Notes on Stable Management in India and the Colonies — A Reader’s Guide

From Lecture to Manual

The book's genesis as a lecture to the Punjab Light Horse shapes its direct, instructional voice. Nunn writes for those who may not have previously owned horses, offering basic guidance. The preface to the first edition explains that the notes were originally delivered to officers, non-commissioned officers, and troopers, and were put on paper at their request. This origin explains the concise, point-by-point structure of the chapters, which cover food, bedding, exercise, and equipment. The second edition expands the audience to include colonists, adding a glossary of Hindustani words for readers unfamiliar with the vernacular. Nunn acknowledges that Oriental scholars may fault his spelling, but he prioritizes phonetic accessibility for those in absolute ignorance of the language.

Feeding Practices and Local Grains

The table of contents lists a wide range of feedstuffs: gram, barley, bran, oats, maize, wheat, rice, millet, pulses, linseed, and more. Nunn devotes separate sections to each, indicating the importance of diet in stable management. In the excerpts, he discusses the preparation of food and horses refusing food, as well as damaged food and irregular teeth. The level of detail suggests a practical, hands-on approach. For example, he notes that horses may eat their bedding, a trick from which they seldom can be cured. His solution is to bed them with sand, sawdust, or shavings, and leave them free to feed at night, rather than using a muzzle that interferes with breathing. This observation reflects his experience with common stable problems.

Exercise and the Role of the Syce

Nunn's discussion of exercise reveals his critical eye toward local practices. He notes that in India, ordinary hacks are exercised twice daily, but the amount of work varies depending on the syce's mood. He describes a common scene: horses standing about while syces smoke and discuss bazaar topics, leading to injuries from kicking. To ensure proper exercise, he suggests making a ring in the compound, though he admits this can spoil a garden and make horses walk slovenly. He prefers allowing syces to ride rather than lead, as riding encourages the horse to carry its head up and move more collectedly. However, he warns that syces should use a folded blanket as a pad to prevent sore backs, and only a snaffle bridle, as few know how to handle a double one. He also details the proper fitting of knee-caps, noting that country-made ones often lack the necessary indiarubber spring.

Bedding and Equipment Details

Nunn provides specific advice on bedding materials. Sand, available along riverbanks, is hard and not very yielding; he recommends a layer of sand covered with straw for a softer bed. He warns that sand must be sifted to remove pebbles. For horses that eat their bedding, he prefers sand, sawdust, or shavings over muzzles. On equipment, he emphasizes buying knee-caps from a European saddler, with an indiarubber spring in the top strap to prevent chafing. He has seen bad abrasions causing temporary lameness from poorly fitted caps. The lower strap should be buckled quite loose. These details show Nunn's attention to the practical consequences of equipment choices, based on his veterinary experience.

Nunn's notes are best read as a companion for the novice horse owner in a colonial setting, offering specific, experience-based advice rather than general theory. The glossary of Hindustani terms and the sections on Australia and South Africa reflect the book's intended audience. Readers should note that the advice is rooted in late-nineteenth-century veterinary practice and local conditions; modern readers may need to adapt recommendations accordingly. The book's strength lies in its concrete observations of stable routines and common pitfalls.

Flipping through Veterinary-Captain Nunn's notes, I was struck by his quiet patience with restless horses, the way he waited for their trust. It reminded me of another old volume, Lobo, Rag and Vixen Being The Personal Histories Of Lobo, Redruff, Raggylug & Vixen — Story, Setting & Ideas, where wild creatures are met with the same gentle, watchful respect. Both books feel like conversations with animals, not commands.