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THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE STABLE 
 
THE ENCYCLOPEDIA 
 OF THE STABLE 
 
 A COMPLETE MANUAL OF THE HORSE, ITS 
 BREEDS, ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, DISEASES, 
 BREEDING, BREAKING, TRAINING AND 
 MANAGEMENT, WITH ARTICLES ON HARNESS, 
 FARRIERY, CARRIAGES, Etc. 
 
 COMPRISING A THOUSAND HINTS TO HORSE OWNERS 
 
 BY 
 
 VERO SHAW 
 
 EDITOR OF THE HORSE WORLD, FORMERLY CHIEF HORSE 
 
 REPORTER OF THE FIELD, AND OFFICIAL REPORTER 
 
 TO THE HACKNEY HORSE SOCIETY 
 
 COPIOUSLY ILLUSTRATED 
 
 LONDON 
 
 GEORGE ROUTLEDGE & SONS, Limited 
 
 New York: E. P. DUTTON & CO. 
 
TO 
 
 PROFESSOR J. COSSAR EWART 
 
 OF PENICUIK, MIDLOTHIAN 
 
 THIS LITTLE WORK IS DEDICATED AS A 
 
 TRIBUTE OF ITS AUTHOR'S 
 
 ADMIRATION 
 
 FOR THE SERVICES RENDERED BY HIM 
 
 TO THE CAUSE OF 
 
 SCIENTIFIC HORSE BREEDING. 
 
ARNOLD & SONS. 
 
 ENEMA SYRINGES for Horses, Cattle, etc. 
 
 J pint. 
 
 5/6 
 
 i pint. 1 pint. 1 quart. 
 
 7/6 9/. and 10/6 13/6 and 16/- 
 
 BeBt quality, with pipe to fit into piston rod. 
 
 J pint. 1 pint. 1 quart. 
 
 10/6 12/6 21/- 
 
 Fig. 258. Fig. 259. 
 
 DRENCHING BIT (Patented), galvanised plain pattern (Fig. 268) 
 
 Do., do., nickel-plated disconnecting (Fig. 259) 
 
 e/- 
 
 15/- 
 
 Amongst the numerous advantages of this usefui and necessary invention may be mentioned the following : — 
 
 1. Administering medicine to a horse or cow in a 
 
 liquid form. 
 
 2. Administering gradually and regularly without 
 
 waste. 
 
 8. Administering stimulants preparatory to going out 
 4. Stimulating and disinfecting throat and lungs. 
 6. Washing out the mouth when diseased or other 
 wise. 
 
 9'S 
 
 U4 
 
 ^'(■'"T l " 
 
 "l'it;"'^J"^'""v^"''5"'"">^' 
 
 J 
 
 ilFINOLD a SONS PATENT, LONDON 
 
 The Animals Thermometer (Patented), suggested by Prof. Hobday, in Nickel-plated Case 2/6 
 
 Do., do., do., do., with Magnifying Index 3/6 
 
 The above differs from the Thermometer in general use at present, by the fact that arrows are added at 
 intervals on the stem to mark the average normal rectal temperature of each of the domesticated animals 
 and the fowl ; in the usual Thermometer the only arrow is placed at 98"4 iudicatiny the normal arerage of 
 man when taken by the mouth or axilla. 
 
 ARNOLD & SONS, 
 
 Veterinary Instrument Manufacturers, 
 26, 30 and 31 WEST SMITHFIELD, LONDON, B.C. 
 
 Telegraphic Address, "INSTRUMENTS, London.' ESTABLISHED 1819. 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 If all, or even one-tenth, of what has recently been 
 
 written concerning the impending effacement of the 
 
 horse were correct, the appearance of an addition to 
 
 the literature of the stable would be uncalled for. 
 
 The strong opinion may, however, be expressed that 
 
 the horse is very far from becoming extinct, or even 
 
 rare, in Great Britain or any other country. On 
 
 the contrary, to judge by the difficulty that is 
 
 experienced in discovering high - class specimens of 
 
 the principal varieties, and the immense sums paid 
 
 for them when found, it is reasonable to infer that 
 
 not merely does the present demand for horses 
 
 considerably exceed the supply, but that numbers 
 
 of ladies and gentlemen who have not previously 
 
 interested themselves in horse-flesh, are now taking 
 
 a direct and practical interest in the equine race, 
 
 ix 
 
X TNTRODVCTION 
 
 It is with the object of assisting the uninitiated 
 that The Encyclopcedia of the Stable has been written, 
 and it is hoped that the suggestions and informa- 
 tion contained in its pages, which are the results of 
 many years' close association with the horse and his 
 breeders, at home and abroad, may prove of assist- 
 ance to those who for the first time are indulging 
 in the pleasure of possessing a stable of their own. 
 
 Before concluding, the author is desirous of acknow- 
 ledging the invaluable assistance he has received from 
 those who have both directly and indirectly aided him 
 in his labours. More especially are his thanks due 
 to Mr F. Babbage, whose drawings and photographs 
 serve so effectually in supplementing the descrip- 
 tions appearing in the text ; to Mr G. H. Parsons, for 
 permission so generously granted to reproduce illustra- 
 tions from his unique collection of equine photographs ; 
 to Miss Eleanor Vale, sub-editor of The Horse World, 
 for the invaluable assistance she rendered in bring- 
 ing out the book ; to Professor Cossar Ewart, for 
 permission to reproduce the illustrations of the pre- 
 historic horse, which that great authority upon all 
 
INTRODUCTION xi 
 
 subjects connected with the origin and evolution of 
 the equine race was the first to bring prominently 
 before the notice of the British Public ; and to Messrs 
 George Parker & Sons, for permission to use several 
 blocks from their catalogue. 
 
 VERO SHAW. 
 
 London, October 1909. 
 
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE STABLE 
 
 Abortion, if it should occur during the early stages of 
 pregnancy, may take place without the fact becoming known 
 if the mare is turned out, and if so is an unimportant event 
 so far as her well-being is concerned, though the disappoint- 
 ment to her owner may be great and she herself may gain 
 an undeserved reputation for being a shy-breeder. During 
 the later stages of pregnancy, abortion is a more serious 
 matter, especially if it occurs about the time the mare is 
 due to foal. Unfortunately, too, the preliminary symptoms 
 are seldom clearly defined, and any uneasiness she may 
 display may easily be attributed to normal causes. It not 
 infrequently happens, moreover, that the unborn foal dies in 
 the womb, and thereby causes considerable danger to the 
 mare. The possibility of this being the case is shown by a 
 bad smelling discharge, the appearance of which necessitates 
 the immediate attendance of a professional man, and especi- 
 ally so if the mare seems to be ill at ease. 
 
 Some mares are constitutionally disposed to abort, or, as 
 it is commonly termed, slip their foals, but the most u<ual 
 causes of the trouble are a sudden fright, eating injurious 
 food such as ergot, a long drink of cold water, overworking, 
 exposure, and the contamination arising from touching or 
 smelling the putrid discharges from other mares which 
 may have recently foaled, (See Breeding, Brood Mare, Ergot, 
 Foaling^ 
 
 Abscess. — An abscess may be generally described as a 
 
 I A 
 
ACCIDENTS 
 
 collection of matter — pus — which is either enclosed in a sac 
 or else spreads over the affected part until it escapes through 
 the skin, or finds its progress stopped, in which latter case 
 trouble is certain to result. 
 
 Symptoms. — Swelling, associated with heat, and a good 
 deal of tenderness, which gradually subsides as the abscess 
 becomes softer owing to the formation of pus. 
 
 Treatment. — In its earlier stages an abscess may be 
 checked by blistering with biniodide of mercury, or by a 
 dressing of oil of turpentine, but when once pus has formed 
 there is nothing to be done but to wait until it ripens, and 
 after it becomes soft, to open it with a lancet, or else to adopt 
 measures such as poultices which shall assist it to burst 
 and discharge its contents. If the abscess can be reached, 
 it may be gently squeezed after being opened, and warm 
 water may be syringed into it twice a day for a couple of 
 days so that it is properly cleansed. Fomentations and 
 poultices may be applied to abscesses, if they are in an 
 accessible position, during their earlier stages in order to 
 reduce the pain of the horse, and to hasten the secretion of 
 pus. (See Fomentations^ Poultices.) 
 
 Accidents, although commonly held to be responsible 
 for many equine evils, are quite as often as not entirely free 
 from any such reproach, as the occurrences for which they 
 are blamed are usually avoidable if ordinary precautions have 
 been taken. Many horses come down every day through 
 bad or careless driving, and scores of others are injured by 
 projecting nails and other obstacles of the kind in the stable 
 which had no business to be there. There are, of course, 
 occurrences which are beyond the control of any groom or 
 coachman, such as a horse receiving injuries whilst out at 
 grass, getting cast in his box, being run into in the streets, 
 or falling on a greasy road. The injuries succeeding such 
 occurrences may be regarded as accidents, and will be found 
 referred to under separate headings. (See Bleedings Bruises^ 
 Cuts, Sprains.) 
 
 2 
 
A CON I TE — A C TION 
 
 Aconite. — See Poisons. 
 
 Action. — The manner in which a horse moves his legs 
 is described as action, and his movements must naturally 
 depend upon his conformation. A horse that is required 
 to go fast is necessarily a lighter built and narrower chested 
 animal than one whose work necessitates his moving slowly. 
 His shoulders, too, should be longer and more sloping, and 
 in fact, generally speaking, he should be the more active- 
 looking horse. 
 
 There is a great deal of difference, moreover, between 
 high - class harness and saddle action, for the high-stepper 
 is not by any means so easy a ride as the smoother actioned 
 daisy-cutter, who only raises his feet a few inches from the 
 ground, and makes much more use of his shoulders than 
 of his knees. 
 
 As a matter of course, the efforts of mankind have 
 materially influenced the natural action of all breeds of 
 horses, the majority of which are the results of the carefully 
 thought-out crosses which have been the care of breeders 
 for generations past. As an instance of this, the cantering 
 and galloping action is not inherited by the hackney, many 
 of which can trot faster than they can gallop, whilst all of 
 the foals of this variety trot in preference to cantering. On 
 the other hand, a youthful thoroughbred, or a half-bred if 
 the offspring of a blood-horse, rarely trots more than a few 
 yards at a time, the reason in each instance being that the 
 formation of the animals adapts itself to one of the above 
 actions and not to the other. 
 
 Action undoubtedly can be developed and improved by 
 a proper course of training, but it is obviously the case that 
 better results must attend the scientific schooling of a well- 
 built colt, that is, one which, owing to its conformation, is 
 adapted to the particular action which it is sought to improve, 
 than it will be in the case of a natural galloper which is 
 being schooled to trot, or vice versa. 
 
 The recognised action of any breed of horse is one of its 
 
 3 
 
ADMINISTERING PHYSIC 
 
 greatest characteristics, the liberty and freedom of the horses 
 which are expected to go fast or to create a sensation by 
 the way they bend their knees and hocks being quite different 
 from the cramped, /.<?., restrained action of the utiHty class 
 of animal. Excessive speed or dazzling action are neither 
 necessary nor desirable in horses which are required for work, 
 as in the former case they are liable to cause accidents by 
 moving too fast on the roads, and in the latter the feet and 
 legs are certain to suffer from the effects of concussion. The 
 chief forms of action are the Amble, Canter, Gallop, Pacing, 
 Run, Trot, Walk, which see ; also Concussion, Schooling, 
 Stepping. 
 
 Administering Physic. — To give a horse a ball, take 
 firm hold of the tongue with the left hand, and gently 
 pull it out on the off side, until it 
 rests in the hollow part of the jaw 
 where there are no teeth. Take the 
 ball between the tips of the fingers, 
 which should be held with the points 
 How to hold the Ball. ^j^^g together, so as to make the hand 
 
 as small as it 
 
 can be managed, 
 
 and place the 
 
 ball as far back 
 
 as possible by 
 
 the root of the 
 
 tongue. Then 
 
 close the mouth, 
 
 and watch the 
 
 near side of the 
 
 throat to be sure that the ball goes 
 
 down, as some horses will refuse to 
 
 swallow it if they can avoid it. A 
 
 little water or food may be given to 
 
 assist matters if there is a difficulty. 
 
 4 
 
 Administering a Ball. 
 
AGE 
 
 Some persons prefer to 
 use an instrument called 
 a balling gun instead of 
 A Balling Gun. their hands, an illustra- 
 
 tion of which appears. 
 
 To administer a drench, the tongue should not be held, but 
 the head should be raised a little by aid of a twitch or blunt- 
 pointed pole 
 passed through 
 a loop tied round 
 the upper jaw. 
 In the absence 
 of a drenching- 
 horn, a soda- 
 water bottle or similar vessel may 
 be used, if the edges are smooth. 
 Stand on the off side of the 
 horse, pull the lip away from 
 the side of the gum so as to 
 form a pouch, and administer 
 the drench slowly so as to allow 
 time for its being swallowed. 
 If the horse should commence 
 coughing, the drenching should 
 be temporarily stopped, and his head should be let go. A 
 common mistake in connection with giving a drench is to 
 raise the horse's head too high, as this prevents him 
 swallowing the dose. 
 
 Powders are easy things to administer, as they can be 
 given in either gruel or a mash. (See Medicines, Prescriptions.) 
 
 Age. — As probably everybody is aware, the age of a horse 
 can be ascertained by an inspection of the teeth on his lower 
 jaw, from which information can be derived by remembering 
 the following facts. The first set of teeth are known as milk 
 teeth, which are gradually shed and replaced by permanent 
 ones, which alter in appearance as the horse grows older. 
 
 5 
 
 Drenching a Horse. 
 
AGE 
 
 1 Adult tooth. 
 
 2 Milk tooth. 
 
 3 Six'-months-old mouth. 
 
 4 Two-)'eai--old mouth. 
 
 5 I'our-year-old mouth. 
 
 6 Six-year-old mouth. 
 
AGE 
 
 The two middle teeth appear at two weeks old, the next pair 
 at eight weeks, and the two outside ones at eight months. 
 At about two and a half years old the two middle teeth are 
 shed, at about three and a half years the centre two, and at 
 about four and a half the outside ones, the horse thus getting 
 his "full mouth" developed at the age of five years. Of 
 course the process of shedding these teeth is a gradual one, 
 and until they have been shed, the permanent ones cannot 
 appear, still less develop. It must, therefore, be understood 
 that the changes take place about the periods when the 
 horse arrives at the ages stated, as it would be absurd to 
 imagine that as soon as he becomes a two-year-old the centre 
 milk teeth are shed, or that the permanent ones forthwith 
 assume their full size. It may be added that the first set 
 of teeth are perfectly smooth in front, but ridged in their 
 insides and very white, whereas the later ones show grooves 
 on their surface and are of a more yellow colour. It is 
 necessary to allude to this fact in order to distinguish 
 between a two-year-old mouth of milk teeth and a full five- 
 year-old mouth of permanent ones. The shallow grooves 
 alluded to are on the front of the teeth, not on the tops, and 
 can therefore be seen when the mouth is closed if the lips 
 are held apart by the fingers. When he reaches the age of 
 six the black marks in the upper surface of the two middle 
 teeth will begin to fade away through rubbing against the 
 upper ones, the marks on the next pair disappearing at seven 
 years, and those on the outside or corner ones at eight years. 
 At nine the marks on the middle pair on the upper jaw 
 become lost, those on the centre pair following at ten, and 
 on the corner ones at eleven. It may be added that as 
 a horse becomes older his teeth grow longer and develop a 
 tendency to acquire a three-cornered shape. Experience is, of 
 course, necessary to estimate the age of an animal accurately, 
 but the above rules may be relied upon as accurate, though 
 occasionally, but rarely, a strangely abnormal mouth may 
 be found. It must be remembered, too, that unprincipled 
 persons are in the habit of tampering with the teeth of horses 
 
 7 
 
AIR — AMBLE 
 
 with the object of making their animals appear either older 
 or younger than they actually are. 
 
 Some horses, and especially ponies, live to great ages, 
 but probably Old Bill, the property of the late Mr Petrie, 
 of Edinburgh, is entitled to claim the honour of being the 
 Methuselah of the equine race. He was in his fifty-seventh 
 year when the painting from which the accompanying 
 illustration was made, and lived three years longer, when 
 he was shot. The above statement is vouched for by 
 Professor Owen Williams, whose father attended Old Bill, 
 and it may be added that the veteran was in light work 
 until the end. (See Bishopping, Coper.) 
 
 Air. — Horses not only benefit by, but require, fresh air. 
 Consequently, a supply should always be afforded them 
 in their stables. At the same time draughts should be 
 avoided. (See Draughts^ Ventilation.) 
 
 Airing. — A slang term applied to horses which run in a 
 race but are not intended to do their best. 
 
 Airing Clothing. — It is desirable that a horse's clothing 
 should be properly aired from time to time, either in front of 
 a fire or by hanging out in the sun. Of course the above pre- 
 cautions must always be adopted if there is the least suspicion 
 that the clothing is damp. 
 
 Aloes. — The best and safest purgative. (See Medicines.) 
 
 Alteratives. — Medicines which improve the general tone 
 without purging. (See Medicines, Prescriptions.) 
 
 Amble.— A horse which moves the legs on each side of 
 his body simultaneously is said to amble, the result of 
 the movement being a swinging gait which, though not so 
 attractive as the trot, is rather an assistance to the acquisition 
 of speed. (See Pacing.) 
 
 8 
 
AMBULA NCE — A NTHRA X 
 
 Ambulance. — Now that the street traffic has become so 
 considerably increased, common humanity demands that a 
 sufficient supply of properly equipped ambulances should 
 be available to remove the numbers of horses which are 
 injured. An ambulance should be padded inside by cocoa- 
 fibre mats, an extra thick one being on the floor, for hay 
 or straw are bad things to stand an injured horse on, as 
 they are apt to get entwined about his legs. The back 
 should be made to let down so as to form an inclined plane 
 by which he can enter the ambulance, which must not 
 be too wide, as a horse with an injured limb will very 
 probably require support. 
 
 Anatomy teaches us the position, and the general 
 appearance of all parts of the horse. (See Conformation^ 
 
 Anaemia, as its name implies, represents a deficiency 
 of blood in a horse, and its presence may usually be detected 
 by a weak pulse, and a very pale mucous membrane of the 
 eyelids. Swellings also appear under the jaw, and the belly 
 sometimes swells, whilst the horse steadily loses strength 
 and flesh, and diarrhoea supervenes. 
 
 Treatment. — Check the diarrhcea, administer tonics, and 
 feed well but not unwisely, taking care that the horse is 
 kept warm and comfortable, but not deprived of fresh air 
 and light. (See Diarrhoza, Tonics.) 
 
 Ankles. — See Fetlock, Pastern. 
 
 Anodynes. — Medicines which relieve and soothe pain. 
 (See Medicines, Prescriptions^ 
 
 Anthrax is, fortunately, a disease to which horses are 
 not particularly liable, but it can be communicated from 
 infected cattle or sheep, and can in turn be communicated 
 to man either by direct contact or through the medium 
 of foragfe. 
 
ANTIMONY — APPOINTMENTS 
 
 Symptoms. — Considerable fever, a quickened pulse and 
 breathing, a swollen throat, and profuse sweating, accom- 
 panied by staggering when the horse attempts to move. 
 Anthrax is incurable, and when its existence is proved con- 
 clusively the horse should at once be slaughtered, thereby 
 anticipating his end by only a few hours, as the disease 
 runs its course very quickly. His body should be buried 
 in quicklime, his stable thoroughly disinfected, and his litter 
 burned. Anthrax is a communicable disease, and therefore 
 notice of an outbreak must be conveyed to the local 
 authorities without delay. 
 
 Antimony. — See Conditiofi, Medicines, Poisons. 
 
 Antipyretics. — Medicines which reduce fevers. (See 
 Medicines.) 
 
 Antiseptics are applied to wounds with the object 
 of stopping putrefaction ; amongst the most efficacious are 
 iodoform, carbolic acid, salicylic acid, boracic acid, and 
 common salt. 
 
 Anus. — The opening below the tail leading to the rectum. 
 
 Aperients. — Opening medicines. (See Medicines, Purges.) 
 
 Appetite. — The appetites of different horses vary con- 
 siderably, those of gross feeders being almost insatiable, 
 whilst the bad doer is the despair of those who are re- 
 sponsible for his condition. Much will also depend upon 
 the state of an animal's health and the amount of work 
 he gets, and therefore in cases of difficulty the circumstance 
 of each case must be considered individually. (See Feeding, 
 Green Food, and Tonics.) 
 
 Appointments may be generally referred to as the 
 harness and saddlery which a horse wears when at work. 
 Of recent years a good deal more importance has been 
 
 10 
 
ARAB HORSE 
 
 attached to such matters at horse shows, thanks in no small 
 extent to the example set by American judges, who show 
 no sympathy to horses which come into the ring in a 
 slovenly condition or improperly harnessed. Hence the 
 existence of so-called " appointment classes," in which so 
 many marks are allotted to the horse, and a certain per- 
 centage each to the vehicle, the harness, and the livery 
 of the coachman. (See Furniture.) 
 
 Arab Horse. — The Arab, unfortunately for himself, has 
 been the victim of much absurd hyperbole which has been 
 lavished upon him by unreasoning friends possessed of 
 no sense of proportion whatsoever. He is, however, un- 
 doubtedly a very useful horse in his proper place, and 
 unquestionably the English thoroughbred and other breeds 
 owe their existence to the services of Eastern sires in days 
 gone by. 
 
 The Arab breeders have, moreover, set an example to 
 the horse raisers of modern days by the value they attached 
 to their mares ; indeed it is generally admitted that all 
 the best horses of the breed are descendants of one or other 
 of five famous mares, respectively named Keheilan, Seglawi, 
 Hamdami, Abeyan, and Hadban, which flourished centuries 
 ago. That the Arab in years gone by was quite a leading 
 variety of the horse world there can be no denying, but 
 he has assisted in producing better breeds than himself, the 
 result being that for racing purposes he is now altogether 
 a negligible quantity, whilst for hunting he is too small 
 and slow ; in fact, he is not in much demand, unless for 
 hacking purposes or as a boy's hunter, though he is still 
 often useful as a cross for other breeds. One great recom- 
 mendation possessed by the Arab is that his bone is of 
 the very best quality, being hard and close in grain, and 
 there is no doubt that although his speed may not be 
 great, his staying powers are first-rate. On the other hand, 
 his shoulders are not so long and sloping as fashion dictates, 
 though, thanks to his good pasterns, he is a very easy ride ; 
 
 II 
 
A R GENTINE HORSE — A R TE RIES 
 
 his back is short, with nicely-sprung ribs, and his quarters 
 long. His expression is most attractive, and his head shapely, 
 though not particularly small, whilst the carriage of his 
 tail is most characteristic, as it is carried high, and a little 
 to the side. Few Arabs exceed 15.1 hands in height. (Sec 
 Eastern Blood, Thoroughbred.) 
 
 Argentine Horse. — So much improvement has been 
 effected in this horse of late years by the importation of 
 the best Thoroughbred, Hackney, and Shire blood from this 
 country, that the horses of South America are rapidly 
 becoming British breeds. They are hardy, and capable of 
 enduring great fatigue, as our cavalry discovered during the 
 Boer War, but many of them are light and short of quality ; 
 owing, too, to the extensive ranges of land over which they 
 are raised, they are not for the most part easy to break, 
 though regarding their future improvement there can be no 
 doubt. 
 
 Armorial Bearings. — A license is required for the coat 
 of arms or crest which appears on the panels of a carriage 
 or on the harness of a horse, and carries a tax of two guineas 
 per annum in addition to that levied on the vehicle. A 
 plain monogram, however, incurs no license. (See License.) 
 
 Army Horse. — See Artillery Horse, Cavalry Horse, 
 Charger. 
 
 Arnica. — A most useful drug for the treatment of wounds 
 and bruises. (See Medicines, Prescriptions^ 
 
 Arsenic. — See Poisons. 
 
 Arteries are the vessels which convey the blood from 
 the heart to the different parts of the body. The colour 
 of arterial blood is lighter and brighter than that of the 
 veins, and it spurts from a wound, whereas the blood from 
 a vein trickles. (See Bleeding, Tourniquet, Veins.) 
 
 12 
 
ARTHRITIS— ASIATIC HORSES AND PONIES 
 
 Arthritis.— See >/«/ ///, Navel III. 
 
 Artillery Horse.— The class of horse required for artillery 
 purposes should be a short-legged, heavy-boned animal, with 
 plenty of substance about him, especially in the case of the 
 wheelers, as the work of stopping the guns falls upon them. 
 In addition to their strength the artillery horses should also 
 be capable of getting over the ground quickly, a cross-bred 
 hackney being as useful an animal for the purposes of the 
 Service as any. 
 
 Asiatic Horses and Ponies. — There are several breeds 
 of horses found in Asia, amongst which the Burma and 
 Manipuri ponies rank high. The former average from 13- 
 13.2 hands in height, are very hardy, and can carry a con- 
 siderable weight for their size, but they are not very fast. 
 The Manipuri breed is chiefly used for Indian polo work, and 
 is a very fast, handy, and smart little animal, smaller than 
 the Burmese type, and better-looking, though the latter make 
 good saddle horses, having very fair shoulders. 
 
 The Indian type will be found referred to under a 
 separate heading. The Japanese have a breed of inferior 
 ponies that are rather weedy and weak. Mongolian ponies 
 do most of the work in Japan : they are short, strong, sturdy 
 animals, about 13.1 hands in height; and are used as saddle- 
 horses, have moderately good shoulders, good legs, excellent 
 feet, and are remarkably hardy and sure-footed. They are 
 much used in China for racing purposes. 
 
 The Persian polo pony is a useful little animal, averaging 
 from 13.2 to 14.2 hands in height; it has very good bone, 
 and is a very willing worker, once its strong antipathy to 
 the bit has been overcome. The harness horse of Persia is of 
 the Karabagh breed, which has good shoulders, a wide chest, 
 strong hind-quarters : it is well ribbed up, and has plenty of 
 bone below the knee. This horse will do a long day's work 
 on a very small allowance of food, and he is docile and 
 clever, carrying a very intelligent head 
 
 13 
 
ASP HA L T PA VI NG — ASS 
 
 In Sumatra is raised the Battak pony, which is about 
 12.2 hands high as a rule. The head is very well shaped, 
 the neck high-crested, and the colour brown or skewbald. 
 They are high mettled, plucky workers, and are remarkable 
 for their sure-footedness, but they are not successful as 
 geldings. 
 
 The Corean ponies are very small, being only about 9 
 hands high ; in appearance they resemble the Iceland pony, 
 and are very hard workers. (See also Arab and Prejevalskys 
 Horse.) 
 
 Asphalt Paving" is the worst form of flooring for 
 stabling of any sort, or for passages, yards, or roads over which 
 horses may have to pass, as whatever may be its recommenda- 
 tions in other respects, it affords no foothold, and is therefore 
 liable to cause serious accidents should the animals slip. (See 
 Floors.) 
 
 Ass. — Of the ordinary domestic ass there is little that 
 needs to be written, as he is ever with us, and his peculiarities 
 are pretty generally known. At the same time surprise may 
 be expressed that the humble donkey has not been more 
 cultivated in this country than he has been, as his capacity 
 for work, robust constitution, longevity, and general utility 
 render him a very valuable animal for working purposes. 
 Moreover, the ass is unquestionably a member of the great 
 equine family, which includes amongst its members the horse, 
 wild asses in their several varieties, zebras of different types, 
 and quaggas. The ass, however, differs from the horse in 
 several respects besides appearance, such as voice, the absence 
 of castors or chestnuts on his legs, the number of his loin 
 vertebrae, which are five, instead of six as in the case of the 
 horse, whilst last, but by no means least, the period of gesta- 
 tion in an ass is twelve months, that is, one month longer 
 than in the horse. Of course, too, there are differences in 
 the exterior conformation of the two animals, which are so 
 obvious as to need no special reference, but it may be added 
 
 14 
 
ASTRAGALUS — AUCTION SALES 
 
 that the principal breeds of foreign asses vary considerably 
 in appearance and in height. The best known of these, so 
 far as this country is concerned, is the Poitou ass, which, as 
 his name implies, is of French production, and highly prized 
 by breeders of mules ; but Spain and America likewise 
 possess their own varieties, which are favoured by the support 
 of thousands of persons both for riding and draught purposes. 
 The principal value of the ass is as a mule breeder, and 
 it is surprising the amount of size and substance which such 
 a sire as a Poitou Jack introduces into his stock. (See Mule, 
 Poitou Ass, Quagga, Zebra?) 
 
 Astragalus. — One of the bones of the hock. (See Bones, 
 Hind-legs, Hocks.) 
 
 Astringents create a contraction of tissue. (See 
 Medicines.) 
 
 Atavism is the term applied to the tendency which 
 all animals possess to " throw back," that is, to show a 
 resemblance to some more or less remote ancestor. (See 
 Saturation, Telegony, Throw Back.) 
 
 Atlas. — The first vertebra of the neck, which unites with 
 the bones at the back of the head so as to allow the head to 
 move up and down. (See Bones.) 
 
 Auction Sales: — The man who is bold enough to bid a 
 long price at an auction sale for a horse of which he knows 
 nothing beyond what he can see, must be complimented upon 
 the possession of ample confidence in his own judgment. 
 No doubt many bargains are picked up in this way every 
 week of the year, but the fact does not necessarily ensure 
 a person who does not understand horse-flesh being fortunate 
 enough to secure one. Of course, if the intending purchaser 
 happens to be acquainted with the history of a particular 
 animal up to the very day of the sale, he knows what he is 
 
 15 
 
AUSTRALIAN HORSES 
 
 about, and can therefore invest his money with some degree 
 of certainty, though sudden cases of unsoundness often occur, 
 and horses occasionally develop very undesirable peculiarities 
 at extremely short notice ; but the purchaser of a strange 
 horse always runs a considerable risk even if he is a good 
 judge. 
 
 Fortunately, however, the services of an honourable and 
 competent member of the veterinary profession can usually 
 be obtained to examine as to the horse's soundness before 
 the sale, as the different lots are usually on view at the 
 Repository for at least a day before they come under the 
 hammer. This opportunity for assuring himself of the 
 soundness of the animal he fancies should never be neglected 
 by the amateur; indeed, the "vet's guinea" is always well 
 spent when a horse is the subject of a deal, whether public 
 or private. Every possible means should also be taken to 
 ascertain whether the selected horse is a victim of any stable 
 vices, such as crib-biting, wind-sucking, or the like ; and 
 enquiries should be made, if it is impossible to acquire the 
 required information by personal observation, as to whether 
 the animal feeds well, and if his motions are regular and 
 satisfactory. Very often a good deal may be learned 
 from the men attached to the establishment, but though a 
 judicious tip 'often goes a long way in this direction, there 
 is always a chance of the man having also been retained by 
 the owner of the horse to say a good word for it ; and besides 
 this, too much cannot be expected from the servants of an 
 establishment of the kind. 
 
 As regards the descriptions attached to the horses in the 
 sales' catalogues, it may be stated that the proprietors of 
 the leading marts make it a practice of publishing these, 
 and the conditions usually are that if they are supplied by 
 the vendor they are to be regarded as warranties. Thus a 
 horse described as a good hunter is taken to be warranted 
 sound in wind and eye. (See Buying, Repositories) 
 
 Australian Horses, or Walers, as they are called in India, 
 
 i6 
 
AXIS — BACK 
 
 generally speaking show more breeding than the average 
 utility horse, and for the very sufficient reason that being 
 chiefly bred for riding purposes, they possess, for the most part, 
 a strong strain of thoroughbred blood. The blood sire is also 
 more commonly met with in the Antipodes than are stallions 
 of any of the other light breeds, which accounts for the 
 prevailing quality of the Walers. Many of the Australian 
 horses are exceptionally good stayers, and as a rule they are 
 lighter in build than the English animals, but their shoulders, 
 legs, feet, and joints are almost invariably good, whilst their 
 constitutions are most robust as a rule. Many first-rate 
 English thoroughbred sires, and notably Musket — the sire 
 of Carbine, imported into this country by the Duke of Portland 
 — have contributed to the excellence of the Australian blood- 
 horse, which has earned a reputation for himself upon the 
 race-courses not only of India, but of this country as well. 
 
 Axis is the second bone of the vertebrae, which acts as 
 a pivot for the head to move from side to side. (See Bones.) 
 
 Axle. — The bar of wood or metal fixed below a vehicle, 
 at the ends of which the wheels revolve. 
 
 Axle-box. — The covering of the ends of the axle. (See 
 Nave.) 
 
 B 
 
 Back. — The back of a horse extends from the withers 
 to the loins. It should lie flat between these points, be of 
 a good breadth, and not too long, for a long back is usually 
 a weak one and lacks power about the loins, whereas a 
 short, compact one, provided that the quarters and shoulders 
 are made as they should be, ensures the possession of 
 strength, and is usually associated with properly-developed 
 ribs. (See Dipped Back, Hollow Back, Jinked Back, Roach 
 Back.) 
 
 17 B 
 
BACKING — BACK BLOOD 
 
 Backing. — {a) Every horse should be taught to back. 
 If he is not, his course of schooling is incomplete. Nothing 
 looks worse than to see an animal backing in zigzag fashion, 
 and even if the movement is accomplished in this style, its 
 object may be defeated by the horse or vehicle coming into 
 collision with something behind it. Most horses can easily 
 be schooled to back, the way to proceed being to let the 
 horse stand with the reins fairly tight. Then the reins 
 should be very gently tightened, the movement being 
 accompanied by commands to " back," delivered in gentle, 
 persuasive tones. The ordinary horse will soon associate 
 the tightening of the reins with the driver's words, and after 
 a few lessons will be perfect ; but he should not be allowed 
 to forget what he has learned, and hence should be practised 
 at backing, and after he has backed a few steps his head 
 may be loosed and the lesson repeated. In the case of 
 saddle horses, the pressure of the rider's legs will assist in 
 keeping him straight. 
 
 {b) A young horse is said to have been backed when he 
 has been mounted a few times. 
 
 Back at the Knees. — A term used to describe a horse 
 who stands with his knees bent more or less backwards, 
 instead of his forelegs being in a straight line. (See Calf 
 Knees, Knees ^ 
 
 Back Band is the leather strap which runs through the 
 pad of a single horse's harness, and buckles over the belly 
 band. Its use is to support the shafts, and for this purpose 
 there are loops called tugs on each side through which the 
 shafts run, the back band being kept from going too far back 
 by the tugs being kept in position by the stops. (See 
 Harness, Stops, Tugs.) 
 
 Back Blood is the term applied to the hereditary trait 
 in any particular family of horses which is liable to influ- 
 
 i8 
 
BA CK-LEGS — BAND A GES 
 
 ence the constitution, temper, and conformation of the stock 
 of succeeding generations. (See Atavism, Cross-breeding.) 
 
 Back-legs. — See Hind-legs. 
 
 Back-raking. — The term appHed to the act of removing 
 dung from the rectum by hand. (See Enemas.) 
 
 Back Tendons. — The tendons which join the flexor 
 muscles of the foot above the knee, and pass by way of the 
 pisiform bone down the back of the cannon bone. (See 
 Bones, Flexor Mtiscles, Tendons^ 
 
 Bald Face. — A horse with an entirely white face is 
 referred to as bald-faced. (See also Blase, Snip, Star.) 
 
 Bales. — The wooden strips of timber which are sus- 
 pended from the roofs of some stables instead of the usual 
 boarding to keep the horses apart. (See Stables.) 
 
 Ball and Socket Joint is the name given to a joint 
 in which the end of one bone rests in the hollow of another, 
 as in the hip. (See Joints?) 
 
 Balling. — A horse is said to ball when he slips owing to 
 a lump of frozen snow accumulating on the soles of his feet. 
 The best means of preventing this is to grease the soles 
 thoroughly before he leaves the stable when the snow is on 
 the ground. 
 
 The term is also applied to the act of giving a horse a 
 ball. (See Administering Physic?) 
 
 Bandages are ordinarily used for two general purposes — 
 firstly, for keeping the limbs warm, and secondly, with the 
 object of keeping the legs fine ; of course, too, they afford 
 support to injured ligaments and muscles in cases of injury. 
 For the first of these purposes flannel bandages should be 
 
 19 
 
BANDAGES 
 
 used, but for the two latter linen are the best. In all cases 
 
 the legs should be rubbed before 
 the bandages are applied, in order 
 that proper circulation of the blood 
 is ensured and that the limbs are 
 comfortably warm. It frequently 
 occurs that they are put on 
 too tight, in which case the 
 circulation is impeded, and should 
 the legs swell or the bandages 
 shrink, the skin may be cut by 
 the tapes and the horse marked 
 for life. If applied wet, as in 
 cases of inflammation, they should 
 be kept damp by repeated atten- 
 tion, for when they become dry 
 they are apt to get very hot. 
 Consequently, it is best to use a 
 cool, dry bandage the last thing 
 at night, reserving the wet ones for day treatment, when the 
 horse can be better attended to ; but it may be added that 
 an outer layer of oiled silk will assist in keeping them moist 
 for several hours. Bandages should never be put on too 
 tight, because of the above-mentioned tendency of the legs 
 to swell a little, and besides this, it must be remembered 
 that every subsequent layer of bandage after the first 
 exercises increased pressure upon those beneath it. They 
 should be kept rolled up with the tapes inside, and when 
 put on, a bandage should lie along the outside of the 
 cannon bone with the end pointing towards the knee. The 
 lower part of the leg above the fetlock should be first dealt 
 with and the bandage wound round it in an upward direction, 
 until the end near the knee is almost reached. This end 
 should then be turned down and the bandage wound round 
 it and tied a few inches below the knee or hock. In cases of 
 emergency a good temporary bandage can be made out of 
 stockings split down lengthways at each side so as to form 
 
 20 
 
 Bandaging the Leg. 
 
BANG- TAIL — BA ROUCHE 
 
 a long narrow strip. If one stocking is not long enough it 
 can be fastened to another by means of safety pins. (See 
 Boots) 
 
 Bang-tail. — A tail of which the hair is squared off close 
 to the dock or solid part of the tail. Those connected with 
 heavy horses refer to banging up the tail in the sense of 
 tying it up. (See Dock) 
 
 Barb Horse. — In many respects the Barb resembles the 
 Arab, but he does not possess the latter's quality and is 
 plainer about the head. His bone, however, is of first-rate 
 texture, and as a saddle-hack his merits stand high, but he, 
 like the Arab, is not tall enough to suit adult riders, who 
 are particular regarding appearances. (See Eastern Blood) 
 
 Bardot. — A French expression denoting the offspring of 
 a pony or horse sire and a she ass. (See Hinny, Jennet) 
 
 Barley is not a common food for horses in England 
 neither can its adoption be recommended, as, apart from its 
 high price, its use is often associated with intestinal troubles 
 and indigestion. (Sec Feeding) 
 
 Barouche is a four-wheeled carriage with a boat- or canoe - 
 
 Canoe Barouche. 
 
 shaped body, fitted with a leather head behind. 
 
 21 
 
 It is made 
 
BARREL — BEANS 
 
 to seat four persons inside and two on the coach-box. It is 
 hung on Elliptic or C. springs, and on the latter suspension 
 is one of the highest grade of park carriage when drawn 
 with two good horses. 
 
 Barrel. — The body of a horse, extending from behind the 
 forearms to the loins. 
 
 Barrenness in the mare may very possibly be overcome 
 by a comparatively simple operation which, however, ought 
 always to be entrusted to a professional man, from whom 
 advice should be obtained before a mare that fails to breed 
 is rejected as barren. It is true, moreover, that in some 
 cases a mare which proves barren to one horse will readily 
 throw foals to another, and the same remark applies to 
 stallions. (See Breeditig, Brood Mare, Stallion, Sterility.) 
 
 Bar-shoe is a shoe with a band of iron connecting the 
 heels of the horse's hoof. (See Corns, Sand Cracks, Shoeing.) 
 
 Bars. — {a) Of the hoof, are the raised parts of the wall 
 which run parallel to the sides of the frog. (See Foot, Hoofs.) 
 
 {b) Of the mouth, are the gaps in the lower gums, between 
 the front and back teeth, on which the bit rests. (See 
 Mouth, Tush.) 
 
 (c) Of a bit. The rings in the leg of the bit to which 
 the reins are attached. (See Bits.) 
 
 Baulking. — See Jibbing. 
 
 Beaning a Horse. — An old trick of horse copers who, 
 when an animal is lame on one front foot, place a small piece 
 of metal or sharp stone between the shoe and the wall of the 
 sound hoof in order to cause temporary pain, so that the 
 horse, being tender in both feet, will appear to go sound. 
 
 Beans, if sound, thin-skinned, not less than one year 
 old, and weighing from 60 lbs. to 64 lbs. per bushel, are a 
 
BE A RING- REIN — BEDDING 
 
 most excellent food for horses in hard work, but they must 
 be given judiciously, and in addition to other food. Roughly 
 speaking, the allowance of beans per feed should be from 
 one-eighth to one-twelfth of the weight of the grain supplied. 
 If supplied to horses doing easy work, excepting as an 
 occasional pick-me-up, beans will be found too stimulating 
 and heating; hence they may cause legs to fill, and other 
 troubles. It may be added that beans are often the subject 
 of attacks from insects which perforate the skins and render 
 them unfit for horses to eat. (See Feeding^ 
 
 Bearing-rein. — The use of the bearing-rein is widely 
 condemned by many people who do not recognise the 
 undeniable fact that there are some horses which it would be 
 difficult, if not unsafe, to drive without some such assistance 
 as it supplies being afforded the coachman. At the same 
 time there are thousands of cases in which it is not necessary, 
 and even in those where it is, the bearing-rein should never 
 be too tight, and if the horses wearing it are standing for 
 any time it should be unhooked from the pad. It con- 
 sists of a rein fastened to the cheeks of the bit which pass 
 through the ear-rings of the headstall to a hook in the pad, 
 and its object is, or should be, to assist the driver in con- 
 trolling the puller or horse that is liable to stumble. As, 
 however, it causes its wearer to carry his head better, it is 
 often utilised for the purpose of improving his appearance. — 
 (See Bridoon, Harness.) 
 
 Bedding. — Straw, peat moss, sawdust, sand, and brackens 
 are all utilised for bedding horses in various parts of the 
 country. Of these, straw is incomparably the best. It 
 possesses one disadvantage, however, as it is often eaten, 
 and if so it is liable to disagree with the horses ; besides 
 this, there is the matter of cost to be thought of where 
 economy has to be considered. Still, straw looks, and is, 
 the best of all beds for a horse. Wheat straw is to be 
 preferred for stable purposes, as it lasts longer and is the 
 
 23 
 
BEDDING 
 
 most elastic. Oat straw is too soft and brittle, whilst barley 
 straw, though tougher, is also rougher, and the most liable 
 of all to cause inflammation when eaten. Under ordinary 
 circumstances an allowance of about lo lbs. of straw a day 
 is a fair average, the correct method to pursue being to 
 remove all the soiled bedding each morning, and to leave a 
 thin layer of straw for the horse to stand on during the 
 day ; the remainder of the night bedding and the allowance 
 of fresh litter being forked up under the manger until the 
 animals are bedded down in the evening. 
 
 When peat moss is used for bedding, see that the stable 
 drains should be carefully stopped up to prevent their 
 becoming choked. Peat moss undoubtedly forms a good 
 bed, and as it absorbs moisture readily, the soiled portions 
 are easily removed without incurring any unnecessary waste. 
 Thus moss is a cheap bedding, and is used in every horse- 
 breeder's stable, but its quality varies, and hence the necessity 
 of only dealing with a reliable firm, such as the Litter Supply 
 Company of Mark Lane, E.C. 
 
 Sawdust spread to the depth of a few inches on the floor 
 forms a very good bedding, and if covered over with a thin 
 layer of straw, does not look at all bad in the day-time, 
 but care must be taken to stop the drains. 
 
 Sand, especially sea-sand, cannot be recommended as a 
 bedding, even if it is covered by straw, as it is apt to get 
 into the coats, eyes, and nostrils of the horses, and many of 
 them will eat it if it contains any salt. With this also the 
 drains must be stopped. 
 
 Bracken is a capital bedding if a sufficient supply can 
 be obtained, and the owner does not attach importance to 
 a smart appearance. Only dry bracken should be used as 
 litter, and if easily obtainable can be recommended for cart- 
 horse stables, and the boxes used by young stock. 
 
 Hay which is unfit for food is sometimes used for bedding, 
 but under any circumstances it is not to be recommended 
 for the purpose, as, not being elastic in its nature, it flattens 
 down and becomes hard for the horses to lie upon. 
 
 24 
 
BELL Y-BAND — BITING 
 
 It is essential that all bedding should be well turned over 
 every day, and the damp portions dried by exposure to the 
 air if they are not too much soiled for further use. The 
 discarded litter should be replaced by an equal amount of 
 clean, which ought to be thoroughly mixed with it, so as to 
 ensure the horse getting a good bed to lie upon. 
 
 Belly-band. — The strap which keeps the pad of the 
 harness in its place and buckles under the belly. (See 
 Harness^ Pad.) 
 
 Big Head or Osteoporosis is a swelling of the bones of 
 the nose which considerably increases the size of the lower 
 part of the head. The bones become porous and brittle, and 
 general weakness supervenes, often accompanied by lameness. 
 Bad pasture is believed to be a chief cause of the disease, 
 which usually terminates fatally. 
 
 Treatment. — Place the horse in a loose box by himself and 
 give him a mild dose of opening physic, such as linseed oil. 
 Keep him on mashes and green food, into which one dram of 
 sulphate of iron is mixed duly. Also be careful to supply 
 him with salt to lick. 
 
 Bishopping is a fraudulent operation performed by 
 copers upon the teeth of horses in order to make the 
 animals appear of a different age to that they actually are. 
 (See Coper ^ 
 
 Bites. — See Viciousness. 
 
 Biting. — A horse that is given to the use of his teeth 
 upon other animals or his clothing is always a source of 
 vexation, if not of positive danger, to his owner. Of 
 course, a muzzle supplies an obvious check to the vice, 
 but it is impossible that this can always be in use. The 
 best thing to do is to stand the biter in an end stall, and 
 
 25 
 
BITS 
 
 to fix hi 
 
 collar rope to the side wall so that he cannot 
 reach his neighbour. Many horses destroy their 
 clothing because they are suffering from some 
 skin trouble which is irritated by contact with 
 the rug, and therefore if the offence is suddenly 
 developed, the cause may be discovered by 
 examining the offender's body. In confirmed 
 cases a coarse canvas outer sheet with rough 
 edges may be worn outside the ordinary 
 stable clothing, but nothing is so effective as 
 the muzzle. 
 
 Muzzle for Biters. 
 
 Bits. — The subject of bits is one that is either entirely 
 misunderstood or else grossly neglected in many stables, as 
 it is an undoubted fact that horses' mouths differ so greatly 
 that an animal which will go perfectly in one sort of bit may 
 become absolutely unmanageable and useless in another. 
 There is a great disposition, too, on the part of both owners 
 and their servants, to over-bit a puller, the impression 
 apparently being that a hard mouth is only susceptible to 
 the influence of a very severe bit ; but this is by no means 
 invariably the case. Were people only to realise the effect 
 produced by a bit they would more readily understand, and 
 sympathise with, the behaviour of a horse which resents the 
 pressure brought to bear upon his lips, tongue, and the bars 
 and roof of his mouth by some of the instruments of torture 
 which are used by unreflective persons. 
 
 A bit is composed of a mouthpiece which may be 
 straight or else consist of three parts — namely, the port, 
 which is an arch of greater or less depth, is so situated in the 
 centre of the mouthpiece that it presses upon the palate 
 when the reins are pulled. The cannons of the bit are those 
 parts which extend from the port to the lips or sides of the 
 mouth, and the heels are the ends of the cannons on the 
 inside, where they join the port. The branches of the bit 
 extend from the top eye, attached to the head-collar or 
 
 26 
 
BITTING 
 
 bridle, to the ring or lower bar at the bottom, the upper 
 part from the mouth to the top eye being called the cheek, 
 and the lower one, from the mouth to the bottom bar, the 
 leg. When the rein passes through the ring at the corners 
 of the mouth the horse is said to be driven " on the cheek," 
 when on the centre ring " in the middle bar," and when on 
 the lowest ring "on the bottom bar." (See Bars, Bitting, 
 Driving, Month, Riding.) 
 
 Plain Snaffle 
 
 Chain Snaffle. 
 
 Twisted .Snaffle. 
 
 Huntin? Bit. 
 
 Weymouth Bit, 
 with bridoon. 
 
 Guard Bit. 
 
 Liverpool Bit. 
 
 Elbow Bit, with movable 
 mouthpiece. 
 
 elham Bit. 
 
 Bitting. — It would be quite possible, and indeed justi- 
 fiable, did space permit of it, to write a long homily upon 
 
 2/ 
 
BLANKE T — BLEEDING 
 
 the enormities committed by unthinking people who do not 
 understand the proper way to bit a horse. It will, however, 
 be sufficient to observe that the mouth of every animal differs, 
 and hence it is the duty of those who are responsible for the 
 safety of those who use a horse and for the well-being of the 
 animal to discover the sort of bit that suits him best. Many 
 a confirmed hard puller or bolter, which appears indifferent 
 to a very severe bit, has been discovered to be quite an 
 amiable, pleasant animal to work in a plain snaffle ; in fact, 
 there is a key to almost every horse's mouth, which it is the 
 business of those who have charge of him to discover. More 
 mouths have been ruined by severe bits, especially in the 
 case of young horses which are being broken, than people 
 imagine, and it should be remembered that when a mouth 
 is once spoiled it requires much time and trouble to remedy 
 matters, even if the mischief can ever be undone. (See Bits, 
 Bolting, Drivings Hands^ Moitth, Riding?) 
 
 Blanket. — See Clothing. 
 
 Blaze. — A broad white streak running down the faces 
 of some horses. (See also Bald Face, Snip, Star.) 
 
 Bleeding. — It is occasionally considered desirable to 
 bleed a horse, in which case the operation should be left to 
 the skill of a professional operator. In cases of bleeding or 
 hemorrhage the result of accident, the trouble in slight cases 
 can usually be stopped by the application of either very cold 
 or very hot water. If the flow from a wound is not checked 
 by this means, or if it is a severe one, an impromptu tourniquet 
 may be applied by the aid of a pocket - handkerchief. In 
 cases of emergency, where a tourniquet cannot be used, a 
 dab of wet linen, or lint, if available, should be placed on 
 the wound, and a smooth stone above this dressing in such 
 a position that when a bandage is applied extra pressure 
 will fall upon the wound. In using a tourniquet, care should 
 be taken to ascertain whether it is an artery or a vein which 
 
 28 
 
BLINDNESS — BLOOD 
 
 is lacerated, as the blood should be stopped above the wound 
 in the former case, and below it in the latter. If the bleeding 
 is from the nostrils or mouth, ice or cold water should be 
 applied to the head. It may be added that hemorrhage from 
 a vein trickles from the wound, whereas if it comes from an 
 artery it spurts out ; the blood from an artery is also lighter 
 in colour than that coming from a veiii. (See Burst Blooa 
 Vessels^ Tourniquet?) 
 
 Blindness. — Many blind horses are excellent workers 
 in harness, provided they are carefully driven ; and hence it 
 is unnecessary to part with an old favourite should this 
 misfortune overtake him. (See Cataract^ Eyes, Ophthalmia.) 
 
 Blinkers. — The leather shields fixed to the bridle or 
 head collar behind the eyes of horses to prevent their seeing, 
 excepting in front of them. (See Harness.) 
 
 Blistering. — The use of blisters is recognised by all 
 veterinarians, and so long as unnecessary severity is not 
 associated with their use, they are undoubtedly of much 
 service in many cases. Before applying a blister, the hair, 
 if it is long, should be cut short, and the place must always 
 be washed clean with soap and water. If the part affected 
 be fomented beforehand, the action of the blister will be 
 more severe. Should the parts which have been treated 
 burst after they have commenced to dry, the application of 
 a little linseed oil or vaseline will allay the irritation. The 
 horse's head must be kept racked up short, or a cradle fixed 
 on his neck to prevent him gnawing the sore when it itches. 
 
 The principal substances which are used for blisters are 
 turpentine, mustard, mercurial red ointment and cantharides. 
 (See Cradle, Prescriptions.) 
 
 Blood. — The amount of blood a horse contains in his 
 body is about one-eighteenth of his weight, distributed, 
 roughly speaking, as follows : — heart and larger blood vessels, 
 
 29 
 
BLOOD HORSE — BLOWING 
 
 one quarter ; liver and intestines, one quarter ; muscles, one 
 quarter ; other parts, one quarter. It is carried by the 
 arteries from the heart all over the body, and returns through 
 the veins, the heart acting as a pump, and should it happen 
 to coagulate and form a clot instead of passing freely 
 through the vessels, serious troubles may arise. (See Arteries, 
 Bleeding, Heart, Veins.) 
 
 Blood Horse. — A Thoroughbred. 
 
 Blood-poisoning is frequently the result of some disease 
 which attacks a horse, but it may be caused by foul wounds. 
 
 Symptoms. — Increased temperature; shiverings, a fast but 
 weak pulse, and quick breathing. The horse, though clearly 
 weak, becomes restless, the tongue is furred, and if the eye- 
 lids are pulled down, the inner membrane is of an unhealthy- 
 looking yellowish colour. The horse will not look at his 
 food, and sometimes swellings appear on his body. 
 
 Treatment. — Keep up the strength by stimulants, such as 
 eggs beaten up in brandy and milk four times a day ; but 
 the disease is a serious one, and the medical treatment should 
 be left to a qualified practitioner, whose services should be 
 obtained without delay. 
 
 Blood-spavin is the term applied to the swelling which 
 is sometimes found in the vein under a bog-spavin, owing to 
 the size of the latter interfering with the flow of blood. Such 
 things are not serious, and usually disappear as the bog- 
 spavin yields to treatment. (See Bog-spavin, Spavin.) 
 
 Blood Vessels. — 'Si^Q Arteries, Burst Blood Vessels, Veins. 
 
 Blowing. — Even high blowing need not be regarded as 
 a sign of unsoundness, or associated with roaring or any 
 affection of the wind. It is often caused by a movement of 
 the false nostril, which creates a suspicious noise, but even 
 in chronic cases it is not necessarily a sign of unsoundness. 
 (See Breathing, False Nostrils.) 
 
 30 
 
BLOWING OVER FOOD — BOLTING 
 
 Blowing over Food. — It is never a good thing to give 
 a bad doer or sick horse more food than he is Hkely to eat, 
 or, for that matter, a healthy animal either. If there is corn 
 or hay left over, especially if the horse is off his feed, his 
 breath will not make it sweet or palatable-looking after it has 
 stood before him for some time, 
 and he will probably decline to 
 eat it altogether. 
 
 Bluff. — The bandage, with 
 leathern sockets for the eyes, 
 which is put over the foreheads 
 of bad - tempered or excitable 
 stallions to keep them quiet. 
 
 A Bluff. 
 
 Body Brush. — An oval-shaped, short-haired brush, with 
 a strip of webbing secured to the back for the hand of the 
 groom to pass through. The body brush is the principal 
 article of stable equipment that is used in grooming a horse. 
 (See Curry-comb, Grooming?) 
 
 Body-sheet. — See Clothing. 
 
 Bog-spavin is a soft swelling on the 
 inner front side of the hock, and is usually 
 a result of concussion. If there is no in- 
 flammation, lameness is rarely present ; 
 but should there be, the part must be 
 fomented, and subsequently be dressed 
 twice a day with tincture of iodine. Rest, 
 cooling medicine, and food will usually 
 assist in effecting an improvement. 
 
 Bog-spavin. 
 
 Bolting. — A horse that has once bolted, in nine cases 
 out of ten, remains for the rest of his existence a source of 
 danger to those who use him, as having learned his power, 
 
BOLTING FOOD — BOLTS 
 
 he is always likely to repeat the offence. Hence a runaway 
 is usually an animal to be disposed of without a character. 
 When placed in the unenviable position of having to stop 
 a bolter, the object of the person in charge should be to get 
 his head turned round as close to his side as possible, which 
 is not an easy thing to do by any means, especially if the 
 horse has got the bit between his teeth. The best way of 
 succeeding is to get hold of the off rein as low down as 
 possible with the right hand and pull at it, meanwhile 
 holding the near rein fairly tight in the left hand. Sawing 
 at the mouth is recommended by some people and may be 
 useful in a few cases, but the former method is the better. 
 If the position should become serious, that is to say, if a 
 smash up appears imminent, efforts may be made to throw 
 the horse, by alternately pulling at his head hard, and 
 suddenly letting it loose, which may cause him to cross his 
 legs and fall ; but as a rule it is always best and safest for 
 a rider, and still more so a driver, to keep his seat, as jumping 
 off is usually the cause of more serious injury than a collision. 
 If the road is clear, moreover, there is always a chance of 
 pulling up the horse, especially if he knows the voice of his 
 driver, and the latter calls quietly to him to stop ; and it may 
 be added that if the runaway can be turned on to a steep 
 hill the chances of his slowing down are materially increased. 
 (See Bits, Pulling?) 
 
 Bolting food is usually the result of decayed teeth, and is 
 a fruitful source of indigestion, which leads to other troubles. 
 After seeing to the state of the teeth, feed on bruised oats 
 and chaff. (See Dentistry, Indigestion?) 
 
 Bolts.— All the bolts and fastenings of doors, especi- 
 ally those inside a stable, should be so fixed that they do 
 not project beyond the woodwork, as if they do, they are 
 extremely liable to injure a horse which comes up against 
 them, and may leave a blemish on him for life. 
 
 32 
 
BONE — BONNET 
 
 Bone. — The possession of good bone below the knee 
 always adds to the value of a horse. In this connection 
 the expression " good " may be taken as referring both to 
 the quantity and quality of the bone. An insufficiency of 
 bone may be regarded as a sign of weakness, but a very 
 great deal depends upon the texture, a soft, spongy bone 
 being much less adapted for fast and hard work, than one 
 which shows a close grain. The latter is far better adapted 
 to withstand the effects of concussion than the former, hence, 
 speaking generally, the quality of the bone of light horses 
 is usually superior to that found amongst the heavier breeds, 
 though the latter possess much the bigger limbs. No doubt 
 the amount and quality of bone in individual horses is 
 influenced a good deal by the soil upon which they are bred 
 and raised, it being generally accepted that horses reared in 
 a limestone country possess a superior and more ivory-like 
 quality of bone, whilst that of animals reared on heavy, 
 marshy land is, comparatively speaking, though more largely 
 developed, of a more spongy character. The natural quality 
 of the bone of the Arab horse and the thoroughbred is 
 regarded as the best so far as the lighter breeds are 
 concerned, whilst amongst the heavy varieties the Suffolks 
 occupy a deservedly high position, the density and closeness 
 of bone in these breeds being exceptional. (See Cannon Bones, 
 Climate, Fore-legs, Soil.) 
 
 Bone Spavin. — See Spavin. 
 
 Bones. — The illustration on the next page shows all the 
 principal bones of a horse. 
 
 Bonnet. — A term applied to a person who expatiates 
 upon the merits of a horse with the view of assisting his 
 owner to sell him. Most copers employ the services of a 
 bonnet, who is also often called a chaunter. 
 
 33 C 
 
BONES 
 
 1 Upper jaw. 
 
 2 Lower jaw. 
 
 3 Atlas. 
 
 4 Axis. 
 
 I > Cervical vertebrae. 
 
 o > Dorsal vertebras. 
 
 " > Lumbar vertebras. 
 lO J 
 
 "I 
 
 12/ 
 
 Sacrum. 
 
 ^3 \. Caudal vertebras. 
 
 14 ) 
 
 15 Pelvis. 
 
 16 Femur or thigh. 
 
 17 Fibula. 
 
 18 Tibia. 
 
 19 Os Calais or point of hock. 
 
 20 Astragalus. 
 
 21 Scapula. 
 
 22 Shoulder joint. 
 
 23 Humerus. 
 
 24 Ulna. 
 
 25 Radius. 
 
 26 Pisiform. 
 
 27 Carpus or knee. 
 
 28 Splint bone or inner small 
 
 metacarpal in front, or 
 metatarsal in back legs. 
 
 29 Cannon bone or large 
 
 metacarpal in front, or 
 large metatarsal in back 
 legs. 
 
 30 Sesamoid. 
 
 31 Long pastern. 
 
 32 Short pastern. 
 
 33 Coffin. 
 
 34 Navicular bone (position 
 
 of). 
 
 35 Sternum or breast-bone. 
 
 36 True ribs (8). 
 
 37 False ribs (ro). 
 
 38 Patella. 
 
 39 Stifle joint. 
 
 34 
 
BOOTS — BOX 
 
 Boots — {a) of a coach. — These are two in number — 
 namely, the front boot, which is the space under the coach- 
 man's seat always used for the 
 storage of spare traces, spanners, 
 and other articles which are useful 
 in case of accidents ; and the hind 
 boot, the door of which is at the 
 back, and in this passengers' pro- 
 perty or the luncheon-basket can 
 be carried. 
 
 {b) Boots for horses are usually' 
 of leather, and are fixed above the 
 fetlocks or on the cannon bones 
 to protect the parts which may 
 have been bruised by brushing, 
 speedy cutting, or other injuries. 
 In the case of sprained tendons, 
 a laced boot or a tight - fitting 
 bandage which can be sewn on 
 will be found very useful as a 
 support ; and an india-rubber ring 
 
 above the fetlock will often supply a good protection in 
 cases of brushing. (See Yorkshire Boot.) 
 
 Fetlock Boot. 
 
 Ring Boot 
 (to prevent brushing). 
 
 Bots are the larvae of the Gastrophilus equi, a fly which 
 deposits its eggs on the coats of horses. Animals out at 
 grass are the chief victims of this fly, which rarely, if ever, 
 enters a stable, whilst it seldom interferes with a horse at 
 grass unless the sun is hot. If the larvae enter the stomach, 
 as they are liable to do when the horse licks himself, 
 they will probably cause serious internal troubles, and even, 
 in bad cases, the death of the animal. 
 
 Box. — A box should be not less than lo feet square 
 so as to accommodate the animal confined in it comfortably. 
 It should likewise possess a door sufficiently wide to allow 
 its occupant to go in and out easily, and there should be no 
 
 35 
 
BRAIN — BRAN 
 
 projecting bolts or latches about it. The door should be 
 provided with two fastenings, one about 2 feet and the 
 other about 5 feet from the ground. A box, too, should 
 be light, well ventilated, and, if straw is used as a bedding, 
 properly drained. (See Drains, Stables, Ventilation^ 
 
 Brain. — It would be impossible within the limits of 
 space available for the purpose to enter into an exhaustive 
 description of the horse's brain, but an allusion may be 
 made to its functions and formation. Briefly, it may be 
 mentioned that the two main parts — namely, the cerebrum, 
 which is the organ of thought, and the cerebellum, which 
 directs the muscular movements — are connected with the 
 spinal cord by a third, called the medulla oblongata, which 
 is a most important organ inasmuch as it controls the 
 breathing and, consequently, the life of the animal. The 
 cerebellum is situated at the top of the head, and the 
 cerebrum below it, behind the forehead, and hence a blow 
 behind the ears is liable to affect the power of the horse 
 to move. The weight of the brain is about \\ lbs., the 
 cerebrum being seven times heavier than the cerebellum ; 
 and it may be added that the size of a horse's brain in com- 
 parison to that of the body compares unfavourably with 
 those of the dog, cat, ass, and pig, though it is superior to 
 that of horned stock. (See histinct, Intelligence, Memory^ 
 
 Brake. — A four-wheeled open vehicle, constructed to carry 
 a considerable number of people sitting face to face. In 
 addition to the box-seat some brakes carry a second row 
 of passengers behind the driver, (See Carriages, Char-a- 
 Ba?ic.) 
 
 Bran, although not very nutritious, is largely used as 
 an addition to the grain and chaff allowance of horses in 
 order to prevent the animals from bolting their food. If 
 given in the form of a mash it is a gentle laxative, and may 
 be substituted for the last feed the night before a horse gets 
 
 36 
 
BRANDING — BREAKING 
 
 a rest, and also if the animal is unwell or in an exhausted 
 state, when it may refuse grain. The way to make a bran 
 mash is to place from 2 to 4 lbs. of bran in a bucket that 
 has been heated, and flavour with a little salt, then add boil- 
 ing water according to the amount of bran used, sufficient 
 to thoroughly damp it. Stir thoroughly until it is well 
 mixed up, cover it over with a thick cloth, and it will be 
 ready for use in twenty minutes. (See Gruel, Restoratives.) 
 
 Branding. — Branding with hot irons is the most 
 common means of distinguishing the horses belonging to 
 different owners who turn their breeding stock on to common 
 land. The practice, however, is open to objection, as the 
 marks are frequently great disfigurements when the animal's 
 coat has been the subject of care to his groom in after life, 
 and consequently the branding irons had better be applied 
 to the sides where the saddle will hide them in the case of 
 riding horses. It is a difficult matter, too, to distinguish 
 brands at a distance when horses have on their long winter 
 coats, and therefore some breeders adopt other methods of 
 identification. Branding numbers on the feet is a practice 
 adopted by the Government and many owners of large studs in 
 order to identify their horses. (See Ear Marks, Tail Notches.) 
 
 Break. — A horse's action is said to break when he 
 changes from a trot into a canter, or a walk into a trot, at 
 the will of the person in charge of him or otherwise. (See 
 Off his Feet.) 
 
 Breaking. — It is a sad but most unquestionable fact that 
 many hundreds of valuable colts are utterly ruined every 
 year by the incompetence or the bad tempers of those to whom 
 the responsibility of breaking them is entrusted. Perhaps 
 a third cause may be said to be the undue haste which 
 characterises the work of the professional horse-breaker, who 
 may happen to have a number of pupils on his hands at 
 
 Z7 
 
BREAKING 
 
 Breaking Bit (plain). 
 
 the same time, and so has not the leisure, even if he 
 possessed the inclination, to do full justice to each of them. 
 A common mistake made far too often is for the breaker 
 
 to ignore the fact that every horse 
 is influenced by its own peculiari- 
 ties, which ought to be studied if a 
 complete success is to be achieved ; 
 and hence the first piece of advice 
 to be given is, study the temper 
 and disposition of the colt, and 
 act accordingly, alvv^ays remembering that though firmness 
 is necessary, ill-treatment and over-bitting are sure to spoil 
 the animal. 
 
 All foals should be accustomed to be handled from a 
 very early age in order that they 
 acquire confidence, and it is, more- 
 over, most desirable that they 
 should be thoroughly used to the 
 feel of a head collar ; hence it is 
 necessary that they should wear 
 these for two or three days a 
 week ; and if they are taught to 
 lead, a good deal of trouble is likely 
 to be saved the breaker. On no account should the colt 
 be thrashed or bullied if he hangs back, or is in any way 
 awkward when first led : persuasion is far better ; but he 
 must not be let off if he refuses to move, else he will get 
 the idea into his head that he, and not the breaker, is 
 master. 
 
 In order to accustom him to the feel of the head collar, 
 the latter, with a piece of cord about 8 or lo feet long 
 attached to it for leading purposes, may be left on the colt 
 when his lesson is over, the cord being tied up in a secure 
 coil and left hanging down. After he leads well, a cavesson, 
 with a long line made of webbing attached to the ring in 
 front of the nose-band, may be substituted for the head 
 collar, and lungeing lessons should begin. The pupil should 
 
 38 
 
 lireakiiig Bit (with keys). 
 
BREAKING 
 
 not be given the whole length of the webbing at first, or 
 until he has quieted down and shown signs of an inclination 
 to move round. If he fights, patience must be displayed, 
 and a little kindness will go a long way towards giving him 
 confidence. Should he decline to move, it may be necessary 
 to administer a little gentle persuasion with the whip, which 
 should be used by an assistant, as, if the man who holds the 
 
 Lungeing a Colt. 
 
 line applies or cracks it — the latter will often be all that is 
 required — the colt naturally tries to get away, instead of 
 going round in a circle, as desired. It is a great mistake to 
 lunge a colt for too long at a time when his education is 
 beginning, as it not only sickens him of the whole thing, 
 but he is apt to turn giddy ; therefore two or three twenty- 
 minutes or half-hour spells a day, with a reasonable interval 
 between them, are quite enough to commence with, and of 
 course it is not suggested that he should be kept moving 
 fast all through each lesson. 
 
 After the colt has become handy, a roller with a crupper 
 
 39 
 
BREAKING 
 
 attached to it, and also buckles or rings for the side reins, 
 
 should be put on 
 him ; and for the 
 first time he should 
 have a bit in his 
 mouth. The latter 
 should be smooth 
 and thick, some 
 persons preferring 
 a straight mouth- 
 piece, and others a 
 snaffle ; but what- 
 ever may be the 
 pattern selected, 
 the bit should fit 
 easily, and there 
 should be guards 
 at the cheek to 
 prevent the colt 
 drawing it through 
 his mouth. It is 
 best to let him stand for an hour or so, in order to get accus- 
 tomed to the feel of the bit and surcingle, and then he can 
 be taken out and lunged as before. As soon as he goes 
 steadily, which may take some days, the side reins may be 
 fastened on each side from the bit to the surcingle, loosely 
 at first and gradually tighter, so that he is taught to carry 
 his head, and to become resigned to the control of the rein. 
 After the colt has learned to go steady under the above 
 conditions, long reins may be substituted for the webbing 
 line, and he can be used to be directed by the reins, so that 
 he will turn or stop as the breaker desires, and understand 
 the reason for the pressure that is brought to bear on him. 
 
 Whilst the above course of schooling is in progress, the 
 colt may be gradually introduced to the excitements of the 
 road by being led about on the highways along which other 
 animals and vehicles pass. It is safer, however, to lunge 
 
 40 
 
 Breaking-roller. 
 
BREAKING 
 
 him before starting, for if he comes out of the stable fresh, 
 he is easily excited, and may struggle, thereby injuring 
 himself, or becoming so scared that he may be timid for 
 the rest of his life. After he has become amenable to the 
 touch of the reins, a saddle or harness may be put on him, 
 the way to proceed being to let him have a good look and 
 smell at them first and then gently to put them on, taking 
 care that the girths or belly-band, as the case may be, are not 
 drawn too tight, and that the collar fits very easily. It is 
 not desirable that the colt should be taken out at once when 
 harnessed or saddled, it being the better plan to let him 
 stand in the stable on the pillar reins for a few hours a day 
 with the saddle or harness on, his exercise being taken with 
 the long reins and cavesson, but the girths or belly - band 
 can be taken up a hole each day until tight enough for 
 business purposes. 
 
 If he is being broken to harness it is necessary that 
 everything, the collar in particular, should fit well, and be 
 perfectly sound and strong, for if anything breaks, not only 
 may a serious accident occur, but he may be scared out 
 of his wits. At first he may be led about with part or all 
 of the harness on him, according to the way he is behaving, 
 and knee-caps should be worn to prevent injury if he comes 
 down, every precaution being taken to prevent any part 
 of the harness not in use from flapping against his legs, 
 particularly behind, else he is sure to start kicking. The 
 first vehicle he should go in is a brake alongside a good 
 steady horse who will do all the work, and the earlier lessons 
 should be short, their duration being extended as the colt 
 learns what is required of him. After he is steady in double 
 harness he can be put in a two-wheeled trap, a fairly heavy 
 one, with a kicking strap on, every possible care being taken 
 to avoid his being frightened in any way by the shafts 
 coming roughly against him. Some colts will take to their 
 leather at once, others give a good deal of trouble, in which 
 case the golden gift of patience must be exercised by the 
 breaker. If he is disinclined to move, a man can lead the 
 
 41 
 
BREAST CLOTH — BREATHING 
 
 pupil, and in any event some one should be at his side in 
 case he stops suddenly, as some will do. In most cases, 
 however, after two or three days between the shafts the 
 process of breaking will proceed smoothly. 
 
 When the colt is to be broken to saddle, he may be led 
 about and lunged with one on his back at first, the stirrups 
 being added after he has become steady. Should he be 
 timid it is a good plan to accustom the colt to the feel of a 
 weight on his back by fixing a horse-cloth with something 
 heavy wrapped up in it on the saddle. After that he may 
 be carefully mounted by a light-weight man, who should not 
 be in too great a hurry to get into the saddle. It is best 
 not to upset the colt at this point, else he may always be a 
 difficult horse to mount, and, therefore, before trying to take 
 his seat, the rider should accustom the colt to feeling his 
 weight in the stirrup, and when this part of the lesson is 
 learned, it will be an easy matter in most cases to gain the 
 saddle. 
 
 Many teachers adopt the use of a dumb jockey in the 
 earlier stages of breaking, the object being to accustom the 
 colt not merely to the feel of a weight on his back, but to 
 the pressure of the reins in his mouth. The apparatus is 
 no doubt useful in cases, but it is not indispensable for 
 the purposes of breaking. (See Bits^ Cavesson, Schoolings 
 Surcingle.) 
 
 Breast Cloth. — That part of a horse's clothing which 
 covers the breast, extending from the two ends of the quarter 
 piece, to which it is buckled. (See Clothing.) 
 
 Breast Plate. — A thin strap through which the martingale 
 runs ; it goes round the lower part of the neck of a riding 
 horse, and is fastened to each side of the saddle by short 
 straps. (See Martingale.) 
 
 Breathing. — The normal rate of breathing is ten to 
 twelve breaths a minute, this being, of course, increased by 
 
 42 
 
BREECHING — BREEDERS' SOCIETIES 
 
 exertion, though if a high rate of respiration is continued 
 for some time after he has been pulled up suspicions as to 
 his soundness are fully justified. The act of breathing 
 consists of taking air into the lungs by way of the nostrils, 
 larynx, trachea, and bronchial tubes, and expelling it from 
 them by expanding or decreasing the chest through the 
 action of the diaphragm. Hence the great importance of 
 either a wide chest or else a deep one, and of nicely rounded 
 ribs. (See Blowing, Broken Wind, Roaring, Whistling^ 
 
 Breeching is very useful in assisting the horse to stop 
 the vehicle to which he is harnessed, and to aid him in 
 taking it down a hill, when the weight presses forward upon 
 him, and there is no pole to help as in the case of a pair. 
 The best sort of breeching buckles on to the tugs of the 
 back-band, passing round the buttocks of the horse, but in 
 some cases the ends are fastened to the shafts about i foot 
 or 1 8 inches behind the stops. 
 
 Breeders' Societies. — Of late years a very large number 
 of gentlemen who have the constant improvement of the 
 horse at heart have formed themselves into societies for 
 the purpose of encouraging the breeders of the varieties 
 they are interested in. It is to the exertions of the members 
 of such societies that the marked improvement that has 
 taken place in many breeds is due, and it may be added 
 that there is satisfaction in recording the fact that in almost 
 every case the number of members is increasing yearly. 
 The following are the leading horse and pony societies : — 
 
 Cleveland Bay Horse Society of Great Britain and Ireland — Secretary, 
 
 Thos. Curry, jun., Norton Carr, Nunthorpe, R.S.O., Yorkshire. 
 Clydesdale Horse Society of Great Britain and Ireland — Secretary, 
 
 Arch. M'Neilage, 93 Hope Street, Glasgow. 
 Hackney Horse Society — Secretary, Frank F. Euren, 12 Hanover 
 
 Square, London, W. 
 Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland — Secretary, James 
 
 Macdonald, 3 George IV. Bridge, Edinburgh. 
 
