About Horse Stables

History

• Humans have owned horses for thousands of years. Along with this domestication has come the need for adequate care and shelter. One of the earliest known stables was found in Egypt and was estimated to have existed over three thousand years ago. Certain societies, such as the Romans, treated their horses better than they did people, with favorite animals eating from silver platters and sleeping on feather beds. As societies became more advanced, so did their horse facilities. People of the Middle Ages built stables from stone and block to match their own residences. In the 1800's, the material of choice turned to wood and the size of stables grew as farms and ranches expanded to meet the demands of an increasingly larger population. Stables have evolved over time, and while most are not as luxurious as the Roman stables of old, they are still made to keep horses safe, sound and secure.

Function

• Horse stalls serve to contain horses and keep them safe from the elements. Most barns consist of separate containment areas for each horse, commonly known as stalls. These stalls have areas for feeding and watering, and supportive flooring for the horses' comfort. Storage areas are also present in most stables, allowing owners to secure tack and feed out of reach. Stables can be built in any climate and customized for any weather conditions, as long as there is firm, solid ground on which to build. Most barns are built in a linear fashion, with all the stalls in one row or section for ease of movement and upkeep.

Types

• Pole barns and enclosed barns are the two basic stable types. Pole barns are simple structures consisting of three sides and a simple roof. The fourth side is left open so that the horse can come and go at will, and offers just the minimal amount of cover for the horse. Enclosed barns are much more complex, and can be constructed with nearly any desired feature. Wash racks with hot and cold water, indoor riding arenas and even therapy pools can be added to a barn if necessary.

Benefits

• Horse stables are very beneficial to both horse and rider. Stables allow an owner to corral the horses and keep them safe from the elements and potential predators. A stable is also an excellent place to store horse-related items such as hay, grain, tack and trailers. The stable provides the horse with a feeling of comfort and security, and gives her a place that is just hers. Stabling a horse also aids in situations where health is concerned, such as an injury or foaling. The stall is enclosed and can be kept warm and clean to speed up recovery time.

Warning

• Stables are a very effective shelter for horses, although not every horse enjoys the comfort ant security of a stall. Many horses are used to spending day and night roaming the pasture at will and fight the transition to a stable. Before attempting to bring an unfamiliar horse into the stable, all exposed surfaces, such as metal runners and sharp corners, should be covered with soft padding such as foam to prevent accidents. Horses should be introduced to the stable in short, frequent sessions with plenty of praise to acclimate him to his new enclosure.