LIGHT HORSES I BREEDS AND MANAGEMENT. 



CHAPTER XL 



DISEASES AND INJURIES TO WHICH LIGHT 

 HORSES ARE LIABLE. 



IN the following remarks on the diseases and injuries to 

 which the lighter breeds of horses are liable in a state of 

 domestication, it is not intended to give such information as 

 will enable the horse-owner to play the part of veterinary 

 surgeon, and treat his animals in every case as if he were a 

 person thoroughly trained in veterinary medicine and surgery. 

 Such endeavour would be as futile as it would be inexpe- 

 dient and dangerous. Printed directions and horse-doctor books 

 cannot do this ; the utmost service they can yield is to afford 

 the attendant upon, or the owner of, horses some idea of the 

 disorders and accidents to which these creatures are exposed, 

 so that he may be able to form an idea as to what should be 

 <done before the arrival of the veterinary surgeon, in cases of 

 emergency, or when the assistance of this useful individual 

 cannot be readily obtained. The majority of horsemen now- 

 a-days have received some kind of instruction in horse- 

 management, either at one of the several agricultural schools 

 established in the United Kingdom, or by attending the lec- 

 tures and demonstrations so frequently given in various parts 

 of the country, through the instrumentality of agricultural 

 societies or County Councils. In any case, for the treatment 

 of the more serious diseases and accidents, far more experience 



