Stabling Arrangements 335 



tained, if only it be not subject to violent variations, 

 and if the apartment itself be dry and free from 

 damp, as properly arranged walls will ensure. 



More stables are damp — dangerously so — than 

 we at all realise, and many a horse which has seemed 

 all " out of sorts " with staring coat, dull eye, and 

 lifeless at work, has responded magically to better- 

 ment of accommodations, although full feeding and 

 ample care had produced no beneficial effect. If 

 nothing else will ensure freedom from damp, a stove 

 should be used. This, with ample extra ventilation 

 upon all days, when the external air is dry, will, with 

 adequate drainage and attention to it, ensure the 

 proper condition in the atmosphere of any stable. 



There is little to be said as to the best means of 

 ventilation and drainage. Modern methods are 

 nearly perfect, but the best have no advantage over 

 the very worst, if carelessly or improperly managed. 

 Avoid direct draft; allow no regular ventilation di- 

 rectly over the head ; ensure thorough airing at least 

 twice daily in the winter; do not keep too many 

 horses in any one compartment ; place windows be- 



