Horse Stall Design

Select an automatic drinker by considering the strength and maintenance requirements of the materials that will come in contact with the horse, the smoothness of these surfaces, water refill mechanism, and ease of cleaning. Some drinkers require the horse to lower the level of the water to refill it, whereas a refill mechanism that requires the horse nose to open a valve can be difficult or frightening for some horses to use. Valve mechanisms can also become a "toy," and some horses delight in holding the valve open and flooding the stall. In colder climates, protection is needed to prevent waterlines from freezing and breaking. Methods to consider include burying the lines, heating the barn, providing access to ground heat below the frostline, and/or using electrical heat tape on exposed waterlines.

Hay feeding

The ideal way to feed forage (hay) varies among owners. Hay can be fed directly off the ground, but this method allows the forage to come in contact with waste, dirt, and to be mixed with the bedding. A corner apron of concrete can minimize for- age contact with a dirty floor. A primary advantage of floor feeding is that it allows the horse to eat in a natural position.

Hay racks, hay bags, and hay nets can keep forages off the ground. Hay fixtures should be used with extreme caution since a horse's leg may become caught if the horse kicks or rears near the rack or net. Consider the horse's habits, personality, and behavior before selecting a fixture. When a hay rack, net, or bag is used, the bottom end should be at wither height for the horse. Too high and hay dust falls into the horse's eyes and nostrils; too low and the horse may become tangled. All weld joints on racks need to be strong and smooth with rounded corners.