The Experienced jocky, compleat horseman, or gentlemans delight containing plain and easie directions in breeding, feeding, keeping and managing horses for all occasions, as war, raccing, hunting, travel, &c. ... to which are added plain and easie directions for the breeding, feeding, managing and curing distempers in bulls, cows, calves, oxen, sheep and swine, useful and necessary for all persons who expect pleasure or profit by any of the forementioned animals, the like before not extant.

The Compleat Horseman's TRUE DIRECTORY : Or the Rules and Methods for managing Horses at all points , after they are brought up and fitted for the Saddle , by the care and industry of the Breeder : as in the foregoing Treatise of his Office , is expressed .

A Horse of never so good a breed , and carefully brought up to the Saddle , falling into the hands of an unskillful mannager , is like an unstrung instrument , or a Ship without a Rudder . Therefore I have not thought it at all unnecessary , but altogether convenient to reveal this part or mystery of Horsemanship , that every man , without being beholding to others for advice , or putting himself to the charge of a Horse-breaker , may mannage his own Beast to such advantages as he sees fit , or best approves of , which I shall lay down in these following Rules .

Experienced Rules for Saddling and Mouthing , &c.

YOur Horse taken up , and with feeding by hand and handling made somewhat familiar , hang the Saddle and Bridle always near him , and often offer to put them on , till at last he will suffer you to do it ; then girt him about , though not too hard , but rather put small wisps of Hay between his body and the girths for his ease , and let your Bridle be as easie as may be , though strong and well put on to prevent his headstrongness if he attempt it . Then in a fair day carry him abroad into a plain field or other convenient place , and make him trot round you , sometimes cherishing him with your voice , and at other times striking him with your switch as you see occasion . Hang with your weight upon the Saddle , shake the Stirrups , strike them against his sides , and strain the Crupper , with all such matters as will happen in riding , till he is familiar and seems well to brook them .

Your Horse by this means being plyable to the Saddle , take off the slight , loose and easie Bridle . Gird the Saddle hard ; then washing his mouth with ALE , you shall put into it a full mouth'd Trench , formerly used , and drawing the Reins over his head , lay them upon the Saddle , drawing them now and then , that he may have a feeling of the Trench , which will induce him to Champ , and play with the same , and thereby make him more familiar with it ; after which having your Martingal in a readiness , fasten it from the Chaul-band to the Girths , but with some slackness , unless your Horse is apt to toss up his head upon starting wantonness , or a col● 〈◊〉 he has got .

This done fasten a broad pecie of Leather about his neck at his withers , and before the middle of his weasand , about six inches beneath his Throple , between which and his neck let the Martingal be drawn , to prevent his ducking down his head : for by that means the Cavezan being placed upon the Gristle of his nose , being the tenderest part about him , will when he throws down his head , hurt him , at that rate , that he will soon leave of that ill custom of ducking or thrusting his head between his legs , and make him carry it Archwise bending like a Swans neck , which will add much to his comeliness ; and thus use him for eight or ten days before you back him .

Rules to be observed upon the first backing your Horse .

YOur Horse being become patient of the Saddle and Trench , lead him in a Morning or Evening into some ploughed or other loose ground ; and after divers turns essay to mount him often , till you find him patient of your burthen . Then having one to hold his head , advance by degrees , shaking and moving your toes and body with equal motion , so that your Horse may perceive you , and so do divers times , cherishing and heartning him , till at length you dare trust him without any one to lead him : but venture not too quickly to ride him far , but make him more and more familiar by giving him bread , grass , and other provender out of your hands ; and by often mounting and dismounting , and so continue him without much intermission till he will advance , stand , or turn at your discretion . Then lay by all but the Cavezan , Trenches and Martingal , and ride him forth , another riding on a Horse before you , and from a slow walk , trot or pace him according as you find him disposed ; letting his lesson for the most part be either advancing fore-right , or standing still , sometimes suffering him to follow the Horse , and at others to ride equally with him ; for having regard to the other Horse he will imitate him in his paces and carriage , in which you must be sure to mannage his head to the best advantage : for as he at first is used to carry it , so will he continue to do afterwards .

Rules to be observed in the Management of a Horse to bring him to perfection .

THe first thing to be considered is , to what end you design your Horse , either to one particular service , or to all in general ; the former is plausible , but the latter judged by most impossible , for that no one Horse can perfectly retain so many lessons as belong to all exercises , as Hunting , Racing , War , Travailing , &c. Yet in all these 't is requisite that your Horse have a good mouth , Amble smoothly , Trot freely , and without much provoking to it , lifting his legs neither too high nor too low , that he gallop strongly and be in motion swift , ridding ground apace , being ready to stop , advance , retire , or turn about upon all commands and occasions without any force or compulsion : But above all , Horses for the Wars ask most care and diligence to prepare and bring them to good order . Yet as to all sorts ( reader ) I shall give the best advice my judgement and experience is capable of laying down ; but ere I proceed to the main points , and extraordinary rules to be observed by the most accomplished Horseman , I shall take such Gradations as may the better inable the reader to discern and rightly understand my methods .

In mannagment of untaught Horses these seven things are to be observed and used , as occasion requires , either to correct or cherish your Horse , viz. the Whip , the Spur , the Stirrop , the Calves of the legs , the Curb or Snaffle , the Ground and voice : all which I leave to be used at the discretion of the rider as occasion offers , there being no certain rule for the use of them , though they are all much conducing to the mannagement of a Horse , unless the ground which ought for breaking of Horses to be soft ; and for Racing , Hunting , &c. firm and even .

How to bring your Horse to the Mannagement of the Ring .

YOur Horse throughly tamed and learned to advance , stop and turn without any seeming unwillingness ; then riding him to some sandy or gravelly place , where the print of his footsteps may plainly be seen , incircle the ground by trotting for the space of 50 paces in compass , which done three or four times , rest on the right hand and cherish your Horse ; then by moving him upon the Ring of the Circle , stop him upon the left hand , and let him rest , still incouraging him , and by often changing your hand and mending your pace , you will soon make him perfect , but upon every full stop make him retire a pace or two in the same manner , if you can , as when he trots forward .

Thus doing , your Horse will be ready upon all turns , and with little labour brought to understand your meaning in most things , and especially to gallop the Ring by degrees till he is capable of performing it at full speed : Observe in turning about the Ring upon the gallop , whether your Horse when he leads to the righthand , leads with his left forefoot , and in gallopping to the lefthand his right fore-foot advances before the left ; which if it so happen , then he will soon be expert at the Ring , and many other difficult exercises . Which some Horses not doing , it had bred an opinion in Jockies and others , that it is not convenient to gallop the Ring ; and their reason is for that by raising up his forefeet he gallops painfully ; which is not , but when he carries them even : for if he set one before the other as aforesaid , it is easily performed , and if the Horse at first or second time do not observe it , yet in the end , for his own ease , he will practise it , and having practised it , continue it , &c.

How to stop in a full Carreer , to Advance , Retire , &c.

TO stop your Horse on all occasions , whether upon Amble , Trot , or full Speed , you must observe suddainly to draw in your bridle-hand strait and steady , hard and sharp , and by that means you will make him stop firm , close and even ; but if he turn sideways , or move forward , after you have drawn in your hand , then put him to it again , till he obey your will . After you have taught him to stop , attempt to make him advance upon your stop , that is , rise with his forelegs , which you may do by suddenly clapping the Calves of your legs close to his sides , and not touching him with spurs , and at the same time shaking your switch or whip over him , which will add much grace to his stopping ; if at first he understands you not , try him again , and in five or six times tryal he will perform your desire .

How to oblige your Horse to retire , and to indure all manner of Bitts .

TO make your Horse retire , you must with a steddy Rein draw him back , so that with his legs lifted up as when he Trotteth forward , he must retreat three or four paces , which in a War-horse is extraordinary necessary , and indeed commendable in all Horses brought up to the Saddle ; but you must observe to make him do it in a direct line , not turning to one side or the other , nor suffer him to shuffle in his retiring , but take his legs cleverly from the ground .

Your Horse perfected in the lessons aforesaid , if you design him for a War Horse , take away his Trench and Martingal , and leave only the Cavezan to be used of three or four pieces or joynts , viz. a joynt in the middle , and to it a strong Ring fastened , and on each side a joynt with Rings before them , to which divers Reins being fastned , you may use them to command your Horse as occasion requires , or if this be too hard for him , put into his mouth a Cannon-bitt made up with a French check , fitted to the proportion of your Horses neck , for if it be not proportioned , there can be no true mannagement ; for the long check elevates the Horses head , and the short one pulls it down . These are the material lessons at first to be learnt , which being perfected , are an Introduction to what remains , and renders it less difficult .

Turnings and strait Turns , what they are . And Rules to mannage your Horse in that affair .

THe turnings are , when the face of the Horse is kept fixed on the Center or post , bearing about in circumference with his hinder parts , opposing his face to the face of his enemy .

The strait turns are when your Horse moving , keepeth his posteriors inwards , and close to the Center or post , and bearing about makes the circumference , with his fore part advancing a little towards the enemy , that would avoid him .

The first strait turn is to be mannaged thus , to the Ring in the middle of your Cavezan fasten a rein , about three yards or somewhat more in length , and to the other two Rings two reins , somewhat shorter . Then his bit and Saddle put on , bring him to the post , and there put the reins and bit over the Saddle-bolster and all , and so fasten them at such straitness to the Pummel , that he may feel them both . Then if you are desirous he should turn to the right , take the short rein on the left side of the Cavezan , and bringing it under the Saddles fore-bolster , up to the Pummel , fix it there , at such a straitness , that his head may be rather swayed from , than to the post , his eyes looking to the right , at what time let some one of your attendants hold the rein on the right side of the Cavezan at the post , moving it so that the fore-part of your Horses body may turn about at full . Then in your own hand take the long rein , causing him to bear his hinder-parts inwards , which you must do by striking him gently on the outward shoulder , and outward buttock , as you see occasion , causing him to turn about the post ; his hinder parts being the Center , whilst his fore-parts move the circumference : and thus use him on the one hand , till he is indifferent perfect ; then by changing the rein on the other outward ring of the Cavezan , cause him to do it on the other hand , after the same manner . And so you must exercise him morning and evening , till by a touch of your rod he couch his posteriors to the Post , and swiftly Trot round , still in his motion , placing the outward fore leg over the inward , and so by degrees in his wheeling oblige him to mend his pace , swiftly , and distinctly , and in as direct a compass as can easily or conveniently be performed ; till at last he fly with such Celerity that his fore and hinder-legs move equal .

Your Horse having learned this lesson perfectly , mount his back , whilst your Groom holds the long rein , and another the short one , then with the motion of your hand upon the left rein of the Cavezan and bit , bearing his head from the post , and by the motion of the Calves of your legs , and your switch upon his outward thigh , causing him to bear his hinder parts to the Post ; exercise him till he performs it as well with you upon his back , as he did before . Then taking away the Cavezan , exercise him with the short rein only , and so by degrees having brought him to be perfect at the Post , you may exercise him without a Post in any open place , and this motion will prepare him for all the following ones .

The straight turn is to keep his face to the Post , as if he were facing his enemy , swiftly flying about with his hinder parts : His head being the Center ; the reins both long and short , must be used as before , only you must not give the short rein such scope , but drawing it nearer to the post ; still as he moves about , follow his hinder parts with the long rein , and observe whether he bear his hinder legs in his motion one over the other , as is expressed by his fore legs , with the help of your rod , making him bring his hinder parts swiftly round the Post , as is before said ; and when he is perfect , mount his back , and cause him with the foresaid usage to turn swift or slow , as you see occasion : then leaving the Post , exercise him in an open place , till he is perfect and expert in either turn , which will not only accomplish him for the Wars , but for Hunting , Racing , and all other matters that can be required in a Horse

Approved rules to bring your Horse to a swift and smooth Amble , Trot , or Gallop , upon the least motion .

DIvers opinions , and divers ways are there to bring a Horse to a true and graceful Amble , though indeed many or most of them fall short , it being a lesson not learnt by any Horse without great difficulty ; to Trot and Gallop well and graceful , being far more easie : But howsoever I shall direct you what courses to take , whereby it may the soonest be obtained . But before I give you my own opinion , I shall recite and confute the errors of those , that have deceived themselves and others , who have taken their measures , &c.

First , Then divers are of opinion that the only way to bring a Horse to a perfect Amble , is to trace him to and fro , in a new ploughed field , where the Mould is dry and soft ; wherein they say he cannot with ease do any thing less than Amble : yet let me tell them , his Amble in such a case , will be rather a shuffling , than a true Amble ; besides , it toils him so much that when he comes upon plain ground , remembring the slavery he was put to , he will rather fall into any other pace , and forever after be put out of love with Ambling .

Secondly , There are some who hold it the best way to oblige a Horse to fall from a gallop into an Amble , upon a suddain stop , made by checking with your bridle , and bearing forward , clapping the Calves of their Legs close to his sides : but this rule is altogether uncertain ; besides , by such stops , they not only spoil their Horses mouths , and so lose the command of their rein upon divers occasions , but indanger their Horses ; indammaging them by over straining , spraining their sinews , breaking their Hoofs , or the like .

Thirdly , Some , again , are for setting on shoos of an extraordinary weight , which makes a Horse interfere , and strike short ; often indangering him with lameness , and for fear of striking , so slow is his pace , that he can never by that means be brought to a graceful Amble . Others load their Horses Fetlock-pasterns , by wrapping Lead about them , which is more hurtful and dangerous than the former , often creating strains , not curable , and by crushing or bruising the Crownet , cause Crown scabs , Ring-bones , Quitter-bones , and the like , to the utter disabling of the Horse . Others are of opinion that loading a Horse with ponderous weights cross the Fillets , will oblige him to Amble . But let me tell them , also and experience teach them , that if they often use that course , it will undoubtedly disable any Horse , by rendering him sway-backed , and weak in the hinder parts .

Fourthly , Many give their opinion that there is no way like teaching a Horse to Amble by hand after this manner : bring him , say they , to the side of a straight wall , Pail , or Rail , and having moved him a little , a walking pace till he begins to be warm ; then with your bridle-hand , you being on foot chock him , and at the same time with your rod fitly strike him on the hinder Houghs , and under his belly when he treads false , causing him to pace by degrees : But this Rule is uncertain , for it rather hares and frights the Horse , than any ways makes him understand what he is to do , obliging him to flounce , fly back , spraul , and rear himself on end , &c. which often used he will retain , and ever after , upon the least occasion , start and fly out , or very hardly be induced to leave them , or should he by this means be brought to any perfection in Ambling ; yet when you are mounted on his back he will be far to seek , and not understand your motions , so that it will prove but time spent in vain .

Fifthly , Many there are that hold a Horse may be brought to Amble , by having shoos clapped on his hinder feet , with long plates before the toes , by which means at every step the hinder foot may reach the fore foot ; but this is not only incommodious , but dangerous : for in the first place the Horse must go shuffling , and can be put into no true Amble ; in the next place , if he strike hard , he will cut , bruise or strain the sinews on the back of the forefoot , still beating the forelegs forward ; which frequently causes halting and lameness not curable , there being no part about a Horse more tender .

Sixthly , Fine Lists , some hold best to Amble , which in this manner they propose ; take say they , a fine List , twist it in the nature of a Cord , and drawing it strait about your Horses Cambrel , where Farriers are wont to garter them for a stiff strain , turn him to Grass , which cramping of his sinews will for his ease make him know no other pace but the Amble ; and perfect him in it , in a fortnight or three-weeks . This is altogether uncertain , for the Horse finding himself cramped , will only draw his legs after him , and shuffle unless he be forced , and if the lists are drawn too strait , when they are taken off , the sinews will be so numbed that he will be only capable of crambling and cringing ; and moreover it will greatly subject him to the string-halt , and often twitching up his legs .

Seventhly , There still remain some that say there is no way like using your Horse to the Tramel , to oblige him to Amble , which indeed is the best method ; yet since there are many errors and over-sights in it , I shall not think it amiss to lay them down in order , and then proceed to give such rules as I conceive , and experience has proved , the best and readiest way , to bring your Horse to an easie , comely and graceful Amble .

The first error is their not observing the fit and just length of the Tramel ; for if it be too long and not capable of giving a stroke or too short , and by that means gives a false stroke .

The former makes the Horse move shuffling and after a confused manner , altogether improper and indecent ; & the latter by the suddain twitches it obliges the Horse to make , subjects him to the string-halt , and other indecent motions of his feet .

The Second error is in those who without a due proportion of their Tramel , will place it out of order , viz. fasten it above the knee of the foreleg , and about the fetlock of the hinderleg ; when if it be too long , the foreleg cannot command the hinder to follow ; and if it be too short and strait , so that the sinews and Ligaments are pressed and girded , and that the foreleg and hinder must of necessity have equal motion , then will the main sinews be greatly injured in the hinder leg , as also the veins and Ligaments of the fore thighs , to the utter disabling of your Horse for a time , if not for ever : nor can he then move , but in a crambling , shuffling and halting posture , altogether undecent and unprofitable ; besides , it will by long chafing bring down the humours , &c.

The Third Error , relating to the use of the Tramel , is when they that use it , make it of such course hard stuff that either by girding it too strait , or leaving it too loose , it will either so gird or gall , that both skin and hair will be taken off , and so the Tramel rendred insufferable , and not answer the expectation of him that put it on .

The Fourth and last Error I shall expose to view , is the opinions of many , that the Tramel is altogether unnecessary , alledging Ploughed land most feezable , which is more an error in those that assert it , than the Tramel is useless or erroneous ; for the Tramel in my opinion rightly applyed , is the only means to bring your Horse to a true Amble , the use of it being made as followeth .

The most approved and Experienced way to make a Horse Amble true and compleat .

WHen you design to teach your Horse the true Amble , first by leading him a racking pace in your hand , observe to what motion he is most inclinable : whether Trot , Running , Bastard-Amble or other , then mount him , and racking him deliberately , force him to advance by the help of his Mouth-Weeks , with his Snaffle , which must be full , smooth and large . Press him gently on both sides with the Calves of your legs , and now and then a gentle touch with the Spur , if by that means you can oblige him to strike into an Amble ; but above all be sure you do not by too much chafing , or too strong a hand disorder , or force him to distort either his Mouth , Neck or Head ; and if he do fall into an Amble , as it were of his own accord , though not perfect , yet ; it is greatly promising that he will soon be induced to a pleasant Amble by the help of Art , and cause him with more patience and less danger to indure the Tramel , by reason the motion without stumbling , flying out , or the like , becomes natural . And now the next thing to be considered is the form of the true Tramel and its use , divers there are that make them of Leather , some of Canvas , and others of Lists : but all of them are uncertain and incommodious , by reason the first will deceive the Horse and the Rider by stretching ; the second disable the Horse by galling him , and the third doth stretch and hang loose , by reason of its softness : therefore the best way , though many ways there are in use , besides what I have mentioned , is to make your Tramel of strong packthred , twisted into a cord , about the thickness of a Jack-line , hard and well dried , of which form your Tramel thus : let your side cords be so firm that they will not give the least way ; let the hose , or part fastened about his legs be close , soft and immoveable ; the backbands light and somewhat broad , the better to avoid hurting your Horses fillets , the length of the side Ropes must be just 36. inches ; or if the Horse be of a long reach , an inch may be added but no more , and so equal in length they must be , that the difference of a straws breadth must not be perceived ; the hose must be placed on the small of the foreleg and upon the hinderleg , just above the fetlock , made of Girth-web , lined with Flannel , Cotton or some such soft matter , fastened with Neats-leather Tabs , made supple by tallowing , of an even length , in which divers holes must be punched at an even distance , to pass through the nooses which are to be on the side ropes , so that by buckling them with strong buckles ; the said ropes may be drawn up or let out at pleasure , the Tabs not to exceed 10 inches , nor the holes in them four inches .

This done , let your back bands , whose use is to hold up the side Cords ( if you Tramel all your Horses legs ) be made of Girth web , lined with Flannel or the like , to prevent galling ; but if you Tramel but two of his legs , Filleting or strong Tape will serve ; but you must be careful that it maintains the side cords in an even line , without either twitching it up , or suffering it to fall , for these are gross defects and great hindrances , for rising shortens the side cord , and falling makes it apt to intangle the Horse .

This being the manner of making the right Tramel : I shall now proceed to give my Reader a description of its perfect use ; as thus , bring your Horse into an even place , not too hard or stony , and there putting on his hose on the near legs before and behind ; fasten to them the side cords , as aforesaid , the Horse standing as even as possible , not straining forward nor crimpling inward , but to his just and due proportion ; lay the side ropes fastned by Girth-web or Tape to the Saddle , then laying your hand on the Bridle , oblige him by straining his head gently to move forward , or if you perceive it requisite , let another assist you in forcing him forward , whiles you compel him to Amble about the ground , for that purpose chosen , as leisurely as possibly , using him with all gentleness and often cherishing him with your voice , till he feel the Tramel , and begin to understand what he is to perform : And although he stumble or fall now and then , at his being brought to the Tramel , yet in a while he will grow perfect , if you be not too harsh towards him : But when he falls , rather cherish him , by permitting him to rise at his leisure , than seem harsh towards him ; for by that means he will find out his own failings , and amend them , and soon understand the motion he is designed for ; and in your hand Amble to your liking , though it is not amiss if at first , when he begins to learn , that you permit the side ropes to be longer than the measure , before specified , to prevent the suddain twiches , till he is used to the Tramel ; but when he begins to be perfect , be sure they be of a constant length , lest the over length render him a slow Ambler , or the under length cause him to halt or shuffle .

What time the Tramel may be altered and when it is most convenient to mount his back to journey , &c.

YOur Horse being brought perfectly to Amble by hand , you may change the half Tramel , removing it from one side , and placing it on the other , and as you see occasion put on the whole Tramel , till he run swiftly without the motion of snappering or stumbling , after which try him upon uneven and uncertain ways , up & down hill , over clumpers and false footing , that so he may in his Amble answer all Roads ; for divers Horses there are that will Amble smoothly and decently upon even ground , but when they happen upon rough and stony ways , fall into a hard trot shuffling or an ill favoured pace , out of which it is very difficult to force them .

The Horse being thus tryed and no difficulty appearing , mount his back or set another to do it , whilst your self by staying his head , keep him from any ill conveniency , and take a narrow view how he treads his steps ; after which , your self mounting him and often cherishing him , may oblige him , to mend his pace , till he move with as much agility as you can desire : yet forget not between whiles to put on sometimes the half Tramel , and at other times the whole Tramel , often shifting them from one side to the other , lest your Horse should forget his pace ; and in so doing twice or thrice a day , you will bring him in a Month or six weeks to the heighth of perfection .

Thus far having proceeded , you may without any Tramel ride him upon the road for three or four miles , not picking or chusing your way , but taking the uneven with the even , and if you perceive him to baulk his Amble , then having the half Tramel about you , put it on , which will soon put him in mind of what he is to perform ; but if you perceive any impediment that caused him to forsake his Amble , remove it , and then try him again without the Tramel ; for there is nothing belonging to Horsemanship that is not requisite to be used on this occasion , or to be left off as occasion requires , viz. the chain , Headstrain , Cavezan , Musroul , Martingal , Bit , &c. And thus much touching what relates to instruction for Ambling shall suffice , it not being in the least to be questioned , but if these rules are observed , the Reader will have his desire .

As to Trotting and Galloping , they are paces so ordinary and so easie to be attained , that I need not much inlarge on them , as for the Trot , it is of two kinds , viz. the Lofty or Prancing Trot , and the common or Running Trot. To oblige your Horse to the first of these , you must perfect him at the Post , as is before recited ; after which putting on a strong Curb-Bit , by bearing him up , shortning your rein by twisting it about your Bridle hand , oblige him to bend his neck Arch-wise , not any ways inclining it to one side or the other , but foreright ; and by using him to it , he will at length keep his head and neck in the same posture when you ride him with a Snaffle , after which fasten a strong strap to his Girth under his belly , and bringing it between his forelegs , fasten it pretty strait to the Curb , or Chain of the Bridle , and then mounting your Horse , hold the reins with a steddy hand and cause your Horse to move forward , sometimes striking him upon the hinder thighs with your rod , and at other times cherishing him , at what time feeling his head straitned , between the under and upper rein , he will lift his forefeet high , treading short in a proud prancing manner , which by often usage will make him perfect in it ; when the under rein is taken away . As for the other Trot , the grace of it being when it is swift and smooth , the only way is at the first breaking of your Horse , to set a full bodied man upon him , whose weight will so ballance him , that he cannot let his feet fall from such a height , or with so strong a spring to jolt the Rider , by reason he will not be capable of lifting them so high . Another way to oblige him to an easie Trot , is by loading him at his first bereaking with heavy shoos , which will make him Trot more deliberately , and with less shaking his body , to offend his Rider .

As for Galloping , it is divided into two kinds , viz. Hand-gallop , and Fullgallop , or Full-speed , to either of which a skillful rider , by the mannagement of the rein , and use of Whip or Spur , may oblige a free Horse at his pleasure : Wherfore I shall no longer insist on them , but conclude this part of Horsemanship , the most material of all others , and from it I shall proceed to advise the keeper what in his place is most convenient to be done , both for the credit of himself and the advantage of his Master .

Rules to be well considered and exactly observed by all that undertake the care of good Horses .

AMongst other things appertaining to a Horse , good looking to is not the least , for if he fare never so well , if he be not carefully looked after , at all convenient seasons , he will not thrive ; therefore for their better understanding , to whom such offices appertain , I shall lay down these following Rules .

First , Rising in Summer-time about Sun rising , and in Winter-time by break of day , enter the Stable , having over-night prepared three pints or thereabouts of dry Oats well sifted , and added to them a pint of split Beans , give them your Horse , the which when he has eaten , fall to dressing him , currying him over with your Iron Comb , leaving no part undone , then with your dusting cloth dust him over , or for want of that with a Horse tail , after which with your French brush beginning at his forehead , proceed by degrees to rub every part of him leaving not so much as the breadth of an inch untouched throughout him ; then dust him again , and with your wet hand lay and smooth his hair , then drying your hand , dry the wet places with the same , not forgetting to cleanse his Sheath , Cods , Yard , Tuel , Forebowels , Ears , Nostrils , and all other places that are subject , to sweat or filth ; this done , with your hair-cloth rub him over in all parts , but especially his Head , Cheeks , Face and Eyes , the top of his forehead and between his chaps , then with a woollen Cloth kept clean for that purpose , rub him over again in all parts , and lastly comb down his Main and Tail .

The Horse thus put into good order , Saddle him and lead him out of the Stable , where mounting his back , ride him gently to water , but so that you may a little warm his stomach : then having permitted him to drink a considerable draught , Rack him gently ere you bring him into the Stable ; having done that , though not made him sweat , bring him into the Stable , having his cloaths ready ; as soon as you have rubbed him down , put them on , and so let him stand for the space of an hour , at which time give him two quarts of Beans and Oats mingled as aforesaid , which being eaten , toss into his Rack a hard knop of hay , and let him bite upon it till noon ; noon being come , furnish him with the like quantity of Beans and Oats and the like knop of Hay , if the former knop be eaten , or else not .

Evening being come , carefully dress him , after the same manner as in the morning you did , and so ride him to water , warming him before you permit him , to drink , as likewise afterwards bring him into the Stable , clothing him and rubbing him down without any alteration , and after an hours standing give him Beans , Oats and Hay to the quantity aforesaid ; that is three pints of Oats one of spelt Beans , and a knop of Hay , and let him stand till Nine of the Clock at night , at what time renewing his Bait , and tossing up his Litter , leave him till morning .

How to order your Horse when you design him for Sport , or Travail . And how in and after Travel , Sport , &c.

WHen you intend to take a journey , see the day and night before , that your Horse have his due proportion of meat , and be well rubbed down , clean Littered , and served with warm water in the Stable without leading him abroad ; and either with Trotters , oyl Neatsfoot-Oyl , or Dogs Greace , which it behoves you to have in a readiness , supple the joynts of fore and hinderlegs , it being warmed over a fire , which will not only make him nimble in his Travail , but hold out much better than otherwise he would . In the morning let him have his Beans and Oats , but no Hay . If you find him lively and mettlesome , give him no water before you ride out , but being mounted ride him a mile or two , a racking pace , and when you find him well heated , ride him as you please , either Amble , Trot or Full-speed , you cannot hurt him ; but be sure to observe when you come into your Inn , that you with your Glazing Knife ere you rub him down , take off the sweat ) the knife so called , is made of an old Sword blade or a piece of a Scithe ) after which rub him down , and cleanse him as you have been formerly shewed . Then he having eaten his allowance of meat , which must for conveniencies sake be double what at once you are to give him when he stands idle ; you must if you find him any thing hot , give him warm water , but if he be indifferent cool , cold water will not prejudice him .

Having after a journey , heat , or the like , brought home your Horse , hot or tyred , bring him not into the Stable till he be pretty well dryed , and cooled by moderate walking ; when being entred the Stable , and tyed up to the Rack , rub him down as you have been shewed before , and girt his cloaths fast about him : Tucking some drie wisps between his body and the Girths , and when he has stood on the Bridle for the space of two hours ; toss a knop of Hay into the Rack , whilst you prepare your Oats and Beans to the quantity of two quarts , amongst which it will not at all be amiss , but rather profitable , if you mix half a pint of Hempseed well cleansed ; and at night when he comes to receive his last bait , give him warm water mixed with a small quantity of fine Oatmeal , and so tossing up his Litter let him rest till Morning .

As to washing and walking your Horse after a journey ; I hold them both dangerous ; the former occasioning surfeits , and the latter contagious colds turning into the Glanders , and other both troublesome and noysome infirmities . But if he be extraordinary dirty , take a pail of warm water , and having first scraped off the dirt , rub him with a wet brush till he become clean . If he be hot and not fitting to be Stabled , then ride him gently up and down , till you find him temperate and cool ; but in no wise walk him in your hand , lest the dullness of the motion conspiring with the cold diseases damp his courage , and by that means subject him to divers infirmities . And thus much for our Keeper . Now I shall proceed to give instructions to the Feeder ; though indeed the Keeper and the Feeder are in a manner one and the same : But since much remains in that nature , in order to prepare a Horse for Racing , Hunting , &c. I shall lay down Rules and Methods apart , such as will not only ( if rightly observed ) save great charges , but more speedily than what has yet been publickly known ) fit and prepare Horses for all Noble recreations . And First , for Racing or Running Horses .

