CARE OF THE HORSE.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18849, 11 April 1931, Page 11

CARE OF THE HORSE.

WORK IN WET WEATHER. On returning from work a horse should, if wet and cold, be first roughly dried, some long straw placed on Its back, and then the rug put on. afterwards fed. Horses which have been clipped should be supplied with waterproof loin cloths. The animal’s rations should be slightly increased, more especially the oats, and perhaps a little barley or crushed maize added. See that there is plenty of dry bedding; straw in preference to other kinds. If the legs are very wet and dirty, instead of washing them bandage with straw or hay bands. Several troublesome complaints may arise from being constantly wet and dirty. Mud from certain roads is very Irritating, and often causes either mud fever or cracked heels, which necessitates the horse being kept in the stable and unable to work. Then again, shoulders are liable to become sore or chafed. Mud fever, or erythema, to give it its proper name, is a disease of the skin, arising from the irritation of wet mud. which causes a superficial inflammation of the skin of the arms, thighs, and even along the belly, which cause the horse to go stiffly. On examining the parts one can feel a number of dry scales almost like pieces of dried mud, which later on fall off and leave bare patches. Treatment consists of dabbing or sprinkling on the affected parts twice daily some lotion, such as strong glycerine five parts, and distilled water two parts. Some owners prefer a greasy preparation. such as strong solution of acetate of lead two ounces, olive oil six ounces, well shaken before using, writes F. Wentworth in “Farm. Field, and Fireside.” Give the horse a bran mash, to which has been added four ounces of Epsom salts. Feed a few crushed carrots or mangels, and while in stable not quite so much corn as usual. Do not have legs clipped in the autumn allowing the hair to remain from above the hocks and below the knees downwards. Do not wash the legs on returning from work; o ily give plenty of little, ana brush off dirt and mud in the morning when dry.