36 EQUITATION AND HORSE TRAINING. 



of never irritating the intestines. It must be given in 

 large doses, 300 grams at least (9 J ounces). 



Condition of the legs. — Overexertion of the legs mani- 

 fests itself in splints, wind puffs, spavins, and in the swell- 

 ing and stiffening of the fetlock joints. 



In case of swelling of the fetlocks and wind puffs, avoid 

 work on hard ground, and cut down the work; use 

 douches and hand rubbing and apply flannel bandages. 



For splints, use red ointment (mercuric ointment — a 

 blister) as soon as the injury appears. 



For bog spavins stop work in the hall and all collected 

 work at the gallop; exercise quietly on the road and use 

 douches. 



Appetite and condition of the horse. — A young horse 

 must be given substantial nourishment in order to readily 

 resist the first fatigues of training and also because he is 

 still growing at the age when his education is undertaken. 

 More or less hay, according to the animal's condition, and 

 always plenty of oats. From time to time, every eight or 

 ten days, a handful of sulphate of soda can be given in 

 the drinking water or in a mash to counteract the heating 

 effect produced by oats. 



If horses are too fat, cut down the hay and also the 

 water. If the horses are in poor condition, give linseed 

 mashes and put dry bran in the oats; try beans and car- 

 rots; in a word — variety. Frequently a horse refuses to 

 eat because he has been put on full oats too suddenly; in 

 this case, cut down the ration or even place the animal on 

 diet for a time. 



Results. — In conclusion, if outdoor work has been 

 alternated with riding-hall work in proper ratio, the young 

 horse, at the end of training, has lost any surplus fat; has 

 acquired muscle; his joints and tendons have been 

 strengthened and his wind developed. In short, after a 

 length of time which varies with age, breeding, and dispo- 

 sition, the horse is in condition to undergo without injury 

 the hardships of the service for which he is destined. 



