Brovvne his fiftie yeares practice. Or An exact discourse concerning snafflle-riding [sic], for trotting and ambling of all manner of horses whatsoeuer, from one degree to another, till they be perfit both for the trot and amble A subiect, neuer as yet pubished [sic] by any heretofore. By William Brovvne Gent.

BROWNES FIFTY YEARES Practise .

CHAPTER I. A true and vnfallable way how to Ride and Mannage any Colt , from the haltering of him , from one degree to another ; till he be a perfect ridden Horse of the Snaffle , of what nature or disposition soeuer he is of .

YOV must haue first in a readinesse a strong rope about foure Fatham in length , made with a running noose at the one end : Then cause the Colte to be driuen into some large house , where he may haue some sufficient roome to turne himselfe at his pleasure , and to make him the more gentle to deale withall : Let him haue the company of some old Horse haltered , which you must keepe euer betwixt you and him , to shadow you , in such sort as they vse to stalke at foule ; vntill such time as with a long pole for the purpose , then open the noose wider and lap one side thereof about the pole , then with ease you may put the same ouer his head , then presently put a good strong halter , that well be sure to hold him ; and let there be tyed to it a chasing rope of foure Fatham long , with a turnell in the one end , tie the harter end to the turnell , then let there be strength enough to hold him , then put him forth of the house gently , and bring him into the stable , and there tye him fast to the manger , then within one houre or two , you may take him forth into some faire place , and be sure you haue strength enough to hold him , that he may know that hee is mastered : then let one hauing a long repell in his hand , trot him about you faire and gently , both wayes , which being done , let him stand still to take his winde , and goe faire and gently to him , and cherrish him with faire words during that time , stroaking your pole ouer him in many places of his body , and if he refuse at the first , doe not leaue him till he will suffer you to touch him therewith . Then leade him into the stable againe , and tie him fast as you did before , then you must get a sticke of a yard and a halfe long , and slit him in the one end , some quarter of a yard long , then take as much straw as the slit will hold , and wrap it about fast , and tye it fast with a packe-threed to keepe it in , with the which you must stroake him gently , first vpon the necke and brest , and then to his body , and so to his legges , and so by degrees ouer all the parts of him , till he will suffer you gently to touch him in any part of his body and legges : then you may with the sticke in one hand , and a good long wispe in the other , first touch him with the sticke , and then after with the wispe in the other hand ; and so you may make him let you touch him with the wispe , by often touching him about the head , that he will suffer you to touch him in any place about his head , both about his cares , and his mouth , that when you come to bridle him , he will suffer you gently to put the mouthing-brake into his mouth . Then go and finde out some euen and firme ground , as neere the stable as you can , then get a pile or stoupe stake , and driue it fast into the ground , and that it may be one yard and a halfe aboue the ground : let the ground where you meane to practise him be euen and firme , that hee may take fast foote-hold , then tye your chasing rope to the haiter , I meane to the turnel , and bring him forth , and make a good large noose in the end of the chasing rope : then bring him to the stoupe , and put the noose ouer the stoupe , then let some one take the rope in the middest to hold it vp from his feete , and another with a good long pole in his hand to put him about the ring , and when you beginne to put him about , let it be on the left hand , for that will make Him leade with his right legge , which he must doe both in his pace , trot , and gallop , you must put him at the first very gently about , till he know something what to doe , then you may trot him , but in any case doe not change him on the right hand , till you see that he doth set his right leg before , and when you perceiue he doth it in his trot , then you may venter to change him : But where you put him once about on the right hand , put him three times on the left , for if you doe not make him leade with his right legge before at the beginning , it will be a great hinderance to you , when you come to gallop him .

Now when you haue practised a little , that hee doth know what hee doth , then take him into the Stable againe , and if he worke to your hand towardly , make much of him , and giue him some reward that hee will eate , either hay or Oates , that hee may vnderstand that hee doth that you would haue him . Then lead him into the stable againe , and be exercising him as you did before , till you haue made him so gentle that he will suffer you to touch him in any place , with the wispe in your hand : That being done , then beginne with his feete in this manner , take any fursingle that is strong ; and put the end through the buckle , to make a little noose to put his neere fore-legge in , then get vp his foote as gentle as you can , and when you haue it vp , presently slip the noose ouer his foot , and let it rest betwixt his hoofe and his fet-locke .

Then with a good strength pull his foote vp , and hold it a pretty while , then let it downe againe , and make much of him , then take it vp againe , and euer giue him this word , lift , and so exercise him till hee will lift when you bid him . Then take a good stiffe sticke in your hand , and euer when you bid him lift , pull vp the sursingle , and strike him beneath the knee with your sticke . And with a little exercise when you knocke him on the legge , hee will take vp his legge , and then you may bring him to your hand , that when you offer him your hand , hee will presently take vp his foote if you bid him lift ; and so you must practise him in all his legges , that when you bring him in from riding , you may easily picke the grauell out of his feete , and will be the gentlier to shooe : Now when you haue brought all these things to good perfection , then I would haue you to take a good stirrop Leather , and make it full of holes , to take vp and let out at your pleasure , then take vp his neere fore-foote , and buckle it vp so fast , as he cannot let it downe , then take a sticke and stirre him vp and downe , that he may feele that he doth lacke the vse of one of his legges .

Then haue a saddle in a readinesse , and let one be at his head , then come and offer him the saddle gently , and rubbe it vp and downe his sides , and let him see it , then set it on his backe , and gird the girthes slacke at the first , least he take a distaste at them ; then take away the knee band , and let him settle himselfe , and stirre him vp and downe , that he may feele the saddle on his backe : This being done , then make the mouthing brake fit , which must be done in this manner . The benefit of this fashion brake , is to this effect , being made all of one peece , the roules being loose about it doth make your Colte worke with a merry mouth , and will not gall his lippes as the snafflle will do that is of two peeces .

Louing sonne , I would haue you be very circumspect in this point , for it is one of the chiefest grounds belonging to a snaffle man , for if you cannot obtaine to that knowledge to make your Colts mouth firme and true in all points , it will be a great hinderance to your practise , for it is a secret , that I haue been this 50 yeares plodding about , and now ( I thanke God ) I haue attained to it .

CHAP. 2.

LOving sonne , I will beginne to let you know how many wayes I haue practised this secret of mouthing a Colte . First in my beginning , I was taught to gird a strong sursingle about his flanke behind , then put the bridle raynes into the sursingle so strait as in your discretion shall fit : then let him striue mightely , and lye downe for anger . This way will bring in his head , but sinke it downe cleane betwixt his legges , and make him mouth false . To let you vnderstand what is a true mouth , and what is a false mouth . A true mouth is this , your Colt must let his vpper chap fall euen with his nether chap , and let his tongue rest vnder his snaffle , and worke with his mouth pleasantly , and yeelde to your hand willingly , that is a true mouth .

