The horse : its varieties, breeding and management

Chapter I

Anatomy op the Horse.- — I ts specific Character, as described by Cuvier — Its Structural Parts — The Mouth the only certain test of Age — The Teeth .... 12 — 20

Chapter II

Breaking, or Training. — O rdinary Modes of Training injudicious — General Directions — Breeders of Horses — Breaking Horses for Drawing, Backing, Carrying, Hunting, and Racing 20 — 24

Chapter III

Feeding and General Management. — A llowance of Hay — Necessity of Ventilation — Horses at Grass — Nimrod’s Maxims — Hard and Soft Food — Oats, Barley, "Wheat, Bran, Beans and Pease — Analyses of Hay — Oats liable to faults — Bruised Furze — Epitome of the Principles of Feeding . . . 24 — 36

Chapter IV

Breeds of Horses. — T he original Stock uncertain — Effects of Climate, Herbage, and Food — Horses of Egypt and Arabia 36 — 39,

Chapter V

Arabian and other Foreign Breeds. — T he thorough-bred Arab — The Persian Horse — The Tartarian — The Turkoman — The Hindoostanee, and its various Breeds — The African— The Godolphin Barb — Races of Borneo, Nubia, Dongoli, and Egypt — Horses of America, of the Canadas, and of the "West Indies . 39 — 52

VI

Chapter VI

History op the British Horse. — Arabian Horses first imported into Britain — Stallions from Flanders — Chargers from France — Derivation of Stallion — Enactments for Improving the Breed — Fitzherbert’s “ Points of a good Horse” — Horse-stealing made Felony — First Introduction of Coaches into England — The celebrated Markham Arabian, and the “ White Turk” — Racing and Race-horses — Horses indigenous to Scotland and Ireland — Galloways, Shelties, and Ponies — Irish Racers and Hunters 52 — 72

Chapter VII

Breeds op Horses celebrated for Speed. — The English Race-horse — The Blood-horse — Requisite Proportions of a Racer — Flying Childers — Flying Dutchman — The Hunter — Steeple-chasing — Old Lottery — Requisites for a Hunter — General Treatment ...... 72 — 83

Chapter XIII

Horse Breeding and Stud’ Management. — R elative Influence of the Male and Female Animal— Qualifications of the Stallion and the Mare — Profit of Breeding Horses — Foals, and Foaling — Emasculation of the Foal — Selection of Stables — Choice of a Stallion— Periods of Gestation and Parturition — Bearing — Yorkshire Stud Management — Hay-making . . 125 — 142

• CHAPTER XIV.

Horse Taming and its Secrets. — D ifferent Modes adopted — Sullivan, th6 Irish Horse-tdmer — The American Indian’s Method of taming Wild Horses — Breathing into the Nostrils . 142 — 150

Chapter XV

Vices and their Remedy. — R estlessness — Crib-biting — Wind-sucking — Shying — Kicking the Post — Biting — Kicking — Wasting the Corn ...... 150—153

Chapter XVI

Prevention op Diseases arising from Mismanagement. — C auses of Disease — Diseased Appetite — Use of Salt in Dietetics — Changes of Food — Allowance of Water — Hints on Feeding . 154 — 157

Chapter XVII

Diseases and their Remedies. — Bleeding — Preparing a Horse for Physic — Drenching — Accidents — Lameness — Stabs, or Cuts — Colic — Quittor — -Fits — Glanders — Farcy — Lampas — Strangles — Poll Evil — -Roaring — Saddle Galls — Inflammation — Spavin — Distemper — Malignant Epidemic — Broken Wind — Worms — Jaundice — Irregularity of Staling — Windgalls — Ringbone- Thorough Pin — Curb — Stringhalt — Grease — Corns — Overreach 157—164

ILLUSTRATIONS.

THE STRAW YAHD . . , ,

HIGHLAND SHELTIE ....

DIAGRAM SHOWING THE PARTS OF THE HORSE OUTLINE, UNDER JAW OF THE HORSE TEETH AT VARIOUS AGES THE ARABIAN HORSE .

THE GODOLPHIN BARB THE HIGHLAND PONT . ,

mr. vernon’s pony . ,

THE IRISH HUNTER

FOIGH-A-BALLAGH, THE IRISH RACE-HORSE FLYING CHILDERS .

