THE LIBRARY

OF

THE UNIVERSITY

OF CALIFORNIA

PRESENTED BY

PROF. CHARLES A. KOFOID AND

MRS. PRUDENCE W. KOFOID

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^©IDSIETT S&IBDRIIBIRs

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DOMESTIC AWIiMAIi-S,

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PRACTICAL INSTRUCTIONS TO SPORTSMEN

MMJWCASTJLE i
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY MACKENZIE AND DENT.

THE

MODERN FARRIER;

OR,
THE ART OF

PRESERVING THE HEALTH

AND

CURING THE DISEASES

OF

HOUSES,

DOGS, OXEN, COIVS, SHEEP, § SWINE.

Comprehending
A GREAT VARIETY OF

ORIGINAL AND APPROVED RECIPES;

INSTRUCTIONS IN

punting, footing, tfoumng, Racing, & 4Fi*$iw,

AND A SUMMARY OF THE GAME LAWS;

With an enlivening Selection of the
MOST INTERESTING

SPORTING ANECDOTES.

The whole forming an invaluable and useful Companion to all Person*
concerned in the Breeding and Managing of domestic Animals.

BY A. LAW SON,

Author of the Farmer's Practical Instructor,

TWELFTH EDITION.
ILLUSTRATED WITH NUMEROUS ENGRAVINGS

*••&*•*.

Newcastle upon Tyne :

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY MACKENZIE AND DENTj

And sold by G. Virtue, Bookseller, 26, Ivy Lane, London.

and Bath Street, Bristol

1828.

DEDICATION.

COUNTRY GENTLEMEN,
FARMERS, COACH - MASTERS, CARRIERS,

COW-KEEPERS, %c.

OF

GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND.

Gentlemen,

The following practical Treatise on the proper
Management of Horses, Dogs, Sheep, Cattle, and Swine, is the
Result of several Years' Study and Experience ; and should it
contribute to save you from the mischievous Pretensions of Quacks,
and the fatal Interference of ignorant Farriers, Grooms, Hunts-
men, Herdsmen, and Cattle-doctors, the Design will be fully
accomplished, of

Gentlemen,

Your most obedient Servant,

The AUTHOR.

^383770

MODERN FARRIER.

1. Introduction.

±HE term Farrier is derived from the French
verb ferrer, to shoe a horse, and which seems to be
derived from the Latin ferritin, ' iron.' And as the
persons who shod horses were, for a long period, the
only horse-doctors, the term Farriery came to sig-
nify the art of curing the diseases of horses. The
veterinary art is now considered as synonymous
with Farriery. Veterinary is also derived from
the Latin, and is used by ancient writers to denote
a horse-doctor or cattle-doctor.

The lives and limbs of our valuable domestic ani-
mals have long been at the mercy of the most illite-
rate quacks ; and unfortunately there has existed an
obstinate prejudice in favour of bold and presump-
tuous empirics. But the age of delusion is now
past, and no rational man will rely on the pernicious
nostrums which were formerly puffed off in every
newspaper. Much yet remains to be done ; but the
veterinary art has lately acquired an importance,
and received such improvements, as predicts a great
revolution in this branch of human knowledge.

It is remarkable, that the art of farriery never
made any considerable progress, or assumed any

6 MODERN FA1HUER.

thing like a scientific form, till it attracted the at-
tention of medical men. This arises from the strict
analogy that exists between the diseases of man and
animals. The murrains amongst horned cattle are
very similar to the epidemic diseases amongst the
human race. The small pox frequently rages
amongst sheep, and swine are often subject to the
measles. The transfer of the cow-pox to man is
considered amongst the most fortunate of modern
discoveries. Scrofula, apoplexy, epilepsy, and teta-
nus, or locked jaw, are very common amongst do-
mestic animals. These instances are sufficient to
shew the utility of the study of comparative ana-
tomy and pathology, as connected with the veteri-
nary art ; for, as the diseases are similar, so will also
be the remedies, after making due allowances for
the difference of organization.

After becoming proficient in anatomy, a little
manual dexterity will soon render the young stu-
dent a tolerable surgeon. He ought also to study
chemistry, and to acquire an accurate knowledge of
medicine, and of the doses, as adapted to different
animals, in various situations and diseases; and he
must attentively observe, and deliberately reflect on
the symptoms and progress of the different diseases
to which domestic animals are subject. These re-
quisites are all absolutely necessary in order to form
a good farrier. But in this work it is merely pro-
posed to assist plain practical farmers and others, in
the management of their horses and cattle, to save
them from the impositions of ignorant quacks, and
to promote a rational system of treatment. In ex-
traordinary cases, a skilful practitioner ought always
to be called in ; and he who knows most of the na-
ture and danger of diseases, will always be most
ready to consult those who possess "a superior know-
ledge on the subject. This is the more necessary,
as, from the strength of the arterial system, the
diseases in animals are prone to a rapid termina-

MODERN FARRIER.

tion, and hence the treatment must be decisive and
energetic.

2. History of the Art of Farriery.

It is generally believed that Xenophon, who lived
three or four hundred years before Christ, wrote a
small treatise on the figure and management of the
horse. Celsus, the elegant imitator of Hippocrates,
also wrote on the diseases of animals ; but the ear-
liest authentic writings on the subject are found in
De lie Rustica, a work of the celebrated Columella,
who lived in the second century, under the reign of
the Roman emperor Tiberius. A compilation from
the Greek writers on this subject also appeared from
the pen of Vegetius, who flourished in the fourth
century.

After this, a blank of more than a thousand years
occurs in the history of farriery. During the dark
ages, this useful art, like most others, retrograded ;
but it was during this gloomy period, that the art
of shoeing horses with iron appears to have been in-
vented; 'an art which seems to have contributed
not a little to throw the management of this noble
animal into the hands of a set of arrant blockheads,
who were now first called farriers.'

After the sixteenth century, the veterinary art
began to assume something of a scientific form ; and
many able writers began to appear both in France
and Germany, amongst whom the illustrious Cam-
per deserves particular notice. In England, the
Duke of Newcastle, Blundeville, Markham, Barett,
Snape, and Gibson, contributed to throw some light
upon this useful art. The improvements of the
latter were ably extended by Dr. Bracken. Next
to this admired writer we may place Bartlett, Osmer,
and Clark, farrier to his majesty in Scotland. The
elegant work of Stubbs and Lord Pembroke also de-
serves mention. Amongst modern writers, the most

8 MODERN FAHRIElt.

eminent are Blaine, White, Feron, Lawrence, Board-
man, and Freeman. Culley, of Northumberland,
has also published an invaluable work on live stock ;
and Curwen has given some excellent directions re-
specting the feeding of cattle. Mackenzie on the
diseases of sheep contains many useful hints, as does
also Dr. Harrison's work on the rot in this useful
animal. Dr. Dickson's elegant work on agriculture
exhibits much useful instruction on the manage-
ment of live stock ; and the Rev. W. Daniel's Rural
Sports furnishes many interesting anecdotes and
useful remarks relative to the dog, that favourite
companion of man.

Several writers on this subject have long enjoyed
an undeserved degree of celebrity. The egregious
blunders and intolerable arrogance of such popular
writers as Taplin and Clater, first suggested the ne-
cessity and utility of a cheap, intelligible, and ra-
tional treatise on farriery. How far I have accom-
plished the end proposed is left to the judgment of
the public ; but I may be permitted to state, that
no pains have been spared to ensure success.

But the most important measure for the promo-
tion of the art of farriery was adopted by an agri-
cultural society at Ockham in Hampshire, which, at
the suggestion of M. St. Bel, a French gentleman,
opened a school in London, to which they gave the
name of The Veterinary College of London. This
institution was opened in the year 1790 ; and M. St.
Bel was appointed the first professor.

On the death of this gentleman, Mr. Coleman, an
ingenious young surgeon, was chosen to the vacant
chair. Several new regulations were immediately
adopted. The rooms for boarders were improved,
and an anatomical theatre fitted up, with dissecting
rooms for the use of the pupils. A medical com-
mittee was also appointed, for examining the pupils
previously to their receiving a diploma as veterinary
surgeons. The committee, in 1801, contained the

MODERN FARRIER. 9

following eminent names, viz. Drs. Fordyce, Baillie,
Relph, Bebington, and Messrs. Cline, Home, Aber-
nethy, and Astley Cooper.

The subscribers of the veterinary college pay two
guineas per annum or twenty guineas for life.
Each subscriber is entitled to send, when sick or
lame, any number of horses to the veterinary sta-
bles, where no charges are made for medicine, at-
tendance, or operation : the subscriber merely pays
for the keeping and shoeing of his horse. Horses of
non-subscribers may be sent to the college for the
professors' opinion ; but they are not admitted into
the stables. Pupils, on their admission, pay a fee of
twenty guineas. The professor delivers lectures on
the veterinary art ; and the most eminent medical
teachers in London, with great liberality, allow the
students at the veterinary college to attend their
lectures on anatomy, physiology, surgery, chemistry,
&c. gratis. There are four general examinations in
the year. The period requisite for obtaining a
knowledge of the veterinary art is regulated by the
talents and industry of the students. Most of the
cavalry regiments have been supplied with a vete-
rinary surgeon from the college.

3. General Description of the Horse.

Mankind have generally agreed to place the horse
at the head of their domesticated animals ; and in-
deed the beauty, strength, speed, boldness, and do-
cility of this noble and interesting creature, justly
entitle him to this pre-eminence. His reduction
into a state of subordination is the greatest acquisi-
tion from the animal world which was ever made
by the art or industry of man. Repressing his
ardour in obedience to the impressions he receives,
he flies, or stops, and regulates his motions entirely
by the will of his master. He, in some measure,

B

10 MODERN FARRIER.

renounces his very existence to the pleasure of man.
He delivers up his whole powers ; he reserves no-
thing ; and often dies rather than disobey the man-
dates of his governor.

ft& The true thorough-bred, or what is called the
blood horse, is indisputably the strongest animal in
nature of the same size and weight. His fibres are
so peculiarly elastic, and his limbs so admirably dis-
posed, that he possesses an incredible degree of
vigour, speed, and power. But as it is intended to
examine the different breeds of this useful animal,
with the best means of procuring and perpetuating
a proper, healthy, and valuable race, in another part
of this work, it will only be necessary here to give
an idea of the most approved shape of a horse.

The head should be small, lean, and straight from
the top to the nostril ; the forehead broad and am-
ple ; the eyes prominent ; and the eye-lids elevated
and flexible. The branches of the lower jaw-bone
should be open and expanded; the nostrils large
and open ; the mouth small ; and the lips deep and
pliable.

The lower extremity of the neck should issue high
out of the chest, which gives it a grand and elevated
appearance. A thick neck is usually indicative of
strength.

The blade-bones should not be perpendicular, but
oblique, so as to permit the legs to stand well ad-
vanced before the body. This position of the shoul-
ders is essential to good and safe action. The chest
should be moderately broad, and the muscles of the
breast bold and prominent. If the chest be too
broad, the horse goes with an unpleasant rocking
motion ; and if too narrow, the fore-legs are liable
to cut and bruise the fetlock joint. The fore-legs
should be straight, approaching each other in a
small degree at the feet ; the upper part bold and
muscular, the knee broad and flat, and the tendons
distinct, firm, and elastic.

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4 Hears Old

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6 Years Old

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MODERN FARRIER. 11

The body should be round and capacious; the
back descending in a concave line nearly to the
middle ; and the loins broad and full, with the tail
issuing boldly from the croup in an arch-like form.
The body* should appear short, and the quarters
large and strong. The hips should be rather low,
and the hocks only at such a distance as to place
the shank-bone in an upright position.

The foot, though frequently unsound and un-
healthy, is one of the most important parts of the
whole animal machine. The hoof of a colt is nearly
circular, and is widest at the quarters. The exter-
nal parts are divided into the wall or crust, the sole,
and the frog. But an injudicious mode of shoeing,
the roughness of the roads, and confinement in the
stable, usually reduce this useful member to an un-
healthy and deranged state.

The skeleton of a horse is usually divided into the
head, the spine, the trunk, and extremities. Ex-
cepting the head and fore part of the neck, the ske-
leton forms nearly a square, and approaches more
nearly to this form as the body of the animal is
more nearly proportional. This remark may be
useful to painters and sculptors, who commonly err
considerably with respect to the proportion of length
and breadth in their figure of a horse.

4. Of the Teeth.

A male horse has forty teeth when he has com-
pleted his full number: the mare has usually but
thirty-six. They are divided into three kinds ; the
nippers, tushes, and grinders. A knowledge of the
teeth, and the changes which they undergo, is of
great consequence in ascertaining the age of the
horse.

The teeth of a horse consist of twenty -four jaw-
teeth or grinders, four canine teeth or tusks, and
twelve fore-teeth. Mares have either no tushes, or

12 MODERN FARRIER.

very short ones. Five days after birth, the four front
teeth or nippers begin to shoot. In a few months,
they are increased to six above and six below. —
They are easily distinguished from the teeth that
come afterwards, by their smallness and whiteness.

When the colt is about two years and a half old,
he casts the four middlemost of his foal teeth ; but
in some instances they are retained nearly three
years. The new teeth, which are stronger, and al-
ways twice the size of the foal-teeth, are called inci-
sors or gatherers. When a horse has got these four
teeth complete, he is reckoned three years old.
When he is about three and a half, he casts out four
mose of iiis foal-teeth, viz. two above and two be-
low, one on each side of the middle teeth. Shortly
after, the tushes usually appear, though sometimes
not till the horse is full four years old. In a young
horse, they have a round edge all round the top and
on both sides ; the inside being somewhat flattish,
and inclined to hollowness.

When a horse comes five, or rather in the spring
before he is five, the corner-teeth begin to appear,
but at first just equal with the gums, which look
rather rawish. These teeth grow leisurely, and are
seldom much above the gums till a horse is full five.
They are known by their resemblance to & shell,
and environing the flesh in the middle half way
round ; as they grow, the flesh disappears, leaving a
distinct hollowness on the inside. In six months,
they visually grow about a quarter of an inch high,
or more ; and when a horse is six, they will be near
half an inch above the gums.

When a horse is full six years old, the cavities in
the corner- teeth begin to fill up, and turn to a
brownish spot, like the eye of a garden bean. This
mark becomes very faint, as the horse approaches
his seventh year. At eight, the mark generally
disappears ; though some retain the vestiges of it a
long time. After this, a horse is said to be past

MODERN FARRIER. lg

mark, as it requires a great deal of experience to
form a tolerable guess of his age.

In order to make a very young horse or colt ap-
pear older than he is, horse-dealers sometimes pull
out the foal- teeth : but this trick may be detected
by feeling along the edges where the tushes grow,
for they may be felt in the gums before the corner-
teeth are put forth ; but if the corner-teeth come in
some mouths before the tushes rise in the gums,
there is reason to suspect that the foal-teeth have
been pulled out at three years old. Sometimes a
mark is burned with a small hot iron ; but this de-
ception is also easily discovered, because this mark
is generally blacker and stronger impressed than the
true one.

Some horses have but indifferent mouths, even
when they are young ; while others retain marks of
freshness and vigour till they are sixteen years old,
and upwards. When a horse becomes old, his gums
wear away insensibly, leaving his teeth long and
bare at the roots; the bars of the mouth become
dry and smooth, and the eye-pits sunk and hollow.
Grey horses in old age turn very white ; and black
ones grow grey over their eye-brows. The back
also grows hollow, the joints stiff, and the aspect
becomes ghastly and melancholy.

5. Abuse of Medicine.

It is a very common practice, among grooms and
farriers, to bleed and physic a horse both in the
spring and fall of the year, though he be in ever
so good health and condition. If he be destined to
undergo any extraordinary exertion, as racing or
hunting, it is judged absolutely necessary, by these
sagacious practitioners, to prepare him by bleeding,
purging, and sweating in a hot stable. Nothing
can be more absurd and dangerous ; for if we give
medicines to an animal in a healthy state, we either

14 MODERN FARMER.

excite the organs to some unusual exertions, or we
check those exertions which are natural and healthy,
and in either case we must do harm. Besides, the
habitual use of medicines renders them less effica-
cious when necessary ; while the use of some reme-
dies may be attended with dangerous consequences.
Frequent bleeding tends to produce fatness; and
the too frequent use of cordials and astringent sti-
mulants lays the foundation of apoplexy, palsy, and
other dangerous disorders. It cannot be too often
repeated, that medicine should never be given to
prevent disease, and that health is best preserved by
the proper regulation of diet, exercise, and clean-
liness.

6. Forms of Medicine.

The most usual forms in which medicine is exhi-
bited to horses and cattle are those of ball, powder,
drench, clyster, ointment, poultice, and fomentation!

7. Balls.

One of the most common and convenient forms
in which internal medicines are administered in far-
riery is by ball, or bolus. They should be .prepared
.shortly before they are to be used, as exposure to the
air renders them hard and dangerous. When the
horse's jaws are too narrow to admit the hand, the
ball may be fixed on the end of a stick or cane
moderately pointed, or, what is better, placed loosely
in a kind of small cup at the end of the cane, and
thus thrust to the back of the throat.

The administering the ball requires considerable
care and dexterity. The animal's mouth is usually
kept open by a balling iron, which is formed like a
ring, covered with cloth, and having an opening
sufficient for admitting the operator's hand. The
ball being shaped like an egg, the operator should

MODERN FA11RIER. 15

draw out the tongue of the animal with the left
hand towards the left side, and introducing his right
hand, with his fingers surrounding one end of the
ball, -place it adroitly beyond the root of the tongue ;
then instantly letting go the tongue, and permitting
the horse to raise his head, the ball will be gradually
swallowed. If the ball has a disagreeable taste, it
ought to be wrapped in wafer paper. Should the
ball be composed of hot or stimulating ingredients,
the horse should be allowed to drink before it is ad-
ministered ; and if the ball contains arsenic, corro-
sive sublimate, blue vitriol, or such like substances,
a considerable quantity of some mucilaginous drink,
as water-gruel or linseed-tea, should be given. It is
always better to mix up the ball with molasses, ho-
ney, or extract of liquorice, softened with water,
than with gummy substances, which are apt to be-
come hard. Some people are very expert in giving
balls without the use of any instrument ; and this,
when it can be done, is by far the best mode.

8. Poavders.

Antimony, sulphur, nitre, and some of the aro-
matic seeds, are usually reduced to fine powder, and
.mixed with the corn and bran that is placed before
the animal. Such medicines as do not readily dis-
solve in water should be moistened before mixing
with the food. When horses seem to dislike medi-
cine in this form, or when it appears to disagree
with the animal's stomach, it ought to be adminis-
tered in a different manner.

9. Drenches.

In compounding a drench, it is necessary that the
i substances composing it be thoroughly mixed with
each other. Oils and balsams should be well com-
bined with the watery part of the medicine, and dry

16 MODERN FARRIER.

substances should be very finely powdered. All
mucilaginous substances, some resins, and many of
the aromatics, may be properly given in this form,
The best diluent is water on a mucilaginous infusion.

Drenches are sometimes administered by a bottle ;
but this is a very dangerous instrument. They
should always be given by a horn ; the animal's head
being raised, and the tongue held down, as in giving
a ball. This operation is seldom performed with
dexterity, and thus a considerable quantity of the
medicine is frequently spilt. Drenches should never
be given when the throat is in an inflamed or irri-
tated state.

The great advantage of a drench is, that remedies
exhibited in this form produce their effects very
speedily, and are therefore well suited to urgent
cases, in which it is necessary to give immediate
relief.

10. Clysters.

Almost every class of medicine may be advanta-
geously administered in the form of a clyster; at
least, all such medicines as may be thoroughly mixed
with any watery fluid, so as to pass readily through
a slender tube.

A clyster bladder should be that of an ox, and of
the largest size, to the extremity of which should be
fixed a pewter pipe, about twelve inches long, and
about half an inch in diameter, having the extremity
completely smooth, so as not to injure the internal
coat of the bowel. Syringes are very improper
instruments.

It is often necessary, previous to administering a
clyster, to clear the great gut from the hardened ex-
crement which it may contain. This is best per-
formed by means of the hand, which should be well
greased with oil or hog's lard, and the nails cut per-
fectly close, before it is introduced. The use of

MODERN FARRIER. 17

clysters has very properly become frequent, and is
justly in high esteem.

11. Ointments.

Ointments cannot be employed in -farriery, as in
the human body, to introduce remedies into the
system, on account of the hair that covers the body
of quadrupeds. They are chiefly employed as an
application to sores, or in some cases of eruptions of
the skin.

12. Poultices.

Poultices should always be reduced to a softness,
and repeatedly renewed. When intended to produce
suppuration, they should be applied warm ; but
when applied to check inflammation, or to correct
the unpleasant smell arising from foul ill-conditioned
ulcers, they are usually laid on cold.

13. Fomentations.

Fomentations are composed of some infusion or
decoction of herbs, and are used to soften or relax
the parts to which they are applied. They are ap-
plied by wetting a large woollen cloth in the warm
liquor, wringing it slightly, and laying it as warm
as can easily be borne on the part to be fomented.

14. Purges.

Purgative medicines are extremely useful, if ad-
ministered with prudence; but, we repeat, they
should never be given to a horse in health, in order
to prevent disease. The intestines of horses are very
long, and so constructed as often to retain a purge
twenty-four or thirty hours ; and if it be of an irri-
tating quality, considerable mischief may in conse-

18 MODERN FARRIER.

quence ensue. Hence the folly of giving strong
medicines unnecessarily. It is but justice, however,
to observe, that Mr. John Lawrence is of opinion,
that the mischief done by purges is to be attributed
to the coarseness of the medicine, rather than to its
purging effect.

Some practitioners recommend purges to be given
in the morning, when the horse is to be allowed to
fast an hour. He is then to receive about two
handfuls of hay, after which the ball is to be given,
which is to be followed by a horn full of warm ale
or water-gruel. He is then to fast another hour,
when he is to be allowed a moderate quantity of
hay. He should have all his drink a little warm,
should be walked about gently during the remain-
der of the day, and should have a warm mash of
bran at night. Next day, he is to be again mode-
rately exercised till the purge begins to operate,
and, if the weather is severe, he must be covered
with body-clothes ; but the stable should not be too
warm when he returns.

Violent exercise, either before or after adminis-
tering a purge, is highly dangerous, and frequently
gives rise to fatal diseases.

15. Preparing Medicine,

Before any medicine be administered to animals,
it is necessary to ascertain the nature of the disease,
as well as the effect and quality of the drugs used.
Horses' powders are often much adulterated, and
should be purchased only from such druggists as
enjoy a good reputation. Seeds, when once pow-
dered, soon lose their quality : they should therefore
be purchased in their original state. The same rule
should be observed in buying roots, barks, and
gums. In making up the following recipes, troy
weight is used, and wine measure in what relates to
liquids.

MODERN FARRIER, 19

DISEASES OF HORSES.

16. Surfeits.

Symptoms. — The surfeit assumes a different ap-
pearance in different subjects. In some it is indi-
cated by the coat staining and assuming a dirty,
rusty colour, and the limbs becoming full of dry
fixed scabs; in others by small knots and lumps.
In some by a moisture, attended by heat and in-
flammation, the humours being so sharp, and itching
so violently, that the animals sometimes rub them-
selves raw ; while others have no eruption whatever,
and appear only lame and hidebound.

Causes. — This disease may proceed from excessive
and immoderate feeding, or hard riding ; but it may
in general be attributed to a suppression of the in-
sensible perspiration.

Cure. — A slight eruption may be removed by
bleeding and diuretics; but when the horse is in
high condition, a purge is the best remedy. The
following proportion will generally suffice :

Barbadoes aloes, - 6 drachms.

Castile soap, - - half an ounce.
Ginger, - half a drachm.

Mixed in a ball writh syrup of buckthorn.

The food to be scalded oats or bran mashes. When
the purgative has ceased to act, the following ball
may be given every night for three or four nights
successively, viz.

Emetic tartar, 4 drachms.

Assafcetida^ 4 drachms.

Ginger, - - - - 2 ounces.
To be mixed, and divided into four balls.

During the time the horse is under this treatment,
he should be kept warm and daily exercised. If

20 MODERN FARRIER.

the scabs do not fall off, it will be proper to rub
them with mercurial ointment.

In case the horse be lean, unhealthy, and hide-
bound, the following drink will be of advantage :

Carraway seeds, - 1 ounce.

Gentian root, - - half an ounce.

Zedoary root, - - half an ounce.

Fenugreek seeds, - half an ounce.

Mithridate, - - half an ounce.

These ingredients, being finely powdered, may be
given in a pint and a half of warm ale in the morn-
ing ; to be repeated every second or third day while
necessary. Here it is proper to observe, that no
drink should be boiled that contains either seeds or
roots. In case the humours be wet and itchy, that
part of the skin from which there is a moist discharge
may be bathed by the following lotion :

Blue vitriol, 1 ounce.

Camphorated spirits of wine, 2 ounces.
In a quart bottle filled up with water.

This lotion to be applied daily, after first washing
the parts with soft soap and warm water. While
this wash is applied, the horse should also be given
the emetic balls mentioned above.

Sometimes, after a surfeit is cured, the hair falls
off those parts of the skin where the lumps and
swellings were situated, and grow again of a differ-
ent colour from the rest of the body.

17. Mange.

Symptoms. — This is a cutaneous disease, affecting
the skin, and rendering it tawny, thick, and full of
wrinkles ; especially near the mane, ears, loins, and
tail. These parts generally become entirely de-
prived of hair; or, if any remains, it stands erect
like hogs' bristles. The eruptions discharge a thick
yellowish fluid; and the horse suffers a perpetual

MODERN FARRIER. 21

itching, and most of his time is employed in rubbing
and biting himself, so that he soon loses his flesh
for want of rest and quiet. This disease is highly
contagious.

Causes. — This common but troublesome disease
generally proceeds from want of cleanliness, un-
wholesome food, and a defective perspiration.

Cure. — It is never proper to bleed for this disease.
The following internal medicine is recommended :

Antimony, 8 ounces.

Grains of paradise, 3 ounces.

This, finely powdered, and mixed with Venice
turpentine sufficient to form the mass of proper
consistence, must be divided into twelve balls, one
of which to be given every other day. During this,
apply the following ointment :

Prepared hog's lard, - 1 pound.
Sulphur, - - - half a pound.
White hellebore, - 3 ounces.

Mix, and add olive oil sufficient to make a soft
ointment.

A moderate quantity of this ointment to be well
rubbed with the hand every third day over the parts
affected. If the food in the mean time be good and
nourishing, and the horse kept clean and gently
exercised, a cure will soon be effected.

In slight cases of the mange, an infusion of to-
bacco in ale grounds may sometimes effect a cure ;
but in very inveterate cases, the following ointment
may be used, viz.

Mercurial ointment, - half a pound.

Powdered brimstone, - 4 ounces.

Black soap, 2 ounces.

Crude sal-ammoniac, - ]l ounce.
To be mixed up with turpentine or oil of bays.
Those who prefer a lotion to an ointment may
use the following, viz.

22 MODERN FARRIER.

Powdered corrosive sublimate, half an ounce.
Spirits of wine, - - half a pint.

Water, 1 quart.

To be applied every third day, and on the inter-
mediate days to wash the parts with soft soap and
warm water.

Those who prefer using powders may give the
following two or three days before the skin is dress-
ed, and which may be continued while necessary :

Crude antimony, - half a pound.

Nitre, - half a pound.

Flour of sulphur, - half a pound.

Cream of tartar, - - half a pound.

These ingredients being finely powdered and well
mixed, a table-spoonful may be put in the horse's
corn, or mash of oats and bran, every night and
morning.

When a horse is perfectly cured of this disease,
his collar, gear, saddle, clothing, or whatever he
wore during his illness, must be well washed with
soap-suds, and rubbed over with the lotion recom-
mended above. The stall, rack, and manger, should
also be white-washed with quick-lime, which, in a
few days, may be washed off with clear water.
These precautions should never be neglected.

18. The Farcy.

Symptoms. — The horse appears dull, his skin feels
tight and dry, and the legs, particularly the hind
ones, swell suddenly to an enormous size. The
small glands rise up in small lumps or knots, which
farriers call farcy-buds. These small lumps are at
first extremely hard and sore ; but in a few hours
they suppurate, and discharge an unhealthy ichorous
matter. The edges of these ulcers have a bad and
chancrous appearance; and the disease gradually

MODERN FARRIER. 23

advances until the whole body becomes infected,
and partial swellings take place, particularly on the
inside of the thighs and about the lips and nose,
which last frequently terminate in the glanders.
This disease is often very obstinate and difficult to
cure.

Causes. — This disease may be brought on by the
same causes which produce the mange; but it is
more generally to be attributed to a suppressed per-
spiration, and also to hot and crowded stables, as it
is very prevalent amongst waggon and post horses ;
for these poor animals, after being thrown into a
violent sweat, are frequently ridden through brooks
and ponds to wash them, or allowed to stand in in-
clement weather at an ale-house door; a culpable
negligence which frequently gives rise to the farcy.

Clater, and other ignorant farriers, erroneously
suppose that this disease is seated in the veins ! but
every intelligent practitioner knows it proceeds from
the diseased state of the absorbent or lymphatic
vessels.

Cure. — As this is a very troublesome disease,
spreads rapidly, and soon affects the whole system,
it is always best to apply, as soon as possible, to
some eminent and skilful practitioner ; but if this
cannot be conveniently done, the following mode
of treatment may be adopted.

When the attack is confined to a single limb,
with great swelling and inflammation, and the horse
is in good condition, three or four quarts of blood
must be taken, after which administer the following
purge :

Barbadoes aloes, 9 drachms.

Castile soap, 1 drachm.

With liquorice powder sufficient to make a ball.

This to be given with bran mashes and lukewarm
water ; care being taken to place the horse where he
may move about, but not to exercise him out of

24 MODERN FARRIER.

doors while the limb is in an inflamed state. In
the mean time, the swelled part must be fomented
with a warm decoction of camomile flowers ; and a
rowel may with advantage be introduced at the
lower part of the chest. Directions for rowelling
will be given in a subsequent part of the work.

When the disease has extended, the following
ball may be given after the horse has been properly
purged, viz.

Assafcetida, 1 drachm.

Camphor, 1 drachm.

Emetic tartar, 1 drachm.

Ginger, 2 drachms.

This quantity in one ball may be given for three
nights successively, and, after missing one night,
may be repeated until the disease is removed.

When the whole system is affected by the dis-
ease, the extremities swelled, the buds numerous,
and the animal assumes a poor, haggard aspect, the
following mercurial ball may be given, viz.

Corrosive sublimate, - 1 scruple.

Emetic tartar, - - - 1 drachm.
Opium, 10 grains.

With liquorice powder sufficient to make a mode-
rately sized ball.

The horse to have a good nourishing diet, such as
malt mashes, with carrots or brown sugar mixed
with his corn. He must not be exposed to wet or
cold, and his clothing should be warm. The dose
of sublimate may be gradually increased to two
scruples. Should the salivation be too severe, and
the mouth and throat become swelled and sore, give
a laxative, composed of —

Epsom salt, 8 ounces.

Sulphur, ... 2 ounces.

Mixed in a ball with liquorice powder and treacle.

MODERN FARRIER. 25

Some recommend the following :

Barbadoes aloes, 6 drachms.

Cream of Tartar, - 1 ounce.

Ginger, - half an ounce.

Nitre, - half an ounce.

Aniseeds, - half an ounce.

These to be reduced to a fine powder, and dis-
solved in a pint and a half of warm ale.

A horse afflicted with farcy should be separated
from those in health, and when perfectly recovered,
if the season be favourable, a run of grass will be of
gTeat advantage.

19. The Glanders.

Symptoms. — This disease, notwithstanding the as-
sertions of old farriers, is totally distinct from the
farcy. In the early stage of the glanders, there is
generally a discharge of a whitish glary fluid from
one nostril, which is highly coloured and inflamed, :
while the other nostril is of a pale flesh- colour. When
in this state, there is usually one or more ulcers up
the cavity of the nose ; and the gland under the
jaw, on the same side as the affected nostril, be-
comes enlarged. In case of colds, the, discharge
may be from both nostrils. Sometimes also the dis-
charge from the glanders is from both nostrils, and
the general health of the animal may for months
continue unimpaired ; but if this discharge proceeds
from cold, it will be accompanied by dulness, loss
of appetite, a difficult breathing, or an increased
pulse. When the disease becomes inveterate, the
virus is very offensive and fetid, composed of yel-
low or green colours, and intermixed with red or
bloody streaks. After this, the bones and cartilages
of the nose are eroded by the malignity of the
discharge, and the whole frame, particularly the
lungs, becomes affected ; the respiration also be-
21 D

2t» MODERN FARRIEU,

comes difficult, the discharge profuse, and the appe-
tite decreases. A consumption then ensues, and
the animal dies.

The symptoms of this disease should be atten-
tively observed, and marked with a nice discrimina-
tion \ as in some cases of a violent cold, both a great
degree of inflammation and a swelling of the glands,
and even an ulceration of the nose, may take place,
and a valuable animal be doomed to destruction un-
der the mistaken idea that he is affected by the
glanders.

Causes. — The primary cause of this disorder has
never been ascertained ; but it prevails most in
crowded stables and in large cities. Its ravages are
frequently extensive, and sometimes prove fatal to
the prosperity of carriers and coach-keepers.

Cure. — This is an incurable disease ; and though
some books of farriery are swelled out with pompous
recipes for its cure, it is only an imposition on the
credulous, and in many instances may be productive
of much mischief. Instances have indeed occurred
of the discharge being wholly suspended for a while,,
particularly after the animal has been at grass for
some time ; but the symptoms invariably return,
and there is not a well-authenticated instance on
record of the glanders having been cured.

As soon as it is clearly ascertained that a horse
has the glanders, he should be immediately removed
from all other horses, and kept by himself. The
rack, manger, and other places which he may have
touched, should be very carefully scraped with
knives, and well scoured with soap, sand, and boil-
ing water. This operation should be repeated, and'
then the whole surface of all these parts white-
washed with a thick coat of lime and water. After
a few days, this may be washed off, and the stable
used again with safety. Fumigations of brimstone.
&c. may be used, but must not be depended upon
without the preceding precautions. It is quite un-

MODERN FARRIER. 27

•necessary to bleed and purge the other horses that
may have been in the stable, as this can have no
effect in preventing contagion.

Where a person keeps a number of horses, it is
always best to destroy a glandered horse as soon as
possible. It is indeed highly improper to keep such
a diseased animal in any case, as the property of
others is thereby continually exposed to danger.

It has been observed, that one-third of the hack-
ney coach horses in London are glandered : and we
see them frequently in carts belonging to poor men,
who purchase them for a mere trifle, and, as a horse
under this disease may continue to work for three
or four years, they often turn out to be profitable.
But still there is some danger of the contagion being
thus propagated, except the glandered horse be
carefully kept in a stable by itself, and never suffered
to come into contact with a healthy horse. The
keepers of country ale-houses should be careful
never to admit a horse to bait in their stables which
appears afflicted by this dangerous disease, as many
people have suffered severely from a negligence of
this kind.

From a great variety of experiments, made by
experienced and well-educated farriers, it has been
demonstrated, that no medicine is a specific for the
glanders. However, it is to be hoped that some
regimental veterinary surgeon, who can institute a
series of experiments, in a barrack horse hospital,
may discover some effectual cure for this disease.

M. St. Bel, the first professor of the veterinary
college in London, enjoyed several opportunites at
Lyons in making experiments on glandered horses :
but although he varied his treatment apparently
with great skill and boldness, yet he confesses that
he never succeeded except in one instance, the par-
ticulars of which he has not communicated. He
concludes by observing, 'that many circumstances
have convinced him, that the virus of the glanders

28 MODERN FARRIER.

has more activity in southern than in northern
countries ; and that its progress is more rapid in the
mule and the ass than in the horse, hut that the
former is not so subject to receive it by infection, or
contact, as the horse is.'

Some farriers succeed in persuading people that
they have really cured the glanders ; but on exami-
nation, it will be found that these wonderful cures
have been effected only in cases that resembled the
glanders.

20. Fevers.

Symptoms. — A fever is denoted by great restless-
ness, and ranging from one end of the rack to ano-
ther, beating of the flanks, redness and inflammation
of the eyes, and a parched and dry tongue. The
horse also loses his appetite, nibbles his hay without
chewing it, and is frequently smelling to the ground;
he dungs often, but little at a time, and in small
broken pieces, and sometimes stales with difficulty ;
his urine is highly coloured ; he is always craving
for water, and drinks often, but little at a time ; and
his pulse beats full and hard.

' The best criterion of fever in the horse,' says Mr.
Lawrence, 'is the pulse. The best situation for
feeling it is just under the edge of the jaw-bone,
where the facial artery passes on to the side of the
face. In this situation, the artery is covered by the
skin only ; and, as, it rests against the bone, its
strength or weakness of pulsation may be ascertained
with the nicest exactness and accuracy. When the
animal is in health the pulse generally beats from
thirty-six to forty strokes in a minute. The pulsation
is regular, and the artery feels neither hard nor soft,
but perfectly elastic; but when under the influence
of fever, the pulse is sometimes increased to more
than double its natural number of beats, and the
artery becomes frequently so hard and rigid as to

MODERN FARRIER. 29

resist the pressure of the finger, and to slip aside
from under it.'

Causes. — A simple fever may proceed from va-
rious causes, such as an obstructed perspiration, aris-
ing from violent exercise and an exposure to sudden
colds or heats, a distention of the stomach, or from
any other cause that tends to produce a degree of
inflammation.

Cure. — The first part of the cure is copious bleed-
ing. If the horse be strong and in good condition,
three or four quarts should be taken ; and the bleed-
ing should alwa)rs be repeated until an alteration of
the pulse takes place, the hardness of the artery be
removed, and the yellowish or bufty coat on the
surface of the blood becomes thinner ; after which,
administer the following clyster, viz.

Marshmallows, 2 handfuls.

Camomile flowers, 1 handful.

Fennel-seed, - - - 1 ounce.

This to be boiled in three quarts of water until it be
reduced to two ; then strain off the liquor, and add
four ounces of treacle, and a pint of linseed oil.

This -clyster should be repeated every other day,
and on the intermediate day the following drink :

Glauber salts, 4 ounces.

Cream of tartar, 4 ounces.

Dissolved in barley-water, and a dram of the pow-
der of jalap added.

When the dung is not particularly hard and
knotty, a pint of the following infusion may be
given four times a day.

Camomile flowers,
Balm, -
Sage, -
Liquorice-root sliced,

a handful,
a handful,
a handful.
1 ounce.

Nitre,

3 ounces.

30 MODERN FARRIER.

These ingredients to be infused in two quarts of
boiling water ; when cold, strain it off, and squeeze
into it the juice of two or three lemons, and sweeten
it with honey.

In the mean time, the horse's diet should be light,
consisting of scalded bran, and occasionally he may
have a handful" of picked hay put into his rack. His
drink should be a little warmed, and given often and
in small quantities ; his covering should be moderate :
his litter kept clean ; and when he begins to recover,
his exercise should be gentle.

Mr. White distinguishes fevers into two kinds;
the simple and symptomatic. The latter kind usually
proceeds from some external wound, or is indicative
of internal inflammation, and must be treated ac-
cordingly by copious and early bleeding, with rowels
and blisters. This disease is not preceded by shi-
vering like the simple fever ; nor is it so sudden in
its attacks. In case of simple fever, this gentleman
recommends, after bleeding, and in case of costive-
ness, to give a pint of castor oil, or the oil of olives,
and to inject a clyster of warm water-gruel. He
also prescribes the following laxative drink, and
which the writer begs leave to recommend :

Aloes Barbadoes, - 3 drachms.
Prepared kali, 1^ drachms.

Castor oil, - - - 4 to 6 ounces.
Mint water, 4 ounces.

Pure water, 4 ounces.

These ingredients mixed will serve for one dose.
After the operation of this laxative, the folio wing
fever-powder to be given :

Powdered nitre, t ounce.

Camphor, 3 drachms.

Tartarised antimony, - 2 drachms.

These to be mixed and given in one dose. The
usual precautions of warm water and mashes, with

MODERN FARRIER. 31

frequent hard rubbing must be taken. When the
fever runs high, rowels are to be inserted about the
chest and belly, in order to prevent the recurrence
of internal inflammation. When the disease ap-
pears to be going off, the horse looking more lively,
and his appetite returning, let him be led out in
some warm situation, and give now and then a malt
mash for recovering his strength.

Let it be always remembered that, in every case
of fever, bleeding, and clearing the intestines by
mild purgatives and clysters, are of the first import-
ance ; and that all cordial balls or drinks, while the
disease continues, must have very injurious effects.

21. The Staggers.

Symptoms. — This disease is sometimes, and very
properly called the apoplexy. In some cases the
horse drops down suddenly in a state of insensibility;
but, in general, it comes on progressively. It is
first denoted by a heaviness and sleepiness in the
eyes, and almost a continual hanging of the head,
accompanied by a considerable degree of feebleness.
As the disease advances, the animal presses his fore-
head against the wall with great force ; and when
he is removed, he appears aroused and alarmed, but
returns to his former position immediately. At
length the symptoms increase ; and the brain be-
comes so much affected as to produce frenzy and
death. In this disease there is little apparent alter-
ation in the pulse or the motion of the flanks.

There is also a slight and temporary state of the
staggers, called the Megrims, which attacks some
horses as soon as the circulation of the blood is in-
creased by exercise. The animal in this case sud-
denly stops, and shakes his head ; and if improperly
urged forward, the fit increases, and he falls.

Causes. — The staggers, or apoplexy, may arise
from various causes ; but it most generally proceeds

3£ MODERN FARRIER.

from some derangement in the digestive organs. It
is sometimes occasioned by blows on the head, so as
to cause compression of the brain. In general,
however, it is extremely difficult to discover the
real cause of the disease.

Horses that are voracious feeders are very subject
to this disease. Ignorant grooms, and waggoners
will often steal corn to feed their horses ; and
sometimes a greedy horse, in stables not sepa-
rated by stalls, will both eat his own allowance and
also his neighbour's. Thus the stomach is over-
charged, and corn is frequently formed in it into an
undigested pulp. Sometimes also the digestion is
hurt for want of a sufficient quantity of water to
drink. Horses should always be watered four times
in the course of a day. It is a most absurd and
hurtful prejudice, to suppose that water has a tend-
ency to make horses broken-winded.

Mr. Gibson, an intelligent and experienced farrier,
attributes this disease in many cases to a stoppage
in the stomach and intestines, which sometimes
proves fatal when not rightly understood. ' These
stoppages,' he says, proceed from various causes,
and only affect the head when they happen to be of
some continuance. Sometimes they are caused by
full feeding, with the want of air and sufficient ex-
ercise, especially in hot dry weather, and in consti-
tutions naturally hot ; but most usually from the
quality and nature of their food, as bad hay, or any
other bad provender, or rank clover, when it has
imbibed moisture from the damp air, which renders
them so tough that they lie like a wad, and distend
the guts so as to impede their proper functions.
Other things have also the same effect, as soiling
horses with any kind of green herbage, such as
vetches, or clover, when it happens to be grown too
old and tough, and has lost its succulency, especially
when it has been cut too long before it is used.
Any of these may cause stoppages in the first pas-

MODERN FAlUtlER. &%

sages, and sometimes excite such disorders as by
their continuance affect the head in a very strong
manner.'

Cure. — As soon as the horse is perceived to have
this distemper, he must be copiously bled in the
neck vein ; which must be repeated, if his strength
and the nature of the disease requires it. After
bleeding, administer a bail composed thus, viz.

Aloes Barbadoes, 1 ounce.

Calomel, 2 drachms.

Ginger, 2 drachms.

These mixed with a sufficient quantity of honey.

Apply also a clyster prepared by mixing three
quarts of oatmeal-gruel, three ounces of common
salt, and half a pint of olive oil. If the disease con-
tinues after this treatment, put a rowel under the
jaw, and another in the chest, which ought not to
be removed till at least a fortnight after the horse is
recovered.

Other experienced practitioners in the veterinary
line recommend, in cases of confirmed staggers, to
take at least six quarts of blood at once ; and when
this operation is completed, to rub a blister on the
upper part of the neck, on both sides of the mane,
just behind the ears. The blister to be composed
thus :

Cantharides powdered, - 2 drachms.
Spirits of wine, 2 ounces.

Mixed in a phial.

After which the following purge to be given z

Calomel, 2 drachms.

Barbadoes aloes, 1 ounce.

Ginger, 1 drachm.

With honey sufficient to make a ball.

E

34 MODERN FARRIER.

The horse to have bran-mashes, and water with
the chill taken off to drink.

If the symptoms appear likely to become violent,
the horse should be removed into an open box, and
the halter-rein be tied to the centre of the ceiling,
or to a beam, by which means the animal will be
prevented from running against the wall, and bruis-
ing his head.

When the staggers arise from a stoppage in the
stomach and intestines, the eyes of the animal ap-
pear swollen, his mouth contracted, breath and
cough short ; the abdomen is distended ; he stales
little, and strains much when going to dung. In
this case, Mr. Gibson advises the following mode
of cure : — * Let some person that has a small hand
rake the horse thoroughly, and bring out the dung
from the rectum, which is generally hard, and made
up of little small balls of a blackish colour, and
quite dry. After this, let him have plenty of emol-
lient oily clysters, made of mallows and such like ;
but in places where these cannot be readily be got,
they may be made of pot-liquor or water-gruel.

'* To two quarts of this liquor may be added a pint
of linseed oil and half a pound, of treacle.

' This should be given milk-warm, and repeated
every day, at least till his dung comes away with
ease, and grows soft. His diet should be the best
hay, scalded bran, or boiled barley, till he has beert
thoroughly emptied, and for some time afterwards.
At first the dung that comes away in the clyster,?
will be in small hard balls, and sometimes along
with it a putrid slime, which when discharged gives
great relief; but, by the continuance of the clysters
and the open diet, the dung soon alters, and comes
away in such great loads, that it appears wonderful
how it could have passed through the fundament ;
but as soon as this happens, it brings sure relief, and
a passage is made for gentle purges, which, in this
case, are always of great use.

MODERN FARRIER* 35

« Take-
Lenitive electuary, 4 ounces.
Cream of tartar, 4 ounces.
Brown sugar, 2 ounces.

■ Mix them in a pint and a half of ale, the ale to
be made hot, that the cream of tartar may be the
more easily dissolved in it; after that the sugar;
and, last, of all, the lenitive, electuary.

* This being given in the morning upon an empty
stomach, blood-warm, will probably begin to work
before night; and it seldom makes a horse sick, as
the stronger purges are apt to do when he is full
and costive, so that he will drink warm water, or
warm gruel, without reluctance. It may be re-
peated three or four times, allowing always two or
three days respite between each draught, keeping
him to an open diet, with proper exercise, till he
recovers his usual vigour.

' By this method several horses have been cured
that were much affected with convulsive symptoms,
and the event plainly shewed that this affection was
owing to a stoppage of the alimentary functions.'

22. The Epilepsy.

Symptoms. — When a horse is attacked with the
epilepsy, he reels and staggers, and his eyes seem
1ixed in his head. He appears quite stupid, and
dungs and stales insensibly, rims round, and falls
suddenly. Sometimes he is immoveable, with his
legs stretched stiffly out, as if he were dead, while
his flanks work violently ; at other times, however,
there is a violent motion and shaking of the limbs.
When the fit is going off, he generally discharges
from the mouth a white and dry foam.

Causes. — The epilepsy sometimes proceeds from
a plethora, or fulness of blood, and often from

$6 , MODERN FARRIER.

violent exercise or surfeits, or indeed from any of
the causes that produce lethargy or the staggers.

Cure. — In old horses this disease generally proves
incurable ; but in ordinary cases, the following me-
dicine may effect a cure :

Assafcetida, 2 drachms.

Camphor, 1 drachm.

Emetic tartar, 1 drachm.

Which must be made into one ball, with liquorice-
powder and honey, and given every twelve hours ;
care being taken first to open the bowels by clysters.
Those who prefer giving an opening drink, may ad-
minister the following twice in twenty-four hours v

Castor oil, - - half a pound.

Prepared kali, - - half an ounce.

Tincture of opium, - half an ounce.

Powdered ginger, - 1 ounce.

To be given in a pint of warm gruel.
23. The Palsy.

Symptoms. — When a horse is seized by the palsy,
he loses the use of some particular member, espe-
cially one or both of the hind-legs, attended by
shaking and involuntary motion. When the brain
is affected, the use of one side is totally taken away,
the horse falls suddenly, and the muscles of the
affected part become so flaccid and relaxed, that all
attempts to rise are fruitless. This last case is called
Hemiplegia. Horses that lie out on cold wet
ground, are often attacked by a numbness in their
limbs ; but this may be distinguished from the palsy
by the head being unaffected.

Causes. — The palsy may proceed from high feed-
ing and want of sufficient exercise, and also too
hard working and want of good wholesome food.
Sometimes it arises from confined bad air, or from

MODERN FARRIER. 3?

noxious fumes ; but when it is the result of mere
old age, the case is very hopeless.

Cure. — It is very seldom that paralytic disorders
are removed in old horses, particularly when the
disease attacks one whole side. Even a partial palsy-
in old horses may be alleviated, but not removed;
but the disease in young horses may often be cured
without much difficulty. The properest medicine
is the following purge :

Barbadoes aloes, 8 drachms.

Castile soap, 2 drachms.

Ginger, 2 drachms.

Mixed in one ball. The food to consist of mashes
and lukewarm water. '

Then apply the following stimulating embrocation:

Oil of turpentine, - - 4 ounces.
Camphor, 1 ounce.

Common soap, 1 ounce.

Which must be well rubbed into the affected part
by the hand, and, as fast as it sinks in, to be renew-
ed ; and thus repeated till the numbness in the limb
goes off. If necessary, the effect of this liniment
may be increased, by adding one ounce of tincture
of cantharides. The free use of a hard brush will
also be found extremely useful.

If one side of the head be affected, it ought to be
well rubbed with liniment ; but no internal medi-
cine should be used.

24. Rheumatism.

Symptoms. -*-This disorder, as in the human sub-
ject, may be divided into two kinds, the acute and
the chronic. The first is attended with some degree
of fever, but the latter is a mere local affection.

A horse attacked by the rheumatism moves the
affected limb without bending the joints of it, which

38 MODERN FAURIElt.

is seldom the case in other kinds of lameness. An-
other mark of rheumatism is when the lameness
subsides by exercise, and returns again when the
animal becomes cool. Sometimes the shoulders are
affected ; but the confirmed rheumatism is usually
seated in or about the hip joint. When the disease
attacks the loins, the horse feels extreme pain, the
muscles in those parts lose their motion, and he is
obliged to stop short with all his legs alike ; nor
does he ever lie down, from a consciousness of being
unable to rise again without great pain and difficulty.

Causes. — This disease is generally to be attributed
to some sudden exposure to wet and cold ; which
transitions are always dangerous to animals which
are usually confined in hot and close stables.

Cure. — The best farriers recommend to begin a
cure by administering a purge, and applying strong
spirituous mixtures ; giving the horse gentle exer-
cise, and keeping him warmly clothed.

After the purge has ceased to operate, take the
following :

Assafcetida, 2 drachms.

Sulphur, 2 drachms.

Ginger, 1 drachm.

Soap, - - - - 2 drachms.

And mix these ingredients into a ball with trea*
cle. Repeat the same for three or four nights.

Some recommend the following ointment for rub-
bing the parts affected :

Hog's lard, 2 ounces.

Camphor, 2 drachms.

Oil of turpentine, 6 drachms.

Spirits of sal-ammoniac, - 2 drachms.

The whole to be mixed together. Warm bathing
is also recommended ; but this remedy is both in-
convenient and expensive. In obstinate cases, a
summer's run at grass would be of great service.

MODERN FARRIER. 30

25. Of Worms.

Symptoms. — Worms are so common in horses,
that very few escape, at some period, of being trou-
bled with them. They are usually comprised in
two divisions, viz. hots and ascarides.

JSots are generally found sticking in clusters to
the insensible parts of the stomach. They resemble
maggots, and are about half an inch in length, and
the same in circumference round the thickest part.
They are furnished with two sharp feet from one
end of their bodies, by which they retain a firm
hold ; and as the surface of the stomach where they
have taken hold inflames and ulcerates, they pierce
still deeper, until, in some instances, they penetrate
quite through the stomach. In the months of May
or June, they leave their position, and, descending
the anus, are carried off with the dung. The insect
now remains for some time in the chrysalis state.
When the fly comes out, and the female is properly
impregnated, she carefully selects a proper subject
(for this fly evidently prefers one horse to another),
and deposits her eggs on the inside of the fore-legs
and some parts of the shoulders. These eggs are
very visible, in the form of little yellow nits, which
are fastened to the hair with some kind of a gluti-
nous substance. Whenever the horse bites his legs,
from itching or any other cause, some of these eggs
enter the mouth, and pass into the stomach, along
with the saliva, where they are hatched and become
the bot. It is a most remarkable instance of in-
stinct, that the fly never deposits its eggs on any
part of the horse which he cannot reach with his
mouth. Some writers suppose that worms are use-
ful and beneficial to horses in many cases ; and Mr.
Bracey Clarke, who has given a most accurate and
scientific description of the bots, concludes that this
animal is the natural medium for their propagation.

40 MODERN FARTHER.

The ascarides are usually found in the rectum.
They are generally white, but sometimes reddish,
and in form resemble the eel. They are extremely
troublesome, and expose horses to the gripes and
other irritating actions in the intestines. A horse
troubled with these insects looks dull and fatigued,
and will frequently go very sluggishly, which coach-
men sometimes mistake for laziness, and punish ac-
cordingly. The animal's hair stares as if he was
sickly, and he often strikes his belly with his hind-
feet, as if griped ; but he neither lies down nor rolls
as in the gripes. However, the most decisive sign
of worms is when they are voided.

There is another kind of worms, called the teretes,
or earth-worms, which are sometimes found in horses,
but are neither very troublesome nor dangerous.
They may be distinguished from the ascarides, as
being a little larger, and of a red colour. They are
commonly voided about the latter end of autumn.

Mr. Gibson says, ' The signs of worms in horses
are various according to their different kinds. The
bots that many horses are troubled with are found
sticking to the rectum, and are often thrust out with
the dung, along with a yellowish coloured matter
like melted sulphur.

