RABBIT—is the well-known animal, bearing some similitude to the HARE in
its formation, but no proportional excellence as a luxury for the table.
Rabbits are of two kinds, the wild, and domestic; the latter of which
are bred in hutches exceedingly tame, and in a sporting view lay claim
to no consideration. The wild rabbits are much inferior in size, and
many shades lighter in the colour of their fur, than the hare, to whom
they have a natural and an invincible aversion; which, in fact, seems to
be mutual, as they are but rarely found in the purlieus of each other.
The rabbit, in its wild and uncultivated state, (not part of, or
appertaining to a warren,) is thought of but very little intrinsic
value, and is killed or taken as a matter of public right, by
individuals of every class who happen to find them; not being included
in the late acts of parliament for the PRESERVATION of the GAME;
although they are mentioned as _conies_ in some of the former records,
which, though unrepealed, are seldom resorted to for legal information.
Rabbits in a WARREN are supposed the most prolific and profitable animal
of any that contributes to human subsistence: these warrens are common
in many parts of the kingdom, but more particularly in Yorkshire,
Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire, by the three last of
which counties the Metropolis is supplied for its almost infinite
consumption. The scent of a rabbit is exceedingly _faint_ in comparison
with the HARE, FOX, or FALLOW DEER; they, however, by jumping up
suddenly, frequently lead hounds a little astray, but cannot stand long
before them.
RABBITS propagate so rapidly, and increase so largely, in some parks and
farms of a woodland country, that they become, by their numbers,
exceedingly injurious, and an occasional reduction is found unavoidably
necessary, as a matter of self defence; in which case RABBIT SHOOTING is
found a most pleasant diversion. This is enjoyed with the assistance of
a brace of spaniels, which being turned into the bushes and hedge-rows,
are hardly ever without a rabbit on foot: but it must be a very _quick_
and _good_ shot to prove successful, as their short turns, and sudden
twists, render them a very difficult mark to hit. WARRENERS, in some
parts of the kingdom, are called warren farmers, whose premises are of
very great extent, and the rent from three to four and five hundred
pounds a year: the rabbits in these are so completely private property,
that various Acts are still in force for their preservation, and the
summary punishment of offenders (before a justice of peace) for any
transgression against the statutes in such case made and provided.
RACE HORSE—Is the kind of horse bred solely for the TURF, and whose
blood must be properly authenticated to have descended in a STATE of
PURITY from one generation to another, without the least contamination
by any accidental or intentional cross whatever. Horses of this
description are not entirely selected, as others in general are, by the
_make_, _shape_, _strength_, and _bone_, but in a great degree by the
estimation of the blood from which they have descended; and from which
circumstance alone is derived their claim to the appellation of BLOOD
HORSES, which they properly continue to retain, and are alone entitled
to. We are furnished with the most indubitable assurances, that the
ARABS are (if possible) more tenacious, precise, and correct, in the
pedigree, or genealogical descent, of their superior and unmixed breed,
than the sporting breeders of this country; and that the PEDIGREES of
each peculiar and distinguished BLOOD has been for CENTURIES transmitted
from generation to generation, with the same authenticated accuracy, as
is now the regular practice with every racing stud in the kingdom. The
emulative impulse of the English sportsman to attain perfection, most
probably suggested the idea of introducing the celebrated BLOOD of
ARABIA, that judicious experimental _crosses_ might be made with the
best of our own.
The earliest instances upon record, were during, and subsequent to, the
reign of KING CHARLES the SECOND, who sent abroad his master of the
horse to procure a selection of foreign HORSES and MARES for the
establishment of a BREEDING STUD; and the mares then brought over (as
well as many of their produce) have since been called ROYAL mares. The
principal ARABIANS, BARBS, and TURKS, by which the original breed of
Britain is supposed in some respects to have been improved, are as
follows. The WHITE TURK was the property of MR. PLACE, stud-master to
OLIVER CROMWELL when Protector; he was the sire of _Wormwood_ and
_Commoner_. DODSWORTH, though foaled in England, was a natural Barb, his
dam having been imported when in foal during the reign of Charles the
Second, and was called a royal mare. The LISTER TURK was brought into
England by the Duke of Berwick from the Siege of Buda, in the reign of
James the Second, and was the sire of _Snake_, _Brisk_, _Coneyskins_,
and _Piping Peg_. The BYERLY TURK was Captain Byerly's charger in
Ireland in King William's Wars; he was sire of _Sprite_, _Black-Hearty_,
_Archer_, _Basto_, _Grasshopper_, the _Byerly_ Gelding, and _Jigg_.
GREYHOUND was got in Barbary, after which both sire and dam were
purchased, and brought to England, by Mr. Marshall. He was the sire of
_Old Othello_, _Whitefoot_, _Osmyn_, _Rake_, _Samson_, _Goliah_,
_Favourite_, and _Desdemona_.
