the edge of some running Ryuer , where he may receiue the ayre of the colde water , which is sharpe and pearcing , working many good effects in your Horse . Thys manner of ayring is for the fatte Horse .

The leane Horse would be ayred halfe an howre or an howre before Sunne-sette . The Horse who is in good state of body , would be ayred after Sunne-sette , and before day part . The reasons for which , are before dylated . Nowe after you haue brought your Horse in from ayring , and haue chafed his legges well , giue him the former quantitie of bread , and so let him rest till the next morning , obseruing to spende all the next day in euery poynt like this . It may be obiected to mee by some of our stricte Keepers , as I knowe dyuers of that mynde , that thys manner of dyet is too grosse , and that it will rather nourishe then any way diminish glutte , fatte , and pursinesse : yet when they shall with good iudgement consider the want of Hay , and the extremity of his earelie and late ayring●s , and way them in equall ballance with his foode , they shall finde it no deale at all too much .

Hauing therefore spent two dayes in this sort , the thyrd morning in stedde of ayring him , leade him in his cloathes to the place appoin●●d for his course , where when you come to the stake let him ●●ell vnto it , and if he will ( as manie will couet ) let him rubbe himselfe thereon , and so leade him to the place of starte , obseruing to leade him with great leysure & care , forcing him as much as you can , both to doung and stale . If all the way you leade him he refuse to stale , then being come to the place of start , vnloose his sursignle , and breake all the wispes vpon the ground vnder his belly , then by whistling gently with your mouth , procure him to stale , which vndoubtly he wil doo instantly , if he haue not pist immediatly before . When he hath pist , vnbind his clothes , and thrust them back with your hand euen to his buttocks , and so gyrdon your saddle : then doe your selfe pisse in your Horses mouth , which will gyue him occasion to worke and ryde with pleasure , and so gette vp into the saddle .

In which when you are seated , let some person ●or that purpose appointed , ( who hauing a spare Horse to carry your Horses clothes after him , ) stryppe the clothes from his buttocks , of which when he is disbourdened , fayre and gently start hym in his course , and make him runne it ouer couragiously and spéedily . When you are come to the ende of your course , turne your Horse gently about , and bring hym to the stake , where let him a little pause and smell awhile , to giue him vnderstanding that there is the prefixed end of hys labour , to which knowledge hee will attaine in short space . That doone , gallop him gently as may bee , to meete the man who bringeth hys clothes , which presentlie throw vpon him , and gyrde them with the sursingle , then leaping vpon hys backe , pace him gently home to the stable . Where when you haue sette him vp , let his legges and body be well rubd , but no cloth r●moued , then s●op the sursingle round about with great wispes , and so being tyed in hys bridle to the Racke , and hauing good store of lytter vnder him , let him stande thrée howres , or two houres and a halfe at the least , at the ende of which time come vnto him and vnbridle him , making him eate out of your hande two or thrée handfuls of Wheate eares , of that kind of Wheat which we call Pollard Wheate , because it is without aunds , that is , not bearded .

When hee hath eaten them , offer him a Mashe luke-warme , made of ground Maulte and water , béeing both swéete and strong , which when he hath drunke off , depart from him , and let him rest . At one or two of the clocke in the after noone , come vnto him , and if hee be thorowe dry , and the sweat hard baked vppon his hayre , let him be vnclothed , curried , rubd , and trimd , and so clothed vp againe warme as he was before , giuing him a good quantitie of bread of eate , and for that day no water at all , because hys Mashe must serue in stedde of it , and a Horse for a course , is neuer to drinke but once in twenty-foure howres . Thys doone , let him rest till within an howre of sunne-sette , at which time leade him forth to ayre for two causes , the one because considering his course in the morning , which was full of toyle and labour , it is necessary that in his ayring he take some pleasure , least wonted altogether to things vncomfortable , his courage decay , and he grow dull and vnspritie : secondly , that you may haue great respect to hys dung , and whether he voyde and grease or no , which if hee dooth , then may you be well assured of his extreame foulnesse , and also vnderstand , that your last course dyd your Horse great profit .

