DURING THE WINTER MONTHS. 107 



hollows of some downs for a few days in winter, 

 that is, if there has previously been much rain. 

 My objection to a horse's belly being uncovered 

 and exposed to wet in winter is, that the horse 

 would naturally be cold and uncomfortable in this 

 part, and would most likely catch cold from it; 

 and when he returns to the stable, in dressing, 

 his belly would have to be rubbed perfectly dry, 

 and the rubbing of him here for any length of 

 time, if he is an irritable horse to dress, annoys 

 and puts him very much out of temper — even 

 this last-mentioned circumstance alone is quite 

 sufficient to sanction the covering the belly of the 

 horse when at exercise in the winter. But, to return 

 again to the clothing, in addition to the rugs, quar- 

 ter-pieces, and sheets, is to be added a sufficient 

 portion of check clothing, as occasion may require. 

 The saddles, bridles, and hoods being put on the 

 horses, they are now ready to go out; but, in 

 case of its being a very windy morning, it would 

 be advisable to put on their breast sweaters to 

 keep their other clothes snugly down in front, 

 and, for the same purpose of keeping them down 

 behind, their quarter-strings are of course to be 

 put on, or, if the groom approves of it better, 

 he may have some pieces of binding temporarily 

 put on to the quarter-pieces, by way of cruppers. 



