^2 THE PRACTICAL HORSE KEEPER. 



excessively hot. In such cases, a small quantity only should 

 be allowed until the body is in a fit state to receive more ; or 

 the water may be given tepid, or, which is better, some oat- 

 meal may be mixed with it, or a bucket of oatmeal gruel given 

 instead ; indeed, in all such circumstances, the latter is the 

 safest procedure. It is a wise plan always to give water before 

 feeding, not after ; as if given after eating it is likely to cause 

 colic, by carrying with it some of the undigested food from the 

 •stomach into the intestines. Fresh water should always be 

 given. Water troughs ought to be kept scrupulously clean, and 

 the water in them often changed. Icy cold water is not very 

 safe, and if it must be given, it should be allowed only in small 

 quantity at a time, or warm water added to it. 



GROOMING. 



Next in importance to food and water in stable-kept horses 

 is grooming. There can be no doubt that the artificial state in 

 which horses are kept renders cleanliness of the skin a neces- 

 sity, and it is universally recognised that the beauty, health, 

 and vigour of the horse are largely dependent upon the condi- 

 tion of his integument. The function of the skin is very 

 important, and just in proportion as that function is main- 

 tained in activity, so will the health be improved. To clean 

 the skin thoroughly, a brush is, perhaps, the best appliance ; 

 though in Eastern countries, where the horses have very thin, 

 sensitive skins, and fine coats, as well as with some horses in 

 our own country, a brush may cause considerable irritation. 

 Grooming is not required to the same degree, perhaps, with all 

 horses ; the slow-paced cart or farm horses, or horses which are 

 much exposed to the weather, or whose work is not fast, do not 

 require, and, in fact, should not receive, so much grooming as 

 carriage horses, hunters, or racehorses. Indeed, the former are 

 none the worse for having a little grease in their skin, to 



