Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1924-11-27
Ability TO Keep
Horses in Shape
Good Horseman Has His
Animals Ready for Call
to Work at All Times.


prepared by the United States Department
CT Agriculture.)
A man who has the ability to keep
horses in such condition that they are
ready for any call is a good horseman,
says the United States Department of
Agriculture There is comparatively
little scientific information on which
to base conclusions relative to the fun
damentals that go to make up good
horsemanship, but there is wealth
of experience gained through years of
handling horses that might be sum-
married.. The methods which good
horsemen have found to be the most
satisfactory are therefore discussed in
O. new bulletin on the care and man
agement of farm work horses, just is
sued by the United States Department
of Agriculture, as Farmers Bulletin
1419.
Fundamental Factor.
The fundamental factor say the au-
tliors, is the name In no phase of
animal husbandry is this imam" ele-
ment more vital than in the care of
horses. When man has the ability
to keep horses in good condition and
ready for the call to work at all times,
he is said to have knack with
horses. This is often the result large
ly of interest and fondness for horses,
and is acquired in the natural course
of handling them. But there are GER
tain factors involved in the care and
management of horses which even the
man with a "knack" for horses should
have at his command. Besides having
the ability to keep the horses in
thrifty condition, the man should have
the advantages Of convenient stabling
facilities, paddocks adjoining the
stables, and suitable sheds for winter
ing in order to provide for the health
and comfort Of the animals. Feeding
must be adjusted to seasonal require
ments and thorough grooming prac-
ticed The harness must be well fitted
and cleaned regularly to insure salts
faction and durability, and the shout
ders, feet, and teeth of the animals
must be well cared for.
Suggestions for the most satisfac-
tory results in feeding under work
conditions, sailing, and watering, win
tering idle horses, preparation for
spring work, grooming and clipping,
harness fitting, preventing sore shout
ders, caring for the teeth are offered
in the bulletin as a guide in the best
management of farm work horses.
Hints for Horsemen.
The bulletin concludes with par
agraph of "Hints for Horsemen" IN
which some of the following are sug-
gested: Make bitches carefully, in
order that the pull will be at the cen
ter of draft, and that each horse will
pull his share of the load. The strong
est horse should usually have as much
of the load as suits his power. Do not
work a slow horse and a fast horse
together. There will be friction and
loss of power, in addition to irritation
to both driver and horses. At the
beginning Of the days work, warm up
the horses gradually The digestive
tract will be emptied, the muscles and
Joints limbered up, the collar will be
made pliable, and the whole machine
will be in better condition for the
days work. Work the horse at his
normal gait in the field. Sweating
during hot weather indicates that the
cooling system is working. Putting
may be a serious warning, especially
ff the horse has ceased to sweat, and
.overheating may result If the horse is
pushed at this time. A brief rest,
swallow Of water, or a sponging of
the mouth will often restore normal
action and avoid serious consequences.
A copy of the bulletin may be OBJ
tanned free. as long as the supply lasts,
by writing to the United States De
partment Of Agriculture, Washington,
D. 9.