CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HORSE 



361 



horses are made short-lived by ill-treatment and exces- 

 sive work than by poor feeding. 



Grooming the horse. — The work horse should be thor- 

 oughly groomed each evening after the day's work is 

 done as well as in the morning before the work begins. 

 In some respects this is almost as essential as feeding and 

 watering. The cleaning and rubbing of the skin stim- 

 ulates the secretions and improves the tone of the entire 

 system. More important than this, however, is the good 

 effect upon the feet and legs. Cleaning and rubbing the 

 feet and legs are very important factors in preserving 

 soundness. 



1. Common currycomb, 

 tail comb. 



FIG. 161.— GROOMING TOOLS 



2. Body brush. 3. Reform currycomb. 



4. Mane and 



In grooming the horse, the principal tools needed are 

 a currycomb, body brush, -flannel cloth, mane and tail 

 comb, a hoof hook and a half-worn broom for use on the 

 legs. The currycomb is used to loosen the hair which 

 has become matted with sweat and dirt, and to remove 

 splashes of mud, thus preparing the way for the body 



