214 THE IMPROVED ART OF FARRIERY. 



liable to a recurrence of the same ; and when one mare 

 suiFers abortion, if there are others in the same field 

 they are likely to undergo the same. 



ON THE REARING OF COLTS. 



It is highly important that during the period the foal 

 is with the dam she should be well fed, as by stinting, 

 the growth and strength is at this period easily arrested, 

 and errors of this kind are not afterwards to be re- 

 medied. 



As the foal acquires strength of limbs it should be 

 allowed to follow the mare during the periods of ex- 

 ercise or work. By this method it becomes familiar- 

 ised with surrounding objects : th£ grooms and per- 

 sons about the stable should also show great kind- 

 ness towards it, and caress it; by these means it 

 soon acquires the habit of being handled, and will not 

 exhibit signs of fear when persons approach it. At 

 four months old the legs may be occasionally lifted up, 

 and the feet may soon after be gently hammered ; this 

 will introduce it to the future habit of shoeing. 



While the foal is weaning, which generally takes 

 place at six months old, it is better to put it into a 

 stall for some time, or, as some recommend, a rick- 

 yard, where the dam is not in the habit of going ; here 

 the foal will find both food and shelter. At this pe- 

 riod, and for some time after, good feeding is very ne- 

 cessary : bruised oats and bran will be very excellent 

 provender. As soon as thoroughly weaned, it should 

 no longer be housed, but put into a pasture where it 

 can feed at pleasure, and can shelter itself in a hovel 

 or shed when it rains. 



