STABLE MANAGEMENT. 95 



When the ordinary devices of muzzling or of giving the horse only the 

 oldest and worst litter for his bed have failed, we know of but one 

 remedy, namely, the substitution for straw of some article which he 

 cannot eat. Sawdust makes an excellent bed, and in many places it may 

 be obtained at half the cost of straw. About 100 Ib. per week is suffi- 

 cient to keep up a bed for one horse. Care must, however, be taken to 

 entirely remove and renew the sawdust at least once a week. Sawdust is 

 an absorbent of urine, and also a deodorizer. From this latter quality 

 its impure state is often not recognised. It is not a chemical agent, but 

 only a deodorizer (see par. 323). In Ireland black bog mould is often 

 used. Sea sand, when obtainable, answers very well, and makes a cool 

 and pleasant summer bedding. Of late years moss litter has come into 

 use, and if kept clean and dry answers very well. 



182. Preservation of bedding. 



A shed outside the stable should be provided for the reception of the 

 litter in wet weather (par. 16&). If, however, there is no such con- 

 venience, the litter should nevertheless be removed from under the horses 

 and well shaken up and cleansed, and placed temporarily in a spare stall 

 or in the passage, until the horses are cleaned. It had then better be 

 replaced under the horses, because if retained long in a mass it will heat 

 and ferment and deteriorate. Wet weather should not be admitted as an 

 excuse for allowing the bedding to remain in the stalls, or, in other 

 words, for the stalls not being properly swept out and cleansed in the 

 morning. 



In no case should the litter be stored under the manger. Strange to 

 say, servants generally do store it under the manger, though the least 

 reflection might convince them that in this position more than any other 

 it must taint the air which the horse has to breathe, whilst the ammonia 

 arising from it must be injurious to his eyes and lungs. 



In fine weather the litter should always be placed in the open air 

 rather than under a shed. 



183. Clothing. 



Good large heavy rugs, weighing eight pounds, answer quite as well as 

 what is technically called clothing, and have the advantage of being about 

 half the price. The rug should be hollowed out over the withers, and in 

 addition to the ordinary roller the two ends in front should be brought 

 together and secured by a broad strap and buckle. 



For most horses one rug in summer and two in winter are sufficient. 

 Old horses, as a general rule, require more clothing than younger animals. 

 Breast-cloths, especially where large rugs secured in front are used, are 

 unnecessary. 



All clothing ought to be brushed and exposed to the purifying influence 

 of the sun and air for some hours daily. Advantage may be taken of the 

 period of exercise and grooming for this purpose. The clothing of horses, 



