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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..628fb3e --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #62993 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/62993) diff --git a/old/62993-0.txt b/old/62993-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 437a67c..0000000 --- a/old/62993-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,6404 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's The Handy Horse-book, by Maurice Hartland Mahon - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Handy Horse-book - or Practical Instructions in Driving, Riding, and the - General Care and Management of Horses. 4th ed. - -Author: Maurice Hartland Mahon - -Release Date: August 21, 2020 [EBook #62993] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HANDY HORSE-BOOK *** - - - - -Produced by Julia Miller and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - - - - - - - - - -THE HANDY HORSE-BOOK - - - - -OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. - - -“Most certainly the above title is no misnomer, for the ‘Handy -Horse-Book’ is a manual of driving, riding, and the general care and -management of horses, evidently the work of no unskilled hand.”—_Bell’s -Life._ - -“As cavalry officer, hunting horseman, coach proprietor, whip, and -steeplechase rider, the author has had long and various experience in the -management of horses, and he now gives us the cream of his information -in a little volume, which will be to horse-keepers and horse-buyers -all that the ‘Handy Book on Property Law,’ by Lord St Leonards, has -for years past been to men of business. It does not profess to teach -the horse-keeper everything that concerns the beast that is one of the -most delicate as well as the noblest of animals; but it supplies him -with a number of valuable facts, and puts him in possession of leading -principles.”—_Athenæum._ - -“The writer shows a thorough knowledge of his subject, and he fully -carries out the object for which he professes to have undertaken his -task—namely, to render horse-proprietors independent of the dictations of -ignorant farriers and grooms.”—_Observer._ - -“We need only say that the work is essentially a _multum in parvo_, and -that a book more practically useful, or that was more required, could not -have possibly been written.”—_Irish Times._ - -“He propounds no theories, but embodies in simple and untechnical -language what he has learned practically; and a perusal of the volume -will at once testify that he is fully qualified for the task; and so -skilfully is the matter condensed that there is scarcely a single -sentence which does not convey sound and valuable information.”—_Sporting -Gazette._ - -“We can cordially recommend it as a book especially suited to the general -public, and not beneath the attention of ‘practical men.’”—_The Globe._ - -“Contains a very great modicum of information in an exceedingly small -space.... There can be little doubt that it will, when generally known, -become the established _vade mecum_ of the fox-hunter, the country -squire, and the trainer.”—_Army and Navy Gazette._ - -“A useful little work.... In the first part he gives just the amount of -information that will enable a man to work his horse comfortably, check -his groom, and generally know what he is about when riding, driving, or -choosing gear.”—_Spectator._ - -“This is a book to be read and re-read by all who take an interest in -the noble animal, as it contains a most comprehensive view of everything -appertaining to horse-flesh; and is, moreover, as fit for the library and -drawing-room as it is for the mess-table or the harness-room.”—_Sporting -Magazine._ - -“By all means buy the book; it will repay the outlay.”—_Land and Water._ - - - - -[Illustration: DRAWING COVER] - - - - - THE - HANDY HORSE-BOOK - - OR - - PRACTICAL INSTRUCTIONS IN DRIVING, RIDING, - AND THE GENERAL CARE AND - MANAGEMENT OF HORSES - - BY - A CAVALRY OFFICER - - FOURTH EDITION, REVISED AND ENLARGED - - With Engravings - - WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS - EDINBURGH AND LONDON - MDCCCLXVIII - - _The Right of Translation is reserved_ - - - - -TO - -MAJOR-GENERAL LORD GEORGE PAGET, C.B. - -Inspector-General of Cavalry, - -SON OF THE DISTINGUISHED HORSEMAN AND HERO WHO COMMANDED THE CAVALRY AT -WATERLOO, AND HIMSELF A LEADER AMONG THE “IMMORTAL SIX HUNDRED,” - -THIS BOOK IS BY PERMISSION INSCRIBED, - -IN TRIBUTE TO HIS SOLDIERLY QUALITIES, AND TO HIS CONSIDERATION FOR -THE NOBLE ANIMAL WHICH HAS CARRIED THE BRITISH CAVALRY THROUGH SO MANY -DANGERS TO SO MANY TRIUMPHS, - -BY HIS LORDSHIP’S OBEDIENT SERVANT, - -“MAGENTA.” - - - - -PREFACE. - - -Finding myself a standing reference among my friends and acquaintance on -matters relating to horse-flesh, and being constantly in the habit of -giving them advice verbally and by letter, I have been induced to comply -with repeated suggestions to commit my knowledge to paper, in the shape -of a Treatise or Manual. - -When I say that my experience has been practically tested on the road, -in the field, on the turf (having been formerly a steeplechase rider, -as well as now a hunting horseman), with the ribbons, and in a cavalry -regiment, I must consider that, with an ardent taste for everything -belonging to horses thus nourished for years, I must either have sadly -neglected my opportunities, or have picked up some knowledge of the use -and treatment of the animal in question.[1] - -Born and bred, I may say, in constant familiarity with a racing-stable, -and having been always devotedly attached to horses, the wrongs of those -noble animals have been prominently before my eyes, and I have felt an -anxious desire to see justice done to them, which, I am sorry to say, -according to my observation, is but too seldom the case; indeed, I have -often marvelled at the tractability of those powerful creatures under the -most perverted treatment by their riders and drivers. - -My object, therefore, in offering the following remarks, is not to trench -upon the sphere of the professional veterinary surgeon or riding-master, -but to render horse-proprietors independent of the dictation of ignorant -farriers and grooms. Intending this little work merely as a useful -manual, I have purposely avoided technicalities, as belonging exclusively -to the professional man, and endeavoured to present my dissertations on -disease in the most comprehensive terms possible, proposing only simple -remedies as far as they go; though, for the satisfaction of my readers, -I may mention that, as an amateur, I have myself devoted much time and -thought to the study of anatomy, and that any treatment of disease herein -recommended has been carefully perused and approved by a veterinary -surgeon. Theories are excluded, and I confine myself simply to practical -rules founded on my own experience. - -Hints and remarks are here offered to the general public, which, to -practical men, will appear trifling and unnecessary; but keen and -extended observation, carried on as opportunity offered, amongst all -classes and in many countries and climates, has given me an insight into -the want of reasoning exhibited by men of every station in dealing -with the noble and willing inmates of the stable, and has assisted in -suggesting the necessity for just such A B C instructions as are herein -presented by the Public’s very humble servant, - - “MAGENTA.”[2] - - -PREFACE TO THIRD EDITION. - -Increased attention having been directed to the necessity for greater -vigilance with regard to the breeding and production of good and useful -horses, many readers have expressed a wish that I would give some decided -views on these subjects; and concurring with them as to the exigency -of the case, I have ventured, in an additional chapter in this new and -Third Edition, to make a few remarks, which, although doubtless patent -to practical men, are naturally looked for by the public in this Manual, -which has been so favourably received. - - “MAGENTA.” - - -PREFACE TO FOURTH EDITION. - -The Third Edition of this little work, published so recently as April -last, being already out of print, the Author, in presenting a new one, -feels called upon gratefully to acknowledge this unusual mark of favour -on the part of the public. - - LONDON, _November 1867_. - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - PAGE - - PART I. - - BREEDING, 1 - - SELECTING, 2 - - BUYING, 6 - - STABLING, 8 - - GROOMING, 12 - - HALTERING, 16 - - CLOTHING, 18 - - FEEDING, 20 - - WATERING, 25 - - GRAZING, 26 - - TRAINING, 28 - - EXERCISING, 31 - - WORK, 33 - - BRIDLING, 38 - - SADDLING, 43 - - RIDING, 49 - - HARNESSING, 56 - - DRIVING, 65 - - DRAWING, 72 - - SHOEING, 75 - - VICE, 84 - - SELLING, 89 - - CAPRICE, 90 - - IRISH HUNTERS, AND THE BREEDING OF GOOD HORSES, 93 - - PART II. - - DISEASES, 101 - - OPERATIONS, 102 - - TO GIVE A BALL, 104 - - TO GIVE A DRENCH, 105 - - PURGING, 106 - - THE PULSE, 109 - - DISEASES OF THE HEAD AND RESPIRATORY ORGANS, 109 - - DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE AND URINARY ORGANS, 120 - - DISEASES OF THE FEET AND LEGS, 127 - - LOTIONS, PURGES, BLISTERS, ETC., 158 - - INDEX, 164 - - - - -LIST OF PLATES. - - - DRAWING COVER, _frontispiece_. - - THE HACK, _page_ 4 - - THE WEIGHT-CARRYING HUNTER, ” 6 - - RIDING AT IT, ” 53 - - THE PROPER FORM, ” 95 - - PREPARATORY CANTER, ” 99 - - - - -THE HANDY HORSE-BOOK. - - - - -PART I. - - -BREEDING. - -A few words only of observation would I make on this subject.[3] -Palpably our horses, especially racers and hunters, are degenerating in -size and power, owing mainly, it is to be feared, to the parents being -selected more for the reputation they have gained as winners carrying -feather-weights, than for any symmetrical development or evidence of -enduring power under the weight of a man. We English might take a useful -lesson in selecting parental stock from the French, who reject our theory -of breeding from animals simply because they have reputation in the -racing calendars, and who breed from none but those which have _shape_ -and _power_, as well as blood and performance, to recommend them. They -are also particular to avoid using for stud purposes such animals as may -exhibit indications of any _constitutional unsoundness_. - - -SELECTING. - -In selecting an animal, the character of the work for which he is -required should be taken into consideration. For example, in choosing -a hack, you will consider whether he is for riding or for draught. In -choosing a hunter, you must bear in mind the peculiar nature of the -country he will have to contend with. - -A horse should at all times have sufficient _size_ and power for the -weight he has to move. It is an act of cruelty to put a small horse, be -his courage and breeding ever so good, to carry a heavy man or draw a -heavy load. With regard to colour, some sportsmen say, and with truth, -that “a good horse can’t be a bad colour, no matter what his shade.” -Objection may, however, be reasonably made to pie-balls, skew-balls, or -cream-colour, as being too conspicuous,—moreover, first-class animals of -these shades are rare; nor are the roan or mouse-coloured ones as much -prized as they should be. - -Bay, brown, or dark chestnuts,[4] black or grey horses, are about the -most successful competitors in the market, and may be preferred in the -order in which they are here enumerated. Very light chestnut, bay, -and white horses are said to be irritable in temper and delicate in -constitution.[5] - -Mares are objected to by some as being occasionally uncertain in -temper and vigour, and at times unsafe in harness, from constitutional -irritation. More importance is attached to these assumed drawbacks -than they deserve; and though the price of the male is generally from -one-fourth to one-sixth more than that of the female, the latter will be -found to get through ordinary work quite as well as the former. - -_To judge of the Age by the Teeth._—The permanent nippers, or front -teeth, in the lower jaw, are six. The two front teeth are cut and placed -at from two to three years of age; the next pair, at each side of the -middle ones, at from three and a half to four; and the corner pair -between four and a half and five years of age, when the tusks in the male -are also produced. - -The marks or cavities in these nippers are effaced in the following -order:—At six years old they are worn out in the two centre teeth, at -seven in the next pair, and at eight in the corner ones, when the horse -is described as “aged.” - -After this, as age advances, these nippers appear to change gradually -year by year from an oval to a more detached and triangular form, till -at twenty their appearance is completely triangular. After six the tusks -become each year more blunt, and the grooves, which at that age are -visible inside, gradually wear out. - -_The Hack to Ride._—A horse with a small well-shaped head seldom proves -to be a bad one; therefore such, with small fine ears, should be sought -in the first instance. - -It is particularly desirable that the shoulder of a riding hack should -be light and well-placed. A high-withered horse is by no means the best -for that purpose. Let the shoulder-blades be well slanted as the horse -stands, their points light in front towards the chest. Nor should there -be too wide a front; for such width, though well enough for draught, is -not necessary in a riding-horse, provided the chest and girth be _deep_. - -As a matter of course the animal should be otherwise well formed, with -rather long pasterns (before but not behind),—the length of which -increases the elasticity of his movement on hard roads. His action should -be independent and high, bending the knees. If he cannot walk well—in -fact, with action so light that, as the dealers say, “he’d hardly break -an egg if he trod on it”—raising his legs briskly off the ground, when -simply led by the halter (giving him his head)—in other words, if he -walks “close to the ground”—he should be at once rejected. - -With regard to the other paces, different riders have different fancies: -the trot and walk I consider to be the only important paces for a -gentleman’s ordinary riding-horse. It is very material, in selecting a -riding-horse, to observe how he holds his head in his various paces; and -to judge of this the intending purchaser should remark closely how he -works on the bit when ridden by the rough-rider, and he should also pay -particular attention to this point when he is himself on his back, before -selection is made.[6] - -[Illustration: THE HACK] - -Respecting soundness, though feeling fully competent myself to judge -of the matter, I consider the half-guinea fee to a veterinary surgeon -well-laid-out money, to obtain his professional opinion and a certificate -of the state of an animal, when purchasing a horse of any value. - -_The Hack for Draught_ ought to be as well formed as the one just -described; but a much heavier shoulder and forehand altogether are -admissible. - -No one should ever for a moment think of putting any harness-horse into -a private vehicle, no matter what his seller’s recommendation, without -first having him out in a single or double break, as the case may be, and -seeing him driven, as well as driving him himself, to make acquaintance -with the animal—in fact, _to find him out_. - -_The Hunter_, like the hack, should be particularly well-formed before -the saddle. He should be deep in the girth, strong in the loins, with -full development of thigh, short and flat in the canon joint from the -knee to the pastern, with large flat hocks and sound fore legs. This -animal, like the road-horse, should lift his feet clear of the ground and -walk independently, with evidence of great propelling power in the hind -legs when put into a canter or gallop. - -A differently-shaped animal is required for each kind of country over -which his rider has to be carried. In the midland counties and Yorkshire, -the large three-quarter or thorough-bred horse only will be found to have -pace and strength enough to keep his place. In close countries, such as -the south, south-west, and part of the north of England, a plainer-bred -and closer-set animal does best. - -In countries where the fences are height jumps—a constant succession of -timber, or stone walls—one must look for a certain angularity of hip, not -so handsome in appearance, but giving greater leverage to lift the hind -legs over that description of fence. - -A hunter should be all action; for if the rider finds he can be carried -safely across country, he will necessarily have more confidence, and -go straighter, not therefore requiring so much pace to make up for -round-about “gating” gaps and “craning.”[7] - - -BUYING. - -If you propose purchasing from a dealer, take care to employ none but -a respectable man. It is also well to get yourself introduced to such -a one, by securing the good offices of some valuable customer of his -for the purpose; for such an introduction will stimulate any dealer who -values his character to endeavour by his dealings to sustain it with his -patron. - -[Illustration: THE WEIGHT-CARRYING HUNTER] - -_Auction._—An auction is a dangerous place for the uninitiated to -purchase at. If, however, it should suit you to buy in that manner, -the best course to pursue is to visit the stables on the days previous -to the sale, for in all well-regulated repositories the horses are in -for private inspection from two to three days before the auction-day. -Taking, if possible, one good judge with you, eschewing the opinions of -all grooms and others—in fact, fastening the responsibility of selection -on the one individual—make for yourself all the examination you possibly -can, in or out of stable, of the animal you think likely to suit you. -There is generally _a way_ of finding out some of the antecedents of the -horses from the men about the establishment. - -_Fairs._—To my mind it is preferable to purchase at fairs rather than -at an auction: indeed, a judge will there have much more opportunity of -comparison than elsewhere. - -_Private Purchase._—In buying from a private gentleman or acquaintance, -it is not unusual to get a horse on trial for three or four days. Many -liberal dealers, if they have faith in the animal they want to dispose -of, and in the intending purchaser, will permit the same thing. - -_Warranty._—As observed under the head of “Selecting,” it is never wise -to conclude the purchase of a horse without having him examined by a -professional veterinary surgeon, and getting a certificate of his actual -state. If the animal be a high-priced one, a warranty should be claimed -from the seller as a _sine qua non_; and if low-priced, a professional -certificate is desirable, stating the extent of unsoundness, for your own -satisfaction.[8] - - -STABLING. - -_Ventilation_ is a matter of the first importance in a stable. The means -of ingress and egress of air should be always three or four feet higher -than the range of the horses’ heads, for two simple reasons: first, -when an animal comes in warm, it is not well to have cold air passing -directly on the heated surface of his body; and, in the second place, -the foul air, being the lightest, always ascends, and you give it the -readiest mode of exit by placing the ventilation high up. The common -louver window, which can never be completely closed, is the best ordinary -ventilator. - -_Drainage_ ought to be closely investigated. The drains should run -so as to remove the traps or grates outside the stable, or as far as -possible from the horses, in order to keep the effluvium _away_ from -them. All foul litter and mass should be removed frequently during the -day; straw and litter ought not to be allowed to remain under a horse -in the daytime, unless it be considered expedient that he should rest -lying down, in which case let him be properly bedded and kept as quiet -as possible. In many cases the practice of leaving a small quantity of -litter in the stall is a fine cloak for deposit and urine left unswept -underneath, emitting that noxious ammonia with which the air of most -stables is so disagreeably impregnated that on entering them from the -fresh air you are almost stifled. - -Masters who object to their horses standing on the bare pavement can -order that, after the stall is thoroughly cleaned and swept out, a thin -layer of straw shall be laid over the stones during the daytime. In -dealers’ and livery stables, and indeed in some gentlemen’s, the pavement -is sanded over, which has a nice appearance, and prevents slipping. - -When the foul litter is abstracted, and the straw bedding taken from -under the horse, none of it should be pushed away under the manger; -let it be entirely removed: and in fair weather, or where a shed is -available, the bedding should be shaken out, to thoroughly dry and let -the air pass through it. - -Wheaten is more durable than oaten straw for litter: but the fibre -of the former is so strong that it will leave marks on the coat of a -fine-skinned animal wherever it may be unprotected by the clothing; -however, this is not material. - -_Light_ should be freely admitted into stables, not only that the grooms -may be able to see to clean the horses properly, and to do all the -stable-work, but if horses are kept in the dark it is natural that they -should be more easily startled when they go into full daylight,—and such -is always the consequence of badly-lighted stables. Of course, if a horse -is ailing, and sleep is absolutely necessary for him, he should be placed -separate in a dark quiet place. - -_Stalls_ should be wide, from six to seven feet across if possible, -yielding this in addition to other advantages, that if the partitions -are extended by means of bars to the back wall, either end stall can be -turned into a loose-box sufficiently large to serve in an emergency. - -_A Loose-Box_ is unquestionably preferable to a stall (in which a horse -is tied up all the time he is not at work in nearly the same position), -and is indispensable in cases of illness. Loose-boxes should be paved -with narrow bricks; and when prepared for the reception of an animal -whose shoes have been removed, the floor should be covered with sawdust -or tan, or either of these mixed with fine sandy earth, or, best of all, -peat-mould when procurable,—any of which, where the indisposition is -confined to the feet _only_, may be kept slightly moistened with water to -cool them. - -In cases of general illness, straw should be used for bedding; and where -the poor beast is likely to injure himself in paroxysms of pain, the -walls or partitions should be well padded in all parts within his reach, -and as a further precaution let the door be made to open outwards, and be -fastened by a bolt, as latches sometimes cause accidents. - -_Partitions_ should be carried high enough towards the head to prevent -the horses from being able to bite one another, or get at each other’s -food. - -With regard to stable-kickers, see the remarks on this subject under the -head of “Vice” (page 85). - -_Racks and Mangers_ are now made of iron, so that horses can no longer -gnaw away the manger piecemeal. Another improvement is that of placing -the rack on a level with and beside the manger, instead of above the -horses’ heads; but notwithstanding this more reasonable method of feeding -hay when whole, it is far preferable to give it as manger-food cut into -chaff. - -_Flooring._—In the construction of most stables a cruel practice is -thoughtlessly adopted by the way of facilitating drainage (and in -dealers’ stables to make horses look large), viz., that of raising the -paving towards the manger considerably above the level of the rear part. -It should be borne in mind that the horse is peculiarly sensitive to any -strain on the insertions of the back or flexor tendons of his legs. Thus -in stalls formed as described, you will see the creature endeavouring to -relieve himself by getting his toes down between the flags or stones (if -the pavement will admit) with the heels resting upon the edges of them; -and if the fastening to the head be long enough he will draw back still -farther, until he can get his toes down into the drain-channel behind his -stall, with the heels upon the opposite elevation of the drain. Proper -pavement in your stable will help to alleviate a tendency towards what is -called “clap of the back sinew.”—See page 143. - -The slope of an inch and a half or two inches is sufficient for purposes -of drainage in paving stables; but if the drainage can be managed so as -to allow of the flooring being made quite level, so much the better. - -Should my reader be disposed to build stabling, he cannot do better than -consult the very useful and practical work entitled ‘Stonehenge, or the -Horse in the Stable and in the Field.’ - -The horse being a gregarious animal, and much happier in society than -alone, will, in the absence of company of his own species, make friends -with the most sociable living neighbour he can find. A horse should not -be left solitary if it can be avoided. - -_Dogs_ should never be kept in the stable with horses, or be permitted -to be their playfellows, on account of the noxious emissions from their -excrement. _Cats_ are better and more wholesome companions. - - -GROOMING. - -I do not profess to teach grooms their business, but to put masters on -their guard against the common errors and malpractices of that class; and -with a view to that end, two or three general rules are added which a -master would do well to enforce on a groom when hiring him, as binding, -under pain of dismissal. - -1. Never to doctor a horse himself, but to acquaint his master -immediately with any accident, wound, or symptom of indisposition -about the animal, that may come under his observation, and which, if -in existence, ought not to fail to attract the attention of a careful, -intelligent servant during constant handling of and attendance on his -charge. - -2. Always to exercise the horses in the place appointed by his master for -the purpose, and _never_ to canter or gallop them. - -3. To stand by while a horse is having its shoes changed or removed, and -see that any directions he may have received on the subject are carried -out. - -4. Never to clean a horse out of doors. - -These rules are recommended under a just appreciation of that golden one, -“Prevention is better than cure.” - -If the master is satisfied with an ill-groomed horse, nine-tenths of the -grooms will be so likewise; therefore he may to a great extent blame -himself if his bearer’s dressing is neglected. - -Grooms are especially fond of using water in cleaning the horse (though -often rather careful how they use it with themselves, either inside or -out): it saves them trouble, to the great injury of the animal. The same -predominating laziness which prompts them to use water for the removal of -mud, &c., in preference to employing a dry wisp or brush for the purpose, -forbids their exerting themselves to employ the proper means of drying -the parts cleaned by wet. They will have recourse to any expedient to dry -the skin rather than the legitimate one of friction. Over the body they -will place cloths to soak up the wet; on the legs they will roll their -favourite bandages. It is best, therefore, to forbid the use of water -above the hoof for the purpose of cleaning—except with the mane and tail, -which should be properly washed with soap and water occasionally. - -When some severe work has been done, so as to occasion perspiration, the -ears should not be more neglected than the rest of the body; and when -they are dried by hand-rubbing and pulling, the horse will feel refreshed. - -As already recommended, cleaning out of doors should be forbidden. If one -could rely on the discretion of servants, cleaning might be done outside -occasionally in fine weather; but licence on this score being once given, -the probability is that your horse will be found shivering in the open -air on some inclement day. - -The groom always uses a picker in the process of washing and cleaning -the feet, to dislodge all extraneous matter, stones, &c., that may have -been picked up in the clefts of the frog and thereabouts; he also washes -the foot with a long-haired brush. In dry weather, after heavy work, it -is good to stop the fore feet with what is called “stopping” (cow-dung), -which is not difficult to procure. Wet clay is sometimes used in London -for the purpose in the absence of cow-dung. Very useful, too, in such -case will be found a stopping composed of one part linseed-meal to two -parts bran, wetted, and mixed to a sticking consistency. - -The evidence of care in the groomed appearance of the mane and tail -looks well. An occasional inspection of the mane by the master may be -desirable, by turning over the hairs to the reverse side; any signs of -dirt or dandriff found cannot be creditable to the groom. - -_Bandaging._—When a hunter comes in from a severe day, it is an excellent -plan to put _rough_ bandages (provided for the purpose) on the legs, -leaving them on while the rest of the body is cleaning; it will be found -that the mud and dirt of the legs will to a great extent fall off in -flakes on their removal, thus reducing the time employed in cleaning. -When his legs are cleaned and well hand-rubbed, put on the usual-sized -flannel bandages. They should never remain on more than four or six -hours, and when taken off (not to be again used till the next severe -work) the legs should be once more hand-rubbed. - -Bandages ought not to be used under other circumstances than the above, -except by order of a veterinary surgeon for unsoundness. - -In some cases of unsoundness—such as undue distension of the bursæ, -called “wind-galls,” the effect of work—a linen or cotton bandage kept -continually saturated with water, salt and water, or vinegar, and not -much tightened, may remain on the affected legs; but much cannot be said -for the efficacy of the treatment. - -For what is called “clap,” or supposed distension of the back sinew -(which is in reality no distension of the tendon, as that is said to be -impossible, though some of its fibres may be injured, but inflammation of -the sheath through which the tendon passes), the cold lotion bandaging -just described, in connection with the directions given under the head of -“Shoeing” (page 82), will be found very serviceable. - -_Grooms’ Requisites_ are usually understood to comprise the following -articles:—a body-brush, water-brush, dandriff or “dander” brush, -picker, scraper, mane-comb, curry-comb, pitchfork, shovel and broom, -manure-basket, chamois-leather, bucket, sponges, dusters, corn-sieve, and -measures; leather boot for poultices, clyster syringe (requiring especial -caution in use—_see_ page 159, note), drenching-horn, bandages (woollen -and linen); a box with a supply of stopping constantly at hand; a small -store of tow and tar, most useful in checking the disease called thrush -(page 135) before it assumes a chronic form; a lump of rock-salt, ready -to replace those which should be always kept in the mangers to promote -the general health of the animals as well as to amuse them by licking -it; a lump of chalk, ready at any time for use (in the same manner as -rock-salt) in the treatment of some diseases, as described, pages 154 and -160. - -_Singeing_, there is little doubt, tends to improve the condition of the -animal; so much so, that timid users do well to remember that animals -which, before the removal of their winter coat, required perpetual -reminders of the whip, will, directly they are divested of that covering, -evince a spirit, vigour, and endurance which had remained, perhaps, quite -unsuspected previously. In fact, in most cases, the general health and -appetite seem to be improved. - -Singeing, when severe rapid work is done, enables the horse to perform -his task with less distress, and when it is over, facilitates his being -made comfortable in the shortest possible space of time. - -Singeing, if done early in the winter, requires to be repeated lightly -three or four times during the season. - -_Clipping_ has exactly the same effect as the above, and is preferable -to it only in cases where, the animal’s coat being extremely long, extra -labour, loss of time, and flame, are avoided by the clipping process. -Singeing is best with the lighter coats, but sometimes thin skinned and -coated animals are too nervous and excitable to bear the flame near them -for this purpose, in which case the cause of alarm ought obviously to be -avoided, and clipping resorted to. - -It is worth while to employ the best manipulators to perform these -operations. - -With horses intended for slow and easy work, and liable to continued -exposure to the weather, singeing or clipping only the under part of the -belly, and the long hairs of the legs, will suffice. Unless neatly and -tastily done, this is very unsightly on a gentleman’s horse. Clipping, if -not done till the beginning of December, seldom requires repetition. - -In stony and rough countries, it is the habit of judicious horsemen to -leave the hair on their hunters’ legs from the knees and hocks down, as a -protection to them. - - -HALTERING. - -_The Head-Stall_ should fit a horse, and have a proper brow-band; it -is ridiculous to suppose that the same sized one can suit all heads. -Ordinary head-stalls have only one buckle, which is on the throat-lash -near-side; and if the stall be made to _fit_, that is sufficient. -_Otherwise_ there should be three buckles, one on each side of the -cheek-straps, besides the one on the throat-lash. - -Let the fastening from the head-stall to the log be of rope or leather. -Chain fastenings are objectionable, because, besides being heavy, they -are very apt to catch in the ring, and they make a fearful noise, -especially where there are many horses in the stable. By having rope or -leather as a fastener, instead of chain, the log may be lighter (of wood -instead of iron), and the less weight there is to drag the creature’s -head down, the less the distress to him. Poll-evil (page 117), it is -said, has frequently resulted from the pressure of the head-stall on the -poll, occasioned by heavy pendants. - -Chains are more durable, and that is all that can be said in their -favour, except that they may be necessary for a few vicious devils who -are up to the trick of severing the rope or leather with their teeth. - -See that the log is sufficiently heavy to keep the rope or leather at -stretch, and that the manger-ring is large enough to allow the fastening -to pass freely. If the log is too light, or the manger-ring too small, -the likely result will be that the log will remain close up under the -ring, the fastening falling into a sort of loop, through which the horse -most probably introduces his foot, and, in his consequent alarm and -efforts to disentangle his legs, chucks up his head, and away he goes on -his side, gets “_halter-cast_,” most likely breaks one of his hind legs -in his struggles to regain his footing, or at least dislocates one of -their joints. - - -CLOTHING. - -Opinions differ materially as to the amount of clothing that ought to -be used in the stable. My view of the matter is, that a stable being, -as it should be, thoroughly ventilated, necessitates the horses in it -being to a certain extent kept warm by clothing. An animal that has not -been divested of his own coat by clipping or singeing, will require very -little covering indeed; for nature’s provision, being sufficient to -protect him out of doors, ought surely to suffice in the stable, with -a very slight addition of clothing. If he has been clipped or singed, -covering enough to make up for what he has lost ought to be ample: by -going beyond this the horse is only made tender, and more susceptible of -the influences of the atmosphere when he comes to be exposed to it with -only a saddle on his back. - -In parts of North America, I have observed, where the stables are built -roughly of wood, with many fissures to admit the weather, horses are -seldom, if ever, sheeted. They are certainly rarely divested of their -coats; but during work, as occasion may require, it is usual for the -rider, when stopping at any place, to leave his horse “hitched” (as they -call it) to any convenient post or tree, in all weathers, and for any -length of time, and these horses scarcely ever catch cold. - -The best _Sheet_ is formed of a rug (sizeable enough to meet across the -breast and extend to the quarters), by simply cutting the slope of the -neck out of it, and fastening the points across the breast by two straps -and buckles. - -The _Hood_ need only be used when the horse is at walking exercise, or -likely to be exposed to weather, or for the purpose of sweating, when a -couple of them, with two or three sheets, may be used.—_See_ page 32. - -Horse-clothing should be, at least once a-week, taken _outside_ the -stable, and well beaten and _shaken_ like a carpet. - -_Rollers_ should be looked to from time to time, to see that the pads -of the roller _do not meet within three or four inches_ (over the -backbone),—in other words, there should be always a clear channel over -it, nearly large enough to pass the handle of a broom through, so as -to avoid the possibility of the upper part of the roller even touching -the sheet over the spinal ridge, which, if permitted, will be sure to -cause a sore back, to the great injury of the horse and his master, -arousing vicious habits in the former to resent any touch, necessary or -unnecessary, of the sore place on so sensitive a part, and rendering -him irritable when clothing, saddling, or harnessing, or if a hand even -approach the tender place. - -This is so troublesome a consequence of not paying attention to the -padding of rollers, that a master will do well to examine them himself -for his own satisfaction. - -_Knee-Caps._—On all occasions when a valuable horse is taken by a servant -on road or rail, his knees should be protected by caps. The only way to -secure them is to fasten them tightly _above_ the knee, where elastic -straps are decidedly preferable, leaving the fastening below the knee -slack. - -_A Leather Boot_, lined with sponge, or one of felt with a strong leather -sole, should be ready in every stable to be used as required, in cases of -sudden foot-lameness. - - -FEEDING. - -The cavalry allowances are 12 lb. hay, 10 lb. oats, and 8 lb. straw -daily, which, I know by experience, will keep a healthy animal in -condition with the work required from a dragoon horse, of the severity of -which none but those acquainted with that branch of the service have any -idea. - -Until he is perfectly fit for the ranks, between riding-school, -field-days, and drill, the troop-horse has quite work enough for any -beast. I may add that few horses belonging to officers of cavalry get -more than the above allowance, unless when _regularly_ hunted, in which -case additional corn and beans are given. - -With severe work, 14 lb. to 16 lb. of oats, and 12 lb. of hay, which is -the general allowance in well-regulated hunting-stables, ought to be -sufficient. Beans are also given in small quantity. - -Some persons feed their horses three times a-day, but it is better to -divide their food into four daily portions, watering them, at least half -an hour before each feed. - -The habit which some grooms have of feeding while they are teazing an -animal with the preliminaries of cleaning, is very senseless, as the -uneasiness horses are sure to exhibit under anything like grooming causes -them to knock about their heads and scatter their food. On a journey, -according to the call upon the system by the increased amount of work, -so should the horse’s feeding be augmented by one-third, one-fourth, or -one-half more than usual. A few beans or pease may well be added under -such circumstances. - -In stables where the stalls are divided by bales or swinging-bars, the -horses when feeding should have their heads so tied as to prevent them -from consuming their neighbour’s food, or the result would be that the -greedy or more rapid eaters would succeed in devouring more than their -fair share, while the slower feeders would have to go on short commons. - -_Oats_ ought _always_ to be _bruised_, as many horses, whether from -greediness in devouring their food, or from their teeth being incapable -of grinding, swallow them whole; and it is a notorious fact that oats, -unless masticated, pass right through the animal undigested. - -When supplies have been very deficient with forces in the field, the -camp-followers have been known to exist upon the grain extracted from the -droppings of the horses. - -It should be remembered that not more than at the utmost two days’ -consumption of oats should be bruised at a time, as they soon turn sour -in that state, and are thus unfit for the use of that most delicate -feeder, the horse. All oats before being bruised should be well sifted, -to dispose of the gravel and dust which are always present in the grain -as it comes from the farmer. Unbruised oats, if ever used, should be -similarly prepared before being given in feed. - -_Hay_ ought always to be cut into chaff or may be mixed with the corn, -which is the only way to insure the proper proportion being given at a -feed. When the hay is not cut but fed from the rack, never more than 3 -lb. should be put in the rack at a time. If desirable to give as much as -12 lb. daily, let the rack be filled six times in twenty-four hours. - -_Beans_ must be invariably split or bruised. It is better to give a -higher price for English beans than to use the Egyptian at any price; the -latter are said to be impregnated with the eggs of insects, which adhere -to the lining of the horse’s stomach, causing him serious injury. In -India horses are principally fed on a kind of small pea called “gram”—in -the United States their chief food is maize; the oat-plant not succeeding -well in either of those regions. - -_Bran._—Food should be varied occasionally, and all horses not actually -in training ought to have a bran-mash once a-week. The best time to give -this is for the first feed after the work is done, on the day preceding -the rest day, whenever that may be. - -Even hunters, after a hard day, will eat the bran with avidity, and it is -well to give it for the first meal. Its laxative qualities render it a -sedative and cooler in the half-feverish state of system induced by the -exertion and excitement of the chase; and according to my experience, -if given just after the work is done, the digestive process, relaxed by -the bran, has full time to recover itself by the grain-feeding before -the next call is made on the horse’s powers. If the bran is not liked, a -little bruised oats may be mixed through it to tempt the palate. Whole -grains of oats should never be mixed with bran, as they must of necessity -be bolted with the latter, and passed through the animal entire. - -_Mash._—When only doing ordinary work, the following mash should be given -to each horse on Saturday night after work, supposing your beasts to rest -on Sunday:— - -Put half a pint of linseed in a two-quart pan with an even edge; pour on -it one quart of boiling water, cover it close, and leave to soak for four -hours. - -At the same time moisten half a bucket of bran with a gallon of water. -When the linseed has soaked for four hours, a hole must be made in the -middle of the bran, and the linseed mass mixed into the bran mass. The -whole forms one feed. Should time be an object, boil slowly half a pint -of linseed in two quarts of water, and add it to half a bucket of bran -which had been previously steeped for half an hour or an hour in a gallon -of water. - -If a cold is present, or an animal is delicate, the bran can be saturated -with boiling water, of which a little more can be added to warm it when -given. - -_Carrots_, when a horse is delicate, will be found acceptable, and -are both nutritious and wholesome as food. In spring and summer, when -vetches or other green food can be had, an occasional treat of that sort -conduces to health where the work is sufficiently moderate to admit -of soft feeding. When horses are coating in spring or autumn, or weak -from fatigue or delicacy, the addition to their food of a little more -nutriment may be found beneficial. The English white pea is milder and -not so heating as beans, and may be given half a pint twice daily, mixed -with the ordinary feeding, for from one to three or four weeks, as may be -deemed advisable. - -When an animal is “off his feed,” as it is called, attention should be -immediately directed to his manger, which is often found to be shamefully -neglected, the bottom of it covered with gravel, or perhaps the ends -and corners full of foul matter, such as the sour remains of the last -bran-mash and other half-masticated leavings. - -The introduction of any greasy or fetid matter into a horse’s food will -effectually prevent this dainty creature from touching it. It used to be -a common practice at hostelries in the olden time, to rub the teeth of a -traveller’s horse with a tallow candle or a little oil; thus causing the -poor beast to leave his food untouched for the benefit of his unfeeling -attendant. - -Again, the oats or hay may be found, on close examination, to be musty, -which causes them to be rejected by the beast. - -Where no palpable cause for loss of appetite can be discovered, reference -should be made to a qualified veterinary surgeon, who will examine the -animal’s mouth, teeth, and general state of health, and probably report -that the lining of the cheeks is highly inflamed in some part, owing -to undue angularity or decay of the teeth, and he will know how to act -accordingly. - -When horses are on a journey, or a long ride home after hunting, some -people recommend the use of gruel; but, from experience, I prefer giving -a handful of wetted hay in half a bucket of _tepid_ water, or ale or -porter.—_See_ page 37. - -_Feeding on Board Ship_ should be confined to chaff and bran, mixed with -about one-fourth the usual quantity of _bruised_ oats. - -Though horses generally look well when “full of flesh,” there are many -reasons why they should not be allowed to become fat after the fashion -of a farmer’s “stall-feds.” Some really good grooms think this form of -condition the pink of perfection. They are mistaken. An animal in such -a state is quite unfit to travel at any fast pace or bear continued -exertion without injury, and may therefore be considered so far useless. - -He is also much more liable to contract disease, and if attacked by such -the constitution succumbs more readily. - -Moreover, the superfluous weight of the cumbrous flesh and fat tends to -increase the wear and tear of the legs; and if the latter be at all light -from the knee to the pastern, they are more likely to suffer. - -On the other hand, it may be well to observe, by way of caution, that it -is by no means good management to let a horse become at any time reduced -to _actual leanness_ through overwork or deficient feeding. _It is far -easier to pull down than to put up flesh_. - -These hints on feeding may be closed with a remark, that in all large -towns _contractors_ are to be found ready and willing to enter into -contract for feeding gentlemen’s horses by the month or year. This is -a very desirable arrangement for masters, but one frequently objected -to by servants, who, however, in such cases can easily be replaced by -application to the dealer, he having necessarily excellent opportunities -of meeting with others as efficient. - -Contractors should not be allowed to supply more than two or three days’ -forage at a time. - - -WATERING. - -Horses are greater epicures in water than is generally supposed, and -will make a rush for some favourite spring or rivulet where water -may have once proved acceptable to their palate, when that of other -drinking-places has been rejected or scarcely touched. - -The groom’s common maxim is to water twice a-day, but there is little -doubt that horses should have access to water more frequently, being, -like ourselves or any other animal, liable from some cause—some slight -derangement of the stomach, for instance—to be more thirsty at one time -than another; and it is a well-known fact that, where water is easily -within reach, these creatures never take such a quantity at a time as -to unfit them for _moderate work_ at any moment. If an arrangement for -continual access to water be not convenient, horses should be watered -before every feed, or at least thrice a-day, the first time being in the -morning, an hour before feeding (which hour will be employed in grooming -the beast); and it may be observed that there is no greater aid to -increasing their disposition to put up flesh, than giving them as much -water as they like before and after every feed. - -A horse should never be watered when heated, or on the eve of any -extraordinary exertion. Animals that are liable to colic or gripes, -or are under the effect of medicines, particularly such as act on the -alimentary canal, and predispose to those affections, should get water -with the chill off. - -_Watering in Public Troughs_, or places where every brute that travels -the road has access, must be strictly avoided. Glanders, farcy, and other -infectious diseases may be easily contracted in this way. - - -GRAZING. - -The advantage of grazing, as a change for the better in any, and indeed -in every, case where the horse may be thrown out of sorts by accident or -disease, becomes very questionable, on account of the _artificial state_ -in which he must have been kept, to enable him to meet the requirements -of a master of the present day in work. If the change be recommended to -restore the feet or legs, this object may be attained, and much better, -by keeping the creature in a loose-box without shoes, on a floor covered -with sawdust or tan, kept damp as directed (page 10), to counteract -whatever slight inflammation may be in the feet and legs, or, best of -all, covered with peat-mould, as this does not require to be damped, -and the animal can lie down on it; besides, the properties of the peat -neutralise the noxious ammonia, and it does not consequently require to -be so often renewed. In the loose-box also he can take quite as much -exercise as is necessary for an invalid intended to be laid up, and there -he can be supplied with whatever grain, roots, or succulent food may be -deemed necessary. - -As for any other advantage to be derived from a run at grass, unless for -the purpose of using the herb as an alterative, I never could see it: -and even this end, unless the horse has a paddock to himself, can hardly -be gained; for if there are too many beasts for the production of the -ground, the fare must be scanty, and each animal half starved. - -The disadvantages of changing a horse to grass from the artificial state -of condition are the following:— - -1. That condition is sure to be lost (at least as far as it is necessary -to fit for work, especially to go across country at a hunting pace, -with safety to himself and his rider), and not to be regained for a -considerable time, and at great cost. - -2. The horse is exceedingly liable to meet with accident from the -playfulness or temper of his companions. - -3. Worms of the most dangerous and pertinacious description are picked up -nowhere but at grass. - -4. Many ailments are contracted from exposure and hardship or bad -feeding; and owing to the animal being removed from under immediate -inspection, such ailments gain ground before they are observed. Moreover, -at grass the horse is more exposed to contagious and epidemic diseases. - -5. Horses suffer great annoyance from flies in summer time, not having -long tails like horned cattle to reach every part of their body; and -wherever any superficial sore may be present, the flies are sure to find -it out. - -As to aged animals, it is sheer cruelty (practised by some masters with -the best intentions and worst possible results) to turn them out to -grass. Such creatures have probably been accustomed in the earlier part -of their lives to warm stables, their food put under their noses, good -grooming, and proper care. You might just as well turn out a gentleman in -his old age among a tribe of friendly savages, unclad and unsheltered, -to exist upon whatever roots and fruits he could pick up, as expose a -highly-bred and delicately-nurtured old horse to the vicissitudes and -hardships of a life at grass. - - -TRAINING. - -RAREY’S SYSTEM. - -The principle of this system is that of overpowering the horse that may -in some instances have even become dangerous and useless, from having -learned the secret that _his strength gives him an advantage over his -master_—man. _Unconsciously_ deprived of his power of resistance, his -courage vanishes; the spirit which rose against all _accountable_ efforts -to subdue it, that would scorn to yield to overweight, pace, work, or -any other _evidence_ of man’s power, and which in the well-dispositioned -animal causes him to strain every nerve to meet what is required of him -rather than succumb, is by Rarey’s system subdued through a ruse so -effected that the power which overwhelms all the creature’s efforts at -resistance appears to originate and be identified with the man who can -thus, for the first time, take liberties with him, which he has lost the -power of resenting; and man thenceforward becomes his master. The method -pursued by Mr Rarey in subduing such a vicious and ungovernable horse as -Cruiser, is this: Placing himself under a waggon laden with hay, to which -the animal is partly coaxed, partly led by guide-ropes, and stealing his -fingers through the spokes of the waggon-wheel, he raises and gently -straps up one fore leg, and fastens a long strap round the fetlock of the -other, the end of which he holds in his hand and checks when necessary. -The beast, thus unconsciously tampered with, is quite disposed to resent -in his usual style the subsequent impertinent familiarities of his tamer; -but being by the foregoing precautions cast prostrate on his first -attempt to move, and finding all his efforts to regain his liberty and -carry out reprisals abortive, worn-out and hopeless, he at length yields -himself helplessly to his victor’s obliging attentions, of sitting on him -as he lies, drumming and fiddling in his ears, &c., and is thenceforward -man’s obedient and tractable servant. - -There is no doubt that Mr Rarey’s plan of thus overcoming the unruly or -vicious beast by mild but effectual means, is the right one to gain the -point, _as far as it goes_; but breaking him in to saddle or draught, -improving his paces, or having ability in riding or driving any horse -judiciously, must be considered another affair, and only to be acquired -through more or less competent instruction, and by practice combined with -taste. - -In training, the use of a dumb jockey[9] will be found most serviceable -to get the head into proper position, and to bend the neck. Two hours -a-day in this gear, while the horse is either loose in a box or fastened -to the pillar-reins if in a stall, will not at all interfere with his -regular training, exercise, or work, and will materially aid the former -result. - -I greatly advocate the use of the dumb jockey without springs, even with -formed horses, who, being daily used to it, need no such adjuncts as -bearing-reins, but will arch their necks, work nicely on the bit, and -exhibit an altered show and style in action that is very admirable in a -gentleman’s equipage. - -Should my reader be much interested in breaking-in rough colts, I -recommend him to consult ‘Stonehenge,’ by J. H. Walsh, F.R.C.S., editor -of the ‘Field.’ - -_Training for Draught._—Before the first trial in the break-carriage, -give your horse from half-an-hour to an hour’s quiet ringing in the -harness, to which he should have been previously made accustomed by -wearing it for a couple of hours the two or three preceding days. The -first start should be in a regular break, or strong but inexpensive -vehicle, and stout harness, with also saving-collar, knee-caps, and -kicking-strap—no bearing-rein. He should be led by ropes or reins (in -single harness on both sides of the head), and tried on a level, or -rather down than up a slight inclination. The place selected should be -one where there is plenty of unoccupied roadway. - -Better begin in double harness, and let the break-horse with which the -driver is to start the carriage be strong and willing, so as to pull away -the untried one. - -_The Neck_ usually suffers during the first few lessons in training -to harness; and until that part of it where the collar wears becomes -thoroughly hardened by use, it should be bathed with a strong solution -of salt and water _before_ the collar is taken off, that there may be no -mistake about its being done at once. Should there be the least abrasion -of the skin, do not use salt and water, but a wash of 1 scruple chloride -of zinc to 1 pint of water, dabbed on the sore every two or three hours -with fine linen rag, and give rest from collar-work till healed; then -harden with salt and water; and when the scab has disappeared, and the -horse is fit for harness, chamber the collar over the affected part, and -employ for a while a saving-collar. A sore neck will produce a jibbing -horse, and therefore requires to be closely attended to in his training. - - -EXERCISING. - -It is desirable that a master should appoint a particular place for the -exercising of his horses, coupled with strict injunctions to his groom -on no account to leave it. No master should give his servants the option -of going where they please to exercise, their favourite resort being -often the precincts of a public-house, with a sharp gallop round the -most impracticable corners to make up the time. An occasional visit of -the master to the exercising ground is a very salutary check upon such -proceedings. - -The best possible exercise for a horse is walking—the sod or any soft -elastic surface being better than the road for the purpose; and if the -latter only is available, use knee-caps as a safeguard. - -Two hours’ daily exercise (_if he gets it_) at a _fast_ walk will be -enough to keep a hack fit for his work; and it is usual with some -experienced field-horsemen never to allow their hunters, _when once up to -their work_, to get any but walking exercise for as much as four hours -daily, two hours at a time—that is, when they desire to keep them “fit.” - -Ladies’ and elderly gentlemen’s horses ought most particularly to be -exercised, and not overfed, to keep them tame and tractable, and to guard -against accidents. - -The foregoing directions refer to the _preparations_ for the master’s -work, and are what I should give my groom. - -_Sweating._—In case it is desirable to prepare an animal for any -extraordinary exertion, the readiest, safest, and most judicious means -is by sweating, carefully proceeded with, by using two or three sets of -body-clothes, an empty stomach being indispensable for the process, and a -riding-school, if available, the best place for the necessary exercise,—a -sweat being thus sooner obtained free from cold air, and the soft footing -of such a place saving the jar on the legs more even than the sod in the -field, unless it happen to be very soft. - -Sweating is a peculiarly healthy process for either man or beast; and -to judge of the benefit derived by a horse through that means, from the -effect of a heavy perspiration through exercise on one’s self, there -seems little doubt that it is very renewing to the _physique_. - -_Ringing_ or _Loungeing_ with a cavesson, though not ordinarily adopted, -except by the trainer, is nevertheless most useful as a means of -exercise. It is a very suitable manner of “taking the rough edge off,” or -bringing down the superabundant spirits of horses that have been confined -to the stable for some time by weather or other similar cause producing -restiveness, and is peculiarly adapted for exercising harness-horses -where it may not be safe or expedient to ride them. - - -WORK. - -The master on the road or in the field using his bearer for convenience -or pleasure, will do him less injury in a day than a thoughtless ignorant -servant will contrive to accomplish in an hour when only required to -exercise the beast. - -To the advice already given, never to allow your horses to be galloped -or cantered on a hard surface, it is well to add, refrain from doing -so yourself. On the elastic turf these paces do comparatively little -harm; but for the road, and indeed all ordinary usage, except hunting -or racing, the trot or walk is the proper pace. My impression coincides -with that of many experienced sportsmen, that one mile of a canter on a -hard surface does more injury to the frame and legs of a horse, than -twenty miles’ walk and trot: for this reason, that in the act of walking -or trotting the off fore and near hind feet are on the ground at the -same moment alternately with the other two, thus dividing the pressure -of weight and propulsion on the legs more than even ambling, which is a -lateral motion; while in anything approaching to the canter or gallop, -the two fore feet and legs have at the same moment to bear the entire -weight of man and horse, as well as the jar of the act of propulsion from -behind. - -_Ambling_ is a favourite pace with the Americans, whose horses are -trained to it; also with the Easterns. It is, as before mentioned, a -lateral motion, much less injurious to the wear and tear of the legs than -either canter or gallop on the hard road, the off fore and hind being on -the ground alternately with the near fore and hind legs. - -Though unsightly to an Englishman’s eyes, this pace is decidedly the -easiest of all to the rider, and may be accelerated from four to six or -eight miles an hour without the least inconvenience. Some American horses -are taught to excel in this pace, so as to beat regular trotters. - -By trotting a horse you do him comparatively little injury on the road; -but observe the animal that has been constantly ridden by ladies (at -watering-places and elsewhere), who are so fond of the canter: he stands -over, and is decidedly shaky on his legs, although the weight on his back -has been generally light. Observe, on the contrary, the bearer of the -experienced horseman; although the weight he had to carry may have been -probably what is called “a welter,” _his legs are right enough_. - -The softness of the turf, as fitting it for the indulgence of a gallop, -is indicated by the depth of the horse-tracks; there is not much -impression left on a hard road. - -It should be always borne in mind that “it is _the pace that kills_,” and -unless the wear and tear of horse-flesh be a matter of no consideration, -according as the pace is increased from that of five or six miles per -hour, so should the distance for the animal’s day’s work be diminished. - -For instance, if you require him to do seven miles in the hour _daily_, -that seven miles must always be considered as full work for the day; if -you purpose going eight miles per hour, your horse should only travel -six miles daily at that rate; if faster still, five miles only should -be your bearer’s limit; if at a ten-mile rate, then four miles; or at a -twelve-mile rate, three miles per day. But of course such regulations -apply to _daily_ work only, as a horse is capable of accomplishing a -great deal more without injury, if only called upon to do so occasionally. - -A man may require to do a day’s journey of thirty miles, or a day’s -hunting, and such work being only occasional, no harm whatever to the -animal need result; but about eight or ten miles a-day at an alternate -walk or trot (say six-miles-an-hour pace) is as much as any valuable -animal ought to do if worked regularly. - -No horse ought to be hunted more than twice a-week _at the utmost_. - -The work of horses, especially when ridden, ought to be so managed that -the latter part of the journey may be done in a walk, so that they may be -brought in cool. - -A horse in the saddle is capable of travelling a hundred miles, or even -more, in twenty-four hours, if required; and if the weight be light, -and the rider judicious, such feats _may_ be done occasionally without -injury: but if a journey of a hundred miles be contemplated, it is better -to take three days for its performance, each day’s journey of over thirty -miles being divided into two equal portions, and got through early in -the morning and late in the afternoon; the pace an alternate walk and -trot at the rate of about five miles an hour, to vary it, as continuous -walking for so long as a couple of hours when travelling on the road, -may prove so tiresome that horses would require watching to keep them on -their legs; and it is good for both horse and man that the latter should -dismount and take the whole, or nearly the whole, of the walking part -on his own feet, thus not only relieving his bearer from the continual -pressure of the rider’s weight on the saddle on his back, but as a man -when riding and walking brings into play two completely distinct sets of -muscles, he will, though a little tired from walking, find himself on -remounting positively refreshed from that change of exercise. - -This recommendation is equally applicable to the hunting-field at any -check, or when there is the least opportunity. So well is the truth of -the above remark known to the most experienced horsemen, that some of -them, steeplechase riders, make it a practice before riding a severe race -to walk rapidly from five to ten miles to the course, in preference to -making use of any of the many vehicles always at their disposal on such -occasions. - -It is only surprising that the expediency of making dragoons dismount -and walk beside their horses on a march, at least part of the way, for -distances of one or two miles at a time, is not more apparent to those -in authority (many of them practical men), in whose power it lies to -make a regulation so very salutary for both man and horse. The more -the beneficial effect of such an arrangement is considered, the more -desirable it would appear to be, especially in dry weather. The great -occasional relief to an overweighted horse of being divested of his rider -now and then, would rather serve than injure the latter, on account of -the variety of exercise, as before remarked, while his handling of the -horse would decidedly be enlivened by the change. - -_Signals of Distress_ on increased pace.—Prominently may be mentioned -a horse becoming winded, or, as sportsmen call it, having “bellows -to mend,” which in proper hands ought seldom to occur, even in the -hunting-field, as there are tokens which precede it—such as the creature -hanging on his work, poking his head backwards and forwards, describing a -sort of semicircle with his nose, gaping, the ears lopping, &c. - -Some horsemen are in the habit of giving ale or porter (from a pint to -a quart of either) to their horses during severe work. This is not at -all a bad plan, if the beast will take it; and as many masters are fond -of petting their animals with biscuit or bread, a piece of either being -occasionally soaked in one of the above liquids when given, will accustom -the creature so trained to the taste of them. - -After the work is over a little well-made gruel is a great restorative; -and when a long journey is completed, a bran-mash might be given, as -mentioned under the head of “Feeding,” page 22. - -One of the worst results to be dreaded from a horse going long journeys -daily, is fever in the feet (page 132), which may be obviated by stopping -the fore feet directly they are picked and washed out at the end of each -day’s journey.—_See_ page 13. - -After a long journey, it would be desirable to have the animal’s fore -shoes _at least_ removed. - -The saddle ought not to be taken off for some time after work; the longer -it has been under the rider, and the more severe the work, the longer, -comparatively, it should remain on after use, in order to avoid that -frightful result which is most like to ensue from its being quickly -removed—viz., sore back. With cavalry, saddles are left on for an hour or -more after the return from a field-day or march. - -A numna or absorbing sweat-cloth under the saddle is in cases of hard or -continued work a great preservative against sore back. - -When an extraordinary day’s work has been done, after the horse is -cleaned and fed he should be at once bedded down, and left to rest in -quiet, interrupted only to be fed. - - -BRIDLING. - -Every horseman before he mounts should observe closely whether his horse -is properly saddled and bridled. - -Bits must be invariably of wrought steel, and the mouthpiece _in all -bits_ should fit the horse’s mouth _exactly_ in its width: the bit -that is made to fit a sixteen-hands-high is surely too large for a -fourteen-hand cob. The bit ought to lie just above the tusk in a horse’s -jaw, and one inch above the last teeth with a mare. - -It must be adapted to the mouth and temper of the horse as well as to the -formation of his head and neck. A riding-master, or the rider, if he has -any judgment, ought to be able to form an opinion as to the most suitable -bit for an animal.[10] - -The ordinary _Bridoon_ (or Double bridle, as it is called in the North) -is best adapted to the well-mouthed and tempered horse, and is the safest -and best bridle for either road or field. Unfinished gentlemen as well -as lady equestrians, when riding with double reins to the bits, are -recommended to tie the curb-bit rein evenly in a knot on the horse’s -neck (holding only the bridoon-rein in the hand), provided his temper -and mouth be suitable to a snaffle. This is a practice pursued by some -even good and experienced horsemen where the temper of a horse is high, -in order to have the curb-bit to rely upon in case he should happen to -pull too hard on the bridoon or snaffle, which otherwise would be quite -sufficient and best to use alone. - -The _Curb-chain_, when used, should be strong and tight; it should -invariably be supported by a lip-strap, an adjunct that is really most -essential, but which grooms practically ignore by losing. The object -of the lip-strap is to prevent the curb, if rather loose, from falling -over the lip, thus permitting the horse to get hold of it in his mouth -and go where he pleases; it also guards against a trick some beasts are -very clever at, of catching the cheek or leg of the bit in their teeth, -and making off in spite of the efforts of any rider. If the curb be -tight, the lip-strap is equally useful in keeping it horizontally, and -preventing its drooping to too great a pressure, thus causing abrasion of -the animal’s jaw. The curb _ought_ to be pretty tight, sufficiently so to -admit one finger between it and the jaw-bone. - -The _Snaffle_ with a fine-mouthed horse is well adapted for the field—the -only place where I would ever dispense altogether with the curb-bit, and -then only in favour of a fine-mouthed well-tempered beast disposed to go -coolly at his fences. - -On the road a horse may put his foot upon a stone in a jog-trot, or come -upon some irregularity; and unless the rider has something more than a -snaffle in his hand, he is exceedingly likely to suffer for it. Many a -horse that is like a foot-ball in the field, full of life and elasticity, -and never making a mistake, will on the road require constant watching to -prevent his tumbling on his nose.[11] - -At the same time, a horse should by no means be encouraged to lean on the -bit or on the rider’s support, which most of them will be found quite -ready to do; a disposition in that direction must be checked by mildly -feeling his mouth (with the bit), pressing your legs against his sides, -and enlivening him gently with the whip or spur. - -The _Martingal_.—The standing or head martingal is a handsome -equipment—safe and serviceable with a beast that is incorrigible about -getting his head up, but should be used in the street or on the road only. - -The _Ring-Martingal_ is intended solely for the field with a horse -whose head cannot be kept down; but it requires to be used with nice -judgment, and handling of the second or separate rein, which should pass -through it, especially when the animal is in or near the act of taking -his fences, when, with some horses, comparative freedom may be allowed -to the head, which should, however, be brought down to its proper place -directly he is safely landed on his legs again by the use of this second -martingal-rein, which is attached to the bridoon bit. - -_N.B._—If this second rein be attached to the snaffle by buckles (and -not stitched on as it ought to be), the buckles of the rein should be -defended from getting into the rings of the martingal by pieces of -leather larger than those rings. Most serious accidents have occurred -from the absence of this precaution: the buckle becoming caught in the -ring, the horse’s head is fixed in one position, and not knowing where he -is going, he proceeds, probably without any control from the rider, till -both come to some serious mishap. The rein stitched to the ring of the -bit is the safest. - -The _Running-Rein_, or other plan of martingal (from the D in front of -the saddle above the rider’s knee through the ring of the snaffle to his -hand), should only be used by the riding-master or those competent to -avail themselves of its assistance in forming the mouth of a troublesome -or untrained animal. Some experienced horsemen, however, when they find -they cannot keep the nose in or head down with ordinary bits, instead of -using a martingal of any denomination, employ (especially in the field) -with good effect a ring, keeping the _bridoon_ or snaffle-reins under -the bend of the neck; or a better contrivance is a bit of stiff leather -three or four inches long, with two D’s or staples for the reins to pass -through on each side. - -The _Chifney Bit_ is the most suitable for ladies’ use, or for timid or -invalid riders: it at once brings up a hard-pulling horse, but requires -very gentle handling. I have known more than one horse to be quite -unmanageable in any but a Chifney bit. - -The more severe bits are those that have the longest legs or cheeks, -giving the greatest leverage against the curb. By the addition of deep -ports on the mouthpiece of the bit much severity is attained (especially -when the port is constructed turned downwards, in place of the usual -practice of making it upwards), which can be increased to the utmost by -the addition of a tight noseband to prevent the horse from easing the -port by movement of his tongue or jaws. - -It is almost needless to observe, that the reverse of the above will be -the mildest bits for tender-mouthed, easy-going horses. - -_Twisted Mouthpieces_ are happily now almost out of fashion, and ought -to be entirely discountenanced; their original intention was to command -hard-mouthed horses, whose mouths their use can only render harder. - -The _Noseband_, if tightened, would be found very useful with many a -hard-pulling horse in the excitement of hunting, when the bit, which -would otherwise require to be used, would only irritate the puller, cause -him to go more wildly, and make matters worse. I have known some pullers -to be more under control in the hunting-field with a pretty tight -noseband and a snaffle than with the most severe curb-bit. - -The _Throat-lash_ is almost always too tight. Grooms are much in the -habit of making this mistake, by means of which, when the head is bent -by a severe bit, the throat is compressed and the respiration impeded, -besides occasioning an ugly appearance in the caparison. - -It may be remarked also that, if not corrected, servants are apt to leave -the ends of the bridle head-stall straps dangling at length out of the -loops, which is very unsightly: the ends of the straps should be inserted -in these loops, which should be sufficiently tight to retain them. - - -SADDLING. - -A _Saddle_ should be made to fit the horse for which it is intended, -and requires as much variation in shape, especially in the stuffing, as -there is variety in the shapes of horses’ backs.[12] An animal may be -fairly shaped in the back, and yet a saddle that fits another horse will -always go out on this one’s withers. The saddle having been made to fit -your horse, let it be placed gently upon him, and shifted till its proper -berth be found. When in its right place, the action of the upper part of -the shoulder-blade should be quite free from any confinement or pressure -by what saddlers call the “gullet” of the saddle under the pommel when -the animal is in motion. It stands to reason that any interference with -the action of the shoulder-blade must, after a time, indirectly if not -directly, cause a horse to falter in his movement. - -_N.B._—A horse left in the stable with his saddle on, with or without a -bridle, ought always to have his head fastened up, to prevent his lying -down on the saddle and injuring it. - -_Girths._—When girthing a horse, which is always done upon the near or -left-hand side, the girth should be first drawn tightly towards you under -the belly of the horse, so as to bring the saddle _rather_ to the off -side on the back of the beast. This is seldom done by grooms; and though -a gentleman is not supposed to girth his horse, information on this as -well as on other points may happen to be of essential service to him; -for the consequence of the attendant’s usual method is, that when the -girths are tightened up, the saddle, instead of being in the centre of -the horse’s back, is inclined to the near or left-hand side, to which -it is still farther drawn by the act of mounting, so that when a man -has mounted he fancies that one stirrup is longer than the other—the -near-side stirrup invariably the longest. To remedy this he forces down -his foot in the right stirrup, which brings the saddle to the centre of -the animal’s back. - -All this would be obviated by care being taken, in the process of -girthing, to place the left hand on the middle of the saddle, drawing the -first or under girth with the right hand till the girth-holder reaches -the buckle, the left hand being then disengaged to assist in bracing up -the girth. The outer girth must go through the same process, being drawn -under the belly of the horse from the off side tightly before it is -attached to the girth-holder. - -With ladies’ saddles most particular attention should be paid to the -girthing. - - (It must be observed that, with some horses having the knack - of swelling themselves out during the process of girthing, the - girths may be tightened before leaving the stable so as to - appear almost too tight, but which, when the horse has been - walked about for ten minutes, will seem comparatively loose, - and quite so when the rider’s weight is placed in the saddle.) - -_Stirrup-Irons_ should invariably be of wrought steel. A man should never -be induced knowingly to ride in a cast-metal stirrup, any more than he -ought to attempt to do so with a cast-metal bit. - -Stirrup-irons should be selected to suit the size of the rider’s -foot; those with two or three narrow bars at the bottom are decidedly -preferable, for the simple reason, that in cold weather it is a tax on -a man’s endurance to have a single broad bar like an icicle in the ball -of his foot, and in wet weather a similar argument may apply as regards -damp; besides, with the double bar, the foot has a better hold in the -stirrup, the rings being, of course, indented (rasp-like), as they -usually are, to prevent the foot from slipping in them. - -This description of stirrup, with an instep-pad, is preferable for ladies -to the slipper, which is decidedly obsolete. - -Latchford’s[13] ladies’ patent safety stirrup seems to combine every -precaution for the security of fair equestrians. - -A balance-strap to a side-saddle is very desirable, and in general use. - -Where expense is no object, stirrups that open at the side with a spring -are, no doubt, the safest for gentlemen in case of any accident. - -With regard to _Stirrup-Leathers_, saddlers generally turn the right or -dressed side out for appearance; but as the dressing causes a tightness -on that side of the leather, the undressed side, which admits of more -expansion, should be outside—because, after a little wear, the leather -is susceptible of cracks, and the already extended side will crack the -soonest. The leather will break in the most insidious place, either in -the D under the stirrup-iron, where no one but the servant who cleans it -can see it; or else, perhaps, where the buckle wears it under the flap -of the saddle. Stirrup-leathers broken in this manner have caused many -accidents. - -Invariably adjust your stirrup-leathers _before mounting_. - -To measure the length of the stirrup-leathers of a new saddle, place -the fingers of the right hand against the bar to which the leathers are -attached, and, measuring from the bottom bar of the stirrup up to the -armpit, make the length of the leathers and stirrups equal to the length -of your arm, from the tips of the fingers to the armpit. Before entering -the field, in hunting or crossing country, draw up the leathers two or -three holes shorter on each side; and when starting on a long journey it -is as well to do the same, to ease both yourself and your bearer. - -_Clumped-soled Boots_ occasion accidents. If, in case of yourself or your -horse falling, the foot catch in the stirrup, a boot with such a sole may -prevent its release. - -The _Crupper_, though now obsolete for saddles, except in military -caparison, would be decidedly beneficial in keeping the saddle in its -proper place _on long journeys_, especially where, from the shape of the -animal, the saddle _will_ come too much forward, interfering with the -action of the shoulders, and throwing the weight of the burden unduly on -the fore-quarters, thus increasing the odds in favour of a tired beast -making an irretrievable stumble. - -The dock of the crupper should be seen to that it is soft, and free from -crusted sweat and dandriff, which would naturally cause irritation and -abrasion of the tail. It should be always kept well greased ready for -use.