128 MANUAL OF FARM ANIMALS 



If the animal is working in the mud, it is desirable that the hair 

 be clipped from the limbs. It is then all the more important 

 that they should be thoroughly cleaned and rubbed each even- 

 ing after work. The hoofs should be examined and the cleft 

 between the sole and the frog cleaned. 



Animals cared for in this way will pay for the extra care 

 many times over in the satisfaction in having the team come from 

 the stable in the morning in the best of spirit, as indicated by the 

 pleasing appearance, the snap and vigor with which they lift 

 their feet, and by the complete absence of any stiffness in the 

 joints. Again, animals whose limbs are thus cared for will re- 

 main comparatively free from the many diseases to which the 

 legs and feet are subject. This care will greatly increase an 

 animal's efficiency and prolong his usefulness. 



CARE OF THE HORSE's TEETH 



Occasionally a horse does not feed well, due to irregularities of 

 his teeth. If the first, or milk teeth, are not looked after, they 

 are likely to remain, causing the second, or permanent teeth, to 

 grow in crooked. The young horse's mouth should be closely 

 watched and the persistent milk teeth removed with forceps. 

 Again, it must be remembered that the upper jaw is somewhat 

 wider than the lower, and as the teeth are not perfectly op- 

 posed, a sharp edge is left unworn on the inside of the lower 

 molars and on the outside of the upper, which may cut the 

 tongue or cheeks. This condition can readily be felt by the 

 hand, and the sharp edges when found should be filed down 

 by a guarded rasp ; otherwise the tongue and cheeks be- 

 come sore, the food irritates them, and the horse will not feed 

 well. 



CLIPPING 



Clipping consists in cutting the hair over the entire surface of 

 the horse's body. Several advantages are secured from clipping ; 



