us THE HORSE 



The lowest estimate of cost of keep of a small 

 pony which consumes, say, about ten pounds of 

 hay daily would be, roughly, seventy-five cents 

 per week, and straw fifteen cents in addition, giv- 

 ing an annual total of 845.00 in round figures. 



As the foregoing table proves, oats are the ex- 

 pensive item in the horse's menu, the daily reduc- 

 tion of every two and a half pounds (or quarter-peck 

 measui-e) will mean an annual saving of $15.00 

 on the total bill. 



To this sum has to be added the shoeing bill. 

 Two and a half dollars is the usual price charged 

 by good reliable blacksmiths and shoes should be 

 renewed at least every month, making an annual 

 cost of $30.00. Sometimes the shoes will not be 

 worn out in a month and will only requu^e remov- 

 ing, in which case there will be a saving in the 

 shoe bill. The horse-owner must also allow an 

 annual sum for replacing worn-out accessories, 

 buying harness paste, mending harness, etc. Such 

 incidental expenses as veterinar}^ bills we do not 

 take into consideration, because if the horse is fed 

 on the best of food, is sensibly treated, and is care- 

 fully chosen in the first instance, it should remain 

 healthy and sound for a great number of years. 

 The total estimate for entu'e keep of one horse on 