FLYING DUTCHMAN OLD LOTTERY .

THE HACKNEY, OR ROADSTER .

THE TROTTING HORSE, SILVERTAIL CARRIAGE HORSE THE CLEVELAND BAY .

MILBURN’s BLACK HORSE, FARMER THE DRAY HORSE CLYDESDALE HORSE MODERN SUFFOLK PUNCH OLD SUFFOLK PUNCH .

PLANS OF MR. GREEN’S STABLE plans of mr. Anderson’s stable HAY “LAP cock”

CLOVER “Ruckle”

PAGE

Frontispiece.

Vignette.

14 17 17—19 40 47 68

78 81 84 88 89 92

103—104 105

THE HOESE.

INTRODUCTORY.

The great improvements which have taken place in every branch of rural management, since the first edition of Mr. Richardson's little book on the Horse appeared, have rendered the enlargement of the work so necessary, that it may now, from the extensive remodifications it has undergone, be considered as altogether original. Yital chemistry, animal physiology, and the more general application of science to the veterinary art, which were formerly only known to the heads of that profession, are now much more extensively studied, with increased advantage to the breeders, dealers, and owners of that friend of mankind, the horse.

In the present edition the horse will be found classified according to his uses ; but especial attention has been directed to the management of farm horses, — a branch of information which Mr. Richardson did not attempt to enter upon, but which is of vast importance, when treated practically, and by a competent practical authority.

Stable management, the stable itself, and the general treatment of the Horse, with a view to the prevention of disease, and increasing his capacity for work, have all in their turn received careful consideration. It has not been thought desirable to enter at any great length on the symptoms and treatment of diseases, to which the horse, from his artificial condition, is so peculiarly liable. In the words of the preface to the original work, the reader is “presented with a rapid summary of the most frequent and important diseases and accidents to which the animal is subject, describing their premonitory symptoms ; and, in all cases where it can avail, instructions have been given for the preliminary treatment useful to be adopted until professional assistance can be procured. To do anything beyond this

THE HOHSE.

■would be not merely useless — it might be mischievous. Veterinary surgeons are now to be found without difficulty in nearly every district ; and written instructions, however minute, could supersede their services in no case beyond the most ordinary attacks, which most stable attendants are familiar with the mode of curing. In all such simple attacks, however, we have given the most efficient remedies ; while, in cases of a more complicated nature, the proper treatment of an animal requires a thorough knowledge of his anatomy and physiology ; and the practical study of his pathology is no less necessary than it is for the treatment of a human being under similar circumstances.

As fully nine- tenths of the morbid affections to which horses are subject may be attributable to erroneous systems of management, it seemed more profitable to the reader to devote our space to describe the best modes for the prevention of disease, by persuading keepers of horses to substitute correct systems of management for incorrect ; minute details have, therefore, been given connected with stable management, feeding, grooming, and whatever bears more immediately on the preservation of the animal in health ; — on what, in short, is called by medical writers hygttne. Some remarks relative to these matters — and on the best modes of correcting or curing certain vices or had habits so frequently incident to horses — will be found useful. It is only where brutality and ignorance take the place of kindness and judgment, — where from being a willing servant tbe horse is degraded into a fettered slave, — that the naturally noble gentleness of his nature is displaced by vice or insubordination.”

It is probable that the readers of this little book will chiefly be found among those who have had very little opportunity of learning much about horses, or who wish to recal the knowledge they possessed on the subject in early life, rather as a source of enjoyment than of economy in the management of the horse. For the benefit of this class, our remarks have been rendered as plain and practical as possible.

In a commercial country like ours, there are thousands annually who find themselves, for the first time, in a position to keep a horse. The pretension every Englishman has to understand, instinctively, as it were, all the mysteries of horse-flesh, adds largely to the difficulty which persons so situated must naturally encounter before they really understand the subject. They are usually as much ashamed to ask questions on this subject as if ignorance of one of the most intricate branches of knowledge were as disgraceful as picking pockets. For the private reading of this class — for the benefit of gentlemen of

INTRODUCTORY.

n

middle age who are ordered by medical advisers to take exercise on horseback and for the tradesman whose increasing business requires the use of horses — we shall offer such advice as our own experience has furnished in purchasing and keeping a horse ; while, for the benefit of the breeder and amateur farmer, we shall add the best practice and experience in breeding we have been able to procure.

