CHAPTER VI. 



ON WATER. 



Soft, fresh, wholesome, pure, rain, river, or pond 

 water, is, of course, the most proper for horses ; but 

 the last mentioned being a stagnant water, should not 

 be used, unless it be on a clear, clay, or chalk bottom. 

 On such surfaces it is not likely to ferment from the 

 heat of the weather. Pond-water, when thus tainted, 

 should not be given to any animal. 



All that may be necessary for me to mention, for 

 the information of grooms, in regard to the properties 

 of water beyond that of quenching the thirst of horses 

 is, that it cools the habit, dilutes the blood and fluids 

 of the body, promotes the natural secretions, and as- 

 sists digestion. 



Water is never to be given to craving horses in 

 training, immediately before their food, nor immediately 

 after. Horses of a delicate constitution, which feed 

 very sparingly, may be allowed to drink almost at any 

 time they like. Craving horses eat a great quantity 



