MAINTENANCE AND WORKING REQUIREMENTS 53 



diet, prior to the test, they will gain weight and improve 

 in condition and appearance. If during the test they 

 are overworked, or the food is poor in quality, and not 

 of average composition and digestibility, they will lose 

 weight and show the effects of wear or starvation. In 

 such a case it is for the wise horse-owner to readjust the 

 conditions of work, and the quality and quantity of the 

 food. Once again, it must be borne in mind that all 

 horses of similar weights, and doing the same work, are 

 not alike in their requirements. The thrifty horse will 

 do well on less than his allowance, whilst another horse 

 in the same stable will require an extra amount to keep 

 him up to his work. These and other similar adjust- 

 ments will be made by the owner or horse-keeper who 

 takes an interest in the horses under his charge. They 

 are sometimes neglected with disastrous results. 



