76 HORSE MANAGEMKNT IN INDIA. 



all weathers, it is advisable to leave the hair about his 

 legs and pasterns untouched, for it will afford protec- 

 tion from chill to the skin of these parts, which is 

 specially liable to inflammation. By doing this, the amount 

 of perspiration given off by the system will be scarcely, 

 if at all, affected. " With reference to the clipping of 

 horses, I am of opinion that it is a great advantage ; 

 they work better after being clipped ; thrive on less 

 food ; are less liable to disease ; are stronger, healthier, and 

 more cheerful ; and when sick, recover in a much shorter 

 time. It is not my intention to discuss the question ; I 

 merely wish to counteract a ridiculous idea propounded 

 by Mr. Gamgee, that clipping is injurious to the horse. 



" I strongly recommend the Irish method of clipping, 

 namely, clipping all parts of the body except the legs. 

 The hair that is left on the legs protects them from the 

 irritation of wet and dirt ; and when horses are used for 

 hunting purposes, from the penetration of thorns, &c." 

 (Williams.) 



Horses in India, that are thoroughly groomed, well 

 fed, and warmly clothed, will rarely have a coat long 

 enough to require clipping. 



As the bristles that grow about a horse's muzzle, 

 eyes, and chin act as feelers replacing to some extent 

 the want of hands they should not be cut or pulled 

 out; the hair which lines the external ear should also 

 be allowed to remain untouched. 



Grooming. Before grooming, the horse may be tied 

 up by side reins running from rings fixed, about six 

 feet high, at each side of the doorway of the stall, and 

 attached to the rings of the watering bridle. 