 43 
 
Breeding 
 
 Hunters' Improvement Society — Secretary^ A. B. Charlton, 12 
 
 Hanover Square, London, W. 
 London Cart Horse Parade Society — Secretary, Frank F. Euren. 
 
 12 Hanover Square, London, W. 
 New Forest Pony Association — Secretary, H. St Barbe, 72 High 
 
 Street, Lymington, Hants. 
 Polo and Riding Pony Society — Secretary, A. B. Charlton, 1 2 
 
 Hanover Square, London, W. 
 Royal Agricultural Society of England — Secretary, T. M'Row, 
 
 Bedford Square, London, W. C. 
 Royal Commission on Horse Breeding — Secretary, J. Herbert Taylor, 
 
 12 Hanover Square, London, W. 
 Shetland Pony Stud Book Society — Secretary, Robert R. Ross, 
 
 Balmoral Buildings, 67 Green, Aberdeen. 
 Shire Horse Society — Secretary,]. Sloughgrove, 12 Hanover Square, 
 
 London, W. 
 Suffolk Horse Society — Secretary, Fred. Smith, Woodbridge, Suffolk. 
 Yorkshire Coach Horse Society — Hon. Secretary, John White, the 
 
 Grange, Appleton Roebuck, Bolton Percy, R.S.O., Yorks. 
 Welsh Pony and Cob ^ocxtX.^ — Secretary , James Hamer, Greenfield, 
 
 Penybont, Radnorshire. 
 
 Breeding". — The pursuit of breeding horses is one that 
 is accompanied by a certain amount of risk, owing to the 
 possibility of losses occurring which may undo the work 
 of years. Moreover, although success is morally certain to 
 attend the operations of one man who conducts his business 
 upon a rational basis, by which is meant one who manages 
 his breeding and young stock properly and carefully thinks 
 out his crosses, there is always an element of chance in con- 
 nection with raising horses, and this may dishearten some 
 men who are not blessed with a spirit of perseverance. The 
 breeder who means to succeed must determine to have 
 nothing to do with animals v/hich possess hereditary disease, 
 as their infirmities are certain to reappear in their stock, 
 if not in the first generation, at all events in the second or 
 the third. He should, in thinking out his crosses, omit no 
 endeavour to ascertain the peculiarities of the family to 
 which the horse he intends to use belongs, in order to satisfy 
 himself that the stallion in question is by his breeding likely 
 
 44 
 
BREEDING STUDS 
 
 to suit the mare. A haphazard alliance may very possibly 
 result in a good foal being thrown, but the true breeder will 
 look further ahead than the first generation, and will therefore 
 endeavour to assure the new blood which he is introducing 
 into his strain being productive of permanent and beneficial 
 results. 
 
 Prima Facie, it must be admitted that the idea of deciding 
 upon a stallion which by his shape and make is likely to 
 eradicate any faults in the mare is a sound one ; indeed, it 
 would be infallible were it not for the possibility of the 
 horse inheriting imperfections from his sire or dam, or 
 some remoter ancestors which are liable to appear in his 
 stock. The cautious breeder will therefore make it his 
 business to ascertain all that he can concerning the family 
 to which a stallion he thinks of using belongs ; and he can 
 derive a great deal of valuable information in the way of 
 learning how experiments made by others who may have 
 attempted similar crosses have turned out. Were it not for 
 the tendency of all animals to throw back to some more 
 or less remote ancestor on either side, horse-breeding would 
 cease to be the lottery it is, as two animals would go on 
 throwing exactly the same class of stock, which, under existing 
 circumstances, they never do. This fact is, doubtless, in a 
 measure responsible for the pleasure experienced in breeding 
 a good horse, and for the value of the animal when he does 
 appear, as if there were more good horses in existence their 
 value would naturally become less. (See Atavism, Breeding 
 Studs, Brood Mare, Foals, Foaling, Stallion, Telegony.) 
 
 Breeding" Studs. — In selecting a site for his breeding 
 stud the horse owner will be acting in his own interests if he 
 determines to adapt his policy to the requirements of the 
 horse he means to raise. This is because it is a fact beyond 
 dispute that certain points are largely influenced by soil and 
 climate, and hence it is quite possible for the success of a 
 breeder to be jeopardised if his stud farm is situated in a 
 locality which, though it might be perfectly suitable for one 
 
 45 
 
BREEDING STUDS 
 
 variety of horse, may be absolutely unfitted for the breed he 
 wishes to keep. For instance, the Fen country, though most 
 suitable for Shires, is not a good one for the Hackneys, the 
 soft, heavy land being conducive to the development of hair 
 on the legs, but it does not assist in producing a corre- 
 sponding hardness of bone, though there may be plenty of 
 this latter. 
 
 Many people, moreover, make the mistake of providing 
 an insufficiency of land for the accommodation of their 
 breeding and young stock, the result being that the horses 
 suffer from the effects of overcrowding, and the land itself 
 becomes poor through never being allowed a rest, for every 
 meadow should be permitted a respite, as the ground will 
 become sick if horses are always on it. When the horses 
 are removed it is desirable that some bullocks or sheep 
 should be put on the land to finish it off. 
 
 In arranging his stable buildings the breeder should 
 bear in mind that in addition to putting up boxes for his 
 brood mares and providing straw yards with sheds attached 
 for the accommodation of his stock when necessary, proper 
 precautions should be taken for ensuring the comfort and 
 well-being of the stallions. It is often the practice of breeders 
 to keep these horses in very dark, uncomfortable boxes, where 
 they pass miserable existences in perpetual twilight, with 
 absolutely nothing to decrease the prospect of their con- 
 tracting vices which reduce the value of many stallions, and 
 undoubtedly influence the prices of their foals. 
 
 It is necessary, too, for a breeder to satisfy himself that 
 the available water supply is sufficient and of good quality, 
 that the land is free from ergot, which will induce abortion 
 amongst his mares, and that the fences are in good order and 
 capable of keeping the animals within bounds. There should 
 be some meadows lying well back from the high roads so 
 that the in-foal mares which are of a nervous disposition 
 should not be frightened by strange sights and sounds at a 
 critical period ; but, on the other hand, a field from which a 
 good view of traffic can be obtained is quite suitable for 
 
 46 
 
BREEDS OF HORSES — BRIDLES 
 
 young stock, as they thus become familiarised with the out- 
 side world. (See Brood Mare, Foals, Pasture, Soil, Stallion, 
 Water.) 
 
 Breeds of Horses. — More attention has undoubtedly 
 been paid to the breeding of horses in recent times than 
 formerly was the case, thanks in no small measure to the 
 efforts of the various societies of horse-breeders which have 
 been established. The different varieties of leading horses 
 and ponies which are now recognised are all described 
 under their own headings. These are the Arab, Barb, 
 Cleveland Bay, Clydesdale, Hackney, Hunter, Shire, Suffolk, 
 and Yorkshire coach-horse. The ponies include the Polo, 
 Dartmoor, Exmoor, Fell, Highland or Garron, New Forest, 
 Welsh, and Shetland. In addition to the above there 
 are the Australian and Argentine horses, the American 
 trotter, and such valuable continental varieties as the Holstein, 
 Oldenburgh, Orloff, Percheron, and Schleswig breeds, which 
 see. 
 
 Brick Paving is a very good flooring for a stable, pro- 
 vided always that it is well laid and the bricks used are 
 hard and not absorbent of moisture. If they are soft and 
 porous the purity of the atmosphere of the stable will be 
 seriously affected. On the other hand, the hard blue bricks 
 often used are excellent for the purpose of paving, and so 
 are the small hard red ones, especially if laid edgeways. 
 (See Floors.) 
 
 Bridles. — A saddle horse's bridle can scarcely be too plain, 
 especially if it is worn by a neat-headed horse, such as most 
 hacks are, and in the case of a man such additions as a 
 rough lower edge to the nose-band, a stitched nose-band, 
 ornamental cheeks, round reins and the like are simply 
 unpardonable. The bridle, of course, should fit properly, a 
 tight or loose nose or brow-band being unsightly, and care 
 should be exercised to ensure the bit fitting properly at the 
 
 47 
 
BRIDOON— BROKEN KNEES 
 
 corners of the mouth, as if it hangs loosely the horse is not 
 under proper control, whilst if too tight it injures the lips. 
 Lastly, the throat lash nriust only be tight enough to keep 
 the bridle in its place; if it is buckled up too close it interferes 
 with the animal's breathing, and is a source of discomfort to 
 him. (See Bits, Bitting?) 
 
 Bridoon. — The snaffle bit which is worn by some horses in 
 addition to the ordinary bit. It is attached by reins of its 
 own to a hook in the pad, as in the case of a bearing-rein. 
 (See Bearing-rein.) 
 
 Brisket is the name of the part situated at the lowest 
 portion of the chest above the elbows. 
 
 Brittle Hoofs are the result of an insufficient supply 
 of oil in the horse, and may be the result of fever. An 
 excellent homely dressing to apply is an ointment 
 derived from mutton fat, which may be used on 
 the walls and soles. (See Mutton Fat.) 
 
 Broken Knees, though not invariably associ- 
 ated with unsoundness and a liability on the part 
 of their possessors to fall, are always unsightly, 
 and may reasonably be regarded as a potential 
 source of weakness and accident. Of course, the 
 importance of this blemish depends upon the 
 nature and severity of the injury. 
 
 Treatment. — If the tissues are exposed, and still 
 
 more if the joint is so cut that the knee grease 
 
 begins to run, the services of a professional man 
 
 should be sought for without delay, and in bad 
 
 cases the patient should be placed in slings. In 
 
 severe cases the horse should not be allowed to 
 
 '^e1ght° walk a yard further than is positively necessary ; 
 
 Bandage, y^^^ jj^ mild cases he can be taken home and 
 
 attended to. To commence with, the wound should be 
 
 48 
 
BROKEN WIND 
 
 gently yet thoroughly sponged with cold water, as cold as 
 can be borne, in order to check any bleeding and to cleanse 
 the wound, the water being allowed to trickle over the injury 
 from above and not dabbed on if it is a severe cut. Any 
 rough pieces of skin which may be hanging to the sides 
 should be left on, as if they are removed the healing process 
 will be retarded, but they should be placed as nearly as possible 
 in their former positions. Then the wound may be frequently 
 lightly sponged with a lotion made up of tincture of arnica, 
 one dram, water, half a pint, after which it may have a covering 
 of antiseptic lint, kept in its position by a bandage in figure of 
 eight. Should the injury be severe, the horse must be slung, 
 and a veterinary surgeon sent for. (See Cuts, Slings.) 
 
 Broken Wind is a term that is often unjustly applied 
 to a hard blower, but when a horse is really afflicted 
 by this form of unsoundness, his case may practically be 
 regarded as incurable, though he still may be able to per- 
 form some sort of work. Broken wind is usually preceded 
 by a short, chronic cough, the existence of which should 
 prepare the owner of the animal for what is coming, 
 though possibly, if taken in time, it may be alleviated. The 
 symptoms of broken wind are unmistakable, as though the 
 affected horse can inhale air easily and smoothly enough, 
 the action of breathing it out is jerky and usually consists 
 of two distinct efforts. If the flanks are watched carefully 
 during the process of expiration the irregularity is clearly 
 noticeable, and in many cases it is distinctly obvious whilst 
 the animal is quiet, though naturally it is more marked after 
 he has been made to exert himself The causes of broken 
 wind are principally over-working a horse at a fast rate when 
 he is unfit, and a course of improper feeding, such as mouldy 
 or dusty hay. 
 
 Treatment. — There is practically no cure for broken wind, 
 but relief may be gained by limiting the supply of water and 
 by feeding the horse frequently and in small quantities upon 
 grain, bran, and chaff that has been well damped — dry food, 
 
 49 D 
 
BRONCHITIS OR INFLAMMATION 
 
 especially long hay, results in an aggravation of the evil — 
 whilst a periodical dose of linseed oil will be found of 
 assistance to him. (See Coughs^ Grunting, Hay, Roaring, 
 Whistling) 
 
 Bronchitis or Inflammation of the bronchial tubes is 
 scarcely a disease for the amateur to treat single-handed, 
 but still circumstances may easily arise under which he is 
 compelled to do his best for the horse. 
 
 Symptoms. — A quick pulse, high temperature, and rapid 
 breathing, accompanied by dulness and a redness of the lining 
 of the eyelids, and generally by a nasty dry cough which 
 clearly causes pain ; whilst there is an unmistakable rattling 
 sound produced by the air passing through the bronchial 
 tubes if one's ear is placed against the sides. 
 
 Treatment. — The horse should be placed in a large, airy 
 box, but entirely out of the reach of draughts, and his back 
 and sides fomented with hot water. After he has been dried, 
 
 rub linament on his chest 
 and put on warm clothing ; 
 rub the legs well and put on 
 woollen bandages. If the 
 breathing becomes worse 
 linseed poulticesor mustard 
 may be applied to the sides, 
 and he may be allowed to 
 inhale steam, the water in 
 the nose-bag being mixed 
 with chaff to prevent its 
 splashing. Give him plenty 
 of cold water to drink, 
 but knock off all his dry 
 food, feeding him on gruel, 
 mashes, green meat, or 
 scalded carrots. (See Fom- 
 entations, Gruel, Mashes.) 
 50 
 
 Inhaler for use in cases of Bronchitis. 
 
BROOD MARE 
 
 Brood Mare. — Although it very often follows that a mare 
 that has been a first-rate worker develops into a successful dam 
 it is not invariably the case, and as often as not the failure 
 is due to an absence of proper care in the selection of the 
 stallion. Ill - judged motives of economy on the part of 
 her owner, or a disinclination to search too far afield for a 
 suitable sire, have ruined the reputation of many a mare, 
 which has done far better later on in other hands ; hence 
 the necessity of exercising discretion in choosing a horse 
 to put her to. 
 
 The principal points to be sought for in a brood mare, 
 irrespective, of course, of her breeding, which is a most impor- 
 tant matter, are a sound constitution, a good roomy middle 
 piece, and a set of short flat legs, whilst it is essential that 
 she should be free from the taint of hereditary disease. Her 
 style of going, too, is a matter for consideration in the case 
 of most varieties ; but it may here be pointed out that it 
 very often occurs that a beautiful riding or harness mare 
 may possess faults which are calculated to depreciate her 
 merits as a brood mare. A light-boned, narrow, tucked-up 
 mare may make a fine show under saddle, or between the 
 shafts, but she is not the stamp to breed from, and hence 
 the mistake so many judges make when they confuse a 
 brilliant display on the part of a sensational mover with the 
 sort of merit that should attach to a mare whose duty it is 
 to shine as a breeder. On the other hand, a mare which 
 has proved herself a good worker usually throws a good foal. 
 It may be pointed out, too, that the tendency of the day 
 is to favour the stallions which possess their full share of 
 quality, the prevailing belief being that the horse has more 
 to do with the finish of the foal than the dam, the latter 
 being thought to be chiefly responsible for the internal 
 organs of the foal. It is therefore doubly incumbent upon 
 breeders to select the old-fashioned, long, low stamp of 
 brood mare, so that her substance may counteract to some 
 extent any tendency towards lightness that may exist on 
 the side of the stallion. The parents which lack substance 
 
 51 
 
BROUGHAM 
 
 are practically certain to breed a light foal, and, consequently, 
 if, as is usual, the horse is inclined to quality, and possibly 
 to weediness, the dam should be on the substantial side. 
 
 It is impossible to draw any hard and fast line as regards 
 the aee at which a mare should be bred from, as some 
 very young ones, such as three-year-olds, have produced 
 excellent foals, and so, too, have mares which have reached 
 the limits of the twenties. As a rule, however, four years 
 old is quite early enough to commence ; but there are excep- 
 tions to every rule, and if a filly looks like overgrowing 
 her strength, and a check is desired to be placed upon the 
 way she is shooting up, this will often be accomplished by 
 breeding from her. Under any circumstances it is essential 
 that an in-foal mare should be well nourished, not necessarily 
 over-fed, as it must be always remembered that the good- 
 ness of the foal will depend to a great extent upon how 
 the dam is kept whilst she is carrying him. It is the worst 
 possible policy, therefore, to keep in-foal mares upon poor 
 land, or to deny them a sufficiency of good, wholesome food 
 if they are in the stable. There is no necessity at all for 
 not working; a brood mare until within a week or two of 
 the date when she is expected to foal, but work must not 
 be fast or of an exhausting nature during the latter part of 
 pregnancy. Under any circumstances she should not be 
 denied exercise, and reasonable care should be taken to 
 ensure her bowels being kept open, as if they become con- 
 stipated injury may result to the foal through her straining 
 to relieve them. Consequently, mares kept in the stable or 
 straw yard should be supplied with grass or other green 
 food, with the addition of an occasional bran mash if neces- 
 sary. (See Breedmg, Foaling, Imagination, Inversion of the 
 Uterus, Saturation, Stallion, Weaning^ 
 
 Brougham. — A four-wheeled closed carriage for one or a 
 pair of horses used for private purposes. Broughams are 
 either double or single, the former providing seats for four 
 persons, the latter for only two. In either case the front 
 
 52 
 

 
 
 ■l^^'^^ 
 
 2 ■^ 
 
 ■^5 
 
/iROW BAND — BRUSHING 
 
 upper portion of the vehicle is of glass, the upper back 
 panels are always of wood. (See Carriages}^ 
 
 Brow-band. — That part of a bridle or head collar which 
 passes above the eyes across the forehead. (See Harness.) 
 
 Bruised Oats form a useful food for sick or young horses 
 when mixed with chop. They are also to be recommended 
 when the digestion is impaired by reason of bad teeth, old 
 age, or a habit of bolting food. Bruised oats should be 
 carefully purchased, if they are not prepared on the premises, 
 as grain of inferior quality may be supplied. As they do 
 not keep so well as whole oats, large quantities should not be 
 laid in. (See Feeding, Oats.) 
 
 Bruises may be caused by accidents of many sorts and are 
 invariably associated with tenderness of the part affected 
 and occasionally by swelling. The first thing to do is to 
 reduce the pain by fomenting the bruise at frequent intervals ; 
 and then, should there be a swelling and the skin is unbroken, 
 some liniment may be rubbed on it. (See Qits, Fomentations. 
 Liniments^ 
 
 Brushing. — A horse is said to 
 brush when he strikes one fetlock 
 joint with the hoof of the other side 
 as he moves. The injury is more 
 usually associated with the hind-legs 
 than with the front ones. Brushing 
 is due to several causes, the chief of 
 which are faulty shape or action and 
 bad shoeing. In the latter case it may 
 be remedied ; in the former ones it will 
 probably remain incurable. Should the 
 injury be temporary, the fetlock should 
 be protected by a boot of some kind, 
 and a dressing of carbolic acid — one 
 pint to forty of water — may be applied. 
 (See Boots, Bruises, Cuts, Speedy Cut, 
 Yorkshire Boot.) 
 
 53 
 
 Brushing. 
 
 .■! ■» 
 
B UCKE T — B UGGY 
 
 Bucket. — An indispensable stable utensil which should 
 be made of wood. 
 
 Buck Eye. — A term now applied to a prominent eye 
 which is usually believed to be associated with short sight. 
 In days gone by the expression conveyed an exactly opposite 
 meaning, being used when referring to a small-eyed animal. 
 (See Eyes, Pig Eye) 
 
 Buckjumping, or bucking, as it is often called, is a not 
 uncommon cause of disaster to careless or bad riders. It 
 consists of a sudden upward spring on the part of the horse, 
 which lifts all his legs off the ground at the same time and 
 simultaneously arches his back and lowers his neck. Bucking 
 is a far more common vice amongst horses raised on ranches 
 than amongst those who have been handled whilst young, 
 but bad breaking and unnecessarily severe bits account for 
 many cases, whilst sometimes horses indulge in a playful 
 buck simply because they are over-fresh. 
 
 Buck Knees. — Knees which turn inwards towards each 
 other. (See Ktiees.) 
 
 A Buffer. 
 
 Buffer. — An instru- 
 ment used by shoeing 
 smiths for removing the 
 clinches out of the ends 
 of nails when taking a 
 shoe off (See Clinches, 
 Shoeing.) 
 
 Buggy. — This name is now applied to any form of 
 Stanhope gig, but it is generally understood to denote the 
 higher grade of Stanhope gig with leather hood, closed 
 panels, and the orthodox buggy suspension, as illustration. 
 The lighter and cheaper styles of buggy are called Stanhope 
 gigs. 
 
 54 
 
B UNT—B UTTO CK 
 
 Bunt. — A fungus which attacks grain, rendering it unfit 
 to eat. It takes the form of an almost black powder and 
 smells like fish, the stalks and ears becoming shrivelled up, 
 (See Mildew, Rust.) 
 
 Hooded Buggy. 
 
 Burst Blood Vessels. — Horses not infrequently suffer 
 from these as a result of over-exertion, and the tendency to 
 do so is undoubtedly hereditary. In such cases the blood 
 may either gush from the nostrils, in which event it may 
 be assumed that a large vessel has been injured, or it may 
 only trickle, which shows that it is not a very serious matter. 
 Treatment rhust depend upon the severity of the bleeding, 
 but in any case the front of the head from the nostrils 
 upwards should be bathed with the coldest water procurable, 
 or have ice applied ; the object being to get the blood to 
 coagulate, and so to stop the bleeding. In severe cases 
 a solution of acetate of lead or tannic acid may be injected 
 up the nostrils, but this duty should be performed by a 
 professional man. After the bleeding ceases, the horse should 
 be kept very quiet and cool for some days, and his work for 
 some time should be extremely light. 
 
 Buttock. — The part at the back of the thighs. The point 
 of the buttock is the part which projects out a few inches 
 below the tail. (See Points^ 
 
 55 
 
BUYING 
 
 Buying. — When purchasing a horse the inexperienced 
 buyer should bear well in mind the moral of the legal axiom 
 " caveat emptor" as pitfalls beset the inexperienced on every 
 side. It unfortunately happens, however, that most people 
 who are in want of a horse regard themselves as judges, not 
 merely of conformation, but of soundness, and retain this 
 opinion until they discover that they have been victims of 
 a misplaced confidence in their own judgment. Occasion- 
 ally, too, a prospective purchaser relies upon the advice of a 
 friend as ignorant as himself, but who likewise professes to 
 know all about horses, and in such cases the result is usu- 
 ally disastrous. The best way for a man who possesses no 
 knowledge of horse-flesh to proceed is to go to a dealer whose 
 character stands high — there are many of these — and whose 
 position would prevent him being party to a fraud ; the addi- 
 tional price he may have to pay will probably be justified 
 by results ; or, failing this, he may receive assistance from the 
 head of one or other of the great firms that hold periodical 
 sales of horses. Unless a person is a thoroughly practical 
 judge and possesses a knowledge of veterinary practice, he 
 should be very careful in dealing with private individuals 
 who advertise horses, and particularly with those who make 
 it a practice to do so. Some of these people are undoubtedly 
 perfectly honest, but, on the other hand, a considerable 
 proportion of them are quite the reverse ; and hence the 
 inexperienced are certain to receive better treatment at the 
 hands of an avowed horse-dealer or breeder who has a 
 reputation to lose. 
 
 In buying a horse, in addition to the question of sound- 
 ness there are certain objectionable points or malformations 
 which, excepting under exceptional circumstances, should 
 cause the purchaser to seriously consider the rejection of the 
 animal. Amongst these may be enumerated short, straight 
 shoulders, weak or straight pasterns, in-turned and out- 
 turned toes, a long back, weak loins, a short thick neck, 
 a pig eye, flat sides, sickle hocks, cow hocks, thin, odd, 
 or contracted feet, and (for riding purposes) low withers. 
 
 56 
 
CABRIOLET — CALKINS 
 
 As regards action, it may be added that a horse which goes 
 close either before or behind should be rejected, whilst, of 
 course, such decided faults as brushing, over-reaching, and 
 speedy cutting should never be overlooked. (See Auction 
 SaleSy Repositories, Soundness.) 
 
 Cabriolet is a cab-shaped gig with leather hood and a 
 standing-board behind for a small servant or groom. The 
 cabriolet was at its zenith of fashion in the early Victorian 
 era, but has now gone quite out of favour and is seldom or 
 never used. 
 
 Calculus. — A hard lump of matter resembling a stone 
 which forms on the intestines of horses as a result of swallow- 
 ing dusty food, or a minute particle of wood or metal which 
 lodges in the inside and provides a centre for part of the 
 food to attach itself to. The substance in time becomes 
 hard and stonelike, and eventually causes 
 inflammation and death. As a proof of how 
 such calculi originate, it may be mentioned 
 that the famous St Leger winner, Robert 
 the Devil, died from the effects of one 
 which had formed round a small piece of 
 zinc which he is believed to have gnawed 
 off his manger ; whilst a half-sovereign was 
 discovered to be the nucleus of a calculus 
 which killed another famous horse. 
 
 Calf Knees are knees which bend 
 backwards from the perpendicular. (See 
 Knees.) 
 
 Calf Knees. 
 
 Calkins. — The projections caused by bending down the 
 heels of a shoe in order to afford a secure foothold for the 
 
 :>/ 
 
CANKER — CANTER 
 
 horse. They should never be used in the case of light horses 
 which have to travel fast along hard roads, excepting in 
 cases of emergency during frosty weather, or if the foot 
 is diseased, which may make it necessary to raise the heel 
 temporarily, as the height of the calkins throws the weight 
 of the body towards the toes. Occasionally calkins are on 
 the toes of shoes. (See Frost Nails, Shoeing.) 
 
 Canker is one of the 
 most serious ills that affect 
 the feet of horses. It more 
 often attacks the hind-feet, 
 and can be recognised by 
 its evil smell and a fungoid 
 growth on the soles of the 
 feet, which sometimes spreads 
 to the wall of the hoof As 
 a matter of fact, the hopes of a 
 cure are very slight, and under 
 any circumstances canker is 
 beyond the art of the amateur 
 to treat successfully, so the 
 services of a professional man 
 should be obtained. (See 
 Thrush.) 
 
 A Cankered Foot. 
 
 Cannon Bones. — The large bones which lie between the 
 knee and the fetlock on the fore-leg, and the hock and the 
 fetlock on the hind ones. At the back of the cannon bone 
 are situated the outside and inside splint bones, the back 
 tendons, and the suspensory ligament, which see ; also Bones, 
 Conformation, Splints. 
 
 Canter. — This form of action can scarcely be regarded as 
 a natural one, but rather as a reduced form of gallop. A 
 horse at the canter moves rather obliquely, with the shoulder 
 on the side of his leading leg, which is usually preferred to 
 be the off one, slightly in front of the other. Assuming 
 
 58 
 
CANTHARIDES — CAPPED ELBOWS 
 
 that he leads with the off fore-leg, his feet come to the 
 eround as follows : first the near hind-lesr, then the off hind- 
 and near fore-leg simultaneously, and lastly the off fore-leg. 
 Then the three-time movement is repeated, from which it 
 will be seen that the leading leg does most of the work, and 
 therefore it is a relief to the horse if the rider makes him 
 change it after a while. If it is necessary to turn a horse in 
 a circle when he is cantering, such as is the case at shows, it 
 is desirable that the leading leg should be the outside one, 
 else there is a chance of his crossing his feet and coming 
 down. (See Action^ 
 
 Cantharides. — See Spanish Fly. 
 
 Cantle. — The cantle of a saddle is the highest part at 
 the back. (See Saddle.) 
 
 Capillaries. — Minor blood - vessels connected with the 
 arteries. (See Arteries, Heart, Veins.) 
 
 Capped Elbows are swellings on the elbow, caused by 
 the heel pressing against the elbow when the horse lies down. 
 
 Capped Elbow. Elbow Boot (to prevent capped elbow). 
 
 The application of tincture of iodine may succeed in reducing 
 • them ; but sometimes they are removed by the knife. If so, 
 this is the work of a professional man. 
 
 59 
 
CAPPED HOCKS — CARRIAGES 
 
 Capped Hocks are soft excrescences which appear on 
 the points of the hocks, and are usually the result of a horse 
 injuring himself when kicking, or from 
 his coming into contact with some 
 heavy and hard substance. Though 
 unsightly, capped hocks are not serious 
 matters, and are not regarded as proofs 
 of unsoundness. 
 
 Treat^nent. — Capped hocks of old 
 .standing are' incurable, but if when they 
 first appear they are fomented with hot 
 water for a couple of days, and then 
 p. d H k painted for three days with strong tinc- 
 
 ture of iodine, they may be reduced. If 
 necessary, this treatment may be followed by blistering. 
 (See Blistering, Prescriptions^ 
 
 Carbolic Acid is a most valuable disinfectant, and 
 likewise extremely useful as an application in a diluted 
 form — about one part in twenty — to wounds. (See Medicines.) 
 
 Carotid Artery. — The large artery of the neck which 
 with the jugular vein lies below the aesophagus and above 
 the trachea. (See Arteries, Bleeding.) 
 
 Carpus.— The knee. 
 
 Carriage of Horse. — A horse is said to carry or wear 
 himself well when he moves with his head and tail up, and 
 goes in a free and lively fashion. (See Action.) 
 
 Carriages. — The following are the names of the different 
 best known varieties of vehicles, some of which are practically 
 of an obsolete type. For descriptions of them see their 
 respective headings — Barouche., Brake, Brougham, Buggy, 
 Cabriolet, Char-n-Banc, Chariot, Coach, Curricle, Dog- cart, 
 
 60 
 
CARE OF CARRIAGES 
 
 Drag^ Gig, Governess Car, Jaunting Car, Landau, Lorry or 
 Lurry, Mail Phaeton^ Ralli Car, Road Waggon^ Sleigh, 
 Sulky, Victoria, Wagonette. 
 
 Carriages, Care of. — Carriages should be kept in a 
 fairly warm coach-house, for which reason there should be 
 means of heating them in very cold weather. The place 
 should be lighted by a small window, so placed that the sun 
 cannot beat upon the vehicles, and the latter ought always 
 to be kept covered all over by a calico or other sheet when 
 not in use. The cushions should be brushed and placed 
 inside, and the sooner the carriages are washed after coming 
 in the better, as it is easier and less likely to injure the varnish 
 on the panels and the leather-work if the mud is removed 
 before it cakes on. Outside the coach-house there should 
 be a paved space, sufficiently large to allow the carriage to 
 stand on it with a few extra feet all round ; this pavement 
 ought to slope very gently towards a drain, so that the 
 water can run off quickly. There should also be a tap for 
 filling the pails and another for connection with the hose, 
 which ought to be used in washing carriages. After the 
 hose has been allowed to play upon the outside and under 
 the carriage, all mud and dirt should be carefully sponged off 
 and the parts dried with cloths and leathers. When the 
 wheels are washed it is necessary to raise them by means 
 of a raiser or setter placed under the axle, so that they 
 will spin round. The use of the spoke brush is not recom- 
 mended, though all servants like to do so as it saves them 
 time and trouble, but if used carelessly the hard back of 
 the brush is liable to injure the paint and varnish, so a 
 large sponge and plenty of water are better for the purpose. 
 When thoroughly dried the carriage should be taken back 
 to the coach-house at once, in order to avoid its getting 
 dusty, and if it possesses a hood, as in the case of a Victoria, 
 the latter should always be put up, as the leather is apt 
 to crack if it is left down too long. (See Coach - house. 
 Setter.) 
 
 6i 
 
CARROTS — CASTING HORSE 
 
 Carrots are a most excellent food for horses, and incom- 
 parably the best of all roots for animals in hard work. All 
 horses like them, and many a shy feeder will be tempted 
 to eat a carrot when he will refuse all other food. It is 
 necessary that they should be sliced up small, cutting them 
 lengthways, else pieces are liable to get lodged in the throat. 
 (See Choking, Feeding, Laxatives.) 
 
 Cart-horse. — A general term applied to the heavier 
 varieties. (See Clydesdale, Shire, Suffolk?) 
 
 Cartilage is a species of gristle which connects and 
 protects the ends of the bones. 
 
 Casting Coat. — Horses cast their coats in the spring, 
 either early or late according to the weather, a cold winter 
 and delayed spring causing the winter coat to come off 
 slower. It is never wise, if it can be avoided, to clip a horse 
 at this time, as the operation does the summer coat no good ; 
 but in a very late season it is sometimes necessary to do 
 so, if the coat has grown sufficiently to spoil his looks or 
 to cause him to become overheated. A good deal of extra 
 grooming and warm clothing will usually accomplish much 
 in the way of getting the coat off, but care must be taken 
 to prevent him catching cold. (See Clipping, Singeing?) 
 
 Casting Horse. — There are several methods of casting 
 a horse, but that explained in the accompanying illustration 
 is as simple and safe as any when there is a refractory animal 
 to deal with. It consists of a rope looped round the neck, 
 from which lines extend to behind the back pasterns, where 
 they cross and return to the loop at the neck, whence they 
 are extended to behind the horse. A man takes hold of 
 each end and a third holds the horse by the halter. On 
 the ropes being pulled the hind-legs are brought forward, 
 and a slight push at the shoulder from a fourth man will 
 bring the animal gently over on to his side, where he can 
 
 62 
 
CA S TORS — CA S TRA TION 
 
 be easily kept if his head is pulled over towards the shoulder, 
 and then his legs can be secured if it is necessary to do so. 
 
 Casting Tackle. 
 
 A truss or two of straw should be provided for him to fall 
 over on. 
 
 Castors, also styled chestnuts, are the callous, horny 
 excrescences which horses possess above the knees and below 
 the hocks on the inside of their lees. 
 
 Castration. — The desirability, nay, the necessity, of 
 subjecting superfluous stallions to the operation of castra- 
 tion must be admitted by everybody who has studied the 
 question of horse-breeding, as what he has seen and learned 
 cannot have failed to convince him that countless most 
 undesirable sires are bred from every year. It is, however, 
 probable that a mistaken, but none the less very widely- 
 spread belief that it is dangerous to use stallions for work 
 in saddle or harness, is mainly responsible for the large 
 proportion of castrated males, or geldings as they are 
 usually described, which are to be met with in England. 
 On the continent the proportion of geldings to stallions is 
 not nearly so large, and there are evidences in this country 
 
that the prejudice against working entire horses has con- 
 siderably declined. On the other hand, the existence of 
 unsound and in other ways undesirable stallions in large 
 numbers is a serious menace to the success of horse breeders 
 in any district, as there is an ever-present prospect of such 
 animals being used for breeding purposes to the detriment of 
 horse-flesh generally. The operation of castration or gelding 
 is usually performed when the colt is from one to two years 
 old, but it is frequently postponed until a later age in order 
 that the crest and masculine appearance may be more 
 developed. Many cases, moreover, are known in which 
 stallions which have sired foals have been castrated when 
 quite of middle age in order to develop them into exhibition 
 harness horses. There is, of course, an additional risk 
 attached to the performance of so serious an operation 
 upon an old horse, and it not infrequently occurs that the 
 intentions of his owner are thwarted by a subsequent loss 
 of action, though numerous exceptions to this might be 
 quoted. The best periods of the year for the operation to be 
 performed are the spring and autumn, when the weather is 
 neither too cold nor too hot, as extremes of temperature 
 increase the risks and delay recovery. Under any circum- 
 stances the operation and subsequent treatment should be 
 entrusted to a professional man to perform. (See Gelding, 
 Stag, Stallion) 
 
 Cataract consists of a speck upon the pupil of the eye 
 which may cover only a part of the organ, or all of it. In 
 the latter case it causes blindness, and is easily recognised, 
 but in the former it is not so easy to detect and constitutes 
 a serious danger to those using the horse, as his impaired 
 vision is apt to make him shy. If a cataract is suspected, 
 darken the stable and hold a lighted candle in front of the 
 eyes, when the speck will be seen in the pupil. There is no 
 cure for cataract but an operation of a very delicate nature, 
 which only a skilled professional man is capable of under- 
 taking with any prospect of success. (See Eyes.) 
 
 64 
 
CATARRH^CAVALRY HORSE 
 
 Catarrh is a form of cold which, if taken in time or if 
 present in a mild form, is a matter of little importance, but, 
 on the other hand, if allowed to develop, it may become a 
 serious matter. The ordinary symptoms are dulness, shiver- 
 ing, and a discharge from the nose, usually associated with 
 fever. 
 
 Treatment. — Place the patient in a warm but well- 
 ventilated box apart from other horses, clothe him warmly, 
 and wrap his legs in flannel bandages. Reduce his allowance 
 of corn to a minimum and give him warm soft food. Should 
 there be a cough, rub his throat with liniment, and if his 
 bowels are confined, give him an enema of tepid water. A 
 small quantity of nitrate of potass in his water may also prove 
 beneficial, but in the case of an ordinary chill, nursing and 
 quiet are the great things. Should his temperature increase, 
 his cough become worse, or his breathing quicker, advice 
 should be obtained, as a cold often leads to serious illnesses 
 if neglected. (See Bronchitis, Pleurisy, Pneumonia?) 
 
 Cats. — A good mouser is a valuable addition to every 
 stable, as not only do most horses, and especially those which 
 are kept by themselves, enjoy the society of a cat, but 
 anything which keeps down mice — as these animals destroy 
 more food than they consume — is useful. There is often a 
 difficulty in keeping the stable cat in his proper place, 
 however, and therefore on no account should the animal be 
 allowed to come into the house, and he should never be 
 fed or given his allowance of milk anywhere but in the stable 
 or harness-room. (See Mice?) 
 
 Cavalry Horse. — The class of horse required for ordinary 
 cavalry purposes is one that conforms to a considerable 
 extent to the requirements of the hunting man. Hence he 
 should be short-legged, with good sloping shoulders, and 
 possess his fair share of thoroughbred blood. It is essential, 
 moreover, that he should be up to weight, and hence he must 
 
 65 E 
 
CA VESSON — CHAR-A-BANC 
 
 have plenty of bone, a good back and quarters, and sound 
 feet. All these requirements are necessarily difficult to 
 procure at regulation price, and would probably be beyond 
 the reach of Government buyers were it not that breeders 
 of hunters, unfortunately for themselves, are generally in the 
 possession of misfits which they gladly dispose of. The 
 favoured height in this country is about 15 hands 3 inches 
 or over, but there can be little doubt that smaller animals 
 more of the cob type would be better able to endure hard 
 work, and the smaller ones are favoured by several foreign 
 governments. (See Charger.) 
 
 Cavesson. — A sort of head collar which is worn by young 
 horses when being broken. It is made with a throat and 
 cheek straps, and has a stout padded nose-band with a 
 covering of iron, and there is one ring on a swivel in front 
 and one ring on each side of this nose-band which is kept 
 in position by a strap which goes up the forehead. (See 
 Breaking.) 
 
 Cement Floors.— See Floors, Stables. 
 
 Chaff is in a general sense merely hay cut up small so 
 as to render it capable of being mixed with the horse's corn. 
 Chaff may, however, be composed of clover, straw, or other 
 substances in addition to hay, as may be required. (See 
 Feeding, Hay.) 
 
 Chafing. — See Galls. 
 
 Chain Snaffle. — A bit, the mouthpiece of which is of 
 chain instead of being, as usual, solid metal. (See Bits.) 
 
 Chapman's Horse. — See Pack Horse. 
 
 Char-a-Banc. — A four-wheeled open vehicle constructed 
 to carry a large number of people, who sit with their faces 
 towards the horses, a gangway running up the centre of the 
 char-a-banc. There is often a second seat behind that of 
 the driver, as in the case of the brake. (See Carriages.) 
 
 66 
 
CHARGER — CHARLIER SHOE 
 
 Charger. — An officer's first charger, if not thoroughbred, 
 should be as near it as possible. He must be up to great 
 weight if required to serve in any of the heavy regiments, 
 and his shoulders and bone should be of the best, whilst he 
 must show plenty of heart room, and possess good quarters. 
 There are plenty of first-rate chargers produced by hunter 
 breeders which find their way into the possession of military 
 men, and these possess more bone and substance, and are 
 therefore masters of more weight than the average thorough- 
 bred. The second charger should be on the same lines as 
 the other, but he is not required to be so valuable a horse, 
 nor is he always entirely free from minor blemishes which 
 would not be passed over in the case of an animal required 
 for parade purposes. (See Cavalry Horse.) 
 
 Chariot is a four-wheeled carriage and under-spring 
 carriage with a body made to carry two persons. It has 
 hammercloth and standards in front and carved standards 
 and standing-board behind for two or more footmen. The 
 body is shaped like a coach body 
 behind and has a brougham shaped 
 pillar in front. 
 
 Charlier Shoe. — The main object 
 of the Charlier method of shoeing is to 
 permit the sole, bars and frog of the 
 foot to be left untouched by the farrier. 
 In order to accomplish this and at the 
 same time to protect the horn of the 
 hoof, the shoe is fixed, not to the side, 
 but in a groove of the outside wall. 
 So as to allow for this the groove is 
 made all round the outside of the hoof Hoof prepared for 
 in such a manner that it will exactly Charher Shoe. 
 
 accommodate the shoe and allow the frog to rest on the 
 ground. It must, of course, be obvious to everybody that it 
 is far easier to fit a Charlier shoe to some feet than it is to 
 
 67 
 
C HAUNTER — CHILD'S PONY 
 
 others ; but there can be no doubt that in many cases, and 
 for certain roads, the horse travels better if his feet are 
 permitted to discharge their natural functions in as natural 
 a manner as possible. Nor can it be denied for an instant 
 that the feet of countless horses are seriously, if not per- 
 manently, injured through their soles, bars, and frogs, being 
 tampered with by shoeing-smiths. (See Shoeing, Shoes.) 
 
 Chaunter. — See Bonnet. 
 
 Check Rein. — See Overhead Check Rein. 
 
 Chest. — The chest of a horse is situated behind the 
 fore-arms, and should always be deep in order to provide a 
 sufficient amount of space for the heart and lungs to work 
 in ; and, consequently, a horse that is well let down behind 
 the fore-arms and possesses the right sort of bent ribs is what 
 is wanted. A breadth of chest, of course, supplies more room 
 for the internal organs than a narrow one, but if a horse's 
 fore-legs are placed wide apart, that is, if he has a considerable 
 width of chest, he is usually deficient in speed when com- 
 pared with a narrower chested member of his own variety. 
 On the other hand, width of chest is usually associated with 
 stamina and strength, therefore in breeds in which speed is 
 not a primary consideration a narrow chest is not considered 
 desirable. 
 
 Chestnuts. — See Castors. 
 
 Child's Pony. — The selection of a pony for a juvenile 
 member of the family must depend a good deal upon the 
 age and disposition of the child. For very small children a 
 Shetland may be recommended, but unless there are other 
 and younger boys and girls who may have some use 
 for him afterwards the Shetland is soon outgrown by his 
 juvenile rider, especially if the latter is ambitiously inclined 
 and desires to accompany grown-up people in their rides, 
 
 6Z 
 
CHILLS— CHOP 
 
 as the little pony could not keep up with the bigger horses. 
 A Dartmoor, P^xmoor, or Welsh pony is therefore to be 
 recommended, as these are most admirable rides for children 
 if properly selected, and excellent specimens not much over 
 12 hands can be procured. It may be added that a very 
 broad-backed pony should not be selected for a boy to ride. 
 (See Dartmoor, Exmoor, Welsh.) 
 
 Chills. — See Catarrh. 
 
 Chin Groove. — The ridge at the back of the under lip 
 where the curb chain should rest. 
 
 Chink Back. — See Jinked Back. 
 
 Choking. — If the obstruction cannot be reached by the 
 fingers or any form of tweezers which may be available, an 
 attempt to assist it to pass down the gullet may be made by 
 gently manipulating the outside of the throat. Sometimes 
 a dose of oil and water, repeated if necessary, may enable 
 the horse to either eject or swallow the mass. Failing the.se, 
 the smooth handle of a whip, or a piece of rope, the end of 
 which has been well lashed round with twine, may be passed 
 down the gullet after having been well greased, care being 
 taken to avoid the wind-pipe. As a desperate resort, the 
 neck may be opened to remove the obstacle, but this is a 
 dangerous operation for an amateur to perform, owing to the 
 risk there is of blood vessels being cut. Extreme cases, how- 
 ever, necessitate immediate treatment, and so risks have to 
 be taken. Subsequently to this operation the wound must 
 be sewn up, and the horse must be kept from food for as 
 long as it is safe to do so, and then only given mashes. (See 
 Stitching Wounds.) 
 
 Chop. — A mixture of corn or roots, or both, with bran 
 and chaff. (See Feeding.) 
 
 69 
 
CLAY BEDDING — CLEAN LEGS 
 
 Clay Bedding. — A clay bed made of damp clay assists 
 in cooling the feet in cases of inflammation, such as navicular 
 disease. The horse should be kept standing on it during the 
 daytime and be removed to his box of a night. 
 
 Cleaning Harnes. — The proper way to proceed is to 
 take the harness to pieces so as to ensure all the metal and 
 leather-work being thoroughly cleansed, attended to, and 
 dried ; but this is not possible in every stable. First remove 
 any mud, using a slightly damp sponge and some sound soap 
 which will not spoil the leather, if necessary applying a brush 
 to the parts from which the sponge fails to remove the dirt. 
 The less water used the better, and when the leather is 
 perfectly dry the compo or paste may be lightly applied 
 with a brush and polished with another one, but these 
 brushes must not be hard, or they will scratch the surface. 
 
 Clean Legs. — Legs which are free from blemishes. (See 
 
 Clean Fore-legs. 
 
 Clean Hind-legs. 
 
 70 
 
CLE VELAND BA Y—CLE FERNESS 
 
 Curbs^ Knuckling Over, Spavin^ Splints, Thoroughpin, 
 Wind-galls^ 
 
 Cleveland Bay. — This very valuable variety of carriage 
 horse derives its name from the district in which it is 
 popularly believed to have had its origin, and no doubt the 
 north of England has always been its stronghold, though 
 as a fact most of the best Clevelands of the present day 
 hail from Yorkshire. The original source from which the 
 Cleveland Bay was derived was, doubtless, the old Chapman's 
 horse of our forefathers, improved unquestionably by crosses 
 with the thoroughbred ; a distinct variety of horse with plenty 
 of individuality about it being the result of a systematic 
 course of breeding. A hundred years ago and more, that 
 is, about the middle of the eighteenth century, the Cleveland 
 Bay was a far heavier horse than he is now, but this was not 
 by any means detrimental to his popularity, in fact quite 
 the reverse, as roads were worse and vehicles heavier in those 
 remote days ; in addition to which, the agriculturalists who 
 bred them were always able to put their Clevelands to honest 
 work upon the farm until sold. Even at the present time 
 the Cleveland Bay is a somewhat plain horse, especially 
 about the head, when compared with some other breeds, but 
 he is a grand-looking worker in a heavy landau or state 
 coach, and frequently an extremely good mover into the 
 bargain. He is, moreover, undoubtedly the most powerful 
 of all the British varieties of light horse, there being plenty 
 of specimens standing 17 hands high, and over, to be found ; 
 and it may be added that the only recognised colour is bay, 
 with black points, but a dark list or eel mark along the 
 back is permissible, as are dark Zebra-like stripes across 
 the thighs. (See Breeders Societies, Breeds, and Yorkshire 
 Coach-horse.) 
 
 Cleverness may be described as an aptitude possessed 
 by some horses for extricating themselves from difficulties 
 which may unexpectedly arise. Thus if a rider falls a clever 
 
 71 
 
CLICKING— CLIP 
 
 horse will avoid treading on him, or if the animal itself 
 blunders over a fence, or stumbles on the road, his cleverness 
 may save him from coming down. A horse to be able to 
 exercise his natural gift of cleverness may be expected to 
 have well - developed brain-power, a nice, light fore-hand, 
 well-placed, lengthy shoulders and powerful quarters. (See 
 Brain?) 
 
 Clicking. — See Forging. 
 
 Climate undoubtedly affects the growth of a horse, those 
 bred in cold regions being small and those under genial 
 climates big. Of course, the nature of the soil and other 
 circumstances influence size as well, else the horses of the 
 East would certainly be larger than they are. A damp 
 climate promotes the growth of horn on the hoof, but it 
 depreciates its quality by making it soft. A similar observa- 
 tion applies to muscle and to the density of a horse's bone, 
 a most important fact which should be borne in mind by 
 breeders. Horses imported into hot climates from temperate 
 ones usually suffer a great deal from the effects of the heat 
 for a while, but as a rule they become acclimatised after a 
 time, though some never get over the change. (See Bone^ 
 Breeding Studs, Foot.) 
 
 Clinches. — The ends of the nails which appear outside 
 the hoof after they have been driven through the shoe and 
 wall. These ends should be driven into the wall of the hoof 
 to prevent the nails from working out. (See Buffer, Shoeing^ 
 
 Clip. — {a) The part of the shoe which turns up in front of 
 the toe, and in some cases at the sides of the hoof. (See 
 Shoeing^ 
 
 {b) An American expression, equivalent to an English 
 term " burst " or " dash " used to denote a horse's speed over 
 a short distance. 
 
 {c) A term applied in some places to young horses during 
 the long-tailed period of their existence before they are broken. 
 
 72 
 
CLIPPING 
 
 Clipping. — It is customary to clip the coats of most 
 light horses, such as hunters and carriage horses, during the 
 winter months. The reason for this is that it is much easier 
 to dry and groom an animal that has had his long coat 
 removed than it is to attend to an undipped one ; whilst 
 it may be added that horses look better with their coats off, 
 and get over the ground at a fast rate without sweating 
 nearly so much. Of course, it is not invariably necessary to 
 clip a horse if appearances only are studied, as a prolonged 
 course of daily grooming, very warm stables, and an extra 
 allowance of clothing will accomplish much in the way of 
 keeping the coat fine and short. It is not, however, every 
 groom that can spare the additional time to his horses of a 
 morning, whilst the hot stabling and heavy clothing increase 
 the chances of their taking cold when out-of-doors, so it is 
 the best and safest course to apply the scissors. Horses 
 which have been clipped should not be allowed to stand about 
 more than is absolutely necessary when at work, and if it 
 is impossible to avoid their doing so, a rug, or at least a loin 
 cloth, should be placed over them to minimise the prospect 
 of chills being contracted. 
 
 As a rule it is not necessary to clip a horse before his 
 winter coat is fully grown, but circumstances alter cases, and 
 not only do the coats of some horses come on faster than 
 others, but the warmth or coolness of the season naturally 
 affects the growth ; still, the end of October is about the 
 usual time for operations to commence. 
 
 A good deal of experience is required to clip a horse 
 properly, and if the work is badly done the appearance of 
 the animal is simply ruined. It is absolutely necessary, 
 therefore, to be sure of the ability of the clipper before 
 allowing him to get to work, and therefore if an owner has 
 any doubts as regards the competency of his own man, the 
 wisest course for him to adopt is to engage a professional 
 clipper, as the few shillings charged will be well laid out. 
 Of late years the difficulty of clipping a horse has been 
 largely reduced by the manufacture of specially designed 
 
 73 
 
CLOTHING 
 
 machines of various makes ; but it may be added that whilst 
 some of these are admirably adapted for the purpose, others 
 are practically useless. 
 
 Opinions — perhaps it would be more correct to say tastes 
 — differ somewhat as regards the style in which horses should 
 be clipped, it being a common practice amongst hunting 
 men to leave the coat in its natural condition under the 
 saddle, so as to avoid the risk of a sore back, and not to 
 touch the legs at all. Some owners of harness horses who 
 do not study the appearance of their animals subscribe to 
 the latter view, the object in either instance being to reduce 
 the chances of mud fever. (See Mud Fever, Shaving, 
 Singeing.) 
 
 Clothing. — A most important factor in the well-being 
 of a horse is a rational system of clothing him. Upon 
 this subject it is not unusual to find the opinion of masters 
 and their servants radically opposed to each other, as, apart 
 from a tendency to unduly coddle their horses which 
 possesses some grooms, there is the fact that the coat of a 
 horse which is kept heavily clothed is much easier to keep 
 bright than that of one which only stands moderately, and 
 it may be added healthily, warm. It is always by far the 
 best arrangement, though it adds a little to the expenses 
 of a stable, to provide one set of day clothing and one of 
 night clothing for each horse. This enables the set not in 
 actual use to be hung up and aired, for, of course, it is 
 an extravagance to allow a horse to lie down in, and soil, 
 a stylish set of day clothing ; whilst no owner who takes a 
 pride in his stable would like to see his horses out-of-doors 
 in blankets which would be admirably adapted for night 
 wear. Hence the desirability of providing a duplicate suit 
 for each horse, both for summer and winter wear, if possible. 
 
 The material of which horse clothing is made varies as 
 much as that used for men's coats or ladies' dresses ; but in 
 all cases the best will be found the cheapest in the end. 
 Therefore wool for day wear and Whitney for night use 
 
 74 
 
CLOTHING 
 
 in winter are recommended ; whilst cotton check for use 
 during the day, and a thin blanket for night are recom- 
 mended for summer purposes — a word of warning being 
 added to the effect that if an owner gives an order and 
 pays for wool he should make certain that he gets it. There 
 
 Clothing and Bandages. 
 
 must, of course, be additional under-cloths provided, excepting 
 in very hot weather, when a plain cotton sheet will be amply 
 sufficient for the daytime, the number and weight of these 
 under-cloths being left to the discretion of the man in charge. 
 The under-cloths, not being seen, may be of any colour or 
 pattern so long as they fulfil their purpose of keeping the horse 
 warm, and can be properly secured upon him. As a rule 
 they take the form of Whitney blankets, which may or may 
 not buckle in front of the breast, though it must be obvious 
 that if several are used they cannot all fasten in front, but 
 that some of them must be kept in place by the roller which 
 goes round the body. 
 
 A full set of clothing for day wear consists of a hood 
 (which is very seldom used in the stable, but is worn out- 
 of-doors if the horse is going on a journey, or is being 
 
 75 
 
CLO VER — CL YDESDALE 
 
 exposed to cold), a breast-cloth, and a quarter-piece. Occa- 
 sionally a pad cloth is added to go under the roller, and 
 sometimes the breast-cloth and quarter-piece are united in 
 one piece, known as the quarter-sheet, which buckles in 
 front. It is usual to have the day clothing cut so as to fit 
 the horse, but this is not necessary in the case of night 
 clothing or blankets. 
 
 Clover, owing to its holding so much water, is not 
 easy to turn into good hay, as it is apt to become mouldy, 
 and samples, therefore, should be carefully examined. When 
 in good condition it is an excellent food for horses if given 
 in their chop as chaff. It is much liked by them in the 
 summer as a green food, but it is not so good for animals 
 in hard work as meadow hay, and therefore the allowance 
 of clover should be limited in such cases. (See Chop, Feed- 
 ing, Forage?) 
 
 Clydesdale is more breedy-looking than the Shire, but is 
 not so weighty, though he is a faster walker and equal 
 to drawing very heavy loads. The breed is essentially a 
 Scottish production, as may be judged from the name it 
 bears, and owes its origin and excellence to the efforts of 
 the Duke of Hamilton, who, about the middle of the 
 eighteenth century, imported some black stallions from 
 Flanders with the object of improving the horses of the 
 south of Scotland. From these the modern Clydesdale 
 has unquestionably sprung, but the skill and enterprise of 
 more recent breeders have effected still further improvements, 
 and, doubtless, the Shire horse was used in many cases to 
 aid the process of development. In the present day, how- 
 ever, the two breeds are totally distinct, each possessing its 
 own Stud Book ; whilst it may be added that the popularity 
 of the Clydesdale in such great cities as Glasgow, Manchester, 
 and Belfast, is unrivalled, and that the exportations to Canada, 
 and other parts of the world where an active, heavy draught- 
 horse is in demand for town work, are increasing annually. 
 
 76 
 
CL YS TERS — CO A CH 
 
 Although there is nothing at all mean or insignificant- 
 looking about the head of a Clydesdale, this point is not 
 so massive as that of the Shire, but he is the more active 
 and refined-looking horse all over. The neck is full, yet 
 elegant, and it is neatly set on to rather long and nicely 
 sloping shoulders, the slope of the latter being important 
 as the liberty of the horse's action depends upon them. The 
 chest is deep and of a good breadth, the fore-legs being heavy 
 in bone and straight, with big flat knees and nicely sloping 
 pasterns of good length for a heavy horse. All the limbs 
 should be well supplied at the back with a profusion of long 
 silky hair quite free from curl or vvaviness, and not growing 
 on the sides or front of the legs. The body is deep behind 
 the fore-arms, well sprung at the ribs, with nice, flat, lengthy 
 quarters and powerful loins ; whilst the thighs should carry a 
 great deal of muscle, and the hocks be well let down and 
 slightly but not too much bent. The feet of all horses are 
 points of considerable importance, and in none more so than 
 in the Clydesdale, in the case of which breed they must be 
 correct in shape, fairly large, and absolutely free from any 
 suspicion of weakness or unsoundness. As a rule the best 
 horses of this breed are bay or brown in colour, though very 
 often the legs show a good deal of white, which is not liked ; 
 the average height is about 17 hands, or a little less, for 
 stallions, whilst mares as a rule measure less. (See Breeds^ 
 Breeders' Societies, Heavy Horse.) 
 
 Clysters. — See Enemas. 
 
 Coach. — The modern road coach is very similar to the 
 old stage coach of our fathers' days, but it is better and 
 lighter built and hung on better springs. The park coach, 
 on the other hand, is a very much improved vehicle, the 
 design having been remodelled and all the art of the modern 
 coachbuilder being devoted to the production of a handsome 
 coach which shall at the same time combine lightness with 
 strength. (See Boots, Park Team, Road Team.) 
 
 77 
 
CO A CH- HORSE — CO A CHMAN 
 
 Coach-horse. — See Yorkshire Coach- horse. 
 
 Coach-house. — The coach-house should be airy, well 
 ventilated, yet not cold ; in fact it should be provided with 
 some means of warming it, either by a stove, hot water pipes, 
 or even by a lamp, so that the frost can be kept out when 
 the weather is cold. It should not be dark, and yet the 
 windows ought to be so arranged as to prevent the sun from 
 beating down upon the vehicles. The best of all floors is a 
 cement one, but asphalt or any other smooth surface will 
 suit if laid flat. The doors, if possible, should extend the 
 whole width of the house, and should be provided with stops, 
 so as to keep them open when the carriages are being run in 
 or out, or when they are left open for airing purposes, as they 
 should be in warm weather. Finally — and this is important — 
 the coach-house should be as far away as possible from the 
 manure heap or any open drains, the effluvia from which is 
 injurious to paint and varnish, and outside the door there 
 should be the pavement for standing carriages on when they 
 are being washed. (See Carriages, care of.) 
 
 Coachman. — Were the ordinary horse owner to exercise 
 a little more care and discretion in engaging his coachman, 
 his horses would do better, and he might not run risks which 
 occasionally threaten him. At the same time a really com- 
 petent and in every way desirable coachman is very hard 
 to find, and when he is, he should be valued accordingly. 
 Not merely is it necessary that he should be a good driver, 
 but he ought to possess a knowledge of the elementary treat- 
 ment of diseases and accidents, and be able to decide what 
 bits suit his horses' mouths the best, should his master not 
 happen to be a practical man. To the coachman, under such 
 circumstances, will also be left the responsibility of feeding 
 the horses, the control of the grooms and stablemen, and, 
 what is perhaps of even greater importance, the passing of 
 the forage merchant's, harness maker's, coach-builder's, and 
 shoeing smith's accounts. In short, a good coachman must 
 
CO A T— CO CAT J IL 
 
 not only possess a perfect knowledge of stable craft and 
 horses, but he must be a conscientious, sober man. 
 
 Coat — A horse begins to get his winter coat about the 
 end of September, and sheds it for his summer one in the 
 spring, the precise times being influenced by the warmth, 
 or the reverse, of the weather. Animals which are out at 
 grass develop coats of quite remarkable density which 
 provide ample protection from the weather unless it is 
 unusually severe, and if the hand is placed under a coat the 
 outside of which is saturated by rain, the skin will usually 
 be found to be quite dry and warm owing to the closeness 
 of the underjacket through which the water cannot penetrate 
 excepting in exceptional cases. Under-bred horses usually 
 carry far more coat and of a coarser texture than well-bred 
 ones, but it is nevertheless an unusual practice to clip or 
 singe cart-horses. The latter are not often clothed in the 
 stables, and hence their natural disposition to carry a heavy 
 coat is encouraged, as the warmer a horse is kept the less 
 jacket he grows. This is, of course, well known to stable 
 servants, and hence their partiality to plenty of rugs on their 
 horses. (See Casting Coat, Clipping, Shaving, Singeing.) 
 
 Cob- — The term applied to animals of the intermediate 
 height between the horse and the pony — that is, from 14 
 hands 2 inches to 15 hands at the shoulder. 
 
 Cock Horse. — An expression denoting the spare horse 
 which is used to assist a four-horse team in cases of emergency. 
 The cock horse usually is ridden behind the coach, and carries 
 the necessary traces and bar, so that there need be no delay 
 in attaching him to the end of the pole by the means of a 
 rope connected with the bar and passing between the leaders. 
 In hilly countries the assistance of a cock horse is invaluable. 
 
 Cocktail. — An old expression designating a horse which 
 is nearly, but not quite clean-bred. 
 
 79 
 
COFFIN BONE — COLIC 
 
 Coffin Bone, or Os Pedis, or Bone of the Foot, 
 
 lies below the small pastern bone, and a little in front and 
 below the navicular bone. It is the chief seat of laminitis, 
 and rests upon the sensitive sole of the foot. (See BoneSy 
 Foot, Lamiftitts.) 
 
 Coffin Head. — This term is used to describe a coarse, 
 ugly face, in which the jowl is not sufficiently prominent to 
 relieve the plainness of the lower jaw. Hence the head 
 assumes something of the shape of a coffin. 
 
 Cold. — A horse can endure a great deal of cold, provided 
 he is not exposed to draughts, or left standing about when 
 in a heated condition. Hence the great mistake so often 
 made by depriving horses of an adequate supply of fresh air 
 in their stables, and by overclothing them. This only makes 
 them delicate, and liable to contract chills when taken out ; 
 but it must always be remembered that there is a vast 
 amount of difference between good honest cold and that 
 which is associated with damp and draughts, than which a 
 stable can possess few, if any, graver faults. (See Coat, 
 Turning Out.) 
 
 Colds- — See Catarrh. 
 
 Colic is a common source of trouble to some horses, 
 and particularly to old ones afflicted with bad teeth which 
 prevent them from properly masticating their food. Other 
 causes that may be mentioned are, too deep a draught of 
 cold water when overheated, too large an allowance of grain 
 and hay, worms, overwork, indigestion, and other derange- 
 ments of the stomach. Many horses suffer severely from 
 attacks of colic, and throw themselves about in their pain 
 at times, injuring themselves thereby in many ways. Some- 
 times the belly swells considerably owing to the pressure of 
 gases in the stomach, the result of its containing undigested 
 food in a fermenting state, and, if so, relief may be obtained 
 by walking the animal about. 
 
 80 
 
COLIC 
 
 Treatment. — The belly should be well rubbed, a wisp of 
 straw being used for the purpose, and three or four ounces 
 of whisky or some other spirit in a quart of tepid water may 
 be administered. Should no relief be experienced from this, 
 two ounces of turpentine — this is the dose for a full-sized 
 adult horse — may be given in a pint of linseed oil ; or two 
 ounces of sweet nitre and one ounce of chlorodyne may be 
 administered in a pint of warm water, to be followed by a 
 similar dose of linseed oil, and a linseed meal and mustard 
 
 Poultice on the Belly. 
 
 poultice may be applied to the belly. If there is reason to 
 believe that the bowels are not acting, an enema of hot 
 water may be given, and this will usually assist in easing 
 the horse if his belly is distended by wind. A purgative 
 dose should also be given later on under any circumstances, 
 and the horse should be kept warm, his ears pulled and legs 
 rubbed. An attack of colic may pass off in a quarter of an 
 hour, or it may continue for a long time, in which case, if 
 the patient appears to be losing strength, professional advice 
 
 8 1 F 
 
COLLARS — COLOURS 
 
 should be obtained. (See Inflammation of the Bowels, Pre- 
 scriptions^ 
 
 Collars. — Great importance attaches to the proper fit of 
 the collar, and hence each horse should always wear his own. 
 If too large, the collar is pretty certain to gall or wring the 
 shoulders, and if too tight it will press on the windpipe 
 and half choke the horse. The best collars are lined with 
 leather and stuffed with horse-hair, and are to be preferred 
 to all others, as the leather does not absorb the moisture 
 and the horse-hair keeps its place better and is more springy 
 than any other stuffing. The inside of the collar should be 
 thoroughly sponged — provided, of course, that it is of leather 
 — when taken off, and in any case should be well dried and 
 aired before being used again, as if worn either in a damp or 
 dirty condition it may injure the skin by chafing. Collars, of 
 course, vary considerably in size, from the heavy ones worn 
 by cart-horses to the narrow ones which can barely accommo- 
 date the hames such as are used for show animals. (See 
 Cleaning Harness, Hames?) 
 
 Colours. — The most common colours amongst horses are 
 chestnut and bay, the former being steadily on the increase, 
 owing, no doubt, to the prepotency of the chestnut sires which 
 have made themselves popular of late. This is particularly 
 evident in the case of the hackney horse, which is rapidly 
 developing into a chestnut breed, to the consternation of dealers 
 who are called upon to supply carriage horses to customers 
 who prefer bays or browns. It may be mentioned, too, that 
 cases in which a chestnut sire and a chestnut dam have been 
 known to produce any but chestnut foals are extremely rare. 
 Browns are still fairly numerous, and so are greys, but black 
 horses are very rarely seen, excepting in connection with 
 funerals. Some difficulty is often experienced in distin- 
 guishing a dark brown from a black, but the question can 
 be settled by the colour of the muzzle, as if this is of a light 
 or mealy shade the horse is described as a brown. Both 
 
 82 
 
COLOURS 
 
 bays and chestnuts vary considerably as regards the shade 
 of their respective colours, the coats of some bays being 
 very light, whereas others closely approach the brown ; 
 whilst a dark or liver chestnut might easily be mistaken for 
 a brown by some people. But it may be mentioned that 
 the tail and mane of a chestnut are never black, and those 
 of a brown are always ot that colour, so the difference can 
 be detected. Bay horses usually possess black " points," 
 i.e., legs, tail, and mane, but not invariably so, and all colours 
 are frequently associated with white markings, which usually 
 take the form of a white star on the forehead, and white 
 heels, which are tolerated but not liked. Chestnuts of late 
 years have come to be greatly disfigured by heavy white 
 markings, which detract considerably from their appearance 
 and consequently affect their value. 
 
 In referring to chestnut the opinion may be expressed 
 that it is, comparatively speaking, a new colour so far as British 
 horses are concerned, for it is never to be found amongst 
 such old English breeds as the mountain or moorland 
 ponies of Wales and the West of England in their natural 
 state. Consequently, it may be taken for granted that any 
 chestnut ponies which are described as being Dartmoor, 
 Exmoor, or Welsh are not pure, but invariably cross-bred. 
 
 In addition to the above colours, roan is, happily, still 
 met with, as horses of this shade are usually robust in con- 
 stitution and strong. A roan is a horse whose natural colour 
 is shot over with white hairs, which in the case of some 
 animals are nearly as numerous as those of the darker shade. 
 In other cases the light-coloured hairs are very few, appear- 
 ing only about the loins or at the root of the tail, but still 
 their presence constitutes the animal a roan. The most 
 frequent shade is the red roan, sometimes referred to as the 
 strawberry roan, the general colour of which is a sort of 
 pinkish chestnut, in fact something of the shade known as 
 crushed strawberry; then come blue roans, chestnut roans, 
 bay roans, and brown roans. Grey horses are almost 
 invariably foaled black, or very dark in colour, the white 
 
 83 
 
COL T — COMBING 
 
 hairs commencing to make their appearance when the 
 young animals are a few weeks old, when they turn first into 
 roans and then into greys. The exception of the prevailing 
 rule occurs with the Royal white horses of the House of 
 Hanover, which were formerly used in the state coaches of 
 the kings of that country, as these are always foaled perfectly 
 white. The term flea-bitten grey is applied to a horse whose 
 grey colour is flecked all over with small dark specks ; as a 
 rule these appear on old animals. Piebalds are black and 
 white particoloured horses, and skew-balds may be either 
 bay, brown, chestnut, or grey and white, the markings in each 
 instance being pretty equally divided in the handsomest 
 specimens. The dun colour is difficult to describe, as it 
 varies from a yellowish shade of chestnut to a light reddish 
 shade of grey, the latter being frequently associated with a 
 dark stripe or eel mark down the back. The true cream 
 colour is usually accompanied by a reddish tinge of colour 
 in the tails, which are not of the silver or flaxen hue so 
 often met with in both chestnuts and creams. The sorrel 
 colour is a pale, yellowish chestnut, some hairs being of 
 darker shades than the others. 
 
 The most common colours of a horse's skin under the 
 coat are black and pink, or a mixture of the two, but there 
 is no rule to go by, and hence occasionally owners are much 
 surprised at the colour of their horses after the animals have 
 been closely clipped. (See Markings^ 
 
 Colt is the term expressed to describe a young stallion. 
 Opinions differ as to the age when the word ceases to apply, 
 but the general view places it at the time when the horse 
 enters upon his fourth year. 
 
 Combing. — Too much combing of the mane and tail is 
 not good, as it removes the hair and makes them thin. 
 However, if a mane is too thick it should be well combed 
 from the under side in order to remove the superfluous 
 hair. (See Grooming^ 
 
 84 
 
CONCRE TE — CONDI TION 
 
 Concrete is not infrequently used as a flooring for stables, 
 but it is not a good pavement for horses to walk upon, as 
 its surface, being smooth, affords a poor foothold, and if the 
 surface is made rough it soon crumbles away. On the other 
 hand concrete possesses the great advantage of allowing 
 water to run off it quickly. (See Floors.) 
 
 Concussion is the direct result of fast work on hard roads, 
 and hence cart-horses are rarely attacked by it. The heat and 
 tenderness with which it is associated usually produce severe 
 lameness, which frequently develops into navicular disease, 
 and therefore concussion should be dealt with promptly. 
 
 Treatment. — If there is much heat the shoes should be 
 removed and the feet placed in cold bandages, which must 
 be kept constantly damp, for a few hours. A mild purgative 
 may be administered, and the horse should be kept on a 
 cooling diet of mashes and green meat in order to reduce 
 the inflammation. In bad cases he may subsequently be 
 shod with a strip of sponge about h inch thick between the 
 wall of his foot and the shoe in order to reduce the concus- 
 sion. (See Lameness, Navicular Disease, Prescriptions, Shoeing, 
 Sponge Pad.) 
 
 Condition. — A horse, to be in proper condition, should 
 be at his very best both as regards his looks and his health. 
 For racing or hunting purposes he is naturally expected 
 to carry less flesh than if all that is required of him is easy 
 work at a more moderate pace ; but in any instance he must 
 show plenty of muscle, and feel hard to the touch when the 
 hand is run along his crest and neck, or placed against his 
 sides. Condition can only be produced by proper attention 
 to details of management, and it may be added that a fat 
 horse carrying a mass of blubber on his frame instead of 
 muscle presents a most deplorable object to the expert. 
 The expression " proper attention " is used above advisedly, 
 as it is, unfortunately, a by no means uncommon practice 
 amongst horse owners and their servants to make use of 
 
 85 
 
CONFORMATION — CONGESTION OF THE LUNGS 
 
 drugs, of the nature of which they are entirely ignorant, 
 to improve, as they imagine, the bloom of their horse's coat 
 and his condition generally. Antimony is frequently used 
 for this purpose, but it is a most dangerous drug to give a 
 horse, and its use in a stable should be absolutely forbidden. 
 It may be added, moreover, that a servant who surreptitiously 
 administers poisonous drugs to his master's horses is liable 
 to imprisonment, no matter how laudable his intentions may 
 be. (See Exercise^ Feeding, Medicmes.) 
 
 Conformation. — A very great deal depends upon the 
 shape of a horse, and the structural formation of each breed 
 depends to a considerable extent upon the useful purposes 
 to which it is devoted. Thus the riding horse should have 
 a long sloping shoulder and sloping pasterns, whilst the 
 draught animal requires to be exceptionally powerful about 
 the hind-quarters in order that he can start a heavy load. 
 The above are only generalities, all points of detail being gone 
 into elsewhere, but the mention of them goes to show that the 
 person who desires to purchase a horse for any particular 
 work should satisfy himself, so far as he possibly can by 
 appearances, that the animal is adapted for his purposes. 
 (See Breeds, Buying, Harness Horse, Points, Riding Horse.) 
 
 Congestion of the Lungs, if present in an acute form, is 
 a very dangerous thing, for its attack is sudden, and if the 
 patient is not properly attended to fatal results may speedily 
 follow. A heated horse coming into a badly - ventilated, 
 stuffy stable is very liable to be attacked, and so are animals 
 which are above themselves in condition, or in a low state 
 of health. 
 
 Symptoms. — Dilated nostrils and very hurried breathing, 
 the horse appearing unable to inhale sufficient air. He will 
 therefore often stand with his fore-legs wide apart and his 
 neck stretched out ; his legs are generally very cold, though 
 his body may be wet with perspiration. 
 
 86 
 
CONNEMARA PONIES — CONTAGIOUS DISEASES 
 
 Treatment. — In the first place, it is absolutely necessary 
 that the patient should be in a warm yet well-ventilated box 
 where be can breathe the fresh air without being exposed 
 to a draught. He should be well clothed, and after his legs 
 have been rubbed until they become warm, flannel bandages 
 should be put on them. The ears should be pulled, and as 
 a temporary relief small doses of spirits may be given at 
 frequent intervals and mustard rubbed on his sides just 
 behind the fore-arms, or a linseed poultice may be tried. 
 Unless an improvement is quickly apparent, a reliable 
 veterinary surgeon should be sent for, else it may be too 
 late. (See Pnetmtonia, Prescriptions?) 
 
 Connemara Ponies. — The district of Connemara at one 
 time produced a famous breed of ponies which has, un- 
 fortunately, been allowed to degenerate, though attempts are 
 now being made to recover the lost ground. These ponies 
 were noted for their bone, substance, and stamina, and have 
 been largely utilised in producing the famous Roscommon 
 hunters. They have nice flat clean legs, good shoulders, 
 powerful loins, and good quarters, and they cover a great 
 deal of ground for their height. They average from 12 
 to 1 4 hands in height, and are extremely robust and 
 hardy in constitution. Eastern sires were at one time 
 introduced into the district, and the heads of many Connemara 
 ponies show signs of this blood. They are very active and 
 gentle, and make good polo ponies. 
 
 Constipation is often a source of trouble to horses 
 which are given little work and nothing but dry food. The 
 obvious remedy is a laxative of some sort. (See Medicines^ 
 Prescriptions?) 
 
