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 five 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 
