Last week in Horse Sense we introduced you to the Irish legislation that sets out to protect the health and welfare of animals. The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 outlines the basic needs of animals and what is required by owners to ensure an animal’s needs are being met.

To read last week's articles, click here.

This week in Horse Sense we look more closely at the horses’ environment and bring you expert advice on stable design and layout.

Earlier this week I took a trip to Moyglass in Co Tipperary to meet with Matty Tynan, and his son Sean, of Tynan Construction Ltd. Matty has been in the construction industry since the early 1970s. In 1991 he formed Tynan Construction Ltd and continues to run it as a family business with the next generation adding modern techniques and technology to his wealth of experience.

Tynan Construction would be regarded as leaders in the construction of equine buildings having constructed yards for Mouse Morris, Coolmore Stud and Ballydoyle among others.

The company pays particular attention to detail when it comes to the welfare and protection of valuable stallions, broodmares and young stock and incorporates many expertly designed safety features into its stables and yards. Therefore, I think it is safe to say that the Tynans are well qualified to speak with authority on stable design and construction.

STABLE SIZE

When considering what size stable is required for your horse the main criteria to consider are:

  • The animal should be able to stand up and turn around without difficulty.
  • The animal should be able to lie down and roll easily without the risk of injury.
  • Consideration needs to be given to each horse on an individual basis. Consider also the horse’s height, length and build, as well as temperament and disposition, and the duration of confinement,
  • A minimum stable size of 12ft x 12ft for horses, and preferably 12ft x 14ft for larger horses, is recommended.
  • Large stables are recommended for foaling boxes. This is to ensure the mare’s comfort when foaling and also to ensure that the mare has enough room to remain mobile before during and after foaling. This will help with her recovery. A good sized foaling box would be 14ft x 14 ft.
  • For ponies the minimum dimensions would be 10ft x 10ft and 10ft x 12ft is recommended for larger ponies.
  • The height of the stable should be between nine and 11ft, with a minimum of 3ft clearance of the roof.
  • Stable doors should be at least 2.4m high and 1.2m wide. Stable doors must give plenty of clearance to allow the horse to be taken from the stable easily so that the horse does not injure his hips or head on the door frame.