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THE

HISTORY and ART

O F

HORSEMANSHIP.

Y O L.

I.

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Buchan:

THE

HISTORY and ART

O F

HORSEMANSHIP.

By RICHARD BERENGER, Efq.

Gentleman of the Horse to HIS MAJESTY.

IN TWO VOLUMES,

VOL.

I.

L O N D O Ns

Printed for T. Davies, in Rufiel-Street, Covent-Garden %
and T. Cad ell, in the Strand, mdcclxxi.

TO THE

king.

s i R,

OTHING could juftify my pre-
fumption, in thus approaching your
Royal Prefence with lo unworthy an offering

as

VI

DEDICATION.

as thele volumes, but the foie confideraticn
that they are not foreign to the fiat ion in
which your goodnefs has condefeended to
place me 9 and that they treat of an Art,
which glories in being one of the favourite
amufements of your leifure hours.

Animated by thefe motives, I dared to
form the ambitious wiih of laying my labours
at your Majesty’s feet , and molt humbly
to folicit the fame gracious favour and pro-
tection which your Majesty loves to extend
to every well-meant endeavour, and with
which you have been pleafed to benefit and

diftinguifh

DEDICATION,

vu

diftinguifh their author $ who is, Sir, with
all poffible gratitude, relpedl:, and duty,

Your MAJESTY’S

Moll devoted,

And molt faithful Subject and Servant,

RICHARD BERENGER.

- ... — - — — Operis mei eft et ftudii multos legere, nt

ex plurimis diverfos {lores carpam : non tarn probaturus omnia, quam
qure bona funt, eledlurus : affumo multos in manus meas, ut a multis
multa cognofcam.

Ex B. Hieron. adv. Vigil.

THE

HISTORY and ART

O F

HORSEMANSHIP.

THE horfe is an animal, which, from the
earlieft ages of the world, has been deftined to
the pleafure and fervice of man ; the various
and noble qualities with which nature has endowed
him, fufficiently fpeaking the ends for which he was
deligned. Mankind were not long before they were ac-
quainted with them, and found the means of applying
them to the purpofes for which they were given. This
is apparent from the hiftories and traditions of almoft
all nations, even from times the mod remote ; info-
much that many nations, and tribes, or colonies of
people, who were entirely ignorant *, or had but

* The wild Arabs, the Indians, feveral of the inhabitants of the
interior parts of Afric, and even Britain, with fundry other inftances.

Vol. I. B

verv

2

THE HISTORY AND ART

very imperfect notions of other improvements and
arts of life, and even at this day are unacquainted
with them, yet faw and underftood the generous pro-
perties of this creature in fo ftrong and juft a light, as
to have treated him with a fondnefs and attention,
which fufficiently declare the high opinion they enter-
tained of his merit and excellence*

This is a truth fo well attefted, that to inftft upon it
farther would be but a fuperfluous labour, and tend
only to divert the reader from the more immediate de-
ft gn of this undertaking; which is an attempt to fhew,
as far as any light can be thrown upon a fubjedt fo
obfeure and intricate, in what nations, and at what
periods of time, the horfe firft became the objedt of
man’s notice, fo as to be made at once the inftrument
of his ufe and pleafure.

All art is progreflive, and receives addition and im-
provement in its courfe, as the fagacity of man, at
different times, or chance, and other caufes, happen
to concur; yet, whoever fhail look into the few and irn-
perfedt accounts which has come down to us from
ancient times, will find, with refpedt to the prefent
fubjedt, that the moderns have not fo much room to
boaft of their fkill and management of horfe s, as fome
may imagine ; but will fee that the ancients *, in various

* Simon of Athens, Xenophon, and Pliny the Elder, who wrote
exprefs Treatifes upon Horfemanlhip. — The works of the firft, and laft,
are loft. —To thefe we may add, the Rei Raft-ica Scriptures. Nor is it
abfurd to believe there muft have been many more, whofe works and
names are perilhed with them.

regions,

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

3

regions, and in the moil diftant ages, were fo far from
being ftrangers to the many fervices of which they are
capable, as to have left rules and precepts concerning
them, which are fo true and juft, that they have been
adopted by their fucceffors, who may reafonably be
thought to have built upon their foundation ; although
it is certain and apparent, that the ftrudture has re-
ceived infinite improvements and beauties from the
experience and refinement of latter times.

It is very probable that the firft fervice in which
the horfe was employed, was to aflift mankind in
making war, or in the pleafures and occupations
of the chace * ; and although he is faid to have
been firft ufed in war, and it is upon that occafion
he is firft mentioned in the Bible ; yet, we can
hardly conclude that mankind did not, in the begin-
ning of their acquaintance, put him to gentler and
more domeftic labours : till at length difcovering that
his courage, flrength, agility, and fpeed, feemed to fit
him peculiarly for war, and the bufinefs of the chace,
they might fet him apart folely for thofe fervices, in
which he is born fo eminently to excel, fupplying his

* Xenophon fays, that Cyrus hunted on horfeback, when he had a
mind to exercife himfelf and his horfes. Lib. I. Herodotus, in
Thalia, or his third book, fpeaks of hunting on horfeback as an exer-
cife praftifed in the time of Darius, and it is probably of much earlier
date. The occafion of his mentioning this fport, was a fall which Da-
rius had from his horfe, as he was hunting, by which he diflocated his
heel. In Melpomene likewife, or book the fourth, he fays the Amazons
hunted on horfeback, with their hulbands, the Sarmatians.

B 2

place,

4

THE HISTORY AND ART

place, upon ordinary and familiar occalions, with afies,
mules, and camels. But however plain and evident
it may be, that he was firlt ufed in war, yet the man-
ner in which he was taught to ferve his mailer, that
is to fay, whether he was rode, or put to draw carri-
ages and machines, has been a fubjedt of much doubt
and contention among the learned ; it being alferted by
fome, that he was firft compelled to draw; and main-
tained by others, that the art of of riding was pra&ifed
before the ufe of chariots was difcovered.

We learn from hiltory, both facred and prophane,
that Alia and Africa were the quarters of the world, in
which mankind were firft formed into focieties, lived
under the control of laws, and exerted their endea-
vours to make life fecure, convenient, and happy:
and although the horfe could not but have been judged
capable of contributing a large fliare towards ad-
vancing thefe great ends, yet, it is certain, that he is
not numbered among the articles of property which
were moll ufed and valued in the primitive ages of the
world: accordingly we find him reckoned among
other domellic cattle but in one place, in the hillory
of thofe early times ; viz. in the forty- feventh chapter
of Cenefis, where Jofeph is faid to have given the,
Egyptians “ bread in exchange for horfes, for llockss
and herds.” In the book of Genefis, where the firft men-
tion is made of worldly goodsj which then chiefly
confided of cattle, we read only of the Iheep, the he
and Ihe-afles, and camels belonging to Pharaoh ; al-
though

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

S

though it appears at the fame time, that the fervices
of the horfe were well known, and the Egyptians
condantly availed themfelves of them. In the lad ar-
. tide likewife of the Decalogue, where other animals,
as the ox and afs, are named, no notice is taken of
him ; nor is he mentioned upon another occafion, as
making part of Job’s great riches, who yet fpeaks of
him, and defcribes his character and wonderful qualities
in the mod exalted terms*

If any reafon can be afligned for the omiffion, in thefe
indances, of an animal fo valued and admired, I am
induced to think it may proceed from this caufe : viz.
that as in thofe times the foie occupation of men was
to tend their flocks and herds (unlefs interrupted by
war), and their courfe of life confequently being calm
and humble, nor fubjefl to migration or change, the
horfe not being diredly neceffary to them in this date,
they did not count him among the animals of which
their wealth fo immediately confided, and of which they
dood continually in need *, inafmuch as that his defh
was not ufed for food, nor his blood, nor any part ok
him, offered up in facrifice : upon this account, there-
fore, he, perhaps, was not confidered as an immedi-
ate article of private property ; but, being chiedy, if not
folely ufed in war in thofe days, might belong only to
kings and great men, and have but little, if any fhare,
in the occurrences of private life.

Accordingly we read in the book of Exodus, where
the horfe is named for the fird time, that he was ufed

for.

6

T HE HISTORY AND A R T

for the purpofes of war ; and that Pharaoh, when
he purfued the people of Ifrael, made ready his cha-
riot, “ and took fix hundred chofen chariots ; and
that the Egyptians purfued after them, all the horfes
i! and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horfe men.”

This account being given almoft in the beginning
of the oldeft hidory of the creation, and clearly and
circumftantially related, it would be but a fruitlefs la-
bour to attempt to fearch elfewhere, in order to fix the
epoch in which the horfe was firfi made fubfervient to
the will of man: becaufe, without making over nice
diftincTions, or refining too fcrupuloufiy, as many
have done, in hopes of afeertaining a fa<5f, for which
no other proofs can be brought than thofe which are
cited above ; and which are, in authenticity and priority
of time, fuperior to all ; the faireft conclufion, and
rnofl rational, will perhaps be, that the ufeful qua-
lities which the horfe pofifefies for the fervice of man,
were known and called into pra&ice in the earliefi:
times of the world, and are almofi coeval with man-
kind. And I am the more induced to hazard this opi-
nion, not only upon the affurance of the above-named
authorities, but likewife (which is fiill a fironger, tho’
but a prefumptive proof) becaufe, that neither in the
facred writings, nor in any other hifiory, is the origin
of taming the horfe mentioned and afeertained ; but all
hiftorians, and even Mofcs himfelf, fpeak of it, as of
an animal, whofe fervices were well known, both be-
fore and at the time when they wrote, and mention

them

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

7

them indifferently among other hiflorical occurrences,
without going out of their way to give any account of
the origin of taming him for different purpofes, or
pointing out in what sera, or among what people, the
art was firft difcovered : I would here be underflood to
mean, that no exprefs and formal account is given of
its origin; and that confequently no more knowledge
ean be gained upon the fubjedt, than what may be
gleaned and lifted from other hiflorical fafts recorded
in the Bible. Thence, as from the only fountain-
head to which we can pufh our enquiries, we learn,
that Egypt was the land, in which the horfe firft
paid the tribute of his labours to man ; a land
which had the ftart of other nations in the difcovery
and cultivation of art and fcience ; and which was
no lefs famous and efteemed for its horfes, than
adapted by nature to nourifli and fupport them ; be-
ing then (as now) very fruitful, and abounding in
rich paftures ; whence other countries, efpecially Ju-
daea, in the time of Solomon, drew their fupplies, and
carried on a large commerce, greatly to the advantage
of Egypt, as we learn from various evidences of facred
and prophane hiftory * and efpecially of the former,

* Vide ioth chap, of the ift book of Kings.

Bochart Hieroz. ch. 9.

Diod. Sicul. lib, I. p. 42.

Wolfangus Franz. Part I. c. 12. Amftelod. Hift. Anim. p. roi,
who fays, Fuerunt autem in Egypto temper praeftantiflimi equi.— Alfo
Buffon’s Nat, Hift. Art. Cheval,

which

8

THE HISTORY AND ART

which although it gives but a few fcattered rays of
light, yet bellows all that can be had, and fuch as are
fufficient to render all attempts of going farther, fu~
perlluous and vain. I have, therefore, been much
furprifed, as I attended fome adventurers in their
learned and extenfive enquiries, in hopes of reaping
certainty and truth, to fee what pains and erudition
they have fquandered away, in feeking after what lies
fo full in fight, and is comprifed in fo fmall a coni-
jpafs.

Nor is the difpute lefs frivolous, which has em-
ployed the pens of many learned and curious perfons,
upon the queftion, whether the ufe of chariots, or the
art of riding was firji known ?

I flatter myfelf that it will appear, from what has
been already fuggefted, that it cannot ftridlly be de-
cided to which the precedence is due; for iji the firfl:
inflance in which either of them is mentioned, viz.
in the firfl; book of Exodus, they are both named to-
gether, as well as in the 9th chapter of the ifl: book
of Rings, where Solomon is faid to have had “ his cap-
tains, the rulers of his chariots, and his horfemen ;”
nor indeed can it be thought probable, than when one
of thefe methods were known, the other fliould remain
long undifcovered. Hence it feems to follow, and
with much colour of probability, that they are equal,
or very near equal, in point of time; although it is not
unlikely, that one might prevail more than the other
at particular aras, and in particular countries, as

opinions

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

9

opinions and fancy might influence, or circumftances
require. I muft beg leave, however, in advancing
thefe notions, to confine myfelf to the earlieft periods
in which the horfe is mentioned, and to what may be
collected concerning it in the Old Teftamcnt. There we
learn, that Egypt was the land ta which mankind are
indebted for the equefirian art ; but the period of
time, in which it was firft pradtifed, cannot fo eafily
be afcertained. A learned and inquifitive writer *
fixes it at the time of Jacob’s coming into that country:
"but notwithftanding that he has dived into the fubjedt
with great ability and diligence, yet he has brought up
nothing very valuable, or equal to the pains which he
muft have employed in the fearch ; fince he can go no
farther than to prove, that the ufe of horfes was known
at the time of Jacob’s coming into Egypt, but for want
of authorities, can have no right to aflerr, that it was
not known till about that time : for

Vixere fortes ante Agamemnona
Multi, fed omnes illachrymabiles
Urgentur , ignotique longa
Nofte, carent quia vate facro

Hor. lib. 4. carm. ode 9.

Heroes as brave as fam’d Myctene’s king,

Shone great in fight, e’er he was known ;

But they no poets had their arms to fing,

And make immortal their renown :

* Recherches fur l’epoque de l’equitation.

Vol. I. C They

10 T H E HISTORY AND ART

They died ; oblivion feiz’d each mighty name,
Forbidding time to waft them down ;

For they no poets had to fing their fame, —

And poets only give srenown.

it is, however, certain, that when Jacob came into
Egypt, he found the inhabitants perfectly acquainted
with the horfe, and ufing it in its two-fold capacity of
carrying and drawing. And here, although the fub-
jeff has been already touched upon in former pages,
it may not be improper to offer fome farther and more
cogent reafons, in favour of the affertion, that riding
is not only equal in point of time to the ufe of chariots,
bur, in all probability, anterior to it. It has been
already faid, that Egypt was the fpot in which the
horfe was thought to have been firft fubdued and
difeiplined by man ; and it appears from the Mofaic
hiftory, that in the firft inftance, where mention is
made of Pharaoh’s chariots, that he is likewife faid to
have had his horfemen; which word, in the Hebrew
language, is explained by the commentators, to mean,
one who fits upon, and guides an horfe. The learned
Le Clerc is alfo of opinion, that the exprellion of “ all
the horfes of Pharaoh, and his chariots, is the general
defeription of the cavalry belonging to him, and con-
fiders his chariots and horfemen, as the two different
fpecies of it.” To this I mull beg leave to add another
obfervation, but without laying any greater ftrefs upon
it, than barely to hint it to the reader’s notice, that the

original

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

i i

original Hebrew word (Parafh, Horfeman ), is derived,
as BuxtorfF fays, from the Hebrew root, which fignifics
to prick, or fpur ; and the rider, or fpurrer, was fo
denominated, becaufe he ufed to prick or fpur the
horfe. Eques quod, equum calcaribus pungat. Farther, he
quotes Aben Efra, who fays, that the horfeman was
fo called, from wearing fpurs upon his heels, a calca-
ribus quce funt in pedibus ejus. By this account and expla-
nation of the word, which in the Hebrew fignifics an
horfemau, we are informed of the great antiquity of
fpurs, and may reafonably conclude that the art of
riding was not only known, but from the invention of
fpurs, had alfo received an improvement, not unwor-
thy the difcovery of more difcerning times ; and feems
to imply, that riding was not only familiar, but even
advanced in thofe primitive times to a degree of ex-
adtnefs, perhaps, not hitherto fufpedled.

If any doubt fliould dill remain, as to the feniority
of horfemanfhip, I beg leave (among many authorities
from the Bible, which, not to furfeit the reader I omit)
to ftrengthen the foregoing arguments, by the addition
of the following, taken from the book of Job, in tliefe
words, where (fpeaking of the oflrich) he fays, “ fhe
lifteth herfelf on high, fhe fcorneth the horfe and its
rider;” which expreffion feems to imply, that it was a
cuflom (as now in fome nations) to hunt this bird on
horfeback, and that fhe was fuperior to the fwifteft
horfe. Hence it mu ft be granted that riding was
praftifed in his country, and at the time in which he

C 2 lived ;

THE HISTORY AND ART

I 2

lived ; nor is it to be forgot, that he lived in a country
diftinguifhed above others for its horfes, and in which
no chariot was ever known to have been ufed. Nor
muft we pafs by unremembered the noble defcription
which he gives of the horfe, fo known and fo ad-
mired *, in which lie fpeaks of him only as being
rode, and not driven in a carriage j and if there is
proper foundation for the opinion maintained by fome
learned perfons, that this celebrated patriarch lived long
before the time of Mofes ; it will follow, that what
he fays relative to our fubjedt, muft be anterior to the
Mofaic hiftory; and if fo, it will carry the antiquity
of equitation fo high, as to put it out of fight, and
beyond the reach of enquiry and inveftigation.

Afia and Africa being the divifions of the earth
which were firft peopled and cultivated, as likewife
regions of which the horfe was a native, the art of

* In this enumeration of the beauties and noble qualities of the
horfe, it fhould be remarked, that the Englijh tranflators make Job fay,
<c that this animal’s neck is clothed with thunder ” an expreflion as
falfe as it is abfurd. The true rendering of this pafTage is, that his
neck is clothed with a mane ; thus Bochart , Le Clerc, Patrick , and
other commentators tranflate it. — Bochart fays, that the word, which
in Hebrew fignifies thunder , is fynonimous for the mane of an horfe j
but this being fo, it is aftonifhing that the tranflator fhould have fet
afide the juft and natural ftgnification, and have chofen to cover the
horfe’s neck with thunder inftead of a mane \ nor is it lefs amazing that
this nonfenfe fhould have been extolled by the author of the Guardian *,
and others, as an inftance of the Jublime.

* Vide Guardian, vol. II. page 26.

taming

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

13

taming him was firft pra&ifed in them; and beginning
in Egypt, fpread itfelf into the different dates and
kingdoms which compofe thofe two quarters of the
globe.

Of the Egyptians neverthelefs, who were fo re-
nowned in ancient days for the merit and numbers of
their horfes, very little, if any knowledge, can be
gained, concerning their manner of riding, and treat-
ment of the horfe. Herodotus fpeaks of them as
horfemen, but fays no more : it is, however, to be
prefumed, that they were well verfed in an art, of
which they were the fathers and inventors.

The ^Ethiopians were poffeffed of a breed of- horfes3
and acquainted with the art of riding*. Herodotus
fpeaks of them as a nation of cavalry that attended
Xerxes in his expedition againd Greece.

Nothing remains that can give any information,
with refpedt to the equedrian hidory of the ancient
Arabsy a people in latter ages become fo famous for
riding, that they may be diled a nation of horfemen.
When Xerxes led his army into Greece, they accom-
panied him, and fought under his banner ; but in-
dead of mounting horfes, they rode upon camels,
which Herodotus fays, were fwifter than the fleeted
horfe ; and Zonaras reports, that they were fwift, but
foon fatigued. Lib. xviii. cap. n.

The inhabitants of India were accudomed to ufe
horfes, from the earliefl times. No particulars, how-

* Polymnia,

ever,.

i4

THE

HISTORY AND ART

ever, are known concerning their manner of riding.
The troops of this country which attended Xerxes in
his famous march againft Greece, fought on horfeback
as well as employed chariots in war, as Herodotus
reports, who numbers India among the nations which
compofed the prodigious, and a 1 mo ft incredible army
of the Perfian king.

The Verfian horfes have been always famous for
beauty, vigour, fire, and other eminent qualities, and
fo celebrated for fpeed, that their very name, in the
language of the country, fignifies what may be ren-
dered, by the word wind- foot, a term emphatically ex-
preflive of their fwiftnefs. The ancient Periians were fo
fond of them, and thought the art of managing them
fo becoming and neceflary a duty, that they taught
their children to ride at the age of live years, as He-
rodotus relates. As horfes were very fcarce in Perfia
in the time of Cyrus, this prince took pains to cultivate
and improve the breed; and the Periians foon became
fuch lovers of them, that there were few people but
thofe of the meaner fort, who did not keep them; and
even a law was made, by which it was held ignominious
for thofe who were furnifhed with horfes, ever to appear
on * foot. Athenceus f fays, they covered their horfes
with many foft and thick houfmgs, or cloth, being
more delirous of fitting at their eafe, than of approving
themfelves dexterous and bold horfemen.

* Herod, in Clio, & Polym.

4 Lib. xii. 4. Xenop. Cyrop. lib. 1. Bochart, lib. 7.

V ege-

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

15

Vegetius defcribes the horfes of this country to have
been moil valuable for the faddle, fafe, gentle, and
very agreeable to the rider ; conflituting a confiderable
part of their owners revenue, and being very profitable
to thofe who could fupport a fine breed. They fur-
paffed other horfes in the pride and gracefulnefs of
their paces, which were naturally foft and eafy ; fo as
rather to pleafe and relieve the rider, than diflurb or
fatigue him. They flopped fhort, but their motions
were very quick and nimble. Not patient of labour,
but fubjeft to tire upon a long march or journey ■
and of a temper which, unlefs awed and fubdued by
difcipline and exercife, inclined them to obflinacy and
rebellion, but with all their heat and anger, not diffi-
cult to be pacified, always maintaining a graceful
carriage, arching their neck, and bending it to fuch a
degree, as almoft to make their chins lean upon their
breafts *; while their pace was fomething between a
gallop t and an amble.

* This, in the modern phrafe, is called arming, and is a very faulty
method of placing the head, contrary to the truth of nature, and the
mechanifm of the animal. The word is derived from the French, who
when an horfe carries his head in this pofture, is faid Parmer , or to arm
himfelf againft the hand of his rider; but more properly from the Ita-
lian word armatura , which fignihes the lower end of the branches of the
bitt : in French it is alfo called encapuckonner , from its refemblance to
the appearance of a monk’s head, when his cowl is pulled over if.

f A vile and broken pace, anfwering to what the French call auhin^
and we a rack.

The

j 6 THE HISTORY AND ART

The Parthians refembled the Perfians fo much in
their cuftoms and manners, and were iituated fo near
them, that they were incorporated, and feemed to
form but one nation. They were very eminent for
the fldll with which they managed their horfes,
and their manner of fighting up i them. They are
deferibed as having fuch dexterit and fupplenefs of
body, and fuch a command over tl horfes, that they
could turn themfelves round upon eir backs with fo
much eafe and readinefs, as to be a r e to draw their
bows with the furefl: aim, and wound their enemies,
even while they themfelves were flying from them,
this manner of fighting being peculiar to them. The
name of Parthus is derived from a Chaldtean word,
which fignifies horfernan.: their horfes are faid to have
been very adfive, and eafy in their paces *. We learn
from Vegetius that they were taught to ftep equally,
and in time, and to lift their legs aloft, fo as to pafs
over any thing that might lie in their way, as well
as to acquire a pliancy and fpring in their limbs,
which made their motion very agreeable to the rider,
and refembled the action or manner of going of the
Afiurian, or Spanifh horfes. The better to form their
paces, they praftifed the following method :

They never applied rollers, chains, or weights to
their feet, in order to make them lift them from the

* Florus 49. Tacitus Ann. 6. 35. Pliny 6. 27.

Dion Caff. lib. 40. Dionys. Per. 1089.

Juftin, lib. 41, Quint. Curt. 4, 12, and 5, 7.

ground,

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 17

ground, and thereby acquire a lofty action ; but they
were ufed to take their horfes into a fpot of dry
and level ground, about fifty paces long, and five
broad ; here they difpofed in regular rows, certain
boxes or coffers, filled with chalk or clay, in the man-
ner of horfe-courfes, which were roughened with fur-
rows, or purpofe to make the victory more glorious,
in proportion as the difficulty and danger were greater.
The horfes thus exercifed, at firft were apt to be very
aukward, and to trip or ftumble ; but being admo-
nifhed by the fault they committed, they learnt to lift
their feet higher, and avoid the objedt that offended
them, till by pradfice and repetition they acquired an
habit of bending their knees, and dealing their fteps,
fometimes fhorter and fometimes longer, as the
ground required, and were thus enabled to carry their
riders with fafety, and much to their eafe and pleafure ;
inafmuch as that thofe horfes which make fhort * fteps

* If Vegetius means that fhort and fmall fteps are commendable,
I am afraid he will not engage modern judges to be of his opinion.
I fhould imagine that we are to underftand by the words fhort and fmall
fteps, a manner of going in which the horfe does not extend or put out
his feet, fo much as one that goes near the ground •, but, on the con-
trary, lifts his feet above it, -and fets them down at a fmall diftance
from the place whence he took them up. By this way of going, the
horfe indeed will not rid much ground, but his motions will be eafy
and pleafant to the rider, and he will refemble the going of the Aftu-
rian or Spaniih horfes, which are remarkable for their high aRion , and
confequently an eafy and graceful carriage. The perfe&ion, however,
of all the paces depend upon the united qualities of extenfion and aRion.

VOL. I,

D

and

1 8 THE HISTORY AND ART

and fmall, go more commodioufly, and move with
more eafe and grace. Their horfes were very hardy,
and inured to incredible fatigue, as well as to travel
a long time without food or water *.

This people, however fince diftinguifhed for their
horfemanihip, were probably ignorant of it at the time
of Xerxes’ expedition, and according to Herodotus,,
fought on foot in the caufe of that monarch.

Armenia likewife could boaft a breed of horfes,
hardly inferior to the Perfian race.

Vegetius fpeaks of the inhabitants of this country,
as being very careful in trimming and adjufting the
manes of their horfes. Some ufed to cut them dear
off, which practice he condemns, as rendering the
horfe unfightly and deformed. Others clipped them,
fo as to make them refemble an arch or bow, which is
the fame as what is called an Hogs mane with usr
others again feparated it into notches, like the battle-
ments of a tower ; while fome cut it clofe, but only on
one fide, leaving the hair long and flowing on the other,
which was very graceful and becoming : the flde on
which the mane was turned and repofed was always to
the right. To this Virgil alludes, when he direds
the mane to be laid on the right {boulder :

Denfa juba, et dextro jaelata recumbit in armo .

* Quot fine aqua Par thus millia currat equus.

Prop. lib. iv. eleg. 3.

How many miles can run the Parthian horfe,

Nor quench his thirl! in the fatiguing courfe ?

This

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

J9

This method was like wife practifed by the Rerfians ,
and, by the above cited line, appears to have been in
ufe with the Romans, as well as that of fheering the
manes of their manni or nags : whence Propertius
fays, his miftrefs Cynthia was carried in her litter by
fhorn horfes :

Et mea detcnjis advecla ejl Cynthia manni s.

Varro likewife directs the mane to be turned to the
right fide. They alfo tied it in knots, or plaited it, as
the word implicata aptly expreffes *.

No particular reafon is affigned why the mane was
always turned on the right fide; it might be owing, per-
haps, to the cuftom of mounting on the right, which
was frequently, but not always the pra&ice ; and in
that cafe, the mane hanging on the fide, from which
the horfeman got up, offered itfelf to his hand to afiift
him in the action ; while we, without any meaning,
always mount on the left, and always turn the mane
to the right. The Armenians had another method of
trimming their horfes, as well as the Parthians, by
which they made them as it were double- maned ; for
the hair being cut away in the middle, the mane was
divided, and falling down, cloathed each fide of the
neck. A fafhion fometimes ufed at prefent, but ge-
nerally among coach-horfes.

Media was a region eminent for its horfes, and from
its fituation and other properties, produced them of
equal value with the neighbouring countries.

* Lib. iv. c. 7.
D 2

THE HISTORY AND ART

2 O

Nifaa, a diftriH of Armenia, beaded a breed of very
large and beautiful horfes. The chariot of Xerxes, in
his famous expedition, was drawn by horfes of this
country, and chofen for the talk, as being the ncbleR
which could be procured.

The Scythians were fo confpicuous for their addition
to horfes, that they were proverbially * famous. They
are reprefented to have preferred mares, as thinking
them more capable of fervice. They imagined them
not to be fo liable to delay, and the inconvenience of
hopping when they had occafion to hale. Pliny tells
us, that this was the motive of their ufing mares
more than horfes in war, and upon other occafions ;
and we learn from Strabo, that they were wont to geld
their horfes, to make them gentle, and more eafy
to be governed. It is thought, however, and with
much probability, that this preference of the fe-
male fex may be aferibed to better caufes. Whether
the mare can carry her urine longer than the horfe,
or is able to difeharge it with more facility, even
while fhe is in the mod rapid motion, as Pliny re-
ports, is a point only for anatomids to determine >
but it is certain that, in general, the female fex of thefe
animals is more mild and tracdable, nor fo fubjetd to
fight and quarrel as horfes are, either from lull, fpirit}
or vice ; and what might have been dill a dronger
recommendation, not fo apt to neigh, and thereby

* Scytha equum.

betray

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

2 I

betray and difcover their riders, in an enterprize of
war, or excurfion of pillage, in which they wifhed (o.
fall unexpedledly upon the enemy.

The Sarmatians , both Afiatic and European, were
diftinguifhed horfemen, and had large breeds of horfes.
They ufed in war a, particular fort of armour, which
covered themfelves and their horfes from head to foot :
the Perfians wore alfo, according to Ammianus Mar-
cellinus, armour of iron, which inclofed the whole
man ; they armed their horfes with the fame metal,
on their chefts and heads, and this fafhion was adopt-
ed by many other nations. Paufanias in his Attics de-
feribes the Sarmatian armour, and fays it was made of
bone, which they ufed in the place of iron, their own
country having no mines of this metal, and they en-
deavouring to procure none from other nations. They;
ufed horfes not only to ride, but offered them in facri-
fice to their gods, as did alfo many other nations.
They likewife eat their flefh, and drank their blood ; as
did another tribe of the fame people, called the Ge-
loni, and the Maffagetes, Lucan and Virgil record
this cuftom :

Majfagetes quo fugit equo , valuer efque Gelonl,

Longaqiie Sarmatici fohens jejunia belli

The Maffagete, who at his favage fe aft
Feeds on the gen’rous Reed which late he prefll

* Lib, iii. Row, Virg. Georg. 3d. Warton’s tranf

Acerque

22

THE HISTORY AND ART

Accrque Gelonus

Cum Jugit in Rhodopen , atqne in deferta Get arum ,

Et lac concretum cum f anguine potat equino.

The fierce Gelonian when for favage food,

He blends the milky fiream with horfe’s blood * **.

The materials of which the Sarmatians compofcd
their armour, was taken from the hoofs of horfes,
which they cut into little plates, like fcales, which they
pierced and fewed together with the finews of oxen
or horfes.

Cappadocia hands eminently praifed for its horfes ;
which, from the accounts given of them by hiftorians,
and the commendations bellowed by the poets, who
defcribe their beauty and merit in the moll lively and
linking terms, feem to have claimed the precedence
of the reft of their fpecies. Oppian, Gratius, fElian,
Nemefianus, Pliny, Vegetius, and Solinus, Pollux,
Varro, and many others, give them the highelt cha-
racter. Oppian particularly celebrates their ftately car-
riage, and loftincfs of aCtion j and fays, that when
young, they are delicate and weak, but that llrength
comes with years, and, contrary to other horfes,
they are better and more powerful when advanced
in age.

* Martial alfo fays,

Venit id e poto Sarmata pvjlus equo.

The

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

23

The horfes of this trad of country feem to have
been the favourites of the ancients, who greatly extol
their fwiftnefs, and fiatelinefs of their adion. And
here it may not be improper to obferve once for all,
that mod of the ancient authors, who fpeak of the
horfe, or defcribe its figure, mention the proud,
high, and equal fiep, which conftitutes, what is un~
derftood by the term adlion, not only as a requifite,
but as the nobleft accomplifhment an horfe can poffefs:
and it muft be acknowledged, that when the animal
difplays it properly, motion appears in its highelt
grace. The poets, who love beautiful images, fpeak
of the horfe in this view, in fuch exprefiive and apt
terms, that after feeing the horfes themfelves, the next
pleafure is to read their defcriptions of them. The
painters and fiatuaries are likewife fond of exhibiting
the animal in this linking attitude.

The inhabitants of Numidia , Mauritania , Nafamonia ,
MaJJilia , and other adjacent trads of the fame region,
are celebrated for having had horfes of great fleetnefs
and vigour ; but more for their ftrange and peculiar
manner of riding them without a bridle or faddle,
ufing a wand only , or fwitch , to guide and command
them. Many poets, who in fome infiances may pafs
for hiftorians, and many hifiorians likewife, afiTert this
for a truth. Livy * fpeaking of this manner of ma-
naging their horfes, fays with great juft ice, that they

* Lib. xxiii. c. 25, and 25, 9. Vide alfo Csf. de Bello Afric.

made

T H E H I S T O II Y AND A R T

^ 4

made an ungraceful and aukward appearance, having
their necks ftrait and extended, and carrying their nofes
upwards, or in the air ( 'capitibus alte Jlantibus) . Many
authors imagine this breed to be the fame with that of
•Lybia, or as this tract now is called, Barbary, famous
for its excellent horfes, celebrated for their fpeed,
wind, and patience of fatigue. Xenophon and Oppian
agree in giving them this character; and iElian bellows
upon them the fame commendations, defcribing them
to be of a lean habit of body, and of a {lender mould,
not requiring much care or attendance from their
keepers, but living hardly, and content with fuch food
as they find in the fields, into which they are turned as
foon as the rider quits their backs, without farther care
or notice The prefent treatment of them correfponds,
in a great degree, with this account, nor is the de-
fcription of them unlike that already related of their
ancellors.

Silins Italicus * fpeaking of the Carthaginians fighting
with the Romans, mentions the peculiar manner of
riding among thefe people, and many other autho-
rities confirm the practice f.

It is neverthelefs, in fome degree, difficult to con™
ceive, how a wand or Hick could be powerful enough
to guide or control a fpirited or obllinate horfe in the
violence of his courfe, or in the tumults of battle:-—
but the attention, docility, and memory of the animal

* Punic, lib. 4.

•j- Livy, lib. xxxvii, c. 2.0.

are

OF HORSEMANSHIp. 2 *

are fuch, that it is hard to fay to what a degree of obe-
dience and exadtnefs he may not be reduced. It is^
faid that the manner in which the flick operated, was
by flriking the horfe with it on the right fide of his face,
to make him turn to the left, on the left to direct him
to the right, and full upon the griflle of his nofe, when
he was required to flop*:

Paret in obfequium lent a moderamine virga,

Verbera funt pracepta fuga, funt verbera frceni.

All needlefs here the bit’s coercive force
To guide the motions of the pliant horfe ;

Form’d by the rod alone, its aids they know,

And flop, and turn, obedient to the blow.

Aufonius confirms this account, and defcribing this
method of riding in very exa<5t terms, celebrates the
emperor Gratian for his fkill and addrefs in it. Mira -
bamur (fays he) poetam f qui infrcenos dixerat Numidas , et
alterum qui collegerat ita, ut diceret in equitando verbera & prez-
eepta ejfe fugce, & prcecepta JiJlendi : obfcurum hoc nobis legentibus
erat. Intelleximus te videntes , quum idem arcum intenderes, £sf
habenas remitt ere s ; aut equum fegnius euntem verb ere conci tares j
vel eodem verbere intemper entiam coer ceres J.

* Nemefian.

f Et numida infrceni eingunt , et inhofpita fyrtis.

Virg. iEn. 4*

X Aufon. Grat. Aftio. p. 54 6, Delph. Edit, 4to

VOL. I.

E

This

26 THE HISTORY AND ART

This method, I have been allured, is Rill pradfifed
in Barbary, by the lower fort of people, and anfwers
very juftly to the rcuglinefs and brutal violence of
thefe ignorant nations, in the ordinary courfe of their
manners, and harfhnefs of their tempers.

Nor is it unreafonable to fuppofe, that their extreme
poverty, their ignorance of the arts *, and the want,
perhaps, of materials and manufactures , might have
given rife to this manner of riding, which cuftom adopt-
ed, and conftant practice made eafy and familiar both
to man and horfe; which latter, after a certain degree of
difcipline and experience, from the force of habit, and
the docility of his nature, might be brought to under-
Rand the intention, and obey the will of his rider, with
as much certainty and readinefs, as our cart-horfes in

* In confirmation of this afifertion, I will add a pafiage from an ac-
count of the Irilh, in the reign of king Richard II.

When this prince went into Ireland to chaftife Mac-Morough, who
called himfelf king of Ireland, though properly only king of Leinfter,
in the year 1399 *, the king of England, by advice of his council, fent
the earl of Glocefter unto Mac-Morough to charge him with his crimes.
Between two woods, Mac-Morough defcended from a mountain,
mounted upon an horfe without a laddie, which coft him (as reported)
four hundred cows; for in that country they barter by exchange, horfes
for beafts, and one commodity for another. This horfe was very fair,
and ran as fwift as any flag, or the fwifteft bead I ever faw. Vide
Harris’s Hibernica.

Perhaps the cuftom once in this kingdom of making horfes draw
by their tails may be afcribed to the fame caufe, as the riding without
laddies *, the ignorance of the age in the art of making faddles and
harnefs.

the

27

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

the crowded flreets, attend to the voice of their driver,
by which they almoft are folely governed, and difcover
no lefs fagacity and obedience than the famous Gallic
mules, defcribed by Claudian in the following epigram,

DE MULABUS GALLICIS.

Afpicc morigeras Rhodani torrentis alumnas ,

Imperio nexas , imperioque vagas ;

DiJJona quam varios fedlunt ad murmura curfas ,

Et cert as adeunt voce regent e vias :

££uamvis quaque Jibi longis difcurrit habenisf
Et pateant du.ro libera colla jugo ;

Ceu confiriRa tamen fervit , patienfque laborum
Barbaricos docili concipit aure fonos.

Abfentis longinqua valent pracepta magijlri ,

Ercenorumque vicem lingua virilis agit.

Hac procul augujlat fparfas, fpargitque coaffias,

Hac fifth rapidas ; hac properare facit.

Lava jubet ? lavo deducunt limite grejfum,

Mutavit frepitum t dexteriora petunt.

Nec vinclis famula, nec liber t ate feroces,

Exuta laqueis , fubditione tamen ,

Confenfuque pares ; fed fulvis pellibus hirtcz
EJfeda Concordes multi fonora trahunt.

Miraris f voce f eras peccaverat Orphius ,

Cum pronas pecudes Gallica verba rcgant ?

Bred, where the Rhone’s impetuous torrents flow,
Obferve how well thefe mules their duty know !

E 2 How

28 THE HISTORY AND ART

How well their driver’s meaning underRand,

Come at his call, and go at his command :

Left to themfelves, and truRed with the reins.

His voice, with furer pow'r their fpeed reRrains.
Patient of toil, their Ready courfe they fleer,

Watch every accent, and obedient hear.

Govern’d by diftant founds, they clofe, divide.

And Hop, or run, the voice their only guide.

To the left hand one tone directs their flight,

A diff’rent cadence wheels them to the right.
Though free, not wild, they own fuperior fway,
With willing minds, and equal Reps obey,

And fpeed the rattling carriage on its way.

Then wonder not, that Orpheus drew along
The favage herd, enraptur’d at his fong t
Lo ! here a greater prodigy is found !

And brutes more docile to a ruder found.

Libya, mentioned above, bred horfes which were
fwift even to a proverb *. Its inhabitants are reported
to have been the RrR who taught Greece the method
of coupling horfes in a chariot. They were confidered
as moR fkilfut horfemen, fuperior to other nations,
and never fought but on horfeback.

It may now, perhaps, be time to quit thefe regions,
in order to follow our fubjecR, and examine what re-
ception it found, and what progrefs it made, when in-

* Juxta Lydium currum currcre „ Plutarch.

troduced

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

2 9

troduced into the third remaining part of the globe,
called Europe.

It is imagined, and the conjecture is by no means
groundlefs, that the colonies which came from Phoe-
nicia and Egypt, countries in which equitation flou-
rifhed, brought the art with them, and eftablifhed it
in Greece, long before the fiege of Troy : and indeed
it would be very furprifing, and fcarcely credible,
that an art which promoted the convenience and plea-
fure of mankind in fo great a degree, fhould remain
entirely with the inventors, and not pafs into neigh-
bouring countries, and be adopted by all who were
once acquainted with it.

As many reafons have already been urged, and
many authorities produced from the facred writings,
in order to prove, that riding on horfeback was at
leaft coeval, if not prior, to the ufe of chariots, fo it
may not be improper likewife to have rccourfe to the
oldeft authors, in order to fee what farther knowledge
may be gleaned from them.

Homer, the oldeft poet, and, in fome inftances, the
oldeft pagan hiftorian, fpeaks of riding fo familiarly
in fome parts of his poems, that we mull believe it
was known, and in ufe among the Greeks, before he
compofed his Iliad and Odyfley.

Two palfages of this poet, one in the i 5th book of
the Iliad, the other in the 5 th of the Odyfley, will
prove this affertion.

THE HISTORY AND ART

30

In the fir ft we read to the following effeff. “ Juft
as a fkilful horfeman riding four chofen horfes along
a public road, to fome great city, where his courfe is
to terminate :

“ The whole town affembles to behold him, and
gaze upon him with wonder and applaufe, while he
leaps at pleafure from the back of one horfe, to ano-
ther, and flies along with them.”

It is to be obferved, that the poet makes this compa-
iifon,when he defcribcs Ajax fighting in defence of the
Grecian fhips, attacked by the Trojans ; and to give a
livelier idea of that hero’s ftrength and affivity, he fays,
that Ajax leaped from one fhip to another, with the
fame readinefs and addrefs, with which a fkilful
horfeman would vault from the back of one horfe to
that of another ; and confequently that by his nim-
blenefs and force, he was able to defend many fhips
at a time, as an accomplifhed rider is capable of ma-
naging and controlling feveral horfes at the fame

o

time.

From this comparifon two obfervations will occur :
the firfl is, that riding muft have been commonly
known at the time when Homer wrote, otherwife he
could not have alluded to it, in order to illuftrate, and
give a full idea of Ajax’s manner of fighting when he
defended the Grecian fhips.

The fecond remark to be made, is, that this art was
not only known at that time in Greece, but alfo that
it mud have been ftudied and cultivated with care and

attention,

3i

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

attention, fmee no fma-11 fhare of dexterity and habit is
neceflary to enable a man to vault alternately upon the
backs of four horfes running at full fpeed. Nor is the
whole praife due to the rider : the horfes muft have
contributed their part, and been docile and govern-
able, otherwife it would have been impoflible for the
man to have difplayed his fkill ; and the manage-
ment of them demanding a certain degree of experi-
ence, we are naturally led to conclude, that the Gre-
cians were acquainted with the art before this period,
and left their knowledge to their defeendants, for
whofe inftrutftion and entertainment Homer compofed
his two immortal poems.

The next tellimony comes from the Odyfley, and is
likewife another fimile, which the poet makes of
Uiyfles, fhipwrecked, and fitting aftride a plank, which
was floating upon the waves, to a man beftriding an
horfe, and keeping his feat in fpite of all the motions
the animal could make. To the foregoing arguments,
wemayflill add another from the fame antient writer.
He tells us, that when Uiyfles and Diomed went by
night into the tent of Rhtefus ; Uiyfles feeing his
horfes tied behind his chariot, immediately releafed
them from it, and mounting them, with Diomed, they
rode to the Grecian camp.

Notwithstanding the force of thefc evidences,
which tend to prove fo clearly, that riding was known
before the Trojan war; it yet muft be confefled,
from the fllence of the fame writer, that the Greeks,

during

3 2 THE ART AND HISTORY

during that long fiegc, made ufe of chariots only ; for
it is not known, that they had any bodies of troops
which ferved on horfeback : nor does it appear on
the other hand, from any writer of antiquity, why
chariots were preferred : and although it is but candid
to acknowledge that they were, and although the me-
thod of fighting on horfeback might at that time be
difufed ; yet, it does not follow, that the art of riding
and dreffing horfes, in its various branches, for battle,
hunting, or exhibitions of pomp and pleafure, was not
known before that memorable cera.

It has been already obferved, that it is conjedlured,
that the colonies which came from Phoenicia and
Egypt, are fuppofed to have brought with them the
art of riding into Greece ; and it is likewife pro-
bable that the Grecians are not only indebted to them
for their knowledge of equitation, but likewife for
the animal which is the fubjedt of it; it being fuf-
pebted, that the horfe was not originally a native of
Greece, but tranfplanted thither from other parts,
Herodotus * tells us, that the Greeks learned to couple
horfes in a chariot from the Africans (Lybians) ; and
Pliny f the natural ill; fays, that the Greeks compofed
no treatifes or natural hiftory of the horfe, becaufe
their country did not originally produce any, and they
knew nothing of them in their wild ftate ; de equiferh
non fcripferunt Graci.

* In Melpom.

t Lib. I,

Let

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

33

Let us, however, fee what their own hiftories, or
traditions fay upon this fubjedt.

They tell us then, that Neptune and Minerva having
a difpute which could confer the greateft benefit upon
man, Neptune gave the horfe, and Minerva the olive-
tree. This is the ancient account of the origin of the
horfe ; and from this very account, independant of
other more fober and certain relations, we may be in-
duced to fufpedt, that he was not a native of Greece
originally, but introduced and adopted, or to talk
in the language of ancient mythology, the gift of a
God.

It is well known, that antiquity had a peculiar fond-
nefs to exprefs itfelf, upon moll occafions, in fable and
allegory, thinking thereby, perhaps, to ftrike the
mind with greater awe and veneration, and to raife
and enoble the fubjedt which they treated, by afcrib-
ing them to a divine origin, and far removed from the
ufual courfe of things. This is probably the reafon,
why we find all ancient Hifiory to be almoft all Fable ;
yet if we go fomewhat deeper, and look more clofely
into things, we {hall, in many inltances, difcover Fable
alfo to be Hifiory. It is, therefore, incumbent upon
thofe who have to do with fubjedts, which, from their
antiquity can only be feen through the medium of fa-
ble, to confider the fabulous part only as a veil or co-
vering, which to a certain degree conceals the objedt
which is under it ; but which being removed, genu-
ine hiftoric truth will appear in its naked purity.

Vol. I- F Without

34 THE HISTORT AND ART

Without this clue, almoftall ancient hiftory will be a la-
byrinth of confulion and doubt, not to be believed, or
even underftood : as in the inftance before us ; is it not
abfurd and ridiculous to be told, that an imaginary
deity, who prefided as fovereign of the fea, Ihould
have formed the horfe, a land animal, for the ufe of
man ? Yet fuch is the account given of this creature
by the Greek hiftories and traditions ; but the veil of
fable in which it is wrapped, being removed, the
plain faCt will be this : viz. that in Greece in early
times, there being few, if any, horfes, fome were
brought from Libya, and other parts, and being tranf-
ported thither by fea, were faid in the lofty and figu-
rative ftile of antiquity, to have been the gift of Nep-
tune, the God of the Sea.

Thus fable ends in hiftory, of which it is no more
than a gorgeous drefs, and fanciful embellifliment >
and which, like other ornaments, oftentimes overload,
conceal from fight, what they were intended only
to fet off and adorn.

In following our fubjeCl, we are led, in the next place,
to confider the fictitious ftory of the Centaurs , who are
reported to have been the inventors and teachers of
Grecian horfemanfhip. Many different accounts are
to be found concerning them, in the poets and other
mythological writers : the trueft and moll fimple feems
to be this.

It is faid by many ancient writers, that the Theifa-
lians, chiefly thofe who dwelt about Mount Pelion,

were

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

35

were the firft among the Greeks who applied themfelves
to the art of breaking horfes. Pliny the Elder gives
Bellerophon the honour of having been the firft who
mounted a horfe ; but his ftory is too abfurd and idle
to be entided * to any credit. Notwithftanding this, the
fame writer declares, that the ThelTalians, of all the
Greeks applied themfelves moft to this exercife. The an-
cient cavalry of Greece, therefore, is to be found inThef-
faly. Hiftory farther informs us, that thefe primitive
horfemen, in order to acquire knowledge and dexterity
in the art, as well as to difplay them upon proper oc-
cafions, were accuftomed to fight with bulls, attacking
them with javelins, in order to kill them, and thereby
prevent them from ravaging their fields. In this fci-
ence of bull-hunting, it is fuppofed, they were expert,
as well as in horfemanfliip, by the afliftance of which
they were enabled to attack and deftroy thefe wild and
dangerous animals. Pliny fays, Julius Csefar introduced
thefe bull-fightings into Rome, and was the firft who en-
tertained the people with thefe fpecTacles ; nor is it im-
probable, that the celebrated Spani/h Bull-feafts , as they are
called, are derived from thefe fports of the Romans, as
they took their rife from the Greeks. Be this as it may
it is certain that the word Centaur, or to fpeak more
properly Hippocentaur, owes its derivation in the
Greek language to this cuftom of bull-wounding by
men, who attacked them on horfeback, the word
Hippocentaur, fignifying an Horfeman Bull-wounder.

* Vid. Diod. Sicul. — Pliny — Palaephatus— Servius in Virg,

F 2

At

3 6 THE HISTORY AND ART

At the firfl appearance of thefe new horflemen, the
people who faw them were greatly ftruck and amazed
at the ftrangenefs of their figures ; and having, per-
haps, but an imperfe£t view of them, and that under
the influence of fear and wonder, might think them
to be a new fpecies of creatures, compofed of two
different natures, half-human, and half-brute.

This is at once the fabulous and real account of the
facft. Ignorance, and its companion Credulity, might
impofe fo much upon the minds of thofe who firfl: faw
thefe half-men, and half*horfes, as to make them think
they were a new fpecies of creatures ; as the Indians
imagined the Spaniards to be, when they firfl beheld
them mounted upon horfes, and believed them to be
deities. Poetry and fable adopted the opinion, and
made a proper ufe of it ; and whether we view it in a
literal or figurative fenfe, we mufl confefs the juftnefs
of the notion ; but the fabulous explanation of it is fo
flriking and beautiful, that it always has been re-
ceived, and prevails at this day. The Centaur is the
fymbol of horfemanfhip, and explains its meaning as
foon as it is beheld : for there is fuch an intelligence
and harmony between the rider and the horfe, that
they may, almofi in a literal fenfe, be faid to be but one
creature ; the horfe underflanding the Aids of his rider,
as if he was a part of himfelf, and the rider equally
confulting the genius, powers, and temper of the horfe,
juflifies the allegory; and may almofi be faid, in the

expreflive

expreflive words of Shakefpear * to be “ incorpfed and
deminatured with the brave bead.”

Having thus finifhed this fabulous dory, or rather
extracted as much truth from it as we could, we will,
in the next place, prefent the reader with a more cir-
cumdantial account of the particulars of Grecian horfe-
manfhip.

It is known, that in the infancy of mod of the
Grecian dates, the number of horfes was but fmall,
they being too expenlive to be kept by any who were
not rich ; to encourage people, therefore, to increafe
the number, and keep them at their own cod, an or-
der of citizens was erected in Sparta and Athens, who
were deemed the fecond in rank in the commonwealth,
and didinguiihed by certain honours and privileges
conferred upon them : in after-times Rome availed
herfelf of this expedient, and formed her Equites , or
knights, after this model.

The origin of horfemanfhip in this country, is.
afcribed to various perfons, but can be fixed with cer-
tainty upon none j and whoever was the fird intro-
ducer of it, feems to have known but little of the art,
and to have left it very imperfect, though, perhaps,
in no worfe a date, than other arts and fciences were
in at their beginning. It is probable to think that
fome time mud have elapfed before the indrument;
called a Bitt was ufed for the governing of horfes, by

* Hamlet..

putting

3 8 THE HISTORY AND ART

putting it into their mouths. By looking back into
antiquity for the practices of paft times, and the
origin of many cufloms defcended to us, we every
where find the greateft plainnefs and fimplicity in their
firft Rate; and the more ancient, the ruder and fimpler
they were. The ftile of archite&ure, the fafliion of the
-habits and drelfes of early times, the methods of pre-
paring food, and many articles befide, are convincing
o proofs of this affertion. By degrees light broke in,
and men advanced progrefiively from one improve-
ment to another. In difcufling this fubjetR, it is cu-
rious to obferve, that in ancient Greece, many of the
terms appropriated to navigation, were alfo ufed in
liorfemanfiiip. The word or keles, which fig-

nifies a runner , ferved like wife, as Suidas fays, to de-
note light failing vefifels, and fwift horfes. Homer
calls lhips, horfes of the fea, and the pilot, the coach-
man, or driver of the vefifel. Pindar calls a bridle
an anchor ; and in this fenfe Neptune may properly
be called the inventor of the horfe, which implied no
more than a fliip. Thefe little obfervations, among
many others which may be found in the Greek
and Latin writers, are only offered to the reader,
as an argument, that bitts and bridles were ufed
in the moft diftant ages, but at what exa<5t pe-
riod to fix their origin, or even to defcribe their
fhapes and proportion, is a talk by no means eafy
to perform ; inafmuch as that there is fcarce any
track left to follow, and where mention is made

of

OP-HORSEMANSHIP. 39

of them, it is fo perplexed and obfcure, that filence
itfelf could not have left us more in doubt. All the
advances we can make in this difficult road, rather
millead, than conduct us to any knowledge that is
dear and certain. It may, therefore, be the wifer and
more modefl part, to fuppofe that the people of the
ftrft ages of the world, prompted by their neceffities,
and ading from them alone, made no other ufe of the
horfe at firtt, than what might be for domeltic pur-
pofes, teaching him to fubmit to carry men and bur-
dens ; and having reconciled and made him patient,
they taught him by degrees to diftinguifh and obey
the different founds of the voice, as well as to be di-
rected by the guidance of a fwitch or wand, which the
rider carried in his hand,

It is, however, apparent that they made ufe of cords
or thongs to ttop and confine the horfe in any place
where they chofe he ffiould flay. Thefe cords they
fattened round the horfe’s neck, as may be feen in the
figures (though of a much later date), carved upon
Trajan’s pillar at Rome. Thefe ropes hanging down
from the necks of the horfes, are imagined to have fug-
gefted the firtt hint of traces for drawing machines.
Strabo fays, that the Moors, or Africans, ufed cords,
for bridles. It is probable to think, that after a time
they might difcover, that if a cord was put into the
mouth, or at leaf: over the nofe, like our halters,
which may be ufed both ways at the fame time, it
would be a more effectual method of guiding and con-

trollring

4o THE HISTORY AND ART

trolling the horfe ; and hence is derived the fuppofed
origin of bridles ; which, in after-ages, have been
multiplied in fuch numbers, and under fuch a variety
of fhapes, increafmg and improving, as men grew
more fkilful in riding, and applied it to fundry pur-
pofes. It is certain, that the ancient Greeks were ac-
quainted with the ufe of fpurs, as well as that they had
a covering for their legs when on horfeback, which
anfwered the intention of our boots. Xenophon,
In his treatife on horfemanfhip, mention both thefe
appurtenances. Neverthelefs no trace of the former
remains upon any ftatue, or monument which have
reached thefe times, and is an omiffion of the ancient
fculptors not eafily accounted for, unlefs we conclude
with Montfaucon, that they did not think them worth
their notice. That learned and accurate antiquary
has preferved the figure of one, as well as of an an-
cient bitt, in his valuable collection. It does not ap-
pear, however, from this diligent enquirer, of what
country his fpur and bitt are the invention. Nor is it
quite certain, that what he calls a bitt, is really one,
and he leaves it to the reader to determine. It is of an
uncouth form, and bears no refemblance to thofe which
are Rill to be feen on Trajan’s pillar, and elfe where.
It has neither branches nor curb, and may not impro-
perly be called a Snafle ; the mouth piece is ornamented
at each end, with two boJTes, reprefenting an horfe’s
head. Not but that there are fome which appear to
have branches ; but curbs or chains under the chin are

no

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

4*

no where to be feen. Xenophon, the olded writer
extant upon this fubjeff, defcribes two forts of bitts,
the one eafy and fmooth, the other lharp and more
powerful *.

