REARING.

Rearing is the worst of all vices in a horse which has to carry a side-saddle, because a lady, by reason of her side position and her inability to lower her hands to the same extent as a man, is utterly powerless on a rearer. I have seen men slip off over the animal’s tail, when he was standing on his hind legs, but this is a feat which a woman is unable to accomplish, as I found when a horse reared and came over with me at Tientsin in China, and hurt my spine so much that I felt its effects for several years afterwards, especially after a hard day’s hunting, or a long swim. Swimming appears to tax the soundness of the spinal bones quite as much as does riding. The best thing to do with a rearer is to prevent him from fixing his hind legs, which he would have to do before he can get up, and therefore a long whip should be used, and the animal touched with it as near the hocks as possible, keeping him at the same time on the turn to the right. Confirmed rearers are however so quick in getting up on their hind legs, that the rider has no time, even were she supplied with a sufficiently long whip, to get anywhere near his hocks, and all she can do is to lean well forward and leave his mouth alone. If she is still alive when he comes down, my strong advice would be to get off his back, and give him, as the late Mr. Abingdon Baird did in the case of a similar brute, to the first passer by! Rearing is no test of horsemanship, and the sickening sight of ladies in circuses mounted on rearers is one from which every good horsewoman would recoil with horror. At Rentz circus in Hamburg I saw one of these awful sights, and noticed that the ringmaster kept touching the steiger on the fore-legs with the whip in order to make him paw the air. I have been told that so long as a rearing horse keeps pawing in this manner, he will not fall over, but such horrid exhibitions ought to be prevented. There is nothing more trying to the nerves of any rider than hunting on a refuser which has a tendency to rear, and I have known ladies whose nerves have been utterly shattered in their efforts to govern such dangerous brutes. Take my advice ladies and have nothing to do with these animals; for it is far easier to get rid of a horse than it is to recover one’s nerve, and the longer a lady tries to wrestle with a rearer, the more difficulty will she have in overcoming the strain on her nervous system. I would not take a rearing horse at a gift, for such animals can never be made sufficiently reliable for any woman to ride. Horses sometimes learn this detestable vice from others. I once had an animal in Calcutta which began rearing with me without any known cause, and I was greatly mystified about his behaviour until one day I saw my syce, who was exercising him, in company with a native on a horse which was rearing badly, while my mount was imitating him, a performance which I subsequently discovered had been going on daily for some time. If a previously quiet horse suddenly starts a new form of playing up, the riding of the groom or person who has been exercising and handling him should be carefully watched, and no animal which is known to be unsteady should be allowed to teach his bad tricks to a lady’s mount, for we know that horses very quickly pick up bad habits from each other. Baron de Vaux, in his book Ecuyers et Ecuyères, tells us that Emilie Loisset, who was a brilliant high school rider, was killed by a rearer coming over with her. He says:—“Elle souffrait beaucoup, car la fourche de la selle lui avait perforé les intestins. Après deux jours de douleurs horribles, la pauvre Emilie Loisset rendit le dernier soupir, surprise par la mort en pleine jeunesse et en plein succès.” The animal she rode is described as d’origine irlandaise et de mauvais cœur.

CHAPTER XXII.
NAMES OF EXTERNAL PARTS OF THE HORSE.

I shall here of course omit to describe parts, such as the eyes, head and tail, for instance, which are known to everyone. The figures and letters employed in the following list, have reference to those on [Fig. 147], except when [Fig. 148] is mentioned.

The hoof (10) is the horny box which encloses the lower part of the leg. The front part of the hoof, near the ground surface, is called the toe; the side portions, the quarters; and the rear parts, the heels. The outer portion of the hoof is termed the wall, which is divided into a hard, fibrous outer covering, called the crust, and a soft inner layer of non-fibrous horn. The designations “wall” and “crust” are often used indiscriminately.

The frog is the triangular horny cushion which is in the centre of the ground surface of the hoof, and which, by its elasticity and strength, acts as a buffer in saving the structures inside the hoof from the injurious effects of concussion.

