48 THE HOKSE AND ITS DISEASES. 



to some — others do not thrive well on a change. In the 

 spring, when horses cannot be turned to grass, it is 

 peculiarly beneficial to soil them, that is, to allow them 

 green food in the stable, but great care is necessary to 

 give it fresh every day, or at farthest, every other day. 

 It should never, likewise, be put together in large 

 quantities, which gives it a disposition to ferment. 



Watering of Horses is a part of their dieting that is 

 not of trifling import. All horses prefer soft water, and 

 it is more wholesome ; so partial are they to it, that a 

 muddy pond is an irresistible stimulus to every horse. 

 It is not a good custom to warm water for horses, but 

 it is a worse custom to give them water just from the 

 well or pum, and this becomes more pernicious in sum- 

 mer, when well water is much colder than in winter, 

 and likewise when a horse is heated by exercise. The 

 quantity given should be regulated be the exercise, and 

 other circumstances. In common cases, a horse requires 

 more than half a bucket-full, and that three times a day. 

 It is nonsense to suppose that abstinence from water 

 increases the wind and vigor. Horses should never be 

 galloped after di'inking, it is the frequent cause of broken 

 wind, nor should horses have much water given before 

 eating ; but on a journey, when the animal is very dry, 

 give two quarts, then feed, and when that is done, give 

 the remainder of the quantity intended. 



Dressing or Grooming. 



There are three intentions answered by dressing 

 horses — it cleans them from dust and dirt — it counteracts 

 the artificial state of long continued rest and inactivity 

 they are under by their confinement, which it does by 

 exciting the circulation — and lastly, it gives beauty and 

 sleekness to the coat. Ignorant grooms consider only 

 the latter intention, and as dressing requires much labor, 

 they naturally resort to such means as produce a sleek 

 smooth coat without exertion, and this, experience tells 

 them, is best effected by hot stables. It is idleness 