They likewife had a fort of bridle which came over
the nofe, like our cavezons, armed with teeth, and
very fevere in its effects

Whips were ufed by the Greeks, and were made of
thongs of leather, or the bridles of hogs twilled to-
gether, and fometimes of the finews of oxen. Saddles
were unknown to ancient Greece. Indead of them
certain cloths or houfings were thrown upon the horfe,
and f aliened by a girth, or furcingle. Upon thefe the
rider fat. They were known by the general name of
Ephippia ; and the trappings or horfe-furniture, known
and ufed in every part of the modern world, may be
fuppofed to owe their origin to them. They were
compofed of different materials, leather, cloth, and
the fkins of wild beads, and fometimes adorned with
gold, filver, and precious dones ; the horfes, befides
thefe ornaments, being decked with Bells, rich Collars ,
and other devices.

As the invention of faddles was an advantage in
riding, of which the Greeks were totally ignorant, fo
were they likewife of the ufe of flirrups ; for want of
which they were obliged to mount and difmount by
vaulting, by the abidance of horfe- blocks, or of other

* The reader will fee a fuller account in the treatife at the end of
this work.

f Vide Tidor. Hifpal. et Scheffer, dereVehicul.

Vol. L G

people,.

42 THE HISTORY AND ART

people, as Haves or grooms, who lifted the rider upon
the horfe, and helped him to get down. Soldiers ge-
nerally made ufe of their fpears upon this occafiom
Others of fhort ladders; others again had their horfes
taught to kneel, when the rider was to mount or
get down,. Befides thefe helps, piles of Hones were
erected in the public roads for the conveniency of
paffengers ; and the officer, who had the fuperinten-
dency of the highways, was obliged to fee that they
were furnifhed with them. Thefe different expedients
all feein to confefs the ignorance of ffirrups in the
ancient world, and are arguments of force enough
to induce us to believe, that they are a difcovery of
modern date. Euflathius fpeaks of therm as inftru—
ments in which a man putting his foot, could mount
his horfe without farther affiHance. Suidas and Plu-
tarch feem to intimate the fame thing *, To what

other

* The Greek word avzZohevs, and the Latin term Sir at or, are
Jfuppofed to fignify in thefe languages Stirrups. But they muff not be:
taken in a literal fenfe, but underftood figuratively. In their literal,
fignification they mean no more than any thing by which a man
can be enabled to mount or difmount from his horfe, as a ladder,
chain, rope, Hep ; or horle-block ; or a man, as a fervant, or groom,
who affilted the rider to get up and down. Performing, therefore, one
part of the office of ftirrups,. they were, in after-ages, called (tirrups y
but in the fame fenfe as a man who lies upon the ground may call it
his bed, and the heavens his canopy. Suidas gives this explanation.
Pitifcus thinks it might have been a rope ladder, which was flung over
the horfe to enable the rider to mount, and then taken off (a method
pra&ifed at this day) j and that it was not till a long time after, that

thev

OP HORSEMANSHIP.

43

other contrivance they alluded, if this fhould not be
allowed, a more able and more fortunate enquirer may,
perhaps, difcover ; in the mean time it feems to be
the more probable fide of the queflion to conclude,
that they were not known to the ancients. Hippo-
crates obferves, that the Scythians, who were much on
horfeback, were troubled with defluxions and fwellings
in their legs, occafioned by their dependent poflure,
and the want of fomething to fuflain their feet. Had
flirrups been known, this inconvenience could not
have been urged ; and this proof, joined to the foregoing
arguments, feems to outweigh thofe which are brought
to fupport the contrary opinion.

As the mofl meritorious part of the horfe’s cha-
racter was his fervice in war ; the Greeks were very
nice and fcrupulous in this particular, and before any
were admitted into their troops, flricStly examined their
qualities and difpofitions *, rejecting thofe whofe talents
and properties did not come up to a certain degree of
merit required of them. The method of trying their
courage and temper, was by ringing a Bell, and making
other loud and fudden noifes j and by their behaviour

they were fixed fo as to fupport the rider’s legs while the horfe was in
motion. This practice probably did not obtain till faddles were invented,
to which they could be fattened with firmnefs and fecurity. This ex-
planation coincides with, and confirms the conjecture of Montfaucon.

Vide Hoffman. Lex. Art. StafFa. — Jo. Molinet. Itin. Neap. — •
Gorop. Bee. Gall. lib. ii. p.49. — DuFrefne in Glof. &Notis ad Cinn. — »
V. eundem Differt. ad Joinville. — Euftat. Odyffey, A. n. 155. — •
Sueton. in Calig.

O

4>«

G

under

44 THE HISTORY AND ART

under thefe circumftances, they judged of their tempers
and characters. Such horfes as were worn out, and
unfit to ferve in the troops, were caft and turned out*,
and-, as a mark of difmiflion, were branded in the jaw
with the figure of a Circle, or Wheel ; It was alfo ufual
with private people to mark their horfes by burning
into their fiefli certain figures and marks, as letters of
the alphabet, or the initial letters of names, denoting
their breed and country, or to whom they belonged.

Thus Lucian mentions the practice of flamping
horfes with the figure of a Centaur ; and Bucephalus is
Laid to have been marked with the head of a Bull;
whence he had his name . It is, however, more pro-
bable that this famous horfe owes his appellation to the
refemblance which his head really bore to that of a*
Bull , and not to the imprefiion of one which was burnt-
into his flefh ; and was a mark in no wife peculiar to
him, but common to all horfes, fo that he could not
have been particularly diftinguiflied by it ; and Aulus
Gellius, lib. v. c. 2. exprefly tells us that this was the
faCt, and that his head literally refembled in fhape and
figure that of a Bull, as the name implies, Alexandra
regis & capite & nomine Bucephalus fuit ; and horfes of this
kind are fometimes ftill to be found. The mod fre-
quent and principal marks, however, were the letters
figma and kappa ; and the horfes which bore them were
termed Kct7r7rotTioti and Xctvpopou, the ancient Greeks
calling the Jlgma Xotv or Xotp *.

* Vide Salm. ad Solin. P, 891, 892.

v

/

Greece

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

4 5

Greece gave many appellations to her horfemen,
dillinguiiliing them by the particular forts of armour
which they wore, and by the manner of riding and
fighting. The A [xpi7T7roi were fuch as had two horfes
afiigned to one man, on which he rode by turns,
vaulting from one upon the other, as the circum-
ftanoes of battle required. Others there were who
fought on horfeback and on foot, like modern dra-
goons, and had fervants attending to hold their horfes,
whenever they got down to fight. The /rsA or fingle
horfe, was ufed upon different occafions, but moll fre-
quently for the purpofe of running in the public
games, like our race-horfes.

The Grecian horfemen always fet off to the left ,
preferring that hand, as we do to the right ; and
were ufed in forming their horfes, to work them in
circles, in order to make them fuppl-e, and ready to'
turn to either.

The Thejjalian horfes, by the agreement of all
writers, were the moll famous of ancient Greece, and
valued and admired not only by the inhabitants of that
country, but by the moll judicious and experienced
perfons of other nations. They were celebrated even
to a proverb, which fays, that among horfes, the
Theffalian breed was the noblell ; as among women,
the Lacedcemonian were the moll beautiful.

Theocritus honours them with his praifes, and fays,
that a cyprefs-tree in a garden, and a Thejjalian horfe
drawing a chariot, are moll pleafing objects, andfupe-

riorly

4 6 THE HISTORY AND ART

riorly graceful. Varro, in his account of fine breeds of
horfes, mentions thefe as the fird and bed. Strabo
alfo records their merit.

The horfes of Mycene were held in much efteem,
and accounted more proper for fhew and parade, from
the pride and gracefulnefs of their carriage, than for
fwiftnefs, or great fatigue.

To Mycene we mud add Epirus , a country much
extolled for its breed of fleet and beautiful horfes.

The Lacedemonians are mentioned by Paufanias , as be-
ing remarkable for their love and knowledge of horfes,
and for having a didinguifhed breed expreOy dedined
to contend in the Olympic courfe.

Argo/is , a country in the Peloponnefus , was another
part which mud be remembered upon this occafion.

The horfes of Argos are extolled by all antiquity.

Arcadia judly boaded her breed of horfes, and had
large and rich padures for their nourilhment.

Magnejia , a region of Macedonia, and bordering
upon Theffaly, is commended for its horfes, in which
its inhabitants were very curious, and fought upon
them with great addrefs. Lucan and Oppian make
mention of them.

The Dalmatian horfes had like wife their fhare of
praife, — Thofe of Ionia are celebrated by Oppian and
Claudian.

The idand Scyros produced thefe animals in great
abundance, and furnilhed Greece with large fupplies :
nor was fhe lefs indebted to Colophon, whofe horfes fhe

highly

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 47

highly efteemed, and which were remarkably excel-
lent in war.

The Attic territories were not without their merit ;
and Elis was eminently diftinguifhed for the horfes
which flic produced, fo admired in the Olympic race.

The Thracian horfes are commended, as well as many
others of inferior note, whofe charadfter and fame are
not confiderable enough to entitle them to any parti-
cular notice.

It was cuftomary- with the Grecians to give par-
ticular names to their horfes, as modern nations
do at this day. Thus the horfes of Achilles were
called Xanthus and B alius ; that of Adrajhis , Arion ; Aura
was the name of the famous mare who won the
prize, without her rider, at the Olympic games, and*
the property of Phidolas the Corinthian. Other names
were a Phoenix, K opa£, a Crow, and fo on thro’

a variety of inflances, as with us, too trifling to be
enumerated.

They diftinguifhed likewife a particular clafs of horfes,
by the name of Lycofpades. Thcfe were fuch as when
colts had been purfued and attacked in the mountains
and forefts by Wolves. They were highly prized, and
believed to be endowed with great fwiftnefs, if they
had outrun and efcaped from the purfuits of the
wolves ; or if they had received any hurt or mark,
the fear was thought honourable, and a proof of their
courage in refilling and fighting with the wolves
which had attacked them. Others interpret this ap-
pellation

4§ THE ART AND HISTORY

pellation to have been given to certain horfes, which,
from the hardnefs of their mouths, and obftinacy of
their tempers, could only be governed by the rigour of
the bitt, called the Wolf-bitt .

The Grecians in many indances chofe mares before
horfes. fElian fays, they thought them fitter for the
courfe ; and Virgil names only the mares of Epirus, as
running in the Olympian race. Pliny fays, they were
fwifter than horfes. It has been already obferved, that
the Greeks were accuftomed to mount and difmount,
by vaulting and leaping from and upon the backs of
their horfes, as well as from one liorfe to another.
Thefe feats of activity feem to have been firfi praftifed
in battle, and in thofe ages when faddles, and confe-
qucntly llirrups, were unknown.

The utility of this method fpeaks for itfelf, for if one
horfe was tired, wounded, or killed, his rider had
another ready for his fervice ; two or three being led
into the field, which were ufed as occafion required.
Thefe cxercifes, fo ferioufly neceflary in war, were,
after a time, performed in the public games, and
other occafionai exhibitions, merely tofliew the nimblc-
nefs and addrefs of the horfeman ; and the modern art
of vaulting, in all its variety of pofiures and methods,
and which has now little more in view, than to difplay
the activity of the performer, is, beyond doubt, derived
from this ancient practice ; as well as the whole modem
manege , except which in fome few refinements, calculated
merely for grace and pieafure, is borrowed from the

different

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

49

different motions and evolutions performed by men and
horfes in battle. To this likewife we owe the folemni-
ties and fports of tilts, tournaments , and jujls, invented
as a mock-war, to fill up the lazy hours of peace, to
infpire and keep alive a martial fpirit, to render the
body a&ive, robuft, and expert in the feats of arms ;
and which, though confecrated in latter days folely to
pomp and gallantry, were anciently of more ferious
account, and the real difcipline and exercife of war.

Hence the praifes, and hence the honours, which •
were always bellowed upon thofe who excelled in
horfemanfjip, not as being fkilled in a light and idle
accomplifhment, but as poflefiing an art, which was of
folid ufe, and indifpenfably necefiary in bufinefs of
war : for as in ancient times the molt important fer-
vice of the horfe was in the field, thofe who broke and
managed them were almoft always men of military
eminence ; and the appellation of borfeman, or more
limply and literally horfe-breaker , meant a foldier or chief,
who fought on horfeback, in dillindtion to one who
combated on foot; and the lkill of managing horfes in
its two branches of riding or driving them in chariots,
was a qualification requilite in a warrior. The epi-
thet, therefore, of horfe-breaker was a title of praife
and refpcbt ; as we learn from Homer, Virgil, and
others, who add it to the names of their moll illullri-
ous heroes and chiefs, and confer dillinguilhed com-
mendations upon thofe who excelled in this art, lb
necefiary and becoming in the profefiion of arms; and

Vol. I. H fo

5°

THE HISTORY AND ART

fo proper and ufeful upon other occafions, that Plu-
tarch declared to his countrymen, * it was as abfurd
‘ and faulty in one who intended to ride, to be ignorant
s of it, as it would be in a perfon who did not under-
5 Rand mufic, to undertake to play upon the pipe.’

The next, and mod remarkable period in the pro-
grefs of our fubjecT, is the inRitudon of the public
games, which were exhibited at Rated feafons in diffe-
rent parts of Greece, with the utmoR fplendour and
magnificence ; infomuch that by the pomp with which
they were celebrated, efpecially tliofe of Olympia, one
would almoR think, that the fafety of the Rates and
the glory of the Grecian name depended upon them.
The chronology of Greece was fixed, and the moR me-
morable events were dated from their periodical cele-
brations. The performances exhibited were of feveral
kinds, all defigned and calculated to call forth the ut-
moR exertion of the powers of the human body.

To make thefe games more folemn and awful, they
were confidered as a<5ts of religion, and confecrated to
different deities, as thole of Olympia to Jupiter , and
Pythia to Apollo. Policy likewife had no inconfider-
able fhare in thefe folemnities, and under the cloak of
religion advanced her own ends, by fiirring up a fpirit
of emulation, and an ardent love of fame among the
Grecian princes and chiefs, by the rewards and honours
which were conferred upon the conquerors, in thefe
trials of courage, fkill, flrength, and activity. Hence
the youth of Greece acquired a martial genius, and

became

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

Si

became habituated to danger, pain, and fatigue ; their
bodies at the fame time being hardened by toil, and
growing more ftrong, healthy, and alert. Nor muft
we forget the advantage which was hereby derived to
that part of the fports, which only can be confidered
here, equitation , and the culture of horfes.

From thefe public aflemblies, and trials of merit,
it is certain much good fruit mull have been gathered ;
for as Greece, in its early days, could boaft no good
horfes, or very few, thefe horfe-races (like our own at
Newmarket) mud naturally have infpired an emulation
among the Greeks, to procure the fined horfes, and
have put them upon ufing every means which could
improve the art of riding, and the qualities of the
animal upon which it was to be exercifed.

It having been already faid that it is foreign to our
purpofe to confider the other exercifes which were
performed in thefe games, and were called Gymnajlic ,
becaufe the men who contended in them were naked ;
I fhall return diredtly to my fubjecl ; and lay before
the reader the particulars which remain concerning it.

It appears from the chronology of the Olympic
games, that chariot races were not introduced till the
25th Olympiad, nor horfe-races till the 23d. It is a
quedion very natural to be allied, how it happened that
fuch a fpacc of time elapfed, before thefe games were
graced with the labours of the horfe ? It is mod pro-
bable, that it was owing to the fcarcity of horfes in
Greece, at thofe times, and the large cxpences incum-

H 2 bent

THE HISTORY AND ART

5 ~

bent upon thofe who undertook to breed and manage
them ; for it is certain, from the concurrent accounts
of many writers, that the Grecians were fo ill furnifhed
with thefe animals, that in the feveral wars in which
they were engaged from time to time, they could not
mufter a fufficient number, although they were fo ufe-
ful andheceffary. At length, however, things grew better;
laws were made, and rewards given to encourage the
breeding, and managing of them ; for which lad.purpofe,
fkilful people, who profeffed the art of riding, under-
took to indruCt the youth, efpecially fuch of them as
were to ferve in war, in the fcience of horfemanlhip
Befdes this, the privileges and honours which were
conferred upon thofe who gained the prize in the
Olympic Games, mud have contributed greatly to pro-
mote this end ; and fo great was the zeal, and even
judice of the Greeks upon thefe occafions, that even
the horfes were not forgot, but, when victorious, were
crowned amidd the fhouts and applaufes of the multi-
tude f.

Neverthelefs, however exaCt and zealous the Greci-
ans might have been, and notwithdanding the pomp
and magnificence of thefe games, the ceremonies of
religion obferved at their celebration, and the venera-
tion in which they were held by all Greece, feveral
particulars are wanting, which, had they been tranf-

* Hefych. and Xenophon.

f Weft’s Diflertat. on the Olympic Games. Plut. Sym. lib. 2.
Paufan, lib. 6„

mitted

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

53

mitted to poderity, would have given a more certain
account of many articles relative to thefe famous exer-
cifes, and have enabled the reader to form a Purer opi-
nion concerning them.

The piece of ground on which the chariot and horfe-
races were performed (for the fame fpot ferved for both)
was called the Hippodrome. The Olympian Hippodrome,
or horfe-eourfe, was a fpace of ground of fix hundred
paces long, furrounded with a wall, fituated near the
city Elis, and on the banks of the river Alpheus. It was
uneven, and in fome degree irregular, owing to the
fituation ; in one part was an hill of a moderate
height, and the circuit was adorned with temples, al-
tars, and other embellifhments.

This Jiadium , or race-ground, confided of two parts »
the fird refembled in fhape the prow of a fiaip, and
was called the barrier . In this place, were the Hands
for the horfes and chariots, and here they were
matched and prepared for the courfe. The next par-
tition was the lifts, or the fpot on which the races
were to be run. At the end of the courfe flood a pillar,
which was the goal, round which the candidates were
obliged to turn, in order to come back to the place
where they had fet out ; and that rider or driver, who
could make the narrowed turn, and approach neared
to it, every thing elfe being equal, had the faired chance
offurpafiing his rivals. In doing this, the fkill of the
men, and the fupplenefs and obedience of the horfes,
were put to the fevered proofs 5 inafmuch as that there

was.

54

THE HISTORY AND ART

was much danger in the performance, efpecially in
the chariot- race, where it fomedraes happened, that
they were forced upon it, and broken to pieces, at the
manifeft rifque of limbs and life. To this, it is very
well known, Horace alludes in his expreffion, Meta
fervidis evitata rotis ; it being neceffary that the adven-
turers fhould go as clofe as poflible to the goal, to
prevent any lofs of ground or time, and yet to take
care not to ftrike againil it, for fear of receiving an in-
jury.

Beyond this goal another difficulty was to be en-
countered. This was a figure, by which the horfes
were to pafs, placed on purpofe to alarm and frighten
them, as the name imports, being called Taraxippus , or
the terrifier of horfes.

The fhape and form of this flrange deity (for fo he
was called) is not deferibed, but he certainly anfwered
the end for which he was defigned; it frequently hap-
pening, that the horfes were fo feared and alarmed at
his appearance, as to run away with the utmofl
violence, and expofe their riders, or drivers lives, to
the moll imminent dangers. Many conjectures have
been formed concerning this flrange deity, and the
means which he ufed to frighten the horfes in fo ex-
traordinary a manner ; but the moil probable conclu-
sion will be, perhaps, to fuppofe, that fome tricks and
artifices were p radii fed under the difguife of this
figure ; eitner with a defign to render the victory more
honourable, in proportion to its being more difficult to

be

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 55

be gained, or elfe (which was a better defign, and a
founder way of reafoning) that this borfe-frigbtening
deity was placed in the courfe, as a touchflone , to try and
prove the refolution and temper of the horfes ; and to
oblige the candidates to bring none into the field, but
fuch as by exercife and difeipline were fo affured and
Ready, as not to let their obedience be fliaken upon
the mod trying occafions.

On each fide of the courfe, from one end to the
other, the fpedfators were placed ; the mod advanta-
geous Rations being referved for the judges of the
games, and other diflinguillied perfons ; the red dand-
ing where they could, it being impoflible to affign
particular places for the multitude which always at-
tended thefe folemn and magnideent diverfions. Again,
in that part where the horfes dood which were to run
for the prize, a long cable was drawn from one end to
the other, and ferved the purpofe of a barrier ; about
the middle of the prow above-mentioned, an altar was
erected, upon which dood a brazen eagle , with out-
dretched wings, and the figure of a brazen dolphin was
likewife placed at the entrance of it. This lad was fo
contrived, by the powers of mechanifm, that when the
prefident of the races thought proper to put it in mo-
tion, it would afeend at once to fuch an height, as to
be vifible to all the fpeedators. This eagle was dedi-
cated to Jupiter, the patron god of the Olympic
games, as the dolphin was facred to Neptune, the liip-
pofed creator of the liorfe. The moment the eagle

fprang

S6 THE HISTORY AND ART

fprang into the air, the dolphin funk under ground :
upon this fignal, the cable * was removed, and the
horfes advanced from their Rands, which were difiri-
buted by lot, into the courfe, where they Rood ready
to Rart : but in what order and arrangement, whe-
ther in a line, or one behind another, is a queRion
which has often been difcuiTed. but is hitherto unde-
cided. Nor is it known what laws were to be obferved
by the horfes which entered to run, or whether they
were confined to any fixed number ; but it appears that
they were divided into two clafifes, of full-aged and
under-aged horfes ; and that horfes and mares were
allowed to contend for the prize. There was likewife
a race, called Calpe , in which mares alone were per-
mitted to run ; and with whofe riders it was cufio-
mary to leap from their backs towards the end of the
courfe, and keeping the bridle in their hand, to run
along with them, and fo finifh the career.

There was alfo another fort of riders, called Ana -
bata, who refembled thefe horfemen of the Calpe in
mofi particulars, but were difiinguifiied from them
in one infiance, being obliged by law always to ride
horfes .

* In the races at prefent performed in Italy, the fignal for the horfes
to ftart, is given by removing a rope from before the horfes — the
cuftom being derived from this method of the Greeks; elpecially, as it
known, that the Olympic Games were celebrated in Sicily (called
Magna Gracia), in the fame manner, and with all the circumftances,
as in ancient Greece.

The

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

SI

The fignal for ftarting was probably the fame as in
the chariot-races, and was given by the founding of
a trumpet. The fpace of ground round which the
horfes were to run, and the number of times which
they were required to run round it, will make their
courfe, or heat> to amount to about four miles, or fome-
what more.

Although the candidate-horfes were ranged into
clafles of full and under-aged , yet it is not known, what
was the precife term which qualified them to be rated
as full or under-aged. Neither can it be afcertained
how many were permitted to run at the fame time, at
what fize they were required to be, or of what weight
the jockeys or riders. Of thcfe particulars the reader
cannot be informed ; but as the riders were obliged to
undergo preparatory trials for the fpace of thirty days,
it mufl be concluded, that there were certain laws and
conditions appointed by the judges, to which they were
obliged to fubmit.

This is the fum of what is recorded concerning the
celebrated races of ancient Greece, as far as my fub-
je<5t leads me to confider them : in doing which, I
have confined myfelf to tliofe of Olympia only, with-
out even calling a glance upon any other, looking
upon them as comprehended in the general view, un-
der which the Olympian are prefented ; which, as
Pindar fays, were as much fuperiour to the reft which
Greece exhibited, as water is among the elements, or
gold compared with other metals.

Vol. I. I And

58 THE HISTORY AND ART

And now leaving Greece, and her horfes, it may
be time to turn our eyes to her admirer and imitator,
Rome.

It is very well known, that the Romans were in-
debted to Greece for many of the refined arts, and
ufeful improvements of life. Among thefe horfe-
man fir ip, perhaps, was not the lead confiderable, and
was received and adopted by the Romans with fuch
eagernefs, and cultivated with fuch diligence and
zeal, that they foon were able to excel their mailers.

Romulus very early inflituted his order of equites, or
horfemen, as Athens and Sparta had done before, on
purpofe to encourage the practice of riding, and en-
gage his new fubjefts to keep horfes at their own ex-
pence, which, in thofe times, were fo coflly, that the
rich alone were equal to the charge of maintaining
them.

The Certamlna Equejiria , or horfe and chariot races of
the Circus , began very early in Rome, and were formed
upon the model of the Olympic races like them they
were deemed facred fports, performed as a<5ts of reli-
gion, and dedicated to particular deities, of whofe at-
tributes they were a myflical reprefentation. And here
it mull be acknowledged, that although the Romans
did not ufe chariots in battle, it is certain, that in the
Circus they preferred them to the races performed by
fingle horfes.

That horfe was called by the Romans Singulars, or
Single, upon which a man rode without a faddle, ufing
i only

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

59

only a cloth, like the Greeks, fattened with a furcingJe ,
or elfe fitting upon the bare back.

Occafionally too the riders were tied and bound to
their horfes by thefe girths, that they might fit with
greater firmnefs and fecurity *, but the pra<5tice was
imprudent and dangerous, as they were, by this
means, expofed to be dragged, and torn by the horfe,
in cafe they were unfeated, like the warriour defcribed
by Silius ltalicus *.

— — — — — Rapiturque pavcre

’Traclus equi , vinElis connexa ad cingula membris f .

Lock-faddles, now but little ufed, are liable to the fame
objection.

Whenever an inferior perfon on horfebackmet his fupe-
rior, or a magiftrate, or any one of diftinguilhed rank
andchara&er, the form of paying his civilities, and tefti-
fying refpedt, was by defcending from his horfe, unco-
vering his head, and retiring on one fide of the road.
This ceremony, Seneca X fays, he always obferved, when-
ever he met a conful or prsetor ; to whom thefe ho-
nours were due. Apuleius mentions the fame manner
of falutation ; and fays, that when any one happened
to be on horfeback, and met any eminent man, who
was entitled to particular notice and regard, the horfe-
man, although in hafte, and going very fall, would
immediately flop, alight, and changing the wand or

* Lib. 4. Punicior. f Florid, lib. 3. £ Epift. 65.

I 2 fwitch

60 THE HISTORY AND ART

fwitch with which he rode, from his right hand to
his left, would advance, and make his falutation with
his right. To a certain degree, and upon particular
occafions, this ceremony is obferved among the mo-
derns.

Whoever knows the method of treating horfes after
fevere labour, will be fenfible that it is the fame with
that which was pra<5tifed by the Romans. Apuleius *
informs us, that when he perceived that his horfe
grew tired upon his journey, he wiped off the fweat,
rubbed his head, took off the bridle, ftroaked and
pulled his ears, and gently led him along, with his
head hanging down, and at liberty, allowing him to
crop the grafs as he went, to footh and refrefh him,
hoping, at the fame time, by thefe indulgencies, to
engage him to Rale.

Straw was the material commonly ufed for litter ;
when that failed, leaves (chiefly thofe of the holm-
tree) fupplied its place, both for horfes, and other
cattle.

The food generally given to horfes, both by the
Greeks and Romans, when they were turned into the
fields, was grafs, clover, trefoil, and other herbs of
the grafs-kind8 In the liable they were fed with hay,
barley, oats, wheat, and ftraw. Pliny f extols the
virtues of the Cytifus ; and fays, that horfes love it fo
extremely as to prefer it to barley.

This author, and Strabo, recommend likewife the
herb Medic a (or the three-leaved grafs of Spain), as a

*f- Lib. xiii. c. 24.

mod

* Aur. Afin. lib. i„

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

6 1

moft excellent food. Columella fays it will bear mowing
four, if not fix times in the year ; and that nothing is
more efficacious to reftore lean and weak horfes to
plumpnefs and vigour. There are doubts, however,
what the herb is, which was anciently called Medica ,
a name given to it from its originally growing in
Media. Nemejian recommends ftraw and barley as very
nourifhing diet; and it certainly conduces very much to
keep horfes in health, fpirits, and wind, and in a Rate
of body fit for any kind of labour, as it fupports and
ftrengthens, without rendering the animal heavy and
corpulent. Eumenes , as we learn from Plutarch, who
wrote his life, being befieged, and not having room to
exercife his horfes, fed them with boiled barley, as
being more eafy of digeftion. The ancients likewife,
on certain occalions, gave their horfes wine to drink,
to animate and refrefh them. Thus Homer makes An-
dromache give wine to Heftor’s war-horfes, or, as fome
commentators render it, wheat fleeped in wine. It is
no uncommon thing with us to give wine and beer to
our horfes, in cafe of ficknefs, or where any extraor-
dinary exertion of fatigue is required.

The cloths, or houfings, ufed by the Roman horfe-
men are flill to be feen upon Trajan’s pillar, and many
other monuments of Roman antiquity. Stirrups were
unknown, and the Roman horfemen were therefore
obliged to mount their horfes, and get down, by vault-
ing, by the help of horfeblocks, or of a groom called
Strator.

The

6i THE HISTORY AND ART

The origin of Saddles is not exactly known : fome
writers among the moderns, attribute their invention
to the Salil, a people among the ancient Franks ; and
hence they fetch the Latin word Sella, a faddle. This
aflertion, however, can amount to nothing more than
a conjecture, becaufe the word Sella fignifies, in gene-
ral, any thing upon which a man may fit, a chair,
ftool, or bench ; and under this denomination, a
thing called a Saddle, may be comprehended, but the
term could not alone be expreflive of what we call a
Saddle. The ufage and practice, however, of latter ages
have confined it to that fignification, although the
thing meant by it was unknown to the Romans, in
whofe language the word was always underftood in a
general fenfe.

The firlt time we hear of faddles, is in the year of
Chrifl 340, when Conjlantius endeavouring to deprive
his brother Conjlantine of the empire, oppofedhis army,
and entering the fquadron where Conftantine was, at-
tacked, and unhorfed, by throwing him out of the
faddle, as we learn from the hiftorian Zonaras.

The emperors which fucceeded made many regu-
lations concerning horfes, and occafionally take notice
of faddles.

There is a refcript in the Theodofian Code, given by
the emperors Valentmian, T’heodojius, and Arcadius, which
prefcribes the exaCt weight of a faddle, confining it to
fixty pounds, including the bridle ; and ordaining that
the cloak-bag with which people travelled, fhould

weigh

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 63

weigh no more than thirty-five pounds ; the cloak-bag
be forfeited, and the faddle broke in pieces, in cafe of
difobedience. The old Romans being ignorant of fad-
dles, were likewife unacquainted with ftirrups, and
like the Greeks obliged to ride without the eafe and
conveniency which they could have afforded. What
Hippocrates obferved of the Scythians, Galen found to
be true in the Roman cavalry, who, he fays, were
fubjedt to pains and defluxions in their hips and legs,
from their dependent pofture, and the want of a fup-
port when on horfeback. It is, therefore, to be con-
cluded, and with great appearance of truth, that this
contrivance for eafing and fupporting the rider’s legs,
was not the portion of the ancient horfemen ; no men-
tion being made of ftirrups in any ancient Greek or
Latin author, no figure of them to be feen in any ftatue
or monument, nor any word exprefiive of them to be
met with in claflical antiquity.

The filence, therefore, of all the writers, and the
want of other proofs, leave us no room to form any
other conclufion, than that they are modern inven-
tion. The Romans, having no better aififlunce, copied
the Grecian manner of getting upon their horfes ; they
vaulted, or employed horfeblocks, and the affiftance
of another perfon, after the Perjian and Grecian me-
thods, as Julius Pollux, Volater annus, and V egetius teftify.

The firft fays, that when a man is to mount, or
defcend from his horfe, he fhould lead him to a bank,
or elevated ground, that he may execute his defign

with

6 4 THE ART AND HISTORY

with greater eafe ; and that the horfe fhould be taught
to approach the mounting-place, readily, and without
fear. Vegetius informs us, that wooden horfes were made
life of for the purpofe of learning to vault, which were
placed in the open air in fummer, and in houfes in
the winter feafon. Upon thefe the young Romans
made their efiays, and the art is taught at this day in
the fame manner.

They at fil'd endeavoured to leap upon thefe wooden
horfes without armour; and when they grew ftronger,
and more fkilful, completely armed.

The horfeblocks which they ufed, were compofed
of ftone, or wood ; and were in great abundance
upon all the roads ; the Roman people, according
to Plutarch, being under much obligation to Grac-
chus, who caufed thefe conveniencies to be placed at
proper diftances for the ufe of travellers. Porcbachi *,
in his Funerali Antichi, has preferved an infcription,
in which one of thefe horfeblocks (fuppedaneum ) is
jeftingly dedicated by CrafTus to his mule, and was
eroded in the road from Tivoli to Rome.

Dis pedib. Saxum.

Ciucia dorjijera & clunifera
Ut infuJtare & defultare commodetur ,

Pub. Crajfus mnla fua CraJJ'a bene ferenti
Suppedaneum hoc cum rifu pos.

Vixit annos XL

* Page 14.

It

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 6S

It is impoflible to tranflate this infcription fo as to
make it intelligible to the Englilh reader ; to thofe
who are acquainted with the language in which it is
written, I will, with all deference, fubmit a conjec-
ture, which may attempt to give it fome meaning.
It feems to be ludicrous, and deligned, perhaps, as a
parody upon the known form and ftile of lapidary in-
fcriptions. Disped. is for Dis pedibus , and is oppofed to
Dis manibus , allowing the pun between manes and manus .
Saxum is contrafted to facrum, the ufual word in epi-
taphs. Beneferenti is ufed inftead of benemerenti , a word
frequent in monumental formularies ; and the cum rifu
feems to juftify the conftru6tion, and confefs that the
infcriber was burlefquing, and in joke.

Menage , however, notwithllanding what has been
advanced, trulling to VoJJius , reports, that St. Jerom is
the firft author who makes mention of ftirrups, and
quotes his very words upon the occafion. He fays, “ that
at the time of his receiving certain letters, he was
mounting his horfe, and had his foot in the ftirrup
( biflapia )” This paffage, however, is not to be found
in his epiflles ; and if it were there, it would prove
nothing, becaufe St. Jerom lived at a time when flir-
rups are fnppofed to have been invented, and after the
ufe of faddles. Montfaucon denies the reality of this
paflage, as well as the following infcription, which
recounts the death of a perfon, whofe foot being en-
tangled in tlie ftirrup, as he was difmounting, was
dragged by his horfe, and killed upon the fpot. For

Vol. L K the

66 THE HISTORY AND ART

the iingularity of the thoughts, and turn of the ex-
predion, I venture to infert it, with an attempt of a
verfion of it, for the Englifli reader.

Fetus infcriptio Roma.

D. M.

Qiiifquis kclurus accedis, cave fi amas,

Et Ji non amas , penfcula. Mifer qui fine amore
Vivit , diilce exit nihil. Afl ego tam
Duke anhelans , me incaute ,

Perdidi, & amor fuit. Equodum
Afpettui Durmionia formoffjima puella
Virguncula , fumma cum polvoria placer e
Cuperem, cafu def liens, pes haft fapia ,

TraBus intern : in rem tuam mature , pro per a.

Vale.

If love’s fweet paffion ever touch’d your heart,

Or if your bofom never felt his dart ;

Whoe’er thou art, approach *, behold this tomb !
And heedful read a lover’s haplefs doom !
Unconfcious of love’s joys, the wretch who lives,

No pleafure ever knows, no pleafure gives :

Love is the life of life — yet from it flow
Various difaflers, and a world of woe.

By love I perifh’d ; from the bounding horfe,

When I had call’d forth all his active force,

In fondeft hopes to pleafe a beauteous maid,

Whofe charms infpir’d the feats which fhe furvey’d,

My

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 6 7

My foot, difmounting, in the flirrup hung,

And the wild heed his maher dragg’d along ;

All torn and mangled I rehgn’d my breath,

And loh my pahion in untimely death :

Go then! by my misfortune taught, be wife!

And know from love what mighty mifchiefs rife.

After all, it feems moh reafonable to conclude,
from the mention of hirrups already reported to have
been made by St. Jerom, as well as from what is faid
concerning them in the infcription above-cited, that
thefe authorities, inhead of proving their antiquity,
evince them to be inventions purely modern ; and far-
ther, that the infcription above-named muh, for that
very reafon, be modern likewife. The learned and ac-
curate explainer of antiquities, Montfaucon, after tehi-
fying his furprize, that the ancients fhould have been
entirely ignorant of this inhrument, fo ufeful in itfelf,
and fo eafy of invention, hatters himfelf at lah with
being able to afiign a reafon for it. He fays, that as
long as faddles were unknown, fo long were men un-
acquainted with the ufe of hirrups. For, fays he,
while cloths and houfmgs only were laid upon the
horfes backs, on which the riders were to fit, hirrups
could not have been ufed, becaufe they could not have
been fahened with the fame fecurity as upon a faddle.
This affertion is plaufible, but not conclufive ; for al-
though the hirrups being hung over, or fahened to a
cloth, could not have enabled the rider to mount or

Ii 2 difmounr,

6 8 THE HISTORY AND ART

difmount, yet by the afliftance of a fecond perfon,
who might hold the ftirrup on the oppofite fide, the
feat might have been performed; and for the purpofe
of fupporting and relieving the legs, they would have
been as effectual as they are at prefent.

The more natural and modeft folution feems, there-
fore, to be this: — that in this inftance, as in many
others, it Ihould be remembered, that the progrefs of
human genius and invention is uncertain and flow,
depending frequently upon accidental caufes. That
time alone ripens, and brings things to perfe&ion ;
that improvement follows improvement, and the arts
advance gradually ;

~ — — — — ,/fd fummuni donee venere cacumen .

Lucret.

The horfe deftined to carry a man in the races of the
Circus , as well as upon other occaflons, was called
Celes, from the Greek word xehric ; and Singulars and
Solitarius , fo denominated becaufe he went alone, in
contradiftincStion to thofe which drew chariots, or other
machines, and were yoked together in different num-
bers, as two, three, four, and fometimes more. In
latter times, after the difeovery of faddles, he was
alfo called Se/Iarius .

Their chief employment was to run at the full ex-
ertion of their fpeed in the Circus (as our race horfes
do now), againfl; their antagonifls. Their riders fre-
quently mounted them bare-backed, and performed

extra-

O F ' H ORSEMANSHIP.

6 y

extraordinary feats of agility * upon them : fuch as
Handing upright, fpringing upon them at once, laying
down along his back, picking up things from the
ground in full fpeed, and leaping from one horfe to
another, whence they were diftinguilhed by the title of
Dffultores, or Leapers. Suetonius fays, that in the time
of Julius Csefar, who was an expert and diftinguilhed
horfeman, the youths of the nobleft families ufed to
ride in this manner ; and fo fond were the Romans of
riding, that to be ignorant of it was a proverbial re-
proach, and reflected as much difgrace, as not to be
able to write or read f.

Upon certain occafions, and efpecially in the races
of the Circus, they preferred, like the Scythians and
Greeks, mares to horfes, judging them to be fleeter,
and more fit to endure violence and fatigue. iElian,
Pliny, Horace, and Virgil, celebrate the fpeed and abi-
lities of the mare, as being efteemed fuperior to thofe
of the horfe. The laft of thefe authors fpeaks of them
as being more efteemed than horfes in the Olympic
race. The reafon which is afligned for this prefe-
rence, has already been mentioned ; but without en-
tering into any difcuflion concerning it, it is but
juftice to the female fex, to acknowledge, that it is at
leaft in all particulars equal to the male ; and that in

* Vid. Sil. Ital.lib. 1 6. — Manilius, lib. 4,— Procop. Gothicis, iib, 8.
Agathias, lib. 32. — Firmicus, lib. 8.

f Neque equitare, nec literas fcire.

the

7 0

THE HISTORY AND ART

the article of breeding it ought to be -preferred. Vir-
gil *, not lefs a philofopher, than poet, advifes
breeders to be fcrupuloufly nice in the choice of the
mare, inafmuch as that Hie is far more important,
and their hopes muft more immediately depend upon
her. The breeders of mules, knowing the fuperiority
of the female, always chufe that the nobler animal
fhould be of that fex, and therefore make the afs
the ftallion *, for a creature begot by an horfe upon a
flie- afs, is a viler animal than the mule, which is the
offspring of a mare by an afs ; and the intimacy and
union between the mother and its young in all ani-
mals, both during geflation, and for a long time after
the birth, is fo clofe and ftridt, that it muft be fuppofed
to inherit, in the fulled manner, every quality and
every property of the body whence it proceeds.

We are told by Pliny, that the Romans ufed to geld
their horfes, efpecially thofe which they employed up-
on common and domeftic occafions. They likewife
ranged them into different claffes, and diftinguifhed
them by denominations expreflive of their various qua-
lities and characters Itinerant were the horfes upon
which they travelled, Sarcinarii thofe which carried bur-
dens, Tolutarii and Gradarii horfes whofe paces had been
formed and improved by art, particularly amblers , Ve-
nedi hunters, Celes, or the race-horfe, and Cantherii ,
which was a general name for an horfe ufed upon many

»

Corpora praetpue mat rum legal.

Georg. 3.
different

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 7i

different occafions, but always underflood to mean a

gelding.

The etymology of this word is fomewhat particular,
and various, but unfatisfa&ory conjectures have been
formed concerning it. The bell explanation feems
to be that which derives it from the Greek word
mvQeXiov, canthelion, which by no unufual change of
one letter for another, may be made cantherion ; which
word, in the original fenfe, lignifies a pack-faddle ;
and it being ufual to caflrate the Cantherii, or Pack-
horfes, to make them gentle and quiet, it became a
cuftom to call all caftrated horfes Cantherii , though
appointed to other fervices than to carry packs or
burdens.

In procefs of time, people who, for fundry rcafons,
rode on horfeback, began to prefer thefe Cantherii , or
geldings, for their calmnefs of temper, to other horfes;
and the flow gallop, which we call a Canter , being a
foft and eafy pace in which moft people delight, it
may not, perhaps, be deemed too bold a conjecture,
to fuppofe that our word canter, expreflive of that
pace, may owe its derivation to the Latin term, Canthe -
rius, the appellation of the horfe, which ufually per-
formed it *.

* Dr. Johnfon, in his dictionary, calls this pace the Canterbury gal-
lop, which he defines to be the hard gallop of an ambling horfe, com-
monly called a canter and probably derived from the monks riding to
Canterbury on eafy ambling horfes. How juft the derivation of the word
may be, I will not prefume to decide •, but the definition muft certainly
puzzle all who are horfemen , and all who are not.

I

The

7 2 THE HISTORY AND ART

The Bitts and Bridles of the Romans feem chiefly
to have confided of two forts, the rough and the

fmooth.

The rough fort was called lupus , or lupatum , or the
wolf-bitt. It was borrowed from the Greeks, who called
it by the fame name ; it was made in imitation of the
teeth of a wolf, the mouth-piece having little fharp
points of iron upon it, ranged like teeth in the jaw of
this animal. This bitt was harfh and fevere, calcu-
lated for hard mouths, and flubborn and impetuous
tempers. The other, called the fmooth, had its
mouth-piece, or cannon, quite even, was gentle in its
effedls, and ferved for little more than to guide the
horfe. Neither of thefe bitts had a curb or chain un-
der the chin of the horfe, fomc, however, upon Tra-
jan’s pillar have branches, others are without any,
and differ very little from the Snaffle now in ufe,
which feems to be copied from them, excepting that
they are thicker and more clumfy, like the fnaffl.es
ufed for colts, called Mouthing-bitts .

Whips were in common ufe ; they fometimes had
an iron point, or fpur, inferted in the handle-end.
This fort of whip was called fcorpio , from the refem-
blance it bore to the Ring which is in the tail of the
fcorpion, and was very fevere *.

Spurs were familiar, the mention of them occurs fo
often in the Roman authors, that it would be pe-
dantry to cite them.

* Scorpiones , genus acutijjlmorum flagellorum.

Barth. Adv. p. 2272.

2 This

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

73

This renowned people employed for their ufe and
pleafure the horfes of every country, vvhofe merit and
qualities entitled them to their notice. Whatever
Greece admired and approved, was cherifhed and
efteemed by them ; who added the horfes of foreign
countries, to the breeds of their own, which in many
parts produced excellent, and which experience and
judgment taught them to value.

The Etrurian , or Tufcan breed is praifed by Oppian.
Volater annus fays they were good in war, and celebrates
thofe of the iflands of Sardinia and Corfu a, which were
active and bold, but apt to be unquiet and impatient.
The Venetian territories produced a noble and much
admired breed. Strabo fays, that Dionyfius, tyrant of
Sicily, eftabliflied a hud in them, whence he drew his
fupplies for the public games, and that the fame of
this ftud was very great, and fupported itfelf for a
long time *.

Agragas , a town of Sicily, otherwife called Agrigentum,
is highly extolled by Pindar , and Silius ItaJicus , for its
horfes ; and Sicily was always famous upon this ac-
count.

Calpe is another place, whofe horfes were prized by
the Romans. It is an hill in the farthefc part of Spain,
by the ftreights of Gibraltar, over againit Abyla on the
Barbary fide. Under this hill was once an ancient city,
called TarteJJus, near the prefent city of Cadiz, which is

* Lib, 5.

VOL. I.

L

much

74 THE HISTORY AND ART

much commended for its race of horfes. Ajlurla ,
Gallicla , and Andaliijia , then called Beetle a, were known
to produce the fineft of their kind. The Ajiurian and
Gallician horfes are deferibed by Pliny to have been of a
middling fize (like the prefent Garnets ) and remarkable
for the opennefs of their paces, their pliancy of limb,
and the time and exadtnefs with which they dealt their
feet, and regulated their motion, fo, as it were, to
count their Heps. Pliny calls them Thie/dones, which
word is explained to mean the fame as if he had called
them tellers or nwnberers of their Reps. Martial de-
feribes this diftinct and bold adtion with great pro-
priety, when, fpeaking of a Spanifh horfe, he fays,

Hie brevis ad numerum rapidos qui colligit ungues ,

Fenit ab auriferis gentibus Ajlur. equus.

This little horfe, which moves his feet in time,

Comes from Afturia’s gold-producing clime.

Claudian alfo celebrates this country for breeding
numbers of fine and beautiful horfes :

Dives equis , frugum facili s, pretiofa mctallis.

De Laudibus Seren. Reg.

Horfes who had this high adtion, were alfo called
Tolutarii-, derived from the word tollo , to lift up ; becaufe
they lifted their feet confiderably above the ground.

Strabo,

i

OF HORSEMANSHIP, 75

Strabo, Nemefianus, Judin, Vcgetius, and many
other writers of pad times, celebrate the meric of die
Spanifh horfes ; and modern times have feconded them
in all their commendations. Vegetius ranks them
equally, or next in value to the Cappadocian, and fays,
that the African mixed with the Spanifh blood, pro-
duces moil acStive and fleet horfes, and the fitted for
the faddle. According to Strabo, they excel all others
in fpeed and nimblenefs. Oppian fays, that they were
fleeter than the Parthians ; and after comparing them
in this refpeft to hawks and eagles, affirms that they
might vie with the winds in fwiftnefs. Judin, guarded
with the fobriety and difcretion of an hidorian, bedows
upon them equal, if not fuperior commendation ; and
fays, that they and the Ludtanian or Portugal horfes,
were endowed with fuch fwiftnefs, that they might
judly be faid to be born of the winds ; in this manner
naturally and properly explaining the fiction of the
poets and fabulids, who reported, that the mares of
this country were wont to conceive by the fouth
wind, without the aflidance of an horfe. In fhort, the
character given of thefe horfes by various writers
Hands jufiified by the unanimous confent of all anti-
quity, and diflinguifhes them for their beauty, fpeed,
courage, and generofity, in fo eminent a degree, as
to damp them for the bed and mod accomplifhed of
their kind. Succeeding times have confirmed their
character, and they fiand now, as of old, mod valued,
and mod admired.

L a

The

7 6 THE HISTORY AND ART

The horfes of Gaul were alfo ufed by the Romans,
who held them in confiderable edeem, as appears from
many paffages of ancient authors. Horace makes
mention of them, and Lucan particularly celebrates the
Sequani, or Burgundians, for their Ikill in riding, and
the fupplenefs of their horfes.

Optima gens Jlexis in gyrum Sequana fr cents .

The Sequani the wheeling horfe who guide.

Rowe.

The German horfes alfo were well known to them ;
they are mentioned by Csefar * and Tacitus, but by the
latter not much to their credit.

Csefar fpeaks of the Suevi, an ancient, great, and
warlike people of Germany, as having had their horfes
fo trained and difciplined, that when their riders dif-
mounted in battle to fight on foot, they would never
flir from the fpot where they were left, but wait
with the greateft conflancy and patience their mailer’s
return *.

Contrary to the practice of latter times, and com
irary to the rules of art (founded upon the truth of
nature) thefe people were fond of making their horfes
amble , and taught them to go in this pace by the help
of cords, tied to their legs, which controlled their
fleps, fo as to make them move the two legs of the
fame fide at once, and then follow with the other two,
which two motions conftituted the amble,

Casf. Comment, lib. 4.

This

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

77

This we learn from Pliny, who wrote a treatife on
the art of riding, which is now loft. There were
likewife Eguifones , or profefied riding-mafters, among
them who difciplined horfes, and taught the art of
riding. Varro mentions the fame thing, and fays, that
an horfe deftincd to the faddle, is fent to a matter,
who is to teach him to deal his feet loftily, and form
his paces — traditur magijlro , ut equifo doceat tolutim.

It was ufual with thofe, who valued themfelves
upon their fkill in riding, and had won a prize in the
races of the Circus, or elfewhere, to change horfes
with their vanquifhed antagonifts, and ftart again,
purely to fhew that the victtory was not to be afcribed
to the horfes only. Homer and Plutarch fpeak of this
cuftom, as well as other writers.

This people {as well as the Greeks) were very exadt
in cleaning and dreffmg their horfes.

For this purpofe, and to remove the fweat, they
made ufe of a piece of wood, formed to the drape of
a Sword, and known to us under the name of a Scraper ;
and, inftead of a Curry-comb, they put a covering upon
their hands, of a rough grain, and compofed of the
bark of the palm-tree, with this they rubbed the coats
of their horfes, to give them a polidr, and make
them deek and drilling. They were likewife very
careful of the Foretop, Mane, and "Tail, frequently waflr-
ing and cleaning them, and occafionally applying oil,
to nourifh the hair and give it a glofs. After labour
and fatigue, it was cuttomary to lead the horfes to

ponds

78

THE HISTORY AND ART

ponds and rivers, where they were bathed and walked,
particularly the legs ; and fo high and juft an opinion
prevailed of the benefit rdfulting from the frequent
cleaning and dreffing an horfe, that Columella afferts,
that it is more advantageous and wholefome for an
horfe to be well rubbed down, than to have a large
allowance of food, and that without proper dreffing
he cannot thrive and be healthy.

In managing horfes, if nature had not furniffied
them with a proud and lofty action, they ufed to tie
rollers of wood and weights to their paftern joints, to
compel them to lift their feet. This they particu-
larly required in the amble, to make their horfes go
gracefully, fafely, and with eafe to the rider ; pre-
ferring this pace to the trot, which, from the vio-
lence, and hardnefs of the motion, was difagreeable.

There are ftill exifting fome famous ftatues of horfes
in the adtion of the amble. The horfes of Caftor and
Pollux, in the Capitol, at Rome, the four horfes of Bronze
in the portico of St. Mark at Venice, and the horfe of
Balbus, at Portici, are all in the fame attitude. Some
horfes are alfo to be feen in the fame polition of a
more modern date, whofe ftatues were made when the
arts began to revive ; fuch are the two equeftrian figures
at Florence.

All thefe are vouchers, which prove the fondnels
which the Romans (while they knew no better) had for
the pace called by them the ambulatura , and with us the
amble . Notwithftanding, however, that this pace had

fo

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

79

fo much merit with thofe who loved their eafe, yet, if
we may judge from the fame fort of witnefles, the an-
cient equeftrian ftatues, fome of them will convince
us, by the attitude in which the horfes arc placed,
that the trot was not wholly difregarded. The ftatue
of Marcus Aurelius in bronze, a bas relief of the fame
emperor, and the horfes of Titus upon the arch which
bears his name, are all reprefented in the action of the
trot. Thefe are the remarks of the late learned Abbe
Winkelman : he fays, “ that notwithftanding the
“ authorities above cited of ftatues of horfes in the
“ action of the amble, that it was a manner of going
“ which the ancients did permit, and oppofes to them
“ feveral horfes reprefented in the trot.” In doing
this, however, he only confronts ftatue with ftatue,
and the feales hang even. Befides, as a French author
obferves, the ancient ftatues are not always to be trufted;
and the artifts were fo ignorant and inaccurate in the
figures which they made of horfes, that they fre-
quently deformed and mifreprefented nature, and
violated all the rules of art. Nor is it impoftible that
their contemporary horfemen were better lkilled ; and
indeed it cannot be fuppofed that they were, when
they permitted to fend forth fnch uncouth and grofs
reprefentations of horfes, as antiquity in many inftances
furnifhes us with, in which all the fair proportions of
nature, the elegancies of form, and what the French
call belle nature are often facrificed to whim, conceit,
and ignorance.