And the false mouth is , that he doth wry his vpper chap cleane awry from his nether chap , and get his tongue aboue the snaffle , this is a false mouth , and what horse soeuer is thus ●outhed ● will assure you , he will neuer beare light of your hand , but will tyre your armes .

Now the second way I did vse to gird a sursingle before , and put two wisps vnder ●he sursingle , and so rayne him vp , and turne him loose into ●●me Court , and so let him striue with himselfe ; that was better then the other : but neither of them good , for that way did make a false mouth also , and set the rayne too low .

But louing so●ne , I haue two wayes I would haue you practise , if you will follow my directions : The first is this , to put your mouthing-brake vpon your Colts head , and at the first tye it easely to the racke , so that he may ease to put downe his head , and let him stand so a pretty while , then loose it and put the reynes ouer his head , and take one of your armes , and lay it ouer the Colts necke , and the other hand to be on the neere side , then take the one reyne in the right hand , and the other in your left hand , and let your right hand not stirre a whit , but let the other hand worke his mouth , with your left hand with easie and gentle motions , and by a little and a little , you shall so winne his mouth , that he will yeeld to your hand willingly , and euer when hee doth yeelde to your hand , then slacke your hand , and so hee will perceiue your intention presently , and worke to your content : You must euer marke as hee doth yeeld to your hands to worke his head vp still , and in no case let it sincke , and euer bee looking to his mouth , that he mouth true .

I would haue you practise this way of mouthing your Colt , for many a fine mouthed horse I haue made in this manner , but I would haue you vtterly renounce all manner of wayes to set your Colt vpon any manner of rest , for I haue had to much triall of that , to my great griefe .

CHAP. 3.

BVT louing Sonne , I will let you see another fashion of mouthing your Colt that d●th passe them all , that is in this manner following ; First , put your mouthing Brake on his head , then marke this Picture :

Then let him stay there , and as often as you worke him vp , ease him , and let his head downe , and so in short time he wil clyme so easily to your hand as you would desire , and cary exceeding light of the hand : and that is a principall to make his tongue rest vnder the Snaffle , for that he can in no case get it vp aboue the Snaffle .

Then when he is well setled , and doth go gently , then take your knee-band , and put it on his neere fore-legge , and let one leade him fast by the head , and let another put him forward , and goe round about the ring of three leggs , that he may be perfect in going .

The next day when you backe him , I would haue you keepe him forth a good space , and exercise him well of the left hand , and be sure he le●●e with the right legge before .

CHAP. 4.

LOuing Sonne , the cause why I would haue you to practise your Colt on the firme hard ground , is , for that I would haue you vtterly renounce all deepe grounds , for I haue had too much triall of it to my great griefe , and ●●scredit : the discommodity that doth come thereof is this , If you bring your Colt in any deepe ground to chase him about you , if he be a high metled Colt , and being fat at the heart , and full of his body , questionlesse he will go very fiercely about you , and so in a short time , he will be of a great heat before you haue brought him so weary that you may take his backe . The inconuenience is this . First , you put him in great danger of breaking his winde . Secondly , the danger of the great heate is , hee after two or three of these heates , will presently fall into one disease or other , which will ●ither prooue to be mortall , or to get some tent in his body , that will proue to an extreame cold , that will prooue either to the Glaunders , or else the cough of the Lunges , which either of them in short time will end their liues . Now to come to the chasing about the stoope againe , when you take him forth the next day , I would haue you make all things fit that you shall occupy about him . First , make a good strong plat of the longest haire of his Tayle , then take a small peece of Leather or Corde , and tye it fast to the plat , then put it betweene his hinder leggs , and bring it off the out side of his body ; and tye it fast to his mayne , and so let it rest both day and night , this will keep him that he cannot stirre his tayle : This I would haue you doe at the beginning , then the next put your knee-band about his legge , then put the mu●roule on , and the chayne in his mouth : then put on his bridle , then the saddle , then get helpe enough , one good strong man to be at his head : when you do take his backe , and another to put him forward , when you are on .

Then tye your chasing rope to the halter , and bring him foorth to the place where you meane to take his backe , then put him about the ring faire and easily at the first , till he be setled , then you may put him on faster vppon his swift trot , and often giue him his winde , and goe to his head and make much of him . Then take your knee-band , and put it on , then let one take him by the head and lead him ; and the other put him once round about the ring , then stay him and cherrish him , then come to him , and offer your foote to the stirrop , and if he will suffer you to put your foot into the stirrop , the make much of him , and if hee refuse to suffer you , then leade him faster about the ring then you did before , vntill he be willing to suffer you to put your foote into the stirrop : Which if he do , as there is no doubt but he will , then let it rest in a pritty while ; and take it foorth againe , and make very much of him , then take the knee-band of his legge , and lead him round about the ring , and cherrish him , that he may haue vnderstanding , that he doth please you , then put on his knee-band againe , and leade him about the ring , then put your foote into the stirrop and rise vp and leane ouer the saddle , and put your arme ouer where your legge should be , and leane ouer a pritty while , and if he suffer you to do all this cherrish him , then light and take off the knee-band , and lead him about the ring againe , to giue him ease , and then put on the knee-band againe , and lead him about the ring , then come to him as you did before , and put your foote into the stirrop , and bid him at his head hold fast , then rayse your selfe vp , as you did before , and leane ouer him a pritty while , then venture on Gods name to put ouer your leg , and bid him hold very fast at his head : you must sit very gently and stir not , but sit still a pretty while , then light and cherish him : then take off the Knee-band , and lead him about the ring loose : then put on the Knee-band againe : then put your foot gently , and get vp very leasurely , and sit a pretty while : then let him that hath a rod in his hand put him on gently , and if he goe gently but twenty paces , then light for good and all , and make very much of him , and take off the Knee-band , and haue a few Oates in a Scuttle , and let him eare of them to giue him comfort against the next time : this being done , lead him home to the stable , and let him rest two or three houres : but i● any case giue him no maunger meat : but in the racke for one weeke or more , but what you giue him out of your hand , for that will keepe him in obedience . Then take him out againe to the practising place , and your company with you : then begin to put him about as you did before at the first very gently , till he hath got the reake of his wind , then you may put him forth into a swift trot , and then put him into an easie hand gallop , that he may learne to deale his feet : and euer haue a care that he lead with his right leg , and also haue a care often to giue him his winde : this being done , then let one goe to his head , and put on his knee band , and lead him about the ring , then you may come to him as before , and offer to take his back gently , and get vp leasurely , and sit still a pretty while and settle your selfe , then let him with the long rod in his hand put him on , and let him goe round about the ring , and if he goe gently , then make much of him : then take off the Knee-band , and let him haue his legs , and goe once or twice about the ring , and if he doe it gently , then make very much of him , and lead him into the Stable . In any case giue him but a very little at once if he worke towardly , for that will encourage him much . I would not haue him in any case to know what did belong to a plunge , or any kinde of Iades tricke , but to haue a care to haue him as cleane ridden as possible may be , and if he chance to take any toy , to reclaim him before you leaue him at that present , otherwise you spoyle all , and hee will be worse the next time , where it is easily done at the first . Now when you haue set him vp , let him rest as long as he did before , then take him out againe , and put him about the ring , as you did before : then gallop him softly twice or thrice about the ring , that will make him deale his legs finely : then let one goe to his head , and go you to him : then put on his Knee-band , then faite and quietly get on : then as soone as you are setled , take off the knee-band , then put him forward and goe gently about the ring , which if he doe quietly , make much of him , and goe on still two or three times about the ring , then let him stand still , and light off him , and doe not forget to cherish him : then let him lead him quietly about the ring loose to giue hime ease : then let him stand , and come to him , and get gently on him againe , without the knee-band on : and if he stand gently , let the man lead him on as before , and so lead him two or three times about the ring , then if hee doe that quietly make much of him , and then slacke your hand from his head , and goe a yard or more from him , but not too far for feare he take any toy , that you may be ready to clap to his head againe , for I would not in any case he should haue any tast of plunging : then if hee doe goe on gently once or twice about the ring , you may venture to goe further off him to the midst of the rope .

