CONNEMARA PONIES — CONTAGIOUS DISEASES 



Treatment. — In the first place, it is absolutely necessary 

 that the patient should be in a warm yet well-ventilated box 

 where be can breathe the fresh air without being exposed 

 to a draught. He should be well clothed, and after his legs 

 have been rubbed until they become warm, flannel bandages 

 should be put on them. The ears should be pulled, and as 

 a temporary relief small doses of spirits may be given at 

 frequent intervals and mustard rubbed on his sides just 

 behind the fore-arms, or a linseed poultice may be tried. 

 Unless an improvement is quickly apparent, a reliable 

 veterinary surgeon should be sent for, else it may be too 

 late. (See Pnetmtonia, Prescriptions?) 



Connemara Ponies. — The district of Connemara at one 

 time produced a famous breed of ponies which has, un- 

 fortunately, been allowed to degenerate, though attempts are 

 now being made to recover the lost ground. These ponies 

 were noted for their bone, substance, and stamina, and have 

 been largely utilised in producing the famous Roscommon 

 hunters. They have nice flat clean legs, good shoulders, 

 powerful loins, and good quarters, and they cover a great 

 deal of ground for their height. They average from 12 

 to 1 4 hands in height, and are extremely robust and 

 hardy in constitution. Eastern sires were at one time 

 introduced into the district, and the heads of many Connemara 

 ponies show signs of this blood. They are very active and 

 gentle, and make good polo ponies. 



Constipation is often a source of trouble to horses 

 which are given little work and nothing but dry food. The 

 obvious remedy is a laxative of some sort. (See Medicines^ 

 Prescriptions?) 



Contagious Diseases. — Too much care cannot be taken 

 to ensure the isolation of any horse which is suspected of 

 suffering from a contagious disease; hence the desirability of 

 having hospital boxes attached to every stud. Contagion 



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