37 
CORRESPONDENCE. 
LAMENESS IN HORSES. 
Lameness in horses is a subject that has received much attention^ 
and many theories have been advanced, and opinions expressed in the 
different method of protecting their hoofs so as to prevent diseases of 
the feet and limbs. Everything that can add to the animal’s value, 
comfort and usefulness being of much importance, it may be well to 
bear in mind that the horseshoer, however much to blame in causing 
lameness in many cases, is not the only one on whom responsibility 
rests. The horses’ condition in domestication is entirely different from 
their natural condition, and the variety of circumstances under which 
they are reared exerts important influences in their development—- 
modification. Their organization may be directed either towards per¬ 
fection or the reverse, accordingly as their wants are understood and 
attended to; breeders and owners have therefore duties to perform, 
both in rearing the young and when older in managing and determin¬ 
ing the amount and character of the work for which they are adapted 
and capable of performing, which if neglected or misunderstood will 
be productive of mischief and loss for which they are alone responsible. 
It is important to remember that mere maintenance of parts in the 
young is not all that is necessary, for should growth be arrested or 
interfered with for a length of time during the growing period of their 
lives (coltliord) in any part of their bodies, the loss- will seldom if ever 
be regained. There is no part of their system more important than 
the hoof and hardy symmetrical development of it can only be attained 
when it is subjected to tear and wear y this is compensated for by a 
growth that nothing can so stimulate to meet the demand for, equal to 
exercise on suitable ground. The difference between the finger nails 
of the hard-working farmer and those of the clerk is a familiar illustra¬ 
tion of the law that regulates such cases. The restraint and confine¬ 
ment to which young horses are subjected especially during winter in' 
Northern Countries is a fruitful source of mischief to- the locomotory 
and sometimes also to the digestive system, for we have among horses as 
among men many examples of diseases such as plethora, dyspepsia, &e., 
resulting in part at least, from idleness. Muscular activity must be 
kept up in order to exert its proper influence on the circulation and 
through it on digestion and excretion, respiration, heat and general 
nutrition. And vigorous robust maturity can only, with certainty 
be attained when from both the animal is placed as much as possible 
in circumstances when every organ and every faculty can be regularly 
exercised. 
