I8l2 



The Cornell Reading-Courses 



are able to subsist on food containing a large percentage of crude fiber. 

 However, if straw or corn fodder is used, some grain should be fed in 

 addition, say four to six pounds a day. It is considered better to have 

 the digestive system of the idle horse moderately distended with coarse 

 material, than to have the system contracted as would be the case if 

 grains composed of only the requisite nutrients were supplied. If the 

 protected area in the field is kept dry and well bedded, the horse can be 



Fig. 117. — A pure-bred Percheron weanling coll 



comfortably wintered in this way at much less expense than by stabling. 

 In order to put the horse in condition, light work and feeding with grain 

 should begin six weeks before the spring work starts. 



feeding young stock 



Since the young horse acquires practically half his weight the first year 



of his life, the importance of a well-balanced ration for growing stock 



cannot be overestimated. As soon as possible the young foal should be 



taught to eat grain. He will begin to munch in the dam's grain-box 



