FEEDING THE FARM HORSE

Manawatu Times, Volume LXIX, Issue 2565, 24 December 1924, Page 9

FEEDING THE FARM HORSE

The draught horse on the farm is very frequently but little prepared for the work of the season. The general feeding of the months of winter remains unchanged almost up to the time that the busy season is about to begin. It may be that a. few weeks earlier some extra feeding is provided. It must never be forgotten that hard condition is the outcome of continuous and careful feeding, associated with reasonable work. The horse that is directly driven from the grass may be fat, and show a bloom on his skin, but he is soft and far from fit for a day’s work of twelve hours, and this is often necessary. The horse in that ■condition starts the work of a long day after idleness, and may, too, have had some exj.ra feed the previous night. The animal is then the At subject for colic, founder and sore shoulders. It is quite recognised that on account of the high oats and chaff the winter feeding of the farm horse may not have been liberal. It is late now to feed up; it is, however, necessary to add something to the general ration, hut let it be reasonable, not large feeds of chaff, with an addition of oats at long intervals during the day. See that the noi-se has access to water before feeding, and avoid the long drink of water after feeding. The grass paddock at night need not be- in great grass, but it need not be bare.

The hours of work may prohibit thorough grooming, but the shoulders should be carefully attended to. The brushing, rubbing, sponging, drying, a'nd a well-fitting, clean collar will prevent many a sore shoulder. See that the horse goes to work with sound feet. If he Is to be shod, have the shoeing done a few days before hard work begins; if he is to remain unshod, have the feet trimmed 'evel and even.