# • ♦ % k»». u ^im LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. THE IMPROVED PRACTICAL SYSTEM OP EDUCATOG THE HORSE; / BY A. H.'EOCKWELL, ORIGINATOR OF THK MODE OF I>R,IVIlVO \^ITHOXJT K,EIISrS. ILLUSTRATED WITH TWENTY-FIVE FULL-PAGE EXGRATINGS. With a Hist county, N". Y., that lie will be driven around the course at fall speed before a sulky, loithout bridle or reins! Mr. Rockwell will also be on hand to exhibit his skill in the management and taming of the worst-tempered horses." At the Fair in the following week we appeared ac- cording to announcement, exhibiting on the afternoon of each of the three days. Mr. Rockwell here proved to the entire satisfaction of himself and the public that his theory of driving without lines was a fixed fact. He drove Tiger to a skeleton-wagon, with simply a surcingle to hold up the thills, without bridle, reins, breeching, or breast-collar, driving him at a slashing pace, surging him to and fro, breaking him up and running him, turning and twisting in all directions — in fact, handling him with all the ease that the most ac- complished horseman could a well-broke horse with the reins, and all by a few motions with the whip, without speaking a word. At the conclusion of each perform- ance Mr. Rockwell was loudly cheered by the assem- bled multitude, and received congratulations on all hands from the most skillful horsemen in the State, for his unrivaled success. The next exhibition was at the State Fair at Elmira, New- York, in the same fall. This exhibition will be remembered by those present as exciting the wonder and admiration of those who saw it, and the disappoint- ment of those who were not on the grounds at the time. After a few other exhibitions at County Fairs, the horse was returned to Mr. Taebell, the owner, where he remained until in the winter of 1860-61, when Mr. Rockwell again took him and gave exhibitions to j^ri- vate audiences in halls, walking the horse up and down- stairs, to and from his performances. Tliis he did for 8 " TIGER," " STAR," AND '* MAZEPPA." several weeks, in the States of Pennsylvania and New- York, when the horse was again returned to the owner. In January, 1862, Mr. Kockwell purchased Tiger of Mr. Takbell, since which time he has been almost constantly giving exhibitions in the States and in Canada. In April, 1862, Mr. Rockwell trained the pet colt JBahy^ a three-year-old dark chestnut colt, with a email star in the forehead, the near hind-foot white ; a splendid animal, sired by Tig&\ and purchased by Mr. Rockwell and Dr. J. H. Caldwell, of Michigan. Of this colt the Hudson (K Y.) Gazette of May 22, 1862, says: " Prof. Rockwell gave an exhibition of his wonder- ful control over this spirited animal, on the Fair Ground on Wednesday afternoon, in the presence of many of the most distinguished horsemen in the county, where he drove a span of highly-mettled stallions attached to a light wagon, around the track without bridle, reins, breechmg or collar, controlling them wholly with his whip and voice. One of them, a beautiful three-year- old, had been broke and received all his training within sev^en weeks. After this feat, the Professor hitched the colt to a skeleton -wagon in the same manner, and drove at the top of his speed around the course, which extraor- dinary performance drew the wildest applause from the judges and the immense throng of spectators." This was the first exhibition ever given of a double team driven without reins. The horse which was hitch- ed by the side of the colt, was Tiger, his sire. Dr. Cald- well has since purchased our interest in this colt JBaby, and has traveled in the Western States exhibiting him. The next horse broke to be driven without reins, wa^ a somewhat noted vicious horse belonging in St. Law- rence county, N. Y., called Turco. This horse be- longed to Mr. D. Magner, since become a successful " TIGER," " STAE," AND " MAZEPPA." 9 horse-trainer, whom we met in the spring previous, and who, upon hearing our system, dropped the old systems which he had been practicing, and adopted ours. He has since written a book upon the Training of the Horse, and has been a vahiable aid to others in the education of this animal. His horse he broke himself under in- structions sought of and given him by us by letters written. This horse has since been exhibited through- out some of the Eastern States and Pennsylvania. In the fall of 1862 we gave an exhibition at the Na- tional Horse Fair at Buftalo ; soon after giving another at the Provincial Fair at Toronto, Canada West. Thence we proceeded to give exhibitions, and hold classes for instruction, with great success, throughout Canada and the New-England States, Among the places visited was Montreal, Montpelier, Vt., (exhibiting before the State Legislature,) Brattleboro, Vt., Springfield, Mass., etc. At Springfield, in March, 1863, we purchased the horse Star, now owned by us. This horse was sold to us upon a written warrantee that he was " sound, could trot in 2.50, and would go into the first bam he saw open, in spite of your efibrts to prevent." We found him all he was advertised, being es23ecially con- firmed in his bad habits. The next day after his pur- chase he was driven to Hartford, Ct., and on the following day he was brought before our class of in- struction to receive his first lesson in driving without reins and being broke of his bad habits. He received such training as we could find time to give him while traveling constantly, giving exhibitions; and on May 9th, a little over a month from the time we took the horse, we gave an exhibition of Star and Tiger hitched together, at Worcester, Mass,j^ ^he horses driving beaur tifully without reins. 10 " TIGER," " STAR," AND " MAZEPPA, )5 On the 3cl of April, 1863, we commenced training a wild and nervous Black Hawk horse for Messrs. Wil- liams & Wilder, who were at that time receiving in- structions from us, jDreparatory to giving instructions themselves. In about six days we delivered them the horse, and on the following week they gave a success- ful exhibition at Whittingham, Yt. They continued to give successful performances for some months, when through entire carelessness on the part of the driver, the horse was severely iirjured by the breaking of a vehicle, and has not since been exhibited. We are in- formed that each of these two gentlemen has a horse which he is driving Avithout reins, broke according to our directions. In the following December we purchased a black stallion at Providence, R. I., broke him perfectly to drive, and in the February after, at Lowell, Mass., sold him to a gentleman named Gammox, who has since ex- hibited him in the British Provinces, giving lessons in training which he had learned from us. At Boston, Mass., in March, 1864, we sold Tlffer and Star to E. C. Dudley, of Newton Upper Falls, Mass., for $5000 with instructions. Mr. Dudley traveled with the team, giving exhibitions, until January 1865, when after having been quite successful, (Mr. Rock- well remaining with the team and driving them dur- ing this time,) we purchased them back. After re- purchasing them, we gave a famous exhibition, by a permit of the city authorities, granted upon petition of many prominent citizens, at Fairmount Park, Philadel- phia; afterwiird at the Dubois Track, New- York City, before an audience of the prominent horse fanciers of that city. At this exhibition we introduced our three- year-old stallion Hamlet, which we had previously " TIGER," " STAR," AND " MAZEPPA." 1 1 trained. Of this exhibition the N. Y. Ttihune of May 20th, 1865, says: "A truly novel and wonderful exhibition of skill in the management of horses was given yesterday after- noon at the Dubois Association Track, on Eighth Ave- nue, near One Hundred and Forty-eighth street. Messrs. Rockwell and Hurlburt, the celebrated train- ers of horses, demonstrated to the persons assembled, the great superiority of mental j)Ower to that of physical. The exercises were commenced by Mr. E. A. Hurlburt driving a two-year-old colt to a wagon, without the use of reins or of any other harness except barely suf- ficient to fasten the horse to the carriage. The horse was guided by the motions of the Avhip. It would trot, run, turn partially or wholly around, and back with perfect ease. In fact, it appeared that the horse went through with the evolutions much more easily and quickly than if the reins were used. Mr. Rockwell then brought forward a beautiful span of stallions which were made to perform the same feats. These horses were so trained that they would pass and go around other vehicles with the utmost ease. One horse would canter, while the other would still continue to trot. The horses were then unfastened from the buggy, and allowed to roam within the crowd. Mr. Rockwell had one of the horses perform some tricks, such as following him, kicking with one foot, etc. He asked the horse a few questions, which were responded to by shaking the head. The liorses were then trotted around the course, after which Mr. Rockwell made a speech to the j^er- sons present, among whom were some of the owners and drivers of the fastest teams in the city. They all expressed their great wonder at the performance, and their wish to understand the art. There will be another ?) 12 " TIGEE," " STAE," AND " MAZEPPA. exliibition of the same sort this afternoon, at four o'clock, at the same place. There will most probably be a large gathering." While in Philadelphia we sold to Mr. Dudley the large chestnut horse Boh Roy, afterward used by him in exhibitions. This horse performs tricks in the pub- lic street, taught him by us. He has since been exhibit- ed by the firm of Magxee & Dudley. We make the following extract, referring to two other horses, from the Chenango American, a newspa- per published at Greene, Chenango Co., N". Y. " HoESEMANSHiP ExTEAOEDiNAEY. — Nearly cvcry day a sight may be seen in our streets which is very sel- dom witnessed elsewhere. Messrs. Le Roy Cowles and J. D. Cowles, of this village, pupils of the cele- brated horse-trainer, A. H. Rockwell, have two stal- lions, one a large, noble-looking and highly-spirited ani- mal, well knoAvn in this section by the name of Wni. Miner, and the other a beautifully marked and grace- ful horse, called Spot Beauty. These horses are driven through our streets without any reins or other modes of guiding or controlling them except by the motion of the whip held in the hands of the drivers who are seated behind them. They drive at a slashing pace, turn quickly and gracefully, stop suddenly, back, walk or trot, and all without a word being spoken, and by no other means than by the motion of the significant whip. About a year since, Mr. Rockwell gave us an exhibition of similar driving of his trained stallions Tiger and Star, which excited the wonder and admiration of the public." About the first of December, 1865, we purchased, at "HGER," "star," and "mazeppa." 13 "Webster, Wayne county, N. Y., the milk-wliite colt Mazeppa, and in the last of March, 1866, we gave an exhibition with him before the public, hitched to car- riage, without reins, at Georgetown, Ohio, acknowl- edged by all who witnessed it to be the most perfect ex- hibition of the kind they had ever seen. Since that time, we have exhibited him constantly, through Western Ohio, Central Indiana, and in Michigan. He is of a perfectly milk-white color, beautifully formed, of grace- ful carriage, and is advertised as the handsomest horse in America. He is now so trained, that we hitch him up between Tiger and Star in a triple pair of shafts, adapted to the purpose, enabling us to give the only exhibition ever known of driving loithout reins, THREE HORSES ABREAST to a carriage. We had forwarded to us at Columbus, Ohio, in Feb. ruary, 1866, a dark chestnut horse, bearing the same name — JRob Hog — as the one purchased by Dudley. He was trained by E. A. Huklbuet, at Harpersville, Broome county. This horse we hitched up with Ham- let, at Columbus, his trainer driving the team without reins. At that time, and at our exhibitions which followed during the summer of 1866, up to June 14th, 1866, this Rob Hog was owned by M. D. Huklbukt, of the late firm of Rockwell & Hurlbukt. At that date, Mr. A. H. Rockwell purchased him for $1000, and continued to give exhibitions with him in connection with his other horses, until the last week in August, 1866, when he sold him for |1500 to W. W. Hotchkiss, of Windsor, Broome county, N. Y., who is now giving exhibitions with him and Hamlet, the latter horse being still owned by Mr. Rockwell. This concludes the history of all horses driven with- out reins, which have been exhibited to the public, and 14 "tiger," "star," and "mazeppa, n it "will be seen that in every instance tlieir training is traceable directly to us and our system. Tiger and ^tar are still in our possession. Tiger is thirteen years old, of the Gifford-Morgan stock, is a dark chestnut, near hind-foot white — a beautifully formed horse, being rarely excelled for style and action. He has commanded the first premium wherever offered for competition. Star is nine years old, of the Black Hawk stock, (owned by Hill, of Vermont,) a beautiful dark bay, black mane and tail, black legs, faithfully representing the famous stock from whence he sprung. He is also superior in all the qualities which tend to make a magnificent horse. They each weigh one thou- sand j)Ounds when very fiit. The driving of horses without reins not being of practical utility to tlie public generally, it does not come within the scope of our instructions. The foregoing portion of the vvorli is not private, and may be read aloud to those interested. Copyright secured. TO PURCHASERS. This book and our system being copy-righted, pur- chasers have every right of using, but no right of teach- ino; or transferring^ to others the book or its contents. Those doing so will render themselves liable to prose- cution. TRAINING OF HORSES. Having had an experience of thirteen years in the business of Breaking Colts and Training Horses, and having given particular attention to the nature, habits, and disposition of the Horse, we have, by the light of our experience, made many valuable improvements in the system of educating this useful animal to be sub- servient to the wants of man. In the following lessons we endeavor to explain, in the most direct manner pos- sible, certain infallible rules, which, if strictly adhered to, will surely and safely accomplish the desired re- sult. Exj)lanations of the traits, habits, and causes of the habits, of the animal, with reasons for every step we take, will, as far as necessary, accompany each illus- tration. In laying these illustrations before the reader we de- sii*e to impress him with the idea that we are not, in the common acceptation of the term, ^^ horse-tamers.^^ We have a higher and nobler aim than to merely tamo 18 TKAIXING OF HORSES. and subdue this valuable animal. Our object is to educate him — to operate through such intelligences as are given him ; and by careful, patient, and kind treat- ment, guide^ direct, and teach the horse what is required of him. You may, perhaps, by harsh and cruel treat- ment, break his spirit and compel him, through abject fear, to obey certain commands, but unless you accom- pany your acts, which should, as far as possible be gen- tle and humane, by some method which will convince the intelligence of the horse, and which Tvill thereby make a lasting impression, you have not reached the true theory of Horse-Training. We have no disposition to interfere with or denounce other systems, but in putting our system before the public in printed form, it is a duty we owe to ourselves to fully explain wherein lies its advantage over other systems. This can not, perhaps, be better done than b}^ giving an example ; thus : Suppose you have a horse which kicks at you every time you attempt to enter his stall. You have perhaps been told by some professional horse-tamer, that if you strap up one fore-foot and tie a strap to the other, then pull up on the strap, you may throw the horse down, and that if you repeat this a few times, he will become docile, and allow you to enter the stall without his kicking you ; and you have then probably been told, that, upon the theory of showing the animal your power over him, you have broken him of the habit, and that the same rule will apply to all other bad habits. The TRAINING OP HORSES. 19 fact is that for the time being you have tired, wearied, frightened and broken down your horse, and he has no ambition or strength to kick or give evidence of other habits, good or bad. The next day you attempt to enter your stall, and you will find him as much a kicker as ever. You quite reasonably ask, "How long does this horse-taming last?" The tamer will tell you to repeat the ojjeration; and so you may, until you have destroyed your horse ; but you have taught him nothing^ except, perhaps, to fall down when you make the motion to put on the straps. We believe, in a measure, in subduing the horse, but at the same time he must know for what purpose, and the application of the power which you possess over him must be made directly to each bad habit of which you wish to cure him, or to each new habit you wish him to form. "We wish to make it plain that our theory is, that for every habit you cure or cause to be formed, there must be a separate and distinct lesson, and submis- sion and understanding, on the part of the horse, ob- tained in each instance. This is the only submission which is of any real value. The illustrations which we give of our manner of proceeding carry this theory into effectual practice. The horse trained after our method loses none of his vigor or elasticity, and as he is 'taught each lesson, if our advice is closely followed, it will be given at the right time in the right place, and be founded upon the laws of nature ; and the practice being continued until hab- 20 TRAINING OF HORSES. its are formed, he is permanently educated to your wants. Of course, a horse which can be broken of a bad habit and taught a useful one, may by the same rule have his habits reversed; or may by careless handling lose the useful habit and acquire bad ones; but by proper usage, the horses taught by our method retain their lessons throughout life. We now commence our illustrations of our method, again cautioning the operator to be careful and explicit- ly follow our directions, as some professed horse-tamers have borrowed portions of our system, and leaving out some apparently trifling yet important items, have con- tributed to bring the business into disrepute. We begin with THE -WILD COLT. The first step to be taken is to see that the inclosure in which you intend to ojoerate upon the colt is unoccu- pied by any thing which might distract the attention of the colt; for instance, fowls, domestic animals, etc., and all persons except the one who is to undertake the training. This latter precaution should be taken for the reason that the presence of other parties would an- noy the colt ; also, that by allowing them to be present you would violate the conditions of your instruction. Being prepared, the object is then to get the colt into his training place as carefully as possible, using such gentle means as may be convenient and most likely to be successful without exciting the colt. Every TRAINING OF HOESES. 21 farmer or person at all acquainted with the management of horses knows well enough how to do this in his own way, without being governed by any fixed rule. The next thing to be done is to ^ HALTEK-BEEAK THE COLT. This operation is often accompanied with danger un- less the proper steps are taken to avoid it. Our ex- perience has taught us, that at this point it is well to be governed by these rules : Flrst^ Provide against ac- cident to yourself; Second^ Secure your horse against the possibility of injury; Third^ Accomplish your desire with the animal in the quickest time possible to render the lesson a permanent one. Having these rules in view, we proceed as follows : Take a stick about the size of a rake-stale, and about ten or twelve feet in length, the length to be governed by the prospect of danger from the viciousness or nervousness of the colt. Com- mence within about an inch of one end, and whittle up a few stout shavings on one side, whittling toward the centre of the stick, and leaving the shavings attached to the stick; a few inches from the shavings alluded to, (the distance to be governed by the width apart of the colt's ears,) whittle up a few similar shavings, whit- tling this time from the centre of the stick. Take a common rope halter, with a running noose; hang the part of the halter which is intended to rest on the head back of the ears, upon the shavings, (they being strong enough to bear the weight of the halter,) turn- 22 TRAINING OF HORSES. ing the shavings upward for security in holding it. You are now ready to commence operations with the colt, in doing which it is advisable to understand the fact that curiosity is a strong trait in the horse, and when not overcome by fear or some other powerful in- fluence, is sure to j)revail. This you can test previous to operating if you choose, by placing a hat or handker- chief upon the end of your stick and holding it toward the colt. He may be alarmed at first, but if you re- main quiet, moving the object gently, the nature of the colt will be to reach his nose toward it, and quite likely to touch it. He will soon become accustomed to the stick, and will manifest the same curiosity in regard to the halter. You will now take the halter, with the noose unloosened perhaps half the length of the halter- stale, holding the end with the stick in both hands, the halter being placed upon the shavings as before sug- gested. If the halter-stale is not long enough, attach a piece, as it is best to keep yourself as far as possible from the colt. The colt will gradually begin to smell at the halter, when you will hold the stick pretty well up over the head, and while the animal's attention is attracted by the swinging of the halter, and his nose near that portion of the halter-stale which is slipped through the noose, you will gently pass the rope over his ears, and turning the stick half round, drop the rope from the shavings upon the colt's head just back of the ears. This will probably cause the colt to start back, and by holding firmly upon the halter-stale, the noose TRAINING OF HORSES. 23 will be drawn up, fastening the halter upon the head. The stick may now be laid aside. Having your colt haltered, your object is now to teach him its use. You will take a position about op- posite the shoulder, still keeping at a distance, and give him a sharp, short pull toward you, sufficient to move him, immediately slackening your pull. The object in doing this is to cause the animal to feel your power to move him, and by slackening the pull you do not give him time to . resist, which, if the pull should be steady, he will do, even to the extent of throwing himself down, (which is to be always avoided.) This you may re- peat for a few times, until the disposition to resist seems to grow weaker. You will then repeat the operation upon the other side, alternating from side to side, (al- ways avoiding a forward pull,) and continuing the short pulls until the colt either moves readily or becomes stubborn. The reason for working upon both sides is, that in this, as well as all other points which you at- tempt to instruct the horse, there are two sides to teach. What he learns to do from one side must be learned by the same process on the other side, in order to have the same understanding of what is required of him. The reason for avoiding a forward pull is, that you can not easily move the colt in that direction ; and as he learns from your acts, you should attempt to perform no act in which you are not reasonably sure to succeed. If the colt appear i to be of a yielding disposition, you will now gradually shorten your hold upon the halter, 24 TRAINING OF HORSES. as you pull from side to side, being watchful to avoid the possibility of his striking or kicking you, until you come within reach of his head, when you will gently put forth your hand and allow him to examine it with his nose — that organ being the one made use of by all horses to test the dansrer or harmlessness of substances which alarm them. As he becomes accustomed to your 2^resence, which he will readily do if you are gentle, you will then proceed to carefully caress him over the face and forehead, gradually extending your hand down his neck, being cautious not to touch his ears. As soon as he begins to cringe or grow restive under your hand, remove it and gently place it again near his nose, re- peating the former operation, extending the hand far- ther and farther at each repetition, until he becomes calm. You will now quietly tie a knot through the noose, so that it can not slip, leaving it quite loose, to avoid hurting him. Remember that up to this point you have not hurt the colt, and have therefore called out no undue resistance on his part. The main objec- tion to a rope halter has been that it was used in such a manner as to hurt the colt. We obviate this objec- tion, first, by the short pull and slackening up before the resistance is excited ; second, by tying the knot as soon as practicable, so that the noose can not tighten around the nose. At any time after this during the process, when you can safely do so, you may, if you choose, change to a strap halter. V^ou will now step back and repeat the pulling operation, being careful TRAINING OF HOESES. 