Chapter XYIL 



STABLING. 



THE stable should be built on a dry, airy location, facing the 

 south when possible. It should be warm, well ventilated and 

 lighted, and so constructed as' to prevent the exposure of the 

 horse to sudden changes of temperature. The stall should be suffi- 



Fig. 367— As a Horse Usually Stands while Resting in a Field. 



% ■■■•'• <•.-'■-'■> • 



ciently large to allow ; the horse to turn around or lie down, with con- 

 veniences for feeding. The width should not be less than six feet, 

 but when practicable it would be better to allow each horse ten or 

 twelve feet, to admit of a reasonable degree of exercise. This is not 

 merely a great convenience to the horse, but it has considerable in- 

 fluence in preventing swelled legs, getting cast, etc. It is also im- 

 portant in that it permits a safer approach to a doubtful or vicious 

 horse. It is the common custdm to make the floor inclining back- 

 ward, but this practice is unnatural, as shown by the fact that the 

 horse, when left to choose his own position in a field, will almost in- 

 variably stand with his fore feet the lowest. (See illustration.) 

 - The floor should be level ; and to permit this, and at the same 



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