Rules to be observed in preparing and ordering your Horse designed to Run , according to the condition he is in , and the temper of his body .

THe chief thing , when you have matched your Horse , or are about to match him , that is requisite to be observed , is the state of his body ; but especially whether he be Foul , Fat , or newly taken from Soil , or Grass ; whether through excessive riding or other hard usage , he be reduced to leanness or afflicted with any infirmitie ; or whether he is in a good and likely condition , through kindly usage and gentle breathings : and according to these observations , proportion your time , in order to fit and prepare your Horse to perform your desire . Two months being the longest time you need desire , be he in the worst of the conditions aforesaid , if the following instructions be exactly observed , the worst of which is his being Foul and Fat , &c. by reason the Grease must be brought away , before he can be fit , for this extraordinary exercise ; six weeks , if he be lean , for then his feeding and exercise need not be distinct in days , but every day both of them put in practice , as for a Horse in good case , and free from infirmity : I hold that a month is sufficient , if he be carefully looked after to prepare him .

These things considered , the next is to observe whether your Horse , if fat , by extraordinary exercise , is so tender that he loses his flesh and falls away ; if so , you must be more moderate in your exercise , and tender over him ; but if you find him hardy , and of a free spirit , then you must keep him up to it , and he will prove the better . Again , if your lean Horse be of a free temper , and feeding upon all meats , will get his flesh up apace , and not lose it by exercise ; then you need not be so tender over him , and the like must be observed by your Horse in the middle state , always taking special notice of their Limbs ; that there harbour no defect ; for if so , your labour will be greatly hazzarded , if not altogether lost .

Having thus far proceeded , I shall now lay down Rules for dieting your Horse , in preparing for your match , and by reason that all the three before mentioned may be said to be contained in the fat Horse ; I shall first begin with him .

The manner of the first fortnights diet for a Horse that is fat and foul , or upon his being taken from soil or grass , and what is necessary therein to be observed .

YOur fat and foul Horse , made so by either standing at soil , or running at grass , too high feeding or the like : If you have matched him , or intend so to do ; when you have brought him into your Stable , to prepare him for the Race , rising early the first fortnight , you must first of all , having roused him , if he be laid , wash his Bridle in Beer or Ale , tie it to the rack ; and cleanse the Stable of the Horses excrements , and then exceedingly well dress him . For the manner whereof , to avoid repetition , I refer you to be guided by those Rules , I have laid down in the Office of the Keeper , in the Chapter of this book , unless what is necessary to be added , as being in this case necessary , though in the general way of dressing , not greatly material , which principally relate to your Horses cloathing . For by reason the Heats in preparing your Horse for this exercise , must be more , and frequenter than upon any other occasion : So therefore must the care be great , to prevent his catching cold ; falling into a surfeit or the like . When you have well dressed him in the morning , and cleansed him from filth , leaving no part about him untouched , as aforesaid , having a large body-cloth made of strong warm Kersie , if the weather be cold ; or if hot , Cotten , or other light soft stuff will serve : Fold it about his body , and putting on his Saddle , let his foremost girth be girded close , but the other loose , thrusting in large soft wisps of Straw near his heart , that so the slack girth may by the help of the wisps be made strait as the other : then put on a warm breast cloth , so that it may cover his shoulders . When having spirted about three or four sponfulls of beer into his mouth ; then leaving one to prepare the Stable against your return , lead him forth , and after a turn or two in your hand , mount his back , and rack him gently , for the space of a mile or more , upon plain and even ground , till you can , if possible , come to some steep Hill , ascending gradually , up which gallop him moderately , and being come to the top , or so high as you think convenient ; Rack or walk him down again , that , by that means he may cool as much in descending , as he heated in ascending ; and having after this manner pretty well exercised him , it being yet early in the morning , lead him or ride him a moderate pace to some pleasant River , Spring or other sweet running water , and suffer him to drink as much as he pleases , but if he altogether refuses to drink , then moderately exercise him ; as aforesaid , but if he refuse to drink , warm him by riding gently , to provoke him to thirst .

When your Horse has drank his fill , rack him gently homewards , so that he may come into the Stable without a wet hair ; the stable being fresh littered with Wheat-Straw ( for Barly , or Rye Straw are both nought : the one causing heart burning and the other scowring ) by whistling and stretching your Horse upon the cast out Litter , indeavour to make him void urine , the which if he at first decline to do , yet at last , by often usage , he understanding what is required of him , will do it freel , and by so doing preserve the stable clean , and render it more healthy : this done and your Horse entred the Stable , keeping his head in the bridle , tye it up to the Rack , then with hard wisps , rub down his legs with all your strength ; then taking off his brest-cloth , rub his head , neck and breast , with care and diligence , with a dry cloth , after which take off his Saddle , and hang it up , rubbing the place where it sat , as likewise all the other parts of his body . His body cloth being taken off , and when you have sufficiently rubbed him , leaving no place untouched , cloath him again , first by spreading a Linnen cloth over him , and girding it about him ; upon that a warm housing cloth , and over both the Woollen body-cloth , which in winter must be lined with Cotten , or some other warm stuff ; but in Summer it matters not whether it be lined or no , for the Kersie will then prove sufficient . This done wisp him round with soft wisps , though large , that so when he is disposed to rest , he may lie easie . From this proceed to pick his feet , and having cleared them of the Gravel or dirt , stop them with Cowdung ; and throw into his Rack a small bottle of Hay , not exceeding three pound , and let it be well dusted , the which let him eat , and stand upon the Bridle for the space of an hour and half ; then cleaning the Manger of dust and Hayseeds , take about a quart of large white Oats , commonly known by the name of Poland Oats , or cut Oats , these above all others being the wholesomest , the rest some being unsweet breed infirmities , othersome being moist breed Worms in the belly ; new Oats occasion swelling , and Black-Oats worst of all cause ill digestion and bad humours , thereby so discolouring the dung , that the state of the Horses body is not thereby to be known .

The quantity of Oats aforesaid , well dryed , put into a Riddle or Sieve , called a reeing sieve , so big as it will permit the small and light Oats to pass through , and retain the large and solid ones ; and by reeing them after they are throughly cleansed , give them your Horse to eat in the Manger , it being made clean , as aforesaid . If he eat them heartily , and seem desirous of more , you may then give him another like quantity so ordered , and then permit him to stand or lie down at his pleasure , till about Eleven of the Clock . At which time , coming to visit him , rub down his Head , Neck , Face and Chest ; and give him about three pints of Oats ordered as before ; and then making the Stable as close and dark as you can , leave him for the space of two hours , for the closer the Stable is , and the darker the Horse stands , the better will he take his rest , and digest his food : Therefore many hang their Stalls round and over head with Canvas , or other thick cloaths . Nor is it amiss , for it not only darkens the place , but prevents any noisome thing from falling into their Provender , as Lime Spiders , dust , and the like .

The two hours ended , accost him again , with the like quantity of Oats as before ; drest and prepared , after the same manner , rubbing over his Head , Face , Neck and Breast with a clean cloth ; and if he hath dunged , carry it forth , and cast up his Litter , which done , cast a knop of Hay into his Rack , leave him for three hours more ; if in Summer ; but if in Winter two hours , or two and a half ; at the expiration of which time , visit him again , and without giving him any meat , wash his Bridle in Beer , and put it on ; taking off his cloaths by degrees , and rubbing him all over in the manner as has been formerly shewed ; then clapping on his Saddle , bring him forth , and endeavour to make him empty himself upon the old Litter ; and so mount his back gently , Racking him for an hour , or thereabout , and then if possible give him his breathings , along the side of some pleasant River ; but do not gallop him up any hill , for that upon a full stomach , will indanger his Wind ; so that observe to let his evening breathings be in smooth solid ground as you can chuse : and heat him both before and after water , as in the Morning , letting him smell to all the old or new Horse dung you find in the way , which will not only provoke him to empty , but sharpen his appetite , and so continuing him abroad till night approach , ( for early and late Airings are the most proper to diminish the foulness , and disperse the gross humours ) bring him home , and having caused him to empty at the Stable door , draw his Bridle , cleanse the Manger , and at all points dress him , and rub him down as in the morning , and then giving him a like quantity of Oats ; let him stand upon his Bridle till about nine of the Clock , then visit him again , when rubbing him down and tossing up his Litter ; give him another quart of Oats well sifted , and a knop of Hay , and so let him remain till the next morning , at which time use him as you did the morning already specified , and thus continue him without adding or diminishing ought for the first fortnight , which will put him into so good a temper that in the beginning of the second fortnight , his foulness being dispelled , you may give him considerable heats without offence ; but if you perceive his fatness and foulness , not to be wasted and gone , use him the more moderately , for the space of four or five days longer .

Rules to be observed in giving your Horse heats , during the time of his preparation .

OBserve that two heats in one week are as much as are convenient for any Horse , of what state or temper of body soever .

That one of these heats be given him upon the day he is to run the match , is most requisite , as thus ; if your match be to be performed upon a Tuesday , then let Tuseday and Saturday in every week be your heating days , and observe that on Tuseday , you give him the greatest heat , for two reasons ; first because 't is the day whereon he is to run for the wager ; and for that there are three whole days respite between , and so proportion your day to this space and observation of whatever day the match is to be run , unless by reason of Rainy Slabby weather ; for if it rains , you must defer to heat him till the Rain be over , and the weather clear up : and in this case , where you are to make a vertue of necessity , you may change the hours of your heats , as the weather will permit .

In dull dripping or damp weather , when you ride abroad , you must put your Horse on a warm Linnen hood , with ears , and the nape of the neck thickned with a lining , to keep out the rain and cold damp ; as likewise a cloth to keep the wet from falling upon the Fillets of your Horse ; for nothing will more subject him to infirmity than wet in the ears , upon the nape of the neck , and on the Fillets .

The next and last observation relating to heats , is that in seasonable weather , every morning by day spring , you have your Horse abroad ; but not before , and especially on those days you are to give your heats .

Rules to be observed in the second fortnights keeping , &c.

THe first fortnight thus over , the first day of the subsequent fortnight visit your Horse early , as before , toss up his Litter , cleanse his Stable , rub him down , and dress him at all points , as you have been instructed : With this difference , that before you bridle him , you shall give him somewhat upwards of a quart of Oats before you put on his Bridle , and give him no Hay at any time , but what he eats out of your hand , whether it be one , two or three handfuls at a time , according as he is disposed to eat it , it matters not ; when he has eaten his Oats , bridle him , and ride him forth : then let his airing , waterings and his being brought home be nothing different from his usage in the first fortnight , and when you return with him , give him another quart of Oats , or if it be near three pints , if his stomach serve him to eat them , it matters not , and let him take the Hay out of your hand , as aforesaid , then toss up his Litter ; dress him at all points , letting him stand on his Bridle an hour and half before he is rubbed throughly . And now in his feeding , this more than formerly must be observed , take a stale loaf of bread of three days old at least : The manner of making of it is thus .

Grind three Pecks of Beans , with one Peck of Wheat into fine flower or Meal , dressed through an indifferent fine range , and made up with sweet Yest , and a little spring water , kneaded very painfuly and throughly , and suffer it then to lie in the trough a space to rise and become light ; then knead it again , and so make it into loaves , as big as sixpeny ones , and let them soak well in an Oven ; then taken out hot turn them the up side down , and suffer them in that manner to cool .

Three days after the baking and not before , for fear of surfeiting your Horse , you may cut the bread into thin shivings , and laying it a while to dry , put in amongst the Oats , crumbling it small , and give it your Horse , not exceeding more bread than a pound and a half at a time , the Oats you mix it with being carefully sifted . This Bait given in the morning first of all , you may about Eleven of the Clock give him another portion of Bread and Oats , not differing from the former , and use the like ceremonies in dressing and rubbing him ; never forgetting to cleanse the Stable , if occasion require it

This done , let him rest for the space of two hours , and then again visit him , and give him a like dose , and so the fourth meal , &c. nothing being omitted in his dressing , Airing , Watering or Heats , unless the latter be prevented by the weather as aforesaid .

On the heating days observe that before you lead your Horse forth , you must only give him his quantity of Oats , without either Bread or Hay , and be sure to cool him well before you bring him into the Stable , and when he is in , let him be well dressed , and warmly cloathed ; standing upon his Bridle an hour ere you give him his Oats , which being well ordered , must not exceed a quart ; after the eating of which having a Muzzel ready washed , put it on , and so without any more ceremony permit him to rest till about nine in the evening : and about nine coming to him after you have dressed and tossed up his Litter , give him a quart of Oats ; but no Bread nor Hay . Then tucking him up with soft wisps , let him rest till the morning following . Now since it is come to my turn to speak of the Muzzel , I shall for the better satisfaction of my Horse-keeper discourse something relating to them , as to their use in general , and goodness in particular .

Of Horses Muzzels , their use and goodness .

THe use of the Muzzel , is to prevent the Horse from feeding upon his Litter ; biting or gnawing the boards , Rack-staves or Manger ; licking Loam-walls , eating of Hen-dung , or any filthy or noisome thing that may impair his health or hinder his feeding .

As for Muzzels , there are divers kinds and divers fashions , some useful and profitable , and others exceeding hurtful ; of these in their order .

The Muzzel made of Leather , and stamped full of holes , for divers reasons ought to be rejected . First , forasmuch as it is noisome and offensive , be it of what leather it will . Secondly , if it be made of Allomed Leather , as often it happens , it causes pains in the Horses head . Thirdly , if it be liquored , the grease causes dulness , and makes the Horse loath his meat , rendering him sick and uneasie , preventing his rest , and to his prejudice making him retain his dung longer than otherwise he would .

Another Muzzel there is made of Packthread knit indifferent close at the bottom , and widening upwards , to the knitting about the nape of the neck , and this if it be made of sweet and well dried , and twisted Packthread , is the most proper , best and commodious for Summer .

The third and last sort which I shall here mention , is made of double Canvas , having a round bottom bared over with small Tape , in the manner of a chequer , leaving square holes about a quarter of an inch each way for the Horse to take Air at , and fastened by loops and strings to the nape of his neck ; and this is most proper for Winter , but observe , that both this and the Packthread one must be often washed and made clean , lest they become noisome and unsavory .

An account of what further remains to be done the second fortnight .

THe discourse relating to the Muzzels , occasion'd my abrupt breaking off before I had finished my second fortnight : waving that digression I shall proceed .

The first heating day past , the second morning after coming to the Stable , if you find your Horse laid , permit him to take his ease ; but if on his feet , rub a quart of Oats between your hands , having first diped them in Bear or Ale , and give them your Horse , but not too moist .

Having eaten the Oats , uncloath and dress him as has been shewed , then hanging up his Muzzel , put on his Bridle , permitting his breast and body cloths to remain on , drawing his head aloft , and putting into his mouth a new laid Egg , which you must oblige him to swallow , and after it about half a pint of Beer or Ale , then lead him forth , causing him to empty himself upon the cast Litter , or by smelling to old dung . When taking his back , rack him gently for a mile or two , then put him to a harder pace , as a hand-gallop or the like , and bring him to the starting post , if there be any one appointed , or if not to some other post near the place , where you are to perform your Race , and there alighting take of the body and breast cloaths , putting on the Saddle again , without them , and mounting him agin make him smell to the said post , as likewise to the weighing post ; & then run him at three quarters speed , from the beginning of the intended Race to the end , if you perceive he will hold it without pain or loss of wind ; but if you perceive it troublesome to him , then slacken your pace , and so by degrees you will oblige him to perform that with delight , which otherwise would prove irksome to him , and above all observe narrowly upon what ground he best delighteth to run , whether it be smooth , hilly , soft , hard , dank or dry , and on that mannage both before and at the Race , if the course will afford it , to your best advantage .

Having coursed your Horse sufficiently , bring him under some Hay or Corn Rick , Hedg , Pit or dry-ditch , and there having taken off the sweat with your glazing knife , and rubbed him pretty well , put on his cloaths , and on his back clap his Saddle fast girded ; then without permitting him to stand longer , still gently gallop him till he grows cool , now and then rubbing his head and such parts of his body as you can reach without alighting , and so continuing sometimes Racking , other times Galloping , till you come to the Stable door , and there , observing him to be cool , intice him to empty , which done lead him in and tying his head up to the Rack , having this scouring or purging potion in a readiness , give it him in the form and manner following .

The Receipt how to make the first scouring , &c.

THe Ingredients must be an ounce & six grains of clarified Roach Allom , a pint of Cannary , into which put the Allom when beaten into fine powder , & add to them three ounces of Olive Oyl the best you can get , brewing and beating them together , with an ounce and an half of brown Sugar Candy pulverized , all which though roughly mixed , set upon a gentle fire till they are pretty hot , then letting them stand till they are bloodwarm , give them your Horse upon his return from his first heat , by pouring it down his throat with a drenching-horn , his head being drawn close to the Rack , and this will infallibly bring away the Molten-grease , and such other bad humours or obstructions as remain in his body .

Rules to be observed in ordering your Horse , after his taking the aforesaid Potion .

THe scouring Potion taken , rub him well , especially his legs ( his cloth being taken off and proving dry ) with a curry-comb all over the body , after which follow with your brush , and then dust him well , and let all his body again be rubbed over with dry cloaths , then putting his cloaths on again , truss him on either side with warm wisps , and cast over him a loose blanket , after which give him nothing more for the space of two hours , all which time you must watch him , and as near as you can , keep him in continual motion , it being dangerous to permit him to stand still , or sleep upon the reception of this potion , and besides , it will not so well operate upon the crude gross humours , unless the Horse be still moving .

At the end of two hours , or if you see occasion , somewhat more , give him a handful of Wheat ears , such as are not bearded , if you find upon your handling him on his Fillets , near his Heart , under his Ears , &c. that no new sweat arises , but that he is in good temper ; but if the contrary , then forbear to give him ought ; for then the foulness appearing by the swift beating of the heart , the new sweat and other symptoms are mightily stirred up , it is convenient they should operate without the least molestation , though your Horse thereupon appear to be sick and faint ; to ease which , you may take off his Bridle , toss up his Litter , and leave him to take his rest for the space of two hours or thereabout , at the end of which his sickness will vanish .

The wheat ears eaten by five or six at a time , give him a knop of Hay , rubbing him again , especially his head ; about an hour after mix a quarter of Oats , a pint of spelt-beans and three shivers of the aforesaid bread , well chipped and small crumbled and give them to him , letting him rest after the eating them for the space of three hours .

The three hours expired , visit him again , and before you dress him , give him a like quantity of Oats , Beans and Bread , and then dressing well , put on his cloathes and ride him not far , neither suffer him to drink ; but about an hour and a half afterwards wash three pints of Oats in Ale or Beer and give them to him to cool him , which will be a great means to repel the inward heat ; and feeding at his usual times plentifully , and leaving a knop of Hay in his Rack , you may suffer him to rest till morning , when rising early you must dress him at all points , and ride him forth to water , giving him a gentle breathing , and upon his return to the Stable give him Oats and spelt Beans well sifted together with the Bread , to the quantity of two quarts permitting him to have but little Hay .

Thus having ordered him diligently , observe the three other heating days , upon each of which after he has performed his , heat still improving his speed and readiness , give him the aforesaid scouring potion , which will infallibly carry away the foulness , and gross humours , rendering your Horse pleasant and lightsome , and thus having laid down rules and instructions for the first and second Fortnight , I shall proceed to the third .

Dyet for the third Fortnight , how it must be made , &c.

MIngle together half a bushel of the best Wheat , and a like quantity of Beans , grind them as small as may be , and dress the meal finer than the former , even as fine as possible , and make it into Dough , with sweet yest , and rising kneading it so well that a knot or kop may not be found in it , and bake it throughly , cooling it , the Loaves proportionable to those before mentioned , with the bottoms upward , and at three days old chip it ; that is , cut away the crust , and so with a like quantity of Oats , Beans , and of the said Bread , as formerly has been prescribed , feed your Horse ; and as you did in the precedent fortnight ; so in this let your measures in every respect , be one and the same , barring these following exceptions .

First his heats must be more moderate for fear of too much straining him , and the bettter to let him take pleasure therein .

Secondly , Omit the scouring , not giving him any more after his heats , lest his body by this time freed from the gross humours being too much opened by the operation of the purgation , contract cold and watery humours ; but having moderately heated him , bring him home , cooling by gentle racking ; and having caused him to empty himself , bring him into the Stable , tie him to the Rack , give him a Cordial ball about the bigness of a French Walnut , or Tennis ball , if he can swallow it . The receipt to make them is as followeth .

To make Cordial balls , &c.

TAke Anniseed , Fenegreekseed , Carthumusseed , Cuminseed , Coltsfoot and Elecampane-roots , of each two ounces , bruised & siersed : The husks and gross part being separated from the rest , add to them two ounces of Brimstone-flower , an ounce of the Juice of Liquorish put into half a pint of White-wine , then take an ounce of the Chimical Oyl of Anniseed , Sugar , Syrrup and Salad Oyl , of each half a pint : these ingredients thus prepared , mix with them so much Wheat-flower as will mould them into a past , and make them up into balls as big as Walnuts , Hen-eggs or the like , and keep them in close earthen Pots for your use .

These balls are good to cure any violent Cold or Glaunders ; to prevent sickness at heart caused by infection or ill digestion , to purge away all Molten grease , to recover a lost stomach , to keep the Horse from fainting with exercise , and to fatten a lean Horse to admiration : And thus much as to the third fortnights dyet .

Rules to be observed in the fourth or last fortnights keeping , as well in relation to his Dyet as usage .

IN this last Fortnight you must be more circumspect than in the former , and the first thing to be observed , is in making his bread a degree finer after this manner .

To three pecks of fine Wheat well sifted put a peck of Beans cleared from the hulls , and grind them together , dressing the flower through a Bolter as fine as possible , making it up with sweet Ale-yest or Barm , and as much Ale as will wet it and make it plyable ; then add the whites of twenty Eggs or thereabout , together with new milk , not putting any water into it , then knead it again , and having make it into reasonable big loaves , bake them well and cool them with the under-crust uppermost .

These loaves baked and cooled , after three days cut off the Crust , and with Oats well dryed and rubbed between your hands , being also winnowed and sifted , and a quantity of the best spelt Beans ; bait your Horse , cutting the bread , and observing the quantities of each as in the foregoing fortnights .

In the first week of this fortnight , you shall observe the heating days as before , but in the last week you must bate one heat , not permitting him to take any heat for the space of five days before the match is to be run , yet may you give him considerable Airings to keep up his wind , observing that you do not by any means give him a scouring , but the better to expel the fumes or vapours that may offend him , burn in the Stable Storax , Albanum or Frankincense upon a Chafing-dish of Charcoal or small coal , in the scent of which he will take great delight . If at any time in this fortnight you design to moisten his meat as it is every five or six givings convenient , then let it be done with Muscadel , in which the whites of Eggs have been beaten , and it will the better hearten him to perform his course ; as for Hay give him none , unless a small quantity after his heatings , which you must give him out of your hand , let it be well dusted and exceeding good .

The second week of the last fortnight , unless your Horse be a very foul feeder , you need not use the Muzzel till three days before the Match is to be run , but if he be a foul feeder and covet to eat his Litter , bite the Rack-staves , or the like , then put it on the beginning of the week and let it continue on at convenient times till the time he is to run .

Observe to feed your Horse well , both before and after Airing ; the morning before the day you design to run for the wager , let his waterings be as formerly ; but as for his meat let it be scantied a fourth part , both before noon and after .

Before your Evening Airings , and after be sure to feed as at noon , but be sure stay not abroad till Sunset .

Let him be this day , being the day before the Match , well shod , cooled , and all other things requisite , that on the day he is to run , nothing may be left to do , thereby to trouble or disturb him , though some hold that the Horse being dressed and shod with light shoos will be so sensible of what he is to perform the next day , that for pride he will neither eat nor sleep ; but this understanding can only remain in an old Horse-Racing Horse , who has been often used to the sport , and not in any other ; therefore in that case 't is my opinion the offices are better deferred till the morning of the day he is to run ; but if otherwise , let them be done over-night , as aforesaid .

The breading of the Tail , by many is held both an ornament and a help to the Horse in his running , though according to the opinions of the most inquisitive into that affair , it rather hinders than furthers his speed , by reason that in straining the twists , drawing the roots of the hairs , put him to pain , and create an unusual heaviness , which makes him suppose that a weight or something else is fastned to his tail , therefore unless it be exceeding long and large it would do better to hang loose .

On the morning of the day , your match is to be performed , come to your Horse pretty betimes , and having taken off his Muzzel , rub his head well , as likewise his Neck , Shoulders and Legs ; then take a quantity of Oats , Mash them in Muscadel , and give them to him to eat , the which if he refuse , then moisten another quantity with Whites of Eggs , but if those will not go down with him , then give him Oats well dryed and sifted , mixed with a small quantity of Wheat , or a shiving or two of your finest Bread well crumbled with them ; but no Beans , let the quantity be very small , lest it hinder his running . If he be an evil emptier , then lead him to such places as he usually empties at , and provoke him thereto : but if he is not subject long to contain his food , but will empty freely , then you need not move him out of the Stable to empty , but there expect notice when to bring him forth to the Match .

When you receive the warning , wash his Snaffle in Muscadel , and having taken away the Muzzel , put it on : if you perceive any wind to move in your Horses belly , by reason of his emptiness , give him four or five mouthfuls of the meat last spoken of ; and then pitching your Saddle and Girths with shoomakers wax , put it upon his back , gently girding it on that he may scarcely feel it , or at least , not so as in any wise to straiten him : over his Saddle put a white Linnen cloth ; upon that his ordinary cloaths ; and over all , the better to set him , and make him proud of himself , you may lay a Counterpain or piece of Arras : and so giving him a dose of Muscadel , in a small drenching horn , proceed to the place intended for starting .

In the way permit him to smell to any Horse dung , new or old , to provoke him the better to empty , which will be a great advantage to him in his running : If he refuse to empty , then lead him amongst Rushes , Brakes or Sedge , and thereby whistling provoke him to it : but if that prevail not , then take out some of the wisps he is trussed with , and break them under him .

If in your leading him , any foam or froth arise in his mouth or elsewhere , wipe it away with a clean Linnen-cloth , and wash it with dipping it in water , which you shall carry with you for that purpose .

If you are to ride with any person , who by reason of his being lighter than your self , or that gives you any advantage , so that there are weights in the case to make both equal , or otherwise , as the agreement is , then observe that he carries not those weights in his Saddle , but somewhere about himself , for if he carry them in the Saddle , they will neither hinder him nor prejudice the Horse , but be as if he did carry none , and then you had as good ride with him on equal terms : but if your agreement be that he shall carry them about him , then is the advantage much on your side .

As to the ground you must likewise have special regard , which you must take from your heats and breathings , that is , take notice whether your Horse affects high or low ground , hard or soft , and if you can possibly without any signal disadvantage , keep him to such ground in his course .

These things consider , and all things brought to a point ; when you are arrived at the starting Post , uncloath your Horse , rub well his legs with wisps , cleanse his feet , and spirt cool water into his mouth , then mount your rider .

Then starting fair , force on without controle , And if your Horse be good , ne'r doubt the Goal .

Things to be observed in running Horses , as to the state of their bodies , in relation to sickness and health .

REader I have already given you directions , how to order your Horse for a Match ; I shall now lay down Rules and Methods , whereby you may keep him in health , and fit for your purpose at all times , by such demonstrative tokens , as you may be continually sensible of the state of his body , drawn from the observations following .

When you come to take a view of your Horse , narrowly inspect him , and if you perceive him heavy and dull of countenance , Loose , Costive , Short-breath , Loathing of meat ; his Eyes glazed or dim , his Hair staring , his Hair strangely discoloured , if he stagger in his pace , be troubled with ratling or short Cough , Dizziness in his head , Yellow under his upper Lip or in his eyes . If he be troubled with cold sweats , often lying down , and restless when he is down , often looking on his body , alteration in his carriage and going ; not casting his Coat in due season , or being hidebound . If I say , you perceive any of these symptoms in your Horse , then is it your care to inquire from what cause it arises , and apply the cures which for the distempers before mentioned , I shall hereafter prescribe .

How to know the State of a Horses body by his Dung .

I If your Horse dung be crisp , neither too hard nor too soft , of a pale colour , smell strong , something savouring of the ordure of a man , sound and in good health , then it is a sign your Horse is lusty and in health , clean and well fed .

If it be well coloured , yet if it fall from the Horse in round hard balls , as near as may be of a bigness , then it denotes your Horse evilly fed , having too much Hay , too little Corn , and permitted to feed too much upon his Litter .

If it fall in round knops , hard , and of colour black , or brown , it denotes excess of heat in the body of your Horse ; if it appear greasie , it denotes foulness , and that in him remains Molten grease , that cannot find a passage out : If with his Dung he voids grease , that is white and clear , then it denotes that the Molten , and foul grease will kindly come away ; but if you perceive it putrified or corrupted , which you may by its yellowness , then it betokens by reason of the length of its continuance in the Horses body , corruption and putrefaction , the which if it be not timely removed by scourings , will cause dangerous distempers . If his Dung appear red and hard , then it betokens that the Horse has been too much put to it in his Heats , and Coursing , and if he be not kept warm and well dyeted , Costiveness will follow . If his Dung be pale and loose , it betokens cold , occasioned by moist feeding .

How to know the State of your Horses body by his Vrine .

IF his Urine be of a palish yellow thick , and smell strong and sharp , then is the Horse in health . If the Urine be of ruddy complexion tending somewhat to a thick blood colour , then it denotes the Horse to have been injured with excessive riding , or too early ridden after his being taken up from Winter Grass . If it prove of a high colour , clear and as it were sparkling , then it denotes an inflammation , or extraordinary heat in the body , occasioned by surfeit .