25 to get a side pull. As you pass in front, if the colt shows a disposition to move, instead of pulling imme- diately, first approach and caress him, performing slowly and gently, and, as far as you can, encouraging the ani- mal w^henever he shows signs of doing what you require, until he steps Avillingly loithout the pull. Should the colt prove to be of a stuhhorn dis]3osition, and refuse to move as you desire, you will take hold of the halter-stale with your left hand about a foot from the head, and with your right hand seize him by the tail, and give him a few sharp turns around, pulling the head toward you, and giving him an occasional kick with the top of your foot across the buttock. {See Figure 4.) This will have the effect of creating a de- gree of submission, the colt learning that he has a mas- ter. ISTow proceed with the pulling as before ; and if he remains stubborn, repeat the operation of turning, twice or three times. By this time he will probably appear to brighten up, and show signs of being willing to step. If he should not, you will take a bow-top whip or beech limb in your right hand, holding the halter- stale with your left hand, you standing by his side. Hold the whip over the back of the colt and touch him gently with it across the off-side hip, at the same mo- ment giving a gentle side pull upon the halter. [See Jbigure 1.) If he starts Avith this movement, caress him and then repeat with the whip. If he does not start, use a little more force with the whip. If he is still stubborn and does not show signs of moving, caresp p^ TRAINING OF HORSES. 21 him, give him a kind look or word, and step back a few moments before proceeding, allowing him to get quiet if he appears angered ; as the reason for this conduct is that the colt is frightened, and by your kindness and patience alone is he to be assured that you do not mean to injure him. He Avill soon grow less excited, when you may proceed. As soon as the colt will step readily at a slight side pull, take oif the halter or throw the halter-stale over the neck, and let him go. This will do for the first lesson. The colt should now be left alone for at least half an hour, or until he has recovered from the excitement. Any time thereafter, the lesson may be repeated ; and as soon as he becomes perfectly accustomed to obey the side pull, you may then, and not before, commence to teach him to obey the forward pull, by gently pull- inof him straig-ht ahead ; and if he leads, no matter how little, caress him, and repeat; but be careful and not pull too hard. If he does not move with a reasonable pull, give him two or three of the short side pulls, and try again. In a little Avhile he will obey your desire, and lead. Be sure and not give a determined pull in front, as it will not succeed, and will only teach the colt your weakness, and by inflicting ]Dain upon him learn him to pull at the halter — the natural movement being in an opposite direction from whatever causes the pain. You are now ready for 28 TEAINING OF HOESES. HITCHING THE COLT IN THE STALL. Tlie stall, wliicli should be a common one-horse stall, about four feet wide, should be prepared by havmg a hole boi'ed on each side of the rear end of the stall, to put a pole through, or staples driven in to tie a rope or strap across, at about the height where the breeching would come on the colt if harnessed. You will lead the colt into the stall ; and if some other person can be called to assist, have him j)ut up the pole or strap — if not, do it yourself, being sure to have it done before yoii tie the colt. If required to do it yourself, first pass the end of the halter-stale through the ring or place of tying, and keep your hold of the end, so that if the colt attempts to pull back, you can step forward and ca- ress and quiet him. The reason for putting up the ob- struction in the rear before tying is, because you there- by avoid the risk of the colt, through fright, pulling at the halter. When once tied, which should be with considerable slack, if he attempts to back out of the stall he will hit the rope or pole and step forward, in- stead of hurting his head with the halter and pulling harder to avoid the hurt. In removing the colt from the stall be sure and untie the halter before loosening the obstruction in the rear ; and for the first few days be careful and not hitch the colt where he can have a chance to pull. By observing these rules for eight or ten days, there is no danger that the colt will ever be- come a halter-puller. Bear in mind that during the en- tire process of handling the colt it is proper and neces- TRAINING OF HOKSES. 29 sary to speak to liiin in a mild manner, for the purpose of familiarizing him with your voice, and as a partial guard over your own temper. Never speak sharp or over loud, but gently and firmly. For instance, in your side pulls say, " Come here, sir !" This kept up, will eventually teach the colt to come to you on being called by these woixls. TO GET THE COLT USED TO THE BIT. Place on the colt an ordinary head-stall with a joint- bit, without any check-strap or reins. Leave him in the stable or yard for a few minutes, then remove it. Frequently replace it, and allow it to remain on a short time. By this means his mouth becomes used to the bit, which is a great uuprovement on tlie old way of putting on the bitting-bridle at once. After a few times doing this, the colt is ready for THE BITTING-BRIDLE. For this, first prepare a well padded leather girth, with three loops firmly riveted on — one at the centre on the back, and one on each side about a third of the way down the side of the colt. The strap which is attached to the crouper should have a crotch of about six inches, and be about twelve inches long altogether. The slit part to be buckled to the crouper, the other end to have attached thereto a two-inch ring lying flat uj)on the haunch. To this ring is buckled a strap which runs along tlie back through the loop on top of the girth, and has a ring on the end placed perpendicu- 80 TEAINING OF HORSES. larly, to which is to be attached the check-rein. This stra}) is to be double, so as to be taken up or let ont, to meet the check-rein, and to be adapted to the length of the back. To the ring on the haunch attach two short straps, (one on each side of the back-strap alluded to,) about eight inches long, with a buckle on the end of each. Use a common head-stall, with the gag-run- ners made of leather, well placed up toward the ears, and with a large joint-bit ; the throat-latch to be made large, and to buckle under the gag-runner. The side straps to be about five feet long, with a snap on one end, and holes for the buckle-tongue on the other end. These straps are to be fastened by the snap to the bit and then passed through the side loops on the girth, and be buckled to the short straps fastened to the ring on the haunch, {See Figure 2.) Another bridle, known as Rockwell's Bridle, is cheaper and in many instances better. Take a common harness pad and crouper ; pull out the breeching-strap and take out the terrets, (or a rope around the body and a strap for the crouj^er will answer.) Put on a common driving-bridle without blinds ; under all circumstances use a joint-bit. Take a piece of cotton clothes-line rope, about eight feet long; place the centre of the rope in the check-hook or fasten it to the strap which runs to the crouper ; pass one end of the rope through the gag-runner on the near side of the horse, passing it from toward the nostril back through the ring of the bit ; draAV it tolerably tight, and tie it to the pad or t9 32 TRAINING OF HORSES. o-irth at the side. Perform tlie same operation on the off-side. You will see that by tying the rope to the 2;irtli well up the sides toward the check-hook, it will compel him to hold his head high and will throw the nose out ; by tying them well down on the side, it w^ill lower the head and curve the neck, at the same time giving him the power to move the head up and down with considerable ease. In cases where bitting is re- quired only for the purpose of suppling and develojoing the muscles of the neck, this bridle should be used, as we have never known a horse to be injured by falling backward by being geared in this bridle. Having your bridle prepared, you may now proceed to BITTING THE COLT. In placing the bitting-bridle upon the colt great care should be taken not to buckle any of the straps very tight at first, as you might give pain and alarm the animal. Be particular and have the throat-latch loose enough, so that when he straightens up it will not choke him. Many horses have been ruined by care- lessness in this particular. In gearing him up care should be taken that the check is not too tight at first, lest he should in rearing go over backward and fall on the top of his head ; another reason ^e, that he will thereby yield more readily to the side-reins. The checking wp should be governed by the length and form of the neck and shoulders. The side-straps should be buckled just sufiiciently to impose restraint upon the TRAIISnNG OF IIOESES. 33 colt. As soon as the colt shows a disposition to yield, the bridle should be removed or the check and side straps loosened. This should be done Avithin at least Jive oiihmtes from the time it is put on. The oftener it is taken off and replaced, for the first three days, the better; not, however, removing it while the colt is sulky and refuses to move his head. A lesson to be taught him here is, that he can not be loosened from the restraint while he is resisting it. This will prove useful in all future dealings with the animal. Should he prove unusually stubborn and refuse to yield, you may make use of w^hat we denominate the "Yankee Bridl^," a description of wdiicli and its use may be found on future pages. At your leisure you may now proceed to the HARNESSING OF THE COLT. hi the first place, harness the colt and allow him to walk around the yard or remain in tlie barn about a half an hour, to get accustomed to the rattling of the straps and the feeling of the harness in these unaccus- tomed positions ; then remove the harness. When con- venient replace the harness, for a short time, and again remove it. The third time you harness the colt, after he has been harnessed a few minutes, pass the tugs through the ring of the breeching and tie them, drawing the breeching and breast-collar pretty snugly against the body. After a little time you may commence to drive him with the reins, turning him in different di- rections, and gently urging him forward, impressing 84 TRAINING OF HOESES. ii;^on him the fact that you control him, thus teaching him to obey the rein and go without leading. Be care- ful each time to repeat the word " Whoa !" at the same instant you pull up on the reins to stop him. This usu- ally occupies about three days' time. As soon as he appears handy with the reins, you are then ready for HITCHING UP THE COLT. If possible avoid hitching him up single. If it is real- ly necessary, however, to do so, be particular to place him in the thills as quietly as possible. As there is no particular danger attached to this transaction, we have no established rule, leaving the operator to be governed by circumstances and his own judgment. Before hitch- ing him to the wagon, rattle the thills, shake the wagon, walk him out and in between the thills, leading him in toward the wagon, unchecking him and allowing him to examine in his own way the object which is so new and terrifying to him. You must accustom him to the wagon or there will be danger. If he continues fright- ened in spite of these eiforts, it will be well to let him go for a while. If after one or two attempts he still continues excited and restive, you may then apply the " Yankee Bridle." For the method of its use see future pages, in which it is explained. The object of its use in this instance is to secure a more perfect control of the mouth, to be of use in case of sudden fright. If properly used twice or thrice it is certain to secure the desired end. You may then hitch him to the wagon, TRAINING OF HORSES. 85 and drive hiiii very carefully on level ground for a few minutes, for the first few times avoiding backing and turning if possible, being careful for a few days to give only short drives ; after which three miles and back will do no harm, gradually toughening the colt to do your work. Our method, however, and the only one which can be safely used, is to hitch the colt up alongside of a broke horse, putting him on the off-side. There are several reasons for hitching on the off-side ; one or two will suffice. It is usual to jump from a wagon on the near-side ; and in this act, if any accident shall happen, such as yourself falling down, or any other movement to alarm the horse, he may start, and if he were on the near-side he would wheel around from you, and per- haps clo damage before you got within reach; while if he was on the off-side, he would, if frightened, wheel toicards you, the broke horse being likely to remain steady. Another reason is, that the operations with the colt have thus far mainly been upon the near-side, and it will not seem quite so strange to him to have a horse on that side. The harness being on both horses, (quite loosely on the colt,) with long inside lines, you will buckle a short strap around the near hoof of the colt just below the fetlock, with an inch ring slipped on the strap before budding and left there. Tie a long line or rope to the ring, pass it under the girth of the colt, bringing it up on the outside of his trace, and holding it with the lines 36 TRAINING OF H0ESE3. in vour hands. You will then drive the team about ; as you start them, promptly and decidedly using such word as you choose, never varying from the same word, fre- quently jDulling up the lines and saying " Whoa !" at the same time drawing up on the line attached to the foot, until the foot is lifted from the ground and held there, leaving the colt standing on three legs in spite of his struggles. After a few times doing this, you may un- harness him, as that is sufficient for this lesson. When ready to hitch up, which you may now do at your lei- sure, you will do as before, and after a little driving, hitch the team to the wagon and get in. You now have the foot-strap alluded to, (see Figure 3,) passing from your hand between the j^ole and the colt's near trace, under this girth and fastened to the near foot. You may now start up slowly, stopping the team once or twice while on a walk, saying " Whoa !" as before, and pulling up the foot-strap. You will now readily per- ceive that you have perfect control over the colt's move- ments, Avhether on a walk or run, and Avithout any dan- ger to the colt. The colt will not stumble, strange as it may appear, it being almost impossible foi' him to fall by this means while in motion. An experience with upward of one thousand colts warrants us in this statement. Short and lively drives are what you now want until the colt becomes wonted and obeys the rein and word " whoa." You may then change sides with him, to teach the other side of him^ of course changing the foot-strap %o the inside each time. When he hafs by this means be- •-■• o CO 88 TRAINING OF EOKSES. come accustomed to being handled freely, you may then hitch him up single or double, as you choose, for he is now ready to drive. TEACHING THE COLT TO BACK. This should not be attempted until the colt has been driven at least eight to ten days, nor until the habit of readily stopping, starting, driving and obeying the reins has been formed. Since we have adopted this rule, no colt under our training has ever been known to balk, throw himself down in harness, run into the fence, or refuse to stand while the driver is getting into the car- riage. When sufficient time has elapsed to warrant you in undertaking to teach him to back, you will take a common bridle, or a bitting-bridle is best, and begin by taking hold of the side-reins, standing in front of the colt, and gently pushing backward, saying " Back ! " at the time he steps back. This you will repeat until he readily takes two or three steps backward, when you will release him for the present. At the next trial you may put on the reins and take your position behind him, passing the reins through the side-loops of the girth, or, if obliged to use a harness, through the thill- straps, holding the reins well down by his side to pre- vent him from turning round and facing you. Have him loosely checked. As you step behind him, pull gently on the reins, and as he stejDS backward say " Back !" and immediately slacken the lines. A half an hour's exer- cise is usually sufficient at a time, repeating the opera- tion until he backs readily. It is well to give him one TRAINING OP HOESES. 89 or two sharj), steady pulls, for eight or ten feet back- ward just before leaving him each time. He is now ready to be hitched up as you usually hitch up your horses, and ready to form the habit of backing to wagon at the word. Be careful for the first few times not to ask him to back with a load, each time having the wag- on in a favorable position, such as descending ground, when the attempt is made. By using this caution the colt will soon learn to be handy, and practice will ena- ble him to be perfect. Under all circumstances in hand- ling the colt, ^:>re5er?;e your temper^ no matter how much inconvenienced ; for if you lose control of yourself, you will be cure to lose control of your charge. The colt is to be governed by kindness and determination, not by abuse and tyranny. BIDING THE COLT. This should not be done until he is well bridle-broke. Begin the lesson in the barn or yard. Place on him a common riding-bridle, without girth or martingale. Tie the bridle-reins together on top of the neck, tight enough to check him a very little. Stand on the near- side near the shoulder; throw a webbing or tie-stra]3 across the withers, near where the reins lie. Quietly reach under in front and caress the fore-legs, and as soon as he is sufficiently calmed, tie the webbing or strap to the oif-side foot, just below the fetlock. If he is restive, and prevents you from tying it, or shows signs of striking or kicking, take him by the head and o t-l fcO P4 TRAINING OF HORSES. 41 tail, the left hand well up to the head, and whirl him around two or three times, {see Figure 4,) and while he is disconcerted by this movement, stoop and tie the strap. Then take hold of the near rein within about four inches of the head, and with the right hand draw up on the strap so as to pull the foot clear from the ground, at the same time pulling on the rein toward you quite firmly, until he has made two or three hops on three legs. The points to be gained by this are, first, you teach the colt that he is not to be hurt and that he can not get away. This tends to prevent his " plunging " when you afterward attempt to ride him ; second, by pulling the strap across the back, it accus- toms him to bear a weight upon the back ; third, it pre- vents him from throwing himself over backward; fourth, it accomplishes your desire in a safer and quicker way than any other knoAvn. Now take a shorter hold on the web or strap, with the foot held up, passing your right arm well over his back, with the left hand hold of the near rein and mane near the withers, and then make the motion of mounting. Do this a few times until the colt becomes accustomed to the new positions and move- ments. Then gently mount him, the foot being still held up. {See Figure 5.) Now let down the foot and start him along. If he shows signs of being restive or at- tempting to throw you, pull up the foot and caress him. He will not fall down while the foot is up, as it might be supposed he would. Keep well hold of the foot- strap, untie the knot in the reins, and, letting down the Figure 5. TRAINING OF HOKSES. 43 foot, commence turning him from side to side and urg- ing him forward. If he is unwilling to start, take a short bow-top whip or switch, holding it in the same hand with which you hold the foot-strap, and gently touch him wdth it on the off hind-leg, just back of the stifle, gradually increasing the blows until he starts, at the same time loosening the reins. In turning him, use caution and do not pull upon but one rein at a time, for the reason that, if you pull upon both, the colt wall be apt to run backward, sideways, and otherwise act aw^kwardly. Do not ride him at a distance the first time. This les- son with the foot-strap should be repeated three or four times, until the colt is accustomed to your presence on his back, and your legs against his side. Having never been thrown from a colt since we adopted this plan, w^e firmly believe that no better method of training a colt to ride is known. We deem the old and tedious process of pelting and coaxing, using blocks, etc., to be entirely useless, as it will be seen at a glance that by this process we run no risk of injury to ourselves or the animal, and at the same time readily obtain entire submission to our control. TO MOUNT THE OOLT. Take hold of the mane with your left hand, placing the right hand upon the back ; then springing lightly, raise yourself upon your wrists until your middle reaches the height of the horse's withers, when as you lean over the horse, with a quick spring you throw your weight upon your wrists, and pulling strongly with your arms 44 TRAINING OF HOUSES. and with a quick spring you throw your right leg over the crouper, and are mounted. THE HABITS OF THE COLT. The habits of the colt may be classified under two heads : First. — Habits acquired through imjDroper training, or bad and careless management after training. A colt which has been correctly trained, if watched carefully and promptly checked at each indication of bad habits, will in a short time become settled and fixed in the right way, and will never, except by extraordinary or willful means, become a bad horse. A colt, however, which is improperly trained is more than likely to acquire bad habits, and it is to the cure of these which the rules we give will call your attention. Second. — Habits which are bred. The class of habits to which we allude under this head have for a number of years occupied om' thoughtful attention, and though we have never seen or heard them set forth as import- ant, yet in our opinion a volume might be written upon the subject, replete with facts and suggestions, every one of which would be of immense value to the breeders of horses. As this work, however, is devoted more ex- clusively to the training of the animal, and fitting him for use, we shall content ourselves by briefly giving our reasons for our theory, and making a few pertinent sug- gestions upon the subject. Close reasoning, and analogy founded upon observation, have taught us that, as the colt is quite apt to inherit the traits of the dam or sire, TRAINING OF HORSES. 45 or both, the same rule applies with equal force to the habits and dispositions. It is a well-settled fact that certain traits and peculiarities belong to certain breeds of horses, and, if the blood is not crossed, will be in- herited from generation to generation. Our application of this established rule is, that the same will apply to habits. We might extend our views upon this subject, and describe how inevitably the laws of nature entail diseases known to horse-flesh, and give valuable hints upon the danger of breeding from decrepid or unsound stock, were it within the scope of our present subject— the training of colts. In reference to the effect of breed- ing upon the habits of the colt, we can not, perhaps, better explain our meaning than by the following illus- tration : Suppose you have a colt which, before he has ever had an opportunity to acquire bad habits, should show signs of balking, biting, or kicking. You say, "How came he by it ? He has had no chance to learn it." If you will look back to the character of the mare, (possibly the stallion, but oftener the mare,) you will be almost certain to find that she w^as either a balking, bit- ing, or kicking beast ; and by a nearly unerring law you may trace the connection between the two, and charge the bad habit of the colt to the account of one or both of his progenitors. Another point in our theory is aptly explained by the following : Briskly (not roughly) exercise your mare with foal— frequently walk her as rapidly as her gait will allow, and you will have a brisk, fast-walking colt ; on the contrary, allow her to be stupid 46 TRAINING OF HORSES. and lazy, and you need not wonder if her colt is equally so. The ready apiDlication of this rule to all habits of the mare will be at once perceived, and needs no further argument. There are exceptions to all these general rules, the colt occasionally giving no evidence of his lineage, or extending it back one or more generations ; but it has proven itself sufficiently clear to our observa- tion to warrant us in setting it forth as a fact, that much depends, not only upon the constitution and habits gen- erally of the progenitors of the colt, but particularly upon the habits of the mare lohile icith foal. We there- fore advise precaution in advance, as a preventive of trouble with your animal in after-years. We calculate that a colt, educated under our system, as thus far set forth, has been trained out of these bred habits, if he ever possessed them. What we now intend is to give rules for training him out of such as have not already been eradicated by proper training, as Avell as to break him of such as he may have acquired through mismanagement. There is much danger accompanying the act of at- tempting to break bad colts, unless you can proceed upon safe rules. Those which we are about to give we consider certain to not only effect the object, but also to insure safety of life or limb both to the operator and the animal. If, however, you vary from them, and set up plans for yourself, the responsibility is yours. In carrying out our system in regard to the breaking of the colt (as well as the maturer horse) of bad habits, TRAINING OF HOKSES. 