m

OR

t

® tt r n

BY

#

E.

JV. GOUGH.

1

M.EaS.P.C.A.

^H

^^^^^.:

H

^BL

X)P-V RIGHT.

•cc <x

^<^'^-S^ <:<«»: vcc'^«c: <— <3^

f ^ -

s: cc

' cc -

cc %^ <L<, f '

cc^ <r dc
cc; O CC^ *
.^-c <r Cc

^<< <Z <cc^^,
r'^C- crc <^

^^^ <r.c.. <:

<^ C <i

JOHNA.SEAVERNS

<:^ <i

« c? <
<r<3: <

c<r $

<a cc

ox cc

cc cc

cc cc

c €:? : <

; ^ <-

- Cc C' .

Cc c< ,^
<C C cr .

Cc- <"■ <•. .

re c

< C ^•- ' c;

'-S C' ■

Cc"-"C"- -

::i: c- '< -

«;. c:

<c. • _

s <^

<c,'^
<s: c

^j«:.

,,c Ct-' . ^.^c

iL ^-C'~ ^
. C <§.^ c. c vr-

Cr CO c^ >^ ^4f^ *^ <^'<

cc c

<2 C «

s:'C< <

11^ ^^^:

L<2 cc C c c
CCS .^ ^ ^ ^

^■<^ <r

-^■cc:'

<f cc

c re

< cd

cc cc:

• c ^- .

<CL^ C"

<CC'.C '<Z<

'^^^c c:

«c:c c

C fCC

«:: <c.

CiC <*::>■< c

-3X-' Cc .^f'..- C

<«^'ci :^,^,^

<QC4- ^- -

<-^.c.- <*._ .

^'C ^«CC Cd

c c c:

^c <^c<:>:

Ci c

^^ ^ <^ cc 'cc:c< cr

• «srvOQc: <?. - <xr ^'c <i.

.cc<:ciL^< OCX <.cc;

<3E?-^<: c:^::*- ■•
j<3Ca;c -^

• ^i x < << ■■< <r< < <;

8^5 < cc^<cL c c: <

.Ctv < <: d ■'€' <ii«£<S: v^ <

c <i^

^ ■CCC

<.'<• <g<c:: cc •

< 'X' Cc -fecr <.c <::«-^
-■ v'^ cx '«, <r" cc <:<

^ «^c -c^gv C^^ OC

•■" C3:. ><^^ cc
^ c;«L ^c*' cc

:'- c^;"v
--'■' oi c<!r
.1 c<r. Q -

c

<r ■ ^

<c c

. cc

' cc
_CC. ^«:^cr <^

<a or c <z

;i_ C^ «I3SL5C, '

-■c«; ^iC'^' c;<cC c<s.
^c<s-«r c c^l'd '

v<r: «1 C:«£rc^'

err «:-: c«C ccr

c c«c?vcjcr -ccc <

■ C c<a:C«CS^ ^ • "
C, vd.CiCe^ c c .

c cc&<3cr: c^c.

d<i; cw.:«c. ■iccrc'K v^c'C'-^ccci:?:: d^c
. <?<• cc <4Cc:c<sp r. ^- -c ' ''ccc^Ki- a. <:
: •••^ c «s^c:c^^<r: <t -olxs^ c<feC;

.c<z:- .<^;>^vC <e<(LCS£: cc^ .cd^xcciK;.:, c<c<:.

IIT?:"' «■'-.. 'ivc . .«c^&5C^cce' <;<;v, /'Cicccscatc:, cs-tx

^^ ' c c<jic «Lie^<3:C ^-^c- cac^<I<^: C^

Cdc ^ <^e <t^c cac <lCjc <c:<cci^_ c ^^i

:c<:v c^<s:ci= ccccc<:"^/'.':c -aie^jcc^ c^d<

c c c: c ' t^cr^iLC ccc<j^ci.<..fc; ■ «(:£Cic«®i. <^<r3<!

<i:^c c <^

-^> <: <5* r C.'C

<• Cc'c: C'c: (

C dC <5jC-- '

<: CC <rcc

c'- ■ crc <t:cc ^

C'- ■ cc- <x.;<'C
c cc <2:.cc

:^^ CC <2 Cd
C<- C< Cf cC

c. ... . Cc d cd '

L' CC <2' c

<<':: cc d c<i
d'-' cc CC' cd
<3::^ cC cc. C'^

z, cc cc: c

Z cc cc Cd

-die- cc cc C''-

d: ' cc cc- C. _.

<z.- cc cc c ^

cc cc C d.

<0 ^ <^c CC'd d

.- c cc cc* .c d

-CC cc CCCd d

'_;-c cc ccc-d, x:

-yccc cdr d <L

d: c crcd' d: Cj

dlvC ( CC^- d d<
dl>c ' CCC d d<?

:_sc': ccc <z d*
:i^c.. ccc.

':(' ccci ■ ■
T^" ccc

^■^ cc 'C

di^ Cd
dL oc c .
Vr cc

' cc:c_^; '
^d_<c:c;.c . d

dCd

dx CXZC-C^-.

oie^jccfd cdc

«C£CC«d c^CCC

cC

^<c

C <C
c d

c d

c_ c«:cc«CAC<ic-

<^c_<-<tx t:<<..->...(-c' ■ c:«;jr.ocr^<fi<^'
<X;. c ^C ^rrr^ • .'.. < C ■ <"Cc' c-C" C(;c«tC . :

d r^g?:.

c c dCCCC^v c C ^ ccLcc c cccc
d":c<E <rc<:<c r <Z c Cc?:cc ccs-S^

dr^rcccc cCc ccccccc<s:c

Ci d ccc CCc, c<?xc ■<J-'^^.

d'-d do- <z <:^< ccfcc c^.^'r^c
d^d'ccc-' <r dc ccccc c cc-

d:d:CCCCC d.C- <C cc C ;Cd^
<C^^'^*:<cc'-' <^'- «! <■- •<^c? c<i_ cc ■<<:■<:.

dcd c:Cc5 d ,dC <cc c C cd.
CC <CC«/C'd_< ccc C--Cd
CC <lCC C. Cicrc?: c. <X -Cd

cc ccic c,dc<rcc cc Cd.

GC ccc CcdCcCCC CC Cd. -
<LC cCdv C<s^' <e*«v ex cs-r
cC-V CCC c<dc.«^xt d- ^^

c^Gccc^ ccCi a-<; cc: <
ccccc ccdx^^ dc d
cc CCC,,,CCC^C.C ^c^

jizizy^. dC d

cc < <r cjs <3f; c «'^
= ' ccc dd'^<^' Cddvc. cjc:
r ccc<r <:.vc. j«;x -c-^cd'-
^cccc d : <3CCi;c ^C

<«^c«c

■ <aKCc-«:
<«Kcsc:
aircc«i

c CC-

cs < cc

C^-e_C_d

««KCid d<cd

«&c<ic cs7<;d

«e;.c«;. Cc c^

aCiCfiC Cs- CC

" T CCc <L<Z

•«2A.<r^ cc <

•^A.<r^ cc

<^ r< CC
<«5'd CC

CC/ C d.
CC •.

CCvd d

ccc 'c<l, O

dcc.cc *

C. '^C- CS-rC
• C>C ^«5C
C^ C cccc

dec ccc

^ CcCC -_
<: ^.c <fCiC^
d ccccc

CL-C C'-^cC ■ ,
C^C 0 'cC,

ccc^cd

C C cc.'tC

CC^ ZC^

C CC^: e^
C C.CCs cci
C c^ <§i cC_
1 cccc-cd
r c^ c. <sj c^
cc cc cd
CC cc^dd
cc cc Cd

CC cc c

" cc cc C
°^ Cc cc ^

cccc dd, _CC<C^'C^
ccc d d: cc CCr^d

Cd ccc- ' __ _,_.

dC CCcd^ CC cc<
<.'«^ ccc 'c<l, O:, Cc. CC.-
■ CC CCCC d d., _CC CC' '■

.cc cCC d

cc ddci-c <L_d_^ cc
-: « _c:^^c<

^ Ji^ ^^C< -•CrdCC^c

- *^ -icc^ d~d'. cdr<
-^<x< 'd.di' cdH'

c c^

o

^•*&*a

ll«<&Ck.C:

t t

4: ' '

'XENTAUR;'

OR

THE "TURN OUT,

) >

A Practical Treatise on the (Humane) Management of Horses, either

in Harness, Saddle, or Stable; with Hints respecting the

Harness-Room, Coach-Hotise, 6^r.

BY

E. W. GOUGH,

Member of the Royal Society for the Prevention of

Cruelty to Animals.

LONDON:

Hardwicke and Bogue, 192, Piccadilly.
18 7 8.

I (COPYRIGHT REGISTERED.) ^

■!*! ^— ^^— — — ^^^— ^-^-~^— ^^ •—■—^^—m^^^—m.^—^^.^—^^—^-^mm^^.m^.^mmm^^—^^ ■^.

((

CENTAUR."

" O Circe ! O mother of spite,
Speak the last of that curse and imprison me quite,
In the husk of a brute ; that no pity may name
The man that I was, that no kindred may claim —
The monster that hunters shun in their flight.
The men in their horror, the women in fright."

Printed by

Frederick Grew, Moor Street and Albert Street,

Birmingham.

:*-

•| i

»'%^«^^.-.

t t

THE ARGUMENT.

" A horse ! a horse ! ! a kingdom for a horse" ! ! !

In this, as in many other sentences of the great
dramatist, there is more philosophy than at first meets
the eye. No doubt if Richard when the tide of battle
turned against him at Bosworth Field, could have procured
such a steed as that which carried the renowned Dick
Turpin to York, he might, like Turpin, have effected his
flight to that city, and there, as he was highly esteemed, he
might not only have escaped from his adversary ; but
have raised such an army among his northern retainers,
by whom he was sincerely beloved, as would have turned
the tide of war in his favour ; but for want of a horse he
was overtaken and slain. No doubt the Egyptians, who
were the first to use the horse for military purposes, won
many of their tributary kingdoms by means of their
cavalry. The success of the Spaniards in Peru was in no
small degree owing to their cavalry, as the natives, who
thought the horse and his rider were one animal,* became
alarmed, and fled at the very sight of the cavalry. It is
therefore, no exaggeration to say that kingdoms have
been won and lost by means of the horse. King Robert
Bruce, through a little strategy and the fleetness of his
horse, escaped the machinations of the traitor Comyn, and
saved his life, and afterwards won the crown and kingdom
of Scotland. A friend of Bruce' s — who was residing at
the Court of Edward, King of England — ascertained
that a plot had been concocted to murder Bruce in his
castle at Lochmaben ; and fearing to send any written

* Centaur.

■*-——— : : : A-

.*—

communication, lest it should be intercepted, forwarded to
Bruce a pair of spurs and a purse of gold. Bruce knew
that the spurs meant flight, and the purse, means for his
journey ; but the ground was covered with snow, and if he
were to fly, the conspirators could easily trace him. He
however got the blacksmith to invert his horse's shoes, so
that by the prints of the horse's feet upon the snow, it
appeared Bruce had returned to his castle instead of
having just left it. The ruse succeeded admirably, and
Bruce escaped to Dumfries — a town about 8 miles from
his castle — where he met the chief conspirator and slew
him. At the Battle of Bannockburn, Bruce's horse
rendered him valuable service in several of the hand-to-
hand encounters in which he was on that day engaged.
Many instances are on record of monarchs and others
being saved through the swiftness, courage, or ingenuity
of the horse. Thus we are told, ist Book of Kings, 20th
chapter, and 20th verse — That "every one slew his man,
and the Syrians fled, and Israel pursued them, and
Ben-hadad, the King of Syria, escaped on an horse."

The horse has, from the time of the Egyptians to
the present day, been intimately associated with man in
all his undertakings ; a work, therefore which will treat
of "The Horse and its immediate surroundings" cannot
fail to be both interesting and useful, and such the
author trusts his work will prove.

4

t I

ADDRESS

TO

SIR CHAS. FOPvSTEPv, BART,, M,P.

My Dear Sir,

Walsall, your native town, being the great
emporium of Saddlery, where that, and the kindred trade
of Harness manufacturing, are carried on in all their
various departments, and everything used in connection
with the Horse, either for civil or military purposes, is
produced in the highest state of perfection ; and you
having for upwards of a quarter of a century been the
faithful representative of Walsall in Parliament, I know
of no one to whom this work could be more appropriately
dedicated, or one so deserving as yourself of this humble
tribute of respect.

The work, which aims at being a thoroughly practical
treatise on the Horse and its Rider, will be found to
contain such instructions as will, if strictly carried out,
enable those entrusted with the care of that most useful
and faithful companion of man — the Horse — to secure its
comfort, preserve its health, and prolong its usefulness.
Information will also be found in this work which will
enable parties requiring horses for business or pleasure to
select those best suited to the purpose for which they
are intended.

I f

t

t

Such a work may therefore be looked upon as an
effort to introduce a more rational and humane system of
treatment for that noble animal, and knowing that your
sympathies are sincerely with all movements having for
their object the amelioration of the condition of the human
subject, or that of the lower animals, I sincerely hope this
humble effort to secure better care for the horse, more
comfort and safety for those in charge, and greater satis-
faction to the owner, may meet with your approval.

Your humble and obedient Servant,

EDWARD W. GOUGH,

M.R.S.P.C.A.
May 1st, i8j8.

t t

H3KSP3KCTFULLY DKDXCATKD

TO

SIR CHARLES FORSTER, BART., M.P.,

BY

THE AUTHOR.

m

t ^ 1

.Vii «___^_»^_«— — — — ^— — ^— — — — — — — ^— ^— — — — — ^

ILLUSTRATIONS.

The Author.

Mutual Feeling.

The Cextauh.

Cloudlaxd.

Approach to the Author's Studio. (Park Hall House.)'

The Author's Studio. (Park Hall House.)

Screw Loose.

Anatomy of the Horse.

Fear and Surprise.

Ease and Comfort,

Pleasure and Action.

The Author's Centaur.

Bits, &c.

Teeth and Feet.

The Military Seat.

iHiMM^Bw ullMiW1in^—«>— »i Wiir iM^——» >-;;<■

i i

t t

ARTICLES.

Lines on the Centaur.

The Argument.

Address.

Introduction.

Preliminary Remarks.

The " Thorough Groom."

Selecting the Horse.

Classification of Horses.

Standard Measure and Principal Points of the Horse.

Rule for Judging the Age of the Horse.

Purchasing or Ordering the Harness.

Fitting the Harness.

To Attach the Horse to the Vehicle.

Driving.

Memos, not to be forgotten in connection with the Harness.

Unharnessing.

The A^ehicle.

Jibbing.

Riding ; Spurs.

The Stable and Stable Fittings.

Docking and Nicking.

Cart, Farm, and Pit Gears ; Shoeing and Roughing.

Effect of Music upon the Horse.

Natural Cleanliness op the Horse.

Wonderful Horses.

Wild Horses.

Horsey Phrases, Slang Terms, and Racy Remarks.

Horse Shows, and May Day Celebrations.

The Free Registry System.

Saddlers' Shops.

Hints and Receipts.

Varieties of the Horse.

Conclusion.

.;., — f-

i i

_.., 1*.>V1

i

fi '?-v«r-.

:\^:>\\.'Jy^

^\

1?j

1 /

h~

U-_

/

-,^p^».

(i c

t-ii^---' -"l*^

U "^

:. A'

,*Sbv<'>*>i«.-#

y/^ -^-£^

fiARK-HALL -House.)

G->>f /? n . ''y^-i>^^- IJ

^Itl .. _

INTRODUCTION.

" To advise and not dictate."

In obedience to the urgent wishes of my numerous
patrons and friends, I have the pleasure of submitting,
in Boolv Form, that system of treatment relative to
the care of the Horse and its belonsfinofs — which I have
throughout my life's experience and engagements, (at
home and abroad,) in connection with my business always
practised and upheld ; and which system, when given
verbally, has met with such general appreciation.

Dating, as I have the honour to do, from a most
important midland town, indeed I may say the very seat
of the harness trade and every article connected with my
subject, it will not I trust be considered egotistical if I
pride myself in being the proprietor and founder of
the principal General Saddlery Manufactory in that
town, and venture to put before my readers a
" Great Want," in the shape of advices and suggestions
to those about to set up a " Turn out," which, may be
applied to useful account in many cases by those already
in possession of that necessity or luxur}' as the case
may be.

The author's belief is, that the contents of this book will
be appreciated by all interested in the Horse, emanating as
they do, from one who Is, and has been from his youth,

\

I T

.w,

■In-

directly connected with the subject in hand, and whose
sole object is, and whose wish and ambition has always
been, to alleviate the risks and labours of the horse
owners, and the too frequent administration of un-
necessary punishment to the noblest of animals, and
man's universal favourite.

At the same time the writer is fully conscious of the
fact that the ground has been frequently trodden before,
but he has never found the one real ivant, namely, a little
less Theoretical, and a little more Practical writing upon
this very important subject.*

In the work undertaken I shall endeavour to
place before my readers, ideas and experiences, in " plain,
simple, and unvarnished language," being fully confident
of the sfood-will and indulorence which will be shown
towards me in this my first " Turn Out!'

I am.

Your obedient Servant,

E. W. GOUGH, M.R.s.p.c.A.

PARK HALL HOUSE,

WALSALL, 1878.

* It is said that the practical man cannot be a literary man. Should this
apply somewhat to the present publication, the Author will rejoice, providing his
aim is attained, namely, more thoughtful care for, and less inattention to, the
Horse and its surroundings.

t t

PRELIMINARY REMARKS.

"Knowledge is the wing, &c."

In this pushing and go-a-head age the ambition to
possess a " turn out " is very great, and, when attained,
the frequent crying evil is want of system and method,
and more particularly, kindness and patience in the care
and treatment of the principal comprising it, namely, the
Horse. A thorough knowledge of that noble animal's
real use will prevent it from being abused, as it very
often is, and tend to gain its confidence and obedience.

It is a well-known and acknowledged fact amons^st
experienced owners, stud grooms, and coachmen generally,
that a quicker and more marked improvement is made in
the condition and general health and temper of the
Horse, and more work can be got out of it with kindly
and judicious treatment, than by carelessness and bustling.

Corn without consideration is nothing, and it is a
grievous truth that many whose business commands the
constant use of the Horse, and have, more or less, from
their early days been in possession of one, are generally
more careless, and exhibit greater ignorance, than others
whose experience is more limited; and, it is often found
that great want of thought and persistence is shewn by

t t

some proprietors towards those whom they employ, and
whose duty it is to care for the steeds — intrusting them
sometimes to totally inexperienced persons, not only in
the stable and the field, but in the public thoroughfare,
thus endangering the lives of the horse and driver, and
the public generally.

If owners, however small the stud, would be more
careful and strict, or systematic, in seeing for themselves
that their " turn out " is not neglected or abused, and if
drivers would exercise more patience, adapting themselves
steadily to circumstances, and displaying less disposition
to flourish, particularly in towns and crowded thorough-
fares, with restive animals, the general risks would be
greatly if not altogether diminished, and less work
would be found for the police and members of the
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.*
Experience frequently tells us that the Horse is often
illtreated, illcared for, and abused, when kindness,
moderate attention, and thoughtful consideration should
be given. The whip is Introduced where a kind word or
gentle pat on the neck would be effective ; a curse is used
where the simple mention of the horse's name would be
sufficient ; filth and dirt are allowed to accumulate where
cleanliness is absolutely necessary ; ventilation is grossly
neglected ; bad grooming, irregular feeding. Impure water,
and many other things from which the Horse suffers are

» The Author is a Member of the Royal Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals.

t t

the result of carelessness and want of thought, as a rule,
but in some instances they are wilfully practised.

With respect to the harness and vehicle, they are
repeatedly neglected, and allowed to suffer from dirt,
want of oil and regular cleaning, entailing expense and
dissatisfaction which might be avoided.

In this little work the writer does not purpose giving
an elaborate display of high flowing terms, but will simply
adhere to plain language — not intended for owners of
large establishments, — although a few useful hints may
be slathered to advantaofe. Neither would he en-
croach upon the sphere of the "vet.," farrier, or breaker,
knowing at the same time that they would understand
the real purport and meaning of his remarks, in
putting before those immediately concerned, in plain
English, without the least effort at embellishment,
but in a few condensed articles explain the simple
system that should be laid down by all owners, whether
they set up a temporary or permanent turn out. The
author's experiences are those of a life time, both at home
and in foreign countries— under ground and upon the
surface — and he feels fully confident that any suggestions
he may be able to give for the general good will be looked
upon in the usual appreciative light, and every indulgence
given for oversights or technical errors that may arise,
whether it be on the part of the author, or otherwise.

••^. I :■?.■

I

i ^ ^ 1.

THE -THOROUGH GROOM.'

"Achievement is command."
The " Thorough Groom " is the man that takes a
pride in his charge, and that alone is the test, whether it
be the paid servant or the owner of the horse ; for it is
equally important that the master should do his duty,
when he undertakes it, as the man. The business of
horse-keeping must not be skimmed over by the employer
or employees. Care must be taken not to be prompted
to adopt all the complicated and expensive experiments
that are frequently suggested, and which in many cases
do not mean economy or improvement, but anxiety, and
reduction in the market value of the horse.

Is it not a real pleasure to see the very easy and
systematic manner in which the thoughtful and cheerful
groom goes about his work, and the perfect understanding
that exists between man and horse .^ Mutual feeling
is brought about by nothing else but regular habits
on the part of the groom— doing everything in the
right way and at the proper time — no noise, no irritation,
but constant rule and steady firmness makes the obedient
and thrivins: horse.

If the inexperienced owner cannot or does not care
to avail himself of the services of a thoroughly practical
groom, he should pay an occasional visit to some of the
good studs in his locality, where he will always find
an example, and frequently advice will be given which
will tend greatly to aid him in the amateur regulations of
his own stable, and make that which has previously been
a toil, a healthy pleasure.

i

\

t

.VI,--

t

The writer's business engagements frequently call
him into the mines, and it is always a very pleasurable
sio-ht to see the wonderful control exercised over the
strone, well-corned animals there to be found from year's
end to year's end, and which so seldom see day-light that
they become restive at the appearance of strangers.
The amount of work these horses are capable of doing, and
the condition in which they are invariably kept, is a
striking example to many above ground, especially when
it is considered that they are principally controlled by
mere lads. Of course there are properly qualified persons
appointed to superintend the horses, and look after their
health, &c., and, it must be admitted that their general
appearance reflects great credit upon those concerned, and
speaks volumes in favour of the systems adopted under-
ofround.

The Stables in connection with the Cannock Chase
Colliery Company's Mines, and many others in that
district, would surprise most persons accustomed to horses
and stable routine on the surface. Down the one
mine alone the writer has seen as many as 150 horses — all
fat and happy — seemingly far more contented than many
to be seen in our streets, which alone is the result of the
excellent rules laid down by the managers, and adhered to
by the horse-keepers. Everything calculated to contribute
to the comfort and safety, or in other words, for the
welfare of all concerned below is well considered, special
attention is given to gas lighting, whitewashing, and
ventilation.

The dray horses of the Midland Railway Company
are particularly noticeable for their cleanliness and good
condition. Regular attention appears to be paid to the
harness — it being always kept thoroughly sound. The
contented manner in which the horses stand in the public
streets (in all weathers), for loading and unloading, and

-•*.-

4

.J: — «-

without winkers* in the bridles; and the frequent con-
versation and even caresses that at times may be seen
passing between man and horse, is a pleasing and in-
structive example to the generality of carters.

A good system is adopted by Messrs. Allsopp & Sons,
the eminent brewers of Burton-on-Trent, towards their
horses, which, like others belonging to several noted firms
in that locality, and in Liverpool, that might be mentioned,
afford ample proof of what horses can be made to learn
and do with proper treatment.

The " thorough groom " should by all means be a
punctual early riser, and strive by cleanliness, straight-
forwardness, smartness, and truthfulness, to gain and
maintain the confidence of his employer ; and by kindness
and steady firmness he will easily obtain control over, and
continued obedience from, the animal under his care.

It is a well known fact that comparatively young
horses have been reduced nearly to the decrepitude of
old ao-e by the barbarous treatment and ill-care of those
who are considered and looked upon as their zealous
protectors.

How often have we seen (and do we see) the over-
loaded animals staggering and struggling along, to all
appearance more dead than alive ; with limbs bowed, the
feet neglected, battered, and distorted; its under lip fallen;
the cavity above the eye deepened, and numerous other
signs of premature decay which are brought on by abuse
and neelieence alone, and all of which can be, and are
warded off by the care, kindness, and genuine attention
of the " thorough groom."

* In some parts they are called blinkers.

•A

i B I

t ] t

SELECTING THE HORSE.

" Let your wisdom be your guide."

In choosing your steed it is as well to remember the
genuine old saying — that a good horse Is never a bad
colour — but in setting up the first " Turn Out " there are
often many difficulties to surmount in this respect, it being
the wish or desire on the part of the purchaser, or those
of his family or friends whom he may consult, that the
horse s/ia// be some particular colour ; and the height, age,
make, and price is carefully laid down ; in fact the under-
taking is gone into with such apparent nicety, and made
of so serious a moment that these complications are ulti-
mately determined upon, and thereby it almost becomes an
absolute necessity that the speculator shall be measured for
his wants, e're he can be (to use the old trade term)
carefully or successfully fitted. Newspapers are frequently
looked over with the object of meeting with some
advertisement of an animal calculated to answer the exact
purpose, and after considerable searching, a horse is found
that will probably suit in every respect, and a journey is
made for the special purpose of purchasing. On arriving
at the address given, it is invariably discovered that an
omission has been made in the notice, viz., that the horse
has been down ; or, is aged ; perhaps too young ; a mere
baby — and like a cub bear — has all its troubles before it; or,
has once run away; is a kicker ; crib biter ; not quiet in
harness, or with children ; is given to shying ; requires a
lot of whip, or is vicious tempered ; in fact, the probability
of numerous faults or shortcomings are likely to be found,
unless the would-be purchaser has had some previous cor-

'T' .<.

■| ^.'

