The Romans had two divinities whom they believed to be the protectors of stables, viz. Bubona and Epona, the former being the protectress of oxen and cows, and the latter of horses. Small figures of these divinities were placed in niches made in the wall (aediculae), or in the pillar supporting the roof; sometimes, also, they were only painted over the manger. (Augustin. De Civ. Dei, 4.34; Tertull. Apolog. 16; Minue. Fel. Oct. 28; Apul. Met. p. 60; Juv. 8.157.)
[L.S]A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology
Smith, William
A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology. William Smith, LLD, ed. 1890