374 Care of the Colt in Training 



very subject to harness galls, particularly along 

 the shoulders under the collar, at the back under 

 the saddle and under the tail, caused by the crupper. 

 The parts are soft and tender and sweat easily from 

 the excitement of training. In this condition the 

 colt chafes under the harness, especially if it is hard 

 and poorly fitting. This chafing causes abrasions 

 of the skin, which prepare the way for abscesses or 

 chronic blemishes unless attended to very promptly. 

 This may involve only the skin or it may work down 

 into the muscle and even the bone. When the 

 ligament is involved there may be a dry slough, 

 commonly called '^sit-fasts." 



Abrasions are best prevented by bringing the 

 young animal gradually into working shape, so as to 

 harden the muscles and toughen the skin. The 

 harness should be well fitted, cleaned and oiled 

 to remove all dirt and to make it soft and pliable 

 (p. 345). The parts likely to be abraded should be 

 cleaned and brushed free of dirt. 



In treating the sore, bathe the parts freely in warm 

 water, then apply an astringent, such as cold salt 

 water ; carbolic acid and glycerin, one part of the for- 

 mer to fifteen of the latter; one pint of alcohol in 

 which are well shaken the whites of two eggs ; a 

 sugar of lead lotion made by adding one teaspoonful 

 of the lead to a quart of water; or a nitrate of silver 

 solution, one half teaspoonful to the quart of water. 

 Continue until cured. ' 