There is a class of persons, and that by no means of limited extent, who can only procure a horse by purchase, and many of these may refer to our little hook for information “how to buy a horse.” This is a much vexed question, and, like many others, is easier asked than answered. A gentleman living in the country, with the usual attendants of a country-house about him, will have no great difficulty in providing for his wants ; for, if he does not inhabit a breeding county himself, he is pretty sure to have friends who do, and who will he only too glad to recommend a suitable animal from the stock of one of their breeding neighbours, already half broken, which his own groom can easily finish, and form a mouth for. In towns, and especially in London, the case is different. To buy a horse in London, which, in the words of the advertisement, has “ never been out of the hands of the breeder,” would entail endless trouble on the purchaser, with the fair chance of a broken neck. The question, therefore, is — What course should the town buyer of a horse pursue, in order satisfactorily to supply his wants ?

In London there is never any difficulty in supplying such wants, if you can resolve upon the proper steps. There are dealers in every class of horses, with whom you may treat with perfect safety, if you will only candidly state your particular wants to them. You will not get a bargain, for they are too ’cute for that ; nor is it reasonable to expect it from a dealer, — they incur great expense, and run great risks in providing for your wants : for nothing is so uncertain, even with the best judgment, as horse-flesh ; and dealers frequently give high prices for horses which turn out worthless, while their own reputation prevents them from thrusting any such animals into their customers’ hands. Hence there is a sort of poetical justice in their occasionally meeting with an unexpected prize, the profits of which they appropriate to themselves. If you want a first-rate hunter or hack, and price is no object, go to Anderson’s, Quartermaine’s, or some other well-known west- end dealer. If you want one of good figure, without too many requirements of excellence, and about £60 is your mark, there are Dyer’s, Osborne’s, Collins’s, and Dyson’s, where you can be supplied, with perfect certainty that no improper advantage will he taken.

Again, if you are inclined to run some risk, and trust to your own or to a friend’s judgment, you may suit yourself, at a much smaller sum, at Tattersall’s, Dixon’s, or Aldridge’s, where very shapely and useful animals are sometimes picked up ; hut on no account go beyond £25 to £30 at either of these places, unless you have some previous knowledge of the animal. In buying there, you know nothing of the seller, and, although you may obtain a good one for these sums, you have no reasonable hope of having a better for a larger sum.

Finally, you have the daily column of horses for sale in the Times — said to be the most deceitful of all, though we know not why ; for it seems to us that the very first step a Iona fide seller would take, to get rid of a horse he did not require any longer, would be to advertise him. It is certain, however, that many of the horses so advertised are made up for sale ; and you will rarely get a thial of one of these horses until you have paid your money. "When you have parted with that, you know your security for it, — you have the horse !

Chapter I. Anatomy Op The House

Or all quadrupeds the horse presents in his aspect the most perfect symmetry of form, and adaptation of part to part. His finely-arched back, his flashing eye, his expanded and almost transparent nostrils, his flowing mane, and his gallant crest, his wavy tail and powerful quarters, all present so many points of grandeur and beauty, calculated to rouse the admiration even of the most insensible beholder.

"We must not, however, rest our admiration of this noble animal on his external appearance and form alone. They bear a secondary interest only to his other and nobler qualities of disposition, of docility, and of sagacity, which require but a brief acquaintance to appreciate. His services in war, in the chase, in travel, and, by no means the least, in agriculture, are familiar instances of those high qualities. To enumerate how he relieves man from the curse of labour, how he tills his fields, carries his person, conveys his comforts, his necessaries, his luxuries, and all this with steadiness, with intelligence, and often with affection, would exceed our space to describe. We may assert

ANATOMY OF THE HORSE. 13

that there is no animal, excepting the dog, rvhieh so fully enters into the wishes, the wants, and the commands of his master at once, comprehending even his thoughts, and sympathizing with his animal spirits.

