262 The Horse Industry in New York State 



be rendered in such a condition by high feeding during a period 

 of idleness as to predispose an attack, yet exercise is absolutely 

 necessary to its development. Therefore on Sundays, holidays, 

 and in stormy weather, when the horse does not receive exercise, 

 it is important that we decrease the amount of grain, giving, 

 perhaps, only half the usual allowance. A laxative diet, as a 

 bran mash, on every Saturday night, or a small dose of physic 

 during a period of rest is beneficial. 



Since horses appear to be more subject to azaturea in the spring 

 of the year, when farmers begin to increase their grain rations and 

 get them into condition for the spring's work, a half to a table- 

 spoonful of saltpetre in a bran mash every Saturday night for 

 several weeks assists greatly in warding off an attack. 



The driver can prevent the great majority of. cases by making 

 the horse walk the first half mile, and even if the work is severe, 

 let him rest frequently during the first twenty minutes; or, 

 better still, lead him a few minutes by the halter before putting 

 him to severe exercise. Starting the horse in easy when he 

 commences his day's work and letting him warm up slowly is 

 advisable at all times, but it is very important if he has been 

 standing for several days. 