[14] - -The _Military Crupper_, according to the rules of the service, should be -so loose between cantel and dock as to admit of a man’s hand being turned -with ease between the horse’s back and the strap. If the crupper be -intended merely for ornament, such a regulation has hardly any meaning, -for it cannot be considered ornamental to see an apparently useless piece -of leather dangling at one side over a horse’s hip; and if the intention -be to make it useful, to keep the saddle from going too far forward on -ill-formed horses,[15] or in case of strong exertion, it is obvious -that a loose strap (according to orders) could hardly serve any such -purpose. If the crupper be for use, it would appear that after the saddle -is placed in its proper position on the animal’s back (the crupper being -left at its full length for this purpose), and previous to girthing, it -should be shortened so as to _retain_ the saddle in that place under any -circumstances,—not, however, that the crupper should be so tightened as -to inconvenience the beast, and half cut his tail off; it will be tight -enough to serve its purpose if _one_ or _two_ fingers can be easily -turned under the strap. - -The _Breastplate_ may be necessary in hunting or steeplechasing with -horses that are light behind the girth, or what is vulgarly called -“herring-gutted,” and is used to prevent the saddle from getting too far -back, or, as the grooms say, the horse “running through his girths.” -Animals trained to such trying work as steeplechasing, or even hunting, -will become much smaller in the carcass than a trooper or an ordinary -gentleman’s hack. - -With dragoons this part of the equipment is generally ill-adjusted, as -if to correspond with the inefficient arrangement of the crupper, the -breast-straps being often _too tight_. Frequently, during manœuvring -in the field or the riding-school, I have seen breast-straps burst in -consequence of their tightness; and indeed it stands to reason they -can thus but interfere with a horse’s action in leaping or making more -than ordinary exertion. Their tightness not only renders discomfiture -imminent, but must drag the saddle forward out of its place. - -Altogether it might be desirable that commanding officers of some -cavalry regiments would study the pose on horseback of Marochetti’s -sculptured dragoons, or those of other eminent artists. The result -would probably be a marked improvement in the position of the saddle, -and, consequently, in the general _coup d’œil_ of our cavalry, who, -however, notwithstanding such minor defects, have always maintained their -superiority in horsemanship, as well as in efficiency, over any other -cavalry in the world. - - -RIDING. - -The seat, method of holding the hands, &c., should be left to the -riding-master,[16] with a friendly admonition to the learner to avoid the -“stuck-up,” one-handed principle to a great extent, and to take a lesson -whenever opportunity occurs from one of the “great untaught,”[17] and, -observing their ease and judgment in the management of their bearers, -endeavour to modify their own horsemanship accordingly. - -Kindness goes far in managing these noble animals. - -How is it that many horses that are unmanageable with powerful and good -horsemen, can be ridden with perfect ease and safety by ladies? The -first thing a lady generally does after mounting, is to reassure her -steed by patting, or, in riding-school language, “making much of him,” -taking up the reins with a very light hand, and giving him his head; -whereas a man usually does the very reverse; he takes a commanding hold -of the reins, presses his legs into the horse as the signal for motion, -perhaps with a rasp of both spurs into his sides, indicating no great -amiability of temper—a state of things very likely to be reciprocated by -a high-spirited horse. - -As before observed, every man ought himself to be able to judge whether -his horse is properly saddled and bridled. I must still inveigh against -misplacement of the saddle, which grooms, it will be remarked, usually -place too far forward—a mistake which is of more consequence than is -generally considered. - -Take a dragoon, for instance, weighing, with arms, accoutrements, and -kit, from fifteen to twenty stone; this weight, if allowed to fall unduly -on the fore quarter, must help to founder the charger, and bring him into -trouble on the first provocation. Let him make the least stumble, and the -weight of his burden, instead of being back in its proper place, with the -man’s assistance there to help him up, is thrown forward, keeping the -beast tied down, and preventing his rising. But, taking appearances into -consideration, the forward placement of the saddle is most ungraceful, -reminding one of the position of an Eastern driving an elephant, seated -on his bearer’s neck. - -I have seen the _tout ensemble_ of a magnificent cavalry regiment -strikingly deteriorated by the ungraceful and absolutely unhorsemanlike -misplacement of the saddles, and consequently of the men—though the -military regulation on the subject is fair enough, directing a saddle -to be placed a handbreadth behind the play of the shoulder. This -would, perhaps, be a slight excess in the other direction, were it not -considered that, in all probability, out of a hundred troop-horses so -saddled, ninety-nine would be found after an hour’s trotting to have -shifted the saddle _forward_, for one on whom it would have remained -stationary or gone back. - -It is well known that no rider should ever go fast down-hill on the road, -or round a corner, especially on pavement; but in the field, hunting or -racing, down-hill is the place to make play. - -In the absence of an attendant to hold for mounting, some horses are -allowed to contract a habit that is liable to cause accidents, of -starting before the rider is comfortably seated in the saddle. Prevent -this bad fashion by gathering the snaffle-rein (not the curb) tightly up -before mounting, and when across the saddle, and before the right leg is -in the stirrup, check any effort to move off. - -When a horse is alarmed, nothing so effectually reassures him as speaking -to him. I have myself experienced the efficacy of gently using my voice -on two or three occasions, when I admit having been run away with for a -short time. - -Though a horse ought never to be allowed to have his own way, his rider -should try every means before resorting to actual punishment or fight, -which may be sometimes unavoidable as the only chance of conquest. - -An animal requiring such treatment should be handed over to the -rough-rider for subsequent teaching, if not disposed of for more suitable -employment than that of a gentleman’s horse. - -Your bearer should not be allowed to keep a perpetual lean upon your -hand, more particularly when walking. Should he stumble while thus -leaning, he is not likely to recover himself, but will fall helplessly on -his knees. - -Keep him as self-dependent as possible, though not with a rein so slack -as to leave him to himself altogether. It is the business or amusement of -the rider to be on the alert for all casualties.[18] - -To make a horse change his foot in canter, if you find it difficult to do -so by merely using hand and leg, turn him _as if_ to circle towards that -side that you require the foot to lead—he will use the foot forward that -you wish in order to prop himself in turning. Thus, if you circle round -to the right, he will lead with the off fore foot; and if you turn to the -left, the near fore will be advanced. - -In using a curb, the rider should remember that if it is properly placed, -with a fair leverage, rough-handling of the lower or bit rein may drive a -fine-tempered animal into a state of great irritation, or even prove an -incentive to rearing;[19] and directly anything like this effect seems -to be produced, that rein should be eased, and the bridoon-rein borne -up. - -[Illustration: RIDING AT IT] - -In fencing, the snaffle or bridoon bit and rein _only_ ought to be used; -_this the rider should particularly bear in mind_. A rider with a hold -of the curb-rein in fencing, getting the least out of his equilibrium, -or giving an involuntary check to the curb, may put any well-mouthed -animal entirely out of his own way, preventing his jumping safely and -confidently, and probably causing accidents. One of several reasons why -the Irish horses excel in fencing is, that it is very much the custom in -that country to use snaffles in cross-country riding. The curb-rein may -be taken up, if necessary, after the jump is over. (Some horses, however, -are such violent pullers, that, in the full tilt of going to hounds, -where the country is close and fencing frequent, it is almost impossible -to avoid using the curb-rein occasionally in the act of jumping.) - -While touching on cross-country riding, it may be observed that many men -who ought to know better, often make a serious mistake in not leaving -hunters more to themselves than they do when going at and taking their -fences. Horses vary in their mode of progression; and whether the gait be -slow or fast, anything of a trained animal, when interfered with under -these circumstances, will be put out of his own way (which is generally -best suited to his peculiar temper or ability), in placing his legs -advantageously to make his jump with safety.[20] - -Let your horse, if he is anything of a fencer, choose his own way and -pace to take his jumps. - -In riding to hounds, if practicable, it is well to avoid newly made or -repaired ditches or fences; your steed is apt to encounter such with -diffidence; he does not take the jump with the same will, fears there’s -“something up,” and from want of confidence may very possibly make a -mistake. - - It would be well, for cross-country horsemen more especially, - to bear in mind Sir Francis Head’s observation, as applied to - riders as well as horses, that “the belly lifts the legs;” - meaning, I take it, that if man or horse is out of tone from - derangement of the stomach or general debility, he cannot be up - to the mark or fit for any physical exertion. It is well known - to steeplechase riders and men who ride straight to hounds, - that occasionally, in consequence of inertion, indulgence, or - dissipation, having deranged the stomach or nervous system, a - rider will be done up before his steed, who, oppressed with - a comparatively dead weight knocking about on his back, will - himself follow suit from want of being held together, and - probably come a burster at some jump before the finish. - -To a practical horseman the act of standing in the stirrups will suggest -itself as a matter of expediency to ease himself, when the horse is -pulling hard at or near his full galloping pace. - -The great advantage of a rider easing his bearer by walking up-hill is -treated of under the head of “Work,” page 36. - -When a rider finds his horse going tender or lame, he ought _immediately_ -to dismount and examine his feet. If a stone has become bedded between -the clefts of the frog, or got between shoe and sole, and a picker does -not happen to be at hand, a suitable stone should be sought wherewith to -dislodge the one in the foot. If no stone in the foot can be discovered -as causing the lameness, closer examination must be made in search of a -nail, a piece of iron or rough glass, or other damage to the sole. If no -apparent means of relief present itself, the sooner the beast is led to -the nearest place where a proper examination of the foot can take place -the better.[21] For the amount of work a horse can do, see remarks on -that subject, under the head of “Work,” page 35; and to avoid broken -knees, see hints on that subject, pages 51 and 141. - -_Mounting of Lady in Side-Saddle._—The mounter, being as close as -possible to the animal, should place his right hand on his right knee, -and in it receive the lady’s left foot. When she springs she should -straighten her left knee, at the same time having in her right hand the -reins, with a fast hold of the middle crutch, and her left hand on the -mounter’s shoulder to help her to spring up. - - -HARNESSING. - -_The General Mounting_, whether of brass or silver-plated (to correspond -with the mountings of the carriage), or with leather-covered buckles, is -all a matter of taste; the leather being, however, the least durable. - -_A Dry Harness-Room_ is indispensable, in which there should be shallow -presses with pegs, but no shelves; otherwise, coverings should be -provided for harness and saddles to preserve them from flying dust. - -_Style._—In pairing horses for draught, if one be rather larger than -the other, the larger should be placed on the near or left side, as -the left-hand side of the road being that on which vehicles travel, -the near-side horse will generally be going an inch or more lower than -the off-side one, and the difference of size in the pair will be less -perceptible. - -If the animals are of an even size, and one be more lazy than the other, -that one should be placed at the off side, being thus more conveniently -situated to receive gentle reminders from the whip without observation. -If one of the pair _will_ carry his head higher than the other, _his_ -coupling-rein[22] should run under that of the animal that leans his head -the most, so as to bring their heads as much on a level as possible. An -ivory ring, to run the coupling-reins through, looks and acts well. - -Both manes should be trained to flow either in or out from the pole; the -latter way is probably preferable. - -Horses left to _stand harnessed_ in the stable should be turned round in -the stalls and fastened with the T’s of two pillar-reins passed through -the rings of the bridoon of bit. Should there be no pillar-reins in pairs -belonging to the stern-posts of each stall, tie the horses’ heads up with -the rack-rein, so as to prevent their lying down in the harness. - -As a maxim, never leave a bridle on in the stable, unless in the case -where the head can be sustained by a pair of pillar-reins from the -stern-posts. Most serious accidents have occurred through neglect of this -rule. - -In _Yoking_ or “_putting to_,” the shafts of a vehicle must never be left -on the ground while the horse is being backed into them. If the shafts -touch him he will probably kick, or he may injure by standing on them. In -double harness, especially with spirited animals, to prevent the danger -of their backing, and being induced to kick by coming in contact with the -splinter-bar when putting to, first confine them to the point of the pole -by the pole chains or leathers, so lengthened as to enable the traces to -be attached (the outer ones first) to the carriage; which done, tighten -the chains or leathers to their working length. Accidents may thus be -averted. From the moment horses are “put to” their draught, until they -are driven off, some one should stand before their heads, whether they be -in single, pair, or four-horse harness. - -_Traces._—Great care should be taken in adjusting these to prove that -they are of an even length, as the least deviation in equality is liable, -by pressure on one side, to produce a sore on the neck, under the collar -of the horse that happens to be on the side of the shortest trace.—_See_ -“Jibbing,” page 87. - -The buckles of all traces and back-bands ought to be provided with -detached pieces of leather cut square the width of those straps, and -placed under the buckles the tongues of which pass through these bits of -leather; the straps, thus protected from being cut by the buckles, will -wear nearly thrice as long as otherwise, and there is nothing unsightly -in the arrangement. - -In all cases draught-horses should be placed close to their work—_i.e._, -the traces should meet as short as will just allow of the animals going -down an inclination at a brisk pace without coming in contact with the -carriage; the britching for single, and the pole-chains for double -harness, being tightened in proportion, to keep the carriage from running -on them down-hill. - -For _Pole-Chains_ and _Swinging-Bars_, see page 73. - -The _Hames_.—In order to divide the draught or pressure of the traces on -the shoulders a little, the hames might be furnished with scroll draught -eyes; this, however, has become unfashionable from being much used by -cabmen, and for rough draught. - -_Hames Top-Straps._—Care should be taken that these are perfectly sound -and strong, especially in _double_ harness, where the strain of stopping -and backing the carriage of necessity comes upon them. - -_Britching_ and _Kicking-Strap_.—It is better in single harness to -have the britching made with side-straps attached to the buckle or tug -of the _back-band_, and not to pass over the shaft (confined there by -a loop or staple as is usual). These side-straps can be tightened or -loosened according to the size of the animal, and if properly adjusted, -effectually prevent any carriage from running on the quarters. Across -the horses’ hips and through these straps, confined by square metal D’s, -passes the kicking-strap, which is attached to the tugs on the shafts by -buckles. This caparison, instead of being unsightly, is positively more -elegant than the ordinary-shaped britching, and provides a kicking-strap -at all times with the britching. - -The kicking-strap for double harness must always be inelegant, nor can it -be made as effectual as that for single harness; for which reason, if for -no other, a kicking horse should never be used in double harness under a -gentleman’s carriage. - -Britching is not generally used for double harness; but where appearances -are not regarded, it finds place amongst various other contrivances -available to make kickers, jibbers, bolters, plungers, and runaways, work -as placidly as if “they couldn’t help it.”[23] - -The _Terret-Pad_ must be left to the taste of the owner and saddler, with -an observation, that in single harness it should be ascertained that the -back-band has always free play through it; and as a precaution, it is -desirable that in single harness the belly-band be always wrapped once -round at least one of the shafts before the tug, whether the draught be -on four or on a pair of wheels. Neglect in this particular has often -occasioned accidents. The terret-pad is generally placed too far forward; -the shortening of the crupper remedies this. - -In double harness have a care that the terret-pad trace bearing-straps -are not buckled too short. I have seen fine tall horses greatly worn by -these straps being too tight, tying the animals across the back, the -undue pressure being aggravated with each elevation of the frame in the -act of progression. - -[Illustration: FIG. 1.—Front View of a Collar, with the stuffing placed -as it should be for wear with ease and safety. _a a_, rim of collar all -round. _b b_, stuffing projecting round outside of rim. _c c_, stuffing -to project inside at back of rim, for the purpose of tightening the -collar on the neck in that situation, and thus obviate abrasion.] - -The _Collar._—More care and judgment are necessary in shaping the -stuffing of the collar to fit a horse than for any other part of the -harness. The collar should not press either on the mane or on the under -part of the neck round the gullet; the pressure should be on each side of -the neck at _c c_ in figure. Collars to fit the ordinary run of horses -ought to be shaped thus, by the padding exclusive of the rim. The shape -of the rim is comparatively immaterial, but it must be strong to retain -the collar in shape. Any collar, be it ever so well shaped, should be -tried on the horse’s neck before it is taken into wear, to make sure that -it is neither too large nor too small. - -Some horses’ heads are large in proportion with the size of collar they -require; in such cases, out of compassion for the poor animal over whose -head the small collar has to be forced at the risk of injuring his eyes, -the collar, which is generally closed, should be made open at the top, to -fasten with buckle and strap. - -Under ordinary circumstances the open collars are not preferable, as -the opening and closing weakens the rim, and is likely to put them out -of shape; but as grooms have a fashion of putting the collar on with -the rigid hames tightly buckled round it, the whole process of forcing -a small closed collar over a beast’s larger head is so repulsive to him -that in time he learns to dread the very sight of a collar. The plan -of putting on the collar with the hames attached to it should never be -permitted. - -_Saving-Collar_, and description of make.—This is generally formed by -harness-makers of basil with quilted padding. More serviceable than this -will be found the saving-collar cut of single leather, from the soft or -belly part of the cow-hide. A breast-strap is placed at the bottom of the -collar with a loop and buckle at the end, through which the belly-band of -the terret-pad passes to confine the collar. - -Every owner of harness should be provided with one or two saving-collars -of this description to be used where severe work is expected, on long -journeys, or with animals new to harness. They should be open at the top, -to fasten there with two buckles and narrow straps, the tightening or -lengthening of the latter enabling it to be fitted to the horse’s size. -Some care is necessary to observe that the regular collar does not rub -the buckles of the saving-collar against the horse’s neck and make a sore. - -The saving-collar should be always kept well moistened with grease or -oil, and carefully looked to after use, the crusted sweat and dandriff -being scraped off it. In the absence of a saving-collar, the collar -itself should be watched in the same respect. - -The bridles generally in use for harness appear to require little or no -improvement. - -The _Bit_ must be equally adapted to the horse’s mouth, &c., as for -riding (page 38), except that with harness, while to all appearance using -the same kind of bit with a pair of horses, the leverage on the mouths -can be altered, by placing the billets or buckle-end of the driving-reins -high or low in the cheeks of each, according to the animal’s temper, his -bearing on it, &c. - -In placing the billets in the bit, it should be borne in mind that the -more use is made of the curb the more will be taken out of the horse; -therefore, when a long journey or severe work has to be done, animals -should be driven in snaffle, or the billets should be placed as near as -possible to the mouthpiece of the bit. - -Experience only can demonstrate the difference in the wear and tear of -the general physique, resulting from a judicious arrangement or otherwise -of the reins and bit. - -_Blinkers._—The question of “blinkers or no blinkers” can best be -answered by the observation, that if you can find horses that may be -depended upon to work safely and steadily without them, they may be -dispensed with; but as such animals are rare, blinkers are likely to -continue in general use. - -Placing crests or ornaments on blinkers, unless the latter are light -and well hollowed, and kept extended in front by stiff blinker-straps, -is a practice likely to be injurious to the animals’ eyes; in fact, all -blinkers, unless light and well hollowed, are dangerous for the eyes, and -of course the increased weight of crests and their fastenings aggravates -the objection. - -Heavy forehead-bands and rosettes, though ornamental, are anything but -desirable, as far as the horse himself is concerned. - -The _Noseband_ of the harness bridle, like the riding one, can by -tightening be made very useful with some descriptions of hard-pulling -horses.—_See_ “Noseband,” page 42. - -The _Breastplate_, or head-stall martingal, can be made useful in the -same way.—_See_ page 40. - -_Throat-lash._—_See_ page 43. - -_Reins._—Saddlers generally suit the reins admirably to the work for -which they are intended. A buff hand-piece with pullers is decidedly -preferable to plain leather, as its roughness enables the driver to have -a much firmer hold of the reins, but will become slippery in wet. - -The _Bearing-Rein_ is only used to keep up a horse’s head and give him a -showy appearance, therefore no experienced person will use it except with -that object, and it is injurious in every other respect.—(_See_ “Broken -Knees,” pages 52 and 141.) - -_Crupper._—This strap is intended to keep the terret-pad and back-band -in their proper places, and to restrain the former from running too far -forward or pressing on the withers (_see_ “Sore Withers,” page 151); also -as a sustainer to the terret-pad against the bearing-rein when the latter -is strained into its hook. Grooms have a very improper habit of leaving -the whole of the hinder part of the harness suspended in one mass by the -crupper-dock on a peg in the wall of the harness-room; this should not -be allowed. Let the terret-pad when not in use be always placed across a -proper saddle-rack, with the britching and crupper suspended therefrom; -or let them, at all events, be put somewhere by themselves. - -_To put on Harness._—First, while the horse’s head is towards the manger, -place the terret-pad loosely across the back—take hold of the tail, and -carefully turn down the hair over the end of the flesh; thus grasping and -holding the tail and its hair together in the left hand, with the right -draw the crupper-dock over it, and adjust the latter to its place at the -root of the tail, being careful _not_ to leave a _single_ loose hair -under it. Then arrange your terret-pad in the place where it should work -by shortening or lengthening the crupper-strap; which done, tighten the -belly-band.[24] - -Now turn the horse in his stall, and, your collar and hames having been -hung up close at hand, slip the wide end of the former _by itself_ over -the head. - -Leave the collar so, on the narrow part of the neck, till you place your -hames within the collar-rim, and fasten them thereto by buckling the top -strap over the narrow part or top of the collar: now turn the collar and -hames round on the neck _in the direction_ of the _side_ over which the -_mane hangs_. - -Put on the bridle and attach driving-reins, temporarily doubling their -hand-piece through the terrets. Fasten the horse thus harnessed to the -pillar-reins till you are ready to “put to.” - -_To take off Harness_, begin by removing the reins and bridle; then take -off the hames _by themselves_, then the collar, and lastly the terret-pad -and crupper. - - -DRIVING. - -In driving, a man should sit up against his work, and be thoroughly -propped by his legs and feet, with the left or rein hand held well into -his body, in front of or a little below the waist. Nothing looks more -ungraceful than to have the reins at arm’s-length, held out at a distance -from one’s chest. - -A driver should always be seated before any one else in or about the -vehicle; and having carefully taken a firm hold of the reins in his -left hand BEFORE mounting his seat, they should so remain, and never be -shifted. But should the driver be either obliged or find it convenient to -allow others to be seated first, he will then of necessity have to mount -from the off or right side, in which case he will in the first place have -to take the reins in his right hand until seated, when he will at once -transfer them to their proper position in his left. - -The whip should invariably be placed in the socket, or be handed -carefully to the driver after he has mounted. To mount with it in hand -is highly dangerous; the sight of it over the blinkers, or an accidental -touch to an animal when the driver is unprepared, may startle and set off -a team—while holding a whip in the act of mounting renders that piece of -gymnastics doubly awkward to accomplish. All turns and manœuvres may be -effected by the fore-finger (and thumb if necessary) of the right or whip -hand, either on the off or the near side rein, according as the direction -of the intended movement is towards the right or left.[25] But in driving -four-in-hand, unicorns, or tandems, insert the fourth finger of the -whip-hand between the lead and wheel reins on the side you want to pull, -to turn or direct your horses. - -With four-in-hand the general principle is, while allowing only a certain -amount of play to the heads of your leaders, to keep your wheelers well -in hand, ready for any sudden emergency, bearing in mind that it is -only with them, as they are attached to the pole, that you can stop the -carriage. - -A driver having occasion to raise his right hand for any purpose, should -first place the whip transversely under the thumb of the left or rein -hand (above, but upon, one of the reins), leaving the other hand at -liberty; indeed, the whip should always lie in this transverse position, -whether in the right or the left hand, unless when in use for correction. -Many horses are very clever at watching the whip over the blinkers, and -careless pointing forward with it may keep a high-spirited animal in a -continual fret. - -To ascertain how each horse is doing his work, judge not only by the test -of the willing horse bearing more on your hand; see also how each horse -keeps his traces. In whichever case they are slack, you may depend that -_that_ horse has no draught upon him; if tight, he is doing his share of -the work, or more. A good whip will correct the defaulter so as to avoid -annoying the other horse. There is no better criterion of skill in the -use of the whip than this. - -With the leaders in tandem and four-in-hand, and in low-seated carriages, -unless the dash-board be very high, the reins are apt to get under the -horses’ tails. In such cases, to avoid a kicking match, no immediate -attempt should be made to replace the reins while they are confined; -but a _very light_ lash of the whip on the leg will engage the attention -of the animal, and while the tail is switched up on the touch of the -lash, the reins may be released. Horses should always be kept well in -hand, unless that, upon a long and tiresome journey, some consideration -may be shown for what they have to go through. Under such circumstances, -attention may well be directed to the manner the billets are placed in -the bit (page 62). - -On the level a fair pace can be maintained, but up hill no merciful man -will ever press his beasts. When a heavy load has to be drawn up a sharp -short hill, it is not a bad plan to _cheat_ the horse out of the first -half of it by going at it with an impetus, suffering the pace to merge -into a walk without further pressure as the first impetus declines. - -When the ascent is long and gradual, horses should be allowed to walk the -whole way, which can always be admitted of on ordinary roads, where the -pace is not intended to exceed eight miles an hour, as the speed may be -accelerated when the fall of ground is reached, without distressing the -animals. - -Let a man suppose himself to be obliged to wheel a hand-cart with a -heavy burden for a given distance within a given time, on an undulating -roadway, and he will soon discover the course he would pursue to effect -his object; he would certainly save himself by going very slowly up -the hills, and make up the time and distance with most ease by rolling -the vehicle at a rapid rate down the declivities. Let the principle of -working thus exemplified be always applied to the usage of horses in -harness. - -An old driving maxim may be added, though not recommended by the metre:— - - “Up the hill spare me; - Down the hill let me run and bear me; - On the level never fear me.” - -Or, - - “Walk me a mile out and a mile in; - Up the hill spur me not, - Down the hill I’ll walk or trot; - On the plain spare me not; - In the stable forget me not.” - -I have driven a great deal in my life, and have never met with an -accident from driving at a fair trot down a moderate hill, with plenty of -road-room, and no turning to be made till after gaining the level, the -team being well in hand throughout. - -This observation applies equally to any number of horses; but with tandem -or four-in-hand the wheelers should be held particularly tight, and the -leaders pulled back. - -If, in descending a hill, the wheel can be drawn along rough stones -without the horses being also brought on them, it is desirable to avail -of such a drag. - -In such hilly countries as Wales, Devon, &c., the constant use of a skid -is indispensable. The uninitiated may not quarrel with me for reminding -them of the necessity for keeping always to their own or the left side of -the road(_the right on the Continent, in America, and other countries_). -In turning a corner, however, if it be to the left you intend going, -_before_ you make your turn get from your proper side of the road a -_little_ towards the right, if possible, and from thence make your turn, -by which means you will more easily reach the left, or your proper side, -of the new route you intend to take, besides being able to see everything -that is approaching en the other. To turn a right angle you must have -space accordingly, and it is better to make use of that which you see -insured to you than to be depending on that which is uncertain. - -It is hardly necessary to remark that it is infinitely safer to make -your turns at a slow pace than faster. Turning quickly round corners is -reckless work, but the faster your pace the more necessary it is to get -to the wrong side of the road when turning to the left _before_ you make -your turn to the new, or _before_ entering a narrow gateway or passage. -When the turn is to the right, you will keep to your own or left side of -the road. - -Where a narrow gateway has to be entered with four wheels, having brought -your vehicle fairly in front of it, place your pole directly over the -centre or bolt stone; in the absence of this guide, mark with your eye -some object in the centre, and bring your pole right over it. The wheels -will take care of themselves, if there is at all room for the carriage. - -With single harness the horse is brought direct at the gate, and kept -very straight, his hind feet passing over the centre object. - -In driving through crowded streets or in a narrow way, especially with -vehicles coming rapidly towards you, and every prospect of a collision, -take a stronger hold of your horses, and moderate your pace, remembering -that, if you cannot avoid grief, the less the impetus the less the -crash, if it should come. This result is amusingly exemplified by the -stage-coachman’s definition of the difference between the results of road -and rail accidents. Coachey says, “If even an upset occur on the road, -_there you are_; but if an accident takes place by rail, _where are you_?” - -Remember to collect your horses well in hand before you alter your -course on the road, or to cross it, in order to have them alert and handy -for any emergency. - -When travelling in damp weather, the roads being sticky, half wet and -dry, your horse requires saving and consideration, no matter to what -extent the wind may be blowing, if it goes only in the _same direction -as himself_. When the roads are perfectly dry with a light wind blowing -_against_ your horse, he travels under the more favourable circumstances. - -Neither blinkers nor bit should ever, upon any consideration, be removed -from a horse while he is attached to a carriage, whether to feed or for -any other purpose. Want of caution in this respect has been a fertile -source of most serious accidents. - -_When a horse falls_ irretrievably in harness, the driver should avoid -leaving his seat till some assistant can go to the animal’s head, who, -placing his coat or some soft substance between it and the road, to -prevent injury to the eyes, presses one or both knees lightly on the -neck, but so as to prevent the beast from rising; which done, the driver -can get down from his seat, and, availing of all the aid he can procure, -frees all the harness as rapidly as possible, and, running back the -carriage from the horse, assists him to rise. To disengage buckles easily -in such cases, instead of dragging at the point of the strap in the usual -way, force both ends of it to the centre of the buckle, which will cause -the tongue to turn back, and so free the strap. - -When a fall in harness occurs on slippery pavement such as some of the -London streets, or in frosty weather, before the horse is permitted to -make any effort to rise, some ashes, dry clay, sand, sawdust, hay or -straw, or even any old rug or piece of cloth or carpet, should be so -placed as to prevent him from slipping in his ineffectual and distressing -endeavours to recover his legs. - -_Backing._—When a horse takes to backing, and danger is threatened, if -you cannot get him forward, and have no assistant to take him by the -head, the more rapidly you bring the brute’s head to the point where -he aims at bringing his tail the better. It is a bad _habit_, however, -to give an animal, to allow of his being taken by the head when he is -obstreperous, and should only be resorted to when quite unavoidable. - -_Kicking in Harness._—When there is no kicking-strap or other means of -restraint available, and an animal seems disposed to persist in kicking, -the driver, _retaining his seat_, should direct some one to hold up one -of the fore feet (if he finds a difficulty in doing so, doubling the knee -and tying a handkerchief tightly round it) so as to prevent the foot -reaching the ground, which done, the driver may help to unharness, while -the other assistant takes hold of the horse’s head. - -_Shying._—See page 88. - -_Runaways_ are frequently checked by sawing the mouth. In such cases, -retain your presence of mind, determined to stick to the ship to the -last; if you have the luck to meet with an ascent, that is your time to -get a pull. - -A horse that has once run away, especially if, in connection with that -feat, he has met with any noisy disaster or breakage, is _never, as long -as he lives, safe to drive again_. It only remains for his owner to use -humanity and judgment in disposing of him. - -_Stubborn horses_, or _jibbers_, in single harness.—On the first -appearance of this disposition at starting, the neck should be -examined, to discover whether the fit may not have been occasioned by -indisposition to work against an ill-fitting or dirty collar, which may -have produced abrasion or tenderness of the skin under it (_see_ page -61). If the unpleasantness proceed from innate stubbornness in the brute, -and simple means do not succeed in single harness, place him in double -harness, beside a well-tempered, good worker, that will _drag him away_, -starting _down-hill_. In this manner the habit, if not confirmed, will be -overcome. In _extreme_ cases, different appliances have been used with -varied success in making the beast move on—such as a round pebble, about -the size of a hen’s egg, placed in the ear, and secured with a cord tied -round the latter, near the tip, or stuffing a glove in each ear. I have -also seen coachmen put two or three handfuls of mud into the horse’s -mouth, and rub it against his palate with good effect, or tap him with a -stick at the back of the fore legs, just under the knee. - -Letting a stubborn beast stand for hours in harness in the spot where -he has taken the fit, and, when he has become well hungered, placing a -feed of corn before him and gradually walking away with it, is a dilatory -proceeding sometimes resorted to, but scarcely worth mentioning. - - -DRAWING. - -The size of horses should be in proportion to the weight and size of the -vehicle and loads they are intended to move, upon the principle, easily -demonstrated by experiment, that weight drags weight. For instance, a -horse having to drag a cart up a hill, will do so more easily with the -driver on his back than otherwise, as the weight of the man assists the -horse against the weight he has to move. The latter part of this argument -only refers, however, to short distances, or to starting a draught. - -The higher the wheels are, and the closer together, whether they be -two or four, the lighter will be the draught. In fact, to render the -draught as easy as possible, the axles ought to be on a level with -the trace-hooks, or point of traction, or as nearly horizontal as -possible with the traces and their place in the leg of the hames. It -is self-evident that if a horse has to be pulling _up_, it is like his -having to raise a certain part of the weight of the carriage with every -step he moves; and the faster he goes, the more injuriously does this -principle operate against him. - -The point of the pole-and-chain attachment should be always so elevated -from its insertion in the carriage as to be on a level with the rings -of the hames through which the pole-chains pass. On the point of the -pole should be a revolving steel cross-tree, from eight to ten inches in -length, in the ends of which the pole-chains or leathers are inserted. -The working of this contrivance will, to any practical man, demonstrate -its utility. - -In light double harness, I much prefer using swinging-bars instead of one -inflexible splinter-bar, unless for very heavy draught. Horses should be -placed close to their work. For adjusting the traces to that effect, see -page 58. - -It should be remembered that the farther forward in a carriage the weight -to be drawn is placed, the easier will be the draught on the horse. Thus -the weight of one man at the extreme end of the vehicle (like a conductor -on an omnibus) has as much effect on the traction as that of two men on -or near the driving-seat. The deader the weight, let it be placed as it -may, the greater the trial of the horse; therefore inanimate matter is -heavier on traction than anything having life. - -Vehicles of which the lower carriage and axles are kept braced together -by a perch steadying the action of the wheels, are much the easiest on -the draught. The Americans are well aware of the advantages of such a -construction for encountering the roughness of many of their roads. Not -only are all their pleasure carriages, or “buggies,” so constructed, -but the waggons have a perch that by an admirable arrangement can be -detached, to allow of the carriage being lengthened when required to -carry timber or other lading. The perch, being in two pieces, can be -coupled by the simple contrivance of a movable iron band and pin, giving -a freedom, most desirable in a rough country, to the movement of the -lower carriage. This contrivance works well, and might with advantage -be applied to our military train-waggons and ambulance-carts. Horses -cannot but suffer from the present construction of carriages in general -use, where the axles are left unsupported and unbraced to encounter the -roughness and inequalities of the road. - -_Axle-Boxes._—Proper lubrication of the axle-boxes is too often sadly -neglected. Even Collinge’s patent will not run freely without periodical -aid in proportion to use, and it is no harm to make an occasional -examination of the wheels of a carriage when they are lifted off the -ground by setters, to see that there is thorough freedom in the working -of them, by spinning them round with one’s finger against the spokes. The -reapplication of gutta-percha or leather washers is essential, as the -amount of friction by work will wear that requisite. - -For a few days after the washers are replaced, the boxes should not be -screwed too tightly, but subsequently they should be re-tightened. The -noise of wheels joggling upon their axles indicates want of screwing up, -or of washers. - -A round tire is decidedly easier for draught than a flat-edged one. - -_Carriages_, immediately after use, should be cleaned, or at least have -water dashed over them, to prevent the mud from drying on the paint, -which can scarcely fail to deteriorate it, and give it a premature -appearance of wear. - - -SHOEING. - -Some horses are very averse to being shod, through some fright the first -time of shoeing, or bad management. It is better to overcome such shyness -or vice by gentleness or stratagem than by force of any kind. - -Some few animals even require to be cast, or placed under the influence -of the painful twitch. Before resorting to any force, however, the -following means should be tried in preference to others:—Let whoever is -in the habit of riding or exercising the horse _mount him_ when regularly -bridled and saddled, the girths being a little looser that if intended -for work; ride to the side of the forge, and there let him (his rider -still on his back) be shod the first time; on the second visit to the -forge, if it be spacious enough, he may be ridden into it for the same -purpose. - -In shoeing, the smith’s rule ought to be to fit the shoe to the foot, -_not the foot to the shoe_, according to the general practice of those -gentry. - -In London and all large towns, the best thing a gentleman can do is -to contract with a veterinary surgeon for the shoeing as well as the -doctoring of his horses. - -The night previous to a horse being shod or removed, the groom should -stop his feet, to soften them, and enable the farrier to use his -drawing-knife properly, and without injury to that instrument. - -In shoeing, any _undue_ accumulation of sole may be pared away; -judgment must, however, be used in this particular, as the feet of some -animals grow more sole than others, and superfluous increase tends -to contraction, whereas care must be taken not to weaken the sole of -ordinary growth. I am aware that great difference of opinion exists on -this subject, but I speak from practical experience of the results of -opposite modes of treatment in this particular. - -If no shoes were used, the wear and tear of work would provide for the -disposal of this accumulation, which, as nature is interfered with by the -use of shoes, must be artificially removed. - -If the frog be jagged it may be pared even, but the sound parts should -not be cut away, and on no account should the smith’s drawing-knife -be allowed to divide the bars or returns of the foot—an operation -technically called by the trade “opening the heels,” to which fallacious -practice farriers are pertinaciously addicted, because, in some one case -of dreadfully contracted feet, they may have seen or heard of temporary -relief being given by this process, with the natural result, which they -ignore, of the remedy proving itself in time worse than the disease. - -If farriers are allowed, they will almost invariably drive as many -shoe-nails round the inside quarter as the outside. This is a lamentable -mistake, especially regarding the fore feet, as the foot being thus -nearly all round confined to the shoe, its proper action is interfered -with, preventing a possibility of its natural and gradual expansion in -action from the toe towards the heel, as the horse lays his foot upon the -ground, with all weight, as well as the act of propulsion, pressed on it. - -The reason for liberating the inside quarter in preference to the outside -is, that the inside, being more under the centre of gravity, will be -found to expand and contract more than the outside, as will be proved by -the removal and examination of a shoe that has been in use three or four -weeks. On observing the part of the shoe that has been next the foot, -it will be distinctly perceived that the friction of the inside quarter -of the foot has worn a cavity in the portion of the shoe which has been -under that quarter of the foot, while the side that has been under the -outside quarter bears comparatively little evidence of friction above it. - -This being an established fact, it seems desirable that the full number -of nails should be driven round the outside quarter, and not more than -one or two (for hunting purposes) on the inside from the toe. (Six nails -altogether is the cavalry regulation.) - -If your horses are not quick wearers on the road, the fore shoes should -be removed within two or three weeks after shoeing (care being taken that -the clenches of the nails in the hind feet are at the same time properly -levelled to the hoof to prevent brushing), and let them be re-shod every -five or six weeks. - -In all foot ailments, whenever a horse is lame, although the disease -may not apparently be in the foot, let the shoe first be carefully -removed, and the shoeless foot examined by as competent a farrier as can -be procured (in the absence of a veterinary surgeon), by pincers round -the nail-holes, gently pressing wall and sole together, by the hammer -tapping the sole, and a judicious use of the drawing-knife, to detect the -possible seat of disease. - -I have known a lame horse to be brought to a reputedly-experienced -amateur horse-doctor, the cause of disease being so evidently -inflammation of the sheath of the tendon, that the animal was ordered -to be treated accordingly—viz., with cold applications; and this not -succeeding, firing the leg was resorted to, after which, the weather -being suitable, it was thought expedient to let the beast have a run at -grass. As a preliminary the shoes were removed, in the course of which -operation a bed of gravel was found to have secreted itself in the foot -of the supposed diseased leg, and the inflammation occasioned by the -gravel having gone up, caused what appeared to be _marked_ disease about -the tendon. - -Such were the results of neglecting the precautions here recommended. - -_Brushing_, or cutting, is a very tormenting weakness in the horse, -whether behind or before, and often highly dangerous in the latter case. - -The ordinary practice of farriers under such circumstances is to rasp -away the inside quarter of the offending hoof, as well as doubly -thickening the shoe under the weakened wall, leaving the toe to extend -itself forward. This is a great mistake, yielding only a temporary -improvement, not at all tending towards a cure. On the contrary, it would -be better to shorten the toes by degrees; and on no account should a rasp -be put near the wall of the inside quarter, in order to let it get as -strong as possible towards the heel. - -I would certainly allow no nails to be driven inside, but let the shoe be -fastened round the outer quarter of the foot, the shoe itself being of -equal thickness on both quarters as an ordinary shoe; but on putting it -on, it should not be suffered to project outside the inside quarter, and -the _shoes_ might _here_ be rasped to guard against rough edges, which -might injure the pastern of the opposite leg during work. - -A strong clip should also be thrown up on the outside quarters of these -shoes to catch the wall and effectually prevent them from shifting -towards or projecting beyond the inside quarter, which might cause them -to come in contact with the opposite pastern-joint while in motion. -Until the brushing be somewhat remedied, an india-rubber ring or a bit -of leather, and elastic strap round the pastern, will prevent it from -receiving present injury. If the above treatment is attended to and -persevered in, the probability is that in nine cases out of ten a cure -will be effected in course of time. - -_Corns._—Every horse-owner ought to make himself acquainted with the -part of the sole between the frog and the wall on the inside quarter -of the fore foot, called the seat of corns (_see_ pages 131 and 140), -and every time that a horse is shod or removed, in paring the foot the -drawing-knife should be used to clean away this cavity (without weakening -the adjacent wall), where the disease originates from undue pressure -of the shoe on the _inside_ quarter of that susceptible spot, or from -friction of the coffin-bone, on the inside of the sole, above the seat of -corn. The shoe ought to rest _entirely_ on the _wall_ of the foot, and -not on _any_ part of the _sole_. - -_Roughing_ and _Frosting_ is simply drawing out the old nails about -the toes and replacing them with very large sharp-headed ones, called -frost-nails. Horse-nails being made purposely of a soft metal, are unfit -for frosting, as the heads wear down so quickly. If smiths would _steel_ -the _heads_ of frost-nails, they would last much longer. This precaution -against slipping, however, is only effectual in slight frosts. In regular -frosting, the nails are carried completely round, with the addition of -sharp calkins being turned on the heels of all four feet, and sometimes -also short spikes or cogs turned down from the toes; but the latter are -common only in severe climates, though their use is quite as desirable -in England, especially to assist horses in ascending slippery hills, -where the cogs on the heels have little or no hold in the ground. Cogs or -calkins should be rasped by the smith, to sharpen them, every couple of -days. - -Although it may be inconvenient and expensive to have horses prepared in -frosty weather, it is highly necessary to do so where work is required -of them. The very extraordinary exertion that is needed on the part of -the animal to keep his feet when unprepared, as well as the fret to his -energies, takes a vast deal more out of him in one day’s work than a -month’s daily use would do under ordinary circumstances, not to speak of -the risk of pecuniary loss from accident. - -It is a most pitiable thing to see the poor beasts struggling in their -high courage and good temper to do their best, for what I can only call -cruel or thoughtless masters, to say nothing of the liability of the -animals’ breaking their knees and bringing their riders or drivers to -serious trouble, smashing harness and vehicles, &c. - -I have always found servants most ingenious in making objections to -having their horses prepared for frost, the grand secret being their -anxiety to keep them in the stable the whole time the frost lasts, that -they may be saved from the trouble of cleaning either them or their -caparison, carriages, &c. They will alarm you with the stereotyped -objections, “tearing the horses’ feet to pieces,” “driving fresh -nail-holes,” “ripping off shoes,” “his feet won’t bear a shoe after,” &c. -I never knew an ordinary sound foot to be reduced to such a condition, by -simply changing shoes, that a good smith could not fasten a shoe on. - -The only tangible objection to calkins to which attention need be drawn -is, that during their use, unless the horse is moved about in his stable -with great caution in cleaning or otherwise, he is apt to tread with them -on the coronet of the opposite foot, which is a very serious affair, -inflicting a nasty jagged wound on one of the most sensitive vascular -parts of the animal.[26] - -The _Bar Shoe_ going all round the foot is intended to protect weak or -thrushy heels. - -_Wide-webbed_ or _Surface Shoes_ are used with flat-footed, weak-soled -horses: leather being often introduced above them to save the soles from -being damaged by extraneous substances on the road. Put on with the -ordinary shoe, it is said to lessen the jar of the tread. - -_High-heeled Shoes_, when a horse is laid up, properly managed, prove a -most effectual palliation and aid in the cure of “clap of the back sinew” -(page 143). - -These shoes are made with calkins (joined by a light iron bar), which -should not be heavy, not more than an inch deep, and gradually reduced by -the smith as the disease abates. - -_Steeling the Toes_ is necessary with quick wearers on the road; but -particular cautions should be given to the smith to work the steel well -into the iron, for any protrusion of this hard metal above the iron will -occasion tripping, and possibly an irrecoverable fall. - -_Calking_ the hind shoes moderately on the outside quarter only, is most -essential to the hunter to prevent slipping, and to give him confidence -in going at his fences, and on landing. Its advantages can be well -understood by any sportsman who has experienced the difference between -walking himself a day’s simple shooting over soft slippery ground, or -taking a ten-mile walk on a half-wet road, in each case in boots with -headed nails, to enable him to have a hold in the ground, and undertaking -the same exercises in boots without nails, where one wearies himself with -efforts to keep his feet. - -I speak as a practical man, having probably come to less grief than most -others in hunting, which may be attributed mainly to the particular -attention bestowed on the calking of my bearers when I was a hard goer. -It seems an unimportant matter, but if looked into will be found to be -far otherwise. - -_Tips_, or half-shoes, which cover little more than the toe of a -horse, leaving the heels to come in direct contact with the ground, -are particularly serviceable in cases where the heels are disposed to -contraction, and, from my experience, can be used without injury in any -ordinary description of work while the frog is sound. - -The quarters of the feet being left by their use without the usual -confinement of the shoe, and being pressed to expansion on every movement -of the animal, naturally become strong and extended. Tips should become -gradually thinner, finishing in a fine edge towards the ends. I have seen -ill-made tips calculated to lame any horse, with the ends the thickness -of an ordinary shoe (though extending, which is the intention of tips, -less than half-way down the foot), as if the smith who made them expected -the heels to remain always suspended in mid air. - -_Slippers._—Regular sportsmen generally carry a spare shoe while hunting; -but if a shoe comes off one of the fore feet in the field or on the road, -and the rider is not provided with a proper shoe, he should at once -dismount and lead his bearer to the nearest forge, where an old shoe most -approaching to the size of the foot that can possibly be found should be -selected from the heap of cast ones that generally lies by in a forge, -and let it be tacked on with three or four nails only, so as to serve the -creature to get home, or until the proper shoe can be made. - -If a shoe comes off the hind foot, and the distance from home is not -above three or four miles, the animal can be led or occasionally ridden -that far without injury, especially if the softest side of the road be -selected for the track, the hind feet being generally much stronger than -the fore. - -_Travelling._—The day before a long journey, look to your horse’s shoes; -see that the clinches are well laid down and the shoes nailed tightly. -As a rule, do not have new shoes put on just before a journey, for the -least carelessness in fitting or nailing them may occasion more or less -lameness; should it be severe, disappointment and delay may result; while -if only apparently slight at starting, and the animal endure the pain -patiently during its work, the cause being in existence throughout will -produce its effects only too palpably when the day’s journey is over. If -old shoes are nearly worn, but will last the journey, let them by all -means remain on; but directly the work is over, send for any proper smith -whose forge is nearest, and have them taken off in the stable. Should -the forge not be at hand, the old slippers can of course be tacked on -when the horse, having had its rest, is taken to be shod. All shoes, for -road-work especially, should be made full long to cover the heels. It -should be borne in mind that, as the hoof grows naturally, the shoe is -brought forward and thereby exposes the heels. - - -VICE. - -In all cases where active vice, such as rearing, kicking, jibbing, -plunging, has to be combated, the work of correction is half done if the -horse is well tired in the first instance, or, in vulgar terms, “the -fiery edge taken off him,” by half an hour’s rapid loungeing, with his -neck well bent, chin into chest, on the softest and most tiring ground -that is available. For myself, if I find a horse vicious, I never think -of combating him if it can be helped, without having first reduced his -vigour a little; and all horsemen who undertake to conquer any seriously -bad habits are recommended to consider and adopt this practice, if indeed -such is not already their custom. - -_Kicking_, to the horseman, is a matter of very trifling consideration. -He may either amuse himself by letting the ebullition expend itself, or -it may be stopped by chucking up the horse’s head and increasing the pace. - -_Kicking in Harness_ is a different affair, being generally the prelude -to disaster, and must be guarded against.—_See_ page 58. - -_Kicking in the Stable._—Many animals, most gentle in other respects, -take inordinate fits of this practice, and generally in the dead of -night, as if to make up for their usual quietude on all other occasions; -most frequently they resort to the amusement without any apparent cause -of irritation whatever. They will do it when alone or when in company; -while, were it not for the capped hock and otherwise disfigured legs, as -well as the dilapidated stabling behind them, discovered in the morning, -you would think that “butter wouldn’t melt in their mouths.” In other -cases the habit proceeds from obvious bad temper or spite towards a -neighbour. There are many cures proposed for kicking in the stable. One -frequently successful is a round log of wood, four or five inches long -and about two in diameter, with a staple at one end of it, through which -a chain two or three inches long is passed and attached to a strap that -buckles round the pastern (just above the coronet) of one hind leg, or -a log in this way to each hind leg may be used if necessary. Another -means is to pad all parts of the stable that can be reached by the hind -feet. In many instances where this plan is adopted, the animal, no longer -hearing any noise suggesting to his fancy resistance from behind, will -cease kicking altogether, from no other explainable cause. For padding -use some pads of hay or oaten straw, covered with coarse canvass, and -nailed to all places within reach of his heels. Sometimes, where the -habit is supposed to arise from spite towards a neighbour, a change of -location will answer. In other cases nothing but arming all parts of the -stable within reach with furze bushes, or other prickly repellants, will -succeed. - -It will be well, in treating this vice, to try the remedies here -recommended in rotation; first with the otherwise quiet horse try the -log, then the padding, the change of location, and the prickly armour -in succession. It is a remarkable fact that horses seldom kick in the -stable during daylight; leaving a light in the stable through the night -may therefore effect a cure where all else has failed; but as light -interferes with sleep, it should be the very last resource. - -_Rearing_ is of little consequence in harness, and seldom attempted to -any extent; but to the rider it is, in my opinion, the most dangerous -of all bad habits to which a brute may be addicted. As I consider it -almost impossible for a horseman to cure a practised rearer, my advice -to the owner of such a beast would be, instead of risking his life in -the endeavour, to get rid of him to some buyer, who will place him -where, in the penal servitude of harness, he may perhaps eke out a -useful existence. However, should accident place you on a rearer, -directly he rises lay hold of the mane with one hand; this, while at once -throwing your weight forward where it should be, will enable you also to -completely slacken the reins, which is important. - -No one need be ashamed to adopt this plan. I have seen the best riders do -so. - -Vicious rearing may, on its first manifestation, be sometimes checked by -a determined and reckless rider giving a well-directed blow on the ear -with some bothering missile; but this is a venturesome proceeding, and -only in emergency should it be resorted to, as an ill-directed blow is -very likely to produce poll-evil, or knock the sight out of an eye. - -It is said that a bottle full of water, broken on the ear of a rearing -horse, proves an effectual cure; but happily the danger to the rider -during such treatment of his bearer, is a strong guarantee against the -frequent adoption of this barbarous practice. In many cases lowering one -hand with the rein on that side when the horse is just beginning to rise, -will have the effect of breaking the rear, the horse being urged forward -with the spur the instant his fore legs are down; but if, when he has -gained anything like the perpendicular, the rein or head be chucked, or -by any misfortune interfered with, the chances are that the brute will -walk about on his hind legs like a dancing dog, and most likely finish by -falling back on his rider. - -A martingal is sometimes found to be a preventive, especially a running -one. - -_Jibbing._—The disposition to this vice is generally called into action, -in the first instance, by the fret consequent on the abrasion of the neck -by the collar, or by the working of uneven traces (page 57). The use of -a saving-collar, and the careful adjustment of the traces, may therefore -obviate the propensity. - -Sometimes jibbing is the effect of bad handling when starting with a -heavy load. Where such a disposition evinces itself, the carriage should -be pushed from behind, or another horse placed beside, or, if possible, -in front of the jibber, to lead him off. - -_Shying_ may proceed from various causes, such as defective sight, -nervousness, or tricks; thus it may be the result of either -constitutional infirmity or of vice. From whatever cause proceeding, the -proper way to manage a shying horse is to turn his head _away from_ the -object at which he shies, in riding, pressing the spur to the same side -to which his head is turned; thus, if the object he dislikes be on the -right, turn his head to the left, and press your left leg, giving him -that spur, and _vice versa_, according to the side on which the object -to be avoided is found. If you have to deal with a bad shyer, your time -being precious, and you only care to get through your present ride with -the least unpleasantness possible, in addition to the above-mentioned -means, take him, if necessary, well by the head, the reins in each hand, -and saw or job his mouth rather sharply, keeping him in rapid motion till -you pass the object. - -Operating thus on his mouth _severely_, if necessary, will engage his -attention, and cheat him out of his apprehension for the moment. It -is bad horsemanship, and dangerous besides, to force a horse’s head -_towards_ an offending object while in motion; but if it is particularly -desirable that the animal should become familiarised with anything of -which he is shy, let him be brought to a standstill, and coaxed up -gradually to it, that he may assure himself of its harmlessness by -smelling and feeling it with his nose and lips, if possible. Punishment -by whip or spur—what is called “cramming” him up to a thing—is a vile -error. - -When a horse is found to evince a confirmed objection to passing a -particular place, and that he keeps bolting and turning viciously in -spite of all ordinary efforts to prevent it, take him at his own fancy, -and keep turning and turning him till he is so tired of that game that -he will only be too glad to go forward past the objectionable spot. A -horse’s sense of smelling is very acute, and sometimes a dead animal in -the ditch or field by the side of the road, though unseen, will cause an -abrupt and very unseating sort of a shy, with an ordinarily quiet beast -of sensitive olfactory nerves. - - -SELLING. - -If the horse you wish to dispose of be a fancy one, either for beauty, -action, or disposition, and a fancy price be required, efforts must be -made to obtain the fancy customer to suit, and time and attention must be -devoted to that object. But if he be of the ordinary useful class, unless -a purchaser be found at once, let the owner, directly he has made up his -mind to part with him, think of the best market available, whether public -auction, a fair, or private sale by commission. - -The public auction, with a good description of the animal’s merits, if -he has any, is the readiest and least troublesome mode of disposing of -all unsuitable property; and from my own experience, I should say that -the better plan is to make up one’s mind positively to dispose of such -the first time it is put up by the auctioneer, having, of course, placed -a reasonable and rather low reserve price on it, and provided that the -sale be fairly attended by purchasers; otherwise I should not allow my -property to be offered until a more favourable opportunity. - -A valuable and fancy animal, if his owner is not pressed to sell, had -better be disposed of by full advertisement and private sale at his own -stable. It is bad management to exhibit for sale an animal that is out -of condition; it always pays to make your horse look as well as possible -before he meets the eye of a customer. There is an old and true saying, -“no meat sells so well as horse meat”—of course animal flesh is here -alluded to. - - -CAPRICE.