SADDLE-FITTING. 283 



and a horse will often work perfectly sound though 

 suffering from navicular disease, and for a con- 

 siderable period at times, according as it is slow 

 or rapid in its progress. However, as I have 

 remarked, there is nothing for it for either horse 

 or owner but to grin and bear it. Navicular 

 disease does not seem to confine itself to any one 

 class of horse more than another. PerhajDS well- 

 bred horses are more subject to it; if so, it may be 

 assumed that the nature of their work is more 

 likely to produce it, especially if predisposed 

 to it. 



As I have observed in my remarks on saddle- 

 fitting, a sore back is a thing to be avoided, and 

 this it may be by the use of a well-fitting saddle 

 and good riding. A sore back not only takes a 

 long time to heal properly, but it is very liable 

 to recur unless thoroughly treated, and due time 

 allowed to elapse before any pressure is put upon it. 

 The same applies to a shoulder which has been 

 wrung by the collar. 



After work a horse's back should be always care- 

 fully examined, and any damp-looking or tender 

 spots should be at once taken notice of. If the 

 skin has only ' risen,' the application of what is 

 called by laundresses a ' blue-bag ' will be found 

 very beneficial. The place only requires to be 



