104 THE CARE OF HORSES 



done, when the horse is hot and tired and hungry, 

 too. Improper food has the same effect — too much 

 grass, or carrots, or bad hay, especially very new 

 hay. 



The Symptoms are these : the horse begins scraping 

 with its front feet, constantly turning its head round 

 to its side, as if to show where the pain is ; extending 

 the neck upwards, and lifting the upper lip, or 

 sneering, as it is called. As the pain increases, the 

 horse will try to lie down, which must always be 

 prevented. Now, at the first alarm, slacken the 

 roller and get your horse out of the stall and lead 

 him gently up and down, or, if the space is limited, 

 round and round the yard — anywhere, to keep him 

 moving. The pain may work off, but do not in any 

 circumstances let him get down, or he will be sure to 

 roll, and then it may mean twisted gut, which will 

 kill him. Keep moving, and if the pain increases 

 and you have no colic drink handy, let someone 

 indoors warm a pint of good beer, mix a little ground 

 ginger in it, and give it to him. Let it be only just 

 lukewarm, and then gently walk him again. 



If he looks blown, rub his sides with good horse- 

 oils ; don't be afraid of rubbing. At the end of half 

 an hour, if the poor beast is no better, lose no time 

 in sending for a veterinary surgeon. 



Mud Fever is another very distressing complaint, 

 also caused by carelessness, and this time it is the 

 groom's fault entirely. It is caused by washing in 

 the mud, instead of allowing it to dry, as I explained 

 before, when a horse comes in after a journey. Get 

 the grit and dirt off, instead of washing it into the 

 skin. Especially is this the case in limestone dis- 

 tricts, when the water, so foolishly applied, causes 

 the lime-mud to become a very powerful skin irritant. 

 It reflects great discredit on the groom who does 

 this, and also on the master who allows it to be 



