CHAPTER XI. 



GROOMING. 



Definition Necessity of Grooming Chief Objects of Grooming Shedding the 

 Coat Grooming Horses Kept in the Open Hours of Grooming Washing 

 Horses Hand-Rubbing Grooming Tools and their Uses Wisping Time 

 and Help required for Grooming Details of Grooming Care of the Legs 

 and Feet Protection against Flies Testing the Efficiency of the Grooming. 



DEFINITION. 



GROOMING is the process of mechanically cleaning the skin 

 and coat, and of applying friction and massage to them. 



NECESSITY OF GROOMING. 



The necessity of grooming, as we shall presently see, is 

 created only by the new conditions which are imposed on a 

 horse by civilisation. 



CHIEF OBJECTS OF GROOMING. 



I. To prevent chill for the time being, as for instance, when 

 a horse returns hot from work. For this end, the stimulation 

 of the surface of the body by means of friction should be 

 vigorously carried out, though without hurting or irritating 

 the animal in any way, and, if practicable, by at least two 

 men, so as to enhance the efficacy of the grooming. In our 

 own cases, the manner in which shampooing after a Turkish 

 bath, and brisk rubbing-down after a sweat, fortifies the body 

 against cold, are convincing instances of the good effects of 

 the stimulation of the skin by friction in the prevention of 

 chill. 



