I/S^J^ pratts. MAKE AND SELL Pratts Conditioner for Horses and Cattle. Pratts Animal Regulator. Pratts Poultry Regulator. F'TnTrrly ciiicd lra:i> i .ultry Food.) Pratts Liquid Lice Killer. Pralts Powdered Lice Killer. Pratts Head Lice Ointment. Pratts Improved Dog Biscuits. Pratts Condition Powder. Pratts Vetermary Lmiment. Pratts Peerless Hoof Ointment. Pratts Hog Cholera Specific. Pratts Veterinary Colic Cure. Pratts Bag Ointment (for Cows). Pratts Specially Prepared Worm Powder. Pratts Cow Tonic. Pratts Calf Tonic. Pratts Veterinary Healing Ointment. Pratts Harness Soap. Pratts Heave, Cough, and Cold Cure. Pratts Distemper and Pink Eye Cure. Pratts Roup Cure. Pratts Hoa Worm Powder. Pratts Animal Dip. Pratts Spavin Remedy. NOTE In addition to this valuable book on horses, we publish the following : Pratts Pour.TRY Pointers Pratts Pointers on Cows, Hogs and Sheep Both of these books can be obtained by sending a coupon taken from one of our packages, together vrith lo cents to cover cost of postage, packing, etc. PRATT FOOD CO., Phii^adelphia. Pratts Famous Foods AND Veterinary Remedies PRATT FOOD COMPANY OF PHILADELPHIA make and sell Pratts Pood for Horses and Cattle Pratts Animal Regulator Pratts Poultry Food Pratts Liquid Lice Killer Pratts Powdered Lice Killer Pratts Improved Dog Biscuits Pratts Veterinary Liniment Pratts Peerless Hoof Ointment Pratts Hog Cholera Cure Pratts Purely Vegetable Condition Powder Pratts Prepared Fever Powder Pratts Veterinary Colic Cure Pratts Veterinary Healing Ointment Pratts Specially Prepared Worm Powder Pratts Heave, Cough and Cold Cure Pratts Harness Soap Pratts Cow Tonic Pratts Calf Tonic Pratts Distemper and Pink Eye Cure Pratts Roup Cure Your Dealer can supply you with any ol the above articles Pratts Pointers on the H^^se INCLUDING BREEDINQ. RAISING, TRAININQ. FEET, FEED, STABLING, DISEASES, ETC. CONTAININQ VALUABLE INFORMATION FROM EXPERIENCED AUTHORITIES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD PUBLISHED BY Pratt Food Company Manufacturers of PRATTS FOODS Th« Greatest Animal and Poultry Regulators and Veterinary Remedies PHILADELPHIA, U. S. A. CHICAGO, U. S. A. TORONTO, CANADA SAN FRANCISCO. CAL. DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND LONDON, BNQLAND CAPE TOWN, AFRICA COPYHIGHT 1905 Pratt Food CoMPAm? PART I PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE CHAPTER I. We will first treat on the horse and its habits, color, paces, coat, mane, tail, etc. The reader will find this a practical book for practi- cal people ; and arranged in a condensed, up-to-date form. The index in the back of the book is so com- plete that any desired information can be found at a glance. There has been so much written and said about the care of horses, that many readers find most articles on this subject have occupied their time with the result of only confusing them, instead of gaining the desired information. Judgment in purchasing, combined with a good stable, regular, systematic feeding and thoughtfulness in driving or working, makes the keeping of horses a 6 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSB pleasure, as well as a source of profit, instead of a loss and worry. THE HORSE AND ITS HABITS The origin of horses is unknown ; but they were used in Egypt over fifteen hundred years before Christ ; and they have ever been the great helper of mankind, both in war and in peace. Their natural food throughout the world is grass and grain, either in a fresh or dried state, and their natural paces the walk and the gallop; all others are the result of training. Wild horses are still found in certain parts of the globe. In the wild state they depend in flight for safety ; but if compelled to fight use their feet and teeth eflfect- ively. Horses fully mature when five years old ; and the average age of living is from twenty-five to thirty years. All horses, especially thor- oughbreds, are capable of being educated to a wonderful de- gree ; and the intelligence of highly sensitive animals is marvelous. educat«d. PRATTS FOINTERS ON THE HORSE POINTS OP TttE HORSe The proportions of horses vary in the diflferent breeds ; but all breeds should have certain good features, such as large hocks and knees, open jaws and full nostrils. Knee, Ca&ooiii or Shank. oint 9f Hock. "Hock. targe Pastenv POINTS OF THK HORSS. In purchasing, always buy that breed whicn is the most suitable for the work to be performed. This is a 8 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE fundajnental rule and should always be adhered to. It is simply folly to buy a light carriage horse for heavy THOROUGHBRED TAII.. Such purchasing has been the BAD PURCHASING. farm work or vice versa, cause of many failures. The loins of a good horse are always bulky and mus- cular, which insures vigor and strength. Especially should hunters, racers, and saddle horses possess this requirement. The tail of a well-bred horse is always carried erect GOOD NKCZ. GOOD WIDTH. BAD WIDTH. and graceful, while in the lowbred the dock is com- pressed between the haunches. PRATTS POINTERS OS THE HORSE The neck should be of good thickness and slightly curved. The head broad between the eyes, the nostrils GOOD MOUTH AND NOSTRUMS. BAD MOUTH AND NOSTRUMS. GOOD EARS. BAD EARS. full, the mouth large and the lips smooth and com- pressed. The ears should be broad, not too long, and incline slightly at the tips towards each other. The eyes should be GOOD EYE. BAD EYE. GOOD CHEST, WITHERS, SHOUI^DER AND BEI.I.Y. of good size and have a kindly and intelligent expression. The chest should be circular, and the belly of all horses, rounded and well filled. A good ani- mal always has a deep chest, high withers and slanting shoulders. The legs should be straight GOOD PASTERN. POOR PASTERN ^nd StrOUg, aud gOOd judgCS 10 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE say the toe should touch a perpendicular line if dropped from the point of the shoulder. The slope of the pastern GOOD HOOFS. BAD HOOFS. THOROUGHBRED HAUNCH. should be gradual, and the feet stand close together with the hoofs pointing forward. A horse should have a good haunch. Its ability for work depends on that ; therefore, it should be firm and strong. Illustration gives a good idea of a thoroughbred haunch. I The coats of horses are of varied colors. COLOR I Bay is a red brown color, and the term is used for various shades. Light or golden bay is yel- lowish light brown ; dark bay is very dark brown ; and PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE U dappled bay horses are marked with darker spots on the rump. The tail and mane of bay horses are black. Black horses are usually coal black, which is very hand- some ; there is also a brown or red black, which makes their coats appear rusty. Dun colored horses are of a yellowish, sandy color. Their manes and tails may be white or black. Chestnut is the term applied to cinna- mon colored bay ; and the color varies from bright chestnut, which is very red, to the burnt chestnut, which is almost black. Gray horses have white hair mixed with black. Piebald horses are white, with large, irregular spots of varied colors. COAT, MANE, AND TAIL All horses shed their coats once a year. Coats of good horses are always of fine texture, and in thorough- breds the skin is thin, the veins prominent, and the hair silky. The mane and tail should be of good length and sMky, but have no curl. Some judges say that curl is a sign of low breeding. PACES Paces of horses are regulated and con- trolled by use of the bit and spur. The spur causes quick action, and the bit regulates and 19 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE gives precision. The paces are the walk, trot, single foot, or fox trot, canter, gallop, pace, and run. A good quick walker is a point of excellence, and that feature should be watched before purchasing. GENERAL NOTES CHAPTER II. THE STABLE. Although many improvements are con- stantly added to dwellings, too frequently the stable is neglected. In many other- wise perfect establishments, the horses are kept in badly arranged houses. Every stable must have good ventila- tion, absolute cleanliness, plenty of room, light and be kept free from dampness. Careful attention given to the planning of the details before building insures healthy horses and a saving of money. .^^*^.^i., I All critics and builders ag^ree that the LOCATION I *^ I stable should be built on a slight eleva- tion, near the dwelling and facing the south. The elevation will allow good drainage ; the nearness to the dwelling means convenience, and with a southern exposure the stable will be lighter and brighter. Sun- light purifies the air of the stable and eradicates disease germs . PR/tTTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 18 SIZE OF STABLE Size depends entirely on the number and kind of horses intended to be kept. Race horses must have more room than work horses. It is a better plan to have a medium- sized stable thoroughly equipped with everything for the health and comfort of the horses than to have a large imposing] stable improperly furnished. Don't sacrifice the health of the horses for mere show. MATERIALS AND COST The choice of materials depends very much on what the neighborhood can supply. In relation to cost, the best is always the cheapest ; and no accurate estimate can be given, as it depends on size, location and materials used. A stable is built to last for years; see, therefore, that it is built of good material and honest workmanship. Brick or stone is preferred to wood. If wood is used every precau- tion must be taken to have the stable built thoroughly air- tight and waterproof Insist upon having a good foundation — one that will prevent the dampness creeping up to the floor. A 1 =^c.:ii^ ^ =rri r^V'-* V .;- !-|- «w A-CEM£NT. C- ASHES. B- BRICK D-STONES. A GOOD FOUNDATION. 14 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE EXTERIOR PI^ANS. PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 16 PLANS Have the builder prepare a plan, and see that ever}'thing is right before start- ing. Stables usually consist of but one story and a loft. 11 INTERIOR PLANS. Never have too many horses together. Five or six stalls 10 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE in a row is about right. Every stable should have either a harness room or good place for the harness, and a house for carriages, wagons, etc. The illustrations on pages 14 and 15 give an excellent idea of arranging the ground floor. DRAINAGE Improper drainage is the cause of much trouble in the keeping of horses. The drains carrying the rain water from exterior of stable > > % m r?^ • HEAD oroAai«««. TRAP PI,AN OF DRAIN. should be entirely separated from the drains carrying refuse matter from interior, and should run, if possible, in a dififerent direction. All drains should be con- structed in such a manner that nothing can escape from PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 17 them ; and should have enough descent to prevent stag- nation. Sanitary traps should be used whenever pos- sible. All cesspools should be walled and cemented, and at some distance from the stable. The drain, in the centre of each stall, should connect with a drain in the passageway, running along the back of the stalls. Have all drains large enough to properly carry away all matter without being overcharged. The plans here shown will give an excellent idea of dijQferent ways of properly draining the stable. CEILINQ, AISLES, WIN- DOWS AND D00R5 r r" 1^ '■ DOOR. above the doors, the stalls. The height of ceilings should be at least lo feet. The aisles from 5 to 6 feet wide, which allows g plenty of room to back the horses. All win- dows should be hung in the middle. They should be wide and kept clean. Doors should open outward, be divided in the middle and be at least 4 feet wide. Transoms should be The windows should be dack of WINDOW. 18 PR/fTTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE THE FLOOR The best floor is made of cement, comi- gated to keep the horses from slipping; and laid in such manner as to allow perfect drainage. The floor, under the stalls, of a large well- regulated stable should be made as follows : The earth dug out several feet, a foundation of rough stones laid, then earth, on top of which straw in large quanti- ties, can be used. In this manner excellent results can be obtained, and it is preferable to any other kind of floor. Brick or wood »TA CEMBNTED FI^OOR. should not be used, as they are porous, absorb the man- EARTH FI,OOR. DRAIN. ure and moisture and prevent the stable from being healthy. The floor of stalls must be as level as possible, with the drain- in the centre. PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 10 STALLS No stall should be leas than 6 feet wide by lo feet long; and loose box stalls should be at least 12 feet square. Partitions between stalls should be high enough to prevent the horses from seeing each other, and be at least 6 feet 6 inches high at the manger and about 4 feet 6 inches at the aisle. In up-to-date stables iron pil- lars are used at the end of the stalls, and neat iron gratings above the wood partitions. Oak is the best wood to use. Have stalls arranged in STAU,. PARTITION. I.OOSE BOX STAI,!.. such a position that the light and ventilation will be back of the horses. Always have several loose box stalls in the stable. They are excellent for sick and lame horses, breeding mares and colts. 20 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE riANQERS Horse owners disagree about mangers; some prefer oak, while others give prefer- /i /A -^M liiiiiiii' \— -A P AC " /A ' ^I-Ji '■■I r- — —i§ t^ MANGBRS. ence to galvanized or enameled iron. The most convenient, whether made of iron or wood, are those that contain hay rack, corn manger and water trough in one. These are very neat and easily cleaned. The diagrams show exactly how they are constructed. Wood is cheaper, but is apt to be gnawed ; while the iron ones last forever, and are easier cleaned. The wall above the manger can be either boarded or tiled. Have two rings in the manger and one in the partition higher up. Never have the hay fed from an overhead rack, or from a chute, which fills the stable with dust. BAD HAY RACKS. PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 21 VENTILA- TION Ventilation is necessary to the health of horses. Plenty of sun- light and good pure air throughout the stable is essential. The ventilator should be placed in the ceil- ing over the aisle, connecting with an air-flue, which should run to the roof or side of building. Patent wheel ventilators are use- ful, and pay for themselves by the pure air of the stable. HAY MOWS, CORN CHAM- BER. ETC. The upper part of the stable is used for the storage of food ; and should be so arranp^ed that . 3 I r»9 A. SHCLUcn \i. CORN CHAMBER. I N it can be easily reached. A room should be made in which to keep the corn and grain. As corn should always be dry, a quantity should be stored here until wanted. This room should be fitted with a window and be large enough in which to mix the feed, etc. The hay mows should be large, kept perfectly dry and well ventilated. ^. CORN CHAMBER. 22 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE WATER IN THE STABLE If water can be brought into the stable by means of pipes it will be found con- venient to clean the floors, etc. Pure water is necessary to the health of the horses. Therefore the water should be tested before allowing them to drink from a new supply. In the new style mangers a water tank is provided, and horses are watered in the stalls. Under the chapter on '* Feeding and Watering " details are given. STABLE NECESSITIES Every well-regulated stable should con- tain pitchforks STABuE CLO&er. of difierent sizes, shovel, wheel- barrow, broom, buckets, half bushel measure, sponge, curry- comb, waterbrush, cloths, oil can and brush, scissors, etc., also halters and blankets of difierent weights. All these stable closet. articles should have a place arranged for them, and should always be kept in a clean and serviceable condi- tion. The harness room and carriage house will be described in following chapter. 1^ PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 28 CHAPTER III. HARNESS ROOM AND CARRIAGE HOUSE. ADVANTAQES OP A HARNESS ROOM It is absolutely neceisary to have the harness and accessories kept in a clean and convenient location ; and nothing answers this purpose so completely as a well-arranged harness room. The harness is then kept away from all smell, ammonia, dust, etc. ; and it is not only convenient, but economical as well. Every piece of harness should have its particular location and be always in its proper place when not in use. Having a place for everything gives the stable a neat and attractive appearance and adds to the value of the property. CARE OF HARNESS Always dry harness thoroughly before putting it away. Clean the collar care- fully or chafed shoulders will be the result. Pratts Harness Soap is now in general use by a large majority of horse owners. It lasts longer and cleans better than any imported or domestic soap made. Carefully dry with a clean cloth immediately afterward. Keep all nickel bright and clean. Ammonia and whit- 2A PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE ing is good to use for this purpose. Bale wire is excel- lent for mending a trace or strap. Never put ofif repair- ing harness; do it at once. SIZE AND LOCATION Q u u u e BRAKETS. HARNESS ROOM* CNTRANCt r— — — I CARRlACt SINK HOUSE The harness room should not be less than twelve feet square, and can be in the stable or attached to it. An excellent arrangement is to have the stable, harness room and carriage house combined in the order named. For fine harness, blankets, rugs, etc., closets should be built along the sides; and shelves should be made to hold brushes, rags, oil, etc. There should be plenty of pegs and brackets ; also hooks hanging from the ceiling to hold har- ness while cleaning. Every harness room should contain a stove or range, with boiler attachment, so that water can be quickly heated. This is especially desirable in winter, as the chill can be taken from the drinking water, and the mangers, harness and wagons be more readily cleaned by the use of hot water. The heat will also be of great service in drying blankets and wet harness. PI,AN OF HARNESS ROOM. PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 26 Harness AND HARNESSiNa of horses. Proper harness, its care, and a thorough knowledge of harnessing should be ac- quired by all who drive or have the care The safety of lives depends on the harness, and it is criminal to neglect it. Many lives have been sacrificed on account of a weakened piece of harness, which should have received attention. Every part should be examined fre- quently ; and if, by an acci- dent on the road, a piece is broken, the driver should understand how to repair REPAIRING ON THE ROAD. it. Buy only that which contains good leather and honest workman- ship. It should be light and simple, but strong and pliable. The chief parts of harness are the bridle, and the collar and traces, the saddle, with straps to support the shafts, crupper and breeching. IN HARNESS. 26 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE THE BRIDLE The bridle may or may not have blinkers attached. Some horsemen think they do more harm than good ; but this lepends entirely upon the horse. IMost Lorses, however, work better with them, as it keeps their attention closely to their work. The bit is the most impor- tant part of the bridle; and it is to con- trol, and not torture the horse. A bit should fit the mouth, be just the width of the mouth and no larger. Bad fitting and cruel bits are the causes of hard mouths and unmanageable horses. BI^INKSRS. TRACES. SAD- DLE. BREECH- INQ, CRUPPER The traces should be attached to the hames at such a point that the horse can pull properly. A good collar-maker will fix this point, as it takes a knowledge of a horse's build to do so. Care must be taken that the traces are of equal length. The size of the pad or saddle depends on the nature of the work required. For carriages it should be light, but for heavy work it must be broad and well stuflfed. The tugs or straps must be of such length as to suspend the shafts at a correct height. The breeching is worn in single harness, and must be loose enough to allow proper action. The crupper is to keep PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 27 the saddle in place ; and the part under the tail must be perfectly smooth. THE COLLAR COI,I,AR. The most important part of the harness is the collar. It must fit, or the horse will suffer and be unable to pull properly. If it is too large it will chafe the shoulder ; and if too small, it presses the windpipe and worries the horse. Have the collar made to order so that it exactly fits the neck and shoulders, then the weight of the load will be dis- tributed over the front of the shoulders, gS Jfc^ leaving the wind- jA f fitting collar is as much annoy- ^^ ^:::= "^-f BHrts- ance to a horse as a pair of bad- V^ J shaped shoes is to a man. The |\ / lining should be of a smooth, BREAST coi.i,AR. g^f^ leather, and be always kept perfectly clean. The best collars are those that open at the top. This is much better than the kind that goes on over the horse's head. The latter style annoys and worries many horses. The breast collar, or strap, is not to be recommended ; although it looks very neat, it presses against those muscles which should not en- 28 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE dure pressure, and it frequently interferes with proper breathing. THE CARRlAOe HOUSE This house should be joined to the harness room, so that a door, connecting the two, in freezing weather, can be left open ; and the heat diffused, thus protecting the good vehicles. The carriage house should be just large enough to hold the carriages and wagons ; and nothing else should be stored in it. Many carriage houses are often filled with a miscellaneous assortment of pitch- forks, rakes, buckets and other articles not intended to be kept there. The place for cleaning carriages and wagons will be treated under another heading. RULES TO FEED CHAPTER IV. FEEDING AND WATERING. Regularity in feeding is one of the most important rules. Common sense and judgment must be used in the amount and kind of food given, which depends on the nature, size of horse, and amount of w^ork to be done. The more work, the larger the ration. Overfeeding is the habit of many horse owners, consequently the horses PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 20 lay on a larger supply of fat while lacking in good hard muscle. Race horses, that are sensitive and compelled to do exhaustive work, must have the best food money can buy. Young horses should have very nourishing and nutritious food, and a large quantity of it, for the proper development of their bodies. Many good colts have been stunted in their growth by improper food. Food must not only build up the bodies, but supply heat as well. FOOD I A^t^o^R^ t^^ natural food of the horse is grass, yet when stabled and compelled to work, it must have a more concentrated and nutri- tious food. To insure health in horses, and to fit them properly for work, their food must be of a mixed char- acter, nutritious, and have sufl&cient bulk to insure good digestion. Then all parts of the body will be supplied and strengthened. The food of horses vary in diflferent parts of the globe ; but the general foods are hay, grass, corn, oats, barley, rye, beans, peas, bran, linseed, carrots, turnips, potatoes and apples. It is im- portant that the horse should be watered before feeding. Hay should be fed first and then grain, (which is the concentrated food,) should be given last. This causes the grain to remain in the stomach until thoroughly 80 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE digested, and enables the horse to obtain the full benefit of the strength-giving food. OATS AND CORN Oats are the best grain food for horses. In buying oats see that the grains are heavy, the husks thin, and that it is free from a musty smell. Corn, according to present opinion, should not be fed too frequently, good oats. as it supplies fat, but very little muscle. Oats are much better. Corn should be fed in winter more than in summer, as it is very MUSTY oats— MAGNIFIED. i , • ^ j . heatmg. Corn and oats are more easily digested if slightly crushed or bruised. Chaff and bruised corn make an economical and healthy food ; but should only be fed occasionally. OREBN FOOD I ^^^^ should be used in feeding the horses I green food. Many will eat so greedily as to cause colic. It is best to mix the green food with the other food. When fed in small quantities, it is good for all horses. PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 81 TURNING TO GRASS Turning to grass is done frequently when the horses have been overworked, and are suffering from sore feet, bad legs, etc. This method has many friends ; but no horse should be turned out to grass unless there is a shelter in the field, where it can be protected from the rain, flies and heat. Some farmers, every even- ing in summer, allow their horses a ten minutes' run in a grass field, and the results are good. SHEI^TER. HAY, AND AMOUNT