Horse Stalls Layout and Design

Horses are noble creatures. Mentioned many times in the Bible and in mythology, the horse is the substance for dreams of the rich and poor alike. Someone said once, "Give me a horse and just keep the rest". All horses have a need for good safe stabling. Horse stall design begins with the barn itself.

The best over all design is to incorporate a width of twelve feet into the horse stalls. For all sizes, this width is ideal. An over all standard size of 12'x12' is very appropriate for smaller horses and can also comfortably house the large warm bloods and work horses.

When using a stall for foaling, a 12'x18' design is good. The larger area is needed during the foaling process, and after wards. When handling a youngster more room is valuable. The foals hop and jump around. Leaving the mare in the stall with the baby is very important in the beginning. Having a large stall in ables the handling of the little ones. Also more demand is placed on the stall in terms of stall cleaning. A larger area is easier to keep clean.

Stallions are another group that need a larger stall. Due to breeding schedules and limited safe turnout, many stallions spend more time inside than other horses. A larger area for them reduces the chance of "stocking up" (swelling in the legs), give more room for movement and increased circulation, and also re leaves some of the stress.

Stall walls should be build up to a height of about five feet. Then wire, mesh, chain link, or bars should be installed above the solid walls. Solid walls all the way to the top reduces the air flow, makes the stalls much less inviting, and also can cause nervous horses more worry. Horses like to be able to look at their friends. The bar or wire barrier also keeps one horse from biting another.