78 THE HORSE: ITS TAMING, 



MARES FOALING: THEIR SYMPTOMS AND 

 TREATMENT, AND EARLY MANAGE- 

 MENT OF THE FOAL. 



The marc during the latter period of gestation 

 should be well fed, and should have plenty of daily 

 exercise. Idle mares may be kept at grass; if so, 

 they should have access to a shelter-hovel, in case of 

 wet or severe weather setting in. Mares who have 

 the range of a large pasture will sufficiently exercise 

 themselves. During the winter and spring months 

 6 lb. crushed oats, 2 lb. bran, and a small quantity of 

 hay-chaff, plenty of clean hay, and some root food, 

 should be placed in a manger in the shed daily. If 

 you expect a well-developed foal, the mare must be 

 kept in good condition. Starvation is frequently the 

 cause of abortion. Nature is sure to assert her 

 authority, and is prone to resent liberties. The period 

 of gestation is generally about 350 days. 



A month before a mare's time is due, if the weather 

 be cold, she should be brought in under cover at 

 night, and she should be seen every day, so as to 

 observe any change in the appearance of her udder. 

 Some mares wont drop their udder, and show until a 

 few days before foaling, and such mares require great 