* They are apt to make a horse restless and un-
easy, and to rub his breech against a post. The
season of their appearing is usually in the months of
May or June, after which they are seldom to be
seen, and rarely continue in any one horse above a
fortnight or three weeks. Those that take posses-
sion of the membranous parts of the stomach are
more irritating and dangerous in causing convul-
sions, and are seldom discovered by any previous
signs before they bring a horse into violent agony.'
. Causes. — Some have supposed that the bots are
frequently caused by confinement in stables and un-
wholesome diet. Horses which want energy in the
functions of the stomach and intestines^ or are fed

MGDEItN FARRIEll. 41

foully-, or pampered for sale, are the most disposed
to breed the ascarides. Sound, healthy horses are
seldom troubled with these insects.

Cure. — The writer quoted above says, that horses
troubled with worms may be relieved without much
expense or trouble, only by giving him a spoonful
of savin, once or twice every day, in oats or bran
moistened ; and if three or four cloves of chopped
garlic be mixed with the savin, it will do better, for
garlic is of great service in these complaints. ' Horses
that are troubled with bots,' says Mr. Gibson, 'ought
to be purged with calomel and aloetic purges before
the weather grows too hot ; and if they be kept to
a clean diet after this, it will be a great chance if
ever they are troubled with them any more* As
the bots generally happen about the grass season,
those horses that are turned out to grass often get
rid of them there, by the first fortnight's purging ;
and those who have the convenience of a good pas-
ture for their horses, need not be very solicitous
about giving them medicines.'

The following prescription is strongly recom-
mended :

Calomel, 1 drachm.

Aniseeds, in powder, - half an ounce.
Treacle enough to make a ball.

This to be given in the evening, and the next
morning the following is to be administered :

Soccotrine aloes, - }'- 8 drachms.
Ginger, 2 drachms.

Treacle enough to make a ball.

The foregoing bolus and purgative ball is ordered
to be repeated, after an interval of nine days, until
the horse has taken three doses. Then the follow-
ing powder is advised daily for about a month.
This process does not require any change of diet, oj
involve ajiy hazard from the effects of cold.
F

42 MODERN FARRIER.

Ethiop's mineral, - half an ounce.

Crude antimony prepared, half an ounce.
Aniseed's, in powder, - half an ounce.

Mix them together.

The treatment of the horse during this course of
worm-medicine, is the same as in the usual practice
of administering purges. ' Some prefer,' says Mr.
Denny, 'giving Barbadoes aloes for the removal of
worms, thinking it more efficacious than the socco-
trine ; at the same time, it exposes a horse more to
gripes and other dangerous attacks, unless it be ma-
naged with great care.' The following Gibson re-
commends as a cheap purge of this kind :

Barbadoes aloes, - 1 ounce

Salt of tartar, 2 drachms.

Ginger, - - - lj drachm.
Oil of amber, a tea-spoonful.

Syrup of buckthorn sufficient to make a ball.

Mercury is a favourite remedy against worms.
The following appears the best mode of exhibiting
this powerful and dangerous medicine :

Quicksilver, 2 drachms.

Venice turpentine, - half an ounce.

Rub the quicksilver in a mortar with the turpen-
tine till no particle of the former appears ; then add —

Oil of savin, 30 or 40 drops.

Soccotrine aloes, powdered, half an ounce.
Ginger, 1 drachm.

Syrup of buckthorn sufficient to make a ball.

When the horse has gone through a course of
mercurial purges, give the following drink twice or
thrice a week, viz.

Camomile flowers, a handful.

Rue, a handful.

Horehound. a handful.

Liquorice root, 1 ounce.

MODERN FARRIER. 43

Boil these in a quart of soft water about fifteen
minutes in a covered vessel, and keep it covered till
cold; then strain it through a coarse canvas, and
give it in the morning on an empty stomach.

Very great caution is necessary in administering
mercurial purges. The horse should be kept warm,
and have bran mashes and water with the chill off.

Emetic tartar is much recommended for destroy-
ing the ascarides. Sulphur is also an excellent re-
medy : it may be given night and morning, to the
quantity of an ounce. But let it be well remarked,
that no medicine has yet been discovered, capable of
destroying or bringing away the bots before the re-
gular period, when they quit the horse spontane-
ously. It is, however, very easy to prevent their
propagation, by cutting off the hair with a pair of
scissors where the worms are deposited, or by a fre-
quent use of the curry-comb or brush. A run at
grass, by invigorating the system, contributes much
to the removal of the ascarides. Frequently, a
horse takes a natural purging, when a great number
of these troublesome insects are ejected.

26. Broken-wind.

Symptoms, — This disease is indicated by the breath-
ing of the horse altering from its natural state, and,
from an easy, gentle, and uniform respiration, to a
painful, laborious, heaving, and violent agitation of
the flanks, which rise from several successive undula-
tions to an extreme height, then suddenly relax, and
fall downwards beyond the natural extent of these
parts : the nostrils become dilated, and the face
emaciated and contracted. Such are the symptoms
in aggravated cases ; but the disease exists in every
degree of mildness or violence.

In the earliest stages of this disorder, the abdomen
is painfully contracted ; but in cases of long stand-

$1 MODERN FAllRfETv.

ing It becomes large and pendulous, as may be ob-
served in many instances amongst horses employed
in carts or by farmers.

An experienced writer says, 'that horses are dif-
ferently affected in this disorder. The respiration
is quickened in some without much heaving, and
the abdomen in such is contracted and hard, instead
of being large and pendulous. It is sometimes at-
tended with a cough, which is not deep, but short
and hard, as though the lungs resisted perfectly the-
impulse of this exertion. On exercise, the cough is
much increased, after which he seems relieved ; his
head in coughing is held low, and his neck stretched
out, as though he endeavoured to bring something
from his throat. The face has a rigid emaciated
appearance; resembling, though less violent, that
contraction which attends the lock-jaw. The eyes
are often yellow, from diffused bile ; the nostrils di-
lated and rigid. The appetite is not affected by it :
if any thing, it is increased.'

When the stomach is loaded, especially with
water, all the symptoms of this disorder are more
easily remarked, especially on exercise. This is a
sure mode of ascertaining its existence. On the
other hand, when a broken-winded horse has had
two or three hours' exercise, and the stomach and
intestines are emptied, no perceptible indication of
this disorder can be perceived.

Mr. Lawrence observes, that ' the disease of bro-
ken-wind seldom comes on suddenly, but is gene*
rally preceded by habitual coughs and eolds ; and
these causes are considerably aggravated by over-
feeding and want of sufficient exercise. In regard
to coughs, there is this perceptible difference between
those which are recent and inflammatory, and those
which are chronic or of long standing. In the first
there is generally some discharge from the lungs,
but in the latter there is seldom any discharge
whatever.

MODERN FARRIER. 4<T

'As the horse does not expectorate through the
mouth, the mucus is coughed up into the nose, from
whence it is afterwards discharged by the action of
sneezing. But in the old or dry cough, as there is-
no mucus coughed up, so the horse does not sneeze
after coughing ; and much reliance is placed on this
circumstance by dealers, in forming their opinion as
to the state of a horse's lungs.

' It is therefore their custom to pinch the upper
part of the trachea, or windpipe, to force the horse
to cough, so as to enable them to ascertain whether
he is sound in his wind ; and although this is by no
means an infallible criterion, still there is a very
manifest difference between the cough of a sound
horse and one that is broken-winded, inasmuch as
the first is clear, full, and sonorous, whilst the latter
is short, and generally attended writh a wheezing
noise, and mostly accompanied by a discharge of
wind from the fundament, in consequence of the
sudden contraction of the abdominal muscles in the
effort to expel air from the lungs. Many curious
tricks are said to be practised by the lower class of
horse-dealers, such as giving the animal a large
quantity of oil, and sometimes a quantity of leaden
shot; both equally ridiculous and unavailing: but
the most absurd practice of all is the custom of
making an artificial and additional opening to the
anus, with a view of more easily letting out the
wind with which horses in this state are particularly
troubled. This flatulency, or collection of air in the
intestines, has no connexion whatever with the ca-
vity of the chest, and the only inconvenience wrhich
it occasions arises from its distending the belly, and
consequently impeding in some degree the action of
the lungs. It is produced entirely from that indi-
gestion which always accompanies, more or less, a
diseased state of the lungs ; for as a free and perfect
respiration is essential to the general health and vi-
gour of animal bodies, so the want of it must natu-

46

MODERN FARRIER.

rally impair the action of the stomach, and produce
the inconvenience above-mentioned.'

Causes. — All disease in the lungs proceeds from
inflammation, which, when violent, ends in mortifi-
cation and death, but when relieved, frequently lays
the foundation for a permanent cough or broken-
wind.

It has been discovered, after a number of dissec-
tions in the veterinary college, that broken-wind is
occasioned by the extravasation of air in the sub-
stance of the lungs, which Mr. Coleman imagines
may proceed from a rupture of the air-cells. Ad-
mitting this fact, that the membranes of the lungs
are thus divided and separated by air, and it is easy
to account for the various symptoms which indicate
this disorder.

Cure. — This is an incurable disorder. Some re-
lief, however may be obtained by attending to diet
and management. The animal should be fed with
the best hay and bran mashes, and scalded oats every
day. It is usual to put the crib upon the ground
when he has a discharge from the nostrils. Water
should be given frequently in small quantities, after
which a little gentle exercise will be found service-
able. Some recommend the following balls, as use-
ful for all thick-winded horses :

Barbadoes tar, -
. Venice turpentine,
Castile soap, -
Rust of iron, -
Prepared kali, -

Beat up together and mixed with-
Carraway seeds, -
Elecampane, -
Ginger, -

These to be reduced to powder,
treacle and liquorice powder in a

4 ounces.
4 ounces.
4 ounces.
6 ounces.
2 ounces.

2 ounces.
2 ounces.
2 ounces.

and mixed with
ball, and given

MODERN FARRIER. 47

every other day. But it is necessary to repeat, that
no cure in this disease is to be expected, though
perhaps some temporary relief may be afforded.

There exists a foolish, cruel, and barbarous notion,
that broken-wind and other disorders of the lungs
proceed from drinking too much water. Now, a
horse left at liberty in the fields, and that has an
uncontrolled access to water, never injures himself
by drinking too much ; though when he is confined
in a stable, supplied with dry food, arA kept short
of water, the digestion is injured, and the excessive
heat of the stomach renders him so eager for water
that he is very apt to drink too much. But disor-
der in this case is occasioned by a want of water,
and it is absurd to think of curing it by continuing
the error. Horses that eat dry food, and work hard,
require a great quantity of water to keep them in
good health, which ought to be given frequently ;
in which case, too much will never be drunk at once.

27. Roaring.

This is an imperfection which may be produced
by the same causes that give rise to broken-wind.
Dealers attempt to discover the disease by striking
the horse under the belly with a whip, and turning
him round suddenly at the same time. If the horse
grunts during this process, it is considered as a proof
that he is a roarer.

28. Crib-biting.

This is another disease of the lungs, for the pre-
vention of which, as well as roaring and broken-wind,
we refer to the directions given in the subsequent
article ; for if an inflammation of the lungs be treat-
ed properly, these troublesome and incurable com-
plaints will scarcely ensue. Crib-biting is the habit

48 MODERN FARRIER, .

some horses have of biting their manger^ accompa-
nied with a convulsive motion of the wind-pipe.

29. Inflammation of the Lungs.

Symptoms. — Inflammation of this organ is indi-
cated by a shivering, and a very sensible coldness in
the ears and legs, while the horse appears dull and
droops his head. As the disease advances, the
breathing becomes difficult, accompanied by a short
and quick motion of the flanks. The mouth feels
hot, and a sensation of pain compels the animal to
suppress his cough. He refuses all food, and seldom
attempts to lie down. The danger approaches so
rapidly, that no delay should take place in adminis-
tering relief.

In inflammation of the pleura, which lines the
chest, and is hence called the Pleurisy, both the
symptoms and the treatment are nearly similar :
only in the pleurisy the horse shews great uneasi-
ness, is continually shifting about, and often strives
to lie down, but immediately starts up again ;
whereas in inflammation of the lungs, the animal is
more tranquil, and never attempts to lie down. 'In
a pleurisy,' says Mr. Lawrence, ■ a horse's mouth is
generally parched and diy ; but in peripneumony,
or inflamed lungs, when opened, a roapy slime ge-
nerally runs out in great abundance, besides a dis-
charge from the nose much in the same way as in a
/malignant fever, and a red .or yellow serum, or
eoagulable lymph, will adhere to the inside of the
nostrils. In a pleurisy, a horse works violently at
the flanks, is very restless, and his belly generally
appears tucked up ; but in a peripneumony, he al-
ways shews fulness, and the working of his flanks is
regular, except after drinking, or when he is agitated
by being disturbed by giving him medicine, in
which case the heaving becomes stronger and more
vehement than at other times ; his ears and feet are

MODERN FARRIEll. 4*)

for the most part always cold, and he often falls into
damp sweats, with other symptoms common to ma-
lignant diseases, except that they come on more
suddenly and with greater violence.'

An inflammatory attack is sometimes mistaken
for the gripes: but the difference is very obvious ;
for when a horse is griped, he lies down and rolls
about, his eyes are turned up, and his limbs stretched
out as if dying ; cold and clammy sweats suddenly
appear; and he often stales and dungs, but with
great pain and difficulty, until some relief be ob-
tained.

Causes. — These diseases are generally produced
by cold applied to the skin, by plunging a horse in
cold water when in a sweat, too long or too violent
exertion, or an exposure to a current of air in a state
of perspiration. Indeed, inflammatory disorders are
always produced by a sudden suppression of the
perspiration.

Cure. — Immediately on ascertaining that a horse
is attacked by an inflammation of the lungs or the
pleura, take at least four quarts of blood at once ;
and if the animal be in high condition, or the diffi-
culty of breathing continue, this quantity may pro-
perly be increased to six quarts. A clyster should
next be administered, consisting of four ounces of
Epsom salts dissolved in thin gruel. Repeat this
every third hour until the bowels are well opened ;
then give the following ball,- which must be repeated
every twelve hours.

Emetic tartar, - - - 1 drachm.
Assafcetida, - - 1 drachm.

With liquorice powder and syrup sufficient to
make a ball. The horse should have bran mashes
and water with the chill taken off, be warmly cloth-
ed if the weather be severe, and there should be a
free circulation of air in the stable.

50 MODERN FARRIER.

Mr. Gibson sa)rs, that ' as pleuritic disorders are
more apt to leave some taint on the lungs than
common colds or other inflammatory disorders, a
great deal of care must be taken upon his recovery,
that his feeding be proper and in right quantity,
and his exercise well-timed. A horse should be
kept to a light open diet for a fortnight or three
weeks, viz. a quartern of bran scalded every day,-
and besides that two or three small feeds of the
cleanest and sweatest oats sprinkled with water.
Instead of the scalded bran, it will be well to give
him sometimes, for a change, about a quart of bar-
ley scalded in a double infusion of hot water, that it
may be softened, and the water may be given him
to drink. His exercise should be gradual, and in-
creased as lie gathers strength, and always in an
open free air when the weather is favourable. If
there be any remains of a cough, the air with mo-
derate exercise will tend greatly to remove it, and
the remedies usually given in chronic affections of
the chest should be resorted to. Purging is also
proper after pleuritic diseases, but the purges should
be very gentle. The following proportion will ge-
nerally suffice :

Barbadoes aloes, 6 drachms.

Castile soap, - - half an ounce.
Ginger, - half a drachm.

In a ball with syrup of buckthorn.

■ This may be given with the usual preparations
necessary in purging, and it will operate well with-
out occasioning either sickness or griping.

« This ball may be repeated at the intervals of a
week, provided the horse does not appear weak after
the first dose.'

When the horse appears recovering and cheerful,
and his appetite begins to return, the following
drink is recommended :

MODERN FARRIER. 51

Peruvian bark, 1 ounce.

Nitre, ■-'."'■- - half an ounce.

Ginger, - - - half an ounce.

Mixed and given in a pint of rue tea.

When the horse has not been bled, and the dis-
order has been suffered to proceed, if a mortification
does not take place, nature makes an effort to throw
off the disease, and a quantity of mucus is discharged
from the nostrils, and the legs and parts under the
chest, arising from debility and an effusion of water
in the chest, swell. Under these circumstances,
bleeding is improper; but the following diuretic
ball may be given with safety and advantage :

Assafcetida, - - 2 drachms.

Liquorice power, - half an ounce.

Venice turpentine, - half an ounce.

Made into a ball. To be repeated in twenty -four
hours.

The horse to have nourishing food, to be well
rubbed, his nostrils frequently cleaned with a sponge
and warm water, the rack and manger well cleaned,
and the legs, after rubbing bound round with hay-
bands.

w In violent attacks of inflammation on the lungs,
some practitioners advise a large blister, composed
of cantharides and sweet oil, to be rubbed on each
side of the chest, or a rowel to be introduced in the
breast ; but these remedies are too slow of acting in
desperate cases. Bleeding and clysters are therefore
the best remedies in this common but dangerous
disorder.

30. The Distemper.

Stjmptoms. — This is a kind of cold with which
horses are affected in the spring. It is attended
with some degree of fever, a sickness, and often a

§% MODERN FARRIER.

sore throat. Sometimes also it is attended by a
cough and a discharge from the nose. But this epi-
demical disorder varies much in its symptoms, and
is found to prevail mostly amongst young horses.
Sometimes it is infectious and epidemical.

Causes. — This distemper is generally attributed
to the effects of cold easterly winds upon animals
who are confined in close hot stables, especially at
the time they are shedding their winter-coats.
Young horses are sometimes afflicted by it when
shedding their teeth. It has, however, been as-
cribed by some writers to the peculiar state of the
atmosphere.

Cure. — This disorder is seldom fatal when judi-
ciously treated; but many valuable young horses
have been destroyed by administering heating cor-
dials, which is always hurtful in febrile cases. As
soon as the symptoms of the distemper appear, the
horse shouldbe bled, the bowels opened by clysters,
and, if the costiveness usually attenting this com-
plaint continues, a mild purge may be given. This
with diluents, such as water gruel or bran-water,
which should be given plentifully, will be found
sufficient to effect a cure. In cases where the throat
appears swelled, a blister may be applied.

31. The Colic,

Symptoms. — This disease is indicated by the
horse's alternately and suddenly lying down and
rising ; by his striking his belly with his hind feet ;
stamping with his fore-feet ; refusing his meat ; and
when the gripes are violent, by convulsive twitches,
turning up his eyes, stretching out his limbs, and
alternate sweats and cold damps ; striving to stale ;
turning his head frequently towards his flanks;
rolling about, and often turning on his back.

When the pulse becomes small and feeble, the
horse frequently lies on his back, voids small porr

MODERN FARRIER. 53

tjons of dung like gingerbread nuts, stands with his
back-bone elevated, and his legs and ears become
cold, it is pretty certainly indicated that an inflam-
mation has taken place. When a mortification
commences, the animal appears easier, which is a
prelude to death.

Causes. — The colic is sometimes occasioned by
drinking a large quantity of cold water when the
body is heated by exercise ; or it may be produced
by bad hay, oats, or clover, or such as is new and
prone to fermentation. It, no doubt, often origi-
nates in weak and delicate animals, from the forma-
tion and confinement of air in the intestines.

Cure. — It is usual in this complaint to give gin,
pepper, ginger, and other inflaming and irritating
articles ; and sometimes, when administered at the
very commencement of a flatulent colic, they may
afford instant relief: but these remedies are always
extremely dangerous. On the other hand, clysters
may in all cases of the colic be administered with
great and certain advantage. And as this remedy is
not attended either with much trouble to the ope-
rator, or disturbance to the animal, it ought to be
repeated until the disorder be removed or much
relieved. Previous to introducing the clyster-pipe,
the hardened dung in the rectum should, as ob-
served before, be drawn out with a small hand.

Mr. White recommends to give, as soon as the
disorder is observed, the following draught :

Balsam of Capivi, 1 ounce.

Oil of juniper, 2 drachms.

Spirit of nitrous-ether, - 1 ounce.
Simple mint- water, 1 pint.

To be mixed for one dose. Or the following :
Venice turpentine, one ounce, mixed with the
yolk of an egg ; adding, gradually, peppermint-
water, one pint ; also spirit of nitrous ether, half an
ounce for one dose.

54 MODERN FARMER.

A clyster should also be injected, consisting of six
quarts of water-gruel, or warm water, and eight
ounces of common salt.

If the disease has continued for several hours, and
the pain appears to be great, with a quick pulse, it
will be proper to bleed to three quarts, for prevent-
ing inflammation, and removing the spasmodic con-
traction of the intestine. The draught and clyster
ought also to be repeated, and the belly be rubbed
for a considerable time with mustard embrocation.
If the disease resist these remedies, which will sel-
dom happen, give a pint of castor oil, with an ounce
and a half of tincture of opium. Let the horse, at
the same time, be rubbed perfectly dry by two per-
sons, one on each side, and well clothed. The stall
or box ought also to be filled with clean litter up
to his belly.

The following draught is also recommended by
Mr. White :

Oil of peppermint, - 20 drops.
Tincture of opium, - half an ounce.
Gum arabic, 2 ounces.

The gum to be dissolved in a pint of warm water
and the whole mixed for one dose ; the use of which
should be accompanied with frequent small quanti-
ties of gruel, linseed tea, or any other mucilaginous
fluid, and the injection of a clyster of the kind.

As this complaint is liable to occur on a journey,
wrrap the following up closely in a piece of bladder,
to be used as occasion requires, viz.

Castile soap, 3 drachms.

Camphor, 2 drachms.

Ginger, 11 drachms.

Venice turpentine, 6 drachms.

To be made in a ball for one dose.
To a horse afflicted by the gripes, give a clyster
composed of —

MODERN FARMER. 55

Epsom salts, 4 ounces. *

Thin gruel, 4 quarts.

Repeat this every half hour ; and if the symptoms
do not abate, the following ball may be given :

Assafoetida, 1 drachm.

Opium, - half a drachm.

To be made into one ball with liqourice powder
and syrup. .

32. Diarrhoea.

Symptoms. — This disease is not common ; yet it
sometimes occurs. It is indicated by a constant
and immoderate discharge of dung, accompanied
with pain, restlessness, and loss of appetite. As the
disorder increases, the discharge is chiefly mucous,
resembling jelly, or mixed with small hard lumps of
dung, covered with a greasy matter. When the
evacuation has become involuntary, and the extre-
mities become cold, a fatal termination will gene-
rally ensue.

Causes. — This disorder may proceed from a defec-
tive perspiration, from too violent exertion, or from
eating unwholesome food. It may also be occa-
sioned from a morbid change in the secretions of the
stomach and intestines. Sometimes it is the critical
termination of a disease, in which case it is ex-
tremely useful, and ought not to be checked.

Cure. — Both astringents and violent purges are
highly improper in this disease. Such medicines
are best that invigorate the intestines. The follow-
ing anodyne clyster, recommended by Mr. Clarke,
may be used with advantage in cases where the
purging is attended by griping pains, as it blunts
the sharpness of the corroding humours.

Tincture of opium one ounce, or about two table
spoonfuls, with an infusion of linseed one pint, or
the jelly of common starch.

56 MODERN FARRIEK.

. In ordinary cases, a drink may be given every
morning* for two ©r three mornings, composed of —

Epsom salt, 6 ounces.

Dissolved in two quarts of thick gruel.

The horse should be kept warm and easy ; his
diet should consist of bran-mashes, of oatmeal and
bran, or malt ; and his drink should be thin grueL
When the disease is nearly removed, lie may b<£
given a small cordial ball three or four times.

83. Diseases oE the Kidneys.

Symptoms. — The kidney is subject to a variety of
diseases and affections, which require the most par-
ticular attention.

1. Inflammation of the kidney is indicated by
weakness of the back and loins, faintness, loss of ap-
petite, dullness in the eyes, the urine is discharged
in small quantities, and, as the inflammation in-
creases, becomes bloody, and the voiding it more
difficult; the extremities become cold, the pulse
quick, and cold sweats frequently break out.

2. A relaxation of the kidneys sometimes occurs
without any inflammation. This affection may bo
distinguished from the above by the urine being
nearly of its natural colour whilst the horse remains
at rest ; but as soon as he is exercised, the discharge
of the urine is accompanied with blood.

3. Inflammation of the bladder is attended by the
same symptoms as an inflammation of the kidneys.
The hind legs are extended wide, with a constant
attempt to stale, and the urine is frequently mixed
with a mucus pus. Constrictions of the neck of the
bladder may easily be perceived, by placing the
hand between the anus and the scrotum, where the
heat will be found great. If the hand be introduced
into the rectum, and the bladder be found much-
distended, it must be instantly emptied, or it wiU?

MODEttN FAUItlER. 57

become paralytic, and in future incapable of con-
traction.

4. Stone in the bladder is sometimes formed.
This affection may be ascertained by clearing the
rectum of dung, introducing the hand, and pressing
it downwards on the bladder, when the stone, if
there is any, may be felt.

Causes. — The kidneys may be injured by an im-
prudent use of diuretics ; or by overloading, draw-
ing, or hard riding; and also by a fever. The
bladder is often affected by a defective secretion of
the mucous glands ; and a constriction of the neck
of the bladder generally arises from the animal being
obliged to retain his urine whilst travelling.

Cure. — When it is perceived that the kidneys are
inflamed, take at least four quarts of blood, and give
the following ball :

Barbadoes aloes, 4 drachms.

Emetic tartar, 2 drachms.

Castile soap, - - half an ounce.

And let the food consist of bran-mashes, or cut
grass ; and give a clyster every four hours. The
loins should also be rubbed with the camphorated
spirits of wine. Some recommend k the following
liniment :

Spirit of hartshorn,

2 ounces.

Tincture of opium,

1 ounce.

Spirit of turpentine, -

1 ounce.

Oil of elder,

2 ounces

Linseed oil,

2 ounces

Put into a bottle, and shaken well together for use.
This liniment must be well rubbed on the parts
affected, after they have been fomented with hot
flannels, wrung out of an infusion of marshmallows ;
after which cover the part with a rag. When the
disease is cured, if the season permits, the horse
should be put to grass.

58 MODERN FARRIER.

When blood is discharged from a weakness of
kidneys, and there appears no sign of an inflamma-
tion, give four ounces of Epsom salts dissolved in
gruel every four or five hours ; or, if preferred, the
following ball :

Emetic tartar, - - ' 2 drachms.
Venice turpentine, - half an ounce.

Liquorice powder and syrup sufficient to make a
ball. But in this case, relaxation from labour and a
run at grass is the most effectual cure.

Inflammations of the bladder are extremely dan-
gerous, and require copious bleeding, which must be
repeated according to the strength of the animal.
Large clysters of warm water should also be fre-
quently administered ; and the following will be a
very useful drink :

Linseed bruised, - - half a pound.

Boiling water, 2 gallons.

To which add, after being cooled and strained,

Gum arabic, - - 4 ounces.

Which must be previously dissolved in a quart of
boiling water. A quart of this mixture may be
given every four hours.

When the pain and irritation appear considerable,
give —

Opium powdered, - 1 drachm.

Linseed powder, - half an ounce.

Gum arabic dissolved sufficient to make a ball.

This may be given every other day.

In constrictions of the bladder, many farriers re-
commend diuretics, such as nitre, turpentine, bal-
sam of capivi, marshmallows, &c. ; but these must
evidently tend to increase the disorder when the
bladder is distended. In this case also, clysters of
warm water, and warm fomentations, with hot flan-
nels applied just below the fundament* will be found

MODERN FARRIER. 59

both safe and useful. The fomentations ought to
be persisted in for some time, and frequently re-
newed, and the bowels kept open with gentle pur-
gatives. If these methods should fail in giving
relief, an operation will be necessary, which is best
performed by passing a staff up the urethra till it
reaches the middle of the perineum, and making an
incision upon it, through which a bougie or cathar-
tic may be introduced, and the water drawn off;
but this will be most safely performed by an expe-
rienced practitioner.

It is not usual to cut horses for the stone, nor has
any efficient remedy been pointed out for this rare
disorder.

34. The Strangles.

Symptoms. — This disease is indicated by a fever-
ish heat, a painful cough, and a great thirst, with
extreme difficulty of swallowing liquids, and a loss
of appetite. The inflammation generally appears
on the inside of the jaw-bone, though sometimes in
the middle betwixt the jaws under the tongue-root.
The latter is considered the most favourable situa-
tion for the tumour. Sometimes the parotid glands
are affected, and swell up as high as the root of the
ear; the animal breathes quick, and holds out his
nose and head constantly in the same position ; and
his eyes appear as though they were fixed in his
head. This is what is called the wyes by old far-
riers. When this disorder discharges itself at the
nose, it is called the bastard strangles, and, if neg-
lected or improperly treated, occasionally ends fatal-
ly, by affecting the lungs and inducing consumption.

Causes. — The cause of this disorder has never been
ascertained. It has been compared to the small pox
in the human race, as it generally affects colts and
young horses, never returns again, and seems to
throw off something obnoxious to the constitution,

60 MODERN FAltRlElt.

as the health is usually improved after its operation.
This has induced some veterinary surgeons to ino-
culate colts with the strangles ; but the practice has
never become general.

Cure. — This disorder seldom proves fatal. If
colts, while at grass, are attacked by the strangles,
nature generally effects a cure ; the abscess breaks
of its own accord, and the cure is completed in a
few days. When the colt is affected on being taken
into the stable, or, as often occurs, while breaking,
it may be proper, if the attack be violent, and the
animal strong and full of flesh, to take about two
quarts of blood, and to give the following purge :

Barbadoes aloes, 3 drachms.

Castile soap, - - 4 drachms.

Ginger, - half a drachm.

In one ball : but if the colt be above three years of
age, another drachm of aloes may be added.

At the same time, the swelling should be foment-
ed with a decoction of marshmallows, applied very
warm, and a bran poultice should also be applied
until the tumour breaks, when the matter should be
carefully pressed out, and the orifice, which should
be enlarged if too small, cleaned with a sponge and
warm water.

Or the swelling may be dressed twice a day with
the following liniment ;

Elder ointment, 4 ounces.

Marshmallows ointment, - 4 ounces.

Water of ammonia, 2 ounces.

Spirit of turpentine, - - 2 ounces.

Camphorated spirit of wine, 4 ounces.

Mixed well together for use. After which, apply
a poultice made as follows :

Fenugreek seeds powdered, 4 ounces.

Linseed powdered, 4 ounces.

Ale dregs, 1 quart

MODERN FARRIER. 61

Boiled together, and thickened with rye flour:
then add —

Hog's lard, 2 ounces.

The whole to be applied as hot as the horse can
well bear. When the swelling becomes soft, yield-
ing, and pointed, open it with a lancet : and after
pressing it gently, and cleaning it well, dress the
orifice with the following digestive ointment :;,

Bees' wax, 4 ounces.

Common turpentine, 4 ounces.

Black pitch, 2 ounces.

Rosin, 6 ounces.

Linseed oil, 1 pint.

Melt the whole in an iron ladle over a slow fire ;
then add —

Spirit of turpentine, 4 ounces.

Verdigrease powdered, - 2 ounces.

And stir them together till cold.

When this ointment is to be used, melt a small
quantity, and dip a small tent of tow into it, with
which dress the wound once a day. If the wound
heals too fast, it may be kept open with a skewer
dipt in butter of antimony ; and if any lumps or
hard kernals remain, a blistering ointment may be
rubbed over the parts for two or three mornings.

When the discharge has ceased, and the abscess
is healed, if the horse be not very weak and reduced,
give the following purge :

Aloes Barbadoes, - 4 drachms.

Emetic tartar, - - half a drachm.
Castile soap, 2 drachms.

Ginger, 1 drachm.

With the usual precaution of bran-mashes and
warm water.

MODERN FARRIER.

35. Splents.

Symptoms. — This disease commonly appears on
the inside of the shank-bone; sometimes in the
middle, and sometimes just below the knee. Fre-
quently an enlargement of the bone takes place. It
is sometimes situated under a ligament or tendon,
and is generally attended by pain and inflammation.
Before the excrescences appear that displace a ten-
don, the horse will be lame ; but it requires some
skill and experience to discover the exact part
affected.

Cause. — The splent most generally attacks young
horses, especially qyi the fore legs, and may arise
from the legs receiving a violent concussion.

Cure. — In young colts splents sometimes disap-
pear of their own accord; but this result should
never be depended upon. The best remedy is blis-
tering, which may be composed of —

Cantherides pulverised, - half an ounce.

Mixed with sweet oil to the consistence of treacle.
Cut the hair very close off all round the leg, and
rub in the blister with the hand for ten minutes ;
then tie the horse's head short to the rack, lest he
blister his mouth and blemish his leg by biting it.
A neck cradle will hinder the horse from reaching
his hind-legs ; but when the fore-legs are affected, it
is sometimes necessary to keep him close tied for
two or three days. Next day, dress the part with
hog's lard, and walk the horse gently about. When
the inflammation arising from the blister has sub-
sided, bandage the part, and turn the horse into a
straw-yard if in winter, or to grass if the season per-
mit. Firing is also an effectual and approved cure
for the splent.

DISEASES OK THE LEGS.

MODERN FARRIER. 63

36. The Ring-bone.

This is an enlargement of the lesser pastern bone,
near the cornet of the hoof, and, in general, extends
round the fore-part of the foot, in form of a ring ;
though it sometimes only appears on each side, a
little above the cornet, and then is termed splinters
of a ring-bone. The treatment is the same as in
case of the splent, viz. blistering or firing.

37. The Bone-spavin.

This disease is usually situated on the upper end
of the shank-bone of the hind-leg, either below or
on the middle of the hock-joint. Cow-hocked
horses are most subject to this affection, which, if
not timely removed, may prove incurable. Before
the union and enlargement of the small bones take
place, the lameness will disappear for a short time
after the horse has been exercised ; and this is a sure
sign by which to distinguish the bone-spavin from
lameness in any other part of the limb, which gene-
rally increases from exercise. Many absurd and
cruel remedies are often resorted to in this disease ;
but the safest and most effectual cure is the applica-
tion of blisters, as before directed.

38. Stiff Joint.

This disease is generally occasioned, by some
wound in the joint, through which the joint-oil
escapes, and causes great irritation and inflamma-
tion. This is followed by an enlargement of the
bone heads, which at length unite in one mass, and
the use of the joint is irrecoverably lost.

The best method of cure is to sear slightly the
lips of the wound with a hot iron ; or touch, every
other day, the outside of the lips with a feather

64 MODERN FARRIER.

which has been dipped in the oil of antimony.
Cover the wound with a pledget of fine tow, and
carefully exclude the air. The adjacent parts may
also be occasionally fomented with marshmallows
boiled in water as warm as the hand can bear it.

39. Strains in the Back Sinews.

This generally occurs just above the fetlock joint.
Thev inflammation ought to be removed by warm
fomentations and bran poultices. After the inflam-
mation has entirely subsided, apply the following
lotion :

Crude sal-ammoniac, 1 ounce.

Vinegar, 1 pint.

Mixed in a bottle. Or the following may be used :

Camphor, 2 ounces.

Strong rectified spirits of wine, 1 pint.

Mixed together for use.

The part to be rubbed twice daily, and a bandage
dipped in vinegar to be bound round the leg, and
the horse to be kept easy. Should the above lo-
tions prove ineffectual, the embrocation, consisting
of cantharides and spirits of wine, recommended
before, may be used with advantage.

The following astringent composition is much
used in strains:

Camphor, 2 drachms.
Dissolved in rec. spirits of wine, half an ounce.

Nitre, 1 ounce.

Dissolved in wine vinegar, half a pint.

Spirits of turpentine, - - 4 ounces.

White lead powdered, - half an ounce.

Aquafortis, 1 ounce.

Mixed and shaken well together in a bottle for use.

MODERN FARRIER. 65

The Thorough Pin, Blood Spavin, Curb, and
Windgalls, are small puffy swellings, which are, in
general, easily cured by the blistering liniment, or
firing.

40. The Coffin-joint.

In lameness of this part, the horse stands with
his toe pointing forwards, which tends to ossify the
ligaments which unite the coffin-bone with the
lower pastern-bone, when the use of the joint is en-
tirely lost. Blisters ought therefore to be repeatedly
applied round the cornet until the disease be removed.

41. Lameness in the Hip-joint.

In this disease, the horse drags the leg after him
on the toe. The application of the blistering lini-
ment is the best remedy.

42. The String-halt,

Which is indicated by the horse suddenly catching
up the hinder leg higher than is necessary while
walking. This disease has always been considered
as incurable.

43. Lameness in the Shoulder.

Lameness in this part is not very frequent. It is
indicated by the horse dragging his toe, and moving
his leg stiffly in a circle outwards at every step, A
fomentation of bran and water, or camomile flowers,
applied to the lower part of the chest, within the
arm, wall be found extremely useful ; after which,
use the following liniment : —

Soft soap, 2 ounces.

Spirits of hartshorn, 4 ounces.

bi) MODERN FARRIER.

Stirred and combined well together; after which add,

Spirit of turpentine, 4 ounces.

Oil of origanum, 1 ounce.

Camphorated spirit of wine, 4 ounces.

Mixed and put into a bottle for use.

44. The Grease.

Symptoms. — The approach of this disease is indi-
cated by the horse raising his foot frequently from
the ground, and evincing great pain and uneasiness
when resting upon it. Swelling and inflammation
of the heel about the fetlock follows, and which se-
cretes an oily matter of a peculiar offensive smell.
When the inflammation extends to the cellular
membrane under the skin, the pain and lameness
become very severe. The affected part is soon
brought to an abscess, which bursts and leaves a
deep ill-looking ulcer. This disease most commonly
attacks the hinder legs, and is sometimes so painful
as to prevent the horse from lying down, which also
tends to increase the swelling.

Causes. — Heavy horses with round fleshy legs are
most subject to this disorder. This disease is occa-
sioned by sudden changes from a cold to a hot tem-
perature, such as the removing of horses from grass
to hot stables ; from the too sudden change from a
generous to an impoverishing diet ; from neglect on
the part of the grooms in leaving the heels wet and
full of sand ; and from constitutional debility. It
generally attacks horses in the spring and autumn,
and may, in most cases, be attributed to the want of
cleanliness and proper exercise.

Cure. — A slight affection of the grease may, in
general, be removed by a poultice of boiled bran
and linseed powder, constantly applied and kept
moist with warm water ; giving occasionally a mild

MODERN FARRIER. 67

diuretic. When the inflammation seems abated,
apply the following astringent lotion : —

Alum powdered,
Vitriolic acid, -
Water, - - - -

1 ounce.
1 drachm.
1 pint.

Or—

Sugar of lead, -

4 ounces.

Vinegar, -
Water, -

6 ounces.
1 quart.

Mixed for use. Others prefer —

Golard's extract,
White vitriol,

Water, - - -

1 drachm.
1 drachm.
1 quart.

Mixed.

If the disease is of long standing, or if the horse
has had it before, it Will be proper to administer a
mild purge ; but if the horse be weak, the following :

Soccotrine aloes, - 1 ounce.

Castile soap, - - 1^ ounce.

Powdered ginger, - half an ounce.

Myrrh, - half an ounce.

Form these into a mass with syrup, and divide it
into six balls. This medicine will open the bowels,
improve the strength, and promote absorption.

In very obstinate cases of grease, Mr. White has
seen the mercurial alterative of service, giving one
ball every morning. It is formed thus : —

Calomel, - half a drachm.

Aloes, 1 drachm.

Castile soap, 2 drachms.

Oil of juniper, 30 drops.

Made into a ball writh syrup for one dose.

Apply also poultices of linseed meal, wrarm water,
and yeast, which soon removes the offensive smell.
When the heel does not seem disposed to heal, the

68 MODERN FARRIER.

astringent ointment mentioned above should be
changed for the following : —

Yellow resin, 4 ounces.

Olive oil, - half an ounce.

Red nitrated quicksilver in

fine powder, - - half an ounce.

In all cases of grease, exercise on clean and dry
ground is of the highest consequence ; and if he be
weak, a liberal allowance of corn, with careful
grooming, is of great service. When the disease is
subdued, a run at grass is highly proper. For pre-
venting a return, cleanliness and frequent hard rub-
bing are essentially necessary ; and a horse whose
legs are disposed to swell should be bandaged after
hard work, and the bandage moistened with alum
and water.

' It is a general, but a very erroneous opinion,
says Mr. Lawrence, 'that the hair harbours dirt,
and consequently promotes the disorder. But the
contrary is the fact. From the hair being longer at
the heels than in any other part of the leg, it Is
clear that nature had some particular reason for that
difference ; and that reason is, on a moment's consi-
deration, self-obvious : namely, for the defence of a
part which is more exposed to friction than the rest
of the limb. This hair, by lying close to the skin,
shields it from the action of the dirt, which, when
the heels are trimmed close, always insinuates itself,
and, by rubbing the skin, irritates and inflames it
to a considerable degree; for when the hair is cut
close, that which is left does not lie smooth, but
stands out endways like a brush, and thus easily
admits mud, and clay, and every other kind of dirt.
The skin secretes a natural oily fluid, for the pur-
pose of keeping it soft and flexible ; but when it is
thus exposed by trimming off the hair, this fluid is
rubbed off by friction, and the skin becoming hard
and dry, soon cracks, and the grease ensues.

MODERN FARRIER. 69

♦That this hair is a protection to the heels may-
be easily ascertained by laying it aside and examin-
ing the surface of the skin, which in that case will
be found clean and dry, even after travelling the
whole of the day through the dirtiest roads. The
thorough-bred horse, it is true, has but little hair on
his heels ; but it should be remembered, that he is
originally a native of a hot climate, where the soil is
light and sandy, and free from moisture.

* Horse-dealers know so well the utility of leaving
the hair on the heels of horses that work hard, that
they never trim their own hackneys which they ride
to fairs ; and coach-masters and inn-keepers would
find it beneficial to adopt the same plan.'

If cracks appear in the heels without the general
swelling and discharge of matter, apply the follow-
ing ointment : —

Hog's lard, 4 ounces.

Palm oil, 2 ounces.

Fine olive oil, 1 ounce.

Melted by placing the pot which contains it in
boiling water, and then stirring in —

Acetated litharge, - - lj ounce.

Stir the mixture till nearly cold.

If the crack appears painful and inflamed, apply
soft poultices, made of turnips or oatmeal and beer
grounds, mixed with goulard, for two or three days,
and then the following ointment : —

Fresh hog's lard, 4 ounces.

White lead powdered, - 1 ounce.

( Mixed and spread upon tow, which may be secured
by a light thin bandage.

45. Sand-cracks.

Sijmjytoms. — This disease is a partial division of
the wall of the hoof, commencing at the cornet, and

70 MODERN FARRIER.

extending half way down the wall. When permit-
ted to increase, it generally terminates in an ulcer,
which, if not prevented, will ultimately destroy the
cartilages and bones of the foot. When the ulcer,
or Quittor, deforms the hoof, so as to render one
part higher than the other, it is called a False Quar-
ter. When a running fluid escapes through the
cleft of the frogs and heels, the disease is called a
Running Thrush. An old, neglected, and invete-
rate sand-crack, which penetrates between the horny
and fleshy soles of the foot, is termed a Canker.

Causes. — This disease may arise from a variety of
causes, particularly from bad shoeing, treads, over-
reaches, wet pastures, or a faulty conformation of
the foot.

. Cure. — Cut away, down to the quick, that part of
the hoof that is cracked, and dress it with a pledget
of tow dipped in tar, which secure by a piece of
tape ; and if the crack reaches to the bottom of the
foot, a bar-shoe may be useful, in preventing the
quarter from springing. A blister round the cornet
will also be serviceable.

A qui ft or can only be cured by cleaning the ulcer
thoroughly. Mr. Lawrence recommends a tent to
be introduced in the following manner : — ' Take a
small piece of thin India paper, spread some butter
or lard over it, then sprinkle about ten grains of
corrosive sublimate, finely powdered, over the sur-
face of the paper, and roll it up into as thin a roll as
possible, and introduce it into the quittor as far as it
will go. The horse's head should then be tied up
for a few hours, to prevent him from rubbing it
with his mouth, and the tent should be left within
the ulcer for three or four days, at the expiration of
which time it may be taken out, and the diseased
part will follow it ; after which it becomes a simple
wound, and requires nothing more than to be kept
clean, and defended from the air by a bandage
round it*'

MODERN FARRIER. 71

A naming thrush in the frog is often a trouble-
some disease. All the ragged and diseased parts
should be cleared away, and afterwards well washed
with soft soap and warm water. It may be dressed
with spirits of turpentine dissolved in water, or the
following digestive mixture : —

Egyptiacum, 2 ounces.

Spirit of turpentine, - 1 \ ounce.
Tincture of benzoin, - half an ounce.

Mixed.

A canker must be also very carefully cleaned and
dressed with butter of antimony, upon which should
be laid a pledget of dry tow, covered with powdered
lime; and this should be renewed daily until the
part appears red and healthy, when it may be dressed
by the following digestive ointment : —

Turpentine, - - . lj ounce.

Bees' wax, - - lj ounce.
Yellow resin, 3 ounces.

Black pitch, - - half an ounce.

Linseed oil, - - half a pint.

Dissolved together ; then add —

Spirits of turpentine, - 2 ounces.

When used, a part may be warmed, and a pledget
of tow dipped into it. If the new flesh should grow
too rapidly and wildly, the following caustic oil
ought to be used : —

Oil of vitriol, - - half an ounce.
Spirits of turpentine, - 1 ounce.

Mixed gradually till well united.

During this treatment, the horse's bowels to be
kept open by gentle purges. He must be kept
clean, and occasionally have bran-mashes.

72 MODERN FARRIER,

46. Contraction of the Foot.

Symptoms. — This is a very common disease, and
generally affects the heels. The contraction comes
on gradually. It is frequently attended with corns
of a soft and red appearance, which render the foot
very tender and painful.

Causes. — Some horses have a tendency to this
disease, from the thickness and strength of the wall
of the hoof. It may also proceed from some pre-
vious disorder in the internal parts of the foot, from
the pavement of the stall sloping too much, or from
bad shoeing, or the want of sufficient moisture in
the horn.

Cure. — Many barbarous, foolish, and dangerous
remedies are recommended for this troublesome dis-
order. The best and safest way to stop the progress
of contraction in the hoof, is to turn the horse into
the straw-yards perfectly barefoot, or rather, when
possible, out into a soft and moist pasture. Pre-
vious to this, cut off the hair close round the cornet,
and apply a mild blister, composed of two drachms
of cantharides powdered, with sweet oil sufficient to
make it the consistence of treacle. During the first
day, the horse's head must be tied up ; after which,
the part may be dressed every third day with hog's
lard. Currying and clothing, in the mean time, to
be gradually left off, preparatory to his being turned
out.

Before he is turned out, it will likewise be neces-
sary to pare the hoof as thin as possible, especially
at the heels, and to shorten the toe and rasp the
quarters.

The pumied sole is a disease just the reverse of
the above, and is often produced by an inflammation
of the foot. The treatment ought to be exactly
similar to the preceding case; only the quarter
should not be rasped down, while the toe should be

MODERN FARRIER. 7S

cut as short as possible. In either case, a complete
cure must not be expected, unless the horse remains
at grass until the disease be removed.

4-7. Fistula in the Withers.

Symptoms. — This troublesome disorder generally
commences at the top of the withers. It is small at
first, but soon enlarges and spreads on one or both
sides. When suppuration takes place, a sanious
discharge is conveyed in small channels or pipes
through the cellular membrane.

Causes. — This disorder frequently proceeds from
bruises occasioned by the collar or saddle. Injuries
of the bone, or whatever produces inflammation,
produces the fistula. If it arises from a bad habit of
body, the cure is very hopeless.

Cure. — As fistulas, if improperly treated, become
very obstinate ulcers, it is always best to call in the
assistance of a skilful practitioner. His first object
will be to ascertain the direction of the fistula or
pipes ; and for this purpose, if there be no danger of
wounding any of the large blood-vessels, he will lay
it thoroughly open. The next object is to restore
the surface of the diseased part to a healthy state by
caustic applications. The following is recommended :

Corrosive sublimate, - 1 drachm.
Dissolved in 2 ounces of spirit of wine.

A pledget of tow dipped in this lotion to be ap-
plied to the part, and in three or four days a slough
or core will come away. If the surface appears
healthy, nothing more is necessary than to keep it
clean ; and if the granulations grow too luxuriantly,
sprinkle over the surface of the wound a small
quantity of verdigrease.

74 MODERN FARRIER.

48. Wens.

Symptoms. — Wens are usually a small, spongy,
fleshy substance, contained in a bag, and grow out
of various parts of the body. They are seldom
painful, grow very slowly, and, though a deformity,
very seldom causes lameness. Swellings which ap-
pear on the cap of the hock, and also on the point
of the elbow, are generally classed amongst wens.

Causes. — These tumours generally arise from ac-
cidents ; but when they appear on both heels or el-
bows, they seem to be a spontaneous production.

Cure. — When wens are produced by blows and
contusions, it will in general be sufficient to wash
the part frequently with vinegar and water; but
when they are likely to suppurate, warm and soft-
ening fomentations are proper. Should the thick-
ness of the skin seem to retard their breaking, and
they appear full of matter, it will be necessary to
open them on one side with a lancet, after which
apply some digestive ointment.

Mr. Gibson, in treating of wens, says, 'I was once
concerned in the case of a very fine horse that had a
large wen on the lower part of his neck, near the
windpipe, which was cut off with a sharp instru-
ment. It grew from a small beginning, not bigger
than a walnut, to the bulk of a middle-sized melon,
without pain or inflammation ; but at last it became
troublesome, and affected the motion of his should-
ders. This substance, when it was cut off, appeared
to be no other than a mass of fungous flesh, a little
variegated in its colour, and probably proceeded
from a rupture of some very small twigs of the ju-
gular arteries, which, being enlarged by a continual
afflux of the blood, caused so great an effusion of
blood from several orifices, that it was with difficulty
stopped by the application of the actual cautery.
When wens are pendulous (he observes) and hang

MODERN FARRIER. 75

by a small root, the best way to extirpate them is
by tying them with a waxed packthread, or a hair
line, making the ligature tighter by degrees till the
substance falls off; afterwards it may be healed with
common digestive ointment, or bathing it frequently
with spirit of wine or tincture of myrrh.

' But, when a wen is broad on its root or place of
attachment, and has several origins, like cords or
strings, it is then the safest way not to meddle with
it. If the cure be practicable, it must be done by
excision or caustic. The first dressing must be with
dry tow, and afterwards with the common digestive.
If much fungous flesh arise, it may be dressed with
red precipitate; and where most required, the sore
may be strewed with precipitate and burnt alum in
powder, of each equal quantities mixed. If yet
stronger escharotics, be required, equal quantities of
powder, of blue vitriol, and of red precipitate may be
used ; or the part may be touched with a feather or
pencil dipped in butter of antimony.'

48. The Poll-Evil.

Symptoms. — This disease is very similar to a
fistula in the withers. It is an inflammation and
consequent suppuration between the poll-bone and
the first vertebra of the neck. The ulcer is some-
times very obstinate ; and when it extends beyond
the skin, the matter sometimes insinuates itself be-
low the ligament of the neck, usually called ' taxy
waxy ; and it not unfrequently produces a caries or
rottenness of the vertebrae.

Causes. — This disease generally proceeds either
from a blow or hurt on the head, by a horse's hang-
ing back in his collar, by striking his head against
the rack or manger, and is frequently produced by
a blow given on the head by brutal coachmen or
carters. Sometimes it is caused by a shy horse
jerking up his head against the top of the stable

76 .MODERN FAlUUlvU.

door. When it proceeds from a peculiar habit of
body, the cure becomes extremely difficult.

Cure. — When an inflammation is perceived to
have begun in this part of the neck, it ought to be
stopped immediately by the application of a blister;
after which apply a solution of sal-ammoniac in
vinegar, by means of a cloth kept constantly wet.

When the skin appears dry, rub the affected part
two or three times a day with the following em-
brocation :

Camphor, 1 drachm.

Spirits of wine. - - half a pint.
Golard's extract, - - half a drachm.

Mixed. In the mean time the cure will be faci-
litated by administering a gentle purge.

If a suppuration appears inevitable, it must be
encouraged by the frequent application of warm
poultices, or fomentations of bran and water ; and
when the swelling seems sufficiently ripe, which
may be known by pressing the part with the finger,
it must be opened by the introduction of a seton,
which may be effected thus ; Introduce a needle
with a proper cord at the highest part of the tu-
mour, and bring it out at its lowest part, so that the
matter may more easily drain off. The cord must
be previously wet with the following mixture ;

Corrosive sublimate, - half a drachm.
Spirits of wine, - - 2 ounces.

and when drawn through, cut from the eye of the
needle, and fastened together at both ends. Great
care, however, must be taken to avoid the nerves
and blood-vessels in introducing the needle ; to pre-
vent which, it is a good plan to make a small open-
ing with a lancet, and through it to introduce a
sheath, as the needle may with great safety be passed
through it. The seton should be drawn through
a little and wetted with the mixture every day.

MODERN FARRIER. 7?

When the discharge becomes thick and white,
and the abscess falls level, the seton may be re-
moved, and the part washed twice a day with warm
water. During the whole of this process, the af-
fected part should be carefully excluded from the air.
After the wound is thoroughly cleaned, some of
the old farriers recommend it to be dressed with the
following styptic mixture :

Oil of vitriol, 1 ounce.

Spirit of salt, - - half an ounce.
Sublimate powdered - 2 drams.

Mixed in a bottle.

After the wound is dressed with this mixture, by
dipping two or three tents of tow in it, and insert-
ing them in the wound with a probe, they recom-
mend the following scalding mixture. It is cer-
tainly a strong, and perhaps a cruel medicine ; but
it will, no doubt, operate in destroying the diseased
surface.

Scalding mixture :

Mutton suet, 4 ounces.

Rosin, - - - - 4 ounces.

Tar, 4 ounces.

Bees' wax, ... 2 ounces.

Melt them together ; then add —

Verdigrease powdered, - H ounce.
Spirit of turpentine, - - 4 "ounces.

Mix the whole together for use.

