Feeding and Care of the Horse i8i 5 



all the more important that they should be thoroughly cleaned and rubbed 

 each evening after work. The hoofs should be examined and the cleft 

 between the sole and the frog should be cleaned. Animals cared for 

 in this manner will pay for the extra care many times over by coming 

 from the stable in the morning in the best of spirit. This will be indicated 

 by their pleasing appearance, the snap and vigor with which they lift 

 their feet, and the complete absence of stiffness in their joints. 

 Animals whose limbs are thus cared for will remain comparatively free 

 from the many diseases to which the legs and the feet are subject. Such 

 care will greatly increase the efficiency of the horse and will prolong his 

 usefulness. 



care of the teeth 



Occasionally a horse is found that does not feed well owing to irregular 

 growth of his teeth. If the first, or milk, teeth are not looked after, they 

 are likely to remain, causing the second, or permanent, teeth to grow 

 in crooked. The mouth of a young horse should be watched closely 

 and the persistent milk teeth should be removed with forceps. It must 

 be remembered also that the upper jaw is somewhat wider than the lower, 

 and, from the fact that the teeth are not exactly opposite, a sharp edge 

 is left unworn on the inside of the lower molars and on the outside of 

 the upper, which may cut the tongue and the cheeks. If this condition 

 exists the edge can readily be felt by the hand, and such sharp edges, 

 when found, should be rasped down by a guarded rasp; otherwise the 

 tongue and the cheeks become sore, food irritates them, and the horse 

 will not feed well. 



When a horse quids his food, when he drivels, or when he evinces pain 

 in mastication as shown by holding the head to one side while chewing, 

 the teeth should be carefully examined. In addition to not feeding well, 

 a horse whose teeth have unduly sharp edges is likely to drive badly, 

 to pull to one side, not to bear on the bit or to bear on too hard, to toss 

 the head, and to start suddenly when a tender spot is touched. 



CARE OF THE FEET 



Because of the great importance of the feet they should be carefully 

 watched throughout the active career of the horse. Each evening after 

 returning from work, as well as in the morning before being sent out, 

 the sole of the foot should be examined and all foreign materials should 

 be removed. For this ] impose a small hay hook, with the point sharpened, 

 is excellent. Frequently foreign bodies, such as nails or stones, either 

 are driven into the sole of the foot or collect in the cleft along the frog, 

 and it is very essential that these be removed if the hoof is to remain 

 in a healthy condition. Occasionally a hoof has a tendency to dry out 



