WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. 403 



HINTS ON GROOMING THE HUNTER. 



BY BRUSH. 



The Stud is now full, a few hints would I give, 

 As to grooming the horse, and how he should live. 

 At the top of the morn, my horses are seen 

 Parading in order our old village green, 

 They brush oif the dew, which refreshes their feet. 

 Stops contractions of heel, and renders them sweet ; 

 A vigorous tone to their lungs is thus given, 

 By breathing pure air, now fresh from the heaven. 

 To their stalls they return when an hour has fled, 

 And find a swept stable, and fresh litter'd bed ; 

 A wisp of soft hay to the coat is applied, 

 AUow'd o'er the surface but gently to glide ; 

 With bristle or comb, oh disturb not a hair, 

 Or, porcupine-like, in your face they will stare ; 

 By disturbing the roots you let the air in. 

 Which nature rejects by fresh clothing the skin. 

 In the summer, indeed, how glossy and fine 

 Are the coats of all horses, and even of kine. 

 'Tis the absence of cold which keeps the coat sleek, 

 Your attention to warmth these hints then bespeak. 

 Distribute with liberal hand the old oats, 

 For intei'nal heat good condition promotes ; 

 Add not a bean until you have gallop'd your steed, 

 Lest surfeit should force you to physic and bleed. 

 The hay which is smallest in bulk should be found, 

 Nor let it exceed over ten or twelve pound ; 

 When lungs by extension of stomach are press'd. 

 The horse scarcely moves, but in wind is distress'd. 

 The sun is declining — again by the pair 

 On the green are my Stud seen imbibing the air. 



