STABLE iMANAGEMENT. 65 



certain seasons of the year, and in hot climates particularly, the prevalence 

 of maggots from the attacks of flies renders a close attention to this detail 

 very desirable. 



The feet should be picked out thoroughly at every stable hour, and on Picking 

 return from work. It is a detail which does not always receive the care out the 

 it should, as, apart from the necessity of cleanliness, the sole of the hoof feet, 

 is so liable to injury, from accidents at work, that very frequent inspection 

 of it should be made. The most convenient form of hoof-picker is a 

 strong, blunt iron spike or hook, and in use its point should not be 

 forced down the sides or cleft of the frog with more vigour than is 

 necessary to remove the dirt. Any sharp -pointed instrument is 

 unsuitable for this purpose. Washing of the hoof, when required, 

 should if possible be done outside the stable, and the legs should not be 

 wetted during the operation. 



Washing stable brushes. — It is occasionally necessary to thoroughly Washing 

 wash stable brushes, either to get rid of accumulated grease, or as a stable 

 precaution against spreading disease. The usual method by which this brushes, 

 is accomplished, namely, boiling the brush or soaking it in a tub of hot 

 water, ruins the article by separating the back, and causes avoidable 

 waste. The brushes should have the backs scrubbed with soap and 

 water and wiped dry, the bristles should be " dapped" in hot, strong, soda 

 water till free from grease, and then similarly dipped in strong brine. 

 The latter process is essential to reharden the bristles which become soft 

 in water or soda water. After cleaning they should be stood, bristles 

 down, till dry. Instead of " dapping'' they may be stood in shallow trays 

 of soda and salt water, but the backs should not be immersed. 



Washing Horses. 



The washing of horses as a general practice is to be strongly Washing 

 condemned. In cold and changeable, temperate climates, it may very the bodj-. 

 easily lead to sickness, and even in warm and equable temperatures 

 its practice is not always unattended with danger. The only purposes for 

 which the use of water, or soap and water, is necessary on the body of 

 the healthy horse is for the removal of dirt stains which will not groom 

 off, and for the occasional cleansing of the mane and tail and hoofs. 

 The dangers which washing may give rise to are not, however, due to the 

 wetting of the skin, but to want of attention to the subsequent drying ; 

 and in all cases where it is found necessary to wash, too much care 

 cannot be bestowed on making sure that the animal is thoroughly dried, 

 (b 10948) E 