All this while I would haue you let him goe of himselfe , without any medling with his head at all , but drawing his head to and fro with the musroule : then when he will go gently in this manner , you may light from his backe , then take him into the Stable as before . I would haue you to exercise him thus three or foure times on a day by a little at once , and that will bring him to obedience and quietnesse the soonest of any way that euer I tried , then take him forth againe and bring him to the ring , and then put him about as before , some three or foure times , halfe trotting halfe galloping , then come to him and offer to get on , and if hee will stand gently , then goe on as before : and if he offer to stir , then clap the knee-band on , and then he cannot resist , for that is a sure way at all times to make him gentle to get on ; now being mounted , goe gently about , let your footman guide him by the head once about till he bee setled , then he may goe from his head to the middest of the rope , and you may put him foreward your selfe , and settle him gently , and take both the musroule reynes , and the bridle reynes in both your hands , but beare him all of the musroule , and the helpe of the chaine in his mouth : and beare him very lightly of the mouth till he be something setled , that he will goe foreward gently and quietly , and euer be working vp his head , and neuer care for his nose bearing out , but still cary your hand aloft , to get his head so high as you had it when you did mouth him in the Stable , now when you haue wrought him in the ring so long as you thinke fitting , then you may light and make much of him : But by the way be sure euer to giue him ouer in his willingnesse , and that you leaue him not in any disorder ; so shall you find him the next time very willing and obedient to you : then lead him into the Stable againe , and set him vp well . If he bee any thing hot , then you may loose the formost girth , and bring it about his breast , and fill it round with good dry wispes , then when you take him forth the next time , you must haue some old sober horse in a readinesse , that when you haue brought him forth to the ring and setled him well , then let the old horse bee brought forth , then you may let the foot man take his backe , and lead him from the stoops , and tye a rope of two yards long to the halter , then let the footman of the old horse goe before you , and lead your Colt , and let him follow the old horse . This way will boulden your Colt , and make him goe willingly without any stopping . I would haue you goe into some large field of some twenty or thirty acres in compasse , and euer as you goe be working vp his head , and goe round about the field gently , and euer as you goe put him foreward with your sticke , and make him goe against the other horse : let him of the other horse haue a good long rod in his hand , then when you haue gone once about the field , then you may vntye the rope from the halter , and let him haue the rope in his hand , then let your Colt goe against the old horse , and goe a pretty way off , then let him goe before the old horse , and let the other follow , and if he stay at any time , the other man may helpe to put him on . And as soone as he doth go gently on , then light off him and cherish him , & lead him home to the Stable , and set him vp well . Now when you haue him to lead the other horse , then twice a day is enough to exercise him . When you haue brought him to that perfection as he will go willingly of himselfe , th●n you may venture to lead the way before the other horse : but be sure you doe not take your Colt forth at any time , but let one be with you for the space of a weeke , till he be well weaned , and will goe willingly of himselfe ; and then when you haue brought him to that perfection , you may begin to frame his mouth , and I would haue you very circumspect to attain to that secret , it being one of the chiefest grounds that belongs to a perfect Snaffle-man .

CHAP. 5.

LOuing Sonne , be carefull to vnderstand my rules , and I will ( by Gods helpe ) deliuer you truly all my experience that I haue attained this 50 yeares practice . To come to the matter : first , I would haue you walke him faire and easily , and euer be working vp his head gently , carying your bridle reynes , and the reynes of your musroule , two in one hand , & two in the other : for a day or two cary him most of the nose , the chaine in his mouth , let him feele the sn●sfle with the reynes thereof , let him feele both as you finde his mouth frame to your hand : within ten or twelue score stay him , and forget not to raise your hand , it will make him climbe to your hand lightly .

Also I would haue you carry in either hand a good smart rod , with the great end in your hand , and the small end along by his sides as you carry your sword , that if hee beare out his end of eyther side , you may be ready to set him vp straight , and in any case doe not worke him too long , but when you doe finde that hee doth worke to your content giue him ouer with his willingnesse , and cleane without any disorder .

Then when you take him forth the next morning , let your man with the old horse be ready , and if he doe offer to stirre when you doe get vp , then put one the knee-band , and that will make him stand gently , then when you are mounted take the reynes in your hand , and goe gently forward and worke him as you did before , and carry him more on the mouth , till you haue brought him that he will obey to your hand gently , and carry light on the hand , and sometimes carry him on the snaffle reynes , and that will make him carry light both of the mouth and the nose , and when you haue brought his head into that place , where you meane to place his reyne then you may put to your martingale ; and I would haue you make your martingale with a buckle , and not with buttons , and broad betwixt the vpper side of the breast and the foremost girth , then draw the martingale not too straite at the first , till he be a little setled therewith .

Then you may draw it so straight , as his head shall stand euen as his head stood against a Wall . Then proceede forward , and walke him on as you did before , still obseruing the rules I did tell you before and euer haue a speciall care that you doe not carry a pressing hand of him , for that will dull and harden his mouth , and vtterly marre all you go about : but be euer working easily and gently , first with one raine , and then with the other , and you shall see that within a short time he will worke so firmely , and pleasantly , that it will encourage you to worke of his mouth , and euer haue a care that hee mouth true . And now that you haue set him on the martingale , I would haue you to let your musroule raines alone , and not meddle with them , but cary him all of the mouth , and worke him well of the snaffle reynes , for I haue tried many a yeare , that the false reine maketh a false mouthed horse , and now when you haue begunne to worke him of the mouth altogether , then let your hand worke his mouth , and the martingale and musroule worke his nose : so you shall finde in a short time that they will agree both together , and then you shall see his necke rise and beginne to shewe a comely reyne : For it is one of the chiefest secrets belonging to a perfect Snaffle man .

