Creating a safe, comfortable, and efficient temporary horse barn starts with choosing the best horse stalls. Whether you’re hosting a championship show, adding overflow space while your main barn is renovated, or bringing your dream barn atmosphere to a county fairground, your stall choices directly impact your horses’ health, your daily chores, and the overall functionality of the setup. Each element—from materials to layout—shapes how your horses live and how easily you can manage their care.
At FEIStabling, we know the horse industry and horse owners better than anyone. Our modular, easy‑to‑install stalls arrive on‑site fast and assemble within hours, letting you focus on your equine companions while we handle delivery, setup, and removal.
Understand the Importance of Stall Design
Portable stalls are where most horses will stand, rest, and eat for long stretches at shows or clinics, so design isn’t just aesthetic—it directly impacts a horse’s health, comfort, and overall well‑being. Good design improves airflow, reduces dust, and creates a calm environment. Lighting, spacing, and visibility from one stall to another all enhance your horses’ experience and the functionality of any temporary barn aisle.
Choose Stall Features That Prioritize Safety
Safety tops the list for every horse owner. FEIStabling’s galvanized‑steel frames, kick‑through‑resistant HDPE walls, and nail‑free construction protect horses from sharp edges and splintering wood. Horse stall doors—whether sliding doors or swing styles—come with kick‑over bolt locks for extra security and operate smoothly even on uneven show‑ground surfaces.
Optimal Stall Size for Your Horse
Stalls should be sized appropriately for the breed, size, and activity level of the horse. While a 10×13 stall is a popular size for an average horse, smaller horses or ponies may only need a 10×10, while large breeds may require 10×14 or even larger spaces. When working with temporary stall setups you may have the opportunity to combine stalls giving your horse even more comfort.
Select Stall Fronts That Support Well‑Being
Open‑grill or yoke stall fronts allow horses to socialize with other horses, reducing stress. FEIStabling offers removable anti‑weave grills and full‑grill inserts that swap in seconds, giving trainers easy access for feeding and grooming during busy events.
Maximize Ventilation to Protect Respiratory Health
Portable barns can trap heat and ammonia if ventilation is ignored. FEI’s continuous open‑eave roofs and 12‑ft center aisles boost natural airflow, protecting the respiratory system and minimizing respiratory health issues. Proper ventilation also lowers dust from bedding materials and keeps the environment comfortable in any climate.
Choose the Best Horse Bedding for Health and Comfort
Horse bedding cushions hard surfaces, absorbs moisture, and supports horse’s comfort. Many horse owners layer bedding over stall mats—FEIStabling can supply rubber stable mats as an add‑on—to provide extra support and quicker muck‑outs during hectic show schedules. Pick low‑dust, absorbent bedding that controls odor and helps horses achieve adequate rest even in a bustling event environment.
Compare Wood Shavings, Pellets, and Straw
- Wood shavings (preferably softer woods) provide cushion and low dust when using larger flakes.
- Wood pellets expand into fine, pelleted bedding that locks in moisture and reduces cleaning time.
- Straw bedding is traditional and cost‑effective but can harbor dust and requires more bedding changes to stay dry.
Explore Additional Horse Bedding Options
Shredded paper is gentle on a horse’s hooves and nearly dust‑free, while peat moss excels at moisture and odor control. Blends of pellets and peat combine several advantages: superior absorption, compostability, and comfort.
Avoid Bedding Materials That Pose Health Risks
Stay clear of black walnut, red maple, or recycled lumber with unknown treatments—these can cause laminitis, allergic reactions, or toxicity. Always verify bedding sources, especially when traveling to new venues.
Invest in Stall Mats for Cushion and Support
Our durable rubber stall mats lessen fatigue, support joints, and create a level surface on uneven fairground soils. Interlocking edges prevent shifting, while textured tops improve traction when horses stand for grooming.
Plan a Functional Barn Aisle Layout
A generous, clutter‑free barn aisle between portable stall rows allows safe movement of horses, tack, and feed carts. Combine slip‑resistant footing with proper drainage to avoid puddles. Good aisle lighting—optional lighting packages from FEIStabling—improves night‑check safety for both humans and horses.
Choose Durable and Stylish Stall Hardware
From barn doors to hinges, pick corrosion‑resistant hardware that can handle frequent assembly, disassembly, and transport. FEIStablings’s quick‑release latches and spring‑loaded bolt shields make setup and takedown faster without sacrificing security.
Reduce Dust to Improve the Environment
Use low‑dust bedding, damp‑down aisles, and position hay storage away from stall fronts. Portable fans or natural cross‑breezes keep dust at bay, supporting overall health and reducing the risk of inflammatory airway disease.
Make Daily Chores Easier with Smart Design
Install automatic or portable automatic horse waterers to ensure constant fresh water and cut labor. Ergonomic feeder heights cut waste and protect a horse’s eyes from irritants. Easy access doors and modular panel systems from FEIStabling streamline chores for busy show crews.
Promote Horse Well‑Being Through Design
Visual contact with equine companions, soft footing, and consistent routines reduce stress. Adding mesh panels or HDPE privacy boards encourages social interaction while preventing unwanted chewing on wood panels.
Select High‑Quality Products That Last
Temporary doesn’t mean short‑lived. Investing in high quality products—galvanized frames, double‑walled HDPE partitions, premium coatings—means fewer repairs and safer horses, whether you rent for a weekend or keep stalls up for a full show season. FEIStabling backs every system with turnkey installation and removal services.
Final Considerations When Choosing Horse Stalls
Every venue is different, and so is every horse. Focusing on safety, ventilation, bedding, and layout ensures your portable stalls feel like the best stalls—supporting daily chores, minimizing risk, and delivering a healthy, comfortable space where horses can relax, compete, and thrive. With FEIStabling’s modular systems, accessories, and expert setup, you get several options for temporary setups that stand the test of weather, travel, and time—so you and your horses can enjoy the show, not worry about the shelter.