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HEIR

IN HEALTH AND DEBASE

FRANK TOWNEND BARTOM, M, RC.¥, S.

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Webster Family Library of \
Cummings Sctioo! of Veteri
Tufts University
200 Westboro Road

HORSES :

THKIR POINTS AND
MANAGEMENT IN
HEALTH AND DISEASE.

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MORSES

THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT
IN HEALTH AND DISEASE

FRANK TOWNEND BARTON, M.R.C.V.S.

AUIHOR OF

' ' A Text Book of the Practice of Equine Medicine, " " The Veterinary Manual for Horse

Owners," "Dentition of the Horse, Ox and Sheep," "Breaking and Training Horses,"

" How to Choose a Horse," "Sound and Unsound Horses," "Our Friend tlie Horse,"

" Sporting Dogs," " Non- Sporting Dogs," " The Groom's Guiae : His Duties and

How to Perform Tiiem," "Everyday Ailments and Accidents of t^^e Dog,"

"The Elements of the Practice of Comparative Medicine,"

" The Horse Owners' Companion," " The Dog

Breeders' Pocket Book," etc., etc., etc.

WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS FROM PHOTOGRAPHS.

LONDON

EVERETT & CO

42, ESSEX STREET, STRAND

TO MY DEAR SON

THIS VOLUME IS INSCRIBED

WITH HIS

father's love

PREFACE

Although there are a vast number of books upon the market
relating to the Horse in one way or another, the author beheves
that there is still a little room left for literature of the right
class upon the subject.

The Points and Management of the Horse in Health, Accident
and Disease does not profess to be any more than an elementary
treatise, but the writer has confidence in believing that it will
be found to contain the essential elements, without wearying his
readers with matter of no material interest or utilitv.

The various breeds of horses have been discussed in relation
to their points, not only for the Show Ring, but for utility in other
ways, and whenever necessary, the writer — as an experienced
and practical veterinarian — has endeavoured to indicate not
only faulty conformation, but also disease detrimental either for
breeding purposes, or for work.

Chapters on general management ; the management of
brood mares ; feeding ; diseases in general ; immunitv to
disease, etc., have been briefly alluded to, and should prove of
some practical utility.

The book ought to be of service to those residing abroad,
the principal tropical diseases having received passing notice.
Those attending agricultural and other colleges will, it is hoped,
find the description of the breeds of interest, but for a useful
non-technical w^ork upon the diseases, etc., the reader is referred

I'RHIACE

to Barton's '* Elementary Veterinary Manual for Horse Owners "
(Everett & Co., los. 6d. nett) ; also the " Age of the Horse,
etc.," and " Sound and Unsound Horses," published by Messrs.
Everett.

Most of the photographs have been taken specially for this
work by Mr. Parsons (specialist in animal photography),
of Alsager, Cheshire, and those who find fault with the
pictorial portion of the book must indeed be hard to please.

No words of the author can express his deep sense of
gratitude to Mr. Parsons, to (^,aptain Gordon Mackenzie, and
to Colonel Henriques, to Messrs. Jones and Sons, of Dinart
Hall, Colwyn Bay, to Mr. Stericker, of Pickering, and to others
who have been kind enough to lend their aid either by photo-
graphs or articles.

1906.

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION
General Management of Horses . . . . . . . . iq

CHAPTER I

Grooming

CHAPTER n
Points and External Regions of the Horse

CHAPTER HI
The Hunter

CHAPTER IV

The Hackney or Harness Horse

CHAPTER NI
The Thoroughbred or Race Horse

,"),"5

CHAPTER V

The Cob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

CHAPTER VI

Ponies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

CHAPTER VII

The Shire and Cart Horse . . . . . . . . . . i^g

CHAPTER VIII

The Suffolk Horse . . . . . . . . . ; . . 183

1 99

CHAPTER IX

The Clydesdale Horse

CHAPTER X

The Cleveland Bay Horse . . . . . . . . . . 207

Yorkshire Coach Horse . . . . . . . . . . 211

219

COXTKNTS

PAGi

CHAPTER XII

Cross-bred Horses and Vaxners . . . . . . . . 229

CHAPTER XIII
Management of Brood Mares . . . . . . . . . . 241

CHAPTER XIV

Signs of Disease— Therapeutics . . . . . . . . 251

CHAPTER XV

Specific and Catarrhal Complaints . . . . . . . . 259

CHAPTER XVI
Digestive Disorders , . . . . . . . . . . . 271

CHAPTER XVII
Diseases of Bones, Joints, etc. .. .. .. .. 295

CHAPTER XVIII
Wounds and Their Treatment . . . . . . . . 309

CHAPTER XIX

Diseases Affecting Feet . . . . . . . . . . 319

CHAPTER XX

Some Diseases Occurring Abroad . . . . . . . . 341

CHAPTER XXI

Skin Diseases . . . . . . . . . . . . • . 345

CHAPTER XXII

Worms . . . . . . . • . . • • • • 353

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

PAGE

A Group of Mares in Paddock . . . . . . Frontispiece

British Feeding Grasses • • . . . . . . . . 23

To Illustrate Good All-Round Conformation.. .. .. 41

Points of the Horse . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

The Old Berkley (West) Foxhounds and Master . . . . 53

The Old Berkley (West) Foxhounds . . . . . . . . 59

Hunter Sire, " Dubigne " .. .. .. .. .. 61

A Typical Hunter's Head and Neck . . . . . . . . 65

Hunter Sire, " Riverstone " . . . . . . . . . . 67

Hunter Brood Mare, " Lady Mary " . . . . . . . . 71

Hunter Gelding, " Baronet " . . . . . . . . . . 75

Typical Hackney Head. "His Majesty" .. .. .. 77

" Mayfield Lily Langtry " .. .. .. .. .. 81

Hackney Entire . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

The World Renowned Hackney Stallion, " His Majesty " . . 87

Hackney Stallion, " Dissenter " . . . . . . . . 91

Hackney Stallion, " Monte Cristo " . . . . • . . . . 95

Typical Hackney (in Profile) . . . . . . . . . . 97

LIST oi ii.i.rsi k.\ TIOXS

PAGF

Hackney " Cioldkn Flake" .. .. .. .. .. loi

Hackney Make, " Rosadoka " . . . . . . . . . . 103

Welsh Cob .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 107

Welsh ion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Tytical Welsh 1>k()()p Make .. .. .. .. .. 113

Hackney Pony Entire . . . . . . . . . . 116

Welsh Pony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

A Trio oe Welsh Ponies . . . . . . . . . . 123

New Forest Ponies . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

Shetland Pony Entire . . . . . . . . . . 137

Shetland Pony Entire, "Oman" .. .. .. .. 14T

Shetland Pony, "Prince of Thile " .. .. .. .. 143

Polo Pony Stallion, " HiRLiNtrHAM " .. .. .. .. 147

Polo Pony Mare and Foal . . . . . . . . . . 151

Champion Arab Stallion, "Moot Rub ' .. .. .. 155

Typical Crest, Neck, Head, and Shoulders of Shire Stallion . . 157

Typical Shire Stallion . . . . . . . . . . 161

Shire Entire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163

Typical Shire F".ntire, " Tatton Friar" .. .. .. 165

Shire Stallion .. .. .. .. .. .. 167

Shire Three Year C)i d Colt, " Peek Advance" . . . . 169

Shiki-; Stallion, " (iiKTox Charmer " . . . . . . . . 171

LIST OF lI.LrSTRATIONS

Shire Mare, " Ivv Fashiox " ..
Shire Filly, " Tattox May Queen"
Suffolk Entire, " Sudbourxe Lord" ..
Suffolk Mare, " Sudbourxe Arabella "
"Sudbourxe Trinket"
Clydesdale Stalliox, " Silver Cup "
Clydesdale Stalliox, " Marcellus "
Clydesdale Mare, " Royal Ruby"
Typical Clevelaxd Bay, "Radium"
Clevelaxd Bay Entire, " Clifton "
Cleveland Bay Entire, " Rothbury ' . .
Yorkshire Coaching Stallion, " Aneroid '
Yorkshire Coaching Stalliox, " Bathhurst "
Pure Bred Arabians
Thoroughbred Entire, " Cyllfne "
Thoroughbred Entire, " Orme "
Thoroughbred Mare and Foal, " Lady Disdain "
Trotting Mare, " Rustic Beauty "

pa(;e

177
181

185
189

191

201
205
209

213
217

221
223
227
231
233
239

SECTION A.-INTRODUCTION.

GENERAL MANAGEMENT OF

HORSES.
FOODS.

FEEDING

GENERAL MANAGEMENT OF HORSES.

Section A. — Foods. i

OR the due maintenance of health it is necessary that food
of the best quaUty procurable be purchased, inferior
fodder being useless for feeding purposes, and very often
a fruitful cause of illness. The enormous amount of foreign
feeding materials coming into this country is far in excess of
what it should be if horsekeepers were wider awake to the
immense superiority of home-grown produce. It bears no com-
parison to that grown in our own country, and as the best is the
cheapest, the writer strongly recommends the sole use, if
possible, of home-grown forage.

If one takes the trouble to examine the mixed " chopped
food " doled out to the horses belonging to many of the large
studs in this country, it at once becomes evident that the oats
are very small, shrunken, and perhaps bleached ; that the beans
and peas are hard, shrivelled and miserably deficient in sub^
stance, wliilst the bran is dark coloured, its flakelets small, and
that it is very deficient in adherent flour, and lacking the odour
so characteristic of the best samples of bran ; in fact, the bran
one often finds in mixed fodder is only fit for bran poultices.

The cut hay is over-dried and coarse. It must not be
understood that these remarks apply to the fodder sold by all
forage dealers, but it does to some of them.

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

This is one of the chief reasons wliv some horses never
look well, and the master is at a loss to know the cause. In
certain instances, tlu^ corn dealer and coachman are in a better
position to understand the cause of the defective condition of
the stud, hence the author strongly recommends every horse
master to make it a })oint of purchasing his own forage, and
buying each article -if it be a mixed fodder — separately, after-
wards ha\"ing it mixed at home.

In this wav one is certain of obtaining the best materials at
market prices.

In some localities it is the custom to feed horses on a par-
ticular cereal, such as oats, many Scotch farmers feeding their
stock entirely upon these and ha\'. Again, others will use
maize, together with chopped hay and straw. The feeding
properties of maize are unquestionably very great, but not
suitable for making the constitution robust.

There is no doubt about it, a mixed diet is the most suitable
for utility. The following mixture will be found very suitable
for general use : Best English oats, two parts ; bruised
maize, half part ; best bran, one part ; best bruised beans,
quarter part ; best split peas, quarter part ; English chopped
hay, four parts.

For hunters and other horses requiring good hard con-
dition, the proportion of bran can be diminished, and the beans
increased. For young horses whole oats are the best, as these
necessitate grinding and thorough insalivation. Bruised oats
are more suitable for old horses, or those troubled with digestive
disturbances. When horses are hired from the job master, the
latter frequently supplies the fodder, at an additional cost, of
course, but it is a better plan to buy one's own forage even

GENERAL MANAGEMENT OF HORSES

when feeding a job horse, because unless satisfactorily foraged,
the animal will not perform its work as freely as it ought to do.

It will be as well if we indicate some of the chief points of
quality in the various foods, so that those who are novices in the
art of purchasing forage will have a better idea of selecting the
good, rejecting indifferent, bad, and damaged fodder. Hay
that is one year old is the best, and should preferably be
composed of mixed grasses, or these and clover. In Scotland,
rye-grass hay is largely used, and horses seem to thrive on it
all right. Rye grass {Jolium perenne) ; Timothy (^phleum pra-
tense) ; meadow foxtail (alopecuris pratensis) ; crested dog's
tail (cynosurus cristatus) ; the smooth-stalked meadow grass
{poa pratensis) ; tall fescue (Jestuca clatter) ; and sweet-
scented vernal grass are the most useful feeding grasses for
horses, and one, or more of these should be contained in every
good sample of hay.

As there are other grasses equally useful, it is advisable to
briefly mention some of these.

Cynosurus Cristatus (Crested Dog's Tail). — The nutritive
properties of this grass are greatest when it is in flower. It is
found in the best natural pastures, but prefers good quality
dry land.

Alopecuris Pratensis (Meadow Foxtail Grass). — When this
grass is mown or eaten down it produces quick " foggage." It
is very early, and an excellent grass for permanent pasture.
Prefers a moderately moist soil.

Dactylis Glomerata (Cock's-foot Grass). — This is a first class
grass provided that it is not allowed to get coarse. If it does so,

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

it is much too fibrous for horses. It is early grass, and of course,
bulks largely.

Anilioxanthum Odoratum (Sweet-scented Vernal Grass). — ■
This grass improves the cjualitv of hav. It does not increase
the bulk much. Horses like it \Try well, so that it should be
included in permanent pasture grasses.

Poa Ncmoralis (Wood Meadow Grass). — Horses like this
grass very much. It is early, very nutritious, hardy, and fond
of growing in shady places.

Lolium Perenne (Perennial Rye-grass). — An excellent grass,
largely grown, and should be found on all permanent pastures.

Phleiim Pratensc (Cat's-tail or Timothy Grass). — A very
valuable grass indeed, and ha}^ made from this brings the best of
prices if it has been well harvested. For permanent pasture
and alternate husbandry it has no superior. It is nutritious,
and produces abundant crops early and late.

Poa Trivialis (Rough-stalked Meadow Grass). — This is an
excellent grass, and very fond of growing in damp meadows and
flooded land. Horses are exceedingly fond of it, and it has high
nutritive value.

Festuca Pratensis (Meadow Fescue). — This makes good hay,
and bulks well. It likes a good moist soil to flourish upon. Is
found in most natural pastures, constituting the bulk of such.

Festuca Duriuscula (Hard Fescue Grass). — An early grass
and one that resists drought. The foUage is fine, and it is a
grass that ought to be in all permanent pastures.

GENERAL MANAGEMENT OF HORSES

ALOPECURUS PRATENSIS.

iMtniiow Fnrltd 1

DACTVLIS GLOMtRAlA

POA PRATENSIS.

(SiilMtk.-tatkf,! MtadoM aian.)

British Feeding Grasses.
23

GENERAL MANAGEMENT OF HORSES

A vena Flavescens (Golden Oat Grass). — A very fair grass
when mixed with other permanent ones.

Lucerne. — The lucerne is largely used for feeding stock in
summer, coming into use about a couple of weeks earlier than
red clover. It ought tc be cut just when it is beginning to
bloom, being at this time at its best. Should be sown in April
in drills, six or seven inches apart. Once the lucerne is estab-
hshed it will last for a number of years. Horses are remarkably
fond of it, and it does very well for milk mares. It should be
grown on every farm, being equally useful for cattle and sheep.

Sainfoin. — The common English perennial variety of sain-
foin will only give a single crop during the season. It is very
useful, both in its dry and green state, and horses and cattle
are singularly fond of it, so that it is in great demand.

The Clovers. — Trifohum hybridum, pratense, incarnatum,
and arvense, i.e., alsike, red, crimson, and white clovers, are the
varieties mostly used. Giant clovers are much too coarse,
unless when given in the young state. Any of the abovenamed
clovers make a very valuable adjunct to hay. Clover grown
with nitrates is not good for horses, being hable to bring on
diuresis, i.e., excessive urination.

Bran. — ^This should have a sweet smell, be in large flakes,
of a pale flesh tint, and make the palm of the hand floury when
rubbed with the bran. Can be given dry or moist. Too much
bran is a very bad thing for horses, predisposing them to
intestinal concretions. Wet bran is a laxative and very useful
for assisting purgative medicine. It is useless when given
alone, as a food. The addition of molassine meal to a bran
mash, is a very useful adjunct. From 2 to 4 lb. of this meal
may be given daily with benefit.

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

Oats, — Taken all round, oats constitute llie most valuable
food we ha\'e for horses. They do very well on these when
given as a staple diet, but their value is materially enhanced
by the addition of other cereals. May be given bruised or
whole, wet or dry. For sick horses, steamed oats are useful,
more especially if mixed with bran and linseed gruel, (iood
oats should ha\'e a pleasant odour, be plump and thin in the
husk. The seed within the latter ought to be large. Some
oats are very deceptive, being apparently large, but the contents
of the husk practically nil, even less than oats half the size.
Small, dusty, fusty oats are useless, and ought never to be
purchased. The best oats will weight 421b. per bushel. Black
Tartarian oats are now largely grown in this country, and
there are some very fair samples of these.

Beans and Peas. — These are valuable adjuncts to other
feeding materials, especially those deficient in nitrogenous
matter. It is better to give them bruised or split, and they
should onlv be given in strictly moderate quantities.

Barley. — Some horsekeepers use considerable quantities of
barley, either boiled or steeped. The writer does not consider
it so suitable as oats, and it has many disadvantages. It is
not necessarily cheaper than" the cereal last mentioned.

Maize. — The feeding value of maize is too well known to
need any comment. It is a most useful article of fodder for
feeding up horses run down in flesh.

Wheat. — Not suitable for horses. Many evil results have
arisen through the use of this cereal.

Turnips and Swedes. — Although not of any particular
utiUty, swedes are as a rule liked by horses.

GENERAL MANAGEMENT OF HORSES

Carrots. — -A few stones of " horse carrots " should find a
place in every stable. If these are not obtainable, beet-roots
may be substituted. vShould be washed and given whole.
Kohl -rabbi is equally useful.

Linseed. — The addition of half a pound of linseed to the
fodder every night is advantageous, improving the coat and
skin. Its feeding value is considerable.

Molassine Meal. — The introduction of this as an adjunct
to the food of horses and cattle has been very satisfactory,
and those who have used it speak of it as excellent. The enor-
mous demand for it is sufficient evidence of its utility, and there
appears every likelihood of its demand being further augmented.
Its saccharine constituents render it of considerable feeding
value, at the same time of medicinal service, more especially so
for dislodging internal parasites, such as worms. Give 2 to
4 lb. daily, with bran, or ordinary food

Section B. — Feeding.

IF horses are not well fed, and regularly fed, they will never
be in the pink of condition. One of the best tests of a
horsekeeper's abilities is that afforded by the condition of
his stud. Of course, a man may have one or more horses to
look after that will never do him any credit, no matter however
smart and capable he may be.

As a rule it is fairly good evidence of a man's worth if his
horses are kept in tip-top condition, not only as regards flesh,
coat, etc., but for working capacity. A fat horse is never in
working condition, more especially if Dr. Green has put the
flesh on. That must come off before really hard work can be
performed.

HORSES; THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

The amount of food, and nature of this, must to some
extent be regulated by the work to be performed. Many horse-
keepers feed their horses four times per diem, as fohows : —
Early morning, 6 a.m. ; noon, 12 o'clock ; afternoon, 4 o'clock ;
evening, 6 o'clock ; but it is better to have a more equable
dix'ision of time, so that the hours of 6, 10, 2 and 6 are better,
though perhaps not so convenient.

A very important matter in connection with feeding is that
of allowing about one hour or so to elapse, after feeding, before
working the animal. It is a very pernicious custom to feed
horses whilst on the road, unless sufficient time be allowed
afterwards. The nose-bag system of feeding is pernicious. It
can claim neither economy nor utility.

Baiting horses is quite a different matter, and may have a
twofold purpose, viz., the animal gets a rest and a restorative,
whilst the driver has a refresher — a mutual advantage. Three
times a day is often enough to feed a horse performing ordinary
duties — morning, midday and evening. Never feed immediately
after work, but allow time for the horse to cool down a bit, and
then water to the extent of two or three quarts.

When there is hay in the rack, and the food is put in the
manger, the latter will receive first attention, and then the hay.
Preferably half an hour should elapse between the cereals and
the hay. It is a common custom to rack up with hay at the
same time, and leave for the night.

Most horsekeepers — at any rate the wiser ones — make a
practice of looking at the stud before retiring to rest. This is a
most commendable practice, and one that should always be done
whenever circumstances permit.

GENERAL MANAGEMENT OF HORSES

Some horses are what is known as greedy feeders, clearing
off a feed of corn in an incredibly short time. Under these cir-
cumstances feeding on the " instalment " plan is the best,
because semi-masticated food is almost certain to bring on its
evil results at some time or another. Many horses of this class
are very bad doers, so that the remedy is to divide the food
at each feeding time, allowing about a quarter of an hour interval.
In summer it is advantageous to allow a small quantity of green
meat daily, and if the animal is going to be turned out to graze,
a dose of physic should be given. This remark is equally applic-
able to hunters about to be summered.

Many proprietors turn their horses out at night. In South
Africa, where Cape Horse sickness prevails, it is necessary to
either stable or kraal the animals at night, and then turn out to
graze after the dew is off the grass.

GRAZING HORSES.

It is an universal custom to turn horses out as much as
possible during the summer. Some horses come up from grass
as fat as a Christmas ox, but this does not last long, because
" grass flesh " is not " working flesh."

There is no doubt that a horse does derive many benefits
from the pure air of the fields, likewise it gets a great deal of rest.

That celebrated sportsman, Nimrod, was not of this opinion,
and his calculation as to the mileage done by a horse turned
out for a summer's grass is amazing. Unquestionably there is
some truth in his statements, yet the immense benefit to legs
and feet — all veterinarians know this well enough — cannot be
disputed with any degree of accuracy.

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

The verdant fields bring fresh hfe into horses working in
towns, coal pits, etc., and he who has not observed the enjoyment
they derive, cannot be said to be filled with the power of keen
observation. That the practice of summering hunters is a good
one I do not belie\'e, sharing my opinion with that of Nimrod.
If a horse is going out to graze for a few weeks, remove all the
shoes, only pay attention to his feet whilst he is out at grass.
Some horses are injured through allowing their feet to get into
bad form. The same remark is equally applicable to colts.
Have their feet pared at regular intervals. Colts should be
" housed " in September, or October at the latest.

To run out all through the severe weather makes young
stock wild and coarse, so rendering them more tiresome to break.
When selecting grazing ground don't have old grass if there is
any possible chance of obtaining any other. It is not of much
service. May, June and July are the best months for herbage,
and horses get the most benefit during these times.

As many accidents happen about this season before turning
out, one should inspect the boundary line of the park in order
to see that there are no objects likely to do injury. Barbed wire
is a very common cause, and if left lying about very serious
injury may result.

The author's experience as a veterinary surgeon is,
that this wire is one of the best friends the veterinary has so
far as his day-book is concerned. Never turn a horse out when
there is a mare and foal — unless it be another mare and her
foal — otherwise the animal may get worried to death. Quite
recently I attended a case of this nature.

GENERAL MANAGEMENT OF HORSES

Another matter is, that of not allowing horses to go out
into a strange park at night. I once saw four horses nearly torn
to pieces through doing this foolish act. They all went full
tilt into a barbed wire fencing through being set at liberty in
darkness and in a strange place.

The temperaments of other horses should be inquired into
before allowing one's favourite to mix with strangers. Lastly,
it is not always wise to allow healthy horses to mix with strange
ones because disease can be transferred bv so doing.

SECTION B.

GROOMING.

POINTS AND EXTERNAL

REGIONS OF THE HORSE.

CHAPTER I

GROOMING.

THE best evidence of a groom's abilities is that afforded by
the condition of his horses, Hkewise that of his stables,
stable appliances, harness, etc. A clever groom must
possess certain qualifications, and the chief of these postulates
are : —

I. — Willingness to comply with his master's orders, when the
dictates of intelligence teach him that it is right so to do.

2. — To be capable of acting in emergency without seeking
outsiders' aid.

3. — He must be methodical, and keep all appliances clean,
and accessible at a moment's notice.

4. — Early rising is a very necessary qualification, and one
that brings pleasure with the work, but toil to the
sluggard in his bed.

5. — Thoroughness of work, no matter whether it be polishing
brass fittings, washing the stable, or cleaning horses,
harness, etc.

6. — Strong arms, light hands, devotion to duty, honesty in
every action, sobriety, and above all, kindness to the
animals placed under his charge.

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

Possibly ever\ groom may flatter liimsclt that he lias his
share of all the foregohig ; cwn go further hy unci'^ination.

To try and clean a horse with a heavy coat upon him is not
a satisfactory task, so that whenever possible the hair should
be kept short, besides, it is much healthier for the horse.

Grooms, masters, and their coachmen, \'erv often differ
as to the advisability of washing the mud off, or leaving it on
until dry, and then brushing it off with the dandy brush. It
seems to be purely a matter of opinion as to which of these plans
is the best. Neither of them are free from objection ; still, the
matter is in the wrong place, and must be got rid of.

So far as the welfare of the horse (not the groom) is con-
cerned, the writer thinks it better to allow the mud to dry on,
only it must be got thoroughly off the skin, otherwise it is
irritating to it. It is quite eas\^ to tell whether a horse has
been properly cleaned by running one's hand down the inside
of the thighs, legs, etc., when any adherent particles of dust
will be readily felt.

As to the advisabilit}^ of washing the feet directly a horse
comes in, there can be no two opinions, but the heels ought not
to be wetted, unless very thorouglily dried and then bandaged.

During the hot weather, if a horse comes in with a lather
upon him, it is a good plan to sponge and dry him. For keeping
the coat down in winter, a heavy woollen rug should be used, but
in summer linen ones only.

Vigorous shampooing with a wisp of straw has been prac-
tised from time immemorial, yet there is nothing superior to it

GROOMING

in the present day. Elbow grease is necessary in every branch
of a groom's work.

At the time when a horse is changing its coat, it does not, as
a rule, look in the best of condition, so that due allowance must
be made at these periods. For putting a gloss on the coat
there is nothing to equal a chamois leather, and every groom
ought to take advantage of this useful article for the
horse's toilet. Inside the thighs, under the fore-arms, and
beneath the mane — if this is long — require special attention
when cleaning. Combing the long hair should ne\'er be
neglected, this being so very abundant in well bred, heavy horses.
Trimming the mane, tail, and around coronets, and at footlock,
i.e., hair at back of fetlock, is very necessary to keep a horse
smart.

CLIPPING,

Opinions are divided as to the advisability of completely
or partially removing the hair. Some men will clip the hair off
the body, allowing it to remain on the limbs, whereas others will
clip the limbs, and leave the hair on the body.

x\gain, another set advocate clipping all over, excepting that
beneath the saddle, or back and loins. If left on beneath saddle,
it is said by these advocates to prevent sore back. The writer
has no desire to try and disturb such opinions, every man
being justly entitled to hold his own, and ^' support" it if he can.
Personally, I prefer to have a horse clipped from head to feet
at one clipping. When a horse has a heavy coat he sweats far
too much, and loses flesh rapidly. If clipping in winter, clothe
body well afterwards for a few da^^s.

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

THE UTILITY OF BANDAGES.

The bciu'iicial inlluences lollowini^ the use of bandages on
the lower ])ortions of tlie hmbs of horses are too well known to
require further remarks. They are not only of value as a
medium of support whilst the animal is in the stable and at
exercise, but also serve for the conservation of energy in
tendons, etc., that are weakened through overwork, or injured
by being overstretched, etc.

Both cotton and linen bandages are sold, but the most
useful bandages yet brought to the writer's notice are the
" Sandown Patent Fleecy Horse Bandages," manufactured by
the Sandown Company, Stamford Street, Nottingham. The
advantages claimed for these are that they do not leave any
marks on the leg ; do not slip ; are non-tearable ; allow free
circulation, and are specially useful for holding w^ater and
medicated fomentations.

No. I Quality is two yards long and has a cotton fleece,
and No. 2 Quality has a woollen fleece, with a length of two and
a half yards. Special widths are made for ponies. The quality
first named is suitable for hunting, polo, racing, and the appli-
cation of cold water, whereas No. 2 is better for hot w^ater,
travelling and stable use, etc. These bandages are sold at 5s.
and 7s. 6d. per set respectively.

CHAPTER II

POINTS AND EXTERNAL REGIONS
OF THE HORSE.

For convenience, and for a correct understanding of the
various external regions of the horse, it is necessary to briefly
allude to what are, in popular language, spoken of as the
" Points of the Horse," though in reality the term '' points "
has a much more significant and broader meaning.

Horsemen frequently make use of the word " middle
piece " (being excellent, etc.), as indicative of the whole of the
region lying between the fore and hind limbs. In the same
way, the expressions (as being good, poor, etc.), " fore " and
" aft," are used in a similar manner.

For convenience of judging animals, these terms are applic-
able and expressive, but quite useless for the study of the
various regions and structures included within the afore-
mentioned areas.

The head, neck, body and hmbs are all capable of division
and sub-division, consequently, the author will consider these
regions in the manner in which they are usually described,
starting with the

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

Head. — ^Tlic summit (^f the head, or that portion lying
between the ears, is known as the poll or occiput. It is from
here that a tuft of hair or " forelock " springs, giving, as it
were, a finish to the mane.

Extending from the last named down to the inner angles
of the eyes — commonly occupied in part by a patch of white
hair — (the so-cahed star) there is a flattened area. This is
the Forehead. The forehead is continued as the Nose,
until the nostrils are reached, the Muzzle being formed by the
Lips and Nostrils. In some horses, the nasal bones are
convex, constituting the so-called Roman nose. The areas
lying between the ears and the eyes are the Temples, and above
each eye there is a small depression — the supra-orbital depres-
sion. Normally, this is occupied by a pad of fat. With
increasing age this usually disappears, so that old and worn
horses have a well marked hollow above the eyes.

The Cheeks comprise the areas bounded behind, and
below, by the angle of the jaw, and the segment of a circle
drawn from the latter to the outer angle of the eye. Each
cheek is occupied by a single flattened powerful muscle known
as the Masseter, the chief muscle of mastication. The tri-
angular space occupying the branches of the low^r jaw, is known
as the intermaxillary area.

The lower lip has a transverse depression immediately behind
it, called the chin groove, and it is here where the curb chain
should sit.

The spaces of the gums between the incisor and molar
teeth on each of the lower jaws are known as the " bars."

POINTS AND EXTERNAL REGIONS OF THE HORSE

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POINTS AND EXTERNAL REGIONS OF THE HORSE

In horses that are weU bred, various bony prominences are
plainly indicated beneath the skin, less obvious in coarse bred
animals.

There are twenty-four molar teeth, twelve incisor or
nipping teeth, and in horses, four tushes are present.

The mucous membrane lining the nose is a bright pink
colour, and immediately within each nostril there is a circular
opening, the latter being the outlet of the bony lachrymal
canal. Normally it is down here that the (tears) moisture
from the eyes makes its exit.

The Neck. — This extends from the withers to the poll,
and angle of the jaw.

It has an upper and lower border, the former bearing the
mane, and the latter in addition to skin, muscles, etc., has the
windpipe, gullet, jugular vein, and carotid artery running along
its course.

On either side of it there is a groove, the jugular furrows.
The depth of these furrows varies with the condition of the
animal. In emaciated subjects the grooves are deep. The
upper border, i.e., that bearing the mane, is called the crest.

Perfection in this region is best observed in entire horses,
and in horses that have been cut late in life, yet this diminishes
after castration.

The Withers. — This forms the highest point along the
back, and it is here that one measures the height of a horse
when the animal is standing on level ground. The withers are

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

formed by the spinous j)roccss of se\'eral of the dorsal vertebrae,
along with the muscles, ligaments, etc., and corres])onds to
the tree of the saddle.

The Back and Loins. — The back may, for convenience,
be said to comprise the area lying between the withers in
front, and the loins and crou]:) behind.

The loins are bounded in front by the back, posteriorly
by the croup, and laterally by the flanks.

The Croup. — Comprises the oblique portion lying between
the back part of the loins, angle of the haunch (hip), and set
on of the tail, the fleshy portion of the last named being called
the " dockr

The Flanks (right and left) comprise the areas bounded
above by the loins, in front by the last rib, behind by the
thigh, and below by a portion of the floor of the belly. It is
this area (or areas) that becomes specially prominent when
the intestines become abnormally distended by gas, arising
through fomentative changes therein.

The Abdomen. — The belly cavity is separated from that
of the chest by a muscular partition — the diaphragm or midrif
— and it is continued, posteriorly, into the pelvic cavity, i.e., a
division mostly included within the pelvic bone, in which
parts of the urinary and female generative apparatus is con-
tained. \Mthin the cavity of the pelvis, and like that of the
abdomen, it is lined by a serous membrane or peritoneum.
The stomach, spleen, pancreas, liver, kidneys, supra-renal
bodies, large and small intestines, together with nerves, blood
vessels, and glands absorbent, are contained within the belly
cavity.

POINTS AND EXTERNAL REGIONS OF THE HORSE

The anterior boundary of the belly is formed by the

diaphragm, laterally by the ribs, intercostal and other muscles,

behind by the flanks, above by the vertebral bones or spine,

' and below (the floor) by the elastic abdominal tunic and

muscles.

Brisket, Breast and Chest. — The brisket forms the
floor of the chest, being that portion of the anatomy lying
between, immediately behind, and in front of, the forearms.

The Breast lies in front of the Brisket, though the two
terms are synonymously employed, likewise the term Chest,
as indicative of the same region.

vStrictly speaking, the chest is principally formed by the
ribs, etc., these constituting its lateral walls, the diaphragm
or midrif its posterior boundary, and the breast-bone or
sternum its anterior portion.

The cavitv of the chest is lined by a serous membrane — the
pleurcB — and contains the heart plus its great vessels, lungs,
nerves, lymphatic glands, etc. This cavity has the form of a
cone.

Horsemen sometimes employ the term " well hearted "
as indicative of great depth, and width of chest, facilitating
the free play of heart and lungs.

THE FORE LIMBS.

The Shoulder is composed of a single flattened triangular
bone, the outer "face of which is divided into symmetrical
portions for the lodgment of muscles, and the inner face has a
well marked fossa to accommodate a muscle— the subs-
capularis.

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

The upper border of the shoulder blade has a flexible
plate of cartilage attached to it, and the lower angle of the
bone, a cup-shaped cavity for articulation, with the upper end
of the arm ^humerus), the two forming the shoulder joint.
The latter is spoken of as the " Point of the Shoulder."

The junction of the shoulder, and neck, is very obvious in
many horses. If an oblique line be drawn from the withers
to the point of the elbow, and one from the former to the root
of the neck, the area occupied by the shoulder will be included
within these lines. The fore limbs have no bony attachments
to the trunk, it being a fleshy bond of union.

The Arms. — It is surprising how few horsemen are
acquainted with the position a horse's arm occupies. The
arm corresponds to that portion of the aim ot man extending
from the shoulder to the elbow of the latter, its bony portion
being the humerus, extending from the point of the shoulder,
to its junction with the forearm, the point of the elbow being
formed from the last named (summit ot ulna) (olecranori
process).

The Forearms. — Each forearm is composed of two bones,
viz., the radius in front, and the ulna behind, the latter being
the smaller bone.

The forearm articulates with the arm .abpve, extending
to and articulating with the upper row of the bones ot the
knee. The forearms vary in their length and thickness,
according to breed and quality. On the inner sides, each
forearm bears a castor or chesnut, i.e., a horny prominence.

The Knees. — The knees are formed partly by the lower
end of the radius, the carpal bones, and upper extremity of
the cannon,

POINTS AND EXTERNAL REGIONS OF THE HORSE

The knees differ in their conformation, and may be
classified as good, bad, and indifferent.

The Cannons. — The term " cannon " is appHed to that
portion of the leg lying between the knee and fetlock.

In well bred horses nothing but skin, bone, and tendons,
etc., should be felt on handling this region.

The cannons of the front limbs are somewhat flatter than
those of the hind legs.

The region. is composed of the cannon bone, with the
sphnt bones on either side of it. Each of these ends below in
the foim of a small prominence (the button of the splint bone).
The large cannon bone and the two small sphnt bones form
a channel, behind which is a portion of a strong Ugament
■ — the suspensory hgament — and the back tendons. In the
so-called " clean legs," all these structures can be plainly felt,
or seen, in outline.

The Fetlock Joints are formed by the lower end of the
cannon bone, the upper end of the first phalanx or pastern,
and sessamoid bones at the back. There is a tuft of hair
(normally) here. This is the ergot or footlock.

The Pasterns. — The pastern joint is made up ol the
lower end of the first phalanx, and the upper end of the coronet
bone, or second phalanx.

There is a hollow in the region at the back— the " hollow
of the pastern.'' The term coronet or coronary hand is apphed
to the cushion, or prominence, encircling the junction of the
horn (foot) and skin.

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

The Foot.— The outer portion of the foot (or feet) is
known as the hoof, which comprises a wall, upper and lower
borders, and the quarters, or lateral portions of the wall.

The " toe " is at the front of the lower border, and the
heels are the prominent parts behind. The heels may be
" high " oi " low," proportionate length being the most
desirable.

The wall is thickest at the toe, becoming thinner as the
heels are approached. The sole bears an elastic prominence
■ — the " frog." This has middle and lateral clefts — the so-
called lacunae.

The frog is exceedingly elastic, and ought always to be
well developed, so as to act as to give a good grip to ground.

