Stall partition walls must be strong enough to withstand the force of a kicked horse. They also need to be able to resist rot, bugs and molding.
Concrete is an option but does not provide any flex for horses to walk on. It’s also hard on their legs and can be difficult to clean.
Contents
Concrete
Concrete is very popular because it’s durable, easy to clean and disinfect, and relatively inexpensive. However, it is difficult to maneuver a horse on, especially if the flooring has a smooth finish, and it’s hard on barefoot horse stall door. In addition, it can be slippery and hold odors. A textured finish is better.
Wood planks are another popular choice, but they can be difficult to manage if a horse is weaving. They also hold odors and are susceptible to rot, bugs, and mold. In addition, plank flooring is expensive and requires frequent maintenance such as sanding.
A more stable and hygienic alternative is a grid floor. A grid mat is a sheet of pressure-treated lumber set on edge that spans the stall width. The holes in the matrix allow it to be filled and topped with a porous stall flooring material (clay, soil, road base mix). The mat’s open grid pattern aids drainage, and its durability decreases the movement of wet flooring material caused by hoof action.
A solid stall front discourages repetitive behavior such as weaving and keeps the hay and feed from being pawed by the horse. It should be at least five feet high and built of materials strong enough to withstand the force of a kick. A glass window should be placed at the highest point and be constructed of tempered glass that is protected on the horse side.
Bricks
Stall walls need to be strong enough to withstand the force of a horse’s kick. A well-placed kick can easily break or knock down boards and can cause injury to the horse. Ideally, the walls should be at least four feet high and made of material that is resistant to impact. Some popular options include bricks and concrete block.
Bricks are often used for stall walls because they are sturdy, inexpensive and attractive. They are also easy to clean and disinfect. However, they do not absorb moisture as well as concrete and can lead to cracks over time. Another drawback is that bricks can develop sharp edges if they get eroded or broken. Ideally, the bricks should be covered with a non-toxic product that can be wiped down and scrubbed frequently.
Another option for stall walls is lumber. American Stalls recommends using only the highest quality lumber available. Softwoods are prone to warping, twisting and shrinking over time and are not the best choice for horse stalls. Southern yellow pine is a good choice, or you can use a more expensive hardwood such as mahogany or sapele.
Stall floors need to provide support for the horses’ feet and legs, as well as be able to drain urine quickly. Some owners choose a simple dirt floor, but it is important to ensure that the soil is properly leveled and that a gravel or stone base is put in for drainage. Rubber mats are also a common option for stall flooring but they should be placed on a firm, level base that is designed to allow for drainage.
Soil
The most basic and cost-effective option is soil. It’s easy to work with and can be built up with bedding and hay, creating a comfortable and secure floor for your horse. It’s important that the soil you choose drains well. Poor drainage can lead to a stall floor that is soft and unstable. You can also use a concrete or aggregate gravel base under your stall floors for better drainage.
Wood stall floors are warm and comfy for horses, but they require frequent treatment to prevent rot, and can be slippery when wet, hold odors, and are difficult to disinfect. Some plank flooring systems are a mix of rubber and plastic (like Trusscore stable panels), which provide non-slip flooring that’s easier on horses’ legs and is a lot less expensive than traditional wood planks.
Other stall flooring options include popcorn asphalt, clay, and dirt. Stall mats are an absolute must if you go with any of these options, and will extend the life of your stalls. If you are going with a dirt/clay floor, consider using crushed limestone for traction and to help drainage. These materials pack to a concrete-like hardness, so stall mats are still needed.
Rubber Mats
For a more luxurious feel, rubber mats are a great option. They are durable, easy to clean and allow for a better flow of liquids from urine (or water buckets). However, they can be expensive. If installing them in your stall, make sure you lay a base of fines (such as crushed gravel or road base) to stop the mats from shifting. This also prevents the muck from sticking to the bottom of the mats and helps the mats absorb liquids more effectively.
Lumber is a popular material for stall walls, as it offers a nice aesthetic and is relatively inexpensive. Lumber for stalls should be pressure-treated to resist rot, decay and insects. It should also be flexible and strong to withstand kicks from horses.
The best choice of lumber for stalls is southern pine. This wood has low shrinkage, is resistant to rot and is fairly easy to work with. Another option is Brazilian hardwood, which is more expensive but extremely durable. It is also resistant to bugs, rot and is considered nearly kick proof.
Another option is to create a grid structure using pressure-treated 2×4 lumber on edge that spans the stall width, with a gap left between boards to accommodate a porous muck or road base material. This is less expensive than a manufactured grid mat product but may not last as long.