CHAPTER XXXVI 

 CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HORSE 



The efficiency of the work horse depends largely upon 

 his general care and management. This fact is often 

 overlooked and in an attempt to make up for the de- 

 ficiency the horse is given too much food, which usually 

 shortens his career. The successful horseman must be 

 a man of industrious habits. His work is, in a sense, 

 never done owing to the ever-present necessity of furnish- 

 ing the horse substance and protection. In some lines of 

 work the neglect of one day may largely be made up the 

 next, but in caring for the horse this is not possible. 

 Injury resulting from neglect is always attended with 

 loss and cannot be atoned for even by extra care sub- 

 sequently. The caretaker must be devoted to his work. 

 If he does not take to it kindly he does it in a perfunctory 

 manner. Food is given by rule, regardless of the in- 

 dividual needs of the animal. Such a person is likely to 

 be impatient, and perhaps positively cruel. On the other 

 hand, the person who loves his work has a more careful 

 regard for the individual needs of the animals intrusted 

 to his care. If anyone is to wait for a meal beyond the 

 usual time it will be himself rather than his horse. 



Gentleness in handling the horse. — The horse is a very 

 sensitive animal. We should handle him quietly and 

 gently at all times. Striking or shouting commands at 

 a horse is an inconsiderate practice. It not. only causes 

 the animal to lose confidence in his master, which ren- 

 ders him less teachable, but it destroys nervous energy, 

 thereby making the horse a less economical producer 

 than if he was protected at all times from such nervous 

 shocks. Possibly it is a reflection upon our humanity, 

 but the statement is made that here in America more 