 Contagious Diseases. — Too much care cannot be taken 
 to ensure the isolation of any horse which is suspected of 
 suffering from a contagious disease; hence the desirability of 
 having hospital boxes attached to every stud. Contagion 
 
 87 
 
CONTRACTED FEET— COOKED FOOD 
 
 differs from inoculation so far that in the case of the latter 
 it is necessary for the germs of disease to be obviously and 
 directly conveyed from one horse to the other, whilst in 
 contagion it is sufficient if the animals have simply touched 
 each other. Thus if one horse is suffering from a disease 
 which produces a discharge which is conveyed to a raw place 
 or wound on a stable companion, the latter becomes inocula- 
 tive, but if the germs are conveyed by merely the bodies 
 touching, it is a case of contagion. (See Infectious Diseases, 
 Inoculatioft.) 
 
 Contracted Feet are those which are abnormally narrow 
 in their shape, and may be described as unusually long, 
 
 narrow feet. Sometimes both 
 hoofs are contracted, and some- 
 times only one ; but it does not 
 necessarily follow that a pair of 
 small, narrow feet, if they match 
 in shape and size, should be 
 contracted, as they may be 
 natural to the horse, though 
 undesirable. As a rule, the 
 defect is the result of navicular 
 disease or bad shoeing, the latter 
 being a common cause of con- 
 tracted heels, which exist when 
 the heels are too close together, 
 and the hoof too narrow behind. 
 Contracted heels, naturally, are 
 likely to affect the frog and bars of the foot, and thereby 
 cause lameness. (See Foot, Thrush.) 
 
 Contracted Foot. 
 
 Cooked Food, excepting in the case of a sick horse or 
 shy feeder, is not to be recommended as a food for horses. 
 An exception may, of course, be made in the case of a bran 
 mash, which, given occasionally the night before a day of 
 rest, is excellent. Such feeds as a mess of boiled roots are 
 
 88 
 
COOLING 
 
 bad for horses, as they are swallowed hastily and are apt to 
 injure the muscles of the stomach and intestines. It may 
 also be added, that if barley is given to a horse as food, 
 it is the common practice to boil it first, but barley is not 
 a suitable grain for horses in this country. (See Feeding, 
 Mashes.) 
 
 Cooling". — The best way to cool down a heated horse 
 when he comes into the stable is to rack him up and, having 
 loosened the belly-band or girths and removed his tail from 
 the crupper, to let him stand for a few minutes. Then the 
 harness or saddle may be taken off and he may be lightly 
 gone over with a wisp, after which a thin loose cloth may 
 be put on him with a little clean straw under it to absorb the 
 moisture. Meanwhile, he must be kept well out of reach of 
 all draughts, and at the end of ten minutes or a quarter of 
 an hour he may be well wisped over and his clothing put on 
 him, for the dressing will make him warm and dry. Should 
 his ears feel cold when he first comes in they should be 
 pulled to restore their natural warmth, and if it is necessary 
 owing to the muddy state of the weather to wash his feet, 
 this may be done, but the legs and heels ought never to be 
 washed whilst the animal is heated, as doing so may assist 
 in producing mud fever. The only parts that water should 
 be applied to are the feet, the dock, the sheath, and possibly 
 the face, but all should be well dried. If the horse's legs 
 appear to be cold they should be well rubbed, and woollen 
 bandages may be put on them. Any mud attached to the 
 limbs can be easily brushed out the following morning when 
 they are dry. 
 
 As regards watering a heated horse, the decided opinion 
 may be expressed that there is less risk connected with a 
 drink, in moderation, of cold water when he is very hot than 
 after he has cooled a little, and therefore he should be 
 allowed a few "go downs." Should he be reluctant to pass 
 his water he may probably be induced to do so by standing 
 him on some straw, and after he is dressed and made 
 
 S9 
 
COPER — CORNS 
 
 comfortable he may be fed. (See Clothing, Exercise, Groom- 
 ing, and Staling.) 
 
 Coper. — A horse coper is the man who purchases aged, 
 worn-out, or unsound horses with the object of subjecting 
 them to dishonest practices which may have the effect of 
 misleading inexperienced buyers. (See Auction Sales, Bo7inet, 
 Buying, C/iatinter.) 
 
 Cording. — A gratuitously cruel practice of fixing a hard 
 piece of cord round the tongue of a horse and attaching the 
 ends to the bit in such a manner that a slight jerk will 
 cause the cord to cut into the tongue. The idea is that the 
 sudden pain will cause the animal to step higher; but happily 
 the cording practice is now prohibited at shows. 
 
 Corn Bin. — The receptacle for containing corn is always 
 better kept out of the stable than in it. A metal bin is far 
 preferable to a wooden one, as it is easier to keep mice out 
 of it, and these pests spoil more good grain by soiling it 
 than they actually devour. The bin should be kept locked, 
 especially at night, not merely to protect its contents, but 
 when it stands within the reach of horses which may get loose, 
 in order to prevent their surfeiting themselves with grain. 
 
 Corns. — The feet of some horses are far more likely to 
 be affected by corns than those of others, but all are liable 
 to them, corns partaking more of the nature of bruises than 
 being natural products of a weak sole. No doubt they can 
 be produced by fast work on hard roads, but the cause of 
 their appearance is more often the result of careless shoeing. 
 The seat of a corn is generally near the heel and on the 
 inside between the bar and the frog, the corn proving its 
 existence by means of a red or yellow stain on the horn of 
 the sole, which is often soft at the place where the trouble 
 exists. 
 
 Treatment. — Apart from a natural desire to relieve his 
 animal and remove his lameness, the owner of a horse that is 
 
 90 
 
CO RONE T— COUNTER IRRITANTS 
 
 troubled by a corn should remember that, as there is often 
 a quantity of matter at the seat of the injury below the 
 discoloured horn, it is necessary to pare down the latter so 
 that the pus can escape. Otherwise it will work its way 
 upwards and may produce quittor, which often causes serious 
 trouble. All corns, however, do not suppurate, and then it is 
 unnecessary to pare away the horn so as to cause discomfort 
 to the horse, but, after the shoe has been removed and the 
 sole pared away, the place may be frequently bathed with 
 warm water and poulticed so as to allay the inflammation 
 and draw out any matter that exists. Very great attention 
 should subsequently be paid to the shoeing, and if the frog 
 can be allowed to come down to the ground, it may benefit 
 the horse in some cases. (See Quittor^ 
 
 Coronet. — The part of the pastern immediately above the 
 hoof. (See Fore-legs, Hoofs.) 
 
 Corrugated Iron is sometimes used as a roofing or for 
 the sides of stables, but being a conductor of both heat and 
 cold it is a very bad material for such purposes, even if a 
 wooden inside lining is supplied. (See Roofs.) 
 
 Coughs are frequently the preliminary symptoms of 
 serious illnesses, and hence the animal which is troubled 
 with one should be carefully watched. Of course, a cough 
 can often be accounted for by a particle of food going the 
 wrong way ; but if it is repeated, and is short and low, the 
 soundness of the victim's wind may be suspected. On the 
 other hand, a soft, loose cough is usually associated with a 
 sore throat, and in such cases a little nursing, the applica- 
 tion of some liniment, and a bran mash or two may put all 
 right. A cough accompanied by a grunt is usually associated 
 with roaring. (See Broken Wind, Catarrh, Pneumonia, Pre- 
 scriptions, Roaring, Sore Throat.) 
 
 Counter Irritants. — A mild form of blister. (See 
 Blistering, Prescriptions.) 
 
 91 
 
COUPLINGS — COVERT HACK 
 
 Couplings. — A term applied to the body and loins of a 
 horse, which couple his two ends together. 
 
 Courage. — A stout heart and generous disposition is an 
 indispensable attribute of every working horse, as unless 
 he possesses courage no animal will struggle on under diffi- 
 culties, or get to the end of a long and trying journey in good 
 style. Consequently a faint-hearted horse which declines to 
 struggle when the pinch comes is as unsatisfactory as he is 
 unreliable, and can never be depended upon to do his best, 
 though occasionally he may surprise those who know him by 
 a spasmodic display of pluck, which proves that he is a good 
 horse when he chooses. Faint-heartedness undoubtedly runs 
 in families, and hence the risk of breeding from a sire or 
 dam which has displayed the white feather, as their stock 
 are pretty certain to inherit the failing. No doubt the blood 
 of a generous, stout-hearted thoroughbred is the best of all 
 foundations for imparting courage, but, unfortunately, many 
 blood - horses are not merely non - stayers, but pronounced 
 cowards, and hence the absurdity of breeding from a 
 thoroughbred sire simply because he happens to be good- 
 looking, and the extreme desirability of enquiring closely 
 into his antecedents and those of his family. It is a grand 
 mistake, too, to regard the blood-horse as the only member 
 of the equine race that is possessed of courage, for many a 
 cart-horse and member of other breeds will struggle on under 
 difficulties in a manner which could not be surpassed by any 
 thoroughbred in the world. At the same time, beyond all 
 doubt a stout-hearted thoroughbred is the best and gamest 
 horse in existence. (See Speed, Stayer.^ 
 
 Covert Hack. — As his name implies, the covert hack is 
 an animal used for the purpose of conveying his owner to a 
 meet of hounds. He should therefore be of a good riding 
 type, with well-placed shoulders, sound legs and feet, and a 
 good back and quarters. He ought, moreover, to be a nice, 
 easy mover both at the trot and canter, but nothing in the 
 
 92 
 
CO IV ff OCA'S — CRADLE 
 
 way of extravagant action is demanded of him, and he should 
 be up to weight. 
 
 Cow Hocks — In-turned hocks, which cause the stifles 
 and feet to turn outwards. This formation certainly detracts 
 from the appearance of a horse, and reduces his propelling 
 power ; but there are cases of animals which have been 
 slightly cow-hocked having shown great speed. (See Hocks.) 
 
 Cow-kick. — The forward kicks some horses give with 
 their hind-legs are thus described. A cow-kick is a serious 
 danger to any one mounting or standing beside the animal 
 which indulges in the habit. 
 
 Cracked Heels may be described as severe chaps, the 
 result of the hollow of the heels above the hoof and at the 
 back of the pastern being insufficiently dried after becoming 
 wet by water or mud. 
 
 Treatment. — Apply a dressing of zinc or some other 
 healing ointment, and let as little water as possible get on 
 the sore places. As a precautionary measure it is well to 
 apply a little vaseline to the hollows above the heels before 
 the horse goes out in cold weather. 
 
 Cradle.— A light 
 f r am e wor k, con- 
 structed to buckle 
 round a horse's neck 
 in such a manner as 
 to prevent him bend- 
 ing it. A cradle is 
 usually used after 
 blistering, or when 
 poulticing is going 
 on, so that his teeth 
 cannot reach the parts 
 which irritate. (See 
 Blistering^ 
 
CRAMPED ACTION^CRIB-BITTNG 
 
 Cramped Action. — When a horse fails to move with 
 freedom, his action is described as cramped. (See Free 
 Action, Liberty.) 
 
 Crest- — (a) The upper part of the neck, the arch of 
 which is usually strongly developed in stallions. If the 
 crest feels hard to the touch, the horse is in good condition 
 and health. 
 
 (P)) See Armorial Beari)igs. 
 
 Crib-biting is a most objectionable form of vice for a 
 horse to indulge in, as it is apt to produce inflammation of 
 the bowels, flatulency, colic, and various ills to which the 
 stomach is liable. The vice consists of swallowing air, which 
 a horse succeeds in accomplishing by supporting his teeth 
 
 Crib-biting. 
 
 on the manger, rack chain, or any object which he can get 
 hold of — in fact the fore-legs have been used for the purpose 
 — and sucking in the air through his half- opened mouth. 
 He will then attempt, usually successfully, to swallow the 
 air, by bringing his chin towards his breast, and arching his 
 neck, the operation being accompanied by a peculiar grunting 
 sound which there is no mistaking. Probably the habit com- 
 
 94 
 
CROSS-BREEDING 
 
 mences by gnawing the edge of the manger during hours of 
 idleness ; but there can be no doubt that one horse can, and 
 very frequently does, teach the trick to his stable companions, 
 and therefore suspected offenders should be kept by them- 
 selves. An animal whose front teeth are worn should be 
 carefully watched, and if the sounds of the ominous grunting 
 are heard in the stable, the horse which makes them should 
 be removed from his companions before it is too late. All 
 sorts of suggestions, such as a strap tightly buckled round 
 the throat, have been made for the cure of crib-biting, but 
 none can be relied upon as being absolutely efficacious, 
 though the most successful plan is to dress the edge of the 
 manger, the rack chain, and every projection within the reach 
 of the horse's teeth with something that tastes objectionably. 
 (See Wind-sucking^ 
 
 Cross-breeding. — Many practical men, and a still greater 
 number of unpractical ones, devote a great deal of time to 
 more or less successful experiments in crossing two estab- 
 lished breeds of horses, with the idea of effecting improve- 
 ments in one or both of them, or of producing some particular 
 type of animal they desire to possess. In the hands of a 
 scientific breeder, successful results may be obtained, as, for 
 instance, in the hunter, which in the majority of cases is a 
 half-bred horse ; but mixing up blood is a very dangerous 
 thing for a man to attempt who has not studied horse- 
 breeding in all its phases. This is owing in a great measure 
 to the influence of back blood, as there is always a reason- 
 able prospect of an animal throwing back to some remote 
 ancestor, a fact which is by far too often lost sight of by 
 those who experiment in crosses. Nor is there any sort of 
 guarantee in making a cross that the good points of the 
 parents will be apparent in their stock ; indeed, as many a 
 breeder will have learned by experience, it is the bad ones 
 which often appear. (See Atavism, Back Blood, Breeding, 
 Telegony.) 
 
 95 
 
CROSSING FEET— CURBS 
 
 Crossing Feet — A horse whose fore-legs are faulty, and 
 whose freedom of action is thereby impaired, is liable to 
 cross his feet at any moment, as is a tired animal or one 
 that is badly ridden or driven. By this is meant a horse 
 which is suddenly pulled up with one rein loose or in such 
 a manner that one limb lurches forward so that he loses 
 control of it, and crosses his feet in such a manner that he 
 stumbles. (See Accidents, Broken Knees, Cnts.) 
 
 Croup is the name given to the part of a horse's back 
 which extends from the top of the loins to the root of the 
 tail. (See Conforinatiofi.) 
 
 Crupper. — The crupper is the strap of which one end is 
 buckled to the pad of a harness horse, or the saddle of a 
 hack, whilst the other terminates in a thick, smooth, oval- 
 shaped loop which passes under the tail. (See Harness.) 
 
 Crust of the Hoof is the hard outside covering of the 
 walls. 
 
 Cuboid Bone. — A small bone at the back of the hock 
 underneath the os calcis. (See Bones, Hind-legs, Hocks?) 
 
 Cunieform Bones. — Small, flat bones of the hocks and 
 knees. (See Bones, Hocks, Knees.) 
 
 Curb Chain. — The chain which extends from cheek to 
 cheek of the bridle, resting on the chin groove. Such chains 
 are indispensable in the case of some horses, but they should 
 never be linked up too tightly. (See Bitting, Chin Groove.) 
 
 Curbs are situated, when they are present, on the back 
 of the legs, a couple of inches or so below the hocks, and 
 can be easily detected when viewed from the side, as the 
 leg, instead of being in a perfectly straight line from the 
 hock to the fetlock, appears bowed to a greater or less 
 
 96 
 
CURRICLE — CUTS 
 
 extent when a curb has been sprung. Sometimes only one 
 hock is affected, and it is frequently the case that the horse 
 does not go lame from curb, though the 
 latter is included in the category of un- 
 soundness. At the same time there is 
 usually more or less heat, and sooner or 
 later trouble is almost certain to arise. 
 
 Treatment. — Rest and hot fomentations 
 frequently applied, cooling food, and, if 
 necessary, blistering. Obstinate cases will 
 have to be treated by firing, and when the 
 horse resumes work a high - heeled shoe 
 should be worn. Curb, it may be added, ^^^^ 
 
 is undoubtedly a hereditary disease. (See 
 Blistering^ Fomentations, Prescriptions^ 
 
 Curricle. — An old-fashioned, two-wheeled vehicle which 
 is now very rarely seen. It was drawn by a pair of horses, 
 the end of the pole being supported by a yoke which 
 extended from the withers of one horse to those of the 
 other. 
 
 Curry-comb. — A flat piece of metal to which several 
 rows of bars with notched edges and a handle are attached. 
 The curry-comb ought not to be applied to the coats of 
 light breeds of horses as it is apt to irritate the skin and 
 produce scurf, but should be used to scrape against the body 
 brush in order to clean the latter when it becomes clogged 
 with scurf and hair. (See Body Brush, Grooming^ 
 
 Cuts are of four varieties : namely, i?tcised, which may be 
 described as a clean cut, such as is caused by a knife drawn 
 across the skin ; lacerated, such as may result from something 
 tearing the flesh ; ptmctured, which are caused by something 
 penetrating deeply, such as a stab or splinter ; and contused, 
 when they are connected with bruises. 
 
 Treatment. — The first thing to do is to stop the bleeding, 
 
 97 G 
 
CUTTING — DAMP FOOD 
 
 and to search for and extract any foreign substance that 
 may be in the wound. The latter object can, excepting in 
 severe cases, in which event professional assistance should 
 be at once procured, be usually attained by dabbing the 
 place with wet lint — a pocket-handkerchief will do in an 
 emergency — or by letting water trickle down over the wound 
 from above. If the cut is not a deep one all that may be 
 necessary is to apply a mild antiseptic dressing, such as 
 carbolic acid one part in forty parts of water, or carbolic 
 acid in twenty-five parts of olive oil. Then three or four 
 thicknesses of gauze may be laid over the cut, and on this 
 again a layer of cotton wool, sterilised if it is procurable, all 
 being kept in position by a bandage which can be made 
 out of stockings cut lengthways and fastened together by 
 safety-pins, if proper bandages are not at hand. In the 
 case of deep cuts it may be necessary to apply stitches. 
 Punctured cuts may have to be syringed out to cleanse 
 them, as sometimes their recesses cannot be reached by 
 other means, the best fluid to inject being carbolic acid one 
 part and water twenty to thirty parts. Most cuts evince 
 a disposition to fester before they heal, and if this is the 
 case the bandages should be removed and means taken, 
 by lancing if necessary, to enable the pus to escape. (See 
 Bleeding, Broken Knees y Cuts, Stitching Wounds^ 
 
 Cutting. — See Brushing, Speedy Cut. 
 
 D 
 
 Daisy Cutting. — The term applied to the action of a 
 horse which does not lift his fore-feet more than a few inches 
 from the ground. (See Free Action, Round Action.) 
 
 Dale Pony. — (See Fell Pony.) 
 
 Damp Food. — Many owners advocate the principle of 
 always giving their horses their allowance of grain, chaff, and 
 
 98 
 
DANDY BRUSH— DARTMOOR PONY 
 
 bran slightly damped, but upon the whole the practice is 
 not to be commended as a general rule. It is a different 
 matter, however, in the case of an animal whose wind is 
 affected, for if his food is damped the particles of dust 
 which are always more or less present do not irritate his 
 throat and air passages as they would if his feed were a 
 dry one. (See Feeding?) 
 
 Dandy Brush. — The moderately long-haired brush which 
 is used in grooming horses. 
 
 Dartmoor Pony, undoubtedly, is one of the most ancient 
 of all the existing breeds of British horse, his ancestors 
 having roamed the famous Devonshire moor from time 
 immemorial. Unfortunately, however, the purity of the 
 breed has been sadly interfered with by injudicious crosses, 
 which have been deliberately introduced with the intention 
 of increasing the height of these ponies, which should not 
 exceed a liberal 12 hands 2 inches, or at most 13 hands. 
 There has also been a good deal of injury caused to the 
 breed by the presence of many undesirable stallions on 
 the moor whose stock cannot by any stretch of imagina- 
 tion be accepted as representing the qualities of the true 
 Dartmoor pony. 
 
 The constitution and stamina of the breed are remarkable ; 
 indeed there are few horses that could endure the hardships 
 of a winter on the moor, and yet, excepting in exceptionally 
 severe weather, the mortality amongst them is extremely 
 low. This pony is also very sure-footed, and hence is 
 equally valuable for work in saddle or harness. The head 
 of the Dartmoor is a little inclined to be big for his inches, 
 and it appears even more so than it really is, as the ears in 
 this breed are very small ; the shoulders slope well, and as 
 a rule the quarters are excellent, though there is a tendency 
 amongst the ponies which have been a long time on the 
 moor to be cow-hocked. This has been accounted for by 
 the habit they have of standing together in a bunch with 
 
 99 
 
DASH-BOARD — DEALERS 
 
 their heads pointing inwards and their tails turned to the 
 wind when the weather is particularly bad. The correct 
 colours of the Dartmoor pony are brown, bay, and black. 
 Chestnut and grey are not true colours, and may be regarded 
 as a sure indication of impurity of breeding, whilst roans, 
 piebalds, and skew-balds are never seen. 
 
 Dash-board. — See Splash-board. 
 
 Deafness is not so great a misfortune for a horse to 
 possess as might at first be imagined, for although it prevents 
 an animal from being guided by its rider's or driver's voice, 
 it is often associated with great docility, deaf horses being 
 usually very easily controlled by the rein. 
 
 Dealers must be regarded as a necessary evil of the 
 horse world, the expression " evil " being applied to them 
 owing to the fact that, unfortunately, a considerable number 
 of their body ignore the fact that honesty is the best policy 
 in business transactions. On the other hand, there are 
 hundreds of horse dealers whose methods of carrying on 
 their businesses are absolutely beyond reproach, and whose 
 integrity is above suspicion. In the hands of such men the 
 inexperienced buyer is safe, provided that he is sensible 
 enough to understand that if he wants a perfect horse he 
 must be prepared to pay for it. Many dealers are willing 
 to buy horses for customers on commission provided a 
 reasonable sum is paid them for their services, and when a 
 man of good reputation and sound judgment undertakes 
 such a duty, the money paid to him is usually well spent. 
 As a rule the professional dealer who is not ashamed of his 
 vocation and does not profess to be something that he is 
 not, is a far more satisfactory individual to deal with than 
 the amateur dealer who poses as being a superior class of 
 tradesman and charges fancy prices accordingly. Above 
 all, the man who habitually adds to his income by always 
 having a friend who has " just the horse " the uninitiated 
 
 100 
 
DEBILITY — DIABE TES 
 
 wants is to be regarded vvith suspicion, as he is usually 
 unscrupulous and as often as not as bad a judge as his 
 unfortunate client. 
 
 Debility. — When a horse is delicate by nature or is 
 suffering from the effects of exhaustion it is necessary that 
 his strength should be kept up by attention to his feeding 
 and comfort. A shy feeder is usually more or less a victim 
 of debility, and his appetite will require tempting. In all 
 cases, however, it should be remembered that it is not a 
 wise thing to place too much food at a time before a sick or 
 debilitated horse. A few mouthfuls every now and then 
 is quite enough to commence with, and it may be neces- 
 sary to give him these from the hand without placing the 
 food in the manger at all. (See Prescriptions, Restoratives, 
 Tonics.) 
 
 Dentistry, — It is, of course, entirely beyond the power 
 of a non-professional man to attend to his horse's teeth 
 properly, but it cannot be too strongly impressed upon 
 owners that it is necessary for the mouths of their animals 
 to be examined from time to time. If this precaution is 
 neglected, indigestion and other troubles may ensue, and a 
 great deal of suffering be inflicted upon the horse. There 
 can be very little doubt, too, that the tempers of some animals 
 have been completely ruined, owing to the torments they 
 have endured from decayed or broken teeth. (See Age.) 
 
 Depth of Body. — The place to measure this from is the 
 centre of the back. (See Depth of Chest.) 
 
 Depth of Chest. — This can be measured by running a 
 tape round the body from the withers in as direct a line as 
 possible, and dividing the amount of inches by two. 
 
 Diabetes may result from improper feeding and indiges- 
 tion, bad hay being often the cause, but the disease is happily 
 not a common one in England. 
 
 lOI 
 
DIAPHRA GM—DICKE V 
 
 Symptoms. — Frequent staling, accompanied by great thirst, 
 bad breath, considerable costiveness, pale gums, and general 
 debility, the pulse being usually very weak. Although the 
 appetite is often good there is a loss of flesh, and the 
 condition of the horse is obviously very bad. 
 
 Treatment. — A dose of aloes, two ounces of bi-carbonate 
 of soda in the food, and plenty of water, hay tea, and linseed 
 tea to drink. Both iodine and iodide of potassium have 
 been successfully applied to severe cases, the doses being 
 half a dram of the former and one dram of the latter every 
 day ; and it may be added that the iodine should not be 
 given just before or after feeding time. Diabetes is, however, 
 a disease that requires professional attention. (See Hay Tea, 
 Medicines.') 
 
 Diaphragm. — A muscle attached to the spine and some 
 of the ribs, which divides the portions of the interior contain- 
 ing the heart and lungs on one side, and the liver, kidneys, 
 and intestines on the other. The action of the diaphragm 
 controls the breathing. 
 
 Diarrhcea should be treated as soon as its existence is 
 noticed, as if continuous an attack is certain to weaken the 
 horse. It may arise from a sudden change of food or water, 
 nervousness, eating some unwholesome food, or from the 
 effects of poison, and if the latter is the suspected cause, 
 professional assistance should at once be procured. 
 
 Treatment. — A reduction of the allowance of water, and 
 dry food with no bran in it may suffice in a slight case, or an 
 aperient medicine such as castor oil may be given. In more 
 severe cases two ounces of tincture of opium may be given, 
 with half an ounce of chalk, to a full-grown adult horse, or 
 less in proportion. Rice water is better than plain water 
 as a drink. (See Prescriptions, Restoratives?) 
 
 Dickey. — The seat behind a vehicle on which the 
 servants sit. (See Ruinble.) 
 
 I02 
 
DIPPED BA CK—DISL CA TIONS 
 
 Dipped Back. — A back is said to be dipped when it falls 
 away into a hollow between the withers and croup. Horses 
 possessed of this formation are more suitable for harness than 
 for saddle work. 
 
 Dishing. — A horse is said to dish when he throws his 
 fore-foot outwards when he 
 lifts it off the ground, instead 
 of moving it forward straight 
 in front of him. (See Action.) 
 
 Disinfectants. — It is most 
 necessary that the drains of 
 stables, no matter how care- 
 fully they may have been 
 laid, should be periodically 
 disinfected, and besides this 
 it is desirable that a reliable 
 purifier should always be at 
 hand in case of infectious 
 diseases suddenly breaking 
 out amongst the horses. A 
 faint odour of carbolic or 
 some such compound is also 
 useful in a stable during the 
 summer in keeping away flies 
 which worry the horses, and 
 hence another argument in 
 favour of disinfectants, 
 amongst the most useful of 
 which are carbolic acid and 
 chloride of lime. 
 
 Dishing. 
 
 Dislocations of the stifle or knee-cap occasionally occur 
 amongst horses, but, excepting in the case of foals, a per- 
 manent cure is seldom accomplished, so there is little to do 
 but to abandon hope. The reduction of a dislocation is, 
 
 1 03 
 
DISMO UNTING — DOCKING 
 
 however, at all times far beyond the powers of an amateur, 
 and therefore a veterinary surgeon should at once be sent 
 for, the part affected being kept as cool as possible by the 
 application of cold swabs until his arrival. 
 
 Dismounting. — See Riding. 
 
 Distress, — The effects of overriding or overdriving a horse 
 may easily lead to serious results, and under any circum- 
 stances, unless there is some vitally important object in view, 
 it is folly as well as cruelty to work an animal until it drops. 
 Occasionally, however, a horse does not show signs of 
 distress until almost at his last gasp, when he suddenly 
 staggers and sways about from exhaustion, sometimes falling 
 to the ground in a heap. In such cases the bit should be 
 taken out of his mouth, and all the tightly-buckled portions of 
 his gear — such as girths, belly-band, throat latch — loosened ; 
 in fact he should be made as easy as possible. Should there 
 be a breeze blowing, his head may be turned towards it, and 
 his mouth, face, and poll should be bathed with cold water, 
 whilst some spirits may be given him as a drench, (See 
 Restoratives?) 
 
 Diuresis. — See Staling. 
 
 Diuretics, — When a horse displays a difficulty in passing 
 his water, or the latter is passed in insufficient quantity, the 
 following diuretic may be administered with satisfactory 
 results. Resin 4 drams, soap 2 drams, oatmeal and treacle 
 sufficient to make a ball. (See Prescriptions) 
 
 Dock. — The fleshy part of the tail. 
 
 Docking. — Opinions are likely to continue to differ as 
 regards the desirability or otherwise of docking horses. 
 There can be little doubt, however, that the practice com- 
 mends itself to a very large number of humane and practical 
 
 104 
 
DOG-CART 
 
 driving men, who recognise, often by experience, the danger 
 that exists from a long tail getting over the reins or catching 
 in some part of the harness. There is the minor annoyance 
 also of an undocked tail which may be saturated with water 
 or thickly coated with mud being drawn across a driver's face 
 or a rider's clothes, and although it is admittedly possible 
 for this difficulty to be got over by banging up the tail after 
 the custom of ploughmen, there is no gaurantee that the hair 
 will be kept up in the case of a horse that is driven fast. 
 One of the chief arguments held against docking is that it 
 prevents a horse which is turned out to grass from ridding 
 himself of flies. If, however, the length of an undocked tail 
 which has been squared at the end, as presumably those of 
 all horses which are used for work would be, is measured, it 
 will be seen that the amount of body it can reach is extremely 
 small, and, consequently, to be consistent those who entertain 
 the opinion just referred to should oppose the hair of a tail 
 being shortened at all. 
 
 The operation of docking consists of removing some of 
 the end joints of the tail with a specially constructed knife, 
 which is designed somewhat in the form of a pair of scissors. 
 The way to proceed is to tie a tape securely just above the 
 joint which is to be cut through, in such a manner as to stop 
 the flow of blood, but not tighter than is necessary to do so. 
 The part to be removed is then cut off' with the docking knife 
 and the hair brought down and tied below the wound. In 
 twenty-four hours both of the ligatures may be removed, when 
 it will be found that the wound has dried sufficiently to 
 prevent a flow of blood unless some injury befalls it. Some 
 operators cauterise the wound, but this is usually unnecessary. 
 Docking is an operation which should be entrusted to a 
 professional man. 
 
 Dog-cart. — This name was given to any cart with a 
 deep body used for going to meets. The body was built 
 spacious enough to carry the dogs, and from this use the 
 name of dog-cart originated, but the word dog-cart is now 
 
 105 
 
DOORS — DRAFT 
 
 applied to any two-wheel vehicle partaking of the dog-cart 
 shape. 
 
 Doors. — All the doors of a stable should be so constructed 
 as to lie back close to the wall when opened to their fullest 
 extent in order that there may be no projections for a horse 
 to injure himself against. For the same reason all the bolts, 
 locks, and other fittings should be sunk in the wood- 
 work. It is best, too, to have the outside doors of stables 
 and isolated boxes made in two parts, so that the lower 
 half can be kept closed when the upper is opened to admit 
 air, as by this means a horse which may get loose cannot 
 get away. 
 
 Doping. — An American expression, applied generally to 
 the treatment of horses' infirmities with the object of pro- 
 ducing temporary relief. The practice of administering 
 drugs to race-horses in order to enable a notoriously unsound 
 animal to win races was introduced into this country a few 
 years ago, but the effects, successful though they were from 
 the dopers' point of view, were so obviously detrimental to 
 the best interests of the Turf that the Jockey Club most 
 wisely stepped in and prohibited the practice. 
 
 The objects of doping being opposed to honesty for the 
 most part, no good end would be furthered by publishing 
 details of operations which are admittedly illegal. It may 
 be mentioned, however, that the application of ether and 
 menthol to the legs is a favourite dope for lameness, and 
 traces of these may therefore be sought for when the sound- 
 ness of an animal is doubted. The old-time practice of 
 giving a horse a dose of port wine or spirits before he 
 starts for a race is now included in the category of dopes 
 which are prohibited by the Jockey Club, but it is still 
 carried out by some exhibitors of faint-hearted show-horses ; 
 whether it should be permitted is quite another matter. 
 
 Draft. — The term applied to a collection of horses which 
 are disposed of out of a stable. 
 
 1 06 
 
DRAG — DRAINS 
 
 Drag". — (a) a term applied to a park coach. (See 
 Coach.) 
 
 (b) The skid which is applied as a check to the hind 
 wheels when going down-hill. 
 
 Drag Hunt. — When an artificial trail is laid over a 
 country for hounds to follow it is called a drag, the term 
 doubtless originating from the practice of dragging the 
 object producing the scent along the ground. 
 
 Drains. — The draining of a stable is a far more important 
 subject than a great many horse owners appear to imagine, 
 if the condition of their premises is to be accepted as any 
 criterion of their ideas. To accomplish what is required 
 it is necessary that there should be a shallow groove behind 
 the stalls to carry away the moisture, or, what is far better, 
 there should be a small grating in the centre and back of 
 each stall communicating with an underground channel which 
 conveys the water to the outside of the building. These 
 gratings should be cemented into the flooring, or so fixed 
 that there can be no chance of their opening and injuring 
 the horse's legs, and those behind the stalls may be placed 
 opposite the pillars of the stalls, whilst in the case of boxes 
 they should be in the centre. There should be a very 
 gentle slope of the flooring towards the gratings, the old 
 practice of arranging the floors upon a principle which 
 placed the fore-legs of a horse standing in a stall upon a 
 much higher level than the hind ones being distinctly bad, 
 as it placed an unnecessary strain upon the limbs. The 
 surface grooves behind the stalls, or the channel underneath 
 the drains, should possess a slope in order that all fluids 
 should run off quickly, and should be connected by means 
 of a pipe passing through one of the walls with the sewer 
 or cesspool outside. It will add considerably to the salubrity 
 of the stable if the fluid running out of the latter falls into 
 an outside gutter connected with the sewer or cesspool, as 
 this arrangement entirely prevents any noxious exhalations 
 
 107 
 
DRAUGHT HORSE — DRAWING KNIFE 
 
 from entering the stable ; and it may be added that under any 
 circumstances the cesspool, if there is one, should be removed 
 a considerable distance from the buildings and that the pipes 
 should be effectually trapped. In some primitive establish- 
 ments the fluid from the stables is carried no further than 
 an adjoining strawyard, where it is allowed to mingle with 
 the litter strewed about, to the immense prejudice of the 
 horse's health. When the bedding of the horses is composed 
 of moss, sawdust, or such substances which absorb the moisture, 
 the drains of the stable must be covered over, else they will 
 become choked. 
 
 Draught Horse. — A horse that is used for draught 
 purposes. In this country by the term " Heavy Harness 
 Horse " a cart-horse is described ; and by " Light Harness 
 Horse" a brougham, landau, or coach-horse. In America the 
 latter breeds are included in the category of " Heavy Harness 
 Horses," the prefix " Light " being reserved for the trotter 
 only. 
 
 Draughts are a very constant source of ill amongst 
 horses, owing not merely to the thoughtlessness of servants 
 who allow heated animals to stand about in icy cold currents 
 of air, but to the confusion which exists in some minds 
 between providing horses with a sufficiency of fresh air and 
 exposing them to draughts. The manner in which some 
 stables are constructed renders them little better than caves 
 of the winds which penetrate the crevices and beat upon the 
 horses from every quarter. It is no wonder, therefore, that 
 so many animals become affected in their wind, or lose their 
 lives from attacks which are perfectly avoidable. (See Air, 
 Cold, Ventilation?) 
 
 Drawing Knife. — The two-handled knife used by shoe- 
 ing smiths to pare away the horn of the sole of a horse's 
 hoof. The abuse of the use of this instrument has proved 
 the ruin of many a valuable horse, whose feet have been spoilt 
 
 I08 
 
DRENCHES — DRl VI NG 
 
 by the drawincj knife having been improperly applied to the 
 frogs and bars. (See Shoeing^ 
 
 Drenches. — The term applied to fluid medicines. 
 
 Drenching. — The act of administering liquid medicines. 
 (See Administering Physic^ 
 
 Drenching Horn. — The horn or horn-shaped vessel used 
 for the purposes of administering drenches. 
 
 Dressing. — See Grooming, Heated Horses. 
 
 Driving. — In all cases, no matter how much confidence a 
 master may repose in his groom or coachman, he should 
 satisfy himself that the harness is all right and every strap 
 properly buckled before he takes his seat. He should always 
 mount from the off side, with his reins in his right hand, but 
 
 (Single horse or pair.) 
 
 The way to hold the reins. 
 
 (Tandem or four-horse team.) 
 
 they should be changed to the left as soon as he sits down, 
 which ought to be at once. No matter how many horses a 
 man may be driving, he must always sit well up, with his 
 elbows close to his sides and his eyes fixed on his horses. 
 Nothing looks much worse than to see a coachman perpetu- 
 ally staring about him, unless it be some of the grotesque 
 poses adopted by certain of the drivers who appear at shows 
 
 109 
 
DRIVING 
 
 to the astonishment of the spectators and discomfort of 
 the horses they have in charge. 
 
 The methods of holding the reins naturally vary according 
 to the number of horses which are being driven, the following 
 arrangements being the correct ones. In the case of single 
 horses or pairs the near rein is placed between the thumb 
 and fore-finger and the off rein between the second and third 
 fingers ; whilst in tandem and four-horse driving the near 
 leader's rein passes between the thumb and fore-finger, the 
 off leader's and the near wheeler's reins between the first and 
 second fingers, and the off wheeler's between the third and 
 fourth fingers. The reins in all cases should be grasped 
 firmly and placed low down on the fingers near the palms of 
 the hand. The whip should always be carried between the 
 thumb and first finger of the right hand so as to leave the 
 fingers at liberty to assist the left ones in manipulating the 
 reins, and the left hand holding the reins should be about 
 4 inches in front of the pit of the driver's stomach, with 
 the right hand in turn in front of it, the wrists straight, and 
 elbows close to the sides. The body should be straight, 
 the head well held up, and the legs kept almost touching, 
 with the feet on a properly constructed foot-rest, which is far 
 preferable to a bar for the purpose, as the latter is liable to 
 cause accidents by the feet catching in it. 
 
 In the case of pairs it is necessary to see that the traces 
 and coupling reins are of the proper length, but the 
 latter can always be adjusted by taking them up or letting 
 them out a hole or two after a start has been made ; and 
 this is often necessary when strange horses are being driven, 
 as one of them may require more liberty for his head 
 than the other. In harnessing, the first thing to do is to 
 secure the horses to the pole by the pole chains or pole pieces, 
 then the outside traces should be fixed in position, and 
 after that the inner ones, the pole chains or pole pieces being 
 subsequently tightened as may be necessary to bring the 
 horses near enough, but not too close, to the head of the 
 pole. When reins require to be shortened, the correct way 
 
 no 
 
DROOPING QUARTERS—DUST BALLS 
 
 to proceed is to take hold of them by the right hand in 
 front of the left and to push them back the required distance 
 through the fingers of the left. Shortening reins by pulling 
 them through the left fingers from behind may be equally 
 effective, but it is not artistic, and as the thumb has to 
 be used in doing so the hold upon the whip is interfered 
 with. At the same time, in driving four horses it is often 
 correct to shorten the reins from behind by pulling, but 
 the principles of team driving, which include many intricate 
 movements of the hands, can never be acquired excepting 
 by a course of proper tuition from a practical coachman, 
 amateur, or professional. 
 
 Regarding the less ambitious turn-out, it may be observed 
 that the unfortunately not very uncommon fault of jagging 
 at a horse's mouth in order to correct him or with the idea 
 of causing him to increase his pace is most objectionable. 
 A little gentle movement of the hands will usually accomplish 
 all that is required in the latter matter, and the whip is the 
 proper instrument to chastise him with, but it is seldom 
 necessary to use it much or severely. A man who makes 
 unmerciful, or even very severe use of his whip, is usually a 
 bad coachman or a passionate man, who, either in ignorance 
 or otherwise, vents his own shortcomings upon his horse, 
 which will do far more for a driver who treats him firmly 
 but without violence, and who keeps him under control by 
 gentle words and pressure upon his mouth, instead of by 
 violent threats and jagging at the bit. (See Bits, Harness, 
 Mouthy 
 
 Drooping Quarters. — This term speaks for itself, being 
 applied to quarters which, instead of being level as they 
 should be, fall away behind the croup, the result being a low- 
 set tail. (See Goose Rump.) 
 
 Dust Bails. — See Calculus. 
 
 Ill 
 
EAR — EASTERN BLOOD 
 
 Ear. — The ears of a well-bred horse should be small, fine, 
 and rather pointed at the tip, a coarse, round tipped ear 
 being regarded as a sign of bad breeding. They should 
 be set on fairly high but not too close together, and carried 
 erect ; nervous horses and those of defective sight often 
 keep on moving their ears about restlessly, whilst deaf 
 ones usually carry them pointed forwards. The insides of 
 the ears should not have the hairs removed when the horse 
 is singed, as these are protections against the entrance of 
 foreign substances and insects. (See Lop Ears.) 
 
 Ear Marks. — It is a common' practice amongst the 
 owners of horses which run on common land to mark the ears 
 of their foals for the purposes of subsequent identification. 
 Disfiguring notches on the outside edges are objectionable, 
 as they affect the value of the horse in after life, and 
 the best course to adopt, therefore, is to punch a hole in 
 the ear and draw a few pieces of coloured worsted through 
 it. (See Branding, Markings.) 
 
 Eastern Blood has undoubtedly accomplished much 
 for the British horse, the Thoroughbred, Hackney, and other 
 breeds having undoubtedly sprung from the horses which 
 were imported from the East into this country by successive 
 English sovereigns, King John being the first to recognise 
 the value of this blood. James I. owned a horse called the 
 Markham Arabian, and Charles II. gave evidences of the 
 possession of sound judgment by importing a number of 
 valuable mares ; but the three great pillars of the Stud 
 Book undoubtedly are the Byerley Turk, who flourished at 
 the time of William and Mary, the Darley Arabian of 
 Queen Anne's days, and the Godolphin Arabian, who accom- 
 plished great things in the reign of George II. (See Araby 
 Royal Mares, Thoroughbred.) 
 
 112 
 
EAST FRIESLAND HORSES — ELLIPTIC SPRING 
 
 East Friesland Horses. — The East Friesland horse- 
 producing district extends from Oldenburg on the east to 
 Holland on the west, and from Osnabruch on the south to 
 the North Sea. The welfare of this breed is entrusted to 
 a very powerful society, called the Agricultural Head 
 Association of East Friesland, which officially inspects all 
 three-year-old stallions each spring, and all adults in early 
 autumn, while none but horses passed by the society as 
 sound may leave the district. The type now bred produces 
 a very serviceable and powerful, upstanding, bay-coloured 
 harness horse. Brood mares are submitted to a most search- 
 ing examination before they are entered in the Stud Book, 
 a rule to which the prosperity of the breed may be largely 
 attributed, whilst the custom of giving valuable prizes to 
 the owner of the mare from which at least two foals suit- 
 able for registration are obtained, and of carefully selecting 
 all stallions for the district, is also to be commended. 
 
 Eating Beds. — A most objectionable, though 
 by no means uncommon practice, which even 
 muzzling will not prevent in confirmed offenders. 
 The most common course to pursue is to substi- 
 tute moss or sawdust for straw as bedding ; but 
 some horses will even eat moss, and many owners 
 dislike the appearance of sawdust for a bed. A 
 few drops of paraffin sprinkled on the straw, and 
 then forking it well over, has been found to be a 
 deterrent in the case of bed-eaters. 
 
 Eel Mark. — The dark line or list which runs along the 
 back of some horses from the withers to the root of the tail. 
 (See Cleveland Bay.) 
 
 Eild.— See Yeld. 
 
 Elbow. — The upper joint of the fore-leg. (See Fore-legs.) 
 
 Elliptic Spring. — This was invented by a coach-builder 
 
 113 H 
 
EMBROCATION — ENZOOTIC DISEASES 
 
 named Elliot, who carried on business in the Lambeth Road, 
 and was patented by him in 1804. It revolutionised the 
 art of carriage-building more than any development which 
 had gone before or has happened since. It is composed of 
 laminated steel plates in the elliptical form, and is in such 
 general use that it requires no further explanation here. 
 Previous to this invention it was only possible to make 
 heavy perch carriages. Its introduction, however, gave un- 
 limited scope for the ingenuity of the trade, and the result 
 is the vast number of light four- and two-wheel vehicles which 
 constitute the present means of locomotion, both for private 
 and commercial vehicles. (See Perch.) 
 
 Embrocation. — See Liniments. 
 
 Emetics are thrown away on horses for they are usually 
 unable to vomit ; consequently emetics only produce nausea. 
 
 Enemas are the large syringes with nozzles of 12 inches 
 long and capable of holding a quart or more of fluid, which 
 are used for injecting either plain warm water or a pre- 
 scribed mixture into the bowels of a horse in cases of con- 
 stipation, fever, or inflammation. About 2| quarts of fluid 
 is the amount required for a full-sized animal, and it should 
 be of about 100 degrees temperature. One of the patient's 
 feet should be held up, and then the nozzle of the enema, which 
 should previously have been coated with oil or grease, gently 
 inserted into the rectum and pushed well up before the fluid 
 is discharged into the intestines. (See Injections.) 
 
 Enlargements of the bone are chiefly found amongst 
 horses which are raised on soft, marshy lands, and hence are 
 more common amongst Shires than most of the other British 
 breeds. (See Ring-bone, Side Bones.) 
 
 Enteritis. — See Inflammation of the Bowels. 
 
 Enzootic Diseases are those which attack a number of 
 horses in the same neighbourhood from local causes. (See 
 Epizootic, Sporadic^ 
 
 XI4 
 
EPIGL TTIS — EPIZO TIC L YMPHANGITIS 
 
 Epiglottis. — The epiglottis is a small valve which pre- 
 vents food and water from entering the larynx, or organ of 
 voice. (See Larynx.) 
 
 Epilepsy is the result of the brain and spinal column 
 being in a disordered state, and invariably attacks its victims 
 suddenly, which adds to the seriousness of the seizure. The 
 horse's body and limbs become convulsed, and when he falls 
 his struggles are piteous to witness, and oftentimes dangerous 
 to those within his reach. Should his tongue get between his 
 teeth he bites it badly, and the sounds he emits are some- 
 times heartrending. 
 
 Treatment. — There is no cure for epilepsy, but temporary 
 relief may be ensured to the sufferer by dashing cold water 
 over his head. A plain but sufficient course of feeding and 
 attention to the state of his bowels may assist in deferring a 
 subsequent attack, but a horse subject to epileptic seizures 
 is a source of danger to those who use him. 
 
 Epizootic. — A disease is described as epizootic when it 
 is one which spreads over a district ; the term, in fact, is 
 similar to epidemic, as applied to human diseases. (See 
 Enzootic, Sporadic^ 
 
 Epizootic Lymphangitis is a totally different disease 
 from lymphangitis or Monday Morning Evil, being more 
 of the nature of glanders. It came into England at the 
 time of the Boer War, and, being very contagious, is a 
 notifiable disease. 
 
 Symptofns. — Nodules, which must not be identified with 
 farcy-buds, form on the neck and shoulders, and, bursting, 
 discharge offensive pus. 
 
 Treatment. — Dress with perchloride of mercury, or apply 
 hot irons in severe cases ; give 6 grains perchloride of 
 mercury in i pint of salt and water once daily, or in bad 
 cases twice. 
 
 115 
 
ERGOT— EVOLUTION OF THE HORSE 
 
 Ergot is one of the fungi which attacks grasSj and if 
 eaten by an in-foal mare is Hkely to produce abortion. The 
 flowering head of the grass is its usual seat, and is so 
 frequently met with in rye that the two have come to be 
 associated with each other, but all large seeded grasses are 
 attacked by ergot. It appears in the late summer and early 
 autumn, and no in-foal mares should be turned out on any 
 pasture where its existence is suspected. Ergot eaten in 
 large quantities produces poisonous effects, such as severe 
 colicky pains, purging, and breaking out on the lips. The 
 animal subsequently falls into a comatose state, and as a 
 rule paralysis sets in, the hind-quarters being generally the 
 first part attacked. 
 
 Escutcheon. — The division of hair which begins below 
 the point of the hips and extends downwards on the flanks. 
 
 Evolution of the Horse. — The present-day horse is 
 generally supposed by Darwin and other noted scientists 
 to be descended from an animal no larger than a fox, 
 christened by Professor Owen " the hyracotherium," which 
 existed in the Eocene period, about 3,300,000 years ago. 
 At all events fossils found in Devonshire, America, and 
 elsewhere show that a true horse, more akin to ours in size, 
 certainly inhabited the world in the Great Ice Age before 
 the present oceanic divisions acted as barriers. The first 
 horses of which traces remain were the five-toed Eocene 
 species that developed into a three-toed race most probably 
 dun-coloured. Three million years elapsed, during the latter 
 part of which man hunted horses for food, until in the 
 Neolithic, or Newer Stone Age, attempts appear to have 
 been made to domesticate them, though it is thought that 
 they were corralled for reserve food before this period ; they 
 were by this time about 1 3 hands in height. At first they were 
 used by the Solutrians — who occupied a tract of land on 
 the Soane, to the north of Lyons in France — as pack-horses, 
 and no attempt was made to breed from them. Interesting 
 
 116 
 
EVOLUTION OF THE HORSE 
 
 carvings dating from a little before this time show horses 
 wearing nose-bands and strong cords, and in one case in 
 what appears to be a decorated quarter-sheet. 
 
 The first references to the horse in literature are in the 
 
 Bible, allusions to him in Genesis and Exodus being 
 numerous ; while Job also alludes to horses from Uz and 
 Arabia. The Romans, Jews, and Greeks used horses chiefly 
 for war, the former of whom prized those obtained from 
 Britain. Racing is known to have been practised by the 
 ancient Greeks in B.C. 600. 
 
 117 
 
EWE NECK — EXHAUSTION 
 
 In England King John, Henry VIII., and James I. 
 would seem to have done much to encourage horse-breeding 
 by importing stallions from Flanders, Spain, and Arabia. 
 Henry VIII. took vigorous measures to stop the export of 
 any animal worth more than 6s. 8d., or over a given 
 stature. The present-day laxity in this respect is regrettable, 
 and will inevitably lead to a diminution in the standard 
 of quality in horse-flesh, for which England has so long 
 been famous. (See Si::e.) 
 
 Ewe Neck. — A neck which bears no crest and is 
 inclined to be concave on the top. 
 
 Exercise. — Unless regularly exercised no horse will keep 
 in health, and it may be added that some animals require 
 a great deal more than others if their condition is to be 
 maintained. These facts are, however, very often forgotten 
 by owners and ignored by servants, who object to the 
 trouble incurred by exercising horses which are not in 
 work, the result being, amongst other things, filled legs. 
 Carriage horses which are left behind by their masters 
 when the family is away from home are frequently the 
 victims of a servant's neglect of duty, a circumstance which 
 it is well for their owners to bear in mind. It is not 
 necessary to give an animal a great deal of fast work 
 in the earlier stages of getting him fit, as long, slow, gentle 
 exercise strengthens the tendons and lays on muscle, whilst 
 faster movements assist in clearing the wind. Consequently, 
 the value of slow exercise gradually increasing in length 
 cannot be too forcibly impressed upon the minds of those 
 who have horses under their care. 
 
 Exhaustion. — The temporary effects of overwork or 
 overloading can usually be counteracted by making the 
 horse comfortable. When he comes in he should be 
 carefully dressed over — this need not be overdone if he 
 is in a very exhausted state — his ears pulled, legs rubbed, 
 
 ii8 
 
EXMOOR PONY 
 
 face sponged, and his body lightly gone over. If he stales 
 and shakes himself, he will be pretty sure to be all right 
 soon, even though he may be stiff and sore. A bran mash 
 is the best thing for him on such occasions, and he may be 
 also given a little long hay to pick over ; , whilst his bed 
 should be comfortable, and he should be left as quiet as 
 possible so that he may rest. If he does not fancy a 
 mash, or if it is a case in which he appears to be likely 
 to collapse, he may be prevailed to take some bread and 
 beer, or may be drenched with eggs and brandy, or some 
 other stimulant. (See Heated Horses, Restoratives.) 
 
 Exmoor Pony. — There can be no doubt that much 
 benefit accrued to the Exmoor pony from the writings of 
 Whyte Melville, whose book " Katerfelto " has been read with 
 pleasure by many thousands of readers. That there was such 
 a pony as Katerfelto there can be no grounds for doubting, 
 and it is equally certain that he left his mark upon the 
 breed which his presence on the North Devonshire moor 
 so greatly benefited. It is surprising, therefore, in the face 
 of the almost superstitious reverence which attaches to his 
 memory, that nothing is positively known regarding the 
 antecedents of Katerfelto, who is popularly believed to have 
 been a survivor of a wreck on the Devonshire coast who 
 found his way on to Exmoor. He is generally believed 
 to have been dun in colour, and as such, to have been re- 
 sponsible for the dun ponies now to be found on the moor, 
 of which no mention was made previous to his appearance 
 on the scene. 
 
 Still, had there been no such pony as Katerfelto it is 
 quite certain that the ancient and beautiful breed which 
 in the old days flourished in the neighbourhood round 
 Simonds-bath would have been a valued variety of British 
 horse. No day is too long for an Exmoor, and it might 
 almost be added no weight is too heavy for him to carry, 
 as those who have seen them following the Devon and 
 Somerset stag-hounds will readily admit. He shows more 
 
 119 
 
EXPOSURE — E YES 
 
 quality than the more homely-looking Dartmoor, but, 
 excellent though his constitution is, the Exmoor cannot 
 thrive upon the southern moor, as the winters there are 
 too much for him. He is a sweet headed, powerfully built, 
 good shouldered little horse and admirably adapted for 
 riding purposes ; his best colours being bay and brown, 
 often with tan noses, whilst duns are also met with and 
 valued. Like the Dartmoor, the Exmoor has been the 
 victim of many crosses, the object of which was to increase 
 his size ; hence the appearance of chestnuts and greys, 
 which are not natural colours of the breed. (See Dartmoor 
 Pony?) 
 
 Exposure. — Although horses can stand cold well, provided 
 they are either clothed or have their full coats on them, they 
 are peculiarly susceptible of draughts, especially when heated. 
 At the same time, no one in his senses would expose any 
 animal to cold or wet weather unnecessarily, and hence in 
 the case of horses which are being worked it is unadvisable 
 to allow them to stand about too long a time. (See Cold, 
 Draughts, Turning-out, Ventilation?) 
 
 Extravagant Action. — A term applied to the very high 
 knee and hock action of the hackney. (See Action, Free 
 Action, Hackney, Harness Horse, Round Action?) 
 
 Eyes. — Too much importance cannot be attached to the 
 soundness of a horse's sight, and daily serious accidents occur 
 through the neglect by owners to satisfy themselves on this 
 point. When his eyes are being examined the horse should 
 stand neither in too much light nor in a dark corner. Just 
 inside the stable door and facing the light is a good posi- 
 tion to place him in, and care should be taken to avoid the 
 reflection of scenes outside being thrown upon the pupils. 
 The latter should be absolutely transparent, any trace of 
 cloudiness, puckering, or thickness of the lids, and, above 
 all, the least sign of a speck upon the sight, when viewed 
 
 1 20 
 
FACE — FAKING 
 
 either from below or behind, being regarded with suspicion 
 as a proof of inflammation either past or present. In cases of 
 trouble from the effects of a blow the horse should be placed 
 in a darkened box or stall, and warm fomentations must 
 be applied to the injury in order to reduce the pain and 
 inflammation. Should there be tenderness it is best not to 
 touch the part with the sponge but to squeeze the water out 
 of it from above the wound so that it can run over the sore 
 place. If the eyelid is cut the wound may require to be 
 stitched up, but this is a delicate operation and is best left to 
 a professional man, as horses are peculiarly averse to having 
 their eyes touched. (See Cataract^ Iris, Ophthalmia, Pupil) 
 
 Face. — The front of the horse's head which extends from 
 the forehead to the muzzle. 
 
 Fainting. — Sometimes, though not often, a horse will 
 faint from the effects of overwork or general weakness. If 
 so there can be no confusing the symptoms with those of 
 epilepsy or megrims, as the animal lies perfectly still, and 
 there is no preliminary shaking of the head. If the tongue is 
 drawn out it will not be re-drawn, the horse lying perfectly 
 still, whilst his pulse is very faint and slow. 
 
 Treatment. — Rinse out the mouth with cold water, and 
 allow the head to hang down lower than the body if it can be 
 managed. Remove the harness, and chafe the legs and ears 
 so as to promote circulation. As soon ^s he can swallow, 
 half a quartern of whisky or some other spirit may be 
 administered, and afterwards if he wishes to drink he may 
 be allowed to do so. 
 
 Faking. — The improper tampering with some part of a 
 horse in order to conceal some fault or fraudulently improve 
 his appearance. (See Beaning, Bishopping.) 
 
 121 
 
FALLS — FAN- TAIL 
 
 Falls. — When a horse falls, unless it is due to a sudden 
 attack of illness, the accident is usually due to the careless- 
 ness of the person in charge, or bad shoeing. In any event, 
 the driver should dismount and assist the animal to regain his 
 feet, removing such parts of the harness as may be necessary 
 and wheeling the vehicle out of the way. Should the horse 
 struggle, he must, of course, be restrained, but it is quite 
 unnecessary to adopt the primitive custom of employing 
 some one to sit on his head. If the rein on the side furthest 
 from the ground be pulled tight so that his head comes 
 round and the cheek nearly rests upon his shoulder the horse 
 will be quite unable to regain his feet. (See Broken Knees, 
 Cuts?) 
 
 False Nostrils. — The small pouches formed inside the 
 true nostrils by the folding over of the skin on the top of 
 the air passages. 
 
 False Quarter is, fortunately, not a very common trouble, 
 as it is a serious one and not at all easy to cure. It is the 
 result of inflammation of the coronet, which affects the horn of 
 the hoof and causes a separation of the crust. The existence 
 of false quarter can be detected by tapping the sides of the 
 feet, as in cases where they are affected a hollow sound is 
 given out. Lameness is certain to appear sooner or later, 
 and a rest, accompanied by cooling medicine and food, may 
 reduce the inflammation, but no permanent results can be 
 obtained unless the horn of the foot over the cavity which 
 has been formed inside is cut away and new horn encouraged 
 to replace it. After the horn is cut away the coronet may 
 be blistered and the cavity may be stopped by the applica- 
 tion of tow steeped in Stockholm tar. (See Blistering, 
 Prescriptions^ 
 
 Fan-tail. — The tail of a docked horse which is not squared, 
 but cut shorter at the sides near the root, so that it presents 
 the appearance of a fan. 
 
 122 
 
FARCY — FA T 
 
 Farcy is allied to that terrible scourge of the horse world, 
 glanders, but appears in a different form, and it is possible 
 for an animal to suffer from both diseases simultaneously. 
 The symptoms of farcy are a high temperature, accompanied 
 by a swelling of the hind-legs inside the thighs, and the 
 appearance of several small but very painful and hard swell- 
 ings on these parts, and sometimes on the body and neck as 
 well. These swellings, or buds, break in course of time and 
 discharge purulent pus, but show no signs of healing. Nor 
 should time be allowed to them to do so, as farcy is an 
 incurable and highly contagious disease, and the victims 
 of it should at once be destroyed and their bodies either 
 burned or buried in quicklime. A horse suspected of having 
 contracted this disease should be most rigorously isolated 
 until a confident opinion can be formed. (See Glanders^ 
 
 Farrier. — In days gone by the farrier, in addition to 
 attending to the shoeing of a horse, was in the habit of 
 treating him medically if called upon to do so ; indeed, as 
 a matter of fact, horse doctors were generally known as 
 farriers. In modern times, happily for both horses and their 
 owners, the number of properly qualified veterinary surgeons 
 has so largely increased that the farrier is relegated to his 
 proper position. (See Shoes, Shoeing Smith.) 
 
 Fat, like charity, covers a multitude of faults, and hence 
 it is a common practice amongst exhibitors and dealers to 
 overload their animals with a burden of superfluous adipose 
 tissue, which gives them a rotund appearance, and often 
 conceals a blemish. A horse which is fat is always over- 
 worked at a risk of having his wind broken, and naturally 
 is at a disadvantage with animals in proper condition. A 
 course of purging medicine, plenty of work, at not too fast 
 a pace, and a sufficient, but not too large allowance of 
 sound grain and chaff, with a little long hay, is the treatment 
 which should be resorted to to reduce fat. (See Exercise, 
 Feeding.) 
 
 12^ 
 
FEA THER — FEEDING 
 
 Feather. — See Hair. 
 
 Feather-edged Shoe. — A shoe, one side of which is 
 thinner than the other. Some people recommend these for 
 horses which brush or cut themselves, but they are not good 
 shoes to use, as they bring the foot off the level and cause 
 strain upon the muscles. (See Shoes.) 
 
 Febrifuge. — A medicine which reduces fever, such as 
 ammonia or nitre. (See Medicines, Prescriptions^ 
 
 Feeding. — The proper feeding of their horses should 
 be an important consideration for owners, as upon the correct- 
 ness of the system adopted the health and utility of the 
 animals will largely depend. Unfortunately, however, in 
 horses, as in mankind, individual animals differ widely in 
 constitution, and hence the difficulty that exists in applying 
 a general rule that will meet all cases. It may, nevertheless, 
 be laid down that the staple foods for healthy horses in work 
 are grain, hay, chaff, bran, roots, and green meat, such as 
 grass, tares, vetches, or sanfoin. Regarding the corn, there 
 can be no doubt that oats form the best form of food, though 
 maize or Indian corn is used largely in some stables, partly 
 from motives of economy and partly because it is more 
 fattening and so makes some naturally light-fleshed horses 
 look better. Long hay is not to be recommended for 
 general use, as the horses pull it out of their racks and waste 
 it, and therefore it is best given in the form of chaff with 
 the corn. This arrangement is all the more desirable as 
 it prevents a greedy horse from bolting his corn without 
 masticating it properly, in which case some of it will pass 
 through him undigested and without doing him any good. 
 Bran is useful as a mild form of laxative, and is often mixed 
 with the corn and chaff; whilst sliced roots and green food 
 are useful in the summer for keeping the blood cool. 
 
 Without attempting to enter into any scientific details 
 regarding the nutritive properties of the various forms of 
 
 124 
 
FEEDING 
 
 grain and other foods, it may be pointed out that some are 
 far more nourishing than others, and that the quality of each 
 varies very considerably. The amount, too, that a horse 
 should get must depend, not merely upon his size, but upon 
 the amount and nature of the work he is doing and the 
 season of the year, but in all cases the quantity he gets per diem 
 should be divided between at least three and, better still, 
 four and even five feeds a day. This is because the horse's 
 stomach is extremely small for his size, and consequently 
 requires to be filled at frequent intervals. A horse doing 
 fast work upon the roads or a hunter during the season will 
 require more food and a larger proportion of corn than 
 he does when he is taking matters easily, and under any 
 circumstances the question of cleanliness must be carefully 
 studied, for horses detest soiled food, and their health suffers 
 from dusty oats and mouldy hay. It may be mentioned, too, 
 that a sudden change of diet is apt to upset a horse, and 
 therefore such matters should be arranged gradually. 
 
 Regarding the quantity allowed each horse per diem, 
 whilst it may be repeated that some animals will require 
 more than others, the following scales may be suggested 
 as a general guide, but they can be increased or diminished 
 as circumstances demand. Harness horses, lo lbs. of corn 
 and 12 of hay or chaff; hunters in hard work, i6 lbs. of corn 
 and 10 lbs. of hay or chaff, with occasionally a couple of 
 pounds of beans in lieu of a similar weight of oats ; light 
 vanners in heavy work, oats 7 lbs., maize 7 lbs., beans i lb., 
 chaff 12 lbs.; heavy street horses, oats 10 lbs., maize 4 lbs., 
 beans 5 lbs., hay 16 lbs. If desired, a little bran may be 
 added to the above, whilst it may be mentioned that beans 
 (or peas) are not approved of by all owners. Sliced roots 
 and linseed or oat meal are also frequently given to heavy 
 horses, the other forms of food being proportionately reduced ; 
 and a small allowance of roots may be supplied to the 
 lighter breeds when not in very hard work with satisfactory 
 results. A bran mash will do good, if substituted one night 
 a week before the horses' resting-day for the last feed, and 
 
 125 
 
FELLOE — FEVER RLNGS 
 
 an armful of long hay may be placed in the racks when the 
 horses are bedded up for the night, as it will assist them in 
 passing the time away, (See Barley, Beans, Bran, Carrots, 
 Chaff, Chop, Forage, Hay, Maize, Oats, Peas, Wheat, and 
 Water:) 
 
 Felloe. — The outside wooden rim of the wheel into which 
 the spokes are fixed. (See Axle, Nave, Spokes, Tyre.) 
 
 Fell Pony. — A breed of ponies has been associated with 
 the counties of Cumberland and Westmoreland for centuries 
 past, and no doubt the race in days gone by was improved 
 by crosses from across the border. The height of these 
 ponies ranges from 12 hands to about 13 hands 2 inches, 
 or a little over, and the most common colours are bay, brown, 
 and black, grey being rare and chestnut unknown amongst 
 them, whilst white markings, unless they take the form of a 
 small star on the forehead, are regarded as a sign of impurity 
 of blood. The head of the Fell Pony is neat, the ears small, 
 and the neck of a nice length, whilst the shoulders are 
 excellent. A very good back and powerful level quarters 
 are also characteristics of these ponies, and they also show 
 a good deal of bone below the knee. The larger ones are 
 excellent riding ponies, and, speaking generally, they are 
 possessed of very robust constitutions. 
 
 Femur. — The thigh bone which extends from the hip joint 
 to the stifle. (See Hind-legs.) 
 
 Fetlock is the joint which connects the cannon bone 
 with the pastern. (See Fore-legs.) 
 
 Fever in the Feet. — See Laminitis. 
 
 Fever Rings appear in the form of a succession of ridges 
 on the outside of the hoofs of most horses which have suffered 
 from founder or inflammation of the feet, and hence any 
 
 126 
 
FEVERS — FIGHTING ACTION 
 
 animal which carries such traces of previous trouble should 
 be carefully examined. It may be added that unscrupulous 
 persons frequently attempt to remove the traces of fever 
 rings by rasping the walls of the hoof, thereby inflicting 
 additional injury upon the horse. (See Laniinitis.) 
 
 Fevers are, of course, associated with most diseases of 
 which horses are the victims, and their existence can always 
 be detected by the use of the clinical thermometer should the 
 attendant's sense of touch and the appearance of the animal 
 not be convincing. In cases where a fever is the precursor 
 of illness more serious, the patient must be watched in order 
 that his ailment may be diagnosed, but should nothing 
 transpire to account for the rise in temperature and 
 increased pulsation a dose of aconite 15 minims in half a 
 pint of water may be administered with satisfactory results. 
 If, on the other hand, there is reason for believing that the 
 patient is suffering from the effects of over-feeding or want 
 of exercise, his corn and chaff should be knocked off, and he 
 should be placed on a diet of mashes and green food for a 
 few days, and a dose of 4 drams of aloes in the case of a full- 
 sized horse may be administered. {See Prescriptions^ 
 
 Fibula. — The bone of the back leg, situated below the 
 stifle joint and extending to the hock. (See Bones, Hind-legs^ 
 
 Fidding. — A discreditable practice which is employed 
 by some owners of horses and their servants with the object 
 of making a mare carry her tail higher. It consists of 
 applying ginger, and occasionally cayenne pepper, to the 
 organ of sex, and constitutes an act of cruelty which no 
 proper minded person could be expected to tolerate. (See 
 Ginget'ing?) 
 
 Fighting- Action. — A horse is said to fight in his action 
 when he raises his fore-legs off the ground to a considerable 
 height, but does not use his shoulders as he should or extend 
 
 127 
 
FILLED LEGS — FIRING 
 
 his knees sufficiently, the result being that he covers very 
 little ground. (See Action^ 
 
 Filled Legs are usually caused by over-feeding, or the 
 want of exercise, the limbs swelling suddenly and becoming 
 very tender and stiff. Young horses, and those which are 
 run down by overwork, are peculiarly liable to this form 
 of trouble. 
 
 Treatjuent. — A diuretic and gentle exercise will usually 
 effect relief. (See Diuretics, Monday Morning Evil.) 
 
 Fillet String. — The ornamental cord which passes behind 
 the thighs about midway between the tail and the hocks to 
 connect the two sides of the quarter-piece. (See Clothing.) 
 
 Filly. — A young maiden mare, the term usually being 
 applied to such until she is a four-year-old. 
 
 Finnish Horses. — (See Swedish Horses.) 
 
 Firing is an operation which may be successfully con- 
 ducted as a means of strengthening back tendons, or in the 
 treatment of spavin, in addition to which some owners, 
 particularly hunting men, have their horses fired as a pre- 
 cautionary measure in the hope of preventing a break-down 
 from one of the above causes, whilst others prefer to adopt 
 the milder treatment of blistering, but the operation should 
 be left to a professional man to carry out. In the face of 
 this assertion it may appear unnecessary to point out that 
 the irons are often applied with unnecessary severity. 
 Excepting in very extreme and rare cases there is nothing 
 to be gained by inflicting gratuitous punishment on the 
 horse by deep-firing. If the lines are regular, about half 
 or three quarters of an inch apart, and not unnecessarily 
 deep, the object of the operation will have been achieved and 
 the horse's appearance will not be affected more than is 
 absolutely necessary. Puncture firing, if properly carried 
 
 128 
 
FLANK— FLEXING THE HOCKS 
 
 out, leaves very little trace behind it, but cross lines or 
 diamond firing invariably leave ugly marks, owing to the 
 scabs sloughing off in flakes. As it is the practice of some 
 owners to fire their horses as a precautionary measure, this 
 operation must not invariably be regarded as a proof of the 
 animal having broken down. (See Back Tendon, Spavin.^ 
 
 Flank is the part of the body situated behind the ribs 
 and below the loins, extending down to the belly. 
 
 Flap. — The flap of a saddle is the outside part which 
 extends from the skirt and seat to the lowest extremity above 
 the stirrups. (See Saddle, Seat, Skirt.) 
 
 Flat Foot. — A flat foot is one that is low at the heel, and 
 is usually associated with a large, soft frog and brittle horn. 
 Horses bred on damp soil are more' commonly flat-footed 
 than those raised on other land. (See Foot^ 
 
 Flat-footed. — A horse is said to go flat-footed when, 
 owing to the lowness of the walls of his hoofs, he goes upon 
 his heels more than on the toes, instead of putting his feet 
 squarely and evenly on the ground. 
 
 Flat Sides. — When a horse's ribs are not rounded as they 
 should be, he is described as flat-sided. The formation is 
 an objectionable one, as owing to the ribs not being convex 
 there is a reduction of space for the heart and lungs to 
 work in. 
 
 Flatulence, or Wind, is generally caused by indigestion. 
 
 Treatment. — First give a purge to clear away any 
 internal obstructions, and then give small doses of bicarbonate 
 of soda twice a day for a week. Avoid beans or peas as 
 food. (See also Indigestion) 
 
 Flexing the Hocks is a term which explains itself; it 
 
 129 I 
 
FLEXOR MUSCLES — FLOORS 
 
 is usually applied to hackney action, as this horse bends 
 his hocks more than most breeds do, and gets them further 
 under his belly. (See Action^ 
 
 Flexor Muscles of the foot are those which bend the 
 fetlock and pastern and joints. They connect with the 
 back tendons above the knee. (See Back Tendons, Muscles^ 
 
 Flies in summer time are a constant source of worry to 
 horses, both in the stable and out of it. In the former case, a 
 thin cotton sheet over the horse will provide him with some 
 protection, and if the stable is kept rather dark, and some 
 saucers of diluted carbolic acid are placed along the walls, 
 the flies will not be encouraged to enter. For horses which 
 are out at grass there is little that can be done, as even 
 if it is convenient to dress their coats with some compound 
 which the insects dislike, the fact that the flies usually attack 
 the corners of the eyes and other sensitive parts renders it 
 impossible to adopt effective precautions. Therefore the 
 only thing to be done is to bring the horses in during the day. 
 
 Floors. — The question of providing proper flooring for 
 stables is one for the serious considerations of horse owners, 
 as, apart from considerations of health, a bad, slippery floor 
 may cause an accident which will render a horse useless for 
 months. The most usual floorings for buildings and yards 
 are tiles, bricks, cement, asphalt, and cobble stones, the last 
 mentioned being generally used out-of-doors, as they are 
 totally unadapted for inside purposes, being far too apt 
 to absorb moisture in the crevices between them. The best 
 of all floorings for a stable are the hard, blue tiles which are 
 usually seen in high-class establishments, and after them 
 come the small, hard bricks, laid edgeways. Both of these 
 provide a non-absorbent surface, which is easily swilled over 
 and dried, in addition to which they yield a fair foothold for 
 horses. This is more than can be claimed for either concrete 
 or asphalt, which are consequently not to be recommended 
 
 130 
 
FOALING 
 
 as a flooring for stables or pavement for yards. 
 Asphalt^ Brick Pavings Concrete^ 
 
 (See 
 
 Foaling. — The period of gestation in the mare is eleven 
 months ; but the exact period is often exceeded, and occa- 
 sionally the reverse, so the mare should be watched carefully 
 lest she should drop her foal without somebody at hand in 
 case of trouble. As her time approaches, her belly will drop 
 more, and the flanks draw in, whilst the udder begins to 
 
 A correct Presentation. 
 
 increase in size. Soon after that a thick, sticky substance 
 forms in her udder, but this turns into a white, milk-like 
 fluid within a few hours of her foaling. Should all go well 
 with her, the mare will require no assistance, and usually 
 her troubles are over very soon. If, however, there is reason 
 to suspect that something is wrong, and there does not 
 happen to be an experienced man on the premises, a 
 veterinary surgeon should be sent for without delay. The 
 
FOALING 
 
 proper way for a foal to make its entry into the world is 
 with its fore-legs first and its head between them ; but it is 
 not very unusual for complications to occur, and hence the 
 necessity for professional assistance. A big, powerful mare 
 which is having a bad time of it is sure to be beyond the 
 powers of an amateur accoucheur to deal with, as observations 
 may have to be made and possibly instruments used which 
 may cost both her and the foal their lives if not properly 
 performed. 
 
 Mares usually foal standing up, and this causes the navel 
 string to break ; but if it does not, owing to her lying down, 
 two pieces of tape must be tied round it, and it must be cut 
 through between them. Unless the after-birth comes away 
 within thirty-six hours, advice should be obtained in case 
 it putrifies and causes blood-poisoning, which may result in 
 death. Should the mare appear weak either during labour 
 or after foaling, two or three ounces of brandy may be given 
 to her ; and if she has had a long labour, accompanied by 
 much straining, or if she is an old mare, a wide bandage may 
 be put round her belly to keep it up and give relief to the 
 muscles. As observed above, the average mare manages to 
 get through her troubles pretty well by herself; but with the 
 highly bred and excitable animals it is often different, as 
 these often either get frightened at the sight of their foals 
 or take a dislike to them, so, unless some one is at hand, the 
 youngster may be killed. If, however, the mare can once 
 be got to lick the foal all danger will be past, and she may 
 be often induced to do so by sprinkling some bran or flour 
 on the back of the foal. 
 
