THE FEEDING OF HOBSES 61 



the larger stables in the city the mid-day meal is omitted. But 

 most horsemen hold that some grain should be given at noon, 

 which seems reasonable from 

 our knowledge of the horse's 

 stomach. In any case, the mid- 

 day ration should not be large. 



The heavy feeding should come 

 at night, after the day's work is 

 over and when the animal has 

 ample time to masticate and di- 

 gest his food. A very good 

 practice is as follows : For the 



morning ration, feed one-fourth ^'''- ''-^^''^T^Z^^Z^t^. '^^^^ 

 of the daily allowance at least 



one hour before going to work. It should be in condition to be 

 easily and rapidly consumed, so as to be well out of the way when 

 the animal is led from the stable. After being watered, he is 

 ready for the morning's task. If the work is exhaustive and 

 exacting, he should be fed after five hours of labor. When he 

 comes to the stable at mid-day, he should have a drink of fresh, 

 cool water, taking care that he does not drink too rapidly or 

 gorge himself if very warm. At this time give him another 

 quarter of his daily allowance. No greater service can be ren- 

 dered the horse at this time than to remove the harness so that 

 he can eat his meal in quiet and comfort and gain a few minutes 

 of much-needed rest. If possible, he should have one hour to con- 

 sume his meal. He should be watered again before going to 

 work. He is now ready for the second half of his day's labor. 

 When the horse comes to the stable in the evening, tired and 

 warm, he should, first of all, be allowed a fresh, cool drink, care 

 being taken as before that he does not drink too rapidly. He is 

 now ready for the remainder of his day's allowance. Unharness 

 at once, and when the sweat has dried, give him a thorough 

 brushing. If for some reason the horse is forced to stand idle 



