GROOMING, STABLE GEAR, ETC. 89 



the wrist being used for this purpose. If it is the 

 hot weather, the grooming had best be done out-of- 

 doors ; but in winter it is best to do it in the stable, 

 as in Northern India there is a cold wind blowing 

 even in the middle of the day, and if exposed to it 

 horses are liable to catch cold. As soon as the 

 grooming is finished, which with a clipped horse 

 can be done in about half an hour, the clothing 

 and bandages should be put on, and, if it is evening, 

 the bed put down. Even if not worked, this process 

 of grooming should take place twice a day — before 

 the morning and evening feed. 



Wisps and Grooming Pads. 



Straw wisps or leather pads are particularly useful 

 in developing the muscle of a thin animal, or bring- 

 ing the skin into order when it has been neglected. 

 The wisps are made by twisting some of the bedding 

 straw together into a rope about three feet long. 

 This is then doubled in the middle and again 

 twisted, so as to form a flat pad. Two of these 

 wisps are used, one in each hand, and they are 

 alternately brought down with a slight slap and 

 drawing motion in the direction of the hair, the 

 whole body being massaged witli them. It is some- 

 times a good plan, if there is much dirt in the coat. 



