PICKETING HORSES n 



In the cold weather, if horses be not worked to an 

 extent that would render it desirable for them to repose 

 during the day, and especially if they be not kept for a con- 

 siderable time in the open air, their stables should not be 

 darkened ; for the rays of the sun, when not too powerful 

 have a beneficial effect on the general health of animals, 

 by improving the quality of their blood. 



On all occasions when the stables are empty, they 

 should be thrown open for the admittance of sunlight, 

 which is a powerful disinfectant. 



Picketing Horses. — Head and heel-ropes are admis- 

 sible only with animals — like those in the Artillery and 

 Cavalry — that may be called upon to camp out at any 

 time. In such cases, if there be any probability of rain, 

 great care should be taken to render the pegs secure ; for 

 if a shower falls, it will make the horses fidgety, and will 

 loosen the hold the pegs have in the ground. 



Natives, when they use head and heel-ropes, are very 

 prone to tie up the horses far too tightly. 



Horses should not be picketed by a fore-leg ; for then 

 they will be very apt to " screw " themselves by straining 

 at the rope, in the event of being startled, or when 

 jumping about in play. 



During the hot weather in the plains, the horse may 

 with advantage be picketed at night to a pole fixed 

 vertically in the ground, round which his bedding should 

 be spread. The head-rope should be attached to a movable 

 iron ring, which works round the pole. No heel-ropes 

 are then necessary. 



In hot, close weather, when there is no wind blowing, 

 it is often preferable to picket a horse in the open, during 



