COMMON ACCIDENTS. 15 



which will then glide off the other leg when it strikes. A 

 boot should always be worn over the part struck or cut, which, 

 with this protection, will heal over, though the horse be kept 

 in constant work. Unless the part is protected in this fashion, 

 the swelling that invariably ensues from the incessant striking 

 will always prevent a cure. 1 have tried all sorts of boots, 

 indiarubber rings, cloths, &c., for this purpose, but never 

 found any so good as the following, which any saddler can 

 make in an hour or so. It consists of a piece of cloth, about 

 Sin. in depth, fastened by four small buckles and straps, with 

 leather stitched on to the part which presents itself to the 

 blow of the opposite foot (as shown in the illustration). The 

 length of the cloth gives a great bearing on the leg, and 

 prevents slipping round, as is almost always the case with the 

 ordinary short, cloth boot. The lower part of the spoon- 

 shaped leather should be bowed out, so as to fit comfortably 

 over the inside of the fetlock joint. If a raw place has 

 been made, it should be well washed, and a few days will 

 heal it, the boot protecting it from further injury meanwhile. 



Speedy Cutting is similar to cutting, except that the leg is 

 struck higher up, just below the knee. It is produced by a 

 different action to that which causes cutting, and most fre- 

 quently occurs whilst a horse is galloping. Sometimes the 

 blow is so sudden and severe that the animal drops, and 

 nearly falls on his head. The only thing to be done is to 

 always use a thick bandage or pad to protect the part 

 struck. 



Strains may be either of the tendons, joints, or muscles. 

 So-called strains are usually caused by the actual tearing of 

 the fibres, or, in the case of the tendons, inflammation of the 

 sheath. Beginning with the shoulder, a part which is rarely 

 affected in this way, you may discover whether that is really 

 the seat of mischief, by inducing the horse to put his shoulder 

 forward as far as he can, or by gently drawing it forward 

 yourself. Watch if he gives signs of flinching ; again, when 

 he walks, notice if the toe drags on the ground. These are 

 the only reliable symptoms with which I am acquainted for 

 showing strain of the shoulder, which is by no means easy to 

 find out. Having satisfied yourself, however, that that is really 

 what is the matter, make up your mind to give the horse a 

 long rest. If there is much heat apparent, hot fomentations 

 should be used at first. A mild aperient ball may be given 