I would haue the ring very large , for that you may bring your horse about , euen so that your horse may come about with his head , necke , and body iust and euen , for in no case his head may not come one way , and his body another way , for that is naught . Now when you are working him in both these rings , you may first pace him , then trot him , first of one hand and then of the other , so long as you shall finde his mettle hold , and that hee will goe freely and metledly vnder you . But be sure you giue him ouer in his willingnesse , and cleane without any way of disorder .

And louing sonne , I will tell you one principall rule more ( that is at the first ) when you beginne with him vnderstand his nature , whether he be of a high spirit , and full of mettle , or he be dull , and of a dogged condition , for according to his nature you must worke him , for if you worke both conditions of one fashion , you will marre more then you will make , the high metled Colt , must be wrought gently with easie helpes , and little correction , for if you deale roughly with him , you will driue him out of all ; but for the dull metled Colt , you must needs be sharpe with him , and often quicken him vp , or else he will do nothing .

Now to proceede , I would haue you exercise your horse in this large figure of eight , till hee will treade it , and trot it willingly , and euer when you meane to stop him vpon the hand , let it be in the midst thereof , betweene the rings , and in your exercise you may put him sometimes into his swift trot ; and prancke him vp and make him goe franckly vnder you , still hauing a speciall care hee cary light of the hand ; and when you put him into his swift trot , if at any time he beare hard of the hand , then stay him and retire him two or three stepps , and that will make him presently to yeeld willingly to your hand , and be sure you faile not , as often as you feele him presse hard of your hand , that you stay him and retire him till he yeelde to your hand , and within a short time you shall finde him , that assoone as you offer to stay your hand , he will presently yeeld and goe gently and lightly of your hand , and so I would haue you bring him to that perfectnesse of your hand , that he will cary his head so stedfastly , and his reynes so round , and stately , that he will not disorded it at any time ; and I would haue you haue a care of carrying your hand , that is to cary it a lost aboue your saddle pomell , and in no case stirre it vp and downe , but cary it still and firme .

CHAP. 6.

ALSO Louing sonne , there is another principall rule , that I do meane to set you downe , and I would haue you be very carefull to get the vnderstanding thereof ; and that is this , to know how and when to helpe your horse , and how and when to correct your horse , and how and when to cherrish your horse , which things must be done all either in due time , or else they will preuaile nothing , for if you helpe him not in the very instant when hee should haue it , it is to no purpose , nor giue correction at the vnfit time , it preuailes nothing at all , and if you cherrish when there is no cause , it is to no purpose neither .

Therefore you must worke diligently to get the knowledge thereof , for when you are in practising your horse , and doth perceiue that he doth stand in neede of helpe , then let him haue it euen in due time , and that will preuaile ; which helpe may bee giuen him three wayes ; with your rod , with your heele , and with your mouth : with giuing a small ierke , with doubling your tongue in the roofe of your mouth , and you may correct him in all these three manner of wayes .

That is with your rod in his flanke , with the sharpe stroake of your spurre , or giuing him some fearefull word with your mouth : but you can cherrish him but two wayes , that is , with clapping him on the necke with your hand , and giuing him faire words that will please him ; and thus in your practise you must obserue all these helpes , and doe them in due time , for in time being done , doth set all right , and out of time will set all wrong .

Therefore I would haue you euer when you are in practising of your horse , and working him in his lessons , to remember in time , and out of time , and there will be do doubt , but all your businesse will come to good effect , if you doe alwayes remember and carry it in your minde , that in time setteth all right and forward , and out of time doth set more wrong in a day , then you shall set right in a weeke . But now to come to your practise againe , I would haue you practise your horse still in the figure of eight , till you haue him so perfect in both the rings , as is sitting .

Both vpon his soft trot , and his swift trot , alwaies carrying light of your hand , with his head in the right place , and his reyne lofty and staitly , then you may begin to set him of a proud trot , and to goe statelie , which in my opinion is the onelie shewe that any snaffle horse can be for vpon , both for the shewe of the Rider , and the horse for to goe of a statelie trot a long a streete , and to take vp his forefeete comely , and round ; and now and then to beat three or foure low curvets , will grace his trot much , so as hee be made so perfect , as hee will make his changes willingly and perfectly , without working on , for it is an vnseemely sight for the Rider to worke vpon his horse in the streets .

And now louing sonne , I will heere with Gods helpe , set you downe a perfect and vnfalliable way how to teach him without heating , or chasing him : First I would haue you put on his musroule and martingale , and then his bridle , then put a sursingle about him , then put your martingale to the sursingle , as you did when you rode him .

Then you may carry him something harder of your hand , and put him into an euen trot , and you shall see him presently begin to goe proudlie before you , then as soone as you see him settle himselfe neuer so little to set his feete to your liking , then staie him presentlie , and make much of him , giue him some reward , and giue him ouer for that time , and feede him well with oates , and let him rest one houre at the least , and then take him out againe , and exercise him as you did before , and you shall see presently , if you sharpe him vp , and shake your rod , that hee will fall into a proud trot presently , and euer bee sure that assoone as you see him set but fiue or sixe strokes true , then presently staie him , and make much of him : Now you shall see presently at his first setting , whether he will haue a loftie trot , or a low trot , and if he begin with a loftie trot , as no doubt if he be a metled horse he will , then you neede not vse anie other helps to him but the reines and rod .

But if he be of a slow mettle , and set his feet thicke and short , and low withall , then you must vse these helpes as you see here proportioned , and then you must put them on , and buckle them on euery foot vnder his foot locke , and you must buckle them straite as you can , that they doe not goe round about his legs , then you may bring him to the practising place againe , and you shall see him take vp his feet finely to your liking : and thus you may practice him still vntill he be so well acquainted with them , that he will take vp his feet so lofty and comely as shall be to your liking : and when you haue him so perfect going on the one hand , then you may change him on the other hand , and that will set his body euen that way he came . Now , when you haue him perfect on either hand , and doth set his trot comely and stately , and that you haue his mouth at command , then you may venture to set a Saddle on him , and the next time you take him forth , let one that hath some vnderstanding take the reynes of you , and the rod in his hand , and let him see how you did cary the reynes in your hand , and if he can make him set as you did , then you may take his backe , and take the bridle reines in your hand , but let him scarcely feele your hand ; but let the other man carie him vpon his long reynes , as you did before : then if he doe performe his trot as he did before , then you may cary him all of the reynes : and if hee doe performe his trot of your reynes , yet let the other man follow you still , that if he breake with your hand at any time , he may helpe you ; and so you may exercise him till hee be so perfect as you shall thinke fitting , and you may cut his trot shorter and shorter , till you haue brought him that he will stand vpon his trot , and trot both foreward and backward . You may not let the footman goe from you , but still carie your long reines after you , till you haue him so perfect as you desire .