Between the frog and the heels, portions of the wall are
reflected inw^ards, constituting the " bars."

Within the hoof there is the pedal bone, and a \'ery small
shuttle-shaped bone at the back of the latter. This is the
navicular bone (os navicularse).

The pedal bone is dovetailed to the inner wall of the
hoof, through numerous leaf-like projections covering the bone,
which fit into corresponding ones on the inner face of the hoof.
These are called the scjisitivc and insensitive lamincc, respectively.

THE HIND LIMBS.

The only portions of the hind limbs (legs) that it is
necessary to refer to are the hip joints, the thighs, the stifles,
and the hock joints.

POINTS AND EXTERNAL REGIONS OF THE HORSE

The Hip Joints. — The hip joint is formed by the upper
end of the femur or thigh bone, and the cup-like cavity on the
outer side of the pelvic or basin bone. If a vertical line be
drawn from the summit of the croup through the stifle, and a
horizontal line from the latter to the buttock, the hip-joint
will be found to occupy a position a little above the centre of

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Points of the Horse.

Poll.

ID.

I.oins.

19.

P^stein.

23.

Ribf.

Forehead,

11.

Croup.

2 J.

Coronet.

29.

Flank.

Face.

12.

Buttock.

21.

.Shouldrr.

3c.

Stille.

Nose.

13-

ist Thigh.

21.

Point of tlLow.

SI-

Po.sie.ior Angle of

Lips.

M-

and Thigh.

23-

Fore.trni.

Jaw.

Crest.

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Point of Hock.

2t-

Knee.

S'-

Jugu'ar Furrow,

Mane.

16.

Cannon.

33.

-•^rm.

WitheiF.

17-

Ergot or Foollock.

2^.

Pastern of roielimb.

Back.

18.

Fetlock Joint

27.

S'leath.

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

the area thus bounded. This joint has a restraining hgament,
thus preventing the lateral or "cow kick," though some horses
have a knack of giving su.ch " stxlish " kicks.

The Stifle. — A joint that corresponds to the knee in man
is formed by the union of three bones ^hgaments, etc.", ^iz., the
lower end of the thigh bone ^the lirst thigh}, the patella or knee
cap, and the upper end of the tibia., or second thigh bone.

The knee cap can easily be telt ^and seen^ riding up and
down as the horse progresses. It is frequently displaced
;^luxated\ constituting shpped knee cap — a troublesome injury.

The Second ThiCxH extends from the stilie to the hock,
and the Gaskix comprises the narrow portion of the second
thigh, extending from above the points of the hocks, and
includes the tendon of Achilles, felt as a thick cord-hke tendon
extending from the points of the hocks. This is the so-called
ham string, the division of which has been practised in warfare,
to disable the horses of cavalrymen.

The Hocks. — Each heck has a front face, and behind a
prominence — the point of the hock or heel. This jouit is
formed bv the lower end of the tibia secord thieh bone^,
the bones of the hock, and the upper end of the cannon
bone and splint bones.

Freedom of hock action is even more important than beautv
of knee movement, but is seldom paid sufficient attention to
by purchasers of horses. During movement a horse should get
his hocks well imder him.

SECTION C.
THE VARIOUS BREEDS OF HORSES.

THE HUNTER.

THE HACKNEY OR CARRIAGE

HORSE.
THE COB.

PONIES.

THE SHIRE AND CART HORSE.

THE SUFFOLK.

THE CLYDESDALE HORSE.

THE CLEVELAND BAY.

THE THOROUGHBRED OR

RACE HORSE.
CROSS-BRED HORSES AND

VANNERS.

THE VARIOUS BREEDS OF HORSES

CHAPTER III

THE HUNTER.

AS a rule not much difficulty is experienced in obtaining
light weight hunters, but when it comes to finding weight
carriers, the matter becomes a somewhat troublesome one.
For many years the difficulty has been experienced, chiefly
because — we now speak of the condition of affairs before that
worthy society, the Hunters' Improvement Society, began
to show the utihty of its formation — the breeding of hunters —
if such it could be called — was carried on regardless of system,
selection, or fixity of type ; in other words, the hunter was
got by chance, and made by choice.

If horse breeding was worked on such lines as these, the
horses of this country — hkewise those of other countries —
would soon lose (and this is the reason why so many weedy
specimens exist) the splendid qualities and qualifications they
now possess.

That there have been as good hunters in the past as in the
present day, is unquestionabl}/ true, but most of these were
" chance " productions, and often were moulded into shape
by some of the departed followers of the chase, who now live
in our minds as kings of the chase. In those days the schooling
of the hunter occupied first place, its breeding second.

55-

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

The views in the |)r('sent day arc the very reverse of this,
and in the humble ()})inion of the author, rightly so. By
breeding hunters from hunter stock, true or fairly true to type,
the progeny of such mating will certainly inherit some or all of
the cpialilications of their progenitors, therefore the stock from
such a source have, as it were, the " dormant " essentials of
the hunter born in them, so that "schooling," though secondary,
becomes a matter of comparative ease, not only to the pupil,
but also to the master of his equine scholar. Light weight
carrying hunters can, of course, be got by crossing a thorough-
bred sire with a hunter mare, but weight carriers are now
mostly bred from a selected hunter sire. Anyone interested
in the breeding of hunters naturally goes to the Society's
Annual Show at the Agricultural Hall, and may there select
what he considers most suitable to meet his requirements, either
for stock or for stud. The Society will register a stalhon two
years and above, if got by a thoroughbred or registered hunter
sire, and out of a dam registered in the first volume of their
stud book, provided the animal is certified sound by a
M.R.C.V.S., and approved by Council.

A yearling (filly foal ) filly, or mare, may be registered if her
sire is a registered hunter sire, or a thoroughbred, and her dam
registered in the first volume of stud book. Likewise any
mare, filly, etc., can be registered if she has the direct crosses
of thoroughbred or registered hunter blood in her veins, such
as sire and dam's sire.

Registration can also be effected if her produce has won
races under either the Jockey Club or the National Hunt Rules.
Mares and fillies are also eligible for what may be termed supple-
mental registration, but no numbers ai'e allotted. In this case

THE HUMTER

she must be by a thoroughbred, or else a registered hunter sire,
who has been awarded one of the gold medals given by the
Society at eithei National, County or Associated Shows.

If her sire be thoroughbred, or a registered hunter, and
she is fortunate enough to win or breed a winner at the shows
last named, she is eligible for supplement registration.

Lastly, she may be registered in the supplement if a
member of the Council and M.R.C.V.S. together with a
member of the Society nominated by Council member, approves
of her fitness for same. Obviously, the Hunters' Improvement
Society do all in their power to admit only such animals as
comply with their rules, and the wisdom of this needs no
explanation.

The foundation stone for the successful breeding of weight
carrying hunters — in fact, any hunters — may justly be said to
have been laid when this Society entered upon its successful
career.

The writer does not wish to imply that there are no clever
— even very clever — hunters outside the circle of the aforesaid
Society, because this vv^ould be incorrect. Not only in man,
but in other animals, and none more so than the horse, do we
meet with instances where there is a natural aptitude to per-
form a certain class of work, or it may be, duty. Hence the
brilliant performances witnessed by hunters not connected
with the Society, and whose school days have been few, and
whose education during the schooling hours has been of the
crudest kind. Such a horse is aptly styled a born hunter (not
made or bred), and well may he merit the title.

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

However, these are rather exceptional than otherwise,
and does not seriously disturb the systematic bleeding of
hunters upon a sure foundation.

The temperaments of hunters vary in a remarkable manner,
in fact, as much as in the human being. Temperament is a most
important consideration, and must be estimated in accordance
with the temperament of the individual that will ride the animal
to hounds. Some hunters, even in cold blood, are of a most
impetuous nature, and unless cleverly handled, disaster will
most certainly, sooner or later, be the issue.

One man may like a steady old thistle jumper, whereas
another — one of the devil-may-care sort — will have a hunter
that will halt at nothing less than an ox rail — not even at
destruction. Hunters that take-off in a reckless manner do
not, in the author's opinion, conform to his definition of —

" A Hunter born, the Hunter bred
Will freely bend himself;

With measured step his mighty form he'll raise,
And from his Master need no peon of praise.
But clear his ' object ' with an ease,
Befitting a Horse of his gentility."

A steady and docile temperament is a desirable qualification.
A horse may be a finished jumper, and yet take his work as
cool as possible. Jumping qualifications can hardly be judged
in " cold " blood, because many horses are quite cool at their
work under these conditions, but make a poor display after
hounds.

Temperament and jumping abilities can only be estimated
under both the foregoing conditions, and it is advisable for the
would-be purchaser to try in accordance therewith. Jumping

THE HUNTER

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THE HUNTER

and trying a hunter on the premises of a horse dealer is not
always a great success, at any rate as far as the buyer is con-
cerned. It is, if possible, advisable to have a hunter on trial,
or if this is not convenient, the intending purchaser should ride
a horse to hounds on several occasions, and if he has confidence
in his own abihties as to his horsemanship, he will be in a position
to judge the faults that the animal has, remembering that it is
the business duty — allowing for the elasticity of conscience
attending such — of every seller to praise the quality of his
wares, and of the buyer to look for the converse.

Some men believe in trying to find out all the " good "
points about an animal — its redeeming features — but to do
this with horseflesh is most certainly seeking quicksand.

Returning to the subject re temperament one may safely
assert that elderly riders, those of nervous temperament, ladies,
and youths, should only be allowed to ride hunters proved to
be cool at their work, and free from vice in other ways. Age
has an influence, and so has sex, over temperament. x\ged
horses are more subdued as a rule, and some mares are more
excitable than geldings. The latter is not of much importance,
so that sex should not be allowed to interfere, provided the
animal is suitable in other respects.

Too much care cannot be exercised in the purchase of a
lady's hunter, more especially when one considers how she is
situated as regards her seat. Before concluding purchase, the
lady should try the animal herself, and not be influenced by
what others say, but use her own intelligence as to suitability
or otherwise of her mount. Six or ^even years is quite young
enough to purchase a lady's hunter, and one that has been
regularly hunted (and jumped) by a lady should, if possible, be

HORSES; THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

obtained. Many Irish linnters are very clever, and numbers
of these hnd their \va\- into tlie Enghsh market j)ubhc or
private.

As to lieiglit, mucli will depend upon the countr\- hunted,
and the height and weight of the rider. For a boy's hunter a
pony thirteen to fifteen hands is about right height, and the
stamp of pony rather light-legged. Equally important to tem-
perament, is that of the mouth. A hard-mouthed horse, no
matter whether it be a hunter, hack, or roadster, is not onl\'
objectionable, but often a very dangerous brute, as the writer,
amongst others, has experienced. I for one would not
purchase such a horse at any price. If not an actual cause of
danger, to ride or drive a horse of this class, converts icliat should
be a real pleasure into one of manual labour.

A hard-mouthed horse though influenced, to some extent,
by careful " bitting," always remains practically the same.
Select a horse that readily respo)ids to the " aids,'' and don't spoil
him with an abuse of these when he does do so. About sixteen
hands may be put down as the average height for a hunter, but
in the horse jumping competitions at the Royal Agricultural
Society's Show the following classification is given : — Class A,
Mares and geldings, 15.2 hands and over. Class B, Mares and
geldings, above 14 hands, but under 15 2 hands. Class C, Pony
mares or geldings, 14.2 hands and under. To be measured
for height, but not examined for soundness. In the Hunter
Classes mares and geldings can be entered up to 14 stones and
upwards, and under 14 stones foaled before or during 1900.

Brood mares undergo veterinary examination, and a hunter
will be disqualified if entered as a light weight, yet the judges

THE HUNTER

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THE HUNTER

consider that such an animal can compete in the heavy weights,
and the converse.

Having briefly discussed the outhnes relating to tempera-
ment, mouth, height, weight, etc., the writer will now review
the chief points essential for a typical hunter.

The Head should be " light," sharp, well chiselled in
outline, and covered by thin skin and fine short hair ; ears small
and erect, li the head is coarse or heavy, the chances are that
the animal's temperament and intelligence will be equally
'' door," or blunted.

Neck. — This ought to be of medium length, and its carriage
inclined to be " lofty," so as to give a light forehand.

Long Shoulders and rather High Withers are points of
considerable importance, shoulder and hock action, constituting
the hunting man's ideal points for a hunter ; in fact, it cannot
have too extravagant action in either of these regions. The
question is what constitutes long shoulders, and how can the
buyer distinguish a long from a short shoulder ?

To those acquainted with examining horses in detail the
matter is easy, but to the novice not so. A little practical advice
will perhaps do more than theoretical elaboration. Look at
the shoulders of a race horse and then at those of an inferior bred
vanner. The difference will at once be obvious. Not only
must the shoulders be long, but give evidence of good muscular
development.

A hunter must have strong arms and forearms, ending at
the knee in broad, strong, and freely flexible joints ; stiff
knee joints, though the knees may be very much blemished
(banged knees, etc.), are fatal to jumping.

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

Cannons and ivv{ slionld be free from disease, though
hunters' feet are not subjected to the same amount of constant
concussion as that of the hackney, unless the master requires
the dual i^erformance of office, viz., half hack, or hackney, and
half hunter.

Back and Loins. — A strong back and flexible loins are
imperative in a hunter, owing to the bending movements, hence
the necessity for trying the animal so as to throw these parts
into full play.

There is a natural inchnation in old horses towards
" fusion " of the lumbar or loin vertebrae, and this destroys
the normal flexibility of the part.

Hind Quarters and Hocks. — The croup and first and
second thighs must be well muscled, of good conformation,
and free from disease, blemishes being of secondary importance.

Thoro-pin occurs just above the point of the hock,
but it is not often that it produces lameness, yet it is regarded
as constituting unsoundness.

H is denoted bv swelling — not with any heat as a rule —
and manipulation with the finger presses the fluid from the
" in " to the outside, or vice-versa. Citrb is not at all un-
common in hunters, and in some of these it never does any
harm, but in others it is a cause of lameness. It appears as
a convex swelling two or three inches below the point of, and in
a line with, the hock. Some horses have large curbs on both
hocks, or a large one on one side, and a small one on the
other.

A hunter ought to be very " clean " and sound about
his hocks, knowing that he has got to inake particular use of

THE HUNTER

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THE HUNTER

them. Good substantial (broad below), sound, well built
hocks, are very necessary for a horse of the chase.

Bone spavin is objectionable, no matter what views one may
entertain regarding it, and it is needless to say that the majority
of veterinary practitioners condemn for it.

If a hunter cannot get his hocks ivell up and well under him,
he or she — as the case may apply — is not much good for
jumping, though it may be all right for dodging around the
covert side, certainly not for a Nimrod or Jack Mytton.

Regarding the soundness of hunters, it is necessary to say a
few words. A hunter ought to be sound in heart, lungs, and eyes,
more commonly put as sound in wind and sight. If the heart
is not healthy, the " wind " will not be right, though the animal
may neither be a " roarer," whistler, nor broken winded. During
severe or prolonged exertion, if the heart is not sound, an
attack of cardiac syncope may come on, and the animal tumble
at his jump.

// is of vital importance to the hunting man to have his
horse's " clock " all right. An intermittent, or an irregular
pulse is quite sufficient to condemn a hunter. Apart from a
speculative opinion as to what " might happen," the lungs are
not properly supplied with blood when the heart is enfeebled.
Roaring arises through a variety of causes, commonly through
organic changes of certain muscles adjusting the larynx, in all
probability, through defective nerve force. Although many
hunters make a " noise," the value of such — commercially at
least — is small, and the author does not advise anyone to pur-
chase, unless it be a rider that does not object to this embarrassed
breathing. Very careful examination of eyes should be made,

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

such defects as cataract, short-sightedness, displacement of the
corpora Nigra (pigmentary bodies), opacity of cornea, etc., all
destroy the value of a horse, more especially of a hunter,
steeplechaser, etc. This shows one how expedient it is for
thorough overhauling bv a M.R.C.V.S. before purchasing, and
the author commends this statement to the notice of any
gentleman contemplating purchase of any class of horse.

Never trust the purchase of a horse to those who " pretend "
to know so much, and whose knowledge exists in imagination
only, neither should one allow the unqualified or unregistered
veterinary surgeon to examine a horse as to soundness. Such
vicious habits as weaving, wind-sucking, crib-biting, pawing in
the stable, are very objectionable, though do not necessarily
interfere with the general utility of a hunter. Dangerous vices
are those of kicking, bolting, etc., and should condemn any
horse. These latter are the worst forms of vice, and incurable.

THE HUNTER

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THE HACKNEY OR HARNESS HORSE

Typical Hackney Head and Fore Quarters. " Hjs Majesty."

CHAPTER IV

THE HACKNEY OR HARNESS HORSE.

HISTORY. — There is a general concensus of opinion that
the hackney has been derived by selection from an
Arab horse brought into this country from Allepo
(1706) by a Yorkshire gentleman known as Mr. Darley ; hence-
forth the imported animal was spoken of as the " Darley
Arabian/' and the wonderful influence this Oriental sire had,
in the production of the hackney, is obvious, by brief reference
to some of his earlier descendants.

Not only does the modern " hackney " owe so much to the
Darley Arabian, but also the race horse, this illustrious Arab
sire being one of the three chiefly concerned in the production
of the thoroughbred. The famous " Echpse " (foaled 1764^
was by " Marske/' and the latter a great-grandson of Mr.
Darley's imported horse. In the year 1715, a chestnut horse,
with a white muzzle and four white stockings, known as
" Flying Childers " (named after his breeder, Mr. Childers),
was foaled.

The sire of this horse was the " Darley Arabian," and the
dam, " Betty Leedes." It is said that " Flying Childers " was
of compact form, long in the back and loins, and about 15 hands
in height.

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

Like " Eclipse," he appears to have been a remarkably
fast horse, and ti-ansmitted his excellent cjnalities to his son,
" Blaze," foaled dnrinj^ 1/33, who afterwards travelled in
Norfolk, hence the repntation this county obtained or the
excellency of its hackne\'s, or Norfolk trotters.

" Blaze " was the sire of the first " Shales " (there being
several " Shales ' to name), foaled in 1755, and the grandsire
of " Driver," foaled ten years later, and from this horse Jenkin-
son's " Fireaway " and West's " Fireaway " were derived. The
first named was foaled in 1780, and the latter in 1800. \\>st's
" Fireaway " was the sire of Burgess's " Fireaway " (1815), and
the latter the sire of " \Mldfire," foaled in 1827.

During the season of 1835, ^ son (" Phenomenon ") was
foaled, and five years later " Phenomenon " produced " Per-
former," and he in turn " Sir Charles " (1843), and the latter
" Denmark " the sire of that remarkable hackney " Danegelt,"
foaled in 187Q, and who died at the age of fifteen years, after a
remarkably brilliant show and stud career.

When " Phenomenon " was about three years of age, Mr.
Bond, of Cawston, Norfolk, sold him to Mr. H. R. Phillips, and
he in turn handed him over to Mr. Robert Ramsdale, of Market
Weighton, for the purpose of crossing with Yorkshire mares,
in order to improve the breed of roadster at that time in the
county, as these animals were awanting to size, style and action.
In this way there resulted a Yorkshire type of hackney or
roadster, bigger, and with more substance than those produced
m Norfolk, so that there is the same credit due to Mr. Ramsdale
regarding the moulding of the present type of hackney, as
Mr. Bakewell, of Dishley, did towards impro\'ing the shire.

THE HACKNEY OR HARNESS HORSE

LARLEY ARABIAN •

Foaled 1702. Imported by Mr. Darley ^

^0 GANYMEDE -15

2.FLYIN^G CHILDERS /W DANE6ELT.|4

fotled 17/5 /W T\ Foi/ed /879

Foaled I7S3

3. BLAZE ^ DENMARK. 13

Born J a 62

4.SHALES THE I- Do. 1755 . g.^ CHARLES .12

m^ CONGLETDN GANYMEDE /f Born /S^S

5 -DRIVER Do. ires „^^ ^

PERFORMER-II

5 T" Born IB-4-0

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^^^^ V .^-5*T \>^ Fo.,..,S,S

^^^ % ^f*.«05i '^. PHENOMENON. 10

1- 3 9

('ycle to Illustrate the Pedigree of the Hackney e.g.
" Congleton Gany'mede."

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

The Hackney Horse Society, by the registration of pedi-
grees, its annual London Show, and encouragement (through a
nuiltiphcity of channels, by means of money and other prizes),
towards owners of this class of horses, has exercised the most
profound influence in maintaining and improving the hackney
or harness horse.

Hackney Entirk.

The good work done by this Society leaves little to be
desired, and it is the writer's wish that it will continue to flourish,
and exercise its beneficial influences over the breeding of one
of the most useful varieties of horse in this country, so rendering
horse breeding at home a profitable occupation.

THE HACKNEY OR HARNESS HORSE

Points, etc. — Speaking in a practical manner, when
purchasing a harness horse, or pair of these, it is not usual to
make any inquiries regarding the pedigree of the animal offered
for sale. There is an old axiom that a well bred horse should
carry his pedigree about with him, and, to a certain extent, this
is true. Most dealers would be highly amused if the intending
buyer demanded a pedigree, and, if this became a general custom,
bogus pedigrees would become as common as cobble stones.

Well bred horses can be purchased without any history of
their antecedents, but such would be of no use to the breeder
of typical hackneys. A sire and dam, with a good pedigree,
and of the right sort, will, under favourable conditions, as a
rule, produce offspring fairly true to type.

The reason why there are so many weedy roadster horses
all over the country, is chiefly owing to injudicious selection in
mating, and the exportation of the best animals from this
country. Take the average harness horse, such as one com-
monly sees running in broughams, landaus, etc., and it will be
found that fully one half are of bad conformation, sluggish
movers (daisy cutters), vicious, or showing evidence of coarse
breeding in other ways. A hackney true to his Hne of descent
has none of these bad qualities, and to purchase such an animal,
from a breeder of repute, is to some extent a guarantee of
style, action, and manners. Another point will also have been
gained, namely, that of having purchased an English bred
horse ; most of the West End carriage horses being foreign
ones, coming from Italy, Germany, France, Hungary, etc.

With regard to colour, dark chestnut, hght chestnut, roan,
bay, bay-roan, brown, chestnut, and grey-roan, also dun and
iron-grey, are the prevailing ones. White points are very

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

general amongst ly[)ical hackneys, and the wiiter is an admirer
of such. Purchasers of roadsters often object to white markings,
so do many coachmen, preferringblack points, for various reasons.

Many light chestnuts have the so-called " mealy legs," so
strongly disliked b\' some people. Dark chestnut, dark bay,
or brown, are durable colours, and easy to match.

White or cream we do not recommend, unless the animal
has exceptional merit in other ways. As to height, a general
one for typical hackneys is 15 or 15. i to 16 hands. Many
Scottish bred hackneys are over 16 hands.

Hackney cobs are about 14.2, and ponies under 14 hands.
For general roadster work 15.2 or 15.3 is a suitable height.
Victoria horses should be as near 15 hands as possible, and for
waggonette work, more especially if the country is hilly, hackneys
16.2 or thereabouts ought to be selected.

With reference to the most suitable age for purchasing, if
much hard work has to be got out of the animal, we recommend
a six year old. To work a horse regularly at four, more
especially in town, is detrimental, and bound to end in premature
injury to him, one way or another. Five years is not a bad
age to purchase, provided the animal is honestly used, so
many young horses being ruined by reckless driving.

Sex. — It is preferable, for town work, to purchase a gelding,
though, given a good mare, there need be no hesitation as to
buying.

For breeding hackneys, select good roomy mares, free
from ringbone, bone spavin, roaring or whistling, and string-

THE HACKNEY OR HARNESS HORSE.

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THE HACKNEY OR HARNESS HORSE

halt ; with feet of proportionate size (no sidebone), good shaped
hocks, and with good hock action. Fore Hmbs to be well
placed and of good conformation. Avoid using a bad tempered
sire or dam to breed from. Returning to the points of the
hackney —

The Head should be straight in front from ears to nose,
covered by thin skin, and fine soft hair. Eyes, full, with keen
expression, and the ears thin, well carried, and covered with fine
hair. The outhnes of the jaws, and various prominences in the
facial region, ought to be discernible through the thin skin of
the typical hackney, in fact, in any well bred horse. Coarse
breeding frequently shows itself in the region of the head. The
head may be too heavy, or too light.

Defective sight, swollen glands, roaring or whistling, diseases
of the grinding teeth, and a chronic discharge from nose, are the
chief causes of unsoundness in this region.

The Neck. — This should be full and round, covered by
thin skin and well carried. Typical hackneys have usually
brilhant head and neck carriage, and this without the use of a
bearing rein. Full development of neck muscles constitutes
one of the essentials of beauty in this region. Never buy a
horse with a weedy neck, or one that has a bad carriage of head.
Chest of medium width, and deep at girth.

Shoulders. — Oblique ; arms of moderate length and
strong. On the inner side of the elbow and a trifle below it, an
operation known as median neurectomy (unnerving), to remove
lameness, is often performed, evidence being afforded by the
presence of a slight scar. Such a horse is sometimes spoken
of as having been undone, rendering its market value nil.

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

Forearms. — (iood qiialit\' is iiidisjXMisabh^ in this rcfi;ion.
Slioiilcl be big in the bone, well muscled, and of medium length,
but wide from front to back, clean and strong at junction of
knees. Capped elbow is a common defect. Knees of
good shape, and free from blemish. Manv hackneys have an
extravagant degree of knee action, but it is wonderful to note
how carefully they place their feet on the ground, so as to
diminish concussion. For saddle (hack) work this is undesir-
able, and reminds one of the expression that " a hack is a horse
to ride, but a hackney one vou should not ride." We hear
that hacknev breeders will not readily accept this axiom,
(irace and elegance of mov^ement should come from shoulders,
knees, and hocks — the latter action far too often ignored.

Cannons. — Broad at junction of knee, wide from front to
back, and covered bv hue hair and thin skin. To be typical,
nothing but skin, bone and tendon ought to be felt at this
region. Many roadsters are dehcient in bone here. There
must be strong cannon bones if the horse has to wear well.
Splints arc the worst defect about this part.

Splint often gives a lot of trouble, and the author always
rejects roadsters for it, no matter how small, or where situated.
This opinion need not infiuence the buyer to an undue extent,
because so many horses having splint, remain sound, but with
a professional examination for soundness, the matter is
different. Never buy a horse with splints close to back, or side
of knee. Obscure forms of lameness frequently arise, through
very tiny bony deposits in the channel of the cannon. Speedy
cutting bad. Sprained tendons, and breakdown, also occur in
Ihis region, the low operation of unnerving, being performed

THE HACKNEY OR HARNESS HORSE

at the hollows of the fetlock. Windgalls are common at the
latter.

Pasterns. — To be of moderate slope, proportionate length,
and free from coarse hair, or any bony enlargements. One of
the worst faults that a roadster can have — and very commonly
they have such— is that of having either short, upright
pasterns, too long, or pasterns that are obhque. Bony
enlargements about the coronet, pastern, and fetlock are
frequent, and of course detract greatly from the animal's value,
not necessarily its utihty. Brushing often very troublesome.
The elastic plates of cartilage at the back and upper part of the
hoof (on a line with the coronary band) mav be calcified,
otherwise the horse have sidebone. This is very detrimental,
though even a roadster with sidebone may go sound. It is
not the rule.

Feet, Fore and Hind. — If a horse has not the best of
feet, the less one has to do with it the better. Compare both
fore feet, and then these with the hind ones. Inequality in
size will be better seen in this way. Typical feet must be
proportionate.

Small feet are bad, but we would sooner select a horse
having them, than one with big feet. A big-footed roadster
brings too much concussion upon his horny box, and the
delicate structures within it are in time injured.

Contracted foot {or feet), navicular disease (indicated by
short cat-like step, lameness, wearing of shoe at toe, and pawing) ;
flat sole, corn, thrush, chronic founder, sandcrack {fore and hind),
and seedy toe, are the principal defects about the feet. Beware of

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

hot feet, and Jioyscs shod icith pads mid leathers^ when buying a
roadster. Sidehciie oeeasioia/Iv present.

I)ACK AND Loins. — Back ratlier short, but strong, and tlie
loins long and well muscled.

(roup. Thighs and Buttocks. — Croup somewhat short,
but not over sloped. First and second thighs long, strong, and
powerful. Buttocks well rounded and firm.

Strong, clean, well shaped, and well placed hocks are of
the greatest importance, the hind limbs being the propellers of
the body. Capped hock may be present.

Judges of hackneys, roadsters, etc., give a great deal of
attention to these regions. Upright, flesh, coarse, over-bent,
and puffy hocks, are detrimental.

Bad hock conformation often reads, " predisposition to
disease," puff\' hocks, sprung hock (enlarged ail over it), bone
spavin, and thoro-pin, constituting unsoundness. The hrst
named is often spoken of as " bog " spavin. Curb, when
present, will be seen at the back, below, and in a line with, the
point of hock. One or both hocks may be curby. It is, of
course, an unsoundness, though manv big curbs never cause
lameness.

Chest. — Deep and of good girth. Kibs ^^ell sprung, and
flank thick, so as to make the belly almost level with the floor
of the chest. Weaving, wind-sucking, crib-biting, and other
vicious habits, are detrimental to a greater or less extent.
Courage, speed, harmony, with a compact, well coupled body,

THE HACKNEY OR HARNESS HORSE

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THE HACKNEY OR HARNESS HORSE

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THE HACKNEY OR HARNESS HORSE

and proportionate limbs^ constitutes the ideal hackney. It is
hardly needful to mention that broken wind (indicated by a
chronic, hollow-sounded cough), renders the animal valueless.

With reference to age, the writer's opinion, if for immediate
work in town, is that a horse at live, six, seven or eight years be
purchased, certainly not before four or after eight years.

THE HACKNEY OR HARNESS HORSE

[01

THE HACKNEY OR HARNESS HORSE

103

CHAPTER V

THE COB.

ABOUT 14 or 15 hands, certainly not above 15.2, is the
right height for a cob, anything beyond or below this
height ought not to come under this category. When
selecting a cob for roadster purposes, it is advisable to try and
find one having fairly high, good all round action. Many horses
have good foreleg action, but very httle behind, which is equally
or even more important.

For saddle purposes, high action is not wanted if comfort
to the rider be stuched. A shghtly flat side is also better for
saddle purposes, whereas in a roadster cob the ribs should be
well sprung. Short legs, a short arched neck, with nicely
sloping shoulders, broad and flat knees, rounded cannons,
moderately long, obhque pasterns, with neat, well placed, andwefl
directed feet, are essentials. Of no less importance is a light
forehand.

The knees ought to be broad, neatly shaped, flat at the
front, and free from scars or other blemish. The head should
be carried obliquely, finely modelled, not the heavy headed
brute so often seen — and a mouth that responds immediately
when asked, A deep chest, and clean hocks, covered by thin
skin, are requisite. The cannons should be seen as skin, bone
and tendon, without any packing, and free from pufliness about
the joints.

105

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

Colour. — This is a matter of inHixidual taste : bay, brown,
light or dark cliestnut, red and bkie-roan, white, grey, etc.

A tv])ical cob sliould look smart, graceful, and be full of
animation, associated with the best of manners.

With reference to breeding of colts of this description,
the best results are probable if a small thoroughbred sire is put
to a small hackney mare.

Weight-carrying cobs (up to hfteen stone), are not always
easy to find, moreover, there is a ready market for good ones.

Orkney cobs are as a rule stoutly built, and large numbers
are imported into Aberdeenshire. These animals are some-
what coarse, but generally good tempered, and not at all
unsuitable for covert cobs, having the advantage of being pur-
chasable at small prices.

Russian cobs come to this country by the ship-load. They
are extremely hardy, have not much appearance, but if properly
broken, make serviceable roadsters for tradesmen's work.

]o6

THE COB

107

THE COB

109

CHAPTER VI

PONIES.

THE pony has always been popular, but probably never
more so than at the present time, more especially the
show pony. The utility of these diminutive horses
can hardly be over estimated, the amount of hard work that
many of them can and do perform is remarkable, some doing
work quite equal to that of a 15 hands horse. One can keep
and use a pony where it would be inconvenient to accommodate
a larger horse.

Until recent years the breeding and mating of ponies has
been carried on in a very slip-shod fashion, consequently the
different varieties were fast becoming intermingled.

Almost every variety of pony has now a society — with its
stud book — to regulate the selection of suitable sires, and to
register stock bred in accordance with the regulations formu-
lated. The reader may ask : " What constitutes a pony, and
what is the difference between this and a cob ? "

Although it is difficult to lay down any rule as regards
type, the differences are not difficult to settle as regards height.
Approximately, one may fix 14.2 hands as the maximum height

1 1 1

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

for a ponv, with an average of 12.2 hands. The smahest ponies
are the Shetlands, and the largest polo ponies. The last named
ought reallv to be included under the term " cob/' but the
" suffix " })ony, being easy of aj^plication, has been adopted
bv universal consent. The different types of hill and moor
ponies seldom appear on the show ground, consequently there
is a difficulty in knowing what standard of points should be
regarded as correct, but the XW^lsh pony's points are well known
to breeders of these ponies, and at some shows there are classes
for them, also for Welsh cobs. The same remarks apply to the
Shetland, hackney, and polo })onies. As a commercial asset,
the polo pony must have premier honours, followed by the
hackney, \\'elsh, and Shetlander.

Breeding ponies should, if carried on in a thoroughly
systematic manner, prove a lucrative business, and one
that it has long been the author's ambition to take part
in, but it is an undertaking that should not be commenced
without a reasonable amount of capital. Given this, and sound
judgment, success is almost certain. Every variety of pony
should conform to certain " general " points of conformation,
briefly as follows. The head should be light — free from any
tendency to cart horse type — linely chiselled in its outline,
covered by thin skin and fine hair. Expression on face, keen
and intelligent ; ears, small, thin with hair on them short
and line. Back and loins of medium length, ribs well
sprung ; the body or middle piece to be well coupled fore and
aft. Although flat sides are better for hack work, short fore
ribs make a pony look " w^eedy," in front, whilst short, flat
back ribs, give it a herring-gutted (the reader must pardon the
vulgarism) appearance behind.

1 12

PONIES

113

PONIES

A " compact " body expresses one's opinion as to neatness
and quality in the region of chest, back, loins, flanks, abdomen,
etc. Quahty, and carriage of head and neck, are the essentials
of beauty in a pony. Many ponies have a bad head and neck
carriage, least seen in the typical bred hackney. A good crest
adds very materially to the appearance of any horse. Shoulders,
arms, and forearms to show well developed muscles.

Knees and hocks sharp in outline, " clean," and to be
free from disease. Cannons to consist of thin skin, bone and
hard tendons, the latter being felt like cords in outhne.

This condition is termed " clean," and every horseman
knows full well its meaning. Judges are very particular about,
quality in this region, and rightly so.

Inferior ponies have thick skin, and a lot of useless loose
tissue, or packing between bone and tendons, etc. There
should be no " splints " and no evidence of " speedy " cutting !
Fetlocks, clean, and free from windgall, etc. Pasterns, broad,
but neither too long, nor yet too short. The pasterns should
be " fairly " well sloped, but not too oblique. If inclined to
be short and upright, this is sufficient to condemn a pony in
the eyes of a connoisseur. Feet, sound, hard and propor-
tionate, well placed in relation to the body at rest and during
action.

Cobby, well shaped croup and thighs, are necessary to make
the general build of the body of beautiful contour. A sweet
temper ; freedom from vice, soundness, and beauty of action
in the shoulders, hocks and knees are essentials for the show
pony ; in fact, for any typical pony. Briefly considered
the following are the most important varieties of ponies : —

115

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

THE HACKNEY PONY.

This pony is built upon exactly the same lines as its
prototype, the hackney, so that the reader is referred to the
'description given under the heading of the Hackney or Roadster.
The Royal Agricultural Society's classification for hackney
ponies is as follows : —

BMBMBV vaoBaB I

Hackney Pony Entire.

Stallions, above 12 hands 2 inches, and not exceeding 14
hands.

Stallion not exceeding 12 hands and 2 inches. Mare (with
foal at foot) above 12 hands 2 inches, but not exceeding 14
hands. Mare (with foal at foot) not exceeding 12 hands 2 inches.

116

PONIES

DARTMOOR PONIES.

The height of these ponies ought not to exceed 13 hands, or
thereabout. In colour they are mostly black, bay, or brown,
though other colours are not uncommon. Being Moorland
ponies, they are very hardy, good stayers, and useful for small
carts, and as boys' saddle ponies.

THE EXMOOR PONY.

The average height for these ponies is 12 hands, though
some are about 13, and in colour they are dark bay, or brown,
with black points, but a very characteristic feature is the mealy
nose. One of the principal breeders of this variety of pony
has been Sir Thomas Ackland, though several others have taken
a keen interest in it, and done much towards improving and
maintaining it. Arabian blood has been introduced from
time to time, and there is no doubt that this valuable alien cross
has proved beneficial.