^ \

t t

respondence with the advertiser before waiting upon him.
The excuse, then, to get out of the business is invariably
the price, or some sort of unsatisfactory termination is
invented on one side or the other for the purpose of closing
the matter, which having incurred expense and loss of time,
means double preliminary cost. The writer's advice is,
should the purchaser be inexperienced in horses, prejudice
as to colour, and other little trivialities must be altoeether
abandoned ; and if on confidential enquiries having been
made, the desired speciality cannot be found or heard of
among one's friends, a respectable, well-known, old
established horse dealer should be consulted, who
will soon learn your wants (and the wishes of your
friends, if such are interested), and prompt satisfaction
will thus be ensured, and the special benefit of the option
of exchanging the horse after reasonable time has elapsed,
thus saving considerable anxiety, besides risk and
responsibility.

If a friend supplies the animal, the offer of a trial
should by all means be taken immediate advantage of — the
ribbons being handled by the purchaser (if he can drive)
in the presence of the seller. Back money, and other
horsey phrases should never be mentioned in commencing
the deal.

Special care must be taken by the inexperienced in
buying at Fairs or Public Markets. The saying must be
remembered that — " They can see you coming." A queer
sort of gentry are known to exist by being on the " look
out," and are never to be found after the bargain is
concluded. Money makes the mare to go, but it is often the
case in spending money too conspicuously, that the only
goer in the business is the seller ; and the rule is for the
inexperienced horse buyer never to visit an auction alone,
which advice the writer has heard from the lips of an old

standing conscientious auctioneer.

■a-

i

t t

Under any circumstances if the horse is required for
immediate work do not buy a young one ; and it must be
remembered that if the animal must grow into money, it is
absolutely necessary to keep clear of an aged one. If the
horse has once been down, or fallen upon its knees whilst
being driven, it is very likely to come down again ; and
the same rule applies to its running away, or what is
commonly known as bolting. Shying is not a very
serious matter in the hands of an experienced whip. In
any case, if the purchase be an high priced one, a
veterinary inspection is necessary, and a warranty, the
general rule. *

Should the seller shew an extreme anxiety to hurry
the sale, or display the slightest irritability or impatience
at the purchaser's enquiries, examinations, &c., the business
with him is better concluded at once, and the horse left in
his possession ; forcing the sale, by the aid of displays of
temper and sometimes insult, is an evident sign that "all is
not right above board." In selecting your horse, the first
consideration should be the class or character of work
intended for it to do ; the size, make and proportion of the
horse should be at all times in exact harmony with the
weight expected to be moved with ease. As regards the
colour, dark horses are mostly preferred ; light coloured
horses are generally, it is said, more weak and nervous
tempered ; mares are not, as a rule, selected or chosen on
account of their being at times of uncertain disposition,
but the writer has no choice in that particular respect,
having as much affection for, and confidence in, the mare
as the horse.

Piebald or skuebald horses are not in much demand
excepting for public exhibitions, &c., because of their
conspicuous colour.

•i. — A-

t

t

■■*■

It is at all times advisable, particularly if the
purchase be an high priced one, to hand the steed
over to a breaker for the first drive or so, as may be
deemed necessary, which precaution alone will be calculated
to save a multitude of after discoveries, risks, and in-
conveniences, and give confidence to the speculator, and a
better appreciation of the value. At the same time it will
not be considered out of place for all concerned to
endeavour to endorse the Shakesperian line, viz : —

" Truth loves open dealing."

i

t t

CLASSIFICATION OF HORSES.

"A Horse I A horse ! ! My kingdom for a horse."

The Colt. — The male under 3 years old.

The Filly. — The female under 3 years old.

The S*hetland Pony. — Is the smallest, and comes from
the highlands of Scotland.

The Welsh Pony. — -Larofer than the Shetland.

The Norwegian Pony. — Larger than the Welsh Pony,
and commands heavier prices, being very hand-
some and docile.

The Pony. — Is less than thirteen hands.

The Galloway. — Is about thirteen hands, and named
after Galloway, in Scotland.

The Cob. — Is stoutly built, between the horse and the
pony.

The Hackney. — Is about fifteen hands, useful for almost
every purpose, the hunting field, the farm, and
private turn out — in fact, is the farmer's servant
of all work.

The Draught Horse, or Cart Horse. — Averages six-
teen hands.

The Dray Horse. — Is the heaviest and most ponderous
of his race, being intended for slow heavy work ;
— weight is the principal feature in the breeding
of these useful animals. Lastly —

The Blood Horse, or Thorough Bred. — Of which
nothing need be said, more than it is per-
fection, and as beautiful as a picture.

"Pleasure and action make the hours seem short."

'I t

^

^

Jo

^

^
^

«

8

Si

^ ^ § ^^ ^ ^

C\, -V) f\,

>•

Q
O
00

UJ

X

I-

?^. -s

c< (^ ^ cq ^

f\) tv^ >f. Ir^ VQ
tVs r*-^ r>-\ r>^ ri-j

I-
<

D.

Q

Z

I
UJ

I
I-

^

3

^1

l^ ^ ex O S C\) Crj >-). lr^

LU

I
I-

«; c e; N

E^ ^ ^ 0 0^

^

^

t t

•ye. '^m

STANDARD MEASURE, AND PRINCIPAL
POINTS OF THE HORSE.

A " Hand " is 4in. from the sole of the foot to the
top of the withers, by which standard all horses are
measured.

The principal points of the horse are : —

The Chest,
The Back,

The Shoulder,

The Arm,

The Knee,
The Teeth,
The Foot,
The Eye.

■* — — :*;-

4 c I

t

t

t

RULE FOR JUDGING THE AGE OF

THE HORSE.

"Corruption wins not more than Honesty."

To form something like a correct idea of the age of
the horse, and at the same time to test the veracity of the
salesman, it is usual to first ask the question — How old is
it ? then to look for yourself, not only at the mouth, but
the eyes, and the legs, and in fact, to carefully scrutinize
and examine the animal all over ; at the same time asking
the owner a few questioiis as to its health, habits,
capabilities, &c. Many an aged horse has been doctored,
or to use the term, " faqued up," and palmed off upon
the unwary or over-anxious buyer, who has set his mind
upon that particular steed, for a younger one; and it is not
unusual for a young horse, shewing a good mouth, to
prove dull, heavy, and sluggish, after a little regular work,
and to wear a languid and listless aspect, which results in
frequent overdoses of the whip, freely and constantly
administered to the poor animal that has been worked
too early in life, neglected and badly cared for both in the
stable and out of doors. It is an easy matter in purchasing
a useful aged horse, to determine whether it has been
over-worked or systematically physic'd. Some owners do
not consider a horse equal to a fair day's work until it is
five years old, and that it does not gain its full power of
strength until it arrives at seven ; — and the universal system
is, never, under any circumstances to give a young horse a
full load.

The simple rule for telling the age is by examining
the teeth. There are six permanent nippers or front

■"■*'' ■ ^\-

t

t

teeth in the lower jaw ; the two front teeth are understood
to be cut at ages varying from two to three years, and the
teeth each side the middle ones from three and a half to
four years. Between four and a half and five years
introduces the corner pair and the male tusks. The horse
is known as aged at eight, when the marks in the corner
nippers are effaced. They are worn out at six in the two
centre teeth, and at seven in the next pair.

Horses have been known to live for thirty and forty
years, but, from over-exertion and ill-usage frequently die,
or are slaughtered, before they reach ten.

— :•*;— f

*

,t I.

PURCHASING OR ORDERING THE

HARNESS.

" Knavery's plain face is never seen till used."
The first question to consider in reference to the
harness before you purchase or order is, the kind of
vehicle to be used, if a heavy or Hght one, or whether it
is to be a gig, dog cart, or four-wheeler. For a gig the
harness should be made up to have a light appearance —
an imperial pad with straight flaps, square furniture, and
winkers looks and wears well, in both silver and brass
furniture. Where practicable the horse may be used
without winkers. If the business requires a dog-cart or
trap, the harness should be somewhat heavier, with an
Alexandra or other saddle, at discretion. Should a four-
wheeler or phaeton be decided upon, the saddle is not
required to be heavy, the only weight to carry being the
shafts, but a breech-band, (either a long or short one), is
absolutely necessary. Many persons in setting up their
first "Turn Out" decide upon having a second-hand set of
harness, which system of drawing the line at the harness,
after going to the expense of a good horse and new
vehicle, requires second consideration, and the harness,
before purchasing, a most minute examination. At first
sight it may be clean, and to all appearance sound ; but
when we consider the fact that the simple breaking of the
top hame strap, or the ends of the traces, or billetts of the
reins, may result in the death of a valuable steed, the
total wreck of a handsome vehicle, or perhaps, per-
manent injury to the driver and occupants, besides
numerous public risks, it is absolutely necessary that the

X \

t t

■*•

harness should have as much, if not more, consideration
than the remainder or most expensive part of the " Turn
Out," particularly as we are aware of the fact that the
welfare of the whole lot depends entirely upon the sound-
ness of the merest strap, which it is an easy matter to
overlook in purchasing a second-hand, or cheap, common-
made new set.

The writer's interestedness in his business has caused
him to be many times amused and surprised while reading
the very tempting baits advertised in the daily papers,
emanating from persons whose original trade or profession
has nothing whatever to do with the article they profess to
laud up ; and whose clever endeavour it is to force upon
the public common goods, totally disregarding the business
man's pride in legitimate trading. Here is an advertise-
ment, emanating from a large manufacturing town, which
the writer read four days in succession, and ultimately
followed up to the end : — " Extraordinary bargains —
50 Sets of Silver Harness, Complete — all sizes — best
quality — to be sold cheap — No reasonable offer refused
as the lot must be cleared out immediately, the manufacturer
wanting money."

The writer went by the first train, on reading
the above, to prove the genuineness of the number of
sets advertised, having an idea that the extraordinary
bargain existed only in the fertile brain of the puffing
shark (as these worse than Cheap Johns are called) who
put forth the bait; and so it proved to be. On arriving at
the shop, he was surprised to find nothing in the
window or premises, as far as could be seen from the
street, appertaining to harness ; or that the proprietor
had anything to do with, or knowledge of, the goods he
professed to deal in so plentifully, and sell so cheap.
Certainly, the entrance was plastered up with catalogues.

t t

which seemed to have done good service, being much
soiled, their details appearing to be manufactured for the
express purpose of standing for a considerable time.
The writer entered the establishment ; then the business
began between the principal and assistant, in certain side
glances at the visitor, and undertones between themselves,
(which is easily detected by the intruder;) their anxiety
being to determine without delay whether they had
secured a C. C. or O. T.— which means a " Caught
Customer " or " One of the Trade," viz : — a harness
manufacturer. Had they have decided him to be an O.T.,
then the visitor, by virtue of their suspicions of his superior
knowledge of that special article, would have been told
that all was cleared out about an hour ago by a firm in
town ; but thanks to the disguise assumed, the writer was
ushered into — f/ie cellar or under orround stock-room —
which seemed more like a lumber-hole — and the g-as
being turned on, to see — not fifty sets, but a hundred and
fifty oddments, (not altogether confined to the Saddlery
trade,) — including broken boxes, old and rusty hames,
second-hand gears, cheap pilches and ladies' saddles, any
amount of damaged cart collars, all smothered with dirt,
and the first invitation was said in a light and happy
tone; — "Buy the lot! Clear me out!!" — but on being
asked for a view of the fifty sets, the expression of the
man (whom, being the seller, we will call Mr. S.) was
altered, and a more patronising and whining or
whimpering voice was assumed, the excuse being that his
assistant had made a mistake in advertising ; the number
should have been five instead of fifty, four of which he
had just disposed of, at the same time opening a rough
box which contained the only complete set upon the
premises. On wishing or preferring to see it out of the
box, the writer was told that if he had any knowledge of
his requirements he could tell at a glance as the harness

-ij,;.

:*■

i i

t t

lay, and save the trouble of unpacking. The fact is, the
business of the seller is not to expose the miserable make
and light and flimsy manner in which it has been
specially put together for him. Such leather is known
by the trade as "goose hide, or tripe." In reply to the
query as to the furniture, the answer was Silver on
German, meaning the one Buckle only — that the seller
had just placed his finger upon — which was the Crupper
Buckle and fixed there for that special and evasive purpose.
The fact is, the furniture was iron, and in a very short time
would have shewn quite black, as soon as the thin coating
of silver had blown off. And it must be remembered that
this man's dealings are never done in the presence of a third
party. The price commenced at nine guineas, and in about
four minutes came down to five pounds, without
solicitation, such being the usual Cheap John system of
saving time. On giving the horse's size as sixteen hands,
the reply was that the harness would fit like a glove, and
as true and easy as though it had been measured for,
which augurs well for his judgment when he tells you
the size of the collar belonoinof the set to be eio;hteen and
half inches, and the fact is considered that the average
lenofth of collars for horses above fifteen hands is from
twenty to twenty-one inches.

The harness is declined ; then the visitor saw the
"being" before him in his true colours, and was addressed
in numerous insulting expressions, such as he did not
mean business when he came ; — if the money is not avail,
able he could be accommodated, either with f/m^ or anything
else, — and the sooner he was off his premises the better.
This being the way many unbusiness-like touts get their
living; which makes it the more surprising when we con-
sider the fact that the legitimate tradesman never insults
his customers under any circumstances.

f i

t t

But the writer was not to be wiped out by the mean
manner and contemptible language of the man so anxious
to rid himself of his unprofitable visitor, and in retaliating,
elevated a small black thorn walking stick, appearing to
rub his nasal oro-an with the same, and addressed

t>

Mr. S. as follows

"Yes! Mr. 'Bad Leather Merchant', no doubt you
are quite right in all you say ; I may have some difficulty
in finding the money for the purpose of encouraging your
system of robbery, but, considering the fact that I have
made a special journey here this morning, at cost and
inconvenience, to see your extraordinary bargain of
harness, with a view to purchase, it will not be in harmony
with my regular way of doing business to return satisfied
with the sight of one set and a job lot of rubbish, spiced
with your low language ; it is my purpose ere I leave this
establishment to demand an immediate apology and all
expenses incurred by your inducements."

Seeing the firm stand taken by his visitor, and
thinking perhaps that discretion would prove better than
exposure, the half-cowed man at once handed over the
sum of one guinea, with a super-abundance of regrets and
explanations.

But suppose, for the sake of argument, we say that
we are duped by this harness seller, and bring the set
home — with what result ? to find the collar altoeether too
small. You write the same eveninor to the advertiser askincr
an exchange. Does he agree to it or offer to satisfy you
in any way ? Certainly not ! that is no part of his
business ; the matter is done with as far as he is concerned
and off his hands ; the prevailing idea with him is to look
out for another "mark." Your only remedy then is to order
a collar from your saddler. It is made and fitted

-.*.•

D i

t

satisfactorily, but alas ! to find the hames far too small, in
fact, they will not touch the proper sized collar, therefore
your journey is again deferred with your new ''Turn Out,"
and the result is — you order a complete set at the hands of
the practical man, who is always willing to exchange any
part of the harness within a reasonable time in case of misfit
or alteration in the buyer's ideas or tastes, being fully
aware of the trade rule — that in adapting a set of harness
it is not only a matter of fitting the animal's back, but the
eye of the purchaser.

And it must be remembered that the whole and sole
business of the cheap advertiser is to sell at any price,
totally regardless of risk to human life, or satisfaction to
the customer, their entire plot seeming to endorse the
old saying —

" My son, get money, honestly if you can, but, — get money."

-;*■

i I

t t

4- ^ A-

FITTING THE HARNESS.

" How poor are they that have not patience."
In fixing the harness upon the horse it is necessary
that all the parts comprising the set should be
a close fit, but at the same time everything must be
eas)% or to use an old term — so that the hand can be
placed between. The only item of the set that should
be really pulled tight is the top hame strap, because the
fit and form of the collar depends upon the exact manner
in which the hames are attached and retained. In
harnessing the horse the first part to commence with
is the Saddle, and its immediate belongings. The
crupper and breech-band should be placed (not thrown)
carefully across the back, and left loose until the crupper
dock is put in position, which is done by doubling the tail
under, and keeping the same held up until the dock is
fixed close, zvitJiout leaving any hairs between, the whole ol
which is done by standing up near to the horse's side,
with the operator's back towards its head, which will
prevent the horse doing any injury; and the quicker and
quieter this part of the business is performed the better,
as the Americans say — " Hurry up ! fix it clean, and
right away."

The Crupper-Dock should always be a good sub-
stance, or thickness, and must not be made too hard, it is
then considerably easier for the horse than a thin one, and
will cause the tail to be carried more showily. There is
some art on the part of the harness maker in properly shap-
ing the dock ; which is invariably stuffed with paper ; but

\ \

t

linseed is preferable, being of an oily and softening nature,
and permanent. Candles have been used, hence the
term — "a candle dock." When the saddle is drawn up
and placed properly upon the back, the attention should
be directed to the pannel stuffing, the thickness of which
is reduced after a few journeys in a new saddle ; and it
should never be allowed to come down thin enough for
the tree to touch the horse in an old saddle. Occasional
back-stuffing or examination at the hands of the manu-
facturer is advisable, particularly in worn saddles ; and
the wool should be renewed by taking out the old and
knotty parts, caused by perspiration, or re-lined when
necessary.

The Girth should be buckled close but not tight, and
the end of the girth strap run through the three loops in
the girth body, which rule as regards the straps applies
to sets of all kinds. Nothing looks more untidy than a
lot of strapping ends hanging and flapping about, (to wit —
the ends of the traces, if too long) besides being irritating
to the horse. The belly-band, which is part of the back-
band, should not be buckled until the vehicle is attached.
The saddle must never be pressed too forward, because it
naturally works in that direction. It is easily and nicely
adjusted by loosing out or taking up the crupper strap.

The Collar should now be put on the horse
after turning his head from the mangfer towards the door.
In new collars it is often necessary to open or widen them
a little across the part that is to pass over the eyes, which
should be done with the knee, and not by placing the collar
upon a post, or hook — in fact, the writer has seen the
handiest nail turned to account for that purpose, which
not only scratches and damages the collar, too much
pulling is calculated to put it out of shape, which, if once
broken at the throat, will never recover its original firmness.

-^- , . :

4. 4

t t

Before putting- the collar on, it should be formally
shewn to the horse, and a little conversation introduced,
including" the mention of the animal's name, and a few
pats upon the neck, or (to use a military term) — to make
"much of him," particularly if a young horse; which is done
in less time than it takes to write it, and thereby does
not mean losing time, but time saving. By such little
attentions the helo and assistance of the horse is beine
asked, (the result of which is very noticeable in well
regulated stables,) and is never refused by a horse
that has been properly appealed to. For putting the
Collar on the neck, it is first turned upside down, with the
wale or rim towards the fitter, and when it is close to the
eyes of the horse it should never be pushed up iviih a rush
or series of sudden jerks towards the ears, for under such
circumstances it invariably happens that the head of the
horse goes with the pressure and not against it, thus losing
both power and time. The usual practice is that a gentle
twist be brought to bear with both the hands each side
the draught of the collar, and the housing pressed some-
what under towards the neck, and with the corresponding-
help of the horse, the collar is easily and quietly passed
beyond the ears. It should then be immediately turned
over into its proper position, (housing up) being reversed
the way of the mane, and at once carried down to the
shoulders.* The old-fashioned way of fixing the hames
upon the collar while it is close to the ears at the top of the
neck, and before it is reversed is very reprehensible,
being tiring and irritating both to man and horse, and
causes an extra amount of operating in front of the animal
than is necessary, and likewise adds materially to the
weight, encumbrance, and risk incurred in throwing the
collar, hames, and traces round the animal's neck.

* This of course will be understood to apply only to horses that do not necessitate

an open topped collar.

•A'

\ I

t ^t

■:^: ■■ — — — .^..

Before putting the Hames on, it is important to know
that they fit the collar exactly, in fact, the writer as a rule
makes it a special point to have them fitted in form to the
identical collar dy tlic Jianic maker, thus preventing any
fear of their slipping off in wear. That the hames
should never move or spring from the position in which
they are placed, is a matter of serious moment, — hence
the importance of sound straps. The hames must not be
too long or too short, in fact, make-shift, cannot com-
patible with safety, be applied to this portion of the
harness under any circumstances. In nicely and promptly
fixing the hames it is necessary to buckle them lightly to
the collar for the time, during the process of running the
hands round them to see that they are properly adjusted;
after which the top strap is pulled up as close or tight as
possible. The form of the collar should be carefully
studied by the saddler, for each particular animal. It is a
saying — that " Horses necks vary like Human faces," — and
it is well-known that the collar is the most important part
of the whole harness, as regards comfort to the horse ;
whether it be used with Four-in-hand, Pair horse, Tandem,
Gig, Dog-Cart, Phaeton, Trap, Buggy, Stage, Waggon,
Dray, Cart, Pit, or Plough ; and the whole of the before-
mentioned and following remarks and comments, are
applicable in either case. Some horses require a very
narrow collar, which must be made so, and not adapted;
some are wide at the bottom and straight at the top, others
the reverse. Collars have been manufactured by the
author, and are still in wear, absolutely odd-sided, and no
other form would answer, (for the horse they were made)
a single journey ; but most collars more or less require to
be full in the draught, and made perfectly true. Some
horses, on account of their extreme width across the head,
(or eyes) necessitate an open topped collar, which is never
advisable when it can in any way be dispensed with, the

t t

constant and wide opening in putting on and taking off
causing the straw at the throat of the collar to break, and
thus the firmness, (so necessary in the build of the collar)
is lost, and oftimes the top-strap is left comparatively
slack or loose by the fitter. The writer is in favor of a
light top, a light throat, good draught body-side, and
plenty of wool under the lining ; and thinks the American
collars perfection, and the harness and general teams a
real luxury to sit behind ; at the same time that class and
make of harness would not suit the English roads for
hard wear.

For the inexperienced to measure a horse for a collar,
and to describe the want and form required, is a matter of
no particular difficulty. If an old collar is at hand, that can
easily be tried on to judge by, and a piece of stick, string,
or tape cut to show the length. But the proper way to
measure a horse's neck is with a 24-in. rule, from the near
(or left) side, w^ith the right finger along the end of the
rule, and the left finger across the flat, to form a stop at
top and bottom of the horse's neck ; the left finger will
shew the length required. The distance or measurement
is taken from the throat or left hand end of the rule,
which is pressed down close to the shoulder. If a piped
collar is necessary, one inch extra should be allowed ; and
if a full or spare neck, or there is any peculiarity, instructions
can be easily given. Should a little alteration, or even
exchange, be desirable, after a reasonable trial, the prompt
and accomodating manufacturer will not hesitate to do so.

It is the author's opinion that if piped collars were
generally adopted, they could not, and would not be out
of place.

Breast-Collars are never in much demand, and
they are not as a rule considered any improvement to the

1' f

general appearance of the " Turn Out." The same
argument appHes to rush collars, but they possess the
advantage of. being handy, light, and non-chafing, and, if
well fitted and properly leathered for the hame-draft, rein-
ring, and top-strap, they will wear a long time, besides being
readily {and with little cost and risk) cut, altered, or eased
for sore necks, as circumstances may require. Some collars
are made without housings, the side pieces of which are all
in one— running right round the collar, and being as a rule
manufactured of the best quality— have a very neat and
light appearance. These are called broad topped or
London collars. The stage and van collars are frequently
used now of the same form and make, but of course
considerably heavier, and answer the purpose equally as
well as with the unsightly housing on the top. If a collar
should be too large, a false collar, or shell, can be adapted,
which, in case of sore necks, are very useful ; they can be
made either of solid leather, or double basil, stuffed with
wool and quilted throughout.

The Bridle is the most complicated of the whole
harness, being no other than an ingenious, mechanical
contrivance, or number of straps and bands put together
for the purpose of carrying the bit safely and securely in
the horse's mouth, and for no other purpose was it
invented ; therefore, in fixing the head-strap, front, throat-
band, winker straps, (if any) and noseband, the bit must
not be lost sight of.

In taking up or loosing out the cheek-billetis, the
position, bearing, and action of the bit is materially
altered, and the horse's temper considerably affected.
The throat-baud should never be buckled tight, but just
as safety (in keeping the bridle in its proper position)
demands. It is possible for ih.Q /ro?it to be a quarter of
an inch too short, which oversight will cause the head-strap

i

t I

to press against the ears, pulling them forward, and so
allow the ivinkers to drop, adding considerably to the risk
of the horse slipping the bridle, particularly if it be given
to throwing its head about. Where winkers are used
they should carry or hang exactly opposite the eyes, and
if ornaments are worn, care should be taken that they be
put on before the winkers are made or sewn in the
cheeks. In fixing the crests, or monograms, after the
bridle is made up, there is risk of the legs or wires sticking
out and touching the eye from the winker lining.

The Bit. — The best and safest for general purposes,
and driving in particular, is the guard bit, it having no bar
at the bottom cannot catch over gates or posts ; and the
best guard bit is the "revolving-mouth," being far preferable
to the Liverpool, or slide mouth. The "revolving-mouth"
cannot be held in the teeth against a jerk of the reins,
in the event of the horse running away ; and it is very
easy and humane in its action, and extra leverage can be
applied the instant it is required. The term has many
times been used by horse owners in reference to the
smooth revolving bar of this bit, that it will "mouth a colt;"
at all events, its being perfectly loose affords plenty of
occupation and amusement for restive horses while standing
at doors in the street, their whole attention appears to be
centred in playing with and manipulating the mouth-piece,
which means safety and confidence, and ease of mind on
the part of the occupants of the carriage or other vehicle,
and the conscience of the driver is perfectly clear of the
use of the brutal "high-port." The curb requires con-
siderable judgment and feeling in its application. It
should never be worn tight, and where applicable, as in
the case of light-mouthed horses, may be abandoned
altogether.

