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authorRoger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org>2025-10-15 05:16:37 -0700
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+ <head>
+ <title>
+ On Horsemanship, by Xenophon
+ </title>
+ <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve">
+
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+ P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; }
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+ </head>
+ <body>
+<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 1176 ***</div>
+ <p>
+ <br /><br />
+ </p>
+ <h1>
+ ON HORSEMANSHIP
+ </h1>
+ <p>
+ <br />
+ </p>
+ <h2>
+ By Xenophon
+ </h2>
+ <p>
+ <br />
+ </p>
+ <h3>
+ Translation by H. G. Dakyns
+ </h3>
+ <p>
+ <br /><br />
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ Xenophon the Athenian was born 431 B.C. He was a
+ pupil of Socrates. He marched with the Spartans,
+ and was exiled from Athens. Sparta gave him land
+ and property in Scillus, where he lived for many
+ years before having to move once more, to settle
+ in Corinth. He died in 354 B.C.
+
+ On Horsemanship advises the reader on how to buy
+ a good horse, and how to raise it to be either a
+ war horse or show horse. Xenophon ends with some
+ words on military equipment for a cavalryman.
+ </pre>
+ <p>
+ <br /> <br />
+ </p>
+ <hr />
+ <p>
+ <br /> <br />
+ </p>
+ <h2>
+ Contents
+ </h2>
+ <table summary="" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto">
+ <tr>
+ <td>
+ <p class="toc">
+ <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> PREPARER'S NOTE </a>
+ </p>
+ <p class="toc">
+ <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> ON HORSEMANSHIP </a>
+ </p>
+ </td>
+ </tr>
+ </table>
+ <p>
+ <br /> <br />
+ </p>
+ <hr />
+ <p>
+ <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001">
+ <!-- H2 anchor --> </a>
+ </p>
+ <h2>
+ PREPARER'S NOTE
+ </h2>
+ <p>
+ This was typed from Dakyns' series, "The Works of Xenophon," a four-volume
+ set. The complete list of Xenophon's works (though there is doubt about
+ some of these) is:
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ Work Number of books
+
+ The Anabasis 7
+ The Hellenica 7
+ The Cyropaedia 8
+ The Memorabilia 4
+ The Symposium 1
+ The Economist 1
+ On Horsemanship 1
+ The Sportsman 1
+ The Cavalry General 1
+ The Apology 1
+ On Revenues 1
+ The Hiero 1
+ The Agesilaus 1
+ The Polity of the Athenians and the Lacedaemonians 2
+
+ Text in brackets "{}" is my transliteration of Greek text into
+ English using an Oxford English Dictionary alphabet table. The
+ diacritical marks have been lost.
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002">
+ <!-- H2 anchor --> </a>
+ </p>
+ <div style="height: 4em;">
+ <br /><br /><br /><br />
+ </div>
+ <h2>
+ ON HORSEMANSHIP
+ </h2>
+ <p>
+ I
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Claiming to have attained some proficiency in horsemanship (1) ourselves,
+ as the result of long experience in the field, our wish is to explain, for
+ the benefit of our younger friends, what we conceive to be the most
+ correct method of dealing with horses.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (1) Lit. "Since, through the accident of having for a long time
+ 'ridden' ourselves, we believe we have become proficients in
+ horsemanship, we wish to show to our younger friends how, as we
+ conceive the matter, they will proceed most correctly in dealing
+ with horses." {ippeuein} in the case of Xenophon = serve as a
+ {ippeus}, whether technically as an Athenian "knight" or more
+ particularly in reference to his organisation of a troop of
+ cavalry during "the retreat" ("Anab." III. iii. 8-20), and, as is
+ commonly believed, while serving under Agesilaus ("Hell." III. iv.
+ 14) in Asia, 396, 395 B.C.
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ There is, it is true, a treatise on horsemanship written by Simon, the
+ same who dedicated the bronze horse near the Eleusinion in Athens (2) with
+ a representation of his exploits engraved in relief on the pedestal. (3)
+ But we shall not on that account expunge from our treatise any conclusions
+ in which we happen to agree with that author; on the contrary we shall
+ hand them on with still greater pleasure to our friends, in the belief
+ that we shall only gain in authority from the fact that so great an expert
+ in horsemanship held similar views to our own; whilst with regard to
+ matters omitted in his treatise, we shall endeavour to supply them.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (2) L. Dind. (in Athens). The Eleusinion. For the position of this
+ sanctuary of Demeter and Kore see Leake, "Top. of Athens," i. p.
+ 296 foll. For Simon see Sauppe, vol. v. Praef. to "de R. E." p.
+ 230; L. Dind. Praef. "Xen. Opusc." p. xx.; Dr. Morris H. Morgan,
+ "The Art of Horsemanship by Xenophon," p. 119 foll. A fragment of
+ the work referred to, {peri eidous kai ekloges ippon}, exists. The
+ MS. is in the library of Emmanual Coll. Cant. It so happens that
+ one of the hipparchs (?) appealed to by Demosthenes in Arist.
+ "Knights," 242.
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ {andres ippes, paragenesthe nun o kairos, o Simon, o Panaiti, ouk elate
+ pros to dexion keras};
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ bears the name.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (3) Lit. "and carved on the pedestal a representation of his own
+ performances."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ As our first topic we shall deal with the question, how a man may best
+ avoid being cheated in the purchase of a horse.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Take the case of a foal as yet unbroken: it is plain that our scrutiny
+ must begin with the body; an animal that has never yet been mounted can
+ but present the vaguest indications of spirit. Confining ourselves
+ therefore to the body, the first point to examine, we maintain, will be
+ the feet. Just as a house would be of little use, however beautiful its
+ upper stories, if the underlying foundations were not what they ought to
+ be, so there is little use to be extracted from a horse, and in particular
+ a war-horse, (4) if unsound in his feet, however excellent his other
+ points; since he could not turn a single one of them to good account. (5)
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (4) Or, "and that a charger, we will suppose." For the simile see
+ "Mem." III. i. 7.
+
+ (5) Cf. Hor. "Sat." I. ii. 86:
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ regibus hic mos est: ubi equos mercantur, opertos inspiciunt, ne, si
+ facies, ut saepe, decora molli fulta pede est, emptorem inducat hiantem,
+ quod pulchrae clunes, breve quod caput, ardua cervix.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ and see Virg. "Georg." iii. 72 foll.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ In testing the feet the first thing to examine will be the horny portion
+ of the hoof. For soundness of foot a thick horn is far better than a thin.
+ Again it is important to notice whether the hoofs are high both before and
+ behind, or flat to the ground; for a high hoof keeps the "frog," (6) as it
+ is called, well off the ground; whereas a low hoof treads equally with the
+ stoutest and softest part of the foot alike, the gait resembling that of a
+ bandy-legged man. (7) "You may tell a good foot clearly by the ring," says
+ Simon happily; (8) for the hollow hoof rings like a cymbal against the
+ solid earth. (9)
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (6) Lit. "the swallow."
+
+ (7) Al. "a knock-kneed person." See Stonehenge, "The Horse" (ed.
+ 1892), pp. 3, 9.
+
+ (8) Or, "and he is right."
+
+ (9) Cf. Virg. "Georg." iii. 88; Hor. "Epod." xvi. 12.
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ And now that we have begun with the feet, let us ascend from this point to
+ the rest of the body. The bones (10) above the hoof and below the fetlock
+ must not be too straight, like those of a goat; through not being properly
+ elastic, (11) legs of this type will jar the rider, and are more liable to
+ become inflamed. On the other hand, these bones must not be too low, or
+ else the fetlock will be abraded or lacerated when the horse is galloped
+ over clods and stones.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (10) i.e. "the pasterns ({mesokunia}) and the coffin should be
+ 'sloping.'"
+
+ (11) Or, "being too inflexible." Lit. "giving blow for blow, overuch
+ like anvil to hammer."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ The bones of the shanks (12) ought to be thick, being as they are the
+ columns on which the body rests; thick in themselves, that is, not puffed
+ out with veins or flesh; or else in riding over hard ground they will
+ inevitably be surcharged with blood, and varicose conditions be set up,
+ (13) the legs becoming thick and puffy, whilst the skin recedes; and with
+ this loosening of the skin the back sinew (14) is very apt to start and
+ render the horse lame.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (12) i.e. "the metacarpals and metatarsals."
+
+ (13) Or, "and become varicose, with the result that the shanks swell
+ whilst the skin recedes from the bone."
+
+ (14) Or, "suspensory ligament"? Possibly Xenophon's anatomy is wrong,
+ and he mistook the back sinew for a bone like the fibula. The part
+ in question might intelligibly enough, if not technically, be
+ termed {perone}, being of the brooch-pin order.
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ If the young horse in walking bends his knees flexibly, you may safely
+ conjecture that when he comes to be ridden he will have flexible legs,
+ since the quality of suppleness invariably increases with age. (15) Supple
+ knees are highly esteemed and with good reason, rendering as they do the
+ horse less liable to stumble or break down from fatigue than those of
+ stiffer build.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (15) Lit. "all horses bend their legs more flexibly as time advances."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ Coming to the thighs below the shoulder-blades, (16) or arms, these if
+ thick and muscular present a stronger and handsomer appearance, just as in
+ the case of a human being. Again, a comparatively broad chest is better
+ alike for strength and beauty, and better adapted to carry the legs well
+ asunder, so that they will not overlap and interfere with one another.
