Secret of Plugging a Roarer.
It is well to examine the horse’s nostrils when making a purchase, otherwise he may sneeze out one or more sponges on arriving at his new home. The sponges are inserted to prevent a “roarer” from making a noise when breathing. This is also accomplished by fastening a spring truss to the nose band of the bridle in such a way that it causes pressure upon the false nostrils and so lessens the intake of air when the horse is in motion.
Sponges even of fine quality clog with mucus if left in place too long. Dealers tie fine cords to the sponges and by this means pull them out of the nostrils as soon as the horse is sold. Another plan is to cut off the ends of a lemon, squeeze it dry and then insert it in the nostril. It is left there with impunity as it will soon dry out, shrivel and be sneezed out of the nostril.
Another trick is to pack the horse’s sheath with oakum to prevent unpleasant noises when he is trotting; and the vagina of a lacerated (gill flirt) mare may be similarly treated for a like reason. Laceration of the perineum, an accident occurring at parturition, is usually incurable, hence the importance of making a careful examination when buying a mare.