47 



foals in all cases, whether they need it or not, as 

 the entrance of microbes and dangerous bacteria will 

 thereby be prevented. The cord will do no harm, 

 and the protruding part of the navel-string- will wither 

 up and fall off in a week or two. After this a little 

 milk should be drawn from the mare and put down 

 the foal with the aid of a spoon, which will strengthen 

 and enable it to get upon its legs sooner. 



Next, the mare's vessel should be washed with 

 lukewarm water, which will remove all the wax and 

 dirt that may have accumulated about it. At the 

 same time the washing will effectually neutralise any 

 feeling of ticklishness about the udder. Many mares 

 will strike out violently at the first touch of the 

 foal if this important item of attention is neglected. 

 Many foals are injured and killed in this manner, 

 not from any wickedness in the mares, but from a 

 feeling of irresistible ticklishness. 



When the foal attempts to rise, it should be 

 steadied gently by holding it by the tail with one 

 hand, while the other is placed round its breast. 

 When it has quite gained its feet, the attendant should 

 continue holding the tail with one hand, while its 

 mouth is guided to the mare's teats with the other. 

 Foals will not be forced to suck, they must be coaxed 

 into it by gentle manoeuvring at first, until they get 

 hold of the teats and draw the milk of their own 

 accord, when they will generally look after them- 

 selves, if all goes well with them in other respects. 



