If you’re creating a new stable or improving an old one, it pays to use expert guidance to get it right

A comfortable home is vital when it comes to supporting your health, safety and wellbeing, both physical and mental, and it’s no less true for your horse. Like you, he needs shelter that provides enough space, ventilation and protection from the elements. This means that understanding the key factors that make a stable suitable is essential, and the British Horse Society has drawn up guidelines that will help you do just that.
BHS recommended stable sizes
Stables must have sufficient space for a horse to safely move around and lie down, with no areas where horses could become trapped.
- Large horses (17hh+) – 12x14ft
- Horses – 12x12ft
- Large ponies (13.2hh+) – 10x12ft
- Ponies – 10x10ft
- Foaling box (horse) – 14ft x 14ft
If you’re looking to build a stable block, small or large, the best place to start is to consult with an experienced company that can guide you through the process from start to finish, whether you’re starting from scratch or working with existing structures.
Equestrian Stabling by IAE will work with you to ensure your new stables meet all your requirements and are best suited to your horse’s type and size. They’ll consult with you throughout the process and create digital drawings so you can maximise your space, see what your new stables will look like and how they’ll function even before any construction takes place.
Once you’ve decided on a design and size, there’s still plenty more to think about and IAE will, again, help you find solutions that are right for you and your horse. Included in this are partitions and frontages but also features that are specific to the needs of you and your horse.
Dividing line
Partitions are the dividers that separate horses within a stable block, and 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 and there are three basic types….
- Half grille partitions are fully boarded across the bottom with vertical railings across the top. This enables horses to see and interact with adjoining horses 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 his neighbour
- Fully boarded partitions allow no visibility and maximises privacy. Typically, these are used to create tack rooms, back wall partitions or side partitions where necessary.
Did you know?
All IAE partitions feature 34mm thick recycled plastic infills which are durable, kickproof and easy to clean.
At the front
Frontages include a front-facing partition and door of your choice. 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, so ask yourself…
- Is there enough room?
- Will my horse be secure?
In answer to these queries, at a width of 1,285mm, all IAE stable doors provide ample room to enter and exit the stable, exceeding the recommended dimensions. Then, depending on the size of the passage, either a swing or sliding door will be the recommended option. And to ensure your horse remains safely inside his stable, many IAE doors feature recessed handles and a kickbolt in addition to the usual top sliding bolt.
Solving problems
Horses and ponies, like people, have different temperaments especially where their personal space is concerned. For example, do you have a horse that bites, making it difficult to walk by with other horses? IAE has a variety of options to ensure every horse or pony can interact and observe safely from their stable. These include anti-weave infill panels that are designed to fit within IAE’s anti-weave panels to prevent horses from extending their heads out of the stable while still allowing them to safely see and engage with outside activities. Similarly, chew strips can be added to doors if chewing is an issue.
Windows on the world
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…”
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. IAE’s boarded window hatches can also be closed during adverse weather to keep the internal stable warm and dry.
Easy feeding
Convenience and safety for you and your horse are other considerations that IAE has addressed in the features it offers for your new stables, including those related to feeding. Durable, galvanised steel corner hayracks allow your horse to feed with his head in a much lower position, which is healthier for him, while the danger of leg traps from low-hanging, empty haynets is also eliminated. These hayracks can be filled from outside the stable for speed and efficiency on the yard as can the elevated swivel feed troughs, which also take up minimal space within the stable and deter pests from the food source.
Remember, a well-designed stable not only enhances your horse’s wellbeing but also makes daily care easier and more efficient for you, so if you’re inspired to start a project or want to learn more, contact Equestrian Stabling by IAE on 01782 339320 or email [email protected].