How to Make a Floor for a Horse Stable

Protecting the health of a horse̵7;s legs and feet is an important consideration when installing stable flooring. Though durability and low maintenance make concrete a popular choice, it is unyielding to a horse̵7;s feet, is damp and cold in northern areas, and may discourage natural behavior such as lying down. Porous topsoil, clay or sand are often preferred because they are easier on a horse̵7;s feet and highly absorbent.

Instructions

    • 1

      Remove all vegetation, roots, stones and topsoil from the flooring site. Identify the type of subsoil you will work with. This is the layer of soil beneath the topsoil that has not been fully broken down by sunlight, air, wind, water and other natural elements. Different types of soil have different densities and moisture levels. The three basic soil types are granular, such as sand, cohesive, such as clay, and organic, which is not recommended for compaction.

    • 2

      Compact the subsoil using machinery that delivers force to the soil with vibratory or oscillating rollers. The purpose of compacting soil is to increase its density to prevent settlement and cracking of the stable and its flooring, which may lead to dangerous and costly water seepage damage and structure failure. Rent or purchase machinery from equipment sales, rental and service facilities, which can also advise you on the recommended compacting method for the type of soil you will be working with.

    • 3

      Slope the surface of the outside ground so that it is a 5 percent slop directing water away from the stable. This diverts surface and ground water away from the site.

    • 4

      Elevate the top of the stall floor so that it rises at least 12 inches above the level of outside ground. This ensures adequate drainage no matter what type of flooring material is used.

    • 5

      Cover the compacted subsoil with 4 to 5 inches of gravel and 2 inches of sand or pea gravel to encourage good drainage. Apply a minimum of 4 inches of flooring material to the top. Angle the floors at a 1.5 to 2 percent incline to distribute urine and water to areas with drier bedding and without causing a noticeable grade to the horse.

    • 6

      Make a safe and shallow open drainage channel along one wall of the stall to carry fluids outside of the stable. Slope the stall floor toward the channel, which should lead to a flow-run outside of the stall and away from the stable to a rock bedding. Place a grate or grill over the channel in the stall to protect the horse from injury and prevent people from stepping in it.