S'TABLE HANDBOOK 



Chapter I. — The Stable 



THE first thing the would-be horse keeper 

 has to provide is a stable. A horse may 

 live, or at least exist, in an unsuitable 

 stable, but he will never thrive or do all 

 the work we require, or of which he is capable, in 

 one which lacks the three primary requisites of 

 space, air, and cleanliness. 



Thus the fittings must be such as will enable 

 the groom to observe the last precept without 

 undue labour. While I would never allow a man 

 to scamp his work, I should always endeavour to 

 make him feel that I was willing, in every legiti- 

 mate way, to save him unnecessary trouble. We 

 are not dealing now with those larger establish- 

 ments where there is a man and a boy to do every- 

 thing. Our groom may have work in the garden, 

 may help in the kennel or the poultry yard, may 

 look after the cow, or may assist in the house. 

 There will in many cases be riding-boots to clean, 

 and in not a few houses water to be pumped up. 



Thus in the fittings of our stable we have to 

 consider not only necessity, but also convenience 



A I 