With

So THE ART AND HISTORY

With refpeCt, however, to the two paces, the amble
and the trot, it is to be prefumed, that the flatuaries
might not know the difference, but copied what they
faw, and did as they were directed ; from the evi-»
dences of whole works it clearly appears that both
the paces were ufed ; but it is plain from paffages in
many authors, that the amble, or ambulatnra , as it is
called by Vegetius, was the admired pace ; and that
much fkill and labour were employed to render the
horfes perfect in it. After- ages continued the practice;
and modern horfcmanfhip, for fome centuries, blindly
trod in the fame path: all the writings and treatifes of
thofe times, containing rules and directions for teach-
ing by various methods this faulty and imperfeCt
pace. Light at laft broke in, and good fenfe, and
knowledge, founded upon experience, have concurred
to banifli it with contempt from the manege ; where
the trot is now confidered and acknowledged as the
only pace which can enable a four-footed animal to
fupport and balance himfelf with firmnefs and eafe,
as the laws of mechanifm require.

Neverthelcfs it is evident upon the whole, that,
notwithflanding the truth and foundnefs of this
doCIrine, the Romans were either ignorant of the merit
of the trot, or difliked it fo much, as to diftinguifh it
by appellations very expreffivc of their fentiments con-
cerning it. They called a trotting horfe, from the
roughncfs of the pace, SiLccuJJator , or Shaker , as we iro-
nically name hard trotters, Bone-fetters, ‘tor tores, Tor-
turers,

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 81

hirers , was another fynonimous term with which they
were honoured ; whence fome etymologifts imagine
the Italian words Tortori or 'Trottoni corruptedly come,
and from them the French and Englifh term trot. But it
feems to be more lawfully defcended from the Italian
word Travatto, by contraction, Tratto, which fignifies
crofs-uife , by which motion of the legs, the trot is per-
formed. To thefe we may add the epithet Cruet ator , or
T’ormenter , a title as expredive as either of the former,
for the Romans were very exaCt and curious in the
names which they afligned to the different horfes in
ufe among them.

Guttonarii and Colatorii are epithets metaphorically ap-
plied to thofe horfes, which dealt their deps in time
and meafure, and had a certain fpring and lightnefs in
their motions.

The metaphor is taken from the method of drain-
ing water through a bag, in order to make it fall di-
ftinCtly, and drop by drop : now, the aCtion of horfes
which move their feet in a cadence, and juft time, be-
ing thought to refemble this paffige of water, or any
other liquid, when drained through a bag or cloth, they
were called Droppers , or Strainers. Thefe horfes were
characterized by the Greek word a olxxktixoi. After
all, thefe terms feem to convey no very clear, or pre-
cife idea of the thing they would deferibe, and the
metaphor itfelf feems to be too far fetched, and
Jlrained too finely. Vegetius fpeaks of thefe horfes ;
and we cannot but conclude from thefe epithets, whe-
ther properly applied, or not, that the Romans, at

Vol. I. M lead,

82

THE HISTORY AND ART

lead, were horfemen fo fkilful and enlightened as to
tafte the merit and beauty of this meafured and well
timed motion in horfes. The Latin word, descriptive
of this adtion, in which the horfc lifts his feet alter-
nately aloft, fufpends them for a momentary Space in
the air, and then flrikes them forcibly, and in equal
cadence, againfl the ground, is called Tripudium ; its ge-
nuine Signification, is to Jlrike again]} the ground , and
means technically the fame thing as the French expreSSion
Pi offer , which literally rendered Signifies to Jlrut, or
move in a Swaggering and haughty manner.

The French term Trepigner , is likewife fuppofed to
be derived from the old Latin word Tripndium, but is
always ufed by horfemen in a bad SenSe ; being cx-
preffive of the low, Shuffling, and indiftindi motion of
the legs, in oppofition to the flow, marked, and lofty
adtion, displayed in the Piaffer.

Independent of thefe refinements, the Romans were
very Sound and competent judges of the qualities re-
quisite to conftitute a good horfe. Virgil deScribes them
with all the force of truth, and all the warmth of
poetry. Varro, deemed the moil learned and accom-
pli died perfon of the moil refined age of Rome, has
likewife given a detail of them, which is So mafferly
and. exadh that the knowledge of the prefent times,
enlightened as they may be, can find nothing in it to*
reprehend. They both affure us, “ that we may-
66 prognosticate great things of a colt, if, when run-
s' ning in the paflures, he is ambitious to get before'
“ bis companions; if, in coming to a river, he drives

to?

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

83

t: to be the firfl to plunge into it ; adding, that his
“ Head fhould be fmall ; his Limbs clean and compact 5
“ his Eyes bright and fparkling ; his Noflrils open and
“ large ; his Ears placed near each other ; his Mane
<J flrong and full ; his Cheji broad ; his Shoulders flat and
“ Hoping backward ; his Barrel round, compact, and
“ rather fmall ; his Leins broad and llrong ; his Lai! full
“ andbufhy ; his Legs ft rait and even ; his Knees round,
“ and well knit ; his Hoofs hard and tough, and his
“ Feins large, and fwelling boldly through all his
“ body.”

The Geopontick writers alfo, the Rei Rufticce Script ores,
Xenophon , Pliny, and many others, who have written
exprefly upon the fubje<5t, deferibe the parts and figure
of the horfe with the greateft judgment and accuracy:
to thefe we may add the harmonious writers of verfe,
Oppian , Siatius, Claudian , Gratian , Nemcjian , &c. who, ar-
raying Truth in the beautiful robes of poetry, celebrate
the horfe, and point out his character and talents,
with all the fidelity and exaefnefs, that can be expect-
ed from the eoldeft profe.

Pliny tells us, that if an horfe in drinking plunged
his nofe deep into the water, it was reckoned a fign of
fpirit and courage; and this notion prevails at prefect
in this country.

Like the Armenians, the Romans always turned the
mane on the right fide. Varro and Virgil direef it fo
to be placed. Propertius * likewife mentions it.

Ilk

* Propertius, lib. iv. eleg. 4.

M 2

34 THE HISTORY AND ART

lUe e quits , ille jneos in cajlra reponet amoves ,

Cui T ’a tins dextras collocat ipfejubas .

Me to my Tatius fhall that horfe convey,

That favour’d horfe, whofe mane he loves to lay

On the right fide- — — -

Varro, in defcribing its properties, fays likewife that
it fhould be plaited, or formed into knots on the right
fide.

In dexteriorem partem implicata.

To which fafhion Statius alludes, in his defcription
of a young hunter.

Colla fedent nodis, & cajligata jubarum

Libert as- —

His flowing mane, in braided knots confin’d,

Lays on his neck, nor fears the ruffling wind.

It was ufual alfo for them to fheer and cut off the
manes ; whence Propertius fays *, that his miflrefs
Cynthia was borne in her litter by Manni, or nags
whofe Manes had been cut off. Detonjis mannis.

They were wont to diftinguifh their horfes by cer-
tain marks, which they burnt into their flefh, as the
Greeks did before them : thefe were the initial letters
of the owners names, figures of animals, and other
devices, by which the horfes were known and appro-

* Lib. ii. eleg. 8. Varro, lib. iv. c. 7.

Virg. Geor. iii. v. 86. Prop. lib. 4.

Stat. Theb. lib, ix. v. 687.

priated^..

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 85-

priated, frauds prevented, and the breeds and pedi-
grees, of which they were very careful, preferved
and diftinguifhed. This cuftom prevails almoft uni-
verfally at this time, in the fluds of princes, and other
perfons, who have valuable breeds ; and in fome
places the counterfeiting thefe marks is highly penal,
the perfons to whom they belong being as nice and
fcrupulous about them, as families are proud and
jealous of their coats of arms.

It was ufual alfo for them to give names to their
horfes, expreffrve of their country, qualities, or co-
lour y fuch as Nitidus , Niger , Gentilis , TEgyptus, Victory
Volucer , Incitatus, Delicatus , Superbus > and fo forth.

In breaking and drelling their horfes, they ufed to
work them in waving or fcrpentine lines, as the practice
is (or ought to be) at prefent. The French call this
riding an horfe en ferpentant . The Greeks and Romans
knew it by the term of riding in Meanders, in allufton
to the windings and doublings of the celebrated river
which bears that name.

The Sybarites , a people of Calabria , and proverbially
famous for the voluptuoufnefs of their manners, are
recorded to have taught the horfes in their troops to
move or dance in exatT time to the founds of mufical
inflruments. The better way, however, of relating this
faeT would probably he to fay, that they were fo wan-
ton and refined in their pleafures, that they exercifed'
their horfes by the found of mufic, which was fet to
the time and cadence of their Reps ; fo that the horfes

did

86 THE HIST O R Y AND A R T

did not obey and follow the tmijick, but the mufxck ac-
companied and marked the time of their motions : this
is eafily done, and there are books extant in the Ita-
lian language, with notes of this horfe-mufick.

In breaking and reducing their horfes to obedience,
they ufed to apply "Torches and Firebrands*, to fuch as ob-
ilinately refufed to go forward, and were what we call
rejiive as well as to thofe which were abjedt and dull.
This fiery tryal , with additions of various kinds, equally
cruel and abfurd, defc ended from the Roman ho r fe-
rn en to fucceeding riding-mailers, and are partly prac-
tifed at this day.

The Ludus Trojanus , or Trojan Game , is well known,
and laid to have been introduced by ./Eneas, when he
left Troy, and came to fettle in Italy; and hence we
may have feme reafon to conclude it had long before
been performed in Phrygia , and other parts of Jfia: and
as the Greeks alfo had their military equellrian evo-
lutions and games, they might, perhaps, be indebted
for them to the Trojans, or other Afiatick nations.

From Homer, indeed, we learn, that Chariot races were
exhibited at the funeral obfequies of Patroc/us, there
being at that time no troops of Horfemen in the Grecian
army ; but Athenams fays, that the Spartans performed
Equejhian fports in the theatre, and adorned their horfes,
to celebrate the death of Hyacinthus ; and, if we may

* Equcs tarde confnrgenies ad curfum JH mulis facilufque fubditis conch a-
mus . Senec. Lib. II. de Ira.

judge

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 87

judge from the ufages of antiquity, thefe military ex-
ercifes and cavalcades were conlidered as a necellary
part of the funeral rites of Chiefs and other illuftrious
perfons ; and if a conjecture may be allowed, it feems
not too improbable to believe, that the origin of the
cuftom prevailing at this day of leading hate Horfes in
the funeral folemnities of eminent military perfons,
and others diftinguifhed by birth and rank, proceeds
from the praflice of the ancients, obferved from the
moil diilant ages. Virgil, who defcribes the game of
Troy, fays it was performed by the Trojans in honour
of Anchifes, whofe death they celebrated with this
and other fports *. In the reign alfo of Theodojius , and
his fon Arcadius , that is, towards the end of the fourth
century, it was ufual to mix led horfes in funeral
proceffions. The fervants or grooms who led them
were covered with long cloaks, and the horfes were
hid under the trappings which they wore. Our fu-
neral ceremonies correfpond with this practice.

Thefe Equeftres Decurjiones , or feats of military equef-
trian fkill and activity, were ufed alfo upon other oc-

cafions They were praclifed in camps, to teach and

confirm the foldiers in tire ufe of arms, and the dif-
cipline of war : they were exhibited to the people by
feveral of the emperors as fpecdacles of parade and

* Vid. Herodian. de Confecrat. Severi Imperat. Appian. de Scyl-
3re morte. Paufanias Arcadicis. — Stat. Thcb. Irb. vi. v. 213. Ibid,
lib. v. 221. Virg. lib. v. 545. Ib. ii. v. 188.

4

enter-

88 THE HISTORY AND ART

entertainment ; being performed by bands or troops
of young men of the nobleft families, who rode their
hories in Evolutions and Turnings in fhew of Battle , of
which they were a picture and reprefentation. Virgil
defcribes them with great corredlnefs, and adorns them
with all the graces of poetry ; nor is it unreasonable
•to conclude from the exadflnefs with which he relates
them, that they were familiar to the Romans in his
time, and that he did not copy them more faithfully
in his defcription, than he faw them performed and
represented. — That the reader may have a clearer idea,
and the mod plealing account of this fo famous Game ,
I prefume to bring the poet to fpeak for himfelf ; and
with refpe<5t to thofe who may not underftand his lan-
guage, I have procured an interpreter, who is fo ca-
pable of doing him juftice, that the Englifh reader
will have but little (if any) room to lament his ig-
norance of the original language. Neither will he be
difpleafed (I flatter myfelf) with the length of the ac-
count, but will rather think it enhances its merit.

At pater /Eneas nondum cert amine miffo
Cujlodem ad Jefe comitemque impubis luli
Epytiden vocat, et Jidam fic fat nr ad aurem.

Vade age , et Afcanio , f jam puerile paratum
Agmen habet fecum , curfitfque infruxit e quorum
Ducat avo turmas , et fefe ofendat in armis.

Die ait. Ipfe omnem Ion go decedere circo
InfuJ'um populum, et campos jubet ef'e patentes.

Incedunt puert , pariterque ante ora parentum

Free -

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

Frcenatis lucent in equis ; quos omnis euntes
Pr inner ice mirata f remit, ' Trojceque juventus.
Omnibus in morem tonfa coma preff'a corona :

Cornea bina ferunt prcejixa hajiilia ferro :

Pars /eves humero pharetras ; in peftore fummo
Flexilis obtorti per collum circulus auri.

Pres equitum numero turmce , ternique vagantur
Duftores : pueri bis feni quemque fecuti ,

Agmine partita fulgent , paribufque magijlris.

Una acies juvenum , ducit quam parvus ovantem
Nomen avi referens, Priamus, tua clara, Polite ,
Progenies , auftura Italos : quem Phracius albis
Portat equus bicolor maculis , vejligia primi
Alba pedis , frontemque ofentans arduus albam.
Alter Atys , genus unde Atti duxere Latini ,

Parvus Atys , pueroque puer dileft us Iulo.
Extremus, formaque ante omnes pulcher lulus
Sidonio efi inveftus equo ; quem Candida Dido
EJfe fui dederat monumentum et pignus amoris.
Ccetera T rinacriis pubes fenioris Acejlce
Fertur equis.

Excipiunt plaufu pavidos , gaudentque tuentes
Dardanidcey veterumque agnofeunt ora parentum.

P of quam omnem Iceti co7iceffum oculofque fuorum
Luf raver e in equis , fignum clamor e par at is
Epytides longe dedit, infonuitque flagello.

Olli difeurrere pares , atque agmina terni
Diduftis folvere Choris : rurfufque vocati
Convertere vias, infefaque tela tulere.

Inde alios ineunt curfust aliofque recurfus
Adverfis fpatiis : alternofque orbibus orbes
Vol. I. N

8?

Inu

THE HISTORY AND ART

9°

Impediunt , pngnaque dent Jimulacra fub arms.

Et nunc terga fuga nudant , nunc fpicula vertunt
Infenfi ; fad a pariter nunc pace feruntur.

Ut quondam Creta feriur labyrinthus in alt a
Parietibus textum cads iter ancipitemque
Mille rciis habuife dolum , qua figna fequendi
Falleret indeprenfus et irremeabilis error.

Hand aliter Peucrum nati vefigia curfu
Impediunt, texuntque fugas, et prcdia tudo.

JDelpbinum ft miles, qui per maria humida nando
Carpatbium Lybicumque fecant, luduntque per undas „

Hunc morem , curfus, atque huec certamina primus
Afcanius, longam muris cum cingeret Album,

Re ttu lit, . et prifcos docuit celebrare Latinos „

Shio puer ipfe modo, fecum quo Proia pubes r
Albani docuere fuos, bine maxima porro
Accepit Roma, et pat rium fervavit honor em
Projaque nunc pueri Projanum dicitur agmen.

Tranflated by Pitt.

The prince now call’d, before the games were done
The hoary guardian of his royal fon ;

And gently whifper’d in his faithful ear,

To bid Afcanius in his arms appear.

And with his youthful band and courfer come
To pay due honours to his grandfire’s tomb.

Next he commands the huge aflemhlcd train,

To quit the ground, and leave an open plain.

Strait on their bridled Reeds, with grace divine,

The blooming youths befoie their fathers fhinc.

4 The

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

9*

The eager Trojans and Sicilians throng,

And gaze with wonder as they move along.

Around their brows a vivid wreath they wore,

And glitt’ring lances tipt with Reel they bore.

Thefe a light quiver Ror’d with fhafts fuRain,

And from their necks depends a golden chain.

On bounding Reeds advance three graceful bands
And each a little blooming chief commands.
Beneath each chief twelve youthful flriplings came
In fhining arms, in looks and age the fame.

Grac’d with his grandfire’s name, Polites’ fon,

Young Priam, led the RrR gay fquadron on.

A youth, wliofe progeny muR Latium grace ;

He prefs’d a dappled Reed of Thracian race ;

Before, white fpots on either foot appear,

And on his forehead blaz’d a River Rar ;

Atys the next advanc’d, with looks divine,

Atys, the fource of the great Attian line ;
lulus’ friendship grac’d the lovely boy ;

And laR lulus came, the pride of Troy,

In charms fuperior to the blooming train,

And fpurr’d his Tyrian courfer on the plain ;

Which Dido gave the princely youth, to prove
A lading pledge, memorial of her love.

Th’ inferior boys on beauteous courfers ride,

From great AlceRes’ royal Ralls fupply’d.

Now flufli’d with hope, now pale with anxious fear,
Before the Shouting crowds the youths appear ;

N 2

The

92 THE HISTORY AND ART

The fhouting crowds admire their charms, and trace
The parents lines in every lovely face.

Now round in rings, before their fathers, ride
The boys, in all their military pride.

Till Periphontes founding lalli from far,

Gave the loud fignal of the mimick war.

Strait in three bands diftindt they break away.

Divide in order, and their ranks difplay.

Swift at the fnmmons they return and throw,

At once their holtile lances at the foe.

7 hen take a new excurfion on the plain,

And now retreat, and now advance again.

With well-difTemblcd rage their rivals dare.

And pleafe the crowd with images of war.

Alternate now they turn their backs in flight.

Now dart their lances, and renew the fight.

Then in a moment from the combat ceafe,

Rejoin their fcatter’d bands, and move in peace..

So winds delufive in a thou fan d ways
Perplext and intricate, the Cretan maze ;

Round within round, the blind Mseanders run
Untrac’d and dark, and end where they begun,.

The fkilful youths in fport alternate ply
The fliifting courfe, by turns they fight and fly.

As dolphins gambol in the wat’ry way,

And bounding o’er the tides in wanton circles plav8
Thefe fports Afcanius when in mighty length
He rais’d proud Alba, glorying in her ftrength,

Taught

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

93

Taught the firft fathers of the Latian name,

As now he folemniz’d the noble game ;

From their fucceflive Alban offspring come
Thefe ancient plays to grace imperial Rome.

Who owns her Trojan band, and game of Troy,
Deriv’d through ages from the princely boy.

Belides this, and other equeftrian exercifes, the
young Romans, from gallantry and politenefs, were
accuftomcd to ride before the ladies, merely to difplay
their fkill and addrefs, and recommend themfelves to
the favour of their fair fpecTators. The paffage in
the infcription mentioned before, which relates the
death of a perfon, who was dragged by his foot,
entangled in the flirrup, when he had been riding
before a young lady for her entertainment, alludes to
this cuftom, as we learn from Francifcus Modius, in
his Treatife de Speflaculis..

Among the various colours by which horfes are
diftinguifhed, white was anciently the moll admired,
and conlidered as a mark of pre-eminence and fove-
reignty.

Herodotus reports, that the Cilicians paid an annual
tribute of three hundred and fixty white horfes to Da-
rius, the King of Perfia; and in Xerxes’ march againll
Greece, the chariot of Jupiter was drawn by eight
white Nyfsean horfes, the colour being appropriated
religioufly to the deity. We read likewife in the book
of Kings, that the kings of Judah were uled to dedi

6

cate:-

THE EI I S T O R Y AND ART

94

cate horfes to the Sun. Tacitus fays, the ancient Ger-
mans had certain horfes which were confecrated to their
gods ; thefe horfes were * * * § white, and exempt from
all labour, but that of drawing the facred chariots
upon folemn occafions.

Livy relates, that Dionyfms of Sicily was drawn by
four white horfes, as well as Hiero, one of his fuc-
ceffors : and this hidorian exprcfly reckons horfes of
this colour among the infignia of royalty, as much as
the purple robe, armed guards, and the diadem j\
Diodorus J Siculus gives an account of three hundred
white horfes, as part of a cavalcade which attended a
conqueror at Agrigentum. Romulus § in his triumph
had four white horfes harneffed to his car, and the
Roman conquerors were generally drawn by fuch in
the folemnities of a public triumph. Nero made his
entry into Naples drawn by four horfes of this beau-
tiful colour. In latter times feveral Chriltian princes
adopted, or rather continued the cuftom, which laded
for many centuries, and was obferved with the ut-

* It is to be remarked, that this colour was held fo facred, and
the fondnefs of it was fuch, that it was required in more animals than
horfes, and even in robes and garments. It appears from Ammianus
Marcellinus, lib. xxv. chap. 4, that in their triumphs and facrifices the
Romans chofe white oxen ; and fome writers (particularly Menage)
obferve, that if they could not procure oxen which wer eperfettly white,
they coloured them with chalk, whence they were called Bores cretati.

-j- Livy, Dec. 3 Lib. xxiv. chap. 5.

£ Lib. xiii. p. 204, Edit. Rhodorn.

§ Propertius, eleg. i. lib. 4.

mod

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

95

mod jealoufy and ftricdnefs, this colour being always
conlidered as the imperial badge, and confccrated to
fovereignty. The popes affumed it, and gave in-
dulgencies to bifhops * and princes to ufe it.

The king of Naples at this day pays an annual Fief
of a JVhite Horfe to the fee of Rome, as an acknowledg-
ment for the kingdom which he holds of the pope.
When John of France was taken prifoner at the battle
of PoicTiers, and conducted into England by Edward
the Black Prince, he landed at Southwark, and was
met by a prodigious concourfe of people. Edward,
from the moment in which the king became his pri-
foner, had treated him with fuch refpedt and defe-
rence, as to convince him, that, though a captive, he
was dill a king : accordingly, when he was to make
a public entry into London, Edward took care that he
fliould appear as fuch. The prifoner was clad in royal
robes, and mounted on a white deed, didinguilhed for
its beauty and fize, while the conqueror rode by his
fide, in a meaner attire, and carried by a black palfrey.
To this we may add another indance equally drong.
When the emperor Charles IV. paid a vifit to his coufm,
Charles V. king of France, in the year 1377, the latter
was fo jealous of his dignity and fuperiority in his own
kingdom,, that to dide the fmalled appearance of

* Hinc magni muneris locc , Ticinenfi Ep. Joh. & Ilonorius III.-—
Ut album equum cooper turn eqi.it aret, in ramis palmar um, & fecundd fet in
pofi pafeha. Vid. Dufrefne in Glolf. — Ex build utriufque pontificis. Vid.
joh. Rolin, Antiq. Rom. lib. x cap, 29.

equality,

9 6 THE HISTORY AND ART

equality, he obliged the emperor and his fon to make
their entry upon two black horfes, while he, as the only
l'overeign, rode between them upon one of the oppofite
colour. Many other proofs, both before and fince this
period, are not wanting. Charles VII called the Victorious,
made his public entry into Paris, mounted on a IVhite
horfe, without caparifons ( tout nud ). Margaret, daugh-
ter of James of Scotland, when fhe came to be married
to the Dauphin, fon of Charles, rode into Tours as
Dauphine, upon a White horfe, her attendants all being
mounted upon horfes of different colours. St. Louis
alfo is reprefented in the antiquities * of the French
monarchy, mounted upon a white horfe ; and the
king of Yemcne in Arabia, weekly makes a folemn
proceffion, always riding upon that occafion upon a
wnite horfe J.

In confequence of the veneration in which thefe fa-
cred uhite horfes were held, the Saxon, or, to fpeak
more properly, the German princes and chiefs, adopt-
ed the white horfe, and bore it in their Standards. It
was the enfign of Hengift and Horfa, and among other
ancient families, the illuflrious prince who wears the
crown of the Britifh dominions, bears it in his arms,
as duke of Brunfwick : and whoever confiders the
Saxon white horfe, as a judicious antiquary J remarks,
as it is placed in the Brunfwick ffiield, wild, running

* Montfaucon, p.217, 220, vol. iii.

■f Voyages Francois.

t Vide Obfervations on the Vale of White Horfe in Berks, by
F. Wife, 1742.

at

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

91

at full fpeed, and without faddle or bridle, will be in-
clined to think it was meant to reprefent the f acred white
horfes defcribed by Tacitus.

Neverthelefs, if we may believe Virgil and others,
who pretended to prognofticate the innate properties of
horfes by the colour of their fkins, and other marks,
the white fhould always be rejected, as having few
qualities which can render them pleafmg or fervice-
able. Some commentators, however, alien, that by
the words color determinus alhis , Virgil did not mean milk
white horfes, but thofe of a faint pale colour, fomewhat
bordering upon the cream colour, or whitifh dun : for
otherwife, as Servius obferves upon this paffage, the
poet would contradict himfelf, inafmuch as that in
other parts of his poem he commends this colour, and
fays, that Turnus’s horfes “ furpaffed the winds in
“ fwiftnefs, and excelled fnow in the whitenefs of their
“ coats,” which are exactly the praifes bellowed upon
the horfes of Rhefus, king of Thrace, by Homer.
Claudian alfo, Plautus, Horace, Statius, and Palladius,
join in celebrating it; the laft approves, and recom-
mends it in a Stallion ; and it mull be prefumed that
they all fpoke according to the fancy and opinion of
the times in which they wrote ; and whatever might
be the prevailing tafte, as to colour, it is certain from
experience, that there are good and bad of all. Never-
thelefs, independent of the whims of fancy, and the
abfurd refinements of philofophy, the white colour was,
from the earlielt times, fet apart as the moft beautiful
Vol. I. O and

98 THE HISTORY AND ART

and pure, and confccrated to power and royalty. Mankind,,
in fo doing, having ufurped it from the gods, and
made the myfieries of religious worfhip fubfervient
to human pride and arrogance. In the fyflem of the
pagan religion, it is well known, that in various na-
tions, a diverfity of animals, as fymbols, were confe-
crated to different deities, under a notion, that they
either delighted in them, or that they were myflically
figurative of their attributes and characters. Thus it
is faid, that the chariot of Venus was drawn by Doves $
that Minerva had her Owl, and Apollo his Lyre . Thus we
find too that Jupiter, in the mythology of the Perfians,
as fupreme of gods, had his chariot drawn by eight white
horfcs. By Jupiter was underftood, according to the
ancient Perfian religion, the expanfion of the heavens,,
or the air, and horfes of a white colour were probably
faid to have drawn his chariot, as being of an hue molt
proper toexprefs and reprefent the purity and brightnefs
of that element. Thus the horfes of the Sun, to whom a
Chariot was given, are faid to have been of a.refplendent
rofy colour ; thofe of Pluto to have been black, and;
the chariot of the moon to be drawn by a black and a
white liorfe, all being fymbolical of their refpeCtive at-
tributes.

In procefs of time, ambition and pride, but too in-
herent in the bread: of man, cherifhed and inflamed by
the attainment of almoft every human wifh, and above
all, by the adulation which dependent fervility always
pays to power and fuperiority, began to dilate the

minds

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

99

minds of conquerors and potentates, and to delude
them fo far as to make them forget themfelves, affe<5t
to be gods, and have temples, altars, and divine ho-
nours decreed to them. Thus Julius Csefar was re-
proached, with having his image carried in the fame
chariot with the inlignia of the gods, according to
Suetonius ; and it is to be fufpedted that white horfes
were preferred by potentates and other exalted per-
fons upon the fame account. Livy tells us, that Ca-
millus, after he had fubdued the Veii, a people of
Italy, entered their city in a triumphal chariot, drawn
by white horfes, highly to the offence and aftonilhment
of the inhabitants, who confidered him as affuming
greater honours than belonged to an human being,
and affeding to appear like the fupreme and omnipo-
tent Jupiter, fo true is the remark of Juvenal,

— . . — Nihil eft quod credere de fe

Non poffit, cum Jaudatur Diis aqua polejias .

Nothing fo grofs that will not be deceiv’d,

Nothing fo falfe that will not be believ’d ;

When pow'r by fervile flattery is prais’d,

And equal to the gods a mortal rais’d.

When Conftantine the Great founded the city oi
Conftantinople, and made it the feat of empire, he
built the famous Hippodrome , or place in which horfes
were to run, whofe ruins are dill in part extant and
remaining. Here the races which Rome faw in her

O 2 Circus ,

100 THE HISTORY AND ART

Circus , were performed with equal pomp ; and the
emperors of the Eajt teftified as great a fondnefs for
horfes, and made them as much the objects of their
attention, as their prcdeceffors of the Well had done
in their time. They had duds compofed of horfes,
collected from various parts, which were maintained
with the greateft eare and exadtnefs ; and the empe-
rors from time to time publifhed many edidts, to fix
the price, and regulate the treatment of horfes in
their dominions. Their humanity was fuch, that
a law was made, forbidding a perfon to ftrike an horfc
with a fxick or club, and enjoining them to ufe a wand
or rod only. Their gratitude was fuch (if I may ufe
the word) towards fuch as had deferved well, and en-
tertained the public in the Circus, that when they
grew old, or weak and decayed, they fupported
them from the public treafury. Thefe horfes were
called Emeriti , or Difchargecl ; and this cuftom was ob-
ferved in Rome, as well as in the rival empire of the
Eafl.

Their finds, as already mentioned, were compofed
of horfes brought from countries, which were known
to produce the nobleft and bed. Thofe which came
from different parts of Greece were much valued, as
well as the Phrygian and Spanifh, but the Cappado-
cians were moll admired, and bore away the palm
from all their competitors.

Among thefe, the horfes called Palmatian and Her -
mogenian were accounted the noblcfl and firft in merits

They

OF HORSEMANSHIP. ioi

They were fo prized, that they were devoted to the
foie ufe and pleafure of the emperors, it not being
permitted to fell them, unlefs by exprefs licence and
allowance. With the Palmatian and Hermogenian
horfes, it was ufual to couple Phrygian mares ; and the
produce of this mixture, efpecially if derived from the
horfes of Argaus , a mountain in Cappadocia, was
thought the fittefh and beft for the labours of the
Circus, to which they were always pre-eminently de-
voted, both at Conftantinople and at Rome. Many
conjectures have been offered concerning the etymo-
logy of the names, Palmatian and Hermogenian, fo
famous throughout the eaftern empire. Moil of them
are futile and ill-grounded. The molt reafonable ac-
count feems to be this.

The Palmatian horfes owe their name to a perfon
called Palmatus, or Palmatius, who was rich in a
breed of molt valuable horfes, whofe poffeffions being
feized and confifcated, his horfes were appropriated to
the emperor, and formed the moft valuable part of
the Grex Dominions , or imperial Rabies.

Palmatius is faid to have refided at Andihilis, a
town of Cappadocia, not far from Mount Taurus ; and
living in a country productive of Rne horfes, by his
knowledge and care, he raifed fo generous a breed,
that they have at once perpetuated his fame and their
own.

The Hermogenian horfes were reckoned next, if not
equal in repute, to the Palmatian race. They were

fo

102 THE HISTORY AND ART

fo denominated from Hermogenes Ponticus , who was
a general of horfe under the emperor Conftantius,
and is fuppofed to have been the founder of this
diftinguilhed kind of horfes, whofe praifes have de-
fended to thefe times.

Befides the Ludns ‘ Trojanus , already defcribed, the Ro-
mans pradtifed other exercifes, for the purpofes of
teaching men and horfes the different talks required
of them in war. They had a military exercife, de-
fcribed by Vegetius, called the Palus , by which the
young men prepared, and qualified themfelves for real
combat.

The Palm was a Pillar about fix feet high, fattened
into the ground ; againft this the foldiers made an
attack, affaulting it in feveral different manners and
attitudes, always taking care fo to manage their wea-
pons, that, fuppofmg it was a real enemy, they might
not expofe any part of their body to be hurt, while
they were ftriking their adverfary. Inttead of a fword,
they ufed a rod, or ftick. They likewife run at the
Palm with lances, and threw javelins or darts at it,
endeavouring to hit particular parts; and their fuccefs
was a proof of their dexterity.

There was alfo another military fport called the
Quintana, from one Quintus , who is faid to have been
the inventor of it. In its original ftate, it feems to
have been little different from the Palm.

The Qiintana was ufually the trunk of a tree, a poll,
or pillar, fixed in the ground, againft which the young
4 foldiers

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

i ©£

foldiers pufhed their lances ; and by this means ac-
quired ftrength in their limbs, and a facility of uling
their weapons. This Game ftill exills, and preferves its
name, being called Quintaine , and is pradtifed, with
improvements and additions, in different academies,
where fuch exercifes are taught, but which now are
unavailing in war, and can only conduce to form the
body to ftrength and activity j the introduction of fire-
arms in other refpe&s having rendered them ufelefs.
From thefe two fports are derived the famous exercifes
of running at Heads with lances, of picking them from
the ground with points of fwords, while the horfe is
in full fpeed, of throwing darts at them, of taking
off a ring fufpended in the air with the point of a
lance, all performed on horfeback, according to cer-
tain rules and principles, eftablifhed in modern aca-
demies, which all tend to make the fuccefs of the
adventurers more meritorious, as more difficult.

Thefe, and other branches of the equeftrian art,
fuch as combats of one horfeman againft another, or
of feveral againft an equal number, the riding a cer-
tain number of horfes in different divifions, figures,
and evolutions, and thereby compofing a Dance, called
by the Italians La Fo/a, and by the French La Foule , as
well as the art of Faulting , are all direcTly defcended
from, the fports and exercifes of the Ancients , and have
been exhibited for many centuries with much fplen-
dour and folemnity, under the names of JuJls, Ca~

roufels ,

i >0 4 THE art and history

roufels , Tilts, and Tournaments, in moft nations of the

modern world.

The origin of Tournaments is no where exactly afcer-
ta'ined, feveral nations pretending to have been the firfl
introducers of them. The word itfelf is fuppofed by
fome writers to be derived from the French verb
tollmen , to turn, becaufe the performers rode in rings
and circles, and were obliged to make many Turnings
with their horfes, as the laws of the game required.
Others pretend, that it comes from the modern Latin
word Tome amentum, which is derived from Trojamentum ,
which is formed from Troja , the Game of Troy. One
would be ant, however, to think ex vi termini , that al-
though the fport itfelf unquedionably owes its rife to
the Trojan game, yet, that its name is of French ex-
traction, aad not only given with great propriety, but
fecms to be a tacit argument of its fuperior antiquity
among that people, whofe hiflorians aflert, that it was
lirR known in France. Nithard reports, that at the
interview of Charles the Bald, king of France, who
fucceeded to the throne, in the year 840, and his bro-
ther Lewis of Germany, at Strafburgh, the gentlemen
of the retinue of either prince fought on horfeback, to
clifplay their courage and fkilh Ducange fays, that
thefe fports were fo peculiar to the French, that they
were called Ccnflidius Galiici , or French Combats. The Ger-
mans alfo began to practife them about the year 103d,
and the Greeks acknowledge that they learned them
of the Franks, as their authors alledge. John Cantacu-
( zenus

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 105

mentis fays, that thefe military and gallant diverfions
were firft feen in the eaftern empire in the year 1326,
at the marriage of Ann of Savoy with the young em-
peror Andronicus Paleologus ; but Nicetas and Cinnamus report
that the emperor Emanuel Commenus inftituted them, in
imitation of the French, about the year 1145.

The Englifh had thefe folemnities among them, in
the reign of King Stephen , about the year 1 140, but
they were not much in ufe till Richard's * time, to-
wards the year 1149: it may not be improper to ob-
ferve, that in the reign of this prince Side-faddles were
firft known in England, as it will appear from the fol-
lowing anecdote ; and although it is mixed with other
particulars, which do not immediately relate to the
fubjeift, I venture to give the paragraph entire, as it
is to be found in J. RoJJi Antiquarii Warwicen. Hijl. Rerum
Ang. p. 20 5, in Latin. In Englifhit may be rendered
thus. “ In his days alfo began the deteftable cuftom
“ of wearing long pointed fhoes, fattened with chains
“ of filver and fometimes of gold, up to the knees.

Likewife noble ladies then ufed high heads and cor-
“ nets, and robes with long trains, and Seats or Side-
“ faddles on their horfes, by the example of the re-
“ fpedfable queen Ann, daughter of the king of Bohe-
“ mia, who firft introduced this cuftom into this
“ kingdom : for before women of every rank rode as
“ men do, with their legs aftride the backs of their

* Tho. Hearn, prasf. ad Guliel. Neuwig. Hitt. p. 49.

Vol. I. P “ horfes.”

1 06 THE HISTORY AND ART

“ horfes.” Thus far our Warwick hiflorian ; and it
is certain, that this was not the ufual way of riding
till about this time ; for Nicetas , one of the Byzantine
hiftorians, who wrote an hiilory of i i i 8, to the year
1205, fays, that at this period, women did not ride
as they ufed to do, fitting on a Side-faddle , but mounted
their horfes with their legs indecently aflride. Thus
Side-faddles appear to have been ufed many centuries
ago, and before the female fex took up the fafhion of
riding like men, for which they are reprehended by
the Greek hiftorian : and hard indeed is the equejlrian
fituation of the fex ! for if they are to be accufed of
indelicacy for riding after the manner of men , they cer-
tainly hazard their fafcty too much in riding after the
manner of women.

The military fports which (not to be particular and
minute) may be comprehended under the name of
! tournaments , were, for many centuries, the prevailing
entertainment of Chriftendom, and known to a certain
degree in Afia and Africa: but the European nations
cultivated them with an earneftnefs worthy of a better
caufe, and ambitioufly vied with one another in the
fplendour and expence with which they conftantly ex-
hibited them. The Germans , upon all occalions of joy,
were fond of reprefenting them ; the French were re-
markably addicted to them ; the Spaniards devotion to
them, efpecially in their Bull-feajls, which is a fpecies
of them, is univerfally known the Portuguese enter=
tained the fame affe&ion for them 5 the Italians and

Poles

2

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 107

Poles were well acquainted with them, and the Gothic
nations were diftinguifhed for performing them in the
midft of winter upon the Ice , as well as for their love
of arms and riding ; and in the rudeft times, the
liorfe, his furniture, and ornaments became the eflen-
tial objecft of their care. England kept pace with the reft
of Europe, and faw many of her kings fond of dis-
playing thefe magnificent diverfions j and the fpot of
ground near St. James s Park, called the Tilt Tard, is a
voucher of the repute in which they were held. Smith -
field was likewife famous for the frequent and fplendid
Tournaments held in it : adjoining to it, is a ftrect
called Knight-Rider and Giltfpur-Street ; fo named, it is
prefumed, from the Knights riding through it to the
tournament in Smithfield, and from the magnificent
gilt Spurs , worn in thofe times, being fold there. Cheap -
fide was another place in which thefe Solemnities were
fometimes held, as well as Barbican and Bridewell.

Mars and Venus prefided over them ; they were the
image of War, without its guilt, and frequently the
femblance of Pajfion , under the mafk of Gallantry , the
combatants aftuming the title of Servans dl Amour *. The

* No knight could exift without having a declared miftrefs,
& Amour de Bieu , et des dames , religion and gallantly being the two great
articles in the creed of Knight-errantry. An elegant and judicious
French writer marks this devotion to their miftrefles in a very peculiar
and pointed terms. 11 etoit , fays he, de defence de Vancienne che-valerie
d' avoir fa Dame , a qui, comme un etre fupreme , on report cit tons fes fenti-
tnens, toutes fes penfees , toutes fes actions. Efiais Hi ft. fur Paris par
Saintfoix.

P 2

pro-

1 08 THE HISTORY AND ART

profeilion of chivalry,, which fiourifhed fo much ii ^
pad ages, filed a luftre, and conferred importance and
dignity upon them. At laft, however, they were
found to be productive of bad effeCts, and the occafions
of feveral fatal misfortunes ; as in the inflance of
the death of Henry II. king of France, and of the
Tilt exhibited at Chalons , which, from the numbers
killed on both fides, was called the little War of Cha-
lons. Thefe, and other inconveniencies and difafters,
which were confequences of thefe dangerous paftimes,
gave the Popes occafion to forbid them ; and the
princes of Europe by degrees difeontinued them, re-
flecting, as well they might, that thefe feats of fkill
and courage, were degenerated into mere iliews of pa-
rade and oftentation ; that the combatants performed
too little, if they were in earneft, as well as too much*,
if fport and amufement only were intended ; as well
as that from the fpirit of Chivalry , which had fpread its
delufions overall Cbriftendom, thefe contefts were carried
to a blameable and ridiculous excefs ; holding their
exigence folely in the rough manners of brave, but
unenlightened ages, and the abfurd laws and notions
of knight-errantry, which foon proved too weak to
ftand againil the force of good fenfe, efpecially when
armed with thofe irrefiitible weapons, fatire and ridi-
cule. Every body knows with what force and efficacy
Cervantes wielded them in his famous hiflory of Don
Quixote, which is thought to have given thefe romantic
inftitutions the wound of which they died 5 nor did

the

OF HORSEMANSHIP, 109

the difcovery of gunpowder, and the revival of letters,
fail to contribute their fhare towards their deilrmftion.

Since their abolition, mankind have not obfcrved
lefs decorum and honour towards the fair fex, nor
been lefs fenfible of the power of their charms, know-
ing, that although the exterior form of worfhip may
be lefs fplendid and pompous, their devotion may be
full as zealous and fincere ; while the ladies, gene-
roufly on their part have condefcended to liften to the
vows of their adorers, without requiring fuch rigorous
proofs of their fidelity and pafiion ; feeming to be
convinced, that, unlefs in particular cafes, men may
be in love without fighting, and fight without being im
love.

End of the First Part.

THE

1

< ■?

[ III ]

THE

HISTORY and ART

O F

HORSEMANSHIP.

PART II.

^ I' A HROUGH the whole animal world each
1 fpecies of the fame kind differ from one another,
according to the Climates in which they are born ; and
it is this influence of climate which occaflons the al-
moft infinite variety of creatures, forms their cha-
racters, and feparates and diftinguifhes their qualities j
in which, like children of the fame parent, they in ge-
neral refemble one another, but yet, at the fame time,
have always fome features and properties peculiar to
themfelves, which conftitute the difference between
each fpecies. Mankind, with refpedt to Horfes , feem
to have flretched nature beyond the bounds fhe ufually
prefcribes to herfelf, and by coupling thofe of different
countries, have created feveral new fpecies ; fo that in
the mixture and confuflon, all original national cha-
racter

1 12 THE HISTORY AND ART

rafter and diftinftion are, in a great meafure funk and
loll ; feveral countries, like engrafted trees, producing
horfes, which they can hardly call their own.

Having attempted, in the foregoing part of this
\vork, to give fome account of the regions moil
e (teemed by the Ancients for their breeds of horfes, as
well as of the animals themfelves, it remains that as
in the courfe of our fubjeft we are arrived at modern
times, we fhould alfo take a view of the horfes moll
valued at prefent in the different parts of the globe.

Among thefe Arabia Hands moll eminently diftin-
guilhed for the excellence of its horfes, and the ad-
drefs of its inhabitants in riding them. HiHorians and
travellers unite in the praifes of both ; yet a perfon of
knowledge in the Art , will, neverthelefs, be fomewhat
perhaps embarralfed in forming his opinion, and think
it nccelfary to have a fuller and clearer evidence, be-
fore he will decree the palm to them. Happy indeed
would it be for the Arts , if Artijis only were its Judges,
and people meddled with nothing but fuch things as
they are qualified to underhand : but, unfortunately
for the prefent fubjefts, among numbers of others, it
is not fo : unfortunately for us, none of the writers
who have touched upon it, have gone far enough into
it, fo as to open and explain many particulars, with
that accuracy and fullnefs, which alone can enable us
to judge of the real merit of thefe famous riders, and
horfes ; for the accounts given of them are fo Icofe
and iraperfeft, that it is as difficult for a real judge to

form

OF HORSEMANSHIP. i i 3

form any precife opinion concerning it, as it would
be for a Jeweller to know what to think, if a common
Sailor were to give an account of the Diamonds which he
had feen in the mines of India or Brazil ; the luftre, the
hardnefs, and other particulars, which folcly conftitute
their merit, are unknown to him ; and the Jeweller
would probably be in danger of being milled, if he
fhould trull to the ignorance of fuch a reporter.

Hence the random accounts of Arabian horfemanfhip,
fo much boalled and extolled, but related too fuperfei-
ally to enable us to form any clear judgment, or know
by what means they teach and drefs their horfes to
perform the feats aferibed to them, or what their no-
tions and principles of riding arc ; no writer or tra-
veller that 1 could ever confult, being an horfeman,
and none but an horfeman can give a clear and fatif-
faclory account of HorfemanJljip ; it is to be fufpeCted,
therefore, from this want of lawful evidences, that in the
feats of Arabian horfemanfhip fo much boalled by wri-
ters and travellers, more is to be aferibed to the acti-
vity and powers of the horfes, than to the knowledge
and judgment of the riders ; who yet are confeffedly
very bold and dextrous in the faddle ; but who, by
working upon falfe rules, or perhaps without any,
never attain that grace, exaCtnefs, and certainty, which
the principles of the Art , if known, would infure to
them ; principles which have their foundation in na -
turc, and are j uflified by truth and experience.

They

Vol. I.

i 1 4 THE HISTORY AND ART

They are reported to have their ftirrups remarkably
fhort, which obliges the rider to fit upon his faddle,
as if he was in an eafy chair: their bridles * are fo-
powerful, as to endanger the breaking of the horfe’s
jaw, if he fhould refill ; the hand being as rough and
feverc, as the bridles are cruel, and both co-operating
to bruife and tear the mouth, and in the end to render
it callous and dead : it is a great feat of horfemanlhip
with them to flop JJoort ; this they effect by mere vio-
lence and drength, and as they never previoufly make
the mouths, nor fupple the joints of their horfes, the
rudenefs of the flop fo fhocks the whole frame, as fre-
quently to fpoil and ruin the haunches and other
parts. The horfe-fhoes ufed by them are large, very
heavy, and of a circular form, refembling in fhape
that fort of llioc, called by us the Bar-fhce. The pro-
vince of Strum is at prefent eminent for its race of horfes,
of which fome are near fixteen hands in height, and
very mufcular and Rrong ; while the breed of the
wandering Arabs , feldom exceed the meafure of fourteen
and two inches, probably for the want of more gene-
rous nourifhment than they can find in their migra-
tions and unfettled condition. The Arabians feel no
reluctance to part with their horfes in fale, they being
a commodity which they breed for that purpofe, and
the Imaum raifes a revenue from the duty of horfes
which are fent out of the country, the tax being about
ten pounds flerling paid for each horfe.

The

* They are known in Europe by the name of Turkifh bits.

OF HORSEMANSHIP. i i y

The grofs and ignorant Rate in which thefe people
live, their bigotted attachment to their own cuftoms
and manners, their little intercourfe with the more
polifhed parts of the globe, and their manner of fit-
ting on horfeback (which, though fufhcient for their
purpofes, yet does not fpeak them to be acquainted
with the true feat, and is aukward and clumfy) feem
all to incline us to believe, that this fufpicion is not
groundlefs. Neverthelefs, it mull be acknowledged,
that without thefe advantages, the Arabs and their
horfes defer ve the greateft commendations ; but the
latter feem to be entitled to the larger fhare, while we
cannot but lament, that people who have fuch noble
and fine-toned Injlruments , fhould underhand Mufic no
better.

Thefe horfes, by the unanimous allowance of all
who have feen them, are reckoned the molt beautiful
of their kind, larger and more furnifhed than thofe of
Barbary , and of the juftelt proportions ; but as very few
have been brought into Europe, it is not pofiible to
fpeak of them colledlively , with that juftice and accuracy,
which would decide their character. There is fcarcely
an Arab , how indigent and mean foever, who is not
poffeffed of fomc. They ufually prefer (like the an-
cient Scythians) to ride Mares, experience having con-
winced them, that they endure fatigue better, and refill
the calls of hunger and third; longer than horfes, not
being fo inclined to vice, but gentle and willing, nor
fo fubjecl to neigh as the males. They are fo ac-

Q^2 cuftomcd

i 1 6 THE HISTORY AND ART

cuRomed to be together in great numbers, that their
owners venture to trull them whole clays by themfelves,
and are under no apprehenfion of mifchief, from their
biting or kicking one another.

The Arabs fell fuch of their horfes as they do not like
to keep for Stallions , and are mod fcrupuloully exadl in
preferring their Pedigrees *, even for ages back-, fothat
they know, with the utmoR certainty, their parentage,
alliances, and genealogy ; diftinguilhing each family,,
or breed, by different appellations or epithets, and di-
viding the whole kind into three claffes.

The firft is called Noble , being the pureft and molt
ancient, without ever having received any Rain on
mixture, on the fide of the fires or dams.

The

* The following is tran Gated from an original Arabian certificate, by
the learned and ingenious Mr. Charming, eminent for his fkill in

O o 1

the oriental tongues, and communicated to the author by his Grace
Hugh Duke of Northumberland.

The fin or t account of his pedigree, and caufe of fale, are thefe.

I, the Fakir Mohammed, fon of the Hadg Chalil, ion of Sheich
Suleiman, Sheich of the village of Alchadar, adjoining to the back of
mount Sihangan, have now fold my bay mottled horfe Bik, a thorough
Arabian, fon of the bay mare Alkahila, got by Nif, of Gialf, a bay
with black eyelids, a noble Arabian. The mother of the horfe (Nif)
was the mare Hufiein Ali Beg. He has the full powers of generation.
I, the Fakir, who Rand in need of the mercy of the mod high God, to
whom bepraife, Mohammed, fon of Hadg Chalil, fon of Sheich Su-
leiman, even I have now fold my before-mentioned horfe, who is
among my horfes, and in my enclofure. He is a bay mottled horfe,
black eye-lidded. The witnelfes below atteft his breed and family :

the.

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

i i 7

The fecond clafs is compofed of horfes, whofe race,
though ancient, has been mixed and eroded with Ple-
beian

the lafl of Safa r, in the year 1173. At this very time, the horfe
before-mentioned is fold to a fpeedy conveyer of this truft, the Sieur
fon of a chief of the Britifh company of Frank

Merchants, of the Englifh factory fettled on the confines of the defarts
of Aleppo. I have contrafted with him, and have received the full price
from him in good and complete payment.

Mohammed, fon of
Hadg Chalil, fon of
Sheich Suleiman, the
Alchadarite.

Huffein Abu, - Seid Ibrahim The Seil
Suleiman. head Aga of the Feftagi, fon

Chan at Toman, of Fladg
The Hadg Ifa, Huffein, of

the derwis HadgMoham- ChanToman.
med the derwis.

Sid Abd’ Allah
Algnalhour of
Chan Toman.

Othman Alcafirah

j' Ibrahim
1 Alnafiat,

The Sheich
Nachif.

To this I beg leave to add another Arabian pedigree of an horfe,
from an Appendix to the Britifh Zoology, by Pennant.

Taken before Abdorraman Kadi of Acca,

The occafion of this prefent writing or inftrument is, that at Acca,
in the houfe of Badi, legal eftablifhed judge, appeared in court Tho-
mas Ufgate, the Englifh conful ; and with him Sheikh Morad Ebn al
Hajj Abdollah, Sheikh of the county of Safad, and the faid conful
defired from the aforefaid Sheikh proof of the race of the grey

horfe.

1 1 8 THE HISTORY

AND ART

beian blood, either on the male or female fide, which,
neverthelefs, is deemed noble , but mif allied.

The third, and laft divifion, is made up of the com-
mon and ordinary horfes, which are fold at a low
price, while thofe of the fir ft and fecond clafs (among
the latter of which fome are to be found equal to thofe
of the firft) command excefiive fums of money, when
fought in purchafe.

horfe which he bought of him, and he affirmed to be Monaki Shaduhi
but he was not fatisfied with this, but denred the teftimony of the
Arabs, who bred the horfe, and knew how he came to Sheikh Morad,
whereupon there appeared certain Arabs of repute, whofe names are
undermentioned ; who teftified and declared, that the grey horfe which
the conful formerly bought of Sheikh Morad, is Monaki Shaduki,
of the pure race of horfes, purer than milk T, and that the begin-
ning of the affair was, that Sheikh Saleh, Sheikh of Alfabal, bought
him of the Arabs, of the tribe of al Mohammadat, and Sheikh Saleh
fold him to Sheikh Morad Ebn al Hajj Abdollah, Sheikh of Safad,
and Sheikh Morad fold him to the conful aforefaid •, when thefe mat-
ters appeared to us, and the contents were known, the faid gentle-
man defired a certificate thereof, and teftimony of the witneffes •
whereupon we wrote him this certificate, for him to keep as a proof
thereof. Dated Friday, 28 of the latter Rabi, in the year 1135

Witneffes. Sheikh Jumat al Falibau of the Arabs

of al Mohammadat.

AliEbnTaleb al Kaabi.

Ibrahim, his brother.

Mohammed al Adhra Sheikh Alfarifat.

Khamis al Kaabi.

* Thefe are the names of the two breeds of Arab horfes, which are reckoned
pure and true ; and thofe which are of both thefe breeds by father and mother are
the raoft noble and free from baftardy.

t A proverbial exprefllon. | /. e. 29 January, 1722.

It

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

1 1 9

It is a rule with the Arabs never to let a capital mare
be covered but by a fiallion of equal quality. Each
breeder acquires a perfedl knowledge of their own and
neighbours horfes, and of each particular relative to
them ; as their names, mark, colour, exploits, and
age. When an Arab has not an approved fcallion
of his own, he hires one for a certain fum of his
neighbours ; Witnejfes are called to be prefent at the
confummation, who give a folemn certificate of the
performance, figned and fealed in the prefence of the
Emir , or fome other magiftrate. In the inftrument of
atteftation, the names of the horfe and mare are men-
tioned, and their pedigrees fet forth. When the mare
drops her foal, witnefies are called again, who fign a
frefli certificate, touching the birth of the foal, in
which they deferibe each particular, and record the
day of the birth. Thefe vouchers damp a great value
upon the animal, and, like the deeds of an ell ate, are
given with it, when fold, or otherwife called in
queftion.

The lowed-priced mares of the firft clafs, are worth
five hundred French crowns ; many of them will bring
a thoufand, and fome even four, five, or fix thoufand
livres. As the Arabs have no lioufes, but live in tents,
thefe tents ferve at the fame time for ftables for their
horfes, and homes for themfelves. Mares, foals, the
mailer, and his wife and children, lay together pell-
mell, and receive the flicker of the fame roof ; which

Et pecus et dominion communi dander et umbra. Juv.

In

120 THE HISTORY AND ART

In the fame cavern, undiflinguifh’d, Ileeps

The humble owner, and the flocks he keeps.

