GALLS OF THE SKIN. 199 



taken oat, or parts of tlie leather removed, to prevent any 

 part of it from touclung the wound. To prevent friction, 

 when caused by the saddle or collar, there is nothing so 

 useful as a piece of raw sheep-skin, worn with the flesh 

 side next to the horse. In riding long jouraeys, it is the 

 safest plan to have such a protection always under the sad- 

 dle. 



If the chafing is caused by loose straps striking and 

 rubbing against the skin, they should be covered with 

 sheep-skin having its woolly side turned towards the horse 



Saddle galls are unlikely to occur if the saddle fits the 

 back, and is left on the horse for at least one hour (and 

 it had better remain on two or three hours) after he is 

 put into the stable. If convenient, he should be saddled 

 half an hour before going out, as it is much better that the 

 saddle should become warm, or slightly softened by the 

 insensible perspiration of the back, before the rider's weight 

 is put upon it. 



The following is a good lotion for galls of the skin : 



Sal ammoniac, 1 ounce. 

 Vinegar, 4 ounces. 

 Spirits of wine, 2 ounces. 

 Tincture of arnica, 2 drachms. 

 Water, half a pint. Mix. 



If no other remedy is used, a mixture of burned leather^ 

 gunpowder and lard should be occasionally rubbed on the 

 gall to prevent the growth of white hair. 



Sit Fasts, and their treatment, are thus described by 

 Stonehenge : 



Sit Fast is merely a name for an obstinate and calloua 

 galled-sore, which has repeatedly been rubbed by the sad- 

 dle, and has become leathery; and disinclined to heal. If 

 time can be allowed, there is nothing like a small quantity 



