PRIZE ESSAYS 



CHAPTER XL 

 STABLING, FEED AND CARE. 



BY ISAAC H. FICKEL, OHIO. 



The horse, according to tradition and history, is found to have 

 been very early associated with man as a domestic animal. He has 

 been an important factor in bringing the human race to its present 

 state of progress and refinement. Whether in war, commerce, or 

 pleasure, no animal so readily responds to the wants of mankind. 

 The question "How to keep the Family Horse," to obtain the best 

 results ; to provide the proper shelter ; to understand food elements 

 and their proportions ; and the disposal of the manure, are matters 

 of great financial importance to every horse owner. 



THE STABLE. 



In discussing the various questions connected with the stabling 

 of the horse, it must not be forgotten that we have many climates, 

 and many degrees of aridity and moisture to deal with ; and what 

 would be suitable for one place, would not be adapted to other parts 

 of the country. 



There are so many excellent plans for stables, adapted to special 

 localities, that it is not necessary to describe any particular ones. 

 Wliatever plan has been adopted, there are, however, certain mat- 

 ters to be considered, necessary to the health and comfort of the 

 animal. Most important is a dry location. The horse is a native of 

 a drj^ country, and cannot be kept in health in a damp sitaation. 

 Coughs, colds, and other ailments are the result of damp stables. 

 These interfere with the use of the horse, irrespective of other rear 

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