HORSES 313 



to a piece of iron that is colder than freezing. He will 

 probably never forget the experience. 



Sore Shoulders. Many farm horses suffer with sore 

 shoulders. This can nearly always be prevented. The 

 collar should fit. It should be kept clean. The shoulders 

 should be washed in salt water at noon and evening if 

 there is danger of sore shoulders. Sometimes a collar 

 that fitted early in the season ceases to fit when the horse 

 gets thinner. 



There are a few points that are often discussed under 

 the head of cruelty to animals, and that are not always 

 understood. 



Clipping. Driving horses sometimes have their hair 

 clipped in the winter. Clipping of horses can do no harm; 

 in fact, it is a positive comfort, provided the horses are 

 well blanketed. I notice the athletes who run in the 

 winter wear only the thinnest clothing, and run with bare 

 legs when the thermometer stands below zero. They are 

 warm enough while running, and the moment they stop 

 they are covered with overcoats and blankets. So with a 

 clipped horse; he is more comfortable while going. The 

 only danger is that he will not be well blanketed when he 

 stops. A livery horse should not be clipped, because 

 some of the promiscuous drivers will let him suffer; but 

 a nice carriage horse that is always well cared for is not 

 harmed. 



Blinders that come close to the head are very objec- 

 tionable, but those that stand out from the head do no 

 harm. It is frequently desirable to have some shield that 

 will keep the horse from watching every move of the driver. 



Over-check. The purpose of the "over-check" is to raise 