The D'ARCY _White Turk_ was the sire of _Old Hautboy_, _Grey Royal_, and
_Cannon_. The D'ARCY _Yellow Turk_ was the sire of _Spanker_, _Brimmer_,
and the great great grand-dam of _Cartouch_. The MARSHALL, or SELLABY
_Turk_, was the property of Mr. Marshall's brother, stud-master to King
William, Queen Anne, and King George the First; he was the sire of some
famous runners, but most of them were mares. CURWEN'S _Bay Barb_, the
THOULOUSE _Barb_, DARLEY'S _Arabian_, the BELGRADE _Turk_, the GODOLPHIN
_Arabian_, and others, may be referred to under the head BARBS in the
First Volume. After having crossed the blood in all possible directions,
(as fancy prompted in one place, or prudent deliberation justified in
another,) numerous experiments were made (and for large sums) in
bringing the different crosses to the post in opposition to each other;
when, after every possible refinement, and every judicious exertion, to
ascertain the superiority of the ARABIAN BLOOD, it was at length most
clearly proved, that the more they bred _in and in_ with the foreign
horses and mares, the more they acquired speed for _half a mile_ or a
_mile_; but became gradually SLOWER, and longer upon the ground, the
_farther_ they had to _run_. This discovery having been made (and proved
by various means to be correct) at the very moment of the great DUKE of
CUMBERLAND'S having brought the sport to nearly its present zenith of
attraction and celebrity about the year 1760, the rage for Arabian
extraction has been gradually upon the decline with the sporting
aggregate from that period to the present time; unless with those who
have bred more with a view to variation and novelty than SPEED for the
TURF.
RACES were formerly decided in much shorter distances than at present,
and few colts or fillies were then ever brought to the post till four
years old. Plates for three years old are now common at all places of
sport from one extremity of the kingdom to the other; and matches with
_two years_ old COLTS and FILLIES, and even with _yearlings_, are seen
constantly run at NEWMARKET; and is the very reason why so many of the
most valuable are completely ruined, and all their faculties of superior
speed destroyed, by the very time they attain the age at which their
predecessors STARTED for the FIRST time. Few matches, sweepstakes, or
plates, are now decided in a less distance than FOUR MILES, where the
horses are five and six years old, as this is considered an unerring
criterion of distinguishing _between_, or annexing BOTTOM to SPEED: many
tolerable horses have taken the _lead_, and kept it for a _mile_, or
even _two_, that have been nearly _distanced_ in running the FOUR; and a
chain of well-observed and corroborating circumstances it was of this
kind, that brought the farther propagation of Arabian blood in this
country into disrepute. Whether such change may not have been occasioned
by private prejudice transformed to public report, may be admitted a
doubt; because it is universally known, some, indeed very many, of the
fleetest horses this country ever produced, have been the immediate
descendants from some of the ARABIANS before recited.
_Flying Childers_ is said (as stories never lose by transmission) to
have ran a mile in a minute: most probably, and most truly, he ran "_one
third_ of a mile, at the _rate_ of a MILE in a MINUTE:" it is admitted,
he ran, with nine stone two pounds upon his back, FOUR MILES in six
minutes and forty-eight seconds; and this horse was undoubtedly got by,
and the immediate descendant of, DARLEY'S _Arabian_. _Firetail_ and
_Pumpkin_ ran a mile in a minute and a half; and each of their pedigrees
run in a double and treble degree into the best Arabian blood in only
two generations. _Bay Malton_ ran four miles over York (in the year
1763) in seven minutes, forty-three seconds and a half; and his blood
was in and in from the GODOLPHIN _Arabian_, and two BARBS in parallel
directions. _Eclipse_ ran the four miles over York, carrying twelve
stone, in eight minutes, without going _at his rate_; and his pedigree
goes directly on the side of the DAM to _Regulus_, who was got by the
GODOLPHIN _Arabian_; and through his sire _Marsk_ to _Squirt_, who was
got by BARTLET'S _Childers_; from which chain of authenticated facts, it
should incontrovertibly appear to every mind of impartiality, that the
breed of blood horses in England has been very much improved by the
judicious crosses so successfully introduced. The pedigrees of all
thorough bred horses have been so long and so justly recorded, that MR.
WEATHERBY has given in his Stud Book, the accurate origin of above FOUR
THOUSAND horses, mares, colts, and fillies, the produce of the last
sixty years only, (exclusive of numbers of an _earlier_ date,) and in
which may be traced the precise pedigree of every particular horse, up
to the origin of any race or blood upon record.
RACING,—in its most common and comprehensive signification, might be
supposed to imply racing in general between either MEN or HORSES; it is,
however, in fashionable acceptation, applied principally to the latter,
which is a most noble, exhilarating and fascinating enjoyment, to all
classes of people, in all parts of the kingdom, during the summer
season, when every other field sport is buried in a temporary oblivion,
and every species of GAME, HOUNDS, and HUNTERS, are _legally_ at REST.
RACING, in itself, is a harmless privileged pleasure, so immediately
congenial to the disposition of the people of this country, that each
revolving year seems to produce its increasing attraction. From the
great alacrity with which it is followed, the rapture with which it is
enjoyed, and the genial season at which it takes place, it should seem
to have been instituted under the peculiar dispensation of Providence;
where the annual meeting of old and long-parted friends, in every
distinct district in succession, "makes the _heart glad_;" and where
MIRTH seems to have taken possession of _every face_, from the PRINCE to
the _peasant_, who one and all dispel sorrow, and set care at defiance.
In full confirmation of this unexaggerated representation, a
SUBSCRIPTION is locally raised in various CITIES, TOWNS, and districts,
amongst the NOBILITY, GENTRY, and independent inhabitants, to constitute
and encourage so rational and happy a scene, in which the poor
industrious rustic may innocently partake, and cheerfully enjoy one day
of rest from his labour.