[27] - -All horsemen know how whimsical horses are, and the best riders feel a -certain amount of diffidence, and even awkwardness, on beginning with any -new mount, until a more perfect acquaintance is established between man -and horse. - -A horseman who identifies himself with his steed will sometimes by a -mere fluke hit off the means of having his own way with a capricious -though perhaps really well-disposed animal, if one only knew the way to -manage him. - -For instance, a first-class hunter of my own (Baronet), whose excellent -performance in the field, where I had seen him tried, induced me to -purchase him, soon gave evidence of a peculiarity for which, unknown to -me, he had made himself remarkable. No ordinary means could prevail upon -him to go through any street of a town except such as he pleased himself, -of which he gave me evidence the first day I had occasion to try him in -that way, walking on his hind legs directly his will was disputed on the -subject, even to the extent of a mere pressure on the rein at the side -he was required to turn. In my difficulty, instinct prompted me to drop -the reins and gently direct his progress with the point of the whip at -the side of his nose, and in this way he went ever after as quiet as -a sheep with me. Having discovered his caprice, I was always provided -with a handle of a whip or a switch of some kind for his benefit. Riding -him one day into Dycer’s, an old acquaintance of his, well aware of -his propensity, exclaimed in terms not complimentary to Baronet at my -possession of him, and was much amused when I told him my simple method -of managing this self-willed gentleman. - -The same sort of what I can scarcely help terming “instinct” that has -often taught me, and doubtless hundreds of other practical horsemen, -to meet the whims of their steeds so as to suit themselves, produced -a victory somewhat similar to the foregoing over an animal that, in -the presence of a large assemblage interested in his performance, most -determinedly refused to _trot_, though ridden successively by the most -skilled nagsmen Dycer’s yard could produce, as well as by Dycer himself. - -I proposed to try my hand, and the animal at first start pursued the same -uneasy half-canter with me; but perceiving that he seemed particularly -desirous to take a drink from a trough that happened to be in the way, -I allowed his attention to be distracted by taking as much water as he -pleased from it; and then turning him in the opposite direction from that -in which he had so obstinately persisted in his own gait, patting and -doing all I could to reassure him, dropping the bit-rein altogether, and -taking a very light and lengthened hold of the snaffle-rein, I let him -move off at his own pace, which, to the surprise of every one present -(my own, I admit, included), proved to be a walk, which he immediately -changed into a jog-trot all up the yard, winning for me a bet of twenty -sovereigns to one from the late Edward Dycer, that the horse could not be -made to trot within a quarter of an hour of the rider mounting. - -Now, it is only caprice that can account for the likes and dislikes of -horses about going lead or wheel in four-in-hand. One horse will not stir -till removed from the wheel, and another will be equally unmanageable -if assigned the leader’s part, while an exchange of places will perhaps -render both animals perfectly tractable. - -In double harness it may sometimes be observed that an animal, while -working by itself, or with others not faster, will casually show great -spirit, but when coupled with another possessing more life and action, it -will seem at once subdued from its former liveliness, and go along like -a slug, quite out of sorts at finding itself outpaced, &c., while its -more sprightly neighbour will exhibit a double ebullition of spirits, -as if in reproach to say, “Why can’t you come on?” To prove such cases -of whimsicality further, replace the apparent sluggard by coupling with -our vivacious steed a more lively and active animal, and you will see the -latter in his turn become subdued and “shut up,” in comparison with his -previous sprightliness. - -Again, although the animal is decidedly gregarious, a horse, from some -dislike to its companions or other whim, will absolutely pine and cease -to thrive in a stall stabled with others, and be restored to its usual -spirits and health on removal to a loose-box. Such animals are generally -restless at night, and show great ability in smashing their head-collars. - -On the other hand, most horses like company, and will pine away if kept -alone. - -These things should be studied. - - -IRISH HUNTERS, AND THE BREEDING OF GOOD HORSES. - -Much attention has latterly been attracted to the deterioration in the -superior breeds of horses, having reference more to a decline of power -and endurance than to diminished swiftness. - -There is no reason why our old fame for breeding good horses of every -kind should not be maintained. Unrelaxed attention must nevertheless -be given to some well-known and established rules respecting breeding, -and more marked encouragement might with advantage be in every way -afforded to the production and rearing of young animals of a superior -and valuable description. We would therefore suggest that prizes for -young ones should be more liberally and generally awarded at exhibitions; -likewise a careful revision and alteration of many of the present -regulations in connection with racing. - -The importance of most careful scrutiny in selecting the progenitors -of horses can never be overrated; and though in Ireland experience has -proved in many instances that a good hunter can be produced from a dam -which, in England, would be considered too small, too plain, the _blood_ -in both parents has invariably been of the best. The mare, or perhaps her -parents, might have been half-starved—no uncommon result of the scarcity -of food during many successive years of adversity among the poorer -classes in the former country—but her progenitors had been large powerful -animals. - -As, in the due course of things, it results in time that every -denomination of useful horse, excepting, perhaps, the heavy dray and -cart horse breeds, is influenced by the characteristics transmitted more -particularly to the powerful, enduring, moderately fleet animal properly -designated the hunter, it is a subject of deep interest to the community -at large to know how the latter should be produced. - -The “Irish hunter” is admitted to possess in a remarkable manner the -qualities most desirable in a horse of that or the generally useful -class. Hardy, enduring, courageous, strong, short-legged, short-backed, -long-sided, tolerably fast, but any deficiency in speed made up for -by jumping power; all action, able to jump anything and everything; -intuitive lovers of fencing; their sagacity such that you have only to -get on their backs and leave the rest to themselves;—under ordinary -circumstances it is almost impossible to throw these animals. - -[Illustration: THE PROPER FORM] - -Such is the breeding that I should be inclined to cross with that of -the powerful English race-horse as sire, taking blood as nearly pure as -possible in both parents, for the purpose of securing valuable stock, -which would in time be dispersed over the country, and replace the -progeny of those weedy thorough-breds which, in Ireland especially, have -done much towards the decline in power and endurance of the present -generation of so-called Irish hunters. The parentage might, of course, be -reversed between sire and dam. - -As to the question of climate, any one really interested in discovering -its possible effects might be curious to know what would characterise the -produce of a high-bred English racer and Irish huntress foaled and reared -in France. - -As far as we can judge from the peculiarities of those horses with which -we are most familiar, extremes of either heat or cold are unfavourable to -the development of _size_; whereas, under both conditions, a vast amount -of endurance seems to be natural. - -The Norwegian and the Arab, differing materially in point of swiftness, -are both notorious for endurance. The plodding perseverance of the first -is well known; while the Arab, ridden at an even gait with a fair weight, -will go with impunity a greater distance, at a rate of eighteen to twenty -miles an hour, than the best European can do. In sporting language, the -Arab can “stay” better than the European. - -Arab breeders rarely offer a really high-bred animal for sale under four, -and generally five, years of age; hence he cannot receive the education -bestowed upon the European racer, who, before he is three, often at -less than two, years of age, is taught by the most scientific riders in -the world to “go from the post” at very nearly top speed—a species of -training that sometimes results in his beating horses which are really -superior in every respect except that of being ready at starting, and -capable of putting on their best speed at once. Besides, in those hot -climates the young animal has not the advantage of a soft elastic turf, -so essential to training, nor has he the assistance of proper trainers -and jockeys. - -It is much to be regretted that the breeders of Arabia cannot be tempted, -for almost any price, to part with truly high-bred mares, wisely -retaining them to breed for the benefit of their native land. - -Warmth of climate seems thus, as instanced in the Arab, to favour -swiftness and endurance; though, on the other hand, we may point to the -mild, moist, but scarcely warm climate of our islands, as having fostered -the production of animals possessing these qualities in the first degree, -in addition to size and power beyond those of the Arab. - -France has latterly, since the introduction of pure blood, produced some -splendid horses; but time must tell whether the perfections of these -animals are as lasting as those of others whose early growth may not have -been so much forced by a more genial climate. Therefore, as far as we -know at present, the climate of England is as favourable as that of any -other land to the production and development of perfection in the horse, -the specimens of which that she has presented being hitherto unsurpassed. - -It would appear that we make a serious mistake in not providing greater -encouragement to breeders and purchasers of yearlings and two-years-old -of the different descriptions. A decided advantage would, we think, -result from competition among these classes at horse-shows, due care -being necessarily given to placing them in a situation specially adapted -for them, and where they would be free from noise and excitement. Nothing -would tend more to incite to the careful breeding of horses among farmers -than the possibility of obtaining handsome prizes, and thereby securing -the prospect of early remuneration; while the opportunity for market -afforded by these exhibitions would present additional inducements to the -rearing and purchase of young animals. Having in view the encouragement -of a superior breed of horses, it is beginning at the wrong end not to -support it, in the first place, by allotting at such meetings the most -numerous and valuable prizes to the babies. - -Fortunately the ventilation given to this important subject of the -deterioration in our horses, more especially in that particular class -denominated the Irish hunter, has aroused the interest of the country at -large, and already led to more earnest efforts on the part of the landed -proprietors and breeders to regain lost ground. - -It ought to be borne in mind that the light weights allowed by the -present racing laws for Queen’s plates are, as examples for weighting in -other races, most pernicious. These grants from the Crown were originally -bestowed with the view to encourage the raising of strong thorough-breds, -capable of carrying twelve stone sometimes for four or even five mile -heats; therefore the present arrangement of weights is positively, -however unintentionally, a misapplication of those public funds. - -It is probably to the turfmen that the change in the character of -steeplechasing is greatly due; they found it their interest gradually -to alter the weights and distances, so as to bring profitably into play -their second and third rate beaten race-horses. Steeplechases were not -intended for these latter, whose perfection is in proportion to their -speed. Pace is not the chief desideratum in hunters, to prove the -qualities of which steeple or castle chases were instituted; power and -endurance are at least as essential: and it is contrary to the law of -nature, as well as of mechanics, to combine a maximum of speed with that -of power, and _vice versa_. Either will preponderate to the detriment of -the other. - -The difficulties, natural and artificial, presented by the general face -of the country in Ireland, have no doubt contributed to the development -of those qualities which render the Irish hunter so valuable. The style -of fence is continually varied; and in the course of a run there will -be encountered double ditches, with a narrow or wide bank, single ones, -stone walls, brooks, bullfinches, gates, wide drains, and occasionally -posts and rails, or iron palings—hurdles being, however, of rare -occurrence; but the horse that can master the above impediments to his -course will soon find out how to jump a hurdle. - -[Illustration: PREPARATORY CANTER] - -The Irish colt has sometimes also a kind of training not expressly -designed for him by his owner; for being not unfrequently left with other -animals in a field affording an insufficient supply of grass for them -all, he undertakes to prove the truth of the proverb that hunger will -break through stone walls, by jumping over if not through one to obtain -more or better food. - -Transplanted to England, the accomplished Irish hunter often finds -himself tested in a manner strange to him; the rate of speed is greater -than he has been accustomed to, for the Green Isle has not yet adopted -generally the extremely swift pace of hounds now so much in vogue -in England, and is thence, as regards the hounds and the horses, in -unquestionably the most sportsmanlike condition. It was never intended -that hunting should become steeplechasing; and the unnatural pace to -which hounds are now forced causes them often to overrun the scent after -they have got away; then, when at fault, the entire ruck of the field -have an opportunity of coming up, to be, of course, once more distanced, -at the repeated sacrifice of the sound principles of hunting, and to the -disadvantage of the true breed of hunters. - -If breeders of horses would give their full attention to the pursuit, -there is no reason why they should not be as successful in producing the -best description of every class of this animal, as breeders of sheep and -cattle are in their line. By judicious crossing, animals can be secured -with any peculiar characteristics that may be desired; and for the -encouragement of energy and exertion in this direction, we may remind -our readers that there is now so much competition for the possession -of first-class horses, that our Continental neighbours constantly -outbid us, having learned to value them even more than we do who have -been suffering our best sires to be bought up and removed from their -native soil to improve the foreign stock. It is not impossible that, -circumstances having directed so much attention to this subject, good -will in this as in many other cases spring out of evil, and the fostering -of valuable breeds of horses will become a more widely-recognised source -of emolument than it has been for many years past, regaining, likewise, -its proper standing among Britons as a matter of deep national interest -and importance. - - - - -PART II. - - -DISEASES. - -When I had nearly completed this little manual, chance placed in my way -a valuable work called the ‘Illustrated Horse-Doctor,’ by Edward Mayhew, -M.R.C.V.S., which has borne me out in many of my opinions regarding -various diseases, and given me some useful elucidation as to the latest -approved treatment of some ailments. - -I would strenuously recommend the work for its simplicity and usefulness -to country gentlemen and other owners of valuable horses who can afford -to purchase it; they would derive great assistance from it, not only -as far as regards the written matter, but also from the spirited and -very characteristic illustrations, exemplifying more clearly than any -description possibly can do, matters connected with the treatment of -horses under disease. - -As to this little work, any remedy herein advised to be used, without -reference to competent authorities, is practical and may be depended on, -though intended to be harmless in any event. - -However, every one must be aware that doctors will differ, and some who -are critics may have pet theories of their own, which they might here and -there prefer to parts of the practice here recommended. - -It may be borne in mind, nevertheless, that diseases, like politics, with -time and occasion are liable to change their character. - -Many diseases are far more easily prevented than cured; and I must, in -the very first instance, protest against the unnatural and injurious -warmth by heated foul air, so much advocated by grooms, as a means of -giving _condition_, to produce which, food, work, and air are the safe -and natural agents. - -Wherever a means of avoiding any disease herein touched upon has -suggested itself, it is prominently set forth, in just appreciation of -the golden rule, that “prevention is better than cure.” - - -OPERATIONS. - -As all painful operations can now be performed under the influence -of chloroform, the least compensation an owner can make to his poor -beast for the tortures he is put to, in order to enhance his value and -usefulness to his master, is to lay an injunction on the professional -attendant to make use of this merciful provision, in cases where severe -pain must otherwise be inflicted on the animal. - -Rarey’s method of casting for operations, or when a horse is so extremely -unruly as to require to be thrown down, may be thus quoted from his own -directions:— - -“Everything that we want to teach a horse must be commenced in some way -to give him an idea of what you want him to do, and then be repeated till -he learns perfectly. - -“To make a horse lie down, bend his left fore-leg and slip a loop over -it, so that he cannot get it down. Then put a surcingle round his body, -and fasten one end of a long strap around the other fore-leg, just above -the hoof. Place the other end under the surcingle so as to keep the strap -in the right direction; take a short hold of it with your right hand; -stand on the left side of the horse; grasp the bit in your left hand; -pull steadily on the strap with your right; bear against his shoulder -till you cause him to move. As soon as he lifts his weight, your pulling -will raise the other foot, and he will have to come on his knees. - -“Keep the strap tight in your hand, so that he cannot straighten his leg -if he rises up. Hold him in this position, and turn his head towards you; -bear against his side with your shoulder, not hard, but with a steady -equal pressure, and in about ten minutes he will be down. As soon as he -lies down he will be completely conquered, and you can handle him at your -pleasure. - -“Take off the straps and straighten out his legs; rub him lightly about -the face and neck with your hand the way the hair lies; handle all his -legs, and after he has lain ten or twenty minutes let him get up again. -After resting him a short time make him lie down and get up as before. -Repeat the operation three or four times, which will be sufficient for -one lesson. - -“Give him two lessons a-day: and when you have given him four lessons he -will lie down by taking hold of one foot. As soon as he is well broken to -lie down in this way, tap him on the opposite leg with a stick when you -take hold of his foot, and in a few days he will lie down from the mere -motion of the stick.” - -For the purpose of handling horses more easily _without casting them_, -when slight operations have to be performed, a twitch is used, made by -7 or 8 inches of cord formed into a noose, which is attached to about -2 feet of a strong stick. The noose is placed on the upper lip of the -horse, and by turning the stick round and round, it is tightened. The -pain thus occasioned to the animal subdues him to bear almost anything, -and he can thus be subjected to minor operations while standing, but -it is also as well to place a cloth over his eyes to prevent his being -too well informed of what is going on,—a precaution which may be used -with advantage under various other circumstances, such as measuring the -height, when the sight of the size-measure as placed against his shoulder -might alarm him;—in fact, upon any occasion when it maybe desirable that -a horse should not be aware of what is passing around him; for instance, -if he is unwilling to go on board ship or into a horse-van. - - -TO GIVE A BALL. - -Turn the animal round in the stall so as to have his head to the light, -making the least possible fuss or noise. - -Stand on a stool on the off side, and, gently putting your hand in the -mouth, draw the tongue a little out; place the fingers of the left hand -over it, and keep it firmly in this position by pressure _against the -jaw_—not holding the tongue by itself, as a restless horse, by suddenly -drawing back or sideways while his tongue is tightly held, may seriously -injure himself. - -The ball, having been oiled to cause it to pass easily, is to be taken -between the tips of the fingers of the right hand, and then, making the -hand as small as possible, pass the ball up the mouth by the roof to -avoid injury from the teeth. Directly the ball is landed well up on the -root of the tongue, take away that hand, and as soon as it is out of the -mouth, let the left hand release the tongue, which, in the act of being -drawn to its proper place, will help the ball down. - -An assistant standing at the near side may be useful to hand the ball to -the operator, and to _gently_ keep the jaws open while the ball is being -given. - -Have a warm drink ready to give immediately after the ball is taken. - -It may be remarked that in racing stables, where such things are -generally well done, young and small boys will, quite alone, coolly -take spirited, and often vicious animals, and in the most gentle manner -administer the ball, unsuspected by the beast himself, who is hardly made -aware of the operation he is undergoing. - -_To give a Drench._—Turn the animal round in his stall as in -administering a ball. Use a cow’s horn, the wide end having been closed -up by a tinman. - -Pour in the liquid at the narrow end, the mouth of which should be an -inch in diameter. - -The operator, standing on the off side, should have an assistant; both -should be tall, or make themselves so by standing on _firm_ stools or a -form. - -The assistant must raise the horse’s head till his mouth is above the -level of his forehead, and keep it in that elevated position _steadily_ -while the drench is administered—such position being necessary to -facilitate the passage of the liquid down the throat by its own gravity, -the tongue not being here an available agent, as with the ball. - -The operator, taking the wide end of the horn in his right hand, can -steady and assist himself by holding the upper jaw with his left, and, -leaving the tongue at liberty, will discharge the drench from the horn -_below_ the root of the tongue if possible. - -A proper drenching-horn should be always kept at hand, and be well -cleaned after use. - -A glass bottle should never on any account be substituted for the proper -instrument. - - -PURGING. - -Whenever an animal accustomed to high feeding and hard work is from any -cause laid by, it is most desirable (in pursuance of the golden rule that -prevention is better than cure) to take such opportunity to relax the -hitherto tightly-strung bow, by administering a mild purge. - -The object of this precaution is, that the absorbents, having been -accustomed to a perpetual call as the result of perspiration induced -by work, are liable, when the beast is left at rest for several days, -and this call is thus discontinued, to take on unhealthy action, and -engender diseases, the most fatal of which is that scourge “Farcy.” - -How many a fine horse, to all appearance in the best condition, have I -seen stricken with this fell malady, from no other accountable cause -than that which it is hereby proposed to guard against; besides, every -one knows that any animal kept at rest and fed up is more predisposed to -all kinds of inflammatory attacks, and when thus visited the system more -readily succumbs. - -More than this, every practical man is aware that an occasional aloetic -purge improves the health, condition, and vigour of a horse. - -It seems as if the aloes acted as a powerful tonic and renovator as well -as purge. - -What trainer will think of putting a lusty or ill-conditioned animal into -“fettle” without employing this purge as a partial means? - -It is very dangerous to give a purging medicine to a horse without first -preparing the bowels by relaxing them moderately with bran mashes. - -This is best done by giving about three or four sloppy mashes, three in -the course of the day preceding the administration of the purge (reducing -the quantity of hay to one-third the usual amount), and one the first -thing next morning, no water or hay being given beforehand that day; -about two or three hours after the mash, administer the purge, giving -just before and after it as much warm water as the beast will drink. - -No hay should be allowed this day or night, but as many sloppy mashes as -will be accepted should be given. - -Give two hours’ brisk walking exercise in clothes about six or eight -hours after the administration of the purge, and next morning, after a -mash and watering (always with warm water), two more hours of the same -exercise in clothes; but be careful _not_ to sweat the horse.—_See_ page -155. - -If the evacuations be fully free, less exercise is necessary; otherwise, -in a couple of hours repeat the walking at a brisk pace. When the desired -effect of the medicine has been satisfactorily produced, hay and corn may -be _gradually_ resorted to. - -While an animal is under the operation of purgative medicine the water -and mashes should be warmed, and the body well protected from cold by -clothing and the exclusion of draughts. - -The ordinary purge, consisting of Barbadoes aloes 4 drachms, extract -gentian 2 drachms, is mixed into a mass by any chemist. With some -delicate horses, subject to looseness, this purge may be too strong, and -should be reduced by a drachm of aloes and half a drachm of gentian. - -On the contrary, with large horses of a full habit, 5 drachms of -Barbadoes aloes, or even more, may be necessary, with 2 drachms of -gentian. In all cases where there is reason to suppose that the mucous -surfaces of the alimentary canal may be in a state of irritation, it is -much safer to give linseed-oil, say a pint at a time, to which may be -added, if speedy purging be essential, twenty drops of croton oil. - -The use of old dry hay will be found the most simple and ready primary -resource to stop purging and steady the action of the bowels, and a very -little bruised oats may also be given in such cases. - -Should the purge appear to gripe, copious clysters of warm water will -afford relief. - - -THE PULSE - -is easily found by placing the two forefingers under the middle of the -horse’s jowl or cheek-bone. The novice can feel about here till he -discovers pulsation, and having once made himself acquainted with its -seat, he will be the better able to judge of a horse when apparently out -of sorts. - -Inside the forearm, and in other spots, the pulse is equally superficial, -but under the edge of the cheek-bone is the most convenient place to find -it, or at the temple. - -A horse’s pulse in health beats from about 32 to 38 a minute—the smaller -the animal the faster the circulation will be. - -In brain affections the pulse is slower than natural, it is quickest -in inflammation of the serous and fibrous membranes—much slower in the -mucous ones. - - -DISEASES OF THE HEAD AND RESPIRATORY ORGANS. - -_Glanders._—As there is really no cure for this horrible disease, I -will not attempt any dissertation upon it, but, merely referring to the -remarks upon nasal gleet, page 116, advise all, _whenever they have -the least suspicion about the latter_, to consult a veterinary surgeon -immediately. - -The only preventive against the disease is to keep and work your horses -in a reasonable manner, give them plenty of pure air at all times, and to -guard them as carefully as possible from contagion. - -_Sore Eyes_ should be treated mildly by stuping with tepid water, and the -use of laxatives, as mashes, green food, or a mild purge, according to -the severity of the case. Keep in darkness. If the affection is acute, -consult a professional veterinary surgeon. - -_Common Cold and Influenza._—It should be remembered that cold air -seldom gives cold, but rather its action upon the exhalent vessels of -the skin when they are under the process of sweat, and when the exercise -that produced the latter has ceased. The superficial action of a low -temperature then proves an astringent, clogging the small exhalent and -exuding vessels, and by the derangement of the whole animal system, -immediately affects the respiratory organs, producing more or less fever. - -When disease is thus contracted, it is self-evident that the best way to -meet it is by forcing these small vessels into exudation (or sweat) as -rapidly as possible, which may readily be done by exercise and clothing -upon the very first suspicion that a chill has been taken, and _before -the animal is positively affected_. Once, however, that the debility or -feverish symptoms incidental to the disease are manifesting themselves, -active but entirely different measures must be resorted to. - -The premonitory symptoms of cold, and that scourge of the stud, -influenza, are, refusal of corn, staring coat, dull eyes, at first a thin -and soon a purulent discharge from one or both nostrils, with more or -less cough; pulse wired, sometimes very weak, but if highly inflammatory -symptoms be present, thin and rapid. - -Under these circumstances, if a professional veterinary surgeon is -procurable, the case should be referred to him; but rather than suffer -an ordinary farrier to deal with the animal, I will take the liberty in -this, as in other cases, to offer simple remedies that can do no harm, -and have in my own experience been beneficial. - -Bleeding is admissible only in extreme cases, and under professional -advice, at the commencement of an inflammatory attack, in affections -of the brain, or serous and fibrous membranes—_not in mucous ones_. In -cases, however, of sudden pulmonary congestion, or apoplexy of the lungs, -general depletion is indicated. Blood-letting should _never_ be had -recourse to in _distemper_ or _influenza_,[28] neither should purging -be thought of in such cases, as it lowers the system, which, on the -contrary, requires all the sustaining power possible. - -Give at once in the most inviting small mash of bran, or in the form of a -ball,— - - 2 drachms of nitre; - -giving little or no hay, and nothing but warm mashes of bran or linseed, -if they will be taken. If the symptoms are urgent, give in a ball,— - - 3 drachms of nitre, with - 1 drachm of camphor. - -Also _well hand-rub_, with a liniment composed of equal parts spirits -of turpentine and oil mixed, all under the windpipe, the gullet, within -three inches of the ear, by the parotid glands, and inside the jowls. Use -the liniment twice the first day if the symptoms are severe, and once -each day subsequently—abating its use according to the disappearance of -the disease. - -The horse should be placed if possible in a loose-box, and being kept -warm with plenty of sheets, hoods, and bandages, the door and window of -his stable should be thrown open during a considerable portion of the -warmer part of the day, to give him _plenty of fresh pure air_. - -The head should be kept as pendant as possible, in order to induce -the throwing of the nasal discharge, which will be further assisted -by steaming the nostrils, using a very large nose-bag (if possible of -haircloth), half-filled with common yellow deal sawdust, having an ounce -of spirits of turpentine well mixed through it; or better, hot bran -mashes, of which the poor beast may be tempted to pick a little when -first applied. - -Either application must be kept at a high temperature by the frequent -addition of hot water. - -The nose-bag must be used several times a day—kept on for twenty minutes -at a time, and never suffered to remain on the animal till its contents -(which should of course be frequently changed) become cold or offensive. -Or the nostrils may be steamed as well, in a more simple way, thus:—Fill -a bucket full of hay, stamp it down with the foot, pour _boiling_ water -upon it, renew the boiling water every ten minutes. Let a man hold the -horse’s head in the bucket over the steam for about half an hour at a -time, three or four times a day. - -As recovery progresses, _gradually_ resume ordinary feeding—remembering -that in this, as in all cases of illness where the constitution has been -debilitated, it has to be carefully rebuilt by food and suitable exercise -to fit the animal for work. It should be borne in mind that respiratory -diseases appear to be _very contagious_, for which reason, if for no -other, the patient on the first outbreak of distemper should be removed -away from the rest of the stud to a loose-box, if practicable; the -stall he leaves should be cleansed, and all his utensils kept _rigidly -separate_. - -White-wash and chloride of lime are useful and simple as disinfectants. - -This disease is more easily prevented than cured, and horse-owners do -well to avoid leaving an animal when heated, or after exercise, standing -unclothed in the cold or in a chilly draught. Also be careful about -transferring a horse suddenly from total exposure at grass, or from a -healthy airy stable to an ill-ventilated and crowded one. - -Though influenza or distemper are often considered to be epidemic, -contagion should be, as before observed, most carefully guarded against. -Some professional men hold these two designations to represent distinct -diseases. In influenza the animal becomes speedily attenuated, and the -whole system appears disordered and debilitated, occasionally with -lameness, as if from fever of the feet. - -There is generally one mark which may be permitted to be peculiar as -distinguishing some forms of influenza, particularly in certain seasons -during its prevalence, which is that of the mucous surfaces assuming a -yellow colour all over the body, and the white of the eye being also -tinged with that hue. - -When influenza assumes a serious character, the professional man must -be left to deal with it; but pending the arrival of such assistance, -the treatment here recommended can do no harm, the primary seat of the -disease being that of the respiratory organ. - -_Laryngitis, Bronchitis, Pleurisy._—I will not attempt to enter into -descriptions or prescribe separate modes of treatment for these and other -diseases of the respiratory organs, such delicate distinctions belonging -exclusively to the professional man; but while awaiting his advice, the -treatment recommended for common cold and influenza can do no harm in any -attacks of the upper air-passages; and when the lungs or cavity of the -chest appear to be affected, that advised as follows for inflammation of -the lungs is equally harmless:— - -_Inflammation of the Lungs_ or _Pneumonia_ is indicated by great -prostration and high fever, heaving of the flanks (an evidence of great -internal anguish); the legs are spread out to their fullest extent, as -if to prop up the body and prevent it from falling; the breathing is -difficult, and respiration quick; extremities cold; pulse quick and -hard, like wire to the touch; a look of pain and wretchedness marks the -countenance.[29] - -Such symptoms can be safely treated by a professional man only; but if -his services cannot possibly be procured, rub in a powerful mustard -poultice over the lungs, the seat of which I cannot better describe -to the uninitiated than as situated beneath that portion of a horse’s -surface which would be covered by a saddle if placed on his belly -directly underneath the situation it would have occupied on his back, -the pommel being close to the fore legs, omitting to blister the portion -of the belly which would be covered by the cantel of the saddle when -reversed, but continuing the blister between the fore legs to the front -of the chest. - -The hair need not be clipped off before the application of this poultice. -Give every six hours, till the arrival of the veterinary surgeon, from 30 -to 40 grains of ordinary grey powder mixed and administered in the form -of a ball.[30] Or, in place of grey powder, give Fleming’s tincture of -aconite, eight drops every hour in half a pint of cold water, until the -arrival of a veterinary surgeon. - -Let the animal have an _additional quantity_ of the purest air, with an -increased supply of clothing, and in cold weather the temperature should -be slightly moderated. The symptoms of recovery are denoted by gradual -cessation of heaving at the flanks; the extremities getting warmer; the -pulse less quick—softer to feel; and the animal appearing more lively. - -His strength must be kept up after the first day or two by drenches of -gruel, till mashes will be accepted. - -_Cough_, as before observed, generally accompanies influenza, distemper, -and common cold, but there are instances where cough may be present with -little or no fever or other derangement, in which case change of food -from corn to bran or linseed mashes, with a limited allowance of wetted -hay or chaff, may be sufficient to cure. - -As a rule, grooms should understand that when coughing is heard, they -are to give bran or linseed mashes till further orders; nor should an -animal suffering from cough be expected to do any but very light work or -exercise (every care being taken to avoid his being chilled), bran mashes -not affording sufficient sustenance to do heavy work upon. - -No person or owner should be satisfied with the state of his horses’ -health while they cough. Linseed mashes daily (page 23) will be found -excellent to ease and cure cough, also carrots and green food; but when -the cough is accompanied by fever, or other symptoms of ailment, treat -as for influenza, distemper, cold, or sore throat, as the indications of -derangement may direct you. - -_Nasal Gleet_ may possibly be occasioned by protracted irritation of -diseased molar teeth; but if persistent, especially of a thin, ichorous, -glairy, or size-like character, and confined to one nostril, generally -the left, the glands under the jaw being swollen and tender, the -Schneiderian membrane or mucous lining of the nose having a dull, pale, -or leaden hue, it should be looked on with suspicion, particularly if -confined to one nostril, and more so if the discharge adhere round the -rim of it. Cough is seldom present with glanders. - -In such cases consult a veterinary surgeon without a moment’s delay, and -be careful to prevent any part of your own body, or that of any other -person, coming in contact with such a discharge. It is very probably -incipient glanders of the most insidious and dangerous character. - -To more clearly distinguish the dangerous from the harmless gleet, it may -be remarked that when the discharge is thick and purulent, yellow, and in -full flow, and without a disposition to adhere to the nostril, though the -most alarming in appearance, it is least to be apprehended, proceeding -naturally from a heavy cold in the head, which, however, should of -course meet with immediate attention.—(_See_ “Cold, Influenza,” page -110.) For the prevention of nasal gleet, observe the same precautions as -those recommended against cold, &c. (page 109), and keep your horses as -much as possible to themselves. - -In travelling, horses run great risks, and, of course, such diseases are -less likely to be contracted in first-class hostelries than in inferior -and hack stabling. - -_Poll-Evil_ is generally occasioned by a bruise on the head, behind -the ears, near the neck, by pressure of the head-stall, &c. (_see_ -“Haltering,” page 16), when, if great care be not exercised to cure -the sore promptly, sinuses or cavities will form, eating away into the -more important parts of the adjacent structure. Here, also, unless an -immediate cure be effected by the means directed for the treatment of -sores (_see_ “Water-dressing,” page 160, and “Zinc Lotion,” page 158), -accompanied with the removal of the head-stall or any aggravating -pressure, the veterinary surgeon ought to be consulted at once. - -Avoiding the causes will be the best preventive of this disease. - -_Shivering Fits_ in general precede or are the commencement of a feverish -attack; therefore, in such cases, no heating food must be allowed. -Substitute hot mashes, increase the clothing, and administer a febrifuge, -as nitre, 2 drachms, repeated in two hours. Or, if nitre in the mash will -not be accepted, give two ounces of sweet spirits of nitre in half a pint -of cold water. - -_Shivers_ in the stable, proceeding from nervous sensibility, are -frequently the result of recent excitement, caused by a band, an organ, -or other unusual noise, or even by the sudden entrance of the beast’s own -attendant, the bounding of a cat, &c. - -_Strangles_ generally attacks young horses about the age of maturity, or -when first stabled. Debility gradually possesses them; the throat, and -particularly the parotid glands under the ears, are sore and swelled, -tending to distinguish this disease from ordinary cold and influenza; -a discharge from the nose is also present. The sooner the suppurative -process can be induced in the throat the better. - -For this purpose rub in turpentine and oil (one part turpentine to two -parts oil) once or twice a-day, which, when the skin becomes tender, must -be carefully done with a sponge. - -When the suppuration is ripe, a professional man should let it out with a -knife, and recovery speedily ensues. - -As great debility is attendant on this disease, the system should be kept -up by bruised and scalded corn, and the appetite tempted in every way by -green meats, minced carrots, &c., if requisite. Plenty of air is also -essential. - -It ought to be superfluous to remark that under such circumstances -neither bleeding, purging, nor reducing means of any kind should be -adopted, the bowels being merely kept open by bran and occasional linseed -mashes, which will assist the mucous surfaces. The chill to be taken off -the drink. - -_Soreness of the Throat_ frequently accompanies distemper or cold, and is -indicated by want of appetite, constant endeavour to swallow the saliva, -_difficulty in imbibing liquids_, which, instead of going down the -throat, appear to be returned through the nostrils, noisy gulping, &c. - -Rub the throat at once with a mixture of equal parts turpentine and oil, -and keep up the irritation on the skin. - -Administer 2 drachms of nitre once or twice the first twenty-four hours, -the animal being, of course, laid by from all work, and placed in a -loose-box; let him be fed on bran and linseed mashes, and given green -food, carrots, and anything that will tempt his appetite. - -Avoid purging, bleeding, or anything that will lower the system—a rule to -be most particularly observed in all diseases of the respiratory organs, -unless severe inflammation be present, when a professional man only can -judge to what extent the lowering process may be necessary. - -_Broken Wind_ is caused by a large number of the air-cells of the lungs -becoming fused, as it were, into one large air-cell, thus diminishing the -aërating surface, and rendering the lungs weaker. It is indicated by a -sudden inspiration and a long, almost double, expiration; the flanks and -abdomen are observed to suddenly fall down, instead of being gradually -expanded. - -Broken wind is, in fact, emphysema of the lung, and there is said to be -no absolute cure for it; but it may be alleviated by restricting the -animal in hay and water, and giving the latter only in small quantities, -not more than half-a-pint at a time, and moistening all food. - -Take care he does not eat his bed, which he will make every effort to do. -He should have no straw about him in the day, and be muzzled at night. - -_Lampas_ does not belong properly to these diseases, indicating some -derangement in the alimentary canal, but is here mentioned to guard -against a brutal practice commonly resorted to by farriers as a cure for -the disorder. - -The groom complains that his charge is “off his feed,” and fancies that -the palate is swollen more than usual—the fact being that he never -examined it at any other time; and the farrier proceeds to cure the -rejection of food by searing the poor beast’s mouth with a red-hot iron, -or scarifying it with a knife. The reasonable treatment of an ailment -proceeding from heat or disorder of the stomach will be to withhold all -heating food, at all events to a great extent, giving occasional mashes, -also tonics and alteratives, the latter to those of full habit, the -former in cases of evident debility. - - -DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE AND URINARY ORGANS. - -_Diarrhœa_ and _Dysentery_.—The first (diarrhœa, or mere looseness) is, -in the horse, seldom more than a temporary debility. In many cases it is -an effort of nature to relieve herself, and will probably effect its own -cure. - -The symptoms require no definition, except that it may be remarked -that they are almost invariably unaccompanied by pain or any other -inconvenience. Rest, and the use of more astringent food, and leaving a -piece of chalk in the manger (which, with horses subject to diarrhœa, -should never be absent), will in all probability arrest the attack, which -may, to a certain extent, proceed from a predisposition to acidity. - -Animals disposed to this disease should be fed on a drier description of -food. - -_Dysentery_ is, on the contrary, a highly dangerous illness, accompanied -with pain. - -It mostly commences with excessive purgation, the evacuations being mere -foul water in appearance, and stinking. The beast will drink greedily; -the pulse is weak; great anguish of body perceptible, the perspiration -breaking out in patches. - -On the first appearance of such dangerous symptoms, procure the -assistance of a professional man; but in the interval the following -drench may be given:— - - Laudanum, 1 oz. } Mix. - Powdered chalk, ½ oz. } - - or, - - Catechu, powdered, 1 drachm. } Mix. - Chalk, ½ oz. } - - or, - - Sulphuric ether and laudanum, of each one ounce. - -Also injections of cold linseed-tea. The dose may be repeated in three -or four hours, if medical assistance does not arrive. As great care -is necessary in the diet, as well as general treatment, after partial -recovery, everything should be done under professional advice. - -An attack of dysentery is very likely to be caused by the existence of -some acrid matter in the intestines, or by an overdose, or too constant -use, of aloes. - -As with diarrhœa, horses predisposed to dysentery ought always to have a -lump of chalk in the manger, and constant or over-doses of aloes should -be avoided. - - -COLIC AND GRIPES. - -As these diseases are sudden, and require prompt treatment, it is well to -have some idea of the kind of remedy to be employed, pending the arrival -of the veterinary surgeon. Some animals are peculiarly subject to them, -from a susceptible state of the alimentary canal. Cold water, taken on an -empty stomach, or when a beast is heated, will cause the malady. - -The symptoms are distress, evinced by pawing, lifting of the fore and -hind feet towards the stomach, the head being turned towards the sides, -with a look of anguish; a cold sweat will sometimes bedew the body. A -desire to lie down may be exhibited, and when on the ground the animal -rolls about in evident agony. The upper lip is strained upwards from the -teeth, almost closing the nostrils, and the pulse indicates derangement -of the system. - -When the true character of the ailment has been ascertained, it is well -to inquire as to the character of the evacuations. If they are in a lax -state, and a cause for the same can be discovered, of course discontinue -it, and use astringent clysters for the bowels (page 159). If there -be reason to apprehend that some offending matter is retained in the -alimentary canal, use emollient laxatives and clysters (pages 158 and -159). But if anything like costiveness is present, and other remedies -fail, recourse must be had to that of “back-raking,” a process which -need not be here explained, being well known to every experienced groom, -any one of whom may safely be intrusted with the operation, the only -necessary precaution being to have rather a small hand used, and that -_well_ lubricated with lard or oil. Let all the fæcal matter that can be -reached be carefully extracted. Afterwards a warm enema, composed of one -pint of turpentine mixed in two quarts of hot soap-suds, and a soothing -drench of - - 1 oz. sulphuric ether, - 1 oz. laudanum, - 1 pint oil, - -will be found efficacious. - -In the early stages, “gripes,” as they are called, may be cured by simply -“back-raking,” followed by a drench of a bottle of ale, warmed and mixed -with one ounce of powdered ginger, and a brisk trot in heavy clothing. - -Under highly inflammatory symptoms, the professional man attending will -probably bleed. - -To guard against colic, avoid giving cold water when the beast is heated, -or on a fasting stomach. With horses subject to gripes the water should -always be given with the chill off, if possible, or just previous to a -good grooming or other gentle exercise tending to circulate internal -warmth. Never allow any animal the opportunity of gorging himself with -any kind of food after the stomach has been weakened by extra-severe work -and long fasting. - -For costiveness only give soft bran or linseed mashes, or green feeding; -and see treatment for excessive or painful costiveness, page 122. - - -DIABETES, - -or profuse staling, is unfortunately a common disease, and is generally -attributed to something wrong in the water, but bad provender may -occasion it. - -Thirst is generally very great. - -Give catechu, 2 drachms at a time, two or three times daily, in mashes. - -Change the food or water, whichever on examination seems most -objectionable. Give no hay or grass, but plenty of linseed tea to drink; -give _good_ bruised or scalded oats, with a small quantity of warm bran -mixed in each feed, and leave a lump of chalk in manger: or administer -diluted phosphoric acid, one ounce to one pint lukewarm water, twice -daily, till the symptoms abate, then gradually reduce the dose.[31] - -A horse once found to be subject to this disease should be very carefully -fed and watered. - - -WORMS - -are indicated by a state of the coat called “hide-bound” and “staring,” -with loss of condition and indisposition to work; by a slimy mucus -covering the dung-balls; also occasionally by the adherence of the -parasites round the anus, and thin evacuation in the fæces. - -They cling so pertinaceously to the internals, that they will eat through -the coat of the stomach, and are never likely to be removed by a single -dose of any medicine. Spirit of turpentine is highly recommended as a -cure, but if given it must be diluted largely—one part turpentine to four -parts oil. - -Practical experience of various remedies for worms justifies me in -recommending one to two grains of arsenic and twenty grains of kamela -twice daily (each dose mixed in a handful of wet bran, and given with -oats or other feeding) for eighteen days, and a purge the nineteenth -morning. - -The horse may get _moderate_ work during the administration of the -_powders_. - -Common salt is also considered a good remedy: about a tablespoonful daily -mixed with the food. - -To guard against these pests, avoid the use of Egyptian beans; but -as “bots” are mostly taken in at grass by the animal licking off and -swallowing their larvæ laid in the hair of the legs, it is almost -impossible to exclude them. In a few cases they are bred in the internals -without any accountable cause, and against this no precaution can avail. - -_Liver Diseases_, or the farriers’ “Yellows,” so called from the fact -that such cases are marked by the eyelids, linings of the nose, and lips -when turned up, being found to be tinged more or less with yellow. - -Here mercury must be administered, and aided by subsequent purging, as is -necessary with the human subject. - -Thus, give half a drachm to a drachm of calomel mixed in a little flour, -and put in a mash of bran one evening, and next morning follow it up with -the aloes purge-ball (page 108). - -If the “yellows” be very marked, with other derangement of the system, -give for two days one drachm of calomel daily in doses of half a drachm -each, mixed in mashes as described above; and after two drachms have been -taken in this way, administer on the third morning the aloetic purge. - -_Inflammation of the Kidneys and Bladder._—With regard to internal -inflammation arising from various causes, the symptoms of distress -bear a general resemblance to each other: legs spread out, extremities -cold, breathing accelerated, and a look of pain pervading the animal’s -whole appearance, except that in diseases of the urinary organs there -is generally a straddling gait; and on observance of the genitals, some -marked action in this region on the part of the beast will be discovered. - -Such attacks can only be properly treated by a professional man, -therefore lose no time in procuring his services; but, in the meanwhile, -I shall observe that inflammation of the kidneys is, sad to say, too -common to admit of its being passed by without offering some caution and -advice regarding it, more for the purpose of prevention than cure. - -Disease of the kidneys is generally brought on by the _misuse_ by grooms -of their favourite diuretics; a dose of nitre to “fine his legs,” or -“bloom his coat,” or for any other purpose to save themselves trouble, -is the groom’s specific for the poor creatures under their care; but -so injurious are diuretics that masters ought to make their secret -administration, as commonly practised by the class referred to, a case of -instant dismissal. - -The kidneys of the horse are peculiarly susceptible of action; so much -so, that purges frequently, in place of acting as intended, will take -effect on them. - -It should, besides, be borne in mind that while the kidneys are in -artificial action and secreting an extra quantity of urine which is being -passed away, the creature should have the same opportunity of rest, and -as much consideration given him, as if he were in a state of purgation. -The secretion is blood in its changed form, and is a serious call on the -system. All this does not enter into the head of an ignorant groom, who, -on the contrary, will work or treat the poor suffering creature as if he -was in his best vigour. - -Inflammation of the kidneys is marked by an appearance of general -distress—hind legs straddled, the backbone hogged, urine small in -quantity, tenderness over the loins when pressed. - -If a practitioner be not procurable, immediately place warm mustard -poultices over the loins, and cover them with sheepskins. - -Give half a drachm extract of belladonna with half an ounce laudanum in -a pint of linseed tea every four hours, and inject constantly with warm -linseed tea. - -_Inflammation of the Bladder_ presents very similar symptoms to that of -the kidneys, only that the bladder being farther away from the backbone, -instead of the latter being hogged, it is rather depressed. In this -case, as in inflammation of the kidneys, call in the veterinary surgeon; -meanwhile give the drink recommended for the kidneys, and though the -surgeon’s decision is desirable with regard to mustard blistering, the -use of this counter-irritant should not be too long delayed; therefore, -in the event of his non-arrival within an hour or so, apply mustard -blister to the stomach far back (between the flanks), as being nearest -the seat of this disease. - - -DISEASES OF THE FEET AND LEGS. - -Once more the old proverb that “prevention is better than cure” deserves -to be dwelt upon, for very many diseases under this head can be -prevented, and very few can ever be cured. - -Generally speaking, the fore feet and hocks of a horse are the most -susceptible of disease induced by wear and tear—the fore feet, because -the greater part of the weight of the animal is borne upon them; and the -hocks behind, because they are the propelling power. - -It is remarkable in cases of lameness, that when the disease is seated in -the feet, the lameness becomes temporarily aggravated on work; whereas -if it proceed from disease in the legs, it becomes apparently less after -the limbs have been worked a while. With regard to animals keeping their -condition while labouring under lameness, experience has taught me that -horses lame in the fore feet will, if able to work at all, continue to -do so without apparently losing condition from the fret of lameness; but -when the hind legs are the seat of disease, the condition evaporates very -rapidly. This, I imagine, is because an animal lame in the fore feet will -lie down and take more rest than when sound; whereas if lame behind, he -will not take sufficient rest, as rising and lying down cause him pain; -hence he continually stands, and, of course, aggravates the disease. - -[Illustration: FIG. 2.—Section of Foot.] - -The foot is thus sectionised and described by Delaware P. Elaine, Esq.:— - -“On examining a perpendicular section of the foot and pasterns, there -appear the coffin-bone (_a_), the navicular or nut bone (_b_), the -coronary or little pastern bone (_c_), the large pastern bone (_d_), the -back sinew or great flexor tendon of the foot (_e_), the same tendon -sliding over the navicular bone (_f_), its termination or insertion into -the bottom of the coffin-bone (_g_), the elastic matter of the sensible -frog (_h_), the insensible or horny frog (_i_), the horny sole (_k_), -which includes the parts of the sensible foot; the outer wall of the hoof -(_l_), the elastic processes (_m_), the attachment of the extensor tendon -to the coffin-bone (_n_), and its attachment to the coronary bone (_o_), -which completes the section. - -“The coffin-bone (_a_) adapts itself to the figure of the hoof, or rather -is adapted by nature to this eligible form. The eminence in its front -receives the insertion of the tendon of the great extensor muscle of the -foot. This important muscle has its upper attachment to the humerus or -arm-bone, where it is principally fleshy; but as it passes downwards it -becomes tendinous, expanding over every joint, both to prevent friction -and to embrace and give firm attachment to each bone with its opposed -bone, by which a firm connection of the various parts is maintained, and -a simultaneous movement of the whole limb is effected. In the hinder limb -this extensor tendon and its two less or tendinous adjuncts arise from -the tibia, and in part from the femur, but in their origin are fleshy. - -“In the sides of the coffin-bone are attached lateral cartilages, and -around its surface are marks of the attachment of the laminated substance. - -“The coronary, or small pastern bone (_c_), is seen to rest on the -coffin-bone (_a_), with which it articulates by its lower end; its -posterior part also may be seen to be closely articulated both with the -coffin and with the navicular or nut bones (_f_), whose attachments to -them are effected by ligaments of great power and some elasticity. Nor is -it possible to view this horny box and its contents without being struck -with the admirable display of mechanism and contrivance which meets our -eye. We are apt to say, ‘as strong as a horse,’ and some of us use horses -as though they were made of imperishable stuff; but surely, when we well -consider the subject, we shall see both the necessity and the morality of -using them with discretion.” - -This description of the structure of the foot will probably better enable -the uninitiated to understand the seat and nature of various ailments of -that part of the horse which are here touched upon. - -[Illustration: FIG. 3.] - -[Illustration: FIG. 4.] - -Blaine further describes the construction of the hoof thus:— - -“The hoof itself is conical, or rather, as Clark observes, slightly -truncated, and is a secretion as well from the vascular parts of the foot -as from the skin, as our nails are formed from the portion of skin called -quick. The structure of the hoof is firm and fibrous. Externally it is -plane and convex, but internally concave and laminated. The quarters -are the lateral parts. As the horn approaches the heels it becomes soft -and is reflected inwards. The heels are parted by the horny frog (_b_, -fig. 3); and without, the frog on each side the hoof inflects its fibres -to form the bars which are seen on the under surface (_c_, fig. 4). In -a healthy foot, fig. 4, the heels are round, wide, and smooth (_a_, -_a_), the frog fully expanded, the bars or binders distinct (_c_, _c_), -no corns in the usual angle (_d_), the sole broad and concave (_d_). -In a diseased foot, fig. 3, the heels are high, and drawn together -by contraction (_a_, _a_), the frog narrow, and filled with fissures -from contraction and thrush (_b_), corn frequently present (_d_), the -sole greatly shortened in its transverse diameter, which is morbidly -counterbalanced by the increased heights in the truncated form (_c_). -When the hoof is removed, the sensible or fleshy sole (_h_, section of -foot), above which it immediately lies, presents itself, covering the -whole of the horny sole, except so much as is taken up by the sensible -frog (_h_). This part is exquisitely sensible and vascular, and thus -we learn why injuries to it from puncture produce such serious effect, -and why very slight pressure from contraction of the hoof gives so much -pain. The sensible frog and the sensible sole form the insensible frog -and sole; but when from pressure, too much moisture, or other causes, -the sensible frog, instead of forming horn, secretes pus or matter as in -thrush, the structure of the whole becomes injured, and the frog, thus -losing its support, gradually wastes and decays. It is therefore evident -that no thrush can be entirely harmless, as is erroneously supposed. - -“Above the sensible frog is the great flexor tendon, or back sinew, -inserting itself into the vaulted arch of the coffin (_a_, section of -foot). This important tendon, arising from its parent muscle above the -knee, whose origin is taken from the humerus and ulna, in its passage -unites with an assistant flexor, but which latter is principally -distributed to the pastern bones, while the perforans, so called because -it is perforated by the assistant flexor tendon, is inserted into _the -vault_ of the coffin; in the posterior extremities the attachments of -these two leading flexors and a smaller _lateral_ one are from the femur -and tibia. - -“_The Sensible Laminæ._—Around the surface of the coffin-bone, it has -been noticed that there are linear indentations to which about five -hundred fibro-cartilaginous leaves are attached. Each of these is -received between two of the horny lamellæ, which line the interior of the -horny hoof; and when it is considered what a vast surface of attachment -is formed by these means, the strength of the union will not be wondered -at. No common violence can separate these parts, and their use as a -spring (for they are extensile) to support the action of an animal at -once weighty, strong, and extremely agile, must be apparent. - -“The vessels and nerves of the foot are derived from the metacarpal -arteries, veins, and nerves, which pass behind the pastern, when the -main trunks divide to proceed to each side of the foot, and are ramified -from thence throughout. It is a division of the metacarpal nerve on each -side of the lesser pastern, or on each side of the larger, as occasion -suits, which forms the nerve operation now in vogue as a remedy (?) for -navicular disease.” - -_Laminitis_, or _Fever of the Feet_, although generally the result of too -long a journey, or any exercise where excessive and continuous concussion -has been occasioned to the feet, frequently arises from other causes. It -is often what is termed secondary, as one of the sequelæ of inflammatory -diseases of a more constitutional character.—(_See_ “Metastasis,” page -155.) The laminæ are plates (technically, semi-cartilaginous leaves -received between the horny lamellæ which line the interior of the hoof) -resting on the inside of the horny hoof, and giving an elastic support, -whereby the whole weight of the horse’s structure is thrown against the -wall of the hoof and kept off the side. It is not surprising, therefore, -that these causes should produce derangement here. - -As laminitis generally attacks the fore feet, the poor beast in his -anguish endeavours to throw his weight off them by resting on his hind -quarters, which are tucked under him, with the fore legs and feet pushed -out before him merely to keep him from falling; he can barely hobble if -he attempts to move. If the fever be only slight and in one foot, he will -point it, while extreme lameness and unnatural heat in the foot mark the -disease. The shoe should (in this as in all cases of foot-lameness) be -instantly removed by a smith brought to the stable instead of giving the -poor creature the pain of limping to the forge. - -The foot should be put into cold water, constantly renewed, and kept in -it all day; at night a bran poultice or water-dressing should be left on -(_see_ “Water-dressing” and “Poultices,” page 160). Also administer a -purge. - -In acute cases, bleeding at the toe is sometimes practised by paring -away there till the veins appear. This is a very questionable remedy, -and there is little doubt that the use of the knife only aggravates the -inflammation. - -The fact is, that beyond its incipient stage none but the veterinary -surgeon is competent to deal with this disease. - -Its prevention is best secured by requiring moderate work only, and at -the proper road-paces—viz., walking and trotting—keeping the feet moist, -wetting them occasionally during a long journey, and _regularly stopping -them directly after each day’s severe work_.—_See_ “Grooming,” page 12. - -_Navicular Disease_ is, unfortunately, a very common one with horses; and -when the delicate structure of the foot is considered in connection with -the rough usage the creature gets on hard roads while carrying a heavy -weight on his back, it is only surprising that the feet bear such jarring -at all. - -The navicular is the small pulley-bone over which the flexor tendon -passes, and being the most active of any of the foot-bones, is the most -likely to be injured by ill usage (_see_ page 128). The symptoms are -lameness, with more or less pointing of the foot when at rest, and heat -towards the quarters of the lame foot. - -Unlike laminitis, the lameness is inconsiderable at first, and increases -as the disease progresses. - -Being so deep-seated, it is very difficult to cure. In the incipient -stages the most effectual remedy appears to be the insertion of -frog-setons, requiring the assistance of a veterinary surgeon. In most -instances the case is hopeless, and many a fine horse is sold to limp out -a life of misery, drawing a hack cab, or, with a refinement of cruelty, -is subject to the operation of unnerving the foot, which, by destroying -sensation in that part, enables the animal to travel without apparent -lameness, though the disease continues to progress till part of the foot -has been known to drop off in work. Being a result of work to which all -horses are liable, no mode of prevention can be recommended. - -_Lateral Cartilages._—Another ailment of the foot is more common than -is generally supposed, called “Disease of the Lateral Cartilages.” It -requires the skill of an anatomist to decide upon its presence. In fact, -this and navicular disease are both very obscure in their origin and -diagnostics, and a surgeon only can properly deal with them, as well as -with all other diseases that are not very distinctly marked, and in their -early stages not important. - -_Thrush._—A disease of the frog: the cleft becomes eaten away, and a foul -matter is secreted. It more frequently attacks the hind than the fore -feet. - -By some it is said to be constitutional, but it is much more probably the -result of neglect of the foot in the stable, the hind feet being oftener -affected, from the fact of the urine and fæces coming more immediately -under their tread. - -At every shoeing or removing, the frog should be perfectly cleared -of all defective parts by the knife, and where the disease has once -manifested itself the cleft should be kept continually stopped with tar -and tow. A return to a healthy state is likely to be tedious, therefore -continued attention to these directions is necessary. If a severe case, -use a bar-shoe, to avoid the wear and tear of the road, and which -will also help to keep the pledgets of tar and tow in their place. To -prevent thrush, let the litter and bedding be completely removed from -the horse every morning till bedtime at night; let the pavement be kept -scrupulously clean through the day; attend and wash the feet, examine -them frequently, and upon the slightest sign of the disease use the -remedial means. - -_Quittor._—This is a disease of the feet, wherein, either from delicacy -of or accident to the sole, the sensible part becomes affected. A -suppurative sinus is formed, eating away till it often comes out at the -coronet. Once it reaches this, the animal, unless of great value, might -as well be destroyed, the restorative process being of a most tedious and -expensive character, requiring continual manipulation by a surgeon. - -By careful shoeing (where nails are not driven out of their proper -direction) and a most exact examination of the foot where any extraneous -matter, such as glass, gravel, &c., is suspected of having entered or -damaged it, quittor will most probably be avoided. - -_Canker_ seldom attacks gentlemen’s horses, or well-bred ones. It is -literally a change of a portion of the foot into a kind of fungus, -sometimes commencing in the sole, sometimes in the frogs, and is -aggravated by foul litter, bad stabling, and general bad care. - -As no dressing or external application will restore the foot without -manipulation, a surgeon only can deal with it. - -_Cracked and Greasy Heels._—Animals of languid circulation in the -extremities are more susceptible of such diseases, which are induced and -aggravated by lazy ignorant grooms pursuing their objectionable practice -of wetting the legs, and leaving them to dry themselves.—_See_ page 13. - -Symptoms are tumefaction and soreness of the hinder part of the pasterns, -even to fissures emitting matter. - -Clip away the hair in the first instance, so as to be able to cleanse the -sore by washing it with warm water and soft soap, drying it perfectly. -Then apply glycerine lotion (page 158). - -If the sore seems likely to incapacitate the animal from work, -administer a mild aloetic purge (page 108). Very serious consequences -may result from the indolence of grooms in neglecting this ailment. In -acute cases, the sore, eating into the tendon, produces mortification and -death. I have myself lost a valuable animal from this disease, through -the gross neglect of my grooms in my absence. - -Except in the very earliest stages, and in palpably trifling cases, a -veterinary surgeon should be consulted, especially in what is called -“grease,” or matter running from these cracks. The preventive means -are, never to allow water to your horses’ legs above the coronet on any -pretence whatever, and if by accident or work they get wet, to have them -rubbed dry as promptly as possible. - -_Shelly Hoofs_ (or splitting open of the external part of the horny -hoof).—The feet of some horses are more subject to this disease than -those of others, from the fibrous structure being more dry with them. - -This fibrous structure forming the hoof is found, on microscopic -examination, to resemble a lot of hairs all glued together into a -hardened mass, and where the adhesive matter is of a drier character -than usual, the hoofs are more brittle. With some horses this results in -“shelly hoofs;” they don’t split, but are perpetually breaking away. With -this description of hoofs, tar is the best possible application. Neither -grease nor oil should ever be used—these only aggravate the disease, as -on close observation they will be found to act as powerful astringents, -excluding the healthy action of air and moisture upon the part most in -need of them. Strange to say, tar, from its pungent properties, induces -healthy action in the part, and is peculiarly adapted to promote the -growth of the fibrous structure as well as lubricating it. - -_Sand-Cracks_ seldom go diagonally, but are either horizontal or -vertical. I shall endeavour to exemplify the simple principle of this -disease with a simple principle of remedy, dealing with it like a split -in a board on which I desired to put an effectual stopper. In such a -case I should carefully gouge out a small hole at each end of the split, -beyond which hole the fissure would be certain not to pass. With the hoof -the same principle can be carried out by filing an indentation directly -across each end of the crack, only taking care not to file deeper than -the insensible part of the hoof; or the end will be answered by using a -red-hot firing-iron instead of a file, taking the same precaution not -to touch the sensible part. I should also weaken along the edges of the -crack itself by rasping them down. Over the crack, if deep, should be -strapped a thin pad of tow and tar, to induce reproduction and prevent -foreign substances from entering the fissure. - -Unless by the grossest neglect, no sand-crack will have been allowed -to go beyond the reach of the foregoing treatment, but in some cases -the effect of negligence and ignorance is seen in the horizontal crack -running almost round the foot. In such cases it will generally be found -that with a flat foot (inclined to greater malformation) the toes have -been suffered to extend, shoeing after shoeing, by the smith allowing -a great accumulation of wall over the toe, until the centre has become -weakened into a fissure. Such a state of things seldom or never occurs in -a gentleman’s stable, but is to be met with among farm-horses or those -accustomed to heavy draught. - -The careful strapping-up with tar and tow, which must be constantly -attended to, rest, and the indentation process, will, with _time_ and -_care_, effect a cure. - -Sand-crack, especially the vertical, is more dangerous and tedious the -nearer it is to the coronet. This once divided, the case becomes serious, -the coronet being very vascular, and a split here requires a great deal -of care to induce it to take on union. Unless the closing commences -at the coronet, and continues as the hoof grows _down_, it will never -close _at all_; in fact, if the coronet be divided, it is fortunate if -the crack does not go the whole way down to the shoe. If it does not, -the lower end should be weakened by filing an indentation at its lower -extremity, weakening the sides of the crack by rasping them, and keeping -the hoof strapped round with dressings of tar and tow, also (a most -_important_ part of the treatment) paring away the wall of the foot -(above the shoe and immediately under the crack) an inch—that is, half an -inch on each side of it—making as large a vacuum as can with safety to -the sensible parts of the foot be pared away, directly under the crack -and over the shoe; the object of this being that all parts of the wall -except that under the crack shall press on the shoe. It is obvious that -by the above means every movement of the horse, in place of aggravation, -will tend towards alleviation of the disease, by pressing the weakened -sides of the fissure together. For the foregoing reasons, in the case of -a vertical crack the shoes had better remain on, while in the worst cases -of the horizontal crack, as its weight round the bottom tends to weaken -the centre of the hoof where the crack is likely to be situated, it had -better be removed (or light tips worn), its absence also enabling the -wall of the hoof under the crack to be rasped as thin as possible. In -vertical cracks the use of a bar-shoe will tend to keep the foot together -(page 81). - -_Corns_ are occasioned by the inflexible shoe pressing on that part -of the sole, or possibly from friction of the bones upon its internal -surface. They present the appearance of a red effused bruise, almost -invariably situated on the heel of the sole of the inside quarter of the -fore feet.—_See_ illustration, fig. 3, page 130. - -When neglected, they occasion severe lameness, and go on to suppuration. - -Broken knees are also frequently the result of neglected corns. - -A horse that is habitually properly shod is never likely to have a corn. -It arises entirely from want of attention and judgment in the smith. -The groom, who should always stand by when a horse is shoeing, ought to -be instructed to see that the farrier with his drawing-knife invariably -pares out the sole at the seat of corn; it can be no injury whatever -to the foot when properly done, and is the best preventive of corns. -Also take proper care that the shoes are so put on that they cannot by -possibility press upon the sole. - -For prevention, keep the seat of corn well pared away, and dress with -tar, unless in the suppurating state, when it requires poultices (page -160), and the ordinary treatment for that state, and full rest. - -_Over-reach_ or _Tread_ proceeds from the shoe of one foot coming in -contact with the soft or sensible part above the hoof of the other. As -the parts likely to be affected round the coronet are full of vessels, -the simplest remedial means are the safest—viz., water-dressing (page -160) in the first instance, and afterwards chloride of zinc lotion (one -grain to the ounce of water), or glycerine. - -_Broken Knees._—Most travellers on the road know what style of thing this -is, so it is needless to describe it. - -In bad cases, where the bones are exposed, and there is any appearance of -synovia or joint-oil, place the horse in the nearest convenient stable, -and leave him there to be attended to by a professional man as soon -as possible. When the abrasion is merely superficial, take the animal -quietly to his stable, if near. - -In any event, wash the wound with warm water, which, if it be at all -deep, should be done by squeezing the water _above_ the wound, and -allowing it to run down, as this part of the leg is very delicate and -sensitive, and rough handling with a cloth or sponge should be avoided. - -Afterwards apply a lotion of chloride of zinc, one grain to the ounce of -water. - -Tie the creature’s head up in such a way as that he cannot possibly lie -down, until the healing process has assumed sufficient health to render -it safe to allow of the knee being used in lying down and getting up. - -Give one or two mild purges, according to the time he is laid up and the -healthiness of the wound. To promote the growth of hair, use, when the -knee is perfectly healed, hog’s lard mixed with very finely powdered -burnt leather to colour it; it is as good and safe a thing as can be -employed for the purpose. Otherwise use _weak_ mercurial ointment. For -prevention, avoid the use of bearing-reins in harness; in shafts, keep -the weight off your horse’s back; keep out of the way of ruts and stones -upon the road, and be very careful of your beast when the work you are -giving him is calculated to make him leg-weary. - -In riding, teach your bearer to depend on himself, _not_ on you: at the -same time, don’t leave him to himself altogether. Go gently round sharp -turns, and don’t ride fast down-hill on the road, though on the turf or -in harness the pace may be accelerated with impunity. Avoid inflicting -sudden, injudicious, and undeserved chastisement; restrain starts or -alarms; have your horses properly prepared in frosty weather; also be -sure that the seat of corn is kept well pared out in shoeing. If your -saddle has shifted forward out of its place, dismount and regirth it -where it fits, so that when you remount your weight will be properly -placed away from the shoulders. - -When the road is the only place available to have your horses exercised, -see that your grooms put on the knee-caps. - -_Splints_ are a well-known affection of the fore leg, presenting the -appearance of a bony protrusion along the canon or shank, which, though -unsightly, is not very important, unless when lameness ensues. - -As it is not my intention to enter into professional technicalities in -this work, I shall merely remark that, by letting the horse continue -in moderate work, though lame, with the application of Stevens’s -ointment, according to the directions accompanying it, absorption of -the bony matter will be obtained, or, at all events, it will become so -far resolved that the surrounding structures being able to accommodate -themselves to what remains of it, their action will not be interfered -with, and lameness will consequently no longer appear. Veterinarians -sometimes perform a simple operation for splints which is said to be -efficacious—namely, that of dividing the periosteum with a bistuary, the -periosteum being that membrane which encases all bones like a skin. When -this is cleverly done, there is little or no disfiguration left. Setons -also are sometimes run over the exostosis or bony excrescence, but I deal -only with simple remedies. As splints cannot be prevented, being a common -result of work in young horses, the next best thing to be done is to -resolve them while in an incipient state. - -_Clap of the Back Sinew_—_i.e._, inflammation of the sheath under which -the flexor tendon passes (as the most able practitioners deny that the -tendon itself can be stretched, though it is liable to rupture about -its insertions)—is best treated, according to some, by cold refrigerant -lotions, Goulard lotion, solution of acetate of lead, &c. - -I prefer plain water-dressing (page 160) placed loosely round the -affected part of the leg, and the use of a high-heeled shoe (page -82). When the attack is beyond the reach of such mild treatment, the -veterinary surgeon will probably advise blistering and firing to act as a -perpetual bandage. - -Moderate work on even surfaces will be the best preventive of this -disease, and having the pavement of your stables made nearly level, as -described under the head of “Stabling” (page 8). - -_Wind-Galls_ are undue distensions of the bursæ or bags of synovia at -the back and sides of the lower part of the canon or shin intended to -lubricate the adjacent structure. Though unsightly, and no improvement -to the action of the horse, they can be reduced by external absorbents -(page 159), also by bandages with refrigerant repellants, such as vinegar -and water (_see_ “Grooming,” page 12). - -_Riding-Bone_ is an unhealthy enlargement round the pastern above the -coronet, generally in front, and may be removed in the incipient stage -by external absorbents (page 159), beyond which a professional man had -better be consulted. - -_Wrench_ or _Wrick_, occasioned by accident or strain in work over -a rough path by a slip, presents generally no external swelling or -indication of suffering beyond lameness in movement; but on close -examination, inflammation will be discovered by extra heat about the part -affected. Remove the shoe, give plenty of rest, and apply water-dressing -(page 160) round the affected part. A purge may be administered, as -recommended in all cases where the animal is laid up for several days. To -avoid wrench, care should be observed in starting, turning, and working a -horse, especially on uneven ground or when heavily laden. - -_Mallenders_ and _Sallenders_ denote a scurvy state of the skin inside -the bend of the knees and hocks. Let the parts be cleansed with hot -water and soft soap, and rub in equal parts of hog’s lard and mercurial -ointment mixed; if there be a positive crack or sore, use the chloride of -zinc lotion (_see_ page 158) till healed. Keep a good attentive groom, -and see that he does his work, as such blemishes are occasioned by -carelessness and want of cleanliness. - -_Spavin_ is like splint, a bony excrescence, but on the lower part of the -leg, at the inside of the _hock_ towards the front, occasioned by local -derangement from overwork of the structure. - -If it does not produce lameness it had better be left alone; but -otherwise, the horse being placed in a loose-box, rest should be given, -and treatment with absorbents (page 159), the use of Stevens’s ointment, -&c., persisted in. A mild purge or two during the process will be -beneficial. - -As in nearly all affections of the legs and feet, proper reasonable work -and due care will avert the disease or disfigurement. - -_Curb_ is an enlargement of the tendon or its sheath at the lower part of -the back of the hock, with a good deal of local inflammation attending it. - -It is greatly occasioned by the fashion some riders have of habitually -throwing their horses back on their hocks by severe use of the bit. - -Use water-dressing to reduce inflammation, then absorbents, such as -Stevens’s ointment (page 159). Give rest, &c., as directed for Spavin. - -_String-Halt_ is a well-known and only too conspicuous defect or -affection of the nerves of the hind limbs, or emanating from the spine. - -As its local origin is obscure, so also is the method of dealing with it. - -It is in no way dangerous, though unsightly, and seriously deteriorating -to the value of the animal, although it is said not to interfere much -with his working powers. - -_Capped Hock_ is a pursy swelling over the _os calcis_ or heel-bone at -the end of the hock, generally produced by kicking either in the stable -or against some object in harness, or possibly in consequence of exertion -in getting up and lying down on a scanty bed, especially where the -paving-stones are uneven. - -Use hot fomentations, loose water-dressing, followed by rubbing in -iodine ointment, if necessary, for reduction, but this must be done with -judgment and careful observance of the effect the iodine produces. Or, -after using hot fomentations for a week, apply gas water (which can be -obtained from any gas-works) with a sponge dabbed on every hour during -the day. This treatment, if persisted in, is said to be very efficacious. - -For prevention, keep a good bed for your horse to lie on at night. See -“Kicking in the Stable” (page 85) and “Kicking-Strap” (page 58). - -_Thorough-Pin_ and _Bog-Spavin_ are, like wind-galls, an undue distension -of the bursæ containing the synovia intended to keep the surrounding -parts of the leg lubricated; such distension interfering with the -circulation of the vein in front of the hock is denominated “Blood” (or -Bog) Spavin; at the back and sides of the hock these distensions are -called Thorough-Pin. - -The treatment is with hot fomentations and gas water, as in “capped -hock,” or other absorbents, especially Stevens’s ointment, iodine -ointment, blisters, and actual cautery, which remedies had better be -tried in rotation, the three latter only by a practitioner; but unless -the distensions produce lameness, it is perhaps preferable not to meddle -with them at all. - -There are other diseases of the feet and legs, but requiring very -delicate definitions: they must be left altogether to the professional -man. - -As a rule, in all cases where it may be considered desirable to use -stimulating or strong absorbing treatment externally to cure lameness, -the inflammation should be first fully abated by _local_ cooling -applications; and in severe cases, purges administered before the -application of blisters or powerful absorbents. - - -FARCY. - -This dreaded disease is, I believe, like glanders, incurable, and -generally ends in glanders itself. - -Some practitioners seem to be under the impression that it only attacks -worn-out and ill-conditioned animals; but from personal losses and sad -experience I may venture to differ entirely from such an opinion, and -to state that I have seen horses in the finest condition lost by it. -No doubt feeble animals are very liable to it, but the disease is not -confined to such constitutions. I have remarked that, when contracted -by high-conditioned horses, it can be traced to their being called on -occasionally to do extra work, followed by entire rest for days together, -as a sort of equivalent for the spurt of work done, during which period -of rest (considered necessary on account of the beast’s supposed state of -exhaustion) his powers are taxed with the same amount of high feeding as -if he were in full work. - -Thus the absorbent system seems to become diseased, and farcy-buds -appear, accompanied by craving thirst, in which case, or on the least -suspicion of the disease, reference should at once be made to a -professional man. - -From these buds (whence after a time matter is seen to exude) small cords -may be traced leading to other swellings, rather serving to distinguish -the early stages of farcy from surfeit, besides that in surfeit the lumps -appear indolent and scabby. - -To guard against this scourge of the stable, as the disease is -contagious, be careful what company your horses keep, and let reason be -used in the working, feeding, exercising, and general care of your stud. - -What is called _Water Farcy_ is neither dangerous nor contagious, and -arises from debility of the system, occasioned probably by overwork and -indifferent feeding. - -It is generally marked by a dropsical swelling of the legs, mostly the -hind ones. It is not common in gentlemen’s stables, where horses are less -worked and better cared for than their neighbours. - -The best cure is friction to the swelling, moderate work, and improved -feeding; and give a ball twice a-day, each dose with - - Sulphate of iron, 2 drachms. - Powdered ginger, 2 ” - Powdered gentian, 2 ” - - To be mixed with palm-oil or lard. - - -RINGWORM. - -Ringworm is characterised by one or more scurfy or scaly circular patches -on the skin where the hair has fallen off. As soon as discovered, let -the parts be washed with soap and tepid water twice a-day; and when they -have been gently but perfectly dried, apply rather thickly the following -ointment over the spots:— - - Animal glycerine, 1 ounce. - Spermaceti, 1 ” - Iodide of lead, 2 drachms. - -Rub the glycerine and spermaceti together, and when thoroughly -incorporated, add the iodide of lead; give also every night the following -drink:— - - Liquor arsenicalis, 1 ounce. - Tincture of muriate of iron, 1½ ” - Water, 1 quart. - - Mix.—Dose, half a pint. - -Continue this drink until the disease has disappeared. - -Should ulceration remain about the circumferent edges after the central -bare spot has been apparently cured, apply to the affected circuit six -times a-day persistently the following lotion:— - - Chloride of zinc, 2 scruples. - Water, 1 pint. - -The animal should be thrown up from work during this treatment, which may -be requisite for a month, and good food given. - -Administer also a powerful alterative or two during the course of -treatment, more particularly if the case is obstinate.