FEEDING HORSES. 1^ 



CHAPTER II. 



FEEDING HORSES. 



We will now ileal witk the preparation of the following foods 

 and the quantities to be fed to eiacli horse. 



Oats, as a rule, require no preparation when fed to horses, 

 and are best given in a, whole state, as tlie horses, provided 

 their teeth are sound, are perfectly able to grind them properly 

 themselves In the case of foals and of very old horses whose 

 teeth are defective, it is, however, necessary to crush the 

 oats. 



Ma.ize. — Though horses will readily eat whole maize, it 

 is advisable to subject it to some preparation before feeding 

 it, as maize grains are rather hard. Tlie preparation may 

 iionsist either in crushing the maize, or in steeping it in water 

 for about twelve hours prior to its being fed. 



Beans, Peas, etc. — Beans are very hard, and nm^i 

 be given in a split state, or, instead of splitting them, they 

 can be ground into meal. Peas sliould be split or steeped in 

 water, in order to soften them. When feeding barley to 

 horses, it is desirable either to crush the grains or to soak 

 them in water for about twelve hours. Barley grains are 

 rather hard, and. if fed in an unprepared condition, the horses 

 are liable to swallow some of the grains without chewing 

 them, which may easily give I'ise to digestive troubles. 



Hay and Chaff. — Soine of the li:iy given to the lioi'ses 



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