THE horse's rescue. 97 



if he is changed on all of his feet at one time, to hold 

 his own weight, until he has time to recover his equilib- 

 rium and balance. It gives him a sick and weaken- 

 ing sensation ; all is changed so suddenly internally 

 and externally. I led him on the back streets. He 

 soon wanted to trot, and I ran with him, my hand hold- 

 ing his halter at the head. After running some time 

 with him, his legs flying in all shapes, he seemed to go 

 faster. We started through the business part of the 

 town, which I was obliged to do to get to my shop. 

 Mike swung me and carried me clear from the ground 

 many times with his head. I could not help it. He 

 was a powerful horse in all ways. He was coming to 

 himself. I got him in the shop as quick as I could, 

 locked the doors, got his feet in some hot water, 

 rubl:)ed and washed his legs, and rubbed all of the air- 

 puffs off. The air-puff is caused by the skin being 

 loosened bv unnatural action of the feet and legs, 

 which forms a vacuum, which fills with air. It in no 

 case should be opened. The cause is removed. Let 

 us rub the air out through the skin while Mike's feet 

 feet are soaking in warm water. They will stay out as 

 long as we can keep him natural. Nearly all horses 

 are badly changed f]'om nature when air-puffs appear 

 in many ways and stages. Of course that sail through 

 the town attracted the attention of many. Some said 

 I was crazy; some called me a "damned old fool." 

 I understood all of that blowing too well to let it effect 

 me. I got in the shop and let them pound the door. 

 I kept on a straight line and on my base, which they 

 did not at all times. Let me paint a picture, while 

 Mike's feet are soaking, of what I saw pass this shop 



