244 



DRESSING HORSES. 



All the various breeds of horses may be dressed 

 for competition according to the popular fashions of 

 distinctive breeds. Heavy horses look better and 

 gayer with a moderate display of national -coloured 

 ribbon tastefully arranged. When horses are over- 

 loaded with decorations, however, they detract from 

 their appearance. The eye catches the effect of 

 the adornments rather than the horses themselves, 

 and it is not too much to affirm that many excel- 

 lent animals have failed to get into the prize list 

 on account of extravagant decorations. The fore- 

 locks, manes, and tails may be plaited with ribbon 

 with excellent effect. An expert manipulator, by 

 the curve he gives the mane, can improve the appear- 

 ance and cast of the necks of horses to an extra- 

 ordinary degree. This, however, is really a fine art, 

 a comprehensive description of which is utterly im- 

 possible on paper. 



Light-legged horses should be carefully dressed 

 about the manes and tails, otherwise their general 

 appearance will be lessened. Manes that do not 

 naturally lie well are best " hogged " or plaited over. 

 During cold weather at shows it is advisable to 

 sprinkle sawdust over the backs of foals. Being 

 unaccustomed to wear clothing it is impossible to 

 sheet them like horses, as they would either tear 

 them to pieces or become uncontrollable by fear. 

 As long as the sawdust can be kept on it has a, 



