338 NAVIN ON THE HORSE. 



opposed to washing the mud off the horse at all ; but it is cer- 

 tain most persons will do it despite all arguments against the 

 practice. I can see but little danger in washing, if it is prop- 

 erly done. I can see no more danger from moving a horse 

 briskly for a few seconds, or, at most, one minute, in a stream 

 of water, than from riding him for one or more hours through 

 the cold mud and slush, where it is dashed against his legs 

 and belly at every step. The horse should not be kept in the 

 water longer than the time above referred to, and should be 

 moved briskly in it. He should then be moved around for 

 .some time on dry ground, and then have the parts washed 

 rubbed dry. The legs and belly, especially, should be well 



'dried. 



To wash the horse, a large sponge, a washing-brush, and a 

 'bucket of water are necessary. The operation should be done 

 •very quick, not exceeding two or three minutes. The water 

 .should be slightly warmed. The horse should be exercised 

 .and rubbed, or rubbed dry, as above described. 



When a horse is brought in out of the rain, all wet and 

 imuddy, if he is immediately sponged off all over, and rubbed 

 dry, or nearly so, and then blanketed, and his legs dried, I 

 ^scarcely think any harm can result from the operation, espe- 

 cially if his stable is warm and he has a good litter to stand 

 in, and if the water has been slightly warmed. 



The principle to be kept in view is to so manage the clean- 

 ing and drying of the wet, or muddy, or sweating horse as not 

 to chill his general system or any part of his body, as the feet, 

 legs, or belly. Such chilling may bring on founder, lung-fever, 

 :,pleurisy, cold, bronchitis, grease, scratches, etc. The danger 

 is very considerable. 



The horse should never be stabled while very warm; he 



should be kept moderately exercised until cooled — best told 



by noticing if the pulse is down to forty beats per minute. 



The heat of the skin may show with sufficient accuracy. 



Attentions to the Feet.— The shoes should be frequently ex- 



