250 TRAINING thp: trotting horse. 



veranda of liberal width to shade the box-door from 

 the scorching heat of a summer sun, and to protect it 

 from the rain. 



As to ventilation and light, have it in purity and 

 abundance. Foul air, as you know, rises, so that you 

 will provide for its escape near the top of the box, 

 either by an air shaft, or by ventilators; and the 

 windows should be set pretty high, so that the air will 

 not necessarily blow on the horses' body. A window 

 swinging open from the top will well serve this pur- 

 pose. There is nothing worse than a dark stable. 

 Air, light, and cleanliness are absolutelv essential to 

 keep a horse in good health. They are cheap com- 

 modities and you can have them in plenty. 



I like large, roomy boxes. A good size is ISxli^ but 

 14x16 is better. It admits of free and natural move- 

 ment ; the horse does not feel pent-up and imprisoned, 

 and it is certainly more conducive to health than 

 smaller quarters. 



As to what is the most desirable flooring is a much 

 discussed question. An absolutely perfect plan for 

 flooring and littering has yet to be devised. In a floor 

 we seek durability, with economy, cleanliness, and sub- 

 stance healthful for the feet. For the perfect bedding 

 we should have something soft and elastic, cleanly, and 

 non-eatable. The advocates of peat-moss claim these 

 virtues for it, bnt, as I have not had experience with 

 it, I cannot speak with confidence concerning it. Some 

 writers advocate cemented floors of bricks, tiles, or 

 even stone, but I would not think of having a horse 

 stand on such a hard floor. Imagine a horse brought 

 in after a race, his feet tired and hot, compelled to 



