160 CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE STALLION. 



have the utmost confidence in you. Never play with a stallion 

 and allow him to become too familiar, as familiarity may breed 

 contempt and you may lose part of your influence over him. 



One great mistake by inexperienced persons, and by others 

 who should know better, is the endeavor to have the stallion in 

 fine show condition, which, of course, means fat, and are con- 

 stantly dosing them with mixtures. As a rule of nature, a 

 healthy horse or man needs no medicine. 



Let your stallion be well and regularly fed with healthy 

 and nutritious food, with plenty of daily exercise to keep his 

 muscles firm and hardy, and let him be well groomed so that 

 his coat may present a fine appearance. The skin should be 

 kept thoroughly clean by an occasional washing and frequent 

 rubbing and brushing. 



The mane and tail should also be kept clean. If very dirty 

 soap may be freely used in the cleaning process ; and when this 

 is faithfully attended to there will be but little danger of hav- 

 ing a fine tail or mane ruined by rubbing. 



His food should be clean and free from dust or mold, and 

 the stall should be kept clean, w r ell lighted, and perfectly 

 ventilated. 



Let the stallion have the greatest amount of outdoor life and 

 exercise consistent with good judgment. 



A stallion kept in a band-box may be beautiful to look 

 upon, his soft, silky coat may shine like velvet, but it should be 

 borne in mind that his value as a sire does not depend upon 

 looks alone, but power of transmission. 



There are far too many pampered stallions, and, as a result, 

 they are inferior stock horses and very uncertain foal getters. 

 Give the horse attention and good care, and, with that, plenty 

 of steady work, that he may be full of energy and prove his 

 worth in the stud. 



To the owner of a brood mare it means much whether a 

 stallion is in good condition or not. The promise of free return 

 next year does not make good the loss. 



There is no animal that does not enjoy its freedom, so, 