This mixture is made scalding hot, and poured
into the wound. The lips of the wound are then
closed with two or three stitches, and bound up.
In nine or ten days, the dressing is removed, the
wound washed with warm water, and the scaldino-
is repeated ; and after an equal lapse of time, the op£
ration is again performed. The running will then
continue for some time, when the wound will heal.

78 MODERN FARRIER.

If the wound gets foul and callous about the
edges, dress it with the following cleansing ointment:

Yellow basilicon, - 4 ounces.

Oil of turpentine. - 1 ounce.

Red precipitate powder, half an ounce.

Mixed.

This is a better and safer application to wounds
than powerful caustics.

If the suppuration has proceeded any length be-
fore it is discovered, there will probably be a num-
ber of sinuses or pipes, with matter lodged in each.
When it can be easily effected, it is proper to lay
these open ; and make them communicate with each
other; or if their direction can be ascertained, a
seton may be passed through each.

When it is necessary to use the knife, the great-
est care should be taken not to wound the ligament,
or, as it is usually called, the fix-fax of the neck.
The best method of avoiding it is to have the ani-
mal's head fastened very high to the rack, by which
the ligament will be more slack, and the finger can
be easily introduced below it, so as to be a guide to
the knife. If this tendon is cut, the horse's head
fall's down, and he is rendered entirely useless.
When this disease is suffered to remain for a length
of time, it generally leaves a stiffness in the upper
part of the neck, which decreases the value of the
horse.

50. Rupture.

This dangerous disease generally proceeds from
violent exertion, kicks on the belly, and high and
difficult leaps, especially when heavy laden. Gibson
says he has known it produced by too deep an in-
cision being made in inserting a rowel. It usuall]
happens at the navel, or through the rings at th(
back part of the belly into the scrotum.

MODERN FARRIER. 79

This disease, except in very slight cases, is incura-
ble ; and all that can be done is to palliate and ren-
der the animal as comfortable as possible. When
not too large, the tumour will return on being
pressed. If the case be recent, bleed, and give
emollient and oily clysters, boiled barley, and malt
mashes, and foment the part twice a day with cam-
phorated spirits and warm vinegar. Poultices,
composed of oatmeal, oil, and vinegar, will also be
found useful.

51. Falling of the fundament.

This complaint is usually found in horses of a
weak and delicate constitution, but is sometimes the
effect of a long-continued looseness, of docking, or
of hard riding or driving.

This disorder, if timely noticed, may be easily
cured. The gut should be returned as soon as pos-
sible, by pushing it up with the ends of two or three
fingers wrapped round with a piece of soft linen
rag, gently greased. Before returning the gut,
wash it with a solution of alum, or white vitriol,
and port wine and water ; and a little of either of
these should be frequently injected. If the gut ap-
pears inflamed, it must be anointed with the follow-
ing cooling liniment :

Marshmallows ointment, - 1 pound.
Sugar of lead, 1 ounce.

Mixed well together.

The animal's bowels to be kept open with gentle
purges and bran-mashes.

(Sometimes the disease is so obstinate, that it be-
comes necessary to cut off, with a surgeon's knife or
i red-hot cautery, the protruded gut. The wound
jommonly heals soon ; but the horse, after this ope-
ation, should have a run at grass, or be turned out
x>r some time into a straw-yard.

84 MODERN FARRIER.

Vinegar, - - - half a pint.

Crude sal ammoniac, - 1 drachm.
Water, 3 half pints.

' Mixed. Bathe with the above mixture three or
four times a day.

' In addition to the above, the following embro-
cation will in general be found useful ;

Spirits of wine, - - half a pint.
Laudanum, 1 drachm.

Golard's extract, - - half a drachm.
Spring water, lj pint.

'To be mixed together in a quart bottle. The
above may be used three or four times daily.'

Horses that are peculiarly subject to disorders in
the eye are called buck-eyed, that is, their eyes are
small and the eyelid deeply wrinkled. Exercise
and wholesome feeding are the best preventatives
of blindness in such animals. When the crystalline
lens is suddenly affected, bleeding, blistering, and
the medicines before recommended, must be used ;
and if the whiteness is not soon removed, blindness
will ensue. A cataract cannot be removed in a
horse, as in a human being, by an operation.

54. Swelling of the Breast.

Symptoms. — This disease is indicated by the breast
swelling, and the neck becoming stiff and incapable
of bending. The horse also droops his head, refuses
his food, trembles, and faulters whilst walking.
Sometimes the swelling extends towards the throat,
and threatens suffocation. If the swelling yields to
the finger, and the impression remains, it is a sign
that it is dropsical.

Causes. — This disorder may proceed from hard
riding, giving a horse cold water to drink when hota
a stoppage of the perspiration, or from foul feeding
without sufficient exercise.

MODERN FARRIER. 85

Cure. — The cure must commence with copious
bleeding and the administration of clysters. The
common purge, composed of —

Barbadoes aloes, 8 drachms.

Castile soap, 2 drachms.

Ginger, 1 drachm.

In a ball, should also be given, with bran-mashes
and warm water.

When the purge has ceased to operate, give the
following every two days : '

Emetic tartar, 2 drachms.

Venice turpentine, - half an ounce.
Liquorice powder mixed in a ball.

The swelling should also be fomented every two
hours with bran and hot water. If the swelling
appear dropsical, the matter may be let out by
striking a fleam into four or five places where the
swelling hangs most, and encouraging the discharge
by warm fomentations. If, however, the inflamma-
tion has been so acute as to form matter, the abscess
may be opened with a lancet, and the wound treated
as directed in Fistula of the Withers.

55. The Jaundice.

Symptoms. — This disease is generally known by
the term, 'The yellows.' It is indicated by the
eyes appearing of a dusky yellow colour; the
mouth, lips, and saliva, acquire a yellowish cast ;
the animal is dull and sluggish, and refuses his
food; his urine is of a dark brownish colour, and
when lodged on the ground appears red ; he is also
very costive, and his dung is very hard, and has the
appearance of a yellowish, or greenish clay ; his
pulse is irregular, attended with fever in a greater
or less degree. The disease and fever increasing, if
not speedily removed, terminates in death.

86 MODERN FARRIER.

A modern writer says that, 'the signs of the
jaundice in horses are, a dusky yellowness of the
eye, the inside of the mouth, and lips ; the tongue
and bars of the roof of the mouth also look yellow.
But it is necessary to distinguish between the yel-
lowness of the jaundice, and that yellowness of the
mouth and eyes, which sometimes happens on the
crisis of an inflammatory fever, where the inflamed
parts look yellow when the fever and inflammation
are going off.

« When this happens after a fever, the horse ge-
nerally recovers his appetite, and looks lively, and
the fever leaves him, and the yellowness soon after
wears off.

' But in the jaundice, the yellowness is one of the
first symptoms, and generally appears in the begin-
ning of the complaint. The horse is dull, and re-
fuses all manner of food, and the fever begins slowly ;
yet both that and the yellowness soon increases, and
proceed together. In the decline of an inflamma-
tory fever, a horse dungs and stales freely. In the
jaundice, the dung is generally hard and dry, and of
a pale colour, nearly white. The urine is commonly
of a dark dirty brown colour, and when it has set-
tled some time* on the pavement, it looks red like
blood. He also stales with some pain and difficulty;
and if the disease be not soon checked, all the symp-
toms will increase very rapidly.'

Causes. — This disease generally proceeds from
some affection of the liver. Sometimes it is occa-
sioned by high feeding, costiveness, or a suppression
of the perspiration from cold. In young horses, the
disorder is seldom dangerous ; but in old horses, a
complete cure is seldom effected, as in such cases it
usually proceeds from a diseased state of the liver.

Cure. — Experienced veterinary surgeons differ in
their opinions of the proper mode of cure in this
disease. Some advise bleeding in the first stage of
the disorder, if it be accompanied by fever ; and

MODERN FARRIER. 87

Gibson says, even if the jaundice be confirmed, it
will be proper to bleed, and afterwards to give some
laxative clyster ; for in the beginning of the disease,
horses are apt to be costive, and sometimes costive-
ness alone will bring it on. The clyster may be
made of decoctions of marsh-mallows, camomile-
flowers, or fennel-seeds, with some linseed oil. A
decoction of madder and turmeric, with the addition
of soap, may also be useful in a clyster. If the in-
flammation increases, which may be ascertained by
the quickness and hardness of the pulse, more blood
may be taken, and a pint of castor oil, or six ounces
of Epsom salts, may be given at intervals of twelve
hours.

If the bleeding and medicine have the desired
effect of reducing the inflammation, the horse gene-
rally grows settled and quiet, and begins to feed.

In three or four days the disease generally abates,
and the horse recovers his appetite in some degree.
The disappearance of the disease may be ascertained
by his eyes beginning to look clear, and the inside
of his mouth of a lively colour ; but if, on the con-
trary, there should be a discharge from his eyes ;
with a swelling of the eye-lids, which often occurs
when the disease is near its crisis, it is evident that
more time must elapse before the animal can be
said to be perfectly cured. As the bowels are gene-
rally costive in this stage of the disease, the follow-
ing opening ball may be given :

Emetic tartar, 1 drachm.

Aloes Barbadoes, - 5 drachms.
Castile soap, 2 drachms.

Ginger, - half a drachm.

In one ball.

56. Coughs.

Symptoms. — This disease usually commences by a
general dulness and heaviness, a dryness and in-

88 MODERN FARRIER.

creased redness of the inside of the nostrils, from
which there soon proceeds an unusual secretion of
mucus ; a dryness of the eyes, or sometimes an in-
creased effusion of tears. In a short time there is
generally added some degree of cough and difficulty
of breathing; and sometimes there is with these
symptoms a considerable degree of heat and dryness
of the skin ; increased thirst, and not unfrequently
a loss of appetite. At first the cough is dry, and
sometimes continues so ; but more frequently, when
the complaint has remained for some time, a frothy
whitish mucus is coughed up. The pulse is not
always much affected in this disease ; but in general
it is fuller and harder that natural. The first symp-
tom of the disease is not unfrequently a chilliness
and trembling.

When a cough has existed for a considerable
length of time, and the horse shows no other parti-
cular symptoms of disease, it is called a chronic
cough, which frequently terminates in broken-wind.
In this kind of cough the lungs is generally affected,
the horse breathes quick, yet his nostrils are not
much distended. The cough is short and husky,
the animal frequently sneezes, and discharges phlegm
through his nostrils.

When a horse has a cough, and he appears hide-
bound, his legs swell in the morning, and his appe-
tite fails, it is clear that the disease arises from a bad
habit of body.

Causes. — The principal causes of cough are, sud-
den changes of temperature, especially cold applied
when the body is in a state of perspiration, or enter-
ing a warm stable after being long exposed to a cold
air. It may also proceed from greasy or farcy hu-
mours lodging in the body ; or it may be occasioned
by any internal irritation.

Cure. — If the complaint is slight, and there is
little fever, it will often be sufficient to take the
animal within doors into a warm stable, give him a

MODERN FAIUIIER.

89

warm mash, and put a cloth over him, when he will
perspire through the night, and oe nearly well next
morning. This plan will also answer, if it be adopt-
ed immediately on perceiving the chilliness or shi-
vering.

If the horse in consequence of coughing, dis-
charges mucus or phlegm through the nostrils, this
discharge should be encouraged by the following
ball, which should be given every other night for
four or five times :

Assafoetida,
Liquorice powdered,
Venice turpentine,
Sulphur,

2 drachms.
2 drachms.
2 drachms.
1 drachm.

Mixed in a ball.

The horse to have bran mashes or carrots, to be
gently exercised, and kept moderately warm. The
following cordial ball may be given occasionally in
the interval between the other balls :

Aniseeds bruised, 4 ounces.

Spanish liquorice, 4 ounces.

Liquorice powder, 4 ounces.

Carraway seed, 2 ounces.

Aniseed balsam of sulphur, 2 ounces.

Ginger, - - - . 4 drachms.

Oil of aniseeds, 4 drachms.

With honey sufficient to make it of a proper con-
sistence; to be divided into 12 balls.
Or the following cordial drink :

Aniseeds, - - - 1 ounce.

Carraway seeds, 1 ounce.

Grains of paradise, - 1 ounce.

Aromatic confection, - half an ounce.

Balsam of sulphur, - 2 ounces.

Beat up the balsam with the yolk of an egg ; then
mix the powders, and give the whole in a pint of
M

90 MODERN FARRIER.

warm gruel and two table-spoonfuls of sugar. Re-
peat it once a day, for every other day, three or four
times.

If the cough be accompanied by a considerable
degree of fever, and the horse's pulse is hard, it will
be proper to draw blood, according to the urgency
of the symptoms, before giving any internal remedy,
or using warm clothing. After bleeding, a drench
composed of warm ale, with a drachm or two of salt'
of hartshorn, or half an ounce of spirits of hartshorn,
sweetened with molasses, will prove an excellent
remedy ; after taking which, the animal should be
well rubbed down, and clothed as before. If he is
costive, back-raking, followed by clysters, will be
advisable ; and, throughout the treatment, costive-
ness must be avoided.

In order to decrease the fever, give the following
drench:

Nitre, - - - - 1 ounce.
Emetic tartar, 2 drachms.

Dissolved in water-gruel.

If it be necessary to obviate costiveness, give —

Epsom salts, 8 ounces.

Emetic tartar, 1 drachm.

Dissolved in one quart of water-gruel. If a ball
should be preferred, and the throat be not sore or
swelled, give the following:

Aloes Barbadoes, 8 drachms.

Castile soap, - - - ' 2 drachms.
Ginger, 1 drachm.

To be made in a ball with syrup of buckthorn.

The cough generally goes off when the inflamma-
tion ceases : but should it become a chronic conghy
the horse should be exposed as little as possible to
any violent changes of temperature, and, if the sum-
mer be warm and dry, two or three months' run at

MODERN FARRIER. 91

grass will generally effect a cure ; and if the horse
be a foul or greedy feeder, he must never be permit-
ted to eat new hay or new oats. The following ball
is also excellent in such cases :

Liquorice powder, 6 ounces.

Castile soap, 6 ounces.

Aniseeds powdered, 6 ounces.

Barbadoes tar, - - - 6 ounces.

IGum ammoniac, ~ - 2 ounces.

Balsam of Tolu, 1 ounce.

Mix the whole, and divide it into twelve equal
balls. One ball to be given every other night, till
the whole are used.

Some practitioners recommend tar very much,
which is given as follows :

Barbadoes tar, -

1 ounce.

Vinegar of squills,

1 ounce.

Oil of aniseeds,

1 tea-spoonful.

Mixed in a quart of warm ale.

However, it is always necessary to observe, that
whenever the cough is attended with symptoms of
other diseases, mere cordial or pectoral medicines
can be of little service.

57. Consumption.

Symptoms. — This disease is not so common amongst
animals as human beings ; but it does sometimes
occur, and is indicated by a loss of vigour and
strength ; the appetite also declines, and the horse
stales and dungs often. Some survive for several
months, and others go off very suddenly.

Mr. Lawrence says, ' When a consumption arises
from any defect in the lungs or principal viscera,
the eyes look dull and a little moist, and the ears
and feet are generally hot. There is generally a dry
husky cough, and a groaning when turned suddenly

92 MODERN FARRIER.

in the stall ; the horse sneezes much when brought
into the cold air, and shews uneasiness and a quick
motion in his flanks, discharges occasionally at the
nose, and generally a yellowish curdled matter. His
breath also smells more or less offensive, when the
disease has made much progress, or been of long con-
tinuance. They eat but little at a time, and chew
their hay very lightly and deliberately, and very
often throw the cud out of their mouths after chew-
ing it. In general, they are hide-bound, and their
coats are long, dry, and staring, even in summer.
These symptoms disappear upon being turned to
grass in warm weather, owing to the richness and
succulence of the herbage ; but they soon return
when in the stable, and again put to work.

' When a horse that has any of the above symp-
toms retains a tolerable appetite, and keeps up his
spirits in a certain degree, without losing his flesh,
is a sign that the disease has not yet taken a very
deep root; but, on the contrary, when he continues
to lose flesh and strength, it is a pretty certain indi-
cation of inward decay beyond the power of medi-
cine to prevent. When there is a yellowish curdled
matter discharged from the nostrils, it may generally
be considered as the last stage ; but if the matter be
white and well digested, and occasionally decreases
in quantity, or changes to a clear water, it is a pro-
mising sign, especially if the horse be young. But,
even under these circumstances, the predisposition
to disease may still exist, and the smallest irregu-
larity, either in diet, clothing, or exercise, may bring
on a return of the complaint.

' Some young horses continue in this consumptive
state for several months, and, through the effects of
great care and nursing, give at some intervals a
prospect of recovery, but, nevertheless, die ultimate-
ly exhausted by disease. Some go off in a much
shorter time, although they are not apparently so
much debilitated ; and some recover after a discharge

MODERN FARRIER. 93

from the nostrils even of two or three years' stand-
ing : but, in this last case, the discharge has been
suspended at intervals, and the mucus was always
white; and when it ceased at any time, it was gene-
rally succeeded by a simple d.schargeof clear lymph
or water.

4 Such horses u ill retain their appetite, and not
lose their flesh, and will go through their work to-
lerably well with good usage, though, if they are
hurried a little more than ordinary, they will be the
worse for it ; and those to whose lot such horses
have fallen, must have observed, that they seldom
recover perfectl} or remain long well, until they are
seven or eight years old, when their complaints fre-
quently go off, and they become healthy and useful
animals.'

Causes. — This state of disease may proceed from
a variety of causes ; from colds imperfectly cured, or
from the farcy or glanders having fixed on the lungs.
Hot and irritable horses are most subject to this dis-
order, as they are apt to over-exert themselves, so as
to bring on a state of exhaustion.

Cure. — Consumptions being preceded by inflam-
mations, bleeding is necessary ; after which the
bowels should be opened by clysters and gentle
purges, as the following :

Soccotrine aloes, - 5 drachms.

Castile soap, - - half an ounce.

Oil of carraway, - 10 drops.

Treacle enough to make a ball.

The horse to have bran-mashes and water with
the chill taken oft, and to be kept moderately warm,
when he may be given the following ball, every
other night, three or four times :

Assafcetida, 1 drachm.

Emetic tartar, 1 drachm.

Ginger, 1 drachm.

Liquorice powder sufficient to make a ball.

94 MODERN FARRIER.

Mix up tlie whole with the syrup of buckthorn.

This ball will relax and soften the skin, and pro-
mote insensible perspiration. The following is also
a good medicine for this purpose :

Ginger, 2 drachms.

Emetic tartar, - - 1^ drachm.

Camphor, l| drachm.

Opium, - - - 1 scruple.

Oil of carraway, - - 10 drops.
Molasses enough to make a ball.

During the administration of these medicines,
the horse should be every day walked about. His
food, if possible, should be green, and, if in winter,
carrots should be substituted. His oats also should
be hard and sweet, and the hay good. When reco-
vered, his work should be gentle, and he should be
kept in the fresh air as much as possible.

58. Loss of Appetite.

Symptoms. — This state of disease is usually called
chronic indigestion, and is discovered not only by a
want of appetite, but also by a roughness and staring
of the coat.

Causes. — Loss of appetite is very frequently only
the symptom of other diseases, and must be treated
accordingly. However, it sometimes is the effect of
weakness of the stomach, induced by the improper
use of cordial medicines : and other times it is pro-
duced by fatigue, or too close confinement, or from
the stomach being loaded with coarse, dry, and in-
digestible food.

Cure. — If the horse be free from any inflammatory
complaint, and the loss of appetite clearly proceeds
from a weakness of the stomach, the following cor-
dial ball may be given every day :

MODERN FARRIER. 95

Carraway seeds powdered, 6 drachms.

Ginger powdered, 2 drachms.

Oil of cloves, - - - 15 drops.
Molasses sufficient to make a ball.

Or the following :

Grains of paradise powdered, 3 drachms,

Carraway seeds powdered, 3 drachms.

Ginger, 1 drachm.

Oil of mint, ... 30 drops.
Honey enough to form a ball.

These balls tend to strengthen the stomach and
to restore the appetite. In the mean time, it is es-
sentially necessary that the horse be kept clean, and
regular in his bowels, have food of a nourishing
quality, and be given good clear water several times
in a day, as nothing tends more effectually to pro-
mote digestion. He should also be daily exercised
gently in the open air.

59. Foul Feeding.

Symptoms. — This affection of the stomach is indi-
cated by the horse eating voraciously, or greedily
swallowing substances that are indigestible, such as
clay, mortar, dirty foul litter, or even the dung of
other animals. Such horses are called Joul feeders.

Causes. — This is properly a symptom of indiges-
tion, and is evidently owing to a peculiar acrimony
of the gastric juice ; and in most cases there is clearly
an acid upon the stomach.

Cure. — The cure of this disease should commence
by giving a purge, as the following, if the horse be
costive :

Soccotrine aloes, - 1 ounce.

Castile soap, - - half an ounce

Calomel, - - - 11 drachm.

Oil of mint, - - 20 drops.

96 MODERN FARRIER.

Mixed with molasses sufficient to make a ball.

When this laxative has ceased to operate, give
the following ball every other day until the disease
seems to be removed :

Purified soda powdered, - 2 drachms.

Gentian root powdered, - 2 drachms.

Cassia powdered, 1 drachm.
Treacle enough to form a ball.

In the mean time, the horse should be regularly
exercised, and the stable kept particularly clean,
with a quantity of clean straw under the manger,
that he should not be tempted to eat other sub-
stances that are more injurious.

60. Plethora.

Symptoms. — When a horse becomes fat, corpulent,
and full of blood, he is called plethoric. The veins,
in this state, become full and distended ; the pulse
full and strong, though sometimes oppressed and
slower than natural. The animal exerts himself
with evident difficulty, and soon becomes fatigued
and exhausted. If put to hard labour, he is gene-
rally soon knocked up, or dies on the road ; or else
he becomes broken-winded, or is attacked by the
apoplexy, or an inflammation of the lungs.

Causes.— This diseased state of the body is very
common in horses, and arises from idleness and be-
ing pampered with high living, in order that they
may look well and seem as in high condition.

Cure. — When there appears no symptom of an
approaching apoplexy, it is best to lower the animal's
diet gradually, and as gradually increase his exercise
or labour. Bleeding, when it can be safely avoided,
is extremely improper, as it tends to produce the
very state against which it is employed. If the
symptoms appear alarming, the same precautions

■

MODERN FARRIER. 97

must be used as is directed in case of the Staggers
or apoplexy.

61. Wounds.

The treatment of wounds generally is a branch of
the greatest importance in the practice of farriery ;
yet it is very imperfectly understood, and many
foolish and injurious opinions are entertained on the
subject. The proper treatment of wounds must de-
pend in a great measure on the part where they are
inflicted, and the form of the instrument that pro-
duced them. A clean cut made in the muscular
parts it easily healed, by applying slips of sticking
plaster as soon as possible, so as to keep the edges of
the wound close together ; or where plaster cannot
readily be applied, by taking a stitch or two through
the edges of the wound, and tying the strings gently
together. When the edges are found to adhere, the
strings must be cut away, and the holes which they
made will soon fill up. If any considerable blood-
vessel has been wounded, it will be proper to secure
it, if possible, by means of ligature, rather than by
applying any styptic substance. All wounds should
be made as clean as possible before any attempt is
made to heal them. Sometimes the wound is so
situated that it will not admit of being sewed up ;
but in these cases we may in general pass silver or
steel pins from the edges, at about an inch distance
from each other, and twist a thread crosswise from
one to the other, so as to form what is called the
twisted-suture. In all cases where sutures are used,
it will be proper to apply a sticking plaster over the
edges of the wound. If the wound should not heal
by these means, a formation of matter will take
place, and then the sore is to be treated as a common
ulcer, taking care that its edges be always kept as
near together as may be, by sticking plaster or a
bandage.

5 N

98 MODERN FARRIER.

Mr Richard Lawrence has some very judicious*
observations on this subject. ' In all recent wounds/
says he, ' the first step necessary is to probe them,
to ascertain whether any extraneous substance, such
as splinters of wood, be left in the inside. These
should be instantly and carefully removed, for the
wound cannot heal whilst any substance of that de-
scription remains within it ; and, indeed, the inflam-
mation is sometimes so much increased from that
circumstance, that mortification ensues, and, with it,
the death of the animal. If the wound arises simply
from a cut, or from laceration, without being accom-
panied by any bruise, the divided edges should be
brought together as soon as possible, by sewing
them with common brown thread and the applica-
tion of a bandage, and the external inflammation
may be moderated by simple fomentations of bran
and water. For there is generally inflammation
enough in the injured part to carry on the healing
process without having recourse to stimulating ap-
plications, and caustics are wholly unnecessary and
improper in all fresh wounds. But the almost inva-
riable practice of country farriers is to introduce a
tent of tow dipped in some strong oils, in which
case the inflammation is increased, and nature, in
making fruitless efforts to close the wound, whilst
it is thus kept asunder by the interposition of the
tent, is excited to an excessive degree, and a great
quantity of proud flesh, or superfluous granulations,
arise at the edges, which soon become diseased ; and
that which was at first but a simple healthy wound
is converted, by injudicious treatment, into a foul
and callous ulcer.

* The benefit of healing wounds by the first in-
tention is particularly manifest in cases of over-
reaches on the heels of the fore-feet from the shoes
of the hind-feet. For in these cases nothing more
is necessary than to wash the part thoroughly with
warm water, so as to remove all sand or dirt what-

MODERN FARRIER. 99

ever, and then to keep the divided parts together by
a bandage, and not to remove it for three or four
days at least. The coagulable lymph will then be
thrown out from the mouths of the vessels, and the
; surfaces will be found glued ; and this constitutes
; what is called healing by the first intention, and this
| process may generally be adopted with success
where the wound is of a simple nature. In com-
pound wounds, where the bone has been injured as
well as the muscular parts, it is more difficult and
sometimes impossible to heal by the first intention ;
first, because the consequent inflammation is more
violent, and, secondly, because the fractured parts of
the bone become, when detached, extraneous sub-
stances, and must be brought away before the wound
can thoroughly heal. Hence it sometimes happens
that the surface of .the wound heals whilst the bot-
tom or internal part is unsound, owing to the cir-
cumstance of the bone not having exfoliated, and
the irritation being still kept up, a fresh degree of
inflammation ensues, and the wound suppurates and
breaks out again.

' In this case (and in this only) the mouth of the
wound may be kept open by the introduction of
tents ; and if the abscess has not a sound, healthy
appearance, such caustic applications may be used as
will destroy the diseased surface, and produce a
healthy action in the part, which is always mani-
fested by red granulations, and the secretion of pure
white matter of a proper consistence.'

When a tendon is wounded, it should be fomented
with warm fomentations of bran and water. Violent
caustics and spirituous applications are, for the most
part improper. When the wound heals slowly, it
may be touched with the butter of antimony, and
covered by a large pledget of tow, with digestive
ointment, and bound with a bandage.

Wounds in the joints are sometimes dangerous,
and always difficult to cure. The cautery is the

100 MODERN FARRIER.

shortest and most effectual mode of relief. Where
this is not used, the wound should be excited by
applying slightly to the surface the butter of anti-
mony, and, when it is healed, a pledget of tow dip-
ped in the following lotion :

Golard's extract, 1 drachm.

Vinegar, 1 pint.

To be mixed in a quart bottle, and filled up af-
terwards with water. The pledget to be bound
moderately tight with a flannel bandage.

If the wound be very deep, a poultice of bran
may be used two or three days. It is best kept on
by the leg of a worsted stocking, which may be
drawn up over the knee, and tied both above and
below, but not too tight. Afterwards apply the
following dressing :

Verdigrease, 2 drachms.

Digestive ointment, - 2 ounces.

In case of gun-shot wounds, it is always advisable
to bleed the horse. Probing is to be avoided as
much as possible ; but the wound may be laid open,
in order to extract the ball. If the ball has sunk
deep, it is best to leave the working of it out to na-
ture. All unctious applications are to be avoided,
and the wound dressed with turpentine mixed with
honey or the yolks of eggs. If proud flesh arises,
mix a little red precipitate with the ointment. In
the mean time, cooling and opening medicines will
have a good effect.

62. Locked-jaw.

Symptoms. — -Horses are extremely subject to the
Tetanus, or locked-jaw, which proves one of the
most obstinate and fatal diseases by which they are
affected. It usually begins with some degree of
fever ; and, as it increases, the neck becomes stiff,

MODERN FARRIER. 101

and the head fixed and immoveable, and somewhat
elevated, with the ears and tail erect and motionless ;
the muscles about the mouth are contracted, the
eyes express great animation and anxiety, and the
haw is drawn partly over the eye-ball ; the nostrils
are distended, the breathing difficult, the jaws fixed,
and the legs nearly incapable of motion.

Mr. Gibson has described this dreadful disease
very accurately, though his expressions are uncouth.
He says, ' As soon as a horse is seized in this man-
ner, his head is raised with his nose towards the
rack, his ears pricked up, and his tail cocked, looking
with an eagerness, as an hungry horse when hay is
put down to him, or like an high-spirited one when
upon his mettle: in so much that those who are
strangers to such things, when they see a horse
stand in this manner, will scarce believe any thing
of consequence ails him ; and I have seen such per-
sons greatly surprised when they have been told of
the danger. But they are soon convinced when
they see other symptoms come on apace ; that his
neck grows stiff, cramped, and almost immoveable ;
and if a horse in this condition lives a few days, se-
veral knots and ganglions will rise on the tendinous
parts thereof; and all the muscles, both before and
behind, will be so pulled and crampled and stretched,
that he looks as if he was nailed to +he pavement,
with his legs stiff, wide, and straddling ; his skin so
tight on all parts of his body, that it is almost im-
possible to move it; and if trial be made to make
him walk, he is rea'dy to fall at every step, unless he
be carefully supported ; his eyes are so fixed with
the inaction of the muscles, as gives him a deadness
in his looks. He snorts and sneezes often, pants
continually with shortness of breath: and this
symptom increases till he drops down dead, which
generally happens in a few days, unless some very
sudden and effectual turn can be given to the dis-
temper.'

102 MODERN FARRIER.

Mr. Lawrence justly observes, that it is a very
erroneous opinion to suppose that the locking of the
jaws, and the being incapable of receiving any sus-
tenance, is the cause of the animal's death. The
fact is, that death is the consequence of suffocation,
arising from the rigidity reaching the muscles of the
ribs, in which case their expansion is prevented, and
the breathing of course is stopped. It is probable
also that the action of the heart and arteries is sus-
pended from the same cause.

Causes. — This disease is generally primary ; but
it is sometimes symptomatic, and may be produced
by various causes, particularly from wounds, where
the nerve is partially divided ; from cold, when the
body is in a profuse sweat. It may arise also from
internal irritation, as from worms, which, in Mr.
Gibson's opinion, are a very common cause of it.
Probably it more frequently proceeds from wounds,
as a puncture in the foot or any other part ; and it
has certainly often been brought on by the barba-
rous operation of docking and nicking. There
seems no doubt that the brain is the principal seat
of the affection.

Cure. — Instances of recovery from this disease in
horses are very rare. It is, however, necessary to
use some vigorous means as early as possible. Opium,
aconite, hellebore, &c. have been tried in the veteri-
nary college in very large doses, but without any
beneficial effects. From considering it as a disease
of the brain, trepanning has been used, with the
view of making pressure on the brain, and this has
sometimes appeared to take off the spasm of the
muscles ; but as soon as the pressure was removed,
the spasms returned with nearly equal violence.
An infusion of tobacco, to the amount of two
pounds, has been given by Mr. Coleman ; but the
symptoms appeared to be aggravated. Mr. Feron
recommends bleeding, and immersing the animal in
a warm bath at 90 deg. of Fahrenheit, so as to keep

MODERN FARRIER. 103

the whole body covered with the water for two or
three hours, which he has known to be successful :
but the horse must afterwards be clothed and kept
very warm. The most probable means to relieve
I the animal seem to be giving opium in large doses
| by way of clyster, frequently repeated, and rubbing
I the whole body frequently- with some stimulating
liniment, such as oil of turpentine and tincture of
f cantharides. Mr. Blaine recommends a clyster com-
posed of a strong decoction of poppy heads, with
[ two ounces of camphor dissolved in brandy ; or if
this be thought too expensive, one with two ounces
of spirit of hartshorn, and four ounces of oil of tur-
pentine, mixed with two or three yolks of eggs, and
a pint of ale. Mr. Moorcroft recommends the cold
bath, or the copious effusion of cold water. A Ger-
man physician has very recently found the carbonite
of pot-ash and opium produce a wonderful good
effect in cases of tetanus in human beings, and it
therefore deserves a trial in the same fatal disorder
in horses.

Mr. Wilkinson, a skilful veterinary surgeon in
Newcastle upon Tyne, has lately published a very
valuable work explanatory of his method of treating
this terrible disease, with a great number of cases in
which he effected a complete cure.'' The following
is a very brief sketch of his mode of treatment ; but
those who wish to examine fully his practical re-
marks and interesting illustrations, must consult the
author's own work.

As a horse is generally very costive in this dis-
order, Mr. Wilkinson advises to give a purgative
drench, composed as follows :

Barbadoes aloes, 8 drachms.

Soap, .- - - - 4 drachms.
Ginger, 3 drachms.

Treacle, - . - - - 2 ounces.
Oil of aniseeds, 30 drops.

104 MODERN FARRIER.

The aloes, soap, and ginger, to be beat well toge*
ther and made into an electuary with the treacle
and oil of aniseeds, and the whole afterwards mixed
in a pint of warm water. This is a sufficient dose
for a middle-sized saddle horse.

As the stomach and intestines in this complaint
are not very susceptible of being acted upon, the
following clyster is recommended at the same time I

Olive oil, 8 ounces.

Water gruel, warm, 2 quarts.

If the horse is in a plethoric state, and his pulse
and respiration have become much hurried, a mode-
rate quantity of blood may be drawn from the jugu-
lar vein ; and this operation must be repeated ac-
cording to circumstances.

Mr. Wilkinson advises the diet to consist of thin
bran-mashes, oatmeal gruel mixed with milk, or a I
little good clover when the jaws are not too much I
shut. The muscles of the head, jaws, neck, andj
back, to be rubbed with the following liniment :

Oil of turpentine, - half an ounce*

Water of pure ammonia, half an ounce.

Mustard powder, - 2 ounces.

Olive oil, - - 2 quarts.

Immediately after applying this liniment, cover
the body with sheep skins, as recently taken off the
sheep as possible ; the skin to be innermost. This]
eminently tends to increase the perspiration, and
consequently to relax the muscles. Great care is*
necessary lest the perspiration be obstructed by cold.

When sheep skins cannot be procured, a blister
may be applied the whole length of the spine, the
hair being previously clipped off. If the disease has
made much progress, apply a blister also over the
skull, and about eight inches backwards on each
side of the neck, in the direction of the vertebra?.
The following formula is given for the blister i

MODERN FARRIER. 105

Cantharides powdered, - 1 ounce.

Euphorbium powdered, - 2 drachms,
Oil of turpentine, 1 ounce.

Hog's lard, 6 ounces.

When the blister has ceased to operate, and the
swelling occasioned by it has subsided, begin the
use of the liniment and sheep skins.

Mr. Wilkinson has also found powerful anti-
spasmodics, given after the purgative drench is done
operating, very serviceable. The following is re-
commended :

Crude opium, 1 drachm.

Camphor, 1 drachm.

Assafcetida, 2 drachms.

Dissolve the opium in water, and the camphor
land assfcetida in spirits of wine ; then add aniseeds
powder sufficient to make a ball.

Great care is required in giving this ball when
the jaws are much shut. The ball should be given
in small pieces on the end of a piece of whalebone
or cane ; or the ball may be dissolved in a pint of a
decoction of rue, and given as a drench morning
land evening with a small horn. Considerable time
and care should be taken in administering this me-
dicine, lest part of it be lost, or the convulsions in-
crease.

Immediately after the ball or drench has been
given, dissolve one of the same balls in three pints
of a decoction of rue, and give it as a clyster morn-
ing and evening. The decoction is made thus.

Rue, - three handfuls.

Water, - three quarts.

Boiled down to two quarts and strained off.

Great attention is requisite in increasing or dimi-
lishing the quantity of opium, according to the
violence of the spasms, and the effects it is observed
o produce in the system,
o

106 MODERN FARRIER.

. If the clysters act too powerfully as an astringent,
this may be counteracted by adding to each four
drachms of common soap ; and if the bowels become
obstinately costive, repeat the purgative drench at
intervals of about a week. If the muscular system
is found very rigid, or the horse lies down, this
writer advises to have him slung, which will also
facilitate the administration of the medicine.

In case the disease has completely locked the
jaws, both the medicines and food must be adminis-
tered in the form of clysters. The quantity of me-
dicine in each clyster must be considerably more.

Mr. Wilkinson disapproves the amputation of the
injured part in the tail, when the disease originates
from docking ; nor is he partial to incisions or caus-
tics, when the complaint arises from a wound in any
otherpart of thebody. He prefers warm fomentations,
dressings of digestive ointment to the wounded part,
and, above all, strict attention to internal medicines.

63. Bite of a mad Dog.

The most effectual method of cure, and indeed
the only one that should be depended upon, is in-
stantly to cut out the part bitten, and afterwards to
cauterize it with a hot iron. The surrounding parts
should be well rubbed with the following liniment :

Olive oil, - - 2 ounces.

Water of pure ammonia, - 1 ounce.
Opodeldoc, 1 ounce.

Tincture of opium, 1 ounce.

Mixed. After which dress the wound with the
following ointment :

Common turpentine, - 3 ounces.

Bees' wax, - - - 3 ounces.

Black pitch, 1 ounce.

Yellow resin, 6 ounces.

Linseed oil, 1 pint.

MODERN FARRIER. 107

Dissolve them together over a slow fire; then
take it off, and add —

Spirits of turpentine, - 4 ounces.

Put the whole in a pot, and stir till it begins to
settle.

If any feverish symptoms appear, administer the
following drench :

Mithridate, 1 ounce.

Peruvian bark, - - half an ounce.

Aromatic spirit of ammonia, 1 ounce.

Castor oil, 8 ounces.

Mixed in a quart of warm gruel. This drink to
be given twice a day if necessary.

The following is recommended by old farriers as
a cure for the bite of a mad dog.

Musk, 16 grains.

Native cinnabar, 25 grains.

Factitious cinnabar, 25 grains.

To be given in a glass of arrack three nights to-
gether, and the night preceding the full of three
successive moons.

But no dependence ought to be placed on speci-
fics ; and if the part bitten cannot be cut away, it is
best to destroy the animal immediately, as other re-
medies may prove fatally fallacious.

64. Venomous Bites and Stings.

The bite of a viper or adder may be cured, if early
attended to, by rubbing the afflicted part, or the
whole limb, for a considerable time with warm salad
oil ; repeating it two or three times a day. If the
liniment recommended in the preceding article can
be procured in a short time after the bite, it will be
far better and more effectual in arresting the pro-
gress of the venom. This mixture will also be

108 MODERN FARRIER.

found excellent in cures of stings by hornets or
wasps. If internal medicine is requisite, the follow-
ing may be given :

Mithridate, 1 ounce.

Salt of tartar, 2 drachms.

Dissolve them in a pint of rue tea, and then add —

Salad oil, 4 ounces.

To be given about milk- warm.

§5. The Tooth-ache.

Mr. Richard Lawrence observes, that this com-
plaint proceeds from the canker in the grinders : the
best cure in this case is immediately to punch out
the afflicted grinder or tooth. The canker is gene-
rally owing to the bridle being rusty, and may
easily be known by the little black blotches, or
brown specks, which appear on the tongue, or other
parts of the mouth. If not caused by the bridle-bit,
like the scurvy in the human frame, it proceeds
from bad diet, or may be deemed hereditary, and
then it appears in small white specks, and will, in
time, spread nearly over the whole of the mouth,
and occasion irregular ulcers. The following gargle
mixture will be found in this care an effectual cure :

Wine vinegar, *. - half a pint.

Burnt alum, - - 1 ounce.

Common salt, 1 ounce.

Bole armenic, - - half an ounce.

Mix and shake the whole in a bottle for use.

With this mixture the horse's mouth should be
dressed every morning and evening in the following
manner :

Take a small cane, or piece of whalebone^ half a
yard long, and tie a linen rag, or a piece of tow,
round one end ; then dip it into the mixture, and

Ficj.l. Fif/.2.

Fig.3. JHy-d-

I

FitfJ. The cunenvc Stipe fir flat Soles. Ficf-jf-.A-Fri'sl Mire .

Fi</.2.Tlie IwrSliee far leii.ler Frvys . a The sharp wedge screw (J iiilnilie 7i,,l

Fuj.y.Tlie Slue lirr ■/ Sennit Tvt/1 ■ h Tlic female strew i(t llie heel . , see tij/j

\

MODERN FARRIER. 109

pass it up his mouth, and gently run over it to all
the affected parts : let him chump it well about his
mouth, and fast about an hour afterwards.

Having thus noticed the most common and im-
portant diseases to which horses are subject, and
explained the different approved modes of treatment,
it will now be necessary to give some plain, practical
directions on the best way of performing some of
the most useful and common operations in farriery.
In the Appendix a great variety of useful recipes
will be given, properly classed, and forming a valua-
ble summary of Veterinary Materia Medica.

66. Shoeing.

Shoeing is a most important operation, and has
certainly been much studied and improved in mo-
dern times. Those who are desirous of obtaining
an accurate knowledge of the anatomy of the horse's
foot, ought to consult Mr. Coleman's elegant work
on its structure, economy, and diseases, wherein the
muscles, blood-vessels, nerves, and absorbents, are
well described and beautifully figured. The follow-
ing plain summary of the structure and functions of
the foot may, however, be easily understood, and
remembered by ordinary readers, and will be found
of great service in imparting a knowledge of the
subject. It appears then,

That the natural form of the -hoof of the fore-feet
of horses, before any art has been employed, ap-
proaches to a circle ; and,

That the internal cavity of the hoof, when circu-
lar, is completely filled by the sensible parts of the
ifoot.

That the hoof is composed of horny insensible
fibres, that take the names of crust, sole, bars, and
ifrog.

110 MODERN FARRIER.

That the crust is united with the last bone of the
foot, by a number of laminated elastic substances.

That the uses of the laminae are to support the
weight of the animal, and from their elasticity to
prevent concussion.

That the horny sole is externally concave, inter-
nally convex, and united by its edge with the infe-
rior part of the mist.

That the uses of the horny sole are to act as a
spring ; by descending at the heels ; to preserve the
sensible sole from pressure, and (with its concavity)
to form a convexity of the earth.

That the external bars are nothing more than a
continuation of the crust, forming angles at the heels.
That the internal bars are a continuation of the
laminae of the crust, attached to the horny sole at
the heels within the hoof; and that these insensible
laminae are intimately united with sensible laminated
bars, connected with the sensible sole.

That the use of the external bars, is to preserve
the heels expanded ; and the use of the internal
horny bars, to prevent separation and dislocation of
the horny sole from the sensible sole.

That the external frog is convex, and of an insen-
sible horny elastic nature.

That the internal sensible frog is of the same
form, very highly elastic, and united with two elas-
tic cartileges.

That the frogs are not made to protect the ten-
don, as Mr. St. Bel and other writers have supposed.
That the use of the frog is to prevent the horse
from slipping, by its convexity embracing the
ground ; and from the elasticity of the sensible and
horny frogs, they act as a spring to the animal, and
keep expanded the heels.

In the common mode of shoeing, the bars are to-
tally cut away, and the frog is considerably pared ..
down, by means of a cutting instrument called a ]
hutteris. The reason assigned for cutting away the ]

MODERN FARRIER. Hi

bars, or opening the heels, as it is called, is, that the
heels may not contract, and that the shoe may not
press upon the sole and occasion corns. The hoof
being thus prepared, the shoe is to be applied. The
common form of this shoe is nearly elliptical, being
broader at the fore part, and growing narrower to-
wards the heels, where it is thicker than at the toe. It
is convex on its outer surface where it is to touch
the ground, and concave on its inner part, which is
applied next the hoof. It is fastened to the hoof by
means of eight nails, four in each quarter ; and the
heads of these nails are nearly cubical, standing out
a little beyond the shoe. This shoe is commonly
applied nearly red-hot, in order to adapt it better,
and make it fit closer to the hoof.

The following consequences must result from this
injudicious mode of shoeing:

1. The functions of the bars, which are evidently
intended to prevent contraction of the feet, must be
destroyed.

2. Cutting away the frog exposes this part to in-
jury, and is productive of many diseases.

3. The elevation of the heels prevents the frogs
[from embracing the ground, for which they were
naturally intended.

4. By making the shoe concave at the quarters,
and placing the nails near the heels, the growth of
the crust is impeded, the foot contracted, and its pro-
per shape destroyed.

5. By fastening the shoe near the insensible frog
at the heels, the proper action of the frog and sole is
prevented, and the foot loses its natural spring.

6. Putting on the shoe hot dries up the moisture
of the crusts, and sometimes utterly destroys them.

7. By making the shoe rounded next the ground,
;he sure footing and power of the horse is very much
essened.

The first modern writer who attempted to reform
;he common mode of shoeing, appears to have been

112 MODERN FARRIER.

Lafosse. It is true that an excellent mode of shoe-
ing was recommended about 300 years ago by Caesar
Fiaschi, an Italian writer on horsemanship ; but his
plan never came into general use, and Lafosse ap-
pears to have all the merit of the improvement, as it
is more than probable that he had never seen Fias-
chi's work. The shoe recommended by Lafosse was
what he called the half-moon shoe, being nearly se-
micircular, and reaching little further than to the
middle of the foot ; the nails being placed round the
toe. Lafosse's shoe was never veiy generally em-
ployed in this country, even though the improve-
ment was rendered familiar by Bracken and Bartlet,
who translated Lafosse's treatise into English. It
has been considered as useful in some cases of dis-
eased feet, and for strong feet which have begun to
contract, or appear likely to do so, provided such
horses are not employed on very hard, rough roads ;
but it is by no means applicable to the majority of
our horses. Its principal disadvantages appear to
be, that the heels wear too fast, and that, in running,
horses are apt to slip with it.

Mr. William Osmer improved considerably on the
shoe of Lafosse. He forbade the frogs and bars to
be cut away, except when they were ragged. He,
however, remarks, that the feet of all horses should
be pared according to their length ; the crust being
made perfectly smooth by paring or rasping. His
shoe was every where of an equal thickness, rather
narrower behind than before, of a flat surface next
the ground, and bevilled away from about the mid- J
die of its breadth inwards, leaving a flat surface for |
the crust to rest on.

Lord Pembroke's remarks on shoeing are exceed-
ingly ingenious. He observed that the weight of
shoes must, in a great measure, depend on the qua-
lity and hardness of the iron. If the iron be very
good, it will not bend, and in this case the shoes
cannot possibly be too light; care, however, must

MODERN FARRIER. 113

be taken, that they be made of a thickness so as not
to bend, for bending would tear out the nails and
ruin the hoof. That part of the shoe which is next
the horse's heel must be narrower than any where

j else, that stones may be thereby prevented from
getting under it, and sticking there, which other-
wise would be the case, because the iron, when it

) advances inwardly beyond the bearing of the foot,

I makes a cavity, wherein stones, being lodged, would
remain, and by pressing against the foot, lame the

I horse. The part of the shoe which the horse walks
upon should be quite flat, and the inside of it like-
wise ; and only just room enough should be left
next the foot to put in a picker, (which ought to be
used every time the horse comes into the stable, and
often on marches) and also to prevent the shoe's
pressing upon the sole. Three, or at most four nails
of a side, hold better than a greater number, and
keep the hoof in a far better state. He advises that
the toe of the horse be cut square and short, and
that no nails be placed in that part. By these
means narrow heels are prevented, and many good
effects produced. His lordship advises the hinder
feet to be shod in the same maimer as the fore-feet,
except in hilly and slippery countries, where the
shoes on the hinder feet may be a little turned lip
behind.

The utmost severity (says lord Pembroke) ought
to be inflicted on all those who clap shoes on hot.
This unpardonable laziness of farriers in making feet
fit shoes, instead of making shoes fitting feet, dries
up the hoofs and utterly destroys them. Frequent
removals of shoes are detrimental, and tear the foot,
but sometimes they are very necessary.

The shoe recommended by Mr. Clark did not
differ very much from that of Osmer. He does not,
however, recommend the hollowing of the surface
of the shoe next the foot. Mr. Clark recommended
that the hoof and frog should not be pared or cut
p

114 MODERN FARRIER.

away without necessit}^ and was much against rais-
ing the heels with calkins ; to the use of which he
preferred that of an ice nail. He, however, admits,
that sharp calkins may be necessary in hilly countries.

Several valuable improvements in the art of shoe-
ing have been made by the veterinary college ; and
Mr. Coleman has done much to extend our know-
ledge on this subject. But perhaps the college has
recommended alterations too hastily, and which
naturally tends to decrease public confidence.

The French blacksmiths are neither so neat nor
handy in their operations as the English, but they
have a better method in driving the nails. The
English blacksmith drives the nails up the wall as
high as possible, so as to leave but a very small por-
tion of the nail to clench ; whereas the French drive
them so obliquely outwards, as that the points come
out at about three-quarters of an inch above the
shoe. This method is safe, and holds the shoe firmer
than if the nail had been driven higher up.

The following general rules will be found useful
in almost every case that can occur.

1. The length, breadth, and thickness of the shoe
ought to vary according to the form of the hoof.
The hoof should never be made to fit the shoe in-
stead of the shoe the hoof.

2. In preparing the foot for the shoe, the dead
surface of the sole, and the ragged edges of the frog,
should be cut away with the drawing knife ; but
the heel must not be scooped out or notched. The
bars or binders should not be cut on any pretence
whatever.

3. The shoes of colts should be shaped exactly to
the hoof, which at first is always circular : they
should also be light, and only wide enough to admit
the nails.

4. The shoe for a well formed hoof should not be
above three-quarters of an inch broad, perfectly flat,
and of the same thickness throughout.

MODERN FARRIER. 115

5. The shoe should not be fullered, but holes
punched out sufficiently large to bury the head of
the nails. This renders the shoe stronger and more
secure.

6. An ordinary saddle-horse will require a weight
of shoe and nails from 12 to 14 ounces; but a mo-
derate sized coach-horse will require from 18 to 20
ounces.

7. In shoeing a hollow sole, the heels should be
pared low, and the quarters rasped.

8. When the sole is flat, and the wall thin and
weak, the heels must not be pared, but the toe
should be kept short. The shoe must be broader
than usual, and adapted in some measure to the
convexity of the sole. The surface of the shoe next
the ground should also be flat, by bevelling it from
the outer edge of the web to the inward edge, so- as to
leave a sufficient space between the shoe and the sole.

9. All changes in the form of the shoe should be
made gradually;

10. In order to preserve the shape of a colt's foot,
the shoe should be full sized, and new ones put on
every month.

11. The sole of the foot should never, in any case,
come in contact with the shoe.

12. The frog should, in almost every case, be al-
lowed to come in contact with the ground.

Pattern shoes may be made for a good foot; but
every general rule must vary according to the effects
that may have been produced by bad shoeing or
disease.

67. Casting.

There are several tedious and painful operations
that we are sometimes obliged to perform, and which
it would be difficult, or impossible to execute, were
the animal left at *full liberty to resist us. It is,
therefore, necessary to render ourselves completely

116 MODERN FARRIER.

masters of him, by throwing him down on the
ground, and in a convenient situation, so as not to
expose him or ourselves to injury. This operation
is called casting, and is usually thus performed.

The first object is to prepare a thick bed of straw
or litter, not less than eight feet square, to prevent
the animal from being hurt in the fall. If the stable
be sufficiently large to admit of the bed being made
there, it is to be preferred, as, during the operation
to prepare for which casting is necessary, the parts
operated on will suffer less from exposure to the air
in the stable than without doors.

But if there is not room in the stable, the bed
must be made in the stable-yard, or rather, if possi-
ble, in some field or park adjoining.

The animal is now to be brought to one side of
the bed : a strong leather strap, with a buckle at one
end, and having an iron ring fixed to it, at a conve-
nient distance from the buckle, is to be fixed round
the pastern of each of the four legs, in such a way
that the rings of the straps that are round the fore-
feet shall be directed backwards, and those of the
straps on the hind-feet shall be opposite to these ;
while the buckles point outwards, to prevent hurt-
ing the animal. A pretty strong cord, ten or twelve
feet long, is to be fastened to the ring of that strap
that has been placed on the fore-foot on that side of
the animal which is farthest from the bed : from
this ring it is to pass through the ring on the hind-
foot on the same side, from which it passes through
the ring on the other hind-foot, then through the
ring on the other fore-foot, and lastly through that
to which it was first fastened. The animal being
thus fettered, a number of men are to place them-
selves beside him, so that he may be between them
and the bed, while others are to stand on the oppo-
site side of the litter. Now, the men that are beside
the animal, laying hold of the end of the rope, are
to pull gradually with considerable force, so as to

' . MODERN FARRIER. 117

bring the four feet of the animal as near as possible
together. When this is done, the men on the other
side standing in a row, one at the head of the ani-
mal, another at his chest, a third at his haunches, a
fourth at his tail, &c. pull the animal toward them
and complete his fall.

It is necessary to observe, that the men who pull
the rope, and those who receive the animal on the
bed, must not act at the same time ; as in this case
the shock would be so great and sudden, as probably
to occasion some accident, either to the men or to
the animal. It is also proper to remark, that the
animal must be cast in such a manner that the part
to be operated on may be fully in the view and
reach of the operator.

When the animal is once on the bed, his head
must be held down by a man, and it will be proper
to cover his eyes. Another assistant must stand by
the cord, which for greater security should be fas-
tened with a knot at the first ring.

There are some little niceties to be observed in
casting an animal, according to the operation that
is intended to be performed on him ; but of these
we shall speak when we describe the operations
themselves.

68. Firing.

Firing is the application of a heated metallic in-
strument, called a cautery, to different parts of the
body. The instruments are of different forms, ac-
cording to the purpose for which the operation is to
be performed, and will be described in the following
cases to which firing is applicable.

The operation is found of use on several occasions.