The Reins are applied or fixed when the bridle
and other parts are satisfactory, the billetts being run

■}!<.■■

4 E I

t t

through the near and off-side territts and hame dees, and
attached to the bit. Several kinds and makes are in-
troduced by manufacturers, \nz\—flat reins with brown
hand-parts and black buckle ends; rotcnd reins, brown
leather all through ; fiat brown reins; flat lined Oxford
reins, stitched two or four rows according to the quality of
the harness, the latter looking very neat and wearing
remarkably well, all of which are adapted to any class of
harness ; and last, but not least, is the important item
which has caused so much controversy —

The Bearing Rein. — Much has been said; volumes
have been written ; impossible pictures and numerous
dear-at-any-price pamphlets published, in wholesale
condemnation of the bearing rein, a specimen of which
literature the writer once heard condemned by a justly-
celebrated London steel goods manufacturer as " mere
twaddle," and who said the contents were calculated to gain
no other end or point than the one probably intended or
hoped for, — to bring the objector before the public,
and of giving him an opportunity of airing his barbarous
sentiments, (this being the word chiefly used by persons
of one idea only,) on that subject at least. The
author does not condemn the use of the bearing
rein altogether, neither does he advise or advocate the
regular or permanent application of it, but his motto, in
reference to that particular item of the set, has always
been — Discretion, and his standpoint — Humane. That
there are times and circumstances which demand to the
harness the application of the bearing rein for the general
safety of the "Turn Out" there can be no doubt or
legitimate question raised. The fact is well-known that
it should not be (and the author believes it is not) as a
rule attached for appearance sake only, as some arguers
would have it understood, or at the expense of punishing

t \

t t

the horse. A special case recently came under the
writer's notice where the necessity for applying the bearing
rein to a valuable 1 6 hands steed presented itself, and was
ultimately adopted. The animal being fresh had taken to
amuse itself, after a spin of a few miles, by throwing its
head almost between its forelegs whilst going at a
swinging trot, or, as some folks would term it, a rattling
pace, and at times would vary the performance by
the corresponding extreme — in the air, constantly pulling
in a tremendous and excitable manner, thus shewing the
necessity for both bearing rein and martingale, whilst the
driver tried by all means in his power in calling the horse
by name, coaxing, shouting, and touching him up with the
whip, thereby causing a considerable amount of swerving,
but all to no purpose. The risk of upsetting became more
and more apparent, and would most certainly — and
perhaps with fearful consequences — have come about, had
the horse trodden upon a stone, or made a false step ; at
last the writer's suggestion was adopted, and some string
was attached to act as a bearing rein, and carried from the
back of the nose-band, through the bottom hame-strap to
the belly-band. The result shewed itself in a few minutes
(after first leading the horse, and then quietly mounting the
vehicle) to the evident pleasure and comfort of all con-
cerned ; and the owner of the horse has said many times
since that he has not, and never shall, go out with a spirited
animal unless a bearinsf rein is either on the harness or
ready for use in the vehicle. At the same time in fixing
the " check " up to the hook of the saddle, care and
judgment is necessary. The horse should have easy
liberty in standing, and in going up hill, which can be
regulated by the buckle on the near side ; and it should
be remembered that the bearing rein acts upon the crupper
dock, and is not intended for compressing the animal's
head to its tail. If the horse be a hard puller and

i

I t

very fresh, the bearing rein will save considerable
arm-aching on the part of the driver, and chafing on
the part of the animal. Severity or brute force is not
needed in any case, and at all times the end to be ac-
complished should not be sought for, or brought about, too
hurriedly. The check-rein should always be slackened
(if worn tight for the time) in going up hill, and if the
opportunity occurs for taking the extra rein off altogether,
it may be done ; but it is little carriage, and, the writer
would add — no ornament. The less harness and strap-
pings a well-broken horse can with safety be made to do
with, the better.

The writer cannot believe that the bearing rein is or
ever has been wilfully converted into the instrument of
torture, or made to administer one third the amount of
punishment that its hidden substitute — the "Gag Bit," (see
illustration,) has done ; the working of which can be seen
at a glance. And the imaginary charges and ridiculous
illustrations that have been published against the bearing
rein, is (or was) an insult to the many owners of horses,
and proprietors of large establishments, who think proper,
and are perfectly justified in using their own discretion, in
adopting any means they may try or decide upon for the
safety of the " Turn Out," and the public in particular, as
the result of experience ; and the author's argument is
conclusive when the fact becomes generally known, that
the majority of the largest and richest individual horse ow?iers
in the kingdom adopt, aiid are known to use, the bearing
rein, to all animals where speed and blood are in
hand, which fact is proved by the notice that appeared
in the Saddlers and Coach- Builders Gazette, dated
June I St, 1877, viz: — TJiat at the recent meeti^ig of the
Coaching ffour-in-handj Club, in Hyde Park, it was

•.*,■

i \

t t

observed that all the horses, save in three or four instajices^
tvore bearing reins j^

This notice is sufficient to endorse the writer's words
that the bearing rein is no more nor less than a legitimate
part of the set, and, that no harness room is complete without
it.f One bearing rein with plain covered furniture can be
used to any pattern single harness, so there is no real
necessity for an extra rein to every set.

There may be some persons who, at a loss for fair
argument, would say, that the author is interested in the
manufacture and sale of the bearing rein. Such argument
is not worth entertainino-, considerins: the fact that the cost
of a bearing rein is so very nominal, and little or no differ-
ence is made to the customer or manufacturer whether a
rein is supplied or not, as far as the cost of the set or sets
go. And, in conclusion, he would remark that if the amateur
or prejudiced enemy of the bearing rein would hasten his
non-success as an horse-breaker, he has only to adopt
the extraordinary high-port of the "gag bit," which was
expressly invented to act as a secret substitute for the
bearing rein, and he will very soon find that he has
established himself as an accomplished " Temper and
Jaw breaker."

It is an easy matter to discover whether a bearing
rein is necessary or not, and the sum and substance of the
writer's dictum is, if the horse carries itself perfectly

* It is said that the horse does not know its own strength, hence our control
over it in the shafts. Therefore the writer considers the strength and presence of
mind of one man on the box behind a team of four high-bred, well-corned, noble
animals altogether inadequate, particularly in crowded thoroughfares, without the
assistance of the bearing rein.

t A friend's simile in conversation respecting the use and abuse of the bearing
rein was, that with restive and over-fresh horses it held much the same position as
a drill-sergeant to the raw recruit.

■'^ •■^■:-

i I

t t

straight and freely with a light mouth without the extra
rein, by no means apply it ; but if, on the contrary, the
animal is a very hard and excitable puller,* or stumbles
and throws its head about as thoucjh havine business on
both sides of the road at one time, then the bearing rein
cannot, and must not be dispensed with.

It is not necessary to say that for safety the
quality of the leather and furniture of the set of harness
should be of the best, but // is necessary to intimate that
no matter how good the make and quality may be, equal
danger attends the " Turn Out " if the harness be not
properly and judiciously fitted. The horse must never
be buckled tight to its work, particularly at the traces ;
special care should be paid to them, in seeing that they are
punched true, and buckled equal length each side. The
piped or long loops should be well sewn in with strong
threads, and creased, chequered, and bevilled by hand. If
narrow loops are used throughout, they should be firm and
nicely blocked ; loose and flimsy loops are useless for the
purpose intended after a few showers of rain, and very
unsightly. Long breech-bands running up to the tugs are
rather ancient and complicated, and add to the expense
and weight of the harness — short breech-bands answering
the same purpose, and are lighter for the horse to carry.
If the set be regtilar best, it should be sewn four rows
throughout (by hand preferred) ; if it be second quality,
one row round is the rule ; and if plain harness be ordered,
it will be single solid leather in parts other than the traces,
back-band, tugs, and breech-band, which are always lined,
with the exception of the traces used in tramway and
such work.

* How often have we heard it said that a certain horse shall come fresh
out of the stable and draw a vehicle and driver some miles without traces ?

i I

T

t

In running a horse without winkers for the first time,
great care is necessary, and the whip should be kept in
the socket.

Good plain solid leather harness invariably gives
satisfaction. The writer supplied a set recently with
square brass wire furniture, straight flapped imperial pad,
square winkers, light kicking strap and tugs, brown flat
lined Oxford reins, London topped collar, and revolving
mouthed guard bit. This model set, (as the customer
called it) was made without breast-plate, face-piece, curb,
hip-pieces, bearing rein, throat-band swivels, pad-cloth, or
ornaments whatever; the only extra in the set being, that
the belly-band was made to buckle both on the near and
off sides, for easy access and handiness in releasing the
horse from the shafts in the event of accident or fallincr
down while in the shafts.

It is a cruel mistake to run a horse in a four-wheeler
ivUhoiit a breech-band, which should be so adjusted as
to keep the vehicle from forcing the shaft-tugs from their
proper position, in going down hill.

For piped throated collars the hames are required to
be specially made in every case, the ordinary formed plain
hames being difficult to adjust, and altogether unsafe.

\

-;*-

.1.

TO ATTACH THE HORSE TO THE

VEHICLE.

"Slow aftd sure."

In attaching a horse or putting it between the
shafts, the most dehberate way is the quickest and safest;
busthng or hurrying and running round its head
backwards and forwards is a very dangerous practice, par-
ticularly with a spirited animal. A few days ago a friend
of the writer's (after many remonstrations and cautions for
the rushing manner in which he always put the horse in) met
with a very serious accident, nearly costing him the life
of his steed ; to use his own words — " He had just fixed
the near side trace and breech-band strap, and was
hastening round the back of the dog-cart to attach the off
side, when the horse sheered away, and at the same time
catching the wheel of the vehicle against a large stone
fixed in the gateway, causing it to plunge, and
the owner to shout and pull at the reins ; ultimately,
during the brief excitement, the horse got its rump under
the shafts and commenced kicking, soon cleared itself
of the lot, and bolting away, fell down in turning the
corner, thus preventing further mischief."

It is very important that the shafts should always
be elevated and drawn to the horse, and never left
upon the ground for backing the horse into them.

It is a common practice to throw the cushions,
rugs, mats, and whip into the vehicle from a distance, and
many serious accidents have arisen therefrom.

4

t t

The same methodical system as above suggested
should be adopted in taking the horse out of the shafts as
in putting him in. Some may say after a journey — Oh !
the horse is tired — he's quiet enough now — make haste !
— hurry up ! — have him out as quick as possible ; but
it must be remembered, that the horse has a great
love for home, and is as anxious to get i?i^o his stable
as he was /or a run when brought out fresh. Many
a shaft has been broken at the stable door, and many
a set of harness partly ripped from the animal's back,
throuQfh the tuofs, &c., catchino- the latch or other im-
pediment on or near the door, in the hurry of the horse
to reach his stall.

It is a dangerous practice to unbuckle the driving rein
billetts before taking the horse out of the shafts, thereby
losing the control of the animal somewhat. The breech-
band or kicking strap (whichever worn) should always be
released first, then the belly-band and traces. The
occasional mention of the horse's name, and in fact, a little
conversation kept up with him during the process of
attaching and unfixing to and from the vehicle, such as —
Woa, Charlie! — Steady boy ! — Stand over! &c., facilitates
time and avoids accidents, and is calculated to cultivate
patience and good temper in both horse and man.

t I

DRIVING.

"Tis the pace that kills."

The term Driving seems, as a rule, to be mis-
understood by the amateur whip, and by many whose
daily business it is to sit behind a steed. We often hear it
said that "a good horse requires no driving"; so it is that
the holder of the ribbons should take his position with a
view to steer or guide the horse, and not with the express
purpose of "driving" it, which term may be, and is, often
misconstrued into frequent floggings, constant shoutings,
pulling or jerking at the reins, and other demonstrations.

Before taking charge of your " Turn Out," the first
business is to learn how to pick up the reins — mount
the vehicle — and keep your own side : — for —

" The rule of the road is a parodox quite,
As the carriages jog it along;
If you keep to the left you are sure to go right,
If you keep to the right you are wrong."

The reins should be taken in hand before the vehicle
is mounted, therefore the responsibilities commence at
that moment. If there are any other occupants the driver
takes his place last, (unless an attendant is at the
horse's head) and that without the least hurry or ex-
citement, by stepping lightly and firmly to his place,
the reins being already in hand the proper length, and the
ivliip in the socket. The horse should be allowed to start
itself by a gentle movement of the reins between the
fingers, without the slightest flourish or noise on the part
of the driver, he at the same moment moving his weight

-^v

i i

t t

— ^.

a little to the front. The horse may be quietly spoken
to, or used to respond to his name being mentioned by
starting immediately and freely.

The position of the driver is to lean a little forward,
after taking a firm seat, and keeping the legs well out
towards the dash, and never to hang backward, excepting
for the purpose of balancing the vehicle in going down
hill. In driving, the reins are taken up the reverse way
to riding, viz. : — from the bottom, or underside, and kept
with a steady pressure, constantly feeling the animal's
mouth.* Should the driver at any time become nervous or
irritable, the same is communicated to the horse through the
reins, which communication is calculated to give the horse
increased anxiety, and want of confidence. At all times the
driver should sit square and perfectly easy, without the
slightest appearance of stiffness or carelessness.

In our travels we see numerous styles of holding
the reins, but there is only one proper and safe way,
viz. : — in the left hand ; the right, or whip hand, being
kept ready for emergencies. The driving hand should
be held to the front, a little way from the body and
on a level with the elbow ; the finger nails are slightly
uppermost in driving, and the reverse in riding. The
near side or left rein passes between the thumb and
first finger ; the q^ or right side rein between the second
and third fingers, which are kept closed together, thus
securing the purchase or grip. To hold a rein in each
handf is a most awkward and helpless plan, and seems
to be the system adopted in America, where the
writer has witnessed many accidents arising from that
cause alone, both on the road, and upon the trotting track ;
in one case the driver was thrown backward out of his

* The reins should never be allowed to fall or lie upon the horse's back.

f The witty carman is said to hold a rein in each hand, and the whip in the other.

:*■

i I

buggy on to the ground, through the breaking of the reins ;
in fact, it had been his constant boast that the horse did
not require traces, but could pull the vehicle by the reins
alone. Some persons hold the reins close to the body, or
up to the chin, with only the first finger between them ; this
is very unsafe in the event of the horse stumbling, par-
ticularly if they themselves indulge in the habit of keeping
their legs under the seat, which is altogether a very
helpless position, and calculated to land the driver in the
gutter on turning the first corner. The occupier of the
box should be particular in pulling up gradually before
arriving at his destination ; and in turning corners by
giving a full sweep ; going wide where there is room and
all clear, — and the fact should be kept constantly to the
front, that the driver's position behind the horse is exactly
the same as the man at the wheel of a vessel The
frequent use of the horse's name is a very important
item in travelling long journeys, it being not only cheering
to the animal, but company for him ; and the same practice
is of very great service when the horse is standing in the
street at doors. In driving along, should anything occur
ahead to necessitate your stopping or pulling up suddenly,
the whip should be elevated as a signal to those who may
be in the rear.

The following is an illustration of flourishing starts
on the part of drivers : —

A doctor acquaintance of the writer's was in constant
danger of his life, and could not account for it. After
each call throughout the day, the moment on opening the
carriage door, the horses would bounce off at express
speed, sometimes rearing or swerving round, and in-
variably landing the doctor's hat against the top of the
door-way. The cause of this very restive starting on the
part of the horses was not discovered until a change of

•i II. ■"■ ■■ I ■■■I.I. A-

i I

t t

coachmen came about, and it was then found out that the
horses had been regularly cut with the whip, at the sound of
the handle of the door turning, and it took considerable
time and patience on the part of the new Jehu, to persuade
the horses to start steadily, without bounding or plunging.

Special care should be taken in driving down hill.
An Hibernian friend of the writer's used to say that he
" Walked the horse down hill and himself up," which
indicates plenty of consideration for the animal. Many
serious accidents would be avoided if drivers generally
would strictly adhere to the rule of keeping their own
side, viz. : — to the left, at all times, except when over-
taking a vehicle.* This is the simple rule of the road in
England : — You start out to the left and you come home
to the left.

The whip should never mount the box without
previously taking a careful survey of the " Turn Out" —
to see that all the strappings are properly attached, the
traces not twisted, or buckled up too tight. One of the
greatest evils attending the attachment of the horse to the
vehicle is buckling him too tight to his work, either in the
kicking-strap, breech-band, bearing-rein, belly-band or
traces. The writer has known even the simple hip cloth,
through not being properly adjusted, to cause the horse to
bolt away at a furious speed for some miles (and unfor-
tunately the occupier of the box was a lady) only to be
stopped by the merest chance by two roadmen, happily
without accident other than a severe shock to the lady's
nerves. t And another case of oversight on the part of the
owner of the "Turn Out," only recently came to the writer's

* Or meeting ladies on horseback ; or a drove of horses or sheep.

t Similar accidents have been known to arise from strangers fixing the rein
billetts upon the single ring of the Wilson Snaffle, the horse having been used to
the double rings, being billetted together.

■"^ ■ >i«>

t t

ears. A gentleman starting rather late in the evening
. from an hotel yard, accompanied by his little son, whom
he was bringing from school for his holidays, and on
stepping into the gig (without taking his customafy survey
of the harness) the animal, a very fast mare, bounded
away; the driver losing all control of his steed, tried and
tried again to check her headlong anxiety to reach her
stable, jerking the reins, coaxing and shouting, all of which
were of no avail, and to add to the agony of the father
his little son began to scream and cry, but not a solitary
human being could be seen on the road, and fortunately
no vehicle was passed the whole distance, eight and a half
miles, and the mare being used to the road, and a good
tempered animal, deliberately pulled up of her own
accord, and trotted them gently and safely to their own
door. The cause of her wild behaviour was discovered to
be, that the bit had not been put into the animal's mouth
before starting, and the driver had been constantly pulling
away at, and hanging on to, the nose-band and cheeks of
the bridle all the distance, which new proceeding was
more calculated to excite the mare than to stop her.
Therefore, the moral is, that no matter who may have
the care or charge of the steed, in the temporary
absence of the owner or driver, all persons or attendants
are liable at some time or other to have their attention
called away during the process of fixing the harness upon
the horse, and attaching the horse to the vehicle ; so
the driver should never mount the box without havine
first felt and examined the easy bearings and proper
adjustment of the whole set.

Great want of consideration for the horse is at
times noticeable in the loading of vehicles, especially
waggonettes for pic-nic parties ; and it is a standing fact
that market carriers generally, and pleasure seekers in

1 t

t I

particular, seem to think more of the capabiHties of the
conveyance than the horse, and the writer has many times
put the gentle reminder to those in charge: — "In con-
sidering • or risking what the cart will hold, think how
much the horse can draw.''

In the summer time, and holiday times, it is the
usual practice to pack human beings behind a horse
as close as a tin of sardines, and often with the tugs too
low, and the shafts swinging about ; the cart body
bumping upon the axletree, — caused by the springs being
over-weighted — which, together with "We won't go home
till morning," and other lively melodies in harmony with
the time of evening, are all, apparently, necessary to
complete the day's enjoyment. But how little can the
occupants think of the enormous risk they are running
whilst rocking backwards and forwards, as though they
would roll in one mass out of the vehicle, and their whole
attention seeming to be centred in getting to the top of
their voices on the return journey ; flogging, and racing
up hill and down, frequently, at least as a rule, more
excited or helpless, as the case may be, than when starting
out, and their last thoughts being — the Horse.

Gardeners' carts, although to all appearance a big
load, are, as a rule, packed with more judgment, the
gardener generally putting the finishing touch to the
balance by stowing himself away either on the front
or extreme back of his strong and well built cart,
as the case requires ; and, generally speaking, his
horse is well-cared for, and never to be seen distressed
or neglected. There is sometimes a risk in allowing
the faithful animal to hurry home in the evening,
almost on its own responsibility, the driver being in a
kind of semi-sleep, after his very long and laborious
day's work, which generally commences with the daylight

-s — i^.-

\ i

t

-Hi-

t

in the summer time, and long before the dawn in the
winter time. The writer has known several cases of com-
plete smash-up, which collision in one or two instances
could have been easily avoided, had not obstinacy on the
one part, and vacancy on the other, have prevailed. Those
in charge of gigs, traps, dog carts, carriages, or other
vehicles, should always be prepared to take either side,
(although there is one proper side) or go clean off the road
altogetJier (where practicable) in cases of emergency,
taking care to be in constant readiness and on the look
out for runaways, or heavily laden waggons that may be
slowly trudging along on the wrong side, and the
attendant some distance in the rear ; likewise for " sleepy"
drivers, "ignorant" drivers, and ''indifferent or amateur"
drivers, all of which are frequently to be met with on
the road. And the writer thinks the Shakesperian lines
(he once saw nailed up behind a certain nobleman's stable
door) peculiarly applicable to the foregoing remarks,
namely, that — "'Tis a cruelty to load a falling man," and
" Good words are better than bad strokes."

\

t t

-v:,--

MEMOS. NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN IN
CONNECTION WITH THE HARNESS.

The most important items to be observed in reference
to the comfort of the horse, are —

The Bit,

The Collar,

and The Saddle.

The most important items to be observed in reference
to the safety of the driver, are —

The Reins,

The Backband & Tugs,
The Traces,

and Top Hame Strap.

These should be systematically examined before
mounting the vehicle.

• 3-*.'

• ^

,'k

t t

■*:

UNHARNESSING.

" I rather tell thee what is to be fear'd."
No doubt there may be a few rough and ready
readers of the above title who would ask or put the
question — " What art can there be in taking a set of
harness off a horse" ? or say — " I can soon rip it off, and
without any ceremony." The writer would answer — if
there is no art in the business of releasing or unburdening
a horse with the easiest and quietest despatch, after its
hard day's work, or perhaps after a long and tedious
journey under the broiling sun, there is at least a certain
amount of judgment and consideration necessary ; and it
is, therefore, the successful horse-keeper's rule that a
certain system shall be laid down and regularly adhered
to. It is the general practice, in fact it may be said to be
the universal custom, in undressing or taking a set of
harness off a horse, to commence at the driving rein
billetts, by unbuckling the same from the bit, and bringing
them back to the hind part or territt of the saddle. The
writer's advice is that both time is lost and unnecessary
pimisJwient is inflicted upon the horse by so doing.

If the girth be first unbuckled, it has the immediate
effect of releasing the pressure of the saddle from the
horse's back, and allowing a gentle current of air to pass
under the same without fear of chill, or other consequences ;
and it has the double effect of easing the dock of the
crupper from the root of the tail, particularly if the saddle
be slightly moved backward, say a few inches, as it should
be in all cases and circumstances, whether after riding,

-f-— ■■■ ■ .. - - ■ ■ - ■ - „ - — \^i-

\ \

t _1.

driving:, or cartiiiQ-, a few minutes at least before takino-
the saddle and crupper finally from the horse's back.
The heated parts are thus gradually cooled and relieved
without the risk which attends the instantaneous removal
of the saddle. Prompt removal of the saddle invariably
follows the system of unbuckling the billetts at the
bit first of the set, and which bad method, or want
of thought, is alone responsible for the many sore
and scaly tails w^e see about the region of the dock ;
so much so, that some tails that have been thus neglected,
have the appearance of a number of permanent sores
and running wounds underneath, which is caused by
the horse pressing and keeping down the tail when the
saddle is unbuckled and dragged ofi", with all its sur-
roundings at a moment's notice; and very often the
behind part of the steed is pulled half across the stall.
Before the saddle is taken off altogether, after loosening
the girth, the reins should be cleared of the harness and
hung up, not doubled or twisted in any way, but sus-
pended as nearly straight as possible.

The Hames follow in due course, being unbuckled
whilst upon the horse's neck, and then removed. They
should never remain upon the collar, to be taken off at the
same time, and left upon it ; such doing is a strong illus-
tration of want of feeling for the horse. It may be
considered a saving of time and easy enough to take old
and wide collars off the neck with the hames attached, but
the quickness of the business, if done quickly at all, is
chiefly owing to the extreme anxiety of the horse to wriggle
through the infliction, and get it over. It is usual on
taking the hames off to examine the top and bottom
straps, as they are an important item in the set, and it
is necessary to see that the punch holes are all sound.
The advantage of taking the hames off before the bridle

t 1

t t

is, that the collar can be moved a few inches up the
neck, relieving the same of the weight, which is to the
horse, during the brief moment of removing the bridle, as
great a luxury, and equally refreshing, as the easing of the
saddle and dock before taking off altogether.

The Bridle should first be unbuckled at the throat-
band, and even then it should not be pulled down, but
heaved off with the two hands, the fingers being placed
under the head-strap of the bridle behind the horse's ears,
which top part being brought to the front allows the bit to
fall from the mouth without danger to the teeth. The
bridle should never under any circumstances be taken
off, or the bit out of the horse's mouth, while it is
in the shafts ; many serious accidents have been known
to come about owing entirely to that dangerous practice.
An instance recently came under the writer's notice
where a pony and trap had been left at a public house
door with the bridle hanging upon the points of the
shafts, and a feed of corn in a bucket upon a trestle
before it. The pony was startled by a boy coming
round the corner playing with a whip top. The bucket of
corn and trestle were upset, and away went the animal
with the bridle dangling between its legs, and there being
no possible chance of controling the bare-headed runaway,
a general smash up was the consequence, and in less than
thirty minutes from the time of stopping to feed, the pony
was killed, (put out of its misery) having staked itself
by trying in its mad career to leap some iron palings with
the trap behind it, and the wonder was that several human
lives were not lost in their efforts to check the animal.

In removing the Saddle or Pad the left hand is put
under the front, and the right hand to the dock, after first
throwing the breech-band (if worn) over the back, across

t

the top of the crupper, and the lot Is instantly and easily
removed without any opposition on the part of the
horse, such as tucking the tail under, or as some say, biting
the dock. By adapting the above simple system a great
deal of time and trouble (besides pain to the horse) is
saved, and the ready assistance of that noble animal is
secured, particularly when he becomes thoroughly ac-
quainted with the new, easier, and more humane regulation.

