MOUNTED INSTRUCTION 183 



animal off his feet. Casting- can be done with the least effort if one 

 foreleg is fixed off the ground with a knee strap. If it is desired to cast 

 on a particular side, it can be done by the attendant pulling in a forward 

 direction on that side, the others pulling in the opposite direction. 

 When down the man at the head should grasp and hold the head firmly 

 against the ground, while another should draw the legs up tightly at the 

 side and secure them by a double half hitch made of the free ends of 

 rope. When one side is secured the animal may be rolled over, and the 

 other tied in a similar manner. 



There are various forms of casting harness made from ropes and 

 leather, but the principles of all are similar to the one described above. 



The English Hobble is sometimes used for casting. It consists of 

 four leather hobbles with rings. A chain or rope is attached to one 

 front hobble, then passed through the rings of the others and back 

 through the first ring. The animal is cast by pulling the rope and draw- 

 ing all four legs together. When down the rope is secured. This is 

 not a popular method of casting if work is to be done upon the feet and 

 limbs, as it does not place them in a suitable position. 



Stocks are built for operating upon animals, for restraint in applying 

 dressings, and shoeing. Their use for the latter purpose should be dis- 

 couraged, as once an animal is confirmed to their use he cannot be 

 shod any other way. and there is always danger of injuries. The War 

 Bridle, if used properly, will take the place of the stocks. 



The Sling is a useful means of restraint and often a necessary one 

 in the case of severe injury and inability to support his weight on all 

 four legs, and when it is desired to keep the animal in a standing posi- 

 tion. It is made of broad, strong canvas fitted about the animal's chest 

 and abdomen and attached to which are straps from both a breast col- 

 lar and a breeching. Ropes attached to the free ends of the canvas 

 run to blocks and tackles and support the weight of the animal. The 

 raising must be effected so as not to take the feet from the ground, but 

 just enough to ease the weight from them. When this is accomplished 

 the pulleys should be locked or the free end of the rope securely tied. 



TRANSPORT BY RAIL 



The transport of animals by rail in the military service is an import- 

 ant subject to be considered in the care of animals. Experience has 

 demonstrated that considerable losses of animals have been due to im- 

 proper methods employed in transit, such as : long periods' without 

 water, feed or rest; and lack of proper supervision of feeding en route, 

 or on arrival at destination. Animals to be shipped must be given a 

 careful physical inspection by a Veterinary officer for communicable 

 or other diseases, and tested with mallein to insure against glanders. 



If animals are to be worked immediately upon arrival at destination, 

 they should be newly shod without calks. Remounts or other animals 

 not for immediate use should have the shoes removed and feet trimmed 

 to prevent breaking. The grain ration should be reduced one half on 

 the day before loading. 



