Planning Your Colorado Horse Stall

There are many things to consider when in the early stages of planning to build your first Colorado horse stall. What type of things will you need to be stored within hands reach of the stall? Hay racks, hay bags, and hay nets? If so, these items should be stored near at chest height. If they are stored too low, your horse may become tangled. Planning these things out in advance will save you a lot of trouble in the long run. You should also think about how your horse feeds and what type of floor to use.

What type of feeding method do you use with your horse and how can that affect the way your horse stall should be constructed? A hay rack or net will require different specifications than using a hay manger. Many horse owners use mangers because they let the horse eat in a more natural position. Mangers are also less prone to trap the horse and reduce dust fall. Similar to racks or nets, mangers start flush with the floor and ends above horse chest height. Dust can accumulate in the bottom of the manger so you’ll need to make sure there is enough room in your Colorado horse stall for a person to remove the debris manually.

What will you use on the floor of your stall? Horses have their heads close to the ground for most of the day. Most horse owners use an odorless material on the floor and is also non-absorbant. Not all floorings are the same. Dirt is pliable, but concrete is more stable. The stiffness of concrete can be overcome by using rubber mats or deep bedding. Sufficient bedding helps prevent sores or abrasions. Avoid flooring that can be slippery when wet. For more information, contact Colorado Horse Property today.

Photo by Michael Mroczek on Unsplash