Grooming. 93 



alternation of temperature, and the inclemency of the 

 weather, would be prejudicial. The horse that is alto- 

 gether turned out, needs no grooming. The dandruff, 

 or scurf, which accumulates at the roots of the hair, is 

 a provision of nature to defend him from the wind and 

 the cold. 



The stable horse, however, should be dressed regular- 

 ly every day, in addition to the grooming that is neces- 

 sary after work. 



Whoever would be convinced of the benefit of 

 friction to the horse's skin, a,nd to the horse generally, 

 needs only to observe the effects produced by well 

 hand-rubbing the legs of a tired horse. While every 

 enlargement subsides, and the painful stiffness disap- 

 pears, and the legs attain their natural warmth, and 

 become fine, the animal is evidently and rapidly re- 

 viving ; he attacks his food with appetite, and then 

 quietly lies down to rest. 



When, however, the horse is changing his coat, both 

 the curry-comb and the brush should be used as hght- 

 ly as possible. 



Boiled barley, boiled or raw linseed, raw carrots, and 

 boiled turnips, are among the articles of food that lay 

 the hair, and soften the skin. 



Grooming should be conducted out of the stable, 

 whenever practicable. Mud should never be allowed 

 to dry on the legs or feet. They should be got cool, 

 dry and clean, by washing, scraping, rubbing and walk- 

 ing a heated horse ; and they should never be left in a 

 cold draft, when warm. Cleanliness is indispensable to 

 the health of a horse. 



