GROOMING 



in the present day. Elbow grease is necessary in every branch 

 of a groom's work. 



At the time when a horse is changing its coat, it does not, as 

 a rule, look in the best of condition, so that due allowance must 

 be made at these periods. For putting a gloss on the coat 

 there is nothing to equal a chamois leather, and every groom 

 ought to take advantage of this useful article for the 

 horse's toilet. Inside the thighs, under the fore-arms, and 

 beneath the mane — if this is long — require special attention 

 when cleaning. Combing the long hair should ne\'er be 

 neglected, this being so very abundant in well bred, heavy horses. 

 Trimming the mane, tail, and around coronets, and at footlock, 

 i.e., hair at back of fetlock, is very necessary to keep a horse 

 smart. 



CLIPPING, 



Opinions are divided as to the advisability of completely 

 or partially removing the hair. Some men will clip the hair off 

 the body, allowing it to remain on the limbs, whereas others will 

 clip the limbs, and leave the hair on the body. 



x\gain, another set advocate clipping all over, excepting that 

 beneath the saddle, or back and loins. If left on beneath saddle, 

 it is said by these advocates to prevent sore back. The writer 

 has no desire to try and disturb such opinions, every man 

 being justly entitled to hold his own, and ^' support" it if he can. 

 Personally, I prefer to have a horse clipped from head to feet 

 at one clipping. When a horse has a heavy coat he sweats far 

 too much, and loses flesh rapidly. If clipping in winter, clothe 

 body well afterwards for a few da^^s. 



37 



