364 MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF PIORSES 



Use of the stable blanket.— When stable blankets are 

 used, two should be provided during the summer as well 

 as during the winter. One, to be employed as a sweat 

 blanket and used immediately after the horse returns 

 from work and while he cools off, then to be removed 

 and in a few minutes to be replaced by the night blanket, 

 to remain on the animal overnight. In case the first 

 blanket is left on the horse during the night, little oppor- 

 tunity is given him to dry off, the blanket soon becomes 

 damp and remains so all night. This proves very ex- 

 haustive on the horse's system. In case the sweat blanket 

 is replaced by a night blanket after the animal has ceased 

 to steam and is somewhat cooled, which will be in a 

 quarter of an hour, the hair will be dry and smooth th<v 

 following morning. The evening grooming should be 

 done after the sweat blanket is removed. Both blankets 

 should be kept scrupulously clean at all times. 



Stable blankets may be dispensed with in the hot sum- 

 mer months if the flies are excluded by screens or by 

 some other means. If blankets are used at this time they 

 should be of some light material and kept clean, other- 

 wise they will do more harm than good. As soon as the 

 nights begin to get cool, however, the use of the blankets 

 should be continued, as an early use will arrest, to a 

 marked degree, the growth of hair and may obviate the 

 necessity of clipping. 



Use of the outdoor blanket. — During the cold weather, 

 when the horse is allowed to stand outdoors, he should 

 be well protected with a blanket, otherwise he may chill. 

 This precaution should always be taken even if we are 

 going to stop but a short time, as the horse cools rapidly 

 and may take cold. During very inclement weather it is 

 a good plan to secure the blanket about the abdomen 

 with safety pins. As warm weather approaches the 

 heavy blanket should be substituted for a light one. 



Use of the fly blanket and fly net. — The proper use of 

 fly nets brings much comfort to the horse. AVhether to 



