THE HORSE, HOW TO SHELTER. Hi 



IX. Feeding Grain. 



The most economical way of feeding grain on the farm is in its wholo 

 state. Oats and corn should be shaken in a sieve with a mesh so small 

 that it will not go through, all dust and light matter blown away, and all 

 stones, bits of iron or wire, carefully picked out. It will pay the farm- 

 er to do this as well as any other stable man. In feeding corn allow 

 one-half the measure ©f shelled corn that would be deemed sufficient of 

 oats, since corn weighs about double that of oats. If corn in the ear 

 is fed, one-third more by measure heaped should be allowed than when 

 shelled grain is used. In other words the stable must use seventy pounds 

 of ear corn when fifty-six of shelled corn would be given, or 112 pounds 

 of oats. 



Some horses eat their grain better for being moistened. If so, moisten 

 it, but as a rule we like to feed whole grain dry, since the horse is obliged 

 to grind it better to get it in condition for swallowing. Horses with bad 

 teeth always bolt their food whole. All such horses, and also aged ones, 

 should be fed cut hay and ground feed. 



X. Stable Care and Training. 



The importance of steadiness and care in the management of the stable 

 and in the cleaning of horses cannot be over-estimated. A brutal stable- 

 man, or one which a horse fears, should be immediately discharged. 

 There is indeed now and then a horse that requires to be kept in terror. 

 These of course are exceptions. The competent stable-man should use 

 neither fear nor brutality. Not half the so-called strappers (cleaners) 

 are fit to be about a horse. 



Many stable-men imagine the curry comb is an instniment for cleaning 

 the legs and body of the horse. It is an instrument for cleaning the 



brush and for loosening the scurf on the fleshy — not bony parts of 



the body. In using the curry comb, do so lightly, carrying it in circlea 

 rather than in straight lines. Use a wisp of hay for rubbing the dust 

 from the legs, and a corn cob for the fetlocks, finishing with the brush. 

 In brushing, do so thoroughly, with firm, long strokes, where possible, 

 being careful in working about the head and bony parts. Clean the 

 brush often by passing it over the teeth of the curry comb. When the 

 scurf and dust are thoroughly cleaned out, go over the horse with a damp 

 wisp of hay, and finish with dry cloths, being particular to get any 

 particles of dirt out of the fetlocks, the ears, about the head, next the 

 tail, below the thighs, under the jaws, and between the fore-legs. A horae 



