THE HOESE 273 



coming from the stable in the morning in the best of spirit. 

 This will be indicated by their pleasing appearance, the snap 

 and vigor with which they lift their feet, and the complete 

 absence of stiffness in their joints. Animals whose limbs are 

 thus cared for will remain comparatively free from the many 

 diseases to Avhich the legs and the feet are subject. Such care 

 will greatly increase the efficiency of the horse and will prolong 

 his usefulness. 



Clipping. — This consists of cutting the hair over the entire 

 surface of the body of the horse. Several advantages are 

 claimed for clipping: it improves the appearance of the horse 

 and enables his coat to be more easily cleaned; a clipped horse 

 is less likely to take cold than a long-haired horse because the 

 evaporation of moisture is more rai^id and the horse does not 

 become so warm ; the natural process of shedding hair is a draft 

 on the vitality of the animal, leading to a diminished appetite 

 and to loss of flesh. Clipping accomplishes in a short time what 

 nature requires much more time to do. From this it would 

 seem that horses having long, thick coats should be clipped. 



If horses are to be clipped twice each year the first clipping 

 should be done soon after the hair has gro^m out in the fall; 

 thus the horses become used to the change before cold weather 

 and obtain some growth of hair before winter sets in. The 

 second cli]oping should be done in early spring as soon as the 

 weather begins to grow warm and before the animals begin to 

 shed their winter coats. Horses thus treated will be much more 

 easily kept in presentable condition and, if protected by blankets 

 and properly groomed, A\nll pay many times over for such extra 

 care. "\\Tien horses cannot be protected from cold and wet, 

 either in the stable or outside of it, they should not be clipped 

 in the fall. Animals exposed to the weather grow a long coat 

 for their o\vn protection and this should not be removed; if, 

 however, the owner means to give them extra care and attention, 

 they may be clipped. 



Blanketing. — In our climate the use of a blanket is indispens- 

 able. A horse will be more efficient and will endure much longer 

 if reasonably protected against cold rains, heaA'y winds, and 

 sudden changes in temperature. If the horse is warm and sweat- 

 ing on his arrival at the stable he should not be blanketed until 

 he has ceased to steam, nor should he be left in a draft. If blank- 

 eted at once there is little opportunity for the horse to dry, the 

 blanket becomes damp, and the hair of the horse remains moist 

 all night. In case the blanket is not used until the animal has 