1st, In order to oppose the progress of mortifica-
tion. With this view a cautery shaped like a knife,
with a blunt edge and a thick back, is to be em-
ployed. This form will also answer for many other

118 MODERN FARRIER.

cases. There should be several. instruments of the
same kind, that when one becomes too cool, another
may be ready of the proper degree of heat. The
heat of the iron intended for the present case should
be that of a cherry-red. In applying the iron, the
parts adjoining to the mortified place are to be passed
over with the edge of the instrument in successive
parallel lines, so as the heat may penetrate to the
living parts, and thus produce such a degree of
healthy action as may enable them to throw off the
mortified slough. When the iron has been applied
for a sufficient time, which must be regulated by
the nature of the part, and the extent of mortifica-
tion, the wound is to be covered with a pledget
spread with some stimulating ointment.

2d, Firing is employed to brace the skin, and to
strengthen the sinews. The instrument above de-
scribed is used on this occasion, but its heat must be
somewhat greater. The mode of applying it is to
pass the edge lightly and quickly over the skin, de-
scribing parallel lines from one end of the part to
the other. When one iron has been used in this
way, a fresh one is to be taken, and made to retrace
the lines first formed, beginning where the last iron
left off; and this is to be repeated as often as appears
necessary, taking care not to destroy the texture of
the skin. It is recommended by some to apply the
hot iron so as to burn awa)7" the hair, for some time
previously to firing the skin ; as much time is other-
wise lost before the proper impression can be made
by the iron. After firing, a blister is sometimes
applied, as this is thought to increase the good effect
produced by the iron. When firing is employed on
the hind-legs, or on any part where the operator
would be exposed to danger from the horse's kick-
ing, it is necessary to confine the legs by means of
fetters.

3d, This operation has been found useful in spa-
ving, ring-bones, old callous swellings of the back

MODERN FARRIER. 119

sinews, and in windgalls. For this purpose the
irons are used as already directed. It is the custom
with some farriers to apply a blister in these cases
before firing, in order to reduce the swelling; as
they suppose that firing, employed without this
precaution, would tend to fix the swelling, and ren-
der it incurable. There is probably little foundation
for such an idea.

4th, Firing is very frequently had recourse to by
way of a styptic, in stopping or checking profuse
bleedings, from accidental wounds, or surgical ope-
rations. The iron employed with this view has ge-
nerally a rounded extremity, except in the operation
of docking, where an iron in the form of a ring is
generally employed.

5th, Another use of firing is in wounds of the
joints, or other circumscribed cavities, where it is
employed to promote a kindly circulation, and con-
sequent granulation of healthy flesh. It has been
employed in these cases by Mr. Coleman, with con-
siderable success.

6th, Firing has been found one of the most effec-
tual remedies in those superficial ulcers that accom-
pany farcy or glanders in the horse ; and,
i Lastly, The use of the hot iron has been found
|:he only certain means of preventing the dreadful
fleets arising from the bite of a mad animal,- when
properly applied after cutting out the bitten part.

69. Docking.

This absurd and inhuman practice is thought to
lave originated in this country. The operation is
lever performed amongst the Arabians and other
astern nations. It is undoubtedly a strange in-
tance of prejudice and false taste to deprive horses
f such a fine ornament, which has evidently been
esigned by nature as a protection against flies,
nats, and innumerable other winged enemies, which

120 MODERN FARTHER.

harass them in the summer months. When our
cavalry are sent abroad, the loss of the horses' tails
proves a very serious obstacle to the success of the
troops. More than one instance of this has occurred.
At the battle of Dettingen, in 1743, great part of
the British cavalry were absolutely dismounted,
from the death of the horses, occasioned in a great
measure by the torment which they experienced
from the bite of gad-flies and other insects ; and at
the battle of Minden, in the seven years war, the
cavalry of the allies were thrown into so much dis-
order by these petty enemies, that they had nearly
lost the battle. Lord Pembroke declares, that he
has seen the cavalry horses belonging to our army
sweating, rushing against each other, refusing their
food, and absolutely devoured by flies, for want of
their tails to brush them off; while those of the
horses of the foreign cavalry that had not been de-
prived of this necessary defence, were cool, tranquil,
fed well, and were in good condition.

It is argued, 1st, That a long tail is extremely in-
convenient when travelling; 2d, That a short tail
strengthens the" back, by requiring less nutriment
from the body ; and, 3d, that a fine, arched, cocked
tail is a beautiful object. Now the alledged inconve-
niences of a natural formed tail are extremely trifling,
and are not to be compared with the advantages if
possesses. The opinion that docking strengthen
the back is, to say the best of it, extremely pro.
blematical ; and we think few unprejudiced me]
will deny, that a horse with a long tail is a mud
finer object than one that is prepetually perking an
wriggling his tail in the air, and exposing his ba]
breech to the broad stare of open day.

The manner of performing this operation is
follows -.—Secure the animal by putting a twitch ii
his nose, and tying up one of his fore-legs. Thei
feel with your finger and thumb for the third joint
from the setting on of the horse's tail ; raise up the

MODERN FARRIER. 12l

hair, turn it backwards, and wrap a very small cord
tight about that joint ; then just below this bandage
place the docking shears, and with a firm, steady
stroke, divide the tail. The part round the bone
must then be seared with a hot iron of a circular
form, just large enough to enclose the bone of the
tail ; and a small quantity of powdered rosin may
also be applied to the part, and melted on it with
the iron. The hair may then be untied, and suffered
to be in its natural position.

Some bungling performers lay the tail on a block,
and chop off the part with a cleaver or hatchet,
struck with a mallet. Colts are sometimes docked
when only four or five months old ; but this is too
soon, as it exposes the animal to the attacks of flies
and insects.

70. Nicking,

The operation of nicking consists in dividing the
muscles that depress the tail, so that the muscles
that elevate it may operate freely. It is a cruel
practice, and the operation is often productive of
fatal consequences.

The tail, in some horses, rises high out of the
back, and describes a regular and beautiful sweep,
much more elegant than the ascending curve which
the nicked tail presents. It cannot therefore be jus-
tified in any manner, except in cases where the tail
hangs close to the buttocks. The operation is judi-
ciously described by a modern writer on farriery in
the following manner : —

'The proper mode of proceeding is to cast the
horse, and having all the dressings ready, the ope-
rator may cut a transverse line across the under part
of the tail, at the distance of about two inches from
the rump. The first incision should just go through
the skin, after which the muscles of each side of the
bone of the tail should be divided, taking care to
6 a

122 MODERN FARRIER.

avoid the artery, which generally runs close to the:
bone. The common practice is to cut three nicks
at equal distances from each other ; but in general \
one nick will be sufficient, especially as three are j
apt to make the tail curve upwards, giving it a vul-
gar hackney-like character.

1 As soon as the operation is over, take some pled-
gets of tow, rolled up at the ends, so as to tie like a
string, and having sprinkled some fine oatmeal upon
them, apply it to the divided part of the tail, and
tie it on tolerably tight, and over that tie on a flan-
nel bandage. The tail may then be put into the
pulley, letting the weight at the other end of the
string be just sufficient to keep the tail from falling-
down. On the following morning, cut the ties of
the bandage through with the scissors, leaving on
the bandage, which will- stick on owing to the coa-
gulated blood. This operation of cutting the ties
of the bandage is necessary to be done on the fol-
lowing day, because the tail swells in some degree,
and if confined too long and too tight by the band-
age, a very high degree of inflammation and even
mortification may ensue. Owing to a want of
attention to this circumstance, it is said that a regi-
ment of dragoons, in the English service, once lost
above forty horses in the same week, which had
undergone the operation of nicking. After the
operation is completed, the tail is to be suspended
by a pulley, with a weight at the end of it. The
object of this is to keep the divided edges of the
muscles apart from each other, so as to prevent them
from uniting again during the process of healing.

' It has been customary to make three incisions in
the tail ; but this is not necessary, one being gene-
rally sufficient, as the muscles lose all power of acting
below the first incision.

' The bandage may be taken off on the third day,
and the tail dressed with common digestive oint-
ment, .spread upon pledgets of fine tow, and bound

MODERN • FARRIER. 123

on by a flannel bandage, moderately tight. The tail
should be suspended by the pulley until it is per-
fectly healed, care being taken that the pulley will
run easily from right to left, and vice versa, else the
tail might be kept inclining too much to one side.

* Bartlet invented a machine for suspending the
tail without the use of a pulley. It consisted of a
kind of saddle, or pad, with a groove in it, from
which a cord passed to the tail, so as to draw it up-
wards over the horse's back.

< This machine, with considerable improvements,
is used by Mr. Goodwin, at Carlton House stables,
and with great success. It is certainly the safest
mode of securing the tail from accidents ; but it is
liable to one objection, which is, that it prevents the
horse from lying down during the whole time of its
being used, and which may generally be calculated
at a fortnight or three weeks from the time of per-
forming the operation.'

In case the tail should swell, and discharge a large
quantity of matter, it will be proper to take some
blood from the horse, and to give him a few of the
following diuretic balls :

Yellow resin, 3 ounces.

Nitre powdered, 3 ounces.

Venice turpentine, 3 ounces.

Liquorice powder, 3 ounces.

Ginger, 3 ounces.
Castile soap, - - - 4 ounces.

Oil of juniper, 1 ounce.

With honey or treacle sufficient to make it into a
mass for balls! Each ball to weigh two ounces.

71. Cropping.

Taste and fashion have introduced another opera-
tion, by which the ears of horses are changed from
their natural shape and size, to those which are con-

124 MODERN FARRIER.

sidered by their owners as more handsome or agree-
able. The ears of the horse are seldom of such a
shape or size, as to render them inconvenient to the
animals, or to unfit them for the purposes for which
nature has designed them. This may, however,
sometimes happen; and there are some cases of
wounds or diseases that may render cropping neces-
sary : but in performing this operation, it should
always be kept in mind, that as no part of the ani-
mal is made in vain, no more of the ears should be
taken away than what is absolutely necessary.

The operation of cropping is performed by an in-
strument called the cropping iron; and a shape of
the size of which it is intended the ear shall be, is
applied to the ear to mark the line of section. After
the ear is cut, the skin and muscles recede consider-
ably from the gristly part ; but this seems of little
consequence, and the wound heals in a few days,
without any other attention than confining the ani-
mal within doors, and keeping him on a moderate,
cooling diet. Horses' ears are sometimes trimmed,
as the grooms call it; that is, they are deprived of
the fine soft hair that lines the inside of the cavity.
This practice is equally absurd with cropping, as
will appear from the following observations of Mr.
Clark.

The ears of horses, as of other animals, (says Mr.
Clark,) are covered on the inside with a short doAvn,
intermixed with long hairs, which fine the external
cavity of the ear, which seems designed by nature to
prevent harsh sounds from making too great an im-
pression upon the brain, and likewise to prevent the
cold air, rain, dust, flies, &c. from annoying the in-
ternal ear. The means commonly used to remove
this down, &c. is by the scissors, the flame of a can-
dle, or that of a burning torch. Both the latter are
cruel and barbarous, and cause a deal of pain to the
animal, not only from the blisters that sometimes
rise on the ear after this manner of singeing them,

MODERN FARRIER. 125

but likewise from the means that are used to make
horses stand with patience to undergo the operation,
that is, a twitch on the nose ; and perhaps, if he is
troublesome to the operator, one put on the ear. It
is to be observed, that horses are very much guided
or directed by the sense of hearing. This is obvious
in those that hear distinctly, from the motion of
their ears, and the direction they give them to
whatever quarter any sound comes from, the atten-
tion they pay to what passes around them, or to
what is spoke to them. Many of them, particularly
the finest kind, as they only are liable to this kind
of treatment, have the sense of hearing considerably
blunted, if not rendered quite deaf, from the above
operation.

As this operation is generally first performed on
3^oung horses at the time they are breaking, it is the
more hurtful ; as the uncommon sounds, as the rat-
tling of carriages, drums, £ce. which are entirely new
to them, and to which they are then more exposed
on the roads or in the streets, must make the greater
impression on the sense of hearing : and perhaps it
may be owing to the above cause only that many
horses are timorous to pass carriages, and remain so
ever afterwards.

Another disadvantage which attends this opera-
tion upon the ears of horses, is, that they will not go
on cheerfully when travelling in opposition to the
wind, more especially if it rains ; for as the wind
and rain get free access into the ears, they are conti-
nually shaking their heads, and endeavouring to turn
from it; and those who are of a more impatient
temper will wheel suddenly round, in order to avoid
what gives them so much uneasiness. They are
then said to be restive ; the whip and spurs are ap-
plied by way of chastisement for a supposed fault
only.

From what has been said, it will be obvious, from
the practice of taking away the natural covering

126 MODERN FARRIER.

from the inside of the ears, that the internal ear
must be exposed to be considerably injured, parti-
cularly from cold, dust, &c. which blunts the sense
of hearing, and perhaps causes deafness ; for it is ob-
served in those horses who have been much used to
this treatment, that they lose that lively, active mo-
tion of the ears, and appear dull and inattentive to
what passes around them, and even to the voice of
their keeper.

72. Castration.

This operation is found of use, as rendering horses
more mild and tractable ; but it is disputed whether
the loss of strength and spirit, which the animal sus-
tains, does not more than counterbalance this advan-
tage.

The best mode of performing this usual operation
is, to throw the horse on some convenient spot, on
the off side, and when down, let the off hind-leg be
drawn towards the neck, by which the scrotum will
be fairly exposed. Holding the scrotum firmly,
make a cut at once through it, not of too great
length, but sufficient to admit the testicle being
pressed out ; this being done, apply the clams or a
pair of nippers on the cord, within an inch of the
testicle, and hold the clams sufficiently tight to stop
the flow of blood, but not to bruise the cord ; the
stone may then be cut off with a scalpel, or it may
be seared off with a burning knife. If it is cut off
with a scalpel, immediately before the clams let go
their hold, sear the end of the cord. Some apply a
little powdered resin on it before searing, after which
the clams may be loosened. When this is finished,
proceed to remove the other in the same manner.

After both are removed, a pledget of lint, wetted
in warmed spirits, may be introduced just within
the edges of each wound ; but no salt should by any
means be introduced, as is the practice of some far-

MODERN FARRIEll. 127

riers; nor will any kind of bandage be easily re-
tained, and if any thing of this kind is used, it should
be very loosely applied, so as not to irritate.

Some operators separate the epididymis from the
testicle, and suffer it to remain, by which means
they think that a portion of the animal's spirit is
retained. A similar custom is said to prevail in
France ; but the French operators object to it, on
the idea that it produces fistulous sores in the part.
The fact is, that when any portion of the testicle is
suffered to remain, though it cannot secrete semen,
yet it has some action going on within, by which it
produces some influence both on the mind and form ;
and as such, the future growth of the animal may
perhaps be slightly affected by it, and perhaps his
temper too ; but the addition to the latter may pro-
bably not be a very favourable one.

Where the operation is to be performed, the best
time is probably when the foal is about three months
old, though some prefer a much more advanced age,
at six, or even twelve months, and more in some
cases. In all animals, there is, however, the least
danger of inflammation while they are young in
performing such operations. Besides, it is better to
cut colts before they have any propensity to hanker
fter mares, and get bad habits. When the foals
re early, and the weather is not too hot, the latter
end of May or beginning of June may be a good
and proper season.

Before this operation be performed on a fat horse,
he should be bled and kept rather low. It is best
performed in mild weather. If there be a consider-
able degree of inflammation about the part, give the
following drink : —

Peruvian bark, 1 ounce.

Mithridate, 1 ounce.

Tincture of opium, - half an ounce.

In a pint of warm ale.

128 MODERN FARRIER.

The part should also be frequently fomented, and
washed with a solution of sugar of lead. It will
also be advisable to rub some blistering ointment on
the inside of the thigh.

73. Bleeding.

The operation of blood-letting is of very consider-
able importance to a horse ; and much danger often
results from its being improperly performed. The
vein usually opened runs along the neck, and is
called the jugular vein.

The vein is usually opened by means of a fleam,
which is forced into the vein, by striking it with a
small wooden mallet, called by farriers a blood-stick.
There are many objections to this mode of bleeding.
In the first place, it is extremely clumsy ; and, if
the vein happens to roll, which is very commonly
the case, a large wound may be made in the skin,
without drawing blood. Again, horses are easily
frightened by any sudden motion of the hand ; and
some persons have a way of shaking the blood-stick
before they give the stroke ; and, in doing this, they
often use more exertion than is necessary. The
animal, alarmed at these strange motions, tosses up
his head, and thus renders the stroke uncertain.

Many prefer the ordinary lancet used by sur-
geons ; and, in several cases, particularly of local
bleeding, this is the most convenient instrument. |
But in opening the jugular vein, we do not consider
it as much superior to the common fleam. When
this latter is employed, the back of it should be
made of considerable thickness ; as when it is too
narrow, as is commonly the case, when the in-
strument is struck with the stick, it sinks into the-
channel of Hie vein, which is often not opened,
as the prominent muscles of the neck receive the
stroke.

MODERN FARRIER. 129

For most purposes of bleeding, we would recom-
mend the spring-fleam, it being easily applied, and
much more certain in its effect.

Tying a rope, or any other ligature, about the
neck, previous to bleeding, is in some cases impro-
per, and in many dangerous. Rubbing the neck
! briskly with a wisp of straw will be sufficient to fill
the vein. If the horse can stand, a moderate pres-
sure with the finger will make the blood flow freely ;
but if the horse is lying on the ground, a ligature
will not be improper.

The place where the vein is to be opened is of

i some consequence, as, when the opening is made too

far from the head, where the vein lies deep among

[ the muscles, both the vein is not so easily opened,

land the wound is not so readily healed. The most

proper place for opening the jugular vein is about

an inch below the joining of the small branches that

i come from the lower jaw. This is generally about

la hand-breadth from the head ; but it may be easily

seen by the swelling of the vein when pressure is

1 1 made on its trunk.

Before opening the vein, it is usual to wet the

hairs that lie above it, and to stroke them in the

direction of the intended orifice. This is a good

practice, as the instrument thus passes through the

ikin more readily, not having to overcome the re-

istance of the hair. In mentioning the direction of

he orifice, it is worth while to remark, that this

ihould neither be longitudinal nor directly across

he vein, but rather oblique ; as the flow of blood

rom an oblique orifice is most easily stopped.

When the vein is opened, it is highly proper in

to ill cases to catch the blood in some convenient ves-

el. It is a very absurd practice, although it is

ommonly adopted, to allow the blood to flow at

andom on the ground or on a dunghill, by which

neans no precise estimate can be made of the quan-

ity of blood taken away. This may either be so

R

130 MODERN FARRIER.

small, as to be of no advantage; or it may be so
considerable as to produce fainting, before the ope-
rator thinks of stopping the orifice.

For the purpose of measuring the quantity of
blood taken away, Mr. White recommends a gradu-
ated tin vessel, capable of containing five quarts;
every pint being marked on the inside of the vessel,
so that the quantity of blood that is taken off may
be exactly known. The blood should always be pre-
served, that we may judge from its appearance of
the nature of the disease, and whether it is proper
or not to repeat the operation. If the blood conti-
nues fluid for a considerable time, it shows that
there is an inflammatory state of the body ; and if a
jelly-like substance, of a whitish or light buff colour,
and rather firm consistence, appears on the surface
after the blood has cooled, and especially if the sur~,
face is hollowed, we may be certain that the animal's*
complaint is of an inflammatory nature, that the;
bleeding has been proper, and must be repeated if!
the symptoms continue or increase ; but if the blood
coagulates quickly, is uniformly of a dark liver
colour, loose, and easily broken, with a considerable,;
quantity of water upon its surface, it denotes debi-
lity, and shews that the disease arises from a weak-j
ness of the system ; that instead of bleeding, ionic
and cordial medicines are to be employed, withi
every thing that may tend to restore the animal's
strength.

When a sufficient quantity of blood has been
taken away, it is for the most part necessary to se-
cure the orifice, in order to prevent future accidental
bleeding. This is usually done by thrusting a com-
mon pin through the lips of the wound, and twining
about it a little horse hair. As in this way the
wound often rankles, and becomes a sore difficult to
heal, which we are disposed to attribute to the brass
pin employed, as often as to any other cause ; we
would recommend a pin of silver, or at least of po-

MODERN FARRIER. 131

lished steel. The pin need not pass through more
than the skin ; and in some cases, when the horse
can conveniently be fastened to the rack after bleed-
ing, the pin may be entirely dispensed with.

As it is often required to bleed on either side of
the neck, or on both sides, it is proper that the ope-
rator should be able to bleed with either hand. This
is indeed not quite so necessary in bleeding horses
and cattle as in the human subject ; but it will be
often found very convenient in both.

In some cases, especially in inflammation of the
brain, where a sudden and copious loss of blood is
required, it becomes necessary to open the temporal
artery. This is easily effected, as the artery is si-
tuated very superficially, about an inch and a half
backwards from the upper and outer corner of the
eye. It is most conveniently opened with a lancet,
and when a sufficient quantity of blood has been
drawn, the flow is in general very easily stopped by
making continued pressure upon the artery ; or, if
this should not succeed, and a dangerous effusion of
blood should be apprehended, this may be effectually
prevented by completely dividing the artery.

Mr. Coleman, speaking of the inflammation of the
vein which sometimes succeeds bleeding, observes,
that 'whenever inflammation attacks the internal
surface of veins from bleeding, or any wound, the
disease is to be considered as of the same nature, and
requiring the same remedies, as the exposure of
joints, or other cavities.

* The first symptom of inflammation and suppura-
tion within a vein, is generally a small degree of
swelling about the orifice, the lips of which soon
recede from each other, and a little oozing escapes
from the part

' At other times, the swelling will be more consi-
derable, attended with frequent hcemorrhage ; and
where the swelling extends much above the orifice,

132 MODERN FA11RIER.

the vein is frequently callous and enlarged as high
as the head.'

On the first appearance of swelling in the part,
the pin should be taken out, and the part fomented
with warm water four or five times a day, and in
the intervals the following lotion may be used, viz.

Golard, 1 drachm.

Spirits of wine, - - half a pint.

To be put in a quart bottle, and filled up with
Water.

This treatment, if regularly persisted in for a day
or two, will generally remove the swelling and in-
flammation ; but if the horse is fat, and considered
to be foul in his body, a mild dose of purging physic
may be given with advantage. It frequently hap-
pens, that horses which run in mail or stage coaches
are injured in the neck after bleeding, by the rein
of the bridle rubbing against the pin which closes
the orifice ; and indeed instances have occurred of
horses which work in the night having the pin
forced out, and bleeding until they dropped down
before the accident was discovered. But, at all
events, a carriage-horse should not be worked on
the same day on which he is bled, because the pres-
sure of the collar in drawing always fills the vein by
stopping the circulation of the blood, and either
prevents the orifice in the vein from closing and
healing, or else bursts it open afresh after it has
barely united.

When, however, the inflammation and swelling
do not subside, and matter forms, the edges of the
wound may be dressed with a small quantity of;
butter of antimony, applied with the point of a fea-
ther, which may be used once in three days. At
the same time, a poultice of bran may be applied, by
inclosing the poultice in a flannel bag, and tying it
easy round the neck. This will lubricate and soften

MODEEN FARRIER. 133

the skin, and will tend to keep down the inflamma-
tion. The common practice is to introduce a small
piece of corrosive sublimate, or else to dress the part
with aquafortis, either of which are very dangerous,
because they destroy all the parts which they touch,
and the vein being eaten away also, the horse is in
danger of bleeding to death, except the vein is tied
by a ligature above the orifice.

Another writer on this subject remarks, that 'the
cases where bleeding is required are, violent bruises
or strains in the muscular and tendinous parts, where
they are attended with much inflammation; also
large wounds, where there is much laceration with-
out much loss of blood. It is likewise proper in all
cuticular disorders or eruptions on the skin, in large
swellings on the body or legs arising from a plethoric
state ; in all deep punctures, when the horse shews
symptoms of great pain ; and in swelling of the legs
or heels, when attended with much inflammation.

* Bleeding is sometimes the speediest method of
giving relief in the beginning of inflammatory fevers,
to which horses are very liable ; it is also necessary
in all violent acute pains, as in the gripes, or colic,
strangury, or suppression of urine ; in rheumatic
complaints, where the pain causes stiffness, or lame-
ness, and which frequently shifts from one limb to
another, or when it affects the neck, and occasions
that stiffness and contraction of the muscles which
is commonly called the chords ; in inflammation of
the eyes, or palate of the mouth, the latter of which
is called the lampas, when the horse cannot eat his
food on account of the tenderness of the parts — in
all recent colds, attended with defluxions of the
eyes; in recent swellings of the glands about the
throat, jaws, &c. ; in inflammations of the liver, the
lungs, the pleura, stomach, intestines, kidneys, blad-
der, or any of the internal viscera; in apoplexy,
vertigo, or giddiness, and in all disorders where the
head seems affected ; in eruptions of the skin, called

134 MODERN FARRIER.

surfeit ; in full habits of body, where proper exercise
has been neglected, and when a horse breathes with
difficulty on the least exercise. On the other hand,
bleeding is to be avoided in cases of all inflammatory
swellings after matter has formed. It is also to be
avoided in all cases of extreme lowness or weakness,
produced by fatigue or disease, or after strong eva-
cuations by purging, or scouring, or diabetes, or ex-
cessive staling.

' Bleeding is also improper during the time of a
horse's moulting, or shedding his coat; in fact, it
should never be practised, except some more sub-
stantial reason can be given than the mere plea of
custom at certain periods of the year.'

Mr. White, in his Materia Medica, says, ' When
a horse appears dull and heavy, and indifferent
about his food, by bleeding we often prevent a
fever. If a horse is bled at the commencement of a
cold, the complaint generally proves moderate, and
of short continuance. In all cases of internal in-
flammation, or symptomatic fever, bleeding is the
most essential remedy, provided the operation be
performed at an early period, and the blood drawn
in sufficient quantity. In such cases, I have often
taken away five quarts, and repeated the operation
the following day, when it appeared necessary. By
bleeding copiously at first, these formidable diseases
are crushed at once; while by suffering them to
proceed, or become at all violent, which they will
do unless this practice is adopted, (or if only a small
quantity of blood is drawn,) they generally prove
fatal ; nor will bleeding then be of any service.'

Mr. Clark of Edinburgh, in his work on prevent-
ing diseases in horses, remarks, ' that although the
cases which may require bleeding are numerous, yet
there is one general caution to be observed, viz.
never to take away blood but when it is absolutely
necessary ; as it is a fluid that may be easily taken
away, but cannot be so easily replaced ; besides, that

MODERN FARRIER. 135

the practice of bleeding frequently, or at stated
times, is exceedingly improper, as it disposes the
body to become lax, weak, and plethoric.

■ In bleeding, therefore, a due regard must always
be had to the constitution, age, strength, &c. of
horses, and the state or habit of body they are in at
the time.

' It is commonly said that the taking away a little
blood from horses, even when they are in health, or
when they are in the least indisposed, will do ho
harm : this, in one sense, may be allowed to be lite-
rally true ; but why draw blood from them on every
trifling occasion, unless there may be such symptoms
attending as may require it ? I have observed in
many horses who have been very frequently blooded,
and which may be easily known from the cicatrices
or marks on the neck veins, that their blood had
lost much of its tenacity, together with a consider-
able portion of its florid and red colour. Butchers
who slaughter calves may find their account in
bleeding them frequently, as it renders their flesh
white, by taking away the red particles of the blood.
But in horses it is quite otherwise ; as they are des-
tined for hard labour and active exercises, it impairs
their constitutions, subjects them to disease, and
hastens a premature old age.

'As the blood of horses, more especially those
who are constantly employed in hard labour, or in
active exercise, when drawn from a vein, appears
of a darkish or deep red colour, even in the highest
state of health, it is commonly said to be bad blood,
and more so when a thick yellow or bufF-coloured
crust forms on the surface after it is cold; hence
these appearances are said to require repetition of
bleeding ; for it very unluckily happens, that most
of the diseases to which horses are subject are thought
to proceed from some impurities or humours, as they
are called, in the blood, which require to be drained
off by bleeding, and other evacuations.'

136 MODERN FARRIER.

74. Rowels and Setons.

Rowels in horses are usually made in the follow-
ing manner : — An incision is made through the skin
by means of a very sharp pair of scissors, or, what
appears better, a sharp knife. The finger is then
introduced below the skin, so as to separate it from
the flesh all round, as far as the finger will reach.
A piece of leather, about the size of a crown-piece,
and of a circular form, with a hole cut in the middle,
is then inserted between the skin and muscles, hav-
ing been first anointed with some stimulating oint-
ment. A small piece of tow or caddice, spread with
the same ointment, is put over the hole in the centre
of the leather ; the skin is laid down over all, and
the part is covered with a pledget, also covered with
ointment, to keep out the external air.

The leather is left in this situation for two or
three days, during which the parts adjoining the
rowel swell, and at the end of the time there appears
a discharge of a yellowish matter, which gradually
becomes thicker and whiter. In three days, at far-
thest, the part must be examined, and the plug re-
moved from the central hole, to allow the matter to
flow out. The rowel is now complete, and may be
continued as long as shall be found necessary. The
action of the rowel is easily explained ; the leather
introduced excites a degree of inflammation between
the skin and the flesh ; and no means being taken to
check this, it goes on like most other inflammations
of fleshy parts, to suppuration. Thus a discharge is
produced from the part, which is found to have
considerable effect in checking inflammation of
some more important organ near which the rowel
has been inserted.

Rowels may be placed in most of the fleshy parts
of the body ; but they are most commonly inserted
in the belly, the breast, the inside of the thighs, the

MODERN FARRIER. 137

outside of the shoulders, and the hips. They are
sometimes placed between the jaw-bones, below the
tongue ; but this is very improper, as a good suppu-
ration can seldom be brought on in this place.

It is sometimes found necessary to make several
rowels at the same time ; but they should always be
placed as nearly as possible to the seat of the affec-
tion which they are intended to relieve.

Besides dangerous inflammation, rowels are found
serviceable in large swellings of the hind-legs, in ob-
stinate cases of grease, and in strains of the shoulder.

Where there is considerable debility, the insertion
of a rowel would be very injudicious, as it would
not suppurate kindly, and as the discharge produced
would tend still farther to increase the debility.
The discharge in these cases is usually thin and
ichorous ; sometimes they are perfectly dry, and not
unfrequently a mortification is produced.

Setons are particularly useful for the purpose of
gradually draining off matter from large abscesses or
suppurating tumours. The mode of introducing
them is described in page 76.

75. The Stable.

The horse, in a state of nature, is constantly ex-
posed to the open air ; and when domesticated and
confined in a stable, he must necessarily experience
some derangement in the natural functions of his
body. Swelled legs, grease, and inflammatory at-
tacks on the eyes, are generally the result of dry
feeding and confinement in a stall. The situation
and construction of stables are therefore of the great-
est importance ; as without a particular attention to
these objects, it will be found impossible to preserve
the health of this valuable animal.

Stables should be built on a dry soil, that is some-
what elevated ; or, at least, they must not be kept
in a hollow, or in the neighbourhood of boggy or

138 MODERN FARMER.

marshy land. The damp, cold air, arising from
moist, low situations, is extremely prejudicial to the
health of all animals, particularly horses, and, as we
shall see hereafter, to sheep. It renders them sub-
ject to colds, rheumatism, and not unfrequently to
fever. Stables built in these situations are therefore
always dangerous ; and more particularly so, when
the animals return to them after having been heated
by violent exercise or labour.

Stables should be roomy in proportion to the
number of horses that it is proposed they should
contain. Perhaps no stable should be made to hold
more than five or six horses, as many inconveniences
arise from keeping too many of these animals in the
same apartment. Not only is the air thereby much
more vitiated, but the rest and sleep, so necessary to
repair the fatigues of the day, are thus prevented or
disturbed. Some horses' will not sleep, or even lie
down, if not perfectly at their ease ; and hence, in
large stables, that are made to contain a dozen or
more horses, as is often the case in livery stables and
such as are attached to large inns, the frequent en-
trance of grooms, ostlers, and other persons with
lights, into the stable, and even the restless noise of
some of the horses, who are more watchful, or have
been less fatigued than others, must be a great dis-
turbance to these latter. Where necessity requires
a long range of stables, it is better to have them
divided, by thick partition walls, into separate apart-
ments, each made to contain not more than six.
horses. The additional expense of this would be
trifling, compared to the greater ease and comfort of
the animal.

It is usual in large stables, for the sake of keeping
more horses conveniently under the same roof, to
make them double-headed, as it is termed ; that is,
to have a range of stalls along; each wall, with a
space between, for persons to pass to and fro.
Stables of this kind are very improper; the space-

MODERN FARRIER. 139

between the two ranges is often so narrow, that
when the opposite stalls are occupied at the same
time, the horses can reach each other with their
hind-feet, especially when standing, as they often
do, at the full length of their halter. Hence, in the
contests that often arise between quarrelsome or
mettlesome horses, very severe bruises, and even
lameness, are not unusually the consequences of the
animals being within each others' reach. The dan-
ger that threatens passengers in these narrow spaces
is also not small. A person is much exposed to
danger when obliged to pass between two rows of
horses, kicking and wincing under the curry-combs,
where the intermediate space does not exceed three
or four feet. If double-headed stables must be used,
the spac.e between the ranges of stalls should be at
least eight feet.

The stall should be six feet wide, to allow a horse
of fifteen hands height room to turn round in,
.especially as the back-bone of a horse possesses but
little flexibility. The length of the stall should be
nine feet, and the height should be such as to hinder
them from smelling or biting each other. It is a
bad and dangerous mode to divide the stalls only by
a bale, or circular wooden bar, suspended by a chain
both at the manger and at the post.

The custom of paving the stall with a descent
backwards is productive of many serious inconve-
niences. This is done for the purpose of letting the
urine run off from the litter. But the pain of
standing constantly in an up-hill position is very
great; and the horse always endeavours to find a
level standing, either by placing himself across the
stall, or by retreating as far back as his halter will
allow. He is also obliged to balance himself by
standing with his fore-legs farther under his body,
which gives him a bad habit of going, and also by
removing the pressure from the heels to the toes,
tends to increase that contraction to which the feet,

140 MODERN FARRIER.

in the stable, are always more or less disposed. The
hind-legs too are always more inclined to swell from
this circumstance ; and the horse, when lying down,
frequently slips backwards in such a manner, that,
being at the utmost length of his halter, he is unable
to rise on his legs, owing to the confinement of his
head and neck.

The ground surface of the stall, therefore, should
be perfectly level both before and behind ; and in
order to carry off the urine, a drain may be made
under the surface, with a grate about six inches
square in the centre, and which part of the surface
should be rather lower than the rest.

The best flooring for stalls is strong oaken planks,
well seasoned, and laid across the stall with their
extremities below the partitions, and having their
joining edges accurately adapted to each other.
Such a flooring is more elastic, and preserves a more
equal temperature than pavement ; besides, although
a little more expensive, it is not so slippery, or so
apt to be broken with the pawing and stamping of
the animal, as brick or stone.

The manger should be so contrived as to slide
into the wall, so that when the horse is not feeding,
he may have nothing to bite at whilst he is being
cleaned, which habit often teaches them to become
crib-biters. The racks should be made of cast iron,
in which case no splinters can rise to wound the
animal's lips. They should be perpendicular with
the wall, because, by hanging over, hay-seeds some-
times get into the horse's eyes, and produce great
inconvenience. The bars should not be above four
or five inches asunder, that the hay may not fall out
and be wasted. The door of the stable should be at
least seven feet high, in which case the horse will be
less liable to strike his head against it in passing
through it.

The roofs of stables should be a good height, and
the walls should be of stone or brick, but by no

MODERN FARRIER. 141

means of wood ; and they should only be covered
with plaster- The temperature of the air in build-
ings of stone or brick is much more equable than in
those built of wood, and they also are better adapted
for resisting the spreading of fire.

It is a common practice to build stables of two
stories, the upper story forming a loft for the pur-
pose of keeping the horse's hay and corn ; and in
gentlemen's stables, where the building is sufficiently
large, it is usual to have apartments on the upper
story for the grooms and other servants employed
about the stables to sleep in.

The apartment employed as a hay-loft has usually
a vacancy in that part of the flooring which is im-
mediately over the rack, for the purpose of more
conveniently supplying the horses with hay. This
mode of building stables has its convenience in an
economical point of view, and these apartments in
the upper story add much to the shewy appearance
of the building ; but there are several material ob-
jections to this construction.

Lofts or chambers above the stable render the lat-
ter too close and warm, and are more exposed to
accidents from fire, while the foul and heated air
that arises from the stalls tends to mildew the hay
and corn : besides, the dust rising from the shaking
of the hay into the rack is prejudicial to the lungs of
the horses.

Where, from taste or convenience, stables are built
of two stories, the flooring above the stable should
be made as close as possible, and covered with thin
bricks or stone ; and the entrance to the upper lofts
or apartments should be from without, and by no
means by a trap-door and ladder within the stable.
Stables should always be as much as possible de-
tached from other buildings, and the dunghill should
be at some distance from the door or window of the
building.

142 MODERN FARRIER.

The generality of stables are by much too close
and warm ; not a chink is left for the free admission
of air ; the door, and windows (if there are any), are
made so close, as perfectly to exclude the air ; or, if
this is not the case, the crevices are frequently stop-
ped with hay, under the idea that the horses cannot
be kept too warm. This is a most absurd and mis-
taken notion; and is contradicted both by reason
and daily experience. When we consider that
horses in a state of nature, or even in their usual
pastures, are perpetually exposed to the open air,
and that, under these circumstances, they are more
vigorous and active than under the most attentive
care of their masters, we must be convinced of the
impropriety of keeping them for hours together in
the foul and heated atmosphere of the ordinary close
stables. Whoever enters one of these stables when
the door is first opened in the morning, after it has
been closely shut up all night, will be able to judge
from his own sensations, whether swch an atmo-
sphere can be wholesome to the animals that breathe
it. Besides the great heat of the stable, which if
many horses have been shut up in it all night is
nearly intolerable, the air will be found highly im-
pure, from the continual respiration of so many
animals, and the steams arising from the exhalations
of their bodies, which have probably sweated pro-
fusely from having been so long confined in an
atmosphere so foul and heated. Add to this the
impregnation of the air by the effluvia arising from
the litter, kc. ; and it is not easy to conceive a more
unhealthy situation for an animal, who, to perform
the offices required of him with activity and vigour,
should be in the full possession of all his strength.

In order to preserve the health of horses, it is ab-
solutely necessary that the stable be properly venti-
lated. This may be easily effected by letting down
the upper sash of the windows a little, and by car-

MODERN FARMER. 143

rying a tube of six inches diameter from the centre
of the ceiling through the roof. The importance of
ventilation is very clearly and simply explained by
a modern writer in the following words :

' The effluvia of animal bodies, like all the other
excretions, is constantly running into a putrefactive
state ; and this must point out very forcibly the ne-
cessity of a proper degree of ventilation in stables,
especially when it is considered that the dung and
urine add greatly to the evil. But the desire of
giving a horse a fine coat in winter induces those
who have the care of him to keep the stable as hot
as possible, by excluding, to the utmost of their
power, the external air. As far as appearance goes,
this custom certainly has the desired effect ; but the
consequences are, that the animal is rendered more
delicate, and more liable to catch cold whenever lie
happens to stand in a colder situation than that to
which he is accustomed. Stables that are kept hot,
and not sufficiently ventilated, are always extremely
damp. This arises from the breath and the vapour
of the horse's body becoming condensed on the sur-
face of the walls, and running down them in a liquid
state.

' When this moisture has remained for a certain
length of time, it acquires an unpleasant and sickly
smell, and which must be peculiarly offensive to an
animal destined in a state of nature to be surrounded
with pure and wholesome air. In a state of health,
a certain evaporation from the surface of the body is
constantly going on. This is called the insensible
perspiration. This vapour is absorbed by the sur-
rounding atmosphere, and the quickness or slowness
of the absorption will be in proportion to the change
which the air undergoes by circulation. Thus, if
the horse be exposed to the open air, the evapora-
tion is much more rapid than when he is confined
in the stable. This evaporation unloads the vessels
of the skin, invigorates the circulation of the blood,

144 MODERN FARRIER.

and gives a general tone of health and spirit to the
whole animal machine. Upon this ground, there-
fore, the necessity of attending to the proper means
of ventilation, in the construction of the stable, must
be sufficiently evident.'

It is absurd to expect a horse should prove vigor-
ous and healthy that is condemned to live in a close
stable, and to breathe a contaminated atmosphere.
This inconvenience will destroy even the strongest
constitution of a horse ; and it is probable that the
constant breathing of a hot foul air is the principal
cause of broken-wind. It likewise renders the horse
liable to fever, languor, and loss of appetite. It
exposes him to all those external complaints that
arise from obstructed perspiration, as rheumatism,
tumours in the glands, farcy, grease, and eruptions
of the skin. But the danger is much greater when
the perspirable matter is thrown upon the lungs,
and produces coughs, inflammations, and consump-
tions ; or, by affecting the brain, induces the stag-
gers and epilepsy.

The value of fresh air is now better understood
than formerly. It is computed that a man renders
a gallon of air unfit for respiration after he has
breathed in it for the space of one minute ; and Dr.
Hales found that he could not live half a minute
without uneasiness in seventy-four cubical inches of
atmospheric air : how large a quantity then of air
would be rendered unfit for respiration in the same
time by a horse, whose lungs are considerably larger
than a man's ? But a hot, damp, moist air is not
only extremely pernicious to the health of horses,
but destructive to the furniture of every kind.

The free admission of light into stables is nearly
of as much consequence as that of air. It is a very
erroneous opinion which is maintained by some
grooms and stable-keepers, that horses feed best in
the dark. These animals naturally love the light,
and are much more cheerful and spirited in stables

MODERN FARRIER. 145

where this is freely admitted, than in the dark and
dismal hovels that we sometimes find attached to
inns and farm-houses. There is one bad conse-
quence that follows keeping horses in a dark stable,
which does not appear to be sufficiently attended to.
By being kept so long excluded from the light, the
horses' eyes become weak, and unable to support
the full glare of open day. The pupils being so
long habituated to an unusual degree of dilatation,
do not readily contract when the animal is brought
out into the open air ; hence his eyes being offended
with the strong light, to which he is so little accus-
tomed, are perpetually winking and watering ; the
horse appears as if half blind, and starts and stum-
bles at almost every step.

The stable should, therefore, be furnished with
glazed windows, in number proportioned to the size
of the building. In general, no stables should have
fewer than two windows ; and they should be placed
in such a situation, as that the horses may not re-
ceive the rays of light too directly on their eyes.
Where the stable has only one range of stalls, this
point can be easily effected, and in such stables, the
windows should always be placed at the back of the
horses. But in double stables it is not easy to place
the windows so as not to incommode some of the
horses, since, on whichever side of the stable they
are made, the horses on that side are exposed to the
full glare of the light; another argument against
double stables. The windows should by all means
be sashed, and should be made to draw down from
the top, as well as to be thrown up from below.
They should not be made too small, and should be
carried up as near the ceiling of the stables as is
compatible with the strength and symmetry of the
building.

146 MODERN FARRIEIL

76. Cleanliness.

No damp or wet litter should on any account be
permitted to lie in the stable. Cleanliness is essen-
tial to health. The stalls should therefore be care-
fully cleaned out every morning, and the moist
litter removed to a distance from the stable. The
sharpness of the volatile salts, arising from the urine
which is absorbed by the straw, is extremely hurtful
to the eyes of the horse ; while damp litter softens
the hoof, swells the legs, and produces many other
inconveniences.

77. Food.

When the horse ranges at liberty in the fields, he
chooses his food, and seldom errs ; but when shut
up in a stable, he is exposed to great danger, both
from the quantity and the quality of the food given
to him. In this state he has to wait the conve-
nience of the keeper ; and being sometimes obliged
to fast long, the horse eats so voraciously as to over-
load his stomach and occasion great danger.

Mr. Clark, of Edinburgh, mentions two instances
of horses having died from excessive eating. *A
young draught-horse was fed in the morning with
too great a quantity of barley mixed with pease,
and had been allowed to drink water immediately
after. After having travelled a few miles, he was
observed, about the middle of the day, to be very
uneasy, frequently attempting to lie down. As
soon as he was unharnessed, he laid down, and rolled
about, frequently lying on his back, starting up
suddenly, and turning his head towards his belly.
He continued in this manner, in great agony, till
towards the next morning, when lie died. Upon
opening his body, the stomach was found burst, the
barley and pease mostly entire, only greatly swelled,

MODERN FAR11IER. 147

•and the whole contents of the stomach, which were
very considerable, spread through the abdomen.

* The other case was that of a horse that had been
fed with too great a quantity of oats and barley, and
had been allowed to drink water freely afterwards.
He was seized with griping pains, so that he fre-
quently lay down, and, apparently, in the greatest
torture. He died on the next day. Upon opening
his body, the stomach was found distended to a
most enormous size, but was not burst. Its coats
were stretched so very thin, from the great disten-
tion it had undergone, that its cohesion was almost
destroyed, and it had more the appearance of a coat
of mucus and of slime than the stomach. The oats
and barley were, for the most part, entire as they
were swallowed, only greatly swelled from the
moisture they had imbibed.'

These, and many other instances that might be
enumerated, shew the necessity of preventing a
horse from eating too much at a time. His food
should be given in small quantities, and often re-
peated.

It is, however, equally necessary to avoid the op-
posite extreme, for a deficiency of food soon brings
horses into a state of debility and disease. A starved
horse becomes weak and languid, and the circulation
of his blood faint and feeble. Dropsical swellings
appear in different parts of the body, and especially
in the legs, and the horse sinks under a complication
of diseases, which are the result of an impoverished
state of the blood and juices.

There is a great difference in the quality of the
food given to this animal, and which ought to be
attended to in order to preserve his health.

Grass is the most natural food for horses ; but it
must be admitted that they are not so capable of
enduring great labour and fatigue whilst fed with
it, as they are when kept in the stable upon hay
and oats. This arises from the great moisture and

148 MODERN FARRIER.

succulence of the grass increasing the animal fluids,
and producing a degree of fatness which adds to the
weight of the horse without increasing his strength.
It also diminishes the powers of free respiration, by
loading the vessels ; and in this state the animal
may, with great propriety, be compared to a fat
alderman when matched in a race with a lean active
rustic. ? It is, however, of the most essential benefit
to turn horses to grass occasionally, not only in re-
gard to a change of diet, but also to a change of air.
The spring-grass acts as a natural purgative, and
carries off various unhealthy concretions, that some-
times collect in the intestines of horses that are long
confined to dry hard food. It also facilitates the
evacuation of worms, particularly the ascarides, and
it renovates, in a striking degree, the whole mass of
fluids of the body. It is certain that nothing so
soon re-establishes a lean over-worked horse as grass ;
a change which sometimes cannot be effected in the
stable, even with the best hay and oats, and the
most attentive grooming.

Hay is the principle fodder used for horses in this
country. Its smell and taste is sweet, and horses
are very fond of it, especially of mow burnt hay,
which is of a browner colour than the ordinary
kinds of hay. The sugar which it contains produces
thirst, and occasions them to drink much, which
tends to fatten them sooner than other food. New
hay is very indigestible, and productive of very se-
rious disorders ; it ought never to be given for food.
Very old hay is also to be rejected, for after the se-
cond year it loses its nutritive and digestible quali-
ties. Hay is never better than when it is about one
year old.

Rye-grass hay is harder, coarser, and not near so
nutritive as the meadow-hay. But whatever may be
the nature of the hay, it is of the utmost consequence
that it should be sweet and wholesome, and not
mouldy, as bad hay lays the foundation for disease.

MODERN FARRIER. 149

It is customary to put hay in the rack at night :
and in cases where the horse labours much through
the day, it may not be improper, as at night he en-
joys leisure to masticate his food properly ; but it
cannot be necessary to give hay at night to animals
which work little, and which spend most of the day
in the stable.

Oats are the general food of horses in this coun-
try. They are usually given three times a day,
with a small mixture of beans, especially for carriage
and post horses. But such heating food can be
given safely only to such animals as undergo strong-
exercise. The constant feeding with oats is apt to
make horses costive ; it is therefore a good practice
to give them bran-mashes once or twice a week.

Good oats, whether white or black, are known by
their weight and thinness of husk, and being short.
They should be some months old before they are
used, as new oats are apt to swell the belly and pro-
duce gripes. Oats should be carefully sifted clean
from dust and the dung of mice.

It is recommended to bruise the corn in a mill
before giving it to the horse, as whole corn being
but imperfectly masticated, eludes the digestive
powers of the animal, and is ejected from his body
crude and unbroken. This is particularly the case
with brood mares and young stock, the bellies of
which are full of slippery grass ; such should have
the corn ground and made into mashes.

New beans ought to be dried in a kiln before they
are given to horses. Old beans should be split, and
given either with bran or chaff. It is a good me-
thod to boil the beans, or else, by wetting them oc-
casionally, to excite that degree of fermentation
sufficient to make them sprout. They may be used
with advantage in cases where the horse labours
severely. Beans contain more solid nourishment
than oats, but of a less salubrious nature.

150 MODERN FARRIER.

Carrots are said to amend the wind, purify and
sweeten the blood, and to replenish after the wast-
ings occasioned by disease or inordinate labour.
Mr. J. Lawson recommends them highly. They
are either given in spring or autumn to high-fed
horses, as a change of diet, at the rate of one feed
per day in the lieu of a feed of corn, or as full sub-
sistence to others. They are to be washed clean,
and, if large, cut into flat and sizeable pieces. The
quantity of carrots for a feed is from half a peck to
a peck.

Barley is the common food for horses in Arabia,
Spain, Portugal, and some parts of France. It is a
good wholesome food, though a strong unfounded
prejudice exists against its use in England. When
mixed with straw, nothing is better calculated to
keep horses in spirit and wind. Barley at first has
a tendency to purge horses.

Wheat is not proper for horses ; for although its
high price precludes its use, yet its cohesive indi-
gestible properties render it very dangerous food.

It is indisputably a good practice to mix chopped
straw or hay with the grain. For as lord Pembroke
justly remarks, speaking of this practice, 'Every
grain goes to nourishment, none is to be found in
the dung, and three feeds of it go farther than four
that are given in the common way. But wheaten
straw and a little hay sometimes mixed with it is
excellent food. To a quarter of oats the same quan-
tity of chopped straw may be added.'

Here it may not be improper to mention again
that most foolish and dangerous custom of feeding
horses in the same proportion, whether they work
or not. From this error many disorders proceed ;
for no horse which is not well and constantly exer-
cised, can continue long in health if full fed.

MODERN FARRIER. 151

78. Drink.

There is seldom proper attention paid to the qua-
lity of the water which horses drink, although it be
an object of the greatest importance. Water be-
comes the vehicle of all nourishment to the animal ;
and as it partakes of the quality of those bodies
through which it passes, we cannot be too particular
about its choice. It is the best diluter of fluids in
the stomach, and it is essential to the healthiness of
the fluids of the body. The following sensible ob-
servations on the subject are from the pen of Mr.
R. Lawrence.

' It has frequently been observed and not easily
accounted for, that horses do not thrive on changing
from one part of the country to another, although
their treatment in every respect be the same, dif-
ference of water excepted. This perhaps may, in a
great measure, be owing to the quality of the water
they drink, and which may be possessed of different
qualities from that to which they had before been
accustomed.

' This is particularly observed in those places
where the stable-yards are supplied from pit-wells,
some of which are very deep, and the water very
hard, which occasions that chilliness, trembling, and
shaking, which is frequently observed in horses,
when they drink it immediately after it is new
pumped, and which causes their coats to stare and
stand on end for a considerable time, and sometimes
they are griped and seem considerably out of order.
Spring-water is liable to partake of all the metalline
or mineral strata through which is passes. Hence
it becomes noxious or salutary according to the na-
ture of those substances with which it has been in
contact. Hiver-water has, likewise, its different
qualities, from the various soils through which it
travels ; but, in general, it is much softer than water

152 MODERN FARRIER.

that runs under ground, and therefore is much fitter
for use. Well or pit-water is subject to all the in-
conveniences of spring-water, with this additional
circumstance, that it is generally hard, and, by stag-
nating long in the well, it may there take up from
the bed it lies upon such particles as may render it
unwholesome ; therefore the goodness of all well or
pit water is to be doubted, and particularly that
which is taken from very deep wells. Pond-water
(under which head may be included all stagnant
waters which generally proceed from rain), if lying
on a clean or clayey bottom, and fresh, answers very
well for cattle of all kinds ; but in warm weather it
is apt to corrupt and ferment, which renders it un-
wholesome, and the most uncleanly and disagreeable
of any.

' To correct the hardness of pit- water, and render
it more salutary for horses to drink, it should be
pumped into a large trough, and exposed to the
open air for some time before it is used, or if a cart-
load or two of clay or chalk were tliown into the
well, it would greatly improve the water. It has
likewise been found that breaking down a piece of
clay, about the size of an apple, in a pailful of hard
water before it is given to a horse to drink, morning
and evening, has produced a considerable and fa-
vourable change on the coats of horses.

' Indeed, it will be found where horses are obliged
to drink hard water, they are for the most part,
rough haired, and at the same time have a great
deal of dusty matter at the roots of their coats, even
though they are well curried and brushed every
day, which plainly shows that there is some obstruc-
tion in the pores of the skin, which prevents the
natural perspiration, and of course that shining ap-
pearance of the hair which is observable in all horses
that perspire freely. Hence it would appear that
this cutaneous obstruction proceeds from the con-
stant drinking of water of a bad quality.

MODERN FARTHER. 153

Very hard water may be improved by throwing a
quantity of clay into it ; and impure stagnant water
may be improved by throwing into the well a few
shovelfuls of burnt lime.

. Horses may *be permitted to wash their mouths
and throats by a few swallows of water after any
severe exercise ; but while heated, they should never
be allowed to drink freely of cold water, nor before
performing any active exercise.

79 Exercise.

In order to preserve the health of horses, it is ne-
cessary that they be regularly exercised. Without
exercise the circulation of the blood becomes slow
and languid, the sheath and legs swell, glandular
obstructions are formed, and many obstinate dis-
orders take place; whereas health, firmness, and
strength, are greatly promoted by proper exercise.

