78 THE CARE OF HORSES 



do him material injury. Again, if a disproportionate 

 quantity of hay is given him, it will cause him to 

 drink too freely, blowing him out with a description 

 of food which affords the least nutriment. A horse 

 thus fed cannot endure much labour, and his wind 

 becomes distressed.' 



Hay, however, is the natural food for horses, but 

 is not sufficiently strengthening for them to work 

 upon nowadays ; therefore, to be kept in condition, 

 they must be fed sparingly with it, although it be of 

 the very best quality. The quantity necessary for a 

 horse depends much on his size, constitution, and 

 the nature of his work. Thus, if he is put to fast 

 work, his food should be of the quality which affords 

 the most nutriment, that lies in the smallest compass, 

 and requires the least water to digest it. If his work 

 is hard — that is, continued for several hours, but not 

 at any great speed — he may have a greater quantity 

 of hay and even of beans with his oats. Chaff, cut 

 from sweet, good hay, should be mixed with the 

 oats, especially where the horse is a greedy eater. 

 But, as chaff is filling, it must be sparingly given, 

 since it inclines them to drink much, when they 

 will appear plump and fair, but not be in condition 

 for work. It is most proper for slow draught- 

 horses. 



The quantity of hay necessary for a saddle-horse 

 is from 8 to 16 pounds per day, according to size, 

 constitution, and work. About 12 pounds will 

 generally be found sufficient ; but large carriage- 

 horses require from 16 to 20 pounds. If horses get 

 lank and hollow in the flank and quarters their 

 allowance should be increased ; but, on the contrary, 

 and for the sake of having them fat and plump, they 

 must not be supplied with too much hay and water. 

 An animal when fat is less fit for work than when 

 lean, providing his leanness is not occasioned by 



