148 THE FAMILY HORSE. 



it is doubtful whether any people could reach a high state of 

 civilization. It behooves us then to treat him with the greatest 

 kindness and consideration. Never speak roughly but always 

 gently to him ; and when approached, pat him gently on the body 

 and neck, and stroke his face down soothingly with the hand. 

 This will insure his confidence in you, strict obedience, and marked 

 affection. Quite vicious horses have often been subdued by kind- 

 ness alone, and made safe to be handled and used ; still, there is a 

 risk, and for a family horse it is advisable to choose such only 

 as are of a gentle natural disposition, and free from all kinds of 

 vice and tricks. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

 THE FAMILY HORSE IN THE PRAIRIE STATES. 



BY FRED GRUNDY, ILLINOIS. 

 SELECTING THE HORSE. 



In buying a "family horse" choose one rather short and com- 

 pactly built, broad between the eyes and ears, with regular, straight 

 face, wide, thin nostrils and mild, intelligent, pleasant eyes. Such 

 an animal will be safe, kind, reliable, and attached to its master and 

 home. It will not travel so fast as a long, slim, leggy horse, but 

 will do more work on less feed. Avoid the slim, tucked-up, bony 

 animal with legs like a greyhound, ears sharply cocked, and flashing 

 eyes, as also the elephantine lubberly corn crib. Both may be 

 useful in their spheres, but they are not suitable for "family" 

 horses. The villager, trucker, small farmer, or suburban resident 

 who needs a horse only a portion of the season, or a part of each day 

 during the whole season, will find it advantageous to buy a sound, 

 strong, well-built mare, breed her to a good horse and raise a colt 

 each year. It will require but little more time to care for both than 

 for one. The mare will be unfit for driving or work only a short 

 time, and this can be arranged to come at a convenient season, and 

 the colt will much more than pay the cost. Of course this cannot 

 be done in all cases, but the suggestion is worthy of serious consid- 

 reation. For about two months previous to foaling, the mare should 

 not be driven at more than a moderate gait, nor very far in one day. 

 Care should be taken that ^he is not worked or driven until very hot 