The transition from idleness to exercise, or from
exercise to idleness, should be gradual, or much mis-
chief may ensue. Where possible the periods of ex-
ercise should also be so regulated as not to interfere
with the usual course of feeding and cleaning. In
all cases where it can be avoided, it is improper to
take out horses to exercise in wet or stormy wea-
ther. Fat horses that have become delicate from
long confinement, under such circumstances, often
die suddenly, or are attacked by the disease called
the molten grease.

Horses that are very fat, and have been kept idle
for some time, should be prepared for work or exer-
cise by undergoing a regular course of purging me-
dicine, and a good deal of walking exercise. While
enforcing the utility of exercise, it is scarcely neces-
sary to observe, that violent and long continued ex-
ercise is, on the other hand, attended with danger.

154 MODERN FARRIER,

80 Clothing.

Stables ought to be kept clean, dry, well venti-
lated and moderately warm ; in which case body
clothes will not be necessary. They are indeed
highly improper, as they keep the body in a con-
stant state of relaxation, and render the animal more
liable to catch cold.

' Would it not appear ridiculous and inconsistent,'
says a sensible writer on this subject, 'for a man to
wear a great coat in a warm room, and to throw it
off when he went out in the fresh air. Yet equally
absurd is the practice just alluded to of clothing
horses in the stable. One would imagine that the
health of a horse was an object of the first consider-
ation, and certainly of more importance than the
fineness of his coat. But, in almost all stables, the
latter is considered as of the most consequence, and
the health of the animal is sacrificed accordingly to
this trifling object'

Clothing post or coach-horses, which are liable to
experience great changes, and to stand out in the
open air, is particularly objectionable. As to the
practice of covering a hunter or race-horse with
body-clothes and a hood, and in this state of sweating
him excessively, nothing can be more absurd and
hurtful. The perspirable matter being confined by
the clothes, the pores are clogged up, the vapour
becomes rank and unwholesome, and the poor ani-
mal naturally falls into a state of weakness and ex-
haustion. The mail coach horses are generally kept
in high condition ; yet they are not only not clothed,
but frequently exposed to bad weather and other
evils. When a horse is put into a stable in a state
of excessive perspiration, it may not be improper to
cover him with a cloth, in order that he may cool
gradually. The other cases wherein clothing may

MODERN FARRIER. 155

be properly used are mentioned under the heatd of
the diseases where the precaution is-recommended.

81. Different Breeds.

The horse is produced in most parts of the world.
In. the wild and extensive plains of Africa and Ara-
bia, he ranges without control in a state of entire
freedom. In those immense tracts, the wild horses
may be seen feeding together, in droves of four or
five hundred ; one of them always acting as sentinel,
to give notice of approaching danger. This he does
by a kind of snorting noise, upon which they all fly
off with astonishing rapidity. The wild horses of
Arabia are esteemed the most beautiful in the
world ; they are of a brown colour, their mane and
tail of black tufted hair, very short ; they are smaller
than the tame ones, are very active, and of great
swiftness. The most usual method of taking them
is by snares or pits formed in the sand. It is pro-
bable there were once wild horses in Europe, which
have long since been brought under subjection.
Those found in America were originally of the Spa-
nish breed, sent thither Upon its first discovery,
which have since become wild, and spread them-
selves over various parts of that vast continent.
They are generally small, not exceeding fourteen
hands high ; with thick heads and clumsy joints ;
their ears and necks are longer than those of the
English horses. They are easily tamed ; and if by
accident they should regain their liberty, they sel-
dom become wild again, but know their master, and
may be easily caught by him.

The difference that exists in the form and quali-
ties of this noble animal is to be attributed chiefly
to peculiarity of soil and climate. The extremes of
heat and cold are alike adverse to the luxuriant pro-
duction of herbage and the growth of animal bodies.
Hence, perhaps, the contrast between the small

156 MODERN FARRIER.

pony produced in the bleak isles of Shetland, and
the huge horse bred in the more temperate and
fertile plains of Flanders. Some have supposed
that the Welch pony was originally the only breed
peculiar to Great Britain, and which has been im-
proved by intermixtures with foreign horses. How-
ever this may be, it is certain that the English
blood-horse is superior to any other, not only in
Europe, but in the whole world.

The superior excellence of the English blood-
horse is to be ascribed to the care and attention be-
stowed upon breeding, especially for the turf; and
which system has been zealously pursued for a great
number of years. Some good judges are, however,
of opinion, that the breed is deteriorating, as the
present practice of running horses so young has
caused a preference to be given to a slighter race
than formerly. They have strongly recommended
a more frequent recurrence to a first cross with ge-
nuine Arabians ; but the expence and difficulty of
importing an Arabian horse is very great. Few
that are introduced into this country as Arabians
have any claim to that title. The earl of Elgin,
whilst in Turkey, offered a poor native 500/. for an
Arabian mare, which he rode, but was refused. Per-
haps an association of gentlemen could best effect
the important object of obtaining a selection of the
most valuable Arabian horses.

82. The Arabian Horse.

The Arabian horses are divided into two classes,
the nobles and the plebeians : the latter are crossed
in a variety of different manners, and form the
most numerous species. The former has been pre-
served uncontaminated and without alteration for
an amazing length of time. The Arabs have no
tables of genealogy to prove their descent, yet they
are sure of their legitimacy ; for a mare is never
covered, writes Niebuhr, unless in the presence of

MODERN FARRIER. 157

-witnesses, who must be Arabians. This people do
not always indeed stick at perjury ; but in a case of
such serious importance, they are careful to deal
conscientiously. There is no instance of false testi-
mony given in respect to the descent of a horse.
Every Arabian is persuaded that himself and his
whole family would be ruined if he should prevari-
cate in giving his oath in an affair of such conse-
quence. The koclilani horses are the most highly
esteemed, and consequently the dearest. They are
reserved solely for riding, and are said to shew un-
common courage against an enemy. It is even as-
serted, that when a horse of this race finds himself
wounded, and unable to bear his rider much longer,
he retires from the fray, and conveys him to a place
of security. If the rider falls upon the ground, his
horse remains beside him, and neighs till assistance
be brought. The kochlani horses are neither large
nor handsome, but amazingly swift. It is not for
their figure, but for their velocity and other good
qualities, that the Arabians esteem them. The
English, continues Niebuhr, sometimes purchase
these horses at the price of two hundred or two
hundred and fifty pounds sterling each.

The horses of the Bedouins or wandering Arabs
preserve inconceivable vigour and spirit, amidst a
continual succession of fatigue and abstinence. —
Every one of these Arabs has his mare, and his tent
serves him for a stable. The mare and her foal, the
husband and his wife and children, sleep together
promiscuously : the infants often lie on the body or
on the neck of the mare or foal without receiving
any injury from these animals, which seem afraid to
move lest they should hurt the children. An Arab
never beats his mare, but treats her gently, and talks
and reasons with her ; and she is so extremely at-
tentive to the wishes of her rider, that whenever she
perceives the approach of his heel to her side, she
instantly sets off with incredible swiftness.

158 MODERN FARRIER,

83. The Egyptian Horse.

The Egyptian horses are descended from the
Arabian, and are remarkable for size and beauty.
They are more elegant than the Arabian coursers,
but inferior in strength and swiftness. The horse
of Egypt however, compensates for the deficiency
by his own appropriate attractions ; a majestic sta-
ture, the head well proportioned, eyes full of fire,
wide nostrils, a fine forehead, the crupper round and
plump, legs slender and tendinous, a light and sure
step, proud and noble attributes, in short an admi-
rable proportion between all his parts ; so that if the
Arabian hors.e renders more essential services, the
Egyptian will be more gratifying to the vanity of
his owner.

84. The Persian Horse.

The Persian horses are large and bony. They
shew much blood, and attain a larger size than the
Arabian horses. Sir George Ousely has lately exhi-
bited some good specimens of this breed.

85. The Turkish Horse.

The Turkish horse is a strong, sprightly little
animal, and, when crossed with large English half-
bred mares, is likely to produce a very serviceable
stock, either for the coach or the saddle.

86. The Hanoverian Horse.

' The Hanoverian horse,' says a late writer, ' is of
a good size, with rather high action, and in general
grand in his forehead, though somewhat light in his
ribs. When crossed witli English blood-mares, he
gets good hackneys and excellent coach-horses. —
The regiment of the Scotch Greys some years ago
had a Hanoverian stallion which travelled with
them to their different quarters round the country.
Several farmer's mares were sent to this horse whilst

MODERN FARRIER. 159

the regiment was stationed in Warwickshire ; and
although he was by no means a superior horse in his
shape or appearance, still he got some very useful
well formed stock, and with good and safe action.'

87. The Russian Horse.

The Russian horses, especially those upon which
the Cossacks are mounted, are very strong, both in
make and constitution ; but they have no preten-
sions to beauty, having rather coarse bony heads,
with straight necks, and being what is called ragged
flipped, and cat-hammed, ' that is to say, with their
hocks standing close together. But they have clean
fiat legs, with little hair at their heels, and certainly
have better blood in them than their external ap-
pearance testifies.

88. The Spanish Horse.

The Spanish horse is the worst of his species in
the creation. He has neither strength, speed, nor
durability. His form is the very reverse of excel-
lence in every point. A long head, narrow front,
small eyes, a large bony and prominent nose, small
nostrils, thick leather lips, narrow jaws, thick
throat, heavy and fleshy neck, upright and thick
shoulders, small chest, short and thin arm, long and
slight shank, small joints, long sloping pasterns and
narrow hoofs, flat ribs, hollow back, short quarters,
small round thighs, weak hocks, cat hammed, round
croupe, and a coarse bushy tail, appearing as if it
were stuck into the rump. And in regard to his
action, he raises his fore-leg high in a perpendicular
direction without advancing his shoulder, throwing
his feet outwards every time they are suspended in
the air.

89. The French Horse.

The common breed of horses in France is a very
indifferent kind of animal ; but much attention has

16*0 MODERN FARRIER.

lately been paid to their improvement, and many of
the cavalry regiments are now well mounted. The
best horses are bred in Normandy.

90. The German Horse.

The German horses are very similar to the Hano-
verian : but they are not remarkable either for speed
or bottom.

91. The English Horse.

The English blood-horses, as before observed, are
the most celebrated in Europe. This excellence is
not so much owing to the salubrity of our climate
and our pasturages, as to the close attention and
judicious observations of our most eminent breeders.
An able French writer on this subject remarks, that
'.The crossing of the Arabian and other Asiatic
horses with the English breed, and the farther
crossing of their produce with each other, has natu-
rally produced a division into five classes, which are
very distinct and have been well preserved.

'The first is the race-horse, proceeding directly
from either an Arabian or Barb with an English
mare that has been bred by a similar cross. This is
what the English call their highest blood.

' The second is the hunter, arising from a blood-
horse and a half-bred mare. This class in very nu-
merous— they are stronger than the first, and capable
of undergoing great fatigue.

' The third is the result of a cross of the hunter
with mares of a more common description : these
constitute the coach-horse. It is from these two
classes that the English export so many throughout
Europe, and particularly to France.

' The fourth is the draught-horse, the produce of
the former with the strongest mares of the country.
There are some of this breed of the greatest size,
and in their form and character not unlike the
horses which are seen cast in bronze.

Modern farrier. 161

* The fifth has no particular character, being the
result of accidental crossing among the rest. Still,
notwithstanding this mixture, the influence of the
Arabian blood may be traced in some degree even
among the most common sort.

' The English have procured Arabian horses, and
have devoted the greatest attention and care to their
system of breeding, particularly by publishing the
genealogy of those which they considered as their
best produce. They have well understood the im-
portance of this publication, for, by these means,
they have been able to have recourse to stallions
and mares that approach the nearest to the origi-
nal blood, for the purpose of breeding, and thereby
to preserve the breed from degenerating.

' Such is the state of breeding-horses in England,
where they pretend that they have no occasion to
return to Arabian horses, an opinion which appears
to be founded rather on the estimation in which
the English hold their own breed, or the fictitious
value which they wish to put upon them, than upon
fact.

' The race-horse, is, in England, a grand object of
luxury and expense. Many rich families have been
ruined by the enormous wagers which take place at
their races, as well as the expence of keeping the
horses. It will hardly be believed that they have
carried their system to such an excess as to cover
whole fields with sand, in order to produce a more
delicate herbage, and more assimilated to that which
grows in Arabia, from whence the blood of these
race-horses originated, from the apprehension that
the coarser sort of grass would affect their wind;
and that five or six grooms, at six guineas per
month each, a're employed to take care of one horse;
and that they warm the water for the horse to drink
in winter, with other ridiculous customs, unknown
even to the Arabs.'

162 MODERN FARRIER.

This general classification of the most prevalent
breeds in England appears to be tolerably correct,,
though it is a subject that does not admit of much
precision. The following brief remarks on the most
distinguished, breeds of English horses will, be found
useful.

92. The Race-horse.

The English race-horse is indisputably the strong-
est animal of his weight in the creation. This pe-
culiar excellence does not depend on his bulk, but
upon a certain form and disposition of his limbs, as
may be readily perceived in his full and close loins,
low hips and muscular haunches and thighs. From
this kind of conformation he is enabled to support a
wonderful continuance of violent exertion, or what
is called, in the language of the turf, bottom. They
are also superior to the Arabian, the Barb, or the
Persian for swiftness. The famous horse Childers
coidd move eighty-two feet and a half in a second,
or nearly a mile in a minute : he has run round the
course at Newmarket, which is little less than four
miles, in six minutes and forty seconds. So im-
portant is this breed in England, that wagers to the
amount of nearly two hundred thousand pounds
were betted on the event of a race between Hamble-
tonktn and Diamond. In another division of this
work we will notice several curious racing anecdotes.

93. The Hunter.

The hunter forms a happy combination of the
race-horse with others of inferior swiftness, but pos-
sessing strength, vigour, and activity, and is, with-
out doubt, a very useful breed.

The whole shape of a horse intended for a hunter
should be this : the ears should be small, open, and
pricked ; or though they be somewhat long, yet if
they stand up erect and bold like those of a fox, it

MODERN FARRIER. 163

is a sign of toughness or hardiness. The forehead
should be long and broad, not flat, or, as it is usually
termed, mitre-faced, but rising in the middle like
that of a hare ; the feather should be placed above
the eye, the contrary being thought by some to
threaten blindness. The eyes should be full, large,
and bright ; the nostrils not only large, but looking
red and fresh within ; for an open and fresh nostril
is always esteemed a sign of a good wind. The
mouth should be large, deep in the wicks, and hairy.
The wind-pipe should be large, and appear straight
when he bridles his head ; for if, on the contrary, it
bends like a bow on his bridling, it is not formed
for a free passage of the breath. This defect in a
horse is expressed among the dealers by the phrase
cock-throppled. The head should be so set on to
the neck, that a space may be felt between the neck
and the chine; when there is no such space, the
horse is said to be bull-necked ; and this is not only
a blemish in the beauty of the horse, but it also
occasions his wind not to be so good. The crest
should be strong, firm, and well risen; the neck
should be straight and firm, not loose and pliant ;
the breast should be strong and broad, the ribs round
like a barrel, the fillets large, the buttocks rather
oval than broad, the legs clean, flat, and straight ;
and, finally, the mane and tail ought to be long and
thin, not short and bushy, the last being counted a
mark of dulness. When a hunter is thus chosen,
and has been taught such obedience, that he will
readily answer to the rider's signals both of the bri-
dle and hand, the voice, the calf of the leg, and the
spurs ; that he knows how to make his way forward,
and has gained a true temper of mouth, and a right
placing of his head, and has learned to stop and to
turn readily, if his age be sufficiently advanced, he
is ready for the field.

164 MODERN FARRIER.

94. The Road-horse.

A good English saddle or road-horse is one of the
most useful animals in Europe, though the breed
has been lamentably neglected. Farmers are more
inclined to breed hunters than hackneys, on account
of their obtaining a higher price for the produce.
They therefore put their mares to some thorough-
bred ill-formed stallion, which possesses no recom-
mendation but a pedigree, and perhaps the winning
of some sweepstakes. ' Many of these,' observes
Mr. II. Lawrence, ' are very badly formed in their
legs, and shew evident signs of bad action by the
scars on their fetlock joints, occasioned by striking
one leg against another.'

The comparative low price given for good road-
horses has, no doubt, contributed to discourage im-
provement in this invaluable breed. It, however,
is an object of great national importance, as it affects
both internal intercourse and external defence. The
under-sized weak horses that are admitted into our
regiments of light dragoons rendered them unable,
at the battle of Waterloo, to withstand the charge
of the French cavalry.

Road-horses are best produced by a half-bred stal-
lion, rather tall, with a comely and outswelling fore-
head. His eye should be bright and sparkling, his
neck well turned, and issuing high out of his breast,
with deep shoulders, broad breast, long muscular
arm, and short shank. His back should be short
and ribbed home, his girth large, and his belly
round. His hind quarters should be bold and mus-
cular, and not too long in the thigh and leg. He
should go light, and his knee should be well elevated
and advanced during the trot. The progeny of such
a horse must be excellently adapted either for the
road, the saddle, or the purposes of war.

MODERN FARRIER. 165

95. The Draught-horse.

Great improvements have been made in this use-
ful breed of horses. The great, unweildy black
horse, with a large sluggish head, a long fore-end,
long back, and long thick hairy legs, has nearly dis-
appeared, and is now succeeded by an animal which
unites the advantages of strength and docility with
those of form, activity, and vigour. Farmers are
now convinced that strength and activity, rather
than height and weight, are the more essential pro-
perties of draught-horses.

The draught-horse ought to have a large broad
head, because horses of this shaped head are less
subject than others to diseases of the eyes. The
ears should be small, straight, and upright ; the nos-
trils large and open, that he may breathe with the
more freedom. A horse with a full and bold eye
always promises well. On the other hand, a sunk
eye and an elevated brow are bad signs. The horse
is esteemed fittest for this purpose also, that has a
large and round buttock, which neither sinks down
nor cuts. He must have a firm and strong tail, and
the dock must be thick and well furnished with
hair, and placed neither very high nor very low.
The legs should be rather flat and broad than round ;
the roundness of the leg being a fault in a horse
destined to labour that will soon ruin him. As to
the hinder legs, the thighs should be fleshy and
long, and the whole muscle which shows itself on
the outside of the thigh should be large and very
thick. No country can bring a parallel to the size
and strength of our horses destined for the draught.
In London there are instances of single horses that
are able to draw on a plain, for a small space, the
weight of three tons, and which can with ease, and
for continuance, draw half that weight. The pack-
horses of Yorkshire usually carry a burden of 420
lb. over the highest hills of the north, as well as the

166 MODERN FARRIER.

most level roads. But the most remarkable proof
of the strength of our British horses is derived from
that of our mill-horses ; some of which will at one
load carry 13 measures, which at a moderate com-
putation of 70 Ik each, will amount to 910 lb.

96. Selecting Stallions.

The want of good saddle and road-horses, in this
country, and the increase of a bad breed, arises
chiefly from the want of proper stallions. The fol-
lowing cautions, if attended to, would obviate this
very general evil.

1 . Remember that the length of the legs has no-
thing to do with the size of the body, and that
strength depends more on the muscular disposition
of the animal than on his height. There are more
good middle-sized horses than larger ones that are
sixteen or seventeen hands high.

2. Fat, large, black, fleshy legged horses, with
coarse large heads, narrowr foreheads, and small eyes
and nostrils, are, in consequence of their relaxed
texture, almost universally affected with swelled
legs and greasy heels. They are clearly deficient
both in strength of body and vigour of constitution.

3. Horses that are either blind or broken-winded
are very improper to breed from, as these particular
diseases are often hereditary.

4. Perfect well-formed legs and feet are of the
greatest importance in the choice of a stallion ; for
when the feet of horses are disposed to dryness and
inflammation, the owner is exposed to constant vex-
ation and disappointment.

5 The temper of a stallion is also an object of
importance, for some are naturally vicious, which
overbalance many other good qualities.

6. Inferior stallions, which cover at a low price,
have generally more mares put to them than they

MODERN FARRIER. 167

ought to have, and the stock is weak ?.nd under-sized
in proportion to the excess.

97. Breeding Mares.

Every farmer who possesess a mare, whether well
or ill formed, is determined to breed from her, under
the idea that if she produces any thing in the form
of a horse, it will obtain a ready sale. Thus the
country is filled with a stock of animals, fit for little
else but to vex their owners and consume the pro-
duce of the earth.

There prevails an idea that a good breeding mare
should have a large belly, as the more room a foal
has in the dam, the better proportioned it will be.
Nothing can be more absurd ; for great-bellied, long-
backed mares are the unn'ttest to breed from ; and,
being generally weak and relaxed, they produce the
smallest foals. The size of the foal depends more
upon the strength and vigour of the dam's constitu-
tion, than upon the dimensions of her belly.

Very old mares naturally decline in constitution,
and cannot reasonably be supposed to be so fit for
breeding as young ones. Besides, from a decay of
the teeth they do not graze well, and artificial food
cannot supply the foal with nutrition like what is
derived from natural resources.

98. Breeding.

Before the stallion is brought to the mare, he
should be dressed, as that will greatly increase his
ardour. The mare must also be curried, and have
no shoes on her hind-feet, some of them being tick-
lish, and will kick the stallion. A person holds the
mare by the halter, and two others lead the stallion
by long reins ; when he is in a proper situation, an-
other assistant carefully directs the yard, pulling
aside the mare's tail, as a single hair might hurt him

168 MODERN FARRIER.

dangerously. It sometimes happens that the stallion
does not complete the work of generation, coming
from the mare without making any injection ; it
should therefore be attentively observed, whether,
in the last moments of the copulation the dock of
the stallion's tail has a vibrating motion ; for such a
motion always accompanies the emission of the se-
minal lymph. If he has performed the act, he must
on no consideration be suffered to repeat it, but be
led away directly to the stable, and there kept two
days. For however able a good stallion may be of
covering every day during the three months, it is
much better to let him be led to a mare only every
other day : his produce will be greater, and he him-
self less exhausted. During the first seven days, let
four different mares be successively brought to him,
and the ninth day let the first be again brought, and
so successively while they continue in heat ; but as
soon as the heat of any one is over, a fresh mare is
to be put in her place, and covered in her turn
every nine days ; and as several retain even at the
first, second, or third time, it is computed that a
stallion, by such management, may, during the
three months, cover fifteen or eighteen mares, and
beget ten or twelve colts.

These animals have a very large quantity of the
seminal lymph ; so that a considerable portion of it
is shed during the emission. In the mares likewise
is an emission, or rather distillation of the seminal
lymph, during the whole time they are horsing-
ejecting a viscid whitish lymp, called the heats,
which ceases on conception. The ejection of this
liquor is the most certain sign of the mare's heat :
but it is also known by the inflation of the lower
part of the vulva, by her frequent neighings, and
attempts to get to the horses.

Though the usual season for the heat of mares be
from the beginning of April to the end of June, yet
it is not uncommon to find some among a large

MODERN FARRIER. 169

number that are in heat before that time : but it is
advisable to let this heat pass over without giving
them to the stallion, because they would foal in
winter; and the colts, besides the inclemency of the
season, would have bad milk for their nourishment.
Again, if the mares are not in heat till after the end
of June, they should not be covered that season ;
because the colts being foaled in summer, have not
time for acquiring strength sufficient to repel the
injuries of the following winter.

Many, instead of bringing the stallion to the mare,
turn him loose into the close, where all the mares
are brought together ; and there leave him to choose
such as will stand to him. This is a very advan-
tageous method for the mares: they will always
horse more certainly than in the other; but the
stallion, in six weeks, will do himself more damage
than in several years by moderate exercise, con-
ducted in the manner we have already mentioned.

About six months after the mare has ceased to
shew any desire for the horse, some convulsive mo-
tions may be perceived at the flanks when she has
drank water freely : and this is the first sure sign of
conception. Mares, when pregnant, 'will admit of
copulation, but it is never attended with any super-
fcetation. They usually breed till they are fourteen
of fifteen years old, and the most vigorous till they
are above eighteen.

There is no certain time that the mare carries the
foal. It is generally, however, eleven months and
ten or fifteen days. They foal standing ; whereas
most other quadrupeds lie down. Abortion seldom
takes place, except when the mare is exposed to
very violent exercise, such as are called dead pulls
at a heavy load, or on bad roads. On the other
hand, proper exercise is of great service to mares in
this state.

As soon as the flanks begin to droop, and the
udder becomes enlarged, the mare should be sepa-
8 Y

170 MODERN FARRIElt.

rated from other horses, and left at liberty. In foal-
ing, no assistance should be given, unless it appears
to be absolutely necessary. Nature can best per-
form her own operations when left to herself.

If, however, there appears a difficulty in foaling,
the hand should be introduced, to ascertain whether
the foal presents itself in a proper position, with the
head and fore-legs foremost; and if the legs are
bent, they should be placed right. If the labour
still proves difficult, the mare may be assisted by
taking hold of the legs of the foal, and pulling
gently every time she makes an effort. But even
this assistance must not be given until the nose and
legs of the foal become visible. After foaling, the
mare should be kept as quiet a possible.

It is customary to have a mare covered nine days
after her foaling, that no time may be lost ; but it is
certain, that the mare having, by this means, both
her present and future foal to nourish, her ability is
divided, and she cannot supply both so largely as
she might one only. It would therefore be better,
in order to have excellent horses, to let the mares be
covered only every other year ; they would last the
longer, and bring foals more certainly ; for, in com-
mon studs, it is so far from being true that all mares
which have been covered bring colts every year,
that it is considered as a fortunate circumstance if
half, or, at most, two-thirds of them foal.

99. Crossing the Breed.

It is always an extremely hazardous speculation
to breed from an indifferent animal on either side,
under the expectation that the opposite proportions
of the horse and mare will produce a happy medium.
It very seldom answers the purpose intended. The
safest way is to breed from two animals that are
exempt from any natural defect.

MODERN FARRIER. 171

It is particularly wrong to make disproportioned
copulations, as of a small horse with a large mare,
or a large horse with a small mare, as the produce
of such copulations would be small or badly propor-
tioned. It is by gentle gradations that we must
endeavour to arrive at natural beauty.

It is generally supposed, that as improvements in
breeding originated by intermixing the native with
foreign horses, continuing to breed from the same
line would degenerate the stock. This idea, however,
is perhaps as fallacious, when applied to the breed-
ing of horses, as it has been found to be in the
breeding of cattle and other quadrupeds. Breeding
in-and-in, as it is called, when the animals are per-
fect, is, the writer conceives, a sure way of procuring
improvement.

100. Colour of Horses.

There is an old adage, that ' a good horse cannot
be of a bad colour;' but many experienced judges
are of opinion, that not only the beauty, but the
disposition of the animal is connected with the co-
lour. The following are Mr. Gibson's ideas on the
subject.

101. The Bays.

The bays are probably so called from their resem-
bling the colour of a dried bay-leaf. Bay is an ex-
cellent colour, and denotes a good nature. The
bright bay is an exceedingly beautiful colour, and
is deservedly admired. A horse of this colour has
generally his mane and tail black, and sometimes a
dark list down his back. The dark bays have al-
most always their knees and pasterns black. Some
of these incline to a brown, and are more or less
dappled.

172 MODERN FARRIER.

102. The Chesnut.

The true chesnut is generally of one colour, and
his hairs compounded of three colours; the root
light, the middle dark, and the points of a pale
brown, which makes an agreeable mixture. Some-
times the hair approaches to a fallow-colour, only
with a sort of beautiful chesnut stain. Where a
chesnut happens to be bald or party-coloured, or to
have white legs, they are not very agreeable to the
eye. There are many good and beautiful horses of
this colour.

103. The Sorrel.

The sorrel differs from the chesnut in having the
hairs of several colours intermixed, and wherein
the fox-colour generally predominates. The sorrel
horses have often much white about their legs and
pasterns ; and some are bald over the face, with
manes and tails of a sandy colour. Those that have
much white about their limbs are apt to be faulty
in the feet and tender in constitution.

104. The Brown.

This colour is of various degrees ; but most brown
Horses have black manes and tails, often with black
joints, though somewhat rusty. They generally
grow lighter towards their bellies and flanks, and
many are light and mealy about their, muzzles.
Those that are dappled are esteemed most handsome.
The plain brown are often coarse, but strong and
serviceable for the draught.

105. The Black.

Jet shining black horses, with little white, are
very beautiful. White adds neither to their beauty
nor their goodness. Those that partake most of the
brown are generally the strongest in constitution ;
but Mr. Gibson considers the English black horses.

MODERN FARRIER. 173

especially of the cart kind, not so hardy as the bays
or chesnuts.

106. The Grey.

The greys are much diversified in colour. The
dapple grey retains his colour the longest, which is
a sign of strength in constitution. The silver grey
is extremely beautiful, and many of them are very
good. The iron grey, with light mane and tail, are
not considered the most hardy. The nutmeg greys
are often beautiful, as well as hardy. The light
plain grey soon grows white, as all other greys do
in process of time.

107. The Bomis.

The roans are a mixture of various colours, where
the white predominates. Those that have a mix-
ture of the bay or nutmeg colour are sometimes to-
lerably handsome. Indeed, the roans are generally
better and stronger horses than they appear to be.

1 08. The Dun.

The dun, the fallow-colour, and the cream-colour,
have all one common resemblance; and most of
them have a list down their backs, with their manes
and tails black. Dun-horses, though not handsome,
often prove useful: the fallow and cream-coloured
horses are often both good and beautiful. The fal-
low, or tawny dun, are sometimes faintly dappled,
and look well in a set, when properly matched,
The king's cream-coloured horses are bred in Hano-
ver, and seem to be a distinct breed from all others.

There are a great variety of other colours, such as
the strawberry, the starling, the flee-bitten, and the
peach-colour ; but they are rather uncommon. In
Germany there are some horses finely spotted with
black, red, yellow, and other gay colours, and which
sell for a high price as curiosities.

174 MODERN FARRIER.

109. Colt-rearing.

The business of breaking a colt, and preserving
bis temper, will be greatly forwarded by rendering
him familiar with the people about him. When
about three months old, he should be frequently
handled, and have his legs gently taken up, and the
feet gently hammered. He should also be haltered,
and led about a few minutes every day. This prac-
tice will also render it easier to administer medicine,
should it become necessary.

Sometimes colts do not thrive, their coats stare,
and they become hide-bound. This state of body is
frequently produced by worms, and which is usually
indicated by a little whitish or light straw-coloured
powder adhering beneath the anus. The following
ball may be found useful in such cases :

Soccotrine aloes, 2 drachms.

Castile soap, 2 drachms.

Or the following :

Barbadoes aloes, 2 drachms.

Powdered ginger, - half a drachm.

Oil of wormwood, - 8 drops.
Prepared natron, 2 scruples.

With syrup of buckthorn sufficient to make a balL
The above doses are adapted for a colt not below
one year old. If two. years old, the aloes may be
increased two drachms ; and if three years old, two
drachms more. The dose may be repeated once or
twice, as occasion may require, at intervals of a
week or ten days.

The same medicine may also be given after the
colt has recovered from the strangles.

In case of worms, it will be found useful to give
about twenty grains of calomel on the night pre-
ceding the giving of the ball.

MODERN FARMER. 175

At two and a half years old, colts shed the two
front teeth, which, for a time, renders them incapa-
ble of biting the grass so well as they did before.
In this case it is proper to give them bran-mashes,
with either hay or straw cut like chaff.

While a mild purgative is recommended in these
cases, great care should be taken never to permit
strong physic to be administered. Even old horses
are frequently destroyed by strong doses of physic,
and colts can scarcely be expected to resist its inju-
rious effects. *A valuable blood-colt,' says Mr.
White, * was attacked with colic, which appeared to
be of the flatulent kind, and, though violent, not
dangerous. The usual remedies were ineffectually
employed ; and it was found, in attempting to give
a clyster, that the internal coat of the gut was so
loose and so enlarged, that there was no possibility
of injecting it: the colt died about sixteen hours
after the attack. On examining the body after
death, all the bowels were found nearly healthy, ex-
cept the rectum, or last gut, near its termination, in
which the inner coat was so loose and large, that
the cavity was nearly obliterated, and scarcely any
passage left for the excrement. The internal sensi-
ble coat of the stomach appeared also in a diseased
state, being very tender, and easily separated ; but
it was not inflamed. About a week after, I was
accidentally informed, that the man who had the
care of this colt, and was about to train him for the
turf, had given him three doses of physic ; and that
the " last had operated so well, that he thought the
colt would never have ceased purging." This was
nearly the man's expression, which he had commu-
nicated, in the way of conversation, to a groom, be-
fore the colt was taken ill.'

The operation of castration has been treated of
before. Some breeders defer this operation as long
as possible, in order to give the colt a finer colour,

176 MODERN FARRIER.

and a fuller and loftier crest and forehand, than those
gelding that have undergone it when very young.
This operation is perhaps carried to too great an ex-
tent in this country ; and it is really a pity to ob-
serve such a number of fine, well-formed geldings
rendered incapable of propagating their kind. It is
at least surprising that unmutilated horses are not
more used in the army. When our troops landed
in Egypt, they found the Mamelukes all mounted
on stallions ; and the French confessed that their
cavalry which served in Egypt, and which General
Doyle says was decidedly the finest European he
ever say, did not dare to meet them with equal
numbers. The horses were so excellent, and the
riders so dexterous, that had they understood our
military manoeuvres, they would have been invinci-
ble. On the subject of castration, a popular writer
expresses himself in the following manner :

' Castration is more practised in England than in
any other part of Europe. It certainly renders the
animal more tractable, and it gives the opportunity
of turning him to grass with mares, as well as with
horses, with less danger of mischief. But it en-
feebles him both in make and constitution, for the
gelding is certainly more delicate and less capable of
bearing the extremes of heat and cold ; and it is
worthy of observation, that even the stallions which
work in the brewers' drays in London, and which
are never clothed in the stable, and are often obliged
to stand many hours in the streets, are always fuller
of flesh and finer in their coats than the geldings of
the same description. In the shape and character
of the head, there is a very evident difference be-
tween the stallion and the gelding. In the stallion
the forehead is broader,, and the eyes bolder and
more prominent ; the nostrils are larger and capable
of greater expansion ; the Windpipe, or trachea, is
larger ; and hence, very probably, may be traced the

MODERN FARRIER. 177

cause why they are generally better winded than
geldings. In neighing, also, the voice of the stal-
lion is more deep and sonorous.

110. Colt-breaking.

Considering the violent and brutal dispositions of
many horse-breakers, it is astonishing that so few
of these generous animals become restive and un-
manageable. Coolness and gentleness are the most
effectual means of overcoming the danger and diffi-
culty of breaking a young colt.

Having been accustomed to be handled and hal-
tered, begin by putting on a bridle for a very short
time, and, immediately on taking it off, feed him ;
and he will soon become reconciled to the process.
The bit should be a plain snaffle, thicker than the
one afterwards used ; and in the centre should be
fixed a slabbering bit, which, lying loosely upon the
tongue, excites the horse to move his jaws, and pre-
vents him from bearing heavily upon it, so as to
deaden his mouth. He should at first be reined up
•very easily, and but for a short time to the surcingle.

The saddle should be fixed with great care, and
the girth should be no tighter than what is neces-
sary to prevent the saddle from turning round.
Care must also be taken that the crupper is a pro-
per length, and does not gall the tail. Let the
colt's head be at perfect liberty in leading him out
of the stable, lest he should start and be afraid of
striking his head against the upper part of the door;
an apprehension natural in young colts. Always
put his bridle and saddle on with great gentleness,
as improper haste or violence may so alarm him,
that he will never again quietly submit to the ope-
ration. Avoid also holding him by the lower part
of his nose, because as a horse breathes only through
his nostrils, and not through his mouth, the pressure
of that part of the nose stops his breathing, and he
z

178 MODERN FA11RIEK.

naturally becomes impatient from the dread of being
suffocated.

It is customary to lead a colt at first with a ca-
vesson, which is buckled round the nose ; but this
is a very harsh and severe instrument, if not used
with peculiar gentleness. Instances have some
times occurred of the bones of the nose becoming
diseased, from being pinched and bruised by the
sudden and violent jerks given by the hand of an
impatient, drunken, or unskilful breaker.

The first and most useful lesson in breaking a
colt is to lounge him in a circle. A cavesson is
fixed to his head, to which is attached a long small
cord. This cord being held by the breaker, the colt
trots round him in as large a circle as the cord will
admit. This, however, must be done very gently,
and but little at a time ; for more horses are spoiled
by over much work than by any other treatment,
and that by very contrary effects ; for sometimes it
drives them into vice, madness, and despair, and
often stupifies and totally dispirits them.

The Earl of Pembroke very justly observes, that
the first obedience required in a horse is going for-
wards : till he perform this duty freely, never even
think of making him rein back, which would inevi-
tably make him restive : as soon as he goes forwards
readily, stop and caress him. You must remember
in this, and likewise in every other exercise, to use
him to go equally well to the right and left : and
when he obeys, caress him and dismiss him imme-
diately. If a horse that is very young takes fright
and stands still, lead on another horse before him,
which probably will induce him instantly to follow.
Put a snaffle in his mouth ; and when he goes
freely, saddle him, girting him at first very loose.
Let the cord which you hold be long and loose, but
not so much so as to endanger the horse's entan-
gling his legs in it. It must be observed that small
circles, in the beginning, would constrain the horse

MODERN FARRIER. 179

too much, and put him upon defending himself.
No bend must he required at first ; never suffer him
to gallop false ; but whenever he attempts it, stop
him without delay, and then set him off afresh. If
he gallops of his own accord, and true, permit him
to continue it ; but if he does it not voluntarily, do
not demand it of him at first. Should he fly and"
jump, shake the cord gently upon his nose without
jerking it, and he will fall into his trot again. If
he stands still, plunges, or rears, let the man who
holds the whip make a noise with it; but never
touch him till it be absolutely necessary to make
him go on. When you change hands, stop and
caress him, and entice him by fair means to come
up to you ; for by presenting yourself, as some do,
on a sudden before horses, and frightening them to
the other side, you run a great risk of giving them
a shyness*. If he keeps his head too low, shake the
cavesson to make him raise it ; and in whatever the
horse does, whether he walks, trots, or gallops, let it
be a constant rule that the motion be determined,
and really such as is intended, without the least
shuffling, pacing, or any other irregular gait.

The next process to be commenced is what is
called working in hand. This requires a certain
degree of activity, a quick eye, and, like every thing
else about horses, a good temper and judgment. —
Though it is in reality no difficult thing, few people
succeed in it. It should be begun by trotting with
the horse's head bent inwards, by a strap, tied from
the side ring on the cavesson to the ring on the pad.
A strap and buckle to the head-stall under the
throat, is very useful to prevent the side part of it
from chafing against the eye, which it is very apt to
do when the bending strap is used, and drawn at all
tight. This should be done for a little while only
at a time.

If the horse leans on the strap, which is tied to
bend him, take off the cavesson, and use in its stead

180 MODERN FARRIER.

a long string, coming first from the ring on the pad,
and from thence through the eye of the snaffle ; and
also, if the horse's head is low, through the ring on
the head-stall, and from thence through the ring on
the pad, into the hand of the persons on foot, who
must humour it, yielding and shortening it occa-
sionally, which will prevent the horse from leaning,
and will render him light. The long string, thus
used, will do very well alone without the strap,
when the horse is accustomed to bend, and to trot
determined round the person who stands in the
centre, and holds the long string.

After horses have been accustomed to be bent
with a strap at the loxge, they will very soon longe
themselves, as it were; that is to say, that when
bent with the strap, they will go very well without
any longe ; and indeed horses may be brought, with
patience and gentleness, to work very well so, on
almost all lessons in hand.

Next begin the epanle en dedans ; and after that,
the head to the wall, the croupe to the wall, back-
ing, &c. on all figures by degrees.

Most horses generally go the head to the wall
more cordially at first than they do the croupe to
the wall. Working in the hand is, in fact, a kind
of driving : two persons on foot should be employ-
ed ; one indeed may do, if he is a handy person, but
two are much better at first. One of these should
hold a long string, and in some lessons two, and a
chambriere, standing at some distance from the
horse ; the other person stands near the horse, hold-
ing the reins of the snaffle, and a hand whip, to
keep the horse off from him if necessary. Girt on
a pad with a crupper to it on the horse. The pad
should have a large ring in the centre upon the top
of it, and about four inches lower down on each
side, a smaller one.

On the top of the pad, a little forwarder than the
great ring, there must be a small strap and buckle,

MODERN FARRIER. 181

which serve to buckle in the snafHe-reins, and to
prevent their floating about, and the house entan-
gling his legs in them in the longe. Horses should
never be worked in band villi any thing in their
mouths but a large, thick, plain running snaffle; a
bridle is too ticklish, and would spoil the horse's
mouth, unless it be in the hands of a very able mas-
ter indeed ; for, in working in hand, it is next to
impossible to be sufficiently gentle and delicate with
it. The eyes of the snaffle should be large ; and on
the head-stall, about the height of the horse's eye,
should be fixed a ring on each side. The person
with the chambriere holds a long string, about
eighteen feet long (so as to be out of the reach of
the horse's heels), wThich must be smooth, of a proper
thickness, and run freely. This string, in the action
of the epaule en dedans, or shoulder within to the
right, is buckled to the right hand small ring on the
pad, where the reins of the running snaffle are first
fixed ; from thence it passes through the right eye
of the snaffle, and from that to the right hand small
ring on the head-stall, and through the large ring
on the top of the pad, into the hand of the person
who holds the chambriere; and who, by means of
this string, bends the horse to the right, and brings
in his shoulder, following him on his right side, and
tightening or loosening the string as he finds it ne-
cessary. If the horse's forehand is high and well
placed, it will not be necessary to pass the string
through the ring upon the head-stall ; at the same
time, another person standing near the horse, the
snaffle reins separated, and the right one tied loose
on the right side, leads him on with the left rein of
the snaffle in his hand, walking near his head, and
taking care to keep the shoulders in their proper
places' and not to take off from the bend to the
right, which is occasioned by the string in the other
person's hand, who will find it most convenient,
when working on this lesson to the right, to hold

182 MODERN FARRIER,

....

the string in his right hand, and the chambriere in
his left, and so vice versa; these he must make use
of, and keep himself more or less upon the flank
centre, or rear of the horse, as he finds it necessary.
In the changes from right to left in the epaule en
dedans, i;he person nearest the horse must be quick
in getting on the horse's left side, and the person
with the chambriere must do the same ; the former
coming round with the horse's head before him, and
the latter round by his croupe behind him, and so
vice versa to the left. In the head and in the
croupe to the wall, both the* men are already pro-
perly placed for the changes.

In this lesson of the epaide en dedans, in hand,
when a horse is very clumsy, heavy in hand, and
stiff, headstrong, vicious, or apt to strike with his
fore-feet, or to rear or'kick out behind, a stick or
pole is very useful. The stick, about seven feet
long, is fastened by a strap or buckle through the
eye of the snaffle, where the reins pass ; a man
places himself at a certain distance on the right side
of the. horse's head, going before him over the
ground to be worked upon, and holds the stick at
arm's length, having tied it so as to leave room to
play, as he draws it gently backwards and forwards
to refresh the horse's mouth. The other man holds
a long rein and the chambriere. Like the pillars,
this lesson is good or bad according to the hands it
is in. Instances have occurred of a horse's jaw being
broken, and his tongue cut in two by it ; and there-
fore it should be used in the most skilful and tem-
perate manner, or not at all. It is useful in raising
horse's heads, particularly those that are apt to get
their heads down, or to kick in piaffing on forwards.
Almost any lessons may be accomplished by the
help of this pole.

To work in hand, the head and the croupe to the
wall, two strings, fixed as above described, (only
that they must not come at all through the large

MODERN FAERIEE. 183

ring on the pad, but from the small rings on the
head-stall immediately into the hand of the person;
who holds the chambriere) must be used, one on
each side ; one string indeed might do ; the right
one in working to the right, and so vice versa ; but
two are much better, and often necessary to keep
the horse in a proper position. Passing the strings
through the rings of the head-stall is not necessary
when the horse carries his forehead high and well -
and when they do pass through them, great care
must be taken, by a gentle use of them, that they
do not gag the horse ; these two strings must be
buckled together, and meet in the hands of the per-
son who holds the chambriere, and who is on the
left side of the horse ; the snaffle-reins too must be
joined, and the person near the horse, who holds
them, must also be on the left side of him and near
his shoulder, holding the right rein of the snaffle the
shortest, to bend him that way, (as does also the
right string kept the tightest in the other person's
hand) and making use also of the left rein, when
necessary to keep the horse in a proper position, and
to guide him occasionally, as if he was on his back,
and never so as to take away from the bend.

The lesson of the head or croupe to the wall is
often done better in hand, when the man who fol-
lows, and holds the chambriere, has no long reins,
or else only one long rein, unless the horse is very
awkward, refractory, or playful ; for one of the long
•reins is apt to get into the way of the man who is
nearer to the horse. When only one long rein is
used, it will be, of course, the right hand one to the
right, and so vice versa ; and indeed, in other lessons
in hand, these long reins are no longer necessary
when the horse is grown handy, provided the man
nearer to him has a feeling, sensible, good hand, and
perfectly knows what lie is about.

On the head or croupe to the wall in hand, it is a
good way, at first, to have a man holding a long

184 MODERN FARMER.

string budded simply to the eye of the snaffle, go
before the horse, leadmg him, as it were, along the
wall. Horses will, re and patience, not be

very long before they work well in hand ; though
indeed never so truly or delicately as under a good
rider. Horses worked well in hand look particularly
well coming up the middle of the school, and back-
ing there on the piaffer ; as also in the pktffer both
ben't and straight, animated properly, and kept in
good position, their mouths being properly played
with and humoured. When horses become free
and familiar with this method of working them in
hand, it should be done by degrees on all paces,
fast and slow, but always without noise, hurry, or
confusion.

Nothing determines them better than working in
hand, when it is well done. As the want of accu-
racy and delicacy is, from the great numbers, in
some measure unavoidable in military schools, it is
not amiss to teach troop horses a little their lessons
in hand, before the men perform them on their
backs. One of these strings may be used by the
man who holds the ckambrtefe on foot, when the
horse is mounted ; and it is a good method to do
so sometimes, on all lessons and on all figures. —
This string, fastened as in the epanle en dedans, only
that it goes immediately from the eye of the snaffle
into the hand of the person on foot, who must stand
in the centre of the circle, helps the person who is
mounted very much to bend him, as it does indeed
in all other lessons. When the horse has a rider on
him, only one string is necessary to be held by the
person on foot. In the head to the wall, croupe to
the wall, piaffing, &c. &:c. it must be shifted (for
example, in the head to the wall, &c. &c. to the
right) under the horse's jaw, from through the right
eye of the snaffle, into the hand of the person on
foot, who is on the left of the horse ; for it need not
pass through the small ring on the head-stall of the

MODERN FARRIER. 185

snaffle, the man upon the horse being the proper
person to keep the horse's head up.

It is sometimes expedient to pass the string over
the horse's neck, under the rider's hand, instead of
under the horse's jaw. It must be fixed, in the first
place, like a running snaffle, to the skirts of the
saddle, from whence it goes, as above mentioned,
through the eye of the snaffle, into the hand of the
person on foot, after having passed under the horse's
jaw. To piaffer too without a rider or square, and
all other figures advancing gently and well into the
corners, is a very good lesson. One man must stand
exactly before the horse, with his face to him, hold-
ing the two eyes of the snaffle, and keep the horse
advancing gently, by going backwards himself. —
The man with the chambriere must stand behind
the horse, and animate him or not, as he finds ne-
cessary. Backing the horse is also sometimes use-
ful ; this may also be done on all figures.

The degree of vivacity or dulness in the horse
must determine how the man with the chambriere
is to act, and where he is to place himself when the
horse is backing.

A horse, when well taught, may be worked ; and
it is then the best way, by a single man, with long
reins and a chambriere, without any other person to
assist. All airs in hand should be worked in that
manner whenever the animal is become supple and
obedient.

Working in hand is particularly useful in military
equitation, because it spares the horse the fatigue of
any weight upon him ; and the want of a proper
allowance of corn, to enable horses to go through
the work with vigour, is a general army complaint
almost in all European services. When it is well
performed, it has a masterly active appearance, and
is always very useful in suppling horses ; but, past
all doubt, a good rider mounted, who feels every
2 A

186 MODERN FARRiEK.

motion of the horse, must act with more precision,
delicacy, and exactness.

111. Training and managing Horses.

It will now be proper to give some plain direc-
tions to riders how to manage themselves, as well as
how to manage their horses. . The two subjects are
closely connected; and will be best considered in
conjunction.

112. Method of placing the Ruler.

It is necessary that the* greatest attention, and the
same gentleness that is used in teaching the horses,
be observed likewise in teaching the rider, especially
at the beginning. Every method and art must be
practised to create and preserve, both in man and
horse, all possible feeling and sensibility ; contrary
to the usage of most riding-masters, who seem in-
dustriously to labour at abolishing these principles
both in the one and the other. As so many essen-
tial points depend upon the manner in which a man
is at first placed on horseback, it ought to be consi-
dered and attended to with the strictest care and
exactness.

The first time a man is put on horseback, it ought
to be upon a very gentle horse. He never should be
made to trot till he is quite easy in the walk ; nor
gallop till he is able to trot properly. The same
must be observed in regard to horses ; they should
never be made to trot till they are obedient, and
their mouths are well formed on a walk ; nor be
made to gallop, till the same be effected on a trot,
When he is arrived at such a degree of firmness in
his seat, the more he trots, and the more he rides
rough horses, the better. This is not only the best
method, but also the easiest and the shortest : by it
a man is soon made sufficiently an horseman for a

MODERN FARRIER. 187

soldier; but by the other detestable methods that
are commonly used, a man, instead of improving,
contracts all sorts of bad habits, and rides worse and
worse every day ; the horse too becomes daily more
and more unfit for use. In proceeding according to
the maimer proposed, a man is rendered firm and
easy upon the horse, both his own and the horse's
sensibility is preserved, and each in a situation fit to
receive and practise all lessons effectually.

Every, horse should be accustomed to stand still
when he is mounted. One would imagine this
might be readily granted: yet we see how much
the contrary is practised. When a gentleman
mounts at a livery-stable, the groom takes the horse
by the bit, which he bends tight round under his
jaw : the horse striving to go on, is forced back :
advancing again, he frets, as he is again stopped
short, and hurt by the manner of holding him. The
rider, in the mean time, mounting without the
bridle, or at least holding it but slightly, is helped
to it by the groom, who being thoroughly employed
by the horse's fluttering, has at the same time both
bridle and stirrup to give. This confusion would
be prevented, if every horse was taught to stand
still when he is mounted. Forbid your groom
therefore, when he rides your horse to water, to
throw himself over him from a horse-block, and
kick him with his leg, even before he is fairly upon
him. This wrong manner of mounting is what
chiefly teaches your horse the vicious habit against
which we are here warning. On the other hand, a
constant practice of mounting in the proper manner
is all that is necessary to prevent a horse's going on
till the rider is quite adjusted in the saddle.

The next thing necessary therefore is, that the
rider should mount properly. The common method
is to stand near the croupe or hinder part of the horse,
with, the brjdle held very long in the right haricl.
By this manner of holding the bridle before you

188 MODERN FARRIER.

mount, you are liable to be kicked : and when you
are mounted, your horse may go on some time, or
play what gambols he pleases before the rein is
short enough in your hand to prevent him. It is
common likewise for an awkward rider, as soon as
his foot is in the stirrup, to throw himself with all
his force to gain his seat ; which he cannot do, till
he has first overbalanced himself on one side or the
other : he will then wriggle into it by degrees. The
way to mount with ease and safety is, to stand ra-
ther before than behind the stirrup. In this posture
take the bridle short, and the mane together in your
left hand, helping yourself to the stirrup with your
right, so that your toe may not touch the horse in
mounting. While your left foot is in the stirrup,
move on your right, till you face the side of the
horse, looking across over the saddle. Then with
your right hand grasp the hinder part of the saddle ;
and with that and your left, which holds the mane
and bridle, lift yourself upright on your left foot.
Remain thus a mere instant on your stirrup, only
so as to divide the action into two motions. While
you are in this posture, you have a sure hold with
both hands, and are at liberty, either to get safely
down, or to throw your leg over and gain your seat.
By this deliberate motion, likewise, you avoid, what
every good horseman would endeavour to avoid, —
putting your horse into a flutter.

When you dismount, hold the bridle and mane
together in your left hand, as when you mounted ;
put your right hand on the pommel of the saddle,
to raise yourself; throw your leg back over the
horse, grasp the hinder part of the saddle with your
right hand, remain a moment on your stirrup, and
in every respect dismount as you mounted; only
what was your first motion when you mounted, be-
comes the last in dismounting. Remember not to
bend your right knee in dismounting, lest your spur
should rub against the horse.

MODERN FARRIER. 189

It may next be recommended to hold your bridle
at a convenient length. Sit square, and let not the
purchase of the bridle pull forward your shoulder ;
but keep your body even, as it would be if each
hand held a rein. Hold your reins with the whole
grasp of your hand, dividing them with your little
finger. Let your hand be perpendicular; your
thumb will then be uppermost, and placed on the
bridle. Bend your wrist a little outward; and
when you pull the bridle, raise your hand toward
your breast, and the lower part of the palm rather
more than the upper. Let the bridle be at such a
length in your hand, as, if the horse should stumble,
you may be able to raise his head, and support it by
the strength of your arms, and the weight of your
body thrown backward. If you hold the rein too
long, you are" subject to fall backwards as your horse
rises.

If, knowing your horse perfectly well, you think
a tight rein unnecessary, advance your arm a little
<but not your shoulder) towards the horse's head,
and keep your usual length of rein. By this means
you have a check upon your horse while you in-
dulge him.

If you ride with a curb, make it a rule to hook
on the chain yourself; the most quiet horse may
bring his rider into danger, should the curb hurt
him. If, in fixing the curb, you turn the chain to
the right, the links will unfold themselves, and then
oppose a farther turning. Put on the chain loose
enough to hang down on the horse's under lip, so
that it may not rise and press his jaw, till the reins
of the bridle are moderately pulled.