+ Again, the neck should not be set on dropping forward from the chest, like
+ a boar's, but, like that of a game-cock rather, it should shoot upwards to
+ the crest, and be slack (17) along the curvature; whilst the head should
+ be bony and the jawbone small. In this way the neck will be well in front
+ of the rider, and the eye will command what lies before the horse's feet.
+ A horse, moreover, of this build, however spirited, will be least capable
+ of overmastering the rider, (18) since it is not by arching but by
+ stretching out his neck and head that a horse endeavours to assert his
+ power. (19)
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (16) Lit. "the thighs below the shoulder-blades" are distinguished
+ from "the thighs below the tail." They correspond respectively to
+ our "arms" (i.e. forearms) and "gaskins," and anatomically
+ speaking = the radius (os brachii) and the tibia.
+
+ (17) "Slack towards the flexure" (Stonehenge).
+
+ (18) Or, "of forcing the rider's hand and bolting."
+
+ (19) Or, "to display violence or run away."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ It is important also to observe whether the jaws are soft or hard on one
+ or other side, since as a rule a horse with unequal jaws (20) is liable to
+ become hard-mouthed on one side.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (20) Or, "whose bars are not equally sensitive."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ Again, a prominent rather than a sunken eye is suggestive of alertness,
+ and a horse of this type will have a wider range of vision.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ And so of the nostrils: a wide-dilated nostril is at once better than a
+ contracted one for respiration, and gives the animal a fiercer aspect.
+ Note how, for instance, when one stallion is enraged against another, or
+ when his spirit chafes in being ridden, (21) the nostrils at once become
+ dilated.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (21) Or, "in the racecourse or on the exercising-ground how readily he
+ distends his nostrils."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ A comparatively large crest and small ears give a more typical and
+ horse-like appearance to the head, whilst lofty withers again allow the
+ rider a surer seat and a stronger adhesion between the shoulders and the
+ body. (22)
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (22) Or if with L. D. ({kai to somati}), transl. "adhesion to the
+ horse's shoulders."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ A "double spine," (23) again, is at once softer to sit on than a single,
+ and more pleasing to the eye. So, too, a fairly deep side somewhat rounded
+ towards the belly (24) will render the animal at once easier to sit and
+ stronger, and as a general rule better able to digest his food. (25)
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (23) Reading after Courier {rakhis ge men}. See Virg. "Georg." iii.
+ 87, "at duplex agitur per lumbos spina." "In a horse that is in
+ good case, the back is broad, and the spine does not stick up like
+ a ridge, but forms a kind of furrow on the back" (John Martyn); "a
+ full back," as we say.
+
+ (24) Or, "in proportion to." See Courier ("Du Commandement de la
+ Cavalerie at de l'Equitation": deux livres de Xenophon, traduits
+ par un officier d'artillerie a cheval), note ad loc. p. 83.
+
+ (25) i.e. "and keep in good condition."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ The broader and shorter the loins the more easily will the horse raise his
+ forequarters and bring up his hindquarters under him. Given these points,
+ moreover, the belly will appear as small as possible, a portion of the
+ body which if large is partly a disfigurement and partly tends to make the
+ horse less strong and capable of carrying weight. (26)
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (26) Al. "more feeble at once and ponderous in his gait."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ The quarters should be broad and fleshy in correspondence with the sides
+ and chest, and if they are also firm and solid throughout they will be all
+ the lighter for the racecourse, and will render the horse in every way
+ more fleet.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ To come to the thighs (and buttocks): (27) if the horse have these
+ separated by a broad line of demarcation (28) he will be able to plant his
+ hind-legs under him with a good gap between; (29) and in so doing will
+ assume a posture (30) and a gait in action at once prouder and more firmly
+ balanced, and in every way appear to the best advantage.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (27) Lit. "the thighs beneath the tail."
+
+ (28) Reading {plateia to gramme diorismenous ekhe}, sc. the perineum.
+ Al. Courier (after Apsyrtus), op. cit. p. 14, {plateis te kai me
+ diestrammenous}, "broad and not turned outwards."
+
+ (29) Or, "he will be sure to spread well behind," etc.
+
+ (30) {ton upobasin}, tech. of the crouching posture assumed by the
+ horse for mounting or "in doing the demi-passade" (so Morgan, op.
+ cit. p. 126).
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ The human subject would seem to point to this conclusion. When a man wants
+ to lift anything from off the ground he essays to do so by bringing the
+ legs apart and not by bringing them together.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ A horse ought not to have large testicles, though that is not a point to
+ be determined in the colt.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ And now, as regards the lower parts, the hocks, (31) or shanks and
+ fetlocks and hoofs, we have only to repeat what has been said already
+ about those of the fore-legs.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (31) {ton katothen astragelon, e knemon}, lit. "the under (or hinder?)
+ knuckle-bones (hocks?) or shins"; i.e. anatomically speaking, the
+ os calcis, astragalus, tarsals, and metatarsal large and small.
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ I will here note some indications by which one may forecast the probable
+ size of the grown animal. The colt with the longest shanks at the moment
+ of being foaled will grow into the biggest horse; the fact being&mdash;and
+ it holds of all the domestic quadrupeds (32)&mdash;that with advance of
+ time the legs hardly increase at all, while the rest of the body grows
+ uniformly up to these, until it has attained its proper symmetry.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (32) Cf. Aristot. "de Part. Anim." iv. 10; "H. A." ii. 1; Plin. "N.
+ H." xi. 108.
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ Such is the type (33) of colt and such the tests to be applied, with every
+ prospect of getting a sound-footed, strong, and fleshy animal fine of form
+ and large of stature. If changes in some instances develop during growth,
+ that need not prevent us from applying our tests in confidence. It far
+ more often happens that an ugly-looking colt will turn out serviceable,
+ (34) than that a foal of the above description will turn out ugly or
+ defective.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (33) Lit. "by testing the shape of the colt in this way it seems to us
+ the purchaser will get," etc.
+
+ (34) For the vulg. {eukhroastoi}, a doubtful word = "well coloured,"
+ i.e. "sleek and healthy," L. &amp; S. would read {eukhrooi} (cf. "Pol.
+ Lac." v. 8). L. Dind. conj. {enrostoi}, "robust"; Schneid.
+ {eukhrestoi}, "serviceable."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ II
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ The right method of breaking a colt needs no description at our hands. (1)
+ As a matter of state organisation, (2) cavalry duties usually devolve upon
+ those who are not stinted in means, and who have a considerable share in
+ the government; (3) and it seems far better for a young man to give heed
+ to his own health of body and to horsemanship, or, if he already knows how
+ to ride with skill, to practising manoeuvres, than that he should set up as
+ a trainer of horses. (4) The older man has his town property and his
+ friends, and the hundred-and-one concerns of state or of war, on which to
+ employ his time and energies rather than on horsebreaking. It is plain
+ then that any one holding my views (5) on the subject will put a young
+ horse out to be broken. But in so doing he ought to draw up articles, just
+ as a father does when he apprentices his son to some art or handicraft,
+ stating what sort of knowledge the young creature is to be sent back
+ possessed of. These will serve as indications (6) to the trainer what
+ points he must pay special heed to if he is to earn his fee. At the same
+ time pains should be taken on the owner's part to see that the colt is
+ gentle, tractable, and affectionate, (7) when delivered to the
+ professional trainer. That is a condition of things which for the most
+ part may be brought about at home and by the groom&mdash;if he knows how
+ to let the animal connect (8) hunger and thirst and the annoyance of flies
+ with solitude, whilst associating food and drink and escape from sources
+ of irritation with the presence of man. As the result of this treatment,
+ necessarily the young horse will acquire&mdash;not fondness merely, but an
+ absolute craving for human beings. A good deal can be done by touching,
+ stroking, patting those parts of the body which the creature likes to have
+ so handled. These are the hairiest parts, or where, if there is anything
+ annoying him, the horse can least of all apply relief himself.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (1) Or, "The training of the colt is a topic which, as it seems to us,
+ may fairly be omitted, since those appointed for cavalry service
+ in these states are persons who," etc. For reading see Courier,
+ "Notes," p. 84.
+
+ (2) "Organisation in the several states."
+
+ (3) Or, "As a matter of fact it is the wealthiest members of the
+ state, and those who have the largest stake in civic life, that
+ are appointed to cavalry duties." See "Hippparch," i. 9.
+
+ (4) Cf. "Econ." iii. 10.
+
+ (5) {ego}. Hitherto the author has used the plural {emin} with which
+ he started.
+
+ (6) Reading {upodeigmata}, "finger-post signs," as it were, or "draft
+ in outline"; al. {upomnemata} = "memoranda."
+
+ (7) "Gentle, and accustomed to the hand, and fond of man."