 Should the dam prove herself to be a bad mother, and 
 decline to attend to her maternal duties, the foal will have 
 to be dried with towels, and if cold, its ears and legs should 
 be rubbed so as to get them warm and promote circulation. 
 One reason for having somebody near at the time of foaling 
 is that the young one may come into the world so weak 
 that it may be thought to be dead. If so, its face and mouth 
 should be sponged with cold water, the nostrils should be 
 
 132 
 
FOALS 
 
 blown into pretty hard, and its chest slapped with a damp 
 towel. Assuming that the mare has a sufficiency of milk of 
 the right quality, and the foal can be got to suck, everything 
 may be expected to go on well. On the other hand, if the 
 milk supply is short, it may be necessary to feed the foal 
 artificially, in which case cow's milk and water, in the pro- 
 portion of three parts to two, and slightly sweetened with 
 sugar, may be given in a bottle, or one of the substitutes for 
 milk which are advertised can be taken instead. Attention 
 to feeding may increase the yield of milk, and therefore grass 
 may be given to the mare, as it is not desirable that she and 
 her foal should leave their box for a day or two, whilst her 
 dry corn may be knocked off and scalded oats and bran 
 given instead ; she should also be given plenty of gruel 
 to drink. Sliced roots are very good if mixed with the 
 mare's chop, as they assist in keeping the blood cool, and 
 therefore reduce the chance of her udder becoming inflamed. 
 Should this occur — the symptoms are hardness, heat, and 
 tenderness — and warm fomentations and milking do not 
 improve matters, professional advice must be obtained. (See 
 Brood Mare, Foals.) 
 
 Foals are very often constipated when they are first 
 born, but a dose of castor oil (about one ounce) will rectify 
 this. Later on they are very liable to scour, and if the 
 diarrhcea increases it may go hard with them, whilst under 
 any circumstances they will lose ground. The best treatment 
 is a dose of castor oil, as before, followed by feeding on 
 boiled rice or gruel with a little starch in it, and the mare 
 and her foal must be kept in their box. It is well, too, 
 to endeavour to ascertain the cause of the scouring, and 
 if the milk of the dam is suspected, her health should be 
 attended to and a tonic administered. Some foals can feed 
 quite well at a month old, whilst others commence later, 
 but when they do so a daily small feed of scalded oats and 
 bran, with a little salt added, will help them along, and in 
 
 133 
 
FOMENT A TIONS — FO T 
 
 the case of valuable foals this is worth remembering. (See 
 Weaning^ 
 
 Fomentations. — A very usual mistake that is made 
 when warm fomentations are being applied is to have 
 the water too hot, as if it is just hot enough for the hand 
 to bear it will be sufficient, excepting in cases of severe 
 inflammation, when the hotter it is the better. When it 
 is necessary to foment the stomach, as in cases of colic, 
 the way to proceed is to soak a large blanket in very hot 
 water and to spread it over the belly securing it by band- 
 ages, using in all such cases another blanket, or preferably a 
 waterproof sheet, over it so as to keep in the heat. When 
 the fomentation has to be renewed it may be done either 
 by providing another blanket for immediate application when 
 the first one is removed so as to reduce the chances of a 
 chill, or else more hot water may be gently poured from 
 the top of the blanket in use and allowed to run down 
 on to it. When the blankets are finally removed the belly 
 may be rubbed with some stimulating liniment to keep 
 in the heat. 
 
 The best way to foment the legs is to place the injured 
 limb in a bucket of hot water, and if the water has been 
 thickened by the addition of some chaff or moss it will 
 prevent its being spilled about the floor of the stable should 
 the horse be fidgety. When the leg is removed from the 
 pail, woollen bandages should be put on rather loosely. 
 It should be borne in mind that after hot fomentations have 
 been applied there is always a risk of the horse taking 
 cold, and hence the part should not only be thoroughly 
 dried but kept warm afterwards, and the animal must 
 not be exposed to draughts or cold. 
 
 Food. — See Feeding. 
 
 Foot. — The feet of horses are perhaps the most important 
 of all the many important portions of their anatomy, which 
 
 134 
 
.^ 
 
 9f^ 
 
 lf« fTf? 
 
FOOT 
 
 The Foot. 
 
 statement is fully supported by the old saying, " No foot, 
 no horse," than which a more truthful maxim does not 
 exist. The external 
 parts of a foot are the 
 walls or crust — that 
 is, the outside horn, 
 which extends from 
 the coronet to the 
 ground— the sole, and 
 the frog ; whilst the 
 interior space con- 
 tains the navicular 
 bone in the back 
 higher part, and the 
 pedal or coffin bone, 
 so called from its sup- 
 posed resemblance in 
 shape to a coffin in 
 the lower front por- 
 tion. In addition to these there are the necessary cartilages, 
 tissues, and blood-vessels for connecting the bones and 
 keeping the organ nourished. It will be seen, therefore, 
 that a horse's feet are very delicate pieces of mechanism, as 
 they, and the fore ones in particular, sustain the whole weight 
 of the body, and hence their liability to suffer from the 
 effects of inflammation produced, amongst other things, by 
 concussion, laminitis, navicular disease, and bad shoeing. 
 (i-i heels, 2 frog, 3-3 bars, 4 sole, 5 toe, 6-6 quarters, 
 y-y-y wall.) 
 
 The fore-feet are larger and rounder in shape than the 
 back ones, and should be of the same size, the outside 
 walls being rather sloping, and the sole, which is formed 
 of a softer, though tough, horn, rather arched ; whilst the 
 frog, which is a wedge-shaped, elastic cushion, is situated 
 at the back of the sole, with the thin end pointing towards 
 the toe. The bars of the foot are the ends of the wall at the 
 heels, which turn inwards parallel to the frog, and, like the 
 
 135 
 
FOOT POUNDS — FORAGE 
 
 latter, are unfortunately far too often tampered with by 
 ignorant shoeing smiths. It cannot, therefore, be too 
 strongly impressed upon owners that they should refuse 
 to have the bars and frogs of their horses' hoofs pared away 
 unnecessarily by the reckless use of the drawing knife, nor 
 should they permit the outside walls to be rasped, as this 
 undoubtedly injures the horn. In cases where the horn is 
 dry and brittle, a very good dressing is mutton fat melted 
 down and applied to the hoofs both on the walls and soles, 
 as it becomes absorbed, and assists in replacing the natural 
 oil of the horn, which may have been extracted by contact 
 with a hot shoe or some other cause. (See Contracted Feet, 
 Frog, Heels, Hoofs, Shoeing.) 
 
 Foot Pounds. — It has been calculated that a one-horse 
 engine working for ten hours on end will raise a weight of 
 19,799,360 pounds I foot from the ground. No horse, how- 
 ever, is likely to be equal to such an achievement, eight 
 hours slow walking with a traction of 100 pounds being 
 equal to only 8,463,571 foot pounds a day ; whilst slow farm 
 work has been estimated as being a little under 3,000,000 
 pounds more. Much, however, must depend upon the speed 
 as well as upon the weight of the load ; but it has been 
 calculated that the following represent a fair average in foot 
 pounds: a hard day's work at the walk, 11,500,000; a hard 
 day's work at the trot, 7,233,000 ; the difference being due to 
 the fact that there is less waste of tissue when fast work is 
 being done, as less force is required to execute this. The 
 above figures may be found useful to owners who are 
 calculating the amount of food their horses should be given. 
 
 Forage. — Many owners in a small way find it advan- 
 tageous to contract for the foraging of their horse by a 
 local tradesman at a fixed amount, which must, or should, 
 depend upon the market price of the corn, hay, and straw 
 supplied. From about half a guinea to twelve shillings may, 
 
 136 
 
FORE- ARM — FORE-LEGS 
 
 however, be regarded as a fair average price to charge for a 
 week's forage. (See Food.) 
 
 Fore-arm. — The fore-arm is that part of the front leg 
 which extends from the shoulder to the knee ; it possesses two 
 bones — namely, the radius, which is connected with the above- 
 mentioned joints, and the ulna, which is united with it at the 
 back, and which projects above it, the top of the ulna forming 
 the point of the elbow. (See Fore-legs.) 
 
 Forehand. — The term applied to the front part of a 
 horse's conformation, which includes the head, neck, chest, 
 shoulders, and fore-legs. 
 
 Forehead. — The front part of a horse's head which 
 extends from the occipital crest to the eyes, where the face 
 commences. 
 
 Fore-legs. — The fore-legs consist of three joints — namely, 
 the elbows, the knees, and the fetlock — and three sets of 
 bones. The elbow is connected with the shoulders above 
 and the knee below by the fore-arm, which is made up, 
 amongst other things, of two bones — the radius, upon the 
 top of which the humerus or lower shoulder bone rests, and 
 the ulna, which is situated behind it, the top of this bone 
 forming the point of the elbow. The knee possesses two 
 rows of bones, the chief bone of the joint being known as 
 the pisiform, and this is curved inwards, forming a groove 
 for the back tendons to pass through. The knee and the 
 pasterns are connected by three bones — namely, the cannon 
 bone in front, and the two splint bones behind it. Below the 
 pastern, and connecting it with the foot, comes the fetlock 
 joint, which contains the long and short pastern bones and 
 the sesamoid bone ; whilst the bones of the foot are the pedal 
 or coffin bone in front, and the navicular bone behind and 
 above it, joining the short pastern bone. 
 
 There are also muscles connecting the fore-leg with the 
 
 ^?>7 
 
FORE-LEGS 
 
 shoulders and breast, and others attached to the knee and 
 fetlock, which enable the horse to bend his joints. The 
 
 principal muscle which bends the 
 knee extends from the shoulder 
 to the knee and passes downwards 
 behind it to the splint bones ; and 
 there are also muscles passing 
 down the back of the fore - arm 
 down to the coffin bone which 
 enable the horse to bend his fet- 
 lock and pastern joints. Above 
 the knee these muscles are con- 
 nected by the back tendon which 
 runs through the groove in the 
 Pisiform down the back of the 
 cannon bone. The suspensory- 
 ligament, which is the main support 
 of the fetlock, is placed at the back 
 of the cannon bone between the 
 two splint bones, commencing at 
 the top of the former and dividing 
 into two a little more than half- 
 way down to the fetlock, the two 
 branches connecting with the sesa- 
 moid bones, after which they 
 extend towards the front and join 
 the tendon of the muscle which 
 extends the foot at the middle 
 
 Bones of the Fore-legs. 
 
 1. Radius. 
 
 2. Pisiform. 
 
 3. Cunieform. 
 
 4. Trapezoid. 
 
 5. Unieform. 
 
 6. Inner small metacarpal or 
 
 splint bone. 
 
 7. Large metacarpal or cannon of the paStern. 
 
 8. Sesamoid bone. The fore - leg should 
 
 9. Suffraginis or long pastern 
 
 bone. 
 
 10. Os Coronre or small pastern 
 
 bone. 
 
 11. Os Pedis or coffin bone. 
 
 12. Navicular bone. 
 
 be long 
 in the fore -arm and short in the 
 cannon bone, whilst the pasterns 
 should be fairly long and sloping. 
 If too long and too sloping they 
 are apt to be weak, but if they are too short and upright they 
 will not stand the concussion they receive at work, and the 
 action of the horse will not be so smooth and easy. A 
 
FORELOCK — FORKS 
 
 long cannon bone predisposes weakness of the sinews, and 
 small knees betoken weakness, whilst the Pisiform should 
 be prominent so as to enable the tendons to stand out well, 
 otherwise the leg will be tied in. Below the knee the leg 
 should be big and flat, the more bone the better, any 
 approach to standing over or calf knees being a great fault. 
 (See Calf Knees, Elbow, Fetlock, Foot, Knees.) 
 
 Forelock is the term applied to the continuation of the 
 mane, which extends between the ears and hangs over the 
 forehead. 
 
 Forging. — The act of forging consists of the horse hitting 
 the inner edee of the fore-shoe with his hind toe. The best 
 
 Forsrinc 
 
 course to pursue is to shorten his hind toe, and to put the 
 shoe back a little. (See Brushing, Over-reaches, Speedy Cut, 
 Shoes, Treads.) 
 
 Forks should never be kept in the stable, and wherever 
 they are placed when out of use the prongs should always 
 be on the ground. Nor is there any necessity for having sharp 
 prongs to a stable fork, which is only used for bedding up 
 
 139 
 
FOS TER-MO THERS — FRA C TURES 
 
 the horses or removing the litter from under them. Sharp 
 points have caused many accidents to valuable horses. 
 
 Foster-mothers. — Few mares take kindly to another's 
 foal, but there are authentic instances recorded of their doing 
 so. In the case of an orphan foal, or if a mare has not 
 sufficient milk for her own, it is worth while trying to 
 persuade one which may have lost her own foal, or has one 
 of less value at foot, to adopt the superior youngster. Her 
 own foal, if she has one, must be removed out of her sight 
 and hearing and kept away from her, and it will be necessary 
 for some one to be close at hand until she takes to the foster- 
 foal and allows it to suck, as otherwise she may injure it 
 very seriously. If some of her own milk is drawn off and 
 sprinkled over the strange foal's head, neck, and back, she 
 may be more readily induced to take to it. 
 
 Founder. — See Laniinitis. 
 
 Fractures. — As a rule it is a difficult matter to mend 
 the broken bones of horses, as they are very bad patients and 
 will often undo the results of many weeks' attention by their 
 restiveness when almost cured. Fractures are of four kinds — 
 namely, simple, when the bone is broken but the skin not 
 pierced ; compound, when the broken bone penetrates the 
 skin ; comminuted, when the bone is broken in several places, 
 as often occurs in cases of split pasterns ; and complicated, 
 when the fracture extends to the surrounding tissues. In 
 cases where a doubt exists as to whether the bone is actually 
 broken, the point can be settled by hearing the ends of the 
 fracture grating against each other, and then the fate of the 
 patient can be decided. 
 
 Treatment. — Fractures are obviously matters which are 
 beyond the power of an amateur horse doctor to deal with, 
 and hence no time should be lost in procuring the best 
 professional assistance available. Meanwhile, the horse should 
 be placed in slings, with the knowledge that should it be 
 
 140 
 
FREE ACTION— FRIGHT 
 
 decided that an attempt at curing him is to be made he 
 will be kept there for at least a couple of months. Until 
 the arrival of a veterinary surgeon, the seat of injury should 
 be interfered with as little as possible, but if the animal is 
 suffering great pain, cloths soaked in very cold water may 
 be gently applied from time to time, and if the skin is not 
 broken the addition of a little vinegar to the water may assist 
 in granting relief (See Fomentations^ Nursing; Slings.) 
 
 Free Action is exactly the reverse of round action, as it 
 represents plenty of propelling power behind, and the proper 
 use of the shoulders. A free mover, in fact, uses his shoulders. 
 
 Free Action. 
 
 knees, pasterns, stifles, and hocks to the best advantage when 
 he moves, and gets his fore-feet well out in front of him. 
 (See Propelling Power, Round Action?) 
 
 Fright. — Some very serious accidents have occurred 
 through a horse suddenly taking fright and bolting, and 
 hence it is never safe for a driver or rider to become careless 
 
 141 
 
FROG — FROST NAILS 
 
 and lose control of the animal in front of, or under him. 
 Many horses are by nature extremely timid, and if these 
 are alarmed by something they see or hear it may be very 
 difficult to stop them when they once get going. Defective 
 sight is a very common cause of fright, as objects become 
 distorted owing to the impaired vision to such an extent 
 that the animals are almost driven mad. It may be added, 
 too, that they are terribly affected by fear of fire, and that 
 many of them evince a great aversion, if not terror, at the 
 sight and smell of blood. (See Bolting, Cataract, Eyes?) 
 
 Frog. — The frog is a wedge-shaped, elastic cushion of 
 soft horn, which extends from the back of the foot, being 
 attached to the coffin bone by a series of fibres. Its duty is 
 to reduce concussion, and hence the absurdity of tampering 
 with it by cutting a portion away, as many shoeing smiths 
 will if they are not stopped. Owing, however, to the practice 
 of shoeing horses, it necessarily follows that under the 
 ordinary methods the frog is raised above the ground, and 
 hence its usefulness is diminished. In cases of lameness, 
 however, when the shoes are removed it becomes of great 
 assistance to the horse. Owing to its position, nature, and 
 the incompetency of shoeing smiths, the frog is a victim 
 of injuries and diseases which require attention if serious 
 consequences are to be avoided, and it must, therefore, be 
 remembered that a healthy, well-cared-for frog usually 
 means a healthy foot. (See Cojttracted Feet, Foot, Shoeing, 
 Thrush^ 
 
 Frost Nails are nails fixed in the shoes to prevent horses 
 slipping in frosty weather. They are usually nails of rather 
 greater length than those in ordinary use, so that the heads 
 need not be driven into the shoe as is customary, but be 
 flattened down so as to grip the ground, for which purpose 
 steel heads are the best. Another plan is to have extra 
 holes punched in the shoes at the heels and sides of the toes 
 in a slanting direction, so that nails can be driven through 
 
 142 
 
FROZEN GRASS— FURZE 
 
 them and turned up without touching the hoof. Some 
 persons advocate sharp calkins, but their use necessitates the 
 shoes being removed, and therefore it is better to use studs 
 which screw into holes in the shoe by means of a key ; or 
 else square studs which can be driven into the holes by a 
 hammer. The last-mentioned provide the best preventative 
 against slipping of all, provided that they are well made. 
 (See Sprains.) 
 
 Frozen Grass is regarded by many people as highly 
 prejudicial to the health of horses which may eat it, but if 
 the theory is correct, there would be many more cases of 
 sickness amongst animals turned out to grass than are 
 now reported. At the same time, it cannot be regarded as a 
 desirable form of food, and hence it is wise to supply the 
 horses lying out with a sufficient quantity of hay to provide 
 them with a feed in the morning. (See Turning Out.) 
 
 Furniture. — The metal mountings of harness, such as 
 the hames, terrots, buckles, etc., are collectively alluded to 
 as the furniture. They are usually either brass or silver- 
 plated, the under parts of the more substantial pieces such 
 as the hames being generally of iron. With some cheaper 
 sets of harness nickel furniture is supplied, and it possesses 
 the merit of not requiring to be plated, but, on the other 
 hand, it never looks so well as the latter. In cases of plating, 
 however, if the work is not of the best, or very near it, hard 
 wear soon removes the coating and causes the metalwork 
 to become spotted in appearance, and consequently the best 
 workmanship, though it may cost a little more at first, will be 
 found the cheapest in the end. (See Appointments, Harness.) 
 
 Furze is at best a poor food for horses, but it is occa- 
 sionally used in some parts of the country for cart-horses, 
 and if so should be bruised. Animals lying out in winter 
 are often compelled to eat it, in the absence of other keep, 
 which may be covered by snow, and if so they are some^ 
 
 143 
 
GAG BIT— GALLOWAY 
 
 times to be seen pounding it with their feet to soften it 
 before takinsf it into their mouths. 
 
 Gag" Bit is a severe and totally unnecessary development 
 of the bearing-rein, and has done much to bring the latter 
 into disrepute amongst people who are unable to distinguish 
 the great difference that exists between the two. It consists 
 of a bit attached to a round rein passing from the cheek 
 upwards through rings near the brow-band to the pad-hook, 
 and drawn so tightly that the corners of the lips are dragged 
 upwards. If this bit is associated with a severe curb chain 
 linked up very tight, the horse is unable to move his head 
 without torture, and is therefore compelled to stand or move 
 with his lips almost cut through at the corners, and his head 
 forced back in an unnatural and very painful position. (See 
 Bearing-rein, Harness.) 
 
 Gag Rein. — See Gag Bit. 
 
 Gait. — See Action, Canter, Gallop, Trot, Walk. 
 
 Gallop is the fastest pace at which a horse can move, 
 and may almost be described as an exaggerated canter, the 
 main difference between the two gaits being that in the 
 gallop the hind-leg is put down on the ground before the fore 
 one on the other side. (See Action, Canter.) 
 
 Galloway is the term applied to undersized thorough- 
 breds, under 15 hands, which are used for racing outside 
 Jockey Club Rules. Owners taking part in the meetings of 
 the Pony and Galloway Society, however, do not incur the 
 risk of being warned off the turf if they race under the former 
 rules ; but the Galloways which run at such meetings are 
 debarred from running under either Jockey Club or National 
 Hunt Rules. An attempt to explain the reason for such 
 contradictory laws is obviously impossible. 
 
 144 
 
GALLS — GESTA TION 
 
 Galls arising from the chafing- of some part of the harness, 
 usually the pad, or the saddle, or girths, often cause a good 
 deal of annoyance. In some cases horses which are liable to 
 them may be successfully protected by the use of saddle or 
 pad-cloths, or a piece of sheepskin may be placed under the 
 girths. A badly-fitting collar is another constant cause of 
 galls, and in such cases relief may be obtained by either 
 cutting away some of the lining which presses on the sore, or 
 else by placing pads of felt or flannel in such positions that 
 the pressure may be removed. 
 
 Treatment. — Fomentations of salt and water or alum and 
 water should be applied, or in obstinate cases a dressing of 
 glycerine twenty parts and carbolic acid one part may be 
 found efficacious, (See Prescriptions, Sore Backs?) 
 
 Garron Ponies. — These are the biggest and best built 
 pure-bred ponies of Scotland ; they come from Perthshire and 
 the Central Highlands, the Duke of Atholl's stud at Blair 
 Atholl being the best known. In colour they are black, 
 brown, dun, sometimes with the black stripe down the back 
 and black points, piebald, black or brown and white, and 
 sometimes grey. They are noted for their good feet and legs, 
 well set on tail, game heads, and good shoulders. In height 
 they average 14 hands, and for sure-footedness and general 
 all-round staying power cannot be beaten. This breed is 
 fortunate in that no attempts have been made to " improve " 
 it by the introduction of stallions of other blood. 
 
 Gaskin. — The gaskin is the part of the hind -leg above 
 the hock and below the thigh, hence it is sometimes alluded 
 to as the second thigh. (See Hind-legs, Points^ 
 
 Gelding. — A castrated horse. (See Castration^ 
 
 Gestation. — The period which elapses between con- 
 ception and foaling, usually eleven months. An erroneous 
 impression exists in some quarters that if the above period 
 is exceeded the foal will be a colt, and if it is less that the 
 result will be a filly. (See Brood Mare, Foaling^ 
 
 145 K 
 
GETTING HOLD— GIG HORSE 
 
 Getting Hold. — (a) A horse is said to get hold of his bit 
 when he puts his heart into his work, and without actually 
 pulling, lets his driver feel that he has got something in front 
 of him. 
 
 (b) a slang term applied to the act of a crib-biter, which 
 is sometimes referred to as " getting hold " of his manger. 
 
 Getting up. — It may be pointed out that when a horse 
 rises he does so by raising himself on his haunches with 
 his fore-legs slightly extended in front of him and both 
 feet on the ground, then he raises himself on his hind- 
 legs. In cases where a horse falls and the ground beneath 
 him is slippery it is often necessary to strew sand or gravel 
 on it so that he can obtain a foothold, but if this is not 
 procurable a rug or sack or two will serve the purpose. 
 Should the supply of sand or sacks be limited it is neces- 
 sary to pay more attention to securing a foothold for the 
 fore than for the back feet. 
 
 Gig is any two-wheel vehicle constructed to carry only 
 
 two passengers. It is sometimes fitted with a leather hood, 
 but is as often used without. 
 
 Gig Horse. — A 15-hand, i-inch horse of fair substance 
 
 146 
 
GINGERING — GLANDERS 
 
 and good bone, with action, is the stamp of animal required 
 for gig work. 
 
 Gingering. — The practice of forcing an irritant such as 
 ginger or cayenne pepper up the rectum of a horse in 
 order to make him carry his tail up. (See Fidding.) 
 
 Girth. — The distance a horse measures round any 
 particular part of his body. 
 
 Girth Galls. — See Galls. 
 
 Girthing. — Many people make the mistake of girthing 
 their horses too tightly, the consequence being that the 
 action of the heart becomes affected, and the animal is 
 thereby distressed unnecessarily. On the other hand, loose 
 girths are a very potential source of trouble, so the happy 
 medium should be observed, and, generally speaking, it is 
 safest to rely upon the old rule that the girths are tight 
 enough if two fingers can be squeezed in between them 
 and the horse's belly. 
 
 Girths are usually made of webbing, but occasionally of 
 leather or raw hide. The latter are a good deal used in the 
 Colonies and other places where there is hard work to be 
 done, and saddlers are scarce. They do not, however, commend 
 themselves to riding men at home, but they wear for a very 
 long time and stand the strain put upon them by a buck- 
 jumper better than webbing girths would. (See Girthing.) 
 
 Glanders is an incurable and highly dangerous disease, 
 and it is undoubtedly communicable to man. Fortunately, 
 thanks to efficient legislation, it is on the decline, but, as in 
 the case of farcy, a large number of animals are still annually 
 attacked by it, in spite of the efforts of successive governmental 
 authorities to stamp out glanders altogether. When a case, 
 or even the suspicion of either glanders or farcy occurs in 
 
 147 
 
GOING UP TO HORSE — GOOSE RUMP 
 
 a stable, the local authorities should at once be notified — 
 this is compelled by law — and the suspected animal should 
 be immediately isolated. His stable companions should 
 likewise be kept by themselves away from other horses, and 
 strictly watched to ascertain whether symptoms appear ; 
 whilst the litter and droppings should be carefully collected 
 and burned, and all the woodwork of the stable, particularly 
 those parts which may have been in contact with the 
 heads of the horses, and the floors should be thoroughly 
 scoured out and disinfected, the walls and ceilings being 
 lime-whited, and carbolic acid must be added to the water 
 in which the lime is mixed. Extreme care should be taken 
 in discharging the above duties, and when touching an 
 affected or suspected horse, as many fatal cases of glanders 
 have been known to occur amongst grooms and others. 
 
 Symptoms. — A thick, sticky, lead-coloured, offensive dis- 
 charge from the nose — only one nostril being usually affected 
 — which, if placed in water, will sink. Ragged-edged ulcers 
 usually appear in the nostrils, and the glands frequently 
 adhere to the jaw. If these symptoms appear it is an 
 undoubted case of glanders, and the horse should be at 
 once destroyed, and his body either burned or buried deep 
 in quicklime. (See Farcy.) 
 
 Going up to Horse. — A horse ought always to be 
 approached from the near side when he is in a stall, and 
 in fact on all occasions when possible, as he is accustomed 
 to this. The wise man approaches a strange horse warily, 
 as there is never any knowing what an animal's vices may 
 be. When the hand once gets on the horse's withers, and 
 he allows himself to be patted, the risk of danger is con- 
 siderably reduced, but there is still a risk of a playful bite 
 or a cow-kick. In short, one cannot be too careful with a 
 horse until his peculiarities are understood. (See Biting, 
 Cow-kick, Kicking.) 
 
 Goose Rump. — A term applied to quarters which droop 
 
 148 
 
GOVERNESS CART— GREAT HORSE 
 
 and cause the tail to be set low down. (See Drooping 
 Quarters.) 
 
 Governess Cart. — A small, two-wheeled vehicle con- 
 structed to carry four, and with no driver's seat. Those 
 riding in it sit two aside and face to face, the driver 
 usually being next to the horse on the off side. 
 
 Grass forms an excellent summer food for horses, as it 
 is cooling to the blood, but its nutritive properties are not 
 high, and it is certain to create looseness of the bowels. 
 Alone, therefore, it is not a sufficient food for a horse in 
 work, though in cases of sickness or those of animals which 
 are doing nothing, grass is very good indeed ; but it varies 
 in quality according to the soil on which it grows, a fact 
 which should be borne in mind. (See Ergot, Mildew, Rust, 
 Smut, also Pasture.) 
 
 Grass Rings are the ridges which extend round the 
 outside of some horses' feet after the animals have been out 
 in damp meadows for some time, or have been standing in 
 water. (See Fever Rings.) 
 
 Grease is an offensive, greasy discharge from the 
 pasterns or hollow of the heels, owing to the increase of oil in 
 the skin, which is the result of inflammation. After a time 
 the skin cracks and ulcerates and the legs swell, causing 
 the animal considerable pain, which culminates in lameness. 
 Heavy horses are the principal sufferers from grease, which 
 is usually due to their being neglected and kept in dirty 
 stables. 
 
 Treatment. — If there is much inflammation the pasterns 
 may be fomented with hot water, or poulticed, and oxide of 
 zinc ointment, carbolised oil, or bluestone applied to the 
 parts affected. 
 
 Great Horse was the name by which the heavy or war 
 horse of our ancestors was known. These animals, though 
 
 149 
 
GREEN FOOD — GROOMING 
 
 the heaviest in the country, were very considerably lighter 
 and less bulky than our modern Shires, Clydesdales, and 
 Suffolks. There is no doubt that the Great Horse was 
 descended from the horses which drew the war chariots of 
 the Ancient Britons, improved by crossing with sires 
 imported from Flanders by successive British sovereigns, 
 the first monarch to devote attention to the subject being 
 King John. (See Shire Horse) 
 
 Green Food is no doubt beneficial to horses in the hot 
 weather, as it tends to cool the blood. At the same time 
 light horses in hard work should be fed sparingly on it, 
 and the quantity given them at first should be small, but it 
 may gradually be increased. 
 
 Gripes. — See Colic. 
 
 Grogginess. — A horse is said to move groggily when he 
 goes tenderly on his feet without the cause being clear. 
 Grogginess may be a temporary result of overwork, but it 
 is well to examine the horse carefully to ascertain the source 
 of the trouble. 
 
 Grooming. — The importance of regular and thorough 
 grooming cannot be over-estimated, as not only does it 
 improve the appearance of a horse, but it keeps the skin in 
 good order, and hence contributes to the health of the animal. 
 A superficial rub over with the body brush is of no real 
 use ; the entire body requires to be thoroughly gone over with 
 the body brush if the coat is short, or with the dandy brush 
 if it is long. The curry-comb should not be applied to any 
 part of the horse, its use being to remove the scurf and 
 dandriff from the body brush, the bristles of which soon 
 become clogged, unless they are brought into contact with 
 some rough, hard substance such as the ridges of the curry- 
 comb, but the latter are liable to injure the skin of a horse. 
 After the brushing is over a linen cloth should be used for 
 
 150 
 
GRUEL — HACK 
 
 imparting the final polish, plenty of time being devoted to 
 the work. The face and ears should be lightly gone over 
 with a damp sponge and then thoroughly dried on a soft 
 towel, as also the parts on which no hair grows. If necessary, 
 the mane and tail should be combed, but too much of this 
 sort of thing is apt to bring out the hair, and therefore as a 
 rule the dandy brush is sufficient to do all that is required. 
 (See Body Brush, Curry-comb, Dandy Brush, Heated Horses.) 
 
 Gruel. — To make gruel put i lb. of oatmeal into 4 quarts 
 of cold water and place on the fire, stirring it well to prevent 
 it getting lumpy, and taking care that it does not become 
 smoked, as if it does the horse will not eat it. When it 
 comes to the boil set it on the hob for a few minutes, then 
 stir again and pour into a pail to cool. 
 
 Grunting. — When a horse grunts if suddenly startled or 
 being struck, there is a good cause of suspicion that he is 
 unsound in his wind, and he should be closely examined by 
 a competent person. It is not invariably the case, however, 
 that a grunter is unsound, but it may be added that he 
 usually is. 
 
 Gullet Plate of a saddle is the arch under the pommel 
 which protects the withers of the horse from being rubbed 
 and communicates with the gullet or groove which runs 
 the whole length of the underpart of the saddle to the cantle. 
 (See Cantle, Saddle.) 
 
 Gyp Horse. — A term used in some parts of the country to 
 describe a horse, one of whose parents belongs to a Heavy 
 and the other to a Light variety. (See Half-bred, Heavy 
 Horse, Light Horse.) 
 
 H 
 
 Hack. — A description applied to a riding horse. (See 
 Lady's Horse, Park Hack.) 
 
 151 
 
HACKNEY HORSE 
 
 Hackney Horse. — The hackney horse, in spite of the 
 opposition of his opponents, is unquestionably the finest 
 harness horse in the world, his value being recognised by 
 the breeders of every nation. So far as the show ring is 
 concerned, he certainly possesses no superior as a harness 
 horse, as hackneys are invariably the winners of by far the 
 greatest number of prizes, whilst the stamina of the breed 
 is proved by the fact that the long-distance road championship 
 of America was held for a considerable period by an English- 
 bred representative of the variety. 
 
 Regarding the antiquity of the hackney there can be 
 no two opinions, as the Stud Book of the breed shows that 
 many a modern horse is a direct descendant of the famous 
 blood-horse Flying Childers, from whom so many thorough- 
 breds are descended, and there are reasonable grounds for 
 believing that there was a connection between the mares 
 which assisted to form the two varieties. This possibility 
 is rendered all the stronger by reason of the fact that until 
 the appearance and spread of railways the hackney was 
 mainly a saddle horse, but since the British agriculturist 
 gradually abandoned the practice of riding long distances 
 to market, the harness properties of the breed have been 
 steadily developed. 
 
 From very early times the merits of the East Anglican 
 trotting horse — that is, the hackney, whose name is popularly 
 believed to have been derived from the ancient word hnegan, 
 to neigh — have been generally recognised, so much so that 
 he soon began to be found in counties adjacent to his 
 native Norfolk, and as a matter of fact the stronghold of 
 the breed has for many years past been Yorkshire. Of late 
 years successful attempts have been made by hackney 
 breeders to increase the height of their horses from the 
 
 15 hands 2 inches, which was formerly the extreme limit 
 permitted at the Royal Agricultural Society's Show, to 
 
 16 hands and over. Whether the breed has benefited by 
 the change is a matter of opinion, but there can be no 
 doubt at all that the value of the hackney as a harness 
 
 152 
 
HACKNEY PONY— HAIR, OR FEATHER 
 
 horse has been depreciated by the favour extended by 
 breeders to the Denmark family, amongst which chestnuts 
 predominate, the result being that such popular colours as 
 bay and brown are comparatively rarely seen, whilst blacks 
 are practically extinct. 
 
 In shape the hackney should be a powerfully - built, 
 short-legged horse, with a fair-sized but well- finished head, 
 a rather wide chest, a short back, big middle, and long, 
 level quarters. He should have plenty of nice flat bone and 
 rather large feet, and carry himself well and gaily when he 
 moves. His superb trotting action is, however, the great 
 characteristic of this horse, who is capable of using his knees 
 better than any other member of the equine race, whilst 
 the manner in which he flexes his hocks is remarkable. 
 The hackney, moreover, is not merely a high goer, as he 
 can make fine use of his shoulders and pasterns, a very 
 beautiful characteristic of his action being the momentary 
 pause with the fore-foot just off the ground, when the horse 
 is moving at full speed. In short, the true hackney action 
 is a combination of high-stepping, liberty, and pace such as 
 is possessed by no other breed of horse. 
 
 Hackney Pony. — This pony is in many instances merely 
 a hackney horse which, by a system of inbreeding, has been 
 reduced to pony proportions, that is, does not exceed 14 hands 
 2 inches in height ; others are produced by crossing a full- 
 sized hackney stallion with a pony mare ; but in either case, 
 though the hackney action is conspicuous, the true pony 
 character which is so great an attribute of the real pony is 
 entirely missing. Still, the hackney pony, even in those cases 
 where he is nothing more than a dwarf hackney, possesses 
 legions of admirers, and is perhaps the most saleable of all 
 horses, the thoroughbred alone excepted. 
 
 Hair, or Feather, is the term applied to the hair which 
 all horses carry to a greater or less extent on the back of 
 their legs. In the case of Shires and Clydesdales the growth 
 
 153 
 
HALF-BRED — HAME STRAP 
 
 should be profuse, fine in texture, free from curl, extending 
 from the pastern almost to the back of the knees and hocks. 
 In the light breeds shorter hair grows on the fetlocks, but 
 this is removed by pulling it out. It should never be cut. 
 
 Half-bred. — A term usually adopted to describe a horse 
 which possesses a greater or less strain of thoroughbred 
 blood. It can, however, be applied to the cross-bred stock of 
 other recognised varieties, but in such cases it is customary 
 to mention them by name. (See Gyp Horse.) 
 
 Half Shoe.— (See Tips>) 
 
 Halter. — The bridle of webbing which is used for leading 
 
 Halter. 
 
 Emergency Halter. 
 
 horses. A serviceable halter can be made of rope in cases 
 of emergency, as shown in the accompanying illustration. 
 
 Hame Strap. — The small strap which fastens the hames 
 
 154 
 
HAMES — HANDLING 
 
 together at the top. If a harness horse falls in an awkward 
 position this may be unbuckled so as to loosen the traces. 
 (See Hafnes.) 
 
 Hames. — The bent pieces of metal, connected by links 
 at the bottom and fastened by a strap and buckle at the top, 
 which fit into a groove in the collar. The traces are attached 
 to the lower middle part of the hames, and towards the top 
 there are rings for the reins to pass through. (See Collars, 
 Harness.) 
 
 Ham-string. — The tendon which runs down the back of 
 the second thigh to the point of the hock. (See Hind-legs.) 
 
 Hand. — A hand is the unit of measurement used in 
 referring to the height of horses, and represents 4 inches. 
 Thus the horse of 61 inches would be referred to as standing 
 15 hands i inch. (See freight.) 
 
 Hand Gallop. — A last, smooth canter such as a rider 
 enjoys when his mount settles down at a rate which does not 
 quite approach his fastest speed. (See Canter, Gallop.) 
 
 Handiness. — A horse is said to be handy when he not 
 only has been well broken, but will answer readily to the 
 bit, or the touch of his rider's legs. Handiness, in short, is 
 the ability to turn and move gracefully without reluctance. 
 (See Manners.) 
 
 Handling. — All foals should be accustomed to be handled 
 from their earliest days, as if so they will be less shy and 
 timid as they grow up, and cause less trouble to their breakers. 
 Consequently, the man who has foals in charge should as 
 frequently as possible rub their heads (it is remarkable how 
 some horses dislike having their heads touched), pick up 
 their feet, and generally familiarise them with the touch of 
 the human hand. (See Breaking, Foals.) 
 
 155 
 
HAND- R U BEING — HA NO VERtAN HORSES 
 
 Hand-rubbing is most useful in reducing fulness of the 
 legs, as well as in warming them if they are cold ; or in 
 alleviating pain. A good rubber is an acquisition to any- 
 stable, as there is a knack required to produce the best 
 results. When the limbs are rubbed the hair should not be 
 gone over the wrong way. 
 
 Hands. — The hands of a rider or driver have a great deal 
 to do with the control he exercises upon his horse, as how- 
 ever good his judgment may be, if a man possesses heavy 
 hands he is unable to avoid putting unnecessary weight upon 
 the animal's mouth. A delicate touch is the result of light 
 hands, and hence the possessors of these are capable of 
 controlling a tender mouthed or excitable horse better than 
 those who, possibly through no fault of their own, bear heavily 
 on the bit. Good hands, in fact, may be briefly described as 
 the possession of a delicate touch such as most women 
 possess. (See Driving. Riding?) 
 
 Hanoverian Horses. — The origin of these breeds is 
 rather obscure, for, though probably founded on horses of 
 Danish extraction, they have for so long been associated 
 with Hanover that authentic information is hard to obtain. 
 The two distinct breeds resemble each other very closely 
 in make and shape, the only difference being that of colour, 
 as one breed is pure white and the other cream. The 
 former were used to draw the King of Hanover's state 
 carriage, and a curious fact about them is that they are always 
 foaled pure white, hence their name — white-boned horses. 
 
 The cream horses were used for the Queen Consort's 
 equipage, and were called Isabels. A team of this variety 
 was presented to Queen Victoria by the late King of 
 Hanover, and descendants of this strain are still used by 
 King Edward VH. on all State occasions, and there is reason 
 to believe that His Majesty is the only remaining breeder of 
 the Isabel horses, as the original studs have been dispersed. 
 
 156 
 
HARNESS — HARNESS HORSE 
 
 Harness. — The accompanying illustration shows the 
 chief parts of a horse's harness. 
 
 1 Brow-band. 
 
 2 Blinkers. 
 
 3 Nose-band. 
 
 4 Bit. 
 
 5 Bridoon. 
 
 [ Bearing-rein. 
 8 Throat latch. 
 
 9 Hames. 
 ID Collar. 
 
 11 Martingale. 
 
 12 Traces. 
 
 ^3 \ Terrots. 
 
 IS Pad. 
 
 i6 Pad Hook. 
 
 17 Pad cloth. 
 
 18 Tugs. 
 
 19 Belly-band. 
 
 20 Breeching. 
 
 21 Crupper. 
 
 22 Reins. 
 
 Harness Horse. — The sort of horse to select for harness 
 purposes must entirely depend upon the work for which he 
 is required and the sort of vehicle he will have to draw. For 
 the heavy landau or state coach a very different type of horse 
 is required to that wanted for work in a victoria, as in the 
 former instance a big, imposing-looking animal, as near 17 
 
 157 
 
HARNESSING — HARNESS ROOM 
 
 hands as possible, or over, not too fast or high in action, is 
 sought for, whilst in the latter, one of 15 hands 3 inches, or 16 
 hands, will be big enough, but he must be a mover and capable 
 of getting over the ground. The brougham horse occupies an 
 intermediate position between the above, as he should possess 
 more substance than the victoria horse and more style and 
 quality than the coacher ; whilst the buggy horse not only 
 should be a brilliant mover, but he should show no coarseness 
 and yet have substance. In all cases the harness horse 
 should stand on a good set of well-made, full-sized feet, and 
 his legs should be flat and have plenty of bone, the pasterns 
 being long and sloping enough to withstand the work on 
 hard roads, which, as these horses are more or less high- 
 steppers, might otherwise produce concussion. The neck 
 should be of a nice length, else he will have a difficulty in 
 saving himself should he stumble, and of course a well-laid 
 shoulder is desirable for the same reason ; but a long, sloping 
 one is not so essential in a harness horse as it is in a hack. 
 The ribs should be well rounded and the chest deep, the 
 back short and the quarters long and level, with the middle- 
 piece well ribbed up at the loins. Action, however, is one 
 of the most important characteristics of the harness horse, 
 and without it his value is comparatively small, no matter 
 how good-looking he may be. (See Action, Cleveland Bay, 
 Hackney, Yorkshire Coach-horse.) 
 
 Harnessing. — (See Driving.) 
 
 Harness Room. — It is essential that if harness is to look 
 and wear well there should be a proper place provided for 
 keeping it in. Hence the mistake of hanging up harness 
 in the stable, where the leather is soon damaged by the 
 exhalations of the horses, or in a cold place, where it becomes 
 hard and apt to crack. A warm coach-house will do if no 
 better accommodation can be provided, but it is far better to 
 have the harness in a room by itself, and there should always 
 be a stove available for use in cold weather ; and if there is a 
 
 158 
 
HAY 
 
 glass case to hold the bits which are not in use it will be all 
 the better. In small establishments where it is not necessary 
 to erect a separate boiling house with a copper to supply hot 
 water, the heating apparatus of the harness room may consist 
 of an ordinary range, which will heat the place and the water 
 as well. 
 
 Hay. — The importance of providing horses with hay of 
 sound quality and high nutritive power is often overlooked 
 by owners, who pay the penalty through their horses losing 
 strength, or even their lives, as many deaths have resulted 
 from eating mouldy hay which has set up inflammation of 
 the bowels. As a general thing it is not wise to give a horse 
 long hay, that is, hay of the same length as it is when it is 
 cut, as he is apt to pull it out of the rack and let it fall 
 on the ground, where it gets trod upon and soiled, in which 
 case he may refuse to eat it, or if he does swallow it, the 
 hay will not do him much good. The last thing at night 
 when a horse is bedded up, an armful, more or less, of long 
 hay may be placed in the rack for him to pick over and 
 amuse himself with, but during the day it is best to give 
 him his hay in the form of chaff mixed with his corn, 
 as this arrangement compels him to masticate his food 
 properly. The best quality of all is upland hay, and it 
 should be bright-looking and crisp, rather green in colour, 
 and possessed of an attractive smell and pleasant flavour. 
 On the other hand, hay which comes from wet land is coarse, 
 hard, darker in colour, and comparatively odourless and 
 tasteless, added to which its nutritive powers are low. Bad 
 specimens of this sort should always be rejected by horse 
 owners, especially if they contain quantities of weeds, as they 
 often do ; and hay which possesses an unpleasant smell or 
 appears mouldy should on no account be used, unless it has 
 been previously steamed. A good deal of the virtue of hay 
 must depend upon the weather at the time it was cut, and 
 this will also influence its quality after it has been stacked 
 for a while. New hay — that is, under a year old — is greener 
 
 159 
 
HAY TEA — HEAD 
 
 and softer to the touch than that of a greater age, but good 
 hay well harvested is generally at its best at about eighteen 
 months old. A truss of hay should weigh 56 lbs., new hay 
 occupying more space than old, and weighing 60 lbs., 30 
 trusses of either going to a load. (See Chaff, Feeding, 
 Mildew) 
 
 Hay Tea is a very useful drink for a sick horse, and 
 may be regarded as equivalent to barley water in the case 
 of a human invalid. The way to prepare it is to fill a stable 
 pail three parts full with the best hay procurable, and fill 
 up with boiling water. Then place a cover on the pail and 
 leave to soak ; the fluid is fit for the horse to drink when 
 cold and it has been drained off. 
 
 Head, — According to the ideas of most people the forma- 
 tion of a horse's head supplies an insight into the disposi- 
 tion of the animal, a heavy, coarse head being regarded as 
 likely to be associated with a sullen temperament, whilst 
 an elegant one is usually connected with vivacity and high 
 spirit. At the same time, many a sour-headed horse has 
 proved himself to be a determined plodder, and therefore 
 it is unwise to discard an animal solely because of such a 
 failing. It must be remembered, too, that in the case of 
 some breeds a head that would be heavy in another variety 
 is the thing that is required in it : for instance, the elegant, 
 refined head of the blood-horse would look ridiculous on a 
 hackney or coacher, and that of the Shire is coarser than 
 the headpiece of a Clydesdale. Regarding the light breeds 
 of horse, such as the hunter and various harness breeds, it 
 may be observed that the forehead should be flat and carried 
 in a straight line down the face to the nostrils, a project- 
 ing forehead or Roman nose being regarded as unsightly. 
 There should be plenty of depth and width of the jowl, from 
 which point it should taper, more or less according to the 
 breed, towards the muzzle. The eyes should be of good 
 size, but not too large, and the ears small and fine, their 
 
 160 
 
HEAD COLLAR — HEART 
 
 situation being at the top corners, but not too high up, else 
 the poll will be too narrow, and spoil the horse's appearance. 
 The length of the head in a well-proportioned horse should 
 be the same as from the top of the withers to the point of 
 the shoulders, and from the point of the hock to the ground. 
 
 The principal bones of the head are — the Frontal or 
 forehead bone, the Parietal, of which one is on each side 
 from the Frontal to the Poll ; the Occipital at the back ; 
 the Temporal, which connects the Parietal and Occipital ; 
 the Lacrymal, situated in front of the eyes ; the Nasal or 
 nose bone; and the Superior and Inferior Maxillary bones, 
 which are the upper and lower jaws. (See Bones^ Ears, Eyes, 
 Poll^ Roman Nose.) 
 
 Head Collar. — The 
 
 leather halter which is 
 worn in the stable. 
 
 Head Collar Rope. — 
 
 The rope attached to the 
 
 head collar, which runs 
 
 through a ring in the 
 
 manger, the other end 
 
 being fixed to a log or 
 
 weight, in order that the 
 
 rope may not become 
 
 slack, and get over the 
 
 horse's leg. Ropes or Head Collar. 
 
 leather lines are infinitely superior to chains for fastening 
 
 up horses, as the noise of the latter running through rings 
 
 deprives other animals of their rest. 
 
 Head-Stall.— See Head Collar. 
 
 Heart. — The heart is situated in the chest between the 
 fore-arms, and its use is to act as a pump to force the blood 
 through the arteries and capillaries towards the veins, by 
 which it is carried back to the heart, which is in two parts, 
 
 i6i L 
 
HEATED HORSES 
 
 though they are so closely joined as to appear to be only 
 one. The right one feeds the lungs and the left one the 
 other parts of the body, the length of the heart being about 
 8 inches and the weight about 6| lbs. (See Arteries, Blood, 
 Capillaries, Veins?) 
 
 Heated Horses. — The greatest care should be taken to 
 prevent a horse from taking a chill when he comes in heated 
 from work, and therefore if he cannot be properly attended 
 to at once he should be walked about if possible for a while. 
 After the harness is removed and hung up, if he is sweating 
 profusely the scraper may be used to get as much as possible 
 of the greasy perspiration out of his coat. On no account 
 should he be allowed to stand in a draught, as this is most 
 dangerous, and his body should be wisped dry after the 
 scraper has been used and he has been allowed to stand for 
 a while with a rug laid lightly over him. Some grooms 
 prefer to place a little straw on the back under the rug to 
 absorb the moisture, and the practice is a good one when 
 there is a heavy coat on the horse. If the ears are cold 
 they should be pulled, an i woollen bandages may be placed 
 loosely on the legs after they have been rubbed to keep 
 them warm. In hot weather, if it is desired, the whole body 
 may be sponged over with tepid water and then thoroughly 
 dried, particular care being bestowed upon the hollows 
 behind the pasterns ; but in the autumn, winter, and spring 
 the less water that goes on him the better, excepting on the 
 feet, dock, and sheath. The face also may be sponged over, 
 and all should be thoroughly dried afterwards, but care 
 should be taken to avoid wetting the belly or pasterns lest 
 mud fever or cracked heels should result. After the horse 
 has been thoroughly wisped over, and become dry and com- 
 paratively cool, his ordinary clothing may be put on him 
 and the woollen bandages changed for linen ones. Any 
 superfluous mud that is left on the body, belly, or legs after 
 wisping can be easily brushed out of the coat when the 
 horse is next dressed. (See Cracked Heels, Mud Fever?) 
 
 162 
 
HEAVY HORSE — HEIGHT 
 
 Heavy Horse. — The description applied to the big draught 
 horse varieties, such as the Clydesdales, Shires, and Suffolks, 
 which see. 
 
 Heavy Shoes. — Although heavy shoes entail more 
 exertion upon a horse when he moves, and therefore are 
 calculated to tire him when he goes on a journey, it is a 
 well-known fact that in the case of a high-stepper they 
 improve the bend of the knees. Hence the common practice 
 amongst exhibitors of hackneys and harness horses of 
 loading their animal's feet with a great weight of iron, the 
 shoes sometimes being made so wide as to almost cover the 
 sole of the hoof This is a most objectionable course to 
 take, and is prohibited at some shows, as distinctly unfair 
 to those who show genuine and not artificial movers. (See 
 Action, Breaking, Shoeing.) 
 
 Heavy Top. — A horse is described as being heavy topped 
 when his neck and shoulders are coarse, and out of proportion 
 to the other parts of his body. 
 
 Heels. — The lower back parts of the wall of the hoof. 
 (See Foot.) 
 
 Height. — The height of a horse is taken from the top 
 of the withers in a straight line to the ground, and is 
 ascertained by placing the animal under a standard, of which 
 there are several designs. Considerable experience is required 
 to arrive at accurate results, as many horses will crouch 
 down under the standard, or stretch themselves out in such 
 a manner as to considerably reduce their height. As a 
 consequence, they should be made to stand up properly, and 
 the floor on which they are measured should be perfectly 
 level. It is well known, too, that an animal that is hot and 
 excited will measure much taller than he will if he is cool 
 and collected, and hence the necessity for insisting that he is 
 in a normal condition when placed under the standard ; and 
 
 163 
 
HEMORRHA GE — HIND- LEGS 
 
 the thickness of his shoes should be noted. Measuring from 
 the withers is not an altogether satisfactory arrangement 
 under the best of conditions, as some horses possess so much 
 higher withers than others, and it might therefore be better 
 to take the height at the point of the loins also. In America 
 it is customary to refer to the weight as well as the height 
 of a horse — a very sensible practice, as it supplies a good 
 idea of the proportions of the animal. (Sec Hand, Standard.) 
 
 Hemorrhage. — See Bleeding. 
 
 Heredity. — The latent power which exists in a strain or 
 family for transmitting qualities or defects to its members. 
 
 Hernia. — See Rupture. 
 
 Hidebound is a result of indigestion, worms, or some 
 cause which contributes to a horse getting thoroughly out 
 of order. His coat stares, and his skin becomes so tight 
 that it is difficult to take hold of on the sides, and the animal 
 appears generally ill at ease. The only thing to do is to 
 ascertain the cause, as hidebound is not a special disease, 
 but a result of something else. (See Indigestion, Worms.) 
 
 Highland Pony. — See Garron Pony. 
 
 Hind-legs. — The hind-legs of a horse consist of the 
 thigh, which extends from the back of the flanks and below 
 the croup to the gaskins, or second thighs, which are situated 
 about the hock, whence the cannon bones extend to the 
 fetlocks, pasterns, and feet. The chief joints are the Hip 
 joints which are placed almost on a level with the point 
 of the buttock ; the Stifles which are lower down next to 
 the flanks ; the Hocks, the Fetlock, and the Pastern. The 
 bone from the hip joint to the stifle is called the Femur, 
 that from the stifle to the hock is called the Tibia, the 
 bones below the hock being similar to those of the fore-leg. 
 
 164 
 
HINGE JOINT — HINGES 
 
 The Patella, or knee-cap, is at the front of the stifles where 
 
 the Femur and Tibia join, the Fibula being a bone which 
 
 projects upwards at the back of the 
 
 top of the Tibia, and corresponds 
 
 with the Ulna of the fore-legs. The 
 
 Tibia in turn unites with the hock at 
 
 the Astragalus, the chief bone of the 
 
 hock, at the back of which is a bone 
 
 projecting upwards which is known 
 
 as the Os Calcis, or point of the hock, 
 
 the minor bones of the hock being 
 
 situated between the Astragalus and 
 
 Os Calcis, (i) Tibia; (2) Os Calcis, 
 
 or point of hock ; (3) Astragalus ; 
 
 (4) Cuboid ; (5) Cunieform magnum ; 
 
 (6) Cunieform parvum ; (7) Cunieform 
 
 medium ; (8) Small Metatarsal or 
 
 Splint bone ; (9) Large Metatarsal or 
 
 Cannon bone; (10) Sesamoid bone; 
 
 (11) Suffraginis or Long Pastern bone ; 
 
 (12) Os Coronse or Small Pastern 
 bone; (13) Os Pedis or Coffin bone ; 
 (14) Navicular bone. 
 
 Bones of Hind-legs. 
 
 Hinge Joint — A joint in which the protuberances of one 
 bone fit into grooves in another, in such a manner that the 
 joint can only be moved backwards and forwards, as in the 
 knee, and not in any other direction. (See Ball and Socket 
 Joint, Joints.) 
 
 Hinges. — The hinges on all stable doors are best long 
 so as to strengthen the woodwork, but under any circum- 
 stances they should be free from any projections which 
 might cause injury to the horse. A periodical inspection 
 of them is therefore necessary, in order that any loose 
 screws or pieces of metal may be detected. (See Stables.) 
 
 165 
 
HINNY— HOBBLES 
 
 Hinny. — The result of crossing a horse or pony stallion 
 with a she-ass. (See Bardot, Jennet^ 
 
 Hip Down. — The term applied to the permanent result 
 of a fracture of the point of the hip, which often occurs 
 through a horse's hip coming into contact with a gate or door- 
 post. 
 
 Hip Joint. — The joint where the femur or thigh bone joins 
 ihe pelvis. (See Hind-legs.) 
 
 Hobbles. — It is often necessary, and under most cases 
 it is a wise precaution to adopt, to hobble the hind-legs of 
 
 Hobbles. 
 
 a mare before she is served by a horse. The accompanying 
 illustration exactly explains the arrangement of a simple yet 
 most effective form of hobble. It consists of a loop round 
 the neck, the ends of the former passing between the fore-legs 
 to the back pasterns, to which they are secured as shown above. 
 (See Brood Mare.) 
 
 166 
 

HOBBY^HOLSTEIN HORSE 
 
 Hobby. — An old description of riding horses and 
 hacks. In some parts of Ireland the word is still in use. 
 (See Nag) 
 
 Hocks. — His horse's hocks are a constant source of 
 anxiety to many an owner, as if they are badly formed or 
 by nature weak they may be regarded as being naturally 
 predisposed to fall victims to one or other of the troubles 
 which affect the hock. It is, therefore, essential that apart 
 from their present condition a purchaser should exercise great 
 care in selecting a horse with well-shaped hocks. In the 
 first place, they should be large and clean, by which is meant 
 they should be free from enlargements of any kind. Straight 
 hocks are to be avoided, as they do not prevent concussion 
 and therefore are disposed to develop spavin. When too 
 much bent and lying back they are sure to be weak and 
 generally afflicted by curbs. Cow hocks are those which 
 turn inwards. 
 
 There are six bones on the hock ; namely, the Os Calcis, 
 a long bone which projects upwards at the back and forms 
 the point of the hock ; the Astragalus, which lies in front of 
 it and j; ins the tibia ; the Cuboid, a small bone at the back 
 below the Os Calcis ; and three flat, cunieform bones, respec- 
 tively known as the Magnum, Medium, and Parvum, which 
 lie below the astragalus. (See Bog-spavin, Curbs, Sickle 
 Hocks, Spavin, Sprung Hock, Thoroughpin.) 
 
 Hog Mane. — A mane that is cut so short that it stands 
 up erect. 
 
 Hollow Back. — A back which is dipped between the 
 withers and point of the loins. 
 
 Holstein Horse. — The Holstein is of blood-like character, 
 with plenty of substance and power and particularly good 
 bone. In short, he is a fine-actioned, imposing harness horse, 
 and is also a good weight carrier for saddle purposes. The 
 interests of the breed are watched over by the Union of 
 
 167 
 
HOOD — HOOFS 
 
 Horse Breeders, originally established in 1883 and registered 
 in 1897, whose district extends from Wedel, near Hamburg, 
 to the Eidel river. The clergy did a great deal to estab- 
 lish this breed in medieval times by introducing Oriental 
 stallions, and they are said to have been used by the French 
 in 1822 for heavy cavalry purposes. The Stud Book is 
 under Government supervision ; no unsound stallions may 
 serve in the district, and all mares are annually examined, 
 only the very best of either sex being registered, with the 
 result that the breed is notoriously healthy and hardy ; over 
 two thousand stallions and five thousand mares are in the 
 books. 
 
 Hood. — The part of the clothing which is placed on the 
 head and neck. (See Bluffs Clothing^ 
 
 Hoofs. — The hoofs are quite as great causes of anxiety 
 to owners as the hocks, and the proper treatment of them 
 is generally misunderstood, whilst to the carelessness and 
 ignorance of farriers many serious troubles are directly 
 traceable. In the first place, it may be mentioned that the 
 hoofs of a horse are not merely solid lumps of horn, as 
 some persons would seem to imagine from the way they treat 
 them, but hollow cases containing very delicate nerves and 
 arteries as well as bones. The so-called leaves which unite 
 the walls of the hoof to the interior parts number many 
 hundreds, and upon their condition depends a great deal. 
 The frog and bars of the feet are also common sources of 
 trouble to the horse owner, as apart entirely to the chances 
 of their being injured accidentally, the vagaries of the shoe- 
 ing smith are responsible for a great deal. A very common 
 cause of lameness is the reckless manner in which frogs and 
 bars are cut away, and soles pared down, through the ignorance 
 of the farrier and the indifference of those whose duty it is 
 to see that he does his work properly. 
 
 Again, the practice of pressing the shoes in a red-hot 
 condition against the hoofs when they are being fitted is 
 
 168 
 
HORN OF THE HOOF — HORSE SHOWS 
 
 calculated to injure the foot by extracting the oil, and so 
 making the horn brittle ; whilst rasping the outside walls to 
 impart a smooth appearance is equally prejudicial to the well- 
 being of the hoof. The latter should be a constant source of 
 care to all who have the charge of horses, and will be much 
 benefited by a periodical dressing of goose grease, or the 
 ointment made out of melted mutton fat, which not only 
 improves the appearance of the walls but promotes the 
 growth of horn. The hoofs should match each other in size 
 and shape, the hind pair being longer and narrower than 
 the front ones, and the latter should be of a good size, and 
 free from blemishes, dark-coloured horn being considered 
 to wear better than that of a lighter shade, (See Bars, 
 Corns, False Quarter, Foot, Frog, Lanwiitis, Navicular 
 Disease, Sand Cracks, Shoeing, Thrush.) 
 
 Horn of the Hoof. — See Foot, Hoofs. 
 
 Horse Shows. — The object of such institutions was 
 originally, and still in many cases undoubtedly is, to aid 
 and encourage breeders in their efforts to produce the best 
 possible horses. Thanks, moreover, to the good work that 
 has been performed during the past quarter of a century by 
 the various horse-breeders' societies, the laudable aspirations 
 of their members have been attended by a very considerable 
 measure of success, which has, however, to some extent been 
 neutralised by the increase in number of the pleasure shows, 
 which are conducted upon purely money-earning principles. 
 At many of these institutions a considerable laxity prevails 
 in carrying out the rules. The appointment of the judges is 
 not always satisfactory to the main body of exhibitors, and 
 entries which fail to give the names and proper descriptions 
 of horses are accepted, the result being a direct benefit to 
 unscrupulous persons, who are enabled to ring the changes 
 to their own advantage. That a properly-conducted pleasure 
 show is of great benefit to breeders, as well as a genuine 
 source of pleasure to exhibitors and the public, there can be 
 
 169 
 
HORSESICK^HOT STABLES 
 
 no denying ; but, on the other hand, when a feeh'ng exists 
 that some owners are granted privileges which others are 
 denied, and, above all, when it is known that leading 
 exhibitors and others who are interested in the success of 
 certain animals have a say in the selection of the judges, 
 it is not surprising that the interest taken in such shows is 
 greatly diminished. (See Breeders' Societies, Weights on the 
 Foot.) 
 
 Horse-sick. — A term applied to pastures which have 
 become soured through having had horses on them for too 
 long. (See Overcrowdings Pasture.) 
 
 Hospital. — Every stable should have a hospital box, 
 with doors opening outward, so that, in event of sudden 
 illness, especially if the disease is a contagious or infectious 
 one, the patient can be isolated. Such a precaution is not 
 merely necessary for the protection of the other horses, but 
 is of advantage to the patient, as a sick animal requires to 
 be kept quiet. Hence the hospital box should be situated 
 beyond the reach of noises, if it can be so arranged. It 
 should also be spacious and well ventilated ; whilst if it is 
 connected with a room where the attendant upon the sick 
 horse can sit and watch him without disturbing his rest, 
 and if there is a door communicating between the box and 
 the man's room, so that the former can be entered without 
 admitting a draught of cold outside air, the arrangement 
 will be found most beneficial to the sick horse. One danger 
 may result from the hospital box in cases where it has 
 been allowed to stand vacant for a long time, as the fact 
 that it may in consequence have become damp is likely to 
 affect the invalid which suddenly takes possession of it. 
 Therefore it is a wise plan to have the hospital regularly 
 tenanted by a pony, goat, or some other animal, in order 
 that it may be kept thoroughly aired. In all cases, too, it 
 should be carefully disinfected after the sick horse leaves it. 
 
 Hot Stables are injurious to the health of all horses, a 
 
 170 
 
HO VELS— HUNTER 
 
 temperature of from 50 to 60 degrees, or a little over, being 
 amply sufficient. If properly ventilated, there should be 
 no difficulty in keeping a stable at this heat, but in cold 
 weather the horses may be given extra clothing. (See 
 Clothing, Cold, Stables, Ventilation?) 
 
 Hovels are the sheds erected in meadows for the 
 shelter of horses which are turned out. These should be 
 fitted with a manger and rack for hay on the same level. 
 It is not necessary to have doors to hovels ; on the contrary, 
 they are not only useless, but apt to cause injuries if they 
 swing backwards and forwards. The doorways should also 
 be large and the posts rounded, as sharp corners may cause 
 trouble. Attention should be paid to the state of the ground 
 of the hovel, as the condition into which it is sometimes 
 allowed to get is bad enough to cause disease amongst the 
 horses. 
 
 Hub. — See Nave. 
 
 Humerus. — The shorter of the bones of the shoulder. 
 (See Bones, Shoulders^ 
 
 Humours. — See Surfeit. 
 
 Hunter. — The hunter is, or in the opinion of most of his 
 breeders should be, as near a weight-carrying thoroughbred 
 as possible, but as such horses are difficult to find, it is the 
 custom to attempt to produce them by crossing blood-horses 
 with half-bred hunter-mares. As the latter are year by year 
 approaching the thoroughbred more closely owing to the 
 practice of breeding from thoroughbred stallions, it must 
 necessarily follow that the day must eventually arrive when 
 the stock will be practically clean bred, though, of course, 
 not eligible for entry in the General Stud Book. It is, 
 therefore, to be expected that they will display the com- 
 parative lightness of bone which is associated with the 
 
 171 
 
HUNTER 
 
 blood-horse, and, as a consequence, fail to be up to the weight 
 which they often are required to carry ; and hence the surprise 
 which so many people feel that the hunter breeders of this 
 country should be contented to keep on indulging in the 
 lottery of breeding half-bred horses, when it is within their 
 power, if they so choose, to establish a breed of hunters which 
 are capable of reproducing their own good points in their 
 stock. It is true that there is a feeling abroad in some 
 quarters in favour of the so-called hunter sire, this being a 
 horse that comes of hunter stock on the dam's side and by 
 a thoroughbred sire, but this class of animal, no matter how 
 good-looking he may happen to be, is not generally favoured 
 by British breeders, though foreigners may display their 
 wisdom by purchasing the best specimens which are not 
 wanted in this country. 
 
 There can, however, be no two opinions expressed as 
 regards the merits of a thoroughbred as a light-weight hunter, 
 and happily for hundreds of hunting men there is not so 
 very much difficulty in supplying themselves with mounts ; 
 but it becomes a totally different matter when a welter 
 weight has to fill his stable. There is no more valuable 
 horse in the world, with the exception, of course, of a high- 
 class race-horse or possibly a harness animal of exceptional 
 action, than a heavy-weight hunter, and he is every bit as 
 hard to find. No doubt it is easy enough to breed a horse 
 up to any weight, but an ability to carry a heavy man is 
 not the limit of what is required of a hunter by any means. 
 In addition to power, he must possess speed and stamina, 
 cleverness to help him and his rider out of a difficulty, and 
 a heart to carry him through a long day ; and the last- 
 mentioned attribute is just what the heavy-weights with cart 
 blood in them are not likely to possess. The fact, however, that 
 some exceptionally good heavy-weight hunters have come 
 out of cart mares by thoroughbred horses encourages farmers 
 to keep on breeding on these lines, in the hopes that they 
 may, by some fortunate accident, succeed in breeding a 
 horse which will be worth several hundred pounds ; but it is 
 
 172 
 
HUNTER 
 
 to be feared that the blanks in connection with this experi- 
 ment so far outnumber the prizes that there is not much, if 
 any, money to be made out of cart blood for hunter breeding, 
 for a heavy weight above all others must possess a heart. 
 
 Unquestionably the efforts of the Hunters' Improvement 
 Society have been productive of good results, and there are 
 more high - class hunters produced every year than was 
 formerly the case, but still the improvement is more marked 
 in connection with the light and middle weights than it is 
 with the weight carriers, which are extremely hard to find. 
 This class of horse should possess a good, sensible head, not 
 necessarily a very small one, but not clumsy, a nice, bold eye, 
 a well-balanced neck properly set on long, sloping shoulders, 
 with withers sufficiently up to keep the saddle in its proper 
 place and prevent its slipping forward. The chest must be 
 deep to provide space for the heart and lungs, and moderately 
 broad for the same reason, but still not so broad as to inter- 
 fere with the speed of the horse. The fore -arms should 
 be big and carry plenty of muscle, the cannon bones short, 
 flat, and heavy in bone, the pasterns long, but not too long, 
 and sloping, and the feet round and fairly large. The back 
 must be short and level, the loins well ribbed up, and the . 
 
 quarters long and level, with big, muscular thighs, nicely Jt 
 
 bent stifles, and well-developed gaskins, so as to ensure 
 plenty of leverage behind, whilst the hocks must be clean 
 and flat, and the back cannon bones flat and heavy in bone. 
 Above all things the hunter, be he heavy, middle, or light 
 weight, must possess an easy and free action and show good 
 manners. If he is a clumsy mover he will tire himself and 
 his rider out before half a day is over, and if his manners are 
 bad he is a source of trouble to every one about him, as there 
 is no saying what injury he may cause. No doubt some 
 horses with short, upright shoulders, indifferent fore-legs, and 
 other serious defects of conformation have proved themselves 
 good ones across a country, but a real bad-mannered one can 
 never be a source of satisfaction to his rider or anybody else. 
 
 For a middle weight, light weight, or lady's hunter a 
 
 173 
 
HUNTER SIRES 
 
 thoroughbred, or a practically clean-bred horse, will supply 
 all that is required, provided that he is sound ; but in the case 
 of the last named it is a sine qua non that his manners should 
 be exceptionally good. Opinions vary a little on the subject 
 of the best height for a hunter, but the majority of hunting 
 men prefer a horse of as near i6 hands as possible. Smaller 
 ones may, as a rule, be cleverer, but size will tell when it comes 
 to galloping ; in fact, in the case of hunters, as in other things, 
 a good big one will always beat a good little one, for he 
 must not only be clever at his jumps, but he must have 
 stride enough to get over the ground. 
 
 Hunter Sires. — In the opinion of a great many hunter 
 breeders the only possible sire for the purpose of breeding 
 hunters is the thoroughbred. The correctness of this theory 
 is, however, disputed by plenty of practical men, who see 
 that a system of constantly breeding mares which are full of 
 thoroughbred blood to thoroughbred horses must eventually 
 produce a race of hunters which will be to all intents and 
 purposes clean bred. There would, of course, be no objection 
 to this, rather the reverse, were it felt that such horses 
 would possess the substance required for a weight-carrying 
 hunter, but as this is not the case, and as ms iy breeders 
 whose mares have thrown light-L^oned, more ' x less weedy 
 fillies do not care to put these animals *^j thoroughbred 
 horses, many eligible brood mares are wasted every year, 
 simply because there is no stallion to be found that would suit 
 them. As a consequence, a strong and certainly justifiable 
 impression exists in many quarters that the hunter-bred 
 stallion is worthy of encouragement, and assuming that such 
 animals would be the pick of the colts bred on the lines 
 accepted on all sides, viz., a desirable thoroughbred sire and 
 half-bred mare, the desire that such horses should be utilised 
 for stud purposes is at least reasonable. Meanwhile, the 
 expression hunter sire is an anomalous one, as it is usually 
 applied to a thoroughbred horse which is used for breeding 
 hunters, though it is also used to describe the very few 
 
 174 
 
HYBRIDS— ICELAND PONY 
 
 hunter-bred stallions which are being utilised by breeders. 
 (See Hunter, Premiums?) 
 
 Hybrids. — The crosses between the horse, on one side, 
 and the ass, zebra, or other animals, on the other. They are 
 invariably sterile, but the mares often secrete a quantity of 
 m.ilk, and cases have been mentioned in which a she-mule 
 has adopted and brought up a foal. (See Bardot, Jennet, 
 Mule, Mute, Qitagga, Zebra.) 
 
 I 
 
 Iceland Pony. — A dun-coloured breed, about 13 hands 
 in height, short-legged, strong, and hardy. Many of them 
 
 Iceland Pony. 
 
 inherit the ambling gait which is preferred on the island, 
 but they rarely, if ever, trot. Professor Cossar Ewart notes 
 that in some districts ten per cent, of these ponies have no 
 chestnuts on the hind-legs, and that in many cases the 
 
 175 
 
IMA GIN A TION— INBREEDING 
 
 absence of chestnuts is associated with a small head, the 
 heads being larger when the callosities are present. 
 
 Imagination. — The horse can scarcely be credited with 
 a great amount of imagination in the ordinary acceptation 
 of the term, and, unfortunately, when he does develop the 
 gift, it often takes the form of his seeing some imaginary 
 danger which causes him to shy or try to bolt. There is, 
 however, another form of imagination which is liable to 
 affect in-foal mares, this being the influence exercised upon 
 them by surrounding objects which may be transmitted to 
 their unborn foal. How far this influence may extend there 
 can be no saying, but it is unquestionably the fact that 
 pregnant females can be so affected by what they see about 
 them, or by a sudden fright, that their young come into the 
 world showing the results of the impression their imagination 
 has caused. Doubtless, such cases are comparatively few, 
 but the knowledge that they do occasionally occur should 
 render breeders careful to avoid all chances of their mares 
 becoming scared, and it is likewise as well to prevent their 
 associating with ill-looking specimens of their own breed, 
 lest the latter may influence the appearance of their foals. 
 
 Inbreeding. — Beyond all doubt the practice of inbreed- 
 ing is a valuable assistance to many horse raisers if the 
 principles which regulate it are properly understood, and 
 the experimenter possesses the power of not making too 
 much of a good thing. Assuming that the subject of heredity 
 has been studied, and the breeder has satisfied himself as 
 regards the predominant peculiarities belonging to a particular 
 strain of blood, he is likely to obtain the most satisfactory 
 results by inbreeding, but he ought to know when and 
 where to stop. Otherwise he is liable to injure the stamina 
 and weaken the constitutions of his stock, a great danger 
 being that the mischief may occur before he notices it, the 
 result being that his strain may be affected and all the 
 benefit of earlier experiments thrown away. Probably the 
 
 176 
 
INCISORS — INFLAMMA TION 
 
 best results of inbreeding are those obtained from crossing 
 members of the same family which are not too nearly related, 
 as these are quite as likely to reproduce the points required 
 as are those derived from the union of very near relations. 
 If, however, a very close cross is to be attempted, better 
 results are likely to attend those resulting from breeding 
 sire to daughter or mother to son, than from the crossing of 
 brother and sister ; but it may be repeated that a continued 
 system of inbreeding is calculated to reduce the size, and 
 weaken the stamina and constitutions of the foals produced. 
 (See Cross-breeding, Heredity?) 
 
 Incisors. — The six front teeth in both the upper and 
 lower jaws. (See Age^ 
 
 Indigestion may be the result of decayed teeth which 
 prevent a horse from masticating his food properly, con- 
 stitutional weakness, over-feeding, or other causes. It is 
 usually accompanied by flatulency, loss of appetite, and a 
 general air of discomfort, and should it become chronic will 
 seriously affect the value and working power of the horse. 
 
