A well-designed stable protect horses from weather extremes and keeps them
dry while providing fresh air and light and protection from injury. The objective
of the stable is to provide a better environment than the horse might experience
outdoors along with convenience for the owner. Stables need ample space for
the well-being of the horses, chore efficiency, material storage, convenience
and safety of handlers. Many horses are successfully kept outside with access
to a simple shelter or stable.
There are several resources available at Penn State with information about
horse stable design, management and construction. They are listed below with
a brief description.
Horse
Stable Ventilation
Horse enthusiasts agree that good air quality is important to their horse’s
health. Yet, inadequate ventilation is one of the most common mistakes made
in the construction
of modern horse stables and indoor riding arenas. This bulletin outlines
proven
practices of ventilation for maintaining
good air quality in horse facilities.
Horse
Stable Manure Management
Proper manure management is based on simple principles presented in this bulletin.
Good management can ease the burden of handling tons of manure and soiled bedding
generated from each horse while virtually eliminating environmental pollution
impacts and nuisances.
Horse
Stall Design
This bulletin provides an overview of features found in the basic function
unit of a horse stable or shelter, the stall. The stall provides a suitable
environment for the horse and handler, along with comfort for the horse and
convenience for the handler.
Fire
Safety in Horse Stables
In barn fires, the old adage is true that “an ounce of prevention
is worth a pound of cure.” This bulletin provides an understanding
of fire behavior and how fire damage can be minimized or prevented through
construction and management practices.
Horse
Stable Flooring Materials
and Drainage
The fitness horse legs and feet can be greatly affected by the type of
stall flooring. Although there
is no flooring to fit everyone’s needs, this bulletin outlines advantages
of common materials. Sub-floor construction and drainage strongly influence
floor integrity.
Horse
Facility Resources
Publications containing good information on horse stable design and riding
arena construction are listed in this concise fact sheet. Contact information
is provided for publisher and suppliers.
Horse
Facility Temperature and Humidity During Winter Conditions
A research evaluation where horse stable temperature and humidity were continuously
monitored within cold-climate horse stables during the most challenging season
for maintaining good air quality. Conference paper from International Livestock
Environment Symposium.
Lawrence, L. J. R. Bicudo, E. Wheeler. 2003. Horse
manure characteristics literature and database review. Proceedings
of the Ninth International Symposium Animal, Agricultural and Food Processing
Wastes IX. Raleigh, NC. ASAE, St. Joseph, MI. pp. 277-284
