FEEDING FARM HORSES l6l 



Some horses require more water than others, the 

 quantity varying with the nature and amount of the 

 ration, the propensity to sweat, and the season of the 

 year. In a test at the New Hampshire station the 

 amount of water drunk by five horses was recorded, 

 showing a variation of from 25,895 pounds to 32,997 

 pounds in the course of a year. Stale or foul water 

 from a neglected cistern is unfit for a horse and will 

 be refused, except in case of extreme thirst or when 

 no other kind is provided. 



The custom of not giving horses a drink during 

 the forenoon or the afternoon when working in the 

 field is frequently condemned but generally fol- 

 lowed. In our larger cities horses are often never 

 given water between morning and evening. This is 

 cruel, of course. The good horseman will be more 

 thoughtful of these dumb beasts intrusted to his 

 charge. Not only should the horse be permitted to 

 drink his fill at noon, but during hot weather in the 

 dusty fields a cool drink should be provided also. 



Order of Hay, Grain and Water. In a broad way, 

 drinking water should be given at least three times 

 a day to horses at rest, and more frequently when 

 at work. Small quantities of water may be given 

 horses at work, even though they are hot and tired. 

 The custom is rather general to give water first, 

 and then after the water some hay, with the grain 

 following later. When horses are put to heavy work 

 their noon feed should consist largely of grain. After 

 being watered the grain is fed and some hay given, 

 that the horse may eat of it between his finishing the 

 grain and the time he is taken out to work. 