 Treatment. — Give small feeds and more frequently — seven 
 or eight a day, if possible — and reduce the allowance of oats 
 for a few days. Do not give whole oats at all, but let what 
 is given the horse be bruised. Let him have sliced carrots 
 and mangolds in his chop, with bran, chaff, and what corn he 
 gets. Give a more or less mild aperient such as linseed 
 oil, or if there is pain in the belly, some colic mixture, and 
 rub with liniment. When better, a course of tonics is 
 recommended. (See Prescriptions.) 
 
 Infectious Diseases may be described as those which 
 are capable of being communicated from one animal to 
 another through the medium of germs which float in the air, 
 and not by actual contact. (See Contagious Diseases^ 
 
 Inflammation may be either acute or chronic, the former 
 form being usually the most serious, and is liable to attack 
 
 177 M 
 
INFLAMMA TION 
 
 any part of an animal, including the blood. The principal 
 causes are blows, wounds, poisons, and chills, the symptoms 
 being heat, pain, swelling, and redness, though, of course, a 
 swelling is not present in all cases of inflammation. 
 
 Treatment. — In cases where there is an external swelling 
 and heat, relief may be obtained by applying the following 
 lotion constantly on lint which has been saturated in it. 
 Dilute acetic acid 2 ounces, Goulard's extract 4 ounces, 
 water i quart ; but if the inflammation does not abate, it 
 is best and safest not to delay seeking professional advice. 
 (See Blistering, Laminitis, Liniments, Medicines, Navicular 
 Disease, Pneumonia.') 
 
 Inflammation of the Bowels, or Enteritis, is one of the 
 
 most dangerous ills to which horse-flesh is heir, and often kills 
 its victims off in a few hours. The chief causes of an attack 
 are chills, exhaustion through overwork, colic, and indigestion, 
 and it is sometimes succeeded by laminitis, as the inflamma- 
 tion may spread to the feet. 
 
 Symptoms. — Shivering, quick breathing, inflamed eyes, 
 pains in the stomach, and frequent motions. As the pain 
 increases the horse becomes very restless, and often rolls to 
 relieve his sufferings, or else walks restlessly about his box. 
 His breathing becomes more affected, and his nostrils dilate, 
 his ears and legs get cold, and he breaks out into sweat ; 
 occasionally he screams through pain, and finally collapses. 
 
 Treatment. — In cases of inflammation of the bowels pro- 
 fessional advice should be sought, but if this is not forth- 
 coming the stomach may be fomented with hot water, 
 and I ounce of tincture of opium, or f ounce of extract of 
 belladonna, in the case of a full-sized adult horse, may be 
 administered. Should he recover, the patient should not be 
 given grain, but mashes and scalded roots. (See Medicines, 
 Prescriptions) 
 
 Inflammation of the Feet. — See Laminitis. 
 
 Inflammation of the Lungs. — See Pneumonia. 
 
 178 
 
INFLUENZA — INOCULA TION 
 
 Influenza, or Pink Eye, as it is sometimes called, is 
 in its earlier stages similar to an ordinary cold, the symptoms 
 being practically the same. As the attack progresses the 
 fever increases, the mucous membrane of the eye becomes 
 pink in colour, and the patient loses strength fast, becoming 
 in the end so weak that, even if he recovers, he is incapaci- 
 tated for work for many weeks. Influenza being a disease 
 that is both infectious and contagious, it is absolutely neces- 
 sary that a horse suffering from it should be rigorously 
 isolated from his stable companions, and that those attending 
 on him should not go near the latter unless their clothing 
 and hands have been thoroughly disinfected, as should the 
 stable he has left. 
 
 Treatment. — As for colds ; but it is most desirable that 
 professional advice should be obtained with as little delay 
 as possible when the nature of the disease is diagnosed. 
 (See Catarrh^ 
 
 Inhaling. — An equine inhaling apparatus is a simple 
 contrivance consisting of a sort of small bucket made of 
 metal which is kept in its position by a strap passing from 
 side to side of it and over the top of the head. In order to 
 keep the boiling water it contains from splashing over, some 
 chaff should be placed in the bucket. (For illustration of 
 inhaler see Bronchitis?) 
 
 Injections are most useful in the case of stoppages of 
 the bowels, and sometimes in connection with attacks of 
 internal inflammation, and they are also useful at times in 
 the treatment for worms. When given hot, as they almost 
 invariably ought to be, their temperature should be about 
 lOO degrees. (See Enemas^ 
 
 Inoculation is practically much the same thing as con- 
 tagion, inasmuch as by it a disease can be communicated by 
 one animal to another by contact. In the case of inocula- 
 tion, however, the result is usually designed beforehand ; as, 
 
 179 
 
mSEMINA TION— INTELLIGENCE 
 
 for instance, when healthy animals are inoculated with the 
 germs of strangles in order to convey the disease to them 
 at a favourable time. The process, if practicable, upon 
 which point there are doubts, is not one to be commended. 
 (See Contagious Diseases^ 
 
 Insemination is the operation of impregnating mares 
 artificially by the means of a specially designed syringe. 
 It has unquestionably been performed successfully in many 
 cases, and the success which has attended these is likely to 
 popularise the custom amongst the owners of breeding stock. 
 
 Inside Car. — (See Governess Cart?) 
 
 Instinct. — Although a difference of opinion may exist 
 as regards the intelligence of horses, there can be no doubt 
 but that their instinct is strongly developed. The power 
 they possess for finding their way about from place to place, 
 and the ability they show when turned out in strange 
 localities to discover where the best food and water are to be 
 had, prove that many years of dependence upon mankind 
 have not affected their sense of self-preservation. There are, 
 however, exceptions to every rule, and the horse provides 
 one, as his dread of fire absolutely prevents him from using 
 what instinct he possesses to escape from a burning stable. 
 On the other hand, his natural gift of instinct makes a horse 
 extremely careful as to what he eats, and it is next to 
 impossible to induce him to drink water from a filthy or 
 greasy pail, whilst cases of his eating poison are com- 
 paratively rare. (See Brain, Intelligence, Memory.) 
 
 Intelligence is a quality which is denied to horses by a 
 great number of persons who are undoubtedly qualified to 
 express an opinion on the subject. At the same time, it is 
 one upon which ideas differ a great deal, and it is difficult 
 to understand how anybody who has seen a horse lifting the 
 latch of a gate in order to get out of a field can deny him 
 
 I So 
 
INTERMITTENT LAMENESS 
 
 the possession of, at all events, a certain amount of intelli- 
 gence. No doubt a horse's brain is, comparatively speaking, 
 small ; but it is unfair, all the same, to stigmatise as a fool an 
 animal which is capable of learning the tricks which circus 
 horses perform every day, especially as it is known that the 
 majority of these accomplishments are due to the promptings 
 the animals receive from their trainers, which fact goes far 
 to prove that they possess the power of profiting by in- 
 struction, and therefore must be more or less intelligent. 
 It may be argued, too, on behalf of the horse, that from 
 his first domestication it has been the desire of successive 
 generations of owners to prevent him having any will of 
 his own, and consequently the amount of intelligence he 
 originally possessed cannot fail to have become diminished 
 by absence of use. All dog-breakers unite in the opinion 
 that it is far easier to train a puppy, the parents and ancestors 
 of which have been broken ; and the well-known case of a 
 famous breeder of thoroughbreds who made the experiment 
 of breeding from unbroken mares, and abandoned the prac- 
 tice because the waywardness of his yearlings got them a 
 bad name amongst trainers, may be quoted as showing that 
 the results of not developing latent intelligence are unsatis- 
 factory. Even in his stable a horse has to spend practically 
 all his time gazing at the wall in front of him, if he is in 
 a stall, and as many loose boxes are isolated, and he is not 
 as a rule allowed to look out, he is afforded no opportunity 
 of developing brain power ; whilst out-of-doors the slightest 
 disposition he displays to act for himself is met by correction. 
 It appears impossible, therefore, to deny a horse the gift 
 of natural intelligence; in fact, all things considered, it is 
 surprising that many members of the equine race are as 
 clever as they are. (See Brain, Instinct, Memory^ 
 
 Intermittent Lameness is a source of annoyance to 
 most owners at one time or another, as many horses possess 
 an irritating habit of going lame every now and then from 
 some unascertainable cause. In the majority of cases rheu- 
 
 l8i 
 
INTERNAL ORGANS 
 
 matism may be suspected as being at the root of the evil, 
 and efforts should therefore be made to locate the position 
 of the trouble and treat it ; but intermittent lameness may 
 also be the beginning of still more serious trouble, such as 
 navicular disease, which see ; also Rheumatism. 
 
 Internal Organs. — The accompanying illustration show 
 the principal internal organs. 
 
 ■2/ 
 
 '20 
 
 19 
 
 1 Brain. 
 
 2 Septum Nasi. 
 
 3 Tongue. 
 
 4 Gullet. 
 
 5 Windpipe. 
 
 6 Lungs (showing Bronchial 
 
 Tubes A A. A..) 
 
 7 Heart. 
 
 8 Liver. 
 
 9 Large Intestine. 
 
 10 Testicles. 
 
 11 Urethra. 
 
 12 Bladder. 
 
 13 Rectum. 
 
 14 Ureter. 
 
 182 
 
 15 Small Intestine. 
 
 16 Kidney. 
 
 17 Spleen. 
 
 18 Stomach. 
 
 19 Spinal Cord. 
 
 20 Laryn.x. 
 
 21 Pharvn.x, 
 
INVERSION OF THE UTERUS— JAUNDICE 
 
 Inversion of the Uterus occasionally, but not often, 
 succeeds foaling, and if the womb is not replaced in its proper 
 position and kept there the results are likely to be very 
 serious. The replacement is a most delicate task, as not 
 merely is there often a good deal of pain in connection with 
 it, but if carelessly or unskilfully conducted the womb may 
 be injured, with grave consequences, hence the unwisdom 
 of entrusting the duty to a layman. Whilst assistance is 
 being procured the mare will often become very weak, and 
 if so a couple of wineglasses of spirits may be given her mixed 
 in water, and if she lies down and struggles it may be 
 necessary to administer an opiate to soothe her. In event 
 of an attempt being made to replace the womb it will be 
 necessary to get her on her legs if possible, or at all events 
 to raise her behind by placing straw beneath her. The pro- 
 truding womb should be well washed in cold milk and water — 
 it may be necessary to put hobbles on the mare, and a twitch 
 should always be used — and then raised on a damp sheet 
 to the proper level, when it may be gently pressed up the 
 passage. The greatest skill and care must be exercised in 
 doing so, and if the mare struggles, as she generally will, the 
 attempt must be temporarily suspended until she quietens 
 down. (See Brood Maj'C, Foaling.) 
 
 Iris. — The dark-coloured portion of the eye, in the centre 
 of which is the still darker spot known as the pupil. (See 
 Eyes, Pupil.) 
 
 Jaundice. — A very common cause of jaundice is a chill 
 which settles on the liver, but in any case it consists of some 
 obstruction to the passing of bile from that organ. 
 
 Symptoms. — The gums and linings of the eyes change in 
 colour from red to yellow, the dung is almost white and 
 smells badly, as does the breath, and the horse becomes 
 
 183 
 
JAUNTING CAR—JIBBING 
 
 feverish and loses flesh, whilst if the liver is pressed there is 
 very often pain. 
 
 Treatment. — Place the horse on a cooling diet, giving him 
 plenty of bran, roots, and green meat, but little or no corn at 
 first, whilst he should be encouraged to drink plenty of water. 
 As a first dose give him 4 ounces of Epsom salts in i pint 
 of water, to be followed by 2 drams of ipecacuanha twice a day 
 in a ball, until the yellowness leaves the gums, but not for 
 more than a week. If there are signs of constipation an 
 enema may be tried, and he should have some exercise every 
 day. When better, a couple of ounces of bicarbonate of 
 soda may be mixed with his food for a week or two. (See 
 Enemas, Liver, Medicines.) 
 
 Jaunting Car. — A name given to the Irish "outside car," 
 which is a two-wheeled vehicle, constructed to carry four 
 passengers and the driver. The passengers sit two on a side 
 back to back, with their feet on a movable platform outside 
 the wheels, which is so constructed as to turn up if desired. 
 There is also a space between the backs of the passengers 
 for luggage, the driver's seat being on a dickey in front. 
 (See Carriages.) 
 
 Jaw. — The jaws of a horse extend from the chin groove 
 to the jowl in the case of the lower one, and from the nostrils 
 upwards in the upper one. 
 
 Jennet. — The result of crossing a horse or pony stallion 
 with a she-ass. In America the term is applied to the latter. 
 (See Bardot, Hinny, Mute.) 
 
 Jibbing is one of the most objectionable habits that a 
 horse can possess, as it consists of his more or less suddenly 
 refusing to move, or, what is worse, in some cases running 
 backwards. This is a serious matter when he has a vehicle 
 behind him, and therefore the first thing to do is to get to 
 his head and hold him. Sometimes then the jibber may be 
 
 184 
 
JINKED BACK— JOWL 
 
 persuaded to move forward, but as a general rule he decides 
 to stand still without budging an inch. Under such circum- 
 stances thrashing him is no good, and even more drastic 
 measures, such as lighting a fire of hay under his belly, 
 frequently fail. Sometimes the offender will be persuaded 
 to move by being turned round, but as often as not he will 
 decline to shift his feet from the ground. A means of com- 
 pelling him to go forwards which has succeeded in some cases 
 is to saw a piece of rope backwards and forwards behind the 
 knees of a jibber, but this requires the assistance of two 
 persons, and is not always effective, so as a rule there is 
 nothing to do but to wait in patience. Jibbing may there- 
 fore be regarded as an incurable vice, though cases of cures 
 have been reported when the offender has been made to stand 
 for hours between the shafts of a cart heavily laden with 
 sand on the place where he commenced to jib, but the value 
 of such an attempt at curing him is very doubtful. 
 
 Jinked Back, sometimes erroneously referred to as 
 " chink back," is not the result of an accident, but is a slow 
 disease of the vertebra; or their muscles. A horse suffering 
 from it can move forwards easily enough, but if quickly 
 turned is likely to fall, and under any circumstances the 
 movement of his hind-legs is defective. There is no cure. 
 (See Shivering^ 
 
 Joint 111.— See Navel III. 
 
 Joints. — " Hinge " joints are those which can be extended ; 
 " ball and socket " joints are those in which the end of one 
 bone rests in a socket formed by another bone. (See Bones, 
 Hip Joint, Hocks, Knees, Pastern, Shoulders, Stifie.) 
 
 Journey. — See Leading Horses, Railway Travelling. 
 
 Jowl. — The part of the lower jaw where it is widest and 
 furthest removed from the mouth. 
 
 185 
 
JUGULAR VEIN— JUMPING 
 
 Jugular Vein. — The large vein of the neck which with 
 the carotid artery lies beneath the cesophagus and above the 
 trachea, which see. 
 
 Jumper's Bump. — The term applied to the protuberance 
 or rise which appears at the top of the loins of some horses, 
 as a consequence of this formation having been associated 
 with many of the best jumpers. (See Point of Loin.) 
 
 Jumping. — Most horses possess a natural gift of jumping, 
 
 White Rose, property of Mr John Coleman, M.R.C.V.S. 
 
 but some take to the work far more kindly than others. At 
 
 1 86 
 
KEEP— KICKING 
 
 the same time a judicious course of schooling can accomph'sh 
 a good deal in the way of transforming a naturally awkward 
 animal into a clever one, at all events so far as show yard 
 performers are concerned. The latter, however, are very 
 often possessed of peculiarities which, though they may not 
 affect a horse's ability to clear obstacles in the judging 
 ring, would render him a very unpleasant hunter to ride 
 to hounds. Some show yard jumpers, however, possess 
 excellent manners, and as the nature of the obstacles they 
 have to clear varies very little at different shows, their natural 
 intelligence enables them to clear fences which they would 
 not be likely to get over in the open. (See Schooling a 
 Jumper.) 
 
 K 
 
 Keep, — A term applied to the grass and other forms of 
 food which grow in a meadow or grazing ground. 
 
 Keys. — The pieces of metal attached to the ports of bits. 
 (See Bits, Port.) 
 
 Kicking in the stable is a most objectionable habit for 
 a horse to contract, even if it is only the result of a spirit of 
 playfulness, as it grows upon him. The 
 best course to adopt in such a case is to 
 pad the pillars of the stalls so that he 
 cannot injure himself, and then to fasten 
 some large bunches of furze on them, as 
 the pricking he receives may assist in 
 curing him. Another plan that has been 
 successfully adopted is to strap a small 
 log or ball of wood round the hind-leg 
 above the hock, so that when the animal 
 kicks the ball will hit his cannon bone ; 
 and yet another is to suspend a bag of 
 sand from the ceiling behind the horse, 
 in such a manner that when he kicks it 
 it will swing back and hit him on the 
 quarters. Sometimes he will become so sick of this 
 
 187 
 
 Kicking-strap and Ball for 
 use in stable. 
 
KICKING S TRA F—KNEE- CA PS 
 
 that he will abandon the habit, but a cure is not often 
 effected. 
 
 A horse which kicks in saddle is a constant source of 
 danger to all and everything about him, and is usually — in 
 fact, always ought to be — adorned by a piece of red ribbon 
 on his tail as a warning. The only course for his rider to 
 adopt is to keep his horse's head well up, and apply the whip 
 to his shoulders. 
 
 Kicking in harness is usually met by using a kicking- 
 strap, which, in the case of a single horse, consists of a strap 
 which passes through a loop above the crupper and is buckled 
 at either end to the shafts. In pairs a double strap is run 
 from the pad along each side of the crupper and buckled to 
 the splinter bar. 
 
 Kicking-strap. — See Kicking. 
 
 Kidney Link is an oval or kidney-shaped link through 
 which the leather straps of the harness pass. 
 
 King's Premiums. — See Premitims. 
 
 Kink in Tail. — Some horses possess a natural twist in 
 the tail which is most unsightly. The only way to remove 
 it is by docking. (See Docking.) 
 
 Knee-caps are most useful protec- 
 tions for the knees of horses which are 
 sent on journeys by train or steamboat. 
 They should also be worn at exercise 
 if the roads are slippery, and colts, 
 when being broken to harness, should 
 never be without them. They should 
 not be buckled tight above the knee 
 lest circulation should be impaired, and 
 they may be quite loose below the 
 joint, all that the lower strap is useful 
 for being to prevent the knee-cap from 
 getting out of position. 
 i88 
 
 Knee-cap, 
 
KNEE ROLL — KNOTS 
 
 Knee Roll. — The padded projection which extends in 
 front of the flaps of some saddles to assist the riders in 
 keeping their seats. (See Flap, Saddle.) 
 
 Knees. — The knees are the joints between the fore-arm 
 and cannon bone, and consist of seven, and sometimes eight 
 bones, viz., three flat ones on the top, three on the bottom, 
 and either one or two at the back. The top flat bones, 
 counting from the outside to the inside, are the cunieform, 
 the lunar, and the scarphoid ; the bottom ones the unieform, 
 the magnum, and the trapezoid. The pisiform is a bone at 
 the back and outside of the upper row, and is curved to allow 
 space for the tendons of the leg to pass downwards. The 
 eighth bone, which occasionally appears, is called the trapezium, 
 and is at the back of the trapezoid. (See Bones, Fore-legs.) 
 
 Knots. — The accompanying illustrations represent two 
 knots which every one connected with horses should be able 
 to make. Emergencies so often arise that the ability to 
 
 Surgical Knot, for tying „ rr ^ r 
 
 sutures, blood-vessel^. branny Knot, for use m 
 
 . cases of emergency, 
 
 when harness has to 
 be repaired with cord. 
 
 make a non-slipping knot cannot be overestimated, and 
 the power can easily be obtained by carefully studying the 
 illustrations. (See Stitching Wounds.) 
 
 189 
 
KNUCKLING OVER — LADY'S HORSE 
 
 Knuckling Over is a result of the pasterns 
 becoming straighter through the horse being 
 unable to extend them properly as a result of 
 inflammation caused by concussion or over- 
 work, which has affected the action of the 
 fetlock joint. In mild cases — that is, in those 
 in which the knuckling over is not caused by 
 the formation of bone, but is the result of a 
 sprain through overwork — the evil may be 
 remedied by using a long - toed shoe, and 
 carefully cutting the heels away, so as to 
 cause the sole of the foot to be on a slope 
 from the toe to the heel, which will assist in 
 stretching the ligaments, the free movement 
 of which has become affected. (See Clea7i Legs, 
 Fore-legs?) 
 
 Knuckling Over. 
 
 Lacing. — The term applied to the fore action of a horse 
 which puts his feet down more or less in front of each other, 
 and not straight out before him. (See Plaiting.) 
 
 Lady's Horse. — The two great essentials in a lady's horse 
 are quality and manners, there being few more deplorable 
 sights than to see an elegant woman on an underbred mount, 
 or endeavouring to restrain the vagaries of a hard-mouthed, 
 vicious brute. The question of substance is therefore not 
 one for much consideration, though some ladies ride prett}'' 
 heavy, and their saddles are not light ; but what is of more 
 importance is a neat head, a nice light neck, long, well- 
 placed shoulders, and good quarters. Of course, the mouth 
 of a lady's horse ought to be perfect, and his action should 
 be easy, and here it may be added that there is a far too 
 prevalent disposition on the part of over-anxious husbands, 
 
 190 
 
LAMENESS 
 
 parents, and brothers to over-bit the horses of their feminine 
 
 latter should have their 
 
 relations in the desire that the 
 mounts well under control. The 
 hands of most women, however, 
 are so light and good that they 
 can manage any horse, excepting, 
 perhaps, a confirmed bolter, and 
 over-bitting is a source of danger 
 in many cases. A breedy-looking, 
 if not clean-bred horse of about 
 15 hands 2 inches, and good in 
 colour, is what should be sought 
 for, whilst for young girls an Arab 
 is an ideal mount. (See Action, 
 Park Hack, Riding^ 
 
 Lameness. — Most horse owners 
 have been sorely puzzled at times 
 to detect the cause of lameness in 
 their horses, as the trouble may 
 arise from many sources, such as 
 rheumatism and sprains, which are 
 at first not at all easy to discover. 
 Nor is it always a light task to 
 locate the seat of the lameness, 
 even when a horse is obviously 
 "going dotty" on a leg, and the 
 difficulty of the position is not decreased by the know- 
 ledge that some animals suffer from intermittent lameness, 
 whilst others appear to move unsoundly from no reason 
 whatsoever, unless it be for the love of the thing. Nor can it 
 be asserted that every horse which moves regularly is of a 
 necessity sound, as if both fore or both back legs or feet 
 are causing him pain he will move regularly enough, as 
 the rascals who practise the art of beaning are fully aware. 
 
 If an animal constantly points one foot when he is stand- 
 ing it may reasonably be surmised that he is not quite sound 
 
 191 
 
 Lacinc 
 
LAMINITIS 
 
 on the limb to which it is attached, though, of course, if he 
 is tired he is likely to rest all his feet in turn. As a rule, 
 if the cause of trouble is in the foot he points he will rest 
 his heel on the ground, whilst if it lies in the leg or shoulder 
 he will rest his toe. In a case of shoulder lameness the 
 fore-arm is extended, the knee bent, and the foot with the 
 toe on the ground almost behind its fellow. 
 
 As a rule few horses walk lame unless they are the 
 victims of an accident, or theirs is a very bad case, and, 
 speaking generally, a slow trot on hard ground is the best 
 test of the infirmity. The way to proceed is to stand a 
 few yards in front of the horse and watch carefully as he 
 approaches and passes whether he nods his head or dwells 
 upon either of his fore-feet. If he does, it may be pretty 
 safely inferred that the leg which is not associated with 
 these actions is the one which is unsound ; while, if he is 
 lame behind, he will be likely to nod his head when the 
 infirm limb touches the ground. If he is lame or tender on 
 both fore-feet his front action will be very short on hard 
 ground, but it will improve on softer ground ; hence, if a doubt 
 exists he should be trotted on both. He should be watched 
 carefully from both sides, and also as he is turned quickly 
 first to the off and then to the near, so that it may be seen 
 if he uses both of his hocks in the same manner ; if he does 
 not, something wrong may be expected. (See Intermittent 
 Lametiess, Laininitis, Navicular Disease, Rheiwiatisni, Spavin, 
 Splints.) 
 
 Laminitis, or Founder, is [a term applied to inflam- 
 mation of the feet, which may be the result of concussion, 
 want of exercising, overfeeding, bad shoeing, or various other 
 causes. The fore-feet are usually attacked, and as the evil 
 arises from severe inflammation which has attacked the 
 extremely delicate structures contained in the walls of the 
 hoof, the pain endured is very great. A horse affected by 
 laminitis or founder will often endeavour to throw the weight 
 of his body upon his heels, and in order to do so he will 
 
 192 
 
LAMPAS 
 
 stretch his fore-legs out, and bring the hind ones under him 
 Animals with thin soles are the greatest victims of this 
 disease, and usually the front 
 feet are attacked, but occasion- 
 ally the hind ones as well. 
 When a horse stands in the 
 position referred to, and is 
 visibly suffering, whilst his 
 temperature is rising, laminitis 
 is to be feared, and suspicions 
 become confirmed if there is a 
 difficulty in making him back, 
 and he shows signs of increased 
 pain when one of his feet, which 
 will be burning hot, is raised up 
 from the ground. 
 
 Treatment. — Having re- 
 moved the shoes, the horse 
 should be stood on soft bedding, 
 such as peat moss or sawdust; 
 some authorities recommend cold bran poultices, but these 
 may not be necessary in mild cases, and in very severe ones 
 the patient may be placed in slings. The bowels should not 
 be allowed to get constipated, and food should be of a cooling 
 nature, such as mashes, carrots, clover, and the like, whilst 
 plenty of water may be given whilst the fever lasts. The 
 feet may be kept cool by the constant application of cold 
 water or ice, and if an aperient is necessary i-| pints of linseed 
 oil may be administered. When better, the wall of the hoof 
 may be lowered so as to bring the weight on to the heels, 
 and he may be shod light with bar shoes, gentle exercise 
 being good for him. (See Bar-shoe, Hoofs, Sponge Pad.) 
 
 Laminitis — Pointing. 
 
 Lampas, which particularly affects young horses, is the 
 name given to a swelling on the roof of the mouth, which 
 causes a good deal of pain and prevents the horse from 
 eating. The cause may be a chill or indigestion, but lampas 
 
 193 N 
 
LAMPS — LARYNGITIS 
 
 is not a serious affair, and relief will be obtained by lancing 
 the swelling and keeping the sufferer on a diet of mashes 
 and soft food, no grain, for a few days. One ounce of 
 bicarbonate of soda may be given, divided amongst the 
 mashes, for three days, by which time the horse should be 
 better. 
 
 Lamps. — The best of all illuminating powers are the 
 old-fashioned candles which are specially manufactured for 
 carriage lamps. Oils of any sort are dirty, and frequently 
 smell offensively, and acetyline gas also possesses a bad 
 odour. The reflectors and glass of lamps should be carefully 
 cleaned and dried afterwards. 
 
 Landau is a carriage made to carry four persons in 
 the body, and is fitted with leather hoods to fall back and 
 front, so that it can be used as an open or closed carriage. 
 The first one was made in Landau, a town in Germany, from 
 which it takes its name. It is made in two shapes — with 
 a canoe- or square-shaped body. The square shape gives 
 the most convenient and roomy seating accommodation in 
 the body. The landau can be hung on either C. or elliptic 
 springs. 
 
 Laryngitis. — Inflammation of the larynx is usually 
 caused by exposure to cold, wet, or damp, either in or out 
 of a stable, and not infrequently attacks young and highly- 
 fed horses when they are first put to work, and animals 
 which come out of over-heated stables into cold ones. If 
 not taken in time it may end in an attack of pneumonia, or 
 cause the horse to become a roarer, and therefore a case 
 should not be neglected. 
 
 Symptotns. — A nasty dry cough, great thirst, and loss of 
 appetite. The horse becomes feverish, and a painful swelling 
 appears under the throat. 
 
 Treatment. — Place the horse in a warm but airy box, 
 clothe him comfortably, and bandage his legs. Owing to 
 
 194 
 
LAR YNX — LEAPING 
 
 the soreness of throat, which is often great, it is difficult, even 
 if it were wise, to give him medicine, but he may be made to 
 inhale the vapour of hot water, either in a plain state or that 
 to which some opium or iodine has been added. Foment the 
 throat with hot water applied by means of hot cloths, and 
 during the intervals of fomentations apply either linseed 
 poultices, or tow which has been soaked in hot oil. (See 
 Inhaling^ Larynx, Nursing, Prescriptions^ 
 
 Larynx. — The opening connecting the back of the mouth 
 with the trachea, the movements of which control the voice. 
 (See Internal Organs^ 
 
 Laxatives are the forms of foods or medicines which act 
 mildly upon the bowels. In the former, amongst others, are 
 included apples, bran mashes, carrots, clover, grass, gruel, 
 linseed tea, parsnips, turnips, sanfoin, vetches, etc., which 
 see, also Medicines. 
 
 Lead. — See Poisons. 
 
 Leading Fore-leg. — See Canter. 
 
 Leading Horses. — When horses are being led along the 
 road they should be taken along on the off side so as to meet 
 any approaching vehicles on the latter's side of the road, 
 and should always be led close to the curb. This arrange- 
 ment, however, is not practicable in crowded thoroughfares, 
 but is the safest and best one all the same, as it prevents 
 the horse being frightened by a conveyance which may 
 suddenly come up close behind him. (See Exercise, Rule of 
 the Road.) 
 
 Lean Head is one in which the muscles, blood-vessels, 
 and bony protuberances show up distinctly. It is also neatly 
 formed and its skin is fine. 
 
 Leaping. — See Schooling a Jumper. 
 
 195 
 
LENGTH OF A HORSE — LICENSES 
 
 Length of a Horse. — Opinions differ as regards the parts 
 from which a horse's length of body should be measured, 
 and certainly there must always be a difficulty in taking 
 it, as the most prominent part in front, namely, the point of 
 the shoulder, is not in a straight line with the point of the 
 buttock, which projects out furthest behind. The method, 
 therefore, of measuring from the point of the shoulder in 
 a straight line to the back of the buttock below the point 
 is the best that can be adopted. 
 
 Let Down. — A horse is said to be let down when his ribs 
 are long so that he possesses a considerable depth of chest. 
 
 Level Action is an action in which all the different joints 
 work together harmoniously, with the result that the feet 
 are put down smoothly in their proper places. (See Action^ 
 
 Liberty. — A horse is said to show liberty in his action 
 when he moves with freedom, using his shoulders well and 
 getting over the ground with freedom. (See Free Action?) 
 
 Lice. — Aged horses, and those kept in dirty stables or 
 turned out on foul land, are subject to these pests, which 
 are sometimes communicated by poultry. 
 
 Treatment. — A dressing of sulphur ointment or paraffin 
 will usually succeed. (See Ticks.) 
 
 Licenses. — For all vehicles excepting those used bona 
 fide for the purposes of their owner's business (in which case 
 they must not be used for any other purpose, and have his 
 name and address painted on them) a license must be 
 paid on the following scales : — four-wheeled carriages, to be 
 drawn or adapted to be drawn by two or more horses, £2, 2s. ; 
 four-wheeled carriages, to be drawn or adapted to be drawn 
 by one horse, ;^r, is.; two-wheeled carriages, iSs. ; hackney 
 carriages, 15s. A license of 15s. has also to be paid for 
 each male servant kept, irrespective of age. (See Armorial 
 Bearings^ 
 
 196 
 
LIGAMENTS — LINSEED 
 
 Ligaments. — The white tissues which hold the ends of 
 bones together. 
 
 Light is beneficial to all animals, and to none more so 
 than the horse. Consequently, a dark stable is to be avoided. 
 (See Stables.) 
 
 Light Horse. — The description applied to the less 
 massive varieties of horse, such as the hackneys and hunter. 
 (See Nag.) 
 
 Lighting Stables. — The ideal light for stables if an 
 installation can be arranged is electricity, as it is clean, not 
 too heating, easily turned on, and safe if care is exercised 
 in laying the wires. Then comes gas ; but there is always 
 the danger of a careless man dropping a match when light- 
 ing a burner, or of an escape, the results of which might 
 easily be serious. If lamps are used they should be lighted 
 by candles, as oil lamps are an ever-present source of danger, 
 and if overturned may lead to the destruction of a range 
 of stabling and its occupants. 
 
 Limestone. — See Soil. 
 
 Liniments may be described as outward applications 
 which are used as counter-irritants in case of inflammation. 
 They are not so powerful as blisters, and are therefore adapted 
 for use in the preliminary stages of injuries and colds. 
 (See Blistering.) 
 
 Linseed is one of the most useful things to have in a 
 stable, as in one or other of its forms it can be advantageously 
 used for many purposes. Linseed oil is a very safe laxative 
 medicine, and it also acts upon the kidneys. The best way 
 to obtain linseed oil is to make it at home, as it is often 
 adulterated before coming into the purchaser's possession. 
 The way to make it is to put i lb. of linseed into i 
 gallon of water and let it stand for a day, stirring it now and 
 
 197 
 
LirS — LOCK 
 
 then. At the end of that time it will be a thick, glutinous 
 mass which, though it may not be exactly oil, is a first- 
 rate thing for a horse to take in water, or with his food or 
 mash. Linseed meal is the basis of the effective poultices 
 which are used in the case of various diseases. Linseed tea 
 is often given to sick horses with beneficial results, and is 
 made by boiling i lb. of linseed until it is perfectly soft, 
 and then adding enough warm water to make up about 
 6 quarts or more. (See Feeding, Poultices, Restoratives.) 
 
 Lips. — The lips of a horse should be thin and kept 
 closed, a drooping under lip, in addition to being unsightly, 
 being often associated with an absence of courage. 
 
 List.~See Eel Mark. 
 Litter. — See Bedding. 
 
 Liver. — Some horses suffer from their livers, but, happily 
 for themselves, not to the extent that mankind does. The 
 causes of attack are usually want of work, overfeeding, and 
 ill-ventilated stables ; but a horse brought from a temperate 
 climate into a hot one is likely to have his liver affected. 
 A derangement of the liver can easily be detected by the 
 colour of the droppings, which are always pale, and very 
 offensive in their smell, whilst there is usually a quickened 
 pulse. 
 
 Treatment. — Avoid heating diet, such as grain, for a time, 
 and give plenty of green food and bran mashes. Administer 8 
 ounces sulphate of magnesia in 3 pints of water, to be followed 
 by lo- drams of ipecacuanha twice a day for a week, with 
 I ounce of sweet spirits of nitre at night for a week. After 
 that give him 2 ounces a day of bicarbonate of soda, which 
 can be divided between his feeds, for another week, by 
 which time the liver should be in proper working order again. 
 (^QQ Jaundice.) 
 
 Lock. — This is the part of the under carriage which 
 
 198 
 
LOCKJAW 
 
 allows for the turning of the front wheels. It is divided into 
 three distinct degrees, known in the trade as half lock, three- 
 quarter lock, and full lock. The first implies that the wheels 
 will lock only half-way round ; the three-quarter lock, that 
 the wheels will go only three-quarters of the way round ; and 
 in a fall lock the wheels pass right under the body. The 
 degrees of the lock are provided for by a locking-stop welded 
 into the wheel plate. 
 
 Lockjaw may be the result of a chill when heated, a 
 wound, especially in the region of the foot, the presence of 
 worms or bots, or other causes. It is a most serious source 
 of trouble when it appears, as fatal results may always be 
 expected, but it is not infectious, although it can be com- 
 municated from one animal to another by means of any 
 pus which may discharge from a wound, and therefore 
 precautions should be taken to isolate the patient, and to 
 thoroughly disinfect the stable and any utensils he may use, 
 whilst his bedding should be burned. 
 
 Symptoms. — The neck becomes stiff about a fortnight 
 after the source of the trouble, whether it be a chill or 
 an injury, occurs ; then follows a difficulty in eating, this 
 being followed by the locking of the jaws and stiffness of 
 the limbs, the tail very often being carried high. Spasms 
 of the muscles are frequent, the breathing becomes difficult, 
 and the horse breaks out into a sweat. 
 
 Treatment. — As the least excitement is liable to bring 
 on spasms, the patient should be kept as quiet as possible, 
 no one being allowed to come near him unless necessary. 
 Soft-cooked food, such as mashes and green stuff, may be 
 given him, if he can eat it ; if not, he must be drenched 
 with gruel. Let plenty of water be within his reach, and 
 clothe him warmly ; whilst bad cases may be slung in 
 order to avoid injuries when the spasms occur. The pro- 
 fessional attendant will probably prescribe some soothing 
 medicines, but absolute rest and quiet affords the best 
 hope of a recovery. (See Medicines, Slings.) - 
 
 199 
 
LOFTS — LOSING FLESH 
 
 Lofts over stables are often the cause of trouble with 
 horses' ears and eyes, owing to dust and particles of forage 
 getting through the crevices of the floor ; and under any 
 circumstances they create dust and cause the horses' coats to 
 become dirty. When possible, therefore, it is best to keep the 
 forage in some other place than a loft, and, excepting in cases 
 where space is valuable, the absence of a loft is all in favour 
 of the horses, as the stable is more airy and healthier without 
 one. (See Stables.) 
 
 Loin Cloth. — A rainproof cloth which is fixed over the 
 loins of light harness horses which have to stand about in 
 bad weather. 
 
 Loins. — The loins of a horse are situated above the 
 flanks between the back and the croup. 
 
 Long Hay is hay which is of the same length as when 
 the grass was mown, such as is contained in trusses or in 
 the stack. (See Feeding.) 
 
 Look Out. — The term applied to the expression of 
 a horse's face combined with formation of head. 
 
 Lop Ears. — Ears which are not carried erect, but project 
 at each side of the head, are thus described. By some they 
 are associated with a dull, sluggish disposition, but this idea 
 does not invariably apply, though lop ears are unquestionably 
 unsightly. 
 
 Lorry. — A heavy, four-wheeled dray without sides to it. 
 
 Losing Flesh. — When horses begin to lose flesh, the 
 presence of worms may be suspected, but sometimes the 
 trouble may be due to debility or indigestion. In any cir- 
 cumstances every care should be taken to ascertain the cause, 
 else a valuable life may be lost. (See Debility, Indigestion, 
 Tonics y Worms.) 
 
 200 
 
L UCERNE — MA CAD AM 
 
 Lucerne is a very good form of green food for horses, but 
 too much of it ought not to be given to any animal doing fast 
 work. (See Feeding^ 
 
 Lungeing. — The act of lungeing a horse consists of 
 making him trot round in a circle in the centre of which 
 his attendant stands with a long rein in his hand, the end, 
 of the rein being fastened to the horse's bridle or cavesson. 
 (See Breaking, Cavesson^ 
 
 Lungs. — The lungs are the two large, reddish-coloured 
 spongy masses situated next to the heart and covered by the 
 pleura. They expand or contract through the action of the 
 diaphragm. (See Breathing, Internal Organs, Pneumonia^ 
 
 Lurry. — See Lorry. 
 
 Lying Down. — All horses in work should be encouraged 
 to lie down and rest themselves properly, and for this purpose 
 a proper bed should be provided them, and the stalls should 
 be at least 6 feet wide for a big animal. It is not necessary, 
 excepting in the case of those which are extra tired, or have 
 to work at night, that their beds should be beneath them 
 all day, as there is no necessity for their lying down in the 
 daylight. (See Rest, Sleeping Standing^ 
 
 Lymphangitis. — See Monday Morning Evil. 
 
 M 
 
 Macadam. — Taken all round there is no road so good for 
 horses to travel over as a well-kept macadam one, though 
 it may not succeed in conforming with the anticipations of 
 its inventor, who hoped that the constant pressure of traffic 
 passing over his roads would produce the effect of uniting 
 the flints into a mass of solid stonework which would practi- 
 cally never wear out. The worst of macadam paving is that 
 
 201 
 
MAIL PHAETON— MAIZE 
 
 it has need of constant supervision, as once a hole is formed 
 it rapidly develops into a rut, or nasty place, which may 
 prove a source of inconvenience and danger to men and 
 horses passing over it. 
 
 Mail Phaeton is a driving phaeton of a very high grade, 
 hung upon a perch carriage and mail or platform springs, 
 
 \Tail Phaeton. 
 
 similar to the springs of a mail-coach. It has always a solid 
 panel driving seat in front, which is fitted with a leather 
 hood, and has a seat behind for servants. 
 
 Maize, or Indian Corn, has of recent years come to be 
 used as a food in many stables which it never was allowed 
 to enter previously. No doubt the high price of oats and 
 proportionate cheapness of maize was the cause of this, but 
 of late the latter has cost more. Given as a food it is apt 
 to cause purging at first, but this soon wears off and the 
 horses begin to put on flesh fast. Maize is not, however, a 
 muscle-producing form of food, and is rather of a heating 
 nature, and therefore it should not be given in large quantities 
 to horses which have hard work to get through at a fast pace, 
 and it never can be accepted as an adequate substitute for 
 
 202 
 
MAKE — MANCHURIAN PONY 
 
 oats. The London General Omnibus Company and other 
 large employees of horses, however, serve out a daily ration 
 of maize, mixed, of course, with other foods, but when given 
 it should always be cracked. (See Feeding,') 
 
 Make. — See Conformation. 
 Making. — See Schooling. 
 
 Mallenders consist of cracks which 
 appear in the skin at the backs of the 
 knees, as a result of the horse lying down 
 with his hind shoes rubbing against the 
 part of the fore - leg which is affected. 
 They are preceded by a good deal of 
 scurfiness and roughness of the hair, 
 and if not taken in time will grow deep 
 and cause a good deal of trouble and a 
 permanent blemish, owing to the flesh 
 thickening and becoming hard. 
 
 Treatment. — Opening medicine and 
 cooling diet to reduce any heat of the 
 blood and tendency to fever ; wash the 
 cracks once with soft soap and warm 
 water, and apply daily an ointment of 
 burnt alum 60 grains, red oxide of 
 mercury 20 grains, well powdered, lard 
 7 drams. (See Sallenders.) 
 
 Mallender. 
 
 Manchurian Pony. — This is an extremely useful though 
 very slow pony which stands about 13 hands high or a 
 little over. Amongst the good points of this breed may be 
 mentioned a very robust constitution, surefootedness, and 
 exceptionally good legs and feet, which qualities doubtless 
 influenced Lieutenant Shackleton when he decided upon 
 taking some Manchurian ponies with him in his voyage to 
 the South Pole. The breed is somewhat heavier in build 
 
 203 
 
MANE — MANGE 
 
 than the ordinary run of Far Eastern pony, but on the other 
 hand the Manchurian possesses unusually good shoulders, 
 and is, therefore, well adapted for riding purposes. 
 
 M^ne. — The mane, if unhogged, usually falls over the 
 off side of the neck, but it can easily be trained to hang over 
 the near side by using weights of tinfoil or some such thing, 
 and in the case of cavalry horses it is the custom to do so, 
 as it enables a rider to assist himself in mounting if he can 
 catch hold of the mane. In the case of polo ponies, which 
 are almost invariably hogged, it is usual to leave one tuft of 
 hair for this purpose. A mane should never be cut ; the 
 way to thin it to attractive proportions is to comb it away 
 from the under side ; and it may be added that the roots of 
 the hair on the side it falls over are not infrequently allowed 
 to get into a very dirty condition owing to grooms acting 
 on the principle that the scurf which accumulates there will 
 never be seen. 
 
 Mange exists in at least two forms amongst horses, 
 and is caused in either instance by the presence of an insect 
 which burrows down under the skin. It is a most con- 
 tagious disease, and no doubt many cases are due to horses 
 on a journey having temporarily occupied stables which 
 have previously been tenanted by an affected animal. 
 
 The symptoms of the commoner form usually appear in 
 the tail and mane, whence it spreads to other parts of the 
 body. Scabs appear on the bare patches from which the hair 
 falls off, and discharge a fluid which will readily convey the 
 disease to other animals. As a consequence, a horse which 
 suffers from mange should be isolated, and all the woodwork 
 of the stall he has occupied must be thoroughly disinfected 
 and the litter burned, else an epidemic of mange is likely to 
 run through the stable. 
 
 Treatment. — If taken in time a dressing of paraffin oil 
 once a day for three or four days may be useful, though a 
 paste composed of linseed oil six parts, tar oil one part, and 
 
 204 
 
MANGERS— MARKINGS 
 
 kerosine oil one part, mixed with flowers of sulphur to form 
 a thick paste, may be preferred. (See Lice.) 
 
 Mangers should always be made of either iron or hard 
 wood ; otherwise the horses are apt to gnaw them, and may 
 thereby contract the evil habit of crib-biting, whilst wooden 
 ones cannot be properly cleaned out after a mash, and there- 
 fore are liable to become sour. The manger ought also 
 to be wide enough to enable a horse to eat out of it com- 
 fortably, and sufficiently deep to prevent him wasting his 
 food by pushing it out with his nose. 
 
 Mangolds do not form an ideal form of food for high- 
 class horses, though the latter like them, and therefore as an 
 occasional change they may be given. When so they should 
 be sliced small and mixed with the allowance of chop. (See 
 Feedings Swedes, Ttcrnips.) 
 
 Manners not only make a man, but a horse as well, as 
 no animal can be regarded as really valuable for any sort 
 of work which does not readily obey the will of the person 
 controlling him, and do so in a graceful, willing style. No 
 doubt the natural disposition of an animal exercises a good 
 deal of influence upon his manners, but good breaking, good 
 schooling, and good horsemanship are responsible for their 
 share. Conversely, bad breaking, bad riding or driving, 
 and bad bitting will ruin the best manners in the world. 
 (See Bitting, Breaking, Schooling.) 
 
 Markings at one time were matters to which far more 
 importance was attached than is the case at present. Of 
 late years, and particularly in connection with the hackney, 
 a superfluity of white is tolerated which a generation ago 
 would have taken many pounds off the value of a horse. 
 As a consequence, high honours in the show ring are bestowed 
 upon hideously marked animals, disfigured by white patches 
 on the belly or sides, white lips, and other similar disfigure- 
 
 205 
 
MARTINGALE 
 
 merits which no owner of a well-turned-out equipage would 
 countenance for an instant. Chestnuts are by far the greatest 
 offenders in the way of bad markings, the old adage of " One 
 white leg, buy him ; two white legs, try him ; four white 
 legs and a white nose, cut his throat and throw him to the 
 crows," being ignored by the vast majority of modern 
 hackney judges. A white heel, or perhaps two, may be 
 passed in a chestnut, but when the white runs up above the 
 hocks, and the star on the forehead increases into a hideous, 
 irregular blaze down the face, no self-respecting man who 
 takes a pride in his carriage would give the possessor of 
 such markings stable room. A little white on the heel of a 
 bay is tolerated, but it does not improve the value of a horse, 
 and a star on the forehead is not a serious subject for 
 objection as a rule, but the correct thing in the case of bays 
 is black markings up to the knees and hocks, whilst, of course, 
 the mane and tail must be black. In Clevelands, black, 
 zebra-like stripes often appear on the thighs and are not 
 objected to, whilst there is frequently a dark stripe, or list 
 or eel mark, running the length of the back from the withers 
 to the tail. This list is also to be seen in some varieties 
 of ponies, notably Exmoors and their descendants, and is 
 regarded as a proof of the correctness of the theory that 
 the horse and ass sprang from the same root. (See Blaze, 
 Colours^ Eel Mark, Snip, Star.) 
 
 Martingale. — A standing martingale is a strap fixed to 
 the nose-band and passing through the breast-plate between 
 the legs to the girths, the object of its use being to prevent 
 the horse throwing his head up and to give his owner con- 
 trol of him. Hunting martingales have double reins, each 
 terminating in a ring which is run along either the curb or 
 snaffle-rein, there being a check at the cheek so that the 
 rings cannot get over the bit. A Cheshire martingale is 
 used with a breast-plate, to which it is connected, whilst its 
 two other ends are fixed by spring hooks to the rings of 
 the snaffle-bit. 
 
 206 
 
MASHES — MEASURES 
 
 Mashes. — The benefit of a mash to a sick horse is often 
 very great ; and even animals in work are none the worse for 
 
 Martingale and Breast-plate. 
 
 one the night before their rest day. It is not desirable, how- 
 ever, to give a mash to a horse which is going out in the 
 morning, as the tendency of this form of food is to loosen 
 the bowels. To make a bran mash, heat a pail with warm 
 water, empty it and put in 3 lbs. of bran and i ounce of salt ; 
 mix, and pour over it a little over i quart of boiling water, 
 stir, cover over with a sack, and stand for twenty minutes. 
 (See Nursing, Restoratives.) 
 
 Meadow. — See Pasture, 
 
 Measures (Corn).— 
 
 2 quarts 
 2 pottles 
 2 gallons 
 4 pecks 
 2 bushels 
 4 bushels 
 
 I pottle. 
 I gallon. 
 I peck. 
 I bushel. 
 I strike. 
 I coomb. 
 
 4 bushels 
 2 coombs or 
 8 bushels 
 
 4 quarters 
 
 5 quarters 
 
 2 loads or 10 qrs. 
 
 = I sack. 
 
 = I quarter. 
 
 = I chaldron. 
 
 = I load. 
 
 = I last. 
 
 207 
 
ME A SURING— MEDICINES 
 
 Measuring. — See Height. 
 
 Medicines. — Considerable knowledge and a great deal 
 of care are necessary when horses have to be physicked 
 successfully, not merely as regards the actual administra- 
 tion of the drugs, but through the difficulty that exists in 
 ascertaining the nature of an attack and prescribing the proper 
 remedy. It is often necessary, too, that two or more drugs 
 should be contained in a prescription, and as these must be 
 carefully weighed in order to ensure their proper proportions 
 only being made up, some skill and experience are required 
 to carry out what is necessary, and delicate scales must be 
 used for the purpose. Above all, the utmost vigilance has 
 to be exercised when poisons are being dispensed, especially 
 in the case of those of which the action is cumulative and 
 which have to be administered in frequent doses, as a mistake 
 of even the fraction of a dram may lead to most serious 
 results. Excepting in straight away cases, therefore, where 
 the symptoms are clear and the treatment simple, it is 
 always the best and wisest course to pursue to procure 
 professional advice, and it will usually be found that this 
 is cheapest in the long run. At the same time, it must 
 frequently occur that the services of a competent veterinarian 
 are not always available at a moment's notice, and then 
 something must be done for the patient pending his arrival, 
 whilst it may be added that some owners and stud grooms 
 possess a considerable medical knowledge, and so can 
 temporarily treat the horse successfully. On no account, 
 however, should ignorant persons be allowed to measure 
 out medicines, to act on their own responsibility, or to 
 open the stable medicine chest or cupboard. This is a 
 most important order for a master to issue, as some people, 
 and these are usually the most ill-qualified to handle drugs, 
 possess a mania for physicking horses. 
 
 The stable medicine chest should be kept in an accessible 
 place ; a cupboard in the harness room is the best of all, as 
 the temperature of this apartment is usually even, and it is 
 
 208 
 
MEDICINES 
 
 never damp. The cupboard should always be kept locked, 
 and the key should be entrusted to the care of some 
 responsible person, such as the stud groom's wife, who is not 
 likely to leave the premises for long, as deaths have occurred 
 in a stable before now owing to the person who had the 
 key of the medicine chest having gone off with it in his 
 pocket. Finally, all poisons should be kept in a box or on 
 a shelf by themselves, and in bottles or jars of different 
 shapes and colours to those containing less dangerous drugs, 
 so as to lessen the chances of mistakes occurring at times 
 of excitement. 
 
 In a work of this sort it would be impossible to find 
 space for a list of all the drugs which are useful in combating 
 equine diseases ; but the following are those most often 
 used, and it is well to keep a stock of them on the premises, 
 especially as they may assist the professional man in pre- 
 scribing for his patient temporarily in cases of emergency. 
 
 It may once more be urged upon the reader that some 
 of the following medicines are POISONS, and therefore that 
 CARE MUST BE EXERCISED when using them. 
 
 Acetate of Lead. — Useful for stopping hemorrhage 
 of the lungs, or as an external dressing for galls. Dose, \ to 
 I dram. 
 
 Acetic Acid. — A useful addition to certain cooling 
 lotions. 
 
 Aloes. — The best and safest purgative. Dose, 2 to Z 
 drams, as a purge ; i to 2 drams, as an alterative. 
 
 Alum. — Assists in checking diarrhoea, and externally as 
 a dressing for wounds. Dose, 2 to 4 drams. 
 
 Ammonia (^Hartshorn). — A useful febrifuge. 
 
 Aniseed. — Useful in cases of indigestion. Dose, \ to \\ 
 ounces. 
 
 Arnica. — An excellent application for sprains and bruises. 
 
 Belladonna. — Dulls pain, and is applied as a liniment 
 to cases of rheumatism and irritation of the skin. This 
 should not be administered internally excepting under pro- 
 fessional advice, it being a poison. 
 
 209 O 
 
MEDICINES 
 
 Bicarbonate of Potash. — Useful in cases of in- 
 digestion, and sometimes of rheumatism, Dose^ \ to \\ 
 07inces. 
 
 Bluestone. — Assists by outward application in healing 
 some kinds of wounds. 
 
 Boric Acid. — Used as a dressing for wounds, in the 
 proportion of i paj't to 20 parts of water. 
 
 Camphor. — Used in liniments. 
 
 Carbolic A cid. — An excellent disinfectant ; can be used 
 as a dressing for cleansing wounds in the proportion of i part 
 to from 20 to 2)0 parts of water. 
 
 Carraway Seed. — A useful stomachic when used with 
 other drugs. 
 
 Carron Oil. — The best dressing for scalds or burns. 
 
 Castor Oil. — A powerful purgative, and speedy in its 
 action. Dose, 10 to 30 ounces. 
 
 Chalk, Precipitated. — Assists in checking diarrhoea. 
 
 Collodion. — Used for painting over fresh wounds to keep 
 out the air. 
 
 Epsom Salts. — A mild purgative which acts on the 
 kidneys and liver. Dose, 2 to \ ounces. 
 
 Gentian. — Useful in cases of indigestion. Dose, \ to i 
 ounce. 
 
 Ginger. — Useful in cases of colic or flatulency. Dose, 
 2 drams to i ounce. 
 
 Glycerine. — Useful for application to cracked heels, 
 
 Goulard's Extract {Lead). — Cooling lotion for eyes : 
 1 5 grains to 8 ounces of water. 
 
 Iodide of Mercury, Red. — Useful as a blister for 
 splints or bone spavins in the proportion of i part to 8 parts 
 of lard. 
 
 Iodine, Tincture of. — Useful as a mild dressing for 
 incipient splints, and the treatment of some skin diseases, 
 such as ringworm. 
 
 Iodoform. — Most useful as a dressing for wounds. 
 
 LanoLINE. — Useful for dressing cracked heels. 
 
 Linseed Oil. — A mild aperient, and soothing in its 
 
 210 
 
MEDICINES 
 
 effects. Dose, lO to 20 ounces, or a couple of tablespoonfuls 
 may be given daily in the horse's food. 
 
 Nitrate of Potass, Nitre, or Saltpetre. — An 
 excellent remedy in cases of fever. Dose, 2 to 8 drams. 
 
 Nitre, Sweet Spirits of, or Spirit of Nitric 
 Ether. — Useful in cases of fever, colic, and chills. Dose, 
 I to 2 drams. 
 
 Opium or Laudanum. — Useful in attacks of colic or 
 diarrhoea. Dose, \ to 2 drams. 
 
 Stockholm Tar. — A useful stopping for feet. 
 Sulphate of Iron. — Useful in cases of weakness. Dose, 
 I to 2 dratns. 
 
 Sulphate of Zinc. — Useful as a dressing for drying 
 up wounds. 
 
 Sulphur, Flowers of. — Useful internally as a blood 
 purifier : and, when mixed with lard, as a dressing for skin 
 troubles. 
 
 Turpentine, Oil of. — Used in cases of colic ; a good 
 remedy for worms. Dose, i to 2 ounces. 
 
 Turpentine, Spirits of. — Are useful for outivard 
 application in cases of colic, if sprinkled on cloths steeped in 
 boiling water. 
 
 Note. — The maximum doses referred to above are those 
 applicable to an adult horse of full size, and they must therefore 
 be reduced to proportions sufficient for less powerful animals, 
 as given below. It may also be pointed out that, in referring 
 to drugs, it is not intended to suggest that they can in every 
 instance be used unmixed with others. As a matter of fact, 
 in the case of many diseases, two or more of them are con- 
 tained in a dose. (See Prescriptions.) 
 
 Surgical Appliances. 
 The following list of very simple appliances — so simple, 
 indeed, that they scarcely justify the prefix "surgical" — 
 should always be at hand for immediate use in cases of 
 emergency : — Batidages, woollen and linen ; cotton wool, 
 plain and antiseptic — the latter can be made by soaking 
 
 211 
 
MEDICINES 
 
 cotton wool in boric acid ; gduze, for placing over wounds 
 underneath the cotton wool ; lint ; needles, for stitching up 
 wounds ; scissors of different sizes, with long, thin blades ; 
 two or three clean sponges ; some silver wire for stitching 
 up wounds ; syri?iges, for injecting water and disinfectants 
 into wounds. It is absolutely necessary that all the above 
 should be kept in a dry place, and scrupulously clean. 
 
 It is most desirable that a horse should get no corn for 
 twenty-four hours before he is physicked with a purge, the 
 best things for him being bran mashes and hay, the latter 
 in small quantities. The physic should be administered early 
 on an empty stomach, and a bran mash or some thick gruel 
 may be given soon afterwards. Later on he may be given 
 an hour's gentle exercise, and on his return he should be 
 given a pailful of hot water to drink ; in fact, the more of 
 this he takes until the medicine works the better. After 
 the physic is well out of him and his droppings become dry 
 again he can begin with small feeds of corn and chop. Should 
 the dose not work the horse, it is best not to give him a 
 second one for at least a week. Aloes work some horses 
 very slowly ; in fact, it often requires twenty-four hours before 
 they take effect, and hence the unwisdom of overdosing the 
 
 patient. 
 
 Proportion of Doses. 
 
 5 years old and 
 4 
 
 According to Age. 
 over 
 
 . Full dose 
 
 • ! 
 
 2 
 
 Yearling 
 Ponies less in pi 
 
 •oportion. 
 
 1 
 
 According to Height and Bulk. 
 15-hand 3-inch light horse . Full dose. 
 Heavy cart-horse . . . \ more than full dose. 
 14-hand pony . . . \ less „ „ 
 
 13 » » • ■ • T " " » 
 
 212 
 
ME GRIMS — MEMBRANE 
 
 Apothecaries' Weight. 
 
 20 grains . . . . = i scruple. 
 
 3 scruples . . . . = i dram. 
 
 8 drams . . . . = i ounce. 
 
 12 ounces . . . = i pound. 
 
 I sovereign weighs about 2 drams. 
 
 I florin „ „ 3 
 
 I shilling „ ,, \\ „ 
 
 I tablespoonful of fluid = «<^c?«/ i ounce. 
 I dessertspoonful ,, = ,, \ 
 I teaspoonful „ = „ \ „ 
 
 Note. — The two last tables above are only approximately- 
 correct, and should NOT BE USED for weighing or measuring 
 poisons or powerful medicines. 
 
 Megrims is a brain trouble arising from a defect in 
 the circulation of the blood, and generally attacks horses 
 when at work. Overfeeding is sometimes responsible for 
 an attack, and so is over-exertion after feeding, though it 
 may safely be assumed that megrims will not appear in a 
 horse whose brain is in a healthy state. 
 
 Symptoms. — A constant shaking and high carriage of the 
 head, unsteadiness in action, followed by a fall to the ground. 
 If left to himself the horse will probably be able to get up 
 in a little time, but he will be dull and heavy for a while, 
 after which he will appear to have quite got over the attack. 
 
 Treatment. — Throw cold water over his head, loosen the 
 throat latch, and, if possible, remove the collar and bridle. 
 A horse which is subject to frequent attacks of megrims may 
 be regarded as incurable, for his brain will be more or less 
 diseased. As harness horses are the commonest sufferers they 
 are dangerous to their owners. 
 
 Membrane. — A thin and delicate but strong tissue which 
 covers the cavities of the body. Thus the mucous membrane 
 
 213 
 
MEMOR Y—MILDE W 
 
 lines the air passages, and the serous membrane the joints 
 and abdominal cavities. 
 
 Memory. — However greatly opinions may differ regarding 
 the intelligence of a horse, no one who knows the equine 
 race is likely to deny it the possession of a most remarkable 
 memory. Most owners have a personal experience of the 
 extraordinary aptitude a horse displays for finding his way 
 home along a dark road, even though he may only have 
 travelled along it once or twice ; and cases innumerable have 
 been reported of horses remembering their old stalls in a 
 stable from which they have been absent for years. Still 
 more defined is a horse's memory of a place at which he 
 has been pulled up, the habits of many a servant having 
 become known to his master through his horse's disinclination 
 to pass the man's favourite houses of call, owing to his 
 having been stopped at them before. (See Brain, Instinct, 
 Intelligence^ 
 
 Metacarpal Bone. — The cannon bone of the fore-leg. 
 Metatarsal Bone. — The cannon bone of the hind-leg. 
 
 Mice should never be permitted to exist in a stable, as 
 sooner or later they find their way into the corn bin, and long 
 before that they get amongst the hay. Not only do they 
 consume a good deal of grain, but they spoil far more than 
 they consume by their evacuations, and hence a reliable cat 
 is a necessity in every stable. (See Cats^ 
 
 Midriff. — See Diaphragm. 
 
 Mildew is one of the most common of the parasitic fungi 
 which appear on growing grain or plants. It takes the form 
 of dark spots, which eat their way into the plant and turn 
 the part attacked into a black powder. (See Bunt, Ergot, 
 Mouldy Forage, Rust, Smut.) 
 
 214 
 
MILK—MIXTURE 
 
 Milk. — A mare's milk is not so rich as that of a cow but 
 it contains more sugar, therefore in event of it becoming 
 necessary to bring up a foal on cow's milk, the latter should 
 be diluted with water in the proportions of about three pari ; 
 of milk to two of water at first, and a little sugar must be added. 
 After a while less water may be added if it is thought 
 necessary, but it is desirable that milk from the same cow 
 should always be provided, as a change may tend to upset 
 the foal. (See Foaling, Milk Food.) 
 
 Milk Food.— The advantages of milk food are much apt 
 to be overlooked by horse owners, but in the case of shy 
 feeders, sick horses, and young animals, such a diet is well 
 worth trying. Of course, no one could expect to feed a 
 horse in hard work on such a food, but when a jaded appetite 
 has to be tempted, the benefits to be derived from milk are 
 great. There is, however, both a difficulty and a certain 
 amount of risk in procuring milk, as it should always be of 
 the same quality and absolutely pure, for if it is not the 
 latter it is impossible to know what is being given to the 
 horse. There should be a good demand, therefore, for a 
 dried milk food of a reliable quality, such as that which is 
 sold and specially prepared by Spratt's Patent, as by using 
 it owners can estimate exactly the amount of nourishment 
 they are giving their horses. In the case of foals, when 
 cow's milk is given, two parts of water to three of milk with 
 a little sugar added may be given. (See Feeding, Foals, 
 Restoratives.) 
 
 Milk Teeth.— The first set of teeth the foal cuts. These 
 teeth are smooth, and show no grooves in front. (See Age.) 
 
 Misfit is a term applied to a well-bred but bad-looking 
 horse. 
 
 Mixture is the term that is often applied to a chaff 
 composed of hay, clover, sanfoin, or vetches. (See Chop.) 
 
 215 
 
MOLARS — MORGAN HORSE 
 
 Molars. — The back teeth, situated behind the bars of the 
 mouth. (See Age, Incisors.) 
 
 Monday Morning Evil, as its name — it has several, by 
 the way — implies, is usually a result of a Sunday's rest, which 
 causes one or both of the hind-legs to swell to a great size, 
 accompanied by a good deal of fever. Very often the attack 
 is preceded by shivering, but it always comes on with more 
 or less suddenness. The pulse is usually fast, the bowels 
 constipated, and the urine scanty. The swollen limb is most 
 tender to the touch, and a number of creases form at the heel, 
 whilst the animal is very lame — in fact, can scarcely put his 
 foot on the ground. 
 
 Treatment. — Clothe the horse warmly and give a purge, 
 stopping his allowance of corn and feeding him on mashes 
 and other cooling food. The swollen leg should be con- 
 stantly fomented with hot water to reduce the pain. On no 
 account blister, but if considered necessary apply a mixture 
 of belladonna and glycerine to the leg. One ounce of nitre 
 may be given every day for a week, and the horse should 
 be well rested. After an animal has experienced one attack 
 he is always likely to suffer again, and therefore he should 
 always be carefully fed and duly exercised if not at work. 
 (This disease is also known as Lymphangitis and Weed.) 
 
 Moorland Ponies. — See Dartmoor, Exmoor. 
 
 Morgan Horse. — An American breed of horses descended 
 from one stallion named Justin Morgan, foaled 1793, died 
 182 1. Thoroughbred blood is supposed to have pre- 
 dominated in him, and his descendants, though not the 
 fastest trotters, are most good - tempered, pleasant, and 
 hardy roadsters. They bear the wear and tear of the road 
 remarkably well, but do not average more than from 14.2 
 to 15 hands in height. One of his descendants was Vermont 
 Black Hawk, a horse which has produced some of the hand- 
 somest and best-gaited trotters of modern times. It is said 
 
 216 
 
MOSS LITTER — MUD FEVER 
 
 in America that his blood is being lost, and efforts are now 
 being made to resuscitate the race. 
 
 Moss Litter. — See Bedding. 
 
 Mouldy Forage is not merely a non-nutritious but a 
 most dangerous food to give a horse. Special care should 
 therefore be taken to avoid using it, as unprincipled vendors 
 are not above mixing damaged stuff with sound, in order to 
 deceive their customers. (See Feeding, Hay, Inflammation, 
 Oats.) 
 
 Moustache. — The tuft of hair which appears on the 
 upper lip of some heavy horses, and is regarded as a proof 
 of underbreeding. 
 
 Mouth. — The position of this portion of a horse's 
 anatomy is, of course, obvious, but the term possesses a peculiar 
 meaning of its own, as it has come to be associated with the 
 amenity a horse displays to the control of the bit. A fine 
 mouth is a sensitive mouth which readily yields to the touch 
 of the rider's or driver's hand ; a hard mouth is one which is 
 callous, and uninfluenced by the bit. As a rule, a bad or 
 hard mouth is the result of bad breaking and over-bitting. 
 (See Bits, Bitting, Motit/iing.) 
 
 Mouthing is the process of discovering the correct design 
 of bit that suits a particular horse the best, and accustoming 
 him to the use of it. A careless or ignorant person can 
 easily ruin the sensitive mouth of a horse by making him 
 wear a severe bit, which, though it may control his restiveness 
 for a time, eventually renders him indifferent to the pressure 
 it causes, and hence constitutes him a very real source of 
 danger to those about him, as he is liable to get out of control 
 at any minute. (See Bits, Bitting, Breaking, Mouth.) 
 
 Mud Fever is similar in some respects to cracked heels, 
 only that the seat of the trouble is the belly. It is a very 
 
 217 
 
MULE — MUSCLES 
 
 painful disease, and although not exactly a dangerous one, 
 is quite serious enough to lay up a horse for some time 
 should the attack be a bad one. 
 
 Symptoms. — The belly becomes very hot and sometimes 
 swollen ; the coat on it stares, and if it is touched the horse 
 shows signs of pain. The skin under the hair on the belly 
 becomes rough, and an eruption appears, which if not treated 
 will develop into sore places and bring off the coat. Mud 
 fever is always associated with a high temperature, and 
 generally with lameness, or an inability to move with any 
 freedom even at a walk. 
 
 Treatment. — Give a mild dose of physic and feed on 
 mashes and green food to reduce the fever, and dress the 
 belly with a mixture of glycerine four parts, and Goulard's 
 Extract one part, which will generally prove effective. Pre- 
 vention is, however, always better than cure, and therefore 
 it may be observed that mud fever is produced by the hair 
 of the belly being wetted. Consequently, it is a most unwise 
 practice to wash the mud off the coat of a horse, as it is far 
 better left to dry on after the worst of it has been removed 
 by wisping. (See Heated Hoises.) 
 
 Mule. — The result of crossing an ass stallion with a 
 horse or pony mare. All mules and hybrids are sterile, and 
 consequently no importance should hj attached to the state- 
 ments which refer to known cases of a mule having produced 
 a foal. These have been, doubtless, made under some mis- 
 conception, probably owing to the pony or horse which bred 
 so strongly resembling a mule in appearance, as some do, 
 that a mistake occurred. (See Bardot, Hinny, Hybrid, 
 Jennet^ 
 
 Muscles may be briefly, and unscientifically, defined as 
 fibres, attached to one bone which can be moved and another 
 that is fixed by sinews, which by their contraction or 
 expansion regulate the movements of the joints. The longer 
 the muscle, the greater is its power to contract or expand, 
 
 218 
 
MUS TA RD — MUTE 
 
 and hence the greater speed is obtained where the animals 
 possess long and thin muscles. On the other hand, where 
 strength rather than speed is required the muscles are short 
 but thick, the amount of muscle an animal possesses being 
 dependent upon his bone, as unless there is bone for the 
 muscles to be attached to, it is obvious that they cannot 
 exist, as there would be no place for them. Every part of 
 the body which moves is influenced by the action of muscles ; 
 for instance, the head is stretched forward and brought back 
 into its usual position by muscles which are connected with 
 the poll and the neck and poll and the withers, whilst it is 
 bent by muscles which stretch from the lower jaw to the 
 breast bone. The shoulder blades are connected with the 
 trunk and head by muscles, and the fore-legs to the shoulder 
 and breast bone by muscles likewise. The muscles which 
 control knee action are attached to the front of the humerus, 
 or lower bone of the shoulders, and those which bend the 
 pastern and lower joints of the limb are fixed to the back 
 portion of the same bone. The stifle is influenced in its 
 movements by one muscle attached to the pelvis, and by two 
 connected with the thigh bone, whilst the hock is extended 
 by those connected with the back of the gaskin. The lower 
 joints of the hind limbs are moved by muscles which are 
 respectively connected with the stifle joint and gaskin, the 
 former, which extends down the front of the leg, being 
 responsible for the extension of the limb, and the latter, 
 which are situated at the back, for its contraction. 
 
 Mustard is an invaluable thing to have at hand for use 
 in cases of emergency, as it forms an excellent counter- 
 irritant in cases of colic or sore throat. Equal parts of 
 mustard and linseed meal mixed in cold water make a good 
 poultice when the latter by itself may not be regarded 
 as quite strong enough. (See Linseed, Poultices.) 
 
 Mute. — See Bardoi, Hiniiy, Hybrid, Jennet, Mule. 
 
 2ig 
 
MUTTON FAT— NARROW BEHIND 
 
 Mutton Fat. — Sound mutton fat chopped up fine and 
 placed in a jar on the hob or in the oven until melted 
 provides, after it has cooled, a most excellent ointment for 
 application to the hoofs of horses, as it assists in supplying 
 any absence of oil and promotes the growth of horn on the 
 walls and soles. (See BritiU Hoofs.) 
 
 Muzzle. — The part of the head which includes the nostrils, 
 lips, and the bones, gums, and teeth covered by the latter. 
 
 N 
 
 Nag. — The expression "nag " is still applied in many parts 
 of the country to horses of the lighter breeds in order to 
 distinguish them from the cart and heavy draught varieties. 
 No doubt it is derived from the old Anglo-Saxon word 
 hnegan, to neigh. 
 
 Nails. — It is necessary, though many shoeing smiths do 
 not appear to think it is, for the heads of the nails to fit the 
 holes in the shoes properly, but it is unnecessary to use a 
 heavier nail than is absolutely required. The front nails 
 of a shoe should penetrate the horn of the hoof about i inch, 
 the hind ones not so far. (See Clinches, Pricks, Shoeing.) 
 
 Nap. — A slang expression referring to the act of a horse 
 which refuses to go forward, but suddenly swerves, or attempts 
 to bolt out at a gate or out of the road or course he may 
 be on. 
 
 Narrow Behind. — A horse is said to be narrow behind 
 when his croup and thighs are deficient in muscle, so as to 
 give him a narrow appearance when one stands behind him. 
 (See Split Up.) 
 
 220 
 
NA VE — NA VICULAR DISEASE 
 
 Nave. — The nave of a wheel is the wooden centre 
 from which the spokes radiate towards the felloe. (See 
 
 Felloe^ 
 
 Navel 111. — This is an unfortunately by no means 
 uncommon, though it is a most fatal disease amongst foals. 
 The cause of an attack is believed to be blood poisoning 
 through the entrance of some noxious germs into the wound 
 caused by the rupture of the navel string at the time of 
 birth, but cases are known in which a young animal has 
 been attacked whose navel cord had been healed for some 
 time. It is worthy of attention, too, that the young stock on 
 some land are far more susceptible to attacks of navel ill 
 than those belonging to a stud a few miles away ; a fact 
 which is worthy of the attention of breeders. 
 
 Symptoms. — As a rule the foal is seized during the second 
 or third week of its existence, the first symptoms being 
 dullness, accompanied by fever and lameness. If examined, 
 a soft swelling will be found on one of the joints, possibly 
 on more than one, and this is invariably very tender and 
 there is considerable heat, and a tendency to suppurate. 
 
 Treatment. — If not attended to at once the death of the 
 foal from the effects of blood poisoning is likely to occur 
 within ten days, but in most cases the prospects of a fatal 
 termination are considerable. The affected joints should 
 not be poulticed or fomented, but should be dressed with 
 biniodide of mercury one part, and lard eight parts. The 
 question of medicine must depend upon each individual case, 
 as sometimes the bowels are constipated and sometimes 
 not. (This disease is also known as Arthritis, Joint III.) 
 
 Navicular Bone is situated on the back of the hoof 
 below the short pastern bone and above the pedal bone. 
 (See Fore-legs, Navicular Disease^ 
 
 Navicular Disease is chiefly to be found amongst horses 
 
 221 
 
NEAR SIDE 
 
 Pointing the Toe— a case of Navicular. 
 
 which do their work on the roads, and usually commences at 
 
 the spot at the back of the foot 
 where the tendon passes over the 
 navicular bone. It only appears 
 on the fore - feet, and usually 
 amongst horses with contracted 
 heels and upright pasterns, which 
 are naturally more affected by 
 concussion than better-shaped ones 
 are ; but no doubt bad shoeing is 
 responsible for its share of cases. 
 Symptoms. — The horse com- 
 mences by pointing his toe with 
 the tip on the ground, so as to 
 get the weight of his body off his 
 heel, thus acting in a manner ex- 
 actly contrary to that adopted in 
 cases of laminitis. The symptoms 
 of lameness appear when he is 
 trotted on a hard road, and he often stumbles, especially 
 when going down a hill. The foot is very sensitive, though 
 not particularly hot, and gives the appearance of shrinking 
 in size. 
 