If the Urine after it has stood a while appear to have a white Cream , or Scum upon it , then it denotes the Horse weak in the Loyns , and that his Seed is in Consumption . Urine with bloody specks , or streaks denotes an ulcer or some corroding distemper in the Kidnies .

If the Urine be black thick and of a cloudy or dusky hew , then it donotes great sickness , if not death to the Horse .

How to know the State of your Horses body by his feeding ; and of Lameness .

IF you perceive your Horse to refuse his meat , and seem to loath that meat he formerly loved : when you are sensible he by course must be hungry , it is a sign of heart sickness , occasioned by cold distillations , or foulness of stomach , occasioned by surfeit , got by over heating , which you must remove by gentle purgations , many of which I shall hereafter insert , and to bring him again to his stomach , you must use him gently , not forcing it upon him , but giving it him by degrees , as he pleases ; and to whet his appetite , spirt Verjuce into his mouth , and hang up by him a Spunge dipped in them , or for want thereof dip a crust of bread in Vinegar , and tye it up in a cloth , where he may smell to it , and when his stomach comes to him , mingle fine and course dyet together , till he be brought to eat the latter alone as occasion serveth .

If your Horse by standing too long idle , or therwise become Lame , or Restif , then the best way to recover him is to heat him well upon a smooth Down , or in a plain and soft field .

What is to be observed from the state of your Horses body .

IN the outward appearance of a Horse , there is nothing more common than for some men to be deceived : Therefore it will not be amiss , if I lay down some rules worthy of observation .

First , then there are some Horses round , plump , and to appearance fat and well fleshed , when they are nothing so , the cause of which delusion arises from their being short from Head to Tail ; well set , large buttocked , well shouldered , and full sided .

Secondly , there are some Horses that although they be in good case , yet they will to the eye appear lean , and their Ribs appear bare , nay when they are fat , foul , and full of grease and gross humours ; and thereby many skilful Jockies have been deceived , as likewise Farriers , who supposing them to be in good case , have neglected to apply those remedies which were needfull , till such time as the humours have ingendered divers diseases .

Thirdly , Many Horses will appear to be fat and foggy , by the outside , when inwardly they are clean and in good order , and so on the contrary , a Horse that appears lean will often be gross and foul within , as is said . Now to Remedy this oversight , handle your Horse diligently on the Ribs , and more particularly on his hindmost short-ribs , and observe well that if the flesh feel loose and soft , that your fingers dent in without much stress , then conclude your Horse to be foul ; if it prove firm and hard on all other places , the hinder Rib excepted , then is he more foul and full of Molten grease , and evil humours , which must be voided by scouring and exercise , the latter to dissolve it , and the former to bring it away , though the Horse to the eye appear poor and ill favoured .

If you upon search find your Horse to be fat , thick , and to feeling , as it were , close between the Chaps , or his Jaws appear to be over fleshy , bearing out , it denotes much foulness , in both head and body ; but if he be thin , clean , and here and there lumps or kernels are to be felt within his chaps , it only denotes cold newly taken , by being over-heated , standing in the rain , or in a damp Stable .

How to know the State of your Horses body , from the privy parts , &c.

IF you observe your Horses stones to hang lank , and find the sinews to be limber , or hanging long from the body , then your Horse is not in good temper , but altogether out of order , occasioned by grease , or other foul humours , but on the contrary , if they be close knit and drawn near to his body , even round , and well couched , then he is in good and perfect health .

From his Limbs , Observations to be taken .

IF after a heat or the like , you find your Horses Limbs weak or stiff , it is a sign that he is tender in his joynts : to remedy which , anoint them with Dogs grease , Hogs grease , or Trotter Oyl , making it as hot as can be well indured , chafing it in with your hand , and although you anoint the joynts but once , yet after it , rub and supple them with your hands divers times , and so shall you bring them not only to be plyable , but prevent stifness for the future .

In Watering , Observations to be taken .

IF your Horse be in his feeding Fortnights for Racing , give him the first fortnight after Breathings or Heatings no water ; the other three fortnights , you may give it him luke-warm , about six in the Morning , and six in the evening , but no great quantity , always observing to let him fast about an hour after it , and if you perceive the weather to be rainy , flabby or cold , then your best way is to water him in the House , putting a third part of hot water to two parts of cold ; into which as you see occasion you may throw wheat-flour or fine wheat-bran or Oatmeal , fine and well sifted from the husks .

From your Horses Sweat , Observations to be taken .

IF you perceive your Horse to sweat with little or no motion , then is your Horse filled with gross humours , fat and foul ; but if he sweat with extraordinary motion , as heats or the like , then observe his sweat ; if it be white , and frothy like a Ladder of Sope , then is he internally foul ; but if the sweat stand in watery Pearls , or trickle off like drops of Rain , then is your Horse in health , and a good State of body .

From your Horses Hair , Observations to be taken .

IF the Hair of your Horse neck and forehead be smooth and slick , not any ways staring , distorted or discoloured , then is your Horse in good health ; but if staring , rough and distorted , shaggy or disordered , after an unusual manner , then conclude him to be distempered , either by a Surfeit , Looseness or extraordinary cold , and thus far having proceeded , as to the feeding , and State of a Horses body : I shall now pass on to instruct my Reader , how to know a good Horse in all his capacities , and not to be deceived in buying , either by Jocky or any other pretending to Craft or Subtilty in that affair , to which for the better instruction and Caution of the unskilfull , I shall add the many Artifices , and Cheats of the Jockies , and other dealers in Horse-flesh , as also , how to avoid being cheated , or drawn in by such wiles , as many use to trapan or bubble the ignorant with .

Advice to the Buyer , or certain and unerring Rules , whereby to understand the perfections and imperfections of any Horse , in a short time , if not upon the first sight .

'T Is certain there is no greater cheat than buying of Horse-flesh ; then to avoid the deceit , it is not amiss if you observe these following Rules , the which if you do , you may not only secure your self , but as occasion offers , deceive the deceiver .

First , Consider to what end you buy , or to what use you design your Horse , whether for War , Hunting , Racing , Drawing , or any other use , for to these ends serve different Horses according to Proportion , Strength or Beauty ; therefore if you purchase , in these cases , the lineaments and proportion of the Horse must above all be taken notice of ; as likewise inquiry be made into his Breed , a strict survey of his colour , and a more narrow inspection than ordinary into his paces or going , with many more , which in their order I shall lay down ; but first , of the three I have mentioned .

What is to be observed as to the Breed .

IF you desire a sound serviceable Horse , you must have great regard to the Breed , for if he be to appearance never so fair , and well shaped ; yet if he was gotten by an old or infirm Stallion , or brought forth by a Mare subject to any infirmitie , or disease , for certain it is that such a Horse , promise he never so well , will be frequently subject to divers the like distempers . Another thing worthy of observation , is what Countrey breed the stock descended from , the which by these tokens you may guess at . The Neapolitan breed is known by a bending or Hawks nose . The Spanish breed by dry , small , neat Limbs . The Barbary breed by his fine small head , well carried , and well set on , as also his deep hoof . The Dutch breed by the roughness of the legs . And the English breed by their being strong set , well knit , large Neck , wide and open Nostrils , and Brawny Thighs : And so of the breed of divers other Countries .

Observation of Colours .

CErtain it is there are good Horses of all Colours , though I must confess some Colours are better than othersome , both for beauty and the disposition of the Horse ; and of these in their order . For beauty the Daple-gray is accounted the best ; for extraordinary service , most approve of the Bay-Horse , as also of the Brown . The Black , with some Silver hairs , for swiftness and courage , especially , if he have one white-foot , or a blazing-star in his forehead . As for the Sorrel ; the Black without any white about him , and the unchangeable Iron-gray , they are accounted Cholerick . The Bright-bay , the Fleabitten , and the Black with white marks are of a Sanguin constitution . The Black , Pybald , White , Kite-colour , Yellow or Dun are of a Phlegmatick constitution . The Chesnut , Mouse-dun , Red-bay , and Blewish-gray are Melancholy . And thus I have deciphered the particular colours ; of which in the Series of this Treatise I shall have further occasion to speak .

Observation to be taken from Pacing , Trotting or the like .

THe greatest ornament , both for pleasure and profit , as to your own ease and health , as likewise to your Horse's , is his going , which the buyer above all things must have a special regard to , espeially in these times , for such are the cheats of the Jockies , and other dealers in Horse flesh ; that therein they will deceive the most curious , but as to particularize their divers Artifices and inventions to impose upon the unskilfull , I shall defer it till I come to expose their cheats , which in the end of this Treatise I intend to do .

What motion in your Horse is to be observed , upon divers occasions .

THe Paces incident and most convenient for any Horse , is either Rack , Amble , Trot or Gallop and to divers ends they serve : if you design your Horse for the Wars , then a lofty Trot or Prancing is best , as likewise if he be designed for Running or Hunting , and whether he be well addicted to this motion upon all occasions , you shall perceive by his cross moving his Limbs , as when the near hinderleg , and far foreleg move together at one and the same instant , and in this motion the nearer your Horse takes his Limbs from the ground ; the opener , evener and shorter is his tread or pace : but if he take them up uneasie or slovenly , after a shuffling manner as it were , then it denotes stumbling , lameness or some such like imperfection . If your Horse tread narrow , or cross , it signifies he is subject to interfering and can never tread sure ; if he takes his step askew or uneven , it signifies he is given to tire and faint , and will never perform any long journey or hard service . If he tread long , that denotes him subject to strains , sprains and over-reaches : but as to the other motions , in particular .

Of Ambling .

IF for ease and pleasure you chuse your Horse , then the motion he can be subject to , is the Amble , which is opposite to Trotting . As thus , both the feet on one side must have equal motion , that is , the far foreleg , and the far hinderleg , which must move just even , large , smooth and withall swift ; for if your Horse-tread awry or false , it takes away the easiness of his pace ; and if he treads short , he rids no more ground than if he went a round foot pace ; if he treads rough , it denotes rouling in a shuffling manner , and is a false pace , which by some unskilfull mannager has been taught him , and so it is that he will soon fall out of into a Trot , or in a short time forget it .

Of Racking .

RAcking is a convenient and necessary pace for Buck-hunting , Riding-post or the like , being between a pace and Full-gallop , by some called the running speed , yet little differs from Ambling , only is more swift , and of a shorter tread , though the ground is better ridded in Ambling , yet this pace is more easie , and by some highly approved ; but for it , there is no certain rule , it being a motion natural to most Horses that are brought to the Amble .

Of the Gallop .

THe Gallop is a motion exceeding necessary , and is most appropriated to Trotting Horses , because that falling out of their Trot , they have no other pace but the Gallop , as likewise a Horse well used to Racking , will naturally take this motion : but the Pacer above all is the most awkard to be brought to it , though in a while with good usage and gentle instructions he will take it exceeding well : the cause why at first he is averse to this motion , is , for that he having been trained to a set pace ; when he is forced to a swifter motion somewhat of the like nature , he by straining to swiften his pace , scambles with his legs , but when he understands the alteration , which he will after a months usage , he will be prone enough to take it upon all occasions ; yet too much Gallopping will prove prejudicial to his Pacing , and render it more hard by reason of straining ; therefore , in my opinion it would be best for them that can afford it , to keep a Horse for every motion . In Gallopping especially , these things are to be observed , that from the ground he raises his feet nimbly , but not too high . That he neither rouleth nor beateth himself ; but that stretching out his forelegs , his hinderlegs keep time cleaverly and swiftly , that he neither cutteth under his knee , neither crosseth nor strikes one foot against another , but with his far sore-foot still leadeth . If he have these vertues , he is a true thorough-paced Gallopper . If your Horse Gallop short and round , raising his forefeet , it denotes him strong , but not swift , and is most fit for the Wars . If he Gallop slow and sure , then appropriate him to Travail ; but if you perceive he handles his feet confused , and seems to Gallop painfully , it denotes his sinews shrunk , and he will never prove a Gallopper , but will be subject to lameness : and thus much shall suffice as to the motions of Horses .

Rules to be observed , in the Stature of a Horse ; Marks whereby to know his goodness .

THe Buyer in the Stature of a Horse must consider his ability , according to the imployment or use he designs him ; the biggest and strongest are fit for laborious imployments , as Drawing , carrying of burthens , double carriage , and the like . The Horses of a middle Stature are fittest for the Saddle of pleasure , and the smaller for such uses as they are capable to serve to . As for the Marks to be observed by the buyer , either of goodness or badness , they are many , and so numerous are the defects in Horses , that they cannot without great curiosity and narrow observance be deciphered . Therefore I shall lay down divers general Rules , the which being well observed will prevent many deceits .

First , Then if you design to purchase , after you have satisfied your self in his breed , colour , stature , and motion , by the Rules aforesaid . Then his Saddle and cloaths being off , stand just before him , take a strict view of his Countenance , and the chearfulness of his Face , for according to the chearfulness or dullness thereof is your Horse to be valued , the one presaging his goodness , and the other his badness .

Secondly , Observe his Ears , if they be sharp , thin , pricked and small , always standing or moving , or if they be somewhat long , well set on , well carried , and no ways lolling , then is it a mark of beauty , comliness and goodness ; but on the contrary , signs of dullness , indisposition , and of a surly temper .

Thirdly , If his face be lean , his forehead bearing or swelling outward ; the Mark or Feather in his Face set high above his eyes , or set on the top of his eyes ; if he have a Star of white in his forehead , or a white streak , a snip of white on his nose or lip , it denotes goodness in the Horse . But if his face be dull , heavy , cloudy , his forehead flat , and his head big and fat , and have none of the beforesaid marks of goodness , then he is nought ; and although he have those marks , yet if his Star or streak stand awry , and where the snip is , or should be ; his nose be bald or the like , then is he notwithstanding of an evil Breed and defective .

Fourthly , Observe that his eyes are large , round , black , sparkling , and that the black of the eye fills the pit of the outward circumference , so that little white is visible , then it betokens beauty and goodness ; but if his eyes are uneven , look askew , wrinkled or small , dull , heavy and not quick moving , it signifies not only defect as to the uncomeliness ; but also a distempered and imperfect Horse , of an evil breed . If his eyes be Red , Fiery , take heed of Moon-eyes , which are not much distant from blindness , if for the greatest part White or Wall-ey'd , then it signifies weakness in the Horse , a weak sight , and subject to start at every object that swiftly is presented to his view . If you perceive white specks in the eyes , then it denoteth that he is in danger of having the Pin and Web , Pearl or the like infirmity , tending to blindness ; if watery and bloody , then subject to hot Rheumes : if mattery , it is occasioned through excessive riding , surfeit , festered Rheumes or strains . If his eyes appear dead , dull or hollow , sunk as it were in his head , then is he inclining to blindness , and will not long continue his perfect sight ; or is gotten by an old Stallion on an old Mare . If his eyes are most white , and the black but small , so that the white appears much in sight as the balls move , it denotes weakness and an evil temper .

Fifthly , Observe his Chaps or Cheeks , and if you perceive the bones thin , lean , and between them a wide space . The Throple or wind-pipe big , no knots nor kernels near it , and the Jaws so great that the neck lyes as it were between them , it denotes the Horse to be sound and to have a good and long wind , as likewise to be of great courage ; but on the contrary , if his Chaps or Cheeks be seeming fat or thick , the space between them closed with tumid flesh ; and the Wind-pipe small or incumbred with kernels , then is the Horse short-winded , subject to the Strangles Glaunders , and divers other distempers . If his Jaws be strait , insomuch that his neck bears over , or swells above them , unless by some distemper occasioned , then it signifies foulness , pursiness , and that the Horse is subject to colds and surfeits . If the swelling be long , close , and feel hard , then will he be subject to the Winds or impostume .

Sixthly , Observe his Nostrils , the which if they prove wide , large , open and dry , so that upon any snorting or straining of the Horse , the inward redness appears , his Muzzel small , and he deep mouthed , his lips equally meeting ; then is he a Horse of good wind , good mettal , and of a sound constitution : but if the contrary , then is he subject to divers distempers , and will never prove a good Horse .

Seventhly , Observe his breast , the which if it be broad , swelling out hard , well boned , and the like , it denoteth strength , comeliness and continuance : but on the contrary , if it be narrow or bending inwards , it denoteth the Horse to be apt to stumble , of a weak spirit , and altogether unfit for the performance of any great labour ; as likewise much deformity .

Eighthly , Observe from his Elbow to his Knee , that his thighs be well brawned , clean and solidly fleshed : for if strong Ligaments are wanting , and the flesh feel soft and spungy , then it denotes weakness in your Horse , as the other doth strength .

Ninthly , Take especial notice of his knees , that they are of due proportion , not one higher than the other , well joynted , sinewed and strongly knit , lean , even , which betokens strength and comeliness ; when on the other hand , if they be Gross , Gouty , Scared , want Hair in some places , it denotes weakness , stumbling and a disproportioned Jade .

Tenthly , Observe his legs ; if they appear , upon handling , lean , rather flat than round , full of sinews , bending inward , without seams or hair broken : It denotes a sound substantial Horse , and one that will indure much labour . When marks , on the contrary , as fleshy legs distorted , bending outward or the like , denote a weak unserviceable and tyring Horse .

What has been before spoken of , being narrowly observed by the Buyer , let him also take particular notice of what as yet remains untouch'd ; which in their order , for his better instructions , I shall set down .

Observations on the Pasterns .

WHen you buy , or would know the well going of a Horse for many years , observe the Pastern joynt , and Pastern . The first of which being clear and well knit together , and the last short , strong and upright , denotes a good firm and substantial tread , but if the former appear big or puffy , seeming somewhat swelled , then is the Horse subject to sinew Strains and Gourdings , or if the latter be long , weakly knit , and bending in and out in the motion , it denotes a weak Horse , and one soon tired .

Observations on the Hoof.

THe best Hoof is the black smooth and tough Hoof , rather inclining to long , than round and well hollowed , subject much to sounding . As for the white Hoof it is tender , and will not well bear a shoo . The Hoof that is rugged and full of seams or wrinkles , denotes Old-Age in the Horse that he came of an old decayed stock , or has been addicted to over-heats . As for the brittle Hoof it is worst of all , for it will carry no shoo . If the Hoof be more than ordinary round , the Horse will be apt to trip and stumble , especially in deep ways ; or if he be but put to an extraordinary motion . If the Hoof be flat and Pumiced , it denotes foundering . The Hoof that is hollow and empty , betokens the inward decay , by reason of some founder bruise , or wound not throughly searched or cured . Take likewise notice of the Crown of the Hoof , and if you perceive the flesh flat , and the hair smooth , then is all in good order in that part ; but if the Hair be rough , rising , the flesh swelling , full of knops or scabs , scared or broken , then it denotes a Ring bone , Quitter-bone , or Crown-scab .

Things to be observed in the setting on of the Head , Crest and Maine , &c.

HAving viewed your Horse narrowly before , come to his right-side , and there take especial notice that his head be placed neither too high nor too low , but that it stand as it were in a direct line , evenly carryed , and for his Neck , let it be small at the setting on of the head , long , and still growing deeper , as it descends towards the shoulders , with a high strong and thin Main , long , soft , and indifferently well curling , which denotes the Horse not only of a good breed , but are greatly ornamental ; for if the Head be ill set on , though in it self it be well shaped , 't is a great blemish to the beauty of the Horse . If you perceive any rising or swelling in the nape of the neck , it is a symptom of the Pole-evil or a fistula . If your Horse have a short thick neck , or if it be fat and falling at the Withers ; if the Crest be low , thick , falling , and weak , they are tokens of dullness in the Horse ; as also does an extraordinary thick Maine : little hair on the Maine , denotes fury , but if it fall off , then is it occasioned by the distemper called the Worm in the Maine ; the Itch or Manginess , which there are breeding , though perhaps not apparent by any other symptoms .

What is to be observed in the Back-ribs , Fillets , Belly and Stones .

TAke special notice that the chine of the back be broad , strait and even ; the Ribs strong , well composed , at equal distance , bending out Archwise . That his Fillets be upright , strong and short ; and that the space between the last Rib and the Huckle-bone exceed not a handful . As for his Belly , let it fall down indifferently well , descending as it were by degrees , from his loyns to his foreparts ; and his Stones carried even , and not hanging down , or swagging . All these denote perfection in a Horse ; but if the Chine be narrow , he is nought for the Saddle , and if put to it , very much subject to gauling ; to be Saddle-backed , Sway-backed , or have the back bending , denotes weakness . Flat Ribs betoken hide-boundness . Hanging long or weak Fillets , denote him not capable of clambering , or journeying in hilly Countries , nor of carrying a burthen . If his belly be clung , or over gaunt , his Stones uneven or dangling , they are symptoms of sickness , foundering or dullness , and unaptness to labour .

Observations to be made on the Buttocks and Hinder thighs of your Horse .

OBserve that the Buttocks be plump , round , level with the body ; or if long , then take notice that they rise well behind , spreading decently at the setting on of the Tail , both which are marks of beauty ; as on the contrary , a narrow Pin Buttock , Hog-rump , or falling down , are marks of deformity , neither fitsor to carry Pad , Foot-cloth or Pillion .

If the Thighs or Gaskings be even , and let down well , to the middle joynt , full of sinews , thick and brawny , they are signs of Beauty and strength , but if they appear Slender or Lank , it denotes deformity , and weakness in your Horse .

What is necessary to be observed in the hinder-legs , Tail and Cambrels .

LEt our buyer observe that the hinder legs be clean , lean , and full of strong sinews , somewhat inclining to fatness , for if they be fat , fleshy , and tumid , it denotes the Horse not capable of hard labour , and that the grease is Molten in them . If you perceive any scabs above the Pasterns , then it denoteth him to have the scratches , or if a chop appear there , then is he afflicted with the Rheumes .

As for the setting on the Tail , it is worthy only of this observation , that where there is a good Buttock , the Tail cannot be evilly set on ; and where there is a bad Buttock , it cannot stand right : A Tail well set on ought to stand broad , high , and flat , couching somewhat inwards .

The observations necessary to be made on the Cambrels of your Horse , are these ; first , observe well the middle joynt behind , and if there you perceive it replenished with firm smooth skin-bones and sinews , a little bending , then is that part of the Horse sound and beautiful . Secondly , If in making a narrow inspection , you do perceive Sores , Chaps , inward bought or bending , then it denotes the Horse to be troubled with a Sellander : but if all over the joynt , you perceive it tumid or swelled , it is a sign he has received some blow or bruise ; yet if it be a particular swelling in the hollow part , Pit , or proud & full on the inside of the vein ; and the swelling be soft , then is it a Blood Spavin ; or if hard , a bone Spavin : but if it appear behind , before the Knuckle , then conclude it to be a Curb . And thus far having supplyed the Buyer with infallible directions to prevent all frauds , if they be narrowly observed , I shall proceed to lay down infallible Rules , whereby a Horses age may be known .

Infallible Rules , whereby to know the age of any Horse or Mare .

THe first thing herein to be observed , is his Teeth , the which when the Horse has his full number , are 40 viz. six great Wang-teeth above , and 6 beneath , on either side making in all 24 and are properly called his Grinders : in the fore part of his mouth he hath 6 above , and the like number below also called Gatherers , and 4 Tushes , two above and two below , which in all make 40. the latter 4 are called the Bitt-Teeth . Now the observations whereby to know the Horses age , are these .

The first year his Foals or Colts teeth called Grinders or Gatherers only appear , and these are small white and smooth .

The second year he changeth two of his fore teeth , one above , and the other beneath , each in the middle of the Rows , of the Gatherers , which come up browner and larger than the other .

The year following , he changeth the next to those aforesaid , leaving no direct Colts-teeth before , unless on either side two above , and two below , which are small and bright .

The fourth year no Foals teeth , except one on either side are left him , he changing what otherwise remained .

The fifth year he changeth all his foremost teeth , having his Tushes compleat , and those that come up in the place of the last Foals teeth he casteth , will be hollow with small black specks in the midst of them , by the continuance of which the Horses age is to be known to the eighth year .

The sixth year his new Tushes put forth , at the bottom of which young flesh will appear , the Tushes small , white , sharp and short .

The Seventh year his teeth will be all of perfect growth , and the Mark in the mouth more visible than ever .

On the Eighth year all his teeth will be plain , smooth , full and in their perfect shape , at what time the black specks will diminish , being not after the expiration of that year to be perceived , the Tushes will likewise change colour , becoming more yellow .

The Ninth year , the Mark being vanished , the fore teeth will be longer and broader than usual , and change their colour to a yellowish paleness , his Tushes losing much of their sharpness .

The Tenth year , the holes in the inside of his upper Tushes will be filled up , which till that time you may with your finger feel like hollow pits , and the Temples of the head appear crooked , and begin to hollow .

The Eleventh year will produce his teeth of a great length , yellow , foul and distorted .

The Twelfth and last year to know a Horses age by his teeth , you will observe them long , exceeding yellow , and that the upper teeth will hang over the under ones , and though some are of opinion that his age to the thirteenth year is to be known , by the wearing of his Tushes close to his chaps , and the blackness of them , yet according to the observations that have been made , this is no certain Rule , for so they frequently are the twelfth year .

Observations to know his age , by his Mouth .

IF his lips and upper teeth over-hang , and seem unseemly , uneven , unless it be occasioned by a cold , surfeit , or extraordinary riding , it denotes the Horse to be Old . Another thing in the mouth worthy of observation , is to observe whether he be not too deep burnt of the Lampus , and that the bars and flesh lie even and smooth ; for if the hole be too deep burnt , Hay and Provender will stick therein , to his great hindrance in feeding .

Age to be known by the Hoof.

A Rugged and seamed Hoof , crinkled and drawn as it were in heaps , denotes an old Horse , as also a crusty crumbling Pumice Hoof ; when on the contrary a smooth moist hollow and well sounding Hoof betokens a young Horse well in health , and condition for Travail .

Age to be known by the Tail .

IF you by feeling the Tail close to its setting on , perceive the joynt there to rise on either side , or stand out to the bigness of a Hazel-nut , or thereabouts , then it is a sign the Horse is young , not exceeding three years old , but if no such knop appear , but that all the joynts are plain , then he is above Ten , and may exceed Twelve or Thirteen .

Age to be known by the Eyes .

WHen you take a view of your Horses Eyes , if you observe they be Round , Full , Staring , and standing out , and that the pits be full and even with the Temples , then it denotes the Horse to be young ; but if the Eyes be Sunk , Dim , Hollow , Pitted , the Temples wrinkled or crooked , then it denotes old age .

Age to be known by the Skin .

IF you would know whether your Horse is old or young by the skin , you must take it up between your thumb and finger , and suddainly letting it fall , observe whether it immediately returns smooth to the place , which if it does , it denotes him young ; but if not , but that it is long in falling , and wrinkled , then is he old .

Age to be known by the Hair .

VIewing your Horse well , if you perceive any grizly hairs growing about the Eybrows ; the Horse being naturally of a dark colour , or that the like hairs grow underneath the Main ; or if your Horse is naturally white , and he become Mannelled with Black or Red Mannels in most parts of his body , then is he an Old Horse , and will not be long fit for service .

Age to be known by the Barrs .

IF the Bars of your Horses Mouth feel hard and rough , and are great and deep , then be assured , the Horse is old ; but if tender , shallow and soft , he is young . These directions well observed , will prevent all deceits , and render the buyer capable to lay out his mony to the best advantages , though indeed there are many Artificial cheats used by Jockies , that may deceive the most curious , of which amongst many other curious mysteries , I shall hereafter treat ; and now proceed to the office of the skillful Farrier .

Of the Office of the Farrier , and what is chiefly therein to be considered .

HE that will be accounted an experienced able Farrier , must not only be skilled in shooing , and dressing , but in all the parts of a Horses body , thereby to know from whence proceeds the original cause of any distemper , how and by what means it was generated , and the more effectually to apply such remedies as may remove the distemper , and work a perfect cure : to do which , note these following considerations .

First , That the seat of life is in the Brain , Heart and Liver , from whence it operates in , and disposes every member ; and for that end , those by many are called the three principal members , to which some would add a fourth , viz. the Stones , but that addition by the wisest practitioners has been rejected .

Secondly , The sinews which are these , two white sinews or Tendons , which begin at the Nose , and passing through the neck and back , branch into the forelegs , and end in the hinderlegs , taking their ligaments in all the four feet . Two sinews called the Main sinews , which descend from the Brain , and passing down the cheeks , fasten the Jaws . Three , from the Shoulder to the first joynt of the Arms , or fore-legs , besides two other great sinews ; four great sinews from the knees to the Pasterns , with the same number in the hinder part above , as well within as without the forepart of the breast , are ten sinews great and small . From the Reins of the back to the Stones are four great sinews or Ligaments , and another great sinew which runs to the end of the Tail : To conclude , a Horse has great and small sinews 29. or as some will have it 30.

Thirdly , As to the Veins in a Horse , through which the blood circulates the whole body ; they are many , yet seeing they all center in the Liver , the seat and fountain of blood , distributing it into every part : divers are of opinion that a Horse has properly but one vein , which is called the Median , and that when ever the blood is corrupted , or that vein is afflicted with wind or any infirmity , it dispensing it through all the branches , afflicts at once the whole body of the Horse . Those branches , that ascend to the head and upper parts of the body , are called ascendants , and those that run down into their legs and nether parts of the body descendants , and through these branches , whether the beast sleep or wake , the blood continues its course , as indeed it does in all creatures , whose bulk admit a free passage , Ebbing and Flowing like the Ocean , by the course of the Moon . Now the things herein chiefly to be considered , are the Branches from whence upon sundry occasions , it is most proper to take blood ; which indeed are many consistant to the distemper : for the branch is to be opened , as it either affects the blood , or is seated in the body of the Horse .

But the Veins most convenient to be opened , are these , viz. in the Neck , in the weeping veins under the Ears , and about the head in six other places , as in the Palate-veins in the Tongue , in the Flank-veins , in the breast , and Spur-veins , in the four members , viz. the Legs , Thighs , Pasterns and Feet , and indeed in most veins , according as the distemper is seated , by bloodletting , being great , as in the following chapter will appear .

