LOOSE BOXES. 7 



I attach great importance to allowing the horse free- 

 dom to move about in his stall, and opportunity and 

 inducement to lie down when he chooses, so that stagna- 

 tion of blood in his feet may be avoided, both by move- 

 ment, and by the assumption of a horizontal position, 

 and that his legs and frame may obtain the rest which 

 is essential to their well-being : hence I recommend 

 large loose boxes well bedded down and partitioned 

 off, moderately darkened stables, and the absence of 

 all noise and disturbing influences between grooming 

 hours. 



The blood vessels in the foot of the horse, unlike those 

 in other parts, do not possess valves ; because the almost 

 constant movement except when the animal is lying 

 down or sleeps standing that he, in a natural state, 

 takes in the search for his food, prevents stagnation of 

 blood by gravitation while he assumes the erect position, 

 for on the foot being raised, blood rushes into and fills 

 these vessels, which, at the next moment, are emptied by 

 the effect of pressure, the instant the foot is brought to 

 the ground and weight is thrown on it. 



I thoroughly agree with Admiral Rous' remark that, 

 " The windows of a stable ought never to be shut by 

 night or day ; in cold weather, add to the clothing, but 

 never deprive them of the first great source of vitality, 

 ' fresh air.' " 



In India, during the cold weather, the air is generally 

 so dry that precautions to be taken against draughts are 

 not nearly so necessary as in England. Respecting the 

 latter country, Professor Williams writes, " Horses kept 

 in ill-ventilated stables are undoubtedly rendered suscep- 



