OVER-REACH
.—An over-reach is such injury (either cut or bruise) as is frequently sustained in the heel of a horse's FORE-FOOT, by one of the SHOES BEHIND; and this happens during brisk action, in either TROT or GALLOP, where the ground is unexpectedly deep and deceptive: or when a horse is thick in the shoulders, and slow in action before, the hind-quarters are thrown in faster than the fore-legs can get out of the way, by which inactive, or sluggish tardiness, the accident is occasioned much oftener than by any other means.
When neglected, or unattended to, if the injury is severe, ill consequences may ensue; the first step to prevent which is, to wash the part well with warm water, slightly impregnated with vinegar: press upon the wound a linen cloth till quite dry, then apply a pledget of lint or tow, well wetted with FRIAR'S BALSAM, or compound TINCTURE of MYRRH, covering it securely with a proper bandage, with a view to harden the surface, which is the leading object to be attained. This may be repeated the following day, if necessary, to farther close the mouths of such lacerated vessels as continue to ooze a lymph or ichor. If, however, the cut should be of such magnitude as to resist these means of intentional termination, it must be treated as a WOUND, and the horse not permitted to encounter WORK or dirt during its progress and cure. No greasy or unctuous applications should be made, if it can possibly be done without; as the best and most expeditious cure will be made by hardening the surface, and preventing a discharge; unless there is a deep destruction of parts, in which case it cannot be obtained but by incarnation.