To what end Phlebotomy , or bloodletting serves .

THe opening the Temple vein easeth pain in the head , caused by cold Rheumes , Feavers , Drowsiness , Stavars , yellows , Frenzy , Sleepy-evil , Falling-evil or any grief afflicting the Eyes or Brain . The opening of the Weeping veins , is exceeding good to prevent blindness , and to cure the distempers in the eyes , as Waterings , hot Rheumes , Haws , Pin and Web , Pearls , blood-shotten and the like . The opening the Palate-veins , cures or pervents the Lampass , or inward sickness , as Stavars , Anticor , Yellows , Drowsiness , Surfeits , Tirings , and many times cureth the Strangles , Quinsie , Swelling of the kernels , Pustles , Inflammation , or Glaunders , especially , if you cause him to drink the blood mixed with a little Bay-salt . The next veins opened help the Yellows , Farcins , Stavars , Mangies , Agues , Feavours , Surfeits , Scabs , Glaunders and the like ; and often prevent sickness in your Horse or Mare . The opening the palate , or breast veins , prevent or help the Anticor , Moore-foundering , occasioned by molten grease , contracted in the body by hard riding , it likewise preventeth diseases in the Liver , Lungs and other internal parts , is convenient to be done upon any hurt or sprain in the Shoulder , to prevent Lameness . The opening the two thigh veins , helpeth foundering in the forefeet , Splint , Screw-ringbone , Mallender , or the like infirmity . To bleed the four Shackle veins before , is good against the Crown-scab , Quitter-bone and the like distemper incident to the feet of a Horse or Mare . To bleed the Spur-veins is excellent good for the Moore-founder , Farcine in the side , swelling under the belly or the like . The Toe-veins being opened do help Frettizing , foundering , Hoof-bound or any grief , occasioned by the Horses beating his Hoofs upon hard stony way : Bleeding the two thigh-veins behind , easeth the grief of the kidnies , swelling in the hinder legs , Foundering , Scratches , pissing of Blood , occasioned by overstraining , or the weakness of the Reins , Back or Belly , and infirmity in the Guts ; as likewise the Curb , Spavin , and such other distempers or griefs , as proceed from rankness or impurity of Blood . To open the Shackle veins behind , is exceeding good to prevent foundering , or any pain the Horse is subject to have in his feet . To open the Flank-veins , is exceeding good in case of a Feavour , Swelling in the Stones , Poverty , or the Felt-worm . And lastly , to bleed the Tail-vein often , prevents the Mange , Scabs , Itch , and falling off of the Hair . So that the number of veins that are usually opened upon divers occasions are Thirty : the opening of which greatly contribute to the health of the Horse or Mare , not only by preventing distempers , as has been before said , but frequently without any other application , by taking away the effects , cause the grief to cease , or at least prepare the body of the Horse , the better to receive such effectual medicines as will work his cure , and dispose outward wounds , bruises and the like , to such a temper that they heal without much difficulty .

What seasons are best to let blood in .

IF the Horse be in great danger , you need not expect the critical times , but let him blood presently ; but if otherwise , observe these following days , viz. the third and fifteenth of January . The fourth and ninth of February . The seventeenth and eighteenth of March. The tenth and sixteenth of April . The first and thirteenth of May The fifteenth and twentieth of June . In July and August , forbear letting blood , unless upon some urgent occasion . In September bleed him on the eleventh and twenty-eighth day . In October , on the eight and twenty third . In November , on the fifth and sixteenth . In December , on the fourteenth and twenty sixth , these days being by all the experienced Farriers holden the best for sundry regards , but especially in respect to the signs , which are these , and thus govern , viz. Aries the head , Taurus the neck , Gemini the shoulders , Cancer the stomach , Leo the heart , Virgo the guts , and belly , Libra the reins and buttocks , Scorpio the privities , Sagittarius the thighs , Capricorn the knees , Aquarius the legs , and Pisces the feet ; from which note that it is not at all safe to let blood in that part , where the sign is predominant .

Of the bones of a Horse , and how placed .

IN the body of a Horse , the Bones are these , viz. 40 teeth , his head Bones comprehending the crooks , and handles of his Scull , although they are compiled of part and parcel of other Bones , likewise two flat handles , which from the Palate and Fork , or Throat have five , his breast-bone , and fifty two bones in his Chine , his Ribs , short and long are thirty six , his fore legs and fore feet are composed of 44 Bones , and the hinderlegs and feet of 40 , so that the whole structure of his body , as to Bones is computed to consist of 157. or as some say one hundred fifty nine .

Of the four Humours , Sympathising with the four Humours incident to all Creatures .

IT is not the least part of the Farriers Office , to consider and well understand the nature , and qualities of the four Elementary Humours , that go to the composition of all creatures . And first as the four Elements , viz. Fire , Air , Water and Earth , give life and Nutriment to all living creatures . So the four Humours , viz. Choler , Blood , Phlegm and Melancholy are the principal Agitators in the bodies of all Creatures , and as it were compose them , or at least preserve them ; for without either no creature can subsist . Choler , by reason of its heat , being alluded to Fire ; Blood , by reason of its heat and moisture to Air ; Phlegm , by reason of its coldness and moisture to Water ; and Melancholy , by reason of its cold and dryness , to Earth : as for Choler , its seat is in and near the Liver , which by reason of its heat and dryness accords with the blood , which has its fountain in the Liver , and from thence disperses it self throughout the whole body , nourishing and preserving it in all parts : Phlegm has its chief seat in and about the Brain , that seat of life , altogether affecting Cold. Melancholy occupieth the Spleen , being the gross and excremental part of blood and choler , descending from the Liver . As for the Offices or dispositions of these humours , they are four , viz. Choler causeth concoction , and voiding of Excrements . Blood nourishes the body . Phlegm gives motion to the joynts . And Melancholy disposeth to appetite , creating a good stomach .

How to know by the Colour of a Horse , to which of the four aforesaid Humors he is most inclinable , and how thereupon to order him for the prevention , or curing such distempers as he is most subject to .

TO know the better to prepare your Medicines , necessary to be given upon sundry occasions ; it is first necessary that you know which of the four aforesaid humours is most predominant in your Horse , which cannot better be discerned than by his Colour or complexion : note then if he be cole-black without any white , a bright Sorrel or an Iron-gray unchangeable , that will neither turn to a Flea-bitten , White , or Daple gray , then is he most subject to Choler , by reason of the great heat in him , often incident to inflammation of the Liver , Yellows and Pestilential Feavours ; and in that case you must , to prevent these distempers , give him medicines to purge Choler , but let them not be of a quality too much operating , lest they impair his strength to that degree , that he never after recover it : for all cholerick Horses , though they be fierce and fiery , are but of small strength . If your Horse be coloured either Bright-bay , or Dark-bay , neither scouling countenance , maughy mouthed , or white flanked , or a white Fleabitten , white Lyard , like silver , or black with a white Star , white Rash , or white foot , then is he Sanguin ; and the diseases to which he is most subject , are the Glaunders , Consumption of the Liver , Leprosie or such other distempers as are caused by infection . As for the Horses of a Snguin complection , they are for the most part of a strong constitution , and will indure strong medicines , without impairing their strength , if the medicines be not compounded of extraordinary hot ingredients , to over-heat the blood .

If your Horses colour be Milk-white , Py-bald , Yellow , Dun , Kite-colour , or any the like colours , in mixture , then is he Phlegmatick , being slow by nature , and apt to lose his flesh , subject to cold Rheums , Head-ach , Cough , Staggers , and indeed all distempers proceeding from cold or watery distillations , and therefore must have hot medicines , that is , simples of a hot and strong working nature that may operate upon the Mass of Phlegm , which generates the distempers .

If your Horse be of a Dark-bay colour , having long white hairs like Goats hairs on his legs , Russet , Chesnut , Ash-coloured , Gray or Mouse-dun , then does Melancholy abound in him , and the distempers he is most subject to , are the inflammation of the Spleen , Dropsie , Frenzy , and such like dull and Melancholy distempers ; and therefore require cold and moist medicines , those of a dry or hot quality being altogether hurtful and unprofitable . Their strength is greater than it appears to be , and for the most part they are fit for servile labours , and thus much of the four Elementary humours : now there are divers Horses mixed with all the aforesaid colours , or some three or four of them ; in such a case , note that those Horses have those humours most predominant , of which their colour is mostly , according to what has been said , and so consequently ought the medicines to be prepared with regard to the nature of the sickness for ; if it has continued long , and the Horse be infeebled thereby , then you must not give him over strong potions , but if he be young and lusty , not having languished under the force of the distemper ; then any well composed sutable medicine will not be amiss , but as to medicines in particular I shall speak at large hereafter .

Things to be observed , to keep a Horse in health , and make him long continue so .

IF you would have your Horse continue in health and live long , twelve things are to be observed . 1. Let him moderately feed . 2. See that he have good nourishment and be of a quick and clean digesture . 3. Let him labour moderately . 4. If he be not too much subject to sleep . 5. If he be not permitted often to leap Mares , 6. That in all journeys moderation be used , not Travailing too far without resting , or baiting . 7. That he be kept in wholsome Air. 8. Not to exercise him too soon after Grass . 9. That he be kept from raw green meats . 10. Not to suffer him to eat or drink after exercise , or a journey , before he is throughly col'd . 12. With his Provender give him wholsome simples , for the most part dry , the nature of which being such as is good against such distempers as your Horse by his complexion may be or is inclinable to , as Anniseeds , Fennel-seed , Fennegreek , Bay-berries , Brimstone , Alum , Hempseed , Elecampain , or the Roots of Polipodium of the Oke , Savin , Rue , Hyssop , Colts foot , Hore-hound , Marsh-mallows and the like ; if you have them not dry , you may by chopping them small give him them green ; but if dry , for so they are best , crush them to powder and sprinkle them amongst his Oats , or Beans , or amongst Hay cut short , and they so taken will prevent obstructions by purifying the blood , thereby rendering the whole body in sound and perfect health .

Of Sickness , Dangerous to Horses ; and its Original .

THe main cause of most Internal distempers in Horses proceeds either from over violent heats in exercise , as when the Horse hath his grease molten , or the heart over charged with vitiated blood , so that the Pores or passages are so stopped , that the Vital spirits dispersed throughout the body , cannot return turn to their center , nor the heart be exhilerated for want of an intercourse with the Liver . These obstructions , I say , excluding the Vital Spirits , the Organs of the body cannot rejoyce , which occasions mortal sickness .

Another cause there is , which proceedeth from cold occasioned through the negligence of the keeper , in not regarding him before and after a journey or exercise , as he ought ; which once taken , troubles his head with pains and dullness , making him look heavy and dull eyed ; the root of the Tongue being often inflamed and swelled . The Lungs tickled , and offended with Rheums , causing strong and tedious Coughs , which greatly indispose and offend him , whiles noisome filth proceeds from his nostrils , &c.

A third cause there is cometh by unseasonable eating or over eating , which frequently begets a surfeit , especially if he eat unwholsome food . If he eat to excess , it many times proves mortal , by reason it creates unwholesome vapours , noisome fumes and the like , which ascending from the stomach to the brain , poyson and infect it , or if the Horse escape with life , yet seldom misses to have Stavers , or Frenzy : if the food he has eaten be unwholsome , raw or out of season , then it breeds diseases by producing corrupt vitiated blood or infectious watery humours , from which proceed the Yellows , Farcines , Feavers , Manginess and the like , which infecting the heart , stopping the free passage of the stomach , and dispersing throughout the body , leaves no member free from affliction .

A fourth cause there is , which we may call accidental , which is when a Horse taketh in poyson with his food , or receiveth a wound , or extraordinary bruise , which inflames the blood , and makes each part become hot and feaverish , the which by degrees turns to many evil distempers that end but with the life of the Horse ; therefore on this occasion , there is nothing more necessary than to apply pertinent medicines in time , ere the malady has taken root .

How to discern by divers symptoms any mortal sickness in a Horse .

HAving laid down the original causes of most mortal sicknesses , I shall now proceed to let you understand how they may be known by the sundry symptoms that forerun , or attend them according to the opinion of the most expert practitioners in this Art . If the sickness be occasioned through immoderate heats or journeying , then it is signified by the heavyness of his countenance , swelling of his legs and other limbs , but his hinder legs especially by the loosness and scouring of his body , at the beginning of the sickness , short and hot breath , and a loathing or forsaking his meat . If the sickness proceeds from cold , then it is known by a down-cast Countenance , Drowsiness , and desire of sleep ; Pustils or hard knots under the Caul ; and many times by the inflammations of the Kernels , and swellings as high as the roots of the Ears , attended by a moist and inward sounding cough , and the like .

If the sickness be occasioned by a surfeit taken after the manner aforesaid , then the signs or symptoms are violent pains in the head , so that he will not by reason of the dullness it occasions , be able to hold it up to the Rack : His Eyes will likewise appear dull and sunk in his Head , his Ears pricked up , and the tops of them cold ; as also his upperlip and sheath ; Reeling and Staggering as he goes , the which if it be delayed will turn to Madness , and that Madness be known by his eager biting the Manger , or Rackstaves , and often beating his head against the Wall ; you may likewise know whether the distemper has tainted the Brain , by the yellowness of his Eyes , Lips , and Tongue .

The symptoms to know accidental sickness occasioned by wounds and the like , are unusual Sweats , tremblings , a sweat or Froth at roots of his Ears , upon the Flanks behind , the Shoulders , and against the Heart , at othertimes glowing and burning in the Temples , against the Heart , and inside of the fore-legs , and of the hinderlegs , dry and hot in the Mouth , inflammation in the Tongue , a loathing of meat , and desire of cold water , in which after he hath drunk his fill , he will be desirous to hold his mouth .

Now to prevent any of these sickness , if you find him a little distempered , or any thing inclining to be out of order , let him blood , and for three mornings successively give him a Diapente-drink , and keeping him warm , let him fast for three hours after , then give him a Mash of Beans , Bran and Oats , and a little knop of Hay , but if it so happen that you are unprovided with Diapente , which no Farrier ought to be , then take a handful of Celendine , wash it well , roots and leaves , adding to it Wormwoord and Rue , half a handful of both , boil them in a pottle of ALE or Beer , till they come to the quantity of a quart , to which well strained put half a pound of sweet-butter , and two ounces of Treacle , which ingredients well mixed , give him blood warm .

If you would fortifie your Horse against any distemper , then observe all the twelve rules before laid down , relating to health and long life or continuance , and moreover , if you intend to put him to Grass , after he hath long stood in the House , then having let him blood every day , abate of his cloaths , till you have brought him to none , thereby to render him hardy , and able to indure cold , but be sure you put him not into wet Pasture , where damp and noisome Air arise from Ditches , Rivers , Fens or Quagmires ; and before you turn him out of the Stable , for three mornings successively give him drink made as followeth .

The Drink to be given before Grass .

OF Aristolochia , Bayberries , Myrrh , Gentian and shavings of Ivy , take of each one once , bruise them severally , so that they may be sierced through a fine sieve , and then weighed to a just and equal quantity , the which you must give him in Muscadel , Mallago , or for want of them , warm A L E or Beer , viz. In a pint and a half of the two former , put three spoonfuls of the powder , or the like quantity into a quart of the latter .

How to order your Horse , upon taking him up from Grass , to prevent sickness .

OBserve when you take up your Horse , that he be throughly dry , not damp , either by rain , cold dews or sweat , and let him not stay abroad longer than St. Bartholomews day , unless the weather is exceeding clear and warm , and if so , you may suffer him to run the first of September , but not longer , for after that cold dews fall , raw damps arise , and the heart of the Grass faileth , if you through neglect take him up wet , it will subject him to manginess , and if you suffer him to continue abroad longer than the times specified , the grass instead of nutriment will breed could Phlegmatick humours and putrefied blood ; and for a week or more after he is taken up , give him no immoderate heats , nor Travail , lest thereby you melt the grease within him , his fat gotten at grass being so tender , that the least extraordinary motion dissolveth it , whereby if the blood happen to be inflamed , it will indanger his falling into a mortal sickness , which happening , often ends in Death ; when you have him in the stable , let him blood upon the next blooding day , according to the blooding days prescribed ; then being well shod give him the drink , the same with what you gave him at your putting him out , and let him be kept in a clean warm Stable , and well looked to , both as to his dressing and diet .

Directions to cleanse your Horse , after taking up for comeliness and healths sake .

THe day being fair and warm , three or four days after your Horse is taken up , lead him abroad , and gently rubbing him down , to take of the loose hairs , anoint him with sope , and then with warm water wash him all over , rubbing him with a Spunge or Linnen-cloth ; but beware no sope gets into his Mouth , Eyes , Ears or Nostrils : After you have indifferently well cleansed him , rub him hard with a dry Woollen-cloath ; then soaping him over again , rub him as aforesaid : which done , take Buck-Lee and a hard wisp and wash him clean from froth or foam , and afterward with a Woollen-cloth exceeding dry leaving no wet hair about him , lead him into the Stable , cloathing him by degrees till you have wrapped him up in all his cloaths . This way is many times used , as well to conceal stollen Horses , as for the Horses health , for by so rubbing , the Horse is so altered in colour , slickness and shape , that the owner without extraordinary prying cannot directly challenge him .

How to prepare your Horse for any Medicine , in case you find the distemper has effectually seised him .

OBserve that two days before you intend to administer the potion , whether Pill , Powder or Drench composed of simples ; that you permit him to eat neither Hay nor Straw , or indeed any hard meat , not admitting of easie digesture , thereby to hinder the operation of the Physick , and for twelve hours before keep him from all manner of meats , for emptiness gives a free operation to the purgation , when fullness by obstructing it may turn the force thereof upon the vitals , and thereby do much harm to the Horse . The safest meat to prepare him is either Rye or Wheat-Bran mixed with splent-beans , or Bread made of Bean and Wheat-flower , mixed with clean Oats , and his drink warm water , with a little fine flower or bran shaked into it .

What purgations may be given with the least danger .

THe gentlest and most effectual purgations are Pills , but in giving Physick you must consider the state of your Horses body , whether he be strong or weak , or rather the end for which you purge him , in relation to the distemper for which he receives the dose . To make the gentlest Pills , good aginst any infectious or pestilential disease take these directions , viz. peel 20 Cloves of Garlick , bruise them and temper them with a pound of sweet butter , and rouling them up into balls as big as Hen-eggs , put four or five of them down the Horses throat , and they will work out the pestilential humours , if they have not seised the heart , brain or Liver . Another sort of gentle pills may be made after this manner : take a quarter of a pound of red Saunders , and the like quantity of fresh butter , mix them well together , and making them up as the former , give them your Horse in like manner . Another harmless purge may be made of Rosemary leaves bruised and mixed with butter ; and lastly green figgs bruised and made into pills or balls with sweet butter and given him , have almost the same effects : All of them gently purging , mostly by Sweat and Urine .

Strong purging Pills , how to make them .

IF your Horse be of a strong constitution , and the nature of his distemper require it , make and give him these Pills according to the following directions , viz. Take Hoggs lard , steep it well in water , then without any skin put a quarter of a pound of it to the powders of Aniseed , Fenigreek and Liquorish , of each an ounce and a half , adding to them an ounce of Aloes beaten to powder and sifted , as likewise of Agarick half an ounce , all which being well tempered , make them up into balls or pills , as big as large Walnuts , and give him four at a time , or if you find him inclinable to weakness , three , for this is a strong purge and will work extreamly .

A gentle Drink or Drench , to prevent sickness , or cure it .

TO make this drink , take the roots of round Aristolochia , wash and scrape them well , then take unexcorticated Juniper-berries , and excorticated Bay-berries , ten or twelve drops of the Oyle of Myrrh , and of Ivory shavings a quarter of an ounce ; pulverize all but the Myrrh , and sierce them , and then add to them the Myrrh , the which given , viz. an ounce of the powder or confection in half a pint of white-wine ; it is Soveraign against all manner of infection , Internal or biting of Venomous beasts , External , Purfying , Cleansing , suppleing the body , dissolving gross humours , removing distempers that afflict the Liver , or Stomach , helps digestion , and cureth cold , Consumption , Phlegm , Staggers , and most distempers in the head , preventing Tiring , Weariness , Cramp , Convulsion , and Scurvy ; dissolves the Stone , opens Internal obstructions , cures the Yellows , Gargil and dropsie , likewise diseases of the Lungs , as Glaunders and Rottenness , which occasions noisome breath , easeth the Wind-colick , provoketh Urine , and killeth Worms , &c.

An Excellent Drench to open the body of an Horse , and cleanse it .

MIx together Hony , Olive Oyle and new milk of each 8 ounces , six yolks of Eggs , and an ounce of London treacle , to which add Liquorish , Sugar-candia and Aniseeds beaten fine , of each an ounce , the which being well mixed and given him in a quart of warm ALE , and he afterwards kept warm and fasting , it will open all obstructions , give the blood free passage and inliven the body though never so dull and drowsie .

Diatessaror , or an excellent Drench for curing Pestilential distempers .

TAke the powder of Diapente , or five Simples , viz. Gentian , Aristolochia , Bay-berries , Myrrh and Ivy shavings , of each a quarter of an ounce , bruise them in a Mortar with clarified hony , to the quantity of a quarter of a pint , which being wrought into a confection , may be given your Horse for any violent distemper in a pint of Muscadel or Canary , though not above half an ounce at a time , for if more , unless the Horse be of a strong constitution it may greatly injure him : It is an excellent Antidote against all poysonous distempers or infections , occasioned through ill airs , causing heart sickness , and divers sorts of feavers : to cure the latter , observe to bleed him before you give him the drink .

If at any time you have not Diapente , give him this drink .

UPon urgent occasions , when such ingredients as before are mentioned cannot be got , then use these following ingredients , which will in a manner work the self same cure , viz. two ounces of Tarr , one ounce of Hony , two drams of black Soap , and half a pint of Bay-salt , all which being well mixed together , put them into an Egg-shell , broken only at the top , so that the white and yolk may be taken out , and then oblige your Horse to swallow it , and afterwards give him warm ALE , to the quantity of a quart , then ride him moderately , not suffering him to stand still for the space of two or three hours , after which you may suffer him to drink , which the medicine will easily provoke him to , but be sure it be warm water , then cloath him well , and for three or four days after give him Mashes with hay sweet and good , well dusted .

Signs of sickness in general .

ALthough I have already discoursed on this matter , yet seeing it is the hindg on which the whole Series turns ; it will not be amiss to discourse of the cause of sickness in general , as thus , if you find your Horse dull and heavy , his countenance louring , and head hanging , his body more than ordinary loose , his breath short , and he loathing his meat , how good soever , his Eyes dull and seldom winking , his Hair rough , stairing and unnatural coloured , with a dry and rotten cough , his pace staggering , his behaviour frantick , his Eyes yellow , and his body covered with a faint or cold sweat at divers times , his coveting to lie down , beating himself or looking upon his body , alteration of qualities or gesture , delaying to cast his Coat in due season , Hide-bound or lean suddenly , are all apparent symptoms of distempers , and especially of internal sicknesses .

Things to be observed in Physicking a Horse .

IN all Drenches or Glisters , let the heat not exceed the warmth of blood , for if it does it will prove offensive , nothing being more obnoxious than things administered too hot or too cold ; let what you administer be given not over hastily , lest if it be given down his throat , you choak or overcharge his weasand , and by that means cause him by coughing or straining , to cast it up . In giving him balls , you must if they be any thing large , draw forth his Tongue , that he may swallow them easily and not be obliged to strain himself , thrusting them down as far as you can before you let go his Tongue , the which being suddainly dismissed will force them down : Ever observe to administer your potions when the Horse is fasting , either by the space of one whole night , or three hours at the least , unless the suddainness of a distemper prevent such conveniency : for upon an empty stomach the physick will have the more effectual operation , and the better eradicate the gross and vitious humours , which generate most distempers , likewise be sure upon what occasion soever he takes physick , that he fasts two or three hours after its reception .

Exercise to be observed upon the Reception of Physick .

IF you are desirous the Physick should work , then as soon as your Horse has received it , course him about moderately , not exceeding a Pace or Trot , or if he be weakened by any distemper , then walk him gently under some warm hedge for the space of a Mile , then bringing him into the Stable rub him down with dry cloaths , and cloathing him warm , let him stand the time aforesaid , before you give him any meat ; all the while you or your Groom observing his postures , and how the Physick operates , by which you may discern what his distemper is , and whether it afflicts him more or less .

What is to be observed in raking your Horse , who cannot dung without pain .

WHen your Horse is troubled with any obstruction in the Fundament , you with your hand must often draw away the dung which he through its hardness or his weakness cannot otherwise avoid without great pain , the which when you do , you must anoint your hand with Oyle of Olives , or Neats-foot Oyle , which will greatly allay the heat , and for the future render him more capable of casting his dung ; or if to make him laxative , in such a case you give him a Glister , anoint the quill or pipe with Olive Oyle or Hogs Lard .

What further is to be observed in Phlebotomy or blood-letting .

IT is to be observed that you ought to take a due proportion of blood from the Horse , according to his age , strength , or the quality of the distemper . If he be a strong Horse , full grown , take from him four times the quantity from him , as you take from a Colt of a year old : but if he be an old Horse and weak of constitution , twice the quantity . If he have a Pleurisie or any violent distemper , occasioned by rankness of blood , then you may let him blood , if you see the distemper threaten his life , three days together , but not suffer him to bleed excessively at one time . The causes for which Horses ought to bleed , are either to preserve health by diminishing the superfluity of blood , that burns or heats the veins ; to divert sickness , or chear the vital spirits , by giving the blood a free and uncontrouled passage , after which you must moderately chafe or walk him , to make the blood fill those veins or branches that were emptied , and to make him bleed the freer ; suffer him to drink warm water before you open the Vein .

If he bleed not freely , it is a sign that he is pursie , fat , or the blood stagnated , then to oblige him thereto put your finger in his mouth , tickle him , and cause him to move his Jaws , thereby to press the vein to a more facil evacuation , and having bled sufficiently , take part of the blood mingled with salt , and pour it down his throat , with a Drenching-horn , and with the other part bathe his body whilst it is warm , which is excellent in a consumption , moist cough , or weakness of the Limbs .

How to know when it is necessary to bleed your Horse .

IF your Horse be rank of blood , his eyes will be red , his veins strut , prick and itch , especially in his Tail and Main , so that he will be often rubbing himself , his Hair shedding at unseasonable times , the roots of his Ears pill , and the place where his headstal is fastened become bare , his Urine will be of a high and reddish colour , his Dung black and hard , or little bumps red and fiery appearing on his back , faulter at his meat : if the whites of his eyes be yellow , or the inside of either lip , of the same colour , then is it apparent that he is over charged with blood , or that his blood is watery and full of evil humours .

Observations on outward sorrances , a description of them , and how they are to be ordered .

THese grievances called Sorrances have in their particulars divers names , according to their being placed in the body , but in general are taken two manner of ways , viz. either an evil state and composition of the body , which is to be discerned by the number , quality or sight of the members evilly affected , diseased , or otherwise it is a loosening or division of any unity , the which is thus in general divided , and chancing diversly , have divers particular names , according as is aforesaid , to the parts of the body , in which they happen : for if such a loosning or division happen in the bone , then it is properly termed a Fracture , if in the fleshy part a wound or Ulcer : in the Veins , if it happen , then 't is called a Rupture : If in the sinews , the Cramp or Convulsion : if in the skin , excoriation . Now the things chiefly to be observed in curing Sorrances are these .

First , Observe that in burning or cauterizing with a hot Iron or with Oyle , or making an incision with a knife , that it be neither upon a vein or sinew , but somewhat higher or lower , or on one side .

Secondly , Observe that you never apply to any joynt or sinewey part violent corrosives , as Resalgar , Arsnick , sublimate Mercury , Oyl of Vitriol or the like .

Thirdly , That in cauterizing you rather lance with a hot Iron than with a cold , and that 't is better to cauterize than to cut .

Fourthly , observe if the Horse be Sanguin , his blood produceth a white thick matter , but if Colerick , a waterish salt and thin matter , though in quantity small . If Phlegmatick , great store of watery gelly , as it were ; but if Melanchly , dry Scabs only .

Fifthly , observe as I have before hinted , never to bleed your Horse but upon the days prescribed , and not then for fansie sake , but in case of some distemper that requires it , or to prevent a sickness imminent by reason of bad or boiling blood , which afflicts the Veins .

Sixthly , Observe in all Imposthumes or swelling Sores , called Tumors , diligently to note the place where the grief began its increase , state and dangerous consequence , as likewise its declination and ending .

Seventhly , Take notice , that if in the beginning of every swelling Imposthume , you cannot eradicate it , use Repercussive medicines ; if it be not too near the vitals or some other principal part of the body ; if it be , you must forbear the use of such Medicines or applications , lest thereby you indanger the Horses life , but rather use softening and suppling medicines , till such time as the Imposthume , Tumor or swelling be ripe , and then with a Lancet let out the corruption , and by degrees dry it up with cleansing and healing medicines .

Eighthly , All soft or hard swellings ought to have different applications according to the part of the body where they happen , or the cause from which they proceed ; as for hard swellings , they are for the most part corrosive , and the soft unless well regarded , of long continuance . Now to know whether a swelling has been of long standing , especially in the legs , press it with your finger , and suddainly taking it away , if you perceive the flesh immediately to fill the dint , then the swelling is newly taken , but if it stand hollow , then is the swelling of a long standing , proceeding from some old hurt , and will not be removed without difficulty .

Ninthly , If Sores matter moderately , then it denotes they cure a pace ; but if the putrefaction increase more and more , it often times denotes inward rottenness .

Tenthly , Observe that Cauterizing with hot Irons , always straineth things inlarged , dissolveth gatherings or hardness ; dryeth up mosture , draweth to one place dispersed humours , and helpeth old griefs , by causing them to ripen speedily , and avoid the mattery humour they contain ; in cauterizing take notice also that you burn sometimes under the sore to divert the humour , and sometimes above to defend and keep back the humour : as for burning , it is done two ways , the one called Actual , and the other Potential . The former being done with hot Irons , and the latter with hot Oyles , Waters , and other Causticks , and Corrosives , &c.