TO FEED Hay should always be bright, and every fibre distinct, of a greenish tint, firm long, have a pleasant odor, free from weeds and dust. Foreign grasses and weeds are dis- tinguished by their darker color. Hay should be well seasoned be- good hay. fore feeding. It should lay at least six months ; but a year is still better. Clover hay must not be very weedy 82 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE or the horse will refuse to eat it. Never feed burnt, musty, mildew, or dirty hay. If you do, it will cause sickness. The amount of hay to feed daily must be determined by experience. Some authorities say twelve pounds a day is sufficient, while others allow fifteen to eighteen pounds. By watching results of amount fed, the proper quantity will soon be de- termined for each animal. All horses should have cut food once daily. This, • 1 1 • • • CUTTERS in addition to grain, con- ' sists of hay, cornfodder or straw, cut, wetted and mixed with bran. As horses in the natural state prefer moist grass, many horsemen sprinkle the hay with water before feeding. Horses like crisp hay; but dislike any that is soft and woolly. COOKED FOOD Cooked food is generally condemned. The process of cooking does not render it more nutritious or easier to digest. It is not natural for a horse to have sloppy food; it is too easily swallowed and it weakens the digestive organs. PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 33 Horses that are fed cooked food are subject to colic, diar- rhoea and many other diseases, and are lacking in vigor. FEEDING HOURS Horses should be fed three times a day. The first meal should be between five and six o'clock, while the last food should be given about six or seven p. m. Regularity is necessary to proper health. Over-eating and indiges- tion are usually caused by not fol- lowing this rule. Arrange such hours as are convenient, and then follow them faithfully. As a horse, in its natural state, always eats with its head down, serve its food low, especially hay. KATING— HBAD DOWN. OTHER FOODS Barley and rye should be fed with care. Beans and peas, thoroughly dried and crushed, with oats, make an excellent mixture. They contain much nutriment, and it is a good feed for farm horses. Bran, in some stables, is fed daily and good results are shown. Carrots and turnips fed raw are good for hard- worked horses. Potatoes, on account of their cheapness and worth, make a good winter food, and when boiled and mixed with oats and chopped 84 PR^TTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE hay, are nutritious. Apples, with the grain, are excel- lent. Never feed a tired or heated horse, and let the evening meal be the heaviest PRATTS REMEDIES We have endeavored to lay down practi- cal and common sense rules in feeding ; and believe, if they are consistently car- ried out, that healthy, profitable results will follow. At the same time, no matter how much care, time, atten- tion and judgment are given to rules of any kind, there are times when it is impossible to carry them out as they should be. Then, again, at times it is necessary to work the horses harder than usual, or sudden changes of weather, or long exposure to rains and storms will cause the animals to get out of condition ; and it is on account of these irregularities that Pratt Food Com- pany's well-known remedies — Pratts Food for Horses and Cattle, Pratts Animal Regulator and Pratts Purely Vegetable Condition Powder — show their great value. If either is given regularly with each feed, a horse will receive full nutriment and benefit f/t)m all he eats ; and as they keep the digestive organs in perfect condition, the bowels regular and the blood pure, a horse will be free from disease and kept robust and healthy. They are mild stimulative and digestive tonics or regulators, PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 85 composed of harmless roots, herbs and barks, and do not contain vegetable or mineral poisons of any kind. These remedies are not to be fed in bulk, but mixed in small quantities as directed, with the animal's regular food. While they cure most all ailments to which horses are liable, these famous Remedies are just as valuable as preventives, flesh producers and savers of food. They are now in use throughout the world. See treatment of diseases explaining the value of Pratts Remedies in each disease, and how to give them. SALT All horses like salt, and should have it within easy reach ; instinct will not allow them to eat more than is necessary for their health. The best way is to fasten a large lump, weighing three pounds, in a place where the horse can easily lick it when wanted. SALT IN STAI,!,. Horses should be watered as early in the morning as possible, and at least twenty minutes before feeding. There are two methods at present used in watering horses. One is to WHEN AND HOW TO WATER 36 PRylTTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE -m- ^^m. I always have the water before them in the stall, and the other is to water at stated intervals. If water is con- stantly kept before a horse, unless he has been accus- tomed to it from a colt, he is apt to drink too much when overheated ; but this can be remedied by having a cover to the tank. It has been proven that horses will drink less when they have water always before them than if they are watered at certain in- tervals. If water is not kept constantly before them they should have it at least four COVER TO TANK iif STAI.I.. ^:^^^^ ^ j^y^ ^j^^ amouut drank depends on the weather and their work. One and one-half to two buckets is about right. Never water when overheated. Oatmeal mixed with the water is excellent when the horses are tired or exhausted. Have the temperature of the water a little below that of the stable. Never give ice water. In winter, heat the water till it is of the proper temperature, and rheumatism, as well as indigestion, will be prevented. Water the horse before starting on a journey. As a last rule, be sure that the water is pure and clean ; also that the bucket or trough is free from dirt FRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 37 NECESSITY OF WATER Water is as much a necessity to horses as food ; and they should always be properly supplied with soft, clean water. The horse is the best judge of the amount of water needed, and if watered ac- cording to instructions below, will not drink any more than is needed for health. HORSB DRINKING. CHAPTER V. STABLE YARD MANURE THE STABLE YARD. This is a subject that the average horse owner sadly neglects. A well-kept man- ure heap is an indication of thrift. One- third of the value of manure is anually lost by bad management in most establishments. If the manure is carefully saved and used properly, the fertility of the soil is retained. For every looo pounds of live weight of a horse the value per year of manure produced by that horse is about twenty-six to twenty-eight dollars. Another fact is that the urine of horses is most valuable if saved as per stable yard hints. Manure loses its value by too much fermentation and leaching. A certain 88 PRytTTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE amount of fermentation is necessary. This can be coui trolled by addition of moisture. STABLE HINTS The stable yard is one of the -most im portant factors to those that keep horses; and it should be built in a thorough sani- Formerly stable yards were so badly ORDINARY STABI.E YARD. tary manner. arranged that all the valuable draining from the manure would run offand be wasted. Many new features have been added, however, to make the stable yard nearer to what it should be. In the first place, it should be of fairly good size; and second, the space where the manure is kept should be paved with concrete, gradually CArt. ',^U PI^N, GOOD STABI^B YARD. FRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 89 sloping to the centre, where a small well can be made^ also lined with concrete, to hold the draining, which can then be pumped or thrown over the heaped manure, adding greatly to its value. COVERED STABLE YARDS Some stable yards are now entirely covered with a substantial roof, which makes an excellent protection for both animals and the manure. It also provides a pleasant place to work, especially in winter. The yard can be COVERED STABLE YARD (2). covered with a plain roof, or a second story can be added, which will be found very convenient for storage of straw, etc. Where the yard is not covered, a good plan is to build a roof extending about 12 feet from the stable, and 12 feet from the ground, running the full length of the stable. 40 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE Some build a shed over the manure, and leave \.\c bal- "N. ^^^ /^ ROOF EXTENDING FROM STABILE. SHED (manure). ance of the yard uncovered. The plans submitted ^ve an idea of difierent methods of covering the stable yard. THE WASH FLOOR In the stable yard, or in close proximity to the carriage house, there should be a cemented space 12 to 15 feet square, on which to wash carriages, etc. WASH FI.OOR PI.AN. It should incline towards the centre, where an opening should be, connect- ing with a drain. If possible this COVERED WASH FI^OOR ADJOINING THE CARRIAGE HOUSE. PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 41 space should be covered with a neat shingle roof. This can be constructed at a slight expense and should be found in every yard. THE STABLE TANK In many instances a stable is located beyond the reach of pipe water, the convenience There should be and without of windmills. constructed at least a hundred gallon tank in the stable, as high up as possible; and by barn tank. the use of a force pump, kept .continually filled. The water, by the use of pipes, can then be distributed throughout the stable and yard. The convenience of this is unquestion. able. Pipes should lead to the water trough, to the stalls, to the harness room, to wash floor, etc. «A • \ 1 • C «t ki Z c < z 5 FLOW? J • • J • < • • TAPS DISTRIBUTING PIPES. 42 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE THE STABLE YARD TROUGH Another necessity of the stable yard is a good watering trough, which should always be located under a roof of some kind. It should be of generous size, made of two-inch pine planks, and lined with metal, with an opening at the bottom, so that the water may TROUGH UNDER SHED. ^ THE TROUGH. be run off in freezing weather, or for the purpose of cleaning. This trough should be kept perfectly clean and the water in it fresh and cool. THE PADDOCK When a stable is so located that it is possible to have a paddock, it is a valuable adjunct, and is simply a small pasture, neatW fenced, adjoining the stable. It is used for rearmg colts, also as a resting place for sick or over- worked horses. This pasture should contain a good PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 48 sweit. ^3 rnov*-m 1 growth of rich grass. The best paddocks either have a neat shelter built on them or have a box stall in the stable opening into the paddock. A horse can then go in and out at pleasure. This gives the colts or horses a shelter from the weather or flies. It is most profitable to have a place of this kind to use when needed. Another necessity to a paddock is a water trough kept filled with clear water. JO PADDOCK PI«AN. HOW TO TREAT AND USE MANURE The best method is described in stable yard hints on page 'x,']^ which allows the drainings to run into a well constructed in the centre of the manure heap, and then pump it over the manure, always keeping it in a fair- ly moist condition. Heap it about ten feet high and be careful to smooth the outer sides to prevent too free circulation of air. To prevent ammonia from evaporat- PUMP FOR MANURE. 44 PR/1TTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE ing, a small amount of gypsum is sprinkled in the manure. It has been said that it is better not to cover the manure; but that idea is rapidly dying out, and it is now- thought much better in every d-i'-^'i -•» respect to have it covered, as SMOOTH SIDES OF HEAP, ti^^re is uot such a loss from excessive heat or continued rains. Manure so protected is always stronger, therefore more valuable. In using the manure, light and frequent applications bring far the best results. The mixing of commercial fertilizers with the manure, however, improves its value greatly. CHAPTER VI. BREEDING. The first question a breeder must settle in his mind is what he wants; and breed with that point in view. If a work horse is wanted, breed from those animals that have the desired qualities ; and so on throughout the breeding of different horses for different uses. This principle must be adhered to strictly to be successful. The idea in breeding horses is at all times with the aim of improving the breed. All who engage in breed- ing horses will find that it requires time, patience and PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 46 thought. The more care expended before starting, the better the results will prove. Never attempt to breed anything but good colts; scrubs never pay. There is money in breeding certain kinds of horses; but that subject will be treated in the chapter on '' Profit and Loss. ' ' IMPORTANCE OP SELECTION As a colt always has, in a more or less modified form, many of the habits and outward appearances of its parents, the aecessity of careful selection can be readily seen. Sound, healthy and good-tempered animals alone can furnish desirable colts. The surest rule is to always select the best obtainable of the breed desired, and disappointment will be reduced to a minimum. The purer the breed, the better the offspring will be. THE BROOD HARE In choosing the brood mare a great many things must be taken into consideration. She must have good health and temper; her frame should be compact, yet roomy to a certain extent ; and she must have strength. As blood always tells in the progeny, let the mare be of good blood. It is just as important for the mare as the stallion; and this is where many breeders make mistakes. They use most 46 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE any kind of a mare with a blood stallion, and expect good results. A mare, before breeding, should be examined thoroughly, not only to see that health is good, but also that she is free from spavins, ringbones, all bony en- A GOOD BROOD MARE. largements, curby hocks, bad feet, broken wind, cataract and all other diseases that are hereditary. The temper of the mare is important, and no one should breed from an ill-tempered or vicious animal. The frame sufficiently large so that the colt can be properly carried. The shoulders fleshy, firm and with the proper slant. The loins broad and the hips wide apart. The mouth and nostrils large and eye bright. A healthy coat is also necessary. Strength and ability to work are excellent traits to perpetuate. A good brood mare is valuable. PR/1TTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 47 THE STALLION The stallion, to have good results, must always be adapted to the mare ; and should also possess all the good qualities mentioned. It shows good judgment when a stallion is chosen that has blood, fine staying qualities, soundness, and a strong, well-built form, with straight and short, legs. A stallion must have a certain amount of fat, A GOOD BROOD STAI.I,ION. which is necessary to a good constitution ; but should not be loaded down with it, as it is apt to cause sickness and sudden death. A stallion is frequently chosen that exaggerates the features sought for in the colt: so, if the mare has long legs, a short-legged stallion is used ; but this kind of breeding must be ver>^ carefully studied, or 48 FR/1TTS POINTERS ON THE HOR5B freaks, instead of well-proportioned colts, will be the result BREEDING AGES For good results, it is always best that both the sire and dam should be mature and have plenty of vigor. If too young or too old, the offspring is apt to be weak and under- sized. The general rule is that a young mare be put to a well-matured horse, not less than from eight to ten years old ; and a young stallion be used for an old mare. Mares can breed from two to twenty-five years old, and sometimes older. It has been proven that age, when bred with youth, is no detriment, as some of our very best horses have been bred from old mares. A mare should never be bred, however, until she is at least three years old ; four years is even better. She will then be more fully developed, and her foal stronger. Stallions frequently have full vigor for twenty-five years. Young stallions should be used with judgment, or injury will ensue. Early spring is said to be the best time to put a young mare to the horse. If a mare is taken in Febru- ary or March, the offspring is said to be particularly hardy. Some breed in autumn, that the mare may work all summer. The ninth day after foaling is the surest PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 40 time for conception. A mare will breed every year ; and the best results are derived by frequent breeding. After a mare is fifteen years old, her foal is apt to be weak, unless bred with a young stallion. Working mares are more liable to be good breeders than ones that are kept in idleness. It is always surer to have mares bred at home. If the mare is taken to the stallion, it is best if she is driven there before the time of heat, and not driven home immediately after being served. If a mare refuses a horse, the prevailing way is to turn them loose in a pasture together, and in a short time the desired result is obtained. A mare carries her foal from eleven to fourteen months. An important rule to observe is, never to take a tired mare to the horse. In the morning, when both have full vigor after the night's rest, is the best time. TREATMENT OP MARE IN POAL A mare with foal must not be chased, frightened, exposed to weather, overfed, overworked, allowed to smell blood, or excited, or she is liable to ''slip*' her foal. If she does this once, extra precaution must be taken or she will do it again. A brood mare accustomed to work will be benefited if kept at work until a short time before FEEDINQ THE MARBANDTHE STALLION 60 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE foaling. She must not be strained, overworked, or allowed to drink very cold water when heated. Feed the stallion liberally with the best food. Oats, hay, beans, grass and Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder are all that is necessary. The mare should be fed a trifle larger ration than before, and the meals be more frequent. The best foods are clover hay, bran, oats, linseed, carrots, etc., with Pratts Remedies as mentioned above. Never feed rye to mares in foal. Give plenty of pure, clean water. IMPOTENCY Impotency in mares is usually caused by overfeeding. They should be regularly fed Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder, and their other ration reduced. In stallions it is usually caused by lack of exercise. Good food and exercise are necessary to keep them in condi- tion. Pratts Remedies as mentioned above are invalu- able for all stallions, and rectify impotency in both mares and stallions. In-and-in breeding consists in mat- ing horses of close relationship ; it is done to insure and perpetuate certain qualities. Crossing is the union of two IN-AND-IN BRBEDINQ. CROSSINQ PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 61 distinct breeds, that the good qualities of each may be found in the ofifspring. To do either requires much skill and judgment on the part of the breeder. HOW TO TELL A MARE IN POAL The usual way to tell if a mare is in foal is to take a rope or strap and measure around the girth where the harness goes on the back and the \ belly band buckles on ; |PBB^ ||| s^ then measure just in front of the hind legs around the body. If the last measurement is the larger, the mare .^, - - MEASURING TO SEK IF A MARS IS With toal. IS IN FOAL. FOALING I ^^ ^^^ ^^^^ approaches for foaling, the I mare should be placed in a good-sized box stall, the floor of which is heavily covered with straw. The time of foaling can be foretold by the sink- ing of the flanks, the dropping of the belly and the en- larged udder, which, if milked, will produce a white fluid. Foaling with a mare is a prompt act, and, if the mare is in good condition, should require no interference or 62 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE assistance. The usual cause of trouble is when the foal is in the wrong position. The head and forefeet should come first. It requires skill to assist a mare in delivery, and no one but an expert should attempt it. High- bred animals require more attention than the ordinary- horses. After foaling, quiet, cleanliness and good food are all that is required. If the belly of the mare is very large, it should be carefully bandaged. Nature, if allowed to take its course, will result favorably if not interfered with. Warm gruel and a little hay should be given the mare after foaling. CARE OP MARB AND COLT The mare usually attends to the colt by instinct at once, allowing it to suck and licking it dry. If she refuses to own it, rub some of the mare's milk on the colt's nose ; then let the mare smell it, and she will own it at once. The food of the mare should be nourishing, and consist of plenty of grass, oats, bran, carrots and frequently warm mashes. She needs nourishing and concentrated food, with plenty of good water and the proper quantity of Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condi- tion Powder. See that the udder is in a good condition and not inflamed. The mare should not be put to work PRATTS TOINTERS ON THE HORSE 63 at once, and when first used should have light work for a time. TO PRODUCE MILK If a suckling mare puts on much flesh and gives very little milk, give her a diet of bran and crushed oats. This is an ex- cellent and easy remedy. Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder should also be given regularly, as they not only enrich the milk, but also increase the quantity. TO INSURE HEALTHY MARES AND STALLIONS Brooding mares and stallions are particu- larly benefited by the regular and con- stant use of Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder. The profit in feeding them under these circumstances can hardly be calculated. The stallion is kept robust and healthy, his blood pure, digestion good and bowels regular, his service surer and his offspring stronger. The mare will be kept in perfect, healthy condition, the colt well nour- ished, both before and after foaling, and the delivery and all after-effects healthy, while the colt will be strong and have good appetite. Pratts remedies insure a good quantity of milk of excellent quality. The ingredients being roots, herbs and barks, they can be fed freely without any bad effects. 