Tips for Stabling Your Horse
As all horse insurance customers will already be aware, it is very important to find the right environment for your horse to live in. It has to have the right management system with facilities that are safe, appropriate and secure for your horse. There are many types of stabling available. They can range from a stable with traditional stalls, loose boxes or sheltered corral units. Horses can be kept in separate boxes or housed with other horses in a large barn.
The standard loose boxes are usually around three and a half metres. These are fine for ponies and smaller horses. However, if you have a large horse you will need to provide a bigger area. The horse has to be able to stand up, lie down and turn around in comfort.
The stabling must have a good drainage system and also be well ventilated. A good drainage system is a combination of sloping floors, drainage channels and needs to be combined with effective stable management. Stable management also includes having the appropriate bedding material which has to be mucked out and changed on a regular basis. Your horse need to have fresh air, so ventilation is very important. If your horse is stabled in a stuffy environment it could lead to health problems such as respiratory infections.
There should be adequate lighting both inside and outside. Ideally you should be using non-slip flooring such as rubber matting. Rubber matting is a good choice because it is comfortable and is also an effective shock absorber. This type of matting helps minimise the stress on your horse's joints. You can add extra bedding with the rubber matting to make it more comfortable for your horse.
Your horse is dependent on you to make sure they have a safe and comfortable environment to be in when they are not being ridden or out in the pasture. No matter whether you keep your horse in a stable at home or at a livery; if you follow the guidelines above you will find the perfect set up for your equine companion.
As the UK's fastest growing independant ethical insurance company, AFI have been dedicating all net profits to the welfare of animals around the world for many years now. We are proud to have added horse insurance to our product list. For an insurance quote on your horse, pony or donkey call our dedicated horse insurance team on 0844 57 32 100.
Do you have any advice for our readers about horse stables? Animal Friends Equine Insurance would love to hear what you have to say. Please post your comments below if you would like to share your opinions with other members of AFI's Horse Community. Thank you and enjoy the blogs!