THE WELSH PONY.

This is a very popular variety of pony, having so many
qualifications to recommend it. Nearly all Welsh ponies are
hardy, good tempered, very sure footed, and good thrivers,
even on poor fodder. They have the additional advantages of
being small, and if of the right sort, they are very smart and
fast.

It is an old variety, and its origin is intimately associated
with race horse blood. The Welsh Pony and Cob Society
and the Church Stretton Hill Pony Improvement Society, have
done a tremendous amount of good for the little Welshman.

117

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

The classification adopted by the society hrst named is as
follows :

Class A. — Pure Welsh pony not exceeding 12 hands 2
inches.

Class B." — Ponies from i2| to 13^ hands when a cob cross
has been introduced direct from the Welsh pony.

Class C. — Ponies from 13^ to 14!^ hands having more cob
blood in them.

Class D. — Welsh cobs from 14I to 15^ hands, the largest
of Welsh bred ponies.

Bay or brown is preferred, but black not objected to ;
dun, chestnut, etc., are objectionable colours.

Small ears, prominent eyes — the last named very character-
istic of Welsh ponies — large nostrils, and a small head, are essen-
tials for type.

The height for the North Wales division of ponies must
not exceed 12^^ hands, but for the South Wales division these
])onies run up to 13 hands, or thereabouts. Long hind quarters,
low placed hocks (free from disease), and strong forearms, together
with good shaped knees and clean short cannons, are desirable
cjualities.

A good Welsh pony should display " pony " character
from head to foot. The body is generally very compact, the
arm short and powerful, and the feet hard, proportionate, and
well placed. Shoulder — hunter action — hock, and knee action
are usually very well displayed in the best specimens of Welsh
ponies. Their hardy constitution, durability, and low price,

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PL, W

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brings the breed prominently before those wishing a right good
useful sort of pony ; and the author shicerely hopes that the
prosperity of this branch of pony breeding industry will con-
tinue to flourish.

For the following description, breeding, etc., of Welsh
ponies, I am indebted to Mr. John Jones (of Messrs. Jones and
Sons), Dinarth Hall, Colwyn Bay, Wales.

First : We have the cart horse — the largest, heaviest,
strongest, and the most general type.

In most counties in Wales, the cart horse seems to be divided
into two classes. In the lowlands of the several counties, he
is bigger, more massive, more bony, more ponderous in his
movements, while in the higher and more hilly districts, he is
smaller, lighter, nimbler, and often sounder.

On suitable land the heavier horse is, in my opinion, the
most reliable, therefore the most profitable horse to breed
from. If sound and big enough, his commercial value is con-
siderable. Good four and five-year-old geldings of this class
realise from £80 to £90, and occasionally more ; while on most
farms, he has earned more than his keep before he is sold. The
breeding of horses of this character is best adapted for low-
lying, rich, grazing land. Such horses are to be found in those
districts of the several adjoining counties that are suitable
for their growth and development. As an instance of the
success of this industry, I would refer in particular to the rich
pastures of a portion of Montgomeryshire. There you will
find ordinary farmers breeding horses which, in some instances,
have been sold for thousands of pounds as sires ; while mares
and fillies have made several hundreds of pounds each. The

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HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

extraordinary position of Montgomeryshire to-day in the cart
horse world, in standing ahiiost in the front of all English,
Welsh, and Scotch counties, is a lesson to all horse breeders.
This leading })Osition is the result of the combination, energy,
and judgment of the farmers themselves, and the quality of the
soil. For several years, the best entire horses in England have
been hired and purchased for services with most profitable
results.

The other variety is the smaller horse, lighter in bone,
more active, and, probably of greater utility. In some
districts he runs the larger horse very closelv in size and
value, wdiile in the most hilly districts, he is much smaller but
sturdier, hardier, and often as nimble as a pony cob. But
one singular characteristic runs through all the sections of
breeding horses. It is this : The harder bred the horse is,
the more courage, stamina, and endurance it has. Favourable
conditions, as a general rule, entail the loss of stamina and
endurance. The ordinar}^ farmer should, even at a compara-
tively high figure, secure the best brood mare he can find,
and not part with her without exceptional causes. A good
sound brood mare goes a long way towards prosperous results.
The brood mare is a valuable asset. She should be reasonably
worked when in foal ; but well treated. If she is fed well
and naturally, her progeny will be all the more valuable.

From a foal until he is fit for work and sale, the voung
horse should be kept in the highest natural condition possible.
Many farmers rear their young horses on what they consider
the economic principle — low feeding, poor grazing, unnecessary
exposure in all weathers, being under the impression that the
animal is liardened by this systcmi, constitutionally, and that

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PONIES

they are economising. Rearing young stock on these hnes is,
in my opinion, false economy.

The proper mating and selection of the sire is important.
Some good sires will not mate well with good mares. The
farmer must be guided by his ideal of what he desires to breed
as to what horse he selects. I am inchned to think that a
travelhng sire is a more sure foal getter than a stationary one.
The latter, often, is pampered in feeding, a wanting in exercise
and nerve power to mate successfully. I hope that every
student will help in the district where he may come from to
get a combination of farmers to purchase, or to hire one of the
most suitable sires obtainable, if private enterprise does not
iurnish a good one. It is desirable to know the past history
of a sire before securing him. Inquiry should be made whether
he has been an impressive sire. To ensure this, his back breed-
ing must be good and pure. Has he been a sure foal getter ?
Is his progeny inclined to softness, and particular softness of
constitution brought on by over feeding and want of exercise ?
Sweating on the least exertion is hereditary from sires, from
some of those studs which are kept entirely for breeding —
studs where the sires are pampered to such an extent that
what stock they get show the taint for two or three generations.
The offspring of such animals are generally weaker and smaller
than themselves, being difficult and expensive to rear.

I have kept in the background the modern word " shire "
so far. The Shire Horse Show Society has done excellent work ;
and by registering, mating together, and preserving the best,
they have well earned the honour of giving what name they
like best to the breed they have done so much to improve.

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HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

It is a mistake, I believe, to mate heavy cart horse
sires with smaller mares in hilly districts. The climate
and the more or less exposed nature of the districts should
be considered in all cases. Smaller horses, quite as well bred
and (juite as strong in the bone, according to their size, as the
larger, can easily be found ; but without doubt, it is
size that tells in value, provided the foal can be reared and
developed naturally in his native surroundings.

Secondly, I would refer to that class of serviceable light
cart horse called a vanner, the breeders of wdiich follow no
particular line of breeding.

Generally, the breeding is haphazard, a cross often betw'cen
a half bred small cart mare and a strong cob or vice versa.
As far as I am aware, no one has systematically bred this class
of animal ; therefore, I will pass it over without further refer-
ence.

Third. Light horse breeding.

I will, in this section, confine myself almost entirely to
the native product in its various types and conformations. I
shall refer to the hackney cross as occasion requires, and I
wish it to be understood that by the term " hackney " I mean
the modern hackney, the produce of registered breeding on
defined lines, during the last thirty years, there being a fusion
of thoroughbred blood in many strains, generations ago, with
the old English cobs and hackneys before registration. I do
not include those pure Welsh cobs, of pure \\>lsh blood, which
were registered in the early days of hackney registration, when
entries were admitted from unnamed and unregistered dams.

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PONIES

I refer to " Welsh Flyer " (857), " Welsh Hero " (838),
" Welsh Flying Evans " (856), '' True Briton " (840), " Trottmg
Comet " (834), " Flying Comet " (286), " Eiddwen Flyer "
( ), and a host of other equally celebrated but unregistered
Welsh sires. These horses, although in the stud book, were
pure Welsh. We have rehable records how faithfully and
correctly the old Welsh breeders kept orally the pedigree of their
best sires and dams for generations.

I shall now endeavour to define the different classes.

(i). We have the small ordinary mountain pony.

The limited commercial value of this pony is due to its
common appearance and unadaptability for general use except
pit purposes and as a draught animal for hucksters. He is thick,
broad-shouldered, short in the neck, long in the back, sickle
hocked, and having a donkey gait, the result of generations of
neglect and breeding from the nonfittest, and, what is worse,
often from what cannot be sold. But even in his primitive
ugliness, he retains that fire and stamina of the breed. The
breeding of this pony has become so unprofitable that many hill
farmers have sold out their stock entirely and grazed more sheep
instead. And yet representatives of this class are supposed
by some people to be the only " pure Welsh," his qualifications
being his defects. These, in the opinion of some technical
udges, prove the ponies to be the original pure "Taffies" ;
and when a show is held in a district where such worthless
little animals abound, great efi'orts are made to elect a judge
whose qualification often is that he considers that quality
will not harmonise with purity in " pure bred Welsh ponies."
The size of these little ponies varies from 11 to 12 hands ; and
they are to be found on the poorest and most exposed hills.

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HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

(2). The next is a larger and better class of pony, grazing
on better hills.

These are bred (on the sire side in particular) with more
care, the soil, and often the climate, of the hill giving them
more bone and substance. But the better breeding does not
interfere with their type, neither with their constitution, stamina,
and endurance. Their sires are often bred from larger sires
than themselves, mated with smaller mares. The size of these
ponies varies from 12 to 13 hands.

Thus we see very many ponies whose dams may not have
exceeded 12 hands, when mated with a Welsh pony sire of 13.2
to 14 hands, producing a pony sire 12.2 to 12.3. I know scores
of such. I would refer you to " Eiddwen Flyer," which was
nearly 14 hands high. When mated with small mares, he pro-
duced numerous pony sires, from 12.2 to 12.3 hands. This
breeding downwards in size is accounted for because " Eiddwen
Flyer " himself was pony bred on both sides, his dam being the
celebrated " Trotting Nancy " (sire " Cymro Llwyd," a still
more celebrated entire pony which may be termed the " Den-
mark " of Welsh ponies).

I am inclined to dwell more on this particular class than
on any other, because I think it includes many of the finest
ponies, for their size, that are to be seen in any part of the
world. Pony in conformation, in character, in t^^pe, in stamina,
they possess flesh and courage, high dashing all-round action,
and great pace. In some of the best bred, you will find almost
a perfect specimen of what I think a Welsh pony should be :"J
small head, restless, active, intelligent, small ears, wide be-
tween the eyes, tapering towards the nostrils, which should

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PONIES

be wide open and fiery, long neck, short back with quarters
weU up, long to the hock, long forearm, short cannon bones,
with long wavy silken hair attached to the tendons, bidding
defiance and exposure to any crossing with the often round-
boned dwarf hackney, or with a half thoroughbred, or any
mongrel bred pony. Last of all, his eyes should be large, open,
and dilated, flashing fiery courage from their orbs.

A good specimen is the most valuable asset in all the
pony classes to-day. If you carefully breed him, in my opinion,
3^ou cannot breed anything that will pay you better. Seek
iar and wide for good dams of the type and class ; and if you
succeed in getting them bred on the same lines, you will soon
reverse the policy of doing away with mountain pony breeding,
and you will keep more ponies and fewer sheep on your hills
Well bred Welsh ponies are the scarcest and most sought for
in Great Britain to-day. I admit that good specimens are few
and far between ; but diligence and judgment will find them.
Sometimes, when found, they are condemned as not " pure,"
because of their quality. Their good points condemn them ;
but in England these ponies are bred up. Sixty per cent, of
the best show ponies are dwarf hackneys. There is no pony
blood in them. Many of them descend from hackneys who
became ponies in size by a freak of nature. There are many
beautiful ponies of this class in size, but not in type. The cross
hackney gives the type. Note their heads and ears ; and, to
their credit, their quality, and conformation. Many have
adopted this cross as one of the best with Welsh pony mares.
I agree that, when a cross is desirable, this is the best. I practise
it myself with 50 per cent, of my brood mares, and won the
first prize at the London Hackney Show last year with a two-
year-old filly bred in that way. I believe that it is possible in

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HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

time, by proper selection, to breed a pure pony in type and
conformation from this lirst cross.

I think the improvement in \\'elsh pony breeding hes in
this direction : (i) By thus mating a typical pure bred \A'elsh
brood mare, 12 to 13 hands, with a pony hackney stallion, not
exceeding 14 hands, and possessing for two or three generations
a pedigree of ancestors not exceeding 14 hands ; or (2) by
selecting and breeding from the best of the pure breed. But
as to what will suit your climate and district, and what I
think will pay you best, I advise you, without hesitation, to
adopt the second suggestion. Improve the pure breed within
itself. Your climate suits this breed. You have pony fanciers
in more favourable districts than your own in Wales, in
England, and in Scotland, to compete with on the lines of the
first suggestions. Many of these breeders breed for a hobby,
and for no other reasons. Money is no object to them. But
with your pure native breed, you stand by yourselves. Your
natural system of breeding, ensuring stamina and endurance,
helps and protects you. Beyond all this, your best brood
mares are the surest and truest foundation to be mated with any
cross to improve it, and as such will always command the best
commercial value ; and especially suitable is the pure bred
Welsh pony brood mare, from 12 to 13 hands, to mate with
small pure or half bred, thoroughbred, or Arabs, for polo or
riding ponies, their size, stamina, courage, quick-footedness and
good shoulders being in their favour.

(3). We now come to the next class, which I shall call the
cob class.

The ponies in this section run up to 14 hands. These
ponies or cobs are less in number, and are kept mainly on

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PONIES

enclosed rough land. Or, they are allowed to run about the
farm land, the mares often being used for general purposes, and
for breeding as well. This class of mares, especially in South
Wales, are mated with entires up to 14.2 hands, bred like them-
selves on pony lines, distinctly Welsh in their type and con-
formation. They cannot be called Welsh mountain ponies ;
but they are pure Welsh in all their characteristics. In North
Whales, mares of this class are often mated with pony hackneys,
and also with the larger hackneys, with success for riding and
driving purposes, but often at the expense of losing the pony
character and type in their offspring.

(4). The fourth, or last class, is the Welsh hack, 14.2 to
15, and often higher.

The breeding in this section often varies ; but many
breeders, by care and selection, have managed to retain, even
in this size, the pony characteristics of the others. I have
seen some of the best specimens of brood mares in England
amongst this section. Great roomy mares they are, long and
low, with great flat bone, covered with the ever welcome
silky hair, great long necks, deep through the heart, ribs well
sprung, loins and quarters covering immense strength, with con-
stitutions of iron, lit for a sixty mile day's journey, and often
afterw^ards turned out (in the grazing season) with no time to
cool themselves. But they are used to it — they are bred to
it. These mares are well adapted to breed hunters and high
class carriage horses, if mated with large and suitable sires —
either half bred, thoroughbred, or pure, if possessing sufficient
bone \ also, with the best class of pure bred hackneys.

I have thus endeavoured to bring before your minds the
different classes of horses which are to be found, and which are

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HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

adapted to your soil and climate. I could refer to several
other breeds and crosses of less importance ; but I believe I
have mentioned all the most important.

But you will expect me, I presume, to refer to the modern
hackney. I reply by stating that no one can admire the best
of them more than I do. Excellent results are secured by the
introduction of high class hackney sires in the counties of
Anglesey, Flint, (jlamorgan, Pembroke, and portions of ^lont-
gomery, Carmarthen, Denbigh ; and even in some few localities
of your own county Cardigan, where the soil and climate suits
them. Most valuable animals have been bred from the cross of
the useful native brood mare. But even in the districts and
counties named, the establishment of a pure bred hackney stud
would be a mistake. Such is the ambition to be identified
with hackney breeding that England is over-supplied in some
districts with hackney studs, kept up by gentlemen who keep
them as a hobby. You cannot compete with them ; and even
their own efforts have resulted in the congestion of secondary
animals, the breeding of which is more a hobby than a practical
business. The supply has outgrown the demand, except for
the very best. These often realise very high prices ; but the
correct commercial value of any breed is the average realised
at a sale rather than exceptionally high prices. If you cross
one of your best native mares with a high class hackney stallion,
you would, in a series of years, average for your selling stock
quite up to the general average of at least a secondary quality,
pure bred hackne}^ sale. In conclusion, I anticipate that you
are ready to ask me : What class of horses do I suggest that
you should breed in this almost altogether hilly district ? I
advise you and all others who breed in smular districts in \\'ales :

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PONIES

(i). Breed the best cart horse you can find, suitable to
your soil and climate.

(2). Without hesitation, I advise you to breed the best
pure bred Welsh pony, which I have attempted to describe in
class two, from 12 to 13 hands, and even 13.2. You have the
breeding of this class of pony almost entirely in your own
hands. Keep this breeding pure.

(3). Breed cobs from 14 to 15 hands with the Welsh cob's
character, type and bone. The breeding of this weight carry-
ing cob is also in your hands. Your climate gives him the
constitution, the breeding, the bone. His strength and weight
carrying power is fully equal to slighter built horses of 15. i
and 15.2. Hardy, inured to all weathers, reared on hard fare
and used to it, sure footed and active, able to carry from twelve
to fifteen stone with ease, where can the Government procure his
equal at the size ? I think the possibility of this demand
should encourage breeders to believe that there will be more
demand for their cast offs and misfits for higher prices,

(4). Mate your typical best and largest brood mares (but
only in the limited portion of your districts that suits them
in soil and climate) with high class well bred hackneys, and
even half bred sires by this cross, if the sire be large enough,
and the pedigree and breeding of his hackney sire and his Welsh
dam be good.

CONNEMARA PONIES.

These ponies range from 12 to 14 hands, and in colour are
usually bay, grey, or yellow dun. The introduction of Oriental
blood amongst the ponies of Connemara many years since seems

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HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

to have been the loundation stone for this breed of ponv. From
time to time the Connemara ponies have been bought to train
for polo work and witli \-cry satisfactory results. The withers
are of medium height ; the body long, and the limbs short and
strong, the length of the cannons being about 6| or 7 inches.

A strong neck, of medium length, withers of medium height,
with powerful back and loins^ and well sloped quarters are
marked characteristics of the breed.

The length of leg — measured from point of elbow to ground
— is from 31 to 33 inches.

SHETLAND PONIES.

The Shetland pony is unquestionably of very ancient origin,
the breed having existed in the Shetland Isle at an early period,
but there is not sufficient reliable data to enable one to fix the
period. Brand visited the Shetland Islands in 1700, and this
appears to be the first account given of them. Buchanan, in
his " History of Scotland," refers to the Orkney and Shetland
horses. Shetland ponies are remarkably hardy, and when
properly broken make ideal children's ponies.

The long flowing mane, tail, and forelock, together with
the diminutive size of these creatures, are unmistakable char-
acteristics of the breed. Those who do not know the Sheltic
have indeed a very rudimentary knowledge of the equine race.
Inherent qualities of the Shetland are its remarkable powders of
endurance upon the scantiest of fare, without apparently suffer-
ing much loss of condition.

The smaller a Shetland pony is — other qualities being good —
the more valuable it becomes ; in fact, decrease in height is the
desideratum of the' Shetland pony breeder.

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PONIES

137

PONIES

The Royal Agricultural Society's classification for stallions
and mares is not exceeding io| hands. Eight hands are un-
common, most show ponies of this breed being 9 or 10 hands.
Eight hands 2 inches is not uncommon. Of course if a pony
is small, it must be proportionately built — general compact-
ness. Colours : bay, brown, black, chestnut, cream, iron-grey,
roan, white, etc. A strong back and loins, well sprung ribs,
and short " clean " legs, with good shaped feet, are necessary
qualities.

Most Shetland ponies are very well built ; in fact, it is the
exception, certainly not the rule, to find a badly made Shetlander.

The Shetland Pony Society has, like other horse societies,
done an immensity of good for the breed. Large numbers of
these ponies are brought into Aberdeen from Shetland, and
very fair specimens can be bought in that town for about five
or six guineas. There are many Shetland pony breeders in
England, and from these the majority of the best specimens are
derived.

NOTES ON SHETLAND PONIES.

By Captain Gordon McKenzie.

The Shetland pony is still becoming not only a very fashion-
able, but a most useful, one. The breed has much improved,
owing to the great interest which ladies are taking in this pretty
and topping Httle horse.

They are fetching greater prices now than ever, consequently
it is only the rich who can possess the very best and rare speci-
mens.

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HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

There is no doubt that the Shetland is the purest and also
the hardiest of ponies in existence.

It is a great point with the breeders to keep the height down
as they are inclined to grow bigger. In fact, I think the new
breeders are feeding them too well.

The build of the Shetland is of a miniature Shire. The
head should be very delicate with a short neck thickening at
the shoulders. He should be short, backed with big arms and
quarters, and his legs flat like those of a thoroughbred.

It is not so long ago that we could purchase a Shetland for
the small sum of /^ or J-'a ; but as the breed becomes more
popular every year, so the prices become bigger The best often
fetch from forty to sixty guineas, and always find a good market
at home or abroad.

The average height should be between 36 to 40 ins., but
there are often smaller ones to be found.

The colour is chiefly bay, brown, and black. It has been
known to see a piebald. It would be a great treat to be able
to find a white.

[White specimens of this breed have been known. — F. T. B.]

POLO PONIES.

*'Polo" has become an exceedingly popular game, and
continues to grow in popularity. Unquestionably it is a game
that affords the finest exercise that a man can have, and one
that enables him to obtain a grip of the art off horsemanship,
unobtainable by any other means.

140

PONIES

141

PONIES

w
o

143

PONIES

For a description of these ponies and all connected with the
game, the reader should apply to the Secretary of the Polo
Pony Society.

Long muscular shoulders, and a vertically carried neck,
low withers, small ears, broad hock and knee joints, and " clean "
legs, with good sound feet, are indispensable. A polo pony
must have the best of conformation about the shoulders, owing
to the bending and twisting movements that he is constantly
required to perform. Further, he must be able to get his hocks
well under him for quick turning. Polo ponies do differ
considerably in their type, but this does not appear to make
much difference, provided the animal has been well schooled to
the game and his rider is equally at home.

Height, 14.2 hands : India, not above 13.3 hands.

POLO PONY BREEDING.

To Colonel Henriques (Mursley Stud) of Mursley Hall,
W'inslow, Bucks, I am indebted for the following : —

Various causes — unnecessary here to enumerate — have in
the last few years rapidly developed the demand for polo ponies,
and raised the breeding of riding ponies to the level of national
importance. The polo pony has very properly been made the
figure-head of pony breeders, as the embodiment of the highest
type of riding pony, requiring every excellence of form, power,
quahty, and temperament. The pony breeder in this sense is a
very recent product, and it is now far too soon to prognosticate
on the various theories and systems followed by them. That
very valuable work has already been done in their stud farms
can be readily conceded, and the Polo Pony Society, called into

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HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

existence in 1895, under the auspices of Mr. John Hill, Sir Hum-
phrey de Trafford, and the Earl of Harrington, has laid the foun-
dation of riding pony breeding on a firm basis. The aims of
this society are obtaining more and more recognition and support
amongst polo players. It has extended its activity into all
parts of the United Kingdom, by encouraging all breeds of riding
ponies and by giving to the breeders a valuable means of tracing
pedigrees and preserving the purity of the native breeds. The
Polo Pony Society must therefore be viewed from a national
point of view as one of first importance.

The problem which polo pony breeders have to face is no
easy one, even with all the materials at hand in these isles, audit
is one which does not lessen when we come to grapple with the
task, and gain a little experience. Size within the limits of a
couple of inches, speed, handiness, endurance, temperament
and weight carrying power have all to be united in one type ;
in other words we have to endeavour to breed an animal true
to type which possesses :

1. The quahty and speed of the thoroughbred racehorse.

2. The power and bone of the weight carrying hunter.

3. The activity, stamina, and character of the mountain
pony.

4. The handiness of the " haute ecole " horse.

5. The docihty, intelhgence, endurance, and size of the
typical Arab.

I do not here propose to enumerate, much less to criticise,
the \arious experiments which have been carried on in this

146

PONIES

< ?*

CO ^
•z

o
o

147

PONIES

direction, but to give a sketch of the experiments I have made
in my stud, and to indicate the principles which have guided me.
I beheve that my methods have never before been tried, and
although the scheme is only in its initial stage — through causes
to be presently explained — there are points of great importance
to be noted, some of which will, I think, be of general interest.
To present some idea of the difficulties, it must first be observed
that practically all the leading playing ponies — such as have made
a great reputation in England — are of uncertain breeding,
accidental products which cannot be reproduced on the same
lines. The horses of this class are never kept entire in this
country. The mares cannot be expected, with any degree of
certainty, to reproduce their like. Moreover, what stallions
are we to put these mares to ? The Arab is practically the only
stallion who ever comes on to the polo ground. Even if such
stalhons existed — typical in form and of acknowledged perform-
ances— the uncertainty as to their produce would still exist.
No doubt the true type would in time be evolved by the slow
process of selection. But only future generations would benefit
by the losses of the present experimenters. It is, therefore, a
matter of great moment to choose breeds of a fixed type, and
we are thus practically reduced in our selection to the Arab,
the thoroughbred, and the native breeds of ponies.

The English thoroughbred — on account of his quality and
speed — is held by most breeders to be an essential element in
the polo pony, and at the present moment a great variety of
experiments are being tried, with the idea of producing a small
thoroughbred with pony character. It must here be explained
that this most essential " pony character " cannot be defined
inwards, and has been the subject of much discussion. Its
meaning is best conveyed indirectly. It is not a matter of

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HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

inclies at all, but is readily understood by every horseman
who uses the term " He rides like a pony " as the highest praise
he can give to a big horse — who is cjuick, compact, and clever,
handv and safe, and always has a leg to spare. To infuse this
pony character into the thoroughbred horse, he has been mated
with pony mares, and the Arab with small mares with more or
less thoroughbred strains, and some of the results have been
very successful in the show ring. As matured polo ponies we
are not now in a position to pronounce on them. I do not think
it can be disputed that sex plays a very important part in bring-
ing divergent strains together in all breeding, i.e., that the
mare and the sire impress themselves on the offspring in a
different manner. I have some grounds for the belief that the
size, character, temperament, stamina, and soundness of true
bred stock is in a far higher degree dependent on the mare than
on the sire. In this conviction, I have in my small stud dis-
carded all mares except the Arab. I have selected my mares
rather under the typical height — which is generally recognised
to be about 14. i. The Arab is the most potent and truest bred
horse in existence, and is, in my opinion, especially qualified to
cross with the English thoroughbred, through the dam.

I cannot enter here fully into the erroneous ideas which
generally prevail as to the modern Arab. I will now only draw
attention to the fact that the Arab has always held the first
place amongst pig-stickers in India. An English cross-country
line is a mere lawn, with regular obstacles, compared with the
country over which the wild boar travels in India, and I think
this consideration alone will raise some suspicion that the estimate
of the Arab in England may be somewhat at fault. So much
for his sure footedness and his ability to travel. Again, the
Arab is said to be unable to move and turn on soft, slippery

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PONIES

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PONIES

ground. This, in my humble opinion, is only due to his different
early surroundings and training. I have conspicuous examples
of Arabs and I have myself bred and trained in England. I
am inclined to think that the Arab's high intelligence and his
independence have been one of the stumbling blocks to his popu-
larity, for his training requires more care, study, and patience
than is the case with breeds which have become, through genera-
tions of unreasoning servitude and routine, more amenable.
Any way, I have followed out my convictions, and mated my
Arab mares with the English thoroughbred. I have never
hesitated a moment to use the biggest stallions — with the right
action, good bone, temper, and constitution. As yet, I have
not had a single animal bred on these lines over height. Unfor-
tunatelv, the continuance of the experiment has been much
retarded by the very curious circumstance that during eleven
years all the produce of these mares have been fillies ; I have
not had a single colt by an English thoroughbred. It will
not, therefore, be possible for some years to come for me to
continue the cross, and for it to reproduce itself. This circum-
stance is still more remarkable when it is noted that the same
Arab mares have produced two colts by Arab sires during this
period. I have heard many theories regarding such phenomena,
but found none to fit my case — except the theory that, as a
general rule, the most potent parent determines the sex. \Mien
I do get a stallion by an English thoroughbred, I believe I shall
have made the right nick, he will be a very exceptional animal,
and one of the highest value for breeding polo ponies.

I feel constrained to add, lest my purpose be misconstrued,
that my theories and principles are merely the expression of
personal opinion, and I do not wish to dogmatise in any degree.
But I am convinced of one thing — that success in breeding can

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HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

only be gained with strong convictions and by taknig up a strong
line, with a mind open to accept the evidence of facts. All horse
breeding is a slow process, and still slow^er when the object is
to build u]) a new type. It requires, therefore, more fixity of
purpose and design than is in many cases bestowed on it. If I
have unduly emphasised the difficulties which beset the pioneer
breeder of the riding pony, there is also much of encouragement
to put before him. If the highest class of polo ponies are not in
every case produced, saleable animals for mounted infantry and
utility ponies will be the result, and high prices can be obtained
for well bred animals with perfect manners, whatever their
size, either as Newmarket or general hacks.

154

PONIES

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THE SHIRE AND CART HORSE

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157

CHAPTER VII

THE SHIRE AND CART HORSE.

History.

HERE is really nothing authentic as to the precise origin
of the shire horse, as in most other breeds, the early
history being of an obscure nature.

Mr. Bakewell, of Dishley, unquestionably played a very
niiportant part towards improving the cart horse then in
existence, and for this purpose he made repeated journeys over
to Holland, in order to purchase a stamp of mare that he
thought would give good results, after being served with the
heavy black horses of the shires.

The results of Mr. Bakewell's experiments proved
eminently satisfactory, the produce being horses of a good and
useful stamp, and as such were highly appreciated there was
a ready market for them. The introduction of a Flemish sire
into the North Leicestershire and Derbyshire districts had,
hkewise, an important influence in determining the present
breed of shire horse.

Derbyshire appears to have been the home of the best
shires, and to the " Packington " Blind Horse, and Weisman's
"Honest Tom" — the latter a bay -most of our shires owe
their excellent qualities.

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HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

The Sliirc Horse Society, througli the registration of pedi-
grees and its annual show, etc., has been the mcchuni through
which this \-arietv of horse has attained its present locus standi
amongst patrons of this useful heavy type of animah For the
heaviest class of horse haulage the shire stands unrivalled.

Date of Birth. — The age of a cart horse dates from the
ist of January, therefore it is advantageous to have mares to
foal as early in the season as possible.

Points and Defects. — Head. — A well formed head is
indicative of good breeding, and judges attach importance to
this region. Skin thin and muzzle with a tassel of hair, and not
too fine. A Roman nose and a broad forehead are points of
beauty in both the shire and cart horse. The hair constituting
the forelock ought to be long and free from coarseness. The
outline of the jaws should be distinct, and show no indication
of puffiness. Eyes, large and full, free from vicious expression.
Small or concealed eyes are objectionable.

If purcliasing a shire and cart liorsc the chief faults in this
region are : Swollen or indurated glands beneath the jaws or
ears ; defective sight ; disease of the molar teeth ; dis-
charge of a chronic nature from the nostrils ; scars at the
angles of the cheek ; a hard puller, and poll evil. These, save
one exception, are faults constituting unsoundness. Thickness
of the skin over the head and face, coarse head, and a head either
too light or too heavy are objectionable points. The same
may be said of coarse hair beneath the jaw.

Neck and Shoulders. — Neck must be well arched, wide,
deep and rather long. Many cart horses are very poorly deve-
loped in this region. A good crest — more especially in the

1 60

THE SHIRE AND CART HORSE

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shire stallion, is a sine qua non. The hair of mane should be
profuse, fine in texture, and long.

\Mien buying a cart horse, throw the hair of the mane over
to the opposite side to see that there is no skin disease along
the nape of the neck. Thick and broad withers, with deep,
sloping shoulders, are essential to both shire and cart horses.

Shire Entire.

7/te property of Messrs. Thompson, Leicester.

Judges are very keen on quality in this region. Badly formed
shoulders predispose the animal to collar galls.

When buying a cart horse examine the withers and shoulders
very carefully for soreness, old or recent, and the withers for
fistula, past or present. So many horses give a lot of trouble
with their shoulders. Patches of white hair are indicative of
old sores. Most sellers have very plausible tales to tell over

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HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

such injuries. A wasted ^^so-callcd slip])ed; shoulder should at
once condemn the animal. Shivering (a disease) is equally
objectionable, and constitutes unsoundness. Many shiverers
are unable to back.

The Arms and Forearms must be big in the bones and
have well developed muscles. Any sign of poor development
at these parts is very detrimental. Width, depth and pro-
portionate length must be present. The forearms should be
broadest above, covered by thin skin, becoming squarish at
the junction of the knee. The only defects — from a veterinary
point of view — likely to be found, may be swelling at the point
of the elbow (capped elbow), or another form of swelling above,
upon, or below the knee. There are bursal enlargements.

Knees. — Strong, broad, and square, free from loose or
thick skin. There must be no stiffness at the knees. A reason-
able amount of knee action is one of the qualifications of the
shire. Though the knee may be blemished, the animal's use-
fulness may not be interfered with in any way. From the
backs of the knees, down the cannon, to the fetlock, there ought
to be an abundance of feather, fine in texture. As to other
points where the hair is long, any tendency towards coarseness
of texture is objectionable.

The Cannons and Pasterns. ^ — Judges of shires and cart
horses pay a great deal of attention to these parts, and if the
animal does not come up to the standard of excellence here, he
or she will not be in the prize list. As there are no muscles — or
practically none — below the knees or hocks in the horse, it
follows that little beyond skin, bone and tendon should be
felt, constituting the so-called " clean " legs. The cannon

164

THE SHIRE AND CART HORSE

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THE SHIRE AND CART HORSE

bones of the shire ought to be short, broad, and flat from front
to back. Thickening of back tendons, sphnt and swelhng
around the pastern joints are the chief causes of unsoundness
in this region.

Although a cart horse is hable to become lame through the
pressure of a formed (or forming) splint, the latter has not
the same significance as that upon a horse required for fast

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work. The intending buyer, if he finds such present, must
exercise his own discretion in purchasing. Strictly speaking,
this constitutes unsoundness, but the first named defect,
sprung tendons, should condemn the animal outright. Pasterns
to be broad and square, of moderate length, and of good slope
Any tendency towards short, upright pasterns is decidedly

167

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

objectionable. It is a very common thing to see cart horses
\\ith badly formed, ill set pasterns.

Faults. — Bony growths very common in the region of the
pasterns and fetlocks (^ringbone^, interfering with or destroying
the animal's utility. One or both joints may be the seat of
this diseased condition.

Ringbone is particularly common in the forelimbs, so the
buyer must be careful. It is a bad plan to breed from either a
sire or dam haying ringbone. The same remark is equally
applicable to bone spavin.

The Feet. — It is a matter of common sense that any breed
of horse, to do good service, must have well formed, and sound
feet. Judges of cart horses will not look at a horse with badly
formed, ill-placed, or small feet, and rightly so, as they con-
stitute the foundation stone of utility.

The feet must be of proportionate size, have good sloping
walls, and well open at the heels, free from cracks (sandcrack),
and brittleness, but composed of tough, elastic, horny tubes.
The soles concave and the frog elastic and full. At the back
and upper part of the coronet (hoof border) there are two
elastic plates of cartilage, known as the lateral cartilages, and
it is these structures that are commonly diseased in shire and
cart horses. This disease is " sidebone," so detrimental to
the market value (not always utility) of the animal. The
lameness that frequently rises is due to the pressure of these
hardened cartilages upon the soft structures in juxtaposition
to them. When pressed they will be found to have lost their
normal elasticity. Pay particular attention to the feet when
buying a horse. Sandcrack, false quarter, seedy toe, bruised

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THE SHIRE AND CART HORSE

169

THE SHIRE AND CART HORSE

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THE SHIRE AND CART HORSE

coronet, quittor, flat soles, chronic lameness (founder), canker,
thrush, and corns, are the chief diseases met with in the feet of
heavy horses. Sidebone has already been alluded to.

Back and Ribs. — A short strong back, well rounded ribs,
and deep girthing are excellencies. Sore back is a fault, often
troublesome.

Chest. — Broad and deep.

Loins. — Broad and heavily muscled.

Flanks. — Deep and thick. Many cart and shire horses
are too much tucked up at the flanks.

Croup and Thighs. — Croup, full and round. First and
second thigh big-boned and. heavily clothed with muscle,
ending in clean strong hocks, free from bone-spavin, thoro-pin,
or the so-called bog-spavin, i.e., a soft sweUing at the back. The
hinder cannons must be proportionate, clean and well feathered
down the back, with the same silky hair falling over the fronts
and sides of the coronets as in the fore limbs.

Stringhalt (Scotch diked) is one of the worst defects of the
hind limbs, and destroys the value of the horse.

Shivering can often be found out by backing the animal.
Diseases of the feet are the same as the fore limbs. Roaring,
likewise broken wind, completely destroys the value of any
horse, and on no account should an animal having these
defects be bought. Any abnormal sound heard during
exertion should condemn the animal.

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HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

THE AGE OF HORSES.

