208 LIGHT HORSES: BREEDS AND MANAGEMENT. 



ointment to it ; it may even be necessary to " fire " the part 

 in order to effect efficient recovery. Instead of this, the pro- 

 jection of cold water from a hose for from ten to twenty 

 minutes three or four times a day, may be advantageous in 

 expediting a cure ; indeed, this may be carried out from the 

 very commencement, the lead lotion being applied in the 

 intervals. Sprains of these or other tendons or ligaments in 

 this region may also be treated after the method recommended 

 by Captain Hayes, which consists in enveloping the part in 

 cotton wool, and bandaging tightly, in such a manner as to 

 ensure uniform pressure. This bandaging may be employed 

 after applying the hot or cold water or lotion, and is most 

 conveniently carried out as he directs : Take about half-a- 

 pound of cotton wool, and a cotton bandage (such as can be 

 got in any chemist's shop) about three inches broad and six 

 yards long. First of all, wrap loosely round the leg a piece 

 of soft cotton cloth, or put on an ordinary flannel bandage, as 

 the contact of wool sometimes causes irritation to the skin. 

 Place a little cotton wool at each side of the leg at the place 

 where it is desired to commence, and loosely wrap the bandage 

 over it, adding at each turn more cotton wool, some of which 

 should also be placed at the front and back of the leg until there 

 is a layer about four inches thick round the part. As the band- 

 age is passed round the leg it may be gradually tightened, until 

 at last it is made very tight, when it can then be secured by 

 sewing or by tapes. The bandages should be removed after 

 twenty-four hours, the part rubbed firmly upwards by the 

 hand (the leg being held up during this massage, and flexed 

 and extended), and a fresh bandage of the same kind put on. 

 The bandage may then be removed morning and evening, and 

 the part hand-rubbed, and passively worked by bending the 

 joints without causing the horse to move. The tendon may 

 be rubbed with stimulating liniment during the massage ; if 

 the hair is long it may be clipped off. The cotton wool should 

 be of the ordinary kind, soft and elastic, and it is better to 

 have it fresh at each application. The diet should be rather 

 laxative, and green forage be given if it can be procured. 



