Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1861-06-06
Grooming a Horse.

The following, from the american Agri-
cmturtst, will be found very useful to large
number of our readers:
"What do you give your horses to keep
them in such fine condition ?" asked young
farmer of his ncighbor, whose team of bays
were the pride of their owner, and the ad-
miration Of the village. "Oats, carrots and
plenty Of brush,'' was the reply. There is
little need Of insisting on the necessity of
good food, and plenty of it, to have horse
remain vigorous. Every one knows that
bone, and sincw and muscle are manufac-
tured from hay, oats, corn, &c, and that
the raw material must be supplied to pro-
duce the strong limb, elastic step, noble
spirit, which makes fine horse the univer-
sal favorite he is. But the important part
which the skin bears in the animal economy,
and the necessity of properly cleansing and
keeping it in healthy condition, are not full
fully appreciated. Rough staring coats,
"grease or scratches" infammations, and
whole catalogue of diseases, find their ori-
gin in neglect of proper grooming.
The skin of the horse, like that Of other
animals, not only affords protection to the
parts within, but by the pores affords an
outlet to Large part of the waste of the
body. In outdoor life, the natural state of
the horse, this membrane becomes thicken-
ed and tough, capable of resisting changes
Of temperature and by continual exercise
the pores are kept open, giving free exit to
all the exhalations. But this alone will not
give the smoothe, glossy coat which adds
so greatly to the animals beauty. Confn-
ing the horse to the stable, as is generally
done for at least part of the year, renders
his skin tender, especially when he is kept
warmly blankcted
Expose him now to great change of tenn
perature.; take him out and drive him until
heated, return him to the stable, and let
him stand uncared for over night even for
an hour, the sensitive skin is rapidly chilled
by the evaporation of the sweat, and pores
are suddenly closed, and often cold, a
rheumatic stiffness, or other disorder, results.
Proper grooming prevents this, by tough
ening the skin, keeping it in healthy action,
equalizing the circulation, removing OBJ
great Importance, by rousln? the action OF
the muscles at the surface, in some measure,
compensates for the want Of exercise, con-
sequent upon stable life.
Currying and brushing should not be done
in the stable; the dust and scurf will be
scattered in the manger to mix with the
horse feed, beside keeping the stable un-
cleanly. Take the animal into the open air,
tie him securely, and handle him SO gently
that he will enjoy, rather than dread, the
application Of the comb and brush. A
sharp curry y-comb, roughly scraped over the
tender skin, is any thing but pleasant, as
the shrinking and resisting animal will soon
show. Apply this instrument lightly, and
depend mainly on the free use of the brush.
Begin at the head, and pass the comb light
ly up and down, until the dandruf is all
loosened, and remove it with the brush
Be particular around the edges Of the fore
top. and the manc
1t is good plan to sponge off the head
and ears, using but little water, smoothing
the hear down to its natural position. in
going over the back, quarter, and loins,
&C., use the comb in one hand and the brush
in the other, working lightly and quickly
Take much pains where the skin lies in folds,
as at the union of the legs with the body
let every part be made thoroughly free from
dust and dandruf. Finish by rubbing down
vigorously with wisps of straw, until the
hair ''shines like bottles" an extra smooth
ing touch may be put on with a woolen cloth
Do not fear all this trouble; it will be more
than repaid in the extra looks and spirit Of
the horse