14 MOUNTED INSTRUCTION 



young are hatched. It is therefore often difficult to find the parasite 

 on the surface, unless the skin has been- heated by a temporary expo- 

 sure to the sun or in a warm room. 



Symptoms: The symptoms are an incessant, intolerable and increas- 

 ing itching of some part of the skin (head, mane, tail, back, etc.) the 

 horse inclining himself toward the hand that scratches him and mov- 

 ing his lips as if himself scratching. The hairs may be broken and 

 rubbed off, but the part is never entirely bald, as in ringworm, and 

 there may be papules or any kind of eruption or open sores from the 

 energy of the scratching. Scabs of any thickness may form but the 

 special features are the intense itching and the presence of the parasite. 



Treatment consists in dipping the horses and a dipping vat is usually 

 at every remount station for this purpose and, if necessary, a brush 

 and a thorough application of tobacco 1}-^ ounces and water 2 pints, 

 prepared by boiling. 



Grooming. Pulling Manes and Tails. Trimming Manes and Fetlocks. 

 Clipping. Washing. 



Grooming: Grooming is essential to the general health, condition 

 and appearance of animals. 



The specific benefits derived from grooming are : The removal of 

 dirt and body waste from the skin and coat ; the maintenance of health 

 and condition by the stimulation of skin secretions ; the prevention 

 of skin diseases (mange, lice, etc.) ; and the improvement in the appear- 

 ance of the coat and animal generally. 



The value of grooming depends upon the thoroughness and speed 

 with which it is done. Men should he encouraged to work hard and 

 fast, skip nothing, and get through. Each man's grooming should 

 be inspected as soon as possible after completion, and if satisfactory, 

 the man dismissed. 



Every animal in the stable should be groomed thoroughly at least 

 once a day. Before leaving" the stable for work or exercise, horses 

 will be brushed off, mane if any neatly arranged, tail brushed out, 

 eyes cleaned, nostrils and dock wiped out, and feet cleaned. 



On return from work or exercise grooming should be proceeded 

 with immediately, except for such delay as is necessary incident to 

 wiping off and putting away equipment. Heated, wet, or sweating 

 horses should be cooled out before being groomed. In the case of 

 such horses, the equi])ment should be removed and quickly put aside, 

 then the horse given a brisk rubbing" with the wisp or drying cloth. 

 Ijlanketed and walked until thoroughly cool. A couple of swallows of 

 water every few minutes will assist the cooling out and is beneficial 

 to the animal. 



Grooming Tools: Each mounted man should have the following 

 grooming kit: curry comb, horse brush, dandy brush (if procurable), 

 hoof liook, grooming cloth, and wisp. 



