56 HORSE-MASTERSHIP 



The principle to bear In mind is not to allow 

 the central line of the back to carry any 

 weight. The weight must be borne each side 

 principally on the ribs, which are protected 

 for the purpose by muscles. 



Have I, then, not spoken of all the ills 

 you will be likely to be called upon to deal 

 with ? I think I have, except perhaps colic, 

 or gripes. No properly fed and watered 

 horse should get these. Your treatment is 

 at once to give a hot drink. Water with 

 a little flour mixed in it, and given luke- 

 warm, is all the treatment you should 

 attempt. 



Do not give opiates or drugs of any sort. 

 You do not know enough to risk these things, 

 which often do one part good and ten parts 

 harm. Above all, when you think, or are told, 

 your horse's kidneys are wrong, avoid giving 

 nitre. This is the first resort of the ignorant 

 stableman. It is always given in doses which 

 are far too large. I have known young race- 

 horses who promised great things, and who, 

 I know, were good horses, whose careers 



