The Progressive Farmer

LIVE STOCK.

REMEMBER YOUR HORSES' TEETH.

Eds. Country Gentleman:- So few people seem to think that a horse has teeth (in the way of their troubling him, I mean) that I want to tell your readers about a beautiful mare recently sold at one of the auction markets in this city. She was a perfect picture when led out to halter, with plenty of room for a good large brain, and the intelligent eyes showed she knew what to do with her brains. I was simply astonished when told by the proprietor of the auction place that she was 'crazy.' She had been sent down to be sold with the express stipulation on the part of her owner that anyone who bought her should be told of her failing. She had been the favorite driving mare of her owner for three years, but suddenly she had developed the most curious freaks when in harness. Her favorite idea was to take the bit in her teeth and, kicking at every step, run as hard as she could. Frequently she would squeal as if frightened almost to death, or, as if in mortal pain. She had a slashing way of going and was altogether a most desirable animal.

By my advice a friend purchased her for the price of a poor car horse, and she was taken to his stable. While she had been so quiet under the halter, when the groom put on a bridle, and vaulting on her back, tried to urge her on, we were treated to a circus. She plunged, reared, threw down her head, and at last in her frantic efforts threw herself. After she got up, noticing that her mouth was bloody, I ordered the bridle taken off and a halter substituted so she could be led. She went along all right, and after she arrived at my friend's stable we put her mouth through a severe examination. We found what is called a 'rampant tooth' in front of one of the molars, and cut it out after a terrible time with the mare. My friend was doubtful of ever being able to use the mare; and when I told him we should drive her the next day, he asked me to furnish the trap, as he did not fancy having one of his kicked to pieces. When the mare was hooked up the next day she showed such delightful qualities that my friend said on reaching the stable after the drive, 'A thousand dollar bill would not buy her!' He has had no trouble with her, and would not part with her under any circumstances.

A horse's teeth need examining as often as a man's, and each examination may save the life of many a valuable animal. Improper grinding of the food produces a general derangement of the entire system. As the sharp edges of the teeth cut the cheeks on the inside, the horse naturally objects to doing any more work with his jaw than he can help, and the food does not get the second and third grinding. Only about one third of the food given is digested, and there is a big loss. Thus imperfect digestion also gives the horse spasms of colic, inflammation of the bowels, worms or all kinds, when ever with many other troubles. See that the teeth are kept true, for it will save lots of trouble.- E. T. Riddick, New York.