47 without incurring danger, we are frequently compelled to use certain implements ; and before proceeding with our lessons, we will give a detailed description of each of these articles. We commence with THE YANKEE BRIDLE. This consists of a common check joint-bit, with rings at each end, but no bars ; the shorter the bit is, the bet- ter. Put one of the rings of the bit in a vice, and press it flatwise until a ring of the same size will slip over and on the bit. Slip two iron, steel, or composition rings of about the same size on the bit ; turn the flat- tened ring half around, put it again in the vice, and re- store it to its round form. This forms a bit with two rings loose upon the mouth-piece. {See Figure 6.) At- tach the bit to a common bridle in the usual manner. As you place the bit in the mouth of the horse, have the loose rings one on each side of the mouth. Fasten a strap to one of the loose rings, bring it over across the nose just above the nostril, and fasten it to the other loose ring, drawing it moderately ti^ht. Attach a strap to the brow-band, bring it down the centre of the face, and attach it to the straps over the nose in such a man- ner as to prevent its slipping down. Take a piece of stout cotton clothes-line rope, about eight feet in length ; tie one end to the near-side ring of the bit, pass the other end under the jaw through the ofi'-side ring of the bit- then bring the rope over the neck from the off-side to the near-side, placing it about where the collar usually »=El I O 50 TBAINING OF H0ESE3. comes ; pass it clown the near-side, and pass it through ^ over that j^ortion of the rope which is between the two bit-rings under the jaw. ISTow, as you tighten upon the YQ-pe, {see Figure 7,) you will perceive that the tendency of the two riugs which are attached to the strap over the nose and play loosely upon the bit, is toward the centre or joint of the bit, and that they will consequently press tightly upon the cheek. The sensation which this pressure occasions, you may illustrate by pressing in- wardly ujjon your own cheeks with your mouth partially opened. The effect uf)on a horse is instantaneous and irresistible. We have spent years of careful study in endeavoring by experiment to ascertain the best method of governing a horse's mouth without injury to the animal. This method is the result of our patient labors. It can not injure a horse, and it is a safe and reliable controlling power. THE LOIfG FOOT-STRAP. Take a soft leather strap, an inch and a half wide and ten inches long, with the inside edges shaved thin, to avoid chafing. Then take a strap of firm leather, fifteen inches long and one inch wide ; on one end place a buckle and loop, with a lap of two inches on the under side ; on the other end punch holes for the buckle-tongue ; place the last-named strap on the outside of the wider strap, in the centre, with one end extending an inch beyond the buckle ; then stitch the whole together, commencing at the buckle and stitching two inches, having the loop TRAINING OF HOESES. 51 pretty close to the buckle ; then slip an inch and a half ring, or D, over the outer strap, close up to the stitch- ing ; then j^roceed with the stitching for five inches, and close up. This finishes the strap, which is calculated to buckle around the fore-foot just below the fetlock. A strap or webbing, to tie in the ring, fifteen feet in length, completes the long foot-strap, which is used for driving in harness. THE SHOUT FOOT-STKAP. This is simply a strap or webbing about ten feet in length. THE SAFETY SHAFTS. For these procure three poles or scantling, about three or four inches through and twelve feet in length, of tough, stifi" wood. Lay two of them down about two feet apart at one end, and twelve feet apart at the other end. Lay the other stick upon the two first poles, across the wider end, near enough to the end to allow about three inches of the top pole to project over on each side ; bore holes through, and with an iron bolt or hard-wood peg fasten it strongly to the other two sticks, to form a cross-bar. Take a piece of w^agon-tire iron about three feet long, bent in the form of a breast-collar, and rounded on the inside ; drill two holes in each end, through which firmly rivet the iron to the inside of the two poles, at the end where they are the nearest together. Just for- ward of the place where the irons are riveted on, bore holes through the poles, or drive in staples, so that a strap or rope may be attached, to go over the horse's 62 TRAINING OF HORSES. neck to hold up the shafts. At the back end of each of the two poles affix a " dog," or piece of iron pointed and about four inches long, extending downward, so made as to prevent the shafts being pushed backward, but allowing them to be draw^n forward. The "Yankee Bridle," "Foot-Straps" and "Safety Shafts," are the only implements now necessary to men- tion. All others required are such as are in ordinary use, as wagons, harness, whip, etc. Having explained the nature and construction of these implements, we proceed with our lessons upon the habits of the coltj commencing with HABITS OF COLT IN THE STABLE. Moiling or Getting Cast. — If the colt is in the habit of rolling or getting cast, tie his halter at a sufficient length to allow him to just reach his nose to the floor ; tie a strap or rope to the head-stall just back of the ears ; tie the other end to a staple in the flooring overhead, about a foot back from the front of the manger. Have the strap or rope of sufficient length to allow the colt to lie down, but not long enough to allow him to lay his head sideways upon the floor. He will not attempt to roll over while the top of his head is held up. This is perfectly safe, and, if persisted in, it will eventually cure the colt. Croioding or Cringing. — If the colt crowds or cringes upon your entering the stall, you will, as you enter, gently caress him, proceeding quietly to assure him that he is not to be hurt, avoiding loud or sharp words, and feeding him from your hand. If a few attempts do not TRAINING OF HORSES. 53 improve him, take a long bow-top whip or short fishing- pole, and standing out of reach of being kicked, place it by his side and touch him lightly across the fore-shoul- der, each time you touch him saying firmly, "Stand around !" being very careful not to strike him so as to hurt him, nor to touch him near the flank. By touching him on the fore-shoulder and avoiding the flank, you learn liim to stand around, and do not excite him to kick. By not striking him to hurt, you teach him that lie is not to be hurt, and that there is nothing at which he need be frightened. Do not get excited yourself, but coolly proceed with the lesson, being sure to stop your whip whenever he shows signs of standing around. Pulling at the Halter. — If the colt pulls at the halter upon your entering the stall by liis side, or by being frightened at hay thrown down the rack, or from otlier exciting causes, place on him a strong halter, wdth a long halter-stale, (the halter not fitting so snugly as to be liable to hurt,) and put on him a girth ; lead the colt into the stall and pass the halter-stale through the ring or place of tying, seeing that it will slip readily back and forth ; then pass it under the girth, between the fore- legs, and tie it to the near hind-foot just below the fet- lock, leaving him about three feet play of halter-stale, at the manger. Now carefully put your hay in the rack. If he pulls, he will, of course, lift his hind-leg, which will immediately call his attention to that quarter, and he will lose the fear of being hurt by the hay coming- down. If you prefer, you may enter the stall ; but as 54 TRAINING OF HORSES. he pulls, get out of tlie way by climbing into the man- ger, as he will plunge considerably. When he comes up to the manger, as he will, caress him and speak kindly. If he is very confirmed in the habit, it may take three or four days to eradicate it. HABITS IN HABNESS. Putting on Harness. — If the colt is shy about allow- ing you to put on the harness, stepping away from you and refusing to stand, upon backing him out of the stall first put on the bridle. If you fear his getting from you while attempting to bridle him, put the bridle on over the halter. Now unbuckle the head-stall of the halter and allow it to drop oif, still holding the halter-stale in your right hand; with the left hand now pull the nose- piece over the nose and pass it into the colt's mouth, and as you pull upon the halter-stale, the nose-piece passes around the bridle-bit and the halter comes off. If it is a rope halter, you proceed in the same manner, except that you pull that portion which lies back of the ears over in front, and pass it down through the mouth with the nose-piece. ISTow lead him to the place on the barn floor where you wish him to stand Avhile being harnessed. Quietly take down your harness from the pegs. If the colt moves from his position, lay down your harness and lead him back quickly and firmly to the same position, not s^Dcaking to him until you get him in his place, when you will promptly and decidedly say, " Whoa !" not speaking too loud^ and being careful, TRAINING OF HOESES. 65 in pulling him around, not to hurt him — your object being to teach him to stand in the j)^ace in which you put him. You will, each time that he ste23s out of it, lay down your harness and put him back in the same man- ner, using the word " whoa " each time that you get him there; and as he stands still, caress him about the face and neck. Now quietly take up your harness and reach it tow^ard his side. If he is still restive, reach it around toward his nose and allow him to examine it ; then slowly proceed to put on the harness, not being too anxious nor in too much haste. This operation frequently requires patience and perseverance, sometimes occupy- ing half an hour. When the harness is well on, take it off, and repeat the process until the colt will allow you to put it on without flinching. You will find it neces- sary to give your whole attention to teaching this les- son, as you must watch every attempt of the colt to step away, and act promptly, so as to learn him that he is not to step. You also familiarize him with the use of the word " whoa." This Avill be valuable if not trifled away by using the word needlessly. Stubborn and Refusing to Rein. — If a colt is stub- born and refuses to be guided by the reins, you will now use the '' Yankee Bridle." When prepared, step to one side of the colt, take hold of the " Bridle " about two feet from the head, and give him tvv^o or three sharp, short pulls sideways, always when pulling instant- ly slackening your hold ; then go to the other side and pull him in that direction ; now alternating sides at each 56 TRAINING OP HORSES. pull, doing it as rapidly as possible. {See Figure 7.) As soon as he yields promptly to your pulling straight ahead as well as sideways, attach to the bit-rings a com- mon bridle-rein, without martingales, still keeping on the " Yankee Bridle," and mount him ; ride him about, reining him occasionally, riding him up to the particular places, if any, where he is most inclined to act willfnl ; and if he refuses to yield ready obedience to the reins, dismount and pull as before, quickly and sharply, with the " Yankee Bridle." By this means he will soon be ready to drive up to or by tli/e place you desire. Now put on the harness, with the rope of the " Yankee Bridle" lying loosely across the neck. Take the lines and drive him, and if he is again stubborn and sheers off one side, with the "Yankee Bridle" pull him back where he belongs. This usually takes from three to four lessons, given once a day. Remember and have your colt well fed and carefully groomed, as a colt with this habit is more likely at times to have low animal spirits, and the object should be to increase them. Be 23atient. It is not with- in human means to suddenly teach the colt what is re- quired of him, " Horse- T«??2er5" to the contrary notwith- standing. Having taught the colt to behave in this particular, you must, when afterward driving him to wagon, at each time there is an appearance of a renewal of the habit, be gentle, and as he comes up to the places which excite the habit, f ivor him rather than urge him. You thereby prevent the forming of other bad habits grooving out of this, such as balking, etc. TSAIxNIXG OF HORSES. 57 Kichmg in DouUe Harness. — A very disagreeable and contemptibly mean habit — one quite likely to be bred, but, if not, sure to have been caused by mismanagement — ^is that of crowding against the pole, and frisking and kicking while in double harness. To break him of this habit, and in the act of breaking him to form other habits which are of value, take the colt into the barn or yard, and apply the "Yankee Bridle." Step in front of him and pull gently toward you, and as he yields his head to the pressure, let up, (never letting up while he is resisting,) repeating two or three times ; then com- mence pulling with an upward pull, raising the head, increasing the force of the motion gradually. Remem- ber this is one of the most powerful means of control ever placed in a horse's mouth. Repeat until you have your colt ready to be checked up with the check exer- cising a controlling influence. This usually takes one or two days, not keeping the "Yankee Bridle" on more than five minutes at a time, applying it as often as conve- nient. Xow put on the harness, checking him up as tight as he will bear, and apply the " long foot-strap," fastening it to the near fore-foot, bringing it up under the girth; take hold of the reins and foot-strap, and start him along, pulling up the foot frequently and stopping him, saying, " Whoa !" as you pull up, turning him occa- sionally about ; then change sides with the strap and repeat the operation. Take the long strap off" the foot, tie it round the neck and pass it along the near-side of him and put it between his hind-legs, holding the near 58 TKAmiNG OF IIOKSES. f-rc-foot in your left hand to avoid being hurt. Drop the fore-foot and bring the strap back around the near hind-leg, close up to the bod}^, on the near-side, and pass it through the part tied around the neck, and com- mence drawing this up. He Avill probably cringe and be frightened ; keep hold of the bridle well up to the head, with your left hand. Keep tightening the strap until he allows you to pull up his hind-leg without strug- gling ; then change to the other hind-foot, repeating the same process. This should be repeated two or three times if he is very spiteful. When completed, the colt is then ready to hitch up with another horse. Hitch him up on the side on which he is in the habit of kicking, with the " long strap" around the inside foot and held with the reins. Walk him along, driving straight ahead, pulling up the foot and stopping him occasionally. Then begin turning him, doing it quickly, and managing to have the pole hit him, at the same time pulling up on the foot, but compelling him to go around. If afraid of the trace, change sides with the stra^). This should be kept up for about ten minutes at a time. If the habit should continue, rej^eat this a few times, when he will re- cover from it. Running and Kicking at J)ogs, etc. — A colt in the habit of running and kicking at dogs or other animals, or constantly on the look-out for such objects, may be broke nof those habits by applying the "Yankee Bridle;" giving him two or three sharp pulls ; then harness him up with another horse, (never hitching him up single for TKAINING OF nOESES. 69 this lesson,) and put on the "long foot-strap." Drive him lip to the dog, or other object, having a person holding a dog until he comes near, the dog being tied so that he can not escape, and, as the colt comes near, letting go of the dog and causing him to flounce about in struggles to get av/ay ; pull up on the " foot-strap," {see Figure 8,) and cautiously compel the colt to approach the object of his fear, and gradually impress upon him that the movements of the dog do him no harm. Your desire being to teach him that there is nothing which need to frighten him, and also to obtain entire submis- sion, you will repeat the process until the object is ac- complished. It will be necessary to drive him several times with the webbings on, to be certain that the cure is effected. Pasture Habits. — Yery important habits of the colt in the pasture, such as jumping, running, etc., may be ef- fectually prevented by the following means : Take an old strap halter with a fore-piece, {old because it will not shrink,) without the halter-stale, fit it closely to the head, leaving the nose-piece loose enough to allow for a free movement of the jaws ; take a piece of common medium harness leather, about ten inches square ; on two sides fasten a stout piece of wire six inches in length, placing it so that the ends are equally distant from the corners of the leather ; bend the wires in a 8emi-circular form ; punch holes in each corner of the leather and tie in leather strings ; place this leather upon the colt's face, the semi-circles up and directly in TRAINnfG OF HOESES. 61 front of the eyes, tying the strings to the ends of the fore-piece, near the rosette, and to the rings at the end of the nose-piece, or to the sides of the halter. This gives him jDlenty of liberty to look sideways, but he can not look ahead, and so has no confidence to either jump or run, and will do neither. This leather is invaluable to those having the care of young stallions, or colts to be trained for trotters.* For instance, if the stallion sees a horse in the road and starts for him, he will lose sight of him the moment he turns to start in that direction, and of course goes no further ; if to be trained for a trotter, by the use of this leather he never runs, giving a better opportunity for the walking and trotting mus- cles to be developed. Another. — Tie a strap to the near fore-foot below the fetlock, pass it up under a surcingle around the body, and tie the other end to the near hind-foot above the fetlock. You will see that, when he attempts to jump a fence, the fore-foot is drawn up under him, and as he springs to leave the ground the hind-foot will be pulled up, and he will inevitably remain in the lot. The value of this plan is that it will in most instances eventually cure a horse of the habit, so as to render the strap unnecessary. A caution is suggested as a preventive to this habit. In transferring horses from one place to another, they should not be put in a pasture at once, especially if they have been in the habit of having company which they leave behind. The affection of the animal for his mates will induce the attempt to rejoin them, and he may 62 TRAINING OF HORSES. thereby form the habit. ISTo horse ever jumped a fence for better food, unless he had first formed the habit from other causes. There is no animal known whose love of home, or af- fection for his kind or acquaintance, is as strongly devel- oped as in the horse. It is a marked characteristic in this animal, and is one of his strongest impelling mo- tives. If a horse, recently removed from a neighbor's, escapes your possession, you instinctively look for him at the place from which he came, and you usually find him there. Therefore give him no opportunity to es- cape, until the impression is in a measure forgotten by the lapse of time. There are times when the desire of the animal for company is greater than at others. By taking him up and securing him at these times, he has no opportunity of forming this unpleasant habit, where- as if then allowed to run in the pastures, some exciting- cause may impel him to jump, and once he finds he can escape confinement by jumping, he is quite apt to re- peat it Avithout any particular cause. This concludes our account of the habits of the colt and their treatment. Of course we have not spoke-ii specifically of all the minor habits, but in the main ones which we have given, there are a sufiicient number of rules laid down to guide the sensible operator to the proper remedy for such as are not named. Remember that the colt is beino; cured of habits which are either bred or are caused by 7iervoiis fear^ and not, as a gen- eral thing, the result of willfulness on his part. TRAINING OF HORSES. 63 SHOEING THE COLT. To prepare a colt for shoeing the first time, tie the " long foot-strap" (see Index) around the neck, pass it along the near side, between the hind-legs, and bringing it around the near hind-leg close up to the body, pass it under the strap around the neck ; then draw upon the strap, holding him meanwhile by the bridle ; the colt will probably be nervous at the pull, and you will loosen it and caress him over the face and neck, gradually tightening at each successive pull, using no w^ords but gentle ones, and not saying " Whoa !" When he has be- come accustomed to it, lower the strap to a point just above the hock, and gradually pull upon the strap until you lift the leg, at the same time pulling upon the bridle with a side or back pull to prevent his stepping forward. When you have thus succeeded in easily lifting the leg pretty well up, you will find that you can take it up with your hand and hold it. The same process must of course be gone through with on the other leg, and after about ten lessons your colt is ready to go to the blacksmith. The rule has usually been to take the colt to the black- smith first, but he is more than apt to get bad habits by being forced into position to be shod, and probably gets pounded to his injury if the blacksmith's stock of pa- tience is not very large. Shoeing should always be done as the feet grow tender, and, if quite young, shoe very often. HINTS ON THE COLT. In teaching the colt icords, always accompany the 64 TRAINING OF HOESES. words with an explanatory act — something which will call his attention to the connection between the word and the act; for instance, in saying "Whoa!" always pull upon the reins or foot-strap. JSFever use words, either in or out of the barn, except for 2^ purpose. Such words as " Stand around !" " Take care !" etc., are proper to be used when occasion requires, but you should not say "Whoa!" when you mean "Take care!" in approaching the colt, nor " Whoa, back !" when you mean either one or the other. It is well known that it is difficult for a person to control himself in this particular. We there- fore strongly impress its importance upon those having to deal with colts. Always use a short joint-bit with long bars on the colt, on account of teaching him the right place for the tongue, etc. Kickers in harness should always be checked high. The colt should be caught with your hands and held at two days old, and tamed before haltering ; haltered and taught to lead at between two or three months of age; broke to harness from two to three years of age ; broke to ride at three years old ; and not to be worked until five, nor hard-worked until seven years old. A mare may be worked one year younger. The whip should be feared rather than felt. When- ever used it should be accompanied with the proper words, and its meaning understood ; use the whip only to m^wvQ pro7nptness — not to teach. EDUOATIOI^ OF THE HOESE. In treating upon this subject we are well aware ol the difficulties under which we labor. We are conscious of the fact that we are quite apt to excite the prejudices of men who, having managed horses to a considerable ex- tent, and having ways of their own with which they are satisfied, are likely to cry " humbug " to any idea which to them is new and strange. We are also aware that there already exists in the minds of many intelligent persons a settled opposition to all professionals whose business is pretending to improve the Horse — an oppo- sition arising from the many failures among that class, and the consequent damage done to their animals by being handled by such men, or under their instructions. We have no reason to expect that we can obliterate these prejudices entirely, but we have faith to believe that if we are given a careful hearing, and our advice put into practice, we shall do much to improve the opin- ions of the people upon the subject of the " Education of the Horse.'''