The cleft of the frog is the division in the middle line of the frog. In healthy feet, it consists of only a slight depression. In a disease, called “thrush,” of the sensitive part which secretes the frog, the cleft forms a deep, damp and foul-smelling fissure, and the frog becomes more or less shrivelled up. The frog similar to the skin of the palms of our hands, requires frequent pressure to make it thick and strong. The horn of the hoof is merely a modification of the cuticle (scarf skin).

The bars of the hoof are the portions of the wall of the hoof which are turned inwards at the heels, and run more or less parallel to the sides of the frog. The sole is that portion of the ground surface of the foot which is included between the wall, bars and frog.

The pastern (9) is the short column of bones (two in number) which lies between the fetlock and hoof.

The fetlock (8) is the prominent joint which is just above the hoof.

The cannon bone (7) is the bone that extends from the fetlock to the knee (6), which, in the horse, corresponds to our wrist.

The back tendons or back sinews (M) form the more or less round tendinous cord which is at the back of the leg, from the knee (or hock) to the fetlock. These tendons, which are two in number, usually appear in the form of one cord; but in horses which have a very fine skin and “clean legs,” we may see that one of them is placed behind the other. The term “clean legs” signifies that the limbs are not only sound, but are also free from any fulness, which would more or less obscure the contour of the bones, tendons and ligaments. Muscles are the lean of meat, and their ends are connected to bones by means of tendons, which consist of hard, fibrous and inelastic material. The ligaments of the limbs are composed of the same material (white connective tissue) as tendons, and serve to connect bones together, without the intervention of muscle. The horse has practically no muscles below his knees and hocks.

The suspensory ligament is the fibrous cord which lies between the cannon bone and the back tendons. The fact that it stands sharply out between these two structures, when viewed from the side, shows that it is in a sound condition, which is a most important point as regards usefulness; because injury to it, from accident or overwork, is a fruitful cause of lameness, especially in saddle horses that are employed in fast work.

The fore-arm (5) is the portion of the fore leg between the knee and the elbow.

The point of the elbow (I) is the bony projection which is at the top and back of the fore-arm.

The point of the shoulder (H) is the prominent bony angle which lies a little below the junction of the neck and shoulder, and consists of the outer portion of the upper end of the humerus.

The forehead (A) is the front part of the head which is above the eyes.

The nose (B) is a continuation of the forehead, and ends opposite the nostrils (C).

The muzzle is the lower end of the head, and includes the nostrils, upper and lower lips (D and E), and the bones and teeth covered by the lips.

The chin-groove (F) is the depression at the back of the lower jaw, and just above the fulness of the lower lip, which, in this case, assumes the appearance of a chin.

The angles of the lower jaw (G) are the bony angles between which the upper end of the wind-pipe lies.

The withers (4) are the bony ridge which is the forward end of the back.

The shoulders (3) are the bony and muscular portion of the body which is more or less included between a line drawn from the point of the shoulder (H) to the front end of the withers, and another line drawn from the point of the elbow (I) to the rear end of the withers. Anatomically speaking, the shoulders consist of the humerus (the bone which lies between the elbow and the point of the shoulder), shoulder blade, and the muscles which cover them.

The crest (T) is the upper part of the neck, extending from the withers to the ears.

The jugular groove (U) is the groove which is on each side of the neck, just above the wind-pipe. It marks the course of the jugular vein.

The poll (V) is the part on the top of the neck, immediately behind the ears.

The breast is the front portion of the body which we see between the fore legs and below a line connecting the points of both shoulders, when looking at the animal from the front. The chest is the cavity which is covered by the ribs, and which contains the lungs, heart, etc. Therefore, instead of saying that a horse which struck a fence without rising at it, “chested” it, we should, on the contrary, say that he “breasted” it. This confusion between the terms “breast” and “chest” is not unusual.

The brisket (16) is the part formed by the breastbone, and is the lower part of the chest.

The girth-place is that portion of the brisket which is just behind the fore legs, and which the girths pass under when the horse is saddled.

