54 



capped yearlings. Therefore, if all farmers who go 

 in for rearing colts will take the trouble to separate 

 them — the weak from the strong — they will be amply 

 compensated for their labour and humanity by the 

 enhanced improvement of the yearlings. 



MANAGEMENT OF THEIR FEET. 



A natural grass hill is also very valuable in the 

 preservation of the feet of colts. The surface is much 

 softer than a field that is under regular rotation, and 

 their hoofs, in consequence, are less liable to become 

 worn and splintered. Care should be taken not to 

 over -stock pastures. When over -stocked, they be- 

 come tainted, and may have a very injurious effect 

 on the constitution of the colts. To obviate this, 

 pastures may be stocked with cattle until all taint- 

 ing caused by colts has been removed. When a 

 natural grass hill of this kind is unavailable, it will 

 be found advantageous to shoe colts in the fore-feet 

 as they are apt to wear the outer walls of the hoofs, 

 laming themselves, and not infrequently growing into 

 " club " feet, which are extremely awkward and ugly. 

 If the hoofs are not allowed to grow too far over, 

 they can generally be cured by careful shoeing ; but 

 if permitted to get thoroughly twisted it is impossible 

 to put them straight. The shoes should be wide so 

 as not to retard the natural growth and expansion 

 of the hoofs, or narrow, contracted feet will be the 

 result. They should also be removed occasionally, 

 as the hoofs of colts grow very rapidly when protected 



