278 THE horse-kkeper's guile 



If his back becomes galled while trying him, which is 

 not an unusual occuiTence, the dealer will object to take 

 him back, unless full compensation is made ; and reasona- 

 bly s(j, for he is unfitted for sale or for work till it is heal- 

 ed, which is not to be effected in a day ; and it is alsj a 

 point for calculation, whether he may not chance to fall 

 sick, while standing in high condition in stable j in which 

 case the dealer would be subjected to heavy loss. 



It is therefore not prudent to remove his shoes, or in 

 fact to do any thing with the animal which may cause 

 doubt or cavil, until you have finally decided upon keep- 

 ing him. 



CHAPTER IV. 



THE STABLE, AND GROOMING. 



Before we proceed to the management of the horse in 

 the stable, it will be as well to say something about the 

 stable itself. This should have been constructed so as to 

 contribute to the health and comfort of the horse ; and be 

 well aired, dry, well drained, light, and sufficiently spacious 

 to allow the necessary grooming operations to be duly per- 

 formed. It should also be sheltered from the coldest winds, 

 and be easy of access. 



A fault not sufficiently avoided in stables, is the crowd- 

 ing too many horses together in a comparatively small 

 space : in this case, the temperature is liable to very con- 

 siderable alterations of heat and cold — transitions injurious 

 to health, and productive of a train of diseases affectiD.g tha 

 chest and lung?. 



