160 THE PEACTICAL HORSE KEEPER. 



further inducement. It has been the practice to sprinkle a 

 little flour over the back of the foal in such cases, in order to 

 tempt the mare to begin licking it. 



In cases where the foal appears to be born dead, and does 

 not breathe, it may be yet living, but will promptly perish 

 unless respiration is at once established. The mouth should be 

 opened and sponged out with cold water, the nostrils and face also 

 sponged and blown upon, the body being in the meantime well 

 rubbed, and nicked smartly on the sides of the chest with a 

 cloth sometimes dashing cold water on the chest will cause 

 inspiration, and set the function of breathing into play. In 

 these cases, when the foal survives, as well as when the mare 

 will not allow it to come near her, the young creature should 

 be made comfortable by drying its body with a soft cloth and 

 rubbing its ears and legs. 



Though the mare and foal will thrive under cover, or in a 

 box or stable, for two or three weeks, yet exercise is necessary 

 for both, and in eight or ten days after foaling it should be 

 allowed regularly. This is best secured by turning them both 

 out to pasture if the weather be fine, in the daytime, and if 

 the weather be warm and dry they may even remain out during 

 the night ; but the mare should, in the latter circumstance, 

 receive hay and whatever food may be necessary, and especially 

 if she has not much milk for her offspring. 



If the mare is in good milking condition and strong, and if 

 the pasturage is good, little, if any, additional food than this 

 supplies will be required after a short time. Some mares have 

 an excessive secretion of rich milk, either from their natural 

 development or from the highly-nutritious character of their 

 food, and if the foals are allowed to indulge too freely in it 

 at first, they are liable to suffer from indigestion or some 

 other serious disorder. To avoid this, only a portion of 

 the milk should be allowed the foal, a quantity of it being 

 withdrawn from the udder several times a day, for a few 



