The most important factors to consider when installing or building horse stalls are number, size, and design. In order to provide the most comfortable and pleasant experience for one’s horses, a plan should be well developed and reviewed before building begins.
The number of stalls necessary in any barn of course depends on the number of horses that need to be housed within. In nearly every instance, only one horse or pony should be kept in any one stall. In rare occasions, multiple ponies who are very well acquainted with each other may share one stall. However, this should not be attempted without supervision the first time. Two horses also require twice the space of one horse, no matter how friendly they are.
The amount of space necessary in horse barn stalls depends on the size of the animal being housed. Ponies may be comfortable in a 10 by 10 foot space, while horses require 12 by 12 feet. Very large horses, such as draft or work animals, may require 14 by 14 feet in order to be comfortable. A foaling stall should always be at least twice the size of the mare’s normal stall. Ceilings on any stall must be tall enough that a horse cannot hit his head while rearing or reach the wood to chew, creating weaknesses. Typically, 11 feet is a good height for an average sized horse.
Design is an element of horse stalls that varies depending on intended use. Most stalls are permanent and cannot be moved once they are built. There are, however, portable horse stalls which may be assembled indoors or outdoors in various settings. The most important thing to be considered while building or buying portable stalls is safety and sturdiness. Stalls must be able to be secured to the ground and to walls thoroughly enough to prevent movement, even while under pressure from large and very strong horses.
Whether investing in portable or permanent stalls, safety must always be the number one concern. Aside from ample space, horses require sturdy building materials. Horses are capable of exerting a large amount of force, and may break any weak design elements. Broken stalls very often result in punctures, abrasions, or even strangulation for horses. Therefore, the utmost care must be taken in selecting very strong wood or metal building materials. Sharp edges, exposed nails, and any other cutting hazards must be avoided.
Finally, opening and closing mechanisms must be safe, secure, and well placed. Horse stall fronts should be designed so that horses cannot reach and operate latches or locks from the inside. Horses who are capable of escaping from their stalls when unattended often get into mischief and may even harm themselves eating feed or various horse equipment items that are lying around. Therefore, care must be taken in designing a secure and safe stall front.
