It’s an exciting time when you’re thinking about building a horse stable, with plenty of factors to contemplate.

Here are our Top 8 Things to Consider when Building a Horse Stable;

1. Budget

   Unfortunately this is usually the starting point for any project, the available funds! With an abundance of stabling options available from a field shelter up to a state of the art American Barn, the budget will often limit your stabling dream. If you have a very limited budget and only need a stable for a short period, temporary stables are a great option. They are available to hire and don’t require a large financial outlay.

2. Location

   Do you have an existing building which you could fit internal stables into? Or are you looking for a new build? If you’re looking to build your stables from scratch, spend time to consider the right location. Is it in a well drained area or do you require additional groundworks and planning permission? 

3. Ventilation

   Good ventilation is paramount, especially during the hot summer months. Internal stables with high bar frontages and partitions enable airflow, and can also be used on the front of external timber builds to allow maximum ventilation. If you don’t have any windows, you can add shutters or plexiglass windows to any existing buildings. These allow airflow through the stables and natural light – which can help reduce electricity bills! The flexibility of a shutter or plexiglass accommodates all weather conditions, as you can shut them during cold and windy weather, and have them open during warmer days.  

4. Layout

   There are a number of layout configurations for you to choose from. You can have the stables aligned in one straight row, an L shape, or a U shape block. Alternatively, an American Barn allows the stables to be housed all under one roof in opposite rows. This can be particularly helpful for horses which get anxious when stabled as they can see one another to the side and in front. There are other layout options to accommodate the building you are using. For example, back to back stables work well with doors to the outside walls, and if the space is an obscure size bespoke internals can be made to fit.    Other areas to consider in the layout plan are tack and feed rooms, storage for stable equipment, tie up areas and wash bays – which can incorporate solariums for the ultimate horse salon! 

5. Usage

   If the stables are going to be for personal use or commercial purposes will make a difference to layout and choices you will need to make. For example, if the stables are for commercial use, then perhaps consider a livery set up. This is a stable with an individual storage area located to the rear accessed through the stable (see below image). Livery set ups can also benefit from making the stables as user friendly as possible. For example, potential DIY clients may be attracted to a yard with integrated hay racks and feeder as these reduce time. A prestige frontage adds an element of class and may attract higher paying liveries willing to pay for full livery and have the use of prestigious stables.

6. Amenities

   Again, this is paramount if you are looking at using the stables for business purposes. Individual store rooms, toilets and a seating / kitchen area may be an option? However, these are also worth considering for personal use if the stables are located away from home. 

7. Finishes

   With a range of stable frontages to choose from, for internal or external use, you can personalise your yard to your specific tastes. The Internal Stables Club range offers quality and functionality, with the prestige offering a superior appearance. With a choice of infill materials, Treated Pine, Hardwood (Oak or Denya), and Recycled Plastic in 5 colours to choose from. There are also a range of stable features such as integrated hay racks, swivel feeders and rubber matting to contemplate. 

8. Size matters

   Not only do you need to consider the stable size is right for your horses but also the surrounding space. Have you allocated enough external room for a muck heap? Also other areas such as a wash facility and storage area for stable equipment needs to be taken into consideration. Another factor is expansion, do you have enough stables should you need to purchase another horse or companion? Speaking from experience, we know how these horses can easily multiply! 

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