Designing From The Horses Perspective

Before considering the planning and construction of a stable, let’s consider briefly the reasons for providing stables. Nature has provided the horse in its natural environment the necessary protection from the weather. The thickness of its coat, the natural oils in the skin, and the fact that the animal may move about freely, are all adequate protection from inclement conditions. A horse living under such conditions, however, is fit only for the lightest of work.

It is only after we interfere in this natural environment that stabling becomes necessary. A horse in full work needs to be fit and kept clean. To obtain this condition requires the removal of surplus fat, a clipped coat and regular grooming. Thus not only is the coat thinned, but regular cleaning and grooming take away a large proportion of the coats natural protective oils. Removal of the horse’s natural defense mechanisms necessitates the implementation of artificial methods of protection, by means of blankets and stables. Stables have, therefore, to provide to a great extent the protection to the animal which has been removed by the requirements of work and cleanliness. In our efforts to maintain our horses fit and clean we may be inadvertently overlooking other needs, keeping them safe and healthy. The goal in providing a safe and healthy horse barn is to provide a barn that is ideally suited for it purpose and minimizes the adverse effects of stabling on our horses. In order to begin to develop an understanding of how stabling can have adverse effects on our horses lets begin with a discussion on the nature of the horse. First and foremost they are prey animals with very strong flight instincts. Every aspect of their behavior related to their survival is hardwired to take advantage of their ability to maintain speed over long distance. Their reliance on other herd members for protection and socialization are all meant to give them a competitive advantage in quest for survival. Although domesticated horses are not engaged in this daily struggle for survival, these behaviors have been a part of their psyche for millions of years and are not easily suppressed