308 THE HORSE 



In America, food is so abundant and varied that the 

 horseman has opportunity of wide choice. Hay, bright 

 straw, corn-stalks and even silage serve well for rough- 

 age. Usually all of these fodders have a wide nutri- 

 tive ratio and therefore require that the grain ration 

 be narrow. The reader will have no difficulty in com- 

 pounding a suitable ration after studying Appendix III. 

 (See Chapter XVII for feeding driving-horses and those 

 employed at other light, quick work.) Farm-horses 

 when at moderate work, and especially mares with foal 

 at foot, may wholly or in part be soiled fed in the 

 stables on green food especially if their grain ration 

 be abundant and well seasoned. Grass, clover oats and 

 peas are good for summer soiling. See "Soiling," by 

 F. S. Peer. 



WATERING 



In ivarm weather, horses which are working hard 

 enjoy a sip of water before partaking of their morning 

 meal, and even in cool weather some horses relish a 

 drink before breakfast. All horses can be trained to 

 this habit, and it is probable that such habit promotes 

 healthfulness, since, if watered before they are fed, 

 they are not likely to drink much after their morning 

 meal. Large quantities of 'cold water taken into the 

 stomach immediately after a meal tend to arrest diges- 

 tion. It may also cause serious irritation of the intes- 

 tines by washing undigested food into the alimentary 

 canal. If provision could be made on the farm without 

 too great expense for watering horses when at work, in 

 warm weather, in the middle of the fore- and afternoon, 