 Treatment. — Remove the shoes and pare away the walls 
 of the hoof so as to allow the frog to come down on the 
 ground. Apply cold poultices at first, and then keep the 
 horse standing on damp clay, the litter of his night box 
 being of moss litter, or some such cooling substance. When 
 better, the coronet should be blistered, and then the horse 
 may be turned out for a month or three weeks on ground 
 that is soft and damp. In obstinate cases it may become 
 necessary to perform the operation of neurotomy, but this 
 is not to be recommended if it can possibly be avoided. 
 (See Blistering, Clay Bedding, Hoofs, Laminitis^ Neurotomy, 
 Sponge Pad.) 
 
 Near Side. — The left side of a horse or road. 
 
 222 
 
NECK — NET 
 
 Neck. — The neck of a well-bred horse should be of good 
 length and thin, if he belongs to one of the lighter varieties, 
 whereas that of a heavy draught horse should be massive and 
 powerful. As regards size, the proportions of the neck should 
 depend to some extent on the sort of head the horse carries, 
 an insignificant-looking head being as much out of propor- 
 tion to a heavy neck, as a heavy headpiece would be upon 
 a slender one. A horse with the proper length of neck can 
 more easily save himself if he stumbles than a short-necked 
 one can, and is, generally speaking, the more active, pleasant 
 ride ; whilst few short-necked animals possess the speed of 
 the longer-necked ones, (See Crest, Ewe Neck, Rein.) 
 
 Neck Strap. — A strap that is worn in the stable round 
 the thin part of the neck instead of a head collar, in the 
 case of horses which have acquired the trick of slipping the 
 latter. A neck strap, too, is recommenr'ed as a possible pre- 
 ventative of crib-biting, but its value is, to say the least of it, 
 very doubtful. If used in place of a head collar a brow-band 
 should be added. (See Broiv-band, Crib-biting.) 
 
 Nervous System. — It must be apparent to all who possess 
 any practical experience of horses that the nervous system 
 of some animals is far more developed than it is in others. 
 Nor can there be any room for doubting that the nervous 
 system exercises a very decided influence upon the action 
 and speed of a horse, the high-spirited, excitable animal 
 being almost invariably a more showy actioned one than 
 the horse of even temperament, which plods along entirely 
 unaffected by its surroundings. This is because the former 
 is by nature the better able to transmit the effects of the 
 spirit which animates them to their muscles, and hence 
 display more life and freedom in their movements. (See 
 Action.) 
 
 Net. — A light cord net, attached to the bridle in such a 
 manner that when the reins are pulled it will tighten over 
 
NETTLE RASH— NEW FOREST PONY 
 
 his nostrils, is sometimes placed over the muzzle of a hard 
 puller in order to check him. 
 
 Nettle Rash. — See Surfeit. 
 
 Neurotomy is an operation which involves the cutting 
 through of a nerve, its object being to relieve the horse from 
 pain when he is worked if he is suffering from diseased limbs. 
 It should not be performed upon a horse which has thin or 
 bad feet, and it may be added that the effects of the operation 
 are not invariably permanent, owing to the ends of the nerve 
 where it was cut reuniting after a time. Neurotomy causes 
 numbness of the limb below the point where the nerve was 
 severed, and hence there is always some risk attached to 
 riding, or driving in a light vehicle, a horse that has been 
 operated on, as the loss of the sense of feeling in the feet 
 may cause him to place them on something which may 
 bring him down. 
 
 New Forest Pony, — A breed of ponies has been culti- 
 vated in this district for centuries ; indeed, the records of the 
 Exchequer show that payments were made by the Crown 
 for their sustenance as far back as ii 66. Unfortunately, like 
 all the other ancient breeds of British horse, the New Forest 
 pony has suffered a great deal from the effects of injudicious 
 crosses introduced by well-meaning, but foolish persons as 
 improvements. Some fifty years ago Arab blood was tried 
 with fairly satisfactory results in some cases, so far as the 
 production of a serviceable working pony was concerned, 
 but the old type was practically lost. Thoroughbreds had, 
 however, been used long before that period, one of the stallions 
 which served in the district having been Marske, the sire of 
 Eclipse. The New Forest ponies of the present day vary 
 a good deal, but the average height is a liberal 13 hands; 
 they are good gallopers and jumpers, though many are 
 inclined to be goose-rumped. They for the most part have 
 
 224 
 
NICKING — NUMNAH 
 
 very good legs and feet, whilst the Arab type of head is 
 not uncommon amongst them. 
 
 Nicking. — The object of this operation, which is to make a 
 horse which carries his tail down and close to his buttocks, 
 carry it upwards as he should do to look well, is not by 
 any means so common now as it used to be. It consists of 
 cutting a slit on the lower part of the tail about a couple of 
 inches from the body, and dividing the side muscles, so that 
 those which raise the tail shall have no opposition from the 
 muscles which depress it. In severing the latter care must 
 be taken to avoid dividing the artery of the tail, and it is 
 necessary to bandage the wound and keep the tail in an 
 upward position and straight, lest when it heals it may 
 be on one side. The bandage should be loosened the next 
 day in case the swelling which supervenes should produce 
 inflammation. The operation, however, is not one that should 
 be entrusted to anybody but a properly qualified veterinary 
 surgeon. (See Docking.) 
 
 Norfolk Trotter. — See Hackney. 
 Norwegian Horse. — See Swedish Horses. 
 
 Nose. — The position of a horse's nose should be as nearly 
 as possible in a straight line with his forehead. (See Roman 
 Nose.) 
 
 Nose-band. — The part of the bridle which encircles the 
 head above the nose. In the case of hard pullers a second and 
 more tightly-fitting nose-band is attached to it in such a 
 manner that on the reins being pulled hard it presses on the 
 nostrils and checks respiration, thus assisting the driver in 
 stopping the horse. 
 
 Numnah.— See Saddle-cloth. 
 
 225 P 
 
NURSING 
 
 Nursing. — As in the case of mankind, so it is in that of 
 horses, a good nurse is always a most valuable ally of the 
 professional attendant in cases of sickness, and occasionally 
 the more important of the two. Hence the immense worth 
 of a thoroughly reliable stable hand, who can be depended 
 upon to keep his eye throughout the night upon a sick horse, 
 and attend gently to his patient as directed. Some men 
 possess a perfect faculty for nursing, and this often seems 
 to be recognised and appreciated by their charges, who allow 
 them to do almost anything with them. Above all things 
 nursing, to be efficacious, should be gentle and persistent. 
 This does not imply that a sick horse should be constantly 
 bothered by unnecessary attentions, but rather that his 
 wants should be attended to regularly, and with as little noise, 
 fuss, or inconvenience to himself as possible. A careless man 
 will enter the box hastily and leave the door open, thus 
 admitting a current of cold air which may seriously affect 
 the invalid. He will forget that the animal is in pain and 
 handle him roughly, or may intentionally disturb him to 
 see if he is going on all right. The gruel may be all in 
 lumps, the hay tea or bran mash made of tepid instead of 
 boiling water, or the poultices may be cold. Fomentations 
 or hand - rubbing may be carelessly applied, or shirked 
 altogether, medicine may be carelessly measured or not 
 administered at the proper hours ; in fact, a score of things 
 may be done or left undone which may cost the sick horse 
 his life. Unfortunately, too, it sometimes happens that a man 
 who in other respects is an ideal nurse, is the possessor of 
 ideas of his own, and therefore secretly drugs his patient, or 
 treats him in other ways according to his own judgment, 
 and in opposition to the instructions of the veterinarian in 
 charge of the case. This sort of man is hopeless, as his 
 zeal overrides his obedience to orders, and he cannot there- 
 fore be trusted, as, unfortunately, if he is found out, it 
 is usually too late. In short, a sober, kindly-hearted man 
 who can be relied upon not to go to sleep and neglect his 
 charges, and who can be depended upon to do as he is told 
 
 226 
 
OA TS — OBEDIENCE 
 
 and carry out the instructions given him to the letter, is an 
 almost priceless blessing to a horse owner, by whom he should 
 be appreciated as his merits deserve. (See Hospital.) 
 
 o 
 
 Oats. — Care should be exercised in the selection of oats, 
 as unless they are of good quality they are not of much use 
 to the horse, and though they may cost less money to 
 purchase, they are usually the dearest in the end. Good 
 oats should be short and plump-looking, with thin skins 
 and the less beard the better, and should weigh 42 lbs. to the 
 bushel. Old, that is, second year oats, if well harvested and 
 in good condition, are preferred to new ones, but they should 
 be genuinely old, it being a practice of some dealers to sell 
 their customers kiln-dried oats instead of grain which has 
 been properly harvested, as the process of kiln drying makes 
 them look as though they possessed age. " Foxy oats," which 
 have a musty taste owing to their having undergone the 
 process of heating by being dried in bulk, are a bad food in 
 every respect for a horse. The colour, whether white or black, 
 is immaterial so long as the grain is sound. (See Feeding.) 
 
 Obedience. — All those who come into contact with a 
 horse, either as rider, driver, or groom, should be master of 
 the animal. Unless they are so the horse's instinct soon 
 teaches him that he possesses the upper hand, and his 
 manners and steadiness will suffer. It is not, however, 
 necessary to thrash a horse unmercifully to render him 
 obedient, though a cut or two of the whip will do him good 
 if he displays an inclination to be obstinate. Of course, there 
 are cases of savageness in which very drastic measures are 
 necessary, but in the majority of instances patience and 
 firmness will accomplish more good than severe punishment. 
 (See Breaking.) 
 
 227 
 
OCCIPITAL CREST— OPHTHALMIA 
 
 Occipital Crest. — The protuberance on the top of the 
 head between the ears. (See Poll^ 
 
 Odd Feet. — The term appHed to two fore-feet or to two 
 back feet which differ in size or shape. (See Foot) 
 
 Off his Feet. — A horse is said to get off his feet when 
 he breaks from a trot into a canter. (See Action) 
 
 Off Side. — The right side of a horse or road. 
 
 Oil Cake is an abominable food for horses unless the 
 object of their owner is to feed them up for sale or exhibition 
 with the object of concealing faults in their conformation. 
 Of late years it has become a far too common practice 
 amongst those who breed for the market or show young 
 stock to feed their animals upon cake as though they were 
 bullocks, but the stock so forced usually turn out badly. A 
 little oil cake, however, is allowable in the case of a horse 
 which is changing his coat, provided he is not doing hard 
 work. 
 
 Oldenburg Horse. — Horses have been bred in the 
 Oldenburg district since 1603, when Count Anton Giinther 
 ruled the principality and owned twelve hundred horses. 
 In 1897 the registrations that then existed were formed into 
 one society ; previous to that date breeding operations were 
 controlled by a Stallion Election Committee, founded in 
 1820. The Oldenburg horse is a big, strong, and elegant 
 carriage animal of a sound, good bay, brown, or black colour ; 
 they mature early, are very robust, and in many points closely 
 resemble the English hackney horse. 
 
 Ophthalmia is an inflammation of the membrane of the 
 eye, and is usually the result of dust or some other irritating 
 substance getting under the lid, or a cold may bring it on. 
 
 Symptoms. — Redness of the eyes, which water a good 
 
 228 
 
ORL OFF HORSE — VER CRO WDING 
 
 deal and appear dim, whilst the horse evidently dislikes a 
 strong light. 
 
 Treatment. — Give cooling medicine, keep the horse in 
 a darkened box, and apply a lotion of sulphate of zinc 
 one grain, water half an ounce. If the symptoms continue, 
 professional advice should be secured. (See Eyes?) 
 
 Orloff Horse. — This is beyond all doubt the best and most 
 fashionable of the light horse breeds of Russia, and, generally 
 regarded, may be said to possess a strong resemblance to 
 the English hackney, with which it should cross well. The 
 Orloff is a descendant of Eastern blood, the corner-stone of 
 the breed being a Barb, Smolenska, owned by Count Alexis 
 Orloff, from whom the variety takes its name. Grey and 
 brown are the principal colours met with amongst the 
 Orloffs, which are remarkable for their speed, trotting blood 
 having been introduced into the strain many years ago ; 
 on the other hand, though many of them are good movers, 
 they do not show extravagant action as a general rule. 
 
 Orphan Foals. — See Foals, Milk Food, Weaning. 
 
 Os Calcis. — The point of the hock — that is, the part which 
 projects at the back of the joint. (See Hocks?) 
 
 Os Pedis. — See Bones, Coffin Bone, Fore-legs. 
 
 Osteoporosis. — See Big Head. 
 
 Outside Car. — See Jaunting Car. 
 
 Overcrowding" is a source of frequent loss to breeders 
 who forget that their land can only carry a certain number 
 of horses. Not merely do pastures become sour if overfed 
 and never given a rest, but a number of horses run on a 
 limited area usually do badly even if there is sufficient keep 
 for them. Consequently, it is the better policy for breeders 
 
 229 
 
OVERHEAD CHECK REIN— OVERLOADING 
 
 to keep their studs down to reasonable limits, even if by 
 doing so they may part with a good horse at a low price, 
 
 than to incur the risk 
 of raising a number of 
 middling animals. (See 
 Breedi7tg StudSy Horse-sick^ 
 Paddocks, Pasttire.) 
 
 Overhead Check Rein. 
 
 — A single rein which 
 passes from the cheek, or 
 is attached to the bridoon, 
 if one is worn, up the fore- 
 head, and between the 
 ears to the pad hook. 
 (See Bridoon, Pad.) 
 
 Overhead Check Rein. 
 
 Overloading. — It is an undoubted fact that many horses 
 are killed annually, and at least twenty times as many ruined, 
 by being overloaded. It is not always the weights they 
 have to draw that break them down, but the rate of speed 
 at which they are worked, for a horse can get through a good 
 deal if not forced to move beyond a reasonable pace. 
 Possibly the hardest worked animals in the country are the 
 omnibus horses, a pair of which travel some i6 miles a day 
 at an average speed of 7 miles an hour with something like 
 4 tons behind them when the conveyance is full. This is 
 pretty hard work for light horses, when compared with the 
 9 or 10 miles a day at about 2 miles an hour of heavy 
 draught horses. Much, of course, depends upon the state of 
 the ground or roads over which they are worked, but horse 
 for horse the members of a team which are worked at a fair 
 pace will last longer and do their work better than those 
 which perform exactly the same duties at a faster rate of 
 speed, in spite of the fact that the latter get more rest in 
 the stable. (See Distress, Foot Poujids, Restoratives^ 
 
 230 
 
VERREA CHES — PA CE 
 
 Overreaches are bruises caused by the hind-foot striking 
 a fore-leg, and they are generally the result of the inner edge 
 of the hind-toe hit- 
 ting the front leg on 
 the coronet or back 
 tendon. 
 
 Treatment. — This 
 must, of course, de- 
 pend upon where the 
 seat of the injury lies, 
 but prevention being 
 always better than 
 cure, the hind shoe 
 should in future be 
 cut away at the toe, 
 so as to reduce the 
 chances of it striking 
 the one in front. 
 
 Overreach. 
 
 Overworking. — See Overloading. 
 
 Oxygen. — The administration of oxygen to horses as an 
 incentive to endurance has for some time past been recog- 
 nised by some horse owners, and more recently the belief in 
 its merits has gained ground. A special and very simple 
 apparatus has been designed for administering it ; but though 
 the practice may be beneficial, it is possible that it may be 
 prohibited so far as race-horses are concerned. (See Doping?) 
 
 Pace. — The question of pace is one which deserves the 
 serious consideration of both owners and servants, as a truer 
 maxim never existed than that which lays down the fact 
 that " it is not the miles we travel, it is the pace that kills." 
 It is essential, therefore, that every horse should, as a general 
 
 231 
 
PACING — PACK HORSE 
 
 rule and emergencies excepted, be worked at his own pace, 
 for not only do different breeds, but different members of 
 them, possess their own limits of speed. This undoubted 
 fact is, however, far too often lost sight of by owners of so- 
 called match pairs, who appear to be quite content if their 
 horses are similar in make and colour, though they ignore 
 the question of their relative speed altogether. The result, 
 of course, is disastrous so far as appearances are concerned ; 
 in addition to which, the faster horse not only gets more 
 than his fair share of work, but is perpetually being worried 
 by having his mouth pulled at, whilst his slower companion, 
 though he may be doing his honest best, is constantly feeling 
 the effects of the whip, as he is regarded as lazy by a driver 
 who has not recognised that the pair do not match in speed. 
 Again, in the case of single horses, assuming that two animals 
 are given the same weight to draw, the one that is hurried 
 over it to such an extent that he is systematically driven 
 beyond his natural rate of speed will knock up far sooner, 
 in spite of the fact that, owing to his having got his work 
 done sooner, he has had more time in the stable every day. 
 (See Overloading^ 
 
 Pacing. — A horse is said to pace when he moves the 
 two legs on the same side simultaneously, and proceeds in 
 a curious swinging style. The pacer, horse for horse, is 
 faster than the trotter, and the mile record of America is 
 held by a horse which moved in this ungainly fashion, which, 
 however, is an easy one for the rider. (See Amble, Trot.) 
 
 Pack Horse. — It must regretfully be admitted that the 
 old pack horse is now a thing of the past, and hence the 
 necessity of treating briefly with one of the most valuable and 
 attractive of the ancient breeds of English horses. At the 
 same time, the merits of the variety were so great that it 
 deserves a passing tribute of recognition, and an expression 
 of resrret that the horse-breeders of Devonshire should have 
 allowed the pack horse to become extinct. Before railways 
 
 232 
 
PAD — PADDOCKS 
 
 were extended all over the country these horses were largely 
 used for carrying provisions and other necessaries to the 
 inhabitants of outlying districts, and since those remote days 
 some of the most famous trotters of the west country were 
 of this breed, conspicuous amongst them being a famous 
 bay, named Cottager, In appearance the pack horse some- 
 what resembled the hackney — of which he probably is an 
 ancestor — but he possessed a neater head. This is possibly 
 due to the fact that he was a descendant of the Eastern 
 stallions which were extensively used over three centuries 
 ago for crossing with native mares. The principal colours were 
 bay, black, and brown, the height varying from 15 hands 
 to 15 hands 3 inches, or a little over. 
 
 Pad. — (a) The pad is the part of the harness which fits on 
 the back a few inches behind the withers. In the top centre 
 is the pad hook, to which the bearing-rein can be attached, 
 and on either side of this are terrots for the reins to pass 
 through. At the back the pad is attached to the crupper, 
 which prevents it from slipping forward. (See Harness) 
 
 (b) The term applied to a piece of leather or india-rubber 
 which is fixed between the hoof and shoe of a horse and 
 covers the sole of the foot so as to protect the frog and bars. 
 (See Lameness, Sponge Pad) 
 
 Pad Cloth. — A cloth which is sometimes worn under the 
 pad for ornamental purposes, or in cases of sore backs. (See 
 Harness) 
 
 Paddocks. — All paddocks and pasture land in which 
 horses are turned out should be sufficiently watered so that 
 the animals can drink at pleasure. If there is no pond or 
 water-hole, water should be supplied in a large tub, which 
 should be constantly refilled and cleaned out regularly. If 
 the latter matter is not attended to as it ought to be, the 
 health of the horses is likely to suffer through their drinking 
 impurities, as it is by no means an uncommon occurrence 
 
 233 
 
PAILS — PARAL YSIS 
 
 for a rat to get drowned in the horse's water tub. Paddocks 
 for breeding stock are best when they possess good hedges 
 to shelter the foals from the wind, and, if possible, they should 
 be on undulating land, so that from their earliest days the 
 young animals may move over sloping as well as level land, 
 and thereby develop their muscles to the utmost. The size 
 of a paddock must, of course, depend upon the number and 
 size of the horses kept in it, but there should always be a 
 shed or hovel for them to shelter and be fed in. (See Breed- 
 ing Studs, Overavwding, Pasture, Summering, Turning Out.) 
 
 Pails. — Metal pails are not so good as wooden ones for 
 stable purposes, as there is a chance of their injuring a horse 
 if he should happen to strike his leg against their sides. 
 (See Bucket.) 
 
 Pairs. — The difficulty that is experienced in finding a pair 
 of good-looking, high-actioned horses which match in all 
 respects is so great that sums which far exceed the double 
 value of a single animal are readily forthcoming for the pair. 
 To be a real match the shade of colour, as well as height, 
 shape, action, carriage, and pace should match exactly, but 
 it is far easier to describe what is wanted than to procure it. 
 As a rule, more well-matched pairs are to be found amongst 
 Cleveland bays and Yorkshire coach-horses than in other 
 breeds, as the question of colour and markings causes little 
 or no trouble. (See Pace.) 
 
 Panel. — The panels of a saddle are the stuffed parts 
 underneath the seat which come in contact with the horse's 
 back. (See Saddle.) 
 
 Paralysis is not a form of disease to which horses are 
 very liable, but when it does appear, it usually attacks the 
 hind-legs of animals of mature age which have done a good 
 deal of fast work. It comes on gradually, the back action 
 of the victim becoming affected more and more by degrees, 
 
 234 
 
PARK COACH— PARK HACK 
 
 until at last the movement of the legs is so impeded that 
 the horse can scarcely get along. 
 
 Treatment. — The chances of a cure are very remote, but 
 the progress of an attack may be retarded by keeping the 
 horse in a warm, comfortable box, and on a cooling diet. 
 The following may be given as a ball twice a day. Strychnine 
 \ grain, iodide of iron i grain, treacle sufficient to mix. (See 
 Jmked Back, Shivering.) 
 
 Park Coach. — See Coach. 
 
 Park Hack. — A certain amount of blood is regarded 
 by most people as essential in a park hack, though in many 
 cases the descendants of thoroughbreds possess a highly- 
 strung, irritable disposition. They, however, show quality, 
 and if their manners are all that could be desired there can 
 be no better horse to ride. Much, however, must depend 
 upon what weight the park hack is required to carry, for 
 whereas a young rider who only rides 12 stones or there- 
 abouts is likely to be well suited by a breedy, blood-like 
 mount, the elderly gentleman of substantial proportions 
 requires a long, low, powerfully-built, short-legged horse, of 
 absolutely perfect manners. In every case, however, the 
 manners of a park hack should be perfect ; and his shoulders 
 ought to be long and well laid back so as to ensure his being 
 a pleasant horse to ride. Any approach to high or fighting 
 action is objectionable, and of course his legs and feet should 
 be sound and well made, and his quarters long and level. 
 Naturally, too, his back should be level, but a saddle covers 
 a multitude of sins, though it does not conceal tucked-up 
 loins, which in any case are unsightly, and in the case of an 
 old gentleman's weight carrier a source of weakness. It is 
 essential, moreover, that the last-mentioned class of horse 
 should be a good walker, not only a true-actioned but a fast 
 one, as elderly riders rarely patronise the trot or canter. 
 The best colours are bay and brown, as chestnuts, especially 
 those of a light shade and disfigured by exaggerated white 
 
 235 
 
rARK TEAM — PASTURE 
 
 markings, are too gay in appearance for park work. About 
 1 5 hands 3 inches is the correct height, but a weight-carrying 
 cob of 1 5 hands is quite allowable. (See Ladfs Horse?) 
 
 Park Team. — As may be supposed, more quality is 
 required in a park than a road team, and a great deal more 
 attention is paid to the matter of appointments. Nor are 
 conspicuous colours and gaudy markings favoured in a park 
 team, but style, manners, and action are subjects of the 
 greatest importance. Hence the predilection in favour of 
 hackney blood which is displayed by some owners of very 
 attractive teams, but as bay is the most favoured colour, it 
 is not an easy matter to procure well - matched wheelers 
 standing 16 hands and leaders an inch less at shoulder. 
 Yorkshire coach-horses are favoured by many driving men, 
 and a few support Cleveland bays, but the latter are a little 
 heavy, and in instances plain, for this particular class of work. 
 (See Appointments, Coach, Road Tca?n.) 
 
 Parsnips are well liked by horses and form a good change 
 of food, especially when mixed with corn and bran in the 
 case of the heavy breeds. If given cooked they should not 
 be overboiled. (See Feeding.) 
 
 Pastern. — The part of the leg which lies between the 
 fetlock and the hoof ; it consists of two bones, the long and 
 the short, which act in conjunction with the navicular bone. 
 (See Fore-legs?) 
 
 Pasture. — The expressions " pasture," " paddock," and 
 " meadow " mean pretty much the same thing, though the 
 term paddock has come by use to be applied more generally 
 to small enclosures. In each case a supply of good water is 
 a matter of necessity, and the grass should be both plentiful 
 and of good quality. It is a bad plan to keep light horses 
 on wet land, as this influences the quality of their bone, but 
 the heavy breeds, the bone of which is not so fine and hard 
 
 236 
 
PATELLA — PEAT MOSS 
 
 in texture, do well upon it, and their growth of hair is 
 increased. For the accommodation of young horses level 
 land is not so suitable as that which undulates, as the ups 
 and downs assist in bringing all their muscles into play, 
 which is a matter for consideration in the case of race-horses 
 and other animals which are required for fast work upon all 
 sorts of tracks and roads. Attention to the grass is always 
 necessary, especially if the land is carrying many horses, as 
 the keep is likely to become poor and lose its nutritious 
 qualities if neglected. A periodical rest, if possible, will 
 improve the keep immensely, but if this is not possible for 
 a long enough period to give the grass a chance, a good 
 rolling in the early part of the year will do good. It should 
 be remembered, too, if the land is to have a top dressing, 
 that care should be exercised in the selection of the same, 
 as some dressings are not as applicable as others for the 
 purpose where horses are concerned. (See Breeding Studs, 
 Horse-sick, Paddocks, Summering, Turning Out.) 
 
 Patella. — The bone which is placed in front of, and acts 
 as a cap for, the stifle joint. 
 
 Paving Stables. — See Floors, Stables. 
 
 Peacock. — A horse is described as peacocky if he is 
 narrow and " flash-looking " ; in fact, the sort of animal whose 
 appearance attracts the unwary, but will not bear criticism 
 and picking to pieces. 
 
 Peas are a very nutritious form of food for horses in hard 
 work, provided that they are sound and at least a year old. 
 Shrivelled-up peas, or those perforated by insects, are not 
 merely non-nutritious, but they are injurious to health. The 
 allowance of peas, moreover, should always be limited, and, as 
 a rule, should not exceed one-fifth of the weight of the other 
 grain composing the feed. (See Beans, Feeding.) 
 
 Peat Moss is a very useful, though not particularly 
 
 237 
 
PECK—PERCHERON HORSE 
 
 attractive-looking form of litter when straw is scarce, but 
 it is more adapted for use in summer than in winter. In 
 cases where horses eat their litter it often prevents a good 
 deal of trouble, though inveterate offenders have been known 
 to devour even their peat moss bedding. Before being used 
 it must be carefully broken up small, and any drains which 
 it can penetrate should be stopped up, as otherwise they will 
 become choked, and as the moss absorbs all moisture this 
 will not interfere with the healthiness of the stable. (See 
 Beddmg.) 
 
 Peck. — (a) a term used to denote the act of stumbling. 
 (b) See Measures. 
 
 Pedal Bone. — The bone of the horse's foot known as 
 the coffin bone. (See Foot.) 
 
 Pegs. — See Frost Nails. 
 
 Pelvis. — The large bone of the croup. 
 
 Penis. — The organ of sex of a stallion or gelding. 
 
 Perch is that part of the under-carriage which extends 
 from the fore to the hind part of a C. spring carriage, holding 
 the back and front part of the running gear rigidly together. 
 It is necessary in C. spring carriages to have a perch, other- 
 wise there would be no connection between the hind and 
 front carriages, and they would come away from the body as 
 soon as the horses began to pull. The perch was made of 
 wood, plated with iron or steel, but for the sake of lightness 
 of appearance they are now made of steel. They are made 
 in two forms, straight and crane-necked, the latter having 
 an arched curve just behind the fore-carriage to allow the 
 wheel to pass under it, giving it a full lock. 
 
 Percheron Horse. — This breed originated in France, and, 
 though never very popular in England, has made its mark 
 
 238 
 
PERICA RDIUM — PIEBALD 
 
 on the American market for draught horses. They are said 
 to have been introduced to France by the Crusaders on 
 their return from the Holy Wars, but Eastern, Arab, and 
 English thoroughbred sires were certainly crossed with them 
 at a later date. The light weights are bred in Normandy 
 and used as trotters, but the heavy draught variety is found 
 near Manier Sault Crome and Forte Bernard ; the latter are 
 generally grey in colour, and rather resemble the Suffolk 
 horse in conformation ; they are not heavily feathered, and 
 in England carry a reputation for bad feet and softness. Still, 
 they are fair weight pullers, and possess both good tempers 
 and manners. 
 
 Pericardium. — The bag which encloses the heart. 
 
 Periosteum. — The membrane which envelops the bones 
 of the body except where cartilage exists in the joints. (See 
 Cartilage, Membrane?) 
 
 Peritoneum. — The membrane which lines the abdominal 
 cavity, enclosing the contents. (See Membrane^ 
 
 Phalanges. — The three principal bones of the fetlock 
 and foot — namely, the two pastern and the coffin bones. 
 
 Pickaxe Team. — A team which consists of three horses, 
 driven two abreast as leaders, and one as wheeler. (See 
 Unicorn Team.) 
 
 Picker. — A bent piece of iron, which is used for scraping 
 dirt from the soles of the feet. 
 
 Piebald. — A horse with black and white markings, the 
 colours being evenly distributed in a good marked horse, 
 excepting on the legs, which are almost invariably white. 
 The tail is sometimes black but usually white. (See Colours, 
 Skewbald.) 
 
 239 
 
PIG EYE — PLAITING 
 
 Pig Eye. — A small, sunken eye. 
 
 Pillar Reins. — The straps, or chains, termin- 
 ating in spring hooks, which are fastened to the 
 ends of the sides of the stalls to secure horses 
 which are turned round in the stable with their 
 bridles on. 
 
 Pink Eye. — See Influenza. 
 
 Pipe Horse. — A horse which has undergone 
 the operation of tracheotomy, and wears a tube in 
 his throat. 
 
 Pisiform Bone. — A small, in -curved bone 
 which is to be found at the back of the knee. 
 It is slightly grooved so as to form a channel 
 for the back tendons to pass through. (See Bones, 
 Fore-legs, Knees ^ 
 
 Pitch is a most useful substance for applying 
 to diseased or injured feet. 
 
 Pithing. — A simple and, if practised by an 
 ordinarily skilful person, a speedy and painless 
 HIU way to kill a horse. It consists of running the 
 Pillar Reins, bj^de of a knife between the joints of the vertebra: 
 at the axis, death being practically instantaneous. Were 
 the operation better understood by horse owners, fewer 
 animals would be left to lie in agony after an accident 
 whilst a knacker is being searched for. (See Axis?) 
 
 Plaiting (a) the feet is a term applied to horses which 
 cross their feet, that is, which put one down in front of the 
 other when moving. (See Lacing.) 
 
 (b) the mane is a usual custom in connection with 
 hackneys and other light horses which are exhibited in hand. 
 
 240 
 

PLE URA — PNE UMONIA 
 
 The manes of race-horses are also plaited, and so are those 
 
 of some harness horses occasionally, but the practice should 
 
 never be applied to 
 
 victoria, brougham, 
 
 and landau horses ; 
 
 in fact, in connection 
 
 with these a plaited 
 
 mane may be regarded 
 
 as a sign of " undress." 
 
 Pleura. — The 
 
 membrane which 
 covers the lungs. (See 
 Lungs ^ 
 
 Pleurisy is usually 
 a result of exposure 
 
 11 -1 Pithing. 
 
 to cold wmds or 
 
 draughts when the horse is overheated, or it may be a result 
 
 of influenza or other diseases. 
 
 Symptoms. — Shiverings, quick, short breathing, and an 
 increased temperature. The animal is evidently in great pain, 
 as it hurts him to move, and if the ear is placed against his 
 side, the alteration in his breathing will at once be detected, 
 and professional advice should at once be sought for. 
 
 Treatment. — The horse should be placed in a comfortable, 
 quiet, and well-ventilated box and heavily clothed, bandages 
 being placed on his legs, whilst hot fomentations should be 
 applied to his chest. If the pain is very great, and the 
 person in attendance understands how to proceed, a little 
 morphia may be injected under the horse's skin, or a few 
 grains of morphia administered internally. (See Fomentations^ 
 
 Pneumonia, or Inflammation of the Lungs, is a result 
 of a cold, and may affect one or both lungs, in the latter 
 case being referred to as double pneumonia. It is a most 
 
 241 Q 
 
POINTING 
 
 dangerous disease, and frequently leaves traces behind it, so 
 no time should be lost in sending for professional advice. 
 
 Symptoms. — A short, hacking cough, accompanied by 
 quick breathing, and frequently by a rattling noise if the ear 
 is applied to the region of the lungs. The horse stands with 
 his legs apart, and there is a discharge of a rusty colour 
 from his nostrils. 
 
 Treatment. — Place him in a dry box, quite free from 
 draughts, but in which he can get plenty of fresh air ; clothe 
 
 Pneumonia Poultice. 
 
 him well and bandage his legs, foment his chest with hot 
 water, and rub with liniment, or apply a mustard plaster or 
 linseed poultice to the region of the lungs. If his strength 
 fails, give a couple of ounces of brandy every few hours, but 
 do not delay sending for the veterinarian. (See Bandages, 
 Poultices^ 
 
 Pointing. — A horse is said to point when he stands with 
 the point of his toe resting on the ground and his heel off 
 it or vice versa. This may be the result of his being tired, but 
 
 242 
 
POINT OF BUTTOCK— POISONS 
 
 very often it is a sign of a screw loose somewhere. (See 
 Laminitis, Navicular Disease.) 
 
 Point of Buttock. — The part of the buttock which 
 projects furthest from the body. (See Buttock.) 
 
 Point of Elbow. — The top back part of the fore-leg 
 which projects at the top of the elbow. (See Elbow, Fore- 
 legs, Points, Ulna.) 
 
 Point of Hip. — The bony projection on the flanks. (See 
 Points.) 
 
 Point of Loin. — The highest part of the back, where the 
 croup commences. (See Jumper s Bump.) 
 
 Point of the Shoulder. — The lowest part of the shoulder 
 in front of the chest. (See Points.) 
 
 Point to Point Races are cross-country races, which are 
 not run over a regular course, but from one stated point 
 to another. It is usual to mark the course by flags at the 
 jumps. (See Steeplechase.) 
 
 Points. — See next page. 
 
 Poisons are divided into two kinds, irritant or corrosive 
 and narcotic. The former are associated with pain more or 
 less acute, whilst in the latter the horse becomes more and 
 more drowsy and eventually succumbs. Included in the 
 following list are the poisons which most commonly are 
 taken by horses, in some cases by accident, and others 
 through the wilful act of a malicious person, or in the form 
 of a medicine administered with the best intentions by some 
 ignorant individual. In all cases of suspected poisoning, 
 professional assistance should be procured at once, but mean- 
 while the treatment suggested below may be applied. 
 
 243 
 
POISONS 
 
 1 Forehead. 
 
 2 Eyebrow. 
 
 3 Eye. 
 
 4 Nose. 
 
 5 Nostril. 
 
 6 Chin, 
 
 7 Chin groove. 
 
 8 Jowl. 
 
 9 Gullet. 
 
 10 Forelock. 
 
 11 Poll. 
 
 12 Crest. 
 
 13 Withers. 
 
 14 Back. 
 
 15 Loin. 
 
 15^ Point of hip. 
 
 16 Croup, 
 
 17 Shoulder. 
 
 18 Point of shoulder. 
 
 19 Upper arm. 
 
 20 Breast. 
 
 21 Elbow. 
 
 22 Forearm. 
 
 23 Knee. 
 
 24 Fore cannon bone, 
 
 25 Fetlock, 
 
 26 Pastern. 
 
 27 Coronet, 
 
 28 Hoof. 
 
 29 Chestnut, 
 
 30 Brisket, 
 
 31 Chest. 
 
 32 Flank. 
 
 33 Sheath. 
 
 34 Stifle. 
 
 35 Chestnut. 
 
 36 Back cannon bone. 
 
 37 Fetlock. 
 
 38 Pastern. 
 
 39 Coronet, 
 
 40 Hoof, 
 
 41 Point of buttock. 
 
 42 Buttock. 
 
 43 Thigh, 
 
 44 Gaskin or second thi 
 
 45 Point of Hock, 
 
 46 Hock. 
 
 Irritant Poisons 
 Aconite. — Symptoms. — A frothy discharge from the 
 mouth, accompanied by attempts to vomit ; pulse weak and 
 irregular, and breathing slow and weak, the animal also 
 sweats profusely in most cases. 
 
 244 
 
POISONS 
 
 Treatment. — Rub the horse all over to promote circulation, 
 and give strong doses of brandy and water. 
 
 Antimony, or, as it is sometimes called, tartar emetic, 
 is a by no means uncommon cause of trouble to horses and 
 their owners, as if administered to an animal in small 
 quantities it has the effect of improving the brightness of 
 the coat, and hence is often administered surreptitiously 
 and illegally by servants to their charges in the form of 
 condition powders, concerning the composition of which 
 they know nothing. 
 
 The Symptoms are shivering, purging, and sweating, 
 associated with pains in the stomach and great weakness. 
 
 Treatment. — Tannin being an antidote to antimony, give 
 the horse very strong half-pint doses of tea at frequent 
 intervals pending the arrival of professional advice. 
 
 Arsenic. — A horse often falls a victim to arsenical 
 poisoning through licking iron or woodwork which has been 
 painted green, or picking up some poisoned grain that has 
 been laid for the destruction of vermin. This poison is 
 cumulative in its effects, by which it is meant that a series 
 of small doses spread over an interval of time can in the end 
 be as fatal as a large quantity taken at once. 
 
 The Chief Symptoms are violent shiverings, bloodshot 
 eyes, out of which the water pours, a deep red colour of the 
 inside of the nostrils, which generally discharge a fluid, cold 
 limbs, profuse sweating, accompanied by purging, a frothy 
 discharge from the mouth, and intense internal pains. 
 
 Treatment. — In cases of suspected arsenical poisoning 
 professional advice should forthwith be sought. Should 
 this not be procurable at once, the strength of the horse may 
 be kept up by drenches of ^^g and milk, and a dose of 
 peroxide of iron, which may be obtained of the nearest 
 chemist, should be administered. If this is unobtainable, 
 drenches of linseed oil may be alternated with the &%^ and 
 milk ; in acute cases give i pint dialysed iron in i quart 
 of water. 
 
 245 
 
POISONS 
 
 Belladonna is often given to a horse by a careless 
 servant as a drench instead of the proper medicine prescribed 
 for it, as it is the active agent in many of the stimulating 
 lotions which are in use in stables ; but it requires a pretty 
 strong dose to cause serious trouble. 
 
 The Sytnpt077is are dilation of the pupils of the eyes, 
 which cease to be affected by light, a dry, parched mouth, 
 the animal moves unsteadily, and becomes very drowsy. 
 
 Treatment. — Very large doses of brandy or whisky and 
 water, or very strong coffee. 
 
 Carbolic A cid. — Symptoms. — Feeble, irregular pulse, the 
 lining of the mouth hard and white, breathing difficult, urine 
 almost black, great prostration, the horse being scarcely able 
 to move. 
 
 Treatment. — Give a couple of pounds of Epsom Salts in 
 2 quarts of water, or i pint of sweet oil. If neither of the 
 above are at hand, the whites of several eggs beaten up in 
 water, or salad oil if procurable. Should the weakness 
 increase, give strong doses of brandy or whisky and water. 
 
 Copper. — Symptoms. — Acute diarrhoea, the discharge 
 being often stained with blood, quick and difficult breathing, 
 great prostration, followed by convulsions. 
 
 Treatment. — The whites of half a dozen eggs beaten up 
 in gruel, followed by 6 ounces of laudanum. 
 
 Lead is not by any means as unusual a cause of horses 
 being poisoned as may be imagined, as it may be taken by 
 them in many ways, but chiefly by having lotions containing 
 lead and intended for external application administered to 
 them by accident, or by eating food which has become tainted 
 by the fumes from chemical works. 
 
 The First Symptoms are blueness of the gums, followed 
 by severe pains in the belly, bad smelling breath, diarrhoea, 
 and swelling of the joints, followed by paralysis. 
 
 Treatment. — Dose with i lb. Epsom Salts or \\ ounces 
 sulphuric acid in 3 pints of water, to be succeeded by doses 
 of sulphate of magnesia. If much pain exists in the belly, 
 
 246 
 
POITOU ASS 
 
 a i-ounce dose of chlorodyne may alleviate it. If none of the 
 above medicines are at hand, give the whites of a couple of 
 eggs in milk. 
 
 Opium is often given to a horse in mistake. 
 
 Symptoms. — Great drowsiness, weak, slow pulse, slow 
 breathing, and bad smelling breath, followed by increased 
 drowsiness and convulsions. 
 
 Treatment. — Endeavour to make the horse move about 
 so as to shake off the drowsiness ; frequent large quantities of 
 strong tea or coffee, which may be given as enemas if he 
 cannot swallow them. 
 
 Strychnine.— Symptoms. — Severe twitching, ending in 
 spasms and convulsions. 
 
 Treatment. — Two ounces of chloral hydrate dissolved in 
 water, or very large doses (about 3 pints) of brandy or whisky 
 in water. If chloroform is at hand the horse may be given 
 a little on a cloth to smell. 
 
 Yew. — Although horses do not fall as frequent victims 
 to yew poisoning as cattle do, cases sometimes occur with 
 fatal and very sudden results. 
 
 Symptoms. — Considerable pain in the belly, which swells 
 a good deal, the horse being very restless and often throwing 
 himself about. There is also weak breathing and coldness 
 of the limbs. 
 
 Treat me?it. — A strong dose of castor oil, or 2 ounces of 
 oil of turpentine in 1 pint of linseed oil. 
 
 Poitou Ass. — These asses sometimes attain a height of 
 15 hands, and some possess as much as 9 inches of bone 
 below the knee. Their ears are enormously large ; so large, 
 indeed, that they cannot be carried upright, but are carried 
 poking out at the sides of the head, and the hair on the 
 insides of the ears takes the form of a series of curls, called 
 cadenettes, which are regarded as a sign of pure breeding. 
 The usual colours are dark brown and black, but greys are 
 
 247 
 
POLE — POLO PONY 
 
 found now and then. Bred to cart mares, the jacks of the 
 Poitou breed throw excellent mules of the heavy type, some 
 of them standing well over i6 hands. (See Ass, Mule, Hinny.) 
 
 Pole. — The movable piece of timber, one end of which 
 passes into a socket in the splinter bar, whilst the other is 
 connected by leather straps or chains to the lower ends of 
 the hames of horses driven as a pair. (See Names, Harness.) 
 
 Pole Chains. — The chains connecting the pole with the 
 hames. (See Hames, Pole.) 
 
 Pole Pieces. — The leather straps which run from the 
 end of the pole to rings in the hames of pair horses' collars, 
 the object for which they are used being to keep the horses 
 to the pole. (See Pole Chams.) 
 
 Poll. — The part of the horse's head just behind the ears. 
 
 Poll Evil is an abscess which forms on the poll, the cause 
 being usually a blow, or from the head collar injuring the 
 head if the horse indulges in the habit of hanging back in 
 his stall with all his weight on the head collar. It is a very 
 painful thing for a horse to suffer from, and if not taken in 
 time may cause a good deal of trouble. 
 
 Treatment. — Unless treated in its very earliest stages 
 poultices are not likely to do much good, and therefore 
 blistering should be tried. If this fails, and matter forms, 
 the place should be opened so that the abscess can drain 
 thoroughly. Poll evil, however, is a disease that requires 
 to be operated on with care, as it is far removed, owing to 
 its situation, from an ordinary abscess, and hence if it assumes 
 serious proportions it is rather beyond the power of an 
 amateur to deal with it. (See Blistering, Prescriptions^ 
 
 Polo Pony. — It is not easy to describe the polo pony, as 
 for playing purposes, though, of course, a good-looking pony 
 
 248 
 
POMMEL — POR T 
 
 is preferred to a plain one, it is more a case of handsome is 
 as handsome does, many animals of very ordinary appearance 
 having realised extremely high prices in consequence of the 
 reputations they possessed. It may be remarked, too, that 
 until a comparatively recent date miniature thoroughbreds 
 and Arabs have carried all before them in the stallion classes 
 at the leading shows ; but of late there are evidences, and 
 very welcome ones, that the day of the polo-bred ponies has 
 arrived, and that the breed will soon be included amongst 
 the ranks of established varieties. If so, there is no doubt 
 that the miniature hunter type will be the favoured one, but, 
 naturally, the light-weight ponies will partake more of the 
 quality of the thoroughbred than the heavy weights. The 
 question of height is one of the chief points of controversy 
 amongst breeders of polo ponies, as though it is generally 
 admitted that the limit should be 14 hands 2 inches, it is 
 obvious that many ponies which are played are over this 
 height ; in fact, a desire is expressed that the limit referred 
 to should be exceeded. This extension of height is due to 
 the system of measuring, and not to any carelessness or 
 incapacity on the part of the gentlemen who undertake the 
 responsibilities of placing the ponies under the standard, 
 and no doubt in due course the breeders who entertain 
 different opinions will arrive at an arrangement which will 
 be acceptable to all, and beneficial to the polo pony. Mean- 
 while, it may be stated that the height should not exceed 
 14 hands 2 inches, and that the hunter type, either heavy or 
 light weight, is what is sought for by breeders. {See Hunter.) 
 
 Pommel. — The pommel, or head of the saddle, is the 
 highest point in front, and should be about 4 or 5 inches 
 behind the top of the withers. (See Saddle.) 
 
 Ponies. — See Dartmoor, Exnioor, Fell, Garron, Hackney, 
 Iceland, New Forest, Rum, Shetland, Welsh, West Highlatid. 
 
 Port. — The indentation, of a greater or less depth, in the 
 
 249 
 
PO TA TOES — PO UL TICES 
 
 centre of the mouthpiece of a bit, which presses on the roof 
 of the mouth and checks a puller. (See Bits^ 
 
 Potatoes are not an ideal food for horses, as though they 
 are moderately nutritious, they do not assist much in making 
 flesh. Still, heavy horses which do slow work do fairly well 
 on potatoes when boiled, if they are mixed with chaff and 
 a little corn. (See Feeding.) 
 
 Poultices are just as useful in cases of horses' ailments 
 as they are when mankind are concerned, for they not only 
 allay pain, but assist in bringing abscesses to a head, and 
 are most beneficial in troubles of the respiratory organs and 
 colic. Bran is the usual material of which they are made. 
 
 Poulticing Forehead. 
 
 Poulticing Withers. 
 
 but if not mixed with linseed oil or meal it soon becomes 
 dry, and therefore linseed meal is to be preferred, though it 
 costs more money. Mustard added to the meal is useful in 
 some cases, and some people favour boiled turnips or carrots, 
 which draw well. Whatever the ingredients may be, it is 
 
 250 
 
prejevalsky's horse 
 
 necessary that they should be mixed well, applied hot (as a 
 rule), and kept moist. The various illustrations which appear 
 will show how poultices should be secured when placed on 
 different parts of the body. The poultice boot, which is made 
 
 Poulticing Breast. 
 
 Poultice Boot. 
 
 of canvas nailed on to a piece of board and laced up the 
 cannon bone, is of great assistance when the hoofs have to be 
 poulticed, as unless there is a piece of wood under the foot the 
 poultice is liable to work up the leg, and the affected place 
 derives no benefit. In using this boot the poultice should 
 first be placed inside, and then the horse's foot, the boot being 
 then laced up so that it will remain in its position. By using 
 this boot a poultice can be kept moist for hours. (See Bran, 
 Linseed, Mustard?) 
 
 Prejevalsky's Horse. — This breed was discovered some 
 thirty years ago by the Russian traveller, Prejevalsky, in the 
 Great Gobi Desert of Mongolia. They are considered by 
 many scientists to be a naturally wild species, nearly allied to 
 
 251 
 
PREJEVALSKYS HORSE 
 
 the original type which roamed Europe some three hundred 
 thousand years ago, in the NeoHthic period of the world's 
 history. In some prehistoric caves found in France sketchy 
 drawings of horses have been discovered which are remarkably 
 like this species in type. They now inhabit a dry and sultry 
 district at the south of the Altai Mountains, where they roam 
 in herds of from fifteen to twenty mares in Indian file, each 
 herd led by a stallion. They are small, being from 12-13 
 
 Prejevalsky's Horse. 
 
 hands in height, and of dun colour on the back, which 
 gradually fades to cream at the sides in the winter coat ; in 
 summer the colour is darker, and a dark stripe down the back 
 is visible. They have the chestnuts, which are the peculiar 
 features of the horse, and they also neigh instead of braying 
 as the ass does. The mane is short and erect, having no 
 forelock, while the hair on the tail begins half-way down. 
 The head is large and heavy, the comparative length being 
 greater in proportion to the body than in the cart horse ; the 
 brain is larger and the forehead wider than in domesticated 
 breeds, and the body stands higher at the croup than at the 
 withers. (See Castors, Evolution of the Horse.) 
 
 252 
 
PREMIUMS — PRESCRIPTIONS 
 
 Premiums. — King's Premiums are the money prizes 
 awarded under the direction of the Royal Commissioners to 
 a limited number of thoroughbred stallions, whose owners 
 agree that they shall travel certain districts of the country 
 during each forthcoming season at a fee of 40s. It is further 
 agreed that a horse shall serve not fewer than fifty half-bred 
 mares at this fee, and shall not compete for prizes at any 
 other show during the season. The limit of age is from four 
 years to twenty years, and the number of premiums awarded 
 is twenty-eight, of the value of i^ 150 each. The original source 
 from which the money came to provide for these premiums 
 was the Queen's Plates, which were established for the purpose 
 of encouraging thoroughbreds which could stay over a long 
 distance. In the year 1883, however, it was decided to apply 
 the sum in question to the purposes of Queen's Premiums, 
 as described above, the title, of course, being changed to 
 King's Premiums when King Edward ascended the throne. 
 (See Hunter, Hunter Szres.) 
 
 Prescriptions. — The following is a list of simple pre- 
 scriptions which most horse owners will be able either to 
 make up themselves or else procure at any chemist's shop. 
 It is perhaps necessary to state that the weights of medicines 
 as given below are apothecaries not avoirdupois weights. 
 
 
 Antiseptic Dressing. 
 
 
 Carbolic acid 
 
 . > • 
 
 I part. 
 
 Sweet oil or vaseline 
 
 20 „ 
 
 
 Antiseptic Lotion. 
 
 
 Boric acid . 
 
 . 
 
 I part. 
 
 Hot water . 
 
 Or, 
 
 20 „ 
 
 Carbolic acid 
 
 . . • 
 
 I part. 
 
 Water 
 
 . 
 
 20 „ 
 
 253 
 
PRESCRimONS 
 
 Appetising Di'ench. 
 
 Tincture of cardamoms . . li ounces. 
 
 Sulphuric ether . . . i „ 
 
 Tincture of ginger . . . | „ 
 
 Gruel .... I pint. 
 
 Blisters. 
 Noie.— All blisters should be rubbed well in. 
 
 Biniodide of mercury . i part. 
 
 Lard . . . • 7 » 
 
 This ointment is a useful mild blister for spavins, splints, 
 etc., and should be applied twice daily. 
 
 Or, 
 
 
 Powdered cantharides 
 
 Camphor 
 
 Beeswax 
 
 Lard 
 
 I ounce. 
 
 I „ 
 
 I „ 
 6 „ 
 
 Melt the lard and beeswax, then add the camphor crushed 
 up fine, and lastly the cantharides. 
 
 Or, 
 
 
 Powdered cantharides 
 
 I ounce. 
 
 Resin 
 
 I „ 
 
 Lard 
 
 4 ,. 
 
 Melt the lard, add the resin first, then the cantharides, and 
 mix thoroughly. (See Blistering?) 
 
 
 Colic Drefh 
 
 rh. 
 
 
 Nitric ether . 
 
 
 
 2 ounces, 
 
 Laudanum . 
 
 
 
 I » 
 
 Warm gruel 
 
 Or, 
 
 
 I pint. 
 
 Tincture of turpentine 
 
 
 2 ounces. 
 
 Linseed oil . 
 
 254 
 
 
 i^ pints. 
 
rRESCRIPTIONS 
 
 
 
 Or, 
 
 
 
 Tincture of ginger . 
 
 
 I ounce. 
 
 Tincture of turpentine 
 
 
 I „ 
 
 Glycerine ■ . . . 
 
 
 h „ 
 
 Oil of peppermint . 
 
 
 12 drops. 
 
 Gruel .... 
 
 
 I pint. 
 
 Cooling Lotion. 
 
 
 
 Goulard's Extract . 
 
 
 4 ounces. 
 
 Dilute acetic acid 
 
 
 2 „ 
 
 Water .... 
 
 
 I quart. 
 
 Or, 
 
 
 
 Dilute acetic acid . 
 
 
 3 ounces. 
 
 Methylated spirits of wine . 
 
 
 2 „ 
 
 Sal ammoniac 
 
 
 h ., 
 
 Water ..... 
 
 
 I pint. 
 
 Or, 
 
 
 
 Tincture of arnica . 
 
 
 3 ounces. 
 
 Solution of subacetate of lead 
 
 
 I » 
 
 Water .... 
 
 
 6 „ 
 
 Counter-irritants or Liniments. 
 
 Mustard .... 
 
 
 4 ounces. 
 
 Turpentine .... 
 
 
 I » 
 
 Mix the mustard up with water intc 
 
 > a 
 
 thin paste, and 
 
 then add the turpentine. 
 
 
 
 Or, 
 
 
 
 Soft Soap .... 
 
 
 4 ounces. 
 
 Camphor .... 
 
 
 I ,. 
 
 Solution of ammonia 
 
 
 2 pi"t. 
 
 Proof spirit .... 
 
 
 2 „ 
 
 Or, 
 
 
 
 Liquid ammonia 
 Rape oil . 
 
 1 
 
 J 
 
 Equal 
 
 Spirits of turpentine 
 
 parts. 
 
 This is a capital ointment for sprains. 
 
 
 
 255 
 
 
 
PRESCRIPTIONS 
 
 Or, 
 
 Turpentine . 
 Olive oil . 
 
 4 ounces. 
 4 „ 
 
 Spirit of hartshorn . 
 Camphor 
 
 3 „ 
 
 Or, 
 
 
 Linseed oil . 
 
 8 ounces. 
 
 Liquid ammonia 
 
 I ,: 
 
 Turpentine . 
 
 I „ 
 
 Or, 
 
 
 Ordinary soap liniment 
 Laudanum . 
 
 1 6 ounces. 
 
 2 „ 
 
 Ammonia 
 
 I „ 
 
 Tincture of cantharides 
 
 I „ 
 
 (See Li?iiments.) 
 
 
 Diarrhoea Drench. 
 
 
 Chlorodyne . 
 Warm water 
 
 i| ounces 
 I pint. 
 
 Or, 
 
 
 Prepared chalk 
 Powdered gum acacia 
 
 2 ounces. 
 
 Laudanum . 
 
 I » 
 
 Extract of catechu . 
 
 I » 
 
 Aromatic spirit of ammonia 
 
 h » 
 
 Water 
 
 I pint. 
 
 Or, 
 
 
 Tincture of opium . 
 
 I ounce. 
 
 Alum . . . . 
 
 2 drams 
 
 Powdered ginger 
 
 2 „ 
 
 Warm water 
 
 1 pint. 
 
 Eye Lotion. 
 
 
 Laudanum . . . . 
 
 I ounce. 
 
 Water . . . . 
 
 I pint. 
 
 256 
 
PRESCRIPTIONS 
 
 
 Fever Ball. 
 
 
 Nitre . . . . 
 
 3 drams. 
 
 Tartar emetic 
 
 li » 
 
 Digitalis .... 
 
 I 
 
 Give one ball daily. 
 
 
 Fever Drench. 
 
 
 Nitre .... 
 
 3 drams. 
 
 Sweet spirit of nitre 
 
 I ounce. 
 
 Camphor .... 
 
 2 drams. 
 
 Water .... 
 
 li pints. 
 
 Give as a drench three times a day. 
 
 Or, 
 Solution of acetate of ammonia 
 Spirit of nitrous ether 
 Fleming's tincture of aconite 
 Water to make 8 ounces. 
 
 Give as a drench every four hours. 
 
 Or, 
 
 4 ounces. 
 
 5 minims. 
 
 Nitre .... 
 
 3 drams. 
 
 Camphor .... 
 
 2 „ 
 
 Tincture of opium . 
 
 ^ ounce. 
 
 Water .... 
 
 I pint. 
 
 Healing Lotion. 
 
 
 Sulphate of zinc 
 
 I ounce. 
 
 Acetate of lead 
 
 I „ 
 
 Water .... 
 
 I quart. 
 
 Purging Ball 
 
 
 Barbadoes aloes 
 
 5 drams. 
 
 Powdered ginger . 
 
 2 „ 
 
 Glycerine .... 
 
 I teaspoonful. 
 
 Sufficient linseed meal to make it firm. 
 
 
 Mix thoroughly. 
 
 
 257 
 
 R 
 
PRESCRIPTIONS 
 
 
 Barbadoes aloes 
 Castile soap 
 Oil of caraways 
 Mix thoroughly. 
 
 Or, 
 
 5 drams. 
 
 3 « 
 10 drops. 
 
 Or. 
 
 Barbadoes aloes 
 
 Tartar emetic 
 
 Ginger 
 
 Treacle sufficient to bind. 
 
 6 drams. 
 
 2 „ 
 
 2 „ 
 
 This is a powerful purge. 
 
 
 
 Purging Drench. 
 
 
 Barbadoes aloes 
 Powdered ginger 
 Warm water 
 
 
 5 drams. 
 2 „ 
 I pint. 
 
 Linseed oil . 
 
 Or, 
 
 I pint. 
 
 This is a mild purge. 
 
 
 
 Roaring, Whistling, or Touched Wind Ball. 
 
 Powdered squills 
 Gum arable . 
 Extract belladonna 
 Powdered camphor 
 Linseed meal 
 Treacle 
 
 
 2 drams. 
 
 \ » 
 
 \ „ 
 . \ Sufficient 
 . i to bind. 
 
 Make one ball, to be given twice a day ; if not given at 
 once, or kept carefully rolled up in tissue paper and an air- 
 tight box, the camphor will evaporate. 
 
 Tonics. 
 
 Powdered caraways 
 
 „ liquorice root 
 258 
 
 6 ounces. 
 4 .. 
 
PRICKS — PROMINENT FOREHEAD 
 
 Powdered ginger . . .2 ounces 
 
 ,, sulphate of copper . 2 „ 
 
 gentian . . . 2 „ 
 
 Mix, and make sixteen powders. Give one a day with 
 the food slightly damped. 
 
 Or, 
 
 Green crystallised sulphate of iron, 20 to 60 
 grains, according to size and age of horse, 
 once or twice a day in the food. 
 
 The crystallised iron should be kept in a stoppered bottle ; 
 it is not a good tonic when the liver or digestive organs are 
 affected. In such cases A ounce of dialysed iron in water 
 is a preferable tonic. (See Medicines, Restoratives.) 
 
 Pricks often occur when a horse is carelessly shod, 
 through a nail being driven into, or close to, the sensitive 
 part of the foot. The result is inflammation, often accom- 
 panied by suppuration and, of course, tenderness. 
 
 Treatment. — Take off the shoe and pare away the 
 sole so as to relieve the pressure. If there is reason for 
 believing that matter has formed, a small opening may be 
 made to enable it to escape, as otherwise it may spread 
 upwards to the coronet and cause a great deal of trouble, 
 and then poultice. When the shoe is replaced, no nail 
 should be driven near the seat of the prick. Should it 
 be seen that the nail has entered a sensitive part before 
 the above symptoms appear, the nail should be at once 
 drawn and the hole stopped with tow — either dipped in 
 tar or plain — in order to prevent dirt from getting in. 
 (See Shoeing.) 
 
 Prominent Forehead. — Some horses are considerably 
 disfigured by a prominent forehead, which conveys a heavy, 
 even sulky, expression to the head. This, however, is more 
 
 259 
 
PROPELLING POWER — PULLING 
 
 imaginary than real, as the formation appears in some very- 
 good horses, but it is not admired or liked. 
 
 Propelling Power is produced by the action of the hind 
 limbs and by the weight of the horse, as it is obvious that 
 a bulky, heavy body when propelled forwards produces more 
 force than a light one. The amount of propulsion must also 
 clearly depend upon the power a horse possesses to bring 
 the joints and muscles of his hind limbs and back into force, 
 and hence a faultily made animal with weak or sickle hocks 
 and deficient in muscle behind and about the loins and 
 backs must be at a disadvantage with a properly formed one 
 when heavy weights have to be moved. The speed and 
 fore-action of a light horse are also influenced to a consider- 
 able extent by the propelling power of the horse, as when 
 he fails to flex his hocks as he should they drag behind him, 
 as it were, and there is not the propelling power that there 
 should be to force the body forward. Consequently, the 
 horse does not cover as much ground as he should in his 
 stride. (See Action, Free Action, Rou?id Action.) 
 
 Pulling. — A horse which pulls is never a pleasant one to 
 ride or drive, but it is usually possible to arrive at some 
 method of modifying the annoyance. As often as not the 
 propensity may be reduced by discovering the sort of bit 
 which suits him best, as mouths differ very considerably, and 
 it is not always the severest bit that controls the puller best. 
 If the mouth is callous and no bit will restrain the horse he 
 may be worked in a net or nose-band, which will press on 
 his nostrils when the reins are pulled. Some pullers are 
 quite hopeless cases, and these are generally the results of 
 bad breaking and improper bitting when young. 
 
 The accompanying illustrations represent a very practical 
 arrangement, designed by Mr Walter Winans, for the control 
 of hard-pulling horses. The accompanying illustration shows 
 wristlets, both open and fixed on the wrist, and also the loop 
 on the rein, the wristlet having a raised ridge about I inch 
 
 260 
 
FULSE 
 
 high. Figure No. 2 shows the wristlet buckled on with the 
 hand passed through the loop on the rein, which i.s drawn 
 tight. By this arrangement the driver pulls by the wrist, 
 
 and so there is no strain on the fingers, which are left free 
 for using the whip or guiding the horse. (See Bits, Boltings 
 Net, Nose-band?} 
 
 Pulse. — The number of beats of the pulse varies in 
 different breeds from forty-five a minute, in the case of a 
 
 261 
 
PUNCTURED WOUNDS —PURGING 
 
 pony, to thirty-five, in a heavy horse, when in health. In 
 cases of sickness and fever these figures are increased. The 
 
 Taking the Pulse. 
 
 best way to take the pulse of a horse is to place the fingers 
 inside the jowl, as in the accompanying illustration. 
 
 Punctured Wounds. — See Bleeding, Cuts. 
 
 Pupil. — The dark, circular spot in the centre of the eye, 
 which increases in size in a dim light and becomes smaller in 
 a strong one, (See Eyes, Iris.) 
 
 Purges. — Opening medicines of various degrees of 
 strength. (See Administering Physic, Medicines, Prescrip- 
 tio7is.) 
 
 Purging may be the result of aperient medicine having 
 been administered, of poison, or of a sudden change of food 
 which produces diarrhoea. It is necessary, therefore, to 
 endeavour to ascertain the cause of purging, and if poison 
 is suspected the veterinarian should be sent for. (See 
 Diarrhoea, Poisons, Presc7'iptions.) 
 
 262 
 
QUAGGA — QUARRELL ING 
 
 Quagfga. — This extinct member of the equine family- 
 may be referred to briefly, as it is possible that some hybrids 
 from it may still be in existence. Like the zebra, South 
 Africa was the land of its origin, and it partook more of the 
 nature and disposition of the horse than the zebra, being 
 quite easy to break and possessing a very good mouth. The 
 distinguishing stripes which formed so conspicuous a portion 
 of its markings were distinct on the head and neck, but gradu- 
 ally faded away behind the withers, disappearing altogether 
 about the middle of the back. (See Hybrids^ 
 
 Quality. — A horse is said to possess quality when he shows 
 signs of breeding. The expression, however, is apt to be mis- 
 applied, as many people appear to confuse the quality that is 
 characteristic of the thoroughbred with that belonging to other 
 breeds. Thus a hackney, which possesses the quality of the 
 blood-horse, would be altogether too light and breedy-looking 
 for his proper work, but there is no reason why a hackney 
 should not possess the refinement which is characteristic of a 
 well-bred member of his own breed, though this refinement 
 may be less delicate than that of the thoroughbred. 
 
 Quantity of Food. — The allowance of food a horse 
 requires depends not merely upon the size of the animal 
 and how much work he is doing, but also upon the quality 
 of the food itself, as the best will always be the most nutritious, 
 and consequently goes further than that of indifferent merit. 
 (See Food?) 
 
 Quarrelling. — Some horses are of most quarrelsome 
 dispositions, and will not get on with any other animals, 
 whilst others only display their dislike to a certain stable 
 companion. In the latter instance it is usually an easy 
 matter to get over the difficulty and avoid trouble by 
 changing the stall of one of the parties to the quarrel, but 
 in the case of a horse which is perpetually annoying his 
 
 263 
 
QUARTER OF THE HOOF— QUI TTOR 
 
 neighbours there is nothing to do but to place him by 
 himself, or else in an end stall in which his head collar 
 rope can be fastened to a ring in the wall, so that his head 
 is kept away from the horse next to him, and nothing passes 
 behind him to kick at. A quarrelsome horse should never 
 be turned out with others, for if he is, some mischief is sure 
 to happen. 
 
 Quarter of the Hoof. — The part of the wall between the 
 toe and the heel. (See Foot.) 
 
 Quarters, 
 and thighs. 
 
 -The parts of a horse which include the croup 
 
 Quarter Sheet is that part of a horse's clothing which 
 covers the entire body and buckles in front. (See Clothing^ 
 
 Quidding. — When a horse, through bad teeth or any 
 other cause, is unable to masticate his food properly, and 
 can only chew it, he often returns it. This is called quidding, 
 but it must not be confused with vomiting, as a horse very 
 rarely, if ever, vomits. (See Dentistry., Indigestion^ 
 
 Quittor is an abscess which forms at the coronet, causing 
 considerable pain and, of course, lame- 
 ness. It is generally the result of an 
 injury either through a tread or bruise ; 
 but in some cases a sore and discharge 
 of pus is caused by a prick in shoeing 
 or a nail running into the sole of the 
 foot, and this may be mistaken for 
 quittor. The reason for the sore 
 appearing at the coronet is, that the 
 inflammation caused by the prick 
 causes suppuration, and the pus can- 
 not escape unless the horn of the foot 
 is opened, and hence finds its way 
 upwards and discharges at the coronet, 
 thus it may be mistaken for quittor by an inexperienced person, 
 
 264 
 
 t^UlUOI . 
 
KA CK—RAIL VVA V TRA VELLING 
 
 Treatnieizt. — Remove the shoe, and endeavour to ascer- 
 tain the seat of the abscess. When the latter is found, pare 
 away the sole to relieve the pressure, and make an opening 
 to allow the pus to escape. Place the foot in a pail of hot 
 water for an hour or more, and poultice, afterwards dressing 
 the wound with carbolic acid, but, as quittor is a serious 
 matter, the assistance of a professional man should always 
 be procured if available. (See Poultices, Treads.) 
 
 R 
 
 Rack. — (a) The hay rack is best situated with its top on 
 a level with that of the manger, as this arrangement prevents 
 dust from falling on to the horses, and foreign substances 
 from entering their eyes or noses. 
 
 (b) The racking gait is similar to the Pace, which see. 
 
 Rack Chain. — The short chain fixed below the hay rack, 
 or, if the latter is on a level with the manger, on the wall in 
 front of the horse, which is used for keeping his head up 
 during the day. This prevents him from eating his litter, or 
 backing out of his stall. 
 
 Radius. — The principal bone of the fore-arm which 
 connects the elbow with the knee. (See Fore-legs?) 
 
 Railway Travelling". — Many horses object to enter a 
 railway box, and some are very bad travellers, being nervous 
 and fretful during the whole of the journey, whilst others 
 cause no trouble at all. Such difficulties, however, can 
 generally be overcome by patience and firmness, but the real 
 dangers commence when the horse is in the box, as if a 
 proper amount of care is not bestowed upon him, he may 
 contract some sickness or meet with injury on the road. To 
 begin with, the person in attendance — and no horse should 
 be sent on a journey without somebody in charge of him — 
 ought to satisfy himself that the box has been thoroughly 
 
 265 
 
RALLI CAR 
 
 disinfected lest its previous occupant may have left the seeds 
 of glanders or some other disease behind him. Care should 
 also be taken to see that the animal is properly secured, as 
 sometimes the railway servants who are responsible for this 
 duty, though on the whole a most reliable body of men, 
 fail to do all that is required. The subject of ventilation has 
 also to be considered, for whilst the horse must not be half 
 stifled by the absence of air, draughts should be excluded 
 as far as possible ; hence some discretion should be exercised 
 when deciding which ventilators are to be kept open and 
 which shut, everything depending upon the temperature and 
 direction of the wind. It is a good plan for the man to take 
 a collapsible canvas pail with him if the journey is a long 
 one, as he can then water his charge on the way without 
 incurring the risk which attends his drinking out of an 
 infected pail, whilst it often happens at a railway station that 
 though water may be plentiful a bucket may be unprocurable. 
 Excepting in the very warmest weather a horse should wear 
 his day clothing whilst on a journey, hood and all, and even 
 in summer a linen sheet should be worn. Knee-caps should 
 always be worn and a tail guard also, as preventions against 
 accidents or minor blemishes. (See Clothing^ 
 
 Ralli Car is a low-hung, deep-sided car with panel full 
 
 Ralli Car. 
 
 round the top, very suitable for ladies' use, It is easy of 
 
 266 
 
RANDOM TEAM — REINS 
 
 access, and having deep sides is warm and comfortable in 
 bad weather. It is sometimes hung upon elliptics, but more 
 generally upon three springs with fulcrum shafts to relieve 
 the riders from the horse motion. C. spring carriages are 
 always considered more high class than the less pretentious 
 variety hung upon elliptic springs. 
 
 Random Team. — Three horses driven tandem are alluded 
 to as a random team. 
 
 Rangy. — A horse with plenty of size and scope about 
 him is referred to as rangy. 
 
 Rat Tail. — A tail with little or no hair upon it. 
 
 Reaches. — See Overreaches. 
 
 Rearing. — This most objectionable vice is usually met 
 with in saddle horses, as harness animals are to a certain 
 extent restrained by the shafts, though when the latter do 
 rear a nasty accident can easily occur. Very probably some 
 animals are predisposed to rear, and if so there is not much 
 chance of curing them of the habit, and they are best got rid 
 of Others — and the majority beyond a doubt — either rear, 
 or have acquired the vice, from improper bitting and possibly 
 the heavy hands of their rider. A tender mouth cannot 
 endure a severe bit, and hence if the latter is in use in the 
 case of a rearer a snaffle and martingale may be tried. This 
 often accomplishes excellent results ; but if it fails and the 
 horse is a persistent offender, he had best be given up as 
 hopeless. (See Bits^ Bitting^ Mouthy 
 
 Rein. — A horse is said to possess a good rein when there 
 is plenty of him in front of the saddle, his neck being long, 
 his shoulders well placed, and his head neat. 
 
 Reins. — See Driving, Riding. 
 
 267 
 
RE MO UN TS — RES T 
 
 Remounts. — See Cavalry Horse. 
 
 Removing Shoes. — The shoes of all horses should be 
 removed about every three weeks, in the cases of young 
 ones about once a fortnight, otherwise they will suffer 
 inconvenience through their shoes pinching them. This is 
 because the horn of the hoof grows, and the iron of the shoe, 
 of course, being non-elastic, pain and very often inflammation, 
 terminating in lameness, is the result. (See Buffer, Shoeing.) 
 
 Repositories. — Almost every important town possesses 
 one or two repositories at which horses are sold, the con- 
 ditions of sale being very much the same, and in most 
 instances perfectly fair to all parties concerned. The in- 
 experienced purchaser, however, does not often stand much 
 of a chance in picking up a bargain, as dealers and their 
 agents are always on the look - out for such, and will 
 often run up a horse in order to prevent a likely customer 
 from securing what he wants without coming to them. At 
 the same time, it must be pointed out that the methods of 
 the heads of the leading firms are invariably honourable and 
 impartial, and therefore if the novice takes a fancy to a horse, 
 and adopts the precaution of having him vetted, he may be 
 quite sure that no undue favour will be shown to any one 
 who is bidding against him. (See Auction Sales, Buying.) 
 
 Respiratory Organs. — The principal of these are the 
 nasal passages connecting the nostrils with the larynx, the 
 larynx, the trachea, the bronchial tubes, and the lungs. 
 
 Rest. — All horses require a periodical rest, one day a 
 week being sufficient for animals in ordinary work, but, of 
 course, hunters after a long day are entitled to more. At 
 the same time, it is not desirable that an animal which is 
 not working for two or three days should be left all the time 
 in the stable ; one day of absolute rest is usually amply 
 sufficient, as if he does not get a little healthy exercise there is 
 a good chance of his legs filling. The night before the day 
 
 268 
 
RESTIVENESS — RESTORA TI VES 
 
 of rest a bran mash may be substituted for the last feed of 
 corn with beneficial results, and he will not require full 
 feeding when not at work. As a matter of course, a horse 
 will rest better in a quiet, loose box than he will in the 
 stall of a stable where other animals are constantly passing 
 to and fro ; but few will take at once to new quarters, and 
 therefore it is best not to remove him from the place he is 
 accustomed to. Some horses never lie down, but sleep and 
 rest themselves standing up, and leaning against the sides 
 of their stalls. This habit may be overcome by keeping 
 the horse in a loose box, but it is difficult to cure, though 
 any device is worth trying, as the legs get worn through the 
 animal's weight always being on them. (See Bran, Monday 
 Morning Evil.) 
 
 Restiveness may be the result of high spirit, temporary 
 excitement, or vice, and in each instance the only thing to 
 be done is to treat the offender kindly, but with firmness. 
 In cases where a horse is fidgety and gives trouble when 
 being physicked or groomed, the best course to adopt is to 
 have one of the fore-legs either held or tied up, as he then 
 will stand perfectly quiet. 
 
 Restoratives. — A horse that is thoroughly exhausted by 
 sickness or the effects of overwork may often be revived by 
 the judicious use of stimulants such as the following : — 
 
 Eggs and Brandy. — Four eggs may be beaten up in a 
 couple of wine-glassfuls of brandy and given him every four 
 hours. If he can swallow, i pint or more of good milk may 
 be added, and given in the form of a drench. 
 
 Bread and Beer is a capital pick-me-up for a tired horse 
 if he can be persuaded to take it, and most horses which 
 have got accustomed to beer are very fond of it. The best 
 way to proceed if there are doubts as to whether he will take 
 it is to put I quart of good sound beer at the bottom of a 
 pail, and the soft part of a loaf in it, leaving a part of the 
 loaf, which is broken up, outside the beer. Then if the horse 
 
 269 
 
RHEUMATISM 
 
 will feed he will commence on the dry bread and gradually 
 get on to that which is soaked. Some horses infinitely prefer 
 stout to beer. 
 
