THE BARB AND THE BRIDLE. 159 



negligently done, or dawdled over, it is likely enougli to be produc- 

 tive of mischief. 



Where the stable staff is limited in nmnber and not first-rate in 

 quality, if washing is resorted to, tepid water must be used, because 

 one smart man can wash a horse in tepid water in a proper washing 

 house unassisted. But a special veto should be put upon washing a 

 hunter's legs, as is too often done, outside in the yard, the horse tied 

 to a ring in the wall, with the cold night air blowing on him. No 

 matter if warm or cold water is used, whether or not mischief 

 follows is mere matter of chance if the foregoing bad treatment is 

 permitted. 



Briefly, then, it may be said, if you have good men about you and 

 enough of them use cold water, beginning in the summer and con- 

 tinuing it regularly. If you are short of really good stablemen, use 

 tepid water ; but use it in a washing box built for the purpose, and 

 never let it be done out of doors. 



