CHAPTER XIII 



STABLES 



SITUATIOK AND ASPECT — FOUNDATIONS— SUPERFICIAL AREA AND HEIGHT P.EQUIRKD — 

 STALLS versus LOOSE BOXES— HAY CHAMBER AND GRANARY — BEST MATERIALS FOR 

 WALLS, FLOORS, DOORS, AND WINDOWS — DRAINAGE AND AVATEU SUPPLY — VENTILATION 

 AND LIGHTING — STABLE FITTINGS — HARNESS-ROOM — COACH-HOUSE— SERVANTS' ROOMS- 

 PLANS OF STABLES — NECESSITY FOR AIRING NEW STABLES. 



In discussing the various questions connected with the size, form, and 

 arrangements of the stable, it must not be forgotten that w-e may have to 

 deal with an animal whose varieties extend from the Shetland pony to the 

 race-horse. A stable which suits the one will be quite out of character 

 for the other; and hence, before we begin to consider the formation of a 

 stable, we should settle what variety of the horse it is intended for. 



In addition to the kind of hoese to be accommodated, regard must 

 be had to the work which is to be performed. If the horse is to be kept 

 for pleasure only, and is not regularly exercised on those days when he is 

 not wanted, he will, in course of time, get out of health, whatever may be 

 the management indoors. INIoreover, a horse so used requires a much 

 greater area of stable, and more complete ventilation, even for preserving 

 him in moderate health, than another of the same breed and constitution 

 who does a proper amount of work from day to day. I have often known 

 gentlemen possessed of a couple of horses, well housed, express their sur- 

 prise that they could not keep them so free from disease as a lot of cab or 

 coach horses which were kept near them, in some dark, close stable, per- 

 haps underground. The reason is obvious enough : the over-fed and 

 under-worked horse is stimulated by his food to such an extent, that some 

 organ is sui-e to become inflamed ; and if the lungs, stomach, or bowels do 

 not show disease, the heels crack, or the joints enlarge, and, after a single 

 day's work, lameness shows itself in a most severe form. On the other 

 hand, the hard-worked horse is in the fresh air for a great part of his 

 time; and thus the mischief which is done to his blood indoors, is 

 . remedied when he is out. His food is all properly expended in nourishing 

 and repairing liis muscular system, and there is no surplus to go to form 

 the foundation of disease. Darkness also is grateful, because the moment 

 the feeding is over, sleep is to be desired. Hence it follows that, of 

 necessity, private stables must be very carefully proportioned to the 

 number of horses v.diich are to be placed in them, and their lighting and 



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