64 PRATT S POINTERS ON THE HORSE CHAPTER VII. THE COLT. Careful attention must be given to the colt from the time of its birth. It should have proper stabling, good food, and exercise, be accustomed to handling ■o... - NEGI^ECTED COI,T. from the first and not excited or frightened. As the colt is reared, so the horse will be ; and no good horse can be raised from a neglected colt. STABLINQ I '^^^ ^^^^ should not run with the mare, I but be kept in a paddock in favorable weather with access to a good box stall, in which it should always be confined at night. The paddock must PRATTS POINTERS Ohl THE HORSE 66 be well fenced and contain nothing that will injure the playful foal. The stall should be bedded heavily with straw or sawdust, and kept in a perfectly clean condi- tion. It must also be free from anything to injure the colt ; and contain nothing but a manger for grain, and a vessel containing good, clean water. Never allow the colt to be exposed to the rain, excessive heat or flies, and never let them lie on a hard floor, as it is liable to injure their feet. It is always best to keep colts away from all other animals. EXERCISE I ^^^^cise is necessary for the proper de- velopment of colts ; and as nature has given them a playful disposition, they ought not to be hampered in any way from using their legs and bodies. It is the confinement of colts in dark, poorly ventilated and frequently dirty stables that causes so many stunted and scrubby horses to be seen. FEEDING AND | Colts should be wcaucd when they are wEANiNo I £j.Qjjj £q^j. ^q £^g months old. If latet than that it hurts the mare, and does not improve the colt. All colts should be fed from the time they are four weeks old with bran, crushed oats, mixed with a small quantity of Pratts Food. They take very readily PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE MARE AND COI^T. to this food and it makes weaning easier. The mare should be brought to the colt three times a day till the colt is four weeks old, then twice a day will be sufficient. Of course, the night is spent together, either in a paddock or, if the weather is bad, in a well-bedded and large box stall. There must always be a supply of grain, fresh hay and clean water in the stall for the colt. The food of colts should be gradually increased. The more grain eaten by the colt, the better it is for the mare, and it facilitates weaning. When the time for weaning comes, separate the mare and colt so that they cannot see or hear each other ; and by kindness and gentleness the colt will soon eat whatever is placed before it, and in a few days will entirely forget its mother. Feed well ; the colt must never be hungry. Clover hay, bran, oats, with a few potatoes, apples and carrots now and then, will make them grow rapidly. Feed to produce strong limbs, good joints and a solid body. Do not feed too much hay, but keep the colt round and shapely. The feet can be kept PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 67 straight with a rasp, the oats. If a colt is very nervous, decrease DRYING THE MARE If the mare's udder, after the foal is weaned, becomes full, is inflamed and liable to cake, it should be milked out once or twice a day. She should be fed straw, have less water; and soft soap can be rubbed on the udder. The mare is now ready for harder work, and for a short time ought to be fed with dry food. HANDLING THE FOAL A colt that has never been frightened, and has been accustomed to handling, can be easily approached to have its body and legs rubbed frequently. The mane, tail and fetlock can also be gently combed. As soon as the colt finds that no harm is done to it, it gains confidence, and this is a great assistance when the time comes for training. Never shout at the colt. Gentleness, with a lump of sugar or an apple, will do more good than a whip. HOW TO KEEP COLTS HEALTHY A colt can be kept in a healthy condition and cause little or no trouble, by the constant feeding of Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder. At first about a tablespoonful should be mixed with its feed, 68 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE gradually increasing the quantity as the colt grows olden It will not only insure health, but full growth, free from diseases of all kinds and a strong and sturdy horse will be the result. CHAPTER VIII. BREAKING AND TRAINING. A colt's education should begin at its birth; nothing is more senseless than to allow a colt to run wild and unrestrained until he is de- sired for use, then by brute strength and the whip com- pel him to serve you. By this means the spirit of the colt is broken, and a dull and listless, or vicious, horse VICIOUS HORSB. is the result, according to the nature of the animal. NATURAL TRAITS A horse is naturally patient, proud and willing to obey, if he understands that which he is required to do. In fact all his apparent excitement and worry is caused by fear, generally the result of not knowing what he is expected PR/4TTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 09 to do, consequently that is the first thing to overcome. A horse is unaware of its strength, unless by improper handling he learns his power, then its future usefulness is ruined, and only by the most careful training can he be redeemed. BREAKING TO HALTER AND BIT As stated previously, from the time of its birth, the colt should be handled daily, its feet lifted and patted, and its mane, fetlock and tail gently combed, until it becomes per- fectly accustomed to it and devoid of all fear. It should be talked to and praised, and whenever it does a thing well reward it with a lump of sugar, etc. A colt must learn one thing at a time ; if you teach it many things, it will do none right. After it has learned one thing well teach it another. Very few people know the value of talking to a colt. A horse is intelligent, and one that understands what is said will prevent trouble if ever in a dangerous pre- dicament. A colt should be taught to wear a halter when two weeks old. Let it smell and see it first, then COI,T DEVOID OF FEAR, 60 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE put it on, leaving it there but a few minutes. Kveiy day leave it on longer and in a short time a strap or rope can be attached ; and it can be led. After the colt becomes accustomed to the halter, the use of the bit can be taught. A good plan consists of attaching to the halter a bit made of licorice root. The colt likes this root and won't object to it being in its mouth; and from the use of this, to a smooth steel bit is merely a question of time and patience. Never leave the bit in longer than a half-hour at a time when first teaching. The halter alone should be used principally until the colt is six months old. The great principle in training is that the process should be gradual. After the bit is familiar to the colt, attach reins and let it run by the mother's side. This is one of the best ways of teaching. At first it will be very shy, but with kind- ness and encouragement it will soon be familiar to the noises of the carriage and restraint of the lines. This should be repeated until no fear whatever is displayed. Above everything have the harness strong. If a colt COLT DRI\^N AT MOTHER'S SIDE. PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE m once breaks its halter, it will try it again. Colts soon learn to pull ; and everything must be tight and firm. Never use a check rein when training a colt. The reason that colts fret when in harness is on account of the itching it causes to their skin. To remedy this, leave the harness on only a short time at first ; and gently rub the pressed skin after unharnessing. Don't think that any harness will do for a colt ; it must not only be strong, but should fit in every respect. THE TRAINER The best trainer is the owner, and the man must be patient, good-tempered, kind and never allow himself to be ex- OWNER ON HORSE. BAD TRAINING. cited. An ill-tempered man will spoil any colt. Abuse should never tolerated. A colt never forgets if he is 62 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE whipped or frightened in his first lessons, and no one should be allowed to be among the colts unless he is gentle and kind, both in voice and manner. TRAININQ TO WAGON After a horse understands the use of the bit and has been taught to stop at a word, he can be attached, with his mother, to a light wagon. Of course this must not be done until the colt's strength will stand the strain. After it goes well in double harness, it can be trained to go single. Teach the colt to stop at a single word, to back as willingly as to go forward, to stand perfectly still while any one is entering or leaving the carriage, stand still when being harnessed or unharnessed, and to be a good, quick walker. The latter can be taught by keeping the colt from break- ing into a trot when starting out. The colt is then fresh and anxious to go ; restrain the trot and a brisk walk will be the result. By following this daily the colt will soon become a first-class walker, and its value will be greatly increased. One of the best ways to teach a colt to leap is to place a low obstacle between COI^T I^KAPING. PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 63 the colt and its feed. Call the colt and he will leap the barrier. Gradually increase the height, and when he is old enough a man can be on his back. Teach a colt to come to you by calling. He will do so if never fright- ened. This saves much annoyance when the colt be- comes a full-grown horse. THE COLT'S FEET From birth the feet should be lifted and patted. Care must be taken that the hoofs do not grow too long. Keep them level with a rasp. Do not have colts shod too early. For further information see chapter on "Shoeing and Care of the Feet." When a colt shies, he usually does it from fear. Talk to him, drive up close to the object, and when he sees no harm is done, he can be easily driven by. A colt should be taught from the first to be indifferent to all city noises, steam cars, trolley cars, bicycles, etc. Sometimes you will find a brute by na- ture, or made so by bad handling. We will here give a system to break vicious horses that has never failed, and there is no danger of HOW TO BREAK VICIOUS HORSES e4 FRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE injuring them ; sometimes in an hour you can drive tlie worst horses to a buggy. Take a short hold of the halter with the left hand and the hair of the tail with the right, give him short whirls around to the left. He may be a little lively, but a little man- agement will soon give you hold of the tail ; then tie a firm knot in the hair close to the fleshy end of the tail. Run the end of the halter through the tail above the knot; tie with half loop, which can be untied by catching the end of the halter ; this can be done when the horse is whirling around, by a little practice ; as soon as tied, let him go. He is now hitched to himself; the more lively he is the quicker he will dance, and sometimes will get dizzy and fall, but he will get up again and go on. Keep him moving with a cracking whip until he wants to stop and rest; shorten the halter and start him again. If he falls when tied short, you may have to untie him before he can get up, and then tie again, which is not often necessary ; he cannot hurt himself. TRAINING VICIOUS HORSES. PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 66 After he has been somewhat subdued, to take the first friskiness and kick out of him, take a smooth hickory pole about ten feet long, touch him smartly on the sides, be- tween the legs, against his heels, under his tail, and all his tender spots, making it appear like the whiffle-tree against his heels, traces between his legs, line under the tail, etc. The horse being tied head and tail and kept going around and around, each point must be finished before another is taken up — that is, when he will beat these tests in one location, try another, until he will bear it without kicking. The amount that he will bear be- fore he gives up depends on his disposition. Well-bred horses fight the sharpest and give up the quickest. He can now be ridden — the rider jumping on the off side and reaching over and catching hold of the halter ; when the horse quits whirling straddle him and untie the halter. We never saw a horse buck, or which could not be ridden with the halter, after this training. After riding, he may be harnessed and driven in single harness, when the same tests by pole may be applied, followed with hitching to wagon and the usual steps we have given for breaking colts. At the least sign of viciousness take him out and head-and-tail him again. This system is recommended for not only taking the kick out of vicious ee PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE horses, but is equally good for balky animals. It will subdue the worst brute. In case he is very bad, give him a short dance each morning for a month before hitching him up, to be sure none of the trait remains. I The whip never made a good horse. The whip should only be used on stubborn or kicking colts.- They should have a few sharp cuts across the hind legs. Whip just enough to break their bad disposition and respect authority. A colt should never be whipped over the body. Speak sharply to stubborn colts, use the whip carefully, make them obey quickly ; but caress and reward them when they do what is right. Never leave a whipped colt until he is quieted down. HOW TO PRE- VENT A HORSE KICKING IN THE STALL If a horse kicks in the stall from nervous- ness, always speak to him as you step up behind him. If he is wicked, head-and- tail him and give him a dance, as before mentioned. When you step up to go in the stall tell him to stand over, sharply. Watch your chance, slip in quickly, and take hold of the halter. You must not do this until you see him quail under your eye. If the horse is treacher- ous, better have a looped cord over his nose, running PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 67 back out of the stall, and as you step up and speak, give it a jerk, whicli will give you a chance to slip in. Do not show the least fear of him under any circumstances. HOW TO 5T0P A HORSe PULLING ON A HALTER Pulling on the halter comes from being hitched with too slight a halter. When a horse breaks away he will try it again, and if he breaks away once or twice it will be a fixed habit. Take a half-inch rope, double it, and place the double end under his tail in form of a crupper ; crossing the two ends over his back, and carrying them one ou each side of neck through the halter rings, hitch to the manger or post ; one or two pulls will be enough for him. You will have no further trouble. HOW TO PRE- VENT A ijORSE KICKING WHILE SHOEING OR GkOOniNG A curry-comb often hurts a thin-skinned horse, and should be used as little as pos- sible on an animal of this kind. If it is from wickedness, tie a cord around his neck, and pass a loop around his lower jaw, holding the other end while grooming. At every attempt to kick and bite give it a sharp pull, and he will soon give it up. It is harder to break a sensitive horse in handling his feet. Never take a horse of this kind to a smith's shop to have him trained; 68 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE teach him at home to have his feet handled and rasped o». If he is vicious, head-and-tail him and give him a dance^ then teach him to have his fore feet handled, sticking to each one until he yields. If he is stubborn, give him an- other dance. Sometimes by strapping up a fore leg they will allow their feet to be handled ; then, again, by merely tying the tips of their ears together will break them. A horse cannot think of two things at once, and by attract- ing his attention to something else you can often accom- plish your purpose. HOW TO PREVENT RUNNING-AWAY HABIT The first thing to do with a horse of this kind is to] teach him to pay attention to the bit and commands of the driver under all circumstances. To do this, put him into single har- ness, placing the lines through the lugs of the thills in- stead of the turrets, so he cannot turn his face toward you. Now drill him for an hour each day for a month, turning to the right, to the left, backing, going ahead, and stopping instantly. Turn him sharp, and short, and back again, cracking him with the snapper of the whip. Make him stop short at the word, if he does not, give him a sudden check; he will soon learn to stop at once, even if you are several rods away, which will give you control of him at all times. BREAKING BALKY HORSES PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 60 To start a horse when balking, we give different ways ; the first is as follows : I. Pat a horse on the neck; examine him carefully, first on one side, then on the other, speaking encouragingly to him; then jump into the wag- on and give the word to go, and he will generally obey. 2. Another way is by taking the horse out of the shafts and turning him around in a circle until he is giddy ; it will generally start him. 3. And still another way to cure a balky horse is : Place your hand over his nose and shut off his wind until he wants to go. 4. Then, again, you can take a couple of turns of stout twine around the fore leg just below the knee, tight enough for the horse to feel, tie in a bow-knot ; at the first click he will probably go dancing off. After going a short distance you can get out and remove the string to prevent injury to the tendons. Again you can try the following : 5. Take the tail of a horse between the hind legs and tie it by a cord to the saddle-girth. 6. Often by tying a string around a horse's ear, close to the head, it will divert his attention and start him. 70 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE CHAPTER IX. SHOEING AND CARE OF THE FEET. More money is annually spent in doctoring horses' feet than for any other ailment of their bodies, consequently the neces- sity of sound feet in all horses is ap- parent. This member, though seem- ingly hard and callous, is in reality delicate and sensitive. It is won- derfully made and particularly m oe] ( ^ ' \ ^ f I "^ jlf'*'*'^ adapted for the service it is intended to perform. The foot consists of a case or box, enclosing the soft deli- HORSE's FOOT. catc parts. It is capable of a lim- ited amount of elasticity; it resists shocks and is a bad conductor of heat. The covering of the foot consists of the wall ot crust, sole and frog, and each has its particular function. The foot is easily affected by hard work and improper shoeing. I The sole is at the bottom of the foot and THE SOLE I has a V-shaped opening at the back for the froof. The thickness varies, but in most horses it is about one-sixth of an inch. It is concave. The sole is PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 71 trbrous, but much softer than the wall. After attaining a certain length, the fibres break off in the form of flakes. The sole is adapted for sustaining weight on soft ground. It should never be pared or cut in any way whatever. The loose flakes serve to retain moisture, and help to reduce shocks, as well as keeping the horn underneath in a good condition. A GOOD FOOT A good foot always has a smooth crust ; a concave sole, not too hard ; a full elastic frog with centre complete ; and the heels low and free from crust. The darker the hoof, the harder it is. Shoes are a necessary evil ; and, if possible, should not be worn. The only reason they are used is to prevent the undue wear- ing and breaking of the wall. They a good foot should always be as light as possible, taking into consideration the weight of the animal and the work required of them. THP PDfin i '^^^ ^^^^ ^^ ^^^ prominent triangular sub- I stance which is at the back of the sole between the heels. In the middle of it is a fissure called the cleft. The frog has an important mission, as it acts 72 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE as a cushion in diminishing shock, and it also prevents slipping. The frog is composed of elastic fibrous horn, and breaks off in flakes. It should always be on the ground, and never pared or cut. This cushion, always resting on the ground, keeps the feet sound. The more the frog is exposed the sounder it becomes. The sole and frog need no protection, and the loose flakes act as springs when walking on stones. The fore foot of the horse is the most important, as it supports more weight and is exposed to more wear. THE WALL The wall or crust sustains weight, is fibrous, and extends from the skin to the ground. The front is called the toe and the back the heel. It is about one-half inch thick in front and about one-quarter inch at the back. The wall grows very rap- idly. Horses, that are unshod, keep the wall worn down, but shod horses beIn ON Too^oNG. should frcqucutly have the shoes taken oflf, that the excessive growth can be removed. The wall, on account of its fibrous nature, is well adapted to hold the nails used in shoeing, and, when looked at from the side, should form an angle of 45^ to 50° with the line of the sole. CLEANING THE FEET PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 73 It is the practice in some stables to wash and examine the horses' feet every morn- ing. The feet should always be cleaned out when the day ' s work is done. Road horses suffer from dry and hard feet. They should have frequent runs in pasture, and the feet well soaked in water. This will keep them healthy and soft. THE COLT'S FEET Wherever a number of colts are to- gether, the observer is astonished at the large majority of them having bad legs and feet, especially the toe deviated inward or outward. » , - J These deformities Wb JB VHIl J^^B/ W ^^^ ^^ny otherwise W'^'»- WBk OP^i M good horses out of O^ vI3 t3 cy ^^^^^^^^^^^^- ^^^^^ defects are s o m e - TOES DEVIATING INWARD AND OUTWARD. times due to natural formation and can never be remedied; but many of the defects are caused by neglect of the colt. The colt's feet should be carefully watched from its birth, and if proper attention is given while the foot is growing, a better and sounder horse will be the result. Frequently not only the hoof is deformed, but the bones are affected by the uneven wear of the wall. It can be readily seen that if 74 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE one side is worn off more quickly than the other, the foot becomes unbalanced, and the weight of the animal causes the bones, which are now soft, to be changed in their axes. If the inner side is worn oflf more rapidly than the outer, the greater weight is supported on the inner side and the toe is turned outwards ; while if the greater weight is on the outer side, the toe is turned inward. The weight should always be distributed evenly over the bottom of the foot. As stated previously, the colt's foot should be rasped, not pared, and kept level. These little details, which require such a small outlay of time, are the ones that are important, and make the horse valuable. weight PROPERLY Frequent exercise is necessary for the proper distributed. strengthening of the feet. A colt's foot should be as round as possible, with an angle of from 45° to 50° at the front and 6^° to 68° at the back. It should be narrower at the hairs than below. The heels should be well separated, vertical and about equal to one-half of the length of the toe. Concave sole and hard elastic frog, with the horn a dark color is preferable. PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 75 HOT WATER FOR THE FEET Hot water and Pratts Peerless Hoof Oint- ment are excellent for inflamed injuries of the feet. Place feet in hot water of even temperature for an hour morning and evening. When the foot is removed from the water, apply Pratts Peerless Hoof Ointment to the injury. Another excel- lent remedy to reduce inflammation when the horses are feverish is to stand them in mud up to the fetlocks. SHOEING THE COLT As long as the colt's feet are strong and tough he can be worked without being shod. When the hoof breaks and the feet become tender, have him shod with tips. Have the wall made level with a rasp, and on no condition allow the sole or frog to be interfered with or cut. Two nails on each side are all that is required. Horses with good sound natural feet can, with care, go without shoes. Tips. We are happy to say that shoeing in the last few years has become more of an art, and the shoes become a benefit to many horses, instead of an injury. Horses have been SHOEING THE HORSE 76 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE shod from the earliest period, but many changes have taken place in the shape and size of the shoe. Every year the shoe becomes lighter and more adapted to the foot. The shoe must fit the foot and not the foot the shoe. Horses feet differ in formation. The Shire horse is flat and low-heeled, while the Arab is high- heeled and contracted. An imshod foot hoof made to of a good young horse should be taken ^^^^ ^"^ ^^°^' as a type. We will try to give some important rules in a brief manner. Every part of a horses foot has its use, and sustains a certain amount of weight, which must be remembered when shoeing. The shoe should be so con- structed that it follows the grad- ual curvature of the wall of the foot, giving the frog plenty of _ ^ room to perform its function. COr^T'S FOOT— TlTE. ^ It should fit precisely and un- der no consideration should the foot be pared or rasped down to fit the shoe. If the shoe fits too closely at the frog, it prevents the action of the frog and causes contraction. The horse should be shod once a month. If this is done PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE TT BAD NAILING. all that is necessary is to level the bottom crust of the wall of the foot. No scooping of the sole or cutting the frog is needed, as it will cause lameness. Use the very best drawn nails ; three nails on a side are all that is necessary. Too many nails are injuri- ous, and do not allow them to be tightly clinched. See that the nails are driven so that they take firm hold of the lower walls of the hoof and away from the sensitive part. The shoes must possess a level surface for the wall to rest upon, and no part of the sole or frog need touch the shoe. A shoe without caulks is the best ; it should be of the same thickness all around and be light. The shoe should fit the hoof so closely that no water can get between. Don't chop or rasp the front of the foot. The rasp should only be used on bottom crust. Burn- ing the sole to procure a fit is very injurious. The heat drives the water out of the horny substance and causes it to become hard, contracted and brittle. Good horse- shoers never burn the hoof to make it fit the shoe. FOOT READY FOR SHOE. 78 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE Pratts Peerless Hoof Ointment will prevent or overcome contraction. Horses that interfere must first be exam- ined in regard to position of the foot on the ground. If low on the inside, they should be raised from the point of the toe to the heel, which widens their gait. Horses for- aging should be shod light in front, and heavy behind. THRUSH AND ITS TREATMENT It is a foul discharge issuing from the cleft of the frog, attended with decay of the horn. If in the fore feet, it is gene- rally the result of navicular disease, or contraction of the feet. The foot feels hot and hard ; there is a slight moisture in the centre of a much- diminished frog. There is no smell unless a piece of tow is inserted into the cleft of the frog and withdrawn ; thrush. then it will be observed. In the hind feet it is entirely caused by filthy stables, allowing the feet to stand in decaying manure. It is very offensive. Pratts Veteri- nary Liniment will quickly cure thrush. Clean out the foot and pour the liniment over the affected parts. How- ever, as per our note on page 119, to mention other remedies besides Pratts, we give the following : Wash PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 79 the feet thoroughly with chloride of zinc, two scruples ; water, one pint. Mix. Cut all the ragged parts away, and the white, pow- dery, decayed horn and substance, even if the flesh is exposed and the frog reduced ; replace shoe, and wash daily with chloride of zinc, one scruple ; water, eight ounces. Mix. Keep the feet clean, and use knife to remove white substance that may appear. Treat the fore feet the same way ; yet it is not always advisable to cure it. If caused by navicular disease, or contraction of the feet, the horse will go lame. Merely retard the decay of the horn. CORNS Corns are caused by bruises, resulting in horny tumors which push against the soft parts. Never cut them out, as this will cause a lack of support of the wall of the foot, and serve as a lodging- place for dust and stones, and is liable to cause separa- tion between the wall and sole. The part of the heel aflfected with the corn should be lowered and a side-caulk put on the shoe. This relieves the part from pressure, and keeps the foot soft. The foot should also be treated with applications of Pratts Peerless Hoof Ointment two or three times daily ; cover with oakum and keep in place with leathers. 