238 



THE HORSE 



with crib-biters or very mischievous horses. In such cases, a concealed 

 manger and rack on the following plan is adopted, which is admirably cal- 

 culated for the purpose. On the left-hand side the manger is seen in the 

 position which it occupies when turned out for feeding, while the right 

 gives a view of it when closed. The whole forms a solid frame, hinged at 

 the bottom near the floor, and prevented from coming further out by a 

 check. The groom, therefore, has nothing to do but to pull the whole out, 

 as shown at a, feed his horse, and leave it out till he has eaten his corn, 

 as well as hay, when this is given him; after which the frame is pushed 



concejVled manger for crib-biters. 



back to the position shown at b, when it is flush with the wall. The 

 objection to the plan is, that it does not prevent a horse from crib-biting 

 when feeding, and that he must wear a muzzle in addition; for it is while 

 he is eating his hay and corn that the habit is indulged in to the greatest 

 extent. Besides which, it compels the groom, after he " beds up," at night, 

 to return to the stable, after he has allowed time enough for the horse to 

 feed, without which precaution the concealed manger is useless. On the 

 whole, therefore, I cannot recommend the plan, and crib-biting must be met 

 by some other expedient, such as making the manger front too wide to be 

 grasped. 



The walls of a stable should be lined, wherever they come in contact 

 with the horse, with inch wood. Without this, in cold weather, the brick 

 or stone, whether plastered or not, is too cold, and if a delicate horse lies 

 down with his loins against it, he may be attacked with rheumatism, or 

 perhaps with inflammation of the kidneys. 



HARNESS-ROOM 



Every Harness-Room should be provided either with a stove or open 

 fireplace, in order to dry the saddles, harness, and clothing, when they come 

 in wet. If, also, it can be so arranged that a supply of hot water can be 

 obtained, by fitting a boiler to the back of the fire, the groom will be always 



