What is livery stable?

A livery stable, also known as a livery%20barn, was a business of the 19th and early 20th centuries that rented out horses and carriages. Think of it like a car rental place, but for the horse-drawn era.

Key functions included:

• Horse%20Rental: Providing horses for riding or driving, often for short-term use.
• Carriage%20Rental: Offering carriages or buggies to be rented along with the horses.
• Boarding%20Stables: Providing stabling and care for horses owned by individuals who didn't have their own facilities. This included feeding, grooming, and sometimes veterinary care.
• Horse%20Care: Often, the stable offered general care services for horses, such as farrier (horseshoer) services and veterinary attention.
• Sale%20of%20Hay%20and%20Feed: Selling feed and supplies to horse owners.

Livery stables were essential in towns and cities before the widespread adoption of automobiles. They provided transportation options for people who didn't own their own horses, as well as services for those who did. With the rise of automobiles, the need for livery stables declined significantly.