The five principal things to be observed by a Farrier .

1. TO what diseases Horses are inclinable .

2. From what cause the Internal or External grievance proceeds .

3. By what means the causes do accrue , that create the distemper .

4. The tokens by which any distemper is to be known .

5. How to apply apt remedies for the cure of any distemper .

Without the knowledge of which no Farrier , whatever he pretends , can be a Crafts-Master in the art of Farrying , which indeed is one of the chiefest and most useful arts , yet known . Therefore according to my skill , and I hope to the satisfaction of the studious in this profession , I will indeavour to lay down the remaining part , in the best , plainest and easiest method imaginable , that thereby not only the nurslings of Apollo may profit , but the unlearned may draw from thence such instructions as may turn greatly to their advantage .

How many Diseases are incident to a Horse .

THe Diseases and Grievances , Internal and external , incident to a Horse , are accounted by most to be no less than sixty , and some reckon more . The names of which I shall give you , as also what they are , how they happen , and how to know and distinguish them , and afterwards how to cure them .

Of the Sickness called the Antecor .

THis Antecor or heart sickness , is situated near the heart : and is known by a swelling in the middle of the Breast , and is caused by excessive feeding , without any considerable exercise to cause digestion , as also by the Horses being over strained , in immoderate journeying , heating or coursing , or after a heat by taking cold for want of diligent looking after and good dressing , corrupting the blood thereby , and destroying the Horse , unless speedy and effectual Remedies are applyed . Now to cure this distemper , after the swelling appears , whereby you must distinguish it from other distempers : First let the Horse blood on both sides the neck , taking thence a good quantity , and give him diapente , or the powder of five simples before mentioned , in ALE or Beer , adding thereto an ounce of brown Sugar-candy pulverized , and half an ounce of London Treacle , which will remove the infection from the heart ; after which to allay the swelling , take Barrows-grease , and Basilicon , of each three ounces , and having well tempered them , anoint it with the said unguent , rubbing it hard on with your warm hands till the swelling become soft , then with a Lancet open it , and having let forth the corruption , anoint or wash it with Copperas-water , and taint it with a taint dipped in green oyntment : to make which I shall hereafter shew you .

Of the Attaint upper , and nether , what they are , and how to cure them .

THis grievance is a swelling of the back or master sinew , near the Pastern joynt , and for the most part cometh by overreaching , though sometimes by cold or wet standing . To cure which take of Venice Turpentine one ounce and melt it well in half a quartern of Brandy , which done anoint the place grieved therewith three or four times , as hot as may be , or else take Sanguis Draconis three quarters of an ounce , of Bolearmoniack an ounce , three spoonfuls of Olive Oyl , three ounces of Suet , and an ounce of of Mastick , which being well heated and tempered together , with it anoint the place grieved , as with the former , and this will cure the nether strain or attaint ; the difference between which is no other than that the one is above the Fetlock joynt , and the other beneath , both happning in the same place .

Of the Anbury , what it is , and how to cure it .

AN Anbury is a kind of Wen , or spungy wart full of blood , for the most part growing upon divers parts of the Horses body : To take of which , tye it hard with a thread , or three or four strong twisted hairs , till you can pull them no harder , and leaving it , it will of it self fall off , in five or six day ; then kill the root with powder of Verdigrease , and heal it up with suppling Oyntments ; but if it so happen that it be flat , and you cannot tye it up , then cut it away with your Incision-knife , or burn it with your Cauterizing-Iron ; and to kill the fire , or cure the wound , melt Turpentine and Hogs-grease , and apply them plaisterwise ; but if it happen to grow on any sinewy place , that it cannot without impairing the sinew be cut or burnt , then eat it of with Oyl of Vitriol , and heal it up with supplements .

Of the Palsie and its Cure .

THe Palsie is occasioned by too much moistness afflicting the Brain , as likewise a dizziness occasioned by ascending vapours from the stomach , known by the Horses nodding , wrying his neck , and continual motion of his head , dullness at one time more than another , and the like : to cure which let him blood in the neck and Temple veins ; anoint his back all over with oyl of Petrolium , and with wet hay-bands swadle over his neck , even from his ears to his breast , and so doing for four mornings together ; give him every morning a pint of Muscadel , mixed with three spoonfuls of powder made of these ingredients , viz. three ounces of Storax , two ounces of Opponax , three ounces of Gentian ; of Manna and Succory , each an ounce and a half , of Myrrh one scruple , and of Long-Pepper two scruples , all beat together , finely sierced and well mixed .

Of the Vives and what they are , and how to cure them .

THese are divers flat kernels hanging like clusters of Grapes under the Ears , creeping or spreading thence into the throat , where they will strangle him by stopping his wind , if not speedily cured : they are for the most part caused by cold or pestilential Airs , and differ little from the Murrain . The cure is Tarr , tryed Hogs-grease , Baysalt , Frankincense , of each three ounces melted and well mixed together , and every morning as hot as he can indure it , applyed to the place grieved , stuck on with Linnen rags , and bound fast about his head and neck , till the inflammation become soft and ripe , at what time open it , with your knife , and let out the water and infectious corruption : Then heal it up with an Oyntment made of Verdigrease , Hogs-Lard and Turpentine boyled together , and stirred till cold .

Of Rat-Tailes , a kind of scratches : And the cure for them , &c.

WHen you perceive he is troubled with this grief , which will appear by the breaking out of knops ; Ride him pretty briskly , even till by his heating the vein swells , then let him blood in the Fetlockvein , on either side suffering him to bleed indifferent well ; washing the sore the day following with warm water ; then clipping away the hair , anoint it with Oyntment thus made , viz. Verdigrease , and green Copperas , of each two ounces , and four ounces of hony well pounded and mixed together , and by often using it , it will effect the cure .

Of Aches or Numness in the joynts ; and their cure .

AChes and Numbness in the joynts , are mostly occasioned by cold gotten by excessive labour , or standing unregarded in damp or watry places , to cure which take Accopium mixed with Mallago , and heating them hot , chafe them into the place grieved with your hands , and in three or four times so doing it will remove the pain : or for want of the aforesaid things take Brandy or Aquavitae , and Pepper finely sifted , and bath the grieved place as hot as may be , and then bind rags dipped in them , hard to the Ach or Numbness , renewing them as often as they dry . And Aches come sometimes by Sprains , Hurts , and stretching of the Nerves or Sinews , it will not be amiss to set down things good in general for their cure .

Things generally good for Aches , Numbness or the like dispondences in the joynts .

FOr Swellings , Aches , Numbness , or the like proceeding from Heat , Cold or any other cause , these following things are exceeding good , viz. Oyl of Almonds , Aquavitae , Archangel , Allheal , Balsum , Burgundy-pitch , Burnet , Bay-leaves , Brandy , Oyl of Chamomil , Cumfrey-roots , Chickweed , Mallows , or Marsh-mallows , Cowslips , Mullen , Mugwort , Purslain , Peneroyal , Burdocks , Saxafrage , Gander-Tansie , English-Tobacco , Mother-Time , Flower de Luces , Sow-Fennel , Turpentine , Ragweed , Accopium , Pepper , Safron , Garlick , Rosemary , Myrrh and Sciatick-creses , which may be used altogether , or some of them at a time pounded and mixed according to your discretion .

For the bloody Flux , an excellent Remedy .

THe Bloody-flux is a dangerous distemper proceeding from the over-flowing of the Liver or vessels of blood or pestilential distempers , and is known by voiding of blood in Dung or Urine : to stay which take an ounce of Saffron , two ounces of Myrrh , an handful of Southernwood , the like quantity of Rue or Herbgrace , of Spittlewort and Hissop , each half a handful , and of Cassia an ounce , the which being bruised small and tempered well , must be with Chalk-dust and Vinegar made into a past , so that little cakes may be thereof made , the which dryed in the shade , dissolve of them to the quantity of three ounces at a time in three pints of Milk , from kine fed with barly straw ; or for want of that , dissolve them in a juice called Ptisane , and give it the Horse to drink morning and evening , and after it a quart of warm water , and it will not only stay the Efflux of blood , but any pain in the belly or bladder , unless the stone or gravel .

Barbs , what they are , and how to cure them .

THe Barbs are common to most Horses , and are to be perceived by two Paps under the Tongue , and seldom do they disadvantage the Horse , unless they are inflamed with corrupted or putrefied blood , proceeding from crude humours , which corrode them and constrain them to stretch beyond their usual length , causing them to become exceeding troublesome to the Horse in his feeding ; to ridd him of which , with sharp Scissers , clip them away , and let the roots bleed a considerable season , as likewise let him blood on the second barr , and having made a mixture of Bolearmoniack , Vinegar and Salt , wash his mouth therewith , observing that no hay nor hay dust stick therein , upon his feeding thereon .

Of the Blood Spavin , what it is , and how to cure it .

THis grief is occasioned by ( and indeed is no other than ) a soft swelling growing through the Hough , commonly filled with blood , being largest on the inner side , by reason of its being fed by the master vein descending to the Pastern , and has its original from the corrupted blood that settles there , by hard riding or immoderate , labour : Especially when the Horse is young , and his Hoof tender , if it harden 't is more difficult to be cured than otherwise . To cure it , having shaved away the hair on either side the swelling , take up the thigh vein , and bleed it well , tying the vein above the place you strike , which will extract the blood gathered about the Spavin , after which slit the swelling , and prick it likewise on either side the Hoof where the Spavin is , that so the medicine may operate with more ease , and to better effect than otherwise it would do ; and when the corrupted blood and water is well pressed out , then lay a plaister to the grievance made of Bolearmoniack , and whites of Eggs , the which , after one days continuance , remove and wash the place with this bath or supplement , viz. Take Mallows , tops of Nettles , and boyl them in Spring water , till they are soft , after which bath him therewith ; whereupon take Brancha , Ursian , Wax , Oyle , Mallow roots , and French-wine , of each a proportionable quantity , and having boyled them , bind them about the place grieved with a linnen cloth , as hot as he can indure it , the which continue for the space of three or four days , stroaking it gently with your hand every day , to cause the corrupt blood to avoid ; after which make a plaister of Stone-pitch , Carana and Brimstone ; of the two former an ounce of each , and of the latter a quarter of an ounce , adding to them half an ounce of Turpentine , and apply it , being spread upon Leather , to the place grieved , binding it hard , and permitting it to remain till it fall off of its own accord .

The Bone Spavin , what it is , and how to cure it .

THis grievance is at first a tender gristle , on the inner side of the Hoof , which by long continuance hardens , till it becomes hard and crusty , sticking close to the Bone , and is occasioned by extraordinary riding in dirty ways ; or Hereditary from the Dam or Sire , who were infested with the like grievance , placed in the Hough , to cure which , take up the vein that feeds it ; whether Spavin or Curb , as well below as above , bleeding it sufficiently , and clapping thereto a plaister of pitch , heated and stuck upon flax : Dulcifying the sorrance four days after with Oyl of Pampillion and fresh butter as hot as he can indure it , and when the Scar shall be obliterated , apply a medicament , called Blauco or White made of Iessoe , and suffer it to remain untill it is whole .

Of the Pricking and itching blood , the occasion and cure .

THe Itching all over a Horses body , is either occasioned by inflammation of the blood , by heating or suddainly taking cold , by which means the salt watery humours get between the flesh and skin , which occasions the Horse to scrub and rub himself against Posts , Trees and Bushes , so that if it be not timely heeded , it will turn to the Mange , and by that means infect such Horses as accompany him . To prevent which , and cure the former , let him blood in the neck vein , and rub him all over with a hard brush or hard wisps ; then take Staves-acre , Elecampain roots , Chickweed and leaves of Brambles , of each a handful , boyl them in Cow piss , and add to them the powders of Sublimate-Mercury dryed ; Briony , and Red dock roots , Arsnick , Resalgar , with which wash him all over , but especially in the place you perceive him to rub most ; or for want of these take Hogs-grease , Mans-Urine , Tobacco leaves or stalks , Brimstone , Verdigrease , Train-Oyl and Allum , with which well concocted anoint the body of your Horse .

The Botts or Worms , what they are , and how to kill them .

THese Insects breeding in the body of a Horse , are of three sorts , distinguished by the names of Botts , Truncheons and Mawworms , the first for the most part breeding in the great guts near the Fundament , the second in the Maw , out of which if they be not speedily killed , they will eat their passage , to the destruction of the Horse , the third and last called Maw-worms , or plain worms , breed in the guts as the first . The Botts are small worms with little tails and great heads . The Truncheons are thick and short , and have hard heads . The Mawworms are long and slender , of a reddish colourm , any of them being as long as a mans finger , and these worms are generated from raw gross and Phlegmatick humours , occasioned by foul feeding . To know whether your Horse be troubled with them or not , you must observe whether he kick at his belly with his feet when he stands still , turns his head towards his tail , looking upon his body , Groans , Wallows , Frisks his tail often , or forsakes his meat , all which are signs of worms in his body : To cure which , take a quart of New-milk , four ounces of hony , which being made warm , give it him fasting in the morning , and suffer him to fast after it two hours , then dissolve an ounce of black sope in a pint of beer and give it him , and an hour after ride him hard , and the worms will either come away alive , or dye in his body ; or for want of these take Savin stamped to the quantity of a handful , and put it in a quart of Beer or a quart of Brine , and it will destroy them .

Of bunches , Warts , Knots and Wens ; Cramp or Inflammation , and their cure .

THese grievances come divers ways , as by foul feeding , Eating unwholsome meat , Hard riding , too much labour , Bruises or the like , which putrefie the blood , and cause it to turn into evil humours : To cure which take the powder of Diapente , mix it with Linseed or Olve Oyl , and making it into an Oyntment , apply it to the place grieved , especially for the Cramp , or Inflammation . Again , take Whitewine , Oyl and Tarr , of each a considerable quantity , mingle them together ; and apply them hot , and apply them plaisterwise to the Knots and Warts , especially if on the joynts , and the cure in six or seven days will be effected . Again , take Mustardseed , Bay-salt and Hogs-grease , mix them together , adding to them half a pint of Wine Vinegar , and it will sink the Wens or Bunches . Again , take Figgs , the roots of Fern , and Rochet , mingle them with Hogs grease and Vinegar , and apply them plaisterwise , for any of the aforesaid Sorrances : or lastly take an ounce of Galbanum , two ounces of Pitch , Lime an ounce , Bitumen three quarters of an ounce , Wax the like quantity , all which being well mixed and heated over a fire , apply them to the Sorrance plaisterwise .

A Remedy for the Windeolick , or Stone .

TAke of Whitewine a quart , four ounces of Fenegreek , of Bayberies and Pepper four ounces , of Ginger an ounce , Water Cresses a handful , and the like quantity of Red-Sage , one pound of Sene-green , and a handful of Mint , all which being well bruised and mixed together , boyl them , and afterwards straining them , add two ounces of Hony , and give the liquor to your Horse to drink : or for want of these things take Cloves , Pepper , Cinamon , of each of them an ounce beaten or ground into fine powder , and putting them into a quart of Cannary , suffer it to boyl a while upon a gentle fire , then adding to it one spoonful of Hony , give it the Horse bloodwarm ; Cloathing him up , and storing him with clean Litter , in which having stood or layn the space of four hours , give him a knop of Hay , and after the fifth hour a Mash , or a good draught of white water .

Of bloodshot Eyes , and other diseases or impediments of the sight , their cause and cure .

THis prejudice of sight happens ( as likewise all other distempers of the Eyes ) through two causes , viz , either internal or external , the internal cause proceeds from cold rhumes or fiery salt humours that fall upon the sight ; and the external cause from a blow , hurt by Lightening , fire or the like . To cure which , take these directions . To clear and take away the bloodshot , or setling of blood in the Eyes , taketh juice of Sowthistle , by some called our Ladys thistle , and spirit it into his eyes once or twice a day , for divers days together ; if your Horse be dimsighted , or have a thin Film over his eyes , take the juice of Cabbage or Colewortstalks , boyl it with a small quantity of hony , and spirt it into his eyes , and in so doing six or seven times , it will consume the Film and clear the sight ; nay , take away the Canker in the Eye , if it be not too far gone . To take away the Pin and Web in the Eye , spirt into it the juice of Celendine , the which is likewise exceeding good to clear the sight , as likewise doth the juice of ordinary Centaury : if your Horse be troubled with Moon Eyes , put into them Alehoof or ground Ivy juice , and it will restore him to a perfect sight . If your Horse be troubled with salt fiery humours or Rhumes in his Eyes , wash them with the juice of Houseleek , and by so doing often , it will allay the heat and drive back the Rhume ; the juices of Germander and Eyebright , consume the Pin and Web in the Eyes , and greatly restore the sight . Alehoof , Daisie flowers and Snap-dragons being bruised and strained with a little Rose-water and fine Sugar , dissolved in the juice cure all manner of Itching , Smarting , Inflammation , Spots , Webs and the like , restoring the sight when almost lost . The juice of Tree Ivy leaves , after they have been sufficiently steeped in water easeth presently ; and in process of time takes away all smarting and pain of the eyes . The juice of Endive clears the sight , and so does the distilled water of Groundsel , and the juice of Melliot with many other Herbs in general : but for brevities sake waving them , I shall now come to the particulars , more narrowly observing the cures for most , of all the Eye distempers .

To preserve the sight , a good expedient .

TAke Maiden-hair , Enface , Endive , White Rose Leaves , Smallage , Hill-wort , Succory , red Fennel and Cellandine , of each half a quarter of a pound , wash them clean , and steep them well in Whitewine , after which distil them , and the first water will be like Gold , the second like Silver , and the third like Balm , all which frequently one after another will wonderfully preserve his sight , and restore sight when almost lost .

How to take off the Pin and Web , with ease and safety .

TAke the powder of White-copperas finely sifted half an ounce , and the like quantity of White Sugarcandy pulverised and siersed , and with a quill blow into the eye grieved , every morning , as much as will lie upon a groat , till you see the Pin and web begin to wast , at what time use it every second day , and within a while after , every third day , and in so continuing , it will in twenty days take it clean away .

An approved Receipt for taking away a Film or Skin that covers the sight , &c.

TAke the powder of Alabaster , grind it to powder , sift it well , and blow it into his eyes , morning and evening , and it will eat off the skin : or for want of that take Bay salt and briuse it in a Morter or between two Trenchers , and make it up with sweet butter into pellets as big as Pistol Bullets , one of which put into the eye grieved , and close the lid upon it , holding it close with your hand till it be melted , and in so doing for ten days successively the Film will disappear .

To take away the Rhume in a Horses Eyes and clear the sight ; an approved Receipt .

TAke butter well salted and mix with it the juice of Houseleek and making it into pellets , put it into the Horses Ear , on the contrary side , and it will draw back the Rhume and cause the effects to cease , but you must hold , tye or sow up his Ear , or he will shake it out .

To cure swollen Eyes .

IF the Eye-lids of a Horse are swelled extraordinarily , so that the inside turn outward , you need do no more ( unless his eyes are perished , or afflicted with Rhume ) than muffle him up close and keep him warm , anointing the place grieved once or twice a day with Rose water , in which Sugarcandy and hony have been dissolved , and the swelling will abate : after which let him blood in the Temples , but by no means clip the bladders ) if any happen on his eye-lids ) but suffer them to fall off of themselves .

To stay the Rhume in a Horses Eyes , a most excellent Receipt .

BEat Bolarmoniack into powder , and blow it with a quill into your Horses eyes morning and evening , but if he refuse to suffer it , then mixing it with fresh butter and the powder of White Sugarcandy , make it into pellets , and put it into his eyes morning and evening , holding the lids fast till it is dissolved , the which doing five or six days will drive back the Rhume .

A Second approved Remedy for taking away the skin or white Film from the Eyes .

BUrn to ashes the roots of black Sallow , adding to them the powder of White Sugarcandy and grated Ginger , both well siersed , and blow them well mixed together into your Horses eyes morning and evening .

A Particular Receipt for Moon Eyes , Dim sight , or Eyes afflicted with any pain .

HEat Lapis Calaminaris red hot , and afterwards quench it in Plantain water or Whitewine , the which , after you have in the same manner done eight or nine times , bruise into powder , and putting it again into the water or wine it was quenched in , add to it half a dram of Aloes , and a quarter of an ounce of Camphire reduced into powder , which water drop often into his eyes , and therewith wash his eyelids .

A second particular receipt for the cure of soreness in the Eyes , and taking away the Pin , Web , or any infirmity happening to the Eyes by Bruise , Brush , or the like .

ROast a Pullets Egg new laid till it become hard , then cutting it in sunder long ways , take out the yolk , and filling the empty place with white Vitriol beaten into powder , close the shells together , binding them about with a paper , and again put them into hot embers , till the Vitriol be dissolved , then putting them into a Mortar , beat and bruise them to mash , then strain what remains liquid through a fine cloath , and with it wash the Eyes of your Horse twice a day ; or instead of Vitriol , you may use the powder of Myrrh , hang the Egg up , and suffering it to drop by degrees , both of which being exceeding good and most approved remedies for the grievances aforesaid .

An excellent receipt for taking away any spot in a Horses Eye .

HAving roasted an Egg , into which you have put fine Ginger and Salt , and it by the fire made exceeding hard , beat into powder , at what time having washed the Horses Eyes with eybright water , or the juice of Alehoof , otherwise called ground-Ivy , with a quill blow into the eye grieved , as much of the powder as will lie upon a two pence , and in so doing five or six times , the spot will vanish .

To take away a Wart on the inside or edge of a Horses Eylid , &c.

MIx burnt Alum , and unburnt Copperas beaten into fine powder , and well sierced , which apply to the head of the Wart , and it will cause it to fall away .

For the clearing and restoring foul or sore eyes , when the sight is in most danger , an excellent cure .

MElt Pitch , Rosin , Mastick and Tachamahaca , of each two ounces , then dipping Flax or fine Wooll into it , lay two parcels plaisterwise to the breadth of half a Crown on either Temple , then with a round Iron upon his cheek bone under his eyes burn three or four holes , suppleing them then with sweet butter , after which having washed a good handful of Cellendine in Whitewine , bruise and strain it , adding to the juice a third proportion of Womans Milk , sweetned with white Sugarcandy , well pulverized and sierced , and with it Morning and Evening , wash and cleanse his Eyes , and the putrefaction will not only cease to flow , but the sight be wonderfully restored .

The cause of a Horses often bleeding at the Nose , and how to prevent it or stay it , &c.

AMongst young Horses , bleeding at the Nose happens by the large quantity of blood they contain , which swells and frets the veins that end in that place , till it either open them , or force its passage by breaking them , which proceeds from a corroding humour in the blood , which pierceth or eateth the vein in the thinnest place . It is likewise occasioned by a stroak , cut , or any think forcibly thrust up the Nostrils , too much straining and the like : To prevent which , before it happens , or stay it when it flows . To prevent bleeding at the Nose , often burn Frankincense , or Assa fetida under his Nose in a Chafingdish , and squirt up his Nostrils juice of Houseleek , or juice of Garlick : To stay bleeding , the juice of young Nettles , sweetned with Loaf-sugar , and squirted up his nostrils , is a sure expedient ; or if that fail , take a hank or skien of black thread , in a pair of Tonges , when lighting it at the lower end , to prevent its flaming too fast , make it dampish with Whitewine Vinegar , holding the burning thread under his Nostrils , so that he may conveniently receive the smoak into them , and it will infallibly stay the efflux of blood : New Horsedung tempered with whitewine Vinegar and chalk beaten small , and applyed to the nostrils will stench the bleeding , as likewise bleeding at any other place occasioned by a wound or so , and in case you have not the aforesaid things in a readiness , burning of silk , the of juice Corianderseed , Hogs dung , a new cut Turf , juice of Sage , or Hysop , the young shoots of green Hawthorn bruised , or the blood of a Horse dryed , and beaten to powder , blown up the nostrils , or laid upon the wound , are all good to stay bleeding , as likewise are the juices of Parsly , Periwinkle ; the Coame of a Smiths forge laid to the wound , or mixed with Vinegar , spirted up the nostrils , the herb called Shepherds Pouch , distilled into a water , and given him to drink fasting in the morning , the which water stayeth internal bleeding , whether gotten by a bruise or coming naturally .

Divers other things there are that are excellent against bleeding , as the powder of the stone Emachile blown up into the nostrils , or applyed to any broken vein or wound .

The roots of Rubarb dryed , and pulverised , the powder blown into the nostrils of the Horse ; and lastly Bettany bruised with Baysalt , and mixed with Vinegar put into the nostrils , cause the veins to cease from further efflux .

Of the Botch in the Groyne , and how to cure it .

THis Sorrance proceedeth from humours ingendered by hard labour , which assembling in the Groyne , occasion the Botch , as likewise in divers other parts and places of the Horses body , known by the swelling of the hinder thighs , Cambrils , and knots in the flesh , the which , if upon feeling , they prove round and hard , will come to a head , and become troublesome to the Horse : Therefore to cure them you must take Turpentine , Hony and Wheat-flower , of each a pound , and with them make a stiff plaister , renewing it daily till the sorrance either break or become soft , abounding with corruption : if it do not break , lance it , that so the matter may avoid ; then take a linnen ragg , and having dipped it in Turpentine and Hogs-grease molten , taint it with the said ragg , and so renew it daily , till the poysonous matter is quite voided : Then heal it up with Bees-wax , and Occicrocium melted , and laid plaisterwise , anointing it with oyntment of Tobacco .

A second remedy for the Botch in the Groine , or imposthumation .

THe swelling perceived , according to the aforesaid symptoms ; take a piece of Allomed Leather , and spread thereon a ball of Shoomakers wax , applying it plaisterwise to the grievance , till it break or grow soft : if it break not , you must lance it , and extract the corruption , washing it daily with water , wherein a considerable quantity of Roach Allum has been dissolved , and dipping a ragg in Egyptiacum , an oyntment so called , suffer it so to continue till it become whole .

Of Blisters , and their cure .

BListers are risings between the flesh and the skin , occasioned by watery hot humours , or from any Burn , Scald , or chafing : to take them away , rub them in a Sun-shiny day , till they break or bleed , after which take the roots of Ivy , bruise them well , and mix them with Tarr , Allum and Brimstone , boyl them together , and spread them plaisterwise upon the grieved place , and it will cure it .

The Canker , its cause and cure .

THis is a loathsome and dangerous Sorrance , proceeding from corrupt blood or vitious humours , caused by unwholesome or immoderate feeding , and many times by Salt and fiery humours , coming of extraordinary cold , rendering the Horses breath unsavory . This Canker fretteth and gnaweth the flesh , still incroaching , so that if it happen on the Tongue , as sometimes it doth , it will eat it in sunder . If upon the nose , it will eat through the Gristle : 'T is known by the rawness and often bleeding of the place where it happens , and sometimes by a white scurse growing over it . The cure take as followeth .

For the Canker in the Mouth or Nose , take the quantity of a walnut of Roach-allum , the like quantity of Bay Salt , a spoonful of English Hony , Rue , red Sage , Bramble leaves , and Ribwort , of each half a handful , boyl them in whitewine , so much as will suffice , till a quarter is consumed , then strain and press them well , and with the liquid part wash the mouth or place grieved , in whatsoever part of the body , with a clout fastened to a stick , &c. doing so twice a day or oftener , if time will permit , and it will both stay and kill the Canker .

Of Clefts and Cracks in the Heels , and their cure .

THese Sorrances are occasioned divers ways , as by excessive riding , extraordinary labour , heats , surfeits or the like , as also through the indiscretion of the keeper by washing him , when he is hot , or suffering him to cool suddainly , which corrupting the blood , obliges the gross humours to descend and settle in the heels , causing them to be chopped , broken , and become raw , mattery , and extreamly offensive to the Horse , especially if he travail upon rough ground , or in wet ways : To cure which , cut away the hair , rub off the scabs with Chamber-ly , as likewise the blood that follows ; and keeping him dry , take flower of Brimstone mixt with sweet butter , and anoint the place grieved therewith , once or twice a day , binding his feet close , to keep out the air or dust : If this should fail to effect the cure , as past doubt it will not ; then take Soot , Salt and unsleckedlime , of each a handful , boyl them in Whitewine Vinegar till they become thick , then add to them Hogs-lard , and work them into an Oyntment , and anoint his Sorrance therewith untill it s healed , which will be in a short time effected .

The cause of the swelling in the Cods and Stones , with directions to asswage the same .

THese swellings are sometimes occasioned by the stinging of venemous insects , other times by bruises received by fighting with other Horses , overstraining , corruption of blood , setling , too much plenty of Seed , or after sickness , surfeiting by cold and the like : To cure which , take Oyl of Turpentine , Marsh-mallows , Groundsil and Cammomile , stamping the three latter small , and boyling the juice thereof with the former ; and with it as warm as he can well indure it , anoint his Cods morning and evening , and the swelling will abate .

The Cord , a grievance so called , what it is , and how to remedy it .

THis cord is a sinew in the forelegs , which ascendeth from the sheckle vein to the gristle in the nose , between the lip , a beans length in breadth , or two strings like threads fastned above the knee , and passing through the body to the nostrils subjecting to stumble , and pitch upon his nose , which amongst young Horses is frequent . This grievance may be known by the stiff going of the Horse , and stumbling without any visible Sorrance : to rid him of which , slit him upon the tip of the nose , and with your Cornet take up the two great sinews , which you shall perceive , and cut them in sunder , healing them up with oyntment of Earth worms , or Marshmallows , and he will not for the future be subject to stumble ; and indeed it is necessary that most young Horses be so served .

Another in the like case to be observed , is , when to prevent stumbling , you slit the tip of some Horses noses , between the nostrils , you will find a white flat gristle , which being taken up ; twist till you perceive him draw his hinderlegs close in a manner to his forelegs , then with a sharp knife cut of the gristle and heal up the Incision with green oyntment .

The Colick , its cause and cure .

