Tips for building wooden stables
30/11/2010
Choosing to build wooden stables that have both form and function takes planning. Skimping on the planning stage can result in errors during the planning and building stage which can then leave you with expensive modifications. When planning your stables consider the total number of horses you have and how many you might expect to have in the future, you need to plan for every eventuality including the possibility of later extension to your wooden buildings.
Instructions for building wooden stables
The first thing to consider, especially if you have large horses, is that the corridors are wide enough for two horses to pass through without touching. Some horses, especially the racing kind, are skittish and protective of their space. Also, the horses groom needs to be able to work on and around the horses in comfort. The main stable space also needs to house a wash, storage and tack room area and of course the horse stalls themselves.
Lighting fixtures need to be placed out of major thoroughfares and of course out of the horses' reach. If you can't keep light fittings away from the horses, then encase them in wire cages.
The ceilings of your wooden stables need to be high enough to easily accommodate a horse with a mounted rider or a handler and a rearing horse. This is essence means that the ceilings need to be at least nine foot or higher.
Materials for building wooden stables.
The outside of most barns are actually metal while the insides and individual stalls are made of heavy, dense wood. Base the size of the stalls on the size of your horses and consider ventilation, water, fire safety and electrical needs.
Drainage is also an important factor when building wooden stables. Horses’ urine can badly damage their hooves not to mention make the working are unpleasant to be in. Urine can also damage both the metal and after a while the wood as well. Most championship barns are built on gravel, layered with clay and then have heavy duty stall mats in each stall. The stalls have an outward slant and the barn is placed on a hill, with gentle slopes on each side to allow for maximum drainage.
Warnings when building wooden stables
Concrete floors are great for disinfection, but can pose a problem with drainage if not installed properly.
Wooden floors can be laid for drainage, but they don't last long and are slippery when wet, posing a risk to the horse.
Jon william stables have been sucessfully building wooden stables and other timber buildings for over 20 years.
