TREATMENT AND CARE OF HORSES.
Horses require gentle treatment. Docile, but bold, horses are apt to retaliate upon those who abuse them, while persistent kindness often reclaims vicious animals.
A horse must never be kicked in the belly, or struck about the head with the hands, reins, or any instrument whatever.
Never threaten, strike, or otherwise abuse a horse.
Before entering a stall speak to the horse gently, and then go in quietly.
Never take a rapid gait until the horse has been warmed up by gentle exercise.
Never put up a horse brought to the stable or line heated, but throw a blanket over him and rub his legs, or walk him until cool. If he is wet, put him under shelter and wisp him against the hair until dry.
Never feed grain to a horse, or allow him to stand uncovered, when heated. Hay will not hurt a horse no matter how warm he may be.
Never water a horse when heated, unless the exercise or march is to be immediately resumed. A few mouthfuls of water, however, will do no harm, and should ordinarily be given him.
Never throw water over a horse coming in hot, not even over his legs or feet.
Never allow a horse's back to be cooled suddenly by washing or even removing the blanket unnecessarily.
To cool the back gradually, the blanket may be removed and replaced with the dry side next the horse.
At least two hours' exercise daily is necessary to the health and good condition of horses; they should be marched a few miles when cold weather, muddy ground, etc., prevent drill.
Horses' legs will be often hand-rubbed, particularly after severe exercise, as this removes enlargement and relieves or prevents stiffness.
In mild weather the sheath will be washed out once a month with warm water and castile soap and then greased; during the cold season the intervals between washings should be longer.
Sore backs and galled shoulders are generally occasioned by neglect. The greatest pains will be taken in the fitting of the saddles and collars; the men must never be allowed to lounge or sit unevenly in their saddles. Every driver should keep a pair of soft leather pads, stuffed with hair, about six inches by four; the moment any tenderness is noticed in a horse's shoulder, the pressure is removed by placing these pads under the collar above and below the tender part.
DESTRUCTION OF HORSES.
Occasions arise rendering the destruction of horses necessary. The following instructions will enable one to arrive at a point directly over the summit of the brain, and which when fired upon will cause instantaneous death. Draw a line, A A, horizontally across the forehead from the upper margin of one zygomatic ridge to the other, and from its central point, B, measure vertically upward on the forehead 3½ to 4½ inches. The point, D, thus obtained is directly over the brain-cavity.
Fig. 76.
Before firing, the horse should be induced to lower his head, which is easily accomplished by placing a little food upon the ground, the muzzle of the weapon being brought directly over the spot indicated.
It is a mistake to suppose that the star, or curl, is over the brain-cavity, for it is generally below the cavity.
CHAPTER VII.
Organization of Artillery. Composition of Light Batteries. Equipment. Equipment and Clothing for Marches. Marches. Selection of Camps. Making Camp. Breaking Camp. Allowance of Wagons.