CHAPTEE XVII 



STABLES 



Stables should be plainly and substantially built, so as to reduce the 

 annual cost of repairs to a reasonably low figure. The interior fittings 

 especially, if not strongly constructed at first, will be constantly in need 

 of repairs. It should be borne in mind that these fittings have to stand 

 the hard conditions imposed by such a nervous, fidgety animal as the 

 horse. 



If the stable is to be built in brick, either 14-inch outer walls should 

 be allowed, or 9-inch walls would suffice (except when there is a loft 

 above the stable) if supported by buttresses at intervals not exceeding 

 9 feet, as shown in Fig. 150. 



If of stone the outer walls should be not less than 18 inches thick. 



Stables should be placed so that horses can gain access to them 

 without having to cross yards occupied by stock, and the implement and 

 cart shed should be conveniently situated relatively to the stable. 



One or two loose -boxes adjoining, or near to the stable, are a great 

 convenience especially in cases of foaling, sickness, etc., and to accom- 

 modate mares and foals, stallions, and horses which will never lie down 

 in a stable. 



Like cow-byres, stables may be either single or double. In the first 

 type the horses are arranged in a single row, with their heads to one 

 of the side-walls, and with a passage behind them for cleaning and 

 feeding. 



In the double stable, which is the more economical type when a 

 considerable number of horses have to be accommodated, the horses are 

 arranged in two rows — heads to side-walls — with a cleaning and feeding 

 passage between the rows. 



A forage or chaff store should be provided. It is generally situated 

 at one end of the stable so as to be as near-by as possible. In the plan 

 of a steading shown in the frontispiece, it will be noticed that the chaff 