Then before you leaue your foot-man , I would haue you let him stand still , and bid the foot man shake his rod and set him foreward , then lay your rod on his left shoulder , and close your legges close to his shoulders , and carie your hand something hard of his mouth , and say to him , Vp , vp , and let the footman helps you with his reines , and it is verie like hee will raise himselfe and aduance cleare vp before , which if he doe , then make much of him , and goe foreward still vpon a foot pace : but if he will not raise himself with the helps you giue him , then deale not roughly with him , but goe on forward a little , then stay him againe , and offer to him as you did before , and if he refuse the second time , then offer it to him the third time , which if he refuse , then trouble him no more that waie , but walke him once about the Court and set him vp , and get a good stout rod of a yeard in length , or there about , and get a peece of a naile and knocke into the one ●nd thereof , then goe to a Grindle stone , and grinde it iust of that fashion that the prickle of a goad is , then take your horse forth again , then let him goe once about the Court , without anie man on his backe , and trot him proudly , then get on his backe , and let the foot-man come behinde with the long reines , and goe once about againe , then let the foot-man set him vp to you , and giue him the same helps as before , and if hee refuse to aduance and rise before , then let the foot-man come vp to him and stand by his shoulder , and pricke him in the middest of his brisket , and say , Vp , vp , and pricke him hard and you shall see that he will raise himselfe presently without faile , which being done make much of him , and goe on vpon a foot pace still about the Court , then when you come to the place where you did offer him his lesson , let the foot-man come and pricke him as before , and he will aduance presently , and euer when he doth prick him on the breast you must help him with the rod , and close your feet fast to the hindmost part of his shoulder , and bid him , Vp , vp , and so practice him till hee be perfect , and euer as you walke him round about , let the foot-man come and giue him the prickle and he will rise presently ; and so so exercise him till he will rise of himselfe willingly , which when he will doe , with the helpe of your rod and foot , then be assured that you haue wonne him , and that with good and discreet riding , he will proceed and goe forward to your liking , and euer haue a care that you doe not dull him , but still giue him ouer in his willingnesse , and a little at once and often . Now , the next morning take his backe at the first , and put him to his trot , and when he hath gone once about the Court , then make him aduance with giuing him the helps I tould you of before , and then when you haue brought him to that perfectnesse that he will aduance easily , at euerie time you offer it him , giue him the helpe of your rod and heele , and when hee is so perfect as you thinke fitting , then you may teach him to make his changes , that is , when he is in his proud trot , you may make him to beat three or foure aduances , which will be very gracefull in his going , and you may teach any horse that shall be proud trotting for a Coach for the streets in this manner : for I assure you , doe but worke directly after these rules , and you shall hit all , and misse none .

And thus , louing Sonne , did I practice at the beginning , till I came to that skill , that now I will vndertake , with Gods helpe , to make any horse to set a proud trot , onely with the hand , heele , and mouth , without any engine .

And now , louing Sonne , that I haue brought you thus far vpon your walke and trot , I will begin , with Gods helpe , to teach you to make your horse to gallop truly and right , from one degree to another . First , I would haue you the next morning , to bring him to the double ring againe , and let it bee rather larger then before , and then put him about it a foot pace , to settle him a little , then put him forth into a swift trot , euer hauing a speciall care that hee cary his reyne as he did before , then hauing trotted him twice or thrice about the ring , stay him , and retire him a little , then put him to his swift trot againe , and put him vp to his gallop as softly as you can possibly make him strike his gallop , and let him goe but once about one ring , ere you put him to his trot againe , and so let him trot about the other ring , and so I would haue you exercise him trotting about the one ring , and galloping about the other ring , till you haue brought him , that as soone as hee hath trotted about the one ring , at the entring into the other , he will fall into an easie gallop of himselfe : and so I would haue you exercise him in trotting the one ring , and galloping the other , till he be so perfect , that as soone as you but bend your body forward , and giue him the flat of your heele , hee will presently fall into an easie gallop : and euer when you feele him presse forward of your hand , and would goe faster then you would haue him , then stay him a little and let him trot againe , and that will bring him to gallop at a certaine .

I would haue you euer cary a faster hand of him in his trot , then in his gallop : for that wil make him cary light of your hand , which is one of the chiefest things belonging to his gallop . For that horse that doth tide chasing and pressing vpon the hand , doth weary the armes and tire himselfe . But louing sonne , giue me that horse , that will ride of an easie gallop from the hand , and so to the middle of his spende ▪ and so to the very height of his speede : alwayes carying light of your hande , and euer yeeld willingly to your hand whensoeuer you see occasion to take him vp to giue him a sobe , for that horse I hold to bee perfectly and truly mouthed , and rightly mannaged from the begining .

All this is easily to bee done if he be rightly mouthed at the begining : but if you doe thrust him forth at the first , to gallop him furiously to the very height of his speed , and so continue him but one weeke you will vtterly spoil him for euer for being at command : Therefore good louing Son marke this course well , and cary it in your memory , and beleeue mee it will doe you much good in your practice . And so I will come to the point where I left , that is , as often as he doth presse hard of your hand in his gallop from the hand , that so often you stay him gently , and put him to his trot againe , and that in short time , that hee will seldome or neuer presse hard of your hand , but will euer cary an easie mouth and light vpon your hand , and when he is brought to his perfection , then I woud haue you to practice him to gallop from the hand as easily & softly as you can possible make him strike his gallop , going round both the rings , alwaies carying a gentle hand of him , for that will make him settle his fore feet , and make him slip them foreward both comely and easily , and bring his hinder legs close and round after him , for as the Colt that must be made for the bit and great saddle , must be made to gallop high and lofty , so must the hunting horse be brought to a slow and easie swimming gallop , as arte can afford , for commonly that horse that is short knit , and High filleted , doth prooue the best hunter , for the strength of the backe doth carie it away at length : and so the horse that is long and loosly knit , will commonly gallop with his fore feet slubbering and stamping , and bring his hinder legs high and vnseemly after him , and will neuer prooue good galloper .

