366 Care of the Colt in Training 



as a result sharp edges are often left unworn on the 

 inside of the lower molars and on. the outside of 

 the upper, which may cut or lacerate the tongue or 

 cheeks, which become sore. When the horse attempts 

 to eat, the food irritates the sores and he will not 

 feed well. This condition can readily be felt by 

 the hand, and these sharp edges when found should 

 be taken down with a guarded rasp. 



In all cases in which a horse quids his food, slob- 

 bers or otherwise evinces pain in mastication, as 

 shown by holding his head to one side while chewing, 

 the teeth should be carefully examined. In addition 

 to not feeding well, a horse whose teeth have unduly 

 sharp edges, or which are otherwise irregular, is likely 

 to drive badly, to pull to one side, not to bear on the 

 bit, or to bear on too hard, to toss the head and 

 start suddenly when a tender spot is touched. 



ACCIDENTS LIKELY TO OCCUR IN TRAINING 



While in training, the colt is more or less exposed 

 to injury. The amount and severity of injury will 

 depend much on the activity of the animal as well 

 as on the methods of the driver. The high-strung, 

 nervous and refractory colt is more likely to be in- 

 jured than a mild, teachable one, and the driver 

 who is careless and indifferent, or who uses severe 

 methods, is more likely to cause injury than one who 

 exercises the utmost care at all times. 



