MANAGEMENT OF BROOD MARES. 83 



ried bite of breakfast in the morning, drop her 

 foal with neatness and dispatch. On other occa- 

 sions I have known mares, which knew they were 

 being watched, stand until the foals came from 

 them in that position. The wisest way is to fix 

 some sort of a peep-hole and, making no noise, 

 be able through it to see the mare but be unseen 

 by her. Too much fussing at foaling time is 

 worse than none at all. 



If the mare shows after repeated effort that 

 she can not deliver her foal 'and the presenta- 

 tion is normal, invoke the professional aid of 

 the veterinarian, but do not be in too big a hurry 

 about it. Give her plenty of chance to work out 

 her own salvation and never go to pulling and 

 hauling on the foal. If the birth is easy and 

 normal let the mare and foal 'alone. If trouble 

 of any kind is observed get to it quickly. Usual- 

 ly after foaling the mare will get up and try to 

 see to her foal. After she is on her feet offer 

 her a drink of gruel made by putting a pound of 

 fine oatmeal in half a bucket of water from 

 which the chill has been taken. Never try quick- 

 ly to hoist the foal onto his fee>t and bun- 

 dle him around to the dug to get his first suck. 

 Take it easy. Any hurrying of his natural in- 

 clination is bad for him. 



If the mare shows after a reasonable time 

 that she can not deliver the foal, or if examina- 

 tion discloses that there is an abnormal presen- 

 tation, send post haste for the veterinarian and 