+
+ (8) Lit. "if he knows how to provide that hunger and thirst, etc.,
+ should be felt by the colt in solitude, whilst food and drink,
+ etc., come through help of man."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ The groom should have standing orders to take his charge through crowds,
+ and to make him familiar with all sorts of sights and noises; and if the
+ colt shows sign of apprehension at them, (9) he must teach him&mdash;not
+ by cruel, but by gentle handling&mdash;that they are not really
+ formidable.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (9) Or, "is disposed to shy."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ On this topic, then, of training, (10) the rules here given will, I think,
+ suffice for any private individual.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (10) Or, "In reference to horsebreaking, the above remarks will
+ perhaps be found sufficient for the practical guidance of an
+ amateur."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ III
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ To meet the case in which the object is to buy a horse already fit for
+ riding, we will set down certain memoranda, (1) which, if applied
+ intelligently, may save the purchaser from being cheated.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (1) "Which the purchaser should lay to heart, if he does not wish to
+ be cheated."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ First, then, let there be no mistake about the age. If the horse has lost
+ his mark teeth, (2) not only will the purchaser's hopes be blighted, but
+ he may find himself saddled for ever with a sorry bargain. (3)
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (2) Or, "the milk teeth," i.e. is more than five years old. See
+ Morgan, p. 126.
+
+ (3) Lit. "a horse that has lost his milk teeth cannot be said to
+ gladden his owner's mind with hopes, and is not so easily disposed
+ of."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ Given that the fact of youth is well established, let there be no mistake
+ about another matter: how does he take the bit into his mouth and the
+ headstall (4) over his ears? There need be little ambiguity on this score,
+ if the purchaser will see the bit inserted and again removed, under his
+ eyes. Next, let it be carefully noted how the horse stands being mounted.
+ Many horses are extremely loath to admit the approach of anything which,
+ if once accepted, clearly means to them enforced exertion.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (4) {koruphaia}, part of the {khalinos} gear.
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ Another point to ascertain is whether the horse, when mounted, can be
+ induced to leave other horses, or when being ridden past a group of horses
+ standing, will not bolt off to join the company. Some horses again, as the
+ result of bad training, will run away from the exercising-ground and make
+ for the stable. A hard mouth may be detected by the exercise called the
+ {pede} or volte, (5) and still more so by varying the direction of the
+ volte to right or left. Many horses will not attempt to run away except
+ for the concurrence of a bad mouth along with an avenue of escape home.
+ (6)
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (5) See Sturz, s.v.; Pollux, i. 219. Al. "the longe," but the passage
+ below (vii. 14) is suggestive rather of the volte.
+
+ (6) Al. "will only attempt to bolt where the passage out towards home
+ combines, as it were, with a bad mouth." {e... ekphora} = "the
+ exit from the manege or riding school."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ Another point which it is necessary to learn is, whether when let go at
+ full speed the horse can be pulled up (7) sharp and is willing to wheel
+ round in obedience to the rein.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (7) {analambanetai}, "come to the poise" (Morgan). For
+ {apostrephesthai} see ix.6; tech. "caracole."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ It is also well to ascertain by experience if the horse you propose to
+ purchase will show equal docility in response to the whip. Every one knows
+ what a useless thing a servant is, or a body of troops, that will not
+ obey. A disobedient horse is not only useless, but may easily play the
+ part of an arrant traitor.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ And since it is assumed that the horse to be purchased is intended for
+ war, we must widen our test to include everything which war itself can
+ bring to the proof: such as leaping ditches, scrambling over walls,
+ scaling up and springing off high banks. We must test his paces by
+ galloping him up and down steep pitches and sharp inclines and along a
+ slant. For each and all of these will serve as a touchstone to gauge the
+ endurance of his spirit and the soundness of his body.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ I am far from saying, indeed, that because an animal fails to perform all
+ these parts to perfection, he must straightway be rejected; since many a
+ horse will fall short at first, not from inability, but from want of
+ experience. With teaching, practice, and habit, almost any horse will come
+ to perform all these feats beautifully, provided he be sound and free from
+ vice. Only you must beware of a horse that is naturally of a nervous
+ temperament. An over-timorous animal will not only prevent the rider from
+ using the vantage-ground of its back to strike an enemy, but is as likely
+ as not to bring him to earth himself and plunge him into the worst of
+ straits.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ We must, also, find out of the horse shows any viciousness towards other
+ horses or towards human beings; also, whether he is skittish; (8) such
+ defects are apt to cause his owner trouble.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (8) Or, "very ticklish."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ As to any reluctance on the horse's part to being bitted or mounted,
+ dancing and twisting about and the rest, (9) you will get a more exact
+ idea on this score, if, when he has gone through his work, you will try
+ and repeat the precise operations which he went through before you began
+ your ride. Any horse that having done his work shows a readiness to
+ undergo it all again, affords sufficient evidence thereby of spirit and
+ endurance.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (9) Reading {talla dineumata}, lit. "and the rest of his twistings and
+ twirlings about."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ To put the matter in a nutshell: given that the horse is sound-footed,
+ gentle, moderately fast, willing and able to undergo toil, and above all
+ things (10) obedient&mdash;such an animal, we venture to predict, will
+ give the least trouble and the greatest security to his rider in the
+ circumstances of war; while, conversely, a beast who either out of
+ sluggishness needs much driving, or from excess of mettle much coaxing and
+ manoeuvering, will give his rider work enough to occupy both his hands and
+ a sinking of the heart when dangers thicken.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (10) Al. "thoroughly."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ IV
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ We will now suppose the purchaser has found a horse which he admires; (1)
+ the purchase is effected, and he has brought him home&mdash;how is he to
+ be housed? It is best that the stable should be placed in a quarter of the
+ establishment where the master will see the horse as often as possible.
+ (2) It is a good thing also to have his stall so arranged that there will
+ be as little risk of the horse's food being stolen from the manger, as of
+ the master's from his larder or store-closet. To neglect a detail of this
+ kind is surely to neglect oneself; since in the hour of danger, it is
+ certain, the owner has to consign himself, life and limb, to the safe
+ keeping of his horse.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (1) Lit. "To proceed: when you have bought a horse which you admire
+ and have brought him home."
+
+ (2) i.e. "where he will be brought as frequently as possible under the
+ master's eye." Cf. "Econ." xii. 20.
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ Nor is it only to avoid the risk of food being stolen that a secure
+ horse-box is desirable, but for the further reason that if the horse takes
+ to scattering his food, the action is at once detected; and any one who
+ observes that happening may take it as a sign and symptom either of too
+ much blood, (3) which calls for veterinary aid, or of over-fatigue, for
+ which rest is the cure, or else that an attack of indigestion (4) or some
+ other malady is coming on. And just as with human beings, so with the
+ horse, all diseases are more curable at their commencement (5) than after
+ they have become chronic, or been wrongly treated. (6)
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (3) "A plethoric condition of the blood."
+
+ (4) {krithiasis}. Lit. "barley surfeit"; "une fourbure." See Aristot.
+ "H. A." viii. 24. 4.
+
+ (5) i.e. "in the early acute stages."
+
+ (6) Al. "and the mischief has spread."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ But if food and exercise with a view to strengthening the horse's body are
+ matters of prime consideration, no less important is it to pay attention
+ to the feet. A stable with a damp and smooth floor will spoil the best
+ hoof which nature can give. (7) To prevent the floor being damp, it should
+ be sloped with channels; and to avoid smoothness, paved with cobble stones
+ sunk side by side in the ground and similar in size to the horse's hoofs.
+ (8) A stable floor of this sort is calculated to strengthen the horse's
+ feet by the mere pressure on the part in standing. In the next place it
+ will be the groom's business to lead out the horse somewhere to comb and
+ curry him; and after his morning's feed to unhalter him from the manger,
+ (9) so that he may come to his evening meal with greater relish. To secure
+ the best type of stable-yard, and with a view to strengthening the horse's
+ feet, I would suggest to take and throw down loosely (10) four or five
+ waggon loads of pebbles, each as large as can be grasped in the hand, and
+ about a pound in weight; the whole to be fenced round with a skirting of
+ iron to prevent scattering. The mere standing on these will come to
+ precisely the same thing as if for a certain portion of the day the horse
+ were, off and on, stepping along a stony road; whilst being curried or
+ when fidgeted by flies he will be forced to use his hoofs just as much as
+ if he were walking. Nor is it the hoofs merely, but a surface so strewn
+ with stones will tend to harden the frog of the foot also.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (7) Lit. "A damp and smooth floor may be the ruin of a naturally good
+ hoof." It will be understood that the Greeks did not shoe their
+ horses.
+
+ (8) See Courier, p. 54, for an interesting experiment tried by himself
+ at Bari.
+
+ (9) Cf. "Hipparch," i. 16.
+
+ (10) Or, "spread so as to form a surface."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ But if care is needed to make the hoofs hard, similar pains should be
+ taken to make the mouth and jaws soft; and the same means and appliances
+ which will render a man's flesh and skin soft, will serve to soften and
+ supple a horse's mouth. (11)
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (11) Or, "may be used with like effect on a horse's mouth," i.e.
+ bathing, friction, oil. See Pollux, i. 201.
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ V
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ It is the duty of a horseman, as we think, to have his groom trained
+ thoroughly in all that concerns the treatment of the horse. In the first
+ place, then, the groom should know that he is never to knot the halter (1)
+ at the point where the headstall is attached to the horse's head. By
+ constantly rubbing his head against the manger, if the halter does not sit
+ quite loose about his ears, the horse will be constantly injuring himself;
+ (2) and with sores so set up, it is inevitable that he should show
+ peevishness, while being bitted or rubbed down.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (1) Lit. "by which the horse is tied to the manger"; "licol d'ecurie."
