206 GENERAL TREATMENT OF HORSES. 



as hurried respiration, extreme thirst, restlessness 

 in his stall, a considerable relaxation of the muscles 

 in the interstices of the hips, reddened eyelids, and 

 a quick pulse. But unfortunately for hard-riding 

 sportsmen, it too often happens, that such is the 

 rapidity with which what is termed accidental in- 

 flammation takes place in the horse, that the most 

 prompt measures will not always arrest its progress, 

 and the most common termination of it here is in 

 the feet. Not only does the animal suffer great 

 pain, but should he not cast his hoofs entirely (the 

 fore-feet are most commonly affected,) he becomes, 

 what is called, pumice-footed, and of little or no 

 value afterwards as a hunter. Knowing this to be 

 the case, we are advocates for some prophylactic 

 measures to be taken after a very hard day — some- 

 thing repellant and sedative administered, which 

 may not only prevent an inflammatory attack, but, 

 by cooling the system, and consequently restoring 

 the appetite, enable the horse to go sooner into the 

 field again, than if he had been entirely abandoned 

 to his own restorative powers. One of the altera- 

 tive balls, previously alluded to, may answer the 

 purpose. 



But the most critical period with the over-ridden 

 hunter is, when he first appears to show distress, 

 which he often does on his road home, or even 

 before he quits the field ; and here mistakes have 

 been made, which have caused the death of many a 

 good animal. In the first place, his rider fancies 

 it necessary to drag him home, perhaps many miles 

 on a cold winter's evening, to " his own comfortable 



