STABLES. 41 



well covered with fresh straw, as it is very damaging to the 

 hoofs. The shed, or sheds, if there are no stables or loose- 

 boxes opening into the straw-yard, and if they are not closed 

 in, should have a favourable aspect, exposure to cold winds, or 

 drifting rain, sleet, or snow, being likely to cause injury to 

 health. It should not be forgotten that changes from straw- 

 yard to pasture, and from pasture to straw-yard, should be 

 gradually effected, until the horses have become accustomed to 

 them. 



When a number of horses are together in a paddock or- 

 straw-yard, or when cattle are associated with them, certain 

 precautions are necessary to prevent injury. The shoes of 

 horses should be taken off the hind feet, at least, to avert 

 damage from kicks ; while cows should have the points of 

 their horns rendered innocuous by being capped with balls of 

 wood or metal. Unshod hoofs require the farrier's attention 

 now and again. Farm horses are usually turned into the 

 straw-yard at night during hot weather, and this practice 

 is a benefit to them, as the open air is better than the close, 

 foul stables in which they are kept for so many months in the 

 year ; of course, their shoes are not taken off, as they are 

 required for work during the day. 



STABLES. 



By far the largest number of horses are kept in stables, as 

 in these condition for hard work is best maintained, cleanli- 

 ness can be easier attended to, convenience in working is 

 greater, and the horse himself is more amenable to discipline 

 and control. It is the fact that, in eastern and southern 

 countries, working horses can stand out of doors for the greater 

 part, or even the whole of the year ; but even in these countries 

 shelter from the burning sun is always grateful, if not abso- 

 lutely necessary, for a good state of health. 



Stables have frequently to be made in all kinds of places, 



