STABLE MANAGEMENT 237 



animal being destroyed. In this warning the writer is 

 speaking from actual experience. A remedy may be sought 

 by somewhat altering the shoeing, and it is advisable to try 

 the Charlier, or Rational, system of shoeing, if a smith can 

 be found who knows how to do it. One method of com- 

 bating the evil, which frequently answers, is to buckle 

 a large circular pad made of soft leather round the fetlock, 

 which either compels the horse to alter its usual resting 

 position, or, if it still adheres to it, prevents the hoof from 

 coming in contact with the elbow, from the size of the roll. 



A very frequent habit is to tear the clothing, which can 

 be checked either by attaching a "sword" to the roller, 

 or by buckling a strong leather shield to the headstall, 

 and passing it behind the chin, which entirely prevents the 

 horse from gripping the clothing when he turns his head 

 for the purpose. It should be very stiff, and should be of 

 such length that it will project a full inch below the chin 

 when the horse turns his head round towards his side. 

 The sword is a staff reaching from the headstall to the 

 roller, to each of which it is fastened with a strap or a snap- 

 hook ; it may be of the thickness of the handle of a hayrake, 

 and though the animal can lie down and get up with it on, 

 it cannot turn its head. It is very effective, but does not 

 allow a horse so much freedom of movement as the leather 

 shield does. It may be further noted that a horse cannot 

 tear a rug made of strong canvas, and therefore such a one 

 should be placed on the outside. 



A horse that is vicious in the stable, who will seize 

 any opportunity of biting, or even worrying his attendant, 

 should never be dressed without the lad having a switch 

 handy, the knowledge of the presence of which will frequently 

 prove a sufficient caution without it being necessary actually 

 to make use of it. Some thoroughbred horses are of such a 

 savage nature that great caution has to be exercised in attend- 

 ing to them, and the lad who looks after such must be of 

 determined character, quick to observe, though at the same 

 time quiet in his movements. Ofttimes one man can do any- 

 thing with such a horse, whilst another would be attacked 

 by the animal without a moment's hesitation. Such animals. 