If your horse has been used to stand still when he
is mounted, there will be no occasion for a groom to
hold him ; but if he does, suffer him not to touch
the reins, but that part of the bridle which comes
down the cheek of the horse. He cannot then in-
terfere with the management of the reins, which

190 MODERN FARRIER.

belongs to the rider only; and holding a horse by
the curb (which is ever painful to him) is evidently
improper when he is to stand still.

Another thing to be remembered is, not to ride
with your arms and elbows as high as your shoul-
ders; nor let them shake up and down with the
motion of the horse. The posture is unbecoming,
and the weight of the arms (and of the body too if
the rider does not sit still) acts in continual jerks on
the jaw of the horse, which must give him pain, and
make him unquiet, if he has a tender mouth or any
spirit.

Bad riders wonder why horses are gentle as soon
as they are mounted by skilful ones, though their
skill seems unemployed : the reason is, the horse
goes at his ease, yet finds all his motions watched ;
which he has sagacity enough to discover. Such a
rider hides his whip, if he finds his horse is afraid of
it ; and keeps his legs from his sides, if lie finds he
dreads the spur.

Avoid the ungraceful custom of letting your legs
shake against the sides of the horse ; and as you are
not to keep your arms and elbows high and in mo-
tion, so you are not to rivet them to your sides, but
let them fall easy. One may, at a distance, distin-
guish a genteel horseman from an awkward one;
the first sits still, and appears of a piece with his
horse ; the latter seems flying off at all points.

It is often said with emphasis that such a one has
no seat on horseback ; and it means, not only that
he does not ride well, but that he does not sit on
the right part of the horse. To have a good .seat, is
to sit on that part of the horse which, as he springs,
is the centre of motion ; and from which, of course,
any weight would be with most difficulty shaken.
As in the rising and falling of a board placed in
equilihrio, the centre will be always most at rest,
the true seat will be found in that part of your
saddle into which your body would naturally slide

MODERN FAIUIIEU. 191

if you rode without stirrups ; and is only to be pre-
served by a proper poise of the body, though the
generality of riders imagine it to be done by the
grasp of the thighs and knees. The rider should
consider himself as united to his horse in this point ;
and when shaken from it, endeavour to restore the
balance.

Perhaps the mention of the two extremes of a
bad seat may help to describe the true one. The
one is, when the rider sits very far back on the
saddle, so that his weight presses the loins of the
horse ; the other when his body hangs forward over
the pommel of the saddle. The first may be seen
practised by grooms, when they ride with their stir-
rups affectedly short ; the latter, by fearful horsemen
on the least flutter of the horse. Every good rider
has even on the hunting saddle, as determined a
place for his thigh's, as can be determined for him
by the bars of a demi-peak. Indeed, there is no
difference between the seat of either, only, as in
the first you ride with shorter stirrups, your body
will be consequently more behind your knees,

To have a good seat yourself, your saddle must
sit well. To fix a precise rule might be difficult :
it may be a direction, to have your saddle press as
nearly as possible on that part which we have de-
scribed as the point of union between the man and
horse ; however, so as not to obstruct the motion of
the horse's shoulders. Place yourself in the middle
or lowest part of it : sit erect, but with as little con-
straint as in your ordinary sitting. The ease of
action marks the gentleman : you may repose your-
self, but not lounge. The set and studied erectness
acquired in the riding-house, by those whose de-
portment is not easy, appears ungenteel and un-
natural.

If your horse stops short, or endeavours by rising
and kicking to unseat you, bend not your body for-
ward, as many do in these circumstances : that mo-

192 MODERN FAIEKIEH.

lion throws the breech backward, and you off your
fork or twist, and out of your seat ; whereas, the
advancing the lower part of your body, and bending
back the upper part and shoulders, is the method
both to keep your seat, and to recover it when lost.
The bending your body back, and that in a great
degree, is the greatest security in flying leaps ; it is
a security too when your horses leaps standing. The
horse's rising does not try the rider's seat ; the lash
of his hind legs is what ought chiefly to be guarded
against, and best done by the body's being greatly
inclined back. Stiffen not your legs or thighs ; and
let your body be pliable in the loins, like the coach-
man's on his box. This loose manner of sitting will
elude every rough motion of the horse; whereas
the fixture of the knees, so commonly laid a stress
on, will in great shocks conduce to the violence of
the fall.

Was the cricket-player, when the ball is struck
with the greatest velocity, to hold his hand firm and
fixed when he receives it, the hand would be bruised
or perhaps the bones fractured by the resistance.
To obviate this accident, he therefore gradually
yields his hand to the motion of the ball for a cer-
tain distance ; and thus, by a due mixture of oppo-
sition and obedience, catches it without sustaining
the least injury. The case is exactly the same in
riding : the skilful horseman will recover his poise
by giving some way to the motion ; and the igno-
rant horseman will be flung out of his seat by en-
deavouring to be fixed.

Stretch not out your legs before you ; this will
push you against the back of the saddle: neither
gather up your knees like a man riding on a pack ;
this throws your thighs upwards : each practice un-
seats you. Keep your legs straight down ; and sit
not on the most fleshy part of the thighs, but turn
them inwards, so as to bring in your knees and toes :
and it is more safe to ride with the ball of the foot

MODERN FARRIER. 193

pressing on the stirrup, than with the stirrup as far
back on the heel : for the pressure of the heel being
in that case behind the stirrup, keeps the thighs
down.

When you find your thighs thrown upwards,
widen your knees to get them and the upper part
of your fork lower down on the horse. Grasp the
saddle with the hollow or inner part of your thighs,
but not more than just to assist the balance of your
body : this will also enable you to keep your spurs
from the horse's sides, and to bring your toes in,
without that affected and useless manner of bring-
ing them in practised by many. Sink your heels
straight down; for while your heels and thighs
keep down, you cannot fall: this (aided with the
bend of the back) gives the security of a seat to
those who bear themselves up in their stirrups in a
swift gallop, or in the alternate rising and falling in
a full trot.

Let your seat determine the length of your stir-
rups, rather than the stirrups your seat. If more
precision is requisite, let your stirrups (in the hunt-
ing saddle) be of such a length, as that, when you
stand in them, there may be the breadth of four
fingers between your seat and the saddle.

It would greatly assist a learner, if he would
practise riding in a large circle, without stirrups;
keeping his face looking on the outer -part of the
circle, so as not to have a full view of the horse's
head, but just of that ear which is on the outward
part of the circle ; and his shoulder, which is towards
the centre of the circle, very forward. By this
means you learn to balance your body, and keep a
true seat, independent of your stirrups: you may
probably likewise escape a fall, should you at any
time lose them by being accidentally shaken from
your seat.

As the seat in some measure depends on the sad-
dle, it may not be amiss to observe, that because a
9 2 b

194 MODERN FARRIER.

saddle with a high pommel is thought dangerous,
the other extreme prevails, and the pommel is scarce
allowed to be higher than the middle of the saddle.
The saddle should lie as near the back-bone as can
be, without hurting the horse ; for the nearer you
sit to his back, the better seat you have. If it does
so, it is plain the pommel must rise enough to se-
cure the withers from pressure: therefore a horse
whose withers are higher than common, requires a
higher pommel. If, to avoid this, you make the
saddle of a more straight line, the inconvenience
spoken of follows; you git too much above the
horse's back, nor can the saddle form a proper seat.
There should be no ridge from the button at the
side of the pommel, to the back part of the saddle.
That line should also be a little concave, for your
thighs to lie at ease. In short, a saddle ought to be,
as nearly as possible, as if cut out of the horse.

When you want your horse to move forward,
raise his head a little, and touch him gently with
your whip; or else, press the calves of your legs
against his sides. If he does not move fast enough,
press him with more force, and so till the spur just
touches him. By this practice he will (if he has any
spirit) move upon the least pressure of the leg. —
Never spur him by a kick ; but if it be necessary to
spur him briskly, keep your heels close to his sides,
and slacken their force as he becomes obedient.

When your horse attempts to be vicious, take
each rein separate, one in each hand, and advancing
your arms forward, hold him very short. In this
case, it is common for the rider to pull him hard,
with his arms low. But the horse by this means
having his head low too, has it more in his power to
throw out his heels : whereas, if his head be raised
very high, and his nose thrown out a little, which is
consequent, he can neither rise before nor behind ;
because he can give himself neither of these motions
without having his head at liberty. A plank placed

MODERN FAURIER. 195

in equilibria cannot rise at one end unless it sinks at
the other.

If your horse is headstrong, pull not with one
continued pull, but stop, and back him often, just
shaking the reins, and making little repeated pulls
till he obeys. Horses are so accustomed to bear on
the bit when they go forward, that they are discou-
i raged if the rider will not let them do so.

If a horse is loose-necked, he will throw up his
head at a continued pull; in which situation the
rider, seeing the front of his face, can have no power
over him. When your horse does this, drop your
hand and give the bridle play, and he will of course
drop his head again into its proper place : while it
is coming down, make a second gentle pull, and
ypu will find his mouth. With a little practice,
this is done almost instantaneously ; and this me-
thod will stop, in the distance of a few yards, a
horse which will run away with those who pull at
him with all their might. Almost every one must
have observed, that when a horse feels himself pulled
with the bridle, even when he is going gently, he
often mistakes what was designed to stop him, as
direction to bear on the bit and to go faster.

Keep your horse's head high, that he may raise
his neck and crest ; play a little with the rein, and
move the bit in his mouth, that he may not press
on it in one constant and continued manner ; be not
afraid of raising his head too high ; he will naturally
be too ready to bring it down, and tire your arms
with its weight, on the least abatement of his mettle.
When you feel him heavy, stop him, and make him
go back a few paces : thus you break by degrees his
propensity to press on his bridle.

You ought not to be pleased (though many are)
with a round neck, and a head drawn in towards his
breast: let your horse carry his head bridling in,
provided he carries it high, and his neck arching
upwards; but if his neck bends downwards, his

196 MODERN VARRIER.

figure is bad, his sight is too near his toes, he leans
on the bridle, and you have no command over him.
If he goes pressing but lightly on the bridle, he is
the more sure-footed, and goes pleasanter, as your
wrist only may guide him. If he hangs down his
head, and makes you support the weight of that and
his neck with your arms, bearing on his fore-legs
(which is called being on his shoulders), he will
strike his toes against the ground, and stumble.

If your horse is heavy upon the bit, tie him eveiy
day, for an hour or two, with his tail to the manger,
and his head as high as you can make him lift it, by
a rein on each post of the stall, tied to each ring of
the snaffle bit.

Horse-breakers and grooms have a great propen-
sity to bring a horse's head down, and seem to have
no seat without a strong hold by the bridle. They
know indeed that the head should yield to the reins,
and his neck form an arch; but do not take the
proper pains to make it an arch upward. A tem-
porary effect of attempting to raise a horse's head,
may perhaps be making him push out his no^e.
They will here tell you, that his head is too high
already; whereas it is not the distance from his
nose, out from the top of his head to the ground,
which determines the head to be high or low. Be-
sides, although the fault is said to be in the manner
of carrying the head, it should rather be said to be
in that of the neck ; for if the neck was raised, the
head would be more in the position of one set on a
well-formed neck.

The design, therefore, of lifting up the head is to
raise the neck, and thereby bring in the head ; for
even while the bridle makes the same line from the
rider's hand to the bit, the horse's nose may be
either drawn in, or thrust out, according as his neck
is raised or depressed. Instead of what has been
here recommended, we usually see colts broke with
their heads cavessoned very low, their necks stiff,

MODERN FARRIER. 197

and not in the least suppled. When the breaking-
tackle is left off, and they are mounted for the road,
having more food and rest, they frequently plunge,
and a second breaking becomes necessary. Then,
as few gentlemen can manage their own horses,
they are put into the hands of grooms, from whom
they learn a variety of bad habits.
I If, on the other hand, your horse carries his head
(or rather his nose) too high, he generally makes
some amends by moving his shoulders lightly, and
going safely. Attend to the cause of this fault.
Some horses have their necks set so low on their
shoulders, that they bend first down, then upwards,
like a stag's. Some have the upper line of their
necks, from their ears to their withers, too short.
A head of this sort cannot possibly bend inwards
and form an arch, because the vertebras (or neck
bones) are too short to admit of flexure ; for in long
and short necked horses, the number of the vertebras
is the same. In some, the jaw is so thick, that it
meets the neck, and the head by this means has not
room to bend. On the other hand, some have the
under line from the jaw to the breast so short, that
the neck cannot rise.

In all these cases, you may gain a little by a nice
hand with an easy bit ; but no curb, martingale, or
other forcible method, will teach a horse to cany his
head or neck in a posture which nature has made
uneasy to him. By trying to pull in his nose far-
ther than he can bear, you will add a bad habit to
nature. You could not indeed contrive a more
effectual method to make him continually toss his
nose up, and throw his foam over you.

The rule already given to ride a loose-necked
horse, will be a proper one for all light-mouthed
A horses; one caution being added, which is, always
to search whether his saddle or girths may not in
some way pinch him ; and whether the bit may not
hurt his lips by being too high in his mouth: be-

198 MODERN FARRIER.

cause, whenever he frets from either of these causes,
his head will not be steady.

It is a common custom to be always pulling at
the bridle, as if to set off to advantage either the
spirit of the horse or the skill of the rider. Our
horses therefore are taught to hold their heads low,
and pull so as to bear up the rider from the saddle
standing in his stirrups, even in the gentlest gallop :
how very improper is this we are experimentally
convinced, when we happen to meet with a horse
which gallops otherwise. We immediately say, he
canters excellently, and find the ease and pleasure of
his motion. When horses are designed for the race,
and swiftness is the only thing considered, the me-
thod may be a good one.

It is not to be wondered that dealers are always
pulling at their horses, that they have the spur con-
stantly in their sides, and are at the same time con-
tinually checking the rein : by this, means they
make them bound, and champ the bit, while their
rage has the appearance of spirit. These people
ride with their arms spread, and very low on the
shoulders of their horses : this method makes them
stretch their necks, and gives a better appearance to
their forehands ; it conceals also a thick jaw, which,
if the head was up, would prevent its yielding to
the bit ; it hides likewise the ' ewe-neck, which
would otherwise shew itself. Indeed, if you have a
horse unsteady to the bit, formed with a natural
heavy head, or one which carries his nose obstinately
in the air, you must find his mouth where you can,
and make the best of him.

Many horses are taught to start, by whipping
them for starting. How is it possible they can
know it is designed as a punishment? In the
liuing-house, you teach your horse to rise up before,
and to spring and lash out his hinder legs, by whip-
ping him when tied between two pillars, with his
head a little at liberty. If he understood this to be

MODERN FARRIER. 199

a punishment for doing so, he would not by that
method learn to do it. He seems to be in the same
manner taught to spring and fly when he is fright-
ened. Most horses would go quietly past an object
they were beginning to fly from, if their riders, in-
stead of gathering up their bridles, and shewing
themselves so ready, should throw the reins loose
upon their necks.

When a horse starts at any thing on one side,
most riders turn him out of the road, to make him
go up to what he starts at : if he does not get the
better of his fear, or readily comply, he generally
goes past the object, making with his hinder pa its,
or croup, a great circle out of the road ; whereas, he
should learn to keep straight on, without minding
objects on either side.

If he starts at any thing on the left, hold his head
high, and keep it straight in the road, pulling it
from looking at the thing he starts at, and keeping
your right leg hard pressed against his side, towards
his flank : he will then go straight along the road.
By this method, and by turning his head a little
more, he may be forced with his croup close up to
what frightened him ; for as his head is pulled one
way, his croup necessarily turns the other. Always
avoid a quarrel with your horse, if you can : if he is
apt to start, you will find occasions enough to exer-
cise his obedience when what he starts at lies di-
Irectly in his way, and you must make him pass ; if
he is not subject to start, you should not quarrel
with him about a trifle.
It must be observed, however, that this rule in
going past an object may perhaps be a little irregular
in a managed horse, which will always obey the leg :
but even such a horse, if he is really afraid, and not
restive, it may not be amiss to make look another
way ; unless the object be something you would
particularly accustom him to the sight of.

200 MODERN FARMER.

The case will also be different with a horse whose
fear is owing to his being not used to objects ; but
such a one is not to be rode by any horseman to
whom these rules are directed : the starting here
meant arises merely from the horse's being pamper-
ed, and springing through liveliness.

The notion of the necessity of making a horse go
immediately up to every thing he is afraid of, and
not suffering him to become master of his rider,
seems to be in general carried too far. It is an ap-
proved and good method to conquer a horse's fear
of the sound of a drum, by beating one near to him
at the time of feeding him ; this not only familiarises
the noise to him, but makes it pleasant, as a fore-
runner of his meat ; whereas, if he was whipped up
to it, perhaps he might start at it as long as he lived.
Might not this be applied to his starting at other
things, and shew that it would be better to suffer
him (provided he does not turn back) to go a little
from and avoid an object he has a dislike to, and to
accustom him to it by degrees, convincing him, as
it were, that it will not hurt him ; than to punish
him, quarrel with him, and perhaps submit to his
will at last, while you insist on his overcoming his
fear in an instant ? If he sees a like object again, it
is probable he will recollect his dread, and arm him-
self to be disobedient.

We are apt to suppose that a horse fears nothing
so much as his rider ; but may he not, in many cir-
cumstances, be afraid of instant destruction ? of be-
ing crushed ? of being drowned ? of falling down a
precipice ? Is it a wonder that a horse should be
afraid of a loaded waggon ? may not the hanging
load seem to threaten the falling on him ? There
cannot be a rule more general than, in such a case,
to shew him there is room for him to pass. This is
done by turning his head a very little from the car-
riage, and pressing your leg which is farthest from
it against his side.

MODERN FARRIER. 201

A horse is not to stop without a sign from his
rider. — Is it not then probable, that when driven up
to a carriage he starts at it, he conceives himself
obliged either to attack or run against it ? Can he
understand the rider's spurring him with his face
directed to it, as a sign for him to pass it ? That a
horse is easily alarmed for his face and eyes (he will
even catch back his head from a hand going to caress
him) ; that he will not go with any force, face to
face, even to another horse (if in his power to stop) ;
and that he sees perfectly sideways, — may be useful
hints for the treatment of horses with regard to
starting.

Though you ought not to whip a horse for start-
ing, there can be no good effect from clapping his
neck with your hand to encourage him. If one
took any notice of his starting, it should be rather
with some tone of voice which he usually under-
stood as an expression of dislike to what he is doing ;
for there is opposition mixed with his starting, and
a horse will ever repeat what he finds has foiled his
rider.
. Notwithstanding the directions above given, of
Hot pressing a horse up to a carriage he starts at,
yet if one which you apprehend will frighten him
meets you at a narrow part of the road, when you
have once let him know he is to pass it, be sure you
remain determined, and press him on. Do this
more especially when part of the carriage has already
passed you : for if, when he is frightened, he is ac-
customed to go back, and turn round, he will cer-
tainly do it if he finds, by your hand slackening,
and legs not pressing, that you are irresolute ; and
this at the most dangerous point of time, when the
wheels of the carriage take him as he turns. He-
member not to touch the curb rein at this time ; it
will certainly check him. It is not known to every
one, that the person who would lead a horse by the
bridle, should not turn his face to him when he re-
2 c

\,

202 MODERN FARRIER.

fuses to follow him: if, besides this, he raises his
arms, shows his whip, or pulls the bridle with jerks,
he frightens the horse, instead of persuading him to
follow, which a little patience may bring about.

Ride with a snaffle ; and use your curb, if you
have one only occasionally. Choose your snaffle
full and thick in the mouth, especially at the ends
to which the reins are fastened. Most of them are
made too small and long; they cut the horse's
mouth, and bend back over the bars of his jaw,
working like pincers.

The management of the curb is too nice a matter
to enter on here, farther than to prescribe great cau-
tion in the use of it : a turn of the wrist, rather than
the weight of your arm, should be applied to it.
The elasticity of a rod, when it has hooked a fish,
may give you some idea of the proper play of a
horse's head on his bridle ; his spirit and his pliable-
ness are both marked by it.

A horse should never be put to do any thing in a ;
curb which he is not ready at : you may force him,
or pull his head any way with a snaffle ; but a curb
acts only in a straight line. It is true, that a horse
will be turned out of one track into another by a
curb, but it is because he knows it as a signal.
When he is put to draw in a chair, and does not
understand the necessity he is then under of taking
a larger sweep when he turns, you frequently see
him restive, as it is then called : but put him on a
snaffle, or buckle the rein to that part of the bit
which does not curb him ; and the horse submits to
be pulled about till he understands what is desired,
of him. These directions suppose your horse to
have spirit, and a good mouth ; if he has not, you
must take him as he is, and ride him with such a bit
as you find most easy to yourself.

When you ride a journey, be not so attentive to
your horse's nice carriage of himself, as to your en-
couragement of him, and keeping him in good hu-

MODERN FARRIER. 203

mour. Raise his head; but if he flags, you may
indulge him with bearing a little more upon the bit
than you would suffer in an airing. If a horse is
lame, tender-footed, or tired, he naturally hangs
upon his bridle. On a journey, therefore, his mouth
will depend greatly on his strength and the goodness
of his feet. Be then very careful about his feet, and
let not a farrier spoil them.

Very few, although practised in riding, know
they have any power over a horse but by the bridle ;
or any use for the spur except to make him go for-
ward. A little experience will teach them a farther
use. If the left spur touches him (and he is at the
same time prevented from going forward), he has a
sign which he will soon understand, to move side-
wise to the right. In the same manner to the left,
if the right spur is closed to him: he afterwards,
through fear of the spur, obeys a touch of the leg ;
in the same manner as a horse moves his croup from
one side of the stall to the other, when any one
strikes him with his hand. In short, his croup is
guided by the leg, as his head is by the bridle. He
will never disobey the leg, unless he becomes restive.
By this means you will have a far greater power
over him ; he will move sideways, if you close one
leg to him ; and straight forward, if both ; even
when he stands still, your legs held near him will
keep him on the watch ; and with the slightest un-
seen motion of the bridle upwards, he will raise his
head, and shew his forehand to advantage.

On this use of the legs of the rider, and guidance
of the croup of the horse, are founded all the airs
(as the riding-masters express themselves) which are
taught in the menege ; the passage, or side-motion
of troopers to close or open their files, and indeed all
their evolutions. But the convenience of some de-
gree of this discipline for common use is the reason
of mentioning it here. It is useful if a horse is apt
to stumble or start. If to the first, by pressing your

204 MODERN FARRIER.

legs to his flank, and keeping up his head, he is
made to go light on his fore-legs, which is aiding
and supporting him ; and the same if he does actually
stumble, by helping him at the very instant to exert
himself, while as yet any part of him remains not
irrecoverably impressed with the precipitate motion.
Hence this use of the hand and legs of the rider is
called giving aids to a horse ; for, as to holding up
the weight of a heavy unactive horse by mere pull-
ing, it is as impossible as to recover him when fall-
ing down a precipice.

A horse is supported and helped by the hands and
legs of his rider in every action they require of him ;
hence he is said to perform his airs by the aids from
his rider.

The same manner is useful if a horse starts. For
if, when he is beginning to fly to one side, you leg
on the side he is flying to, he stops his spring imme-
diately. He goes past what he started at, keeping
straight on, or as you choose to direct him ; and he
will not fly back from any thing if you press him
with both legs. You keep his haunches under him,
going down a hill ; help him on the side of a bank ;
more easily avoid the wheel of a carriage ; and ap-
proach more gracefully and nearer to the side of a
coach or horseman. When a pampered horse cur-
vets irregularly, and twists his body to and fro, turn
his head either to the right or left, or both alternately
(but without letting him move out of the track),
and press your leg to the opposite side : your horse
cannot then spring on his hind-legs to one side, be-
cause your leg prevents him ; nor to the other, be-
cause his head looks that way, and a horse does not
start and spring to the side on which he looks.
Here it may not be amiss to observe the impropriety
of the habit which many riders have, of letting their
legs shake against the sides of the horse: if a horse
is taught, then they are continually pressing him to
violent action ; and if he is not, they render him in-

3rODERN FARRIER. 205

sensible and incapable of being taught. The fretting
of a hot horse will hence be excessive, as it can no
otherwise be moderated than by the utmost stillness
of the seat, hands, and legs of the rider.

Colts at first are taught to bear a bit, and by de-
grees to pull at it. If they did not press it, they
could not be guided by it. By degrees they find
their necks stronger than the arms of a man ; and
that they are capable of making great opposition,
and often of foiling their riders. Then is the time
to make them supple and pliant in every part. The
part which of all others requires most this pliancy is
the neck. Hence the metaphor of stiff-necked for
disobedient. A horse cannot move his head but
with the muscles of his neck ; this may be called his
helm ; it guides his course, changes and directs his
motion.

113. Suppling Horses by the Epaule en Dedans.
The preceding rules or cautions for horsemen,
which are mostly extracted from Thompson's useful
work on the subject, will tend to correct the most
common bad habits, and contain the best principles
of horsemanship. But in training horses it is ne-
cessary to proceed in a systematic manner. Having,
therefore, cautioned the rider against all bad habits,
taught him how to sit firm, and the horse having
learned to longe on circles, and is prepared and set-
tled in all his motions, it will be proper to proceed
on towards a farther suppling and teaching of both.
In setting out upon this new work, begin by
bringing the horse's head a little more inwards than
before, pulling the inward rein gently to you by
degrees. When this is done, try to gain a little on
the shoulders, by keeping the inward rein the shorter,
as before, and the outward one crossed over towards
the inward one. The intention of these operations
is this : The inward rein serves to bring in the head,
and procures the bend ; whilst the outward one, that

206 MODERN FARRIER.

is a little crossed, tends to make that bend perpendi-
cular, and as it should be, that is to say, to reduce
the nose and the forehead to be in a perpendicular
line with each other : it also serves, if put forwards,
as well as also crossed, to put the horse forwards, if
found necessary; which is often requisite, niany
horses being apt, in this and other works, rather to
lose their ground backwards than otherwise, when
they should rather advance ; if the nose were drawn
in towards the breast beyond the perpendicular, it
would confine the motion of the shoulders, and have
other bad effects. All other bends, beside what are
above specified, are false. The outward rein, being
crossed, not in a forward sense, but rather a little
backwards, serves also to prevent the outward shoul-
der from getting too forwards, and making it approach
the inward one ; which facilitates the inward leg's
crossing over the outward one, which is the motion
that so admirably supples the shoulders. Care must
be taken, that the inward leg pass over the outward
one, without touching it : this inward leg's crossing
over must be helped also by the inward rein, which
you must cross towards and over the outward rein
every time the outward leg comes to the ground, in
order to lift and help the inward leg over it : at any
other time, but just when the outward leg comes to
the ground, it would be wrong to cross the inward
rein, or to attempt to lift up the inward leg by it ;
nay, it would be demanding an absolute impossibi-
lity, and lugging about the reins and horse to no
purpose : because in this case, a very great part of
the horse's weight then resting upon that leg, would
render such an attempt not only fruitless, but also
prejudicial to the sensibility of the mouth, and proba-
bly oblige him to defend himself; and, moreover, it
would put the horse under a necessity of straddling
before, and also of leading with the wrong leg,
without being productive of any suppling motion
whatsoever.

MODERN FARRIER. 207

When the horse is thus far familiarly accustomed
to what you have required of him, then proceed to
effect by degrees the same crossing in his hinder
legs. By bringing in the fore-legs more, you will of
course engage the hinder ones in the same work ; if
they resist, the rider must bring both reins more in-
ward : and, if necessary, put back also, and approach
his inward leg to the horse ; and if the horse throws
out his croup too far, the rider must bring both reins
outwards, and, if absolutely necessary, he must also
make use of his outward leg, in order to replace the
horse properly : observing that the croup should
always be considerably behind the shoulders, which
in all actions must go first ; and the moment that
the horse obeys, the rider must put his hand and leg
again in their usual position.

A horse should never be turned, without first
moving a step forwards : and when it is doing, the
rider must not lift his elbow, and displace himself;
a motion only of the hand from the one side to the
other being sufficient for that purpose. It must
also be a constant rule, never to suffer a horse to be
stopped, mounted, or dismounted, but when he is
well placed. The slower the motions are when a
man or horse is taught any thing, the better.

At first, the figures worked upon must be great,
and afterwards made less by degrees, according to
the improvement which the man and horse make ;
and the cadenced pace also, which they work in,
must be accordingly augmented. The changes from
one side to the other must be in a bold determined
trot, and at first quite straight forwards, without
demanding any side-motion on two jvstes, which is
very necessary to require afterwards, when the horse
is sufficiently suppled. By two pistes is meant,
when the fore parts and hinder parts do not follow,
but describe two different lines.

In the beginning, a longe is used on circles, and
also on straight lines, to help both the rider and the

208 MODERN FARItlEll.

horse ; but afterwards, when they are grown more
intelligent, they should go alone. At the end of
the lesson, rein back ; then put the horse, by a little
at a time, forwards, by approaching both legs gently
to his sides, and playing with the bridle ; if he rears,
push him out immediately into a full trot. Shaking
the cavesson on the horse's nose, and also putting
one's self before him and rather near to him, will
generally make him back, though he otherwise re-
fuse to do it: and moreover a slight use and ap-
proaching of the rider's legs will sometimes be
necessary in backing, in order to prevent the horse
from doing it too much upon his shoulders ; but the
pressure of the legs ought to be very small, and
taken quite away the moment that he puts himself
enough upon his haunches. If the horse does not
back upon a straight line properly, the rider must
not be permitted to have recourse immediately to
his leg, and so distort himself by it ; but first try, if
crossing over his hand and reins to which ever side
it may be ■, necessary, will not be alone sufficient,
which most frequently it will ; if not, then employ
the leg.

After a horse is well prepared and settled, and
goes freely on in all his several paces, he ought to
be in all his works kept, to a proper degree, upon
his haunches, with his hinder legs well placed under
him ; whereby he will be always pleasant to himself
and his rider, will be light in hand, and ready to
execute whatever may be demanded of him, with
facility, vigour, and quickness.

The common method that is used in forcing a horse
sidewise, is a most glaring absurdity, and very hurt-
ful to the animal in its consequences ; for instead of
suppling him, it obliges him to stiffen and defend
himself, and often makes a creature that is naturally
benevolent, restive, frightened, and vicious.

For horses who have very long and high fore-
hands, and who poke out their noses, a running

M0DE11N FAItlllEK. 209

snaffle is of excellent use ; but for such as bore and
keep their heads low, a common one is preferable ;
though any horse's head indeed may be kept up also
with a running one, by the rider's keeping his hands
very high and forwards : but whenever either is used
alone without a bridle upon horses that carry their
heads low and that bore, it must be sawed about
from one side to the other.

This lesson of the epaule en dedans should be
taught to such people as are likely to become useful
in helping to teach men and to break horses ; and
the more of such that can be found the better ; none
others should ever be suffered upon any occasion to
let their horses look any way besides the way they
are going. But all horses whatever, as likewise all
men who are designed for the teaching others, must
go thoroughly and perfectly through this excellent
lesson, under the direction of intelligent instructors,
and often practise it too afterwards ; and when that
is done, proceed to and be finished by the lessons of
head and tail to the wall.

114. The Head to the Wall and the Croup
to the Wall.

This lesson should be practised immediately after
that of the epaule en dedans, in order to place the
horse properly the way he goes, &c. The difference
between the head to the wall and the croup to the
wall consists in this ; in the former, the fore-parts
are more remote from the centre, and go over more
ground; in the latter, the hinder parts are more
remote from the centre, and consequently go over
more ground : in both, as likewise in all other les-
sons, the shoulders must go first. In riding-horses,
the head to the wall is the easier lesson of the two
at first, the line to be worked upon being marked
by the wall not far from his head.

The motion of the legs to the right, is the same
as that of the epaule en dedans to the left, and so
2 D

210 MODERN FARRIER.

vice versa ; but the head is always bent and turned
differently : in the epaule en dedans, the horse looks
the contrary way to that which he goes ; in this, he
looks the way he is going.

In the beginning, very little bend must be re-
quired ; too much at once would astonish the horse,
and make him defend himself: it is to be aug-
mented by degrees. If the horse absolutely refuses
to obey, it is a sign that either he or his rider has
hot been prepared by previous lessons. It may
happen that weakness, or a hurt in some part of the
body, or sometimes temper, though seldom, may be
the cause of the horse's defending himself : it is the
rider's business to find out from whence the obstacle
arises ; and if he finds it to be from the first men-
tioned cause, the previous lessons must be resumed
again for some time ; if from the second, proper re-
medies must be applied ; and if from the last cause,
when all fair means that can be tried have failed,
proper corrections with coolness and judgment must
be used.

In practising this lesson to the right, bend the
horse to the right with the right rein ; helping the
left leg over the right (at the time when the right
leg is just come to the ground), with the left rein
crossed towards the right, and keeping the right
shoulder back with the right rein towards your
bodjr, in order to facilitate the left leg's crossing
over the right ; so likewise vice versa to the left,
each rein helping the other by their properly mixed
effects. In working to the right, the rider's left leg
helps the hinder parts on to the right, and his right
leg stops them if they get too forwards ; and so vice
versa to the left : but neither ought to be used, till
the hand being employed in a proper manner has
failed, or finds that a greater force is necessary to
bring about what is required than it can effect alone :
for the legs should not only be corresponding with,
but also subservient to, the hand; and all unnecessary

MODERN FARRIER. 211

-aids, as well as all force, ought always to be avoided
as much as possible.

In the execution of all lessons, the equilibre of the
rider's body is of great use to the horse ; it ought
always to go with and accompany every motion of
the animal; when to the right, to the right; and
when to the left, to the left.

Upon all horses, in every lesson and action, it
must be observed that there is no horse but has his
own peculiar appui, or degree of bearing, and also a
sensibility of mouth, as likewise a rate of his own,
which it is absolutely necessary for the rider to dis-
cover, and make himself acquainted with. A bad
rider always takes off at least the delicacy of both, if
not absolutely destroys it. The horse will inform
his rider when he has got his proper bearing in the
mouth, by playing pleasantly and steadily with the
bit, and by the spray about his chaps. A delicate
and good hand will not only always preserve a light
appui, or bearing in its sensibility : but also of a
heavy one, whether naturally so or acquired, make
a light one. The lighter this appui can be made,
the better ; provided that the rider's hand corres-
ponds with it : if it does not, the more the horse is
properly prepared, so much the worse. Instances of
this inconvenience of the best of appuis, when the
rider is not equally taught with the horse, may be
seen every day in some gentlemen, who try to get
their horses bitted as they call it, without being
suitably prepared themselves for riding them : the
consequence of which is, that they ride in danger of
breaking their necks; till at length, after much
hauling about, and by the joint insensibility and ig-
norance of themselves and their grooms, the poor
animals gradually become mere senseless unfeeling
posts, and thereby grow what they call settled.
When the proper appui is found, and made of
course as light as possible, it must not be kept duly
fixed without variation, but be played with ; other-

212 MODERN FARRIER.

wise one equally continued tension of reins would
render both the rider's hand and the horse's mouth
very dull. The slightest and frequent giving and
taking is therefore necessary to keep both perfect.

Whatever pace or degree of quickness you work
in (be it ever so fast or ever so slow), it must be ca-
densed : time is as necessary for a horseman as for a
musician.

This lesson of the head and of the tail to the wall
must be taught every soldier : scarce any manoeuvre
can be well performed without it. In closing and
opening of files, it is almost every moment wanted.

115. Curing Starting and other Vices.

In order to make horses stand fire, the sound of
drums, and all sorts of different noises, you must use
them to it by degrees in the stable at feeding time ;
and instead of being frightened at it, they will soon
come to it as a signal for eating.

With regard to such horses as are afraid of burn-
ing objects, begin by keeping them still at a certain
distance from some lighted straw ; caress the horse ;
and in proportion as his fright diminishes, approach
gradually the burning straw very gently, and in-
crease the size of it. By these means he will very
quickly be brought to be so familiar with it, as to
walk undaunted even through it.

As to horses that are apt to lie down in the water,
if animating them, and attacking them vigorously,
should fail of the desired effect, then break a straw-
bottle full of water upon their heads, and let the
water run into their ears., which is a thing they
apprehend very much.

All troop horses must be taught to stand quiet
and still when they are shot off from, to stop the
moment you present, and not to move after firing
till they are required to do it; this lesson ought
especially to be observed in light troops : in short,
the horse must be taught to be so cool and undis-

MODERN FARRIER. 213

turbed, as to suffer the rider to act upon him with
the same freedom, as if he was on foot. Patience,
coolness, and temper, are the only means requisite
for accomplishing this end. Begin by walking the
horse gently, then stop and keep him from stirring
for some time, so as to accustom him by degrees not
to have the least idea of moving without orders : if
he does, then back him ; and when you stop him,
and he is quite still, leave the reins quite loose.

To use a horse to fire-arms, first put a pistol or a
carbine in the manger with his feed : then use him
to the sound of the lock and the pan ; after which,
when you are upon him, show the piece to him,
presenting it forwards, sometimes on one side, some-
times on the other : when he is thus far reconciled,
proceed to flash in the pan ; after which put a small
charge into the piece, and so continue augmenting
it by degrees to the quantity which is commonly
used : if he seems uneasy, walk him forward a few
steps slowly ; and then stop, back, and caress him.
Horses are often also disquieted and unsteady at the
clash, and drawing, and returning of swords; all
which they must be familiarised to by little and
little, by frequency and gentleness.

As horses are naturally apt to be frightened at
the sight and smell of dead horses, it is adviseable
to habituate them to walk over and leap over car-
cases of dead horses ; and as they are particularly
terrified at this sight, the greater gentleness ought
consequently to be used.

Horses should also be accustomed to swim, which
often may be necessary on service ; and if the men
and horses both are not used to it, both may be fre-
quently liable to perish in the water. A very small
portion of strength is sufficient to guide a horse,
any where indeed, but particularly in the water,
where they must be permitted to have their heads,
.and be no-ways constrained in any shape.

214 MODERN FARRIER.

Whenever a horse makes resistance, one ought,
before remedy or correction is thought of, to exa-
mine very minutely all the tackle about him, if any
thing hurts or tickles him, whether he has any na-
tural or accidental weakness, or in short the least
impediment in any part. For want of this precau-
tion, many fatal disasters happen: the poor dumb
animal is frequently accused falsely of being restive
and vicious ; is used ill without reason ; and, being
forced into despair, is in a manner obliged to act
accordingly, be his temper and inclination ever so
well disposed. It is very seldom the case, that a
horse is really and by nature vicious ; but if such be
found, he will despise all caresses, and then chastise-
ments become necessary.

Correction, according as you use it, throws a horse
into more or less violent action, which, if he be
weak, he cannot support : but a vicious strong horse
is to be considered in a very different light, being
able both to undergo and consequently to profit by
all lessons, and is far preferable to the best-natured
weak one "upon earth. Patience and attention are
never-failing means to reclaim such a horse. In
whatsoever manner he defends himself, bring him
back frequently with gentleness (not, however,
without having given him proper chastisement if
necessary) to the lesson which he seems most averse
to. Horses are by degrees made obedient, through
the hope of recompence and the fear of punishment.
How to mix these two motives judiciously together,
it is a very difficult matter : it requires much
thought and practice, and not only a good head, but
a good heart likewise. The coolest and best na-
tured rider will always succeed best. By a dexte-
rous use of the incitements above mentioned, you
will gradually bring the horse to temper and obe-
dience ; mere force, and want of skill and coolness,
would only tend to confirm him in bad tricks. If

MODERN FARRIER. 215

he be impatient or choleric, never strike him, unless
he absolutely refuse to go forward ; which you must
resolutely oblige him to do, and which will be of
itself a correction, by preventing his having time to
meditate and put in execution any defence by re-
taining himself. Resistance in horses, you must
consider, is sometimes a mark of strength and vi-
gour, and proceeds from spirit, as well as sometimes
from vice and weakness. Weakness frequently
drives horses into viciousness, when any thing
wherein strength is necessary is demanded from
them : nay, it inevitably must : great care therefore
should always be taken to distinguish between these
two causes before any remedy or punishment is
thought of. It may sometimes be a bad sign when
horses do not at all defend themselves, and proceeds
from a sluggish disposition, a want of spirit, and of
a proper sensibility. Whenever one is so fortunate
as to meet with a horse of just the right spirit, acti-
vity, delicacy of feeling, with strength and good
nature, he cannot be cherished too much ; for such
a one is a rare and inestimable jewel, and, if properly
treated, will in a manner do every thing of himself.
Horses are oftener spoilt by having too much done
to them, and by attempts to dress them in too great
a hurry, than by any other treatment.

It is impossible, in general, to be too circumspect
in lessons of all kinds, in aids, chastisements, or ca-
resses. Some have quicker parts, and more cunning
than others. Many will imperceptibly gain a little
every day on the rider. Various, in short, are their
dispositions and capacities. It is the rider's business
to find out their different qualities, and to make
them sensible how much he loves them, and desires
to be loved by them ; but at the same time that he
does not fear them, and will be master.

Plunging is a very common defence among res-
tive and vicious horses : if they do it in the same
place, or backing, they must, by the rider's legs and

216 MODERN FARRIER.

spurs, firmly applied, be obliged to go forwards, and
their heads kept up high. But if they do it flying
forwards, keep them back, and ride them gently
and very slow for a good while together. Of all
bad tempers and qualities in horses, those which
are occasioned by harsh treatment and ignorant
riders are worst.

Starting often proceeds from a defect in the sight,
which therefore must be carefully looked into. —
Whatever the horse is afraid of, bring him up to it
gently ; if you caress him every step he advances,
he will go quite «up to it by degrees, and soon grow
familiar with all sorts of objects. Nothing but great
gentleness can correct this fault ; for if you inflict
punishment, the apprehension of chastisement be-
comes prevalent, and causes more starting than the
fear of the object. If you let him go by the object,
without bringing him up to it, you increase the
fault, and confirm him in his fear ; the consequence
of which is, he takes his rider perhaps a quite con-
trary way from what he was going, becomes his
master, and puts himself and the person upon him
every moment in great danger.

Before closing this subject, it is necessary to no-
tice the different paces of horses, and which consist
of the walk, the trot, the canter, and the gallop.
There are, besides, the amble, the running trot, and
the airs of the riding-house ; but these paces are not
natural.

116. The Walh.

Few horses can walk well, however easy this pace
may appear to be. It is essential to the performance
of a good walk, that the fore-legs stand perpendicu-
lar and well advanced before the shoulders, that the
hind-legs accord with their position, that the back
be short, and the haunches and thighs strong and
muscular. A late writer on this subject expresses
himself thus : —

MODERN FAltltlER. 217

w With all horses that walk firm, fast, and well,
the hind-foot oversteps the mark of the fore-foot by
some inches ; and this arises from the animal being
able to use his hind-quarters with freedom, and to
advance his hind-legs well under his body, by which
the fore-legs are greatly relieved ; as the hind-legs,
in that case, take more of the weight of the body
than they would do when dragged after the animal :
the hind-legs therefore should stand perpendicular
under the round bone, which is the connecting joint
of the thigh and leg with the body. In that case,
their flexion and extension will be even and uni-
form, and the animal will move with much less
labour than he would under other circumstances.
In the action of the walk, the horse moves his legs
separately ; that is to say, one after the other. Thus,
if he begins with the right, he first raises the right
or off hind-leg, and advances it under his body ;
but, before the foot reaches the ground, the right,
or off fore-foot, is raised and advanced, in order to
make room for the hind-foot, which, in middling
and slow walkers, alights upon the mark of the
fore-foot ; but, in good and fast walkers, oversteps
it considerably, as has been just observed. As soon
as the off fore-foot alights upon the ground, the near,
or left hind-foot, is raised; the left, or near fore-
foot, then rises to make room for the near hind-foot,
in the same way as on the other side.

* The walk, therefore, consists of a separate and
successive action of all the four legs, beginning with
a hind-leg ; and in proof of this, the same remark
will be found in an old author, " Borelli cle rnotu
anhncdium ;" who, speaking of the walk, says, " inci-
put gressus pede poslico" He begins the walk with
a hind-leg; and this, though it appears unaccounta-
ble at a first view, is, nevertheless the fact ; because,
if the hind-leg were not first advanced, before the
fore-leg began its action, there would be no support
for the body whilst; the fore-leg was suspended in
10 2 E

218T MODERN FARRIER.

the air; nor could the body be moved forward until
the hind-leg had quitted its station, in order to take
a new point of support or centre of gravity.

' During the walk, the fore-leg which is raised in
the air, should be for a moment stationary before it
reaches the ground. This shews that the body is
properly poised, and steadily supported by the other
fore-leg ; in which case, the horse has a greater com-
mand of the leg which is in the air, and which he
can throw forward to either a greater or less distance,
as the nature and surface of the road may require.
It. is also a great proof of soundness in the feet ; for
a tender-footed, or what is called a groggy horse,
cannot stand long upon one leg without pain, and
hence arises that short, stiff, and contracted motion
which invariably takes place with horses of that
description.'

The utility of good walking is particularly felt in
hilly countries ; for a long-backed and weak-loined
horse, whose fore-legs are badly placed, goes down
hills with great difficulty and uncertainty.

The walk, on the average, reaches five miles an
hour, though there have been instances of horses
walking even six. But beyond the rate of five
miles, it generally becomes a shuffling pace, between
a walk and a trot, in which the animal walks with
his fore-legs, and in some degree trots with his
hind-legs.

A horse that walks lightly and freely, moves his
head up and down in conformity with the action of
his fore-legs. This motion of the head accompanies
the motion of the leg ; thus, when the leg is off the
ground, the head sinks, and rises again when the leg
reaches the ground, and so on alternately whilst he
is in motion. This nodding of the head has its use,
inasmuch as it relieves the muscles of the neck, and
takes off that uneasiness which arises from a long
continuance of one position, as is so evidently the
case with coach-horses that are reined up tight v, itii

MODERN FARRIER. 219

■a gag rein, and which are constantly throwing their
heads up to get relief from such an unnatural con-
finement.

A horse cannot move his shoulders with freedom,
and advance his fore-legs well, if his head is too
much confined by the hand of the rider; a tight
rein, therefore, should always be avoided. It is a
fact worthy of observation, that a horse that walks
well generally excels in every other pace : neverthe-
less, there are sometime? exceptions, as some bad
walkers are very speedy in other paces ; but this is
owing chiefly to the bad management of the rider.

117. The Amble.
In ambling, the animal moves two legs on the
same side at once. This pace belongs more particu-
larly to quadrupeds that have long flexible spines,
such as lions, tigers, and dogs. When a horse,
therefore adopts this pace of his own accord, it is a
sign of weakness.

118. The Trot.

In a trot, two legs are moved at the same time ;
for when a near or left fore-leg is elevated, the off
or right hind-leg is raised at the same moment.
No horse can trot well unless his legs be well placed,
and his chest be neither too narrow nor too broad.
When it is too narrow, the elbows generally incline
too much inwards, and the animal is liable to cross
his legs and to cut his knee. On the contrary,
when the chest is too broad, the horse is apt to
acquire an unpleasant rolling motion.

' In the trot,' says the writer before quoted, ? there
is a certain degree of flexion in the knee necessary
to safe and quick action ; and with a good trotter,
that moves the shoulders freely and throws forward
his fore-leg, the knee may be seen by the rider ad-
vanced beyond the point of the shoulder every time
the leg is in the air.

220 MODERN FARRIER.

' When the knee is bent too much, "and raised too
high, there must be a great deal of unnecessary ac-
tion, and consequently a loss of time. On the other
hand, when the leg is thrown out too straight, with
the toe pointed, the leg remains stationary for a
short period, gaining no more ground than what is
acquired by the momentum of the body. The best
action, therefore, is when the leg is moderately
raised, and the shoulder thrown forward; but the
principal source of speed in trotting, as well as in all
other paces, is in the hind-quarters. The action of
some horses in this respect is extremely beautiful ;
that is to say, when there is an equal flexion in the
hock and stifle-joints. Hence they appear to go, as
it were, upon springs ; but when this bounding mo-
tion is carried to an extreme, it constitutes what is
called the darting trot, and is never so speedy as the
quick repetition of action in the different legs in the
less extended trot. Twelve miles in the hour is
considered fast trotting ; but there are many horses
capable of trotting sixteen, and even eighteen miles
within the hour. In these cases, however, of ex-
treme speed, the motion ought not to be considered
as a trot, for it becomes decidedly a run, as may be
perceived by the legs moving separately and succes-
sively one after the other ; whereas, in the trot, two
are moved at once, namely, a fore and a hind-leg on
opposite sides. Horses that are badly formed in
their fore-quarters, when pressed in the trot, are apt
to strike the shoe of the fore-foot with the toe of the
hind-foot, making a disagreeable clacking noise,
which is called forging, and rendering the pace un-
safe by the risk of the hind-foot getting locked with
the heel of the shoe of the fore-foot ; in which case,
except the shoe be torn off, the horse must inevita-
bly fall, and with great violence.

' This defect arises from the horse's being unable
to advance his fore-leg with sufficient celerity, so as
to get it out of the way of the hind-leg when it is

MODERN FARRIER. 221

brought under the body; and though it may be
prevented, in some degree, by good riding, yet it is
never thoroughly got rid of, and will always recur
when the animal is tired by hard labour.

'In some instances, where a horse is pressed in
the trot, he gets into a shuffling pace, between a
trot and a gallop ; that is, he either gallops with his
fore-legs, and trots with his hind-legs, or else vice
versa : in either case it is a very unpleasant action,
and greatly retards the speed.'

Trotting on hard roads, and particularly in frosty
weather, is extremely injurious to the legs and feet.
Sometimes the concussion is so great as to occasion
violent inflammation, producing what is called foun-
der, or a sinking of the coffin bones.

119. The Canter.

The canter is a pace peculiarly pleasant to the
rider, and much easier to the horse than the trot,
because the action is divided into three motions.
Thus, if the horse leads with the off fore-leg, the
feet will come to the ground in the following order
of succession : namely, first, the near hind-leg ; next,
the off hind-leg and the near fore-leg together ; and,
lastly, the off fore-leg. But, during this alternation,
there is a period when three feet are on the ground
at once; for instance, two hind-feet and the near
fore-foot will be on the ground just prior to the
moment when the off fore-foot alights, which hav-
ing taken place, the near hind-foot rises from the
ground, leaving the other three ; viz. two fore-feet
and the off hind-foot stationary.

In the canter, the horse moves somewhat ob-
liquely, by advancing one shoulder more than the
other, in conformity with the leading leg. Thus, if
he leads with the right fore-leg, the right hind-leg
must follow, and be advanced more under the body
than the left hind-leg. By this position, the feet
describe a rhomboidal quadrangle, which gives a

222 MODERN FARRIER.

greater stability to the body during progression,
than if the animal moved with an equilateral projec-
tion of his limbs.

If the horse leads with his right fore-leg, and fol-
lows with the left hind-leg, he is said to canter false.
This may be easily felt by the rider, as the body of
the animal will move in a tortuous unharmonious
manner. Whenever this takes place, he should be
stopped immediately, as he incurs the danger of
falling.

It is easiest for the rider when the horse leads
with the off or right fore-leg, because the rider,
holding the reins in the left hand, generally turns
his body to the same side, which inclination accords
also with the oblique direction of the horse's body.
To oblige the horse to lead with the off fore-leg, it
will be necessary to shorten the near or left hand
rein, and to press the horse's side with the left leg,
and to apply the spur if necessary.

By shortening the left hand rein, his head and
neck will be inclined to the left or near side, which
will confine the motion of his near or left shoulder,
and force him to advance the off shoulder ; at the
same time, the pressure of the rider's left leg throws
off the croup to the right side, and gives the hind-
quarters the same direction as the fore-quarters. If
the horse is required to lead with the left or near
fore-leg, the right hand and heel must be employed
for that purpose.

The canter is a pace peculiarly accommodating to
the sensations of the rider, as his seat is preserved
with little or no exertion ; whilst, at the same time,
the progress he makes is very considerable.

120. The Gallop).

The gallop is usually divided into two paces ; the
hand gallop and the full gallop. The motion, how-
ever, in both cases is the same, the difference being
in the quickness of repetition.

MODERN FARRIER. 223

In galloping, the legs all move separately, and
come to the ground in regular succession after each
other. Hence, the usual mode of representing the
horse in painting, with his fore-legs and hind-legs
extended at the same time, is quite erroneous ; be-
cause the hind-legs are always advanced under the
body, to receive the weight at the time that the
fore-legs are extended. Dogs, and other animals
with flexible spines, gallop with their fore and hind-
legs extended at the same time ; but horses are in-
capable of such motions.

During the gallop, the horse leads with one fore-
leg projected beyond the other ; and riders, in gene-
ral, (though there is no very obvious reason for it)
prefer the off or right fore-leg to the near or left.
But this is all the effect of habit ; for, as the body
of the horse is obliged to move rather obliquely,
and not in a straight line, the rider, for his own
ease, is also obliged to sit in the same direction.
Hence, after being accustomed to ride a horse that
leads always with the same leg, he finds it inconve-
nient and unpleasant to ride one that leads with the
opposite leg; but this, as has been just observed, is
entirely the effect of habit.

Every horse, however, should be taught to lead
with either leg occasionally, because the leg with
which he does not lead does more work than the.
other, by coming to the ground first, and thereby
receiving first the shock of the body. Moreover, if
the horse is never suffered to change his legs, he ac-
quires a stiff contracted motion on the one side com-
paratively with that of the other; and therefore,
when obliged to change, he goes not only very un-
easily to himself, but also to his rider.

During the gallop, it is necessary that there
should be an uniformity of action in all the four
legs. Thus, if the horse leads with the off or right
fore-leg, the right hind-ley; should follow; but if the-
animal leads with the off or right fore-leg, and the

224 MODERN FAURIEK.

left or near hind-leg follows, he is then said to gal-
lop false, and should be stopped immediately, for
fear of his legs interfering, and thereby rendering
him liable to fall.

Different horses gallop in very different forms.
Some gallop very high with their fore-quarter,
throwing up their knees as high as their chests, and
even higher. This action is peculiar to most foreign
horses, particularly the Spanish ; and, although it
adds to the pomp and parade of a war-horse, or a
maneged horse, yet it reduces the speed in a very
great degree, as well as adds to the labour and fa-
tigue which the animal has to undergo.

