222 THE HORSE 



Careful investigators have established the fact that all 

 food does not take the same time in going through the 

 different stages of digestion, and it is stated that hay and 

 straw pass out of the stomach quicker than corn at the 

 beginning of the process, though towards the end it is just 

 the contrary ; it is, moreover, also asserted that if a mixture 

 is given of oats and hay chaff the one which contains the 

 most moisture will pass into the bowels first, carrying the 

 remainder along with it, although the latter is not sufficiently 

 ready, and this is a fruitful source of derangement of the 

 system, even if it does not go so far as to cause actual 

 indigestion. The soundness of the ordinary stable routine 

 of giving the oats first, and then the hay, is thus borne out 

 by the dictum of scientific observers, since the former 

 requires a longer period for digestion than the latter, so 

 that both should be ready to pass on at the same time 

 in an equal state of preparation. 



At least an hour should intervene after feeding before 

 a horse is called upon to work, and if this is likely to be 

 severe the food given should be of a concentrated nature, 

 and not bulky. When an animal returns to its stable very 

 tired it must be remembered that the organs of digestion 

 are as fatigued as the rest of the body, and a light, easily 

 digested meal should be at first given to him. This prin- 

 ciple should be kept in mind, for it is not possible always to 

 have at hand the carefully prepared gruel and bran mash 

 which await the tired steed in all well-ordered hunting 

 stables on its return home from its labours. 



Whatever the system adopted, whether three feeds or 

 four feeds of corn are given in the day, it is most essential 

 that regular hours should be kept, unless, of course, actual 

 work prevents the ordinary routine from being carried out. 

 Whether it is advisable to divide the allowance into three, 

 or four, feeds depends much upon the constitution, appetite, 

 and ability to digest one feed before the next is due. 

 Delicate horses will probably benefit by being fed at shorter 

 intervals, with a less quantity at a time, so as not to over- 

 load the stomach, whilst hearty feeders can do with more 

 grain at each feed, and a corresponding longer wait between 



