No matter what your management style or needs, the basics of a safe horse stall are the same. Many options that effect function and cost are available for horse stall features.
This fact sheet provides an overview of some basic stall features for a typical 1,000-pound horse. You should adjust the dimensions for significantly larger stall occupants.
Horse Stall Design (pdf) Click on the link to download the article.…
The most suitable floor is highly dependent on management style, while personal preferences can have a strong influence. Fortunately, there are many options for suitable floors in a horse facility.
The objective of this resource is to provide information on stall and stable flooring materials, including flooring material attributes and options for overcoming some deficiencies.
Stall Floor Materials & Drainage (pdf) Click on the link download the article.…
We all know that the stable should smell like fresh forage and clean horses rather than manure or ammonia. Yet, failure to provide adequate ventilation is the most common mistake made in construction and management of modern horse facilities.
This resource covers common questions about ventilation, recommendations for providing effective natural ventilation and designs for improving ventilation in horse stalls.
Horse Stable Ventilation (pdf) Click on the link to download the PDF.…
Drylots, or exercise paddocks, provide an opportunity to move horses off the pasture during high stress periods to protect pastures from being overgrazed. Drylots can vary in size but should provide a minimum of 400-500 square feet per horse. The size should be increased proportionally as the number of horses increase. These paddocks are typically situated near barns, are used only to provide exercise, and generally contain a limited amount of vegetation. Drylots can also serve as holding areas …
The area requirements for pastures or paddocks associated with a run-in shed will vary depending upon the number of animals housed together; the soil type, fertility, and slope; forage types; and climate.
A general rule is to provide two to three acres per horse for year-round grazing unless the horses are supplementally fed. Provisions for winter hay feeding will be necessary.
Pastures or paddock layout should be planned to accommodate rotation of pastures. Depending upon stocking rate of horses, …
The primary requirements of a horse barn are to:
The horse barn should be well planned, durable, and attractive. There should be enough space in a horse barn for the well-being and safety of the horses and of the people …
Several issues must be addressed before the client steps onto the property. In either a public or private facility, visitors should be able to park fairly close to the office in order to avoid several potential situations, including: 1) vehicles endangering mounted riders, 2) unsupervised visitors around the facility, 3) overlapping horse and vehicle traffic areas, and 4) improper containment for unexpected loose horses. A loose horse should not be able to reach the public …
Hay should be stored in a different building or barn if possible.
In ideal situations, hay would not be stored in the horse barn due to the fire hazard. Additionally, it may be very difficult to rescue horses in the case of a hay combustion fire. Many insurance companies charge additional premiums if more than a week’s worth of hay is stored in the barn.
It would be advisable to have hay deliveries spaced over the entire year …
The gothic roof is a pointed arch formed by two similar curved roof sections meeting at a center ridge. It is used on two-story barns and also for separate free-standing
structures to provide shelter at ground level. It is adaptable to both narrow and wide structures.
Clear-span laminated or segmented rafters are supported by and anchored to the walls and loft floor or to the foundation. Segmented wood rafters are usually used for spans of 40 feet or less. Laminated …
