130 THE HOHSE 



peck measures, or ten pounds of oats (each quarter- 

 peck measure weighing two and a half pounds 

 if the oats are of good quality and forty pounds 

 to the bushel) per diem, should be ample for a 

 sixteen-hand carriage horse doing daily work. 

 When doing little work, one measure less is suffi- 

 cient. 



The demeanor of the individual is the best indi- 

 cation of the quantity of oats which suits him, as 

 horses undoubtedly vary in the amount which 

 they require and which is good for them. Unduly 

 exuberant spirits, and a playfulness which borders 

 on the dangerous, is generally an indication that 

 the work is inadequate for the food, and a better 

 adjustment, by the reduction of the latter by a 

 " feed," will usually result in a rational sobriety. 



Some horses are unable to " stand " corn at all, 

 and do not thrive as well if it is included in their 

 menu. Such animals are usually what we might 

 call the less refined members of the race — the 

 older, less improved varieties. The more thorough- 

 bred blood a horse possesses, the more corn will 

 he be capable of assimilating, and the less well 

 will he do without it as a rule. As thoroughbreds 

 are practically raised on oats, theu' digestion has 

 presumably adapted itself to this food. Ponies, 



