276 PRINCIPLES OF FARM PRACTICE 



horses is apparent. Besides, such faithful workers deserve 

 good care and good treatment. 



In addition to housing and feeding, general treatment, 

 driving, and grooming are essential matters relating to the 

 care of farm horses. 



No other farm animal, with the possible exception of the 

 dairy cow, responds so well to kind treatment as the horse. 

 Most farmers are well aware of this fact. They are very 

 careful in handling their horses and do not abuse them in 

 any way. But good treatment means more than freedom 

 from abuse. It includes everything that makes for the 

 comfort of the horse in his work, such as the use of well- 

 fitting collars, bits that do not injure his mouth, a careful 

 adjustment of the checkrein, proper methods of hitching to 

 the load so as to reduce draft, etc. 



In driving, a horse is controlled almost entirely by means 

 of lines and bit. The horse's mouth should be kept sensitive 

 so that he may respond readily to the slightest pull on the 

 lines. Therefore, the lines should not be violently jerked or 

 pulled. A good driver drives with " a light touch "; he does 

 not pull the lines except when necessary and then just enough 

 to make the horse understand what is wanted. It is said 

 that there are very few good drivers. The fault lies in failing 

 to appreciate the fact that the lines and bit are simply a 

 means of communication between the driver and the horse. 



A farm horse should be groomed to keep the skin in good 

 condition. The legs of the horse should receive careful 

 attention. They should be rubbed down vigorously after the 

 day's work, especially if they are wet or muddy. Neglect to 

 care properly for the legs of a horse may cause them to be- 

 come stiff or permanently injured. 



There are many other things that might well be included 



