THE HORSE. 45 



Most grooms delight in currying their charges 

 with combs having teeth like small spikes and 

 in laying on the polishing brush with a hand as 

 heavy as the blows of misfortune. Some ani- 

 mals, it is true, like this kind of rubbing, but 

 there are many, who have thin, delicate skins, 

 to whom such treatment is almost unmitigated 

 torture. Should the lady hear any contest 

 going on between the horse and groom during 

 the former's morning toilette, she should order 

 a blunt curry-comb to be used ; or even dis- 

 pense with a comb altogether, and let the brush 

 only be applied with a light hand. Grooms 

 sometimes take pleasure in throwing cold water 

 over their horses. In very warm weather, and 

 when the animal is not overheated, this treat- 

 ment may prove refreshing to him, but, as a 

 general rule it is objectionable, as it is apt to 

 occasion a sudden chill which may result in 

 serious consequences. 



The stable man may grumble at the lady's 

 interference and supervision, but she must not 

 allow this to prevent her from attending care- 

 fully to the welfare of the animal whose faith- 

 ful services contribute so largely to her pleasure. 

 When she buys a horse she introduces a new 

 member into her household, who should be as 

 well looked after and cared for as any other 