80 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE CANKER AND ITS TREATMENT CANKER. Canker is very much like thrush, and rather an aggravated form of it. The discharge is more abundant and more offensive. It always commences at the seat of the thrush, but spreads over the sole. There will be large quanti- ties of horn of a fungous character which flake and peel off. The same causes produce it that produce thrush, but it seems to be more con- stitutional. It may affect one foot or all of the feet. Sometimes the treatment will cure all feet but one, where it seems to remain in spite of all remedies. Suddenly that foot may heal quickly, and the horse seem sound, when it will break out in another foot. Pratts Veterinary Liniment applied every two days will effect a cure. However, as per our note on page 119, to give another remedy, we mention the following : Cut away every portion of the detached and diseased horn as is possible, and apply this dressing : Chloride of zinc, one-half ounce ; wheat flour, four ounces. Mix. Apply to the foot dry. Apply to the sound part of the foot, before you dress with the above, the following : Chloride of zinc, four grains ; flour, one ounce. Mix. PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 81 Tack on the shoe and pad well over the sole ; con- fine the padding by pieces of iron running crosswise, with ends catching under the shoe. Repeat cutting and dressing every second day. As the parts get better, lessen space covered by the strongest dressing. SEEDY TOE Is the separation of two layers of horn forming outside cover of the hoof. It commences at the toe, and can be seen when the shoe is off, or can be detected by tapping the hoof, which will sound hollow. The horse must not be worked. All outside portion of the hoof that has separated must be cut oflf and stuffed with tow satu- rated with Pratts Peerless Hoof Ointment. This must be done every two weeks until the new hoof has grown out. The Ointment will quickly grow a new hoof. SEEDY TOE. PUMICE FOOT AND ITS TREATMENT It is a bulging down of the sole of the foot. The horse will walk on sole instead of the wall. Horses with long, slanting, weak pastern hoofs, marked by ringy growths of brittle character, flat sole, and large, healthy frogs, are most 82 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE liable to it. The most success can be had by attending the shoeing, yet the natural weak- ness of the foot cannot be changed. A bar shoe should be prepared, the web covered with leather, the shoe nailed on with double the quantity of nails generally used, but smaller, leaving a bearing on the back part of the shoe for the frog. Soak the hoof an hour twice each day in a warm bath. Stuflf the foot with tow satu- rated with Pratts Peerless Hoof Ointment. The shoe should be changed and adapted to the foot as it changes and improves. PUMICE FOOT FALSE QUARTER False quarter consists of ribs and furrows usually in the quarter of the hoof. It is caused by deficient secretion depending upon injury and destruction of the coronet by abscesses, etc. The horse should be put to pasture ; the pressure removed from the injured part by reduction of ground sur- FALSE QUARTER. face of thc Wall, and a bar shoe should be applied, utilizing the frog as a weight bearer. PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 83 CONTRACTED FEET For contracted feet, when shoeing^, see that blacksmith allows the proper amount of pressure to be communicated to the sole bars and heel of the crust. Of course the frog must be sound as well as the parts above it. Wash the foot and apply Pratts Peerless Hoof Ointment daily at top of foot both inside and outside. After hoof becomes pliable spread the heel with wedges and apply the Ointment daily. TREATMENT OP TREAD AND OVER-REACH This is the stepping of one foot on the other, often resulting in wounding the coronets by the caulks. Bathe three times a day with chloride of zinc, eight grains ; water, eight ounces. Mix. Protect from dirt and dust by a cloth. QUITTOR Quittor is a chronic abscess of the foot, the matter forming sinuses, from the trouble of finding a way to the surface. It is usually caused by a bruise of the sole, from a nail prick or from neglected thrush. An open- ing will be formed in the horn or JtfT /I coronet, from which a foul discharge y^^Jhf,^ . A issues, A dependent opening must be made, so that all matter can escape. A probe must be passed down as low quixxor. 84 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE as possible, and the sole pared away until the end is reached. An injection of a saturated solution of sulphate of zinc should be used every day. Treatment always has to depend on its extent and nature. LAMINITIS Laminitis, or founder, a disease of the sensitive laminae (a sole and bone), is usually caused by over-exertion, or after-efifects from chilling, inflammation of the lungs, bowels, mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes, etc. The sensitive foot becomes inflamed, the pulse is strong, thick and throbbing, and the horse lies down with legs stretched out. A case of acute laminitis is curable, if taken in time. Remove the shoe, and soak the feet in warm water for an hour and a half, then poultice entire foot with bran and boiled carrots, or slippery elm bark and linseed meal. Also apply Pratts Peer- less Hoof Ointment at night all over the bottom of the foot and to all parts of the frog and at top of hoof joining the hair, and cover the entire wall of the foot. The horse should stand on i^AMiNiTis. a deep, soft bed. Give a purgative (about one-half the ordinary dose) and aconite (ten drops) every twenty minutes, until the animal perspires freely. PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 85 Cover well with blankets. Change poultices twice a day, and after removing put the feet in hot water ; continue for four days. Feed bran mashes, vegetables and hay ; no grain. Use wide-webbed shoes two weeks after recovery. SAND CRACK Sand crack is an open fissure in the wall of the hoof, caused by strain, defect in secretion, etc. It causes lameness, and blood frequently oozes from the crack during motion. Reduce pain by having the shoe re- moved and poulticing. Open crack and remove horn from each side in contact with coronet for the space of an inch. Apply Pratts Peerless Hoof Ointment and cover with oakum. Use bar shoe, relieve pressure, and blister the coronet. SAND CRACK. HORN rUMORS Horn tumors are caused by bad horse- shoeing, the nails causing an irrita- tion, and the result being a horn tumor. The r«nedy is to pro- mote healthy growth by good shoeing. Use fine nails and have the shoe fit perfectly. HORN TUMORS. 86 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE CHAPTER X. WOUNDS AND LAMENESS. Horses are always liable to wounds on almost every part of their bodies, and every owner should possess a knowledge of what to do in emergencies. We know of nothing better than the application of Pratts Veterinary Healing Ointment three times a day, rubbing it well into the wound. We also mention the following treatment, as per our note on page 119 : Always wash the wound thoroughly with cold water first, and see that no for- eign matter is embedded, and use a camphor or soap liniment. To stop the bleeding, cold water will often answer. If an artery is cut, the blood will be bright red and spurt out in jets, while a vein has darker blood and the flow is continuous. Bleeding is stopped by pressure, plugging the wound with tow, or sometimes the artery must be tied. Wounds of the flesh are usually lacerated, incised, punctured, contused, or abraded. Lacerated wounds are produced by tear- ing, and the edges are ragged and un- even. If inflicted in the abdominal wall they are apt to prove fatal. All wounds should have the LACERATED WOUNDS i'RATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 87 divided edges brought together as quickly as possible, so that they will heal by adhesion. This can be done sometimes by bandages, but when the cut is lengthy and deep, sutures are the best. One way to insert a suture is to pass a pin through both edges of the skin, put a piece of twine over the point and head in the form of a figure 8, drawing the edges closely together. When a needle is used, with wire or thread, commence stitches about an inch or an inch and a half from wound. If wound is large, use two or more sutures. Tie ends tightly and cut off ends. Dress a lacerated wound with Pratts Vet- erinary Healing Ointment or with an astringent, such as, sulphate of zinc, one and one-half drachms ; tincture of myrrh, two fluid ounces ; cold water, one pint. Dis- solve the zinc in the water, then add the tincture. Label the mixture " Poison." SUTURES. INCISED WOUNDS Incised wounds are caused by a sharp instrument, and the skin is evenly di- vided. Hemorrhage frequently occurs, as the blood vessels are apt to be cut. Wash and clean thoroughly, stop the bleeding, close wound by sutures if 88 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE necessary and use Pratts Veterinary Healing Ointment or the lotion as directed for lacerated wounds. PUNCTURED WOUNDS Punctured wounds are usually the most dangerous, as it is hard to tell how deep the injury extends. The mouth of the wound contracts and is smaller than the interior. If the matter which forms cannot be expelled, abscesses are the result. The opening should be made larger by inserting a sharp knife into the wound and cutting downward a Irifle. This cut will soon heal. Treat same as other wounds ; dress with Pratts Veterinary Healing Ointment or with the lotion as for lacerated wounds. CONTUSED WOUNDS Contused wounds are caused by falls, blows, etc., and are serious, as the mus- cles and soft parts are badly jammed. If swollen very much and filled with matter, make a sharp cut through the centre, then treat as a lacerated wound. Other contused wounds not so serious should be covered with flannel and kept continually wet with water, at a temperature of ii8° Fahrenheit, for at least four or five hours. Follow this with liniments of camphor or ammonia, but, better still, Pratts PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 89 Veterinary Liniment will be found excellent for this purpose, as it does its work more quickly than any other preparation. Abraded wounds should be thoroughly drenched with water, and then an appli- cation of Pratts Veterinary Liniment or kerosene oil can also be used. The oil will heal the wound and restore the hair. ABRADED WOUNDS HARNESS QALLS Injury from the harness occurs from unclean or bad -fitting harness. The parts should be kept perfectly clean, and Pratts Veterinary Healing Ointment applied under each sore spot that comes under the harness. This should be done night and morning. The horse can be worked every day. In accordance with our explanation on page 119, we also suggest the use of the following lotion applied three times a day : Sulphate of zinc, three- quarters of an ounce ; sugar of lead, one ounce ; tincture of myrrh, two ounces ; soft water, one quart. Shake before using. The above is good for healing purposes. . ..,^.,^^^( Lameness is caused by many different LAMENESS _^___^__^__ things, but bad shoeing is the principal cause of the many lame horses we see on the streets. Lameness in the hind feet is always more serious than oo PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE when it is in the fore feet. When one fore foot is injured, the head and body drop or slightly sink when the sound one touches the ground. When one hind foot is injured, the head of the horse will be raised when the sound foot touches the ground ; while the hind portion of the body drops on that side. Pratts Veterinary Lini- ment will quickly relieve. HOWTO DETECT LAMENESS IN THE HIP-JOINTS This joint is sometimes ul- cerated, and the symptoms resemble occult spa- vin, with the addition that the diseased leg is caught up from ^,^^ the ground more sharply. The lameness in hip-joint. best way to test is to place something soft over the joint and rap it sharply with a mallet. A sharp response may be looked for. It is incurable. The horse is worthless. HOW TO DETECT LAME- NESS IN THE SHOULDER Sometimes the shoulder is ulcerated. The trouble generally arises in a muscle at the shoulder-joint. In this case the horse will not advance or bend the leg at the shoulder- joint or elbow ; drags the leg and never lifts the toe from the ground. An old test is to lead the horse up to a log, PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 91 if he refuses to pass over it, the shoulder is the spot. When lameness is in both shoulders, he will rest his feet backward, not pointing forward, and will be stiff in the HOW TO DETECT LAME- NESS IN THE KNEE-JOINT IvAMENESS IN SHOUIvDER. muscles and also when turning around. Rub Pratts Veterinary Liniment well over the joints once a day. Any disease of this joint that cannot be seen from the outside will show in a stiff- ened advance of the foreleg, a long step, or when the horse lies down he will place the leg on the outside of the body, not under it and not closely bent ; otherwise the horse may show no signs of lameness. Also examine the feet for diseases next to the coffin joint — that is, between the hoof and hock joint — and so on up, including the shoulder. It is usually found before you reach the shoulder-joint. There is nothing better to cure lameness in knee-joint than Pratts Veteri-' nary Liniment. Rub it in well once a day. 99 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE SPRAINS OFTHE TENDONS AND THEIR TREATMENT A horse is liable to have the tendons of both fore and hind legs badly sprained from hard work, fast heats, or reckless driving. There are different names for strains, according to the injury and location; when it first occurs it is hardly noticeable, unless it happens to be very severe ; the next morning, however, the horse will be stiff and cramped, which may disappear on exercise, to return the follow- ing morning, If more severe, the horse will keep the leg bent and only rest the toe on the ground. By care- fully examining (as previously mentioned in looking for lameness) a swelling may be detected, which is hot. If it is but slight, it can be found only by pressure, as a sound tendon is not at all tender and will bear almost any amount of pressure ; first put on a shoe made gradu- ally thick :from toe to heel, the heel an inch higher than the toe, no caulks ; then bathe the leg placed in a pail of milk-warm water for one hour ; repeat this three times a day until inflammation is gone. A cure can quickly be effected with Pratts Veterinary Liniment — rub it in well twice a day, after second day apply once a day. Another remedy, as per our note on page 119, is as follows : Between the bathing, bandage the leg from knee to fetlock, the bandage being saturated with the following : Acetic acid, two fluid ounces ; chloroform, two PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 93 fluid ounces ; opium, two ounces ; water, one quart. Mix. When the fever has left, apply a blister to the whole tendon from knee to fetlock. Before doing so, clip off the hair. The blister can be powdered cantharides, iodine, and Venice turpentine, of each one drachm, and palm oil, two ounces. About half an ounce of this will be enough to blister. It will be hardly necessary to repeat it. We advise a couple of months' rest. CAPPED ELBOW SHOE BOIL AND ITSTREATMENT It is located on the elbow of front leg, and is caused by the pressure of the shoe against it while the horse is lying down. It can be prevented by putting leather boots on the fore feet. If it has just occurred and is inflamed, reduce it with cold water and evaporating lotions. Pratts Vet- erinary Liniment is good. If it has broken, syringe the boil out three or four times daily with the following : Carbolic acid, one ounce ; tincture opium, four fluid ounces ; soft water, one quart. Mix. Or Pratts Veteri- nary Liniment, w^hich will be found quick in healing. If any callus remains after healing, or inflammation has gone down, apply blister of biniodide of mercury and lard, same as used in capped hock. 04 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE CAPPED HOCK AND ITS TREATMENT It is generally caused by kicking against the swingle-tree and bruising the point of the hock, caus- ing heat, swelling and lameness. A cheap, quick remedy can be had in Pratts Veteri- ]v'' nary Liniment. Rub it in twice a day until cappei^hock:. the enlargements disappear. However, as per our note on page 119, we also suggest the following : Take one pound of sal-ammoniac and dissolve it in three pints of vinegar, and bathe the injured limb every one or two hours. If it is not all gone in a week, blister the cap with biniodide of mercury (one part) and eight parts lard ; or the tincture of iodine may be applied morning and evening with tooth-brush, until the parts are blis- tered ; then stop for a few days. Knee-sprung is caused by contracted tendons. The animal often goes over sufficiently to make the gait unsteady, and frequently trembles. Blistering and bathing have only temporary effect, as working brings on the symp- toms again. By slightly raising the heels of the shoes, enough to permit the animal to have a solid foundation to stand upon and not strain the defective tendons, will prevent the trembling mentioned, besides preventing the animal from balancing himself upon his toes, which KNEE-SPRUNG AND ITS TREATMENT PR/tTTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 06 habit will eventually change the form of the hoof. Often, in extreme cases, a surgical operation to divide the tendons is the only mode of relief. SWELLED LEO AND ITS TREATMENT The cause is generally overfeeding, es- pecially when the animal is not called upon to perform his ordinary labor. Some cases derive from other causes. Horses once at- tacked with it are liable to have it again. As the swell- ing increases, the pain and lameness pass away. It is commonly known as water farcy. Pratts Veterinary Liniment will quickly reduce the swelling. Another remedy, however, as per note on page 119, is as follows : Commence by giving one drachm of iodide of potassium three times a day, and apply by rubbing the following liniment over the whole limb : Gum camphor, three ounces ; tincture of arnica, four fluid ounces ; tincture of aconite, two fluid ounces ; alcohol, one pint. Mix. Particular attention must be paid to the food and care. Pratts food is of great assistance in this disease. ATTENTION TO WOUNDS, ETC. It is absolutely necessary that a horse to recover perfectly from wounds or bruises, must have good food, bedding and attention. Give warm mashes, oats, green food and Pratts 06 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE Food. This latter will do much to put the horse in a condition to prevent complications from setting in and ward off all diseases prevalent when the horse is wounded. If the horse is feverish, give several times a day, aconite in doses of ten drops. Keep wounds clean and, if a surgeon is called, follow his directions faithfully. How- ever, practically every case can be successfully treated by the use of Pratts Veterinary Healing Ointment. KNUCKLING AND ITS TREATMENT Knuckling may be caused by heavy haul- ing, fast work on an uneven surface, bad shoeing, etc. ; these things should be avoided. The only remedy is to apply a good sharp blister, and immediately after, fire the joint. Boots, bandages and such artificial means have very little effect. CHAPTER XL FROT^fr AND LOSS — GENERAL HINTS. There is a good demand at all times for first-class horses, and breeders that raise first-class road, carriage, saddle and draught horses reap a harv^est. The supply is not equal to the demand ;- but it must be remembered that the public want style and finish. It is possible to breed American draught horses to beat the world, the same as the American-bre"l trotters have for years excelled all DEMAND FOR GOOD HORSES PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 07 A DRAUGHT MARE. others. Good horses must have good breeding ; a high- bred stallion is always in demand. BREEDiNQ The reason that much of the breeding THAT DON'T ^^^^ ^^^ -^ ^^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^^^ ^^^ ^^ PAY ^ '' ..^____^^ breeding stock is inferior. A small, undersized mare, with no good qualities, cannot produce a valuable colt. To produce salable horses, the parents must possess the characteristics of the type of animal desired. You cannot get a first-class driver from a road mare, or a fine draught horse from any kind of a mare, even if the stallion is good. Good driving horses cannot be secured from breeding draught mares with road horses. BREEDING THAT DOES PAY Breed the best road mares to the best road stallions, the best draught mares to the best draught stallions, etc. By breed- 98 PR/4TTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE ing in this way you will have horses that can bt st?ld £;t a good price. If the breeders in this country would breed first-class saddle horses they could sell all of them in the European market. Another branch is to breed horses suit- able to the express companies and large department stores. They are always in need of first-class horses, and pay good prices for them. It is also a well-known fact that stylish carriage horses are always salable. Breed the best, or none at all. Profit is for the wise breeder, while loss is sure for the careless. BREEDING I No oue should attempt to breed trotting THE TROTTER [ borscs unlcss he has time and money. It is said that the. 'breeder who makes the money strives to produce speed, sound and game horses. What pur- chasers want are individuality, nerve, soundness, good temper and staying qualities. In breeding race horses you must expect many disappointments, and be prepared to meet them. THE HORSE'S I It is important that horses should have ^^^^" I good teeth, that their food may be properly masticated. Many buyers look at a horse's mouth to tell ag:e, but do ^ ' A GOOD TOOTH, not examine carefully whether the teeth are good or bad. An adult horse has in each jaw six incisors, or fore teeth, followed on either side by a tush. PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 09 ADUI.T HORSE'S JA.W. Next comes a series of six grinders on each side in both jaws. The grinders have a square crown, marked with four crescents formed by the laminae of enamel which are embedded in them. The bar is the space between the tushes and the grinders. Up to nine years the age of a horse can be accurately /JiYR^, HORSE'S TEETH. told by the changes which take place in the teeth. By studying the drawings anyone can tell the age of a horse. 