126 AGRICULTURE. 



FOOD OF HORSES. The horse has a small stomach, and 

 does heavy work, therefore we must remember that strong food 

 and pure water should be given in moderate quantities, and at 

 frequent intervals. The stomach when empty weighs from 

 three to four pounds, and it will hold three to three and a half 

 gallons. Horses are not built for coarse, bulky fodder. Nature 

 and experience prove that such food as good hay and oats are 

 well adapted to horses that have to work hard either in 

 driving or in drawing. Overfeeding of ourselves makes us 

 heavy and lazy, and causes indigestion. We should be careful 

 to give the horse just enough to eat for its needs, and no more. 



CARE OF HORSES. Grooming to a horse is the same as 

 washing to ourselves it keeps the pores of the skin clean and 

 gives a good appearance to the horse. Since it does all of its 

 work on its feet, the health of the feet and legs is of the greatest 

 importance ; therefore great care is taken in providing a proper 

 floor for the stable. We do not rest or sleep well in a foul 

 atmosphere ; the horse stable should be kept clean and neat. 

 We do not rest well on too hard a bed, neither does the horse. 

 We do not thrive well when exposed to cold winds or heavy 

 rains, neither does a horse. When we come in from hard 

 work and are in a perspiration, we do not sit or stand in a 

 draught ; the horse is just as likely to catch cold. 



What is meant by the height of a horse ? In what terms is it stated ? 



When a horse walks, in what order does it lift its feet ? Describe the 

 actions of the feet and legs in trotting, pacing, cantering, and in galloping. 



When a horse rises which feet are raised first ? Why does sitting on a 

 horse's head prevent its rising ? Would such action prevent a cow ? 



Is it natural for a horse to reach up and pull down its food, such as 

 dusty hay ? 