[32] - -Other practitioners recommend, with the administration of alteratives, -the simple application of a solution of nitrate of silver, 30 grains to -1 ounce of water (distilled), applied every second day to the eruptions, -until they are destroyed. - - -SURFEIT - -is an eruption on the skin, and generally gives way, if attended to -immediately on its appearance, by relaxing the bowels mildly, giving -partly green food instead of hay and bran mashes; at the same time keep -up the strength by feeding with the best oats and a little beans, -alternately with the laxative treatment. - -Should these means not suffice, or the disease become worse, consult a -medical practitioner, who will probably administer diuretics; or if you -cannot procure a professional man, give the following excellent tonic and -alterative drink, recommended by Mr Mayhew:— - - Liquor arsenicalis, 1 ounce. - Tincture of muriate of iron, 1½ ” - Water, 1 quart. - - Mix, and give daily half a pint for a dose. - -_Hidebound_ requires the same treatment as surfeit. - -_Mange_ is generally the result of insufficient food and other privations -endured at grass, and of the neglect of the skin consequent on animals -being turned out for a time to take care of themselves. - -It is highly contagious, and is now admitted to be occasioned by an -insect which is engendered in the foul coat. - -A capital wash is recommended by Mr Mayhew, viz.:— - - Animal glycerine, four parts. - Creosote, half a part. - Oil of turpentine, one part. - Oil of juniper, half a part. - -About a pint and a half is said to be the quantity required to make one -dressing. Every portion of the entire coat should be saturated with this -wash, and thus left for two clear days, when it should be washed clean -with soft soap and warm water, equal care being taken to omit no part of -the body, which should afterwards be thoroughly dried and the coat well -dressed or whisked. - -When all is dry and clean apply a second dressing, proceeding as directed -for the first, and a third after the two days have elapsed and the -second cleaning process has been thoroughly gone through, after which -the disease ought to be eradicated. A mere disposition to scratching is -generally successfully treated by giving bran mashes night and morning -for some days, and part green food instead of hay. Others recommend for -mange, as most successful, the following application, to be well rubbed -in once a-week all over the animal with a stiff horse-brush:— - - Barbadoes tar, 1 part. - Linseed oil, 3 parts. - - To be mixed and gently warmed in a pan. - -The whole of the horse’s body to be thoroughly washed with soft soap and -warm water, and PERFECTLY _dried_, previous to rubbing in the foregoing -application. - - -SORE BACK, WITHERS, AND SITFASTS, - -should be carefully attended to with poultices or water-dressing (_see_ -page 160), while a disposition to throw off pus is present, after which -the application of healing agents (among which chloride of zinc lotion -and glycerine are now prominent) is the proper course, but applicable -only to decidedly trifling and superficial cases. It is imperative, if -a cure be desired, that no pressure whatever from the saddle or any -other cause of irritation be permitted; therefore, unless a saddler can -effectually chamber and pack the saddle so as to prevent the possibility -of its touching on or near the sore, the saddle must not be used at all. - -The worst and common result of sores on the back is, that sinuses or -cavities, with an almost imperceptible orifice, insidiously eat away like -poll-evil into the more important part of the adjacent structure. Here -the aid of the veterinary surgeon is indispensable. - - (Being myself acquainted with anatomy, I used to get a - depending orifice as near as possible to the bottom of the - sinus (as discovered with a probe) by a bistuary, laying - the sinus open all the way; or if the direction were rather - superficial, by the insertion of a seton-needle about the width - of the sinus, run out at bottom, leaving the seton in to direct - the discharge. The latter operation, if carefully conducted, is - decidedly the simplest and best when practicable.) - -For prevention of sore back avoid injurious pressure from an ill-fitting -saddle; also removing it too quickly from, the back of a heated animal -(_see_ “Work,” page 37). Pressure of the terret-pad (_see_ page 59), or -of the roller from not being properly chambered over the ridge of the -back (_see_ page 19), must also be carefully guarded against. - - -WOUNDS, - -if deep or dangerous, should meet with the immediate attention of -a surgeon, as none but anatomists should deal with them. Generally -speaking, the loss of a moderate quantity of blood is rather beneficial -than otherwise, tending to avert inflammation. Where water-dressing -(_see_ page 160) can be applied, nothing is better in the first instance; -and when the wound is fairly cleansed and evidently healing, the chloride -of zinc lotion (_see_ page 158) will advance that process and help to dry -it up. When the surface is _perfectly_ healed and a new skin formed, the -growth of the hair will be promoted by the application of hog’s lard -coloured with very finely powdered burnt leather. - - -MEGRIMS OR EPILEPSY - -may proceed from the effects of the sun in very hot weather, from -congestion of the blood-vessels of the brain and head, or from disordered -stomach or indigestion. The horse when at work suddenly evinces a -disinclination to proceed, appears bothered, and shows unaccountable -perverseness—sometimes staggers and falls. Release him at once from -whatever work he may be at; if the cause can be descried, treat in the -most reasonable way accordingly. If the illness is supposed to proceed -from the heat of the sun or congestion of the head, dash water on the -head and keep it enveloped in cold wet cloths; also cool the system by -aperients, giving rest for some time. If from indigestion, repeated mild -aperients should be administered. - -It is a strange fact known to those who are experienced on the road, that -these fits are seldom or never taken during work at night. When such -attacks are habitual the animal is only fit for farm-work. - - -CRIB-BITING AND WIND-SUCKING. - -Some able veterinarians declare these habits to be the result of an -endeavour to eject acidity from the stomach as the horse cannot vomit, -while others compare it to the human belch. It is almost impossible to -_cure_ a crib-biter; the only thing that can be done is, to palliate and -prevent it, which is essential, as the habit is not only injurious to -the horse himself, but one that, strange to say, is most readily imitated -by his companions; in whatever stable such an animal may be, the others -are liable to become crib-biters. - -By leaving a lump of rock-salt in horses’ mangers many ailments may be -averted. Licking it is a resource to them in their hours of solitary -confinement. In the present instance a lump of chalk might be added, -for the animal to amuse himself at any moment that he is left without -a muzzle (which should be made for him by an experienced saddler, and -constantly used). The chalk being essentially antacid, is decidedly -useful if the habit is supposed to result from acidity. - -As the muzzle should not be left off for any length of time, the food -should be prepared to be taken up in the most rapid form—viz., a small -quantity of chaff to bruised oats. When the beast finds by experience -that his feeding-time is limited, with starvation for the alternative, he -will probably prefer his food to gnawing the iron during the short space -allowed him without his muzzle. A simple remedy sometimes used with good -effect is, keeping a tightened strap round the creature’s neck when he -is not feeding; and I have known the covering of every portion of the -stall within his reach with rabbit or sheep skins, the hair outside, -to effectually check a crib-biter for the time being,—the habit being -resumed, however, on his removal to another stall.[33] - - -METASTASIS. - -As this term is frequently used by practitioners, it may be well to -explain that it is a Greek word signifying a removal from one place to -another, employed as a technical designation in describing a change of -the seat of disease from one part of the animal structure to another, -which is by no means uncommon: for instance, when the feet are attacked -with fever, that malady will appear to remove itself to some other and -probably distant part, and fix itself on the lungs or other viscera, the -same way that inflammation of the lungs and other parts of the upper -structure will change amongst themselves, or from their own seat of -disease to the feet.[34] I have even known superpurgation (occasioned, -in a pair of horses, by _undue_, but not severe work when under the -irritation of the medicine) to cause fever of the feet, by a metastasis, -changing the seat of irritation from the internals to the extremities—a -very palpable case in point. - - -SETONS. - -The insertion of a seton properly belongs to the professional man, -and only for the guidance of persons who, from living in remote -neighbourhoods or other causes, cannot possibly procure the assistance -of such, the following information is inserted, in order to obviate -the necessity for some ignorant farrier being permitted to perform the -operation after his own fashion. The skin is first divided, by surgical -scissors made for such purposes, to the width of the seton-needle to be -used, which must be wide or narrow, according to the orifice required, -with white linen tape passed through its eye, about the same width as -the needle and orifice. The needle is then inserted at the opening, and, -passing superficially under the skin, is directed towards the point where -the lower or depending orifice is intended to be, and where the needle -and tape are drawn out. Sufficient tape must be left at each extremity -to admit not only of its being tied round small rolls of tow which keep -the tape from running through at either side, but some inches of the tape -should be left in addition at one end, to allow of a portion being drawn -out at one orifice each day, and a fresh piece with dressing being drawn -in at the other. - -In cases where there is already an upper orifice with sinuses, the -surgeon (if he does not lay the place entirely open with a knife, which, -if the sinuses are deep-seated, he will do) will insert the seton-needle -at such orifice, no incision with the scissors being necessary, the -direction of the sinuses having been first ascertained by the careful -use of the probe. The dressing to be applied to the tape will be either -chloride of zinc lotion, Venice turpentine, or tincture of arnica lotion -(_see_ “Lotions”), according as the healing or discharging process may -be desired, the first being the healing application. Farriers attempting -this operation will even now adopt an old and most objectionable practice -of tying the two ends of the seton-tape together, and turning it round at -each fresh dressing; the consequence being that, if anything happen to -catch in the loop thus made, the whole piece of skin may be dragged out. - - -LOTIONS, PURGES, BLISTERS, &c. - -AS A RULE, ALL VOLATILE OILS OR TINCTURES SHOULD BE ADMINISTERED IN COLD -WATER, OR LIQUID. - -_Strong Heeding Lotion._—Chloride of zinc, two scruples; water, one pint. - -_Weaker, as for Sore Mouth, &c._—Chloride of zinc, one scruple; water, -one pint. - -_To encourage Pus, and heal subsequently._—Tincture of arnica, one ounce; -water, one pint. - -_To keep off Flies from Wounds or Bruises._—Apply a rag dipped in -solution of tar. - -_Glycerine Lotion._—Glycerine, half pint; chloride of zinc, half ounce; -water, six quarts. - -_To abate External Inflammation._—Vinegar, two ounces; Goulard lotion, -one ounce; water, two pints. - -_Liniment for the Neck in Cold and Distemper, Sore Throat, &c._—One part -spirit of turpentine, two parts oil, mixed, or equal parts of each, and -rubbed in once or twice daily. - -_Purges._—A mild purge is composed of—aloes, four drachms; extract of -gentian, two drachms. - -_A very mild Laxative Drench._—Castor-oil, three ounces; linseed-oil, two -ounces; warm gruel, one pint—Mix. - -Of linseed-oil alone the ordinary dose is one pint. If ineffectual, to be -repeated, with the addition of twenty drops of croton-oil. - -_Alterative Ball_ (for surfeit and skin diseases).—Cream of tartar, half -drachm; nitre, two drachms; flowers of sulphur, half ounce—Mix in mass. - -_External Absorbents._—Iodine ointment and tincture, Stevens’s -ointment,[35] water-dressing. - -_Restoratives or Renovators—Drenches._—A quart of stout, morning or -evening; hay-tea, when mashes are refused; gruel properly prepared (page -161) and linseed mashes (page 22). - -_Soothing Drench in Colic._—Sulphuric ether, one ounce; laudanum, one -ounce; linseed-oil, one pint. - -_Astringent Drenches_ (for diabetes).—Diluted phosphoric acid, one ounce; -chilled water, one pint. - -Or—Oak-bark, one ounce; alum, quarter ounce; camomile tea, one pint—Made -into a drench. - -Feeding on old hay is generally effectual to check purging. - -_Clysters_[36] (for diarrhœa, dysentery, or over-purgation).—Laudanum, -one ounce—Mixed in three pints warm thin starch, repeated every -half-hour, as long as necessary. (The above is soothing and _astringent_.) - -(For inflammation of the bladder or kidneys.)—Injections of warm -linseed-tea constantly repeated. - -(For dysentery.)—Injections of cold linseed-tea. - -(For colic.)—Injection of one pint of turpentine mixed in two quarts of -hot soap-suds. (Soothing and _laxative_.) - -_Ointment_ (to recover hair).—Equal parts hogs’ lard and mercurial -ointment, with _very finely powdered_ burnt leather to colour it. - -_Poultices_ are made of bran or linseed-meal, with boiling water, and -applied as hot as bearable. They are seldom used except for the feet, in -which cases the leather shoe is useful. - -_Water-dressing_ (for sores, &c.)—Pads of linen kept _continually fully_ -saturated with water, and entirely over them is kept fixed a waterproof -covering of oiled silk or calico (gutta-percha is too liable to tear), -to prevent evaporation. The pads should be changed every three or four -hours, and cleansed where they are intended to promote effusion of matter. - -_For Acidity._—A lump of chalk kept in the manger. - -_For General Health._—A lump of rock-salt always in the manger. - -_For Worms._—One to two grains of arsenic and twenty grains of kamela -twice daily (each dose mixed in a handful of wet bran, and given with -oats or other feeding) for eighteen days, and a purge the nineteenth -morning. The horse may get _moderate_ work during the administration of -the powders. Or, common salt, a tablespoonful daily, to be mixed with the -food. - -_Strong Mustard Blister._—For cases of acute inflammation, mustard to be -made into a paste, eight ounces; oil of turpentine, two ounces—To be well -rubbed into the chest or belly in severe inflammation. - -_Blisters_ should never be applied to a horse’s four legs at the same -time, as is the practice with some farriers. Two legs only should be -blistered at once, and an interval of three or four days suffered to -elapse before the application of the remaining blisters. The animal’s -head should be tied up for at least thirty hours after the blister is put -on, to prevent his gnawing the part; but if a cradle round the neck can -effect the same purpose in cases where other parts are blistered, its use -is preferable to tying up the head. - -_Sedative._—To allay excitement after a wound, &c.: tincture of aconite, -ten to twenty drops, in drench of one pint of water with chill off. - -_To make Gruel._—Mix well a pound of oatmeal in a quart of cold water; -put this mixture in a stew-pan containing three quarts of boiling water, -stir all well over the fire till it becomes thick, then leave it aside to -cool sufficiently to be eatable. - -_Disinfectant._—As it will perhaps be useful to any proprietor of -horse-flesh, who may unfortunately have had contagious disease in -his stables, such as farcy or glanders, to know how premises should -be disinfected according to the most approved means, the following -recommendations of Government for purifying the holds of ships, during -the prevalence of rinderpest, are appended:— - -_Suggestions for Disinfecting Holds of Ships._—The Government has issued -the following circular to the shipowners and veterinary inspectors of -Irish ports. It must not be forgotten that the importation of raw hides -is still permitted. - - “_23d August 1865._ - - “The usual means had recourse to for the purpose of - disinfecting the holds of vessels (such as washing and - subsequently applying diluted disinfecting solutions, the most - generally used of which is chloride of lime), do not possess - sufficient efficacy, particularly within the limited time that - can be devoted to that purpose, without interfering with the - commercial interests of the vessels. - - “It would occupy too much time to carefully scour and - afterwards apply a disinfecting fluid to the entire surface of - a ship’s hold, in which, generally, there are many crevices - and parts that cannot be reached by the hand or brush. Such - crevices and parts are capable of retaining the contagious and - infectious principles in all their virulence. - - “Holds of vessels, and all other chambers from which the - external air can be excluded for a time, can be, comparatively - speaking, most effectually disinfected by filling them with - chlorine gas, the great disinfecting principle of chloride of - lime. The gas insinuates itself into every chink, crevice, - and part of the chamber in which it is confined, and more - effectually decomposes the contagious and infectious compounds, - whether they be solid, fluid, or aeriform, than any other - disinfectant equally easy of application, and as cheap. The - mode of disinfecting the hold of a vessel with chlorine is, to - place a quantity of common salt and black oxide of manganese in - a strong basin, which may be put into a bucket, to the handle - of which a rope has been attached. Pour on the salt and black - oxide of manganese their combined weight of sulphuric acid; - then let the bucket containing the basin a little way down into - the hold by the rope attached to its handle. The chlorine gas, - being heavier than the atmospheric air, will quickly displace - the latter and fill the hold. In a short time, when the hold - has become filled with chlorine, the hatches may be battened - down for about half an hour. - - “Previous to using the hold again for live freight, a current - of air should be admitted through it to remove the chlorine. - - “Many recommend the use of charcoal; but it is not alone - more difficult of application, but it is much less of a - disinfectant than a deodoriser. Charcoal will not, like the - chlorides, decompose the matter of disease. If the damp - matter of glanders, or sheep-pox, be well mixed with a strong - solution of chloride of lime, it will seldom produce bad - effects by inoculation; but if pure charcoal of any kind be - used, the contagious principle of the diseased matter is - not at all diminished in its virulence—quite the contrary; - similar results are found if cow-pox be the matter used in the - experiment. - - “The cost of the readiest materials for the production of - chlorine gas is very trifling. The salt is not ¼d. per pound; - black oxide of manganese but 4d. per pound; and sulphuric acid - 1½d. per pound. These are the retail prices. A couple of pounds - weight of each would suffice for a large-sized hold. - - “The attention of the customs, shipowners, and veterinary - inspectors is directed to the above disinfecting means. - - (Signed) - - “HUGH FERGUSON, - Her Majesty’s Veterinary Surgeon, - Principal Government Veterinary Inspector, Ireland.” - - - - -FOOTNOTES - - -[1] It may be well to let my readers know how I became experienced -on the _road_. In the days when coaching was in its perfection (and -when many country gentlemen indulged in their fancy for the use of the -“ribbons”), I became, during a long interval from service, deeply and -actively concerned in a coaching establishment of the first order; and -those who, some years since, travelling between Dublin and Killarney -_via_ Limerick (a distance of about 185 miles), may have happened to hear -coachmen and helpers talking of the “Captain,” will recognise in the -writer the individual thus referred to, who was also in partnership with -the famous Bianconi in the staging on the Killarney line. Several years -spent in such a school will probably be considered a good apprenticeship -to the study of one branch of the subject herein treated upon—viz., the -management of horses on the road. - -[2] The soubriquet by which the Author is known in his regiment. - -[3] It, however, is treated more fully in a new section, page 93, which, -at the request of many readers, and in consequence of its increasing -interest to a large portion of the community, has been added to this -edition. - -[4] The French dealers of the present day choose, for gentlemen’s -hack-horses, chestnuts with legs white half-way up, causing the action to -look more remarkable. “There’s no accounting for taste.” - -[5] It is to be remarked of bays, mouse-colours, and chestnuts, having -a streak of a darker colour over the backbone from mane to tail (which -sometimes, as with the donkey, crosses the shoulder)—that animals thus -marked generally possess peculiar powers of endurance; and rat-tailed -ones, though ugly, prove very serviceable. - -[6] The extremes of various bad positions of the head when the bit is put -in operation are—the throwing up the nose horizontal with the forehead, -a trick denominated “stargazing,” at which ewe-necked horses are very -ready, and getting the bit up to the angles of the jaws. Such a horse can -easily run away, and cannot be commanded without a martingal. Another -bad point is when the animal leans his jaw firmly against the bit, and, -placing his head between his fore legs, the neck being over-arched, goes -where he pleases: such is called by horsemen “a borer.” - -[7] The racer not coming within the province, of this little work, I -will only offer one maxim with reference to such horses in general—viz., -never race any horse unless you make up your mind to have most probably a -fretful, bad-tempered animal ever after. The course of training and the -excitement of contest will induce such a result. - -[8] If you happen to buy a low-priced animal, and depend upon your own -opinion as to soundness, it is well to feel and look closely at the back -part of the fore leg, above the fetlock, and along the pasterns, for -cicatrices left after the performance of the operation of unnerving, by -means of which a horse will go perhaps apparently sound while navicular -disease is progressing in his foot, to terminate in most serious -consequences.—_See_ “Navicular Disease,” page 134. - -[9] The old-fashioned pattern, with leather gear, is, after all, the -best, as proved by the most practical men of the day. - -[10] It has been truly said by the well-known Mr Elmore, that there is a -key to every horse’s mouth, requiring only proper hands to apply it. - -[11] The famous Irish jumper “Distiller” was notorious among many -other good fencers as a bungler on the road, though he would jump a -six-foot-six stone wall with ease, sporting two large broken knees in -consequence of his performance in that line; and in fencing he was also -first-rate. - -[12] I may recommend Gibson, 6 Coventry Street, Leicester Square, as an -excellent, intelligent, and experienced saddler. - -[13] Latchford, 11 Upper St Martin’s Lane, London, and all saddlers. - -[14] All the foregoing observations on saddlery apply equally to ladies’ -saddles. Marked attention should be paid before they mount to the girths, -which should be very tight, to prevent the saddle from turning, a lady’s -weight being often altogether on one side. - -[15] As a good shoulder, such as will keep a saddle in its place, is -one of the great essentials in a gentleman’s hack, or indeed in an -officer’s charger, giving him leverage to lift his legs safely and -showily, it stands to reason that not many such will pass into the ranks -at the Government price for remounts, which, however, is _ample_ to -supply animals suitable for the service, and does so in regiments where -the class of horse provided at once proves that the whole sum allowed -is invested in the remount itself, and proper judgment exercised in -purchasing. - -[16] It might not be out of place to mention, for the information of -those who desire to be well taught, that, to my own knowledge, Allen’s, -in Seymour Place, Bryanstone Square, and Clarendon’s, in Great Brunswick -Street, Dublin, are excellent riding-schools. - -[17] Those who probably have never received a professional riding-lesson -in their lives, but still, from intuitive taste, ride with ease and -ability. - -[18] Talking of a horse being self-dependent in his movement on the -road, puts me in mind of a challenge once accepted by a very practical -horseman, to ride a notorious stumbler (reduced by this defect to mere -farm-work) three times round Stephen’s Green, Dublin (a distance of over -three miles), without falling. Given his choice of bits, some being of -the severest kind, he rejected them all, desiring the groom to get him a -common hemp halter, and with this simple head-gear, riding bare-backed, -he accomplished the distance without the slightest mishap, and thereby -won a large bet. The groom, however, resumed the use of the bit to ride -the horse home (now feeling sufficient confidence to trust himself on his -back instead of leading him), when the animal fell on his knees before he -had gone a hundred yards. - -[19] The incautious use of that rein, which has leverage on the curb, -is very apt, with young unformed horses, or such as have been only -accustomed to the bridoon or snaffle, to induce a notion of rearing, -especially in anything of a rough attempt to “rein back” with; indeed, -this latter point of training should be accomplished with the bridoon -only. - -[20] One can scarcely repress a smile on hearing cross-country -misfortunes related, as they frequently are, in pretty nearly the -following terms:—“I found my horse going sluggishly at his fences; and -one place looking rather biggish, I shook him up with the bit, and put -both heels into him to rouse him, but somehow or other the brute took off -too soon, caught his fore feet, I suppose, against something, and came -such a cropper on the other side!” or, “The beast kept going at such a -bat at his fences that I brought him to book with my hands down, and with -a good pull steadied him; but the brute with his awkwardness missed his -footing on landing, dropped his hind legs into the brook somehow, and -fell back on me, giving me a regular sousing!” - -[21] In obscure lameness, to aid towards discovery of the affected part, -having first decided which leg or foot is diseased, it is not a bad plan -to walk the animal into a stream above the knees and take him out again -(or have water dashed at once fully over the member), then kneel and -closely observe which spot on the surface dries first—that which does so -will probably prove to be the most inflamed part. - -[22] In double harness, to increase your power in turning, shorten the -coupling-reins; and to ease your horses, lengthen these to let their -heads work more straight forward. - -[23] Any one desiring hints in that line can have the benefit of my -experience in dealing with such cattle, by applying to my publisher. - -[24] When a hame martingal strap is used, the pad belly-band should not -be finally buckled until it has been passed through the other. - -[25] Yankee fashion is to drive with a rein in each hand. This style in -Ireland is humorously described as “driving with a rein in each hand and -a whip in the other.” - -[26] There is a useful and inexpensive contrivance for very temporary -roughing, patented and sold by John Coppard & Co., 24 Fleet Street, who, -on being communicated with, will forward descriptive particulars. There -is also a capital and more permanent arrangement prepared and sold by Mr -Morris of 21 Rathbone Place, Oxford Street, being an improvement on Mr -White’s plan of frosting horses’ shoes, by screwing three sharpened cogs -into each—one at each heel and one at the toe—the shoes when put on being -prepared to receive them. - -[27] A suggestion has been made by one of the ablest reviewers of the -first edition of this work, to add a chapter on caprices of horses; and -doubtless such would be so extremely interesting, that the temptation to -insert notes under this head in my first edition was only overcome by the -determination to avoid being led into anecdote, which has been strictly -observed throughout, as being out of keeping with the concise style in -which it was intended that the book should be produced. A few practical -hints are, however, here classed under the head of “Caprice.” - -[28] A little work on blood-letting, by Professor Hugh Ferguson of -Dublin, is well worthy of consultation on the subject. - -[29] The difference between this disease and attacks of the lower viscera -is, that the animal does not kick about, but generally stands as if -hopeless and helpless. - -[30] Practical men will tell you that the readiest and best way to mix -grey powder, as water will not make it adhere, is with saliva in the -palm of the hand, from whence it is transferred by a blunt knife to the -horse’s tongue near the root, the tongue being drawn out for the purpose. -I can vouch for the efficacy of this not very elegant proceeding where -expedition is an object, having witnessed it myself. - -[31] This will be found almost a specific; it is recommended by Mr -Mayhew, and is said to have originated with Mr Woodyer, V.S., at -Paddington. Professor Dick is also reputed to have been very successful -in the treatment of this disease, by the use of small and repeated doses -of iodine or iodide of potassium. - -[32] This treatment is recommended by Mr Mayhew. - -[33] A few of the low class of horsedealers are very clever at passing -off a cribber or wind-sucker. - -I have known cases where one might remain in a stable for hours with a -cribber and not detect him. By keeping a continual watch over the animal -and thrashing him directly he attempts to crib, he has been taught to -beware of transgressing in this style in the presence of any one, and -thus even a veterinary surgeon may be deceived, for he is not supposed to -lose his time looking after such details of trickery. - -[34] For example, an animal is in nearly a hopeless state from -inflammation of the lungs and pleura, perhaps as a complication of -distemper. Suddenly there is an amelioration in the symptoms; the hurried -breathing resumes the characteristics of ordinary respiration—the owner, -or veterinary surgeon in attendance, pronounces the patient to be out -of danger—the improvement is regarded as almost miraculous. But in -about twenty-four hours, often less, the horse is observed to move with -difficulty in the stable; if he lies down, he is disinclined to get up; -when standing, the fore feet are kept considerably more in advance than -usual, the hind ones far forward under the body, so that they may as -much as possible relieve the fore feet and legs from the superincumbent -weight. In aggravated cases, as the heels of the fore feet are the parts -which bear the most weight in progression, the horse, when forced to -walk, which he can only accomplish with great difficulty, elevates the -toe at every step, bringing the heel, instead of it, to the ground. The -horse is then suffering from acute laminitis, or what is more generally -in horse-parlance termed “founder.” - -[35] Prepared and sold by Mr H. R. Stevens, V.S., 8A Park Lane, London, -W., and all chemists. - -[36] The use of the clyster syringe by unskilled hands is _very -dangerous_—serious injury to the rectum being the common result; -therefore great caution should be used to insert the pipe (well greased) -slowly and not too high up the channel. - - - - -INDEX. - - - Page - - Absorbents 159 - - Absorbent system 106 - - Acidity 160 - - Aconite, tincture of 161 - - Age, to judge of 3 - - Ale and porter 24, 37 - - Alteratives 159 - - Ambling or pacing 34 - - American stabling 18 - - American carriages 74 - - Arabian horses 95 - - Arnica lotion 157, 158 - - Arsenic 124, 160 - - Auction 6, 89 - - Axle-boxes 74 - - - Backing 71 - - Back-raking 122 - - Back, sore 38, 151 - - Ball, manner of giving 104 - - Bandaging 14 - - Bark of oak 159 - - Beans and pease 20, 21 - - Bearing-rein 63, 141 - - Bedding 9, 10, 27, 38 - - Belladonna 127 - - Belly-band, caution 59 - - Bits 38, 62, 70 - - Bladder, inflammation of 127, 159 - - Bleeding 111 - - Blinkers 62, 70 - - Blisters and absorbents 159, 160 - - Blood 94 - - Board ship 24, 104 - - Boot of leather 19 - - Bran mash 22 - - Break carriage 5, 30 - - Breaking or training 29 - - Breaking to harness 30 - - Breastplate 48 - - Breeding 1, 93 - - Bridling 38 - - Britching 58 - - Broken knees 141 - - Broken wind 119 - - Bronchitis 113 - - Bruised oats 21 - - Brushing 78 - - Buying 6 - - - Calkins or cogs 80, 82 - - Calomel 125 - - Canker 136 - - Cantering 33, 52 - - Capped hock 145 - - Caprice 90 - - Carriages 73, 75 - - Carrots 23 - - Casting 102 - - Cavalry remounts 47 - - Cavesson 33 - - Chaff 10, 154 - - Chain fastenings 17 - - Chalk 15, 154, 160 - - Chifney bit 42 - - Chloride of zinc 158 - - Chloroform 102 - - Clap of the back sinew 143 - - Cleaning in-doors 12, 13 - - Climate 95 - - Clipping 16 - - Clothing 18 - - Clysters 159 - - Clysters, danger of using 15, 159 - - Cold and influenza 110 - - Colic and gripes 108, 121 - - Colic drench 159 - - Collar 60 - - Colour 2 - - Contagion 26, 112, 116 - - Contractors 25 - - Corns 79, 131, 140 - - Costiveness 123 - - Cough 115 - - Coupling-rein 56 - - Cracked and greasy heels 136 - - Crib-biting 153 - - Croton-oil 108, 159 - - Crupper 46, 63 - - Curb 145 - - - Dandriff 14 - - Dealers 6, 7 - - Diabetes 123 - - Diabetes drench 159 - - Diarrhœa or dysentery 120, 159 - - Digestive organs, diseases of 120 - - Diseases 101 - - Disinfectants 113, 161 - - Diuretics, and danger of 126 - - Dogs and cats 11 - - Dragoons 36, 47, 48, 50 - - Drainage 8 - - Draught or traction 58, 72 - - Drench, way of giving 105 - - Driving 65 - - Dumb jockey 30 - - Dysentery 120, 159 - - - Exercising 31, 107 - - Exhibitions 94, 97 - - Eyes, sore 110 - - - Fairs 7 - - Falling in harness 70 - - Farcy 26, 107, 147 - - Febrifuges 117 - - Feeding 20 - - Feeding on board ship 24 - - Feet, diseases of 127 - - Fencing 53 - - Fever of the feet, or laminitis 132, 133, 155 - - Fits 117, 153 - - Flooring 10, 143 - - Fomentations 146 - - Foot, construction of 128 - - Foot-stopping 13, 38 - - French horses 1, 2, 96 - - Frosting 80 - - - Gas water 146 - - Girthing 44 - - Glanders 26, 109 - - Glycerine 158 - - Goulard lotion 158 - - Grazing 26 - - Grey powder 115 - - Gripes 108, 121 - - Grooming 12 - - Grooms’ doctoring 12 - - Grooms’ requisites 15 - - Gruel, how to make 161 - - - Hack for draught 5 - - Hack to ride 3 - - Halter-cast 17 - - Haltering 16 - - Hames 58, 61 - - Harnessing 56 - - Harness-room 56 - - Hay 21 - - Head, diseases of 109 - - Head-stall 16 - - Heels, cracked or greasy 136 - - Hidebound 150 - - Hills, to ascend or descend 67, 68 - - Hood 18 - - Horse shows 94, 97 - - Hunter 5, 94 - - - Inflammation of bladder 125, 159 - - Inflammation of kidneys 125 - - Inflammation of lungs 114, 155 - - Influenza 110 - - Indian gram 22 - - Iodine ointment 159 - - Irish hunters 93 - - - Jibbers 71, 87 - - Jumping 53 - - - Kicking in harness 59, 71, 85 - - Kicking in stable 85 - - Kicking-strap 31, 59 - - Kidneys, inflammation of 125 - - Knee-caps 19, 31 - - Knees, broken 141 - - - Lameness 55, 78, 128, 140 - - Lampas 119 - - Latches, danger of 10 - - Lateral cartilage, disease of 135 - - Laudanum 121, 159 - - Laxatives 158 - - Leather boot 19 - - Leather soles 82 - - Legs, diseases of 127 - - Light 9 - - Liniments 158 - - Linseed mash 22 - - Linseed-oil 108, 158 - - Litter 9, 135 - - Liver, diseases of 125 - - Logs to head, tie 17 - - Loose-boxes 9 - - Lotions 141, 158 - - Loungeing or ringing 33, 84 - - Lungs, inflammation of 114, 155 - - - Mallenders and sallenders 144 - - Mane 14 - - Mange 150 - - Mangers 10 - - Martingals 40 - - Mash, to make 22 - - Megrims 153 - - Mercurial ointment 141, 160 - - Mercury.—See Calomel. - - Metastasis 155 - - Mounting of lady in side-saddle 55 - - Mustard blister 160 - - - Navicular disease 7, 134 - - Neck, sore 31 - - Nitre 117, 126 - - Nose, discharge from, or nasal gleet 110, 116 - - Noseband 42, 63 - - Numna or sweat-cloth 38 - - - Oak bark 159 - - Oats, bruised 21 - - Ointments 141, 160 - - Operations 102 - - Operations, slight 104 - - Opium, tincture of 121, 123 - - Out of doors, cleaning 12, 13 - - Over-reach or tread 140 - - - Pace, generally considered 34, 96 - - Partitions 10 - - Pavement 9, 10, 11, 143 - - Pease 20, 22 - - Peat or tan as bedding 10, 27 - - Phosphoric acid 124, 159 - - Picker 13, 15 - - Pole-chains and swinging-bars 73 - - Poll-evil 17, 117 - - Porter and ale 24, 37 - - Poultices 160 - - Private purchase 7, 90 - - Prizes 94, 97 - - Public troughs 26 - - Pulse 109 - - Purges 108, 158, 159 - - Purging 106 - - Purging, to stop 108, 121 - - Putting to, in draught 57 - - - Quittor 135 - - - Race-horses 1, 6 - - Racing laws 97 - - Racks and mangers 10 - - Rarey’s system 28, 102 - - Rearing up 52, 86 - - Restoratives, in work 24, 37 - - Riding 49 - - Ringing or loungeing 33 - - Ring-bone 144 - - Ringworm 148 - - Rollers 19, 152 - - Roughing and frosting 80 - - Runaways 71 - - - Saddling 43 - - Sallenders 144 - - Salt 15, 125, 154, 160 - - Sand-cracks 138 - - Saving-collar 30, 61 - - Sedative 161 - - Selecting 2 - - Selling 89 - - Setons 152, 156 - - Sex 3 - - Shape 1, 3, 5, 6, 94 - - Sheet, shape 18 - - Shelly hoofs 137 - - Shipboard 24, 104 - - Shivering fits 117 - - Shoeing 75 - - Shying 88 - - Side-saddle, for mounting lady to 55 - - Side-saddle and girths 44, 45 - - Singeing 15 - - Sitfasts 151 - - Size 1, 2, 72, 95 - - Skin diseases 148, 149, 150 - - Smelling, sense of 89 - - Solitude 11, 93 - - Sore back 38, 151 - - Sore eyes 110 - - Sore heels 136 - - Sore mouth 24, 158 - - Sore neck 31 - - Sore throat 118 - - Sore withers 38, 151 - - Soundness 5 - - Spavin, blood 146 - - Spavin, bone 144 - - Splinter and swinging bars 73 - - Splints 142 - - Stable requisites 15 - - Stabling 8 - - Staggers 153 - - Staling, profuse 123 - - Stalls 9 - - Steaming the head 112 - - Stevens’s ointment 142, 145, 159 - - Stirrup irons and leathers 45, 46 - - Stonehenge 11, 30 - - Stones on the road 13, 40, 55 - - Stopping feet 13, 38, 76, 134 - - Strain of back sinew 11, 14, 82, 143 - - Strangles 118 - - Straw 9, 10 - - String-halt 145 - - Stubbornness 71, 87 - - Stumbling 40, 52 - - Surfeit 147, 149 - - Sweating 32 - - Synovia 141, 143, 146 - - - Tar 15, 135, 138, 140, 158 - - Teeth 3, 24, 116 - - Terret-pad and belly-band 59, 61 - - Tinctures, administration of 158 - - Tips 83 - - Thorough-pin 146 - - Throat-lash or band 43 - - Throat, sore 118 - - Thrush 15, 131, 135 - - Traces 57 - - Training 28 - - Travelling 36, 84 - - Troop-horses 47, 50 - - Trotting 34 - - Turpentine 157, 158 - - Twitch 75, 104 - - - Unnerving 7, 134 - - Urinary organs, diseases of 125, 127, 159 - - - Ventilation 8, 18, 102, 109, 112, 115, 118 - - Vice 84 - - Vinegar 144, 158 - - - Walking exercise 32 - - Warranty 5, 7 - - Water, externally 12, 136 - - Water-dressing 160 - - Water farcy 148 - - Watering 25 - - Wheels 73 - - Whip 65 - - Wind-galls 14, 143 - - Wind-sucking 153 - - Withers, sore 38, 151 - - Work 33 - - Worms 28, 124, 160 - - Worm-powder 124 - - Wounds 152 - - Wrick or wrench 144 - - - Yellows 125 - - Young horses 94, 97 - 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Handy Horse-book - or Practical Instructions in Driving, Riding, and the - General Care and Management of Horses. 4th ed. - -Author: Maurice Hartland Mahon - -Release Date: August 21, 2020 [EBook #62993] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HANDY HORSE-BOOK *** - - - - -Produced by Julia Miller and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_i"></a>[i]</span></p> - -<p class="titlepage larger"><span class="smaller">THE</span><br /> -HANDY HORSE-BOOK</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_ii"></a>[ii]</span></p> - -<div class="chapter smaller"> - -<p class="center larger">OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.</p> - -<p>“Most certainly the above title is no misnomer, for the ‘Handy Horse-Book’ -is a manual of driving, riding, and the general care and management -of horses, evidently the work of no unskilled hand.”—<i>Bell’s Life.</i></p> - -<p>“As cavalry officer, hunting horseman, coach proprietor, whip, and -steeplechase rider, the author has had long and various experience in the -management of horses, and he now gives us the cream of his information -in a little volume, which will be to horse-keepers and horse-buyers all that -the ‘Handy Book on Property Law,’ by Lord St Leonards, has for years -past been to men of business. It does not profess to teach the horse-keeper -everything that concerns the beast that is one of the most delicate -as well as the noblest of animals; but it supplies him with a number -of valuable facts, and puts him in possession of leading principles.”—<i>Athenæum.</i></p> - -<p>“The writer shows a thorough knowledge of his subject, and he fully -carries out the object for which he professes to have undertaken his task—namely, -to render horse-proprietors independent of the dictations of ignorant -farriers and grooms.”—<i>Observer.</i></p> - -<p>“We need only say that the work is essentially a <i>multum in parvo</i>, and -that a book more practically useful, or that was more required, could not -have possibly been written.”—<i>Irish Times.</i></p> - -<p>“He propounds no theories, but embodies in simple and untechnical -language what he has learned practically; and a perusal of the volume -will at once testify that he is fully qualified for the task; and so skilfully -is the matter condensed that there is scarcely a single sentence which does -not convey sound and valuable information.”—<i>Sporting Gazette.</i></p> - -<p>“We can cordially recommend it as a book especially suited to the general -public, and not beneath the attention of ‘practical men.’”—<i>The Globe.</i></p> - -<p>“Contains a very great modicum of information in an exceedingly small -space.... There can be little doubt that it will, when generally -known, become the established <i>vade mecum</i> of the fox-hunter, the country -squire, and the trainer.”—<i>Army and Navy Gazette.</i></p> - -<p>“A useful little work.... In the first part he gives just the -amount of information that will enable a man to work his horse comfortably, -check his groom, and generally know what he is about when riding, -driving, or choosing gear.”—<i>Spectator.</i></p> - -<p>“This is a book to be read and re-read by all who take an interest in the -noble animal, as it contains a most comprehensive view of everything appertaining -to horse-flesh; and is, moreover, as fit for the library and drawing-room -as it is for the mess-table or the harness-room.”—<i>Sporting Magazine.</i></p> - -<p>“By all means buy the book; it will repay the outlay.”—<i>Land and Water.</i></p> - -</div> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_iii"></a>[iii]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;" id="illus1"> -<img src="images/illus1.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">DRAWING COVER</p> -</div> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_iv"></a>[iv]</span></p> - -<p class="titlepage"><span class="smaller">THE</span><br /> -<br /> -<span class="larger">HANDY HORSE-BOOK</span><br /> -<br /> -<span class="smaller">OR</span><br /> -<br /> -PRACTICAL INSTRUCTIONS IN DRIVING, RIDING,<br /> -AND THE GENERAL CARE AND<br /> -MANAGEMENT OF HORSES</p> - -<p class="titlepage"><span class="smaller">BY</span><br /> -A CAVALRY OFFICER</p> - -<p class="titlepage smaller">FOURTH EDITION, REVISED AND ENLARGED</p> - -<p class="titlepage gothic">With Engravings</p> - -<p class="titlepage">WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS<br /> -EDINBURGH AND LONDON<br /> -MDCCCLXVIII</p> - -<p class="titlepage smaller"><i>The Right of Translation is reserved</i></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_v"></a>[v]</span></p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_vi"></a>[vi]</span></p> - -<div class="dedication"> - -<p class="larger">TO<br /> -MAJOR-GENERAL LORD GEORGE PAGET, C.B.</p> - -<p class="gothic larger">Inspector-General of Cavalry,</p> - -<p class="noindent">SON OF THE DISTINGUISHED HORSEMAN AND HERO WHO COMMANDED -THE CAVALRY AT WATERLOO, AND HIMSELF A LEADER -AMONG THE “IMMORTAL SIX HUNDRED,”</p> - -<p>THIS BOOK IS BY PERMISSION INSCRIBED,</p> - -<p class="noindent">IN TRIBUTE TO HIS SOLDIERLY QUALITIES, AND TO HIS CONSIDERATION -FOR THE NOBLE ANIMAL WHICH HAS CARRIED -THE BRITISH CAVALRY THROUGH SO MANY DANGERS TO SO -MANY TRIUMPHS,</p> - -<p>BY HIS LORDSHIP’S OBEDIENT SERVANT,</p> - -<p class="right">“MAGENTA.”</p> - -</div> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_vii"></a>[vii]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak">PREFACE.</h2> - -</div> - -<p>Finding myself a standing reference among my -friends and acquaintance on matters relating to -horse-flesh, and being constantly in the habit of -giving them advice verbally and by letter, I have -been induced to comply with repeated suggestions -to commit my knowledge to paper, in the shape of -a Treatise or Manual.</p> - -<p>When I say that my experience has been practically -tested on the road, in the field, on the turf -(having been formerly a steeplechase rider, as well -as now a hunting horseman), with the ribbons, -and in a cavalry regiment, I must consider that, -with an ardent taste for everything belonging to -horses thus nourished for years, I must either -have sadly neglected my opportunities, or have<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_viii"></a>[viii]</span> -picked up some knowledge of the use and treatment -of the animal in question.<a id="FNanchor_1" href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></p> - -<p>Born and bred, I may say, in constant familiarity -with a racing-stable, and having been -always devotedly attached to horses, the wrongs -of those noble animals have been prominently -before my eyes, and I have felt an anxious desire -to see justice done to them, which, I am sorry -to say, according to my observation, is but too -seldom the case; indeed, I have often marvelled -at the tractability of those powerful creatures -under the most perverted treatment by their -riders and drivers.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_ix"></a>[ix]</span></p> - -<p>My object, therefore, in offering the following -remarks, is not to trench upon the sphere of the -professional veterinary surgeon or riding-master, -but to render horse-proprietors independent of the -dictation of ignorant farriers and grooms. Intending -this little work merely as a useful manual, -I have purposely avoided technicalities, as belonging -exclusively to the professional man, and endeavoured -to present my dissertations on disease -in the most comprehensive terms possible, proposing -only simple remedies as far as they go; though, -for the satisfaction of my readers, I may mention -that, as an amateur, I have myself devoted much -time and thought to the study of anatomy, and -that any treatment of disease herein recommended -has been carefully perused and approved by a -veterinary surgeon. Theories are excluded, and I -confine myself simply to practical rules founded on -my own experience.</p> - -<p>Hints and remarks are here offered to the general -public, which, to practical men, will appear trifling -and unnecessary; but keen and extended observation, -carried on as opportunity offered, amongst all -classes and in many countries and climates, has -given me an insight into the want of reasoning<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_x"></a>[x]</span> -exhibited by men of every station in dealing with -the noble and willing inmates of the stable, and -has assisted in suggesting the necessity for just -such A B C instructions as are herein presented -by the Public’s very humble servant,</p> - -<p class="right">“MAGENTA.”<a id="FNanchor_2" href="#Footnote_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a></p> - -<h3>PREFACE TO THIRD EDITION.</h3> - -<p>Increased attention having been directed to the -necessity for greater vigilance with regard to the -breeding and production of good and useful horses, -many readers have expressed a wish that I would -give some decided views on these subjects; and -concurring with them as to the exigency of the -case, I have ventured, in an additional chapter in -this new and Third Edition, to make a few remarks, -which, although doubtless patent to practical -men, are naturally looked for by the public in this -Manual, which has been so favourably received.</p> - -<p class="right">“MAGENTA.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xi"></a>[xi]</span></p> - -<h3>PREFACE TO FOURTH EDITION.</h3> - -<p>The Third Edition of this little work, published -so recently as April last, being already out of -print, the Author, in presenting a new one, feels -called upon gratefully to acknowledge this unusual -mark of favour on the part of the public.</p> - -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">London</span>, <i>November 1867</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xii"></a>[xii]</span></p> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xiii"></a>[xiii]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CONTENTS.</h2> - -</div> - -<table summary="Contents"> - <tr> - <td></td> - <td class="tdpg smaller">PAGE</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc"><a href="#PART_I">PART I.</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>BREEDING,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>SELECTING,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_2">2</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>BUYING,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_6">6</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>STABLING,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_8">8</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>GROOMING,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_12">12</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>HALTERING,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_16">16</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>CLOTHING,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_18">18</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>FEEDING,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_20">20</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>WATERING,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_25">25</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>GRAZING,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_26">26</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>TRAINING,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_28">28</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>EXERCISING,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_31">31</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>WORK,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_33">33</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>BRIDLING,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_38">38</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>SADDLING,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_43">43</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>RIDING,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_49">49</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>HARNESSING,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_56">56</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>DRIVING,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_65">65</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>DRAWING,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_72">72</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xiv"></a>[xiv]</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>SHOEING,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_75">75</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>VICE,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_84">84</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>SELLING,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_89">89</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>CAPRICE,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_90">90</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>IRISH HUNTERS, AND THE BREEDING OF GOOD HORSES,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_93">93</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="tdc"><a href="#PART_II">PART II.</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>DISEASES,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_101">101</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>OPERATIONS,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_102">102</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>TO GIVE A BALL,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_104">104</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>TO GIVE A DRENCH,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_105">105</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>PURGING,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_106">106</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>THE PULSE,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_109">109</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>DISEASES OF THE HEAD AND RESPIRATORY ORGANS,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_109">109</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE AND URINARY ORGANS,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_120">120</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>DISEASES OF THE FEET AND LEGS,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_127">127</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>LOTIONS, PURGES, BLISTERS, ETC.,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_158">158</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>INDEX,</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#INDEX">164</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xv"></a>[xv]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak">LIST OF PLATES.</h2> - -</div> - -<table summary="List of plates"> - <tr> - <td>DRAWING COVER,</td> - <td colspan="2" class="tdpg"><a href="#illus1"><i>frontispiece</i>.</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>THE HACK,</td> - <td class="center"><i>page</i></td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus2">4</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>THE WEIGHT-CARRYING HUNTER,</td> - <td class="center">”</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus3">6</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>RIDING AT IT,</td> - <td class="center">”</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus4">53</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>THE PROPER FORM,</td> - <td class="center">”</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus5">95</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>PREPARATORY CANTER,</td> - <td class="center">”</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#illus6">99</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_1"></a>[1]</span></p> - -<h1>THE<br /> -HANDY HORSE-BOOK.</h1> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="PART_I">PART I.</h2> - -</div> - -<h3>BREEDING.</h3> - -<p>A few words only of observation would I make on this -subject.<a id="FNanchor_3" href="#Footnote_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> Palpably our horses, especially racers and -hunters, are degenerating in size and power, owing -mainly, it is to be feared, to the parents being selected -more for the reputation they have gained as winners -carrying feather-weights, than for any symmetrical -development or evidence of enduring power under the -weight of a man. We English might take a useful -lesson in selecting parental stock from the French, who -reject our theory of breeding from animals simply because -they have reputation in the racing calendars, and -who breed from none but those which have <i>shape</i> and -<i>power</i>, as well as blood and performance, to recommend -them. They are also particular to avoid using for stud -purposes such animals as may exhibit indications of any -<i>constitutional unsoundness</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_2"></a>[2]</span></p> - -<h3>SELECTING.</h3> - -<p>In selecting an animal, the character of the work for -which he is required should be taken into consideration. -For example, in choosing a hack, you will consider -whether he is for riding or for draught. In -choosing a hunter, you must bear in mind the peculiar -nature of the country he will have to contend with.</p> - -<p>A horse should at all times have sufficient <i>size</i> and -power for the weight he has to move. It is an act of -cruelty to put a small horse, be his courage and breeding -ever so good, to carry a heavy man or draw a heavy -load. With regard to colour, some sportsmen say, and -with truth, that “a good horse can’t be a bad colour, -no matter what his shade.” Objection may, however, -be reasonably made to pie-balls, skew-balls, or cream-colour, -as being too conspicuous,—moreover, first-class -animals of these shades are rare; nor are the roan or -mouse-coloured ones as much prized as they should be.</p> - -<p>Bay, brown, or dark chestnuts,<a id="FNanchor_4" href="#Footnote_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> black or grey horses, -are about the most successful competitors in the market, -and may be preferred in the order in which they are -here enumerated. Very light chestnut, bay, and white -horses are said to be irritable in temper and delicate in -constitution.<a id="FNanchor_5" href="#Footnote_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_3"></a>[3]</span></p> - -<p>Mares are objected to by some as being occasionally -uncertain in temper and vigour, and at times unsafe in -harness, from constitutional irritation. More importance -is attached to these assumed drawbacks than -they deserve; and though the price of the male is -generally from one-fourth to one-sixth more than that -of the female, the latter will be found to get through -ordinary work quite as well as the former.</p> - -<p><i>To judge of the Age by the Teeth.</i>—The permanent -nippers, or front teeth, in the lower jaw, are six. The -two front teeth are cut and placed at from two to three -years of age; the next pair, at each side of the middle -ones, at from three and a half to four; and the corner -pair between four and a half and five years of age, -when the tusks in the male are also produced.</p> - -<p>The marks or cavities in these nippers are effaced in -the following order:—At six years old they are worn -out in the two centre teeth, at seven in the next -pair, and at eight in the corner ones, when the horse is -described as “aged.”</p> - -<p>After this, as age advances, these nippers appear to -change gradually year by year from an oval to a more -detached and triangular form, till at twenty their appearance -is completely triangular. After six the tusks -become each year more blunt, and the grooves, which -at that age are visible inside, gradually wear out.</p> - -<p><i>The Hack to Ride.</i>—A horse with a small well-shaped -head seldom proves to be a bad one; therefore such, with -small fine ears, should be sought in the first instance.</p> - -<p>It is particularly desirable that the shoulder of a -riding hack should be light and well-placed. A high-withered<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_4"></a>[4]</span> -horse is by no means the best for that purpose. -Let the shoulder-blades be well slanted as the horse -stands, their points light in front towards the chest. -Nor should there be too wide a front; for such width, -though well enough for draught, is not necessary in a -riding-horse, provided the chest and girth be <i>deep</i>.</p> - -<p>As a matter of course the animal should be otherwise -well formed, with rather long pasterns (before but not -behind),—the length of which increases the elasticity of -his movement on hard roads. His action should be independent -and high, bending the knees. If he cannot -walk well—in fact, with action so light that, as the -dealers say, “he’d hardly break an egg if he trod on -it”—raising his legs briskly off the ground, when -simply led by the halter (giving him his head)—in -other words, if he walks “close to the ground”—he -should be at once rejected.</p> - -<p>With regard to the other paces, different riders have -different fancies: the trot and walk I consider to be -the only important paces for a gentleman’s ordinary -riding-horse. It is very material, in selecting a riding-horse, -to observe how he holds his head in his various -paces; and to judge of this the intending purchaser -should remark closely how he works on the bit when -ridden by the rough-rider, and he should also pay particular -attention to this point when he is himself on his -back, before selection is made.<a id="FNanchor_6" href="#Footnote_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;" id="illus2"> -<img src="images/illus2.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">THE HACK</p> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_5"></a>[5]</span></p> - -<p>Respecting soundness, though feeling fully competent -myself to judge of the matter, I consider the half-guinea -fee to a veterinary surgeon well-laid-out money, -to obtain his professional opinion and a certificate of -the state of an animal, when purchasing a horse of any -value.</p> - -<p><i>The Hack for Draught</i> ought to be as well formed as -the one just described; but a much heavier shoulder and -forehand altogether are admissible.</p> - -<p>No one should ever for a moment think of putting -any harness-horse into a private vehicle, no matter what -his seller’s recommendation, without first having him -out in a single or double break, as the case may be, -and seeing him driven, as well as driving him himself, -to make acquaintance with the animal—in fact, <i>to find -him out</i>.</p> - -<p><i>The Hunter</i>, like the hack, should be particularly -well-formed before the saddle. He should be deep in -the girth, strong in the loins, with full development of -thigh, short and flat in the canon joint from the knee -to the pastern, with large flat hocks and sound fore -legs. This animal, like the road-horse, should lift his -feet clear of the ground and walk independently, with -evidence of great propelling power in the hind legs -when put into a canter or gallop.</p> - -<p>A differently-shaped animal is required for each kind -of country over which his rider has to be carried. In -the midland counties and Yorkshire, the large three-quarter -or thorough-bred horse only will be found to -have pace and strength enough to keep his place. In -close countries, such as the south, south-west, and part<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_6"></a>[6]</span> -of the north of England, a plainer-bred and closer-set -animal does best.</p> - -<p>In countries where the fences are height jumps—a -constant succession of timber, or stone walls—one must -look for a certain angularity of hip, not so handsome in -appearance, but giving greater leverage to lift the hind -legs over that description of fence.</p> - -<p>A hunter should be all action; for if the rider finds -he can be carried safely across country, he will necessarily -have more confidence, and go straighter, not -therefore requiring so much pace to make up for round-about -“gating” gaps and “craning.”<a id="FNanchor_7" href="#Footnote_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a></p> - -<h3>BUYING.</h3> - -<p>If you propose purchasing from a dealer, take care -to employ none but a respectable man. It is also well -to get yourself introduced to such a one, by securing -the good offices of some valuable customer of his for -the purpose; for such an introduction will stimulate -any dealer who values his character to endeavour by his -dealings to sustain it with his patron.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;" id="illus3"> -<img src="images/illus3.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">THE WEIGHT-CARRYING HUNTER</p> -</div> - -<p><i>Auction.</i>—An auction is a dangerous place for the -uninitiated to purchase at. If, however, it should suit -you to buy in that manner, the best course to pursue -is to visit the stables on the days previous to the sale, -for in all well-regulated repositories the horses are in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_7"></a>[7]</span> -for private inspection from two to three days before -the auction-day. Taking, if possible, one good judge -with you, eschewing the opinions of all grooms and -others—in fact, fastening the responsibility of selection -on the one individual—make for yourself all the examination -you possibly can, in or out of stable, of the -animal you think likely to suit you. There is generally -<i>a way</i> of finding out some of the antecedents of the -horses from the men about the establishment.</p> - -<p><i>Fairs.</i>—To my mind it is preferable to purchase at -fairs rather than at an auction: indeed, a judge will -there have much more opportunity of comparison than -elsewhere.</p> - -<p><i>Private Purchase.</i>—In buying from a private gentleman -or acquaintance, it is not unusual to get a horse -on trial for three or four days. Many liberal dealers, -if they have faith in the animal they want to dispose -of, and in the intending purchaser, will permit the same -thing.</p> - -<p><i>Warranty.</i>—As observed under the head of “Selecting,” -it is never wise to conclude the purchase of a -horse without having him examined by a professional -veterinary surgeon, and getting a certificate of his actual -state. If the animal be a high-priced one, a warranty -should be claimed from the seller as a <i>sine qua non</i>; -and if low-priced, a professional certificate is desirable, -stating the extent of unsoundness, for your own satisfaction.<a id="FNanchor_8" href="#Footnote_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_8"></a>[8]</span></p> - -<h3>STABLING.</h3> - -<p><i>Ventilation</i> is a matter of the first importance in a -stable. The means of ingress and egress of air should -be always three or four feet higher than the range of -the horses’ heads, for two simple reasons: first, when -an animal comes in warm, it is not well to have cold -air passing directly on the heated surface of his body; -and, in the second place, the foul air, being the lightest, -always ascends, and you give it the readiest mode of -exit by placing the ventilation high up. The common -louver window, which can never be completely closed, is -the best ordinary ventilator.</p> - -<p><i>Drainage</i> ought to be closely investigated. The -drains should run so as to remove the traps or grates -outside the stable, or as far as possible from the horses, -in order to keep the effluvium <i>away</i> from them. All -foul litter and mass should be removed frequently -during the day; straw and litter ought not to be allowed -to remain under a horse in the daytime, unless -it be considered expedient that he should rest lying -down, in which case let him be properly bedded and -kept as quiet as possible. In many cases the practice -of leaving a small quantity of litter in the stall is a -fine cloak for deposit and urine left unswept underneath, -emitting that noxious ammonia with which the -air of most stables is so disagreeably impregnated that -on entering them from the fresh air you are almost -stifled.</p> - -<p>Masters who object to their horses standing on the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_9"></a>[9]</span> -bare pavement can order that, after the stall is thoroughly -cleaned and swept out, a thin layer of straw -shall be laid over the stones during the daytime. In -dealers’ and livery stables, and indeed in some gentlemen’s, -the pavement is sanded over, which has a nice -appearance, and prevents slipping.</p> - -<p>When the foul litter is abstracted, and the straw -bedding taken from under the horse, none of it should -be pushed away under the manger; let it be entirely -removed: and in fair weather, or where a shed is available, -the bedding should be shaken out, to thoroughly -dry and let the air pass through it.</p> - -<p>Wheaten is more durable than oaten straw for litter: -but the fibre of the former is so strong that it will -leave marks on the coat of a fine-skinned animal wherever -it may be unprotected by the clothing; however, -this is not material.</p> - -<p><i>Light</i> should be freely admitted into stables, not -only that the grooms may be able to see to clean the -horses properly, and to do all the stable-work, but if -horses are kept in the dark it is natural that they -should be more easily startled when they go into full -daylight,—and such is always the consequence of badly-lighted -stables. Of course, if a horse is ailing, and -sleep is absolutely necessary for him, he should be -placed separate in a dark quiet place.</p> - -<p><i>Stalls</i> should be wide, from six to seven feet across -if possible, yielding this in addition to other advantages, -that if the partitions are extended by means of -bars to the back wall, either end stall can be turned -into a loose-box sufficiently large to serve in an emergency.</p> - -<p><i>A Loose-Box</i> is unquestionably preferable to a stall<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_10"></a>[10]</span> -(in which a horse is tied up all the time he is not at -work in nearly the same position), and is indispensable -in cases of illness. Loose-boxes should be paved with -narrow bricks; and when prepared for the reception of -an animal whose shoes have been removed, the floor -should be covered with sawdust or tan, or either of -these mixed with fine sandy earth, or, best of all, peat-mould -when procurable,—any of which, where the indisposition -is confined to the feet <i>only</i>, may be kept -slightly moistened with water to cool them.</p> - -<p>In cases of general illness, straw should be used for -bedding; and where the poor beast is likely to injure -himself in paroxysms of pain, the walls or partitions -should be well padded in all parts within his reach, and -as a further precaution let the door be made to open -outwards, and be fastened by a bolt, as latches sometimes -cause accidents.</p> - -<p><i>Partitions</i> should be carried high enough towards the -head to prevent the horses from being able to bite one -another, or get at each other’s food.</p> - -<p>With regard to stable-kickers, see the remarks on -this subject under the head of “Vice” (<a href="#Page_85">page 85</a>).</p> - -<p><i>Racks and Mangers</i> are now made of iron, so that -horses can no longer gnaw away the manger piecemeal. -Another improvement is that of placing the rack on a -level with and beside the manger, instead of above the -horses’ heads; but notwithstanding this more reasonable -method of feeding hay when whole, it is far preferable -to give it as manger-food cut into chaff.</p> - -<p><i>Flooring.</i>—In the construction of most stables a -cruel practice is thoughtlessly adopted by the way of -facilitating drainage (and in dealers’ stables to make -horses look large), viz., that of raising the paving towards<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_11"></a>[11]</span> -the manger considerably above the level of the -rear part. It should be borne in mind that the horse -is peculiarly sensitive to any strain on the insertions of -the back or flexor tendons of his legs. Thus in stalls -formed as described, you will see the creature endeavouring -to relieve himself by getting his toes down between -the flags or stones (if the pavement will admit) -with the heels resting upon the edges of them; and if -the fastening to the head be long enough he will draw -back still farther, until he can get his toes down into -the drain-channel behind his stall, with the heels upon -the opposite elevation of the drain. Proper pavement -in your stable will help to alleviate a tendency towards -what is called “clap of the back sinew.”—<a href="#Page_143">See page -143.</a></p> - -<p>The slope of an inch and a half or two inches is sufficient -for purposes of drainage in paving stables; but -if the drainage can be managed so as to allow of the -flooring being made quite level, so much the better.</p> - -<p>Should my reader be disposed to build stabling, he -cannot do better than consult the very useful and practical -work entitled ‘Stonehenge, or the Horse in the -Stable and in the Field.’</p> - -<p>The horse being a gregarious animal, and much -happier in society than alone, will, in the absence -of company of his own species, make friends with the -most sociable living neighbour he can find. A horse -should not be left solitary if it can be avoided.</p> - -<p><i>Dogs</i> should never be kept in the stable with horses, -or be permitted to be their playfellows, on account of -the noxious emissions from their excrement. <i>Cats</i> are -better and more wholesome companions.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_12"></a>[12]</span></p> - -<h3>GROOMING.</h3> - -<p>I do not profess to teach grooms their business, but -to put masters on their guard against the common -errors and malpractices of that class; and with a view -to that end, two or three general rules are added which -a master would do well to enforce on a groom when -hiring him, as binding, under pain of dismissal.</p> - -<p>1. Never to doctor a horse himself, but to acquaint -his master immediately with any accident, wound, or -symptom of indisposition about the animal, that may -come under his observation, and which, if in existence, -ought not to fail to attract the attention of a careful, -intelligent servant during constant handling of and attendance -on his charge.</p> - -<p>2. Always to exercise the horses in the place appointed -by his master for the purpose, and <i>never</i> to -canter or gallop them.</p> - -<p>3. To stand by while a horse is having its shoes -changed or removed, and see that any directions he -may have received on the subject are carried out.</p> - -<p>4. Never to clean a horse out of doors.</p> - -<p>These rules are recommended under a just appreciation -of that golden one, “Prevention is better than -cure.”</p> - -<p>If the master is satisfied with an ill-groomed horse, -nine-tenths of the grooms will be so likewise; therefore -he may to a great extent blame himself if his bearer’s -dressing is neglected.</p> - -<p>Grooms are especially fond of using water in cleaning -the horse (though often rather careful how they use -it with themselves, either inside or out): it saves them<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_13"></a>[13]</span> -trouble, to the great injury of the animal. The same -predominating laziness which prompts them to use -water for the removal of mud, &c., in preference to -employing a dry wisp or brush for the purpose, forbids -their exerting themselves to employ the proper means -of drying the parts cleaned by wet. They will have -recourse to any expedient to dry the skin rather than -the legitimate one of friction. Over the body they will -place cloths to soak up the wet; on the legs they will -roll their favourite bandages. It is best, therefore, to -forbid the use of water above the hoof for the purpose -of cleaning—except with the mane and tail, which -should be properly washed with soap and water occasionally.</p> - -<p>When some severe work has been done, so as to -occasion perspiration, the ears should not be more -neglected than the rest of the body; and when they -are dried by hand-rubbing and pulling, the horse will -feel refreshed.</p> - -<p>As already recommended, cleaning out of doors should -be forbidden. If one could rely on the discretion of -servants, cleaning might be done outside occasionally in -fine weather; but licence on this score being once given, -the probability is that your horse will be found shivering -in the open air on some inclement day.</p> - -<p>The groom always uses a picker in the process of -washing and cleaning the feet, to dislodge all extraneous -matter, stones, &c., that may have been picked up -in the clefts of the frog and thereabouts; he also washes -the foot with a long-haired brush. In dry weather, -after heavy work, it is good to stop the fore feet with -what is called “stopping” (cow-dung), which is not -difficult to procure. Wet clay is sometimes used in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_14"></a>[14]</span> -London for the purpose in the absence of cow-dung. -Very useful, too, in such case will be found a stopping -composed of one part linseed-meal to two parts bran, -wetted, and mixed to a sticking consistency.</p> - -<p>The evidence of care in the groomed appearance of -the mane and tail looks well. An occasional inspection -of the mane by the master may be desirable, by turning -over the hairs to the reverse side; any signs of dirt or -dandriff found cannot be creditable to the groom.</p> - -<p><i>Bandaging.</i>—When a hunter comes in from a severe -day, it is an excellent plan to put <i>rough</i> bandages (provided -for the purpose) on the legs, leaving them on -while the rest of the body is cleaning; it will be found -that the mud and dirt of the legs will to a great extent -fall off in flakes on their removal, thus reducing the -time employed in cleaning. When his legs are cleaned -and well hand-rubbed, put on the usual-sized flannel -bandages. They should never remain on more than -four or six hours, and when taken off (not to be again -used till the next severe work) the legs should be once -more hand-rubbed.</p> - -<p>Bandages ought not to be used under other circumstances -than the above, except by order of a veterinary -surgeon for unsoundness.</p> - -<p>In some cases of unsoundness—such as undue distension -of the bursæ, called “wind-galls,” the effect of -work—a linen or cotton bandage kept continually -saturated with water, salt and water, or vinegar, and -not much tightened, may remain on the affected legs; -but much cannot be said for the efficacy of the treatment.</p> - -<p>For what is called “clap,” or supposed distension of -the back sinew (which is in reality no distension of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_15"></a>[15]</span> -the tendon, as that is said to be impossible, though -some of its fibres may be injured, but inflammation of -the sheath through which the tendon passes), the cold -lotion bandaging just described, in connection with the -directions given under the head of “Shoeing” (<a href="#Page_82">page -82</a>), will be found very serviceable.</p> - -<p><i>Grooms’ Requisites</i> are usually understood to comprise -the following articles:—a body-brush, water-brush, -dandriff or “dander” brush, picker, scraper, -mane-comb, curry-comb, pitchfork, shovel and broom, -manure-basket, chamois-leather, bucket, sponges, dusters, -corn-sieve, and measures; leather boot for poultices, -clyster syringe (requiring especial caution in use—<a href="#Footnote_36"><i>see</i> -page 159, note</a>), drenching-horn, bandages (woollen -and linen); a box with a supply of stopping constantly -at hand; a small store of tow and tar, most -useful in checking the disease called thrush (<a href="#Page_135">page 135</a>) -before it assumes a chronic form; a lump of rock-salt, -ready to replace those which should be always kept in -the mangers to promote the general health of the animals -as well as to amuse them by licking it; a lump of -chalk, ready at any time for use (in the same manner -as rock-salt) in the treatment of some diseases, as described, -<a href="#Page_154">pages 154</a> and <a href="#Page_160">160</a>.</p> - -<p><i>Singeing</i>, there is little doubt, tends to improve the -condition of the animal; so much so, that timid users -do well to remember that animals which, before the -removal of their winter coat, required perpetual reminders -of the whip, will, directly they are divested of that -covering, evince a spirit, vigour, and endurance which -had remained, perhaps, quite unsuspected previously. -In fact, in most cases, the general health and appetite -seem to be improved.