DRESSING THE MANE AND TAIL. 79 



It is the custom to make the mane lie to the off side, 

 for, as we usually look at a horse from the near side, 

 his neck and shoulders if they be good will then 

 appear to greater advantage, than if the lines were 

 broken by the mane. 



The off-horse of a carriage pair may have his mane 

 groomed to the near side. 



Wetting the hair of the mane and tail will tend to 

 make it grow fast. 



If the mane does not hang properly down, it may 

 be daily wetted and plaited, while small weights may 

 be attached to its ends. 



If a horse be inclined to rub his tail against the walls 

 of the stable, a light leather case, to lace on, may, with 

 advantage, be used to protect the part. In such cases, he 

 will generally require some coolingmedicine, while a sooth- 

 ing application may be smeared over the part (see Veteri- 

 nary Notes for Horse Owners under heading Prurigo). 



Some syces have a habit of washing horses' tails by 

 means of a wet towel, which they rub with and against 

 the grain of the hair. This practice should not be 

 allowed, as it breaks the hair, and disarranges its set, 

 thereby disfiguring the animal. 



After the mane and tail have been adjusted, the syce 

 should wipe out the horse's eyes, nostrils, sheath, and dock 

 with a damp towel or sponge ; and then smooth down 

 the coat with a dry wash-leather or cotton rubber. 

 After this, the clothing is put on, care being taken 

 to throw the quarter-piece a little way in front of the 

 withers, and then to draw it back, so that the coat may 

 not be ruffled. 



