HORSE SENSE. 49 



habit: but when once acquired, it may be necessary to use the shield; 

 still, we are confident that exercise will do more to regulate this pernici- 

 ous habit than all other remedies combined. We have a number of 

 stallions, and also have two or three shields, but we rarely ever use eithe*" 

 of them, for the reason that whenever we have given the stallions plenty 

 of exercise, we have seen no need for the use of a shield. 



Keep the stallion stall scrupulously clean, for a stable, and you will 

 have done very much towards the health and comfort of the stallion. His 

 bedding should be clean and there should be plenty of it, that he may 

 he down and enjoy a good night's rest, without his joints coming in con- 

 tact with the hard floor or damp ground. 



FIRM BUT KIND MANAGEMENT. 



Stallions should be treated firmly, but kindly, and should never be 

 teased or fought. To go into a fight with a stallion, is a very danger- 

 ous and grave undertaking, and, although you come out victorious at the 

 tim.e, the chances are that it is only a question of a little time when he 

 will get the better of you, and may endanger your life; whereas, if you 

 are on good terms with liim, he will not have the inclination to take 

 any advantage of you. We must not for a moment conclude that the 

 stallion has not his likes and dislikes, which we are bound to respect, and 

 if we do not, we are apt, sooner or later, to learn to our sorrow, that we 

 are mistaken. The stallion appreciates good treatment as much as any 

 other animal; and it is prudent, at least, for every groom, owner, or 

 driver to learn this lesson early in the life of the young stallion, for the 

 benefit of both. 



We could give many more details in the handling and care of the 

 stallion, but if what we have here indicated is carefully carried out with 

 the best stallions of the land, we will see a great improvement in the 

 future generations of our horses. 



W-E MUST COMPLY WITH THE LAWS OF PRO-CREATION. 



Successful procreation is governed by immutable laws, and if we 

 would reap the full benefit, we nmst certainly comply with them, and if 

 disregarded we are the losers in consequence of the violations. It is not 

 certain, but what the mental and physical condition of the stallion and 

 mare at the time of service, may not control that of the ofifspring in like 

 character. Then with the mental and physical conditions right at the 

 breedmg period, we can more certainly look forward with favorable 

 prospects in the foal to be, than if we are fighting the stallion and mare, 

 arousing all the latent antipothies to man (comparatively dormant 

 through domestication) and say we are surprised that the produce is a 

 veritable devil in disposition. 



