MANAGEMENT OF LIGHT HORSES. l8l 



from unnecessary trouble and loss. For upon the care be- 

 stowed on foals during the early months of their existence, 

 will almost entirely depend their immunity from disease, and 

 their subsequent vigorous growth and perfect development. 

 To those who have had ample experience, directed by intelli- 

 gent observation, the information I venture to give may be 

 altogether superfluous, though I have more than once been 

 consulted by such persons on some of the subjects to which I 

 am about to briefly refer. 



It is acknowledged by those who have had much to do with 

 foal rearing that very much of its success depends upon the 

 manner in which the mares are treated during pregnancy, and 

 immediately before and after parturition. The food and the 

 exercise they receive, or the work they may have to perform, 

 are important factors in the business, as idleness and obesity 

 are not conducive to the production of vigorous healthy foals, 

 any more than is overwork, bad or insufficient food, or any 

 other debilitating cause. If mares must be worked during 

 pregnancy and judicious labour is undoubtedly beneficial 

 then they must be liberally fed, in order that not only their 

 own system may be maintained in good condition, but that of 

 the foetus may receive a due amount of nutriment. Grass 

 alone will not suffice, and a certain allowance of oats is 

 necessary, with hay in addition. Oats are the best grain for 

 in-foal mares which require this addition to their food, and 

 they should, if possible, be crushed. Maize is not to be 

 recommended, as it is stated that when this grain constitutes 

 a principal part of the ration, the foals always show weakness 

 of joints and muscles. Even when mares are running out at 

 grass it may be advisable to allow some hay, and even oats 

 under certain conditions of weather or states of health. To 

 have thriving progeny the mares themselves should be strong 

 and lively during pregnancy and after parturition. 



It is also recognised that the period when mares are to foal, 

 and the management calculated to regulate that event, 

 demand considerable attention. The best months for foaling 



