Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-11-07
HOW TO CARE FOR HORSES.
Suggestions from Commissioners Col.
man rs to the Feed and Treatneat to
Give Them.

Commissioner COlman, Of the agricultural bu-
reau, was visited by STAR reporter and ques-
toned in regard to the proper feeding and care
OF horses. The commissioner has devoted q
great deal of care and study to the horse. He
owns a large farm near st. Louis, which for
years has been mainly devoted, under his own
supervision, to the breeding, raising and train
ing of fine horses. In response to q request for
some information with regard TO the feeding and
care Of horses, based upon his experience, he
pie matter, the main requisite being the best
quality OF oats and hay: Damaged hay and
and most OF the injuries TO the digestive organs
OF the horse were produced by food of q bad
character: some horses require more food than
others. For horses that work, about twelve
quarts of oats per day to each horse, and from
twelve to fifteen pounds Of hay was the proper
quantity to be fed. The oats should be fed in
of hay should be given at night. To horses
that have but little exercise, not more than
eight or nine quarts OF oats and about the same
quantity Of hay az above should be given.
Horses should be fed three times day, at q
They are excellent time-keepers, they Know
just when to expect their feed, and If they do
not get 1t at that time they become worried and
because it is less heating and produces more
muscle; but three or four ears OF good, ripe
corn thrown into the feed box occasionally
would prove beneficial. An occasional addi-
ton Of two or three quarts OF good wheat bran,
either wetted or dry Is also Felished; 1t fur
nishes a variety and conduces TO the health of
the horse. A horse 10 do we'll needs daily exer-
else, and cannot remain in perfect health II
kept standing in the stall day after day. Two
or three hours at least Of exercise 10 essential to
health.
Horses should be given water about half an
hour before their meals, or, not until an hour
has passed after they have been fed grain. The
stomach of q horse Is very small, aud ii large
quantity of water is TAKEN the water washes
the grain into the intestines without having
been properly d!gested and, frequently, in.
hammatiOn or collie Ia the result.
good bed TO sleep upon is also tndispensa-
BILE, and many horses will not lie down unless
they have soft bed to rest upon. Thorough
grooming, removing the dust and the dirt and
the horse is also Indispensable to good health
brushing should be given daily to every horse
If he is to be kept in the highest health.
Kindness in the treatment Of horses is very
desirable. horse responds to kind treatment
and endeavors to repel and defend himself
against cruel treatment. Vicious horses are
produced by vicious treatment A horse has
the same senses as q man, can be educated to
do great many things ii the proper pains Is
taken with him from his birth up, and If his
senses are properly appealed TO he will become
q kind, useful and intelligent domestic animal
The abuse and ill-treatment given TO horses
throughout the country is very reprehensible,
and every kind.hearted man should do all that
he can to bring about q better treatment of the
most useful animal that the Creator has con.
ferred upon him.