660 OPERATIONS, 



surcingle. When the horse is made to lie down in this manner, 

 the fore leg, which has been free, can be strapped up by its 

 pastern to the surcingle, so that both fare legs are secured (Fig. 

 170, p. 663). By this method, a horse can he soon taught to lie 

 down, by merely pulling his head round to his side. 



One great advantage of this method is the power it gives us over 

 the animal's head, in, for instance, operating on or examining his 

 mouth, and in drenching him; for we can easily pull the head up 

 and secure it with the rope (Fig. 171, p. 666). 



Castration. 



EFFECTS OF CASTRATION AND GENERAL REMARKS.— 

 The effects of castration on young entires are both mental and 

 physical. This operation tends to make them quiet and to render 

 tlieir future conformation more or less similar to that of mares, 

 which, in the course of time, do not become heavy in the neck and 

 shoulders, like stallions. This muscular and fatty increase 'of 

 weight of the forehand is undoubtedly the cause of entires not 

 being able, as a rule, to retain their galloping and jumping 

 powers, as long as geldings. The structural change in question is 

 more pronounced in entires used for stud purposes, than in those 

 kept at work. This increased development of the forehand is said 

 to be accompanied by a corresponding " falling away " of the hind 

 quarters, which is certainly not the case among Arab horses used 

 for riding and driving in India. The fact however remains, that 

 castration has a powerful influence in preventing a colt from 

 becoming heavy in front. If performed too early, it decreases 

 the future development of the forehand too much, and also 

 diminishes the animal's vigour, which fact, as regards working 

 bullocks, is well recognised on the Continent. A long experience 

 oi: Australian geldings of the Indian remount class, has shown me 

 that many of them are too light in front and are lacking in 

 energy. I am told this is due to the Australian custom of 

 castrating ordinary colts at the early stage of nine or ten months, 

 so as to prevent them giving trouble at grass. Speaking 

 generally, the age of castration may be fixed between one and 

 two years; and while working within these limits, we should be 

 guided by the state of individual development. 



The testicles of a colt do not usually descend into his scrotum, 

 until he is from six to ten months ol(f. 



Under similar conditions, there seems to be as little danger in 

 castrating an " aged " horse, as a colt ; although the former is, 

 of course, more liable to have his testicles or cord in a diseased 

 condition, which might render the operation difficult, or unsafe. 



