EQUINE FACILITIES
EQUINE FACILITIES. Functions of Equine Housing. Important Points . Provide for safety, health, & comfort of horses Efficient use of labor Cost effective Moderate temperature and humidity Air movement to keep air clean Moderate temps above freezing OK if humidity is low. Building Basics.
EQUINE FACILITIES
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Presentation Transcript
EQUINE FACILITIES Functions of Equine Housing
Important Points • Provide for safety, health, & comfort of horses • Efficient use of labor • Cost effective • Moderate temperature and humidity • Air movement to keep air clean • Moderate temps above freezing OK if humidity is low
Building Basics • Metal siding – last 15-20 years, subject to damage • Wood siding – stand abuse, but can be eaten • Wood siding offers better insulating value than metal • Masonry walls – little maintenance, initial cost high, difficult to insulate • Metal roofing cheaper, low insulation value
Ventilation • Natural ventilation provided by eaves and ridge vent system – most common and cost effective – Need 4/12 roof slope • Artificial ventilation must provide three levels • Lowest – continuously to meet respiration needs • Intermediate – control temp. & moisture in winter • Maximum – control temp. in summer • Summer ventilation rate – 200 cubic feet per minute air flow at 55 degrees F. Winter rate is 100 cubic feet
Stall Design • Stall Size • Height – 8 feet Alleyways 9 feet • Minimum 10 x 10 feet 12 by 12 preferred • Square stalls prevent lying down near walls where casting may be required • Stallions & foals – 12 by 14 minimum
Stall Design • Walls/ Partitions – Solid at height of 5 to 7 feet • Prevent injury to feet and legs, prevent cribbing (chewing on edges of boards) • Rough cut oak best and strongest material • Pine – cheaper, must be protected • Concrete block east to paint, keep clean
Stall Design • Floors – absorbent, easy to clean, resistant to pawing, non-slippery • Clay/Sand mix cheaper, easily obtained 2/3 clay & 1/3 sand allows drainage • 4 to 5 inches limestone dust make level hard surface • Wooden floors slippery when wet, attract rodents
Stall Design • Concrete floors easy to clean, more bedding needed to soak urine • Concrete often associated with leg problems • Flexible, fiber grade polypropylene designed for strength, support, chemical resistance. Allows drainage with non-skid surface • Other materials – clay, asphalt, rubber floor mats, fiber-reinforced polyethylene interlocking blocks
Equine Facilities Fencing Needs
Fencing Considerations • Safety • Proper design results in less handling stress • Cost • Aesthetics important for community support & property value
Fence Construction • Perimeter fence – Minimum 5 feet height • Paddocks – small pastures / turn out areas Less than 2 acres / horse • Stallion paddocks – double-fenced with lane between two paddocks • Secure boards inside/equine side of post Safety & stronger application
Fencing Materials • Wood Fences – sturdy / can see them • High maintenance cost • Useful life 15-20 years
Fencing Materials • Post & Rail Fence – attractive, expensive to install/maintain • Low/Medium Maintenance, No paint, Consistently secure rails • Useful life 15-20 years
Fencing Materials • Five-diamond V-mesh Wire – Best & Safest Wire • Close weave prevents injury, Safer than boards • Low maintenance, 20-30 years • 10-gauge or heavier
Fencing Materials • Rigid PVC – strong flexible • High initial cost, low maintenance • Life – 20-30 years • Heavy duty 5" x 5" posts • Durable 1.5" x 5.5" or 2" x 6" rails • Locking tabs at the end of each rail • Maintenance Free • Great for arenas • Highly Visible • Lifetime Warranty
Fencing Materials • High Tensile vinyl with 2 or 3 high-tensile wires embedded in 4 to 5” vinyl rail • Flexible, safe, low maintenance • Life – 20-30 years
Fencing Materials • Others – High-Tensile Wire, Rubber Fencing, Galvanized Metal Fencing • NO TWISTED BARBED WIRE