MANUAL FOR STABLE SERGEANTS. 71 



225. Halter pulling. Halter pullers may be secured by fasten- 

 ing ropes or chains across the stall behind them, or they may be 

 turned loose in a box stall. The habit may be broken in the earlier 

 stages by a slip noose about the flank, the rope being carried forward 

 between the front legs, through the halter ring, and fastened securely 

 to the manger or a post. To prevent injury, a folded sack or piece of 

 cloth should be secured beneath the rope at the point where it 

 passes over the back. 



226. Windsucking and crib biting. These are incurable vices 

 which usually increase with age. Causes unknown. They are 

 thought, however, to be a result of idleness, and to be learned by 

 imitation. Keep such horses by themselves to prevent others 

 from learning the habit. Place them in smoothly finished stalls 

 without mangers or racks and feed off the floor. 



227. Condition. Condition is fitness for work. Horses that 

 have been idle from injury or disease are not in condition, and 

 should not be put to hard or fast work until they have received 

 from one to three weeks' preparation in the way of gradually increas- 

 ing exercise. Walking is the exercise which develops muscles; 

 walking alternated with steady short trots, is the best method of 

 getting horses in shape. 



227 J. Exhaustion. Exhausted horses should receive a good 

 stimulant (aromatic spirits of ammonia, nitrous ether, etc.), and their 

 legs and body should be well rubbed and massaged. They should 

 also be provided with a good bed. If on the march they should be 

 unsaddled or unharnessed, a rest should be permitted and a drink of 

 water provided, after which they may be taken slowly to camp. In 

 hot weather put the animal in the shade and apply ice or cold water 

 to the head. In cold weather blanket the body and bandage the 

 legs. When rested, feed bran mashes, grass, hay, and steamed oats. 



