STRE TCHING — i" TUMBLING 



that the horses using such places are liable to contract foot 

 troubles. 



Stretching". — An absurd practice which exists amongst 

 some owners of harness horses, those associated with hackneys 

 being the principal offenders, of teaching their animals to 

 stand with their fore-legs stretched out in front and their 

 back ones behind. The effect is not altogether pleasing, and 

 it reduces the height of a horse by inches. (See Breaking, 

 Standing^ 



String-halt is the name applied to the upward, jerky 

 movement of the hock, which is observable in the action of 

 some horses when they walk or trot. In some cases one leg 

 is affected, in others both, and the string-halt is usually most 

 noticeable after the horse has had a long rest in the stable. 

 It is undoubtedly hereditary, being the result of a nervous 

 affection which controls the movement of the muscles ; it is 

 therefore incurable, and constitutes unsoundness, 



SwUb. — The expression applied to a wound on the sole of 

 the foot which is caused by the animal treading upon a peg, 

 splinter of wood, or some similar object, and running it into 

 the soft horn or frog of his foot. 



Treatment. — If the wound is severe a bran poultice may 

 be applied ; if not, careful washing and a few days' rest may 

 suffice to effect a cure, but it should be plugged with tow 

 to prevent dirt entering, and of course the shoe should be 

 removed. (See Poultices?) 



Stud Farm. — See Breeding Studs. 



Studs. — See Frost Nails. 



Stumbling, which is a fruitful cause of broken knees and 

 other accidents, is the result of a faulty conformation of the 

 fore-legs or fore-hand, bad shoeing, or bad horsemanship, 



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