8 GROOVING. 



start off, except when required to proceed ; this 

 habit of quietude is very easily acquired and 

 established in the temper and disposition of 

 the horse by gentle, gradual, but invariable 

 practice. 



So, likewise, horses may be taught to stand 

 still whenever suddenly stopped by slacken- 

 ing the reins ; but it is necessary, neverthe- 

 less, to continue to hold them steadily with 

 a firm grasp, in order to guard against sud- 

 den accidents. This will be fully explained 

 hereafter. 



Grooming must be sufficient to render 

 the skin perfectly clean from scurf, and dry 

 after exercise, and is to be performed with 

 the currycomb loosely held in the hand, and 

 lightly applied in short quick motions, so as 

 to lift up the hair and discharge the dirt and 

 scurf — not held fast and the horse scraped. 

 After the currycomb use a large loose wisp 

 of clean dry straw with activity to and fro, 

 which being dry, rough, and with numerous pro- 

 jecting points, penetrates the coat thoroughly, 