 Bread and Milk will be readily eaten by most horses if a 
 little salt is added to it. 
 
 Beef Tea. — In extreme cases of exhaustion a drench of 
 strong beef tea, containing no fat, as grease of any kind is 
 disliked by a horse, may be given in half-pint drenches every 
 few hours. 
 
 Linseed Tea. — Boil i lb, of linseed thoroughly in a couple 
 of gallons of water, and strain it carefully. This is a very 
 good drink in cases of fever, and a little lemon juice, if added, 
 is often liked by the horse. 
 
 Rice-water. — Wash \ lb, of rice, soak it for two or 
 three hours in 6 quarts of warm water, then boil slowly for 
 an hour, and strain. Give when cold. This is a good drink 
 in cases of diarrhoea. 
 
 Rheumatism, — No doubt more horses suffer from 
 rheumatism than many people imagine, and beyond all 
 question many cases of lameness are attributable to this 
 source, either chronic or acute, and the former very often 
 follows the latter, which is usually caused by cold and damp. 
 
 The Symptoms o{ 2Xm\.q. rheumatism are a high temperature, 
 stiffness of the joints and muscles, and evident pain, all of 
 which are disposed to increase, whilst often the joints swell 
 and become heated. In cases of chronic rheumatism, where 
 the joints are usually attacked, there is less heat, but the 
 pain is considerable, and the animal becomes lame. 
 
 Treatment. — If the pain is very severe, one dose of 
 tincture of opium, 2 ounces, in i pint of water may be 
 given, and a few hours afterwards salicylate of soda may be 
 given every two or three hours until the temperature falls, 
 when it should be discontinued. The horse should be kept 
 warmly clothed and bandaged, and the parts affected well 
 rubbed with some stimulating liniment, (See Intermittent 
 Lameness., Prescriptions^ 
 
 270 
 
RIBBED UP^RIDING 
 
 Ribbed Up. — A horse is said to be well ribbed up when 
 his back ribs are long so that the belly is not tucked up and 
 does not give the appearance of a wasp waist. (See Points^ 
 
 Ribs. — A horse has eighteen ribs on each side, eight 
 called true ribs, which are fixed to both the breast bone and 
 vertebrae, and ten back or false ribs, which adhere to the 
 vertebrae only. The middle ones are the longest, and they 
 gradually shorten towards the ends of each row, the true 
 ribs being broader than the false ones. 
 
 Rice Water. — See Restoratives. 
 
 Riding. — Many pages could easily be devoted to the 
 subject of riding, but the objects of this work will be secured 
 if a few elementary hints are given here, as when the pre- 
 liminaries are mastered, experience and advice from practical 
 equestrians will do the rest that is required. 
 
 The first thing to be done is to see that the horse is 
 properly bitted and that the saddle fits him comfortably. 
 This must naturally be the duty of the adviser of the novice, 
 as the latter cannot be expected to understand the matter, 
 but it is remarkable how many men are careless on the 
 subject. The question of bitting is dealt with in other parts 
 of this book, but regarding the fit of the saddle it may be 
 pointed out that it should be padded so as to fit the horse 
 and not press upon the withers, else galls and sore backs 
 are certain to result. The girths should be just tight 
 enough to permit the fingers to be inserted beneath them 
 and the belly of the horse, and it is a wise precaution to 
 take before mounting a strange horse to satisfy oneself that 
 they are tight enough, as some animals possess a trick of 
 blowing themselves out when the girths are being buckled, 
 so that the latter become loose and the saddle is apt to slip. 
 Having seen to the above details and satisfied himself that 
 his stirrup leathers are at all events about the right length, 
 which is, roughly speaking, the length of his arm, the reins 
 
 271 
 
RIDING 
 
 should be taken in the left hand, the rider taking his position 
 on the near side of the horse alongside the withers, and with 
 his face towards the tail, the stirrup leather having been 
 previously twisted so that the flat of the iron is towards him. 
 Then he should place his foot in the stirrup by the help of 
 his right hand and take hold of the mane near the withers 
 with his left one, after which he should turn round so as to 
 face the saddle and take hold of the cantle of the latter with 
 his right hand. This assists him in raising himself from 
 the ground, but in passing his right leg over the horse's back, 
 the rider should be careful not to touch the animal with 
 his foot, especially if he wears spurs, which no novice should 
 
 OFF SHAffLE 
 
 oTfTurb 
 near curb 
 
 NEAR 5NArn.C 
 
 Single rein. 
 
 Way to hold the reins. 
 
 Double rein. 
 
 ever do. If the bridle is a single one the reins should be 
 held so that they are divided by the second and third fingers 
 of the left hand ; if a double one, the third finger should 
 divide the curb reins, and the second, third, and fourth, the 
 snaffle reins. The latter should be pulled tight by the right 
 hand, but the curb should be left slack. The balls of the 
 feet should rest upon the stirrup, the practice indulged in by 
 some people of riding with their feet well home so that their 
 ankles come in contact with the top of the stirrup being 
 unsightly, and dangerous in case of a fall, and the feet should 
 be carried with the toes only very slightly pointed outwards. 
 The elbows should be kept close to the sides, the left hand 
 which holds the reins being turned inwards and with the 
 knuckles slightly upwards, almost touching the pommel of 
 
 272 
 
RIDING HORSE 
 
 the saddle. The body should be kept perfectly upright, 
 the thighs grasping the sides of, and the knees firmly pressed 
 against, the saddle. As a skilful rider controls the move- 
 ments of his horse to a very considerable extent by the 
 pressure of his legs against the sides of the animal it is 
 necessary that the novice should secure his proper balance 
 as soon as possible, else he will lose a good deal of power 
 over his mount. 
 
 A great deal depends upon the action of the horse when 
 the rider commences to proceed at a faster pace than the 
 trot. A short, scrappy mover will jolt a beginner terribly 
 and cause him much difficulty when he attempts to rise in 
 his stirrups as his horse brings his off fore-leg on the ground. 
 The canter is a far easier gait for the rider, but experience 
 and practice will enable any person of fair nerve to overcome 
 his difficulties. It is far easier to keep one's seat gracefully 
 when a horse is being sent from a walk to a trot or canter 
 than when the process is reversed, especially if he pulls up 
 suddenly, as he is pretty certain to do if his reins are tightened 
 too quickly or sharply. In changing from the walk to the 
 trot the reins should be slightly tightened and the horse 
 encouraged to proceed by increased pressure of the knees ; 
 whilst if he is required to canter his off rein should be 
 tightened and the left knee of the rider pressed into his side 
 so that he will lead off with the off fore-leg, as is usually 
 desired ; whilst the act may be reversed if it is wished that 
 he should lead off with the near fore-leg. In dismounting, 
 after the right foot is taken out of the stirrup the mane 
 should be grasped with the left hand, and then the process of 
 mounting should be reversed. (See Bitting, Canter, Mouth, 
 Saddle, Trot?) 
 
 Riding Horse. — A riding horse for country work need 
 not possess all the quality of a park hack, but he must 
 possess long, sloping shoulders else his action will be rough, 
 and if his neck is short and head is heavy he will not be so 
 pleasant to ride or easy to keep from stumbling as if the 
 
 273 s 
 
RIDING SCHOOL 
 
 reverse were the case. His action, too, should be easy but 
 not too high, and his back and quarters level, whilst the 
 matter of substance must depend upon the weight he is 
 required to carry. (See Lady's Horse, Park Hack.) 
 
 Riding School. — The importance of having a properly 
 constructed and sufficiently roomy riding school at the 
 disposal of a horse breaker or stud groom can scarcely be 
 
 Riding; School at the Woodhatch Stud. 
 
 overestimated. Unfortunately, however, such buildings, 
 when they exist, are often by far too small, which is un- 
 fortunate when show horses are being schooled, as if the 
 sides of the riding school are much shorter than those of the 
 ring in which the horses are judged, the animals are apt to lose 
 their balance at the turns in public, having been accustomed 
 
 274 
 
RIG — RING-B ONE 
 
 to go a lesser distance at home. If possible, therefore, it is a 
 good plan to hurdle off a space of ground out-of-doors of 
 exactly the dimensions of the judging ring at the show for 
 which the horses are being prepared, and to lay tan around the 
 sides, so as to familiarise them with the extent and size of 
 the ring. The best material to spread on the floor of a 
 riding school is tan, which requires to be kept just damp 
 in order to prevent its becoming dusty, and there should be 
 a gallery for spectators, whose presence is often desirable 
 during the concluding stages of a horse's schooling for a 
 show, as they assist in accustoming him to the sight of 
 unfamiliar objects. The Riding School of the Woodhatch 
 Stud, one of the most perfect in existence, measures 200 feet 
 by 50; there are twenty loose boxes attached to it, and a 
 spacious feeding house, supplied with all the most modern 
 appliances for preparing and storing food, the whole being 
 illuminated by electric light. 
 
 Rig. — (a) An American term applied to the appointments 
 of a vehicle, including the rugs for the occupants' use. 
 
 (b) An entire horse, one of whose stones has not come 
 down into the scrotum. 
 
 Ring-bone. — Undoubtedly hereditary, is the result of 
 inflammation of the pastern bones, and is usually the result 
 of concussion acting upon weak or ill-made pasterns. It 
 can be detected in its earlier stages by lameness, accom- 
 panied by heat at the coronet or above it, in which case it 
 is called high ring-bone. The feet are usually comparatively 
 cool, but subsequently swellings appear on the sides of the 
 pastern bone, and if these spread round to the back, the case 
 is practically incurable. 
 
 Treatment. — Remove the shoes, blister, and give the 
 horse a long rest on cooling food. (See Blistering, Side 
 Bones.) 
 
 275 
 
SWGS ON THE FEET— RING IVOR Xf 
 
 Ring-bone (high), from outside. 
 
 Ring-bone (high). 
 
 Rings on the Feet, which may be described as ridges 
 running round the outside walls of the hoof, are always to 
 be regarded with suspicion, as they may be the result of 
 laminitis. They are also sometimes caused by a horse 
 having been turned out on damp land. If the coronet has 
 been blistered, rings occasionally appear on the hoof for a 
 few months, and then die away. (See Lamimtis.) 
 
 Ringworm. — This most objectionable disease is highly 
 contagious, and consequently an affected animal should be 
 isolated. It is often a result of a horse on a journey being 
 baited in a dirty stable, and hence due precautions should be 
 taken to see that strange premises are clean. 
 
 Symptoms. — Small rings or patches appear, on which the 
 hair stands up and eventually falls off, leaving bare places. 
 
 Treatment. — Apply an ointment of iodine one part, lard 
 eight parts, without delay. 
 
 276 
 
ROACH BACK-'ROARING 
 
 Roach Back. — A back which is higher in the middle 
 than it is at the withers and loins. 
 
 Road Coach. — See Coach. 
 
 Roadster. — A horse adapted for fast work on the road. 
 Of late years it is chiefly applied to light harness horses. 
 (See Harness Horse?) 
 
 Road Team. — A team of horses which is used for working 
 a road coach is not expected to possess the quality of a 
 park team. The former are required for business purposes, 
 not for show, and hence blemishes which would be unpardon- 
 able in a park team are excusable in the case of horses 
 which are meant for work, but they must be able to do all 
 that is required of them. The wheelers in particular must 
 possess weight, power, substance, and the necessary speed ; 
 the leaders usually displaying a good deal more quality. 
 Sixteen hands is the correct height, and of course there should 
 be plenty of bone and the feet must be sound, else the horses 
 could never get through their work. (See Park Team) 
 
 Road Waggon. — A light, four - wheeled, box - shaped 
 vehicle, constructed to carry two persons. The wheels have 
 wire spokes, and are of the same size, consequently the road 
 waggon cannot full lock. (See Carriages?) 
 
 Roan. — A roan horse is one whose coat is more or less 
 flecked with white hairs. In some cases these extend all 
 over his body, in others they are not so widely distributed, 
 and may only appear on the flanks : still, they, strictly 
 speaking, constitute the horse a roan. Blue and a pinkish 
 chestnut ground colours are the most frequently met with, 
 the horses of the latter shade of jacket being termed red or 
 strawberry roans, but chestnut, bay, and brown roans are 
 also known. (See Coloi^rs.) 
 
 Roaring is the result of some affection of the larynx 
 
 277 
 
ROCK SALT 
 
 which affects the respiration and causes the horse to give 
 forth an unnatural grunting sound when he moves fast or 
 suddenly. In some instances the trouble is only temporary, 
 as when a horse is suffering from the effects of laryngitis, and 
 then it usually passes away when his health is restored. 
 On the other hand, in chronic cases there is no hope of cure, 
 and the roarer may therefore be regarded as unsound, and 
 beyond the reach of veterinary skill. Of course there are 
 methods which may be applied to relieve him, and which 
 may often cause him to breathe almost normally, but their 
 effects are only temporary. Many dealers, however, are fully 
 prepared to derive what benefit they can from the know- 
 ledge they possess of such palliatives, and hence it is their 
 practice to administer drenches of linseed oil, opium, or 
 aconite upon an empty stomach, and thereby assist their 
 roarer to breathe with greater freedom when brought out. 
 No doubt a tendency to roar is increased, even if it is not 
 naturally developed, by tight bearing-reins, but the trouble 
 is unquestionably hereditary, though it is an uncommon 
 occurrence to find a pony roar. 
 
 Symptoms. — The sound of roaring is a long-continued 
 one, but is only heard when the breath is drawn in. Some 
 horses which are undoubtedly roarers make very little noise, 
 and it is therefore difficult for an unskilled person to detect 
 their infirmity. If well lunged, or sent a good spin round 
 a field, or in the case of heavy horses if they are given a 
 considerable weight to draw, the sound will always be heard. 
 Most, if not all, roarers will give a grunt if suddenly startled, 
 and hence the method of going up to a horse quickly and 
 threatening to hit him is often tried as a test of roaring. It 
 is not every horse which gives a grunt under such conditions 
 that is a roarer, which fact may be remembered. Once more 
 it may be stated that there is no cure for roaring, and there- 
 fore it is useless to indulge in experiments in that direction. 
 (See Grunting', Whistling.) 
 
 Rock Salt. — All horses are fond of salt, and it is very 
 
 278 
 
ROLLER — ROUND ACTION 
 
 good for them. Hence the desirability of there always being 
 a piece of rock salt in their mangers for them to lick. 
 
 Roller. — The wide piece of webbing which is buckled 
 round a horse to keep his rugs on. (See Clothing.) 
 
 Roller Cloth. — The thick piece of cloth which is some- 
 times placed on a horse's back under the roller for the sake 
 of appearances. 
 
 Roman Nose is the term applied to the formation of 
 face which rises above the nose, giving the lower part of the 
 head a common expression. 
 
 Roofs. — The best roofings for stabling are slates, tiles, 
 and thatch, all of which possess the advantage of providing 
 a good resistance from the weather and of more or less 
 durability. Of the three perhaps thatch is the pleasantest 
 for the horses to live under, provided that it does not harbour 
 ticks and other pests, as it is cool in summer and warm in 
 winter ; but it does not last so long as the others, and 
 excepting in country places would be prohibited by the local 
 authorities, as it increases the risks of premises taking fire. 
 For the same reason weather-boarding, or match-boarding 
 covered by felt cannot be thought of for town use, but under 
 any circumstances neither of these equal the above for stable 
 purposes, though they do well enough for sheds and out- 
 houses which may be used as temporary accommodation, or 
 for common horses. Corrugated iron, excepting that it is 
 rain-proof, is a thoroughly bad material for roofing, as it is 
 hot in summer and very cold in winter. It is costly, more- 
 over, as it has to be laid on match-boarding, otherwise there 
 is a constant dripping from it owing to the condensation 
 of the air. 
 
 Roughing. — See Frost Nails. 
 
 Round Action. — A horse is said to possess round action 
 
 279 
 
ROYAL COMMISSION— RULE OF THE ROAD 
 
 when he shows no liberty or dash as he moves. Many 
 highj^moversjhave this fault, as they lift their knees almost 
 
 up to their bits and put their feet down in nearly the same 
 place from which they picked them up. Such horses 
 invariably lack back action and propelling power. (See 
 Free Action, Propelling Power.) 
 
 Royal Commission on Horse-breeding. — See Premiums. 
 
 Royal Mares. — The description applied to the mares, 
 believed to be of Eastern blood, which King Charles II. 
 imported into this country with the object of improving the 
 native breed. 
 
 Rugs. — See Clothing. 
 
 Rule of the Road. — The rule of the road in England is 
 keep to the near side, excepting when passing the vehicle 
 in front of you, which you must do on the off side. In 
 
 280 
 
RUMBLE — RUN 
 
 most other countries, if not in all, the rule is exactly the 
 reverse. An exception is made here, too, in the case of 
 horses which are being led in country districts, as it is the 
 more usual practice to take them on the off side, so that 
 the person leading them is next the footpath, which makes 
 it less easy for the horse, if viciously inclined, to injure 
 pedestrians. In towns, however, the traffic would become 
 disorganised were this method to be adopted. When two 
 vehicles meet at cross-roads, it is the rule for that coming 
 from the less important road to give way to the other. All 
 vehicles moving at a walking pace should keep close to the 
 side of the road. 
 
 Rumble. — The seat behind a carriage on which the 
 servants sit. (See Dickey?) 
 
 Rum Pony. — The Isle of Rum pony was first patronised 
 by the then Earl of Salisbury in 1840, and he, being doubtle.ss 
 actuated by the best intentions, introduced a thoroughbred 
 sire into the island with the object of adding quality and 
 generally improving the breed, the result being that the true 
 Rum blood is extinct. Previously, the ponies had run wild 
 on the island, but of late years many of the best specimens 
 have been brought into England, where their merits are 
 warmly appreciated by those who have become possessed of 
 them. They are mostly dark in colour, their heads being 
 rather plain, but their legs, feet, and quarters are usually 
 excessively good, whilst their powers of endurance and 
 sure-footedness are remarkable. The height is, or was, about 
 14 hands, and their constitutions being so robust. Rum ponies 
 are capable of getting through a good deal of hard work on 
 poor, and sometimes insufficient, food. 
 
 Run. — A horse is said to run when his action is a 
 compromise between the canter behind, and the trot in front. 
 It is an awkward-looking, useless gait, and only met with 
 in the case of animals of little merit which have been badly 
 broken. (See Action?) 
 
 281 
 
RUNNING GEAR — RUPTURE 
 
 Running Gear. — See Lock^ Under-carriage. 
 
 Rupture, or Hernia, is a trouble which is far beyond the 
 power of any amateur practitioner to dream of dealing with ; 
 consequently, the only advice that can be offered on the 
 subject is for the owner of a ruptured horse which suddenly 
 develops the infirmity to seek professional advice at once. 
 The distinction between hernia and rupture is that in the 
 case of the former the intestine protrudes through a natural 
 opening, and in that of the latter through the muscular walls, 
 though not through the skin. Hernia is said to be reducible 
 
 Ruptuie Truss. 
 
 when the part projecting can be replaced in its former 
 position, irreducible when this cannot be done, and strangu- 
 lated when the circulation of the blood is interfered with, 
 causing inflammation to set in, and these may be produced, 
 amongst other causes, by a sudden strain. Foals frequently 
 display the effects of rupture in the region of the navel, this 
 being often a hereditary weakness. In such cases a wide 
 bandage may be passed round the body to keep the pro- 
 truding part in its place, or a specially designed truss may 
 be used with possibly satisfactory results. 
 
 282 
 
RUST^SADDLE 
 
 Rust. — A parasitic fungus which grows on plants and 
 grasses in the form of a yellowish powder. It renders the 
 subject of attack unfit for horse's food, and if eaten may lead 
 to serious results. (See Bunt, Ergot, Mildew, Mouldy Forage, 
 Snnit.) 
 
 Rye is not a grain that can be recommended as a food 
 for horses, though heavy breeds occasionally have it given 
 them. (See Feeding.) 
 
 Rye Grass in the form of hay is regarded as a very good 
 food, for heavy horses especially, in some parts of the countr)-, 
 but it is best given mixed with clover, and under no con- 
 ditions is equal to the best upland hay. (See Hay.) 
 
 Sack. — A sack in corn measure equals 4 bushels. (See 
 Measures.) 
 
 Sacrum. — A bone consisting of five vertebrae welded 
 together upon which the pelvis rests. The five bones referred 
 to are not united in the case of the foal, but become so as 
 age increases. (See Croup, Pelvis, Vertebrcs.) 
 
 Saddle. — The fit of a saddle counts for more than many 
 owners appear to imagine, or otherwise they would endeavour 
 to provide a properly-fitting one for each horse in their 
 stables. As it is, they are usually perfectly satisfied if the 
 saddle suits them, and forget that if it is unadapted to the 
 horse, sore backs and other troubles are likely to result. 
 Many people, too, are foolish enough to be tempted into 
 purchasing a low-priced saddle under the belief that it is cheap, 
 whereas in reality it is nothing of the sort, as the materials 
 and workmanship are usually second-rate, and the thing soon 
 wears out, but probably not before it has effected some injury 
 upon the horse. Saddles, of course, vary very considerably in 
 weight, from the 5 lbs. polo type to the massive arrangement 
 which provides a comfortable seat for the welter weight. 
 
 283 
 
SA DDLE-CLOTH—SALT MARSHES 
 
 The names of the different parts of a saddle are, the gullet 
 plate, skirt, twist, seat, cantle, and flaps, which are all 
 described under their respective headings. The flaps, which 
 are the parts forming the covering of the stirrups, may be 
 made either plain or with a roll of leather at the front, which 
 assist the rider in keeping his seat, though they rather spoil 
 the neatness of the saddle. The latter should be made of 
 pigskin in preference to any other sort of leather, but some 
 riders prefer doeskin. (See Riding^ 
 
 Saddle-cloth. — The protection, usually of felt or leather, 
 worn under the saddle in cases of sore back, or if the stuffing 
 has become worn. (See Saddle?) 
 
 Safety Bars. — The object of these is to prevent the feet 
 of a rider getting hung up by his stirrups if he should 
 
 lose his seat, but though there are 
 several designs of these in existence, 
 there are plenty of riding men who 
 believe that if a stirrup is sufficiently 
 large there is no necessity to use a 
 safety bar. 
 
 Sallenders. — Cracks which ap- 
 pear in the skin at the fronts of 
 the hocks, the cause being the horse 
 lying with his fore - shoes rubbing 
 against the part affected. (See 
 Mallenders.) 
 
 Salt. — A little salt in their soft 
 food will often make horses eat, 
 and a pinch should be added to the 
 Saiiender. scaldcd oats and bran given to foals. 
 
 (See Rock Salt.) 
 
 Salt Marshes. — Many breeders of heavy horses approve 
 of turning stock out on marshland which is at times flooded 
 
 284 
 
SIDE-SADDLE, MRAICHT SEAT, I'LAIX ELAl'. 
 
 \To face page 284. 
 
SALT WATER — SAND CRACKS 
 
 by the sea, as they consider it beneficial to the constitution, 
 as well as the development of bone and hair on the legs. 
 All marshland, however, affects the quality of the bone, which 
 becomes soft and spongy through the damp, and hence no 
 animals which are intended for fast work on hard roads 
 should be raised on it, though it may prove beneficial to 
 horses recovering from laminitis, or ailments which set up 
 fever in the feet. (See Rings on the Feet.) 
 
 Salt Water. — In cases where the legs of a horse have 
 become worn from overwork, benefit is often derived from 
 walking them up and down in the sea for half an hour a 
 day, as the sinews become strengthened and the limbs 
 cooled. Many horses are extremely fond of drinking salt 
 water, which, taken in small quantities, may not be harmful, 
 but when a greedy animal is allowed to consume all that 
 he wants to, he is liable to blow himself out, and cause 
 internal inflammation and bladder troubles. 
 
 Sand. — Fine sea-sand is used sometimes as a bedding 
 for horses when other and more preferable materials are not 
 procurable. By itself, however, sand is not a good thing 
 to allow a horse to lie upon, as not only may it get into 
 the eyes, but it penetrates the coat and causes unnecessary 
 trouble to the groom. A more serious possibility is that 
 some of it may be swallowed, in which case it may lead 
 to fatal results. When sand has to be used, therefore, a few 
 inches of it should be laid on the floor of the box or stall, 
 the drains having been previously stopped, and a layer of 
 straw spread on the top. (See Bedding.) 
 
 Sand Cracks are fissures in the walls of the feet, which 
 usually appear at the inside quarter of the fore-foot or toe 
 of the hind one, extending downwards from the coronet. 
 They can cause a great deal of trouble if not taken 
 in time, for they are sure to increase in both length 
 and depth, and, of course, the horse will become lame. 
 Sand crack is the result of the horn of the hoof getting 
 
 285 
 
SAND CRACKS 
 
 Sand Crack. 
 
 into a bad state, and hence there is always a prospect of 
 its appearance in brittle hoofs. It comes on very gradually, 
 
 but when the fissure once appears 
 it quickly increases, until it some- 
 times extends down to the shoe, 
 the inner parts of the foot being 
 exposed. 
 
 Treatment. — The first course to 
 take is to check the progress of 
 the crack, and this can generally 
 be done by cutting a groove in the 
 wall of the hoof below the lowest 
 extremity of the fissure. The shoe 
 should be removed, and if the horse 
 can still be worked, the wall of the 
 foot under where the crack exists 
 should be pared away, so that it will not touch the shoe 
 if it is replaced, and by this course pressure will be removed 
 from the crack, but it will be better to use a bar-shoe. Then 
 the edges of the crack should be pared away, as otherwise 
 they will never unite, and the fissure may be fomented or 
 poulticed in order to reduce the inflammation and encourage 
 any matter which may have formed to drain away. A mild 
 purge should also be administered and the horse placed on a 
 cooling diet. When the pain and inflammation cease, it often 
 occurs that though the horse may be workably sound in other 
 respects, the crack in his hoof constitutes a danger, as it may 
 open and shut. In order to bring the two edges as close 
 together as possible, small notches should be cut near the 
 top of the crack and about \ inch from it, and long shoeing 
 nails driven through the horn on both sides so as to draw 
 the edges towards each other. The heads of the nails 
 will then be imbedded in the notches, and if the ends on 
 the other side of the fissure are clinched, the hoof will be 
 held together. As a rule, one nail on each side will suffice, 
 but if necessary more may be used. (See Bar-shoe, Clinches, 
 Hoofs, Poultices, Prescriptions.) 
 
 286 
 
SA NFOIN — SCA FULA 
 
 Sanfoin is a form of green food much appreciated by 
 horses, and, if not given in too liberal quantities to animals in 
 fast work, is undoubtedly beneficial to them, as it assists 
 in keeping the blood cool. (See Feeding, Green Food.) 
 
 Saturation. — A theory strongly believed in by many 
 breeders is that a mare which is repeatedly served by the 
 same horse and breeds a foal to him each time is likely to 
 produce offspring more and more like their sire every year. 
 It is contended that through the constant interchange of 
 blood that goes on between the unborn foal and its dam, 
 the latter becomes in time saturated by the blood of the 
 horse which is contained in the veins of the foal, and hence 
 the sire possesses a preponderating influence on the latter. 
 The preponderance of opinion is, however, opposed to the 
 correctness of the theory, though Darwin believed in it. On 
 the other hand, Professor Cossar Ewart, who has made a very 
 large number of experiments, using a zebra stallion as a 
 basis, has convinced himself that the idea of a previous sire 
 influencing the later offspring of a mare is an erroneous one, 
 and most practical horse breeders agree with him. 
 
 Savageness. — An irreclaimably evil-dispositioned horse 
 is very correctly known as a savage, and such animals being 
 a constant source of danger to all about them are best dis- 
 posed of by the owner of a working stud. (See Temper.) 
 
 Sawdust is often used as a bedding for heavy horses 
 and vanners, but it does not look well in a stable, and unless 
 spread thickly on the floor is scarcely a restful substance 
 for them to lie upon. When used, the drains must be stopped 
 up beforehand, else they will become choked, and it is best 
 that the sawdust should be covered by a layer of straw. 
 (See Bedding?) 
 
 Scapula. — The upper and broader joint of the shoulders. 
 
 287 
 
SCHLESWIG HORSE — SCHOOLING 
 
 Schleswig Horse. — This is a breed of heavy horses which 
 resembles the English Suffolk in type, being lighter in bulk 
 and more active than either the Shire or the Clydesdale. 
 It is much in favour for artillery purposes, omnibuses, and 
 street vans. The Breeders' Society, though not founded till 
 1 891, rapidly established confidence by the rigorous tests 
 to which all horses are subjected before entering them in 
 the Stud Book, and the demand for this type of horse is 
 steadily increasing. They are bred in the Duchy of 
 Schleswig, in the territory between Konigsaue and the 
 Eider river. 
 
 Schooling a horse differs from breaking a colt inasmuch 
 as the former term is usually applied to the education of 
 an animal which has already been through the hands of a 
 breaker. All horses are capable of having their action and 
 manners improved, excepting in a few hopeless cases, if 
 proper attention is paid to the development of these qualities, 
 and this is called schooling. The trotting action is doubtless 
 the one which, above all others, is susceptible of improvement, 
 and amongst the various methods of encouraging a horse to 
 step high is to trot him on a straw bed, as he will have to 
 pick up his feet to clear the loose straw. Some trainers make 
 their charges trot over baulks of timber, so arranged as to 
 suit the stride of the animals, but this practice is calculated 
 to injure the horse, and is very rarely adopted and then only 
 in exceptional circumstances. The most common course to 
 pursue is to place weights upon the lower parts of the legs 
 just above the fetlock joints, or to shoe the horses very 
 heavily. The weights are made of india-rubber tubes filled 
 with shot, which can be buckled or otherwise secured to the 
 limb, and no doubt they are most useful in teaching a horse 
 to step. Heavy shoes are now prohibited at several of the 
 principal shows, the committees of which limit the weight 
 of the shoes worn in the judging ring by ponies and yearlings 
 to l^ lbs. weight apiece, and in the case of all other animals 
 to 2 lbs. (See Breakings Schooling a Jumper^ 
 
SCHOOLING A JUMPER 
 
 Schooling a Jumper, — In training a horse to jump, it 
 is best to commence operations while he is quite young by- 
 making him cross a low bar to reach his food, gradually 
 raising it till he can clear about 3 feet; when he is old 
 
 Champion American jumper, Heatherbloom. 
 
 enough to be mounted start again at the lowest jump and 
 take him gently over, increasing the height as he becomes 
 proficient. 
 
 It very often occurs, however, that the horse is an adult 
 when he is first put to a jump, in which case the process is 
 not quite so simple. When commencing operations, it is 
 wise to select a steady horse to lead the novice over the 
 rails, taking care to pick one who will not, under any 
 
 289 T 
 
SCOTTISH PONIES — SECOND THIGH 
 
 circumstances, refuse, as this is a bad habit, more easily 
 acquired than got rid of. The older horse instils confidence 
 into the pupil, and thus renders the tuition easier. When 
 commencing operations, take him into an empty field and 
 put him at a 2-foot jump which has wings 12 feet in length, 
 and let him hop over ; should he refuse, be most patient, 
 as severity has demoralising effects on timid animals, and 
 gently persuade him to rise to it. If he will not jump, get 
 off and lead him over, and in time he will go with his rider 
 up, when he must be patted and praised. Never allow a 
 horse to turn his head at a jump, as this bad habit is most 
 difficult to eradicate ; gradually increase the height of the 
 rail, and as he gets to like the fun, do not permit him to rush 
 at it, but make him walk up to within 3 feet and then rise 
 with his body. 
 
 Always remember to practise him at the low jumps as 
 well as the high, and do not hang on to his mouth when 
 rising, but let the hands fall on to the neck, leaving his head 
 and limbs free, so that he will be able to get his hind feet 
 well up to avoid hitting the rail. As the speed is increased, 
 be very careful about the last point, for if he contracts this 
 habit it will result in a fall. 
 
 It is the practice of some continental breakers to fix 
 nails in the bar when the horse's education has progressed, 
 and to raise it when his body is in mid-air, so that he will 
 suffer pain unless he tucks his feet well up, but this is a 
 needlessly cruel method which cannot be commended. (See 
 Breaking^ 
 
 Scottish Ponies — See Garron, Rum, Shetland, and West 
 Highland Ponies. 
 
 Seat. — The seat of the saddle is the part between the 
 twist and cantle, on which the rider sits. (See Saddle.) 
 
 Second Thigh. — The second thigh, or gaskin, is the 
 part of the hind-leg which lies between the stifle and hock 
 joints. (See Hind-legs, Points.) 
 
 290 
 
SEEDY TOE — SELLING 
 
 Seedy Toe, which either very often succeeds an attack of 
 laminitis, or may result from the clip of the shoe pressing 
 too tightly, or concussion, is 
 usually caused by the horn of 
 the foot at the toe becoming 
 detached from the tip of the 
 coffin bone inside, though in ex- 
 ceptional cases other parts than 
 the toe are affected. Seedy toe 
 does not always produce lame- 
 ness, though it constitutes un- 
 soundness, and therefore if, on 
 the walls of the foot being 
 tapped at the toe, one of the 
 hoofs gives out a hollow sound, 
 its presence may be suspected. 
 
 Treatment. — The unhealthy 
 horn inside the wall must be cut away, and the growth of 
 the healthy horn stimulated by blistering. A bar -shoe 
 should be worn, and there should be no clip on the shoe 
 when the horse first returns to work, which will be after a 
 few weeks' rest in a box, or out at grass. (See Bar-shoe^ 
 Blistering^ Twning Out.) 
 
 Seedy Toe. 
 
 Selling. — If a man possesses a good, reliable horse of any 
 variety, he will find no difficulty in disposing of him, if not 
 for quite the price he would like to receive, at all events at 
 a profitable one. Should no purchaser be forthcoming from 
 amongst the circle of his friends, an advertisement will 
 usually secure a customer ; or, better still, the animal can be 
 sent to a respectable repository for sale under the hammer. 
 If so, he should be advertised beforehand, so that genuine 
 bidders may be attracted by his perfections, which, of course, 
 will have to be described, and if a warranty can be given so 
 much the better. Otherwise it is possible that private 
 buyers in want of just such a horse may not attend the 
 sale, and if so the dealers who are present are enabled to 
 
 291 
 
SESAMOID BONES — SHAFTS 
 
 secure a very cheap bargain ; but this can be avoided by a 
 reserve being placed upon the horse. (See Auction Sales, 
 Repositories^ 
 
 Sesamoid Bones. — The two bones at the back of the 
 fetlock. (See Bones, Fore-legs?) 
 
 Setter. — The apparatus worked with a movable arm, 
 which is placed under the axle of a vehicle to raise the 
 
 Setter. 
 
 wheels when they are being washed. (See Carriages, Care of.) 
 
 Shafts. — The best shafts of two-wheeled vehicles are 
 made of lance-wood, which is tougher, lighter, more springy, 
 and generally stronger than other sorts. A rotten or 
 weak shaft is a constant source of danger to those who 
 sit behind it, but, unfortunately, it is not easy for the non- 
 expert to ascertain their quality or the material of which 
 they are made owing to the coating of paint and varnish by 
 which they are covered. Hence the wisdom of dealing with 
 respectable firms, or having a second-hand trap examined 
 by an expert before purchasing. Shafts may be either 
 straight, partially straight, or curved, the latter shape being 
 adopted when a horse is being driven in a trap which would 
 otherwise be too low for him. (See Carriages.) 
 
 292 
 
SHA VI NG — SHEL TER 
 
 Shaving. — It is the practice of some owners who are 
 desirous of making their horses appear particularly smart 
 to shave the animals after they are clipped. It is not, 
 however, in the least necessary to incur the trouble of so 
 doing, especially as if the desired effect is to be kept up, 
 the operation must be frequently repeated. (See Clipping, 
 Singeing.) 
 
 Sheath. — The covering of the penis. 
 
 Shedding Coat. — A horse sheds his coat twice a year, 
 namely, in the autumn and spring. In the former instance 
 the new coat is longer than the old one, whilst in the case of 
 the spring coat the reverse is the case. (See Coat.) 
 
 Sheds. — All sheds which are erected for the accommoda- 
 tion of horses, whether in a meadow or straw yard, should 
 possess waterproof roofs. If not they are worse than use- 
 less, and the animals had better be left out in the open, as 
 a succession of heavy drips will penetrate their coat sooner 
 than rain, and if wetted through they are naturally sus- 
 ceptible of chills. Many sheds are left open, or partially 
 open, in front, and some owners are very careless as regards 
 the manner in which the sides and back are boarded. As a 
 consequence, the shelters are very draughty and the animals 
 contract chills which they would not be so likely to do if 
 out in the open, as a horse can stand cold pretty well, but 
 is liable to be affected by draughts. The best roofs for such 
 sheds are, of course, thatch, slates, or tiles, but these are 
 too expensive for most owners, who will find old-fashioned 
 weather - boards, or plain match - boarding with felt laid on 
 it, amply sufficient for their wants, provided there is a good 
 slope and the felt is dressed with pitch. (See Hovels, Straw 
 Yard, Turning Out.) 
 
 Sheet. — See Clothing. 
 
 Shelter. — Although horses which are out at grass often 
 
 293 
 
SHELTIE — SHIRE HORSE 
 
 get along very well without shelter of any kind, unless it be 
 a tree, it is always best to provide them with a refuge from 
 the inclemency of the weather, and a place in which to feed 
 them. (See Hovels, Sheds, Turtiing Out.) 
 
 Sheltie. — A term derived from Hjaltland, the original 
 Scandinavian form of Scotland. (See Shetland Potty.) 
 
 Shetland Pony. — This breed, also known as the Sheltie, 
 is a native of the Shetland Islands, and is noted for its small 
 size and great vigour. These ponies live entirely in the open, 
 and at times of scarcity have often been known to eat seaweed. 
 The recognised height is lo hands 2 inches, and the colours 
 brown, black-brown, or bay, with an occasional chestnut or 
 piebald. They are exceptionally long-lived and hardy, and 
 work well on poor food, having few equals for endurance; 
 hence the demand that exists for their services by owners 
 of coal mines. The chief characteristics of the breed are a 
 broad and rather short head ; large, intelligent-looking eyes ; 
 a rather thick neck ; a short, broad back ; short, heavy- 
 boned legs ; and a general air of determination and strength 
 in spite of their smallness of stature, which should not exceed 
 10 hands 2 inches. In one respect the Shetland is the most 
 fortunate of all the breeds of horses, inasmuch as it has 
 hitherto escaped being the victim of well-intentioned people 
 who, under the guise of attempting improvements, introduce 
 fantastic crosses into the variety they have in hand. 
 
 Shire Horse. — Whether the Shire horse is a descendant 
 of the old English war - horse or not is a question 
 that is open to much doubt, as he very probably is ; but the 
 fact remains that for a great many years past this country 
 has been famous for its breed of big cart horses, which 
 are now known under the name of Shires. There is no 
 doubt at all, moreover, that the modern Shire horse owes a 
 good deal of its excellence to the sagacity and enterprise of 
 the successive British kings who imported big horses from 
 
 294 
 
SHIRE HORSE 
 
 abroad to increase the size and development of the native 
 breeds. King John, though not the first monarch to adopt 
 the above plan, was evidently a lover and a good judge of 
 horses, and he brought over from Holland and Flanders 
 one hundred stallions to improve the British horses. Edward 
 II. and Edward III. were also keenly interested in the breeding 
 of horses, and of later sovereigns King Henry VIII. accom- 
 plished a good deal in the way of adding to the size of the 
 existing breed, as he issued some strong edicts against per- 
 mitting small stallions to be allowed on the breeding grounds. 
 
 Like all the breeds of British utility horses the Shire 
 suffered from the building of railways ; in fact, some thirty 
 years or so ago — that is, about the end of the 'seventies — the 
 cart horse, generally speaking, was not in a very good position, 
 and might have died out altogether had it not been for the 
 support of some of his admirers, who decided to form a 
 Shire Horse Society. The title was selected with the object 
 of excluding Clydesdales and Suffolks from the benefits 
 offered to the particular variety of heavy horse the interests 
 of which the society was formed to support, and hence the 
 selection of the name Shire horse, which was adopted in 
 order to distinguish it from the others, which have now 
 societies of their own. 
 
 Since those days the fortunes of the breed have steadily 
 improved ; in fact, no variety of horse, with the exception 
 only of the thoroughbred, has been fortunate in securing 
 more aristocratic patronage, amongst the most successful 
 breeders of Shires being His Majesty King Edward. Of 
 late years, too, the tenant farmers of England, who, needless 
 to add, have benefited immensely by the increased demand 
 for Shires, have largely devoted themselves to the business 
 of breeding this class of animal, and with immense advantage 
 to themselves. 
 
 The head of the Shire should unquestionably be massive ; 
 in fact in some cases it is almost too much so, the result 
 being prominent foreheads and thick jowls, whilst Roman 
 noses, which would be regarded as disfigurements in the case 
 
 295 
 
SHIRE HORSE 
 
 of other breeds, are not regarded as objectionable features. 
 The forehead should be broad and the eyes of a good size, 
 but not too prominent, the ears are long and rather pointed, 
 the neck very powerful and of moderate length, and the 
 shoulders well supplied with muscle, fairly long and 
 moderately sloped. If they are very long and laid back 
 they are not likely to carry as much muscle as is required 
 in a heavy draught horse, which is not expected to move 
 fast, but to draw very heavy loads. A Shire should possess 
 plenty of girth, long back ribs, and very powerful loins ; 
 whilst his quarters must be long, level, and muscular, else he 
 could never move the heavy loads he is called upon to draw. 
 The chest is wide and the fore-legs big and heavy in bone, 
 with big knees and a wealth of hair extending from the 
 backs of these down to the pasterns ; and this hair or feather 
 should be silky in texture and free from curl. The dis- 
 believers in hair upon the legs of Shires maintain that it is the 
 cause of grease, and renders its possessor unfitted to work 
 on heavy soils. On the other side, it is asserted that hair 
 is associated with heavy bone such as a Shire horse should 
 possess. The bone of this breed is not, however, of the same 
 density as that of most of the lighter varieties, probably 
 owing to the fact that the heavy clay soils upon which so 
 many Shires are raised is opposed to closeness of grain and 
 hardness of bone ; but in the case of horses which are only 
 called upon for slow work the quality of the bone is a matter 
 of less importance than the quantity. 
 
 The hind-legs of the Shire are a little inclined to be 
 straight, as this formation is better adapted for starting a 
 heavy load than if the stifles and hocks are bent ; the hocks 
 require to be clean and broad in front, and the pasterns all 
 round must be powerful and just of fair length. Practically 
 all colours are found in the Shire horse, but of late years 
 there has been a perceptible increase in the number of 
 chestnuts, whilst the old-fashioned roans have become much 
 rarer. 
 
 296 
 
SHI VE RING — SHOEING 
 
 Shivering is the result of weakness of the nervous system, 
 which exercises an evil influence upon some of the hind 
 muscles of the horse. To some extent it resembles string- 
 halt, as the hind-legs are moved stiffly from the ground, but 
 a shiverer cannot be backed without the muscles twitching 
 considerably, and in many cases the tail being moved up 
 and down. Many shiverers, if they fall or lie down, are unable 
 to get up, owing to the failure of their back muscles, and 
 the disease unquestionably constitutes unsoundness. It is 
 also hereditary and incurable. (See Jinked Back, Nervous 
 Systetn.) 
 
 Shoeing. — A good deal depends upon the manner in 
 which the foot is prepared for the shoe, especially in the 
 case of young animals which are being shod for the first 
 time. As a commencement, the walls of the hoof will have 
 to be levelled, and here the main difficulty lies, as if the two 
 sides are not level, unnecessary strain is placed on the limb 
 above. In levelling the foot, consideration should be paid 
 to the length and slope of the pastern, for upon these a great 
 deal will depend, as a considerable difference exists between 
 the ways in which a long- and a short-pasterned horse puts 
 his foot upon the ground ; whilst naturally the slope of the 
 outside wall in front will also have to be considered, as will 
 the thickness of the foot itself On no account should great 
 slices of the sole be carved away, as so many farriers delight 
 in doing ; all that requires removing is any superfluous new 
 horn that may have recently formed, but the soles should 
 be left as hard as possible, as if too closely pared they 
 become soft, and consequently tender. In fact, the man 
 who follows out the practice of paring away the sole until 
 the surface is so soft that it springs to the thumb is inflict- 
 ing injury upon the horse. The frog should not be touched 
 unless it is covered by loose flakes of horn, which may be 
 removed, but on no account should the frog itself be 
 tampered with, nor should the farrier be allowed to indulge 
 in the pleasure of opening up the heels, that is, cutting 
 
 297 
 
SHOEING SMITHS 
 
 through the wall where the heels turn inwards and form the 
 bars of the foot, as this absolutely unjustifiable act produces 
 no effect but to weaken the whole structure of the foot. In 
 short, unless the shoeing smith is known to be a capable and 
 conscientious man, no horse's foot should be entrusted to his 
 tender mercy, unless some capable person supervises the 
 shoeing operations. {S&e Hoofs, Shoeing Smiths, Shoes, Tips.) 
 
 Shoeing Smiths. — The power of the farrier or shoeing 
 smith is far greater than many people imagine, as upon his 
 efficiency and conscientiousness the whole future of a horse 
 may depend. Unfortunately, however, a very large number 
 of shoeing smiths either are incapable or else indifferent to 
 the responsibilities of the position they occupy, and hence 
 the undoing of many a good horse. Fortunately, some men 
 are real craftsmen, and evince a genuine pride in their work, 
 which it is a delight to the practical horse owner to see 
 them engaged upon, but unhappily their number is limited, 
 and it is difficult to discover them. Far more common is 
 the semi-educated savage who by his roughness scares a 
 foal or a naturally nervous horse to such an extent that it 
 imbibes habits of restiveness which it would never otherwise 
 have acquired. This is the sort of man who hits a horse 
 with his hammer, who slices away the frog and bars of the 
 hoof, who cuts away the walls to fit the shoe instead of 
 making the shoe to fit the foot, who applies the shoe red- 
 hot for minutes at a time, who rasps the outside of the 
 walls and thereby destroys them, and who drives his nails 
 so carelessly that if the horse is not actually pricked, he 
 goes lame in the course of a day or two. The ignorance 
 and incapacity of some farriers are almost criminal, and 
 the worst of it is that the more inefficient they are the 
 more vanity they possess and the greater is the possibility 
 of their surreptitiously developing some pet theory for shoe- 
 ing their victims, which the owner only discovers when the 
 mischief has been accomplished, as it is impossible to expect 
 him to accompany his horse to the forge on all occasions. 
 
 298 
 
SHOES 
 
 The only safe course for him to pursue is to hold his coach- 
 man or groom responsible for any experiments the shoeing 
 smith may indulge in, and if neither he nor his servants 
 understand the requirements of the case, he ought to obtain 
 the advice of a veterinary surgeon and insist upon having 
 it carried out to the letter. Why it is that the Farriers' 
 Company and other ruling bodies do not offer special induce- 
 ments to capable shoeing smiths to come forward and, by 
 passing a special test, receive diplomas of efficiency, it is 
 impossible to imagine, as the farrier who won honours of this 
 kind and could publish the fact would be a blessing to 
 owners and earn a fortune for himself. No doubt any man 
 can shoe a horse — somehow — after a little practice, but it 
 requires a clever, brainy, conscientious man to be an artist, 
 and to possess a knowledge of a horse's hoof Far too 
 common, however, is the smith who earns his night's repose 
 by something accomplished, something done, that will leave 
 its effects upon a horse for many a long day to come, even 
 if it has not ruined him altogether. (See Shoes.) 
 
 Shoes. — Regarding the pattern of the shoes for horses 
 a very great deal must depend upon the state of the hoofs 
 
 Ordinary Shoe. 
 
 Shoe for Cutting (the dotted lines 
 show the outhne of the hoof). 
 
 and the sort of work which the animals are called upon to 
 perform. A heavy shoe has the effect of making its wearer 
 
 299 
 
SHOES 
 
 step high, but it involves a vast amount of exertion on the 
 shoulder ; calkins are useful in assisting horses to back heavy 
 loads, but bring the feet off the level, and it is desirable that 
 there should always be a clip at the toe, and one at each 
 
 Three-quarter Slioe. 
 
 Shoe for Cutting and Overreach 
 (the dotted lines show the outline 
 of the hoof). 
 
 Tip. 
 
 Hind-shoe for Overreach, with 
 bevelled inner edge. 
 
 quarter as well, if there is hard work before the horse, lest 
 his shoe may be torn off. The above are general rules for 
 observance, and after this has been done each case must 
 stand upon its own merits, as even the number of nails used 
 must depend upon circumstances, but the fewer the better 
 so long as the shoes remain on the feet. Though very often 
 
 300 
 
SHO ULDERS — SH YING 
 
 more are used, five nails, two on the inside and three on the 
 outside, will be sufficient for a light horse in front, whilst 
 three and four nails respectively will be enough for his back 
 shoes ; but under all circumstances the shoes must fit, and 
 the nail-heads should also fit the holes in them. If it is 
 necessary to apply the shoe hot to the foot in order to see 
 how it fits, the iron should be red-hot at the time, as then it 
 has only to touch the horn instantaneously, whereas if it is 
 comparatively cool the contact must be longer and the 
 natural oiliness of the horn will be affected and the feet 
 become dry. On no account whatever should the outside 
 walls of the hoof be rasped, and the clinches should be neat 
 and effective, else injury to the horse's opposite leg may 
 occur. In cases of overreach, speedy cut, and other injuries 
 to the limbs, an alteration in the shape of the shoes often 
 affects a cure, and hence importance attaches to the illustra- 
 tions of specially designed shoes which are referred to in the 
 descriptions of such injuries. (See Shoeing Smiths, Tips?) 
 
 Shoulders. — The shoulders of a horse extend from the 
 withers to the front of the chest, and consist of two bones, the 
 scapula and humerus. They should be long and sloping, 
 as a well-laid-back shoulder, and especially a narrow one, 
 represents speed, easy action, and elasticity of movement. 
 A thick shoulder, on the other hand, is more identified with 
 strength than speed, owing to the larger amount of muscle 
 it carries, and hence is usually found in cart horses, whereas 
 the narrow shoulder is associated with the lighter breeds, 
 and particularly the thoroughbred. The shoulder of a heavy 
 horse is not required to be as sloping as that of an animal 
 required for riding or light draught purposes, as a com- 
 paratively straight one fills the collar better and keeps it 
 in its place, and the cart horse is not a fast mover. (See 
 Action, Bones, Points, Speed?) 
 
 Shying is undoubtedly a very dangerous vice for a horse 
 to indulge in, and a confirmed offender is best got rid of, 
 
 301 
 
SHYING 
 
 without a warranty, of course, as even if his rider or driver 
 can control him, it is no pleasure to go about in constant 
 dread of an accident occurring if vigilance is relaxed for an 
 instant. Confirmed shyers are, however, not very common, 
 but there are hundreds of otherwise very serviceable horses 
 which, owing to defective vision or natural nervousness, 
 possess a pet aversion to some particular object, or a certain 
 part of a road, which they always shy at. In many cases this 
 tendency may be reduced, if not cured, by gentleness and 
 firmness, the only thing to do being to insist upon the horse 
 approaching the object that scares him, and having a good 
 look at it. If he can be got to smell it, so much the better, 
 and if the lesson can be repeated a few times he may get 
 over his nervousness altogether. A horse will very often 
 shy suddenly at something he sees which terrifies him, 
 thereby displaying the possession of a gift of self-preserva- 
 tion for which he is scarcely to be blamed, but the usual 
 fate that befalls him is to receive a thrashing, which simply 
 convinces him that his apprehensions were well founded, as 
 he naturally will associate the chastisement with the object 
 that scared him. On the other hand, if he is gently remon- 
 strated with at first — rougher language may be resorted to 
 later — and made to face the imaginary danger, the horse is 
 likely to arrive at the conclusion that he made a mistake, 
 and will therefore be wiser in the future. Each case of shy- 
 ing, however, should be dealt with on its own merits, and it 
 must never be forgotten that no animal is more easily con- 
 trolled by the human voice than the horse. If the shyer 
 suddenly whips round and refuses to face the cause of his 
 terror, some one will have to try and lead him up to it, but 
 the rider or driver should never dismount in case he may 
 take it into his head to bolt. An effective remedy for shying 
 in the case of some horses is to increase the size of the 
 blinkers so that the animals can scarcely see where they are 
 going, but this, of course, is impossible when riding horses 
 are concerned. Working a shyer in a pair alongside a 
 steady horse is also occasionally the means of gaining him 
 
 302 
 
SICKLE HOCKS — SIDE BONES 
 
 confidence, and certainly reduces the chances of risk to those 
 behind him. (See Boltings Sight.) 
 
 Sickle Hocks are hocks which are too much bent, and 
 are placed too far behind the horse. They are always a 
 sign of weakness, and a deficiency of propelling power. (See 
 Conformation^ Hocks, Points, Propelling Power.) 
 
 Side Bones are bony growths which form above the 
 coronet near the heel, and affect heavy horses far more often 
 
 Side Bone from outside. 
 
 Side Bone. 
 
 than they do light ones. They are undoubtedly a hereditary 
 form of unsoundness, but may arise from concussion, over- 
 work, sprains, and high calkins acting on limbs which are 
 predisposed to contract side bones. It often occurs that 
 they give the horse little trouble, so that he can be worked 
 as before, but in some cases they produce heat, tenderness, 
 and lameness, and the horse is constantly raising his heel 
 from the ground. 
 
 Treatment. — Stand the affected limb, or limbs, in cold 
 
 303 
 
SIDE REIN— SINEWS 
 
 water, and keep cold swabs applied. When the inflammation 
 is a little reduced, blister two or three times at intervals of 
 a fortnight. (See Blistering.) 
 
 Side Rein. — A rein which extends from the bit to a ring 
 in the surcingle. Side reins are used when horses are being 
 
 Side Rein. 
 
 broken, and often when they are being shown in hand, in 
 order to make them carry their heads well. (See Breaking^ 
 
 Sight. — Imperfect vision is a cause of many serious 
 accidents, as it may cause a horse to become so terrified 
 as to become beyond control at the appearance of some 
 object which becomes distorted by his bad sight. It is 
 wise, therefore, if any doubts should arise as to the vision 
 of a horse, to have him carefully examined before things go 
 too far, and if the professional report is against him, he should 
 forthwith be disposed of. (See Cataract, Eyes, Shying) 
 
 Sinews. — See Tendons. 
 
 304 
 
SINGEING — S/CE WBALD 
 
 Singeing is not as necessary as clipping is, but it adds 
 considerably to the smart appearance of a horse after he has 
 been clipped, and is useful in removing any ridges of hair 
 which the scissors or clippers may have left on. Moreover, 
 if an animal is singed every ten days or so after he has 
 once been clipped, a second clipping will be unnecessary, 
 and as the former operation, in the hands of a skilful man 
 is quicker than the latter, time will be saved as well as 
 the coat being kept down to a serviceable length. It is 
 much better and safer to singe by means of gas than a 
 naphtha lamp, but sometimes it is impossible to do so. (See 
 Clipping.) 
 
 Sitfast. — A warble which has been neglected or badly 
 treated is liable to develop into a tumour, usually but not 
 invariably hard, which may cause trouble if not attended to. 
 The only thing to do is to have it cut out by a skilled 
 practitioner, for though the operation is not a very serious 
 matter, it will leave a disfiguring scar if not conducted 
 properly. (See Warbles.) 
 
 Size. — The size of horses is a rather indefinite term, as 
 it is usually applied to the height, without taking either 
 weight or bulk into consideration. This, of course, is 
 misleading, and it would be far better if the American 
 practice of giving an animal's weight as well as his height 
 were practised in this country. Otherwise, a totally wrong 
 impression may be formed of a horse's size, as a i6-hand 
 animal may be high on the leg, narrow and deficient in bone 
 and muscle, or else very high at the withers, from which 
 point the height is taken, whilst a 15-hand one which is 
 shorter on the leg and lower at the withers may in reality be 
 by far the bigger horse. (See Evolution, Height, Measuring^ 
 
 Skewbald. — A horse marked with patches of any colour 
 excepting black on a white ground is described as a skewbald. 
 (See Colours, Piebald). 
 
 305 U 
 
SKID — SLA UGHTERING 
 
 Skid. — (a) a name for the brake which acts on the 
 wheels. 
 
 (b) a vehicle is said to skid when it suddenly moves 
 sideways, owing to the wheels failing to get a proper hold 
 on a greasy road. 
 
 Skin. — The skin consists of two porous layers, of which 
 the cuticle or upper one is insensible to pain, whilst the 
 lower one is very sensitive, being a mass of nerves and blood- 
 vessels. The skin is thicker in some places than others, and 
 for the most part the outer one is covered with hair, which 
 requires a regular course of grooming in order to remove 
 the scurf which forms and checks the action of the glands. 
 (See Grooming.) 
 
 Skirt. — The skirt of a saddle is the loose flap of leather 
 in front of the seat beneath which the girths are fixed. 
 (See Saddle.) 
 
 Slate Roof. — Slates form an excellent roof for stabling, 
 and in places where they can be procured cheaply are to be 
 recommended for the purpose. Their expense, however, 
 Is against them, but in their favour their durability must be 
 mentioned. (See Roofs, Thatch.) 
 
 Slaughtering. — The most common methods of destroy- 
 ing a horse is by either pole-axing or shooting him. The 
 former is the act of a professional slaughterer ; the latter is 
 usually that of an amateur, and the result is often a terrible 
 fiasco. The best way to shoot a horse is to blindfold him 
 and fire from a short distance right into his forehead above 
 the eyes. He will not fall forwards on to his executioner, 
 who should stand close to him. When a horse is down he 
 can quickly and painlessly be despatched by pithing, which 
 consists of driving the blade of a small knife into his vertebrae 
 between the atlas and axis, which see, also Pithing. 
 
 306 
 
SLEEP — SLINGS 
 
 Sleep, — Some horses, like some men, are very light 
 sleepers, and are disturbed by the slightest noise, the result 
 being that they come out in the morning unrested and unfit 
 for work. When, therefore, a horse seems to be mysteriously 
 languid, it is worth while trying to see if he sleeps properly, 
 and if not to remove him to a quiet stable apart from noisy 
 companions, whose restlessness and vagaries, such as kicking, 
 disturb him. In order to ensure quiet in the stable, ropes 
 or straps should always be used to secure the horses, as the 
 constant rattle of chains is enough to keep any animal 
 awake. (See Rest.) 
 
 Sleeping Standing. — Some horses never lie down, and 
 the habit is practically incurable, though cases have been 
 known of its being abandoned when the victim of it has been 
 placed in a loose box with a good bed under him. (See 
 Rest:) 
 
 Sleigh. — A serviceable sleigh for temporary purposes can 
 be arranged by removing the wheels of a pony-trap and 
 placing the body of the vehicle on runners. The difficulty 
 of getting a horse to fit the improvised sleigh owing to the 
 removal of the wheels may be overcome by using bent 
 shafts. 
 
 Slings. — In cases of broken knees, or other troubles 
 which affect the limbs and feet, it is often necessary to sling 
 a horse, and as in the case of accidents it is frequently 
 necessary to get his weight off his feet as quickly as possible, 
 it is desirable that a set of slings should always be ready 
 at hand. A simple arrangement is to provide a double piece 
 of canvas strong enough and large enough to sustain the 
 weight of a horse when placed under his body, and having 
 the two top ends, namely, those to which the lines for hoisting 
 him off his feet will be attached, supplied with eyelet-holes 
 for the ropes to go through. The edges of these ends should 
 also be of double or treble thickness, or, better still, a strong 
 
 307 
 
SLINGS 
 
 piece of wood or iron should be sewn in them in order to 
 keep them spread and to prevent the ropes pulling through 
 the eyelet-holes, and there should be straps to go round the 
 
 Slings. 
 
 breast and buttock. Above the place where the horse is to 
 be slung there should be a rafter with blocks attached, so 
 that the ropes of the slings can be run through them, and 
 the horse thus raised a few inches from the ground. Care 
 should be taken to see that the canvas is not wrinkled below 
 
 308 
 
SLIPPING — SOCIE TV 
 
 him, as if so the unavoidable discomfort of being placed in 
 slings will be increased ; and it may be added that it is 
 necessary that the ropes, blocks, and tackle generally should 
 not only be in good order, but strong enough for the work. 
 (See Nursing.) 
 
 Slipping. — A horse may slip from many causes, the most 
 common being a frozen or greasy road, or the smooth pave- 
 ment of a stable. In winter, when the roads are ice-bound, 
 the horses should be roughed, or have frost nails inserted in 
 their shoes, but in other cases careful driving is the only 
 precaution that can be adopted. (See Frost Nails^ Sprains.) 
 
 Smut is a parasitic fungus like soot, which grows on 
 grain and grass, and eventually kills them. As a matter of 
 course, forage that has been affected by smut is unfit for 
 a horse's food. (See Bunt, Ergot, Mildew, Mouldy Forage, 
 Rust.) 
 
 Snatch. — A term occasionally applied to a modified form 
 of string-halt, which see. 
 
 Snip is the small, white mark appearing on the nose of 
 some horses. (See Blase, Star.) 
 
 Soaping. — When a horse is nervous and excited he is 
 inclined to sweat, and very frequently a white, soapy-looking 
 froth appears on his neck where the reins come in contact with 
 it, and also between his hind-legs. This is referred to as 
 soaping. (See Fat, Sweating.) 
 
 Society. — Horses, being by nature gregarious animals, 
 enjoy society, and sometimes become depressed if left entirely 
 by themselves. In such cases a cat or goat, or, if out-of- 
 doors, a donkey, may be introduced to provide them with 
 company, and it is remarkable what strange friendships have 
 resulted from such associations. 
 
 309 
 
SOIL — SORE BACKS 
 
 Soil. — There can be no doubt that the nature of the soil 
 on which horses, and especially young ones, are kept affects 
 their development to a very considerable extent. Speak- 
 ing generally, a heavy, cold, clay soil is bad for all horses 
 excepting Shires which flourish on land where the herbage 
 is rich and profuse. For lighter breeds a dry, sandy sub- 
 soil underneath a rich loam is excellent, and so are subsoils 
 of limestone and chalk ; indeed the limestone districts are 
 preferred by most breeders of blood-horses and hunters. 
 Strong, undrained clay or marl and boggy land are most 
 objectionable if bone of the proper quality is desired. (See 
 Breeding Studs, Climate, Pasture) 
 
 Sole of the Foot. — The sole of a horse's foot should be 
 sound and concave, the horn being softer than that of the walls, 
 which renders it more susceptible to bruises and accidents. 
 At the back are the bars, frog, and heels, and its surface when 
 left in a natural condition is rather rough, owing to the 
 presence of flakes of loose horn. These are usually cleared 
 away by the farrier in the case of light horses which are at 
 work, but they have a use inasmuch as they retain moisture 
 and so increase the softness of the horn ; at the same time 
 these flakes do not improve the appearance of the horse's foot 
 when lifted off the ground. (See Bars, Foot, Frog, Hoofs) 
 
 Sore Backs may result from various causes, such as a 
 badly-stuffed saddle, sometimes with an indifferent rider on 
 the top of it, the chafing of the pad of the harness, or an 
 ill-made roller buckled too tightly over the clothing. Should 
 the horse's blood not be in a good state, a great deal of 
 trouble may arise from a comparatively small beginning, and 
 consequently the matter should be attended to forthwith, and 
 the cause sought for and dealt with afterwards. 
 
 Treatment. — Should the skin not be broken — that is to say, 
 if the sore is discovered in time — the swelling which will be 
 present should be fomented and a salt and water lotion 
 applied. If the skin is broken, dress with a lotion carbolic 
 
 310 
 
SOKE SHINS — SOUNDNESS 
 
 acid I part, sweet oil 20 parts. (See Fomentations ^ Galls, 
 Prescriptions^ 
 
 Sore Shins are the result of inflammation of the 
 periosteum, or membrane of the bone, and is the result of the 
 legs of young horses becoming jarred by fast work on hard 
 ground. Hence it is a not uncommon source of trouble in 
 training stables. 
 
 Symptoms. — The horse begins to go short and tenderly^ 
 whilst the fronts of the cannon bones are hot, and often the 
 legs swell. If not taken in time the trouble is liable to spread 
 to the fetlocks, and the consequences may be serious if they 
 fill. 
 
 Treatment. — Rest from hard work, give mild physic, and 
 apply cold swabs to the legs, after which, if there are still signs 
 that the trouble remains, the front of the cannon bone may 
 be blistered. (See Blistering^ 
 
 Sore Throat. — If there is a difficulty in swallowing and 
 tenderness when touched, the throat, after being fomented 
 with hot water, should be gently rubbed with liniment, to be 
 repeated at intervals. The food should consist of soft things, 
 such as mashes, scalded oats, or sliced roots, and a hood may 
 be worn. This course of treatment, if the horse is kept in 
 a warm, not an ill - ventilated stable, will usually put him 
 quite right in the course of a day or two. (See Liniments, 
 Prescriptions^ 
 
 Sorrel. — The colour is seldom mentioned now, but in 
 bygone days it was commonly referred to. Sorrel is a pale 
 chestnut, with some hairs of more than one darker shade 
 mixed with it. The colour is frequently referred to as dun 
 nowadays, but it is incorrect to do so. 
 
 Soundness. — It is extremely hard to draw a hard and fast 
 distinction between soundness and unsoundness, as in the first 
 
 311 
 
SPANISH FLY— SPAVIN 
 
 place there are very few horses indeed which could pass an 
 examination if the person making it was anxious to detect 
 some latent infirmity, and secondly, a horse may be quite 
 up to some sort of work, whilst he is unfitted for another. 
 Thus a hunter must be sound in eye, but a stone-blind horse 
 may do very well in harness ; or the former's joints may just 
 be able to stand a day's hunting if the going is soft, but if they 
 belonged to a trapper they might not take him a mile on the 
 hard road. Of course there are certain things, such as broken 
 wind, roaring, whistling, cataract, spavin, false quarter, and 
 ring-bone amongst others, which constitute undoubted un- 
 soundness, and in addition to such there are minor forms 
 of infirmity, the existence of which should cause a purchaser 
 to ponder seriously before he buys. 
 
 Spanish Fly. — A very useful ingredient of a blister, also 
 known as cantharides. (See Blistering, Prescriptions.) 
 
 Spanner. — A short, metal instrument used for turning 
 bolts. A spanner should be carried in every vehicle for 
 use in case of accidents. 
 
 Spavin, or, to be more explicit, bone spavin, is an 
 enlargement of the inner and lower part of the hock, and 
 may be hereditary, or the result of concussion and hard 
 work, which may set up inflammation and lameness. Rest 
 may reduce the latter somewhat, but a spavined hock is 
 always a stiff one, and the horse will generally be unsound 
 for life. 
 
 Treatment. — Rest, a purge, and cooling food. The spavin 
 may have cold bandages applied for a few days to reduce 
 the primary inflammation, after which the hock should be 
 blistered two or three times, allowing at least a fortnight 
 between each. Failing an improvement, the hock must be 
 fired. (See Blistering, Firing.) 
 
 312 
 
SPEED 
 
 Spavin. 
 
 Spavin shown from outside. 
 
 Speed. — The ability of a horse to move fast is, of course, 
 mainly dependent upon his formation, though naturally his 
 condition will have something to do with the matter. In 
 all cases the internal organs must not merely be sound, 
 but be provided with opportunities for discharging their 
 duties properly. Hence, room must be supplied for the 
 heart and lungs to work in, and therefore the chest should 
 at all events be deep, but if too wide the speed will be 
 diminished. A short neck is not conducive to speed ; nor 
 are short or heavy shoulders, though the chest of a cart 
 horse is broad, and his shoulders loaded with muscle, but 
 then he is not required to move fast. The back legs and 
 loins have a great deal to do with the speed of a horse, for 
 they supply the propelling power, and hence importance 
 must be attached to the formation of the joints, and the 
 
 313 
 
SPEEDY CUT — SPLINTS 
 
 manner in which the hocks are flexed. (See Hind-legs^ 
 Pi'opelling Power, Shoulders^ 
 
 Speedy Cut is the name given to 
 the injury caused by a horse hitting the 
 inside of a fore-leg below the knee with 
 the shoe of the other leg. Galloping 
 on heavy ground may cause the injury, 
 and so may faulty action. 
 
 Treatment. — Rest for a few days 
 and a constant application of cold water 
 bandages. If the wound looks angry, 
 hot fomentations may be applied in the 
 first instance. The horse should be 
 kept on a cooling diet, principally com- 
 posed of mashes and roots. In some 
 cases a three-quarter shoe should be 
 worn on the foot which hits the other, 
 and a boot should be worn over the 
 seat of injury. (See Boots, Brushing, 
 Cutthig, Overreaches, Shoes.) 
 
 Speedy Cut. 
 
 Splash-board. — The leather or wooden panel fixed on 
 the front of a vehicle above the splinter bar or ends of the 
 shafts in front of the driver. 
 
 Splinter Bar. — The bar of wood in front of a pair-horse 
 vehicle to which the traces are attached, and to which a 
 square iron frame is fixed for the pole to pass through. 
 
 Splints are, unfortunately, very common amongst horses 
 which do fast work upon hard roads, in which case they are 
 the results of concussion, but they may be caused by a blow, 
 or they may be hereditary, as undoubtedly splints run in 
 families. A splint is a small, bony lump on the cannon bone, 
 sometimes situated in the front, in which case it is not likely 
 to cause trouble, and sometimes at the back. In the latter 
 
 314 
 
SPLIT PASTERN 
 
 instance they attach themselves to the splint bones, and 
 create inflammation of the tendons and ligaments, the result 
 
 Splint shown from outside. 
 
 Splint. 
 
 being pain and lameness. Occasionally they appear near 
 the knee, the movement of which is affected by them. 
 
 Treatment. — Rest, cooling food, constant cold bandaging, 
 and a dose of opening medicine. Should the splint show no 
 signs of reduction and the lameness continue, the splint may 
 be painted with iodine twice a day, and if this fails, the 
 limb should be blistered or puncture fired. Of course, how- 
 ever, professional advice should be secured before the latter 
 operation is attem^pted. (See Blistering, Firing^ 
 
 Split Pastern. — A minor fracture of the large pastern 
 
 315 
 
SPLIT UP^SPRAINS 
 
 bone, the result of getting a foot in a hole, a twist, or 
 concussion. 
 
 Treatment. — If the case appears a severe one, the horse 
 should be put in slings ; if not, he should be bedded on a 
 thick layer of peat moss. The pastern should be enclosed 
 in a starch bandage, the hollow of the heel having been 
 previously plugged with cotton wool or tow, the horse being 
 fed on a low diet, and an occasional mild purge administered. 
 (See Slings^ Starch Bandage^ 
 
 Split Up. — A horse is said to be split up when his thighs 
 are deficient of muscle on the insides, so that he shows too 
 much daylight between them. 
 
 Spoke Brush. — A long, narrow brush with thick, hard 
 bristles, used for washing wheels. (See Carriages, Care of.) 
 
 Spokes. — The wooden or metal bars which connect the 
 outside rim of the wheel with the centre portion. (See 
 Felloe, Nave, Tyre) 
 
 Sponge Pad. — A strip of fine sponge about half an inch 
 thick, fixed between the wall of the hoof and the shoe, is a 
 very useful preventative against concussion, and may be used 
 with benefit to the horse in other cases of lameness. (See 
 Lameness, Pad.) 
 
 Sporadic Diseases are those which arise from ordinary 
 causes arising from without, such as bad food or exposure. 
 (See Enzootic, Epizootic.) 
 
 Sprains may be briefly described as injuries to ligaments 
 or tendons, which cause swelling, heat, and tenderness. 
 Should there be a swelling, the seat of the sprain is, of 
 course, easy to discover, but occasionally a lump on some 
 part of the body, accompanied by pain, is mistaken for a 
 sprain, though it may actually be the result of a blow, or 
 
 316 
 
SJ'RINGS 
 
 some similar injury. Consequently, it is not always easy 
 for a non-professional man to distinguish between the two, 
 but the effects of a blow will wear off more quickly than 
 those of a strain. 
 
 Treatment. — First and foremost, absolute rest is essential 
 for the cure of a sprain, and therefore the less a horse moves 
 for a few days the better it will be for him. Cold water 
 bandages and fomentations should, of course, be applied at 
 very frequent intervals ; indeed, if it is possible to do so, 
 the limb should be placed in a pailful of cold water, and 
 kept there for some time two or three times a day. The 
 application of some effective liniment, if thoroughly but 
 tenderly rubbed in, will assist in a cure. (See Liniments.) 
 
 Springs. — In the early days of carriage-building, even 
 as late as the reign of the Charles, a period at which only 
 royalty and nobility possessed coaches, they were hung upon 
 a perch carriage without springs. Not much inconvenience, 
 however, was felt, as these coaches were seldom used for other 
 than gala occasions, such as when monarchs and their suite 
 visited royalty or high civic dignitaries, and only travelled 
 at a very slow pace. It can easily be understood that all 
 coach-makers of that period were endeavouring to find some 
 mode of suspension which would give more ease and comfort 
 to the riders, more especially as they were at that time all 
 of high degree. 
 
 The next development was to fix carved standards at 
 each end of the perch, which extended some 3 or 4 feet 
 beyond the coach body, and suspend the body from the 
 four standards to each of the bottom corners of the body 
 with ropes or leather traces. This was found to give a 
 limited amount of ease to the riders. 
 
 The next development was the whip spring, so called 
 from its resemblance of the springs to the top of a whip 
 when the weight of the body was on. These springs were 
 attached to the standards and the leather traces to the top 
 of the spring. The C. spring of the present day is only a 
 
 317 
 
SPRUNG HOCK— STABLES 
 
 further development of the whip spring, the wooden standards 
 being dispensed with and the steel of the spring being 
 carried forward to the cross-bar of the perch. After the 
 introduction of the elliptic spring this was adapted to the 
 C. spring carriages mostly with a dumb top half, and is the 
 C. under-spring or eight-spring under-carriage which is now 
 used for the highest grade of carriage-building. (See 
 Elliptic Spring, Perch.) 
 
 Sprung Hock. — A hock is said to be sprung when there 
 is a considerable swelling at the back of it owing to a severe 
 sprain, which usually causes serious lameness, accompanied 
 by fever and considerable pain. 
 
 Treatnieiit. — Remove the shoe — as the horse will probably 
 not be workable again for several weeks they had better all 
 come off — apply some cooling lotion, and give a mild dose 
 of purging medicine. Keep on a low diet, and if the case is 
 a bad one put the horse in slings ; but it is best to send for 
 professional advice in the first instance if the sprain is a 
 severe one. (See Prescriptions^ 
 
 Squaring Tail. — Some skill is required to cut the ends 
 of the hairs on a horse's tail perfectly level and without 
 leaving any notches when it is desired to square it. The 
 best way to proceed is to tie a string round the end, and 
 then do the cutting. 
 
