80 DISEASES OF ANIMALS. 



DOCKING AND NICKING. 



Nicking is an innuman practice, that has gone almost 

 entirely out of use. It not only inflicts severe punish- 

 ment on the beast, during the tedious operation, but it 

 weakens him forever afterwards ; it is also Liable to pro 

 duce locked jaw. 



Of late years, there are many reflecting, intelligent 

 persons, who think the horse's tail was made for some 

 useful purpose, and that he should have it to defend him- 

 self from myriads of flies and insects that swarm around 

 him, in the warm season, to his great annoyance and 

 vexation. Some think the horse will look better for 

 being docked, and that this operation will cause his hind 

 quarters to fill out fuller and stronger. Docking is per 

 formed by a single stroke of some sharp instrument. If 

 it bleed too much, put the inner, soft part of sole leather 

 on the wound, and tie the hair over it. The tail should 

 be cut in a joint. This custom is declining. 



EXERCISE. 



Horses constantly stabled should be moderately exei- 

 cised two hours a day, when the weather permits, in 

 order to keep up their health and strength ; for a horse 

 will soon lose his strength as well as health, without 

 exercise, if confined. Much depends on age, as a young 

 horse requires more exercise than an old one. For 

 neither should it be violent ; and the horse sliould not 

 be put up till he is cool ; nor should he be allowed to cool 

 at rest ; but during very gentle exercise. Horses run- 

 ning in the pasture are better for moderate exercise 

 frequently. 



A horse's exercise should be in proportion to his 

 strength, manner of feeding, labor required, &c. 



Horses should not be rode fast after having been 

 newly fed and watered. A fat horse requires a long 

 course of moderate exercise before he can be safely put 

 to a violent trot. 



It should be a general rule to ride a horse moderately 



