HOT WEATHER RULES 



1. Load lightly, and drive slowly. 



2. Stop in the shade if possible. 



3. Water your horse as often as possible. So long as a horse is working, water in 

 moderate quantities will not hurt him. But let him drink only a few swallows if he is going 

 to stand still. Do not fail to water him at night after he has eaten his hay. 



4. When he comes in after work, sponge off the harness marks and sweat, his 

 eyes, his nose and mouth, and the dock. Wash his feet but not his legs. 



5. If the thermometer is 75 degrees or higher, wipe him all over with a wet sponge. 

 Use vinegar water if possible. Do not turn the hose on him. 



6. Saturday night, give a bran mash, cold ; and add a tablespoonful of saltpetre. 



7. Do not use a horse-hat, unless it is a canopy-top hat. The ordinary bell-shaped 

 hat does more harm than good. 



8. A sponge on top of the head, or even a cloth, is good if kept wet. If dry it is 

 worse than nothing. 



9. If the horse is overcome by heat, get him into the shade, remove harness and 

 bridle, wash out his mouth, sponge him all over, shower his legs and give him four ounces 

 of aromatic spirits of ammonia, or two ounces of sweet spirits of nitre, in a pint of water, 

 or give him a pint of coffee warm. Cool his head at once, using cold water, or, if neces- 

 sary, chopped ice, wrapped in a cloth. 



10. If the horse is off his feed, try him with two quarts of oats mixed with bran, 

 and a little water ; and add a little salt or sugar. Or give him oatmeal gruel or barley 

 water to drink. 



11. Watch your horse. If he stops sweating suddenly, or if he breathes short and 

 quick, or if his ears droop, or if he stands with his legs braced sideways, he is in danger of 

 a heat or sun stroke and needs attention at once. 



12. If it is so hot that the horse sweats in the stable at night, tie him outside. Un- 

 less he cools off during the night, he cannot well stand the next day's heat. 



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