CARE AND IVtANAGteMENT OF THE HORSE 363 



thick coat will be greatly benefited by being clipped. 

 The same is true of the horse that does not shed readily 

 in the spring. The long coat causes the horse to sweat 

 profusely, which drains heavily upon his system. Thus 

 such an animal is difficult to keep in condition until clipped. 



When the horse is to be clipped twice each year the 

 first clipping should be soon after the hair has grown 

 out in the fall. This gives time to become used to the 

 change before cold weather, and there is some growth 

 of hair before winter. The second clipping should be 

 in the early spring as soon as the weather begins to get 

 warm and before shedding the winter coat. The horse 

 thus treated will be much more easily kept in presentable 

 condition, and if protected by blanket and well groomed, 

 will pay many times for such extra care. 



When the' horse cannot be properly blanketed either 

 in the stable or out of it, he should not be clipped in the 

 fall or winter. Animals exposed to the weather grow 

 long coats for their own protection, and it is cruel to 

 remove it when artificial protection cannot be supplied. 



Mane and foretop. — When properly cared for the mane 

 and foretop add to the attractiveness of the horse. On 

 the hard-working horse, however, these may become very 

 annoying, the foretop getting into the eyes and obstruct- 

 ing the vision, while the mane, in addition to being very 

 warm, often becomes matted under the collar and pro- 

 duces a sore neck or sore shoulder. Under such circum- 

 stances it seems advisable to keep both mane and fore- 

 top closely cropped. 



Blanketing the horse. — The efficiency of the horse can 

 be increased, and his appearance improved by the proper 

 use of the blanket. Sudden changes in the temperature, 

 as well as cold rains and heavy winds, are very exhaus- 

 tive on the work horse unless protective measures be 

 taken. The blanket is also very useful in improving the 

 general appearance of the coat of hair and in preserving 

 its color. 