To take the Collar from the horses neck it has been
before mentioned that the (hard iron) hames must not
pass over the eyes of the horse at the same time, in any
class of harness, whether gig, cab, or cart ; and whatever
is done through carelessness or clumsiness to irritate the
horse, is sure to be communicated to the attendant, and
thus both become chafed, which invariably ends in constant
shoutings on the part of the man, persistent dancing
about, &c., on the part of the horse, and probably the
fork may be introduced, which frequently ends in the
animal being pricked and spoilt. In taking the collar off
it is usual to drag or lug at it from the front of the horse
with both hands, and if it be at all a tight fit, one
tremendous pull is given, after a series of jerks, in which
the whole weight of man and horse is brought to bear,
which invariably results in at least three, and sometimes
four, ungraceful, if not brutish events occuring, viz :— The
moment the collar is past the eyes, after being pulled in
the above helpless way, the inside of the throat cannot
possibly miss striking the animal's nose, which blow is
always a violent one ; and if the stable has a low roof or is
a temporary structure, the top of the horse's head comes in
contact with the timber above, the moment its nose is
struck, causing the horse to rebound or reel to the full
extent, which accounts for the rough and bristle like tops
of the tail frequently to be seen, and is the effect of

-*

it: : .*.•

t I

collision with the rear of the stall. All the brushing and
combine that can be done will not make these broken
bristles lie down or wear any other appearance than that
of having been gnawed by rats. When the collar is thus
pulled forcibly from the head, another event frequently
occurs in the heat of temper, or (to use a milder term)
under the impulse of the moment — that the collar
is either thrown upon the floor, or, in no gentle mood,
landed in the manger, (which of course means wear and
tear) during the process of fixing the head stall or halter.
That the above illustrations of the results of rou^h and
ready treatment are facts, and occur day after day more
or less, is well known, and the writer, by virtue of his
many opportunities in connection with his business and
sundry other surroundings, can vouch for and verify any
illustrations a personal interview may desire, and at the
same time places before his readers his own system of
taking the collar off, which puts any and all of the items
or results before mentioned out of the question, and the
fact of a horse slipping backward upon its haunches, an
impossibility. As before intimated the collar is the most
important part of the whole set, both in fit and wear, and
the putting on and taking off, if not done carefully, is
seriously calculated to affect the temper of the horse.

It is not necessary to stand directly in front of the
horse for drawing the collar off; the quickest, quietest, and
safest method is, to stand a little to the near side, bringing
the collar close up to the ears with the right hand only,
(after it has been reversed or turned over the way of the
mane) the left hand is placed up the face with a quiet rub,
which humours the temperament of the horse, then, by
leaning stiffly to the steed and pressing the collar towards
the operator, he becomes as it were, for the moment, a part
of the horse, and with the assistance of which a little twist

H

t T

of the head is given, and the collar glides or falls quietly
upon the left arm, without having caused the least
confusion, and is done much easier and in shorter time
than the bungling and helpless way of hanging at the
horse's head with both hands to the collar ; and the
improved system is looked upon by the horse, in the
course of an experiment or two, as a luxury and pleasurable
relief Indeed, he will quietly reciprocate any good feeling
shewn towards him, particularly when his help is asked.
Rubbinof the ears with the hands for a few moments is
always appreciated by the horse, after taking the harness
off, and is calculated to promote early friendship.

After the steed is cleared of its harness, the necessary
cleaning, such as washing, whisping, feeding, watering,
&c., follows, which should be done with as little fuss
and blowing on the part of the groom as possible.
The hissinor of some men during their stable business
can only be compared to a small steam engine, which
inhaling of the dust on the part of the man (and it
is at times tolerably plentiful) cannot be looked upon as in
any degree a healthy habit. After the horse is made com-
fortable the harness should be cleaned and put in its place ;
the lining of the collar and the crupper dock should be
immediately sponged over with clean water; and the
pannel of the saddle brushed ; the reins wiped straight
down with a clean dry cloth, after damping ; the bit and
curb taken from the bridle, washed, dried, and then thrown
into a box of slacked lime, which should be kept for
the purpose ; the traces, back-band, breech-band, &c.,
straightened out and shined up with the compo. brush, the
furniture rubbed over, and the flaps, &c., of the saddle,
side pieces of the collar, housing, and other patent leather
parts, wiped lightly over with an oil rag, and polished off
afterwards.

•jiB • — ;^-

i i

t $

The whip should never be thrown or placed in the
corner, but hung- up by the thick part of the thong upon
a wooden block or spring fixed in the harness room ; after
which the vehicle must be looked to and put under cover.

During a conversation respecting the harnessing and
unharnessing of horses, a friend of the author's once
complained to him of the extreme restiveness of his
animal, in the stable, when fitting for the road, and vice
versa, and after a journey, in grooming, so much so, to use
his own words, that it became positively unsafe and
dangerous to approach the animal in the stable with any
part of the harness or tools, the horse seeming to get
every day worse and worse. The writer, on visiting the
stable, perceived that the moment the owner approached
his horse to take the head collar off, it began to tremble
from head to croup, and literally danced about the stable
at the merest touch, ultimately becoming actually savage,
bitinof and kickino- at the same time. The author watched
the business quietly through, and decided in his own
mind that the blame rested entirely with the man and not
the horse, the fact being that the owner commenced with,
and kept up, one continued system of shoutings at the
terrified and nervous tempered animal, which incessant
and excitable bawlings were mixed with anything but
poetical language, together with numerous gestures as
though it were his (the owner's) momentary intention to
suit the action to the word with the aid of the nearest
stable implement, causing the poor animal to fly from
side to side of the stable in a most frantic manner ; the
time consumed in this most dissfraceful and ridiculous
performance was over thirty minutes, ere the horse
was between the shafts and ready for the road.

In answer to the owner's query — "What's my
remedy ? I've made up my mind to sell the brute." and

\ \

t

I

several other signs of thorough upset. The authors
answer was, "Lend me your horse for one week." It was
at once handed over — the writer sending for it to his
own stable ; and that day week the owner, to his very
great astonishment and delight, witnessed the fact of his
once savaofe brute beingr harnessed, attached to the vehicle,
taken down the lane a hundred yards, unharnessed, put
into the stable, and everything in its place, unaided, in
about fifteen minutes, and all without the slighest noise or
commotion ; the only movement in the stable on the part
of the horse being when it came round of its own free
will to put its nose into the collar. In reply to the owner's
second query — "How have you done it ?" The author's
answer was, "System Sir, made up of kindness and
patience, in equal proportions."

i

N

T T

THE VEHICLE.

"Who dares not drive by day, must walk by night."

As the Egyptians were the first to capture and train
the horse, so they were the first to use chariots, and the
first mention we have of a chariot is in the 43rd verse of
the 41st chapter of Genesis, where it is written —
" That Pharaoh made Joseph ride in the second chariot
which he had," These chariots, although no doubt very
elaborately decorated, were very different vehicles to the
modern chariot, as may easily be ascertained by examining
any of the pictures of the Egyptian, or even the more
modern Greek and Roman chariots. We are told in the
3rd chapter of the Song of Solomon, that — " King
Solomon made himself a chariot of the wood of Lebanon."
But in those early ages chariots were only used in battle,
or to swell the processions, and increase the pomp of
monarchs, and were never used by private individuals,
who rode on horses, asses, mules or camels.

At what time carriages were first used by private
individuals is somewhat doubtful. Accordinof to a writer
in the Encyclopedia Britannica, carriages for the con-
veyance of private individuals were established first by
the Romans, who, it is asserted, had a great variety of
these vehicles ; which at first — owing to the narrow
streets and roads, which were mere bridal paths — were
very small. The use of the carriages becoming more
general led to the formation of those excellent roads —
such as the Appian way, which was made 331 years
before Christ — for the construction of which the Romans
were justly celebrated. The carriage which figured in

t t

•;>li-

public ceremonials was the Cm-peniiivi. It was of slight
construction, mounted upon two wheels, and was some-
times covered. The Gauls had a kind of carriage called
the "Benna" or " Sirpea," constructed of wicker-work.
The " Essedum " of the Romans was a two-wheeled
carriage, copied by them from the war cars of the
" Belgse." These various vehicles were splendidly gilded
with gold, and ornamented with precious stones.

When the feudal system, which was founded upon
military service, was introduced, the use of carriages was
for a time prohibited, as it was considered to have an
effeminating tendency, which rendered the people who
used them less fit for military purposes. So early as the
beginning of the sixteenth century there were covered
carriaofes ; but their use was restricted to ladies in the
highest ranks of society only — it being considered
effeminate for gentlemen to ride in them. In 1474,
however, the Emperor Frederick III. visited Frankfort
in a close carriage ; and in the following year he returned
in a still more macrnificent covered carriaofe. At a
tournament held at Ruppin in the year 1 509, the Electress
of Brandingburg appeared in a carriage gilded all over,
while that in which the Duchess of Mecklenburo- rode
was hune with red satin. When Cardinal Dietrichsten
entered Vienna, no fewer than 40 carriages went forth to
meet him. That same year the Consort of the Emperor
Matthias made her entry in a state carriage covered with
perfumed leather. The carriage of the first wife of the
Emperor Leopold was said to have cost 38,000 florins.
The panels of the Emperor's coach were of glass.
Pepys, in his diary, relates a curious accident that occurred
to Lady Peterborough through her ladyship using a
carriage with glass windows. He says — " Lady Peter-
borough being in her glass coach with the glass up, and

..

.'p.-

t

seeing a lady pass by in a coach whom she would salute,
the glass was so clear she thought it was open, and so ran
her head through the glass." We are not informed that
any such accident occurred to the Emperor Leopold in
his orlass coach. At the masfnificent Court of the Duke
Ernest Augustus at Hanover, in 1681, there were 50 gilt
coaches with 6 horses each ; and shortly after that grand
display, carriages, despite the feudal laws, became
common all over Germany.

Carriages were used in France at a very early age.
So far back as the year 1294, an ordinance of Philip the
Fair forbade citizens wives from usinsf them. If one
might judge from Chaucer's poem entitled " The Squyre
of Low Degree," it would appear they were used in
England in his day (i 328-1400) for he says : —

" To-morrow ye shall ride on hunting fare,
And ride my daughter in a chare ;
It shall be covered with velvet red,
And cloth of gold all about your head,
With damask white and azure blue,
Well dispers'd Avith lillies new."

When Richard IL fled from his rebellious subjects,
his mother was conveyed in a carriage. It was not,
however, till the time of Queen Elizabeth that coaches
became common in England. Probably those famous state
journeys called " Royal Progresses " — like the one to
Kenilworth — of which her majesty was rather fond, created
a demand for carriages, and gave an impetus to coach
building, which, during her reign, became a very important
branch of industry ; and continued to flourish so rapidly
that at the commencement of the seventeenth century it
was calculated that in London alone there were upwards
of 6,000 carriages.

t ~ f

t t

Hackney carriages were first introduced into France
in the beginning of the reign of Louis XIV. by one
Nicholas Sauvage. In 1650 Charles Vilmere secured the
exclusive right to hire out carriages in Paris, and for this
privilege he paid 5,000 livres. The first vehicle similar
to our modern omnibus commenced running in Paris on
the 1 8th of March, 1662. The fare was five sous.
Hackney carriages were first established in London in
1625, twenty-five years before their introduction into
France. In 1634 there were about 20 such vehicles plying
for hire from the "May-pole"; in 1637 there were 50 5
in 1652 they had increased to 200; and in 1654 to 300.
In 1694 they were limited to 700, but in 171 5 the limit
was extended to 800. The Hackney carriage maintained
its place till superceded by the more modern vehicle the
Cabriolet de place, better known by the shorter title of
"cab." In 1834 Mr. Hansom introduced the vehicle
which bears his name, and upon which several improve-
ments have been made. The oldest coach in the kingdom
is the Lord Mayor's coach, which was built 1757 for Sir
Charles Asgil, the Lord Mayor elect that year. The next
oldest is Her Majesty's state carriage, which was built
in 1 76 1, from designs by Sir William Chambers. From
the official description of this carriage, which is said to be
the most superb ever built, it appears the body of the
carriage is richly ornamented with laurel and carved
work, and beautifully gilt.

Such, then, is a brief history of carriages from the
earliest ages to the present time ; but to give a detailed
account of all the various descriptions of vehicles would
be impossible in a work like the present. Indeed, to
enumerate all the improvements that have been made in
coach building would occupy too much space. There are
however two very important improvements which cannot

i \

t t

be passed over. One of the most useful improvements
in connection with coach building is the Collinge Axle,
invented in 1792, and by means of which wheels only
require to be oiled once in several months. The other
great improvement is the Eliptic Springs, patented in
1804 by Obadiah Elliot, and by means of which carriage
travelling is made more comfortable ; and the labour of
the horses much lighter. The Collinge Axle, although it
obviates the necessity for frequent lubrication, does
not dispense with it entirely. The axle of all vehicles,
whether those of carriages or carts, should be regularly
oiled or lubricated, as it not only renders the labour of the
horse much easier, but preserves the axle and wheel from
wearing so rapidly. It not unfrequently happens that
through the axle not being regularly lubricated it becomes
uneven, and both it and the hub of the wheel wear out
much sooner than they would do if carefully and regularly
attended to.

Care should be taken on the return from a journey
to see that the vehicle is properly washed, and all soil,
sand, or grit is removed from the axle, as it is very apt to
get into the hub and grind either it or the axle into
grooves or ruts, which if not noticed in time may lead to
serious accidents. In order to prevent break-downs, or
I spills, the vehicle should be regularly inspected and kept
in good repair. It is a very bad plan to leave vehicles
exposed to the weather ; they should, therefore, be kept
under cover when not in use, as the sun not only spoils
the paint and varnish, but shrinks the wood to such an
extent as to render travelling in a carriage long exposed,
dangerous, as not unfrequently after long exposure to the
sun's rays, the tires become loose. For this reason it is
never safe to purchase a second-hand carriage, as it not
unfrequently is exposed in open yards and places without

i I i

t

t

any cover from the sun, and before it can be made sound
and comfortable a greater expense has to be incurred than
would have purchased a substantial new carriage. It is
no uncommon thing for old ram-shakle traps to be painted
up and sold — "a bargain" ! but the unfortunate purchaser
finds, after spending pounds upon it without being able to
make it comfortable and secure, that the bargain is anything
but a bargain to him, and is very glad to sell it for very
much less than he eave for it.

I I,

JIBBING,

" Good words are better than bad strokes."

Shakespeare says — " We cannot all be masters ; " —
therefore if it should happen, as it sometimes does,
particularly with strange horses, that the animal be un-
doubtedly master of the position for the time, and will not
go forward, brute force should never be resorted to by
the driver, it not only being as a rule labour in vain, but
serious risks are involved, particularly in streets and
crowded thoroughfares, as the horse is very apt to rear and
plunge, and sometimes to suddenly bolt, after backing
through shop fronts, and overturning the occupants of the
vehicle. On a horse becoming stupid in the shafts, the
holder of the ribands, if an amateur, should first ask himself
the question — Is it my bad driving ? A new purchase that
had previously been handled with a light hand, kindly
spoken to, and considerately driven, is particularly sensitive
to the jerking and bustling of an inexperienced whip.

On being satisfied that the sudden obstinacy of the
horse is from no fault of the driver, the harness should
be carefully examined, it not unfrequently being the case
that the collar will prove too short, or the traces twisted,
and, like the curb, too tight, or a breechband is required, or
may be dispensed with altogether, according to the
vehicle in use ; the whole bearing of the harness and
load should be carefully noted, and if found satisfactory,
the horse is either a jibber, or is not as yet familiar with
the strange handling above referred to. The first
business, after the horse has given repeated illustrations

I

1 i

t

of his capabilities by dwelling on the road, is to descend
quietly from the vehicle, and go to his head, having
previously handed the reins to your friend (if accom-
panied) to be held slack or loose — at the same time
patting and speaking to the horse and using his
name. Wiping him over with the hand ; rubbing his
ears and mouth, and moving parts of the harness has
been known to turn the attention of the accidental jibber,
and a steady day's v/ork has been the result. After
this little attention to the horse, the box should be
mounted quietly, and not with a rush ; the horse should
be led, if anvone is at hand, and afterwards allowed to
proceed of his own will, and, for a time, must be repeatedly
spoken to. The application of force — such as turning
the wheels round, and pushing behind, should be avoided
as it is calculated to make the horse more obstinate,
and although it may succeed at first, never proves effectual
a second time. The following experiment the author
has many times found to be successful in making the
steed glad to go forward ; — namely, standing immediately
in front of the horse with the rein billetts in each
hand, at the same time putting the steady weight of
the whole body against the horse, taking care to
keep him in the middle of the road ; and it must
be remembered that sawing the mouth must not be
resorted to, but firm and steady pressure, backing as
quickly as possible until the horse expresses an anxiety
to proceed onward by pushing against you, when it will be
invariably found that the animal is anxious to start right
away, but must be made to stand quite still until the
driver is in his place again on the box, which must be
mounted without the least flourish or noise. Care must be
taken not to thrash the horse when he does go, and should
he during the journey forget the foregoing lesson, it should
be repeated, and the dose slightly increased, conversation

t t

being kept up with him the whole time. Should this fail,
the animal is a confirmed jibber, more or less, and the owner
should take the earliest opportunity of devoting a few
special drives in the country, where there is plenty of space
before and behind, and when time is no particular object.

Some drivers have a very good system of operating
upon one foot only, viz., by taking up the near forefoot in
the right hand, and pressing it upward and inward towards
the belly, as high as possible, thus making the horse
stand upon three legs until he begins to rock and show
other signs of impatience to go on. In loosing the foot
it must not be thrown down or dropped, but put quietly
to the ground, at the same time observing the same rule
in mounting the vehicle as in the previous operation,
which when done promptly and quietly is, as a rule,
effective after a few lessons. Some horses have been
used to travel on the wrong side of the road, and
exhibit a strong objection to keep their own proper side.
Such is the result of bad or careless driving, and is very
dangerous, particularly in return journeys on dark or
foggy evenings. The cure is soon brought about by a
watchful driver, in keeping a steady pressure upon the
near-side rein, and occasionally stroking or touching up
the off side of the horse with the whip, invariably learns
the horse his own side, after a few journeys. An
irritable driver is greatly calculated to make matters
worse in case of jibbing, so it is strictly necessary to keep
cool and steady, and not to display the slightest temper or
impatience. The frequent use of the horse's name will ac-
custom the horse to the voice of the driver, and promote
confidence and obedience. If the owner be altogether
inexperienced, the assistance of a practical coachman
should be solicited, and in the event of no speedy improve-
ment, the horse should be put in the shafts of a heavy

t

■Si-

t

■w.

cart, with one or two horses in the front of him. Each
start should be done without the whip, and for sliort
distances only. It has been found that the most obstinate
jibber has been glad to go freely in the shafts of a light
vehicle, after a few lessons in a loaded cart with two good
steeds in front of him. If a horsebreaker be engaged,
particular attention should be paid to his system of treat-
ment, and strict observance of his instructions, both in the
stable and out of doors. It has been said of many
horses that they were " not able to pull the cap off a
man's head," but after a few patient lessons and kind
treatment they have been termed willing to " pull at a
standing tree."

■■*■■

I

T

M^-1 ■

t t

RIDING,

"Hold fast, sit sure."

Riding is said to be the poetry of motion ; anyway,
it is the most invigorating and healthy of exercises. We
are taught that horsemanship emanates from Egypt, and
that Egypt was the great and original breeding place for
horses ; we are likewise told that Solomon obtained all his
horses from Egypt, the price averaging i6o Shekels, or
about ^i8 English money, for each animal. According
to the Greek writers, Sesostris was the first who tauo-ht
men to tame and ride horses. Six hundred years after
Solomon, Xenophon says that Persia possessed no horses
before the age of Cyrus, but afterwards produced the
finest in the world, and all were horsemen, in fact the
very name of Persia became associated with horsemanship,
and the present of a Persian horse was a gift indeed.
The Greeks became famous for their horsemanship about
the time of, or just before, the Trojan war, (1192 B, C.)
hence the Grecian fables of the Caitauj^s, or as Ovid calls
them semi-human horses and semi-equine men. It is
said that the Mexicans fled at the first si^ht of the
Spanish cavalry, thinking they were " monsters." The
Half Breeds of North America are considered the most
extraordinary and wonderful horsemen in the world. In

*■

■a — : ,^

t t

their trapping and other expeditions on horseback, the
saddle and bridle were not thought of, sometimes a piece
of fish skin or strip of animal's hide with noose for the toe
was sufficient to act as a stirrup, &c., a plain cord of the same
material for a bridle and bit, and a piece of cloth or hide
underneath the seat. In fact, they have been known to
mount the wildest steed and give him full play over hill
and vale, mountain and torrent, through river and marsh,
and ultimately bring him home (guided by the hand alone)
as docile and tame as a lap-dog. The Arabs are good
riders without the bridle and saddle, and are frequently to
be seen with a common halter and piece of linen for the
horse's back. The Arabian horses are considered by
some the more active and pleasant to ride than the
English thorough bred ; but such is not the general
opinion. The Arabs are known to be particularly fond
of the horse, and would rather lose their lives than part
with their steeds. In fact, the horse reciprocates the good
feeling, fully appreciating the constant care and attention
shewn towards him by his master — whom it is no strange
siofht to see fondlincr and embracino^, and sometimes even
kissine, his horse. The Turkish horse is descended from
the Arab, and are notedly splendid creatures. The Turks
are good riders and very kind to their horses, and the
steeds are always very gentle and obedient. The men
are never known to thrash or abuse their horses, and a
vicious animal is rarely to be found among them. It is a
common thine to see a Turkish horse kneel down to
receive its rider; such is the result of good training. In
Turkey, riding is the rule and driving the exception,
coach building being somewhat in its infancy, at least
compared with our own country. For riding, the Turks
prefer horses ; the Arabs are more in favour of mares.
The Ganchos are supposed to be the cleverest horsemen
at lassoing wild horses, which are to be seen in their

t t

native state on the prairies of North and South America,
in Tartary, the centre of Africa, and the deserts of
Arabia. Among the wild horses of South America the
mares are seldom tamed, but allowed to roam about with
their offspring at pleasure. It is the great ambition of the
young Indian to possess a good horse for buffalo hunting,
and if he cannot get it by fair means he will steal one. In
the art of riding they are entirely self-taught, having no
knowledee of the " huntinof seat," which is so much
preferred and generally adopted in England. The Indian
stands astride, as it were, in performing his wonderful
evolutions ; his grip to the horse is (as we should term it)
the "fork" or military seat. The position of the Indian
upon the horse's back, and that of the jockey of the
present day are great extremes.

It is said that races were first instituted in England
in the reign of Charles I. ; and it is also asserted that
Cromwell kept fleet horses, no doubt for the purpose of
carrying the mails and other despatches.

Horsemen should be careful not to ride long stages
without feeding their steeds ; some have been known to
ride thirty and forty miles, which is a great act of cruelty;
occasional small feeds and a good meal at the end of the
journey are most beneficial to the horse. In riding a
journey the horseman should start at a moderate pace,
and finish in the same way, thus graduating the horse to
his work and coming home cool. If quick travelling is
necessary, the saddle should be eased occasionally in going
up hill. The tired hack should have his feet washed and
legs bathed with warm water at his journey's end, and the
hands should be carefully rubbed down the horse's legs for
thorns, &c. If the steed should go off (or appear to
despise) his food, it is a sure sign that rest is required.

4 J i

T

It is an important item that the hackney saddle
should be a close fit, but must not hurt the horse's back.
The larger the saddle the better for the horse, the weight
of the rider being spread over a larger surface ; and the
same rule applies to the comfort of the rider. The girths
should not be buckled tight, particularly when a
breast-plate is worn. The life of the rider should never
be trusted to a single girth, and when two single girths
are used they must be crossed. The best and safest
girth is the " Fitzwilliam," which is not only the most secure
but most comfortable for the animal ; as it consists of one
broad web band as the main or body girth, and a narrow
one passing through loops on the top of the broader one
as the safety girth, each one being buckled independently,
with three buckles in all at each end.

The saddle pannel should be carefully and constantly
attended to, both as to the stuffing and cleanliness. The
back-stuffing (as it is termed by the trade) of a saddle is
a very important item in connection with the welfare of
the horse and the safety of the rider — none but the very
best and cleanest wool should be used ; where common
wool or flocks are used, a hard or long ride will cause the
perspiration to clog the same, and form it into knots, hence
the term " cut like a knife," thus causing wounds and
sores.

The crupper and breast-plate should not be worn for
wearing sake, neither should double reins or double bits
for ordinary exercise or short journeys. After a day's
hunting, or few hours' ride, the saddle should by no
means be taken immediately from the horse's back on
reaching the stable, but the girths should be unloosed and
the saddle moved a few inches towards the croup, for the
purpose of allowing the horse's back to gradually cool
during the process of swilling the legs, &c., (see Un-

4. i

t I

harnessing.) Hackney cruppers are considered unsightly,
and have been frequently the cause of sore places about the
region of the dock. The necessity for the crupper is
invariably more the fault of the rider than the horse ; a
good rider never shows his stockings, but it is frequently
the case that many whose daily business it is to sit upon
a horse are frequently to be seen with their trousers up to
their knees ; such are the rollicking horsemen that require
cruppers, trouser straps, and frequently tying or holding
on. In riding, or attempting to ride, the old rule is
*' To look before you leap," and the real horseman says
" Keep close to the pigskin," hence the term " daylight"
between saddle and man, therefore it is equally important
the saddle should fit the horseman as well as the horse.

The first business of the amateur is to learn to
exercise patience ere he can excel as an equestrian ; next,
never to start until he is ready, (which rule applies to
everything through life) and to avoid flourishing or
irritating the horse. This advice v/as given the author
by an old Balaclava Veteran, with the reminder — " Put a
beggar on horseback, &c." The writer thinks that
nothing looks so thoroughly ridiculous as the back view
of a full-grown, green amateur, who appears mounted for
the first time trotting through the most public streets,
specially got up with frock coat and button-hole, patent
leathershoes, and stirrups too short, a bran new saddle
and bridle, and himself hanging on by the spurs, his
elbows elevated, and shoulders up, as though endeavouring
to overtake the horse or imitate the monkey. Such is
the picture often to be seen at holiday and other times of
the ambitious green-horn, who, at an advanced age, and
without any preparatory lessons or practice, vaults into the
saddle. It is not the forte of all men to excel in horse-
manship, and the author has frequently met, and knows

■g — - ;*>

i I

t t

several horse owners who have not yet got, and in all
probability never will get, beyond the perfection of a walk ;
their sensible motto is discretion, and If a trot is ventured
It Is not taken advantage of In towns, but out In the
country where there is no fear of making an exhibition of
themselves ; but, the poor horse suffers from being jolted
and jerked, pulled and spurred by the clumsy, awkward,
and weighty rider. The amateur horseman, after
he has got proficient In mounting and dismounting,
should learn to walk the horse. In riding, the reins
are taken the reverse way to driving, viz. : from the
top, and the fingers held down and kept towards the
centre of the body, neither up nor down, and a little way
from the body. In much the same position as in driving.
The mouth of the horse should be felt lightly and
regularly with the reins, and at all times to be kept well
in hand ; the rider's elbows and toes should be kept some-
what in, and heels down ; the head erect and the back
hollowed, but by no means to lean backward ; a good grip
of the saddle should be cultivated, and the feeling to be
educated and persisted In Is one of firmness, ease,
freedom, and independence.

