THE FEEDING OF HORSES 24.3 



all times. The idea, more prevalent than one would believe, 

 that a horse should be stinted in his water supply is incompre- 

 hensible. If the horse has much liberty in this matter he will 

 rarely drink to his own detriment. 



Watering when Warm. — It is dangerous to allow a fill of 

 water when tlie horse is very warm, but better then than never, 

 as is liable to be the case in many poorly managed stables. A 

 moderate drink will refresh and benefit any horse at any time. 



Public Watering Troughs. — Indiscriminate patronage of 

 public watering troughs in cities is fraught with the danger of 

 glanders infection. A bucket, which could be filled direct from 

 the inflow, and the horses watered from it, might well be made a 

 part of the equipment of each work horse outfit. 



"Time to Water. — Theoretically, watering should precede 

 feeding, in order not tO' flush on into the intestines the incom- 

 pletely digested feed contained in the stomach, at the time the 

 drink is taken. In practice, however, it is found that many 

 horses will refuse to drink before eating, especially in the morn- 

 ing, and will seek a drink soon after feeding, if allowed any free- 

 dom in the matter. It is best not to follow feeding immediately 

 by a drink. 



A horse's drinking periods should be so arranged that he will 

 not go to work immediately after a full drink. The common 

 practice of allowing horses to drink their fill upon coming into 

 the stable from work and again when going out is most conven- 

 ient, but is not safe, although often followed with impunity. 



The one time at which a horse requires and appreciates a 

 drink most, yet is offered it least frequently, is the last thing 

 at night, after having consumed his full allowance of roughage 

 and being ready to lie down to sleep. Every horse, having worked 

 through the day, should be allowed an opportunity to drink at 

 this time. 



SALT 



Salt is required in small quantities, frequently, and regu- 

 larly. The irregular allowance of too much salt with its con- 

 sequent drinking of an excess of water does not meet the require- 

 ments in this respect. If given frequently or provided for the 