THe Colick is occasioned by wind in the bowels , and from thence it takes its name of Wind Colick , causing terrible pains , wringings and gripings , which you may perceive by the Horses often striking at his belly with his hinder feet , as also by his lying down , tumbling , beating with his feet , and loathing or forsaking his meat : To cure which , take a quart of Whitewine , four ounces of Fenegreek seed , Bay berries and Pepper , of each four ounces , of Grains and Ginger , each an ounce , Water Cresses , Sage , Senegreen and Mint , of each a handful ; bruise the herbs , and beat the spices small in a Morter , and having well boiled them in the wine , strain them well , and adding two spoonfuls of Hony , or so much as will sweeten the liquor , give it him pretty warm , and so doing three mornings and evenings will expel the wind , and make the pain to cease .

The Colt Evil , its cause and cure .

THis distemper is as well subject to a Horse , as a Gelding , and to the Horse it happens , through the extraordinary swelling of the Yard , occasioned by too much windiness in the Sinews , Arteries , or pipe of the Yard , which causes the Yard to swell extraordinarily , or too much rankness of seed , and to a Gelding for defect of natural heat , to expell the seed generated ; to prevent which take the juice of Rhue , mixed with Hony , boyled in Hogs-grease , with Bay leaves , and powder of Fenegreek made into an oyntment , and with it as warm as may be anoint the sheath . If this fail , twice , thrice , or four times using , take the leaves of Bettony , powder of the herb Anit , and stamping them small , mix with them Whitewine , and anoint or lay them plaister-wise to the place grieved , having first washed it clean with Vinegar , made warm over a gentle fire , as likewise his Cods and Yard ; and soon after ride him into deep water , moving him to and fro to remove the heat of the Genitals , till the swelling is abated ; or if you cannot get these things , then put him to a Mare , and afterward bathe his Cods and Yard with juice of Housleek , Senegreen , or the water wherein Rhue holm has been boyled ; but if through the hardness of the swelling the making water prove impossible , or exceeding difficult , give him a Drench made of new Ale , and Black Sope , and wash his Cods with butter and Vinegar made warm , or the juice of Hemlock , making a plaister of Bean flower and Bolearmoniack tempered with Vinegar , or for want of them , with wine lees , stamped Housleek and Bran , and apply it to his Cods and Sheath .

Consumptions in a Horse , the cause and cure .

OF Consumptions there are two kinds , the one a dry kind of a Malady , and the other a Consumption of the Flesh ; the former being occasioned by violent heats and colds , with excess of vitious corroding humours , descending from the head , and falling upon the Lungs , known at first by a thin matter flowing from the nose , which by degrees becomes gross and thick , the which if not prevented will cause a leanness and decay of flesh , making his belly become gaunt and clung , as if he was famished ; forbidding the hair to fall off in due season , and obliging him to continue a husking wheesing cough , being a distemper difficult to cure , if not taken in time . The latter is a more particular Consumption and wasting of the flesh , caused either by violent heats , or immoderate labour ; watering your Horse when he is hot , or negligence in the keeper , in letting him stand after a journey wet and dirty : To cure which , take Horehound , Wood-bettony , Juniper berries , Leeks , Frankincense , Bay-berries , Brank-ursin , Chian , Dandelion , of each a like quantity , bruise them well , and boyl them in a quart of Cannary till a fourth part be consumed , then strain and press them well , adding to the liquid decoction half a pint of Oyl Olive , and pour it down his throat with a Drenching-horn , for six days morning and evening ; or if the season permit , you may give him a scouring , and put him to grass , and before you put him forth , give him this Mash made of the broth of a Sheepshead boyled , wooll and all , and in it half a pound of clarified hony ; or for want of it Loaf-Sugar , Cinamon , Conserve of Roses , Barberries , and conserved Cherries , of each an ounce , and although he be abroad , yet visiting him once a day , give him this drink , and afterward chase him to and fro for the space of half an hour , but not too hard , and give him water to drink , wherein some Wheatflower or fine Bran has been scattered : and if you perceive he mend not upon this , then taking him up again , give him often change of wholesome meats , Mashes and warm waters , and as you see occasion , Cordial powder , or Cordial balls , and in a short time , unless the distemper have too much consumed him , he will return to his pristine strength and vigor .

The Cold or Poze in a Horses Head , its cause and cure .

THis infirmity proceeds from gross humours and cold distillations , according to the proportion of cold taken , or moisture of the Brain : if the cold be great , upon search you will find great kernels under his chaule , about the root of his Tongue ; but if new taken and small , then little kernels . 'T is a sign likewise that his cold is of no long continuance , if he rattle in the head , his eyes and nose venting thin mattery humours . This cold may be likewise perceived by his holding down his head in the Manger , his water when he drinks running out at the nose , or between his teeth , he chews slimy or nauseous stuff ; but if you perceive him void foul stinking and thick matter out of his nostrils , and cough strongly , then signifies it that the cold , if not turned , is turning to the Glaunders , or consumption of the Lungs : To cure it either new or old then , take these directions .

Take Moss growing upon a fell'd Oak , to the quantity of a handful , root of Elecampanum , green and sliced , and a stick of green Liquorish , boyl them in three pints of red Cows milk , till the liquor be reduced to a pint and a half , to which add a quarter of a pound of sweet butter , an ounce of Treacle , and four or five figgs pared and cut small , then suffering it to be luke-warm , give it him in a Drenching horn : And this medicine you may likewise give him for the Stavers , Frenzy , Bloody-flux , Consumption of the Lungs , Shortness of Breath , Glaunders , or any cold or cough , wet or dry ; and for want of milk , you may boyl them in new ALE , but milk is better : give it him every Morning fasting for a week together .

Another excellent remedy to the same effect .

TAke Brimstone flower an ounce , sweet butter two ounces , temper them together very well , then with them anoint the butt ends of two Goose wings , and thrust them up his nostrils , fastening them in with packthred bound over his pole , and thereupon riding him gently , he will snort , and avoid an extraordinary quantity of matter and filth that offends his head , but after you have taken them out , be sure you keep him warm in your Stable , and feed him with warm Mashes , burning under his nose in a chafingdish a little Storax , thus you may do to a Horse that is designed for Racing , or Hunting , when you dare not give him any purgation or internal Drench , by reason of the days near approach .

For a Cold newly taken , a most excellent remedy .

MAke a little hole in the crown of a new-laid Hen-egg , at which extract the white and yolk , filling the concavity with fresh butter and Tarr , of each a like quantity , causing your Horse morning and evening to swallow it in the shell , by drawing forth his Tongue , giving him after it some warm Ale , wherein Rosemary has been boyled , and in so doing three days successively the cold will vanish ; for if this cure it not , then is it of long continuance : To cure which , take the following medicine .

For a long taken Cold , Cough , Shortness of Breath or Pursiveness , an excellent remedy .

HAving dryed Elecampain roots , beat them into powder , to the quantity of two ounces , adding to them an ounce of Anniseeds bruised , and the like weight of Liquorish and Sugarcandy pulverized , when putting to them half a quartern of the Syrup of Colts-feet , temper them with three or four ounces of fresh butter , making the ingredients up into balls , and give him three of them as big as Pigeons Eggs fasting , riding him afterwards for half an hour , letting him come warm into the stable , and cloathing him well , giving him Oats washed in hot Ale , and no cold water for four hours after : or for want of this , you may give him conserve of Elecampain roots , thus made , viz. Take the roots , and candy them with sugar , keeping them from all moisture , and so having done , take an ounce thereof , and add to it , being broken small , two ounces of Syrup of Colts-foot , and as much fine sugar as will make it into a conserve , then dissolving it in a pint of new Mallago , give it warm to your Horse , ordering him after it as aforesaid .

If your Horse be troubled with a stopping in his head , voiding thereby filthy matter , take this following advice .

HAving mingled Coltsfoot with Auripigmentum , both of which pulverized , not exceeding four drams , take as much Turpentine as will make them into paste , which done lay them on a Chafingdish of coles in small pieces , covering them with a Tunnel , and by putting the small end into the nostrils of your Horse , suffer the smoak to ascend , holding his head to it , and in so doing five or six times the congealed matter will dissolve and come away .

For the Glaunders an excellent Remedy .

TAke the leaves of a Box-tree green , bruise them and add an ounce of Liquorish powder , the like quantity of Anniseeds bruised , steep them well in Beer or Ale , to the quantity of a pint and a half , then take four ounces of Treacle , and four ounces of Olive Oyl , the which all mixed and well heated , give him the whole dose in a Drenching-horn ; and thereupon ride him moderately , and at his return , put on his cloaths , give him a warm Mash , and keep the Stable close , and in so doing three mornings together , the Horse will be rendered well as at first .

Costiveness , the cause and cure .

THis grievance happeneth when a Horse without great pain cannot void his dung , proceeding sometimes from excess of Provender , at other times from too much feeding upon dry meat , which dryeth up the moisture of his body , as Beans , Tares , Pease and such like ; not but that they are wholsome and convenient , but that by excessive feeding on them , the Horses body is over heated , which drying his Excrements , shuts up the Office of nature , and sometimes this grievance happens by tedious fasting ; and the Horse being dyeted for Hunting , or Racing ; to remedy which , take a piece of Castle sope , to the weight of two ounces , dissolve it in Whitewine on the fire , after which , having bruised an ounce of Hempseed , put it into the liquor , sweetning it with an ounce of Brown Sugarcandy , and give it him as hot as he can indure it , after which , walk him up and down for the space of an hour , and then bringing him into the stable ; if you find him sick , let him lie down , and pour down his throat a pint of warm milk , feeding him as at other times , and his bowels will be loosened , and his Excrements come away .

Another to help and cure this grievance .

BOyl a handful of Mallows in running water , to the quantity of a quart , to which add half a pint of Olive Oyl , and half a pound of Butter , an ounce of Benedicta Laxativa , and making thereof a Glister , force it warm up his Fundament , holding his Tail close to it , to keep it in for the space of half an hour , then giving him a sweet Mash , leave it to work of it self .

Of the Cramp , or Convulsion in the Nerves or sinews of a Horse , its cause and cure .

THis Malady proceeds from the sinew cut , some wound in the Horse , or too suddain cooling after an extraordinary heat , too much straining , or excessive purging , and is known by the forcible contraction of the Sinews , Veins and Muscles , insomuch that the whole strength of man is not many times capable of bending the joynt ; this grief seizes , and by his being lame and well in a moment . There is also another Malady proceeding from cold , loss of blood , windiness in the veins , or numbness of the sinews differing from the first in pace only , as having its seat and operation in the Back , Reins , and neck of a Horse , known by the distortion or wryness of his neck , hollowness of his eyes , dryness and clamminess of his mouth , rising of his back in the middle and the like . To cure which , take Primrose leaves , Chamomile , Cowslip leaves , Crowfeet , Mallows , Fennel and Rosemary leaves , with the stalks of Pimpernel , steeped and boyled in spring-water for a considerable space , then once or twice a day bath him with the liquor hot all over , and apply the herbs to the grieved places , binding them on with Hay-bands or woollen cloaths , anointing them first with Oyl of spike mixed with Petrolium and Nerve Oyl .

The Camery or Frounce , what it is , together with its cause and cure .

THis Sorrance is composed of small Warts or Pimples arising in the Palate of the Horses mouth , being sore and soft , and sometimes seen upon his Lip and Tongue , occasioned by eating of Hay , on which or amongst which any vermine have dunged or pissed ; by licking up any venemous Worm or herb , many times by feeding upon Hay , amongst which are sharp Thistles or seeds , which fret and fester the tender parts of the mouth : The cure is to let the Horse blood under the Tongue in the two great veins , washing the place grieved with Bay salt and Roch-Alum , dissolved in Vinegar ; or with a hot Iron you may burn them on the head , if you perceive the former things cure them not presently , and afterward rub them with Ale and Salt .

Of Casting , the cause and cure , &c.

THe cause of a Horses casting his drink out of his mouth proceeds from the effects of a cold stomach , or cold contracted in the head , ingendering thick phlegm or slimy humour , which lapping about the root of the Tongue , hinders its office , as also straitning the passage of the stomach : To cure which , take a quart of Malmsie , or Canary , put into it an ounce of Cinamon bruised or beaten into powder , an ounce of Cloves , and the like quantity of Anniseeds , and give them him at twice pretty warm , anointing his Temples , Breast , and under his chaps with Spike Oyl , Oyl of Cyprus , and Oyl of Pepper mingled together , smoaking his nostrils with Gum Ellumi .

Crest fallen , what it is , and how to cure it .

THis deformity is when the flesh whereon the Main groweth standeth not upright , but declineth to the right or the left , and for the most part proceedeth from evil keeping , and want of convenient Provender , or when by reason of internal sickness , a well fleshed Horse falleth away . To raise the Crest when fallen , take it in your hands and setting it upright , permit one that stands by to pull abroad the bottom of it , upon which with a hot Iron sear the skin that hangs loose on either side , then clip it away and sow the skin , pulling it close with silk , as near as you can to the colour of the Horse , starching up the Crest on both sides , with Shomakers wax , spread upon stiff Leather , anoint the places you have made sore with Turpentine , Hony , and Bees-wax , tempered into an ointment , or with a piece of grease , but , if the Crest be not extreamly fallen , good keeping and looking to will cause it to rise of it self without any application .

Crick in the Neck , its cause and remedy .

THe Crick in the Neck is a kind of a convulsion in the nerves , hindering the Horse from turning his neck at pleasure , or taking his meat from the ground , but with great trouble , and is occasioned by over much heating , and thereon taking sudden colds , or by cold humours falling into the neck from the head : To remedy which , take a hot Iron , and pierce the skin , and part of the flesh in divers places , still observing not to touch any sinew , and in the Orifices , put Horse hair in the nature of Rowels , anointing them with Hogs Lard , suffering them though with daily moving to keep open the holes , to remain there for the space of thirteen or fourteen days , or if you think not good to serve your Horse as aforesaid , then rub his neck all over with Oyl of Spike , and Oyl of Peter , clothing him exceeding warm , and next to his neck lay Litter , that smoaks with the heat of his dung and Urine .

Of the Canker in the Eye , its cause and cure .

THis Sorrance is caused by corrupt and rank blood , descending from the head , which setling in the corner of the Eye next the nose , creates a worm with a black head , like a Pismire , so that if you do not timely destroy it , it will eat into the head of your Horse and destroy him ; now to know whether he be afflicted with this Malady , is to observe whether his eyelid be knopped or pimpled within and without , or whether his eye be full of corrupt matter , the which symptoms or any of them appearing , take burnt Allum and fresh butter , bruising the Allum into powder , and mixing it with butter , put it into his eye as near as you can upon the head of the worm , and by closing the eyelid , hold it in tell 't is dissolved , and in so doing three or four times , it will kill it and render the eye sound , especially , if you after the opening it spirt Lime-juice , and the juice of House-leek into it .

Of the Dropsie in a Horse , whence it proceeds , and how to cure it .

THe Dropsie is known by the swelling of the body , through the abundance of water that gets between the skin and flesh , when as the Buttocks and Flank will appear withered and dryed , the bones plainly appearing , and if you press any of the swollen part , the dints will plainly appear , for as much as the flesh wanting natural heat , cannot immediately return to its place ; this distemper makes him heavy , dull , and evil coloured , proceeding mostly from evil nourishment , and want of good digestion which concocteth Melancholy and vitious humours , sometimes it proceeds from the Liver , where the blood by reason of failure of heat , is turned into watery humours . This distemper perceived , let him blood , and then rubbing his body well with warm cloaths , to dissolve the humours congealed , boyl a Gallon of Ale , often scumming it ; put into it the tender tops and leaves of wormwood , and Rue , or Herbegrace , of each a handful , Bramble leaves , Mayweed and Smallage of each a like quantity , boyl the Ale till three parts is consumed , then dissolve into it three ounces of London-Treacle , adding thereto long Pepper beaten , and Granes , of each an ounce , stir them well in the concoction , and give it the Horse six mornings together blood-warm , anoynting his body with Train or Neatsfoot Oyl , and if the weather be seasonable after you have fed him a while with Mashes and white water , turn him to grass , and the water will fume away .

Chops , Rifs , and Clifts in the Palate of the mouth , how they are caused , and how to cure them .

THese Sorrances are occasioned by the Horses eating hard and dry Hay full of Thistles and prickly things , or foul Provender , full of sharp seeds , which grate of and fester the tender part of the mouth : To cure which , take water and salt , washing the rough of the Horses mouth till it bleed , then with Allum and Hony indifferent warm , anoint it , and in so doing for a week together every morning , it will cure it , if in the mean while , and for a considerable time after , you give him soft meat as Bran , Grass , Mashes , and soft Hay .

The Bony Excretion , its cause and cure .

THis Malady is frequently caused by corrosives , laid to the wounds that happen near the bone , which corrosives piercing , by their sharp and operating quality , the bone , many times , to the Marrow , and causes the excretion to grow upon it , although the wound is cured , which in the Farriers is a great defect ; for he ought to be very wary in burning the flesh with hot Oyls or other applications too near the bone or any sinew , sometimes also this Malady happens through the gauling and fretting of a fetlock : To cure it , upon the top of the excretion make a slit a quarter of an inch , then raising with your cornet the skin from the flesh , hollow it round about the place grieved , into which hollowness thrust Lint , dipped in the Oyl of Origanum , and upon it lay a plaister of Paracelsus , suffering it to continue till it rot , and nature cast out both the Lint and Core ; or opening it , if you lay roasted Elecampain roots to it , it will take away the grievance .

Kibed heals , the cause and cure .

THis Sorrance is known by a Scab , breeding somewhat above the under joynt overthwart the Fettlock , and is divers ways occasioned , as by your Horses running in cold ground , after a hard journey , immoderate labour , or neglect of the Keeper in not cleansing his feet and legs of the dirt contracted in the joynts , which causeth the legs to sweell , especially in winter when the ways are deep : To cure this , take the tender tops of Elder buds , Blackberry bush-buds , ere they bloom , boyl them in the wort of new Ale , adding thereto the whites of two new laid Eggs , and half an ounce of Allum , with which wash the place grieved morning and evening .

If this should fail , take tryed Hogs-grease two ounces , the like quantity of Gunpowder , and mixing them well together , daily anoint the place grieved , for the space of six days , and it will effect the cure , if you be careful to keep your Horses feet and legs from Rain or other wet .

Kernels under the Chaul , the cause and cure .

THis grievance incident to Horses , is occasioned by heats and colds , mostly taken by the neglect of those that have the Horse in charge , the which if not timely prevented turns to the Glaunders : To cure it , give your Horse a convenient scouring , the dose being made of Alloes , fresh butter , and the powder of Agarick , giving him at once a ball thereof as big as a Pigeons Egg , and afterward trot or amble him a mile or two , and then bringing him to his Stable , cloath him and keep him warm , permitting him to fast two or three hours , at the expiration of which give him a knop of Hay , or if you can procure it , a Mash of Malt very warm .

Lasks , Looseness , or open flux of a Horses Body , the cause and cure .

THis distemper incident to Horses , frequently rendering them weak and infirm , is mostly occasioned by cold unseasonably taken , though some times by Cholerick humours descending ; upon the Liver , or the overflowing of the Gall , which penetrates the Bowels by insensible ways , at other times by drinking excess of cold water upon a full stomach , which generates evil humours , or by drinking cold water when hot , or travailing too hard , eating Hens dung , or with the Provender licking up Feathers , Spiders , or any nauseous thing : To cure which , take flower of Garden Beans three ounces , three ounces of Bolearmoniack and a quart of Stale-Beer , to which add a quarter of a pint of red wine , & making them pretty hot , and mixing them well , give the Horse grieved to the quantity of a pint morning and evening for six days successively .

If the Lasks be violent , use this medicine , viz. of Allum , and Bolearmoniack pulverized , each an ounce , put them into a quart of new-milk , brewing it to and fro till it be sufficiently curdled , and then making it blood-warm , give it him to drink .

If the scouring be violent , take the intralls of a Pullet , omitting nothing but the Gizard , dipping them when smalled by shreading in Oyl of Spicknard , and so thrust them down your Horses throat by degrees , and it will not only stay the scouring , but the bloody flux ; notwithstanding , if the bloody-flux be predominant , take Saffron one ounce , two of Myrrh , three of Southernwood , one of Parsly , three of Rue , two of Spittlewort and Hyssop , one of Cassa , and adding to them a quart of wine Vinegar , and half a pound of the powder of Chalk , bruise them well , and then boyl them till they come to a thickness sufficient to be made into little cakes , which cakes give your Horse dissolved in Whitewine , or Stale-Beer well warmed morning and evening , and in a day or two it will cause the Efflux of blood to stay , and ease the pain in the bowels or bladder , which is occasioned for want of staling .

Leprosie , its cause and cure .

THis Loathsome distemper is known by a running Scab , or Manginess spreading all over the body , occasioned by Melancholy humours , corrupt blood , so made by excessive heats , surfeits , or unwholsome Provender and this grievance for the most part is first seen about the neck , which becomes raw thereby and unseemly , being altogether infectious , insomuch that it is extreamly catching .

To cure this distemper , take an ounce of Allum , eight ounces of green Copperas , an ounce of cut Tobacco , free from stalks , and boyl them well in a quart of spring water , till the water is near half consumed , and then as warm as the Horse can suffer it , supple with the remaining part of the liquor , the place grieved having first rubbed off the scabs , and so do twice a day letting the Horse stand at the Rack a considerable time after .

If the Leprosie be inclinable to Mangie , which it mostly is , if occasioned by a surfeit , then let your Horse blood , and having rubbed off the Scabs or scurfe , put together two ounces of Verdigrease and eight of Vinegar , a pint of Cows Stale , and a like quantity of Train Oyl , and having bruised a handful of wild Tansie , put it amongst the liquids , adding moreover four ounces of Brimstone flower , the like quantity of Roach-allum , and of Bolearmoniack , boiling together all the ingredients , and putting amongst them about a pint of the Horses blood , wash the place grieved with the liquor , as hot as he can indure it , and afterwards cloath him warm , and in so doing six or seven times the cure will be perfected , unless the infection has reached his internals ; the which if it has , you must give him Diapente drink , which will render him more liable to be cured .

The cause and cure of the distemper in a Horse called the Low-worm , and the symptoms by which it may be known .

THis distemper is by many taken for St. Anthonies fire , or the Shingles , but indeed is caused by a worm in the back of the Horse , bred between the flesh and the back bone , often running along the neck , till it tainteth the Brain , at what time the Horse frequently falls mad , which many Farriers mistaking for the staggers , apply frequently the wrong medicine , even to the destruction of the Horse . The symptoms by which it may be distinguished , are these , viz. After a long journy the Horse will refuse his meat , be troubled with sickness , and suddain pains in his back , which will cause him to shrink it up , and again to stretch at his length , as also to strain in making Urine without any effect , and at other times to bite the Rack-staves , or what ever is within his reach ; to remedy which , take two ounces of Garlick , four ounces of Acrement , a handful of Rue and Tormentile , bruise them well , and put them into three pints of Whitewine , then blood your Horse in the Tail , and dividing the liquor boyled and strained , give him it in equal proportions six mornings successively and it will effect the cure .

The defect in Horses Lungs , the cause and cure .

MOst diseases of the Lungs proceed from excessive heats , or their contraries , occasioned by hard riding or evil looking to , and if the descending humours so contracted , are not timely removed , they cause the Lungs to putrefie and rot : to know which distemper observe his Flanks and Ribs , for if they rise slowly and beat heavily , then are the humours contracted by cold , and must be speedily removed , 't is also to be known by his short drawing of his breath and slow cough , as likewise by filthy matter , that will upon his lying down and rising up issue out of his mouth and nostrils ; then to remove the humours , take Horse lungwort , by some called Mullet , a good handful , Fennegreek seed two ounces , of Madder made into powder , an ounce ; then having shred and bruised the Herbs , boyl them in new Ale or Beer , and give it the Horse grieved in a Drenching horn for ten or twelve days , each morning fasting , feeding him afterward with Mashes , and giving him warm water , with Wheat-bran scattered in it , and when you give him his dose , at the same time anoint his Breast and Ribs with the Oyl extracted from a Snake , and in so doing he will be restored to health .

The Lethargy or Sleeping evil , its cause and cure .

THis distemper proceeds from Phlegmatick humours , which settle about the Brain , and so numb it that it causes the Horse to be greatly desirous of sleep , even standing or travailing ; to redress which , let him blood in the neck vein and pallate of the mouth , and taking a gallon of Spring-water , boyl therein Camomile , Wheat-bran , Mother-wort , and put thereto a considerable quantity of Salt and Vinegar , which done , add to it two ounces of Parsly seed , and as much Fennel seed , then boyling them well , give the water clean strained to your Horse to drink , anointing afterward the Pallate of his mouth with Hony and Mustard , and by striking or making a noise keep him for twelve hours space from sleeping .

Moorfoundred , what it is , and how to cure it .

THis distemper according to the French , is no other than a foundering in the Horses body by the melting of the grease , occasioned by excessive heats , or not due cooling after travail : To cure which , having well raked his tail gut with your hand dipped in Olive Oyl , give him a Clister made of Camomile , Mallows , Agarick and Baum , all boyled in new milk , and well strained : Then take a quart of the best Malago , and setting it on the fire , put into it Cinnamon , Liquorish and Anniseeds , of each an ounce , and three ounces of Hony , and give it him as warm as he can receive it ; then ride him forth a racking pace , for an hour or more , suffering him to fast after it two or three hours , then sift him a pint of Beans and a quart of Oats , after which , let him have a knop of Hay sprinkled with warm water , giving him every other day a Mash of Malt and water , and four days after his taking the aforesaid dose , let him blood and keep him exceeding warm , and you will perceive the grease to come away in greater or lesser quantities , proportionable to what is in the Horses body .

Mattering of the Yard , how to cure it , as also to prevent shedding of the Seed .

FOr the first take Roach-allum an ounce , Whitewine Vinegar a pint , and having dissolved the Allum in the Vinegar , and made it lukewarm , with a syringe force it into his Yard four or five times a day , for three or four days together , and it will cure the Rawness , and bring away the cause of the grievance .

For the last , take the herb Aramanthus , the juice of Bistwort , and Plantaine , as also that of Comfery , red wine , and Hogs dung , and boyl them together in Verjuice , sweeten the liquid part with Sugarcandy or Mollossus , and having given it him to drink , ride him into cold water up to the belly , and suffer him there to stand for an hour .

To cure the Melancholy in a Horse , commonly called the Stagger or the Stavers , an excellent Receipt .

THe Horse troubled with the aforesaid distemper must , as soon as , by his giddiness and heavy eyedness , you perceive it , be let blood ; and then take Hazel-nuts , Butter and Salt , of altogether to the quanty of a pound weight , and having broken the Nut-shells , put the kernels into the butter and salt , when they are hot over the fire , and add thereto half an ounce of Assa fetida , and half a quartern of wine-vinegar , into which , well mixed , put small raggs , spunges or fine flax , and with them so dipped , stop his ears , sewing them up to prevent his shaking them out , and in twenty four hours the distemper will vanish .

For want of the former ingredients , take bitter Almonds two ounces , of Oxes Gall two drams , the Roots of Black Helebore vulgarly called Bearsfoot , an ounce dryed and pulverised , the Grains of Castorum two drams , Vinegar a quarter of a pint , Varnish a spoonful , and boyling them together , put them into the Horses Ears , stopping them close ; or for want of the aforesaid thing , use Garlick bruised in Aqua-vitae .

Imposthumes , their cause and cure .

IMposthumes are divers , though in quality they little differ , being for the most part generated of evil blood and gross humours , the which at first cause swellings , and if not then prevented , turn to running and loathsome sores , many times they are occasioned by unfortunate blows , and sometimes by hurt received from strait Halters and Harness , or taking cold , the symptoms by which they may be discovered , are by the much running of the Horses Ears and Eyes , the heat in his Ears and Temples , his unwillingness to be handled thereabouts , and dullness , and must if they be far gone be brought to a head , and broke , before they can be cured ; to perform which , take the roots of Mallows and White Lillies , of each three ounces , bruise them well , and mixing them with Hogs-grease and Linseed Meal , boyl them well , and upon Flax or Leather apply them plaisterwise to the place grieved , and it will both ripen and break it . Now there are hot and cold Imposthumes , the cold one will not break so soon as the hot ; therefore when you find it is come to a head , which you may perceive by its throbbing , open it with a sharp hot Iron and let out the corruption .

To cure either hot or cold Imposthume , when broken or opened , take Dragons blood , Gum Arabick , Bees-wax , Mastick , Greek-pitch , Turpentine and Frankincense , of each an ounce , melt them , and plaister-wise apply them to the grievance , or for want of them take dryed Southernwood , the yolks of new-laid Eggs and Barly-meal , which well tempered and applied plaister-wise to the grievance , will cause the filth to come away and cure the sore .

The Mallender , what it is , and how to cure it .

THis Sorrance is a hard dry scab full of Rifts and Chaps ; and long staring hairs growing upon the inward part of the foreleg , where if it be not looked to in time , it will canker and corrupt the flesh and blood , making the Horse go exceeding lame . It comes divers ways , proceeding some times from corrupt humours and over-heated blood , at other times 't is occasioned by the negligence of the Keeper in suffering the dirt long to continue on the Horses legs , &c.

To cure the Mallender , take half an ounce of Gunpowder , two ounces of Hogs-lard , a soft rowed Pickled herring , four ounces of common sope , and an ounce of Roach allum beaten to powder , all which being bruised , heated and tempered , that it may be applyed plaisterwise , lay them upon the sore after you have washed it with Urin , and clipped away the hairs , and by every day renewing it for three or four days , the cure will be effected , especially if you anoint it between whiles , with the Oyl of Turpentine .

The Mange in Horses , its cause and cure .

THis Sorrance is a like loathsome and dangerous , and may be known before its breaking out by the extraordinary desire the Horse has to rub against every thing he meets , to allay his Itch ; the hair falling away in many places , and undecently staring , the skins scurfiness , &c. The cause frequently arises from hard riding , cold and heats , excessive labour , bad humours and corruption of blood : To cure it , take Mother of Salt-Peter , and adding thereto wine Vinegar and Oyl of Turpentine , wash the place grieved , binding upon it afterwards bruised Chamomil and Hogs grease .

