Horse Stall Ideas

When choosing the type of horse stall to construct there are a variety of plans from which to choose. From simple to fancy and portable to permanent, whichever suits your needs. The stall should provide a safe and comfortable place in which to house your horse or horses. Consequently, there are a number of things to plan for ahead of time.

  1. Construction Considerations

    • A good basic size for a stall for a standard sized riding horses is 12 feet by 12 feet. If the stall is not wide enough a horse can become “cast.” If a horse rolls over and traps their hooves and legs against the wall, which gives them no maneuvering space to allow them to rise, they become cast. Another option is to vary the length of the stall depending on the breed of horse and is generally one and one half times the horse’s length, according to the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences website.

    Doors or gates

    • There are a few options for access to the stalls: hinged or swing doors or sliding doors on rollers. Although sliding doors are ideal, they can be pricier because of the track and rollers needed for movement. Hinged or swing doors are most cost-effective and can be designed a couple of ways. Dutch doors are double doors with separate top and bottom sections, according to Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences website. When hanging a sliding door it is a good safety precaution to ensure the track is high enough and that a stop is in place to keep the door from sliding off the track by opening too far. Ten to 12-feet high is a good standard, as it allows for clearance should the horse rear as it is exiting the stall. If a horse kicks or leans against the sliding door, a floor-level guide will provide more stability to the door.

    Materials

    • Horses can sometimes become bored and will chew on boards, according to Cherry Hill, author of Cherry Hill’s Horsekeeping Almanac. Stay away from pine when building stalls. Oak is pricier, but horses don't seem inclined to chew it. Placing a metal edge on all wood surfaces discourages chewing. There are also commercial products available to discourage the horse from chewing..