308 AGRICULTURE 



Unsoundness due to ill usuage. Not a few of the 

 defects common to horses should be blamed to their own- 

 ers or users. For example, poll evil is frequently caused by 

 striking the head against a door or stall beam that is too 

 low. Bit sores indicate either a careless or a cruel driver, or a 

 bit unsuited to the horse on which it is used. Neck and 

 shoulder sores seldom occur if the collar is a good fit, and if 

 kept clean. Fistula on withers on shoulders comes from 

 collar bruises. Sweeny is the result of a wrench or strain, 

 often due to ill-fitting collars. 



In similar way, splints, spavins, curbs, thorough-pins and 

 other injuries to the legs are often caused by excessive driv- 

 ing or pulling, especially of young horses. Misshapen knees 

 and ankles are an evidence of hard usage. Greased heel, 

 thrush and scratches come from damp and filthy stalls. 

 Roaring is the result of driving until the wind is "broken" ; 

 heaves usually come from eating dusty feed ; cribbing is a 

 sign of the neglect of teeth that need attention. 



The effect of training. The vices which reduce the 

 value of many horses and make them unpleasant to handle 

 are usually due fully as much to training as disposition. 

 Halter pulling commonly begins in the colt being frightened 

 and made to break loose when tied, or else being tied with 

 an old and easily broken halter that encourages pulling on 

 it. Balking often indicates lack of intelligence and patience 

 on the part of the trainer fully as much as stubbornness on 

 the part of the horse. Biting may be started by teas- 

 ing; and kicking often has its beginning in fright from 

 something loose about the harness or vehicle before the colt 

 is well broken. 



Treatment of horses. The horse should be treated 

 with kindness and firmness. The driver who strikes or 

 jerks because of his anger or petulance deserves the con- 