The genus Ei quits (of the family EquidE) includes, besides the horse, the ass, the zebra, and quagga, — which all resemble each other in the structure of the skeleton, the number and form of their teeth, and in the digestive organs ; their chief points of difference being length of ears, difference of hair, especially in the mane and termination of the tail, in the external markings, and general expression. The generic character is as follows Twelve fore-teeth, the upper six erect and parallel, the lower six more prominent ; tusks solitary and remote; teats inguinal, and two in number; breathes through the nostrils, and not through the mouth ; fights by biting, pawing, and kicking.

The horse belongs to Cuvier’s sixth order of the class Mammalia, the Fachydermata, and the ninth genus. Its specific character is thus described by Cuvier : — Six incisors in each jaw, the canines, and six molar or cheek teeth, furrowed on both sides, with flat corners, and several ridges of enamel. Between the cheek and canines is a void space on each side, with a space between them, extending across the mouth, which is known to veterinarians as the “ bars.” The upper lip is susceptible of considerable motion ; the eyes large, pupil oblong, ovate, placed laterally ; sight good ; ears small, pointed, and erect, possessing great power of mobility, which renders the hearing very acute; feet possessing only one toe, covered with a thick hoof; but under the horn skin of the hoof are the rudiments of other toes ; tail furnished with long hairs ; two teats, inguinal ; stomach small, simple, and membranaceous ; intestines and caecum very large.

The horse may be divided into three structural parts,' — the head ; the chest, or thunk ; and the extremities, or legs. All these parts of the horse should be in strict uniformity and perfect symmetry. The head, as a general rule, should not be large ; but this is far less important than the proportion of its parts to each other. No part indicates higher breeding than the crest, which should be broad and angular in the blood horse, and gradually tapering to the muzzle (36) ; the eye should be large and full ; the jowl (35), or jaw-bones, wide ; the ears small, thin, and fine. The head consists of six bones : — 1. The crest, or ridge of the parietal bone. 37. The nasal bone. 36. The inferior, or maxillary bone, containing the nippers, or under incisor teeth, and forming the muzzle. 35. The inferior maxillary, or under jaw ; in the centre, between 35 and 37, is the superior maxillary, or upper jaw. The orbits, or cavities for the eyes, are formed by the union of four hones of the cranium and three of the face, so connected together as to obtain the widest sphere of vision with absolute protection to the organ. Following the figures of our

[1. Forehead. 2. Poll. 3. Crest. 4. -Withers. 5. Back. 6. Loins. 7. Hips.

8. Croup. 9. Dock. 10. Quarter. 11. Thigh or Gaskin. 12. Ham-string.

13. Point of Hock or Ham. 14. Cannon. 15. Fetlock. 16. Large Pastern. 17. Small Pastern. 18. Hoof. 19. Hock, inner side. 20. Stifles. 21. Sheath. 22. Flank. 23. Coronet. 24. Heel. 25. Hoof. 26. Small Pastern. 27. Large

Pastern. 28. Cannon. 29. Knee. 30. Arm. 31. Breast. 32. Point of the

Shoulder. 33. Wind-pipe. 34. Gullet. 35. Jowl. 36. Muzzle. 37. Face.]

engraving, 3 is the continuation of the crest ; 4 the withers, forming the neck, composed of seven cervical vertebrae, and containing a portion of the spinal cord. At this point a junction is formed between the scapula, or shoulder-blade, with the hones of the back (5), which consist of eighteen dorsal vertebrae ; the bones of the loins (6) consisting of six lumbar vertebrce ; the hones of the haunch, or croup (7 and 8), consisting of five sacral vertebra, and of the tail, or dock, generally consisting of about fifteen caudal vertebrae. Through all these vertebra runs the cavity containing the spinal marrow.

Connected with these vertebrae, and forming a most important part in the animal structure, is the trunk, or chest. Of this, the upper

ANATOMY OF THE HORSE. 15 part is the spine ; the lower part the breast, or shoulder. The bones of the back are eighteen in number, the first ten or eleven corresponding with (4) the withers, the others forming the back and loins. The ribs are usually eighteen on each side, seven united to the breast bone, or sternum, by cartilage, and called true ribs ; the others, united to each other by cartilage, and called the false ribs. Where the latter are short, it is objected to by some as a malformation, and it certainly indicates weakness ; but it is necessary to distinguish between shortness of the ribs, and mere spareness of body. When it actually exists it unfits the horse for heavy work or endurance, and indicates a want of capacity for feeding ; but it sometimes accompanies speed.

