Stables arrive on a trailer and the job completed in 6 hours

All my questions were easily answered. I had heard a lot of horror stories about cowboy constructions and people being ripped off, but I was relieved to be able to call on the advice of a professionally run business. Provided the stables were to be erected within the domestic curtailed edge of the dwelling, no planning permission was required.

I had come to the decision that wooden stables were much more of a valuable asset than stables constructed in brick or breeze block because if we should decide to move house again the stables could be easily moved too. They are also warmer, better ventilated and allow more natural light in because of the clear panels in the roof. The wooden stables look very attractive and therefore add value to the property. Also, being timber, they were erected within five hours!

Almost there!

The siting of the stables seemed to change frequently but eventually I discovered that most of the prevailing winds came from the north so the stables would have to be sited with their backs to the wind. I wanted to be able to see the horses from the house but, also, I didn’t want to spoil the garden area too much by siting them too near to the house. I am now so pleased with the position; facing southwest the horses and I get all the sun in the morning. I really do think it is worth taking your time to decide exactly the right position for your stables.

The finished stables in use

Fortunately our land is very sandy and therefore drainage was not too much of a problem. My thoroughbred horse, Kite, has a dust allergy and an option was pointed out to me by my friend: "had I considered having rubber matting on the floors, as this would alleviate the need for a lot of bedding and help Kite with his allergy?" I decided to take up the suggestion and to put the rubber matting directly onto the sand. Although the initial set-up costs were higher than concrete, they will be offset in the long run by the savings on time and bedding, and from the horses point of view it is warmer, safer and more comfortable than concrete. I can definitely recommend this system if your ground is suitable. The bedding that I use is flax; I only use a small amount in the centre of the boxes but with a reasonable banking around the outside, the bedding is dust free and very absorbent. The horses keep much cleaner than on the other alternatives of straw or wood shavings.

Different angle showing house and garden

I was also advised to have the stables completely lined inside as opposed to half lined since both horses have been known to resemble woodpeckers and we didn’t want them eating their way out in the first week! We also covered any bare wooden uprights with metal strips and tinned the doors, which has definitely helped the situation.

Fencing was soon erected, water and electrics had to be installed, but before long I was putting hay nets up and bedding down the stables in readiness for the horses arriving. I can’t tell you how exciting this was. They both settled down in their new homes straight away and every day I have the pleasure of looking out of the window and seeing two very happy horses in my back garden!

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Jenny Grzybowski's equestrian knowledge comes from a lifelong love of horses. She has owned her own horses for many years and in her spare time has been involved with breeding, breaking, and competing in many different disciplines. Jenny worked in the advertising world of magazines and newspapers for over 20 years and became responsible for a monthly equestrian publication that involved her in writing, planning, and taking photographs. Jenny is available as a freelance journalist and for commission work and can be contacted at: Park Cottage Cove Road Westwoodside Doncaster DN9 2AU Tel. 00 44 (0)1427 754856

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