The Xxth Century Book on the Horse (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1905 edition. Excerpt: ...and thus cause swellings and lacerations. The numerous scars which may be observed just above the knees of most South African horses are due to the action of the " reim." If the " reim," instead of encircling the leg, were attached to a properly padded hobble, pain or injury to the animal would be rendered impossible. Picketing.--There are two methods of picketing, one by the low rope (the rope lying on the ground, secured by pegs), the other by the high rope. The former method, in conjunction with the securing of the horse by two heel-ropes, is, I believe, the one most approved of by the English military authorities, as being, in their opinion, the more favourable for expeditious "turning out." The latter method consists of fixing the rope taut, nearly breast high, and is supposed to dispense, to a great extent, with the necessity for heel-ropes. Personally, I do not like heel-ropes at all. On active service, when only ropes are used, it is frequently impossible to keep the hobbles or pastern loops sufficiently soft and pliable. The heels, in consequence, soon become chafed, and on the march it is very difficult to keep the abrasions clean, so as to give them an opportunity of healing. If, however, heel-ropes are used, two are absolutely necessary. The use of one heel-rope only renders the animal's hind legs likely to become entangled, whilst still giving it freedom to kick its neighbour. The entanglement of its legs causes it to fall, and as soon as it is down it commences to struggle until its hind pasterns are skinned. It is no unfrequent occurrence, moreover, for its struggles to bring down its two immediate neighbours also, as I can testify from personal observation. The use of two heel-ropes modifies...