+
+ (2) Al. "in nine cases out of ten he rubs his head... and ten to
+ one will make a sore."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ It is desirable that the groom should be ordered to carry out the dung and
+ litter of the horse to some one place each day. By so doing, he will
+ discharge the duty with least trouble to himself, (3) and at the same time
+ be doing the horse a kindness.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (3) Al. "get rid of the refuse in the easiest way."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ The groom should also be instructed to attach the muzzle to the horse's
+ mouth, both when taking him out to be groomed and to the rolling-ground.
+ (4) In fact he should always muzzle him whenever he takes him anywhere
+ without the bit. The muzzle, while it is no hindrance to respiration,
+ prevents biting; and when attached it serves to rob the horse of
+ opportunity for vice. (5)
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (4) Cf. "Econ." xi. 18; Aristoph. "Clouds," 32.
+
+ (5) Or, "prevents the horse from carrying out vicious designs."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ Again, care should be taken to tie the horse up with the halter above his
+ head. A horse's natural instinct, in trying to rid himself of anything
+ that irritates the face, is to toss up his head, and by this upward
+ movement, if so tied, he only slackens the chain instead of snapping it.
+ In rubbing the horse down, the groom should begin with the head and mane;
+ as until the upper parts are clean, it is vain to cleanse the lower; then,
+ as regards the rest of the body, first brush up the hair, by help of all
+ the ordinary implements for cleansing, and then beat out the dust,
+ following the lie of the hair. The hair on the spine (and dorsal region)
+ ought not to be touched with any instrument whatever; the hand alone
+ should be used to rub and smooth it, and in the direction of its natural
+ growth, so as to preserve from injury that part of the horse's back on
+ which the rider sits.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ The head should be drenched with water simply; for, being bony, if you try
+ to cleanse it with iron or wooden instruments injury may be caused. So,
+ too, the forelock should be merely wetted; the long hairs of which it is
+ composed, without hindering the animal's vision, serve to scare away from
+ the eyes anything that might trouble them. Providence, we must suppose,
+ (6) bestowed these hairs upon the horse, instead of the large ears which
+ are given to the ass and the mule as a protection to the eyes. (7) The
+ tail, again, and mane should be washed, the object being to help the hairs
+ to grow&mdash;those in the tail so as to allow the creature the greatest
+ reach possible in brushing away molesting objects, (8) and those of the
+ neck in order that the rider may have as free a grip as possible.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (6) Lit. "The gods, we must suppose, gave..."
+
+ (7) Lit. "as defences or protective bulwarks."
+
+ (8) Insects, etc.
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ Mane, forelock, and tail are triple gifts bestowed by the gods upon the
+ horse for the sake of pride and ornament, (9) and here is the proof: a
+ brood mare, so long as her mane is long and flowing, will not readily
+ suffer herself to be covered by an ass; hence breeders of mules take care
+ to clip the mane of the mare with a view to covering. (10)
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (9) {aglaias eneka} (a poetic word). Cf. "Od." xv. 78; xvii. 310.
+
+ (10) For this belief Schneid. cf Aristot. "H. A." vi. 18; Plin. viii.
+ 42; Aelian, "H. A." ii. 10, xi. 18, xii. 16, to which Dr. Morgan
+ aptly adds Soph. "Fr." 587 (Tyro), a beautiful passage, {komes de
+ penthos lagkhano polou diken, k.t.l.} (cf. Plut. "Mor." 754 A).
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ Washing of the legs we are inclined to dispense with&mdash;no good is done
+ but rather harm to the hoofs by this daily washing. So, too, excessive
+ cleanliness of the belly is to be discouraged; the operation itself is
+ most annoying to the horse; and the cleaner these parts are made, the
+ thicker the swarm of troublesome things which collect beneath the belly.
+ Besides which, however elaborately you clean these parts, the horse is no
+ sooner led out than presently he will be just as dirty as if he had not
+ been cleaned. Omit these ablutions then, we say; and similarly for the
+ legs, rubbing and currying by hand is quite sufficient.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ VI
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ We will now explain how the operation of grooming may be performed with
+ least danger to oneself and best advantage to the horse. If the groom
+ attempts to clean the horse with his face turned the same way as the
+ horse, he runs the risk of getting a knock in the face from the animal's
+ knee or hoof. When cleaning him he should turn his face in the opposite
+ direction to the horse, and planting himself well out of the way of his
+ leg, at an angle to his shoulder-blade, proceed to rub him down. He will
+ then escape all mischief, and he will be able to clean the frog by folding
+ back the hoof. Let him clean the hind-legs in the same way.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ The man who has to do with the horse should know, with regard to this and
+ all other necessary operations, that he ought to approach as little as
+ possible from the head or the tail to perform them; for if the horse
+ attempt to show vice he is master of the man in front and rear. But by
+ approaching from the side he will get the greatest hold over the horse
+ with the least risk of injury to himself.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ When the horse has to be led, we do not approve of leading him from in
+ front, for the simple reason that the person so leading him robs himself
+ of his power of self-protection, whilst he leaves the horse freedom to do
+ what he likes. On the other hand, we take a like exception to the plan of
+ training the horse to go forward on a long rein (1) and lead the way, and
+ for this reason: it gives the horse the opportunity of mischief, in
+ whichever direction he likes, on either flank, and the power also to turn
+ right about and face his driver. How can a troop of horses be kept free of
+ one another, if driven in this fashion from behind?&mdash;whereas a horse
+ accustomed to be led from the side will have least power of mischief to
+ horse or man, and at the same time be in the best position to be mounted
+ by the rider at a moment's notice, were it necessary.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (1) See a passage from Strattis, "Chrys." 2 (Pollux, x. 55), {prosage
+ ton polon atrema, proslabon ton agogea brakhuteron. oukh oras oti
+ abolos estin}.
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ In order to insert the bit correctly the groom should, in the first place,
+ approach on the near (2) side of the horse, and then throwing the reins
+ over his head, let them drop loosely on the withers; raise the headstall
+ in his right hand, and with his left present the bit. If the horse will
+ take the bit, it is a simple business to adjust the strap of the
+ headstall; but if he refuses to open his mouth, the groom must hold the
+ bit against the teeth and at the same time insert the thumb (3) of his
+ left hand inside the horse's jaws. Most horses will open their mouths to
+ that operation. But if he still refuses, then the groom must press the lip
+ against the tush (4); very few horses will refuse the bit, when that is
+ done to them. (5)
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (2) Lit. "on the left-hand side."
+
+ (3) {ton megan daktulon}, Hdt. iii. 8.
+
+ (4) i.e. "canine tooth."
+
+ (5) Or, "it is a very exceptional horse that will not open his mouth
+ under the circumstances."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ The groom can hardly be too much alive to the following points * * * if
+ any work is to be done: (6) in fact, so important is it that the horse
+ should readily take his bit, that, to put it tersely, a horse that will
+ not take it is good for nothing. Now, if the horse be bitted not only when
+ he has work to do, but also when he is being taken to his food and when he
+ is being led home from a ride, it would be no great marvel if he learnt to
+ take the bit of his own accord, when first presented to him.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (6) Reading with L. Dind. {khre de ton ippokomon kai ta oiade...
+ paroxunthai, ei ti dei ponein}, or if as Schneid., Sauppe, etc.,
+ {khre de ton ippon me kata toiade, k.t.l.}, transl. "the horse
+ must not be irritated in such operations as these," etc.; but
+ {toiade} = "as follows," if correct, suggests a lacuna in either
+ case at this point.
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ It would be good for the groom to know how to give a leg up in the Persian
+ fashion, (7) so that in case of illness or infirmity of age the master
+ himself may have a man to help him on to horseback without trouble, or, if
+ he so wish, be able to oblige a friend with a man to mount him. (8)
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (7) Cf. "Anab." IV. iv. 4; "Hipparch," i. 17; "Cyrop." VII. i. 38.
+
+ (8) An {anaboleus}. Cf. Plut. "C. Gracch." 7.
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ The one best precept&mdash;the golden rule&mdash;in dealing with a horse
+ is never to approach him angrily. Anger is so devoid of forethought that
+ it will often drive a man to do things which in a calmer mood he will
+ regret. (9) Thus, when a horse is shy of any object and refuses to
+ approach it, you must teach him that there is nothing to be alarmed at,
+ particularly if he be a plucky animal; (10) or, failing that, touch the
+ formidable object yourself, and then gently lead the horse up to it. The
+ opposite plan of forcing the frightened creature by blows only intensifies
+ its fear, the horse mentally associating the pain he suffers at such a
+ moment with the object of suspicion, which he naturally regards as its
+ cause.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (9) Cf. "Hell." v. iii. 7 for this maxim.
+
+ (10) Al. "if possibly by help of another and plucky animal."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ If, when the groom brings up the horse to his master to mount, he knows
+ how to make him lower his back, (11) to facilitate mounting, we have no
+ fault to find. Still, we consider that the horseman should practise and be
+ able to mount, even if the horse does not so lend himself; (12) since on
+ another occasion another type of horse may fall to the rider's lot, (13)
+ nor can the same rider be always served by the same equerry. (14)
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (11) {upobibazesthai}. See above, i. 14; Pollux, i. 213; Morgan ad
+ loc. "Stirrups were unknown till long after the Christian era
+ began."
