80 MOUNTED INSTRUCTION 



7. When a horse is tired or cold pull his ears and hand-rub his legs, 

 it refreshes him and he will appreciate it. 



8. The loins are the most vital parts of the horse to protect against 

 cold. 



9. Never upset a horse by constant irritation with the whip ; it puts 

 him off his feed. 



10. Name your horses: regard them as pals; "Dixie" sounds bet- 

 ter than "137." 



11. Sick or injured animals should be placed on half rations of grain 

 until such time as they can again be exercised, at which time the ra- 

 tions can be gradually increased to full feed, depending on the individ- 

 ual. 



12. Thorough grooming daily is very necessary. It increases cir- 

 culation in the skin, removes dandruff and old, wornout and cast-off 

 cells. It makes the horse feel good. The currycomb should be used 

 with caution, being careful not to scratch the skin with it. 



13. The feet should be cleaned thoroughly with a foot hook, pay- 

 ing particular attention to the removal of dirt and filth which collect 

 daily in the depressions on either side and in the middle of the frog, 

 and, when left, cause thrush and lameness. Always hook towards 

 the toe. Never toward the heel. 



14. If a horse starts to rub himself against posts, etc., examine him 

 carefully for lice or mange, put him oft' by himself, and report the case 

 immediately. 



15. A horse's gums sometimes swell from indigestion. A few days' 

 feeding with bran, salt, or corn on the cob, or cutting his grain allow- 

 ance in half will most likely cure it. Consult veterinarian when pos- 

 sible, 



16. If a horse has a cut or open wound of any kind you must keep 

 it clean by antiseptic washing. This should be done by filling a cloth 

 or oakum full of water and then squeezing it above the wound, so that 

 the water flows across the injured surface Do not apply the cloth or 

 sponge directly to the wound, for that will only irritate the flesh. 

 Never use the same rag or sponge to wash the sores on different ani- 

 mals. Use clean water, boiled if possible. An antiseptic of some kind 

 should be applied. A weak solution of salt is better than nothing. 

 The wound should also be protected from flies and dirt, if possible. 

 If the flies get at a wound it will become "fly blown" and lead to very 

 serious results. If an animal has sore eyes, caused b}^ dust or flies, 

 wash them with a ten to fifteen per cent solution of boracic acid and 

 use an eye covering. If the eye is sore from a blow or scratch, be sure 

 and keep the eye covered with a cloth, as the light causes great pain 

 and retards recovery. Eyes and nostrils should be washed, or care- 

 fully wiped, very frequently if they are running from distemper or 

 other causes. 



17. If animals eat dirt or lick trees it is because they are craving 

 salt. They should have it at least three times a week and preferably 

 free access to salt at all times. Put daily ration of salt in salt boxes 

 every day. 



