248 RIDING FOR LADIES. 



stuff so-named is merely a bucketful of hot water with a 

 handful or two of oatmeal stirred into it. My experience 

 of horses has not been a small one, and I can candidly say 

 that I have never yet seen even the most wearied or 

 delicate animal reject a properly prepared mess of gruel. 



To make a good mash, allow at least a quartern of oats 

 and a pint of linseed — these to be boiled for three hours or 

 upwards, and then mixed with as much bran as will make 

 it of a proper damp consistency, but not a wet slop, or yet 

 a dry poultice. It should be given rather warm, and a little 

 salt is an excellent addition. A delicate or ailing animal 

 that will not eat his mash may often be tempted by putting 

 a little treacle or sugar into it. 



A horse's supply of water ought never to be limited. On 

 this I shall touch in my next chapter, in conjunction with 

 stable appliances and drinking-troughs. To drink plenti- 

 fully is a symptom of good health. Very cold water is not 

 advisable for horses ; a handful of hay will take the chili 

 off, or a little meal thrown in. Nitre should never under 

 any pretext be added to the drink. Soft water is the best 

 for stable uses ; if this cannot be conveniently procured, 

 hard water may be considerably softened by boiling, with 

 the addition of about half an ounce of carbonate of soda 

 to every pailful of liquid. 



I strongly advocate variety of feeding for horses. My 

 own hunters were trained to eat and relish almost ever\^- 

 thing — except, perhaps, codfish, on which the Newfound- 

 landers bring up their horses wonderfully well ! Mine 

 were given turnips, peas, potatoes (both boiled and raw), 



