314 THE CONDITION OF HUNTERS 



SORE BACKS 



Saddle-galls 



It is many years since I have had occasion to dis- 

 continue the use of a horse by reason of a sore back. 

 Common attention to saddles (made by good saddlers), 

 by drying, beating, and brushing the pannels of them 

 after use, is all that is wanted here. Heavy women, 

 however, and many horsemen, from a peculiarity of 

 seat, are apt to wring horses' backs. The skin also 

 of some horses is so tender that it will gall with very 

 slight pressure. Strong repellent lotions, if the skin 

 is not broken, are the best means to apply at first ; 

 but if a sit-fast takes place, either the knife or some 

 very strong detergent ointment must be had recourse 

 to. I have seen some very awkward cases of sore 

 backs, proceeding from various causes, and often very 

 difficult of cure. They require a nice treatment, and 

 veterinary aid should be timely called in. One of 

 the best preventatives of saddle-gall is that of leaving 

 the saddle on for about an hour or so after one comes 

 in. This allows the back to gradually cool. 



STABLES 



Having, in a vast number of instances, seen horses 

 produced in very bright condition from very in- 

 different stables, I was for many years of my life very 

 indifferent about the structure of them. Few men, 

 however, have put their good and bad properties to 

 the test more than I have done, in the roving life 

 I have generally led with my horses in the winter 