Hauing ended your ayring and sette him vppe , gyue him both Bread and sweet Wheat-straw , letting him rest , and as you spent these thrée dayes , so spende your first fortnight , at the end whereof , you shall come to haue almost an absolute knowledge touching the state of your Horses body , if you will be circumspect and dilligent , as an excellent Keeper ought to be .

If you perceiue by this fort-nights spending , that your Horse is reasonably cleane within , sounde , strong , and des●rous to endure his course , yet through some little pursines and straitnesse of winde , what his harte in willingnesse would performe , want of abilitie hindereth , then in his second fortnights kéepe , you shall thus helpe it .

First let him haue Wheate-straw in his Racke as hée had before , also obserue the same howres for his ayrings , the same time for his féedinges , and the same manner of dressing and watring him as in the former fortnight : onely you shall alter hys foode in this manner . When you giue him bread , let it not be the Breade mencioned before , but bake hym a batch in this sort .

Take of fine Oatemeale well dryed , two peckes , of Beanes one pecke , of Wheate a pecke , and of Rye a peck , let these be ground altogether , and well boulted through a boulting cloth , kneade thys meale with nothing but newe Barme and the whites of Egges , putting therto a pounde and a halfe of swéet Butter that hath not béene potted . These beeing well wrought and laboured together , let it be thorowly baked in great loaues . Thys breade is more harty and strong then the other , yet it dooth not cloy and feede so sore as the other dooth . It is quicke of disgestion , openeth a Horses pypes , and increaseth wind .

Also during thys fortnight , when you bring your horse from ayring , you shall gyue him hys Oates washt in thys manner . Take two peckes of the best whyte Oates , and let them lye in the sunne for the space of an howre or more , which doone , lay them betwéene two cleane clothes , and with a couple of stickes let them be thorowly batted , then fanne away the hulles from the Oates , which your batting will driue off , and take the whites of a dozen or twentie Egges , and in those whites wash your Oates , which beeing thorowly washt , dry them agayne in the Sunne , and gyue them to your Horse according as your discretion pleaseth .

Of all foodes belonging to a running Horse , thys is the lightest , finest , and most excellent for hys wind . You may also if you please , ( finding your Horse grosse and kettie ) in the morning before you ayre him , giue him a new laid egge or two rawe at hys mouth , which is very soueraine for a foule Horse , because it scowreth the stomacke , and procureth long wind .

During thys fortnight , let your Horse after euery two dayes rest , haue a course , yet in all , not aboue thrée courses that may be sore in déede , and the rest in a playing maner , not exceeding a good round gallop . After euery course let hym haue a swéet Mashe , because that will clense and scowre away all such filthines as shall by his coursing bee dissolued . If your Horse be eyther so old that you dare not well aduenture to course him so oft as you would , for feare of decaying hys courage , or renuing of former straynes , which might bring hym to lamenes : or if the weather bee such that you cannot course in it , or there be any other impediment to hinder that exercise , which should bring your Horse to perfection , and neuerthelesse , you are both compelled to holde your wager , and also find your Horse in no good temper , you shall then to bring hym to perfectnesse , gyue hym a sweate in his clothes in the stable after thys manner .

Fyrst you shall stryppe hym naked , then take a blanket , and warme it hote against the fire , foulding it in many fouldes : thys blanket thus heated , wrappe rounde about your Horses bodie next hys hart , pynning the same verie close and strayte , then lay vppon him two or thrée other blankets , and two or three good thick Couerlets , gyrt these about hym with a Sursingle , and make them fast and close before hys breast , then stoppe the Sursingle rounde about with great wispes of strawe , and lay him good store of lytter vnder hym vppe to the bellie . In thys maner let him stande a quarter of an howre , your stable beeing made so close and warme as is possible .

