238 THE HORSE. 
Racenorsss are fed upon the best upland hay, of which about six to 
eight pounds are given to each on the average daily, and from fifteen to 
twenty pounds of the best oats, in some cases beans being substituted for an 
equal weight of the latter. The quantity of hay varies according to the 
constitution, gross feeders being allowed less, and delicate, light-carcassed 
horses more than the above. The limit to the oats is the appetite, the 
trainer taking care not quite to satisfy the horse, which would produce 
satiety and disgust, but giving him as much of this food as he can without 
this effect. One-third of the hay is given in the morning after exercise, 
and the remainder at night. The oats are divided into four feeds, one 
being given the first thing in the morning, the next on coming in from 
exercise, the third at four o’clock in the afternoon, and the last at seven 
or eight in the evening, when the stable is closed for the night. Very little 
water is allowed in the morning, two or three “ godowns” being all that 
is usually given, about half a bucket on coming in from exercise after the 
horse is dressed and fed, the same quantity insthe afternoon, and a full allow- 
ance at night. Once a week, if required by the state of the bowels, a bran 
mash is given, but this is omitted when the time of trial is approaching. 
Tue Hunter is fed nearly in the same way as the racehorse, the chief 
difference being that a little more hay is allowed, and consequently less 
corn. Few hunters get more than five or six quarterns of oats, and 
indeed there are not many which will eat more; for in order that the 
appetite for this kind of food shall be as highly developed as in the race- 
horse, the animal must have been reared on oats from the earliest period, 
which few hunters but those bred for the racecourse have been. The 
allowance, therefore, is generally about ten pounds of hay, and five or six 
quarterns of oats, or five quarterns of oats and half a quartern of beans. The 
hay and corn are given at the same times as in the racing stable, and the 
water also in the same proportions. Gruel is given when the hunter 
comes home after a hard day, as it restores the tone of the stomach after 
long fasting better than oats, which, moreover, the exhausted horse gene- 
rally refuses till he has had something to give his stomach a fillip. A 
bran mash should be given once a week, or every ten days, unless there is 
a tendency to purge, when of course it is not wanted. No change of 
food is required during the hunting season, but after this is over it is 
necessary to decide whether the hunter shall be turned out for the summer, 
or soiled in-doors. The advocates for the two proceedings are warm in 
support of their several opinions, which will be treated of hereafter under 
the head of Suwmmering. 
Hacks require from three quarterns to a peck of oats, and ten to twelve 
pounds of hay daily. The latter is given in two portions, one at night, 
and the other in the morning, the former being divided into four feeds, 
which are put into the manger at six or seven A.M., ten A.M., four P.M., 
and seven or eight p.m. In most stables some of the hay is cut up with 
an equal quantity of straw, into chaff, and of this about a peck a day is 
given with the corn, the object being to induce the horse to masticate it 
thoroughly. The plan is so generally adopted now that I need not insist 
upon its advantages, which may be accepted as indisputable. If these 
horses are much exposed to the weather during the winter and early 
spring, a few beans in place of some of the oats may be used with decided 
benefit, especially if they have been accustomed to them in previous sea- 
sons. It must always be remembered, however, that they have a tendency 
to produce inflammation, especially in the feet and eyes ; and, therefore, 
in those animals which have a weakness in either of the organs named, 
