212 HORSE SENSE. 



and useful horse. We have no objection to putting a bit into the colt's 

 mouth, but to check his head up high and fasten the side straps rigidly 

 is certainly a pernicious practice. If the "bitting harness" is to be used 

 let the bit loosely in the mouth and check and side straps "slack." 



What remedy would you recommend for pin worms in horses and 

 colts? 



Ans. Injections of aloes in solution, one ounce of aloes to a gallon 

 of water, once a week for two weeks. 



How is wheat for feed for horses? 



Ans. Very good, if fed ground; mixed with ground oats it is better. 



How shall I prevent a horse from rolling over in the stall and getting 

 cast so he cannot get up? 



Ans. Tie him so short that he cannot lay his head fiat on the floor 

 of his stall, or fasten a pully in the ceiling with weight that will do the 

 same. 



What good is a check-rein and blinders? 



Ans. The check-rein is really of no value further than to prevent 

 the horse from getting his head to the ground when stopped, or tied to 

 post, or other fastening; and sometimes to prevent him being too playful 

 when first starting out. The blinders are useful in driving "shirky," 

 tricky horses, or where one is free and the other lazy and watching the 

 driver. 



Why do people use the cruel overhead check-rein tight for ordinary 

 driving? 



Ans. Because it is the fashion, and the drivers or owners do not 

 f realize how much discomfort they are giving their mute friends by its 

 use. If they could fully understand how much suffering our horses were 

 enduring for our comfort and pleasure, the overhead check-rein would 

 never be used tight — especially on straight-shouldered horses — or long 

 at a time, in any case, or never when left to stand or hitched to the 

 post. Always lengthen out the overhead check for a long drive and 

 whenever stopped. 



Is there any way to prevent a biting horse from biting? 



Ans. We think so; by the use of the safety bridle represented in this 

 book, and by feeding him from the hand what he most relishes, making 

 him first believe that we are not afraid of him, by the safety bridle, and,, 

 also, that we are his best friend. Don't hurt him when in immediate 

 contact with him; but, if he attempts to bite, pull on the rope, and he 

 bites himself instead of the object aimed at, and, we assure you, he will 

 soon comprehend the situation. 



How do you prevent a horse from crowding his keeper in the stall? 



Ans. By the means shown in chapter XXX, cuts Nos. 52 and 53. 



How do you make a horse hold up his head? 



Ans. If the horse has a sloping shoulder, he will hold his head well 

 up, naturally, if well fed. If his shoulder is straight, and his neck set 

 low, it is very hard for him to hold his head high. By the use of the 

 check-rein, the head can be gradually raised, by degrees, without very 

 great inconvenience to the horse, and. in time, his style of carriage can 