Lowness of shoulder is sometimes mistaken for lowness of wither ; and hollowness of back is objected to as indicative of weakness. The low-shouldered horse is not adapted for the saddle ; but a good shoulder may exist with an appearance of lowness of wither ; and where the horse is approved of in other respects he need not be rejected on that account without proper examination. Nor is the hollow back in a horse always accompanied with spinal weakness.

Next in importance, in the anatomy of the horse, are the shoulder and extremities. Following the figures of our diagram, we come to 10, the haunch, or quarters. This is composed of three bones, from which branches run up to the dorsal vertebrae at 9, where they are firmly united to the bones of the spine. The hip-bone is behind and below them, and its points are seen under the tail, where they are united to the thigh bones (11). The femur, or proper leg bone (12) ; from the inner part of the thigh opposite (11), proceeds the principal exterior muscle of the hind leg. The hock (13 and 19) is a most important point. This wonderful complication of bones and muscle is admirably adapted for its purpose; but, from its structure, it is often the principal seat of lameness in the hind legs. It is subject to sprain from violent concussion, and many other ills, for the cure of which the aid of a veterinary surgeon is necessary. The cannon (14), one of three bones forming the leg between the hock and the fetlock (15). The larger and smaller pastern (16 and 17), are, perhaps, the most important and most complicated arrangement of the animal.

The cannon, the large and small pastern, and the cofiin or bone of the foot, rest upon each other in sockets ; they are supported by three bones behind their junctions, and are retained in their places by various ligaments, admirably contrived for the purpose of preventing concussion. These are the sesamoid bones, attached one on each side of the top of the larger pastern, forming a continuation of the socket, in which the lower portion of the cannon bone turns ; and the navicular or shuttle bone, a small square bone attached to the coffin bone, and forming with that the socket in which the pastern turns. The suspension ligament, originating in the head of the cannon, is attached to the splint bones, and descends the leg between them. Approaching the upper pastern, it separates, and the branches are inserted into each of the sesamoid bones, which they suspend in their places. A continuation of them is carried from these sesamoid bones to the navicular or shuttle bone, obliquely formed over the pastern, and meeting with the exterior or principal tendon of the fore part of the foot ; at the back part of which, inside the frog, is the seat of navicular lameness. The common injury of the suspension ligament is sprain; rupture of it is a desperate case, demanding the prompt attention of the veterinary surgeon. The mechanism of the pasterns applies to both fore and hind extremities. The foot of the horse is composed of a horny external wall — ascending obliquely backwards from the ground, to the height of about four inches from the toe to the bar in front, gradually decreasing in height till it is about an inch and a half at the heel — the coronet (22 and 25j, the coronary ring and band, the bars, horny lamina?, the sole, and the horny frog. The thickness of the crust in front is about half an inch, becoming gradually thinner towards the heel. In some horses the crust is much less ; hence the necessity of care in shoeing.

The stifle joint (20) performs an important part in the animal economy. It is situated immediately under the femur, or thigh-bone of the hind leg, and answers to the knee-pan.

The knee (29), answering to the wrist, is a most complicated joint. Six distinct bones are placed here, each covered, both above and below, by thick cartilage, connected together with ligaments, but separated by interposing fluids and membranes. These six bones are arranged in two rows, wtth a seventh bone, the trapezium , so called from its quadrangular figure, placed behind them, which receives the lower end of the bone of the arm on the upper part, and the upper heads of the three bones of the leg on the under side. Owing to this arrangement concussion is spread over the whole of the leg, and thus rendered harmless. The knee should be broad and square, so as to allow space for the ligaments and muscles ; for in proportion to breadth there will be strength. The sternum, or fore part of the chest (31), and the arm (30), are formed by the scapula. The humerus or upper bone of the arm, forms with the scapula an oblique angle,

ANATOMY OF THE HOUSE.

the latter being considerably the longest. The humerus rests on the lower bone or radius, to which it is united close to the ulna or elbow, corresponding with the stifle joint of the anterior extremities. The advantage of the slanting angle of the scapula and arm is considerable, and worthy the attention of the horseman. It materially breaks the shock which would arise from any weight being thrown on the fore leg ; and also assists the stride. Mr. Percival describes the shoulder-blade as “ the segment of a globe playing like a spiral hinge within the cup-like concavity, occupying the apex of the scapula, there being no two bones in the skeleton whose articular connection admits of more varied and extensive motion than exists between the scapula and humerus.” If we lift a horse’s fore-leg, not only can we bring it forward and carry it backward, but we can, to a certain extent, make it perform a rotatory motion. In a well-formed horse the bone of the arm (30) cannot be too short ; the effect being to throw the fore-legs well forward.

