INTERFERING 59 



bits, and, if they are at all predisposed, are very 

 apt to "cut." We see examples of this every day 

 in cities where dealers get horses from the coun- 

 try that have been chiefly used to snaffle bits. 

 They at once begin to drive them with curb bits, 

 and they nearly all show some discomfort at the 

 change in the various ways already mentioned. 

 It is very common to see a horse cut his legs bad- 

 ly, under such circumstances, that showed no evi- 

 dence of ever having struck before. The treat- 

 ment of "interfering" resolves itself largely into 

 methods of prevention. The most important 

 point is to remove the cause, where practicable, 

 and if not, to endeavor to neutralize its operation 

 as much as possible. 



If a horse is in danger of "striking" himself 

 on account of the mouth not being in proper 

 order, or from any other exciting cause remain- 

 ing in operation, protect the part or parts that 

 are likely to be injured, with a boot. If any part 

 is injured from "cutting," keep that part pro- 

 tected until it has entirely recovered from the 

 effects of the injury. 



In a large majority of cases after a horse is 

 in good condition, his mouth well made, and 

 he is properly shod, there will be no need for 

 boots, unless he is subjected to some exciting 

 cause, or unless he is markedly predisposed from 

 defective formation. 



