Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1898-04-22
HORSE stables-stalls ana FIoor..

There is a great need of reform Cd
the average Americans farm in the
construction of the horse stables, the
care bestowed upon them and the man
! agement of the animals which they
| house, says Indiana Farmer. In many
localities, east and west, little or no at
tention is given to sanitary conditions,
and for the most part they are unfit
to be used for any purpose whatever,
much less as the dwelling place of an
animal so noble, intelligent and clearly
by nature, and so sensitive to all i'm
purities of air. food or water, as the
horse. No heed is given to drainage,
light or ventilation, and more often
than otherwise the floors are uneven,
full Of holes, and are composed of ma
terial hard to keep clean even when
there is a disposition and an effort
made in that direction; they emit an
unwholesome odOr that is bad for the
health Of horses and many stable ills
are traceable thereto. Horse stables
should never be placed underground.
wholly or in part, for there is general
ly in such location no sufficient means
these defects very often cause great
damage to the constitution and general
welfare of animals that are obliged to
constantly breathe the foul air INSOFAR
able to such surroundings. Ventilation |
and light in the stable are as necessary |
to perfect health of the horse as proper |
food and exercise and in building |
stables this consideration should re-
ceive attention foremost among other
important things. Eight or nine feet
from the floor to ceiling is little
enough; 10 or II is better. The doors
should be so placed that when open
the air shall not be upon the horses,
and great advantage is found in hav-
ing them in two sections horizontally
in order to have the upper half to stand
open in summer to admit fresh air.
The windows, which should be large as
in a modern dwelling house and as
in proportion to the size of
the room, should be so placed as to al
low a free passage of air in warm
weather, and if in front of the horses
they must be shaded as the full glare
Of light from that direction is an in
Jury to the eyes. They should also be
situated high enough so as to allow the
air to circulate over the horses backs.
The stalls in most farm stables are too
narrow, rarely ever being over five feet
vide and very often less. Six feet wide
S much better, more comfortable and
afer for the horse. Ample room in the
ear is also a convenience and safe
,uard against dangers and mishaps
hat is too often entirely diregarded :
While planning for the accommodation ,
nd comfort of the horses in the stable. I
fifteen to II feet from the head of the O
tall to the back wall is none too long b
Or an averaged size farm horse. We :
ave all seen stalls that were so short, a
nd some of US have had them in use, 4
nat when the horses were in their =
Iaces scarce space enough behind them c.
as allowed to walk and very often, F
, add to the discomfort and cramped
)ndition of affairs, the harness hung
pom pegs fixed in the rear wall, which
ay be a handy place for the purpose, ="
ut besides being in the way and often
lder the horses feet, the odOr of a
idly kept stable is a serious injury to 6
e harness. a