* We do not expect to improA'e their opinion of " Horse- Tmningy It may be of some service, CG TRAIA^ING OF HOBSES. but, ill common with thousands of others, we fail to see it. Tlie distinction between taming and educating is clear and positive, and can not be gainsaid by even the most careless observer. We think we have made this sufficiently clear in previous pages, but desire to impress the point, as it is on account of the " HoY&Q-Tame^^s " that the existing prejudices have mainly arisen. We have devoted our lives to the investigation and study of this subject, and whether our efforts have been of any value to the public or not, we are certain of having had a very extensive experience with horses. We do not by any means claim to be infallible, but we speak of this to satisfy the public that ours is no system picked up in a day, but that it is the result of incessant labor for years. Of one thing we ca7i assure the public, that, whether the ideas we advance are original with ourselves or whetlier they are ideas of others adapted to our system, neither are recommended without first hav- ino- been put thoroughly to the test by actual personal experience. We advise no plan which we have not suc- cessfully tried, and found to be valuable. There is a certain moral responsibility resting upon the author of works of this nature, w^hich is emban-as- sino- to a hieh deg-ree. The rules which he sets forth are sometimes deviated from w^ithout the knowledge of the operator himself— either from his not clearly under- standing the meaning, or from his having too loosely scanned the printed instructions — and the desired result is not reached. This leads to a distrust of the system. TRAINIXG OF HORSES. 67 Occasionally, too, circumstances may arise in the hand- ling of the horse which no foresight could have provided against, and if the operator does not find in the book a remedy for his difficulty he lays it aside in disgust. Nevertheless we submit our work, confident of being able to be of some public service. We have heretofore, in this volume, treated almost exclusively upon the education of the colt and the treat- ment of his habits. We now come to speak of a subject which in almost all its aspects needs to be treated from an entirely difierent stand-point. The colt is impelled to his awkwardness and bad habits by natural impulses of timidity and consequent fear, while the mature horse is actuated more by a strong sell-will, his habits being formed through ignorance or negligence of his keeper ; therefore the rules which apply to the education and treatment of the colt are not, in all instances, the rules necessary to be observed in the education and treat- ment of the horse. Such governing rules, however, as being honest with the animal, exercising hinchiess, for- bearance, firmness, and perseverance, apply in both cases. In the educatio7i of the pleasure-horse there are many points of value to which allusion might be made, which the limits of this work will not permit. We shall, how- ever, touch upon those of the most importance in every- day use. Bear in mind that, to make the lessons which we are about to give effectual, it will be necessary to give one or two lessons each day, for a few days, until the habit of obedience is confirmed. 68 TRAINING OF HOESES. TO CAUSE THE HOBSE TO FOLLOW YOU. To cause liim to follow you while his head is confined with a bridle or halter, put on the " Yankee Bridle," {see Figure 7,) take hold about two feet from the head, give him a few short, quick side pulls to the right and left, {see Figure 7,) then taking quickly hold of the rope far- ther toward the end, as you step back say decidedly, " Come here, sir !" If he comes forward, caress him ; if he does not come, give him a pull with a sideways ten- dency, and repeat the attempt to have him come forward, until he does come ; then start off either to the right or left, with the rope slackened ; if he does not follow you, give him more pulls sideways, and try him again. With an ordinary horse, you can teach the lesson in ten min- utes, so as to be followed by him when you are near the head. Step partially behind him, laying the rope along his back, and say, " Come here, sir !" He will not be likely to do it, because he has only been taught to go forward at the words. To teach him to follow^ you in this direction, you will then chirrup to start him, repeat- ing the words. If he comes, caress him ; if he does not come, or moves in the wrong direction, pull upon the " Bridle," caressing him as he obeys. The same rule will apply to any direction in which you wish him to follow you. It is quite necessary to teach the horse this habit, as it is the foimdation of many others, and is one of the most valuable which the horse can possess. To teach him, for your amusement, to follow you when entirely loose, put on the near fore-foot the long TRAINING OF HOUSES. 69 foot-strap, and place on him a girth ; pass the strap under the girth, and, holding the end in your hand, step away from him ; then step toward him, and if he at- tempts to step away from you, pull up on the strap and say, " Whoa !" If he stops, step up and caress him ; re- peat until he will allow you to step up to him without moving away. Now take a short blunt whip in your right hand, and the strap in your left, standing by his side ; pass your right arm over the withers and gently touch him on the oif-side of the head ; if he starts to move off, pull up on the strap and say, " Whoa !" When he turns his head, caress him, gradually with the whip forcing him to turn his head around toward you ; w^hen he will do this every time you put the whip over, you may remove the foot-strap, and practice him in the lesson until he will come to you every time you lay the whip across his neck; then put on the foot-strap again, put your whip in the same position and hit him in the same place quite hard, at the same time saying, " Come here, sir !" After a little he will be very prompt ; then place him in a corner and step off at a distance of eight or ten feet and say, " Come here, sir !" If he comes, caress him ; if he does not come, hit him gently on the breast with a long whip ; he will perhaps struggle to get away, and if he attempts to get out of the corner, pull upon the strap. When he faces you, step up to him and caress him, j^lac- ing him back in the corner, and repeat ; if he finally shows a disposition to follow, step back coaxingly, and when he stops, caress him ; at each further repetition use 70 TRAINING OF HOUSES. the words, "Come here, sir !" at each motion of the whip ; in this way he will soon learn to follow you at the word, if you have a whip in your hand. Don't take him out of doors to j^ractice until he is quite perfect, and then beginning in small yards and alone. TO ADD STYLE. Take a common three-strand cotton vo-pe, manufac- tured of as fine material as you can procure, about three eighths of an inch in diameter, very strong, and about ten feet in length. Tie a knot at each end — an ordinary hard knot with the end j)assed through the tie tioice in- stead of once is proper — slipping it down close to the end. A knot tied thus will not untie ; a single tie is in danger of slipping out. About the middle of the rope tie a common bow-knot, not drawing it tight, however ; pass the opposite end through the loop of the bow-knot, barely j^assing the knot at the end of the rope through the bow ; then pull the bow out as you would to untie it, drawing the rope through the place occuj)ied by the bow, and then draw the knot tight. You will thereby form a loop at one end of the rope, of the proper size to go over a horse's neck. Standing by the near-side of the horse, near the neck, take the large loop in both hands, pass it over the head and well down on to the neck, the same as a collar is put on. This loop should be of a size to fit the neck closely, when in that position. Pass the end from front to back through between the rope and the neck ; then place the running loop thus made in the TRAINING OF HORSES. 'i'l moutli, back of the bridle-teeth, and draw iijDon the rope. This will cause the rope to slide through the mouth. Now step in front of him with the rope in your right hand ; give him a gentle pull by raising your hand ; you will observe that this is a powerful and effectual means of checking up the horse. By a repeti- tion of this for a few times he will become accustomed to raising his head gracefully at each gentle pull upon the halter, and through the control you have acquired over his mouth. When you pull up on the lines to drive him, he remembers his lesson, and will need no check- rein to exhibit style in the head and neck. If he is inclined to put out his nose, pull down on the bridle, caressing him as he yields freely to the pull ; then put on the martingales, having them rather short, and drive him thus for a number of weeks. After the habit of curving his neck is formed, then apply the rope, and teach him to hold his head and neck up, by the up- ward pull, leaving off the martingales. You can as well have a showy horse as an awkward one. TO LIE DO^WN. Take the " Short Foot-Strap," {see Index;) standing on the near-side with your right hand throw it over the back, and with your left hand bring it under and tie it to the near fore-foot ; tie a knot in the bridle-rein on the back of the neck ; with your right hand, pulling over the back, pull up the near fore-foot under him just back of the fore- legs ; with your left hand hold firmly upon the bridle- T2 TRAINING OF HOUSES. rein near the head ; if he attempts to jump, pull him around toward you a few times. He will soon cease his efforts to escape, w^hen you will ease up and caress him, never letting loose, however, while he is struggling to get away ; pull upon the strap as before, and with your left hand pull upon the bridle rein near the knot on the neck so as to turn his head from you ; then gently but firmly bear down on his back with your right hand imtil he comes down upon his knees ; shift the left hand so as to pull his head toward you, and crowding against him, hold him firmly until he lies down, causing him to lie down from you ; pull his head well up toward you and step over him ; pass the end of the foot-strap which is in your right hand through the ring of the bri- dle-bit, and pull the head up and over, and hold it ; he can not get up while in this position. Hold him thus a short time, and pulling the strap out of the bridle-bit and stepping away, say, " Get up !" and crack a whip or chirrup. This process does not injure the knees, and after a few times repeated he wdll lie down readily ; then pull up the foot with the strap as before, and whip him across the knees until he kneels and lies down. Practice with this will accustom him to lie down at the motion of the w^hip. TO SIT UP. When the horse is lying down, as in the previous il- lustration, take the " Long Foot-Strap," {see Iiidex^ and passing the centre of it over his neck, bring the ends TKAIISTN^G OF HORSES. 73 between his fore-legs, and pulling him over flat on his side, fetch his hind-legs well up under him and tie them with the ends of the foot-strap ; then saying, " Sit up !" as he attempts to rise, use all your strength in pushing back on the bridle. He will come into a sitting pos- ture. This repeated sufficiently often will teach him to sit up in the same manner, without the use of the strap, at the word of command. TO SAY NO. Stand by your horse near the shoulder, holding a pin in your hand, with which prick him lightly on the with- ers, and to drive away which he will shake his head. Then caress him, and repeat until he will shake his head at the motion of your hand toward his withers. TO MAKE A BOW AND KISS YOU. Stand as before, and with a pin in your fingers, prick him lightly in the breast as if a fly was biting him. He will bring down his head to relieve himself of the sup- posed bite. You will caress him and repeat. If he looks or acts cross, scold him. He will soon nod each time you put your hand toward his breast. Now place an apple, or some dainty for the horse, upon your cheek, and holding it toward him, say, *' Kiss me !" He will take the apple from your face. Repeated, he will put forth his mouth when you turn your cheek toward him and say, *' Kiss me !" You may, when the lessons are perfect, say to the horse, " Will you kiss me ?" and cause him to bow ; then turning your cheek and saying, " Kiss me I" he will kiss you. HABITS OF THE HOESE. ■*-^^ Having already made sufficient allusions to explain our theory and practice, with the reasons therefor, we proceed to our lessons upon the habits of the horse. In these there is frequent use for the " Yankee Bridle," and as it would occupy too much space at each allusion thereto to give the manner of its use, we refer the read- er to the explanations under its proper heading. (See Jndex.) We here take occasion to allude to a fact in connec- tion with the use of this " Bridle," which if properly understood and appreciated will be valuable to the operator. The seat of the main means for exercising a controlling influence over the horse is the mouth. Get a governable mouth, and your mastery over the animal is more than half accomplished. All horses with bad habits have bad mouths, and you must give a practical force to the theory that it is the mouth to which you are to apply your governing forces, before you have succeeded in gaining a right to ask the horse to obey your will. Having governed, we may then proceed to teach, but not till then. Remember that for every habit 76 TRAINING OF HORSES. there must be a separate apj)lication, and while this " Bridle" (which is so effective in controlling the mouth) is used in only one way, there are as many different meanings to be attached to its use as there are different habits to be cured, or lessons to be taught. Its use, therefore, prepares the mouth and head for the common bridle to carry into effect what is so well be- gun, and to give practice until the bad habit is broken up or the desired new one rendered permanent. The "Bridle," to accomplish so much good must of course be a powerful instrument, and caution must be observed not to use it to such an excess as to excite the animal to anger. Another implement which we find very serviceable in connection with breaking up the bad habits of the horse is THE OVERDBA'W CHECK:. Many horses are addicted to the habit of carrying a low head, tossing the head up and down, curving the neck so as to interfere with breathing while traveling rapidly, etc., for remedying which there are many resorts ; but the readiest and most handy one to accomplish the most gen- eral results, is what we denominate the " Overdraw CheckP As it is somewhat difficult to describe the manu- facture of this check, we will commence by suggesting that you put a common check-bit in the horse's mouth, tie a string to the near-side ring, pass it up over the face be- tween the ears, and let it hang down on the off-side of the neck to the place where the gag-runner should come ; TRAINING OF HORSES. Y7 tie a similar string to the ring on the off-side of the bit, and bring it in the same manner over the head and down the near-side. You will thereby get the proper length, and by attaching the strings together at the point where they cross the face, you will have the meas- ure to the place where the straps of the check are to join from the bit. Take the measure from the horse which is to wear it. Take a strap about an inch wide, the length of the strings, allowing for a buckle and loop ; slit the leather up as far as the point where the strings crossed, leave a half an inch, then slit the leather the rest of its length. Attach a buckle to each of the shorter ends, and form a gag-runner on each of the longer ends, rounding the leathers. Buckle your shorter ends to your check-bit. Take your head-stall, and an inch each way from the centre on the top of the head j^lace a loop ; put the bit in the mouth, and pass the longer ends of the " Overdraw Check;" through the loops on top of the head-stall ; then attach an ordi- nary check-rein, with buckles on both sides, to the check-bit, and pass it through the gag-runners on the end of the " Overdraw Check," (instead of those usual- ly belonging to a head-stall ;) just before the point where the check-reins join the check-hook fasten the check- rein together with a rivet, so that, when hooked on, it can not slip back and forth through the check-hook. Care should be exercised to have the check-rein properly tightened. This will have a tendency to throw the nose out, giving the horse breath and a graceful carriage. 78 ' TRAINING OF HOESES. The driving-lines must be attached to an easy bit, addi- tional to the check-bit. {See Figure 9.) KICKERS IN SINGLE HARNESS. Take the " Yankee Bridle," and give him a few strong^ lively piclls to fix his attention upon your movements. {See Figure 7.) Handle him sufficiently in this manner to cause him to follow you, back, stop, stand, etc., as per previous instructions ; in other words, exercise him until you gain perfect submission, and get a good con- trol of the mouth. Having this accomplished, you may harness him, and place upon him one of " Hock. welVs Safety Lines^'' which is made as follows : Take a common blind bridle, with a double ring-bit, {see Figure 6) instead of the ordinary bit. Attach to the loose rings the " Overdraw Check," {see Figure 9,) the round portion of the check-rein to pass through the gag-run- ners of the " Overdraw," the flat portion which usually belongs in the check-hook to be only about a foot in length, so that the check-rein will lie upon the curve of the neck ; the loop which is made on the check-rein of the " Overdraw " by riveting the flat strap together at the centre, to be one inch from the centre to the offside. To this loop attach a common driving-line ; pass it through the off terret, in connection with the rein, the end being held in your hand. You will readily see by testing this, that if the horse cringes, and attempts to kick, or to run away, you can, by pull- ing upon the extra line, throw his head in the air in such CD TEAINING OF HORSES. 81 a manner as to positively prevent him raising his heels. {See Figure 10.) This is equally applicable in double har- ness. Another plan is to take a half-inch rope, about twenty-four feet in length ; jDlace the centre of the rope across the top of the horse's head just back of the ears, fastening it to the head-stall ; pass the ends through the bridle-bit from the outside, and pass them up through the gag-runner ; (if the gag-runners are not quite strong, sup- ply their place by fastening a strap about one foot long, with a ring in each end, to the head-stall, over the head ;) then pass them through the terrets with the reins, and thence through a ring fastened on the back-strap just back of the hips, fastened strongly and so that it will not slip forward, seeing that the crouper and back-strap are strong ; now hitch him to a dray or job wagon, and tie the ends of the rope firmly to the thills, pulling it snug enough to check the head up as high as he can conveniently carry it and travel. {See Figure 11.) Take up the lines and drive him carefully the first few times. The habit being now probably broken up, you must practice him until he is safe, and he will then be ready to hitch up to a light carriage. KICKERS IN DOUBLE HARNESS. The best method for double kickers is to use the " safe- ty-line" {see Figure 10) as described with "single kick- ers." Another plan is to use the same means to gain submission which are described in alluding to kickers in single harness. Then put on a harness, and add to your iH ta TRAi]sn:srG of hoeses. 83 common head-stall the " Overdraw Check." {^ee Figure 9.) Instead of passing the driving-lines through the martin- gales, pass them through the " Overdraw" gag-runners, and thence through the terrets. Have a strap attached to the bit, and have a person go ahead of the horse about ten feet, with the strap loose, until the horse at- tempts to turn, when he will pull up on him. You take the lines which pass through the " Overdraw" gag-run- ners, and, standing behind the horse, start him up; then jerk upon the lines, saying, " Whoa !" and stop him ; then, saying " Get up !" you Avill start him again, and repeat the jerk and the stopping. [See Figure 12.) This is to be done with considerable energy and activity, urging him with a whip if he refuses to go, and repeating until the horse will start and stop at the word of com- mand without the use of the lines. Two or three lessons will probably be sufficient, when you will place him along- side his mate in double harness. Take a small rope, about twenty-five or thirty feet in length ; fasten the cen- tre of the rope to the head-stall, on top of the head, be- tween the " Overdraw Check," which should be already on ; pass the ends down through the rings of the " Over- draw" bit, back up through the gag-runners of the " Over- draAV ;" pass them through the terrets, and then through a large stout ring which is fastened to a strap that should go under the tail in addition and similar to the croujDer, the ring to be tied down to the back-strap ; pass the ends down and tie them to the ends of his single whiffletree. In this position he may be driven and iH > TRAINING DOGS. 129 ful watchman, and the Greyhound takes to running, from his birth. These natural traits it is necessary to have in mind in attempting to teach the dog, being careful in not urging upon him the performance of any duties or tricks which are manifestly not in his nature to do. In selecting dogs for any particular lesson, study this sub- ject closely. As probably the most useful lesson to be taught, we commence witli TRAINING THE SHEPHERD TO DRIVE. Take a well-bred Shepherd-dog, about six months old, reared in some secluded place, hearing no words with a meaning intended to be attached, except his name. He should know nothing of the ordinary words in use toward dogs, and not have been handled by boys or careless persons. Take him alone with you in a large room. Tlie first thing to be done is to teach him to lead ; placing a strap around his neck that can not hurt him, to which attach a cord six or eight feet in length ; stand still and hold upon the cord, for a few minutes, until he ceases struggling to get away. It is best to give one lesson each day during the whole training. The first two lessons should be devoted to teaching him that he can not get away. Now commence teaching him to come to you by pulling upon the rope and saying, '"''Here P using only the one word. In the use of this as well as all other words used in teaching the dog, one word is all that is best to try and teach him for any one act^ it being so difficult to make him understand if you attempt to teach him more. When he is once fixed in the habit of minding the word, you may then use such other words in connection therewith as are pleasant to the ear, as, for instance, 130 TEAINING DOGS. *' Come here^ sir !" Without the word here he will not know what you mean, and the others, heing meaningless to him, do not puzzle him. lie will also be less liable to have too many masters, as the one word will not be likely to be used every time by a person unacquainted with your mode of training. Of course, if you prefer it, you may, in giving the lesson, substitute other words for t^.ose laid down; but we give those which are the readiest to the tongue. As the dog comes up, whether voluntarily or not, say, " Do .^" and caress him. A lesson of an hour or two, working slowly and patiently, will be about right each time. Proceed with it until he will come to you from any portion of the room at the word " here." He will have learned by this time, probably, that the word " do " is for him to understand that you are through with him. When he perfectly realizes this, you may then prefix words, and say, " That will cZo," emphasizing upon the word do each time. You may also now say, " Come here .'"' remembering that the words here and do are the only ones he obeys. He can not connect words to form sentences, or be made to understand them wlien thus connected. You now wish to teach him the words " Go " and ^'' Halt!''' To do this, you will place yourself in a posi- tion of the room opposite to where the dog would naturally desire to go, (for instance, the door, or some- thing which Avould attract him, such as food.) Say, '' Go !" and by coaxing and urging him, start him along ; as he gets part of the way, say, " Halt !" pull upon the string, stopping him, and say, " Halt!" again. Proceed with this until he has learned to obey both the words "go" and "halt." To teach these four words named will generally take three or four weeks. Now teach TRAINING DOGS. 131 him to bark at the Avord " speak," by holding up some- thing wliich he wants very much, for instance, food, when he is quite liungry. You may now let him loose and let him run about with you, {^premoiidy keeping him confined, but not in a narrow place,) being watch- ful that he does not stray oiF, nor be hurt or handled by others. lie will soon become handy about the house. You having control of him through the words you have taught him, you can keep him in his place by word of command. For instance, if you wish him to go out of doors, show him the door and say, " Go out !" The word " go " will start him, and in a little while he will be- come familiar with the word "out." Let him have a fixed place to sleep, and teach him its name. If you have a dog already trained to drive and go behind^ take him out with him to drive in the cattle. lie will thus learn that they will run from him. Say nothing to him while he is Avith the other dog, unless he attempts to go to the head of any of the cattle. This you must not allow. After two or three times take him out without the other dog, and allow him to run after the cattle, pro- vided the cattle are used to being driven by dogs. It will not do to let him run where there is a chance of his being turned upon. If he runs them too fast, say, " Steady I^'' He will not know what you mean, but as you use words with him only when they mean some- thing^ he will be apt to pay attention and go slower. If he does not, say "Halt !" then " Go !" steadying him by the word " Steady !" if possible. He will gradually learn its meaning by its repetition. If you have no other dog, you will let him go without, being more watchful of him that he does not go to the head of the cattle. Otherwise say nothing to him except " Go 1" not letting him start mitil he gets the word, After a 132 TEAINING DOGS. while you may proceed to practice upon the other words he knows. If he shows no disposition to bite at the heels, or pull at the tail, take a rope and tie a knot a short distance up, fringe out the end, and play with hira with the rope, letting him catch hold of it, and cause him to bark at it by using the word " Speak." When he takes hold of the rope say, " Up ! " and when you Avish him to let go, "J9o .