168 CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF BROOD MARES. 



turned loose in a large box-stall or, in mild weather, in a pad- 

 dock or lot. Everything should be removed from the stable 

 that would in any way be likely to hinder the colt from get- 

 ting on his feet. 



A few hours before foaling milk will generally be discov- 

 ered oozing from the teats or the plugs in the orifice of the teats 

 will be pressed down so as to be plainly seen. When this is 

 observed the foal will make its appearance within twenty-four 

 hours, and someone should be at hand and keep close watch of 

 the mare until it is dropped. 



Some mares may raise colts for years, running at will with 

 no one near at foaling time, but this is not good management, 

 for it sometimes happens that the mare needs assistance in the 

 delivery of the foal, and sometimes the foal has not sufficient 

 strength to break the blanket in which it is enveloped, in which 

 case, unless someone is ready to render assistance the young 

 animal will speedily smother to death. Again it happens some- 

 times- that mares, especially with their first foals, will not own 

 their offspring, but will rush upon them violently and either 

 stamp or kick them to death if someone is not near to divert 

 their attention. 



After removing the blanket the newly-dropped foal should 

 be rubbed dry gently with soft, woolen cloths, or clean, fresh 

 straw. If strong and healthy the new-comer will soon make 

 an attempt to get on his feet. A little assistance from an at- 

 tendant will save the foal many a bump and possibly its life. 

 When the colt begins to manifest symptoms of hunger the 

 man in charge, who, by the way, should be one with whom the 

 mare is acquainted, should assist the youngster in taking his 

 first meal. It is often a difficult task and will require great 

 patience on the part of the groom to get the teat into the 

 mouth of the foal, but when that is accomplished and the 

 youngster gets his first swallow of milk the worst of the job 

 is over. 



If the dam is of a nervous temperament she will sometimes 

 object to being touched by the foal ; if she is inclined to be 



