68 ESSAYS ON HORSE SUBJECTS 



quite another matter when we have to deal with 

 horses that are run down from overwork and 

 other unfavorable conditions, or with pavement- 

 sore and lame horses. 



In horses that are run down comparative idle- 

 ness is almost imperative, and there is nothing 

 much better than a run in a good, shady, well- 

 watered pasture in the early summer, before the 

 flies get too bad. In that way they get the gentle 

 exercise they voluntarily take and get the advan- 

 tage of the alterative effect that good, fresh grass 

 has upon the system. This, too, is good treat- 

 ment for slightly pavement-sore horses, particu- 

 larly if the pasture land is not too dry. Lame 

 horses are, in almost all cases, benefited by rest, 

 and if it is necessary that the rest shall be at all 

 prolonged, the most economical and favorable 

 place to treat them is in a loose box in the coun- 

 try. A horse is bound to get out of condition, 

 anyway, if resting for lameness, and he is usually 

 better in the country, getting lots of pure air 

 and sufficient space for comfort. The beneficial 

 effects of treatment and rest must be followed up 

 by a very gradual process of reconditioning after 

 the lameness has subsided, otherwise the lame- 

 ness will be apt to recur. 



