" EXERCISE AND LIBERAL FEEDING 79 



A cooling, laxative ration before foaling is of much value. Pasture 

 grass or carrots, bran mashes, or dry bran, and oil meal being 

 among the best laxative fodders. 



AFTER FOALING the mare should have a vacation, pref- 

 erably in pasture ; but she must be liberally fed to secure the most 

 rapid growth of the foal. Growth counts, and at no period can 

 it be more certainly or cheaply secured than during the first months 

 of life. 



WEANING takes places at five or six months, or much earlier 

 if the mare's work is needed. It is better for the working mare to 

 be relieved of the drain of milk secretion and better for the foal. 

 Very good results may be obtained by weaning the youngsters at 

 two months. Weaning should be sharp and decisive and not pro- 

 tracted, to give the least set back. After weaning the colt's feed 

 should be ample and varied. Plenty of grass or good hay, crushed 

 oats, bran, and sweet skimmed milk are all good feeds and may be 

 suited to the appetite of the youngster. The main point is to keep 

 the foal growing rapidly and make him as large as possible. He 

 will be more useful and bring more money if of large size than if 

 stunted and small. 



TRAINING or BREAKING to the halter begins soon after 

 foaling ; harness lessons at about two years old. In training colts, 

 the teacher must at all times command their confidence. Teach 

 one thing at a time. Always use the same word or signal for the 

 same movement. Drill each action until promptly and cleanly 

 executed. Avoid confusing the colt with too many things at once. 

 A few lessons well taught are better than many half taught. Do 

 not make the first lessons too long. Colts learn faster when fresh 

 than when tired. Tiring out a colt to make him manageable is a 

 poor method. It is apt to spoil the temper and make him balky 

 or sullen. Colts recuperate rapidly and may take two or three 



" We are located on the Gulf Cattle Range. The cow men all want 

 Bickmore 's Gall Cure for saddle galls. 



F. M. Duhe, Alvin, Texas. " 



