Fitting Horses for Show and Sale 355 



the other thirteen to fifteen inches. Separate the long 

 ends in three parts of equal size. Then place on the 

 top of the tail and plait the long ends into the tail by using 

 a small strand of hair with each strand of straw, and 

 braiding the whole as a three plait underhand. Braid 

 down in this manner for four or fi\-e inches, and discon- 

 tinue braiding and break the lower ends of the straw 

 up about six inches from the end. Now roll the braid 

 from the lower portion of the tail up to the straw and 

 bind all fast with some cord and ribbon. The hairs 

 from the lower end of the tail referred to above should be 

 braided into a common three plait and tied before the 

 work with the straw starts. The end of the straw is 

 spread out like an open fan and trimmed with a pair of 

 shears. It is sometimes necessary to see this braid put 

 in before it can be carried out, but it makes a very attrac- 

 tive tie when it is properly done. 



The long hair which is usually found around the throat 

 and ears of the horse should be trimmed or singed neatly. 

 This will add much to the appearance of the head and 

 neck, and the general refinement of the horse. If the 

 mane is unusually heavy, it may be thinned by pulling 

 rather than cutting. This is done by taking a heavy 

 mane comb, and by taking a few hairs at a time it can be 

 readily thinned, and left in uniform condition. All of 

 these methods of trimming have the object not of creating 

 something unusual, but making the horse present his 

 best appearance. 



GROOMING 



A horse well groomed is pleasing to every one, but groom- 

 ing is absolutely essential for the show ring. With show 

 horses, the principles are the same as outlined in Chapter 



