CHAPTER XV 



STABLES 



The character of the habitations in which horses are re- 

 quired to live varies from the simplest kind of an enclosure, 

 affording no protection whatever, to the most luxuriantly ap- 

 pointed quarters, as tliose in which some gentlemen's show horses 

 are stabled. As a rule, the more artificial the conditions under 

 which horses are used, the more complete the system of stabling 

 required. 



There are two general classes of stables, town and country, 

 the principal features of location, design, construction, and man- 

 agement of which are, necessarily, quite different. 



Location. — There can usually be very little option exercised 

 in the selection of the site of the town stable, but in the country 

 the situation of the horse's quarters should be given careful con- 

 sideration. The horse stable may be distinct from or included 

 within the farm barn ; but in either case it should be built on 

 high, well-drained ground, with a southern exposure, if prac- 

 ticable. The benefits of the light and heat of the sun's rays are 

 insured for a longer period in the day, and the temperature of 

 the stable is maintained more uniform, if admitted through 

 sovithern windows. If a double row of stalls, back to back, are 

 to be provided for, an east and west exposure will be fairest to 

 the occupants of both sides. 



The design and arrangement of stables should be made with 

 a view to providing sufiicient room to accommodate^ the requisite 

 number of horses and vehicles to be housed, proper light, venti- 

 lation and drainage, comfort and security of the horses, and con- 

 venience of attendants and patrons. These being insured, the 

 simpler the design the better. 



Construction. — Frame stables predominate in the country, 

 and if well built are entirely satisfactory, so far as the essentials 

 outlined above are concerned, with the exception of greater 

 danger from fire. Tovsti stables are more frequently built of 



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