It is necessary to be able to form an idea as to a
horse's age, when purchasing one. Up to two years the
whole of the incisor or nipping teeth are temporary or sucking
ones. Soon after two years and three months the central pair
are replaced by a pair of permanent ones, and by the time that
the animal is three years, these teeth are well developed, and
easily distinguished from the sucking teeth on either sides of
them. The same change takes place in the " lateral " teeth
about three years and three months, and at four years these
lateral permanent teeth are on a level with the central ones. At
four years and a quarter there is a repetition of this process in
the " corner " teeth, so that at five years of age the animal has
a full set of permanent incisor teeth. It is usual to refer to the
lower row when looking at their cutting tables, surfaces for
changes undergone by wear.

From li\'e years upwards — though without much reliance
after eight years — the tables of the teeth are referred to for the
purpose of estimating the age. The crowns of the teeth are
covered by a dense substance called enamel, and as this sur-
rounds the exposed portion of the tooth, it is spoken of as the
outer enamel ring. There is another smaller one in the centre.
This is the inner enamel ring, and circumscribes a central cavity
known as the " mark " or " infundibulum." This mark, the
inner and the outer enamel rings, all alter in shape as the animal
advances in years.

A Five Year Old. — It is very easy to tell, the whole of
the incisor teeth being on a level, the only signs of wear being
limited to the central and lateral teeth, the mark extending

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THE SHIRE AND CART HORSE

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THE SHIRE AND CART HORSE

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THE AGE OF THE HORSE

right across the table of the corner incisors. If the animal is
five years old, most of the wear is confined to the front edge.

In a Horse at Six the back edges of the corner incisors are
just coming into wear, being less shelly than at five, though it
is not uncommon — certainly the exception — -to find the corner
incisors remaining shelly for years. The mark in the central
teeth is now very shallow, but fairly distinct in the lateral
incisors. More confusion is apt to arise regarding a horse at
seven and eight years. These are the ages when the buyer is
most liable to be taken advantage of.

It is quite common to find a seller oft'ering an unwary
person a horse twelve or fourteen years old as one at seven or
eight. At seven, the mark in the corner incisor is still distinct,
and the teeth much better formed than at six years. The out-
lines of the central teeth are more triangular than at six, and
the mark more of an oval shape. At eight years the marks
are very shallow, close to the hinder edges of the teeth, and
nothing more than circular or irregular in outline. The tusks
(if present) are sharp at their points at six, blunter at seven,
still more so at eight. Looking at the lower incisor teeth of
an aged horse — it being usual to speak of such after eight years
— the mark shows, if at all, that it has practically become
obliterated through wear. When a horse reaches about ten
years, a groove begins to show itself on its outer face of the
upper corner incisor, and it is about half-way down if the
animal is fifteen or sixteen years. It is a good plan to look for
the presence of this groove, thus one may be prevented from
being sold an " old un." It is, of course, the tables of the
lower incise rs that one generally refers to for evidence of
wear.

179

THE SUFFOLK

i8i

CHAPTER VIII

THE SUFFOLK.

THIS is a particularly useful breed of horse for heavy
haulage, when it is desirable to have the work done
at a pace quicker than that of the ordinary cart horse.
The Suffolk has always combined the qualifications of the
" heavyweight " and the "lighter" weight — an unique combina-
tion, and one that should always make the Suffolks a popular
variety of horse amongst agriculturists, millers, contractors,
brewers, mineral water manufacturers, carriers, and for
artillery purposes, etc.

Not only is the Suffolk useful as a " pure " bred animal,
but as a " cross," and the best results may be looked for more
especially for breeding vanners. Anyone wanting to breed
" van " horses should turn to the Suffolk entire, and mate him
with sound mares, either of a light small type (for light vanners),
or with a cart mare for the production of heavy vanners. It is
the low position of the powerful shoulders that confers remarkable
pulling powers upon the Suffolk. Some two hundred years
since this breed was distinctive, and noted for the qualities that
it possesses in the present day.

To a horse foaled during 1760, the present Suffolk can be
traced in the male line, and there is every reason for believing
that the Suffolk horses of to-day are quite equal, or even
superior, to their ancestors.

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HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

In both Norfolk and Suffolk magnificent specimens of the
breed can be seen at work, though most of the best studs are
found in Suffolk, so that Continental buyers should endeavour
to procure stock from proprietors resident in the county.

Ij)s\vich and Woodbridge are very good shows to attend
for Suffolks, but the classes at the Royal Agricultural Show
are now generally well filled, and the quality the best obtainable.

The Suffolk Horse Society offers a challenge cup, value
fifty guineas, for the best stallion, this cup becoming the pro-
perty of the exhibitor winning it three times.

Fortunately for the Suffolk horse, this Society keenly guards
the interests of the breed, in fact, w^re it not for this " pro-
tection " Society, these animals w^ould have so deteriorated
that the splendid qualities would almost have become as extinct
as the " dodo."

The old term, " Suffolk Punch," was evidently derived
from the conformation, freedom from angularity, the
appearance of general rotundity being singularly well marked
in this variety of horse.

A typical Suffolk should excel not only fore and aft^ but
also in its middle piece, and in colour be chestnut, with or
without white, on the face and legs. Roan objectionable.

The Head should be of medium size, covered by thin skin
and fine short hair ; the ears small and carried well forwards.
The hairs of the mane and forelock to be long, profuse, fine in
texture, of a silvery chestnut tint.

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THE SUFFOLK

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The Crest is particularly beautiful in a Suffolk ; therefore
if a Suffolk has not beauty in this region it is no use for the
show ring.

The build of a Suffolk in the regions of the neck and
shoulders always reminds the writer of that seen in the bull.
There is no other breed of horse in point of size that can compare
muscular development of neck and shoulders with that of a

pure specimen of this breed.

This statement we make without fear of contradiction. Now
and again one may see an old type of pony built upon these
lines, and the writer's opinion is that these are diminutive
specimens of the Suffolk, in all probability produced by crossing
a pony mare with a Suffolk entire.

It is the author's wish to see a revival of this almost
extinct breed of pony, and the cross suggested appears to be
the most likely one to establish its re-introduction.

Width, depth, and thickness of neck are necessary ; the
skin thin, and the hairs short and silky. It (the neck) should be
of medium length, its great muscularity making it apparently
short.

Shoulders well rounded, long, big in muscle, and of
good slope, forming a short powerful arm. Judges are very
particular about quality in these regions because it is typical
for the Suffolk to excel in these points, indicating great pulling
power. There must not only be width and deptli in front of the
shoulders, but the same condition behind them.

The Forearms. — To be of medium length, wider towards
the arm, narrower at the knee. The muscles should be par-
ticularly well developed here, both at the back, front, and sides.

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HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

The Knees. — Clean, covered by thin skin ; short, broad,
and squarely built.

Cannons. — Short ; should girth well, eleven inches below
knee, but frequently a trifle more or less. Skin, bone and
tendons are all that should be felt, or seen and felt about the
cannon (metacarpus). Judges will have the Suffolk "clean,"
i.e., no useless tissue between skin and bone — in the legs
Width, depth and thickness of the cannon are essential points
of beauty.

Strong Fetlocks, broad and square pasterns, with a
moderate degree of " slope," and sound, well directed, propor-
tionately sized feet, constitutes a necessary quality in the
regions of the pasterns and fetlocks.

If a Suffolk — in fact, any horse for that matter — has not
sound and well developed legs and feet, he is not likely to fetch
a good price if offered for sale.

The Hoof should have an angle of about forty-five
degrees ; be hard, well open at heels, and neither shelly nor
brittle. When the horse moves, the feet should be advanced
in a straight line with the body, turning neither " in nor out."

Contraction at the heels is a decided fault. The frogs should
be well developed, and rest on the ground. Soles, concave ;
flat soles being faulty.

The diseases that concern the Suffolk buyer and breeder,
affecting the forehmb, are chiefly as follows : — Sphnt, ringbone,
sidebone, sandcrack, false-quarter, contracted heels, brittle
feet, flat feet, and feet inchned to thrush, canker, etc. The
worst of these are ringbone, sidebone, and sandcrack, and

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THE SUFFOLK

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THE SUFFOLK

191

THE SUFFOLK

depreciation in the animal's value can only be estimated along
with other facts. Now, as to the " middle piece," or body of
a Suffolk.

Front and back ribs must be long and well sprung, so as
to make the animal comply with the definition — deep from
elbow to flank. A good Suffolk will girth fuhy eight feet round
the chest ; i.e., taped immediately behind the elbows. There
is a compactness about the body of the Suffolk that is very
distinctive of this variety of horse. Croup and thighs must be
powerful and well rounded — the last named a characteristic
feature of the breed.

From the crest to set on of tail the S shaped curve of
outline along back and croup is very evident. The back and
loins are short, strong and broad. Though the fore limbs of a
Suffolk are placed well under the body, the very opposite
applies to the hind ones, these being very far back in relation
to the latter. The advantages of the relative positions cf the
extremities is obvious to any one.

As to the Hocks. — These must be " clean " and strong ;
free from disease, and when the animal is put to the trot, he
must freely bend his hocks. Good hock action is a sine qua non^
and judges should never overlook action in the hind limbs. A
horse may have even brilliant action in front, but very little
behind. The former is apt to draw one's attention away from
faulty hock action. Bone spavin and curb stand pre-eminent
as diseases of the hocks. The so-called bog spavin (puffy hecks)
and blood spavin are not of much significance, in relation to
soundness. Cannons " clean " and strong. The rest as for the
fore limbs. Ringbone is frequently met with on the front

193

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

])astt'rn.--. As rei^ards hair on Ici^s, it must never be coarse, but
silkv in texture.

The action of a Suffolk d'^niands attention. At the walk,
the feet should be lifted quickly, well advanced, and brought
lightly to the ground. When trotted, a typical Suffolk shows
Tiarmony of action not excelled. Every joint ought to be
flexed and extended to its utmost limit, producing what horsemen
call Ai action all round.

Height. — About 16.1 hands.

Temperament. — Most Suffolks have good tempers, vice
being exceptional, certainly not the rule.

The following are the conditions laid down by the Suffolk
Horse Society.

A. — No stallion that is known to have a cross of anv^ other
breed in the direct male line within four generations, and no
mare within two generations, shall be admitted.

B. — No horse otherwise than of a chestnut colour shall be
admitted, but white or silver hairs well blended with chestnut
shall not be held to be ground of objection, provided the
quantity of such does not amount to a decided roan.

C. — No entry shall be rejected on account of white on the
face or legs, nor be subject to limit as to height, weight or size.

D. — No entries shall be admitted unless the sire of the dam
be eligible for or entered in the Suffolk Stud Book, or that the
dam be already entered in any of the \olumes of the Stud Book.

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THE SUFFOLK

E. — When a mare has once been registered any subsequent
generation must also be registered to enable her descendants to
be eligible.

F. — -Animals bred outside Great Britain must be by a
registered sire and from a registered dam.

G. — Entries must in all cases contain particulars as to the
markings (if any) or clearly state whole coloured chestnut^
chestnut alone not being sufficient. Should the above bye-law
not be complied with, the entry will be liable to disqualification.

H. — The foregoing conditions shall apply to stallions, mares,
colts and fillies.

Entries to be made on printed forms. Registration fee,
£i. If entered as foals, stallions, los. 6d., and mares, 5s
YearHng entries, £1 ; mares ditto, los., etc.

197

CHAPTER IX

THE CLYDESDALE HORSE.

ALTHOUGH the demand for Clydesdale horses fluctuates,
it is a variety that has long been a great favourite, and
large numbers of these horses are constantly being
exported from Scotland to the United States, Canada, and the
Colonies. Although there is much of the early history of the
breed involved in obscurity, a great deal of sound information
has been obtained and chronicled by supporters of the breed,
especially by the Clydesdale Horse Society. As the name
implies, the breed originated in the valley of the Clyde, being
the outcome of a selected cross from an imported horse with
the mares on the farms in and around Lanark.

Years of careful mating have served to bring the breed to
its present high standard of excellence, and there are now better
Clydesdales than ever. The enormous amount of good work
done by the Clydesdale Horse Society cannot be over-estimated,,
and the demand for this class of horse steadily increases, and
shows every sign of being still greater. So long as Scottish
breeders continue to send out good stock abroad there need
not be much fear of trade dechning. Heavy horses will always
be required ; no matter how much motor traction may develop,
the horse will continue to perform the duties assigned to him
from time immemorial, and that comes to him as his birthright.

igg

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

The favourite colour for a Clydesdale is da})pled brown, with a
ratch or streak up the face, and Roman nose, these being the
hall nuirk of good breeding. This white patch begins at the
nostrils, extending up to about a level with the eyes, ending
abruptlv. One or more of the lower parts of the limbs are also
commonly white, the whole of the long silky hair proceeding
from the back part of the cannons being white, that over the
coronets white, and the pasterns white.

" Marcellus," one of the most typical ( Ivdes known, has
a considerable amount of white hair below the knees and
hocks, but this horse is a model of neatness from nose to the
soles of his feet.

Many Clydesdales aie black, with or without white hair,
and this is a very serviceable colour. There are numerous grey
Clydes, though this colour is not one that is encouraged. Other
colours, such as bay, etc., are common. The action of Clydes-
dales is usually very good. They are quick steppers, and
stride long. From 16.2 to 17 hands or a trifle over are the
typical heights for a Clydesdale horse.

The middle piece, or body of the present Clyde, is unques-
tionably better than a few years ago, being somewhat heavier,
as many of the breed were very defective in this region, and
this was one reason why the shire horse occirpied premier
position. As already stated, there has been a gradual elim-
ination of faults, with a corresponding increase of excellencies.
Such are some of the advantages of careful selection in mating.

The ribs must be well sprung, and the animal well coupled,
fore and aft. The chest ought to be broad and deep ; the neck
broad and lua\'ih' muscled, and cr^est well developed. If a

200

THE CLYDESDALE HORSE

1-4
O

20 1

THE CLYDESDALE HORSE

Clyde is at all weak in the neck, it is not of good type. The
same remark applies to back, loins, and quarters.

All these regions must be indicative of great power, being
points ir which the Clydesdale excels. Shoulders, arms, and
forearms, are regions to which Clydesdale judges pay particular
attention. The shoulders must be oblique and heavily muscled ;
arms rather long but built on very heavy lines.

The Clydesdale is lighter upon his legs than the shire, but
it is the rule for Clydesdales to have the best of legs and feet.
They are no use for stock purposes without these, and not much
more for work. The forearm is longer than in the shire,
but it is big in the bone and heavily clothed with muscle,
more especially at it'; junction with the arm.

The knees, broad and clean, and cannons clean. All that is
required in the region, or at any rate apparently so, is plenty
of bone, thin skin, silky hair, and freedom from disease ;
pasterns and fetlocks, broad, and soundly built.

Feet to be of proportionate size ; sound, open at the heels,
and well directed. Brittle or shelly feet, flat feet, small feet,
or feet affected with sandcrack, false quarter, chronic founder,
flat soles, coin, separation of the wall (seedy toe), contracted
heels, etc., are objectionable ; in fact, any of these constitute
unsoundness. The hindquarters of a Clydesdale are very
striking, probably because the second thigh is long, but it does
not lack in power.

Hocks to be clean and strong, free from bone spavin, puffy
swelling, curb, capping, etc. Measured, the hock should be
broad in all proportions and of good conformation. The cannons

203

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

■2,'c// roiimhd^ with an abundance of soft long hair down backs
of them. Indices of (dydes hke to see the animal stand very
squarely ; tlex his joints freely at the walk, but when put to
the trot he must not onl\- lift his feet u}) in st\'le, but put them
down in the same fashion. Bnlluiiit Iiock, kiuc ami shoulder
action arc a sine qua non. Any tendency towards coarseness
in either body or limbs, is not looked upon favourably, in fact,
judges will not have anything to do with a horse of this class.
Either sidebone or ringbone are not uncomni' nlv present

The popularity of the Clydesdale horse in Canada is due
to the good qualities and utility of the breed. The Canadians
have imported Clydesdales for breeding purposes since 1842,
and they have been careful to preserve the puritv of the race,
so that they have really only this one type of draught horse.

Clydesdales, like every other variety of horse, are liable to
suffer from multifarious ailments, either tcuii>orarily disabling
them, or else destroying their marketable value f^cnnancutly.

204

THE CLYDESDALE HORSE

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205

CHAPTER X

THE CLEVELAND BAY.

OR the following description of the Cleveland bay and
Yorkshire coach horses, the author is indebted to Mr.
Stericker, Pickering, Yorks.

The early history of the Cleveland bay horse is somewhat
enveloped in obscurity. It derived its name from Cleveland,
in Yorkshire, and in the Cleveland, Whitby and Pickering
districts they have been bred for generations. Many families
who reside there have still the same breed, which has descended
from father to son, and still do the greater part of their
farm work, with mares of this class. From an article which
appeared in the Farmers Magazine for the year 1823, it seems
that in the latter part of the i8th, and the beginning of the
19th century, Cleveland bays existed in fair numbers in York-
shire and Durham. No doubt the breed was formed by the
progressive mixture of the blood of the racehorse, with the
original breed of the district, and by continued cultivation
formed a breed which reproduced itself with great accuracy
bcth in type and colour, the latter being either light, or dark
bay, with black legs, nearly clean of hair, and no white excepting
a star, or sometimes a small patch of white on the heel. Cleve-
lands are horses of large size, with plenty of substance and
good constitution. Manv live to a great age.

207

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

NECROMANCER
THOROUGHBRED

2.EB0R

t 3 VENTURE

NOBLE PRINCE, 10
IB36

CLIFTON
I900

PRINCE VICTOR . 9
I6B2

4. MENTOR

EWlPtBO^eS

PRINCE OF WALES 8

1674

'"^^^ft.« ^

(•YCLE TO Illustrate the Descent of Cleveland Bay Horse, c.g^
"Clifton," p.ecjinninc. with the Thokoughrked "Necromancer."

208

THE CLEVELAND BAY

209

THE CLEVELAND BAY

In an article written by Mr. J. B. Lloyd in the first volume
of the Royal Agricultural Society's Journal, about the year
1827, he says : "I determined to purchase a Cleveland bay
stallion, to cross on Gloucestershire mares, and bought ' Old
Cleveland,' " which he describes as standing 16. i|^ hands,
10 inches of bone below the knee, 6.10 round the girth. Mr.
Lloyd's description of the Cleveland gives you a fair idea of
what it should be, but the Cleveland bay of to-day is not built
on such strong lines, perhaps owing to inbreeding, or the demand
for an animal vvith more quality. They have not so much
substance as the older type, and stand from 16 hands to 16.2
in height, with 9 inches of bone below the knee, and girth
6 ft. 5 ins. or more. Should possess a good head, which is some-
times a little on the strong side, nice lengthy neck, w^ell arched,
sloping shoulders, short back, powerful loins, long quarters,
with plenty of width in chest. Colour, light or dark bay,
with black legs. The general appearance denotes activity and
strength combined, in a manner not seen in any other breed.
The value of the breed in improving others is too well known
and widely acknowledged to need any comment, especially
where size and bone is wanted, without losing that fine top
outline. Some wonderfully good hunters have been bred
from mares of this class by a thoroughbred sire.

YORKSHIRE COACH HORSE.

The Yorkshire coach horse might be termed the twin
brother of the Cleveland bay, and to anyone not experienced
in the breeds, it is verv difficult to discern the difference,
except that the coach horse is more blood-like and elegant in
appearance, and with higher action. In height, 15.3 to 16.3 ;
of the latter size they are eagerly sought after for State carriage

211

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

SKYROCKET

leio

LEVERET 13

I&S2

2 SUMMERCOCK

'824

gocdseeker . 12
laaa

3 CHAMPION

'630

NOBLEMAN fl

'885

4 CLEVELAND

_ 'S36

ROTHBURY 14
1899

NEWTON . 10

. iBBO

5 CLEVELAND LAD

r.'S4?

SPORTSMAN 9

'B76

Cycle to Illustrate Descent of "Rothbury," a Cleveland Ba\ Horse,

BEGINNING WITH "SKYROCKET" IN THE YEAR l8lO.

212

THE CLEVELAND BAY

213

THE YORKSHIRE COACH HORSE

purposes, and largely used in many of the Royal stables,
both here and abroad. The best specimens have no superior
for this work.

This variety has been acquired, no doubt, from a Cleveland
bay foundation, with more thoroughbred blood infused from
time to time. They breed stock with great accuracy, both as
to type and colour, the latter being bay, either light or dark,
with black legs. Stallions of this breed have been exported in
large numbers to different parts of the world, and have generally
given great satisfaction in improving stock from native breeds,
by giving size, colour, and action, with a better top line. The
prices fetched by geldings and mares of this class are very
remunerative to the breeder. Some of the largest jobmasters
from London, Scotland, and the Midlands have for generations
bought a good number of geldings of this class. The demand
still seems as keen as ever, and at the Great Yorkshire and
other local shows, buyers make annual visits to secure the best
specimens. About three-and-a-half years old they bring high
prices, more especially for match pairs, and for crossing on
short-legged mares with substance, where length of neck and
appearance is wanted. Stallions of this breed get very good
stock.

215

THE CLEVELAND BAY

217

CHAPTER XI

THE THOROUGHBRED OR RACE HORSE.

TO do anything beyond indicating the chief points of the
race horse, is beyond the scope of this work ; in
fact, it is a variety of hoise upon which whole volumes
have been written, its history being traced back to the famous
Arabian imported by Mr. Darley from Aleppo, and foaled
during 1702. This celebrated sire may be looked upon as the
foundation stone of the present race of thoroughbreds, hke-
wise of many others of the hghter breeds of horses.

Years and years of careful breeding by selection, have
bi ought the race horses of to-day up to their high standard ol
excellence, and the early maturity — with a corresponding early
decline for work on the turf — of these animals, constitutes one
of the most striking features of the breed.

Before entering into the outlines of the race horse, it is
advisable to briefly notice the Arabian horse, whose Oriental
blood has done so much for the thoroughbred. The Arab is of
somewhat small build, usually being about 14.2 or 14.3 hands
and of a sinewy mould. The forehead is short and squarely
formed ; the ears small and well apart ; muzzle short, and
nostrils large. Chest of medium width, but very deep at girth.
An important feature of the Arab is seen in the beautifully
arched neck and flowing mane. The shoulders are somewhat

219

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

high and heavily muscled ; the front ribs inclined to be Hat ;
tail set on high up croup. Legs and feet are usually very good,
the joints being well knit ; the hoafs hard, and the limbs of good
conformation throughout. The barrel is round, and this con-
formation is favourable to a thriftiness. The muscles of the
body and limbs are particularly hard, and the sinews plainly
seen in outline below the knees and hocks.

The step of the Arabian horse is very free, but it may be
taken as accurate that the Arab horse does not come up to the
speed of a good or even fair English racing pony. Its powers of
endurance on but poor fodder or food that is insufficient, are
remarkable, and few will dispute the Arab's right as a " fiont
ranker " in this respect.

Arab horses form part of the Bedoueen's domestic circle,
being reared within and around the tent, and correspond to a
canine companion in this country. Some wonderful perform-
ances have been placed on record relating to the distances
travelled by these horses in a given time.

The Barb of Morocco, the Turkish horse, the Turkoman,
the Persian, and the Indian horse, etc., are all of Arabic descent.

Returning to the Enghsh thoroughbred, the height ranges
from 15 to 16 hands, or thereabouts, and the colour, bay,
chestnut, brown, etc. The skin is exceedingly thin, and the
various prominences upon the bony framework are easily
recognised beneath it. The most striking feature of the
thoroughbred is the slender and sinewy condition of the limbs,
together with the lightness of the body and light forehand.

220

THE THOROUGHBRED OR RACE HORSE

:. Uj^i^ii^r-*

S^i.i'.'kik.J^

221

THE THOROUGHBRED OR RACE HORSE

Arab Entire.

Pure Bred iVRABiANS.

223

THE THOROUGHBRED OR RACE HORSE

The head must be long, and the forehead straight. Eyes
large, and placed well apart. Ears, fine, erect, and covered by
fine hair. Forearm and cannons long, but not too fine in the
bone ; in fact, strong forearms are a sine qua non to a thorough-
bred for staying power.

From knees to fetlocks, and from hocks to fetlocks, the
thoroughbred exhibits remarkable elegance, having no equal as
regards beauty in these regions. Pasterns, long and fine, with
a moderate degree of obliquity. Knee, hock, and fetlock joints
must be broad, clean, and free from disease. The first and
second thighs are long, more especially the latter ; and it is
this lengthy conformation of the second thighs that so materially
aids in the forward stride and propulsion of the body. A deep
chest (not wide) ; a long neck, sloping down to deep shoulders,
together with strong back and loins, and tail set on high up,
are additional beauties necessary for a blood horse.

Viewed either from front, back, or side, the thoroughbred
appeals to one as a type of horse specially designed lor racing
purposes only, and once removed from this sphere of occupation,
bred m him, so to speak, he becomes a degenerate of his class,
and no longer fitted for the work that Nature designed for him.

22";

THE THOROUGHBRED OR RACE HORSE

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227

CHAPTER XII

CROSS-BRED HORSES AND VANNERS.

CROSS-BRED horses constitute a very important section
of the equine race in the commercial world ; in fact,
most of our horses working in tow^ns especially are the
product of what may justly be termed irregular mating, though
breeding horses in this manner should not be encouraged
There will always be individual interests to consider, con-
sequently inferior and unsound brood mares are used, or it
may be, that there has not been a judicious selection of the sire.

This reckless system of breeding horses is certainly dying
out, district agricultural societies providing selected sires to
travel in the area presided over by such societies, and the
results have been highly satisfactory. There are also brood
mare societies to further the production of sound stock, suitable
mares being bought by the Society and then loaned to the
surrounding agriculturists.

Altogether, horse breeding in the present day has advanced
by leaps and bounds, being vastly different to that of forty
years since.

Almost every breed of horse has its stud book for the
registration of pedigree stock, so that what may be termed the
physical development of the horse is now carried on upon sound
and systematic principles.

229

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

Most cross-bred cart horses are derived from the shire,
Clydesdale, or Suffolk, principally the two first named. There
is no harm in crossing a good shire mare, say, with either a
Clydesdale or a Suffolk, or the converse of this. It is breeding
from weedy, unsound mares and sires that exerts an influence
so pernicious. In fact, for working purposes, to resort to an
occasional " out-cross," proves beneficial rather than otherwise.
For van horses of the heavier type, the Suffolk makes an excellent
cross, the mare being either a shire, Clydesdale, or a cross
between these.

A cross that should certainly give a good type of light
vanners would be that between a hackney sire and a Suffolk
mare, selecting a hackney about 15 hands. This cross reversed
ought to give equally good results. Stout brougham horses
might be had by crossing a good big hackney sire with a Suffolk.

The cross-breeding of light horses should not be encouraged,
because the hackney, as a distinct variety, can fulfil all con-
ditions of work. When buying a cart horse or vanner, care
should be taken, the opinion and examination by a M.R.C.V.S.
being the safest guide, though, of course, such must not be
looked upon in a foolish light — that of infallibility, remembering
the axiom, that " to err is human ; to forgive, divine." When
the intending buyer looks out his own horse he should select
one clean in the joints, big in bone, and free from coarseness
about the head, hair of the legs, etc. Short stout legs, well
sprung ribs, thick, wide, and deep flanks, and broad quarters,
are essentials. A good " top " or crest is desirable, so many
horses being weedy about the neck. Horses that are narrow
in the belly are not as a rule good doers, though they may be
good workers.

230

CROSS-BRED HORSES AND VANNERS

Q
W

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231

CROSS-BRED HORSES AND VANNERS

233

CROSS-BRED HORSES AND VANNERS

Take particular notice of the carriage of the head, an
incUnation to the horizontal being objectionable, predisposing
the animal to stumble. I like a horse to carry his head well up,
so that it can lift its feet freely from the ground. Action is
most important. If a horse has not good action it will not do
good service. Shoulders, knees and hocks to be freely flexed
and extended, and the direction of placing the feet specially
noticed. Toes ought to turn neither inwards nor outwards, but
be directed in a line with the body.

Peculiarity of action is objectionable. For instance,
" paddling." If a cart horse turns its toes inwards, it is very
liable to bruise its coronet by treading upon it. The feet, of
course, are the animal's foundation stone, so that if these are
not of the best, trouble will arise sooner or later.

They must be proportionate, well open at the heels, have a
good concave sole, and show a well developed frog and bars.
Brittle, flat, and contracted feet are extremely bad, and we
should not advise purchase. An indentation in the quarter of
the hoof wall, or a crack (sandcrack and false quarter) are
equally, or even more, injurious. A seedy or mealy condition
of the horn at junction of sole and wall (separation) is not
uncommonly present ; if so, it constitutes a defect.

Such diseases as sidebone, canker, thrush, founder, etc.,
etc., all constitute unsoundness, and rightly so. Probably the
commonest cause of lameness in both light and heavy horses
is a bruise or corn upon the sole. It is not comparable to a
" corn " on the human subject, being due to a bruise.
Although most corns are situated upon the inner quarter of the
fore limbs, they are not uncommonly found on the " outer "
quarter, more rarely in the hind feet.

235

HORSES : THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

Diseases like strin^halt, slii\'ering, spa\4n, splint, ring-
bone, curb, broken wind, roaring, whistling, vertigo, wind-
sucking, weaving, etc., are common defects, and all very
objectionable. With reference to colour, bay, grey, chestnut,
brow^n, black, blue-roan, strawberry-roan, etc., are sound
serviceable colours.

As to age, six years is the average for utihty, but one may
buy at any age from four to nine years, or a little under the
latter age. For town, six or seven are the best ages.

i36

SECTION D.

MANAGEMENT OF BROOD
MARES.

MANAGEMENT OF BROOD MARES

239

CHAPTER \IU

MANAGEMENT OF BROOD MARES.

MUCH of the success attending breeding operations, or of
the failures resulting therefrom, depends upon the
manner of looking after the mares, no matter whether
they are '*in" foal or otherwise. The management of a stud may
be classified as good, bad, and indifferent, and those who are
fortunate enough to be favoured with the first named should
appreciate it accordingly. Bad and indifferent treatment of
brood mares is almost certain to be followed by failure, and
if the latter does not actually result, the ultimate issue is nothing
like so satisfactory as with mares that have received considera-
tion and careful attendance throughout the whole period of
gestation.

When mares are served soon after (preferably about
ten days afterwards) foaling, particular attention should be
given to note the character of the discharge ejected when in
use, because if there has been any trouble during the labour,
very possibly there will be evidence of some abnormal discharge ;
if so, the mare should have the generative passage syringed
out with a solution of bicarbonate of soda (two to four ounces
to half a gallon of tepid water) and a little, say, forty grains of
permanganate of potash dissolved in it.

241

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

Service ought not to be gi\eii until tlie discharge has ceased,
^lany mares prove sterile tlirough this and other reasons,
the spermatozoa being unable to Vwc uu'ler such conditions
as those alluded to, consequently perish as soon as ejected.

Even with mares that are uncertain breeders (from causes
unknown) an injection of a solution of bicarbonate of soda,
previous to service — say the day before — is advantageous.

Many mares do not become in foal the hrst season, in
some cases, due to excessive sexual excitement at the time of
service, and others, through the same cause, do, in the writer's
opinion, frequently pick their foals. Although a repetition of
oestrum — i.e., a desire for further service — is good evidence
that a mare has not " held," it is not positive evidence, because
some mares come into season again and again, yet they are
known to be in foal. Immediately after service, the mare should
be put to the stable by herself, and there allowed to remain
undisturbed for tw-o or three hours. The advantages of this
are obvious to anv practical man.

If a mare has a foal, this should be allowed to return to
her at once, thus avoiding unnecessary excitement.

Working a mare right up to date of foaling is a common,
but wise custom, provided that no heavy work is given during
the later period of gestation.

It is most prejudicial to compel an in-foal mare after the
fifth month — though still worse after the seventh — to perform
the same work as one that is barren.

Another matter deserving particular attention is that in con-
nection with the working of mares in milk. A thoughtless horse-

242

MANAGEMENT OF BROOD MARES

keeper will often take the mare out to work, severing her from
the foal for four or five hours at a stretch, and then let her
return to the foal in a sweating and exhausted condition.
Nothing could possibly be more pernicious. It is a frequent
cause of acute diarrhoea, and many foals die from this cause.

If the mare is worked she should be allowed to cool down
before returning to foal.

Unless necessary it is preferable not to work mares until
the foal is three or four months old, its constitution by this time
being altogether of a more vigorous nature, consequently better
fitted to resist disorders. About three weeks before foaling
time is up, the mare should have a nice, warm, well ventilated
loose box allotted to her, if possible, quite apart from the other
horses.

The writer has known several valuable mares lost through
having been tied up in an ordinary stall and foaling commenced
in this manner unexpectedly. However anyone — even those
with the mcst elementary knowledge of horses — could possibly
be so foolish and so stupid as to allow this to happen is beyond
the author's comprehension.

vSuch an act as this is most certainly cruelty. The exten-
sive lacerations in the generative passages, owing to this, have
been truly appalling, and almost incredible.

Therefore, experience teaches that it is advisable to be in
time, and put the mare in a loose box, say, three weeks before
her time is up, so that she is, as it were, prepared in the event
of foaling taking place.

243

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

Moreover, it is a good plan for a mare to become accus-
tomed to her surroundings before labour commences. To allow
a mare to foal in the open air is not a commendable procedure
— in fact, one deserving of condemnation, certainly not indi-
cati\'e of the conduct of one having the welfare of his stock at
heart.

The " premature " delivery of a foal is another matter
altogether, accidents of this nature being, as a rule, unforeseen.

If the mare does not foal in the day time, it is a wise plan
to sit up with her for a few nights before full time is up, more
especially if the teats have " waxed," and there are signs of
milk in her udder, although the latter is not positive evidence
that foaling is at hand (though usually so), because milk
sometimes appears several months before, and yet the mare go
full time. There may be twins — one dead, and one living.

Dropping of the quarters, i.e., relaxation of the pelvic
ligaments and milk in the udder are certainly indicative of
approaching labour.

A good deep bed of clean straw having been provided,
it is only necessary to keep a watchful eye on the mare at
intervals throughout the silent hours. Some mares lie down,
others stand up during the act of foaling.

The standing attitude facilitates delivery of the foal — ■
living or dead. The labour pains are at first slight, gradually
become longer, stronger and more frequent. Simultaneously
with this physiological process, the generative passage is widen-
ing out in order to allow the fcetus to pass readilv along.
Expulsion of the " water bag " and its ru{)ture is, under

244

MANAGEMENT OF BROOD MARES

normal conditions, soon followed by the appearance of the
foal. It must be borne in mind that it is the rule for a mare at
her first foaling to have a little more trouble over the act than
one that has had several foals. Many mares that are wide
in the croup experience very little difficulty in labour
under normal circumstances.

In every instance the author strongly advises that none
but a qualified veterinary surgeon be allow^ed to interfere in
the event of the labour being unduly prolonged, although it is
a very general custom for amateurs just to " give the mare
a little assistance." This is dangerous.

Times without number the writer has been called to mares
in labour, after all amateurish efforts have proved abortive,
so far as delivery of the foal has been concerned. But what
about the damage done ?

In many such instances the fate of the mare has been
sealed, and probably that of the foal as well.

In large breeding establishments the stud groom is often
obstetrician, but he has usually a fair knowledge of the elementary
principles of parturition. It is the easiest thing in the world
to infect the generative passage of a mare at foaling.

Moreover, how can a layman be certain when the mouth
of the womb is sufficiently dilated to permit of the exit of the
foetus ? Special qualifications are necessary, and it is the
M.R.C.V.S. that is trained for this purpose.

Unless thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, the fingers,
arms, etc., and soiling of the external generative organs, may
serve as a source for the introduction of micro-organisms

245

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

into the now liii^lih' \'a<rnlar generative passage. Furtlier, the
multifarious causes of prolonged and abnormal labour most
certainh' demands that the work be relegated to the pro-
fessional man, but this should be before and not after damage
has been done by clumsy hands, communicating disease into the
interior.

It is most unjust to any practitioner to ask him to com-
plete a task that has foiled, and been fouled by, an amateur.
If it is impossible to obtain the services of a quaUfied V.S.,
and labour is complicated, then the hands, arms, etc., ought
to be scrubbed with hot water containing seme disinfectant,
and the mare's external genitals w^ashed in a similar manner.

If the foal is dead, a few quarts of warm water is useful
to irrigate the womb with, and a little antiseptic can be added
to this with advantage.

The warmth assists relaxation of the muscles and liga-
ments, likewise serves to lubricate the passage, thus facilitating
delivery of the foal.

Rough treatment must be avoided. If any cords are used,
these should be well boiled beforehand, so as to sterilise them.

Many difficult presentations occur, such as the " breech "
— a very intricate one — more especially if foal is on its back
or side. One fore and one hind limb are sometimes put for-
ward on delivery, therefore extreme care must be exercised
to ascertain whether this is the case, before fixing cords and
attempting delivery.

