YARD-FALLEN—is what some horses are constitutionally subject to, and
frequently display it in a state of weariness, or bodily lassitude,
denoting no indisposition, and to which no ill appertains. If the yard
is seen to drop, and continue so any length of time, in a state of
flaccid debility, (the horse being in other respects healthy, and free
from pain,) it indicates a previous injury, sustained by pinch,
pressure, or some other means, upon that part in the groins; or by slip,
strain, stroke, or bruise upon the back, by which the internal organs
are severely affected. From whatever cause such debility may have been
derived, the restorative and invigorating system is the only rational
plan to be adopted; nursing in all such cases is preferable to a paltry
and unnecessary profusion of medicines: the latter may be proper for an
interested individual to recommend, but is too inconsistent for a man of
sense to adopt. Good mashes, prepared of malt and bran, equal parts,
solutions of gum arabic in oatmeal gruel and water, for common drink
thrice a day, and a cordial ball night and morning, for two or three
days in succession, are the best and simplest means that can be brought
into use upon such an occasion.
YARD FOUL.—A foulness within the sheath is what happens with most
geldings; but some generate or form much more filth than others. This
collection, for want of being occasionally relieved, and cleaned out, so
nearly plugs up the orifice, that the yard, in its vapid state, has not
the power to protrude itself for the purpose of evacuation, and the
urine falls dribbling from the sheath; a circumstance that in itself
points out the necessity of occasional cleansings, to prevent so
unpleasant an obstruction.
YELLOWS—is a disorder in horned cattle, denominated the _yellows_; but
in horses, as well as in the human species, it is distinguished by the
appellation of JAUNDICE, which see.
YEOMAN-PRICKER—is a part of the royal retinue annexed to his Majesty's
hunting establishment. Of these there are SIX, whose official department
it is to be subordinate to the huntsman, and execute his orders in all
matters relative to the STAG HOUNDS, whether at their exercise and
airings, or during the chase; full and explanatory particulars of which
will be found under the separate and distinct heads of KING'S HOUNDS,
and STAG HUNTING.