WATER. 165 



A horse may, with perfect safety, be far more liberally sup- 

 plied with water than he generally is. An hour before his work 

 commences, he should be permitted to drink a couple of quarts. 

 A greater quantity might probably be objectionable. He will 

 perform his task far more pleasantly and effectually than with 

 a parched mouth and tormenting thirst. The prejudice both 

 of the hunting and the training groom on this point is cruel, 

 as well as injurious. The task or the journey being accom- 

 plished, and th^ horse having had his head and neck dressed, 

 his legs and feet washed, should have his water before his body 

 is cleaned. When dressed, his grain may be offered to him, 

 which he will readily take ; but water should never be given 

 immediately before or after the grain. 



If the horse were watered three times a day, especially in 

 summer, he would often be saved from the sad torture of thirst 

 and from many a disease. Whoever has observed the eagerness 

 with which the overworked horse, hot and tired, plunges his 

 muzzle into the pail, and the difiQculty of stopping him before 

 he has drained the last drop, may form some idea of his previ- 

 ous suffering, and will not wonder at the violent spasms, inflam- 

 mation, and sudden death, that often follow. 



It is a judicious rule with travelers, that when a horse begins 

 to refuse his food, he should be pushed no further that day. It 

 may, however, be worth while to ascertain whether this does 

 not proceed from thirst as much as from exhaustion ; for in 

 many instances his appetite and his spirits will return soon 

 after he has partaken of the refreshing draught. 