If in that space he beginne not to sweat , lay some more clothes vpon him : if all that doo no good , then take him forth of the stable , and leape vpon his back , trotting him in some faire Court or Close , til he begin to sweat , and then set him vp again , and lay a blanket or two more vpon him . In this manner let him sweat for an howre , or an howre & a halfe , during which time stand by him , and with a cleane cloth , wipe away the sweat from his face and necke . When hee hath sweate sufficiently , you shall coole him by little and little , as first taking away one cloth , and then within halfe a quarter of an howre another : and so one after one , til you haue lightned him of diuers , hauing great regarde to haue some Kéeper with you , who with wispes and clothes , may all the while rub his face , his neck , his belly , and flanckes , till with his rubbing and the abating of his clothes , he become to be as dry as euer he was .

When he is thus dryed , and clothed againe after his vsuall manner , giue him a swéet Mashe , and all the day after , féede him well with breade . These manner of sweates be the onely meanes that may be , to bring an extreame fat Horse to cleannesse , and the hye way to bring a leane horse to such pouerty , that he will hardly be able to goe . As these sweats be violent , and of great force , so to a fat Horse that hath strength to endure them , they adde such lightnes , agilitie and pleasure , that they be wonderfull profitable : one of these sweates , doth take as sore of a Horse as thrée courses , therefore the seldomer to be vsed , and the greater care to be taken in vsing them .

If your Horse in this fortnight ( beeing vnacquainted with dyet , or being inwardly hote of himselfe ) shal proue so costiue or bound in his body , that he can either hardly dung , or dunge more hard then you would haue him , which is a great signe of vnsoundnes , and sicknes to ensue : then to remedy that impediment , and preuent daunger to come , you shall when you bring him from ayring , giue him hys Oates , washt in strong Ale , the Ale beeing no more but draynd from them . Thys kind of foode is coole and loosening , it is strong and hartie , yet doth a little increase pursines , therefore more fitte for the leane horse then the fatte , yet in time of neede conuenient for both .

If this washt meate preuaile not , but that his costiuenesse continueth , then it shall be necessary for you , to gue● him that scowring of Butter and Garlike , mencioned in the Chapter of hunting Horses , which assuredly will loosen any Horse , yet but in a reasonable sort neither . And withall , as it maketh solible the body , so it purgeth the head of impuritie , and increaseth wind . Yet beware you scoure not your Horse too much , for as to be too extreame costiue , is an euill signe of sicknes , so to be too much loosened , is a signe of weakenes , therefore kéepe him in an indifferent temper rather hard then too soft , so the collour of his dunge be good , which is pale and white , hot redde and hie coloured . And thus much for this second fortnight .

Nowe for this last fortnight , which is all you haue to kéepe him in before you runne your wager , as I sayd before , so shall you now obserue the same howres for ayring , the same times for féeding and dressing him , as is before mencioned : onely his water you shall giue at no certaine time , but alwaies when you féede him , after hee hath eaten a little , giue him a dishfull of water , and then let him eate againe , and then a little more water : and in this manner let him haue his meate and water together , but haue care that hee haue no more water then to quench thirst , not to glut his gréedie nature .

For this fortnight , you shall let him haue no Wheate-straw , nor any other thing els in his Racke , and for hys heade you shall prouide a mussell of Leather , or Ca●uas , made like a bagge to come ouer his mouth , with two holes before his nostrels for to receiue his winde , which beeing made fast at the toppe of his heade , it will kéepe him from eating his lytter , gnawing the Rack , Manger , or Walles about him , and your selfe shal be assured , he eateth nothing but what commeth from your owne hands . Into this mu●sell you shal put thrée or foure times euery day , Annyséedes finely beaten into powder , for your Horse to smell vppon , and nowe and then to licke on with his tongue , which is both wholsome , pleasant , and increaseth wind .

For thys fortnight you shall not by any meanes suffer him to eate in the Manger , because it may vsually be foule and vncleane , although you rubbe it neuer so sore , but prouide to haue a cleane boule , which you may your selfe dilligently keepe neate and swéete , neyther put all the meate he shall eate at one tyme into the boule , for feare of cloying his eye , and so consequently his stomacke , but put it in by little and little at once . Let his meate for this fortnight , bée the bread last prescribed , and Oates washt in the whites of Egges . Course him in this fortnight as in the former , so you be sure he may haue two whole dayes to rest in before hée runne for the wager .

