MOUNTED INSTRUCTION 205 



TYPES OF STABLES AND CORRALS 



Stables are built in two .general types, closed and open. 



Closed stables are the normal type in the United States Army and 

 in ])ractically all other armies. They are found in all .^'arrisons except 

 those located in very warm climates. 'J'hey afford the best shelter for 

 animals and are necessary wherever extremely cold weather is expe- 

 rienced. 



Open stables are common along- the Mexican Border and in other 

 warm climates, in remount depots and v/herever hasty or temporary 

 shelter is required. It was the type used overseas by the Allies both 

 for troops and in remount depots and veterinary hospitals. While 

 not affording- as much shelter from the elements as the closed type, 

 they are perfectly ventilated and of much simpler construction hence 

 are to be preferred wherever the climate permits. 



There are certain essential features of construction which are com- 

 mon to both types, i.e., site, arrangement, drainage, ventilation, light, 

 floors and fitting. 



The Site should provide pure air, a dry foundation and surroundings, 

 good w^ater supply, good drainage, protection from storms, sunlight, 

 and good roads. 



The Arrangements of Stables should be in echelons, or in parallel 

 lines. They should not be built too closely together nor so as to form 

 small inclosures on account of the lack of ventilation and sun light, 

 and danger of spreading communicable diseases. 



The Interior of Stables should be well drained as well as the ex- 

 terior. Stalls should have a slight slope from head to heel. There 

 should be a shallow open drain just outside the line of heel posts, run- 

 ning the length of the stable, wnth a small slope to sub-drain in the 

 center or at the ends. In open stables the roof should be drained by a 

 gutter running along under the eaves which carries the water to a sub- 

 drain at one end. 



Ventilation must be thorough %and continuous — WITHOUT 

 DRAFT. This is automatic in the open type. In the closed, it is 

 effected by means of ventilators, louvre boards, windows and doors. 

 Animals rarely suffer greatly from cold air provided there is no draft. 

 They will however suffer greatly from foul air, hence the imporance of 

 an abundant supply of fresh air. Ventilators and louvre boards are 

 constructed in the stable roofs and serve to carry off the warm tainted 

 air. The principle supply of fresh air is obtained through windows and 

 doors, ^^^indows should be built to hinge at the bottom and open 

 inwards, thus forcing the incoming fresh cool air up and over the 

 animals instead of directly on them. Doors are apt to cause drafts. 

 They should be closed on the windward side in stormy weather. Any 

 unpleasant odor perceived on entering a stable is proof of insufffcient 

 ventilation and should be corrected immediately. 



Flooring of Stables should be level, non absorbent and roughened 

 sufficiently to prevent animals from slipping. The alleyways of closed 

 stables and roadways surrounding open stables may be made of any 



