d
consequent wearing of the iron. Hip lameness causes outward rolling of
the leg in trotting, and wasting of the muscles of stifle and hip leads
to a characteristic drop. See that the horse's tail is sound, has not
been joined on and is free from sores, tumors or evidences of recent
docking. Always remember to back the horse up as well as drive or ride
him and see that he is not only sound and gentle but suitable for the
special work he will be required to do.

[Illustration: Care of the Horse]

~Care of the Horse~

A grown work horse requires daily about one pound of grain (concentrate)
for each hundred pounds of live weight. Of hay he will need a slightly
larger amount or about fourteen to eighteen pounds a day, according to
size, weight, and character of work done. The idle horse will do well on
less grain and more roughage.

For a farm horse, 10 pounds of oats, 5 pounds of corn, and 3 pounds of
bran, divided into three equal feeds, will make a suitable ration for
one day.

The corn may be fed at noon to give variety. For the evening meal
crushed oats, bran, and a few handfuls of cut hay, wetted and salted,
will be relished. The bulk of the hay should be fed at night, and but
two or three pounds of it at noon, during hot weather. Avoid dusty hay.
Clover hay is apt to be moldy. It is suitable food for work horses, or
idle drafters, if sound and not too liberally fed. Increase the corn in
cold weather. Omit it in hot weather entirely. Alfalfa is of high
feeding value, but if moldy, or fed as a well-nigh exclusive ration, is
apt to affect the kidneys injuriously. It is deemed unsafe food for
stallions, as it is said to induce impotence or sterility.

Horses should drink _before_ they eat, unless they have ready access to
fresh water. It is best to allow drinking water often in small
quantities, even if the horse is hot. So used it will not hurt him. The
horse's stomach holds three and one-half gallons. Water flows through
the stomach along seventy or more feet of small intestine, into the
"waterbag." Hay is not digested to any extent in the stomach. That organ
cares for the concentrated food. Theoretically, a horse should drink
first, then eat hay, then grain. Practically no great amount of water
should be taken just after a meal as it tends to flush undigested food
out of the stomach; nor should it be given soon after a meal.

All stables, pens, out houses, poultry houses and yards should be
regularly disinf