THE HORSE. 783 



Grooming. While horses that are constantly used on the farm or in draft and exposed 

 to the weather do not require very much grooming, carriage-horses and those that are stabled 

 a portion of the time require considerable care in this respect. The Agriculturist contains 

 the following sensible hints on this subject, by T. L. Nevill, which so fully coincide with our 

 own views that we give them in his own language: 



&quot; Good grooming is essential for preserving a horse s health and appearance. A fine coat 

 and tender skin should not be touched with the curry-comb, but be brushed very gently. If 

 there are any urine or dung stains, let them be washed, using a sponge deftly, so as not to 

 extend the wet dirty place. By making this the first operation the wet spots have time to 

 dry, while the other parts of the work are being done. 



If a curry-comb must be used, have the smoothest one that can be found, and use it but 

 sparingly. In the hands of some men the curry-comb is a barbarous instrument of torture. 

 Applied with a long, sweeping motion, without regard to the shape of the body, or the even 

 ness with which it is held, it will make a poor animal shrink and shiver. The skin is often 

 seriously hurt by the angles of the comb, when carelessly and heavily handled. A short 

 motion, back and forth, does the work more effectively and humanely than the severe appli 

 cation of the comb described. The horse will learn not to dislike it, if he finds he is not hurt. 



In cleaning a horse, commence at the head with the brush, having it in one hand, and 

 the curry-comb in the other. Brush every part of the body and limbs thoroughly, laying the 

 hairs in their natural direction, and going through them to the skin. Remove dust from the 

 brush by occasionally scraping it on the curry-comb. The brushing is to be followed by a 

 good rubbing with wisps, and the coat finally laid by the application of a cloth. A thorough 

 cleaning of the head cannot be effected without removing the halter, and be careful not to 

 hurt the eyes, or other sensitive parts. 



The mane and tail have now to be combed. If the hairs are knotted, go through them, 

 taking a small lock at a time, straightening and separating the whole. &quot;When once properly 

 done, there will be .but little trouble afterwards. Sometimes a very thick mane has to be 

 turned over the neck to get at the underside. No two hairs are to be left sticking together. 

 Some short ones may stick up obstinately on the wrong side. If so, damp them with a 

 sponge and try to bring them into place with the brush. If very rebellious, they must be 

 plaited, and a small bit of lead twisted in the ends to bring them right. 



Sometimes a horse with very abundant mane will come up from grass with it hanging 

 on both sides of the neck. Do not allow any knowing groom to cut it off from one side. If 

 this is done it will soon present a bristly, unsightly appearance, that will take months of 

 growth to cure. A little patience, careful combing, wetting, brushing, and perhaps plaiting 

 and leading of these thick manes, will soon bring them into place, and make a wonderful 

 improvement in the horse s appearance. A portion of the mean on the poll should be cut 

 away to allow the bridle to sit snugly, and to prevent the formation of a bristly tuft.&quot; 



Hints on Driving, and Draft. Never use a horse for work of any kind when sick 

 or lame. All horses should have some exercise every day, since exercise promotes a healthy 

 circulation of the blood, and imparts vigor to the whole animal system. In driving, do not 

 keep up a constant talking to the horse ; he will soon learn to pay no attention to what you 

 say. Quiet drivers are always the most successful ones. Never trust your horse entirely to 

 himself, but keep your hand steady on the reins, just sufficient to feel his mouth with the bit. 

 This will obviate accidents from stumbling. By being thus on your guard you can best pre 

 vent shying or the accidents that may be caused by it or sudden fright. By this means you 

 keep the animal s attention without irritating him. 



There is a vast and important difference between a tight check -rein and a moderately- 

 tightened rein, although not generally understood. The first is injurious in many respects, 

 and may make a horse stumble from not being able to see where to step, and also prevents 