^" You may then, with a slow cow, call him up, and, taking hold of the tail, say " f/p," and ">Sp6«^'," to teach him to take hold of the tail and bark, when you say, " Start 'em ifp f^ and " /Speak to them !" and to let go when you say, '' That will do ! " Now accustom him to the word '■^Fetch " for sheep, and " Oet " for cattle, etc. ; so that when you say, "6ro and get the cattle !" he knows you mean cattle, instead of sheep or horses. You may now teach him to know the right from the left, and to obey your orders in that resj^ect, by taking him into a large room, and by the motion of your right hand try to have him go to the right from you, saying, "• Go "— " Right !" If he does not do it, say, " Halt !" and repeat. When he does do it, say, "That will (fo.'" Continue this until he will go to the right at the motion of your hand and the word *' Right ;" then with your left hand making motions, and the word " Left," you teach him the opposite. By these motions and an appeal to the intelligence of the dog by your countenance and eyes, you can start him for the fields in any direction you choose, and he soon learns to do vour wants with very little telling. Following these rules will satisfy you that the dog can be taught indefinitely respecting all things which pertain to his peculiar nature. THE WATCH-DOG. for a good watch-dog select one of a breed adapted TEAINING DOGS. 133 to the business. There is but little that you can teach such an one, as it is somewhat of a natural trait ; and any other than a natural watch-clog, however much you may labor with him, will never be reliable. A barking dog, one that will be noisy on the approach of intruders, is the best ; a dog that bites but does not bark is only fit to put in barns or other out-buildings nights, chaining him up day-times ; and then he is dangerous, even to his keeper, as a sudden start will cause him to bite any one. To teach your dog, give him something to watch, saying, " Take care of it !" as you place him near the object. He will soon learn the Avord, and upon being directed to any particular thing, will faithfully guard it. While teaching him allow no one but yourself to approach him without setting him. on. You may have a stranger approach him and tease him, you urging him to drive the person away, and as soon as he starts, let the person run, you calling the dog back. While young do not compel him to stay too long at one thing, and when you go up to him say, " That will do I " feeding him something. After the manner sjDoken of in the previous illustration, whenever you Avish the dog to bite or go at any person or thing, you will teach him words the reverse of what you mean, such as, " Be still," "Get out," "Lie down." You will see that a person not understanding the dog will not be very apt to get near him, as he would naturally make use of those words, and they would be setting him on, instead of quieting him. To call him yourself, use such convenient word as you choose, but not one naturally used by others. As this ingenious use of words is about the only new idea we can suggest to teach Watch Dogs, the master can exercise his own ingenuity to render it practical. 134 TRAINING DOGS. THE tkick: dog. Many amusing tricks may be taught wliicli will ex- hibit in a wonderful degree the intelligence of the dog. As we have before said, much depends upon the breed. A dog of one peculiar breed may be taught a certain class of tricks, Avhile that of another breed will be entirely different in his characteristics. A well-bred dog is hard to teach any tricks excCj^, u those pertaining to his nature, while a mongrel cur is qui'e easy to teach any. Perhaps a Spaniel-poodle dog is the most tract- able of any, though a black-and-tan is quite apt. We give a few examples, sufficient to form a groundwork for the intelligent operator to extend the list of tricks at his pleasure. We begin with a lesson TO TEACH HIM TO SIT UP. Set him up in the corner, and with a switch hit him lightly under the mouth, snapping your finger and say- ing, ^''Sit up ! " As he comes down put him back and repeat until he will remain, which he will do in a few minutes ; then say, " That Avill do ! " and coax him down and caress him. When he has learned this sufficiently, set him up against a wall and try the same thing ; this will require more patience, as he can so easily get over to either side. When, however, he will do it, then take him out in the centre of the floor ; this will take still longer ; but if followed up kindly and perseveringly, he will learn to perform the trick at the word and the snap- ping of the finger. TO TEACH HIM TO SIT DOWK". Press your hand upon his back toward his hind-legs and say, "/S7^ doion I " at the same time tapping with TEAINING DOGS. 135 your foot upon the floor. If he attempts to lie down or draw his feet under him, scare him up, and teach him that " sit down " is what you are after, tapping him under the chin to keep his head w^ell up. He will, after a few lessons, sit down at the word and a tapping of your foot on the floor. TO STAND UP. Take some food in your hands and ofler it to him, holding it well up, and say, '■''Stand up .'"' Repeat this until he will stand up quite readily, holding out your unoccupied hand for him to support his fore-feet on. Gradually take away your hand, each time that he comes up, sayings " Stand up !" Then take him by the for- ward feet and lift him uj? quite hard, and say, " Stand up !" Y(5u will soon get him so that when you lift him he will straighten up and show signs of standing ; then make the efibrt to teach him to stand up at the word and the holding out of your hand. You may now com- bine tliis witli the last two tricks, saying, " Sit up !" "Stand up!" " Sit down !" " That will do !" These are the first tricks he should be taught, as they are the foundation for others. TO GET INTO A CHAIR. This is very easily done, taking your own way to coax him into the chair, using the word "C/j^«V" whenever you cause him to get into it. When he becomes familiar with the word, accompanied with a motion of the hand toward a chair, you may use other words in connection therewith, as, " Go and get up into the chair ! " After he will do this handy, you may then teach him to put his paws upon the back of the chair, by asking him to " Put them iqy ! " or saying, " Zjp f' assisting him at first. I^Q TRAINING DOGS. When he will do it readily, you may teach him to put his head down upon his paws, by placing it there, and repeating the word " Down," of course caressing him each time that he complies. To have him hold his head up, tap him under the mouth and say, " Up .-'" remember- ing to say, " That will do / " when you are through with the trick. You may now teach him to jump over the chair by playfully coaxing him to do so, saying, " Jump !" TO MAKE HIM GO LAMS. Tap him with a little rod upon the hind-foot, saying, "Xame.^" teaching him to stand and hold it up whenever you say " lame." Now coax him along, and if he puts it down, hit him quite smartly on the foot, making him keej^ it up until he w^ill go lame at the word and a motion of the rod. ISTow, whenever you send him into the chair, as before, as he goes to jump down, stop him, teaching him to wait for the word "7>o." As he comes down with his fore-feet on the floor say, '■'' /Steady /^^ and teach him to stoj) with his hind-legs up in the chair. He is now ready TO RUN ON HIS FORWARD LEGS. To teach him this, take hold of his hind-legs, lift them up and walk him around in a circle, and place them in a chair, saying, ''^ Mound f'' Do this every time you per- form the trick of having him get into the chair. After a while take him by the tail and lift him up, and, switching his hind-legs lightly, walk him around in the same manner, saying, '-''Round P'' as before. With patience and perseverance he W'ill learn to lift up his hind-legs at the motion of the whip, and at the words, " Go around .-'" perform a circle, walking on his forward TEAIXIXG DOGS. 137 feet, and j^lace his hind-feet in the chair ; of course the height of the chair must be adapted to the length of the doo-'s lesjs. TO SIT ON A STOOL. It is now very easy to teach him to "s^^ down'''' on a low stool. You may then teach him to " Take a seat " on the stool by leading him around by his forward feet, and setting him on the stool with his forward feet held up, saying, " Seat !" You then have him taught to go on all-fours and sit down on the stool, and to go on his hind-feet and take, a seat^ with his forward feet up. TO TEACH HIM TO FIND THINGS. Take something with which he is accustomed to play, and after getting him enlivened with play, call him up to you and blindfold him, and throw the article a short distance from you. If the dog has good scent, tell him you have *' lostf then remove the blindfold and he will search and find it. Repeat this, throwing it farther each time, until you can throw your knife or any thing which you have held in your hand, at a distance, you looldng in the direction, and saying, " I have lost my knife." He will search until he finds and brings it to you. If the dog has not good scent, teach him to look down at the word '"'•find^'' and up at the word '•''up^^ doing as before. We have now given a sufiicient number of examples to set forth the important rules which govern the teach- ing of dogs. By an observance of these you may teach your dog to climb ladders, fetch things to you, carry baskets, roll over, lie down, shut doors, and an almost innumerable number of tricks. To teach the dog, how- ever, you must have perfect control over your tempei", never whip severely, and never get out of patience. SHOEING. The object in shoeing liorscs is to prevent the hoofs from being broken or otherwise injured, as would natu- rally result from driving over our hard roads unpro- tected in this manner. It has often been remarked, and truly so, that " No foot, no horse," which literally means, a horse without sound feet is of but little value. The feet are the basis upon which the whole superstruc- ture rests, a beautiful and complicated piece of mechan- ism, and, like all complicated machinery, easily deranged ; hence the necessity of preserving it in a healthy state, to accomplish which, shoeing has been instituted, which, wiien properly done, has the desired effect. The shoe has two very important offices to perform : 1st, to pre- serve the hoof in its natural shape ; 2d, to protect it from injury. In order to properly understand the prin- ciples of shoeing, it is necessary that we should under- stand the structure of the horse's foot, and with this view we will briefly consider its anatomical relations. The hoof, or horny case, is the first object claiming our attention, which, for convenience of description, has been divided thus : the crust or wall, the sole, and the bars. The crust or wall is that part which covers the anterior or front part of the foot, attached above to the skin at the termination of the hairs. This upper mar- gin is termed the coronet. The crust or wall, internally, SHOEING. 130 is made up of numerous horny laminm^ which are very soft and elastic in their character. The sole is the ground surface of the hoof, anterior to the bars and frog. The bars are reflected processes of the wall passing obliquely across the bottom of the foot on either side of the frog, giving support to the heels. The internal surfaces are covered in part by horny laminm or plates, but are less numerous in proportion to the surface covered than are those of the crust or wall. The wall is divided into the toe, the quarter, and the heel. The toe is the front part of the hoof, the quarters are the central j^arts of the wall on either side, and the heels are the posterior portions of the crust or wall, being the thinner and weaker parts. This horny case in its natural condition is quite elastic, thus preserving the whole animal frame from concussion. The frog is a triangular, elastic cush- ion situated between the bars, and filling up the entire triangular space between the quarters and heels, com- pleting the ground surface of the foot. The internal surface of the frog is very irregular, presenting three elevations and two depressions. The central ridge or division extends from before backward and upward. The two depressions between these ridges receive the soft cushion or ligamentous frog. The foot internally comprises the coffin, navicular, and lower part of the coronary or small postern bones, also ligaments, carti- lages, the sensitive laminm, sole, and frog. The coronet or small postern bone is nearly square, presenting four surftices, the upper, for articulating with the large ^:>o,9- tern, having an elevation in its centre, forming with tlie large postern a kind of hinge-joint. By this arrange- ment strength is added to the parts. The lower sur- face is concave in the centre, which uniting with the coffin and navicular bones, forms another hinge-joint of 140 SHOEING. Still greater strength. The coffin-bone is serai-lunar in form — the front surface is convex, the ground and pos- terior surfaces are concave. The projections behind on either side are called the alae or wings, to which are attached the lateral cartilages, which extend upward and backward, and are readily discovered by placing the fingers above the hoof at the quarters. The navicu- lar bone completes the bones of the foot, situated pos- teriorily between the coffin and coronary bones, form- ing what is commonly known as the coffin or navicu- lar joint. It is semi-oval in form, presenting four sur- faces, the upi^er articulating Avith the coronary, the an- terior with the coffin-bone ; the loAver, over which the perforans tendon or back sinew plays, has a much broader surface than either of the others. Posterior and under these bones, we have the ligamentous frog ; between this frog and the sole we have the sensitive frog ; covering the anterior surface of the coffin-bone we find a very delicate structure, known as the sensitive laminoe, which is very vascular and largely supplied with minute nerves. Tliis laminated structure corresponds to that of the hoof, and when adjusted, fills up the entire circle of the hoof I deem it unnecessary to go into a more minute description of the parts, as it would be uninteresting to the general reader. To those who feel interested in the subject of shoeing, great benefit will be derived by a careful peru- sal of these remarks. It has been proven by long experience, that the sen- sitive parts within the hoof do not sufier so long as the bearing of the animal is confined to the crust or wall, but when removed from that bearing they soon become dis- eased ; hence if the sole of the foot bear against the shoe in any considerable degree, the fleshy or inner sole be- SHOEING. 141 comes bruised between the shoe and the horny sole below and the coffin-bone above — the horse soon be- comes lame in consequence. It is obvious, therefore, that the crust or wall being the natural bearing of the horse's foot, it should be carefully protected, and confine the bearing of the shoe to that part of the foot. A shoe of the breadth of the crust would defend the foot suffi- ciently as long as it would last ; but in consequence of its rapid wear, such a shoe would only be applicable for racing, or temporary purposes. To give all the sup- port the crust can receive, and at the same time to make the shoe sufficiently strong to wear a reasonable time, the upper surface of the shoe should be divided into two parts. The first or outer margin should be perfectly level, and of the width of the crust ; the second, the inner mar- gin, beveled inward so as to avoid pressure upon the sole, leaving the heels of the shoe perfectly level from the last nail-hole backward. It must be borne in mind that no one form of shoe is applicable to all forms and conditions of the feet. The above shoe is intended only for the healthy foot — as it deviates from that standard, so must the form and bearing of the shoe be altered to meet the altered conditions as they occur in the horse's foot. To more clearly illustrate this subject is only to refer to the injuries of shoeing as ordinarily practiced. Examine, if you please, the ordinary shoe used on all occasions, and upon all forms and conditions of the feet ; place a level across the heels, and you find the shoe at the quarters presents a concave surface, being beveled from without inward ; hence the foots rests in a concavity. When such a shoe is nailed to the foot, it presents a lateral resistance to the natural expansion of the foot, it being impossible for the heels to expand up these inclined planes ; hence the tendency to force 142 SHOEING. them inward, so that they gradually become contract- ed. This is a natural result, and follows, sooner or later, every case where shoes have been thus contraction. On the other hand, shoes properly made and fitted have never been known to cause contraction. If we ob- serve the foot in the early stages of contraction, we find this horny case gradually becoming less ; it no longer accommodates itself to the soft structure within its limits ; the result is, concussion is greater, and the elasticity very much less ; in consequence of which the parts become bruised, fever ensues, which still fur- ther facilitates contraction of the hoof by absorbing its moisture, and we soon discover lameness in consequence of corns making their appearance. The first efiect of contraction is to bruise the sensitive portion of the hoof. Particularly is this the case at that part of the foot formed by the crust and bars, causing a contused bruise which is called a corn. This occurs on the inside quarter. The crust and bar forming a triangular space causes a two-fold pressure upon the sensitive parts within, acting like a vice ; and as the sj^ace becomes diminished the contusion becomes greater, the hoof becomes more hard and brittle, with a strong tendency to crack on very slight concussion. On removing a portion of the horn at the part of the foot indicated, Ave find a red spot, sometimes slightly, at other times of a brownish or bluish-red appearance. The feet in the latter stage are in such a condition as to require prompt at- tention, or we may have a sinus forming through the quarter, producing a disease known as quitter, often terminating in permanent lameness, and frequently in deformity. Few men believe corns to be of so serious a nature ; hence their readiness to attribute these efiects to other causes. When they investigate, as I have done, SHOEING. 143 they will find their error. Ossification, navicular-joint disease, founder, and a variety of other diseases, are frequently due to contraction of the feet. Another evil in shoeing, which is calculated to do much mischief, is the fitting of the shoe to the foot while red hot. This has been a source of complaint throughout all Europe. In this country there is little thought of it, to such an extent does the practice prevail. The application of tlie shoe in this condition, if performed by a careless work- man, frequently is the cause of much miscliief, and un- der the most favorable circumstances, performed with all possible care, causes an unhealthy secretion of horn for a long time after, rendering the animal less sure-footed, and often causes lameness to follow its application. The shoe should in all cases be fitted to the foot, and not the foot to the shoe. This of course would be attended with more labor ; hence the unwillingness of smiths to do it. Better would it be for the owner to pay double the price for shoeing his horse than to have injury done by the application of the red-hot shoe. In almost all European countries, within the last few years, the smith has been much benefited by the rapid advances made toward per- fecting this important branch of labor, mainly through the eflbrts of our professors in the various veterinary colleges pointing out, as they have done, the evils of this shoe and the benefits of that one. The varieties worthy of mention are as follows : Prof. Coleman's frog-bar shoe, James Turner's unilateral shoe, Mr. Friend's frog-pressure shoe, and Mr. Percival's san- dal. Many other varieties have been introduced from time to time, requiring no special remark in a work like this. Prof Coleman's frog-bar shoe consists of a cir- cular piece of iron, flat on the upper side, about half an inch thick, broader back than front, so as to afibrd pro- 144 SHOEING. tectioii and limited pressure upon the frog, the under surface being nearly flat ; the shoe is secured by four nails on either side. This shoe, in some cases, answers a very good purpose in protecting tender feet from con- cussion. Jan:es Turner's unilateral shoe differs only in its appli- cation from the shoe described for healthy feet. It is nailed to the foot, free on the inside, having six nails on the outside and two on the inside toe, with a level bear- ing for the crust and heels. Mr. Friend's shoe is designed for the communication of frog pressure. It differs from Mr. Coleman's by having the frog-bar separated from the shoe and suspended by a leathern sole — the object of which is also for tender and sore-footed horses. Mr. Percival's sandal, as originally made, consisted of a shoe and several web bandages, with buckles attached, by which means it was secured to the foot. For many years it was applied in this manner, and supposed to be as perfect in itself as man was capable of making it. More recently, however, Mr. Percival conceiving an idea of its application by means of India-rubber bands, com- menced a series of experiments which resulted in the adoption of an endless India-rubber band. This was an improvement at once simple and much to be desired, rendering its application more firm, and less liable to be- come deranged. This sandal is not intended for general purposes, but only to supply the place of a lost shoe on the road, it being readily applied, and affording equal protection to the foot. Mr. Goodwin, of London, invented a shoe which has been much extolled. This shoe is concave on the ground surface — supposed to have a greater effect in getting a firm foothold — the upper surface being flat, ex- cept at the heels, which are slightly beveled outward, SHOEING. 145 to facilitate the expansive tendency of the feet. This principle, as far as the bearing surface is concerned, I believe to be the best plan yet discovered for expanding contracted feet, having witnessed the beneficial effects of its application in a large number of cases always with advantage. Great care must be taken that the bevel is little more than a level bearing, as it would do much mischief if beveled sufficiently to force the heels. PREPARING THE FOOT. The subject of paring has not escaped the fatality which seems to have attended every matter connected with the foot. The most 023posite and contradictory opinions have been expressed regarding it. Where such extremes exist, a line drawn between the two is usually the most correct. We will therefore assume that position. In a state of nature (and we must take her as our guide) the growth of the hoof is about equal to its wear. When the shoe is upon it this wear is prevented. Our object, then, in paring the foot is to make the removal of the hoof equal to the growth of the foot. Where this prin- ciple is not observed, we see the effects of not paring in some horses whose shoes are allowed to remain on the feet for some months without being removed — the crust becomes unusually long, the sole thick, the animal trip- ping at every step. These cases prove the necessity of proper paring as a substitute for the natural wear of the hoof when unshod. In preparing the foot for the shoe, care should be taken to remove all the old stubs, the crust should be lowered from the toe to the heel with the rasp, and the sole should then be carefully pared jvith the drawing-knife. The bars and the frog require to be trimmed out, removing only ragged or loose por- 146 SHOEING. tions, or such parts as may conceal dirt or other matter producing unbealtby action. APPLICATION OF THE SHOE. In applying the shoe to the foot it should not be set back half or three quarters of an inch from the toe — tbe j)i*ojecting Y>avts of the wall cut away as is usually the custom. The shoe should be carried fully to the outei margin of the wall. Thus we preserve tlie wall entire, giving its full bearing surface for the shoe, pre- serving the wall uninjured. By removing any por- tion of the crust it is weakened in exact proportion as it is cut away, reducing the space for driving the nails, and increasing the danger of pricking ; or, what is as bad, driving the nails too close, to say nothing of the change from the natural form of the foot. It is these abuses which compel us to regard shoeing the great evil of his domestication. The nails should be properly pointed, and not driven too liigh up — care should be taken to have them as regular as possible. Three nails on the inside and four on the outside are usu- ally all that are required for any purj^ose. Clips, if used at all, should be small, otherwise they are the frequent cause of an obscure lameness, which is very difficult to manage. The mischief is done by tlie horn in its down- ward growth meeting with the resistance which tbe clip offers, hence the horn is turned inward upon the inside toe, causing pressure upon the sensitive lamime and cof- fin-bone, causing inflammation, and, from pressure, the bone is absorbed at the toe, while the soft tissues under- go other permanent alterations of structure, alike de- structive of the animal's usefulness. SHOEING. 