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.
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 its 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 (76") high, with the bottom door being 1.2m (4) high.
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 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 horses 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.
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.
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.
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.
Tie rings Hay Window Door Water Tie ring light Waterproof light switch and socket
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)