428 
STABLE MANAGEMENT. 
that injury is likely to arise from watering horses when in a state of 
perspiration merely, because this is by no means the case, and I think 
I am correct in saying that most Commanding Officers when on the 
line of march very properly take the opportunity of watering their 
horses frequently at any convenient stream, but it should be avoided 
while the vital organs are in an excited condition. When tranquility 
has been restored water and food may safely be given even although 
the animals coat may be damp from perspiration. 
As you are aware, certain regulations as regards clipping, during the 
winter months have been laid down, and I must confess that the patchy 
appearance caused by this partial removal of the horses coat is particu¬ 
larly unsightly. I should like to see every troop horse clipped down 
to within four inches of the knees and hocks, and the long hair of the 
legs singed fairly close. Of course, it would be necessary to provide 
good stout blankets, such as are issued in camp and on service in the 
field, but I am certain the extra expense entailed would be more than 
compensated for by the improved condition of the animals and the 
labour saved to the men. I am not an advocate for clipping the legs, 
except in the case of very coarse-bred draught-horses, for the hair 
affords a certain amount of protection to the legs, and is an excellent 
preventive against cracked heels and mud fever. For these reasons 
the legs of horses that are hunted in rough countries, especially in 
Ireland, are seldom clipped. 
Physical condition is another point worthy of a few remarks. Some 
officers like to see their troop horses fat and sleek, while others prefer 
them to be in hard-working condition. Personally, I have an intense 
dislike to an unduly fat trooper. When a mounted corps is called 
upon to perform duties of an unusually arduous nature, the fat troop 
horse is a continual source of trouble. Being soft, he rapidly falls 
away in condition, his saddle becomes a mis-fit, and, moreover, he is 
physically unable to endure hardship for any length of time. Of 
course, we cannot expect the troop horse to attain the perfection of 
physical vigour as seen in the highly-trained race-horse or hunter, 
because the quality and quantity of his food and the nature of his 
surroundings will not admit of it, but with plenty of regular exercise, 
ordinary care, and good stable management, he may be kept in hard 
serviceable condition with very little trouble. 
In making the above remarks I do not for a moment maintain that 
if these suggestions are not followed out in their entirety harm will 
result in all cases, or even in the majority : for most of us have, doubt¬ 
less, seen horses exposed to many of the conditions referred to without 
coming to much harm; but I have over and over again known very 
serious consequences result from the neglect of ordinary precautions, 
and, as prevention is better than cure, the little extra trouble that is 
required is well bestowed. 
The Chaieman —Colonel Walters will kindly continue his lecture on 
Thursday, but if any officer would like to ask any question on this part 
of his lecture, I am sure he will be happy to answer it. 