And now to come to the matter againe , I would haue you exercise your horse still as you did before , in the large rings , till you haue brought him so perfect , that he will fall into his gallop at the first setting forth , and go so comely and easily as shall be to your liking , then you may take him into some plaine ground , of some ten or twelue acres , and there begin at a side to gallop him round about , as large as you can ; and when you haue setled him into his truestroake , then you may thrust him vp into the middle of his speede , and so continue him a pretty while , and that will make him gather himselfe vp roundly , and gather spirit into him , then checke him vp againe , and bring him into his easie and soft gallop , and so make an end at this time . Prouided alwayes , that you leaue him with an easie mouth and light reine , now when you take him forth the next morning , then bring him into the same ground you had him before , then put him into his swift trot a little , to settle his mouth to your hand , then put him into his easie gallop , and fetch a large compasse , and make as large a double ring as you can , see that you bring him about of either hand , for the larger he doth gallop , the better may you set his legs and giue him his true stroake ; and if at any time he do fall out of his stroake , then presently put him into his trot , but halfe a dozen trots , and then put him into his gallop againe , and hee will presently fall into his true stroake againe ; and euer haue a speciall care that you keepe him large enough , for when hee doth grow perfect in his gallop , hee will desire to come in too fast ; and if you gallop him any long time , be sure to giue him winde in due time , and giue him an easie hancke : when you thinke he hath done well , then light of him , and make much of him , and walke him vp and downe a little , then take his backe againe , and put him to his gallop . And when he is setled in his right stroake , then looke downe , and see whether his right legge lead or no , and if hee leade on the left legge , and not on the right ; then the next morning take with you one of the slips you had to make him trot , and when you begin to gallop him , begin on the right hand , and first put the slip one his left set-locke , and take it in your left hand ; and if in his gallop hee lead with his left legge , then you may marke when hee doth set his left legge before , then you may euen in that very time when hee doth set his legge forth , giue him a little twich with your hand , and helpe him with your rod of the right shoulder , and presently hee will set the right legge before , and so you may continue that helpe till he will lead with his right leg before , both of the right hand ; and of the left , and so when you haue brought him to his perfect stroake of his gallop , from the hand to the middle of his speede , and that hee will performe it readily , and willingly , then you may put him to gallop roundly of either hand , in and out as you please , as shall come into your minde when you are galloping . And when you haue brought him to his voluntary gallop , and that he willingly giue you leaue to hancke and loose at your pleasure , then you may bein good hope that you haue won his mouth for euer , and then you may take him the next morning into some vnplow'd fallow field , that is redge and furrow , and there begin to gallop him , and doe not goe euen ouer them at the beginning , for that will breake his stroake mightily , but sloope him ouer side-way , till he haue gotten his true stroake , and that hee will strike his furrow euen and iust , and that hee will set his forefoote ●ust in the furrow , for that you must bring him 〈◊〉 if euer you bring him to goe ouer a field with a 〈…〉 . for if hee set ouer the furrow 〈…〉 his backe , and be a great deale 〈…〉 to him then to set his fore-foote euen 〈…〉 ●ow .

And when you haue galloped him ouer so slooping , a quarter of a mile , then you may turne him backe againe , and sloope him as much of the other hand , and when hee will strike his furrow euen of either hand , then you may put him ouer the lands , euen forward ; and when you haue made him perfect in all these wayes , then I thinke you haue finisht his gallop for the field all manner of wayes .

But louing Sonne , there is another round galloping lesson that I haue practised much with three horses all at once , which I will by Gods leaue teach you the manner thereof ; and about some thirty yeeres agone , I and two of my eldest sonnes , of three fine yong horses , did gallop it on Malton Hill , and it was highly commended , for it was neuer done in that place before .

Now good louing sonne , I pray you if you please to practise it , that you will giue it the name of Brownes Round , for that I thinke I was the first that euer did practise it of the Snaffle .

CHAP. 7.

NOW louing Sonne , that I haue here set downe all the skill and knowledge that I haue gotten in fifty yeares practise , from the first haltering a Colt , from on degree to another , till he be brought to gallop this round heretofore set downe . Now I will by Gods helpe set you downe another , as true and vnfallible away to pace and amble any horse sufficiently , and well , of what nature and disposition soeuer he be of , and if you will diligently and carefully obserue these rules heretofore set downe by me , you shal by Gods helpe , hit all and misse none .

First , louing sonne I will begin to let you vnderstand of all the wayes that I haue practised from the first beginning till this day .

First , I did practise to lead him downe the hill , and checke him vnder the chin , that will make him set to an amble presently , but it will make him totter with his end , and stampe with his fore-feete , and will make him set hard .

And I haue vsed another way with long shooes with pikes before of three inches long , that way will make him catch vp his hinder legges vnseemely as though he had the wild Mares hinch .

I haue vsed another way that is to wispe them of their hinder feete , aboue the fet-locke , that way will make him straddle and go wide behind . I haue vsed another way , that is to worke him in some deepe ploughed ground , that way wil giue him sore heates , and toyle him and take of his mettle mightily .

But , louing Sonne , I haue set downe two waies that I haue practised this thirty yeares , and I will neuer vse other whilest I liue , neither to my selfe , nor to any that I shall teach , and these be the two waies .

First , I would haue you take his backe and try him how he is enclined , and goe to some rysing ground and there thrust him vp to the height betwixt his trot and his gallop , and you shall presently see him fall into a shuffle , betwixt an amble and a gallop , and if he will doe so , then I would haue you vse no other way with him but the hand and the heele , if you haue any vnderstanding to know how to helpe him with the hand and heele , you may giue him his pace so without any other helpe . But if in trying him so , he will not make any offer or shew of a pace , then giue him ouer and toyle him no more , but goe to him in this manner :

CHAP. 8.

THen , louing Sonne , you may be in good hope that you may prooue a sufficient ambler : when you haue brought you● horse to that perfection , then I would haue you shift your traues from beneath the knee , and beneath the hough , and put them aboue the knee and aboue the hough , then goe to some vp-rise ( as we tearme it in Yorke-shire ) or some climing ground that doth rise reasonable high , there put him vp very softly , and vse your hand to guid his legs as you did before of the euen ground , and when he is a little acquainted with the ground , you may put him faster to it , and euer haue a care to keepe him long and true in his place , for they be two principall rules ; and euer when he doth well , then faile not to make much of him , and giue him some reward , and you shall see that within two or three daies hee will worke so finely and comely vp the hill , that it will doe you good to ride him : but alwaies haue a care to leaue him when he hath done well , and in his willingnesse : and so when you haue practised him in that manner with the Traues , and that you finde him to goe perfectly and well , then take off one of them , and let him goe with the other on , and when you haue him perfect , you may take off the other : and when you haue taken off the other , I would haue you make in a readinesse one paire of hough-bands , made as this figure doth shew you , and buckle them hard aboue the hough behinde , then take his backe and put him vp the road faire and softly , and if your hand and heele will serue you to keepe him in his true stroake , then you may proceed with him and worke him on : but if your hand will not serue to keepe him where he was , then I would haue you presently to clap on the single Traue againe , and so practice him till he be so perfect as he will go willingly and true .

And if he doth set ouer further of that side that the Traue is on , then he doth of the other , then shift the Traue on the other side , and that will helpe him of that fault : And when you haue brought him that he will goe perfectly and well , then take it off again ; but before you take the traue off , you must put him vp to the height of his pace , and make him strike it out , a●● euer as you see him to grow vpon your hand , and come on faster , when you come to the end of your road , light off his backe and lead him down and make much of him , and when you haue him so perfect that hee will strike out to the height of his pace , then venture to take it off , and say him loose with his hough-bands on .

