Creating a safe, comfortable, and efficient horse barn starts with choosing the best horse stalls. Whether you’re building your dream barn from the ground up or upgrading an existing facility, your stall choices will directly impact your horses’ health, your daily chores, and the overall functionality of your space.
Each element—from materials to layout—contributes to how your horses live and how easily you can manage their care.
At FEI Stabling, we know the horse industry and horse owners better than anyone. In this guide, we’ll walk through the key features, materials, and design considerations to help you choose the best stalls for your horse barn.
Understand the Importance of Stall Design
Stalls are where horses spend a large portion of their time. Most horses stand in their stalls for many hours each day, sometimes more than 12 hours, depending on your feeding or turnout routine. That’s why design and layout aren’t just aesthetic—they directly impact your horse’s health, comfort, and overall well-being. A well-designed stall can prevent boredom, stress, and even injury.
The right stall setup improves airflow, reduces dust buildup, and creates a calm environment for your equine companions. Consider how lighting, spacing, and visibility from one stall to another can enhance the horse’s experience and the functionality of your barn.
Choose Stall Features That Prioritize Safety
When evaluating horse stalls, safety is always the top concern. Horses are large animals that can easily injure themselves on poorly constructed equipment. High-quality products with smooth edges, kick-proof materials, and secure latching mechanisms help protect your horse from injury.
Horse stall doors should slide smoothly or swing open safely without sharp corners. Grilled sections in partitions prevent kicking between horses while allowing airflow. The materials used should be durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of daily life in the barn.
Optimize Stall Size for Your Horse
Stalls should be sized appropriately for the breed, size, and activity level of the horse. While 12×12 feet is the gold standard for an average horse, smaller horses or ponies may only need 10×10, while large breeds may require 14×14 or even larger spaces.
Adequate room ensures horses can lie down fully stretched, get up without difficulty, and move comfortably without hitting walls or feeders. For growing barns or breeding operations, designing flexible stall configurations that can be adjusted as needed is a smart investment.
Evaluate Different Types of Stall and Barn Doors
The choice between sliding doors and swing-out styles can influence both safety and space efficiency. Sliding doors are often preferred in tight barn aisles because they don’t take up extra space when opened. They are also easier to manage in winter when snow or ice might block swing doors.
Dutch doors offer natural ventilation and increased visibility, allowing horses to look outside and stay mentally stimulated. Barn doors that match your stall setup help create a cohesive design and ensure safe, easy access during daily chores or emergencies.
Select Stall Fronts That Support Well-Being
Stall fronts have a significant impact on how horses interact with their surroundings. Open fronts with grills or yokes allow horses to see and engage with other horses and people, which can promote a sense of security and reduce feelings of isolation.
However, not all horses benefit from too much interaction—especially aggressive or anxious horses. Solid stall fronts or removable yoke inserts offer flexibility for managing different horse temperaments. Choose stall fronts that balance safety, airflow, and horse visibility.
Maximize Ventilation to Protect Respiratory Health
Air circulation is essential for maintaining healthy respiratory systems in horses. A poorly ventilated barn can trap ammonia from urine, leading to respiratory issues and inflammatory airway disease. Dust from bedding or feed can further irritate sensitive lungs.
Install ventilation features such as open eaves, ridge vents, and dutch doors to keep fresh air flowing. Design stall fronts and partitions with airflow in mind and avoid sealing the barn too tightly, especially in colder climates. Proper ventilation supports your horse’s health every day of the year.
Choose the Best Horse Bedding for Health and Comfort
Horses require adequate rest, and bedding is a critical component of stall design – as well as your horse’s comfort. The best bedding cushions the floor, absorbs moisture, reduces odor, and keeps your horse clean and comfortable. The best bedding materials are highly absorbent, low in dust, and easy to remove during daily mucking.
The right horse bedding can help manage stall moisture and improve respiratory health. Many horse owners opt to layer horse bedding over stall mats to enhance comfort while minimizing waste. Factor in your horse’s allergies, behaviors, and how much time they spend in the stall when selecting bedding.
Compare Wood Shavings, Pellets, and Straw
Wood shavings are a popular choice due to their softness and availability. Large flake shavings produce less dust and are easier to sift through during cleaning. Softer woods like pine are preferred, while toxic varieties such as black walnut must be avoided.
Wood pellets are highly absorbent and break down into soft material when exposed to moisture. This type of absorbent bedding is ideal for minimizing dust and reducing respiratory issues. Straw horse bedding, while traditional, may not suit all horses and often requires more maintenance to keep clean and dry.
