l8o LIGHT HOR.SES I BREEDS AND MANAGEMENT. 



"The former leads to imperfect mastication and over- 

 distension of the stomach when food is offered, with con- 

 sequent indigestion ; and the latter has a like result. When 

 a long fast is unavoidable, then a quantity of warm gruel or a 

 little mash should be given, to be followed by the ordinary 

 feed shortly afterwards. 



" 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. 



" Care is necessary in allowing water to horses. It should 

 never be given soon after feeding, but always before it, and 

 especially if the food is grain. If the horse is very thirsty, 

 the thirst may be assuaged and the feed given a short time 

 afterwards ; if any more water is needed it ought not to be 

 offered within two or three hours after feeding. When horses 

 can always have access to water, they drink less, and so run 

 less risk of indigestion and colic than when it is only offered 

 at wide intervals. It is, therefore, the best plan to allow them 

 to have water, like their food, frequently ; if properly watered, 

 they will not drink any more than is necessary for them. 

 While undergoing severe exertion, they should receive very 

 little. There are circumstances when it may be necessary to 

 restrict an unlimited supply of cold water, as when a horse is 

 exhausted from fatigue, has undergone prolonged abstinence, 

 or when very cold, or even excessively hot. In such cases, a 

 small quantity only should be allowed until the body is in a 

 fit state to receive more ; though a larger quantity may be 

 given if it is tepid, or in the form of gruel. 



" It should be unnecessary to add that water given to 

 horses ought to be clean and fresh." 



THE CARE OF YOUNG FOALS. 



The following observations on the rearing of young foals are 

 offered for the consideration of persons who, engaged in horse 

 breeding, may yet not have acquired that practical experience 

 of its risks and requirements which is essential to guard them 



