PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 106 



brighter and have more vigor. Clipping consists of 

 removing the thick coat by a clipping machine which 

 cuts the hair. Singeing burns off the hair by means of 

 a lamp charged with gas. Both methods have their 

 friends, but clipping seems to be the favorite in this 

 country. Some owners think that thick hair should not 

 be removed, but those who have given the subject much 

 study affirm that horses are kept in an artificial condi- 

 tion, and the rough coat unfits them for work. It is cer- 

 tainly true that a thick coat wet with perspiration or 

 rain is conducive to colds. The time for clipping 

 depends upon the horse, but September and October are 

 the favorite months. Never remove hairs from the ears 

 or the long bristles around a horse's mouth, eyes or 

 nostrils. 



CLOTHINQ 



Clothing is necessary for fine-skin horses 

 that do fast work in cold weather. In 

 fact race horses are usually clothed all the year. It is 

 not necessary to clothe horses doing ordinary work, un- 

 less the stable is very cold. Too much clothing renders 

 the skin sensitive. 



COMFORT I When a horse comes in from work, have 

 everything in the stall for his comfort. 



See that the bedding is liberal. The best litter is made 