The money thus collected (by a person who is previously appointed CLERK
of the COURSE) is then delivered into the hands of NOBLEMEN or GENTLEMEN
resident in the neighbourhood, who generally feel themselves honoured by
the solicitation of the subscribers to undertake the office of STEWARDS,
and who exert every degree of personal influence to encourage and
promote a kind of jubilee, in which the happiness of every heart, and
the pleasing reflection of every mind, is absolutely absorbed for a
circumference of many miles. The RACING FUND having reached its utmost
point of accumulation, is divided into purses (called PLATES) of FIFTY
POUNDS each, and announced for horses of different ages and
qualifications, in the provincial newspaper of the particular district
in which the plates are given; as well as in "THE RACING CALENDAR,"
where all such advertisements appear. Various particulars respecting the
minutiæ of RACING will be found under the different heads of HORSE
RACING, JOCKEY CLUB, KING'S PLATE, NEWMARKET, TRAINING, and TURF; it
being impracticable to bring so great a variety of distinct, combined,
and complicated matter, into any _one_ single point of view.
RACK.—The railed convenience constructed above the MANGER in a stable
for the reception of the HAY is so called. It should be so formed, as to
have alternate openings at the bottom, for the _dust_ and _seeds_ to
pass through: and although it is become a practice exceedingly
prevalent, to have the rack on one side, instead of the center of the
stall, there is no good or rational plea can be advanced in
justification of such innovation: on the contrary, it compulsively
accustoms the horse to stand with his hind-quarters mostly on one side
of the stall, by which his bedding is constantly and inevitably deranged
almost as soon as it is set fair.
RAILS LAND,—are birds of passage, of a simply beautiful variegated
plumage, in size about midway between a _whole_ snipe and a PARTRIDGE,
partaking, in an equal degree of formation, between both, in respect to
the shape of the body, head, and beak, which are in a direct line of
mediocrity between the two. They are found singly in different parts of
England (but very thinly scattered) in the months of July, August, and
September, in the standing CORN and CLOVER, but principally in the
latter, where, when found, they are prejudicial to pointers, by their
incessantly _running_, while the dog continues _drawing_ (in a kind of
walking pursuit) till patience being quite exhausted, the dog is induced
to play the SPANIEL, and make a _springing_ effort before they can be
forced to take wing; when once upon which, it must be a very
_indifferent shot_ who does not bring them down. Though a very scarce
bird in the centrical parts of the kingdom, (being much more plentiful
in counties upon the coast,) they are exceedingly numerous in IRELAND,
and particularly near the capital; there they are called CORN-CREAKS,
found in every standing grass-field during the months of May and June,
where corn-creak shooting is in almost equal practice with PARTRIDGE or
SNIPE shooting in this country.
RAKING—is the old and ridiculous (or rather unnatural) custom of oiling
the hand, and introducing it at the SPHINCTER of the ANUS, to extract
the indurated dung, when the horse labours under severe inflammatory
cholic, arising from previous constipation. The only reason adduced to
justify the practice is, its being one means of obtaining _immediate_
relief; and if that relief could be readily obtained to _a certainty_,
the adoption could not with propriety be so totally condemned. The fact
is, that this custom, like many others in the _old_ code of VETERINARY
LAW, is only a powerful shield for the protection of indolence; for one
glyster would do more in liquifying and bringing away the hardened
fæces, than _back-raking_ (as it is called) would effect in an hour: but
one makes the _show_ of _business_, which is what the lower class of
SMITHS and FARRIERS prefer in general, to the most useful and
expeditious execution.
RANGER.—This is an office of trust, appertaining to the LAWS of a
FOREST, where there are generally two, as principal and deputy ranger;
to the latter of whom the executive department more materially extends:
it is his peculiar province to take occasional cognizance of all matters
within the limits (or what are termed _purlieus_) of the forest, and to
make presentation of all offences and offenders at the proper courts
when held. This is also an office of honor, greatly superior to KEEPERS,
BAILIFFS, and other subordinates.
RATTLING in the HEAD.—When a horse is heard to rattle in the head, it
denotes obstructions, and affords ample proof that a cold has been
recently caught, or the glandular secretions impeded. Such rattlings
being loud and frequent, (or rather incessant,) with large indurated
tumefactions underneath the jaw, accompanied by a slimy, viscid, fœtid,
discoloured discharge from the nostrils, danger should be instantly
guarded against, as FARCY or GLANDERS will most probably ensue.
RAT-TAIL.—A horse having a long dock, and little or no hair upon it, is
said to be rat-tailed. There are not wanting a certain description of
sporting speculators, who go a little farther in their definition,
adding, most _sapiently_, that "a rat-tail horse is always a good one."
