Design the Perfect Stable for your Horse
When it comes to deciding on a new stable for your horse, not only do you need to consider what it will be made from, but also its design and layout.
The ideal stable for a horse needs to have plenty of light, have good ventilation, be easy to clean and pleasant and hygienic for your horse, and you, to be in.
Here’s what you need to consider when choosing a steel-framed stable from Graham Heath Construction:
Location, location, location: You will need to choose a place that has good natural drainage; solid level ground; close to utilities so you can easily top up water, clean out and install lighting; easy access and somewhere with space either side so that you have the possibility of expanding in future. You should also consider the location in terms of the weather. You need good ventilation, but it’s no use positioning your steel-framed stable where it’s very windy. That won’t be pleasant for you or your horses!
One size doesn’t fit all: Your new steel-framed stable can be made to your exact specifications and requirements. Want two stalls and an additional room to store tack and feed? No problem. But you should also consider your future needs. You may only have two horses now, but will you want more in future? Will you ever want to house other people’s horses to make extra money?
Or do you plan to breed from your horses? If you choose a steel-framed stable, you can make changes to your building much easier, it can be as simple as bolting on extra sections. You should also consider the size of the stalls for your horses. They need plenty of room to comfortably move around, roll and lie-down. Think also about how much room you need to get the day to day jobs done at the stable. You may need to use heavy or wide equipment so will need enough space to manoeuvre around.
Hay-ho: You need to also make sure that you’ve allocated room for feed storage. Although a short supply of hay and other feeds can be kept in your stable, it is not a good idea to use part of your steel-framed stable to store large amounts of hay or straw bedding. It’s a fire risk, although steel-framed structures are fire-resistant, unlike timber, it doesn’t take long for horses to be overcome with smoke. You should always store combustible materials well away from your main stable area and you should also consider the fire risks within any rooms within your stables, even those you’ve added on through expansion, such as tack rooms.
Lofty heights: Careful consideration should also be paid to the height of your new steel-framed stable roof. It may have an impact should a fire break out, the higher the celing the better. Your new steel-framed stable also needs to have excellent ventilation through windows and roof vents.
Heat protection: You need to make sure you have adequate and well-planned heating provision. Using any kind of gas lamps or heaters are fire risks.
At Graham Heath Construction we’re experts at building the best steel-framed stables for you and your horses that are safe, reliable, durable and can withstand any weather. Contact us today for more information.
