316 Western Live-stock Management 



The amount of grain that the stallion requires will be from 

 one to one-and-one-fourth pounds a 100 pounds of live 

 weight, with about a similar amount of hay. In order to 

 keep the stallion doing well, he will need to have con- 

 siderable work of one kind or another, as it is impossible 

 to feed the horse tieavily and keep him in good condition 

 without exercise. 



CARE IN THE BREEDING SEASON 



In the breeding season, many of the stallions are 

 peddled ; that is, taken from one barn to another where 

 the mares are to be bred. In a circuit of ten miles or 

 thereabouts the horse will receive plenty of exercise in 

 this way. Some breeders lead their horses with a saddle 

 pony, while others drive them to a cart, or in some in- 

 stances ride them. The saddle pony is the more con- 

 venient and saves much hitching and unhitching, but of 

 course it means the maintenance of an extra horse. When 

 the stallion is kept at home during the breeding season and 

 the mares brought to him, the question of exercise is more 

 serious. It will be necessary to give the horse at least a 

 five-mile walk each day, either hitched to a cart or led 

 with a saddle horse. This is a disagreeable task, but 

 must be done if the horse is to be a sure foal-getter. If at 

 any time he shows signs of being slow in serving or un- 

 certain, he should be given still more exercise. Some 

 horses have to be worked hard before they are sure breed- 

 ers. One should not use drugs or dope of any sort. The 

 horse should be given plenty of good feed and exercise 

 and kept clean. If then he becomes sick, a veterinarian 

 must be called. One should not try to treat a good 

 stallion oneself, as he is too valuable an animal. 