+
+ (12) Or, "apart from these good graces on the animal's part."
+
+ (13) As a member of the cavalry.
+
+ (14) Reading {allo}. Al. reading {allos} with L. D., "and the same
+ horse will at one time humour you in one way and again in
+ another." Cf. viii. 13, x. 12, for {uperetein} of the horse.
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ VII
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ The master, let us suppose, has received his horse and is ready to mount.
+ (1) We will now prescribe certain rules to be observed in the interests
+ not only of the horseman but of the animal which he bestrides. First,
+ then, he should take the leading rein, which hangs from the chin-strap or
+ nose-band, (2) conveniently in his left hand, held slack so as not to jerk
+ the horse's mouth, whether he means to mount by hoisting himself up,
+ catching hold of the mane behind the ears, or to vault on to horseback by
+ help of his spear. With the right hand he should grip the reins along with
+ a tuft of hair beside the shoulder-joint, (3) so that he may not in any
+ way wrench the horse's mouth with the bit while mounting. In the act of
+ taking the spring off the ground for mounting, (4) he should hoist his
+ body by help of the left hand, and with the right at full stretch assist
+ the upward movement (5) (a position in mounting which will present a
+ graceful spectacle also from behind); (6) at the same time with the leg
+ well bent, and taking care not to place his knee on the horse's back, he
+ must pass his leg clean over to the off side; and so having brought his
+ foot well round, plant himself firmly on his seat. (7)
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (1) Reading {otan... paradexetai... os anabesomenos}. Or,
+ reading {otan paradexetai ton ippea (sc. o. ippos) ws
+ anabesomenon}, transl. "the horse has been brought round ready for
+ mounting."
+
+ (2) So Courier, "la muserolle." It might be merely a stitched leather
+ strap or made of a chain in part, which rattled; as
+ {khrusokhalinon patagon psalion} (Aristoph. "Peace," 155) implies.
+ "Curb" would be misleading.
+
+ (3) "Near the withers."
+
+ (4) Or, "as soon as he has got the springing poise preliminary to
+ mounting."
+
+ (5) "Give himself simultaneously a lift." Reading {ekteinon}, or if
+ {enteinon}, "keeping his right arm stiff."
+
+ (6) Or, "a style of mounting which will obviate an ungainly attitude
+ behind."
+
+ (7) Lit. "lower his buttocks on to the horse's back."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ To meet the case in which the horseman may chance to be leading his horse
+ with the left hand and carrying his spear in the right, it would be good,
+ we think, for every one to practise vaulting on to his seat from the right
+ side also. In fact, he has nothing else to learn except to do with his
+ right limbs what he has previously done with the left, and vice versa. And
+ the reason we approve of this method of mounting is (8) that it enables
+ the soldier at one and the same instant to get astride of his horse and to
+ find himself prepared at all points, supposing he should have to enter the
+ lists of battle on a sudden.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (8) Lit. "One reason for the praise which we bestow on this method of
+ mounting is that at the very instant of gaining his seat the
+ soldier finds himself fully prepared to engage the enemy on a
+ sudden, if occasion need."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ But now, supposing the rider fairly seated, whether bareback or on a
+ saddle-cloth, a good seat is not that of a man seated on a chair, but
+ rather the pose of a man standing upright with his legs apart. In this way
+ he will be able to hold on to the horse more firmly by his thighs; and
+ this erect attitude will enable him to hurl a javelin or to strike a blow
+ from horseback, if occasion calls, with more vigorous effect. The leg and
+ foot should hang loosely from the knee; by keeping the leg stiff, the
+ rider is apt to have it broken in collision with some obstacle; whereas a
+ flexible leg (9) will yield to the impact, and at the same time not shift
+ the thigh from its position. The rider should also accustom the whole of
+ his body above the hips to be as supple as possible; for thus he will
+ enlarge his scope of action, and in case of a tug or shove be less liable
+ to be unseated. Next, when the rider is seated, he must, in the first
+ place, teach his horse to stand quiet, until he has drawn his skirts from
+ under him, if need be, (10) and got the reins an equal length and grasped
+ his spear in the handiest fashion; and, in the next place, he should keep
+ his left arm close to his side. This position will give the rider absolute
+ ease and freedom, (11) and his hand the firmest hold.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (9) i.e. "below the knee"; "shin and calf."
+
+ (10) Lit. "pulled up" (and arranged the folds of his mantle).
+
+ (11) {eustalestatos}, "the most business-like deportment."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ As to reins, we recommend those which are well balanced, without being
+ weak or slippery or thick, so that when necessary, the hand which holds
+ them can also grasp a spear.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ As soon as the rider gives the signal to the horse to start, (12) he
+ should begin at a walking pace, which will tend to allay his excitement.
+ If the horse is inclined to droop his head, the reins should be held
+ pretty high; or somewhat low, if he is disposed to carry his head high.
+ This will set off the horse's bearing to the best advantage. Presently, as
+ he falls into a natural trot, (13) he will gradually relax his limbs
+ without the slightest suffering, and so come more agreeably to the gallop.
+ (14) Since, too, the preference is given to starting on the left foot, it
+ will best conduce to that lead if, while the horse is still trotting, the
+ signal to gallop should be given at the instant of making a step with his
+ right foot. (15) As he is on the point of lifting his left foot he will
+ start upon it, and while turning left will simultaneously make the first
+ bound of the gallop; (16) since, as a matter of instinct, a horse, on
+ being turned to the right, leads off with his right limbs, and to the left
+ with his left.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (12) "Forwards!"
+
+ (13) Or, "the true trot."
+
+ (14) {epirrabdophorein}, "a fast pace in response to a wave of the
+ whip."
+
+ (15) See Berenger, i. p. 249; also the "Cavalry Drill Book," Part I.
+ Equitation, S. 22, "The Canter."
+
+ (16) {tes episkeliseos}, "he will make the forward stride of the
+ gallop in the act of turning to the left." See Morgan ad loc.
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ As an exercise, we recommend what is called the volte, (17) since it
+ habituates the animal to turn to either hand; while a variation in the
+ order of the turn is good as involving an equalisation of both sides of
+ the mouth, in first one, and then the other half of the exercise. (18) But
+ of the two we commend the oval form of the volte rather than the circular;
+ for the horse, being already sated with the straight course, will be all
+ the more ready to turn, and will be practised at once in the straight
+ course and in wheeling. At the curve, he should be held up, (19) because
+ it is neither easy nor indeed safe when the horse is at full speed to turn
+ sharp, especially if the ground is broken (20) or slippery.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (17) {pede}, figure of eight.
+
+ (18) Or, "on first one and then the other half of the manege."
+
+ (19) {upolambanein}. See "Hipparch," iii. 14; "Hunting," iii. 10; vi.
+ 22, of a dog.
+
+ (20) {apokroton}, al. {epikroton}, "beaten, hard-trodden ground."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ But in collecting him, the rider should as little as possible sway the
+ horse obliquely with the bit, and as little as possible incline his own
+ body; or, he may rest assured, a trifle will suffice to stretch him and
+ his horse full length upon the ground. The moment the horse has his eyes
+ fixed on the straight course after making a turn, is the time to urge him
+ to full speed. In battle, obviously, these turns and wheelings are with a
+ view to charging or retiring; consequently, to practise quickening the
+ pace after wheeling is desirable. When the horse seems to have had enough
+ of the manege, it would be good to give him a slight pause, and then
+ suddenly to put him to his quickest, away from his fellows first, (21) and
+ now towards them; and then again to quiet him down in mid-career as short
+ as possible; (22) and from halt once more to turn him right-about and off
+ again full charge. It is easy to predict that the day will come when there
+ will be need of each of these manoeuvres.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (21) {mentoi}, "of course."
+
+ (22) Or, "within the narrowest compass"; "as finely as possible."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ When the moment to dismount has come, you should never do so among other
+ horses, nor near a group of people, (23) nor outside the
+ exercising-ground; but on the precise spot which is the scene of his
+ compulsory exertion there let the horse find also relaxation. (24)
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (23) Or, "a knot of bystanders"; cf. Thuc. ii. 21.
+
+ (24) Or, as we say, "be caressed, and dismissed."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ VIII
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ As there will, doubtless, be times when the horse will need to race
+ downhill and uphill and on sloping ground; times, also, when he will need
+ to leap across an obstacle; or, take a flying leap from off a bank; (1)
+ or, jump down from a height, the rider must teach and train himself and
+ his horse to meet all emergencies. In this way the two will have a chance
+ of saving each the other, and may be expected to increase their
+ usefulness.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (1) {ekpedan} = exsilire in altum (Sturz, and so Berenger); "to leap
+ over ditches, and upon high places and down from them."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ And here, if any reader should accuse us of repeating ourselves, on the
+ ground that we are only stating now what we said before on the same
+ topics, (2) we say that this is not mere repetition. In the former case,
+ we confined ourselves to advising the purchaser before he concluded his
+ bargain to test whether the horse could do those particular things; (3)
+ what we are now maintaining is that the owner ought to teach his own
+ horse, and we will explain how this teaching is to be done.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (2) Or, "treating of a topic already handled."
+
+ (3) i.e. possessed a certain ability at the date of purchase.
