The Work Horse 271 



the farming operations. The horses should be loaded so 

 that they can work steadily throughout the day without 

 requiring long intervals for rest ; and they should not be 

 loaded lightly and driven fast, as either method lowers the 

 efficiency of the work produced. 



An item which is often overlooked in the care of draft 

 horses, especially under farming conditions, is the care of 

 feet. If horses are kept on the farm continually and not 

 used for road work, it is very seldom that they will require 

 shoes, but their feet will need attention which can be 

 given with a rasp and pair of nippers. There is no neces- 

 sity for horses' feet being grown out and broken off, when 

 a little attention will keep them in good condition. If 

 horses do road work, then it is necessary to have them shod, 

 and the shoes should be put on securely and changed or 

 reset every six weeks, or sooner, depending on the kind 

 of work. Injury to horses' feet is often caused by leaving 

 shoes on too long and thereby causing contraction. 



STABLES 



In the construction of stables for work horses, the 

 principal requisite should be that they are handy. One of 

 the most convenient arrangements is to have single stalls 

 facing toward the side of the barn with the feed alleys 

 in front of the horse. This will leave a large driveway 

 behind the horses foi' them to back out, and provide 

 hitching room. The harness stalls in this case could be 

 on the opposite side of the alley, which may be partially 

 devoted to box stalls, feed bins, carriage rooms, and the 

 like. 



Another essential point is comfort. For extreme com- 

 fort, the box stall is essential, but for work horses, under 