The head may be presented, but no signs of limbs. Foal
must be pushed back and an effort made to reach the fetlocks

246

MANAGEMENT OF BROOD MARES

so as to bring legs into a straight line for delivery. When the
foal is on its back it must be turned by leverage of the hand
around the shoulder. Sometimes the head is turned backwards
towards the shoulder, if so, an effort must be made to place
it in a straight line, by cording the lower jaw or use of the hook,
but the layman ought not to use instruments, especially hooks,
as it is very easy to create a fatal injury through the use of
these appliances.

A cause of difficult — very difficult — labour is that due to
the accumulation of gas beneath the skin of the foetus, due
to after death changes. Dropsy, abnormalities, and many
conditions of foal or mare, are causes of protracted labour. As
soon as the foal is born — unless the cord has ruptured itself, it
is advisable to tie it off three or four inches from the navel.
One can hardly be too particular regarding cleanliness
over this action, and many foals die through neglect in this
matter. Boil the tape or string and have very clean hands :
dust on a little boracic powder, or some other antiseptic.

If foal is unable to stand it ought to be allowed to remain
on ground, so as to gain strength. There is no particular hurry
for it to suck. A little education is often necessary in this
respect, as many of these little creatures are very innocent of
their surroundings, and the good stuff that Nature has provided
as their aliment.

In the event of the mare dying, or having a poor milk
supply, the foal must be reared by artificial means, though it
often happens — not always — that the foal does not recompense
one for the care and expense.

247

SECTION E,

SIGNS OF DISEASE.

THERAPEUTICS.

SPECIFIC AND CATARRHAL

COMPLAINTS.
DIGESTIVE DISORDERS.

DISEASE OF BONES, JOINTS,
ETC.

WOUNDS AND THEIR TREAT-
MENT.

DISEASES AFFECTING FEET.

SOME DISEASES OCCURRING
ABROAD.

SKIN DISEASES, ETC.

DISEASES AND INJURIES OF
THE EYE.

CHAPTER XIV

(a) signs of disease ; (b) THERAPEUTICS.

THE BREATHING AND PULSE.

WHEN the horse is at rest, and kept in a cool stable,
the respirations average twelve to fourteen per minute.
In lung apoplexy, especially, this number is greatly
increased. Exercise, excitement, etc., all increase the respira-
tory movements.

In some diseases the breathing is slowed, whilst the inspira-
tory (intake of air) and expiratory (output) acts are performed
unequally, or irregularly. Notew^orthy examples of the latter
are seen in broken wind and pleurisy.

The most convenient situation to take the pulse of the
horse is at the artery winding around about the middle of the
lower jaw. The fingers, second and third, ought to be made
to compress the artery very gently, and of course it is essential
that the animal be perfectly quiet meanwhile. It is not an
easy matter for the layman to glean a correct appreciation of
the pulse, the beats of which, in the adult horse, during health,
range from thirty-six to forty-five per minute.

The pulsations may be equal or unequal as to time, or
volume, or both, and either hard or soft. In foals the pulse is
not of much value in assisting one to mark the progress of

251

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

disease, and the number of pulsations is more than donbk^ that
normally present in the healthy adult animal.

THE TEMPERATURE OF THE BODY.

The normal temperature is ioo° Fahr. Unless certain
special causes, e.g., fever, etc., are operative, the temperature
never exceeds ioi-6° Fahr. A common temperature in slight
fever is 103.2° Fahr. and 104^ Fahr. Temperatures of 106° and
101° are not uncommonlv present during severe febrile distur-
bances. Iixercise increases temperature.

The rectum or vagina (though there is a slight variation
in the heat of these situations i are the usual places to ascertain
the temperature of the animal body. Take temperature night
and morning if necessary. Thermometers having the Kew
Certificates are, of course, reliable clinical instruments to
purchase. From half to three minutes is the usual time to
allow most thermometers to remain in position. The index,
i.e., the little detached piece of mercury, requires shaking
below 100° Fahr. before using. Each small mark is equivalent
to two-tenths of a degree Fahr., but each of the larger strokes
has the value of one degree Fahr.

THE EYES, NOSE AND SKIN.

In health the skin ought to have a soft and pliant feel.
It should be free from scurf, or any kind of roughness ; the
hair lying evenly over the surface. Tightness of skin, erec-
tion, or semi-erection of hair, are both indications of disorder.
Inecpiality of surface temperature is very frequent when there
is the slightest disturbance within the economy. Coldness of
the skin, and sweating along with this, are very commonly

252

(A) SIGNS OF DISEASE ; (B) THERAPEUTICS.

present during severe attacks of abdominal pain (colic, inflam-
mation, etc.). The skin often affords one of the best or only-
means of dia.s^nosing disease, e.g., cracked heels, mange, glanders.

In health, the mucous membranes of the eyes and nose are
of a bright pink colour, and the minute vessels entering into
their delicate texture scarcely observable. The shghtest varia-
tion in the animal's health causes an alteration upon the surface.
Pallidity of the membranes indicates deficiency of blood
colouring materials ; " blueness " imperfect oxidation ; " dry-
ness," preparatory to a catarrhal affection. Excessive moisture
is seen during the second stage of influenza, inflammation
of the eyes, catarrh, strangles, etc. In pink eye, and some-
times at the outset of founder the mucous membranes of the
eyes show remarkable turgidity, so much so that the eyelids
are frequently closed.

THE BOWELS.

A hard, dry, and slimy condition of the fences points to
stoppage being the cause of disorder ; blood, with loose stools,
to disease of the lower end of the bowel ; segment of tape, or
round worms themselves, are evidence of the animal being
infested with these pests.

THE URINARY AND GENERATIVE ORGANS.

Special attention should be given to these, noting any
abnormality either during the act of urination, or the colour,
quantity, etc., of the urine discharged.

In some diseases the urine is at once diagnostic. For
instance, in the malady azoturia, the water is coffee coloured

253

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

as a rule. J^lood, previous to, or subsequent upon, the act of
urination, points to diseases of some portion of the urinary
a}:)paratus. Strangury is a frequent accompaniment of colic ;
likewise may be a sym])tom of stone, etc. Note any peculiarity
in connection with these parts. A discharge of matter (pus)
from either of these organs points to catarrhal inflammation,
the causes of which may be manifold.

(b) therapeutical agents, Etc.

FIRING (CAUTERY).

The application of the hot iron is frequent in veterinary
practice. Its abuse is also fairly general. In many diseases
firing is absolutely useless, though persisted on. The actual
cautery is also used for the purpose of arresting haemorrhage.

Tendons and joints, or the neighbourhood of these, are
the usual seats for the application of the cautery. It is a common
practice to appb/ a blister after hring, though not always
advisable. In spavin (bone) firing in points (pyro-puncture)
seems to give better results than the line design.

BLISTERS AND BLISTERING.

Before applying a blister it is usual to wash the part with
soap and warm water ; and if the hair is long previous to doing
this, clip it off. See that the surface of application is thoroughly
dry before using the blister.

Cantharides (Indian blister beetle) is the best vesicant for
general purposes. It is conveniently applied as an ointment.

254

(A) SIGNS OF DISEASE; (B) THERAPEUTICS

Rub the blister in for about twenty minutes, and then tie
the animal's head short for about forty-eight hours. When
the blisters are bursting, it is usual to smear the blistered area
with some soothing application such as olive oil, seven parts,
Goulard's water, one part ; mix. Iodine ointment ; red blister-
ing ointment, turpentine, etc., are commonly used as blistering
agents.

HOW TO GIVE A DRAUGHT.

Liquid food or medicine requires to be given slowdy — a
pint beer bottle being used to contain the fluid. An assistant
stands in front and supports the head with the twitch or other
appliance, whilst the operator places himself on the right side
of the head, inserting the neck of the bottle betw^een the space
formed by the molar and incisor teeth. The bottle neck should
not come in contact with the teeth in the least. x\s the lower
lip forms a pouch for the fluid, it is necessary to support this
with the left hand. Give the liquid slowly, but surely, and do
not let the head down until it is pretty certain that the animal
has got the whole of the draught. If the draught has been
properly administered, scarcelv a teaspoonful ought to be
spilled.

When giving a ball, the latter is, of course, grasped between
the tips of the three fingers. Conical pointed balls glide down
the easiest. The bolus having been delivered well back, the
mouth is closed, and the neck then viewed to see its descent into
the stomach. If the ball causes the horse to cough, it is almost
certain to be rejected. Quietness and quickness of action are
indispensable factors for giving a bolus.

255

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

ENEMAS.

If the clyster is given with a view of emptying the lower
end of the gut, the amount of fluid to be injected varies from
a couple of quarts to several gallons. Tepid water, to which
soft soap and a little salt have been added, makes a useful
enema for this purpose. Various substances are used, such as
Epsom salts, oil, etc. As a tonic to the lower end of the bowel
(e.g., for piles) inject about one pint of cold water every morning.
Nutrient enemas are composed of flour gruel, brandy, eggs,
etc. The bowel must be cleared out before making use of this
form of clyster. Salt and water, or turpentine, water and
soap are the agents commonly employed to remove worms,
bot larvae, etc., from the rectum. Special syringes are sold
for horses, and should hold at least three pints when full.
Most of the newer enema syringes have pump action, so that a
continuous stream is poured into the lower end of the bowel.

POULTICING AND FOMENTING.

A poultice can either be applied duectly to the part, or
indirectly, in accordance with the effect it is desired to produce ;
likewise, it may be used either hot or cold.

Bran, Unseed, oatmeal, mashed turnips, potatoes, swedes,
and hops, are the substances usually used for this purpose.
If a hot poultice is required then the material should be boiled
with a sufficiency of water.

When a poultice has to be applied to the feet, bran is gener-
ally used ; the material being put in a piece of stout sackcloth,
and then tied around the lower part of the leg.

256

(A) SIGNS OF DISEASE; (B) THERAPEUTICS

The application of hot water can be carried out by wring-
ing the water out of a blanket steeped in it. A mustard plaster
(paste) is, on the horse, usually applied directly to the skin,
being rubbed well in, and then washed off in about half an hour,
repeating if needful. Sometimes half the quantity of linseed
meal is added. As a fomentation for sprains of tendons, etc.,
a linen bandage can be dipped in water, then covered over with
a flannel one.

25;

CHAPTER XV

SPECIFIC AND CATARRHAL COMPLAINTS.

INFLUENZA.

INFLUENZA is a frequent disease amongst horses, and one
which, we regret to say, causes many deaths. Its course,
symptoms and treatment are akin to the same disease
in man, and to distemper affecting the dog.

It is constantly present in this and some other countries,
but now and again it assumes the form of an epizootic, i.e.,
widely distributed.

Spring and autumn are the seasons when the complaint
is most prevalent, so that it is probable that the weather has
some influence over the distribution of the malady. The
infective nature further largely influences its dissemination.
The diverse forms assumed by the complaint are considerably
influenced by the individual's constitution and its environment.
Take for instance two horses attacked with the disease, one of
which is situated where the most favourable conditions prevail ;
the other surrounded by the very opposite state of aftairs, yet
the constitutional stamina of both is, to all appearances, equal.
What do we commonly And ? Why, that the horse unfavour-
ably situated has the complaint in its worst form, and that it
either dies, or its convalescence is impeded through the onset
of some other debihtating malady {e.g., purpura), whilst the

'^50

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

horsi' ha\'ing sanitation in its la\'Our has already gone to work
again. This just shows one how important it is to try and
observe cleanhness, to attend to ventilation, etc., not only
when disease comes, but beforehand.

Sy))ipto))is. In the ordinary catarrhal form of mtiuenza,
the nasal membrane is at first reddened more than is usual, and
dry upon its surface. The membrane of the eye is turgid, in
one form (pink eye:, a very deep red, swollen, causing the
eyeHds to become closed, or partially closed, over the globe
of the eye. There is a cough, hard and dry at first, subse-
quently becoming soft, and frequent. Soreness of the throat,
and a purulent discharge from the nostrils, are exceedingly
common symptoms. A marked feature of influenza is the
rapid loss of flesh. Internal temperature varies, but it is
frequently 105° Fahr., though at times higher, or it may be lower.
It is owing to this rapid oxidation of the tissues that the
loss of flesh and prostration ensues. The extreme exhaustion
intercurrent with the disease renders a previously weak subject
specially prone to succumb to the attack.

Pleurisy, inflammation of the lungs, rheumatism, and
dysentery, are frequent complications, requiring treatment
accordingly.

Treatment. — Good nursing is one half the battle. The
prostration must be overcome through the use of nutrients,
combined with alcoholic stimulants, such as brandy — say, six
ounces ever}- two hours, along with eight eggs and a pint of milk.
Steam the nostrils four times daily, and to each inhalation add
a tablespoonful of creolin. Linseed tea, gruel, cold nnlk,
scalded oats, etc., ought to hv allowed as food. Hoiled carrots

26c

SPECIFIC AND CATARRHAL COMPLAINTS

are equally useful. Allow cold water to drink, and add two
drachms of powdered nitre to it night and morning. No
purgative medicine must be permitted. Small doses, say, table-
spoonful, of Epsom Salts added to the drinking water, are
very useful. Treacle (say half a pound) or a few tablespoonsful
of linseed oil may be added to a small mash. The body ought
to be lightly, yet warmly, clad, and the limbs bandaged. The
temperature of the stable must be kept as near 60° Fahr.
as possible. A small stove or oil lamp will usually suffice,
if the animal is in a loose box. A dry straw bed is, of course,
a sine qua non. If the cough is troublesome, rub the throat
with turpentine liniment or mustard paste, and swathe the
throat with a woollen cloth. In addition to this give the
horse half a drachm of extract of belladonna and two
drachms of powdered chlorate of potash, mixed with honey,
three times daily. Simply smear the foregoing electuary on
the inner side of the cheek. When the animal is recovering,
let it have gentle exercise, along with some tonic medicine, such
as sulphate of iron, 2 drs., powdered columba, 2 drs., in the
form of a powder, and along with the food, night and morning.

STRANGLES.

This is a very common affection, and one specially prone
to attack the young, though age does not confer immunity,
neither does a previous attack of the same malady render the
animal proof against a second illness, though we are inclined to
believe that a prior attack of strangles diminishes the risk of
infection.

In its simple and usual form the malady is denoted by the
appearance of a gradually progressive abscess, beneath, or
between, the branches of the lower jaw. In some instances

261

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

there is a considerable degree of constitutional disturbance,
causing loss of appetite, thirst, cough, and elevation of internal
temperature, with irregularity of external warmth. In other
cases there is little more apparent than the swelling under the
jaw, the maturation and rupture of which is followed by a
return to health, or, it may be, increased vigour. At the
very outset of the complaint, the upper part of the throat feels
exceedingly hard when manipulated, yet there may be no
obvious swelling. When the latter becomes great, the breathing
is interfered with, perhaps threatening suffocation.

Treatment. — Put the animal in a warm and dry house ;
clothe the body and give soft food only. Try and encourage
the discharge (if any) from the nose through the use of inhala-
tions, at frequent intervals. The swelling under the jaw can
be hastened on through the use of a blister ; the application of
which is the least trouble, though the author's experience has
shown that better results are brought about when the application
of hot linseed, or other meal poultices, can be properly apphed.
The writer does not advise the use of a blister under any other
circumstances than that of convenience. When the abscess
has matured, i.e.^ feels soddened, and " pits " when pressed by
the finger tip, it should be lanced, its contents allowed to drain
out, and the cavity washed with a solution of creolin (2 drachms
to a pint of water). Now plug it with clean tow tor a lew
days. The dressing withdrawn, it is allowed to heal up.

In the event of the systemic disturbance being great,
2 drachms of chlorate of potash can be added to a quarter of a
pailful of cold water, night and morning.

In irregular strangles the abscess appears in some other
situation ; in many^cases, internally.

262

SPECIFIC AND CATARRHAL COMPLAINTS

GLANDERS.

This malady is caused by bacilli, known as the " bacillus
malleus." The germs are present in the nasal discharge,
likewise upon the ulcers and sores. Glanders (and farcy) is
readily transferredtoman, the ass and the mule, also to guinea-pigs,
by inoculation . It has been communicated to the ox by artificial
inoculation. It assumes, in the horse, either an acute or chronic
form, usually the latter, though chronic conditions of the
malady may develop into the acute and vice versa. In the
earliest stages of the malady it has been shown that the lungs
are the seat of the disease ; yet no external evidence of its
existence may be present.

Symptoms. — There is a cough, and a hard, fixed condition
of one or both of the glands beneath and at the sides of the
lower jaw, but there is no tendency towards suppuration.
In addition to the foregoing, there is a discharge from
the nose — frequently the left nostril. This nasal discharge is
not so constant as in the case of a horse having an attack of
influenza, simple catarrh, strangles, etc. Examination of the
nasal cavity, or cavities, will usually disclose the so-called
" punched out " ulceration of the lining membrane. If the sores
are carefully observed it will be seen that they show little or no
inclination towards proper healing. It is not at all uncommon
to find these sores, after death, upon the lining of the upper
part of the windpipe. In acute glanders there is straw coloured
discharge from the nose, extensive swelling of the head, high
fever (probably io8° Fahr.), and, it may be, threatened suffo-
cation. In chronic glanders the temperature is commonly
elevated two or three degiees. In addition, we may find the
sores of larcy (buds, buttons, or nodules), the presence of

263

HORSES; THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

ulcers in the nasal cavities being the most significant sign oi
glanders.

Being a readily inoculable malady, extreme care must be
exercised whilst handling suspected animals. The diagnosis
of glanders or farcy is rendered comparatively easy through
the " mallein test." Notification of the existence, or supposed
existence, of either glanders or farcy to the nearest local
authority is demanded, and failure to do so brings the owner
liable to a fine or imprisonment.

Farcy is frequently associated with glanders. For instance,
a horse may have the ordinary lesions of pure glanders for some
time, when it develops the farcy sores upon the skin ; hence
farcv is merely the same disease as glanders, only the germs
are expending their energy upon the absorbent vessels as well.
Both maladies, so far as we know, are totally incurable, and
the recoveries of the past were merely " patched up," spreading
the disease wherever they went — living centres of infection.

Nodules arise along the course of the lymph channels, and
then burst, leaving an unhealthy sore, discharging a yellowish
blood-tinged matter. In acute farcy, one of the limbs begins
to suddenly swell up, and the constitutional disturbance becomes
severe.

Chronic, or the slow form of farcy, is liable to develop into
the acute, or initiate the ordinary lesions of glanders.

ANTHRAX.

Anthrax is not a common ailment of the horse, though
probably more so than is suspected. The ox is frequently
affected ; so that in the disposal of the carcases of these
animals, the horse may get smitten with the malady. In

264

SPECIFIC AND CATARRHAL COMPLAINTS

exceptional instances horses have acquired the disease through
eating infected fodder, or whilst grazing over an anthrax buiial
ground. This latter shows the necessity for cremation.
Acquired in this manner, we assume that the animal must have
had some abrasion about the mouth, lip, etc., in order that the
anthrax germs (bacteria) could gain admission into the blood
streams. In swampy districts, ^'.g., the fens of Lincoln and Norfolk^
the horse now and again falls a victim to anthrax. Sometimes
head and tongue participate. There is intense swelhng and
inflammation of the tongue, etc., under these circumstances
CGloss Anthrax). The germs of anthrax are v^ery minute, and
they have the form of short rods. Their presence is diagnostic
of the malady. Of course, no layman could — unless an experi-
enced microscopist — be expected to detect the organisms in the
blood.

In the event of an outbreak of anthrax in any animal,
immediate notification to the local authority of the district is
necessary. Failure to notify renders the proprietor liable to
fine, or to imprisonment.

RHEUMATISM AND JOINT-ILLNESS.

For a considerable time it has been suggested that
rheumatism is of a specific nature, or, in other words, caused by
germs in the blood. The hyper-acidity of this fluid is probably
the outcome of an organised ferment.

Muscular rheumatism is not frequent in the horse, though
cases of it are now and again seen. Foals are frequently
affected, and their joints become exceedingly hot, tender,
swollen, and painful, and the navel is often very sore ; in fact,
part of the disease infection takes place from here.

265

HORSES : THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

In intiiienza the joints are sometimes im})licated. The
swelHngs of rheumatism have the remarkable feature of dis-
appearing suddenly from one joint — usually re-appearing in
another (metastasis). Heat, pain, and swelHng, along with
crackHng at the joints, and fever, are amongst the leading signs
of rheumatism. The chief danger of the malady rests upon the
damage that may be done to the heart.

Treatment. — Keep in a very warm place, and clothe body
thoroughly. Bandage limbs ; if joints are swollen and hot,
apply cloths, dipped in iced water, at frequent intervals. If
this affords no relief in forty-eight hours, rub the parts with a
liniment composed of equal proportions of capsicum, bella-
donna, and opodeldoc liniments. Repeat several times daily,
using friction and massage. Add a few tablespoonsful of linseed
oil to the food. If a foal, consult veterinary surgeon.

CATARRH AND SORE THROAT.

This term simply means a cold, and, like the human
subject, the horse has often to be laid aside through a chill. A
frequent cause is that of allowing the animal to stand about
after being warmed up through exertion. Damp stabhng,
clipping, with improper after-clothing, exposure to wet, etc.,
are frequent common causes.

Symptoms. — Shivering, a discharge from the nose, perhaps
a cough, and infiamed eyes. The appetite diminishes, and
there is general langour.

Treatment. — Keep warm, allow soft warm food, and steam
nostrils night and morning. Do not put to work again too
soon. Sore throat sometimes accompanies a simple cold, at

266

SPECIFIC AND CATARRHAL COMPLAINTS

others it is part and parcel of influenza. There is usually a good
deal of constitutional disturbance, even when the throat is sore
as the outcome of simple causes.

Symptoms. — There is a cough, hard at first, subsequently
soft and moist. The upper part of the throat is exceedingly
painful when handled, even lightly, and causes immediate
coughing. Difficulty of swallowing is a marked symptom.
Internal temperature increased several degrees. If of a specifi:c
nature, it has the additional symptoms indicative of such.

Treatment. — Rub the throat three times dailv with harts-
horn and oil, subsequently swathing the same in woollen cloths.
Allow nothing but linseed, gruel, oatmeal, etc., as food. Smear
half a drachm of extract of belladonna, mixed with a quarter
of an ounce of borax and honey, on the inside of the cheek
three times a day. Add two drachms (120 grains) of chlorate
of potash to the food, night and morning.

Do not attempt to administer either liquid food or medicine
to a horse having a sore throat. Keep the animal in a warm
place, bandage limbs and clothe body sufliciently. When the
nose begins to discharge, encourage this latter by steaming
the nasal passage. Pour boiling water over bran contained
in a nose bag. It usually occupies several days to get the
horse fit for work again.

PLEURO-PNEUMONIA.

This is an inflammation of the hnmg membrane of the chest
and lungs. It is not an uncommon complaint, especially as a
comphcation of influenza. Injuries to the lungs, or chest,
sometimes bring it on.

267

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

Sy))iptoi)is. ~\ short, suppressed, and paiiitiil cough, fever,
standing in a hstless manner, loss of appetite, and, during the
early stages, a friction or dry-rubbing soiuid will be heard if
the ear be placed against the chest wall. Horse sometimes
grunts if threatened with a stick or the hand. As there is
danger of dropsy of the chest taking place, professional aid is
desirable. Two chstinct forms of pneumonia attack the horse,
viz., contagious and non-contagious. One or both lungs may
be the seat of diseased activity.

ACUTE PULMONARY CONGESTION.

Unconditioned horses occasionally fall victims to this
engorged condition of the lungs. Unless relief be afforded, it
proves speedily fatal. Free blood-letting is most efficient, unless
the constitutional stamina of the animal forbids the adoption of
this line of treatment. Sometimes it occurs through shutting
horses up, whilst w^et, in a closed stable.

Rapid breathing, beating of the flanks, with pulse of lOO
or so per minute, and anxious facial expression, are some of the
more significant signs of the malady.

INFLAMMATION OF THE BRONCHIAL TUBES

(BRONCHITIS).

\Mien accompanied by fever it is usual to speak of bron-
chitis as " acute " ; the absence of febrile symptoms conferring
the title " chronic " bronchitis, and sometimes as " chronic
cough " — an ambiguous expression. Briefly, bronchitis means
inflammation of the bronchial tubes, and the smaller the tubes
that are affected, the more serious the malady. Acute bronchitis
frequently leads up to inflammation of the lungs.

268

SPECIFIC AND CATARRHAL COMPLAINTS

Treatment. — The animal must be placed in a warm, moist
atmosphere. The stable should be kept at a uniform heat.
Put on light, yet warm clothing, and a set of flannel bandages
upon the limbs. Inhalations are of very great importance — to
each inhalation add half an ounce of creohn. We are, of course,
now referring to the treatment of the acute form of the com-
plaint. Give the following bolus night and morning : — ■

Recipe. — Ext. hyoscyamus, 3 drachms ; powdered carbonate
of ammonia, 3 drachms ; powdered squills, i oz. ; powdered
Barbados aloes, 3 drachms ; liquorice powder, 7 drachms ;
treacle, a sufficiency ; mix and divide into six balls. Give as
directed above.

As soon as the fever and cough abate, discontinue the
medicine. Half an ounce of chlorate of potash can be added
to the animal's drinking water. Tonics and gentle exercise
constitute the after treatment. Bronchitis is, as a rule, a
difficult affection to treat, so that, whenever possible, skilful
advice should be sought.

ROARING.

This is a very common malady in the horse, and one which
renders the value of the animal exceedingly small. Few would
feel disposed to purchase a " roarer."

In some instances roaring is curable, but never when due
to degenerative changes in connection with the muscles adjusting
the laryngeal opening, and this is by far the commonest cause.
The sound (roaring) varies from that of a slight whistle
(whistler ) to one of deep sonorous character. Slight — or it may
need severe — exertion, brings out the sound, and this is the usual
way of testing the wind, (irunting is a suspicion of roaring,
though not positive evidence of its existence.

26g

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

BROKEN WIND

The term " broken wind " is employed to indicate a
diseased condition in which the expiratory part of respiration

is " double " or " broken."

In looking at the breathing of a broken winded horse it
will be seen that the air is about Iialf expelled from the lungs
in a natural manner, with a slight secondary lift of the chest
wall in order to foree out the remainder. In addition to this,
there is a soft hollow cough — a very distinctive sign of broken
wind. The precise nature of broken wind is but ill-understood.

Driving a horse on a stomachful of bulkv food, and feeding
on dusty hay, etc., are speedy methods of making it broken
winded.

Vagabonds often attempt, and sometimes succeed, in
selling a broken winded horse as " sound."

The pecuniary value of such is little or nothing. So far as
we know it is incurable. Butter, shot, tar, etc., are commonly
used by unprincipled vendors desirous of taking advanta.ge
of an unsuspecting buyer.

270

CHAPTER XVI

DIGESTIVE DISORDERS.

LYMPHANGITIS.

THIS malady is often spoken of as " Monday morning
disease/' owing to its common occurrence after rest,
extending from the previous Saturday ; also as weed,
shot of grease, shot of cold, etc.

Swelling of the limbs, the result of an injury (puncture) to
the foot, beginning below and extending upwards, has been
spoken of by some authorities, as weed ; but we think it is
better to limit the meaning of the term " lymphangitis " to
that affection beginning in the glands, under the forearm, or
thigh, extending as a swelling down the limb.

The disease seems to be the result of congestion of the
absorbent glands under the forearm, or thigh. During a con-
tinuance of labour, the lymph, secreted by the glands, is driven
through the absorbent vessels, chiefly by the muscular move-
ments, so that directly these cease, stagnation in the vessels
occurs, ending in the production of the swelling.

Symptoms. — The swelling comes on very suddenly as a
rule. It may be a fore or hind leg that is attacked. In our
experience the near hind limb is the most frequently affected,
but it is not at all uncommon in the fore. Occasionally both

271

HORSES: THEIR POINTS ARD MANAGEMENT

liiiicl liiubs paiticipatt' in the disease. Tlie swelling begins on
the nmer and uppiT part of the thigh or under the arm ; ])itting,
on pressure with the Inigers, is not always present. When the
swelling is tirni and tense, we believe there is a greater degree
of pani. The former may extend down below the knee or hock,
though it is mostly seen above these parts. Colic is not an
uncommon accompaniment, along with other minor symptoms
of the animal being out of sorts.

Treatment {Preventive). — Allow^ half an hour's exercise
on Sunday morning. Give (when in season) a little extra
green food upon this day. In our opinion the most
rational method of dealing with lymphangitis is that of
giving the animal exercise. Have the horse walked about at
frecjuent intervals. To the swelling use warm water, applied
several times daily. Repeated attacks of lymphangitis
(inflamed Ivmphatics^ lead to permanent enlargement of
the limb, which nothing will restore to its normal ^ize.
This is known as chronic weed. Send for veterinary surgeon,
as this is often a very nasty complaint to treat.

AZOTURIA.

This must be regarded as a fairly common disease of the
horse, though we believe that it is almost exclusively confined
to horses which ha\'e been engaged in active work, and ha\'ing
food rich in nitrogen (proteid), e.g., oats, beans, peas, etc. We
have known it to come on to animals leading a life of sheer idle-
ness, directly they ha\-e travelled a little distance. The
characteristic feature of this disease is its method of attack.
Perhaps a horse has been at work until, say, to-day, when he is not
required, and of course, fed as usual ; directly he lea\-es the

272

DIGESTIVE DISORDERS

stable on the morrow, or he may have been at work a Httle
while (perhaps gone several miles), the animal begins to be
unsteady behind, then unable to move the hind limbs, ultimately
falling to the ground. The hind limbs appear to be the first
to give way. In some instances the horse is with difiiculty
got back into the stable.

Regarding the nature of the disease, very little is known.
It is probably due to the formation of some poisonous organic
material which accumulates in the muscles and blood, the
outcome of the metabolism of proteid (beans, oats, peas, etc.),
materials which constant work (muscular energy) enables the
economy to expel, or dispose of, according to the demands of
the system. It may be that the poisonous product thus formed
is of an acid nature ; believing that, an alkaline (soda, etc.),
course of treatment yields the most satisfactory (if guch it can
be called) results.

Cause. — The sole and only cause (predisposing) appears to
be a rich nitrogen diet and rest ; the exciting cause, exercise.

Symptoms. — The method of attack has already been
described. The large muscles on the hind quarters are mainly
affected. In addition to the sudden loss of power in this part,
the muscles feel as rigid as boards and sensation is practically
lost. The pulse, frequently about ninety per minute, and
temperature very little higher than in health, perhaps two
degrees.

When the urine is drawn off soon after the attack it is the
colour of coffee without milk, though not always discoloured.
This serves to distinguish azoturia from every other disease

273

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

affecting the liorso. If the animal survives two or three days
the urine grows lighter.

General Management. — In some instances it is a good plan
to put the animal in slings. If on the ground we think that
slinging is not of much importance. Give a good thick bed of
straw, and obtain professional assistance at once.

ACUTE DYSPEPSIA.

Gorged stomach is of very common occurrence in the horse,
being brought about through distension of the organ with bulky
or indigestible food. A long spell of work without food, followed
by a large feed, is particularly liable to produce this disorder.
Both of the foregoing causes tend to impair the functional
activities of the stomach, consequently, its duties begin to fail,
and the arrested food undergoes decomposition, resulting in the
production of gas, thus further increasing the disorder.

Symptoms. — The layman should not have much difficulty
in satisfying himself whether his horse is suffering from this
affection. The animal is restless at first, pawing with the fore
feet, lies down, but soon rises again, continually repeating those
movements. It will be evident that the horse has pain in the
belly, but it is not so severe as in the case of ordinary bellyache
(colic or gripes). The pain, though not steadily continuous, is
hardly of the remittent character observed in this latter com-
plaint. Sometimes it continues to annoy the horse for hours,
and were it not for the absence of cold sweats the small, sharp,
hard pulse beats, along with other signs, one would not find it
difficult to believe that it was inflammation of the stomach or
bowels.

274

DIGESTIVE DISORDERS

Although the disorder has been termed " stomach
staggers " — owingtowantof controloverthemovements — it must
be understood that staggering symptoms are not b}^ any means
always present. Participation of the brain is denoted by the
animal pressing its head against the wall, and, when compelled
to move, shows a want of control over the movements. The
breathing may be of a snoiing character, and the pulse slow
and full. Attempts to vomit are not infrequent, rendering the
horse liable to rupture his stomach, because this act is accom-
plished with great difficulty in this animal.

Treatment (i) Prevention. — Avoid giving indigestible food,
or excess of food. If boiled food is the cause, stop giving this.
When the animal comes in after a long spell of work, feed very
sparingly, and then (say in one or two hours' time), give a full
meal.

(2) Medicinal. — Give the following draught at once : —

Recipe. — Bicarbonate of potash, \ ounce (dissolved in
water, i ounce) ; and add to it linseed oil, i\ pints ; mix, and
administer the whole. If preferred, four drachms of aloes
(dissolved in four ounces of hot water), can be given along
with three-quarters of a pint of linseed oil. In about half-an-
hour's time, provided that pain is present, but sleepiness absent,
or cnly present to a slight degree, it will be advisable to try
and do away with the former, for which purpose the draught
as below, may be given : —

Recipe. — Tincture of belladonna, \ ounce ; tincture of
hyoscyamus, i ounce ; tincture of capsicum, 2 drachms ;
tincture of ginger, 3 drachms ; water, \ pint ; mix, make
draught, and give the whole to a moderate or large sized horse,

?;5

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

For a colt or cob, ponv, etc., half this quantity will suffice, with
the addition of half a break fastcupful of brandy or whisky.
The foregoing draught can be repeated ni (quarter (i.e., by
dixiding the draught into four parts) doses, every two-and-a-half
or three hours, until the ])ain subsides.

When sleepiness and staggering are the leading symptoms,
the best }:)lan is to bleed the animal, taking away about three
quarts of blood, if the horse is vigorous and full bodied. Apply
cold water, or ice bag, to the head. For the latter purpose, the
ice is powdered, put in a bag, and applied to the poll, with a
cloth inter\'ening, if it has to be continued for any length of
time. Th(^ after treatment comprises careful feeding. Soft,
warm food (bran, linseed, etc.), may be allow-ed for the first
day or two. A little green forage will assist the action of the
medicine.

The term cliroiiic indigestion is often applif^d to symptoms
analogous to those observed in the preceding disorder, but of
more gradual occurrence, and more lasting in their nature. Very
often we find that this so-called chronic indigestion (dyspepsia)
is but the outcome of disease in connection with other organs,
such as the heart, liver, stomach, intestines, etc. Disease,
or irregularities of the teeth, are common causes. In some
instances it may be that it is a purely functional derange-
ment, brought about through irregular feeding, giving food of
an inferior quality, driving, or working immediately after
feeding, injudicious watering, or through the habitual use of
food too stimulating in its effects.

Symptoms. — A dry and scurvy condition of the skin ;
dej^raved appetite ; want of constitutional stamina ; constipa-

276

DIGESTIVE DISORDERS

tion ; perhaps the animal is a wind sucker ; at times, sHght
touches of the bellyache ; sourness of the mouth ; and, it may
be, decayed or irregular teeth.

Treatment. — First of all try and find out the cause, and then
treat in accordance with such. The occasional use of an
antibihous ball will be of service. In addition to this, two
ounces of Price's pure glycerine can be added to the animal's
drinking water, night and morning. When due to worms, the
appropriate remedies must be used (see Worms). If ulceration
of the stomach is the cause, little can be done.

General Management. — Feed at regular hours. Do not
give food until after the animal has been watered. Crushed
oats, linseed and bran scalded, are excellent, particularly if
given after a little hay or green meat.

Never work the animal immediately after feeding. Avoid
bulky, hard, dry food, or such other as may be indiges-
tible. Do not use spices or condiments. Carrots are excellent
under these circumstances. Two or three tablespoonsful of
linseed oil can be added daily to a small bran mash. Ox gall
may be used in the same way if the horse can be persuaded to
take it ; give in tablespoonful doses. A piece of chalk is
advantageously placed within reach, so that the horse can lick
at it occasionally, or rock salt substituted. Good grooming is
all important, so is regular exercise.

COLIC.

In its broadest sense the term " colic " is occasionally
employed to indicate any pain arising within the belly, but
under this heading we purpose limiting the meaning of that

277

HORSES : THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

term, using it to tliat afft^ction arising from simple functional
disturbances, due to a spasmodic contraction of the bowels,
devoid of any inflammation. Regarded in this light it is one
of the commonest affections to which the horse is subject, cer-
tainly more frequent in him than any other animal with which
we are acquainted. When the complaint is accompanied by
distension of the belly (bowels) with gas it is popularly known
as " flatulent colic," a complaint that demands immediate
treatment, otherwise a speedy death may be the termination.