The young children will lay upon the neck, fide,
or crawl between the legs of the mare and foal, with-
out receiving the lead hurt ; and it is even afferted, that
thefe animals are cautious how they move, left they
fhould incommode thefe little ones, by whom they
will permit every playful liberty to be taken. Their
mailers treat them with the utmofl fondnefs, and per-
fect good will and harmony fubfills between them »
they are extremely nice in the care of them, and en-
deavour to engage them to perform what they require
by the gentiell means, feidom chufing to urge them
beyond the walk, which is their ufual pace ; but if
they have occafion to give the fpur, the animal no
fooner feels its fide touched by the toe of the Stirrup ,
which is pointed and fliarp, fo as to anfwer tlie in-
tention of a fpur, but it fprings forward at once with
incredible force, runs with amazing rapidity, and leaps
over whatever obflructs its way, with the lightnefs and
vigour of a flag ; yet is fo gentle and attentive to the
rider, and fo well taught, that if he fhould happen to
fall, it will flop at once, tho’ running at the top. of its
fpeed. The Arabian horfes generally arc of a middling
fizc, neat and clean in their fliape and limbs, and of a
thin and flender figure. Their keepers feed and curry
them morning and night with great exaclncls, never
fufFering the leaf! Rain to remain upon them, frequently

w a firing

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 121

walking their legs, manes, and tails, which latter they
encourage to flow at full length, and comb but feldom,
for fear of breaking or pulling out the hairs. They
never feed them in the day, but allow them to drink
two or three times, referving their meal till fun-fet,
when they difpenfe to each horfe about half a bulhel
of barley, well flfted and cleaned, and put in a fack,
which they tie upon their heads, where they leave it
till morning, that they may take due time to eat their
allowance. About March, when the grafs is flrong and
plentiful, they foil them, and devote this feafon like-
wife to the work of procreation ; obferving always to
throw cold water upon the mare, the moment the ftal-
lion defcends from her back. This cuftom is obferved
by us, and other European nations, being probably
borrowed of the Arabians, as well as that of keeping
the pedigrees, and recording the victories of our race-
horfes. When the fpring is paft, the horfes are taken
from the paftures, and kept for the relt of the year
without grafs or hay, and folcly upon barley, with a
certain portion of flraw. When the colts are about
a year and fix months old, the Arabs Ihecr the hair
of their tails, to make them grow thicker and
ftronger.

They begin to ride the colts at the age of two years,
or two and an half at mod, rigidly obferving never to
touch them before this period, and always keeping
thofe horfes which they ride, faddled and bridled, and
waiting at the doors of their tents the whole day.

Vol. I. R

The

122 THE HISTORY AND ART

The molt ancient and nobleft breeds of this country,
are faid to be fprung from the wild horfes of the De-
fer t, of which, many ages ago, a dud was compofed,
which increafed the breed, and peopled Alia and
Africa with thefc noble animals. Thefe horfes are fo
fleet as to outrun the OJtrich, and the Arabs of the De~
fert , as well as the people of Libya, rear a great number,
and devote them folely to thechace, never ufing them
in combat, or upon journeys, feeding them with grafs,
and when that fails fupporting them with dates and
camels milk, which contributes to make them aeftive
and vigorous, without inclining them to grow fat.

From thefe accounts it is to be concluded, that the
Arabian horfes are, and have been, from all time, efleemed
to be the firfl and bell of their kind ; and that it is ori-
ginally from them, that the noblefl breeds of Europe,
Alia, and Africa proceed, being immediately or re -
motely defeended from Barbs , defeended from Arabi-
ans, whole climate is, perhaps, the mod favourable
and bed adapted to the nature of horfes of any hitherto
known, fince, without going elfewhere, in fearch of
horfes to crofs and mend their breed, the Arabians keep
it religioufly pure from all foreign mixture, and truft
folely to their own dock, which affords them a dner,
and more generous race, than they could procure by
any alliances with other horfes. So that if the climate
fhould not in itfelf be the mod friendly and congenial
of all others to the nature of horfes, yet the inhabitants
feem to make it fo, by their nice and judicious care,

and

*

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 123

and by never permitting an horfe or mare to come to-
gether, unlefs of equal rank, beauty, and merit. By
this exaCtnefs, fcrupuloully obferved for ages, they
have raifed and refined the fpecies, and led it up to a
pitch of perfection, beyond what mere nature perhaps
could have attained, though aflifled by the advantages
of a better country. With refpeCt to the climate, it is a
certain truth, that thofe agree belt with horfes which
are rather hot than cold ; and above all a dry foil is
neceffary : that in general middle-fized horfes are to
be preferred ; that care and proper management will
conduce as much almofl to their well-being as food ;
that mildnefs, patience, and kind treatment, will in-
fluence their temper, gain their confent and obedience,
more effectually than feverity and force ; that horfes
of warm climates have their bones, hoofs, and mufcles
more compadl and firm than thofe born in colder re-
gions ; and that although warmth is more pleafing to
their conftitutions than cold, yet the extreme of either
is hurtful ; and laftly, that their Manners , characters,
and other qualities, almoft entirely depend upon the
climate, the properties of food, their treatment, and
education.

I will conclude this narrative with a defeription of
their manner of riding at this day. The account is
taken from a traveller, who vifited the tents of thefe
Bedouin Arabs in the year 1749, and was an eye-witnefs
of what he relates.

R 2

“ It

I24 THE history and art

“ It is well known (fays he) that the chief article
“ of property in Arabia confifts in horfes, which are
41 the fined and bell of their kind. Their owners ma-
“ nage them in their way very dexteroufly. Their fad-
“ dies have the back part, or CantJe , fo high, that it
“ reaches more than half way up the rider’s back.
4- The fiirrups are fiat, in the Turkifh manner, and
44 contain the whole foot. They never ufe a girths
“ which makes it more difiicult to mount, and keep
44 their feat. The Arabian youth underhand the equi-
“ libre, and keep their body in a juft countcrpoife,,
44 being fo dextrous, that they willftandon the faddle
54 while the liorfe runs at full fpeed, fiing their lances,
44 turn round, throw themfelves over, and hand
“ upon their heads ; the horfe continuing his career
44 all the time

The reader will remember that tnefe performances
are related by many writers to have been in ufe among,
the Romans; and the prefent times afford, in this
kingdom, many inftances of thefe extraordinary feats
of agility ; which, though wonderful and unufual*
are not equal to what the Rope-dancers conftantly exhibit
in their public fhews, and which can by no means be
allowed to pafs for horfemanfhip; which depends upon
the exaCtnefs, readinefs, and fidelity with which the.
horfe obeys the directions of his rider, who is re-
quired to give them according to the known rules of

tlie

* Hafielquift.

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 125

the Art , and the capacity of the horfe to execute them.
While thefe feats, are only a difplay of the activity and
fupplenefs of the man, without any attention to the
horfe, beyond the ordinary method of riding.

The Arabian breed is propagated in Barbary, among
the Moors, and even among the negroes, on the banks
of Gambia and Senegal , where fome horfes of beauty and
merit are fometimes to be found in the pofleflion of the
princes and chiefs of thefe people. Inftead of barley
and oats they are fed with Indian corn, bruifed, or
ground into flour, and mixed with milk : this nou-
rifhes them, and makes them fat : and although the
country is feverely hot, they are permitted to drink
but fparingly. Arabia has peopled not only Egypt and
1 Turkey , but, as it is thought, Perfia alfo with horfes,
which formerly boafted a very generous and admired
breed of its own. Marcus Panlus fpeaks of a flud which
could count feveral thoufand white mares 5 and fays,
that in the province of Balafcia, were great numbers of
large and active horfes, whofe feet were fo good, and
their hoofs fo tough and firm, that fhoes were ufelefs
and cumberfome.

The Egyptian horfes are little known in Europe, but
the country is certainly capable of producing a noble
and ferviceable breed, equal to thofe it boafted in
former days. It is faid by fome late travellers (whofe
judgment, neverthelefs, as horfemen, cannot be re-
lied on) that its horfes are fuperior to thofe of all the

neigh-

126 THE HISTORY AND ART

neighbonring countries ; and Dr. Shaw * aflerts, that
(they are preferable to thofe of Barbary , both in good-
nefs, beauty, andfize, being indebted for the laft to the
fruitfulnefs of the foil, which affords great nourifh-
ment, and for the former to the Arabian blood which
flows in their veins. This country is faid to have two
diftinct breeds, one of its own, the other Arabian.
This latter fort are fo highly valued, that numbers are
purchafed to be fent to Conflantinople ; but the defpo-
tifm of the government is fuch, that the breeders are
afraid and difeouraged from raifmg a noble race, as
they are certain almoft of having them taken from them
without any price paid, or fatisfa&ion given ; fo that
the owners of fine horfes, will frequently lame or ble-
mifh them, that the Beys may not like them, and take
them away by force f.

L Ethiopia has fo little intercourfe with the reft of the
world, that much concerning it cannot be known. Some
writers, however affert, that it originally gave Arabia
the fine breed of horfes which it fo long has boafted.
Others think that Ethiopia owes its race of horfes to
Arabia. The horfes are generally reported to be ftrong,
nimble, and mettlefome, and (like the Men) black . They
are kept facred from common and ignoble labours, not
fuffered to travel long and fatiguing journeys, but re-
ferved for the nobler talks of battle, or the courfe, the
ordinary work being performed by mules. They wear

* Shaw’s Travels, chap. ii.

■f Vid. Maillet and Pococke.

4

no

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 127

no fhoes ; upon which account, when they go through
uneven and rough places, the riders difmount, get
upon mules, and lead their horfes in hand, that,
by having no burden to carry, they may tread the
lighter **

The Barbary horfes are to be found in mod countries
of Europe. Their Foreheads are generally long, {lender,
and ill-furnilhed with mane, but riling diflimHly and
boldly out of their Withers. Their Heads , lean, fmall,
and what the French called moutonne , or refembling that
of a fheep. The Ears handfome, and well-placed ;
the Shoulders light, Hoping backward, and flat. Their
Withers fine, and Handing high ; Loins Ihort and flrait ;
Flanks and Ribs round and full, without having too
large a Barrel ; their Haunches firong and elaflic ; the
Croupe oftentimes fomewhat too long ; the Tail placed
high ; Thighs well-turned and rounded ; Legs clean,
well made, and thin of hair ; the finews detached
from the bone, but the Faflern generally too long, and
bending. The foot good and found.

There are of all colours, but the moH common is
o-rcy. They are generally cold, and flow in their
paces, requiring to be rouzed and animated by the
rider ; when they will difeover a great fund of vigour,
wind, and fpeed. They are very light and nimble,
formed to excel in running, and are generally more
valued in their offspring, than for their own perfona!

* L, Ludolph Hift. -Ethicp,

merit:

128 THE HISTORY AND ART

merit ; being thought, when tranfported into foreign
countries, to get colts which excel their fires in goocl-
nefs : for this reafon they are valuable in iluds, efpe-
cially if they are of the larger growth, the greater
part being but of a middling fize. The Algerines * are
laid not to like to cadrate their horfes, but only fqueeze
their teflicles when they are about three months old,
which renders them incapable of propagation.

It is thought that the horfes of the kingdom of Mo-
rocco are the bed, and next to them a breed called the
Mountain barbs. The horfes of thefe climates, as well
as of all hot countries, have always fhort and fleek
coats, with foft and fmooth hair. The peculiar merit
of the Barbs confids in their being very fure-footed,
and of tempers mod amiably gentle, as well as very
docile and attentive. Their walk is free and bold,
their gallop very rapid, thefe being the only paces
they know ; for they are never taught to amble, nor
permitted to trot, their owners looking upon thefe
paces as vulgar and ignoble.

The horfes throughout the Levant have their hoofs
very hard, as well as thofe of Per/ia and Arabia , whofc
horfes are all fhod, but ought to have light and thin
£hoes.

Turkey, Arabia , and Perjia all follow the fame rules
in dreffmg, feeding, and treating their horfes. They
expofe their dung in the fun, and when it is fo dried
as to become a fine and foft powder, they fpread it

* Shaw’s Travels, chap. 2.

under

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 129

under them inflead of litter, continuing to dry it, as
often as it is infe&ed by the addition of frefh dung
falling from the animal.

This dryed dung has the effect upon the fkin, which
powder has upon human hair, and gives it a mofl
beautiful glofs and luftre.

Turkey poffeffes a great variety of horfes. Arabians ,
Tartars , Greek , Hungarian, and others, befides their own
natural breeds. The lafl are handfome, and elegantly
fiiaped, have a great deal of fpirit, are fwift, and have
many agreeable qualities, but are too tender and deli-
cate. They are unequal to fatigue, have weak appe-
tites, and are foon agitated and diflreffed. Their fkins
are foft, and fo quick of feeling, that they cannot bear
the curry-comb, for which reafon their keepers ufe
only the brufh, and wafh them : though beautiful,
and of a ftriking figure, they are very inferiour to the
Arabian horfes, nor to be compared with the Perfian,
which, after the Arabian, are the fined: and bell horfes
of all the Eafl. Nor are they fo well proportioned as
the Barbs, their necks being ufually weak, and too
Render, their carcafes long, and their legs too delicate
and fmall : they neverthelefs are capable of much la-
bour, and furnifhed with unfailing wind. Nor ought
we to be furprifed at this account, for it is a truth,
that in all hot climates, the bones of animals are more
folid and clofe than in colder fituations ; and this is the
caufe that the fhank-bone of horfes born in warm cli-
mats, is of a lefs diameter than thofe of horfes of

Vol. I. S the

130 THE HISTORY AND ART

the fame fize, born under a colder fky, while they
are in proportion ftronger, and capable of greater re-
fiftance.

The Turks ride with their ftirrups fo fhort, that
their knees are almoft as much bent, as when they fit
upon their hams upon a fopha. Their faddles are as
large and unweildy as a pack-faddle ; they fallen and
fecure them upon the horfe by a large girth, which
pafTes over them, and prevents the faddles from turning,
which their great weight would otherwife make them
do. The bridles are generally gilt and ornamented, but
otherwife very clumfy and ill made.

The Turks feldom ufe Spurs , or carry a whip or
fwitch, neverthelefs they have an abfolute command
over their horfes, and make them do whatever they
plcafe. In riding, they ufe only a flick of about three
feet in length, and as big as a large cane ; this they hold
by the middle, and flrike the horfe with it on his neck
with either end, to direct and compel him to turn ;
making them run at full fpeed, and laying them out
fo rapidly, as almoft to make their bellies touch the
ground, the riders, at thefame time, linking their darts
into a turban, or tolling them in the air, riding after, and
catching them before they fall to the ground. Others,
cfpecially the Arabs belonging to the Sultan, will leap
from one horfe on another, running at their utmoft
fpeed, others will creep under the belly, and up to the
faddle again, others will turn two or three times round
the horfe’s neck, and others will Hand upright upon

6 the

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 131

the faddle, and turn their faces to the tail, the horfes
all the time going at their utmoft ftretch

After the Arabian , the Perjian horfes are the mod
meritorious throughout the Ead. The plains of Perfe-
polis, Media , Ardebil , and Derbent , raife annually a pro-
digious number, which are excellent in mod particu-
lars ; but thofe bred in Kurdi/ian (a province) are reck-
oned the bed, both in beauty and drength f. The fa-
mous traveller Pietro della Valle, prefers the common horfes
of Perfia to thofe of Italy, and even to the mod ad-
mired of the kingdom of Naples.

The Perjian horfes are generally of a middling fize ;
there are fome which are fmall, but not lefs valuable
for vigour and goodnefs. Some alfo are bred of large
growth, and as big as our faddle horfes. They are in
general fmall-headed, have fine and long fore-hands,
are narrow-cheded, their ears well-turned, and well
fet on, legs rather fmall and delicate, croups well
fafhioned, and their hoofs good and firm. They are
docile, quick, light, bold, full of fpirit, and capable of
enduring great fatigue ; very fwift, fure-footed, and
of fuch refolution as to perfevere to the lad gafp ;
hardy in their conditution, and eafily nouriflied and
maintained. Their food is barley, mixed with cut
draw, which they eat in a bag, tied upon their heads ;
in the fpring they are turned to grafs for fix weeks.

* Dumont’s Voyage. f Bell’s Travels.

S 2

They

$32 THE HISTORY AND ART

They wear their tails at full length, and are never
gelt; are covered with cloths, and cleaned with the
nicefl attention ; are managed with a fnalfle, and ig-
norant of the fpur, the Perfians ufing none. Great
numbers of them are fent into Turkey and India. In
fpite, however, of thefe commendations fo laviffily*
yet defervedly bellowed, all travellers agree in giving
the preference to the Arabian horfes, which are prized
even by the Perfians to the horfes of their own
country.

Thefe latter are apt to carry their nofes fo high, as
to llrike the rider’s face with their heads, unlefs he is
much upon his guard to prevent it : for this purpofe,
they are generally rode with a martingale. The horn
of their hoofs is much better than of the European
horfes, either becaufe the climate is more favourable,
or becaufe the Perfians do not injure and deftroy their
feet by an injudicious method, or too frequent a prac-
tice of Ihoeing them. A Perlian will make no diffi-
culty to tack on the firlt Ihoe he finds, and adjult it to
the foot, which is generally fo Prong and found, that
the nails may be drove in any part of it. The fhoes
are light, flat, and made to fit exactly even, without
cramps, or being turned up ; but when the ground is
hard and fmootb, the horfe is apt to flip, as well as
when it is foft and moifl. It is a cuftom with fome to
mix fait with the barley, with which they feed their
horfes, to corrett the ranknefs of their dung, and

make

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 133

make it lefs offenfive when it is dried, and ftrewed for
litter under them.

They drefs and clean their lkins with a fort of Curry-
comb, which has no handle, and but four Graters , or
"Teeth: after having curried them, they clofe and
lmooth the hair, by rubbing it with a piece of felt.

The Perlians have great perfonal addrefs and acti-
vity on horfeback. They play at Mall mounted on their
horfes, and ftrike the ball with certainty and furprifmg
fkill. They place alfo upon the top of a tree, or high
pole, an apple, as a mark to fhoot at with arrows.
They fet off full fpeed, and when they are got beyond
the mark, turn themfelves round towards the croupe,
draw their bows, and in this pace, and this attitude,
feldom fail to hit the apple.

The Indian breed of horfes is in no degree good or
agreeable. The chief people of the country, for this
reafon, ride thofe which come from Verfia or Arabia .

Their keepers give them a little hay in the day time,
and at night feed them with peas boiled with fugar
and butter. This diet is the chief nourifhment they
have, and it keeps up their flrength to a certain de-
gree, for without it they would decay and perilh ; the
climate being unfriendly, and ill adapted to the na-
ture of horfes. They fometimes alfo give them Tams.

The breed of the country is very fmall, and it is
probable that thofe climates in which the heat is ex-
ceffive, are very ill-fuited to the conftitution of the
horfe ‘y for thofe which are found upon the Gold

Coaft?

s 34 THE HISTORY AND ART

Coafl, Judda and Guinea, are as worthlefs and contempt-
ible as the Indian race. They carry their necks and
heads fo low, that they almofl touch the ground ; and
are fo weak and tottering in their paces, that they feem
as if they would fall every moment, and fo fluggifh, that
without beating they will not ftir at all, and with this
very flubborn and indocile: fotliat they are fit for no-
thing but to ferve for Food for the negroes, who relifh
mightily the flavour of their flefh, and have this tafte
in common with Jlrabs, Tartars, and Chinefe,

The people of this day, according to an elegant, ac-
curate, and judicious writer*, feed their horfes in the
rice-fields, and when flefh is plenty, they boil the offal
to rags, and mixing it with butter, and fome forts of
grain, make balls, which they thruft down the horfes
throats. In afcarcity of provifion they give them Opium,
which has the fame effed both on horfes and men,
for at once it damps their appetites, and enables them to
endure fatigue. The horfes of the country are natu-
rally fo exceedingly vicious, that they are not to be
broken and tamed, and cannot be brought to ad in
the field, with the fame regularity as a fquadron of
European cavalry. The Perfian horfes being more
gentle and tradable, are often valued at a thoufand
guineas each, while thofe of India fell for fifty or one
hundred.

* Cambridge’s introdu&ion to his Account of the War in India.

An

OF HORSEMANSHIP. i3s

An * Italian traveller and writer fpeaks of having
feen between Balfora and Bagdat , a lingular breed of
green horfes, with yellow eyes. I am no voucher for the
truth of this account, but at the fame time dare not
venture to prefcribe any bounds to the variety in which
nature is known to delight ; as to the green colour it is
certainly unknown among horfes ; and fo were, at fomc
time or other, and in different countries, many other
colours, which are now familiar ; and as to the yellow
eyes, they feem to be no more extraordinary, than the
Ferret eyes, by which a breed of cream-coloured horfes,
belonging to his Majefly, and now in the royal fables,
are peculiarly diftinguifhed.

The horfes of this laft nation fland in no better
eflimation than thofe of India. They are weak, fpirit-
lefs, and ill-made ; in fome parts of the kingdom
they do not exceed three feet in height. Almofl all of
them are gelt, and are fo daflardly and timid, as to be
unfit for war; fo that it may be faid that this country
was conquered by the Tartar Horfes , which are a race ex-
tremely adapted to war ; and although but of a mode-
rate fize, are flrong, nervous, proud, full of fpirir,
bold, andaftive. They have good feet, but fomewhat
narrow, their heads are well-fhaped and lean, but too
ifnall. The forehand long and ftiff, and their legs
over-long : yet with all thefe imperfections, they mud
be accounted good and ferviceable horfes, being uncon°

* Viaggi de Gafparo Balbi, p. 31, 1590.

querable

i$6 THE HISTORY AND ART

querable by labour, and endowed with prodigious
fpeed. The Tartars live with them almod in the fame
manner as the Arabs do with their horfes ; when they
attain the age of feven or eight months, they make
their children ride them, who exercife them in fmall
excurfions, and fhort reprifes, dreffing and forming
them by degrees, and early and gentle difeipline ;
but inuring them to undergo (as the Parthians did
before them) hunger, third;, and many other hard-
Ihips. They never put them to any ferious labour
before the age of fix or feven years, when they re-
quire of them the fevered fervices, and compel them
to incredible fatigue, as travelling two or three days
without reding, and pading four or dve with no
more, or better nouridiment, than an handful or two
of grafs, given every eight hours, and an entire day
without quenching their third. Thefe horfes, how-
ever, which are fo robud, and endure fo much in
their native country, lofe their vigour, and decline
when removed into China , or the Indies , but thrive
very well in Turkey and Perjia.

They are of a good fize for the faddle, and are Pa-
cers by nature. Their owners, like the ancient Geloni
and Sannatians, make the animals fupply them with
food, for they eat their delh at this day, as well as the
Curds , or lac concretum of the mare’s milk, mentioned by
many ancient writers *.

* Yid. Bell’s Travels to Ifpahan.

The

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

137

The Tartars have in all ages been famous, under
different names, for their love of horfes, and fkill in
riding.

It is a practice with them, fays an author, who
wrote the Hiflory of the Conqueft of China, by this
people (Palafox) to tye the reins of their bridles to
their girdles, and by the motion of their bodies alone
to govern and diredl their horfes ; putting them into
different attitudes, and making them perform a va-
riety of evolutions. By this method they have their
hands at liberty to ufe their weapons, which they ma-
nage with molt remarkable fkill, and for which they
have been diftinguifhed in all ages beyond other na-
tions. Some will hold their bows in the fame hand in
which they hold their bridles, and at the fame time
draw the bow, and guide their horfe with great ad-
drefs, always riding with their flirrups very fhort, in
order to collect tliemfelves better, and be able to rife
up as it were, when they are going to attack an
enemy, and flrike a blow.

The diftrict called Little Tartary has a breed of fmall
horfes, which the inhabitants value fo much, as never
to permit them to pafs into the hands of flrangers.
Thefe horfes poffefs, in a fmall compafs, all the good
and bad qualities which are to be found in their
neighbours of Grand Tartary, and are an inflance,
that cuflom and education will induce a fimilarity of
manners, and operate almofl as powerfully as nature
herfelf.

Vol. I. T CircaJ/ia ,

1 3 8 THE HISTORY AND ART

CircaJJia , MingreUa , and the adjacent parts, are fiored
with horfes, which are of a better mould, and jufler
proportions than thofe of Tartary, and confequently
are admired and valued. The Circadian s are equal to
the greated fatigue, and celebrated for it.

The breed of horfes in Greece have to a degree fhared
the fate of other valuable benefits, the productions of na-
ture, and the works of art and indufiry, which were for-
merly the portion of that once flourifliing and didin -
guiflied country. All cruflied and extinguifhed by the
opprefiion, violence, and ignorance of its favage con-
querors, the Greek horfes make no confiderable figure
in the modern catalogue, nor are the breeds much
cultivated ; it is faid, however, that there dill arc fome,
particularly in Tbejfaly, which belong to the Grand Sig-
nor. Some of the idands in the Archipelago are fur-
nifhed with good and valuable horfes, cfpecially Crete ,
but none of eminence fufficient to make them prized
by other nations, or entitle them to particular notice,.

The nations of Ada and Africa, except the Chinefe ,
never geld their horfes. Some kingdoms of Europe
likewife have not yet adopted the practice. Cajlration
deprives the animal of a confiderable partof his drengtlq
fpirit, and courage, robs him, in faCt, of his very
Soul, and leaves him a mutilated, dadardly, and unna-
tural creature ; but, at the fame time, makes him
mild, patient, more obedient, and confequently fitter
for many purpofes, and more agreeable to many
riders.

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 139

Ruffia is not unfurniflied with horfes, but has never
yet been able to raife a breed that has been much re-
garded by other nations ; the country, as the Duke of
Newcaftle fays, being lefs adapted to breed horfes,
than to nourifh Bears, of which animals it can boaft
very noble and capital races. This empire, how-
ever, and all its various dependent dates, is fo altered
and improved, fmee this great horfeman wrote, that
it feems at prefent to be entitled to a better character,
and more confederation than he bellowed upon it.

The Ruffian horfes are fmall, but hardy, and able to
endure great fatigue, without fuffering much in their
fpirit, ftrength, or conflitution. In thofe places where
the foil is richer, and herbage more abundant, the
breed is larger, and of a Router mould. The fovereign
and many of the nobility have Studs in various parts of
the country. There is an imperial one upon the river
Ruduia, deftined to fupply the guards with horfes,
formed to contain four hundred mares and about fifty
horfes. The ftallions are Daniffo horfes, and fometimes
Turks. The former are purchafed at a large price, ge-
nerally coding eight hundred Rube/s each, or one hun-
dred and dxty pounds derling. Thore of the Turkilh
breed are handfome, and dnely draped, but too flight
and weak for heavy cavalry.

The Kalmuck horfes are fomewhat higher than the
Ruffian common horfes, and fo tough and drong in
their conflitution, as to be able to run three or four
hundred Englifli miles in three days. They fubfift

T 2 dimmer

i4o THE HISTORY AND ART

fummer and winter folely upon grafs in the great de-
farts, which are between the rivers Don, Volga , and
Talk. In winter time they fcrape awTay the fnow with
their feet, and eat the dead grafs which is under it, and
the tops of young trees and fhrubs. They recover very
loon in fummer the damage they fuifained from the
rigours of the wintry feafon. After Midfummer the
grafs becomes very dry and hard, when they return
to the great meadows, which are on the banks of the
Volga , and other rivers. They go in great herds, of
four or five hundred, and even a thoufand horfe. Such
an herd is called in the Ruffian, and all the Tartarian
and Kalmuck languages, Taboon. They are excellent
fwimmers, and pafs the river Volga, which is from one
to two miles in breadth, with great eafe j fo that when,
a Ruffian has bought one of them, and brings it on
this fide the river, diftant an hundred miles (Engliih)
from the place where its fiift mailer, the Kalmuck , lived,
the horfe will pafs the river, and find its way to the
T aboon. They are fo cheap, as to be bought at firft
for one Rubel , or four Rollings ilerling each horfe.
They are feldom put to draw carriages, but devoted
chiefly to the faddle. They are brought with difficulty
to eat barley, oats, or any kind of grain, preferring
to them grafs, either frefh, or dry and withered.

The Ncgay horfe s are a breed belonging to the Tar-
tars, which are of the Nogay tribe, and are fubjedts to-
the Kalmuck Khan, but different from thofe Nogayan Tar-
tars, who are a part of the fubjedls of the Tartar Khan

of

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 141

the Crlm, and live between Bender and Otcha Kof , about
the Dniejler, and are called Ttdfan , or Tedifan , in the Tar-
tarian language, which word fignifies feven thoufand
becaufe originally this horde amounted to that number.

The Nogay Tartars in Ruflia live between the Don ,
Volga , and Talk , among the Kalmucks, having their
paflures affigned, as well as the Kalmucks, by the
Khan. They remove northwards during the fummer ;
about Michaelmas they repafs the Volga, and live to the'
fouth towards the river Rnban , and Tcherkajfes . Thefc
horfes are extremely hardy, and live in the fame man-
ner as the horfes of the Kalmuck, but are fironger,
higher, and trained to draw carriages : they are fold
to the Ruffians from ten to fifteen Rubels each.

The Turcomans , a free nation, living between the
Cafpian Sea, and the lake Aral , have horfes of the fame
nature as thofe of the Nogay Tartars.

The Bajhkirs are a nation fubjecf to the Ruffians, and
have a race of horfes Router and better than the
Nogay horfe, and accounted moft excellent Amblers.

The better fort of thefe horfes will fell for fifty,
fixty, or feventy Rubels each, in proportion as their Am-
ble is efteemed. The common breed are bought at
twenty or thirty Rubels each, and deflined to mount the
dragoons in the Ruffian fervice. Many private Bajhkirs
keep Taboons of three or four hundred mares. They go
fummer and winter in the fields, few horfes, which
are employed in the winter, to draw fledges, being
houfedy or fed with hay.

The

1 42 THE HISTORY AND ART

The Kirghin Rbaijfaks are a nation divided into three
Hordas, the great, middle, and little Horda . They are
reckoned, in fomc degree, to be fubjeift to the Ruffian
government, but pay no tribute, and may rather pafs
for a free and independent nation, living under ful-
tans, whom they themfelves cleft. They have great
baboons of liorfcs, of the fame breed as thofe of the BaJIo-
hirs : in hammer the horfes are fed in the great defart,
bordering on the river Taik. In winter the Taboons re-
move to fandy places, where the fnow never is fo deep
as on the reft of the defart. Some drive their Taboons
near the lake Aral , and the river Sir-Doria, where large
tracts of ground are covered with reeds, on which the
horfes brouze, and are nourifhed. The horfes of this
people are lighter, and more ftately than thofe of the
Bajbkirs. They ferve to mount the Ruffian cavalry. A
fair is held annually near Orenburgh , and the fortrefs of
Troitjlpoy , where many thoufands of thefe horfes are fold
to the Ruffians, or bartered a gain ft other merchandizes.
Thefe horfes never cat hay ; they are ufed and fami-
liarized to the firing of guns, which the Kirghin- Raijj'acks
employ in hunting and war; many of thefe horfes
are as good Amblers as the Bajhkirian horfes.

The T cherkejfes are a nation which live in the Caucasus ,
near the fources of the river Ruban and Terek , the
former of which falls into the fea of Azof, and the
latter into the Cafpian fea. Thefe people were formerly
fubjefts of the Grim Tartars ; but fmee the year 1709,
have been a free and independent people. Their horfes

4

arc

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 143

are about the fize of the Kalmuck horfe, ill- made, with-
out elegance or proportion, and ewe-necked for the
mod part, but of fuch llrong and hardy natures, as to
be able to run five or fix hundred Englifh miles in
three days.

The Step, or wild horfe, is an horfe of the defart :
there are three different kinds of thefe wild horfes.
The horfes of the defart about Azof. , live between
the Palus Mantis and the Doit. They owe their origin
to the fiege of Azof, in the year 1697, when the great
army being obliged to employ a prodigious number of
horfes to bring ammunition and food, were compelled
to fuffer their horfes to go deep into the defart, in or-
der to fubfift them 7 the animals availed themfelves of
this permiflion, ffrayed to great didances, became
wild, and created a new breed. They are generally of
one uniform colour, inclining to red, the hair of their
fkins being curled, and waved like a lamb-fkin ; but
when they grow old, it changes to a moufe-grey, their
manes and tails being black, and having a black lift
along their backs. They live in great Taboons. The
ftone- horfes keep watch round about, and give a fignal
by neighing of the approach of man, or any objecft
that alarms them ; upon which, the whole troop, with
inconceivable fpeed, run deeper into the defart. During
the winter, the Knjfacks of Bacbmont, and other Dovifh
Kojfacks drive them into deep valleys, full of fnow, and
catch them with a noofe. The greateft part of them
they kill with a fpear, the younger are kept for ufe,

and

i44 THE HISTORY AND ART

and being coupled to a tame horfe by an halter, for
months together, grow gentle and obedient ; and are
thus trained for draught, and are found to be infi-
nitely Aronger than a common horfe. The Khalmucks
fometimes hunt thefe horfes as their food, and ufe
their Ikins for cloaths in winter.

The Tarpans are a kind of wild-horfes, in the defart,
eafi of the river Taik. They are of a middling fize,
roundifh, fhorr, generally of a blueifh-grey colour,
with big heads, and ewe-necked. They are taken
with a noofc, and broken to the faddle, by being
coupled to a tame horfe.

The Roelans, or Turchansi are another kind of wild-
horfes, in the great defart. They are higher than the
Tarpans^ moufe-grey in colour, with long upright-
Aanding ears, their manes and tails thinner and
fhorter than the common breed, their coats long and
thick. They feed by thoufands together in one Taboon.
The Kirghiz Rhaijfaks fhoot them with guns, and eat
them.

All kinds of horfes are eaten by the Tartars and
Khalmucks. A foal is reputed a great dainty. Mares
milk is likewife a frequent drink, which, when kept
and fermented, becomes intoxicating, once difiilled,
it is called Roomyfs , twice, Arekha , and is very firong
and inebriating. The TcheremiJJ'es and TcJjenuaJfes, pagan
nations, near the Kolga, in the government of Ragan,
ufe the horfe in their facrifices, and chiefly white ones,
cfpecially in their great annual folemnities in autumn;

of

OF HORSEMANSHI P. 14$

of which none can partake, unlefs he firft has bathed,
and put on a clean fhirt.

The Kalmuck horfes are never fhod, nor does it appear
that fhoes are necelTary, the climate being very dry,
and the ground generally firm and hard ; the hoof
likevvife is fo folid and indurated, that nothing can
hurt it. As the Kalmucks never ufe fhoes, who are
next in fituation and connexion with the Ruffians,
neither do the more barbarous and remote nations ;
inafmuch as that they would have received the pratdice
from the Kalmucks , as the Kalmucks from the Ruffians.

All thefe people, as well as the Turks y and other
Eaflern nations, have folid Horfe-Jboes , which cover the
whole foie of the foot, and not the margin only, like
the European fhoes : the Ruffians ufe this fort of fhoe
fometim.es, but feldom.

The Stirrups of the Tartars , and other Eallern people,
are hung very fhort, and very broad at the bottom
where the foot Hands, exactly like the Turkijh flirrup
already deferibed.

The Tartars of the Krim never undertake an cxcur-
fion, without allowing three horfes to one rider.
Many ancient nations obferved the fame method ; and
the ancient Gauls had a body of horfe called Trimarkifia ,
named thus becaufe each foldier had three horfes at-
tending him, fo that when one was either killed in.
battle, or overcome by fatigue, he might immediately
mount another *. In

* Vid. Gmelin’s Voyage to Siberia. Vid. Muller’s Hid. Col.
Ritchkof’s Topograph, of the the Orenburgh Govern. Philofophical

y 0 l. I. U Tranfad.

i 46 THE HISTORY AND ART

In the empire of Ruffia, it is a law ordained, that
no horfe (hall carry above fifteen Pud , each of forty
pounds weight, Ruffian weight, in fummer, and in
winter, during the fnow, and ufe of fledges, above
twenty-five or thirty Pud-, by this rule we are fome-
what enabled to judge of the flrength of the horfes,
and of the difference of the roads in fummer and
winter.

The Polijh horfes are very hardy, flrong, and ufeful,
hut have not many agreeable or diflinguifhed qualities.
They are generally of a middling fize ; thofe of Lithu-
ania are ftill fmaller, but have their merit for the pur-
pofcs of eafy riding, many of them going the Amble,
which pace is much approved by the Poles, Ruffians,
Tartars, and other Eaftern nations.

Some other adjacent tradts or regions are furnifhed
likewife with horfes, which are too inconfiderable to
deferve a particular defcription ; or, to fpeak more pro-
perly, may be comprehended under thofe of the horfes
already mentioned. The Poles are reported to ufe no
flioes for their horfes A

In the marfhy parts of Pruffia, in the Werders , or Low
Countries, towards the mouth of the ViftuJa , are a breed
of good, tall, Prong horfes, refembling the Rriejland
horfes, but not equal to them in conftitution and per-

Tranfadl. 1766,-67. — Specimen Hilt. Naturalis Volgenfis, audtore
J. R. Forfter, who fince has moft obligingly communicated many
particulars from his own obfervations.

* Yid. Voyage to Siberia, par Auteroche.

feverance

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 147

feverance in labour, having generally bad feet, and
feldom being well-fhaped and handfome. The Ruffians
and Pruffians buy large numbers of them for their ca-
valry, at the price of about eighty rixdollars each
horfe, which is about eleven pounds flerling. The
King of Pruffia has fome ftuds near Tilfit , furniffied
with foreign ftallions, valuable, and well chofen from
the bell breeds of Naples , Denmark , Spain, and T urkey.
Many of the VruJJian noblemen have likewife duds upon
the fame plan as thofe eftablifhed by the King. The
breed are commonly graceful and well-moulded, but
are thought to fail in point of flrength, nor to have
that fire and fpirit which are fuch neceffary ingredients
in the compolition of a fine horfe.

The horfes of Sweden , from the barrennefs, and ex-
treme coldnefs of the climate, are low, and fmall :
the Norway breed come under the fame defcription, and
are nervous, a&ive, and hardy.

Pontoppidan, in his natural hiflory of this country,
fays, that in the year 1 302, a man, whofe name was
HuJeickfon , was the firft who gave his horfes oats in this
country ; whence he had the nick-name of Horfe-Corn .

Quod in Norvegia primus equos avena paver it.

The horfes here are not fubjecT to fo many difeafes as
in mod other countries, and in particular the Staggers.

It is not ufual to geld them, as in many other places,
for which reafon they are full of flrength and fpirit,
and preferable to geldings.

U 2

The

1 48 THE HISTORY AND ART

The Norway horfes are better for riding, than
draught •, their walk is eafy, they are quick, adtive,
full of courage, and very fure-footed ; fo as to be
able to go in the bad roads of this kingdom, where
the fine Danifh horfes would be fo embarraffed as to
endanger their own, and their rider’s fafety. When
they go down a deep cliff on Hones laying like Heps,
they HrH tread gently with one foot, to try if the Hone
they touch is fad ; and in doing this, they muH be
left to their own difcretion, or the beH rider would
run the rifque of his neck : when they are to go down
a very deep and flippery place, they draw their hinder
legs under them in a furprifing manner, and Hide
down. They fhew great courage in fighting with
bears and wolves, which they are often obliged to do,
efpecially with the former ; for when the horfe per-
ceives any of them near, he attacks his antagoniH
with his fore-feet, which he ufes like Drumfiicks , to
Hrike with, and ufually comes off conqueror. Many
people would not believe this, till Stadtholder fpibe ,
in the prefence of Frederick IV. made the experiment
with one of his coach- horfes at Frederickjbourgh. The
creature fell upon a bear let loofe againd him, and
loon difpatched his enemy. Sometimes, however, the
bear, which is twice as flrong, gets the better, efpeci-
ally if the horfe turns about to Hrike with his heels*
If he attempts this, he is ruined, for the bear indantly
leaps upon him, and fixes himfelf upon his back : in
this cafe the horfe gallops away with his enraged
7 rider,

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

1 49

rider, till, by lofs of blood, he drops down, and ex-
pires.

Denmark , and the dukedoms of Ho^ein and Oldenburg ,
boaft a large variety of horfes, which have fo much
vigour, pride, courage, and grace, that for the Coach,
the ferviees of IVar, and the Manege , they can be fur-
pafled by few, although they often fail in elegance of
limb, and fymmetry of parts, having thick Forehands ,
Shoulders fomewhat heavy, Backs rather long, and Croups
too narrow to correfpond with the fore-parts. In fpite,
however, of thefe defeats, they have fuch generofity of
nature, fuch ftrength and brilliancy, together with
fuch animated and commanding Adlion, that when they
can be found with the above-named imperfections cor-
rected, and more polifhed and juft in their con-
ftruCtion, they become as bright an ornament as a fol-
dier or horfeman can with to pofTefs ; and for a na-
tural difpolition and capacity to perform the high airs
of the Manege , fhine diftinguifhed and praifed above
other nations.

In the illands of Ferroe, fubjeCt to the crown of Den-
mark, there is a race of horfes of fmall growth, but
Itrong, fwift, and fure of foot, going with great eafe
over high hills, and other places with fuch certainty,
that a man may more furely rely upon them, than truft
to his own feet. They never are fhod, and feed abroad
both fummer and winter, without ever coming under
flicker.

In

i^o THE HISTORY AND ART

In Suderoe , another of thefe iflands, they have a
lighter and fwifter breed than in any of the reft : t he
inhabitants catch their fheep, which are wild, by hunt-
ing them with a dog. When they intend to take any,
they mount their horfes, knowing how to ride them
up and down hills in full gallop, through moorifh
places, and over rocks and Hones, fo that the horfes
fear nothing when they are in the chace, and when
the place is too difficult for them to ride over it topur-
fue their game, they leap from their horfes, in the
midft of the courfe, and take their belt advantage
againll the fheep, the horfes running after them, till
they leap upon their backs again. Some of thefe
horfes are fo taught, that the man overtaking the
fheep on horfeback, the horfe will grafp, and hold it
between his fore-feet, till the man takes it up *.

The frozen and ungenial country of Lapland , has
alfo its horfes : they are fmall of ftature, like the men,
but a&ive and willing, fomewhat eager and impatient,
but free from vice. They are ufed only in the winter
feafon, when they are employed in drawing fledges
over the fnow, and tranfporting wood, forage, and
other neceffaries, which, in the fummer, are all con-
veyed in boats. In this feafon the horfes are all turned
into the forefts, where they live with lingular order
and polity, forming themfelves into diftindt troops,
and keeping within their quarters, where their owners

* Feroa?, et Feroa referata. — 1676.

are

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

i JH

are fiire to find them ; all returning of their own ac-
cord, when the feafon changes, and the earth no
longer fupplies them with food. In travelling, they
will frequently take large mouthfuls of fnow, which
melts into water, and muil be meant to quench their
thirft. When their mailers defign to flop them, they
lay hold of their Tails ; this difcipline they underftand,
and obey implicitly *.

The Spaniards Hand very forward in the national lift
of noble horfes, fecond at leaft to the Arabians , and
placed by many, and with fair pretenfions, before the
Barb. Their forehands are long, fomewhat thick, and
cloathed with a full and flowing mane ; the head a
little too coarfe, and fometimes hawk-nofed, ears long,
but well placed, eyes large, bold, and full of fire :
their carriage lofty, proud, and noble ; Shoulders often-
times thick ; Breafi large ; Loins often a little too low ;
Ribs round ; and the Belly frequently too full and fuell-
ing ; the Croup round and full ; the Legs well formed,
and clear of hair; the Sinew at a diftance from the
bone ; the ? after n joint frequently too long, and weak,
like that of the Barbs ; the foot long and deep, re-
fembling that of a mule, the Heel being high and
narrow. Thofe of the fineft breeds are generally well
miffed, and well-knit horfes, active and ready in their
paces, of quick apprehenfion, have a memory rather
too faithful, obedient to the utmoft proof, wonderfully

* Voyage au Nord, par Outhier.

docile

i$2 T II E HISTORY AND ART

docile and affectionate to man ; full of fpirit and cou-
rage, tempered with mildnefs and good nature, and
generally very eafy in all their paces ; of a moderate fize
for the mod part, although fized horfes are fometimes
to be found among them. Thofe which are bred in
Upper Andahifia are deemed the mod valuable, although
they generally have their heads too long, and difpro-
portioned ; but this blemifh, and many others which
may happen, and are not effential, are all amply
atoned by numberlefs pleafing, good, and great qua-
lities j by the fweetnefs of their tempers, the beauty
and even majefty of their motion, and the affeedion
and fidelity with which they ferve their mailers : fo
that enriched and adorned with tliefe grateful qua-
lities and high accomplifhments, they are thought to
eclipfe the reft of their kind in the fervices of war,
the graceful airs of the manege, the pomp of caval-
cades and public folemnities *, and very juftly to merit
the title which that difeerning judge, the Duke of
Newcaftle bellows upon them, when he calls them
“ the Kings of horfes.”

* Long ago, and indeed at all times, they were fo efteemed, as to
be confidered as effential to public entries, and folemn proceffions j
other nations being defirous to procure them, and always employing
them upon thefe occafions. When Queen Elizabeth made her entry
into Oxford, fome Spanifh horfes were led in the proceffion. — 'Traduffi
fuerant aliquot Afiur cones , fine fejforibns , auratis Sericifyue Ephippiis injlrati .

Hearne’s Trads.

The

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 1*3

The Portugal Horfes , or rather Mares , were famous of
old for being very fleet, and long-winded — whether
this character of them was really true, or only the
opinion of ignorant people, cannot now be deter-
mined. If it was true, the modern race is wonder-
fully changed and degenerated from the qualities of
their anceflors, for, at prefent, they are far from me-
riting much praife upon this account.

Portugal in general is a mountainous country, and
many reafons have concurred to injure the breed of
horfes in this kingdom ; when it was annexed to the
crown of Spain, the mother-country was preferred for
the eflablifliment of Studs-, and the practice then was to de-
vote the very few diflri&s in Portugal which are pro-
perly fupplied with herbage and water to breed horned
cattle for the fliambles and plough, and mules and afles
for many other laborious talks. — Hence horfes in Portu-
gal (although the natives are exceedingly fond of
them) have been confidered rather as creatures of
pomp and pleafure, than of fervice and utility, except
in war, and as fuch the king and nobility, fince the
independency of the kingdom, have always chofen to
fupply their wants from Spain, as far as the mounting
of the troops, and the purpofes of parade and amufe-
ment require. If the Portuguefe, however, fhould
turn their thoughts to Breeding, there is no doubt but
their country would produce precifely the fame fpecies
of horfes, as that for which Spain has always been fo
diflinguiflied. At prefent the Portugal horfes are in

Vol. I. X no

1^4 THE HISTORY AND ART

no repute, and differ as much from their neighbours
the Spaniards, as Crabs from apples, or Sloes from
grapes.

The Italian horfes were formerly more beautiful, and
of greater fame, than the prefent race are thought to
be ; this degenerate alteration is faid to be owing to a
negleft of the breed, and a decay of that fpirit which
formerly animated the Italians, the fathers of modem
horfemanfhip. Neverthelefs this country is not defti-
tute of many generous and beautiful breeds, dif-
perfed in Ruds, which arc formed in different Rates
and diRriifts.

The Neapolitan horfes have always been renowned,
and fhine both in the Saddle and the Traces, Great
numbers are bred in Sicily , a kingdom always extolled
for the fuperiour merit of its horfes — The Neapolitans •
are fubjedt to have great heads, and thick forehands,
are untradfable, vicious, and confequently difficult to
be fubdued and dreffed, this being their national cha-
ra<5ter : to balance thefe faults, they are large and
ftrong, and charm the fpe&ator with their animated
carriage, and majeRic a&ion. They have a wonderful
genius for the Fiaffer, and excel on all occaRons of
pomp and parade. Thofe of Sardinia and Corjica are
fmall, but nimble, bold, and full of fpirit.

The Swifs horfes partake of thefe qualities, and
were formerly accounted fcrviceablc in war.

i

Ger**

OF HORSEMANSHIP. igg

Germany is by no means deftitute of generous and
noble horfes, ufeful for many different purpofes ; yet
they are reckoned to be heavy, and not to be good-
winded, although the finer breeds come from Turks
and Barbs , which are kept as fiallions in many parts
of that extenfive country, as well as from Italians and
Spaniards. They do not fucceed fo well in the chace
and running as the Hungarian and Tranfylvanian horfes ;
which are of a lighter ftrudure, cleaner limbed, of
good wind, and able to run at a very confiderabie rate.
Bohemia produces a variety of horfes ; but, whether from
natural defeats, or the want of care and culture, they
are not diflinguifhed by any eminent qualities.

The HuJJars and Tranfyhanians are accuftomed to flit
the noflrils of their horfes, under a notion of giving
the breath a freer paffage, and improving their wind,
as well as to render them incapable of neighing, which
in war is oftentimes inconvenient and improper : this
operation perhaps will not totally deprive them of the
power * of neighing, but will certainly make the found
fofter and more feeble.

The Croatian horfes are nearly allied to the Hungarian
and Bohemian , in all the leading qualities and outlines
of character. Thcfe, as well as the Poles , are re-
markable for being, as the French term it, Begut, or
keeping the mark in their teeth as long as they live.

* The old writers recommend a cloth or lift to be tied round the
tongue for this purpofe, which if it can be kept on without injury,
may anfwer the delign more effectually.

X 2 Hoi-

i$6 THE HISTORY AND ART

Holland furnifhes a race of horfes, which have much
fame, but their be ft fervice is in the coach— They are
in much repute in their own, France, and fome other
countries. The heft come from Frifeland. The coun-
tries of Juliers and Bergne alfo raiie fome, which are
much approved. The Flemijb horfes are inferiour in
value to the Dutch, having big heads, with a channel
towards the noftrils, like a Pike , and are therefore
named by the French Fete de Brocket. Their feet are
unreafonably large, and flat, and their legs fubjed: to
watry humours, and fwellings in the heels.

Prance abounds in horfes of all kinds, but neverthe-
lefs knows but few, which, as a breeding country,
do honour to her foil and climate, although great
pains have been taken, and very fkilful men em-
ployed at various times, to eftablifh and cultivate a
generous breed. Some parts of the kingdom, how-
ever, produce horfes, which they need not be alhamed
to rank with thofe of places more famous, and fuch
as would incline us to think, that the fault is not
alone, if at all, in the Climate. The bed of thofe which
are fit for the faddle come from Limofm 5 they referable
the Barbs in many particulars, and, like them, are
fitted for hunting: they are flow of growth, demand
much caie and nurflng in their infancy and youth,
nor ripe for work till they are eight years old. There
are alfo very good Bidets or Ponies to be found in Au-
vergne, Poitou, and Burgundy, but after Limofm, Nor-
mandy claims precedence, for its handfomc, generous,

and

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 157

and ferviceable breed ; which, if they do not excel fo
much as fome in hunting, yet are fuperiour in war,
being flouter, and better moulded, and arriving at the
fulnefs of their growth in fhorter time. Lower Nor-
mandy and the diftridt of Cotentin give a very good fort
for the coach, which are nimbler and have more ela-
flicity in their motions than the Dutch horfes — Franche
Compte and the Boulonnois raife numbers likewife for
common ufes — It is remarked that the French horfes
are apt to have their fhouldcrs too loofe and open, as
thofe of the Barbs are too confined and narrow.

Navarre , which borders upon Spain, has a kind of
horfes which partake of the properties of both thefe
countries, and although not celebrated or fought after,
have notwithftanding their fhare of merit ; being
light, adtive, and nervous, efpecially the finer fort,
which are better and more valuable, in proportion as
the Spanifl? blood prevails in their compofition.

The finer and better fort of the more modern Eng-
lilh horfes, are defcended from /Arabians and Barbs,
and frequently refemble their fires in looks and ap-
pearance, but differ from them confiderably in fize
and mould being more furnifhed, flout, and lufly.
In general they are ftrong, nimble, of good courage,
capable of enduring excefiive fatigue, and, both in
perfeverance and fpeed, furpafs all horfes in the world
. — At the fame time it is objected to them, that they
are void of grace, and want that Exprrjfion , if I may

ufe

i $8 THE HISTORY AND ART

life the word, in their figure and carriage, which is fo
confpicuous in Foreign horfes, aud fo beautiful and at-
tractive, as even to be eJQTentially requifite upon all oc-
cafions of pomp and parade : but inilead of difplaying
a dignity of motion, and a confcious air of cheerful-
nefs and alacrity, as if they fliared in the pleafure and
pride of their riders, and were almofl fenfible of hu-
man paflions, they appear in all their actions, cold,
indifferent, unanimated. This is fo apparent that the
moll heedlefs and ignorant fpectator, who fhould,
upon any occafion, fee them contrafted with horfes of
Aftion , would be truck with the difference ; would
be uninterefted with the tame and lifelefs behaviour of
ihe one, and ravifhed with the fenfibility and well-
tempered fire of the other ; which, like the Sparkling of
generous wine in the glafs, at once charms the eye,
and gives a proof of innate fpirit and goodnefs.- — Be-
fides this, the Englifli horfes are accufed, and not un-
juftly, of being obllinate and uncomplying in their
tempers, dogged and fallen, of having ftiff and inac-
tive fhoulders, and wanting fupplenefs in their limbs :
which defeats make their motions conltrained, oc-
cafion them to go near the ground, and render them
unfit for the Manege.

This is the character of the Englifli horfe ; to which
it may not be improper to add fome remarks and
anecdotes, which may tend farther to open and fet
forth the national hifiory of the animal.

Eng-

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

15 9

England has at all times, even in its rudeR Rate,
been polTefTed of a breed of horfes fufficient to anfwer
every purpofe for which they were given. Cafar,
when he invaded this ifland, found its inhabitants
not only well furniflied with horfes, but alfo very
dextrous and expert in the management of them. * He
fpeaks of their fcythed chariots, and celebrates their
fkill and addrefs in driving them ; fo that it is certain
the ufe of horfes mu'R have been long familiar to
them, and the creature much valued, if, in a Rate
bordering on favagenefs, they knew the art of taming
it fo well. From thefe early and dark times the horfe
has always flouriflied and been cheriflied with Angu-
lar attention in this kingdom.

It is neverthelefs impoRible to trace or give any de-
fcription of the fpecies ; for, as a judicious and
learned f naturaliR obferves, “ Thofe which exiR
*« among the Indigene of Great Britain, fuch as the
“ horfes of Wales and Cornwall, the Hobbies of Ire-
l< land, and the Sbelties of Scotland, though admirably
“ well adapted to the ufes of thofe countries, could
“ never have been equal to the work of war.”

