The Gelding or Emasculation of Colts. 63 



paddock, nigged if necessary. If a paddock is not available, a roomy 

 clean loose box, that has been well disinfected, will do, and exercise 

 should be given next day. 



The opinions of horse owners vary greatly regarding the best age to 

 geld colts. I think that the best and safest time to castrate ordinary 

 colts is in the autumn— before they are weaned. At this age the opera- 

 tion does not check their condition or growth, and I am convinced by 

 experience that if gelded young, they make quite as good horses ; 

 some of the best horses, both for pluck and staying powers, that I 

 have seen were castrated when from six to nine months of age. If 

 colts are left till over twelve months old or till their generative organs 

 are fully developed, the shock through castration must be more severe, 

 and the alteration made in their system is considerable, besides they 

 very often lose condition when gelded. 



Casting the Colt. 



One of the handiest ways of casting or throwing wild colts that 

 have to be lassoed is to put a running noose round the two forelegs, let 

 the rope drop down just below the knees of the horse before tightening 

 the noose, then pull straight out from the side, those holding the neck 

 rope at the same time pulling the opposite way ; the animal will fall on 

 his side and can easily be held there till tied. 



Of the various styles of throwing colts, that with collar and heel- 

 ropes is most in use, and if two hobble straps with one ring on each 

 are put on the hind fetlocks, so that the ropes can run through the 

 rings instead of round the back of the fetlocks, it saves the chafing 

 which often occurs, especially in casting thoroughbreds. As soon as 

 the colt is thrown, straighten out the two forelegs, put a rope round 

 the front fetlocks, and pull straight on the rope keeping the fore-feet 

 off' the ground, this will prevent the colt from getting up and will 

 enable you to tie the hind legs in the position shown in the photograph. 

 I find this is a simple, safe and effective way of securing the hind feet, 

 and as the horse is kept on his side, he does not strain or hurt himself, 

 and they can be let up quickly when the operation is over. 



In putting on the hind leg-rope the loop is put on the under hind 

 fetlock, the rope is then pulled under the rump and round the back ; 

 care must be taken that the under (or near) hind-leg is pulled into the 

 side in a natural position, by turning the colt slightly on to his belly, 

 his own weight will assist in bringing the under leg close in. Put 

 the free end of the rope over the top hind fetlock, using only one 

 half-hitch, pull the leg close to the horse's body, then put one turn of 

 the rope round the fetlock to hold the half-hitch secure. The brand 

 should be put on the shoulder while the forelegs are held straight, the 

 off fore-foot can then be strapped to the arm, and the under fore-leg 

 left free. Keep the colt on his side, and he is ready to operate on. 



The Operation Described. 



First draw out the penis, and oil it and its sheath with olive oil. 

 Have the emasculator nistrument in a bucket of antiseptic. I use one 



