40 The Stable- Yard and its Occupants. 



teeth, and be used carefully and only occasionally, as in a 

 general way a good brushing will answer the purpose with- 

 out pulling out the hair. Cost, is. 



The picker is a blunt iron hook for removing the grit 

 and stones from the horse's feet. Some SL: made to fold 

 up for the pocket. A good careful groom will always 

 carry one of these. Price is. 6d. 



A sponge, too, is always necessary to dry the legs, &c., 

 after washing, and for other purposes of cleanliness. Price 

 varies according to place and quality. 



Leathers and rubbers are also indispensable for drying 

 the horse after work, and wiping him over after dressing. 



An oil-brush, and tin to hold the oil, to rub round the 

 hoofs before leaving the stable to go to work. 



A singeing apparatus and trimming scissors are neces- 

 sary. That suitable for using gas costs about 35^., for 

 burning paraffin, about ios., scissors $s. 



To avoid loss and confusion, there should be a place 

 for everything, and everything in its place, and all the 

 utensils should be kept bright and clean. 



CLOTHING, &c. Every horse standing in a stable must 

 have a head-collar, with two reins long enough to go 

 through the two rings fastened to the manger, and to reach 

 the ground after being each attached to a weight or block 

 made of hard wood or iron, heavy enough to keep the 

 reins from twisting or curling up, but not so heavy as to 

 be a weight or strain upon the horse's head as he moves 

 it. When in a box, too, a head-collar is always handy on 

 the quietest horse ; on a tricky or unruly animal, it is ab- 

 solutely necessary, as he can then be at any time easily 

 secured without risk or trouble. 



Halters Two good web-headed hempen halters are 

 also requisite in every stable, to lead the horse about 

 without having to use the head-collar. 



Clothing. There is a great variety of clothing, from the 

 comparatively inexpensive to the most expensive in make 

 and finish. These consist of blankets or rugs of different 

 degrees of warmth and thickness according to the time of 

 year, a roller, a suit of body clothing, and a set of flannel 

 bandages. The best material will be the cheapest in 



