Wherever a number of horses are kept together in stables, accidents will frequently happen through the night. One will break loose, one will cast himself over the travis, one will get halter-cast, some fall to kicking, and some are taken ill. In any of these cases much mischief may be done before the groom appears in the morning. Among draught horses, it is not uncommon to find one dead that was in perfect health, and ate his supper the night before. He dies from a disease that, at the beginning, can be cured with infallible certainty; and he is in such torture that he struggles, and makes noise enough to waken any one sleeping in the stable. But nobody is there, and the poor horse dies for want of help.

In large studs, a man is usually appointed to watch the stables all night, and to give the alarm should fire break out, or should he hear any unusual stir in the stables. In some cases he has instructions to enter the stables occasionally, and see that all be right. This, of course, must be done without disturbing the horses. This man often requires watching himself: he may slumber at his post, or he may desert it. The owner, or some other for him, should pay him a secret visit now and then. The first breach of duty should be his last. An excuse is never wanting, but it is folly to admit any.

In smaller studs, a sleeping-room for one or two of the grooms is usually regarded as sufficient security against nocturnal danger. The place should be comfortable, that there may be the less inducement to leave it. In coaching-stables there is sometimes a dwelling-house for the head ostler and his family. It should be in a central situation, within hearing of all the stables; and when that can not be managed, a bed may be placed in the most remote for an additional man. In racing establishments there is a settle-bed in each stable for two of the boys; and the groom's house is close adjoining.