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ With a horse entirely ignorant of leaping, the best way is to take him by
+ the leading rein, which hangs loose, and to get across the trench yourself
+ first, and then to pull tight on the leading-rein, to induce him to leap
+ across. If he refuses, some one with a whip or switch should apply it
+ smartly. The result will be that the horse will clear at a bound, not the
+ distance merely, but a far larger space than requisite; and for the future
+ there will be no need for an actual blow, the mere sight of some one
+ coming up behind will suffice to make him leap. As soon as he is
+ accustomed to leap in this way you may mount him and put him first at
+ smaller and then at larger trenches. At the moment of the spring be ready
+ to apply the spur; and so too, when training him to leap up and leap down,
+ you should touch him with the spur at the critical instant. In the effort
+ to perform any of these actions with the whole body, the horse will
+ certainly perform them with more safety to himself and to his rider than
+ he will, if his hind-quarters lag, in taking a ditch or fence, or in
+ making an upward spring or downward jump. (4)
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (4) Lit. "in making these jumps, springs, and leaps across or up or
+ down."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ To face a steep incline, you must first teach him on soft ground, and
+ finally, when he is accustomed to that, he will much prefer the downward
+ to the upward slope for a fast pace. And as to the apprehension, which
+ some people entertain, that a horse may dislocate the shoulder in
+ galloping down an incline, it should encourage them to learn that the
+ Persians and Odrysians all run races down precipitous slopes; (5) and
+ their horses are every bit as sound as our own. (6)
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (5) Cf. "Anab." IV. viii. 28; and so the Georgians to this day
+ (Chardin ap. Courier, op. cit. p. 70, n. 1).
+
+ (6) Lit. "as are those of the Hellenes."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ Nor must we omit another topic: how the rider is to accommodate himself to
+ these several movements. (7) Thus, when the horse breaks off into a
+ gallop, the rider ought to bend forward, since the horse will be less
+ likely to slip from under; and so to pitch his rider off. So again in
+ pulling him up short (8) the rider should lean back; and thus escape a
+ shock. In leaping a ditch or tearing up a steep incline, it is no bad plan
+ to let go the reins and take hold of the mane, so that the animal may not
+ feel the burthen of the bit in addition to that of the ground. In going
+ down a steep incline the rider must throw himself right back and hold in
+ the horse with the bit, to prevent himself being hurled headforemost down
+ the slope himself if not his horse.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (7) Or, "to each set of occurrences."
+
+ (8) Al. "when the horse is being brought to a poise" (Morgan); and see
+ Hermann ap. Schneid., {analambanein} = retinere equum, anhalten,
+ pariren. i.e. "rein in" of the "Parade."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ It is a correct principle to vary these exercises, which should be gone
+ through sometimes in one place and sometimes in another, and should
+ sometimes be shorter and sometimes longer in duration. The horse will take
+ much more kindly to them if you do not confine him to one place and one
+ routine.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Since it is a matter of prime necessity that the rider should keep his
+ seat, while galloping full speed on every sort of ground, and at the same
+ time be able to use his weapons with effect on horseback, nothing could be
+ better, where the country suits and there are wild animals, than to
+ practise horsemanship in combination with the chase. But when these
+ resources fail, a good exercise may be supplied in the combined efforts of
+ two horsemen. (9) One of them will play the part of fugitive, retreating
+ helter-skelter over every sort of ground, with lance reversed and plying
+ the butt end. The other pursues, with buttons on his javelins and his
+ lance similarly handled. (10) Whenever he comes within javelin range he
+ lets fly at the retreating foeman with his blunted missiles; or whenever
+ within spear thrust he deals the overtaken combatant a blow. In coming to
+ close quarters, it is a good plan first to drag the foeman towards
+ oneself, and then on a sudden to thrust him off; that is a device to bring
+ him to the ground. (11) The correct plan for the man so dragged is to
+ press his horse forward: by which action the man who is being dragged is
+ more likely to unhorse his assailant than to be brought to the ground
+ himself.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (9) {ippota}. A poetic word; "cavaliers."
+
+ (10) Or, "manipulated."
+
+ (11) Or, "that may be spoken off as the 'purl trick'"; "it will
+ unhorse him if anything."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ If it ever happens that you have an enemy's camp in front, and cavalry
+ skirmishing is the order of the day (at one time charging the enemy right
+ up to the hostile battle-line, and again beating a retreat), under these
+ circumstances it is well to bear in mind that so long as the skirmisher is
+ close to his own party, (12) valour and discretion alike dictate to wheel
+ and charge in the vanguard might and main; but when he finds himself in
+ close proximity to the foe, he must keep his horse well in hand. This, in
+ all probability, will enable him to do the greatest mischief to the enemy,
+ and to receive least damage at his hands.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (12) See "Hipparch," viii. 23.
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ The gods have bestowed on man, indeed, the gift of teaching man his duty
+ by means of speech and reasoning, but the horse, it is obvious, is not
+ open to instruction by speech and reasoning. If you would have a horse
+ learn to perform his duty, your best plan will be, whenever he does as you
+ wish, to show him some kindness in return, and when he is disobedient to
+ chastise him. This principle, though capable of being stated in a few
+ words, is one which holds good throughout the whole of horsemanship. As,
+ for instance, a horse will more readily take the bit, if each time he
+ accepts it some good befalls him; or, again, he will leap ditches and
+ spring up embankments and perform all the other feats incumbent on him, if
+ he be led to associate obedience to the word of command with relaxation.
+ (13)
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (13) Lit. "if every time he performs the word of command he is led to
+ expect some relaxation."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ IX
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ The topics hitherto considered have been: firstly, how to reduce the
+ chance of being cheated in the purchase of a colt or full-grown horse;
+ secondly, how to escape as much as possible the risk of injuring your
+ purchase by mishandling; and lastly, how to succeed in turning out a horse
+ possessed of all the qualities demanded by the cavalry soldier for the
+ purposes of war.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ The time has come perhaps to add a few suggestions, in case the rider
+ should be called upon to deal with an animal either unduly spirited or
+ again unduly sluggish in disposition. The first point to recognise is,
+ that temper of spirit in a horse takes the place of passion or anger in a
+ man; and just as you may best escape exciting a man's ill-temper by
+ avoiding harshness of speech and act, so you will best avoid enraging a
+ spirited horse by not annoying him. Thus, from the first instant, in the
+ act of mounting him, you should take pains to minimise the annoyance; and
+ once on his back you should sit quiet for longer than the ordinary time,
+ and so urge him forward by the gentlest signs possible; next, beginning at
+ the slowest pace, gradually work him into a quicker step, but so gradually
+ that he will find himself at full speed without noticing it. (1) Any
+ sudden signal will bewilder a spirited horse, just as a man is bewildered
+ by any sudden sight or sound or other experience. (I say one should be
+ aware that any unexpected shock will produce disturbance in a horse.) (2)
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (1) Or, "so that the horse may insensibly fall into a gallop."
+
+ (2) L. Dindorf and others bracket, as spurious.
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ So if you wish to pull up a spirited horse when breaking off into a
+ quicker pace than requisite, you must not suddenly wrench him, but quietly
+ and gently bring the bit to bear upon him, coaxing him rather than
+ compelling him to calm down. It is the long steady course rather than the
+ frequent turn which tends to calm a horse. (3) A quiet pace sustained for
+ a long time has a caressing, (4) soothing effect, the reverse of exciting.
+ If any one proposes by a series of fast and oft-repeated gallops to
+ produce a sense of weariness in the horse, and so to tame him, his
+ expectation will not be justified by the result; for under such
+ circumstances a spirited horse will do his best to carry the day by main
+ force, (5) and with a show of temper, like a passionate man, may contrive
+ to bring on himself and his rider irreparable mischief.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (3) Or, "long stretches rather than a succession of turns and counter
+ turns," {apostrophai}.
+
+ (4) Reading {katapsosi} with L. Dind.
+
+ (5) {agein bia}, vi agere, vi uti, Sturz; al. "go his own gait by
+ sheer force."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ A spirited horse should be kept in check, so that he does not dash off at
+ full speed; and on the same principle, you should absolutely abstain from
+ setting him to race against another; as a general rule, your
+ fiery-spirited horse is only too fond of contention. (6)
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (6) Reading {skhedon gar kai phil oi thum}, or if {... oi thil kai
+ th.} transl. "the more eager and ambitious a horse is, the more
+ mettlesome he will tend to become."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ Smooth bits are better and more serviceable than rough; if a rough bit be
+ inserted at all, it must be made to resemble a smooth one as much as
+ possible by lightness of hand.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ It is a good thing also for the rider to accustom himself to keep a quiet
+ seat, especially when mounted on a spirited horse; and also to touch him
+ as little as possible with anything except that part of the body necessary
+ to secure a firm seat.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Again, it should be known that the conventional "chirrup" (7) to quiet and
+ "cluck" to rouse a horse are a sort of precept of the training school; and
+ supposing any one from the beginning chose to associate soft soothing
+ actions with the "cluck" sound, and harsh rousing actions with the
+ "chirrup," the horse could be taught to rouse himself at the "chirrup" and
+ to calm himself at the "cluck" sound. On this principle, at the sound of
+ the trumpet or the shout of battle the rider should avoid coming up to his
+ charger in a state of excitement, or, indeed, bringing any disturbing
+ influence to bear on the animal. As far as possible, at such a crisis he
+ should halt and rest him; and, if circumstances permit, give him his
+ morning or his evening meal. But the best advice of all is not to get an
+ over-spirited horse for the purposes of war.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (7) Al. "whistling," and see Berenger, ii. 68. {poppusmos}, a sound
+ from the lips; {klogmos}, from the cheek.