The English thorough-bred horse, on the con-
trary, gallops low, and with his fore-legs nearly in a
straight line of elevation; nor are his head and
neck much raised beyond the line of his body. — ■
This style of galloping is much better adapted for
speed, and is almost universal amongst race-horses :
but it requires great muscular power and command
of the limbs, to enable the body to preserve this
steady and straight line during its progression ; for
the hind-quarters must be doubled up, as it were,
to enable them to clear the ground at the moment
when they are thrown forwards under the body.
Hence the necessity of the thighs and hocks being
well formed ; that is to say, that the thigh should
be broad and muscular, and the hock broad also, so
as to increase the fulcrum, or mechanical purchase
in the hock-joint, from whence the spring is princi-
pally taken. It must also be evident, that a good
conformation is necessary in the fore-quarters, to
preserve a proper harmony of action in all the limbs,
although instances sometimes occur of horses that
are badly formed in their fore-quarters being pos-
sessed of great speed. But this casual variation
from an established rule may be attributed princi-
pally to the animal's being endowed with some
peculiar properties in the conformation of his hind-

MODERN FARRIER. 225

quarters, and furnishes, no reason for neglecting to
look to the fore-quarters in the choice of a horse for
either the road or field.

Some horses, in galloping, change the leading leg
whilst they are going on. When they change the
fore-leg without the hind-leg, they then gallop false ;
but when they change both a fore and a hind-leg at
the same time, it is a proof of strength, and of great
command of their limbs.

121. Training for the Chace.

It is a rule with the best sportsmen, that no horse
should be used in hunting till he is full five years
old : some will hunt them at four* but the horse at
this time is not come up to his true strength and
courage, and will not only fail at every tough trial,
but will be subject to strains, and accidents of that
kind, much more than if he were to be kept an-
other year first, when his strength would be more
confirmed.

When the hunter is five years old, he may be put
to grass from the middle of May till Barthclomew-
tide ; for the weather between these is so hot, that
it will be very proper to spare him from work. At
Bartholomew-tide, the strength of the grass begin-
ning to be nipped by frosts and cold dews, so that
it is apt to engender crudities in the horse, he should
be taken up while his coat is yet smooth and sleek,
and put into the stable. When he is first brought
home, he should be put in some secure and spacious
place, where he may evacuate his body by degrees,
and be brought not all at once to the warm keeping ;
the next night he may be stabled up. He ought to
be well supplied with good meat, litter, and water,
and to be often dressed, and suffered to sleep as
much as he pleases, he should be so fed, that his
dung may be rather soft than hard ; and it must be
of a bright and clean colour.
2 F

226 MODERN FARRIER.

There is a general practice among the grooms, in
many places, of giving their hunters wheat straw as
soon as they take them up from grass. They say
they do this to take up their bellies; but there
seems much reason to disapprove of this. The
change is very violent, and the nature of the straw
so heating and drying, that there seems great reason
to fear that the astringent nature of it would be
prejudicial more than is at first perceived. It is
always found that the dung is hard after this foody
and is voided with pain and difficulty, which is in
general very wrong for this sort of horse. It is
better therefore to avoid this straw-feeding, and to
depend upon moderate airing, warm clothing, and'
good old hay and old corn, than to have recourse to
any thing of this kind.

When the horse has evacuated all his grass, and
has been properly shod, and the shoes have had
time to settle to his feet, he may be ridden abroad,
and treated in this manner: the groom ought to
visit him early in the morning, at five o'clock in the
long days, and at six in the short ones ; he must
then clean out the stable, and feel the horse's neck,
flank, and belly, to find the state of his health. If
the flank feels soft and flabby, there is a necessity of
good diet to harden it, otherwise any great exercise
will occasion swellings and goutiness in the heels.
After this examination, a handful or two of good
old oats, well sifted, should be given him ; this will
make him have more inclination to water, and will
also make the water sit better on his stomach than
if he drank fasting. After this, he is to be tied up
and dressed. If in the doing of this he opens his
mouth, as if he would bite, or attempts to kick at
the person, it is a proof that the teeth of the curry-
comb are too sharp, and must be filed blunter. If
after this he continues the same tricks, it is through
wantonness, and he should be corrected for it. —
Then he is to be rubbed down with the brush, and

MODERN FARRIER.. £27

dusted a second time; he should then be rubbed
over with a wet hand, and all the loose hairs, and
whatever foulness there is, should be picked off.
When this is done, and he is wiped dry as at first, a
large saddle-cloth is to be put on, reaching down to
the spurring-place ; then the saddle is to be put on,
and a cloth thrown over it, that he may not take
cold : then rub down his le<?s, and pick his feet witfe
an iron picker, and let the mane and tail be co. ibed
with a wet mane-comb. He should then be mount-
ed, and walked a mile at least to some running wa-
ter, and there watered ; but he must only be suffered
to take about half his water at one drinking.

Walk him a little after he is out of the water,
then put him to a gentle gallop for a little while,
and after this bring him to the water again. This
should be done three or four times, till he will not
drink any more. If there is a hilly place near the
watering place, it is always well to ride up to it ; if
otherwise, any place is to be chosen where there is
free air and sun. That the creature may enjoy the
benefit of this, he is not to be galloped, but walked
about in this place an hour, and then taken home to
the stable. The pleasure the horse himself takes in
these airings, when well managed, is very evident ;
for he will gape, yawn, and shrug up his body : and
in these, whenever he would stand still to stale,
dung, or listen to any noise, he is not to be hindered
from it, but encouraged to every thing of this kind.

The benefits derived from these airings are nume-
rous ; they purify the blood, teach the creature how
to make his breathing agree with the rest of the mo-
tions of his body, and give him an appetite to his
food, which hunters and racers that are kept stalled
up are otherwise very apt to lose. An hour or
more after the horse is come in from his airing, the
groom should give him a wisp of clean hay, making
him eat it out of his hand ; after this let the manger
be well cleaned out, and a quartern of oats clean

228 MODERN FARRIER.

sifted be given him. If he eats up this with an ap-
petite, he should have more given him ; but if he is
slow and indifferent about it, he must have no more.
The business is to give him enough, but not to cloy
him with food. If the horse gets flesh too fast on
this home feeding, he is not to be stinted to prevent
it, but only his exercise increased; this will take
down his flesh, and at the same time give him
strength and wind.

After the feeding in the morning, the usual me-
thod is to shut up the stable, only leaving him a
little hay on his litter. He need be no more looked
at till one o'clock, and then only rubbed down, and
left again to the time of his evening watering, which
is four o'clock in the summer and three in the win-
ter. When he has been watered, he must be kept
out an hour or two, or more if necessary, and then
taken home and rubbed as after the morning water-
ing. Then he is to have a feed of corn at six o'clock,
and another at nine at night ; and being then clean-
ed, and his litter put in order, and hay enough left
for the night, he is to be left till the morning. This
is the direction for one day, and in this manner he
is to be treated every day for a fortnight ; at the
end of which time his flesh will be so hardened, his
wind so improved, his mouth so quickened, and his
gallop brought to so good a stroke, that he will be
fit to put to moderate hunting.

In order to strengthen a hunter, when subject to
violent and frequent exercise, some recommend to
give some old split beans at every feeding with oats ;
and others think the crumbs of bread made of beans
and wheat flour, and given once a day, an excellent
method for preserving the appetite. The day be-
fore the horse is to hunt, it will be found much
better to give a little bread with the oats than beans,
which are rather hard of digestion.

MODERN FARRIER. 229

122. Training for the Course.

Much ignorance and prejudice prevails on the
subject of training for the course ; and many a good
horse has been killed or beaten in consequence of
the absurd practices too frequently adopted. Old
and foolish opinions are now in a great measure
exploded ; yet most people think it absolutely ne-
cessary to prepare horses for the field by the admi-
nistration of three strong purges. 'There seems,'
says a late writer, 'to be some magic attached to
the number three; for the animal is always con-
demned to swallow a third dose, even though the
two first may have operated within an inch of his
life, and have left him in such a state of exhaustion
and debility as would require a considerable time to
overcome. Undoubtedly there are many cases
where purging is indispensibly necessary to get a
horse into condition : but, on the other hand, it is
equally true that there are thousands of horses
which undergo constant and severe labour without
any preparation of the kind whatever; and there
are no racers nor hunters in such high condition as
mail-coach horses, that are well fed and kept in cool
stables, and that travel a certain number of miles
regularly every day, and these horses are seldom
or never purged, except in cases of worms or greasy
heels.'

Dr. Bracken, who was a great sportsman and a
great enemy to this indiscriminate practice of purg-
ing, cites a case of a mare of his own, which he had
run for six years, having in that time given her
only two purges. He also states that she had no
medicine whatever during that period, except about
the bigness of a pigeon's egg, of cordial ball occa-
sionally, and that she performed as well as most of
her neighbours, having won eight plates out of
nine every year.

230 MODERN FARRIER.

Mr. Clarke, of Edinburgh, also makes some very
judicious observations on the abuse of purging me-
dicines. Speaking on this subject, he says, ' It may-
be of use to the young practitioner to explain what
is meant by the phrase of the humours falling down ;
but, at the same time, I must inform him, that this
phrase is so generally in use, that when a horse's
eyes are affected, the humours are said to fall down
into them, although they are situated nearly in the
most elevated parts of the body. But to explain
their falling down to the extremities, I shall take a
case that frequently occurs. When a horse that is
in the highest state of health, but is too fat and full
of juices, and accustomed to stand much at rest, is
suddenly put to violent and long continued exercise,
his legs will be apt to swell soon after; they will
perhaps continue in that state for some time ; they
may at last break out in running sores about his
heels, and form cracks, kc. ; when in this situation,
it is said that the humours are fallen down into the
legs. Here a question naturally occurs, where, were
those humours before the horse underwent this se-
vere exercise, and how came they to fall down on
this occasion only ? Unless a horse has been gra-
dually habituated to exercise, previous to the under-
going that which is violent or long continued, his
vessels will be too full of fluids ; and these, especially
the finer capillaries, from the force and rapidity of
the circulation during the exercise, will admit the
grosser fluids that do not usually circulate in them.
They are likewise liable in these cases to be rup-
tured ; hence the fluids they contain escape into the
cellular membrane, where they stagnate, and being
then out of the course of circulation, occasion a
swelling. If this happen in the legs, as the most
dependent part of the body, the humours are then
said to have fallen down ; the swelling causes a dis-
tension of the skin; the cuticular pores are then
enlarged, and admit through thera the thinner parts

MODERN FARRIER. 231

of the fluids to the outward surface of the skin,
which, on being exposed to the external air, are
then changed in their quality, and acquire, according
to circumstances, either a clammy or greasy nature,
or else a sharp fetid ichorous quality that erodes the
skin, and by lodging there forms small ulcers.

'It ought always to be remembered, that great
evacuations weaken an animal body ; and if they are
repeated frequently and too close upon one another,
without allowing a proper interval between each, or
if they are carried to excess, as is sometimes the case,
•the weakness of the animal system is thereby in-
creased, the powers of life are overcome, and death
follows of course.'

Farther upon this subject Mr. Clarke says, * I do
not approve of repeating purge after purge, merely
because this or that horse is to run, or hunt, with-
out first considering whether the animd be fat or
lean, or whether he has been kept at hard meat with
proper exercise, or whether he has run a considerable
time, or late in the season at grass. All this, and se-
veral other circumstances necessary to be attended to,
ought to be duly weighed and maturely considered
before any purging medicines are administered : for
example, if a horse has run long at grass, and is of a
plethoric and full habit of body, evacuations by
purging, and diuretic medicines, to a certain degree,
are necessary, together with length of time, good
feeding, and regular exercise, to bring his body into
that proper habit to enable him to perform with
freedom such active exercises. But if a horse is of
a lean, low, or dry habit of body, whether it may
proceed from the want of proper food, from fatigue,
or any other cause, can it be proper to reduce him
still lower by repeated evacuations of any kind?
There is such an inconsistency in this practice, that
it would not even deserve to be noticed, were it not
too much practised every day : for, v ith some peo-
ple, it is no matter of consideration with them what

232 Modern farrier.

state of body a horse may be in, that is, whether he
be of a fat and full, or lean and dry habit of body ;
still he is said to be full of humours, and which
must be purged off before he is fit for running or
hunting.'

When a horse has undergone the regular purging
and the ceremony of taking cordial balls, he is gal-
loped and sweated in his clothes at certain intervals.
By this unhealthy system he is relaxed ; and when
suddenly exposed to cold, he stands all in a heap,
with his back up, his legs drawn together, and his
tail close to his buttocks, shivering and shaking like
an aspen-leaf. Such a horse may be said to be half
blown before he begins to start.

Indeed, no horse can be taken up fat from grass,
and sweated both suddenly and violently, without
producing weakness and exhaustion. A horse thus
misused will be all in a lather of sweat before he has
run the third part of his race ;■ to the great astonish-
ment of the trainer, who never dreams that it is
possible for such an event to take place from too
much, as well as from too little previous sweating.

Mr. Richard Lawrence recommends that the ex-
ercise should be regular, moderate, and of sufficient
duration. ' Thus, for instance,' says he, ' the horse
might be ridden gently for a few minutes with his
clothes on ; by which time the circulation of the
blood would be so much increased as to resist any
ill effects of the sudden application of cold to the
body. He might then be stripped, and set off at a
canter, or a hand-gallop, for about a mile; then
walked for a few minutes, and the cantering repeat-
ed and continued in this way alternately for about
an hour, taking care that the animal should not
sweat beyond a general and moderate moisture of
the skin. This portion of exercise should be given
him twice a day for the first fortnight or three weeks
after he has gone through his physic: and it might
afterwards be increased by giving him some strong

modern Farrier. 233

gallops, in order to practise him in the free use and
command of his limbs to the utmost extent of action.
By thus sweating, with his body and head and neck
uncovered, he will have the benefit of the contact of
the fresh air, the vapour arising from the skin will
fly off as fast as it is produced, and the vessels will
be strengthened and invigorated by the freshness of
the passing breeze. If any further reasoning were
necessary to shew the bad effect of immoderate
sweating in the body clothes, the following analogy
might very fairly supply it. It is a fact, which
most horsemen and drivers of horses must know,
that a horse, when going ivith the wind, sweats
more than when he is going against it; and this
simply from the circumstance of his being, in the
first case, constantly surrounded by the vapour
arising from his own body ; whereas, in the latter
case, the wind meeting him drives it away, and
with a quickness proportioned to the velocity with
which he is going. Hence a horse is always much
more fatigued and exhausted when he goes with
the wind than when he goes against it.'

It would certainly be highly improper to start a
horse with a full belly ; still it is also improper to
keep him for several hours on the muzzle before he
starts. Long fasting naturally produces faintness.
A moderate meal might be given with advantage
about four hours before starting.

It is, as before noticed, very improper to water a
horse on the training ground, and immediately after
to set off on a canter or hand-gallop. Such treat-
ment is apt to produce spasms, with all their fatal
consequences. Should a mare, while training, shew
a desire for the horse, it will be necessary to give
bran mashes and occasionally some Epsom salts;
though under such circumstances, it would be bet-
ter, if convenient for the owner, to decline running.

The violent labour of the race-horse certainly re-
quires some preparation, in order to divest the body
2 G

231 MODERN FARRIER.

of all superfluous fats and fluids, as will as to im-
prove the breathing; but purging and sweating
ought to be carefully and judiciously used, and a
proper regard should be' paid to the constitution of
the animal.

'We have happily got quit,' says Mr. Scott, in
his British Field Sports, * of much of the stoving in
hot and suffocating stables, and of the excessive and
debilitating purgation of former days. Even the
malignant and bewitching humours, always sup-
posed to be resident in the body of the horse, have
been nearly laughed and exorcised out of it, since
the salutary horse-laugh originally raised against
them by Gibson and Bracken ; and could we but
both reason and experiment away the exhausting,
enfeebling, spirit-quelling, crippling sweat, we should
render our training and running stable system very
near to perfection ; which indeed already is, with
the above stated exceptions, the most correct, ma-
turely considered, and comfortable to the horse, of
any other in existence.'

In continuation, the same writer says, ' Speed
mataially depends on the freshness, elasticity, and
healthy tone of the sinews, which one would sup-
pose can scarcely be promoted by a weekly laborious
and fatiguing gallop of four or six miles, under a
weight, alive or dead, of perhaps fifteen or sixteen
stone ; the horse not perhaps fairly able to race with
twelve — all horses beside, whatever their powers,
age, nature; or constitution, being treated in the*
same way. If there be any satisfactory experi-
mental proofs to invalidate the above arguments,
such have not reached me ; I have never heard any
other plea for the necessity of forcibly reducing run-
ning horses to the state of bone-leanness, than that
of custom and opinion : and to dismiss this part of
the subject, granting that a severe method of train-
ing would en ure a somewhat greater superiority of
performance, wo.dd it not be preferable on all hands

MODERN FARRIER. 235

to give up such an advantage, if an advantage it can
be deemed, for compassion sake in the first instance,
and for the considerable benefits of preserving the
limbs of the horses in a sound state, and more to be
depended upon, and of lengthening the duration of
their services ?'

123. Training Horses to leap.

It is proper that all hunters and military horses
be taught to leap. This should be done gradually
and gently, lest the horse falls and becomes fearful.
It is best to commence by leading him to a low bar
covered with furze, which, pricking the horse's legs
if he does not raise himself sufficiently, prevents his
contracting a sluggish and dangerous habit of touch-
ing as he goes over, which any thing yielding and
not pricking would give him a custom of doing.
Many horses, in learning to leap, are apt to come
too near, and in a manner with their feet under the
bar. The best way to prevent their doing so, is to
place under the bar two planks, of the breadth of
the pillars on which the leaping bar is fixed : these
planks should meet and join at top under the bar,
about two feet high from the ground, and project at
bottom from the ground about two feet; they
should be strongly framed, that the horse may not
break them by touching them with his feet; the
bar should be placed so as to run round when
touched. The ditches and hedges to which a horse
is first brought should be small and inconsiderable ;
and in this, as in every thing else, the increase
should be made by degrees. The horse should be
accustomed to approach the object he is to leap,
gently, and without hurry, and to stand coolly at it
for some time ; and then to raise himself gently up,
and go clear over it without either laziness or impe-
tuosity. When he has been taught to leap well
standing, he may next be brought to walk up to

MODERN FARRIER.

the bar, and to go over it without halting; and
after he has become a little familiar with this prac-
tice, he may be led up to it in a trot, and so by de-
grees quicker and quicker, until he is brought to
leap it flying on a full gallop.

In going at a leap, the reins should never be held
tight, because the horse cannot rise, or have the free
use of his shoulders and fore-legs, except his head
be at perfect liberty. Many riders, however, have a
notion that a horse's head should be a little held up
by the bridle, with a view, as they term it, of assist-
ing him, and directing him how to measure his leap.
This is, however, a very mistaken notion, as many
riders know to their cost; it very often is the
means of pulling the horse into a ditch. A horse
will always learn how to measure his leap, if left to
himself, better than when the rider attempts to re-
gulate his motion ; because, if his head be held up
and constrained by the bridle, he can neither see so
well where he is going, nor can he have the free use
of his shoulders and fore-legs, both of which are ab-
solutely necessary to enable him to accomplish the
leap with ease and safety. Sportsmen, in general,
entertain a curious idea, that a horse can extend his
leap if he discovers the ditch to be wider than he
expected, by taking an additional spring whilst he
is going over it. But this is certainly a very erro-
neous notion ; for after the horse has once quitted
the ground with his hind-legs, he can neither in-
crease nor diminish the exertion or spring with
which he began his leap, because no point of resist-
ance remains for his hind-legs to spring from.

In leaping, it is necessary that the rider should
keep his body back ; because, by so doing, a great
deal of the shock is avoided. The motion of the
horse is, in fact, similar to that of a rocking-horse ;
namely, he first rises with his fore parts, and ulti-
mately with his hinder ones ; therefore, if the rider
projects his body forwards at that period of the leap,

MODERN FARRIER.

he must inevitably be thrown over his horse's head
by the jerk which he receives from the hind-quar-
ters. But, in leaning back, he should not disturb
his previous position on the saddle, for the bend
should be confined to the loins entirely. His arms
should also remain still and close to his sides ; and
the best way to teach this, and to prevent their
being raised up, is to oblige the rider to hold a
switch, or a hand-whip, under each arm, and not to
let them drop. The thighs and legs should be kept
in the same position, without grasping the horse's
sides, which only tends to render the shock more
violent. It is recommended by some sportsmen to
touch the haunch of the horse gently with the whip
in passing the bar, in order to make him clear his
hinder legs with the address used by the cow, one
of the best standing leapers.

The Irish horses are generally good leapers ; and
these are commonly short in the hind-quarter, and
down-rumped, or low in the croup, with their hind-
legs standing considerably under the body, and
their hocks close together, being what is called cat-
hammed.

124. Riding a Race.

The jockey seat on horseback diners materially in
position from that of the riding-school. The latter
is preserved by the balance or equipoise of the body,
solely ; the former by the firm grasp of the thighs,
and the knees particularly, confirmed by the oppo-
site directions of the knees and toes, the one turned
in, the other somewhat outwards, and in a small de-
gree elevated. There must be a concentration of
muscular power and energy in the rider's arms and
shoulders, and breast and knees, for the holding and
support of his horse. The spine or back-bone of
the jockey must always be prepared to bend in the
middle ; since in the horse's running, there is a ne-

imuui

238 3IODERN FARRIER.

cessity for some inclination of the body forward*
and nothing can be more awkward and ridiculous
than a horseman leaning- forward, with a back as
straight and stiff as a stake, his posteriors protruded
in the same degree. The true seat is naturally,
easily, and upright in the saddle, as in a chair ; the
knees about as much bent ; the legs falling nearly
straight down the horse's sides, and the feet home
in the stirrups; the hands somewhat above the
pommel of the saddle, elbows close to the sides, and
the view directed between the horse's ears. Jockey
riding is, in truth, something between sitting and
kneeling ; and the length which a man rides should
be so regulated, that he may be, as it were, buoyant
in his stirrups, without being so much elevated
above the saddle as to depend upon the bridle for
his support : at the same time, he must not ride so
long as to sit a dead weight upon his horse. A
man who rides too short, and is elevated too much
above the saddle, must necessarily have a vacillating
and uncertain seat. Of late years, and since the
military mania has bewitched our country, the
riding-house mode, of no more than the toe or ball
of the foot in the stirrup, has prevailed to a consi-
derable degree. We have seen directions too of late,
in print, for the jockey to turn his toe in, and his heel
out, a Id miUtaire; as though, like Watty Cockney,
it were apprehended he could not otherwise keep
his spurs out of the horse's sides: a groundless ap-
prehension in a well-seated jockey, who, of <the two,
will find the greatest difficulty in reaching his
horse's sides with his spurs.

Chifney recommends riding a racer with a slack
rein; but surely it is necessary, in most cases, to
hold a horse sufficiently close, to keep him together
and steady; nor can you otherwise regulate the
speed of a horse, to make the most of him. Fairly
pulling at a racer, whilst he has the full liberty of
extending his head and neck to the utmost, can

JVLODEUN FAIUUEK. 239

never obstruct his wind or shorten his stroke ; and
many horses, from habit probably, will slacken their
speed on the rein being slackened.

The rider of the speediest horse will, in a course,
make a waiting race ; that is to say, keep behind at
a favourable distance, in order to preserve his horse's
superior speed for the last run. The distance must
not, however, be too considerable, by which error
many races have been lost. For example, in a
sweepstakes, where the speediest and best horses
have sometimes waited so long on each other, that
the rider of an inferior and unnoticed horse has
taken the advantage, and advanced so far, that, at
last, the best could not overtake him. The speedy
horse must be favoured also over heavy ground and
up-hill. The opposite directions will, consequently,
serve for the slow and stout horse. In making the
play, however, which is taking the lead, and espe-
cially in a four-mile race, it must be considered that
the stoutest racer may be run to a stand-still ; there-
fore the rider must not at first take too much upon his
horse, but keep a few pulls in hand for an occasion ;
yet go along at such a rate as to keep his speedier
antagonist at warm work, wearing him out by de-
grees : in such a race, the stoutest horse will win,
unless he is greatly out-footed. In a race of a single
mile, or a mile and a half, between a speedy horse,
with the common defect of that class, inability to
run up to his foot, and a stout and honest horse, that
will run through the piece, it may be necessary for
the rider of the latter to set off at scores, and run all
the way through, attending only to the single con-
sideration, that he does not blow or burst his horse,
of which he ought to be a judge.

It may be proper, in this place, to advert to the
distinct qualities in the racer, of stoutness and /zo-
nesty ; a discrimination seldom made, but to be
aware of which may sometimes be of consequence.
Ahorse may be honest without being stout; that

240 MODERN* FARRIEK.

is, he may have the will, perhaps the ambition, to
run to his last sob, but be deficient in physical
power — he faints, he sinks internally ; his lungs, his
limbs refuse any longer to perform their office with
their highest energy, and his pace is compulsively
slackened. The stout, but not honest horse, will
occasionally slacken his pace, and suffer himself to
be beaten without any of the above symptoms, or
appearance of debility : perhaps there is some ana-
logy in this case with that of the cart-horse, which,
however in general a capital drawer, never will or
can draw dead pulls. It would be difficult to dis-
cuss satisfactorily this point, as it regards the racer ;
but it may be fairly insisted on, abuse with the
whip and spur never succeeds in the case ; and, in
fact, horses are well known to have their running
days ; and there are so many obvious and constantly
recurring impediments to racing exertion, and the
edge or extreme of speed is so delicate a thing, that
we may well wonder at the degree of certainty
which we are accustomed to witness on the course.
In whipping the horse, the hand of the rider is ele-
vated above his head, that the strokes may proceed
from the extremity of the whip. Spurring is per-
formed by turning the toe outward, and giving
quick strokes. In making the last run, it is an ob-
ject to keep the whip hand, and to avoid being
hemmed in by the other horses. It is also politic
and usual not to win the race too hollow, when in
the jockey's power, that the extent of the horse's
abilities may not be known. The winning by the
shortest possible distance is one great and difficult
part of the business of the rider.

Here it is necessary to say a few words on whip-
ping and spurring. The rule with a hot and
speedy horse is, to spare whip and spur, and trust
to a strong arm and check rein. The stout or
lurching horse, which well knows how to spare
himself, must be forcibly driven, in order to elicit

MODERN FARRIER. 241

his utmost performance. There are some styled
good ivhipped horses, which absolutely will' not run
without tlie stimulus of the whip and spur, and
which they take with the utmost non chalancc and
forbearance. But even with these, excess, as in all
other cases, defeats its proposed end ; and when a
horse has reached his utmost possible point of exer-
tion, it is indisputable that all the whipping and
spurring which could be administered b}^ the arms
and legs of even that butcher on horseback, Jack
Oakley, were he now living, could not push him
one hair's breadth beyond. There is another mate-
rial consideration, too little attended to ; the effect
which severity must have upon a horse in the
above-mentioned state — say, for example, upon the
stoutest and best-whipped horse. Granting that
they who use this severity have any rational or re-
flective motive, it can be no other than to keep the
horse up to his mark. But surely heart-oppressing
and deadening discouragement cannot do this, and
despair itself may fail ; and the horse, confounded,
yet still willing to make farther exertion if possible,
may be more likely to lift himself up and lose
ground, than be able to maintain his stroke.
: A true runner may endure the whip and spur in
moderation, but has a most resentful and indignant
stomach on their abuse, which never fails to make
him careless and indifferent in his exertions, and
even to abate in his speed the instant abuse takes
place.

125. Carrying Weights.

It is generally believed by sportsmen, that even
three pounds difference in weight will make a horse
win or lose ; but it is very difficult to conceive how
such a very slight difference can have such influence
in the deciding of a race. Were horses always
equal in vigour and wind, such nice calculations
11 2 H

242 MODERN FARRIER.

would be better founded. It is more probable that
the difference in riding amongst different jockeys
may affect, a horse more than a trifling addition of
weight; and it is well known that horses cannot
run so well upon some grounds as others. Some
horses can run well on a flat that can neither run up
nor down hill ; and these perhaps are circumstances
that require more attention in making a match, than
the consideration of a small difference in weight.
Besides, some horses, especially small light colts,
run faster at two years old than at any other period;
whilst others do not acquire their utmost power of
speed until three or four years old.

A good judge on this subject expresses himself
thus : ' Neither the accustomed weights for the year,
nor the give and take weights, seem to me possible
to be accommodated to the nature of the case. As^
examples, perhaps, seven or eight pounds only will
be given, when the ability to carry weight is strik-
ingly different in the two horses ; on the other hand,
in give and take weights, a horse of fourteen hands
will carry nine stone, and one of fifteen hands eleven.
Now, nature may have reversed this scheme com-
pletely, by having enabled the lowest horse to be
master of the greatest weight. Matching with dis-
cretionary weights, or weights for age and qualifica-
tions, seems susceptible of more accuracy ; and per-
haps it may be yet discovered, that much more
weight may be allowed on account of substance and
strength than has been hitherto supposed.'

126. Matches against Time.

Before treating of matches against time, it may
be amusing to notice a few instances of performances
that have been timed. The speed of Childers has
been before noticed. Eclipse was never timed ; but
it was judged, or perhaps some persons might look
at their watches on the occasion, that he ran four

MODERN FARRIER. 243

miles over York in eight minutes, carrying twelve
stone. He won more twelve stone, or royal plates,
than any other racer. Bay Malton ran four miles
at York, in 1766, with eight stone seven pounds, in
seven minutes forty-three seconds and a half. Merry
Bachelor, in Jennison Shaftoe's great match, ran
twenty-five miles in one hour. Firetail, beating
Pumkin, ran a mile at Newmarket in 1773, with
eight stone, in one minute four and a half seconds :
but no horse has hitherto been proved capable of
running a mile within a minute of time ; nor has it
been yet ascertained how many miles a race-horse is
capable of running within the hour. Long and dis-
tressing races were formerly in use upon the turf,
the discontinuance of which is among the number
of modern improvements. Even four mile races, or,
as it is styled, running over the course, are not so
frequent as formerly.

The utmost speed of a trotter has hitherto been
ascertained, by the stop-watch, to be a mile in a few
seconds less than three minutes ; and sixteen miles
in one hour, upon the common road, with the
weight of twelve stone, seems to be the utmost
which has been performed with that weight, unless
it be a fact that the same was performed in 1792, in
Lincolnshire, with fifteen stone. Thirty miles were
trotted in two hours and ten minutes ; and ten miles
upon the Epsom road, in November ■, 1810, by Mr.
Fielder's horse, in thirty minutes ten seconds. The
greatest performances in harness, and with a light
carriage for the purpose, have been two miles in six
minutes and a half, without distress ; and fourteen
miles and a half in several minutes less than one
hour without distress likewise : this last was by a
grey gelding, the property of captain Womb well of
the Guards, which had before trotted sixteen miles
in one hour, carrying ten stone; an account of
which, with remarks, may be seen in the Sporting
Magazine for October, 1816.

244i k MODERN FARRIER.

Robson's brown mare Phenomena attracted con*
siderable attention by trotting, in July, 1800, be-
tween Huntingdon and Cambridge, seventeen miles
in fifty -six minutes ; and afterwards, the same dis-
tance in less than fifty-three minutes; when her
owner offered to match her to perform nineteen
miles and a half within the hour : but the challenge
was not accepted. These were doubtless extraordi-
naiy performances, but it was not considered, either
by the public, or the trotting jockeys themselves,
how much was to be allowed in the estimation, on
account of the light weight she carried, namely, a

feather, being ridden by a lad belonging to the run-
ning stables, weighing about live stone.

The pleasing and intelligent author of the British
Field Sports, in speaking of the treatment of the
horse in a race, says that jockeys are frequently un-
der the necessity of cutting up and abusing a horse,
utterly in contradiction to their own better judg-
ment and inclination ; in many instances to their
abhorrence. 'The anecdote,' says he, 'has already
been published of the miscreant blackguard who
gave the following orders to William Barnes:—
" Make him win, or cut his bloody entrails out-
mark, if you don't give him his belly full of whip,
you never ride again for me. I'll find horse if you'll
find whip and spur !" I saw the little horse, after
running three terrible four mile heats, " literally cut
up alive," and may I never again witness such a
blasted and blasting sight! The old direction, in
the last extremity, to spur a horse "in the fore-
bowels," as the tenderest and most vital part, is sa-
vage, detestable, and stupidly useless.'

' But the chief,' continues this writer, ' of the cru-
elties in horse-racing, which yet remain to disgust
us, are perpetrated in matches upon the road, made,
for the most part, by low-bred, unprincipled persons,

*and equally ignorant of the properties and powers of
the horse and the nature of racing. Nearly or quite

MODERN FARRIER. 245

fifty years have passed, since the inhuman sacrifice
of the poor old Flea-bitten Grey Horse; but it
ought to be held in remembrance, as a mark for
stern and unequivocal detestation, and not to be, as
it was, smoothed and unctioned over with a shake
of the head and a grave hypocritical countenance,
which, if they mean any thing seriously, it is in a
doubtful and suspicious way. This excellent ani-
mal, a gelding, three parts bred, had won a match
of twenty-two miles within the hour, upon the
Windsor road; but the. same match being repeated,
he failed, and was whipped in, the last mile, until
his entrails trailed after him upon the ground !-~
attended on each side by furies of hell, in the human
shape, expressing in their eyes and countenances
the greedy and demon-like thirst of gain, or appre-
hension of loss !"

A recent author mentions the case of a soap-boiler
at the west end of London, who possessed a horse
that used to work in his cart, and carry out small
loads amongst his customers, and which horse he
was accustomed to drive in a gig occasionally. By
some accident, or other, it was discovered that this
horse was possessed of extraordinary speed and bot-
tom ; and a lawyer, who, in conjunction with his
professional pursuits, carried on a little black-leg
amusement, became the purchaser of this animal,
and began to turn his powers to account as soon as
possible. The first match which he made was to
gallop nineteen miles within the hour; and the
horse being, to all appearance, a heavy, half-bred,
animal, and shewing no indications of speed in his
external form, great odds were laid against his win-
ning the wager. The horse, however, accomplished
the task within the time, to the surprise and dis-
comfiture of the knowing ones. Not satisfied with
this performance, his owner matched him again, to
go twenty miles within the hour, which he also ac-
complished ; and, shortly after, he was again matched

246 MODERN FARRIER.

to go twenty-one, but dropped down dead before
the conclusion of the last mile.

Since that period, many cases of equal brutality
might be brought forward, all tending to shew the
habitual barbarity of the inhabitants of this country,
towards one of the noblest and most useful animals
in the creation. This species of barbarity seems to
be almost peculiar to this country ; for in no other
is the horse urged to extraordinary exertion, except
in cases of actual necessity.

127. The Turf Laws.

Horse-racing. — To prevent the multiplicity of
horse-races, the Stat. 13 Geo. II. Chap. 19, directs
that no plates or matches under 50/. value shall be
run for, on pain of forfeiture of 200/. by the owner
of each horse so running, and of 100/. by such per-
sons as advertise the horse. And though the owners
of horses may run them for a stake of 50/. and up-
wards, at such places as are or have been used for
horse-races ; yet if they run them upon the high-
road, or any other place than those prescribed by
the statute, the wager is illegal, and they are subject
to the forfeitures of the statute. — 4 Term Reports,
p. 1.

But by an exception in the statute, races may be
run at Newmarket and Black Hamilton for any sum
or stake less than 50/.

Note. — Although matches or horse-races, made
according to the provisions of 13 Geo. II. Chap. 19,
are legal, yet all bets or wagers above 10/. on them
are games within the Stat. 9 Anne, chap. 14, and
consequently void. — 2 Blackstone's Reports, p. 706.

But though the legislature has, in many instances,
laid wagering under 'particular restraints; yet the
practice is not restrained by the common law, unless
it may become injurious to public economy. And,
therefore, all wagers which are not contrary to sound

MODERN FARRIER. 247

policy, in the general interests of the community ;
t or which are not made upon games, or are likely to

disturb the public peace, or to encourage immorality,
( or probably affect the interests, characters or feelings

of others, not parties to the wager, are legal, and

may be recovered in a court of justice.

128. Laws of Racing.

Horses take their ages from May-day, i. e. a horse
foaled any time in the year 1818, will be deemed a
year old on the first of May, 1819.

Four inches are a hand. Fourteen pounds are a
stone.

Catch weights are, each party to appoint any per-
son to ride without weighing.

Give and take plates are, fourteen hands to carry
a stated weight, all above or under to carry extra or
be allowed the proportion of seven pounds to an
inch.

A whim plate is weight for age and weight for
inches.

A post match is to insert the age of the horses in
the articles, and to run any horse of that age with-
out declaring what horse, till you come to the post
to start.

A handicap match is, A, B, and C, to put an
equal sum each into a hat ; C, who is the handicap-
per, makes a match for A and B, who, when they
have perused it, put their hands into their pockets,
and draw them out closed, then they open them to-
gether, and if both have money in their hands, the
match is confirmed ; if neither have money, it is no
match. In both cases, the handi capper draws all
the money out of the hat ; but if one has money in
his hand, and the other none, then it is no match,
and he that has money in his hand is entitled to the
deposit in the hat.

£48 MODERN FARRIER.

The horse that has his head at the ending-post
first wins the heat.

Riders must ride their horses to the weighing-
post to weigh, and he that dismounts before, or
wants weight, is distanced.

If a rider fall from his horse, and the horse be
rode in by a person that is sufficient weight, he will
take place the same as if it had not happened, pro-
vided he go back to the place where the rider fell.

Horses' plates or shoes not allowed in the weight

Horses not entitled to start without producing a
proper certificate of their age, if required, at the
time appointed in the articles, except where aged
horses are included, and in that case a junior horse
may enter without a certificate, provided he carry
the same weight as the aged.

For the best of the plate, where there are three
heats run, the horse is second that wins one.

For the best of the heats, the horse is second that
beats the other twice out of three times, though he
doth not win a heat.

A confirmed bet cannot be off without mutual
consent.

Either of the betters may demand stakes to be
made, and on refusal declare the bet void.

If a party be absent on the day of running, a
public declaration of the bet may be made on the
course, and a demand whether any person will make
stakes for the absent party ; if no person consent to
it, the bet may be declared void.

Bets agreed to pay or receive in town, or at any
other particular place, cannot be declared off on the
course.

At Newmarket, if a match be made for a particu-
lar day in any meeting, and the parties agree to
change the day, all bets must stand ; but if run in a
different meeting, the bets made before the altera-
tion are void.

MODERN FARRIER. 249

The person who lays the odds, has a right to
choose the horse or the field.

When a person has chosen his horse, the field is
what starts against him, but there is no field with-
out one start i with him.

Bets made in pounds are paid in guineas.

If odds are laid without mentioning the horse
before it is over, it must be determined as the bets
were at the time of making it.

Bets made in running are not determined till the
plate is won, if that heat be. not mentioned at the
time of betting.

Where a plate is won by two heats, the preference
of the horses is determined by the places they are in
the second heat.

Horses running on the wrong side of the post,
and not turning back, distanced.

Horses drawn before the plate is won are distanced.

Horses distanced if their riders cross or jostle.

A bet made after the heat is over, if the horse
betted on does not start, is no bet.

When three horses have each won a heat, they
only must start for a fourth, and the preference be-
tween them will be determined by it, there being
before no difference between them.

No distance in a fourth heat.

Bets determined, though the horses does not start,
when the words Absolutely, Run or Pay, or Play or
Pay, are made use of in betting.

Example.—! bet that Mr. Robinson's bl. horse,
Sampson, absolutely wins the king's plate at Newmar-
ket next meeting ; I lose the bet though he does not
start, and win though he goes over the course alone.

In running of heats, if it cannot be decided which
is first, the heat goes for nothing, and they may all
start again, except it be between two horses that had
each won a heat.

Horses that forfeit are the beaten horses, where it
is run or pay.

2 I

250 MODERN FARRIER.

Bets made on horses winning any number of
plates that year, remain in force till the first day of
May.

Money given to have a bet laid, not returned, if
not run.

Matches and bets are void on the decease of either
party, before determined.

129. Rules of the Jockey Club.

1. That the ballots for members of the jockey club
shall be in the news rooms, Newmarket, on the
Tuesday in the first spring meeting, and the Tues-
day in the second October meeting, in each year.

2. That the candidates shall be proposed by mem-
bers, and their names put up in the card-room, in
the meetings preceding the ballots, viz. in the Cra-
ven and the first October meetings.

3. That nine members at least be present at the
ballot and that two black balls exclude.

4. To meet annually at dinner the day preceding
the king's birth-day.

5. That three members of the jockey club shall be
appointed stewards, and to commence their office on
the 4th of June annually. One new steward to be
appointed every year, on the 3d day of June, by the
steward who quits on that day, subject to the ap-
probation of the members of the jockey club then
present.

6. The first and second vacancy of the three stew-
ards now named are to be settled by drawing lots ;
and ever afterwards the senior steward is to quit his
office on the 3d of June annually.

7. All stakes shall be made in cash, bank bills,
bank post bills properly indorsed, bankers' notes
payable to bearer, or bankers' notes payable to
order, also properly indorsed ; and not otherwise,
without the consent of the party or parties present,

MODERN FARRIER. 251

concerned in the match, subscription, or sweep-
stakes, on whose account such stakes are made.

8. All stakes for matches, subscriptions, and sweep-
stakes, shall be made before starting for the same ;
and in default thereof by any person, he shall forfeit
in like manner as if he had not produced his colt,
filly, horse, or mare, to start, and shall have no claim
to the stake or stakes of the match, subscription, or
sweepstakes, should his colt, filly, horse, or mare,
have started and come first : and this to remain in
full force, as an established agreement of the jockey
club, unless such person has previously obtained the
consent of the party or parties present, with whom
he is engaged, to dispense with his making his stake
as aforesaid.

9. In order to prevent frauds, notice shall,be given
that if any person make any bet or bets, from signal
or indication, after the race has been determined at
the post, such person is not entitled to receive, or
liable to pay the same ; as such bet or bets is or are
fraudulent, illegal, and totally void : and that if any
servant belonging to a member of the society shall
be found to have made, or to have been engaged in
the making, any such bet or bets, he shall be dis-
missed his service, and no farther employed by any
member of this society.

10. When any match or sweep-stakes shall be
made, and no particular weight specified, the horses,
Ac. to carry eight stone seven pounds each. And if
any weight is given, the highest weight is, by this
resolution, fixed at eight stone seven pounds.

11. That no person shall be allowed to start any
horse, mare, or gelding, for match, sweepstakes, or
subscription, unless he shall have paid all former
stakes and forfeits to the keeper of the match-book,
by eight o'clock in the evening before starting.

12. That the owners of horses, &c. engaged in
matches or sweepstakes, in which the forfeits shall
amount to 100 guineas or upwards, shall be entitled

£52 . MODERN FARRIER.

to a deduction of ten per cent, if they declare their
forfeits by half an hour past nine o'clock in the
evening preceding running.

130. Decisions of the Jockey Club.

Any disputed matter, submitted to the considera-
tion of the jockey club, must relate to horse-racing.
The parties must agree upon a statement of the case
in writing, request the opinion of the stewards of
the jockey club thereon, and agree to abide by their
decision ; and such agreement must be signed by
the parties. If the dispute should not occur at
Newmarket, the reference must come through, or
with the sanction of, the stewards of the races where
it happened.

Except the case arise at Newmarket, they decline
giving any opinion where facts alone are in dispute ;
such as a complaint of foul riding, &c. All such
cases are most effectually investigated on the spot,
whilst the matter is fresh in the memories of the
witnesses, where their attendance is most easily pro-
cured, and their credibility best understood.

All communications must be addressed ' To the
Keeper of the Match-book, at Newmarket,' and de-
livered free of postage.

By order of the stewards.

Newmarket, \6th May, 1816. — Some disputes
having arisen respecting the qualifications of horses
to run for particular races, as well in regard to the
time when the certificates should be produced, as to
the person by whom the qualification or disqualifi-
cation should be proved, the stewards of the jockey
club, in the hope of introducing a uniformity of
practice in this respect, and with a view to prevent
disputes, declare it as their opinion, that when the
qualification of any horse is objected to before start-
ing, it is incumbent on the owner to produce a cer-

MODERN FARMER. 253

tificate, or other proper document, to the stewards,
or clerk of the course, before the race is run, to
prove the qualification of his horse ; and that if he
shall start his horse without so doing, he must be
considered as disqualified; and farther, that their
decisions on all cases referred to them on this point
will be regulated accordingly.

By order of the stewards.

case i. July 4, 1776.

A subscription of 10 guineas each, for hunters,
that never won either plate, match, or sweepstakes,
12 st. each, one four-mile heat, &c. To be named on
or before the 1st of April, 1777, to the clerk of the,
&c. &c.

The stewards of Newmarket were requested to
give their opinion — whether a horse having won a
subscription on the 23d of April, 1777, was qualified
to run for the above ?

Answer. — The stewards are of opinion, that a
horse being duty qualified at the day of nomination,
is entitled to start. Signed by order, &c.

Case 2. — A, B, and C run for a subscription, the
best of heats. A wins the frst heat, B the second.
Os, rider, after saving his distance the second heat,
dismounts between the distance-post and the end,
but remounts, rides past the ending-post, and weighs
as usual ; starts and wins the third heat, and weighs,
without any objection being made.

A being second the third heat, in a short time af-
terwards demands the subscription (not knowing till
then that C's rider had dismounted), and refuses to
start for the fourth heat, which B and C run for,
and C wins.

Query. — Which is entitled to the prize ?

Answer. — The stewards are of opinion, that no
objection having been made to C's starting for the
third heat, C is entitled to the prize. Signed by, &c.

254 MODERN FARRIER.

Case 3. — The winner of a plate, whose horse had
distanced all the others, applied for the stakes or
entrance-money, which was advertised to be paid to
the second-best horse that won a clear heat : one of
the distanced horses had won the first heat.

Answer. — The winning horse cannot be deemed
the second horse, and therefore is not entitled to the
stakes, to which the owners of the other horses (be-
ing distanced) have also no claim.

Case 4. — For a plate, the horses came in as follows:
Question, whether B was entitled to the stakes ?
A - - - - 2 0 11
B (fell) - - - 10 2 dis.

C - - - - 3 0 0 dr.

It was decided that B, being distanced, Was not
entitled to the stakes.

Case 5. — A gold cup, &c. for horses that never
won i

A 1

B 2

C 3

The owner of B claimed on the ground of A's
disqualification, he having the preceding year won a
clear heat at Chelmsford, to entitle him, according
to their articles, to the stakes or entrance-money.

Answer. — The stewards are of opinion, that A
was not disqualified, and consequently is entitled to
the cup, &c. — the term 'winner,' they conceive, ap-
plies only to the horse that beats all the rest.

Case 6. — An enquiry whether a horse having won
a sweepstakes of 23 guineas each (3 subscribers) is
qualified to run for a 50/. plate, expressed to be for
horses that never won plate, match, or sweepstakes,
of that value.

Answer, by the stewards of the jockey club.

That it has been the practice, in estimating win-
nings, to consider the clear sum gained only, and

MODERN FARRIER. 255

consequently to exempt the stake of the proprietor;
the horse, therefore, which had won a sweepstakes
of 46 guineas only, viz. two stakes of 23 guineas
each, was not thereby disqualified for the 50/. above
mentioned.

Case 7. — Mr. Baird having entered two horses for
the king's plate at Newcastle, in 1793, and won it
with San Culottes, his other horse not starting —
the owner of the second horse objected to his re-
ceiving the plate, on the ground that he was disqua-
lified by having entered two horses.

The matter being referred to the stewards of the
jockey cluby, by his grace the duke of Northumber-
land, they determined that Mr. Baird was entitled
to the plate.

Case 8. — A betted B that a mare should trot a
mile in five minutes, in four minutes and a half,
and four minutes, all which it was stated she won
with ease ; but B measured the distance after the
races were over, found it was short of a mile by four
yards. The stewards of the jockey club, to whom
it was referred, determined, that as no objection
was made to the measure of the course before start-
ing, and the mare having performed the distance set
out, and not objected to, A won all the bets.

Case 9. — In 1799, on a case referred to them, the
stewards determined as follows : — ' The receiver of a
forfeit is not deemed, in our opinion, to be a winner
of a race, unless specified to be so by a particular
article.'

131. The Achievements of the Horse.

This noble and useful animal is highly distin-
guished for docility and sagacity. His attachment
to his master is frequently both warm and dignified.
He is proud, and delights in gaudy trappings ; and

256 MODERN FAItRIElt.

it has been remarked, that horses used in hearses
often shake their plumes with a supercilious air,
On account of the strength, valour, and utility of
this animal, he was formerly an object of adoration,
having been worshipped by ancient kings.

The true bred blood horse has performed a va-
riety of feats which no other class of his species can
equal. The English racer, as before observed, is
derived from Arabian progenitors. The following
warranty of the pedigree of a horse, brought from
Egypt by colonel Ainsley, is curious, and shews the
scrupulosity and precaution of the Arabian breeders.

* In the name of God the merciful and compas-
sionate, and of Seed Mahommed, agent of the high
God, and of the companions of Mahommed and of
Jerusalem. Praised be the Lord, the omnipotent
Creator. This is a high bred horse, and its colt's
tooth is here in a bag, hung about his neck, with
his pedigree, and of undoubted authority, such as
no infidel can refuse to believe. He is the son of
>flabbamy, out of the dam Lahahdahah, and equal
in power to his sire, of the tribe of Zazalahah ; he is
finely moulded, and made for running like an os-
trich, and great in his stroke and his cover. In the
honours of relationship, he reckons Zalicah, sire of
Mahat, sire of Kellac, and the unique Alket, sire of
Manasseh, sire of Alsheh, father of the race down to
the famous horse, the sire of Lahalala. And to
him be ever abundance of green meat and corn, and
water of life, as a reward from the tribe of Zazaha-
lah, for the fire of his cover ; and may a thousand
branches shade his carcase from the hyaena of the
tomb, and the howling wolf of the desert ; and let
the tribe of Zazahalah present him with a festival
within an enclosure of walls ; and let thousands as-
semble at the rising of the sun, in troops hastily,
where the tribe holds up under a canopy of celestial
signs, within the walls, the saddle with the name
and family of the possessor. Then let them strike

J

MODERN FARItlEE, 257

their hands, with a noise incessantly, and pray to
God for immunity for the tribe of Zoab, the inspired
tribe.'

' It is a circumstance generally known/ says Mr.
W. H. Scott, « that bred, or race-horses, from the
solidity of their bones, and some peculiar intrinsic
force of power in their muscular and fibrous systems,
are capable of carrying, and with expedition, far
heavier weights in proportion than the northern or
native horses of Europe. And I have seen the late
Mr. Bullock, then riding nearly or altogether twenty
stone, cantering over the London pavements upon
a little thorough bred horse, under fourteen hands
in height, and which, to common observers, was not
equal to more than half the weight. Was a thirty
stone plate to be run for, at twenty mile heats, the
prize would be carried off by thorough bred horses,
of which we have always, in this country, possessed
some of great size and powers. I was not, however,
aware that the power of standing under the greatest
weight, between the racer and the common horse,
had ever been actually put to the test, until I lately
read the following curious evidence of the fact, in a
letter from the Rev. William Chafin to a friend : —
" Captain Vernon, some time after Amelia was out
of training, laid a veiy considerable wager, that she
bore a greater weight upon her back, without cring-
ing, than a certain miller's horse, which had been
used to carry heavy sacks all his life time. The
mare and the horse were placed side by side, on the
even ground, and bags of different sizes, whether of
corn or sanpl I know not, but I believe the latter,
were placed on their backs with great precaution.
The mare never moved ; but after immense weight
had been placed on both, the horse began to sidle,
and before the last bag could be put on him, he sunk
on his knees ; it was put on the mare, and she bore
it, never moving her posture until she was unloaded.
An immense sum of money was lost and won in
21 K

258 MODERN FARRIER.

this trial." Amelia raced, I believe, about sixty or
seventy years ago, was the best mare of her year,
and a great winner at Newmarket ; and Mr. Chafm
had the above account, about a week after the trial
had been made, from the father of the present Sir
John Lade, an eye-witness. The particulars are in
all probability to be found in one of Cheney's, that
is to say, the earliest Racing Calendars ; but such
experiments by no means deserve the countenance
of sportsmen, being in their very nature barbarous,
and almost unavoidably likely to be productive of
irreparable injury to the victims of them. There is
a deception in the appearance of the bred horse,
particularly in the bone, which, from the fineness of
the skin and smoothness of the hair, does not show
bulk so prominently as the bone of the horse of a
coarser breed ; and there are many cart-horses which
cannot stand in competition with some of our racers,
for size of the leg bone below the knee. Sampson,
the sire of Bay Malton, measured eight inches and a
half round the smallest part of his fore-leg, and nine
inches round the same part of his hinder leg.'

All racing transactions and information relative
to the turf are comprised in the annual Racing Ca-
lendar, published by Messrs, Weatherby, of Oxen-
don-street, London. These Calendars commence in
1727. Pick's Calendar, published at York, Gard's
Guide to the Turf, Bodger's prints of the Newmar-
ket Courses and Exercise Ground, and the General
Stud Book, are also useful to Sportsmen. According
to the Calendar for 1753, there were then in England
seventy courses in which regular annual races were
held, and one in Scotland, and sixteen covering stal-
lions advertised. In 1777, ninety-one courses in
England, three in Scotland, and eleven in Ireland,
and eighty-nine stallions advertised. In 1816,
eighty-two courses in England, three in Wales,
nine in Scotland, six in Ireland, and fifty-seven
stallions advertised to cover in England. It is pro-

MODERN FARRIER. 259

bable that the most flourishing period of the turf
may be deemed that between the years 1766 and
1784.

