Page 3 Advertisements Column 2

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 448, 16 March 1912, Page 3

HANDLING DRAUGHT HORSES.

Notes on this subjcet are jotted down by a practical breeder and worker of draught horses, as results of his own experience. First of all, he says a farmer should not buy his work horses, he should raise them. He can do so at a profit. In the first place, it is necessary to secure first-class sires. By all means see that they are well - bred, and possess size, style, conformation, and quality. Registered sires, for preference, as the better bred the animal is, the more astisfactory, are the results. By doing this we can raise a colt that the people want, and it costs no more to raise him. Moderate work does not injure the mare when carrying a foal, but judgment must be used. If the foals come early, take them in during the day time and turn them out at nights. Give the young foals the choicest of hay, while crushed oats, with some wheat, bran, oil meal, and a little molasses is good for them. A stunted foal never will make as good a horse as one kept vigorously growing. The main point is to see that the weanling gets the most nutritious food, plenty of it, and a chance to eat it and digest it in peace. Plenty of exercise should be given in the open air on pleasant days, no matter what age the animal is. When a horse does not thrive on ordinary feed, and does not gain when additional food is given, something is wrong with his digestive system. First, have the teeth examined by a competent vet, and see that the grinders come together evenly, and have the sharp points smoothed ofF. Then see that the mangers are kept sweet and clean, as sour, mouldy feed will soon put a horse "oil" his food," and a lack of nervous energy soon follows. Use slatted mangers, not overhead hay racks, as the horse is compelled to inhale dust. This is bad for the lungs. In fitting horses for either work or show, molasses have a wonderfully good effect upon the digestive organs. This is a grand appetiser and an economical food. Dilute it and sprinkle on the hay. A variety of feed is always beneficial. All hay should be well worked and shaken; also dampened with diluted molasses tu fresh water. Always use well winnowed oats and fresh wheat bran, sprinkled with diluted molasses occaisonally. Salt is also very helpful. The feeding should always be done by the driver or one who knows.