RAT-TAILS—is a disgusting kind of defect, or disease, which is seldom
known to affect any horses, but those of a coarse and gummy
constitution: to this internal grossness, and omission in not properly
cleansing within, as well as the effect of filth and nastiness without,
may be attributed the origin and progress of this very unsightly and
vexatious disorder. Rat-tails are parallel lines, running longitudinally
from just below the hock, on the outside, to the pastern joint, bearing
no dissimilar appearance to the tail of the animal just mentioned, from
whence the name is derived. From the acrimonious ichor by which they are
fed, the parts become excoriated, and bear a different complexion,
according to their recent and more advanced state. Various and
variegated are the remedies prescribed for their obliteration, of which
numbers are without judgment, and probably as many without thought. The
expeditious cure depends in no small degree upon the virulence it has
acquired by the length of its duration. Frequent fomentations of warm
gelatinous gruel, with a soft sponge, to soften the regidity of the
scabby surface, seems the most rational mode that can possibly be
adopted: this ceremony may be followed when the parts are completely
dry, with a plentiful impregnation of strong mercurial ointment,
repeated as often as the mild or inveterate state of the case may render
necessary: gently detergent repellants, or slightly corroding
stimulants, may be required, if the disorder is of long standing; at any
rate, internal correctors should go hand in hand with external
applications.
REARING—is the most dangerous vice of all a restive horse retains in the
catalogue of his untoward _qualifications_: it is generally termed
REARING an END, and when carried to the extreme, is hazardous beyond
description; as it is hardly possible for the best horseman existing to
keep his seat, when a horse repeatedly assumes that unnatural position.
Recent instances have occurred directly opposite in their consequences;
one in which the RIDER was _killed_; in the other, the horse. In such an
alarming and critical predicament, the most probable means of safety is,
to gradually loosen the reins, and, by bearing the weight of the body
close to the neck of the horse, endeavour to accelerate his
preponderation.
RECHASING—is a sporting term, but little known, and never used, except
in the official language of a forest and its environs. Rechasing is the
discovery and driving home of outlying deer, and other beasts, to the
district from whence they had strayed.
RECHEAT—is a recall of the hounds with the horn.
REGULUS,—the name of a horse whose performances upon the _turf_, and
celebrity as a STALLION, were never exceeded in this kingdom. He was
bred by LORD CHEDWORTH, and foaled in 1739. He was got by the _Godolphin
Arabian_; his dam by the _Bald Galloway_, grand-dam by _Snake_, out of
_Old Wilkes_, a daughter of _Old Hautboy_. REGULUS won seven ROYAL
plates in one year, and never was beat. He afterwards covered in the
north, and was the sire of _Adolphus_, _Trajan_, the dam of _Eclipse_,
the grand-dam of _Highflyer_, and many other capital horses and mares;
through whose veins his blood has been transmitted in direct and oblique
lines to every stud of eminence in the kingdom. Since which there have
been three of the same name in succession. The first bred by MR. BASSET,
foaled in 1750, got by _Regulus_, dam by _Whitefoot_, grand-dam by
_Hip_. The second bred by MR. SALT, foaled in 1764, got by _Regulus_,
dam by _Regulus_, (bred _in_ and _in_,) grand-dam by _Partner_. The last
was foaled in 1788, got by _Young Morwick_, dam by _Turk_, grand-dam by
_Young Cade_.
REINS—are the parts of a bridle which are affixed to the eyes of the
bit, or bits, on each side a horse's mouth, pass up the horse's neck,
and are united at the reverse end, where the junction of both are held
in the hand of the rider. A snaffle-bridle, and a hard-and-sharp, have
each of them two reins; a Pelham and a Weymouth have each four.
REINS.—The reins of a horse are the parts where the kidnies are seated;
and the word is generally used in a synonymous sense with _loins_. When
a disorder arises, or a defect is observed, in these parts, it may be
supposed to have originated in some short and sudden turn in a narrow
stall; carrying too heavy a weight, or drawing too large a load.
Whenever such injury is sustained, a difficulty of staling, partial
dribblings, or the urine very high-coloured, and tinged with blood, will
soon point out the seat of the complaint.
REINS PILLAR.—Those affixed to the centrical pillars of a RIDING SCHOOL
are so called; as are those likewise, by which the horse is kept
confined ready for his rider, when saddled, bridled, and turned round in
his stall.
RELAY.—A relay of HORSES is a supply of fresh ones fixed at some
particular spot, to exchange either upon a journey, or during the chase.
A relay of HOUNDS more particularly applies to hunting excursions, where
a part of the pack is alternately detached to a certain place of
destination, that, by a relay of both HORSES and HOUNDS, the sport may
be continued daily, without intermission, during the week.
REPOSITORIES—are placed in the metropolis, where horses are received for
PUBLIC or PRIVATE sale, and where they are regularly _bought_ and _sold_
by AUCTION, on certain days in every week. This is an accommodation of
so much convenience and utility to those who have occasion either to BUY
or to SELL suddenly, that the succession of horses is incessant, and the
PROPRIETORS never feel a want of public patronage. The three
long-established repositories are TATTERSAL'S, near HYDE PARK CORNER;
ALDRIDGE'S, in ST. MARTIN'S LANE; and LANGHORN'S, (called the City
Repository,) in BARBICAN. The days of sale at the first are MONDAYS and
THURSDAYS; at the second, on WEDNESDAYS; and at the latter, on FRIDAYS.
TATTERSAL'S is the principal receptacle for horses in high estimation,
as running horses, stallions, brood mares, hunters, and the superior
kind of hacknies. CARRIAGES and HARNESS may be deposited here for sale
by auction, or private contract; as may also HOUNDS, POINTERS, SPANIELS,
GREYHOUNDS, or any sporting stock whatever.
ALDRIDGE'S was the original as a repository, and the first institution
of the kind in the kingdom. It was opened upon speculation by a MR.