For want of the abovesaid Medicament , take Sope Lees , and steeping in them Tobacco-stalks , wash the Sorrance after the scabs are rubbed off , and keep your Horse as much as may be from rubbing himself against any hard thing .

The Mourning of the Chine , what it is , together with its cause and cure .

THis grievance is a kind of Glaunders caused by either excessive heat , standing wet or travailing in deep and dirty ways , which if not in time taken notice of , reverts its bad humours upon the Liver and Lungs , whereby they are frequently so putrefied that the Horse dies suddainly . The cure is first to let your Horse blood , and then to take Sallad-oyl , Whitewine Vinegar , of each three ounces the juice of Sallendine , and the powder of Elecampain Roots , of each an ounce , and put them into his nostrils , holding his head to the Rack , and thrusting into them at the same time a Feather , dipped in Oyl of Bays , to make him sneese , after which give him an ounce of Rubarb beaten to powder in a pint of Canary very hot , and so cloathing him exceeding warm , let him lie or stand as he best liketh , and in so serving him five or six times it will bring away the nauseous humours , by which the disease will decrease , and the Horse in time recover his perfect health .

Madness and Frenzy in Horses , from whence it proceeds , and how to cure it .

THis distemper happens to Horses divers ways , as first , when through the evil operation of the veins , crude blood stays in the head , and by an insensible way enters the Panicle of the Brain , which is known by the Horses heaviness , the dulness of his Eyes , and his want of Appetite , his often turning round and staggering ; secondly , when the blood is vitiated , so far that it by its fiery humour has pierced the film of the Brain and inflamed it , which puts him out of all patience , insomuch that he goes quite mad , beating his head against the Manger , Post , or whatever stands in his way , biting and stamping , kicking and flinging , with many the like extravagancies . Thirdly , when the blood in the stomach is by overmuch heat stagnated and corrupted , and turning upon the heart infecteth it . Fourthly and lastly , the cause of madness proceedeth from the bloods being generally infected , insomuch that at once the Heart , Brain , and Pannicles are afflicted , which is the worst of all , and commonly proves mortal : To cure these grievances , let your Horse blood in all his four legs , to draw down the blood that occasions it , and when he has bled sufficiently , take the roots of wild Cucumbers , or for defect of them the roots and leaves of Rue or Herbegrace , Mint , and black Helebore , of each a handful , with a like quantity of the herb and root of Virgo-pastoris , all which being well bruised and boyled in beer , give it him warm , and so continue to do for three or four days , if the madness cease not . Mans dung , or Hens dung , in whitewine is good in this case and has been often given with success .

The Malt-long or Malt-worm , what it is , and how to cure it .

THis Sorrance commonly happens above the Hoof of the Horse , almost in the nature of a Crownscab , appearing in divers little Knops and Bunches , both Cankerous and venomous ; which knops if not prevented will run into branches , voiding salt watery humour , causing great lameness and spoiling the Hoof. To cure which , take if you can get them , black Snails and Burdock roots , beat them together , and lay them to the sore , renewing the plaister every morning for five or six days : but if no Snails can be got , take the Soot or scrapings of a Pot or Kettle , the inner rinde of Elder , Garlick , Pepper and Hony , all which bruised and well tempered , lay plaisterwise , and it will cure the Sorrance , being received as aforesaid .

The Night-Mare , what it is , and how to cure and remove it .

THis distemper by some is held for Hag-riding , though indeed it proceeds from Melancholy blood , which pressing to the heart dulls and benumbs the Vital spirits , and thereby causes nature extreamly to labour under it , till it be expelled and driven thence , insomuch that at divers times the Horse so afflicted will be in a foaming sweat , not being capable of rest . To cure or prevent which , take half a pint of Olive Oyl , four ounces of common salt and half a pint of Spruce Beer , boyl them together , adding afterward three ounces of Brown Sugarcandy , and give it him as warm as is convenient for two , three or four Mornings successively , if you find he is so long afflicted with the oppression of crude blood .

Planet struck , what it is , and how to cure or prevent it .

THis distemper incident to Horses , is known by a suddain defect of the Horses members , insomuch that he often falleth down or standeth stiff almost without any appearance of life or motion : it is caused divers ways , sometimes by excessive congealing of Phlegm about the Brain , at other times by cold Melancholy blood , which instead of nourishing the Brain , numbs and sickens ; it likewise happens by evil digestion , which instead of blood fills the veins with raw watery humours , and sometimes by too much fasting , by heat or coldness of the breath , you may know from which of the two it proceeds , then to prevent or cure it , take 14 , 15 or 16 single Pyony seeds or more , if your Horse be of a strong constitution , bruise them together with a Clove or two of Garlick , three or four sprigs of Rue , and an ounce of Hemp-seed , all which boyl in sharp Whitewine , or Verjuice , and having strained them well , give him the liquid part to drink four mornings successively , keeping him thereupon exceeding warm , and it will answer the ends for which it was given .

Pissing Blood , its cause and cure .

THe cause of Pissing blood , often proceeds from excessive labour in Travail or bearing more than he is conveniently able , by a stone fretting upon the Kidneys , by a Vein breaking near the Bladder , or travailing him in cold weather or foul ways , immediately after he is taken from Grass , before he is throughly cleansed by scouring , or the humours worked naturally away . To take away any of these causes whereby the effects may cease , take the roots of knot grass one handful , Polipodium of the wall , and Comfry of each a handful , Wild and Garden Bloodwort , and Shepherds Purse , of each a handful , all which bruised well , and the juice strained into Stale Beer , the liquid body making three pints ; boyl it , adding afterwards Wood-soot and Spanish Salt , of each two ounces , and then as warm as he can receive it , give it your Horse at three times three following Mornings , and let him fast after it two hours ; or for want of this medicine take the Apples of wild-bryer , as many as will weigh two ounces , bruise them and put them into a quart of Beer , adding an ounce of Irsh-slate beat into powder , then making the beer hot , strain it and give it him very warm when he is fasting ; and by so doing a week together the blood will no more issue at his Yard , let the cause be what it will , if you refrain to let him blood .

The Palsie or Apoplexie , its cause and cure .

THis distemper is caused by the Horses feeding in unseasonable weather in wet Morish or Marshy Ground , where through the unwholsomeness of the Air and foul feeding , Crude humours are ingendered , which causing raw digestion , the Brain is thereby afflicted , and at other times it happens through some wound or stroke in the Temples or upon the Pole , and of these Palsies or Apoplexies there are two sorts , the one general , which is incurable , or at least very hard to be cured , and is known when it afflicts all the limbs . The other is particular to some one part , and mostly in the neck or Pole , which makes him carry his neck a wry , going side-ways , indenting and crooking his legs , and at other times running backward hitting his head frequently against Posts or Walls , yet greedy of meat and drink : upon the appearing of which symptoms , let him blood in the Neck and Temple veins on that side that the bend of his neck is outward , bathing his neck and back with Oyl of Petrolium well warmed , binding the former immediately thereupon with a wet Hay-band from his ears to his breast : Then take Opopanax two ounces , Gentian , Storax , Manna , and Succory of each three ounces , Myrrh one Scruple , and of long Pepper three Drams , dry them so that they may be beaten into a powder , and putting an ounce thereof into a pint of warm Malago , Muscadel or Canary , give it him to drink fasting , till all the powder is spent , and it will perfect the cure of the particular palsie , and if not cure , yet at least give much relief to the general distemper .

Pestilence , Murraine or Garget in a Horse , what they are , the symptoms whereby they are known , and how to cure them .

THese three distempers though different in name , yet in nature differ but little , being dangerous and infectious , coming divers ways , as by excessive unseasonable riding , by Pasturing in Fenny , damp , unwholsome ground , through noisome and infectious air when newly taken out of pleasant and serene air or the like , and are known by the Horses swelling under the Tongue and roots of the Ears , the heat and noisomness of his breath , swelling under the Chaule and in the Cheeks , causing him to decline feeding , hanging down his head , his eyes yellowish , a Boyl appearing in his Groine : and Lastly , known by the unseemly hanging of his Stones : upon observing of which symptoms or any of them , separate him from your other cattle , for the contagion is catching , and having brought him into a warm place , take Rue , Saffron , Walnut leaves ( if you can get them ) or in their stead Balm , Juniper berries and Garlick , of each a like quantity , Bistwort , Snakeweed , Angelica and Bay-berries , of each an ounce , the roots of Elecampain beaten into powder , half an ounce , to which add an ounce of Salt-peter , and boyling them well in three pints of Mallago , strain the liquid part , and give him a pint at a time very warm , for three mornings successively .

If the aforesaid ingredients cannot be so soon got as necessity requires , take Southernwood , London-Treacle and Bolearmoniack , of each two ounces , Cuckow-pintle roots beaten to powder , and Gunpowder of each half an ounce , Aquavitae half a pint , and Ale a quart , boyl them together , and give him the liquid part at twice and if the distemper abate not , give him the same medicine oftner .

Pursiveness , its cause and cure .

THis disorder in a Horse is known by his shortness of breath , panting , straining , and breathing as it were in pain , occasioned frequently by the length and straitness of the windpipe , which gives not sufficient vent to the Lungs , sometimes by flegmatick humours , or too much fatness , by hard riding upon a full stomach , unseasonable drinking , &c. and if not well regarded in time is prone to turn to the Glaunders , or dulness in travail , continually sweating upon the least motion , and the like : to Remedy which take Bay berries , Oyl of Frankincense , Fern roots , Nightshade , Anniseed , Liquorish and Sugarcandy , of each an ounce , bruise and mix them well , then put them into a pint of French-wine , and add thereto four ounces of Olive Oyl , and having boyled them well , give the liquid part to the Horse at three times , suffering him to stand in the Stable a day and a night after each potion , and observe that he take them fasting .

For want of the aforesaid medicine take Fennegreek and Elecampain roots , Brimstone and English hony , of each an ounce , adding thereto an ounce of Bolearmoniack and give them your Horse boyled in White-wine , six or eight mornings , each dose being a pint , which at every giving must be fresh made as aforesaid .

The Pains , a Sorrance so called , what it is , its cause and cure .

THis Sorrance is an ulcerous scab , full of fretting watery humours , commonly appearing in the Pasterns , between the Fetlock and the Heel , chiefly occasioned for want of careful looking to , in not rubbing down after a dirty journy , and is known before the scab breaks out by the swelling of the legs : To cure it , rub off the scab till it bleed , then take seven or eight sprigs of dryed Rosemary , the like quantity of red Sage , a handful of Bay-leaves , and the like quantity of Pellitory of the wall , adding to them half a pound of Allum powder , then boyling them in Canary , and Ale to the quantity of two quarts , a fourth part of the former only : with the liquid part wash the Sorrance Morning , Noon and Evening , and it will effect the cure .

How to know when a Horse is pricked , and how to cure it .

THis Sorrance often comes by the negligence of the Farrier , by not well pointing the nails , well clenching them , or driving weak nails that are apt to start aside , and sometimes by stubs , needles , or rusty Iron getting into the foot in travailing : to know which , observe the Horses halting , or pinch his hoof round with pinsers , and when you come at the place grieved he will shrink in his foot ; or if you throw cold water upon the Hoof , that part where the foot is grieved will be the soonest dry , the which , when you perceive , take off the shoo , and having discovered the cause of the grief , draw it forth , and opening the hole , take Allum , Salt and Copperas , boyl them in Chamberly , then washing therewith the grieved place , tent it with Hogs Grease , Verdigrease and Turpentine , and putting on the shoo again , stop his foot well with Cow-dung , and by so doing five or six times the cure will be perfected .

Quinsie or Squinsie , its cause and cure .

THis dangerous distemper both to Horses or Kine , is occasioned by cold Phlegmatick humours settling in the neck and throat , or many times through excess of blood and not timely bleeding : To cure it after you have bled him , if the swelling in his throat abate not , lay a Poultiss of Mallows , Chammomile , Groundsil and Harts Tongue under his Chaule , well beaten and fryed with Hogs-lard , the which having once opened the passage of his throat , take White Dogs-turd , Roach-Allum and Hony , and dissolving them in Milk , give him them hot in a drenching horn , and two or three hours after give him a horn full of the juice of Cinque ▪ foil or Cudweed , in which Hyssop and Figs have been boiled , and after it a pint of sweet wine , the which by repeating three times a day for four or five days together , will restore him to his feeding and health .

Rupture , Vncording or Burstenness , their cause and cure .

THese distempers differ but in name , being in nature all one , known when the Film , Rim or Chaul , sustaining the Horses Intrals , break by excessive straining leaping or other accident , insomuch that his Bowels fall into his Cod or Flank , and is by many held incurable , and indeed for the most part is so , yet often by this method Bursten Horses have been cured , viz. bring your Horse into a Barn , and having gently thrown him upon soft straw , by drawing his four legs together with Cords , then by throwing them over a beam , raise him from the ground with his back downwards , and with butter and water , or Deers suet well warmed , supple his Stones , taking them up between your fingers , and by degrees dividing them from the Guts , putting the Guts in their proper places , and having so done , tye the stones as near to the belly of Horse , as as may be , with a linnen string or soft list , but so that the string of the Stones may not be bruised , then let him down gently , and putting him into a warm Stable , take Vallerian Rupture-wort , the husks of Hazelnuts , Cross-wort , Cranesbill , Cyprus and Elme leaves , or Bark Chammock roots , beaten to powder , and Corn-flag , of each a handful , bruise and mix them well , and give it him to drink in Ale well boyled , morning , noon and night , and suffer him not to eat over much for the space of thirteen days : at the end of which take out one or both his Stones , if he be bursten on both sides and not too old , and by carefully sewing up the Cod , and healing it with Oyl of Bays , and now and then throwing cold water on it , the Rim will knit , and the Guts be retained in their due place , rendering the Horse firm and fit for moderate labour .

The Stone in Horses , it 's cause and cure .

THis grief much afflicting Horses , comes by sundry means , as by bad humours that stop the passage of the Bladder , by excessive labour or over much riding ; foul matter descending upon the Kidnies , when purged from the Liver and Spleen , vitiating the neck of the Bladder , causes hard knops to settle there , which make him piss with pain , and many times by holding his urine too long , when heated by travail , it condensates the humours , it fi●st created , into hardness , which by the operation of the kidnies in time becomes little Stones or Gravel , and may be perceived by his often striving in vain to avoid his urine , but cannot , at least not freely but in great pain : to dissolve and make him avoid which , take the Roots of Nettles , Parsly , Sperage and Dodder , of each three ounces , bray them well and boyl them in two quarts of Whitewine till a third part be consumed , then taking them off the fire , put thereto Goats-lard , Salt and Olive Oyl , of each three ounces ; strain it , and give him a pint of the liquor each morning , as hot as is convenient for six or seven mornings together , and it will bring away the Gravel , &c.

For want of the aforesaid Medicine , take Radish-roots , slice them , as also Onions and Parsly-leaves , of all three to the weight of sixteen ounces , an ounce of London Treacle , and the like quantity of Eggshells burnt to powder , and boyling them in a gallon of spring water , till a third part be consumed , give it the Horse to drink seven or eight mornings successively , or at any other time if the infirmity be grievous .

The falling out of the Mares Womb , or Horses Fundament , the cause , and how to prevent them .

THe Womb of a Mare is subject to many defects , as Barrenness , Falling out , Abortion , &c. mostly caused through intemperateness , creating too much moisture and cold , or too much fevorish humour or heat , and the former of these causes it is that makes the Horses Fundament to fall out ; something relating to which I have already laid down ; but for the better and more speedy cure and prevention , Take Leeks , Bolearmonick , Nitrum and Oyl of Cammomil , boyl them in a pint of white-wine , and a quart of Ale , and give it Glister-wise , administring it to either of them after the Womb or Fundament is well put up , and for several days after give them water , wherein Fennegreek Seeds have been boyled , permiting him or her to stand warm and dry .

Wind-Galls , what they are , and how to cure them .

THese sorrances are Bladders fill'd with salt watery humours gellied and thick , growing mostly upon the Fetlock joynt , on each side being troublesome and painful , especially in hot weather , and the ways hard : they proceed from the effects of hard labour , overheatings and unseasonable coolings , which cause the humours to descend into the hollow joynts , and ingender the Sorrances aforesaid . To cure which take Perosin , Tachamahacha and Mastick , of each a quarter of an ounce , Stone-pitch , Brimstone and Turpentine , of each half an ounce , melt them together , and spreading them plaisterwise upon Sheeps leather , apply them to the place grieved , and in five or six renewings , the cure will be effected .

Wolfe-teeth , what they are , and of other Teeth troublesome to Horses .

THe Teeth so called in a Horse , are two small ones growing in the upper Jaw by the Grinders , paining the Horse , and hindering his feeding : to avoid which there is no way but punching them out , and putting Salt in the places where they stood .

The tooth-ach or pain in the Teeth , cometh by cold or hot humours falling into the jaw : To cure which , wash the Horses mouth with Chalk and strong vinegar , laying to the Temples at the same time Rosin and Mastick .

If the Teeth be loose , Lance the Gums , and with Sage , Elecampain roots , and Salt boyled in running water , wash the mouth of the Horse once every six hours and in so doing for a week together , the teeth will become fast and firm .

The Wart or spungy excretion , and Wenn , their cause and cure .

THe first of these for the most part grows near the eye , and is caused by a Phlegmatick humour setling there , indangering the eye , if not timely taken away : to do which let it bleed , and strow powder of Verdigriese upon it , that failing cut it away or eat it off by tying a hair round it , and heal it up after the root is taken away , by applying Verdigriese powder , with Greentreat .

The second Sorrance is a hard Tumour in the flesh , greater or lesser , as the humour feeds it , by which it is ingendered , it mostly proceeding from the effects of some stroke or bruise , being mattery and corrupt towards the root : to sink which bath it with Sope lees , applying a plaister of Rye meal , and Linseed-oyl , and new-laid Eggs , the Hair being clearly cut away .

Strangury or Strangullion , it 's cause and cure .

THis distemper is caused by sharp and evil humours descending upon the Bladder , which entring make raw the neck thereof , often ulcerating it , which causes the Horse to strain often for urine without any effect to the purpose , yet such drops as fall come forth with great pain , which is known by his whisking about his Tail and stamping . To cure which use the same Medicine prescribed for the Stone .

Shoulder pinched , what it is , it 's cause and cure .

THis disadvantage to the Horse happens by over early labouring or straining the Horse or carrying great burthens , and is known by the narrowness of the Horses shoulders or breast , where the flesh seems continually to consume , insomuch that the fore part of the shoulder blade will stick out further than the flesh , leaving the Brisket hollow , &c. To remedy which , with a sharp knife make a slit an inch long on both sides under the shoulder bone , and raising the skin , blow with a quill first one shoulder , then another , suffering the wind to gather into it even to the Withers , still raising it and smoothing it with your hand , striking the wind equally into every place , the which when filled beat with a switch , still loosening the skin with a flat instrument of Iron , then Roweling the slits with two round Rowels made of the upper leather of a shoo , having a hole in the middle for the water and matter to issue forth , and then anoint his shoulders with Hogs-grease and Oyl of Turpentine , by which means the skin giving way , the shoulders will bear out in their due proportion .

Shoulder wrench or strain , Shoulder splaiting or tornn , and shoulder Pight , their cause and cures .

THe first of these is a wrench that cometh divers ways , as by travailing on uneven ground , strain or slip in running , &c.

The second cometh by an extraordinary slip that breaks some sinew or ligament , parting in a manner the shoulder from the breast , rendering the Horse exceeding lame .

The third is when the point or pitch of the shoulder is dislocated , known by the sticking of the sharp bone , and is got by some fall or extraordinary wrench : To cure all which , keep the Horses so grieved in a Stable without the least molesting them , then putting them on Pastern shooes ; take of Dialthea one pound , the like quantity of Olive Oyl , Fresh Butter and Oyl of Bays , of each half a pound ; the which melted and made into an Ointment , anoint therewith the grieved part , suppleing it with your hands for three or four days , morning , noon and night ; at the end of which if the shoulder swell , as past doubt it will , prick it with a Lancet or Phlegm or hot Iron , continuing to anoint it with the ointment prescribed : but if the swelling come to a Tumour , that is , gather a head , Launce it in the place where it gathers ; anoint it with Green ointment , to which the Table will direct you .

If your Horse be shoulder pight , swim him in a River or other deep water , and with his striving the bone will return to its place , or if it be excessive frosty weather sling him upon a Beam by putting soft Girths or bands under his belly , and so by strength pull it into its right place , then letting him down gently , suffer him to stand on soft straw , to rest a while .

When the shoulder is brought right , take two wooden pins of Ash or Elme , each five inches long , anoint them with Hogs-lard or Deers suit , and slitting the skin about an inch above the point of the shoulder blade in four places , thrust the Pins in crosswise , gathering up as much of the skin as is possible , then take strong Packthread or Whipcord , and fastening one end to the uppermost part of the cross ; for both the ends of the pins which ought to be flat , must appear without the skin , twist it round as hard as is convenient ; at what time anoint it Hogs-lard and with Oyl of Cammomil , suffer him to rest in a warm Stable , giving him comfortable meats , permitting him to lye down or stand awry as little as possible : at the end of which time if the bone keep its right place , you may turn him out to Grass , always remembering every other day to anoint the place with what is before specified till the pins are worked out by nature , yet in the interim you may work him in drawing matters , but not in carrying heavy burthens .

Navel Gall , the Sosrance so called , its cause and cure , and of Lice , Flies , &c.

THis Sorrance is no other than a Pinch with the Saddle , right against the navel : to cure which , take Oyl of Bays , Fox grease , or Hogs grease , of each an ounce , adding a handful of Earth-worms , and a like quantity of Salt , boyl them all in a pint of Whitewine , then adding two ounces of Olive Oyl , boyl them again , after straining the liquid part till it become an ointment , and anointing therewith the Sorrance , laying over it lint or flocks , it will in a short time render it whole .

Lice are occasioned by poverty , dropping of Trees , or the like , and known by the Horses rubbing his Ears , neck and other parts , &c. To kill them , wash him over with the decoction of Henbane , in Cow-piss , or with Tobacco stalks , and Copras boyled in water , or man's Urine .

To keep your Horse from being annoyed with Flies , anoint him with Oyl of Bays , water wherein Rue has been sodden , or Linseed Oyl , and no Flie will settle on him .

Red-Water , Over-reach , Salender and stinking Breath , their respective causes and cures .

REd-water is an infectious water , which proceeds from most wounds occasioned by the ill humours that flow from divers parts of the body and greatly hinder the cure . To extract which , or disperse the humour , rub him well all over his body , but especially his belly , and giving him to drink water wherein has been boyled the roots of Emanuel or All-good , a Herb so called , and Mustard seed of each a pound , to three Gallons of water .

Over-reach cometh by a slip or strain , or by the Horses running beyond his strength , and the cure is the same with the upper and nether Attaint , which Receipt you may find in the foregoing part of this book , being directed thereto by the Table .

Stinking breath is occasioned by the putrefaction of the Lungs , and is soon discovered by those that have their smelling : to remedy which , take Colts foot , Fennel , Anniseeds and Fennegreek , of each a handful , boyl them in Beer or Ale , to the quantity of three pints , and straining them , give him the liquor hot as he can drink it , and in so using him ten or twelve days , if the Lungs be not too much perished with the corruption which proceeds by raw humours descending upon them through foul feeding or unwholesom air , the cure will be effected .

As for the consumption of the Liver , caused by some inbred distemper , there is no certain cure : yet to preserve and perhaps restore it , give your Horse in a pint of Mallagoe half a pint of Pigs blood , both as warm as may be , and so do three days successively , feeding him in the mean time with black Oats , and giving him to drink new wort , and the night before he receives the Medicine permit him to eat nothing ; or for want of this take an ounce of the powder of Agrimony , a handful of Red rose leaves , and of Saccarum , Diarchadon , Disantelon Abbatis , and Licorish , of each half an ounce , boyl them in two quarts of Malmsey , and give him a pint to drink four mornings successively , suffering him to eat Mashes , and the like during the said days .

Ring bone , Rottenness and Rheumes , their cause and cure .

THe Ring bone comes divers ways , especially two , the one is hereditary from the Mare or Stallion , the other by a bruise , &c. and is a vicious humour which causeth gristly flesh upon the Coronet , till at length fastening to the bone , it becomes hard as a bone , making the leg to swell , and the flesh higher in that place than any other : to kill or take away which , take unslacked Lime , burn it well , and beating it into powder lay it upon the bone to the quantity of two ounces , binding it about with a linnen cloath , and immediately put your Horse into the water , then the Lime slacking will burn the core and kill it , so that in a short time it will diminish .

Rottenness is a putrefaction of the Lungs and Liver , the which if far gone , admits no cure ; but if not so , take what I have before prescribed for the Lungs and Liver , using them after the same manner . A direction to which you will find in the Table , the which use also for the Rot that causes swelling like the Dropsie .

Rheums falling upon the Jaw , &c. come by cold which so infeeble the Gums that they shrink away leaving the teeth loose , staring out , long and uneven , greatly hindering the Horse from eating : To cure which give your Horse Conserve of Elecampain roots , two ounces in a pint of Mallagoe very warm , adding thereto two new-laid Eggs beaten well , half an ounce of Anniseeds , and a Nutmeg grated small , give it him warm four Mornings , and afterward wash his mouth with Sage , Allum and Sugarcandy dissolved in Vinegar .

The Yellows and Falling of the Yard , and Sway-back , their cause and cure .

THe Yellows is properly the Yellow Jaundice , most commonly accompanyed with the black , though of different natures ; for the Yellow is moist , and the Black dry , the former proceeding from the over flowing of the Gall ; and the latter from the Spleen , being the most dangerous : the former is known by the yellowness of the Horses Lips , Eyes , &c. and the Black by a black duskish colour , striving to master the Yellow , the which when it has done , it mostly proves Mortal : To cure them , take the juice of Celendine ; four ounces Turmerick and Pepper bruised into powder , of each an ounce , the iuice of Burdock roots two ounces , bruised Anniseeds and Liquorish powder , of each half an ounce , mix them together , and having set a quart of Beer over the fire , when it is boyling hot , put them into it , adding six peny-weight of Saffron , half an ounce of London Treacle , and two ounces of Butter , and give him half of it in the morning fasting , and the other half in the evening , and so continue to do four days successively .

The falling of the Yard happens through cold or defect in the Horse , through the weakness of that Member , the Sinews or Muscles strained , and lastly through weariness after great journies : To prevent which wash his Yard with Whitewine , anoint it with Oyl of Roses and Hony , and so putting it into his sheath bolster it up , and in so doing once or twice he will afterwards recover strength to keep it up .

The Sway Back , which is both undecent and a great weakness in the Horse , is caused divers ways , sometimes by heavy burthens , other times by over straining , or suddenly turning round , as also naturally , and is known by the rigling of the hinder parts , by his frequent swaying backward or sideways , and trouble in rising , when he is laid : To cure which , take the Oyl of Pine Aples two ounces , three ounces of Olibanum , four ounces of Rozin , of Pitch a like quantity , of Bolearmonick an ounce , and of Sanguis Draconis half the quantity , all which being by fire incorporated , spread them plaisterwise , and lay them on the place grieved , and by twice renewing it , the grief will be at an end .

Quitterbone and quick-scab their cause and cure .

THe Quitterbone , a Sorrance so called , is a hard swelling upon the Cornet between the quarter and the heel , commonly found on the inside of the foot , occasioned by the long continuance of Gravel in the Shoo , a bruise upon the hoof , Stub prick of a nail or the like , which for want of timely care fester and break out above the hoof , and sometimes it has its original from evil humours descending into the foot , &c. To cure it , take away the hair , open the sorrance , and tent it with Hogs lard and Verdigrease well tempered , after which , into the Orifice pour Deers suet extream hot , plaistering it up with Pitch and Bees-wax , which will in twenty four hours , if not too firmly grounded , make the bone rise , or at most by a double application ; then with your nippers take it out and heal it up with a Salve made of Bees wax , Turpentine , Redwine , the juice of green Tobacco , or if that be not to be gotten , the decoction of drie in a quarter of a pint of Aqua vitae , and half an ounce of Birthworth Roots beaten or ground to powder . The Quick scab is a Sorrance that will greatly injure the Horse , if not taken in time , by putrefying and corrupting the blood and flesh , and breaking out much like unto the Mange , caused by surfeit , got by unseasonable and excessive riding or labour , still running from one place to another , not long continuing in one place , but moves as the humour carries it : To cure it , take away the hair , scrape off the scab , and anointing it with ointment of Tobacco , let it rest for a time , and if it dye not at two or three anointings , take the decoction of Mallows two quarts , Copperas , Verdigrease and Allum , of each an ounce , Turpentine and quick silver well killed , two ounces of each , and having washed the Sorrance with the decoction , anoint it with the following simple made into an oyntment by the help of fire , the which continuing to do six or seven days , once a day and keeping him warm , the Sorrance will vanish .

The Haw in the Eye , its cause and cure .

THis grievance very troublesome to a Horse , is a Gristle growing between the under Lid of the Eye , and the ball of the sight , and will spread over the Eye if not timely remedied : The cause of it is flegmatick humours descending from the Brain , it is known by the much watering of the Eye , and the Horses frequent winking ; to remedy it if you can conveniently come at it , take it off with a sharp knife blunt pointed , lest the Horse by starting put out his Eye , but if it lye low , then blow into his Eye powder of burnt Roach-allum , and it will in seven or eight times using , eat it off .

THus Reader having laid down the particulars of the most material distempers , Griefs and Sorrances , incident to the generous Beast , of whom I am treating , I shall proceed to accommodate you with general Receipts for inward sickness , making of Salves , Vrguents , Glisters , Cordial powders , and Balls , &c.

Excellent Receipts for any inward sickness that afflicts a Horse .