This is probably true ; but we cannot hence con-
clude that there might not have been a Router and
larger breed in feveral other parts of England, where
the paRures are rich, and afford more nourifhment,

* Strabo fays they ufed ornaments of ivory in their bridles. Lib, iv.

q Pennant’s Brit. Zoolog,

it

1*5-0 THE HISTORY AND ART

it being certain, that the fize of animals may be re-
tarded or advanced, by the quantity and quality of
the food on which they are fupported ; as it is known
that in lean and barren foils, cattle of all kinds, are
fmall *, while, on the other hand, generous land
abounding with herbage, will produce animals of a
much larger growth. Nor is it unlikely, that the
Englifh had in early times, as now, horfes of different
fizes and characters, and perhaps as various, as the parts
of the kingdom in which they were bred. Although it
is more probable, as the fame curious and accurate ob-
fervers of nature inform us, that thole which were
employed in the fervice of war, as well as for draught,
in latter times were the offspring of German or Flemiffj
breeds, mended by our foil, and a judicious culture,
and that the prefect race are defeended from them.

The venerable Bede , fays, that the Englifh began to
ufe faddle horfes about the year 631, when prelates
and others rode on horfeback, who till then were
wont to go on foot 5 but that, if upon urgent occa-
sions, they were obliged to ride, they ufed mares f
only.

In the reign of Athelfian the Englifh. became fo jea-
lous of their horfes, and entertained fo high an opi-*

* Dio Nicaus, fpeaking of the Britons in the north part of the ifland,
fays their horfes were fmall and very fwift. Vid. Camden Brit.

f As a mark of humility, the mare not being fo full of pride and
Spirit as the horfe.

mon

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 161

nion of their merit, that a law was made by this
King to prohibit their exportation, unlefs deligned for
prefents. This law feems to prove, that even in thofc
times they were much prized in other countries, and
that the demand for them mud have either been very
large, or the breed not numerous at that time ; fince
otherwife that monarch, as well as fome of his fuc-
ceffors, indead of preventing the exportation, would
have done better to have encouraged the breed, fo as
to have kept pace with the demand, and brought con-
fiderable fums of money into this country ; but pride
and jealoufy forbad ; which, equally blind and Jlrongi
dill operate in Spain , in Naples, in ‘Turkey , and other
places, from which it is not lawful at this day to re-
move an horfe into another country. Befides this,
trade at that time had made but little progrefs, nor
were its advantages duly conddered ; the commerce of
the time being chiefly limited to Germany . This is a
reafon alledged by the above- cited writer, why the
horfes of thofe days mud have been purely natives,
becaufe, as he fays, the Germans could not have been
in want of horfes of their own breed.

This concludon, however, though plaufible, is not
certain : for although they could not have been in
want of horfes with which their own territories could
have furnifhed them, yet they might have been de-
drous of having horfes which were bred in England,
although defcended on one fide, if not on both, ori-
ginally, from horfes of their own country, mended

Vol. I. Y and

1 62 THE HISTORY AND ART

and improved by the foil and climate, which operate
very powerfully, and produce all the variations and
difdnftions which we fee in the animal and vegetable
worlds. With refpecft to the liorfes of this country,
this is really the fadt at this day, and has immemorably
been fo ; for admired and valued as they are, and have
been, there is no pure and unmixed blood among the
finer, if among the middling breeds, as among the
Arabs, but all of the firft clafs are diredtly or remotely
allied to foreign blood. The foil and climate, there-
fore, mull be thought greatly to contribute in form-
ing their merit ; otherwife, rich and curious perfons
of other nations would a6f more wifely to raife a
breed of their own, to fupply their wants from thofe
very countries, where the ancefiors of the Englilh
horfes are brought ; but they find by experience, that
the defcendants of thefe horfes do not thrive and fuc-
ceed fo well in other countries as in this nation, owing,
no doubt, to the fccret operations of nature, and to
the more apparent effects of foil and climate, or, to
what the French call in Fruit, the Gout de Terroir.

» — . — —Quippe folo natura fubeji.

Notwithftanding the fondnefs which Athenian difco-
vered for Englifh horfes, and his jealoufy of their be-
ing fent into other countries, it is certain that he en-
tertained a good opinion of fome Foreigners , and received
feveral as prefents, which were fent from the conti-
nent.

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 163

nent. It is probable many came from Germany ; of
feveral foreign horfes he was, however, undoubtedly
pohelfed, for in his Will * he bequeaths the horfes
given him by Thurbrand, together with the white horfes
given him by Liefbrand ; and it may reafonably be pre-
fumed, that as the perfons who gave thefe horfes were
Saxons , the Gifts likewife came from the fame country :
although it appears that he had horfes from many
different parts of the continent ; for it is reported of
this monarch, that his character and fame were fpread
fo far, that fundry Princes j~ fought his alliance and
friendfhip, and fent him “ rich prefents, precious
“ Rores, perfumes, and the fineft horfes, with golden
“ furniture.” And it is to be prefumed, that a wife
monarch, and lover of horfes, would avail himfelf of
this foreign aRiRance, to diverfify and improve the
breeds of his own kingdom.

The Conqueror brought many horfes with him from
Normandy, and fome, perhaps, of other countries,
which contributed Rill farther to augment the variety
of breeds in this ifland ; but Roger de Belefme, created
Earl of Shrewfbury, by the victorious monarch, rendered
a moR eflential fervice to the nation, by introducing
the Rallions of Spain into his eRate in Powi/land, and
through them a more generous and noble breed than
this kingdom, perhaps, had ever known. Giraldus

* The will is in Latin, and in the pofTeffion of Thomas Aftell, Efq;

f Anderfon’s Orig. of Commerce, p. xlix. vol. 1.

Y 2

Cam -

1 64 THE HISTORY AND ART

Cambrenjis takes notice of them, and Drayton, the poet,,
celebrates their excellence.

This race feems to have been calculated at once for
the purpofes of war, and the exhibitions of public fo-
lemnities, of which horfes are always a very effential
and ornamental part : for it is not known that at this
time, nor till a much later period, that horfe-races
were introduced into England : although this agreeable
and ufeful diverfion, if confined within certain regu-
lations, might have been cultivated with great pro-
priety among a people fond and proud of their horfes,
and that at a time, when bodily exercifes alone were
the amufements of all forts of men j and efpecially,
as the Englifh had opportunities of being inflrufted in
them by the Romans , who generally kept their own
cuftoms wherever they came, and left their impreflion
behind them, when they departed. We may, there-
fore, reafonably conclude, that they were either ig-
norant of thefe fports, or, what is more likely, pre-
ferred the parade and magnificence of tilts and tour-
naments, in which the firength, a<5Hvity, fpirir, and
beauty of the horfe, as well as the drill and courage
of the rider, could be more ufefully employed, and
more gracefully difplayed.

It appears, however, from a lingular and curious
Latin tra c% that in the reign of Henry II. both tourna-
ments and horfe-races, or fomething very like races,
were cultivated with much earnefinefs and care. Smith-
field was then the chief theatre for thefe fports, as well

as

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 165

as the firfl market for all forts of horfes. This place
WS originally called Smooth- field , planus campus re &
nomine, from its being a fmooth level piece of ground,
and therefore fet apart as a proper fpot, on which to
lhew and exercife horfes. Without one of the gates
of the city, fays the hiftorian, is a certain field, plain
or fmooth , both in Name and Situation. Every Friday (as
at prefent) except fome greater feftival intervene, there
is a fine fight of horfes brought to be fold. Many come
out of the city to buy or look on ; to wit, earls, ba-
rons, knights, and citizens. It is a pleafant fight to
behold the horfes there, all gay and fleek, moving up
and down, fome in the Amble , and fome in the Trot ,
which latter pace, although rougher to the rider, is
better fuited to men who bear arms. Here alfo are
colts, yet ignorant of the bridle, which prance and
bound, and give early figns of fpirit and courage.
Here likewife are maneged , or JVar-horfes, ( Dextrarii ) of
elegant fhape, full of fire, and giving every proof of
a generous and noble temper. Horfes likewife for the
cart, dray, and plough are to be found here ; mares
big with foal, and others with their colts wantonly
running by their fides.

Every Sunday in Lent, after dinner, a company of
young men ride out into the fields on horfes which are
fit for war, and excellent for their fpeed. Every one
among them is taught to run the Rounds with his
horfe. The citizens fons iflue out through the gates
by troops, furnifhed with launces and fhields : the

younger

1 6 6 THE HISTORY AND ART

younger fort have their pikes not headed with iron5
and make reprefentation of battle, and exercife a fkir-
mifli. To this performance many courtiers refort when
the court is near, and young ftriplings, yet uninitiated
in arms, from the families of barons and great per-
fons, to train and praffife. They begin by dividing into
troops, fome labour to outftrip their leaders, without
being able to reach them ; others unhorfe their anta-
gonift, without being able to get beyond them. At
other times two or three boys are fet on horfeback to
ride a race ; the fignal being given, they fet off, and
pufh their horfes to their utmoft fpeed, fparing neither
whip nor fpur, urging them, at the fame time, with
loud fliouts and clamours, to animate their endeavours,
and call forth all their powers *.

The next period in which any particular mention is
made of horfes, is in the reign of Edward II. It ap-
pears from the annals of this prince, written by John
de Trokelow, in the year 1307, that Edward was very
fond of horfes, and fent for them to Champagne in
France. He alfo gave a commiffion, in the fecond
year of his reign, to Bynde Bonaventure, and his brother,
pro vlginti dextrariis et duodecim jumentis emendis in partibus

* See the account of London by Stephanides, at the end of the
8th vol of Leland’s Itinerary. The fame pafiage, inferted in Stow’s
Survey of London, is full of moft fhameful inaccuracies, which have
been complained of already by Burton , in his commentary on Anto-
ninus’s Itinerary.

Lom -

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 167

Lombardia : and requires all his friends and loving fub-
jedds to afTift them in this important coramiffion *.

The genius of Edward III. naturally inclining him
to war, confequently made him fond, as he is re-
ported to have been, of its images and reprefentatives,
tilts and tournaments ; horfes are too effentially ne-
ceflary to both, not to have been deemed by him ob-
jedts highly deferving his care and attention. He was,
therefore, cautious and provident to be well fupplied
with them j and his own kingdom not being able to
anfwer his wants, as well may be prefumed, he pur-
chafed from time to time from other countries. We
find him indebted to the count of Hainault 25,000
florins for horfes, which he had furnifhed. The horfes
which the King had bought, were all marked , fo as to
diftinguifh the property.

This prince likewife fends to France, pro quatuor dex -
trariis , feu magnis equis f.

The fort of horfes then in ufe for princes, military
perfons, and others of rank and diftindtion, were called
Dextrarii. Edward bought thefe horfes to equip him-
felf for a war, in which he was engaged againfl Scot-
land, and to folemnize a Tournament which he was to
give at Werks ; for which fervices thefe Dextrarii were
accounted molt fit, and always deftined to them.

* Rymer, vol. i. p. 135. f Ibid. vol. ii. p, q<5.

Ibid. vol. iii. p. 1 10. Ibid. p. 1 8 1.

They

i 68 THE HISTORY AND ART

They were ranked at the head of all other fpecies
of horfes, and anfwered for the mod part to what is
meant at prefent by a maneged horfe, or one drcjjed and
difciplined for war ; to which, and the exercife of the
tournament, they were fet apart ; for, upon common
occafions, perfons of rank and conlideration always
rode upon horfes of inferior degree, didinguiflied by
the names of Couriers , Amblers , Palfreys , Hackneys , Nags ,
and Poneys , recommended by their eafy paces, and
quiet temper. In feveral countries, it was a cudom
rigoroudy obferved, that no knight of chivalry, or
other gentleman, fhould ride upon a Mare, it being
thought difhonourable and vile.

The mares were always devoted to the cart, and all
the ignoble fervices ; and whether upon this account
it was thought difgraceful in a gentleman to ride them,
or whether they were put to thefe fervile talks merely
becaufe they would not ride them, is a quedion hi-
therto undetermined. The Spaniards , Turks, and fome
other nations, fiill adhere to this abfurd notion, upon
all occafions.

The mod obvious and natural reafon which can be
afligned for this partiality againd the mare, feems to
be, that the female fex is thought (among horfes at
lead) not to have the drength, fire, and dignity of the
male, and therefore is not fo correfpondent to the
chara&er and pomp of a Knight, or warriour, as the
horfes ; nor, as it was not a general cudom to geld
horfes, could they have been truded among the op-

pofite

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 1 6)

polite fex. In other refpecfts there is no reafon to
think them inferior to horfes, and, extern paribus , al-
ways fuperior, as being perfect in nature, to Geldings.

The horfes known by the name of Dextrarii in
Latin, Dejlriere in Italian, and Dcjlrier in the French
languages, were fo called from the word Dextra , figni-
fying in the Latin, the Right-Hand ; they all having
been carefully handled , drefled, or maneged , as we call
it, from the Italian word maneggiare , which, in its lite-
ral fenfe, means no more than fimply to handle. Others
fay, that it is to be taken in a f.gurative fenfe from the
word Dextra , importing the Dexterity and readinefs with
which they work under their riders ; and others, that
they are fo denominated from being led by grooms,
when they attended their mailers into the field or litis,
by the Right-hand. The firll explanation feems to be the
molt clear and juft.

Thefe Dextrarii were alfo called magni Equi , or great
horfes, becaufe they were required to be of the largeft
fize, and were always intended to ferve in war, or in
the exercifes of the "Tournament , which were nearly al-
lied to it. As the riders were cloathed in complete ar-
mour, they were of a prodigious weight, and confe-
quently demanded very ftrong and able-bodied, as well
as tall horfes, to carry them through their enterprizes:
great and Jized horfes were therefore required, in oppo-
fition to Palfreys , Courfers, Nags , and other common
horfes : and forafmuch as thefe great horfes were all
required to be drejfed or taught, that they might per-

Vo l. I. Z form

i7o THE HISTORY AND ART

form their talks with more readinefs and fidelity ; and
as it is neceffary that the rider fhould have knowledge
and fkill to guide his horfe, thofe perfons who pro-
fefifed the fcience of arms were obliged to learn the
art of managing their horfes, in conformity to certain
rules and principles ; and hence came the expreffion
of learning to ride the great Horfe.

Thefe heavy-armed troops were called in chjjtcal
Latin Cataphratti : the light-armed cavalry were Riled
in unclajjicad Latin, Hoblearii , from their riding Hobbies , or
finall horfes, in French called Hobbin, or Aubin, from
the Italian word Ubino, fignifying a fmall horfe, as the
word Hackney is derived from the French, Haquinee , and
that from the Italian Achinea , which means a quiet ordi-
nary horfe.

Modern horfemen will, perhaps, be furprized to
hear, that thefe tilting and war-horfes were all taught
to amble ; an ufurping pace, which, for fome cen-
turies, almoft univerfally depofed the Trot.

In the account of the expences of purchasing and
bringing into England the horfes which were bought
for Edward in France, among other articles, in the
difburfements of his wardrobe, upon this occafion we
find Trammels ' ( Traynellis , for the accounts are written
in Latin) charged as an article, and with the follow-
ing addition, explanatory of their ufe, in teaching
horfes to amble. Hand afiter fci'Jicet appeliabant injlrumenta
ilia , qiiibus ufi fnnt fab ri ferrarii, Jive folearii (anglice far-
riers), nt eo faciUiis ad tolmtim incedendum redderentur equi7

quem

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 171

quem qnidem incejfum mollem (ambling) lingua vocitamus verna-
cula. The word Traymejls , or Traynells , fe<?ms to be taken
from the Italian word Tramenare , to Jloake , to wriggle ;
which term is very expreffive of the motion of the
amble. Thefe were made of yarn, or Prong lift, and
frequently of iron, like chains, or fetters : in forming
of which laft, it was neceffary to employ, fabri ferrarii ,
or fmiths, and Solearii, thofe who fhod horfes with
iron fhoes, with a long point coming from the toe,
being put upon the hinder feet, to teach horfes to
amble, which {hoes might be comprehended under
the word Trammels , as producing the fame effecT.

In the reign of Henry VII, (for in a work like this,
there muft be wide gaps) Polydore Virgil reports, that
the Englifh were wont to keep large herds of horfes
in their paftures and common fields ; and that, when
the harveft was gathered in, the cattle of different
owners fed promifcuoufly together, for which reafon
they were obliged to caftrate the horfes : for as a large
number of Mares went together, as well as geldings,
if Jloned horfes had been admitted among them, much
diforder and mifchief muft have happened. No horfes,
therefore, were allowed to mix with them, and it is at
this day contrary to law, to turn a ftoncd-horfe into a
common pafture. Hence the neceflity of gelding.
Thofe horfes which were kept to cover mares, were
always confined in fafe and inclofed grounds, but
more frequently in the Stable , and were called Equi ad
Stabulum , by contraction Stallum, Whence the Italian

Z 2 term

i 7 2 THE HISTORYAND ART

term Stallone , the French Etalon, the Englifh, Stallion , or
flailed horfe, are derived ; which expreflion prevails,
and is in ufe at prefent with regard to the ox, which
fometimes being kept from the paflure in order to be
fattened, is called the flail- fed, and flailed ox.

The fame writer fays likewife, in confirmation of
the cuftom of ufmg ambling horfes, “ that the Englifh
“ were not given to trot, but excelled in the fofter
“ pace of the Amble”

The prince above-mentioned was fo fenfible of what
advantage a flrong and generous race of horfes is to a
kingdom, that he carneflly promoted, and encouraged
the culture of them. It feems to have been at all pe-
riods of time, an univerfal defire to have large horfes,
for fmall and weaker forts could not have executed
the bufinefs required of them ; and it appears by an
a6t of parliament of the eleventh year of this reign,
that the number of Englifh horfes fent abroad was fo
exceflive, that it was neceffary to attend ferioufly to
this grievance, and prohibit all farther exportation.
The aft recites, that not only a fmaller number of
good horfes were left within the realm, for the defence
thereof, but alfo that great and good plenty of the
fame were in parts beyond the fea, which in times pad
were wont to be within this land ; whereby the price
of horfes was greatly enhanced here, to the lofs and
annoyance of all the king’s fubjc<5ts within the fame.
To remedy this, an act was made, by which no owner
of an horfe fhould prefume to tranfport it out of the

kingdom,

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 173

kingdom, upon pain of forfeiture of the fame ; nor
any mare of the value of fixfhillings and eight pence,
without the king’s fpecial licence, upon pain of for-
feiture of the fame mare, the owner, or his deputy,
receiving for the faid mare, the fum of fix fhillings
and eight pence at the time of feizure : the mare or
mares to be fold openly, by the proper officer, for the
bell price offered, and the half or all the over-price to
be to the king, and the other part to him who feized :
and farther, that no mare fhall be fent out of the land
which is above the value of fix and eight pence, and
under the age of three years, without paying the king’s
cuflom of fix and eight pence per mare, the king’s
fpecial licence being firft obtained. Befides this, ano-
ther claufe follows, which muft have been fo effectual,
as almofl to make the preceding regulations totally
ufelefs. It enatfts, that if any perfon will give for any
of the mares fo to be carried, j even /billings, it fhall be
lawful for him to take away the faid mare for his
own ufe, if fhe had not been taken before by the
king’s officer, nor the king’s licence firft obtained j it
being lawful for any denizen notwithftanding, to
tranfport an horfe abroad, without the king’s licence,
provided fuch horfe be for his own ufe, and he de-
clares upon oath, at the time of ihipping, that he does
not intend to fell them.

Another a<5t was made to prevent the felling, ex-
changing, or fending horfes or mares into Scotland,

which

>

174 THE HISTORY AND ART

which availed itfelf confiderably at this time of the
fuperior Englhh breed *.

Thus it appears from the meafures taken to keep
the Englifh horfes in their own country, that they
were always fo valued and admired by other nations,
that England had not a number fufficient for her own
demands. Two things were neceiTary to preferve to
this kingdom exchjively , the benefit of its own horfes.

The prudence of feveral fucceeding kings, attended
ferioufly to this work, and by prohibiting exportation
on one hand, and encouraging a numerous breed on
the other, applied a twofold remedy, and did almoil
all that the cafe could require. Nor would any thing
have been wanting to the completion of their wifhes,
but (which was done in after times) the appointment
of public rewards and gratifications, as an incitement
and recompence to thofe who fhould mod effectually
advance the breed. Chambers , in his Dictionary, under
the article Saddle , fays the Englifh did not ufe them till
the reign of this king, who iffued an order enjoining
their ufe. This affertion, however, is not counte-
nanced by any aCt of parliament, or proclamation.

In the reign of the fucceeding prince, a particular
regard was paid to the raffing a breed of good and
ftrong horfes, and laws were made for the more cer-
tain attainment of that defign. The only method of
fecuring ftrength and fize in the progeny, is to feleCt
the fires and dams, of a certain proportion, fize, and

* Thefe ads were repealed by Charles II.

mould,

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

ns

mould, and to permit no mare, or ftallion, to breed?
but under thefe reftridlions.

A law was accordingly made, which directed, that
every brood mare fhould be, at leaft, fourteen hands
high *.

This produced a very natural and juft effect, and
gave the kingdom many ftout and ufeful horfes, in-
fomuch that Carew , in his Hiftory of Cornwall, fup-
pofes this law to have been the occalion of lofmg al-
moft entirely the fmall breed of horfes, which were
peculiar to that country ; and it is the fame in the
principality of JVales, where the little breed, once fo
abundant, is now almoft extincft: ; their fcarcity being
a proof what changes air, food, and a mixture of blood,
can produce in the animal world. The lofs, however,

* In a period fomewhat earlier than the commencement of this
prince’s reign, a book was printed, probably the firft of its kind ever
feen in England, entitled, Properties and Medeycines for an Horfe,
^to, printed by Wynkyn de Worde, about the year 1500.

In Ames' s Hiftory of printing, the 4 to edition, 1749, he gives a lift of
fome books, printed by Wynkyn de Worde, at Weftminfter, or in
Caxtor? s houfe ; they are without date, but he fays they were printed
before the year 1 500.

The above-mentioned book of medicines for horfes is certainly prior
in time to Fitzherbert’s book on Hufbandry, which Ames fays was
printed in i2mo, in 1548: and in page 263, he mentions another
edition of it. This book has been generally thought to have been
written by Judge Fitzherbarde, but miftakenly, for the author was one
Fitzherbarde, an horfe- courfer. The book is extant. Vid. certain
ancient traifts concerning the management of landed property — Re-
printed for Charles Bathurft, 1757.

I

of

i 7 6 THE HISTORY AND ART

of thefe Pigmies , which Mr. Carew regrets, was well
repaired by a race of larger, and more able-bodied
horfes ; for thefe little animals, however pleafing and
nfeful in their own craggy and mountainous country,
could not extend their merit beyond its bounds, being
too inferior to the talk of war, the fpeed and fa-
tigue of hunting, the fplendour of tournaments,
and the magnificent pageantries of the times, efpe-
cially of this reign *, which all writers agree were
exceflive.

There is alfo a particular entry in the Journals of
the Houfe of Lords, which fhews how much they had
this caufe at heart. Ho die (viz. 15 June, 1540) tandem
lefla eji bilJa education i equorum procerioris Jlatura. & ccmmuni
omnium confenfu , nemine diferepante , expedita.

By another a6t of parliament of this king, we may
perceive what anxiety there was for having large horfes.
Some of the regulations are rather lingular, but judi-
cious, for the law is framed fo as to confider indivi-
duals in a comparative view of their rank and cireum-
Rances. Every arclibifhop and duke are obliged under
penalties, to keep feven trotting iloned-horfes for the
laddie, each of which is to be fourteen hands high, at
the age of three years. There are afterwads very mi-
nute directions, with regard to the number of the fame
kind of horfes, which are to be kept by other ranks
and degrees, each in proportion to their circumltances
and Ration.

* Vid. Sir T. More’s Poems,

Each

OF HORSEMANSHIP. s77

Each perfon having benefices to the amount of one
hundred pounds yearly, or a layman, whofe wife fhall
wear any French hood, or bonnet of velvet, are obliged,
under the penalty of twenty pounds, to keep one fuch
•rrottynge ftone-horfe for the faddle. This fiatute con-
tinued unrepealed till the 2 ill of James I. though, in
fa6t, repealed by the eighth of Elizabeth, as to the
Ifle of Ely, Cambridgefhire, and many other counties,
(which the preamble recites), which, on account of
their rottennefs, unfirmnefs, moifture, and waterifh-
nefs, were not able to breed, or bear horfes of fuch a
fize.

The reafon for enjoining flone-horfes to be kept,
mull have been for the fake of breeding, and for the
fuperior labour they are thought to be able to un-
dergo ; and as they were more expenfive to maintain
than mares or geldings, it being necefifary to feparate
and keep them apart, the rich and noble only are re-
quired to keep them in numbers proportioned to their
rank and ability ; while the lower people ufed Geldings ,
for the advantage of turning them to grafs. Brood-
mares, two at leaf!, were ordered to be kept by thofe
who had parks, enclofures, and other conveniencies.

Baked bread, known by the name of Horfe-bread ,
was the ufual food of horfes, inftead of oats and
other grain: regulations were made concerning it in
this reign, by parliament. Peafe likewife were given
in food.

A a

Vol. I.

It

1 73 THE HISTORY AND ART

It may not, perhaps, be unentertaining to the
reader, to perufe the following lift of horfes, as it
will give him a notion of the times, and fet before
him the different forts then in ufe among the nobility
and others. The extract is taken from a manufcrip't,
now in the poffeftion of his Grace the Duke of Nor-
thumberland, and lately printed, under the title of
M The Regulations and Eftablifliment of the Houfhold
“ of Algernon Percy, the Fifth Earl of Northumberland.
“ Begun anno 1512. London, printed 1768.”

It begins, u This is the ordre of the chequir roul
“ of the nombre of all the horfys of my lordis and
“ my ladys, that are apoynted to be in the charge of
Ci the hous yerely, as to fay : gentill hors, palfreys,,
“ hobys, naggis, cloth-fek hors, male-hors. Firft,
“ gentill hors, to ftand in my lordis liable, fix. Item ,
“ palfreys of my ladys, to wit, one for my lady, and
M two for her gentill- women, and oone for her cham-
“ berer. Four hobys and naggis for my lordis oone
“ faddill, viz. oone for my lorde to ride, oone to lede
“ for my lorde, and oone to flay at home for my
“ lorde.

“ Item , chariot hors to ftond in my lordis liable
yerely. Seven great trottynge hors to draw in the
5t chariott, and a nagg for the chariott man to ride ;
M eight. Again, hors for lorde Percy, his lordfhips
“ fon and heir. A grete doble trottynge hors for my
“ lorde Percy to travel on in winter. Item , a gret do-
ble trottynge hors, called a Curtal, for his lordfhip

u to

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 179

«« to ride on out of townes. Another trottynge
u gambaldynge hors for his lordfhip to ride upon when
“ he comes into townes. An amblynge horfe for his
“ lordfhip to journey on dayly. A proper amblyng
“ little nagg for his lordfhip when he gaeth on hunt-
“ ing or hawking. A gret amblynge gelding, or trot-
“ tynge gelding, to carry his male.”

Such were the horfes of ancient days, ranked into
claffes, and allotted to different fervices.

The gentil horfe was one of a fuperior and diftin-
guifhed breed, fo called in contrail to fuch as were of
a mean and ordinary extraction. The Italians at this
day call their noblefl breeds, Razza gentile . Gentleman
is underflood in this fenfe, fignifying a perfon of better
birth and family. Nemejian ufes the very word in this
fenfe.

* — Gentili J anguine jirmus.

Palfreys were an elegant and eafy fort of horfes,
which, for their gentienefs and agreeable paces, were
ufed upon common occafions by military perfons and
others ; who referved their great, or managed horfes
for battle, and the tournament. Their pleating qua-
lities foon recommended them to the fair fex, who
having no coaches, ufed thefe palfreys, and always tra-
velled on horfeback.

Hobys were ftrong, aCtive horfes, of rather a fmall
fize : they are reported to have been originally natives

A a 2 of

180 THE HISTORY AND ART

of Ireland, and were fo much liked and tiled, as to
become a proverbial expreffion for any thing of which
people are extremely fond. Nags come under the fame
defcription, as to their fize, qualities, and employ-
ments.

Clothfek , was a cloak-bag horfe, as male-horfe is one
who carried the portmanteau. Horfes to draw the
Chariott were Waggon horfes ; from the French word
Charrette, whence the Englifh word Cart j for coaches,
nor Chariots (in our acceptation), were not known at
this time. A gret doble trottynge horfe, was a tall,
broad, and well-fpread horfe, whofe bed pace was the
trot, being too unweildy in himfelf, or carrying too
great a weight, to be able to gallop. Doble or double Sig-
nifies broad, big, Swelled out ; from the French double ,
who fay of a broad-loined filleted horfe, that he has
les reins doubles— & double bidet. The Latin adjective du-
plex, gives the fame meaning ; Virgil Speaking of the
horfe fays, at duplex agitur per lumbos fpina, Georg, iii.
and Horace, Duplice feu. A Curtal is an horfe whofe
tail is cut ^ or Shortened— in the French Curtaud. A
gambaldynge horfe, was one of Shew and parade, a ma-
naged horfe from the Italian Gamba , a leg. An am-

blynge horfe is too well known, to need an explanation.
The Amble long before this time, as well as for a long
while after, was fo favourite a pace, and fo much liked
for its eafe and fmoothnefs, that almoft every faddle-
horfe was taught to perform it, efpecially thofe which
were rode by the rich, the indolent, and infirm :• fo

that

OF HORSEMANSHIP. i 8 r

that Markham, who wrote in the reign of James I.
fpeaking of ambling horfes, fays, “ take away thefe
“ horfes, and take away the old man, the rich man,
“ and the weak man’s, nay generally all men’s tra-
“ vels : for coaches (then known) are but for flreets,
“ and carts can hardly pafs in winter.”

Henry was undoubtedly very fond of horfes, and
fo thoroughly convinced of what advantage they are to
a kingdom, that he did every thing, both by his
authority and example, to introduce and fupport a ge-
nerous breed, of which the nation was at this time
fhamefully unprovided. Sir Thomas Chaloncr, in a
Latin poem, entitled De Republica Anghrum injlauranda ,
i 579, which he compofed in the early part of the
reign of Elizabeth, while he was embaffador from the
queen to the court of Spain, cenfures the ignorance
and folly of his countrymen, in neglecting to pro-
mote a race of valuable horfes in their own country,
which, from the many fuperior advantages it enjoys,
he fays, was capable of furnifliing more beautiful and
ufeful breeds, than thofe of foreign parts, from which
they were fo fond of being fupplied: he reproaches them
for their want of Stallions , fet apart, and kept merely as
fuch ; and fays, that they had no Horfes, but what were
vile and ordinary, which werefuffered to run promif-
cuouily in the paftures with mares, producing a worth-
lefs and defpicable breed : he therefore recommends a
reparation from the marcs, which fhould be confined in

parks-

1 8 2 THE HISTORY AND ART

parks and enclofures, where they may run fecure and
unmolefted. Hence he takes occafion to proclaim the
praifes of Henry VIII. for the attention which he paid
to horfes, and for his zealous endeavours to hock this
nation with a variety of breeds for different purpofes,
by importing the fineft, both horfes and mares, from
Turky, Naples, Spain, and Flanders ; extolling him at
the fame time for his addrefs and fkill in bodily exer-
cifes, particularly horfemanfhip, in which, he fays,
this monarch was confummate, and equal to Cajlor
himfelf. From the concurrent teftimonies of other
writers, and from the time when this poem was pub-
liflied, which was not till after Henry’s death, there is
great reafon to think thefe praifes were fmcere, unlefs
the author may be thought to have complimented
Elizabeth in the commendations he fo lavifhly bellows
upon her father ; which mode of panegyrick may be
termed flattery once removed.

Nor was this monarch only folicitous to introduce
and eftablifh a generous and ferviceable breed of horfes
in the kingdom, but he extended his cares farther,
and endeavoured to make his plan Hill more ufeful, by
providing experienced and fkilful perfons to prefide in
his Rabies, and fpread by their means the rules and
elements of horfemanfhip through the nation. This
ufeful and becoming art, as the Duke of Newcaflle
fays, began, or rather revived, about this time in Na-
ples. The perfon who firft taught it there was named
Pignatclli. Henry invited two Italians, who had been

his

i

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 183

his fcholars, into England, and placed them in his fer-
vice, From one of thefe were defcended the Alexanders
who were riding-mafters, mentioned likewife by the
Duke, and whofe fcholars filled the kingdom with
horfemen.

The King likewife had an Italian farrier, named
Hannibale , who was looked up to by his Englilh brethren
as an oracle; and who did notdifcover great myfteries,
but yet taught them more than they knew before.

Sir Philip Sydney , in Elizabeth’s reign, introduced the
Signors Profpero and Romano. Robert Dudley, Earl of
Leicefter, and Mailer of the Horfe to the Queen, re-
tained in his fervice an Italian horfeman, whofe name
was Claudio Curtio. He wrote a book on the Art> which
is ft ill extant. Thefe, and fome who came afterwards,,
at different intervals, formed many horfemen, and
laid the foundation of the Manege in England.

Nothing remarkable concerning liorfes happened in
the Ihort reign of Edward VI. but it appears from an
aft of parliament, made in the firft year of his reign,,
that horfes were highly valued ; for this adl confiders
the Healing of them among the blackeft crimes, and
takes away the benefit of clergy from horfe-ftealers, to-
gether with thofe convidled of Houfebreaking , Sacrilege , and
Murder. All other offences and felonies indeed, except
treafon, were afterwards entitled to this benefit, though
excluded, by later affs of parliament *.

* Obfervat. on the Stat. p. 464, 3d edit.

1 84 THE HISTORY AND ART

By thefe prudent and judicious meafures, the
Englifli breed of horfes was not only improved in
ftrength and fize, but alfo greatly increafed in number.

The ufe of coaches was not known in England till
the year 1580 (in Queen Elizabeth’s reign) when
they were introduced by Fitz- Allen, Earl of Arundel *.

Till this period, faddle-horfes and carts were the
only methods of conveyance for all forts of people ;
and the Queen rode behind her Maker of the Horfe,
when ilie went in date to St. Paul’s. This fafhion, how-
ever, prevailed only in the former part of her reign, and
was totally extinguifhed by the appearance of coaches.
Their introduction occafioned a much larger demand
of horfes, than former times had wanted ; and fuch
was the number of them employed in this fervice,
that at the latter end of the Queen’s reign a bill was
propofcd in the Houfe of Lords, to reftrain the fuper-
fluous and exceflive ufe of coaches. It was rejected
upon the fecond reading: the Lords, however, di-
rected, that the Attorney General fhould perufe the
flatutes for promoting the breed of horfes, and con-
fider of fome proper bill in its room f.

The invention of gunpowder being known, and fire
arms generally ufed, the heavy armour fell into dif-
repute, and a light fort was only ufed : a lighter and
more aCtive horfe therefore became neceflary, and

* Anderfon’s Grig, of Comm, p, 421, vol. 1.

~ -f Journals, Nov. y, 1601.

were

OF HORSEMANSHIP. i 8;

were accordingly cultivated and ufed. Sir John Smytbe ,
in his treatife on the good effccTs of archery in armies,
written the year after the attempt of the Spanifli
Armada, fpeaks of this fort of armour and horfes with
difapprobation and contempt, and fays, “ their horfe -
“ men alfo ferving on horfeback with launces, or any
“ other weapon, they think very well armed with fome
“ kind of head- piece, a collar, and a deformed light -
£< bellied bead.”

This was the origin of the light and fleet breed of
horfes in this country, which became as neceffary
when the weight of the riders was fo confiderably
leffened, as the flrong and flower fort were, when
heavy armour was worn.

Thofe diftinguifhed trials of fpeed and vigour be-
tween horfe and horfe, were not as yet eftablifhed and
pra&ifed, in the manner in which they are exhibited
at prefent. Nor were any horfes kept merely for the
purpofe of dilplaying their fpeed upon certain occa-
fions, at dated feafons, and confecrated, like the run-
ning horfes of latter times, folely to the turf. It is
neverthelefs certain, that this comparative method of
proving the goodnefs of horfes, was known in thefe
times ; and that private matches were made between
gentlemen, who, depending upon their own fkill, rode
their horfes themfelves.

Lord Herbert of Cherbury mentions thefe races, and
fpeaks of them with a groundlefs and abfurd difap-
probation.

VOL. I.

B b

u The

1 86 THE HISTORY AND ART

“ The exercife * I do not approve of, fays he, is run-
“ ning of horfes, there being much cheating in that
“ kind : neither do I fee why a brave man fhould de-
“ light in a creature whofe chief ufe is to help him to
“ run away:” as if cheating was incident to any fport,
or more fo to this than to others ; or that a man, be-
caufe he is mounted on a fwift horfe, mud be a pol-
troon, and run away. This quaint Lord might, with
equal reafon, have objecfted to a man’s legs for being
firong and aHive.

As hunting was the chief amufement of the nobi-
lity and gentry, they had a method of trying the
fpeed and goodnefs of the horfes deftined to that
fport.

It was called the T’rain-fcent , and fo denominated,
becaufe the fcent which the hounds hunted, proceeded
from fome animal which had previoufly been trained
along the fields, and over hedges and ditches, accord-
ing to the pleafure of the perfon who trained or drag-
ged it after him. The rival horfes were to follow the
hounds which hunted this fcent, and give proofs of
their fpeed and merit, in competition with one another.
Of all chaces this was reckoned the fwifteft and moft
trying, becaufe the Scent lies the hotted ; fo that the
hounds run all the time at the utmoil ftretch, and the
horfes muft have been exerted to their utmoft powers
to keep pace with them. Befides, in this manner of

* Life of Lord Herbert, publiflied by Mr. Walpole, p. 51.

hunting,

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 187

hunting, the fport was always ready, when a fox or
hare might not eafily be found ; and this way of
matching and running hunters, in order to try their
fpeed again!! one another, while they followed the
dogs, was thought to be more cheering, both to the
riders and horfes, than to make them run fimply
again!! one another, or again!! "Time , as the prefent
practice is.

There was likewife another Chace , called by horfe-
men the Wild-Goofe chace, and thus defcribed *. This
chace is never ufed but in Matches only ; where neither
the hunting the hare, nor the running T rain-i cents, are
able to decide which horfe is better. In this cafe horfe-
men found out this chace, which is called the Wild -
Goofe chace, from its refemblance to the flight of Wild-
Geefe, which, for the mol! part ever fly after one another,
and keep an equal diftance as it were from one another.
So in this chace, after the horfes are flatted, and have
run twelve fcore yards, then, which ever horfe can
get the leading, the other is bound to follow wherever
he goes, and that too within a certain diftance, as
twice or thrice his length, or elfe to be beaten up
(whipped) by the triers (judges) which ride by to fee
fair play : and if either horfe get before the other
twelve fcore yards, or according as the match is made,
then the hinder horfe lofes the match ; and if the
horfe which at the beginning was behind, can get before

* Markham’s Cavalarice, lib. iii. p. u.

R A 2 that

i 8 8 THE HISTORY AND ART

that which firjl led, then is he like-wife bound to fol-
low, till he can either get before, or elfe the match
be loft and won. It is well known that this chace ftill
preferves its name in a common proverb, and that many,
people follow it, without knowing that they do fo.

In the fucceeding reign of James, horfemanfhip be-
gan to difplay and enlarge itfelf more conftderably
than in any former time ; having received many ad-
ditions and refinements from the different mafters who
taught and practifed it throughout Europe.

Public races were now eftablifhed, and fuch horfes
as had given proofs of fuperior abilities, became
known and famous, and their breed was cultivated,,
and their pedigrees, as well as thofe of their pofterity,
in imitation, perhaps, of the Arabian manner, pre-
ferved and recorded with the greateft exaHnefs. Gar-
ter ly , in Yorkfhire, Croydon, near London, and fome-
tirnes Theobalds, on Enfield Chace, when the King was re»
fident, were the fpots where the races were run.

They were performed very nearly under the fame
rules, and upon the fame principles as at prefent; and
the horfes were prepared for running, by all the dis-
cipline of food, phyfic, airing, fweats, and clothing, which
compofes the prefent fyftem.

The weight alfo which each horfe was to carry, was ri-
gidly adjufted, the ufual weight of the riders being ftated
at ten ftones, who were put into fcales, and weighed
before they ftarted. All, or the larger part of the moft
famous races through the kingdom, were called Bell-

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 189

Courfes, the prize and reward of the conquering horfes,
being a.* Bell jand it is fubmitted as a Conjecture, whether

the

* Camden exprefly mentions this, as likewife the cuftom of laying
large wagers upon the fpeed of the contending horfes — Calaterhim
nemus [the forefl of GaltresJ — Hodie equorum folenni curfu , in quo vidlor1
equo Campanula aurea preemio proponitur, celeberrimum : vix enim credibilc
quanta hominum multitudo ad hac certamina undique confluat , G? quantis de-
pofitis pignoribus de equorum velocitate concert etur. Vid. Camden’s Britan,
fub Tit. Yorkfhire.

It has been faid in the foregoing part of this work, that the an-
cients were wont, among other ornaments and devices, to deck
their horfes with Bells. The following pafiages feem to confirm this
aflertion.

Capifira fijlulofa cami , quibus appenfa funt tintinnabula, in qua infpi-
r antes equi vocem tuba mittunt. Bulledgerus from Hefychius.

Ibid, from Euftathius. Fiflulati cami habuere adjunct a tintinnabula,
quibus injpirantes equi fonitum tuba edidere.

Apuleius. Phaleris aureis , fucatis ephippiis , purpureis tapetis , freenis
argenteis, pi dl ill bus baltheis , tintinnabulis perargutis exornatum equum.

Bulengerus from the Greek, cap. 17. xErea alii gat a fronti cum multi s
tintinnabulis terrorem facit.

Virgil.

Primus equi labor eft animos atque arma videre
Bcllantum , lituofque pati , tradluque gementem
Ferre rot am, & ftabulo francs audire Ion antes

Propertius. — — Sifrcena fonantia fie dies

Serviet afper equus

From fimilar authorities, we have equal reafon to believe, that Bells
were ufed as an article of horfe- furniture among the moderns, in this
and other countries. Chaucer , in his Canterbury Tales, fpeaking of
the Monks , fays,

Full;

i 90 T H E H ISTORY AND ART

the phrafe of hearing the Bell , which implies being
comparatively the left, or moll excellent, and corre-
fponds with the cxpredion of bearing the Paki among
the ancients, as a reward decreed to the fwiftell horfe

*« Full many a dainty horfe had he in liable,

“ And when he rode men might his Bridle hear
“ Gyngelyn in a whittling wind als clere
“ And eke as loud as doth the chapel bell.”

Cotton, Virgil traveftied.

“ Mean time queen Dido was not idle,

“ And gingle gingle went her bridle.”

Rabelais makes Pantagruel take the Bell out of a fteeple, and hang
it upon his mare’s neck, which moll probably alludes to the cuftom of
horfes wearing Bells. The laft, but ftrongeft inftance, becaufe it is
very recent, is from Congreve's, play of the Old Batchelor ; where com-
paring a new married man to a race horfe going to ftart, he fays,

tc With gaudy plumes, and gingling Bells made proud,

“ The youthful fteed fets out, and neighs aloud.”

After reading the above pafiages, and more particularly the laft,
few people, it may be prefumed, will doubt of the cuftom that once
prevailed of drefling horfes with bells. At Naples they ufe them occa-
fionally for pleafure and parade at this day, and to a fet of coach-horles
will add a feventb , hung round and covered with Bells , which ring
and gingle, as the horfe proudly moves on.

However true the fadts may be, neverthelefs, although I have been
neither idle nor inaccurate in my enquiries, 1 have hitherto been unable
to gain any particular information upon the fubject and with refpedt to
the lines quoted from Congreve, I have been fo unfuccefsful as never to
find any pafiage from hiftory, oral tradition, or any account whatever
concerning it, although there mutt be people ftill living who were con-
temporary with the author, and may well be fuppofed to have feen and
known the fadl to which he fo plainly alludes.

in .

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

i 91

in a race, is not more aptly deduced from this cuftom,
and more forcibly applied, than from the method of
tying a Bell round the neck of the Sheep, which leads
the flock, and is therefore accounted the bed.

This King bought an Arabian horfe of one Mr. Mark-
ham, a merchant, and gave the large price of 50 oh for
the purchafe. He was the fir ft of that country which
England had ever feen ; and it is furprifing, confidering
the feveral expeditions to the Holy Land, and other
parts of the Eaft, that none had ever been imported
before.

The Duke of Newcaftle, who fpeaks from his own
knowledge, which was confummate, defcribes him
to have been of a bay colour, a little horfe, and no
rarity for fhape ; no more than was the famous horfe
fince known by the name of the Godolphin Arabian. As
to the horfe bought by King James, it is to be fuf-
pecfted that he was bad and worthiefs in himfelf, or
elfe his country cannot have all that merit which is fo
lavifhly bellowed upon it, for its natural properties in
producing fuch fuperior horfes. He was trained for
a Courfe , but difgraced his country, and was beat by
every horfe which run againft him. This account
is given by that eminent judge of horfes and horfe -
manfhip, who feems not to confide in the relations
given of the Arabian horfes, by travellers and com-
pilers of voyages, which, from the ignorance of the
reporters, are generally too fuperficial and extrava-
gant, to deferve much attention, and never give any

2, in for-

i 9 2 T H E H I S T ORY AND A R T

information, which is fufhciendy clear and authentic,
to enable us to decide upon their merit, which, it is
probable, if it could be exadlly tried and dated, would
not be found to be fo fuperior to the Englifli horfes, as
it is reprefented, cither in fpeed, refolution, or pati-
ence of fatigue.

The fon and heir apparent of James, Henry Prince
of Wales, had an early and eager difpofition to thofe
exercifes, which tend at once to engage and employ the
mind, form the body, and add grace to drength and
activity. For thefe reafons he cultivated horfemanfhip
with equal pleafure and application, and the art would
have boaded in him its greated ornament and fupport,
had not an untimely death deprived the world of this
amiable prince, and the Manege of an affedfionate and
zealous protedtor. All that is known of him, is, thac
lie loved it extremely, that he procured feveral foreign
horfes, as the fitted to be employed in it from their
natural talents, and the gracefulnefs of their motion ;
and that Henry IV. of France fent an experienced and
eminent horfeman, whofe name was St. Jntoine, to in-
drudt him in the art. There was a riding-houfe in St.
James’s palace, in which this young prince exercifed
himfelf, and received his ledfons.

Several other writers upon the fubjedt of horfes,
fpeak of his love and fondnefs of them, both in the
Manege and hunting, and conceived great hopes of the
advantages which the kingdom would reap from the
Studs which he formed, and the Races he edabliflied.

Hence

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 193

Hence Withers introduces Britannia thus lamenting
his death :

“ Alas, who now fhall grace my tournaments,

“ Or honour me with deeds of chivalrie * ?

In this reign alfo the merit of the Englifh horfes
began to be fo acknowledged, that many were pur-
chafed, and fent into France, where they continue to
be fo much valued and admired, that a great com-
merce is ftill carried on, and numbers yearly fent into
that kingdom, as well as into Germany, Holland, Po-
land, and other places.

BaJJompiere f, in his memoirs, gives an account of
their introduction, and of the name given to them, at
their firft appearance in France. He fays, that the
court being at Fontainbleau , it was the fafhion to play
for large and ferious fums, and the Circulation being
very brifk, they called the counters which reprefented
money, Quinterots, becaufe they pafled and repaffed from
one player to another, with as much quicknefs and
rapidity, as the Englifh horfes were known to run,
and which were called Fpiunterots, from the name of
the perfon, who the year before had brought them into
France ; which (he adds) were fo admired for their
fpeed, that Englifh horfes have, fmce that time, been

* Prince Henry’s Obfeq. Eleg. 21, page 3^8. Lend. 1617.

■f Memoirs, vol, i. page 206.

C c always

Vo l. I.

i 94 THE HISTORY AND ART

always employed in hunting and journeys j a practice
till then unknown.

Towards the latter part of this reign it appears,
that the Englilh method of keeping and ordering their
horfes was thought fo proper and judicious, as to be
recommended and copied in France, and, perhaps,
elfewhere. It is fafeft to houfe and rub an horfe after
being heated, as the Englilh hunting and running-
horfes are, fays a French writer upon this fubjeHt.
Surfleet’s Tranllation of Lietand’s Maifon Ruflique.
The tranllation of this book was publilhed in the year
i 6 1 6 ; and the original mull have been a book of
fome credit at that time, otherwife, it is to be fup-
pofed, an Englilhman would not have thought it
worth while to give a tranllation of it.

The reign of Charles was embroiled and diRradled by
feenes which were brought too home to his own buR-
nefs and bofom, to allow him to attend to thofe arts
and improvements which are the children of peace,
and mull be nurfed by leifure and tranquillity.

This King, like his brother Henry , was neverthelefs
very fond of the Manege , and, according to the teRi-
monies of HiRorians, a very judicious and accom-
plilhed horfeman.

As an * inRance of his attention to the Art of
riding, confidered in a public and national light, he
ilTued a proclamation in the third year of his reign,

* From the original in the Coll, of the Society of Antiquar. No. 74.

2 which

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 19s

which enjoins the ufe of Bitts inftead of fnaffles, which,
at that time, were ufed in the army. The procla-
mation fets forth, that his Majefly finding by experi-
ence, that fuch horfes as are employed in the fervice,
are more apt and fit to be managed by fuch as fhall
ride them, being accuftomed to the Bitt, than the Snaffle ,
he, therefore, flritflly charges and commands, that no
perfon (other than fuch only as his Majefly, in refpedt
of their attendance on his royal perfon, in times of
Difport, or othewife, fhall licence thereunto) fhall in
riding ufe any Snaffles , but Bitts only.

This regulation was judicious, for bitts were more
becoming, and better fuited to the troops, as fnaffles
are in general fitter for times of Difport , by which (it
is prefumed) racing and hunting were meant, and for
which they were referved.

The fondnefs for Englifh horfes among the French,
which began in the preceding reign, continued in this,
and the Englifh underflood the merit of their own
horfes fo well, as to be prudently jealous of their ex-
portation, and encreafe in the French dominions, as
appears from the following extradl from the lately
printed journals of the Houfe of Lords ; viz.

u Die Sabbat i 2 6 Die fulii , 1645*. Dom. Proc.

“ It was moved, at the requcfl of the French agent,
“ that a pafs may be granted, for tranfporting twelve
“ horfes and two mares into France for the Duke of
“ Orleans: and it is ordered, that he fhall have leave to

C c 2 “ tranfport

i g6 THE HISTORY AND ART

r‘ tranfport twelve horfes, but no mares, as there is a
datute againft it; and the concurrence of the Houfe
“ of Commons is defired therein.”

In fpite, however, of this jealoufy and dridtnefs, not
to let Englifh horfes be fent into France, it fhoukl feem
that there was no unwillingnefs to let foreign horfes
be brought into England ; for we find that this Prince,
in the fixth year of his reign, granted a fpecial licence
to William Smith, and others, to import horfes, mares,
and geldings into this kingdom : the faid William
Smith, and others, are alfo enjoined to import Coach-
horfes , Coach-mares , and coach-geldings, which are not
to be under fourteen hands in height, nor under the
age of three years, nor exceeding feven * : and from
the frequent importation of horfes by our kings, it
feems probable, that they fet a greater value upon fo-
reign horfes, than on thofe of their own country ;
and there are not the lead traces of the Englifh. horfes
being efteemed in the early parts of Rymer s Collection.

We learn likewife from a memorial prefented to
Charles by Sir Edward Harwood f, touching the date of
the kingdom, that there was a great deficiency of good
and dout horfes for its defence, infomuch that it was
a quedion if it could have furnifhed 2000, that would
have been equal to 2000 French: the caufe of this

* Rymer, vol. 8. p. 131.

■f Harleian Mifc. vol. 4, p. 260.

evil,

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 197

evil, the memorialiP takes to have been, the Prong
addiction which the nation had to racing and hunting
horfes, which, for the fake of fwiftnefs, were all of a
lighter and weaker mould ; and he propofes, as a re-
medy of this grievance (and mod infallible it would
have been), that noblemen and gentlemen, inPead of
making races for Bells * (as before mentioned), fhould
keep ftronger horfes, which might be fit for war, and
train them and their riders in military exercifes. This
wholefome advice would probably have been purfued ;
but the remainder of the reign was fo Pormy, that
men were forced to fell the paflure, to buy the Peed,
and no regard could be paid to any improvement or
ufeful defign, the advancement of which generally de-
mands much preparation, and fofter times than this
period was able to boaP.

When Charles II. was rePored, the arts, fciences and
pleafures followed in his train, and were rePored to a
nation, from which the troubles of the preceding
reign, and of Cromwell' s Interregnum , had driven them
away. This pleafure-loving monarch greatly encou-
raged that branch of riding, which is called Racing.

* About the latter end of this King’s reign, it was cuPomary to
have races performed in Hyde- Park. This appears from a comedy
called the Merry Beggars, or Jovial Crew, written in the year 1641 —
“ Shall we make a fling to London (fays one of the characters of the
“ piece), and fee how the fpring appears there in the Spring Garden,
“ and in Hyde-Park, to fee the Races , horfe and foot.”

Dodjley s Collection of Old Plays.

He

3 9 8 T H E HISTO R Y AND ART

He gave public rewards and prizes, and delighted to
be a witnefs of the Cornells of the courfe ; and when
refident at JVindfor , had races run at Datchet Mead ; but
the mod didinguillied fpot for thefe trials was New-
market, which, from the fitncfs of the ground, was firft
chofen, and has ever lince been facred to thefe Sports ,
which are Dill as fuperior in England, as thofe of
Olympia are faid to have been in Greece *.

The glory of this place now burft out in the
blighted fplendor. The king ufed to honour the
races with his prefence, and edabliilred an houfe for
his reception. He condefcended fo far as to be a

* Long before the inftitution of races, this chofen piece of ground
was frequently honoured by the prefence of thofe kings who loved
hunting, it being remarkably favourable to that fport. The manfion
now called the King’s- Houfe , was their refidence, when they went to
Newmarket for the purpofe of hunting •, and it was not till fome time
before the troubles of the reign of Charles I. that this tradt was deftined
to be an horfe-courfe ; but the races eftablifhed here felt the miferies of
the times, were difeontinued during the civil wars, nor revived till the
relloration of the fon and fuccefforof the monarch who had firfb diftin-
guifhed and protected them. It fnould feem likewife, from the follow-
ing extract, that the fcience of racing was well underftood in this reign,
and advanced to a degree, almoft equal to the refinement of thefe en-
lightened times. Mejfieurs Hamilton envoy event (fays the author) des
Chevaux a M. le Due de Chevreufe , pour aHer voir la courfe de Monfieur
Germain neveu de Milord St. Alban , le quel fur un ■petit cheval noir fut en
5 5 minutes a neuf milles loix du lieu dent il par tit., et on il revint ; ft bien
qu’enune heure ( moins cinque minutes ) il jit 18 milles, et gagna la gageure
qit’il avoit fait. Un autre en mefme terns fit vingt milks , et voulut de gager de
refaire a I’infiant la mefme chofe fur le meme cheval.