BEAVER, in which he acquired fame and fortune. This is principally
appropriated to the sale of hunters, light carriage horses, famous
trotters, sporting-like hacknies, and others of every description; from
which universality of accommodation (notwithstanding the great extent of
the premises) there is but very seldom a single stall to spare. The
sales at LANGHORN'S principally consist of stage-coach, waggon and cart
horses, hacks, and occasionally government horses of the dismounted
cavalry.
These repositories are conducted upon principles of the most unsullied
integrity by the present proprietors; and under fixed regulations, which
admit of no opening for cavil or discontent. Horses sent in for SALE are
immediately BOOKED, with the instructions of the owner; whether he is to
be sold _to the best bidder_, or a specific sum mentioned, _at less_
than which he is not to be disposed of. The expences are as follow; a
certain price per day and night, as long as he is continued there. If
brought out, and put up at the hammer, and not sold, half a crown. If
sold, the commission for selling is five per cent. in addition to the
auction duty of _ten-pence_ in every POUND; but if sold by private
contract, either _before_ or _after_ the PUBLIC AUCTION, no duty to
government is payable whatever.
Other rules attach invariably to each establishment. Horses may be sold
_with_ or _without_ a WARRANTY, at the option of the owner. If sold
_bona fide_ to the BEST BIDDER, and no declaration made, or questions
asked, respecting SOUNDNESS, he is then said to be sold with _all his
faults_; which the purchaser must abide by, and has no plea for
_return_, however he may repent the purchase he has made. On the
contrary, when the horse is sold at the hammer, and warranted sound,
under the authority of, and by commission from, the owner, although the
purchase-money is deposited when the horse is taken away, yet the
purchaser has that and the following clear day to ascertain the perfect,
sound and healthy state of the horse so purchased, when during which
time so allotted him, if he returns the horse or mare, with proper and
indisputable proof of palpable lameness or defect, the purchase-money is
of course returned, and such horse or mare again becomes the property of
the former owner: and for the regular support of this equitable and
necessary part of the establishment, no person selling such horse at
either of the repositories, can demand the money in payment till two
clear days from the day of sale. Instances sometimes arise, where the
owner of a horse sold with a WARRANTY, has refused to accede to the
return of the purchase-money, upon a plea of justification, that such
horse or mare was positively SOUND when _sold_. In cases of this kind,
the proprietor of the repository retains the money in hand; an action is
commenced against him by the purchaser of the horse returned, (for the
money so paid, and which he cannot get back,) upon being indemnified by
the original owner; he becomes the NOMINAL DEFENDANT, and the case goes
before a JURY, to be decided by the glorious _uncertainty_ of the law;
as in all HORSE CAUSES, the witnesses are so _critically conscientious_,
that there are generally as many OATHS on one side as the other.
RESTIVE.—A horse is said to be RESTIVE, not merely because he is
obstinate and untractable, but because there is a tendency to vice; or
he is constitutionally inclined to add mischief to ill-temper. Horses of
this disposition are sometimes incorrigible, and are never broken of so
dangerous and (frequently) destructive a quality. When young horses
first begin to display appearances of RESTIVENESS, in not passing
particular objects or places, turning round, running back, or rearing an
end, lenient means, and gentle patient methods, are certainly the best
and most proper expedients, by which alone many are brought to immediate
subjection. On the contrary, a too hasty, violent and imprudent
proceeding, has often made that a lasting and _invincible_, which would
only have proved a trifling and temporary inconvenience. Should all
gentle and persuasive means fail of the desired effect, and no signs of
obedience be produced, more powerful measures should be had recourse to,
till the point of victory can be obtained; but they should on no
consideration whatever, be tinctured with CRUELTY or INHUMANITY, for
they are almost invariably productive of an inveterate spirit of
opposition to restraint, which can never be subdued.
RETAIN—is a term applicable only to the act of propagation between a
HORSE and MARE: when the mare is _stinted_, and will receive the horse
no more, she is then said to _retain_, (the masculine semen,) and
considered safe in respect to conception, and the future production of a
foal.
RHEUMATISM.—That horses are afflicted with pains similar to those of the
human species, is long since established beyond all power of controversy
and contradiction. DR. DARWIN fixes its seat in the tendinous coats of
the muscles, and attributes the pain to inspissated mucus left upon
their surface; acting in the motion of the limbs as some extraneous
substance, _exciting_ extreme irritability and symptomatic inflammation.
Horses are not only constantly liable to, but frequently attacked with,
this disorder, which is more or less violent in different subjects,
according to the state they happen to be in at the time of attack; and
in some degree the cause by which it was occasioned. Professional
judgment, deliberate examination, and nice discrimination, are all truly
necessary to distinguish and decide upon this disorder. It is no
uncommon thing for hasty and rash practitioners to look at such cases
superficially, to embrocate, _blister_, and even _fire_, horses for a
LAMENESS, when the cause of such defect has originated in the local pain
described. Some horses are so much and so severely affected, as to be
almost or quite unable to move, unless forced from their position;
others, after standing in their stalls for two or three days, will
suddenly fall, as if totally exhausted, and lay in extreme pain, with
their legs extended to the utmost, take their food as they lay, and
never attempt to rise, till compelled so to do by force and powerful
assistance; in which state some horses remain for a month or six weeks
before they are perfectly relieved, when they become repossessed of all
their faculties, and are never known to experience a relapse. Repeated
bleedings, strong spirituous stimulative embrocations, great and
constant frictions, (after hot aromatic fomentations,) upon the parts
affected, covering the extremities with flannel rollers, and giving
cordial invigorants internally twice a day, are the only rational and
scientific means of obtaining certain and expeditious alleviation and
cure.