In trottlnof, the horse must be allowed to start before
the rider, which should be done without using the spurs,
flourish of the whip, or noise of any kind ; a gentle touch
or raising of the reins and pressure of the knees, together
with a slight leaning forward, will put the educated horse
upon the steady and straight track Immediately, the rider
keeping to the saddle a few seconds and then lightly falling
in with the step of the horse ; then, and only then, can the
luxury of a steady or fair swinging trot (such as our late
Lord Palmerston and the Noble Duke of Wellington
were wont to enjoy) be appreciated. The same care
should be taken in pulling up or stopping the horse, not

a-

i

t t

(as is often the case) done on the sHding scale ; but the
horse should be consulted, and the walk is brought about
without the least jerk, strain, or effort. The same rule
applies to the canter, which is beautifully illustrated by
the hand gallop of a lady's hack with the musical accom-
paniment (especially on a clear frosty morning) of the
firm trot of the companion at her side. The hunting rule
is to ride "slow at timber" and "fast at water."

As regards the bridle, the least complicated and easiest
for the horse in business or pleasure is the " Snaffle," which
simple bit can be made more effective in the hands of
an experienced horseman, than the most expensive
" Weymouth " when used by our heavy-handed amateur.
The " Snaffle " consists of a single head, single rein, and
single bit, which is invariably used for racing over turf,
allowine as it does, the full stretch of the horse's neck ;
for general business the " Pelham " is used, consisting of
single head, single bit, and double rein ; for hunting and
military purposes the "Weymouth" bridle is adopted,
which embraces double head, double reins, double bits
and curb, in the use of which great judgment and feeling
are required, on account of the excessive leverage on the
curb bit. The author does not agree with twisted, jointed,
or high-port mouthed, or complicated bits in any case. The
bridle should be adjusted so as to fit easily, and the cheeks
should be regulated according to the carriage of the bit
in the mouth. The throat-band should have fair or easy
play, just being sufficiently tight to keep the bridle in
position without danger of being thrown off by the horse
jerking his head up or down. All extra strappings or
superfluities should be adjusted with equal judgment, so
as not to chafe the horse or risk the rider's life.

Shakespeare says — "What wound did ever heal but by
degrees," which well applies to the use and abuse of spurs.

i

t t

»)6 ' .1.1 ^.

Many indifferent horsemen seem to think that spurs were
invented for the special purpose of holding on by, and
have come to grief accordingly ; but not until the horse
has been unnecessarily punished by having its sides gored
and gashed for several inches, causing blood very often
to trickle down its side freely.

The cruel spurs and gag-bit were not known
in early days, as we learn by the Fresco repre-
sentations of the Parthenon at Athens, the horse
being guided by a word or movement of the hand
of the rider, the same as our cart horses of the present
day are to a certain extent. The amateur horseman should
by no means wear spurs until he can sit a horse properly,
and has become perfectly familiar with the real use of
them. The military horseman rarely touches the skin
with the spurs, yet he can guide (or ease) the horse to the
right or left, and forward or backward by a slight pressure
of the knee, and sometimes is understood by a slight shake
of the foot or leg. Spurs, used without discretion, not only
wound the horse but affect his temper, and endangers the
life of the rider.

The same rule applies to the unnecessary ap-
plication of the whip, either when riding or driving ;
and it must be remembered that a " long journey
and swift " is dangerous, and that it is good policy to
frequently pat, or 7nake much of, your steed, at the same
time to call him by name. The horse should never be
flogged for shying, but the object shied at should be
steadily and carefully approached, or rode up to ; this will
satisfy the horse, and tend to give him confidence in the
future.

t t

THE STABLE AND STABLE FITTINGS.

CLIPPING, CLOTHING, SHOEING,
FEEDING, CLEANING AND GENERAL STABLE MANAGEMENT.

"Allow not nature more than nature needs,"

The old proverb says — " It is usual to lock the stable
door after the horse is gone," which figurative expression
plainly indicates to all horse owners, and particularly to
those about to set up a " Turn Out," the real necessity,
not only for a good system in reference to the steed, but
a watchful eye upon all its immediate surroundings. The
first object should be to secure, if possible, a roomy home
or domicile for the horse, which must not be too dark or
too light. The next considerations are good ventilation,
and perfect drainage ; general cleanliness must be ob-
served ; pure corn and prompt attention are absolutely
necessary.

If the horse is to be fastened up by the head-collar,
the size of the stall should not be less than 8 feet by 6
feet ; if a loose box is intended (which is always pre-
ferable) it should be at least 1 2 feet square. Loose boxes
possess great advantages over the stall in many ways, more
particularly as regards the exercise given the horse by
having his liberty. The f^oor should be laid with best
hard bricks, which are easily kept clean and sweet. Sloping
floors are very objectionable and injurious to the horse,
particularly when he is tied up in the stall, hence his
invariable resting position being either across the stall or
with his tail in the manger ; oftimes the horse is to be
found at the full length of the halter rein. Gratings in

1 t

t I

the centre of the stall are very unwholesome, are some-
what draughty, and accumulate deposits, and unhealthy
fumes arise from the sewer gases. All urine should be
conducted outside the stable by a gutter from behind the
horse, and no dirt should be permitted to remain in the
corners of the stable.

The arrangements for ventilation should be complete,
and fixed above and below, but not immediately behind
or before the steed. The stable should not be kept too
cool or too hot ; the proper temperature can be easily
regulated by the thermometer, without which no stable is
complete. The average should be 50 degrees in winter
and 70 in summer.

The walls of the stable should not be perfectly
white, but somewhat of a drab or grey colour, and paint
preferred, which can be washed over as often as desirable
— say once a month. The stable should be boarded round
a few feet up the walls from the ground, no rails, or
other impediment or obstruction should be within reach.
Dark stables are never clean, and unclean stables are
extremely unhealthy and dangerous for the animal's eyes.
Too much light is not advisable, therefore this particular
department rests more or less with the judgment and
humane feelinof of the horse owners. The windows
should be as high up from the ground as possible — say
about 8 feet to the bottom pane — and if the window frame
is made to revolve it will greatly facilitate the ventilation.
The glass should not by any means be low down, on
account of its liability to be broken.

The manger should be a good depth, and about 2
feet long, and so constructed as to prevent the possibility
of the corn being wasted. The hay rack should be on a
level with the manger, and on the near (or left) side of the

Flat rm^'^ HiAwn
snaffle'

sn/xJT/e

(>qf>:-. x-y7sy>y.o^

Lwerpool'
ffiKLrd' bU-.

(^olui' I^aJJie-r)

(Wire,)
Morsey imuzzles .

[^straps)

t t

.*:■

horse. The hay rack should never be above the manger,
for many reasons, such as the great and constant strain
caused to the animal's neck, the falling of dust into the
corn and into the horse's eyes, and the great waste which
invariably results from such an arrangement. Hay lofts
immediately over the stable are very objectionable, but
cannot always be avoided, but the hay hole should
by all means be dispensed with, as it is dangerous
for restive horses, frequently spoils the corn and water,
and causes the dust to affect the steed. The water
is best kept in a small cistern by the side of the manger,
so that the horse can help himself. If two horses are
kept in the same stall, as is frequently the case with cart
horses, the rack should be fixed in the centre and a
manger at each end, and on a level, and constructed
strictly with a view to promoting comfort and economy.

The head collar rein may be leather and made to
buckle with a billett, or a rope may be substituted ; chains
are not so good. The log must not be heavy, and
should be encased so as to slide up and down a wooden
tube to and from the ring.

A good groom will not permit the slightest particle
of dirt to accumulate in the manger, or dust in the stable
or its precincts ; rising early every morning he will com-
mence his duties, with a cheerful good will, at one
systematic time, say — 5-30 in the summer, and 6-30 in
the winter.

Cats, dogs, goats, or pigs should not be allowed in
the stable at any time.

That the groom should be even tempered is strictly
necessary, if the steed must thrive and do well whilst in
his hands.

4 K X

I t

•*

■s-

In grooming, a certain time should be laid down as a
rule, and devoted to the horse systematically, supported
by a good share of elbow grease. The business of
grooming must not be skipped over at any time, but the
horse should be thoroughly cleaned from head to croup,
— not merely polishing the most conspicuous parts,
and slipping over what may pass muster with the inex-
perienced or careless owner, for it must be borne in mind
that the genuine horseman cannot be deceived.

The groom commences first by using curry-comb
with great caution. If the horse is long coated the
curry-comb may be applied pretty freely, but if the steed
be clean coated, thin skinned, and of nervous temperament,
very delicate manipulation is essentially necessary, and in
fact the comb is dispensed with altogether. Some grooms
merely use the curry-comb for the purpose of cleaning
and dusting the brush.

The entire art of grooming a horse consists In
cleaning the dirt from its hide, whisping, brushing, wiping
down with a cloth, combing the mane and tail, sponging
the croup, eyes and mouth ; examining, picking, and if
necessary washing the feet, rubbing the legs and ears, ad-
justing the head-collar, clothing, and body roller, all of
which promptly and quietly, and without the hissing on
the part of the groom so frequently to be heard in stables,
and which hissing it should be remembered is neither
musical to the horse nor healthy to the operator.

The stable requisites are pitch-fork, shovel, broom,
manure basket, body brush, water brush, weed or
whalebone brush, scraper, mane comb, curry-comb,
hoof-picker, chamois leather, compo-brushes, sponges,
bucket, corn measure, sieve and server, poultice boot,
sponge boot, dusters, bandages, (linen and woollen)

i i

t t

drenching horn, stopping, spoke brush, jack, compo. and
harness pastes, whiting, button stick and brush, manger
log, rock salt, hay whisp, black oils, Gough's Australasian
Hoof Ointment and Embrocation, singeing lamps, (large
and small) tubing, hose-piping, trimming comb and
scissors, clipping machines, (large and small for body and
head) twitch, and a small supply of tow and tar, the great
usefulness of which any Vet. will advise, as in checking
that common disease known as thrush.

It should be borne in mind that the horse cannot work
upon a full belly, hence the necessity for its first feed
being given early in the day, and with punctuality, — as
much earlier, and certainly not later, than the times set
down above.

The quantity of food should be regulated by the
judgment of the groom, but the quality should be none
other than the best. The horse that is worked hard
requires more food than the one that has little work, and
the number of feeds and quantities given should be in
accordance with the work, size, build, and stamina of the
horse. One peck of good, clean, sound oats, a few hand-
fuls of beans, and about ten pounds of sweet hay divided
into three or four meals per day is the usual quantity for
the average hack. A little cut hay or chaff will cause the
horse to masticate his food, and take more time over it; and
this is very desirable, it being a well known fact that corn
that is greedily bolted loses half its nutrition. A handful
of bran gives the feed a wholesome fragrance, and a little
water flavoured with salt and sprinkled over the hay
makes it exceedingly palatable. A lump of rock salt in
the manger is decidedly wholesome, and is calculated to
find good occupation for the horse, and will at the same
time tend greatly to prevent crib-biting.

i 1

t I

The general quantity of water, if the permanent
cistern be not adopted, is half a bucket three times
per day. The horse should be exercised on idle
days for at least two hours, during which time the
stable should be washed out and thoroughly cleaned, the
wet straw taken away — but by no means should it be
pushed under the manger — and a little dry litter left and
spread under the horse for it to stand upon.

As a vegetable food carrots are greatly relished by
the horse, and are considered wholesome, but must be
particularly cleaned, and are usually sliced.

The test for oats is that they should be old, heavy,
sweet, perfectly dry, plump, and a bright colour. If beans
are given they are best bruised. It is usual to water the
horse after dressing it. New hay is not calculated to
improve the working condition of the horse.

The following is a safe cooling lotion for over-heated
backs on reaching the stable after a journey : — 4 drachms
sugar of lead to a wine bottle full of spring water.

The groom should never be allowed to physic or
bleed the animal under his care ; if anything of the sort is
thought necessary, the services of the veterinary surgeon
should be immediately obtained.

Great care is necessary in working horses that have
been brought up fresh from grass, and special attention
should be paid to grooming them. It should be remem-
bered that a well groomed horse is always more buoyant
and healthy than those that are comparatively neglected
or never thoroughly cleaned. Good grooming is half
corn, and waste or over generosity should be discouraged.
The cratch should never be crammed with hay, or the
oats unmeasured and thrown recklessly into the manger.
The quantity of food should be calculated and measured

-r. . :f

t

out, in strict accordance with the clean manner in which
it is eaten up.

Beware of amateur horse doctors and the groom or
stable man with his head crammed full of useless and
dangerous receipts and experiments, or as he would term
them " faquements," in addition to his wonderful ball pre-
scriptions, (which are a special family secret.)

The waggon horse, carrier's horse, cab horse, or boat
horse should never be sent out without the nose-bag or
nose-tin, and spare cloths or waterproof sheets that will
cover the whole body and strap on against the wind while
standing still or not in motion.

Whole corn, coarse hay, irregular feeding, and care-
less treatment is frequently the cause of indigestion in the
horse, or chronic colic as it is called.

The corn should be kept under lock and key near
the stable, and proper shelves and drawers should be
fitted for brushes and general tools, and kept clean and
handy for use ; the fork, shovel, &c., should be kept
outside the stable.

Some judgment should be brought to bear in feeding
working horses at holiday times ; the measure of bran
should prevail.

Singeing and clipping should be performed with
great caution, and by no means hurriedly, and none but
the very best machines* used, and by steady, sober
men only.

The clothing of the horse demands immediate at-
tention after clipping and singeing. It is a well known
fact — and illustrations may often be seen — that the horse
is literally smothered with sheet after sheet of clothing

and rugs for the first exercise after clipping, and remain

* "The Newmarket and Toilet Clipper."

•*-

i I

t ^1

.^•■

SO for days in the stable, but after a time it is left in the
open air in snow or rain, or perhaps a biting frost, al-
together unprotected from the elements, which contrasts
strongly when the driver appears muffled, coated and
gloved up, and his last innocent thoughts being the poor
horse ; but a sharp trot is expected, to warm the animal,
which has to be pulled up again for another starving spell
duringf the anxious transaction of the owner's business.
It cannot be said that any man would, or could, wilfully
neglect his faithful companion as above shown, but it is
the result of sheer want of thought, or carelessness, which
is equally blameable ; the same man will be most
particular in stopping every crevice and hole in the stable
on returning home, to (as he thinks) prevent draughts,
whereas he is excluding the air that is necessary to the
preservation of the health and life of the horse.

The clothing sheet proper (say the Newmarket)
should reach within about 9 or lo inches of the croup, and
be made to fit easily and nicely round the neck, and
should be duly strengthened at the chine, and double at
the wearing parts. If a horse be overloaded with clothing
in the stable, he is much more susceptible to cold
outside, in fact everything connected with the " Turn
Out " depends more or less upon the discretion and
judgment of the owner. Most stables have different
systems, and in many cases they will be found admirably
adapted to their individual surroundings.

The body roller and circingle are an important part
of the clothing suit, and like the head-collar should never
be buckled tight ; knee caps are useful for exercising
valuable horses, but are not considered any improvement
to the appearance of the " Turn Out."

The shoes demand the regular attention of the
groom, and the feet should be carefully examined every

■5'

^ — W-

t t

morning, and listened to occasionally during the drives.
The horse's shoes require changing on the average once
a month, but much depends upon the nature or kind
of work the horse is engaged upon. The heavy
waggon horse does not wear out his shoes so fast as the
hackney. Speed grinds shoes down much quicker than
steady draught. Many a horse has been lamed and
crippled by careless or indiscriminate shoeing, but where
the farrier is an acknowledged practical man, and known
to make a study of his business, his judgment should
not be subjected to dictation but appealed to in any
particular case, it will then secure his most careful at-
tention. Heavy shoes are not considered any advantage,
as they tire the horse. It is always very necessary to
exercise great care in pareing and rasping the feet, and
the less nails used (compatible with wear and tear) the
better. Roughing and sharpening should never be
deferred in frosty and slippery weather, rather keep the
horse at home than send him out not properly protected,
or, as it were, in a helpless condition. A good farrier
makes the anatomy and physiology of the horse's foot a
daily study.

It is said that a coloured hoof wears better than a
white one, and that the hind hoof is smaller than the
fore, and more upright, and longer than it is wide. The
hind shoes are invariably worn out before the front ones.

In ancient times shoeing with metal was not known,
therefore a hard strong hoof was considered one of the
best features or qualities of the horse.

The Greeks and Romans were the first to attach a
kind of leather protection to the horse's foot, and
afterwards a few iron plates, and sometimes silver and
gold were used, as illustrated in the life of Nero. Seathes,

t [ I

the celebrated horseman of old, said : — *' The first part of
the horse to look at is the foot, for no matter how beau-
tiful the upper house is decorated, all is failure if the
foundation be not secure." The Arabs seldom have the
hind feet of their horses shod, which is likewise the rule
in many parts of Germany.

The stable should by no means be damp, and it is
strictly necessary that the harness room should be perfectly
dry, and kept clean and free from dust. Suitable pegs,
harness brackets, cases and drawers, &c., should be
properly fitted for each article. A fire place is necessary
for drying and warming clothing, and if adjoining the
stable, assists ventilation, and is likewise handy for boiling
water, and making bran mashes, &c.

The harness room should be liberally supplied with
everything for the use of the groom, and all should be
strictly kept in order, in fact, the stableman's motto should
be — " A place for everything, and everything in its
place."

The author has recently introduced a new Saddle
Stand, which is considered a decided improvement upon
the old-fashioned and awkward saddle horse which has
been the cause of so many broken trees from being
tipped over on to the floor. The new stand combines the
necessary drawers for girths, bridles, extra stirrup leathers,
silk cords, thongs, &c., takes up very little space, and
being upon four invisible wheels can be moved to any
part of the room, is strong enough to hold any quantity
of saddles, keeps the flaps in proper position throughout ;
the original advantage being that the top is made the same
form and size of a hackney saddle, and of reasonable
height, so that a gentleman can cross it and try the easy
seat and fit of a new purchase without girths, thus saving

■!-l\'

t t

time and inconvenience ; and it is particularly adapted
for saddlers' shops, for shewing saddles off to the best
and safest advantage, a model of which may be seen
at the writer's establishment, supporting the "original
self-coloured saddle," as exhibited by him at the Bir-
mingham Horse Show in 1871-72.

It may be well to give a few general instructions with
reference to the selection of fittings for the stable. In the
first place, the author would remark that owing to the per-
fection to which iron fittings are now brought, they are
certainly the best. They are made with the mash trough,
8ic., enamelled inside, so that it can be kept as clean as a
china basin, the iron fittings being almost indestructible
wake really durable work, while neither the kicking nor
bitinof of vicious horses can have the least effect on them.
The crib biter is also deprived of his solitary enjoyment, as
with properly formed iron work he cannot lay hold of it
with his teeth. A great difference of opinion seems to exist
with reference to the suitability of stalls and loose boxes
for general use, and it would be impossible to lay down
an universal rule applicable in all cases, but it will be
sufficient to say that there is no place where the tired
hunter so soon recovers his wonted energies as in a com-
fortable box. This is not at all times available, as owing
to limited space in stables, especially in towns, it is found
difficult to accomodate the requisite number of horses
in boxes.

The length of a stable, divided into 12 feet spaces,
will show the number of loose boxes that can be put in
it, while if divided into 6 feet spaces it will show about
the number of stalls that can be erected.

In dividing the stable into stalls, the use of open
railing between the horses is strongly recommended — they

4 L i

t

t

being of a very social disposition, greatly relish the
companionship of their stable associates ; and often a
horse has been known to go down seriously in condition
when removed from his companions to a separate place.

In giving an illustration of a division which is manu-
factured by Messrs. Musgrave & Co., Limited, of 97, New
Bond Street, London, and Belfast, as it contains some
important practical Ideas which have been introduced and
patented by them, the author thinks it right to describe
them to his readers.

The panel between the horses is wrought Iron open
railing, such as Is advocated above, but with this
Important improvement, that although the general ap-
pearance presented is that of an entirely open panel, that
part of it which comes between the mangers at the head
wall Is made close, so that the horses cannot see each
other while enofasfed with their food ; this Is considered
essential. The other point to which attention should be
directed is the Sliding Barrier, or Pole, which draws out

i

i

t t

from the division, and crossing the gangway enters a
socket in the opposite wall. Should a horse, therefore,
break loose at night or during the absence of the men,
his opportunity for mischief is confined to his own stall.
Several of these barriers can be fitted to each division.
These divisions are often made hinged, so that when fitted
inside a loose box the latter may be used as two stalls or
one box, as occasion requires. This is an extremely useful
plan for country establishments, where, on the arrival of
friends to attend a " meet," or any similar gathering, the
stable accommodation may be doubled by opening out these
hinged divisions, which can be effected in a few minutes.

When dividing the stable into loose boxes, the
divisions, doors, &c., should be constructed of great
strength, as the horse being free to wander about and do
pretty much as he likes inside, every part is exposed to
his kicking.

The railings and doors should be of wrought iron,
and Messrs. Musgrave manufacture in this way some
very handsome designs for loose box enclosure.

The Manger fittings should be carefully selected to
suit the requirements of the horses and the sort of food
they are likely to be fed on. For instance — carriage
horses and hunters not consuming a large amount of hay
or mash or chaff, will not require an extensive rack or
mash trough ; but as they frequently stand for days in the
stall they might have the addition of a water pot for a
constant water supply. Of this however more after-
wards. If a few work horses be kept, their racks and
troughs should be large, and in the case of heavy dray
horses that are often fed on "chop" the trough should be
much larger. This subject has been very fully entered

I 1

t

t

into by the firm above named, who pubHsh a book of
designs, having above fifty different kinds of mangers
and racks suitable for every purpose.

The construction of the troughs should be such that
although the horse should get free access to his food he
should not be allowed to toss it out — the hayrack we
prefer to be on a level with the manger instead of being
raised above the horse's head, but this being a subject on
which there is great difference of opinion, the writer
approaches it with some diffidence. Both plans have
their strong advocates, but he is disposed to look at it
from the most natural point he can, viz : — the manner in
which the horse was by nature formed to take his food.
Had his food supply been placed for him in the fields,
as is often the case in stables at a distance of six
feet above the ground, we should see at once that the
raised or elevated rack was the proper thing for him ; but
as his nourishment was altogether provided on the ground,
we must try and accommodate him in a similar manner
by placing his rack and manger as near the ground as
cleanliness and his own safety will allow. This is found
by experience to be from three, to three and a half-feet.

i

t t

The advocates of elevated racks object to the other
kind because of the waste which may occur through the
horse pulHng the hay out, and scattering it over the floor ;
but Messrs. Musgrave have overcome this difficulty in
a manner as practical and effective as it is simple. A
plain wrought iron sliding grid which works up and down
and is attached to the wall, is dropped on the top of the
hay in the rack, and as the horse consumes the hay the
grid gradually descends to the bottom.

The subject of water-troughs or no water-troughs
has been debated among stable men for many years with-
out much practical result, both sides of the question
having its adherents, and, in fact, it may be fairly left to
the proprietors decision in each case. Some horses, like
men, cannot be trusted with a constant supply of liquid
and this has given force to the remarks of those who
object to the plan, but it is unfair to deprive the well
conducted and sagacious animal of what must be a
great comfort to him, simply because his more bibulous
neighbour does not know how to conduct himself properly.

If all the stalls and boxes were provided with water-
troughs the horses could have a constant supply left with
them or not as may be found to suit their health or habits.
Messrs. Musgrave and Co., have a very simple and
beautiful arrangement of water troughs, which sits firmly
and securely in the manger top-plate, but which tips over
with the greatest ease when required to be emptied.

The advantages of this plan are obvious ; — the
entire body of water is discharged at once into the drain,
and is very useful for flushing purposes. The trough has
no opening in the bottom to let off the water, but is
perfectly smooth ; there is no necessity for a plug and
washer, or tap, which are annoying to the horse, and

t ^ I

certain to get out of order. The water when discharged
descends quickly into the surface drain or gutter, and
thence to the sewer through a stench trap ; and this
brings us to a most important part of the fitting up of the
stable, viz : — the drainage and ventilation. Matters which
concern the health of the horse so much, require the most
careful consideration, and upon which subject the author
would make a few additional observations.

Gutters for surface drainage are made of two kinds
viz : — open channels, and closed or covered gutters. The
former are much liked on account of being very easily
cleaned out, but as the straw bedding gets trampled into
the channel by the horse, it becomes saturated with urine,
and then not only stops the flow of the urine, but emits a
large amount of ammoniacal gas and damp into the stable.
Closed or covered gutters avoid this unpleasantness, and
are certainly the best, provided ordinary cleanliness is
followed, but as many stable attendants are very careless
on this head, and the cover prevents the master's eye
catching the objectionable dirt, the advantages and merits
of the covered gutter are frustrated. Lately, however,
Messrs. Musgrave & Co. have got over this difficulty by
bringing out a new form of gutter, grooved or fluted on
the surface, which allows the urine to flow away along the
bottom of the grooves, while the horse stands, and the
bedding lies on the top. This is an ingenious and simple
method of getting over the difficulty, and is eminently
satisfactory in working.

No definite rule can be laid down for ventilation, as
every stable has its own peculiarities of site, but in stables
arranged in the usual manner the principles of ventilation
by Musgrave's Patent Ventilators, shown by the annexed
sketch, will be found to keep the air of the stable always
pure.

1 : — t

t

t

The foul air escapes through an outlet ventilator h, in the ceiling
(one opposite to each inlet ventilator), placed close to the back wall,
thence into a horizontal air flue j, which runs along the floor of the hay
chamber, to collect the air from all the outlet ventilators, and finally
passes out at the roof through a large vertical shaft K, terminating in a
roof ventilator l, so constructed that the action of the wind always
causes an upward current in the shaft. The vertical shaft may rise from
any part of the horizontal one, and it enables the ventilator to be placed
in the centre of the roof, or, for a large building, two or more may be
used and spaced at any intervals required for architectural effect.

