PRATTS POINTERS ON THE HORSE 



MARE AND COI^T. 



to this food and it makes weaning easier. The mare 



should be brought to the 



colt three times a day till 



the colt is four weeks old, 



then twice a day will be 



sufficient. Of course, the 



night is spent together, 



either in a paddock or, if 



the weather is bad, in a 



well-bedded and large box 



stall. There must always 



be a supply of grain, fresh hay and clean water in the 



stall for the colt. The food of colts should be gradually 



increased. The more grain eaten by the colt, the better 



it is for the mare, and it facilitates weaning. 



When the time for weaning comes, separate the 

 mare and colt so that they cannot see or hear each 

 other ; and by kindness and gentleness the colt will soon 

 eat whatever is placed before it, and in a few days will 

 entirely forget its mother. Feed well ; the colt must 

 never be hungry. Clover hay, bran, oats, with a few 

 potatoes, apples and carrots now and then, will make 

 them grow rapidly. Feed to produce strong limbs, good 

 joints and a solid body. Do not feed too much hay, but 

 keep the colt round and shapely. The feet can be kept 