147 INTERFEKING. Our first object is to ascertain, if possible, the cause of interfering, and the part which strikes, whether the shoe or the foot. Many horses strike from weakness, or long continued exertion. Particularly is this the case in young animals. Others cut from faulty conformation of the limbs — the toes turning in or out too much is a fre- quent cause. By applying chalk to the foot which cuts, we readily discover the precise part of the foot which does the injury. Having satisfied ourselves of this, we must for once deviate from our rule in shoeing, by mak- ing the shoe straight on its edge at the part indicated, cutting down tlie crust level with it. By this means the feet frequently work clear. Where this does not succeed, the shoe should be widened in the web at the point where the foot strikes, but not thickened, as is too often done ; the natural bearing of tlie foot must be preserved. Should this, too, fail, there is no resort but a strip of India-rubber, placed between the shoe and the foot, projecting at least a quarter of an inch beyond the shoe. This being soft and elastic, it will not bruise the part struck by the shoe or foot, giving it time to heal, and cause the animal to work clear in traveling. Either one of these plans is successful, if properly applied, in a majority of ca^es ; yet all are unsuccessful in a few cases of natural deformity, or faulty conformation in the limbs. OVERREACHING. Many persons regard overreaching as an indication of a bad horse, yet we are compelled to recognize it as a fault in some of the best. It frequently occurs with young horses, on a moderate gait, and disappears alto- gether on increasing the speed of the animal. It arises 148 SHOEING. from too great activity of the hind-legs, the fore ones not being able to get out of the way in time. This habit is often brought on by too heavy shoeing in front, and too light shoeing behind. By reversing this princi- ple I have found it to answer an excellent purpose. Where this habit is allowed to go unchecked, the heels often become bruised, and in some instances the shoes are torn off from the front-feet, causing much mischief to arise in consequence. This habit, too, like interfer- ing, occurs in young horses after severe driving, from becoming leg-weary, a circumstance which should be carefully avoided, as habits are easily formed, but often most difficult to be got rid of. The preservation of the horse's feet depends very much upon careful and skiirful application of the shoe, independently of its being con- structed on correct principles. Many horses with very bad feet are enabled to go sound for many years by careful shoeing, while a bungling hand would render the same animal unfit for service in a single shoeing. It requires considerable tact to fit a shoe properly on a bad or weak foot, so as to protect it from injury. STOPPING THE FEET. The hoofs of horses standing upon plank floors soon become excessively dry and hard, unless artificial means are resorted to to prevent it ; and if shod in this state, it is almost impossible for the smith to pare them. The opponents of stopping, and there are a few, offer as an objection that it sometimes tends to produce thrush. This I do not pretend to deny where such stopping as cow-dung is resorted to, but it does not occur when lin- seed-meal is used for that purpose. This certainly is the best and cleanest application, and can be used several times by softening with a little water. To keep the soles SHOEING. 149 moist and healthy, the feet should be stopped every night in the summer, and every third night in winter. If the crust is brittle, as is frequently the case, it is a good plan to apply a mixture of tar, lard, and turpentine, equal parts, to the hoof. SHOEING HORSES FOE CORNS. Care must be taken that the corn be well cut out, and a little butter of antimony or muriatic acid applied to the part affected. The hoof from the corn backward must be cut away so that no part of the heel strikes the shoe, avoiding pressure, and relieving the part from unnecessary concussion. A horse thus shod, no matter how bad his corns may be, will travel sound, and with perfect ease, that otherwise shod would be decidedly lame. SHOEING FOR QUARTER-CRACK. To remedy this evil requires care and judgment. A horse should be shod upon the same principle pre- cisely as for corns — a bar-shoe, often recommended, is unnecessary. Properly shod, there will be but little trouble in growing out a sound hoof The least j^res- sure upon the heel of the shoe will be sufficient to pre- A^ent the hoof from growing down, and thus defeat any efforts which may be made toward remedying the in- jury. So soon as three eighths or half an inch of new horn has grown down, the roof should be burned with a red-hot iron just above the crack, at right angles with it, which w^ill prevent its breaking up anew. A little tar or hoof ointment should be kept upon the part, which will protect it from dirt, and assist in hastening the growth of the new horn, usually requiring from six to nine months for the crack to grow out. DISEASES OF THE HOESE. INFLAMMATIOET, From Inflcmimo^ to burn, is one of the most common forms of disease presented to the Veterinary Surgeon, and regarding which many erroneous opinions have pre- vailed, in consequence of which much injury and often serious consequences have resulted. Sound medical practice must be based upon sound medical principles. A correct understandins; of the terra inflammation will assist us very materially in understanding the pathology of diseases in their most complicated forms. A few years since, every form of disease occurring in our do- mestic animals was regarded and treated as some form of inflammation ; purging and bleeding were the order of the day. How diflerent the practice of the present time ! The manner in which inflammation has been written upon has made it a subject perfectly bewildering to the general reader, and from its being associated with every tiling in actual practice, no idea of a very definite kind with regard to it will for a long time occur to his mind. With a view to overcome this difliculty, we Avill give the most simple definition of the term inflammation. It is, '''' Aw unnatural or perverted action of and in the capillary blood-vessels of a part; attended with redness, throb- DISEASES OF THE HOKSE. 151 bing, swelling, pain, heat and disorder of function, with change in both its fluid and solid constituents, as well as with more or less general disturbance of the system." The extent to which structures in a state of inflammation will swell, varies considerably, depending upon the vital and physical characters of the tissues involved. Muscu- lar tissue becomes very much swollen, while, on the other hand, horny and cartilaginous tissues swell but little, in consequence of their low state of vitality. It must be remembered that it requires an assemblage of the above conditions to constitute inflammation. Swelling, pain, heat, or redness alone do not constitute that condition, as either may occur from causes independent of any in- flammatory action whatever. We now feel prepared to proceed with our remarks upon the various diseases with which the horse is afflict- ed, with a better understanding regarding the interest of our readers, than we would have done had we passed this subject by unnoticed. Capillaries. — The blood is the pabulum from whence is elaborated the entire organism, as well as the source from whence are derived all the various secretions and ex- cretions of the system ; but in order that these purposes may be accomplished, it is necessary for the fluid in question to be circulated through, or its materials brought in contact with, every tissue requiring fresh nu- trition, as well as through the various secretory and excretory organs. To effectually accomplish this, we find a class of structures set apart and admirably adapt- ed in every way to fulfill the purposes required. The first of these is the heart itself; next come the large blood conduits, the arteries, which spring from the former, as the tree springs from the earth ; wdiile the arteries, again, terminate in a series of vessels of wonderful 152 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. minuteness, just as the "boughs of a tree terminate in the twigs. These minute vessels are denominated capillaries. These capillaries ramify, and are placed in the most in- timate relation with every tissue throughout the body- within whose substance reproduction and decay are in perpetual operation, as well as with those organs whose duty it is to furnish or separate the secretions and ex- cretions already referred to. Each tissue selects from the common pabulum — the blood — thus sent to it, the peculiar principle it requires to support its own life and integrity. The usual terminations of inflammation are resolution, mortification, suppuration, ulceration, hemorrhage, ef- fusion, hepatization, and ossification. By resolution is meant the state of the tissues after their recovery from the effects of inflammation. Mortification is loss of vitality or death of the tissues involved. Suppuration — A collection of purulent matter, which receives the name of abscess. Ulceration — A purulent solution of continuity of the soft parts arising from loss of substance. Hemorrhage occurs as a direct or indirect consequence of inflammation, from ulceration penetrating through the coats of an artery. Effusion — An exudation of serum, watery accumula- tions, as in dropsy. Hepatization — Conversion of a texture into a sub- stance like liver. Ossification — Formation of bone — change of soft structures into bony ones. The account we give is necessarily brief; but we trust it is sufiicient to furnish the reader with a clear concep- DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 158 tion of the matter in hand, and in turn enable him to clearly comprehend that which is to follow. DISEASES OF THE MOUTH— LAMP ASS. All young animals, during the period of dentition, have a fullness or swelling of the gums and bars, or roof of the mouth. In many colts it occasions but little or no inconvenience, while in others the pain is so great as to interfere with their feeding. When this condition exists, do not resort to the barbarous practice of burning with a red-hot iron, but act humanely. Lance the bars with your pocket-knife, if you have nothing better, as your family physician would lance the gums of your child under similar circumstances, and in a few days the animal will feed as usual. BAGS, on WASHERS. These are soft, puffy swellings of the lining membrane of the mouth, caused by the bit bruising the parts in reining. If inconvenient to the animal, they may be re- moved by cutting off a portion of the swollen parts with a pair of scissors or a knife, after which apply a little alum-water, or equal parts of tincture of myiTh and water, to the wound two or three times a day. SORE MOUTH. This occurs from the same causes, and is situated usually at the angles of the mouth. Equal parts of tincture of myrrh, tincture of aloes, and water is the best application we can make. UNEVEN TEETH. The molar teeth of the horse very frequently become sharp and irregular, interfering with mastication to such an extent as to cause the digestive organs to become 154 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. impaired, giving rise to an unliealtliy condition of tlie system. At times the insides of the cheeks become hice- rated by their sharp edges, causing them to become tumid and sore. These cases can only be remedied by the use of the horse-rasp, an instrument made for the purpose. WOLF-TEETH. These are two small teeth which make their appear- ance immediately in front of the upper molar teeth, in all colts at some period from the first to the fifth year. It is supposed by very many horsemen that they exert an evil influence over the eyes of the horse. My experience does not prove the fact, and I cannot reconcile my mind to believe that they, natural teeth, should be placed in the mouths of all colts, if they were injurious to the eyes or any other organs of the body. If you Avant them re- moved, the best plan is to extract them with a pair of dentist's forceps. In knocking them out, the roots are frequently left behind, and of course your object is not accomplished. CARIES OF THE TEETH. Caries, or decay of the teeth of horses, is a disease of frequent occurrence. The silence of veterinary writers upon the subject has caused it to be overlooked by those having the care of that useful animal, and the symptoms in consequence have been confounded with those of other diseases. Symjytoms. — Occasionally we have a fetid breath, fetid discharge from one nostril, a wheezing in the head, food improperly masticated, j^assing away undigested, quidding, droAvsing, hide-bound, staring coat, tucked- up belly, tossing the head, stopping short on the road, shaking his head and starting on again, and at times DISEASES OF THE IIOESE. 155 becoming almost unmanageable. These symptoms do not all occur in the same animal ; one appearing drowsy, requiring the whip to urge him on, while another, at times, is v/ild and frantic with pain, taking the bit, and becoming troublesome to manage, occasionally running away. Some of those symptoms occur in other diseases ; but we should not overlook the teeth in our examina- tion when any of the above symptoms appear. Tlie only remedy is the extraction of the diseased teeth. DISTEMPEB. All catarrhal affections are classed under one general head, namely, distemper, by horse-owners generally ; a common cold, sore throat, influenza, bronchitis, and several others are regarded as distempers. We will en- deavor to make the distinction in such a manner that each form of disease may be readily discovered, and the proper remedies applied. Distemper, as we should un- derstand it, is the mildest form of catarrhal affections. A common cold, for instance, is an inflammation of the linino' membrane of the nose, causino- a secretion of mu- cus, which is more or less abundantly discharged from the nostrils ; in severe cases the inilaramation extends down the tracJiea, or Avindpipe, to the bronchial tubes, and sometimes to the lungs, producing diseases which are classed under different heads, and often requiring different treatment. SOKE-THROAT. This is usually one of the first indications of catarrh, and when confined to that portion of the throat at the angle of the jaws, it is termed laryngitis. The symptoms of this disease are well marked : the head is stiff, and if the throat is rubbed or pressed upon, excites coughing; 156 DISEASES OF THE HOESE. the animal manifests difficulty in swallowing, and fre- quently considerable saliva collects in the mouth. Treatment. — Apply strong mustard made into a paste with vinegar, to the throat, and rub it well in ; or, lin- seed oil two parts, with spirits of hartshorn one part, will answer a good purpose. Give upon the tongue half a tea-sp)oonfiil of powdered saltpetre twice a day. STIIAK"GI.ES. This is a more severe form of laryngitis, involving the glands of the throat, causing very great swelling, which often threatens suffocation ; the respiration becomes dis- turbed, the breathing laborious, and can be heard at a considerable distance ; the animal SAveats from his con- vulsive efforts to breathe, and, if not relieved, dies a vio- lent deatli. Here the aid of the qualified veterinary surgeon is absolutely required, as there are few persons competent to perform the operation of tracheotomy, that is, opening the windpipe to admit air into the lungs : this, early performed, frequently saves the animal's life. Treatment, — Poultice the tliroat well with flax-seed meal, steam the nostrils two or three times a day ; and as soon as the swelling under the jaws becomes soft, it should be lanced. When relief is once obtained, the further treatment of these cases is the same as for ordi- nary sore-throat. INFLUENZA. Spring and fall are the seasons most productive of epi- demic catarrh. One year it assumes a mild form, the next, perhaps, a most malignant one. Influenza is known to horsemen under the common name of pink-eye dis- temper. Symptoms. — These vary very considerably in different animals. The usual or leading symptoms are: Slight DISEASES OP THE HOKSE. 15' watery or thin mucous discharges from the nose, eyelids presenting a reddish or orange-red appearance matter collects in the corners of the eyes, pulse feeble, great debility, as shown by the quiet, feeble action of the heart -a symptom rarely absent-membrane of nose much red- dened, sore-throat and cough : occasionally the feet be- come fevered as in founder, causing much stiffness, which may be easily mistaken for that disease. y,-6a«me««.-This being a typhoid disease, requires a sustaining treatment, or our success will be very doubt- ful In the early stage of the disease, give, the hrst two days, ten drops of tincture of aconite, or bryona, in a little water, every six hours ; after which give in a pail of water, to drink once a day, one ounce of spirits of nitre, or two drachms of extract of belladonna; and rnve in the feed, three times a day, one of the following powders: Gentian root, saltpetre, and anise-seed, of each one oz.-sulphate of quinine, one drachm; mix and divide into eight powders ; or, powdered cinchona and powdered quassia, of each 2 oz. ; powdered anise-seed, 1 ounce; mix and divide into four powders. The throat should be bathed in mustard and vinegar, or with linseed oil 3 oz., spirits of hartshorn 1 oz., mixed together. No hay or corn should be given, but scalded oats and wheat bran, with linseed tea or oatmeal gruel, should consti- tute the diet; a few carrots would be very good, and above all, good nursing is very desirable. BBONCHITIS. This is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, as its name implies, the aii-tubes of the lungs. It i^ "dually preceded by a shivering fit, the mouth is hot and full of saliva, the throat is sore, and if pressed upon excites a painful cough, discharge from the nose, appetite lost, 158 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. pulse quick, and respiratioii labored, eyelids aud nos- trils reddened ; on applying the ear to the side, a gurg- ling sound is heard. Treatment. — Give the following ball in the early stage of the disease : Nitrate of potassa, pulverized digi- talis, and tartrate of antimony, of each half a drachm, molasses sufficient to make the ball. If the fever is not broken in twelve hours, repeat the ball. As soon as the desired object is obtained, give one of the following powders twice a day, in a sloppy mash : Nitrate of potassa one and a half ounces, nitrate of soda six ounces, divide into six powders ; or give the following : Extract of belladonna 1 drachm, spirits of nitre 1 oz., solution of acetate of ammonia 4 oz., in half a pint of water, as a drench. The throat and sides should be blistered ; the ordinary fly blister made thin with turpentine is very good, or mustard mixed Avith equal parts of water and spirits of hartshorn. Either of the above, when used, should be well rubbed in with the hand. IsTASAL GLEET. This is a chronic discharge, from one or both nostrils, of a whitish muco-purulent matter, the result usually of neglected catarrh. The general health of the animal does not seem to suffer ; he looks well, feeds well, and works well ; yet we have this discharge, which is caused by weakness in the secretory vessels of the lining mem- brane of the nose. The successful treatment in all cases where this disorder has existed, has been on the tonic prin- ciple ; bleeding and purging are positively injurious. Give one of the following powders night and morning : Sesquichloride of iron 2 oz., powdered cinnamon 1 oz., mix and divide into four powders ; or carbonate of iron, pulverized gentian, and pulverized quassia, of each DISEASES OF THE HOESE. 159 1 oz, divide into 4 powders ; or mix vomica pulverized, X oz, liuseed meal, 2 oz, divide into 8 powders. An- other good preparation is muriate of barytes, i oz, linseed meal, 1 oz, divide into 8 powders. PNEUMONIA. This disease is known to horsemen as lung fever. It is either inflammatory or congestive, arising from vari- ous causes — as high feeding, badly-ventilated stables, violent exercise, or sudden changes from heat to cold. In the congestive stage there is no pulse to be found, and on applying the ear to the side, no sound is heard ; cold sweats bedew the body, the respiration is labored, eyes wild in their expression, legs cold, the animal ap- pears dull and stupid, and with difficulty made to move ; he does not lie down. In these cases medicines are not required ; in fVict, they often do more injury than good ; the free and speedy use of the lancet is our only hope, and a pure air is of the greatest importance ; a pail ot cold water should be placed before the animal, but no food should be given until the animal is relieved ; and then only mashes of wheat bran. Under this treatment he will speedilv recover, or inflammation of the lungs will be established. The pulse now becomes quick, the mouth hot, legs cold, head hanging in or under the manc^er, appetite lost ; on applying the ear to the side, a crep^itating or crackling sound is heard ; respiration quick • the treatment here must be prompt and ener- getic -'blisters to the sides, such as previously spoken of, must be used, and give internally two ounces of spirits of nitre in a half-pint of water ; follow this m two hours with ten drops of tincture of aconite in water, to be o-iven every six hours until relief is obtained; or give Tnstead one of the following powders : Tartrate of anti- 160 DISEASES OF THE HOESE. mony, pulverized digitalis, of eaoh one drachm ; nitrate of potassa, one ounce ; mix and divide into eight pow- ders ; give one every four hours upon the tongue. In- jections of soap and water are very useful in these cases. The legs should be hand-rubbed, and stimulated with mustard or cayenne pepper, and then wrapped in wool- en bandages ; a pure atmosphere and good nursing are very necessary PLEURISY. This is an inflammation of the lining membrane of the chest and covering of the lungs. The symptoms are : Uneasiness, pawing, looking at the sides, pulse quick, pain on pressure over the ribs, body hot, lying down but rising quickly. The same treatment as in inflamma- tion of the lungs is called for ; but under no circum- stances should bleeding be resorted to. These cases are very apt to terminate in hydrothorax, or DSOPSY OF THE CHEST. Symptoms. — Breathing short and quick, legs strad- dling, pulse small and quick ; breast, belly, and sheath swell, and leave the mark of the finger when pressed upon ; the animal stands until he dies. The treatment of this dis-ease, as a general thing, is not very satisfac- tory. The iodide of potassa, in half-drachm doses, three times a day, has proved the most useful medicine in such cases, in connection with setons in the breast and sides. BROKEN WIND, OR HEAVES. This disease is well known to horsemen ; so we will content ourselves merely by giving the most successful remedies, which, for the most part, are only palliative. Divide half an ounce of pulverized digitalis in twenty DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 161 parts, and give one part night and morning in the feed until gone ; this will usually allay all signs of the dis- ease in two weeks. Or, take assafcetida, two drachms ; camphor, one drachm ; mix and give every other night for a week. INFLAMMATION OF THE BOT^ELS. This disease may appear suddenly, or it may be slow in coming on. The symptoms resemble those of colic, with which disease it is often confounded. The pulse is our certain guide in determining the character of the disease : when that is full and natural, or nearly so, there is no inflammation ; if full, strong, and quick, there is inflammation ; other symptoms corresponding, there is no difiiculty in determining the case. In colic, the symptoms of pain are intermittent ; in inflammation of the bow^els, there are no intermissions. Other symp- toms which are present in both diseases are pawing, kicking the belly, rolling and tumbling about, sweating, haggard expression of countenance, looking at his sides, etc. ; in colic, tlie legs usually are warm ; in inflammation of bowels, they are cold. Treatynent. — Bleed freely from the neck-vein, and give ten drops tincture of aconite every three hours ; apply blankets saturated with hot water to the entire body, and keep it up for two hours ; then remove the wet ones and replace them with dry ones, Avell secured with a body-girth. Injections of tobacco-smoke are very useful in these cases ; when not convenient, soap and water will answer the purpose. No food of any kind should be given for at least forty-eight hours. DIARKHEA. The cause of this disease is exposure to cold, over- 162 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. exertion, change of water, over-closes of cathartic medi- cine, etc. Ti'eatment. — Give one of the following powders every six hours until tlie bowels are checked : Powdered opi- um, one drachm ; powdered catechu, two drachms ; prepared chalk, one ounce ; mix and divide into four powders. COLIC, This disease — known also as gripes, cramp, and fret — is either spasmodic or flatulent. Spasmodic colic is a spasmodic contraction of the muscular coats of the in- testines, causing griping pains, etc., (see inflammation of bowels.) Flatulent colic is an accumulation of gas in the stomach and intestines, generated by fermenta- tion in the stomach, causing swelling of the abdomen, and sometimes rupture of the stomach. Treatment. — For spasmodic colic, give one ounce tinc- ture opium and one ounce sulphuric ether in half a pint of water ; this should be repeated in half an hour if re- lief is not obtained. Or, give the following : Tincture of opium, one ounce ; aromatic spirits of ammonia, lialf an ounce ; extract of belladonna, one drachm ; water, one pint ; mix. In flatulent colic give chlorate of potash, one half ounce ; sulphuric ether, one lialf ounce ; tincture of aloes, three ounces ; water, one pint ; mix and drench. 