THE HORSE 27 



weight on its shoes, these pieces cut deeply into 

 the ice, keeping the horse from slipping.) When 

 a horse is shod with such sharp shoes, we say he 

 is rough shod. Look at the tracks of horses on the 

 ice. What do you see ? In the summer or during 

 time of good roads, some horses wear smooth shoes, 

 like this — showing one. Feel of it. We said before 

 that the horse was rough shod ; we might now say 

 that he is how shod ? (Smooth shod.) 



What else does a horse use his feet for besides 

 walking, running, etc. ? (He strikes with them to 

 knock off flies. He kicks his enemies.) Children 

 give examples. How else does he protect himself? 

 (He bites.) 



We have found that horses can be driven in winter 

 without danger of falling. But do they not get very 

 cold without overcoats? (They have a hair coat.) 

 We will call the skin an under coat. This is thick 

 and warm. These coats keep the horse warm enough 

 when traveling. What shall be done for horses 

 when standing waiting for us? (They should be 

 covered with blankets.) What protection do they 

 need in cold weather, when not working or travel- 

 ing? (A good warm stable, with a clean straw bed 

 to lie on.) 



