360 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



portions of fifty ix)unds of corn and oats and twenty-five pounds of bran, 

 and of this mixture they should be given about one pound to one and 

 one eighth pounds for every one hundred pounds weight of horse, divided 

 in three feeds. For instance, a 1,600-pound horse should get eighteen 

 pounds per day. This is approximately correct. There are cases, how- 

 ever, when it would be necessary to feed a little more or a little less. 

 About two quarts of bran with a handful of oil meal added, and made 

 into a mush and fed about eight o'clock in the evening, will be very 

 beneficial, as is also a feed of carrots once a day. Always see that they 

 clean their feed up well and are ready for the next meal. 



Grooming is very important. A horse with a sleek, glossy coat is 

 much more attractive than one with long, dry hair. They should receive 

 a good cleaning at least once a day of head, neck and body, and not 

 neglecting the feet and legs. The mane should be kept well brushed 

 over so as to give the neck a neat appearance. Do not use a curry comb 

 on the mane, as it tends to cut the hair and thus gives the neck a rough 

 appearance. The singer can usually be used to good advantage to do 

 away with the long hairs around the belly and throat. In light horses a 

 great improvement can be made by clipping the legs as far as the knee 

 in front and as far as the hock behind. This requires to be neatly done, 

 well tapered off at the knee and hock, so as to look as smooth as pos- 

 sible. The hair in the ears should also be clipped out and the mane 

 pulled. The feet should also receive attention by keeping them trimmed 

 and well leveled. A few hours put on a horse in this way will add much 

 to his appearance, as well as several dollars to the selling price. 



When the horse is nearly ready for sale, give him occasional lessons 

 in the halter practice. Teach him to trot up well with a graceful carriage 

 of his head, and when about to stand him for a buyer to look over always 

 select a spot so as to have his front feet the highest . Just imagine what 

 a horse would look like with his front feet in a hollow! It is quite often 

 done, nevertheless. If they are to be shown in harness, have it well fit- 

 ted. See that the blinders are not too low, giving an untidy appearance 

 to the head, and that the crupper strap is not too long, so as to let the 

 back-band too far up on the withers, thus making the back look too long 

 Also see that the breeching does not hang too low, giving a slouchy 

 appearance to the hind quarters. In showing horses in harness have 

 them taught to drive up, also to stand with their heads well up, and 

 when about to stand them have a spot in your eye where their front feet 

 will be on a raise. 



THE HORSE'S HEAD. 



Homestead. 



When examining a horse and especially one intended for breeding 

 purposes the head should be given particular attention. It may seem to 

 many beginners that there is little of moment about the head. Lex us 

 see! It cannot be denied that in man the face speaks for itself in a 



