162 PASTURING. 



he has been accustomed is lightened, and then entirely re- 

 moved, a week or two before turning him out. The tempera- 

 ture of the stable is gradually reduced, until it becomes as 

 cool as the external air. These precautions are most neces- 

 sary for horses that have been much in the stable, and particu- 

 larly a warm stable. For eight or ten days previous to going 

 out, the animal should not be groomed. The dust and per- 

 spiration which accumulate upon the hair, seem in some 

 measure to protect the skin from rain and from flies. The 

 feet should be dressed, and the grass shoes, or plates, applied 

 a week before turning out. If they are injured by the nails, 

 the injury will become apparent before much mischief is done ; 

 at grass it might not be noticed so soon. On the day of going 

 out, the horse should be fed as usual. If he goes to grass 

 when very hungry, he may eat too much. Indigestion will be 

 the result, which may prove fatal. AVeather permitting, night 

 is usually chosen for the time of turning out, as the horse is 

 not so apt to gallop about. Let loose in the day time, many 

 are disposed to gallop till they lame themselves, and to try 

 the fences. 



In autumn, or early in spring, the stable preparation for 

 grass is often insuflBcient. If the horse be tender, or the 

 weather unsettled, he should be taken home every night, 

 for perhaps the first week. For eight or ten days longer, 

 it may be proper to house him on very wet or stormy nights. 

 The stable given to him should always be cool, not so cold 

 as the external air, but never so warm as if he were accus- 

 tomed to it 



Confinement. Some horses are not easily confined at pas- 

 ture. They break or •leap the fences, and wander over the 



