Animal in stable sounded croaky (6)

I believe the answer is:

hoarse

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'croaky' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for hoarse that I've seen before include "With strained voice" , "Husky (from cold)" , "'Husky, gruff (6)'" , "(Of voice) rough, harsh" , "A horse with croaking voice" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.

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