The back (4 and 11) is practically the withers and that portion of the upper part of the body which is covered by the saddle. Strictly speaking, it is that portion of the spine which is possessed of ribs. In common parlance, the term “back” is often applied to the upper part of the horse, from the withers to the highest point of the croup ([Fig. 148], H). This measurement includes the loins (12) as well as the back. The bones (six vertebræ) of the loins have no ribs, and, consequently, the flanks on each side are soft to the touch, and have a tendency to “fall in” (become depressed), especially if the abdomen, which is underneath them, be insufficiently filled with food. The croup (17) is that part of the spine which is between the loins and tail. The hind legs are connected to the croup by means of the pelvis, which is firmly united to the croup by strong ligaments. The pelvis stands in the same relation to the hind legs as the shoulder blades do to the fore limbs, the chief difference between them being that the pelvis is a single bony structure composed of several bones, and the shoulder blades are separate bones. The front part of the pelvis is called the point of the hip (S).

The stifle (N) is the joint of the hind leg which is at the lower part of the flank. The thigh extends from the stifle to the hip joint.

The hock (20) is the large and freely movable joint which is immediately above the hind cannon-bone. The point of the hock (Q) is the bony projection at the back and top of the hock. The hamstring, or tendo Achillis (P), is the tendinous cord which runs up the back of the leg from the point of the hock. The gaskin (19) is the part of the leg immediately above the hock and bounded at the rear by the hamstring. The term, thigh, is usually applied to the part of the hind leg above the gaskin; but, correctly speaking, it is the part of the hind leg above the stifle.

The belly, or abdomen (15), is the underneath portion of the body of the horse which is not covered by bone.

The point of the buttock (O) is the rearmost point of the pelvis.

The dock (R) is the solid part of the tail.

The height of a horse (A B, [Fig. 148]) is the vertical distance of the highest point of his withers from the ground, when he is standing with his fore legs nearly vertical and with the points of his hocks in a vertical line with the points of his buttocks. I have qualified “vertical” by “nearly” when referring to the fore legs; for when the hind legs are placed as in [Fig. 147], the weight of the head and neck, which are in front of the fore legs, would cause the animal to stand somewhat “over.” When a pony is being measured for polo or racing, his legs should be placed in the position I have described, although his head may be lowered until his crest is parallel with the ground.

The length of the body of a horse (D E, [Fig. 148]), may be assumed as the horizontal distance from the front of the chest to a line dropped vertically from the point of the buttock. This measurement is a somewhat arbitrary one, but it is probably the best for the purpose. French writers generally take the length of a horse as the distance from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttock. As this is not a horizontal measurement, I prefer to it the one just given.

The depth of the chest at the withers (A C, [Fig. 148]) is the vertical distance from the top of the withers to the bottom of the chest. This measurement being taken for convenience sake is an arbitrary one, because the chest is lower between the fore legs than behind the elbow, which is the spot I have selected. Besides, the actual height of the withers above the roof of the chest, has no fixed relation to the depth of the chest.

Depth of the body (F G, [Fig. 148]). The best and most uniform point to take this is, I think, the lowest point of the back.

Height at the croup (H I, [Fig. 148]) is measured from the highest point of the hind quarters.

INDEX.

List of
Books on
Horses

By CAPTAIN M. HORACE HAYES, F.R.C.V.S.

The Field.—“As trainer, owner and rider
of horses on the flat and over a country, the
author has had a wide experience, and when to
this is added competent veterinary knowledge
it is clear that Captain Hayes is entitled to
attention when he speaks.”

PUBLISHED BY

MESSRS. HURST & BLACKETT, LTD.
13, Great Marlborough Street, W.

BOOKS ON HORSES.

VETERINARY NOTES for HORSE-OWNERS. An Illustrated Manual of Horse Medicine and Surgery, written in simple language, with 267 Illustrations. Sixth Edition. Revised throughout, considerably enlarged, and 121 new and original Photographs added. Large crown 8vo, buckram, 15s. net.

