How to Ensure Safety in Your Stable Building

The safety of your horses starts with their stable. Accidents can happen not only while riding, but also in the stable.

A well-designed stable provides a comfortable environment for your horses, but there are important precautions you should take to minimise any hazards or risks. By introducing effective safety measures, you can create a stable building that not only protects your horses but also gives you peace of mind.

Fire Prevention

Just like any other building, it’s necessary to take precautions to prevent fires and have a plan in case one happens. If your stable building is poorly maintained and you don’t have a fire prevention plan, the risk of a fire can put both your horses and your stable in danger.

Here are some steps you can take to prevent a fire:

• Keep hay, animal feed and any highly flammable liquids stored safely. They should be kept away from any electrical outlets or heat sources. 
• We would strongly recommend installing smoke detectors and alarms in your horse stable building and any surrounding areas. 
• Keep the interior and exterior of your stable building tidy to reduce the risk of a fire.
• Always keep any exits clear of obstructions, so everyone can evacuate quickly and fire services can have easy access inside. 
• Smoking in the stable area should be prohibited for safekeeping. You can reinforce this by posting “no smoking” signs in all relevant areas. 
• Have fire extinguishers at exterior doors. It’s vital to check you have the correct size and type of fire extinguisher and all fire exits should be marked clearly. 

Safe Design and Flooring

In a steel farm building the design and layout can impact safety conditions. Your horses will spend a lot of time in the stables so it is important that it is structured well. 

Here are some factors to consider:

• Make sure your stalls are spacious enough for your horses to feel comfortable. Stables should be large enough for your horse to turn around, lie down and get up comfortably. The British Horse Society recommends the following dimensions:
  • 12ft x 12ft for horses 
  • 12ft x 14ft for large horses.
• Make sure you provide enough stalls based on the number of horses you have.
• Passageways must also be wide enough to safely lead horses past each other.
• The flooring in your horse stable is also an important factor to consider. Use non-slip flooring like rubber mats for better traction and to lower the risk of injuries.

At Kit Buildings Direct, there are key details we take into consideration during the design stage that contribute to the safety of your stable. This includes sufficient drainage, good quality footing and improved accessibility to feeding/cleaning stations.

These design features allow for safer movements throughout your stable building, reducing the chances of accidents or injuries. Our team will work closely with you during the design and consultation stage to determine the best layout for you.

Ventilation and Airflow

Efficient ventilation and airflow throughout your steel farm building is essential for the safety of your horses. Restricted ventilation can affect their health too.  The buildup of dust and mould particles can cause respiratory and breathing issues. 

By implementing a good ventilation system, you can manage the air quality and temperature control. You can do this with stable doors, suitable roof heights, air vents and windows. 

Good air circulation is important for your horse’s safety, which we take into consideration when building your stable building.

Weather Resistance

One of the advantages of a steel horse stable building is its durability to harsh weather conditions. They are more resistant as opposed to timber, which can be susceptible to moisture damage. 

To ensure safety in your stable barn, take measures that can protect your building from any weather-related corrosion:

• This can be helped by having a proper drainage system that can prevent water accumulation and flooding.
• Make sure your horse stable is well-insulated, to maintain temperature in hot and cold conditions.
• You can use weather-resistant coatings to protect your steel exterior from wear and rust. 

Lighting and Electrics

It is important to have sufficient lighting in your horse stable, so you can safely see and care for your horses. If you choose to use electric lighting, make sure all fixtures and wiring is fitted properly. Light fittings or switches should be encased in a safety cover and kept out of reach from any horses. You should also secure any loose wires to prevent trip hazards or your horse chewing them.

Make sure your electrical system is safe and waterproof to prevent any hazards. If you’re unsure, have an electrician inspect them. It is recommended to get all your electrics checked by an election every 3-5 years to ensure safety.

Choose a Quality Stable Building With Kit Buildings Direct

A well-built, good quality structure is what will make a safe and long-lasting horse stable building. Our stable buildings are steel-framed, made from high quality steel to ensure the safety and security of all horse breeds. 

We use CE-marked steel, which is manufactured in our Derby workshop. The steel can be galvanised for a durable, long-lasting finish. We manufacture and install first-rate steel framed stable buildings across the UK.

Don’t hesitate to contact us to enquire and receive a quote for your stable building.