304 THE AMERICAN HORSEWOMAN. 



(16.) When crossing a stream, or when allowing one's 

 horse to drink from it, a watchful eye should be kept upon 

 him, especially in warm weather, lest he attempt to take an 

 impromptu bath. If he begins to paw the water, or bend 

 his knees, the rider must raise his head, give him a sharp 

 stroke with the whip, and hurry him on. 



(17.) After severe exercise, or when the horse is very 

 warm, he should neither be fed nor be allowed to drink un- 

 til a sufficient time has passed to enable him to become com- 

 posed, rested, and cool. Many a valuable steed has been 

 lost because his mistress did not know this simple, but highly 

 important rule. Again, a horse should never be ridden at a 

 fast gait just after he has eaten a meal, or taken a good 

 drink ; he should be allowed at least an hour in which to 

 have his meal digested. 



(18.) A horse should never be allowed to drink from a 

 public trough, if it can possibly be avoided ; and when he is 

 permitted to do so, the trough should first be emptied and 

 then filled anew. Horses often contract serious diseases 

 from these public drinking-places. 



(19.) When riding over a rough road, the horse's mouth 

 should only be lightly felt, and he should be allowed to have 

 his own way in selecting the safest places upon which to 

 step. 



(20.) When it is observed that the horse is moving un- 

 easily, at the same time violently twitching his tail, or giving 

 a kick outward or under him, the rider may be certain that 

 something is hurting him, and should immediately dismount, 

 loosen the saddle-girths, and carefully inspect the girths, the 

 saddle, and parts touched by them to ascertain whether a 

 nail be loosened from the saddle, the skin be pinched or 

 abraded, the hair be pulled upon by the girths, or whether 

 some hard object has become placed beneath the saddle, etc. ; 

 she should also carefully examine the head-stall and bit, to 