In any case remember to giue him but short roads , if hee worke to your hand well when you begin to try him loose , put him to it very softly , and so proceed faster as hee doth grow in perfectnesse . And when you haue him that your hand and his legs doe agree altogether , then there is no doubt of your proceeding ; and then you may ease his hough-bands a little till he will goe without them ▪ and when you assay him without them , put him vp the road very softly , as you did with his engins on . Now louing Son , to let you vnderstand the benefit of the hough-bands , is this ; They doe make him bring in his hinder legs close and low after him , and will make him goe comely in his pace , and also set forward his hinder legs : and now when you haue him working vp the road loose , and that he will set true and right , then put him on faster as you see him grow in perfectnesse : but you must not thrust him vp the road euerie time to the height of his pace , but pace him softly three or foure times , and the fift time thrust him vp to the verie height ; for if you should put him vp euerie time to the height of his pace it would dull him and make him wearie .

And you must not in any case , shift his road , vntill he be so perfect , that when you offer to put him vp to the height of his pace , he will flie vp with it so lightly and comely as you desire .

And louing Sonne , I would haue you to be very carefull and circumspect in this point , for it is one of the chiefest principalls which belongeth to the pace : for there is small art in bringing any horse to the middest of his pace , but there is great art and skill to bring a horse to his full pace , and that he wil goe with it in any company : For , louing Sonne , I my selfe was but halfe a pacer for the space of twenyeares , and had as many horses as I could turne me to , with the helpe of two of my Sonnes , and was well paid for them : and I haue met them within a month after , and haue seene them goe of such a hiffe haffe , as hath beene neither amble nor trot , which hath grieued me much ● and I could neuer mend it vntill I got the skill to worke them vp the hill : for , louing sonne , I will assure you , it is not to be done any way so well as that way : nor to bring him to his changes , that is , from the height of his pace to his gallop , and from his gallop to his pace againe , and to shift from the one to the other truely at your pleasure ; for I would not giue a pinne for that pace that will not keepe company with any horse that he shall meet with , and to make his change at your pleasure , that is , to goe in his amble , in his gallop , and in his trot at your pleasure : when you will haue him shift from one to another , then is hee fit for any company : for the horse that is perfect in all these three paces , the rider may say , Now I will ride of an ambling horse one mile , and of a trotting horse another mile , and of a galloping horse the third mile .

And now louing sonne , when your horse will make his change from one to another in his first roade , then you may take him into another road that is something lower rising then the first , and when you haue him perfect in that , then you may take him from that to another roade , that is something lower then the second , and when hee is perfect in that , then you may bring him to the euen ground , and so perfect him in that , and then you haue brought him to goe on all grounds : but you may not in any case shift him from the first road , to the euen ground at the first , for then you marre all , but you must bring him downe by degrees to the euen ground , and that you haue him perfect on the euen ground , you may take him to the highway , and ride him the first day one mile , and home againe , and the next two miles ; and so as you see him grow in perfectnesse , so you may take him further and further , till you haue him so perfect that he will goe a dayes iourney .

And when you doe begin to trauell him out a dayes iourney , you must light downe often , and ease him so that hee will tall to his pace againe very willingly , but if you keepe him alwayes at his pace , you will so tyre him in it , that hee will haue no desire to keep it , and you must as you are trauelling , euer when you come to some faire grauell ground for the purpose , something rising , and of a good length , you may put him vp to the height of his pace , and so make him change truely to his gallop , and so keepe him in his gallop some twelue score , or there abouts , and then you must helpe him with your hands , and bring him backe to his amble againe , and so you may exercise him as you trauell on the high way , to make him perfect of those two things , and for his trot you need not trouble your selfe , for he will goe to that of himselfe , but you must not in any case put him out of his trot , into his gallop , but you must bring him out of his trot , into his pace againe , then you may put him into his gallop , and so change him from his pace to his gallop at your pleasure ; and when you haue brought him that hee will performe all these changes at your pleasure , then I thinke you haue made him fit for the hye way , and now that you haue brought your horse from one degree to another till hee be perfect on the hye way . I will make hold to call you backe againe to your first lesson where you began : And good louing son marke this poynt well , that is , to haue a speciall care of your horse at the first putting on of your single traue that it be of a due length , neither too long nor too short , let it not be aboue a yard at the most , and be very carefull in leading of him with his head vp , and as softly as possibly you may make him goe : For all the skill that belong to the traue , is to giue him a long stroake , and to vnderstand how to giue him his helpes in due time : I would haue you practice this way till you be very perfect herein , and obserue the rules heretofore set downe carefully , and when you are perfect in this way , and that you finde you grow perfect to lead his legges right , and true , then I would haue you begin to practise to worke him vp the hill , with the traues aboue the knee , and aboue the hough ; and practising so in short time your hand and heele will serue you to worke any horse with the traue on in that place , and when you finde your hand serue you so well , then you may venter to practise him loose vp the hill with the hough bands of his hinder legs , and so to come to worke him loose without any engine , for now I thanke God my hand doth serue me so well , that I do not traue one amongst seuen .

But louing sonne , there is two lessons more , that I will teach you , which be the cunningest lessons belong to an ambler ; and the first is to be done in this manner hereafter mentioned .

CHAP. 9.

FIrst louing sonne , I would haue you bring your horse into some large ring , of foure or fiue score paces about , and put him into as fine and comely an amble , as you possible can make him goe in , then let him goe two or three times about the ring , then put him vp to his fine hand Gallop , out of his pace , and let him goe other three times about , then take him vp from his Gallop , and put him to his proud and stately trot , that you made him before going loose before you , as your Picture doth shew you , & that ( as I tearme it ) is the going of three changes , and all in one round compasse ; and I thinke , if you haue brought him to ride all those three changes in that round compasse , as often as you please to put him to it , you haue done as much to him of the snaffle as arte can affoord .

CHAP. 10.

LOuing sonne , the other lesson is this , hauing brought your horse to this perfectnesse , and that hee is truely paced rightly coloured , and finely made , and stately , and that hee be for an Honorable mans Saddle , and that you must set him on a Pad , and a Bit , you must begin with him in this manner : First , when you haue him at the length of his pace , that must be that hee set his hinder foote ouer his fore-foote three quarters of a yard at the least , then you must begin to set him proud of your hand ; and euer set him forward with your rod , heele , and mouth , and you shall see him presently begin to cut his pace , and to goe proudly : you must make your roade but short that you doe ride him in , that you may giue him rest at euery roades end ; and you must haue a speciall care , that as you cut his pace short , that you make him set true , or else you marre all : For you must bring him from three quarters of a yard ouer , so farre short till hee come to set but one foote iust ouer another , and must set his pace as true as hee did , when he set ouer the furthest , and when you haue cut his pace so short , you must let him rest there , for it is not possible to cut it any shorter , and make him set true withall .

