Horse stall size? <span title="...........................................">............................</span>

Question

I'm sure it's big enough but don't want it too big? Silly I know but my girl loves to have fun:) So I'm building the barn (almost done:), and I'm thinking of a 16 X 12 "run in shed it's gonna open up to a large carrol, and in really really bad winter days I can shut the door. I'm thinking it's well okay she's about 800 #'s no huge, stocky. Do you think it's to big for her to have to much fun in? As I write this I know it sounds silly but she loves to kick, buck, run and so on, thanks god she's great on the ground or in saddle, lol. Thanks for your thoughts and everyone have a awesome weekend and get out and ride!!!

Answer 1

OMG - she&#039;s gonna LOVE it!  What a great set up for her.

The typical size of a stall is 12 x 12 or sometimes 10 x 10.  Mine are 12 x 10 and the horses run in and out of them - I can lock them in at feeding time, but otherwise they are free to roam.  There is a stall I use that used to be 3 tie stalls - it&#039;s about 16 x 18 - plenty big enough.

I think you&#039;ve got the optimal set up for your girl.  She&#039;s got freedom to be out in the fresh air (good for resipratory system) yet a good shelter from weather and heat and bug.

I doubt, even in winter, you&#039;ll need to lock her in.  Mine even in the coldest wintry days prefer their freedom to get out and get a fresh breath.  Additionally it helps keep them in shape.

I would just caution you from experience on a few things:

1.  If this shelter is metal sided, be sure to line between the metal siding and studs with OSB or something like that - we had a mare get chased one time around a metal shed.  she slipped and her foot went through the metal cutting a major blood vessel there, she ended up having to be destroyed.  Do not side with metal then line the inside with plywood as this leaves a void between the metal and wood that a foot can get caught in.

2.  If the shelter will be placed so the horse can get all the way around it, don&#039;t place to so there&#039;s tight spots like between the corral fence and the shed - make sure she&#039;s got plenty of room all around it.

3.  You probably already know this, but I need to ensure it&#039;s said - position it so it faces southwest if you&#039;re in the Wisc. Mich, Penn, Ohio, Indiana - the midwest - area - because wind and weather usually comes out of the west to northwest around here.

Have fun - ride for me this weekend!

Answer 2

If you&#039;re making it 12 by  16&#039;, I would have the opening be on a 12&#039; end, so it is built deep enough for her to get well back inside on cold nights, and out of the sun on hot days. I would only mat the back 12 feet, and have ag lime for the first 4 feet and extending outside of the shed another 4 feet or so.  Mats may be slippery if wet....this keeps them more dry, while still providing a cushioned area for the horse.  Putting lime at the front and outside reduces mud and if you dig out the ground and make the lime deeper, you get better drainage and less odors.

I never lock my horses in....they often stand out in the wind and snow when it would be much cozier in the shed....they aren&#039;t like people!

I was going to put feeders into my shed, and opted not to.  I feed hay right on the mats, and use rubber bowls on the floor to feed their pellets....it&#039;s best for horses to eat from the ground if possible, both for the digestive system, and because they get less hay dust.  I have my water trough in the shed as well, but mine is 16&#039; deep by 36&#039; wide for two horses, with the trough at the center of the back wall.  Mine has a lime floor and I only mat at each end where the &quot;stalls&quot; are.  Mine opens into a dry lot, about 1/4 acre I think, so I can keep them off pasture when I need to.  Your horse will love you for building him this shed....my horses are so happy living the 24/7 outside life!

Oh,  to answer the question, no I don&#039;t think it&#039;s too large...I also don&#039;t think you&#039;ll need to close your horse in anyway.

Answer 3

That&#039;s an awsome size for her. She&#039;ll be very happy

Answer 4

sounds like she will have her own apartment. thats a good size.

Answer 5

Sounds great.  

Have you given any thought to the future?  Like a 2nd horse?  ;)  Always happens with horse lovers.

Anyway,  in a run in you want a minimum size of 100 sqft per horse (10x10), or 200 sqft for 2 horses.  12x16 is 192...  make it just a little larger, and you&#039;ll be good when you add that second horse.  A little more cost now, a LOT less cost later.

Also, while having it face south/southeast (not southwest) is great in the winter, in the summer you&#039;ll want to have some ventilation coming from the west.  Runins with openings on only one side can get hot and stagnant and nasty, so at least add a window or two to the west.

I keep my horses in runins as much as possible, only stalls when absolutely necessary, like layups after injury, new horse, etc.  It&#039;s the healthiest way to keep them, both physically and mentally.  Also easier for us slaves who look after them!

Good luck!

Answer 6

12x12 is pretty standard if it&#039;s not a foaling stall or draft horse, so your measurements sound fine.

Answer 7

Most stall sizes are 10*10 or 12*12 because its a nice comfortable size for hroses to lay get up walk around. I know a horse who no matter how small the stall they still trotted and bucked in their stall.  

Answer 8

it&#039;s more than enough. a 12x12 would do. but all that matters is that you want the best for your baby... your stall will definitely work fine.  

Answer 9

Yes, 12 X 16 should be alright.  Hopefully, your horse will not be having so much &quot;fun&quot; in the stall. It could be dangerous.  Horses that routinely kick walls can break bones and those that roll around in stalls can get cast on the wall.  If she&#039;s never been stalled before, you&#039;ll need to keep an eye on her when you shut her in.  You should practice it a couple of times a month, if you only plan to do it for bad weather.  Make sure there are no nails sticking out, there are cages on lights, and nothing to get hung up in.  If she&#039;s a real thrasher in the stall, you can get wall mats.  Best thing is practice, though, that way its no big deal when she goes in periodically.

Answer 10

That sounds like a nice big stall. I&#039;m sure your horse will love it. Most stalls are 12x12, some 10x10, so the larger size will give her some extra room. I don&#039;t think a stall can really be too big :)