Are you looking to build your horse a new home? Or looking to renovate an old barn? Understanding the world of equine stabling can be a daunting venture! With so many options it’s tricky to know which one will offer your horse and you the perfect approach to stalling that fits perfectly into your day-to-day operations.
The first thing to ask yourself is why you are looking to get stables and what do you want from them that you haven’t got now. We’re sharing tips on how to create a comfortable and safe haven for your four-legged friends!
Reasons you may find to stable your horse/s
When moving on to exploring stable options, keep these points in mind!
- Protection from weather elements
- Diet control
- Stable rest easily accommodated
- To keep horses clean and ready for competing
- Pressure off pastures
- Sweet-itch or laminitis
Stable options
Internal Stables
Perfect for taking advantage of unused agricultural space, internal stables can easily and quickly be installed into existing sheds. An all year-round product internal stables can offer much needed shade in the summer and shelter from the elements in winter. A very cost-effective form of stabling; our fronts, partitions, windows and doors are perfect if you’ve got one horse or several!
Static/Mobile Shelters
Wanting to provide shelter for your horse but don’t have yard space? Take advantage of your pasture with a static or mobile shelter. Mobile Shelters are the perfect asset, you can move your horse freely to other fields and simple more the shelter with you, no need for planning permission! Static Shelters offering all-year round qualities but are particularly suited to hardy horses and ponies that require shade in the warmer months whilst still allowing quality ventilation with their open fronts.
American Barns
A livery or riding schools go to, American Barns are the ideal option for working yards. A favourite due to the convenience of having everything in one place, it is a safe and secure space, perfect for vile weather! Keep your horses in a comfortable and social area whilst offering easy stable management with the benefits of many extra conveniences as you like, such as tack rooms, feed storage, office and toilets.
Temporary Stables
A favourite amongst equine event organisers, Cheval Liberté offers temporary stabling (Starbox) for many of the United Kingdom’s biggest equestrian competitions! Not just suitable in large quantities, Hyppic Temporary Stables are ideal when replacing, renovating or building new stables and need a comfortable, safe and convenient shelter for their horse/s. They can also be purchase as a economical permanent option.
Reasons to choose: –
Internal Stables
- Utilise unused agricultural space
- Highly practical assembly, installation and operation
- Available in a range of materials and colours
- Ranges to suit your horse’s height
- Bespoke sizing to fit your area
- Easy maintenance
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Exceptional strength and durability
- Bespoke sizing available
- All-year round use for your horse/s
Static Shelters
- Value for money
- Tanalised pine walls for longevity
- Low maintenance
- All year-round weather protection
- Tanalised pine or galvanised steel reinforced frames
- Corragated roofing
Mobile Shelter
- Flexibility of location
- Except from planning permission
- Inexpensive option
- Very robust
- Suitable for all weather conditions
- Low maintenance
- Find the perfect spot for your horse to relax!
American Barns
- Very aesthetically pleasing
- Bespoke design to suit operations
- Large number of horses under one roof
- Quality air ventilation, improved health
- Sociable environment
- Various add-on features e.g. tack room
- Choose from a range of internals to go inside and get all their benefits as well
Temporary Stables
- Various set up options e.g. in line
- Galvanised steel framework for maximum durability
- Doors pre-mounted in frames with hinges and spring bolts
- Quick and easy assembly from ‘flat-pack’
- Weighted for safety and securely accommodates horses but does not affect the ease of handling
- Affordable
- Option for permanent use
Design features
So, hopefully, you’re closer than ever to knowing which stable option is for you, but don’t stop there! Choosing your functional and design features will be the difference between having a functional stable and having a functional stable that is a comfortable, relaxing and safe space for your horse.
Materials
| RECYCLED PLASTIC | PRESSURE TREATED PINE | OAK |
| Resistant to acids and salts Exceptionally low maintenance Fully washable Environmentally friendly – made from high grade recycled plastic and fully recyclable. Free of toxic chemicals and don’t have to be treated with environmentally harmful protectants Available in a range of colours – black, brown, green and grey | Slow grown increases durability and strength of this timber Beautiful natural aesthetic Sourced sustainably from Eastern European forests Most financially viable option Treatment ensures longevity 40mm thick panels
| ü Exquisite rich colour and appearance ü Superior strength Long lasting Luxurious 40mm thick panels Resistant to rot, decay and pests Sourced sustainably from Eastern European forests
|
Windows, Shutters & Doors
The key for your horse’s health, quality ventilation and lighting can be provided through windows. The windows must be covered using a grill or mesh to ensure the horse can’t break the glass! Shutters are an excellent addition in warmer climates as they allow your horse to look out and get some fresh air. Stable doors provide secure and safe access and can be the perfect finishing touch to your stable!
Logistics
- Size
According to the British Horse Society 12ft by 12ft is the minimum recommended size to stable a horse in, smaller for ponies. The bigger the stable the better as it will encourage comfort and cleanliness.
- Amenities
To make operational use as easy as possible, it is advised that your stables be located close to existing water and electricity supplies. Consider where you’re going to clean your horse and equipment, options for automatic drinkers, etc., lighting around the stables, and external plug sockets for clipping your horse or for the farrier.
- Stable Layout
Dependent on which stable option you go for, the layout options are far and wide! The best thing to do is to get a sketch together of your space, including dimensions, and discuss options with your stable provider!
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.
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