24 A COUNTRY READER. 



they drink ; therefore, let it be pure and whole- 

 some, and see that the bucket in which you carry 

 it is quite clean. Soft water is the best. It is 

 more easily digested, and not so likely to chill a 

 horse. It has been found that if water is always 

 left in the stable, where the horse can drink it 

 when he likes, that he will drink less, blow him- 

 self out less, than when it is only given him 

 occasionally at stated times from a bucket. 



When you are driving a horse on a journey, 

 and you come to a drinking fountain, let him 

 have a few mouthfuls ; it will refresh him 

 greatly, especially on a hot day. 



Experience has now taught us, that it is best 

 to give a horse a little water before he feeds, and 

 never wait until some time after he has finished 

 his feed. In the summer some good green grass 

 or clover should be given ; this cools the blood 

 and affords a change of diet. A carrot or turnip 

 sliced up and mixed with the " feed " is very 

 refreshing to a horse. Most horses are very 

 fond of sugar, and, when they are fond of it, 

 give them a few lumps each morning from the 

 palm of your hand ; then, as the delicate, sensitive 

 lips take the sugar, speak to your horse and he 

 will soon get to know your voice, and thus you 

 may train him to obey your will. 



Wherever possible, give your horse a few 

 weeks' run in the fields every year. This will 



