Fitting Ilor.tes for Show and Sale 349 



out upon the hair, so that it is a fairly easy matter to 

 clean them up in good condition. The labor during the 

 fattening period should be spent in bedding the horses 

 heavily, and in giving them every comfort that is pos- 

 sible. 



Many persons have doubted the wisdom of forcing 

 horses in this way. They claim that the horses will not 

 wear as long after being subjected to such a fattening 

 process. It may or may not be true, but it does not 

 seem probable that experienced buyers of work horses 

 would buy fat horses f(jr any length of time if the,y did 

 not find them as se^^'iceable as horses bought in a thinner 

 condition. It is a well-known fact that fat placed on 

 sound draft horses that are of good conformation will 

 bring profitable returns for the feed. Hence it is policy 

 for the horse-producers, if they are to make a profit on 

 their draft horses, to get them in the best marketable 

 condition, as with fattening steers or other stock for 

 market. 



BREAKING AND TRAINING 



It is essential that the show horse be properly man- 

 nered. He should be taught to lead up freely at the right 

 side of the leader and to stand properly upon his legs, 

 without wea\'ing over the show yard. Often the well- 

 mannered horse will beat one of a trifle better conforma- 

 tion, but which does not show off as well. The animal 

 is in the show ring but a short time and it is impossible 

 for the judge to see all his points unless he is shown to 

 the best possible advantage. 



In teaching a horse to lead, the lead rein or strap should 

 be held entirely in the right hand of the leader, and if the 

 horse does not come up readily, a whip may be carried 