Monconny’s Travels, tome z. page 23.

Can -

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

*99

Candidate , kept and entered horfes in his own name,
and by his attention and generofity, added dignity,
importance, and luftre to the inftitution, over which
he prefided. Bells> the ancient rewards of fwiftnefs,
were now no longer given, but in their dead a filver
Bowl or Cup, of the value of one hundred guineas.
Upon this royal gift, the exploits of the fuccefsful
horfe, and his pedigree, were generally engraved, to
publifh and perpetuate his fame ; and feveral of thefe
trophies are now in the poffefiion of different people.
The cufiom of keeping race horfes at Newmarket is flill
continued by the fucceffors of this king ; but the fum
of one hundred guineas is given in the room of the
filver bowl *. Charles is reprefented by the duke of
Newcafile, as having had much knowledge in horfes,
and as an experienced and able rider f. In his reign
the adl of Henry VII. before recited, for prohibiting the
exportation of horfes, was repealed, and another
paired, by which horfes were permitted to be feat
abroad, upon paying a duty of five fhillings each.

James the fecond has the honourable teftimony of
the above-mentioned duke of Newcafile, as being a
good horfeman ; but his reign was too unquiet and.

* It is difficult to reconcile this character with an account of Charles
given by the above- cited author. “ Je pafiai par les ecuries du roy,
qui font fort mal garnies, auffi n’aime t’il point les chevaux du manege.

P* 35-

f Some allowance is due to the duke of Newcafile from his con-
nexion and fituation.

fixer r,

2 0 0

THE HISTORY AND ART

£hort, to have allowed him to difcover his fentiments
and inclinations upon the fubjedt of horfes — All that
is known farther of him, is, that he loved hunting,
and for that purpofe preferred Englifh horfes, of
which he had feveral always in his Rabies in France ;
and expreffed a peculiar fadsfaction in having them,
and that at a time, and in a fituation, in which it is
natural to think, they were rather likely to have given
him uneafinefs and mortification, than to have afforded
him pleafure.

When William III. was advanced to the throne, he
not only added to the plates given to different places in
the kingdom, but rendered a more neceffary and im-
portant fervice to the nation : he founded an Academy
for riding, and invited from France a very capable
and experienced horfeman, Major Foubert, to prefide
over it.

It is to be prefumed, that this prince mufc have ob-
fcrved that a general difregard to the art, and almofl
a total ignorance of its principles prevailed at this time
throughout the nation ; and he no fooner was fenfible
of the difeafe, than he applied the remedy, and did,
at lead in his prudent and generous intentions, what
fo long had been wanting in the plan of his predecef-
fors, to render it confident and effectual. It is ado-
rn filing to think how this work, fo immediately ne-
ceffary, could have been deferred fo long ; and that
while rewards were given, publick trials appointed,
and laws enabled, to promote an ufeful and generous

breed

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 20 i

breed of horfes, no ftep fhould have been taken on
the other hand to qualify and inftrudt the youth of
the kingdom in the fuperiour art of riding : for the
getting upon the back of an horfe, to be conveyed from
one place to another, without knowing what the ani-
mal is enabled by nature, art, and practice to perform,
is not Riding : the knowledge and utility of which
confdts in being able to difcern, and dextrous to em-
ploy the means by which the horfe may be brought
to execute what the rider requires of him, with pro-
priety, readinefs, and fafety ; and this knowledge in
the man, and obedience in the horfe, like foul and
body, fhould be fo intimately connedted, as to form
One Perfecl Whole ; this union being fo indifpenfably ne-
ceffary, that where it is not, there is no meaning be-
tween the man and horfe, they talk different lan-
guages, and all is confufion. — While many and fatal
mifchiefs may enfuc; the man may be wedged in the
timber which he drives to rend, and fall the vidtim
of his own ignorance and rafhnefs.

Queen Anne continued the bounty of her predc-
ceffors, with the addition of fcveral Plates. Her royal
confort George prince of Denmark is faid to have been
remarkably fond of horfe-races, and to have obtained
from the queen the grants of feveral plates, allotted to
different places. The author of a work in 12 mo. re-
lating to the antiquity and progrefs of horfe-races, &c.
printed in the year 1 7 6 9, fays, that in the reign of this
princefs, gentlemen bred their horfes fo fine, for the

V0L1 1. . Dd fake

2 0 2

THE HISTORY AND ART

fake of fpeed only, that they became quite ufelefs,
when a public fpirited gentleman obferving this error,
left thirteen hundred guineas, for thirteen plates, to
be run for at fuch places as the crown fhould appoint,
whence they were called royal plates ; upon condi-
tion, that each horfe fhould carry twelve Rones weight,
the bell of three heats over a four-mile courfe : no
authority, however, is cited to fupport this account,
and the regiflers of the lord chamberlains, at the
jewel-office, and of the king’s mailer of the horfe,
evince the contrary, and prove the plates to be folely the
royal bounty.

George the Find, towards the end of his reign, dif-
continued the Plates, and gave the fum of one hun-
dred guineas in their room. The royal bounty, con-
veyed in this fliape, was certainly more judicioufly
conferred, if confidcred in a public and national light,
inafmuch as it was more ufeful and efficacious : for,
notwithflanding that a nobleman, or perfon of fortune,
might eye the Cup upon his fide-board with a confci-
ous pride and pleafure, the Guineas will fpeak more
perfuafively to the private perfon and farmer, as they
will help at leaf! to repay the expences of keeping the
horfe which won them 5 and anfwer many other ne-
ceffary purpofes.

In the thirteenth year of his late majefty, an acT was
pafled for the fuppreffion of races by Poneys , and other
fmail and weak horfes ; by which all matches for any
prize under the value of fifty pounds are forbid j and

4

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

203

by which each horfe entered to run, if five years old,
is obliged to carry ten Hone ; if fix, eleven ; and if feven,

twelve This fiatute had a two-fold intention, and was

framed not only to prevent the encouragement of a
vile and paltry breed of horfes, but likewife to re-
move all temptation from the* lower clafs of people.,
who conftantly attend thefe races, to the great lofs of
time, and hindrance of labour ; and whofc behaviour
fiill calls for drifter regulations, to curb their licenti-
oufnefs, and correft their manners.

The Scotch nation, from early times, poflefted a
breed of horfes which they much eftcemed, and which
were held fo much in repute by other countries,
that it became neceftary to hinder their exportation,
by laws and reftriftions. By an aft of parliament of
James the firft, 2d. parliament, chap. 31. no horfe that
was not paft three years old could be fold out of the
kingdom, under pain of forfeiture to the king. By
another aft of the firft parliament of James the Sixth,
chap. 22, it was forbid to tranfport any horfe out of
the realm, upon pain of forfeiture to the king of fuch
horfe, and the fiiip and goods of the tranfportcr. The
preface of this aft particularly mentions tranfporting
of horfes to Bourdeaux , from which place there was a
great demand, as well as from other parts, fo as to
make a fcarcity and dearth.

In the tenth parliament of James the Third, a juft
and wife aft was pafled, whereby every Farrier who fiiod
an horfe, and pricked his foot, through ignorance or

D d 2 drunk-

204 THE HISTORY AND ART

drunkennefs, was obliged to depofit the price of the
horfe till he was found, and furnifh the owner with
another ; and, in cafe the horfe could not be cured,
the Farrier was obliged to pay the price, and indemnify
the injured owner.- — By another a<5t of James the Sixth,
pari. 7, chap. 122, it is fet forth, that among other
occafions of Dearth of Victuals, which then prevailed in
the realm, there was one particularly hurtful, which
was the keeping of horfes all the fummer upon hard
meat, ufed commonly by perfons of mean cftate, Cowp -
per Si (dealers) with intention to make merchandize
of the faid horfes, being for the mod part fmall nags,
and not horfes of fervicc, it igfordained that no fub-
je6t, not being an earl, prelate, lord, or great baron, or
any of his highnefs’s privy-council, feflion, or landed
gentleman, that can fpend of his own one thoufand
marks of yearly rent, all charges deducted, fhall keep
any fort of horfes at hard meat yearly, longer than the
15 th day of May, nor take them from grafs, before
the i 5th of October, under the pain of forfeiting the
faid horfes, or paying the value of them to the king.
By an aft likewife of the faid king, to correct the too
great addiction to horfe-races, and the laying large
wagers upon horfes, it is ordained, that if any man
win above the fum of one hundred marks, the fur-
plus fhall be given to the poor ; and if the collector,
fherifF, or j ufl. ices, arc empowered to profecute for the
recovery of the fame, and in cafe of failure or negledt
fo to do, are liable to be informed againd, and pay

double

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 205

double thereof, half to the informer, and half to the
poor.

This kingdom, at prefent, encourage a fleet breed
of horfes, and the nobility and gentry have many fo-
reign, and other flallions of great value, in their pof-
fefllon, with which they cultivate the breed, and im-
prove it with great knowledge and fuccefs. Like the
Engliih, they arc fond of Racing, and have a celebrat-
ed courfe at Leith, which is honoured with a royal
plate, given by his prefent majefty.

The wifdom and generofity like wife of the nobility
and gentry have lately erected a riding-houfe in the
city of Edinburgh at their own expence, and fixed a
falary upon the perfon who is appointed to direct it*
This kingdom has been famous for breeding a pecu-
liar fort of horfes called Galloways.

Tradition reports that this kind of horfes are fprung
from fome Spanifb flallions, which fwam on fhore from

0

fome of the fhips of the famous Spanifh armada, which
were wrecked on the coafl, and coupling with the
mares of the country, peopled the kingdom with their
pofterity. They were much efteemed, and of a mid-
ling fize, firong, acTive, nervous, and hardy, and were
called Galloways, from being firft known in the county
which bears that name. They are commended by
the duke of Newcaille. From the care and attention
paid at prefent to the culture of horfes in this nation,
it is to be expected that it will foon be able to fend
forth numbers of valuable and generous breeds, def-

tinedi

2 o 6 THE HISTORY AND ART

tined to a variety of purpofes, and equal to all : the
country being very capable of anfwering the willies
of the judicious breeder, who need only remember
that colts require to be well nourifhed in winter, and
flickered from the feverity of a rigorous and change-
able fky.

The kingdom of Ireland has, for many centuries,
boafled a race of horfes called Hobbies , much admir-
ed and valued for their eafy paces, and other pleafmg,
ufeful, and agreeable qualities of a middling fize,
Rrong, nimble, well-moulded and hardy: — many forts
of good and ferviceable horfes are bred in this king-
dom, which anfwer the pleafurable and necelfary pur-
pofes of life perfectly well, and are capable of mount-
ing the Light troops very properly. The nobility and
perfons of fortune have flallions of great reputation
belonging to them ; but chufe to breed for the Lurf, in
preference to other purpofes ; for which, perhaps, their

o

country is not fo well qualified, from the moiflure of
the atmofphere, occafioned by excefs of rain, and ether
caufes, which hinder it from imparting that elaflic
force, and clearnefs of wind, fo necelTary for the exer-
tion and continuation of extraordinary fpeed ; and
which are folely the gifts of a dry foil, and an air more
pure and refined. This country, neverthelefs, is cap-

* Camden fays they are very excellent, and go not as other horfes
do, but pace very foftly and eafily.

Camden’s Tranil. by Gibfon, Vol. II. p. 1312.

able

OF HORSEMANSHIP. 207

able of producing fine and noble horfes, if feconded
by a judicious care, and other requiiites, which its in-
habitants are very able to beftow.

The horfes of the Iflc of Man are generally lefs than
thofe of England ; but as the land improves, fo do they;
and, of late, fome have been bred of no inconfiderable
fizc. This is the account given of them by Camden , as
they were at the time when he wrote.

They have a particular dwarfifh breed in the moun-
tains, which are very hardy, whofe fmallnefs alone re-
commends them to the pleafure and ufe of chil-
dren.

There were, fome years ago, a very particular breed
of tight, Prong, and very little horfes, between Pen-
zance in Cornwall, and the Lizard Point, called Goon-
elites, and fo denominated, from a large trach of land
where they were bred, known by the name of
Goonelly.

In many parts of that extenftve continent of the
Weft-Indies, a variety of horfes are to be found both
in a tame and favage ftate. It is generally thought
that the horfe is not an indigenous animal of the
Weft-Indies, but was introduced by the Spaniards,
whofe horfes were the nrft the natives had ever feen.
Some learned and curious perfons however have en-
tertained doubts concerning this opinion, and pro-
duced weighty and plaufible arguments to prove that
thefe creatures exifted in America before it was known
to the Europeans. — As a farther difeuftion would be

needr

208 the history and art

needlefs, and foreign to the prefent fubjecR, we will
leave the matter undecided ; obferving only, that the
general and more probable notion is, that America is
indebted to Europe for the horfe *.

The territories belonging to Spain have, at this day,
a noble and elegant breed, little inferiour to their SpaniJlj
ancellors, which firft peopled this fourth part of the
globe. —Their increafe has been prodigious, and feve-
ral of the Indian tribes are acquainted with their ufe,
and employ them to their pleafure and advantage, as
we find in the account of the late difcovery of Pata-
gonia.— When Sir Walter Raleigh went thither, they
were in fuch abundance, wild in the woods, that
the Indians killed them merely for their fkins, which
were beautifully marked and fpotted, and of uncom-
mon colours.

All who have feen, or give any defcription of
them, are very flowing of their praifes. — Commodore
| Byron fpeaks of them as having uncommon merit,
and J Ulloa fays, that the boafled fwiftnefs of the Eu-
ropean horfes is Dullnefs , when compared to the cele-
rity of thofe of South America. One fort of thefe
horfes, called Jguilillas, not only excel in the amble , a
pace univerfally pradtifed here, but are fo fuperiour in
their gallop, that no other horfes can contend with

* Vid. Johannes de Laet not;e ad diflertat. de gentium American,
origin. Hugonis Grotii. pag. 12.

-j- Byron’s Narrative. f Voyage to S. America, p. 236, 4 64,
Vol ll

them.

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

209

them. The author fays, that he was pofleffed of one
of this breed, which often carried him from Callao to
Lima, which is two meafured leagues and an half,
through a very bad and Roney road, in twenty-nine
minutes, and brought him back again within a minute
or two of the fame time, without taking off the bridle.
This fpecies is not handfome, but eafy to the rider;
very gentle and docile, yet full of fpirit and intrepi-
dity. In the kingdom of Chili, the women are par-
ticularly famous for their fkill in horfemanfhip.

The province of New England has a very peculiar
fort, originally brought from England, which are faid
to amble naturally ; this pace they perform with great
fpeed, and with fuch fafety and exacTnefs, that, altho’
otherwife valuable, they are chiefly efleemed for pof-
feffing this talent, which they exert in a degree very
fuperior to all other horfes.

In taking a review of the Rate of horfes in Eng-
land, from early times to the prefent, they feem to
have been divided but into two general claRes, which
may be ranged under two diRind periods of time. In
the firR ama, as it was an univerfal cuRom for horfc-
men to fight in armour ; the burden was fo heavy,
and the fervice fo fevere, that none but large and Jlout
horfes were equal to the talk ; neither, from the bad-
nefs of the roads, could horfes of a much lefs fizc,
and inferior Rrength, have been difpenfed with either
for journies, or in the cart. It was therefore the con-
Rant endeavour of this nation to raife fuch a breed

Vo l. I. E c

as

.2 1 o THE HISTORY AND ART

as fhould be able to anfwer the purpofes required
of them ; inilances and proofs of which have been
cited in the foregoing part of this work. This prac-
tice began about the time of Henry II. or fomewhat
earlier, and continued till towards the end of the
reign of Elizabeth ; at which period I bound the fir ft
tera, and range under it the firft Divifion , or clafs,
of horfes, univerfally called Great. The conftant aim
of the iegiflature was to flock the kingdom with
horfes of this character ; and although it appears to
have been difficult in the execution, from the many
afts of parliament and proclamations to fupport and
enforce it, yet it is not eafy to know from what
caufes this difficulty could fo frequently occur ; fince,
if this country did not naturally produce large or Great
horfes, ftallions and mares of a luftier growth might
have been, and were frequently imported from various
parts, efpccially from Flanders , Holland, and Germany;
from the horfes of which country, the black breed of
coach horfes (now worn out) as well as thofe ufed
in our troops, which, in many engagements, from
their weight and drength, have been almoft irrefift-
ible, are known to be originally deficended : neither
can it be admitted, that England cannot produce
large horfes, for the herbage is fo abundant, and
the ground fo various, that it can raife horfes of
the largeft ftature, and almoft of any intermediate
fize, at the will of the breeder ; and it is known
that the draught-horfes of Lincolnfhire, StafFordfhire,

Lcicefter-

OF HORSEMANSHIP. an

Leicefterfhire, Northamptonfhire, and fome other coun-
ties are the Giants of their kind. The duke of New-
caftle complains that our horfes are often too big, by
reafon of the moifture of the air, and vvetnefs of
the ground : fo that when the contrary effebls ap-
peared, they muft have proceeded either from want of
judgment in the choice of the mare or ftallion, or both,
or from neglebt of the foals, in not fupplying them
with good and fufficient nourifhment in winter, and
expofmg them in a weak and tender date to the va-
rious cruelties of that feafon.-

About the reign of James , armour, being rendered
ufelefs by the invention of fire-arms, was laid afide,
and the Great horfc not only ceafed to be neceffary,
but, upon many occafions, became even improper.
Lighter and more nimble horfes were therefore brought
into ufe ; and here begins the cera , which comprehends
the fecond clafs of horfes, called the light or fwift
breed.

To encourage and promote a race of thefe horfes,
proclamations indeed were not ifTued, nor ftatutes en-
abled, but more powerful methods were adopted, and
employed perhaps with too much fuccefs. Public re-
wards were given, wagers allowed to be rifked, and
races inflituted ; which, from the curiofity they excite,
and the pleafure they afford, always draw an in-
credible number of fpedtators, fo as almofi: to fupply
the place of an Olympic triumph to the owner of the
victorious deed ; and from thefe concurrent caufes,

E-g 2. prove

212 THE HISTORY AND ART

prove a mod powerful excitement to felf-intcreft and
emulation too powerful perhaps for the advancement
of that plan which they were originally intended to
promote : for, as if mere fpeed were the only requifite
in an horfe, all other properties and qualities have
been facrificed to it ; and it is almoft incredible to
what a degree of fwiftnefs the firft-rate breeds of this
kingdom have been drained and wrought up ; but,
loling on one hand what they gain on the other, and
weakened as refined , they become lefs ferviceable from
the excefs of the very quality which is reckoned their
chief recommendation : whereas, if ftrength and fpeed
were to go hand in hand, and join in due proportion,
the nation would foon fee a race of horfes capable of
fhinmg upon other ground than a Green Carpet, and
equal to every fervice which ufe or pleafure can de-
mand. Nevcrthelefs, however highly gifted the horfes
may be, there are duties incumbent alfo upon thofe
who are to ride them, without an attention to winch,
all the talents of the horfe, indead of being called forth
and improved, will be crufhed, extinguifhed, and
nature have been kind in vain. ■ — Thefe Duties are
comprehended under one head, the Art of Riding .
This art has fo long been neglected and defpifed, that
one would almoft be prompted to conclude that a
fatality had conftantly attended it in this country ;
favoured as it is with every advantage for breed-
ing, nourifhing, and procuring the fined horfes of
all forts ; and with a nobility and gentry, whofe

love

OF HORSEMANSHIP.

2 i 3

love of cxercife, activity, courage, perfonal endow-
ments, and commanding fortunes, would qualify
them to take the lead, and witch the World with noble'
Horfemanfloip ; yet, with all thefe high privileges, they
have Suffered it to languifli, and almoft perifh in their
hands : for a length of time it has been able to boa ft
but a very few perfons who have flood forth as its
avowed friends and protestors! The duke of New-
castle honoured it with his practice, and greatly enrich-
ed it with his knowledge. His treatife is a proof of
the vaft fcience he poffefled, which, nevertheless, from
the random manner in which it is wrote, the want of
method and perfpecuity, the redundancy and tau-
tology in which it abounds, has done juftice neither
to the art, nor to the ftrong fenfe and infallible pre-
cepts with which it is replete. Fortunately for horfe -
manfhip, and for all who love and praciife it, its other
pride and Support ftill lives and rides. He never yet
has thought proper to convey his knowledge to others
by means of the Prefs, but, (like the Athenian of old) does
more than other people write. His Horfe is his Pen, up-
on which he difpenfes fucli noble ocular inftrucftions ;
that if the duke of Newcajlle thought himfelf entitled to
the homage of the Horfe- kind *, the nobler applaufe
and acknowledgments of all H rfemen , muft be confeft
to be equally due to Sir Sidney Medows. Sir. I Pi Siam Hope
laid his offering upon the altar of horfemanfhip, and

* Vide two prints at the head of the book publiftied by T. Sol-
ley fcl.

gave

2I4 THE history and art

gave the world a tranflation of a French work much
eReemed at that time, and rendered Rill more valuable
by the notes and additions which he made to it.

The prefcnt Henry earl of Pembroke, (non corpus fine
pcBore) is an illuRrious labourer^ in this vineyard : he
has honoured the art by compofing a treatife upon
“ The Method of breaking Horfes and prabtiiing what he
preaches, inRrubts the world both by precept and
example.

Such long has been the Rate of horfemanfliip in
this kingdom; but fince the acceffion of his prefent
MajeRy, the profpect has brightened, and better times
begin to dawn. Since this happy event, the Art has
railed itfelf a little, and given fome figns of recovery ;
public riding-houfes have been opened, which are
largely encouraged, and frequented by the youth of
the nation: many are called , and it is to be hoped, many
will be chofen. — Several private Maneges have likewile
been erebted by the Princes of tire blood, fome of the
Nobility and Gentry ; and, to crown all, his MajeRy has
eredted one for his immediate ufe, where, in his own
perfon, lie cultivates, protects, and honours the Art , in
fo diRinguifhed a manner, that under the influence of
his illuRrious example, we may expebt to fee the golden
age of horfemanfhip revive, and that men will not
much longer ‘‘complain * of the want of excellent
“ horfes, nor the horfes groan for want of worthy
56 riders.”

* C. Morgan’s Perfect, of Horfeman. 1609,

4

Thus

OF HORSEMANSHIP. ary

Thus have I endeavoured to trace the hiflory of tlic
equeRrian art from its earliefl appearance among men,
but more immediately from its two great fources, Greece
and Rome.

The invention of bridles and faddles, the general
rules for riding of modern races, which are a copy of
the ancient, and almoft whatever elfe relates to the
animal, cannot without injuRice be afcribed to any
other origin. Such as it was received from the an-
cients, it is thought to have continued till fome time
in the fourteenth century, when the famous Pignatelli
arofe in Naples , who engrafting his own fuperior me-
thods upon the ancient Rock, opened a fchool, and dis-
played his knowledge to the equeRrian world. What
additions the Art has Since received, and what the ele-
ments are which compofe it, I will attempt to fet forth,
in the fubfequent volume, under the comprehenhve
title of the Manege ; firR begging the reader’s permif-
fion, to lay before him a tranflation of the treatife of
Xenophon upon horfemanfhip : a work not only refpec-
table for its antiquity, and for being the only one which
has Survived the ravages of time, but Rill more valu-
able, as coming from one who as a General , Hijlorian , and
Philofopher , fhone with diRinguifhed luRre, in a very
polifhed and difeerning age.

To this I am happy to be permitted to join a difler-
tation on a kindred Subject, the ancient method of coup-
ling horfes in a chariot. A method hitherto So little

under-

21 6 THE HISTORY AND ART

underflood, as to have been almofl unknown. — I flatter
myfelf, like wile, that the reader will be pleafed no lefs
with the accuracy with which it is fet forth, than with
the erudition which it contains, and will join the
honour of his praifes, to the acknowledgments which
are due from me to Governor Powna/l.

Flectit eqiios ciirruque volans dat jrcena fecundo.

Virg. fEn. i.

X E N O-

X E N O P H O N’s

TRE ATISE

O N

HORSEMANSHIP.

From the Greek.

F f

Vo l. I.

X E N O P H O N’s

TREATISE

O N

HORSEMANSHIP.

From the Original Greek.

INTRODUCTION.

AS it has happened that much of our time has
been fpent in riding, and we think that we
have thereby acquired a Ikill in horfemanlhip,
we are defirous of informing the younger part of our
friends, what method we judge the molt proper for
them to ufe in the management of their horfes. A
treatife on this fubjedb has been written by the fame
Simon *, who dedicated a brazen Ilatue of an horfe in
the Eleufinium f at Athens, and carved upon the bafis a

* Little is known of this horfeman and writer, but what is preferv-
ed of him by Xenophon. — His Treatife quoted by our author is loft.
He is mentioned likewife by Julius Pollux, Apfyrtus, and others.

•f The Temple of Ceres.

Ff 2

repre-

2 2 0

XENOPHON’S TREATISE

reprefentation of his own performances. Whenever
we happen to be of the fame opinion with him, in any
particulars, we fhall not erafe them from our book,
but deliver them with greater pleafure to our friends,
as thinking ourfelves more worthy of credit, for hav-
ing the concurrence of his judgment, who was fo ex-
pert in the art: whatever he has omitted, we fhall en-
deavour to fupply.

CHAP. I.

IN the firft place, we will fhew how any one
may be leaft liable to impofition in buying an
horfe.

In a colt that has not yet been broken, it is plain
that the Shape mull chiefly be confidered ; for, having
never been backed, he can give but very uncertain
figns by which to judge his temper.

The firft part to be attended to is the Foot ; for as an
horfe would be of no ufe though the upper parts were
very beautiful, if the foundation were infufficient to
fupport it; juft fo a war horfe would be good for no-
thing, how much foever he excelled in all other points,
if he had bad feet ; for that alone would difable him
from ufing his other advantages.

Upon examining the feet, firft obferve the Hoofs : the
thick are much preferable to the thin. In the next
place, take notice whether they are bigb9 or low and

flat,

ON HORSEMANSHIP. 221

flat, and this both behind and before. The hoofs that
are high have the frog, or rather the foie, at a diftance
from the ground; whereas an horfe whofe hoofs are low
moves equally on the ftrongeft and tendered part of his
foot, like a bandy, or bow-legged man.

Simon is right in affirming, that a good foot may be
known by the found *. — The hollow hoof rattles againfl
the ground like a drum.

Having begun from below, let us proceed regu-
larly to the higher parts of the body.

The bones of the Pafern mull neither be too ftraight,
like thofe of a goat, for fuch a ftiffnefs in the joint
would be uneafy to the rider, and the legs are more
fubjetT to inflammation ; nor, on the contrary, ffiould
they be too much bent and low, left the fetlock ffiould
be galled, and lofe its hair, when the horfe is ufed in
clayey or ftoney ground.

* Monfieur Bourgelat , in his preface to the fecond volume of Les
Elemens Hippiatriques , reprehends this remark as trifling and falfe ; and
if our author is to be underftood literally, and the words feem to per-
mit no other conftru&ion, the criticifm is certainly juft. — It may be
but candid, neverthelefs, to think that Xenophon could mean to fay
no more than that the feet, if well formed, and in good condition, could
bear to be ftruck againfl: the ground fo forcibly as to make it ring and
found; and that this noife was a proof of their foundnefs, otherwife the
horfe could not bear the fhock, fo as to make his Beats firm and
diftindt.

Quadrupedante putrem fonitu qualit ungula. campum.

Virg,

Let

222

XENOPHON’S TREATISE

Let the bones of the leg be large ; they are the pil-
lars of the body; yet not over- burdened with veins or
ilefla *; for in going upon rough grounds, it happens
that a defluxion of blood and hard tumours are brought
on, the legs grow large and fwolen, and the fkin
widens; which having once loft its tightnefs, the Fibula ,
or fmaller bone of the leg, frequently gives way, and
makes the horfe lame.

If the colt, in moving, bend his knees j* freely, you
may conclude he will do fo when he comes to be rode;
for all of them, by time and ufe, acquire a greater
freedom of motion in their knees. — This is an excellent
quality, and thofe horfes which want it, are more apt
to Rumble, and fooner tire.

The Thighs f under the fhoulders, if they are large,
appear flronger and more graceful, as in the human
form.

A wide chefl is to be preferred for beauty and
flrength, as it enables an horfe to continue § the fame

motion

* The author means, that the legs fhould be lean and dry, and the
veins and finews diftintft, firm, and compadt.

•f- This is fo clear and evident, that the rule is obferved by the judi-
cious to this day. — As it is certain that no horfe, which has not a fup-
plenefs in his joints, and can bend his. knees, can go either with fafety
or grace.

J Thefe are now called the Arms ; they begin from the Ihoulder,
and reach to the knee.

§ This is owing to the fpace being larger, and the limbs confequent-
ly enabled to move with more fpring and play, than if they were confined

in

ON HORSEMANSHIP. 223

motion of liis legs for a longer time, without inter-
miflion.

Let the neck differ fo much from that of a Boar ,
that it rather may refemble the fhape of a Cock’s-, it
fhould not hang Roping downwards from the cheft,
but rife ereCt towards the fummit of the head ; and
be light and eafy in its flexible parts. — The head, in
general, fhould be boney *, but the cheek bones fhould
be fmall. The horfe’s neck will then be carried di-
rectly in front of his rider, and his eyes be fixed on.
what is before his feet. One of fuch a mould will be
lead able to overpower his rider, though he has ever
fomuch fpirit, for horfes do not make fuch an attempt
by arching their necks, and bringing their heads near
their chefts, but by turning up their nofes, and flretch-
ihg out their necks.

It is proper alfo to obferve, whether the Jaws f or
Bars are tender or hard, or whether they are of dif-
ferent tempers ; when that happens, their mouths are
generally bad.

in narrower- room; and the maxim is fo juft, that it is praCtifed by all
horfemen, though perhaps unknown to fome, that this doftrine was
preached and pradtiled fome thoufand years ago.

* That is to fay, the head fhould not be flefhy, but lean and dry ;
and thefe properties, added to fmall bones, will compofe a little Head,
which is efteemed the moft beautiful.

f I have added the word Bars , as explanatory of what Xenophon
calls the Jaws ; although it muft be confeffed that the good or bad
temper of an horfe’s mouth depends much upon the formation of the
Jaws, and the fetting on of the Head.

2

An

224 X E N O P II O N’s TREATISE

An Eye which Rands out from the head, has more
appearance of quicknefs, and of diftant fight, than^one
which looks hollow, and feems to be funk in the head.
Wide No/irils afford room for freer breathing, than clofe
ones ; and, at the fame time, give a nobler and fiercer
look: for when one horfe quarrels with another, or
grows warm and animated under his rider, you may
obferve that his noftrils fwell and widen.

The Head is properly large towards the top, and the
Ears fmall.

If the point of the fhoulder is high, it gives the
rider a fafer feat, and makes the connection ftronger
between the fhoulders and the body. If this part is
Broad, the feat is better, and it is more beautiful to be-
hold.

When the Side is deep, and fwelling towards the bel-
ly, for the mod part, it makes the rider’s feat more
eafy, and the horfe appears ftronger and fuller of
flefh.

The fhorter and broader the Loins are, fo much more
eafily he raifes his fore-parr, and brings his hinder
forwards, or under him : befides, in fo doing, his belly
will appear fmaller, which, when it is large, partly dif-
figurcs him; renders him to a certain degree weaker,
and lefs able to bear any burden or weight.

The Haunches fhould be broad and well-furniihed,
and in proportion to the fides and cheft.

When

ON HORSEMANSHIP. 225

When all parts of an horfe are firm and folid, he
is lighter for the courfe ; and confequently more
fpeedy.

If the Thighs * under the Tail, or Hocks, are diftindlly
feparated, he will extend his hinder legs a great way
under his belly ; and, in fo doing, will carry his rider
with more ftrength and fwiftnefs, and be better in

every point Of this any one may be convinced, by

confidering that a man, when he takes a thing from
the ground, Hands with his legs aftride and open.

The Tejlicles f of an horfe fhould not be large ; but
their proper fize cannot be determined in a colt.

What has been faid upon the Pafierns , the Legs , the
Fetlocks , and the Hoofs, of the fore-part of the Horfe, may be
applied to the fame parts behind.

I will now fubjoin by what means any man may
make the beft guefs at the ftze of a colt : that which is
foaled with the longefi legs will be the tailed:; for the legs
of all four-footed animals do at no time increafe much
in fize ; but the other parts grow fo as to become pro-
portionable to them.

* By this we are to underftand that the Hocks , which he calls the
‘Thighs under the Tail, fhould be at a proper diftance from each other,
in oppofition to that fhape or mould of an horfe in which they turn in,
and almoft touch each other ; the French call horfes fo formed Crochu,
and we Cat-hammed , from their refemblance in thefe parts, to the hinder
legs of that animal.

f Apfyrtus fays they ihould be fmall.

Vol, I. G g

He

2 2 6

XENOPHON’S TREATISE

Pie who examines the fhape of a colt by thefe rules,
feems to us to have the belt chance of getting a good
horfe ; one that is well-footed, well-bodied, llrong,
handfome, and large. And although it fometimes
happens that colts alter as they grow, yet we may, with
aiTurance, rely upon our judgment formed upon thefe
obfervations ; for many more change from worfe to
better, than from better to worfe.

CHAP. II.

"OjT E will now proceed to the right method of
breaking a colt. Thofe who are appointed to
ferve in the cavalry among us, are men of large pro-
perty, and fuch as bear a confiderable part in the go-
vernment of the date; and it is Purely then much
more becoming the young men to attend to the good
management of themfelves, and the art of horfeman-
Ihip; or, if they underhand that already, to continue to
exercife themfelves therein, without being profeffed
riding-mafters ; while the old will be more properly
employed in ferving their families, friends, and coun-
try, either in its civil or military concerns.

Thus it is plain, that whoever is of my opinion, in
this refpecT, will fend his colt * out to be broken; and,

in

* It is to be inferred from this exprefilon, that in our author’s time,
if not long before, there were certain perfons who profefled to break

colts,..

ON HORSEMANSHIP. 227

in the fame manner, as when one fends a fon out to be
in ft ru (Red in any art, he will put into writing in what
he requires his colt fhould be pradfifed, before he comes
home again. For this will be a direction to the horfe-
breaker; to which he ought principally to attend, if he
expebfs to be paid.

Care fhould be taken that the colt, which you de-
liver to him, be gentle, temperate, and fond of man.
Of this the owner may be informed at home, chiefly
by means of his groom; who ought to reflect, that
hunger, thirft, and other things which provoke the
colt to rage and uneafmefs, come upon him of them-
felves ; but that he is fupplied with food and water,
and delivered from what offends him, by the afliftance
of man. If the groom conflders this, and adts ac-
cordingly, the colt will be brought not only patiently
to endure and perform what is required of him, but
will alfo conceive a fondnefs for man.

Let the perfon to whom his education is intruded,
ftroke and rub the colt in thefe parts of his body
where he is likely to receive moft pleafure ; thefe are
thofe which are moft covered with hair, and where he
is leaft able to aflift himfelf, when any thing difturbs
him. The groom likewife fhould be ordered to lead
him through crowds, and fam'iliarife him to fights and
noifes of all kinds ; and when he is alarmed at any

colts, and were public riding-mafters-, which proves that the Art was
much confidered and cultivated in Greece, even in thofe early ages.

Gg 2

of

XENOPHON’S TREATISE

228

of them, let him convince him, not by force and fe-
verity, but by patience and gentlenefs, that he has
nothing to fear. Thefe are the rules which we re-
commend to the unexperienced, having (as we think)
faid enough concerning the methods to be taken in
breaking of colts.

CHAP. III.

T F the horfe to be bought has already been rode, we
^ will give fome directions, which a man ffiould ob-
serve, who would efcape being deceived in his pur-
chafe.

Firft of all, be fure to know what is his age. One
who has no longer the marks in his teeth, neither
affords much room for hope, nor is fo eafily fold
again.

When it is evident that he is young, then let it be
obferved how he bears the bit to be put into his
mouth, and the head-piece about his ears. This may
beft be known, if the buyer fees the bridle put on and
taken off.

The next attention mu ft be to his behaviour, when
he receives his rider upon his back : for many horfes
will not fubmit, without difficulty, to bear fuch things
to be done to them ; which being done, they know
would bring them under fubje&ion, and be the means
of compelling them to work.

Another

ON HORSEMANSHIP. 229

Another thing to be noted, is whether, when the
rider is mounted, the horfe is ready and willing to go
forward, and leave his companions, if they are near
him ; but rather helitates, and calls his eyes upon them,
as refufing to leave them.

There are others who, from not being entirely re-
duced, and made obedient, when they were firfb under-
taken, grow fo headllrong and furious, as frequently
to run away with the rider, and leave the place of
exercife *,

Mouths which are bad, and have loll their feeling,
from the imperfedlion of the Jaws, or hardnefs of the
Bars , may be dilcovered by riding the horfes with a
Bit, called the Chain f j. but the better method is en-
tirely

*" From this expreffion it is to be inferred, that the Greeks exercifed
and taught their horfes out of doors, and knew not to avail themfelves
of the advantage of a covered Manege.

-j- It is very difficult to form any idea of the author’s meaning, with
refpedt to this word. — The original Greek term, Fft^, fignifies a Chain ,
Shackle , or Fetter ; and a chain, without much impropriety, might be
put into the mouth of an horfe, and be tiled as a fort of a Bit , or elfe
it may be underltood to be placed on the outfide of the mouth, in the
hollow of the Chin, or upon the Beard , as it is called, in the manner of
our bits, or over the nofe, as a cavezon. Thefe fuggeftions, however,
are mere conjeflure, and as fuch are left with the reader. The au-
thor’s meaning, in general, as to this paffage, is likewife fomewhat ob-
fcure •, for although he tells us that the badnefs of the horfe’s mouth
may be known by riding him with this Chain , yet he fays, immediately
after, that it is better that the method ffiould be totally changed ; but
does not inform us what that method is which he willies we ffiould purfue.

None.

230 XENOPHON’S TREATISE

tirely to change the way of working. For many horfes
do not attempt to run away, unlefs they have a bad
mouth; or are, at the fame time, going homeward, and
eager to get thither. It is neceflary likewife to know,
whether, when the horfc is animated and exerted to a
bride pace, he will flop readily, turn back, and obey the
rider.

He ought alfo to be put to the trial of his obedience,
by being now and then routed, and provoked by a
blow; which, if he receives it without refentment or
anger, it is a mark of a good and generous temper.
An army which refufes to obey its general, or a fervant
who will not fubmit to his mailer, are both entirely,
ufelefs ; but a refractory and difobedient horfe is not
only of no fervice, but will degenerate into a traitor,
and bring his rider to deilruCtion.

As we take for granted, that the horfe to be bought,
is defigned for war, he ought to be examined in every
particular, which that fervice requires. — Such as, his
vigour and activity in fpringing acrofs a ditch, leap-

7

None of the Commentators take any notice of thefe difficulties. — Stephens
indeed explains the word to be a method of exercifing horfes by
means of a Chain, and quotes our author, adding that it was ufed to
make the horfe turn to either fide ; and then it might either be the rein
of the bridle, or rather a longe , with which the horfe was pulled and
worked, to make him fupple to either fide ; for which purpofe, it
might be cuftomary to ufe a Chain. Ail this, however, is but fuppofi-
tion, and I mu ft confefs my inability, to give any certain infor-
mation. Vid. infra.

ing

ON HORSEMANSHIP. 231

ing over walls, rufhing upwards againfl a bank, and
jumping down from the top of one. He fhould like-
wife be tried in mounting up, and defcending from a
fleep hill, or running acrofs it. — Tliefe experiments
will prove whether his fpirit be good, and his body
found and flrong.

Neverthelefs, it is not to be concluded, that an horfe
who is not equal to all thefe trials, is abfolutely to be
rejected; for many may fail in thefe attempts, not from
want of fpirit or ability, but for want of ufe and ex-
perience which, when they have been taught and
difciplined, will perform thefe exercifes perfedlly well,
provided that they are found, and endowed with cou-
rage and refolutiom

A fufpicious and timid horfe muft be abfolutely
avoided. For with, this cowardly difpofition, he will
not advance to charge an enemy ; and, from his fear
and fhynefs, may be fo troublefome as even to fling
the rider, and expofe him to great danger.

The qualities and temper of the animal fhould like-
wife be examined, that it may be known if he has
any vices, of what kind they may be, and whether he
fhows them towards men, or other horfes ; like wife
how he bears being handled or drefled ; fmce from Inis
behaviour, in thefe circumlb.nces, he becomes valu-
able or ufelefs to his owner.

A furer judgment may alfo be formed of his docility
and patience, to be bridled and mounted, as well as in

per-

232

XENOPHON’S TREATISE

performing his different exercifes ; if, after having
gone through his labours, you make him repeat the
tafk, and begin again ; for, if after having finifhed his
work, he will renew and go over it again with chear-
-fulnefs and good-will ; he gives a notable proof of his
obedience and fubmiffion.

In ffiort, when an horfe has good feet, is gentle, fuf-
ficiently fpeedy, willing and able to undergo fatigue,
and, above all, is obedient, it may be concluded, that
he is poffeffed of all the qualities neceffary for military
fervice, and will prove mod fafe and ufeful to his
rider.

On the other hand, fuch horfesj which, from a cold
and fluggifh nature, demand much beating and miti-
gation ; or fuch, which from a fiery and capricious
temper, require fuch attention as to keep the rider al-
ways upon his guard, are not to be valued or chofen,
inafmuch as they are not to be traded, and may ex-
po i'e the rider to great mifehief.

C H f A P. IV.

* $ ^ H E next care a man fhould take, after he has
A found an horfe to his mind, and purchafed
him, fhould be to provide a liable fo fituated, with
refped to his houfe, that he may fee him very fre-
quently ; and to have his flail fo contrived, that it may
be as difficult a tafk to Real the provender out of the

manger,

2

ON HORSEMANSHIP. 233

manger, as to take his own victuals out of the
Larder.

He that negledfts thefe things, feems to neglccft him-
felf ; fince it is plain that, in times of danger, the fafety
of the mafter is oftentimes intruded to the horfe. — Such
a ftall is not only fafe againft theft, but fhows alio
when an horfe feeds, or leaves his food uneaten.
When this appears to be the cafe, either that he is
furfeited, and his body is too full, fo as to require evacua-
tion, or elfe that he has been over-worked, and demands
repofe, or that fome diforder is coming upon him.
Now it is the fame with horfes as with men, all dif-
tempers taken in time are more eafdy cured, than when
they have been fufFered to fix themfelves, and have
corrupted the conftitution. The fame attention which
is given to fupply an horfe with food, and to let him
have due exercife, that he may be healthy and ftrong,
is alfo requifite to be obferved, in order to keep his
feet in proper condition. Moift or fmooth floors will
injure even thofe hoofs, which are by nature good and
found. The firft evil is to be remedied by a declivi-
ty, or flope in the floor ; the fecond may be prevented
by making a Sione-pavement , each Stone, of which it is
compofed, being about the fize of the horfe’s hoof. —
This fort of pavement will cool, harden, and improve
his feet, merely by his Handing upon it. The groom
muft remember to lead the horfe out of the liable, when
he is to be cleaned and drefled ; and after the firft

Vol. I. Hh meal,

234

XENOPHON’S TREATISE

meal, to remove, or turn * him from the manger, that
he may return to his food, to his fecond or evening
feed , with frefh appetite.

In order that the Stable-yard may heft anfwer the pur-
pofe of hardening f and ftrengthening the horfes feet,

let

* Our method of keeping a large quantity of litter and dung under
the horfes feet is wrong and injudicious. The litter, mixed with dung,
heats the feet and legs, and makes the hoofs become dry and brittle.
Befides this, the horfe is not fo much tempted to lie down at night, as
he would be, if it were removed, and fpread under him again at
proper fealons. The fame error prevails in keeping the rack conti-
nually crammed with hay, which the horfe being obliged to fmell
continually, is brought to naufeate and loath it.— A certain portion
fhould be given at a time, of which, if the animal leaves any part, it
ought to be removed 5 that by having wanted food for a certain time,
his appetite may call for it; he will then relifh what he eats, and
thrive better upon a fmall quantity thus dealt out, than on a much
larger improperly given.

-f As much isfaid in the preceding chapter concerning the bell method
of preferving the hoofs, and rendering them hard and tough, by the
means of a ft one pavement on which the horfes were to Hand when in
the liable ; it may not be thought foreign to the fubjedt, to add a more
particular account of the ancient method of Jhoeing horfes, if that term
may be ufed, for an occafional covering of their feet. Mention is made
in lbme * ancient authors of this praflice. Yet it is certain, that if we
underhand the coverings of the feet in ufe among them to be the fame
as the modern Jhoes> or like them in any refpefl, we labour under a
palpable mihake. The ancients did not Jhoe their horfes; that is to fay>
they did not nail upon their hoofs any pieces of iron, or of other metal,
in the form and fhape of the modern horfejhoes ; but when they intended

* Catullus, Appian, Pliny, Suetonius.

to

ON HORSEMANSHIP. 235

let four or five loads of round ftones, of about a pound
weight, be thrown down in it, having a ridge, or bor-
der

to defend them from any thing that might annoy them in travelling, or
the hardnefs of the ground, they faftened upon their feet, by means
of ftraps and ligatures, a fort of Sandal f, Stocking , or what we call Boots'
Thefe were made of Sedges twilled together like a Mat, or elfe of Leather ,
and were fometimes ftrengthened with plates of iron, and adorned by
rich and oftentatious people with filver and gold, as in the inftances of
Nero and Poppcea. In the collection of the late Baron Socks, Pajles of
antique ftones, now in the Britilh Mufaeum, there is one which repre-
fents a foldier binding, or tying, on this fort of fhoe, which, being add-
ed to other authorities, proves the faCt to demonftration, as the above
paffage of Xenophon, and the contrivance of the ftone-pavement, make
it clear that fhoes were unknown in his time.

It is remarkable that the Japanefe , at prefent, have a fimilar kind of
fhoes with the common fort ufed by the ancients. They are twilled,
of ftraw, with ropes, likewife of ftraw, hanging down from them, with
which they are faftened about the horfe’s feet, inftead of the European
iron ftioes, which are not ufed in this country. They are foon worn
out in flippery and Honey roads, and mull be often changed for new.
For this purpofe, the men who look after the horfes always carry
a competent flock with them, though they are to be found in every
village, and offered to fale by poor children begging along the road.

The horfes of Japan are generally fmall, but fome of them not in-
feriour in fhape and fpeed to the Perfian breed. They are ufed both
for the faddle and draught. Vid. Kempfer’s Hillory of Japan, tranf-
lated by Scheuzer.

I have not been able to difcover in what xra, or in what country,
the modern art of fhoeing took its rife. The earlieil proof I have
met with, is the fhoe faid to have belonged to the horfe of Childeric ,
who lived in the year 481, and is preferved in Montfaucon’s Anti-
quities of France. It perfectly refembles the fhoes in ufe at prefent.

f Rei PuifticCv Scrip. Editio Gefner.

H h 2

It

236 XENOPHON’S TREATISE

der of iron, that they may be kept together, and not
fcattered and loft. The horfe being obliged to ftand
upon thefe ftones, will procure the fame advantage to
his hoofs *, as he would, if he went upon ftoney
roads every day : and when he is rubbed down, or
curried, it muft neceflarily happen that his hoofs
will be ufed in the fame manner * as if he walked

It is to be remarked, that it was a cuftom among the ancients, which
defcended to the early modern ages, to bury their horfes with their
owners, and to prefer fuch as were moll valued and beloved. In
Homer, Achilles facrifices fix to the manes of Patroclus. The grooms,
or equerries, or favourite fervants, were alfo devoted to the fame fate*
Vid. Herodot. Lib. iv. In the year 1710, a tomb was dug up at Blois ,
in which were found the bones of an horfe and dog. Vid. Montfau-
con’s Antiq. de France, p. 14. Vid. alfo Efiai’s Hift. fur Paris, p.
2 3*, vol. iii.

It may not be impertinent, with reference to this fubjedl, to relate
the following odd particular belonging to the caftle of Oakham, in
Rutlandfhire, which is maintained and in force at this very time. This
caftle was built foon after the Conqueft, by Wakelin de Ferrariis,
who, as he gave fix Horfe-Jhoes for his arms, obtained the following
grant •, viz. the firft time any baron of the realm pafies through Oak-
ham, he forfeits a Ihoe from his horfe, unlefs he chufe to redeem it,
which generally is the cafe, by finding one in its place. The forfeited
Ihoe, or that made in its ftead, is fixed, with the nobleman’s name, on
the caftle-gate. Sometimes they are made very large, and gilt, in pro-
portion to the fum of money given in lieu of the real ihoe, (which is
permitted to be done) and great numbers are to be feen on the gate.
This Wakelin de Ferrariis came into England with the Conqueror, and
was created by him earl of Ferrers and Derby. Vid. Brook’s Difco-
very of Errors, in the Catalogue of Nobility, p. 198.

* Vegetius fays, that the floor of the liable Ihould not be made of
foft wood, but of folid hard oak, which will make the horfe’s hoofs as
hard as rocks.

abroad

ON HORSEMANSHIP. 237

abroad. Thefe ftones will likewife harden his
feet. But when fo much pains are likewife taken
to harden his hoofs, let it not be forgot to form
and make his mouth tender. This is to be done
by the fame methods which are obferved to foften
human flelh f.

CHAP. V.

WHOEVER underftands horfes himfelf, will take
care to have a groom that has been taught to
treat them properly.— In the firft place, he fliould fee
that the knot of the halter, which confines the horfe
to the manger, fhould not hurt his head ; for, as he is
often moving his head to the manger, if the halter is
not eafy about his ears, it may gall him j and that
having once happened, may render him lefs trac-
table, both in bridling and drefling. Let the groom
have orders to remove the litter and dung every day j
this will give him lefs trouble, and be better for the
horfe.

He ought alfo to put a muzzle upon the horfe,
when he takes him out to clean, or for other pur-

■f By doing nothing to injure or hurt it, fo as to make it infenfible
and callous, and then it will naturally be fofc and tender.

pofeSj

XENOPHON’S TREATISE

238

pofes *, and in general wherever he goes, and is not
bridled ; for the muzzle prevents his biting, without
interrupting his breath, and hinders him from exe-
cuting any vicious defigns.

The halter with which the horfe is tied fhould be
fixed above his head, becaufe, when any thing offends
his face, it is natural for him to try to get. rid of it,
by toiling his head upwards ; and if he is thus tied,
that motion, inftead of tightening, will flaken his
halter.

In drefling the horfe, it is right to begin with the
head and mane ; for if the upper parts are not clean,
it is in vain to make the lower ones fo. Let the reft
of his body be cleanfed with all forts of drefling in-
ftruments, and the duft wiped off the way the hair
lies. But the hair on the back-bone fhould not be
touched with an inftrument, for fear of injuring it, fo
as to make it unfit to bear the rider.— It fhould be
rubbed with the hand only, and fmoothed down the
way it naturally grows.

* In the original and literal fenfe, it is, when he takes him to the
Rolling-place. It means, that the horfe fhould be muzzled when he is
turned out of the liable into a field, yard, or other place, where he may
tumble and roll himfelf. The Greeks thought this a wholefome prac-
tice, and very refrefiiing after fatigue. Apfyrtus recommends it ; and
Vegetius fays, when an horfe forbears to roll himfelf, it is a fymptom
of his not being well. “Let this horfe roll himfelf upon the fand, and
*c then lead him to the liable,” fays a Character in the Clouds of Ariflo-
phanes. Aft i. Seft. 1.

n

The

ON HORSEMANSHIP. 239

The head muft be wafhed with water: as there are
many bones in it, it would hurt the horfe to rub them
with iron * or wood.

The Forelock fliould be wafhed alfo : this tuft of hair,
though pretty long, does not obftrudt his fight, but is
a defence to his eyes. Providence certainly has fur-
nifhed the horfe with it, inftead of the long ears which
alfes and mules have for the fame purpofe.

The Tail and Mane fhould likewife be wafhed and
cleaned, that the hair may grow 5 for the longer the
tail is, the farther the horfe is able to reach f, in
bruihing off whatever may difturb him ; and the Mane

is

* This implies that the Greeks ufed Injtruments for the purpofe of
cleaning their horfes, as we do Curry-combs ; and perhaps the moderns
are indebted to them for thefe utenfils.

■f Thefe obfervations are fo true and juft, that one would almolt
think it needlefs to dwell upon them ; yet fuch is the cruelty and ab-
furdity of our notions and cuftoms in cropping, as it is called, the ears
of our horfes, docking and nicking their tails, that we every day fly in
the face of reafon, nature, and humanity. Nor are the prefent race of
men in this ifland alone to be charged with this folly, almoft unbe-
coming the ignorance aud cruelty of favages ; but their fore-fathers , fe-
veral centuries ago, were charged and reprehended by a public canon,
for this abfurd and barbarous praftice : however, we need but look in-
to the ftreets and roads to be convinced, that their defendants have
not degenerated from them ; although his prefent Majefiy , in his wif-
d-o m and humanity, has endeavoured to reclaim them, by ifluing an
order that the horfes which ferve in his troops fliould remain as nature
defigned them :

Who never made her work for man to mend. Dryden.

The:

240

X E N O P H O N’s TREATISE

is of ufe in giving a better hold to the perfon who is
to mount him.

Befides, the Mane, Forelock, and Tail , are bellowed upon
the horfe as a grace and ornament. A proof of which
may be, that Brood Mares do not fo eafily admit the em-
braces of MJJ'es, till the breeders of Mules have purpofely
fliipt them of thefe beauties *. Wafhing of the legs

The title of the canon is,

Ut reliquias riluum paganorum quifque abjiciat.

Equos vejlros turpi confuetudine detruncatis , nares finditis , cures copulatis ,
verum etiam et fur das redditis , caudas amputates , et quia illos ilLefos habere
potejiis , hoc nolenies , cundlis odibiles redditis. Equos etiam plerique in vcbis
comedunt , quod nullus Chrifiianorum in Orientalibus facit, quod etiam evitate.
Concilium Calchutenfe. Vid. Spelman’s Councils of England, where are
the decrees of the council of Calchut. vol. i. p. 293. See alfo Collier’s
Ecclefiaftical Hillory, vol. i. p. 137.

“From the influence of a vile and unbecoming cuftom, you deform
and mutilate your horfes. You flit their noftrils, tie their ears together,
and, by fo doing, make them deaf : befides this, you cut off their tails;
and, when you may enjoy them uninjured and perfedt, you chufe rather
to maim and blemifli them, fo as to make them odious and difguftful
objedts to all who fee them. Numbers of you likewife are accuftomed
to eat your horfes ; a pradtice of which no Chriftians in the Eaft were
ever guilty.- — This alfo you are hereby admonifhed to renounce en-
tirely.”