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_16"></a>[16]</span></p> - -<p>Singeing, when severe rapid work is done, enables -the horse to perform his task with less distress, and -when it is over, facilitates his being made comfortable -in the shortest possible space of time.</p> - -<p>Singeing, if done early in the winter, requires to be -repeated lightly three or four times during the season.</p> - -<p><i>Clipping</i> has exactly the same effect as the above, -and is preferable to it only in cases where, the animal’s -coat being extremely long, extra labour, loss of time, -and flame, are avoided by the clipping process. Singeing -is best with the lighter coats, but sometimes thin -skinned and coated animals are too nervous and excitable -to bear the flame near them for this purpose, in -which case the cause of alarm ought obviously to be -avoided, and clipping resorted to.</p> - -<p>It is worth while to employ the best manipulators to -perform these operations.</p> - -<p>With horses intended for slow and easy work, and -liable to continued exposure to the weather, singeing or -clipping only the under part of the belly, and the long -hairs of the legs, will suffice. Unless neatly and tastily -done, this is very unsightly on a gentleman’s horse. -Clipping, if not done till the beginning of December, -seldom requires repetition.</p> - -<p>In stony and rough countries, it is the habit of judicious -horsemen to leave the hair on their hunters’ legs -from the knees and hocks down, as a protection to -them.</p> - -<h3>HALTERING.</h3> - -<p><i>The Head-Stall</i> should fit a horse, and have a proper -brow-band; it is ridiculous to suppose that the same<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_17"></a>[17]</span> -sized one can suit all heads. Ordinary head-stalls have -only one buckle, which is on the throat-lash near-side; -and if the stall be made to <i>fit</i>, that is sufficient. <i>Otherwise</i> -there should be three buckles, one on each side of -the cheek-straps, besides the one on the throat-lash.</p> - -<p>Let the fastening from the head-stall to the log be -of rope or leather. Chain fastenings are objectionable, -because, besides being heavy, they are very apt to catch -in the ring, and they make a fearful noise, especially -where there are many horses in the stable. By having -rope or leather as a fastener, instead of chain, the log -may be lighter (of wood instead of iron), and the less -weight there is to drag the creature’s head down, the -less the distress to him. Poll-evil (<a href="#Page_117">page 117</a>), it is said, -has frequently resulted from the pressure of the head-stall -on the poll, occasioned by heavy pendants.</p> - -<p>Chains are more durable, and that is all that can be -said in their favour, except that they may be necessary -for a few vicious devils who are up to the trick of severing -the rope or leather with their teeth.</p> - -<p>See that the log is sufficiently heavy to keep the rope -or leather at stretch, and that the manger-ring is large -enough to allow the fastening to pass freely. If the -log is too light, or the manger-ring too small, the likely -result will be that the log will remain close up under -the ring, the fastening falling into a sort of loop, -through which the horse most probably introduces his -foot, and, in his consequent alarm and efforts to disentangle -his legs, chucks up his head, and away he goes -on his side, gets “<i>halter-cast</i>,” most likely breaks one -of his hind legs in his struggles to regain his footing, or -at least dislocates one of their joints.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_18"></a>[18]</span></p> - -<h3>CLOTHING.</h3> - -<p>Opinions differ materially as to the amount of clothing -that ought to be used in the stable. My view of the -matter is, that a stable being, as it should be, thoroughly -ventilated, necessitates the horses in it being to a certain -extent kept warm by clothing. An animal that -has not been divested of his own coat by clipping or -singeing, will require very little covering indeed; for -nature’s provision, being sufficient to protect him out of -doors, ought surely to suffice in the stable, with a very -slight addition of clothing. If he has been clipped or -singed, covering enough to make up for what he has -lost ought to be ample: by going beyond this the -horse is only made tender, and more susceptible of the -influences of the atmosphere when he comes to be exposed -to it with only a saddle on his back.</p> - -<p>In parts of North America, I have observed, where -the stables are built roughly of wood, with many fissures -to admit the weather, horses are seldom, if ever, -sheeted. They are certainly rarely divested of their -coats; but during work, as occasion may require, it is -usual for the rider, when stopping at any place, to leave -his horse “hitched” (as they call it) to any convenient -post or tree, in all weathers, and for any length of time, -and these horses scarcely ever catch cold.</p> - -<p>The best <i>Sheet</i> is formed of a rug (sizeable enough to -meet across the breast and extend to the quarters), by -simply cutting the slope of the neck out of it, and fastening -the points across the breast by two straps and -buckles.</p> - -<p>The <i>Hood</i> need only be used when the horse is at<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_19"></a>[19]</span> -walking exercise, or likely to be exposed to weather, or -for the purpose of sweating, when a couple of them, -with two or three sheets, may be used.—<a href="#Page_32"><i>See</i> page 32.</a></p> - -<p>Horse-clothing should be, at least once a-week, taken -<i>outside</i> the stable, and well beaten and <i>shaken</i> like a -carpet.</p> - -<p><i>Rollers</i> should be looked to from time to time, to see -that the pads of the roller <i>do not meet within three or -four inches</i> (over the backbone),—in other words, there -should be always a clear channel over it, nearly large -enough to pass the handle of a broom through, so as to -avoid the possibility of the upper part of the roller even -touching the sheet over the spinal ridge, which, if permitted, -will be sure to cause a sore back, to the great -injury of the horse and his master, arousing vicious -habits in the former to resent any touch, necessary or -unnecessary, of the sore place on so sensitive a part, -and rendering him irritable when clothing, saddling, -or harnessing, or if a hand even approach the tender -place.</p> - -<p>This is so troublesome a consequence of not paying -attention to the padding of rollers, that a master will do -well to examine them himself for his own satisfaction.</p> - -<p><i>Knee-Caps.</i>—On all occasions when a valuable horse -is taken by a servant on road or rail, his knees should -be protected by caps. The only way to secure them is -to fasten them tightly <i>above</i> the knee, where elastic -straps are decidedly preferable, leaving the fastening -below the knee slack.</p> - -<p><i>A Leather Boot</i>, lined with sponge, or one of felt with -a strong leather sole, should be ready in every stable to -be used as required, in cases of sudden foot-lameness.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_20"></a>[20]</span></p> - -<h3>FEEDING.</h3> - -<p>The cavalry allowances are 12 lb. hay, 10 lb. oats, -and 8 lb. straw daily, which, I know by experience, will -keep a healthy animal in condition with the work required -from a dragoon horse, of the severity of which -none but those acquainted with that branch of the service -have any idea.</p> - -<p>Until he is perfectly fit for the ranks, between riding-school, -field-days, and drill, the troop-horse has quite -work enough for any beast. I may add that few horses -belonging to officers of cavalry get more than the above -allowance, unless when <i>regularly</i> hunted, in which case -additional corn and beans are given.</p> - -<p>With severe work, 14 lb. to 16 lb. of oats, and 12 -lb. of hay, which is the general allowance in well-regulated -hunting-stables, ought to be sufficient. Beans -are also given in small quantity.</p> - -<p>Some persons feed their horses three times a-day, -but it is better to divide their food into four daily -portions, watering them, at least half an hour before -each feed.</p> - -<p>The habit which some grooms have of feeding while -they are teazing an animal with the preliminaries of -cleaning, is very senseless, as the uneasiness horses are -sure to exhibit under anything like grooming causes -them to knock about their heads and scatter their food. -On a journey, according to the call upon the system by -the increased amount of work, so should the horse’s -feeding be augmented by one-third, one-fourth, or one-half -more than usual. A few beans or pease may well -be added under such circumstances.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_21"></a>[21]</span></p> - -<p>In stables where the stalls are divided by bales or -swinging-bars, the horses when feeding should have -their heads so tied as to prevent them from consuming -their neighbour’s food, or the result would be that the -greedy or more rapid eaters would succeed in devouring -more than their fair share, while the slower feeders -would have to go on short commons.</p> - -<p><i>Oats</i> ought <i>always</i> to be <i>bruised</i>, as many horses, -whether from greediness in devouring their food, or -from their teeth being incapable of grinding, swallow -them whole; and it is a notorious fact that oats, unless -masticated, pass right through the animal undigested.</p> - -<p>When supplies have been very deficient with forces -in the field, the camp-followers have been known to -exist upon the grain extracted from the droppings of -the horses.</p> - -<p>It should be remembered that not more than at the -utmost two days’ consumption of oats should be bruised -at a time, as they soon turn sour in that state, and are -thus unfit for the use of that most delicate feeder, the -horse. All oats before being bruised should be well -sifted, to dispose of the gravel and dust which are always -present in the grain as it comes from the farmer. -Unbruised oats, if ever used, should be similarly prepared -before being given in feed.</p> - -<p><i>Hay</i> ought always to be cut into chaff or may be -mixed with the corn, which is the only way to insure -the proper proportion being given at a feed. When the -hay is not cut but fed from the rack, never more than -3 lb. should be put in the rack at a time. If desirable -to give as much as 12 lb. daily, let the rack be filled -six times in twenty-four hours.</p> - -<p><i>Beans</i> must be invariably split or bruised. It is<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_22"></a>[22]</span> -better to give a higher price for English beans than to -use the Egyptian at any price; the latter are said to be -impregnated with the eggs of insects, which adhere to -the lining of the horse’s stomach, causing him serious -injury. In India horses are principally fed on a kind -of small pea called “gram”—in the United States their -chief food is maize; the oat-plant not succeeding well -in either of those regions.</p> - -<p><i>Bran.</i>—Food should be varied occasionally, and all -horses not actually in training ought to have a bran-mash -once a-week. The best time to give this is for the -first feed after the work is done, on the day preceding -the rest day, whenever that may be.</p> - -<p>Even hunters, after a hard day, will eat the bran -with avidity, and it is well to give it for the first meal. -Its laxative qualities render it a sedative and cooler in -the half-feverish state of system induced by the exertion -and excitement of the chase; and according to my -experience, if given just after the work is done, the -digestive process, relaxed by the bran, has full time to -recover itself by the grain-feeding before the next call -is made on the horse’s powers. If the bran is not -liked, a little bruised oats may be mixed through it to -tempt the palate. Whole grains of oats should never be -mixed with bran, as they must of necessity be bolted -with the latter, and passed through the animal entire.</p> - -<p><i>Mash.</i>—When only doing ordinary work, the following -mash should be given to each horse on Saturday -night after work, supposing your beasts to rest on -Sunday:—</p> - -<p>Put half a pint of linseed in a two-quart pan with -an even edge; pour on it one quart of boiling water, -cover it close, and leave to soak for four hours.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_23"></a>[23]</span></p> - -<p>At the same time moisten half a bucket of bran with -a gallon of water. When the linseed has soaked for -four hours, a hole must be made in the middle of the -bran, and the linseed mass mixed into the bran mass. -The whole forms one feed. Should time be an object, -boil slowly half a pint of linseed in two quarts of -water, and add it to half a bucket of bran which had -been previously steeped for half an hour or an hour in -a gallon of water.</p> - -<p>If a cold is present, or an animal is delicate, the bran -can be saturated with boiling water, of which a little -more can be added to warm it when given.</p> - -<p><i>Carrots</i>, when a horse is delicate, will be found -acceptable, and are both nutritious and wholesome as -food. In spring and summer, when vetches or other -green food can be had, an occasional treat of that sort -conduces to health where the work is sufficiently moderate -to admit of soft feeding. When horses are coating -in spring or autumn, or weak from fatigue or -delicacy, the addition to their food of a little more -nutriment may be found beneficial. The English -white pea is milder and not so heating as beans, and -may be given half a pint twice daily, mixed with the -ordinary feeding, for from one to three or four weeks, -as may be deemed advisable.</p> - -<p>When an animal is “off his feed,” as it is called, attention -should be immediately directed to his manger, -which is often found to be shamefully neglected, the -bottom of it covered with gravel, or perhaps the ends -and corners full of foul matter, such as the sour remains -of the last bran-mash and other half-masticated -leavings.</p> - -<p>The introduction of any greasy or fetid matter into<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_24"></a>[24]</span> -a horse’s food will effectually prevent this dainty -creature from touching it. It used to be a common -practice at hostelries in the olden time, to rub the -teeth of a traveller’s horse with a tallow candle or a -little oil; thus causing the poor beast to leave his food -untouched for the benefit of his unfeeling attendant.</p> - -<p>Again, the oats or hay may be found, on close examination, -to be musty, which causes them to be rejected -by the beast.</p> - -<p>Where no palpable cause for loss of appetite can be -discovered, reference should be made to a qualified -veterinary surgeon, who will examine the animal’s -mouth, teeth, and general state of health, and probably -report that the lining of the cheeks is highly inflamed -in some part, owing to undue angularity or decay of -the teeth, and he will know how to act accordingly.</p> - -<p>When horses are on a journey, or a long ride home -after hunting, some people recommend the use of -gruel; but, from experience, I prefer giving a handful -of wetted hay in half a bucket of <i>tepid</i> water, or ale or -porter.—<a href="#Page_37"><i>See</i> page 37.</a></p> - -<p><i>Feeding on Board Ship</i> should be confined to chaff -and bran, mixed with about one-fourth the usual quantity -of <i>bruised</i> oats.</p> - -<p>Though horses generally look well when “full of -flesh,” there are many reasons why they should not be -allowed to become fat after the fashion of a farmer’s -“stall-feds.” Some really good grooms think this form -of condition the pink of perfection. They are mistaken. -An animal in such a state is quite unfit to travel at any -fast pace or bear continued exertion without injury, -and may therefore be considered so far useless.</p> - -<p>He is also much more liable to contract disease, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_25"></a>[25]</span> -if attacked by such the constitution succumbs more -readily.</p> - -<p>Moreover, the superfluous weight of the cumbrous -flesh and fat tends to increase the wear and tear of the -legs; and if the latter be at all light from the knee to -the pastern, they are more likely to suffer.</p> - -<p>On the other hand, it may be well to observe, by way -of caution, that it is by no means good management to -let a horse become at any time reduced to <i>actual leanness</i> -through overwork or deficient feeding. <i>It is far -easier to pull down than to put up flesh</i>.</p> - -<p>These hints on feeding may be closed with a remark, -that in all large towns <i>contractors</i> are to be found ready -and willing to enter into contract for feeding gentlemen’s -horses by the month or year. This is a very -desirable arrangement for masters, but one frequently -objected to by servants, who, however, in such cases -can easily be replaced by application to the dealer, he -having necessarily excellent opportunities of meeting -with others as efficient.</p> - -<p>Contractors should not be allowed to supply more -than two or three days’ forage at a time.</p> - -<h3>WATERING.</h3> - -<p>Horses are greater epicures in water than is generally -supposed, and will make a rush for some favourite -spring or rivulet where water may have once proved -acceptable to their palate, when that of other drinking-places -has been rejected or scarcely touched.</p> - -<p>The groom’s common maxim is to water twice a-day, -but there is little doubt that horses should have access<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_26"></a>[26]</span> -to water more frequently, being, like ourselves or any -other animal, liable from some cause—some slight derangement -of the stomach, for instance—to be more -thirsty at one time than another; and it is a well-known -fact that, where water is easily within reach, -these creatures never take such a quantity at a time as -to unfit them for <i>moderate work</i> at any moment. If -an arrangement for continual access to water be not -convenient, horses should be watered before every feed, -or at least thrice a-day, the first time being in the -morning, an hour before feeding (which hour will be -employed in grooming the beast); and it may be observed -that there is no greater aid to increasing their -disposition to put up flesh, than giving them as much -water as they like before and after every feed.</p> - -<p>A horse should never be watered when heated, or on -the eve of any extraordinary exertion. Animals that -are liable to colic or gripes, or are under the effect of -medicines, particularly such as act on the alimentary -canal, and predispose to those affections, should get -water with the chill off.</p> - -<p><i>Watering in Public Troughs</i>, or places where every -brute that travels the road has access, must be strictly -avoided. Glanders, farcy, and other infectious diseases -may be easily contracted in this way.</p> - -<h3>GRAZING.</h3> - -<p>The advantage of grazing, as a change for the better -in any, and indeed in every, case where the horse may -be thrown out of sorts by accident or disease, becomes -very questionable, on account of the <i>artificial state</i> in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_27"></a>[27]</span> -which he must have been kept, to enable him to meet -the requirements of a master of the present day in -work. If the change be recommended to restore the -feet or legs, this object may be attained, and much -better, by keeping the creature in a loose-box without -shoes, on a floor covered with sawdust or tan, kept -damp as directed (<a href="#Page_10">page 10</a>), to counteract whatever -slight inflammation may be in the feet and legs, or, -best of all, covered with peat-mould, as this does not -require to be damped, and the animal can lie down on -it; besides, the properties of the peat neutralise the -noxious ammonia, and it does not consequently require -to be so often renewed. In the loose-box also he can -take quite as much exercise as is necessary for an invalid -intended to be laid up, and there he can be -supplied with whatever grain, roots, or succulent food -may be deemed necessary.</p> - -<p>As for any other advantage to be derived from a run -at grass, unless for the purpose of using the herb as an -alterative, I never could see it: and even this end, unless -the horse has a paddock to himself, can hardly be -gained; for if there are too many beasts for the production -of the ground, the fare must be scanty, and each -animal half starved.</p> - -<p>The disadvantages of changing a horse to grass from -the artificial state of condition are the following:—</p> - -<p>1. That condition is sure to be lost (at least as far as -it is necessary to fit for work, especially to go across -country at a hunting pace, with safety to himself and -his rider), and not to be regained for a considerable -time, and at great cost.</p> - -<p>2. The horse is exceedingly liable to meet with accident -from the playfulness or temper of his companions.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_28"></a>[28]</span></p> - -<p>3. Worms of the most dangerous and pertinacious -description are picked up nowhere but at grass.</p> - -<p>4. Many ailments are contracted from exposure and -hardship or bad feeding; and owing to the animal -being removed from under immediate inspection, such -ailments gain ground before they are observed. Moreover, -at grass the horse is more exposed to contagious -and epidemic diseases.</p> - -<p>5. Horses suffer great annoyance from flies in summer -time, not having long tails like horned cattle to -reach every part of their body; and wherever any -superficial sore may be present, the flies are sure to find -it out.</p> - -<p>As to aged animals, it is sheer cruelty (practised by -some masters with the best intentions and worst possible -results) to turn them out to grass. Such creatures -have probably been accustomed in the earlier part of -their lives to warm stables, their food put under their -noses, good grooming, and proper care. You might -just as well turn out a gentleman in his old age among -a tribe of friendly savages, unclad and unsheltered, to -exist upon whatever roots and fruits he could pick -up, as expose a highly-bred and delicately-nurtured -old horse to the vicissitudes and hardships of a life at -grass.</p> - -<h3>TRAINING.</h3> - -<h4>RAREY’S SYSTEM.</h4> - -<p>The principle of this system is that of overpowering -the horse that may in some instances have even become -dangerous and useless, from having learned the secret<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_29"></a>[29]</span> -that <i>his strength gives him an advantage over his master</i>—man. -<i>Unconsciously</i> deprived of his power of -resistance, his courage vanishes; the spirit which rose -against all <i>accountable</i> efforts to subdue it, that would -scorn to yield to overweight, pace, work, or any other -<i>evidence</i> of man’s power, and which in the well-dispositioned -animal causes him to strain every nerve to -meet what is required of him rather than succumb, is -by Rarey’s system subdued through a ruse so effected -that the power which overwhelms all the creature’s -efforts at resistance appears to originate and be identified -with the man who can thus, for the first time, take -liberties with him, which he has lost the power of resenting; -and man thenceforward becomes his master. -The method pursued by Mr Rarey in subduing such -a vicious and ungovernable horse as Cruiser, is this: -Placing himself under a waggon laden with hay, to -which the animal is partly coaxed, partly led by guide-ropes, -and stealing his fingers through the spokes of -the waggon-wheel, he raises and gently straps up one -fore leg, and fastens a long strap round the fetlock of -the other, the end of which he holds in his hand and -checks when necessary. The beast, thus unconsciously -tampered with, is quite disposed to resent in his usual -style the subsequent impertinent familiarities of his -tamer; but being by the foregoing precautions cast -prostrate on his first attempt to move, and finding all -his efforts to regain his liberty and carry out reprisals -abortive, worn-out and hopeless, he at length yields -himself helplessly to his victor’s obliging attentions, of -sitting on him as he lies, drumming and fiddling in his -ears, &c., and is thenceforward man’s obedient and -tractable servant.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_30"></a>[30]</span></p> - -<p>There is no doubt that Mr Rarey’s plan of thus -overcoming the unruly or vicious beast by mild but -effectual means, is the right one to gain the point, <i>as -far as it goes</i>; but breaking him in to saddle or draught, -improving his paces, or having ability in riding or driving -any horse judiciously, must be considered another -affair, and only to be acquired through more or less -competent instruction, and by practice combined with -taste.</p> - -<p>In training, the use of a dumb jockey<a id="FNanchor_9" href="#Footnote_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a> will be -found most serviceable to get the head into proper -position, and to bend the neck. Two hours a-day in -this gear, while the horse is either loose in a box or -fastened to the pillar-reins if in a stall, will not at all -interfere with his regular training, exercise, or work, -and will materially aid the former result.</p> - -<p>I greatly advocate the use of the dumb jockey without -springs, even with formed horses, who, being daily -used to it, need no such adjuncts as bearing-reins, but -will arch their necks, work nicely on the bit, and exhibit -an altered show and style in action that is very -admirable in a gentleman’s equipage.</p> - -<p>Should my reader be much interested in breaking-in -rough colts, I recommend him to consult ‘Stonehenge,’ -by J. H. Walsh, F.R.C.S., editor of the ‘Field.’</p> - -<p><i>Training for Draught.</i>—Before the first trial in the -break-carriage, give your horse from half-an-hour to an -hour’s quiet ringing in the harness, to which he should -have been previously made accustomed by wearing it -for a couple of hours the two or three preceding days. -The first start should be in a regular break, or strong<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_31"></a>[31]</span> -but inexpensive vehicle, and stout harness, with also -saving-collar, knee-caps, and kicking-strap—no bearing-rein. -He should be led by ropes or reins (in single -harness on both sides of the head), and tried on a level, -or rather down than up a slight inclination. The place -selected should be one where there is plenty of unoccupied -roadway.</p> - -<p>Better begin in double harness, and let the break-horse -with which the driver is to start the carriage -be strong and willing, so as to pull away the untried -one.</p> - -<p><i>The Neck</i> usually suffers during the first few lessons -in training to harness; and until that part of it where -the collar wears becomes thoroughly hardened by use, -it should be bathed with a strong solution of salt and -water <i>before</i> the collar is taken off, that there may be -no mistake about its being done at once. Should there -be the least abrasion of the skin, do not use salt and -water, but a wash of 1 scruple chloride of zinc to 1 pint -of water, dabbed on the sore every two or three hours -with fine linen rag, and give rest from collar-work till -healed; then harden with salt and water; and when the -scab has disappeared, and the horse is fit for harness, -chamber the collar over the affected part, and employ -for a while a saving-collar. A sore neck will produce -a jibbing horse, and therefore requires to be closely attended -to in his training.</p> - -<h3>EXERCISING.</h3> - -<p>It is desirable that a master should appoint a particular -place for the exercising of his horses, coupled with<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_32"></a>[32]</span> -strict injunctions to his groom on no account to leave -it. No master should give his servants the option of -going where they please to exercise, their favourite resort -being often the precincts of a public-house, with a -sharp gallop round the most impracticable corners to -make up the time. An occasional visit of the master -to the exercising ground is a very salutary check upon -such proceedings.</p> - -<p>The best possible exercise for a horse is walking—the -sod or any soft elastic surface being better than the road -for the purpose; and if the latter only is available, use -knee-caps as a safeguard.</p> - -<p>Two hours’ daily exercise (<i>if he gets it</i>) at a <i>fast</i> walk -will be enough to keep a hack fit for his work; and it -is usual with some experienced field-horsemen never to -allow their hunters, <i>when once up to their work</i>, to get -any but walking exercise for as much as four hours -daily, two hours at a time—that is, when they desire to -keep them “fit.”</p> - -<p>Ladies’ and elderly gentlemen’s horses ought most -particularly to be exercised, and not overfed, to keep -them tame and tractable, and to guard against accidents.</p> - -<p>The foregoing directions refer to the <i>preparations</i> -for the master’s work, and are what I should give my -groom.</p> - -<p><i>Sweating.</i>—In case it is desirable to prepare an animal -for any extraordinary exertion, the readiest, safest, -and most judicious means is by sweating, carefully proceeded -with, by using two or three sets of body-clothes, -an empty stomach being indispensable for the process, -and a riding-school, if available, the best place for the -necessary exercise,—a sweat being thus sooner obtained -free from cold air, and the soft footing of such a place<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_33"></a>[33]</span> -saving the jar on the legs more even than the sod in -the field, unless it happen to be very soft.</p> - -<p>Sweating is a peculiarly healthy process for either -man or beast; and to judge of the benefit derived by -a horse through that means, from the effect of a heavy -perspiration through exercise on one’s self, there seems -little doubt that it is very renewing to the <i>physique</i>.</p> - -<p><i>Ringing</i> or <i>Loungeing</i> with a cavesson, though not -ordinarily adopted, except by the trainer, is nevertheless -most useful as a means of exercise. It is a very suitable -manner of “taking the rough edge off,” or bringing -down the superabundant spirits of horses that have -been confined to the stable for some time by weather or -other similar cause producing restiveness, and is peculiarly -adapted for exercising harness-horses where it -may not be safe or expedient to ride them.</p> - -<h3>WORK.</h3> - -<p>The master on the road or in the field using his -bearer for convenience or pleasure, will do him less -injury in a day than a thoughtless ignorant servant will -contrive to accomplish in an hour when only required -to exercise the beast.</p> - -<p>To the advice already given, never to allow your -horses to be galloped or cantered on a hard surface, it -is well to add, refrain from doing so yourself. On the -elastic turf these paces do comparatively little harm; -but for the road, and indeed all ordinary usage, except -hunting or racing, the trot or walk is the proper pace. -My impression coincides with that of many experienced -sportsmen, that one mile of a canter on a hard surface<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_34"></a>[34]</span> -does more injury to the frame and legs of a horse, than -twenty miles’ walk and trot: for this reason, that in -the act of walking or trotting the off fore and near hind -feet are on the ground at the same moment alternately -with the other two, thus dividing the pressure of weight -and propulsion on the legs more than even ambling, -which is a lateral motion; while in anything approaching -to the canter or gallop, the two fore feet and legs -have at the same moment to bear the entire weight of -man and horse, as well as the jar of the act of propulsion -from behind.</p> - -<p><i>Ambling</i> is a favourite pace with the Americans, -whose horses are trained to it; also with the Easterns. -It is, as before mentioned, a lateral motion, much less -injurious to the wear and tear of the legs than either -canter or gallop on the hard road, the off fore and hind -being on the ground alternately with the near fore and -hind legs.</p> - -<p>Though unsightly to an Englishman’s eyes, this pace -is decidedly the easiest of all to the rider, and may be -accelerated from four to six or eight miles an hour without -the least inconvenience. Some American horses are -taught to excel in this pace, so as to beat regular trotters.</p> - -<p>By trotting a horse you do him comparatively little -injury on the road; but observe the animal that has -been constantly ridden by ladies (at watering-places and -elsewhere), who are so fond of the canter: he stands -over, and is decidedly shaky on his legs, although the -weight on his back has been generally light. Observe, -on the contrary, the bearer of the experienced horseman; -although the weight he had to carry may have -been probably what is called “a welter,” <i>his legs are -right enough</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_35"></a>[35]</span></p> - -<p>The softness of the turf, as fitting it for the indulgence -of a gallop, is indicated by the depth of the -horse-tracks; there is not much impression left on a -hard road.</p> - -<p>It should be always borne in mind that “it is <i>the pace -that kills</i>,” and unless the wear and tear of horse-flesh -be a matter of no consideration, according as the pace -is increased from that of five or six miles per hour, so -should the distance for the animal’s day’s work be -diminished.</p> - -<p>For instance, if you require him to do seven miles in -the hour <i>daily</i>, that seven miles must always be considered -as full work for the day; if you purpose going -eight miles per hour, your horse should only travel six -miles daily at that rate; if faster still, five miles only -should be your bearer’s limit; if at a ten-mile rate, -then four miles; or at a twelve-mile rate, three miles -per day. But of course such regulations apply to <i>daily</i> -work only, as a horse is capable of accomplishing a great -deal more without injury, if only called upon to do so -occasionally.</p> - -<p>A man may require to do a day’s journey of thirty -miles, or a day’s hunting, and such work being only -occasional, no harm whatever to the animal need result; -but about eight or ten miles a-day at an alternate walk -or trot (say six-miles-an-hour pace) is as much as any -valuable animal ought to do if worked regularly.</p> - -<p>No horse ought to be hunted more than twice a-week -<i>at the utmost</i>.</p> - -<p>The work of horses, especially when ridden, ought to -be so managed that the latter part of the journey may -be done in a walk, so that they may be brought in -cool.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_36"></a>[36]</span></p> - -<p>A horse in the saddle is capable of travelling a hundred -miles, or even more, in twenty-four hours, if required; -and if the weight be light, and the rider judicious, -such feats <i>may</i> be done occasionally without -injury: but if a journey of a hundred miles be contemplated, -it is better to take three days for its performance, -each day’s journey of over thirty miles being -divided into two equal portions, and got through early -in the morning and late in the afternoon; the pace an -alternate walk and trot at the rate of about five miles -an hour, to vary it, as continuous walking for so long -as a couple of hours when travelling on the road, may -prove so tiresome that horses would require watching to -keep them on their legs; and it is good for both horse -and man that the latter should dismount and take the -whole, or nearly the whole, of the walking part on his -own feet, thus not only relieving his bearer from the -continual pressure of the rider’s weight on the saddle on -his back, but as a man when riding and walking brings -into play two completely distinct sets of muscles, he -will, though a little tired from walking, find himself on -remounting positively refreshed from that change of -exercise.</p> - -<p>This recommendation is equally applicable to the -hunting-field at any check, or when there is the least -opportunity. So well is the truth of the above remark -known to the most experienced horsemen, that some -of them, steeplechase riders, make it a practice before -riding a severe race to walk rapidly from five to ten -miles to the course, in preference to making use of any -of the many vehicles always at their disposal on such -occasions.</p> - -<p>It is only surprising that the expediency of making<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_37"></a>[37]</span> -dragoons dismount and walk beside their horses on a -march, at least part of the way, for distances of one or -two miles at a time, is not more apparent to those in -authority (many of them practical men), in whose power -it lies to make a regulation so very salutary for both -man and horse. The more the beneficial effect of such -an arrangement is considered, the more desirable it -would appear to be, especially in dry weather. The -great occasional relief to an overweighted horse of -being divested of his rider now and then, would rather -serve than injure the latter, on account of the variety -of exercise, as before remarked, while his handling of -the horse would decidedly be enlivened by the change.</p> - -<p><i>Signals of Distress</i> on increased pace.—Prominently -may be mentioned a horse becoming winded, or, as -sportsmen call it, having “bellows to mend,” which in -proper hands ought seldom to occur, even in the hunting-field, -as there are tokens which precede it—such -as the creature hanging on his work, poking his head -backwards and forwards, describing a sort of semicircle -with his nose, gaping, the ears lopping, &c.</p> - -<p>Some horsemen are in the habit of giving ale or -porter (from a pint to a quart of either) to their horses -during severe work. This is not at all a bad plan, if -the beast will take it; and as many masters are fond -of petting their animals with biscuit or bread, a piece -of either being occasionally soaked in one of the above -liquids when given, will accustom the creature so trained -to the taste of them.</p> - -<p>After the work is over a little well-made gruel is a -great restorative; and when a long journey is completed, -a bran-mash might be given, as mentioned under -the head of “Feeding,” <a href="#Page_22">page 22</a>.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_38"></a>[38]</span></p> - -<p>One of the worst results to be dreaded from a horse -going long journeys daily, is fever in the feet (<a href="#Page_132">page -132</a>), which may be obviated by stopping the fore feet -directly they are picked and washed out at the end of -each day’s journey.—<a href="#Page_13"><i>See</i> page 13.</a></p> - -<p>After a long journey, it would be desirable to have -the animal’s fore shoes <i>at least</i> removed.</p> - -<p>The saddle ought not to be taken off for some time -after work; the longer it has been under the rider, and -the more severe the work, the longer, comparatively, -it should remain on after use, in order to avoid that -frightful result which is most like to ensue from its -being quickly removed—viz., sore back. With cavalry, -saddles are left on for an hour or more after the return -from a field-day or march.</p> - -<p>A numna or absorbing sweat-cloth under the saddle -is in cases of hard or continued work a great preservative -against sore back.</p> - -<p>When an extraordinary day’s work has been done, -after the horse is cleaned and fed he should be at once -bedded down, and left to rest in quiet, interrupted only -to be fed.</p> - -<h3>BRIDLING.</h3> - -<p>Every horseman before he mounts should observe -closely whether his horse is properly saddled and -bridled.</p> - -<p>Bits must be invariably of wrought steel, and the -mouthpiece <i>in all bits</i> should fit the horse’s mouth -<i>exactly</i> in its width: the bit that is made to fit a sixteen-hands-high -is surely too large for a fourteen-hand -cob. The bit ought to lie just above the tusk in a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_39"></a>[39]</span> -horse’s jaw, and one inch above the last teeth with a -mare.</p> - -<p>It must be adapted to the mouth and temper of the -horse as well as to the formation of his head and neck. -A riding-master, or the rider, if he has any judgment, -ought to be able to form an opinion as to the most -suitable bit for an animal.<a id="FNanchor_10" href="#Footnote_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a></p> - -<p>The ordinary <i>Bridoon</i> (or Double bridle, as it is called -in the North) is best adapted to the well-mouthed and -tempered horse, and is the safest and best bridle for -either road or field. Unfinished gentlemen as well as -lady equestrians, when riding with double reins to the -bits, are recommended to tie the curb-bit rein evenly in -a knot on the horse’s neck (holding only the bridoon-rein -in the hand), provided his temper and mouth be -suitable to a snaffle. This is a practice pursued by some -even good and experienced horsemen where the temper -of a horse is high, in order to have the curb-bit to rely -upon in case he should happen to pull too hard on the -bridoon or snaffle, which otherwise would be quite sufficient -and best to use alone.</p> - -<p>The <i>Curb-chain</i>, when used, should be strong and -tight; it should invariably be supported by a lip-strap, -an adjunct that is really most essential, but which -grooms practically ignore by losing. The object of the -lip-strap is to prevent the curb, if rather loose, from falling -over the lip, thus permitting the horse to get hold of -it in his mouth and go where he pleases; it also guards -against a trick some beasts are very clever at, of catching -the cheek or leg of the bit in their teeth, and making<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_40"></a>[40]</span> -off in spite of the efforts of any rider. If the curb -be tight, the lip-strap is equally useful in keeping it -horizontally, and preventing its drooping to too great -a pressure, thus causing abrasion of the animal’s jaw. -The curb <i>ought</i> to be pretty tight, sufficiently so to -admit one finger between it and the jaw-bone.</p> - -<p>The <i>Snaffle</i> with a fine-mouthed horse is well adapted -for the field—the only place where I would ever dispense -altogether with the curb-bit, and then only in -favour of a fine-mouthed well-tempered beast disposed -to go coolly at his fences.</p> - -<p>On the road a horse may put his foot upon a stone -in a jog-trot, or come upon some irregularity; and unless -the rider has something more than a snaffle in his hand, -he is exceedingly likely to suffer for it. Many a horse -that is like a foot-ball in the field, full of life and elasticity, -and never making a mistake, will on the road -require constant watching to prevent his tumbling on -his nose.<a id="FNanchor_11" href="#Footnote_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a></p> - -<p>At the same time, a horse should by no means be -encouraged to lean on the bit or on the rider’s support, -which most of them will be found quite ready to do; a -disposition in that direction must be checked by mildly -feeling his mouth (with the bit), pressing your legs -against his sides, and enlivening him gently with the -whip or spur.</p> - -<p>The <i>Martingal</i>.—The standing or head martingal is -a handsome equipment—safe and serviceable with a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_41"></a>[41]</span> -beast that is incorrigible about getting his head up, but -should be used in the street or on the road only.</p> - -<p>The <i>Ring-Martingal</i> is intended solely for the field -with a horse whose head cannot be kept down; but it -requires to be used with nice judgment, and handling -of the second or separate rein, which should pass through -it, especially when the animal is in or near the act of -taking his fences, when, with some horses, comparative -freedom may be allowed to the head, which should, -however, be brought down to its proper place directly -he is safely landed on his legs again by the use of this -second martingal-rein, which is attached to the bridoon -bit.</p> - -<p><i>N.B.</i>—If this second rein be attached to the snaffle -by buckles (and not stitched on as it ought to be), the -buckles of the rein should be defended from getting -into the rings of the martingal by pieces of leather -larger than those rings. Most serious accidents have -occurred from the absence of this precaution: the buckle -becoming caught in the ring, the horse’s head is fixed -in one position, and not knowing where he is going, he -proceeds, probably without any control from the rider, -till both come to some serious mishap. The rein -stitched to the ring of the bit is the safest.</p> - -<p>The <i>Running-Rein</i>, or other plan of martingal (from -the D in front of the saddle above the rider’s knee -through the ring of the snaffle to his hand), should only -be used by the riding-master or those competent to -avail themselves of its assistance in forming the mouth -of a troublesome or untrained animal. Some experienced -horsemen, however, when they find they cannot -keep the nose in or head down with ordinary bits, instead -of using a martingal of any denomination, employ<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_42"></a>[42]</span> -(especially in the field) with good effect a ring, keeping -the <i>bridoon</i> or snaffle-reins under the bend of the neck; -or a better contrivance is a bit of stiff leather three or -four inches long, with two D’s or staples for the reins -to pass through on each side.</p> - -<p>The <i>Chifney Bit</i> is the most suitable for ladies’ use, -or for timid or invalid riders: it at once brings up a -hard-pulling horse, but requires very gentle handling. -I have known more than one horse to be quite unmanageable -in any but a Chifney bit.</p> - -<p>The more severe bits are those that have the longest -legs or cheeks, giving the greatest leverage against the -curb. By the addition of deep ports on the mouthpiece -of the bit much severity is attained (especially -when the port is constructed turned downwards, in place -of the usual practice of making it upwards), which can -be increased to the utmost by the addition of a tight -noseband to prevent the horse from easing the port by -movement of his tongue or jaws.</p> - -<p>It is almost needless to observe, that the reverse of -the above will be the mildest bits for tender-mouthed, -easy-going horses.</p> - -<p><i>Twisted Mouthpieces</i> are happily now almost out of -fashion, and ought to be entirely discountenanced; -their original intention was to command hard-mouthed -horses, whose mouths their use can only render -harder.</p> - -<p>The <i>Noseband</i>, if tightened, would be found very -useful with many a hard-pulling horse in the excitement -of hunting, when the bit, which would otherwise require -to be used, would only irritate the puller, cause him -to go more wildly, and make matters worse. I have -known some pullers to be more under control in the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_43"></a>[43]</span> -hunting-field with a pretty tight noseband and a snaffle -than with the most severe curb-bit.</p> - -<p>The <i>Throat-lash</i> is almost always too tight. Grooms -are much in the habit of making this mistake, by -means of which, when the head is bent by a severe -bit, the throat is compressed and the respiration impeded, -besides occasioning an ugly appearance in the -caparison.</p> - -<p>It may be remarked also that, if not corrected, servants -are apt to leave the ends of the bridle head-stall -straps dangling at length out of the loops, which is very -unsightly: the ends of the straps should be inserted in -these loops, which should be sufficiently tight to retain -them.</p> - -<h3>SADDLING.</h3> - -<p>A <i>Saddle</i> should be made to fit the horse for which -it is intended, and requires as much variation in shape, -especially in the stuffing, as there is variety in the -shapes of horses’ backs.<a id="FNanchor_12" href="#Footnote_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a> An animal may be fairly -shaped in the back, and yet a saddle that fits another -horse will always go out on this one’s withers. The -saddle having been made to fit your horse, let it be -placed gently upon him, and shifted till its proper -berth be found. When in its right place, the action of -the upper part of the shoulder-blade should be quite -free from any confinement or pressure by what saddlers -call the “gullet” of the saddle under the pommel when -the animal is in motion. It stands to reason that any -interference with the action of the shoulder-blade must,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_44"></a>[44]</span> -after a time, indirectly if not directly, cause a horse to -falter in his movement.</p> - -<p><i>N.B.</i>—A horse left in the stable with his saddle on, -with or without a bridle, ought always to have his head -fastened up, to prevent his lying down on the saddle -and injuring it.</p> - -<p><i>Girths.</i>—When girthing a horse, which is always -done upon the near or left-hand side, the girth should -be first drawn tightly towards you under the belly of -the horse, so as to bring the saddle <i>rather</i> to the off side -on the back of the beast. This is seldom done by -grooms; and though a gentleman is not supposed to -girth his horse, information on this as well as on other -points may happen to be of essential service to him; -for the consequence of the attendant’s usual method is, -that when the girths are tightened up, the saddle, instead -of being in the centre of the horse’s back, is inclined -to the near or left-hand side, to which it is still -farther drawn by the act of mounting, so that when a -man has mounted he fancies that one stirrup is longer -than the other—the near-side stirrup invariably the -longest. To remedy this he forces down his foot in the -right stirrup, which brings the saddle to the centre of -the animal’s back.</p> - -<p>All this would be obviated by care being taken, in -the process of girthing, to place the left hand on the -middle of the saddle, drawing the first or under girth -with the right hand till the girth-holder reaches the -buckle, the left hand being then disengaged to assist -in bracing up the girth. The outer girth must go -through the same process, being drawn under the belly -of the horse from the off side tightly before it is attached -to the girth-holder.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_45"></a>[45]</span></p> - -<p>With ladies’ saddles most particular attention should -be paid to the girthing.</p> - -<div class="blockquote smaller"> - -<p class="hanging">(It must be observed that, with some horses having the knack -of swelling themselves out during the process of girthing, -the girths may be tightened before leaving the stable so as to -appear almost too tight, but which, when the horse has been -walked about for ten minutes, will seem comparatively loose, -and quite so when the rider’s weight is placed in the saddle.)</p> - -</div> - -<p><i>Stirrup-Irons</i> should invariably be of wrought steel. -A man should never be induced knowingly to ride in a -cast-metal stirrup, any more than he ought to attempt -to do so with a cast-metal bit.</p> - -<p>Stirrup-irons should be selected to suit the size of -the rider’s foot; those with two or three narrow bars -at the bottom are decidedly preferable, for the simple -reason, that in cold weather it is a tax on a man’s endurance -to have a single broad bar like an icicle in the -ball of his foot, and in wet weather a similar argument -may apply as regards damp; besides, with the double -bar, the foot has a better hold in the stirrup, the rings -being, of course, indented (rasp-like), as they usually -are, to prevent the foot from slipping in them.</p> - -<p>This description of stirrup, with an instep-pad, is -preferable for ladies to the slipper, which is decidedly -obsolete.</p> - -<p>Latchford’s<a id="FNanchor_13" href="#Footnote_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a> ladies’ patent safety stirrup seems to -combine every precaution for the security of fair equestrians.</p> - -<p>A balance-strap to a side-saddle is very desirable, and -in general use.</p> - -<p>Where expense is no object, stirrups that open at the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_46"></a>[46]</span> -side with a spring are, no doubt, the safest for gentlemen -in case of any accident.</p> - -<p>With regard to <i>Stirrup-Leathers</i>, saddlers generally -turn the right or dressed side out for appearance; but -as the dressing causes a tightness on that side of the -leather, the undressed side, which admits of more expansion, -should be outside—because, after a little wear, -the leather is susceptible of cracks, and the already extended -side will crack the soonest. The leather will -break in the most insidious place, either in the D -under the stirrup-iron, where no one but the servant -who cleans it can see it; or else, perhaps, where the -buckle wears it under the flap of the saddle. Stirrup-leathers -broken in this manner have caused many -accidents.</p> - -<p>Invariably adjust your stirrup-leathers <i>before mounting</i>.</p> - -<p>To measure the length of the stirrup-leathers of a -new saddle, place the fingers of the right hand against -the bar to which the leathers are attached, and, measuring -from the bottom bar of the stirrup up to the -armpit, make the length of the leathers and stirrups -equal to the length of your arm, from the tips of the -fingers to the armpit. Before entering the field, in -hunting or crossing country, draw up the leathers two -or three holes shorter on each side; and when starting -on a long journey it is as well to do the same, to ease -both yourself and your bearer.</p> - -<p><i>Clumped-soled Boots</i> occasion accidents. If, in case -of yourself or your horse falling, the foot catch in -the stirrup, a boot with such a sole may prevent its -release.</p> - -<p>The <i>Crupper</i>, though now obsolete for saddles, except<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_47"></a>[47]</span> -in military caparison, would be decidedly beneficial -in keeping the saddle in its proper place <i>on long journeys</i>, -especially where, from the shape of the animal, -the saddle <i>will</i> come too much forward, interfering with -the action of the shoulders, and throwing the weight of -the burden unduly on the fore-quarters, thus increasing -the odds in favour of a tired beast making an irretrievable -stumble.</p> - -<p>The dock of the crupper should be seen to that it is -soft, and free from crusted sweat and dandriff, which -would naturally cause irritation and abrasion of the tail. -It should be always kept well greased ready for use.<a id="FNanchor_14" href="#Footnote_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a></p> - -<p>The <i>Military Crupper</i>, according to the rules of the -service, should be so loose between cantel and dock -as to admit of a man’s hand being turned with ease -between the horse’s back and the strap. If the crupper -be intended merely for ornament, such a regulation has -hardly any meaning, for it cannot be considered ornamental -to see an apparently useless piece of leather -dangling at one side over a horse’s hip; and if the intention -be to make it useful, to keep the saddle from -going too far forward on ill-formed horses,<a id="FNanchor_15" href="#Footnote_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a> or in case of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_48"></a>[48]</span> -strong exertion, it is obvious that a loose strap (according -to orders) could hardly serve any such purpose. If -the crupper be for use, it would appear that after the -saddle is placed in its proper position on the animal’s -back (the crupper being left at its full length for this -purpose), and previous to girthing, it should be shortened -so as to <i>retain</i> the saddle in that place under any -circumstances,—not, however, that the crupper should -be so tightened as to inconvenience the beast, and half -cut his tail off; it will be tight enough to serve its -purpose if <i>one</i> or <i>two</i> fingers can be easily turned under -the strap.</p> - -<p>The <i>Breastplate</i> may be necessary in hunting or -steeplechasing with horses that are light behind the -girth, or what is vulgarly called “herring-gutted,” and -is used to prevent the saddle from getting too far back, -or, as the grooms say, the horse “running through -his girths.” Animals trained to such trying work as -steeplechasing, or even hunting, will become much -smaller in the carcass than a trooper or an ordinary -gentleman’s hack.</p> - -<p>With dragoons this part of the equipment is generally -ill-adjusted, as if to correspond with the inefficient -arrangement of the crupper, the breast-straps being -often <i>too tight</i>. Frequently, during manœuvring in -the field or the riding-school, I have seen breast-straps -burst in consequence of their tightness; and indeed it -stands to reason they can thus but interfere with a -horse’s action in leaping or making more than ordinary -exertion. Their tightness not only renders discomfiture -imminent, but must drag the saddle forward out of its -place.</p> - -<p>Altogether it might be desirable that commanding<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_49"></a>[49]</span> -officers of some cavalry regiments would study the pose -on horseback of Marochetti’s sculptured dragoons, or -those of other eminent artists. The result would probably -be a marked improvement in the position of the -saddle, and, consequently, in the general <i>coup d’œil</i> of -our cavalry, who, however, notwithstanding such minor -defects, have always maintained their superiority in -horsemanship, as well as in efficiency, over any other -cavalry in the world.</p> - -<h3>RIDING.</h3> - -<p>The seat, method of holding the hands, &c., should -be left to the riding-master,<a id="FNanchor_16" href="#Footnote_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a> with a friendly admonition -to the learner to avoid the “stuck-up,” one-handed -principle to a great extent, and to take a lesson whenever -opportunity occurs from one of the “great untaught,”<a id="FNanchor_17" href="#Footnote_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a> -and, observing their ease and judgment in -the management of their bearers, endeavour to modify -their own horsemanship accordingly.</p> - -<p>Kindness goes far in managing these noble animals.</p> - -<p>How is it that many horses that are unmanageable -with powerful and good horsemen, can be ridden with -perfect ease and safety by ladies? The first thing a -lady generally does after mounting, is to reassure her<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_50"></a>[50]</span> -steed by patting, or, in riding-school language, “making -much of him,” taking up the reins with a very -light hand, and giving him his head; whereas a man -usually does the very reverse; he takes a commanding -hold of the reins, presses his legs into the horse as the -signal for motion, perhaps with a rasp of both spurs -into his sides, indicating no great amiability of temper—a -state of things very likely to be reciprocated by a -high-spirited horse.</p> - -<p>As before observed, every man ought himself to be -able to judge whether his horse is properly saddled and -bridled. I must still inveigh against misplacement of -the saddle, which grooms, it will be remarked, usually -place too far forward—a mistake which is of more consequence -than is generally considered.</p> - -<p>Take a dragoon, for instance, weighing, with arms, -accoutrements, and kit, from fifteen to twenty stone; -this weight, if allowed to fall unduly on the fore -quarter, must help to founder the charger, and bring -him into trouble on the first provocation. Let him -make the least stumble, and the weight of his burden, -instead of being back in its proper place, with the -man’s assistance there to help him up, is thrown forward, -keeping the beast tied down, and preventing his -rising. But, taking appearances into consideration, -the forward placement of the saddle is most ungraceful, -reminding one of the position of an Eastern driving an -elephant, seated on his bearer’s neck.</p> - -<p>I have seen the <i>tout ensemble</i> of a magnificent cavalry -regiment strikingly deteriorated by the ungraceful and -absolutely unhorsemanlike misplacement of the saddles, -and consequently of the men—though the military -regulation on the subject is fair enough, directing a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_51"></a>[51]</span> -saddle to be placed a handbreadth behind the play of -the shoulder. This would, perhaps, be a slight excess -in the other direction, were it not considered that, in -all probability, out of a hundred troop-horses so saddled, -ninety-nine would be found after an hour’s trotting -to have shifted the saddle <i>forward</i>, for one on -whom it would have remained stationary or gone back.</p> - -<p>It is well known that no rider should ever go fast -down-hill on the road, or round a corner, especially on -pavement; but in the field, hunting or racing, down-hill -is the place to make play.</p> - -<p>In the absence of an attendant to hold for mounting, -some horses are allowed to contract a habit that is liable -to cause accidents, of starting before the rider is comfortably -seated in the saddle. Prevent this bad fashion -by gathering the snaffle-rein (not the curb) tightly up -before mounting, and when across the saddle, and before -the right leg is in the stirrup, check any effort to -move off.</p> - -<p>When a horse is alarmed, nothing so effectually reassures -him as speaking to him. I have myself experienced -the efficacy of gently using my voice on two or -three occasions, when I admit having been run away -with for a short time.</p> - -<p>Though a horse ought never to be allowed to have his -own way, his rider should try every means before resorting -to actual punishment or fight, which may be sometimes -unavoidable as the only chance of conquest.</p> - -<p>An animal requiring such treatment should be handed -over to the rough-rider for subsequent teaching, if not -disposed of for more suitable employment than that of -a gentleman’s horse.</p> - -<p>Your bearer should not be allowed to keep a perpetual<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_52"></a>[52]</span> -lean upon your hand, more particularly when walking. -Should he stumble while thus leaning, he is not likely -to recover himself, but will fall helplessly on his knees.</p> - -<p>Keep him as self-dependent as possible, though not -with a rein so slack as to leave him to himself altogether. -It is the business or amusement of the rider -to be on the alert for all casualties.<a id="FNanchor_18" href="#Footnote_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a></p> - -<p>To make a horse change his foot in canter, if you -find it difficult to do so by merely using hand and leg, -turn him <i>as if</i> to circle towards that side that you require -the foot to lead—he will use the foot forward that -you wish in order to prop himself in turning. Thus, if -you circle round to the right, he will lead with the off -fore foot; and if you turn to the left, the near fore will -be advanced.</p> - -<p>In using a curb, the rider should remember that if -it is properly placed, with a fair leverage, rough-handling -of the lower or bit rein may drive a fine-tempered -animal into a state of great irritation, or even prove an -incentive to rearing;<a id="FNanchor_19" href="#Footnote_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a> and directly anything like this<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_53"></a>[53]</span> -effect seems to be produced, that rein should be eased, -and the bridoon-rein borne up.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;" id="illus4"> -<img src="images/illus4.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">RIDING AT IT</p> -</div> - -<p>In fencing, the snaffle or bridoon bit and rein <i>only</i> -ought to be used; <i>this the rider should particularly bear -in mind</i>. A rider with a hold of the curb-rein in fencing, -getting the least out of his equilibrium, or giving -an involuntary check to the curb, may put any well-mouthed -animal entirely out of his own way, preventing -his jumping safely and confidently, and probably causing -accidents. One of several reasons why the Irish -horses excel in fencing is, that it is very much the custom -in that country to use snaffles in cross-country riding. -The curb-rein may be taken up, if necessary, after -the jump is over. (Some horses, however, are such violent -pullers, that, in the full tilt of going to hounds, where -the country is close and fencing frequent, it is almost -impossible to avoid using the curb-rein occasionally in -the act of jumping.)</p> - -<p>While touching on cross-country riding, it may be -observed that many men who ought to know better, -often make a serious mistake in not leaving hunters -more to themselves than they do when going at and -taking their fences. Horses vary in their mode of progression; -and whether the gait be slow or fast, anything -of a trained animal, when interfered with under -these circumstances, will be put out of his own way -(which is generally best suited to his peculiar temper -or ability), in placing his legs advantageously to make -his jump with safety.<a id="FNanchor_20" href="#Footnote_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_54"></a>[54]</span></p> - -<p>Let your horse, if he is anything of a fencer, choose -his own way and pace to take his jumps.</p> - -<p>In riding to hounds, if practicable, it is well to avoid -newly made or repaired ditches or fences; your steed -is apt to encounter such with diffidence; he does not -take the jump with the same will, fears there’s “something -up,” and from want of confidence may very possibly -make a mistake.</p> - -<div class="smaller"> - -<p>It would be well, for cross-country horsemen more especially, -to bear in mind Sir Francis Head’s observation, as applied to riders -as well as horses, that “the belly lifts the legs;” meaning, I take -it, that if man or horse is out of tone from derangement of the -stomach or general debility, he cannot be up to the mark or fit -for any physical exertion. It is well known to steeplechase riders -and men who ride straight to hounds, that occasionally, in consequence -of inertion, indulgence, or dissipation, having deranged the -stomach or nervous system, a rider will be done up before his -steed, who, oppressed with a comparatively dead weight knocking -about on his back, will himself follow suit from want of being held -together, and probably come a burster at some jump before the -finish.</p> - -</div> - -<p>To a practical horseman the act of standing in the -stirrups will suggest itself as a matter of expediency to -ease himself, when the horse is pulling hard at or near -his full galloping pace.</p> - -<p>The great advantage of a rider easing his bearer by<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_55"></a>[55]</span> -walking up-hill is treated of under the head of “Work,” -<a href="#Page_36">page 36</a>.</p> - -<p>When a rider finds his horse going tender or lame, -he ought <i>immediately</i> to dismount and examine his -feet. If a stone has become bedded between the clefts -of the frog, or got between shoe and sole, and a picker -does not happen to be at hand, a suitable stone should -be sought wherewith to dislodge the one in the foot. -If no stone in the foot can be discovered as causing -the lameness, closer examination must be made in -search of a nail, a piece of iron or rough glass, or other -damage to the sole. If no apparent means of relief -present itself, the sooner the beast is led to the nearest -place where a proper examination of the foot can -take place the better.<a id="FNanchor_21" href="#Footnote_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a> For the amount of work a -horse can do, see remarks on that subject, under the -head of “Work,” <a href="#Page_35">page 35</a>; and to avoid broken knees, -see hints on that subject, <a href="#Page_51">pages 51</a> and <a href="#Page_141">141</a>.</p> - -<p><i>Mounting of Lady in Side-Saddle.</i>—The mounter, -being as close as possible to the animal, should place -his right hand on his right knee, and in it receive the -lady’s left foot. When she springs she should straighten -her left knee, at the same time having in her right -hand the reins, with a fast hold of the middle crutch, -and her left hand on the mounter’s shoulder to help -her to spring up.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_56"></a>[56]</span></p> - -<h3>HARNESSING.</h3> - -<p><i>The General Mounting</i>, whether of brass or silver-plated -(to correspond with the mountings of the -carriage), or with leather-covered buckles, is all a -matter of taste; the leather being, however, the least -durable.</p> - -<p><i>A Dry Harness-Room</i> is indispensable, in which -there should be shallow presses with pegs, but no -shelves; otherwise, coverings should be provided for -harness and saddles to preserve them from flying dust.</p> - -<p><i>Style.</i>—In pairing horses for draught, if one be -rather larger than the other, the larger should be -placed on the near or left side, as the left-hand side of -the road being that on which vehicles travel, the near-side -horse will generally be going an inch or more lower -than the off-side one, and the difference of size in the -pair will be less perceptible.</p> - -<p>If the animals are of an even size, and one be more -lazy than the other, that one should be placed at the -off side, being thus more conveniently situated to receive -gentle reminders from the whip without observation. -If one of the pair <i>will</i> carry his head higher -than the other, <i>his</i> coupling-rein<a id="FNanchor_22" href="#Footnote_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a> should run under -that of the animal that leans his head the most, so as -to bring their heads as much on a level as possible. An -ivory ring, to run the coupling-reins through, looks and -acts well.</p> - -<p>Both manes should be trained to flow either in or<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_57"></a>[57]</span> -out from the pole; the latter way is probably preferable.</p> - -<p>Horses left to <i>stand harnessed</i> in the stable should -be turned round in the stalls and fastened with the -T’s of two pillar-reins passed through the rings of the -bridoon of bit. Should there be no pillar-reins in -pairs belonging to the stern-posts of each stall, tie the -horses’ heads up with the rack-rein, so as to prevent -their lying down in the harness.</p> - -<p>As a maxim, never leave a bridle on in the stable, -unless in the case where the head can be sustained by -a pair of pillar-reins from the stern-posts. Most serious -accidents have occurred through neglect of this -rule.</p> - -<p>In <i>Yoking</i> or “<i>putting to</i>,” the shafts of a vehicle -must never be left on the ground while the horse is -being backed into them. If the shafts touch him he -will probably kick, or he may injure by standing on -them. In double harness, especially with spirited -animals, to prevent the danger of their backing, and -being induced to kick by coming in contact with the -splinter-bar when putting to, first confine them to the -point of the pole by the pole chains or leathers, so -lengthened as to enable the traces to be attached (the -outer ones first) to the carriage; which done, tighten -the chains or leathers to their working length. Accidents -may thus be averted. From the moment horses -are “put to” their draught, until they are driven off, -some one should stand before their heads, whether they -be in single, pair, or four-horse harness.</p> - -<p><i>Traces.</i>—Great care should be taken in adjusting -these to prove that they are of an even length, as the -least deviation in equality is liable, by pressure on one<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_58"></a>[58]</span> -side, to produce a sore on the neck, under the collar of -the horse that happens to be on the side of the shortest -trace.—<a href="#Page_87"><i>See</i> “Jibbing,” page 87.</a></p> - -<p>The buckles of all traces and back-bands ought to be -provided with detached pieces of leather cut square the -width of those straps, and placed under the buckles the -tongues of which pass through these bits of leather; the -straps, thus protected from being cut by the buckles, -will wear nearly thrice as long as otherwise, and there -is nothing unsightly in the arrangement.</p> - -<p>In all cases draught-horses should be placed close to -their work—<i>i.e.</i>, the traces should meet as short as will -just allow of the animals going down an inclination at -a brisk pace without coming in contact with the carriage; -the britching for single, and the pole-chains for -double harness, being tightened in proportion, to keep -the carriage from running on them down-hill.</p> - -<p>For <i>Pole-Chains</i> and <i>Swinging-Bars</i>, see <a href="#Page_73">page 73</a>.</p> - -<p>The <i>Hames</i>.—In order to divide the draught or -pressure of the traces on the shoulders a little, the -hames might be furnished with scroll draught eyes; -this, however, has become unfashionable from being -much used by cabmen, and for rough draught.</p> - -<p><i>Hames Top-Straps.</i>—Care should be taken that -these are perfectly sound and strong, especially in -<i>double</i> harness, where the strain of stopping and backing -the carriage of necessity comes upon them.</p> - -<p><i>Britching</i> and <i>Kicking-Strap</i>.—It is better in single -harness to have the britching made with side-straps -attached to the buckle or tug of the <i>back-band</i>, and -not to pass over the shaft (confined there by a loop or -staple as is usual). These side-straps can be tightened -or loosened according to the size of the animal, and if<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_59"></a>[59]</span> -properly adjusted, effectually prevent any carriage from -running on the quarters. Across the horses’ hips and -through these straps, confined by square metal D’s, -passes the kicking-strap, which is attached to the tugs -on the shafts by buckles. This caparison, instead of -being unsightly, is positively more elegant than the -ordinary-shaped britching, and provides a kicking-strap -at all times with the britching.</p> - -<p>The kicking-strap for double harness must always be -inelegant, nor can it be made as effectual as that for -single harness; for which reason, if for no other, a kicking -horse should never be used in double harness under -a gentleman’s carriage.</p> - -<p>Britching is not generally used for double harness; -but where appearances are not regarded, it finds place -amongst various other contrivances available to make -kickers, jibbers, bolters, plungers, and runaways, work -as placidly as if “they couldn’t help it.”<a id="FNanchor_23" href="#Footnote_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a></p> - -<p>The <i>Terret-Pad</i> must be left to the taste of the -owner and saddler, with an observation, that in single -harness it should be ascertained that the back-band -has always free play through it; and as a precaution, it -is desirable that in single harness the belly-band be always -wrapped once round at least one of the shafts before -the tug, whether the draught be on four or on a pair -of wheels. Neglect in this particular has often occasioned -accidents. The terret-pad is generally placed too -far forward; the shortening of the crupper remedies this.</p> - -<p>In double harness have a care that the terret-pad trace -bearing-straps are not buckled too short. I have seen -fine tall horses greatly worn by these straps being too<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_60"></a>[60]</span> -tight, tying the animals across the back, the undue -pressure being aggravated with each elevation of the -frame in the act of progression.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;" id="fig1"> -<img src="images/fig1.jpg" width="400" height="325" alt="" /> -<p class="caption"><span class="smcap">Fig. 1.</span>—Front View of -a Collar, with the stuffing -placed as it should be for -wear with ease and safety. -<i>a a</i>, rim of collar all round. -<i>b b</i>, stuffing projecting -round outside of rim. -<i>c c</i>, stuffing to project inside -at back of rim, for -the purpose of tightening -the collar on the -neck in that situation, -and thus obviate abrasion.</p> -</div> - -<p>The <i>Collar.</i>—More care and judgment are necessary -in shaping the stuffing of the collar to fit a horse than -for any other part of the harness. The collar should -not press either on the mane or on the under part of -the neck round the gullet; the pressure should be on -each side of the neck at <i>c c</i> in figure. Collars to fit the -ordinary run of horses ought to be shaped thus, by the -padding exclusive of the rim. The shape of the rim is -comparatively immaterial, but it must be strong to retain -the collar in shape. Any collar, be it ever so well -shaped, should be tried on the horse’s neck before it -is taken into wear, to make sure that it is neither too -large nor too small.</p> - -<p>Some horses’ heads are large in proportion with the -size of collar they require; in such cases, out of compassion -for the poor animal over whose head the small -collar has to be forced at the risk of injuring his eyes, -the collar, which is generally closed, should be made -open at the top, to fasten with buckle and strap.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_61"></a>[61]</span></p> - -<p>Under ordinary circumstances the open collars are not -preferable, as the opening and closing weakens the rim, -and is likely to put them out of shape; but as grooms -have a fashion of putting the collar on with the rigid -hames tightly buckled round it, the whole process of -forcing a small closed collar over a beast’s larger head -is so repulsive to him that in time he learns to dread -the very sight of a collar. The plan of putting on the -collar with the hames attached to it should never be -permitted.</p> - -<p><i>Saving-Collar</i>, and description of make.—This is -generally formed by harness-makers of basil with -quilted padding. More serviceable than this will be -found the saving-collar cut of single leather, from the -soft or belly part of the cow-hide. A breast-strap is -placed at the bottom of the collar with a loop and -buckle at the end, through which the belly-band of the -terret-pad passes to confine the collar.</p> - -<p>Every owner of harness should be provided with one -or two saving-collars of this description to be used -where severe work is expected, on long journeys, or -with animals new to harness. They should be open at -the top, to fasten there with two buckles and narrow -straps, the tightening or lengthening of the latter enabling -it to be fitted to the horse’s size. Some care is -necessary to observe that the regular collar does not -rub the buckles of the saving-collar against the horse’s -neck and make a sore.</p> - -<p>The saving-collar should be always kept well moistened -with grease or oil, and carefully looked to after -use, the crusted sweat and dandriff being scraped off it. -In the absence of a saving-collar, the collar itself should -be watched in the same respect.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_62"></a>[62]</span></p> - -<p>The bridles generally in use for harness appear to -require little or no improvement.</p> - -<p>The <i>Bit</i> must be equally adapted to the horse’s -mouth, &c., as for riding (<a href="#Page_38">page 38</a>), except that with -harness, while to all appearance using the same kind of -bit with a pair of horses, the leverage on the mouths -can be altered, by placing the billets or buckle-end of -the driving-reins high or low in the cheeks of each, -according to the animal’s temper, his bearing on it, -&c.</p> - -<p>In placing the billets in the bit, it should be borne -in mind that the more use is made of the curb the more -will be taken out of the horse; therefore, when a long -journey or severe work has to be done, animals should -be driven in snaffle, or the billets should be placed as -near as possible to the mouthpiece of the bit.</p> - -<p>Experience only can demonstrate the difference in the -wear and tear of the general physique, resulting from -a judicious arrangement or otherwise of the reins and -bit.</p> - -<p><i>Blinkers.