STALLS AND LOOSE BOXES. 53 



and wet, and possessing the great advantage of wearing rough, 

 instead of smooth, while it can also be easily cleaned. 



STALLS AND LOOSE BOXES. 



When it is possible to do so, horses should be kept in 

 loose boxes, even if these be no more than ten or twelve 

 feet square. Horses can rest better in them, select the easiest 

 position, move about, and be more contented and comfortable. 

 They are also much less likely to acquire the bad habits of 

 kicking, " crib biting," and " weaving." 



But space and other considerations prevent the adoption of 

 loose boxes, and the great majority of horses are kept in stalls. 

 The dimensions of these should be proportionate to the size of 

 the horses, but in all cases they should be roomy. An allow- 

 ance of five feet and a half to six feet in width should be 

 made, and from eight to ten feet in length should be given, for 

 each stall ; for large draught and carriage horses, seven to eight 

 feet in width may be required. For stalls separated by parti- 

 tions, more width is required than for those divided by a swung 

 bale. For sanitary and economical reasons, bales are prefer- 

 able to partitions, inasmuch as they are considerably less 

 expensive, allow the horses more liberty to move about and 

 get up and lie down, facilitate the circulation of air through 

 the stable, and permit cleansing and disinfection to be more 

 easily carried out ; in case of fire, there is also much less 

 danger, while at all times the horse will be much more easily 

 seen. The bale consists of a thick plank the length of the 

 stall, slung from the manger in front, and from a joist or beam 

 behind; it usually has a shorter plank suspended from its 

 lower border, towards its posterior end, and this receives the 

 kicks which the horse may feel inclined to give it. The bale 

 is suspended about two and a half to three feet from the 

 ground. 



