430 DRY LAND FARMING 



Growing horses. On the dry farm horses will al- 

 ways be necessary in order to do a large part of the 

 work. This statement does not mean that other kinds 

 of power, as steam and gasoline, may not be exten- 

 sively used, especially in breaking up the stubborn soils 

 of the prairie. The horse will always .be in evidence 

 not only on the dry farm, but on all farms. 



Usually from three to four horses are called for 

 when breaking up the stubborn soils of the prairie. 

 There would seem to be no good reasons why two at 

 least should not be brood mares. These may produce 

 foals while aiding in doing the work of the farm, pro- 

 viding they are carefully worked. As much work should 

 not be exacted of them as if they were not suckling 

 foals, but they will still do a large amount of work and 

 also rear foals if well fed. It will, furthermore, be a 

 decided advantage if such foals come in the autumn, 

 for then the dams can suckle them at that season of 

 the year when they are not worked, as they are in the 

 summer. Experience has shown that brood mares 

 worked in moderation will rear foals more surely and 

 in better form than those that are not worked at all. 

 The young horses, if of the draught types, may be made 

 to aid in the light work of the farm when from 2 to 3 

 years of age, and when they have reached the latter 

 age, they will sell readily for a good price. 



Horses reared in the dry country call for but little 

 shelter at any season of the year. When allowed liberty, 

 they can secure food where other classes of live stock 

 would not be able to do so, as when, for instance, the 

 ground is covered with snow. The habit of pawing to 

 remove the snow makes it possible for them to live and 

 flourish where other classes of live stock would not 

 survive under similar conditions. In the winter they 

 will utilize such foods as straw to better advantage 



