SADDLE-GALLED
.—This is an injury frequently sustained by horses either in the FIELD with HOUNDS, or in JOURNIES upon the ROAD; and can only happen by the inattention, neglect, or penury, of the OWNER, in not affording occasional precaution and inspection to the state of the pad, as well as to the first and safe FITTING of the SADDLE. It cannot but be known to the most superficial observer, that the padding of every saddle becomes progressively harder, in proportion to the perspirative matter it absorbs; and, in direct proportion with the hardness it acquires, the greater is the chance of its being injurious to the parts with which it comes into constant contact, and with a burning heat, produced by a long and repeated friction. Injuries of this kind, although originating in the same cause, vary a little in their effects: with one but slightly affected, a WARBLE may be produced; this happens on the side, and if attended to upon its first appearance, is easily obliterated by applications of vinegar, or other mild repellents; but unattended to, and a frequent repetition of the cause being permitted to take place, they soon become SITFASTS, and can only be got rid of by instrumental extirpation. Where any part of the saddle-tree (in the centrical cleft between the saddle-pads) is inconsiderately suffered to come into contact with the wither, or vertebræ of the back, and so continues in friction and pressure, during a CHASE or JOURNEY, certain mischief inevitably ensues: in the first a swelling, formation of matter, and FISTULA, may be the consequence; in the latter, an excoriation, followed by a tedious wound, or ulcer, may take place. Circumstances which so constantly occur (and that so often, from an unthinking stupidity in those who ultimately suffer by trouble and vexation in the event) are only brought to recollection, for the interested inculcation of those, who, inexperienced at present, will be taught, by time and prudence, that PREVENTION is at all seasons preferable to CURE, as it will be the means of shielding the body from trouble, and the mind from repentance.