STEPPING — STINGS 



variety of obstacles, either natural or artificial, but on a 

 recognised race-course, is thus described. Originally, no 

 doubt, a steeplechase was a point to point race over a 

 natural and unflagged country, the name being taken from 

 the church steeple which usually marked the position of 

 the winning-post. (See Point to Point Races.) 



Stepping. — A horse which bends his knees unusually 

 well is described as a stepper, or high stepper, and appreciated 

 accordingly. The gift of high action of this kind is unquestion- 

 ably a natural one, but it can be developed and improved 

 by artificial means and careful schooling. A high stepper 

 is not a good horse for working purposes, as he is liable to 

 suffer from concussion if the going is hard. (See Action.) 



Sterility. — A fat mare may often not prove to be in foal, 

 but this fact does not prove that she is a non-breeder, as 

 sterility may be due to either constitutional or physical 

 causes. It is recommended, therefore, should a mare not 

 prove to be in foal, that she should be examined by a veter- 

 inary surgeon, as it frequently happens that a minor opera- 

 tion may remove the cause of the barrenness. All mules 

 and hybrids, it may be added, are sterile. (See Barrenness, 

 Breeding, Brood Mare, Stallion?) 



Sternum. — The breast bone. 



Stifle. — The upper joint of the hind-leg. 



Stings. — It often occurs that horses are stung by wasps 

 or bees, the result being that they suddenly appear to go 

 mad, and gallop recklessly about. When the cause is dis- 

 covered, the sting, if left in, should be pulled out with 

 tweezers if possible, and strong ammonia should be applied 

 to the place affected. The horse should be brought in and 

 kept quiet until his excitement wears off, r nd if the irritation 



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