88 HORSE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA 



at an end, we may see how reasonable it is to have hard- 

 worked horses clipped, and to protect their systems by 

 adequate clothing as soon as they have cooled down. If a 

 horse is not at work, there is no necessity for clipping 

 him, unless the presence of long hair distresses him. I 

 have frequently remarked in India that the mere fact of 

 clipping a horse caused a marked improvement in his con- 

 dition. As the seasons of the year in the Antipodes are 

 the reverse of those in countries north of the equator, 

 newly imported Australasian horses will, unless relieved 

 of it, carry, during the hot weather, an abnormally long 

 coat, which should be clipped off as occasion demands. 

 Such animals cannot be considered to have become accli- 

 matized until the functions of their skin have accommo- 

 dated themselves to the conditions under which they are 

 called upon to act. 



" With reference to the clipping of horses, I am of 

 opinion that it is a great advantage. They work better 

 after being clipped ; thrive on less food ; are less liable to 

 disease ; are stronger, healthier, and more cheerful ; and, 

 when sick, recover in a much shorter time. It is not my 

 intention to discuss the question ; I merely wish to coun- 

 teract a ridiculous idea propounded by Mr. Gamgee, that 

 clipping is injurious to the horse. 



" I strongly recommend the Irish method of clipping, 

 namely, clipping all parts of the body except the legs. 

 The hair that is left on the legs protects them from the 

 irritation of wet and dirt, and, when horses are used for 

 hunting purposes, from the penetration of thorns, etc." 

 ( Williams). 



Horses in India that are thoroughly groomed, well fed. 



