36 THE HORSE 



as much hay as they will eat in about an hour and a 

 half. 



The worst possible policy is to feed poor or damaged 

 hay. Many a fine horse has contracted heaves and 

 been ruined from eating hay that was smoky or dusty, 

 especially the former. But if you are forced to use 

 such hay, sprinkle it freely with water, and, if possible, 

 lime water. Half-cured hay, which is undergoing a 

 kind of fermentation process, is very injurious. Many 

 a horse has incurred a bad attack of colic by eating 

 half-cured hay or wilted grass in the hayfield. Horses 

 at work in a hayfield should wear an easy side check 

 to prevent them from eating the hay. 



New hay often produces colic and Is very bad for 

 horses th^t are hard at work, for it induces much 

 sweating and has a weakening effect. New hay should 

 not be fed until November; but if you are obliged to 

 feed new hay, or are going on a journey where you 

 may find nothing else, it is very advisable to accustom 

 the horse to it beforehand by feeding him for a time, 

 half new and half old hay. 



The staple hay is, of course, herd's grass, but if it 

 has a little clover mixed with it so much the better. A 

 slight mixture of clover, of red clover especially, makes 

 the hay more palatable, more digestible, and less con- 

 stipating, and is particularly good for horses that have 

 a tendency to colic. Another reason for feeding clover 

 is that it contains a large percentage of lime, and lime 

 makes bone. The blue-grass region of Kentucky, 

 famous for the beauty of its horses and women, is a 

 limestone country. 



