10 Important Things To Consider When Building A Stable
Building a stable, whether for livestock, donkeys, horses, or any other animals, requires careful planning and consideration to ensure the health, safety, and comfort of the animals as well as the efficiency of operations, and the durability and longevity of the structure itself. As natural grazers, horses will always prefer to spend their time roaming the pasture, but inevitably, at times they will need to be sheltered from the elements or stabled for health, rest, or recovery reasons. Therefore, making their living quarters comfortable, safe, spacious, and befitting to their needs is vital.
Planning the perfect stable layout for your beloved horses will make a dramatic difference to making day-to-day routine tasks easier for horse owners as easy and slick as possible. With more than 40+ years in stable and timber building construction, we can help you design and build the stable of dreams. The following list of key considerations is a suitable place to start.
If you are planning to upgrade or build a new stable for your horses or other animals, here are our 10 most important things to consider:
Planning Permission
Do not underestimate the importance of seeking planning approval for your project. Any type of fixed equine building in the UK may require planning permission from your local planning authority, so starting the process as early as possible will get your project off to a great start. Councils can have differing opinions, so a project approved by one local authority might not receive approval by another. Plus, the reasoning for refusal may not always be obvious such as, access restrictions, spoiling of the natural habitat and surrounding areas, or even just because it is deemed a nuisance.
We always recommend speaking to your local authority well in advance of starting your project (even if you plan to build timber framed stables on land that has already been granted permission in the past) so you can understand the criteria involved in assessing planning applications as well as aiding knowledge on how and where it is feasible to build your stables on your land. Being fully aware of all the dos and don’ts right from the off will increase the chances of your application being successful. National Timber Building customers can benefit from our expert team handling the entire planning permission process for them – we can even create all the necessary design drawings for you.
Location And Site Selection
Once you are aware of what is and is not feasible in the eyes of planning officers, you can assess your plot to find the perfect location for your stable build. This will be influenced by the conditions of the proposed site such as good natural drainage to avoid water pooling around the stable, accessibility for vehicles, equipment, and personnel for daily operations, deliveries, emergencies etc, and do not forget accessibility to water and electricity amongst other things.
You will also want to take climate and weather into account. Prevailing winds, natural sunlight, and weather patterns are all important considerations for optimising ventilation and drainage.
Any stable will need to be erected on a flat and levelled foundation base to maintain the stable’s structural integrity. Therefore, if the proposed land is on a slope, excavation work will be required. Aside from the actual build site itself, you will need to check for other surrounding natural features that may impact your planned design such as mature tree roots, hedgerows etc.
Stable Layout And Design
Think about how much space you will need for your animals to move around happily and safely, including aisle width and the size of the stalls. Your design needs to consider ease of movement and workflow for when you are feeding, cleaning, and conducting daily routines for your animals. Plus, ensure you have adequate storage facilities for all your requirements particularly for feed to prevent spoilage and contamination.
Consider features like secure doors, proper fencing, and safety precautions to protect both horses and their carer.
Check out our blog on how to design and plan a stable for more information.
Ventilation And Air Quality
Ventilation is important not just to rid those pungent animal smells, but to keep your animals in good health. Proper airflow will maintain an optimal humidity level which will help reduce respiratory issues for animals.
Windows offer natural ventilation and will fill your stable with sunlight. Stables require windows that provide good airflow to the interior without causing a draught.
You can also design openings to boost natural airflow which will help reduce moisture and ammonia buildup from manure etc.
If natural ventilation is still insufficient, enlist the help of fans or ventilation systems in focused areas.
Lighting
Natural light is always best so make sure you utilise windows and skylights in your design to maximise exposure. You will not only be looking after the health of your animals, but you will be reducing energy costs too.
When the sun goes down, you will need to rely on artificial lighting in poorly lit areas. Ensure adequate artificial lighting is installed where needed – you do not want to be tripping over buckets, or other hazardous objects during your evenings spent at the stable.
Stable Doors
For over forty years, we have been committed to designing horse stable doors that combine beauty and functionality. Our collection features a variety of sizes, including bespoke options, all made from premium materials such as grade plywood and sturdy tee hinges. One of our key design features is the split functionality, allowing the top and bottom doors to function independently, enhancing safety and comfort for your horse. Whether you are upgrading or building anew, our horse stable doors in the UK are crafted to meet your needs, providing both style and durability to any equestrian facility.
Flooring And Bedding
Floors need to be slip-resistant to prevent injuries to animals and handlers. On top of that, floors should be durable and easy to clean, using materials like rubber mats or concrete with appropriate drainage.
Make sure your animals have suitable bedding that is comfortable, absorbs moister, and easy to maintain.
Materials And Construction
Using materials that can withstand wear and tear, weather conditions, and are easy to maintain is paramount to building a long-lasting stable. The aim is to balance aesthetics with functionality to create a pleasant yet efficient working environment. Luckily, we know exactly what we are doing with timber buildings!
We design your building in-house and check you are completely happy with it, giving you any advice you might need. We are experts in our industry. All our timber is of a naturally high quality and is fully Tanalised® to make sure it will stand the test of time. The tanalising process ensures it will be resistant to fungus and insect infestations.
To top it all off, we are proud members of Made in Britain guaranteeing you quality bespoke products and services.
Horse Health And Safety
When it comes to horse health and safety, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First up is disease control. Incorporating design features like isolation areas for sick animals can help keep illness at bay. Fire safety is equally important, so consider using fire-resistant materials, installing smoke alarms, and ensuring there are accessible exits. Security systems, including cameras, alarms, and locks, are also crucial for protecting your horses and equipment from theft or vandalism.
Stick To Your Budget
Finally, make sure to plan and budget for both the initial construction and ongoing maintenance costs. Be realistic, and remember, quality products and services may mean more of an initial investment, but you will be rewarded in the long term with a long serving, durable stable building that perfectly meets your requirements. Plus, ensuring a healthy and secure environment for your beloved horses is worth its weight in gold.
By carefully considering these aspects, you can create a stable that ensures the well-being of the animals, enhances operational efficiency, and meets the permissions of your local planning authority. This thoughtful approach will lead to a stable that serves its purpose effectively for many years.
At National Timber Buildings, we are passionate about creating wooden horse stables that combine exceptional durability with unmatched aesthetic appeal. Based in Kent, our team of skilled stable builders crafts each structure to meet the highest standards, using premium materials that are built to last. We understand the unique demands of equestrian facilities, offering custom designs that reflect your vision and meet your specific requirements. Contact us at your convenience to find out more.
