Stable and turnout

In short

• A stable for a horse is roughly 3.2 × 3.5 m (11 × 12 ft), with a door 1.2 m wide and 2.3 m high and a ceiling at least 3 m high. A donkey needs 2.5 × 3 m or a shared shelter of roughly 10–12 m² for two.
• The best system for a small farm is an open barn or field shelter with turnout, where the animals choose for themselves whether to be in or out.
• Air free of dust and ammonia matters more than warmth. A horse copes with cold, but not with a draught on a wet coat or with stale air.
• Mud-free turnout: a hard surface by the door, the water and the hay. Mud ruins hooves, especially a donkey's.
• Fencing 1.4–1.6 m (4 ft 6 in–5 ft 3 in), never barbed wire. Electric fencing with wide tape.
• Hay and straw burn. A fire extinguisher, clear exits and safe wiring are a must.

What's inside

Chapters

1. Siting the stable and muck heap
2. Stable, open barn or field shelter
3. Sizes: stable, doors, hay racks
4. A barn for two animals
5. Floor, bedding and the muck heap
6. Air, light, winter and summer
7. Mud-free turnout
8. Fencing and electric fencing
9. Water and hay racks
10. Safety and fire in the stable
11. Common mistakes
12. Printable checklist

Worksheets

• Stable shopping list
• Bedding, muck heap and fencing calculator
• Measurements and sketch of my stable
• Safety and cleaning check
• Stable and turnout maintenance calendar