“A necessary guide for horse-owners, especially those who are far removed from immediate professional assistance.”—The Times.

“Of the many popular veterinary books which have come under our notice, this is certainly one of the most scientific and reliable.”—The Field.

“This book leaves nothing to be desired on the score of lucidity and comprehensiveness.”—Veterinary Journal.

“It is superfluous to commend a book that is an established success, and that has gone on from edition to edition extending its usefulness.”—Army and Navy Gazette.

POINTS OF THE HORSE. A Familiar Treatise on Equine Conformation. Third Edition in the Press.

“Capt. Horace Hayes, the best of writers upon horses, has issued a second edition—considerably altered and enlarged, and magnificently illustrated—of his admirable work upon the ‘Points of the Horse,’ which is, in fact, a complete work on horses, their races and peculiarities.”—Athenæum.

“The intrinsic value of the book and the high professional reputation of the author should ensure this new edition a cordial welcome from sportsmen and all lovers of the horse.”—The Times.

RIDING AND HUNTING. Fully Illustrated with upwards of 250 Reproductions of Photographs and Drawings. In 1 vol., demy 8vo, cloth. Price 16s. net.

“Capt. Hayes has produced a book which cannot fail to interest, if not to instruct the experienced horseman, and the beginner may learn from its pages practically all that it is necessary for him to know.”—The World.

“We can imagine no more suitable present for one who is learning to ride than this book.”—Pall Hall Gazette.

“He is no doubt the greatest authority, both on horses and horsemanship, now living in this country. Everything which he writes is lucidly expressed, and no detail is too trivial to be explained.”—The Spectator.

THE HORSEWOMAN. A Practical Guide to Side-Saddle Riding. By Mrs. Hayes. Edited by Capt. M. H. Hayes. Second Edition, re-written, enlarged, and with about 150 new and original Photographic Illustrations added. 1 vol., demy 8vo. 12s. net.

“This is the first occasion on which a practical horseman and a practical horsewoman have collaborated in bringing out a book on riding for ladies. The result is in every way satisfactory, and, no matter how well a lady may ride, she will gain much valuable information from a perusal of ‘The Horsewoman.’”—Field.

“A large amount of sound, practical instruction, very judiciously and pleasantly imparted.”—The Times.

“We have seldom come across a brighter book than ‘The Horsewoman.’”—The Athenæum.

“With a very strong recommendation of this book as far and away the best guide to side-saddle riding we have seen.”—Saturday Review.

STABLE MANAGEMENT AND EXERCISE. A Book for Horse-Owners and Students. Illustrated by numerous Reproductions of Photographs taken specially for this work. In 1 vol., demy 8vo. Price 12s. net.

“Capt. Hayes, who may justly claim to be the first authority now living on all matters connected with the horse, is always welcome, and the more so because each successive volume is a monument of ‘the reason why.’”—The County Gentleman.

“Eminently practical.”—The Field.

“The work of an exceptionally competent authority, who thoroughly understands his subject, and is able to make the results of his practical knowledge clear to readers.”—Badminton Magazine.

ILLUSTRATED HORSEBREAKING. Second and Cheaper Edition. Large crown 8vo. Price 12s. net.

This Edition has been entirely rewritten, the amount of the letterpress more than doubled, and 75 reproductions of Photographs have been added.

“It is a characteristic of all Captain Hayes’ books on horses that they are eminently practical, and the present one is no exception to the rule. A work which is entitled to high praise as being far and away the best reasoned-out one on breaking under a new system we have seen.”—The Field.

“The work is eminently practical and reliable.”—Veterinary Journal.

HORSES ON BOARD SHIP. A Guide to their Management. By M. H. Hayes. In 1 vol., crown 8vo, with numerous Illustrations from Photographs taken by the Author during two voyages to South Africa with horses. Price 3s. 6d. net.

“The book altogether is like the rest of Captain Hayes’ works, written on sound, practical lines, and is all the more welcome in that it deals with a subject on which we have yet a great deal to learn.”—The Field.

