may be left open except during extremely cold Lr this will give the stallion plenty 0f fr " ’
sunshine , and additional exercise . 0 ^
Exercise for the Stallion
FEED AND CARE OF THE STALLION
" Reduce the ration and increase the exercise when the stallion is not a sure breeder ” has been the advice given to many worried stallion owners . In all too many instances , little thought is given to the feeding and care of the stallion , other than during the breeding season . The program throughout the entire year should be such as to keep the stallion in a vigorous , thrifty condition at all times . Immediately before the breeding season , the feed might very well be increased in quantity so that the stallion will gain in weight The quantity of grain fed will vary with the individual temperament and feeding ability of the stallion , the work and exercise provided , services allowed , available pastures , and quality of roughage . Usually this will be between % and ll / 2 pounds daily of the grain mixture per 100 pounds weight , together with a quantity of hay within the same range .
During the breeding season , the stallion ’ s ration should contain more protein and additional minerals and vitamins than are given in rations fed work horses or stallions not in service . During the balance of the year ( when not in service ), the ration for the stallion may be like that of other horses similarly handled .
In addition to the grain and roughage , there should be free access to a mineral supplement and salt . These should be placed in separate compartments of a suitable box . During the winter months or when little work or exercise is provided , the stallion should receive a succulent feed such as carrots . Also , laxative feeds , such as wheat bran or linseed meal , should be supplied at these times . Plenty of fresh , clean water should be provided at all times . Drugs or stock tonics should not be fed in an attempt to increase virility .
Overfitted , heavy stallions should be regarded with suspicion , for they may be uncertain breeders . On the other hand , a poor , thin , run-down condition is
Quarters for the Stallion . Tiie m ° St convenient arrangement for the stalli
is a roomy box stall which opens directly into a t \ or three-acre pasture paddock , preferably separa from the other horses by a double fence . A paddc
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Regular exercise daily for the stallion is import It is one of the best means of keeping the h0r « ' a thrifty , natural condition and virile .
H
Stallions are most generally exercised under the sad die or hitched to a cart . Thus , Standardbred stallion are usually jogged three to five miles daily wh „ s drawing a cart . Thoroughbred stallions and sadrii ! stock stallions of all other breeds are best exerciSe under the saddle for from thirty minutes to one hour daily , especially during the breeding season .
Exercise should not be hurried or hard ; the walk and the trot are the best gaits to use for this pUr . pose . After the stallion is exercised , he should be rubbed down and cooled off before he is put up , es . pedaily if he is hot . Better yet , the ride should be so regulated at the end that the horse will be brought in cool , in which case he can be brushed off and turned into his corral .
Frequently , in light horses , bad feet exclude exercise on roads , and faulty tendons exclude exercise under the saddle . Under such conditions , one may have to depend upon : ( 1 ) exercise taken voluntarily by the stallion in a large paddock , ( 2 ) longeing or exercising on a thirty- to forty-foot rope , or ( 3 ) leading .
Longeing should be limited to a walk and a trot ; and , if possible , the stallion should be worked on both hands ; that is , made to circle both to the right and to the left . It is also best that this type of exercise be administered within an enclosure . Two precautions in longeing are : ( 1 ) do not longe a horse when the footing is slippery , and ( 2 ) do not pull the animal in such manner as to make him pivot too sharply with the hazard of breaking a leg .
Leading is a satisfactory form of exercise for some stallions if it is not practical to ride them . In leading , a bridle should always be used — never a halter — and
one should keep away from other horses and be careful that the horse being ridden is not a kicker .
The objection to relying upon paddock exercises alone is that the exercise cannot be regulated , especially during inclement weather . Some animals may take too much exercise and others too little . Moreover , merely running in the paddock will seldom , »
ever , properly condition any stallion .
A two- or three-acre grassy paddock should always be provided , even for horses that are regularly exer cised . Stallions that are worked should be turned ou at night and on idle days . While the pasture paddocK
is much superior to close confinement and no exer cise in a stall , the stallion not being used regular ) at useful work will be benefited by any addition forced exercise , even though it does become some what monotonous .
Grooming the Stallion Proper grooming of the stallion is necessary , D ° t
? y , ma^e the horse more attractive in appearan^J but to assist exercise in maintaining the best of heal and condition . Grooming serves to keep the functio of the skin active . It should be thorough , with sped
VOICE of the Tennessee Walking H ° rse