RIBS.—The ribs of a horse are too well known to require description; it
being only applicable to observe, that the conformation of the carcase
in a material degree constitutes one feature of the complexion requisite
to the standard of beauty. A horse should have a round barrel (or body)
to be handsome; if he is _flat_ in the ribs, he is then said to be flat
carcased, is generally tucked up, high in the hip-bones, hollow in the
flank, and commonly a bad feeder, particularly after a little _hard
work_, which prevents his being held very high in estimation.
RIDGES.—The transverse wrinkles (or bars) across the roof of a horse's
mouth are so called. In all matters of emergency, accidents, or sudden
indisposition, when a farrier cannot be expeditiously obtained, or a
fleam procured, an incision across the fourth or fifth ridge with even a
common penknife, will always prove a very convenient extemporaneous
substitute for a more plentiful evacuation.
RIDING-SCHOOL—is a convenient receptacle, with every accommodation for
riding in the winter season, and where the young of both sexes are
taught to ride by proper masters. Of these there are many in the
Metropolis of much celebrity; among the most eminent are CAPTAIN
CARTER'S, near Grosvernor Square; MR. COWLING'S, Moorfields; MR.
JONES'S, Royal Circus; MR. ASTLEY'S Amphitheatre, Westminster Bridge;
MR. HALL'S, Piccadilly; and MR. DAVIS'S, in Edgware Road; at most of
which horses are completely broke and bitted for purposes of every
denomination.
RIG.—A horse is so called upon whom the operation of CASTRATION has been
ill performed; by leaving one of the TESTES, or so much of the
EPIDIDYMIS, behind, as enables him to become exceedingly teazing and
troublesome to mares, either in the field or stable. There have been
instances of COLTS having been cut by ignorant and illiterate operators,
who, by letting one of the testes recede during the process, it has
remained, and the horse then retains the power of propagating; many such
having been known to get FOALS.
RING-BONE—is an ossified enlargement upon the pastern, originating in a
ligamentary twist, and consequent protrusion, at the junction of the
pastern with the coronary-bone; it forms a callous substance soon after
the injury, and ossifies in a very short time. Some horses do moderate
work without much seeming inconvenience; others become lame, and
frequently continue so, in opposition to every endeavour at alleviation
or cure. A ring-bone seldom submits to either the strongest REPELLENTS,
SOLVENTS, or BLISTERING. The best method to avoid disappointment in
waiting the effect of either, is to FIRE the part in the form of _a
star_, so soon as the protrusion (or prominence) is at first perceived.
ROAN.—A horse is called a roan in colour, when his coat seems to be
formed of the mixed combination of sorrel and white hairs in nearly an
equal proportion. Horses of this description are, in general, of no
great attraction, although they may prove equal in execution with others
of every colour: the prevalence of opinion, however, is, that they are
weaker in constitution, less likely to work, and more subject to disease.
ROCKINGHAM.—This horse, now in so much estimation as a STALLION, proved
himself, by his performances, to be one of the best bred and best
bottomed of any this kingdom ever produced. He was bred in the north, by
MR. PRATT, foaled in 1781; and got by _Highflyer_, out of _Purity_, who
was got by _Matchem_, out of MR. PRATT'S old _Squirt_ mare. In 1784,
when three years old, he won a sweepstakes at Nottingham of 50 guineas
each, 3 subscribers. In 1785, when MR. WENTWORTH'S, he won a match for
500 guineas over the Beacon Course at Newmarket. The same meeting he won
the Jockey Club Plate, beating _five_ others: he also beat his Royal
Highness the Prince of Wales's _Hardwicke_, 9 stone each, over the
Beacon, 300 guineas. He was then purchased by the PRINCE, and beat
_Clay-hall Marsk_, a match, Beacon Course, for 500 guineas, giving him 5
lb. in weight. In 1786, he won a 50_l._ Plate at Newmarket, beating
_Delpini_, _Clay-hall_, and _George_. He won the subscription of 50
guineas each, (6 subscribers,) at Ascot Heath, and a 50_l._ Plate. At
the sale of his Royal Highness's stud he was bought by MR. BULLOCK. He
then won the KING'S HUNDRED at Litchfield; 70 guineas at Newmarket, and
60 guineas also; beating four others; as well as 70 guineas, beating the
well known _Drone_, and several others. In 1787, he won 525 guineas,
(the great subscription of 50 guineas each, _half forfeit_,) beating
_Fox_, _Delpini_, _Marplot_, _Drone_, _Oberon_, and _Pilot_; receiving
forfeit from MR. O'KELLY'S _Dungannon_, and six others. He also won a
50_l._ the KING'S two PLATES; the renewed 140 guineas, 70 guineas, 60
guineas, and 70 guineas, all at Newmarket; the King's Plate at
Guildford, the King's Plate at Winchester, the King's Plate at
Nottingham, the King's Plate and the Town Plate at York.
