146 • THE FAMILY HORSE. 



holds more securely than a halter or bridle rein, which are liable to 

 be slipped. 



In crossing a river or bay in a steamboat or other conveyance 

 in cold weather, or facing a raw or strong wind on the road, hang a 

 short thick blanket from the neck spread in full breadth over the 

 chest, to guard from taking cold. When the exposure ceases, re- 

 move it. Eeturning home from a ride or drive of some extent, and 

 the horse is sweaty, let the last mile be done slowly that it may 

 be cooled a little before reaching the stable. Some blanket as soon 

 as the harness is taken off ; others contend that it is better to rub as 

 dry as possible and then blanket. But which may be preferable 

 will depend something on the weather and the nature of the horse, 

 whether to dry quickly, or to sweat longer ancf copiously. If the 

 feet and legs are muddy, again, some prefer to let it dry on before 

 cleaning, and then it is easily rubbed off ; others wash it off imme- 

 diately. The objection to this in cold weather is, that the groom is 

 apt to neglect willing perfectly dry after the washing, and in conse- 

 quence stiffness of the limbs or rheumatism may follow. 



Examine the shoes, and if gravel or any hard substance has got 

 between them and the hoofs, pick it out. During this time, the horse 

 may safely take two to four quarts of water, at a moderate tempera- 

 ture if in summer, and warmer if in winter. After being well cooled 

 give all the water the horse will drink. Now wait a short time and 

 then feed a little hay at first, after which his ration of grain or meal. 

 Never let a horse stand or wade in water when he is hot, as it would 

 endanger foundering him unless the water is quite warm, and per- 

 haps even then. If ever forced to do this, exercise him well after 

 it, and when stabled, rub the legs thoroughly dry down to the hoofs, 

 then he would j^robably escape founder ; but if danger still exists, 

 bandage the legs in thick woolen cloths, and keep them on as long 

 as necessary. 



SHOEING. 



Do not let shoes remain on the horse's feet over three to 

 six weeks, dependent on the amount of use and the toughness and 

 growth of the hoofs. Each time after taking off the shoes, if the 

 road permits, let him go barefoot as long as no injury follows, as 

 this expands the hoofs and keeps them in more perfect condition. 

 Some horses can be used barefoot, off pavements, for months, or the 

 whole year round, and work better than if shod. Never allow the 

 frog of the foot to be cut out or trimmed, unless somewhat ragged, 

 and then only a very little, as it acts as a cushion to the foot and 

 lessens or even prevents bruising when striking a stone or other 



