WEANING — WEAR 



their horses, as they contend that then the animals will drink 

 less, but it is not easy to arrange for a constant supply of 

 clean water which can be kept free of impurities, especially 

 in an indifferently ventilated stable. All horses should be 

 watered the last thing at night. 



Weaning. — It is always best to wean a foal gradually, 

 and therefore a commencement may be made by removing 

 the dam for a few hours at a time, and gradually extending 

 the period of separation. By adopting this method there 

 will be less chance of milk troubles for the dam, and the 

 foal will better become accustomed to shift for itself. Every 

 care should be taken to avoid the young animal going back 

 in condition, and hence the importance of providing as far 

 as possible against a sudden check, for if once a foal stops 

 developing it is a very difficult matter to set it going again. 

 Of course long before the date of weaning arrives the foal 

 will be accustomed to feed, but when it is finally deprived 

 of its dam's milk it is very apt to lose flesh, and hence the 

 necessity for providing the more valuable young stock with 

 a sufficiency of nutritious food in the shape of scalded oats, 

 sliced roots, and bran made up into a form of chop, which 

 they enjoy and which benefits them materially. The age 

 at which a foal is weaned must depend a good deal upon 

 circumstances, such as if the dam is required for regular work, 

 the value and forwardness of the young animal itself, and 

 such matters, but unless it has been dropped very late it 

 is best away from its dam by the middle of September, when 

 it should be at least six months old. When weaned, the 

 foal should be placed on good land with animals of its own 

 age, as if allowed to associate with older animals the latter 

 often bully their juniors. (See Brood Mare, Foaling, Foals, 

 Overcrowding, Pasture?) 



Wear. — A horse is said to wear himself well when he 

 carries his head and tail up, and puts life into his action. 



355 



