From Publisher Blurb:
Ostlers have a monopoly on breeding, caring for, and selling horses for profit. This monopoly extends to ponies, mules, and donkeys as well. An all-around master ostler has the skills of livery stable manager, equine veterinarian and farrier, tack and saddle maker, and stud
breeder.
Most master ostlers work as stablemasters, providing shelter, food, and water (“livery”) for horses owned by others. The majority of these work with innkeepers, either as free or bonded masters, and care for the horses of the inn’s guests and other travelers. Other masters are bonded to major nobles, legions, and fighting orders to look after the mounts used by knights, other mounted warriors, and members of the household. Ostlers are also found wherever horses are raced.
This article describes the organization and activities of the Ostlers' Guild as well the guild's place in Hârnic society. Details are given for each of the four primary guild disciplines: stablemaster, farrier, saddler, and studmaster.