Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1906-07-23
OUR FARMERS.
CARE FOR THE WORK HORSES.

daily in decoction of white oak bark ,
or alum water. 1t is better to do this
in early spring. Also, they should be
put to light work at the same time,
slowly increasing the weight of the
loads, if tn y are hauling. This prac-
tice will render their shoulders quite
tough before hot weather sets in. In
the first place, soak the harness thor
oughly in tank of neat's-foo and
fish oil, or get your harness maker to
do so for you. 1t is easier for horse
to work in a soft, pliable harness;
also, it is less liable to chafe the horse.
.Second-Cut close TO the neck the
name just under the collar, and if
heavy and long trim it in front of the
collar, so that no coarse hair lies
between the collar and neck. By the
pressure of work this hair tends to
cut or gall the skin, make sores, or
as gravate those already formed.
Third-When you come in from |
work, sponge the neck and shoulders
with cold water. Some add salt to |
the water.
Fourth-Keep the face of the collar
clean. In hot weather remove the
collar at noon.
Fifth-At times while horses are
resting while at work step in front,
pull forward the bottom of collar,
letting the fresh air blow upon and
cool their shoulders.
Sixth-If horses have Jumps on
their shoulders, mark on the collar
where they touch: hollow the spot
by few smart blows with the face of
a hammer.
Seventh-If very bad, wrap thick
soft cloth around the collar, under
the harness, just above and below the
sore; or,
Eighth-If you have pads on the
collar. slit the side or back of the
same, and pull out the stufing over
the sore or lump.
, Ninth--Apply no grease or salve on
sores; it catches and holds dirt.
Tenth--;With "a pepper box dust
boracic acid on the sores twice day.
First clear the.sores with warm water
and CASTLE soap, and dry with cloth,
or use one ounce each of sulphate of
zinc and. sugar of lead in pint of
+. water. apply with feather.)
After all, the best remedy for sore
s4 Gov n rCJ aGf
!, but the agencies mentioned will also
: hasten recovery. I use common col
Z lars, made open at the bottom as well
as on top, which makes them easier to
d remove and easier on the horse. The
e collar should fit closely and be kept
soft and clean. Just enough space tt
> insert the hand should be between
}. the horses throat and the center O
;, the collar The names should fit well
Horses with thick skin and thick
t, shoulders rarely need pads. Collars
{ ought not to be interchanged among
horses. Change shoes with you
neighbor, and after wearing the same
,e few hours yea will realize how hare
20 it is for horse TO work in a cola
to fitted to another horse. A common
s, hair stuffed pad may for short tim
q be used to advantage on a horse 0
mule with bruised or CALLED shoulders
Otherwise a leather pad Single thick
ness of leather probably is the bes
., 1t should play loosely between cola
md oh,
30 anu shouioer' IL acts as a burner
This style of pad is especially vaiua
IT. BILE to put on later in the season, fc
as the horse works his shoulder
nd shrink and the collar fits too loosel,
10 The leather pad will fill the void.
Ia A good fly net or sheet will help I
keep the team from worrying ar
.. chatting themselves. I use loosel
do woven sheets: They shield from I'll
hot sun and let in the air, as well
3 ward off the attacks of flies. Figh
5 a ing flies causes horses to lose flesh al
chafe themselves nearly as much
bel the work.
Us; In hitching horses to mowers, bin
~ ers, ETC., see that their traces are Ii
-, too tightly drawn, lest the top
collar be pressed back and brui
rx. their necks. Never require horses
80 make a long pull with heavy To-
zoe without brief rests, or you may inju
their wind. In hot weather, whe
16o three or four horses are hitch
4 abreast, watch closely the mido
horse lest he become overheated
windbroken.
Where horses are unmatched as
inc height, the lowest of stature have
cal. bear the greater proportion of weig
ice. of the tongue, etc. when hitched te
Elk hinder; hence their necks are mo
CHIT likely than those of the others
'od. become sore. The breast stra