492 Transactions of the American Institute. 



Clipping Horses. 



The following paper was read by Mr. F. D. Curtis : That prince 

 of philanthropists, Henry Bergh, has had a bill introduced into the 

 Legislature to prevent the clipping of horses in winter, urging that 

 this practice is cruel. I agree with Mr. Bergh. It is claimed by the 

 advocates of clipping that the horse perspires less and dries quicker, 

 and hence it is better for him. Let us see about this. When a work- 

 man begins a laborious job he usually lays off his coat and begins his 

 work in his shirt-sleeves. "When thus lightly attired he moves with 

 more ease and celerity ; when he rests or finishes he immediately puts 

 his coat on. Of course, he does not cool off as quick, but he avoids 

 by this precaution taking cold. Now, if the horse could do the same 

 thing, that is, when he halts or has finished his task, it might be all 

 right, but he cannot do it. Without the protection of his hair he 

 cools rapidly, catches cold and suffers, and his days are shortened. 

 In opposition, the clipping theorists urge that they provide for all this 

 by covering the animal deprived of nature's protection, with blankets. 

 This idea would be more practicable if the poor horse could blanket 

 himself, but he is left to the tender mercies of a lazy, unfeeling groom. 

 No blanket can or does protect the animal as well as his own hair. 

 In my opinion, no gentleman who values his horses, if he has not a 

 humanitarian feeling, will allow them to be clipped. I feel sure if 

 the poor brutes could speak, they would cry out strongly against the 

 abuse. It is a specious improvement — a cruelty refined in the same 

 crucible which deprives the fighting bull-dog of his ears, and orna- 

 ments the champions of the cock-pit with the gaff. The grand reason 

 why grooms favor the clipping of horses is, because they can be 

 cleaned so much easier. Of course they do not urge this as a reason 

 to their masters ; but, ye masters ! this averseness to work is the true 

 reason, and I suggest that you no longer be hoodwinked by continu- 

 ous cruelty and laziness. Mr. Bergh, you are right, and thousands of 

 dumb witnesses would testify for you if God had so decreed. 



The Chairman — I heartily approve every sentiment uttered in that 

 paper. I was one of the committee who proposed this law, and I 

 believe that it should be enforced, and my plan was to commence 

 with one of the members of the committee, whose clipped horses were 

 standing in front of Mr. Bergh's office while we were inside ; but I 

 was overruled. On record at Mr. Bergh's office is proof of the fact 

 that a horse has lately died from congestion of the lungs caused by 

 this same clipping process. 



