THE BREEDING OF HORSES 



117 



understood that this disease is due to filth germs that gain access 

 to the body of the foal by way of the open umbilical vein of the 

 navel at birth. When these germs enter, they set up irritation 

 and inflammation ; pus forms and is absorbed into the circula- 

 tion from the navel abscess, and other abscesses are formed 

 in all parts of the body, notably in the joints. The foal is 

 seen to have a swollen joint and one is likely to think the mare 

 caused the injury ; but soon other joints will be affected, and it 

 may extend to the throat and poll. It is comparatively rare 

 that an infected colt can be saved after the disease has reached 

 the pus-forming stage. 



Fig. 49. — Bkessary of Pittsfobd. Abebdben of Pittsfobd. 

 Shetland team of stallions. 



Unbeaten 



The Shetland Pony, a native of the Shetland Islands, is the smallest breed of 

 domesticated ponies. In height they range from 36 to 44 inches. They 

 are built like miniature draft horses, being thick-set and strong, and 

 so very docile as to require hardly any training. These ponies are com- 

 mon in the United States, where they are used for children to drive. 



It has been proved that simple hygienic measures will prevent 

 the disease. The stall in which the mare foals should have 

 every bit of old bedding, litter, and dirt removed, and the young 

 foal should be born only on clean fresh bedding. Perhaps it 

 would be safer to wash the stump of the umbilical cord, which 



