52 FARM MANAGEMENT 



farm, then the bulk of the horses kept to do 

 the work should be breeding mares. They 

 should be put to the stallion at such time as 

 will cause them to give birth to their foals when 

 the greater part of the spring work of plough- 

 ing, sowing, etc., is over, and so no incon- 

 venience will be caused by their being laid up 

 at that time ; further, there is plenty of young 

 sweet grass available for the mare, which is 

 productive of a copious milk-supply. 



Where horses are to be bred from, size in 

 the brood mare is as important as size in the 

 sire, as then good-sized offspring are more 

 likely to result, such being more valuable and 

 fetch better prices. Mares with roomy bodies, 

 broad hips and free from any internal defects 

 are best for breeding from ; fat mares are not 

 desirable. Mares are first put to the stallion 

 when fully developed, that is, at three to four 

 years old. Many however are covered at two 

 years old, and such are often sure breeders, 

 but it is apt to retard their growth ; though 

 this may be guarded against by giving them a 

 thoroughly liberal and nutritious diet, so that 

 the mare may support her foal without interfer- 

 ing with her own growth. Breeding from old 



