Food, Grooming, Water, Clipping 263 



water does not hurt him there, neither will it in the 

 stable, due precautions being taken. The same 

 sponge should never be used for the face and mouth 

 as for the rest of the body. Treat the animal decently 

 and with respect. 



A tired, wet, and muddy horse should be covered 

 warmly, bandaged comfortably (over mud and all) 

 and left alone until next day. You don't w^ant to 

 be fussed over for an hour or two yourself in such 

 cases. Of course his blanket should be changed, 

 when he has " steamed out," but that is all. 



Reasonable precautions, however, consist not in 

 warding off every draught, etc.. of fresh air and 

 keeping him muffled to the eyes in clothing (ensur- 

 ing the insensible perspiration which may lead to seri- 

 ous results, if he gets a chill), but the providing for 

 an existence that is rational and as nearly natural as 

 may be. The animal was meant to withstand ordi- 

 nary exposure — see that he gets it. Insist upon his 

 being thoroughly cool, inside and out. before he is 

 put away, and then let the air have full chance at 

 him ; nor clothe him, save in the coldest weather, or 