 Stable Equipment. — The following articles form the 
 necessary equipment of a stable : — two wooden buckets, one 
 body brush, one burnisher, one broom, two or more sets of 
 bandages (flannel and linen), one curry-comb, two or three 
 leathers, a corn sieve, one dandy brush, half a dozen dusters, 
 a manure basket, a corn measure, a comb for mane, paste 
 for harness and saddles, a picker, a pitchfork with blunt 
 prongs, two or three sponges, a shovel, half a dozen towels. 
 
 Stables. — The best aspect for a stable is a westerly one, 
 
 318 
 
5 TA G — STA GGE/?S 
 
 as then, if there are windows both in front of and behind the 
 horses, they get the morning and evening sun whilst avoiding 
 that of the midday, which is often too warm for them. If 
 they face the east or north they are exposed to cold blasts 
 of air every time the door is opened in the winter, and if 
 their floor stands on a slightly higher level than the ground 
 outside they will be drier. A common fault in the con- 
 struction of stables is inattention to the importance of proper 
 ventilation, and the drains in many expensively constructed 
 buildings are lamentably defective. As a rule it is the best 
 plan to avoid stabling a horse so that he can neither see nor 
 hear another animal, as a lack of society frequently leads to 
 the development of some undesirable stable vice. Old 
 stables are, as a rule, unhealthy, and not infrequently 
 verminous, especially if they are roofed with thatch that 
 has been allowed to get into a bad state, and no horses 
 should be put in such a place until it has been thoroughly 
 disinfected, lest its previous occupants may have left some 
 communicable disease behind them. (See Box, Drains, 
 Floors, Light, Roofs, Stalls, Ventilation^ 
 
 Stag. — An American term for a stallion that has been 
 castrated late in life. 
 
 Staggers is usually a result of some affection of the 
 brain, but an attack may also arise from indigestion ; indeed 
 it is pretty generally accepted that stomach trouble is, as 
 a rule, primarily accountable for both forms of staggers. 
 Sleepy staggers is often the precursor of mad staggers, and 
 its symptoms are dulness and loss of appetite, accompanied 
 by drowsiness and an evident difficulty in keeping on his feet. 
 The breathing and pulse are slow, and the little water that 
 is passed is very high in colour. Should the trouble be due 
 to entirely stomachic sources, the stomach swells and a good 
 deal of pus is formed, the other symptoms being the same 
 as the above. The treatment is a strong purgative and 
 an enema to relieve the bowels, and hand-rubbing of the 
 
 319 
 
S TA L ING — ^ TALL ION 
 
 stomach ; after the purge has worked and its effects passed 
 off, the following drench may be administered three times 
 every two hours and then every six hours. Aromatic spirit 
 of ammonia, i ounce, spirit of chloroform, i ounce, bicarbonate 
 of potash, \ ounce, water, 5| ounces. Mad Staggers is 
 often, but not always, preceded by an attack of sleepy 
 staggers, but its symptoms vary very decidedly. The horse 
 is feverish and restless, his pulse is very fast, and he will 
 often throw himself about as if he were mad, whilst his 
 dung is hard and dry and he scarcely stales at all. At 
 intervals he falls into a drowsy state, but the paroxysms 
 soon reoccur, and generally in a more violent form. If the 
 horse can be approached, the same treatment as that 
 recommended for the sleepy form of attack may be applied, 
 and ice or cold cloths may be placed on the head. In all 
 cases the horse should be kept quiet and in a darkened box, 
 but professional advice should be sought for in event of a 
 horse being attacked by mad staggers. (See [Megrims, 
 Sunstroke.) 
 
 Staling". — The act of passing urine. Some horses decline 
 to stale when they come in from work, in which case they 
 will often be induced to do so if a little straw is spread on 
 the ground under them. (See Heated Horses.) 
 
 Stallion. — The selection of a stallion is a matter of most 
 serious consideration for a breeder of horses, as a mistake 
 may prove extremely costly. As a general rule, the horse 
 to be selected is one who, by his looks, may be expected 
 to remedy the faults possessed by the mare ; but the breeder 
 does not act wisely if he judges by appearances alone. The 
 breeding of a horse, in short, is a most important factor 
 in relation to the selection, for no matter how handsome 
 a stallion may be, there is always a probability that his stock 
 will throw back to some more or less remote ancestor. It is 
 well for the owner of the mare to satisfy himself if possible 
 as regards the sort of foals the sire he would like to use 
 
 320 
 
S TA LLS — STAMINA 
 
 throws, and also to endeavour to satisfy himself as to whether 
 the blood of the horse is likely to cross well with that of 
 the mare. Many people entertain the belief that the sire 
 has most to do with the temperament of the foal, whilst 
 the mare influences its strength. (See Atavism, Back Blood, 
 Breeding, Brood Mare, Saturation.) 
 
 Stalls. — Speaking generally, it is better for horses that 
 they should be kept in loose boxes than in stalls, but space 
 has often to be considered, and there are many animals 
 which are best kept in stalls. The least that should be 
 allowed in the way of width for a full-sized light horse — 
 cart horses, of course, require more — is 5 feet 6 inches, but 
 
 6 feet 6 inches will allow them to lie down in more comfort, 
 but they will rest better in boxes with their heads loose, 
 and with plenty of room to stretch about in. The depth 
 of the partitions should not be less than 9 feet, and if 10, 
 so much the better, their height at the horse's head being about 
 
 7 feet, and at the other end about 5 feet 6 inches, the greater 
 height at the heads being necessary to prevent the horses 
 from biting each other. In many stables there is a space 
 left between the wall of the stable and the inner end of 
 the partition in order to secure ventilation for the stalls, 
 which often in hot weather become oppressively close, owing 
 to no current of air passing through them. (See BaleSy Drains, 
 Floors, Ventilation.) 
 
 Stamina is, undoubtedly, hereditary, but it is capable of 
 being developed to some extent in all horses by judicious 
 training, though it is impossible to transform a non-stayer 
 into a horse which can be capable of negotiating long 
 distances under pressure. A great deal, however, depends 
 upon the speed at which a horse is ridden or driven, as an 
 animal of very doubtful stamina will often get to the end 
 of a long journey in creditable fashion if his strength is 
 judiciously husbanded, and he is indulged with the oppor- 
 tunity of enjoying a blow, and getting his second wind 
 
 321 X 
 
S TANDA RD — S TA NDING 
 
 without being bustled all the way. The possession of stamina, 
 of course, depends a good deal on the question of wind, and 
 therefore any suspicion of unsoundness of the respiratory 
 organs is opposed to staying-power. There must also be 
 plenty of room for the heart and lungs to work in, and 
 hence depth of chest is essential to its presence, whilst 
 pluck, and an easy, smooth action are likewise indispensable. 
 (See Action, Courage, Speed, Stayei\) 
 
 Standard. — The height of a horse is taken by a standard 
 made out of a straight, upright piece of wood about 6 feet 
 high, and marked upwards from the ground in inches like 
 an ordinary rule, and so shaped that a straight cross-piece, 
 some 1 8 inches long, can slide up and down it. The horse 
 to be measured must be stood on level, hard ground such 
 as is provided by a flat piece of pavement, boards, or brick- 
 work — soft ground or grass will not ensure accurate results — 
 with the standard alongside him so that the cross - piece 
 can be slid down to the level of the top of his withers. This 
 being done, the distance from the ground to the bottom 
 of the cross-piece where it joins the upright represents the 
 height of the horse, as this can be ascertained by seeing 
 the number of inches on the standard. There are several 
 varieties of standard, all more or less complicated, and some 
 of these are undoubtedly improvements upon the above, 
 which, however, if used by a careful and experienced man, 
 will be found to be accurate enough. It may be added that 
 occasionally horses are very difficult to measure, as some are 
 fidgety, and others crouch when under the cross-piece, so 
 patience must be exercised. (See Hand, Height.) 
 
 Standing. — When a horse is standing still in harness 
 or saddle he should do so with all his legs placed well under 
 him, and carry himself upright. The practice indulged in 
 by some owners of horses of teaching the latter to stand with 
 their fore-legs stretched out in front and the back ones behind 
 is simply ridiculous. (See Stretching.) 
 
 322 
 
STANHOPE PHAE TON— STEEPLECHASE 
 
 Stanhope Phaeton is a lighter description ot mail phaeton 
 body hung upon Stanhope springs, and derives its name 
 from Lord Stanhope, who suggested that mode of hanging 
 
 Stanhope Phaeton. 
 
 to his coach-builder about the middle of the last century. 
 It is, like the mail phaeton, usually fitted with a leather hood 
 to the front seat, and has a seat behind for servants. These 
 two carriages are always made for a pair of horses. 
 
 Star. — The white mark which appears on the forehead 
 of many horses. (See Blaze, Snip.) 
 
 Starch Bandage. — To make a starch bandage, dip an 
 ordinary linen bandage into some liquid starch, and apply 
 to the limb whilst it is wet. When dried it will become 
 hard, and hold the limb as though it were in a splint. 
 
 Star-gazer. — A horse which carries his head too high is 
 called a star-gazer ; many of such are inclined to shy, as star- 
 gazing is frequently associated with a nervous temperament. 
 
 Stayer. 
 
 a stayer. 
 
 -A horse possessed of stamina is referred to as 
 
 Steeplechase. — A race across a country which includes a 
 
 323 
 
STEPPING — STINGS 
 
 variety of obstacles, either natural or artificial, but on a 
 recognised race-course, is thus described. Originally, no 
 doubt, a steeplechase was a point to point race over a 
 natural and unflagged country, the name being taken from 
 the church steeple which usually marked the position of 
 the winning-post. (See Point to Point Races.) 
 
 Stepping. — A horse which bends his knees unusually 
 well is described as a stepper, or high stepper, and appreciated 
 accordingly. The gift of high action of this kind is unquestion- 
 ably a natural one, but it can be developed and improved 
 by artificial means and careful schooling. A high stepper 
 is not a good horse for working purposes, as he is liable to 
 suffer from concussion if the going is hard. (See Action.) 
 
 Sterility. — A fat mare may often not prove to be in foal, 
 but this fact does not prove that she is a non-breeder, as 
 sterility may be due to either constitutional or physical 
 causes. It is recommended, therefore, should a mare not 
 prove to be in foal, that she should be examined by a veter- 
 inary surgeon, as it frequently happens that a minor opera- 
 tion may remove the cause of the barrenness. All mules 
 and hybrids, it may be added, are sterile. (See Barrenness, 
 Breeding, Brood Mare, Stallion?) 
 
 Sternum. — The breast bone. 
 
 Stifle. — The upper joint of the hind-leg. 
 
 Stings. — It often occurs that horses are stung by wasps 
 or bees, the result being that they suddenly appear to go 
 mad, and gallop recklessly about. When the cause is dis- 
 covered, the sting, if left in, should be pulled out with 
 tweezers if possible, and strong ammonia should be applied 
 to the place affected. The horse should be brought in and 
 kept quiet until his excitement wears off, r nd if the irritation 
 
 324 
 
STITCHING WOUNDS 
 
 continues a belladonna lotion may be applied to the sting. 
 In serious cases, or if, unfortunately, the sting is in the 
 mouth, which sometimes happens, professional service should 
 be sent for at once, as a dangerous swelling, especially if the 
 seat of injury is near or in the throat, is likely to appear 
 very quickly, and it may become necessary to insert a tube 
 in the windpipe. (See Tracheotomy.') 
 
 Stitching Wounds. — Silver wire is a better material for 
 use when wounds have to be stitched up than thread, as the 
 latter is liable to cause inflammation and pus to form, and 
 
 Curved Needle, for stitching up wounds. 
 
 the wire is easier to tighten or loosen as occasion may require 
 after the operation has been performed. Should the wound 
 be on a fleshy part of the body, it is better to try and close 
 it by bandaging, as the weight of the flesh is apt to cause the 
 stitches to tear through the skin. The best course to pursue 
 when the edges of a comparatively slight wound have to be 
 drawn together is to make each stitch or suture complete in 
 itself. This is called an mterrupted suture, and consists of 
 drawing each thread by means of a curved needle, and fix- 
 ing each one independently of 
 its neighbour. To do this the 
 edges of the wound should be 
 brought to as near their natural 
 position as possible, and the 
 point of the needle should be 
 pushed gently through the skin 
 at one side, across the wound, 
 and out at the other side, when 
 the wire should be knotted. Each stitch should be about 
 one inch apart, and the needle should enter the skin on one 
 
 325 
 
 Interrupted Suture. 
 
STOPPING THE FEET 
 
 Continuous Suture. 
 
 side of the wound and leave it on the other half an inch from 
 
 the edges, so as to allow 
 ^ for a good hold. Con- 
 
 tinuous sutures^ which are 
 stitches resembling ordi- 
 nary sewing, are not re- 
 commended as a general 
 rule, for if one has to be 
 tightened or loosened, the 
 whole may have to be undone; and very much better in 
 every way is the figure-of-eight suture, which is formed of 
 a couple of slightly-bent pins 
 run through the edges of the 
 wounds as directed in the de- 
 scription of the interrupted 
 suture, and then kept in their 
 places by soft threads wound 
 round them in a figure of eight. 
 These are very easy to fix, easy 
 to remove, and most efficacious ; 
 in fact, in the hands of an 
 amateur practitioner they are to 
 be preferred to the interrupted 
 suture, and in the case of some 
 wounds this is the best of all means for drawing the edges 
 together. The sutures should be carefully examined each 
 day, and if pus is found to be forming they should be re- 
 moved ; if, however, they continue healthy, they may be 
 kept in for about a fortnight, or perhaps less if all is going 
 on well, when they can be removed. It is very little use 
 attempting to close a badly-jagged wound by stitches, as 
 they are likely to pull through, and might have to be long 
 ones, and therefore bandaging is the best treatment for them. 
 Silver pins are the safest to use, but under no circumstances 
 should brass ones be placed near a wound. (See Cuts, Knots.) 
 
 Stopping the Feet is a practice of very doubtful value 
 
 ^26 
 
 Figure-of-eight Suture. 
 
J TOPS — STRANGLES 
 
 though some persons entertain the opinion that a stopping 
 of cow dung is most efficacious in cases where the horn of 
 the sole is deficient in moisture and the foot brittle. If the 
 flakes of horn which hang down from the sole are left on 
 they will attract plenty of moisture to the foot, or the horse 
 can be stood on a clay bed ; whilst as an application mutton 
 fat, if melted down, is far superior to cow dung, and can be 
 smeared on the walls of the feet as well as the soles. (See 
 Clay Bedding, Mutton Fat.) 
 
 Stops. — The pieces of metal which are let into the shafts to 
 prevent the tugs from working too far back. (See Pad, Ttigs.) 
 
 Stoves. — Although it is unnecessary to heat a stable 
 artificially, it is necessary that the coach-house and harness 
 room should be kept fairly warm. The best arrangement 
 to make in the case of small establishments is to have a 
 range fixed up in the harness room, as this will keep the 
 place warm enough during the cold weather, and if there is 
 a boiler attached, a supply of hot water will always be at 
 hand in cases of emergency. A gas stove may be sufficient 
 for the summer, but a coal fire is always best during the 
 winter. An oil or gas stove will suffice for heating the 
 coach-house, though hot-water pipes are preferable. 
 
 Strains. — See Sprains. 
 
 Strangles is an abominable form of disease which 
 usually attacks young horses — those over five years old rarely 
 suffer from it. It consists of a swelling in the channel between 
 the jaws which extends up to the throat, and is accompanied 
 by an offensive, thick discharge of a yellow colour from the 
 nostrils. Owing to the swelling of the glands the horse 
 experiences a difficulty in swallowing, and this, in addition to 
 the rise in his temperature and the discomfort he is enduring, 
 causes him to lose flesh rapidly. Strangles often succeeds 
 a bad cold, but it is undoubtedly " catching," as if it appears 
 
 327 
 
STRAW — STRAW YARD 
 
 in one stable in a district other studs are pretty certain to 
 
 have cases also. 
 
 Treatment. — Apply hot 
 fomentations and linseed 
 or bran poultices at fre- 
 quent intervals, in order 
 to induce the glands to 
 form matter, and make the 
 horse inhale the steam of 
 boiling water. Lance when 
 the abscess is sufficiently 
 ripe, keeping the wound 
 open with tow, so as to 
 let it drain. Keep the 
 patient in a warm stable, 
 
 and give Hay Tea, Gruel, and Mashes, which see, also Inhaling. 
 
 Poultice for Strangles. 
 
 Straw, though not a good food for light horses, is often 
 given in the form of chaff and mixed with hay to heavy 
 ones, by which it is consumed without injurious effects, though 
 it is not by any means nutritious, being extremely indiges- 
 tible. As a bedding, provided that the animals do not eat it, 
 straw is unapproachable, for it looks nice, and is an admirable 
 substance for horses to lie upon. The best of all for the 
 purpose is wheat straw, as it looks and lasts better. A truss 
 of straw should weigh 36 lbs., and a load 11 cwt., 2 qrs., 8 lbs. 
 (See Bedding^ 
 
 Straw Yard. — A straw yard — that is, a yard covered with 
 straw and having a shed attached to it — is a great advantage 
 to all horse owners, and an absolute essential to breeders, 
 as sick or young horses, and brood mares with their foals, 
 can be placed in these for purposes of observation, or during 
 bad weather, when it might be unwise to leave them lying 
 out. Many owners, however, are careless as regards the 
 draining and cleanliness of their straw yards ; indeed in some 
 places the stables drain directly into them, the result being 
 
 328 
 
STRE TCHING — i" TUMBLING 
 
 that the horses using such places are liable to contract foot 
 troubles. 
 
 Stretching". — An absurd practice which exists amongst 
 some owners of harness horses, those associated with hackneys 
 being the principal offenders, of teaching their animals to 
 stand with their fore-legs stretched out in front and their 
 back ones behind. The effect is not altogether pleasing, and 
 it reduces the height of a horse by inches. (See Breaking, 
 Standing^ 
 
 String-halt is the name applied to the upward, jerky 
 movement of the hock, which is observable in the action of 
 some horses when they walk or trot. In some cases one leg 
 is affected, in others both, and the string-halt is usually most 
 noticeable after the horse has had a long rest in the stable. 
 It is undoubtedly hereditary, being the result of a nervous 
 affection which controls the movement of the muscles ; it is 
 therefore incurable, and constitutes unsoundness, 
 
 SwUb. — The expression applied to a wound on the sole of 
 the foot which is caused by the animal treading upon a peg, 
 splinter of wood, or some similar object, and running it into 
 the soft horn or frog of his foot. 
 
 Treatment. — If the wound is severe a bran poultice may 
 be applied ; if not, careful washing and a few days' rest may 
 suffice to effect a cure, but it should be plugged with tow 
 to prevent dirt entering, and of course the shoe should be 
 removed. (See Poultices?) 
 
 Stud Farm. — See Breeding Studs. 
 
 Studs. — See Frost Nails. 
 
 Stumbling, which is a fruitful cause of broken knees and 
 other accidents, is the result of a faulty conformation of the 
 fore-legs or fore-hand, bad shoeing, or bad horsemanship, 
 
 329 
 
SUFFOLK HORSE 
 
 and very often it is a combination of all three. It may 
 occasionally happen, however, that an obstacle, or obstacles, 
 on the road may almost bring a horse down, or he may be 
 suffering from leg weariness and exhaustion, but in such 
 cases a careful, competent coachman will usually succeed in 
 keeping him on his feet. A horse with bad fore-legs and 
 heavy shoulders, or one which plaits his feet when moving, is, 
 however, always liable to fall, and should never be ridden, 
 as it is bad enough to have such an animal in harness. An 
 awkward, under-bred horse as often as not comes down all 
 of a heap after a bad stumble with serious results to himself 
 and those about them, and to prevent him blundering a 
 bearing-rein may provide some assistance. (See Bleeding, 
 Broken Knees , Cuts, Driving, Lacing, Plaiting^ 
 
 Suffolk Horse. — The Suffolk Punch, as he is generally 
 called, has been bred from time immemorial in East Anglia, 
 but the best modern specimens can be traced back in the 
 lame line to one stallion foaled in 1760. The breed is a 
 compound of Norman blood crossed with Suffolk cart mares, 
 and the colour is invariably chestnut. They are by far the 
 most nimble of the draught horses, and possess a great 
 reputation for docility, activity, and longevity. In appearance 
 they are long, low, and wide, with an attractive and refined 
 head, the stallions having a decidedly masculine look. The 
 neck is very powerful, and the crest strongly defined, the 
 shoulders long but not too sloping, and the middle-piece 
 very bulky (hence the soubriquet " Punch "). The legs 
 are short and flat in bone, which is of the best quality, 
 being very dense in character, and the pasterns short and 
 powerful. In height the Suffolk varies from i5f hands to 
 16.2 hands, and is of a bright chestnut colour, with no white 
 at all ; the legs are free from the hair which distinguishes the 
 other heavy breeds. They are remarkable for their endurance 
 and vitality, and will tug at a dead pull till they drop. The 
 interests of this breed are looked after by a strong society 
 which bears its name. 
 
 330 
 
SULKY— SUN- BONNE TS 
 
 Sulky is the name applied to the two-wheeled vehicle 
 used in trotting races. It only provides accommodation, in 
 the form of a very small seat, for one person, who sits with 
 his feet supported on the ends of the shafts on each side of 
 the horse. Sulkies for racing purposes have small wheels 
 fitted with pneumatic tyres, (See Trotter.) 
 
 Summering. — Many owners make it a practice of turn- 
 ing their horses out to grass for a short time every summer, 
 and it is a general custom amongst hunting men to do so, 
 but opinions differ greatly as regards the wisdom of the 
 proceeding. It is at all events very doubtful indeed whether 
 horses which are only out for a short time do not derive 
 more benefit from being summered in a straw yard or 
 spacious box, in which they can get plenty of air and shade, 
 and be beyond the persecution of flies which attack them 
 in the pastures. They certainly lose the advantage of 
 getting the dew upon their feet, though if this is desired they 
 can be turned out of a night and brought in when morning 
 comes ; but their feet can be kept pleasantly cool if their box 
 is covered with tan, which can be kept damp, and if it is 
 thought necessary the yard outside may be spread with 
 clay. If so, the latter must be kept wet during the hot 
 weather, otherwise it will bake as hard as bricks. Of course, 
 too, the horses must receive a liberal allowance of cut grass 
 at this time, though a little hay and corn should also be given. 
 (See Turning Out.) 
 
 Sun-bonnets are often provided by the owners of horses 
 for the use of their animals in the hot weather, but with 
 very doubtful advantage to their wearers, as the designs of 
 most of these encumbrances are altogether wrong. Most 
 sun-bonnets are made to lie flat to the poll, and so prevent 
 any air from reaching this part, the result being that the 
 good intentions of tender - hearted owners are entirely 
 frustrated, as the horses' heads are kept hotter than they 
 would otherwise have been. 
 
 331 
 
5 UNS TROKE — SURFEIT 
 
 Sunstroke. — Many horses suffer a good deal from the 
 heat of a hot summer, and these, naturally enough, are most 
 susceptible of sunstroke. 
 
 Symptoms. — As a rule an attack comes on suddenly — that 
 is to say, if the premonitory symptoms, quick breathing 
 and listlessness, have been unnoticed or disregarded. The 
 horse collapses all in a heap, and generally will lie perfectly 
 quiet and completely insensible. In others he will try to 
 get up, and dash himself about a good deal in his struggles, 
 which, however, rarely succeed in getting him on his legs. 
 That he is unconscious is easily proved by examining his 
 eyes, whilst the breathing is fast and feeble, and the pulse 
 very faint. 
 
 Treatment. — Apply the coldest water procurable to his 
 head and spine, using ice if it can be obtained. Means should 
 also be adopted to erect some sort of shade to protect him 
 from the sun without excluding the air, and his head may 
 be fanned by flapping a towel or piece of cloth in front of it. 
 When got back to the stable he should be kept cool and 
 quiet, roots and green food, or mashes, should be substituted 
 for his corn, he should also be allowed plenty of cold water 
 to drink, and if considered necessary, cooling medicine may 
 be administered. (See Medicines, Prescriptions?) 
 
 Surcingle. — A wide piece of webbing which passes round 
 the body of a horse and buckles on the near side. It is used 
 for breaking and exercising purposes, and can have a crupper 
 attached or not. The ends of the side-reins buckle on to the 
 sides of the surcingle. (See Breaking, Crupper, Side Rein.) 
 
 Surfeit. — Over-feeding, an impaired constitution, and 
 exposure to the heat of the sun are the most frequent causes 
 of surfeit, which usually takes the form of an eruption of 
 the nature of nettle - rash, causing considerable irritation, 
 and sometimes a loss of hair on the parts affected. In one 
 form of surfeit small blisters appear all over the body, 
 and eventually burst. These often drive a horse half mad by 
 
 332 
 
SURGICAL APPLIANCES — SWEDES 
 
 their itching, and if his teeth can reach them he will bite 
 himself almost to pieces, and this will cause bad wounds. 
 
 Treatment. — Reduce the allowance of corn, and give 
 plenty of green food and mashes. Liquor arsenicalis, about 
 I ounce per day, may be divided amongst the foods, and 
 the parts may be dabbed with a lotion of vinegar one part, 
 water twenty parts, or a lead lotion may be applied. It is 
 best to keep the horse unclothed, or with a thin linen sheet 
 on under his rug. (S.-e Prescriptions^ 
 
 Surgical Appliances. — See Medicines. 
 
 Suspensory Ligament. — This is placed between the two 
 splint bones, under the back tendon, and runs from the two 
 small flat bones of the knee nearly to the fetlock, above which 
 it divides, but the two parts join together about the middle 
 of the front of the pastern. (See Cannon Bone, Fore-legs, 
 Ligaments, Muscles?) 
 
 Sutures. — See Stitching Wounds. 
 
 Sweating may be caused by exertion, gross condition, 
 nervousness, or by the deliberate act of an owner who wishes 
 to reduce the fat an animal may carry on his body or neck. 
 In the latter case a heavy sweating rug or hood, as the case 
 may be, is put on the horse, which is moved freely about to 
 make him perspire. Body and internal fat can, of course, be 
 reduced by dieting and physic, but if a horse carries a heavy 
 neck and crest there is nothing that will reduce them ex- 
 cepting by sweating them off by using a heavy hood or 
 hoods. When a horse is in good, hard condition, the sweat 
 which comes from him is as thin as water ; but if he is gross 
 it will be quite greasy. (See Clothing, Exercise, Soaping?) 
 
 Swedes are inferior to carrots and parsnips as a food, 
 though they sometimes are given to sick horses, which enjoy 
 them. If used, it is necessary that they should be sliced 
 
 333 
 
SWEDISH AND NORWEGIAN HORSES — TAIL NOTCHES 
 
 small, and mixed with chaff in the form of chop. Some 
 owners prefer to boil or steam their roots, but unless young 
 or sick horses, or those suffering from impaired digestion, 
 are being dealt with, uncooked roots are preferable, and 
 under any circumstances they should not be overcooked. 
 (See Feeding, Marigolds, Turnips^ 
 
 Swedish and Norwegian Horses. — These breeds con- 
 sist of dun-coloured horses from 13 to 15 hands in height. 
 They are strong and hardy, good trotters of the harness type 
 and short - legged. The Finnish horses and ponies very 
 closely resemble them in many respects, but they have no 
 pace. 
 
 Swing Horse. — The middle horse in a random, or 
 middle pair in a six-horse, team. (See Random?) 
 
 Tables. — The upper, cutting surfaces of a horse's teeth. 
 (See Age, Dentistry^ 
 
 Tail. — The tail of a horse should be set on high, and 
 carried rather up in the case of an animal which moves 
 gaily and possesses action. The carriage of an Arab's tail 
 is characteristic of this breed, as it is very high, resembling 
 that of a rocking-horse, and frequently turned a little on 
 one side. (See Bang-tail, Docking, Fan-tail, Squaring Tail.) 
 
 Tail Guard. — A leather cover which is fastened round 
 the upper part of a horse's tail to prevent him rubbing off 
 the hairs at the root. 
 
 Tail Notches. — Some owners of horses running on 
 common land adopt a means of identifying their horses by 
 cutting notches in the hair of the back of their long tails. 
 
 334 
 
TAKE OFF — TARSUS 
 
 These can readily be seen at a distance, and therefore the 
 practice is worthy of consideration. (See Bi-anding, Ear 
 Marks.) 
 
 Take Off. — The place where a horse commences his jump 
 is so described. If the ground here is soft and treacherous 
 there is a chance of the animal failing to steady himself for 
 the leap. (See Jumping.) 
 
 Tan is a good substance to lay on the floors of riding 
 schools, as it is soft, springy, and cool to the feet if kept 
 properly damp. For the same reason it is an excellent 
 material to use on the floors of boxes during the daytime 
 when horses are suffering from foot troubles. 
 
 Tandem Team. — Of the two horses which make up a 
 tandem team it is usual to find the wheeler a little taller 
 and more powerful than the leader. Hence many perfectly 
 matched pairs are occasionally beaten in a tandem class by 
 animals which would stand no chance against them as a pair. 
 Both the wheeler and leader should possess freedom of action 
 and manners, else a catastrophe may occur at any moment, 
 and on no account is it excusable to drive the bigger horse 
 or the less free mover as leader. (See Driving.) 
 
 Tapeworm. — See Worms. 
 
 Tar forms a useful stuffing for the feet in cases of thrush 
 if applied on tow. (See Thrush^ 
 
 Tares are an excellent green food for all horses, but they 
 must not be given too liberally to the light varieties in full 
 work, though the heavy breeds which move slowly can have 
 them whenever procurable. Hence the value of spring and 
 winter sown crops. (See Feeding^ 
 
 Tarsus. — The hock, which see, also Bones. 
 
 335 
 
TARTAR EMETIC — TEMPER 
 
 Tartar Emetic. — See Antimony, Poisons. 
 
 Tee-cart is the name given to the very lightest form of 
 mail phaeton body, and is made for one horse only ; if 
 equipped with a pair it would, on account of its extreme light- 
 ness, look very much over-horsed. It has an open stick 
 front seat, and is never fitted with leather hood. It was 
 originally known as a light Stanhope phaeton. In the early 
 'sixties of last century, however, a man well known in the 
 driving world went into a coach-builder's shop in Long 
 Acre, and asked if he had a tee-cart in stock. Knowing his 
 business, but not recognising the name of the carriage, he 
 said : " Oh yes ; will you look round ? " This the customer 
 did, and selected a light Stanhope phaeton, of which the 
 coach-builder afterwards made a speciality, calling it a tee- 
 cart, as the gentleman had done. He advertised it well, and 
 did a prosperous business in tee-carts for many years after. 
 
 Teeth. — See Age, Dentistry^ Tables. 
 
 Telegony. — See Atavism, Saturation, Throw Back. 
 
 Temper. — There is no doubt that temper is hereditary, 
 and according to popular belief, the sire has more to do with 
 transmitting his peculiarities to his stock than the dam has. 
 On the other hand, it is quite certain that many horses owe 
 their evil dispositions to bad treatment and teasing, hence 
 the importance of an owner insisting that his animals are 
 dealt with fairly by their breakers and those about them. A 
 horse's memory is prodigious, and the perfectly true stories 
 which are told of an animal remembering an injury done 
 him, and resenting the presence of his oppressor for years, 
 should be sufficient to ensure his being treated properly. 
 Cases are also known of horses suddenly developing a perfectly 
 fiendish temper, which has made it unsafe for people to 
 approach them, but such occurrences are, doubtless, due to the 
 development of some brain trouble. (See Handling, Memory, 
 Savageness.) 
 
 336 
 
TEMPERA TURE — THORO UGHBRED HORSE 
 
 Temperature. — (a) The normal temperature of a horse is 
 100.5 degrees. 
 
 (b) An average temperature of a stable to keep horses 
 in good health, provided that they are properly clothed, 
 should be about 55 degrees, (See Clothing?) 
 
 Tendons or Sinews are the inelastic bands which connect 
 bones with muscles. (See Back Tendojt, Cartilage, Ligaments^ 
 
 Terrots. — The rings in the harness, through which the 
 reins pass. (See Harness.) 
 
 Tetanus. — See Lockjaw. 
 
 Thatch. — Excepting that it affords a harbour for objection- 
 able insects, thatch is undoubtedly the best of all roofings 
 for stable buildings, as it is cool in summer and warm in 
 winter. At the same time there is a danger of fire when 
 it is used, and it does not wear so well as either slates or 
 tiles, besides which most local authorities in urban districts 
 object to thatch. (See Roofs.) 
 
 Thermometer. — In order to ascertain the temperature 
 of a horse in cases of suspected fever, a clinical thermometer 
 should be inserted in the rectum, and allowed to remain 
 there for five or six minutes. The thermometer should not 
 be used directly after feeding, and always about the same 
 hour every day. (See Temperature.) 
 
 Thorax. — The chest. 
 
 Thoroughbred Horse. — There is no horse in the world 
 as good as a first-rate English thoroughbred, but it may be 
 added that when he is bad, he is often very bad indeed. 
 Hence the incalculable amount of mischief that has been 
 done by unsound, bad-constitutioned, vicious, and, generally 
 speaking, undesirable thoroughbred stallions which have been 
 used as crosses for mares of other breeds. Hence also the 
 
 337 Y 
 
THOROUGHBRED HORSE 
 
 risks incurred by owners who avail themselves of the 
 services of a horse concerning which they practically know 
 nothing beyond the fact that he is a thoroughbred, and the 
 desirability of making some enquiries regarding the ante- 
 cedents of a stallion, and likewise of his parents, before they 
 decide to use him as a sire. 
 
 Any attempt to trace the genealogy of the thoroughbred 
 in the space available for the purposes of these notes would 
 be impossible, and consequently it may be briefly remarked 
 that the history of the blood-horse and that of the turf have 
 been interwoven with each other for many generations. It 
 is, moreover, a fact beyond the limits of contradiction that 
 the pre-eminence of the thoroughbred is largely due to the 
 benefits it has derived from crosses with the Arab and Barb. 
 So far back as the days of King John, who, whatever his 
 failings may have been, was a keen judge and an enthusi- 
 astic breeder of horses, the value of the Eastern blood was 
 recognised. King Henry VIII., Queen Elizabeth, James I., 
 and Charles II. were all of them enthusiastic horse breeders, 
 and the popularity of the Eastern sires increased during their 
 respective reigns. Queen Anne not only was a great breeder, 
 but a very successful owner of running horses, and it may 
 be added that during her reign the Darley Arabian flourished, 
 he being one of the twenty-three Eastern sires which were 
 imported whilst she occupied the throne. The Darley 
 Arabian was the sire of Flying Childers, whose name figures 
 in the pedigree of many a great horse of modern times. 
 Since the days of Flying Childers the General Stud Book 
 provides full particulars of the breeding of all the horses 
 which are recognised as thoroughbreds, and consequently 
 there is no necessity for referring to that subject here. 
 
 The opinion may be expressed, however, that considerable 
 injury is being caused to the British blood-horse by the 
 methods of those owners who pamper their yearlings and 
 ruin their constitutions by injudicious treatment. Whether 
 the modern race-horse is the equal of his predecessors is, of 
 course, a matter of opinion, but he is not called upon to do 
 
 338 
 
THOROUGHriN 
 
 SO much in the way of running long distances in heats, or 
 roughing it in the course of his journeys from meeting to 
 meeting. No doubt a great change has come over racing, 
 yet probably were he called upon to do the work and endure 
 the hardships which his ancestors underwent, the modern 
 race-horse would emerge triumphant from the ordeal, provided 
 that he was not treated like a hothouse plant in his youth. 
 The fact remains, however, that no such strenuous demands 
 are made upon his energies ; nor can it for a moment be 
 questioned that the race-horses of the present day in very 
 many instances do all that is required of them in a style 
 which could not be surpassed. On the other hand, there 
 are horses which win races which can by no stretch of 
 imagination be regarded as desirable animals to breed from, 
 and yet their services are sought after by owners of mares 
 who are tempted either by the lowness of the fees demanded, 
 or by the fact that unthinking persons will bid long prices 
 for foals owing to the fact that they are sired by winners. 
 The patronage accorded to such horses is not good for the 
 thoroughbred, nor does it justify the belief that the British 
 blood - horse of the future will be the equal of the best 
 animals of the present or the past. (See Hunter Sires.) 
 
 Thoroughpin is a swelling on the back of the hock 
 towards the top, which usually appears on both sides of 
 the joint, rarely upon one ; if so it may be con- 
 fused with bog-spavin by inexperienced persons, 
 though it appears on a different part of the joint. 
 Thoroughpin is caused by inflammation of the 
 tendon, and if the swelling on one side of the 
 hock is pressed, that on the other side will in- 
 crease in size. 
 
 Treatment. — A dose of opening medicine, 
 cooling food, and hot fomentations on the affected 
 part. Blistering often proves effective, but a con- 
 tinued course of iodine dressing will usually pro- 
 duce more satisfactory results. When the horse gets to 
 
 339 
 
THROAT LASH — TICKS 
 
 work again he should be shod with a high shoe. (See 
 Blistering^ Bog-spavin, Prescriptions, Witid-galls.) 
 
 Throat Lash. — The strap which fastens from side to 
 side behind the jowl of a horse to keep the bridle from 
 slipping over the head. It should not be buckled tighter 
 than necessary. (See Harness?) 
 
 Throat Latch. — See Throat Lash. 
 
 Throw Back. — See Atavism, Back Blood, Telegony. 
 
 Thrush is a disease of the frog, which appears more 
 frequently in the hind feet than in the front ones, and the 
 usual source is wet and dirt, which cause the frog to decom- 
 pose and give out a very foul smell. 
 
 Treatine?it. — Clean out the foot, removing the diseased 
 parts of the frog, and then cleanse the cleft where the thrush 
 exists by means of a piece of stick and some dry tow or 
 cotton wool, taking care to see that this is thoroughly done. 
 After this the cleft may be dressed with a mixture of calomel 
 and burnt alum, equal parts, the dressing being changed 
 twice a day. In mild cases the burnt alum may be dis- 
 pensed with, and under any circumstances it is not desirable 
 to continue it for more than a day, after which the calomel 
 alone will suffice. If neither of the above drugs are avail- 
 able, common salt may be used as a dressing in mild cases. 
 When the cleft is thoroughly cleansed, a stopping of tow and 
 tar may be inserted. A dose of cooling medicines will often 
 do good, and the food should include mashes, green stuff, 
 and roots. (See Prescriptions.) 
 
 Tibia. — The bone of the second thigh, extending from 
 the stifles to the hocks. (See Hind-legs.) 
 
 Ticks appear on horses which are neglected, or they may 
 
 340 
 
TILE ROOFS — TOURNIQUET 
 
 attach themselves to animals turned out at grass. The usual 
 places they appear on are between the thighs, under the 
 mane, and the root of the tail, and occasionally in the 
 ears. 
 
 Treatment. — Dress with paraffin or sulphur ointment. 
 
 Tile Roofs are a very excellent covering for stable 
 
 buildings if laid on boards and properly pointed ; whilst 
 
 for sheds the boards may be dispensed with. (See 
 Roofs) 
 
 Tiles. — See Flooi's, Roofs. 
 
 Tips. — In cases where a horse's heels are affected from 
 some cause, temporary or otherwise, it is desirable that he 
 should be shod with tips, or half-shoes, which do not extend 
 to the back of the walls of his foot. Tips are, moreover, 
 used when it is desired to let the frog come on to the 
 ground, and when used they should be thinned away at 
 the back, so as to prevent their terminating in a thick 
 piece of iron. The toe of the hoof may also be shortened 
 a little. (See Shoes.) 
 
 Tissues may be briefly described as the name by 
 which different parts of the animal's body which are of 
 the same nature — such as nervous tissue, bony tissue — 
 are referred to. 
 
 Tonics. — When a horse has become run down from the 
 effects of overwork or sickness, a tonic is usually required 
 to bring his appetite back, and to build up his system. (See 
 Prescriptions.) 
 
 Tourniquet. — A tourniquet is an arrangement for stopping 
 
 341 
 
TRA CE HO OK — TRA CHEO TOM V 
 
 bleeding, and 
 
 i 
 
 consists of bandages usually placed above 
 and below a wound, and tightened by a 
 piece of stick twisted through it, and kept 
 in its place by twine or tape. It is not 
 always necessary to apply the tourniquet 
 both above and below the wound, as much 
 will depend upon the nature and severity 
 of the injury, as well as its position. If 
 the bleeding comes from an artery, the 
 blood will spurt out, and the tourniquet 
 should be fixed above the wound ; if from 
 a vein, the blood will trickle, and the 
 tourniquet should be fixed below it. (See 
 Arteries, Bleeding, Cuts, Veins.) 
 
 Tourniquet. 
 
 Hook.- 
 
 Trace 
 
 are fixed. 
 
 -The hooks to which the end of the traces 
 
 Trace Horse. — A spare horse which is stationed at the 
 foot of inclines to assist in drawing vehicles up them. (See 
 Cock Horse.) 
 
 Traces may be of either leather or chain, the latter only 
 being adapted for cart-horses doing heavy work, though 
 some driving men carry a light chain trace in the boot for 
 use in cases of emergency. Traces of the usual pattern 
 and length are often dispensed with when trotting horses 
 are driven in sulkies or light road waggons on a track, light 
 chains extending from the hames to the stops on the shafts 
 being substituted for them. (See Hames, Harness, Stops.) 
 
 Trachea. — A long tube, through which the air passes from 
 the larynx to the lungs. It is situated below the gullet. (See 
 Breathing, Internal Organs.) 
 
 Tracheotomy. — This operation consists of cutting an 
 opening in the windpipe and inserting a silver tube therein, 
 
 342 
 
TRAPEZIUM— TROT 
 
 and it is a very desirable one to have performed in the case 
 of an animal whose wind is affected, as it is not dangerous 
 under ordinary conditions, and affords immense relief to the 
 horse. Instances are known of race-horses running within a 
 few hours of undergoing tracheotomy, and one well-known 
 horse possesses two tubes in his throat, owing to the first 
 one not having been placed in quite the right position. The 
 operation, though simple, should be entrusted to a profes- 
 sional man. 
 
 Trapezium. — A small bone which sometimes, but not 
 invariably, is situated at the back of the knee. 
 
 Treads are wounds on the coronet caused by the horse 
 treading on that part through faulty action, weakness, or 
 when being turned round. If not attended to at once a 
 tread may develop into a very nasty place, especially if dirt 
 or any offensive matter is allowed to enter it. 
 
 Treatment. — First cleanse the wound thoroughly, using 
 warm water, which may be poured on to it from above 
 and allowed to trickle through it, then dab it lightly with 
 cotton wool saturated in water. If the wound is a slight one 
 it maybe painted over with collodion ; but if serious it should 
 first be poulticed and then have a dressing of carbolised oil 
 applied. (See Poultices^ Prescriptions^ 
 
 Trot. — According to the opinions of some people the 
 trot is not a natural gait of the horse, but this may be 
 questioned, especially in the case of the hackney. At all 
 events the trot, whether natural or the reverse, is the gait 
 of every light harness horse, and as such its importance 
 cannot be overestimated. In the trot the fore and back legs 
 of opposite sides are moved, if not actually simultaneously, at 
 all events very nearly so, the result being that during most 
 of the time he is trotting the horse has his near fore and off 
 hind foot, or vice versa, off the ground together. So rapidly, 
 however, are his legs moved, that the evenness of the move- 
 
 343 
 
TROTTER 
 
 ment is not impeded, and the feet will come down on the 
 ground to the sound of a regular one, two, three, four, which 
 is music to the ear of the lover of action. An irregular, 
 uneven trot, if not an actual sign of lameness, is included in 
 the category of faulty actions, and renders a horse com- 
 paratively valueless, whereas a high mover which goes 
 behind is sure to be worth a very large sum of money. The 
 trot of a horse which is required for working purposes is not 
 by any means so imposing as that of the show horse, but 
 is eminently a more serviceable gait. In the stepper the 
 high action of the knee is not conducive to long wear and 
 tear on the hard road, and in the case of many animals who 
 do not use their shoulders properly it is likely to entail 
 concussion. Very often, too, the high mover does not get 
 away in front and lacks propelling power behind, so that he 
 is slow in his movements and unfitted for work. What is 
 required for the latter purpose is plenty of good shoulder 
 action, and enough bend of the knee to get the feet well off 
 the ground. Knee action that extends the limb well in front 
 of the body after it is bent is the sort that attracts the 
 driving man, as it enables the animal to get over the ground 
 provided that there is sufficient propelling power behind. 
 (See Free Actio7t, Propelling Power, Round Action, Shoulders.) 
 
 Trotter. — The Trotter is undoubtedly an American pro- 
 duction, but it is equally certain that most of the best horses 
 of this breed trace their pedigrees back to the Hackney 
 stallion, Bellfounder, who crossed the Atlantic in the early 
 part of last century. The modern light roadster of America 
 is of a more refined build than the ordinary English harness 
 horse, and, as a general rule, possesses no claim to be regarded 
 as a high actioned animal. On the other hand, he is extremely 
 graceful, and uses his shoulders and hocks superbly, the result 
 being that many Trotters which have proved themselves to 
 be too slow for racing purposes have earned high honours in 
 the show ring in classes where exaggerated knee action is not 
 required. When used for track racing the Trotter is driven 
 
 344 
 
TUB CART — TURNING OUT 
 
 in a light sulky, which barely provides seating accommoda- 
 tion for the driver, who sits with his feet resting on the shafts. 
 Racing sulkies as a rule are fitted with small wheels, furnished 
 with pneumatic tyres. (See Sulky, Tyre.) 
 
 Tub Cart. — See Governess Cart. 
 
 Tucked Up. — A horse is said to be tucked up when 
 his back ribs are shorter than usual and the loins behind 
 them are drawn up so that he possesses a wasp-waisted 
 appearance. 
 
 Tugs are the parts of the back band of a single harness 
 horse which pass round the shaft in front of the stops in 
 order to support it and keep the harness in its proper place. 
 
 Turning Out. — Opinions differ very considerably as 
 regards the wisdom of turning out horses in the summer or 
 at such periods of the year when they are not required for 
 work. Under any circumstances it is necessary to adopt the 
 precaution of not exposing an animal to the effects of cold 
 nights and raw weather too suddenly, if he has been kept in 
 a warm stable and heavily clothed. It is desirable, therefore, 
 that his clothing should be decreased by degrees, and then 
 his hind shoes having been removed he may be given his 
 freedom. One effect of turning him out will be that the horn 
 of his hoof is likely to become brittle and break off in flakes 
 owing to the removal of his shoes, even though he be on wet 
 soil, and the risk is increased in hot weather if he is on land 
 that is baked by the sun. Hence the disinclination of most 
 people to remove the fore-shoes, but if these are left on he 
 must be re-shod in front at least every three weeks, as the 
 horn will be growing all the time and his shoes will begin to 
 pinch him. The back shoes must be taken off for the safety 
 of other animals in the same pasture. Unless the grass is 
 very abundant and of good quality the horses which will 
 soon be wanted for work again should be given a feed of 
 
 345 
 
TURNIPS — TWITCH 
 
 corn and a little hay each day, and it is most desirable that 
 some shelter should be provided them to take refuge in if 
 they desire to do so from the weather and from the attacks 
 of flies which persecute them during the heat of the day. 
 On coming in from grass a mild purgative, such as aloes, 
 should be administered, but the horses should not be put 
 upon a full ration of dry food, such as corn and hay, all at 
 once, their diet being a mixed one of the above and cut grass 
 or green stuff of some form, so that the change may be 
 gradual. The feet, too, will require attention, a dressing of 
 mutton fat being an excellent thing for the soles and walls. 
 (See Mutton Fat, Prescriptions, Sttmmej'ing.) 
 
 Turnips are not as beneficial a form of food for light 
 horses as are some other varieties of roots, though cart-horses 
 are largely fed on them. (See Carrots, Feeding, Potatoes, 
 Parsnips, Swedes.) 
 
 Turpentine. — See Medicines, Prescriptions. 
 
 Tush. — The extra tooth which stallions and geldings 
 possess. It is situated on the bars of the mouth between the 
 incisor and molar teeth. (See Age, Bars of Mouthy 
 
 Tusk. — See Tush. 
 
 Twins. — A mare rarely throws twins, and still more 
 rarely rears them if she does, but cases have been known of 
 her doing so. (See Brood Mare, Foals.) 
 
 Twist is the part of the saddle between the skirt and the 
 seat. (See Saddle, Skirt.) 
 
 Twitch. — A loop of cord at the end of a stick which is 
 used for twisting round the upper lips of fidgety or vicious 
 horses when they are being handled, the object being to keep 
 them quiet. 
 
 346 
 
TYRE — UTERUS 
 
 Tyre. — The outside strip of metal or india-rubber which 
 encircles and protects the felloe of a wheel. (See Felloe^) 
 
 u 
 
 Ulna, — One of the bones of the fore-arm. (See Bodies, 
 Fore-legs.) 
 
 Under-carriage is that part of a vehicle which is under 
 the body, and used for its suspension, and is well expressed 
 in the American term of running gear. (See Lock.) 
 
 Unicorn Team. — A team of three horses, one of which 
 is driven as leader, and the others as wheelers. (See Pickaxe 
 Team, Random Teain.) 
 
 Unsoundness. — The question of defining the expression 
 is difficult, the most practical attempt to do so having been 
 made by the Royal Commission on Horse Breeding, who, 
 in their Report of 1890, expressed the opinion that the 
 following infirmities should disqualify stallions, viz., cataract, 
 spavin (bone), navicular, ring-bone, roaring, unsound feet, 
 whistling. The councils of the different spring shows held 
 in London are far more indefinite in their expressions of 
 opinion ; in fact, they leave the question of passing or reject- 
 ing a horse entirely to their veterinary inspectors. Nor are 
 the societies entirely in unison in their instructions to these 
 gentlemen, as the Shire Horse and Hackney Horse Societies 
 specifically allude to hereditary unsoundness as a cause of 
 rejection, whilst the Hunters' Improvement and Polo and 
 Riding Pony Society omit the prefix, and simply adopt the 
 word unsound. (See Soufidness.) 
 
 Uterus. — The womb. 
 
 347 
 
VEINS — VENT I LA TION 
 
 Veins. — The tubes which return the blood from the 
 different parts of the body to the heart. The blood in the 
 veins is of a darker colour than that contained in the arteries, 
 and it does not spurt, but trickles out of a wound. (See 
 Arteries, Bleeding!) 
 
 Ventilation. — The question of sufficient and proper 
 ventilation is one of immense importance to owners of horses, 
 as if a sufficiency of pure air is not admitted into the stable, 
 the health of the animals is sure to suffer, whilst on the other 
 hand horses are peculiarly susceptible to the evil effects of 
 draughts. As a consequence, a great deal of care should be 
 devoted to the ventilation of the building, the best plan being 
 to arrange so that a fresh supply can enter from the bottom 
 whilst the foul air can escape through apertures placed high 
 up. In order to avoid the risks of draught some perforated 
 bricks may be laid in the walls a few inches above the ground, 
 and a wainscotting of wood be fixed inside so that the cold 
 air does not beat directly on the horses, but finds its way 
 upwards over the top of the wainscotting into the building. 
 The ventilators at the top of the stable should also be so 
 arranged that they are not directly over the heads of the 
 horses, and they should be provided with movable shutters, 
 so that they may be closed if the wind blows keenly from 
 the side of the building on which they are fixed. On no 
 account, however, should all the overhead ventilators be kept 
 closed, greatly as the majority of grooms delight in doing 
 so, but they should always be so arranged that a cold draught 
 cannot beat down upon the horses underneath. One curved 
 pipe, or more if the stable is a long one, fixed high up in 
 the roof, is a common and effective means of ventilation, but 
 nothing beats the perforated bricks, provided that they are 
 properly arranged, and the insides so protected that the air 
 is diffused over the building instead of beating down on the 
 horse. In warm weather, of course, the door and windows 
 
 348 
 
VERTEBRAE — VETERINAR Y EXAM IN A TION 
 
 of the stable may be left open without injury to the occupants 
 of the stable, but this should not be permitted when the wind 
 blows keenly, especially when the animals come in heated 
 from work. In short, the object of the owner should be to 
 obtain a sufficiency of fresh air, without lowering the tempera- 
 ture of the stable below 55 or 50 degrees, and at the same 
 time protecting his horses from draughts. 
 
 Vertebrae. — The vertebrse form the ridge of small bones 
 through which the spinal column runs from the back of the 
 poll to the end of the tail. They number — seven, known as 
 the cervical vertebrae, in the neck ; eighteen, called the dorsal 
 vertebrae, in the back ; six, named the lumbar vertebrae, in 
 the loins ; five, sacral vertebrae, on the croup ; and about 
 sixteen in the tail, the number varying. The vertebrae 
 of the tail, moreover, are not all hollow, as the bone towards 
 the tip becomes solid. (See Bones.) 
 
 Vetches form a much appreciated food for horses, 
 especially for the heavier breeds, but they should be given 
 with discretion, and not too liberally, on all occasions, and 
 especially in the case of animals which are not working, else 
 they are liable to produce Monday Morning Evil. Vetches 
 are at their best as a food when in flower, as after the 
 pods have ripened they become woody. As they possess 
 a tendency to heat if stored in heaps, it is best that they 
 should be given as soon after they are cut as possible. (See 
 Feeding, Monday Morning Evil.) 
 
 Veterinary Examination. — The average man who buys 
 a horse without first having the animal submitted to a 
 veterinary examination, excepting, of course, in cases where 
 a warranty of soundness is forthcoming from a responsible 
 person, is to be congratulated upon his courage, though 
 condemned for his rashness. Many infirmities are difficult 
 of detection, and especially so in their transient stages, and 
 it is too much to expect a layman to diagnose the symptoms 
 
 349 
 
VETERINARY SURGEONS 
 
 of disease in a horse. Consequently, it may be briefly but 
 emphatically laid down that the guinea paid to the vet. for 
 examining a prospective purchase, provided, of course, that 
 the gentleman engaged possesses experience and a high 
 reputation, is money well spent. (See Unsotaidness.) 
 
 Veterinary Surgeons. — Like the members of all other 
 professions, the veterinary surgeon has increased his 
 knowledge of late years, so that where one thoroughly 
 capable and reliable practitioner existed a few years ago, 
 there are scores now ; whilst, happily for horses, as for their 
 owners, that race of malefactors, the ancient farriers, has 
 become extinct. Still, it is not always that a dependable 
 veterinarian is at hand, in which respect the profession does 
 not differ from any other, and therefore owners should be 
 careful as to whom they call in. Unfortunately, too, opinions 
 often differ as regards treatment, and, as in human cases, the 
 patient often suffers through the attentions of more than 
 one attendant upon him. No doubt, too, there are specialists 
 in the veterinary profession as in the medical, but except- 
 ing in very complicated cases the skill of the all - round 
 practitioner will be found equal to combating most diseases 
 and attacks. The horse owner is therefore wise if he avails 
 himself of professional assistance instead of attempting to 
 diagnose his horse's illness and prescribe for the animal 
 himself Few animals are so utterly worthless as not to 
 justify the expenditure of a little money upon them if they 
 are sick, and even in simple cases it is better to be told that 
 there is no danger, than to risk complications by delaying to 
 seek for proper advice. Hence there has been no attempt 
 made in this work to deal with disease and accidents except- 
 ing in the most superficial manner. To do so would be to 
 incur responsibilities which are best avoided, and therefore 
 the object has been to describe the earlier symptoms of 
 diseases, and to suggest a treatment for them which may be 
 useful until the services of the professional man can be 
 obtained, as delays are often fatal. (See Nursing^ 
 
 350 
 
VICE — VICTORIA 
 
 Vice. — The definition of vice in horses is not an easy 
 matter, especially as the evils in question are often associ- 
 ated with viciousness, whether correctly or otherwise it is 
 hard to say. Speaking generally, however, the main vices 
 which beset horses are bolting, crib-biting, jibbing, kicking in 
 harness and saddle, rearing, and wind-sucking, all of which 
 are referred to under their respective headings. 
 
 Viciousness in a horse is frequently a source of positive 
 danger to his attendant and all others who come within 
 reach of his teeth or heels, as biting and kicking are the 
 chief forms in which it appears. It is pretty certain, too, 
 that biting at all events is a hereditary form of viciousness, 
 and all that can be done to check it is to condemn the 
 offender to the use of the muzzle ; whilst kickers may be 
 placed in an end stall, and their tails adorned by the red 
 ribbon, which is the badge of infamy in connection with them. 
 No sensible person will approach a strange horse carelessly, 
 and if he does so and gets hurt he has only himself to blame, 
 as sometimes the very quietest of animals, if suddenly 
 disturbed by a stranger, will let fly a heel or catch hold of 
 him with their teeth. Some horses, too, are perfect savages, 
 which delight in getting a man down, kneeling upon him, 
 and going as far as they can in the direction of worrying 
 him to death with their teeth. The only thing to do with 
 such animals is to blindfold them, and for this purpose the 
 use of the bluff is recommended, and they should never be 
 approached by any one who is unarmed with a stick. (See 
 Biting^ Bluffs Kicking^ 
 
 Victoria is a four-wheeled carriage of the park phaeton 
 type of body, but has a panel driving seat added for the 
 coachman and groom ; the principal seat in the body is made 
 to carry two. It is sometimes fitted with a fold-up seat 
 facing the principal seats, and is made to turn up into the 
 body of the carriage when not in use. The first of these 
 carriages was of the cab-shape body, and was built for Her 
 
 351 
 
VOMITING — WALK 
 
 late Majesty, Queen Victoria, after whom it took its name. 
 The design of the victoria has passed through very many 
 stages, and to-day almost anything built with a driver's seat 
 in front and good seating behind for two persons is called a 
 victoria. It is always fitted with a leather hood behind over 
 the principal seat. This is essentially a park carriage, and 
 is very much favoured by ladies, as it gives every opportunity 
 of displaying their dresses. A victoria can be hung on either 
 C. or elliptic springs. 
 
 Vomiting. — It is generally believed that a horse is unable 
 to vomit, but this is incorrect. At the same time cases are 
 so extremely rare that the popular belief is justified by the 
 experience of most horse owners. (See Quiddmg.) 
 
 w 
 
 Waggon. — See Road Waggon. 
 
 Wagonette. — A four-wheeled carriage with a driver's 
 seat in front, and in which the occupants sit face to face. 
 
 Waler. — A term applied to the Australian horse, which 
 
 see. 
 
 Walk. — The importance of a good walking action can 
 hardly be overestimated, as most people who possess a 
 practical knowledge of horseflesh will acknowledge, but at 
 the same time a really good walker, which moves fast and 
 puts his feet squarely on the ground, is by no means easy 
 to find. In fact, many animals which move truly at this 
 gait are terribly slow, whilst others are perpetually trying to 
 break into a trot, and appear incapable of moving a dozen 
 yards steadily. The latter are of no sort of use to riders 
 and drivers who desire to proceed at a walking pace, as 
 neither they nor their animals get any advantage out of it, 
 
 352 
 
WALL EYE — WASHING 
 
 for the men have to control their animals, whilst the latter, 
 instead of getting a rest, become upset at the restraint placed 
 upon them. A good hack or harness horse can cover five 
 miles an hour, and a heavy horse about three, the true walk 
 consisting of the successive movement of all the legs, leading 
 off with one of the hind ones. No doubt the walk is a natural 
 gait of the horse, and hence surprise may be expressed that 
 breakers and others who are entrusted with the making and 
 schooling of young animals should neglect to cultivate in 
 their charges a form of action which is most useful, especially 
 in a hilly country, or when tired hunters have to be brought 
 back to their stables a considerable distance. (See Action.) 
 
 Wall Eye. — A light, china - coloured eye which some 
 horses possess. It is not a sign of blindness. (See Eyes.) 
 
 Walls of the Hoof. — The outsides of the hoofs which 
 extend from the ground to the coronet. (See Hoofs.) 
 
 Warbles are small lumps which appear on the back as 
 a result, usually, of the saddle pressing. They are sometimes 
 hard, but usually soft at first. 
 
 Treatment. — Apply salt and water, or a lotion composed 
 of acetate of lead one dram, sulphate of zinc half a dram, 
 vinegar and water half a pint. (See Sitfast.) 
 
 Warts usually appear on the lips or eyelids. If possible, 
 the best means to get rid of them is to tie a piece of silk 
 thread tightly round the roots, when they will shrivel up and 
 drop off. In other places they may be removed by the 
 application of caustic, or, if not large, by common vinegar, 
 applied several times a day, but obstinate warts require to 
 be removed by the knife. 
 
 Washing. — All horses have to be washed occasionally 
 if their skins are to be kept clean and in good order, and 
 the operation should be performed out-of-doors on a warm 
 
 353 z 
 
WASHING A CARRIAGE — WATERING 
 
 day, soap and warm water being used for the purpose. It 
 is not either necessary or desirable to wash the bodies of 
 horses every time they come in from work, especially if 
 they are heated, and the practice undoubtedly increases 
 the prospects of an attack of mud fever. The face and the 
 parts upon which no hair grows may be sponged over and 
 thoroughly dried, and the feet may be washed, the hollows 
 of the fetlocks being afterwards rubbed over with lanoline 
 or vaseline to prevent cracked heels. (See Grooming, Heated 
 Horses, Mud Fever?) 
 
 Washing a Carriage. — (See Carriages, Care of.) 
 
 Water. — Horses which are moved from place to place 
 often suffer from the change of water, which exercises a greater 
 effect upon them than many people imagine. Soft water 
 is the best of all for them, and they prefer it to any other, 
 but whatever they get should be clean. Rain water, if free 
 from impurities, is excellent, and then comes river water, but 
 that drawn from wells may be boiled to soften it if it is very 
 hard. (See Watering.) 
 
 Water Brush. — A long bristled brush used for applying 
 water to the manes and tails of horses. (See Grooming.) 
 
 Watering. — The proper time to water a horse is before 
 feeding, as otherwise, owing to the small size of his stomach, 
 his food is liable to get washed out of it before being digested, 
 and colic may result. Many servants, however, prefer to 
 water after feeding, but the other practice should be insisted 
 upon. There is no objection against giving a heated horse 
 water when he comes in from work, but it should not be 
 icy cold, and therefore if chilled, so much the better ; in 
 fact, very cold water is always bad for a horse, and there- 
 fore it is desirable to have some standing in a pail for use 
 when required, as it will have some of the chill off". Many 
 persons advocate the principle of having water always beside 
 
 354 
 
WEANING — WEAR 
 
 their horses, as they contend that then the animals will drink 
 less, but it is not easy to arrange for a constant supply of 
 clean water which can be kept free of impurities, especially 
 in an indifferently ventilated stable. All horses should be 
 watered the last thing at night. 
 
 Weaning. — It is always best to wean a foal gradually, 
 and therefore a commencement may be made by removing 
 the dam for a few hours at a time, and gradually extending 
 the period of separation. By adopting this method there 
 will be less chance of milk troubles for the dam, and the 
 foal will better become accustomed to shift for itself. Every 
 care should be taken to avoid the young animal going back 
 in condition, and hence the importance of providing as far 
 as possible against a sudden check, for if once a foal stops 
 developing it is a very difficult matter to set it going again. 
 Of course long before the date of weaning arrives the foal 
 will be accustomed to feed, but when it is finally deprived 
 of its dam's milk it is very apt to lose flesh, and hence the 
 necessity for providing the more valuable young stock with 
 a sufficiency of nutritious food in the shape of scalded oats, 
 sliced roots, and bran made up into a form of chop, which 
 they enjoy and which benefits them materially. The age 
 at which a foal is weaned must depend a good deal upon 
 circumstances, such as if the dam is required for regular work, 
 the value and forwardness of the young animal itself, and 
 such matters, but unless it has been dropped very late it 
 is best away from its dam by the middle of September, when 
 it should be at least six months old. When weaned, the 
 foal should be placed on good land with animals of its own 
 age, as if allowed to associate with older animals the latter 
 often bully their juniors. (See Brood Mare, Foaling, Foals, 
 Overcrowding, Pasture?) 
 
 Wear. — A horse is said to wear himself well when he 
 carries his head and tail up, and puts life into his action. 
 
 355 
 
WEAVING — WELSH PONIES 
 
 Weaving is a trick which consists of a horse constantly 
 moving his head about from side to side, to the annoyance 
 of his stable companions if he is in a stall, as his head 
 collar rein or rack chain are perpetually on the move. There 
 is no cure for weaving. 
 
 Wedging. — See Beaning. 
 
 Weed. — See Monday Morning Evil. 
 
 Weight Carrier. — A horse capable of carrying a minimum 
 of 15 stones is described as such. (See Hunter.^ 
 
 Weights on the Foot undoubtedly enable a horse to 
 bend his knees better, and hence the practice of shoeing 
 show harness animals very heavily. In schooling horses for 
 exhibition, weights in the form of india-rubber, or leather 
 tubes filled with shot are often buckled just above the fetlocks. 
 (See Action, Schooling^ 
 
 Welsh Ponies, thanks to the efforts of the Welsh Cob 
 and Pony Society, have been vastly improved during the 
 past few years. Up to that time the merits of the Welsh 
 pony had been highly appreciated, though nobody could 
 tell exactly what he was, as he had been the victim of many 
 crosses, some of them extremely injudicious ones. Now, 
 thanks to the Society which has established a Stud Book, 
 far more care is devoted to his breeding, and he will be still 
 more improved. The North and South Wales types differ 
 rather from each other, the former being more of a compact 
 cobby stamp, the height varying from 12 hands 2 inches 
 to 13 hands, but, of course, taller ponies are met with in 
 plenty. The usual colours are bay and brown, but greys 
 exist in plenty, the appearance of some of these suggesting 
 very strongly a not remote Arab cross. Welsh ponies possess 
 
 356 
 
WELTER WEIGHT— WHEELS TIGHTENING 
 
 plenty of character and style, combined with strength and 
 activity ; whilst those which possess hackney blood step well, 
 but their natural action more resembles that of the hunter. 
 To the above recommendations may be added those of sure- 
 footedness, excellent constitutions, and a great capacity for 
 hard work. 
 
 Welter Weight. — A heavy weight. The limit is usually 
 recognised as being 1 5 stones. 
 
 West Highland and Island Ponies. — The ponies run- 
 ning in Mull, Skye, Uist, and the western mainland of 
 Scotland possess a good deal of Arab character, and are 
 supposed to be descended from horses of this blood which 
 were wrecked in the district at the time of the Armada, or 
 else from Arab chargers left behind many years ago by 
 military men who were stationed in these parts. At all 
 events the heads of these ponies, for the most part, are very 
 neat, whilst the shoulders of many of them are better than 
 those of the Arab ; they are, moreover, good all - round 
 ponies, and famous for their staying powers and capacity 
 for carrying weight. The most common colours are black, 
 brown, dun, and grey. 
 
 Wheat is not a good grain to give a horse, as it is 
 indigestible. Wheat straw in particular is bad for light 
 horses. (See Feeding^ 
 
 Wheels. — See Axle, Felloe, Nave, Spokes, Tyre. 
 
 Wheels Tightening. — After wheels have been in use 
 for a few weeks they often wear loose, the result being that 
 they cause a rattling sound. It is best, therefore, to send a 
 vehicle periodically to the coach-builder to have the wheels 
 tightened and the condition of the tyres seen to. 
 
 357 
 
WHIP— WILD HORSES 
 
 Whip. — Everybody knows what a whip is, but very few 
 realise the immense amount of harm that a reckless abuse 
 of it may cause. It is impossible to walk down a street 
 without seeing some driver using his whip unnecessarily, 
 not brutally, perhaps, but still with quite sufficient an amount 
 of energy to cause pain to the horse, and to unsettle him. 
 In fact, some animals do far better without any whip at all, 
 and no good coachmen so far forget themselves as to thrash 
 a horse undeservedly. A man who does so should at once 
 be discharged, for if he punishes an animal in public, he is 
 likely to ill-use it in the stable. Consequently, if a servant 
 is heard to allude to a horse being driven on the " whip 
 hand " instead of the off side, it may be worth his owner's 
 while to watch him carefully. 
 
 Whip Hand. — A slang term used to signify the off side 
 horse of a pair. The derivation of the expression is as 
 obvious as it is significant. (See Whip.) 
 
 Whistling, like roaring, is incurable and hereditary, 
 its source being due to a thickening of the membrane 
 of the trachea from the effects of natural predisposition, 
 cold, tight bearing-reins, or similar causes. In sound it 
 is shriller than roaring, and is to be heard whilst a 
 horse breathes out as well as when he draws in his breath, 
 though not to the same extent. (See Broken Wind, Grunting, 
 Roaring.) 
 
 White Feet and Legs. — Most people object very 
 strongly to the above, and a general impression exists that 
 the horn of white hoofs is not so durable as the dark colour, 
 which unquestionably looks far better in a gentleman's 
 horse. (See Colours.) 
 
 Wild Horses. — See Prejevalsky's Horse and Evolution 
 of the Horse. 
 
 358 
 
WIND — WINGS 
 
 Wind. — See Breathings Broken Wind, Roaring, Whistling, 
 also Flatulence. 
 
 Wind -galls are a result of 
 overwork, but they occasionally 
 appear in young horses which 
 have not been over done, but 
 possess badly-formed legs, and 
 it is noticeable that some fami- 
 lies possess a tendency towards 
 developing them. Wind -galls 
 seldom produce lameness. 
 
 Treatment. — Cold bandages, 
 applied tightly, and rest, but 
 the trouble generally reappears 
 when work is resumed. (See 
 Bandages^ 
 
 Wind-galls. 
 
 Windows. — All stables should be well lighted, but care 
 should be taken to avoid draughts, and if the windows are 
 so placed that a hot sun can beat down on the horses, the 
 panes may be obscured by a thick coating of whitening. The 
 best form of window is one that is fixed on pivots in the 
 centre of the frame, so that it can be opened by pulling the 
 top part forwards. (See Stables.) 
 
 Wind -sucking is the act of drawing air into the 
 stomach, with the result that digestion is impaired and the 
 wind often affected. There is practically no cure for this 
 stable vice, which resembles crib-biting, excepting that it 
 is noiseless, and that the horse does not take hold of his 
 manger with his teeth, but usually rests his nose against it. 
 (See Crib-biting.) 
 
 Wings. — The leather or wooden guards which are placed 
 over wheels to prevent mud splashing on to the occupants of 
 a vehicle. 
 
 359 
 
WINKERS — WOUNDS 
 
 Winkers. — See Blinkers. 
 
 Withers. — The ridge of bone at the top of the shoulders 
 behind where the neck meets the back. The withers are 
 much more prominently defined in some horses than in 
 others, and hence the unreliability of many measurements. 
 Fairly high withers are necessary in a riding horse, as they 
 assist in keeping the saddle in its place ; whilst lean withers, 
 unloaded by a superabundance of shoulder muscles, are 
 usually associated with easy action. (See Height^ 
 
 Wolf Teeth. — Additional teeth which appear in some 
 horses in front of the molars. They are not often found in 
 a horse's mouth, and when they appear they should be 
 extracted, as they interfere with the animal's feeding. 
 
 Worms. — The existence of these pests can usually be 
 detected by the appearance of the horse, as his coat becomes 
 dull, and stares ; he often loses flesh from an otherwise 
 unaccountable cause, and sometimes keeps on perpetually 
 whisking his tail owing to the irritation of his rectum. In the 
 latter case the worms are probably of the so-called thread 
 or needle variety, such as are sometimes seen in the dung, 
 where they look like white threads about 2 inches long. 
 Sometimes these can be removed without physicking the 
 horse, but merely by administering an enema of salt and 
 water, or of turpentine and linseed oil. The larger or round 
 worm is more difficult to evict, and this can only be accom- 
 plished by medicine. First keep the horse without food for 
 twelve hours, if he is a full-grown animal, muzzling him to 
 prevent his eating his litter, and then give him a drench of 
 I pint of linseed oil and 2 ounces of turpentine. This will 
 usually expel the worms, but it may require more than one 
 dose at intervals of a week to effect a cure. Tapeworms are 
 generally very hard to deal with, and as they will usually only 
 yield to drugs of a dangerous nature it is safest to procure 
 professional advice. 
 
 Wounds, — See Cuts. 
 
 360 
 
YELD — YORKSHIRE BOOT 
 
 Yeld, — A Scottish term, also known as Eild applied to 
 brood mares which are not in foal. 
 
 Yellows. — See Jaundice. 
 
 Yorkshire Boot— The Yorkshire boot is a most useful 
 thing of its kind in cases of emergency arising out of 
 brushes, and suchlike injuries. It consists of a piece of 
 blanket or horse cloth about lo inches wide, and long 
 enough to go twice round the leg above the joint. It is 
 
 Yorkshire Boot in course of fixing and complete. 
 
 wrapped round the limb whilst open to its full width, and 
 a tape or piece of string is tied round the middle of it, the 
 top half being then turned down so as to make a double 
 thickness round the leg. (See Boots, Brushing, Cutting, 
 Overreaches, Shoes, Speedy Cut.) 
 
 ^6 1 
 
YORKSHIRE COACH- HORSE— ZEBRA 
 
 Yorkshire Coach-horse. — This variety was produced 
 about the commencement of the last century by crossing the 
 thoroughbred with the Cleveland Bay, the object being to 
 produce a big carriage horse possessed of more quality than 
 the latter. In appearance the two breeds resemble each 
 other somewhat closely, but for the fact that the Clevelands 
 are more heavy, and especially about the head. The brown 
 colour is also permissible in the case of the Yorkshire 
 coacher, though it would disqualify a Cleveland Bay, and the 
 dark stripe down the back and stripes on the legs are not 
 met with in the coach-horse, but he should be black up to 
 the knees and hocks. (See Breeders' Societies, Cleveland 
 Bay.) 
 
 Zebra. — There are several varieties of zebra, the principal 
 of which is Burchell Zebra., the shortest eared of all, and 
 distinguished by broader and lighter coloured stripes than 
 either the Mountain or Grevy's Zebra, whilst it may be added 
 that sometimes there are no stripes on the legs. The 
 Mountain Zebra has rather narrow black stripes in the form 
 of rings all round its face, neck, body, and middle, but on 
 the thighs they are much wider, and run from the point of 
 the buttock towards the stifle. The stripes in the case of 
 Grevy's Zebra are broadest on the neck, and do not extend 
 down to the belly as in the Mountain and Burchell varieties. 
 Zebras will interbreed freely with horses, and both they and 
 their foals are capable of being worked, and are useful in 
 harness, though their shoulders do not slope enough to render 
 them pleasant rides. As they are considered to be proof 
 against the attacks of the tsetse fly they should be extremely 
 valuable in some districts of South Africa where horses die 
 off" quickly, whilst as a proof of their adaptability for training 
 it may be mentioned that Herr Wolffe, the well-known 
 circus proprietor, had a team of four which, in addition to 
 
 362 
 
ZEBKA 
 
 being driven in the ring, gave a very clever display and 
 manoeuvring without any harness or bridles on, as they 
 responded to the crack of the ring-master's whip as readily 
 as many horses. Thanks to the experiments made in breed- 
 ing by Professor Cossar Ewart, there are a good number of 
 zebra mules in this country, and, according to report, those 
 which have been broken have turned out perfectly satis- 
 factory. (See Hybrids, Quagga.) 
 
 363 
 
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