The advantages of this system will now be seen. The fresh air
enters near the ceiling by the inlet ventilator a, driving before it the
breathed air from the horses, which passes out directly at the roof, but
no cold air can fall upon the horse either from the inlet or outlet opening.
Even on a close summer day there will be a sensible change of air in a
stable thus ventilated, because a slightupward current is induced by theroof
ventilator in the calmest weather, and the heated breath from the horses
will of itself pass away so long as it is guarded against a down draught.

i

T

t

t

The paving should be hard and durable but not porous. A good
test for paving material — let it be brick, clinker, asphalte, or concrete —
is to take a portion of it, and after carefully weighing it, leave it in a
pail of water for 24 hours and then weigh again. It will be manifest
that the pavement which absorbs least will, ceteris paribus^ make the
best floor ; but hardness and sufficient roughness, to prevent the horses
slipping, are seldom to be found in one article, and therefore the paving
bricks are usually made with grooved surfaces.

\

i

THE TEETH

Thfi foal

The- Yeeulfiet.

2 Years

mm*

3 Ye^rs

4 Years

6 Yem-.s .

T Years

8 Years

f< Vriirs

10 Ymrs

24- Ye firs.

2 Years

4- Years .

IS Years.

A.

SYears.

6 Years.

7 Years.

/I

SYears.

12 Years

.5 Years

12 YMXrs

12 Yearns

THE FEE T.

^'^i

'"i^bone.

m\

Bones of the-Foot . Side, view Frorvtvuw Bouchvcew JfoUorawm Ciose-foot. Crooked loot .

t t

DOCKING AND NICKING.

" He jests at scars that never felt a wound."

The above are very cruel operations, and at a not
very remote period were almost universally practised, but
of late years, regular feeding and kind treatment have been
found to be excellent substitutes, as they cause the
horse to carry his tail to the general satisfaction.*

Docking is nothing more nor less than cutting off
the horse's tail, and is often attended with danger. The
operation is performed safest by a professional man, who
uses an engine or machine made for the purpose. After
the tail is taken off the raw stump is seared with a hot
iron to stop the bleeding, and the part is powdered with
resin, likewise touched with a hot iron, to melt and run it
over the wound. This is the general process of docking,
and the operation is attended with the greatest risk when
it is performed by a careless, unskilful, and unfeeling
operator, especially if the horse is fat or fleshy, who cuts
or chops the tail off too near the rump.

Nicking means cutting four or five gashes across the
under side of the tail, for the purpose of giving the horse
an elegant appearance by causing the tail to curve. The
first nick (as it is called) is started a few inches (say three)
from the rump, and the others at equal distances according
to the length of the tail. The most cruel part of the
operation consists in taking a portion of the tendons
out of the tail. The amount of pain that the horse en-

■w-

t

dures during the process of docking and nicking, rests
more or less with the operator ; but there are many
proprietors of horses now who have feehngly determined
to set their faces against the system altogether ; in fact,
the very cruel and unnecessary practice is fast dying out,
and is happily the exception and not the rule.

'A-
i

1

t t

CART, FARM, AND PIT GEARS;
SHOEING AND ROUGHING.

" As easy as an old shoe."
The above adage does not at all times apply to the
make or fit of the heavier class of harness ; yet the very
fact of the extraordinary weight of leather, wood, straw,
and iron that some horses are condemned to carry, (inde-
pendent of the loaded cart or waggon) is sufficient of
itself to suggest that every part of the set of gears, whether
shafter or leader, pit or plough, should at least be a perfect
and easy fit.

It will be plain to every considerate mind that
each horse should be measured for his suit ; but
even this is not sufficient in itself to ensure the
comfort of the horse and the security of the team, without
proper judgment on the part of the saddler in each
particular case, and the discretion of the horse owner
as to the make and form he has decided upon having.

It is, and long has been, the author's opinion that cart
gears generally are made up far heavier and more lumber-
some than is necessary, and he considers the example set
by London carriers generally, Pickford's, Sutton's, and
Railway Companies in particular, a step in the right
direction towards bringing about a complete alteration
throughout the country, and revolutionise in favour of less
weight, not only for the horse's back, but, in fact, all over
his body, and in the future (it is to be hoped) the large
housings, savers, and winkers of the present day, to a
certain extent still adhered to by the country saddler, will

i 1

t^ I

1

be things of the past. The breech-band is of necessity
required to be strong and specially safe, but the writer is
of opinion that there is not the slightest necessity for a
5-inch breech-band, or crupper, or back-band, whether
shaft or chain, in any case; and contends that breech-bands
3I and 4-inches wide are strong enough, if well made and
stitched by hand with strong threads, a small awl used, and
plenty of wax, particularly if after the first row is sewn
a strong filling of solid mill banding, (either old or new),
be inserted under the lay, and with the ends of the lay
carried round the ironwork. The stitching should be four
straight rows or slight waves ; fancy work such as
diamonds, points, or crosses in stitching are calculated to
cut and weaken the leather, and will at-times break off, or
through, at those particular fillagree patterns. The piece
or pieces of leather above referred to as filling are better
if old, but must be sound and free from cracks. It is not
necessary to pare or shave down the edges for rounding,
but simply wetting and hammering flat each side before
inserting between the top lay and breech-band body is
sufficient. The shaft-crupper, belly-band, and cheeks
of the bridle should be made on the same principle ;
the housings of the saddle and collar are better glued
together when lined, instead of being pasted. The
firmness of a set thus built will be beyond all comparison
with the wide flimsily made old pattern set. All the
stitching should be carefully rubbed down at the bottom
side, and if the top is hammered it should be done very
lightly, and only for the purpose of rounding the work off
after wettinof; if the mark of the face of the hammer is
left it indicates hurried or careless workmanship.

The manner in which the shaft horse is sometimes
forced down hill, plainly indicates the necessity for a safe
breech-band and hip straps.

■I 1

t : ^1

The most important part of the cart-set, for the
comfort of the horse, is the collar, and the only portion
of it that can be reduced in weiofht is the housinof. The
old fashioned monster housings never ought to be re-
vived, and the writer thinks they can never be forgotten.

It is extremely important that the collar be lined
with best check, and faced between the straw and the
check with good clean wool, and the shape of the collar
fitted exactly to the form of the horse's neck. Open topped
collars must be strapped perfectly tight, in fact the top strap
in all open topped collars, whether for use on the surface
or under-ground, should only be punched one hole ; this
will ensure the shape and firmness of the collar being
kept as much as possible.

A cruel practice has been known to be indulged in .
for the purpose of showing a cheap Job in repairing, — but
it is done at the expense of the horse, — that is simply
covering the old and dirty lining with new check, and
passing the same off for re-bodying and fresh strawing and
wooling, when at the same time the old filling has neither
been disturbed nor renewed in any way. Such disgraceful
workmanship is nothing more nor less than a wicked
robbery to the customer and torture for the horse, and
would not be permitted in the workshop of any respect-
able and conscientious saddler ; but it is a well known
fact that, in addition to the above, nails and tacks have
been substituted for stitches by the unprincipled and
cheap contractor, and when it has become an absolute
necessity for re-wooling, the very cheapest, knotty, and
dirty flocks have been used, without the slightest con-
sideration for the horse or the reputation of the contractor,
who seems to think of nothing but what will answer his
immediate purpose.

i 4

t T

In easing cart (or any other) collars, holes should by
no means be cut into them, but the lining opened at the side
piece, turned back, and thus hollowed, as marked, where
the wound lies and made to miss the tender parts, faced
with clean wool, and quilted down particularly in a cart
collar or saddle; but if leather lined, as in stage or harness
collars, the part, after easing out, simply requires a wet
sponge rubbed over the leather and slightly malleted, and
it will then lie in the form desired. The saddle tree should
be made sufficiently wide to allow the pad to fit (and not
stand up or pinch) the back. There is no real necessity
for the housings and savors to be large or heavily lined,
and if ornaments or plates are desired, the smaller they
are the more neat and tasteful they will appear, besides
being lighter for the horse to carry.

Double girths are at all times necessary, and should
not be supplied less than i-|-inches wide for an average
sized horse.

It is important that the belly-band should be the same
strength as the breech-band, and that all the ironwork
throughout the set be perfectly sound, well made, and
of best material.

The foregoing rule as to substance and workmanship
applies particularly to cart, farm, pit, and boat gears, the
making or repairing of which should not be done "slop,"
or in a careless and common way, for the sake of price or
other ulterior motives, but in the best and most efficient
manner possible ; as this class of harness is constantly
exposed to the roughest possible wear and tear in all
weathers and almost all atmospheres, and is generally
worn by strong and well corned animals.

If it is the farmer's rule to have the gears repaired
upon his premises, about once a year, none but good,

-•— ii '■ w-

t t

practical, and sober workmen should represent the
saddler ; more mischief has been caused to the horse's
back and the good name of the tradesman through
complaints, justified too frequently by the carelessness,
drunkenness, or idleness of the journeyman, than is
pleasant to either the customer or the trade. Frequently
the man is dissatisfied with the food and the quantity or
quality of beer supplied him, or complaints are made by
the farmer of his horses being injured through bad work-
manship, and no wonder, for cases have occurred in which
the hand-iron or other tools have been stuffed with the
wool into the lining by the careless workman. If it is
mutually understood that food and refreshments shall be
supplied by the farmer, the quality should by all means be
good, and the quantity regulated according to the ability
of the workman and the hours of labour. This alone will
command a fair day's work, reasonable charges, and no
complaints on either side.

Pit-gears require an equal amount of care in making,
or repairing, and a good selection of material at all times.
The argument that they are going underground and out
of sight does not alter the fact that the horses in the mines
are, in many cases, as massive and good looking, and
undoubtedly are as well fed, and in many cases better
cared for, than the average horses above ground, therefore
it is really necessary that none but the best leather, check,
wool, laces, and ironwork, be used in the making up and
repairing all gears used underground.

The split crupper and hip straps used for boating
purposes should likewise be firm and carefully made, the
side pipes true, and the collar bodies full and easy in the
draught. The housing should not be fixed upon the
collar to stand up, but to lie as flat as possible for the

"I f

t t

4->

purpose of missing the bridges when passing under them,
and covering the horse's chine ; the hames should be
shorter in the top than the ordinary cart hames for the
same reason, as regards the roofing.

The boat bridle is not required to be heavy, in fact,
the lighter the better, and with a narrow noseband.
Boatmen as a rule take great pains with the horses
entrusted to their care ; the writer has frequently heard
boatmen speak of the horse as their most constant and
only companion, which is easily accounted for when the
fact of their long and solitary journeys together are con-
sidered. On questioning a driver, who was jocularly
shouting to his horse, upon one occasion, as to why he
had forgotten his whip, the answer was — " My boss wants
no whip, I carries my pipe instead, and keeps the whip
in the manger."

Nose-tins and nose-bags should be made with judg-
ment, and as light as possible consistent with their use ;
the bottom of the bag should be solid leather, and the
sides (or top) porous, for ventilation.

The Liverpool heavy harness is, as a whole, far |
above the average in make and quality, and the care
bestowed on it to keep it and the horse clean and in good
condition is extremely creditable to the draymen, which
system must be a source of great satisfaction to the horse
owners, who are very proud of, and are known to pay
long prices for their steeds.

The general system adopted by the Midland Railway
Company in permanently dispensing with winkers to the
bridles throughout the whole system, is a very humane
act, and truly laudable, being less weight for the horse to
carry, and gives him every opportunity of seeing his

1 ' — |-

t t

way, and it likewise means economy in the first cost and
the after repairs.

In the saddlery trade the repairing department is a
very important one, and should command the special
attention of both mechanic and principal. Good work-
manship, with economical views as to cost and prompti-
tude, should be the constant effort. Men without reason
and fore-thought have been found in all businesses, but
the man that would substitute nails for stitches — where
sewing is absolutely recognised as the only legitimate end
— is not a fit associate for good workmen. The author
has, in his valuation travels and engagements, heard of
serious results that have arisen from carelessly executed
or bad workmanship. If steady, honest, and sober
journeymen could be guaranteed to employers, they
would be stimulated and encouraged to pay good wages
for a reasonable amount of work ; and it is very desirable
that workmen, without distinction being made, should
prove themselves conscious of doing justice both to
employers and their customers.

Nothing is so distasteful to a lady or gentleman on
entering an establishment where the proprietor — from
want of convenience, or a desire to have his work-people
under his personal supervision — his operatives occupying
his front shop — to be ogled, quizzed, or questioned by
some " irresponsible," who, in the absence of the principal,
takes upon himself the responsibility of interrogator, and
who, in all probability, is a man fresh from the road, with
ideas of cleanliness which never extend beyond clean
linen, and a visit to the barber's shop once a week, though
more freque'nt shaving might be necessary ; or the
interrogator may be a man under notice to leave, and not
at all desirous of promoting his employer's interest, con-

■*■

I N i

I t

sequently he takes no pains to please the customers, but
endeavours to make the reception as unpleasant as possible
by dropping, or rather throwing, his clams, with the
lumbering breech-band between, as heavily as he can,
instead of placing it quietly down as he ought and would
do under other circumstances ; and as justification for this
rudeness the man gets up from his stool and pretends to
make a thread, when suddenly he becomes afflicted with
a very obstinate cough or chronic asthma, and discovers
he has lost his handkerchief. The customer may pop in
just at the fag end of a not very elevating argument
between the above and his shopmates, to terminate which
the dye-mop has been known to perform sundry
evolutions in the air, and land or rebound in close
proximity to the visitor. Suddenly the errand boy may
remember that he has been ordered some time ago to
hammer the lead, and operates with all his might (for a
few seconds) accordingly.

Such are a few, and only a few, of the disadvantages
to both customers and proprietors, through converting the
front into a workshop. If it can be by any means
managed, or in other words adapted to the premises, no
matter how small the staff, the manufactory should be
away from the entrance or reception room, (which the
front shop really is) and either at the back of the premises
or anywhere as near at hand as possible, but out of
(immediate) sight and hearing, and under the superin-
tendence of a reliable and conscientious foreman, who
should be provided with his desk, time book, clock, proper
rails for coats and hats, memorandum or order book for
entering work at once upon its arrival, (without trusting
to memory) and the day book for final noting at com-
pletion of the jobs, which books should be handed to
the principal every evening for charges to be added,

■S — — — A-

i i

t t

■*-

&c., in fact, system and order should prevail, which,
with the occasional lime-washing of the walls, will com-
plete the healthy arrangement, and will greatly contribute to
the permanent pleasure of the employes, and cause them to
wear the happy and satisfied expression so much calculated
to conduce to the comfort (or ease of mind) of the
employer, and the ultimate satisfaction of the customer.

In contracting to keep gears and harness in repair
all the year round, no matter whether the work is done
on or off the premises, the best and cheapest way in the
end is that the workmen should be instructed to do every
job as well and promptly as possible. The old saying —
•' Once well done is twice done," strictly applies to the
contract department, and is generally acknowledged by
the trade ; and the author has no hesitation in saying that
his experiences among business men lead to the firm
conviction that no profession, trade, or calling requires
more care or thought ; but as a rule, where the work is well
and properly done, no tradesman is more successful in
giving good value to his clients or customers than the
saddlery and harness manufacturer.

Under the title of *' Stable and Stable Fittings, &c."
the subject of Shoeing and Roughing has been noticed
and illustrated ; still, in closing this article on "Cart, Farm,
and Pit Gears," it may not be out of place to state that
what is there set forth in reference to saddle and carriage
horses is equally applicable to draught horses, on the feet
of which it is highly essential that as much care and
attention should be bestowed as upon those of the hackney
or hunter ; indeed, seeing the heavy loads the waggon
horse has to draw, suggests for itself that every means, con-
sistent with efficiency, should be adopted for reducing as
much as possible the weight of iron upon his feet, and
guarding against his being unskilfully or improperly shod,

t t

and the more so considering the fact that the great weight
he has behind him increases his torture when pricked by
a carelessly driven nail, and adds to the difficulty of
keeping upon his feet in slippery weather, particularly
when the roughing is neglected or improperly done ;
because, in the first instance, the substance of the shoe
adds to the pressure upon the nail and forces it into the
sensitive part of the foot, while in the latter, when once
the animal slips, the weight of the load forces it down,
whereas a horse with a light load and safe shoes might, if
he stumbled, recover its footing without falling.

The foot-gear of the horse should — as the motto
heading these lines expresses it — " Fit as easy as an old
shoe," and in the event of its being otherwise, the results
to both the animal and the man may be, and oftimes
are, serious.

t 1

EFFECT OF MUSIC UPON THE HORSE.

" Hark ! 'tis the Indian drum."

Everywhere the horse is recognised as the most
useful of the servants of man, and it yields in intelligence
to the dog alone. In the early ages of the world the
horse seems to have been devoted to the purposes of war
and pleasure ; but its beauty and strength and tractability
have now connected it, directly or indirectly, with all
the purposes of life. If it differs in different countries
in form and size, it is from the influence of climate and
cultivation, but otherwise, from the war horse — as it is
depicted on the friezes of ancient temples — to the stately
charger of Holsten, or from the fleet and beautiful
Arabian to the diminutive Shetlander, there is an evident
similarity of form and origin. Of course in training the
horse for military purposes it is necessary that it should
understand the various bugle sounds or calls, and it is
astonishing how quickly these are recognised and under-
stood by the horse, who appears never to forget them. It
is related that a milkman once stepped from his cart to
supply a customer with milk, and just as he did so the
bugle of a cavalry regiment that was being drilled in a
public park near, sounded, and away bolted the horse,
drawing cart and milk cans behind it. In vain the milk-
man screamed and yelled, and in vain the pedestrians
attempted to stop the runaway, but its martial ardour
having been inflamed by the well remembered bugle call, it
brooked no opposition, and suffered no obstacle to impede
its course till it found itself in the ranks of its old com-

t ^t

■at &•

panions-in-arms, where its comical appearance, with ac-
coutrements— not exactly according to regulation pattern —
excited considerable amusement. On inquiry it was found
the horse had formerly been a cavalry one, and hearing
the well-known sound to which in former years it had
bounded with pride and pleasure, the animal, despite its
age, could not resist the enchanting influence of the music.
It is known that horses readily understand a few notes of
music, but cases can be cited in which they have been
trained to keep time to some very complicated com-
positions.

A few days ago the author had occasion to call upon
a friend who takes a great pride in his stud. Just as he
arrived his friend and his good lady were about to proceed
to the court yard to inspect a new addition to the stable, in
the shape of a young colt. It need scarcely be added that
the writer gladly accepted an invite to accompany them.
The animal — a fine looking creature — was trotted out ; but
it had never been broken, and had just been shod for
the first time that morning, and, like " Fear," it " Startled
at the sounds itself had made," and as the metal rang
upon the pavement it became quite nervous. The lady
seeing this, stepped forward and commenced patting and
stroking his mane, and while she was so engaged, a band
of music at a short distance struck up a plaintive air, and
the lady — quite mechanically — commenced to hum the
tune. No sooner did she begin than the colt placed its
head upon the lady's breast, when she called her husband's
attention and that of the author to the occurence ; but the
moment she ceased singing the animal raised its head, but
replaced it when the singing was repeated. This
proceeding, which was done several times, leads one to
think that music might be advantageously used in the
training of horses, especially those of a sensitive or timid

4 — ^-

t t

nature ; and we are reminded of tales once heard of the
Horse Charmers in Ireland, who were said to be able, by
merely humming or singing some words or notes close to
the animal's ear, to tame the most vicious or restive horse
that could be brought to them.

The author has personally tried several experiments
with his own steeds at various times and places, which
conclusively prove the theory propounded above, and
corroborates the experiences just narrated. For instance,
he has on several occasions, while his animal was cantering
round the field in which it was turned out to graze, com-
menced playing upon a miniature cornet, when the animal
would suddenly stop and prick up its ears as though
listening most attentively to the melodious strains of the
instrument ; and has also, when the animal — a beautiful
bay mare — was in her loose box in the stable, caused the
door to be thrown open and at the same time he has opened
his sitting room window and commenced playing an air on
the pianoforte, when the mare would immediately leave
the stable and come trotting and neighing directly to the
window whence the sounds emanated, an illustration
which goes far to prove that music, which is said to
possess " charms to soothe the savage breast," has a
wonderful and lasting effect on the equidoe.

•A ^ — . a-

t

NATURAL CLEANLINESS OF THE

HORSE.

" But he was fastidious as a lord,
And particular about bed and board ;
But spirited and docile too,
Whate'er was to be done, would do.

Perhaps no animal is so fastidious about its food
and drink as the horse, which is naturally an herbivo-
rous animal ; hence its thin and muscular lips, its
firm and compressed mouth, and its sharp incisor
teeth, are admirably adapted to seizing and cropping the
grass ; while the peculiar construction of some of the
bones of the face enable it to grind down its food as
perfectly as it could be ground in the best constructed
mill. The olfactory nerve of the horse is more than
four times the size of that in man. Hence the horse can
detect smells that might escape the notice of man, and
an effluvia that did not attract his attention might be a
source of great annoyance to the horse. It is a well-
known fact that horses will not eat food that has been
breathed upon and left in the trough or manger, conse-
quently care should be taken never to pack or put more
food in the manger than can be readily disposed of. The
horse is as particular about the water it drinks as the
food it eats ; and it is asserted by some authorities that
the quality of the water supplied has a peculiar effect
upon the animal. Thus, hard water, freshly drawn from
the well causes griping and roughens the coat of the
animal. The temperature of the water given to a horse
is a matter of very great consequence. Water taken

o

i

T t

from a running stream will rarely harm ; but if drawn
from a well, by its coldness, not unfrequently produces
colic, spasm, and even death. The horse that is not
properly groomed and carefully stabled soon begins to
exhibit the results of inattention ; for it becomes dis-
pirited, rejects its food, and loses flesh. So well aware
are those who take a pride in their horses of this fact that
the utmost care is bestowed upon the ventilation and
drainage of modernly constructed stables. A curious
case occured recently in Birmingham which clearly illus-
trates the sensitive nature of the horse and its suscepti-
bility to the effects of effluvia. A manufacturer
enofaofed in the metal trade, but who resides at some
distance from the town, owned a very valuable horse,
which he kept for the purpose of riding to and from his
place of business, where, as he was sometimes detained
for hours, he had a stable erected for his horse. He
had not long had the animal when it became languid and
ultimately unfit for work. A veterinary surgeon was con-
sulted, and for a time he was completely at a loss to
account for the symptoms ; from which, however, the
animal recovered after a short residence at the country
house of his owner ; but no sooner had it commenced its
visits to the town stable than the symptoms returned.
The veterinary surgeon was again called in ; but this
time he paid a visit to the stable, which was in close
proximity to a casting shop, the fumes from which
reached the stable and was the cause of the animals
illness. A new stable was erected in a more healthy part
of the works, and the result was most satisfactory.

-:*-

i A

t t

WONDERFUL HORSES.

" So meekly docile thou art, indeed."

A work like the present would scarcely be complete
were It to pass unnoticed some of the fabulous species of
the horse tribe. A few years ago there was exhibited in
Walsall a very curious animal — one side of which resem-
bled a very finely developed horse, while the other
possessed all the characteristics of a cow, even to the
cloven hoof, and the rudimentary formation of a horn.
Now, as Dr. Gray observes, the horse family is distin-
guished from all others by its undivided hoof. That
this animal was a cross between the horse and a Gnu —
which is a species of wild ass, and is called by the Dutch
settlers at the Cape the " Bastard Wild Beest " — was
considered by some very probable. If so, that would
account for the cloven hoof and the horn, as the Gnu
has both ; but although the cloven hoof and the horn
might be accounted for upon that supposition, yet, that
could not account for the flank and shoulder, which re-
sembled those of a cow, as the Gnu, although possessed
of horns and cloven hoofs, has a body resembling that
of the horse. Some of the ancient writers describe a
species of horse with a mane extending the whole length
of the animal, from head to tail. Some authors have
depicted horses with a unicorn-like horn in their forehead?
and among the collection made by Aldrovandus, is a
horse with a human head and face (Centaur) ; and another
with hands instead of fore feet, which he tells us be"
longed to Julius Caesar, and would suffer no one else to
mount him. " Cains Julius Ccesar iitebatur equo insigni

■a-
i

.1.

r

■'*■-

pedibus peope humanis et in modum digitormn tingulis fissisl'
&c. — as a writer in Knight's Cyclopaedia very justly
observes — this may have only been some malformation of
the hoof, like that in the case of the animal exhibited in
Walsall ; but whether it was only a mere malformation
or not, the painter has represented the animal with two
human hands, having on each, four fingers and a thumb,
and also nails.

4

■:>K-

\

t I

•M! .9.'

WILD HORSES.

" He looked as though the speed of thought
Were in his Hmbs ; but he was wild,
Wild as the deer, and untaught,
With spur and bridle undefiled.
With flowing tail, and flying mane,
Wide nostrils — never stretched by pain,
Mouth bloodless to the bit or rein ;
And feet that iron never shod,
And flanks unscarred by spur or rod ;
A thousand horse, the wild, the free.
Like waves that follow o'er the sea."

It is very doubtful whether at the present day any
truly descendants of an original wild stock of horses
exist. Dr. Gray observes that the wild horse, as de-
picted by Gmelin, very much resembles the ponies left
at liberty on the commons of Cornwall, and on the
mountains of Scotland, and are rather domestic animals
which have become deteriorated. The wild horses of
America, although they retain their size and form and
have not deteriorated, are the descendants of the domestic
horses taken to America by the Spaniards. Horses
were first landed at Buenos Ayres in 1537, and that
colony having been for a time desserted, the horses were
allowed to run wild; in 1580, forty-three years after-
wards, they were found wild at the Straits of Magellan.
In the Pampos they abound, but these are not descend-
ants of horses that had never been subjugated to man.

t t.

HORSEY PHRASES, SLANG TERMS, AND

RACY REMARKS.

"Be thou familiar, but by no means vulgar."