</i>—The question of “blinkers or no blinkers” -can best be answered by the observation, that if you -can find horses that may be depended upon to work -safely and steadily without them, they may be dispensed -with; but as such animals are rare, blinkers are -likely to continue in general use.</p> - -<p>Placing crests or ornaments on blinkers, unless the -latter are light and well hollowed, and kept extended -in front by stiff blinker-straps, is a practice likely to -be injurious to the animals’ eyes; in fact, all blinkers, -unless light and well hollowed, are dangerous for the -eyes, and of course the increased weight of crests and -their fastenings aggravates the objection.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_63"></a>[63]</span></p> - -<p>Heavy forehead-bands and rosettes, though ornamental, -are anything but desirable, as far as the horse -himself is concerned.</p> - -<p>The <i>Noseband</i> of the harness bridle, like the riding -one, can by tightening be made very useful with some -descriptions of hard-pulling horses.—<a href="#Page_42"><i>See</i> “Noseband,” -page 42.</a></p> - -<p>The <i>Breastplate</i>, or head-stall martingal, can be made -useful in the same way.—<a href="#Page_40"><i>See</i> page 40.</a></p> - -<p><i>Throat-lash.</i>—<a href="#Page_43"><i>See</i> page 43.</a></p> - -<p><i>Reins.</i>—Saddlers generally suit the reins admirably -to the work for which they are intended. A buff -hand-piece with pullers is decidedly preferable to plain -leather, as its roughness enables the driver to have a -much firmer hold of the reins, but will become slippery -in wet.</p> - -<p>The <i>Bearing-Rein</i> is only used to keep up a horse’s -head and give him a showy appearance, therefore no -experienced person will use it except with that object, -and it is injurious in every other respect.—(<a href="#Page_52"><i>See</i> “Broken -Knees,” pages 52</a> and <a href="#Page_141">141</a>.)</p> - -<p><i>Crupper.</i>—This strap is intended to keep the terret-pad -and back-band in their proper places, and to -restrain the former from running too far forward or -pressing on the withers (<a href="#Page_151"><i>see</i> “Sore Withers,” page -151</a>); also as a sustainer to the terret-pad against the -bearing-rein when the latter is strained into its hook. -Grooms have a very improper habit of leaving the -whole of the hinder part of the harness suspended in -one mass by the crupper-dock on a peg in the wall of -the harness-room; this should not be allowed. Let the -terret-pad when not in use be always placed across -a proper saddle-rack, with the britching and crupper<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_64"></a>[64]</span> -suspended therefrom; or let them, at all events, be put -somewhere by themselves.</p> - -<p><i>To put on Harness.</i>—First, while the horse’s head -is towards the manger, place the terret-pad loosely -across the back—take hold of the tail, and carefully -turn down the hair over the end of the flesh; thus -grasping and holding the tail and its hair together in -the left hand, with the right draw the crupper-dock -over it, and adjust the latter to its place at the root -of the tail, being careful <i>not</i> to leave a <i>single</i> loose -hair under it. Then arrange your terret-pad in the -place where it should work by shortening or lengthening -the crupper-strap; which done, tighten the belly-band.<a id="FNanchor_24" href="#Footnote_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a></p> - -<p>Now turn the horse in his stall, and, your collar and -hames having been hung up close at hand, slip the -wide end of the former <i>by itself</i> over the head.</p> - -<p>Leave the collar so, on the narrow part of the neck, -till you place your hames within the collar-rim, and -fasten them thereto by buckling the top strap over the -narrow part or top of the collar: now turn the collar -and hames round on the neck <i>in the direction</i> of the -<i>side</i> over which the <i>mane hangs</i>.</p> - -<p>Put on the bridle and attach driving-reins, temporarily -doubling their hand-piece through the terrets. -Fasten the horse thus harnessed to the pillar-reins till -you are ready to “put to.”</p> - -<p><i>To take off Harness</i>, begin by removing the reins and -bridle; then take off the hames <i>by themselves</i>, then the -collar, and lastly the terret-pad and crupper.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_65"></a>[65]</span></p> - -<h3>DRIVING.</h3> - -<p>In driving, a man should sit up against his work, and -be thoroughly propped by his legs and feet, with the -left or rein hand held well into his body, in front of -or a little below the waist. Nothing looks more ungraceful -than to have the reins at arm’s-length, held out -at a distance from one’s chest.</p> - -<p>A driver should always be seated before any one else -in or about the vehicle; and having carefully taken a -firm hold of the reins in his left hand <span class="smcap">before</span> mounting -his seat, they should so remain, and never be shifted. -But should the driver be either obliged or find it convenient -to allow others to be seated first, he will then -of necessity have to mount from the off or right side, -in which case he will in the first place have to take the -reins in his right hand until seated, when he will at -once transfer them to their proper position in his left.</p> - -<p>The whip should invariably be placed in the socket, -or be handed carefully to the driver after he has mounted. -To mount with it in hand is highly dangerous; the -sight of it over the blinkers, or an accidental touch to -an animal when the driver is unprepared, may startle -and set off a team—while holding a whip in the act of -mounting renders that piece of gymnastics doubly awkward -to accomplish. All turns and manœuvres may be -effected by the fore-finger (and thumb if necessary) of -the right or whip hand, either on the off or the near side -rein, according as the direction of the intended movement -is towards the right or left.<a id="FNanchor_25" href="#Footnote_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a> But in driving four-in-hand,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_66"></a>[66]</span> -unicorns, or tandems, insert the fourth finger -of the whip-hand between the lead and wheel reins -on the side you want to pull, to turn or direct your -horses.</p> - -<p>With four-in-hand the general principle is, while -allowing only a certain amount of play to the heads of -your leaders, to keep your wheelers well in hand, ready -for any sudden emergency, bearing in mind that it is -only with them, as they are attached to the pole, that -you can stop the carriage.</p> - -<p>A driver having occasion to raise his right hand for -any purpose, should first place the whip transversely -under the thumb of the left or rein hand (above, but -upon, one of the reins), leaving the other hand at -liberty; indeed, the whip should always lie in this -transverse position, whether in the right or the left -hand, unless when in use for correction. Many horses -are very clever at watching the whip over the blinkers, -and careless pointing forward with it may keep a high-spirited -animal in a continual fret.</p> - -<p>To ascertain how each horse is doing his work, judge -not only by the test of the willing horse bearing more -on your hand; see also how each horse keeps his -traces. In whichever case they are slack, you may -depend that <i>that</i> horse has no draught upon him; if -tight, he is doing his share of the work, or more. A -good whip will correct the defaulter so as to avoid annoying -the other horse. There is no better criterion of -skill in the use of the whip than this.</p> - -<p>With the leaders in tandem and four-in-hand, and in -low-seated carriages, unless the dash-board be very high, -the reins are apt to get under the horses’ tails. In such -cases, to avoid a kicking match, no immediate attempt<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_67"></a>[67]</span> -should be made to replace the reins while they are confined; -but a <i>very light</i> lash of the whip on the leg will -engage the attention of the animal, and while the tail -is switched up on the touch of the lash, the reins may -be released. Horses should always be kept well in hand, -unless that, upon a long and tiresome journey, some -consideration may be shown for what they have to go -through. Under such circumstances, attention may well -be directed to the manner the billets are placed in the -bit (<a href="#Page_62">page 62</a>).</p> - -<p>On the level a fair pace can be maintained, but up -hill no merciful man will ever press his beasts. When -a heavy load has to be drawn up a sharp short hill, it -is not a bad plan to <i>cheat</i> the horse out of the first half -of it by going at it with an impetus, suffering the pace -to merge into a walk without further pressure as the -first impetus declines.</p> - -<p>When the ascent is long and gradual, horses should -be allowed to walk the whole way, which can always -be admitted of on ordinary roads, where the pace is not -intended to exceed eight miles an hour, as the speed -may be accelerated when the fall of ground is reached, -without distressing the animals.</p> - -<p>Let a man suppose himself to be obliged to wheel -a hand-cart with a heavy burden for a given distance -within a given time, on an undulating roadway, and he -will soon discover the course he would pursue to effect -his object; he would certainly save himself by going -very slowly up the hills, and make up the time and distance -with most ease by rolling the vehicle at a rapid -rate down the declivities. Let the principle of working -thus exemplified be always applied to the usage of -horses in harness.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_68"></a>[68]</span></p> - -<p>An old driving maxim may be added, though not -recommended by the metre:—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Up the hill spare me;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Down the hill let me run and bear me;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">On the level never fear me.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Or,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">“Walk me a mile out and a mile in;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Up the hill spur me not,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Down the hill I’ll walk or trot;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">On the plain spare me not;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">In the stable forget me not.”</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>I have driven a great deal in my life, and have never -met with an accident from driving at a fair trot down -a moderate hill, with plenty of road-room, and no turning -to be made till after gaining the level, the team -being well in hand throughout.</p> - -<p>This observation applies equally to any number of -horses; but with tandem or four-in-hand the wheelers -should be held particularly tight, and the leaders pulled -back.</p> - -<p>If, in descending a hill, the wheel can be drawn along -rough stones without the horses being also brought on -them, it is desirable to avail of such a drag.</p> - -<p>In such hilly countries as Wales, Devon, &c., the -constant use of a skid is indispensable. The uninitiated -may not quarrel with me for reminding them of -the necessity for keeping always to their own or the left -side of the road(<i>the right on the Continent, in America, -and other countries</i>). In turning a corner, however, if -it be to the left you intend going, <i>before</i> you make -your turn get from your proper side of the road a <i>little</i> -towards the right, if possible, and from thence make -your turn, by which means you will more easily reach -the left, or your proper side, of the new route you intend -to take, besides being able to see everything that<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_69"></a>[69]</span> -is approaching en the other. To turn a right angle -you must have space accordingly, and it is better to -make use of that which you see insured to you than to -be depending on that which is uncertain.</p> - -<p>It is hardly necessary to remark that it is infinitely -safer to make your turns at a slow pace than faster. -Turning quickly round corners is reckless work, but the -faster your pace the more necessary it is to get to the -wrong side of the road when turning to the left <i>before</i> -you make your turn to the new, or <i>before</i> entering a -narrow gateway or passage. When the turn is to the -right, you will keep to your own or left side of the road.</p> - -<p>Where a narrow gateway has to be entered with four -wheels, having brought your vehicle fairly in front of -it, place your pole directly over the centre or bolt stone; -in the absence of this guide, mark with your eye some -object in the centre, and bring your pole right over it. -The wheels will take care of themselves, if there is at -all room for the carriage.</p> - -<p>With single harness the horse is brought direct at the -gate, and kept very straight, his hind feet passing over -the centre object.</p> - -<p>In driving through crowded streets or in a narrow -way, especially with vehicles coming rapidly towards -you, and every prospect of a collision, take a stronger -hold of your horses, and moderate your pace, remembering -that, if you cannot avoid grief, the less the impetus -the less the crash, if it should come. This result is -amusingly exemplified by the stage-coachman’s definition -of the difference between the results of road and -rail accidents. Coachey says, “If even an upset occur -on the road, <i>there you are</i>; but if an accident takes -place by rail, <i>where are you</i>?”</p> - -<p>Remember to collect your horses well in hand before<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_70"></a>[70]</span> -you alter your course on the road, or to cross it, in -order to have them alert and handy for any emergency.</p> - -<p>When travelling in damp weather, the roads being -sticky, half wet and dry, your horse requires saving -and consideration, no matter to what extent the wind -may be blowing, if it goes only in the <i>same direction -as himself</i>. When the roads are perfectly dry with a -light wind blowing <i>against</i> your horse, he travels under -the more favourable circumstances.</p> - -<p>Neither blinkers nor bit should ever, upon any consideration, -be removed from a horse while he is attached -to a carriage, whether to feed or for any other purpose. -Want of caution in this respect has been a fertile source -of most serious accidents.</p> - -<p><i>When a horse falls</i> irretrievably in harness, the -driver should avoid leaving his seat till some assistant -can go to the animal’s head, who, placing his coat or -some soft substance between it and the road, to prevent -injury to the eyes, presses one or both knees lightly on -the neck, but so as to prevent the beast from rising; -which done, the driver can get down from his seat, and, -availing of all the aid he can procure, frees all the harness -as rapidly as possible, and, running back the carriage -from the horse, assists him to rise. To disengage -buckles easily in such cases, instead of dragging at the -point of the strap in the usual way, force both ends of -it to the centre of the buckle, which will cause the -tongue to turn back, and so free the strap.</p> - -<p>When a fall in harness occurs on slippery pavement -such as some of the London streets, or in frosty weather, -before the horse is permitted to make any effort to rise, -some ashes, dry clay, sand, sawdust, hay or straw, or -even any old rug or piece of cloth or carpet, should be<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_71"></a>[71]</span> -so placed as to prevent him from slipping in his ineffectual -and distressing endeavours to recover his legs.</p> - -<p><i>Backing.</i>—When a horse takes to backing, and danger -is threatened, if you cannot get him forward, and -have no assistant to take him by the head, the more -rapidly you bring the brute’s head to the point where -he aims at bringing his tail the better. It is a bad -<i>habit</i>, however, to give an animal, to allow of his being -taken by the head when he is obstreperous, and should -only be resorted to when quite unavoidable.</p> - -<p><i>Kicking in Harness.</i>—When there is no kicking-strap -or other means of restraint available, and an animal -seems disposed to persist in kicking, the driver, <i>retaining -his seat</i>, should direct some one to hold up one of -the fore feet (if he finds a difficulty in doing so, doubling -the knee and tying a handkerchief tightly round it) -so as to prevent the foot reaching the ground, which -done, the driver may help to unharness, while the other -assistant takes hold of the horse’s head.</p> - -<p><i>Shying.</i>—<a href="#Page_88">See page 88.</a></p> - -<p><i>Runaways</i> are frequently checked by sawing the -mouth. In such cases, retain your presence of mind, -determined to stick to the ship to the last; if you have -the luck to meet with an ascent, that is your time to -get a pull.</p> - -<p>A horse that has once run away, especially if, in connection -with that feat, he has met with any noisy disaster -or breakage, is <i>never, as long as he lives, safe to -drive again</i>. It only remains for his owner to use humanity -and judgment in disposing of him.</p> - -<p><i>Stubborn horses</i>, or <i>jibbers</i>, in single harness.—On -the first appearance of this disposition at starting, the -neck should be examined, to discover whether the fit<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_72"></a>[72]</span> -may not have been occasioned by indisposition to work -against an ill-fitting or dirty collar, which may have -produced abrasion or tenderness of the skin under it -(<a href="#Page_61"><i>see</i> page 61</a>). If the unpleasantness proceed from -innate stubbornness in the brute, and simple means -do not succeed in single harness, place him in double -harness, beside a well-tempered, good worker, that will -<i>drag him away</i>, starting <i>down-hill</i>. In this manner -the habit, if not confirmed, will be overcome. In <i>extreme</i> -cases, different appliances have been used with -varied success in making the beast move on—such as a -round pebble, about the size of a hen’s egg, placed in -the ear, and secured with a cord tied round the latter, -near the tip, or stuffing a glove in each ear. I have -also seen coachmen put two or three handfuls of mud -into the horse’s mouth, and rub it against his palate -with good effect, or tap him with a stick at the back of -the fore legs, just under the knee.</p> - -<p>Letting a stubborn beast stand for hours in harness -in the spot where he has taken the fit, and, when he -has become well hungered, placing a feed of corn before -him and gradually walking away with it, is a dilatory -proceeding sometimes resorted to, but scarcely worth -mentioning.</p> - -<h3>DRAWING.</h3> - -<p>The size of horses should be in proportion to the -weight and size of the vehicle and loads they are intended -to move, upon the principle, easily demonstrated -by experiment, that weight drags weight. For instance, -a horse having to drag a cart up a hill, will do -so more easily with the driver on his back than otherwise,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_73"></a>[73]</span> -as the weight of the man assists the horse against -the weight he has to move. The latter part of this -argument only refers, however, to short distances, or to -starting a draught.</p> - -<p>The higher the wheels are, and the closer together, -whether they be two or four, the lighter will be the -draught. In fact, to render the draught as easy as possible, -the axles ought to be on a level with the trace-hooks, -or point of traction, or as nearly horizontal as -possible with the traces and their place in the leg of -the hames. It is self-evident that if a horse has to be -pulling <i>up</i>, it is like his having to raise a certain part -of the weight of the carriage with every step he moves; -and the faster he goes, the more injuriously does this -principle operate against him.</p> - -<p>The point of the pole-and-chain attachment should be -always so elevated from its insertion in the carriage as -to be on a level with the rings of the hames through -which the pole-chains pass. On the point of the pole -should be a revolving steel cross-tree, from eight to ten -inches in length, in the ends of which the pole-chains -or leathers are inserted. The working of this contrivance -will, to any practical man, demonstrate its utility.</p> - -<p>In light double harness, I much prefer using swinging-bars -instead of one inflexible splinter-bar, unless for -very heavy draught. Horses should be placed close to -their work. For adjusting the traces to that effect, <a href="#Page_58">see -page 58</a>.</p> - -<p>It should be remembered that the farther forward in -a carriage the weight to be drawn is placed, the easier -will be the draught on the horse. Thus the weight of -one man at the extreme end of the vehicle (like a conductor -on an omnibus) has as much effect on the traction<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_74"></a>[74]</span> -as that of two men on or near the driving-seat. -The deader the weight, let it be placed as it may, the -greater the trial of the horse; therefore inanimate -matter is heavier on traction than anything having life.</p> - -<p>Vehicles of which the lower carriage and axles are -kept braced together by a perch steadying the action of -the wheels, are much the easiest on the draught. The -Americans are well aware of the advantages of such a -construction for encountering the roughness of many of -their roads. Not only are all their pleasure carriages, -or “buggies,” so constructed, but the waggons have a -perch that by an admirable arrangement can be detached, -to allow of the carriage being lengthened when -required to carry timber or other lading. The perch, -being in two pieces, can be coupled by the simple contrivance -of a movable iron band and pin, giving a -freedom, most desirable in a rough country, to the -movement of the lower carriage. This contrivance -works well, and might with advantage be applied to -our military train-waggons and ambulance-carts. Horses -cannot but suffer from the present construction of carriages -in general use, where the axles are left unsupported -and unbraced to encounter the roughness and -inequalities of the road.</p> - -<p><i>Axle-Boxes.</i>—Proper lubrication of the axle-boxes is -too often sadly neglected. Even Collinge’s patent will -not run freely without periodical aid in proportion to -use, and it is no harm to make an occasional examination -of the wheels of a carriage when they are lifted off -the ground by setters, to see that there is thorough -freedom in the working of them, by spinning them -round with one’s finger against the spokes. The reapplication -of gutta-percha or leather washers is essential,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_75"></a>[75]</span> -as the amount of friction by work will wear that -requisite.</p> - -<p>For a few days after the washers are replaced, the -boxes should not be screwed too tightly, but subsequently -they should be re-tightened. The noise of -wheels joggling upon their axles indicates want of -screwing up, or of washers.</p> - -<p>A round tire is decidedly easier for draught than a -flat-edged one.</p> - -<p><i>Carriages</i>, immediately after use, should be cleaned, -or at least have water dashed over them, to prevent the -mud from drying on the paint, which can scarcely fail -to deteriorate it, and give it a premature appearance of -wear.</p> - -<h3>SHOEING.</h3> - -<p>Some horses are very averse to being shod, through -some fright the first time of shoeing, or bad management. -It is better to overcome such shyness or vice -by gentleness or stratagem than by force of any kind.</p> - -<p>Some few animals even require to be cast, or placed -under the influence of the painful twitch. Before resorting -to any force, however, the following means -should be tried in preference to others:—Let whoever -is in the habit of riding or exercising the horse <i>mount -him</i> when regularly bridled and saddled, the girths being -a little looser that if intended for work; ride to the -side of the forge, and there let him (his rider still on his -back) be shod the first time; on the second visit to the -forge, if it be spacious enough, he may be ridden into it -for the same purpose.</p> - -<p>In shoeing, the smith’s rule ought to be to fit the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_76"></a>[76]</span> -shoe to the foot, <i>not the foot to the shoe</i>, according to -the general practice of those gentry.</p> - -<p>In London and all large towns, the best thing a gentleman -can do is to contract with a veterinary surgeon -for the shoeing as well as the doctoring of his horses.</p> - -<p>The night previous to a horse being shod or removed, -the groom should stop his feet, to soften them, and enable -the farrier to use his drawing-knife properly, and -without injury to that instrument.</p> - -<p>In shoeing, any <i>undue</i> accumulation of sole may be -pared away; judgment must, however, be used in this -particular, as the feet of some animals grow more sole -than others, and superfluous increase tends to contraction, -whereas care must be taken not to weaken the sole -of ordinary growth. I am aware that great difference -of opinion exists on this subject, but I speak from practical -experience of the results of opposite modes of treatment -in this particular.</p> - -<p>If no shoes were used, the wear and tear of work -would provide for the disposal of this accumulation, -which, as nature is interfered with by the use of shoes, -must be artificially removed.</p> - -<p>If the frog be jagged it may be pared even, but the -sound parts should not be cut away, and on no account -should the smith’s drawing-knife be allowed to divide -the bars or returns of the foot—an operation technically -called by the trade “opening the heels,” to which fallacious -practice farriers are pertinaciously addicted, because, -in some one case of dreadfully contracted feet, -they may have seen or heard of temporary relief being -given by this process, with the natural result, which -they ignore, of the remedy proving itself in time worse -than the disease.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_77"></a>[77]</span></p> - -<p>If farriers are allowed, they will almost invariably -drive as many shoe-nails round the inside quarter as the -outside. This is a lamentable mistake, especially regarding -the fore feet, as the foot being thus nearly all -round confined to the shoe, its proper action is interfered -with, preventing a possibility of its natural and -gradual expansion in action from the toe towards the -heel, as the horse lays his foot upon the ground, with -all weight, as well as the act of propulsion, pressed -on it.</p> - -<p>The reason for liberating the inside quarter in preference -to the outside is, that the inside, being more under -the centre of gravity, will be found to expand and contract -more than the outside, as will be proved by the -removal and examination of a shoe that has been in use -three or four weeks. On observing the part of the shoe -that has been next the foot, it will be distinctly perceived -that the friction of the inside quarter of the foot -has worn a cavity in the portion of the shoe which has -been under that quarter of the foot, while the side that -has been under the outside quarter bears comparatively -little evidence of friction above it.</p> - -<p>This being an established fact, it seems desirable that -the full number of nails should be driven round the outside -quarter, and not more than one or two (for hunting -purposes) on the inside from the toe. (Six nails altogether -is the cavalry regulation.)</p> - -<p>If your horses are not quick wearers on the road, the -fore shoes should be removed within two or three weeks -after shoeing (care being taken that the clenches of the -nails in the hind feet are at the same time properly -levelled to the hoof to prevent brushing), and let them -be re-shod every five or six weeks.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_78"></a>[78]</span></p> - -<p>In all foot ailments, whenever a horse is lame, although -the disease may not apparently be in the foot, -let the shoe first be carefully removed, and the shoeless -foot examined by as competent a farrier as can be procured -(in the absence of a veterinary surgeon), by pincers -round the nail-holes, gently pressing wall and sole -together, by the hammer tapping the sole, and a judicious -use of the drawing-knife, to detect the possible seat -of disease.</p> - -<p>I have known a lame horse to be brought to a reputedly-experienced -amateur horse-doctor, the cause of disease -being so evidently inflammation of the sheath of -the tendon, that the animal was ordered to be treated -accordingly—viz., with cold applications; and this not -succeeding, firing the leg was resorted to, after which, -the weather being suitable, it was thought expedient to -let the beast have a run at grass. As a preliminary -the shoes were removed, in the course of which operation -a bed of gravel was found to have secreted itself -in the foot of the supposed diseased leg, and the inflammation -occasioned by the gravel having gone up, -caused what appeared to be <i>marked</i> disease about the -tendon.</p> - -<p>Such were the results of neglecting the precautions -here recommended.</p> - -<p><i>Brushing</i>, or cutting, is a very tormenting weakness -in the horse, whether behind or before, and often highly -dangerous in the latter case.</p> - -<p>The ordinary practice of farriers under such circumstances -is to rasp away the inside quarter of the offending -hoof, as well as doubly thickening the shoe under -the weakened wall, leaving the toe to extend itself -forward. This is a great mistake, yielding only a temporary<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_79"></a>[79]</span> -improvement, not at all tending towards a cure. -On the contrary, it would be better to shorten the toes -by degrees; and on no account should a rasp be put near -the wall of the inside quarter, in order to let it get as -strong as possible towards the heel.</p> - -<p>I would certainly allow no nails to be driven inside, -but let the shoe be fastened round the outer quarter of -the foot, the shoe itself being of equal thickness on both -quarters as an ordinary shoe; but on putting it on, it -should not be suffered to project outside the inside quarter, -and the <i>shoes</i> might <i>here</i> be rasped to guard against -rough edges, which might injure the pastern of the opposite -leg during work.</p> - -<p>A strong clip should also be thrown up on the outside -quarters of these shoes to catch the wall and effectually -prevent them from shifting towards or projecting beyond -the inside quarter, which might cause them to -come in contact with the opposite pastern-joint while in -motion. Until the brushing be somewhat remedied, -an india-rubber ring or a bit of leather, and elastic -strap round the pastern, will prevent it from receiving -present injury. If the above treatment is attended to -and persevered in, the probability is that in nine cases -out of ten a cure will be effected in course of time.</p> - -<p><i>Corns.</i>—Every horse-owner ought to make himself -acquainted with the part of the sole between the frog -and the wall on the inside quarter of the fore foot, -called the seat of corns (<a href="#Page_131"><i>see</i> pages 131</a> and <a href="#Page_140">140</a>), and -every time that a horse is shod or removed, in paring -the foot the drawing-knife should be used to clean -away this cavity (without weakening the adjacent wall), -where the disease originates from undue pressure of the -shoe on the <i>inside</i> quarter of that susceptible spot, or<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_80"></a>[80]</span> -from friction of the coffin-bone, on the inside of the -sole, above the seat of corn. The shoe ought to rest -<i>entirely</i> on the <i>wall</i> of the foot, and not on <i>any</i> part of -the <i>sole</i>.</p> - -<p><i>Roughing</i> and <i>Frosting</i> is simply drawing out the -old nails about the toes and replacing them with very -large sharp-headed ones, called frost-nails. Horse-nails -being made purposely of a soft metal, are unfit for -frosting, as the heads wear down so quickly. If -smiths would <i>steel</i> the <i>heads</i> of frost-nails, they would -last much longer. This precaution against slipping, -however, is only effectual in slight frosts. In regular -frosting, the nails are carried completely round, with -the addition of sharp calkins being turned on the heels -of all four feet, and sometimes also short spikes or -cogs turned down from the toes; but the latter are -common only in severe climates, though their use is -quite as desirable in England, especially to assist horses -in ascending slippery hills, where the cogs on the heels -have little or no hold in the ground. Cogs or calkins -should be rasped by the smith, to sharpen them, every -couple of days.</p> - -<p>Although it may be inconvenient and expensive to -have horses prepared in frosty weather, it is highly -necessary to do so where work is required of them. -The very extraordinary exertion that is needed on the -part of the animal to keep his feet when unprepared, -as well as the fret to his energies, takes a vast deal -more out of him in one day’s work than a month’s -daily use would do under ordinary circumstances, not -to speak of the risk of pecuniary loss from accident.</p> - -<p>It is a most pitiable thing to see the poor beasts -struggling in their high courage and good temper to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_81"></a>[81]</span> -do their best, for what I can only call cruel or thoughtless -masters, to say nothing of the liability of the -animals’ breaking their knees and bringing their riders -or drivers to serious trouble, smashing harness and -vehicles, &c.</p> - -<p>I have always found servants most ingenious in -making objections to having their horses prepared for -frost, the grand secret being their anxiety to keep them -in the stable the whole time the frost lasts, that they -may be saved from the trouble of cleaning either them -or their caparison, carriages, &c. They will alarm you -with the stereotyped objections, “tearing the horses’ -feet to pieces,” “driving fresh nail-holes,” “ripping off -shoes,” “his feet won’t bear a shoe after,” &c. I never -knew an ordinary sound foot to be reduced to such a -condition, by simply changing shoes, that a good smith -could not fasten a shoe on.</p> - -<p>The only tangible objection to calkins to which attention -need be drawn is, that during their use, unless the -horse is moved about in his stable with great caution -in cleaning or otherwise, he is apt to tread with them -on the coronet of the opposite foot, which is a very -serious affair, inflicting a nasty jagged wound on one of -the most sensitive vascular parts of the animal.<a id="FNanchor_26" href="#Footnote_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a></p> - -<p>The <i>Bar Shoe</i> going all round the foot is intended to -protect weak or thrushy heels.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_82"></a>[82]</span></p> - -<p><i>Wide-webbed</i> or <i>Surface Shoes</i> are used with flat-footed, -weak-soled horses: leather being often introduced -above them to save the soles from being damaged -by extraneous substances on the road. Put on with the -ordinary shoe, it is said to lessen the jar of the tread.</p> - -<p><i>High-heeled Shoes</i>, when a horse is laid up, properly -managed, prove a most effectual palliation and aid in the -cure of “clap of the back sinew” (<a href="#Page_143">page 143</a>).</p> - -<p>These shoes are made with calkins (joined by a light -iron bar), which should not be heavy, not more than an -inch deep, and gradually reduced by the smith as the -disease abates.</p> - -<p><i>Steeling the Toes</i> is necessary with quick wearers on -the road; but particular cautions should be given to -the smith to work the steel well into the iron, for any -protrusion of this hard metal above the iron will occasion -tripping, and possibly an irrecoverable fall.</p> - -<p><i>Calking</i> the hind shoes moderately on the outside -quarter only, is most essential to the hunter to prevent -slipping, and to give him confidence in going at his -fences, and on landing. Its advantages can be well -understood by any sportsman who has experienced the -difference between walking himself a day’s simple -shooting over soft slippery ground, or taking a ten-mile -walk on a half-wet road, in each case in boots with -headed nails, to enable him to have a hold in the -ground, and undertaking the same exercises in boots -without nails, where one wearies himself with efforts to -keep his feet.</p> - -<p>I speak as a practical man, having probably come to -less grief than most others in hunting, which may be -attributed mainly to the particular attention bestowed -on the calking of my bearers when I was a hard goer.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_83"></a>[83]</span> -It seems an unimportant matter, but if looked into will -be found to be far otherwise.</p> - -<p><i>Tips</i>, or half-shoes, which cover little more than the -toe of a horse, leaving the heels to come in direct contact -with the ground, are particularly serviceable in -cases where the heels are disposed to contraction, and, -from my experience, can be used without injury in any -ordinary description of work while the frog is sound.</p> - -<p>The quarters of the feet being left by their use without -the usual confinement of the shoe, and being pressed -to expansion on every movement of the animal, naturally -become strong and extended. Tips should become -gradually thinner, finishing in a fine edge towards the -ends. I have seen ill-made tips calculated to lame any -horse, with the ends the thickness of an ordinary shoe -(though extending, which is the intention of tips, less -than half-way down the foot), as if the smith who made -them expected the heels to remain always suspended in -mid air.</p> - -<p><i>Slippers.</i>—Regular sportsmen generally carry a spare -shoe while hunting; but if a shoe comes off one of the -fore feet in the field or on the road, and the rider is -not provided with a proper shoe, he should at once -dismount and lead his bearer to the nearest forge, -where an old shoe most approaching to the size of the -foot that can possibly be found should be selected from -the heap of cast ones that generally lies by in a forge, -and let it be tacked on with three or four nails only, so -as to serve the creature to get home, or until the proper -shoe can be made.</p> - -<p>If a shoe comes off the hind foot, and the distance -from home is not above three or four miles, the animal -can be led or occasionally ridden that far without injury,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_84"></a>[84]</span> -especially if the softest side of the road be selected -for the track, the hind feet being generally much stronger -than the fore.</p> - -<p><i>Travelling.</i>—The day before a long journey, look to -your horse’s shoes; see that the clinches are well laid -down and the shoes nailed tightly. As a rule, do not -have new shoes put on just before a journey, for the -least carelessness in fitting or nailing them may occasion -more or less lameness; should it be severe, disappointment -and delay may result; while if only apparently -slight at starting, and the animal endure the pain -patiently during its work, the cause being in existence -throughout will produce its effects only too palpably -when the day’s journey is over. If old shoes are nearly -worn, but will last the journey, let them by all means -remain on; but directly the work is over, send for any -proper smith whose forge is nearest, and have them -taken off in the stable. Should the forge not be at -hand, the old slippers can of course be tacked on when -the horse, having had its rest, is taken to be shod. -All shoes, for road-work especially, should be made full -long to cover the heels. It should be borne in mind -that, as the hoof grows naturally, the shoe is brought -forward and thereby exposes the heels.</p> - -<h3>VICE.</h3> - -<p>In all cases where active vice, such as rearing, kicking, -jibbing, plunging, has to be combated, the work of -correction is half done if the horse is well tired in the -first instance, or, in vulgar terms, “the fiery edge taken -off him,” by half an hour’s rapid loungeing, with his<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_85"></a>[85]</span> -neck well bent, chin into chest, on the softest and most -tiring ground that is available. For myself, if I find -a horse vicious, I never think of combating him if it -can be helped, without having first reduced his vigour -a little; and all horsemen who undertake to conquer -any seriously bad habits are recommended to consider -and adopt this practice, if indeed such is not already -their custom.</p> - -<p><i>Kicking</i>, to the horseman, is a matter of very trifling -consideration. He may either amuse himself by letting -the ebullition expend itself, or it may be stopped -by chucking up the horse’s head and increasing the pace.</p> - -<p><i>Kicking in Harness</i> is a different affair, being generally -the prelude to disaster, and must be guarded against.—<a href="#Page_58"><i>See</i> -page 58.</a></p> - -<p><i>Kicking in the Stable.</i>—Many animals, most gentle -in other respects, take inordinate fits of this practice, -and generally in the dead of night, as if to make up -for their usual quietude on all other occasions; most -frequently they resort to the amusement without any -apparent cause of irritation whatever. They will do it -when alone or when in company; while, were it not for -the capped hock and otherwise disfigured legs, as well -as the dilapidated stabling behind them, discovered in -the morning, you would think that “butter wouldn’t -melt in their mouths.” In other cases the habit proceeds -from obvious bad temper or spite towards a -neighbour. There are many cures proposed for kicking -in the stable. One frequently successful is a round -log of wood, four or five inches long and about two in -diameter, with a staple at one end of it, through which -a chain two or three inches long is passed and attached -to a strap that buckles round the pastern (just above<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_86"></a>[86]</span> -the coronet) of one hind leg, or a log in this way to -each hind leg may be used if necessary. Another -means is to pad all parts of the stable that can be -reached by the hind feet. In many instances where -this plan is adopted, the animal, no longer hearing any -noise suggesting to his fancy resistance from behind, -will cease kicking altogether, from no other explainable -cause. For padding use some pads of hay or oaten -straw, covered with coarse canvass, and nailed to all -places within reach of his heels. Sometimes, where -the habit is supposed to arise from spite towards a -neighbour, a change of location will answer. In other -cases nothing but arming all parts of the stable within -reach with furze bushes, or other prickly repellants, -will succeed.</p> - -<p>It will be well, in treating this vice, to try the remedies -here recommended in rotation; first with the -otherwise quiet horse try the log, then the padding, -the change of location, and the prickly armour in succession. -It is a remarkable fact that horses seldom -kick in the stable during daylight; leaving a light in -the stable through the night may therefore effect a cure -where all else has failed; but as light interferes with -sleep, it should be the very last resource.</p> - -<p><i>Rearing</i> is of little consequence in harness, and seldom -attempted to any extent; but to the rider it is, in -my opinion, the most dangerous of all bad habits to -which a brute may be addicted. As I consider it -almost impossible for a horseman to cure a practised -rearer, my advice to the owner of such a beast would -be, instead of risking his life in the endeavour, to get -rid of him to some buyer, who will place him where, -in the penal servitude of harness, he may perhaps eke<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_87"></a>[87]</span> -out a useful existence. However, should accident place -you on a rearer, directly he rises lay hold of the mane -with one hand; this, while at once throwing your -weight forward where it should be, will enable you also -to completely slacken the reins, which is important.</p> - -<p>No one need be ashamed to adopt this plan. I have -seen the best riders do so.</p> - -<p>Vicious rearing may, on its first manifestation, be -sometimes checked by a determined and reckless rider -giving a well-directed blow on the ear with some bothering -missile; but this is a venturesome proceeding, and -only in emergency should it be resorted to, as an ill-directed -blow is very likely to produce poll-evil, or -knock the sight out of an eye.</p> - -<p>It is said that a bottle full of water, broken on the -ear of a rearing horse, proves an effectual cure; but -happily the danger to the rider during such treatment -of his bearer, is a strong guarantee against the frequent -adoption of this barbarous practice. In many cases -lowering one hand with the rein on that side when the -horse is just beginning to rise, will have the effect of -breaking the rear, the horse being urged forward with -the spur the instant his fore legs are down; but if, -when he has gained anything like the perpendicular, -the rein or head be chucked, or by any misfortune interfered -with, the chances are that the brute will walk -about on his hind legs like a dancing dog, and most -likely finish by falling back on his rider.</p> - -<p>A martingal is sometimes found to be a preventive, -especially a running one.</p> - -<p><i>Jibbing.</i>—The disposition to this vice is generally -called into action, in the first instance, by the fret consequent -on the abrasion of the neck by the collar, or by<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_88"></a>[88]</span> -the working of uneven traces (<a href="#Page_57">page 57</a>). The use of a -saving-collar, and the careful adjustment of the traces, -may therefore obviate the propensity.</p> - -<p>Sometimes jibbing is the effect of bad handling when -starting with a heavy load. Where such a disposition -evinces itself, the carriage should be pushed from behind, -or another horse placed beside, or, if possible, in -front of the jibber, to lead him off.</p> - -<p><i>Shying</i> may proceed from various causes, such as -defective sight, nervousness, or tricks; thus it may be -the result of either constitutional infirmity or of vice. -From whatever cause proceeding, the proper way to -manage a shying horse is to turn his head <i>away from</i> -the object at which he shies, in riding, pressing the -spur to the same side to which his head is turned; thus, -if the object he dislikes be on the right, turn his head -to the left, and press your left leg, giving him that -spur, and <i>vice versa</i>, according to the side on which the -object to be avoided is found. If you have to deal -with a bad shyer, your time being precious, and you -only care to get through your present ride with the -least unpleasantness possible, in addition to the above-mentioned -means, take him, if necessary, well by the -head, the reins in each hand, and saw or job his mouth -rather sharply, keeping him in rapid motion till you -pass the object.</p> - -<p>Operating thus on his mouth <i>severely</i>, if necessary, -will engage his attention, and cheat him out of his apprehension -for the moment. It is bad horsemanship, -and dangerous besides, to force a horse’s head <i>towards</i> -an offending object while in motion; but if it is -particularly desirable that the animal should become -familiarised with anything of which he is shy, let him<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_89"></a>[89]</span> -be brought to a standstill, and coaxed up gradually to -it, that he may assure himself of its harmlessness by -smelling and feeling it with his nose and lips, if possible. -Punishment by whip or spur—what is called “cramming” -him up to a thing—is a vile error.</p> - -<p>When a horse is found to evince a confirmed objection -to passing a particular place, and that he keeps -bolting and turning viciously in spite of all ordinary -efforts to prevent it, take him at his own fancy, and -keep turning and turning him till he is so tired of that -game that he will only be too glad to go forward past -the objectionable spot. A horse’s sense of smelling is -very acute, and sometimes a dead animal in the ditch -or field by the side of the road, though unseen, will -cause an abrupt and very unseating sort of a shy, with -an ordinarily quiet beast of sensitive olfactory nerves.</p> - -<h3>SELLING.</h3> - -<p>If the horse you wish to dispose of be a fancy one, -either for beauty, action, or disposition, and a fancy -price be required, efforts must be made to obtain the -fancy customer to suit, and time and attention must be -devoted to that object. But if he be of the ordinary -useful class, unless a purchaser be found at once, let -the owner, directly he has made up his mind to part -with him, think of the best market available, whether -public auction, a fair, or private sale by commission.</p> - -<p>The public auction, with a good description of the -animal’s merits, if he has any, is the readiest and least -troublesome mode of disposing of all unsuitable property; -and from my own experience, I should say that<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_90"></a>[90]</span> -the better plan is to make up one’s mind positively -to dispose of such the first time it is put up by the -auctioneer, having, of course, placed a reasonable and -rather low reserve price on it, and provided that the -sale be fairly attended by purchasers; otherwise I should -not allow my property to be offered until a more favourable -opportunity.</p> - -<p>A valuable and fancy animal, if his owner is not -pressed to sell, had better be disposed of by full advertisement -and private sale at his own stable. It is bad -management to exhibit for sale an animal that is out of -condition; it always pays to make your horse look as -well as possible before he meets the eye of a customer. -There is an old and true saying, “no meat sells so well -as horse meat”—of course animal flesh is here alluded to.</p> - -<h3>CAPRICE.<a id="FNanchor_27" href="#Footnote_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a></h3> - -<p>All horsemen know how whimsical horses are, and -the best riders feel a certain amount of diffidence, and -even awkwardness, on beginning with any new mount, -until a more perfect acquaintance is established between -man and horse.</p> - -<p>A horseman who identifies himself with his steed will<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_91"></a>[91]</span> -sometimes by a mere fluke hit off the means of having -his own way with a capricious though perhaps really -well-disposed animal, if one only knew the way to -manage him.</p> - -<p>For instance, a first-class hunter of my own (Baronet), -whose excellent performance in the field, where I had -seen him tried, induced me to purchase him, soon gave -evidence of a peculiarity for which, unknown to me, -he had made himself remarkable. No ordinary means -could prevail upon him to go through any street of a -town except such as he pleased himself, of which he -gave me evidence the first day I had occasion to try him -in that way, walking on his hind legs directly his will -was disputed on the subject, even to the extent of a -mere pressure on the rein at the side he was required -to turn. In my difficulty, instinct prompted me to drop -the reins and gently direct his progress with the point -of the whip at the side of his nose, and in this way he -went ever after as quiet as a sheep with me. Having -discovered his caprice, I was always provided with a -handle of a whip or a switch of some kind for his benefit. -Riding him one day into Dycer’s, an old acquaintance -of his, well aware of his propensity, exclaimed in -terms not complimentary to Baronet at my possession -of him, and was much amused when I told him my -simple method of managing this self-willed gentleman.</p> - -<p>The same sort of what I can scarcely help terming -“instinct” that has often taught me, and doubtless -hundreds of other practical horsemen, to meet the whims -of their steeds so as to suit themselves, produced a victory -somewhat similar to the foregoing over an animal -that, in the presence of a large assemblage interested in -his performance, most determinedly refused to <i>trot</i>,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_92"></a>[92]</span> -though ridden successively by the most skilled nagsmen -Dycer’s yard could produce, as well as by Dycer -himself.</p> - -<p>I proposed to try my hand, and the animal at first -start pursued the same uneasy half-canter with me; but -perceiving that he seemed particularly desirous to take -a drink from a trough that happened to be in the way, -I allowed his attention to be distracted by taking as -much water as he pleased from it; and then turning -him in the opposite direction from that in which he had -so obstinately persisted in his own gait, patting and -doing all I could to reassure him, dropping the bit-rein -altogether, and taking a very light and lengthened hold -of the snaffle-rein, I let him move off at his own pace, -which, to the surprise of every one present (my own, I -admit, included), proved to be a walk, which he immediately -changed into a jog-trot all up the yard, winning -for me a bet of twenty sovereigns to one from the late -Edward Dycer, that the horse could not be made to trot -within a quarter of an hour of the rider mounting.</p> - -<p>Now, it is only caprice that can account for the likes -and dislikes of horses about going lead or wheel in -four-in-hand. One horse will not stir till removed from -the wheel, and another will be equally unmanageable if -assigned the leader’s part, while an exchange of places -will perhaps render both animals perfectly tractable.</p> - -<p>In double harness it may sometimes be observed -that an animal, while working by itself, or with others -not faster, will casually show great spirit, but when -coupled with another possessing more life and action, -it will seem at once subdued from its former liveliness, -and go along like a slug, quite out of sorts at finding -itself outpaced, &c., while its more sprightly neighbour<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_93"></a>[93]</span> -will exhibit a double ebullition of spirits, as if in reproach -to say, “Why can’t you come on?” To prove -such cases of whimsicality further, replace the apparent -sluggard by coupling with our vivacious steed a more -lively and active animal, and you will see the latter in -his turn become subdued and “shut up,” in comparison -with his previous sprightliness.</p> - -<p>Again, although the animal is decidedly gregarious, -a horse, from some dislike to its companions or other -whim, will absolutely pine and cease to thrive in a stall -stabled with others, and be restored to its usual spirits -and health on removal to a loose-box. Such animals -are generally restless at night, and show great ability in -smashing their head-collars.</p> - -<p>On the other hand, most horses like company, and -will pine away if kept alone.</p> - -<p>These things should be studied.</p> - -<h3>IRISH HUNTERS, AND THE BREEDING OF GOOD HORSES.</h3> - -<p>Much attention has latterly been attracted to the -deterioration in the superior breeds of horses, having -reference more to a decline of power and endurance -than to diminished swiftness.</p> - -<p>There is no reason why our old fame for breeding -good horses of every kind should not be maintained. -Unrelaxed attention must nevertheless be given to some -well-known and established rules respecting breeding, -and more marked encouragement might with advantage -be in every way afforded to the production and rearing<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_94"></a>[94]</span> -of young animals of a superior and valuable description. -We would therefore suggest that prizes for young ones -should be more liberally and generally awarded at -exhibitions; likewise a careful revision and alteration -of many of the present regulations in connection with -racing.</p> - -<p>The importance of most careful scrutiny in selecting -the progenitors of horses can never be overrated; and -though in Ireland experience has proved in many instances -that a good hunter can be produced from a dam -which, in England, would be considered too small, too -plain, the <i>blood</i> in both parents has invariably been of -the best. The mare, or perhaps her parents, might -have been half-starved—no uncommon result of the -scarcity of food during many successive years of adversity -among the poorer classes in the former country—but -her progenitors had been large powerful animals.</p> - -<p>As, in the due course of things, it results in time that -every denomination of useful horse, excepting, perhaps, -the heavy dray and cart horse breeds, is influenced by -the characteristics transmitted more particularly to the -powerful, enduring, moderately fleet animal properly -designated the hunter, it is a subject of deep interest -to the community at large to know how the latter -should be produced.</p> - -<p>The “Irish hunter” is admitted to possess in a remarkable -manner the qualities most desirable in a horse -of that or the generally useful class. Hardy, enduring, -courageous, strong, short-legged, short-backed, long-sided, -tolerably fast, but any deficiency in speed made -up for by jumping power; all action, able to jump anything -and everything; intuitive lovers of fencing; their -sagacity such that you have only to get on their backs -and leave the rest to themselves;—under ordinary -circumstances it is almost impossible to throw these -animals.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;" id="illus5"> -<img src="images/illus5.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">THE PROPER FORM</p> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_95"></a>[95]</span></p> - -<p>Such is the breeding that I should be inclined to -cross with that of the powerful English race-horse as -sire, taking blood as nearly pure as possible in both -parents, for the purpose of securing valuable stock, -which would in time be dispersed over the country, -and replace the progeny of those weedy thorough-breds -which, in Ireland especially, have done much towards -the decline in power and endurance of the present -generation of so-called Irish hunters. The parentage -might, of course, be reversed between sire and dam.</p> - -<p>As to the question of climate, any one really interested -in discovering its possible effects might be curious -to know what would characterise the produce of a high-bred -English racer and Irish huntress foaled and reared -in France.</p> - -<p>As far as we can judge from the peculiarities of those -horses with which we are most familiar, extremes of -either heat or cold are unfavourable to the development -of <i>size</i>; whereas, under both conditions, a vast amount -of endurance seems to be natural.</p> - -<p>The Norwegian and the Arab, differing materially in -point of swiftness, are both notorious for endurance. -The plodding perseverance of the first is well known; -while the Arab, ridden at an even gait with a fair -weight, will go with impunity a greater distance, at a -rate of eighteen to twenty miles an hour, than the best -European can do. In sporting language, the Arab can -“stay” better than the European.</p> - -<p>Arab breeders rarely offer a really high-bred animal -for sale under four, and generally five, years of age;<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_96"></a>[96]</span> -hence he cannot receive the education bestowed upon -the European racer, who, before he is three, often at -less than two, years of age, is taught by the most -scientific riders in the world to “go from the post” at -very nearly top speed—a species of training that sometimes -results in his beating horses which are really -superior in every respect except that of being ready at -starting, and capable of putting on their best speed at -once. Besides, in those hot climates the young animal -has not the advantage of a soft elastic turf, so essential -to training, nor has he the assistance of proper trainers -and jockeys.</p> - -<p>It is much to be regretted that the breeders of Arabia -cannot be tempted, for almost any price, to part with -truly high-bred mares, wisely retaining them to breed -for the benefit of their native land.</p> - -<p>Warmth of climate seems thus, as instanced in the -Arab, to favour swiftness and endurance; though, on -the other hand, we may point to the mild, moist, but -scarcely warm climate of our islands, as having fostered -the production of animals possessing these qualities in -the first degree, in addition to size and power beyond -those of the Arab.</p> - -<p>France has latterly, since the introduction of pure -blood, produced some splendid horses; but time must -tell whether the perfections of these animals are as -lasting as those of others whose early growth may not -have been so much forced by a more genial climate. -Therefore, as far as we know at present, the climate of -England is as favourable as that of any other land to -the production and development of perfection in the -horse, the specimens of which that she has presented -being hitherto unsurpassed.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_97"></a>[97]</span></p> - -<p>It would appear that we make a serious mistake in -not providing greater encouragement to breeders and -purchasers of yearlings and two-years-old of the different -descriptions. A decided advantage would, we -think, result from competition among these classes at -horse-shows, due care being necessarily given to placing -them in a situation specially adapted for them, and -where they would be free from noise and excitement. -Nothing would tend more to incite to the careful breeding -of horses among farmers than the possibility of obtaining -handsome prizes, and thereby securing the prospect -of early remuneration; while the opportunity for market -afforded by these exhibitions would present additional -inducements to the rearing and purchase of young -animals. Having in view the encouragement of a -superior breed of horses, it is beginning at the wrong -end not to support it, in the first place, by allotting at -such meetings the most numerous and valuable prizes -to the babies.</p> - -<p>Fortunately the ventilation given to this important -subject of the deterioration in our horses, more especially -in that particular class denominated the Irish -hunter, has aroused the interest of the country at large, -and already led to more earnest efforts on the part of -the landed proprietors and breeders to regain lost -ground.</p> - -<p>It ought to be borne in mind that the light weights -allowed by the present racing laws for Queen’s plates -are, as examples for weighting in other races, most pernicious. -These grants from the Crown were originally -bestowed with the view to encourage the raising of -strong thorough-breds, capable of carrying twelve stone -sometimes for four or even five mile heats; therefore<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_98"></a>[98]</span> -the present arrangement of weights is positively, however -unintentionally, a misapplication of those public -funds.</p> - -<p>It is probably to the turfmen that the change in the -character of steeplechasing is greatly due; they found -it their interest gradually to alter the weights and distances, -so as to bring profitably into play their second -and third rate beaten race-horses. Steeplechases were -not intended for these latter, whose perfection is in -proportion to their speed. Pace is not the chief desideratum -in hunters, to prove the qualities of which -steeple or castle chases were instituted; power and -endurance are at least as essential: and it is contrary -to the law of nature, as well as of mechanics, to combine -a maximum of speed with that of power, and <i>vice -versa</i>. Either will preponderate to the detriment of -the other.</p> - -<p>The difficulties, natural and artificial, presented by -the general face of the country in Ireland, have no -doubt contributed to the development of those qualities -which render the Irish hunter so valuable. The style -of fence is continually varied; and in the course of a -run there will be encountered double ditches, with a -narrow or wide bank, single ones, stone walls, brooks, -bullfinches, gates, wide drains, and occasionally posts -and rails, or iron palings—hurdles being, however, of -rare occurrence; but the horse that can master the -above impediments to his course will soon find out -how to jump a hurdle.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;" id="illus6"> -<img src="images/illus6.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">PREPARATORY CANTER</p> -</div> - -<p>The Irish colt has sometimes also a kind of training -not expressly designed for him by his owner; for being -not unfrequently left with other animals in a field -affording an insufficient supply of grass for them all,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_99"></a>[99]</span> -he undertakes to prove the truth of the proverb that -hunger will break through stone walls, by jumping -over if not through one to obtain more or better food.</p> - -<p>Transplanted to England, the accomplished Irish -hunter often finds himself tested in a manner strange -to him; the rate of speed is greater than he has been -accustomed to, for the Green Isle has not yet adopted -generally the extremely swift pace of hounds now so -much in vogue in England, and is thence, as regards -the hounds and the horses, in unquestionably the most -sportsmanlike condition. It was never intended that -hunting should become steeplechasing; and the unnatural -pace to which hounds are now forced causes them -often to overrun the scent after they have got away; -then, when at fault, the entire ruck of the field have an -opportunity of coming up, to be, of course, once more -distanced, at the repeated sacrifice of the sound principles -of hunting, and to the disadvantage of the true -breed of hunters.</p> - -<p>If breeders of horses would give their full attention -to the pursuit, there is no reason why they should not -be as successful in producing the best description of -every class of this animal, as breeders of sheep and -cattle are in their line. By judicious crossing, animals -can be secured with any peculiar characteristics that -may be desired; and for the encouragement of energy -and exertion in this direction, we may remind our -readers that there is now so much competition for the -possession of first-class horses, that our Continental -neighbours constantly outbid us, having learned to -value them even more than we do who have been suffering -our best sires to be bought up and removed -from their native soil to improve the foreign stock. It<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_100"></a>[100]</span> -is not impossible that, circumstances having directed -so much attention to this subject, good will in this as -in many other cases spring out of evil, and the fostering -of valuable breeds of horses will become a more -widely-recognised source of emolument than it has -been for many years past, regaining, likewise, its proper -standing among Britons as a matter of deep national -interest and importance.</p> -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_101"></a>[101]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="PART_II">PART II.</h2> - -</div> - -<h3>DISEASES.</h3> - -<p>When I had nearly completed this little manual, -chance placed in my way a valuable work called the -‘Illustrated Horse-Doctor,’ by Edward Mayhew, -M.R.C.V.S., which has borne me out in many of my -opinions regarding various diseases, and given me -some useful elucidation as to the latest approved -treatment of some ailments.</p> - -<p>I would strenuously recommend the work for its -simplicity and usefulness to country gentlemen and -other owners of valuable horses who can afford to purchase -it; they would derive great assistance from it, -not only as far as regards the written matter, but also -from the spirited and very characteristic illustrations, -exemplifying more clearly than any description possibly -can do, matters connected with the treatment of -horses under disease.</p> - -<p>As to this little work, any remedy herein advised to -be used, without reference to competent authorities, is<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_102"></a>[102]</span> -practical and may be depended on, though intended to -be harmless in any event.</p> - -<p>However, every one must be aware that doctors will -differ, and some who are critics may have pet theories -of their own, which they might here and there prefer -to parts of the practice here recommended.</p> - -<p>It may be borne in mind, nevertheless, that diseases, -like politics, with time and occasion are liable to change -their character.</p> - -<p>Many diseases are far more easily prevented than -cured; and I must, in the very first instance, protest -against the unnatural and injurious warmth by heated -foul air, so much advocated by grooms, as a means of -giving <i>condition</i>, to produce which, food, work, and air -are the safe and natural agents.</p> - -<p>Wherever a means of avoiding any disease herein -touched upon has suggested itself, it is prominently -set forth, in just appreciation of the golden rule, that -“prevention is better than cure.”</p> - -<h3>OPERATIONS.</h3> - -<p>As all painful operations can now be performed under -the influence of chloroform, the least compensation an -owner can make to his poor beast for the tortures he is -put to, in order to enhance his value and usefulness to -his master, is to lay an injunction on the professional -attendant to make use of this merciful provision, in -cases where severe pain must otherwise be inflicted on -the animal.</p> - -<p>Rarey’s method of casting for operations, or when -a horse is so extremely unruly as to require to be<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_103"></a>[103]</span> -thrown down, may be thus quoted from his own -directions:—</p> - -<p>“Everything that we want to teach a horse must be -commenced in some way to give him an idea of what -you want him to do, and then be repeated till he learns -perfectly.</p> - -<p>“To make a horse lie down, bend his left fore-leg and -slip a loop over it, so that he cannot get it down. Then -put a surcingle round his body, and fasten one end of -a long strap around the other fore-leg, just above the -hoof. Place the other end under the surcingle so as -to keep the strap in the right direction; take a short -hold of it with your right hand; stand on the left side -of the horse; grasp the bit in your left hand; pull -steadily on the strap with your right; bear against his -shoulder till you cause him to move. As soon as he -lifts his weight, your pulling will raise the other foot, -and he will have to come on his knees.</p> - -<p>“Keep the strap tight in your hand, so that he cannot -straighten his leg if he rises up. Hold him in -this position, and turn his head towards you; bear -against his side with your shoulder, not hard, but with -a steady equal pressure, and in about ten minutes he -will be down. As soon as he lies down he will be -completely conquered, and you can handle him at your -pleasure.</p> - -<p>“Take off the straps and straighten out his legs; rub -him lightly about the face and neck with your hand -the way the hair lies; handle all his legs, and after he -has lain ten or twenty minutes let him get up again. -After resting him a short time make him lie down and -get up as before. Repeat the operation three or four -times, which will be sufficient for one lesson.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_104"></a>[104]</span></p> - -<p>“Give him two lessons a-day: and when you have -given him four lessons he will lie down by taking hold -of one foot. As soon as he is well broken to lie down -in this way, tap him on the opposite leg with a stick -when you take hold of his foot, and in a few days he -will lie down from the mere motion of the stick.”</p> - -<p>For the purpose of handling horses more easily -<i>without casting them</i>, when slight operations have to -be performed, a twitch is used, made by 7 or 8 inches -of cord formed into a noose, which is attached to about -2 feet of a strong stick. The noose is placed on the -upper lip of the horse, and by turning the stick round -and round, it is tightened. The pain thus occasioned -to the animal subdues him to bear almost anything, -and he can thus be subjected to minor operations -while standing, but it is also as well to place a cloth -over his eyes to prevent his being too well informed of -what is going on,—a precaution which may be used -with advantage under various other circumstances, such -as measuring the height, when the sight of the size-measure -as placed against his shoulder might alarm -him;—in fact, upon any occasion when it maybe desirable -that a horse should not be aware of what is -passing around him; for instance, if he is unwilling to -go on board ship or into a horse-van.</p> - -<h3>TO GIVE A BALL.</h3> - -<p>Turn the animal round in the stall so as to have his -head to the light, making the least possible fuss or -noise.</p> - -<p>Stand on a stool on the off side, and, gently putting<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_105"></a>[105]</span> -your hand in the mouth, draw the tongue a little out; -place the fingers of the left hand over it, and keep it -firmly in this position by pressure <i>against the jaw</i>—not -holding the tongue by itself, as a restless horse, by -suddenly drawing back or sideways while his tongue is -tightly held, may seriously injure himself.</p> - -<p>The ball, having been oiled to cause it to pass easily, -is to be taken between the tips of the fingers of the -right hand, and then, making the hand as small as possible, -pass the ball up the mouth by the roof to avoid -injury from the teeth. Directly the ball is landed well -up on the root of the tongue, take away that hand, and -as soon as it is out of the mouth, let the left hand release -the tongue, which, in the act of being drawn to -its proper place, will help the ball down.</p> - -<p>An assistant standing at the near side may be useful -to hand the ball to the operator, and to <i>gently</i> keep the -jaws open while the ball is being given.</p> - -<p>Have a warm drink ready to give immediately after -the ball is taken.</p> - -<p>It may be remarked that in racing stables, where -such things are generally well done, young and small -boys will, quite alone, coolly take spirited, and often -vicious animals, and in the most gentle manner administer -the ball, unsuspected by the beast himself, -who is hardly made aware of the operation he is undergoing.</p> - -<p><i>To give a Drench.</i>—Turn the animal round in his -stall as in administering a ball. Use a cow’s horn, the -wide end having been closed up by a tinman.</p> - -<p>Pour in the liquid at the narrow end, the mouth of -which should be an inch in diameter.</p> - -<p>The operator, standing on the off side, should have<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_106"></a>[106]</span> -an assistant; both should be tall, or make themselves -so by standing on <i>firm</i> stools or a form.</p> - -<p>The assistant must raise the horse’s head till his -mouth is above the level of his forehead, and keep it -in that elevated position <i>steadily</i> while the drench is -administered—such position being necessary to facilitate -the passage of the liquid down the throat by its own -gravity, the tongue not being here an available agent, -as with the ball.</p> - -<p>The operator, taking the wide end of the horn in his -right hand, can steady and assist himself by holding -the upper jaw with his left, and, leaving the tongue at -liberty, will discharge the drench from the horn <i>below</i> -the root of the tongue if possible.</p> - -<p>A proper drenching-horn should be always kept at -hand, and be well cleaned after use.</p> - -<p>A glass bottle should never on any account be substituted -for the proper instrument.</p> - -<h3>PURGING.</h3> - -<p>Whenever an animal accustomed to high feeding and -hard work is from any cause laid by, it is most desirable -(in pursuance of the golden rule that prevention -is better than cure) to take such opportunity to relax -the hitherto tightly-strung bow, by administering a -mild purge.</p> - -<p>The object of this precaution is, that the absorbents, -having been accustomed to a perpetual call as the result -of perspiration induced by work, are liable, when the -beast is left at rest for several days, and this call is -thus discontinued, to take on unhealthy action, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_107"></a>[107]</span> -engender diseases, the most fatal of which is that -scourge “Farcy.”</p> - -<p>How many a fine horse, to all appearance in the best -condition, have I seen stricken with this fell malady, -from no other accountable cause than that which it is -hereby proposed to guard against; besides, every one -knows that any animal kept at rest and fed up is more -predisposed to all kinds of inflammatory attacks, and -when thus visited the system more readily succumbs.</p> - -<p>More than this, every practical man is aware that an -occasional aloetic purge improves the health, condition, -and vigour of a horse.</p> - -<p>It seems as if the aloes acted as a powerful tonic and -renovator as well as purge.</p> - -<p>What trainer will think of putting a lusty or ill-conditioned -animal into “fettle” without employing this -purge as a partial means?</p> - -<p>It is very dangerous to give a purging medicine to -a horse without first preparing the bowels by relaxing -them moderately with bran mashes.</p> - -<p>This is best done by giving about three or four -sloppy mashes, three in the course of the day preceding -the administration of the purge (reducing the quantity -of hay to one-third the usual amount), and one the first -thing next morning, no water or hay being given beforehand -that day; about two or three hours after the mash, -administer the purge, giving just before and after it as -much warm water as the beast will drink.</p> - -<p>No hay should be allowed this day or night, but as -many sloppy mashes as will be accepted should be -given.</p> - -<p>Give two hours’ brisk walking exercise in clothes -about six or eight hours after the administration of the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_108"></a>[108]</span> -purge, and next morning, after a mash and watering -(always with warm water), two more hours of the same -exercise in clothes; but be careful <i>not</i> to sweat the -horse.—<a href="#Page_155"><i>See</i> page 155.</a></p> - -<p>If the evacuations be fully free, less exercise is necessary; -otherwise, in a couple of hours repeat the walking -at a brisk pace. When the desired effect of the medicine -has been satisfactorily produced, hay and corn may -be <i>gradually</i> resorted to.</p> - -<p>While an animal is under the operation of purgative -medicine the water and mashes should be warmed, and -the body well protected from cold by clothing and the -exclusion of draughts.</p> - -<p>The ordinary purge, consisting of Barbadoes aloes 4 -drachms, extract gentian 2 drachms, is mixed into a -mass by any chemist. With some delicate horses, subject -to looseness, this purge may be too strong, and -should be reduced by a drachm of aloes and half a -drachm of gentian.</p> - -<p>On the contrary, with large horses of a full habit, 5 -drachms of Barbadoes aloes, or even more, may be necessary, -with 2 drachms of gentian. In all cases where -there is reason to suppose that the mucous surfaces of -the alimentary canal may be in a state of irritation, it -is much safer to give linseed-oil, say a pint at a time, -to which may be added, if speedy purging be essential, -twenty drops of croton oil.</p> - -<p>The use of old dry hay will be found the most simple -and ready primary resource to stop purging and steady -the action of the bowels, and a very little bruised oats -may also be given in such cases.</p> - -<p>Should the purge appear to gripe, copious clysters of -warm water will afford relief.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_109"></a>[109]</span></p> - -<h3>THE PULSE</h3> - -<p class="noindent">is easily found by placing the two forefingers under the -middle of the horse’s jowl or cheek-bone. The novice -can feel about here till he discovers pulsation, and having -once made himself acquainted with its seat, he will -be the better able to judge of a horse when apparently -out of sorts.