UNDERTAKE STABLE AND YARD MANAGEMENT

Stable design

Types of stables

Material

Construction of the Stable Block

Ground should be level. Not liable to flooding. Backing onto the prevailing wind. Easy access onto the site. Electricity available. Water supply. Secure. Not surrounded by trees, although some

shelter is beneficial.

Sizes of stables

The welfare is a primary consideration. The Equine Industry Welfare Guidelines set out minimum

requirements for housing horses and ponies. The size (and type) of stabling will be dependent on the size, type and requirement of the horses and ponies to be stabled.

Stable should be large enough for a horse or pony to stand up with at least 0.9m (3’) clearance above it’s head.

Sufficient space to lie down, stand up and turn around without difficulty.

A rule of thumb recommended by the BHS is that a pony would need a 3m x 3.7 m (10’ x x12’) floor area, and a horse 3.7m x 3.7m (12’ x 12’).

The height should be between 2.7m and 3.4m (9’ & 11’) stable doors a minimum 1.2m (4’) wide, and 2.3m (7’6")

high, with the bottom door being 1.2m (4’) high.

Ventilation Good ventilation is essential. Must be achieved without placing the horse or pony in a

draughty environment. High-pitched ceilings improve ventilation by allowing a

greater volume of air to circulate, diluting any ammonia resulting from urine.

High-level vents, preferably at the ridge, are essential to allow continuous air movement around the stable.

A window at the front of the stable allows good air flow without causing a draught.

Water supply and waste water management

Water must be accessible on a yard at all times for a range of reasons.

Water pipes should be well insulated. Stop taps should be accessible. Should be out of the horse’s reach. Drains should be located beneath every

tap. Waste water removal should be designed

and installed by a specialist to ensure all environmental issues are addressed.

Waste management

Muckheap should be managed. Maintained on a day to day basis to

ensure it stays as compact as possible. Waste management plan should be

deployed. Skips can be hired to remove rubbish i.e.

plastics paper etc, that would otherwise be difficult to dispose of in their vast quantities.

Flooring The most commonly used flooring in stables is concrete. As the concrete is laid it is tampened to give it its rough finish, rather

than troweled to give it a smooth finish. Floors should be laid on a slight slope to enable the waste to run off. Drainage is normally located within the centre or behind the stable

block. Hard flooring such as pavers or concrete are also easier to disinfect

and can be hosed down if necessary. These floors are harder on a horse's legs .Many people put rubber

matting down. If you have sandy soil, you may decide to leave the earth and not lay

down a solid floor. This flooring is easier on the horses legs, may be warmer, and quieter than an un-matted solid floor.

Most bedding types can be used on this type of system, the most popular is peat.

Earth floors are harder to clean, and will need digging out and topping up with fresh sand if the earth becomes too saturated.

Light

Artificial light & safety features

Fluorescent lighting

Halogen lighting

Waterproof switches

Waterproof sockets

Fluorescent lighting

Light

Natural light

Safety and Security

Electrical fittings must be positioned so that horses and ponies cannot reach them.

Sockets must be to an appropriate external standard and light fittings should be caged for safety.

Fire precautions must be followed, with fire fighting equipment in a readily accessible position.

An area of fenced hard standing outside of the stables is generally included in the design. This serves many useful purposes, including that of enclosing the horse or pony if he escapes in the night!

Barn stabling should have at least two exits in case of emergency.

Stable design

Tie rings

Tie rings

Hay

Window

Door

Water

Tie ringlight

Waterproof light switch and socket

Turnout Facilities

Access to the fields for horse and vehicles. Field plan (individual or group turnout?

Mares and geldings together or separate?) Use of grass mats or hard core to maintain

the gateways. Gradient of land. Type of land; sand, loam, clay etc Grasses suitable for horses -Perennial

Ryegrass, Timothy,   Creeping Red Fescue, Meadow Fescue, Chewing's Fescue, Rough Stalked Meadow Grass, Crested Dogstail,Cocksfoot (not exhaustible)

Perennial Ryegrass

Timothy

Creeping Red Fescue

Meadow Fescue

Chewings Fescue

Rough Stalked Meadow Grass

Crested Dogstail

Cocksfoot

Turnout Facilities

Water supply to the fields Fencing Shelter Security Size of fields(See handout)