When there is sufficient strength in the stable, the proper way to dry the horse is by nibbing him with wisps. After removing all the water that can be taken away with the scraper, two men commence on each side. They rub the skin with soft wisps; those which absorb moisture most readily are the best, and should be often changed. None but a bred groom can dry a horse expeditiously and well in this way. The operation requires some action, and a good deal of strength. An awkward groom can not do it, and a lazy fellow will not. They will wisp the horse for a couple of hours, and leave him almost as wet as at the beginning. They lay the hair, but do not dry it, and they are sure to neglect the legs and the belly, the very parts that have most need to be dried quickly. The man must put some strength into his arm. He must rub hard, and in all directions, across, and against the hair, oftener than over it. His wisp should be firm yet soft, the straw broken. Some can not even make this simple article. A stout fellow may take one in each hand, if only two are employed about the horse; and a boy must often take one in both his hands.

Two men may dry a horse in half an hour, a little more or a little less, according to his condition, the length of his coat, and the state of the weather.