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THE STABLE AND STABLE FITTINGS. 



CLIPPING, CLOTHING, SHOEING, 

 FEEDING, CLEANING AND GENERAL STABLE MANAGEMENT. 



"Allow not nature more than nature needs," 



The old proverb says — " It is usual to lock the stable 

 door after the horse is gone," which figurative expression 

 plainly indicates to all horse owners, and particularly to 

 those about to set up a " Turn Out," the real necessity, 

 not only for a good system in reference to the steed, but 

 a watchful eye upon all its immediate surroundings. The 

 first object should be to secure, if possible, a roomy home 

 or domicile for the horse, which must not be too dark or 

 too light. The next considerations are good ventilation, 

 and perfect drainage ; general cleanliness must be ob- 

 served ; pure corn and prompt attention are absolutely 

 necessary. 



If the horse is to be fastened up by the head-collar, 

 the size of the stall should not be less than 8 feet by 6 

 feet ; if a loose box is intended (which is always pre- 

 ferable) it should be at least 1 2 feet square. Loose boxes 

 possess great advantages over the stall in many ways, more 

 particularly as regards the exercise given the horse by 

 having his liberty. The f^oor should be laid with best 

 hard bricks, which are easily kept clean and sweet. Sloping 

 floors are very objectionable and injurious to the horse, 

 particularly when he is tied up in the stall, hence his 

 invariable resting position being either across the stall or 

 with his tail in the manger ; oftimes the horse is to be 

 found at the full length of the halter rein. Gratings in 



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