Stable Management. 145 



a brush, it can be thinned in a legitimate manner ; 

 but this is not frequently required. 



Foot pickers are required to remove imprisoned 

 stones or other objects from the feet after jour- 

 neys, and water brushes for washing them. 



After this enumeration of stable tools, and the 

 groom is provided with a requisite number, the 

 rest depends upon himself. The appearance of a 

 horse always reflects the character of the groom ; 

 no better test need be resorted to. 



A certain gentleman, well known for his 

 superior stable management, when asked by the 

 writer how many grooms he kept, replied, " Three 

 helpers and one groom ; that groom is myself. I 

 look on and have the things done in proper order. 

 That is the reason you are able to admire the 

 clean and tidy state of the place and animals." 



On another occasion a smart young fellow 

 stepped up, gave the usual salutation, and said, 

 " I hear, captain, you require a young man in 

 your stable, I have come after the place," and 

 went on to say a great deal about last place, 

 character, &c. The captain having heard him 

 out, said, " Well, my man, I do not doubt 

 one word of what you have said ; but let me see 

 the horses you have been looking after, aud I 

 will at once inform you whether I can take you 

 or not." 



Good grooming removes dirt and the products 

 of perspiration from the skin, which if allowed to 

 remain obstructs natural and healthy functions 



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