The French call an horfe whofe tail is cut, un Cadogan , from the
name and title of lord Cadogan, who ferved under the duke of Marl-
borough in the reign of queen Anne; and is faid to have firfl introduced
this cuftom of docking the troop-horfes.

It is thought by fome, that the cutting of the tail diminifhes the fwift-
nefs of the horfe ; it certainly does in grey-hounds and birds, efpecially
in turning.

* This is a ftrange aflertion to come from the pen of fo grave and
exadl a writer as Xenophon. The reader is left to form what opinion

he

ON HORSEMANSHIP. 241

we do not mention, becaufe it is fo far from being
of fervice, that the lioofs are even injured by being

* ' •• .if;-- *• - r r* ** "J *\r '! . ' ^ . s, .■ .

he pleafes of it •, many other authors likewife mention this particularity,
which tends only to make the account more ftrange. Julius Pollux
lays, that the mares were made confcious of their own deformity, by
feeing - themfelves in fountains and clear waters.— -Vid. alfo Anatol.
HjTTTrjar^iHwv, lib. i. cap. 14.. — Fliny, lib. viii. cap. 42. — Ariftot . lib.
vi. cap. 18. — iElian. lib. ii. chap. 18. Notwithstanding this humane
doftrine preached by Xenophon, it appears that it was acuftom among
fome nations, to fheer the manes and Ihorten the tails of their horfes,
as we learn from Camarcrius *, who quotes Plutarch and others, in
thefe words. — Plutarch, fpeaking of the Sicilians, fays, Hi enirn vic-
tor es equis lauro ccronalis , captivi vero tonfis crinibus utebantur. Hoc etiam
Fazellus tefiatur non fine caufd igitur prater infolitam rem , mirali funt Iiali
equitatum Germanicum C afar is Maximilian, quum contra Vcnetos helium gc-
reret , quoad plerifque equis Juba detonfa cauda mutilate ejfienl : nejcientes vi-
delicet id fieri, ut equi hdc mutilatione alacriores et fpind do> fi robufi lores fil-
er ent. Sic legimus apud Paulum Venitum Par tar os equis finis , quos habent
praftantifiimos, auferre fiolere de ofie cauda nodes duos vel tres, ne equus fiefi-
fiorem fieri at, et ne caudam nunc hue , nunc illuc fie cl ere pojfit. P urpe nam hoc
judicant.

The Sicilians, when viftorious in battle, ufed to adorn their horfes
with crowns of laurel j but, if defeated, they fheered their manes. Fa-
zellus fays, that in the war between the emperor Maximilian and the
Venetians, the Italians were exceedingly furprifed to fee the German
horfes without manes, and with fliort or docked tails : not knowing
that this was done under a notion of rendering them ftronger in the
loins, and more alert. Paulus Venetus fays, likewife, that a certain
nation of the Tartars cut off two or three joints of the tails of their
horfes, of which they have a very valuable breed, to prevent the animal
from moving his tail from fide to fide, and ftriking the rider, which
thing they did not approve.

* Horse fubcifivx.

I i

VOL, I,

wetted

2 4 2 XENOPHON’S TREATISE

wetted every day. One fhould be fparing too in
cleaning the belly ; it is troublefome and difagreeable
to the horfe, and the part, by being clean, is more
likely to attract fuch things as may be offenfive to it -y
and, notwithftanding all the pains that may be taken,
the horfe is no fooner led out, than he will be made
as dirty as before. — Wherefore, entirely omit it, and
let it fuffice to have his legs rubbed with the hand.

CHAP. VI.

WE will now fhow which is the bell manner of
cleaning and drefling an horfe, and, at the
fame time, fa fell to the groom. If he Rands in a
line * with the horfe while he is cleaning him, he
runs the rifque of being Rruck in the face with his
knee or hoof. But if he Rands fide-ways, and places
himfelf out of the reach of his foot near the lhoulder,
lie is fecure, and may take up the foot and examine
and pick it. This rule fhould be obferved in hand-
ling his hinder legs. In general, let it be obferved,
that whatever he intends to do to the horfe, he fhould
go as little as poRible to the head, or tail ; for then, if
the horfe is inclined to be vitious, he has an advan-
tage over him. But if you approach him fideways,
you have It in your power to treat him as you will,

* That is, if he Rands dire&ly oppofite to the horfe.

without

ON HORSEMANSHIP. 243

without danger. The fame is to be obferved with re-
fpeCt to the hinder legs.

In general, let it be obferved, that whatever the groom
wants to do with the horfe, he fhould be very cautious
in coming near his head or heels, for, if he is difpof-
ed to be vicious, he has the man in his power ; but if
the man approaches the horfe tideways, he is in a fe~
cure polition, and cannot be hurt.

We do not advife the perfon who has the care of
conducting an horfe from one place to another, to go
behind him, becaufe, in this fituation, he is lead able
to defend himfelf, and the horfe is more at liberty to
difobey him ; neither fhould he go before, and by
holding a long rein, endeavour to compel the horfe to
follow, for he may then be mifchievous and unruly,
turn round to either fide, get the man within reach of
his heels, and do him an injury. Nor, when many
horfes arc led together, is it eafy to prevent them
from interfering with one another. But an horfe that
is led by a man going at his fide, is lefs able to do
hurt, and readier to be mounted on a fudden, if occa-
fion requires.

In order to put the bridle on mod conveniently, the
groom fhould go to the Near fide, and put the reins
over his head, letting them fall upon his fhoulders.

Then having the Headjiall in his right-hand, and the
Bitt in his left, if the horfe receives the latter in his
mouth, he has nothing to do but to fix the bridle : if
he refufes, he mud hold the bitt to his teeth, and put

I i 2 his

244 XENOPHON’S TREATISE

his middle finger into his mouth, to prefs his Barrs >,
upon this, generally fpeaking, the horfc will open his
mouth ; but if he refills, he fhould fqueeze his lip
againll the Dog-tooth, or tufk ; and this fcldom fails of
having the defired effedt.

Let the groom be fure never to lead the horfe with
the reins, leaft he lliould diforder and fpoil his mouth ;
and obferve alfo to fix the bit fo juftly, that the horfe
may feel it properly, without having any uneafmefs
from it, which would happen, if the bit were placed
too high : on the contrary, if it were to hang too low
upon his barrs, he might get it between his teeth, and
be able thereby to elude its effects.

In thefe particulars the groom fhould be very exadh,
for if the horfe cannot be brought to receive the bit in-
to his mouth, he is utterly ufelefs ; but if he is accuf-
tomed to be bridled, not only when he is going to be
rode, but alfo for fome time before he is fed, and the
bridle is left upon him for fome time after, it may be
expedted that he will readily receive it whenever it is
offered to him.

It will likewife be requifite, that the groom fhould
learn how to place another on horfeback after the
Perfian * manner ; fo that in cafe his mailer fhould

be

* Vfe mu ft here remind the reader, that the ufe of ftirrups was not
known, and confequently the methods pradtifed in the time of our au-
thor, to get on horfeback, were to Vault , to mount from an Horfe-block ,
or after the Perfian manner, which Vol'aterannus informs us was done

by

ON HORSEMANSHIP. 24s

be Tick, or grown old or infirm, he may have fome
body at hand who can lift him on, or may fupply his
friend with one who can perform that office.

But there is one rule to be inviolably obferved
above all others ; that is, never to approach the horfe
in a paffion ; for anger never thinks of confequences,
and forces us to do what we afterwards repent.

When an horfe is flay of any thing, and will not
come near it, he fhould be taught that there is no
room for his apprehenfion, efpecially if he has cou-
rage and fpirit. If this cannot be otherwife done, the
rider fhould take hold of the thing which is the cauie
of his fright, fhould flrow it to him, and then endea-
vour gently to lead him up to it. On the contrary,
if he fhould force him by blows and feverity, they
would encreafe his terrors, and the horfe would think
that what he then fuffers is abfolutely occafioned by
the thing of which he is afraid.

The groom likewife fhould underhand how to place
his horfe commodioufly and fafely, when he prefents
him to the rider to mount. It is, however, likewife
neceffary for the rider to know how to get up, altho’
the horfe fhould not prefent liimfelf in the eafieh and
mofl favourable poflure ; becaufe one is not only oblig-

by the help of a fervant or Have, who accompanied his mafter, and
bending his back, his mafter mounted from it, and likewife got down
from his horfe upon it, and thence to the ground. Xenophon men-
tions this method likewife in his inriAPXIKOZ.

ed

2 4 6 XENOPHON’S TREATISE

ed to ufe different horfes at different times, but even
becaufe the fame horfe is not always equally quiet and
patient to be mounted.

VII

CHAP,

UR next bufinefs fhall be to give fome directions,

^ which fhould be followed by every good rider,
when he is going to mount his horfe.

He mufl firft, with his left-hand, gently take hold of
the rein, which is fattened to the lower part of the bit,
or to the chain that goes under the chin, handling it
fo lightly as not to check the horfe, if he raifes him-
felf in mounting, by taking hold of the mane near
the ears ; or if he fprings from his lance *. With his
right-hand let him take hold of the bridle near the
fhoulder, and of the mane at the fame time, that he
may in no refpect pull the bridle as he rifes : when
he makes his effort to fpring up, let him raife bis

* This manner of getting on horfeback from the lance or fpear,
has, till lately, puzzled all the antiquaries and commentators, who have
not been able to give any fatisfadlory account of it. In the collection
of the Pates Antiques^ belonging to the late celebrated baron S/ecb, there
is one which reprefents a foldier as going to mount his horfe by the
afiiftance of his fpear. The fpear is planted at the tide of the horfe,
and has an Hook upon the fhaft, on which the man placing his foot,
eafily beftrides the horfe. This, at firft fight, explains the above paf-
fage. Livy mentions likewife this method of getting on horfeback,
as praftifed by the Roman foldiers.

6

body

ON HORSEMANSHIP. 247

body with his left hand, and firetching out his right,
lift himfelf up, for by thus mounting, his figure will
appear graceful even behind. Let him keep his leg
bent, and avoid touching the back of the horfe with
his knee : his leg being brought clean over to the
Off-Jide , let him then feat himfelf upon his horfe.

It feems an excellent cuftom to pradtife mounting
on the Off-Jide *, that he may be able to do it if at any
time he fhould happen to have the horfe in his left-
hand, and the fpear in his right. For this purpofe
nothing more is required, than to do with the left
parts of the body what was done with the right, and
vice verfd.

This method is alfo farther ufeful, becaufe no fooner
is the rider mounted, than he is prepared to charge
the enemy, if there fhould be occafion.

Whether he ufes a Cloth f, or rides upon the bare-
back, we would not have him fit in the attitude of one
who drives a chariot but as if he was Handing
eredt with his legs fomewhat aflride, for thus his

* Another gem, in the fame collection, gives us the figure of a foldier
Handing by an horfe in the attitude of a man going to mount him on
the Right-Me and there are many other ancient imprefiions which
Ihow the fame thing.

N. B. This collection is now in the Britilh Mufeum.

4 It is to be remembered that the Greeks, inflead of Saddles , ufed
Cloths or HouJingSy and the lower fort often rode without any.

4 That is, not as he would fit in a chair, but upon his twill or
fork.

thighs

24B XENOPHON’S TREATISE

thighs will cling clofer to the horfe, and, being up-
right, he will be better able to wield his lance, and
Hr ike with more force.

The leg, below the knee, mull hang loofe and eafyj
if it is kept fliff, and fhould ftrike againll any thing,
it might be hurt or broken ; but being at liberty,
whatever it encounters it will give way, while the
! Thigh remains unmoved. Indeed the whole of the
rider’s body fhould be, above the knees, as pliant as
pofliblc, that he may be able to endure more fatigue,
and be lefs liable, when he is attacked, to be either
pulled or pufhed from his feat.

When he is feated, the horfe mud be taught to con-
tinue quiet till he has got every thing he wants,
gathered the reins even in his hand, and placed his
fpear in the mod convenient manner.

Let him keep his left-arm clofe to his fide, which is
the mod becoming podure, and that in which he can
exert the greated power. The reins fhould be of equal
length, drong, not flippery nor thick, in order that the
fpear may occafionally be held in the fame hand.

When the rider direcds his horfe to go forward, let
him begin at a flow rate, for this prevents confufion.

If the horfe carries his head low, let the rider hold
the reins high ; and, vice verfd , this makes the moft
graceful appearance.

The horfe will fooner make his body fupple and
pliable, by being fufFercd to go his own pace for fome
time, which will prepare him to be exerted and ani-
mated

ON HORSEMANSHIP. 249

mated with the whip. To begin or fet off to the left-
hand, is generally moft approved : this may bed be
done, if the horfe, at going off turns to the right *;
and the fign is given him with the wand or whip.
He who prefers the Left , fhould begin from the Right ;
and when the horfe is ready, and in a proper pofture,
the rider fhould make the Change , and wheel off to the
left. The horfe being thus turned to the Left , will
Lead with his Left-Foot , and to the Right with the Right-
Foot.

We recommend that manner of exercifing an horfe,
which is called rhJyj jy becaufe it ufes him to turn to
either fide, and fupples him both to the Right and
Left.

The horfe alfo fhould be worked flraight forward, as
well as upon a circle, as the change from one to the

* The meaning of this feems to be, that when the rider intends to
go to the Left, he fhould firft turn a little to the Right , in order to take
a compafs, and turn the horfe to the left with more freedom and
grace.

f This has already been mentioned, but here the word TltJ'v feems
more plainly to indicate a chain, which was ufed to make the horfe
work to both hands, and probably was intended to operate in the
fame manner as the Longe in our maneges; or elfe it might be a Side
rein, which was ufed according to the hand to which the horfe was
worked. Vid. Julius Pollux, Lib. i. cap. 2. — He and Stevens men-
tion two methods of working, flraight forward, and upon circles, to
either hand, and cite the above mentioned palfage. Hefychius feems
to explain it in this manner ; others think the was a fhackle, or
chain, faflened to the feet, in order to form the pace, and make the
horfe lift his legs, and acquire a lofty a&ion. Aldrovand.

Vo l. I. K k

other

250 XENOPHON’S TREATISE

other will make him ready in both, and pleafe and
relieve him from fatigue.

It is necefiary to pull the horfe in and fupport him
while he turns ; for it is neither eafy nor fafe for him
to turn fhort, when going fall, efpecially if the ground

Is rugged or flippery.

When the rider thus pulls up and fupports his horfe
upon the turn, he mud remember to do it with great
exadtnefs and delicacy, and to fit Heady and even him-
felf ; as he may be fure a fmall matter may difcompofe
and endanger both himfelf and the horfe. As foon as
the horfe has finifhed the turning, and is upon a ftrait
line again, pufh him forward * vigoroufly, and put
him to his fpeed. Thefe exercifes will fit him for the
exigencies of war, in which it will be necefiary for
him to wheel and turn, both for purfuit and retreat,
as well as to go forward with fpeed and readinefs.

When the horfe appears to have been exercifed
enough, it will be proper to let him reft a certain
time, and then fet off at once into full fpeed again ;
and that to and from other horfes that may be with
him. This being done, flop and let him remain quiet
for fome time, and then put him to his exercife again j
for many occafions may happen in which thefe prac-
tices will be ufeful, and infure readinefs and obedi-
ence to the rider.

* Th:s method of working an horfe is called, by the French writers,
the Envie d' alter , and is moft ufeful.

Lafily?

ON HORSEMANSHIP. 251

Laftly, when the time of difmiffing him comes,
and the man is to alight, let him take heed not to do
it among other horfes, nor among the fpedators, but
in the place in which he has been worked ; in that
very fpot let him receive the reward of eafe and
repofe.

CHAP. VIII.

TH E R E being frequent occafions to ride an horfe
up and down fteep grounds, and on the fides of
them j as alfo, to leap over ditches, and upon high
places, and down from them ; it is neceffary that all
thefe things fhould be learnt and pracftifed both by
man and horfe ; who may thus become a mutual pre-
servation, each to the other, and rendered thereby more
ufeful to the public.

If here we fhould be accufed of unnecefTary repeti-
tion, becaufe we have made mention of thefe qualities
already, we deny the charge : for then we recommend-
ed the examination of the horfe, as to thefe particu-
lars, before he was bought 5 whereas now we affirm,
that a man fliould teach them the horfe, which is al-
ready his own ; and we will fhew him how it ought
to be done. The right way then for one to proceed
who has a raw horfe, and quite ignorant of leaping, is
to hold him loofely by the rein, and get over the ditch
firfl himfelf ; and thus by leading the horfe, endeavour

K k 2 to

XENOPHON’S TREATISE

252

to make him leap over and follow. If he will not
obey, let fome body behind Itrike him with the whip
or fwitch ; whereupon he will leap, and not only the
ncceflary diftance, but much farther than was requir-
ed. For the future, there will be no need to beat him,
for, if he does but fee a man coming behind him, he
will immediately leap. When he has been accuftom-
cd to this for a certain time, let him be mounted and
tried, at firft, at fmall leaps, and put by degrees to
larger; and juft as he is going to rife, let him be prick*
ed with the fpurs. This alfo fhould be done upon
other occafions, when he is required to leap, inafmuch
as that the fpurs will quicken and animate him to rife
and gather up himfelf clofely and compactly, and pre-
vent him from dragging his hinder parts, which would
be unfafe and dangerous to the rider.

As hills and inequalities of ground will often occur?
the horfe fhould be praftifed firft to go down hill, and
fhould be taught this leffon in foft ground; when he
is ufed to do this, he will go down more readily than
upwards. Nor need any ane apprehend that his
Ihoulders will be hurt, when they are informed that
the Perjians and Odryjians * keep their horfes as found
and healthy as the Grecians, although it is their cuftom
to ride races down hill.

We will now mention what is to be done upon
thefe occafions by the rider. When the horfe raifes

* A people of Thrace.

his

ON HORSEMANSHIP. 2*3

his fore-part, in order to leap, he fhould lean forward,
by which means the hinder-parts will be relieved, and
the man feel the fhock lefs forcibly; and in the mo-
ment that the horfe is coming to the ground, he fhould
throw his body back, by which means he will, in fome
degree, elude the violence of the motion, and preferve
the juftnefs of his feat.

When the horfe leaps over a ditch, or ftretches up
a riling ground, it is a good practice for the rider to
take hold of the mane *, that the horfe may not have
the incumbrance of the bridle to ftruggle with, as well
as the difficulty of the ground. But when going down
a fteep or declivity, the man fhould fling his body back,
and fupport the horfe with the bridle, to prevent him
from falling headlong down the hill.

It is proper to exercife the horfe fometimes in one
place, fometimes in another, a»d more at one time
than another ; by this he will not be fo apt to con-
ceive a dillike to his talk, as he would, if he were al-
ways to be worked in the fame place, and for the fame
fpace of time.

Since it is neceffary to be able to ride readily upon
all forts of ground, to have a fure and firm feat, and

* Whatever notions the Greeks might have of this method, and aW
though it is prefcribed by Xenophon, it feems to be flatly againft truth
and the principles of the Art. For the bridle, inllead of being an in-
cumbrance to the horfe, will be of great afiiftance, if feafonably and
judicioufly ufed; and by guiding and fupporting, will prevent him from
falling.

to

XENOPHON’S TREATISE

"2 'S' 4

to be able at the fame time to handle one's arms dex-
teroufly ; the practice of hunting, where the country
will permit it, is very proper and commendable : where
there is no opportunity for this, the following expedient
may be fubftituted in its place, and performed by two
horfemem One fhould a Cz the part of an enemy who
flies from his purfuer through all kinds of places, and
as he retreats, fling his javelin, and try to annoy him ;
the other, having his weapons blunted, whenever he
comes within reach, fhould aim at him, or if he over-
takes him, ftrike him with his fpear ; and if they clofe
with each other, let one of them pull his adverfary
towards himfelf, and fuddenly pufli him back again,
which is the way to difmount him. It will then be
the bufinefs of him who is pulled and pufhed in this
manner, to fpur his horfe forward ; by doing which,
he will probably unhorfe his antagonifl, and efcape
himfelf.

If two armies being near each other, a real lkirmifh
fhould enfue, and one party fhould purfue, while the
other retreated, and fo perhaps alternately attacking
and defending as circumftances require ; upon fuch
occafions, it is requifit$ that an horfe man fhould have
his horfe in fuch obedience, as to be able to depend
upon him in whatever he may require, inafmuch as
by his addrefs and docility, he will be enabled to an-
noy his enemy, and provide for his own fafety.

6

In

ON HORSEMANSHIP. 25 s:

In fine, Providence has granted to men the advan-
tage of communicating their thoughts, and indru&ing
one another, by the means of Speech ; but it is obvious
this gift is denied to horfes. The bed method then of
conveying your intentions to them, and, as it were, of
declaring your mind, is to reward them when they do
as you wifh, and to punifh them when they are difo-
bedient. This rule is expreded in few words, but is of
univerfal ufe in horfemanlhip.

For an horfe will certainly be more willing to receive
the bridle, and refign himfelf to his mailer, if he is re-
compenfed for fo doing, and will leap and perform all
his exercifes with alacrity, if he is taught to expert that
his compliance will be rewarded with eafe and refrefhr
ment.

CHAP. IX.

TH U S having fhewn how you are to proceed in
the choice of a colt or horfe, when you intend
to purchafe, as well as how they are to be treated
when bought, particularly if they fhould be deilined
for war ; we will farther dire£t what is bed to be done
when you undertake one that has too much fire, or one
that is cold and iluggiih.

Confider then that fpirit and ardour are in the tem-
per of an horfe, what paflion is in the mind of man ;
and as he who fays and does nothing offenfive, is lead
liable to provoke a man fubjeeT to anger j fo he who

avoids

2s6 XENOPHON'S TREATISE

avoids freting and teazing an horfe is mod likely to
make him quiet, and reconcile him to his duty.

When fuch an horfe therefore is to be mounted, all
poflible care fhould be taken not to alarm or offend
him ; and after he is mounted, he fhould be fufflered to
Rand Rill a longer time than ufual, and be dire&ed then
to go on by the moft gentle figns. Let him begin at a
flow rate, and increafe his pace by fuch fmall degrees,
that he may pafs to a quicker motion almoft without
perceiving it.

Horfes which are quick and hot in their temper
like men, are difturbed by any thing that affedts them
fuddenly, and apt to be furprifed by unufual fights and
founds. When you wifh therefore to flacken the pace
of an eager horfe, which hurries on too faft ; and to pa-
cify his fury, fo as to make him go temperately, or
even oblige him to flop, you fhould not attempt to do
it at once, and with violence, but artfully and by de-
grees, gently pulling, him in, then yielding the bridle,
and playing with his mouth in fuch a manner as if
you intended rather to win his Conjent% than force his
obedience.

In forming an high-fpirited horfe, it fhould be
known that, in order to make him gentle and quiet,
he fhould be rode ftrait forward, and be put to make
fhort Turnings as feldom as poflible; he fhould like-
wife be kept to a flow and calm pace for a long time
together ; by this prudent and mild treatment, his im-
pel uofity will moft probably abate, and his temper be

foftened

ON HORSEMANSHIP. 2^7

foftened and rendered more tradtablc. Such an horfe
fhould be worked with a fmooth and eafy bit, gather
than with a rough one. However, if the latter is ufcd,
its feverity may be mitigated by the gentlenefs of the
hand which holds it, and which may make it as eafy
as the Smooth one *.

If any one, 011 the contrary, thinks that by riding,
fail for a great while, and tiring his horfe, he
fubdue his fpirit ; his opinion is directly oppofite to
truth. In thefe cafes, the horfe always endeavours to
get the better by main force, and, (like an angry man)
through the violence of his paffion, often brings irre-
parable mifchief upon himfelf as well as his rider.
Horfes of this difpofition fhould alfo be withheld from
going at their utmoft fpeed, and upon no account be
fuffered to run againft others *, for the horfe that is
moil eager to contend, is almoft always moll fiery, and
fuch contention would encreafe his impatience.

The Smooth bit is more convenient to be ufed to thefe
horfes, than fuch as are harfh and Rough ; but if a
rough one is ufed, the hand of the rider fhould be
fo light and delicate as to qualify its force.

The rider alfo fhould remember to keep a firm feat
upon a fpirited horfe, and to fit evenly and quietly, fq

* This obfervation is mod juft : it is from the manner of managing
them alone that bits are eafy or fevere to the mouth of the horfe; other-
wife, as the duke of Newcaftle fays, the bit-makers would be the heft
horfemen.

I. 1

VO L. I,

as

aSS XENOPHON’S TREATISE

as not to difcompofe the animal by the motion of any
part of his body, and to balance himfelf fo truly as
not to be obliged to lay hold of any thing j* to pre~
ferve his feat.— An horfe fhould likewife be taught to
know the different founds made with the tongue ; in-
afmuch as they are a kind of Aids or directions of the
rider, and ferve to animate or pacify, according to their
different Tones. The rider fhould alfo remember to
perfevere in retaining the fame founds ; for were he to
change them, and fometimes ufe one, and fometimes
another, arbitrarily, the horfe would be confounded,
and not underfland him, as he can alone be inflrudfed
in his meaning by practice and repetition.

If you are to approach an horfe who is alarmed
at the found of the trumpet, or any ocher noife, take
care to do it in fo calm and cautious a manner, that
you yourfelf may not difcompofe him, and add to his
fear, but fo as to gain his confidence, and then you
will be able to footli and reconcile him ; and for this
purpofe, if you have opportunity, you may bribe him,
by giving him fomething to eat.

After all, an impetuous and fiery horfe is unfit for
the purpofes of war, and fhould, upon account of his
temper, be rejected,

f It was neceflary to keep the moft exaft equilibre of the body, and
the firmed hold upon the horfe, as they had not the advantage of faddles
and ftirrups, as mentioned before.

As

ON HORSEMANSHIP.

iS<)

As for a fluggifh bead, the bell manner of treating
him will be, in molt inftanccs, to obferve a method di-
rectly contrary to that which is prefcribed for the
management of one of an oppofite character %

CHAP. X.

IF any one willies to have an horfe poffefTed of all the
qualities requilite for war, and, moreover, ftately and
beautiful: he mull take care not to offend or harafs his
mouth, by a rafh and indifcreet hand; and, likewife,
never to ufe the Whip or Spur, but with great modera-
tion and judgment. Ignorant people expeCt to make
the horfe appear more brilliant and beautiful by thefc
violences, whereas the contrary effeCt is fure to hap-
pen, for the horfe becomes fo difordered and irregu-
lar by thefe provocations, that he no longer attends
to his manner of going, no longer fees the way be-
fore him; but being interrupted, vexed, and diflreffed,
and failing into confufion, hurries his rider and him-
felf into manifeft danger; and that appearance he will
make in this fituation, far from being graceful, will
be very unbecoming.

* In forming horfes to different purpofes, thofe who are employed
about them fhould deal with them as Phyficians treat difeafes ; viz. by
Contraries. — A fluggifh horfe fhould be animated and rouzed; and one
which is of a fiery nature, fhould be pacified and reftrained.

Li

But

XENOPHON’S TREATISE

2 6o

But when an hor-fe is taught to go regularly and
fmoothly, with a rein rather loofe and eafy, to bear his
neck aloft, and to Curl it fomewhat towards his head,
he then does thofe very things in which he himfelf
delights, and takes the greatefl pleafure. A proof of
this may be, that when he is at liberty in a paflure,
and meets with other horfes, and efpecially Mares , he
will ereft his head and neck, raife his tail towards his
back with courage and vigour, trots high and flately,
rejoicing in his courfe, and proud of himfelf. If
therefore the horfeman can prevail upon him to ap-
pear, when mounted, in the beautiful attitudes he na-
turally affumes when at liberty, he will make him
become fond of being rode ; and whenever he appears,
he will exhibit a moil finking and pleafing figure to-
the fpecdators, from his pride, fprightlinefs, and acti-
vity : we will now point out what is to be done, in or-
der to attain thefe defirable ends.

In the firft place, the horfeman fhould be furnifhed
with two bits at lead. Of thefe, let one be fmooth and
eafy, with large knobs or rings * ; the other fhould have
heavier rings, not Handing fo high, and armed with
{harp points or Teeth. When this is put into the
horfe’s mouth, he will he offended, and diflike it, but
will hereby be taught the difference between the two,
and be induced to relifh the fmooth bit with double

* Julius Pollux mentions thele orbs or rings, and our Olive bits feera
to refemble them.

7 plea-

ON HORSEMANSHIP. 261

pleafure; with this latter he fhould ufually be rode,
after having had his mouth made and fettled by the
rough bit.

If, however, he fhould pay no regard to this, but be
hard upon the hand, there mult be an addition of
Rings, to bring his mouth under ftridt command.

The rough or Sharp bit is made to operate in a
greater or lefs degree, according to the Working of the
horfeman’s hand, and as the reins are llackened, or
pulled tight. Whatever number of bits are neceffary,
it is better they fhould be eafy and flexible ; for, when
an horfe has a Solid and Stiff one in his mouth, the whole
of it bears upon his bars, juft as one cannot take up
any part of a fpit, without lifting the whole ; whereas'
the other refembles a chain, the only part of which is
firm and hard, which is pulled and flretched ; the reft
is flexible and hangs loofe.

The horfe feeling this hang in his mouth, endea-
vours to catch it with his teeth; and by twilling his
tongue and jaws about for that purpofe, lets the bit
drop lower down than it ought. To remedy this, fome
rings are faftened in the middle, with winch the horfe
playing * with his tongue and teeth, endeavouring to

* We have a fmall chain in the upfet, or hollow part of our bits,
called a Player , with which the horfe playing with his tongue, and roll-
ing it about, keeps his mouth moift and frefii. V\nd as Xenophon hints,
it may ferve likewife to fix his attention, and prevent him from writh-
ing his mouth about, or, as the French call it ,faire fes forces .

catch

i6 2 XENOPHON’S TREATISE

catch them, and the bit remains in its proper place j
and the horfe forbears to try to diflodge it. Left any
one fhould be ignorant of what we mean by flexible and
Jliff bits, we will explain ourfelves. A bit is flexible,
or eafy, which is compofed of broad and fmooth joints,
fo that it may eafily be bent, and every bit is eafier in
proportion as its joints are large and pliant. But if
the parts of the bit do not move eafily, it is ill put to-
gether, and becomes fliarp and fevere. But whatever
fort of bridle is ufed, the horfe fhould be fo formed by
it, as to perform all that is required of him, or elfe he
will not be fuch as we have defcribed.

The hand muft neither be held fo ftridl as to con-
fine and make the horfe uneafy, nor fo loofely as not
to let him feel it. The moment he obeys and anfwers
it, yield the bridle to him ; this will take off the ftrefs,
and relieve his bars, and is in conformity with that
maxim, which fhould never be forgot, which is to carefs
and reward him for whatever he does well. The mo-
ment that the rider perceives that the horfe begins to
place his head, to go lightly in the hand, and with cafe
and pleafure to himfelf ; he fhould do nothing that is
difagreeable, but flatter and coax, fuffer him to reft a
while, and do all he can to keep him in this happy tem-
per. This will encourage and prepare him for greater
undertakings.

There is a plain proof to be given, that an horfe takes
pleafure in going faft. When he is at liberty, he fel-
dom chufes to go flow, but naturally delights to run

and

ON HORSEMANSHIP.

263

and bound along, if he is not compelled to continue
it longer than he likes ; in which cafe he would grow
difgufted, for nothing in excefs is plealing either to
liorfe or man. As foon as he is brought to perform
his exercifes with truth and grace, after a turn or two,
let him be exerted and urged to afwifter pice. When
he is fufficiently frank, and prompt to fet off at once ; if
in that moment when he is going in confequence of
the rider’s aid, he reftrains his ardour, by pulling' him
in to a certain degree, the horfe being on one fide urg-
ed to go forward, and yet held back at the fame time
by the hand, his pride and courage will be fo rouzed
and animated *, that, as it were in a rage, he will
advance his chef;, fhift his legs, and lift them from
the ground, but not with all the eafe and pliancy that
is requifite, and to which he will arrive, when prac-
tice has taught him to bend them, with more coolnefs
and regularity.

When he is thus inflamed, and his courage called
out, if the hand is yielded to him, miftaking the loofc-
nefs of the rein for a deliverance from all redraint,
he will immediately bound forward, exulting, and
confcious of his own qualities, as if he had a pride in
difplaying his graceful motions and attitude, and
imitating the manner and gait which he affumes when

* This is what, in the Modem Manege, is called the Union, or putting
together, and tends at once to try the refolution of the horfe, raife his
Aftion, and improve his figure.

He

2.6 4 XENOPHON’S TREATISE

he approaches any of his own fpecies. The fpeclators
conceive a thoufand good qualities to belong to fucn
an horfe, and bellow large praife upon his fpirit, refo-
lution, courage, and beauty.

Thus have we finilhed this part of our fubjecd, hav-
ing laid enough, we hope, for the fervice of thofe who
delight in this fort of horfes.

C H A P. XI.

rHEN any one chufes an horfe for Parade, he

* ^ mull take care to procure one whofe carriage
and Adlicn is lofty, and brilliant. Such horfes are not
over eafily found, but the effential qualities are cou-
rage and drength. The power of rearing the body
does not fo much depend upon the pliancy of the
legs as fomc think, but upon the fhortnefs of the
loins, and ftrength and fupplenefs of the haunches.
An horfe of this mould will be able to extend his him
dcr legs far forward under him. To teach him to
rife, and balance himfclf upon his haunches, the horfes
man fhould pull him up with the bridle, and fupport
him a little at fil’d in his hand ; upon this hint, he
probably will rife, and, in the moment in which he is
up, the bridle fhould be yielded, that he may feem to
do it willingly, and his -attitude appear uncondrained,
and more graceful to the fpedlators ; and he fhould

fiand

ON HORSEMANSHIP. 265

Rand in fuch a pofiure as to difplay his belly to thofe
who are oppofite to him.

There are fome who teach horfes to rife, by Rrik-
ing the fetlocks with a Rick ; others order a man,
who attends for that purpofe, to hit them upon the
upper part of the legs *. We, however, look upon it
that the belt way of teaching them is to follow our
fore-mentioned rule : that whenever they anfwer the
horfeman’s wifhes, and obey him cliearfully, they
fliould inltandy be rewarded by a cefiation from toil ;
for what they do by conRraint (as Simon fays alfo) they
do without underftanding, and with no more grace or
pleafure than an adtor would perform his part upon
the Rage, if he was whipped and beat all the time.
The man and the horfe would certainly make but very
difagreeable figures. The only true method is, to
infirudt an horfe in his bufinefs by figns and Jids, and
' to engage him to perform it with good-will and alacri-
ty. If, therefore, when he has been worked fo feriouf-
]y, as to fweat and be fomewhat fatigued, and you per-
ceive that he rifes up, and complies with all that you
demand of him, you infiantly get ofit, and difmifs him,
there is no quefiion but he will joyfully accept every
occafion of repeating the fame, whenever you fhall re-
quire it of him.

* This method Rands juftified by the pradice of modern horfe-
men.

Vol. I,

M m

Thefe

2 66

XENOPHON’S TREATISE

Thefe are the horfes upon which gods and men are
reprefented fitting ; and fuch men as are able to ride
them with judgment and fkill, are looked up to with
admiration. For an horfe in this attitude, is a light fa
very beautiful, fo delightful, fo attracting, that it en-
gages the attention of all who fee it, both old and
young. No body leaves him, or is tired with gazing
upon him, fo long as he continues in this molt becom-
ing poPure *.

However, if the perfon who is poffeft of fo valua-
ble a creature, happens to be an officer, and is to ufe
him in the troops, he ought not to be fatisfied with
enjoying fuch a diltinCtion alone, but Ihould endea-
vour to have his troop mounted as nobly as himfelf,.
that the general appearance may be more beautiful,,
from being uniform and alike. Now, if an horfe of
this kind Ihould go at the head of a troop or regiment*
Pepping, in exaCt ‘Time and Cadence , with lofty aClion,.
and full of fire ; and if the horfes which accompany
him in the march, ihould not be equal to him in thefe
qualities, they would undoubtedly appear mean and
contemptible. But if they are all equal, and Pep to-
gether in juP time, there arifes fuch an harmony from
the truth of their motions, enlivened by their neigh-
ing and Blowing , that the whole exhibits a mop Priking
fpeCtacle.

* This attitude is known to modern horfemen by the term Pefade

LaPly,

ON HORSEMANSHIP. 267

Ladly, if a man buys good horfes, trains them to
fervice, forms their motions, and prepares them with
fkill and prudence, not only for the purpofes of war,
but likewife for pomp and pleafure ; nothing but the
irrefutable power of ill-fortune can hinder him from
making them dill more valuable. They will rife in
merit and price, and he will be famous and admired
for his talents and Ikill in the equedrian art,

CHAP. XII.

THE lad thing we have to do, is to defcribe what
armour is neceflary for one who is to fight on
horfeback. The fird article is the coat of mail, which
fhould be made to fit the body exactly, and which will
then be able to carry it : whereas, if it is too large,
the fhoulders alone mud bear it ; and if too fmall, it
will be rather an incumbrance than a defence. As
the neck is a mortal part, let a covering like a coat of
mail be made proportionable to it, it will not be un-
graceful, and, if properly made, will receive the rider’s
face, when he pleafes, as high as his nofe.

We edeem the Boeotian helmet above all other ; for
without obdruCting the fight, it mod effectually pro-
tects every part above the coat of mail. The bread
plate fhould be fo contrived, as not to prevent a man
from fitting down or dooping.

M m 2

About

268

XENOPHON’S TREATISE

About the middle, and the hips, and the adjacent
parts, let there be a fufhcient number of fkirts to de-
fend them.

If the left-arm is wounded, the rider is difabled :
we therefore recommend the piece of armour lately
invented, and denominated from the hand ; for it co-
vers the fhoulder, the arm, the elbow, and the hand,
as low as the bridle ; it will alfo ftretch out and bend,
and, moreover, fecures the part under the arms, which
is left defencelefs by the coat of mail.

The right-arm mud be lifted up, when the horfe-
man intends to fling his lance, or {trike the enemy.
It fhould not be confined with the bread-plate, but, in-
dead thereof, fhould have jointed armour, which may
unfold upon dretching the arm, and clofe upon con-
trading it. It deems better alfo that it fhould be
drawn upon the arm, as boots are upon the legs, than
fadened to the mail. The part that is bared, upon
raiding the arm, fhould be covered with calves fkin, or
brads ; otherwife a dangerous confequence might hap-
pen.

As the fafety of the rider depends, in a great de-
gree, upon that of the horde, let him too be furniflied
with an head- piece, bread-plate, and armour for his
fides, which will likewife cover the rider’s thighs.
Above all, the belly and flanks fhould be guarded, for
they are dangerous parts, and liable to be mortally
wounded.

The

ON HORSEMANSHIP. 269

The bandage, or Girth, which confines the Cloth to
the horfe's back, mud be fo contrived as not to hurt
the rider who fits upon it, nor gall the horfe.

This is the complete armour of an horfeman and his
horfe ; but as the legs and feet of the former will like-
wife requite to be defended, as they will not be fuf-
ficiently guarded by the covering of the thighs, leather
boots will be very convenient, and ferve at once for ar-
mour for the legs, and fandals for the feet.

Thefe arc the defenjive arms : a fufficient guard, with
the afliftance of heaven. With refpecil to ojfenfive wea-
pons, we prefer the icymiter to the fword ; for the ad-
vantage which the horfeman has from his height, re-
quires a cutting rather than a pointed weapon.

Inftead of a fpear, which may be broken, and is in-
convenient to carry, we advife two javelins of cornel
wood, becaufe a ikilful warriour may throw one, and
ufe the other in front or rear, or on either fide, as well
as that they like wife have the advantage of the fpear
in being flronger, and more eafy to be carried.

The greater the diftance from which the javelin is
thrown the better ; as it affords a man more time to.
turn about, and recover his arms. We will deferibe,.
in few words, the right way to throw the lance.

If a man, advancing his left-fide, drawing back his
right, and rifmg upon his Thighs , call the lance with
its point a little upwards, it will fly with the greaceft
force, and to the greateft diftance, as well as with the
2. furefl

£70

XENOPHON’S TREATISE

fur eft aim, provided it be in the dire&ion of the mark
it is defigned to reach.

Thus have we finiflied our rules and inftru<5lions,
founded upon experience, and compiled for the ufe of
young horfemen.

D I S S E R-

DISSERTATION

ON THE

Ancient Chariot; the Exercife of it in the R a c e j

AND

The Application of it to real Service in War,

Thomas Pownall to Richard Eerenger.

S you defired, in confequence of a converfation

-*» which we had together upon the fubjedt of that
ancient armament, the Military Chariot , that I would look
out fome papers which I had formerly put together
on that fubjedt ; I have obeyed your commands, and
can only fay,, that if you think they may prove matter
of curiofity or amufement to any of your readers,
they are very much at your fervice, to make that ufe
of them which your judgment ihall fugged ; and if,,
by way of explanation of the fubjedt, they lliould prove
of the fame ufe to others, which (1 conceive) they have
been to me in the courfe of my reading, the utmod
end that can be expected from them will be anfwered.

The defcriptions of this armament, the horfe and
chariot, which one meets with in the ancient poets
and hiftorians, referring to a thing of common ufe
and notoriety, might indeed become to thofe who were

conver-

DISSERTATION ON THE

272

converfant with the thing itfelf, Sufficiently explanatory
of the peculiar ufes, properties, and actions fpecified ;
but, to a reader, in thefe diftant days, when the thing
no longer exifts, they are too vague and obfcure, not
to want a regular, full, and diftinCt explanation.

In fearching through the fchcliafls and annotators,
we find nothing precife and Satisfactory, and the draw-
ings from coins and marbles leave us equally unin-
formed'.— -Thefe Seldom mark any particulars of the
harnefs or carriage, or of the manner of joining the
horfes to it. It was not the intention of the artifts,
who wrought thefe d dig ns, to mark the detail. It
was fufficient that they characterised die Specific aCtion
meant to be exhibited. Befides this, their inattention
in thefe general defigns to the minute rules of per-
spective, added confufion to indecifion.

In confequence of this date of darknefs and doubt,
I put together, on a few ffieets of paper, all the pafiages
which in the courfe of reading had occured to me on
this fubjeCt, with Such remarks as the prefent moment
fuggefied : and I did it with a view of trying how they
might elucidate each other ; and as I foon found, as
further opportunities occurred to me, that there were
Several marbles and coins which afforded Specimens of
pars in many particulars of this fubjeCt, I form-
ed the defign of comparing the descriptions in thefe
pafiages with Such representations of this equipage as

I might

ANCIENT CHARIOT.

273

I might hereafter meet with in coins or marbles, or
drawings made from them.

The refult of this inveftigation enabledme to draw up
fuch a particular detail of this military equipage, as left
me in no difficulty of undei Handing any defcription or
narrative which 1 met with of the ufe or application of
the chariot, either in war, or in the race.

In treating the fubjedt, I ffiall avoid that parade of
literature, which crouds the margin with quotations,
and fhall confine myfelf folely to the refult of my in-
quiries, referring, in my afferdons, to fuch authorities
only, and in my defcriptions to fuch paffiages only, as
are abfolutely neceflfary to the explanation.

The ancient military chariot had but two Wheels.
The height or diameter of thefe, in no inftance that I
have met with, exceeded the height of a man’s knee.
There arc fome inftances of thefe wheels being of one
plain difc, firmly compacted with iron ; but the com-
mon form was fuch as our wheels of the prefent day
bear, having fometimes four, fometimes fix, and fel-
dom more than eight fpokes or radii ; the fellies being
armed or fhoed with brafs.

The ufual length of the Axel-tree was # feven feet in
carriages of burden, as well as in thofe of war, drawn
by one yoke or pair or horfes. When there were more
horfes abreaft, the axle extended to the extreme breadth
of the whole rank, or at lead to the interval between

* Hefiod.

N 11

VOL, I.

the

DISSERTATION ON THE

274

the o a tilde horfe, and that next to him There
is a particular defcription of this matter in the
Military Chador, deferibed by Zenophon % “ They had
“ ftrong compadl wheels that could not eafily be
“ broken, and long axle-trees which would not be
“ liable to an overturn.” This dimenlion of the
wheels, and this length of the axle tree, accounts for
every adtion of the chariot, which would be otherwife
inexplicable ; namely, the driving in full career upon
all kinds of ground, over heaps of arms and flaugh-
tered bodies, without being expofed to (otherwife a
common accident) an overturn. It is from this length
that we meet with defcripiions of the axle groaning
under the weight of two fuperiour heroes -—-It is this
length of the axle which allows room for fuch a
breadth in the car, as gives fpace for a warrior to
Hand and adl on either fide the driver. But this mat-
ter is put out of difpute by the examples to be found
in the ancient coins and marbles ; you there fee the
wheel on the fame perfpeclive bafe with the outlide
horfe. The head of the axle was capped with a nut
or box to fecure the wheel upon it, which nut was
ufually in the form of a Lions , or Leopard's head.

The Temos or pole, called by the Greeks 'P vpiog f, was
fixed to the axle-tree, and tied to it by two ftrength-
ening cheek-pieces, as at c in Jig. A, which I have taken0

* Zenophon Cyripoed. lib. vi. 17.
4 Iliad, v. 729.

from

ANCIENT CHARIOT.

27 5

from profeffor Scheffer de Re Vechiculari ; this form is con-
firmed by feveral paffages defcribing it. The end next
to the axle-tree is therefore called the furca , or, in
Greek, Xtyi^iv^ and %vXov. The other end, which

lay upon the yoke, was called oixpoe *, and by Curtius,
fumin' is temo ; that the temo was inferred into the axle-
tree, is plain from Ovid f defcribing the wreck of
Phaeton’s chariot.

Illic frana jacenty illic temone revulfus,

Axis

The body of the chariot was fixed upon this part where
the axis and the temo united, and fo ftrongly were all
compared together, that while we frequently read of
the yokes being torn off from the temo by the violence
of accidents, yet we never meet with an account of
the temo being wrenched off from the axis, except in
the one inflance of the chariot of the fun driven by
Phaeton.

At the other end, there was either a hole through the
folid body cf the pole (or a ring affixed to it) through
which a pin (fet eredt in the middle of the yoke) paffi-
ed in the harneffing the liorfes by this yoke to the
chariot, as will be feen prefently. This hole or ring,
(cm jig. A,) is called by Homer, Iliad xxiv. 272, xgixuv.
In the original ufe of thefe chariots, each pair or yoke

* Iliad, v. 729. f Metamorph. lib. iti.

N n 2

of

276 DISSERTATION ON THE

of horfes were harneffed to the chariot by a feparate
temo or pole.-— When there were one pair— there was
only one temo. — When two or more yoke, two or more
poles. In the firft cafe, the temo was fixed in the
middle of the axis as before-mentioned ; in the fecond
cafe, the two temones were fo fixed as to leave two
fourths of the whole length between them, and one
fourth towards each end of the axis. There is in one
of Mr. Hamilton’s drawings from the ancient Tufcan
urns and vafes, Plate 130, vol. I an example of this
cafe, where each temo forms each fide of the frame of
the body of the chariot. When there were three pair
or yoke of horfes abreaft, of which alfo there are in-
fiances in the antique marbles, See. there is fuppofed
to be three temones : you will in Zenophon read of
rslgoigvpos sx Xz7t(jov oxju), and oxlocgvpos. But you mufl
not underfland that in all thefe inftances, and in all
cafes, the feveral yokes, or pair, were abreaft ; in
fome inftances, they were a-head of each other, with a
temone perpetuo. The length of the temo was ac-
commodated to the length of the horfes, leaving no
more fpace between the hind quarters of the horfe and
the chariot, than was fufEcient for the horfe to move
his hind legs clear of the carriage.

The Carriage thus deferibed, the Body of the chariot
comes next under conlideration : in the firft place, it is
clear that in the military equipage the body was not a
feparate diftintft part moveable, but fixed, and a&ually

a part

ANCIENT CHARIOT.

27 T

a part of the whole compacted together inseparably, as
is above faid of the example in Mr. Hamilton’s draw-
ings. The body of the chariots of Rate and parade
were moveable, fo as they were taken off from the car-
riage and fet carefully by, when not in ufe, and only
put on and hung by braces, when wanted for ufe, as
we read of Priam’s chariot in the 24th book of the
Iliad. The carriage is there called a.y.oc^oc) and the body
'uretgivboc. All thofe chariots which we read of in Ho-
mer, as being fo occafionally hung on upon, or with
braces, are of that fort ; but in the military chariot,
the body and the carriage were but different parts of
the fame, one infeparate compacted whole. We find
that, when Pallas returned from the engagement, the
body of her chariot is not taken off from the carriage,
but the whole oi^ocroc fet up inclining againft the
wall *. When Jupiter returns from the battle to
Olympus, the whole agpocTOi is fet upon a bafe or
altar. Whereas Priam’s chariot is an example of the
firft fort, as is that of Juno mentioned in the fifth
book of the Iliad ; where, being a flate or parade cha-
riot, it is faid of the body, called ftiQgos, that

Braces of gold fufpend the moving Throne.

The carriage is there called oyog. Although thefe
parade chariots might be fo hung upon braces, and
fixed occafionally on the carriage ; yet thofe ufed in

* Iliad, lib. viii.

war,

278 DISSERTATION ON THE

war, and in the race, could not have Rood the violent
fhocks to which they mud have been liable, if they
were not firmly compacted and fixed ; and they appear
fo to be in all the examplars which I have feen,

Mr. Profefior Scheffer has defcribed the parts of the
body of the chariot with the exacStnefs of a mechanic,
yet he has not touched upon the article of the hang-
ing or bracing it upon the carriage : nor has he taken
any notice of the difference above defcribed, between
the Parade chariot thus braced on, and the Military cha-
riot. The form of the body of the chariot is fo well
known, that it would be a mere wafte of words to de-
fcribe it, and a needlefs expence to give a drawing of
it. I will only obferve, that the front of the body was
made bread: high, and rounded like a fliield, fo as to
anfwer to the driver the purpofe of that defence, and
was for that reafon called or the fliield part.

The fides of the chariot Hoped away backwards almolt
to the bottom, or floor of the body, but differently, and
by various lines in different bodies. The hinder part
was open, and although not higher from the ground
than the height of a man’s leg, yet there was fome-
thing of a flep to it called 'zrlsgva. Whether the body
of the chariot was extended in breadth to the full ex-
tent of the axle-tree, is no where fpecificd ; I think that
in no cafe it extended further than to the interval be-
tween the two outermoft horfes. However, from the
ufe made of it in actual fervice, it mufl have been of
a breadth fufficient to allow the officer to Hand either

on

ANCIENT CHARIOT.

£79

on the right or left of the driver, as the nature of the
fervice fhould require : on the coins and marbles we
find the officer fometimes on the right, fometimes on
the left : in the impreffion of a coin given by Scheffer ,
the officer is on the left-hand ; in a bafifo releivo in
the church of St. Felix at Spalatro, as publiffied by Mr.
Adams, the officer is on the right.

The bodies Hyperteria or Capfas, ufed in the race, were
merely adapted to the carrying one perfon; the diffe-
rence of thefe are plainly difcernable in the various
defcriptions of them. There is in fome of the exemp-
lars of the chariots in the race, an appearance of the
charioteer’s being bound or braced in by a belt, or
fomething like it, which may perhaps have been of
ufe in that cafe ; and indeed fome of the accidents
which we read of in the race, feem to confirm this
fuppofition. But this could not be the cafe in military
fervice, for neither the actions nor the accidents in
battle, fo frequently defcribed, could have been fo per-
formed, or have happened, if the charioteer, or officer
ferving in the chariot, were fo tied in. I refer to fuch
aftions and accidents, as the officers difmounting and
remounting, and tumbling headlong to the ground out
of the chariot when flain.

The next confideration will be to examine the har-
nefs of the horfes, and the manner of tackling them
to the yoke, and of fixing the Yoke to the Yemo of the
carriage. The only parts of harnefs which I have
met with in reading, or feen in drawings, are the col-
lar

20o DISSERTATION ON T El E

lar and body-girth: the one called * Xs7roc$voL ; the
other Moicrm'kicnYi^Lg. The Lepadna , or Collar , was a
thick broad leathern belt, confining, to all appearance,
of feveral folds {luck together, and bound at the edges ;
fo cut and draped as to fit the neck and breail, with-
out prefling or pinching in one part more than in an-
other, when buttoned on. This collar, and the man-
ner of buttoning it, may be feen in the drawing, (1%.
C a,) taken partly from the horfes over the great gate
of St. Mark’s church at Venice, and partly from a baflb
relievo in the temple of Jupiter at Spalatro. The fame
collar, with fcarce the leaft change of form, may be
feen in numberlefs examples, although not perhaps
with the fame diftincTnefs.

The body-girth, or Mafchalijleris , (Fig. C bj was alfo a
broad leathern belt ; this alfo may be feen in almoft
every exemplar of the chariot and horfes.

(. Fig.Cc .) Both thefe were fixed to the yoke which lay
upon the withers, bound to it by the fubjugia , or jugalia
lora. The collar was more particularly applied in
drawing •, the latter in keeping Ready, and flopping the
carriage. From the manner in which the horfes were
harnefled to the yoke, no other tackling was neceflary,
or ever ufed, unlefs fome trappings, or ornamental ad-
ditions ; but, flribtly fpeaking, the collar, girth, lora
jugalia , and yoke, were all the harnefs properly fo
called.

* Iliad v. 729.

The

ANCIENT CHARIOT, 28 1

The yoke or jugum was of wood, of a length fuffi-
cient to reach from the withers of one horfe to thofe of
the other, leaving a proper diftance between them for
the temo. It was of fuch a breadth, and fo curved and
hollowed in its form ,fg. that the refpe<5tive ends

which retted on the Aotpo f, or withers of each horfe,
might lie there with eafe ta the horfe, and with fecu-
rity to the carriage. Each end of the yoke was va-
rioufiy carved and ornamented. The middle part of
this yoke was fo curved,^. Ad, and hollowed, as to re-
ceive (the ock^o;) the end of the temo, which was laid
upon it. In the middle of which concavity a pin or
peg called by Homer e<rug,fg. A a, was fixed eredt, fo
as to pafs through either the folid body of the head
of the temo, or through a ring called by Homer x^kqq,
affixed to the end of it. I have taken notice of this
hole or ring in fpeaking of the temo. When the temo
was affixed as above to the yoke, it was fattened and
bound to it by the long leather thong called Zzvyo-
dsapoe, or mejfabos. The length being generally be-
twixt fifteen and eighteen feet; that mentioned by Ho-
mer is nine cubits, or thirteen feet and an half. This
thong was of crude or white leather, in order that it
might be more pliant in its ligatures. That thefe liga-
tures might be fecured againft flipping or giving way,
the yoke had three or more groves, fig. A cc, or niches
cut in it, called optpocXoi, in which this thong is funk

* Iliad, xxiv.