We have now to consider the mouth of the horse, which, taken in connection with his appearance, and with a proper consideration of his past history, forms the only certain test of his age. The mouth of the horse, at five years old, contains forty teeth, namely, six nipping or cutting teeth in front, a tooth on each side, b 5, and six molars or grinding teeth above and below, c c. These teeth are fitted accurately and firmly in the gum, a singularly compact hard substance, so callous as to be almost devoid of feeling. F or months before birth these teeth exist in an embryo state. When dropped, or a few days afterwards, the first and second grinders of both protrude through the gums, showing large in proportion to the jaw. Eight or ten days after birth the mouth of the young foal exhibits two central nippers, as in fig. 1 , efficiently filling the entire front of the mouth.'

At a month old a third grinder appears ; and before six weeks a

THE HORSE.

second pair of nippers have appeared. The jaw now presents the appearance represented at fig. 2, At two months old the central nippers havo attained their full growth, and at three months the second pair will be on a level with them. The outeredge, heretofore raised and sharp, will now be ground down, and be level with the inner one. In this state the mouth continues till the foal is eight or nine months old, when a third nipper presents itself, above and below, on each side of the two first pairs ; thus completing the colt’s mouth, as represented in fig. 3. From this time, till between two and three years old, the only observable difference is the wearing down of the outer edge to the level of the inner, while the blackened mark in the hollow of the teeth, originally long and narrow, is still strongly marked ; but the mark on the central one is becoming rounder and fainter. At this age the mouth now appears as represented in fig. 4 ; the four teeth being almost level, and the mark on the last cut nippers most distinctly visible.

The grinders, or molars, so called from their lateral grinding action, are the back teeth c c ; and the first pair appear about the time of birth. Before the expiration of a month, these are succeeded by a third, placed more backward. At the end of the first year, a fourth grinder usually presents itself , so that the yearling colt is furnished with six nippers and four grinders above and below. Making allowance for the nature of its food, and with due attention to the appearance of the mark in the nippers, the age of the foal may be reckoned from tbe mouth described, — that is, up to May of the year after birth, if it is a year old. At eighteen months all the nippers will appear flat, the marks on the two front ones rounder and fainter ; and at two years old this change will be still more apparent. About this period also a fifth grinder presents itself. And now commences another process. The front teeth, or nippers, hitherto called milk teeth, gradually disappear by process of absorption, and the second or permanent teeth appear. This process is generally complete in the third year ; but the

ANATOMY OF THE HOUSE.

permanent teeth have not yet attained the same level with the side teeth. At this age the central nippers are rather lower titan the others, and still growing. The other two pairs wasting, with six grinders in each jaw, are the infallible signs of a three-year-old. From that age to four year old the next pair of nippers disappear, and their permanent successors will be up. Still small, and with a deep mark on the hollow, the sixth grinder will be on a level with the others ; the two first grinders shed, and the tusks begin to appear. At this period the mouth is as represented in fig. 5. The tushes are two on each jaw, placed between the nippers and the grinders. At this age they are visible in the horse or gelding. At a later period in life, the mare sometimes exhibits them ; but they invariably occur in the horse.

Between the age of four and live, the last pair of nippers disappear, and are replaced by permanent ones. The tush in the horse is now fully developed, and is about half an inch in height. The colt becomes a horse, and the filly a mare ; and the mouth is usually in its most perfect state, as represented in fig. 6 ; — the last pair of nippers are full, the mark is long, deep, and irregular, and the other nippers show signs of wear. At this stage the horse has experienced his last change of mouth ; he now sheds his tusks, or his last three pairs of grinders.