In order to render this work as acceptable to all
classes of readers and as easily understood as possible ; all
technical phraseology, cant language, slang terms, or
stable expressions have been studiously avoided. As,
however, our readers may meet with such terms in other
works or in the periodical literature of the day, and may
be at a loss to understand their meaning, it has been
considered that an exposition of some of the more
frequently used terms and phrases may be of service. A
selection of these has therefore been made by the author
from memory, and such explanations given as will enable
anyone to understand their meaning, whether on the turf,
in the auction room, or stable.

A Mark — A niny ; to take advantage of; good impression ; " made his
mark."

A Poney of Beer — Small glass.

Bishoper — One skilled in horse dentistry, (but not for the general weal.)

Beaning — Placing a pebble between the shoe and the sole of the foot
of the horse.

Crib-biter — Horse that gnaws its manger.

Chipped the bark off- — Has been down.

Catch a Weasel Asleep — Off one's guard.

Down in the Mouth — Low spirited.

Dead Nail — A sharper.

Eye Openers — Early drinks.

Ease him — To take the weight off his back ; to relieve of money.

Fiver — Bank note.

Faqiied up — Doctored with intent.

Fullock — Used in speaking of accidents.

1 1

I t

Glums — A deep indention over each eye of the aged horse.

Goer — Very speedy horse.

Goes Freely — Without effort.

Gullett — Passage for food.

Gulp — To swallow eagerly.

Gumption — Shrewdness, understanding.

Gyve — Fetters for legs.

Good Worker — Horse that will pull at anything.

Horse Coper — A dealer in stolen or " picked-up " horses ; a buyer of
wids, whistlers, roarers, pipers, crib biters ; one who gets
his money any way he can ; and is sometimes known as a
" flatcatcher."

Horse Chaunter — Gentleman cheat.

Half -Bull — Half-crown.

Holloio-Backed Horse — Weak spine.

Hush Money — Bribing to secrecy.

Humbug — An impostor.

Horse Power — Expressive of a steam engine.

Horse Leech — A leech that bites horses.

Hitch — Failure or break down ; to hitch, fasten, or buckle to.

Hissing — To make sibilant sound.

Hock — The joint between the knee and the fetlock.

Hobby — A strong nag

Hobble — To walk lamely.

Hollowness — Insincerity.

Honest — Upright in dealing ; good value.

Hoodwink — To blind ; to deceive.

Hoof — The horny part of horses feet.

Hopple — To tie the feet but not closely.

Hoy — To stop ; halt.

Hide Bound — Tight skin.

Hernia — A rupture.

Hie — Hasten, hurry up.

High Flier — Lofty carriage.

Hack — Horse for riding or driving.

Hackneyed — Much used.

Heigh-oh — An expression of langour.

He " runs the shoiu " — Finds the money.

High Stepper — Showy.

In Form — Good condition.

yade — Old and worn out horse.

Jibber — Horse that will not pull.

i \

t t

Kopped — Caugh t.

Kicked — To stand treat.

Kicp-Ktip — Come, come.

Look Alive — Be active.

Make-up — Assumed dress.

Monkey — Fifty pounds.

Nice Mouthed — Over choice in eating.

Not in the Hunt — No chance.

Near Side — Left side.

O^ Side~'R.\g\\t side.

Off his Feed — Cannot enjoy food.

On Tic— On Credit.

Puffing the Glums — Disguising the glums by perforating the skin with a
pin, and blowing up the cavities with air.

Poney — Twenty-five pounds.

Puller — Horse that requires no traces.

Quid — Sovereign.

Rig-Out — Suit of clothes

Rise in the Barometer — Kicked out of the stable.

Spin — Ride of a few miles.

Stayer — Long-winded horse.

Slink — To sneak away.

Snort — To force air through the nose.

Set-up — To complete.

The Rhino — Coin of the realm.

To Crab — Spoil the sale.

That's off — The deal is over.

The Straight Griffin — Direct information.

Tips — To hint or inform,

" Turn Out " — Horse, harness, and vehicle.

Turned-up — Sure footed.

Thrape — To thrash.

Tall Talk—^eM elevation.

Trot him out — Shew him up.

Wellsher — One who leaves the betting ring to get a biscuit and glass of
sherry, and forgets to return to pay his debts.

Wid — A broken-winded horse.

Whistler — Horse that roars, and so termed on account of short wind.

Well-tip — Plenty of money ; a good mount.

Wants no Whip — Free, easy action.

White Lie — Told as an excuseable falsehood.

Wet both Eyes — Two drinks.

Whoa — Stop, stand,

^ ii.

P \

t t

;^-

HORSE SHOWS, AND MAY-DAY
CELEBRATIONS.

'Twas morn — a most auspicious one ;
From the golden East, the golden sun
Came forth his golden race to run ;

Through clouds of most splendid tinges,
Clouds that lately slept in shade,
But now seem'd made of gold brocade,

With magnificent golden fringes :
In short 'twas the year's most golden day,
By mortals called the " First of May."

The defenders of horse racing tell us that the
so-called sport was instituted with a view to im-
prove the breed of horses ; but granting this to be the
case, it could only improve them in one direction — that
of swiftness. How far the institution has succeeded
would be rather difficult to say. But whatever may have
been the necessity for fleet horses in those days when
the only messengers were the " couriers " and the
" carrier pigeons," the necessity for developing swiftness
at the expense of other qualities in the horse no longer
exist ; for the electric telegraph far out-strips the
swiftest pigeon, and the express train can distance com-
pletely the fleetest steed. Seeing then that swiftness
merely is no longer a desideratum in the horse, and
seeing also the evils arising from and associated v/ith the
""turf," would it not be better to substitute some more
rational mode of encouraging the improvement in the
breed of horses in their traininof and management.
With a view to carrying out this idea, the author has had
an exhibition of draught-horses every May-day, for
several years past; and speaking from his own experience

-A"

I 1

t t

-w-

he can safely say the results have been most satisfactory,
as the prizes offered have had the effect of inducing the
waeofoners and carters to bestow more care and attention
upon the animals placed under their care ; for they have
learned the very useful lesson, that if they desire to
present their horses in a condition necessary to ensure
their taking a prize, they must attend to their animals
and groom them regularly and well all the year round,
and not merely dress them up for the Show. The
author feels confident that if what he has done on a small
scale, were carried out in every locality throughout the
kingdom upon a larger scale, much good would be
accomplished and the breed of horses considerably im-
proved ; for when a horse is kindly treated and properly
attended to, its temper is improved, and the improve-
ment is transmitted. The author of the '' Ricsso- Turkish
War," informs us that no people on earth excel the
Turks in their tender care and regard for the lower
animals, and it is well-known that the Arabs bestow the
greatest care upon their horses, and the result is that the
horse of the Arab is most docile — indeed so much so —
that the children may be seen fondling and playing with
them like dogs. The Arab becomes passionately attached
to his horse, and the horse to his master. It is related
that on one occasion an Arab was taken prisoner and
carried to a considerable distance from the encampment
of his tribe, and having been bound hand and foot was
placed in a tent a short distance from where his steed
was picketted with a number of others. During the
night the horse, with his teeth, bit the rope with which
he was tied, and making its way to where its master lay,
bound, it seized the silk scarf or sash which was tied
round its body and dashed off across the plain, and
never halted till it placed its master safe at his tent,
and then fell down exhausted and expired. Such devo-

•'$>:

t t

tion, such affection could not have been developed by the
whip or the spur of the jockey, but only by that
kind treatment which the author advocates. He is of
opinion, if, in addition to the May Shows, prizes were
offered for the best kept and most orderly arranged
stable, and judges appointed to visit and inspect the
stables of the competitors periodically during the year,
the owners of horses would find their animals better
attended to, and their stables more orderly kept and
economically managed. Fully impressed with these
views, he seriously appeals to noblemen, gentlemen,
agriculturalists, and others, to take this matter up, with
a view to something practical being done.

i i

t ^^t

THE FREE REGISTRY SYSTEM.

" Honesty is the best policy."
When the land had become desolated through the
Wars of the Roses, and England lay half unpeopled by
the feuds of York and Lancaster, labourers were few, and,
as a consequence, higher wages were demanded ; but the
government stepped in and declared the wages of
labourers, artificers, and others should be the same as
they were before the civil wars ; and by the Act of Parlia-
ment, 5 Elizabeth, cap. 4, sec. 5, it was enacted : —

"That the justices of every shire, riding, and liberty, or the more
part of them, being then resident within the same, and the
sheriff, if he conveniently may, and every mayor and other
head officer within any city or to^vn corporate * "' * * *
shall yearly in Easter Sessions, or within six weeks next after,
assemble and call unto them such discreet and grave persons
as they shall think meet ; and having respect to the plenty or
scarcity of the time, and other circumstances, shall have
authority to limit and appoint the wages as well of such of the
said artificers, handicraftsmen, or any other labourer, servant,
or workman whose wages in time past have been by any order
or statute rated and appointed, as also the wages of all other
labourers, artificers, workmen, or apprentices of husbandry
which have not been rated, as they shall think meet by their
discretion to be rated, limited or appointed."

By the 6th section of the same act the rate of wages

fixed was to be proclaimed, and by the 18 section it

was enacted : —

" That any person giving more wages than that fixed was to be
imprisoned for 10 days and to forfeit ;^5, one half of the
penalty to go to the King and one half to the informer. And
any person accepting more than the wages fixed, was by the
19th section to be imprisoned for 21 days."

4: _=-_ k'

i 4

t t

This, then, was the origin of the " Statutes " or hiring
fairs, to which all servants repaired annually to be
engaged for the ensuing year, and the party hired received
a retainer, or hiring fee. This is still done in the en-
listment of soldiers, the summoning of witnesses, and in
securing the services of council, and did very well when
the servants to be hired were few ; but after the labour
laws were amended and the statutes referred to were
repealed, then servants were no longer compelled to
remain in their own parish, but moved from place to
place ; and it became a common thing for unprincipled
servants to take hiring fees from different masters and get
drunk with the good conduct money Consequently
these " mops," " fairs," and " statutes " became such
nuisances, that in many places they have been entirely
abolished, and those who wish to find good servants
never think of going to such places for them.

But the " statutes " being abolished the question
comes where are employers to find servants to suit them,
and servants employers requiring the labour they have to
dispose of ? This is one of the difficulties that naturally
results during a transition state. The old institution
has been swept away, but where is the new and better
one to be found ? Well, the author, seeing the dilemma
in which both masters and servants have been placed by
the altered circumstances of the times, has— and he
believes successfully — found the desideratum so anxiously
desired and so much needed by the public, and that is a
Free Registry, where servants can record their wants
and employers their requirements, and both can be ac-
commodated without trouble or expense. To illustrate
the benefits of a Free Registry to both employers and
employes, let us suppose a gentleman wants a groom.
Well, he does not know all the localities where grooms

i i

t I

"most do conereofate," and if he did he cannot [jo and
question all and sundry as to whether or not they are "out
of livery" and wish to don the buttons. But he can call
at the Free Registry and state what he requires ; and
a groom desiring a re-engagement also calls, and the
keeper of the Register offices finds by investigation that
the groom is just the individual required, and at once
takes the necessary steps for securing for him the vacant
situation. Here, then, both these parties have been
spared loss of time,' loss of money, and a vast amount of
anxiety, which they would have had but for the Free
Registry system, for without it they might never have
met, and if they had there might have been delays and
questionings that would have resulted in each forming of
the other an unfavourable impression, which, even had an
engagement taken place, would have marred their mutual
respect for one another. But the keeper of the Registry,
by procuring all the necessary information, saves both
parties the trouble and worry of character hunting and
certificate finding. He knows his men and the situations
they are qualified to fill, — for the applicants know it will
answer their purpose best to be explicit, and therefore
communicate freely to him all that it is requisite for him
to know, in order to enable him to form a correct estimate
of the applicant's talents and abilities ; and hence he has
no difficulty in putting the right man in the right place.

4 Q i

t I

:ef{-

SADDLERS' SHOPS.

" Completeness — the Secret of Success."

Considering the variety of articles and the di-
versity of colours to be met with in the Saddlery and
Saddlers Ironmongery trade, wonder has often been
expressed that saddlers' shops do not present a more
attractive appearance. In this respect they seem, as a
rule, far behind the age. Of course there are in this, as
in every other case, honourable exceptions ; but still it
must be admitted that generally speaking a saddler's
shop presents a very dull contrast to either a draper's or
even an ironmonger's establishment. Now why should
it be so ? The various coloured leathers used in modern
saddlery are as bright and lively as are those of the
choicest silks ; and if displayed to advantage, and inter-
spersed with made-up articles, plated-goods, gold and silver
spurs, and ornaments — such as harness mountings, a very
pleasing effect would be produced; and where there is room
the whole might be rendered more attractive by equestrian
models, in military uniforms, riding habits, and hunting cos-
tumes. The addition of hand and travelling bags, purses,
and other fancy goods would enhance the display, and im-
part an important feature to the stock. Horse cloths, rugs,
and railway wrappers, might also be displayed in a
manner that would be attractive ; instead of being, as they
may some times be seen, piled in a heap like a lot of
soiled linen ready for the wash. Drapers know better
how to show off their goods to advantage. They have
lay figures, on which their dresses, shawls, jackets, and

.g — — . 1..

t

.vw-

t

wraps are artistically and gracefully displayed. Why
should not saddlers do the same ? For instance, why
should not these two lay figures — one representing a lady,
the other a gentleman, occupying the compartment of a
railway carriage, with their wraps, rugs, and bags, all
displayed to the best advantage, as for a journey ? Such
fieures would be an excellent substitute for those live
mechanics, sometimes found occupying the principal and
prominent positions in saddlers' front shops.

" " " " If It H H It M l» Jll I

^x^^^^^

". " '■ ■' ■■ " ■' " II II II M — rr

i

i

t t

HINTS AND RECEIPTS.

" Profit by experience."

Jibbing is frequently caused by bad driving, or ill-fitting
harness, or over-loading.

Stumbling arises sometimes from having picked up a
stone, or weakness and over-work ; at all times
the blacksmith or vet. should be consulted ; rest
and bandaofes are Qfood treatment.

Shying is often caused by nervousness ; the horse should
never be thrashed, but coaxed, and gradually
brought up to the object shied at.

Biting is sometimes the result of teasinof in the stable or
general careless treatment, and when once
acquired by the horse is seldom, if ever, cured.
The muzzle or other protection should be in
constant use.

Running Away. If it is a known fault, care must be
taken respecting the kind or make of bit used.
If the habit be acquired by a high-spirited horse
it should never be left alone in the street.

Kicking. The kicking horse must be mastered by strata-
gem ; sometimes it arises from playfulness, and
sometimes from abuse.

Rearing. The rearer should never be struck on the top
of the head, but turned round, or leg strapped up.

For Canker in the Mouth use a weak solution of lemon.

For Blain. Veterinary surgeons lance freely and deeply,
and administer aperient medicines.

4

t 1

Barbs or Paps should never be touched by any in-
strument ; cooling medicine removes them.

Lampas. The roof of the mouth may be slightly lanced,
or aperient medicine administered, but heated
irons should never be applied on account of des-
troying the sensibility of the mouth.

Spasmodic Colic. The horse should be walked about,
friction used to the belly. The advice is — two
ounce doses of spirit of turpentine, with an
ounce of laudanum and spirit of nitrous aether in
warm water or gruel. In the event of the above
failing, the animal is bled and warm injections
are administered. The long continuation of the
spasmodic action is liable to produce entangle-
ment of the bowels, then the case is hopeless.

Worms may be cured by small doses of emetic tartar, or
calomel with a little ginger being given to the
horse half-an-hour before his first meal, and
worked off with linseed oil or aloes.

Catarrh or Cold can be removed by a few mashes and
a little medicine.

Scabby Itchiness on the edge of the eyelid is cured by
diluted nitrated ointment of mercury.

Warts are cut off with the scissors, and the roots touched
with lunar caustic.

Hoof Ointment. The following was given to the author
on board the " Australasian " by an old bush-
ranger, viz. : — Stockholm, or archangel tar, and
mutton suet melted together, to be brushed
round the hoof every day.

Surfeit is often caused by indigestion ; slight bleeding
is servicable — good food is indispensable.

.■fi a-

\ \

t t

Mange requires thorough dressing with Barbadoes tar one
part and linseed oil two parts, with internal
medicines.

Grease is cured in the first stage by bran, or turnip, or
carrot poultices, and moderate physic.

Splints are cured by a simple operation, and sometimes
by the application of blister ointments.

Sprains require rest and warm fomentations.

Over-reach sometimes requires the attention of the
blacksmith, and at other times Friar's Balsam
will effect a cure.

Sore Backs and Withers should be promptly attended
to with water dressing and poultices ; if the
wounds are raw and open the animal must have
rest.

To Protect Wounds from the Fly. Keep the part
moist with a rag dipped in a solution of tar.

To Assist the Growth of Hair. Hog's lard and mer-
curial ointment, mixed in equal parts with finely
powdered burnt leather, by way of colouring.

To MAKE Gruel, i lb. oatmeal to a quart of water
mixed in a pan to 3 quarts of boiling water, stir
on the fire until it thickens, then cool for eating.

To make a Poultice. Bran or linseed meal, to be made
with boiling water and as hot as can be borne ;
should be applied to the feet with a leather
poultice boot, as seen in the illustration.

1 r

t

t

VARIETIES OF THE HORSE.

" In truth he was a noble steed,
A Tartar of the Ukraine breed.

The following are the varieties of the horse, and the
writers by whom they are mentioned, as given by Dr.
Gray in the catalogue of the -British Museum

The Parameros of Peru

The Tarpan Wild Horse (primeval bay stock)

The Andalasian Horse

The South American Horse ...

The Mexican and Seminole Horse . . .

The Feral Horses of America

The English Race Horse

The Barb of Morocco

The Race of Africa ...

The Persian Race

The Toorkee Races ... ... ...

The East Indian Races

The New Holland Horse

The Transylvanian Horse

The Moldavian Horse

The Greek Horse

The Spanish Horse ...

The Villous Horse (primeval of the white stock)

The White or Gray Horse

The Marengo ...

The Black Horse

The English Draught Horse ...

The Dun or Tan Horse

The Decussated Horse (or the Eelback Dun

Ukraine)
The Myautzee (or the Pied Horse of China)
The Bhooteahs Ponies
The Pickarrow Ponies

orse

of

H. Smith.

\

R

i

T

t

-A-

The Yaboos or Affghanistan Ponies ...
The Hungarian Horse (with slit nostrils)
The Common Bashkir Horse
The Morea Ponies
The Swedish and Norwegian Ponies
The Shetland Ponies ...
The Galloway

The Dartmoor and Exmoor Ponies ...
The Sardinian Wild Horse ...
The Tatto or East Indian Pony

The Tangum, Piebald, or Skewbald Plorse (Equus varens)
The Skewbald of Achin (in Sumatra)
The Koomrah or Equus Hippargions
The Koomrah or Equus Lalisi
The Kuda or Saran Horse
The Javan Horse
The Tambora or Birma Horse
Equus antiquorum

H. Smith.

Equus Caballus

Equus Equa

Generous Horse ...

Cheval

Pferd

Ross
The Arabian Horse ...
The Race Horse
The Hunter ...
The Irish Hunter
The Connemara Horse

Old English Black Horse
The Cleveland Bay Horse

The Suffolk Punch

The Clydesdale Breed

Black Horse

Old English Road Horse

Common Cart Horse

Improved Cart Horse ...
The Bornou

Cheval d'Lslande-var., Islandicus

Ec^uus Monogicus

Equus Caballus frisius ...

Gcner.

Li una /IS F. C/n'icr, Fisc/ia; Gray.

Fling.

Pennant.

Biiffon, Cuvier.

Redinger.

Schrank.

Bewick^ Low, Smith.

Bewick, Low.

Bewick.

Lotu.

Bewick.

White.

Gaim, Lesson.

Lesson.

•A'
i

i

t

t

Thibet Horse Hodgson.

Cheval h. Port Frisses, E. frissus ... ... ... F. Cuvier.

l\itto, or Maharatto Pony (sedulously propagated in
the Deccan, is much used to transport luggage,
and is very vicious) ... ... ... ... Sylccs.

Tattoo (a Hack Pony, of Calcutta) ... ... ... Hardwick.

Tangham of China Hodson.

Ilubstee of Deo Harmad

Tangham of Lhassa

Tangham of Gyanche

Hippargus

Boryes

Bourra of Koldagi

Horse with a curled mustache on the upper lip,
Asiatic Russia

Naked Horse, of a beautiful form, of Asiatic Russia
The Argamaki, of Bocharia (a white Horse, with very close

minute articulated brown spots, of Asiatic Russia) it

The Tangum or Tangham, (primeval Piebald stock of Thibet) H. Smith.

Bonaparte's Arab (Marengo) ... ... ... n

Crisp-haired Horse (primeval of the Black Stock) ... n

Northern African (not gregarious) ... ... ... n

Oppian.
Herodotus.
Riippell.
of

Falk. Pallas.
Pallas.

i

i

t t

-¥-

KEY TO THE "SCREW l.00^1£.y— (See Illustration.)

LjROWN aged, used up, and turned out of the shed,
Lame, spavined, and wind-galled, but yet with some blood,
^^'hile knowing postilions his pedigree trace.
Say his dam won that sweepstake, his sire won that race ;
And what matches he won do the ostlers count o'er,
As they loiter their time at some hedge alehouse door ;
While the harness sore gall and the spurs his side goad,
And the high mettled racer's a hack on the the road ;
Till at length having laboured, toiled early and late
Worn out by degrees, he plods on to his fate.
Blind, old, lean, and feeble, he treads round a mill.
And draws sand 'till the sand of his hour glass stands still.

From the "TAMING OF THE ^KRE^ .''—Shakespeare.
Act III., Scene II,

SHAKESPEARE'S IDEA OF A "SCREW LOOSE."

(See Illustration.)

Biondello. His horse hipped with an old mothy saddle, the stirrups of
no kindred : besides possessed with the glanders, and like
to mose in the chine ; troubled with the lampass, infected
with the fashions, (Farcy) full of wind-galls, sped with
spavins, raied with the yellows, past cure of the fives
(vives, "Strangles,") stark spoilt with the staggers, be-
gnawn with the bots ; swayed in the back, and shoulder-
shotten ; near-legged before (foundered in the fore-feet)
and with a half-checked bit, and a head-stall of sheep's
leather; which, being restrained to keep him from
stumbling, hath been often burst, and now repaired with
knots : one girth six times pieced, and a woman's crupper
of velure, (velvet) which hath two letters for her name,
fairly set down in studs, and here and there pieced
with pack-thread.

\ \

<— *:-

t

■<f.'

CONCLUSION.

Everything that has a commencement must have a
conclusion — and "Centaur" is no exception to the
general rule. Therefore, as the mythical creature, whose
name the author has adopted as the title for his book,
possesses the head of a man and the extremities of a horse,
so this work has its commencement or head, and now
comes the conclusion or tail (end). But here the
writer, before bringing his work to a close, would add a
word or two by way of justification of the peculiar title he
has taken for his book.

The "Centaur," like most of the ancient legends,
had a deep meaning.

Thus — man by his "humane" treatment of the
horse imparts to it a portion of his nature, and the animal
becomes so wise that it obeys the will of its rider or
groom, as readily as do the members of the human body
the impulse of the brain ; and in this sense, the horseman

i

I t

and the horse become one, and the brain of the man
becomes, as it were, united to and governs the body of
the horse.*

The author wishes it to be clearly and distinctly un-
derstood, that he makes no pretension to having exhausted
the various subjects brought under consideration in this
work. To have done so, would have necessitated writing
a volume as large as the present upon each subject.
What he aimed at was the production of a book contain-
ing, in a condensed form, such information as would
serve as a guide, and such instruction as would prove
practically useful to owners and managers of horses and
vehicles ; and also to those about to set up a *' turn out ;"
and he hopes the object he had in view has been attained.

He would also express his indebtedness to those
gentlemen who have furnished him with information
regarding facts which have come under their personal
observation ; and which have corroborated the author's
experiences and views of the various subjects treated of
in " The Centaur."

*A striking illustration of the power of kindness and companionship upon
the horse came under the writer's notice a few days ago. A little boy eight years
old was missing from the house of a friend whom the author was visiting in Warwick-
shire. Search was made, but the child could not be found ; at length he was
discovered lying in a field beside a young horse, with his arms round (or upon) the
animal's neck. Although the child had only been at the place about three weeks,
the horse would follow him like a dog whenever he called it, and when they were
lying together, if the horse wanted to get up, it always took care to rouse the child
by rubbing its nose against the child's face, nor would it rise until it had seen its
young companion at a safe distance first, then the animal would roll over, spring
trot to the child's side.

Printed by Frederick Grew,

■REET AND ALBERT STREET, BiRl

J. Moor Street and Albert Street, BIRMI^^GKAM.

TESTIMONIALS

As to the SWPERIOEITY of

THE "NEV/ MARKET" CLIPPER.

-> ■♦>•» <

Wautot House, Wobcestbb.

I have thoroughly tested the Newmarket Clipiwr
diiriug two seasons ; and I am so satisfied with them
that I have reque^ated my own servant, as well as the
firm's, to use no other. The men regulate this single
screw machine so much easier than those with two
or three screws.— Yonrs tTuly,

GEORGE CABLESS, M.R.C,V.Sh.,
Pro PERSmS & CARLBSS.

Lichfield, 26th AugvM, 1877.

I beg to eay that I like the Newmarket Clipper
that. I had from you better than any other I have had
used. The work done by it is certainly equal to any
other machine. I find it is more endurable than
othei-s, and my grooms say that it is easier to work
than any they have used.

I remain, yours, &c.,

R. T. COOPER.

Hagusy Road, Cannon Stedet,
BiRMiNOEAU, 22nd Noeevnker, J.8T7.

Dear Sir, — We have much pleasure in recommend-
ing your Patent Newmarket Horse-Clipper, .«is doing
its work thoroughly well, and quite satisfactorily.

Several of them have been in use in our establish-
ment for two or three seasons, and our men speak
very highly of them.— We are, dear Sir, yours truly,

HUNT & PARKER,

Tettrltxjani Surgoom.

MoAT House,
EIbbesby, 7th November, 1877.

Sir, — I am very much pleased with your New-
market Clipping Machine. It is simple, but perfect
in its construction.

