268 Our Noblest Friend, The Horse 



treated. If a gray horse is wiped over before going 

 out, with the hands (upon which rosin has been 

 rubbed), all the loose hairs will corner way, and 

 will not defile the coat, dress, etc. 



If a horse is tired and wet, a brisk shampoo of 

 alcohol and water, followed by a good scraping and 

 proper clothing, will close the pores and prevent 

 risk of colds, etc. 



Do not allow the surcingle to be buckled too 

 tightly. Blankets are made nowadays with straps, 

 which keep them in place and cause no painful pres- 

 sure anywhere. Many a horse is prevented from 

 lying down, or resting easily if he does, because the 

 surcingle is drawn so tight that the chest is uncom- 

 fortably compressed and the backbone painfully 

 pinched — even badly bruised. So common is this 

 error, that of one hundred horses, you will find 

 seventy-five too tightly girthed by from one to three 

 holes. 