“As he has had two voyages to South Africa in charge of large consignments, his experience is eminently practical, and his book contains much valuable information, and ought to enable the War Office to avoid in the future some of the errors of the past.”—Morning Post.

“We are sure that the book will be found useful and instructive to those who are new to the work of conveying either large or small numbers of horses across the seas.”—County Gentleman.

TRAINING AND HORSE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA. Fifth Edition. Crown 8vo, cloth, 6s.

“We entertain a very high opinion of Capt. Hayes’ book on ‘Horse Training and Management in India,’ and are of opinion that no better guide could be placed in the hands of either amateur horseman or veterinary surgeon newly arrived in that important division of our Empire.”—Veterinary Journal.

INFECTIVE DISEASES OF ANIMALS. Being Part I. of the Translation of Friedberger and Frœhner’s Pathology of the Domestic Animals. Translated and Edited by the Author. With a Chapter on Bacteriology by Dr. G. Newman, D.P.H. Demy 8vo, 10s. 6d. net.

“Whether considered as a work of reference for busy practitioners, as a text-book for students, or as a treatise on pathology in its widest significance, this volume meets every requirement, and is an invaluable addition to our literature.”—Veterinary Record.

AMONG HORSES IN RUSSIA. With 53 Illustrations from Photographs taken chiefly by the Author. In 1 vol., large crown 8vo. Price 10s. 6d. net.

“The book is exceedingly well written and illustrated.”—Graphic.

“The author has made an exceedingly entertaining book of his experiences.”—Baily’s Magazine.

AMONG HORSES IN SOUTH AFRICA. In 1 vol., crown 8vo. Price 5s.

“Capt. Hayes’ book is genuinely interesting, and fully repays reading.”—Black and White.

“The book is very readable.”—Spectator.

“The book is written in a pleasant, chatty style, and with a broad mind.”—Sportsman.

MODERN POLO. By Captain E. D. Miller, late 17th Lancers. Edited by Captain M. H. Hayes. Second Edition, revised and enlarged. In one vol., demy 8vo., with numerous Illustrations from Photographs and Drawings. Price 16s. net.

“Both in the matter of polo-playing and in that of choosing or breeding polo ponies, the volume is a certain authority.”—The Times.

“‘Modern Polo,’ written by E. D. Miller and edited by Capt M. H. Hayes, will assuredly become the authoritative work concerning the game, which is rapidly growing in favour in this country. It is clear and bright in style, and it is provided with numerous illustrations from photographs.”—Black and White.

“Mr. Miller’s is by no means the only work upon the Game of Polo, but it is, at least, the most complete and comprehensive work upon the subject that has yet been issued. It has had the benefit, too, of the editorship of Capt. M. H. Hayes, one of the best authorities of the day in regard to all matters connected with horsemanship. To Capt. Hayes are also due the excellent photographs by which the book is illustrated, showing almost every turn and stroke in a rather complicated game.”—Graphic.

LONDON: HURST AND BLACKETT, LIMITED.

Transcriber’s Note

The following typographical errors were corrected.

PageErrorCorrection
[xiii]68 Ready68. Ready
[xiii]75 Holding75. Holding
[xiii]in Fig 77in Fig. 77
[19]Arab pony, FreddieArab pony, Freddie.
[48]Fig. 25. Cope’sFig. 25.—Cope’s
[62]wanderers homewanderers home.
[102]Photo byPhoto. by
[125]DISMOUNTING,DISMOUNTING.
[137]on both sideson both sides.
[174]in Fig 87in Fig. 87
[195]a-well executeda well-executed
[250]106.—A cut and-laid106.—A cut-and-laid
[273]in Fig 115in Fig. 115
[478]342-245342-345
[479]Moore, George, 422Moore, George, 422.
[479]NinteenthNineteenth
[Ads p. 3]MANAGEMENT AND EXERCISEMANAGEMENT AND EXERCISE.
[Ads p. 3]MANAGEMENT IN INDIAMANAGEMENT IN INDIA
[Ads p. 4]SportsmanSportsman.

The following words were inconsistently spelled or hyphenated: