256 THE HORSE. 
as bad as those of the groom. Sometimes a large and smooth snafile is 
allowed as an exercise bridle, in the hope that it cannot injure the mouth, 
but even this will do mischief if the weight of the rider is thrown upon it, 
as is too often the case. Leaving out of the question this objection to the 
adoption of exercise, there can be no doubt that a daily walk out of doors 
for half an hour or an hour, especially if it can be managed on turf, will 
be of the greatest service to the horse’s health. 
CHAPTER XV. 
STABLE MANAGEMENT CONTINUED. 
RECAPITULATION OF DAILY DUTIES—PROPER TEMPERATURE—REMEDIES FOR STABLE 
VICES AND BAD HABITS—PREPARATION FOR WORK—ORDINARY SWEATING—THE 
TURKISH BATH—PHYSIC—FINAL PREPARATION—TREATMENT AFTER WORK—SUMMER- 
ING—A WINTER'S RUN—THE STRAW-YARD—CARE OF SADDLERY AND HARNESS. 
IN THE LAST CHAPTER I have entered at length upon the consideration 
of the several duties of the groom ; I shall now recapitulate them, so as to 
enable the master to see at a glance whether his servant is at any parti- 
cular time doing what he ought to do. 
RECAPITULATION OF STABLE DUTIES. 
am.5to6. Feed, and give a few “go-downs” of water; while the corn is being 
eaten put the stable straight, by separating the soiled part of the 
litter and forking it back into the gangway, while the rest is tucked 
up under the manger. Then sweep out the stall quite clean, and 
carry the dirt as well as the foul litter at once out of the stable. 
6 to 7. Put exercise saddle and bridle on, take the horse out for half-an-hour 
or an hour, or more, according to the work he has to do. Bring 
him home, take off saddle and bridle, shake down a little litter, 
and go to breakfast. 
8 to 8.30. Dress each horse for an hour; put all straight ; feed, and water lightly; 
rack up if going out to work, if not allow horse to lie down, 
arranging a light bed for the purpose ; put on bandages when worn. 
pm. 3to4. Feed again and give half a bucket of water; remove droppings. 
7 to 8. Remove droppings; bed up; water and feed ; stop feet on those nights 
when required ; take off bandages. 
These hours will vary according to circumstances, but in private stables 
they are the most convenient that can be arranged for hacks and harness- 
horses. Hunters are sometimes fed once more,—that is, at six, nine, 
twelve, five, and eight; but I believe four times a day often enough to 
give any horse food. When one man has to do three horses, he cannot 
of course finish them all by the hour named, and even if he begins at 
five o’clock, he cannot complete all he has to do before eleven or twelve 
o'clock. 
PROPER TEMPERATURE OF THE STABLE. 
THERE IS SCARCELY ANY POINT upon which there is so much difference of 
opinion, as in relation to the temperature of stables. Some contend for an 
amount of heat which would raise Fahrenheit’s thermometer to 65° or 70°. 
while others would never have their stables, if they could help it, above 
45° So much depends upon the kind of horse in them, and the work 
