THE FOAL 293 



other hand, if the mare has a full flow of milk and her 

 services are not needed, and if it is desired to push the 

 foal to his maximum growth, there is no reason for wean- 

 ing under six months of age. 



When dam and foal are separated, leave the foal in his 

 accustomed stall and take the dam out of sight and hear- 

 ing. This separation should be complete. If they are 

 permitted to see, hear or smell each other again all that 

 has been gained is lost, and it will be necessary to begin 

 over again. 



MANAGEMENT OF THE WEANLING 



Weanlings should have snug quarters during the first 

 winter. Feed them ground oats, barn and com meal, one- 

 third each by weight, to which a little oilmeal has been 

 added to keep them in good physical condition. Feed 

 only the best hay, clover or alfalfa preferred, ^nd always 

 avoid that which is dusty or moldy. Give them all they 

 will clean up and come back hungry fOr the next meal. 



Exercise and development. — The colt needs an abun- 

 dant opportunity for exercise in the fresh, pure air, un- 

 contaminated by stable odors, as this is essential to a 

 healthy development. It is not sufficient that he be led 

 out at stated intervals for exercise. He needs the op- 

 portunity to romp and play, that he may extend his 

 muscles to their utmost capacity, expand his lungs to 

 their very depths, and send the blood coursing through his 

 veins with much vigor. This is essential to a healthy, 

 robust development of heart and lungs, bone and muscle, 

 and nowhere can it be obtained in so great perfection as 

 in the freedom of a lot or field. 



The colt that is confined to a stall grows up a stiff, 

 clumsy animal, deficient in stamina and vigor. And this 

 for the want of that which is so free — fresh air and exer- 

 cise. 



Care of the colt's feet. — ^The feet of a growing colt re- 

 quire constant attention, otherwise they will not always 



