Selecting the right stable for your horse or pony is a crucial decision that directly impacts their health, safety, and overall well-being. Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or new to horse ownership, understanding the key factors that make a stable suitable is essential.
Our guide is based on the latest information from the British Horse Society regarding stable safety and aims to give you a head start in choosing the right stable for you.
Stable Sizes
Equestrian Stabling by IAE has three standard stable sizes: 10ft, 12ft and 14ft with 16ft+ stables available on a bespoke basis. We are no stranger to building stables from the ground up or working with existing structures such as breeze block or repurposed barns. We can help you to maximise your space and create digital FDS drawings for you to explore. So, you can see exactly how your imagined stable may look in real life.
BHS stable recommendations based on horse size:
Large horses (17hh+): 3.65m x 4.25m (12ft x 14ft)
Horses: 3.65m x 3.65m (12ft x 12ft)
Large ponies (13.2hh+): 3.05m x 3.65m (10ft x 12ft)
Ponies: 3.05m x 3.05m (10ft x 10ft)
Foaling box (horse): 4.25m x 4.25m (14ft x 14ft)
Cloisons
Partitions are the dividers that separate horses within a stable block, they can either be fully or partially boarded depending on your requirements. Social interaction, security and visibility are key points to consider when choosing a partition, as they all remain important for your horse’s welfare even when inside the stable.
- Cloisons de demi-grille are fully boarded across the bottom with vertical railings across the top. This enables horses to see and interact with each other safely.
- Talk Grille Partitions are fully boarded with a small section of vertical railings near the frontage. This limits barn visibility but still allows your horse to see and engage with their neighbour.
- Fully Boarded Partitions allow no visibility and maximises privacy. Typically used to create Tackrooms, back wall partitions or side partitions where necessary.
All our partitions feature 34mm thick recycled plastic infills which are durable, kick proof and easy to clean.
Façades
Façades include a front facing partition and door of choice as a single item. There are many factors involved in choosing a frontage, as this part of your stable will be used regularly by both you and your horse. Here are some questions to ask yourself before deciding…
Do I have enough room?
Our stable doors provide ample room to enter and exit the stable at 1285mm wide exceeding the recommended dimensions. But will your passage allow a Swing Door to open and close without obstruction? If the answer is no, then perhaps a Sliding Door is the right choice for you but don’t worry if you’re unsure, our team is here to help!
Will this keep my horse secure?
Most stable designs feature a simple sliding bolt which a determined horse or seasoned escape artist can easily open and depending on your set up this could allow them to exit the yard completely…Luckily, many of our doors feature recessed handles and a kickbolt as standard for additional security.
How will this affect surrounding horses?
Horses and ponies, like people, have various temperaments especially where their personal space is concerned. Do you have a horse that bites passersby? Making it difficult to walk by with other horses? We have a variety of options to ensure every horse or pony can interact and observe safely from their stable regardless of their temperament and surroundings.
For example, Anti-Weave Infill Panels are an effective solution for horses that bite, designed to fit within our Anti Weave Panels. They prevent horses from extending their head out of the stable but still allow them to safely see and engage with outside activities.
Does my stable need modifications to suit my horse?
Weaving- often the result of boredom and frustration causes wear on both the horse’s hooves and stable floor. To combat this repetitive behaviour, our Anti-Weave panels (which come as standard on our sliding door) allow the horse to engage and see yard activity whilst reducing their ability to sway side to side. By allowing the horse to see out from the stable, this encourages stimulation and socialisation to reduce the root cause of the behaviour.
Chewing– Our doors are set within a galvanised steel frame and the plastic infills are stated as non-toxic by our manufacturer. However, if chewing is a reoccurring problem, then Chew Strips might be a necessary addition to your new stable.
Windows
According to the BHS “Effective ventilation in your stable is essential all year round, to encourage fresh air to circulate, for temperature control and to help decrease the risk of respiratory problems such as equine asthma (previously known as recurrent airway obstruction (RAO).”
One of the ways to achieve effective ventilation is via a Window Hatch installed at the rear of the stable. This allows fresh air to circulate but also helps to reduce stress and boredom by promoting social interaction and engagement with activities out in the yard. Our Boarded Window Hatches can also be closed during adverse weather to keep the internal stable warm and dry.
Feeding options
Haynets are the most common method of stable feeding but don’t allow the horse to feed in a natural position with their head down. Additionally, poorly tied or damaged haynets still present a potential leg trap risk for hungry horses.
Corner Hayracks allow the horse to feed with their head in a much lower position, eliminating leg traps by using galvanised steel to ensure durability. This method of feeding has the added benefit of being filled outside of the stable to encourage the safety and speed of yard duties.
For other types of horse feed, plastic buckets are commonly used but also involve going into the stable and taking up space the horse needs to move freely.
Swivel Troughs are elevated to deter pests from the food source and to ensure that feeding (especially with multiple horses) can be done swiftly from outside of the stable.
Remember, a well-designed stable not only enhances your horse’s well-being but also makes daily care easier and more efficient for you. Inspired to start a project? Or just want to learn more? Contact our team via 01782 339320 or email [email protected].
