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.