Various Horsekeeping Practices of Old
I did this research in part, because I want to see
what sort of progress we’ve made with new discoveries in science and animal
behavior. But also in part, because when
horses were a daily necessity, I imagine there was general “common knowledge”
of good practices that have since fallen by the wayside. One would think they would have known a thing
or two when the average person relied on horses on a daily basis.
So, with that in mind, here are a few interesting things
I have found from various old, out-of-date books. These are just various
snippets, with my comments in brackets []. I will probably update this from time to time with new discoveries.
The following bits are from (Training and Horse Management in India With a Hindustanee Stable
& Veterinary Vocabulary, and the Calcutta Turf Club Weights for Age and
Class, By Matthew Horace Hayes · 1885)
Stables and Barns
Loose
boxes should be, at least, 12 ft . by 16 ft. In India , 10 ft. by 12 ft . would
be a minimum . The walls between the boxes should be made about 6 ft. high , so
as to be just sufficient to prevent the animals smelling each other over them…
If
possible, there should always be a space of a few inches all round, between the
roof and the top of the outside walls [for proper ventilation]. The windows of a stable ought never to be shut
by night or day; in cold weather , add to the clothing, but never deprive them
of the first great source of vitality , “fresh air."
On
all occasions, when the stables are empty, they should be thrown open for the
admittance of sunlight, which is a powerful disinfectant.
At the entrance of the box or stall, for appearance sake, the bedding should be arranged in a straight line, which is finished off by a piece of plaited straw being stretched along it. [This part greatly amused me; imagine insisting a piece of braided straw was neatly arranged at the entrance for looks!]
Feeding Practices
Sheets may be used with advantage instead of
mangers. They may be made of sacking (tat), and about a square yard in size.
They are laid on the ground, and the grain is spread over them. They cost
little, are easily cleaned , and can be packed up in a small compass. I always
employed them with my own horses in India. (Training
and Horse Management in India With a Hindustanee Stable & Veterinary
Vocabulary, and the Calcutta Turf Club Weights for Age and Class, By
Matthew Horace Hayes · 1885)
[I would like to note here that I have used a
version of this, being a large tarp spread over damp or muddy ground, to feed
hay and hay cubes in the winter. It has
the added advantage of de-spooking horses to tarps, to the point where many of
mine will chase after a tarp and stomp all over it, looking for food.]