100 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE I2YRS PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 101 CARE OP MANE AND TAIL If the horse carries his tail on one side, a slight surgical operation which divides the muscles on the inner side of the curve f the tail, and tying it over toward the opposite side until it heals, is necessary. The superficial muscles only are divided. Wash the mane and tail thoroughly once a week. To increase the growth, kerosene oil mixed with sweet oil, well rubbed into the roots, will do it. To prevent rubbing the mane and tail, wash with warm soap-suds and apply with a sponge a lotion made of a fluid ounce of sulphuric acid in a quart of water. Use twice daily. TENDER nOUTHS Always have the bit to fit properly. It should be silver-plated. The rein and bridle must also be of the proper length. If the horse's mouth becomes very sore, cover the bit with calfskin and apply daily to the mouth a lotion of an ounce of tannic acid in a pint of water. Never put an ice-cold bit into a horse's mouth. If a horse has a long distance to go, drive slow at first. In tying a horse, have tail towards the wind, and blanket as quickly as possible. Keep horses out of drafts. For a cold, feed TYING AND DRIVING 102 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE Pratts Food and a cure will follow. After a hard drive in bad weather, rub him all over, blanket carefully and when rested give nourishing food . Cribbing is a vice hard to overcome. Tie the horse in a stall where there is no manger, and feed from a box, which should be removed as soon as he has finished eating. If TO CURE CRIBBING To PREVENT CRIBBING. this does not cure him, tie with two ropes so that he cannot get hold of anything with his teeth. HOW TO PRE- VENT A HORSE PAWINQ IN THE STALL To prevent a horse pawing in the stall, make a frame four feet long, and of width to nearly reach to the top of the manger, from which it is suspended, allowing it to reach within about ten inches of the floor ; board up the sash or frame so that he cannot get his feet over the lower bar, which is made of a round stick two inches in diameter. When he paws he will set the frame in motion and cause it to PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 103 strike his shins, which will so disgust him that he will give up the habit. HOW TO PRE- VENT HORSES FROM CHEWING BRIDLE To prevent this, mix bitter aloes in a solution of gum arabic. Rub it on the part of the bridle that the horse is in the habit of chewing, and it will stop him. ^r»/^/^»i,.».T^ I ^^^ the comfort, health and beauty of QROOMiNQ I ' -^ i the horse, good daily grooming is neces- sary. If possible, the grooming should not be done in the stall, but in a shed constructed for that purpose. GROOMING. Good grooming removes dirt, the products of perspira- tion from the skin and beautifies the coat. It also stimu- lates the skin and hair and allows the body to perform 104 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE its function more thoroughly. Grooming is placed next to feeding and watering in importance. The curry-comb is intended to be used only when the hair is glued to the skin and to clean the dirty dry legs of work horses. It should be used with gentleness, as it hurts the sensitive skin of some horses and makes them irritable. The principal use of the curry-comb is to clean the brush. In brushing, do it with vigor ; have all dust, loose hair and dandruff removed, then rub until the coat shines. A well-groomed horse always looks clean, shining and healthy. Never cut the hair from the legs of a horse. It was put there for a certain mission and should remain. If the horse's legs are washed, carefully dr>' them immediately afterwards. Never use the comb on the mane and tail unless absolutely necessary; the brush is much better. Using the comb constantly reduces the hair. A fine coat, so desirable in horses, can be attained by feeding Pratts Food and proper grooming, and the value of the horse greatly increased. CLIPPINQ AND SINQEINQ Clipping and singeing is a great benefit to horses, if it is done properly at the right time and the horse is cared for after- wards. A horse that is not clipped is seldom dry and clean. Clipping enables the horse to work better, be PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 106 brighter and have more vigor. Clipping consists of removing the thick coat by a clipping machine which cuts the hair. Singeing burns off the hair by means of a lamp charged with gas. Both methods have their friends, but clipping seems to be the favorite in this country. Some owners think that thick hair should not be removed, but those who have given the subject much study affirm that horses are kept in an artificial condi- tion, and the rough coat unfits them for work. It is cer- tainly true that a thick coat wet with perspiration or rain is conducive to colds. The time for clipping depends upon the horse, but September and October are the favorite months. Never remove hairs from the ears or the long bristles around a horse's mouth, eyes or nostrils. CLOTHINQ Clothing is necessary for fine-skin horses that do fast work in cold weather. In fact race horses are usually clothed all the year. It is not necessary to clothe horses doing ordinary work, un- less the stable is very cold. Too much clothing renders the skin sensitive. COMFORT I When a horse comes in from work, have everything in the stall for his comfort. See that the bedding is liberal. The best litter is made 106 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE of good wheat straw. It is necessary for a horse^s health that he has a certain amount of rest. Have the stall large enough that a horse can lie down with his legs stretched out. Always have horses that agree with each other in adjoining stalls. Have the stable oerfectly quiet at night. GIVING MEDICINE When it is necessary to administer a *'ball" of medicine, it takes practice and tact. Hold the ball between the forefingers of the right hand, making the hand as small as pos- sible. Grasp the horse's tongue with the left hand; carefully pull it out and place it on that part of the lower jaw which is bare of teeth. Insert the right hand into the mouth as far as possible, leaving the ball at the root of the tongue ; withdraw the hand, release the tongue, which forces the ball still farther back, and close the horse's mouth. Hold the horse's head up, until he swallows the ball, which can be plainly seen passing down the gullet. It is best to have one person to admin- ister the medicine and another to hold the horse's head. GIVING A BAtl,. "^^ PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 107 To give a drink or drench, pour the medicine into a strong bottle, raise the horse's head and pour in about three or four ounces at a time. If he refuses to swallow, close the nostrils for a moment. BAi,!, PASSING If bc chokcs, lowcr his head at once. DOWN GUI^LET. Poultices are for allaying pains, soften- ing the tissues, etc. They should always be large, kept moist, and applied for a considerable time. When fomentation is used, have the water hot and maintained at an even temperature as long as required. After poulticing and fomenting, dry thoroughly and bandage to protect from the air. CHAPTER XII. DIFFERENT BREEDS. There are many dilfferent breeds of horses, — so many, in fact, that it is impossible to describe all within the space allotted to this chapter; so we mention only those that are prominent and noted for excellence in their particular line. ARABIAN I '^^^ Arabian is a distinct variety, and I one of the most beautiful of all breeds. The Arabian horse is noted for its wide forehead, fine 108 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE muzzle, width of jaws, small ears, prominent full eyes, arched neck, muscular shoulder and high withers. The tail is always carried grace- fully. The hips are mus- cular; the hocks and knees large and well formed, and the feet small and sound. Arabian horses are usually bay, black or gray ; and they stand about fifteen hands high. They are brave, but very docile, and become greatly attached to their owner. Asia is their native home, but they are imported to all parts of the globe. ARABIAN. HACK^EY The Hackney is the fashionable driving cart and car- riage horse of the present day. He is an English-bred trotter of a certain type. The Hackney is compactly built, has bright eye, fine high knee action and much intelligence. A breeder of hackney. Hackneys has a good sale for his horses, as they are always in demand. PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 109 CLEVELAND BAY The Cleveland Bay is from the Cleveland district, Yorkshire, England. Their color is a pure bay, ranging from light to dark. They are very popular on u account of their good consti- Cleveland bay. tuti-on, large bone and endurance. They are excellent for carriage horses and make a fine appearance. YORKSHIRE BAY The Yorkshire Bay is from Yorkshire, England, and is a cross between the Cleveland Bay and the English Thor- oughbred. They are said to be the finest carriage horses in the world, possessing fine action and endurance. They are a rich bay, with legs, mane and tail black. They have arched necks and high-set tails, while the entire make-up of the horse is graceful. nORGAN The Morgan, an American horse, has de- scended from Justin Morgan, foaled in 1793. They are noted for their staying qualities, courage, good action and their beauty. The Morgans are trotting roadsters, going many miles without discomfort. uo PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE THE BART The Bart is of African origin ; but they are coarser and smaller than the Arabiaa The Spanish horse has descended from this breed. It is also said the best English stock has Bart blood in it. The Bart has a small head, good ears, large neck, the shoulders light, sloping and broad, withers high, loins straight and short, flanks and ribs round and well de- veloped, haunches strong, legs clean and the tendons clearly marked, long pastern and the feet sound and of good shape. The height is about fourteen and a half hands. They are not as speedy nor have as much spirit as the Arabian. ENGLISH THOROUGH- BREDS To describe the English Thoroughbred, their origin and subsequent history, would take several volumes. The Eng- lish Thoroughbreds contain Arab and Turkish blood. They are about 15 hands, 3 inches high, and are usually bay, brown, or chestnut. The hair is silky and the skin thin. The head and neck are light ; the body moderately long ; the back muscular and hips wide. ENGWSH THOROUGHBRED. PRATT S POINTERS ON THE HORSE lU The chest should be well developed, shoulder muscular and legs flat and strong. The hind quarter must have good length and volume of muscle. The pasterns should be long, and feet of fair size and sound. CLYDES= DALE The Clydesdale horse is especially desired by farmers, on account of their size, cour- age, activity and endurance. The Clydes- dale is bred in the districts bordering on the Clyde, and they owe their origin to one of the dukes of Hamilton who crossed a Lanark mare with a stallion from Flanders. The Clydesdale has a long, low back; short, flat ribs; good strong legs, and long pasterns. For farm-work they cannot be surpassed. (Illustration of Clydesdale, see page 46.) I The Norman horse is hardy and compact, NORMAN . I but slow. They have low bodies and short legs ; good constitutions and very strong feet, which stand almost any amount of hard wear. . The Shire horse is one of the best horses SHIRE I for heavy work. They are large, well- built, powerful, good-tempered, and have much endur- ance. The Shire is slower, but stronger, than the Clydes- 112 PR^TTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE dale. They have large heads, roomy bodies, wide hips, broad and muscular loins, fore arms and thighs powerful and hocks broad. The legs are very hairy. (Illustra- tion of Shire, see page 47.) CANADIAN The Canadian horse is hardy. courageous and has great en- durance. His crest is lofty, breast broad, heavy shoulders, broad back, round muscular croup, with good strong legs and feet. The fetlocks are shaggy, and the mane and tail very full and long. A peculiarity of the breed is the crimpled wave to the tail; and feet that are sound and free from disease. CANADIAN. BELGIAN I The J hor The Belgian ses are good for slow purposes, and are imported into this coun- try in large quantities. They are ver>^ heavy and only good for work which requires slow walking BEIX;iAN. PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE U3 PERCHERON The Percheron is another horse especially adapted for heavy work. They are beautiful ani- mals, and possess all the good qualities of the Clydesdale and Shire. Choose those animals that are of good size and evenly proportioned with a good road gait PliRCItBRON. HUNTERS Much care has been spent on the breed- ing of the Hunter, and a magnificent animal, well fitted for his work, is the result. A Hun- ter must have speed, endur- ance, strength, and good temper. The requisites of a good Hunter are a good mouth, a high sloping shoul- der, good limbs and joints, loins and hind quarters should be wide and long, thighs long and muscular. It is also necessary that they have good wind, perfect action and judgment. A perfect Hunter is a perfect horse, as it requires perfection to |«lfil iu dutie.«i. HUNTER. U4 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE FRENCH COACH The French Coach is the ideal carriage horse, and is noted for its grace- ful carriage, strength and en- durance. The French Coach is the result of years of the most careful breeding; and the outcome is almost a perfect horse. Great care and attention is given in France to the breeding of horses, and they are well paid for their trouble. FRENCH COACH. SHETLAND PONY The Shetland pony is about loj^ hands high, are strong, hardy and SHETLAND PON\'. They active, while possessing great beauty. They have small heads, good shoulders, backs and quarters, with long mane and tail. They come from the Shetland Islands, which are north of Scotland. INDIAN PONY The Indian Pony is a rare combination of strength, endurance and activity. They are about thirteen hands high and PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 115 possess a high crest, full mane and tail, strong body, and legs and feet that are strong and lasting. They run wild in the Northwest prairies. The American Thoroughbred is descen- ded from stock imported from the Eng- lish Thoroughbreds. They are unri- valed as trotters ; and the great care bestowed upon the ArtERICAN THOROUGH- BRED PACER, TROTTER, RUNNER. breeding has given America a strain of horses unequaled anywhere. They have a beautiful wiry frame, great ue PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE elasticity of muscle and are noted for endurance. The records of pacers, trotters and runners are marvelous. CHAPTER XIII. THE MULE. It is strange that the value of a good mule is not more generally appreciated. Mules are superior to horses for many kinds of work. They stand fatigue better, and their skin is hard and tough, enabling them to bear THE MUI.E. heavy weights and brave all kinds of weather. Mules live as long as horses and are much cheaper to keep. They are seldom sick. BREEDINQ nULES The best mules are bred from a good, low, heavy Jack and an average-sized, compact mare. Mules bred from a horse stallion and a mare ass are gentle, but are not hardy and are usually small. As mules always inherit the shape and disposition of the sire more than the dam, great care should be used in selecting him. Secure the best that can be obtained PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 117 and breed him to a mare standing about fourteen hands high. Mules are not full grown before they are five years old. The best mules have a good strong neck, bright eye, broad chest, compact body and strong legs. The male mule is stronger than the female, but not so gentle. The best height is about thirteen and one- half hands high. A MULE'S WORK Mules are excellent for farm-work, and do all kinds in a manner that excels a team of horses. In the mountainous regions mules are indispensable. They are especially adapted for army work, on canals, in mines and for work where patience and steadiness are wanted. Mules are not as fast as horses, but are not as excitable and can always take take care of themselves. BREAKING AND TRAINING The education of mules should begin as early as possible. Train them first with a halter and lead them until they are perfectly accustomed to it. The reason so many mules are irritable and unmanageable is on account of im- proper training. It is the opinion of some trainers that the more abuse you give a mule the better. This is a mistake. Gentleness and kindness is as much a neces- U8 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE sity in training mules as it is in training horses. A mule's ears are very sensitive and they should never be hit or squeezed. Accustom them to be handled, but do it in the right manner. The proper training will result in a good, gentle and obedient animal. They are usually shy ; but this is characteristic and is not a serious fault. Always have good, strong harness; the collar should fit perfectly; the bit should not be too thin. CARE OF THE MULE Mules must be shod very carefully on account of the peculiar construction of their feet. A neglected hoof of a mule soon renders the animal useless. When a mule is fatigued, his ears will swing backwards and forwards ; when very tired, his head droops, and the ears fall backwards. Mules are fed similar to horses, al- negi^ected though a smaller amount of food is nec- essary. Very small animals are fed only twice a day. Keep the mules in comfortable quarters ; they do not require as much attention as horses. PROFIT IN MULES Good mules are always salable. In fact, the reason that more of them are not used is the difficulty in securing them. PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 119 In war times the mule becomes an important factor, and all that can be secured are boug^ht. NOTE CHAPTER XIV. READ THIS CAREFULLY. In treating on diseases of the horse, we have endeavored in all cases to give, in our judgment, the very best remedies. Where Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder is named, we consider it the des^ for the case^ and in our actual practice we should use it and no other. At the same time, as this book is intended to be a standard work of general information, we specify other remedies in addition to our own preparations, preferring to give other information in our possession, thereby allowing the reader the choice of remedies. We feel it advisable to specially call attention to the fact that Pratts Food^ Pratts Animal Reg2clator Sindi Pratts Cofidition Powder are known as the greatest Animal Regulators of the present day. They are strictly up-to- date articles, and are used and endorsed by many thous- ands of horse owners throughout the United States, Eu- rope and other foreign countries. 120 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE Every package is sold under our affidavit, guaran- teeing its freeness from poisons or other injurious ingre- dients. They are pure and wholesome, and can be used without the least fear of bad results that often follow many unreliable remedies. We manufacture these three remedies for horses, but do not claim that one is better than another. We simply let our patrons take their choice, with the understanding that, no matter which one may be selected, positively satisfactory results will be obtained. Our well-known remedies control and regulate the blood, bowels and digestive organs ; act as mild tonics and stimulants, and thereby cure and prevent the many diseases arising from these causes, and are used with greater success than any known preparation. They are composed of roots, herbs and barks of the best quality only, and manufactured with the greatest care and exactness ; the utmost cleanliness is observed. They are quick in action, safe to use and high-grade preparations in every particular. In mixing them with the feed, at first it may be well to dampen them. When fed dry, however, be care- ful to see that they do not sift through the feed and lie uneaten at the bottom of the trough. -After animals be- PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 121 come acquainted with the flavor, they are quite fond of them and eat them with a relish. APHTHA. In aphtha both lips are swollen ; the horse has a full appearance and will not eat. The tongue is swollen and lumps appear on the tongue and around the mouth, which are hard at first, but soon soften and contain a clear fluid, finally burst and a scab forms. The end of the disease is marked by the falling off of this scab. There is nothing better for aphtha than Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder, and they can be used in conjunction with the following : Mix four ounces of borax and one and a half pints of molasses in a gallon of hot water. After cool- ing the head should be held up and half a pint poured into the mouth and held there for a short time ; then drop the head and allow it to run out. Do this several times each day. BAD TEETH. Frequently a tooth will grow up into an open space, probably where a tooth has been lost. It keeps on grow- ing until it finally pierces the gum. The horse will at 122 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE times throw out the food when it is only half chewed. It will frequently cause nasal gleet or running of the nose, and indigestion. Sometimes the molars become sharp as a knife and cut the sides of the mouth. Proper filing and care of the teeth is all that is necessary. Wolf teeth are superfluous teeth and should be drawn out BIG HEAD. Big head is known by a lump or bony tumor on the face between the nostrils and the eye, which finally breaks out in small holes, discharging a thick substance. It ends in a complete diseased state of the bony structure. It is caused by a weakness in the parents of the horse. It is even known to descend in the horse family for four or five generations, and a horse bred from stock like this is almost sure to have the same disease, no matter what preventives are taken. It is caused in the first place by poor food and lack on the part of the animal of assimilating the phosphates. It is well to steer clear of a horse where this disease is known to have been in the family, even though it has been a couple of generations back. A horse predisposed to big head, however, can have no better advantages for building up his health than by PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 123 feeding Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder regularly three times a day. They aid him in digesting his food and assimilating it and keep the blood and bowels in good shape. Consequently, if there is an opportunity of the horse outliving the disease, these remedies will be the best assistance he can have. At the same time the tumor should be removed by making a cut over it with a sharp knife, and the wound then syringed daily with one fluid drachm of solution of carbolic acid, one drachm of chloride of zinc, mixed in a quart of water. However, in accordance with our note on page 119, to give another remedy, we mention the following, to be given in a mash night and morning, one tablespoonful at a dose : Two ounces of powdered ginger ; four ounces of Peruvian bark ; six ounces of phosphate of lime. In addition, give one drachm of iodide of potassium in a mash each day at noon. BLOODY URINE. Bloody urine generally consists of small clots of blood in the urine. Sometimes, after standing a while, they mingle with the urine and give it a brownish color. The symptoms are as follows : The breathing is 124 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE BI,OODY URINE. short and quick ; the pulse is completely lost at the jaw ; the eyes are di- lated ; the head droops and the back is arched ; the hind feet are far apart. Pratts Food, Pratls Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder has been most successful in cases of bloody urine. At first it should be given in double doses in gruel form, and then gradually reduced, as the animal becomes better, to the regular dose mixed with the feed of the animal. Where these remedies are fed regularly there is no danger of any urinary troubles. Quiet should be maintained around the horse until he has fully recovered. However, as per our note on page 119, to give an- other remedy, we mention the following : One drachm of acetate of lead, mixed in half a pint of water and ad- ministered in one dose. If there is no improvement in fifteen minutes, repeat the dose, adding an ounce of laudanum, until four doses have been given. If there is still no relief, give the following in one dose three times PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 126 a day : Two teaspoonfuls of alum mixed with one pint of infusion of white oak bark. As the horse improves, iiscontinue the medicine. BUTTON FARCY. Button farcy is not a very dangerous disease. It ippears quickly and confines itself mostly to the neck and forequarters. It is known by an eruption like blunt, elevated heat spots, which go away in a short time. There is nothing better than Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder for button farcy ; in fact, where they are fed constantly, it never occurs. They should be fed in double doses and grad- ually decreased to the usual quantity. The first treat- ment is to have the bowels move freely, which is pro- duced by feeding our remedies in extra doses, after which they can be reduced to the regular amount, which will keep the bowels in good shape. Feed green food, bran mashes and crushed oats. As per our note on page 119, however, to give an additional remedy, we men don the same solution as given for prurigo, on page 167, giving a pint at a dose^ and administer once a day for about thirty days. 126 PR^TTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE CHOKING. Choking affects an animal according to the different parts in which the obstacle may be lodged. Of course, the most simple means, if it can be reached, is to place the hand in the mouth and remove it. If this cannot be done, it requires an instrument expressly made for that purpose. If it is a high choke, the animal throws up its head and lowers its hind quarters. If it is a low choke, the animal refuses to eat, and when drinking, the water will be ejected by way of the nostrils. There