262 Our Noblest Friend, The Horse 



when both do an equal amount of work. The reason 

 for this is that a horse in hard condition and used to 

 work requires less water, as he does not get so tired, 

 and perspires and sweats less than a horse which is 

 not in training. But this is no reason why a horse 

 should be allowed less water than he requires to 

 drink. 



Grooming is, properly performed, a regular mas- 

 sage to the entire body. The currycomb should be 

 used only to clear the body-brush, and all cleansing 

 accomplished with " dandy-brush," body-brush, 

 cloth and sponge, or damp wisp of straw. Grooms 

 are fond of banging away at horses with their wisps, 

 rub cloths, etc., but there is no sense in it. Clean 

 the body, etc., thoroughly, but quickly, quietly, and 

 gently ; nor fear to use water, always providing that 

 bandages are loosely rolled upon the legs (and down 

 to the hoofs) to ensure quick and thorough drying. 

 Washing may be employed regularly. In the proper 

 seasons, and if quickly scraped and thoroughly blan- 

 keted, the subject is all the cleaner for the process. 

 A horse at grass is washed by every shower, and as 



