STABLE MANAGEMENT 223 



meals. The desired point is that the manger should be quickly 

 cleared out, and it should be an inflexible rule that during 

 the daytime any corn left, after a reasonable time for con- 

 suming it has passed, should be removed, for nothing is 

 more prejudicial to a delicate appetite than the presence 

 of undesired food constantly staring it in the face. There 

 are some horses, however, who eat but sparingly during the 

 daytime, but make up for it in the night, if given the chance. 

 Such animals may be so far humoured as to have an extra 

 quantity of corn given to them at the evening feed, and 

 if this is all eaten up by the morning it is a guide to follow 

 in their particular case. 



When three feeds of oats are the rule the daily routine in 

 a hunting stable is as follows, with, maybe, slight variations 

 to suit different conditions in individual stables : — 



Daily Routine for Horses going out early to Exercise. 



A sup of water the first thing, but only a few mouthfuls. 

 6 a.m. A feed of oats. 



Whilst the horses are consuming this the men do various odd jobs 

 about the stables and get their breakfast. 



Exercise, but not before an hour has elapsed after the feed of corn. 



Water the horses immediately on their return ; and then 



Dress them over. Immediately this is finished give them 



Hay. 



12 noon. Feed of corn. 



5.30 p.m. Evening stables. 



Water. 



Feed of corn. 



Hay. 



If it is more convenient to exercise the horses late in the 

 day they receive their full amount of water at 6 a.m., and 

 then the feed of corn and their hay. At 11.30 a.m. the 

 second feed of corn is given them, and at evening stable- 

 time they get water, corn, and hay the same as the others. 



On hunting mornings those going to take part in the day's 

 proceedings should only be given the early sup of water, and, 

 of course, no hay until their return in the evening. If they 

 finish up quickly the early feed of corn, a small quantity 

 more may be offered them at 8 o'clock. 