</p> - -<p>Inside the forearm, and in other spots, the pulse is -equally superficial, but under the edge of the cheek-bone -is the most convenient place to find it, or at the temple.</p> - -<p>A horse’s pulse in health beats from about 32 to 38 -a minute—the smaller the animal the faster the circulation -will be.</p> - -<p>In brain affections the pulse is slower than natural, -it is quickest in inflammation of the serous and fibrous -membranes—much slower in the mucous ones.</p> - -<h3>DISEASES OF THE HEAD AND RESPIRATORY ORGANS.</h3> - -<p><i>Glanders.</i>—As there is really no cure for this horrible -disease, I will not attempt any dissertation upon it, but, -merely referring to the remarks upon nasal gleet, <a href="#Page_116">page -116</a>, advise all, <i>whenever they have the least suspicion -about the latter</i>, to consult a veterinary surgeon immediately.</p> - -<p>The only preventive against the disease is to keep -and work your horses in a reasonable manner, give -them plenty of pure air at all times, and to guard them -as carefully as possible from contagion.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_110"></a>[110]</span></p> - -<p><i>Sore Eyes</i> should be treated mildly by stuping with -tepid water, and the use of laxatives, as mashes, green -food, or a mild purge, according to the severity of the -case. Keep in darkness. If the affection is acute, consult -a professional veterinary surgeon.</p> - -<p><i>Common Cold and Influenza.</i>—It should be remembered -that cold air seldom gives cold, but rather its -action upon the exhalent vessels of the skin when they -are under the process of sweat, and when the exercise -that produced the latter has ceased. The superficial -action of a low temperature then proves an astringent, -clogging the small exhalent and exuding vessels, and -by the derangement of the whole animal system, immediately -affects the respiratory organs, producing more or -less fever.</p> - -<p>When disease is thus contracted, it is self-evident -that the best way to meet it is by forcing these small -vessels into exudation (or sweat) as rapidly as possible, -which may readily be done by exercise and -clothing upon the very first suspicion that a chill has -been taken, and <i>before the animal is positively affected</i>. -Once, however, that the debility or feverish -symptoms incidental to the disease are manifesting -themselves, active but entirely different measures must -be resorted to.</p> - -<p>The premonitory symptoms of cold, and that scourge -of the stud, influenza, are, refusal of corn, staring coat, -dull eyes, at first a thin and soon a purulent discharge -from one or both nostrils, with more or less cough; -pulse wired, sometimes very weak, but if highly inflammatory -symptoms be present, thin and rapid.</p> - -<p>Under these circumstances, if a professional veterinary -surgeon is procurable, the case should be referred<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_111"></a>[111]</span> -to him; but rather than suffer an ordinary farrier to -deal with the animal, I will take the liberty in this, as -in other cases, to offer simple remedies that can do no -harm, and have in my own experience been beneficial.</p> - -<p>Bleeding is admissible only in extreme cases, and -under professional advice, at the commencement of an -inflammatory attack, in affections of the brain, or -serous and fibrous membranes—<i>not in mucous ones</i>. -In cases, however, of sudden pulmonary congestion, or -apoplexy of the lungs, general depletion is indicated. -Blood-letting should <i>never</i> be had recourse to in <i>distemper</i> -or <i>influenza</i>,<a id="FNanchor_28" href="#Footnote_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a> neither should purging be thought -of in such cases, as it lowers the system, which, on the -contrary, requires all the sustaining power possible.</p> - -<p>Give at once in the most inviting small mash of -bran, or in the form of a ball,—</p> - -<div class="ul-container"> -<ul> -<li>2 drachms of nitre;</li> -</ul> -</div> - -<p class="noindent">giving little or no hay, and nothing but warm mashes -of bran or linseed, if they will be taken. If the symptoms -are urgent, give in a ball,—</p> - -<div class="ul-container"> -<ul> -<li>3 drachms of nitre, with</li> -<li>1 drachm of camphor.</li> -</ul> -</div> - -<p>Also <i>well hand-rub</i>, with a liniment composed of equal -parts spirits of turpentine and oil mixed, all under the -windpipe, the gullet, within three inches of the ear, -by the parotid glands, and inside the jowls. Use the -liniment twice the first day if the symptoms are severe, -and once each day subsequently—abating its use according -to the disappearance of the disease.</p> - -<p>The horse should be placed if possible in a loose-box,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_112"></a>[112]</span> -and being kept warm with plenty of sheets, hoods, and -bandages, the door and window of his stable should -be thrown open during a considerable portion of the -warmer part of the day, to give him <i>plenty of fresh -pure air</i>.</p> - -<p>The head should be kept as pendant as possible, in -order to induce the throwing of the nasal discharge, -which will be further assisted by steaming the nostrils, -using a very large nose-bag (if possible of haircloth), -half-filled with common yellow deal sawdust, having -an ounce of spirits of turpentine well mixed through -it; or better, hot bran mashes, of which the poor beast -may be tempted to pick a little when first applied.</p> - -<p>Either application must be kept at a high temperature -by the frequent addition of hot water.</p> - -<p>The nose-bag must be used several times a day—kept -on for twenty minutes at a time, and never suffered -to remain on the animal till its contents (which -should of course be frequently changed) become cold or -offensive. Or the nostrils may be steamed as well, in -a more simple way, thus:—Fill a bucket full of hay, -stamp it down with the foot, pour <i>boiling</i> water upon -it, renew the boiling water every ten minutes. Let a -man hold the horse’s head in the bucket over the steam -for about half an hour at a time, three or four times -a day.</p> - -<p>As recovery progresses, <i>gradually</i> resume ordinary -feeding—remembering that in this, as in all cases of -illness where the constitution has been debilitated, it -has to be carefully rebuilt by food and suitable exercise -to fit the animal for work. It should be borne in mind -that respiratory diseases appear to be <i>very contagious</i>, -for which reason, if for no other, the patient on the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_113"></a>[113]</span> -first outbreak of distemper should be removed away -from the rest of the stud to a loose-box, if practicable; -the stall he leaves should be cleansed, and all his utensils -kept <i>rigidly separate</i>.</p> - -<p>White-wash and chloride of lime are useful and simple -as disinfectants.</p> - -<p>This disease is more easily prevented than cured, and -horse-owners do well to avoid leaving an animal when -heated, or after exercise, standing unclothed in the cold -or in a chilly draught. Also be careful about transferring -a horse suddenly from total exposure at grass, -or from a healthy airy stable to an ill-ventilated and -crowded one.</p> - -<p>Though influenza or distemper are often considered -to be epidemic, contagion should be, as before observed, -most carefully guarded against. Some professional men -hold these two designations to represent distinct diseases. -In influenza the animal becomes speedily attenuated, -and the whole system appears disordered and -debilitated, occasionally with lameness, as if from fever -of the feet.</p> - -<p>There is generally one mark which may be permitted -to be peculiar as distinguishing some forms of influenza, -particularly in certain seasons during its prevalence, -which is that of the mucous surfaces assuming a yellow -colour all over the body, and the white of the eye being -also tinged with that hue.</p> - -<p>When influenza assumes a serious character, the professional -man must be left to deal with it; but pending -the arrival of such assistance, the treatment here recommended -can do no harm, the primary seat of the -disease being that of the respiratory organ.</p> - -<p><i>Laryngitis, Bronchitis, Pleurisy.</i>—I will not attempt<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_114"></a>[114]</span> -to enter into descriptions or prescribe separate -modes of treatment for these and other diseases of the -respiratory organs, such delicate distinctions belonging -exclusively to the professional man; but while awaiting -his advice, the treatment recommended for common -cold and influenza can do no harm in any attacks of -the upper air-passages; and when the lungs or cavity -of the chest appear to be affected, that advised as -follows for inflammation of the lungs is equally harmless:—</p> - -<p><i>Inflammation of the Lungs</i> or <i>Pneumonia</i> is indicated -by great prostration and high fever, heaving of the -flanks (an evidence of great internal anguish); the legs -are spread out to their fullest extent, as if to prop up -the body and prevent it from falling; the breathing is -difficult, and respiration quick; extremities cold; pulse -quick and hard, like wire to the touch; a look of pain -and wretchedness marks the countenance.<a id="FNanchor_29" href="#Footnote_29" class="fnanchor">[29]</a></p> - -<p>Such symptoms can be safely treated by a professional -man only; but if his services cannot possibly be -procured, rub in a powerful mustard poultice over the -lungs, the seat of which I cannot better describe to the -uninitiated than as situated beneath that portion of a -horse’s surface which would be covered by a saddle if -placed on his belly directly underneath the situation it -would have occupied on his back, the pommel being -close to the fore legs, omitting to blister the portion of -the belly which would be covered by the cantel of the -saddle when reversed, but continuing the blister between -the fore legs to the front of the chest.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_115"></a>[115]</span></p> - -<p>The hair need not be clipped off before the application -of this poultice. Give every six hours, till the -arrival of the veterinary surgeon, from 30 to 40 grains -of ordinary grey powder mixed and administered in the -form of a ball.<a id="FNanchor_30" href="#Footnote_30" class="fnanchor">[30]</a> Or, in place of grey powder, give -Fleming’s tincture of aconite, eight drops every hour in -half a pint of cold water, until the arrival of a veterinary -surgeon.</p> - -<p>Let the animal have an <i>additional quantity</i> of the -purest air, with an increased supply of clothing, and in -cold weather the temperature should be slightly moderated. -The symptoms of recovery are denoted by gradual -cessation of heaving at the flanks; the extremities -getting warmer; the pulse less quick—softer to feel; -and the animal appearing more lively.</p> - -<p>His strength must be kept up after the first day or -two by drenches of gruel, till mashes will be accepted.</p> - -<p><i>Cough</i>, as before observed, generally accompanies influenza, -distemper, and common cold, but there are -instances where cough may be present with little or no -fever or other derangement, in which case change of -food from corn to bran or linseed mashes, with a limited -allowance of wetted hay or chaff, may be sufficient to -cure.</p> - -<p>As a rule, grooms should understand that when coughing -is heard, they are to give bran or linseed mashes -till further orders; nor should an animal suffering from<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_116"></a>[116]</span> -cough be expected to do any but very light work or -exercise (every care being taken to avoid his being -chilled), bran mashes not affording sufficient sustenance -to do heavy work upon.</p> - -<p>No person or owner should be satisfied with the state -of his horses’ health while they cough. Linseed mashes -daily (<a href="#Page_23">page 23</a>) will be found excellent to ease and cure -cough, also carrots and green food; but when the cough -is accompanied by fever, or other symptoms of ailment, -treat as for influenza, distemper, cold, or sore throat, as -the indications of derangement may direct you.</p> - -<p><i>Nasal Gleet</i> may possibly be occasioned by protracted -irritation of diseased molar teeth; but if persistent, -especially of a thin, ichorous, glairy, or size-like character, -and confined to one nostril, generally the left, -the glands under the jaw being swollen and tender, the -Schneiderian membrane or mucous lining of the nose -having a dull, pale, or leaden hue, it should be looked -on with suspicion, particularly if confined to one nostril, -and more so if the discharge adhere round the rim of -it. Cough is seldom present with glanders.</p> - -<p>In such cases consult a veterinary surgeon without a -moment’s delay, and be careful to prevent any part of -your own body, or that of any other person, coming in -contact with such a discharge. It is very probably incipient -glanders of the most insidious and dangerous -character.</p> - -<p>To more clearly distinguish the dangerous from the -harmless gleet, it may be remarked that when the discharge -is thick and purulent, yellow, and in full flow, -and without a disposition to adhere to the nostril, -though the most alarming in appearance, it is least to -be apprehended, proceeding naturally from a heavy<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_117"></a>[117]</span> -cold in the head, which, however, should of course -meet with immediate attention.—(<a href="#Page_110"><i>See</i> “Cold, Influenza,” -page 110.</a>) For the prevention of nasal gleet, -observe the same precautions as those recommended -against cold, &c. (<a href="#Page_109">page 109</a>), and keep your horses as -much as possible to themselves.</p> - -<p>In travelling, horses run great risks, and, of course, -such diseases are less likely to be contracted in first-class -hostelries than in inferior and hack stabling.</p> - -<p><i>Poll-Evil</i> is generally occasioned by a bruise on the -head, behind the ears, near the neck, by pressure of the -head-stall, &c. (<a href="#Page_16"><i>see</i> “Haltering,” page 16</a>), when, if great -care be not exercised to cure the sore promptly, sinuses -or cavities will form, eating away into the more important -parts of the adjacent structure. Here, also, unless -an immediate cure be effected by the means directed -for the treatment of sores (<a href="#Page_160"><i>see</i> “Water-dressing,” page -160</a>, and <a href="#Page_158">“Zinc Lotion,” page 158</a>), accompanied with -the removal of the head-stall or any aggravating pressure, -the veterinary surgeon ought to be consulted at -once.</p> - -<p>Avoiding the causes will be the best preventive of -this disease.</p> - -<p><i>Shivering Fits</i> in general precede or are the commencement -of a feverish attack; therefore, in such cases, -no heating food must be allowed. Substitute hot -mashes, increase the clothing, and administer a febrifuge, -as nitre, 2 drachms, repeated in two hours. Or, -if nitre in the mash will not be accepted, give two -ounces of sweet spirits of nitre in half a pint of cold -water.</p> - -<p><i>Shivers</i> in the stable, proceeding from nervous sensibility, -are frequently the result of recent excitement,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_118"></a>[118]</span> -caused by a band, an organ, or other unusual noise, or -even by the sudden entrance of the beast’s own attendant, -the bounding of a cat, &c.</p> - -<p><i>Strangles</i> generally attacks young horses about the -age of maturity, or when first stabled. Debility gradually -possesses them; the throat, and particularly the -parotid glands under the ears, are sore and swelled, -tending to distinguish this disease from ordinary cold -and influenza; a discharge from the nose is also present. -The sooner the suppurative process can be induced in -the throat the better.</p> - -<p>For this purpose rub in turpentine and oil (one part -turpentine to two parts oil) once or twice a-day, which, -when the skin becomes tender, must be carefully done -with a sponge.</p> - -<p>When the suppuration is ripe, a professional man -should let it out with a knife, and recovery speedily -ensues.</p> - -<p>As great debility is attendant on this disease, the -system should be kept up by bruised and scalded corn, -and the appetite tempted in every way by green meats, -minced carrots, &c., if requisite. Plenty of air is also -essential.</p> - -<p>It ought to be superfluous to remark that under such -circumstances neither bleeding, purging, nor reducing -means of any kind should be adopted, the bowels being -merely kept open by bran and occasional linseed mashes, -which will assist the mucous surfaces. The chill to be -taken off the drink.</p> - -<p><i>Soreness of the Throat</i> frequently accompanies distemper -or cold, and is indicated by want of appetite, -constant endeavour to swallow the saliva, <i>difficulty in -imbibing liquids</i>, which, instead of going down the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_119"></a>[119]</span> -throat, appear to be returned through the nostrils, noisy -gulping, &c.</p> - -<p>Rub the throat at once with a mixture of equal parts -turpentine and oil, and keep up the irritation on the -skin.</p> - -<p>Administer 2 drachms of nitre once or twice the first -twenty-four hours, the animal being, of course, laid by -from all work, and placed in a loose-box; let him be -fed on bran and linseed mashes, and given green food, -carrots, and anything that will tempt his appetite.</p> - -<p>Avoid purging, bleeding, or anything that will lower -the system—a rule to be most particularly observed in -all diseases of the respiratory organs, unless severe inflammation -be present, when a professional man only -can judge to what extent the lowering process may be -necessary.</p> - -<p><i>Broken Wind</i> is caused by a large number of the air-cells -of the lungs becoming fused, as it were, into one -large air-cell, thus diminishing the aërating surface, -and rendering the lungs weaker. It is indicated by a -sudden inspiration and a long, almost double, expiration; -the flanks and abdomen are observed to suddenly -fall down, instead of being gradually expanded.</p> - -<p>Broken wind is, in fact, emphysema of the lung, and -there is said to be no absolute cure for it; but it may -be alleviated by restricting the animal in hay and water, -and giving the latter only in small quantities, not more -than half-a-pint at a time, and moistening all food.</p> - -<p>Take care he does not eat his bed, which he will -make every effort to do. He should have no straw -about him in the day, and be muzzled at night.</p> - -<p><i>Lampas</i> does not belong properly to these diseases, -indicating some derangement in the alimentary canal,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_120"></a>[120]</span> -but is here mentioned to guard against a brutal practice -commonly resorted to by farriers as a cure for the -disorder.</p> - -<p>The groom complains that his charge is “off his -feed,” and fancies that the palate is swollen more than -usual—the fact being that he never examined it at any -other time; and the farrier proceeds to cure the rejection -of food by searing the poor beast’s mouth with a -red-hot iron, or scarifying it with a knife. The reasonable -treatment of an ailment proceeding from heat or -disorder of the stomach will be to withhold all heating -food, at all events to a great extent, giving occasional -mashes, also tonics and alteratives, the latter to those -of full habit, the former in cases of evident debility.</p> - -<h3>DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE AND URINARY ORGANS.</h3> - -<p><i>Diarrhœa</i> and <i>Dysentery</i>.—The first (diarrhœa, or -mere looseness) is, in the horse, seldom more than a temporary -debility. In many cases it is an effort of nature -to relieve herself, and will probably effect its own cure.</p> - -<p>The symptoms require no definition, except that it -may be remarked that they are almost invariably unaccompanied -by pain or any other inconvenience. Rest, -and the use of more astringent food, and leaving a piece -of chalk in the manger (which, with horses subject to -diarrhœa, should never be absent), will in all probability -arrest the attack, which may, to a certain extent, proceed -from a predisposition to acidity.</p> - -<p>Animals disposed to this disease should be fed on a -drier description of food.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_121"></a>[121]</span></p> - -<p><i>Dysentery</i> is, on the contrary, a highly dangerous -illness, accompanied with pain.</p> - -<p>It mostly commences with excessive purgation, the -evacuations being mere foul water in appearance, and -stinking. The beast will drink greedily; the pulse is -weak; great anguish of body perceptible, the perspiration -breaking out in patches.</p> - -<p>On the first appearance of such dangerous symptoms, -procure the assistance of a professional man; but in the -interval the following drench may be given:—</p> - -<table class="recipe" summary="A recipe for a treatment"> - <tr> - <td>Laudanum, 1 oz.</td> - <td rowspan="2" class="valign">} Mix.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Powdered chalk, ½ oz.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class="center smaller">or,</p> - -<table class="recipe" summary="A recipe for a treatment"> - <tr> - <td>Catechu, powdered, 1 drachm.</td> - <td rowspan="2" class="valign">} Mix.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Chalk, ½ oz.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class="center smaller">or,</p> - -<p class="center smaller">Sulphuric ether and laudanum, of each one ounce.</p> - -<p>Also injections of cold linseed-tea. The dose may be -repeated in three or four hours, if medical assistance -does not arrive. As great care is necessary in the diet, -as well as general treatment, after partial recovery, -everything should be done under professional advice.</p> - -<p>An attack of dysentery is very likely to be caused by -the existence of some acrid matter in the intestines, or -by an overdose, or too constant use, of aloes.</p> - -<p>As with diarrhœa, horses predisposed to dysentery -ought always to have a lump of chalk in the manger, -and constant or over-doses of aloes should be avoided.</p> - -<h3>COLIC AND GRIPES.</h3> - -<p>As these diseases are sudden, and require prompt -treatment, it is well to have some idea of the kind of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_122"></a>[122]</span> -remedy to be employed, pending the arrival of the veterinary -surgeon. Some animals are peculiarly subject -to them, from a susceptible state of the alimentary canal. -Cold water, taken on an empty stomach, or when a -beast is heated, will cause the malady.</p> - -<p>The symptoms are distress, evinced by pawing, lifting -of the fore and hind feet towards the stomach, the -head being turned towards the sides, with a look of -anguish; a cold sweat will sometimes bedew the body. -A desire to lie down may be exhibited, and when on -the ground the animal rolls about in evident agony. -The upper lip is strained upwards from the teeth, -almost closing the nostrils, and the pulse indicates -derangement of the system.</p> - -<p>When the true character of the ailment has been ascertained, -it is well to inquire as to the character of the -evacuations. If they are in a lax state, and a cause for -the same can be discovered, of course discontinue it, -and use astringent clysters for the bowels (<a href="#Page_159">page 159</a>). -If there be reason to apprehend that some offending -matter is retained in the alimentary canal, use emollient -laxatives and clysters (<a href="#Page_158">pages 158 and 159</a>). But if -anything like costiveness is present, and other remedies -fail, recourse must be had to that of “back-raking,” a -process which need not be here explained, being well -known to every experienced groom, any one of whom -may safely be intrusted with the operation, the only -necessary precaution being to have rather a small hand -used, and that <i>well</i> lubricated with lard or oil. Let all -the fæcal matter that can be reached be carefully extracted. -Afterwards a warm enema, composed of one -pint of turpentine mixed in two quarts of hot soap-suds, -and a soothing drench of</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_123"></a>[123]</span></p> - -<div class="ul-container"> -<ul> -<li>1 oz. sulphuric ether,</li> -<li>1 oz. laudanum,</li> -<li>1 pint oil,</li> -</ul> -</div> - -<p class="noindent">will be found efficacious.</p> - -<p>In the early stages, “gripes,” as they are called, may -be cured by simply “back-raking,” followed by a drench -of a bottle of ale, warmed and mixed with one ounce -of powdered ginger, and a brisk trot in heavy clothing.</p> - -<p>Under highly inflammatory symptoms, the professional -man attending will probably bleed.</p> - -<p>To guard against colic, avoid giving cold water when -the beast is heated, or on a fasting stomach. With -horses subject to gripes the water should always be -given with the chill off, if possible, or just previous to -a good grooming or other gentle exercise tending to -circulate internal warmth. Never allow any animal the -opportunity of gorging himself with any kind of food -after the stomach has been weakened by extra-severe -work and long fasting.</p> - -<p>For costiveness only give soft bran or linseed mashes, -or green feeding; and see treatment for excessive or -painful costiveness, <a href="#Page_122">page 122</a>.</p> - -<h3>DIABETES,</h3> - -<p class="noindent">or profuse staling, is unfortunately a common disease, -and is generally attributed to something wrong in the -water, but bad provender may occasion it.</p> - -<p>Thirst is generally very great.</p> - -<p>Give catechu, 2 drachms at a time, two or three times -daily, in mashes.</p> - -<p>Change the food or water, whichever on examination<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_124"></a>[124]</span> -seems most objectionable. Give no hay or grass, but -plenty of linseed tea to drink; give <i>good</i> bruised or -scalded oats, with a small quantity of warm bran mixed -in each feed, and leave a lump of chalk in manger: or -administer diluted phosphoric acid, one ounce to one -pint lukewarm water, twice daily, till the symptoms -abate, then gradually reduce the dose.<a id="FNanchor_31" href="#Footnote_31" class="fnanchor">[31]</a></p> - -<p>A horse once found to be subject to this disease should -be very carefully fed and watered.</p> - -<h3>WORMS</h3> - -<p class="noindent">are indicated by a state of the coat called “hide-bound” -and “staring,” with loss of condition and indisposition -to work; by a slimy mucus covering the dung-balls; -also occasionally by the adherence of the parasites round -the anus, and thin evacuation in the fæces.</p> - -<p>They cling so pertinaceously to the internals, that -they will eat through the coat of the stomach, and are -never likely to be removed by a single dose of any -medicine. Spirit of turpentine is highly recommended -as a cure, but if given it must be diluted largely—one -part turpentine to four parts oil.</p> - -<p>Practical experience of various remedies for worms -justifies me in recommending one to two grains of arsenic -and twenty grains of kamela twice daily (each dose -mixed in a handful of wet bran, and given with oats<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_125"></a>[125]</span> -or other feeding) for eighteen days, and a purge the -nineteenth morning.</p> - -<p>The horse may get <i>moderate</i> work during the administration -of the <i>powders</i>.</p> - -<p>Common salt is also considered a good remedy: -about a tablespoonful daily mixed with the food.</p> - -<p>To guard against these pests, avoid the use of Egyptian -beans; but as “bots” are mostly taken in at grass -by the animal licking off and swallowing their larvæ laid -in the hair of the legs, it is almost impossible to exclude -them. In a few cases they are bred in the internals -without any accountable cause, and against this -no precaution can avail.</p> - -<p><i>Liver Diseases</i>, or the farriers’ “Yellows,” so called -from the fact that such cases are marked by the eyelids, -linings of the nose, and lips when turned up, being -found to be tinged more or less with yellow.</p> - -<p>Here mercury must be administered, and aided by subsequent -purging, as is necessary with the human subject.</p> - -<p>Thus, give half a drachm to a drachm of calomel -mixed in a little flour, and put in a mash of bran one -evening, and next morning follow it up with the aloes -purge-ball (<a href="#Page_108">page 108</a>).</p> - -<p>If the “yellows” be very marked, with other derangement -of the system, give for two days one drachm -of calomel daily in doses of half a drachm each, mixed -in mashes as described above; and after two drachms -have been taken in this way, administer on the third -morning the aloetic purge.</p> - -<p><i>Inflammation of the Kidneys and Bladder.</i>—With -regard to internal inflammation arising from various -causes, the symptoms of distress bear a general resemblance -to each other: legs spread out, extremities cold,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_126"></a>[126]</span> -breathing accelerated, and a look of pain pervading the -animal’s whole appearance, except that in diseases of -the urinary organs there is generally a straddling gait; -and on observance of the genitals, some marked action in -this region on the part of the beast will be discovered.</p> - -<p>Such attacks can only be properly treated by a professional -man, therefore lose no time in procuring his -services; but, in the meanwhile, I shall observe that -inflammation of the kidneys is, sad to say, too common -to admit of its being passed by without offering some -caution and advice regarding it, more for the purpose -of prevention than cure.</p> - -<p>Disease of the kidneys is generally brought on by the -<i>misuse</i> by grooms of their favourite diuretics; a dose of -nitre to “fine his legs,” or “bloom his coat,” or for any -other purpose to save themselves trouble, is the groom’s -specific for the poor creatures under their care; but so -injurious are diuretics that masters ought to make their -secret administration, as commonly practised by the class -referred to, a case of instant dismissal.</p> - -<p>The kidneys of the horse are peculiarly susceptible of -action; so much so, that purges frequently, in place of -acting as intended, will take effect on them.</p> - -<p>It should, besides, be borne in mind that while the -kidneys are in artificial action and secreting an extra -quantity of urine which is being passed away, the creature -should have the same opportunity of rest, and as -much consideration given him, as if he were in a state -of purgation. The secretion is blood in its changed -form, and is a serious call on the system. All this does -not enter into the head of an ignorant groom, who, on -the contrary, will work or treat the poor suffering creature -as if he was in his best vigour.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_127"></a>[127]</span></p> - -<p>Inflammation of the kidneys is marked by an appearance -of general distress—hind legs straddled, the backbone -hogged, urine small in quantity, tenderness over -the loins when pressed.</p> - -<p>If a practitioner be not procurable, immediately place -warm mustard poultices over the loins, and cover them -with sheepskins.</p> - -<p>Give half a drachm extract of belladonna with half -an ounce laudanum in a pint of linseed tea every four -hours, and inject constantly with warm linseed tea.</p> - -<p><i>Inflammation of the Bladder</i> presents very similar -symptoms to that of the kidneys, only that the bladder -being farther away from the backbone, instead of the -latter being hogged, it is rather depressed. In this case, -as in inflammation of the kidneys, call in the veterinary -surgeon; meanwhile give the drink recommended -for the kidneys, and though the surgeon’s decision is -desirable with regard to mustard blistering, the use of -this counter-irritant should not be too long delayed; -therefore, in the event of his non-arrival within an hour -or so, apply mustard blister to the stomach far back (between -the flanks), as being nearest the seat of this disease.</p> - -<h3>DISEASES OF THE FEET AND LEGS.</h3> - -<p>Once more the old proverb that “prevention is better -than cure” deserves to be dwelt upon, for very many -diseases under this head can be prevented, and very few -can ever be cured.</p> - -<p>Generally speaking, the fore feet and hocks of a horse -are the most susceptible of disease induced by wear -and tear—the fore feet, because the greater part of the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_128"></a>[128]</span> -weight of the animal is borne upon them; and the hocks -behind, because they are the propelling power.</p> - -<p>It is remarkable in cases of lameness, that when the -disease is seated in the feet, the lameness becomes temporarily -aggravated on work; whereas if it proceed from -disease in the legs, it becomes apparently less after -the limbs have been worked a while. With regard to -animals keeping their condition while labouring under -lameness, experience has taught me that horses lame in -the fore feet will, if able to work at all, continue to do -so without apparently losing condition from the fret of -lameness; but when the hind legs are the seat of disease, -the condition evaporates very rapidly. This, I -imagine, is because an animal lame in the fore feet will -lie down and take more rest than when sound; whereas -if lame behind, he will not take sufficient rest, as rising -and lying down cause him pain; hence he continually -stands, and, of course, aggravates the disease.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;" id="fig2"> -<img src="images/fig2.jpg" width="400" height="350" alt="" /> -<p class="caption"><span class="smcap">Fig. 2.</span>—Section of Foot.</p> -</div> - -<p>The foot is thus sectionised and described by Delaware -P. Elaine, Esq.:—</p> - -<p>“On examining a perpendicular section of the foot -and pasterns, there appear the coffin-bone (<i>a</i>), the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_129"></a>[129]</span> -navicular or nut bone (<i>b</i>), the coronary or little pastern -bone (<i>c</i>), the large pastern bone (<i>d</i>), the back sinew or -great flexor tendon of the foot (<i>e</i>), the same tendon -sliding over the navicular bone (<i>f</i>), its termination or -insertion into the bottom of the coffin-bone (<i>g</i>), the -elastic matter of the sensible frog (<i>h</i>), the insensible or -horny frog (<i>i</i>), the horny sole (<i>k</i>), which includes the -parts of the sensible foot; the outer wall of the hoof -(<i>l</i>), the elastic processes (<i>m</i>), the attachment of the extensor -tendon to the coffin-bone (<i>n</i>), and its attachment -to the coronary bone (<i>o</i>), which completes the section.</p> - -<p>“The coffin-bone (<i>a</i>) adapts itself to the figure of the -hoof, or rather is adapted by nature to this eligible -form. The eminence in its front receives the insertion -of the tendon of the great extensor muscle of the foot. -This important muscle has its upper attachment to the -humerus or arm-bone, where it is principally fleshy; -but as it passes downwards it becomes tendinous, expanding -over every joint, both to prevent friction and -to embrace and give firm attachment to each bone with -its opposed bone, by which a firm connection of the -various parts is maintained, and a simultaneous movement -of the whole limb is effected. In the hinder -limb this extensor tendon and its two less or tendinous -adjuncts arise from the tibia, and in part from the -femur, but in their origin are fleshy.</p> - -<p>“In the sides of the coffin-bone are attached lateral -cartilages, and around its surface are marks of the attachment -of the laminated substance.</p> - -<p>“The coronary, or small pastern bone (<i>c</i>), is seen to -rest on the coffin-bone (<i>a</i>), with which it articulates by -its lower end; its posterior part also may be seen to -be closely articulated both with the coffin and with the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_130"></a>[130]</span> -navicular or nut bones (<i>f</i>), whose attachments to them -are effected by ligaments of great power and some elasticity. -Nor is it possible to view this horny box and -its contents without being struck with the admirable -display of mechanism and contrivance which meets our -eye. We are apt to say, ‘as strong as a horse,’ and -some of us use horses as though they were made of -imperishable stuff; but surely, when we well consider -the subject, we shall see both the necessity and the -morality of using them with discretion.”</p> - -<p>This description of the structure of the foot will probably -better enable the uninitiated to understand the -seat and nature of various ailments of that part of the -horse which are here touched upon.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;" id="fig3"> -<img src="images/fig3.jpg" width="400" height="270" alt="" /> -<p class="caption"><span class="smcap">Fig. 3.</span></p> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;" id="fig4"> -<img src="images/fig4.jpg" width="400" height="270" alt="" /> -<p class="caption"><span class="smcap">Fig. 4.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>Blaine further describes the construction of the hoof -thus:—</p> - -<p>“The hoof itself is conical, or rather, as Clark observes, -slightly truncated, and is a secretion as well from the -vascular parts of the foot as from the skin, as our nails -are formed from the portion of skin called quick. The -structure of the hoof is firm and fibrous. Externally -it is plane and convex, but internally concave and -laminated. The quarters are the lateral parts. As the -horn approaches the heels it becomes soft and is reflected -inwards. The heels are parted by the horny<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_131"></a>[131]</span> -frog (<i>b</i>, fig. 3); and without, the frog on each side the -hoof inflects its fibres to form the bars which are seen -on the under surface (<i>c</i>, fig. 4). In a healthy foot, fig. -4, the heels are round, wide, and smooth (<i>a</i>, <i>a</i>), the frog -fully expanded, the bars or binders distinct (<i>c</i>, <i>c</i>), no -corns in the usual angle (<i>d</i>), the sole broad and concave -(<i>d</i>). In a diseased foot, fig. 3, the heels are high, and -drawn together by contraction (<i>a</i>, <i>a</i>), the frog narrow, -and filled with fissures from contraction and thrush (<i>b</i>), -corn frequently present (<i>d</i>), the sole greatly shortened -in its transverse diameter, which is morbidly counterbalanced -by the increased heights in the truncated form -(<i>c</i>). When the hoof is removed, the sensible or fleshy -sole (<i>h</i>, section of foot), above which it immediately lies, -presents itself, covering the whole of the horny sole, -except so much as is taken up by the sensible frog (<i>h</i>). -This part is exquisitely sensible and vascular, and thus -we learn why injuries to it from puncture produce such -serious effect, and why very slight pressure from contraction -of the hoof gives so much pain. The sensible -frog and the sensible sole form the insensible frog and -sole; but when from pressure, too much moisture, or -other causes, the sensible frog, instead of forming horn, -secretes pus or matter as in thrush, the structure of the -whole becomes injured, and the frog, thus losing its -support, gradually wastes and decays. It is therefore -evident that no thrush can be entirely harmless, as is -erroneously supposed.</p> - -<p>“Above the sensible frog is the great flexor tendon, -or back sinew, inserting itself into the vaulted arch of -the coffin (<i>a</i>, section of foot). This important tendon, -arising from its parent muscle above the knee, whose -origin is taken from the humerus and ulna, in its passage<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_132"></a>[132]</span> -unites with an assistant flexor, but which latter is -principally distributed to the pastern bones, while the -perforans, so called because it is perforated by the assistant -flexor tendon, is inserted into <i>the vault</i> of the -coffin; in the posterior extremities the attachments of -these two leading flexors and a smaller <i>lateral</i> one are -from the femur and tibia.</p> - -<p>“<i>The Sensible Laminæ.</i>—Around the surface of the -coffin-bone, it has been noticed that there are linear -indentations to which about five hundred fibro-cartilaginous -leaves are attached. Each of these is received -between two of the horny lamellæ, which line the interior -of the horny hoof; and when it is considered -what a vast surface of attachment is formed by these -means, the strength of the union will not be wondered -at. No common violence can separate these parts, and -their use as a spring (for they are extensile) to support -the action of an animal at once weighty, strong, and -extremely agile, must be apparent.</p> - -<p>“The vessels and nerves of the foot are derived from -the metacarpal arteries, veins, and nerves, which pass -behind the pastern, when the main trunks divide to -proceed to each side of the foot, and are ramified from -thence throughout. It is a division of the metacarpal -nerve on each side of the lesser pastern, or on each side -of the larger, as occasion suits, which forms the nerve -operation now in vogue as a remedy (?) for navicular -disease.”</p> - -<p><i>Laminitis</i>, or <i>Fever of the Feet</i>, although generally -the result of too long a journey, or any exercise where -excessive and continuous concussion has been occasioned -to the feet, frequently arises from other causes. -It is often what is termed secondary, as one of the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_133"></a>[133]</span> -sequelæ of inflammatory diseases of a more constitutional -character.—(<a href="#Page_155"><i>See</i> “Metastasis,” page 155.</a>) The laminæ -are plates (technically, semi-cartilaginous leaves received -between the horny lamellæ which line the interior of -the hoof) resting on the inside of the horny hoof, and -giving an elastic support, whereby the whole weight of -the horse’s structure is thrown against the wall of the -hoof and kept off the side. It is not surprising, therefore, -that these causes should produce derangement here.</p> - -<p>As laminitis generally attacks the fore feet, the poor -beast in his anguish endeavours to throw his weight -off them by resting on his hind quarters, which are -tucked under him, with the fore legs and feet pushed -out before him merely to keep him from falling; he -can barely hobble if he attempts to move. If the fever -be only slight and in one foot, he will point it, while -extreme lameness and unnatural heat in the foot mark -the disease. The shoe should (in this as in all cases of -foot-lameness) be instantly removed by a smith brought -to the stable instead of giving the poor creature the -pain of limping to the forge.</p> - -<p>The foot should be put into cold water, constantly -renewed, and kept in it all day; at night a bran poultice -or water-dressing should be left on (<a href="#Page_160"><i>see</i> “Water-dressing” -and “Poultices,” page 160</a>). Also administer -a purge.</p> - -<p>In acute cases, bleeding at the toe is sometimes practised -by paring away there till the veins appear. This is -a very questionable remedy, and there is little doubt that -the use of the knife only aggravates the inflammation.</p> - -<p>The fact is, that beyond its incipient stage none but -the veterinary surgeon is competent to deal with this -disease.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_134"></a>[134]</span></p> - -<p>Its prevention is best secured by requiring moderate -work only, and at the proper road-paces—viz., walking -and trotting—keeping the feet moist, wetting them -occasionally during a long journey, and <i>regularly stopping -them directly after each day’s severe work</i>.—<a href="#Page_12"><i>See</i> -“Grooming,” page 12.</a></p> - -<p><i>Navicular Disease</i> is, unfortunately, a very common -one with horses; and when the delicate structure of -the foot is considered in connection with the rough -usage the creature gets on hard roads while carrying -a heavy weight on his back, it is only surprising that -the feet bear such jarring at all.</p> - -<p>The navicular is the small pulley-bone over which -the flexor tendon passes, and being the most active of -any of the foot-bones, is the most likely to be injured -by ill usage (<a href="#Page_128"><i>see</i> page 128</a>). The symptoms are lameness, -with more or less pointing of the foot when at -rest, and heat towards the quarters of the lame foot.</p> - -<p>Unlike laminitis, the lameness is inconsiderable at -first, and increases as the disease progresses.</p> - -<p>Being so deep-seated, it is very difficult to cure. In -the incipient stages the most effectual remedy appears -to be the insertion of frog-setons, requiring the assistance -of a veterinary surgeon. In most instances the -case is hopeless, and many a fine horse is sold to limp -out a life of misery, drawing a hack cab, or, with a -refinement of cruelty, is subject to the operation of unnerving -the foot, which, by destroying sensation in that -part, enables the animal to travel without apparent -lameness, though the disease continues to progress till -part of the foot has been known to drop off in work. -Being a result of work to which all horses are liable, no -mode of prevention can be recommended.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_135"></a>[135]</span></p> - -<p><i>Lateral Cartilages.</i>—Another ailment of the foot is -more common than is generally supposed, called “Disease -of the Lateral Cartilages.” It requires the skill of -an anatomist to decide upon its presence. In fact, this -and navicular disease are both very obscure in their -origin and diagnostics, and a surgeon only can properly -deal with them, as well as with all other diseases that -are not very distinctly marked, and in their early stages -not important.</p> - -<p><i>Thrush.</i>—A disease of the frog: the cleft becomes -eaten away, and a foul matter is secreted. It more frequently -attacks the hind than the fore feet.</p> - -<p>By some it is said to be constitutional, but it is much -more probably the result of neglect of the foot in the -stable, the hind feet being oftener affected, from the -fact of the urine and fæces coming more immediately -under their tread.</p> - -<p>At every shoeing or removing, the frog should be -perfectly cleared of all defective parts by the knife, and -where the disease has once manifested itself the cleft -should be kept continually stopped with tar and tow. -A return to a healthy state is likely to be tedious, therefore -continued attention to these directions is necessary. -If a severe case, use a bar-shoe, to avoid the wear and -tear of the road, and which will also help to keep the -pledgets of tar and tow in their place. To prevent -thrush, let the litter and bedding be completely removed -from the horse every morning till bedtime at -night; let the pavement be kept scrupulously clean -through the day; attend and wash the feet, examine -them frequently, and upon the slightest sign of the disease -use the remedial means.</p> - -<p><i>Quittor.</i>—This is a disease of the feet, wherein, either<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_136"></a>[136]</span> -from delicacy of or accident to the sole, the sensible -part becomes affected. A suppurative sinus is formed, -eating away till it often comes out at the coronet. Once -it reaches this, the animal, unless of great value, might -as well be destroyed, the restorative process being of a -most tedious and expensive character, requiring continual -manipulation by a surgeon.</p> - -<p>By careful shoeing (where nails are not driven out -of their proper direction) and a most exact examination -of the foot where any extraneous matter, such as glass, -gravel, &c., is suspected of having entered or damaged -it, quittor will most probably be avoided.</p> - -<p><i>Canker</i> seldom attacks gentlemen’s horses, or well-bred -ones. It is literally a change of a portion of the -foot into a kind of fungus, sometimes commencing in -the sole, sometimes in the frogs, and is aggravated by -foul litter, bad stabling, and general bad care.</p> - -<p>As no dressing or external application will restore -the foot without manipulation, a surgeon only can deal -with it.</p> - -<p><i>Cracked and Greasy Heels.</i>—Animals of languid circulation -in the extremities are more susceptible of such -diseases, which are induced and aggravated by lazy -ignorant grooms pursuing their objectionable practice -of wetting the legs, and leaving them to dry themselves.—<a href="#Page_13"><i>See</i> -page 13.</a></p> - -<p>Symptoms are tumefaction and soreness of the hinder -part of the pasterns, even to fissures emitting matter.</p> - -<p>Clip away the hair in the first instance, so as to be -able to cleanse the sore by washing it with warm water -and soft soap, drying it perfectly. Then apply glycerine -lotion (<a href="#Page_158">page 158</a>).</p> - -<p>If the sore seems likely to incapacitate the animal<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_137"></a>[137]</span> -from work, administer a mild aloetic purge (<a href="#Page_108">page 108</a>). -Very serious consequences may result from the indolence -of grooms in neglecting this ailment. In acute cases, -the sore, eating into the tendon, produces mortification -and death. I have myself lost a valuable animal from -this disease, through the gross neglect of my grooms in -my absence.</p> - -<p>Except in the very earliest stages, and in palpably -trifling cases, a veterinary surgeon should be consulted, -especially in what is called “grease,” or matter running -from these cracks. The preventive means are, never to -allow water to your horses’ legs above the coronet on -any pretence whatever, and if by accident or work they -get wet, to have them rubbed dry as promptly as -possible.</p> - -<p><i>Shelly Hoofs</i> (or splitting open of the external part -of the horny hoof).—The feet of some horses are more -subject to this disease than those of others, from the -fibrous structure being more dry with them.</p> - -<p>This fibrous structure forming the hoof is found, on -microscopic examination, to resemble a lot of hairs all -glued together into a hardened mass, and where the -adhesive matter is of a drier character than usual, the -hoofs are more brittle. With some horses this results -in “shelly hoofs;” they don’t split, but are perpetually -breaking away. With this description of hoofs, tar is -the best possible application. Neither grease nor oil -should ever be used—these only aggravate the disease, -as on close observation they will be found to act as -powerful astringents, excluding the healthy action of -air and moisture upon the part most in need of them. -Strange to say, tar, from its pungent properties, induces -healthy action in the part, and is peculiarly adapted<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_138"></a>[138]</span> -to promote the growth of the fibrous structure as well -as lubricating it.</p> - -<p><i>Sand-Cracks</i> seldom go diagonally, but are either -horizontal or vertical. I shall endeavour to exemplify -the simple principle of this disease with a simple principle -of remedy, dealing with it like a split in a board -on which I desired to put an effectual stopper. In such -a case I should carefully gouge out a small hole at each -end of the split, beyond which hole the fissure would be -certain not to pass. With the hoof the same principle -can be carried out by filing an indentation directly -across each end of the crack, only taking care not to file -deeper than the insensible part of the hoof; or the end -will be answered by using a red-hot firing-iron instead -of a file, taking the same precaution not to touch the -sensible part. I should also weaken along the edges of -the crack itself by rasping them down. Over the crack, -if deep, should be strapped a thin pad of tow and tar, -to induce reproduction and prevent foreign substances -from entering the fissure.</p> - -<p>Unless by the grossest neglect, no sand-crack will -have been allowed to go beyond the reach of the foregoing -treatment, but in some cases the effect of negligence -and ignorance is seen in the horizontal crack -running almost round the foot. In such cases it will -generally be found that with a flat foot (inclined to -greater malformation) the toes have been suffered to -extend, shoeing after shoeing, by the smith allowing -a great accumulation of wall over the toe, until the -centre has become weakened into a fissure. Such a -state of things seldom or never occurs in a gentleman’s -stable, but is to be met with among farm-horses or -those accustomed to heavy draught.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_139"></a>[139]</span></p> - -<p>The careful strapping-up with tar and tow, which -must be constantly attended to, rest, and the indentation -process, will, with <i>time</i> and <i>care</i>, effect a cure.</p> - -<p>Sand-crack, especially the vertical, is more dangerous -and tedious the nearer it is to the coronet. This once -divided, the case becomes serious, the coronet being -very vascular, and a split here requires a great deal -of care to induce it to take on union. Unless the -closing commences at the coronet, and continues as the -hoof grows <i>down</i>, it will never close <i>at all</i>; in fact, if -the coronet be divided, it is fortunate if the crack does -not go the whole way down to the shoe. If it does -not, the lower end should be weakened by filing an -indentation at its lower extremity, weakening the sides -of the crack by rasping them, and keeping the hoof -strapped round with dressings of tar and tow, also (a -most <i>important</i> part of the treatment) paring away the -wall of the foot (above the shoe and immediately under -the crack) an inch—that is, half an inch on each side -of it—making as large a vacuum as can with safety to -the sensible parts of the foot be pared away, directly -under the crack and over the shoe; the object of this -being that all parts of the wall except that under -the crack shall press on the shoe. It is obvious that -by the above means every movement of the horse, in -place of aggravation, will tend towards alleviation of -the disease, by pressing the weakened sides of the -fissure together. For the foregoing reasons, in the case -of a vertical crack the shoes had better remain on, -while in the worst cases of the horizontal crack, as its -weight round the bottom tends to weaken the centre of -the hoof where the crack is likely to be situated, it had -better be removed (or light tips worn), its absence also<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_140"></a>[140]</span> -enabling the wall of the hoof under the crack to be -rasped as thin as possible. In vertical cracks the use -of a bar-shoe will tend to keep the foot together (<a href="#Page_81">page -81</a>).</p> - -<p><i>Corns</i> are occasioned by the inflexible shoe pressing -on that part of the sole, or possibly from friction of -the bones upon its internal surface. They present the -appearance of a red effused bruise, almost invariably -situated on the heel of the sole of the inside quarter of -the fore feet.—<a href="#fig3"><i>See</i> illustration, fig. 3, page 130.</a></p> - -<p>When neglected, they occasion severe lameness, and -go on to suppuration.</p> - -<p>Broken knees are also frequently the result of neglected -corns.</p> - -<p>A horse that is habitually properly shod is never -likely to have a corn. It arises entirely from want of -attention and judgment in the smith. The groom, -who should always stand by when a horse is shoeing, -ought to be instructed to see that the farrier with his -drawing-knife invariably pares out the sole at the -seat of corn; it can be no injury whatever to the foot -when properly done, and is the best preventive of -corns. Also take proper care that the shoes are so -put on that they cannot by possibility press upon the -sole.</p> - -<p>For prevention, keep the seat of corn well pared -away, and dress with tar, unless in the suppurating -state, when it requires poultices (<a href="#Page_160">page 160</a>), and the -ordinary treatment for that state, and full rest.</p> - -<p><i>Over-reach</i> or <i>Tread</i> proceeds from the shoe of one -foot coming in contact with the soft or sensible part -above the hoof of the other. As the parts likely to -be affected round the coronet are full of vessels, the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_141"></a>[141]</span> -simplest remedial means are the safest—viz., water-dressing -(<a href="#Page_160">page 160</a>) in the first instance, and afterwards -chloride of zinc lotion (one grain to the ounce of water), -or glycerine.</p> - -<p><i>Broken Knees.</i>—Most travellers on the road know -what style of thing this is, so it is needless to describe -it.</p> - -<p>In bad cases, where the bones are exposed, and there -is any appearance of synovia or joint-oil, place the -horse in the nearest convenient stable, and leave him -there to be attended to by a professional man as soon -as possible. When the abrasion is merely superficial, -take the animal quietly to his stable, if near.</p> - -<p>In any event, wash the wound with warm water, -which, if it be at all deep, should be done by squeezing -the water <i>above</i> the wound, and allowing it to run -down, as this part of the leg is very delicate and sensitive, -and rough handling with a cloth or sponge should -be avoided.</p> - -<p>Afterwards apply a lotion of chloride of zinc, one -grain to the ounce of water.</p> - -<p>Tie the creature’s head up in such a way as that he -cannot possibly lie down, until the healing process has -assumed sufficient health to render it safe to allow of -the knee being used in lying down and getting up.</p> - -<p>Give one or two mild purges, according to the time -he is laid up and the healthiness of the wound. To -promote the growth of hair, use, when the knee is perfectly -healed, hog’s lard mixed with very finely powdered -burnt leather to colour it; it is as good and safe -a thing as can be employed for the purpose. Otherwise -use <i>weak</i> mercurial ointment. For prevention, avoid -the use of bearing-reins in harness; in shafts, keep the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_142"></a>[142]</span> -weight off your horse’s back; keep out of the way of -ruts and stones upon the road, and be very careful of -your beast when the work you are giving him is calculated -to make him leg-weary.</p> - -<p>In riding, teach your bearer to depend on himself, -<i>not</i> on you: at the same time, don’t leave him to himself -altogether. Go gently round sharp turns, and don’t -ride fast down-hill on the road, though on the turf or -in harness the pace may be accelerated with impunity. -Avoid inflicting sudden, injudicious, and undeserved -chastisement; restrain starts or alarms; have your -horses properly prepared in frosty weather; also be -sure that the seat of corn is kept well pared out in -shoeing. If your saddle has shifted forward out of its -place, dismount and regirth it where it fits, so that -when you remount your weight will be properly placed -away from the shoulders.</p> - -<p>When the road is the only place available to have -your horses exercised, see that your grooms put on the -knee-caps.</p> - -<p><i>Splints</i> are a well-known affection of the fore leg, -presenting the appearance of a bony protrusion along -the canon or shank, which, though unsightly, is not -very important, unless when lameness ensues.</p> - -<p>As it is not my intention to enter into professional -technicalities in this work, I shall merely remark that, -by letting the horse continue in moderate work, though -lame, with the application of Stevens’s ointment, according -to the directions accompanying it, absorption of the -bony matter will be obtained, or, at all events, it will -become so far resolved that the surrounding structures -being able to accommodate themselves to what remains -of it, their action will not be interfered with, and lameness<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_143"></a>[143]</span> -will consequently no longer appear. Veterinarians -sometimes perform a simple operation for splints which -is said to be efficacious—namely, that of dividing the -periosteum with a bistuary, the periosteum being that -membrane which encases all bones like a skin. When -this is cleverly done, there is little or no disfiguration -left. Setons also are sometimes run over the exostosis -or bony excrescence, but I deal only with simple remedies. -As splints cannot be prevented, being a common -result of work in young horses, the next best thing to be -done is to resolve them while in an incipient state.</p> - -<p><i>Clap of the Back Sinew</i>—<i>i.e.</i>, inflammation of the -sheath under which the flexor tendon passes (as the -most able practitioners deny that the tendon itself can -be stretched, though it is liable to rupture about its -insertions)—is best treated, according to some, by cold -refrigerant lotions, Goulard lotion, solution of acetate -of lead, &c.</p> - -<p>I prefer plain water-dressing (<a href="#Page_160">page 160</a>) placed loosely -round the affected part of the leg, and the use of a -high-heeled shoe (<a href="#Page_82">page 82</a>). When the attack is beyond -the reach of such mild treatment, the veterinary -surgeon will probably advise blistering and firing to act -as a perpetual bandage.</p> - -<p>Moderate work on even surfaces will be the best preventive -of this disease, and having the pavement of -your stables made nearly level, as described under the -head of “Stabling” (<a href="#Page_8">page 8</a>).</p> - -<p><i>Wind-Galls</i> are undue distensions of the bursæ or -bags of synovia at the back and sides of the lower part -of the canon or shin intended to lubricate the adjacent -structure. Though unsightly, and no improvement to -the action of the horse, they can be reduced by external<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_144"></a>[144]</span> -absorbents (<a href="#Page_159">page 159</a>), also by bandages with refrigerant -repellants, such as vinegar and water (<a href="#Page_12"><i>see</i> “Grooming,” -page 12</a>).</p> - -<p><i>Riding-Bone</i> is an unhealthy enlargement round the -pastern above the coronet, generally in front, and may -be removed in the incipient stage by external absorbents -(<a href="#Page_159">page 159</a>), beyond which a professional man had better -be consulted.</p> - -<p><i>Wrench</i> or <i>Wrick</i>, occasioned by accident or strain in -work over a rough path by a slip, presents generally -no external swelling or indication of suffering beyond -lameness in movement; but on close examination, inflammation -will be discovered by extra heat about the -part affected. Remove the shoe, give plenty of rest, -and apply water-dressing (<a href="#Page_160">page 160</a>) round the affected -part. A purge may be administered, as recommended -in all cases where the animal is laid up for several days. -To avoid wrench, care should be observed in starting, -turning, and working a horse, especially on uneven -ground or when heavily laden.</p> - -<p><i>Mallenders</i> and <i>Sallenders</i> denote a scurvy state of -the skin inside the bend of the knees and hocks. Let -the parts be cleansed with hot water and soft soap, and -rub in equal parts of hog’s lard and mercurial ointment -mixed; if there be a positive crack or sore, use the -chloride of zinc lotion (<a href="#Page_158"><i>see</i> page 158</a>) till healed. Keep -a good attentive groom, and see that he does his work, -as such blemishes are occasioned by carelessness and -want of cleanliness.</p> - -<p><i>Spavin</i> is like splint, a bony excrescence, but on the -lower part of the leg, at the inside of the <i>hock</i> towards -the front, occasioned by local derangement from overwork -of the structure.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_145"></a>[145]</span></p> - -<p>If it does not produce lameness it had better be left -alone; but otherwise, the horse being placed in a loose-box, -rest should be given, and treatment with absorbents -(<a href="#Page_159">page 159</a>), the use of Stevens’s ointment, &c., -persisted in. A mild purge or two during the process -will be beneficial.</p> - -<p>As in nearly all affections of the legs and feet, proper -reasonable work and due care will avert the disease or -disfigurement.</p> - -<p><i>Curb</i> is an enlargement of the tendon or its sheath -at the lower part of the back of the hock, with a good -deal of local inflammation attending it.</p> - -<p>It is greatly occasioned by the fashion some riders -have of habitually throwing their horses back on their -hocks by severe use of the bit.</p> - -<p>Use water-dressing to reduce inflammation, then absorbents, -such as Stevens’s ointment (<a href="#Page_159">page 159</a>). Give -rest, &c., as directed for Spavin.</p> - -<p><i>String-Halt</i> is a well-known and only too conspicuous -defect or affection of the nerves of the hind limbs, or -emanating from the spine.</p> - -<p>As its local origin is obscure, so also is the method -of dealing with it.</p> - -<p>It is in no way dangerous, though unsightly, and -seriously deteriorating to the value of the animal, although -it is said not to interfere much with his working -powers.</p> - -<p><i>Capped Hock</i> is a pursy swelling over the <i>os calcis</i> -or heel-bone at the end of the hock, generally produced -by kicking either in the stable or against some object -in harness, or possibly in consequence of exertion in -getting up and lying down on a scanty bed, especially -where the paving-stones are uneven.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_146"></a>[146]</span></p> - -<p>Use hot fomentations, loose water-dressing, followed -by rubbing in iodine ointment, if necessary, for reduction, -but this must be done with judgment and -careful observance of the effect the iodine produces. -Or, after using hot fomentations for a week, apply gas -water (which can be obtained from any gas-works) -with a sponge dabbed on every hour during the day. -This treatment, if persisted in, is said to be very efficacious.</p> - -<p>For prevention, keep a good bed for your horse to lie -on at night. See “Kicking in the Stable” (<a href="#Page_85">page 85</a>) -and “Kicking-Strap” (<a href="#Page_58">page 58</a>).</p> - -<p><i>Thorough-Pin</i> and <i>Bog-Spavin</i> are, like wind-galls, -an undue distension of the bursæ containing the -synovia intended to keep the surrounding parts of the -leg lubricated; such distension interfering with the -circulation of the vein in front of the hock is denominated -“Blood” (or Bog) Spavin; at the back -and sides of the hock these distensions are called -Thorough-Pin.</p> - -<p>The treatment is with hot fomentations and gas -water, as in “capped hock,” or other absorbents, especially -Stevens’s ointment, iodine ointment, blisters, and -actual cautery, which remedies had better be tried in -rotation, the three latter only by a practitioner; but -unless the distensions produce lameness, it is perhaps -preferable not to meddle with them at all.</p> - -<p>There are other diseases of the feet and legs, but -requiring very delicate definitions: they must be left -altogether to the professional man.</p> - -<p>As a rule, in all cases where it may be considered -desirable to use stimulating or strong absorbing treatment -externally to cure lameness, the inflammation<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_147"></a>[147]</span> -should be first fully abated by <i>local</i> cooling applications; -and in severe cases, purges administered before -the application of blisters or powerful absorbents.</p> - -<h3>FARCY.</h3> - -<p>This dreaded disease is, I believe, like glanders, incurable, -and generally ends in glanders itself.</p> - -<p>Some practitioners seem to be under the impression -that it only attacks worn-out and ill-conditioned animals; -but from personal losses and sad experience I -may venture to differ entirely from such an opinion, -and to state that I have seen horses in the finest condition -lost by it. No doubt feeble animals are very -liable to it, but the disease is not confined to such constitutions. -I have remarked that, when contracted by -high-conditioned horses, it can be traced to their being -called on occasionally to do extra work, followed by -entire rest for days together, as a sort of equivalent for -the spurt of work done, during which period of rest -(considered necessary on account of the beast’s supposed -state of exhaustion) his powers are taxed with the -same amount of high feeding as if he were in full work.</p> - -<p>Thus the absorbent system seems to become diseased, -and farcy-buds appear, accompanied by craving thirst, -in which case, or on the least suspicion of the disease, -reference should at once be made to a professional man.</p> - -<p>From these buds (whence after a time matter is seen -to exude) small cords may be traced leading to other -swellings, rather serving to distinguish the early stages -of farcy from surfeit, besides that in surfeit the lumps -appear indolent and scabby.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_148"></a>[148]</span></p> - -<p>To guard against this scourge of the stable, as the -disease is contagious, be careful what company your -horses keep, and let reason be used in the working, -feeding, exercising, and general care of your stud.</p> - -<p>What is called <i>Water Farcy</i> is neither dangerous -nor contagious, and arises from debility of the system, -occasioned probably by overwork and indifferent -feeding.</p> - -<p>It is generally marked by a dropsical swelling of the -legs, mostly the hind ones. It is not common in gentlemen’s -stables, where horses are less worked and better -cared for than their neighbours.</p> - -<p>The best cure is friction to the swelling, moderate -work, and improved feeding; and give a ball twice -a-day, each dose with</p> - -<table class="recipe" summary="A recipe for a treatment"> - <tr> - <td>Sulphate of iron,</td> - <td>2 drachms.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Powdered ginger,</td> - <td>2 <span class="ditto">”</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Powdered gentian,</td> - <td>2 <span class="ditto">”</span></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class="center smaller">To be mixed with palm-oil or lard.</p> - -<h3>RINGWORM.</h3> - -<p>Ringworm is characterised by one or more scurfy or -scaly circular patches on the skin where the hair has -fallen off. As soon as discovered, let the parts be -washed with soap and tepid water twice a-day; and -when they have been gently but perfectly dried, apply -rather thickly the following ointment over the spots:—</p> - -<table class="recipe" summary="A recipe for a treatment"> - <tr> - <td>Animal glycerine,</td> - <td>1 ounce.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Spermaceti,</td> - <td>1 <span class="ditto">”</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Iodide of lead,</td> - <td>2 drachms.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p>Rub the glycerine and spermaceti together, and when<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_149"></a>[149]</span> -thoroughly incorporated, add the iodide of lead; give -also every night the following drink:—</p> - -<table class="recipe" summary="A recipe for a treatment"> - <tr> - <td>Liquor arsenicalis,</td> - <td>1 ounce.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Tincture of muriate of iron,</td> - <td>1½ <span class="ditto">”</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Water,</td> - <td>1 quart.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class="center smaller">Mix.—Dose, half a pint.</p> - -<p>Continue this drink until the disease has disappeared.</p> - -<p>Should ulceration remain about the circumferent -edges after the central bare spot has been apparently -cured, apply to the affected circuit six times a-day persistently -the following lotion:—</p> - -<table class="recipe" summary="A recipe for a treatment"> - <tr> - <td>Chloride of zinc,</td> - <td>2 scruples.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Water,</td> - <td>1 pint.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p>The animal should be thrown up from work during -this treatment, which may be requisite for a month, and -good food given.</p> - -<p>Administer also a powerful alterative or two during -the course of treatment, more particularly if the case is -obstinate.<a id="FNanchor_32" href="#Footnote_32" class="fnanchor">[32]</a></p> - -<p>Other practitioners recommend, with the administration -of alteratives, the simple application of a solution -of nitrate of silver, 30 grains to 1 ounce of water (distilled), -applied every second day to the eruptions, until -they are destroyed.</p> - -<h3>SURFEIT</h3> - -<p class="noindent">is an eruption on the skin, and generally gives way, if -attended to immediately on its appearance, by relaxing -the bowels mildly, giving partly green food instead of -hay and bran mashes; at the same time keep up the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_150"></a>[150]</span> -strength by feeding with the best oats and a little beans, -alternately with the laxative treatment.</p> - -<p>Should these means not suffice, or the disease become -worse, consult a medical practitioner, who will probably -administer diuretics; or if you cannot procure a professional -man, give the following excellent tonic and alterative -drink, recommended by Mr Mayhew:—</p> - -<table class="recipe" summary="A recipe for a treatment"> - <tr> - <td>Liquor arsenicalis,</td> - <td>1 ounce.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Tincture of muriate of iron,</td> - <td>1½ <span class="ditto">”</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Water,</td> - <td>1 quart.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class="center smaller">Mix, and give daily half a pint for a dose.</p> - -<p><i>Hidebound</i> requires the same treatment as surfeit.</p> - -<p><i>Mange</i> is generally the result of insufficient food and -other privations endured at grass, and of the neglect of -the skin consequent on animals being turned out for a -time to take care of themselves.</p> - -<p>It is highly contagious, and is now admitted to be -occasioned by an insect which is engendered in the foul -coat.</p> - -<p>A capital wash is recommended by Mr Mayhew, -viz.:—</p> - -<table class="recipe" summary="A recipe for a treatment"> - <tr> - <td>Animal glycerine,</td> - <td>four parts.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Creosote,</td> - <td>half a part.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Oil of turpentine,</td> - <td>one part.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Oil of juniper,</td> - <td>half a part.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p>About a pint and a half is said to be the quantity -required to make one dressing. Every portion of the -entire coat should be saturated with this wash, and thus -left for two clear days, when it should be washed -clean with soft soap and warm water, equal care being -taken to omit no part of the body, which should afterwards -be thoroughly dried and the coat well dressed or -whisked.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_151"></a>[151]</span></p> - -<p>When all is dry and clean apply a second dressing, -proceeding as directed for the first, and a third after the -two days have elapsed and the second cleaning process -has been thoroughly gone through, after which the disease -ought to be eradicated. A mere disposition to -scratching is generally successfully treated by giving -bran mashes night and morning for some days, and -part green food instead of hay. Others recommend for -mange, as most successful, the following application, to -be well rubbed in once a-week all over the animal with -a stiff horse-brush:—</p> - -<table class="recipe" summary="A recipe for a treatment"> - <tr> - <td>Barbadoes tar,</td> - <td>1 part.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Linseed oil,</td> - <td>3 parts.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class="center smaller">To be mixed and gently warmed in a pan.</p> - -<p>The whole of the horse’s body to be thoroughly washed -with soft soap and warm water, and <span class="smcap">perfectly</span> <i>dried</i>, -previous to rubbing in the foregoing application.</p> - -<h3>SORE BACK, WITHERS, AND SITFASTS,</h3> - -<p class="noindent">should be carefully attended to with poultices or water-dressing -(<a href="#Page_160"><i>see</i> page 160</a>), while a disposition to throw off -pus is present, after which the application of healing -agents (among which chloride of zinc lotion and glycerine -are now prominent) is the proper course, but applicable -only to decidedly trifling and superficial cases. It -is imperative, if a cure be desired, that no pressure -whatever from the saddle or any other cause of irritation -be permitted; therefore, unless a saddler can -effectually chamber and pack the saddle so as to prevent -the possibility of its touching on or near the sore, the -saddle must not be used at all.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_152"></a>[152]</span></p> - -<p>The worst and common result of sores on the back is, -that sinuses or cavities, with an almost imperceptible -orifice, insidiously eat away like poll-evil into the more -important part of the adjacent structure. Here the aid -of the veterinary surgeon is indispensable.</p> - -<div class="smaller"> - -<p>(Being myself acquainted with anatomy, I used to get a depending -orifice as near as possible to the bottom of the sinus (as discovered -with a probe) by a bistuary, laying the sinus open all the -way; or if the direction were rather superficial, by the insertion of -a seton-needle about the width of the sinus, run out at bottom, -leaving the seton in to direct the discharge. The latter operation, -if carefully conducted, is decidedly the simplest and best when practicable.)</p> - -</div> - -<p>For prevention of sore back avoid injurious pressure -from an ill-fitting saddle; also removing it too quickly -from, the back of a heated animal (<a href="#Page_37"><i>see</i> “Work,” page -37</a>). Pressure of the terret-pad (<a href="#Page_59"><i>see</i> page 59</a>), or of the -roller from not being properly chambered over the ridge -of the back (<a href="#Page_19"><i>see</i> page 19</a>), must also be carefully guarded -against.</p> - -<h3>WOUNDS,</h3> - -<p class="noindent">if deep or dangerous, should meet with the immediate -attention of a surgeon, as none but anatomists should -deal with them. Generally speaking, the loss of a moderate -quantity of blood is rather beneficial than otherwise, -tending to avert inflammation. Where water-dressing -(<a href="#Page_160"><i>see</i> page 160</a>) can be applied, nothing is better -in the first instance; and when the wound is fairly -cleansed and evidently healing, the chloride of zinc -lotion (<a href="#Page_158"><i>see</i> page 158</a>) will advance that process and help -to dry it up. When the surface is <i>perfectly</i> healed and -a new skin formed, the growth of the hair will be promoted<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_153"></a>[153]</span> -by the application of hog’s lard coloured with -very finely powdered burnt leather.</p> - -<h3>MEGRIMS OR EPILEPSY</h3> - -<p class="noindent">may proceed from the effects of the sun in very hot -weather, from congestion of the blood-vessels of the -brain and head, or from disordered stomach or indigestion. -The horse when at work suddenly evinces a disinclination -to proceed, appears bothered, and shows unaccountable -perverseness—sometimes staggers and falls. -Release him at once from whatever work he may be at; -if the cause can be descried, treat in the most reasonable -way accordingly. If the illness is supposed to -proceed from the heat of the sun or congestion of the -head, dash water on the head and keep it enveloped in -cold wet cloths; also cool the system by aperients, giving -rest for some time. If from indigestion, repeated -mild aperients should be administered.</p> - -<p>It is a strange fact known to those who are experienced -on the road, that these fits are seldom or never -taken during work at night. When such attacks are -habitual the animal is only fit for farm-work.</p> - -<h3>CRIB-BITING AND WIND-SUCKING.