Stable Utensils

Under this head is included all that is used in dressing the horse, and in cleansing the yard and stable.

The pitchfork is used to shake up the straw, of which the horses' bed is made; to remove all that becomes soiled and dirty; and, in general, to set it fair and straight. The handle should be kept clean, and the prongs bright. Price 2s.

The shovel removes the smaller particles, and the scrapings of the stable yard. Price 1s. 6d.

The besom or broom is used to sweep out the stable after the damp soiled litter has been removed, and to keep the yard neat and clean. Those made of birch are the best, and are bought at about 9s. a dozen, according to the quality and locality.

A manure basket to take up the droppings. This should be done before trodden about, to keep the straw clean, and the stable sweet. Price 2s.

The stable pail should be made of strong oak, bound with iron, and neatly painted. Cost, from 5s. to 6s. each.

A sieve, to cleanse the oats and chaff of all dust and small stones. Trice 2s. 6d.

A quartern and a hatf-quartem measure to measure out the oats, beans, chaff, etc. for each horse's feed. About 1s. 6d. each.

The Currycomb

Horses of the present day are so much better bred than formerly, consequently their coats and skin are so much finer, there is now much less use for the currycomb, except to remove the dust from the body brush. On very rough-coated horses it may occasionally be used, but no other should ever be touched with it. In summer it is absolutely unnecessary, and in these days of clipping and singeing, in the winter it is almost equally so. It must always be used lightly, or it will severely punish the horse, and on no account should the teeth be sharp, or more than the eighth of an inch in length. Price 1s. 6d.

The body brush, or horse brush as it is sometimes called, is, in the hands of a good groom, the most useful implement used in dressing the horse, as it thoroughly removes all dust and dirt, stimulates the skin, and imparts a gloss to the coat. Cost, about 5s.

The water brush is to wash all dirt and mud from the feet and legs of the horse, and stains from his quarters, etc. Price 4s.

The mane comb, as the name implies, is to comb the mane and tail. It should be made of horn, have large teeth, and be used carefully and only occasionally, as in a general way a good brushing will answer the purpose without pulling out the hair. Cost, 1s.

The picker is a blunt iron hook for removing the grit and stones from the horse's feet. Some are made to fold up for the pocket. A good, careful groom will always carry one of these. Price 1s. 6d.

A sponge, too, is always necessary to dry the legs, etc, after washing, and for other purposes of cleanliness. Price varies according to place and quality.

Leathers and rubbers are also indispensable for drying the horse after work, and wiping him over after dressing.

All oil-brush and tin to hold the oil, and to rub round the hoofs before leaving the stable to go to work.

A wooden box for holding the stopping. Price 2s.

A singeing lamp and a pair of trimming scissors are also necessary. Price of former about 10s., and of the latter 5s.

To avoid loss and confusion, there should be a place for everything, and everything in its place, and all the utensils should be kept bright and clean.

Clothing, etc.

Every horse standing in a stable must have a head collar with two reins long enough to go through the two rings fastened to the manger, and to reach the ground after being each attached to a weight or block made of hard wood or iron heavy enough to keep the reins from twisting or curling up, but not so heavy as to be a weight or strain upon the horse's head as he moves it. When in a box, too, a head collar is always handy on the quietest horse; on a tricky or unruly animal it is absolutely necessary, as he can then be at any time easily secured without risk or trouble.

Halters

Two good web-headed hempen halters are also requisite in every stable, to lead the horse about without having to use the head collar.

Clothing

There is a great variety of clothing, from the comparatively inexpensive to the most expensive in make and finish. These consist of blankets or rugs of different degrees of warmth and thickness according to the time of year, a roller, a suit of body clothing, and a set of flannel bandages. The best material will be the cheapest in the end, as wearing so much longer than the cheaper kinds.

The blanket or rug should be cut back at the top of the shoulder, with a projecting piece on each side coming round and meeting in the centre of the chest, where they fasten with a buckle and strap. Each rug, too, should be bound with some strong material to prevent the edges tearing out. Two rugs will be found necessary for each horse.

A suit of body clothing may be made of various materials, but strong warm serge is best for winter, and a lighter kind for summer wear. It consists of a quarter-piece, hood and breast-piece, with roller to match. The roller must be well padded, to prevent bruising or injury to the back from pressure.

In winter, in a warm stable, a heavy rug and the body clothing will be found sufficient during the day, but at night the latter should be removed to keep it clean, and another rug substituted.

The flannel bandages are put on after the horse has had his legs washed, to keep them dry and warm. They are also of great service in illness, to keep up the circulation and warmth in the extremities. In hunting stables, where the horses must be occasionally sweated, it will be necessary to have two or three spare rugs and hoods in use for that purpose, and which should be carefully washed and dried. The price of clothing varies so much according to the quality and finish, it is difficult to name any, but a respectable saddler will at any time give an estimate for the kind required.