This rapid disengagement of gas within the bowels appears
to be the result of fermentative changes of the food, brought
about through a livirtg ferment inhabiting the intestines. Such
gases as marsh gas, carbon dioxide, and sulphuretted hydrogen,
appear to be the principal ones generated. Sometimes the
belly becomes so rapidly distended with these gases that the
animal is carried off within half an hour.

Causes. — A frequent cause is impaction of food material in
the large bowel, chiefly within the double colon. Coarse, dry,
and indigestible food is liable to accumulate in this situation.

Old horses and others having defective masticating powers,
are somewhat predisposed to suffer from this ailment. Con-
cretions within the bowels, especially when such are small, are
by no means an uncommon cause of colic. These small concre-
tions are chiefly dangerous in this respect, through their tendency
to shift along the course of the canal, and it is, we beheve, this
alteration of position which causes the pain, or by complete
stoppage of the bowel, exciting inflammation of the latter.

Horses suffering from repeated attacks of colic ma\- be
suspected of having these concretions in the stomach or bowels.

278

DIGESTIVE DISORDERS

Green food in excess, purgatives, drinking cold water when over-
heated, diarrhoea, lead poisoning, etc., are all causes of colic.
Sometimes a rupture (hernial becomes strangulated, causing the
most violent symptoms of bellyache. Stalhons or geldings
having a rupture, should always be examined carefully with a
view to ascertaining whether this is the cause of the pain.

The palisade worm (see Worms) occasionally produces
bellyache, and it is quite likely other parasites do the same.
In-foal mares are rather inclined to have attacks of colic, often
of great severity.

Symptoms. — Most horse owners are familiar with the
symptoms of colic. Sudden manifestation of pain within the
belly, with intervals of freedom from this ; stamping the feet,
rolling on the ground, and rising to the feet again, and when
the pain is very severe, profuse sweating. Sometimes the pain
is not so severe, still we know it is there, because the animal
will keep rising and lying alternately. In these instances,
there is usually no sweating, or very little, and we have known
the animal continue in this state several days.

Treatment. — Before giving any medicine it is absolutely
essential to consider the cause. We have seen it recommended
to give a purgative before having ascertained this latter. This
is a practice that cannot be too strongly censured. On this
account the layman should never try nostrum gripe drinks.

To make the matter plainer, let us suppose that a horse
suffers from frequent attacks of bellyache, and that we believe
the cause to be concretions. Now, by giving a purgative, the
concretion will be moved, driven along the bowel, and perhaps

2/9

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

block it up. Here our })uri^ative may have been the means of
converting simple sjxisni into one of inflammation and death.

Again, supposing that colic results from an overdose of
physic, fermentation, or excess of green food, diarrhoea, a
strangulated rupture, etc., by giving physic, we will, instead
of subduing the pain, increase it, and probably subdue the
animal instead.

Having, or believing to have, a correct knowledge of the
cause, then it may or may not be necessary to give a purgative.
When thought to result from indigestion, give the following
draught at once : —

Recipe. — Powdered Barbados aloes, 6 drachms (dissolved
in hot water, 2 ounces) ; tincture of belladonna, ^ ounce ;
sweet spirit of nitre, i ounce ; sal volatile, \ ounce ; tincture of
ginger, ^ ounce ; water, k pint ; mix and make draught. Give
the whole at once to a medium sized horse. If the pain con-
tinues (two hours) repeat, but leave out the aloes.

When the pain is due to drinking cold water after being
overheated, use the draught below : —

Recipe. — Tincture of capsicum, 3 drachms ; tincture of
ginger, 4 drachms ; laudanum, i ounce ; tincture of hyoscyamus,
I ounce ; sulphuric aether, 2 ounces ; water added, \ pint ;
mix, and give the whole just as it is.

In repeated attacks of cohc, this draught will be found
suitable. When the belly is distended with gas, two to
eight tablespoonsful of turpentine may be given at once,
in a pint of linseed oil. If there is no improvement after a
time, but the belly is not as yet increasing much in size, repeat

280

DIGESTIVE DISORDERS

draught in a couple of hours, using one half the quantity. Send
for professional assistance, and the sooner the better.

INFLAMMATION OF BOWELS.

The horse is a very common sufferer from inflammation of
the bowels, proceeding from internal irritation (worms, etc.),
but very commonly the result of twisting, or telescoping of
some portion of the bowels. Strangulation of the gut, through
rupture, is not uncommonly a cause of intestinal (bowel) in-
flammation. A puncture of the belly, and blows from without,
may be productive of like results.

The same may be said when the bowel becomes blocked
up by accumulated food materials. Concretions are liable to
act in a like manner. In the writer's opinion, inflammation
of the bowels in the horse is hardly ever brought on through
cold, damp, etc. Again, we believe that colic, as a purely spas-
modic affection from the beginning, never ends in bowel inflam-
mation. There is no evidence to show one that such has ever
taken place. It is purely a matter of assumption, without the
slightest basis for foundation.

Poisons rank amongst other causes of bowel iaflammation,
associated with an inflamed condition of the stomach. In
anthrax, the bowels may participate, and become inflamed. In
a record of 120 cases of bowel inflammation, eighty-eight were
said to be due to irritation of worms ; the chief mischief-maker
being the blood sucking worm, or four-spined strongyle. The
inflammation is commonly in the large bowels, and begins
usually in the lining membrane of the gut, but in twist, etc.,
the whole thickness of the bowel paiticipates equally.

281

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

Sv))ipl<>)iis. l^iin in the bcll\- ; but, unlike tli'it of simule
colic, it is continuous, seldom ha\'ini4' inU'rx-als of remission.
Pain when the helh' is pressed. The pulse is small, very hard,
and (juick. Anxiety of facial expression, cold sweats, writhini(
in ))ain, and the small hard j^ulse, are symptoms which
few can mistake the significance of. The incessant
pawing of the ground, looking at the flanks, pressing the hind
quarters against the wall, and, in some instances, attempts to
climb the latter, are additional indications of inflammation of
the bowels.

The symptoms are usually rapidly progressive, until a
certain stage, when the animal may become " apparently "
free from pain, perhaps partaking of a little food. The layman
must not be deceived in this way. When an animal, suffering
in the manner indicated, suddenly becomes free from pain, it is
the signal of approaching death. Here the absence of pain
implies mortification (death) of some portion of the bowel. A
little discretion will prevent one from falling into such an error.
The anxiety of countenance, cold sweats, and running down
pulse are indicative that the end is near. This is fatal in almost
every instance, particularly if due to twist, or to intussusception.
The limbs should be hand-rubbed, then bandaged, and a deep
clean straw bed laid down. Send for professional aid at once.
Purgatives should never be given to a horse suffering from
pain within the belly, until it is certain that the cause of such
is through impaction with food materials. Externally, the
most useful application, in our opinion, is mustard paste,
rubbed over the whole face and sides of the abdomen ; subse-
quently, say in half-an-hour, washing the same off, then
rubbing the surface with a liniment consisting of equal parts

282

DIGESTIVE DISORDERS

of laudanum, tincture of capsicum, and opodeldoc. Now clothe
the belly and loins with stout woollen rugs. If the pain seems
to diminish, along with other improvements, the mustard can
be repeated.

JAUNDICE.

The horse, unlike most other animals, has no gall bladder,
or reservoir for the storage of bile, the latter being poured
continuously, and directly, into the beginning of the small
intestine (duodenum). This is owing to the fact that food is
constantly passing out of a relatively small stomach. The bile
performs important functions in connection with digestion and
promoting healthy activity within the bowels. It is secreted
by the cells of the hver, and any interference with the health
functional activity of this organ may bring on the condition
popularly known as the " yellows," which indicates disturbed
or perverted activity of the hver and bile. In reahty, jaundice
is but a symptom of something wrong, thus we often enough
observe yellowness of the skin, etc., during an attack of influenza,
consequently its occurrence during the course of this disease
has bestowed upon it the name of " bilious fever." The
characteristic yeUow colour is due to the entrance of the bile
colouring matter (pigments) into the blood, and its subsequent
distribution throughout the body.

Yellowness of the skin and white of the eyes ; inside the
mouth, the tongue being yellow, sour smelhng, and pasty ;
pulse generally soft, slow, and full ; urine golden coloured ; and
dung clay coloured, small in amount, and offensive. The skin
may be dry and scurvy, and sometimes the horse is lame in
the right fore limb. Fever may, or may not, be present.

283

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

Treatment. — A great deal will (k'])t'n(l iij^on the canst'. In
almost every instance it will be (|nite safe to allow half an
ounce of snl{)hate of soda in tlic drinking water, twice daily.

This treatment can be continued until the horse shows
signs of ini})r()\-enient. If it fails to afford any relief, it will be
advisable to consult a veterinary surgeon at once.

General Managemoit. — Give green food^ and such as we
know to be least stimulating. Exercise is beneficial as a rule.

DIARRHCEA.

The expulsion of liquid evacuations may be, and frequently
is, an accompaniment of many disordered and diseased con-
ditions. For instance, one manifestation of horse distemper
(influenza) is marked by the sudden and persistent expulsion of
liquid excrement from the bowels (see Influenza or Horse
Distemper). At times it would, however, appear to be more
purely of a simpler nature, such as may result from exposure
to cold, or a sudden change of diet, under which circumstances
it is more amenable to treatment. The occurrence of diarrhoea
in foals is somewhat different from that affecting the adult,
consequently the author treats of it apart from the affection
now under discussion.

Causes. — As already stated, diarrhoea is invariably but a
symptom of some other affection, consequently it renders the
task of laying down the causation difficult, or weW nigh
impossible. To concentrate the various causes, would be to
state all such as cause irritation of the delicate lining of the
bowels, especially of the smaller ones.

284

DIGESTIVE DISORDERS

The sudden changing of a horse's diet will at times bring
on diarrhoea, as frequently happens when animals are turned
out at pasture after, having had dry fodder for a time ; and the
converse, can^ with equal propriety, be applied.

Poisonous materials, either of a herbal or mineral nature,
as well as the irritation induced through the consumption of
large quantities of roots, may cause diarrhoea. Bad water, or
water containing an excess of saline aperient minerals will at
times lead to diarrhoea. One very fruitful cause of continuous
scouring, in colts and fillies especially, is due to the presence
of small round worms.

Symptoms. — It is not necessary to say much about these,
because the excessive passing of liquid faeces is at once obvious.
The material ejected is watery, sometimes of a greyish-yellow,
and containing particles of solid matter, more rarely blood
(see Dysentery). If due to the four-spined worm previously
mentioned, one or more of these will very likely be passed in
the excrement. Such symptoms as a harsh, and erect, or semi-
erect condition of the hair over the body, shght yellowness
about the eyes (more especially if the hair is at fault), and
frequent pouting of the anus, are commonly present, when due
to worms.

Treatment. — It is difficult to lay down any lines of treat-
ment. As a preventive, it is always advisable to bring
change of food about gradually. If the water is beheved to
be the cause, then an effort must be made to remedy it.
Roots, potatoes, and other succulent herbage, will of course
require to be withheld for the time being. \Mien diarrhoea
comes on during an attack of influenza, it is best combated,

28 s

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

through \t'r\- careful dietary, with some Httle medicinal
assistance. If there is any degree of yellowness about the
eyes, and the animal seems to ha\-e some })ain within the
belly, an effort must be made to relieve these symptoms, for
which |)ur})ose the following ball will be useful : —

Recipe. — Compound cinnamon powder, i drachm ; pow-
dered sodium carbonate, z drachms ; powdered opium, 40
grains ; grey powder, 30 grains ; powdered ginger, 2 drachms ;
extract of belladonna, \ drachm ; linseed meal, i drachm ;
treacle, sufficient to form a ball ; mix, give one of such balls
night and morning, before feeding. The food must consist
of wheaten ifour gruel, rice water, etc.

When diarrhoea is thought to arise through indigestible
matter within the alimentary canal, it is usnal to try and clear
as much of this away as possible. This can be done by giving
the animal about a pint of linseed oil, with or without half the
quantity of warm castor oil, subsequently (though not until the
laxative has had time to operate) give one of the balls
previously referred to.

Feed on light easily digested food, which must be of the
best quality obtainable. Give as little water as possible. The
bowels want rest, so the animal must be left (juiet. If pain in
belly is severe, try and relieve it with a warm water clyster, and
an application of mustard over the skin covering the belly.
Add an ounce of laudanum to the clyster. Remember that
linseed, w'heaten, and arrowroot gruels are all good to assist in
checking diarrhoea. About half to one pailful of milk, with a
few^ tablespoons ful (say four) of arrowroot will do good.

286

DIGESTIVE DISORDERS

DYSENTERY.

As the name implies, this diseased state is characterised
by the discharge of blood, mingled with liquid evacuations.
Perhaps dysentery or bloody flux is most frequently met with
amongst horses whose surroundings are bad, in relation to
drainage, water supply, ventilation, etc., especially if such
should be suffering from diarrhoea, of which dysentery, in the
horse, may be but an aggravated form. It appears that the
large intestine, especially towards its termination (rectum) is
the chief seat of the ulcerous sores, from which the bloody
discharge is derived.

Symptoms. — Diarrhoea, mingled with a jelly-hke blood
stained material, the discharging of which is accompanied by
straining, and pain in the belly. Each evacuation appears to
give little relief, the animal, apparently, being desirous of still
further emptying its bowels. The temperature may be raised
a little, and such symptoms as loss of appetite (either
partially or entirely), and thirst, are commonly present.
Weakness is progressive, and sometimes these symptoms con-
tinue for several weeks, until the animal is completely worn
out, or the inflammation extends along the bowels.

Treatment. — Place the animal under the influence of the
best possible surroundings. Keep the body warm with woollen
rugs. Allow^ warm milk and wheaten gruel for food. Avoid
all solids, unless it be scalded oats, etc. Administer, internally,
twice daily, a ball composed as follows : — ■

Recipe. — Powdered ipecacuanha, i drachm ; powdered
acetate of lead, ^ drachm ; powdered opium, \ drachm ; linseed
meal, 6 drachms ; treacle, sufficient to make a ball.

287

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

In addition to giving this hall niglit and morning, it is
advisable to use an injection twice daily. The following will
be found beneficial : —

The injection. — Recipe. — Hazeline, i ounce ; tincture of
opium, 6 drachms ; starch gruel (warm), i pint ; mix and
inject the whole at once, using a small sized (horse) clyster
syringe. On no account neglect the injection. If this treat-
ment is continued for a few days, a cure may be anticipated.
Lastly, it must be mentioned that chlorodyne, given in half
ounce doses, along with a pint of corn flour gruel, will sometimes
afford relief.

DIARRHCEA IN YOUNG STOCK.

When mares are allowed to remain too long awav from
the foal, the latter endeavours as it were, to make up for lost
time, thereby not only does it take milk to excess, but the fluid
itself has probably undergone certain changes, rendering it
difficult of assimilation, consequently it is cast out as being
unfitted for the nourishment of the young animal.

Treatment (i) Preventive. — Don't allow the mare to be
away from the fcal above a couple or three hours at one time.
Feed the dam regularly, avoiding any fcod which is at all
likely to disorder the digestive organs.

(2) Medicinal. — Very often we can, by operating on the
mare, through the use of simple medicinal agents, rectify the
irregular state of the foal's bowels. It is almost always
expedient to add half an ounce of bicarbonate of potash to the
drinking water, or else to a small bran mash, (iive this twice
daily to the mother. At the same time let the foal have the
following draught : —

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DIGESTIVE DISORDERS

Recipe. — Castor oil, 2 ounces ; laudanum, i drachm ; mix,
and give the whole just as it is.

Now follow this up next morning with a dose of this
mixture : —

Recipe. — Tincture of rhubarb, 2 ounces ; carbonate of
magnesia, i ounce ; nitrate of bismuth, 6 drachms ; bicar-
bonate of potash, \ ounce ; water, six ounces.

Dose. — A sixth part in gruel, night and morning.

CHOKING,

It is not often that horses suffer from this, but still it may,
and does, happen every now^ and again. The gullet is com-
monly the seat of the blockage. Carrots, oil cake, potatoes,
hay, etc., may lodge in the gullet. Any portion can be
obstructed. In one instance the gullet was blocked throughout
its length with hay. In addition to this there are other causes.

Symptoms. — If in the neck portion of the gullet the
obstructing material will be felt externally. The animal may
suddenly stop feeding, slobber at the mouth, and extend its
neck. When it makes an attempt to swallow water the latter
returns through the nostrils. Sometimes there is difficult
breathing, owing to the obstructive material pressing upon
the windpipe.

Treatment. — Remove food. By waiting twenty-four or
forty-eight hours the stoppage may vanish. i\llow a little
warm water, to which three or four ounces of glycerine have
been added. In case the obstruction cannot be felt, one must
always withdraw the tongue with the left hand and feel at the

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HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

back part of the mouth to soo if the foreii^n body has lodged
there ; if so, try and pull it away. Send for veterinary
surgeon at once.

CONSTIPATION.

A confined or torpid condition of the bowels is of common
occurrence in the horse, frequently causing, in him, severe pains
in the belly (see Colic). Old age, and the habitual use of dry
fodder, are predisposing causes. During certain fevers, constipa-
tion is a marked feature, usually requiring to be slowly over-
come. Physic should not be habitually resorted to for this
purpose. Careful feeding is a more rational method. When
the liver is thought to be sluggish, a ball composed of half a
drachm of extract of belladonna, half a drachm of calomel,
and 20 grains of powdered podophyllin, made into a bolus
with linseed and treacle, and given occasionally, will be found
to do good. Green food and bran mashes are suitable as
dietary.

DIABETES.

This is a very common complaint amongst horses, and one
with which most horsemen are familiar, either through experi-
ence amongst their own horses, or as such gleaned through
information from others. It is a disorder intimately bound
up with disturbed or perverted assimilation of food materials,
resulting in an excessive excretion of water through the kidneys.
In the human subject, the urine often contains sugar — a
form of diabetes not common in the horse.

A constitution previously weakened by some exhausting
disease, over work, and under feeding, coupled with bad sanita-
tion^ are of course serious drawbacks against a horse pulhng

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HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

through diabetes. The constant drainage of water from the
body weakens the vital processes going on within the economy.

Causes. — The most important of these are : New-burned
hay, over-heated and musty hay, germinating grain of any
kind, mouldy foods, the abuse of diuretic (staling) medicines,
and the ingestion of various herbs whose properties notably
increase the flow of water.

It is a very easy matter to tell this disorder. The
characteristic symptoms are : Excessive urination (staling),
great thirst, and depravity of appetite. The urine may be as
clear as water, and where a number of horses are kept, and the
cause is due to the food, it is usual to And the majority of the
animals affected with the complaint at the same time, followed
by a return to health upon the withdrawal of the cause. Such
symptoms as paleness of the membranes lining the eyelids and
cheeks, weakness, loss of flesh, and softness of the muscles, are
constantly present. There should be no mistaking a horse
suftering from diabetes in its simplest form.

Treatment. — If the food supply is at fault, stop this, and
very little beyond will be required. Faihng benefit, follow this
up with half an ounce of powdered bicarbonate of soda in the
drinking water daily. Call in professional aid.

In addition to the foregoing treatment, it is always advisable
to give the animal or animals about a pint of linseed oil each.
Continue this treatment for three or four days if necessary, but
not any longer. It is almost certain to cure, if not, try half
ounce doses of Fowler's solution of arsenic, twice daily, in the
drinking water. Iodine is a specific.

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HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

General Management. — Give light and easily digested food.
Avoid musty hay, new oats, over-heated fodder of any kind.
If diuretic balls or turpentine have been the cause — because
these are so much abused — stop giving them at once. Horse
keepers should always bear in mind that it is a very bad plan
to make a practice of giving horses a weekly or bi-weekly ball,
containing diuretic drugs. Such a practice predisposes to kidney
affections, and makes the horse soft in muscle, and easily done
up.

THRUSH OF THE MOUTH.

The mouths of foals and adult horses are frequently the
seat of inflammation, the simplest form of which occurs
amongst foals following their dam. The owner's attention
may be directed to the foal's mouth, through the young animal
having a difficulty in sucking. When the mouth is examined
red patches will be seen about the cheeks and roof, and perhaps
blisters here, as well as on the tongue. Very frequently there
are small grey-like masses of matter within the mouth, having
a most unpleasant odour.

In adult horses, the mouth usually shows the disorder in
the vesicular (bhster) form, less frequently as collection of
matter (pustules). There is an infectious form of this disease.

These little blisters are situated upon the cheeks, sides
and surface of the tongue, etc. Very shortly they burst, and
leave a raw surface, doubtless exceedingly sore, rendering masti-
cation difficult and painful. When the blisters are closely
packed together, through numerity, they frequently fuse,
(coalesce), producing larger sores.

292

DIGESTIVE DISORDERS

Treatment. — Suckling foals should have a little borax and
honey placed in their mouths several times daily — about a
teaspoonful each time will be sufficient. It is simply smeared
inside the cheek. In addition to this, give the little animal
the powders as below : —

Recipe. — Grey powder, 20 grains ; bicarbonate of potash,
4 drachms ; mix, and divide into four powders.

Directions. — Give one powder daily, by placing it on the
back of the tongue.

In addition to the foregoing treatment, the mouth can be
washed out with a solution of common salt ; this latter is
exceedingly beneficial. In the course of a few days the foal
should be all right. It is a very good plan to give the mare
half an ounce of bicarbonate of soda or potash, along with her
drinking water, once daily, for a few days.

For adult horses the same general plan of treatment ought
to be adopted, but instead of the potash, you may add two
drachms each of chloride of ammonia and hyposulphite of soda
to the animal's drinking water twice daily, continuing this
treatment for several days, ^^'ash the mouth out with salt
solution, to which a tablespoonful of chlorate of potash has
been added.

General Management. — Keep in a clean stable. If possible,
give green food, or nothing but gruel, such as linseed, oatmeal,
etc. No solid food.

293

CHAPTER XVII

DISEASES OF BONES, JOINTS, ETC.
SPLINTS.

HORSES of every breed in all parts of the world are liable
to have one or more of these small bonv deposits upon
their cannon bones, commonly on the fore-limbs, though
by no means rare upon the hind cannons. Although splint is
very common on both vanners and horses required for heavy
draught, the significance attachable to it is nothing like so great
as with animals required for fast work, e.g., hackneys, etc.

Many — in fact, the majority of horses — have splint ; yet
it does not necessarily produce lameness, and some veterinary
surgeons do not look upon their presence as much of a detriment.
However, one can never say whether such will ever produce
lameness, and the writer does not look upon a horse having
splint as a sound animal for the foregoing reasons.

In some instances the bony deposit is situated upon the
outside, or even the front, of the cannon bone, so that if the
animal receives a bruise about this region, a renewal of infiam-
matory activity is likely to be started, lameness and inability
to work for a time being the natural results.

Sometimes there are one or more small splints in the meta-
carpal channel, i.e., a channel formed by the cannon and small

295

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

splint bones -under co\'er of the ligamentous and tendinus,
structures passing down the cannon. These are not an unknown
cause of an " occult " (hidden) splint lameness.

The writer has known this statement to be verihed, after
death, in a mare that was suspected as being lame from this
cause for years.

The roughened surfaces of the splints are liable to injure the
soft structures playing over them. The term asperous (rough)
is applicable when the surface of the splinty deposit has a
roughened and undulatory character. A double or " pegged "
splint is one in which the duplex deposit is connected by a
strand of the same diseased material. The lighter breeds of
horses are the chief subjects of splint, probably because
of the greater movements their limbs are called upon to exe-
cute. Hereditary predisposition is, by many, regarded as a
cause in its production.

Evidence to disprove the truth of this statement is by
no means of a positive character ; in fact, rather the reverse.
By some, splint is regarded as a transformation of the liga-
ment (between the cannon and splint bone) into bone (intra-
ossification), which is probably correct when the splinty
deposit is confined to this situation. Obviously, it is incorrect
when the seat of the deposit is situated upon the front, etc.,
of the cannon. Splint, in its broadest sense, is the legacy of
inflammation in connection with the covering of the bone
{periosteum), the bone, or a dual inflammation of these struc-
tures, and the causes are, in the main, injuries, applied directly
or indirectly ; the latter being brought about through unequal
distribution of pressure. Lameness arising through splint,
is chiefly seen at the time when the area of disease is acutely

296

DISEASE OF BONES, JOINTS, ETC.

inflamed^ indicated by increased heat, pain, and some swelling,
upon the subsidence of which the splint remains. The way to
detect the deposit is by passing the fingers firmly and steadily
down the back of the cannon bone. Care must be taken not
to mistake the button upon each sphnt bone for that of splint.
The buttons form the endings of the splint bones, and are
situated a little towards the sides of the lower end of the cannon,
whereas splint is frequently found at the upper third of the
bone, though, of course, by no means confined to the aforesaid
locaUty. A splint upon the outside of the bone, near the knee
joint, etc., is more detrimental than in the situation on which
it is commonly found. Splint lameness increases with exercise.

Treatment. — When splint is forming, the horse must have
six weeks' rest, and the application of some cooling lotion
to the part. Consult veterinary surgeon as to advisa-
bility of point firing.

BONE SPAVIN, ETC.

In this disease the bones of the inner and lower part of
the hock are affected. It is an exceedingly common disease
amongst horses of every class. Hereditary predisposition is
thought to exist in defective hock conformation, yet spavin
can be seen and felt in hocks to all appearances well built.
External injuries and concussion are important factors in excit-
ing inflammation in the hock, as well as in certain other
parts.

In the so-called occult (hidden) spavin, the inflammatory
activity is chiefly confined to the rough areas between the
small bones of the hock in which the interosseal ligamentous

297

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

structures are located. Spavin, then, consists of a variously
sized deposit of bony material upon the inner and lower part
of the hock, such deposit being the outcome of inflammation in
the bones and their covering in this region. One or both
hocks mav be spavined, sometimes increasing the size of the
joint so much as to render the spavin appreciable at a glance.

\Mien both hocks are spavined there is greater difhculty
in determining the existence of the disease. Old horses having
spavin are particularly liable to suffer repeatedly from lame-
ness, because in them the disease is advancingly destructive,
whereas heavy draught horses over Ave years (but not old),
free from lameness, and well cared for, continue to do their
work practically as well as those free from spavin. It is usual
to advise the intending purchaser to buy such, of course insist-
ing upon a reduction of price. From £7 to £10 would be a
reasonable reduction.

Lighter breeds of horses having bone spavin necessarily
lose that degree of mobility of the hocks so essential to them,
and to none more than the running horse, hunter and trotter.
Compare the hocks by the sense of touch, also measurement.
Hocks may be unequal in size, yet free from spavin. Spavin
lameness demands rest, cooling applications, and the use of a
high heeled shoe. The bony enlargement, i.e., the spavin, can
be fired, preferably, in points. The method leaves less blemish
than line firing, and gives better results. The term blood spavin
is applied to a varicose condition of a vein, passing over the
front and inner side of the joint, whilst the prefix bog means a
soft and swollen condition of the joint in general. Mere fulness
in this region ought not to be thus termed.

298

DISEASE OF BONES, JOINTS, ETC.

RINGBONE.

This disease affects either the upper or lower pastern bones,
and typical specimens show complete ring-like formation,
either at the pastern or coffin joints. The terms " high " and
" low " are frequently prefixed when the disease is, respectively,
thus situated. Like the preceding diseases, ringbone constitutes
unsoundness. External injuries, such as sprain of ligaments,
blows, treads, etc., in this region, are liable to excite ringbone.
The bony deposition may be at the front, back or sides, and either
in a fore or hind limb, mcst frequently the former ; probably
the degree of lameness is less when on the latter. Long upright
pasterns are regarded as predisposing causes, so that due care
ought to be exercised when selecting sire and dam.
In young horses, particular attention should be given to
the feet. See that the weight bearing surface of the wall is
uniform. When ringbone is located upon the front of a fore limb
the animal will bring the heel down to the ground first, but
if upon a hind pastern and behind the joint, then the toe touches
the ground before the rest of the foot. We now refer to ring-
bone when situated high. The size of a ringbone is no criterion
as to the degree of lameness.

Treatment. — During the formative stage, rest and cooling
lotions.

A bar shoe is useful if the disease is on a fore limb, or in
front of a hind one, but a high heeled shoe is best when at
the back or sides of the latter.

FRACTURES (BROKEN BONES).

The large size of most of the bones of the horse neces-
sarily renders a fracture of any of them of serious moment,
and we have little hesitation in recommending that the veterin-

299

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

arian be immediately summoned to attend. Split (fractured)
pastern, broken ribs, and fractured leg bones are not uncommon
accidents. If a wound accompanies the fracture, the gravity
of the injury is considerably increased.

Whenever the horseman has reason to suspect broken bone
he should take the utmost care to avoid injuring the part
further. The animal must be got into the stable as carefully as
possible, and the part can, in the meantime, be bathed in warm
water in order to keep down the swelling, thus rendering the
surgeon's diagnosis easier and more certain. A fracture very
frequently observed in the horse, more especially when vicious
horses are turned out to graze, is that oi the second thigh
bone (tibia) and the injury, in most cases, calls for destruc-
tion of the animal.

CURBY HOCKS AND CURB.

Curb is a small convex sw^elling about three inches below
the point of the hock, and lying in the same straight line.
This is most evident when the observer views it from the side.
It is an unsoundness, but all veterinar}^ surgeons do not reject
a horse with curb, if such has no heat about it, or signs of
lameness, and the hocks are otherwise good.

Causes. — It is an established fact that over-bent or sickle
shaped hocks are those most liable to become curby. This
appears to be due to the increased leverage afforded by the
point of the hock, which enables the extensor tendons
attached to it to act more vigorously, in this way causing a
stretching of the fibres composing the ligament running down
the back oi the hock. Commonly w^e regard curb as a thicken-
ing of the ligament — the result of sprain.

300

DISEASE OF BONES, JOINTS, ETC.

Young horses with over bent hocks should be very care-
fully worked if one wants to try and avoid curb. We should not
advise the purchase of a young animal having hecks of this
conformation.

Any exertion bringing a special degree of strain upon the
hocks, e.g, jumping, shpping upon the haunches, backing, etc.

Symptoms. — It is only when the curb is forming that one
can find any heat about it. Lameness is present at the same
time, but afterwards it is comparatively rare. It is very
seldom that the lameness lasts longer than a month. The size
oi the curb is no criterion as regards the likelihood of lame-
ness. If the latter is present there is a want of extending
power in the hock when the animal is made to trot. The swell-
ing at the back of the hock line feels hard.

Treatment. — When the curb is forming apply cooling
lotion, using tow and a pressure bandage. We do not believe
in the apphcation of a high heeled shoe, believing that it favours
permanent thickening of the ligament. Rest. As soon as the
inflammation has gone, or in the case of an old curb, apply
daily (on the tip of the finger with friction) for five minutes,
equal parts of red blistering ointment — iodine ointment and
strong mercurial ointment. It is seldom the curb is removed,
but the ointment deserves a fair trial. Firing is sometimes
resorted to, and greatly reduces the size of the curb.

SPRAINS AND BRUISES.

Both tendons and ligaments are liable to suffer injury
when overstretched. Both these structures are composed of
bundles of minute fibres, and it is the rupture of these that

301

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

constitutes strain or sprain. Man\' diseases around joints
have their starting point in these structures. The so-called
break down " in race horses is of tliis nature. A fre(}uent
seat of strain is at the flexor tendons below the knee. Heat,
pain, and swelling are prominent signs in a recent sprain.

Apply the following lotion : Tincture of arnica, 2 ounces ;
laudanum, 2 ounces ; water, i pint. Mix, and wet the part
freely, subsequently putting on tightly a hot, but dry iiannel
bandage. Repeat four times daily. If not completely cured in
two or three weeks, try a blister or hring. If the heels are low^,
look to the shoeing.

CONTRACTED TENDONS,

The tendons of the fore and hind limbs are commonly con-
tracted. Foals are occasionally born with this defect, the
cure for which demands surgical interference. Thoroughbred
foals seem the most liable to it. It may come on within a
couple of years. The precise cause is not well understood.
Over growth (in length) of the cannon bone is liable to be
followed by deficiency in the length of the flexor tendons,
consequently knuckling over.

Symptoms. — The foal may not be able to stand, if so,
perhaps it stands upon the fronts of the fetlock joint. As
the defect can often be remedied, the sooner professional skill
is sought the better. For knuckling over in adult ' horses,
division of the tendon (tenotomy) sometimes does good.

Bruising of the tissues is not an uncommon accident. It
may occur along with an external wound, or apart from such (see
^^'ounds). The swelling should be bathed with water — cold
first, then warm. Bruises about the elbow and arm have often

302

DISEASE OF BONES, JOINTS, ETC.

a very trifling wound, which commonly ends in open joint (see
below). Serous abscesses are common results of bruises, and
it is in this way that poll evil, capped elbow, and fistulous withers
often arise, so that one cannot afford to treat an injury of this
kind indifferently.

OPEN JOINTS.

The joints most frequently punctured are the knee and
hock, though of course it may happen to any joint. When a
joint has been opened the so-called joint oil will be seen issuing
from it, the discharge being like, and the nature of, the white
of egg. If the j oint be flexed the lubricating fluid will ooze slowly
out. An open joint is at all times of serious moment, and very
often exceedingly difticult to cure. An opening into the capsule
of the joint may be brought about directly through some sharp
body penetrating into it, or indirectly through the sloughing
of contiguous parts. \Mien a horse falls and makes a deep
wound upon its knees or knee, extreme care must be exercised
to see whether there is any synovia issuing from the wound.

The Symptoms consist of the continuous outpouring of this
white-of-egg-Hke material (synovia) ; the presence of a wound
or puncture ; and, very shortly, considerable swelUng of the
parts around the joint. Sometimes the animal is unable to
rise owing to the impediment through such, consequently one
occasionally comes across a horse that has been lying from the
effects of this disease lor several weeks.

Paint the sore with collodion two or three times a day
and cover with a bit of cotton wool. Apply closely to wound
with a covering of oil silk or gutta-percha tissue, surrounding the
whole with a broad flannel bandage. Do not dress the wound

303

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

any oftcner than is necessary, and be very careful not to tear
the wool rudely off, because any adherini^^ j^ortion of it is of
assistance in stopping the discharge of the liquid from the
joint. In fact, any adhering wool had better be left untouched.
Do not use any water to the wound, but you may cleanse round
about it. Supposing that such a wound has just been inflicted
and it is situated upon the knee or hock, then the horse should
be prevented from lying down for a few days. This can be
done by tying him short or placing in the slings.

When a horse has been suffering from an open joint for any
length of time, the joint being stiff, swollen, and the edges
of the wound thick, but free from much heat, and perhaps the
horse unable to rise, then the best plan is to sling the animal,
afterwards apply a good blister to the swollen joint, for
which purpose cantharides, or Indian blister beetle oint-
ment, is as good as aught else. This ointment must be
rubbed well in, and you must go very close to the edges of the
wound. The blister acts by exciting the processes of repair,
and thus closes the wound, when of course the discharge ceases,
the swelling and irritation subsiding. The application of
a high heeled shoe, a mild dose of physic, and a softish sort
of diet, will assist matters. This treatment affords a ready
and simple means of curing open joints, and without this plan
of campaign many horses will, and have been, cast away for
slaughter. Veterinary aid is advisable in most cases.

LUXATION OF PATELLA.

This accident is commonly seen in colts and foals, also in
older horses. The knee cap (patella) slips away from its natural
articulatingsurface. Thecauses of this displacement are variable.

304

DISEASE OF BONES, JOINTS, ETC*

Fractures, relaxation of ligaments at, or in juxtaposition
to, the joint are amongst such. Amongst colts, the latter
appears to be a fairly frequent cause, and can often be cured
by bringing the limb forward, and maintaining it here for some
months, by means of a cord passed round the neck and fetlock.
In every case it is absolutely necessary to feed the animal very
liberally, so as to build up the muscular system, thus assisting
Nature to strengthen the stifle joint. In most instances it
is advisable to consult a veterinary surgeon, because he may
consider it necessary to blister, apply a charge, etc. Cramp of
the stifle occurs suddenly, and may be confused with slipped
stifle.

INFLAMED HOCKS.

Wounds are the commonest cause of acute inflammation of
the hock joint, frequently giving rise to open joint. (See this).
As regards a chronic inflammation, spavin is the usual example
of this. (See bone spavin). During an attack of rheumatism,
especially in foals, the hock may be the seat of an acute and
painful inflammation, likewise the same occurs when the bones
of the joint are broken. Swelling of the hock may accompany
other diseases and injuries, perhaps through an extension of the
inflammation.

Symptoms. — If due to an injury, such will likely be seen.
If the lubricating fluid of the joint (joint oil) is issuing from
the wound, it shows that the capsule of the joint has been
punctured. Severe lameness, with heat, pain, and swelling
may be present, sometimes high fever, the temperature perhaps
being io6° Fahr. Abscesses about the joint are of occasional
occurrence. Fractured bones at this part are usually ver\^
diflicult to tell.