Also the last course you gyue him , let it be in his clothes , and let him not excéede a false gallop : nay if hee halfe gallop , halfe trotte , it shall not be amisse , but profitable , for the more gently you vse him that day , the more willing● he will be the next time to accomplish your desire . The first thing you giue him to eate after euery course , let it be a handfull or two of Wheate-eares , and a little Musterdséede sprinkled vpon them , to purge his head , and occasion him to neese , which is very soueraine .

If in this fortnight hée shall dry inwardly , or growe sickly , and that you find washt meate preuaileth not to remedie him , then you shall not by any meanes gyue hym any scowring , because whatsoeuer entreth into the stomacke and scowreth downward , beeing compounded ( as it must be ) of thinges in some sorte contrary to nature , must of force weaken and draw lowe your Horse , and then you shall want sufficient time to gette him into his former lust and courage againe : but you shall minister vnto hym a glyster of Sallet-oyle , Mylke , and the decoction of Mallowes , thys wyll drawe hys bodie into good temper , and both coole and comfort him .

There be some Keepers which I knowe , that in such a case as this , will gyue theyr Horse a handfull or two of thrasht Rye , or if it be at the time of the yéere , thrée or foure handfuls of forrage , which is the younge gréene blades of Wheate or Rye , being sprung halfe a foote aboue the ground . I disalow of neyther of these , though for myne owne part I haue little vsed them : therefore I referre the same to the discretion of them , which shall haue occasion to imploy them .

In thys fortnight , I woulde not haue you gyue your Horse any sweat in his clothes in the stable , vnlesse it be at the beginning thereof , for feare least you thereby draw him to greater weakenesse then you can recouer . During thys fort-night , you shall not let your Horse eate any crustes of Bread , as well to auoyd filthinesse , as for that they b●e very hard of disgestion .

Nowe lastly , as touching the day in which your Horse must runne for your wager , thus shall you vse him . First the night before , you shall gyue him but a very little supper , so that he may bee passing empty in the morning , on which morrowe haue hym out , and ayre him an howre or two before day , taking great care that hee emptie himselfe thorowly whilst he is abroade , then bring him in , and after you haue well rubd all his foure legges , and annoynted them thorowly , eyther with Neates-foote oyle , Treane oyle , Shéepes-foote oyle , or Lynséede-oyle , all which be the most excellentest oyles that may be for a horse , especiallie the two last . Then gyue him this foode , take a good bigge pennie white loafe , and cutte the same all out into toastes , and toaste them against the fire , then steepe them in Muskadine , and lay them betweene hote clothes , and beeing layde before the fire , dry them againe , and so gyue them to your Horse .

These be so pleasant and comfortable , that your Horses emptines , ( as he must be wonderfull emptie when hee goeth to his course ) shall little agrieue him . If you haue not this ready to giue him , if then you giue him halfe a peck of fine Oatemeale well dryed , it shal be as good , for though it be not so pleasant , yet being so light a foode as it is , it will both comfort his stomacke , and be soone digested . When he hath eaten this , put on his Mussell , giue him great store of lytter , and vnloose his sursingle , that his clothes may hang loose about him , and so let him stand to take his rest , till the howre in which he must be ledde forth to runne hys wager , not suffering any man to come within your stable , for feare of disquieting your Horse .

When the howre is come in which you must lead him out , gyrd on his clothes handsomlie , bridle him vp , and then take your mouth full of strong Uineger , and spyrt it into your Horses nostrels , the strength whereof will search and open his pypes , making them apt for the receit of winde . Thys doone , leade him to the race , and when you come at the end thereof where you must vncloth him , hauing the Uineger carried after you , doo the like there , & so bequeath him and your selfe to God , and good fortune . Chè sera sera .

FINIS .