OR, The Turn Out. 109 



better. Roufjliing anrl sharpening should never be deferred 

 in frosty and slippery weather. Rather keep the horse 

 at home than send him out imperfectly protected, or, 

 as it were, in a helpless condition. A good farrier makes 

 the anatomy and physiology of the horse's foot his daily 

 study. 



It is said that a coloured hoof wears better than a white 

 one, and that the hind hoof is smaller than the fore, and 

 more upright, and longer than it is wide. The hind shoes 

 are invariably worn out before the front ones. 



In ancient times shoeing with metal was not known ; 

 therefore, a hard strong hoof was considered one of the 

 best features or qualities of the horse. 



The Greeks and Romans were the first to attach a kind 

 of leather protection to the horse's foot, and afterwards a 

 few iron plates, and sometimes silver and gold were used, 

 as illustrated in the life of Nero. Seathes, the celebrated 

 horseman of old, said : — " The first part of the horse to look 

 at is the foot, for no matter how beautiful the upper house 

 is decorated, all is failure if the foundation be not secure." 

 The Arabs seldom have the hind feet of their horse's shod, 

 which is likewise the rule in many parts of Germany. 



The stable should by no means be damp, and it is strictly 

 necessary that the harness room should be perfectly dry, 

 and kept clean and free from dust. Suitable pegs, harness 

 brackets, cases and drawers, &c., should be properly fitted 

 for each article. A fire place is necessary for drying and 

 warming clothing-, and, if adjoining the stable, assists ven- 

 tilation, and is likewise handy for boiling water, making 

 bran mashes and poultices. 



The harness room should be liberally supplied with every- 

 thing for the use of the groom, and all should be strictly 

 kept in order. The stableman's motto should be — " A place 

 for everything, and everything in its place." 



The Author has recently introduced a new Saddle Stand, 

 which is considered a decided improvement upon the old- 

 fashioned and awkward saddle horse, which has been the 

 cause of so many broken trees, from being tipped over. 

 The new stand combines the necessary drawers for girths, 

 bridles, extra stirrup leathers, silk cords, thongs, &g., takes 

 up very little space, and being upon four invisible wheels 



