DISMO UNTING — DOCKING 



however, at all times far beyond the powers of an amateur, 

 and therefore a veterinary surgeon should at once be sent 

 for, the part affected being kept as cool as possible by the 

 application of cold swabs until his arrival. 



Dismounting. — See Riding. 



Distress, — The effects of overriding or overdriving a horse 

 may easily lead to serious results, and under any circum- 

 stances, unless there is some vitally important object in view, 

 it is folly as well as cruelty to work an animal until it drops. 

 Occasionally, however, a horse does not show signs of 

 distress until almost at his last gasp, when he suddenly 

 staggers and sways about from exhaustion, sometimes falling 

 to the ground in a heap. In such cases the bit should be 

 taken out of his mouth, and all the tightly-buckled portions of 

 his gear — such as girths, belly-band, throat latch — loosened ; 

 in fact he should be made as easy as possible. Should there 

 be a breeze blowing, his head may be turned towards it, and 

 his mouth, face, and poll should be bathed with cold water, 

 whilst some spirits may be given him as a drench, (See 

 Restoratives?) 



Diuresis. — See Staling. 



Diuretics, — When a horse displays a difficulty in passing 

 his water, or the latter is passed in insufficient quantity, the 

 following diuretic may be administered with satisfactory 

 results. Resin 4 drams, soap 2 drams, oatmeal and treacle 

 sufficient to make a ball. (See Prescriptions) 



Dock. — The fleshy part of the tail. 



Docking. — Opinions are likely to continue to differ as 

 regards the desirability or otherwise of docking horses. 

 There can be little doubt, however, that the practice com- 

 mends itself to a very large number of humane and practical 



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