THE HORSE ON HIS KNEES. 



135 



the horse, and allow the knees to reach it without the intended 

 protection. When, therefore, there is no tanned riding-school, or 

 other similar surface, at command, a good solid bed of manure 

 (which is always to be had wherever horses are) should be spread 

 a foot thick at least, and over this clean straw may be laid. To 

 return to the subject of the operation, whom we left with the alter- 

 native of bounding in the air on his hind legs, or falling on his 

 knees in the annexed attitude, the chief art in managing this part 

 of the process is to keep firm hold of the strap attached to the oflF 

 leg close to the surcingle ', the hand being protected by the glove, 

 can easily prevent it from slipping through during the struggles 

 of the horse, and at the same time serves as a point d'appui for 

 the operator, so that he can follow the movements of the bounding 

 animal in whatever direction he may progress. The operator must 

 on no account attempt to stand away from his patient, nor must he 

 advance before the girth-place ; but keeping close to this, he is in 



THE HORSE ON HIS KNEES, ABOUT TO FALL ON HIS 8IDK. 



no danger, provided he has the sense and the ability to give way 

 if the horse should throw himself down towards his side. The 



