64 TffE FAMILY HORSE. 



ment are certain to sour the temper, and impair the value of the 

 horse, while kind, pleasant words and gentle treatment will just as 

 surely win its confidence and obedience. No animal is more sensitive 

 to kindness than the horse. A few caressing pats of the hand, an 

 occasional lump of sugar, or apple, with kind words, vnR go far to- 

 wards establishing relations between the dumb servant and the mas- 

 ter which are greatly to the advantage of both. No one should ever 

 be permitted to tickle or tease the horse, either in the stable or out of 

 it. Whipping a horse while it stands in its stall is an extreme of 

 cruelty and folly, which the animal never forgets. 



■ CLOTHING. 



The health, comfort and appearance of the family horse require 

 a certain amount of artificial covering. A horse which is well groom- 

 ed and cared for has a skin more sensitive than one left exposed to 

 the vicissitudes of the weather. The former, while standing idle in 

 the stable must be kept covered, if the stable is properly ventilated 

 and not too warm. It is essential also for the maintenance of a fine 

 glossy coat. The amount of clothing varies somewhat according to 

 the character of the work required of the horse. Hunters, trotters and 

 i-unning horses require an outfit almost as extensive and varied as 

 the trousseau of a fashionable bride, but the needs of the family 

 horse kept for moderate work are quite limited. Figure 45 shows a 

 horse arrayed in what is called a full walking suit. It consists of a 

 hood which envelopes the head, ears and neck, a breast piece, and a 

 quarter piece which covers the body. The latter is secured in place 

 by a roller or surcingle which is provided with pads, to relieve the 

 spine of undue pressure, and broad enough for comfort to the horse. 

 A girth of narrow plain webbing bearing sharply on the back is a 

 very defective substitute for a good roller. The material and finish 

 of horse clothing vary with the expense. A handsome full suite, 

 including kneecaps, in addition to the articles shown in our engrav- 

 ing, costs from tliirty to fifty dollars. A good substantial one, without 

 embroidered ornaments, may be had for fifteen, and a good plain 

 blanket or quarter piece for two to five dollars. Breast pieces cost 

 from fifty cents to five dollars each, according to quality and finish. 

 Hoods are very httle used, except on horses used for sporting pur- 

 poses. The breast piece affords a desirable protection for the region 

 of the heart and lungs. It is useful not only in the stable, but may 

 also be retained when driving in cold, raw weather. Horse clothing 

 for cold weather is usually made of kersey. For summer a light 

 sheet of linen or calico is useful to protect the horse from dust an(i 



