Making Stables for Horses |
| Date Added: September 10, 2009 08:51:09 AM |
| Author: |
| Category: Reference |
| Making stables for Horses Things to think about when looking at a house for your horse • Materials to use • Size, can he lie down with ease • Size, can he stand head tall without bumping his head • The roof, as well as how high, what to build it with and it has to be water proof • How sturdy, will he fall through should he lean on the wall of his house • Food, can he eat without standing in his food or bumping his head on the hay net • Food, where is the water going to go • Windows, ventilation and day light • Windows, a grill to prevent breaking glass • Windows, do they open in or out or do they slide • The floor, concrete for grip on his feet. Stable mats for comfort • Floors, how will it drain to prevent ammonia build up and for hosing down during cleaning • More than one stable, aisles or alleyways • Doors, sliding or open out doors • Doors, how big, strong and how to lock them so that he cant open them himself • Warmth, bedding • Electrics, safely hidden for lights and heat • Permission, do you need to inform your local government for planning permission • How safe, all health and safety must be taken seriously So, where to start? Building plans have to be a must. There is little point continuing past this point if you’re not allowed to build. Now you will think about the materials and the tools you require. This might be the point where you start looking at size and location of the stable you need. The average horse should have 12 by 12 feet of floor space just for him self. You might want room for tack, grooming equipment, access point’s amenities, windows and doors. Wood or brick? If wood is your chosen material then you should look at pressure treated lumber as this is a good strong wood. However, it can contain cedar oils. Horses like to chew this so it won’t last as long as it could have. Avoid wood with cedar oil in it. Don’t forget a good strong metal frame too. This will add stability to the structure. The walls should be strong and weatherproof. You can bye matting of a low density for the walls. This will help keep him warm and he will not hurt himself should he bump the walls. Try looking for Mayo Mats. When it comes to electric you must follow safety rules. A stable is full of flammable material and if a mouse were to chew a wire… all hell could break lose. Make sure wires are well protected with metal conduits and out of the way. Water is a must. Not just so the horse has a drink but when you muck out, you will want to wash away any waist. Don’t forget some kind of drainage system too. This is worth thinking about in the early stages of planning. Metal will last a long time when you come to choose a roof. They are also easy to install. Ventilation is also important along with the roof being weather proof. Ventilation is the key to a healthy horse. The windows, doors and roof will provide the horse with a flow of air to take away the smell of ammonia and dust particles. A horse will spend a lot of time standing in a stable. Because he has metal shoes on, he will need a floor that provides some traction between him and the ground. Concrete is good but it can be hard on their legs and feet. This is when stable matting comes in to it. They will grip a concrete. They will grip the horse’s feet as they are designed to, they will take away the hardness of standing on concrete and they wash down with water so cleaning will be achieved to a high level with ease. As all ready mentioned above, try Mayo Mats. Finally. The windows and doors. They should open out, not in. if the window should ever blow open at speed, the horse will not get hurt. Horses have been known to open the stable door and go for a midnight trot but not until they have opened up their friends doors first. Not a bad trick in an emergency but this is more likely to cause a problem rather than solve one. You should use recommended locks that are fit for purpose and make sure they are at a high that prevents the horse from being able to reach them. Sliding doors and windows are also a good idea. As long as the doors and windows you have are 100% safe though, use the design that best suit you, your horse and the space you have. Last but not least, the widows should have secure grids on them. If a window should get bumped or hit, it should prevent the glass from breaking and the horse from getting hurt. This is one way of housing your horse but some people may prefer a stall that can be moved around. You can build or purchase stables that are portable. Many of the same rules apply as above the only difference being that they are made to come apart and be put back together again. It’s best to bye or rent these but if you plan on staying in one place, then it would not be the best idea for your wallet. For further information on Horse Stables visit www.ascot-timber.co.uk |
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