324 GROOMING. 



the manner practised in India, would make a great improve- 

 ment in English grooming. It has the special advantage of 

 being in no way irritating to the skin, and consequently it is 

 seldom resented by a horse. I am of opinion that it is a 

 better stimulant to the skin than any other form of grooming. 



Fig. 53. Hand-rubbing the body. 



It is certainly the best means of putting a brilliant gloss on 

 the coat. 



In hand-rubbing above the knees and hocks, the stroke 

 should be commenced by bringing the flat of the hand each 

 hand to be used alternately well under the belly down the 

 fore-arm (Fig. 53), thigh or gaskin, or between the fore-legs, 

 as the case may be ; and it should then be drawn up with an 



