24 OPERATIVE TECHNIQUE. 



tons. This provides a practicall}^ immovable] base, on which any 

 accidental shocks can have no effect. Each standard carries at its 

 upper part a carefully turned bearing to receive the axes of the revolv- 

 ing part. 



The forward end piece is padded inside to prevent the horse 

 accidentally injuring his head, and is perforated throughout its upper 

 part with one-inch holes to permit the head-collar ropes being passed 

 through and fastened to spring belaying-pins seen projecting in front. 



The rods suspended from either end of the upper girder are 

 telescopic, and automatically stop the machine when tilted at whatever 

 point desired by the operator. 



Lastl}', the revolving portion of the apparatus in which the animal 

 is fixed is secured against premature movement by four " safety 

 chocks '" or catches secured to the standard, and locking with the end 

 frames. The lever arm shown at the back and on the left side of Figs. 

 39 and 41 can be affixed to either end of the machine, and gives the 

 operator the necessary purchase for moving the animal when in 

 position. 



The disposition of weight has been so carefully planned that 

 when ready for rotation horse and machine form a mass whose 

 common centre of gravity is within an inch or two of the horizontal 

 axis around which the whole moves. Very little exertion is therefore 

 required in handling even a heavy horse, and no undue strain is 

 thrown on the machine, whatever the point at which it may be brought 

 to rest. 



In use, the horse is first provided with a strong head collar carrying 

 two stout lines, and the " bed-piece" is strapped tightly round his bod}' 

 like a horse-rug. One of the side rods is swung open, giving admission 

 to the machine, and the horse is walked forward until his head comes 

 within the front frame. At the same moment the assistant follows up 

 with the side bar, and, as the horse enters, drops the bar in place, 

 where it locks of itself. The groom passes the head collar lines through 

 holes in the front frame, and drawing them tight winds them in a figure 

 of 8 round the spring belaying-pins, while the " bed-piece" is hooked 

 on to the hanging " compensation bar." If a comparatively simple 

 operation is to be performed nothing further is needed. A hind foot 

 may be drawn up and fixed for examination or dressing, and the 'horse 

 be set at liberty a<:ain in less than a couple of minutes. 



If, howex'er, an\- serious operation is required four hobbles are 

 affixed to the feet, the winch handles are turned (both together) until 

 the horse's feet begin to leave the ground, when the safety chocks are 

 cast off, permit ^"int; the apparatus to revolve, and depositing the horse 



