260 THE HORSE IN SERVICE 



case of jiure white horses or in hot weather, washing is not to be 

 commended, but is too frequently resorted to by indolent care- 

 takers. There is really nothing gained in either time or labor, 

 as it is as difficult to properly wash and dry a horse as to groom 

 him completely. 



Fig. 134. — A vacuum grooming machine in operation. A vacuum is maintained in 

 the pipes which draws the dirt out of the hair and conveys it to a receptacle where it collects 

 and can be removed. 



Care of the Legs. — Horses of a lymphatic temperament, as 

 most business horses are, working continuously in all kinds of 

 going, require especial attention to keep them right in their legs. 

 A proper balance between feed and exercise is the first consid- 

 eration in keeping legs right. Then they must be thoroughly 

 groomed, and dry grooming keeps the skin much less predis- 



