Which are the best value stables?

Comparing wooden horse stables

Not all stables are made equal. When you're comparing wooden stables for horses there are a number of things to consider, like how well made are they, what sort of timber is used, how are they constructed and what features are included. Some of the cheapest stables you can find are built with a pent roof (like a lean-to shed) which is inherently lower than a proper apex roof, providing much less headroom for your horse and less space for air circulation and light. Some of these will be built with less substantial framing, without kickboarding to protect the stable walls and are designed to sit directly on the ground, rather than on a brick course, which will lead to premature rot in the lower walls.

So what should you look for when comparing wooden stables? Below are some key considerations and recommendations.

Structure:

Wooden stables are constructed using timber framing which is clad externally and usually partially lined internally. Colt stables are constructed with specially treated FSC certified timber that has a low environmental impact and is designed to last. We use solid timber framing measuring 75mm x 50mm which is strong enough to withstand the rigours of stable-life.

All external timber is pressure-treated to protect it from the weather and ensure that it lasts for years to come. The exterior is clad with 16mm (12mm finished) pressure-treated shiplap cladding.

Dimensions:

Most standard stables measure 3.6m x 3.6m (12ft x 12ft), but stables are not two-dimensional. It's equally important to consider headroom. Pent roof stables which are similar to a lean-to shed roof are often found on cheaper stables as the construction process is much simpler. However, these are invariably much lower than a traditional apex style roof structure, therefore all Colt Stables feature apex roofs to provide lots of headroom and more space for light and air circulation.

If you have a large horse or perhaps require a foaling box, we also offer bigger stables measuring 4.2m x 3.6m (14ft x 12ft). Again, this is not offered by all stable manufacturers.

Of course you may need anything from one to a dozen stables in your new stable block. Some manufacturers may limit the number of stables they can add into a single block, whereas we can build any size you need. It's equally important to consider the layout. A straight row shouldn't be your only option, we also offer L- shaped stable blocks and U-shaped stable blocks. Perhaps you want a tack room, wash bay or hay barn? Again, this is a requirement that Colt Stables can fulfil.

Features & Options:

Internally our stables are lined with OSB kickboarding to a height of 1.2m to protect the walls from horses rubbing or kicking, and this is something you should definitely ensure is fitted to your stables.

The importance of a canopy or extended overhang to the front of your stables may be easily overlooked but this covered area provides valuable shelter for your horses, protecting the front of your stables from the worst of the weather and keeping you dry as you tend your horses. Our stables feature a 1.2m canopy/overhang which is the minimum you should look for. Some only offer a very small canopy or none at all.

As rainwater runs off the roof, do you want that falling in a waterfall off the front of your stables and pooling on the ground, running back into your stables and soaking your bedding? Probably not, hence our stables are fitted with front guttering and a downpipe to direct the rainwater away; but not everyone offers this as a standard feature.

If the weather's really bad or you've got young horse that's new to a stable, you may want to close the top stable door. It might come as a surprise, but we discovered that top stable doors are not a given; almost half of the manufacturers we compared do not include top stable doors as standard.

Standard roofing options are generally quite similar between manufacturers with Onduline being the most common, which is affordable and designed to be effective with a good lifespan. Some manufacturers offer metal roofing but as horse owners, we're very conscious that most horses won't thank us for metal roofing in a hail storm! Like many, we offer black Onduline as standard but we also offer green, red or brown Onduline, complemented with clear roof sheets to allow extra light into the stables, as well as underboarding to the roofing to provide additional support to the Onduline.

Airflow and ventilation is worth thinking about, and not just in terms of keeping your stables cool in the summer but for the health of your horses all year round. We include vents in the gable ends as standard, whilst only two other manufacturers in our comparison research include vents. Colt Stables were also the only manufacturer to offer American Barn Top Doors which are large, opening windows in the rear and/or sides of your stables - these are great for airflow and light as well as allowing your horses more visual stimulation and social interaction.

Service, Delivery & Installation:

One question we're always asked is how long will it take. A new stable block is an exciting proposition and its natural that people are impatient to get it installed as quickly as possible. The lead time offered by manufacturers varies quite widely and it also varies at different times of year. However, whilst we've been generous with the quoted times, it averaged between 6-8 weeks with some including a caveat that it might take up to four months. At Colt Stables we aim to deliver your new stables within two weeks.

Some manufacturers only offer installation to limited areas, so we excluded them from comparison. We offer nationwide installation as well as a DIY option.