228 THE HORSE IN AMERICA 



should have quite loosely-wrapped bandages put 

 on his legs, he should be well blanketed, given a 

 swallow of water and turned into a box-stall 

 knee deep in straw. Then when this horse is rest- 

 ed enough to be groomed, the mud on his legs 

 will have become caked and will come off by 

 using the hand and a wisp of straw, the polishing 

 being finished with the brush and cloth. The 

 dried sweat should be removed in the same way. 

 When a muddy horse comes into the stable it is 

 a great temptation to play the hose on his legs, 

 and so wash the mud off. This should never be 

 done. The only places where water should be ap- 

 plied to a horse are the feet and the other hairless 

 portions. These should be washed with a sponge. 

 The washing of a horse's feet before he is put 

 away is most important. "No foot, no horse" is 

 the old English rule. And it is as true as gospel. 

 The feet should always be kept clean in the sta- 

 ble, and at night they should be packed with 

 sponge or felt. The foot of a horse is an impor- 

 tant part of him, and every owner should see that 

 they are well looked after. And in accomplishing 

 this he will not find it an easy job, for a horse has 



