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a contraction of the back sinews or flexors, 

 which has been occasioned by too great exer- 

 tion. This happens chiefly to horses that have 

 been worked hard, and particularly to such as 

 have been used in a draught or harness, and is 

 very perceptible in most of the hackney-coach 

 horses, which are submitted to much hardship 

 as well as severe labour. The flexors or back 

 sinews being extended beyond their proper 

 length, they become strained, and shrink up ; 

 and it is impossible for the animal ever after to 

 stand straight on his joints. Horses, therefore, 

 that are used in harness, if they have been 

 worked hard, are rendered unfit for the saddle; 

 and all those v/ho esteem their horses for the 

 purpose of riding, should never put them in 

 harness, as it spoils them . Very little can be 

 done to cure, or even to assist this contraction, 

 if it be very bad. Some put on shoes witli 

 very long toes, v.'hich make the horse stretch 

 the back sinews when he is walked gently; rub 

 the knee joints with oils and spirits, pare the 

 heels down a good deal, and make their shoes 

 low behind: however when a horse is thus 

 crippled, all idea of using him as a saddle- 

 horse should he abar.dDnedj as he will certainly 