Explore Additional Horse Bedding Options
Other materials, like shredded paper and peat moss, are gaining popularity for their dust-free properties and moisture control. Shredded paper is gentle on sensitive hooves and a great choice for horses with respiratory conditions. It’s also affordable and eco-friendly.
Peat moss offers superior moisture absorption and odor control but may darken the stall appearance and can be messy if overused. Pelleted bedding—whether wood or straw-based—provides a good balance of absorbency, dust control, and compostability, making it a smart solution for many barns.
Avoid Bedding Materials That Pose Health Risks
Certain bedding types are harmful to horses and should always be avoided. Black walnut, even in small amounts, can cause laminitis, while red maple can be toxic if ingested. Be wary of repurposed wood products unless you know their source and composition.
Proper bedding selection protects your horse’s hooves, respiratory system, and overall well-being. Research any unfamiliar bedding before use, and monitor your horse for signs of discomfort, allergic reactions, or health changes after switching materials.
Invest in Stall Mats for Cushion and Support
Stall mats help reduce fatigue by providing a stable yet cushioned surface. They can prevent joint stress and support your horse’s legs during long periods of standing. Mats also reduce the need for thick bedding layers, which cuts costs and cleaning time.
Mats made of heavy-duty rubber are ideal for long-term durability. Look for designs that feature textured surfaces to improve traction and interlocking edges to prevent movement. Proper installation ensures no gaps where debris or moisture can accumulate.
Plan a Functional Barn Aisle Layout
Your barn aisle layout affects more than just aesthetics—it plays a vital role in safety and functionality. A wide barn aisle allows for easier movement of horses, tack, and equipment. It’s especially helpful during feeding, farrier visits, or emergencies.
Include slip-resistant flooring and consider drain placement to prevent puddles from forming. Clean, clutter-free aisles minimize trip hazards and improve daily operations. Proper lighting and ventilation in aisles can also improve the overall environment for both humans and horses.
Choose Durable and Stylish Stall Hardware
Your stall hardware should be built to last. Choose corrosion-resistant materials like galvanized or stainless steel, especially in humid or coastal climates. Latches should be easy to operate but secure enough to prevent escapes or accidental openings.
Hardware that matches your barn’s style—modern, rustic, or traditional—adds visual appeal. Hinges, feeders, and tie rings should all align with your barn’s design standards while supporting your horse’s needs and daily care.
Reduce Dust to Improve the Environment
Dust is one of the leading causes of respiratory issues in horses. In addition to choosing low-dust bedding, regularly sweep and hose down barn aisles, remove cobwebs, and avoid storing dusty hay in or near stalls.
Installing ceiling fans or exhaust fans can also help reduce airborne dust. Encouraging airflow through natural ventilation or mechanical means is essential to maintaining a clean barn environment that supports long-term respiratory health.
Make Daily Chores Easier with Smart Design
Efficient stall layouts make feeding, watering, and cleaning easier. Consider adding automatic horse waterers to ensure fresh water is always available without manual effort. Position feeders at an ergonomic height to minimize waste and improve horse posture during meals.
Designing stalls with easy-access doors and quick-release latches allows barn staff to work safely and swiftly. Thoughtful storage for tools and supplies further enhances the efficiency of your daily routine.
Promote Horse Well-Being Through Design
Beyond safety and cleanliness, good stall design should enhance your horse’s mental and physical well-being. Features like stall windows, yoke doors, and visual access to other horses reduce boredom and encourage natural social behaviors.
Comfortable flooring, good lighting, and consistent routines help horses feel secure and content. Keep your horse’s perspective in mind when designing or modifying stall elements to ensure they support long-term wellness.
Select High Quality Products That Last
Stalls are a long-term investment, so it pays to select high quality products from reputable suppliers like Classic Equine Equipment. Durable materials, protective coatings, and precise engineering extend the life of your investment and reduce the need for frequent repairs.
Look for companies that stand behind their products with warranties and knowledgeable support. Choosing quality now means fewer headaches later—and a safer, better-looking barn in the long run.
Final Considerations When Choosing Horse Stalls
Every barn is different, and so is every horse. When choosing the best horse stalls, think beyond aesthetics and focus on how each decision will impact your horses’ health, your efficiency, and your barn’s long-term success.
The best stalls are the ones that work for both horses and humans—supporting daily chores, minimizing risk, and creating a healthy, comfortable space your horses will thrive in for years to come.