By Classic Equine Equipment
Whether you’re building a new barn or remodeling your existing one, it’s important to put safety front and center. At Classic Equine Equipment we believe creating a safe and nurturing environment for you and your horse begins with thoughtful stall design. From stall dimensions and materials to accessories and equipment, each element contributes to the overall well-being of your equine companion, as well as anyone who visits your barn.
Safety is in the Details
When it comes to safety, attention to detail is a must. Classic Equine Equipment emphasizes smooth edges at all touch points, robust construction using 14-gauge steel, with galvanization and a durable powder coating to safeguard the strength and beauty of the stalls. This ensures superior rust resistance and longevity of stall components, protecting your investment and the well-being of your horse for years to come.
Another great example of this attention to detail is in the latch systems we provide. Our plunger-latches and flip-lock latches are designed to prevent horses from opening their stall door from inside the stall, while still being easy for people to use. That gives Linda Lawson, Barn Manager at Cherith Brook Farm, extra peace of mind. She said, “I know without any doubt they’re going to be secure. Those horses are not getting out when no one’s here, and that makes me feel great.”
Optimal Stall Dimensions and Design
The stall is your horse’s home; a place where he should feel relaxed and secure. The size of a stall plays a key role in your horse’s comfort. The most common stall size is 12-feet by 12-feet. That provides enough space for most horses to move around freely. Of course, larger breeds need more space. Warmbloods and draft horses typically can be stabled in stalls measuring 12-feet by 14-feet, or larger. While miniature horses and ponies thrive in smaller, 10-feet by 10-feet stalls.
Stall height is also an important safety consideration. A minimum height of 7 feet 6 inches for stall fronts and partitions prevents horses from trying to jump out and reduces the risk of injury. Every Classic Equine Equipment stall is manufactured to your barn’s dimensions to guarantee the perfect fit and optimal safety.
Beyond standard stalls, we also offer specialized configurations like foaling stalls. Foaling stalls are typically 14-feet by 16-feet at minimum to provide ample space for mares and foals during the birthing process. Removable or hinged partitions allow for flexible use of space, so you can easily adapt to changing needs within your barn.
Ventilation and Air Flow
Stall designs should incorporate features that promote airflow, such as grill tops and bottoms or mesh panels. We offer several fill options for stall doors and partitions, including steel bars, steel mesh, wood and high-density polyethylene. Each material choice balances safety, ventilation and durability, ensuring a healthy and comfortable environment for horses. Lawson points out proper ventilation is important for foals too. She said, “You’ve got bedding that makes dust and things in the air. Having the openness in the stalls creates a way to keep all that air moving, even for the little ones, who are lower, you’ve got air moving which is very important for their breathing and their health.”
For optimal ventilation, Classic Equine Equipment offers high-output basket fans and ceiling fans designed specifically for barn use. Our fans feature sealed motors, unlike standard box fans, reducing the risk of fire hazards from dust buildup—a critical safety consideration in barn settings.
Safety Beyond Stall Design
We offer a range of safety-enhancing products. One of those products is Tru-Step® Pavers for nonslip barn surfaces. These pavers not only improve safety but also add aesthetic appeal to barn aisles, walkways, and grooming stalls. Their durability and ease of installation make them a smart choice for any barn environment. Linda Lawson explained that she loves Tru-Step® Pavers because they help make training safer. “I’m working them right out here in the aisle…on this floor…because it’s snowing out and I can’t take them outside. I can train them right here on this floor with confidence knowing they will not slip.”
Safety is a Smart Investment
Investing in quality stall equipment is investing in the health and safety of you, your horses and everyone who enters your barn. Classic Equine Equipment leads the industry in our dedication to safety, functionality and craftsmanship. Whether you’re building a new barn or remodeling your existing one, insist on stall solutions designed to provide the greatest safety, durability and reliability.
By choosing Classic Equine Equipment, you’re not just buying stall components; you’re investing in peace of mind. Our attention to detail, from latch mechanisms to ventilation solutions, ensures your horses are stabled in a safe, comfortable and healthy environment. For more than 30 years, we have been a trusted partner in the equestrian community, committed to protecting what matters most – your horse’s safety.
To learn more about our stalls and to see our full product line, visit classic-equine.com.
