148 HOW TO STABLE 



at an even, slo\7 pace, as is the case with carmen's horses, 

 in New York, which are often so equipped. Another 

 excellent plan adopted bj these men, in summer, is the 

 affixing an arched bow to the shafts of the cart^ rising 

 eighteen inches over the withers of the animal, from which 

 an awning of duck is extended to a cross-yard, supported 

 by an upright, at the front of the truck, affording a com- 

 plete protection against the scorching sun, to the animal, 

 and promoting a draft of air over his whole body, from 

 the current caused by his mere motion through the at- 

 mosj)here ; which must be in the highest degree refresh- 

 ing and delightful to the creature, during his day-long 

 toil, in the dog days. 



But to return to the article of grooming. " When the 

 weather will permit the horse," continues Mr. Youatt, *'to 

 be taken out, he should never be groomed in the stable, 

 unless he be an animal of peculiar value, or placed for a 

 time under peculiar circumstances. Without dwelling on 

 the want of cleanliness, when the scurf and dust that are 

 washed from the horse lodge in his manger, and mingle 

 with his food, — experience teaches, that if the cold is not too 

 great, the animal is braced and invigorated to a degree 

 that cannot be attained in the stable, by being dressed in 

 the open air. There is no necessity, however, for half the 

 "punishment which many a groom inflicts upon the horse 

 in the act of dressing, and particularly on one whose skin 

 is thin and sensitive. The currycomb should be, at all 

 times, lightly applied. With many horses, its use may be 

 almost dispensed with ; and even the brush need not be so 

 hard, or the points of the bristles so irregular as they often 

 are. A soft brush, with a little more weight of the hand, 

 will be equall}^ effectual, and a great deal more pleasant to 

 the horse. A hair-cloth, while it will seldom irritate or 

 tease, will be almost sufficient with horses which have a 

 thin skin, and which have not been neglected. After all, 



