^o The Cornell Reading-Courses 



In case such sores occur, the parts may be washed with cold salt 

 water and, when dry, dusted with tannin or finely pulverized, air-slaked 

 lime. Oxid-of-zinc ointment is good. This is made by mixing one 

 ounce of oxid of zinc with four ounces of benzoated lard. If the 

 parts become calloused a dull red-blister may be applied, which will 

 absorb the callus. It will be necessary to rest the horse while applying 

 the blister. 



CARE OF THE HARNESS 



The harness should receive good care, as this will increase the duration 

 of its usefulness and lessen the likelihood of its injuring the horse. It is 

 very important that the bearing parts be kept scrupulously clean at all 

 times. This applies especially to collar, saddle, and crupper. It is not 

 possible to prevent sores if these parts are permitted to become dirty, 

 which they are sure to do, if not cared for, because of sweat and dandruff. 

 Collar, saddle, and crupper should be thoroughly cleaned each morning 

 before the horse is harnessed. 



BAD HABITS AND HOW TO OVERCOME THEM 



It is not uncommon for a horse to acquire whims or peculiar habits 

 that may prove very annoying to the caretaker and dangerous to the 

 horse as well. Some horses have the habit of rolling in the stall, making 

 it difficult to keep them presentable; some animals tear their blankets, 

 which are more or less expensive to replace ; some horses acquire the habit 

 of lying down cow fashion, which often results in shoe boils that are 

 considered an unsoundness; still other horses acquire the habit of 

 gorging grain, thus endangering their health. If the horse is to reach 

 his maximum efficiency all such habits must be avoided or overcome. 



Rolling in the stall 



This habit is sometimes dangerous for the horse, as he is likely to be 

 caught fast, particularly if his stall is narrow. The habit is perhaps due 

 to lack of opportunity to roll. The horse should be turned into 

 a paddock for a few minutes each evening so that he may frolic. In 

 order to overcome the habit, a small ring should be sewed into the top 

 of the halter, and a rope suspended from the ceiling so that it will hang 

 directly over the horse's shoulder when he is standing at the manger. 

 A snap should be attached to the lower end of the rope and snapped 

 into the ring at the top of the halter. The rope should be of sufficient 

 length to allow the horse to get his nose to the ground about where his 

 front foot usually stands. Such an appliance will permit the horse to 



