PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 40 



time for conception. A mare will breed every year ; and 

 the best results are derived by frequent breeding. After 

 a mare is fifteen years old, her foal is apt to be weak, 

 unless bred with a young stallion. 



Working mares are more liable to be good breeders 

 than ones that are kept in idleness. It is always surer 

 to have mares bred at home. If the mare is taken to 

 the stallion, it is best if she is driven there before the 

 time of heat, and not driven home immediately after 

 being served. If a mare refuses a horse, the prevailing 

 way is to turn them loose in a pasture together, and in a 

 short time the desired result is obtained. A mare carries 

 her foal from eleven to fourteen months. An important 

 rule to observe is, never to take a tired mare to the horse. 

 In the morning, when both have full vigor after the 

 night's rest, is the best time. 



TREATMENT 



OP 

 MARE IN POAL 



A mare with foal must not be chased, 

 frightened, exposed to weather, overfed, 

 overworked, allowed to smell blood, or 

 excited, or she is liable to ''slip*' her foal. If she does 

 this once, extra precaution must be taken or she will do 

 it again. A brood mare accustomed to work will be 

 benefited if kept at work until a short time before 