Now when you haue brought him to his shortnesse of his pace , I would haue you you perfect him in that stately going till he will willingly , when you haue him at the length of his pace , if you but take vp your reynes , and thrust him forward with your heele , and mouth , that hee will goe as proudly and as stately as you will desire to haue him ; and now when you haue brought him to this perfectnesse , and that hee must be set vpon a Bit to beare a foot cloth in the streetes , it is fit you doe bit him , for that you know how to keepe him in his true stroake with your hand , and you must bit him in this manner ; If hee be a short fore-handed horse , the cheeke of his Bit must be the longer , and if hee be long fore-handed , it must be the shorter , and when you doe put the Bit into his mouth , first you must take as small a hunting snaffle as you can get , and put into his mouth first , and then you may put one the Bit , and let the curbe be at the full length at the first , and beare him at the first all of the snaffle , that you may helpe him when neede is : and so you may by a little at once let him feele the curbe , and so you may exercise him till hee be perfect , and when he doth ●●now the curbe , you may take it vp shorter , as you see cause .

And so louing sonne , when you haue brought him that hee will goe of his proud and stately amble , and shift to his proud and stately trot , and shift from one to another at your pleasure , then I thinke you haue performed as much as is possible to bee done .

Now louing sonne , I will teach you to make your horse beat a curuet in the stable : you must begin in this manner : You must first turne him backward in his Stall , and set him vpon two false reynes , the●●●● a paire of Pastornes on his fore-feete , then take your prickle you had before , and prick him on the breast , and he will presently rise vp before , as you taught him in his proud trot , then you must put on a paire of traues , as you see here , aboue the knee , and aboue the hough , then turne him forward againe , then let one be at his shoulder , and giue him the pricke , and stand you behind him with another long pricke , and pricke him on the side of his buttocke , and hee will present rise behind , and so you may take both the pricke in your hands , and first thrust it to his shoulders , and then to his buttockes , and he will presently rise before , and behinde , and beat it euen .

The traues will make him keepe his hinder legs close , and not yerke out this lesson is good to exercise him in the stable when you bring him in from riding , and after his water .

There is another lesson I will teach you , that is as needfull , that is to make your horse kneele downe when you would haue him . You must begin in this manner , you must turne him backe in the stall , and strow litter enough vnder him , then put a long slip to his foot-locke on his farre-foote , then put an other on his neere foote , then take the slip on the far side , and bring it ouer his wythers , then with your right hand draw his legge vp a good way from the ground , then hold it fast , then draw the other leg vp withall your strength , and bid him couch , and he will presently kneel downe on both his knees , then when he is downe , make him kneele a good pretty while , then let him rise againe , and make much of him , then you may exercise him so still , till hee be so perfect that hee will kneele downe when you strike him one the knees with your rod , and bid him couch : this lesson is good for a high way horse , when the Rider is weary , to light .

Now there is another lesson to teach your horse , that is this , to make him follow you any manner of way you goe ; you must teach it him in this manner . First , you must keep him very sharpe for one day , and a night , and giue him nothing but straw in his racke , then come to him the next morning , and tye a long slip to his coller , then take a good quantity of oates in your prouand-dish , and goe to him and let him feele them , and then goe a good pretty way from him , and shake the oates in the dish , and bid him , Come , come , and if he will not come , then goe neere him , and draw a little from him , and hee will come presently ; and so you must practise him , till when you loose him from the manger , and shake your oates , he will come to you .

Then you may goe out off the doore , and let him follow you loose in some Court , where he cannot get out , and so you may make him follow you any way wheresoeuer you goe , and then you may put a peece of bread in your boote , or shooe , and the taste of it will make him loue you exceedingly , and blowing into his nostrills will helpe much .

CHAP. 11.

AND now , loving Sonne , for Farriership I haue no skill , neither will I set downe any thing , but what I haue tried by my owne experience , and sore paines taken this fifty yeares .

But I will set downe three serets , that is very fitting for either Rider or Groome to know , and these be they .

To make a Starre in any darke coloured horses forehead , or sneepe in his nose , or in any part of his face and body .

The second is , to make roules to get a cold from any horse that is new taken .

The the third is , to kill any scratches , or sore heeles whatsoeuer .

For the first , you must make a bodkin in this manner heretofore set downe , and two prickes in the same manner , and where you would haue the starre , there you must thrust in your bodkin , and bring it forth againe some quarter of an inch aboue where you put it in , then you must take your bodkin forth , and put in one of your prickes ; then you must make another hole crosse ouer the other pricke , then take foure yeards of fine two-peny-bredth Inkle , and wrap it about in this manner , as you see this sample , and when you haue wrapped the one halfe , then crosse it as you see this figure , some twice or thrice about all the foure ends , and then goe on still and wrap as you did before , and tye it fast at one end , and let it be on foure and twenty houres , and then vnwrap the Inkle and take out the prickes , and close the skin with the ball of your hand , and annoint it with hot butter once when you take them out , and again within two or three daies after : and so doe no more to it , for the skin will come on it , and it will bee a very faire white .

You must make your medicine for the cold in this manner :

For the killing of the Scratches , you must take foure penny-worth of white Copperis , one handfull of bay-salt , and boyle them in small beare wort , till it be something thicke , then put it in a pot , and clip the hayre bare , that the water may goe in , and when you dresse him , rub it in well that it may goe to the bottome , and dresse him morning and euenining , and keepe his legges dry , and it will presently kill the disease .

I haue one secret more , which shewes how you may haue a Horse-coult , or a Mare-coult at your pleasure .

When you would haue a Horse-colt of your Mare , obserue this rule : There are twelue signes , six Male , and six Female ; and if you would haue a horse Colt , you must put your Mare to the Horse in one of the male Signes and it will bee a horse Coult. So likewise for a Mare Coult , you must obserue it by the osix Signes which are contrary .

CHAP. 12.

SO now ( louing Sonne ) I haue troubled you with a great deale of reading , for a small deale of matter , but I must desire you to beare with an old memory , for the old saying is , as age comes on , so memory decayes . I will now onely set you downe a briefe of all the principall rules , in order , as I haue obserued them in this booke .

The first is , To make a true and perfect mouth .

The second is , to make a proud , stately , and comely reyne .

The third is , to make a proud and stately trot , which must be done with round balls of wood , six or seauen inches in compasse , and made fast vnder his fetlocke , as is shewed in his place .

The fourth is , to make a full sufficient high-way pace .

The fift is , to make a proud stately short pace for a street .

The sixt is , to make a fine comely and easie gallop , either for hunting , or for the high-way , and that he will make all his three changes in a large ringe , that is vpon his pace , trot , and gallop , and that he will performe all these changes in those rings heretofore set downe , and that he will doe them all without any disorder .

Then louing Son , if you will practice to get all these grounds here by me set downe , you shall be accounted as sufficient a Snaffle-man as most is in England .

Vale.