THE BREEDING OF HORSES 207 



the dam, and the simplicity of the weaning process itself depends 

 upon the thoroughness of the preparation. 



If the proper provision is made for the foal to take more and 

 more gTain as he grows older, he will gradually reduce the 

 amount of milk taken from his dam, so that when the time for 

 weaning arrives very little if any setback or disturbance is caused 

 either foal or dam. If, however, the foal must learn to eat after 

 being deprived of his ordinary source of sustenance, he will 

 require some time to accommodate himself to the new regime, 

 while the mare will demand especial care on account of the 

 removal of the colt before her milk supply has been to any ex- 

 tent diminished. Furthermore, a little foal acquires a spirit 

 of independence as he becomes self-sustaining, and for that 

 reason the absence of the dam becomes a less disturbing factor 

 to him, especially if he has the company of another foal, than 

 to the young thing which has been entirely dependent upon its 

 dam until she is suddenly taken away. When once the dam and 

 foal are separated it is better for both if the separation is com- 

 plete ; if, after both have become reconciled to the parting, they 

 are permitted to see, hear, or smell each other again, all that has 

 been gained up to this time is lost, and it will be necessary to 

 begin over. Especial care should be taken to see that the new 

 quarters, where the weanlings are confined, are so constructed 

 and arranged as to make it impossible for them to injure them- 

 selves, in case they make a demonstration of their resentment at 

 being so treated. 



Care of the Colt's Feet. — The relation between the direction 

 of the colt's legs and the form of his feet is so close as to make 

 the cxire of the latter a most important means of enhancing his 

 usefulness in later years. In the» first place, the natural attitude 

 of the leg determines, in large part, the form of the foot. 

 But, on the other hand, the natural attitude of the leg may 

 become altered to conform to an unnatural condition of the foot 

 resulting from neglect. Therefore, if the natural attitude of the 

 leg is correct, the natural form of the foot should be guarded 

 in order to preserve the correct position of the leg. It is even 



