THE CARE OF HORSES. 305 



Another common mistake relates to the virtues of 

 "rubbing down." On a hot day, for example, a trav- 

 eller arriving at his destination flings the reins to the 

 hostler, and tells him to give the horse "a good rub- 

 bing down." But what the animal needs is to cool 

 off, whereas rubbing tends to heat. A better treat- 

 ment would be as follows. Take off the harness, and 

 immediately sponge with cold water the parts under 

 the collar or breastplate and under the saddle. Thus, 

 and thus only, are sore backs and shoulders prevented. 

 If there is any swelling, or as a precaution in hot 

 weather, it is well to use arnica and water, in the 

 proportion of two to one. Xext sponge his nostrils 

 and dock; then with a damp, but by no means a wet 

 sponge, wipe the dust from his whole body ; and, 

 finally, let him drink two swallows of fresh water, 

 and put him in a stall with plenty of bedding. When 

 thoroughly cool he may be watered moderately, then 

 fed, then groomed, watered again, and put to bed. It 

 is best, of course, especially in hot weather, to have 

 the horse walked about awhile instead of being put 

 in his stall at once. 1 



I remember seeing, years ago, a perfect illustration 

 of what might be called fanatical rubbing dow r n. It 

 was in a trotting race of many heats, one of the com- 

 petitors being a little bay stallion, much noted at the 

 time, called William H. Allen. The practice then was 

 to rub the horses dry with towels between heats, and 



1 " When a journey has been long continued and severe, the 

 horse should not be immediately put into a stable, but ought to 

 be walked gently about until the circulation of blood in the feet has 

 had time to accommodate itself to the altered conditions of rest 

 By this means laminitis (inflammation of the feet) is averted.' 

 Mr. George Fleming, F. R. G. S. 



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