-i^G GROOMING. 



^ CHAPTER V. 



GROOMING. 



To enal)le the stable-man to do justice to the horses nn- 

 ^er his care, he must be alhjwed the usual stable impie- 

 ■'Tients, as pails, brushes, brooms, forks, sponges, combs. 

 *.o\vels, horse-clothes, &:c. — it will then be his fault the 

 horses do not receive the attention they require. The skill 

 and care of the groom may be estimated by the condition 

 and general well-being of the horses ; if they hjok well, the 

 care of the groom need not be doubted. 



The duties demanded of a groom vary materially ; in 

 some places, he has charge of two horses only — one f(jr 

 his master and another for himself: at others, he may have 

 two horses and a gig ; or even three horses. Two horses 

 are usually deemed a sufhcient number for a groom to look 

 ifter ; but three can be well taken care of. Should there 

 *)e a fourth horse, the groom will then require the assis- 

 tance of a stable-boy, who, under directi(m and discipline 

 ■»f a good groom, soon becomes an useful helpmate, and 

 attains to a very good knowledge of stable duties. 



One of the essential qualifications either for a groom or 

 etable-boy, is a patient, unvarying kindness to the horses 

 under his care : another equally important feature, is clean- 

 liness, not only as regards the horse, but also as to the sta- 

 ble, as well as in himself; for to keep the horse and the sta- 

 ble clean, involves the whole duty of the groom, — a duty 

 easily learned when inclination and perseverance step in to 

 give effect to practical instruction. 



Our remarks for the proper performance of the stable 

 duties, will commence with the rribrning, and proceed with 

 the usual daily rt^utine ; embracing some useful sugges- 

 tions as to the general treatment of horses on being brought 

 in after a ride, a drive, or the completion of his usual daily 

 task. 



The gi-oom should be in the stable at least an hour be- 

 fore tlie horse is wanted : he should then give the horse a 

 little water, and his morning feed of corn : during the 

 time the animal is eating his breakfjist, his litter should b'3 

 ebock up, and the stable swept ; which when done, it will 