is a dis- charge from the nose ; saliva runs from the mouth and breathing is difficult. If it is a low choke, Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder should be given frequently in double doses in gruel form, to physic the animal and keep the bowels loose. As per our note on page 119, however, we give the next best remedy, as follows : Two fluid ounces of laudanum ; two fluid ounces of sulphuric ether ; mixed in half pint of water, and given in one dose. Pratts Remedies give strength and assist a horse to combat against pain or distress. In an accident of this kind they will prevent his running down rapidly, which, in itself, is of much value. PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 127 COLDS. Colds result from neglect and exposure, and will be noticed by the dull appearance of the horse, rough coat; the body will be hot in parts and cold in others; running of the eyes and a discharge from the nose. The horse should be kept warm and a steam bag placed to his nose, made as follows : Take a two-bushel bag and attach straps to it. Put in a peck of bran and a handful of hops and pour in a mixture of solution of carbolic acid and spirits of turpentine, two tablespoonfuls each, and mix it thoroughly. Put the nose of the horse in the bag and strap over the head. Cut a hole in the bag below the horse's nose and pour in five or six quarts of boiling water, and keep on re- peating this so as to steam the horse. This may be repeated from three to six times a day until the horse discharges freely from the nostrils, and then reduce as the horse gets better. Do no': bleed the horse in this condition, and do not weaken him, as it may result in pneumonia. NOSE BAG. 128 PRATTS POIh VERS ON THE HORSE There is nothing better, either as a preventive or a cure for colds, than Pratts Heave, Cough and Cold Cure. It will astonish you with the quick results. This, in ad- dition to the above, is all we can say for remedies for colds. ACUTE COLIC. Colic is too well known to go into a long descrip- tion of the disease. We can simply say that with the proper care and the use of Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder, colic never occurs, unless the horse is filled up with a large amount of cold water, bad grain or sour food. These remedies fed in double doses at first in gruel form, mixed in warm water, start up digestion, after which this can be reduced to the usual quantity and mixed with the regular feed. Indigestion from bolting feed and other causes is frequently the cause for colic. Pratts Remedies fed constantly will prevent colic from indigestion. If your horse should be taken with the colic, however, there is a remedy which never fails — Pratts Veterinary Colic Cure; one dose cures. Full directions are plainly printed on the bottle. This will promptly relieve and cure the animal. To treat by injection, use four fluid ounces of tur- PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 129 pentine in one quart of strong soapsuds, and inject with a syringe through the anus. WIND COLIC. Wind colic is caused by grain feed, and is more serious than acute colic. This disease is another form of indigestion, which can be prevented by the use of Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condi- tion Powder. If, however, the horse is attacked by it, we can recommend Pratts Veterinary Colic Cure in this case, the same as we did in acute colic. You will find only one dose necessary ; however, if it should be re- quired, it can be repeated in a half-hour. CHRONIC COUGH. Chronic cough is sometimes caused by dusty hay or cold water. Sometimes it is a symptom of farcy, glanders, broken wind or heaves, bronchitis or some chronic disease of the lungs, stomach or bowels. Special attention should be paid to warm blankets, pure air and damp food, plenty of grooming, nourishing foods. If there is a swelling of the throat, it should be blistered with Pratts Veterinary Liniment. Pratts Heave, Cough and Cold Cure is a most valuable remedy in all cases of this kind, and is the surest and quickest preparation that can be used. As per our note om page 119, to give 130 PRATTS POINTERS CN THE HORSE anotlier remedy, we mention the following : Ten fluid ounces of tincture of squills ; two fluid ounces of fluid extract of lobelia ; thirty drops of fluid extract of gel- semium. Mix well, and give a tablespoonful every day. Increase or decrease as necessary. CRIBBING. Cribbing is frequently caused by indigestion. After the habit becomes fixed, it is hard to break it off". There is nothing that will prevent or cure cribbing, if from indigestion and not from habit, so thoroughly as Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder, as they place the digestive organs of the animal in good condition and remove the cause. If the horse is a confirmed cribber (from habit), a good plan is to buckle a strap closely around the neck. DISTEMPER (OR STRANGLES). Distemper, or Strangles, as it is sometimes called, is frequently due to sudden changes in the weather, and in the spring and fall of the year, when the animals are shedding their coats, the blood becomes poisoned during the damp, chilly weather. Damp, poorly-ventilated and foul-smelling stables are frequently the cause. The dis- ease is usually contagious, and very few horses escape it. PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 131 The first symptom is the development of the germs in the poisoned blood ; these germs increase in immense quantities all over the animal's body, the horse shivers, his ears and legs become cold, his coat rough, appetite poor ; sore throat, with trouble in swallowing, naturally follows ; there is usually a swelling between the jaws ; the eyes become dull and the lids swell, the nostrils are dry and dark red, followed soon by a thin, water>' dis- charge, and still later on by a thick, acrid matter ; the temperature will probably run up from loi to 103, and if proper treatment is not given within a day or two, the temperature may run up as high as 104 or 105, in which case a heavy cough will develop, and the horse will act as if in great pain, the eyes will become filmy and nearly closed. As soon as any of the above symptoms are noticed, the horse should at once be well blanketed, removed from all draughts, and given plenty of pure air, cold water frequently given in small quantities, and his strength kept up by feeding him anything that he will eat. When the swelling between the jaws comes to a head, a cut should be made to allow the pus to run out. If swelling does not come to a head, apply Pratts Vet- erinary lyiniment with a brush night and morning. 132 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE Bandage the throat with flannel after each application. In case horse breathes with difficulty, use nose bag as described on page 127. The horse should be treated with Pratts Distemper cure, as follows : — For an ordinary case of distemper, give one tea- spoonful of Pratts Distemper Cure three times a day after each feeding time. For severe cases of distemper give two teaspoonfuls of Pratts Distemper Cure three times a day after each feeding time. For Colts: — Give one teaspoonful of Pratts Distem- per Cure twice a day after each feeding time. In case of fever give Pratts Prepared Fever Powder, which will quickly reduce the temperature to normal. In addition to the above directions, it is important to get up a thorough circulation by rubbing the legs well with the dry hand, and then wrap with thick flan- nel bandages. DROPSY. Dropsy can be noticed by the pulse being hard and small, with about 58 to 62 beats a minute. The head PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 133 DROPSY OF ABDOMEN. droops, the horse will not eat, the mouth is dry. By pressing on the abdomen the horse will groan. The horse will lie down and re- main in one position for a long while. The horse will be very thirsty, and by slapping one side of the horse and placing the ear to the other, the water can be detected. The horse will be hide-bound and the hair in his tail will drop out. When the disease reaches this stage the horse dies. Where Pratts Food, Pratts Ani- mal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder is fed regu- larly dropsy does not occur, and we can also recommend these remedies as the greatest cures known. They should be given in double doses in gruel form at first, and gradually reduced until the bowels become natural, mixing with the regular feed. We also recommend applying small blisters to the abdomen. The animal must not be worked while affected by dropsy. In ac- cordance with our note on page 119, to give another remedy, we mention : One scruple of extract of bella- donna ; one-quarter grain of strychnine ; half a drachm of iodide of iron ; and add enough powdered quassia 134 TRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE and extract of gentian to make a mass, and give this pill niglit and morning. Increase the strychnine every other day until one grain to a dose is reached, and the iodide of iron the same way until a drachm and a half is given at one dose. ACUTE DYSENTERY. This disease is often caused by administering medi- cines of a poisonous character to the horse, as purgatives, such as aloes, croton oil, etc., and will at first appear to be colic, but the violent dysentery following shows the true state of aflfairs. The water becomes discolored and has an ofifensive odor. The horse is extremely thirsty and his position shows that he has pain. Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Con- dition Powder, given in gruel form in double doses at first, and then gradually reduced to the regular quantity and mixed with the feed, is a sure cure for dysentery. An injection of one quart of starch water, with one ounce of laudanum mixed in it, should be made into the bowels every half hour. Our remedies will also build up the horse after an attack of this kind in half the time it would take without their use. However, as per our note on page 119, to give PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 136 another remedy, we mention the following, to be given in one dose every quarter of an hour : Half a fluid ounce liquor potassa ; one fluid ounce tincture catechu ; one fluid ounce of sulphuric ether ; three fluid ounces of laudanum ; one ounce of powdered chalk. DYSENTERY IN COLTS— SCOURS. This disease should not be checked too suddenly. Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condi- tion Powder will not only cure this by regiilating the bowels, but it will prevent scours in colts and make them strong and healthy in every particular. They should be fed in gruel form and double doses at first, and then gradually reduced to the usual quantity and mixed with the regular feed. However, as per our note on page 119, we give another remedy, as follows : Place a handful of inner white oak bark in a quart of boiling water, allow it to stand until cool, add an ounce of laudanum, and give a teacupful night and morning. This remedy can be made stronger should the case require it. EPILEPSY. Epilepsy is a disease of the brain and nervous sys- tem. The horse, when violently attacked, will run into 136 PRATTS TO INTERS ON THE HORSE houses, fences and other obstacles. Sometimes the horse will fall and lie on the ground until the fit is over. Should a horse at any time act strangely, his actions should be looked into, as it may be a symptom of epilepsy. Regularity and care in feeding and driving are neces- sary. There is nothing more successful for the preven- tion of epilepsy than the constant feeding of Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder. They have helped thousands of cases. Of course, it is necessary to use care in a case of this kind as to the food of the horse and how he is worked. In case of a sudden attack, a double dose of either of our remedies should be given at once, and after a movement of the bowels, reduced to the regular dose, or a quantity sufficient to keep the bowels regular. As per our note on page 119, to give another remedy, we name the fol- lowing : One-half fluid ounce of tincture of ginger ; one drachm of bromide of potassium ; one drachm of bro- mide of ammonium ; mixed in half a pint of water and given in one dose twice a day, until the horse improves, and then reduce to once each day until cured. EXCESS IN URINATING. This disease is known as diabetes, and occasionally results seriously. Sometimes it happens from giving a PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 137 horse turpentine, which can readily be detected by dip- ping a piece of blotting paper in the urine, and placing it near the nose to see whether it has the odor of violets. If it has, turpentine has been administered to the horse. If sweet spirits of nitre has been given the horse, by dipping the blotting paper in the urine, and touching it with fire, it will burn very fiercely. The horse is very thirsty and weak. He should be given flaxseed tea in large quantity, a pail full should be kept within the animal's reach at all times, and bran mashes, scalded or crushed oats, only should be fed, mixed with Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder. The horse should be well groomed and cleaned. The quick action of Pratts Remedies in a case like this is very pronounced, and will in most cases give prompt relief. They should at first be given in double doses, and in gruel form, re- duced as the trouble is remedied. However, as per our note on page 119, to give another remedy, we mention the following : One drachm of iodide of iron, with suflS- cient flaxseed meal and honey added to mix it well, and give each day in one dose. 138 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE FAULTY CASTRATION. This sometimes occurs from the cut being too small, or the cord left too long, which hangs out and becomes red. It can be noticed by a' straddling walk and fever- ishness, as well as the hanging out of the cord. It is easily remedied : make the cut larger and push the cord back. FEVER. As is well known, many diseases of horses are ac- companied with more or less alarming symptoms of fever. In all such cases, in addition to treating the specific dis- ease, it is absolutely necessary, in order to avoid more serious complications, that the temperature of the ani- mal be reduced to normal. For this purpose, the wise horse-owner should at all times keep on hand, ready for every emergency, a sup- ply of some safe and reliable fever powder. One of the most experienced veterinary surgeons in the United States has furnished us with his private formula for a fever powder, which has been used suc- cessfully in thousands of cases, and which we now are offering to the public under the name of Pratts Prepared Fever Powder. We recommend its use in all cases of PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 139 fever for horses, brood mares, stallions and colts at all ages. Fever can be detected by placing the hands over the nostrils, in the mouth or the rectum, or in the cleft between the hind legs. In fact, the horse will feel un- naturally hot anywhere on the body, but the points mentioned above are the most notable. Sometimes the ears and cannon bones are as hot as the rest of the body. Then, again, they are cold, in which case it is due to irregular circulation. The normal pulse of the horse is 38 to 45 times per minute, and can be felt by placing the fingers under the jaw. In case of fever the pulse will be increased 60 to 90 or even 100. The breathing is increased from 14 to 36 or even more, and can be detected by placing the ear back of the foreleg. At first the appetite is usually affected. Sometimes a horse may not eat at all. There is a general differ- ence, however, among horses in this respect with the same amount of fever. High-bred horses may not eat at all, while lower-bred horses may eat hay all during the fever. The horse will be thirsty, but drink very little at a time. A bucket of water should be kept where the horse can drink whenever he desires. The skin will be dry 140 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE and the hair stand on ends. At first a horse will not sweat, but later on he will sweat freely. If the horse breaks out in a warm sweat, it is a favorable symptom. The mucous membranes, which can be examined in the eyes and mouth, will show a rosy or deep red color at first. If the fever is caused by an extended attack of pneumonia, influenza, etc., the membranes will take on a tinge of yellow. At first, in a fever, the gland secretions are checked and the tongue and inside of the cheeks covered with a bad-smelling coating ; a horse generally becomes con- stipated and his digestion poor, which frequently, later on, produces diarrhoea. Sometimes urine stops alto- gether, then, again, the horse passes very little urine of a dark color, as the fever wears ofi'. At a later period a horse may urinate very freely, which shows the fever is decreasing and the horse getting better. At the very first sign of fever a horse should be sep- arated as far from the other horses as possible, so he may be kept quiet and rest. He should be put in a box stall, with the stall darkened and free from all draughts. The horse should be fed lightly as follows : Carrots, apples, vegetables, grain, bran mashes — in fact, any- thing that will encourage the appetite, but the animal must not be fed too strong, and under no circumstances PR/tTTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 141 should the horse be worked until fully recovered. Give Pratts Prepared Fever Powder as directed below, and as soon as fever stops, discontinue the powders, and do not work the horse until he gets his natural strength and is fully recovered. Give one of Pratts Fever Powders twice a day for three days, and follow up this treatment with daily doses of Pratts Food for Horses and Cattle. This will supply the necessary tonic to the sick horse, which is necessary to build up his run-down condition. For two-year-old colts, give one-half the quantity of powder. For one-year-old colts, give one- fourth the quantity. To give Pratts Fever Powders, open the horse's mouth, take the tongue in the left hand, and empty the Powder on the back part of the tongue. FISTULOUS WITHERS. This disease looks like poll evil, only it is found on the withers. When it appears it is about as large as an tgg. To remedy, take a sharp-pointed knife, cut through the middle, upward and outward ; then apply caustic, and keep it wet with a solution of one drachm of car- bolic acid, mixed in a pint of water, and keep it covered 142 PR/1TTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE with a tarred rag to keep the flies from troubling the horse. Where the disease has been neglected, an opera- tion should be performed similar to that mentioned under poll evil, and should only be done by a person skilful in cases of this kind. The constant Feeding of Pratts Food, Pratts Ani- mal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder will greatly benefit the horse and assist in a speedy recovery, keep- ing the blood, bowels and digestive organs in normal condition. GLANDERS. All that a horse-owner wishes to know about glanders is enough to detect that the horse positively has the dis- ease, and then have the animal killed. The symptoms are as follows : Shivering and stiflf- ness, which sometimes continue for days. A free dis- charge of thin greenish matter under the jaw. The glands under the jaw are enlarged and immovable ; they becomed inflamed and burst and emit a bloody substance. Wherever this discharge touches the animal, it takes ofl" the hair. The nostrils are swollen ; there is a discharge from them, and notice should be taken while the horse is drinking, if this discharge drops into the water and sinks, it is glanders, and if it floats, it is not. This is PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 143 crtnsidered a sure test by many authorities. When the discharge begins, it has a gluey, starch-like appearance and is very tough. Great care should be taken in coming in contact with the horse, as the disease has been contracted by persons working around an affected animal. GRUBS IN THE SKIN. They can be removed by opening the skin with a knife and squeezing them out. HIDE-BOUND. Hide-bound is caused by neglect, poor food, indi- gestion and exposure. Where Pratts Food, Pratts Ani- mal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder is fed, hide- bound never occurs. As a preventive, they should be given in the usual doses with the regular feed. If the horse has become hide-bound, they should be given in double doses in gruel form until the bowels are moved freely, and then reduce gradually until the bowels are regular. As per our note on page 119, however, to give another remedy, we mention the following ; One fluid ounce tincture muriate of iron ; half a fluid ounce Fowl- er's solution of arsenic ; mixed in a pint of water, and given in one dose twice a day. 144 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE HEAVES. Heaves will be noticed by wheezing and is also gen- erally accompanied by a cough. It is very often caused by overfeeding on clover, chafif, dry bran, oats, or food which contains very little nutriment, but is bulky. Dusty hay is also very likely to cause this disease, as well as violent exercise. Both young and old horses are subjeet to it, but it more frequently affects the older animals. It is frequently accompanied with a ravenous appetite. It weakens the animal and he is easily fatigued. A horse affected with heaves should in all cases have a well-ventilated stable. Turn the horse out into pasture where there is no clover. The horse should be fed on cornstalks or laxa- tive food and dry grain, clean oats, but very little hay, and this should be dampened and only given at night. Turnips and carrots are good feed. Water should be given in small quantities, but frequently. A little lime added to the water occasionally is good for the horse. We strongly urge the use of Pratts Heave Cure to prevent and cure this troublesome disease. A single day's treatment helps the worst case of heaves, several doses will show a vast improvement, and in a few days the cough will stop and the breathing be natural. PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 146 In accordance with our note on page 119, we, how- ever, mention another remedy, as follows : Two ounces of pulverized belladonna leaves once a week, and the following dose given night and morning : One drachm of Jamaica ginger ; four grains arsenic ; one drachm of bicarbonate of soda. INFLAMMATION OF THE AIR PASSAGES (BRONCHITIS). This disease is the result of a cold caught while the horse is overheated. In the start there will at times be BI^ANKETING FOR BRONCHITIS. noted only a slight cough, and the horse will eat as usual ; but soon the cough increases, the animal declines to move around, breathing becomes short, quick and loud; the nose is red and the mouth hot and dry. The 146 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE body and legs are of uneven temperature. The nose bag, described on page 127, should be applied. The stable must be warm ; scalded hay should be bandaged to the throat, and repeated as soon as cool ; the body bandaged with flannels dipped in cold water, from the shoulder to the middle of the back, clear around the body of the horse, and renew just as soon as the heat of the body dries the blankets or flannels. Keep the horse on gruel or soft foods. After the horse has recovered, the dry blankets should be worn at least ten days in the same manner. Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder have curad a number of cases of in- flammation of the air passages, with the care mentioned above, and are great preventives from all acute attacks by the fine condition a horse is kept in by their constant use. As per our note on page 119, to give another remedy, we mention the following to be given every half hour in one dose : One fluid ounce of laudanum ; one fluid ounce of sulphuric ether ; mixed in half a pint of water. If, in the course of a couple of hours, the horse is no better, give the following, dose : Half a drachm of belladonna, taken up in an ounce of water, and twenty drops of tincture of aconite added. Give every three-quarters of an hour to an hour until the horse PRy4TTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 147 is better. If the bowels are costive, inject warm soap suds. The food should be entirely in gruel form. INFLAMMATION OF THE EYES. Generally caused by a blow or foreign substance getting under the lid. The best plan is to hang a cloth over the eye and keep it wet constantly with the follow- ing solution : One fluid ounce of tincture of arnica ; half a fluid ounce of laudanum ; mixed in two quarts of water. As soon as possible, examine the eye and remove any dirt or other substance that may be lodged there. INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH. This disease is shown sometimes by colic, irregu- larity of the bowels, or uncertain appetite and looseness of the bowels at times. This may be followed by ex- treme costiveness. The disease is accompanied by a dry cough, catchy breath, and the mouth is cold. The eyes are sunken, the belly baggy and the hair rough. The horse becomes thin and is very easily thrown into a per- spiration or sweat. The horse will gnaw at bricks and mortar, or wood, and will eat its bedding or dirty straw. The most successful remedies that we know of for this disease are Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or 148 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE Pratts Condition Powder, if constantly fed. However, it will not occur unless from acute causes like sudden colds from exposure, etc. As soon as the symptoms be- come apparent, either of our remedies should be given in double doses in gruel form, to carry ofif the inflam- mation through the bowels, after which an easily digested diet of soft food should be given, reducing to the regular doses during recovery. As per our note on page 119, to give another remedy, we name the following : Half a drachm of extract of belladonna ; half a grain of strych- nine ; half a drachm of extract of gentian ; half a drachm of carbonate of ammonia ; mixed with pow^dered quassia so as to make a ball, and given night and morning for seven days. Then give the following solution night and morning : One fluid ounce of muriated tincture of iron ; half a fluid ounce of tincture of ipecacuanha ; one fluid ounce of laudanum ; half a fluid ounce of solution of arsenic ; mixed in a pint of water and given in one dose. INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS. This disease will be noted by a weakened pulse, pulse rapid, short breathing, the mucous membranes are pale, and the horse frequently turns his head back to- PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 149 wards the kidneys. His head is lowered, the back arched and the hind feet placed wide apart. If the hand is pressed over the kidneys, the horse flinches. The horse will not move around and seldom lies down. The urine is scanty, and sometimes will have pus and matter in it, and has a strong odor. Then again at times it will be deeply tinged with blood. Sometimes the horse perspires freely and the urine can be noticed .w^^e, in the perspiration. This INFI^AMMATION OF KIDNEYS. iS the ISiSt StagC of thc disease and death generally follows very quickly. Many persons test for this disease by inserting the hand into the rectum and under the kidneys, and noting whether they are very hot, which is a sure sign. As the action is accompanied by a great deal of pain, care must be taken that the horse does not become frenzied and in- jure both himself and the person making the test. There are no better remedies or preventives known for kidney troubles than Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regu- lator or Pratts Condition Powder. As a preventive, they should be given regularly three times a day, mixed with the regular feed. As a curative, they should be fed at 150 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE first in large doses in gruel form, and gradually decreased until the bowels become regular. In addition, apply a warm mustard poultice to the loins ; cover with oil cloth and a blanket to retain the heat and moisture ; and inject into the rectum every hour one quart of warm linseed tea into which two tablespoonfuls of laud- anum have been mixed, or starch water may be used in place of the linseed tea. This treatment alone, with the proper care and feeding of soft and nourishing food, will, if the case is not too far advanced, result in a speedy recovery. However, as per our note on page 119, to give other remedies, we would mention the following : Give one dose of twenty drops of croton oil, mixed with half a drachm of extract of belladonna. Sprinkle the follow- ing dose on the tongue every hour during the acute stage of the disease : One drachm of opium, mixed with one scruple of calomel. As the animal recovers, give three times a day the following dose : Half a drachm of extract of belladonna ; two drachms of opium. INFLAMMATION OF THE TESTICLES. This disease often occurs from too much service or driving too far. Sometimes it affects the glands. The PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 161 horse will travel wide behind, and will work his testicles up and down. They will be very sensitive and large. The horse should have rest both as to service and driving. They should be bathed freely with witch hazel or arnica or any other soothing lotion. Two ounces of laudanum with a little acetate of lead, in a quart of water, will also be very beneficial. If there is any pus forming, it must be allowed to run out by making an opening with a knife. In bad cases it is necessary to castrate the ani- mal to save its life. Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regu- lator or Pratts Condition Powder purify the blood and place a stallion in first-class condition. They make him strong, and enable him to stand more service than otherwise. In cases of inflammation, if given in the usual quantity at each feeding time, an improvement will be noticed immediately. However, as per our note on page 119, to give another remedy, we mention another recipe, as follows : Ten drops of aconite at a dose, given in half a pint of water three times daily ; which will allay all feverishness. INFLUENZA (EPIZOOTIC). Influenza usually attacks a horse very suddenly. The head, ears and lips droop, the eye is partly closed, 162 PRATTS TOINTERS ON THE HORSE and the back arched. There is a dry cough and rapid breathing, pulse quick, urine scanty, dung hard and covered with mucus. The membrane of the nose and eyes is red, and that is the reason it is termed by some as ''pink eye." There is a noise in the windpipe, which can be detected by putting the ear against the horse. The disease varies in its symptoms until the horse either recovers or it proves fatal. Sometimes the urine becomes brown or dark red. We have cured thousands of cases of influenza with Pratts Dis- temper and Pink Eye Cure, and have kept all the horses in a stable unattacked well by using it as a preventive, and, therefore, we consider this all that is necessary to cure the disease. The horse must be kept warm with blankets and the stall should be warm. The nose bag (as shown on page 127) is a most excellent thing in a case of this kind to bring the discharge freely, and should be used as soon as the disease is noticed. If the throat is sore, the back of the teeth can be smeared with the following preparation : Two drachms of chlorate of potash ; one drachm of belladonna ; one tablespoonful of vinegar ; one teacupful of honey. PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 163 INJURIES TO THE JAW. The sore must be cut until the bone is reached, and if there is an offensive discharge, it should be washed three or four times daily with the following : One scruple of chloride of zinc ; half a fluid ounce of lauda- num ; mixed in a pint of water. The opening must be sufficiently large to permit the discharge to flow freely. It is an advantage to feed Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder, as they purify the blood and help sores of all kinds to heal quickly. INJURIES TO THE MOUTH. Generally caused by jerking the lines. The best remedy is the following : Half an ounce of laudanum ; two scruples of chloride of zinc ; mixed in two pints of water. Bathe frequently, using a soft sponge, especially after each feeding or watering. Soft food only should be given. LAMPAS. pampas is an inflammation of the bars in the roof of the mouth, and is caused by changing young horses from pasture to dry, hard food. Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder are 164 PRATTS POINTERS OM THE HORSE excellent remedies in this case, fed in the usual doses ; along with the feeding of soft food, such as bran mashes, scalded oats, boiled roots, etc., for several days, will completely remedy the trouble. LKUCORRHCEA. This is a catarrh of the womb, and may follow the foaling. It will be known by a white discharge, which will have a bad smell, especially if it is caused by the retained afterbirth. All fluid must be drawn from the womb, which can be done by injecting warm water ; and then a solution of one drachm of sulphate of zinc in a quart of water should be injected daily to purify it. Feed Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder at this time to keep the bowels, blood, kidneys, etc., in condition ; they will do much toward helping the horse to recover quickly. INFLAMMATION OF THE WOMB. Can be noticed by colicky pains, twisting of thes tail, and shivering fits. There is also a disagreeable discharge from the womb. If the hand is inserted into the womb, it will be found full of fluid and very much inflamed. This fluid must be drawn off" with a catheter, and then warm water injected twice a day. Immediately PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 155 after, inject the following solution : Two fluid ounces of laudanum ; onedrachmof sulphate of zinc ; mixed in two quarts of water. And feed Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder in regular doses ; they allay inflammation and purify the whole system. There is nothing that makes foaling so healthy and cleans out the afterbirth so thoroughly as these three remedies. A mare fed daily on them during the time of growing the foal will show the most satisfactory results, not only in the condition of the mare, but in the condi- tion and health of the colt. LICE. Lice result from various causes ; most generally they are caused by the stable being situated near a chicken house. Dust the animal thoroughly with Pratts Pow- dered Lice Killer, rubbing the hair the wrong way, and work the powder into the skin. Pratts Lice Killer will also be found of great value as a deodorizer and disin- fectant, to purify the atmosphere of stables and barns. LOCK-JAW. Lock-jaw is a spasm of the muscular system. It is generally caused by a wound or nervous irritation re- sulting from overexertion, exposure or careless feeding. 156 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE If a wound, it generally occurs from the eighth to the fifteenth day. By raising the head, as shown in the illustra- tion, the membrane across the lower corner of the eye will nearly TOTING FOR i,ocK-jAw. cover the eyeball. The liorse is stiff and can hardly walk. He becomes nervous and excitable. The wound may become dry, or dis- charge a discolored substance. The animal will stand for days in the same spot, and cannot eat because its jaws are fixed. The body appears hard and the muscles are rigid. Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder are excellent for the treatment of lock- jaw, if given in double doses, at first in gruel form and then reduced to the usual quantity. They help to ease the horse by opening the bowels, and restore the strength. The shoes should be removed and the horse placed on a dirt floor. In case the jaws are fixed, the horse can be fed by means of a rubber tube placed through the nos- trils, and a stomach pump to pump the food into him. A skilled veterinarian only should do this. Do not PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 157 blister the animal. Any hard or extreme measures will make him worse ; and he should be kept perfectly quiet, with no disturbing noise around. However, as per our note on page 1 19, to mention another remedy, we give the following : Four drachms of extract of gentian ; four drachms of aloes ; twenty drops of croton oil ; mixed and given in one dose. If this does not move the bowels in four or five hours, repeat the dose. MAI.I.ENDERS AND SALLENDERS. These are scurvy patches which appear at the back of the knee and in front of the hock. If not attended to, they may become very troublesome. They should be kept clean and Pratts Veterinary Healing Ointment ap- plied two or three times daily. The feeding of Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regula- tor or Pratts Condition Powder is very important for all skin diseases, as they cleanse and purify the blood and keep the digestion in shape, the bowels regular and assist in a speedy recovery. MANGE, OR COMMON STABLE ITCH. Mange is generally found among horses that are poorly fed and neglected in grooming and cleaning. It 168 PRATTS POINTERS O.V THE HORSE is very contagious and usually spreads through an entire stable. It is a very small insect, and by scratching oflf some of the dandruff from the skin and placing it on white paint or paper in a bright light, smal', shining objects will be seen moving about in all directions. It is first noticed in the roots of the mane, and afterward spreads over the whole body except the legs. The horse rubs himself against the stall and the hair will drop out, leaving dry spots of skin exposed, which become scabby. A person attending a mangy horse should change his clothing and wash carefully before going near a horse that is not affected. It is a good plan to have the horse stand in the sun several hours a day, and then have him groomed thor- oughly, to remove all the loose scurf possible. Then apply the following to the entire body : Six fluid ounces of glycerine ; two drachms of carbolic acid crystals ; mixed in one quart of water. The next day the horse should be thoroughly washed with strong soap, and sev- eral hours later apply again the above solution. A few days later, wash it off and repeat the application. Pratts Veterinary Healing Ointment will cure the raw spots quickly and should be applied in addition to the solution after the horse is washed. A horse fed Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 169 or Pratts Condition Powder is kept in robust condition, and consequently is not subject to mange ; even if be comes in contact with mangy horses, he is less liable to be affected on account of his system being in first-class condition. OVERDRIVING. The horse that drops in his tracks from overdriving should be treated as follows : Bleed at once, a full pint ; cover the body and take the horse to the nearest stable as soon as possible. Keep plenty of blankets on the horse, bandage the legs, cover the neck and keep him as warm as possible, even to such an extent as having fire in the stable, or tubs of hot water. We feel that the mild, stimulative effect of Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder will bring about the recovery of the animal, and if fed constantly, insure better staying powers, and pre- vent exhaustion, when in many cases it would occur without their use. However, should it occur, the usual dose of these remedies should be immediately given along with easily-digested and strength-giving food ; but do not overload the stomach. Pratts Remedies should be given in such quantities that will create an 160 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE easy, natural movement of the bowels. Do not physic the horse, as it weakens him when in this condition. Watch him carefully for thirty-six hours. PARTIAL PARALYSIS. This generally affects either one or both hind legs, more frequently in trotting horses, and results from long heats and fast driving. A horse once affected is on the downward road. He can be patched up, but never cured, as it will show again as soon as he is driven hard. The animal should be walked regularly and not excited, fed well and given plenty of grooming and rubbing. Brush the hind quarters well several times a day with a coarse brush. A wet flannel should be placed over the small of the back, covered with a piece of oil cloth and on top of this a blanket. Keep the flannel wet con- stantly. Give soft mashes and green food. Keep the bowels open. There is nothing better for paralysis than Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder, as they keep the bowels open, the blood pure and the digestion in good shape. A double dose should at once be given ; and after the bowels are freely opened, the quantity should be reduced so as to keep the bowels PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 161 regular and healthy. An improvement will soon be noticed. As per our note on page 119, to mention another remedy, we name the following : One grain of iodide of iron ; half a grain of strychnine ; add sufficient quassia powder and molasses to n>ake a ball, and give it night and morning. At the end of a few weeks increase the strychnine to one grain, and three or four weeks after make it a grain and a half. SPINAI, MENINGITIS, OR COMPLETE PARAI.YSIS. This disease often occurs from injuries to the spinal cord by hitting the animal over the backbone. He loses complete control of the hind legs, and has no feeling. Sometimes there is no apparent cause for this disease. Some think this disease is contagious ; but this cannot be substantiated. The horse generally dies in three or four days. The cords and muscles along the entire back are subject to a nervous twitching, and the pulse is low. If the horse is bled, the blood is thick and dark. The urine is very strong and offensive and dark in color. Wet blankets, wrung out of warm water, should be applied for three or four days, and the horse put in a sling as soon as possible. A double dose of Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder in 162 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE gruel form should be given to move the bowels, and a plaster of mustard and vinegar applied over the loins and kidneys. The legs should be kept warm by rubbing and bandaging. Pratts Remedies are very helpful in this case, but we would not pretend to recommend them as a sure cure ; in fact, we don't think a horse amounts to much after an attack of this kind. However, they will do more for him than anything we know of, and if fed regu- larly, will keep him in as good condition as the disease will permit. However, as per our note on page 119, we mention the next best remedy as follows : One scruple of extract of nux vomica ; one scruple of extract of belladonna ; one scruple of powdered ergot ; given in a mash morn- ing and evening, or drench the animal with it. PARALYSIS OF THE EYE. This is caused by an injury to the eye, or from com- plete exhaustion of the nervous vitality of the animal. The pupil is frequently enlarged, but not as dark as or- dinarily, and with a slight milky cast of greenish tinge. A good test for paralysis of the eye is to keep the horse in a dark stable for half an hour, then lead him into the sunlight. If the pupil does not contract, the horse is blind. PRylTTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 163 PLEURISY. Pleurisy comes from overdriving or exposure, and generally attacks young horses. It is known by rigid muscles and a dry cough. The fore foot is generally on the move, and the breathing is short and quick. By pressing on the spaces between the ribs, you are sure to detect it ; the animal will shrink and often tries to bite and kick, as it pains him severely. The horse should be bled (about a pint) and the legs bandaged with flannel. The use of Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder as a preventive and cure of pleurisy is well known by all who have used them, as a horse is less susceptible to colds when in a good con- dition, which is assured by the constant feeding of these remedies. Give double doses in gruel form at the first appearance of the symptoms, and then reduce to the quantity necessary to bring the bowels to a natural state. At the same time, as mentioned in our note on page 119, to give another remedy, we mention the following : Twenty drops of aconite in four tablespoonfuls of warm water, given every fifteen minutes, to reduce the pulse and fever. As soon as the pulse is softened, give the fol- lowing dose every two hours : One fluid ounce of laud- anum ; one fluid ounce of sulphuric ether ; mixed in a 164 PR/1TTS TOINTERS ON THE HORSE pint of water. Continue this for about thirty-six hours. Should the cough still continue, use the nose bag des- cribed on page 127. Pratts Remedies will assist in giving the horse strength and hasten his complete recovery. PNEUMONIA. Pneumonia can be noted by the following symptoms: Fast and labored breathing, with head and ears in a drooping position. The legs are cold and set wide apart. The coat is rough, body cold, bowels are dry and costive. Place your ear to the horse's side and if a grating or sucking sound is heard, PNEUMONIA. it is a sure sign of pneumonia. The shoes should be pulled off and the horse given plenty of room, with the floor covered with sawdust or sand, rather than straw. If by test you find that the blood flows freely, it may do the animal some good to FRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 165 allow about a pint to flow ; but if the blood appears black and thick, no blood should be drawn. The steam bag, as given on page 127, is an excellent remedy. We feel confident that a horse properly cared for and fed Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder regularly will be in excellent con- dition and not liable to an attack of this disease. We have known of many cases cured with these remedies only. The usual dose should be given at once, the horse blanketed and kept warm, and the throat, chest and lungs rubbed with Pratts Veterinary Liniment. As the horse recovers, he'will be likely to lie down. A nourishing diet should be observed and Pratts Remedies continued. At the same time, as per our note on page 119, to give another remedy, we mention the following, to be given in one dose four times daily : Two fluid ounces of sulphuric ether ; twenty drops of tincture of aconite. Then rub up one drachm of extract of belladonna in a half-pint of water, and mix well. POISONING. Poison often occurs from the use of improper drugs, or inexperienced persons prescribing for the horse. The horse has no desire to eat, but is very thirsty. 166 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE The nostrils are red and discharge a kind of thick saliva. There will be belching of wind and a colicky appear- ance ; heavy, quick breathing and a rapid pulse ; dys- entery, which will be accompanied with large quantities of mucus. The horse will be weak and have convul- sions. The best known remedy is : One pint of tincture of cinchona in two quarts of water; repeat at the expiration of five minutes. The feeding of Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regu- lator or Pratts Condition Powder, to regulate the bowels, will greatly assist in the speedy recovery of the animal, and build him up in solid and lasting condition. POI^Iy EVIIv. Poll evil is caused by some injury : the rubbing of the bridle, a blow, or by forcing a small collar roughly on the horse. It frequently results in an abscess where the injury has been excessive. By placing the finger on the part, and pressing lightly at first, if the horse shrinks immediately as the result of the pain, the disease has not reached a very severe state ; if it requires a hard and lengthly pressure PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 167 before the horse shows signs of pain, the disease is more advanced and more difficult to cure. Blister by applying with a brush tincture of can- tharides. Repeat the blister so as to keep the parts ir- ritated, as soon as necessary. The services of a skilled veterinarian should then be secured to open the part and cut away the diseased matter. The wound should then be rubbed with caustic and the following solution injected three times a day : One drachm of tincture of muriate of iron ; one drachm of carbolic acid ; mixed in a pint of water. A rag should be dipped in a solution of tar and placed over the wound to prevent the flies from troubling the animal. Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder should be fed regularly three times a day, to keep the bloody bowels and digestive organs in good shape, and assist in a quick recovery from the effects of poll evil. PRURIGO. Prurigo is different from mange, as the skin does not have that patchy character. There is a feverish con- dition of the body, and it often affects high-fed korses, 168 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE which is just the opposite of mange. Generally occurs in the spring, and horses aflfected are generally those who have had very little exercise during the winter. The following wash should be applied twice a day : Four fluid ounces of glycerine ; one drachm of carbolic acid ; mixed in one pint of water. Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator and Pratts Condition Powder are the very best remedies to be fed during a condition of this kind, at first in double doses, and then gradually decreasing until the usual dose is fed and the bowels become regular. As a preventive, they keep horses in good condition that are too highly fed, by keeping the bowels and blood in first-class shape and the digestive organs from becoming disarranged. However, as per our note on page 119, to give an- other remedy, we mention : One and a half fluid ounces of tincture muriate of iron ; one fluid ounce of Fowler's solution of arsenic ; mixed in one quart of water, and half a pint to be given at one dose, night and morning for one week. RINGWORM. Ringworm can be noted by the falling off of the hair in patches, leaving a scurfy skin which scales off, and finally leaving a thick, scaly margin or ring around PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 169 the spot, which in time becomes an ulcer. Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator and Pratts Condition Powder are the greatest blood purifiers known, and where fed constantly with the regular feed, there is no danger whatever of ringworm. Where the disease has once started, it is well to give Pratts Remedies in double doses to move the bowels freely, and then reduce gradu- ally to the regular quantity. It is also well to apply, twice a day, two drachms of iodide of lead, mixed with two ounces of fresh lard. Should there be ulceration, wash five or six times a day with a mixture of two scruples of chloride of zinc in a pint of water. How- ever, as per our note on page 119, to give another remedy, we mention the same remedy which we have given for prurigo, on page 167, to be given at one dose as soon as the disease is discovered. ROARING. Roaring may be caused "by a tumor in distemper. If it is chronic, it is caused by a change in the upper part of the windpipe, brought on by a tight check rein used when the horse is young. This [cannot be cured> but may be prevented by padding the nose-piece of the 170 PRATT S POINTERS ON THE HORSE bridle and not allowing too much air into tlie lungs at one time. While this is being done, however, the ani- mal cannot stand hard or fast driving. To detect a roarer, drive right fast for about a mile, then stop and put your ear to the windpipe ; if he is only a slight roarer, it can be detected at once. A defect of this kind is very wearying on a horse, consequently he should always be kept in a first-class condition. This can be accomplished by a nourishing diet at all times, and the constant use of Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder. RUPTURE. Rupture frequently happeus to colts, in which case it will be noticed by a soft enlargement at the navel opening when the colt is about a year old. He should be thrown on his back, and the contents of the lump should be returned through the opening, and then the skin should be tightly clamped and allowed to gradually slough off. Rupture frequently happens from accidents, in which case a portion of the intestines hang down in the testicles. In a very young animal, it can be reduced by laying him on his back, raising the hind parts, and PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 171 gently manipulating the testicles until the intestines pass back into the abdomen, after which the animal can be allowed to get up and rest quietly in a box stall for several days. In older animals, however, in addition, the hand must be introduced into the rectum and the bowels gently pulled back into place. This generally has to be accompanied by a surgical operation. The feeding of Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder is beneficial in such cases, as they keep the animal in a healthy condition otherwise, thereby strengthening the weakened parts. SCRATCHES. This disease comes from carelessness in not cleaning the mud and dirt from the horse's legs. This should not be neglected, as it becomes a very filthy and un- pleasant disease. The parts should be washed thor- oughly with white castile soap and warm water, and Pratts Veterinary Healing Ointment applied twice a day. In accordance with our plan to give another rem- edy, we mention the following : Keep the parts con- stantly wet by applying a cloth saturated with the fol- lowing solution : Half an ounce of chloride of zinc ; 172 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE balf a pint of glycerine ; dissolved in six quarts of water. As soon as the cloth is dry, wet it again and apply, and continue this until there is no more inflammation or heat. Should the disease have advanced suflSciently to cause ulcerations and breaks, the following solution should be applied in the same way : Four fluid ounces of creosote ; one ounce of chloride of zinc ; one gallon of strong solution of oak bark. If proud flesh appears, it will have to be removed with a knife. From the com- mencement there is nothing better to give the horse than Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condi- tion Powder along with his regular feed, to purify and cleanse the blood, and put the horse in condition to recover quickly. However, as per our note on page 119, to give another remedy, we would mention the same remedy as given for prurigo, on page 167, to be admin- istered in pint doses night and morning. SORB THROAT. Sore throat is frequently a forerunner of other more serious diseases. It will be noticed by want of appetite, difficulty in s ^allowing water, which will be accompa- PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 173 nied by a jerky movement and a grunting noise. The water the horse drinks will sometimes return through the nostrils. The horse should be blanketed, stable warm and well ventilated, and soft foods given, the throat, chest and lungs rubbed with Pratts Veterinary Liniment until it blisters thoroughly. There may be occasion to repeat the blistering. There is nothing more valuable than Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder. A double dose in gruel form should be given immedi- ately. Then the regular quantity mixed with each feed, gradually reducing until the bowels are easy and natural. However, as per our note on page 119, to give an- other remedy, we mention the following, to be given in one dose : Half a fluid ounce of essence of anise ; one drachm of pulverized aloes ; mixed in a pint of water. Should there be no improvement, prepare the following : One ounce of chlorate of potassa, mixed in two quarts of water, and pour about half a pint into the horse's mouth, holding up his head for half a minute, and then permit the head to drop and the fluid to run out. Repeat half a dozen times a day. 174 TRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE SPASM OF THE URETHA. In this disease the muscles controlling the passage of the urine from the bladder contract. It is generally due to bad usage or exposure. It is noticed by a straddling gait, the horse seldom urinating, or the urine being very scanty. The animal suffers intensely. By pushing the hand and arm up the rectum, and pressing downward, you can feel whether the bladder is full and determine the disease thereby. Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder operates freely upon the kidneys, liver and urinary organs, and, given in large doses, has been known to permanently relieve this disease. Also, as a preventive, they obviate many of the bad effects on a horse of rough and ignorant treatment. When this state has occurred, however, double doses should be given in gruel form, and then reduce, as the animal improves, to the regular quantity and mix with the feed. An injection into the rectum of four fluid ounces each of sulphuric ether and laudanum mixed in three pints of water, will also prove helpful, preventing it from run- ning out by holding the hand over the anus for about ten minutes. If there is no relief, repeat in twenty minutes. If the urine does not flow at the expiration of another twenty minutes, repeat again until there is relief. PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 175 However, as per our note on page 119, to give an- other remedy, we mention the following, to be given in one dose : Four fluid ounces of laudanum ; four fluid ounces of sulphuric ether ; mixed in a quart of water. Very frequently the horse can be relieved promptly by opening both jugular veins and allowing the blood to flow until the urine comes, or the animal falls into a faint, at whicii time the urine will flow of its own free will. If not, insert the hand into the rectum and press upon the bladder, and this will produce the desired result STAGGERS. Staggers is generally caused by overfeeding. In some portions of the South it frequently occurs from local influences. A horse breaking loose at night and gorging himself at the grain bins is liable to this disease. The symptoms are as follows : The horse hangs his head and presses it against the wall with eyes closed ; his pulse throbs ; the breath is hard, and sometimes he snores. The skin is cold ; the ears and tail are quiet ; the nasal membrane is a leaden color. As the case be- comes worse, the eye brightens ; the nasal membrane reddens ; the skin becomes hot ; the movements are 176 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE quick and jerky ; breathing short and sharp, and the horse practically mad. Where Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder is fed constantly, a regular, healthy condition is produced, with perfect digestion. Consequently, a horse given these remedies, and prop- erly looked after, is not subject to an attack of staggers. If Pratts Remedies do not move the bowels, administer one quart of castor oil. However, in accordance with our note on page 119, we mention another remedy : A quart of any kind of oil should be given at once, excepting kerosene. If no oil is at hand, fresh melted grease will answer ; but no salted grease. If the disease has advanced considerably before discovery, a quart of castor oil containing ten drops of croton oil should be given at once. Repeat if this does not move the bowels inside of five or six hours, giving twenty drops of croton oil instead of ten. If still no effect, repeat in five or six hours with thirty drops of croton oil instead of twenty. As the animal recovers, Pratts Remedies as a tonic should be given, and the bowels watched carefully, as it takes some time for the animal to recover its full health. PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 177 SUNSTROKE. Sunstroke generally occurs in cities, where the heat is greater and the air closer than in suburban districts. It will be noticed, as a rule, by the horse suddenly stopping and hanging his head ; he w:ill throw his legs out sideways, as if he feared falling. Frequently the ani- mal will fall and die without a struggle. Again, it will only be accompanied by exhaustion. The horse generally perspires very freely. If there is no perspiration, the skin is just the opposite, a dry, burning effect, almost so hot that the hand can hardly rest on it with comfort. When allowed to rest, he will keep his nose very near the ground. His veins are swollen and the nostrils dilated. Bathe his head and neck in cold water, broken ict tied between the ears, and inject into the rectum soap and warm water. Rub the legs well, and if he becomes insensible, or appears to be getting so, apply mustard to his sides and legs. If the pulse gets too low, give half a pint of whisky every thirty minutes for a couple of hours. There is nothing that will ward off sunstroke so well as Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder, if fed reglarly. The horse will be kept in perfect condition, his digestion good, his bowels 178 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE regular and his blood pure, and, consequently, he will not be susceptible to sunstroke. Simply giving them regularly, according to direc- tions, would save thousands of horses yearly from sun- stroke in the large cities. However, according to our note on page 119, we mention another remedy : One drachm of pulverized opium ; one drachm of pulverized carbonate of ammo- nia ; two drachms of charcoal ; eight ounces of ale ; mixed well, and given as a drench. BWEI;LING OF THE SHEATH. This often arises from a run-down condition of the animal. Sometimes it is caused by the wound being closed too soon after castration, and in that case it should be opened and fresh lard nibbed on and bathed freely every three-quarters of an hour or so with warm water. If the penis cannot be drawn backward and forward freely, or should the opening be too small, it may be necessary to slightly cut the sheath to allow free action, and then bathe freely with cold water from time to time. If it occurs from a run-down condition, Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 179 Powder, by being fed in regular doses, will rapidly and permanently put the horse in first-class condition by regulating the blood, bowels and digestive organs. WARTY GROWTHS or tumorous growths on the sheath can be clipped off with scissors, and dipped with caustic to prevent bleed- ing. The same thing should be done with hardening growths on the end of the penis. WORMS. A horse is frequently attacked by worms when he is in apparently good condition. They can be readily de- tected by the following symptoms : Rubbing of tail against the stall, lifting of upper lip, rubbing nose against the manger or wall and constantly switching tail. A yellow mucus will be noticed around the anus, the appetite at times is ravenous, again very poor ; the horse becomes thin and emaciated. The bowels are fre- quently too loose or the horse is greatly constipated. His coat becomes dry and the hair turns the wrong way. 180 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE Often there is mucus passing through the bowels and noticed in the manure. Frequently the symptoms are accompanied by a hacking cough : in some cases the horse becomes pot-bellied and breath oflfensive. THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF WORMS. They are known as follows : The round rectal worm » the long thread worm, found in the rectum ; the round, large, thick worm, found in the kidneys and bladden which is about an inch to an inch and one-half thick, and from ten inches to three feet or more in length ; the tape worm, in the intestines ; the pin worm, about one inch long, pointed both ends ; the round worm, averag- ing from four inches to three feet long ; the long, round worm, from seven to nine inches long and about as thick as a pencil, that infest the small intestines, frequently in great quantities. Bots feed on the liquid nutriment from the feed, multiplying in such quantities as to retard digestion. They also hang to the- lining of the stomach in large bunches. They remain with the horse during the au- tumn, winter and spring months, or until fully grown. Frequently they become bunched at either end of the PRATTS POINTERS ON THE H0R3^ 181 stomach, causing an obstruction, which, if not properly treated, eventually kills the animal. If a horse has worms, Pratts Specially Prepared Worm Powder will positively rid him of them and quickly build him up healthy and robust. If he does not pass worms, you can rest assured there are no worms there, and the horse should have other treatment, a tonic like Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder, the greatest of animal regulators. Give one dose of the Powder with the feed twice a day for four days. Cut down feed one-half, mix bran with feed and dampen it. After fourth day give large, soft, well-scalded bran mash to loosen bowels freely. Repeat the bran mashes if necessary^ as the bowels must be 7noved freely ^ Should the horse refuse to eat the bran mash, it will be necessary to give him a dose of Glauber Salts, or some other purge, to loosen the bowels. Sometimes pin worms remain just inside the rectum and are very hard and stubborn to cure. In cases of this kind, if the desired result is not ob- tained by feeding Pratts Worm Powder, dissolve one of the powders in a quart of water and inject into the rectum. Repeat this once a day in the evening and continue for 4 or 5 days. Do not fail in this case, as in all other cases of 182 PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE worms, to feed bran mashes, until the bowels are freely moved, and should the horse refuse the bran mash or should it fail to move the bowels, give the horse a dose of Glauber Salts. RHEUMATISM. This is caused by an irregular condition of the blood, and is accompanied by stiffness, lameness and fever. The pain usually will be found to leave one joint and appear in the corresponding one on the opposite side. The disease can generally be detected by sudden lameness and in some cases by inflammation. A swell- ing may appear in the loins, chest or in the fetlock, stifle or hock joints. The pulse is hard and the mouth warm and devoid of moisture. If possible, the horse should be put in a sling in a box stall, and raised enough to take weight off the limbs. Bathe freely with Pratts Veterinary Liniment once a day without rubbing. Give internally Pratts Food, Pratts Animal Regulator or Pratts Condition Powder three times daily to purify the blood. Give a bran mash twice a week and green food once a day. These simple remedies will quickly cure even the most stubborn case of rheumatism. However, as per our note on page 119, we mention another remedy. PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 183 Apply the following liniment on the aflfected parts : Compound soap liniment, sixteen fluid ounces ; liquor ammonia, two fluid ounces ; tincture of cantharides, two fluid ounces ; tincture of opium, two fluid ounces. Mix. Bandage the legs clear up to body, and give inter- nally the following ball : — Powdered colchicum, two drachms ; iodide of potas- sium, one drachm. Mix into pill mass with molasses. Apply liniment, and give pill every morning until horse is better. Two drachms of salycilate of soda given twice a day, mixed with the feed, will also be found of advantage. TSEi KND. INDEX. PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE. Aphtha 121 Arabian Horse 107 Balky Horses, Breaking 69 Bart, The no Belgian Horse 112 Big Head 122 Bloody Urine 123 Breaking and Training Colts. . 58 Breaking to Halter and Bit... 59 Breast Collar 27 Breeching 26 Breeding 44 Breeding Ages 4^ Breeding of Horses 107 Breeds, Selection of 45 Breeding Stock, Inferior 96 Breeding the Trotter 97 Bridle, The 26 Bronchitis 145 Brood Mare 45 Brood Stallion 47 Button Farcy 125 Canadian Horse 112 Canker and its Treatment 79 Capped Elbow 92 Capped Hock 93 Carriage House 28 Castration Faulty 138 Chewing the Bridle, How to Prevent 103 Choking 126 Cleaning the Feet 73 Cleveland Bay 109 Clipping and Singeing 104 Clothing 105 Clydesdale Horse in Colds 127 Colic, Acute 128 Colic, Wind 129 Color of Horses 10 Colt, Exercising the 55 Colt, Feeding and Weaning... 55 Colt's Feet 63, 73 Colt, How to Keep Healthy... 57 " Stabling the 54 " The 54 Contracted Feet 83 Cooked Food 3* Corn Chambers 21 Corns, How to Prevent 79 Cough, Chronic 129 Cribbing 130 " How to Cure 103 Crupper 26 Diseases of Horses 119 Distemper 130 Doors and Windows, Arrange- ment of 17 Drainage 16 Dropsy 132 Dysentery, Acute 1 34 in Colts 135 Ears, Good and Bad 9 Epilepsy 134 Epizootic 151 Eyes, Good and Bad 9 False Quarter 82 Feeding and Watering 28 Best Time for 33 Fever 138 Fistulous Withers 141 Flooring for Stable 18 Foaling 51 Foods, Different Kinds of. ... 29 " Vegetable 33 French Coach Horse 114 INDEX Frog, The 71 Glanders 142 Green Food 30 Grooming 103 Grubs in the Skin 143 Hackney, The 108 Harness, Care of 23 Galls 88 Harnessing 25 Harness Room 23 Harness Soap 23 Haunch, Common and Thor- oughbreds 10 Hay Cutters 32 " How to Buy and Feed... 31 " Mows 21 '" Racks 20 Healthy Mares and Stallions, Pratts Food for S3 Heaves i44 Hide-bound i43 Hoofs, Good and Bad 10 Horn Tumors 85 Hot Water for Inflamed Feet.. 75 Horse's Foot, Parts of 70 Hunter, The 113 Impotency 5° In-and-in-Breeding 5° Indian Pony 114 Inflammation of Air Passages. 145 " Eyes 147 " " Kidneys 148 " " Stomach 147 " " Taeticles 150 Influenza 151 Jaw, Appearance of 98 " Injuries to I53 Kicking in the Stall 66 " While Shoeing 67 Knee-sprung, How to Treat... 93 Knuckling and its Treatment.. 95 Lameness 89 " in the Joints 89 " " Knee Joints 91 " " Shoulder 90 I^aminitis 84 Lampas 153 Leg, a Good 10 Leucorrhoea 154 Lice 155 Lock-jaw 155 Loins of a Good Horse 8 Mad Staggers 170 Mallenders and Sallenders. . . . 157 Mane, a Good 11 " and Tail, Care of loi Mangers 20 Mange or Stable Itch 157 Manure, How to Treat and Use 43 " Pump 43 Shed 40 " Value of Z7 Mare and Colt, Care of 52 " ia Foal 49-Si Medicine, How to Give 106 Meningitis, Spinal 161 Milk, How to Produce 53 Morgan Horse 109 Mouth, Injuries to 153 " Tender loi Mule, The 116 Care of n8 Mules, Breaking and Training. 117 " For Army Use 118 " How to Breed 116 Nailing Shoe 77 Norman iii Nose Bag 126 Origin of Horses 6 Overdriving 159 Pacer, The 115 Paces of Horses 11 Paddock 42 Paralysis of the Eye 162 " Partial 160 Parts of the Horse 7 Pasterns, Good and Bad 9 Pawing in the Stall 102 Fercheron 113 Pleurisy 163 Pneumonia 164 Poisoning , 165 iii INDEX Poll Evil i66 Pratts Remedies 34 ** " Composition of 120 " " How to Feed. 120 " " Value of, for Horses 119 Prurigo 167 Pulling on Halter 67 Pumice Feot, How to Treat... 81 Quittor 83 Ringworm 1 68 Rheumatism 182 Roaring 169 Runner, The 115 Running Away Habit 68 Rupture 1 70 Saddle 26 Salt 35 Sand Crack 85 Scours 134 Scratches 171 Seedy Toe 81 Sheath, Swelling of 178 Shetland Pony 114 Shire, The iii Shoe Boil 92 Shoeing and Care of Feet.... 70 Shoeing the Colt 75 " Horse 75 Shying 63 Sore Throat 172 Spinal Meningitis 161 Sprains in Tendons 9> Stable Hints 38 " Necessities 22 " Yard, illustrated and de- scribed 39 •• Exterior Plans of 14 " How to Build 13 " Interior, Plans of 15 •* Proper Location of 12 stable, Size of ...... t ..4.. .. 13 Staggers 175 Stalls, How to Make Comforta- ble 105 Stalls, illustrated and described 19 Sunstroke 177 Sutures 86 Swelled Leg, How Treat 94 Tail of Well-bred Horse 8 Tank for Water Supply 41 Teeth 97 Bad 121 " How to Tell Age by.. 99-100 Thoroughbreds, American .... 115 English no Thrush, and its Treatment 78 Traces 26 Training to Wagon 62 Tread and Overreach 83 Trotter, The -. 115 Trough for Stable Yard 42 Uretha, Spasm of the 174 Urinating, Excess in 135 Ventilation 21 Vicious Horses, How to Break 64 Wall of Foot 72 Warty Growths 179 Water Supply 22 Tank, for Stalls 36 " When and How to.... 35 Wash Floor 40 Wild Horses 6 Womb, Inflammation of 154 Worms 179-180 W^ounds, Abraded 88 " and Lameness 85 Contused 88 " Incised 87 " Lacerated 86 " Punctured 88 Yorkshire Bay ......«.«.....* 109 Join Pratts Correspondence School of Poultry-Keeping Just Think of this Offer I We mail a full, complete lecture every week for three months prepared by the highest and most learned authorities on poultry, and written in an interesting way. No college education is necessary to grasp the meaning, which is the case in so many schools of this kind. We offer this Correspondence Course to the users of Pratts Food and Veterinary Remedies for the nominal charge of $2.00 for Full Course and a coupon, which we place in every package of our goods. Our course of lectures is better and more complete than the regu- lar I25.00 and 1^35.00 courses. This unusually low price does not pay us for preparing the lec- tures, let alone the other expenses necessary in conducting a Cor- respondence School of the highest standard. However, we are willing to bear this expense in order to give to the hundreds of thousands of consimiers of our products throughout the United States and Europe A Practical Correspondence Course on this most interesting subject of Poultry-Keeping, as we feel in this manner we can greatly benefit a large number of poultry-owners in all parts of the world. This Correspondence Course in Poultry-Keeping is offered by the Pratt Food Co. , of Philadelphia, who for more than thirty years have been making and selling Pratts Poultry Food and Pratts Food for Horses and Cattle. You can rely on the information given in these Instructions as being absolutely accurate in every detail, and full of just the exact information necessary for profitable poultry-raising. $2.00 for a Course Worth $35.00 It is the usual custom to charge anywhere from I25.00 to ^35. ©o for a correspondence course of this kind, but we give this instruction almost absolutelj free to the users of Pratt Food Company's products, and feel sure that not a single owner of poultry in the United States will let this opportunity pass to gain a complete knowledge of this highly interesting and profitable business for the moderate tuition fee of $2.00. Remember Pratts Correspondence School of Poultry-Keeping instructs you thoroughly in every detail how to handle poultry from the egg to the table. It shows complete working plans for poultry houses, runs and yards ; how to keep poultry healthy ; descriptions of all recognized breeds ; how to run an incubator, and in fact every subject which is of interest and profit to the poultry -owner. This is one of the rarest opportunities ever offered to poultry people, and we know that every user of Pratt Food Company's prod- ucts will be quick to take advantage of this unusual ofifer at this unusual price. PRATT FOOD COMPANY, Philadelphia, Pa. What Pratts Animal Regulator will do for Horses It regulates the bowels, blood, liver, and digestive organs; builds up run- down horses, restores lost appetite. It makes the coat glossy and shed nicely. It improves the wind and gives better staying powers. For Mares It causes the foal to be strong and robust, and produces a free flow^ of milk of good quality. Colts will grow quickly and free from scours and disease if Pratts Animal Regulator is used. For Stallions — Pratts Animal Regulator is of great value. Their service will be surer and their health the best. Pratts Animal Regulator cures by regulating and renovating the sys- tem. It is composed of roots, herbs, and barks, and is free from all poisons and chemicals. It is the original Stock Regulator of America, and for over 39 years has been used by successful horse owners throughout the world. PRATT FOOD CO., Philadelphia, Penna. Toronto, Canada ANIMAL REGULATe^R GUARANTEED OR MONEY B At K