72 The Care of Animals 



should be thoroughly groomed every day with plenty of 

 brushing, as this gives a sleek and glossy coat that adds 

 much to his general appearance and attractiveness. The 

 mane and tail should be well brushed out, and if the 

 skin at the roots of the hair is dirty, it should be well 

 washed and a little bland oil or vaseline applied. The 

 horse should be exercised briskly for a short time 

 twice daily, enough to keep him in good active condi- 

 tion; he should be taught to drive freely and handily, as 

 soon as hitched up, as he will then show to the best 

 advantage to an intended purchaser. 



All horses intended for the general market should be 

 well "broken." There is a rather wide -spread opinion 

 among farmers that as soon as a colt is broken well 

 enough to drive single and double, it is sufficient for 

 market purposes, but this is not true. The extra time 

 spent in properly breaking and training the horse, will 

 be well repaid in an increased price. 



SHIPPING HORSES 



Horses intended for shipment should be in moderate 

 flesh and in good condition so far as exercise and 

 general health is concerned. The tails should be care- 

 fully braided, done up and covered with burlaps to pre- 

 vent their being injured in transit. For tvventj^-four 

 hours previous to shipping, the animals should be fed 

 lightly with laxative food to overcome the decided 

 tendency toward constipation caused by the excitement 

 and strain of shipping. As a general thing it is prefer- 

 able to ship them barefooted, as, in this condition, there 



