CLOTHING 



machines of various makes ; but it may be added that whilst 

 some of these are admirably adapted for the purpose, others 

 are practically useless. 



Opinions — perhaps it would be more correct to say tastes 

 — differ somewhat as regards the style in which horses should 

 be clipped, it being a common practice amongst hunting 

 men to leave the coat in its natural condition under the 

 saddle, so as to avoid the risk of a sore back, and not to 

 touch the legs at all. Some owners of harness horses who 

 do not study the appearance of their animals subscribe to 

 the latter view, the object in either instance being to reduce 

 the chances of mud fever. (See Mud Fever, Shaving, 

 Singeing.) 



Clothing. — A most important factor in the well-being 

 of a horse is a rational system of clothing him. Upon 

 this subject it is not unusual to find the opinion of masters 

 and their servants radically opposed to each other, as, apart 

 from a tendency to unduly coddle their horses which 

 possesses some grooms, there is the fact that the coat of a 

 horse which is kept heavily clothed is much easier to keep 

 bright than that of one which only stands moderately, and 

 it may be added healthily, warm. It is always by far the 

 best arrangement, though it adds a little to the expenses 

 of a stable, to provide one set of day clothing and one of 

 night clothing for each horse. This enables the set not in 

 actual use to be hung up and aired, for, of course, it is 

 an extravagance to allow a horse to lie down in, and soil, 

 a stylish set of day clothing ; whilst no owner who takes a 

 pride in his stable would like to see his horses out-of-doors 

 in blankets which would be admirably adapted for night 

 wear. Hence the desirability of providing a duplicate suit 

 for each horse, both for summer and winter wear, if possible. 



The material of which horse clothing is made varies as 

 much as that used for men's coats or ladies' dresses ; but in 

 all cases the best will be found the cheapest in the end. 

 Therefore wool for day wear and Whitney for night use 



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