'WORMS. Thousands of animals die annually from the ravages of these pests, without the true cause being suspected ; especially is this the case in the young of the mare, cow, sheep, and pig. Many varieties of these parasites belong- to our domestic animals which have not been mentioned by veterinary writers ; they are found in every tissue of the body, even to the blood. The symptoms of DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 163 worms have been but very imperfectly described by writers upon the subject. In an experience of many years, I have observed the following symptoms, but not all in the same animal. Each variety of worm has its characteristic symptoms, namely : In bots, Ave rarely have loss of condition, but, when the bots become trou- blesome, colicky pains, gasping, quickened respiration, staring or haggard expression of the eye, with a strong- tendency to inflammation of the bowels will be observed. Bots are rarely troublesome except when passing away in their regular manner, which occurs from May to Au- gust in each year. In most other varieties of worms the symptoms are debility, feebleness, sluggish movements, emaciation, staring coat, hide-bound, and skin covered Avith scurvy blotches, rigidity of loins, small and feeble but slightly accelerated pulse, respiration slow, tucked- up belly, a peculiar, pallid appearance of the lining of the lips, (a certain indication,) ij-rcgular, capricious, but persistent appetite, badly digested faeces, agitation of heart and tail ; and Avhere the fundament Avorms exist, a Avhitish or yellowish-AA'hite substance AAdll be found about the fundament, indicated also by rubbing the tail The treatment for worms has been attended AA'ith much uncertainty heretofore, and is, to the present day, Avith practitioners generally. Those on Avhich most de- pendence has been placed are : Calomel, one half drachm ; tartrate of antimony, one half drachm ; linseed-meal, one half ounce ; mjx and give at night. Or, iron filings, two drachms ; common salt^ one half ounce ; powdered savin, one drachm ; linseed meal, one half ounce ; mix, give CA^ery night for a Aveek. Or, assafoetida, tAvo drachms ; calomel, one and a half drachms ; savin, one and a half drachms ; oil male fern, thirty drops ; linseed-meal, two 164 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. drachms ; mix with molasses and give at night. Or, calomel, one drachm ; powdered wormwood, one ounce ; honey sufficient to make the ball ; give at night. Fol- low either of the above with the following ball : Barba- does aloes, one ounce ; pulverized gentian, two drachms ; pulverized ginger, one drachm ; water sufficient to make the ball. Another remedy highly recommended is the following : Barbadoes aloes, six drachms ; male fern, four ounces ; spirits turpentine, two ounces ; mix and divide into six balls ; give one three times a day. BETENTION OF URINE. This is known by frequent but unsuccessful effiDrts to stale. In some animals it arises from a dislike to spat- ter their legs in voiding the water ; hence a horse will frequently retain it in the bladder until the litter is shaken up under him, when he will at once relieve him- self. When the result of sj^asm of tiie neck of the blad- der, an instrument is used called a catheter, made ex- pressly for the purpose ; this is jDassed up the urinary passage to the bladder, when the water will flow freely and give instant relief. PKOFUSE STALING. The causes of this disease are, the improper use of diu- retic medicines, as saltpetre, rosin, etc. Unwholesome food will sometimes produce it. Treatment : Give one of the following balls every night — powdered opium ^ oz., powdered kino, 1 oz., prej^ared chalk, 1 oz. ; mix with molasses and make six balls. STONES IN THE B^-iADDER. These may exist a long time in the bladder before any symptoms arise indicating their presence. The first DISEASES OF THE HOESE. 165 symptoms of stone are, frequent efforts to urinate, void- ing small quantities usually of a thick whitish color ; as the stones increase in size, the symptoms become more aggravated, colicky pains are indicated, rendering it diffi- cult to distinguish the difference ; the animal paws, kicks at his belly, lies down, rolls, and gets up quickly. In some cases these obstructions are dissolved by the ad- ministration of muriatic acid, 2 dr., in a pail of water once a day. Where this fails, an operation for the re- moval of the stone is the only remedy. This is not a dangerous operation, comparatively, in the hands of a skillful surgeon. QUITTEH. This is a formation of pus between the hoof and the soft structures within ; a sore at the coronet or upper part of the foot, which at first is a hard smooth tumor, soon becoming soft, and breaks, discharging quantities of pus. Treatment : Poultice the foot for several days with flax-seed meal. As soon as the hoof becomes soft, cut away all loose portions, but no more, and inject with a syringe either of the following once a day : Chloride of zinc, 2 dr., dissolved in 1 pint of water ; or sulphate of zinc, 1^ dr., dissolved in one pint of water; or nitrate of silver, 2 dr., in a pint of water; or glycerine may be used with advantage. Before using the wash have the foot well cleaned with castile soap and water. THEUSH. This is a disease of the frog, causing a discharge of matter from its cleft or division, occasionally causing lameness. The treatment is simple and effective : Wash the feet well with soap and water, and sj^rinkle a small quantity of pulverized sulphate of copper in the cleft, 166 DISEASES OF THE HOBSE. and secure it by pressing a little raw cotton down upon it in such a manner as to keep out the dirt. In two or three days repeat, if necessary. It rarely requires a second dressing. CANKEB. This is a more aggravated form of thrush, often prov- ing very troublesome to manage. It is a continuation of the thrash between the horny frog and the internal structures of the foot, causing separation between tliem. Treatment : Cut away all the horn which has been sepa- rated from the soft structures of the foot, and apply the fol- lowing ointment: Take equal parts of pine tar and lard, melt over a slow fire, and add sulj^huric acid very slowly until ebullition ceases ; or use collodion, ^ oz., castor oil, 1 oz. ; mix and apply to the parts. The foot must be pro- tected from dirt by a bandage or a leathern boot. SCRATCHES, This disease is well known to all horsemen. Treat- ment : Wash the parts well with castile soap and water, and when dry apply once a day the collodion and castor oil recommended in canker ; or use a saturated solution of the bichloride of mercury once a week, but not oftener, or mischief may arise in consequence of a too free use. GREASE HEELS. This is a white, offensive, greasy discharge from the heels of the horse; the skin becomes hot, tender, and swollen; the acrid character of the discharge often causes large portions of the skin to slough away, leaving an ugly sore behind. Treatment : Open the bowels with the following ball : Barbadoes aloes, 1 oz., pulverized gentian root, 2 dr., pulv. ginger, 1 dr., water sufficient DISEASES OF THE HOKSE. 167 to make the ball ; wasli the parts well and poultice for two or three days with the following : Flax-seed meal mixed with a solution of 2 dr. sulphate of zinc to a pint of water, after which keep clean and bathe frequently with glycerine ; or the solution of zinc, or a solution of the chloride of lime may be used ; or the bichloride of mercury may be used in inveterate cases with good re- sults, provided it be not repeated oftener than once a week. ^ WATER-FARCY". Anasarca, as it is technically called, is of two kinds ; one occurring in young animals from inflammatory ac- tion, the other in old horses from general debility. It is known by swelling of the legs, belly, sheath, and other parts. In young animals, there is heat, and pain on pres- sure on the swollen parts ; in old horses, there is no pain on pressure, but the marks of the fingers are left behind. Treatment : Give one of the following powders night and morning in the feed ; sulphate of iron, 2 oz., nitrate of potassa, 1 oz., pulverized gentian, 1 oz., pulverized gin- ger, G drs., anise-seed, ground, -l-oz. ; mix and divide into 8 powders ; or, sulphate of copper, nitrate of potassa, and pulverized gentian, of each 1 oz. ; pulverized ginger, -|- oz., anise-seed, ground, 6 drs. ; mix and divide into 8 powders. Hand-rubbing and moderate exercise every day are very important, with a pure atmosphere in yoiir stable. FOUNDER. This disease occurs generally m the horse with hard, brittle, or contracted hoofs, in conseqnence of their in- ability to yield to the weight of the animal. In this condition they wait for the exciting or immediate cause to develop the disease. These causes are a hard 168 DISEASES OF THE HOESE. drive uj^on a hard road, watering when warm, particu- larly when pump or spring water is used, standing in a draught of air, etc. Symptoms : Fore-feet thrown for- ward resting upon the heels, weight of the body thrown back upon the hind-legs, front-feet hot and tender, pulse full and quick, respiration accelerated; the animal in very severe cases seeks relief by lying down. Treat- ment : If the animal is in full condition, bleed freely from the feet, and give the following : Barbadoes aloe«, 6 dr., croton oil, 6 drops, pulverized ginger, 1 dr., pulverized gentian, 2 dr., mix with water in form of a ball; foment the feet well with hot water, and then poultice with flax- seed meal for several days ; give in the water every 6 hours extract of belladonna, 1 dr. Under this treatment the worst cases usually recover in one week's time if taken in hand early. POMICED FEET. This disease is known to horsemen as falling of the sole, and is the result of neglected founder. Careful shoeing, so as to protect the sole, is all that can be done in these cases. NAVICULAR-JOINT LAMENESS. Coffin-joint lameness, as it is commonly called, is one of very common occurrence, and the symptoms often so obscure as to mislead the ordinary observer. This dis- ease generally is preceded, for months before lameness is observed, by pointing ; that is, by advancing one foot whenever the animal is at rest. The degree of lameness varies considerably in diiFerent animals. In one case it is seen in the first half-mile's travel only ; in others it continues for a mile or two, and then disappears ; in some it continues during a journey ; but as the animal gets warmed up, it is not so severe as on the start. In DISEASES OF THE HOKSE. 169 some cases it disappears for weeks together, and then shows itself again, gradually increasing in intensity un- til it becomes a permanent lameness. In the early stages of the disease there is no heat to be discovered about the foot, no swelling, no pain on pressing the heels ; the animal picks up the foot nicely, but drops it tenderly, striking the toe first ; the shoe, therefore, is worn con- siderably at the toe and very little at the heels. Should a horse be slightly lame in both feet, the symp- toms are still more obscure and difficult to diagnose. The action of the horse now becomes changed ; he no longer bends his knees with the same freedom as before ; he steps short, the heels scarcely touching the ground, which is a good indication of the disease. Treatment. — In recent cases, the application of a proper blister is usually successful ; the common fly blister, thinned with spirits of turpentine, answers a very good purpose ; or the following, which must be used with great caution to prevent its leaving a blemish be- hind : Powdered cantharides 2 drachms, oil of turpentine 2 drachms, powdered euphorbium 1 drachm, oil of origa- num 1 drachm, hog's lard 2 ounces. Mix all together. This sliould not be repeated after the blister acts. In cases of long standing, a seton put through the frog will often be of great service in restoring the animal to use- fulness. OSSIFICATION OF THE LATERAL CABTILAGES. These cartilages are two gristly projections or wings attached to the coffin-bone at the heels, and may readily be felt above the hoof From contraction, corns, and other causes, these elastic bodies often become changed from gristle to bone in consequence of inflammation, leaving the horse with thick heels and a short, tender 170 DieEASES OF THE HOBSE. tread in traveling. Tlie treatment in these cases is only palliative in its confirmed state ; the same treatment as for navicular-joint lameness is proper. SHOUIiDEH STRAIN". This arises from slipping, severe blows, falling in the shafts, etc. The sym2)toms are all well marked. The animal, instead of raising the foot, drags the toe on the ground in walking ; on making a lever of the leg, by bringing it forward, the animal manifests much pain ; these usually are jDOsitive symptoms. Treatment. — Bleed freely from the Plantar vein run- ning doAvn upon the inside of the front-legs. Foment the shoulders well with hot water if the case is a recent one. If of long standing, a seton will be more effective. The following liniment will be a useful application : Sweet oil 1 pint, spirits of hartshorn 3 oz., spirits of tur- pentine 2 oz. ; mix all together ; shake well before using. Or, alcohol 1 jDint, spirits of camphor, tincture of myrrh, castile soa23, of each 1 oz. ; mix all together ; or oil of turpentine 1 oz., tincture of opium 1 oz., soap lini- ment 1 oz,, tincture of capsicum 1 dr. ; mix all together. CAPPED HOOK. This is a bruise of the cap or point of the hock-joint, forming a serious abscess. Treatment. — Apply the blister recommended in coffin- joint lameness. Tincture of iodine or iodine ointment is sometimes useful. BOIXTE SPAVI]>J". This is one of the most common causes of lameness in the hind-legs. Spavin arises from strains, sprains, or blows upon the hock-joint, causing an inflammatory con- DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 171 dition of the cartilaginous cushions which cover the uniting surfaces of each bone or of the ligaments that surround the joint and bind the bones together ; some- times both are involved. This inflammatory condition of the joint may be considered the exciting cause of spavin, and, if not speedily removed, spavin soon follows ; the synovial fluid, commonly called-joint oil, is soon ab- sorbed, the cartilages of the joint are turned to bone, which unite one with the other, forming one solid mass, destroying the mobility of the parts involved, and con- stituting what is technically called anchylosis of the hock-joint. This union of the bones is not always gen- eral, there being in many cases but two, three, or four of the bones involved. When these changes are con- fined to the cartilages, there is no external enlargement ; on the contrary, when the ligaments surrounding the joint are involved, we have in all cases external en- largement. When the hock receives an injury, the course of treatment usually pursued by horsemen is very pernicious. The application of a blister to an in- flamed surface must do injury by increasing the inflam- mation they wish to abate, and in many cases actually producing a spavin where it otherwise would not exist. I do not deny that blisters are necessary and useful in such cases, if properly applied ; but the idea of rubbing blisters on an inflamed surface, to reduce it, is like throw- ing shavings on burning coals to extinguish them. The educated physician, in applying a blister, does it so as to draw the inflammation from the part affected to a part where it will do no injury ; otherwise, it had better not be applied at all. When the disease has advanced so far as to produce alteration of structure in the part, the application of blisters is proper, not for the purpose of curing the disease, but with a view of removing the 172 DISEASES OF THE HOESE. lameness, by increasing the inflammation, thereby causing a more speedy union of the diseased bones, which, when perfect, causes the animal to travel sound. The seton I have found the most successful in long-standing cases. In the early stages, that is, before any alteration of structure takes place, the application of cold water to the parts will often abate the inflammation, or a blister applied above or below the hock will have the desired efiect. Cooling embrocations, such as vinegar and wa- ter, are also good. When there is external enlarge- ment, active blisters should be applied over the part. Liquid blister : powdered croton seeds ^ oz., powdered cantharides 1 oz., oil of turpentine 1 jDt., olive oil 1 pt. ; mix all together and shake well before using. RING-BONE. This is a disease precisely like spavin, location only giving it a difierent name. The same alterations in structure take place, the same terminations follow, and the same treatment is called for. Ring-bone, unlike si^avin, rarely occurs without enlargement. I have never known of but one case of the kind. SPLINT. This is a bony deposit situated between the cannon and splint-bones, well known to all horsemen, rarely causing lameness, except when it is situated so as to in- terfere with the action of the knee-joint, or at the lower extremity of the splint-bone. Few horses attain the age of eight years without having them ; they disapj^ear in time by spreading over a greater surface of bone, be- coming flat upon the surface, giving rise to the opinion often indulged in by horsemen that old horses never have splint. Splint is a disease of the same character as spavm, and requires the same treatment. DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 173 CURB, This is an enlargement at the back part of the hock, about four inches beloAV the caj^, arising from strains, bruises, breaking down of the hock, etc. Treatment. — In recent cases the part should be bathed with tincture of iodine once a day ; or use the iodine ointment. Take a little blood from the sephena vein on the inside of the hind-leg, above the hock. Should this not succeed, blisters must be resorted to ; the same applications as are used for spavins are applicable here. BLOOD OR BOG-SPAVIN. This is but one disease, a bursal enlargement or an increase in the secretion of the joint-oil causing disten- sion of the capsular ligament which surrounds the joint, causing puffy swellings on the front and inside of the joint, rarely causing lameness. Thoroughpin is the same disease on a more extensive scale, causing the enlargement to extend through the joint from one side to the other. The only successful treatment which I have found, with a few exceptions, is cold-water com- presses, placed upon the joint in such a manner as to press upon the swollen parts, and retain them there for six or eight weeks, by means of a leathern socket made to fit the joint ; the compresses to be changed every day ; old muslin or woolen cloth is the best ma- terial to use. PALPITATION OF THE HEART. This disease is known to horsemen as the thumps, in consequence of the violent action of the heart, causing a jerking or shaking of the entire animal frame, observable at a distance of several yards. This disease is sometimes preceded by an obscure lameness, generally occurring in 174 DISEASES OE THE HORSE. the off fore-leg, which in medical language is termed sympathetic. ,. Ti-eatment. — The worst cases yield in two hours to the following simple treatment : Divide 1 dr. of digitalis into 5 powders, and give one every fifteen minutes on the tongue. INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN. Mad staggers, as this disease is called, arises from various causes. Blows over the head will produce it, over-feeding, a tight collar, powerful stimulants, etc. Symptoms : The animal at first is dull, and moves with apparent reluctance ; the membranes dividing tlie eye- lids and nose are much reddened, pulse full and quick, appetite lost, a vacant stare about the eyes, ending in delirium or madness. Every thing around the animal is destroyed or injured ; he continues his ravings until exhausted. Treatment, — Open the jugular vein as quickly as pos- sible ; this should be done before the mad stage comes on or it is too late to be of much service. Open the bowels freely ; give the following : Barbadoes aloes 1 oz., croton oil 10 drops, ginger 1 dr., gentian 1 dr., mix with molasses or honey. Give tobacco-smoke injections if convenient, or soap and water will answer the pur- pose; give on the tongue every two hours 10 drops tincture of aconite, until 8 doses have been given, and then stop the aconite ; give cold water to drink and apply cold-water bandages to the head, or bags of ice would be better; give no food for 12 hours after relief is obtained. STOMACH STAGGERS. This disease occurs in horses that are great feeders ; in consequence the stomach becomes enormously dia- DISEASES OF THE HOBSE. 11 5 tended, causing pressure upon the lungs and heart, in- terfering with the action of both, and causing a deter- mination of blood to the head, producing stupor, with a tendency to pitch forward, resting the head against a tree or any object which may be in his way ; the head often becomes bruised and cut by coming in contact with hard and rough objects ; the bowels are consti- pated, the pulse full and slow, respiration disturbed, etc. Treatment: — Give the purging ball recommended in inflammation of the brain, and bleed freely from the jugular vein ; give no food for 48 hours ; this is all the treatment the animal requires. As soon as the bowels are opened, the animal is relieved. Care should be used after recovery not to allow the animal too much pro- vender, and keep the bowls in good order as a prevent- ive of subsequent attacks. POLL-EVIIi. This disease is said to arise from blows upon the head behind the ears, in going in or out of stables with low doors, pulling upon the halter, etc. Such injuries in animals whose blood is in a bad condition will cause poll-evil ; but it can not live in a healthy sys- tem. The author's experience convinces him that the disease oftener arises from hereditary causes than from any other, having met Avith, on several occasions, two and three unbroken colts, from the same mare, affected with this disease ; proving, beyond a doubt, the ready transmission of the disease from parent to ofi*spring. Treatment. — The blood must be thoroughly purified before a cure can be effected. Give the following pow- der : Pulverized sulphur one lb., black antimony in pow- der one half lb. ; mix together ; dose, one table-spoonful morning and night, in the feed. 'No corn or corn-meal 176 DISEASES OF THE HOKSE. should be given. Open the bowels with aloes or lin- seed oil. Lay the tumor open with a knife, and inject into the opening a solution of sulphate of zinc 2 drs., to 1 pint of water, or the tincture of iodine is very good ; sulphuric acid is used in some cases, but it is a danger- ous remedy. FISTULA OF THE ^WITHERS. This disease is situated on the withers, or the raised line of the back, over the shoulders, and is precisely the same disease as poll-evil, location only giving it a differ- ent name. It is more common than poll-evil as ten to one, arising from the same causes, and requiring the same treatment ; it yields, however, more readily than the former disease. GLANDERS. This loathsome disease has defied medical treatment in all ages of the world. It is one of the most treach- erous diseases known to man, being highly contagious, and communicated readily from horse to horse, and from horse to man by means of inoculation. Hence the best treatment is a leaden ball through the brain. Symp- toms : A discharge of matter from one or both nostrils, enlargement of one or both glands under the jaw; when one nostril only is affected the gland on the same side is almost invariably enlarged, the membrane lining the nose is pale or leaden in color, Avith ulcerations upon it. The discharge usually sticks to the nostrils like glue, and is sometimes white, but oftener grayish in color. These latter symptoms appear in other diseases of a catarrhal character from an acrid discharge from the nose. Glanders fully developed is not easily confounded with other diseases, as the discharge becomes more glu- tinous and adheres to the edges of the nostrils more DISEASES OF THE HOESE. 