</h3> - -<p>Some able veterinarians declare these habits to be -the result of an endeavour to eject acidity from the -stomach as the horse cannot vomit, while others compare -it to the human belch. It is almost impossible to -<i>cure</i> a crib-biter; the only thing that can be done is, -to palliate and prevent it, which is essential, as the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_154"></a>[154]</span> -habit is not only injurious to the horse himself, but one -that, strange to say, is most readily imitated by his -companions; in whatever stable such an animal may -be, the others are liable to become crib-biters.</p> - -<p>By leaving a lump of rock-salt in horses’ mangers -many ailments may be averted. Licking it is a resource -to them in their hours of solitary confinement. -In the present instance a lump of chalk might be -added, for the animal to amuse himself at any moment -that he is left without a muzzle (which should be made -for him by an experienced saddler, and constantly -used). The chalk being essentially antacid, is decidedly -useful if the habit is supposed to result from acidity.</p> - -<p>As the muzzle should not be left off for any length -of time, the food should be prepared to be taken up -in the most rapid form—viz., a small quantity of chaff -to bruised oats. When the beast finds by experience -that his feeding-time is limited, with starvation for the -alternative, he will probably prefer his food to gnawing -the iron during the short space allowed him without -his muzzle. A simple remedy sometimes used with -good effect is, keeping a tightened strap round the -creature’s neck when he is not feeding; and I have -known the covering of every portion of the stall within -his reach with rabbit or sheep skins, the hair outside, -to effectually check a crib-biter for the time being,—the -habit being resumed, however, on his removal to another -stall.<a id="FNanchor_33" href="#Footnote_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_155"></a>[155]</span></p> - -<h3>METASTASIS.</h3> - -<p>As this term is frequently used by practitioners, it -may be well to explain that it is a Greek word signifying -a removal from one place to another, employed as -a technical designation in describing a change of the -seat of disease from one part of the animal structure -to another, which is by no means uncommon: for -instance, when the feet are attacked with fever, that -malady will appear to remove itself to some other and -probably distant part, and fix itself on the lungs or -other viscera, the same way that inflammation of the -lungs and other parts of the upper structure will change -amongst themselves, or from their own seat of disease -to the feet.<a id="FNanchor_34" href="#Footnote_34" class="fnanchor">[34]</a> I have even known superpurgation (occasioned,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_156"></a>[156]</span> -in a pair of horses, by <i>undue</i>, but not severe -work when under the irritation of the medicine) to -cause fever of the feet, by a metastasis, changing the -seat of irritation from the internals to the extremities—a -very palpable case in point.</p> - -<h3>SETONS.</h3> - -<p>The insertion of a seton properly belongs to the professional -man, and only for the guidance of persons -who, from living in remote neighbourhoods or other -causes, cannot possibly procure the assistance of such, -the following information is inserted, in order to obviate -the necessity for some ignorant farrier being permitted -to perform the operation after his own fashion. The -skin is first divided, by surgical scissors made for such -purposes, to the width of the seton-needle to be used, -which must be wide or narrow, according to the orifice -required, with white linen tape passed through its eye, -about the same width as the needle and orifice. The -needle is then inserted at the opening, and, passing -superficially under the skin, is directed towards the -point where the lower or depending orifice is intended -to be, and where the needle and tape are drawn out. -Sufficient tape must be left at each extremity to admit -not only of its being tied round small rolls of tow -which keep the tape from running through at either -side, but some inches of the tape should be left in addition -at one end, to allow of a portion being drawn out -at one orifice each day, and a fresh piece with dressing -being drawn in at the other.</p> - -<p>In cases where there is already an upper orifice with<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_157"></a>[157]</span> -sinuses, the surgeon (if he does not lay the place entirely -open with a knife, which, if the sinuses are deep-seated, -he will do) will insert the seton-needle at such orifice, -no incision with the scissors being necessary, the direction -of the sinuses having been first ascertained by the -careful use of the probe. The dressing to be applied -to the tape will be either chloride of zinc lotion, Venice -turpentine, or tincture of arnica lotion (<a href="#Page_158"><i>see</i> “Lotions”</a>), -according as the healing or discharging process may -be desired, the first being the healing application. -Farriers attempting this operation will even now adopt -an old and most objectionable practice of tying the two -ends of the seton-tape together, and turning it round -at each fresh dressing; the consequence being that, if -anything happen to catch in the loop thus made, the -whole piece of skin may be dragged out.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_158"></a>[158]</span></p> - -<h3>LOTIONS, PURGES, BLISTERS, &c.</h3> - -<p class="center"><span class="allsmcap">AS A RULE, ALL VOLATILE OILS OR TINCTURES SHOULD BE -ADMINISTERED IN COLD WATER, OR LIQUID.</span></p> - -<p><i>Strong Heeding Lotion.</i>—Chloride of zinc, two -scruples; water, one pint.</p> - -<p><i>Weaker, as for Sore Mouth, &c.</i>—Chloride of zinc, -one scruple; water, one pint.</p> - -<p><i>To encourage Pus, and heal subsequently.</i>—Tincture -of arnica, one ounce; water, one pint.</p> - -<p><i>To keep off Flies from Wounds or Bruises.</i>—Apply a -rag dipped in solution of tar.</p> - -<p><i>Glycerine Lotion.</i>—Glycerine, half pint; chloride of -zinc, half ounce; water, six quarts.</p> - -<p><i>To abate External Inflammation.</i>—Vinegar, two -ounces; Goulard lotion, one ounce; water, two pints.</p> - -<p><i>Liniment for the Neck in Cold and Distemper, Sore -Throat, &c.</i>—One part spirit of turpentine, two parts -oil, mixed, or equal parts of each, and rubbed in once -or twice daily.</p> - -<p><i>Purges.</i>—A mild purge is composed of—aloes, four -drachms; extract of gentian, two drachms.</p> - -<p><i>A very mild Laxative Drench.</i>—Castor-oil, three -ounces; linseed-oil, two ounces; warm gruel, one pint—Mix.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_159"></a>[159]</span></p> - -<p>Of linseed-oil alone the ordinary dose is one pint. -If ineffectual, to be repeated, with the addition of -twenty drops of croton-oil.</p> - -<p><i>Alterative Ball</i> (for surfeit and skin diseases).—Cream -of tartar, half drachm; nitre, two drachms; -flowers of sulphur, half ounce—Mix in mass.</p> - -<p><i>External Absorbents.</i>—Iodine ointment and tincture, -Stevens’s ointment,<a id="FNanchor_35" href="#Footnote_35" class="fnanchor">[35]</a> water-dressing.</p> - -<p><i>Restoratives or Renovators—Drenches.</i>—A quart of -stout, morning or evening; hay-tea, when mashes are -refused; gruel properly prepared (<a href="#Page_161">page 161</a>) and linseed -mashes (<a href="#Page_22">page 22</a>).</p> - -<p><i>Soothing Drench in Colic.</i>—Sulphuric ether, one -ounce; laudanum, one ounce; linseed-oil, one pint.</p> - -<p><i>Astringent Drenches</i> (for diabetes).—Diluted phosphoric -acid, one ounce; chilled water, one pint.</p> - -<p>Or—Oak-bark, one ounce; alum, quarter ounce; -camomile tea, one pint—Made into a drench.</p> - -<p>Feeding on old hay is generally effectual to check -purging.</p> - -<p><i>Clysters</i><a id="FNanchor_36" href="#Footnote_36" class="fnanchor">[36]</a> (for diarrhœa, dysentery, or over-purgation).—Laudanum, -one ounce—Mixed in three pints warm -thin starch, repeated every half-hour, as long as necessary. -(The above is soothing and <i>astringent</i>.)</p> - -<p>(For inflammation of the bladder or kidneys.)—Injections -of warm linseed-tea constantly repeated.</p> - -<p>(For dysentery.)—Injections of cold linseed-tea.</p> - -<p>(For colic.)—Injection of one pint of turpentine<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_160"></a>[160]</span> -mixed in two quarts of hot soap-suds. (Soothing and -<i>laxative</i>.)</p> - -<p><i>Ointment</i> (to recover hair).—Equal parts hogs’ lard -and mercurial ointment, with <i>very finely powdered</i> -burnt leather to colour it.</p> - -<p><i>Poultices</i> are made of bran or linseed-meal, with -boiling water, and applied as hot as bearable. They -are seldom used except for the feet, in which cases the -leather shoe is useful.</p> - -<p><i>Water-dressing</i> (for sores, &c.)—Pads of linen kept -<i>continually fully</i> saturated with water, and entirely -over them is kept fixed a waterproof covering of oiled -silk or calico (gutta-percha is too liable to tear), to prevent -evaporation. The pads should be changed every -three or four hours, and cleansed where they are intended -to promote effusion of matter.</p> - -<p><i>For Acidity.</i>—A lump of chalk kept in the manger.</p> - -<p><i>For General Health.</i>—A lump of rock-salt always in -the manger.</p> - -<p><i>For Worms.</i>—One to two grains of arsenic and -twenty grains of kamela twice daily (each dose mixed -in a handful of wet bran, and given with oats or other -feeding) for eighteen days, and a purge the nineteenth -morning. The horse may get <i>moderate</i> work during -the administration of the powders. Or, common salt, -a tablespoonful daily, to be mixed with the food.</p> - -<p><i>Strong Mustard Blister.</i>—For cases of acute inflammation, -mustard to be made into a paste, eight ounces; -oil of turpentine, two ounces—To be well rubbed into -the chest or belly in severe inflammation.</p> - -<p><i>Blisters</i> should never be applied to a horse’s four legs -at the same time, as is the practice with some farriers. -Two legs only should be blistered at once, and an interval<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_161"></a>[161]</span> -of three or four days suffered to elapse before the -application of the remaining blisters. The animal’s -head should be tied up for at least thirty hours after -the blister is put on, to prevent his gnawing the part; -but if a cradle round the neck can effect the same purpose -in cases where other parts are blistered, its use is -preferable to tying up the head.</p> - -<p><i>Sedative.</i>—To allay excitement after a wound, &c.: -tincture of aconite, ten to twenty drops, in drench of -one pint of water with chill off.</p> - -<p><i>To make Gruel.</i>—Mix well a pound of oatmeal in a -quart of cold water; put this mixture in a stew-pan -containing three quarts of boiling water, stir all well -over the fire till it becomes thick, then leave it aside to -cool sufficiently to be eatable.</p> - -<p><i>Disinfectant.</i>—As it will perhaps be useful to any -proprietor of horse-flesh, who may unfortunately have -had contagious disease in his stables, such as farcy or -glanders, to know how premises should be disinfected -according to the most approved means, the following -recommendations of Government for purifying the holds -of ships, during the prevalence of rinderpest, are appended:—</p> - -<p><i>Suggestions for Disinfecting Holds of Ships.</i>—The -Government has issued the following circular to the -shipowners and veterinary inspectors of Irish ports. -It must not be forgotten that the importation of raw -hides is still permitted.</p> - -<div class="blockquote smaller"> - -<p class="right">“<i>23d August 1865.</i></p> - -<p>“The usual means had recourse to for the purpose of disinfecting -the holds of vessels (such as washing and subsequently -applying diluted disinfecting solutions, the most generally used<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_162"></a>[162]</span> -of which is chloride of lime), do not possess sufficient efficacy, -particularly within the limited time that can be devoted to that -purpose, without interfering with the commercial interests of -the vessels.</p> - -<p>“It would occupy too much time to carefully scour and afterwards -apply a disinfecting fluid to the entire surface of a ship’s -hold, in which, generally, there are many crevices and parts -that cannot be reached by the hand or brush. Such crevices -and parts are capable of retaining the contagious and infectious -principles in all their virulence.</p> - -<p>“Holds of vessels, and all other chambers from which the -external air can be excluded for a time, can be, comparatively -speaking, most effectually disinfected by filling them with -chlorine gas, the great disinfecting principle of chloride of lime. -The gas insinuates itself into every chink, crevice, and part of -the chamber in which it is confined, and more effectually decomposes -the contagious and infectious compounds, whether -they be solid, fluid, or aeriform, than any other disinfectant -equally easy of application, and as cheap. The mode of disinfecting -the hold of a vessel with chlorine is, to place a quantity -of common salt and black oxide of manganese in a strong basin, -which may be put into a bucket, to the handle of which a rope -has been attached. Pour on the salt and black oxide of manganese -their combined weight of sulphuric acid; then let the -bucket containing the basin a little way down into the hold by -the rope attached to its handle. The chlorine gas, being heavier -than the atmospheric air, will quickly displace the latter and -fill the hold. In a short time, when the hold has become filled -with chlorine, the hatches may be battened down for about half -an hour.</p> - -<p>“Previous to using the hold again for live freight, a current -of air should be admitted through it to remove the chlorine.</p> - -<p>“Many recommend the use of charcoal; but it is not alone -more difficult of application, but it is much less of a disinfectant -than a deodoriser. Charcoal will not, like the chlorides, decompose -the matter of disease. If the damp matter of glanders, or -sheep-pox, be well mixed with a strong solution of chloride of -lime, it will seldom produce bad effects by inoculation; but if -pure charcoal of any kind be used, the contagious principle of -the diseased matter is not at all diminished in its virulence—quite<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_163"></a>[163]</span> -the contrary; similar results are found if cow-pox be the -matter used in the experiment.</p> - -<p>“The cost of the readiest materials for the production of -chlorine gas is very trifling. The salt is not ¼d. per pound; -black oxide of manganese but 4d. per pound; and sulphuric -acid 1½d. per pound. These are the retail prices. A couple of -pounds weight of each would suffice for a large-sized hold.</p> - -<p>“The attention of the customs, shipowners, and veterinary -inspectors is directed to the above disinfecting means.</p> - -<p class="center">(Signed)</p> - -<p class="right">“<span class="smcap">Hugh Ferguson</span>,<br /> -Her Majesty’s Veterinary Surgeon,<br /> -Principal Government Veterinary Inspector, Ireland.”</p> - -</div> - -<hr /> - -<div class="footnotes"> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 class="nobreak">FOOTNOTES</h2> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1" href="#FNanchor_1" class="label">[1]</a> It may be well to let my readers know how I became experienced -on the <i>road</i>. In the days when coaching was in its -perfection (and when many country gentlemen indulged in their -fancy for the use of the “ribbons”), I became, during a long -interval from service, deeply and actively concerned in a -coaching establishment of the first order; and those who, some -years since, travelling between Dublin and Killarney <i>via</i> -Limerick (a distance of about 185 miles), may have happened -to hear coachmen and helpers talking of the “Captain,” will -recognise in the writer the individual thus referred to, who was -also in partnership with the famous Bianconi in the staging on -the Killarney line. Several years spent in such a school will -probably be considered a good apprenticeship to the study of -one branch of the subject herein treated upon—viz., the management -of horses on the road.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2" href="#FNanchor_2" class="label">[2]</a> The soubriquet by which the Author is known in his regiment.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3" href="#FNanchor_3" class="label">[3]</a> It, however, is treated more fully in a new section, <a href="#Page_93">page 93</a>, -which, at the request of many readers, and in consequence of its -increasing interest to a large portion of the community, has been -added to this edition.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_4" href="#FNanchor_4" class="label">[4]</a> The French dealers of the present day choose, for gentlemen’s -hack-horses, chestnuts with legs white half-way up, causing the -action to look more remarkable. “There’s no accounting for -taste.”</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_5" href="#FNanchor_5" class="label">[5]</a> It is to be remarked of bays, mouse-colours, and chestnuts, -having a streak of a darker colour over the backbone from mane -to tail (which sometimes, as with the donkey, crosses the shoulder)—that -animals thus marked generally possess peculiar powers of endurance; -and rat-tailed ones, though ugly, prove very serviceable.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_6" href="#FNanchor_6" class="label">[6]</a> The extremes of various bad positions of the head when the bit -is put in operation are—the throwing up the nose horizontal with -the forehead, a trick denominated “stargazing,” at which ewe-necked -horses are very ready, and getting the bit up to the angles -of the jaws. Such a horse can easily run away, and cannot be -commanded without a martingal. Another bad point is when the -animal leans his jaw firmly against the bit, and, placing his head -between his fore legs, the neck being over-arched, goes where he -pleases: such is called by horsemen “a borer.”</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_7" href="#FNanchor_7" class="label">[7]</a> The racer not coming within the province, of this little work, I -will only offer one maxim with reference to such horses in general—viz., -never race any horse unless you make up your mind to have -most probably a fretful, bad-tempered animal ever after. The -course of training and the excitement of contest will induce such -a result.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_8" href="#FNanchor_8" class="label">[8]</a> If you happen to buy a low-priced animal, and depend upon -your own opinion as to soundness, it is well to feel and look closely -at the back part of the fore leg, above the fetlock, and along the -pasterns, for cicatrices left after the performance of the operation -of unnerving, by means of which a horse will go perhaps apparently -sound while navicular disease is progressing in his foot, to -terminate in most serious consequences.—<a href="#Page_134"><i>See</i> “Navicular Disease,” -page 134.</a></p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_9" href="#FNanchor_9" class="label">[9]</a> The old-fashioned pattern, with leather gear, is, after all, the -best, as proved by the most practical men of the day.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_10" href="#FNanchor_10" class="label">[10]</a> It has been truly said by the well-known Mr Elmore, that there -is a key to every horse’s mouth, requiring only proper hands to -apply it.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_11" href="#FNanchor_11" class="label">[11]</a> The famous Irish jumper “Distiller” was notorious among -many other good fencers as a bungler on the road, though he -would jump a six-foot-six stone wall with ease, sporting two large -broken knees in consequence of his performance in that line; and -in fencing he was also first-rate.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_12" href="#FNanchor_12" class="label">[12]</a> I may recommend Gibson, 6 Coventry Street, Leicester Square, -as an excellent, intelligent, and experienced saddler.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_13" href="#FNanchor_13" class="label">[13]</a> Latchford, 11 Upper St Martin’s Lane, London, and all -saddlers.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_14" href="#FNanchor_14" class="label">[14]</a> All the foregoing observations on saddlery apply equally to -ladies’ saddles. Marked attention should be paid before they mount -to the girths, which should be very tight, to prevent the saddle -from turning, a lady’s weight being often altogether on one side.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_15" href="#FNanchor_15" class="label">[15]</a> As a good shoulder, such as will keep a saddle in its place, is -one of the great essentials in a gentleman’s hack, or indeed in an -officer’s charger, giving him leverage to lift his legs safely and -showily, it stands to reason that not many such will pass into the -ranks at the Government price for remounts, which, however, is -<i>ample</i> to supply animals suitable for the service, and does so in -regiments where the class of horse provided at once proves that the -whole sum allowed is invested in the remount itself, and proper -judgment exercised in purchasing.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_16" href="#FNanchor_16" class="label">[16]</a> It might not be out of place to mention, for the information -of those who desire to be well taught, that, to my own knowledge, -Allen’s, in Seymour Place, Bryanstone Square, and Clarendon’s, -in Great Brunswick Street, Dublin, are excellent riding-schools.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_17" href="#FNanchor_17" class="label">[17]</a> Those who probably have never received a professional riding-lesson -in their lives, but still, from intuitive taste, ride with ease -and ability.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_18" href="#FNanchor_18" class="label">[18]</a> Talking of a horse being self-dependent in his movement on the -road, puts me in mind of a challenge once accepted by a very practical -horseman, to ride a notorious stumbler (reduced by this defect -to mere farm-work) three times round Stephen’s Green, Dublin -(a distance of over three miles), without falling. Given his -choice of bits, some being of the severest kind, he rejected them -all, desiring the groom to get him a common hemp halter, and -with this simple head-gear, riding bare-backed, he accomplished -the distance without the slightest mishap, and thereby won a large -bet. The groom, however, resumed the use of the bit to ride the -horse home (now feeling sufficient confidence to trust himself on -his back instead of leading him), when the animal fell on his knees -before he had gone a hundred yards.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_19" href="#FNanchor_19" class="label">[19]</a> The incautious use of that rein, which has leverage on the curb, -is very apt, with young unformed horses, or such as have been only -accustomed to the bridoon or snaffle, to induce a notion of rearing, -especially in anything of a rough attempt to “rein back” with; -indeed, this latter point of training should be accomplished with -the bridoon only.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_20" href="#FNanchor_20" class="label">[20]</a> One can scarcely repress a smile on hearing cross-country misfortunes -related, as they frequently are, in pretty nearly the following -terms:—“I found my horse going sluggishly at his fences; -and one place looking rather biggish, I shook him up with the bit, -and put both heels into him to rouse him, but somehow or other -the brute took off too soon, caught his fore feet, I suppose, against -something, and came such a cropper on the other side!” or, “The -beast kept going at such a bat at his fences that I brought him to -book with my hands down, and with a good pull steadied him; but -the brute with his awkwardness missed his footing on landing, -dropped his hind legs into the brook somehow, and fell back on me, -giving me a regular sousing!”</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_21" href="#FNanchor_21" class="label">[21]</a> In obscure lameness, to aid towards discovery of the affected -part, having first decided which leg or foot is diseased, it is not a -bad plan to walk the animal into a stream above the knees and -take him out again (or have water dashed at once fully over the -member), then kneel and closely observe which spot on the surface -dries first—that which does so will probably prove to be the -most inflamed part.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_22" href="#FNanchor_22" class="label">[22]</a> In double harness, to increase your power in turning, shorten -the coupling-reins; and to ease your horses, lengthen these to let -their heads work more straight forward.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_23" href="#FNanchor_23" class="label">[23]</a> Any one desiring hints in that line can have the benefit of my -experience in dealing with such cattle, by applying to my publisher.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_24" href="#FNanchor_24" class="label">[24]</a> When a hame martingal strap is used, the pad belly-band -should not be finally buckled until it has been passed through the -other.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_25" href="#FNanchor_25" class="label">[25]</a> Yankee fashion is to drive with a rein in each hand. This style -in Ireland is humorously described as “driving with a rein in -each hand and a whip in the other.”</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_26" href="#FNanchor_26" class="label">[26]</a> There is a useful and inexpensive contrivance for very temporary -roughing, patented and sold by John Coppard & Co., 24 -Fleet Street, who, on being communicated with, will forward descriptive -particulars. There is also a capital and more permanent -arrangement prepared and sold by Mr Morris of 21 Rathbone Place, -Oxford Street, being an improvement on Mr White’s plan of frosting -horses’ shoes, by screwing three sharpened cogs into each—one -at each heel and one at the toe—the shoes when put on being prepared -to receive them.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_27" href="#FNanchor_27" class="label">[27]</a> A suggestion has been made by one of the ablest reviewers of -the first edition of this work, to add a chapter on caprices of horses; -and doubtless such would be so extremely interesting, that the -temptation to insert notes under this head in my first edition was -only overcome by the determination to avoid being led into anecdote, -which has been strictly observed throughout, as being out of keeping -with the concise style in which it was intended that the book -should be produced. A few practical hints are, however, here -classed under the head of “Caprice.”</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_28" href="#FNanchor_28" class="label">[28]</a> A little work on blood-letting, by Professor Hugh Ferguson of -Dublin, is well worthy of consultation on the subject.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_29" href="#FNanchor_29" class="label">[29]</a> The difference between this disease and attacks of the lower -viscera is, that the animal does not kick about, but generally stands -as if hopeless and helpless.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_30" href="#FNanchor_30" class="label">[30]</a> Practical men will tell you that the readiest and best way to -mix grey powder, as water will not make it adhere, is with saliva in -the palm of the hand, from whence it is transferred by a blunt knife -to the horse’s tongue near the root, the tongue being drawn out for -the purpose. I can vouch for the efficacy of this not very elegant -proceeding where expedition is an object, having witnessed it -myself.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_31" href="#FNanchor_31" class="label">[31]</a> This will be found almost a specific; it is recommended by Mr -Mayhew, and is said to have originated with Mr Woodyer, V.S., at -Paddington. Professor Dick is also reputed to have been very successful -in the treatment of this disease, by the use of small and -repeated doses of iodine or iodide of potassium.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_32" href="#FNanchor_32" class="label">[32]</a> This treatment is recommended by Mr Mayhew.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_33" href="#FNanchor_33" class="label">[33]</a> A few of the low class of horsedealers are very clever at passing -off a cribber or wind-sucker.</p> - -<p>I have known cases where one might remain in a stable for hours -with a cribber and not detect him. By keeping a continual watch -over the animal and thrashing him directly he attempts to crib, he -has been taught to beware of transgressing in this style in the -presence of any one, and thus even a veterinary surgeon may be -deceived, for he is not supposed to lose his time looking after such -details of trickery.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_34" href="#FNanchor_34" class="label">[34]</a> For example, an animal is in nearly a hopeless state from inflammation -of the lungs and pleura, perhaps as a complication of -distemper. Suddenly there is an amelioration in the symptoms; -the hurried breathing resumes the characteristics of ordinary respiration—the -owner, or veterinary surgeon in attendance, pronounces -the patient to be out of danger—the improvement is regarded -as almost miraculous. But in about twenty-four hours, -often less, the horse is observed to move with difficulty in the -stable; if he lies down, he is disinclined to get up; when standing, -the fore feet are kept considerably more in advance than usual, -the hind ones far forward under the body, so that they may as -much as possible relieve the fore feet and legs from the superincumbent -weight. In aggravated cases, as the heels of the fore feet -are the parts which bear the most weight in progression, the horse, -when forced to walk, which he can only accomplish with great -difficulty, elevates the toe at every step, bringing the heel, instead -of it, to the ground. The horse is then suffering from acute laminitis, -or what is more generally in horse-parlance termed “founder.”</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_35" href="#FNanchor_35" class="label">[35]</a> Prepared and sold by Mr H. R. Stevens, V.S., 8<span class="allsmcap">a</span> Park Lane, -London, W., and all chemists.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_36" href="#FNanchor_36" class="label">[36]</a> The use of the clyster syringe by unskilled hands is <i>very dangerous</i>—serious -injury to the rectum being the common result; -therefore great caution should be used to insert the pipe (well -greased) slowly and not too high up the channel.</p> - -</div> - -</div> - -<hr /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_164"></a>[164]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="INDEX">INDEX.</h2> - -</div> - -<table summary="Contents"> - <tr> - <td></td> - <td class="tdpg">Page</td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td>Absorbents</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_159">159</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Absorbent system</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_106">106</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Acidity</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_160">160</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Aconite, tincture of</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_161">161</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Age, to judge of</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_3">3</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Ale and porter</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_24">24</a>, <a href="#Page_37">37</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Alteratives</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_159">159</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Ambling or pacing</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_34">34</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>American stabling</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_18">18</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>American carriages</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_74">74</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Arabian horses</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_95">95</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Arnica lotion</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_157">157</a>, <a href="#Page_158">158</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Arsenic</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_124">124</a>, <a href="#Page_160">160</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Auction</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_6">6</a>, <a href="#Page_89">89</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Axle-boxes</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_74">74</a></td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td>Backing</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_71">71</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Back-raking</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_122">122</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Back, sore</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_38">38</a>, <a href="#Page_151">151</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Ball, manner of giving</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_104">104</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Bandaging</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_14">14</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Bark of oak</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_159">159</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Beans and pease</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_20">20</a>, <a href="#Page_21">21</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Bearing-rein</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_63">63</a>, <a href="#Page_141">141</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Bedding</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_9">9</a>, <a href="#Page_10">10</a>, <a href="#Page_27">27</a>, <a href="#Page_38">38</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Belladonna</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_127">127</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Belly-band, caution</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_59">59</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Bits</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_38">38</a>, <a href="#Page_62">62</a>, <a href="#Page_70">70</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Bladder, inflammation of</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_127">127</a>, <a href="#Page_159">159</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Bleeding</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_111">111</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Blinkers</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_62">62</a>, <a href="#Page_70">70</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Blisters and absorbents</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_159">159</a>, <a href="#Page_160">160</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Blood</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_94">94</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Board ship</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_24">24</a>, <a href="#Page_104">104</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Boot of leather</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_19">19</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Bran mash</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_22">22</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Break carriage</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_5">5</a>, <a href="#Page_30">30</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Breaking or training</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_29">29</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Breaking to harness</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_30">30</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Breastplate</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_48">48</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Breeding</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_1">1</a>, <a href="#Page_93">93</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Bridling</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_38">38</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Britching</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_58">58</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Broken knees</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_141">141</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Broken wind</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_119">119</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Bronchitis</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_113">113</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Bruised oats</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_21">21</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Brushing</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_78">78</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Buying</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_6">6</a></td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td>Calkins or cogs</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_80">80</a>, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td id="Calomel">Calomel</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_125">125</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Canker</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_136">136</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Cantering</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_33">33</a>, <a href="#Page_52">52</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Capped hock</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_145">145</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Caprice</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_90">90</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Carriages</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_73">73</a>, <a href="#Page_75">75</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Carrots</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_23">23</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Casting</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_102">102</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Cavalry remounts</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_47">47</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Cavesson</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_33">33</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Chaff</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_10">10</a>, <a href="#Page_154">154</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Chain fastenings</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_17">17</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Chalk</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href="#Page_154">154</a>, <a href="#Page_160">160</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Chifney bit</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_42">42</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Chloride of zinc</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_158">158</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Chloroform</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_102">102</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_165"></a>[165]</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Clap of the back sinew</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_143">143</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Cleaning in-doors</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_12">12</a>, <a href="#Page_13">13</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Climate</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_95">95</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Clipping</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_16">16</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Clothing</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_18">18</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Clysters</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_159">159</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Clysters, danger of using</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href="#Page_159">159</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Cold and influenza</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_110">110</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Colic and gripes</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_108">108</a>, <a href="#Page_121">121</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Colic drench</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_159">159</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Collar</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_60">60</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Colour</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_2">2</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Contagion</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_112">112</a>, <a href="#Page_116">116</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Contractors</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_25">25</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Corns</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_79">79</a>, <a href="#Page_131">131</a>, <a href="#Page_140">140</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Costiveness</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_123">123</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Cough</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_115">115</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Coupling-rein</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_56">56</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Cracked and greasy heels</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_136">136</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Crib-biting</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_153">153</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Croton-oil</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_108">108</a>, <a href="#Page_159">159</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Crupper</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_46">46</a>, <a href="#Page_63">63</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Curb</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_145">145</a></td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td>Dandriff</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_14">14</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Dealers</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_6">6</a>, <a href="#Page_7">7</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Diabetes</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_123">123</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Diabetes drench</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_159">159</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Diarrhœa or dysentery</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_120">120</a>, <a href="#Page_159">159</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Digestive organs, diseases of</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_120">120</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Diseases</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_101">101</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Disinfectants</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_113">113</a>, <a href="#Page_161">161</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Diuretics, and danger of</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_126">126</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Dogs and cats</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_11">11</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Dragoons</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_36">36</a>, <a href="#Page_47">47</a>, <a href="#Page_48">48</a>, <a href="#Page_50">50</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Drainage</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_8">8</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Draught or traction</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_58">58</a>, <a href="#Page_72">72</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Drench, way of giving</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_105">105</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Driving</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_65">65</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Dumb jockey</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_30">30</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Dysentery</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_120">120</a>, <a href="#Page_159">159</a></td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td>Exercising</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_31">31</a>, <a href="#Page_107">107</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Exhibitions</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_94">94</a>, <a href="#Page_97">97</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Eyes, sore</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_110">110</a></td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td>Fairs</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_7">7</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Falling in harness</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_70">70</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Farcy</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_107">107</a>, <a href="#Page_147">147</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Febrifuges</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_117">117</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Feeding</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_20">20</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Feeding on board ship</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_24">24</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Feet, diseases of</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_127">127</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Fencing</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_53">53</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Fever of the feet, or laminitis</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_132">132</a>, <a href="#Page_133">133</a>, <a href="#Page_155">155</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Fits</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_117">117</a>, <a href="#Page_153">153</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Flooring</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_10">10</a>, <a href="#Page_143">143</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Fomentations</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_146">146</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Foot, construction of</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_128">128</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Foot-stopping</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_13">13</a>, <a href="#Page_38">38</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>French horses</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_1">1</a>, <a href="#Page_2">2</a>, <a href="#Page_96">96</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Frosting</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_80">80</a></td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td>Gas water</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_146">146</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Girthing</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_44">44</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Glanders</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_109">109</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Glycerine</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_158">158</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Goulard lotion</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_158">158</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Grazing</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_26">26</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Grey powder</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_115">115</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Gripes</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_108">108</a>, <a href="#Page_121">121</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Grooming</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_12">12</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Grooms’ doctoring</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_12">12</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Grooms’ requisites</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_15">15</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Gruel, how to make</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_161">161</a></td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td>Hack for draught</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_5">5</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Hack to ride</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_3">3</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Halter-cast</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_17">17</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Haltering</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_16">16</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Hames</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_58">58</a>, <a href="#Page_61">61</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Harnessing</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_56">56</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Harness-room</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_56">56</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Hay</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_21">21</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Head, diseases of</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_109">109</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Head-stall</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_16">16</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Heels, cracked or greasy</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_136">136</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Hidebound</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_150">150</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Hills, to ascend or descend</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_67">67</a>, <a href="#Page_68">68</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Hood</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_18">18</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Horse shows</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_94">94</a>, <a href="#Page_97">97</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Hunter</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_5">5</a>, <a href="#Page_94">94</a></td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td>Inflammation of bladder</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_125">125</a>, <a href="#Page_159">159</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Inflammation of kidneys</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_125">125</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Inflammation of lungs</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_114">114</a>, <a href="#Page_155">155</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Influenza</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_110">110</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Indian gram</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_22">22</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Iodine ointment</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_159">159</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Irish hunters</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_93">93</a></td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td>Jibbers</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_71">71</a>, <a href="#Page_87">87</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Jumping</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_53">53</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_166"></a>[166]</span></td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td>Kicking in harness</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_59">59</a>, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>, <a href="#Page_85">85</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Kicking in stable</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_85">85</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Kicking-strap</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_31">31</a>, <a href="#Page_59">59</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Kidneys, inflammation of</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_125">125</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Knee-caps</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_19">19</a>, <a href="#Page_31">31</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Knees, broken</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_141">141</a></td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td>Lameness</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_55">55</a>, <a href="#Page_78">78</a>, <a href="#Page_128">128</a>, <a href="#Page_140">140</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Lampas</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_119">119</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Latches, danger of</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_10">10</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Lateral cartilage, disease of</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_135">135</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Laudanum</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_121">121</a>, <a href="#Page_159">159</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Laxatives</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_158">158</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Leather boot</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_19">19</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Leather soles</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_82">82</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Legs, diseases of</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_127">127</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Light</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_9">9</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Liniments</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_158">158</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Linseed mash</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_22">22</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Linseed-oil</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_108">108</a>, <a href="#Page_158">158</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Litter</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_9">9</a>, <a href="#Page_135">135</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Liver, diseases of</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_125">125</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Logs to head, tie</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_17">17</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Loose-boxes</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_9">9</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Lotions</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_141">141</a>, <a href="#Page_158">158</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Loungeing or ringing</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_33">33</a>, <a href="#Page_84">84</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Lungs, inflammation of</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_114">114</a>, <a href="#Page_155">155</a></td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td>Mallenders and sallenders</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_144">144</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Mane</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_14">14</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Mange</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_150">150</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Mangers</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_10">10</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Martingals</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_40">40</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Mash, to make</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_22">22</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Megrims</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_153">153</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Mercurial ointment</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_141">141</a>, <a href="#Page_160">160</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Mercury.—<a href="#Calomel">See Calomel.</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Metastasis</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_155">155</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Mounting of lady in side-saddle</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_55">55</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Mustard blister</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_160">160</a></td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td>Navicular disease</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_7">7</a>, <a href="#Page_134">134</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Neck, sore</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_31">31</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Nitre</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_117">117</a>, <a href="#Page_126">126</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Nose, discharge from, or nasal gleet</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_110">110</a>, <a href="#Page_116">116</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Noseband</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_42">42</a>, <a href="#Page_63">63</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Numna or sweat-cloth</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_38">38</a></td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td>Oak bark</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_159">159</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Oats, bruised</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_21">21</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Ointments</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_141">141</a>, <a href="#Page_160">160</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Operations</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_102">102</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Operations, slight</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_104">104</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Opium, tincture of</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_121">121</a>, <a href="#Page_123">123</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Out of doors, cleaning</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_12">12</a>, <a href="#Page_13">13</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Over-reach or tread</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_140">140</a></td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td>Pace, generally considered</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_34">34</a>, <a href="#Page_96">96</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Partitions</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_10">10</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Pavement</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_9">9</a>, <a href="#Page_10">10</a>, <a href="#Page_11">11</a>, <a href="#Page_143">143</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Pease</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_20">20</a>, <a href="#Page_22">22</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Peat or tan as bedding</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_10">10</a>, <a href="#Page_27">27</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Phosphoric acid</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_124">124</a>, <a href="#Page_159">159</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Picker</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_13">13</a>, <a href="#Page_15">15</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Pole-chains and swinging-bars</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_73">73</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Poll-evil</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_17">17</a>, <a href="#Page_117">117</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Porter and ale</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_24">24</a>, <a href="#Page_37">37</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Poultices</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_160">160</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Private purchase</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_7">7</a>, <a href="#Page_90">90</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Prizes</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_94">94</a>, <a href="#Page_97">97</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Public troughs</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_26">26</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Pulse</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_109">109</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Purges</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_108">108</a>, <a href="#Page_158">158</a>, <a href="#Page_159">159</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Purging</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_106">106</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Purging, to stop</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_108">108</a>, <a href="#Page_121">121</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Putting to, in draught</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_57">57</a></td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td>Quittor</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_135">135</a></td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td>Race-horses</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_1">1</a>, <a href="#Page_6">6</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Racing laws</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_97">97</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Racks and mangers</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_10">10</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Rarey’s system</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_28">28</a>, <a href="#Page_102">102</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Rearing up</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_52">52</a>, <a href="#Page_86">86</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Restoratives, in work</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_24">24</a>, <a href="#Page_37">37</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Riding</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_49">49</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Ringing or loungeing</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_33">33</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Ring-bone</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_144">144</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Ringworm</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_148">148</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Rollers</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_19">19</a>, <a href="#Page_152">152</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Roughing and frosting</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_80">80</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Runaways</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_71">71</a></td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td>Saddling</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_43">43</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Sallenders</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_144">144</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Salt</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href="#Page_125">125</a>, <a href="#Page_154">154</a>, <a href="#Page_160">160</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Sand-cracks</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_138">138</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Saving-collar</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <a href="#Page_61">61</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Sedative</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_161">161</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Selecting</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_2">2</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Selling</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_89">89</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_167"></a>[167]</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Setons</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_152">152</a>, <a href="#Page_156">156</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Sex</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_3">3</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Shape</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_1">1</a>, <a href="#Page_3">3</a>, <a href="#Page_5">5</a>, <a href="#Page_6">6</a>, <a href="#Page_94">94</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Sheet, shape</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_18">18</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Shelly hoofs</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_137">137</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Shipboard</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_24">24</a>, <a href="#Page_104">104</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Shivering fits</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_117">117</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Shoeing</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_75">75</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Shying</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_88">88</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Side-saddle, for mounting lady to</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_55">55</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Side-saddle and girths</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_44">44</a>, <a href="#Page_45">45</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Singeing</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_15">15</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Sitfasts</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_151">151</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Size</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_1">1</a>, <a href="#Page_2">2</a>, <a href="#Page_72">72</a>, <a href="#Page_95">95</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Skin diseases</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_148">148</a>, <a href="#Page_149">149</a>, <a href="#Page_150">150</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Smelling, sense of</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_89">89</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Solitude</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_11">11</a>, <a href="#Page_93">93</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Sore back</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_38">38</a>, <a href="#Page_151">151</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Sore eyes</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_110">110</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Sore heels</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_136">136</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Sore mouth</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_24">24</a>, <a href="#Page_158">158</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Sore neck</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_31">31</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Sore throat</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_118">118</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Sore withers</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_38">38</a>, <a href="#Page_151">151</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Soundness</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_5">5</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Spavin, blood</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_146">146</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Spavin, bone</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_144">144</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Splinter and swinging bars</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_73">73</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Splints</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_142">142</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Stable requisites</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_15">15</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Stabling</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_8">8</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Staggers</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_153">153</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Staling, profuse</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_123">123</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Stalls</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_9">9</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Steaming the head</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_112">112</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Stevens’s ointment</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_142">142</a>, <a href="#Page_145">145</a>, <a href="#Page_159">159</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Stirrup irons and leathers</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_45">45</a>, <a href="#Page_46">46</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Stonehenge</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_11">11</a>, <a href="#Page_30">30</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Stones on the road</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_13">13</a>, <a href="#Page_40">40</a>, <a href="#Page_55">55</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Stopping feet</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_13">13</a>, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>, <a href="#Page_134">134</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Strain of back sinew</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_11">11</a>, <a href="#Page_14">14</a>, <a href="#Page_82">82</a>, <a href="#Page_143">143</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Strangles</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_118">118</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Straw</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_9">9</a>, <a href="#Page_10">10</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>String-halt</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_145">145</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Stubbornness</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_71">71</a>, <a href="#Page_87">87</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Stumbling</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_40">40</a>, <a href="#Page_52">52</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Surfeit</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_147">147</a>, <a href="#Page_149">149</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Sweating</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_32">32</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Synovia</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_141">141</a>, <a href="#Page_143">143</a>, <a href="#Page_146">146</a></td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td>Tar</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href="#Page_135">135</a>, <a href="#Page_138">138</a>, <a href="#Page_140">140</a>, <a href="#Page_158">158</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Teeth</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_3">3</a>, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>, <a href="#Page_116">116</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Terret-pad and belly-band</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_59">59</a>, <a href="#Page_61">61</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Tinctures, administration of</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_158">158</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Tips</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_83">83</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Thorough-pin</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_146">146</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Throat-lash or band</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_43">43</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Throat, sore</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_118">118</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Thrush</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href="#Page_131">131</a>, <a href="#Page_135">135</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Traces</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_57">57</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Training</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_28">28</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Travelling</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_36">36</a>, <a href="#Page_84">84</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Troop-horses</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_47">47</a>, <a href="#Page_50">50</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Trotting</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_34">34</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Turpentine</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_157">157</a>, <a href="#Page_158">158</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Twitch</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_75">75</a>, <a href="#Page_104">104</a></td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td>Unnerving</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_7">7</a>, <a href="#Page_134">134</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Urinary organs, diseases of</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_125">125</a>, <a href="#Page_127">127</a>, <a href="#Page_159">159</a></td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td>Ventilation</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_8">8</a>, <a href="#Page_18">18</a>, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>, <a href="#Page_109">109</a>, <a href="#Page_112">112</a>, <a href="#Page_115">115</a>, <a href="#Page_118">118</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Vice</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_84">84</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Vinegar</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_144">144</a>, <a href="#Page_158">158</a></td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td>Walking exercise</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_32">32</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Warranty</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_5">5</a>, <a href="#Page_7">7</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Water, externally</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_12">12</a>, <a href="#Page_136">136</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Water-dressing</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_160">160</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Water farcy</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_148">148</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Watering</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_25">25</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Wheels</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_73">73</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Whip</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_65">65</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Wind-galls</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_14">14</a>, <a href="#Page_143">143</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Wind-sucking</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_153">153</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Withers, sore</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_38">38</a>, <a href="#Page_151">151</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Work</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_33">33</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Worms</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_28">28</a>, <a href="#Page_124">124</a>, <a href="#Page_160">160</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Worm-powder</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_124">124</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Wounds</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_152">152</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Wrick or wrench</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_144">144</a></td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td>Yellows</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_125">125</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Young horses</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_94">94</a>, <a href="#Page_97">97</a></td> - </tr> - <tr class="new-letter"> - <td>Zinc, chloride of</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_158">158</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class="titlepage smaller">PRINTED BY WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS, EDINBURGH.</p> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's The Handy Horse-book, by Maurice Hartland Mahon - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HANDY HORSE-BOOK *** - -***** This file should be named 62993-h.htm or 62993-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/2/9/9/62993/ - -Produced by Julia Miller and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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