yo ANIMAL MANAGEMENT. 



opinions are sharply divided. Observation leaves no doubt that the use 

 of a rug in winter and after clipping, helps to maintain condition, and 

 therefore working power, without an increase of ration. This is the 

 practical argument for the issue of a rug to the troop horse, and 

 the experience of large horse-owning companies, who have to extract a 

 maximum of work from their animals at a minimum of cost, goes to prove 

 that a rug is an economical provision, that condition and working power 

 are increased by its use, and constitution and hardness are not impaired. 

 On the other hand it is argued that the provision of clothing is unnecessary, 

 that the troop horse can do what is required of him without it, and 

 will nevertheless, with efficient management, maintain condition ; but it 

 is certain that if provided with a rug he would keep at least as good 

 condition, be capable of producing more work on the same amount of 

 food, and • free ventilation of the stable would be possible without 

 discomfort to the animal. The modern troop stable is a cold 

 stable when properly ventilated, and although this is right and 

 healthy, yet the temperature of the body must be maintained, and if no 

 artificial substitute for the coat is provided when the animal is at rest in 

 a cold atmosphere, more of the food will be utilized for the maintenance 

 of the body heat, and less will be available for the production of work, 

 than would otherwise be the case. Economy and efficiency combined 

 therefore point to the use of a rug whenever the horse is worked up to the 

 amount of food he receives, otherwise his condition must be maintained 

 by extra rations. The comfort and appearance of the animal are both 

 added to by the use of a rug. 



Clothing Clothing cannot of course be carried on service owing to transport 



on service, difficulties and the need of mobility, and this is used as an argument 

 against its use in peace, but judging from experience, animals which 

 have been used to a rug endure the rigours of active service quite as 

 well as any others, and on this head nothing need be feared, as the 

 horse does not get ill from cold, and the coat rapidly adapts itself to 

 climatic conditions. Provided horses get plenty to eat, they take no 

 harm from exposure. 



When to When allowed, rugs should be worn in the stable and camp only ; 



be worn, under no circumstances should they be permitted whilst horses are at 

 exercise or work, and if mange occurs they should be withdrawn till the 

 outbreak is over. 



Patterns and Yit of Clothing. 



In the Service the only kind of clothing issued is a shaped stable rug, 

 and is all that is necessary ; but generally the term "clothing" as applied 