In 1788, he was purchased of MR. BULLOCK by LORD BARRYMORE for 2500
guineas; after which he won the King's Plate at Newmarket; the Jockey
Club Plate; and a match against SIR G. ARMYTAGE'S _Stargazer_, giving
her 8 lb. Beacon Course, for 300 guineas, and beat her _half a mile_;
rode by LORD BARRYMORE, which was the last time he started. He was then
announced as a STALLION, to cover at Bennington, near Stevenage, Herts.
at 10 guineas a mare, and 1 guinea the groom. So anxious were the
SPORTING WORLD to try his PRODUCE, that, in 1792, MR. PANTON'S _Coddy
Moddy_, by _Rockingham_, out of _Seagul's_ dam, and MR. FOX'S _Filly_,
by _Rockingham_, out of _Emily_, each won 100 guineas at Newmarket,
being then only two years old. In 1793 was brought to the post,
_Patriot_, (MR. PANTON'S,) who won 100 guineas, 100 guineas, and 105
guineas, at Newmarket. _Portland_, (MR. HAMMOND'S,) who won 100 guineas,
and 100 guineas, at Newmarket, and 100 guineas at Doncaster; and _Young
Rockingham_, (MR. DENTON'S,) who won 50_l._ at Peterborough, 50_l._ at
Reading, and 50_l._ at Egham. In 1794, LORD GROSVENOR'S _Bay Colt_, who
won 1400 guineas at Newmarket. _Bennington_, (MR. WILSON'S,) who won 50
guineas, 100 guineas, 300 guineas, 600 guineas, and 100 guineas, at
Newmarket. _Brother Red Cap_, (MR. BULLOCK'S,) 50_l._ at Chelmsford, and
100 guineas at Newmarket. _Miss Pumpkin_, 50 guineas at Newmarket.
_Mother Red Cap_, 50_l._ at Winchester, 22 guineas at Cirencester, and
50_l._ at Worcester. _Owen Tudor_, the silver cup, and 20 guineas, at
Bath, 50_l._ at Bridgnorth, and 50 guineas at Epsom. This year _Patriot_
won seven Plates and sweepstakes, at Stamford, Grantham, Nottingham,
Lincoln, and Doncaster.
In 1795 was produced of his get, _Arabella_, (MR. COSEN'S,) who won 50
guineas at Newmarket, and 50_l._ at Shrewsbury. LORD GROSVENOR'S Bay
Colt of last year won 700 guineas at Newmarket, and 50_l._ at
Huntingdon. _Bennington_ won the second class of the Oatlands at
Newmarket, 50 guineas each, 19 subscribers. _Brother Red Cap_, 40
guineas at Bath, and 50_l._ at Epsom. _Euphrasia_, 100 guineas at Bath,
and 50_l._ at Newcastle. _Patriot_, two fifties at Newmarket, and 180
guineas at Nantwich. _Portland_, 50 guineas at Newmarket. _Susannah_,
50_l._ at Derby, and 50_l._ at Penrith. In 1796, _Arabella_ won 100
guineas at Newmarket, and 50_l._ at Newcastle. _Patriot_, 100 guineas,
and 100 guineas, at Chester, 50_l._ at Nottingham, and 50_l._ at
Warwick. _Susannah_, the Queen's Plate of 100 guineas at Chelmsford, and
two fifties at Reading. In 1797, _Bennington_ won a 50_l._ and the first
class of the July and October Oatlands, at Newmarket, beating _Viret_,
_Wrangler_, _Parrot_, _Hornpipe_, _Plumette_, _Rattle_, _William_,
_Sober Robin_, _Cymbeline_, _Letitia_, and _Rosolio_. _Patriot_ won
50_l._ at Nottingham, 50_l._ at Warwick, and 50_l._ at Boroughbridge. In
1798, _Bennington_ won 50 guineas, and 50 guineas, at Newmarket, 50_l._
at Brighton, and 50_l._ at Lewes. _Patriot_ won 50_l._ at York. In 1799,
_Bellina_ (LORD GROSVENOR'S) won the OAKS STAKES of 50 guineas each at
Epsom, 24 subscribers, and 50_l._ at Stockbridge. _Logie O'Buchan_ (MR.
LONSDALE'S) won 50_l._ and 80_l._ at Manchester, two fifties at Morpeth,
and 50_l._ at Carlisle. In 1800, MR. BETTISON'S Brown Colt won 50_l._ at
Derby, and 50_l._ at Northampton. _Kill Devil_, (MR. HEMMING'S,) only
three years old, won ten prizes; 75 guineas at Bridgnorth, 50_l._ at
Nantwich, 100 guineas, and two fifties, at Haverfordwest, two fifties at
Hereford, 30 guineas and 50_l._ at Shrewsbury, and 50_l._ at Newmarket.
_Logie O'Buchan_ won the King's Plate at Edinburgh, two fifties at
Montrose, and 50_l._ at Air. _Statesman_ (now _Sacripant_) (MR. WHITE'S)
won 50_l._ at Newmarket, 50_l._ at Epsom, and 50_l._ at Worcester. In
addition to which, there are many other good runners, who have won a
considerable number of prizes.
ROUSE,—a term in STAG HUNTING: when an out-lying deer is found by the
hounds in covert, he is said to be ROUSED. When a deer is _carted_, and
carried to any particular spot for sport, and there liberated, he is
then said to be TURNED OUT. For instance, we draw the COVERTS, and ROUSE
a deer. We _try_ for and _unkennel_ a FOX; or we take _trail_, and START
A HARE.
