THE BREEDING OF HORSES 



193 



do fairly well in open sheds and lots, if too many are not turned 

 together and there are no quarrelsome ones in the lot. For draft 

 mares that are worked regularly, the paddock would be superflu- 

 ous, but they should be allowed loose boxes in which they can lie 

 more comfortably as pregnancy advances. 



Maternity stalls may be kept purposely for foaling, but as 

 mares are more finicky than other females at parturition time 

 there is some advantage, so far as their peace of mind is con- 

 cerned, in keeping them regTilarly in the quarters that they are to 

 be permitted to foal in, alongside of their accustomed mates. 



Pastures. — The greatest horse breeding districts are char- 

 acterized by luxuriant pastures, a most important feature of any 



Fig. 121. — A breeding stud. In the work ring are two Hacliney stallions in the fore- 

 ground, two Hackney pony stallions to the left, two show pony mares, the_ product of the 

 stud, on the right; show horses, brood mares and foals, weaning colts and fillies in the back- 

 ground. The stallion stable is on the right, the quarters for marea and colts on the left. 



breeding farm. Size and early maturity are sought in all but the 

 ponies, and since the body is 6 to 9 per cent bone, and bone is 60 to 

 70 per cent ash, and 80 per cent of the ash is calcium phosphate, a 

 limestone foundation is a pasture essential. The seeding should 

 include such variety of grasses and legumes as to keep the forage 

 coming all through the season. Pastures should be well drained, 

 not too rough or stony ; all dangerous places, such as quarry holes, 

 pits, bogs, and stump lots, should be well guarded. Shade, run- 

 ning water, and possibly a fly flap complete the pasture requisites. 

 Fences should be at least four and one-half feet high, strong, 

 and of material and construction affording no opportunity for 

 the horses to be snagged or cut. The post and rail, common in the 

 East and South, is perhaps the most satisfactory horse fence. If 



