HORSE SECTION. 



101 



The Horse 



History 



Breeds of Draft Horses 



Symptoms and Treatment of Horse Diseases 



How to Give Horses Medicine 



HISTORY. 



As far back as history goes, we find that the horse was the servant of man. 

 The first mention of the horse is as a domestic animal, and not as a wild animal. 



The Arabs are renowned as early breeders of fine horses, and history tells 

 us they considered their horses their companions, being kind in their treatment 

 and holding them high in their affections. Great care and attention were bestowed 

 upon breeding. In this manner they produced a breed of horses noted for its 

 high intelligence, great speed and remarkable endurance. While they were always 

 careful and considerate of their horses, still they expected always that a horse would 

 do its best for them, and that it would endure many hardships. They were the 

 first to establish pedigrees, and the line of breeding in their day was considered 

 as important to them as it is today among high-class breeders. Breeders of horses 

 at the present time are following in their footsteps closely, guarding carefully the 

 pedigrees of their horses, giving them better care and closer attention, and in this 

 way producing a better grade and endeavoring at all times to reach the highest 

 mark possible. 



To get the best results out of a horse it is necessary that he be treated with 

 kindness and given the best care and attention. 



HORSE'S AGE. 



To tell the age of any horse, 

 Inspect the lower jaw, of course; 

 The six front teeth the tale will tell, 

 And every doubt and fear dispel. 

 Two middle nippers you behold 

 Before the colt is two weeks old; 

 Before eight weeks two more will come, 

 Eight months the corners cut the gum. 

 The outside grooves will disappear 

 Prom middle two in just one year. 

 In two years from the second pair — 

 In three years ''corners," too, are bare. 

 At two the middle "nippers" drop; 

 At three the second pair can't stop; 



When four years old the third pair goes, 



At five a full new set he shows. 



The deep black spots will pass from vie 



At six years, from the middle two; 



The second pair at seven years; 



At eight the spot each corner clears. 



From middle "nippers" upper jaw 



At nine the black spots will withdraw; 



The second pair at ten are bright; 



Eleven finds the corners light. 



As times goes on the horsemen know 



The oval teeth three-sided grow; 



They longer get — project — before 



Till twenty, when we know no more. 



Dr. David Roberts. 



