258 



ANIMAL MANAGEMENT. 



he should be at once taken out of the line and kept till the others have 

 embarked ; this will ensure a constant steady flow and prove quicker than 

 checking the whole movement in order to deal with a few difficult animals. 

 The entrance to the gangway is the spot where difficulty is usually en- 

 countered, but if the leader goes quietly and the others follow without pause 

 only a few will be found troublesome. The leading horse is led to the 

 farthest stall, the side bar replaced, the head ropes tied, and hay given. 

 Horses which habitually stand or work together should be neighbours. 

 Kickers should be given end stalls and kicking boards put up. All men 

 not detailed for other duties should stay with the horses till they are used 

 to their new quarters. 

 Methods of Methods of dealing with troublesome horses.— If the gangway is neither 

 dealing ]ong nor steep, they may be backed along it instead of led ; some will lead 

 when blindfolded. If these methods fail a rope may be passed round the 

 quarters when the horse is near the gangway and the animal forcibly pulled 

 on to it by a couple of men at each end. A crupper may be made 

 for the purpose by doubling a long rope and tying a loop in the centre, 

 the free ends being brought forward and pulled on at each side when the 

 loop is adjusted under the tail. 



Slinging on board. — The slings for this purpose have a loop of rope 

 attached to each spreader, one being eyed. The eyed loop is passed 

 through the other when the sling is adjusted to the body and the eye 

 placed over the crane hook. To the front and back of the slings are 

 attached breast and quarter ropes, which should be fastened tightly, 

 particularly the one round the quarter. To the head collar is attached 

 a guy (long line) for the purpose of holding the head steady as the horse 

 is being hoisted and lowered ; it should be held by the man who is at the 

 horse's head while the sling is adjusted, and at the moment the animal is 

 swung inboard he should pass it to the ship, where it is held by the man 

 who receives the horse on deck. A double guy is sometimes used, one 

 line being held on shore and the other on the deck, but a single one is 

 sufficient 'f the horse is properly trussed in the sling. 



In slinging horses five men are required, one at the head, one at each 

 side, one at the breast, and one behind. One end of the sling is passed 

 under the horse's belly, and both ends are brought up to meet over his 

 back ; the eyed loop is passed through the other, and is received 

 by the man on the other side, who hauls it through, hooking the tackle to 

 it, both men holding up the ends of the sling until it is taut. The men 

 at the breast and behind bring their ropes round and make them fast to 

 the grummets, and the man who holds the horse's head makes fast the 

 guy to the ship's head collar, When all is ready, the word " Hoist away " 



with 

 trouble 

 some 

 horses. 



Slinging 

 on board 



