278 HANDLING AND MANAGING TROTTBKS. 



One and one-half gallons pure cider vinegar. 



One quart full proof alcohol. 



Six ounces arnica flowers. 



Eight ounces salammoniac. 



Four ounces saltpetre. 



Rain water to make three gallons. 



This should be quickly poured and rubbed over the loins 

 and muscles of the shoulders ; after which the legs are band- 

 aged ; then put on a light blanket ; then walk him slowly for 

 some twenty minutes, letting him stop occasionally ; then> 

 when he is nearly dry, take him and rub him out carefully and 

 lightly. Hard rubbing a horse in racing condition is both 

 irritable and painful. 



To bandage the legs properly is quite a knack, and you 

 should remember that the lower part of the ankle and heels 

 needs the support furnished by the bandages just as much as 

 any part of the leg ; the object of the bandage is to brace the 

 ankles and tendons until they are thoroughly rested after the 

 strain of fast work. The bandage should be wrapped down 

 and well under the fetlock ; it should be put on moderately 

 tight and left on from one to two hours. 



As to cleaning tools, a soft bristle brush is preferable to 

 stiff corn brushes, but the rub-cloths or towels, accompanied 

 with plenty of elbow power, should do the principal work in 

 cleaning the trotter. 



The importance of having good rubbers and the difficulty of 

 obtaining them confront every trainer. A good rubber or 

 swipe will take the best care of three horses. 



The feet of the young trotter and campaigner should at all 

 times receive the best of care ; they should be carefully cleaned 

 and washed out and " stopped up " with clay every night while 

 on the track. As a rule, I use no oil on the feet. For a wash 

 I use the leg-wash previously recommended as a body wash 

 also; rub this well in by the hand, along the joints and 

 tendons ; then bandage with a pliable or open bandage of po- 

 rous texture, being careful that it is not too tight and thus in- 



