108 CARE AND TRAINING OF TROTTERS. 



edge, of the upper molars and the inner edge of 

 the lower molars in time becoming long and sharp 

 and interfere with proper mastication. This neces- 

 sitates having tlie teeth "floated" (filed down) 

 once a vear after the horse is seven or eight years 

 o'f ag'e'.' 



The first step, therefore, in seeking to cure the 

 chronic indigestion alluded to is to have the teeth 

 put in good order by a veterinary dentist. To go 

 back a little, it should be meritioned that as a rule 

 in practice we find most of these cases in barns 

 that are close from poor ventilation, dirty from 

 kck of cleaning and danjp from improper drain- 

 age of tbe building site or from inadequate meas- 

 ures adopted for removal or absorption of liquid 

 excreta. We also find the same condition existing 

 where horses are given very hard water to drink, 

 where sewage impregnates the drinking water, 

 and where drinking water is habitually given after 

 instead of before feeding. 



How to Feed and Water. 



In the- feeding of horses suffering from chronic 

 Indigestion, it should be remembered that the 

 horse digests oats in the stomach and takes care 

 of wdter and hay in the large intestines. For this 

 reason the feeding and watering should be con- 

 ducted upon the following theoretical plan: Water 

 first, then hay, then oats. Mastication of the food 

 is absolutely necessary in horses that are to do 

 well and escape indigestion of any kind. Where 