The Darley Arabian, standing at the head of our
racing pedigrees, was, according to scattered rem-
nants of tradition, a horse of good substance, finely
formed, inclining to the deep or blood bay, and
nearly or altogether fifteen hands in height. He
was sent from Aleppo, perhaps towards the end of
queen Anne's reign, by Mr. Darley, of a sporting
family in Yorkshire, at that period a mercantile
agent in the east, and belonging to a hunting club
at Aleppo, where he made interest to purchase this
horse, doubtless, from all concurring circumstances
of evidence, a real Courser of the Desert, and of the
ancient and pure blood. He was kept by Mr. Dar-
ley as a private stallion, covering very few mares
but those of his proprietor ; indeed as Arabians had
been long out of repute in the English breeding
studs, such consequence was to be expected, and a
variety of the best bred mares of the country were
not annually poured in upon him, as afterwards, in
consequence of his great success, upon the Godol-
phin Arabian. His first get, however, was a true
and successful racer; and from this Arabian have
descended the speediest and largest coursers that
ever outstripped the winds, in striding and spring-
ing over the earth. Flying Childers and Eclipse,
the swiftest of quadrupeds, were the son and great
grandson of this stallion, from which also, through
Childers and Blaze, descended Sampson, the most
powerful horse which ever raced, whether before or
since his time ; of first-rate speed as a racer, and in
form entitled to equal pre-eminence as a hunter,
hack, or coach-horse. The Darley Arabian was the
sire of Flying, or the Devonshire Childers, Bleed-
ing or Bartlet's Childers, Almanzor, Whitelegs,
Cupid, Brisk, Daedalus, Skipjack, Manica, Aleppo,

260 MODERN FARRIER.

Bullyroek, Whistlejacket, Dart, and others, some of
them out of mares of no great repute.

Flying Childers was bred by Leonard Childers,
Esq. of Carr house Doncaster, and sold to the duke
of Devonshire at three years old ; and according to
a contemporary writer, his grace afterwards refused
for the horse his weight in silver, which probably
would have amounted to five or six thousand
pounds, a vast sum for a horse at that time. He
was said to be vicious, which seems to be indicated
by his countenance and manner, according to his
portrait; and, like Eclipse, he was a resolute and
headstrong horse. No horse in his time could run
within a distance of him over the course. In form,
he was short backed and compact, his length to a
considerable degree being made up in his legs, not,
according to general estimation, the most advan-
tageous shape for a race-horse ; but Childers was a
horse above ordinances, superior to the ordinary
rules of form, by which others of his species seem to
be bound : there do not appear in his portrait that
depth and slant of shoulder which we have seen in
Eclipse. Childers probably did not race until six
years old, and never any where but at Newmarket ;
and there is an old and probable tradition current in
Yorkshire, that his extraordinary speed and powers
were first discovered at a severe fox-chase, in which
all other horses in the field were knocked up. In
colour he was bay, with white upon his nose, and
whited all fours, namely, upon his pasterns, the
white reaching highest upon his near fore-leg and
his hinder leg. His head, although well joined to
his neck, and his muzzle fine, was rather thick over
the jowl. He was foaled in 1715, and his pedigree
is as follows : — Son of the Darley Arabian out of
Betty Leedes, by old Careless ; grandam, own sister
to Leedes, by Leedes' Arabian, which was the sire
of Leedes ; great grandam by Spanker, out of the

MODERN FARRIER. 261

old Morocco mare, Spanker's own dam. Old Care-
less, sire of the dam of Childers, was got by Spanker
out of a Barb mare. Spanker was almost ail Barb.
Thus we see the pedigree of Childers runs very
much in and in, that is, his progenitors were bred
from the nearest affinities. Never was there a more
complete racing pedigree, all the progenitors, to the
last, having proved their blood by successful racing
or breeding racers, and all of the best blood, Arabian
or Barb. In October, 1722, Childers beat lord
Drogheda's Chaunter, previously the best horse of
the day, six miles, ten stone each, for one thousand
guineas. He had already, at six years old, ran a
trial against Almanzor, and the duke of Rutland's
Brown Betty, nine stone two pounds each, over the
round course at Newmarket, three miles, six fur-
longs, and ninety-three yards, which distance he ran
in six minutes and forty seconds ; to perform which
he must have moved eighty-two feet and a half in
one second of time, or nearly after the rate of one
mile in a minute; the greatest degree of velocity
which any horse has ever shewn, or probably ever
will. He likewise ran over the Beacon course, four
miles, one furlong, one hundred and thirty-eight
yards, in seven minutes and thirty seconds, covering
at each bound a space of twenty-five feet. He leap-
ed ten yards on the level ground, with the rider on
his back.

The Godolphin Arabian was about fifteen hands
in height, with good bone and substance ; in colour
a brown bay, mottled on the buttocks and crest, but
with no white, excepting a small streak upon the
hinder heels. All the old engravings give him the
high and swelling crest which has been so much
noticed in Stubbs's picture ; there is also the same
sinking behind his withers, and assinine elevation of
the spine towards the loins. His muzzle was so re-
markably fine, that he might well (a favourite idea
of the old jockeys) have drank out of a tumbler. He

262 MODERN FARRIER.

was truly snake-headed, which is to say, his head
was perfectly well set on. His capacious shoulders
were in the true declining position, quarters well
spread ; and of every part materially contributory to
action, nature had allowed him an ample measure ;
in his tout ensemble there appears the express image
of a wild animal, or horse of the desert, and of one
at the first view, perfectly adapted from his form to
get racers. *He was sent to France, from some capi-
tal or royal stud in Barbary, probably from Mo-
rocco ; and it was suspected he was stolen ; but so
little valued that he was actually used to draw a
cart in the streets of Paris. It is not known that
lie had any pedigree, but a notice was sent over
with him, that he was foaled in the year 1724, most
probably in Barbary.

This horse was not imported by Mr. Coke, as has
been supposed, from Barbary, but from France.
Mr. Coke gave him to Mr. Williams, master of St.
James's coffee-house, who presented him to the earl
of Godolphin. Being most likely out of condition,
and not shewing himself to advantage, he was kept
on the noble lord's stud, as Teaser, to Hobgoblin,
during the years 1730 and 1731, when that stallion
refusing to cover Roxana, she was served by the
Arabian, and the produce was a colt foal, afterwards
named Lath, which proved not only a most elegant
and beautiful horse, but the best racer which had
appeared upon the turf since Flying Childers. The
Arabian covered during the remainder of his life, in
the same stud, producing yearly a succession of pro-
digies of the species. He died in 1753, in his
twenty-ninth year, and his remains were deposited
in a covered passage leading to the stable, a flat,
thankless stone, bare of any inscription, being placed
over him.

The following famous racers, some of which were
of great size and power, besides many others of infe-
rior note, with a great number of capital racing and

MODERN FARRIER. 263

blood mares, descended from the Godolphin Ara-
bian : — Lath, Cade, Regulus, Babram, Blank, Dis-
mal, Bajazet, Tamerlane, Tarquin, Phoenix, Slug,
Blossom, Dormouse, Skewball, Sultan, Old Eng-
land, Noble, the Gower Stallion, Godolphin colt,
Cripple, Entrance. The sums put in circulation, by
the numerous descendants of the above two racing
stallions, have been immense.

Smolensko, the property of Sir Charles Bunbury,
which, during his racing career, excited a greater
share of the public curiosity than any of the most
famous of his predecessors, in 1813 won the two
great stakes in the Newmarket Spring Meetings,
immediately afterwards the Derby Stakes at Epsom,
and the Magna Charta Stakes at Egham in the fol-
lowing August. It was even betting for the Derby,
between Smolensko and the field ; and an unfortu-
nate gentleman backing the field to a large amount,
had not sufficient firmness of mind to bear up
against the consequence of his own imprudence. A
few days, however, before the race, a report getting
abroad that the horse was lame, and he being seen
without one of his shoes, Sir Charles Bunbury took
and won five and six hundred pounds to ten, three
times over. The betting soon returned to its former
state. At this time the newspapers were filled with
Smolensko, and he was by them represented as the
speediest horse which had appeared since Eclipse,
and ' unlike Eclipse only in his coolness and want of
driving.' All the world went to Epsom to witness
the performance of this new Eclipse. On his return
to London, he was ordered from Tattersall's for the
inspection of his royal highness the regent. Many
persons were desirous of purchasing this horse, and
there seems no doubt that four or five thousand
pounds might have been obtained, had the proprie-
tor been desirous to part with him. On the ap-
proach of the Egham meeting, the public papers
were again full of Smolensko, and a turnpike man

264 MODERN FA11RIEE.

upon the road declared that, in twenty years, he*
had not seen such crowds pass his gate of carriage
company, horse, and foot, the latter of all descrip-
tions, and all for the purpose of getting a sight of
the famous black horse. Many had come eighteen
or twenty miles on foot, returning through the gate
till two o'c|ock in the morning. Crowds gathered
round him on the course, and he was then exhibited
to her majesty the queen and the princesses on the
royal stand. A man actually offered Sir Charles
Banbury two hundred pounds for the use of his
horse, to make a show of ; and there is no doubt but
that Sir Charles, could he have done such a thing,,
might have made five hundred pounds by exhibit-
ing him in London ! Among the curious tattle at
Egham, on the subject of this wonderful horse, it
went abont that the day before the race he had been
stinted of his meat and water, according to the old
system ; most probably a hoax of the groom, by
way of answer to some sage enquiry : it, however,
reached the ears of Sir Charles, who remarked to his
informant, that should a servant of his make so-
gross a breach of his orders, f he would never eat
any more of his beef and pudding.' It was reported
Sir Charles challenged all England, offering to take
four pounds, and run his horse against any horse of
his year, his horse not to take a sweat. Smolensky
was one of the healthiest, quietest, and best tem-
pered horses that ever was trained. He is about
sixteen hands and a half high, full brother to Thun-
derbolt, got by Sorceror, a son of Trumpator, and
his pedigree is filled with our oldest and highest
racing blood.

Goldfinch, by Lop, the property of John Turner,
Esq. acquired great celebrity as a hunter in the Mer-
shem or Jolliffe Hunt. Sharke, got by Marsk, his
dam by Snap, grand-dam by Marlborough, brother
to Babraham, out of a natural Barb mare, was re*
nowned for his performances, which were deerried

MODERN FARRIER. 265

greater than any other horse's iu England. At
three years old he beat Postmaster for five hundred
guineas: he received from Prior two hundred gui-
neas. He won from Jacinth three hundred guineas,
at four yeirs old (April 17, 1775) : he won a sweep-
stakes, ten subscribers, two hundred guineas each ;
and another, thirteen subscribers, one hundred gui-
neas and a hundred of claret each : also the Clermont
cup, value one hundred and twenty guineas, and
one hundred guineas each ; and a sweepstakes, thir-
teen subscribers, twenty-live guineas each. He won
five hundred guineas from Cincinnatus,' and beat
Johnny (six years old) for one thousand guineas,
when five years old. He again beat Postmaster for
one thousand guineas, and won a sweepstakes, three
subscribers, one thousand guineas each. He beat
Rakes for one thousand guineas, and won of Levia-
than five hundred guineas (July 8). He received
from Critic one thousand guineas, from Johnny five
hundred, and beat Fireaway for three hundred gui-
deas. At six years old, he walked our B. C. for
-one hundred and forty guineas : lie received from
Leviathan five hundred guineas, and again beat Le-
viathan for one thousand guineas, and Hephestion
for five hundred guineas. He won ninety-two gui-
neas for all ages when ten horses started. He re-
ceived one hundred guineas compromise from lord
Grosvenor's Mambrino; and, when aged, he beat
Nutcracker a mile.

Tramp, a bay horse, foaled in 1810, was bred by
Richard Watt, Esq. of Bishop Burton, near Bever-
ley, Yorkshire ; got by Dick Andrews, and his dam
(bred by lord Egremont) by Gohanna, which was
also the dam of Scamp. At Malton, April 6, 1813,
Tramp won a sweepstakes of fifty guineas each,
beating Mr. Grimstone's Dulcinea, by Sancho, and
Sir M. M . Sykes's Diabolus ; on the same day, he
won a sweepstakes of twenty guineas each, (one
inile and a half) beating Mr. Morris's Luna, by
12 2 L

266 MODERN FARMER.

Stamford, and Mr. Dairy mple's Tomboy. At Be-
verly, June 2, he won a sweepstakes of twenty
guineas each (one mile and a half) beating Mr. Har-
rison's Latona, Sir B. R, Graham's Bacchante, and
Sir M. M. Sykes's br. c. by Sancho. At York
spring meeting, 1814, he won the gold cup, value
two hundred and twenty guineas, (three miles) beat-
ing Viscount (five years old, Shepherd's Boy (three
years old), and Mexico (four years old). At Bever-
ley, May 26, he won the gold cup, value one
hundred and thirty guineas, (four miles) beating
Woodman and Sir. B. R. Graham's b. c. On the
next day he beat Silston for 50/. At York August
meeting, he was beat with great difficulty for one of
the great subscription purses by Prime Minister,
but beat Hocuspocus and Cameleopard. At Pon-
tefract, September 14, he won the gold cup, value
one hundred and twenty guineas, (four miles) beat-
ing X Y Z (six years old) and Marcianna (five years
old). At Doncaster, September, he was beat for
the Fitzwilliam stakes by Catton, but beat Cossack,
Ranger, and Fairville. This was one of the finest
races ever seen, and won with the greatest difficulty.
The next day he won the prince's stakes of twenty-
five guineas each, with twenty-five guineas added,
(six subscribers) beating Hocuspocus by Quiz,
Molineux, by Hambletonian, Don Carlos, by Sir
Charles, and Rodrigo, by Sancho ; and on the fol-
lowing day, he won the gold cup, value one hun-
dred guineas and upwards, beating lord Fitzwilliam's
Cameleopard, Mr. Blake's Sprightly, and Sir W.
Milner's Mamoune.

Tramp was beat twice when three years old,
which, with the above, constituted the whole of his
racing. The noted John Jackson rode him for all
these races except the cup at Doncaster, when
James Garbutt rode, owing to the former being
aboA^e weight.

MODERN FARRIER. 267

Viscount, got by Stamford, dam by Bourdeaux,
was bred by J. W. Childers, Esq. of Cantley, near
Doncaster, Yorkshire, and foaled in 1809. In 1812,
be won at Durham 70/. for all ages, three miles heat,
at three heats, beating Helirntha, Ravedine, Query,
and John Hutchinson. At Nottingham, he won the
members' plate of 50/. three years old colts, at three
heats, one mile each, beating Tom Tit, Raspberry, and
a colt by Orlando. At Pontefract he won the cup,
value one hundred and sixty guineas, beating Don
Julian, Biscuit, I'm-sure-he-sha'nt, and Euryalus.
At Doncaster, he was purchased by Sir William
Maxwell, for eight hundred guineas, and won the
100/. for three years old, two mile heats, beating, at
three heats, Legerdemain, Skip, Hermit, Navigator,
Fitz Oliver, Kid, Young Delpini, Wisdom, and Sir
Hedworth. In 1813, at Catterick Bridge, he won a
stakes of twenty guineas each, two miles, (eight
subscribers) beating X Y Z, Rebecca, and lord Bel-
haven's colt. At Durham, he won the cup, value
one hundred and twenty guineas, three miles, beat-
ing X Y Z, Wrodman, Limblifter, Engraver, and
Don Cariioso. At Stockton, he won the cup, value
one hundred guineas, beating Macaroni. At Pres-
ton, he won the gold cup, value one hundred gui-
neas, with two hundred guineas in specie, beating
Catton, Uncle Dick, Manuella, and Cwrw. At
Pontefract, he won the cup, value one hundred and
forty guineas, beating X Y Z. At Doncaster, he
won the prince's stakes, of twenty -five guineas each,
with twentv-five guineas added, beating Lan^old.
Next day he won the cup, value one hundred gui-
neas and upwards, beating Marcianna, Fugitive,
Amadis de Gaul, Oriana's brother, and duke of
Leeds's b. c. In 1815, he won fifty guineas at the
Caledonian hunt and Dumfries races, at two heats,
three miles each, beating Surveyor, Arabella, and
Drouth v Kate.

26& MODERN FARRIER.

Viscount was a superior runner at four years old,,
till he met with an accident, which caused firing
necessary, after which he lost his racing powers.

Langton was bred by John Grunston, Esq. of
Neswick, near Beverly, Yorkshire, and foaled in
1802. He was got by Precipitate, and his dam
(who also bred Alonzo, Charlotte, &c.) by Highflier.
At Malton Craven Meeting, 1805, he won a sweep-
stakes of twenty guineas each, beating Truth, Sir
Reginald, Laura, Nerval, and two others. At Don-
caster, he won 100/. beating, at three heats, Master
Betty, Cleveland, Young Chariot, Scampston, and
Sir Andrew : he also received forfeit from lord F.
G. Osborne's Don Felix, and was sold to Mr, Ho-
worth. At Bibbury, 1806, he won a sweepstakes
of twenty -five guineas each, with one hundred gui-
neas added by the club, (nine subscribers) beating
Pedestrian and Bagatella. At Oxford, he won the
cup of eighty guineas, beating Quiz and Rumbo.
Next day he won, at two heats, two miles each,
fifty guineas, beating Pantaloon. At Egham, he
won a stakes of twenty guineas each, (live sub-
scribers) beating Candidate. At Newmarket Cra-
ven meeting, 1807, he won two hundred guineas,
beating Rosebella. First spring meeting, fifty gui-
neas, beating Charmer. Second spring meeting, he
received one hundred guineas from Pagoda. Se-
cond October meeting, he received forfeit from
Briscio, and was then sold to lord Jersey. At New-
market July meeting, 1808, he won fifty guineas,
beating Ned. In the Houghton meeting, he won a
stakes of one hundred guineas each, (three sub-
scribers) beating Tot and Bramble. The same day
he beat Romeo for fifty guineas. The next day he
won 50/. beating York, Prospero, Rambler, Cerbe-
rus, Pelisse, Hedlev, Momentilla, Weaver, and
another. In the July meeting, 1809, he received
forfeit from Podagra, He won 50/. beating Vanity

MODERN FARRIER. 269

and Norah He received forfeit from Woodwill,
that beat Juniper, for one hundred guineas, and
received forfeit from Preek. In the Craven meet-
ing, 1810, he won the third class of the Oatlands,
(fourteen subscribers) beating Bulrush, Trump,
Metevra, Hylas, Thorn, Cecilia, Black Diamond,
iEsculapius, Little Preston, and Sir Edward. In
the first spring meeting, he won the gold cup, value
eighty guineas, the remainder in specie, (fourteen
subscribers) beating Invalid, Gundy, and several
others. First October meeting, he won the trial
stakes of ten guineas each, beating Norval, Burleigh,
Deceiver, Benvolio, &c. In the Craven meeting,
1811, he beat Deceiver for one hundred guineas.
In the first spring meeting, 1812, he won fifty gui-
neas, beating Bustler and Illumination ; and he beat
Discount for one hundred guineas.

Cardinal York, a brown horse, foaled in 1804, got
by Sir Peter Teazel, his dam Charmer, and bred by
Edward Ellerker, esq., of Hart, Hartlepool, Dur-
ham, was bought at Mr. Ellerker's sale of the stud
at Doncaster, for two hundred and fifty guineas.
At York Spring meeting, 1807, he won the twenty
guineas stakes, for three years old colts one mile
and three quarters, (ten subscribers) beating Hylas,
Grey Knowsely, Whitenose, Windle, Rossington,
and Sir H. T. Vane's b. f. by Phenomenon. In the
York August meeting, he won a sweepstakes of
thirty guineas each, twenty guineas forfeit, for three
years old colts, beating Comrade, and lord Darling-
ton's colt, by Archduke. In the Newcastle upon
Tyne meeting, 1808, he won a sweepstakes of
twenty guineas each, for four years old colts, four
miles, (five subscribers) beating Oran and Sylvio.
He won the king's purse of one hundred guineas,
four miles, beating Ranger. He also won the gold
cup, value one hundred guineas, with forty guineas
in specie, three years old, four miles, beating Harm-
less, Craniiington, Smasher, Mark Antony, and

270 MODERN FARRIER.

Lysander. In 1809, he won 62/. 12,?., four miles,
beating Little Fanny and Cramlington. He also
won the king's purse of one hundred guineas, beat-
ing Mowbray; the gold cup, value one hundred
guineas, with forty guineas in specie, four miles,
beating Julius Cassar and Cramlington. This was a
very great betting race, and the friends of Julius
Caesar lost their money to a considerable amount.

At Richmond, Cardinal York won the gold cup,
value one hundred guineas, with forty guineas
added, four miles, beating Mowbray, Rosette, Swift-
sure, Ceres, and Lingadel. This was a very fine
race, and won with great difficulty. It was the last
time of his appearing in public as a racer.

X Y Z, got by Haphazard, her dam by Spadille,
was bred by Ralph Riddell, esq., of Felton Park,
Morpeth, Northumberland, and foaled in 1808. In
1811, X Y Z won the gold cup, value one hundred
guineas, and fifty guineas in specie, at Newcastle
upon Tyne, beating Engraver, Rover, and Penelope.
In 1812, at the same place, he beat Merry field for
the four years' stakes, of twenty-five guineas each ;
he won the gold cup, value one hundred guineas,
and forty guineas in specie, beating Benedict and
Geranium. At Doncaster he walked over for a
match of three hundred guineas, against Mr. Hip-
kins's Yellow Blossom. At Richmond he won the
gold cup, value one hundred guineas, with 39/. 10*.
added, beating Phantom, Cvvrw, Merryn'eld, Heli-
antha, Salamanca, and Viscount. At Durham, in
1813, he won 70/. at three heats, beating Tilbury.
At Newcastle upon Tyne, he won 50/., beating
Macaroni, Marksman, and Pigeon. The same week
he won the gold cup, value one hundred guineas,
and seventy guineas in specie, beating Sligo, Agnes
Sorrel, and Epicure. At Ormskirk he won the
Loyalty gold cup, value one hundred guineas, and
ninety guineas in specie, beating Don Julian. At
Richmond he won the cup, value one hundred gui-

MODERN FARRIER. 271

neas, and forty-three guineas added, beating Hocus-
pocus, Algernon, Trajan, and Rodrigo. Next day
be won two heats, three miles each, (seven sub-
scribers) a stake of ten guineas, with 50/. added,
beating Algernon, Catherine, and Cwrw. In 1814,
XYZ and Catton ran a dead heat, two miles and
a quarter, for a stakes of twenty-five guineas each
(six subscribers) ; after the dead heat, the former
received a compromise, and the latter walked over,
He won the gold cup, value one hundred guineas,
and sixty guineas in specie, beating Biddick and
Sir C. Monck's bay colt. At Lamberton he walked
over for the gold cup, worth one hundred guineas,
four miles. At Richmond he won the gold cup,
with forty-four guineas, beating Biddick, Crown-
prince, Hocuspocus, and Tempest. In 1815, he
broke down in running for the gold cup, at New-
castle upon Tyne, against Biddick.

Catton, a bay horse, foaled in 1809, got by Go-
lumpus, his dam Lucy Gray, by Timothy, was bred
by Messrs. W. Horsely and S. King, whose pro-
perty he was till 1811, having been then sold to the
earl of Scarborough. In the York August meeting,
1813, he won a sweepstakes of fifty guineas each,
for three years old colts, two miles, (nine subscribers)
beating Langold, Boadicea, Euryalus, Zigzag, and
Don Carlos. In the York spring meeting, 1813,
he ran second to sligo, for a sweepstakes of twenty
guineas each, two miles, beating Geranium, Lan-
gold, Mowbray, Otterington, and Casloff. At the
same meeting he ran second to Sligo for the Con-
stitution stakes of twenty guineas each, beating
Geranium, Otterington, Fugitive, Salamanca, Mr.
Gascoign's b. c. by Sancho, duke of Leeds' b. f. by
Beningbrough, and Sir M. M. Sykes's sister to
Prime Minister. Next day he won 70/. at two
trials, for all ages, three miles, beating Navigator,
Manuella, and Mr. Brade's b. f. by Diamond. This
was easily won.

272 MODERN FAItRIEll.

At York August meeting, Catton won the King's
purse of one hundred guineas, four miles, beating
Otterington and Knight Errant. At Doncaster he
won a sweepstakes of fifty guineas each, (six sub-
scribers) beating Algernon. Next day he won the
hundred pound purse at two heats, two miles, beat-
ing Ploughboy, Mr. Garforth's g. f. by Sancho, lord
Belhaven's b. c. by Master Robert, and Diabolu.c.
This was easily won.

In the York spring meeting, 1814, Catton ran
second to Cannon-ball for the constitution stakes,
of twenty guineas each, for all ages, one mile and a
quarter, beating Mr. Vernon's b. c. by Newcastle,
Catherine, and Viscount. At Newcastle he ran a
dead heat with X Y Z, as before mentioned, for the
Northumberland stakes, of twenty-five guineas, for
all ages, two miles and a quarter, (six subscribers)
beating Agnes Sorrel, and-Lobo. After the dead
heat Catton walked over. In the York August
meeting, he won another of the great subscription
purses of 277/. 10*., four miles, (thirteen subscribers)
beating Skip. Next day he won another of the
great subscription purses of .277/. 10*., four miles,
beating Epperston and Woodman.

At Doncaster Catton won the Fitzwilliam stakes,
of ten guineas each, with twenty guineas added,
(seven subscribers) beating Tramp, Cossack, Ranger,
and Fairville. He also won the stakes of ten gui-
neas, with twenty guineas added, four miles, (thir-
teen subscribers) beating Fugitive and Mr. T.
Duncombe's b. c. by Chance. This was easily won.
At York spring meeting, 1815, Catton won the
gold cup, value one hundred and fifty guineas, with
thirty guineas in specie, three miles, beating Ro-
saline, Mr. Garforth's grey f. by Hambletonian, and
Marciana. Won in a canter. Next day he wron
the Constitution stakes of twenty guineas each,
(fourteen subscribers) beating William, and Miss
Cannon (sister to Cannon-ball). At York August

MODERN FARRIER, 273

meeting he won a subscription of twenty-five gui-
neas, two miles (eleven subscribers), beating Altisi-
dora and Viscount. He also won one of the great
subscription purses of £277, 10*. beating Altisidora.
At Doncaster he won the gold cup, value one hun-
dred guineas and upwards, beating Everlasting,
Marciana, Fulford, Legacy, and Fugleman. _ He
also won the Doncaster Stakes of thirty guineas,
with twenty guineas added (thirteen subscribers),
beating Altisidora.

In 1816, at York spring meeting, Catton won the
gold cup, value one hundred guineas, with twenty
guineas in specie, beating Fulford, King Coil, Arcot
Lass, Mr. Garforth's gr. c; by Camillus, and Ever-
lasting. At Newcastle he won the gold cup, value
one hundred guineas, with thirty guineas in specie,
beating Shepherd. At York August meeting, he
won the subscription purse of twenty-five guineas
each (eleven subscribers), beating Sir M. M. Sykes's
b. f. by Camillus, and the Duke of Leeds' b. c. by
Orville. He also walked over for one of the great
subscription purses of £277, 10*, four miles ; and
won the Doncaster Stakes of ten guineas each, with
twenty guineas added (thirteen subscribers,) beating
Dinmont. He started only once after, and was
beat by Rasping.

Partisan, a bay horse, foaled in 1811, won a great
deal of money. Whalebone, foaled in 1807, won
several stakes, and was sold at Mr. Ladbroke's sale
in 1814, for five hundred and ten guineas. Biddick
(already mentioned) obtained some prizes, and was
purchased by Colonel Whaley, having been bred by
Mr. W. Edwards. Blucher, a bay horse, foaled in
1811, was remarkable for his achievements; also
Whisker, foaled in 1812, cum multis aliis.

One of the most fortunate and remarkable horses

ever upon the turf was Doctor Syntax, the property

of Ralph Riddell, Esq. of Felton, in the county of

Northumberland, but bred by Mr. Knapton, of

2 M

274 MODERN FARRIEll.

Yorkshire. The Doctor was got by Paynator, dam
by Beningbrough, and grandam by Carbuncle. He
has won no less than twenty cups, besides large
sums in cash.

The following is a statement of the number of
winners and the prizes won by the stock of many
of the present fashionable blood-horses : —

By Waxy (son of Pot-80's), aged 30, 167 winners,
won £64,454, 15*. and nine cups.

Sorceror (son of Trumpator), aged 24, 162 win-
ners, won £74,769, 14* lOd. and five cups.

Haphazard (son of Sir Peter Teazle,) aged 23, 56
winners, won £15,964, 14*. and fifteen cups.

Popinjay (son of Buzzard,) aged 23, 20 winners,
won £9i 63, 11*.

Walton (son of Sir Peter Teazle), aged 21, 91
winners, won £45,526, 16*. and thirteen cups.

Orville (son of Beningbrough), aged 21, 109 win-
ners, won £40,773, 14*. and fourteen cups.

Selim (son of Buzzard), aged 18, 83 winners, won
£28,606, 7*. 6d. and three cups.

Grosvenor (son of Trumpator), aged 18, 13 win-
ners, won £7956, 15*. and three cups.

Hedley (son of Gohanna), aged 17, 16 winners,
won £3941, 2*. 6d. and two cups.

A singular instance of the courage of a race-horse
occurred during the race for the member's plate, at
Salisbury, August 17, 1814. Mr. Radcliffe's Spe-
culator, shortly after starting, broke down ; not-
withstanding which, although he had nearly two
miles to run, and gave the filly Amanda forty
pounds, after a severe struggle he ran a dead heat
with her.

In December, 1815, Lord Carmarthen, son of the
Duke of Leeds, whilst hunting with his father's
hounds in the neighbourhood of Hornby Castle,
Yorkshire, leapt a brook which was bank full ; and
on being measured the next day from hind-foot to
fore-foot, it was twenty-six feet nine inches. His

MODERN FAItRIElt. 275

grace, though known to be a superior horseman, did
not venture over it ; neither did the huntsman nor
whipper in, nor indeed any other person in the field.
Lord Carmarthen was On Philippic, an excellent
hunter, which, when two years old, was one of the
most speedy horses of his age.

'About twenty-five years ago,' says Mr. Law-
rence, ' an Irish horse, for a wager, leaped over the
wall of Hyde-park, close to the gates of Hyde-park
Corner. The height of the wall on the side on
which he rose was six feet, and on the other side
eight. The horse was about fifteen hands high,
without any thing remarkable in his general ap-
pearance. He was led up to the wall till within
the distance of half a dozen yards, when he was
turned loose. In going over it, however, he knocked
off a brick with his hind-leg ; and a dispute arising
from that circumstance, he was brought round again
to the same place, when he cleared it in the most
perfect manner at the second time of trial.

* This leap, considering the great height of it, and
its taking place over such a hard and unyielding
substance as a brick wall, appears almost incredible;
but the author can vouch for its being a fact, from
having been an eye-witness on the occasion.'
-

132. Hints on Coach-driving.

The pace called passaging ought to be carefully
taught to carriage-horses, as it enables them to turn
with facility, and prevents them from treading on
their cornets whilst crossing their legs. It is also
essential to teach them to back with facility. Every
sensible animal, whether man or horse, would sup-
pose that the whip was used to increase the speed
of the horse ; but what must he think when he is
whipt to make him stand still ! The horse must be
acute indeed that can make any distinction, when

276 MODERN FARRIER.

the same means are employed to make him go on
and also to stand quiet.

The custom of reining the head up so high with
the gag-rein, as is the common practice, has a very
pernicious effect on the animal, especially if he is
thick in his throat at the setting on of his head to
his neck; for it occasions such a pressure on the
jugular veins as almost to stop the circulation of the
blood from the head, and very probably contributes,
in a great degree, to produce most of those diseases
of the e)^es with which coach horses are affected. It
also, by raising the head so high, throws the fore-
quarters out of the line of draught, and consequently
deprives the horse of the means of applying his
strength mechanically to the best advantage ; inde-
pendently of the uneasiness and pain which it pro-
duces in the bones and muscles of the neck, by
keeping them confined to one posture for such a
length of time. Hence, when coach horses reined
up in this manner are standing jn the street, it may
generally be observed that they put out their fore-
legs as much as possible, so as to lessen the angle
between their necks and their fore-quarters.

But the greatest evil to which carriage horses are
exposed takes place in the mode of harnessing them
to stage-coaches ; and such is the danger attending
it, that very few travellers would hazard their lives
in those vehicles, were they at all sensible of the
risk to which they are exposed. The evil alluded
to is the practice of driving the wheel-horses with-
out a brichin, in which case all the weight of the
carriage in going down hill is resisted by the collar
only ; and when it is considered that all the pressure
is acting upon the end of the neck, close to the wi-
thers, and consequently pulling the horse down-
wards towards the ground; and when it is also
considered, that the major part of the horses used in
stage-coaches are lame or tender in their feet, and
scarcely able to support even their own weight, how

MODERN FAHRIE&. 277

much must the danger be increased when the weight
of three tons is pressing against them down a hill
covered with loose gravel, or uneven in its surface !
But independently of the danger of the animal be-
ing thrown down, all the weight before mentioned
is resisted only by a small leather strap, which
buckles the harness together at the upper part of
the collar, and which, in case of its breaking or be-
coming loose, would let the hames fly asunder, and
the horse would be immediately overrun by the
carriage, and the consequences of such an accident
may very easily be calculated. But, strange as it
may appear, all this danger is incurred every day,
merely because the coachman considers a brichin to
be old-fashioned, and beneath his taste and dignity.
In stage-coaches, the swingle- tree bars, as a judi-
cious writer remarks, are fixed in the middle, and
are moveable in all directions ; but some of the sa-
pient coachmen who drive them seem determined
to counteract this benefit, by fixing the inside traces
of the two leaders across each other, and attaching
them to the opposite bars, so as to prevent .their
lateral motion altogether. The danger of driving
^tage-coach horses without brichins has been before
observed ; and the legislature would do well to en-
force the use of them, in regard to those vehicles, by
inflicting a heavy penalty for the omission. The
circumstance of fixing the swingle-tree bars to the
end of the pole is also not without danger ; for the
pole is set so horizontal and low at that end to
which the bars are attached (for the purpose of its
being in the same line as the traces of the leaders),
that when the wheel-horses are in the act of stop-
ping the carriage, or of resisting its pressure when
going down hill, they must pull the end of the pole
upwards, at the great risk of loosening it or break-
ing it in the socket; and the consequences of such
an accident may be easily calculated, when the
horses would be overrun by the carriage without

278 MODERN FARRIER.

the possibility of stopping it. A very considerable
degree of danger is also attached to the present
mode of hanging stage-coaches. Formerly they
were suspended by a perpendicular spring at each
corner ; but the present system is to fix them with
horizontal springs under the body.

In the former mode, when the wheels were going
on the side of a road, and were consequently in a
slanting or oblique position, the body still preserved
its perpendicular direction by the swinging of the
braces, and therefore did not incline sideways at the
roof, as is the case when it is fixed upon springs
bearing only on the centre ; for whenever the car-
riage is going with one wheel higher than the other,
the body is not only obliged to take the same direc-
tion, but absolutely hangs over more than the
wheels, in consequence of its meeting with no sup-
port at the sides ; and there is certainly a peculiar
providence protecting these vehicles, when all these
circumstances are taken into consideration.

Drivers commit a cruel error who force their
horses to trot up a hill in order to gain time, and
whip them when near the summit in order to ifi»
crease their speed. Were they allowed a few mo.
ments for the recovery of their wind, they would
proceed with greater ease and rapidity upon level
ground. In stage and mail-coaches it is seldom
that four horses are equally matched in speed and
wind ; and the consequence generally is, that an
inferior horse, when yoked with stronger animals, is
completely knocked up, and not unfrequently drops
down dead on the road. Many coachmen have also
a bad habit of pulling up suddenly when on the
gallop : such an improper practice exposes the joints
of a horse to the risk of dislocation, or even to frac-
ture the bone.

The brutality of some coachmen, but particularly
carmen, is notorious, and deserves the severest re-
prehension.

MODERN FARRIER. 279

; On this subject Mr. Scott justly remarks, that 'the
debates on Lord Erskine's late bill, with its unme-
rited fate, place this enlightened country in no en-
viable point of comparative view with the rational
philanthropy of the ancients. This award is two
well and too sadly confirmed by our universal con-
duct towards animals, the horse beyond all others,
in our mode of treating which justice and humanity
bear no part, convenience and interest being all in
all. Indeed, what numbers are there among us,
whether of jack-ass drivers, gentlemen, nobles,
princes, priests, deacons, and bishops, who can en-
tertain no conception of the grounds or propriety of
sentiments like these. How often have we heard
of a man or woman, decked out with a great name,
and surrounded by a splendid equipage, from a mere
contemptible and farcical affectation of consequence,
driving with a rapidity by which the heart-strings
of some of the poor horses which draw them are
burst ! Such instances are too common, as well as
atrociously shameful. And that which places our
character in another point of view, which I need
not define, the above conduct seems not to be held
inconsistent with the beauty of holiness, and an ex-
alted reputation for piety. How often do we see
the aged and crippled steed, worn out in the service
of opulence, consigned for the miserable remainder
of his life to the most laborious and painful drudgery,
perhaps, in the end, to death by actual starvation ?
1 have seen a noble old grey coach horse of the
highest form, which had been worn out in the ser-
vice of my lord bishop, beating the rounds of the
London repositories, and enduring all the tortures
of the real hell of Smithfield, condemned at last
painfully to finish his career in a sand cart. I have
known racers of high fame, the winners of thou-
sands, administering through their best days to the
luxury and profligacy of their masters, in their old
age sold for a trifling sum, and turned adrift to the

280 MODERN FARRIER.

same pitiless fate. It is not here intended to incul-
cate a principle to a punctilious and impracticable
excess, but to recommend the exercise of a practica-
ble and expedient general humanity ; and the above
examples of modern barbarism inevitably intruded
themselves in a discussion concerning distant agesy
which we triumphantly style barbarous?

133. Directions to Travellers on Horseback.

During a journey it is impossible to avoid acci-
dents, and it is prudent to be always prepared
against them, for it is not always practicable to pro-
cure assistance or proper medicine when wanted.
A few plain directions how to proceed in such cases
are here subjoined.

134. Loss of a Shoe,

If a horse accidentally loss a shoe, the rider must
adopt an easy pace till another can be provided;
and if the foot be injured by gravel, nails, or thorns,
it must be properly searched.

135. Wound in the Foot.

If the foot be recently and slightly wounded, a
little oil of turpentine poured upon the part, and set
fire to with a hot poker, is commonly a present cure,
without any other application.

136. Injury of the Coffin-bone.
If the coffin-bone be affected, apply —

Tincture of benzoin, - 1 ounce.
Spirit of turpentine, - half an ounce.

Of the following mixed oils, one ounce and a half,
viz.

Egyptiacum, - - - 4 ounces.
Spirit of turpentine, 4 ounces.

MODERN FARRIER. 281

When put into a large pot, that will hold three
or four times the quantity of the whole, add,

Oil of vitriol, - - half an ounce.
Nitrous acid, - - I ounce.

Mix these with the two first articles, by a little at
a time, and immediately add,

Spirit of wine, - - - 8 ounces.

Mix the whole carefully together, and put them
in a bottle for occasional use.

137. Grease in the Heels.

As horses are subject to greasy heels, the rider, on
a journey, should have the following ointments :

Common turpentine, 1 pound.

Melt it over a slow fire, and add,

Alum, in fine powder, - lj pound.
Bole armenic, in powder, - 2 ounces.

Mix the whole together till cold, and when to be
used spread it on strong brown paper, apply it over
the part that greases, and bandage it on with listing.
Once dressing is in general sufficient to perform a
cure, if not, repeat it when occasion requires.

138. Strains and Bruises.

In case the horse be injured by a strain or a
bruise, rub on the affected part the following
mixture :

Camphor, - half an ounce.

Oil of turpentine, - lj ounce.

Spirit of wine, 2 ounces.

If the strain be of old standing, the following
liniment may be used :

2 N

282 MODERN FARRIER.

Camphor, - half an ounce.

Oil of origanum, - 2 drachms.

Soft soap, 2 ounces.

Spirit of wine, 4 ounces.
Mix.

This remedy is also useful in spavins, windgalls,*

and indurated swellings. Or, if preferred, use the
following ointment :

Strong mercurial ointment, 4 ounces,
Camphor, - - - " half an ounce.
Oil of rosemary, 2 drachms.

139. Saddle-galls.

In case of a sore back, arising from the friction of
the saddle apply,

Camphor, 2 drachms.

Oil of rosemary, 1 drachm.

Oil of elder, or hog's lard, 3 ounces.

Mix.

Whatever diversity of opinion may exist respect-
ing the political opinions of Mr. William Cobbett,
none will deny his ability as a writer, and his skill
as a farmer. This gentleman strongly recommends
the liquor of the wild mallows for wounds of this
description. His words are, 'I cannot help men-
tioning here another herb which is used for medical
purposes. I mean the wild mallows. It is a weed
that has a leaf somewhat like a scallop. Its branches
spread upon the ground. It bears seed which the
children call cheeses, and which they string upon a
thread like beads. This weed is perhaps amongst
the most valuable of plants that ever grew. Its
leaves stewed, and applied wet, will cure, and almost
instantly cure, any cut or bruise or wound of any
sort. Poultices made of it will cure sprains, as
those of the ancle : fomenting with it will remove
swellings. Applications of the liquor will cure the
wringings by saddles and harness. And its opera-

MODERN FARltlER. 283

tion in all cases is so quick that it is hardly to be
believed. Those who have this weed at hand need
riot put themselves to the trouble and expence of
sending to doctors and farriers upon trifling occa-
sions. It signifies not whether the wound be old
or new. I gained this piece of information upon
Long Island, from a French gentleman who was
one of Bonaparte's followers in captivity, and who
was afterwards robbed of three hundred dollars on
board an English frigate, never having been able to
obtain either remuneration or redress. The hospi-
tality showed him by me was amply repaid by this
piece of knowledge. The mallows, if you have it
growing near you, may be used directly after it is
gathered, merely washing off the dirt first. But
there should be some always in the house ready for
use. It should be gathered like other herbs, just
before it comes out in bloom, and dried and pre-
served just in the same manner as other herbs. It
should be observed, however, that if it should hap-
pen not to be gathered at the best season, it may be
gathered at any time. I made a provision of it in
the month of October, long after the bloom and
even the seed had dropped off. The root is pretty
nearly as efficacious as the branches ; and it may be
preserved and dried in the same manner. We all
know what plague and what expence attend the
getting of tinctures and salves, some of which very
often prove injurious rather than otherwise. I had
two striking instances of the efficacy of the mallows.
A neighbouring farmer had cut his thumb in a veiy
dangerous manner, and, after a great deal of doctor-
ing, it was got to such a pitch that his hand was
swelled to twice its natural size. I recommended
the use of the mallows to him ; gave him a little
bunch out of my store, it being winter time, and
his hand was well in four days. He could go out
to his work the very next day, after having applied

284 MODERN FARRIER.

the mallows over night. The other instance was
this : I had a pig : indeed it was a large and valua-
ble hog, that had been gored by the sharp horn of a
cow. It had been in this state two days before I
knew of the accident, and had eaten nothing. My
men had given it up for lost. I had the hog caught
and held down. The gore was in the side, and so
large and deep that I could run my finger in be-
yond the ribs. I poured in the liqour in which the
mallows had been stewed, and rubbed the side well
with it besides. The next day the hog got up and
began to eat. I had him caught again ; but, upon
examining the wound I found it so far closed up
that I did not think it right to disturb it. I bathed
the side over again ; and in two days the hog was
turned out, and was running about along with the
rest. Now, a person must be almost criminally
careless not to make provision of this herb. Mine
was nearly two years old when I made use of it
upon the last mentioned occasion. It is found
every where, by the sides of the highway, and
therefore may be come at and possessed without
either trouble or expence. A good handful ought
to be well boiled and stewed in about a pint of
water, till it comes perhaps to half a pint. It surely
is worth while, especially for mothers of families, to
be provided with a thing like this, which is at once
so safe and so efficacious. If the use of this weed
were generally adopted, the art and mystery of
healing wounds, and of curing sprains, swellings,
and other external maladies, would very quickly be
reduced to an unprofitable trade,'

140. The flatulent Colic,

In travelling with a crib-biting horse, or one that
is often attacked with the flatulent or spasmodic
colic, it will be proper always to have ready the fol-
lowing, viz.

MODERN FARRIER. 285

Opium, 1 drachm.

Camphor, li drachm.

Powdered ginger, 2 drachms.

-Castile soap, 3 drachms.

Which may be easily dissolved in strong beer, or
peppermint water, and given as a drench.

We shall add in this place, a few domestic reme-
dies, which may be employed when medicines can-
not be procured in time. 1st, A pint of strong
peppermint water, with about four ounces of gin,
and any kind of spice. 2d, A pint of port wine,
with spice or ginger. 3d, Half a pint of gin diluted
with four ounces of water, and a little ginger. This
complaint may be sometimes removed by warm
beer and ginger, or a cordial ball mixed with warm
beer.

Great caution should be used in distinguishing the
flatulent from the inflammatory colic ; as in the lat-
ter, the above remedies would be highly pernicious.

141. Coughs.

Constant harassing coughs may be much relieved
by the following emollient drink :

Opium, 1 drachm.

Castile soap, 2 drachms.

Camphor, - - - lj drachm.

Oil of aniseeds, - - 20. drops.

142. Fatigue.

When a horse, particularly an old one, is much
fatigued, medicines which gently stimulate the sto-
mach, and increase its digestive powers, will prove
beneficial. Mr. White says, * Cordials have an ex-
cellent effect when the animal has been fatigued
with a long run, or a severe journey, refusing his
food, and seemingly exhausted. A good cordial
preparation at such times restores the appetite, pro-
motes digestion, and renovates the strength and

286 MODERN FARRIER.

spirits. I do not mean, however, that the cordial
balls commonly made up have this useful property.
On the contrary, they often do harm, but most
commonly they are quite inert ; for example,
Bracken's cordial, which is the receipt generally
used, has a considerable proportion of sulphur, and
other useless drugs in its composition.

143. Over -heat.
The following drink will be found very useful :
Tincture of benzoin, 1 ounce.

Friar's balsam, 1 ounce.

Aromatic spirit of ammonia, 1 ounce.

Put them in a bottle for occasional use.
This is a very useful drink for horses tha are
overheated in hot weather, and will be considi tably
improved by the addition of

Prepared kali, 2 drachms.

Fresh powdered ginger, - 1 ounce.
To be given in a q uart of cold water.
In the winter season, or at any other time of the
year, when the horse has not been over-heated, this
drink may be given in a pint of warm ale, for the
colic, or gripes, and flatulencies in the stomach or
intestines.

144. Inflamed Eyes.

Horses on a journey are frequently attacked by
an inflammation in the eyes, which may b^ removed
by the following applications :

Extract of saturn, - 1 tea-spoonful.
Camphorated spirit, - 2 tea-spoonfuls.
Elder-flower water, - half a pint.
"Mixed. Or,

Vitriolated zii - - lc1

Water, - - - - 1 v

Mixed.

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MODERN FA11RIE©. £87

145. Febrile Affections.

When symptoms of fever appear, a rider should
administer the following useful drink :

Cream of tartar, 1 ounce.

Turmeric, 1 ounce.

Diapente, in powder, 1 ounce.

Mix and give it in a pint of warm gruel ; to be
repeated once or twice a day, or oftener if necessary.
Though simple it may be given in most kinds of
fevers, and will generally be attended with success.

In an inflammatory fever, give the following
drink :

Tartar emetic, - - 1 drachm.
Prepared kali, - - half an ounce.
Camphor, ] drachm.

Rubbed into powder with five drops of spirit of
wine.

To be given every four hours, or three times a
day, in a pint of water gruel.

The following is also strongly recommended, viz.

Camphor, - - - 11 drachm.
Nitre, 4 drachms.

Calomel, 20 grains.

Opium, 20 grains.

Syrup enough to form the ball for one dose.
Or,

Emetic tartar, - - - li drachm.
Compound powder of tragacanth, 2 drachms.
Syrup, enough to form the ball for one dose.

# It is, however, necessary to remark, that no me-
dicine wiH avail much in fever, particularly when*
violent, if bleedin*g be neglected.

In febrile complaints, accompanied with costive-
ness, or in slight cases of grease, no medicine is bet-

288 MODERN FARRIER.

ter or safer than castor oil, one pint of which may
be given for one dose. An experienced farrier re-
commends three or four ounces of common salt, well
dissolved in water-gruel, with eight ounces of lin-
seed oil. He adds, 'Though we have prescribed
linseed oil, there is no doubt that castor oil is pre-
ferable : but this cannot always be procured readily;
and as many may object to the expence of it, where
the disorder is but trifling, linseed oil may on such
occasions be substituted. Salad oil is still better.
We have recommended common salt, in preference
to Glauber's and Epsom salt, because it is more
certain in its effect, and may be given in smaller
doses.'

Here it may also be proper to observe, that no-
thing is more useful as an article of diet for sick or
convalescent horses than water-gruel, provided it is
properly made : and as this is seldom done, we shall
give the best method of making it, Take of fine
and sweet oatmeal, four ounces ; water, two quarts.
Put the water over a slow clear fire to boil, and mix
the oatmeal gradually with as much cold water as
will make the mixture quite liquid. Add this to
the water over the'fire before it gets very hot, and
continue to stir the whole till it boils. The gruel
is then made, but may be improved by letting it
simmer some time longer over a slow clear fire ; for
horses are very nice, and perhaps would not touch
it if in the least smoky. Should the gruel be too
thick, add warm water.

146. Weariness.
Mr. White says, that ' fermented liquors, such as
beer, porter, or wine, have been often given with
great advantage, in cases which required cordials.
I have often seen horses, that have been so fatigued
with a long chace or journey as to refuse their food
and appear quite exhausted, wonderfully refreshed
by taking a cordial ball in a pint or more of beer.

MODERN FARRIER. 28$

and feed soon after with great alacrity. The advan-
tage thus derived is not merely temporary, as they
are by this treatment rendered adequate to another
chase or journey much quicker than they would
otherwise be. — I once gave,' continues this writer,
* six ounces of brandy, diluted, with the best effect,
to a horse that was once done up in a journey : it
enabled him to continue it, without any apparent
inconvenience.'

147. General Observations.

Previous to employing a horse on a journey, it is
necessary that he should be in the best state of
health and vigour ; and if he be fat and sleek, and
unfit for vigorous exertions, he must be brought
into condition, after which it is not probable that
any medicine will be necessary, as he will then bear
much, and retain his health and spirit. In bringing
an over-fed horse, or one that has just come from
grass, into good condition, give the following diure-
tic alterative powder :— .

Yellow rosin, powdered, 6 drachms.
Nitre, - - - half an ounce.

Mix for1 one dose, to be given daily.
Or,-

Flower of sulphur, - half an ounce.
Liver of antimony, - half an ounce.
Nitre, 3 drachms.

Mix for one dose, to be given daily, ,
This, with occasional mashes and regular exercise,
will tend to prepare a horse for the severest exer-
tions. But such medicines are not to be used if the
animal be in good health ; they are only recom-
mended in cases where he is too fat, and not pre-
pared for actual service.

If a horse be not properly prepared for a journey,
it frequently happens that he is knocked up on the
13 2o

290 MODERN FARRIER.

very first day's travelling, and never recovers it tho-
roughly to the end of his journey. A horse may be
said to be in the best condition for a journey when
he is rather lean than fat, and when his flesh feels
hard and firm, particularly his crest, or that part
that lies just below the withers. His coat should
be sleek and shining, and his skin loose. The con-
dition of a horse must evidently be of importance in
such circumstances ; as in a journey he has many
inconveniences and evils to encounter, such as bad
roads, a successive change of stables, bad qualities
of food and water, and very generally imperfect
grooming.

The stuffing of the saddle should be carefully ex-
amined, that it be not hard, or in lumps, or too
thin ; in which cases the pressure will be partial and
the back be galled. The horse should be shod three
or four days before he begins his journey, that the
sense of compression and tightness, which the feet
always experience on being newly shod, may have
gone off. The feet should be cleaned out and
washed every night with a picker; and the usual
inflammation will be prevented, and the feet cooled,
by stopping them with wet clay or cow's dung.
His legs and body should likewise be thoroughly
cleaned.

It is a good practice to ride very gently the last
mile or two of the stage, that the animal may be-
come cool and tranquil by degrees. It is also pro-
per to give him about a quart or two of water just
before coming in. This cools and freshens his
mouth. When arrived at the inn, he may be fed
with a small feed of oats mixed with a few beans.
The beans will tempt a delicate horse to eat. The
traveller should be careful that his horse has been
thoroughly cleaned, which may be ascertained by
examining the flanks. If the legs be swelled after
a hard day's work, it will greatly relieve them to
bandage them at night with a flannel roller dipped

MODERN FAliRIEll. 291

in water. In travelling, the old adage should never
be forgotten, 'that the master's eye makes the
horse fat.'

Should a horse, after being cleaned and dried,
break out into a profuse sweat in the stable, he
should immediately be stripped and rubbed, or led
out into the cool air for a few minutes, in order
that the vessels of the skin may contract. Horses
on a journey suffer great inconveniences in stables
at inns, from various causes, such as the narrowness
of the stalls, the rising of the pavements, and the
filthy state of the racks and mangers, which ostlers
frequently neglect to clean. The worst of these in-
conveniences arises from the narrowness of the
stalls, which often prevents a weary horse from
turning himself, lying down, or stretching his legs.
In some stables the horse is tied up with a hempen
halter ; this is very dangerous, and should never be
permitted.

During a journey in the summer season, it is ad-
visable to travel early in the morning, and to bait
for three or four hours in the middle of the day.
This practice refreshes a horse more than frequent
baitings at short stages, by which much time is lost
without any benefit to the animal.

Immediately after harvest, horses are exposed to
the evil of being fed with new oats, which produce
a general relaxation of the system. To lessen this
effect, a few split beans ought to be mixed with the
oats, and a cordial ball given* occasionally. Carrots
are also a pleasant and nutritious diet, especially to
horses that are kept constantly on hard and dry food.

Every spring and autumn the horse moults or
sheds his coat, and which is always attended by a
certain degree of debility, but principally so in the
autumn. At this season, therefore, the horse, when
travelling, should be carefully guarded against colds,
and should never be ridden into ponds or rivers, or
washed with cold water. Many horses are killed

292 MODERN FARRIER.

by ill treatment at this period. . In order to prevent
disease while moulting, the horse should be worked
moderately, well nursed, and fed on rich boiled food,
or with potatoes and carrots and good hay, with old
grain broken in a mill. After this, the animal,
without medicine, will turn lively and vigorous,
and retain his health and spirit during the severest
weather or the most laborious exercise.

r*m