Balancing Horse and Human Needs in the Built Environment
We build stables or barns primarily for the same reason we did a century ago: to protect our horses from the elements and predators. Still, much has changed. In our increasingly non-agrarian environment, the reasons and ways we relate to our horses are different than they once were. Although there are more horses in our country today that at any other time in our history, their populations are more concentrated, and there are fewer available spaces to house them. This has impacted the way barns, stables, and other equine facilities are designed today.
Whether you’re adding to an existing stable or starting a complete facility from scratch, construction is always a significant investment. The costs of doing it wrong, re-doing it, or living with a less-than-ideal solution far outweigh those of doing it right the first time. But for most of us, the design process is a daunting one, fraught with mysterious zoning restrictions and building codes, two-dimensional line drawings we don’t understand, and too many choices. As a result, far too often we settle for a one-size-fits-all solution, and spend the next many years bemoaning all its shortcomings. How can a horse owner, trainer or stable owner make sure their animals’ built environment meets their needs?
I believe the answer lies in balancing the needs of horses and the humans who care for them. It is not only possible, but essential, to create spaces in which the horses’ physical and emotional wellbeing are paramount. When we allow human needs to override those of our horses, we risk compromising our animals’ safety, health, and happiness, which ultimately serves to undermine our human desire to optimize performance and minimize costs. It also risks becoming unsustainable from a natural resource perspective.
First and foremost, horses need a sense of home—a place of comfort, safety, and routine. Like people, horses are happier and more productive when their living and working environment is clean, well organized, and pleasant. A healthy equine environment is naturally light and airy, and has good ventilation, but isn’t drafty. Ventilation needs to be addressed at the building level (windows, doors, eaves) as well as at the stall level (low level ammonia and fresh air). As an athlete, this is one of the most important aspects and is often overlooked. This healthy environment provides opportunities for horses to relate to their stablemates. It facilitates the daily tasks of caretaking and is free of clutter and noise. In short, it supports a horse’s daily routine of work, rest, and play. Motivations and priorities have to be horse-centered. His comfort over yours—in regard to space, ventilation, light, temperature,and safe egress (aisle ways and access). Providing such a space not only ensures the horse’s physical and emotional welfare, it fosters trust between horse and trainer, ultimately enhancing productivity and performance.
Of course, a stable is also a work area for people. Not surprisingly, humans and horses share basic needs for comfort, safety, and routine. Horse owners also have practical needs over and beyond those of the horse, which affect productivity, efficiency, and enjoyment of their work. For example, we need a safe and convenient place to store food, bedding, and hay. We need separate tack and equipment rooms, and possibly other rooms, depending on the facility. We are all familiar with the basic components of a stable. Still, one size does not fit all. There are important differences in facility layouts, building types, and equipment that can affect the overall health and attitude of both horse and human. Good architectural design ensures that these components relate to your discipline, the way you work and train, any surrounding structures or outdoor arenas, geography, and of course, capital costs.
The Benefits of a Horse Centered Approach
A design approach that puts a horse’s physical and emotional needs first need not be more costly than the alternative, nor need it require undue compromise from the humans involved in their training and care. It does, however, mean changing the way we think about equine facility design. Rather than buying an out-of-the-box package for construction expedience, aesthetic appeal or perceived cost reasons, build your horse a home that assures comfort, safety and optimal functionality. You’ll not only be pleased with the way your horses respond in training and competition, you’ll enjoy authentic partnership, greater productivity, efficiency and return on your investment as well.
