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6o THE HORSE 



groom who was more Ingenious than industrious. 

 A strong, active groom can rub a horse's legs perfectly 

 dry, but not many men will take the trouble to do this. 



If a horse is put into a straight stall with his legs 

 wet, it is especially bad for the hind legs, because they 

 are more exposed to draughts of air than the forelegs, 

 and so the hind legs at least should be rubbed dry or 

 otherwise protected. This is a great preventive of 

 scratches and stiffness. 



In cold, wet weather, or when there is snow or slush 

 on the ground, it is a good thing to put vaseline, or 

 better, glycerine on the fetlocks and around the heels 

 before a horse goes out, as this will tend to keep out 

 the moisture and to ward off scratches or mud fever. 

 The hair on the legs should never be clipped, and it is 

 especially dangerous to clip the long hair around the 

 fetlock. This often results in scratches, even in warm 

 weather. 



