220 HORSEMANSHIP. 



a perspiration — "break out" as it is termed— walk him 

 about a bit briskly, and set the groom again to work on 

 him with the straw wisp. 



Never permit the grooms to speak harshly or sharply to 

 their charges, and see that the words of command, "come 

 over,'' or " come round," are given quietly and unac- 

 companied with any flick of the leather or towel. 



Visit the stables frequently when the horses are out at 

 exercise, examine them carefully generally and see that the 

 drains are in good order. Some of McDougall's, Condy's, 

 or other disinfectant, should be sprinkled on the surface 

 runs daily, and subsequently washed into the reservoir. If 

 peat litter be used make the helper rake away all damp 

 portions to be dried in the air. 



If any man be found striking a horse with a fork or 

 broom-handle, dismiss him on the spot. 



Constantly overhaul saddlery and stable gear. Do not 

 let old clothing be thrown away ; it will come in handy for 

 sick horses. Never buy second-hand clothing unless you 

 know who its former owner was. I once invested in a lot, 

 and every animal in the stable got ring-worm. Clothing 

 not in use should be well brushed, folded, and put away in 

 a press ; that in use should be well beaten and shaken out- 

 side the stable and aired once a week. Muzzles should 

 always have a throat-latch attached to them. Do not 

 permit "dressing muzzles" in the stable. Note that the 

 beds of the rollers, where they pass over the spine, are so 

 stuffed that there is a clear channel, and that they do not 

 rest on the ridge. 



A groom's absolute requisites — he will indent for every- 

 thing in the saddler's shop if allowed to have his own way- 

 are : bucket, body-brush, burnisher, a broom, bandages, 

 curry-comb (Spratt's patent is the best), chamois leather, 



