LITTLE THINGS WORTH KNOWING 139 



When stabling a horse brought in from the fields, do 

 not confine him in a warm box or close stable, as he 

 will contract a cold or strangles. Always use a well- 

 ventilated stable with door open, but avoid a draught. 



Never work a horse with a temperature ; if this is 

 done pneumonia will be sure to follow. 



When you wash a horse's legs, always dry and hard- 

 rub them. 



Have the shoes removed every four or five weeks. 



Never start a horse upon a long journey with a full 

 stomach ; go slowly for the first few miles, and allow 

 the horse to walk at intervals. 



After a very fast drive or ride home, give a good 

 straw whisking without too much " hissing." Pull his 

 ears until they are warm and dry. 



Remember that accidents will happen, and careless- 

 ness is no excuse. 



If the horse is a puller, use a straight -bar double-ring 

 bit ; have the bar well covered with chick leather or 

 indiarubber to fill the mouth, and drive on the single 

 rings. A steady hold of the reins checks a strong puller 

 without injuring his mouth. I have used this bit on 

 bad pullers where ordinary snaffle-bits and Liverpool 

 bits were useless. The Liverpool bits with curb chain 

 only punish and cause a puller to pull harder, and he 