Vol. I. o o in

282

DISSERTATION ON THE

in the tying. There were alfo affixed upon the yoke
hooks or rings, (Fig. Abb IF) called oTxsg, through which,
fays Euftathius, the reins which guided the horfes were
paffed. The drawing in the plate will beft defcribe
this jugum, for every part of which there is fufficient
authority even in this paffage alone of Homer. The
method of harneffing the jugal horfes was as follows :
The charioteer firft put on upon the horfes the lepadna
or collar, and the mafkalifteris, or body-girth. They
then laid the yoke acrofs their necks upon the lophos
or withers, where it was tyed to the lepadna and maf-
kalifteris by the jugalia lora f. He then brought them
thus yoked to the chariot, and laid the pole of the cha-
riot upon the yoke, paffmg the eftcr through the krikos,
the hole or ring at the end of it, after which he
bound (Fig. D.J both firmly together5 tying them trebly
or threefold $ on each fide, (Fig. Cd). After which the
reins, which came from the horfes’ head, were paffed
through the rings fixed upon the yoke. In a bailo re-
lievo on a fepulchral urn, exhibited in Piranifi, there
is an exemplar of the act of harneffing the horfes to
the jugum. If the reader is curious enough to turn to
the pailage above cited from Homer, of which I have

It appears from Homer, in the paflage above cited, that this was
done in the ftabie before the jugum was fixed to the temo; but the
tifual way was, after having harneffed the horfes, to tye the jugum to
the temo, and then bring the horfes to the jugum thus fixed, and tackle
them to the jugum.

^ Homer,

made

ANCIENT CHARIOT.

283

made fo much ufe in this defcription, as alfo to that
in the fifth book of the Iliad, v. 7 1 9, — and to refer his
eyes to the many examples which he may fee in draw-
ings from antiquities, (many very fine examples of
which he may fee in Mr. Adams’s drawings from the
remains at Spalatro ; two in the compartments of the
frize of the temple of Jupiter, and one in a bafTo re-
lievo in the church of St. Felix,) he will find every
thing mofc minutely confirmed, which I have above
defcribed : he will fee from this defcription of the
harnefling the horfes to the chariot, the reafon why1
no traces or harnefs, according to our idea of fuch,
are ever feen, and why even the pole or temo is fcarce,
if ever, feen. — This defcription of the manner of af-
fixing the yoke to the temo or pole, and of harnefling
the horfes to the yoke, will explain every paffage that
occurs in common reading, fo far as relates to the bi-
jugse, or chariots drawn by a pair, or one yoke of
horfes.

Before I proceed to the more mixed kind of equi-
page, I will juft mark, as I pafs, that the ancients fome.
time ufed carriages drawn by one horfe, which had
fhafts as our prefent common carts have. Which
fhafts were tackled to the collar or Lepadrta , in the fame
manner as at this day ; how the weight of the fhafts
and carriage were fupported, I have no where feen or
read. The only inftance which I remember, at prefent,
to have feen of this fort of carriage, does not particu-
larize the manner in which this weight was born.

Oo 2 The

DISSERTATION ON THE

The reader will find the inflance which I refer to in
one of the paintings found at Herculaneum j it reprefents
a grotefque, or emblematic carriage, being one of
thofe Engle cars drawn by a hawk or parrot, and
driven by a grafshopper. Here, as in the drawing
from the Tufcan vafes, the fide pieces of the floor or
T ovoc of the body of the chariot continued make the
fhafts.

It has been remarked above, that the ancients, in the
molt early ufe of the chariots, ufed as many poles as
they had yokes, or pairs of horfes in the carriage
abreaft ; but this was not always fo, for we read in
Homer, in the cafe of Achilles’s chariot, of an additional
extrajugal horfe ; as alfo in that of Priam’s chariot, of
two extrajugal horfes. I fhall therefore proceed to de-
fcribe the manner in which they harneffed thofe ex-
trajugal horfes, when they ufed one or two additional
harneffed in this manner. It was very fimple, and will
therefore be the more eafily explained and underflood :
It appears that the ancients wifely fludied in thefe ar-
maments, to avoid every unneceffary matter that might
become the occafion of embarraffment or entanglement
in the execution.

As to the harnefs of this extrajugal horfe, it does
not appear that any other was ufed (as indeed not ne-
ceffary) than the lepadna or collar. For this horfe bore no
part of the weight of the chariot, nor was he in any
way concerned in flopping it, but Amply for drawing ;
and he drew by a trace called inflead of a pole.

6 This

ANCIENT CHARIOT.

285

This a.[A7Tpov is feen, befidcs the temo, in plate 1 30, of
vol. I. of the drawings of Mr. Hamilton’s Tufcan vafes.
This trace was extended, between the jugal horfe and
extrajugal horfe, from the I JotpY)opioc to the axis. It will
appear that this pareoria was not attached to the yoke,
but was limply a trace by which the collar of the
extrajugal horfe (called therefore II ocpyopoe) was joined
to that of the next jugal horfe.

In the inftance of three horfes harneffed to the cha-
riot of Achilles , lent to Pairoclus, we read that after Auto-
medon had harneffed the two immortal fleeds, Zanthos
and Balios, under the yoke, he harneffed Pedafos by
the Tlocpyjopfoc, or extrajugal traces. This extrajugal
horfe was called, from this particular harnefs, II otpriopoc,
or, from the long trace by which he drew, called Zsipoi,
Zsipotoc, or Xeipcttpopog, which the Latins tranflated fu-
nalis.

The effe<ft of the accident which befell this horfe,
as defcribed by Homer, proves that this horfe was not
harneffed to the yoke. He fays, that upon this horfe’s
being wounded and falling down dead, the jugal horfes
were diftra&ed, or drawn afunder as far as the yoke
would permit without breaking, for although the yoke
creeked with this drefs upon it, it was not broken,
nor were either of the horfes feparated from it. The
coupling reins, called, by Virgil, concordia frena , were
confounded and entangled. But the moment that this
extrajugal horfe was feparated by cutting the trace,
the jugal pair flood again in their due order, and the

reins

286 DISSERTATION ON THE

reins were righted. If the traces by which this extra-
jugal horfe was fadened had been any way tackled to
the yoke, he mult, by his falling, have pulled both the
horfes the fame way, and not afunder; but by his pul-
ling them afunder, it is clear that he was joined by the
harnefs to the horfe, and not to the yoke, as I have
above deferibed, drawing by a trace which palled be-
tween this outfide horfe and the jugal horfe to which
he was tied. This again accounts for our not feeing
in the drawings even the body-girth, or any drawing-
trace on the outfide horfe of the quadriga , in thofe
cafes where extrajugal horfes were ufed.

Nedor alfo had an extrajugal horfe in his chariot,
which Paris killed; and being flain, the old man, in
like manner, difencumbered his equipage of him, by
cutting the Pareoria.

The defeription of this one extrajugal horfe ferves
likewife for the other on the other hand, as that
was intirely fimilar.

This defeription of thefe extrajugal horfes will an-
fwer to the explaining every adlion or evolution of the
chariot, both in battle and in the race.

With refpefl to the harneffing four horfes abread,
the two on the outfide might be extrajugal ; but
I am convinced (elpecially as I read it in Zenophon)
that when more pairs were put abread, each pair
had a term or pole ; and a peculiar fort of carriage
for carrying great burthens is actually fo deferibed ;
but the quadriga?, which were molt in ufe, were
7 certain-

ANCIENT CHARIOT. 287

certainly raoft commonly drawn with a pair of jugal
horfes, and a pair of extrajugal horfes coupled on each
tide. The bufinefs of guiding, keeping Ready, and
flopping the carriage, depended chiefly on the jugal
pair; that of wheeling up each extreme axle depended
on the ftrength and activity of the refpedtive outfide
extrajugal horfe, as will be feen prefently.

The conftru(5tion and the compofition of this equi-
page of the Bijuga , the Iriga, and Quadriga, being thus
defcribed, the exercife of thefe in the games, and the
application of them to fervice in war, is the next point
to be inquired into. This inquiry will ftill more il-
luftrate the matter.

The whole of this is contained in one line in Homer,

Kf>oii7rvoc y.ocX’ hftoc xj svdoc c hwxspev '/jJs <pe£ecr§o:i *.
which Mr. Pope tranflates thus :

Pradtis’d alike to turn, to flop, to chace,

To dare the lhock, or urge the rapid race.

If we view this line in the light of fcience, we fhall
find that it does very minutely defcribe every manoeuvre
ufed in the evolutions of the chariot, the advancing
and retreating, and thofe fudden rapid wheelings to
the right or left, by which they make their almofi ir~
refiflible attacks ; which motion, as I fhall afterwards
explain it, is appropriated, of very ancient time, to the
movements of the knights in the game of chefs.

* Iliad viii. 107,

In

DISSERTATION ON THE

* In gyrnm grejfus magno impete lunat
Curvatos.

The great excellence and perfection of this manege
was firft t Co to bit the horfes, that their necks might
be pliable and obedient to the reins : the next confid-
ed in teaching the horfes to move by fuch £ meafured
Reps, that the whole equipage, when two, four, or fix,
were joined together, might move as one body with-
out coafufion : Thirdly, to train them to run with ve-
locity, and to inure them to courage and hardinefs, in
either attacking by an impetuous fliock, or in receiv-
ing firmly the attack. The fail was in dreffing them
to execute the various evolutions of wheeling with
docility, activity, and velocity: in fhort, fays Zenophon,
to do all other things which they would have occafion
to perform in aCtual fervice, to run over all kind of
ground, to flretch up the fteepefl afcents, and to rufh
down the fharpeft declivities.

The chief excellence in driving was Jteadinefs , fo as to
proceed whether moving in the right or curve line,
in one uniform direction, and not to and fro by a va-
cillating and finuous motion. But the great excel-
lence of the horfes, as well as the higheft fkili of the
driver was called forth, in performing the wheelings
to an exaCt given curve, under full fpeed.

The chariot race was inflituted for the exercife of
this military fkili, to encourage and afford opportuni-

* Yidae Sacchia Ludus. f Zenophon.

% Which you fee defcribed in all the ancient coins and balfo rdievos.

ties

ANCIENT CHARIOT. 289

ties of difplaying it ; and was fo regulated as to re-
quire the beft horfes, the higheft finilhed manege, and
the mod perfect fkill in driving. To complete the
noble competitors in this mod difficult manoeuvre of
the wheeling , the courfe was always fo laid out, that
the race depended chiefly on the performing this dif-
ficult evolution. He that will read with the eye of
fcience old Nedor’s advice to his fon in the Iliad, Book
XXIII. v. 30 6, will need no other explication of this
matter.

The courfe was generally of that length that the
race was finifhed by going once round ; although
fometimes, in the more confined cifcutf, the chariot
went four times round, making feven wffieelings, rec-
koning tlrofe round both termini taken together. The
route of the race was from the right wheeling to the
left, round the extreme meta or terminus and then re-
turning back to the fame ground, fo as that the meta
or terminus from which they fet out fhould be upon
their right; and, if the courfe confided of more rounds
than one, then wheeling to the right round this meta,
and fo alternately in a line, making the Arabic figure
of 8. Now four rounds thus performed will make
juft feven wheelings. I am confcious that this opinion
is new; but being perfuaded that I am grounded both
in the nature of the thing, and by fufficient authority,
as will be feen prefently, I venture to give it out.

According to the opinion commonly received of the
chariot race, that the competitors darted from the

Vol. I. Pp right

290 DISSERTATION ON THE

right of the barriere, and wheeling to the left round
the meta, always went the fame way, always wheeling
to the left in every circuit, whatever the number of
rounds were, there arifes a moll inexplicable injujiiccr
as to any chance that the merit of fwiftnefs in the
horfes, or of fkill in the driver could have, except what
they derived from their place upon the right or left,
which mere lot gave them. For when there were from
ten chariots to forty at fometimes, all arranged abreaft
at the barrier ; that upon the left, and that upon the
right, would run courfes of very different lengths, in
the proportion of the leffer or larger circle that their
lot deftined them to.

The explication of this difficulty given by Mr. Weft,
in his difcourfe on the Olympic games, only adds eon-
fufion to it. The whole fkill and courage of the cha-
rioteers were (he fays) employed to obtain the point of
advantage at the wheeling, and he defcribes them in
this attempt all driving foul of one another, by direc-
tions all converging to this point j this, I fay, may add
to the confulion, but does not relieve the difficulty, for
ftill the chariot, which was placed upon the right of all,
had, in this firft attempt, the hypothenufe, or longeft
fide of the triangle to run, while the chariot upon the
left had only one of the Legs of the fame right-angled
triangle, and fo the reft in gradation ; and what a
fcene of unavoidable inextricable wreck muft all thefe
chariots rufhing together, in converging lines, have
made. This feems fo abfurd, that one cannot but re-

jeft

ANCIENT CHARIOT. i9t

jecT it at fird fight, from the nature of the thing itfelf.
But this attempt of running foul on one another, and
eroding upon each other, is contrary to fatt, is con-
trary to the laws of the courfe, which forbad all fraud,
all eroding or joftling, as our modern racers term it.
And we find in the 23d book of Homer’s Iliad, that
Antilochm was deprived of the prize he claimed (which
prize was given to Menelaus) becaufe he (Antilochus)
had eroded upon, and attempted to run foul of the
chariot of Menelaus.

All this perplexity is relieved, and the difficulty
cleared up, by the explication which I have given
above : for by that route of the race, he that was outer-
mod at the fetting off, returning to the fame ground
with the darting-pod upon the right, would be inner-
mod at the coming in ; and if the race confided of
more circuits than one, the competitors would be al-
ternately outermod and innermod at each alternate
wheeling. So that he who ran the larged circle in the
fird circuit, would run the leder in the fecond, and
vice verfd.

Whoever will read the account of the chariot race
in the Eleclra of Sophocles, and will particularly attend
to the nature of the accident which happened between
the Thracian and Lybian cars ; and to the fatal one
which befel Qrefles at the clofe of the race, will be con-
firmed in this opinion. The narrative tells us, That
the chariots having finiffied the third circuit , and run-
ning the fourth , fome of them had made the feventh

P p 2 wheeling,

DISSERTATION ON THE

2 p2

wheeling, and were got again into the ftraight right
line, at that moment of time the JEnian charioteer com-
ing up to the Meta, in or near the point where the
route of the courfe muft crofs; and his horfes, hard
of mouth, breaking from him, fwerved and run foul,
with their front direct, upon one of the Lybian cha-
riots. This is an accident that could not happen, if
the returning line did not crofs upon the outgoing
line, by the chariots running the courfe in the figure
of eight. But the circumfiances of the difafier of the
car of Orefl.es puts the matter out of all doubt.

The narrative proceeds, and fays, That this accident
between the Lybian and iEnian chariots drew after it
an almofl: general wreck of the chariots then running.
But that the fkilful Athenian, who was laft but one,
obferving his time, bore to the right out of the courfe,
and fo avoided them. That Orefles, who lay by in
the race, as having horfes of that rating way of go-
ing, that he depended upon the pufh at the lafi: for
his fuccefs ; finding that now was the time to make
his pufh, bore {till more to the right, in order to
pafs the Athenian ; and, for this purpofe, having given
the left-hand rein to his horfes, moft unfortunately
run with the end of his axle-tree againft the "Terminus ,
at the coming in. Now unlefs this terminus had been
upon his right at the coming in, this accident thus
defcribed could not have happened ; but being upon
the right, every previous accident naturally leads to it.

8

How-

ANCIENT CHARIOT. 293

However, as the route of the race generally confifted
but of one long courfe, returning again to the ftarting-
poft, the only wheeling performed in it was to the
left ; but to make that matter even and fair, the cha-
riots came in upon the left of the ftarting-poft, as
above defcribed ; fo that thofe who were outermoft at
the wheeling round the meta, and had there the dis-
advantage, were innermoft at the coming in, and had
that difadvantage made up to them.

As in thefe courfes of one circuit, which were the
moft common, the only wheeling performed was to
the left round the meta * ; the horfe of the higheft
vigour and greateft velocity was harnefled extrajugal
upon the right: and for the like reafon, the belt ma-
neged and moft flexile horfe f was harnefled extra-
jugal on the left, becaufe the flrft was to bring round
the chariot in the aft of wheeling, and the latter to
maintain a kind of equably moving fulcrum, upon
which the whole motion of the wheeling depended ;
fo that each had his perfection, and each was frft and
moft excellent in his refpeCtive property; the attending
to which diftinCtion might have cleared Scheffers dif-
ficulties. The horfes of the quadrigce were generally,
though not without exception, mentioned in the follow-
ing order. Firft, the extrajugal on the right: Second,
the extrajugal on the left. Third, the jugal on the

* Vide Scholiaft in Antigone Sophocles,
f Vide Sophocles Eledtram,

right.

DISSERTATION ON THE

2.94

right. Fourth, the jugal on the left. I mention this,
as it will be neccffiiry to explain fome terms which the
reader will meet with in Homer, in Sophocles, and in feve-
ral of the other clanics.

Let the reader be led next, by this inquiry, into the
application of this equipage ; thus compofed, and thus
exercifed to acftual fervice in war, he will find thefe
chariots afting as difiinH fingle bodies, in rufhing
upon and breaking the ranks of the infantry, fome-
times by a diretT perpendicular attack upon the front, but
more commonly by wheeling fuddenly to the right
or left, and bearing down in a tranfverfe line along the
front, fo as to elude the points of the enemy’s fpears
advanced in front. He will find them fometimes Hop-
ping fhort upon a fudden halt, and Handing unmoved ;
while the officer, who was carried in them, jumps
down upon the ground, and puts himfelf at the
head of the infantry, or engages in fingle combat.
At other times he will find them coming fhort about,
and retreating. He will find them, upon other occa-
fions, a&ing in a compact corps, formed into a rank in-
tire, in order to break the enemy’s front, and then, by
their various evolutions, making way for the infantry
to pafs up to action ; at other times he will find them
drawn up in a body upon the wings, and fometimes
as a corps de referve in the rear. In fhort, if we
confider thefe chariots, trained as they were with fuch
fkill and difcipline, and exercifed to fuch great per-
feftion, in wheeling to right and left with fudden and

impetu-

ANCIENT CHARIOT.

295

impetuous velocity, we fliall eaftly perceive how every
evolution of the cavalry might be performed in the
fame manner as the modern cavalry perform the mo-
dern evolutions of wheeling by fours ; as alfo, how
they might change their fronts, refolve themfelves into
lelfer bodies, and unite again into one. I could quote
inftances of all thefe manoeuvres, but I think it will be
more plealing to the reader to apply thefe obfervations
himfelf to the many inftances which he will meet with
in the courfe of his ftudies.

Various were the methods taken and pra<5lifed to
evade this attack,, which could not be refifted by the in-
fantry, fuch as wheeling back and opening to the
right and left ; but the only one I Ihall take notice of
is the manoeuvre mentioned by Polyanus * in his ftratage-
mata. He fays that Alexander, having learned that the
Thracians had a powerful body of this chariot cavalry,
trained his Macedonians to couch upon the ground, and
with their (hields thrown over them to form a teftudo,
over which the chariots of the enemy might pafs with-
out effeft.

As this Britilh iiland was, in the very early ages of
antiquity, and prior to the fiege of Troy, planted by co-
lonies from the great commercial nations in the eaftern
parts of the Mediterranean fea ; fo the learning and
arts of thefe polilhed people flourifhed in this land :
the aftonifhing monuments of the Druids, who were
the priefts of thofe colonies, are proofs of a knowledge

* Lib. iv. c. 3, §. 11,

m

296 DISSERTATION’ ON THE

in mechanics, which we of this enlightened day only
wonder at, but are at a lofs to account for. This ufe
of the chariots pradlifed only by the Afiatics and Ly-
bians, was the peculiar art of war in which the Bri-
tons excelled, and was peculiar to them. Although
thefe colonies, and indeed almoft the remembrance of
them, had been, in the time of Julius Caefar, over-
whelmed by the barbarifm of the natives, and of other
uncultivated people, who had tranfmigrated from the*
continent of Europe ; yet this peculiar Afiatic arc
of war, the fame as that ufed at the fiege of Troy,
continued to be ufed even fo late as the time of his
invafion, by the then inhabitants : in this manege we
find they excelled to a very high degree of perfection.
Diodorus fays exprefsly, that they ufed chariots in war
exadtly in the fame manner as the heroes in the Tro-
jan war * are faid to have ufed them. They ufed the
fame method of forming the line of battle, the fame
method of attack, and particularly that of the tranf-
verfe attack , which is what Cicero, in the 6 th epiftle
of his yth book, refers to in the caution he gives Tre-
batius to guard againfl thefe fuclden uncxpe<5ted mo-
tions. The Britifh order of battle, which Caefar de-
fcribes in the 24th chapter of his 4th book of the
Gallic war, Concilia Romanorum cognito , premijfo equitatu et
ejfedariis quo plerumque genere in praliis uti confueverant , reliquis
xopiis confeculi funt , is exactly the fame as that formed by

* Lib. v.

the

ANCIENT CHARIOT.

2 97

the Greeks defcribed in Iliad IV. I could quote other
paflages to the fame purpofe, but this is fufficient.

As this was the peculiar art of war amongft the an-
cient inhabitants of this country, fo had they the fame
folemn races, to train and exercife their youth to this
difcipline, and to maintain the fame honour towards
thofe who excelled in it. There are, to this day, remain-
ing in England fome veftiges of the Curfus in which they
ran thefe races ; which races, being attendants on the
folemn meetings of religion, the curfus were near their
temples. The mod remarkable is that near Stone-
henge, which is a long tra<5t of ground, about 350
feet (or 200 Druid cubits) wide, and better than a
mile and three quarters (or 6000 Druid cubits) in
length, enclofed quite round with a bank of earth,
ftretching dire&ly eaft and weft. The goal and
career are at the eaft end. The goal is a high bank
of earth, raifed with a dope inwards, whereon the
judges are fuppofed to have fat. The line of this
bank is north and fouth, dire<ftly acrofs the curfus,
beginning from the fouth bank of the curfus, not
reaching quite to the north, but leaving a fpace there
for the chariots to pafs to the career, between this goal
and the north bank, or fide of the curfus. The metas
are two tumuli, or little barrows, at the weft end of
the curfus :

Some tomb, perhaps of old, the dead to grace,

Or then, as now, the limit of a race. Pope’s Homer.

Q.q As

VOL. 1.

29B DISSERTATION ON THE

As old Neftor defcribcs the meta of the curfus on the
plains before Troy.

From the very Rate and form of this hippodrome, or
curfus, my conjecture, as to the manner in which the
race was performed, is confirmed in faCt. Here we fee
that the chariots fet out from the career, on the right
(or northward) of the goal, and ran to the weft end j
whence, wheeling to the left round the metse, they re-
turned again eaftward, and muft pafs again to the north-
ward, or left of the goal, keeping it on their right in
their coming in to the career, at the end of the race, as
I have before explained the race mentioned in Sophocles.

DoCtor Stukely, not adverting to this route of the
race, but feeing that it muft end to the northward of
the goal, at the eaft end, has been led to imagine, con-
trary to the faCt of conftant practice, that the chariots ran

from the eaft along the fouthern fide, and then whcel-

©

ing to the right, north about the metse, returned on the
north fide, and fo ended to the northward of the goal.
But the explanation which I have given is agreeable to
practice, and confirmed by this exifting faCt.

The hyppodromes, or curfus, were called, in the
language of the country, rhedagua ; the racer rhe-
dagwr, and the carriage, as we find, rheda.

One of thefe hippodromes, about half a mile to the
fouthward of Leicefter, retains ftill, under the various
corruption of fpeaking and writing, the old name

Rhedagua, in the corrupted one Rawdikes .

BoCtor

ANCIENT CHARIOT.

299

Do&or Stukely fays there is another of thefe near
Dorchefter ; another on the banks of the river Lowther,
by Perith in Cumberland ; and another in the valley
juft without the town of Royfton.

Such were the equeftrian fports of the ancient Bri-
tons, who even in their Pajiimes encouraged a warlike
fpirit and emulation, and advanced the public welfare;
for by making pleafure fubfervient to fcience, and con-
lidering the race only as an exhibition of military fkill,
they dignified the fport, and made their cavalry no lefs
the delight and ornament of peace, than the fnpport
and terror of war.

:

%

'

■ ; . ■ ..

'

- -

~

*

■

*

-\

APPENDIX

T O T H E

FIRST VOLUME.

PAGE 14. “Their manner of riding,” &c.] In
latter times, however, Arrian , fpeaking of them,
fays, that Saddles were not in ufe among them, nor had
they Bridles made after the fafhion of the Greeks and
Celts ; but, inftead of them, they governed and guided
their horfes with a thong or {trap, cut from the raw hide
of a bull, which they bound acrofs their nofes : on the
infide of this Nofe-band , they fixed certain little pointed
pieces of iron or brafs, moderately fharp ; the richer
fort ufed ivory. In the mouth a fmall piece of iron
was put, like a Bar , or Spit , to which the reins were
tied : when thefe were pulled, the mouth-piece ope-
rated, and the fmall teeth which were on the Nofe-band ,
pricking the horfe, obliged him to obey, and anfwer
the will of the rider *. The modern inftruments, called

VOL. I.

* Arrian Hift. Indie, lib. 17.
R r

Cavefons ,

Cave fins, from the Italian word Cavezza , an halter. Col-
lar, or Head-ftrain, may probably be derived from this
invention. JElian likewife, who wrote pofterior to Ar-
rian, fpeaks of the Indians as expert horfemen ; and fays,
that they rode and managed their horfes by means of
a Bridle, but not of that fort which is called the Lnpa-
tum, with fliarp points of iron fixed to it, in order to
prick and harrafs the mouth 5 but that they neverthelefs
were fo fkilful, as to make their horfes perform as well
as if they had been rode with it, and awed by its feve-
rity * ,

Page 20. “ As we learn from Strabo.”] Cafiration
was pradtifed long before Strabo wrote, but he feems
to fpeak of it as being a cuftom more peculiarly be-
longing to the Scythians and Sarmatians than to any other
nations. His words may be rendered thus: It is pecu-
liar to all the Scythian and Sarmatian nations to caftrate
their horfes, for the better management of them ; for
though they are but fmall, they are neverthelefs met-
tlefome, and difficult to be governed f.

Page 38.“ Many of the terms,” &c.] Much learning is
'difplayed, and much information may be gained upon
tins fubjedt from the following extract, entitled3
“ Diflertation Litteraire, fur Unc Colonie Egiptienne,

“ etabli a Athenes, &c. par Fred. Samuel Schmidt de

* ./Elian, lib. 13. ‘f Strabo, lib. 7.

2 “ Berne.”'

APPENDIX. 303

« Berne,” printed in a volume called Archseologia,
or Mifcellaneous Trabts, lately published by the learned
body of Antiquarians, London, 1762.

The intention of the moil ingenious author is to prove
that colonies came from Egypt to fettle in Athens,
which brought the arts and fciences in their train, and
planted them in Greece, among which the art of riding
was introduced and eftablifhed. The author fpeaks of
two different colonies, under two different leaders,
which came from Egypt and fettled in Athens : thefe
were Cecrops and Ericihonius. Having related the hiilory
of Cecrops , he proceeds to give an account of the other
coloniil, Eritthonius . Hiitorians and chronologiils, con-
tinues our author, mention two different kings who
were known by the fame appellation, and were fome-
times miftaken for each other. Their names were
Erecitheus , or EriBhonius ; according to the fcholiafts of
Homer both were the fame. One of thefe chiefs was
the fourth, and the other the fixth king of Athens.

The fir ft of thefe, as we are told by Diodorus Siculus ,
was of Egyptian origin, and Attica being defolated by a
famine, fupplied it with corn ; in confideration of the
friendfliip and alliance which formerly fubfifled be-
tween its inhabitants and the Egyptians, that is, for
the fake of the colony which was eftabliflied in Athens,
under his predecefior Cecrops .

The ridiculous and abfurd etymologies by which
the grammarians pretended to explain the name of

R r 2 Ericihonius ,

APPENDIX.

304

Eri&honius, fo as to make it be derived from the Greek
language, engaged our author to fearch for it in the
Egyptian, the language of that country whence this
hero originally came. He flatters himfelf with being
able to give at leafl a very probable reafon why this
king was diftinguifhed by this name, whofe derivation,
he fays, is this. The old Egyptian word is Erichto , whence
the Greeks formed Erichthonius 5 as from Apollo , Apollo-
nius. This name is compofed of Eri, facere rei alicujus
audlorem ejfe ; which fignifies, to become the inventor,
or author of any thing ; and Chto , or ichto, equus, equi-
tatus, an Horfe , or Cavalry. Thefe two compounded,
make Erichto, that is, the Inventor or Author of Horfes.

This is the chara<5Ier and employment which the an-
cients unanimoufly gave to Erichthonius. Virgil ex-
prefly

Primus Erichthonius currus & quatuor aufus

fungere equos, rapidifque rotis injijlere vidlor.

Firfl Erichthonius dar’d with rapid fkill

To yoke four deeds, and guide the vigor’s rapid
wheel. Warton.

Servius, Ariflides, and other commentators, confirm this
account, and aflert that this hero was the fird who drove

* Georg, iii. verf. 113.

horfes

APPENDIX.

305

horfes in a car, or chariot, and introduced the art into
Greece, as the Thejfalians are faid, by the author above-
mentioned, to have been the firft praCtifers of the art
of riding, and of fighting on horfeback.

To perpetuate the memory of fo great a benefit, and
fo noble an invention, EriCthonius, after his death, was
placed in heaven, and is reprefented in the ancient
fphere, under the names of Auriga and Agitator , viz.
Driver , or Charioteer.

But what moll tends to confirm this etymology, and
fhews this colony in a clearer and fuller light, is, that
Erichthonius or Erichtheus , is one of the titles of Neptune.
Lycophron , Tzetzes, Hefychius , and other ancient writers
affirm, that with the Athenians Erichthonius is Neptune.
Plutarch, in two places, makes mention of Neptune
Erichthonius , fo called, as our author conjectures, from
an opinion entertained among the Greeks, that he was
the firft who made them acquainted with the horfe, and
taught them how to manage him. Sophocles and Dio-
dorus Siculus atteft the fame thing. Paujanias fpeaks of
an Equeftrian ftatue of Neptune, which was ereCtcd in
Athens ; and to account for the title of IW/©-’, or
Horfeman, being given to Neptune, has recourfe to equi-
tation, the invention of which arc he proves to have
been attributed to him. The hymns of Homer afcribe
likewife two employments to this deity, Eqidtation and
Navigation.

l

In

3q6 APPENDIX.

In Italy the fame creed prevailed. The Etrufcans re-
prefented Neptune fitting in a car, drawn by horfes, as
may be feen on a monument, among other antiquities
of that nation, publifhed by Deinpder. Upon the fame
account, Romulus dedicated the games called Confualia ,
in which it was cuftomary to crown the Horfes, to this
deity.

The Ancients go dill farther with them, Neptune was
deemed not only the inventor of the art of riding, but
alfo the Creator of the horfe. Nothing is more known
and common in their mythology. Virgil and Lucan
clearly prove it. He appears, therefore, to have the
j lifted title to the name EreElheus , which belonged to
him in its fulled dgnification, not only as being the
author of riding, but likewife as having given the horfe
to man for his life and pleafure. He is therefore mod
properly diled by Pamphus, the mod ancient hymno-
grapher, tWwv J 'ohigoc, the Giver of horfes.

In this place, two doubts probably may occur *, it
may be afked, why this Egyptian colonid is called Nep-
tune or EreSlhsus ? and why the invention of horfeman-
fhip fliould be attributed by the ancients to both ? and if
it might not be upon this account, that the Egyptians , who
came by Sea into Greece, were the fird introducers of
equitation in that country. This folution is not fatif-
fadlory, another more jud be advanced ; Equitation , with
the ancients, was always the emblem of Navigation .
The truth of this has been demondrated by Monfieur

Ereret ,

APPENDIX. 307

Freret, in his ingenious reflections upon the fable of
Bellerophon. The Pegafus, or winged horfe, of this hero,
being, according to this author, a Ship, in which h,e
failed upon his expeditions, which was given to him by
Neptune . This god is faid likewife, in the Greek mytho-
logy, to have called forth an horfe from the bofom of
the earth, in the well-known difpute he is reported to
have had with Minerva ; that is to fay, he recommended
Navigation to the Athenians, as Minerva , by producing
an Olive-tree, intimated to them the benefits of Agricul-
ture. Hence Erichthonius gained his name, bccaufe he
brought the corn in Skips, defigned for the relief of the
Athenians, aifliCfed with a famine. Hence the fable of
the Trojan Horfe, which was a Ship filled with foldiers.
Hence Plautus fays,

Nempe Equo ligneo per vias cceruleas
Ve5li eJUs

You are carried over the fky-coloured Roads (waves)
upon a wooden horfe.

Page 45. “ The Thefifalian horfes,” 8ec. ] King Alfred,
in his tranflation of Orofius, fays, that Philip of Mace-
don’s view in undertaking to conquer the ThefTalians,
fo as to make them at lead his allies, was becaufe they
excelled all other nations in fighting on horfeback.
This is cited from Alfred’s verfion, not only becaufe it
is Royal authority, but becaufe it is more flrongly ex-

preffed

308

APPENDIX.

prefTed than in the original, which runs only Ambitione
habendorum equitum Thejj'alorum, Orof. lib. iii. cap. 12. This
is taken from a manufcript, given to the Society of
Antiquaries by their late moil amiable and worthy Pre-
fident, Dr. Charles Lyttelton, Bifhop of Carlifle.

The Mailer of the Horfe to this King, is the firft of
whom any mention is made belonging to any Britilh
Prince. His name is Ecguef ; he was Hors-Tben , or Horfe -
id bane, E quorum Magijler, to Alfred

Page 59. “ Men of military eminence,’’ See.] The old
feudal barons reprefented themfelves on horfeback upon
their feals, and none below the degree of a Chevalier had
a right to the horfe. There are in the poilellion of
Thomas Allle, Efq. two original feals of Robert Ferrers,
fome time Earl of Derby. While he was Earl of Derby,
his feal was a reprefentation of himfelf on horfeback,
in armour, brandifhing his (word ; and bearing upon
his fhield, and the caparifons of his horfe, his coat of
arms, Vaire, Or and Gules ; but after he was deprived of
his earldom and eliates (50 Lien. III.) for raifing forces
a fecond time againlt the king, he ufed upon his feal
his family arms alone, without the horfe.

Page 6 8. “Their chief employment,” &cj The allotted
fpace the horfes were to rim in thefe trials of fpeed

* Giblbn’s Saxon Chronicle, p. 97.

and

appendix.

309

and vigour, was feven times round the Cireus. Anto-
nins fays of Phofphorus ,

Scptenas folitus victor abire vlas.

It appears likewife from the fame authority, that
thefc fingle racers were ufed to contend with the ^7 ta -
driga, or chariots drawn by four horfes. Aufon. Epitap.
35. See this alto confirmed by Sidonius Apollmaris,
Carmen 23. lib. 373.

Page 73. <c The Etruvian, or Tufcan breed, is praifed
by Oppian.”] Volaterrannus celebrates thofe of Sardi-
nia. Non enim feimus qualcs Mulos Clodius habit er it, aut mulas
Titns Annius Milo ; — aut utrum Tulco equo federit Catalina an
Sardo. Flavius Vopifcus in Firmo, cap. 6.

Page 77. “ Inflead of a curry-comb, they put a co-
vering upon their hands.”] The Greeks made ufe of an
inflrument of iron for the fame purpofe, called Marruca ,
and explained by Hefychius , to be an Iron Hand.

Page 78. “ To tie rollers of wood.”] This is no un-
frequent thing in the prefent fyflem of Horfemanfhip;
and to a certain degree will have a good effecT. Ploughed
fields were alto thought to conduce to the fame end ; in
which it was ufual to break and excrcife horfes, till of
late ; the utility of working in riding-boufes having al-

Vol. I. S f mod

APPENDIX.

3 IQ

mall fuperfeded them : the Parthian method, defcribed
in page i 7, was intended for the fame purpofe.

Page 97. “ The White fhould always be rejedted.”]
A notion has always prevailed, that thofe animals
whofe fldns are entirely white, are lefs valuable than
thofe of other colours, efpecially horfes. An ele-
gant and curious obferver of nature, decides very
confidently againft this colour in horfes. “ 11 efl
“ bien vrai,” fays he, “ qu’on a obferve, depuis plus
“ cle dix huit cent ans, que les quadrupedes dont la
£t robe ell blanche, fans bigarrure, et fans melange,
“ font moins vigoureux, moins robufles que leur ana-
“ logues dun poll peint ou bariole : il n’y a pas tant de
14 force vive, ni tant de refinance dans les mufcles et les
“ nerfs d’un Cheval ne blanc, que dans ceux que dans
ceux d'un Cheval noir ou bai.”

In other animals particular opinions have likewife
been received and maintained, with refpedt to different
Colours , which are thought to influence the qualities of
the animal. “ En Hollande,” fays the fame author,
“ on a reconnu, par une longue fuite d’obfervations,
i4 que les vach.es rouges font d’un temperament infe-
« rieur, et moins fecondes que les vaches noires, ou
14 tachetees de noir et de blanc, auffi 1’cfpcce rouge a
49 t’elle ete entierement bannies des paturages de ce pays

* Recherches Philofoph. fur les Americains, 1770.

Qa.

APPENDIX.

3i 1

On the contrary, the red cow’s milk is the moll efteem-
ed in this country,

Page 126. “ Dr. Shaw aliens, ” 8cc.] The author’s
words are, “ The horfes here are very fine, efpecially
“ thofe of Upper Egypt, being of the Arab and Barbary
“ race. They have one great fault, which is that
their necks are generally too fthort, and the people
“ value their horfes, as they do their women, for the
“ largenefs of their bodies.”

Page 138. “ Never geld their horfes,” Sec.] This
cudom, now fo frequent, feems to have been intro-
duced by the TurkiJlj or Hungarian nations, who took
poflefiion of ancient Pannonia. It is remarkable, that
the French call a gelding, un Cheval Ongre, that is an
Hungarian horfe, which feems to indicate, that the Franks
firft learned the art and cuftom of caftration from the
Hungarians. The Germans call a gelt horfe a Wallack ,
which feems to prove, that they were made acquainted
with this practice from a nation which is called Wal-
lachia ; and it is certain that the Huns and the Hungari
ans , or, as they call themfelves, the Madgians, and after-
wards the Patzinaks (all which are Turkifh tribes) or
branches of that nation, which was called Toukoue by
the Chinefe , and Turks over all the Orient, were fettled,
for fome time at lead, in J Valia chi a. The Poles call a geld-
ing Oghier, to indicate that they fil'd got the art oft geld*
ing horfes from the Oitglurs , one of the ancient Hunnit' *

S f 2 tribes

3'I 2

APPENDIX.

tribes, mentioned by Prif. Rhetor . fo that there is much
reafon to conclude that the Jrt came originally from
the Huns and Hungarians. What is more remarkable, is,
that to this very day, a great many Hungarians travel
every year into Germany and Poland, in order to caf-
trate any animal that is offered to them, which they
do for a fmall reward. They come to the very Baltic k
every fummer, and are very expert in their bufmefs.

Page 141.“ They are fold to the Ruffians,” &c.] The
horfes of this people are purchafed by the Ruffians,
who every year buy fo great a number as forty thou-
fand, which are brought to Mofcow, and fold at a low
rate. They are pot-bellied, lean, their fkins being
hard and coarfe ; their necks fleffiy and clumfy, with
large heads, and would be defpifed and rejected by all
who fee them, were they not known to be endowed with
great fpeed, and able to bear labour and want of food
to a great degree. Iter in Mofchov. TWguftini Baronis
de Mayerberg, A. D. 1661, p. 32.

Page 147. “ The horfes of Sweden,” &c.] Englifh
horfes, fays an author who wrote many years ago,
efpccially for the Pad, are of great efteem in Sweden ;
the horfes of the country being generally of a fmall
breed, and T 'rotters, fomewhat like our Welch and Scotch
nags : the Queen and fome great Lords have a breed of
large and handfonie horfes, but not many of them.

Moil'

APPENDIX.

/

313

Mod of their horfes for the coach and fled, and war,
are brought out of Denmark and Germany, where they
have (lore of good ones, but none for beauty, mettle,
and the fervice beyond the Englifh. A. D. 1653.
Whitelock’s Embaffy to Sweden, vol. i. p. 257, which
is printed by Dr. Morton, and will foon be publifhed.

Page 1 5* 4. e: In Sicily, a kingdom always extolled, 9
See.] The noblefl and moft excellent horfes are bred in
this country (Calabria), of large fize, and exceeding
fwiftnefs. Gabrielis Bai. de Antiquitate Sc Situ Cala-
brias, Romas, 1737, Folio, cap. 2 1 .

Page 1 61. “ Except defigned for prefents,” Sec.] In
the fame reign a common horfe was valued at half a
pound ; but a fine horfe was to be rated according to
his beauty.

The following particulars, which fliew what at-
tention the ancient Britons paid to their horfes, may
not perhaps be improper to be added, nor difpleafing
to the curious reader.

We find from Howel Dda’s Laws *, that among the
ancient Britons, the king’s villani were obliged to
furnifh him with horfes, to carry his baggage in his
armies ; and every perfon who held lands in villanagc,
was obliged to attend with a horfe and an axe,

*FoL 1.66. This prince compiled his code of laws about the year 876

and,

3i4

APPENDIX.

and to affift in building the king’s camps and forts,
being maintained at the king’s expence f. In the fame
Laws X are many curious particulars concerning
horfes : amonglt others, I (hall mention the following.
A colt under fourteen days old was valued at d.d. Under
a year old, the value was 2 4d. From the time he en-
tered his fecond year, his value was 4Sd. In his third
year he was worth 6od. and he was then to be deemed

j

fit for ufe. The value of a palfrey was iaod. A
pack-horfe was of the fame value. A cart, or plough-
horfe was worth dod. A perfon that fold a horfe was
to anfwer for his being free from the three following
inward complaints: a giddinefs for three days before
the time of fale ; a broken wind for three months ;
and a dropfy for a year ; and he was not to tire when
upon a journey with others: and he- was further to
warrant, that he neither loathed food nor water ; and
if he was fubjecT to thefe failings, the feller was either
to take the horfe back, or to return a third part of the
price. The qualities of a horfe of burthen are thefe,
viz. that he fliould carry a load, draw a carriage up or
down hill, and not to be refly.

If a perfon lamed a horfe, he fliould forfeit the va-
lue of the horfe ; and if he mutilated him, he fliould
forfeit the third part of the value to the owner.

He that cut off the hair from a horfe’s tail, was
obliged to maintain him till it was grown again, and

d lb. 1 67. x 1°. 230.

4 in

APPENDIX.

315

in the mean time to furniih the owner with another.
But if a perfon cut off the hair from a ilallion’s tail, he
he fliould forfeit 2qd. and if the tail was cut off, the
horfe was deemed unfit for fervice. He that galled
the back of a borrowed horfe was to pay 4 d . and if the
Hein and fiefh were rubbed off to the bones, he was to
pay 1 6d.

He that mounted a horfe without the owner’s con-
fent was to pay 4d. and 4d. more for every Rhandir *
that he rode him..

Whoever was fufpetfted to have killed a horfe pri-
vately, and denied it, was to purge himfelf by the
oaths of twenty-four compurgators.

Stoned horfes were not to be fhut up from the mid-
dle of April, till the middle of June. Fol. 289.

The mailer of the horfe was to hold his lands free.
The king was to find him a horfe and cloaths ; and the
queen, linen.

His lodging was to be near the granary, that he
might more conveniently infpetT the corn. He was to
have a double portion of corn for his own horfe.
When the King made a prefent of a horfe, he was to
have 4d.

When horfes were taken from enemies, the mailer
of the horfe and the grooms were to have the colts un-
der two years old.

* Thought to be nearly equal to a league.

The

APPENDIX.

3 1 6

The king’s grooms were to have the king’s old riding
caps, gilt faddles, fpurs, boots, and other riding fur-
niture. The chief groom was to officiate for the mailer
of the horfe, in his abfence ; and when he mounted or
difmounted he was to hold his ftirrup.

*

Page 164. “ In the reign of Henry II.” &c.] Foreign
horfes were imported by this prince, as appears from
the allowance made for the fubfiftence of the king’s
horfes, which were lately brought from beyond fea,
by the treafurer. Madox’s Hiflory -of the Exchequer,
page 252.

Page 207. “ Variety of horfes,” &c.] There were no
horfes in Virginia before the Englifh fettled there ; but
now they have good ftore, though negligent in the
breed. It is true, that there is a law that no Honed
horfe fhall be kept under a certain fize, but it is neg-
lected. Such as they are they fell cheaper than in Eng-
land, being worth about 5I. a piece. They never fhoe
them, nor ride them in general ; yet when they do,
they ride pretty fbarply : a Planter s pace is a proverb,
which is a good hand-gallop. The Indians have not yet
learned to ride ; only the King of Pomonkil hath three or
four for his own faddle.

Clopton’s Account of Virginia, in the Philofophical
Tranfadfions, vol. iii. p. 593. written in, or near the
lime of Charles II.

Page

/

APPENDIX. 317

Page 209. “ Full of fpirit,” 8tc.] The author of an
elegant work, lately publifhed, confirms this account.
The American horfes, which are increafed prodigi-
oufly, are fo far from degenerating from their Spanifh
anceftors, that they furpafs them even in merit ; they
are fo fpirited and hardy, as to go fixty leagues with-
out flopping, or taking food ; and will travel three days
fucceflively, without eating or quenching their thirfl.
In fpite of this, they retain their vigour, and are active
and light beyond imagination. I have produced proofs,
fays the author, in my voyage to the Malouine IJlands, after
having been an ocular witnefs of all I relate. Differta-
tion fur L’Amerique, par Dom. Pernety, Berlin 1770.

The following is the account to which the author
alludes. The horfes of Paraguay are famous and cele-
brated throughout the New World. ; they form a great
part of the wealth and fubflance of Monte-Video , being
indiferiminately in ufe with the White people, the Mu-
lattos, and the Negroes ; and their number at leafl equals
that of the human fpecies.

It is neverthelefs certain, that however valued they
be at Monte-Video , this place may properly be filled an
Hell, or place of punifhment, to thefe admired ani-
mals ; for the people frequently will work them for three
days together, without giving them either food or
water, and treat them with as much cruelty as the
Arabs do their camels.

T t

npl, _

1 ac

VOL. I.

APPENDIX.

3 i 8

The horfes neverthelefs are very valuable ; they have
all the vigour and vivacity of the Spanifh race, from
which they are defcended, are very fure-footed, and of
furprifing agility. The flep of their walk is fo quick,
yet fo extended, that it is equal to the fwiftell trot, or
the hand-gallop of other horfes. Their pace is the
Amble , and the hinder-foot accompanies and goes be-
yond the fore-foot fo far, as to be in a line, if not be-
yond the fore-foot of the oppofite fide, which makes
their motions twice as rapid as thofe of other horfes,
and more eafy and agreeable to the rider. Beauty is
not their portion ; but they are entitled to every com-
mendation for their lightnefs, courage, and calmnefs
of temper. Their owners never troqble themfelves to
procure either hay or draw to feed them, but make
them live in the fields throughout the year ; the fea-
fons never being fo hard as to know any froft fufficient
to freeze the rivers, or defiroy the plants and other
things upon which they fubfifi.

Thefe horfes are never fhod. Their fiddles are very
different from thofe uled in Europe : a coarfe and thick
piece of fluff, which is foft, is fird put on, called Schu-
aderos ; a girth is tied over this, then a piece of drong
leather is added, of the fize of the faddle, which co-
vers the croupe, and ferves as an houfing : this the
inhabitants call Carneros. Upon this leather they place
the faddle, which refembles our pack-faddle, and upon
it they put one or more fheep-fkins, covered with their

wool,

i

APPENDIX. 319

wool, and ftained or dyed with one or more colours,
which they name Peilhon, and fecure the whole with a
fecond girth. The Itirrups are fmall and narrow, as
they never put the foot beyond the toe, even thofe
whofe feet are bare and naked.

Their bits are of iron, without bofies, and formed of
one piece. The reins are compofed of many fmall {traps
of leather joined together, and are at lealt fix or feven
feet long, being intended to ferve for whips as well as
for reins. A piece of iron, in the fliape of half a cir-
cle, furrounds the lower jaw, acfts as a curb, and pro-
duces the fame effect. Riding is fo common and fre-
quent at Monte-Video, that the women are as praftifed and
fkilful as the men ; and by their addrefs and activity
feem to juftify the ancient hiltory of thofe renowned
female warriors, the Amazons *.

Page 241. “ You chufe rather to maim/’] &c.
Hollinfhed fpeaks of an Englilh nobleman’s Bob-tail-
ing, as he calls it, a fine horfe, that his friends might
not afk it of him ; which proves what a detriment and
blemifh it was to an horfe at that time (the reign of
Elizabeth) not to have his tail full and complete.

* Hiftoire d’un Voyage aux Ifles Malouines, &c. a Paris, 1770.

END OF THE FIRST VOLUME.

ERRATA in the FIRST VOLUME.

Page 2, line 15, for to be made, read to have been made .

11, 1. 10, for horfemau, read horfeman.

15, note, 1. 4, for I'artner, read s'armer.

17, 1. 7, for or, read 0/1 purpofe.

27, 1. 16, for augujiat , read angufiat ; 1. 24, for pec caver at Orpkius , read pacavereti
Orpheus.

»8, 18, for Libya, red Lydia-, dele mentioned ahoye,

41, note, 1. 3, for Tidor. Hifp . read IJidor. Hifp.

48, 1. 24, for except which, read which, excepting.

53, I.24, for where, read whence.

66, 1, 17, for his dart, read its dart.

79, I.24, for permitted to fend, read permitted them to fend.

99, 1. 19, for deceived, read received.

127, I.7, for foreheads, read forehand s.

129, 1. ult. for climats, read climates.

160, 1. is, for obfervers inform, read obferver informs.

205, I.3, for encourage, read encourages. 1. 17, for are, read;/.

208, 1. 1 8* for of, read in.

313, 1. penult, for two prints at the head of the book, read of his.

320, l. 17, for horfe, read houfe.

224, 1. 21, for brings his hinder under him , read bring his hinder legs under him ,

233, 1. 9, for baron Socks, read baron Stock.

241, note 1. 9, for Camarcrius , read Camerarius.

296, L ult. for Confeculi, read Confecuti.

EXPLANATION of the PLATES

AND

REFERENCES TO THE RESPECTIVE PAGES

OF THE

FIRST VOLUME.

Frontispiece. A Ceniaur.

At the head of the dedication. A white horfe, being the arms of the
houfe of Hanover, page 96.

Plate i. Suppofed to reprefent Darius , faluted king of Perfia, when
he had gained the empire by the neighing of his horfe ; — and given
here only to fhew the conformity of the manner of riding between
the ancient and modern Eaftern nations, page 14.

Plate 2. No. 1. A Parthian horfeman, page 16.

No. 2. A Sarmatian horfe, page 21.

Plate 3. No. 1. A Roman foldier pulling a Numidian from his
horfe.

No. 2. A Mauritanian horfeman, page 23.

Plate 4. Two Grecian horfemen, taken from the freeze of the temple
of Minerva in the Acropolis of Athens ; the whole extent
of which is one continued bas-relief : and', according to
Mr. Steuart , (who obligingly furnifhed me with this defign)
reprefents the Panathenaic pomp, or a proceflion in honour
of Minerva j as the above learned gentleman will more
particularly explain in his fecond volume of the Antiquities
of Athens, page 45.

The Lances , fhield and vafe, at the bottom of this prin^
given by the fame perfon, are taken from the wall of an
U u an-

VOL. I.

EXPLANATION of the PLATES, &c.

ancient building (now a church) near the Gymnafium of
Ptolomy at Athens : the three lances have thongs of lea-
ther fattened to them, by which the foldiers mounted their
horfes, and clearly explain the expreflion of Xenophon,
when he fays one of the methods of mountingwas in-]
t(^>, or from the fpear, page 246.

Plate 5. No. r. The emperor Trajan; meant to fiiew the Roman
manner of riding, page 58.

No. 2. The emperor Theodofius, with a faddle on the
horfe, not unlike thofe now in ufe, page 62.

Plate 6. No. 1. Ancient bridles, page 40.

No. 2. An ancient horfefhoe, fuppofed to have belonged to
the horfe of Childeric, king of France, Anno. 481. found
in his tomb, and preferved in Montfaucon’s Monum. de la.
Monarc. Fran, page 235.

No. 3. An ancient bitt, from Montfaucon, page 40.

No. 4. An ancient fpur, from the fame, page 40.

No. 5. Ancient whips, from Scheffer, page 41.

Plate 7. No. i. Figure of an horfe, among others, fuppofed to have-
belonged to the king of the Quadi, in the time of Marcus
Aurelius, and given here to fhew a little fort of Saddle , re-
fembling the pad of thefe times, page 62.

No. 2. The figure of an horfe faddled and bridled in the
time of William the Conqueror, as reprefented in the Ba-
yeux tapeflry in Dr. Ducarel’s Journey through Normandy.

No. 3. and No. 4. An ancient Britifh or Roman fpur (the
rowel wanting) and bitt : both dug out of a large burrow,
in the road from London to Bath, called Silbury Hill ; and
fuppofed, by antiquaries, to have been the tumulus, or
place of burial, of the Britifh king Coel, whofe daughter
Helena was the mother of Conftantine the Great. Commu-
nicated by Guftavus Brander, Efq.

Plate 8,

EXPLANATION of the P L- A TES, &c.

Plate 8. Two perfons about an horfe, one holding up one of his
legs, the other being fuppofed to be going to bind on a
fort of Stocking , ufed in the place of the modern Shoes ,
Page 235.

No. 2. A foldier going to mount on the Right Side ,
page 24-7*

No. 3. A foldier mounting from his Lance , page 246.
Thefe three reprefentations are taken from baron Stoch’s
Colledlion of Pates Antiques, in the Britifh Mufeum. Vid.
alfo Winkleman’s Monum. Antiq. Illuftrati, &c.

Plate 9. Horfe and harnefs, &c. Vid. Differtat. on the ancient
Chariot, &c.

Tail Piece. Equus Noricus , {landing before a pillar, crowned with
three palm branches, expreffive of three vidlories ob-
tained in the race.

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