Receipt 1. TAke of Fennegreek , Liquorish powder , Turmerick , Long pepper , Anniseed , Cummin seed and Parsnip seed , of each half an ounce ; Cellendine , Hyssop , Thime , Rosemary , Rue , Southernwood and Pelamontine , of each two ounces , boyl them together in a quart of Ale , adding thereto a dram of Saffron , an ounce of London Treacle , and two ounces of fresh butter , and having well-boyled them , strain out the liquor , and give it him milk-warm , riding him a mile or two after it , and suffering him to fast three hours , and this do three or four mornings , especially in case of Fever , Cold , Yellows or Anticor .

Receipt 2. Take Anniseed & Cumminseeds , of each two ounces , Fenegreek an ounce , Brimstone-flower an ounce and a half , Bastard Saffron two drams , boyl them in two quarts of Whitewine , a pint of Olive Oyl , twelve ounces of Hony , and as much Wheat flower as will make them into a past , after they are well boyled being all smalled , make the past into balls as big as Geese Eggs , and when you see occasion dissolving one of them in a Gallon of warm water give it him to drink , and by so doing it will not only remedy divers inward sicknesses , but also preserve health and exhilarate the spirits .

Receipt 3. Take round Aristolochia , Ginger , Gentian , Anniseeds , Bayberry and great Trisora , of each an ounce , all beaten to powder : Whitewine , or for want of it Ale or Beer a quart , eight ounces of Olive Oyl , and two Drams of Saffron , put them together and boyl them well over a gentle fire , which done strain them , and give the liquid part to the Horse as hot as he can suffer it , riding him gently for half an hour after ; and when he has fasted three hours , give him a Mash , and by so doing three mornings , it will cure most inward sicknesses , and prevent such as come through infectious Airs , &c.

Receipt 4. Take a handful of wheat flower , an ounce or better , of Anniseeds , six ounce , of Hony , two of the juice of Housleek , and one of Salt niter , and two ounces of Olive Oyl , give them him to drink boyled in Milk , or if the distemper be in the bowels or back parts , you may give it him Glister-wise .

Salves , useful for all manner of Sorrances , how to make them .

TO make the Green Ointment greatly useful for Farriers , take refined Rofin an ounce , the like quantity of Bees-wax , melt them , and add half a pound of Hogs lard , and an ounce or more of Hony , incorporate them well , and when they are throughly dissolved , add more , half a pound of Turpentine , and an ounce of Verdigrease , when they are well melted and of a perfect green , take them off , strain them , and keep the Ointment well stopped in an Earthen pot for your use .

This Ointment is good in all sores and grievances , so that its praise cannot be sufficiently expressed .

Another excellent Oyntment for wounds or other Sorrances .

TAke Oyl of Cammomil , Oyl of Earth-worms and Linseed Oyl of each a quarter of a pint , Bolearmoniack and Deers suet of each six ounces , Pitch and Bees-wax , of each two ounces , and half an ounce of Olibanum , incorporate them by melting ; and having strained them , keep the Oyntment for your use , use it in case of Strains , Pricks , Crown-scab , Wounds , Bruises , or the like , and it will answer your expectation .

Another excellent Oyntment .

TAke Myrrh an ounce , Storax half an ounce ; of soft red wax two ounces , Olive Oyl half a pint , and Verdigrease an ounce , boyl them together with four ounces of Hogs-grease till they become an Ointment .

An excellent Salve for any Wrench , Strain or weakness in the Limbs .

TAke two ounces of Galbanum , Pitch and Turpentine , of each half a pound , Bees wax a quarter of a pound , Oyl of Cammomil and Bays , of each an ounce , Mastick three ounces , and two ounces of Bolearmoniack , set them all over the fire in an earthen pot , and incorporate them well , then spread them upon Leather or Cloath , and having anointed the place grieved with Oyl of Bays , apply them plaisterwise .

An excellent Salve for Old or New sores , how to make it .

TAke Elder-buds , or the inner Rind four ounces , Storax an ounce , two ounces of Wax , three drams of Myrrh , an ounce of Hogs lard , and two ounces of Rosin , incorporate them with fire , and strain them , keeping the Salve for your use , and apply it in case of any wound , Galled back , Gravel , prick with a nail , Thorn , Spur-gall , or Fistula , and indeed to any Sorrance , if you use it with the ointment following , viz. Take a pound of Hogs-grease , an ounce of Verdigrease , half an ounce of Venice Turpentine and the juice of Mallows , all boyled into an ointment .

An excellent Salve for curing of any wound , whether by Sword , Fire , Gun-shot , or any other accident .

TAke two ounces of Roach-allum , Whitewine-vinegar two spoonfuls , Verdegrease powder an ounce , two ounces of Sublimate finely pulverised , and with fire bring them to a Salve , and when occasion requires , lay it plaisterwise to the wound , having first washed it with water wherein Copperas and Bay-salt have been dissolved ; it is also excellent at eating away dead flesh , &c.

An excellent Salve for Wounds , Vlcers , Bruises , or Strains , how to make it .

TAke Perosin and other Rosin , of each a pound , Bees-wax , Frankincense and Sheeps suet , of each six ounces , Hogs-grease twenty ounces , boyl the Gums and Wax in half a pint of Whitewine , then put to it your Hogs lard and Sheeps-suet , adding an ounce of fine Turpentine , and mix well all the ingredients ; keep the Salve for your use .

Glisters convenient to be used upon divers occasions .

IF your Horse be Costive and is greatly pained in his dunging , take the fat of Beef broth a pound , of English Hony four ounces , of white Salt half a spoonful , & having made them thin by fire , force them into his body , pretty warm , holding afterward his Tail close to his Tuel to keep it in till it work , which will be half an hour first , then trot him up and down the Stable , and give him a warm Mash , and it will not only make him Laxative , but bring away much foul matter contracted in the bowels , or for want of the aforesaid materials , boyl two handfuls of Mallows in a pottle of spring-water , adding thereto after it is strained half a pint of Olive Oyl , or for want of it half a pound of Butter , and it will have the same effects .

If your Horse be inwardly desperate sick , Take Oyl of Cammomil , Dill , Violets and Cassia , of each half an ounce ; powder of Brown Sugar-candy three ounces , Marsh-mallow leaves half a handful , boyl them in running water , and having strained out the liquid part give it him warm glister-wise , using him as abovesaid .

If your Horse be afflicted with the Pestilence or Fever , take of the seeds of Coloquintida half an ounce , three quarters of an ounce of Dragantium , of Centaury and Wormwood each a handful , and a quarter of an ounce of Castorum , boyl them in three quarts of water , or small beer , adding three ounces of Gerologundinum , half a pint of Olive Oyl , and half a spoonful of Salt , strain it and use it Glisterwise .

If your Horse be afflicted with the Colick or any pain in his bowels , take salt-water or new brine a quart , boyl in it a handful of Cammomil or Groundsil , dissolving into it a quarter of a pound of Castle sope , and having strained out the liquid part , administer it as the former : in case of giving Glisters observe to anoint the pipe with butter or Oyl , Rake him well before you adminster it , let him keep it at least half an hour , and suffer him to drink no cold water that day nor the next , but let his drink be warm water , and his meat be Mashes or fine Provinder , and observe to give the Glister fasting .

Cordial Powders and Cordial balls , Receipts to make them , and their use .

TO make an excellent Cordial powder for the Consumption of the Lights and Liver or any internal wasting distemper , take Cinamon and Loaf-sugar of each an ounce , two ounces of Bolearmoniack , dry them well , and reduce them to a powder , giving it to the Horse in a pint of Mallagoe .

To make an excellent Cordial powder or Electuary for a Horse that is sick , weak , or out of case , take syrup of Lemons , syrup of Roses , and syrup of Violets , of each half an ounce ; an ounce of London Treacle and two ounces of the powder of Elecampain roots , mingle them together , and put them in a Stove till the syrups become exceeding thick , and as it were a hard Electuary , the which as occasion requires , give him dissolved in warm Ale about an ounce in a Pint.

To make Cordial balls to cure any violent Cold , Glaunders , Heart sickness , recover lost Appetite , prevent fainting under moderate labour , bring away Molten grease , or Fatten your Horse , take Carthamus seed , Anniseed , Fennegreek seeds , Cummin seeds , the Roots of Elecampain and Colts-foot , of each two ounces , of Brimstone flower and Chymical Oyl of Anniseeds , each two ounces , and an ounce of the juice of Licorish , half a pint of Whitewine , and a like quantity of syrup of Sugar , or Molossus , Olive Oyl and Hony , of each a quarter of a pint , and having boyled them over the fire , add as much wheat flower as will stiffen them into a past , and making it up into balls as big as pullets Eggs , give him four of them in a morning fasting , suffering him to drink immediately after a quart of warm Ale .

Purgations , Perfumes , Baths , Suppositories , Charges , Drenches , and Causticks , what they are , how to make and use them upon sundry occasions .

IF you would gently purge your Horse , give him three ounces of Turnesole in a quart of warm water , or for want of that , Feltwort , Baldmony , Aloes , or Sea Housleek . If you would purge out Cholerick humours , boyl S. Peters wort , the seeds of Tutsan or Park-leaves , of each a handful , boyl them in a quart of small Ale , and give it him warm . If he be troubled with watry humours , give him Dodder that grows upon Savory , and Hedge-Hyssop , of each a handful , boyled in a quart of water Scammony or purging Blindweed are great purgers , insomuch that unless they are mixed with Aloes , they often prove hurtful to the body of the Horse . If you would purge your Horse violently , give him three ounces of Coloquintida in a pint of Canary , but it is not safe to use this purge , unless in dangerous distempers , Black-hellebore , Hogs Fennel , or either of the Polipodiums purge Phlegm and Choler : an ounce of Aloes made up in Butter and given the Horse , purges away Melancholy . But if your Horse be very sick take an ounce of Hony , half a pint of Olive Oyl , Hempseed , Fennegreek seed & Cassia , of each an ounce , boyl them in a pint of Canary , and give it him warm . If you would have your Horse vomit up any filthy thing which he has received , or bring away the gross Phlegmatick humours , take the largest roots of Polipodium of the Oak , steep them in Oyl of Spike , and fasten them to the Horses nose with a muzel , where letting them rest all night , next morning you will find your Horse sickish , then taking away the Roots , trot him about , and if foul humours afflict him , he will vomit extreamly .

Baths , their use , and how to make them .

A Bath used for Horses , is no other than his being bathed with the concoction of divers simples exceeding hot to disperse the humours setled in any one place , to dry up humours or refresh a Horse after Travail , &c. And of these in their order . To disperse evil humours , take smallage , Ox-ey , of each two handfuls , bruise them in a Mortar , and put to them mans urine , and Oyl of Turpentine , boil them , and as hot as the Horse can indure it , rubbing the place exceeding hard , and afterward cloath him warm .

If your Horse be troubled with Gourdy-gouty legs , coming either by Farcins or scratches , use this Bath . Take a quart of Chamberly , put into it a handful of Baysalt , a quarter of a pound of sope , a handful of Soot , and Misletoe chopped small , with all which well boyled bath the place grieved , and in so doing divers times , the swellings will vanish , and the Farcins be prevented .

If your Horse be subject to tire , or stiffe , and out of order with hard travailing , make a bath of Mallows , Sage , Mint and Rose-cakes , putting a good handful of each into a Gallon of water , boyling the water till it is near consumed , then adding half a pint of Olive Oyl , and half a pound of Butter , with the liquid part bath his legs , and keep him walking for half and hour . These and such like are the natures and uses of baths .

Perfumes for purging the Head , how to make and use them .

IF your Horse be troubled either with the Glaunders , Colds , Pozes , Catarrhs , or any the like distemper in the head , take Olibanum , Storax , Benjamine and Frankincense , of each half an ounce , bruise and mix them well , then taking a Chafingdish of coles , sprinkle it upon them , and having a funnel ready , cover the Chafing-dish therewith , that so the smoke coming out of the little end may ascend into the Horses head , and it will comfort the brain , purge away filth , and break the cold : or for want of these , burn the roots of black Hellebore and Turpentine , or Burgundy-pitch , or Ducks feathers , dried Pimpernel and Rosemary , and by so doing the effects will manifest their virtues .

Suppositories , what they are , their use , and how to make them .

A Suppository so called is no other than a preparative for a Glister , by opening the Horses body and rendering him capable to receive it : in such a case take a large Candle of five or six in the pound , cut off both ends , anoint it with Oyl , and having raked the Horse , thrust it into his Fundament , and there suffering it to rest , trot him , and it will greatly loosen his belly . If your Horse has taken a surfeit , take six ounces of Hony , an ounce of Salt-niter , and the like quantity of Anniseeds , making them into a stiff past with wheat flower , then make a ball as big as a half-penny loaf , and thrust it into his Fundament , keeping it in by binding down his Tail to the Girt : If you intend to purge Phlegm , put a round piece of Castle Sope in his Fundament ; if Choler , take a handful of Savin , and a like quantity of Staves-acre , bruise them , and put them into a like quantity of Hony , and boyl them till they may be made into a ball , then use it as the former : If melancholy , take a large Red Onion , and peeling it , put it into his Fundament : If for Phlegm , make a suppository of Hony and Oat flower , and in thus ordering your Horse , be sure he be fasting , and that he drink no cold water that day : That he be kept warm , and well looked to .

Charges , what they are , their use , and how to make them .

CHarges are no other than Plaisters , or Poultesses laid to the place grieved , and because I have already largely treated about the like , I shall now insist on but two , which may be used upon any occasion , viz. Take two pounds of Wheat flower , half a pint of Whitewine , a pound of Hony , half a pound of Bolearmoniack beaten into powder , boyl them on a fire , adding half a pound of black Pitch , the like quantity of Turpentine , the seeds of Cummin , Sanguis Draconis , and Fennegreek , of each an ounce ; Bayberries and Oyl of Bays , of each an ounce , boyl them to a Salve , and use it in case of any wrench , shoulderslip , Hipslip , dislocated bone , stretched sinews , scratches , swelling , tumour or the like , there being no better any where to be found .

The second Charge make thus , take of the Oyl of Bays , a quarter of a pound ; of Cantharides , Orpin and Euphorbum , of each two ounces : and having made the latter three into powder , mingle them with the former and spreading it after it has been well boiled plaisterwise , lay it to the place grieved : it is excellent in case of fractured or dislocated bones , joynt slips or strains , weeping wounds , to dry up humours , and also for any swelling of the Back , strain or sinews , and indeed it may be applied with success to any Grief or Sorrance .

Most excellent Drenches to cure all inward diseases , as Feavers of all sorts , Plague , infection , &c.

HAving let your Horse blood ( especially in case of Fevers of all forts , which are Tertian , Quartan , Quotidian , Hectick , and Autumnal Fevers , coming by Pestilential air , Accidental Fever or general Plague , known by Trembling , Panting , Sweating , Dull countenance , Short-breath , Faintness , decay of stomach , Costiveness and the like ) give him this drink , viz. Take the Roots of Cellendine , as also the leaves a good handful , a like quantity of Rue , Balm and Wormwood , Powder of Diapente half an ounce , & a pound of Fresh Butter , wash the herbs , bruise them and put them into a quart or three pints of Ale ; then having boyled them , strain the liquid part , and give it the Horse to drink three mornings successively .

Secondly , To the same purpose , take three or four new laid Eggs , beat their yolks with as many spoonfulls of Brandy , put thereto an ounce of Diapente , and a like quantity of Hony , adding half a pint of Canary , and give it your Horse when the Fever or Ague is just coming on him .

Thirdly , Take Elecampain Roots , reduced into powder , an ounce ; Liquorish , Anniseed and Cuminseed a like quantity , Bay berries , Longpepper and Fennegreek , of each a quarter of an ounce , beat them together , adding half a pint of Olive Oyl , or for want of it half a pound of sweet butter , set them over a fire in a pint of Canary or Ale , and give him the liquid part in a Drenching horn .

Fourthly , Take Red Sage , Mint and Diatessaron , of each two ounces , boyl them in a quart of Beer , sweeten them with two ounces of Sugarcandy , and give them the Horse ; and thus observing in all hot distempers to administer cooling things , and in cooling distempers hot things , your expectations will be answered , if you do not apply them unseasonably .

Causticks and Corrosives , what they are , and how to be applyed .

A Caustick is no other than a burning by application , making a wound where none was before , in which case Lime , Oyl of Vitriol , Aqua fortis , &c. are applyed : how to mannage which upon divers occasions I have before recited . Corrosives are in the same manner applyed , but of less force only used in eating away dead or spungy flesh , hard knobs , Bony Excrescences , or the like : they are used likewise in case of Farcines , Leprosie , Mange , and the things used for the most part are burnt Allum , Redcoral , Mercury sublim . Verdigrese and Copperas , of either sort , and often compounds , as Unguentum Apostolorum , Aegyptiacum , Croceum , &c.

Another sort of this kind there is , called Medicines Putrefactive , applied to swelling Tumours and the like , to bring them to a head , as roasted Sorrel , White Lilly Roots , Ground Ivy , Butterflowers , &c. Thus far , Reader , having proceeded , I shall close up the Medicinal and Chirurgical part of Farrying in relation to Horses , &c. with hot and cold simples which a skilful Farrier ought either moist or dry to have always by him .

Hot Simples , what they are .

ALoes , Agarick , Allum , Aristolochia , Asonteo , Asarabacca , Arsmart Anniseeds , Arch-angel , Assa fetida , Angellica , Alexander , Alehoof , Garden Bassil , Balme , Bayberries , Wild running-Bettony , Burrage , Brank Ursin , Briony , Broom , Butter-Bur , Brimstone , Burdock , Cellendine , Chervil , Garden Clarge , Clowns-wound-wort , Coloquintida , Callamus , Cummin , Garden Chammock , Cinamon , Cloves , Long and round Pepper , China , Darnel , Elecampain , Fennel , Gentian , Garlick , Germander , Stinking Gladwin , Golden Rod , Gramel , English Gallinga , Ginger , Glasswort , Galls , Grains of Paradise , Hempseed , Galbanum , Garden Hyssop , Juniper-Berries , Hony , Saint Johns wort , Jack by the Hedg , Ivy , Rue-Holme , Irish Ladies-smock , Lavender cotten , Lavender Lovage , Leeks , Mallows , Marsh-Mallows , Garden Lillies , Marrygolds , Sweet-Marjoram , Wild Marjoram , Melilote , Spearmint , French-dogs Mercury , Masterwort , Misleto , Motherwort , Mouse ear , Mugwort , Mustardseed , Neesing Root , Nutmeg , Ragwort , Restharrow , Wild , Wild Rocket , Rosemary , Garden Rue , Saffron , Sage , Sanicle , Savin , Common Saxafrage , Burnt Saxafrage , Scabens , English Scurvy-grass , self-Heal , Sopewort , Smallage , Southernwood , Sea Starwort , Staves-acre , Garden Tansie , Time , Tutsan , Turmerick , Valerian , Wood-Vervaine , Diers-weed , Fennegreek , Scotcheneel , and London Treacle .

Cold simples , what they are .

GRoundsil , Hawks-weed , Clove-gilli-flowers , Knotgrass , Hawks-weed , Howsleek , Kidnywort , Lettice , Water-Lillies , Common Liver-wort , Liquorish , Medlars , Mony-wort , Tree-Moss , and unripe Mulberries , Mace , Common Night-shade , Navel-wort , Orpin , Water and Land-plantins , Pomgranet , Queen of the Meadows , Shepherds-purse , Common and Wood-sorrels , Sowthistle , Succory , Stone-Crop , Strawberry-leaves , Starwort , Sphinack , Wild-Tansies , Sloes , the Bark and Root of Black Thorn , Medow Trefoile , both the Vervains , Hony-suckles , Vineleaves , Violets , Viper-Bugloss , the Leaves , Flowers and Seeds of the Willow , Vinegar , Yarrow , Antimonium , Alcanet , Garden Arach , Barberry-Rind , Barly , Bilberries , Blew-bottle , Bucks-Horn , Plantain , Bolearmoniack , Comfry , Cranes-Bill , Dentd'lion : All the sorts of common Docks , Ducks-meat , and Fumitory . Divers ways there are to preserve most of these simples in their primal virtue all the year , but too tedious here to be inserted ; some of which , likewise , are both hot and cold , and may indifferently be used in hot and cold distempers : to describe them I think it altogether tedious and unnecessary , for as much as most of them are vulgarly known ; and if any of them are not , and for that cause some may pretend they know not how to find them , a Herbal will give them directions , and rectifie their understanding . And now I shall proceed to the Shooing and Roweling , things worthy to be noted by all that have any thing to do with Horses .

Hoofs , how many sorts there are , their perfections and imperfections .

OF Hoofs , there are divers kinds , some perfect , and others imperfect : The imperfect Hoof , is when any part is lacking ; or if it be unseemly , spreading broad , and being exceeding flat , that no shooe will sit compleatly upon it , for such Horses for the most part are narrow heel'd , on which he for the most part treads , rendering himself thereby unable for Travailing , subjecting him frequently to cast his shooes , and subject to false quarters ; and this is often caused by the Horses being brought up in moist and Fenny ground . To shoo which , not being as yet grown to too flat , the Farrier with his paring Iron must take off as much of the Toe and sides as it is possible , still keeping it round , but let him not touch the quarter or the heel , unless it be to make the seat of the shoo plain , and let that be as lightly as may be , still anointing the Hoofs with Hogs-grease and Oyl of Baies , and within a while they will become round thick and feasable : The shoo wherewith this Hoof must be brought to perfection , must be made strong , with a broad webb , and broad Spunges , pierced from the quarters to the hard Toe , but not to the Heel , the holes wider without than within , and the foot diligently pared as aforesaid , from the Tallon nail towards the heel , suffer the shoo to stand a straws breadth without the Hoof ; the better to save the Coffin , let your nails be made of good Iron , the heads square , but not so broad above as below , that they may not only stand above the shooe , but fill the holes , putting five nails on the outside , and four on the inside , because in this case the Horse weareth more within than without .

The perfect Hoof on the forefeet , how to pare , shooe , &c.

IF the Hoof be perfect , first pare the seat of the Shooe as even and plain as may be , that the shooe sitting close may bear no more on the one side than on the other , nor take more on the Toe than the Heel ; for the Heels must be higher than the Toes , but by reason all the weight of the Horses fore part presses upon the quarters , and heels of the fore feet , those parts must be most regarded , and as little of the Butteresses taken off as may be ; for the heels are naturally weaker than the toes : but this is meant by the fore-feet only , for the paring of the hinder-feet is quite contrary , as will hereafter appear .

For the most exact method of shooing the perfect Hoof , observe these following rules , viz. Let your shooe be of Spanish Iron , or other well tempered Iron , the web broad , fitting it to the Hoof , the Spunges thick and more firm than any other part , and somewhat broad that the quarters may stand somewhat beyond the Hoof , to preserve the Coffin , and pierce it from the quarter to the hard toe , but not backwards towards the heel , suffer the holes to be wider without than within , that the pierced circle may be more distant from the edge of the toe than from the edge of the quarter , because the Hoof is thicker forward than backwards : thus having fitted the shoo , take nails made of the same Iron , the Heads square , though not fully so broad beneath as above , that the nails may fill up the holes , and the shooe be kept from stirring , suffering them to appear somewhat above the shooe , and let the points appear in a just line , not one lower than another , or in and out like the teeth of a Saw , and cut them off so near that when they are clinched , by a little raising the Hoof with a Knife they appear to be within it : but be sure , ere the shooe is fastened with any more than two nails , see it stand right , by looking on the Frush , and suffering the Horse to set his foot to the ground , whilst you hold up the other with your hand ; and if the shooe stand but a little awry , you may by striking the Hoof with your Hammer bring it to rights ; then with a Rasp pare the Hoof , till the edges appear .

Of the Brittle and Rugged Hoof , Long Hooof , Crooked Hoof , Flat Hoof , Broad Frushes and narrow Heels , what they are , and how to be used .

First , THe rough and brittle is rugged and full of crinkles or seams like a Rams Horn , caused by the intemperature of the foot , either too hot or dry , to remedy which bind it about with Hogs-grease , Marshmallows and Oyl of Earth-worms , still chafing the legs to disperse the hot humours , and in so doing , in a weeks time the hoof will be greatly softened , at what time with a Rasp file off the ruggedness as well as you can , but come not too near the quick ; then having a shooe in readiness , neither too heavy nor too light , set it on with nine nails , five without and four within , stop his feet with Cow-dung , fryed in Hogs-grease , and let him run in moist ground .

Secondly , The long hoof is that which causes the Horse for the most part to tread upon his heel , going as it were on his Pasterns , which occasions Windgalls , &c. To help which , pare away the toe and the buttresses answerable ; anointing it with hot butter , till you have brought it to the fashion of a perfect hoof ; then having a shooe round at the toe as may be , and if the foot be narrow , let the shooe appear a straws breadth without the hoof , and pierce the shooe the deeper , set it more backward than to other Horses is usual , because Horses having such feet , do tread more backward than others , fix it on with eight nails , and suffer not the hoof afterwards to grow long .

Thirdly , The crooked hoof is when the hoof is broad without and narrow within , rendring the Horse splay-footed , by treading inwardly , subjecting him to interfering , and often lameness : in paring this hoof , observe which side is highest , and then levelling it , pare the rest like the perfect hoof ; let the shooe in this case be strong , with a broad web , fitted to the foot , by paring , setting the strongest part of the shooe to the weakest part of the hoof , and fasten it on with nine nails , five without and four within .

Fourthly , The flat hoof is much of the nature of the imperfect hoof : in paring this hoof you must take away the toe , till you can make the shooe sit compleat , as also the sides , the heel and ball touch not , but let them remain as strong as possible : Then having a shooe with a broad Web , for the more it covers the weak sole , the more commodious it is , permitting the Middle part of the web that covers the Ball of the Foot to be much thicker than the other ; where the piercings are , and so hollow that it touch no part of the Ball of the Foot , large enough in every part , so that he may go easily , piercing it round the toe , to favour the heels , and fastened on with five nails on a side .

Fifthly , Broad Frushes are when the Frushes are broad , the heels weak and soft , that they may be in a manner bent together , which makes him tread gingerly or painfully on stony or hard ground : in paring this hoof you must be very cautious , paring only the toe and a little the seat of the shooe , lest you lame your Horse : The shooe must be stronger toward the heel than the toe , and the Web in that part broadest : set on this shooe with nine nails , and in all other respects use it as the perfect hoof .

Sixthly , Narrow heels are frequently tender and of no long indurance , in which case you must pare the toe short , making the seat of the shooe fair and plain , and open only , that there may be a little space between the Frush and the heel : for the better it is , the less you take off the heel : The shooe for this purpose must be light , the Web broad , and the Sponges almost meet : let the piercing be all towards the toe , sparing the heel so much as you can , suffering it to be long enough that way , and fasten it with eight nails . If the hoof be over hollow , yet firm , pare it round about the edges , especially the seat of the shooe , to the intent the hollowness within may not be so deep , always keep it moist with stopping it , for fear of hoof-binding ; and let the shooe be in all points the same with that directed for the perfect hoof . And thus much for the fore feet .

Paring and Shooing the hinder feet , false quarter , and interfering of divers sorts of shooes , &c.

First , OBserve that in paring the hinder feet , the toe is the weakest part , and must be most spared ; as for the rest you may use them as the fore feet , as the perfection or imperfection admits : The shooe in this case must be exactly fitted to the hoof , strongest at the toe , and pierced near to the heel , because the toe is the weakest part of the foot ; let the outside be made with a calkin , not so high , but that the others spunge may be agreeable with it ; this calking is to keep the Horse from sliding , and must be rather blunt than sharp pointed , and handsomly turned upwards .

The shooe for a foot that has the false quarter must be exactly fitted , and tacked on to that side where the false quarter is . If he do not halt , then make him a button or shouldering on the inside of the shooe next the soal of the foot somewhat distant from the false quarter , near the toe , which will defend the sore place , and make the Horse fit for Travail .

In case of interfering , the hoofs are higher on the one side than the other , viz. the outside ; wherefore it must be carefully taken off , and both sides made even ; or if it be possible let the inside be left somewhat the highest ; and fitting the shooe , let the inward part be the thickest , without any calking , and the edges close to the hoof : but if the foot be hoof-bound , make him a shooe like a half Moon , paring the toe as short as may be , and somewhat thin , opening at the same time the heels .

Divers other shooes there are in use , as the Planch shooe or Plauncelet shooes with Calkins , Rings , Welts , Turning-vice , Patten-shooes , Joynt-shooes , and shooes with swelling welts and borders , but seeing they are rarely used , and most of them more hurtful and incommodious , than profitable or decent : I shall pass them over , and only give you a touch of Roweling , which I hitherto purposely omitted , and then proceed to the Jockies part in this Treatise .

Roweling what it is , and the Benefit that accrues thereby .

THe manner of Roweling , when you perceive your Horse grieved by the gathering of evil humours , or in case of any violent sprain , Throw him upon soft straw , and with your Lancet slit the skin a handful below the place grieved , through the skin only let it be , and then with a Swan or Goose-quill , after with your Cornet you have raised the skin from the flesh , blow wind into it as much as may be , stopping the hole with your finger and thumb . Then having beaten the blowen place with a Hazle wand , let it go , and thrusting in your Roweling needle , which must be seven or eight inches long , let it come out above the place grieved , drawing after it Hair or Sarsnet to the thickness of a mans finger , annointed with butter or Hogs-lard , stir it about , and every day dress it with Lard , &c. The which will cause the corruption , though contracted deep in the flesh or in the joynts , to come away ; but observe that you Rowel the same way the veins run , and not cross , for fear of laming your Horse .

Another manner of Roweling there is , viz. opening a hole , and blowing it as aforesaid ; then having raised the skin from the flesh , put in a round piece of stiff leather un-allumed , anointing it , and the leather having a hole in the middle , it must be placed against the hole in the skin , that the corruption may pass through : dress it every day as the former . The helps got by Roweling are these , it disperseth , dissolveth , and bringeth away evil humours , loosening those parts that are bound , and binding those parts which are loose , strengtheneth the joynts , and draws away cold Phlegmatick humours ; it is generally done in case of inward strains about the shoulders or hips , for hard swellings , which will not be mollified nor corroded by outward applications ; with divers the like attributes , which for brevity sake , and by reason they are known to most Farriers , I shall omit .