302 ROAD, TRACK, AND STABLE. 



up to every trough, aud let the horse drink his fill. 

 Neither example, in my opinion, should be followed. 

 The best way is to water the roadster often in hot 

 weather, but to give him only a little at a time ; in 

 cold weather, less often. Some horses indeed can be 

 allowed with impunity to drink all they want ; well- 

 bred nags especially, although they like to plunge 

 their noses deep in the trough, do not often drink to 

 excess. However, by watching the effect of water 

 upon his horse's bowels, the driver will soon learn 

 how to treat him in this respect. 



Even in the stable certain soft horses, whose blood 

 is apt to be heated, should have their appetite for 

 water restrained ; they like the feeling of it going 

 down their throats, and will drink greedily. It would 

 be well if such animals were always bitted before be- 

 ing watered ; thus they would be compelled to drink 

 slowly, and a less quantity would satisfy them. As a 

 rule, the healthiest horses drink the least. More than 

 one good pailful should never be given at a time to 

 anv horse. But let there be no interference with 

 nature in respect to water without good reason. Be- 

 yond doubt, some ignorant and fanciful grooms keep 

 their charges in torment for want of it. 



One general remark more, and then the reader shall 

 be allowed to escape from the vicinity of the trough : 

 very cold water should always be tempered before it 

 is given to a horse, especially in summer. ISTow let 

 us enter the small room in front, whence proceeds 

 that periodic whang of the currycomb on the floor, 

 which indicates that within goes on the important 

 process of 