305

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMeNT

Ircidment. — In ai-utc iiillaiiiiiiatioii, apply a cooling lotion,
such as tincture of arnica, and tincture of opium, of each two
ounces, added to a pint of water (cold). If the ca])sular lij^a-
ment of the joint has been punctured, treat as in open joint
(which see\ Give a mild dose of physic, but do not purge the
horse. If the animal has rheumatism, treat as in this disease
(see this.) Permanent enlargement of the hock is practically
incurable (see spavin, rheumatism, open joint, strangles,
etc.).

THORO-PIN OF HOCK.

This means a swelling, or more correctly, a distension,
at the upper and back part of the hock. The contents of sw^ell-
ing consists of a liquid, so that by pressing the tips of the
fingers against the former, the liquid is forced through (either
to the outer or inner side), accordingly causing the swelling to
bulge on the opposite side, hence the name, thorough pin ;
derived from through pin.

It is the capsular ligament of the so-called true hock
joint which becomes distended in this disease, and voung horses
with upright hocks are said to be most subject to it, though it
dees occur in older animals.

Symptoms. — Absence of inflammation and lameness, but a
fluctuating swelling, or distension, at the upper and back part
of the hock, capable of being distended from either side on
pressure with the Angers. It is only in rare instances that
lameness is present, and not until the animal has undergone
severe exertion. Blistering will reduce the swelling a little,
though it is hardly likely to remoxe it. If preferred apply
cold water spray for about ten minutes every night, and paint

306

DISEASE OF BONES, JOINTS, ETC.

with iodine afterwards. Sometimes veterinary surgeons
puncture the sw^Hing, let out the fluid, and then syringe the
cavity ; but this is not the shghtest use unless it be repeated
several times, allowing about six weeks to elapse between each
puncturing. The author advises that a veterinary surgeon be
consulted.

• CAPPED HOCK.

The term, capped hock, can be applied to any swelling
situated upon the point of the hock. Over this latter there is
a tendon playing {flexor pedis perforatus), forming a sort of cap
at this part. Between the hinder surface of the tendon and
skin, at the point of the hock, there is a small lubricating mem-
brane, while between the cap of the tendon and the bone there
is a large lubricating apparatus, known as a " synovial bursa."
Either of these may be the seat of capped hock, which, so far
as its origin is concerned, may be due to : —

I. Thickening of the skin or tissues beneath this. 2.
Dropsy beneath the skin, which is the commonest cause of
capped hock. 3. Dropsy between the tendon and bone, i.e.,
of the synovial bursa. 4. Diseases of the point of the hock,
or thickening of the tendon where it plays over here.

Causes. — Capped hock is usually caused by a blow upon
the point of the hock. It is commonly seen in conhrmed
kickers, though a bruise in this situation may happen in a
variety of ways, and although a capped hock or hocks may not
be indicative of " unsoundness," the would-be purchaser should
always regard such as being very suspicious. Repeated bruising
during the act of rising is a common cause.

307

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

Symptoms. — Look at the point of the hock, standing a
HttU^ to one side, and, if there is a swelhng, it will be seen
at a glance. If it is due to cause No. i, the skin feels thickened
and tight, while dropsy (watery or serous abscess) beneath
it and the tendon (No. 2), gives rise to a swelling having an
elastic feel.

When the tendon is swollen it has a very hard feeling.
If due to cause No. 3, the swelling is felt between the tendon
and bone. Supposing that the animal has just bruised the
points of its hock, then the owner may expect to find a degree
of inflammation about it, viz., increased heat, pain^ swell-
ing, and perhaps lameness, though it must be said that this
latter is not usually present in a horse having a capped hock.

Treatment. — If the injury has just been received, and the
point of the hock feels hot and tender, then apply a lotion of
a cooling nature, such as : —

Recipe. — Tincture of arnica, i ounce ; Goulard's water,
^ ounce ; water, i pint ; mix, and make lotion.

Directions. — Keep the hock well wetted with this lotion,
and apply a flannel bandage ; continue several days.
When the skin is thickened, use a little iodine oint-
ment daily. If a serous abscess, i.e., a dropsical or watery
sweUing, forms, put a tight bandage on the hock, so that when
the horse attempts to flex the leg, it may rupture the swell-
ing. During the early stage of capped hock, the animal must
not be put to work, and a high heeled shoe can be fltted with
advantage. Wounds will recpiire separate treatment (see
WoundsY

308

CHAPTER XVIII
WOUNDS AND THEIR TREATMENT.

A WOUND may be superlicial or deep. When in the
region of the head, chest, and belly, there is a special
Habihty towards internal organs becoming injured, while
an injmy (wound) in the neighbourhood of a joint may cause
an opening of the same (see Open Joints).

It is possible to have a wound beneath the skin, and
yet have no external evidence of it beyond that of heat,
swelling, etc.

It is said that wounds of this description heal more rapidly
than where the skin is broken, and this because germs are
excluded. While we believe this explanation holds good, so
far as injuries immediately subjacent to the skin are con-
cerned, we do not think that answers when applied to severe
muscular tears, which are often very long in regaining (if ever)
their former state.

A wound in one situation may be provocative of another,
or others in remote parts. For instance, a puncture of the foot,
etc., will, if not attended to, cause the formation of matter,
and as this has no outlet, it " burrows," making its exit by
one or more small wounds around the top of the hoof. In
fistulous withers we may have a similar state of affairs.

309

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

Here the original wound caus(>s tlie formation of a secondary
one wliich, in order to effect a cine, recjuires tlie infliction of an
artificial wound. In accordance with the nature of the injury,
it is usual to speak of the wound as being " punctured " (prick
of the foot with a nail), " contused " (a bruise, e.g., corn),
" incised " or " clean " cut (e.g., artificial wounds), " lacerated "
or " torn " (a very common variety), " poisoned " (e.g., the
bite of a rabid animal, or venomous beast). The word "poi-
soned," in its broadest sense, means the introduction of any
foreign matter (living or dead) into the wound, whereby the
heaUng process is disturbed. In this way blood poisoning may
occur. The gravity of a wound does not necessarily depend
upon its size, slight abrasions being sufficient at times to cause
death.

Pleurisy and lung inflammation, are very liable to come on
when the chest cavity has been punctured. Besides, the lungs
collapse through air entering from without. A blood stained
discharge from the nose and mouth points to lung injury. In
some cases a piece of lung protrudes. A free exit must be
allowed for the discharge to come away, and the wound kept
constantly moistened with creolin lotion. Injuries of this
description require skilful treatment.

The locality of the wound has an important bearing upon
its gravity. For instance, a wound in the chest may extend to
the same in the lung, etc., causing infiammation here. The
same apphes to injuries of the belly and scalp.

Again, a })art may be wounded indirectly. Let us assume
that the shaft of the pelvic bone is broken in such a manner
that the fractured ends tear the artery passing over the bone.

310

WOUNDS AND THEIR TREATMENT

A fatal bleeding may result. Here then, we have a good
example in which the displaced ends of a broken bone caused
the animal's death.

In rupture of the rectum, it has been argued that the tear
occurs " indirectly " in some instances, though we do not
think in the majority. The nature of a horse's work may
render it more susceptible to the reception of certain injuries
than others. Thus we find horses employed for " shunting "
purposes upon railways are frequent sufferers from wounds
about the feet. " Poll evil," is, we believe, common amongst
horses working in coal pits.

The same may be said of sex. Mares are exposed to wounds
in connection with the reproductive organs during coitu and
labour, from which the gelding and entire are exempt ; but
either of these may suffer (though less frequently) from injuries
to the penis, sheath, scrotum, etc., etc.

Again, age has some bearing upon the infliction of artificial
wounds. For example, colts are usually castrated, necessitating
the infliction of a wound, consequently increased risk. In the
case of a clean cut (incised) wound, bleeding profusely, we must
try and stop this latter. Cold water wiU often arrest
bleeding from small blood vessels. When a large blood
vessel has been severed it will be necessary to grasp the cut
end and tie a hgature (piece of silk thread, etc.), around it.
When a blood vessel has been punctured it is the best plan to
■cut it clean across. Bleeding from the neighbourhood of the
feet can be controlled by the application of a tight bandage,
or else an elastic band (tourniquet), but care must be taken not
to allow the latter to remain on for above half an hour or so.
At any rate, never leave an elastic band around the

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

limb for anv lenj^th of time, otherwise the })art below will die,
and probably render tlu^ animal useless. Ha\ing arrested the
bleeding, the womul must be cleans?d from irritating particles of
material.

In the case of broken knees, particles of sand and other
gritty substances are very apt to insinuate themselves into the
depths of the wound. It is most important to remove such.
After the bleeding has been arrested, and the wound cleansed,
we must, if possible and applicable, sew it up. In most cases
a special curved needle is used for this purpose, the size of
which will depend upon the situation and extent of the injury
inflicted (see plate). Metallic wire, silver wire, silk thread, or
catgut are the commonest substances emplo\edfor the stitches.
In an emergency, ordinary twine (dipped in weak creolin lotion)
can be used. Its thickness varies according to purpose. Before
inserting the stitches, the edges of the wound ought to have
all hair clipped off, otherwise the lips of the latter will be
irritated, and the healing procees hindered.

In skin and fiesh wounds, each stitch is taken separately
— not as in ordinary sewing — then tied off. The knot or twist
must not be over the wound, but resting on the sound skin
at one side. If the wound is only very small — say a couple of
inches or so in length — and confined to the skin, bring the lips
of the wound very closely together so as to try and get it to
heal at once (first intention). \\'hen the injury is a deep one
on or about the buttocks, it is advisable to send for \'eterinary
surgeon.

This is because of the great strain thrown upon stitches in
this region, causing the ordinary stitches to give way, so leaving
a greater blemish than ever.

312

WOUNDS AND THEIR TREATMENT

By using " button " sutures the tension can be relieved
according to necessity. Other stitches can be used in addition.
The number of stitches placed in a wound will, of course, vary
with its length and shape.

It is more a matter of common sense than one of rule.
Always begin sewing the wound from each end towards the
middle. In deep wounds the stitches require to be of stout
material. Metallic wire is the most useful for this purpose.
\\'henever the swelling causes a drag upon the stitches, we must
make an effort to do away with this tension.

\\'hen sewing a wound, it is a good plan to keep the part
irrigated with creolin or carbolic acid lotion.

When a wound is torn irregularly (lacerated), the irregular-
ities must be drawn as neatly together as possible.

BROKEN KNEE.

If a horse falls upon its knees there may be neither wound
nor abrasion, but it very often happens that the knee swells in
consequence. This is due to the rupture of minute blood
vessels beneath the skin, the injury inducing inflammation
beneath this, at and around the seat of the bruise. Perhaps this
and superficial scratches are the commonest forms of injury to
the knees. The ground upon which the animal falls determines,
as a rule, the extent of the injury. For instance, a fall upon a
rough or flint stone road is liable to injure the extensor tendons,
the sheaths, or open the joint or joints, of which there are
really three. \\'hen this happens there is a discharge of the
lubricating fluid, or the so-called joint oil. Inability
to flex the joints is constant, or partly constant,

313

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

in injuries to tlu' knee. I'aiii and constitutional disturbance
(irritati\-e fever) vary in degree in accordance with the extent
of the injurv. OrcHnarx' bruises will disappear in two or three
weeks, but deeper wounds (excepting open joints and the
pouches (sheaths) of tendons) require about six or eight weeks
before the animal is lit for work. In simple bruising of the
skin use coohng lotions and a loose flannel bandage. Fasten the
head to the pillar reins while there is much swelling. If the
skin is broken, great care must be taken to get the wound free
from irritating particles of grit, etc. Dress the wound twice
daily with white creolin lotion, saturating a piece of tow
with the liquid, and fastening it on with a loose flannel bandage.
Irrigate the swollen knee and wound for a quarter of an hour
each time you dress the knee. This is done by allowing the
lotion to flow over the knee. Continue this treatment for several
days or weeks if necessary. Dress the wound daily with
boracic acid ointment, and if it does not seem to be healing
fast enough, add 2 drachms of red oxide of mercury ointment
to every ounce of the boracic ointment. Apply on lint,
fastening on with a bandage, (iive an occasional laxative ball
or else use green fodder. If the wound begins to heal too
fast, indicated by " proud flesh," dust the same with iodo-
form powder occasionally. When the joint has been opened
— indicated by the outpouring of joint oil — the treatment
becomes more difficult and dangerous, but we have seen
horses do good work for years after broken knees of this
description.

ABSCESS.

An abscess consists of a collection of matter either of a
watery, or pus-like character. In the former case, it is known
as a " serous abscess."

314

WOUNDS AND THEIR TREATMENT

Now the disease spoken of as " poll evil," and " capped
elbow " (shoe-boil), have their starting point in the form of
" serous " abscesses.

An abscess may be situated internally or externally, and of
course the former are always of a more serious nature. This
happens occasionally in the irregular form of strangles, and in
blood poisoning.

Very large abscesses are often found beneath the skin, and
may arise from external injuries, or from constitutional causes
(e.g., strangles).

In the early stages of " poll evil," the abscess should be
treated with cooling applications. The same must be said
for " capped elbow." The subsequent treatment of " poll evil "
is that of laying open the abscess — under strict antiseptic
precautions — and treating as a wound.

Other abscesses require poulticing and fomenting (or
bhstering), and when mature, opening with the knife (lancet)
in-order to allow free exit of contents.

The so-called " cold " abscess is one in which the formation
of matter is tardy.

FISTULA OF WITHERS.

This is generally due to a bruise, or other injury to the
withers. An ill-fitting saddle may produce the bruise, but it is
certainly not always caused in this way, seeing that it occurs in
animals which never have had, or would be likely to have, a
saddle upon their backs.

315

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

An injury in tliis region may set up intlamniation of the
bursa or lubricating })ocket, situated on tlie uj:>per surfaces of
tlie fifth, sixth and se\-enth bones of the neck. When this part
becomes inflamed, a soft, fiat swelhng appears on one or both
sides of the withers. The contents of the swelhng are a blood
tinged watery fluid (serous abscess). It may be mistaken for an
( rdinarv abscess, the contents of which is pus. When
fistulcus sores are present, there is a difficulty of curing these.
The burrowing of matter causes seriou^" difficulties. It is
necessary to send for veterinary surgeon. In this way the
shoulder blade, its cartilage of prolongation, or the spines
(superior) of the vertebra may become diseased. The further
the disease advances in an inward directicn, the less the chance
of effecting a cure. In this respect it resembles " poll evil."
Fistulous sore.s always require " bottoming " and opening up.

WARTS, ANGLE BERRIES.

Warty growths are frequently found upon various parts
of the horse's skin. The eyelid is not an uncommon
situation to find one or more warts. These growths
arise from the epidermis, and derive their nourishment
from one or more small vessels passing in from the
deeper strands of skin tissue. Their removal is often fol-
low^ed by considerable bleeding. When small, touch daily with
strong acetic acid, or caustic soda, but if near the eyes, care
must be exercised in using these chemicals. Large warts can
be got rid of by passing a thread, or hne string around the base
of the wart sufficiently tight to cause its strangulation and
subsequent sloughing.

Tumours may arise internally, or externally, and their
gravity is in proportion to their situation, size, and whether of

WOUNDS AND THEIR TREATMENT

a malignant (disposed to return after excision) or non-malignant
nature.

CASTRATION.

The months of April, May^ and June are the best for castrating
colts, but adult animals mav be done at any season provided
they are kept in a clean, comfortable and warm house. One
or two years is the usual age, but much depends upon the
animal itself. Horses can be castrated either in the standing
or lying attitude.

The professional fee for castrating a colt varies from 7s. 6d.
to a guinea.

Animals can now be insured against the risk of death
through castration and docking, although the fatalities from
such are not common, considering the large number of horses
annually operated upon. Rigs should always be insured.
As a rule, some swelling about the scrotum and sheath appears
after the operation. This need not cause alarm unless
extensive. The fee for operating upon a rig is usually several
guineas.

In really good weather exercise should be allowed. Green
food and strict cleanhness are aids towards restoration of
vigour and the healing of the wounds.

CHAPTER XIX

DISEASES AFFECTING FEET.

CONTRACTED FEET.

CONTRACTION of the foot or feet may take place
at the heels, or from above to below. It very often
happens that a contracted foot, or feet, is associated with
co-existent or previous disease. In this way we find the feet
contracted, commonly, in navicular disease. Lameness, causing
perverted function, allows the hoof to become contracted.
Again, a potent cause of contracted feet is through paring
away the frog. This should never be tolerated. Frog (foot-
pad; pressure is essential, if the hoof has to maintain its shape
and size. Attend to shoeing.

THRUSH IN CLEFTS OF FEET.

This is an exceedingly common disease, and one that readily
makes itself known through the offensive odour about the foot
or feet. The cleft of the foot-pad (frog) shows a mattery
discharge, and the substance of the pad may be considerably
disorganised. The foul odour is due to putrefaction of the
matter (pus). There can be no doubt that it is a disease chiefly
caused through filth. Strictly speaking, it is a sign of neglect.
Decomposing excreta, insinuating itself into the cleft, acts as
an irritant. The hind feet are more commonly affected than the
fore, though one or all may suffer.

319

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT
Treatment (i Preventive. — Keep the feet clean.

(2) Medicinal. — Clean the feet, but do not do this until
you have got a clean stable. If the stall floor does not drain
the urine, etc., away properly, try and make it do so. Insert a
little of the following powder into the cleft twice daily, and
then squeeze in a pledget of tow over all. As a rule this will
soon cure it.

Recipe. — Calomel, h ounce ; powdered iodoform^ I ounce ;
mix well. Apply as directed.

NAVICULAR DISEASE.

Introduction. — Just behind, and articulating with, the
coffin and coronet bones, there is a small ship-shaped bone
(navicular bone) over the posterior surface of which the tendon
of a muscle {flexor perforans) plays, this tendon becoming
attached to the lower surface of the coffin bone, but before it
does this it expands, forming a sheath (navicular sheath) from
which two pouches project — one upwards, the other downwards,
containing a lubricating i^uid, serving to facilitate the gliding of
the tendon over the bone, \^'hen a horse becomes affected
with navicular disease — vulgarly termed " groginess," and such
a horse a "grog" — the different parts participating in
the disease are : {a) The navicular bone ; {h) The
tendon {perforans) ; (c) The lubricating sheath (bursa).
In which of these parts the disease " begins " is a much
disputed point. Some authorities think that it begins in the
bone as a rheumatic inflammation, others in the cartilage (gristle)
covering this, while others think it originates in the tendon or
else the lubricating sheath. Again, seme assert that its origin

320

DISEASES AFFECTING FEET

is not constant. The author's experience is insuiftcient to
enable him to speak with confidence upon its point of origin, but
a very tenable view is that the disease has its starting point upon
the gliding surface (under surface) of the navicular bone. It is
quite possible that the inflammation is of a rheumatic nature in
some instances, but its occurrence through injury is against
this theory as to the sole cause.

Disease of the ghding surface of the navicular bone will
soon be followed by disease of the tendon, over which the latter
glides. Brown spots of minute size are found upon the cartilage
(gristle) covering this gliding (lower) surface of the bone, sub-
sequently the cartilage becomes rough, and has an eroded
(eaten) appearance. In course of time the disease advances
into the substance of the bone, although it has been said that
such may precede the changes in the cartilage, covering the
surface previously alluded to. The tendon is always diseased
upon its surface ghding over the bone, and sometimes fixed to
this latter. The first change observable consists in the forma-
tion of rusty coloured spots, and it then becomes roughened. If
the eroding process goes on and on, some of the minute fibres of
the tendon are torn, until perhaps this latter completely gives way.
When the sheath (bursa) is inflamed, it appears thickened, or even
blood-red.

Causes. — It has long been supposed that navicular disease
is hereditary, but this is, probably, only true as regards
peculiarity of conformation in connection with the feet. It almost
always affects the fore feet, and usually the lighter breeds,
especially quick movers with high action. The explanation of
its almost constant occurrence in the fore feet appears to be
that there is a greater degree of concussion here than in the
hind feet.

321

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

A well cU^h'IojxhI foot- pad (froi^^) seems to be the best pro-
tective of this disease. An attentuated frog is a common
accompaniment of na\'iciilar disease, and there can be no doubt
that such is a powerful predisposing cause, one of the functions
of the frog being to protect the navicular apparatus.

The following ideas have been propounded as " predis-
posing "causes of this disease: (i) Long pasterns, by causing
excessive strain upon the tendons ; (2) Small, narrow, upright
feet, having arched soles ; (3^ Upright pasterns ; (4) Leaving
the toe too long ; (5) A long period of rest, or resting upon the
foot constantly ; (6) Lowering of the heels, thus bringing greater
strain upon the flexor tendons ; (7) That it is due to a rheumatic
predisposition ; (8) Horses which stand " over " on the fore
feet ; fg) Destrnction of the frog (foot- pad) through paring, or
disease. No doubt there are numerous other views, all of which
have their own reasons of advocacy. However, it must be
borne in mind that the exciting agent is concussion compression^
or some form of injttrv.

Symptoms. — (a) Lameness, coming on gradually ; (/j) The
animal is very lame when brought out of stable, but this may
pass off after a little exercise, though it is quite possible that
exercise will increase the lameness. The chest appears drawn
together, and the animal has a stilty look when moving. \\'hen
horse is in stable, the w^eight is taken off the heel and the toe
pointed ; perhaps scraping the floor. The hoof may be smaller
than its fellow. If both feet are affected, diminution in size
will not be noticed, toj^ether with upright pasterns, contraction
of the foot, and shrunken, dry, and wasted frog. Sometimes
there is pain shown when the hollow of the heel is pressed.
There is a short cat-like step particularly observable when both

322

DISEASES AFFECTING FEET

fore feet are affected. The whole limb has a shrunken look
about it if the disease is fairly advanced.

Although the foregoing signs are, in the main, char-
acteristic of navicular disease, one or more of these may be
present in other forms of lameness, such as that arising from
sprain of the ligaments of the coronet joint ; also contracted
feet and fetlock joint lameness. It is distinguished from the
first mentioned with difficulty. Perhaps there is pain and a
little thickening on the back of the coronet joint. From fetlock
joint lameness it is distinguishable by the fact that flexion of
this joint causes pain, and there may be heat, swelling, or
knuckling over through tendon shortening. This disease when
once established is incurable. The most important matter to
attend to is the shoeing. Keep the toe short and heel rather
long. Neurectomy is resorted to in some cases. It destroys
the sensation in the foot.

CORNS.

These are commonly found in the inner heels of the fore
feet. The weaker the horn at the heels, the greater the liability
to corns. High action plays its part. Horses with narrow
feet, contracted heels, weak fetlocks, or feet wide apart are pre-
disposed to suffer in this way. The immediate cause is a bruise
to the sensitive structures within the hoof, and upon the lower
surface of the coflin bone, causing the rupture of a minute blood
vessel. It is unsoundness.

Symptoms. — li recent, a red spot will be found, usually on
the inside heel. Soon, however, this blood mark changes to
brown or brick red, then yellowish black, and hnally black.
This latter shows that the corn has been done some little time,

.323

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

more especially if it is suppurating (suppurating corn). There
may or ma\' not be lameness, most likely the latter. A
corn may end in quittor (see this), i.e., the matter makes its way
out around the coronet (top of hoof). In exceptional cases the
coffin bone becomes diseased.

Treatment. — Remove the shoe. Get the blacksmith to pare
the corn well out if it has began suppurating. Now cleanse the
foot in a solution of creohn (two ounces to a gallon of water).
Put on a warm bran poultice. As soon as suppuration ceases,
dress with tar and dry tow, put on a leather, and a three-
quarter bar shoe. In a recent corn, put on a leather sole,
along with a dressing of tar and tow. Attend to shoeing.

FORGING.

This is a clacking sound, arising through the hind shoe
striking the fore one. By shoeing the fore limbs with a pair of
concave hunting shoes, the noise will often cease. Leg weary
horses and those recently up from grass will frequently " forge."
Keep toe of hind feet short.

FALSE QUARTER.

This is characterised by an indentation or falling in of a
portion of the wall of the hoof, and it may be either upon
the inner or outer side of the latter. It is due to an imperfect
secretion of horn, commonly the result of an injury (bruise, cut,
etc.), to the band running round the top of the hoof, known
as the coronary band, or cushion. Direct injury to the horn
itself may bring on sloughing at the coronet, and in this way
end in false quarter. The wall of the hoof being weakened pre-
disposes to sandcrack, consequently false quarter becomes

324

DISEASES AFFECTING FEET

" unsoundness." In order to relieve the pressure of the shoe
upon the wall at the weakened part, the horse should be shod
with a shoe having a slight depression corresponding to the
same, or the horn " notched."

FLAT SOLES,

The sole of the foot is naturally concave, but its concavity
sometimes becomes more or less obliterated. This is of common
occurrence after an attack, or attacks, of inflammation (fever)
of the feet, in which disease there is a special liability for the
coffin bone to become displaced, pushing, or bulging out the
horny sole. It is an indication of unsoundness, rendering
the foot particularly liable to bruises. Shoeing, with a leather
sole. will, to some extent, obviate this.

FOUNDER (FEVER IN THE FEET) OR LAMINITIS.

Introduction. — The sensitive structures of the foot are
enclosed within the horny hoof. The coffin bone (os pedis) has
its face and sides covered over by numerous leaf-like structures,
known as the " sensitive laminae " (leaves), which are dove-
tailed into corresponding laminae on the inner surface of the
hoof, and termed, in contradistinction to the others, " insensi-
tive laminae." When the feet become inflamed, it is these
''sensitive laminae," that are the chief structures participating
in the inflammation.

Fever in the feet begins as a congestion of these leaves, and,
as we all know, that when a part begins to swell, the pain
decreases ; but swelhng to any extent of these sensitive struc-
tures is prevented by the non-yielding horny box (hoof), hence
the reason why a horse suffers such excruciating agony in this

325

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

disease, particularly when made to move or stand. Freedom
from pain is most evident when the animal is lying down, and
we believe in encouraging this ; certainly not in enforced
exercise — a method of treating the (Usease, as advocated by
s:)me authorities.

The result of the inflammation is to loosen or se})arate (in
some cases entirely) the bond of connection between the sensi-
tive and insensitive leaves, resulting in the displacement of the
coffin bones, favoured by the weight of the body. The point of
the coffin bone moves gradually downwards, forwards, and out-
wards, causing the sole at the toe to become first flattened, then
convex (dropped sole), and in very severe cases, terminating by
the bone perforating the sole, rendering the animal useless.

Causes. — (i) Predisposing. — Flat feet. Fatness or full habit
of body, especially if such is present during foaling time (par-
turient laminitis), weak heels, lameness (counter pressure).

(2) Exciting. — Chills, either through sudden cooling of the
body, or through a heavy draught of cold water, will produce
it. New wheat and barley will very readily bring it on,
especially in fat animals. The same can be said of new
oats and new hay. Overdriving and faulty shoeing. It
sometimes comes on through standing (pressure) a great deal
on the other limbs, owing to lameness, say, in one fore limb.
Concussion is a common cause. Again it may be the result of
a congestion of the lungs (pulmonary apoplexy) changing to
the feet (metastasis), likewise it may occur during colic,
intluenza, etc.

Symptoms. — The disease comes on suddenly. The fore
feet are commonly affected, frequently the hind, or all four.

326

DISEASES AFFECTING FEET

It may be that it is first of all seen directly the horse comes out
of the stable. He seems afraid to put any weight upon the fore
Hmbs, throwing them as far forward as possible, while the hind
feet are brought forward under the belly ; though this is not
so evident if the whole of the feet are affected. By backing
the animal, it will be seen at once that he tries to throw all the
weight on the heels, raising the toes. The feet will be found
hotter than natural, causing the animal pain if Hghtly tapped
with the hammer. It is difficult to get the horse to move, but
doing so brings the nature of the malady prominently out.

There is a considerable degree of fever, and the pulse is
quick, full and strong. Urination is in abeyance because the
animal seems afraid to put himself in position for the act.
When the hind feet only are aft'ected, the horse will stand with
all four limbs bunched under the body. If the disease
is complicated with coUc, influenza, inflammation of
the lungs, etc., then there will be the additional symptoms of
these. Laminitis might be mistaken for rheumatism, or a
bruised sole. Manipulation or swelHng of the joints will detect
the former, while the latter would be seen (see Corn and
Rheumatism). SweUing of the eyehds is occasionally present.

Treatment. — Have the shoes taken off at once. If the
animal is fat and vigorous, take away about four quarts
of blood from the neck vein (jugular). In mild attacks,
or animals in hard working condition, we do not think that
bleeding is needed ; in fact, many object to it under any cir-
cumstances. Given the conditions first named, we beUeve it is
absolutely essential to do so (see Lungs, Apoplexy of). Having
done this, give the animal (unless influenza or cohc prohibit it)
a pint of Unseed oil along with three drachms of tincture of

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HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

belladonna, and two drachms of Barbados aloes (the latter
dissolved in warm water) ; mix ; pnt the affected part in cold
bran poultices, keeping them cool by frequently douching
with cold water. Having done this, administer the following
draught every six hours.

Recipe. — Tincture of aconite B.P., 20 drops ; tincture of
belladonna, 2 drachms ; sweet spirit of nitre, i| ounces ; con-
centrated liquid acetate of ammonia, 3 drachms ; bicarbonate
of potash, ^ ounce ; w^ater, | pint ; mix, and give the whole
as directed above. Continue this treatment until the animal
has sufficiently recovered ; subsequently give the patient mild
exercise and tonics. Use shoes with thick heels, and keep the
heels long. The horse should be allowed to lie as much as
possible. Make a deep, short, straw bed. If there is no
improvement after the use of cold water for forty-eight hours,
begin to use warm (not too hot) water. Avoid annoying the
animal. Give green food, bran mashes, gruel, and cold water.
Add half an ounce of powdered nitre to this latter, once
daily. When recovery has taken place, use leather soles. Give
the medicine at the stated intervals, and see that none of it is
wasted. Keep the bed dry, and the place clean. Clothe body,
and bandage limbs.

FOOT, PUNCTURED OR PRICKED.

The sensitive structures within the hoof are occasionally
injured during shoeing, through misdirected nails. A picked
up nail may produce the same injury. The extent of the
injury will depend upon the situation of the puncture. If this
is only shght, healing may take place without the formation of
matter. The danger of a puncture cannot be correctly esti-

328

DISEASES AFFECTING FEET

mated. As a rule, if proper treatment is adopted at once, we
may anticipate good results.

When the nail has come into contact with the coffin bone,
it may end in sloughing off a portion of this latter. Punctures
are sometimes produced by the animal stepping upon a sharp
point, or even the clip of the shoe. Although want of care in
shoeing may have been the cause of the puncture, still the very
best of shoeing smiths have had the misfortune to prick a foot.
A restless animal, and a brittle hoof renders shoeing difficult,
and increases the liability to puncture. Carelessness in shoeing
can be told by looking carefully at the nail holes. If the latter
are placed where there is not sufficient horn for the nail to get
a good grip, and the holes wrongly directed, then there is every
reason to suppose that proper skill has not been exercised.

Proof of unskilled shoeing implies liability, and the owner
can obtain compensation from the smith.

Symptoms. — Lameness after leaving the forge. Pressure
with the pincers around the white line causes pain. Later on
there is increased heat in the foot. Occasionally, punctures of
the foot do not make themselves known until several weeks
after shoeing, more especially if the injury be near the toe.
Quittor may then result. In foot lameness have the sole pared
and the nail holes carefully searched. It is the nail that has
been withdrawn, the smith finding it misdirected, which usually
causes the lameness.

Treatment. — We have assumed that the shoe has already
been removed. Pare the sole and get to the very bottom of
the puncture — the latter being indicated by discoloured horn.
Do not be afraid to pare right through the horny sole at this

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HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

point. It must be done, otlicrwise it is not a bit of use.
The matter must have free exit. Xow soak the foot iu hot
water. Put on a hot bran j)()ultice, to which some hnseed meal
has been added. If the puncture has just been done, and there
is no matter fpus^'i formed, a cokl bran poultice can be put on.
Rest ; green food, if possible ; dose of physic.

SIDE-BONE.

The pedal bone is enclosed by the hoof. Attached to the
backward processes or wings of this bone are two flexible plates
of cartilage or gristle. These plates project a little above the
hoof, just at the upper border of the heels. When they are
perfectly free from disease they will be found to yield when the
thumb is pressed against them from the side, or, in other words,
have an elastic feel. The functions of these triangular pieces
of cartilage appear to be that of {a) allowing the soft structures
at this part of the foot to expand when the latter comes to the
ground ; (b) to conserve energy by a reversal of this process
when the foot is off the ground.

This explanation will enable the reader to understand the
reason why any alteration, whereby the elasticity of the cartilages
is diminished, will cause defective action in this part of the foot,
probably culminating in lameness. Now, the term side hone
is applied to these cartilages when they have become either
partially or completely converted into bone. Horses used for
heavy draught are those generally affected. Indeed, a very
large proportion of these animals have side bones after having
done two or three years' work in town, or upon hard roads. Of
course, the lighter bred horse is not exempt. \n him it is a
serious defect at ah times, because he is liable, particularly so,

DISEASES AFFECTING FEET

to become lame at any moment. The conversion of the carti-
lages into bone is a gradually advancing process. Particles of
lime are first of all deposited, being subsequently replaced by
bony material. The change is one of degeneration, i.e., the
passage from a higher to a lower grade, with its attendant fall
of functional value (calcification).

It may be asked, " Do side bones constitute unsoundness ? "
From a legal point of view they must of necessity do so. A
provisional statement is, however, necessary. Supposing that
the horse has a good sized foot, well open at the heels, and alto-
gether looks as though it could stand a bit of hard wear ; then,
if the animal is suitable in other respects, there need be no
hesitation in purchasing such a cart horse ; in fact, most
veterinary surgeons are in the habit of passing this class of
animal as sound under these circumstances. It is reasonable
to assume that there will be a reduction in the price. On the
other hand, never buy a light horse with side bone, or one for
heavy w^ork with a big, flat, or convex-soled foot. Narrow heels
must be avoided.

Causes. — It is generally stated that side bones are here-
ditary, i.e., handed from ancestors ; consequently many horse
breeders are careful to avoid breeding from stock with the
side bone stigma attached to their names. Probably this
hereditary nature has been far over-estimated. There is no
doubt that it is faulty conformation which is the mainstay of
this predisposition (heredity).

Upright fetlocks, small feet, and narrow heels are favour-
able towards the development of side bones. Concussion
transmitted, chrectly or indirectly, is the exciting cause. When

331

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

pressed, the cartilages do not yield. They will be found hard,
and perhaps greatly enlarged. If lameness is present the toe
of the foot is brought to the ground first. The layman should
have no difficulty in detecting side bones. It is usually the
fore feet that are affected, but it may be the hind.

Treatment. — As a rule this is very unsatisfactory. Once
the bony deposit is laid down, the writer knows of nothing that
will do away with it. Firing or blistering is not the slightest
use. If lameness is present allow rest, and have a bar shoe put
on. Apply a little iodine ointment to the cartilages twice daily.
Two veterinary operations have been suggested and
applied for the relief of the pain, therefore lameness.
The first of these is unnerving. The second is of a
simple nature, and its object is that of reheving the pressure.
It consists of making two or three straight cuts through the wall
of the hoof by means of a fine saw- or firing iron. The hoof is
first of all rasped and then sawn clean through, taking care not
to injure the sensitive structures beneath. The cuts are made
on each side of the wall. If other means fail, the author would
certainly advise the owner to have this operation done. It
must not be supposed that it cures the disease.

FISTULA OF THE FOOT (QUITTOR).

Quittor is a very common disease amongst horses, of both
the heavier and fighter breeds. It is characterised by the
presence of a suppurating channel or channels about the coronet,
and is the result of an external injury. Very commonly it is
the outcome of a prick to the sole, either through the horse
stepping upon some sharp pointed body, or inflicted inadver-
tentlv during shoeing. The matter being unable to find, or

332

DISEASES AFFECTING FEET

make, an exit through the unyielding, or practicaUy unyielding
horny box (the hoof), makes its way towards the softer structures
above this latter, showing itself above the coronet as a tender
and painful swelling, ultimately ending in the formation of one
or more suppurating channels. At first the horse is extremely
lame, and there is considerable constitutional disturbance.
The sores have httle or no inchnation towards heahng, but
continue to emit a blood stained matter. There is no attempt
at the formation of an abscess (boil) as in the case of an injury
to soft parts. This appears to be owing to the non-yielding
material about the coronet and parts in juxtaposition to it. A
quittor, in go per cent, of instances, is seen at the " quarter."

