CHAPTER IX. 



CARE OF THE STALLION IN SEASON. 



The breeding stallion, during the service season, requires special at- 

 tention for the best results to those patronizing him. It must be taken 

 for granted that he has been well wintered; been worked or had plenty 

 of exercise every day; that he is strong and muscular at the beginning 

 of the season; but because he is waiting for patronage, don't conclude 

 he must not be exercised, but kept in the stable and fed all kinds of 

 nostrums to stimulate the sexual function, which would be all wrong 

 and must not be tolerated under any circumstance. While it is not best 

 to exercise the stallion to the point of actual fatigue, it is of the greatest 

 importance that he has his daily work, to keep him in the height of con- 

 dition. Exercise and good nourishing food is all that is necessary for the 

 stallion that has been properly wintered. 



REGULATING THE SERVICES OF THE STALLION. 



The regulation of the services of the stallion is a feature that is very 

 hard for everyone to understand. Some stallions that are strong and 

 recuperative force active, can do twice the business to advantage that 

 others are capable of. But the nicst important feature of the stallion's 

 work for the season is in the beginning. Too many services the first 

 week may ruin him for the whole season. One, two or three services for 

 the first and four or five the next week, is the safest and surest kind of 

 a beginning, and afterwards one a day may be indulged in, but never 

 more than two can be counted on as profitable; and let this be as seldom 

 as possible. The stallion that has led a life of idleness through the 

 winter cannot do justice to more than about two a week through the 

 season. But the stallion that has worked every day and been well fed, 

 can do far more and better business, to both his owner and patrons. 



WATER, FEED AND HAY FOR THE STALLION. 



Water the stallion before feeding, or whenever he would relish a 

 moderate drink, except it be within two hours after feeding grain. Feed 

 oats, corn, bran and a little oil-meal, either in mixture or separately and 

 regularly, four or even five times per day, and quantity in proportion to 

 the weight of the stallion and his digestion. Except the stallion is sick, 

 let the condition powders, drugs, nostrums and medicines alone. Salt 

 and ashes kept (or salt alone) where the stallion has access to it, is 

 sufficient, but important. If the stallion is sick, do as you would if you 