177 firmly, with increased tenderness of the swellings under the jaw, which now adheres closely to the jaw-bone; the discharge is somewhat streaked with blood, and of an offensive smell ; there is a slight tumefaction of the under eyelid, a swelling or elevation of the bones of the nose or forehead, loss of appetite, debility, sometimes cough, swelling of the legs and sheath, and sometimes lameness without any apparent cause, chancres or ulcer- ations within the nostrils. When these symptoms ap- pear, the disease soon proceeds to a fatal termination. Since the commencement of the rebellion many experi- ments have been made with a view to discoverinof a cure for the disease, and with some prospect of success. The suljDhate of soda, in ounce doses, three times a day, has been attended with partial success, and many cases are claimed through the agency of this simple remedy. FAKCY. This disease I regard as an incipient stage of glanders, or as a type of the same fatal malady, and is, to a certain extent, curable. There are two distinct varieties or stagei^ of farcy ; one, which is called button farcy, is altogether superficial, being confined to the lymphatic vessels of the skin, and readily yields to medical treat- ment ; the other variety makes its appearance in the ex- tremities, generally upon the inside of the hind-legs, which become completely engorged, presenting a very uneven or lumpy aj^pearance, excessively tender and painful to the touch. Small abscesses are formed, which at first discharge healthy pus, but soon ulcerate and discharge a thin, sanious matter. These abscesses first make their aj^pearance on the inside of the hind- legs, and then on the fore ones in like manner ; the neck and lips come next in turn, and they may appear in all 178 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. parts of the body, when glanders will begin to manifest itself. Treatment. — Give one ounce of the sulphate of soda three times a day ; or corrosive sublimate, in ten-grain doses, twice a day ; or nux vomica, in \ dr. doses, twice a day. Sulphate of copper, in 2 dr. doses, has been used with decided advantage. The tumors should be opened, and caustic silver or red-hot iron applied to each. MANGE. This is a disease of the skin identical with itch in the human family. The hair comes oif in spots which grad- ually blend together, causing scabby patches ; the skin thickens and puckers along the neck. Treatment. — Take the horse in the sun and scrub him thoroughly all over with castile soap and water, then wash him well from head to tail with gas-water, in which put 2 drs. white hellebore to the gallon. He must now be put in another stall distant from the one in which he has been standing : thus treated, it rarely re- quires more than one washing to effect a permanent cure. The harness should be thoroughly scrubbed and put away for six or eight weeks. These precautions are necessary to success in this otherwise troublesome disease. SURFEIT. This is a scurfy eruption all over the body, arising from an impure condition of the blood, causing plethora in one animal, and general debility, etc., in another. The legs swell, the hair is rough and staring, the mem- brane lining in the nose presents a bluish cast. Give the following : Barbadoes aloes 1 oz., nitrate of potassa 2 drs., gentian 1 dr. ; make into a ball with water ; follow this with the following powder : Nitrate DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 179 of potash 2 oz., pulverized sulphur 6 oz., black antimony 2 oz. ; mix and divide into 16 powders, give one morning and night. HIDE-BOUND. Any derangement of the system has a tendency to produce this condition of the skin. Medicines of an alter. atiA^e character are here indicated ; the most successful are : Sulphur pulverized 8 oz., nitrate of potassa pulver- ized 3 oz., black antimony pulverized 2 oz., sulphate of iron 4 oz. ; mix all together and give one table-spoonful twice a day. Or Barbadoes aloes 2 oz., nitre 1 oz., gen- tian 1 oz. ; mix and divide into 16 powders, one to be given night and morning. LOCKED-JAA^. This is one of the most troublesome and uncertain diseases with which the veterinary surgeon has to com- bat ; it is technically called tetanus. It arises generally from nail-v/ounds in the feet, sharp, metallic substances taken into and wounding the stomach, or stones in the stomach or intestines ; bots are said occasionally to be the cause of locked-jaw, etc., etc. The first symptoms of the disease are observed about the ninth or tenth day after the injury is done, which are a straggling or stiff- ness of the hind-legs, to which succeeds, in a few days, the following : On elevating the head, a spasmodic mo- tion of the membrane in the inner corner of the eye will be observed, showing little more than the white of the eye, the muscles of the jaws become rigid, the tongue is swollen, and the mouth filled Avith saliva, the ears are erect, the nose poked out, the nostrils expand, the respir- ation becomes disturbed, and finally the jaws become firmly set, and the bowels are constipated. 180 DISEASES OF THE HOUSE. Treatment. — That which I have found most success- ful is the early administration of the following : Tincture of aconite, two drachms ; tincture of belladonna, two drachms ; water, one half-ounce ; mix and give forty drops every four hours on the tongue. Keep a ball of aloes in the mouth for several days ; there is no fear of giving too much ; I have frequently given half a pound in the course of a few days, with good results. Hydro- cyanic acid, twenty drops in a little water, and j)ut upon the tongue every four hours, is an excellent remedy. Foment the jaws with bags of hops steeped in hot water, and bathe the line of the back from the pole to the croup with mustard and vinegar ; be careful not to allow the animal to be unnecessarily excited by noises and bustle about him, but go about him very quietly ; keep a pail of bran-slop before him all the time. If the foot has been injured, poultice with flax-seed meal and keep the wound open until healthy action has been es- tablished. BHEUMATISM. This is a common disease in some localities, as it is in the human family ; the animal appears stiff and sore, the lameness shifting from one limb to another, the joints sometimes become swollen and painful to the touch, the animal appearing better or worse, according to the sea- son of the year and the condition of the atmosphere. Treatment. — Open the bowels with the following : Calomel, one drachm ; Barbadoes aloes, four drachms ; alcohol, two drachms ; linseed-meal, two drachms ; mo- lasses enough to make into a ball ; follow tl\is with pine tar, one half-ounce, made into a ball with flax-seed meal ; give one every morning. Poultice the feet with flax- seed meal, four parts, ground mustard, one part, for DISEASES OF THE HOESE. 181 several days ; and bathe the affected limbs with the fol- lowing liniment : Oil of turpentine, tincture of opium, soap-liniment, of each one ounce ; tincture of capsicum, one drachm ; mix all together ; shake well before using. CHAMP. This disease baffles the judgment of the most experi- enced horsemen, often creating unnecessary alarm from the peculiar manner in which the animal is handled. /Si/)7i2)toms. — The horse appears well in body and limb until efforts are made to move him ; he then appears to have lost all power of motion in one of his legs, usually the hind ones ; it is firmly planted on the ground, and the most powerful man fails to move it. On compelling the animal to move, the leg drags behind as though it were dislocated. Upon striking him with the whip he frequently will take two or three natural steps, and the leg drags as before. Treatment. — Hand-rubbing is very necessary, and use the following liniment upon the affected part : Alcohol, one pint; tincture of camphor, one half-pint; tincture of opium, four ounces ; mix all together. ■WARTS. When the warts have necks, all that is necessary for their removal is a piece of silk tied tightly around them as closely to the roots as possible ; in a few days they will slough away : or if they are larger at their base, pass a needle armed with a double thread through the wart as near the root as possible, and tie each way, so as to cut off the circulation of the blood, and it will soon die and come away ; or paint it over with the perman- ganate of potash once a day for a week ; or use the caustic potash in the same manner ; either of these remedies usually answer the purpose. 182 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. SADDLE-GALLS. These are too well known to horsemen to require any special remarks regarding their cause, etc. Treatmeyit. — Bathe the parts two or three times a day with equal parts of tincture of myrrh and tincture of aloes. Or, collodion, one ounce ; castor oil, two ounces ; mixed together : or, glycerine is a very good remedy. DISEASES OF THE EYE.— AMAUROSIS, OR GUTTA SERENA, Commonly called glass eye. In this disease the eyes have a peculiar glassy appearance, with an enlarged oi expanded pupil. The eyes are clear and show no indica- tions of disease to the ordinary observer, yet the animal is partially or wholly blind. The cause is paralysis of the optic nerve, the best means of detecting which is to expose the eye to different degrees of light, which, when disease exists, makes no impression on the pupil what- ever ; while in a sound eye the pupil contracts when ex- posed to a strong light, and expands when removed to a weaker light, or when removed to a dark place. An animal affected with amaurosis will run against any ob- ject in his way, and present all other symj^toms of a horse blind from any other cause. Treatment. — Give a strong purge ; follow this twice a day with half-drachm doses of nux vomica, mixed in the feed ; apply a fly-blister back of the eye, and give bran mashes for a few days. No corn should be used until the sight is restored. INFLAMMATION" OF THE HAW, As it is commonly called, also known as the Hooks. This a swelling from inflammation of the membrane in the inner corner of the eye, called the membrana nicti- DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 183 tans ; its office or function is to cleanse the eye of dirt or other substances getting into it. Treatm^7it. — This is simple and effective : Open the bowels with the aloes ball recommended in rheumatism, and apply the following wash : Tincture of opium, one ounce ; rain-water, one pint ; mix together and bathe the eye three or four times a day. Do not be persuaded to cut out this membrane of the eye, as its removal does injury by impairing its function. SIMPLE OPHTHAI.MIA. This disease arises from some external injury, as a blow upon the eye, or from a foreign body getting into it, causing inflammation to ensue ; the eye becomes swollen, very sensitive, and watery. Treatment. — Open the vein under the eye and let it bleed until it stops of itself. Open the bowels, and use the following wash : Tincture of opium, six drachms ; tincture of aconite, two drachms ; rain-water, one pint ; mix all together, and bathe the eye three times a day : or, use belladonna, one ounce ; rain-water, one pint ; mix, and bathe the same. SPECIFIC OPHTHALMIA. This is called by horsemen moon-blindness, from its periodical apj^eara-nce ; supposed by some persons to be governed by the moon. The eyes in this disease become watery, and a white film covers the entire ball of the eye. When this disease once appears, we may look for its termination in blindness. The eyes may be cleared up a few times, but eventually the animal goes blind. Treatment. — Open the bowels freely with the aloes ball, and give internally one of the following powders in the feed, night and morning : Colchicum root jjulverized, 184 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. one ounce ; linseed meal, two ounces ; mix and divide into twenty powders. Bathe the eye with the follow- ing : Belladonna, one ounce ; rain-water, one pint : or, nitrate of silver, eight grains ; distilled water, four ounces ; mix : or, sulphate of zinc, one half drachm ; diacetate of lead, one drachm ; water, one and a half pints : or, take a piece of sulphate of copper, (blue- stone.) shave it thin and smooth, and pass it carefully between the eyelid and the eyeball twice a day until the eye is cleared up. CATAHACT. This disease is usually the result of termination of sj^ecific ophthalmia, causing an opacity or breaking up of the crystalline lens, situated directly behind the pupil, presenting a white and cloudy appearance in the centre of the eye, and causing partial or total blindness. Little can be done by way of treatment in this disease as it occurs in the horse. EECAPITULATIOI^ OF EEMEDIES. Jjampass. — Lancing. Bags or Washers. — Cutting, and apply alum- water or tincture myrrh and water, equal parts. Sore Mouth. — Tinctures myrrh, aloes, and water, equal parts. Uneven Teeeh. — Filing. Wolf -Teeth. — Extracting with dentist's forceps. Caries or Diseased Teeth should be extracted. Sore-Throat. — Mustard paste with vinegar, or linseed oil two parts, ammonia one part, applied outwardly. Powdered saltpetre, half-tea-spoonful upon tongue twice a day. Strangles. — Flax-seed poultice, steam nostrils, and lancing. Veterinary surgeon if possible. Influenza. — Tincture of aconite or bryona, ten drops in water every six hours for two days, then spirits nitre 1 oz., extract belladonna 2 dr., in a pail of water once a day. A powder of gentian root, saltpetre, and anise-seed, each 1 oz., sulphate of quinine 1 dr. ; mix and divide into eight powders ; give three times a day in feed ; or powdered cinchona and powdered quassia each 2 oz., pow- 186 RECAPITLTLATION OF REMEDIES. dered anise-seed 1 oz. ; mix and divide into four powders, and give three times a day in feed. Bathe throat in mustard and vinegar, or with linseed oil 3 oz. and am- monia 1 oz., mixed. Bro7ichitls. — A ball of nitrate of potassa, j^ulverized digitalis, and tartrate of antimony, each \ dr., molasses sufficient to make the ball ; once in twelve hours till fever is broken ; then nitrate of potassa \\ oz., nitrate of soda 6 oz. ; mix and divide into six powders ; twice a day in mash ; or extract belladonna 1 dr., spirits nitre 1 oz., solution of acetate of ammonia 4 oz., in half pint of water as a drench. Blister throat and sides with fly- blister and turpentine ; or mustard, ammonia, and wa- ter. Rub in with the hand. Nasal Gleet. — Give night and morning one of the fol- lowing powders : Sesquichloride of iron 2 oz., powder- ed cinnamon 1 oz., mix and divide into 4 powders ; or carbonate of iron, pulverized gentian, and pulverized quassia, of each 1 oz., divide into 4 powders ; or nux vomica pulverized, \ oz., linseed meal 2 oz., divide into 8 powders. Another good preparation is muriate of barytes \ oz., linseed meal 1 oz., divide into 8 powders. JBrohen Wind or Heaves. — Divide half an ounce of pulverized digitalis in 20 23arts, and give one part night and morning in the feed, until gone ; or take assafoetida 2 drs., camphor 1 dr., mix and give every other nig]it for a week. Inflammation of the Bowels. — Bleed from neck, give 10 drops tincture aconite every three hours, apply hot wet blankets, inject tobacco-smoke or soap and water, No food for forty-eight hours. Diarrhea. — Give every six hours until checked, pow- RECAPITULATION OF REMEDIES. 187 ered oi^iiim 1 dr., powdered catechu 2 drs., prepared chalk 1 oz., mix and divide into 4 powders. Colic^ Spasmodic. — Give 1 oz. tincture opium and 1 oz. sulphuric ether in half a pint of water ; repeat in half an hour if relief is not obtained. Or, give the fol- lowing : Tincture of opium 1 oz., aromatic spirits of am- monia \ oz., extract of belladonna 1 dr., water 1 pint, mix. In flatulent colic, give chlorate of potash \ oz., sulphuric ether \ oz., tincture of aloes 3 oz., water 1 pint, mix and drench. Worms. — Calomel \ dr., tartrate of antimony \ dr., linseed meal \ oz., mix and give at night ; or iron filings 2 drs., common salt \ oz., powdered savin 1 dr., linseed meal \ oz., mix, give every night for a week ; or assa- foetida 2 drs., calomel \\ drs., savin \\ drs., oil male fern 30 drops, linseed meal 2 drs., mix with molasses and give at night ; or calomel 1 dr., powdered w^ormwood 1 oz., honey sufficient to make the ball ; give at night. Follow either of the above with the following ball : Bar- badoes aloes 1 oz., pulverized gentian 2 drs., pulverized ginger 1 dr., water sufficient to make the ball. Another remedy : Barbadoes aloes 6 drs., male fern 4 oz., spirits turpentine 2 oz., mix and divide into 6 balls ; give one three times a day. Retention of Urine. — Give a ball every night of pow- dered opium \ oz., powdered kino 1 oz., prepared chalk 1 oz., mixed with molasses and made into six balls. Sitone in Bladder .—^hrA'S^XQ. acid 2 drs. in a pail of water once a day. QidUer.~¥\'xyi-%(^^(\. meal poultice till soft, then cut away. Inject once a day: Chloride of zinc 2 drs., dis- solved in 1 pint of water; or sulphate of zinc \\ drs., 188 RECAPITULATION OF REMEDIES. dissolved in 1 imii of water ; or nitrate of silver 2 drs., in a pint of water ; or glycerine may be used with ad- vantage. Before using the wash, have the foot well cleaned with castile soap and water. Thrush. — Wash the feet well with soap and water, and sprinkle a small quantity of pulverized sulphate of copper in the cleft, and secure it by pressing a little raw cotton. Canker. — Take equal parts of pine tar and lard, add sulphuric acid while melting, apply to foot ; or use collo- dion ^ oz., castor oil 1 oz., mix and apply to the parts. Scratches. — Wash parts in soap and water, and apply once a day : Collodion -t oz., castor oil 1 oz. ; or apply once a week saturated solution bichloride of mercury. Grease Heels. — Give a ball of Barbadoes aloes 1 oz., pulverized gentian root 2 drs., pulverized ginger 1 dr., water sufficient to make the ball ; wash the parts well and poultice for two or three days with the following : Flax-seed meal mixed with a solution of 2 drs. sulphate zinc to a pail of Avater ; bathe frequently with glycerine, or a solution of zinc, or a solution of chloride of lime. Water Farcy. — Give one of the following powers night and morning in the feed : Sulphate of iron 2 oz., nitrate of potassa 1 oz., pulverized gentian 1 oz., pul- verized ginger 6 drs., anise-seed, ground, \ oz., mix and divide into 8 powders ; or sulphate of copper, nitrate of potassa, and pulverized gentian, of each 1 oz., pulverized ginger \ oz., anise-seed, ground, 6 drs., mix and divide into 8 powders. Rub hard and exercise moderately. Founder. — If the animal is in full condition, bleed freely from the feet, and give the following : Barbadoes RECAPITULATION OF EEMEDIES. 189 aloes 6 drs., croton oil 6 drops, pulverized ginger 1 dr., pulverized gentian 2 drs., mix with water in form of ball ; foment the feet well with hot water, and then poultice with flax-seed meal for several days ; give in the water every 6 hours extract of belladonna 1 dr. Shoulder Strain. — Bleed freely from the Plantar vein running down upon the inside of the front legs. Fo- ment the shoulders well with hot water if the case is a recent one. If of long standing, a seton will be more effective. The following liniment will be a useful appli- cation : Sweet oil 1 pint, spirits of hartshorn 3 oz., spir- its of turpentine 2 oz. ; mix all together ; shake well before using ; or alcohol 1 pint, spirits of camphor, tinc- ture of myrrh, castile soap, of each 1 oz. ; mix all to- gethei* ; or oil of turpentine 1 oz., tincture of opium 1 oz., soap liniment I oz., tincture of capsicum 1 dr. ; mix all together. Capped IIocJc. — Blister ; tincture of iodine, or iodine ointment is useful. Bone Spavhi. — When there is external enlargement, active blisters should be applied over the part. Liquid blister : Powdered croton seeds ^ oz., powdered cantha- rides 1 oz., oil of turpentine 1 pt., olive oil 1 pt. ; mix all together, and shake well before using. Curb. — In recent cases the part should be bathed with tincture of iodine once a day ; or use iodine ointment. Take a little blood from the sephena vein on the inside of the hind-leg, above the hock. Should this not suc- ceed, blisters must be resorted to. Blood or JBog Spavin. — Use cold-water compresses, placed upon the joint for six or eight weeks, by means 190 RECAPITULATION OF REMEDIES. of a leatliern socket made to fit. Old woolen or muslin cloth is best. Palpitation of the Heart, — The worst cases yield in two hours to the following simple treatment : Divide 1 dr. of digitalis into 5 powders, and give one every fif- teen minutes on the tongue. Inflammation of the JBrain, — Open the jugular vein as quickly as possible. It should be done before the mad stage comes on, or it is too late to be of much service. Open the bowels freely ; give the following : Barbadoes aloes 1 oz., croton oil 10 drops, ginger 1 dr., gentian 1 dr. ; mix with molasses or honey. Give tobacco-smoke injections if convenient, or soap and water will answer the purpose ; give on the tongue every two hours 10 drops tincture of aconite, until 8 doses have been given, and then stop the aconite ; give cold water to drink and apply cold-water bandages to the head, or bags of ice would be better ; give no food for twelve hours after relief is obtained. Stomach Staggers. — Give the purging ball recom- mended in inflammation of the brain, and bleed freely from the jugular vein ; give no food for forty-eight hours ; this is all the treatment the animal requires. Poll- Evil. — Give the following powder : Pulverized sulphur 1 lb., black antimony in powder \ lb. ; mix to- gether ; dose, one table-spoonful morning and night in the feed. No corn or corn-meal should be given. Open the bowels with aloes or linseed oil. Lay the tumor open with a knife, and inject into the opening a solution of sulphate of zinc 2 drs., to 1 pint of water, or the tinc- ture of iodine is very good ; sulphuric acid is used in some cases, but it is a dangerous remedy. RECAPITULATION OF KEilEDIES. 191 Glanders. — Sulphate of soda in 1 oz. doses three times a day has been attended with partial success ; but poAV- der and ball, applied through the medium of a rifle, is the only sure cure we know of. Farcy. — Give 1 oz. of the sulphate of soda three times a day, or corrosive sublimate in ten-grain doses twice a day ; or nux vomica in \ dr. doses twice a day. Sul- phate of copper in 2 dr. doses has been used with de- cided advantage. The tumors should be opened and caustic silver or a red-hot iron applied to each. Mange. — Take the horse in the sun and scrub him thoroughly all over with castile soap and water, then wash him well from head to tail with gas-water, in which put 2 drs. white hellebore to the gallon. Put him in a difterent stable and use a clean harness. Surfeit. — Give the following : Barbadoes aloes 1 oz., nitrate of potassa 2 drs., gentian 1 dr., make into a ball with water ; follow this with the following powder : Nitrate of potash 2 oz., pulverized sulphur G oz., black antimony 2 oz. ; mix and divide into 16 powders ; give one morning and night. Hide-Bound. — Take sulphur, pulverized, 8 oz., nitrate potassa, pulverized, 3 oz., black antimony, pulverized, 2 oz., sulphate of iron 4 oz. ; mix together ; give 1 table- spoonful twice a day. Or, Barbadoes aloes 2 oz., nitre 1 oz., gentian 1 oz. ; mix and divide into 16 powders, to be given night and morning. Rheumatism. — Open the bowels with the following . Calomel 1 dr., Barbadoes aloes 4 drs., alcohol 2 drs., linseed meal 2 drs., molasses enough to make into a ball ; follow this with pine tar \ oz., made into a ball with flax-seed meal ; give one every morning. Poultice 192 BECAPITUXATION OF EEMEDIES. the feet with flax-seed meal 4 parts, ground mustard 1 part, for several days ; and bathe the affected limbs with the following liniment : Oil of turpentine, tincture of oi^ium, soap liniment, of each 1 oz., tincture of capsi- cum 1 dr. ; mix all together ; shake well before using. Cramp. — Hand-rubbing is very necessary, and use the following liniment upon the affected part : Alcohol 1 pint, tincture of camphor ^ pint, tincture of opium 4 oz. ; mix all together. Saddle- Galls. — Bathe the parts two or three times a day with tincture of myrrh and tincture of aloes, equal parts ; or collodion 1 oz., castor oil 2 oz., mixed ; or gly- cerine. Amaurosis. — Give a strong purge ; follow this twice a day with ^ dr. doses of nux vomica mixed in the feed ; apply a fly-blister back of the eye. Give no corn until sight is restored. The Hooks. — Open the bowels with the aloes ball recommended in rheumatism, and apply the following wash : Tincture of opium 1 oz., rain water 1 pint ; mix together and bathe the eye three or four times a day. Do not be persuaded to cut out this membrane of the eye, as its removal does injury by impairing its function. Simple Ophthalmia. — Open the vein under the eye and let it bleed until it stops of itself. Open the bowels, and use the following wash : Tincture of opium 6 drs., tinc- ture of aconite 2 drs., rain-water 1 pint ; mix all to- gether and bathe the eye three times a day ; or use bel- ladonna 1 oz., rain-water 1 pint ; mix and bathe the same. •W. i-^.- *^PI . ■* LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 002 863 238 m &:( ^•:m «r >