Treatment, (i) Preventive. — I am aware that it is impossible
at times to prevent the exit of matter at the coronet, but when
it is known that the foot has received an injury, either through
the false driving of a nail^ or a similar cause, we should lose no
time in paring the sole as thin as possible for some distance
around the puncture, while the wound must be pared out, so as
to allow free exit for any matter which may have formed, or is
hkely to subsequently form. Having done this, soak the foot
in warm water, and cover the wound with a pledget of tow,
previously soaked with carbolic acid liniment, and apply a
bandage. Allow rest, which, along with a mild dose of physic,
will hasten recovery.

(2) Curative. — When quittor has become established, I am
afraid that the recommendation of any treatment likely to be
adopted by the amateur, is almost certain to give him dissatis-
faction. Radical cure is by operation.

333

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

SEEDY TOE.

The term " Seedy Toe " is used to indicate a " mealy "
condition of the horn forming the sole and wall, especially at
the toe. Although most frequently found at, or about, the toe,
it is by no means conrined to this part. The soft, dry, mealy
condition of the horn is very characteristic, though such is often
shed in large, dry flakes.

Causes. — The writer is inclined to think that it is due to a
vegetable parasite, somewhat after the nature of that causing
ringworm, though at present is unable to confirm this view.
It is said that the toe clip causes it, though it is impossible to
admit the absolute truth of this, knowing that it occurs where
this is absent. A seedy condition of the horn is frequently
noticed after an attack of inflammation of the feet (laminitis).

Treatment. — Pare away all mealv and loose horn. H toe
clip has been worn, remove this. Paint the sole with the
following : —

Recipe. — Tincture of iodine, 2 ounces ; spirit of tar, 2
ounces ; methylated spirit of wine, 2 ounces ; caustic potash,
I drachm ; mix, and make liniment.

Directions. — Apply with a brush to the diseased horn once
a day. A bar shoe can be applied. Blistering the coronet and
rest can be adopted if necessary.

SANDCRACK.

Means that the horn, forming the wall of the hoof, has a
split in it, extending in a vertical direction through part, or the
whole way, of its depth. The crack may be quite superficial,

334

DISEASES AFFECTING FEET

or run throughout the entire thickness of the wah, thus causing
pain and lameness. The fore or hind feet may be affected,
more frequently the former, in which the crack is generally
situated upon the inner side — the horn being thinner and having
greater weight to bear — but in the hind feet the split is usually
in front. Sandcrack may be found at the toe in the fore limbs
as well. The horn begins splitting from without to within, or
vice versa. It is most important that the layman should bear
this in mind, because it forms a strong argument in favour of a
sandcrack being capable of sudden onset. A horse might be
passed as sound, apparently so, yet the crack becomes evident
shortly afterwards. Without the wall is weakened on the inner
side m this way, it is hardly likely that the crack will appear
suddenly.

Causes. — The exciting cause is concussion (the wall of the
hoof is the chief weight-bearing structure), but predisposition
is found to exist in large flat feet. Loss of water, consequently
brittleness in the hoof wall, is favoured by the evil practice of
rasping the crust, and I think that there can be little hesitation
in believing that such is favourable towards the production of
sandcrack, though it is certainly not the only cause, the writer
(and doubtless others) having seen typical sandcracks in feet
that have never been shod. \Miether the splitting of the horn
substance (tubular or intertubular), or its defective secretion
from the horn-forming material at the coronet be at fault, does
not appear to have been accurately determined. It may be
that the splitting of the horny tubes is primarily due to this
latter cause, sandcrack commonly beginning just below the
coronet, i.e., the top of the hoof. False quarter is a predisposing
cause. When about to purchase a horse it is well to bear this

335

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

in mind. Always raise the hair around the to]) of the hoof,
looking very carefully for evidence of the slightest fissure. It
may be that such has no greater breadth than that of a hair ;
nevertheless, it is an unsoundness, because of its liability to
extend.

Supposing that the purchaser was willing to buy the horse
with this apparently slight defect, it is fair to assume that he
would obtain a reduction in the price of the animal. When
the fissure is limited to the horny wall it does not cause any
lameness, but directly — and this is its habihty — it extends or
exposes the sensitive structures of the foot, the latter (lameness)
is present.

Treatment. — If the crack is superhcial, its extension can be
limited by an attempt at drawing a firing iron (red hot) across
its lowest points when its origin is from above, but if the split
begins from below, the transverse line must be near to the
coronet. There is a method known as clasping, which is a good
deal resorted to in dealing for sandcrack. This consists cf
cutting a notch out of the horn on each side of the crack, near
coronet. Leave about half an inch space between the split and
the notches. A horseshoe nail is now drawn out to a broad
flat point (reverse sided pointing), and driven in at one notch,
coming out from the other. The nail is drawn well home with
the pincers, so that the crack is kept well bolted — the nail being
subsequently clinched and rasped smooth. If the split is a long
one three or four clasps may be necessary. It should be dis-
tinctly understood that the nail must only penetrate the wall
of the hoof, therefore this method is only applicable when the
latter has a good thickness, as, for example, towards the toe or
front face of the hoof.

336

DISEASES AFFECTING FEET

Another plan consists of making V-shaped grooves, w::h
the apex of the V about the middle of the crack. The hncs oi
the letter must be carried as high as the coronet, and al.iUit
three-quarters of an inch of horn allowed between eacii li.ie
(groove) and the crack. The firing iron can be used in place of
cutting the grooves with a drawing knife. The reader will
understand that the divided horn will never unite, the object
being to induce a new growth of horn, likewise to prevent the
crack extending, thus obviating pain. \Mien the fissure is
deep, blood may be oozing from it, and the horse exceedingly
lame. It is hardly necessary to say that it is a criminal offence
to work a horse in this condition. Under these circumstances
have the shoe taken off, and the foot put in a bucketful of
warm water, to w^iich a couple of tablespoonsful of J eyes' fluid
have been added. After having given the fissure a thorough
cleansing, pare the same well out. If the flesh is sprouting
through the fissure, do not remove it, as such will gradually die
away under appropriate treatment. As soon as the inflam-
mation and pain have abated, put on a bar shoe. When the
crack is at the toe, have side clips and a thin-heeled shoe. For
" quarter " sandcrack use a three-quarter bar shoe. A most
excellent means of taking the pressure off the fissure is afforded
through cutting out a small arch immediately below the crack.
Touching the coronet lightly with the firing iron (or blistering)
after the inflammation has departed, assists the growth of
fresh horn.

General Management. — Rest. Mild dose of physic or else
green food. Keep the crack particularly clean. Watch the
growth of new horn in order to note that it is going on all right.
Avoid the use of the so-called *' stopping " {i.e., filling up the

337
w

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

crack), a practice which an unscrupulous dealer might make
use of in order to hide a sandcrack.

CANKER OF FOOT.

This is a very troublesome disease, and one equally difficult
to cure. One foot, or more, may be affected at the same time.
The disease appears to be due to imperfect horn production, a
greasy stinking substance being formed instead. The frog (foot-
pad), sole, bars, may be attacked in the order named ; subse-
quently the wall, and even the coronet. Commonly we find
the disease confined to the lower surface of the foot. It is very
seldom that the malady causes any lameness at first. The
changes may become so extensive as to lead on to loss of
the hoof, though this is a comparatively slow process. If
the disease extends rapidly, it is a bad sign.

Causes. — The precise use is probably of a specific nature
(germ or parasite growth). Grease may be the forerunner ot
canker, or vice versa. Neglected thrush of the foot is favourable
towards its production. The same applies to an injury. Heavy
cart horses, of a soft, sluggish temperament, are the most inclined
to become affected (predisposition).

Symptoms. — The sole and frog will be seen to be covered
with a sponge-like growth of greasy horn, emitting a most
obnoxious odour. The frog looks shapeless, and its cleft is
filled with a nasty stinking material — the products of decom-
position. The horn secreting eminences (papillt^) of the frog
are greatly enlarged.

Treatment. — ^The veterinary operation consists of stripping
off the whole of the sole, and dressing with chromic acid, tow,

338

DISEASES AFFECTING FEET

and pressure bandage. In every instance the layman should
get the smith to pare away every bit of under-run horn. The
Hniments below will be found very useful for keeping the disease
in check.

Recipe. — Lead nitrate, 2 drachms ; oxide of zinc, 2 ounces ;
water, add 8 ounces ; mix, and apply to the diseased horn daily.

Working upon a brickfield or clay soil has been recom-
mended. It is an excellent procedure to wash the feet daily in
some fluid, such as a solution of creolin or carbolic acid (1-80).
In addition to the use of the liniment or powder, pressure
must be put on the sole and frog. Have a shoe made with a
sliding iron covering, so that a thick pad of tow can be inter-
posed.

INTERFERING OR BRUSHING.

The foregoing are different names given to indicate an
injury of the fetlock, either of the fore or hind limbs, but pro-
duced through striking the fetlock with the opposite foot.

Causes. — Shoes being too wide ; clinches improperly fast-
ened down ; toes turned in ; weakness and faulty action ; leg
weariness, etc. The part which brushes is the anterior portion
of the quarter.

Treatment. — Try and find the cause. The striking part
can be detected by applying a wet pipeclay bandage, so that an
imprint is left upon the former. A three-quarter shoe may do
good. A leather boot is a useful preventive.

339

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

SPEEDY CUT.

This injiirN' {)redisposes thi- horse to fall. It is caused bv
the shoe of the o}:)posite foot striking the leg at the lower and
inner side of the knee. Keep the foot narrow on the inner side
and toe, or juit on a three-quarter shoe. Anti-speedy cutting
gaiters are sometimes used.

TREADS ON CORONET AND HEEL.

By treading upon the coronet {i.e., the band encircling the
hoof) with the opposite foot, a most serious injury is a frequent
result. High fever, sloughing, and quittor may thus arise,
whilst false quarter is not an unknown legacy. We recommend
the reader to have professional advice at once under these
cuxumstances.

340

CHAPTER XX
SOME DISEASES OCCURRING ABROAD.

TSETSE-FLY PLAGUE. NAGANA

FLY disease or nagana occurs in many regions of Africa
south of the equator, and causes enormous losses
amongst horses in those districts where the tsetse-fly
abounds. These flies are a trifle larger than the house fly ;
have overlapping wings when resting. The mouth is specially
adapted for piercing and sucking, and it makes the best use
of this arrangement so far as itself is concerned. It eagerly
attacks man and certain other animals, but the horse is the
one that it does so much harm to.

River banks and hot swampy places are the favourite
haunts of the tsetse-fly, and those who now travel through
those parts usually swathe their horses in clothing so as to
prevent the flies from fixing on to the animal.

Nagana is due to a low form of animal (protozoan) parasite
circulating in the blood, and transferred from horse to horse
through the medium of the blood sucking tsetse-fly previously
alluded to. Nagana is a Zulu term, meaning depressed in
spirits. When a horse is attacked with this fatal disease, the
coat begins to stand up, and swellings appear under the belly,

341

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

etc. The animal graduallx' wastes away. Internal temperature
may read 107' Fahi., the disease running its course within a
month, but in cattle its progress is slower, many of the latter
living for o\er six months.

SURRA.

This disease occurs in Northern India and neighbouring
parts of Asia, attacking horses, camels and cattle. It is a very
fatal malady, and one that carries off a large percentage of
horses. It is due to minute parasites invading the blood
stream. The organisms are known as trypanosomes — unicellular
animals having a whiplike process at one end.

A remarkable feature in connection with these organisms
is their presence in the blood of certain rats, such as the sewer
rat, though they are not present in all members of this species.

These rodents do not appear to suffer any inconvenience
through their presence. Such eminent bacteriologists as Koch,
and the late Professor Nocard, considered that surra and nagana
are identical diseases.

CAPE HORSE SICKNESS.

This is a very prevalent disease in South Africa, and there
is a disease practically the same in the Soudan. The most
favourable locahties for outbreaks of horse sickness are where
the land is" swampy, in^ short, malarial districts. During the
South African War an innnense number of horses died from
this deadly malady.

The term " salted " is commonly applied to a horse that
has recovered from the disease, owing to its acquired immunity,

342

SOME DISEASES OCCURRING ABROAD

but such animals are often mere physical wrecks, and their
value over-estimated. Cape horse sickness is most prevalent
during the rainy season, frost being one of the best natural
preventives, although cases have occurred when snow has
been on the ground.

The average period for the incubation of this disease is
about a week. It assumes several forms. In one form the
tongue swells and turns blue through engorgement with impure
blood, probably protruding from the mouth. This is the so-
called blue tongue. In other cases the head and neck swell —
dikkop. The pulmonary form is common, and the patient does
not as a rule live longer than three or four days.

The first intimation that a horse has been infected with
this disease is denoted by shivering and a rise of temperature,
more especially in the evening. In addition to all the ordinary
signs accompanying an acute illness, there is a frothy discharge
from the nostrils, and it is said also a bulging of the pits over
the eyes. Sometimes death occurs within a few hours, generally
within three or four days. Sometimes recovery takes place,
though the death-rate must be considered very high. i\s a
preventive, horses must be kept away from the grass until the
dew is off.

EPIZOOTIC LYMPHANGITIS.

This disease is uncommon in this country, and most of the
cases have been recorded by Army veterinary surgeons. In
some respects the malady is not unlike farcy — that is, glanders —
showing itself in connection with the absorbents and skin.

343

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

Horses, asses and mules arc liable to become infected, and
it is now scheduled under the Contagious Diseases (Animals
Act, so that the chances of it ever becoming established in
this country arc^ not very great. It was introduced from
South Africa during the last war. I'nlike glanders, it appears
to yield to treatment in a considerable number of instances,
the only difficulty being as to whether a cure has or has not
been effected. It is ver\ liable to recur.

344

CHAPTER XXI

SKIN DISEASES, ETC.

ECZEMA.

THIS is an exceedingly troublesome complaint, and is of
fairly frequent occurrence in the horse. It is a non-
communicable malady, and one which has its origin in
impairment of the nervous and digestive functions.

The congested condition of the skin, unless arising from
causes extrinsic, is but the outward manifestation of a similar
condition existing within the economy.

Whilst the precise nature of these changes may be difticult
of determination, it will occasionally be found that the animal
thus affected has been suffering from a disordered condition of
the liver, probably through a diet too stimulating in its nature.
Some horses appear to be distinctly predisposed to eczema
(heredity). Chemical, mechanical, and parasitical agents are,
of course, capable of exciting an eczematous eruption. The
latter cause has been dealt with under the heading'of parasites
(mange).

Symptoms. — This is preceded by redness (not seen in
pigmented parts), the appearance of minute vesicles (blisters),
followed by the rupture of these and subsequent desiccation of
their contents upon the surface of the inflamed area. Any

345

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

part of the skin is liable to be the seat of this abnormal con-
dition.

Treatment. — Internally give three grains of arsenious acid
in the food every morning.

When the eczematons eruption is more of a chronic nature,
the sores can be rubbed for half an hour, night and morning,
with boracic acid ointment, to each ounce of which a quarter of
a drachm of creosote has been added. Give a mild dose of
physic (aloes) every three weeks, and continue the arsenic for
several months, leaving it off during the time the physic ball
has to be given.

MUD RASH.

The superficial structures of the skin are, in this disease,
inflamed. It may be acute or chronic, and the eruption is
occasionally accompanied by slight fever, hence the term
" mud fever," the prefix " mud " being used because the source
of the irritation arises through the presence of this upon the
skin. Leaving the mud upon the legs through imperfect groom-
ing is a frequent cause of this complaint. The same may be
said of improper after-drying — if the mud has been washed off
— and allowing the horse to lie upon dirty bedding. It is often
said that clipping the limbs below predisposes the animal to
suffer from mud eruption.

Treatment. — Give a mild dose of physic ; add half an
ounce of bicarbonate of potash (powdered) to a small quantity
of a warm linseed and bran mash every night and morning.
Keep the limbs and body clean by thorough grooming, carried
out regularly. Sponge the sore places with white lotion.

346

SKIN DISEASES, ETC

CRACKED HEELS.

The horse is very hable to suffer from irritation in this
region especially if the ground is sloppy, such as happens after
a thaw. Washing the lower part of the hmbs, yet faihng to dry
them thoroughly, is probably one of the most frequent causes
of cracked heel.

(i) Preventive, — Treatment. If the heels are washed, see
that they are made quite dry, then bandaged, and not exposed
to any draught.

(2) Medicinal. — Allow a few days' rest, and apply the white
lotion night and morning. Give a diuretic ball, and keep the
bowels open with sloppy bran and Unseed mashes.

PSORIASIS.

This is a skin disease attacking the flexor surfaces (especi-
ally) of the knee and hock joints, and vulgarty known under
the names of mallenders and sallenders. It is a chronic inflam-
matory condition of the skin denoted by the loss of hair
(animals;, and the assumption of a dry and scurfy appearance.

Treatment. — Give plenty of good food, such as bruised
beans, spht peas, crushed oats, etc. Internally, add half to one
ounce of Fowler's solution of arsenic to the drinking water, night
and mornmg, and rub the sores with chrysophanic acid night
and morning for fifteen minutes. Several weeks or months
may elapse before the disease shows signs of being eradicated.

PURPURA.

This disease — usually known as purpura harmorrhagica —
occasionally attacks the horse, more particularly after it has

347

HORSES; THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

just passed through some exhausting malady, such as influenza.
Purpura is denoted by the appearance of one or more sweUings
upon the skin, variously situated, though commonly about the
head and belly. Sloughing sores ultimately appear ; whilst,
from the nose, blood may be discharged. Purpura is a malady
requiring the exercise of professional skill for its treatment, so
that no time should be lost in consulting a veterinarian.

MANGE.

This is a fairly common disease, and when restricted to
that form induced by parasites, its frequency in the horse
probably ranks parallel with the same malady in the dog and
cat. Once mange breaks out amongst a stud or herd of young
stock it requires more than superficial measures, not only for
its eradication, but also to prevent its extension.

Symptoms. — Constant rubbing or biting the skin ; loss of
hair especially about the mane and tail ; the formation of tiny
bhsters (vesicles), followed by the bursting of the latter, and
the dessication of their escaped and escaping contents upon
the surface of the skin, producing the so-called scab or crust.

If we remove one or more of these crusts, and examine the
lower surface with the aid of a powerful pocket lens, the mange
mite will hkely be seen.

By far the commonest species of mange attacking the
horse is that known (technically, we ought to say) as sarcoptic,
and whose preference for certain parts of the hair is shown by
the fact that it commonly starts its work in the regions of the
head and trunk, but there is also a psoroptic variety of mange
mite preferably attacking root of tail and beneath mane. The

348

SKIN DISEASES, ETC.

sarcoptic species of mite, producing sarcoptic mange, chieliy
attacks the limbs, especially about the fetlock joints. The other
mange mite is known as symbiotes equi.

Treatment and General Management. — In the event of an
outbreak amongst a herd or stud, the immediate separation of
the diseased is of primary importance. All fittings must be
washed with boiling water and washing soda, dried, and in the
course of a day or two lime-whitened, taking particular care to
see that every crevice receives its share of attention. Burn
any straw or bedding that has been near or in contact with the
diseased animal. Halters, head collars, clothing, harness, etc.,
will require complete cleansing, Carbohc acid may be added
to the foregoing liquids.

Take the diseased animal or animals and wash them with
carbolic soft soap and warm water, and, if the hair be long, clip
it off before so doing. Dry the body and now dress it all over
with lime and sulphur lotion. In an hour, or less, the para-
sites will, if the dressing has been properly applied, be seen
to be dead.

The dressing can be re-applied where necessary in two or
three days' time. It must be rubbed well in with the hands,
taking care to rub in an opposite direction to which the hairs
point. Isolated patches of mange do not demand the whole
of the body clipping or washing. These can be dressed with
sulphur ointment, or a mixture of sulphur, oil of tar, and whale
or linseed oil. One ounce of oil of tar to every eight ounces of
sulphur and pint of Unseed oil makes a dressing of suitable
consistence for this purpose.

349

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

GREASE,

This is a very troublesome complaint, and one to which
certain horses are predisposed. The greasy condition of the
limbs is commonly present in those animals of a soft or sluggish
temperament. The heavier breeds are probably th-e most
frequent sufferers. Repeated attacks of grease lead to the
formation of unwieldy growths, especially around the pastern
joints. The so-called " grapes " are the granulations arising
from exuberant growth. Suppuration is commonly established.
The hind fetlocks are those generally affected, especially the
back part of these.

There is a form of mange mite (symhiotes equi) that
attacks the pasterns and is a frequent cause of the itchy state
in this region.

Symptoms. — A moist and greasy feel at the part, stiffness,
suppuration, and, it may be, the formation of the grape-like
outgrowths.

Treatment. — Internally give half an ounce of Fowler's
solution of arsenic, night and morning, in the food. If grapy
growths have formed, these can be burned off with a hot
flattened piece of iron. When extensive suppuration is present,
put on a few hot linseed poultices, covering the surface of the
poultices with a layer of finely powdered charcoal ; subsequently
dress the sores with white lotion (see Lotions). A mild dose
of physic and an occasional diuretic ball will assist matters.
The arsenic must be continued for several months, the sore
places kept clean and bandaged firmly.

350

SKIN DISEASES, ETC.

LICE.

Lice frequently attack the horse. Any part of the body
may be attacked, but the legs, fore ones especially (in hairy
legged horses), are common situations to find hce. Poultry
hce {gonioctes burnetii) are often the vermin attacking the
horse.

Cleanse fittings ; burn bedding ; stall posts, hay racks, etc.,
ought to be washed in a decoction of tobacco — stronger the
better. If the hair upon body is long, chp it off, and then wash
body with carbolic soap and hot water, subsequently dress
with tobacco water (2 ounces to a quart of water).

Decoctions of tobacco and stavesacre (seeds) are equally
good anti-parasiticides. But always bear in mind that
thorough cleansing of not only the animal's body is essential,
but that of the clothing, apphances, fittings ; in fact, everything
that has come in either direct or indirect contact with the
lice-infested animal. Poultry, or their houses., will need
cleansing or removal.

COLLAR, SADDLE, AND OTHER GALLS.

Every horseman knows the frequency of sores upon the
horse in the regions of the collar and saddle-beds. Defective
conformation and ill-fitting tackle are predisposing and exciting
causes respectively. Special attention should be given to see
that the saddle, collar, pad, etc., are made to fit the animal,
though the reverse is often the case. The removal of the cause,
a few days' rest, and the application of the white lotion will
usually suffice to effect a cure. If the horse must be worked,
the injured part will require protection, otherwise cruelty

351

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

arises. Perhaps a breast-band can supplant the collar. The
term " sit fast " is a})plied to an indolent sore u])on the back.
It is a scar imbedded in a zone of dead — or practically so^
tissue. Unction with iodine ointment will often excite repara-
tive inflammation ; if not, the part recjnires surgical inter-
ference.

NETTLE RASH (URTICARIA).

Nettle rash is characterised by the appearance of numerous
variously sized oval or round elevations upon the skin, especi-
ally about the trunk. These " weals " cause a great deal of
irritation, yet the skin remains intact. The departure of the
" weals " is almost as sudden as that of their onset. Distur-
bance of the digestive and nervous systems are probably at the
root of the whole affair.

Treatment. — Give a change of food, and a mild dose of
Barbados aloes. Green food can be allowed. To aUay the
irritation, bathe the parts with a strong solution of baking
soda. Boracic acid ointment is also a useful appHcation for
this purpose.

RING-WORM.

This ring-like diseased conchtion of the skin is due to a
microscopic parasite known as tyycophvtoii tonsurans. The
patches have a scurfy and stubbly appearance.

Dress with iodide of sulphur ointment or ])aint wiiii iodine.

352

CHAPTER XXII

WORMS.

The commonest round worm infesting^ the horse is that
known as ascaris megaloccphala, which varies in its length. It
is cream coloured, has faint self-coloured and transverse stripes.
It is only when these worms are very numerous that they cause
the animal to fall off in condition.

Another round parasite is that known as the palisade
worm (strongylus armatus), whose abode is in the blood vessels
and bowels as well.

The wandering nature of these parasites renders their
presence particularly objectionable. Their average length is
about one inch and a quarter.

The four spined strongyle (strongylus tetr acanthus) is a true
blood-sucking worm. When fresh they are bright red in colour.
They are usually found adhering to the pellets of dung. Part
of their life history is spent in the wall of the gut, which they
are liable to perforate to serious consequences.

The pin worm (oxyuris curvula) takes up its abode at the lower
end of the bowel (rectum).

353

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

i Treatment for Round Worms. — For the parasite first named,
add a drachmfof santonin, and four drachms of powdered gentian
root, to a handful of bran^every other night, and at the end of
the week give a ball composed of five drachms of Barbados
aloes. Burn all the excrement. Continue the treatment for
several weeks. Avoid feeding the animal for at least a couple
of hours after giving the medicine, and do not forget to moisten
the bran with water, otherwise the powder will likely be wasted.

For the treatment of animals infested with the four spined
strongyle, tonics are called for in advanced cases ; whereas
earlv on vermifuges are the best.

When a colt is suspected of having these worms, give it a
couple of ounces of turpentine, mixed with half a pint of Unseed
oil. Repeat twice or thrice weekly. Molassine meal, in
quantities from half to four pounds per day, is an excellent
remedy for expelling worms.

For pin worm : injections of salt and water, or turpentine,
soap and water, are the best.

The perfoHate and plaited tape worms are the commonest
of these. The first named ranges from one to four inches, and
the second three feet in length. Several gallons of these worms
are occasionally taken out of the bowels after death.

Treatment. — Previous to giving the following draught, feed
the animal upon bran mashes, to which linseed oil or treacle
has been added.

The Draught. — W. oil of turpentine, i to 3 ounces ; 6 eggs
(beaten up) ; mix, and add linseed oil, i pint. Repeat in three
or four days' time if needful.

354

WORMS

Drachm doses of tartar emetic (given every other night in
food) are useful for the destruction of tape worms. Perhaps
the best remedy of all is that of male fern, either as an emulsion
or in the form of liquid extract.

THE GAD-FLY.

The gad-fly usually attacks animals whilst they are
grazing, and commonly during June, July, August, September
and October. The fly is yellowish brown, and has black
markings.

The hinder end of the female's body is provided with a
prolongation known as the ovipositor. The eggs are laid during
the months stated, and deposited upon the inner sides of the
knees, on the mane and shoulder, etc. They cause the horse
some discomforture, and it is quite possible that the animal
licks the parts ; in this way the immature parasite finds its
entrance into the horse's stomach.

It takes from five to twenty-one days for the ova to develop
into the maggot stage. The larva attach themselves to the
upper portion of the lining membrane of the stomach, and in
this situation they remain for eight to ten months, subsequently
being expelled with the excrement. These are called " bots."
After their expulsion — all things being favourable — they
develop into the fully developed fly. This occupies about six
or eight weeks.

Treatment. — {Prevejitive). — House when flies are likely to
be about. Give 2 ounces of turpentine and half a pint of
linseed oil once or twice a week.

Externally. — Apply a dressing composed of i ounce of
creolin, 2 ounces of terebene, and i pint of linseed oil, mixed
together. Repeat if necessary.

355

CHAPTER XXIII

DISEASES AND INJURIES OF THE EYE.

LIKE most other animals the horse is subject to injury
and disease of the eyes. The commonest of these is
ophthalmia, or inflammation of the mucous membrane
lining the eyelids and reflected over the globe of the eye.

At one time there used to be a specific form of ophthalmia,
known as moon-bhndness, attacking horses, commonly com-
pletely destroying the sight. Improved sanitation seems to
have abolished this severe form of ophthalmia. Sometimes
the eyes are very much inflamed during an attack of influenza.
The most frequent causes are injuries (torn eyelids), and the
entrance of foreign bodies, such as chaff, etc. The treatment,
will, of course, be directed to the removal of the cause, if
possible, and the daily use of some mild astringent, such as
boracic acid solution, or a solution of sulphate of zinc.

If the cornea becomes opaque, this will require specially
treating, therefore call in professional aid.

CATARACT.

This is not at all uncommon, and of course it renders the
animal's sight very faulty. It is due to a precipitation of
albuminous material in the capsule of the crystalhne lens, or
else the lens.

357

HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT

Old horses often develop cataract, but it may easily be
produced by a blow from a whip, etc. Careful inspection of
the eye often reveals a cataract appearing as a greenish star-
shaped bodv in the interior of the eye. Its detection is, how-
ever, more a matter concerning the professional.

TORN EYELIDS.

Many injuries of the eyelid are extremely painful, setting
up violent inflammation in and around the injury. A good
deal of surgical skill is required to give good results, therefore
seek the services of a veterinarian. In the meantime, it is a
good plan to freely foment the injured parts with warm water,
taking particular care to have the water boiled and cooled
down, and to have the hands and utensils scrupulously clean.
Suppuration can be limited, though not exactly prevented, if
the foregoing advice be acted upon. Bathing the eyes with
milk and water is rubbish, and calculated to infect the eye.
An infusion of camomile is very useful for this purpose.

WARTS ON EYELIDS.

These require touching with a Httle calcined magnesia,
made into a paste with hme water. If this fails, with a stick of
caustic, but never use acids about the eyes.

STRICTURE OF LACHRYMAL DUCT-

The lower opening of this is situated within the entrance
to the nose, being denoted by a small hole punched out just
inside nostrils.

358

DISEASES AND INJURIES OF THE EYE

If the lower opening is obstructed, or any other part of the
duct, the tears ilow from the eyes, instead of being carried
awa}-^ by the duct through the nostrils.

Treatment is purely the work of the veterinarian.

WORM IN THE EYE.

This is a form of parasitic ophthalmia not uncommon at
Madras, Ceylon, and some other parts of India. In Bengal it
is known as sanp or serpent in the eye.

The worm or worms can be seen swimming about in the
fluid contained within the front chamber of the eye, where
they cause a lot of trouble unless removed by puncture.

LOTION FOR INFLAMED, ETC., EYES.

B . Sulphate of zinc, i drachm ; boracic acid, i drachm ;
alum, ^ drachm. Mix ; bathe eyes ; boiled w^ater, ^ pint.

359

INDEX

PAGE

A Typical Suffolk Horse

.. T84

Abscess

•• 314

Acute Dyspepsia . .

■ • ^74

Age of Horses . .

•• 174

Angle Berries

.. 316

Azoturia . .

• • 2.~ 2

Bandages . .

Blisters

Blistering

Bone Spavin

Bowels

Breathing

Breeds of Horses

Breeding of Polo Ponies

Bronchitis

Broken Wind

Broken Bones

Broken Knees

Bruises and Sprains

Brushing . .

38
254
254
297

251
51

145
268
270
299

313
301

339

Canker of Foot . .

• ro^

Capped Hocks . .

■ 307

Cape Horse Sickness

■ 342

Catarrh

. 266

Catarrhal Complaints . .

• 259

Castration

■ 317

Chief Points of a Hunter

. 69

Choking . .

. 2S9

Cleveland Bay Horse

Clipping . .

Clydesdale Horse

Cob. The . .

Collar Galls

Colic

Connemara Ponies

Constipation

Contracted Tendons

Contracted Feet

Corns

Cracked Heels

Cross-bred Horses

Curb

Curby Hocks

Dartmoor Ponies

Diabetes . .

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea in Young Stock

Digestive Disorders

Disease of Bones . .

Diseases of the Eye

Diseases Affecting the Feet

Diseases Occurring Abroad

Dysentery

Dyspepsia, Acute

Eczema

Enemas

Epizootic Lymphangitis . .

Exmoor Ponies . .

PAGE

207

37
199

105

351
277

135

2C)0
302
319

323

347
229
300
300

117
290
284
288
271
295
357
319
341
287
274

345
256

343
117

361

Feeding

Firing

Fistula of the Foot

Fistula of the Withers

Flat Soles

Foods

Forclimbs

Forging

Fomenting

Founder . .

Fractures

Galls. Collar

General Management of Horses

Generative Organs

Glanders . .

Grasses

Grazing Horses . .

Grooming . .

Grease

Hackney and Harness Horse

Hackney Horse Society

Hackney Ponies . .

Hind Limbs

How to Give a Draught

Hunter

Inflammation of the Bronchi

Tubes
Inflammation of the Bowels
Inflamed Hocks . .
Influenza
Interfering or Brushing . .

ixi)i:\.

I'ACI'
2/

Luxation of Patella

I'AC.K

304

254

f^icc

351

332

Lotion for Inflamed Eyes

359

^^s

LymplTangitis

. 271

Mange

34«

324

Management of Brood Mares .

241

256

Mountain Ponies

. 127

325

:Mud Rash

• 346

299

Navicular Disease

• 320

35'^

Nettle Rash

• 352

Notes on Shetland Ponies

■ 139

Jaundice . .
Joint Illness
Joint, Disease of

-b5

263

116

255

268
281

305
259

339

283
265
295

Open Joints

P
Patella. Luxation of
Pleuro- Pneumonia
Polo Ponies
Ponies

Points of Horse . .
Points of Hackney
Points of Clydesdale
Points of Suffolk
Poulticing
Psoriasis . .
Pulse

Punctured Foot . .
Purpura . .

Ouartcr, False

Rheumatism
Roaring . .
Ringbone
Ringwonn

304
267
140
1 1 1
39

200

184
256

347
251
328
3-i7

324

265
269
299

352

362

INDEX

Saddle Galls
Sand Crack
Shetland Ponies . .
Shire and Cart Horse .

PAGE

• 351

• 334

. 136

• 159

Thrush of the Mouth

Thoropin of Hock

Thrush in Clefts of Feet . .

Torn Eyelids

Treads on Coronet and Heel .

PAGE

292

• 306

• 319

• 358

• 340

Signs of Disease . .
Side Bone

■ 251
• 330

Tsetse Fly Plague

• 341

Skin Diseases

■ 345

Sore Throat
Soundness of Hunters .

. 266
73

Urinary Organs . .

• 253

Specific Complaints
Speedy Cut
Splints

■ 259

• 340

• 295

Vanners . .

229

Strangles . .

261

Stricture of Lachrymal Duct .

• 358

Surra

• 342

Warts

. 316

Welsh Ponies

• 117

Worms

• 353

Temperature of the Body

252

Worm in the Eye

• 359

Therapeutics

. 251

Wounds, Their Treatment

• 309

The Eyes, Nose, and Skin

252

Therapeutical Agents . .

• 254

Thoroughbred or Race

rlorse .

219

Yorkshire Coach Horse . .

211

363

MOLASSINE MEAL

"Holds the Field'
As a Food for Horses.

It keeps them in good health, prevents and cures Coughs, Colds, Colic,
Diarrhoea and other complaints.

PREVENTS AND ERADICATES WORMS.

It is equally suitable for Draught Horses, Hunters, Racehorses, and brings
Show Horses to the pink of condition.

Thousands of Horses are slaughtered every year unnecessarily. The
regular use of Molassine Meal reduces the rate of mortality.

COMPLETE ERADICATION OF WORMS.

'"We are very nuicli pleased with the INIola^sine Meal, which we ha\e used in our stables for a
considerable time. It has greatly improved our horst-s, which are constantly employed at heavy work
and on long iourneys. They are better able to do their work, and are quite free from complaints of all
kinds. Worriis are entirely eradicated by its use."— JOHN MORTON & CO., Ltd., Coventry.

PROF. McLAUCHLAN YOUNG, F.R.C.V.S., RR.5.E., F.R.P.5., F.Z.S..
Aberdeen and North of Scotland College of Agriculture, Marischal
College, Aberdeen, reports : —

" A brown horse in a most emaciated state and quite u=eleps (condemned by the S.P.C. A.), weighed
only 847 lbs. on the 7th of November, 1901. The hoi-se was weighed on the 18th of November and .=caled
8SK)'lbs. On the 18th of December it was still improving and showed a total r/ain of H'i llis. in about si.r
weeks while feeding with Molassine Meal."

TOTAL ABSENCE OF VETERINARY ACCOUNTS.

"1 have used :Molassine Meal for lica\y horses and tra\ellcrs' ponies for about five years. I was
favourably imiiressed froTu the first, and although my foreman was prejudiced against it he now states
that it has kept tlie horses on their legs, wlien without it they would frc(|ueutly lui\ <• liccn laid u]). Total
absence of veterinary accounts. As a worm cradicator it is unciuestionably all I hat ii claims to be."

JOHN HENRY, Norwich.

Substitute

'from 2 to 4 lbs. daily of

Molassine Meal for the same

qiumtily of the ordinary food

and mix thoroughly

there Willi.

Its

regular iise effects

Ti considerable saving in the foraj.

account, animals obtaining the full

nutritive value of their

entire food.

Manufactured by HENRY TATE & SONS, Ltd., London and Liv^rpool.

Sold by all Grain and Forage Merchants, and THE MOLASSINE MEAL CO.,

Ltd., 36, Mark Lane, London, E.C. ; 125, Hope Street, Glasgow; 43,

Dame Street, Dublin ; and other addresses.

mily Library of Veterinary Medicine
SclioQl ot Veterinai^ ivledicine at
irsity

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