STABLE MANAGEMENT. 99 



This latter plan gives very little trouble, and often answers exceedingly 

 well. 



194. Weaving. 



Weaving, or constant oscillation from side to side by motion of the 

 fore-legs, accompanied with a corresponding motion of the head from 

 side to side, is a curious and favourite trick of some horses. No parti- 

 cular harm seems to result from it, nor does it appear to be catching 

 among other horses. As a general rule, horses do not weave unless they 

 are tied up, but some will go through the motions even though loose. 



The trick arises from nervousness at the approach or presence of any 

 one. Though the animal may appear to be always weaving, yet such is 

 not the fact, as the owner may easily satisfy himself by placing the horse 

 in some stable where he can watch him without being seen or heard. 



195. Crib-biting. 



Crib-biting is a serious evil, and generally increases rather than dimin- 

 ishes with age. Several causes give rise to it. It is sometimes learnt 

 by young horses catching at the manger or at any rail which may be 

 within their reach when they are being groomed. In other cases it may 

 originate in mere playfulness or want of occupation. The use of deal or 

 any unseasoned wood, which horses like to gnaw, for stable fittings is apt 

 to induce the trick. But most commonly crib-biting arises from some 

 acidity or chronic irritability of the stomach, which produces a craving 

 for something to appease it, i. e. to suck in wind. 



Crib-biting, if much indulged in, damages the teeth, and is said in some 

 instances to do so to a degree which interferes with feeding. But inas- 

 much as mastication is performed by the posterior teeth, it is not pro- 

 bable that the domesticated horse can suffer any great inconvenience from 

 injury to the incisor teeth. The office of those teeth is principally to 

 nip off the blades of grass, a duty which is not often required in the 

 stabled animal. Crib-biting, however, from the amount of wind sucked 

 into the stomach often seriously interferes with the digestion, and hence 

 is a common cause of flatulence and colic, whilst, again, by impairing the 

 digestion, it often prevents the horse carrying flesh. 



In its incipient stage crib-biting may be retarded, if not arrested, by 

 dressing all the stable fixtures within reach with coal tar, which must be 

 renewed as often as necessary ; and it is advisable in all cases, having 

 regard to the disease arising from irritability of the stomach, to keep 

 water always within reach. The use of a wooden bar placed across the 

 mouth, and attached at each end to the head collar has also been recom- 

 mended. Acting somewhat as a gag, this is said to have a good effect in 

 arresting this tiresome and evil habit. 



A strap drawn tightly round the neck is much recommended as a pre- 

 ventive. If sufficiently tight it will prevent the horse from swallowing 

 the air, which is his chief object in cribbing, and on this account it often 

 hinders him from pursuing the habit. It is, however, a question whether 



