142 



ANIMAL MANAGEMENT. 



is occupied, their heads turned up stream to give them a clean drink, and 

 when satisfied, they should turn about and leave at the lowest part for the 

 reason given above. 



Where the stream is too narrow or shallow, it can be widened or 

 deepened as may be required by the construction of a dam, or by digging 

 out the bottom. 



Two horses only should be taken to water by each man, and bridoons 

 or pelhams are to be used. The practice of sending four or five horses 

 tied together under one man is objectionable ; it results in some of them 

 not getting sufficient water, from being either hurried or disturbed in 

 their drinking by the others to which they are tied. 



If troughs are to be used a space of not less than one yard is 

 necessary for each animal, and unless they are very broad it is not 

 advisable to water from both sides at once, as though this economises 

 time, the horses play with, and bite at each other, instead of drinking. 

 It is better to allow the whole of the horses at the trough to quench their 

 thirst before any fresh ones are permitted to approach, as the constant 

 movement interferes with the more timid drinkers, and they do not fill 

 themselves. Walking is the only pace to be permitted on the way to 

 and from the troughs, and all noise and confusion should be avoided, as 

 it excites horses, and they do not drink so freely as when quiet and 

 undisturbed. When ready-made troughs are not available, they may be 

 constructed of sods, and lined with tarpaulin. 



Wateri)ig from pojids ox other stagnant pools maybe necessary, but 

 it is to be avoided if another source is obtainable, for it is not possible to 

 prevent such a supply being greatly fouled. Horses should not be 

 allowed to walk into them further than necessary to reach the water 

 easily, and if the place has to be used for any time, the edge should be 

 regularly cleared of refuse. Vegetable scum and weed growing on the 

 surface of such pools should not be cleared ; they help to keep the 

 water pure, though their appearance may not be very inviting. 



If the available accommodation makes it necessary for units to follow 

 each other at the sanie watering place, a time table should be issued to 

 prevent confusion. 



Picketing. — By whatever method a horse is secured, it should be 

 carried out in such a manner that he is not likely to injure himselt or his 

 neighbour. The comfort of the animal should be studied as far as 

 possible, but the prevention of injury is of the first importance. It is at 

 the commencement of operations, and during peace manoeuvres, that this 

 matter calls for most attention, as horses may be unused to the method, 

 or so fresh that they attempt to bite or kick at each other. The first of 



