WATER. 91 



most advantageous addendum to the equipment. If the hay is 

 given long or uncut, the bulk of it should be reserved for night 

 consumption. An important point in feeding is to apportion 

 the feeds in such a way that each will be consumed at the 

 time it is given ; as if any is left in the manger it becomes 

 stale or sour, and the horse does not care for it afterwards. 

 This is most frequently the case with chaff which has been 

 wetted in the manger a good practice, as it is easier masti- 

 cated, but it has the disadvantage of spoiling any food which 

 may be left, and also necessitates the frequent washing out 

 of the manger. 



WATER. 



Water is as essential to horses as food, and unless for 

 special reasons, they should never be stinted in it. Horses 

 prefer soft to hard water, and clean to dirty water ; whether 

 hard or soft, it should always be clean, if possible. The 

 quantity consumed will depend upon circumstances. Some 

 horses drink more than others ; in hot weather more is required 

 than in cold ; after severe exertion, a greater quantity is taken 

 than when the horse is allowed to remain quiet ; when feverish, 

 horses drink more than in health ; when deprived of water for 

 a long time, more is swallowed than would have been taken 

 had the horse been allowed to help himself voluntarily. 

 Horses, as a rule, drink less water when they can have easy 

 access to it, or when it is always before them, than when they 

 only receive it at certain, perhaps long, intervals. It is, there- 

 fore, the best plan to allow them to have water frequently, 

 even when performing fast work. If properly watered, a horse 

 will not drink any more than is necessary for him ; so that, as 

 to quantity, he is the best judge. There are circumstances 

 when, perhaps, it may be necessary to restrict an unlimited 

 supply of cold water, as when he is exhausted from fatigue, 

 after prolonged abstinence, or when very cold, or even 