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ As to the sluggish type of animal, I need only suggest to do everything
+ the opposite to what we advise as appropriate in dealing with an animal of
+ high spirit.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ X
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ But possibly you are not content with a horse serviceable for war. You
+ want to find in him a showy, attractive animal, with a certain grandeur
+ of bearing. If so, you must abstain from pulling at his mouth with the
+ bit, or applying the spur and whip&mdash;methods commonly adopted by
+ people with a view to a fine effect, though, as a matter of fact, they
+ thereby achieve the very opposite of what they are aiming at. That is to
+ say, by dragging the mouth up they render the horse blind instead of alive
+ to what is in front of him; and what with spurring and whipping they
+ distract the creature to the point of absolute bewilderment and danger.
+ (1) Feats indeed!&mdash;the feats of horses with a strong dislike to being
+ ridden&mdash;up to all sorts of ugly and ungainly tricks. On the contrary,
+ let the horse be taught to be ridden on a loose bridle, and to hold his
+ head high and arch his neck, and you will practically be making him
+ perform the very acts which he himself delights or rather exults in; and
+ the best proof of the pleasure which he takes is, that when he is let
+ loose with other horses, and more particularly with mares, you will see
+ him rear his head aloft to the full height, and arch his neck with nervous
+ vigour, (2) pawing the air with pliant legs (3) and waving his tail on
+ high. By training him to adopt the very airs and graces which he naturally
+ assumes when showing off to best advantage, you have got what you are
+ aiming at&mdash;a horse that delights in being ridden, a splendid and
+ showy animal, the joy of all beholders.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (1) Al. "the animals are so scared that, the chances are, they are
+ thrown into disorder."
+
+ (2) {gorgoumenos}, with pride and spirit, but with a suggestion of
+ "fierceness and rage," as of Job's war-horse.
+
+ (3) "Mollia crura reponit," Virg. "Georg." iii. 76; Hom. "Hymn. ad
+ Merc."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ How these desirable results are, in our opinion, to be produced, we will
+ now endeavour to explain. In the first place, then, you ought to have at
+ least two bits. One of these should be smooth, with discs of a good size;
+ the other should have heavy and flat discs (4) studded with sharp spikes,
+ so that when the horse seizes it and dislikes the roughness he will drop
+ it; then when the smooth is given him instead, he is delighted with its
+ smoothness, and whatever he has learnt before upon the rough, he will
+ perform with greater relish on the smooth. He may certainly, out of
+ contempt for its very smoothness, perpetually try to get a purchase on it,
+ and that is why we attach large discs to the smooth bit, the effect of
+ which is to make him open his mouth, and drop the mouthpiece. It is
+ possible to make the rough bit of every degree of roughness by keeping it
+ slack or taut.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (4) See Morgan, op. cit. p. 144 foll.
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ But, whatever the type of bit may be, let it in any case be flexible. If
+ it be stiff, at whatever point the horse seizes it he must take it up
+ bodily against his jaws; just as it does not matter at what point a man
+ takes hold of a bar of iron, (5) he lifts it as a whole. The other
+ flexibly constructed type acts like a chain (only the single point at
+ which you hold it remains stiff, the rest hangs loose); and while
+ perpetually hunting for the portion which escapes him, he lets the
+ mouthpiece go from his bars. (6) For this reason the rings are hung in the
+ middle from the two axles, (7) so that while feeling for them with his
+ tongue and teeth he may neglect to take the bit up against his jaws.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (5) Or, "poker," as we might say; lit. "spit."
+
+ (6) Schneid. cf. Eur. "Hippol." 1223.
+
+ (7) See Morgan, note ad loc. Berenger (i. 261) notes: "We have a small
+ chain in the upset or hollow part of our bits, called a 'Player,'
+ with which the horse playing with his tongue, and rolling it
+ about, keeps his mouth moist and fresh; and, as Xenophon hints, it
+ may serve likewise to fix his attention and prevent him from
+ writhing his mouth about, or as the French call it, 'faire ses
+ forces.'"
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ To explain what is meant by flexible and stiff as applied to a bit, we
+ will describe the matter. A flexible bit is one in which the axles have
+ their points of junction broad and smooth, (8) so as to bend easily; and
+ where the several parts fitting round the axles, being large of aperture
+ and not too closely packed, have greater flexibility; whereas, if the
+ several parts do not slide to and fro with ease, and play into each other,
+ that is what we call a stiff bit. Whatever the kind of bit may be, the
+ rider must carry out precisely the same rules in using it, as follows, if
+ he wishes to turn out a horse with the qualities described. The horse's
+ mouth is not to be pulled back too harshly so as to make him toss his head
+ aside, nor yet so gently that he will not feel the pressure. But the
+ instant he raises his neck in answer to the pull, give him the bit at
+ once; and so throughout, as we never cease repeating, at every response to
+ your wishes, whenever and wherever the animal performs his service well,
+ (9) reward and humour him. Thus, when the rider perceives that the horse
+ takes a pleasure in the high arching and supple play of his neck, let him
+ seize the instant not to impose severe exertion on him, like a taskmaster,
+ but rather to caress and coax him, as if anxious to give him a rest. In
+ this way the horse will be encouraged and fall into a rapid pace.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (8) i.e. "the ends of the axles (at the point of junction) which work
+ into each other are broad and smooth, so as to play freely at the
+ join."
+
+ (9) "Behaves compliantly."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ That a horse takes pleasure in swift movement, may be shown conclusively.
+ As soon as he has got his liberty, he sets off at a trot or gallop, never
+ at a walking pace; so natural and instinctive a pleasure does this action
+ afford him, if he is not forced to perform it to excess; since it is true
+ of horse and man alike that nothing is pleasant if carried to excess. (10)
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (10) L. Dind. cf. Eur. "Med." 128, {ta de' uperballont oudena kairon}.
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ But now suppose he has attained to the grand style when ridden&mdash;we
+ have accustomed him of course in his first exercise to wheel and fall into
+ a canter simultaneously; assuming then, he has got that lesson well by
+ heart, if the rider pulls him up with the bit while simultaneously giving
+ him one of the signals to be off, the horse, galled on the one hand by the
+ bit, and on the other collecting himself in obedience to the signal "off,"
+ will throw forward his chest and raise his legs aloft with fiery spirit;
+ though not indeed with suppleness, for the supple play of the limbs ceases
+ as soon as the horse feels annoyance. But now, supposing when his fire is
+ thus enkindled (11) you give him the rein, the effect is instantaneous.
+ Under the pleasurable sense of freedom, thanks to the relaxation of the
+ bit, with stately bearing and legs pliantly moving he dashes forward in
+ his pride, in every respect imitating the airs and graces of a horse
+ approaching other horses. Listen to the epithets with which spectators
+ will describe the type of horse: the noble animal! and what willingness to
+ work, what paces, (12) what a spirit and what mettle; how proudly he bears
+ himself (13)&mdash;a joy at once, and yet a terror to behold.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (11) Cf. "Hell." V. iv. 46, "kindled into new life."
+
+ (12) {ipposten}, "a true soldier's horse."
+
+ (13) {sobaron}, "what a push and swagger"; {kai ama edun te kai gorgon
+ idein}, "a la fois doux et terrible a voir," see Victor
+ Cherbuliez, "Un Cheval de Phidias," p. 148.
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ Thus far on this topic; these notes may serve perhaps to meet a special
+ need.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ XI
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ If, however, the wish is to secure a horse adapted to parade and state
+ processions, a high stepper and a showy (1) animal, these are qualities
+ not to be found combined in every horse, but to begin with, the animal
+ must have high spirit and a stalwart body. Not that, as some think, a
+ horse with flexible legs will necessarily be able to rear his body. What
+ we want is a horse with supple loins, and not supple only but short and
+ strong (I do not mean the loins towards the tail, but by the belly the
+ region between the ribs and thighs). That is the horse who will be able to
+ plant his hind-legs well under the forearm. If while he is so planting his
+ hind-quarters, he is pulled up with the bit, he lowers his hind-legs on
+ his hocks (2) and raises the forepart of his body, so that any one in
+ front of him will see the whole length of his belly to the sheath. (3) At
+ the moment the horse does this, the rider should give him the rein, so
+ that he may display the noblest feats which a horse can perform of his own
+ free will, to the satisfaction of the spectators.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (1) {lampros}. Cf. Isae. xi. 41 ("On the estate of Hagnias"), Lys.
+ xix. 63 ("de Bon. Arist.").
+
+ (2) See Berenger, ii. 68.
+
+ (3) Lit. "testicles."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ There are, indeed, other methods of teaching these arts. (4) Some do so by
+ touching the horse with a switch under the hocks, others employ an
+ attendant to run alongside and strike the horse with a stick under the
+ gaskins. For ourselves, however, far the best method of instruction, (5)
+ as we keep repeating, is to let the horse feel that whatever he does in
+ obedience to the rider's wishes will be followed by some rest and
+ relaxation.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (4) Lit. "People, it must be admitted, claim to teach these arts in
+ various ways&mdash;some by... others by bidding..."
