MANAGEMENT OF HORSES ON BOARD SHIP 105 



heels on these slips of wood. I cannot explain why they 

 adopt this procedure, instead of using the battens as a 

 fixed point for their toes, in the manner intended by man. 

 With their heels on the battens, and their toes on the floor, 

 they adopt a position which is eminently calculated to 

 induce laminitis. 



Straw should not be put under the horse in rough 

 weather, as it is very slippery. A little of it, however, 

 may be shaken a couple of times a day under the animal 

 for him to stale on, so that his legs may not become wet. 

 Straw may also be used for preventing the horse from 

 knocking himself about, or from being injured in bad 

 weather. With this object it is well to have four or five 

 bags filled with straw, to be used as occasion may demand. 



The box should be placed on deck as much amidships 

 as possible, and atlmuart ships, but not fore and aft. On 

 long tacks the horse should face to windward, the box 

 being turned round if necessary. In placing the box, 

 advantage should be taken of any cover that may afford 

 protection from seas breaking over the vessel. 



Steamers with flush decks and little shear are by far 

 the worst on which to convey horses on deck. Those 

 provided with high bulwarks are the best. A ship that 

 is light, and is consequently high out of the water, will 

 naturally be safer for horses on deck than if she were 

 deep. 



The box should be opened morning and evening to 

 enable the attendant to clean it out. On other occasions 

 it should be kept closed. 



During fine weather slings should be placed under the 

 animal, so loose as not to press against his belly when he 



