234 CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF HORSES 



Working the Brood Mare. — If the brood mare is needed 

 as a work horse, she should be given some light work. 

 Such service as fast driving on the road or plowing in a 

 four-horse team should not be expected from her. The 

 brood mare should at all times be handled quietly, care- 

 fully, and kindly. 



Feeds for the Young Foal. — Grain should be supplied 

 in a separate box to the young foal as soon as it has learned 

 to eat grain from its mother's feed box. Oats is the best 

 grain for the young colt, and this should be fed in small 

 amounts at first. A safe rule to follow in supplying grain 

 to the foal is to allow from 2 to 3 pounds of grain daily 

 up to the age of one year ; 4 to 5 pounds daily between 

 the ages of one and two years ; and 7 to 8 pounds of grain 

 daily between the age of two and three years. The same 

 amount of roughage may be allowed the young horse, 

 though these allowances are subject to wide variation. 



The young horse should be liberally fed so as to acquire 

 one half its mature weight at the age of twelve months. 

 Only during the growing period can the animal be properly 

 developed, so that it may later attain its greatest possible 

 size. At this time feeds rich in protein and mineral matter 

 should be given to develop muscles and bones. After 

 being weaned the foal should be fed liberally on such feeds 

 as oats, bran, and Hnseed oil meal. Cut alfalfa hay, cow- 

 peas, soy beans, and skim milk may also be introduced 

 into the ration at this time to good advantage. 



Orphan Foals. — Orphan foals are often reared upon 

 modified cow's milk. Cow's milk is higher in fat and 

 lower in sugar and mineral matter than mare's milk, and 

 when fed to the young foal hmewater and sugar should 

 be added. At all times the milk should be fed warm, and 



