TROOP HORSES.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 September 1921, Page 8

TROOP HORSES.

POINTS ABOUT SELECTION. '■ 7/ , AN INTERESTING LECTURE. “The horse, with special reference to the type suitable for frontiersmen, and points to note when buying,” was the subject of an address given by Mr. W. G. Taylor, veterinary surgeon, at the monthly meeting of the Paritutu troop of the Legion of Frontiersmen last night. Introducing his subject, Mr. Taylor said that it was essential that frontiersmen should have horses and know the method of handling the animals. In the task of selection the horse should be first inspected in the stable, but not immediately after being worked. From the beginning of an inspection a fact to be noted was that certain traits were often apparent from the way an animal stood. If the horse showed signs of a shrinking attitude in the stall the conclusion might be drawn that the animal had been treated brutally by its owner. A “kicker” would be detected by the marks round the stall. For the second stage of the inspection the horse should be led out of the stable and allowed to stand, held by an ordinary bridle length. A general run over of the animal could then be made. A nice even wither, with a slight drop behind, and a good, thick loin were desirable. Looking down the hind leg the shape of the hock was a big thing, because the hind part was the propelling power, and strength in hocks was necessary to stand the strain of heavy work. Ninety per cent, of the lameness in horses was in the fore feet. A pendulous lip showed a lazy horse, and for an animal to have thin lips with narrow nostrils was not a good sign. The eyes should be well set, and the ears were also good indications. A pinch-eared horse was flighty. From front view the neck should be nice and fine, showing the windpipe fairly well. In the set of the legs a straight line was essential. The feet must be perfectly straight, although sometimes they would find a good pigeon-toed horse. Passing from the near to the off side, a corresponding examination should be made, after which a buyer should walk behind the animal to generally look over hocks, tail and hind quarters. Approaching a horse it was best to walk straight up and touch the head; the hand could be passed under the throat to test for strangles. In inspecting the feet the sole should be looked over; a flat-footed horse was no good; neither was one with a high-arched foot. An even dish should be looked for. The hock was an important part of the hind leg; three were about nine distinct bones, and on the inside a soft space could be noted. A display of trotting, cantering and galloping was desirable for the benefit of anyone making an inspection; the head should be watched for signs of nodding, which would indicate lameness. If the feet dished out or brushed the animal should not be considered, and of the two the latter was the worst fault. After a horse was galloped it was better to have the saddle removed, for signs of injuries might be detected after the run which were not apparent previously. The type of horse a frontiersman wanted was a heavy artillery animal, active, cleanboned, and a good weight,-carrier. A horse that was easy to handle, and not vicious in temper, should be chosen. Mr. Taylor advocated good use being made of the nose-bag, and said that when travelling the bag should be put on at every available halt. A horse was not of any use for hard work under five years old. This was ffie rule followed when purchases Were being made on behalf of the army, both jn the South African and the late wars. Sometimes a 44-year-old would be 'taken, as some early training was needed, but the animal would not be worked hard till it was a five-year-old. The dentition was not complete till this age was reached. Splints were a common ailment,. but did not always cause lameness. If they encroached on the tendon, however, or were right up near the knee joint, or down near the fetlock, trouble could be anticipated. , Mr. Taylor also described the signs of whistling and roaring. The most satisfactory feed for a working horse, he said, was undoubtedly oats; but these should be of good quality; musty oats caused diabetes and other ailments. The average troop horse should get 16 to 18 lbs of oats, and the total amount of feed was about 291bs per day. The balance could be made up with grass, hay or chaff. At the conclusion of the address a number of questions were asked by those present, and replied to by Mr. Taylor. On the motion of the chairman (Mr. D. Evans) he was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his lecture.