+
+ (5) Reading {didaskalion}, al. {didaskalion}, "systems." Schneid. cf.
+ Herod. v. 58.
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ To quote a dictum of Simon, what a horse does under compulsion he does
+ blindly, and his performance is no more beautiful than would be that of a
+ ballet-dancer taught by whip and goad. The performances of horse or man so
+ treated would seem to be displays of clumsy gestures rather than of grace
+ and beauty. What we need is that the horse should of his own accord
+ exhibit his finest airs and paces at set signals. (6) Supposing, when he
+ is in the riding-field, (7) you push him to a gallop until he is bathed in
+ sweat, and when he begins to prance and show his airs to fine effect, you
+ promptly dismount and take off the bit, you may rely upon it he will of
+ his own accord another time break into the same prancing action. Such are
+ the horses on which gods and heroes ride, as represented by the artist.
+ The majesty of men themselves is best discovered in the graceful handling
+ of such animals. (8) A horse so prancing is indeed a thing of beauty, a
+ wonder and a marvel; riveting the gaze of all who see him, young alike and
+ graybeards. They will never turn their backs, I venture to predict, or
+ weary of their gazing so long as he continues to display his splendid
+ action.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (6) Or, "by aids and signs," as we say.
+
+ (7) Or, "exercising-ground."
+
+ (8) Or, "and the man who knows how to manage such a creature
+ gracefully himself at once appears magnificent."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ If the possessor of so rare a creature should find himself by chance in
+ the position of a squadron leader or a general of cavalry, he must not
+ confine his zeal to the development of his personal splendour, but should
+ study all the more to make the troop or regiment a splendid spectacle.
+ Supposing (in accordance with the high praise bestowed upon the type of
+ animal) (9) the leader is mounted on a horse which with his high airs and
+ frequent prancing makes but the slightest movement forward&mdash;obviously
+ the rest of the troop must follow at a walking pace, and one may fairly
+ ask where is the element of splendour in the spectacle? But now suppose
+ that you, sir, being at the head of the procession, rouse your horse and
+ take the lead at a pace neither too fast nor yet too slow, but in a way to
+ bring out the best qualities in all the animals, their spirit, fire, grace
+ of mien and bearing ripe for action&mdash;I say, if you take the lead of
+ them in this style, the collective thud, the general neighing and the
+ snorting of the horses will combine to render not only you at the head,
+ but your whole company (10) down to the last man a thrilling spectacle.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (9) Reading as vulg. {os malista epainousi tous toioutous ippous, os}.
+ L. Dind. omits the words as a gloss.
+
+ (10) Reading {oi} (for {osoi}) {sumparepomenoi}. See Hartmann, "An.
+ Xen. Nov." xiv. p. 343.
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ One word more. Supposing a man has shown some skill in purchasing his
+ horses, and can rear them into strong and serviceable animals, supposing
+ further he can handle them in the right way, not only in the training for
+ war, but in exercises with a view to display, or lastly, in the stress of
+ actual battle, what is there to prevent such a man from making every horse
+ he owns of far more value in the end than when he bought it, with the
+ further outlook that, unless some power higher than human interpose, (11)
+ he will become the owner of a celebrated stable, and himself as celebrated
+ for his skill in horsemanship.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (11) Or, "there is nothing, humanly speaking, to prevent such a man."
+ For the phrase see "Mem." I. iii. 5; cf. "Cyrop." I. vi. 18; and
+ for the advice, "Econ." iii. 9, 10.
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ XII
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ We will now describe the manner in which a trooper destined to run the
+ risks of battle upon horseback should be armed. In the first place, then,
+ we would insist, the corselet must be made to fit the person; since, if it
+ fits well, its weight will be distributed over the whole body; whereas, if
+ too loose, the shoulders will have all the weight to bear, while, if too
+ tight, the corselet is no longer a defensive arm, but a "strait jacket."
+ (1) Again, the neck, as being a vital part, (2) ought to have, as we
+ maintain, a covering, appended to the corselet and close-fitting. This
+ will serve as an ornament, and if made as it ought to be, will conceal the
+ rider's face&mdash;if so he chooses&mdash;up to the nose.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (1) Cf. "Mem." III. x.
+
+ (2) L. Dind. cf. Hom. "Il." viii. 326:
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ {... othi kleis apoergei aukhena te stethos te, malista de kairion estin.}
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ "Where the collar-bone fenceth off neck and breast, and where is the most
+ deadly spot" (W. Leaf).
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ As to the helmet, the best kind, in our opinion, is one of the Boeotian
+ pattern, (3) on the principle again, that it covers all the parts exposed
+ above the breastplate without hindering vision. Another point: the
+ corselet should be so constructed that it does not prevent its wearer
+ sitting down or stooping. About the abdomen and the genitals and parts
+ surrounding (4) flaps should be attached in texture and in thickness
+ sufficient to protect (5) that region.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (3) Schneider cf. Aelian, "V. H." iii. 24; Pollux, i. 149.
+
+ (4) Schneider cf. "Anab." IV. vii. 15, and for {kai ta kuklo}, conj.
+ {kuklo}, "the abdomen and middle should be encircled by a skirt."
+
+ (5) Lit. "let there be wings of such sort, size, and number as to
+ protect the limbs."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ Again, as an injury to the left hand may disable the horseman, we would
+ recommend the newly-invented piece of armour called the gauntlet, which
+ protects the shoulder, arm, and elbow, with the hand engaged in holding
+ the reins, being so constructed as to extend and contract; in addition to
+ which it covers the gap left by the corselet under the armpit. The case is
+ different with the right hand, which the horseman must needs raise to
+ discharge a javelin or strike a blow. Here, accordingly, any part of the
+ corselet which would hinder action out to be removed; in place of which
+ the corselet ought to have some extra flaps (6) at the joints, which as
+ the outstretched arm is raised unfold, and as the arm descends close tight
+ again. The arm itself, (7) it seems to us, will better be protected by a
+ piece like a greave stretched over it than bound up with the corselet.
+ Again, the part exposed when the right hand is raised should be covered
+ close to the corselet either with calfskin or with metal; or else there
+ will be a want of protection just at the most vital point.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (6) {prosthetai}, "moveable," "false." For {gigglumois} L. &amp; S. cf.
+ Hipp. 411. 12; Aristot. "de An." iii. 10. 9 = "ball-and-socket
+ joints."
+
+ (7) i.e. "forearm."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ Moreover, as any damage done to the horse will involve his rider in
+ extreme peril, the horse also should be clad in armour&mdash;frontlet,
+ breastplate, and thigh-pieces; (8) which latter may at the same time serve
+ as cuisses for the mounted man. Beyond all else, the horse's belly, being
+ the most vital and defenceless part, should be protected. It is possible
+ to protect it with the saddle-cloth. The saddle itself should be of such
+ sort and so stitched as to give the rider a firm seat, and yet not gall
+ the horse's back.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (8) Cf. "Cyrop." VI. iv. 1; VII. i. 2.
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ As regards the limbs in general, both horse and rider may be looked upon
+ as fully armed. The only parts remaining are the shins and feet, which of
+ course protrude beyond the cuisses, but these also may be armed by the
+ addition of gaiters made of leather like that used for making sandals. And
+ thus you will have at once defensive armour for the shins and stockings
+ for the feet.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ The above, with the blessing of heaven, will serve for armour of defence.
+ To come to weapons of offence, we recommend the sabre rather than the
+ straight sword, (9) since from the vantage-ground of the horse's position
+ the curved blade will descend with greater force than the ordinary weapon.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (9) The {makhaira} (or {kopis}), Persian fashion, rather than the
+ {xephos}. "Cyrop." I. ii. 13.
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ Again, in place of the long reed spear, which is apt to be weak and
+ awkward to carry, we would substitute two darts of cornel-wood; (10) the
+ one of which the skilful horseman can let fly, and still ply the one
+ reserved in all directions, forwards, backwards, (11) and obliquely; add
+ to that, these smaller weapons are not only stronger than the spear but
+ far more manageable.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (10) For these reforms, the result of the author's Asiatic experiences
+ perhaps, cf. "Hell." III. iv. 14; "Anab." I. viii. 3; "Cyrop." I.
+ ii. 9.
+
+ (11) Reading {eis toupisthen} after Leoncl.
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ As regards range of discharge in shooting we are in favour of the longest
+ possible, as giving more time to rally (12) and transfer the second
+ javelin to the right hand. And here we will state shortly the most
+ effective method of hurling the javelin. The horseman should throw forward
+ his left side, while drawing back his right; then rising bodily from the
+ thighs, he should let fly the missile with the point slightly upwards. The
+ dart so discharged will carry with the greatest force and to the farthest
+ distance; we may add, too, with the truest aim, if at the moment of
+ discharge the lance be directed steadily on the object aimed at. (13)
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (12) Al. "to turn right-about."
+
+ (13) "If the lance is steadily eyeing the mark at the instant of
+ discharge."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ This treatise, consisting of notes and suggestions, lessons and exercises
+ suited to a private individual, must come to a conclusion; the theory and
+ practice of the matter suited to a cavalry commander will be found
+ developed in the companion treatise. (14)
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ (14) In reference to "The Cavalry General", or "Hipparch."
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ <br /><br /><br /><br />
+ </p>
+ <div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 1176 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>