Stables - Types and Sizes
To Tick Your Horse's Box

There are several different types of horse stables, the most common ones are known as Loose Boxes or Stalls.

Loose boxes by definition are large, light and airy and allow the horse plenty of freedom of movement.

These are the ideal type of housing for your horse and are often arranged in rows directly opposite each other in a large barn. They allow the horses to see plenty of equine company, have spacious boxes with masses of headroom and the benefit of large doors at either end to let in fresh air and light.

The traditional "Stall" is much less common in the UK today and was used where space was limited. The horse would be led in to the stall much the same as on a trailer and would have no room to turn around. His feed would be at the front of the stall and he would likely have a companion horse stalled right next to him.

A Foaling Box is another type of horse stable. These are used for expectant mares and are much larger in size than a conventional stable to give the mare space to stretch out full length when giving birth.

A Foaling Box will often have the addition of CCTV cameras so that mum and baby can be monitored closely during and after the birth.

Stabling can also be in the form of Loose Barns or Natural Stabling arrangements where a number of horses are loose in a large enclosed barn with openings at one or both end to let in light and air. This is considered by many to be the answer as horses are still within a herd and it allows for more freedom than being confined in one box.

Precautions must be taken though as putting too many horses in such an enclosure could result in fights between dominant mares or youngstock becoming trampled underfoot by larger horses.

Any infection will also more easily spread if the stabling is not thorougly cleaned out regularly and the animals inspected daily for wounds or signs of illness.

What's The Right Size For My Horse?

The correct size will vary according to the size of the horse or pony but we recommend following the guide below as a starting point. Measurements are given in feet/inches and the metric equivalent.

Of course, it is not an ideal world but these measurements below should be considered the bare minimum requirements to ensure your horse is accommodated safely and with the minimum risk of injury.

Pony up to 12hh - 10ft by 10ft (3M x 3M)

12hh to 15hh - 10ft by 12ft (3M x 3.5M)

15hh to 17hh - 12ft by 12ft (3.5M x 3.5M)

over 17hh - 12ft by 14ft (3.5M x 4.2M)

You should check that there is a minimum height clearance of 3.5ft or 1M above the horse's head. Insufficient height clearance will present a risk of a serious head injury to your horse should he rear up or spook suddenly.

Your horse should always be able to turn around comfortably and lay down or roll without becoming cast. Becoming cast means that your horse is jammed up against the wall and is unable to get himself back on his feet unaided.

A cast horse will quickly panic and thrash out with his legs which will almost certainly cause an injury to himself and/or anyone entering the stable to assist.

In the worst scenario, being cast for a few hours unnoticed will stress the horse out so much that he risks developing a twisted gut which in many cases is fatal.

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Find out more about Stables with our Stable Management hints and tips



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