CHAPTER XIII 

 CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF HORSES 



Stables. — The horse barn should be roomy, well lighted, 

 and ventilated, and should be kept free from chickens or 

 other animals that may introduce parasites to infest the 

 horse. The stable should be thoroughly cleaned at least 

 twice daily, morning and evening, and fresh bedding pro- 

 vided at the evening cleaning. 



Grooming. — Horses should be thoroughly groomed 

 every morning. In the spring of the year especial care 

 should be given to this work. During the winter they 

 grow heavy coats of hair. When put into the work har- 

 ness in spring their profuse sweating loosens the hair. 

 If this loose hair is not removed by currying, it will make 

 the horse both uncomfortable and unsightly. Their 

 shoulders and necks should be carefully watched. It is 

 a good practice to wash them after each day's work. For 

 harness galls, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of 

 cure. The best cure for sore shoulders and necks is rest 

 and removal of the cause. In the spring it is well to clip 

 the hair from the fetlocks, so that the animal's legs can 

 be more easily kept clean. 



Food Requirements of the Work Horse. — A work horse 

 more nearly resembles a machine than any other animal 

 kept On the farm. The hard-worked horse needs energy- 

 giving and tissue-building material in its feed to supply 



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