226 



THE HORSE. 



out or not ; but it is better to seize the opportunity while the lega 

 are still stiff and sore. Fetters or hobbles may be put on the fore- 

 legs with the same object, if the feet only are the seat of mis- 

 chief; but to inflamed joints or back sinews they are not so well 

 suited, from the pressure they produce on the former, and the 

 strains which they cause to the latter. After a few days' liberty, 



THE HUNTER TURNED OUT TO GRASS. 



the tendency to gallop will be lost, and as the legs gradually re- 

 cover their elasticity the horse is not so prone to overdo himself 

 in his exercise, and will generally remain content with a moderate 

 pace; or, if the legs are very unsound, the blister may be re- 

 peated. 



THE RENOVATION OF THE HEALTH, when this has been broken 

 down by disease or hard work, is best effected on good sound up- 

 lands. The herbage on salt marshes will sometimes agree with 

 the horse even better than ordinary meadow grass, but this forms 

 the exception to the rule, and is not to be relied on in general. 

 In selecting a run in such a case care should be taken that the 

 herbage is of the desired nature, the best proof of which is that 

 it has agreed with horses in previous seasons. Experienced judges 

 can generally pronounce upon the probability of the desired result 



