MANE, TAIL AND FORELOCK 69 



mars the beautiful by adding some element of the gro- 

 tesque. 



WHEN THE TAIL IS TOO HEAVY 



In some cases the tail is bushy and heavy, so that 

 it is hot against the horse in summer, and it is not 

 easy for him to switch it about as a defence against flies. 

 In such cases the tail should be thinned, in the manner 

 described for thinning the mane. This will make it 

 more comfortable for the horse, and also cause him 

 to carry it better, that is, further away from his body. 



RUBBING THE TAIL 



It is a great annoyance to have a horse rub the hair 

 from the upper part of his tail, as the occupant of a 

 box stall is apt to do, especially when he is shedding 

 his coat. But this bad habit can usually be stopped 

 without much trouble. Wash the bone of his tail 

 thoroughly with warm water and soap, and then apply 

 a little kerosene oil at the exact spot where the rubbing 

 was done. It may be necessary to apply the kerosene 

 two or three times more, without the preliminary 

 washing; but usually one application is sufficient. 



As a substitute, or alternative, for kerosene, the fol- 

 lowing ointment might be used after washing the tail: 



Sub-nitrate of bismuth i ounce 



Lard 4 ounces 



If the horse should persist in rubbing his tail, the 

 bad effects of the rubbing may be prevented by attach- 

 ing a flap of cloth or leather to his blanket in such a 

 manner that it will cover and protect the upper part 

 of the tail. 



