HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT 



This is one of the chief reasons wliv some horses never 

 look well, and the master is at a loss to know the cause. In 

 certain instances, tlu^ corn dealer and coachman are in a better 

 position to understand the cause of the defective condition of 

 the stud, hence the author strongly recommends every horse 

 master to make it a })oint of purchasing his own forage, and 

 buying each article -if it be a mixed fodder — separately, after- 

 wards ha\"ing it mixed at home. 



In this wav one is certain of obtaining the best materials at 

 market prices. 



In some localities it is the custom to feed horses on a par- 

 ticular cereal, such as oats, many Scotch farmers feeding their 

 stock entirely upon these and ha\'. Again, others will use 

 maize, together with chopped hay and straw. The feeding 

 properties of maize are unquestionably very great, but not 

 suitable for making the constitution robust. 



There is no doubt about it, a mixed diet is the most suitable 

 for utility. The following mixture will be found very suitable 

 for general use : Best English oats, two parts ; bruised 

 maize, half part ; best bran, one part ; best bruised beans, 

 quarter part ; best split peas, quarter part ; English chopped 

 hay, four parts. 



For hunters and other horses requiring good hard con- 

 dition, the proportion of bran can be diminished, and the beans 

 increased. For young horses whole oats are the best, as these 

 necessitate grinding and thorough insalivation. Bruised oats 

 are more suitable for old horses, or those troubled with digestive 

 disturbances. When horses are hired from the job master, the 

 latter frequently supplies the fodder, at an additional cost, of 

 course, but it is a better plan to buy one's own forage even 



20 



