There are many reasons that you might want to add one of the best stable guards to your home or travel kit. They are a simple way to keep your stabled horse happy and healthy because they allow you to keep your stable door open, improving airflow and letting your horse see more, while providing some level of security and keeping your horse in.
The simpler stable chains also make it easier for you to get in and out of the stable, while some stable guard designs can be personalised, which is great for advertising or showing that you’re part of a team. Here’s a selection to choose from.
Best stall guards and stable chains
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WeatherBeeta 1200D Stall Guard
Colours: Navy/grey
Made from a strong 1200D triple weave nylon, this guard is adjustable at the side to fit most door frames and has four trigger clips for easy attachment.
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LeMieux Pro Stable Guard
Colours: Navy or black
With an ideal design for bespoke embroidery, this stable guard adds a touch of class to your stable. The straps are adjustable and have strong clips to ensure a safe fit. The top is also padded to prevent rubbing.
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KM Elite Stall Guard
Colours: Black or navy
Made with heavy duty nylon webbing, this canvas stall guard is fully adjustable.
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Hy Equestrian Stable Guard Plus
Colours: Black
This smart stall guard is complete with four trigger clips to hold it in place. It features coloured piping around the edge and embroidery in one corner. The only downside to this guard is that it’s not adjustable – measures 60 x 95cm.
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Elico Stall Guard
Colours: Navy
This width-adjustable guard is fitted with six trigger clips. Will fit doorways of 94–117cm.
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Shires Ezi-Kit Stall Chain
Colours: Black, blue, green, red, purple, pink or grey
With a standard clip on one end and a quick-release panic clip on the other, this covered chain measures 133cm.
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Hy Equestrian Stable Chain
Colours: Black, blue or pink
This chain has a quick-release panic clip at one end.
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Roma Rubber Stall Guard
Colours: Black, blue, green, red or purple
This stall guard has a rubber centre and comes with a quick-release clip on one end and a standard clip on the other.
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KM Elite Stall Chain
Colours: 11 options
This chain is fitted with an extra-tough aircraft cord centre and is supplied with a clip on each end for easy fitting. Measures 130cm.
How to choose a stable guard
When choosing the best stable guard for you, look out for strong hooks made of steel and galvanised to protect them against the weather. Decide whether your horse and needs would suit a stable guard or a stall chain, and check whether the size will fit your door – or whether they are width adjustable.
Stable guard vs stall chain
Nylon guards are strong, and generally a solid construction is best as holes increase the risk of your horse getting a foot caught – bear in mind that when using two or more clips on each side, this also creates holes but provides a more secure attachment. Most stable guards are width-adjustable, which means they fit most doors whether you’re at home or away.
Stable guards are popular at stay-away shows where horses are unfamiliar with their surroundings as they typically allow your horse to see more, which usually helps to calm stressed horses. Some designs can also be personalised, which is great for sponsors or showing that you’re part of a team.
Stall chains are safe when used by themselves as there’s a low risk of anything becoming caught. They don’t give much of a visual presence to your horse, however, so are often best for quieter horses who are less likely to challenge a seemingly smaller barrier. Some come with a quick-release clip on one end, which is an added safety element.
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Georgia is Horse & Hound’s deputy website editor and equestrian products expert. She curates content across the website with a particular focus on upcoming equestrian events horse care and buying advice. She also manages all the ecommerce opportunities that allow us to give you easy access to the best products at the lowest prices via our buying guides. Georgia has first-hand knowledge of all the equestrian brands and their ever-evolving product lines, having been working with them closely since she started in equestrian media in 2015.