ROWEL.—The small circular star, with sharp points, moving upon a pivot
at the heel of the spur, is so called, and which the horse, in breaking,
is taught to obey.
ROWEL in a HORSE,—is a well-known operation, resorted to upon every
possible occasion by common farriers, as "a _salve_ for every SORE;"
where they have neither judgment to guide or discretion to direct them.
It is performed by making an incision through the skin, large enough to
admit the point of a finger, which is then insinuated all round the
orifice between the skin and the flesh, as far as the extent of the
finger can conveniently reach. A thin round piece of leather being
previously provided, about the size of a crown-piece, having a large
hole in the middle, is covered over with a thin pledget of fine tow,
nicely bound round the marginal part; but the hole in the centre is left
open: it is then dipped into a melted composition of digestive ointment,
and a moderate proportion of turpentine, and is insinuated into the
wound. The operation being thus completed, the inflammation soon
commences, and swelling ensues; this is followed at first by a discharge
of yellowish serum or lymph, which in three or four days is converted
into a thick substantial white matter, when the rowel is said _to work_.
ROWELLING has ever been a favourite adoption with farriers of the old
school, although very few have ever been known able to give a scientific
and satisfactory explanation of its effects. It is said by them "to draw
off the humours;" and others are so truly and obstinately illiterate, as
to affirm, that "rowels draw off the corrupt and _bad_ blood, leaving
the good behind." In confirmation of which opinion, they introduce them
in almost every case that can possibly occur, and with almost every
horse, without exception. It was allowed by Bracken, "they might be
proper in all aches and pains, cold phlegmatic swellings, and sometimes
lameness and infirmities of the legs; that they might also give relief
where there is a fulness and redundancy of humours, and in defluxions
from the eyes." Immediately upon which he admits, what is most truly and
scientifically the fact, "that the horse might as well, nay better, lose
as much BLOOD every day, as he does _matter_ by the ROWELL." This is so
strictly consonant to truth, that it cannot be controverted: the
discharge is equally blood, with what at the time flows in the veins;
but it is diverted of its colour by the inflammation artificially
excited, and its extravasation.
RULES in BUYING—will be found very largely explained under the head,
HORSE.
RUNNING HORSES.—See HORSE RACING, NEWMARKET, JOCKEY CLUB, KING'S PLATE,
and RACING.
RUNNING THRUSH.—The defect so called, is a varicous state of the
centrical cleft of the frog, from whence oozes a fœtid corrosive ichor,
which continues to putrify and destroy the whole, in proportion to the
length of time it is neglected. In many instances, where the frog seems
hard and sound upon the surface, the confined acrid cause is corroding
underneath, and frequently breaks out on either side; when which is the
case, the hard and horny part must be superficially removed, so that the
proper applications may come into immediate contact with the parts
below: for so long as the diseased and disunited parts remain at top, so
long is there harbour for the insinuation and retention of gravel, dirt,
sand, or any other extraneous substance; and while this is permitted to
continue, a regeneration of the parts destroyed cannot be expected. The
leading steps to cure, are to keep the diseased frog remarkably clean,
by washings with warm water and a sponge, after each time of the horse's
being used, or taken to exercise. When dry, equal proportions of
TINCTURE of MYRRH and FRIAR'S BALSAM (previously incorporated) should be
poured upon the part, so as to admit of its reaching equally every
remote interstice where the corroding cause may have penetrated; this
will obtund the acrimonious property of the morbid ichor, and promote a
speedy restoration of whatever may have been destroyed. Solutions of
Roman vitriol, and other escharotics, are favourite applications with
the lower orders; who either do not know, or will not give themselves
time to consider, that their invariable effect is to contract the parts
to such a degree of internal rigidity, and external horny hardness, that
the frog is absolutely annihilated, the bars of the foot destroyed, the
heel narrowed; the bottom of the hoof, when held up, has much the
resemblance of a vacuum, of burnt appearance, as if the contents had
been intentionally scooped out by gradational degrees of cauterization.
RUT.—The DEER of both descriptions (red and fallow) are said to go to
RUT, at the particular season of VENERY and COPULATION.
RUTTING TIME—commences the latter end of August, and continues to the
first and second week in October; during which both the STAG and BUCK
assume a degree of courageous boldness in approaching man, that they
never display at any other time of the year. At this season their necks
swell; they range from one place to another incessantly, in seeming
search of some object to attack; the voice of the stag is loud and
alarming, to those who have not been accustomed to hear it. When
opposed, they are so exceedingly strong and ferocious, that no common
force can stand against them: they attack an individual in RUTTING TIME
with a _certainty_ of success. Some few years since, the LOCKSMITH who
inspected the _gate locks_ of Windsor Great Park weekly, was pursued by
a stag, and when within a few yards of him, most luckily escaped by
climbing a small tree, where he was kept in jeopardy near twenty-four
hours, till the next day the stag made a retreat upon the accidental
approach of the keepers. A short time after which, a girl, about
fourteen years of age, passing through Hackwood Park, near Basingstoke,
in Hampshire, (and having on a red cloak,) was attacked by one, the
oldest inhabitant of the district, who literally not only perforated her
body with his ANTLERS in almost every part, but extended his fury so
much to her apparel, that the melancholy spot was covered with rags; and
the corpse so maimed and disfigured, that it retained but little of the
appearance of a human frame.