THE BREEDING OF HORSES 121 



Do not be afraid of feeding too liberally. Many colts are per- 

 manently injured the first six months after weaning by too 

 scanty supply of food. 



BREEDING JACKS, JENNETS, AND MULES 



Because of the increasing importance of the mule, it seems 

 desirable to point out some of the peculiarities connected with 

 its breeding. In general, the same suggestions apply to horses, 

 jacks, jennets, and mules, yet there are a few characteristic 

 differences. 



Jacks and jennets. — In selecting breeding stock, choose those 

 with long, thin, bony head and long, well-tapering ears, sitting 

 gracefully on the head, and with large, flat, clean Hmbs, big feet 

 deeply cupped. As to color, it should be a good black with dis- 

 tinctly light points. Breadth in hips and pelvis is very essential, 

 particularly in jennet. Many jennets are so deficient or narrowin 

 the pelvis that they have great difficulty in giving birth to their 

 offspring. In size they should be large and well proportioned. 

 The action should be snappy and straight away. Perhaps the 

 most important characters are color, size, action, and boniness. 



The jennet carries her foal somewhat longer than the mare, 

 perhaps well up to twelve months. At foaling time the jennet 

 must be closely watched. This is essential. When the colt is 

 born, it sometimes has the membrane over its head and nostrils; 

 if this is not torn and removed, it will smother the young foal. 

 Usually, the navel cord is tough and does not give way or 

 break. If it is pulsating after the colt is born, it should be tied 

 with a silk or flax thread and then cut three or four inches from 

 the navel. Never cut the navel before tieing. Jack colts are 

 liable to have trouble with the navel; hence the importance of 

 being on hand when the colt is foaled. Again, foaling jennets are 

 often troubled with sore, tender, and inflamed udders, due to 

 the large amount of milk they contain. When such is the case, 

 they will not allow the colt to suck, but kick and bite it, and 