My man, yesterday, clipped a pair of horses with
it in about five hours, and I never saw two horses
clipp«d better.— Yours faithfully,

JOHN F. ADAMS.
Mr. W. Bovir, 3C8 Summer Tjane, Birminghamu

HoBBB Repository, Oxford Street,
Belfast, 6th December, W7.

Sir, — When I was in Newoastle-on-Tyne Fair,
some time ago, I purchased a pair of Clipping
Machines, called the " Newmarket Clipper." I tried
theui, and they have turned out the best Clippers I
have ever used. — Yours respectfully,

WM. PENTLAND.

4 Ltvtnostone Place,
Lennox Street, Lozells,
Birmingham, November 21, 2677.
Mb. W. Bown.

Sir, — As a professional Horse Clipper-, I have
used your Patent Newmarket Clipper with very
great success.

This season T have clipped upwards of forty horses
with one machine, without having it sharpened.

I have useil many kinds of Clippers before, but
never had any that gave me such satisfaction.

It is very readily taken to pieces, allowing it to
be cleane<^i and well oilfd, and put together, fit for
work, without any difficulty. — I am, Sir, yours
respectfully,

RICHA.RD A. JONES.

Belle Vub Ins,

IcKNiELD Port Road,

BnaoNQHAM, November 6, 1877.
Mb. W. Bown.

Sir, — Being a professional Horse Clipper, I can,
with every confidence, recommend your Patent
Newmarket Clipper as being superior to any I have
previously used.

As a proof of its durability, I have clipped up-
wards of fifty horses this year with one of them,
without being repaired or sharpened in any way.

The time saved in taking your machine to pieces
and putting it together is of groat importance, and
the adjustment is so simple.

I do not intend to use any other machine but
your " Newmarket," and shall recommend it where-
ever I can. — I am. Sir, yours respectfully,

HENRY SWALMON.

To be obtained Wholesale of all Saddlers., Ironmongers^ Merchants, and Factors; and Retail
of all Saddlers and Ironmongers throughout the Kingdom.

N.B.— CLIPPEB fiEPAIBS OF ALL MAKEBS PBOMFTLY EXECUTED.

.1.

i

SADDLERY, HARNESS, HORSE-GLOTHING, &C,

iHanufartur^rs bg

antr Mljip
appointment.

Contractors to Her Majesty's Cavalry, and the Government of India.

URCH & Co.,

(ESTABLISHED 1835.)

84, LONG ACRE,
LONDON, W.C.

EVERY ARTICLE OF

Saddlery, Harness

&c.,

Is manufactured, under the personal superintendence of the Firm, by
first class workmen, and of the best materials.

The Firm desire to call particular attention to the Cut Pommel
Saddle, same as mentioned by George E'evile, Esq., in his book on
"Horses and Eiding," (Longmans & Co., Paternoster Row.) A large
number of these are now used, and are universally appreciated.

A LARGE ASSORTMENT KEPT in STOCK.
CONTRACTS TAKEN BY AGREEMENT.

Manufacturers of Cavalry, Artillery, & Rifle Corps

Appointments, New Regulation Army Saddles, Bridles, Bits,

and Chains. All descriptions of Horse-Clothing' and

Stable Furniture.

Indian and Colonial Orders carefully executed and shipped.

The above Firm are makers of every description of Saddles for India, the
Colonies, and Home use. Also manufacturers to the Viceroy of Egypt.

t

T

MASONIC HALL BUILDINGS,

ETHEL STREET, (late Post Offlce Place),

MEW STREET^; BimMlMerlliiMr,

i

-^EaSs^^WN^^*-

JOHN F. RICHARDSON & SON,
t^aibrs, M00lkrt grair^rs,

AND

GENTLEMEN'S CLOTHIERS;

JLfcSiDlJitb) RIJylWG' JsiASoiTc

HUNTING COSTUME,

AND

COACHMEN'S LIVERY MAKERS.

MASONIC HALL BUILDINGS,

ETHEL STREET,

NEW STREET, BIRMINGHAM.

r I,

wis M. H. MASON. mGs

MANUFACTURER OF

GKEES HIDE GIRTHS, MUL-BAMD SEWIMGS,

ALBERT WORKS, ^ BISSELL STREET,

Twisted, Oiled, and Plough Lashes, &e.

^^ ^^^i)S& FOR Aii^^^

HOME K KV Ni HAVL EXPORT

I ■ -. — r

t

t

ESTABLISHED 1854.

m %

m^m.^

' iw 'iii»s

""sas^^v^^

ENGRAVING AND

'iiEi 'luiiiiii '111

^\

\m %<\ 'm '111 'liisiui "1

Frederick Greav,

B H © R JLir B Rj

LITHOGRAPHIC & LETTER-PRESS PRINTER

BY STEAM POWER;

AND

GENERAL BOOK-BINDER,
ALBERT STEAM PRINTING WORKS,

MOOR STREET & ALBERT STREET,

B I R M I M ©r H ^ M ,

Manufacturers' Pattern Books, Maps, Plans, and all kinds of Com-

nnercial "Work in Lithography, Engraving, or Letter-Press Printing

well executed on Reasonable terms.

SPECIALITY. — Enlargements or Reductions by

LEWIS'S AUTOMATON PENTAGRAPH,

affording great facilities, at very moderate cost, when

Drawings from Stone or Copper are reqnii'ed on

Enlarged or Reduced scale.

c

1

■f

t

ESTABLISHED 1834.

F. EGLINGTON,

MANUFACTURER OF

LASSO RINGS,

SLIDES & BOMBILLAS,

FOR

SOUTH AMERICA, WEST INDIES, AUSTRALIA,
AND THE HOME MARKETS ;

ALSO MAKER OF

BREAST BUCKLES,

FOR CARRIAGE & VAN HARNESS;
WALSALL, ENGLAND.

1 f

t t

'rb III ^.

§1} ?iopal S-^SSirvS Setters fattnt.

INVENTOR,
SOLE PATENTEE, AND MANUFACTURER

OP THE

Patent Ouick Releasing Harness Shaft Tug,

PLAT3GD, KXCKKIi SILYKH,
BRASS, AND JAPANNED,

^/ /la// the cost, with treble the wear of the ordinary Leather Shaft Tug;
Also, THE REGISTERED

••ECONOMY" IRON SHAFT TUG,

The Cheapest, Neatest, and most Durable Tug ever invented.

SUITABLE FOR GABS, CARRIERS, AND MARKET GARDENERS.

About Dnje-Third the Cost of ^sual ^haft J"ugs.

PARK STREET,
I ' WALSALL, ENGLAND.

i

.\(i i.'

§rcbctc bii 4>ZiMk^»v ^oiitjerncmcnt.

INVENTEUR.
SEUL BREVETE ET FABRICANT

DBS

Boucles de Brancards qui se Debouclent Instantanement,

EN CUIVRE OU VERNIES,

A tnoitie p-ix, et trois fois V usage des supporU de brancards ordinaires ;
Aussi, LE REGISTRE

SUPPORT DE BRANCARD ECONOMIQUE EN FER,

Le meilleur marche, le plus simple, et le plus durable, qui ait

jamais ete invente.

CONVENABLE POUR CABRIOLETS, CHARRETTES ET AUTRES VOITURES.

fL UN JlEI^ DU J'PylX DES ^UPPORTS pRDINAlI^S.

PARK STREET,

WALSALL, ANGLETERRE.

i i

,*— +

t

t

SAVE YOUR HORSES AND HARNESS

BY USING

KNIFE

Versus

FACILITY.

EGLINGTON'S

ii

PATENT

RELEASE"

SHAFT TUGS.

SOLE INVENTOR

OF THE

REGISTERED

"ECONOMY" CAB TUG.

"Economy" Shaft Tug.

PATENTED IN ENGLAND. BELGIUM, AND AMERICA, U.S.

ADDRESS:

PARK STREET, WALSALL,

KHG]LAH]0.

" Release " Harness Tug, Open.

" Release " Harness Tug, Closed.

■•*■
i

i

t

t

THE FOLLOWING ARE A FEW OF THE MANY ADVANTAGES OF

PATENT QUICK-RELEASING HARNESS TUG

OVER ANY OTHER YET INVENTED.

I. — It is the safest Shaft Tug.

2. — It is the soonest re/eased irom. the shaft in the event of the horse

faUing down.
3. — ^It hangs better from the backhand, by the peculiar and original

formation or pattern of the buckle.
4. — It is the most durable shaft tug in existence.
5. — It cannot get out of order.
6. — It is the most simple in construction.
7. — ^It is not so unsightly, but an improvement upon the appearance of

any other.
8. — It is of the same formation as the ordinary leather tug, but a more

perfect sha])e and model.
9. — It can be adapted to any harness or furniture.
10. — It is more humane towards the horse in its action, and does not

necessitate wrapping the backhand or bellyband round the

shafts, (which causes pain to the horse, and is injurious to the

leather work.)
II. — It keeps all strapping outside the shafts, without the aid of twists

or unsightlv bends.
12. — It disposes of the necessity for releasing the traces to prevent the

horse's legs getting over the shafts, in recovering itself after

falling.
13. — It is the perfection of fit, form, durability, and facility.

Aduantages of the ECONOMY Shaft Tugs.

I. — The first cost is the last.

2. — Are the cheapest ever made.

3. — Are less than half the price of the ordinary leather tugs.

4. — Can be adapted to any backhand and any furniture.

5. — From the original shape of the buckle, they are better adapted
to the harness, and general wear and tear.

6. — Have an extremely neat appearance, and suit any work.

7. — Are a great boon to Cab Proprietors, Carriers, Market Gardeners,
&c., and are particularly adapted to everj'-day use in all
weathers.

8. — Are the pe? fed ion (f shaft tugs, and economy and safety combined.

9. — All stables and harness rooms should keep an assortment in reserve.
10. — They are made of none but the very best materials.
1 1. — They are a pronounced success.
12. — Every tug is stamped with the inventor's name.
13. — Cannot be surpassed for cheapness and durability.

I

i

ESTABLISHED 1776.

■•^•^•- —

U

^mMm

WHOLESALE

OF

I ^>

ki b «

WmUS W All mWBS; ,

€MII ilii «lf IS,

STEEL & LEATHER, WATCfj GUAKDS.

WALK I N;^ ,^TI:€1^.,
1®© ILIADS

GKl'Ulirn S"^''

}=:si

t ^t

NO MORE DOCKING OR NICKING!

THE CENTAUR"

LINSEED HARNESS DOCK,

IS THE MOST

HUMANE, SHOWY, AND EASY

FOR THE HORSE.

CAN BE HAD SINGLY OR BY THE GROSS, ONLY FROM

HARNESS MANUFACTURER,

PARK STREET,

WALSALL.

! i

t t

SOMETHING NEW!

THE

"CENTAUR" BIT,

FOR

STOPPING RUNAWAY HORSES,

MANUFACTURED (WHOLESALE) BY

JOHN HAWKINS & Co.,

PRACTICAL BRIDLE BIT,

iixvup anit ^pitr ^aitufattawrs,
WALSALL

AND

LOisriDonsr,

Have been awarded 3 PRIZE MEDALS for excellence
of manufacture and finish of BITS, STIRRUPS, and
SPURS at the last three Great International Exhibitions,
1851, 1862, and Philadelphia, 1876.

[Ihtsirjttctt §ninh^ms antt Jntit^ tin JtjipluHiiutt*

1 r

t t

:^-

IP^TZEISTT OIL-

" MOLLISCORIUM.'^

(REGISTERED TRADE MARK).

For SOFTENING, PRESERVING, & WATERPROOFING

REINS, TRACES, SADDLES, BRIDLES, STIRRUP STRAPS,
CARRIAGE TOPS, APRONS, &G.

SUPERIOR TO NEATSFOOT & ALL OTHER OILS hitherto used, because—

1.— It will not SWEAT or GUM.
2.— It readily penetrates the LEATHER.
3.— It renders it WATERPROOF.
4.— It makes it perfectly SOFT.
5.— It prevents it CRACKING.
6.— It ensures DURABILITY.

7.— HARNESS can be polished with COMPO immediately after
it has been rubbed in.

Invaluable in HOT CLIMATES, as it does not EVAPORATE or
DRY out of the LEATHER.

VANNER & PR EST,

SOLE MANUFACTURERS AND PATENTEES,

148, ORMSIDE ST.. HATCHAM. LONDON. S.E.

TESTIMONIALS

Messrs. Vanner & Puest, 148, Ormside St., Hatcham, London, S.E.

Gentlemen, — I have tried your oil, or mixture for softening leather, and rendering
it waterproof. With both h.nrness and boots its etfect has been most successful. I
tried it on a pair of boots I had in the Crimea, and which had become, from want of
use and old age, more like as if they were made of "iron" than of leather. They
are now soft and pliable, and could be worn with comfort. My coachman states the
etfect on the harness and on bridles is most beneficial. I have recommended it
should be tried in the Government stores. ARTHUR HERBERT, Colonel.

Horse Guards, 3Iay 20th, 1S70.

Messrs. Vanner & Prest, 148, Ormside St., Hatcham, London, S.E.

GentlEiMen, — I have given the sample of Dubbing which you were kind enough
to .«end on the 19th of Februarj'', a fair trial on Boots, Saddlery, and Harness, and
find it quite equal to j'our expectations. It makes all kinds of Leather beautifully
soft and flexible, and prevents it from cracking. In short, by an application or two,
old straps that have been lying past become like new. I have no hesitation in saying
I have not before seen an article of the kind which seems so fitted for its purpose, or
so likely to give general satisfaction. — I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, your
obedient servant, U. REID, Captain, Adjutant 1st Depot Battalion.

Chatham, 27th March, 1S70.

1 ~ t

t t

-w

GEO. J. STEPHENSON & Co,

MANUFACTURERS OF

®xIb, ® il J[0Ot0, (^XtmtBy

Slc, &e.,

OFFICE AND WAREHOUSE—

-«3Q>— ^S^SS©**-**-** —

Pure Cod Oil for Tanners, Cod Oil Foots, "WTiale Oil, Whale Oil
Foots, all kinds of Fish Oils, and Fish Oil Foots,
Linseed Oil, Linseed Oil Foots, Rape Oil, Rape Oil
Foots, Colliery Oil, Black Rape Oil, Greases, Varnishes,
Tallow, Mucilage, Cotton Oil— Crude and Refined,
Petroleum, Colza Oil, &c.

Oils for Soap Manufacturers, &c.

-<a — ►E<SSS»^»

SAMPLES FREE ON APPLICATION.

:&.

•'•i'. ■ 'W-

.1-

t

^

5

^

^^M. LETTEB8 ^^

^^Ar^

WILLIAM BOWN,

308, STJ^VEIVEIEI^ LA-ISTE,

BIRMINGHAM,

SOLE 3S/a:.A.3SrXJ:F.A.OTTJK,EE, OIF THE

yEOLIUS BICYCLE

ELEVATION.

SECTION THROUGH
A B OF ELEVATION.

FRONT VIEW WITH
CAP REMOVED.

Tlie above views will clearly show the great advantages possessed by
this Bearing — from the combination of hardened steel balls and hardened
conical surfaces, Avith the facilities for universally adjusting the Bearing
in case of wear — the frictional surfaces and points of contact are reduced
to the lowest possible minimum, thereby producing the most complete
Bicycle Bearing ever oifered to the public.

i

t t

W. H. HEWITT,

ALBION WORKS,

TEIt^BY STI^EET jSTOI^TH,

BIRMINGHAM,

Wholesale Manufacturer of all kinds of Harness and

Saddlery Goods,

COACH & SADDLERS' IRONMONGER;

INVENTOR & SOLE MANUFACTURER OF THE

NOW TO BE KNOWN AS THE

HORSE-SHOE HARNESS FURHITtlRE.

WHIP SOCKETS, REIN-HOLDERS, CARRIAGE PAD CLOTHS,

DiLSH STRAP S||
APRON PULLERS, FANCY FRONTS, ROSETTES,

Plated ^ Brass Goods of every description.

"ssTBHEOL.ass^Las ii.m> 3s:x:3po3rt.

t

t

^,,.,.#» »"'— ' «=./«^

MEDAL &. DIPLOMA OF MERIT.

•Ofr

UNITED STATES,

AMERICA, 1876.

AWARDED TO

flcii: not) WJ> T; Q^-

!■ Ji!i. Jir^ XJ) '\J -Hi Ji .IL r-

FOR THE

PATENT ZINC

COLLAR PAD,

FOR THE

D

REVmiOi OF CRUELTY TO HORSES.

WITH

SPECIAL MENTION FOR ORIGINALITY AND USEFULNESS.

i

'."i'.'

t t

.1. -jT

-*•-

«■

TESTIMONIALS.

Yeterixary Establishmext,

56, Xew Boxd Street, London, W.,

14th August, 1878.
Dexter Curtis, Esq.,

Sir, — On several occasions I have used your Zinc Collar Pads, and
can testify to their efficacy both in the prevention and cure of sore necks
as produced by the dialing of the collar. The ease with which they can
be adapted, the simplicity of the article itself, and the very low rate at
Avhich it is produced, shoidd recommend it to the notice and use of aU
horse contractors and cab proprietors, Avhose horses, as a rule, suffer most.

I am, Sir,

Yours faithfully,
THOS. J. W. DOLLAE, M.E.C.Y.S.,

And holder of Veteriiuiry Certificate of
H. <L S. Society, Scotland.

I HEREBY CERTIFY that I have practically tested the Zinc
Collar Pad of Dexter Curtis, and I find that they are admirably adapted
for the use they are designed for, namely, the prevention and cure of
sore necks, caused by the collars of harness horses.

J. M. PARKER, M.R.C.Y.S., Birmingham.

Bruxelles,

July 15th, 1878.

I, THE UNDERSIGNED, Yeterinary Surgeon to the Royal
Stables of His Highness the Count of Flanders and to the Belgian
Government for the City of Brussells, also Founder and President of the
" Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals," declare to
have\ised the " Dexter Curtis Zinc Collar Pad " on my horses with
great success.

It preserves the mane and prevents it from braaking and wearing off,
and also the neck from becoming sore, and horses with sore necks it cures
rapidly; they are therefore indispensable, and should be used for all
classes of horses, from the pony to the cart-horse.

Thus the " Dexter Curtis Zinc Collar Pad " is of great value for
general use, as it is a preventive against sore necks, and I recommend
it to everyone, as it enables horses with sore necks to continue their daily
work with ease.

This is the result of my experience, after having given it a good
and fair trial on all my horses and on those of my customers, with the
greatest success, and I have never known it to fail.

HORACE DOUTERLINGUE,

Veterinary Surgeon, and President to the Royal Society
for the Prevention cf Cruelty to Animals.

I HAVE great pleasure in testifying to the gi'eat value of Dexter
Curtis's newly invented Zinc Collar Pad, having seen it used on cab
and 'bus horses with the best eflect.

J. CLAY WORTH, M.R.C.V.S., Birmingham.

-i; , f

t t

As a liorse without his natural inane is bereft of beauty as a woman
without hair or a tree in summer without leaves, any cheap and simple
contrivance that will protect the mane from the inroads of the harness
collar, which twists and wears away tlie liair, should, I think, be thank-
fully and universally used. This little shieltl called the Zinc Collar
Pad has this merit of preserving the mane intact, and is invaluable to
those who find it convenient that their hacks and hunters should be
occasionally exercised in harness, but Avho would be horrified to see these
animals with a mutilated mane. To Country and Sporting gc^ntlemen
and dealers in high-class horses, the omission of its use almost amounts to
netrlect.

The collar should not be stuffed at the top or near the shoidder
blade, as it becomes heated and causes the shoidder to chafe.

Use the Zinc Collar Pad, which keeps the neck cool, and gives the
collar a chance to dry on the shoidders.

Humanity demands that the Zinc Pad should be used on all Cab,
'Bus, and Cart Horses ; they are guaranteed to prevent chafing, or cure
the worst cases of Sore l^eck in from Six to Ten Days, while the horse
is constantly at work ; or money refunded.

What we claim is : —

1. — The chemical and galvanic action of the zinc with the acid
and saline constituents of moist sores, resulting in an
astringent acting speedily on the edges of the wound and
by its smooth surface and cooling tendency, quickly
produces a cure.

2. — It prevents the collar pinching the top of the wither.

3. — It keeps off the water and prevents vScalding,

4 — It protects the top of the collar from wear.

5. — 'No horse can get a sore neck whilst wearing this plate.

It is well known that the top of the horse's neck is the tenderest
part, and that eight out of ten get chafed and sore at this particular spot.

The Horse should have free action of the top of the shoulder blade,
and no draft near the top of the shoulder. Humanity says, " make the
collar wide and loose at the top, resting firmly on the top of the neck,
this prevents the collar working up and down and chafing the shouldsrs."

These plates produce this desirable effect : to cure sore necks and
prevent chafing. It has been known to cure the most irritated sore necks
of thousands of horses in the United States.

To fasten the Pad hi the collar, run the straps through the seam of
the collar, so as to draw the Pad close up in the tojy.

SOLE PROPEIETOR & PATENTEE,

DEXTER CURTIS,

General Office : 59, TENBY STREET NORTH,

BIRMINGHAM.

X

Highly Recommended by the Author of "Centaur."

sj i c. L I5|l

FALO I
▲ (TA 1

> 0>

:> ^5

* D-j>. -

>:>

>> J) 5) >'j)>

— ^> ^^> >2>

^I> 5 >2> 5».

>;3 >> 33>

i» ^ _»?5>rk v>>~^-v.^,l»3> .^:^ .■5>. 1

... >^5>

>3>o :

^^) ^> :

^ :^ >^ >5>i>; ::e>:> c^i* ■^>35^^ 5 -
^ >3^> »^> ^so::^^ >3v^5r- S^T

■ > :53^3.> :d^ > ^?->>^Tgr»^jB,:>=^^ >4>"^'3 5^

> ■ ::>-^.2> .> j>;o x>

^'^:>2> >!>>!:>:>
^i> :;^ ^ ^31) .":> ^

> 3»' 3 1

^:iD.jr>'2^ _

5^ ^^ ^^ ^.^ "

"3 --'32>,3 33-\:
'"^" ■ >-' -' :>J> 33 3 3
- >31> >3^ ^

►> >33> >3:.j> :l">3> 3
►:> 32> >> i> :z>"5 >

•3 3_2> 3:3J> Z>3 o

3 3j::> ^3 "3 ^>3 >

:>3 >

:>.j>

^^i>

:>^ 3>:>^^ > ^>;Si> :> >>I»

? ^>^3';>j :> . -^^ ?3> 3 J>lS^.> 3

^>>^ 3 • :»> ■"* >>>:::>

'>3 >> ^ 3!»:i .>> ^ >-> "^

2 ^A^p3>:> >» 3 >:>

3:' ..'>:)'::3K> » ~:2> .
-L>3>:2> ::

S>3> T:S>>>>^

" ^ ^ >-i3

> 2> r ^

^ T> 3

.3> v-^:.

33> y>^ »"
"--X2> ,3:' J.

k>3^^> :

>■> vs^ '^^^

Z>

>fc>3v3 :>

2>> >^

^^
:3

. 3

■ _3-.,i'
"3.' J~

3 -'>> .:

>'.3» .3
> v» ;

> 3

-> ,>>.o:2>

-> . ~> . >

3 .^>

■ .^ ^^ ■

^ >> ?5:^ "^ ^ f ^- >>&

\ 1,

^:> "^e> ^%

j>>::

j> ^

3O0»

• -IT)

>> ^^:3r» ^>.>:> 3 05 --» , rs <-^ ^^

^^ >7i> oiT

3:^^

>v7->

o3:.fe>

ye- 2> _

> > .y>

:>^y>

■ .-:»;z>^ >■ _.j).o ^:s> ^>^ :y?3:x2it:> ■
' :>-'>!> ::>3oyz2> -"->3r> j^i'iso ■
3>> :>y:> ?:»>:d> ->:>i>_y»;p23L:> /^
y>s> !!>» j^> 2:>X>' . :^'> I>-^^> s^^S> !>

3J>:^x>»3:i> y;>i>'^y>>y5a>i> ^ ^

J30> Z>2».;223> .13 >. 3> SxH^O iJ '

.> 'y3S>y>'^^ ;,:5y> ~i>>->^55x> ^>. ■
">>y» z>55>^e> ..^y> ^5)3^> .o-

"^'^ ':>3>5^^> :z> J> ^3> :^^»> >->■< -

:>>!> t3G>3>3£S> .:!> 2> ~r»>^X> y:j» •

»>2> ::>3>3^2S> ;x> j) y>3y>2^ ■ .j>., >>-.::

►>js> "Tk^^^s* ^^ i-> yr>i>>5> y>-:> o^-j

-y y>-.

:3o

■ -yy>->>"^y!>">>^

5-:> "o.^ -_~_> T«>__>
y>y>^«>y73^^^j>

>;y^2> y3"3
lJK> ?.y>> \>3> . "

:3> >y^^>
y^c>- .xo^^j:

^ ^^::^^ jy>o^y>>2> ^^t:^ wt>r>y

>:>^?i) _;;^^ y£>^o :3i2> -"> :> '5^735 y>^
' >y^_=^^ 2>-3 ^yi> >:> :^^>r^ '

•-^y^r^::^ -yi> ^"'::>y> > "^:> "^>:"^r>->-^

^>2>,^^^ ^> .\:>:2> > .^ .yi> o.>:>73

y ^>^:Dr> 3 vy>3 y-:, ^ . ^,_

^yy:^'^?>'::!£> o - y)3i> r^ 5> ^^^^

\s:> -■-■'■? ':>:> _.--—'

ie>'yi>:^"'^

^y>

^ :>:5>

> z> jj> :»:>-^

> >

^-^ >=Dyy*;>:>:^

^

^ > ■

■> y^o "~^ . > . . "o-s^s -:^

y>

y'y>3 -y^ ^ -^ ::t>^""

:>

- y>3i> r^ 3> i?>~5-5^

y)

3 ->y> 0 yo' ^'^^y~>

->

->y»>. • y) :^5^/- .^':5;>^-

;>y3 T) . 3, ^> ^-yjAy:-

> >.7> •::> "-'-». -. " - ^ f>Z.

J

II