362 STABLES 



requirements, and due care should be taken that their proper adjustment 

 be systematically attended to. The necessity for this will be fully apparent 

 when it is remembered how much smaller apertures suffice for half-filled 

 stables during cold windy weather than for well-filled stables during hot 

 sultry weather. 



TEMPERATURE OF STABLES 



The temperature of the stable is another matter of primary importance. 

 Its influence in modifying the horse's coat is thoroughly appreciated and 

 taken advantage of by horse-dealers and grooms. They systematically 

 keep the temperature too high, as well as employ a complete covering of 

 rugs and bandages, for the purpose of improving the appearance of their 

 horses' coats. The injurious effects of this are clearly seen in the frequency 

 with which newly-purchased horses suffer from cold, &c., when subjected to 

 ordinary treatment. 



A marked example of the influence of temperature is exhibited by pit- 

 studs. During the first winter they are in the pit the majority require to 

 be clipped, but in succeeding years clipping is unnecessary, for, owing to 

 the slightly higher and more even temperature of the pit, most horses 

 acquire very fine coats. 



Another striking illustration of the effects of high temperature, but 

 of an injurious character, is occasionally furnished by horses that have 

 been left out at grass late in the autumn. When these horses are brought 

 in and stabled in warm stables, they, owing to their heavy coats and the 

 sudden change of temperature, perspire profusely, and, as their heavy coats 

 do not dry readily, a subsequent chill with pneumonic trouble not un- 

 frequently supervenes. Whenever such horses are brought up from grass 

 they should be housed in cool stables. 



The stable temperature should range from 50 to 60 Fahr., according 

 to the time of year, the class of horse, and the work he has to do. 



