Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1885-01-30
HORSES.
AZ . Rule Horse. suffer Mere From Lock
of Grooming Than Lack of Food.

AZ . Rule Hor*es suffer Mere From lack
of Grooming Than Lack of Food
The skin of the horse, like that of
other animals, not only affords protee-
ton tc the parts within, but, by the
pores, affords an Ontlet to q large part
OF the waste of the body in The form of
sweat. In outdoor life-the natural
state OF the horse-this membrane be-
comes thickened and tough, capable of
resisting changes of temperature; and
by continual exercise the pores are
kept open, giving free exit to all of the
cN%halations. But this alone will not
give the smooth. glossy coat which adds
so much to the animals beauty. Con-
timing the horse to the stable, as is gen
erally done for at least a large part OF
the year. renders his skin tender, es-
pccially when he is warmly blanketed.
Expose him now to great change of
temperature; take him out and drive
him until heated; return him to the
stable, and let him stand uncared
for over night, or even for anhour; the
skin is rapidly chilled by the evapora-
ton OF the sweat; the pores suddenly
close; and often a cold, rheumatic
stiffness or some other disorder. re-
suits, Proper grooming prevents this
by toughening the skin. keeping it in
healthy action, equalizing the c%ircula-
ton; removing distractions from the
pores, and, what's of more Importance
by %rousing the action of the muscles at
thes surface, which compensates for the
want OF exercise consequent 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 food, besides keeping
the stable %uncleanly. The animal
should be taken out into the lot, Sc
curely tied and handled so gently that
he will enjoy rather than fear the appli-
cation of the currycomb. A sharp
toothcd comb roughly scraped over
the tender skin is anything but pleas
ant. as the shrinking, resisting animal
will soon show. This instrument
should be lightly applied and de-
pendence placed mainly upon the
brush. Currying should be begun at
the head and the comb passed lightly
up and down until all the dandruff is
loosened, when it should be removed
with the brush. Much particularly
should be observed around the edges
of the fore-top and the name. 1t is
always a good plan to sponge off the
head and ears, using but little water
and smoothing the hair down to- it's
natural position. In going over the
back. quarters, loins, etc., the comb
should be used in one hand and the
brush in the other, and the work
quickly done. Great care should al
ways be observed where the skin lies
in folds, as at the union of the legs
with the body; but every part should
be thoroughly freed from dust and
dandruff. 1t must never be overlooked
that grooming is to a horse what bath
ing is to a person: and in order to clean
his akin it must be carefully and thor
oughly done.
A well groomed horse will keep fat
on less food than one that is neglected,
because he will be in better health and
his food will be more thoroughly as.
simulated. AS Il rule horses suffer from
lack Of grooming than from lack
of foou.-tSOUM 0n1 Vest.