78 HORSE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA. 



the hand-rubbing is done, the more effectual will it 



prove. 



On an average, the wisping down will take about 



ten minutes, the hand-rubbing somewhat longer. 



If only two men be available, the legs below the 



knees and hocks should be left untouched until a later 



period of the grooming. 

 The hand-rubbing being finished, a syce on each side 



should go over the coat with the body brush, for the 



cleaning of which, only, should the curry-comb be 



employed. 

 The brush should have long and rather soft bristles, and 



should be used only in the direction in which. the hair 

 lies, and not against it, as it will then most effectually 

 remove the dandruff, which is thrown off by the skin in 

 the form of scales that are pierced by the hairs. The 

 syce should place the brush lightly on the coat, so as 

 to avoid hurting the skin, and should then press on it, 

 as he makes his stroke downwards. 



The chief object of brushing the coat is to remove the 

 scaly dandruff; that of wisping and hand-rubbing to 

 dry and stimulate it. 



Dressing the Mane and Tail. The brushing of the 

 body being finished, the syce should brush out the 

 forelock, mane, and tail, taking care, first of all, to com- 

 mence at ( the ends of the hair, and to proceed upwards 

 as each kink or knot becomes opened out. The hairs, 

 by small locks at a time, should be brushed from their 

 roots downwards, so as to remove all dandruff. The 

 mane-comb should be used only when it is desired to 

 keep the inane or tail thin. 



